bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 Front-Liners: Experiences of Palliative Care Providers in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Okyere Joshua , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Kissah-Korsah Kwaku 
Published: October 2022

Introduction In “normal” times, palliative care (PC) service delivery is confronted with many challenges thereby making access to care difficult. Now, we are in the era of COVID-19 where the healthcare ecology is radically changed. During this process of radical transformation, there are some ramification of COVID-19 on PC service delivery. Yet, there is a paucity of empirical evidence to support this claim. Objective We explored PC providers’ perspectives on delivering PC services in the era of COVID-19. Methods Using an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach, we conducted face-to-face and telephone interviews with seven PC service providers at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Haase's adaptation of Colaizzi's method was employed as the analysis strategy. Results Two main themes emerged: ramifications and adaptations. The ramifications of COVID-19 on PC service delivery included changes in care relationship, perceived increased responsibilities, psychological distress, shortage of medicines, and treatment delays. In an attempt to mitigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 on PC service delivery, the following mechanisms adaptations were made: halting of service provision, resorting to tele-consultation, adopting shift system and reducing number of appointments, and adoption of infection prevention and control strategies. Conclusions Our results indicate that COVID-19 has substantial ramification of PC service delivery. In conclusion, priority should be given to the training of healthcare workers on emergency preparedness for future pandemics. Also, continuous professional development would be needed in order build PC service providers’ skills and capacity to effectively utilize tele-consultation in PC service delivery.
A randomised trial of anti-GM-CSF otilimab in severe COVID-19 pneumonia (OSCAR)
Authors: Patel Jatin , Bass Damon , Beishuizen Albertus , Bocca Ruiz Xavier , Boughanmi Hatem , Cahn Anthony , Colombo Hugo , Criner Gerard J. , Davy Katherine , de-Miguel-Díez Javier , Doreski Pablo A. , Fernandes Sofia , François Bruno , Gupta Anubha , Hanrott Kate , Hatlen Timothy , Inman Dave , Isaacs John D. , Jarvis Emily , Kostina Natalia , Kropotina Tatiana , Lacherade Jean-Claude , Lakshminarayanan Divya , Martinez-Ayala Pedro , McEvoy Charlene , Meziani Ferhat , Monchi Mehran , Mukherjee Sumanta , Muñoz-Bermúdez Rosana , Neisen Jessica , O'Shea Ciara , Plantefeve Gaëtan , Schifano Lorrie , Schwab Lee E. , Shahid Zainab , Shirano Michinori , Smith Julia E. , Sprinz Eduardo , Summers Charlotte , Terzi Nicolas , Tidswell Mark A. , Trefilova Yuliya , Williamson Russell , Wyncoll Duncan , Layton Mark 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundGranulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and dysregulated myeloid cell responses are implicated in the pathophysiology and severity of COVID-19.MethodsIn this randomised, sequential, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, adults aged 18–79 years (Part 1) or ≥70 years (Part 2) with severe COVID-19, respiratory failure and systemic inflammation (elevated C-reactive protein/ferritin) received a single intravenous infusion of otilimab 90 mg (human anti-GM-CSF monoclonal antibody) plus standard care (NCT04376684). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28.ResultsIn Part 1 (n=806 randomised 1:1 otilimab:placebo), 71% of otilimab-treated patients were alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28versus67% who received placebo; the model-adjusted difference of 5.3% was not statistically significant (95% CI −0.8–11.4%, p=0.09). A nominally significant model-adjusted difference of 19.1% (95% CI 5.2–33.1%, p=0.009) was observed in the predefined 70–79 years subgroup, but this was not confirmed in Part 2 (n=350 randomised) where the model-adjusted difference was 0.9% (95% CI −9.3–11.2%, p=0.86). Compared with placebo, otilimab resulted in lower serum concentrations of key inflammatory markers, including the putative pharmacodynamic biomarker CC chemokine ligand 17, indicative of GM-CSF pathway blockade. Adverse events were comparable between groups and consistent with severe COVID-19.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28. However, despite the lack of clinical benefit, a reduction in inflammatory markers was observed with otilimab, in addition to an acceptable safety profile.
Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 and bio-adrenomedullin levels are associated with impaired outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a prospective international multicentre study
Authors: van Lier Dirk , Deniau Benjamin , Santos Karine , Hartmann Oliver , Dudoignon Emmanuel , Depret François , Plaud Benoit , Laterre Pierre-Francois , Mebazaa Alexandre , Pickkers Peter 
Published: October 2022

IntroductionDipeptidyl peptidase-3 (DPP3) is a protease involved in the degradation of several cardiovascular mediators. Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) is a peptide essential for regulation of endothelial barrier function. In different shock-pathologies, both biomarkers are associated with disease severity, organ dysfunction and mortality. Associations with outcome in critically ill COVID-19 patients are unknown. The objectives of the present study were to investigate associations of bio-ADM and “circulating DPP3” (cDPP3) with short-term outcome in critically ill COVID-19 patients (n=80).MethodsA multicentre prospective cohort study was performed. The primary end-point was 28-day mortality. Secondary end-points included different severities of acute kidney injury (AKI).ResultscDPP3 levels were mainly associated with 28-day mortality; Area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROCs) of 0.69 (0.56–0.82, p=0.023), 0.77 (0.64–0.90, p<0.001) and 0.81 (0.65–0.96, p<0.001) at admission, day 3 and day 7, respectively. In contrast, bio-ADM levels were mainly associated with AKI, with AUROCs of 0.64 (0.51–0.77, p=0.048), 0.75 (0.64–0.86, p<0.001) and 0.83 (0.74–0.93, p<0.001) for day 1, 3 and 7, respectively. Interestingly, patients with high levels of both cDPP3 and bio-ADM at day 7 had an additionally increased risk of 28-day mortality (hazard ratio 11.8; 95% CI 2.5–55.3, p<0.001).ConclusionscDPP3 and bio-ADM responses were associated with short-term mortality and AKI in critically ill COVID-19 patients, respectively. These findings suggest that treatment with specific antibodies modulating cDPP3 or bio-ADM-related pathways may improve outcome of COVID-19.
Feasibility of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in patients with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
Authors: Wang Shiyao , Zhou Guowu , Feng Yingying , Zhang Yi , Tian Ye , Gu Sichao , Wu Xiaojing , Li Meiyuan , Feng Yiming , Wang Dan , Li Ying , Tian Zheng , Zhao Ling , Li Min , Chen Wenhui , Huang Xu , Zhan Qingyuan 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundVeno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is essential life support in patients with severe acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. However, biopsies should be considered for some patients with unknown aetiology. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in such patients.MethodsAll patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure of unknown aetiology who underwent TBLC with VV-ECMO support were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ characteristics, ventilation settings, procedure parameters, complications, pathological diagnosis and survival were summarised and analysed.ResultsEight female and five male patients with VV-ECMO support underwent TBLC. The median age was 58 (interquartile range (IQR) 38–67) years old. Concurrent diseases were present in 10 of the 13 patients, seven of which were immunosuppressed. The median time between biopsy and VV-ECMO establishment was 2.0 (IQR 0.5–6.5) days. No patient died from the procedure. Neither pneumothorax nor severe bleeding occurred in any of the patients. Five of the 13 patients experienced moderate bleeding, and all bleeding events were successfully controlled with prophylactic balloon blockers. Pathological diagnosis by TBLC was obtained in all patients, and the diagnosis of diffuse alveolar damage was made in nine of them.ConclusionsIn patients with VV-ECMO support, the TBLC procedure is generally safe when standardised bleeding prophylaxis is in place. TBLC contributes to identifying underlying aetiologies in patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure of unknown aetiology.
New-onset and relapsed liver diseases following COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review
Authors: Alhumaid Saad , Al Mutair Abbas , Rabaan Ali A. , ALShakhs Fatemah M. , Choudhary Om Prakash , Yong Shin Jie , Nainu Firzan , Khan Amjad , Muhammad Javed , Alhelal Fadil , Al Khamees Mohammed Hussain , Alsouaib Hussain Ahmed , Al Majhad Ahmed Salman , AL-Tarfi Hassan Redha , ALyasin Ali Hussain , Alatiyyah Yaqoub Yousef , Alsultan Ali Ahmed , Alessa Mohammed Essa , Alessa Mustafa Essa , Alissa Mohammed Ahmed , Alsayegh Emad Hassan , Alshakhs Hassan N. , Al Samaeel Haidar Abdullah , AlShayeb Rugayah Ahmed , Alnami Dalal Ahmed , Alhassan Hussain Ali , Alabdullah Abdulaziz Abdullah , Alhmed Ayat Hussain , AlDera Faisal Hussain , Hajissa Khalid , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Al-Omari Awad 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Liver diseases post-COVID-19 vaccination is extremely rare but can occur. A growing body of evidence has indicated that portal vein thrombosis, autoimmune hepatitis, raised liver enzymes and liver injuries, etc., may be potential consequence of COVID-19 vaccines.

Objectives
To describe the results of a systematic review for new-onset and relapsed liver disease following COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods
For this systematic review, we searched Proquest, Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, Scopus and Nature through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses PRISMA guideline for studies on the incidence of new onset or relapsed liver diseases post-COVID-19 vaccination, published from December 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022, with English language restriction.

Results
Two hundred seventy-five cases from one hundred and eighteen articles were included in the qualitative synthesis of this systematic review. Autoimmune hepatitis (138 cases) was the most frequent pathology observed post-COVID-19 vaccination, followed by portal vein thrombosis (52 cases), raised liver enzymes (26 cases) and liver injury (21 cases). Other cases include splanchnic vein thrombosis, acute cellular rejection of the liver, jaundice, hepatomegaly, acute hepatic failure and hepatic porphyria. Mortality was reported in any of the included cases for acute hepatic failure (n = 4, 50%), portal vein thrombosis (n = 25, 48.1%), splanchnic vein thrombosis (n = 6, 42.8%), jaundice (n = 1, 12.5%), raised liver enzymes (n = 2, 7.7%), and autoimmune hepatitis (n = 3, 2.2%). Most patients were easily treated without any serious complications, recovered and did not require long-term hepatic therapy.

Conclusion
Reported evidence of liver diseases post-COIVD-19 vaccination should not discourage vaccination against this worldwide pandemic. The number of reported cases is relatively very small in relation to the hundreds of millions of vaccinations that have occurred and the protective benefits offered by COVID-19 vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Social distancing causally impacts the spread of SARS-CoV-2: a U.S. nationwide event study
Authors: Gagnon Louis , Gagnon Stephanie , Lloyd Jessica 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe assess the causal impact of social distancing on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the U.S. using the quasi-natural experimental setting created by the spontaneous relaxation of social distancing behavior brought on by the protests that erupted across the nation following George Floyd’s tragic death on May 25, 2020. Using a difference-in-difference specification and a balanced sample covering the [− 30, 30] day event window centered on the onset of protests, we document an increase of 1.34 cases per day, per 100,000 population, in the SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate in protest counties, relative to their propensity score matching non-protest counterparts. This represents a 26.8% increase in the incidence rate relative to the week preceding the protests. We find that the treatment effect only manifests itself after the onset of the protests and our placebo tests rule out the possibility that our findings are attributable to chance. Our research informs policy makers and provides insights regarding the usefulness of social distancing as an intervention to minimize the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
The role of education level on changes in endorsement of medication treatment and perceived public stigma towards psychosis in Hong Kong: comparison of three population-based surveys between 2009 and 2018
Authors: Sum Min Yi , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Suen Yi Nam , Cheung Charlton , Hui Christy Lai Ming , Chang Wing Chung , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , Chen Eric Yu Hai 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the changes in perceived public stigma (PPS) towards psychosis, and endorsement of medication treatment between 2009 to 2018 in the Hong Kong Chinese population.The role of education level on the changes in PPS and endorsement of medication treatment for psychosis was also examined.

Methods
Telephone survey of the general population was conducted in 2009, 2014, and 2018. PPS was assessed using the revised Link’s Perceived Discrimination-Devaluation Scale. Endorsement of medication was measured using an item asking if individuals with psychosis requires medication to manage their symptoms. Education level was separated into three categories (primary, secondary, and tertiary) for analysis. Factorial analysis of covariance was used to examine the main effects of survey year, education and endorsement of medication on stigma, and the interaction between survey year and education level, and survey year and endorsement of medication on PPS.

Results
1016, 1018, and 1514 respondents completed the surveys in 2009, 2014, and 2018, respectively. PPS was found to be stable across the three public surveys. Endorsement of medication treatment was associated with higher PPS. An interaction effect between survey year and education level onPPS was observed. PPS was significantly lower and fewer respondents endorsed medication treatment in 2018 in the tertiary education group than in previous years.

Conclusion
Current findings suggest that a targeted approach may be required for different education groups when developing anti-stigma public campaigns. Inclusion of other aspects of knowledge about psychosis may also be useful in reduction of PPS.
Reproductive and endocrine effects of artemisinin, piperaquine, and artemisinin-piperaquine combination in rats
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Yuan Yueming , Chen Yingyi , Ru Li , Yuan Zheng , Xu Zhiyong , Xu Qin , Song Jianping , Li Guoming , Deng Changsheng 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background:
The WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination regimens for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. One such combination is artemisinin-piperaquine tablets (ATQ). ATQ has outstanding advantages in anti-malarial, such as good efficacy, fewer side effects, easy promotion and application in deprived regions. However, the data about the reproductive and endocrine toxicity of ATQ remains insufficient. Thus, we assessed the potential effects of ATQ and its individual components artemisinin (ART) and piperaquine (PQ) on the reproductive and endocrine systems in Wistar rats.

Methods:
The unfertilized female rats were intragastric administrated with ATQ (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg), PQ (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg), ART (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg), or water (control) for 14 days, respectively. The estrous cycle and serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), prostaglandin (PG), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were determined. The weights of the kidney, adrenal gland, uterus, and ovaries were measured. The histopathological examinations of the adrenal gland, ovary, uterus, and mammary gland were performed.

Results:
Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the examined items of female rats in the ART groups, including general observation, estrous cycle, hormonal level, organ weight, and histopathological examination. The estrous cycle of female rats was disrupted within 4–7 days after ATQ or PQ administration, and then in a persistent dioestrus phase. At the end of administration, ATQ and PQ at three doses induced decreased PG, increased ACTH, increased adrenal weight and size, and pathological lesions in the adrenal gland and ovary, including vasodilation and hyperemia in the adrenal cortex and medulla as well as hyperplasia and vacuolar degeneration, ovarian corpus luteum surface hyperemia, numerous but small corpus luteum, and disordered follicle development. But the serum levels of E2, FSH, LH, and PRL did not change obviously. These adverse effects in ATQ or PQ treated rats could not completely disappear after 21 days of recovery.

Conclusion:
Based on the results of this study, ART had no obvious reproductive and endocrine effects on female rats, while ATQ and PQ caused adrenal hyperplasia, increased ACTH, decreased PG, blocked estrus, corpus luteum surface hyperemia, and disrupted follicle development in female rats. These events suggest that ATQ and PQ may interfere with the female reproductive and endocrine systems, potentially reducing fertility.
Fatty liver index as a predictor for incident type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling adults: longitudinal findings over 12 years
Authors: Seo In-Ho , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Yong-Jae 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Diagnosing fatty liver and identifying disease status are important for fatty liver related-diseases prevention. The fatty liver index (FLI), which can be easily available in clinical practice, can be very useful for managing fatty liver and preventing related diseases.
No large-scale and long-term follow-up prospective studies have investigated the relationship between FLI and incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) independent of baseline insulin resistance status. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between FLI and incident T2DM and to determine whether FLI could be used as an indicator of T2DM using a large-sample, community-based Korean cohort over 12 years.

Methods
Among the 10,030 total participants, 7,777 (3,676 men and 4,101 women) without diabetes were selected from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). FLI grade, which ranged from 0 to 100, was categorized into three groups: low, FLI (< 30); intermediate, FLI (30–59); and high, FLI (≥ 60). The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident T2DM were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models after adjusting for potentially confounding variables.

Results
In total, 1,490 individuals (19.2%) developed T2DM during follow-up. Compared to the reference FLI (< 30), the HRs of incident T2DM for the FLI (30–59), and FLI (≥ 60) increased after adjusting for potentially confounding variables, including the HOMA-IR marker.

Conclusions
FLI grade at baseline could be a future indicator of T2DM even when prior glucose or insulin (HOMA-IR) levels are normal.
A review on the role of LINC00467 in the carcinogenesis
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Khoshbakht Tayyebeh , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Taheri Mohammad , Hajiesmaeili Mohammadreza 
Published: October 2022

AbstractLINC00467 is an example of long intergenic non-coding RNAs whose roles in human disorders are being identified. This gene coding LINC00467 is located on chromosome 1: 211,382,736 − 211,435,570 forward strand. This lncRNA has been firstly recognized through a microarray-based lncRNA profiling as an N-Myc target in neuroblastoma cells. Further studies have shown up-regulation of LINC00467 in different cancer including those originated from brain, gastrointestinal tract, lung and breast. It acts as a molecular sponge for miR-339, miR-138-5p, miR-107, miR-133b, miR-451a, miR-485-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-485-5p, miR-339-3p, miR-200a, miR-1285-3p, miR-299-5p, miR-509-3p, miR-18a-5p, miR-9-5p and miR-20b-5p. LINC00467 can regulate activity of NF-κB, STAT1, Wnt/b-catenin, Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Accumulating evidence indicates oncogenic role of LINC00467. The current review article aims at providing an overview of LINC00467 in the carcinogenesis.
Virulence, phenotype and genotype characteristics of invasive group B Streptococcus isolates obtained from Swedish pregnant women and neonates
Authors: Huebner Emily M. , Gudjónsdóttir Margrét Johansson , Dacanay Matthew B. , Nguyen Shayla , Brokaw Alyssa , Sharma Kavita , Elfvin Anders , Hentz Elisabet , Rivera Ysabella Raceli , Burd Nicole , Shivakumar Megana , Coler Brahm , Li Miranda , Li Amanda , Munson Jeff , Orvis Austyn , Coleman Michelle , Jacobsson Bo , Rajagopal Lakshmi , Adams Waldorf Kristina M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractGroup B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that can cause preterm birth and invasive neonatal disease. Heterogeneous expression of virulence factors enables GBS to exist as both commensal bacteria and to become highly invasive. A molecular epidemiological study comparing GBS bacterial traits, genotype and host characteristics may indicate whether it is possible to predict the risk of perinatal invasive GBS disease and more accurately target intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. A total of 229 invasive GBS isolates from Swedish pregnant women or neonates were assessed for virulence and phenotypic traits: hemolysis zone, hemolytic pigment (Granada agar), Streptococcus B Carrot Broth (SBCB) assay, CAMP factor, and hyaluronidase activity. Genes regulating hemolytic pigment synthesis (covR/covS, abx1, stk1, stp1) were sequenced. Of the virulence factors and phenotypes assessed, a Granada pigment or SBCB score ≥ 2 captured more than 90% of EOD isolates with excellent inter-rater reliability. High enzyme activity of hyaluronidase was observed in 16% (36/229) of the invasive GBS isolates and notably, in one case of stillbirth. Hyaluronidase activity was also significantly higher in GBS isolates obtained from pregnant/postpartum individuals versus the stillbirth or neonatal invasive isolates (p < 0.001). Sequencing analysis found that abx1 (g.T106I), stk1 (g.T211N), stp1 (g.K469R) and covS (g.V343M) variants were present significantly more often in the higher (Granada pigment score ≥ 2) versus lower pigmented isolates (p < 0.001, each variant). Among the 203 higher Granada pigment scoring isolates, 22 (10.8%) isolates had 3 of the four sequence variants and 10 (4.9%) had 2 of the four sequence variants. Although heterogeneity in GBS virulence factor expression was observed, the vast majority were more highly pigmented and contained several common sequence variants in genes regulating pigment synthesis. High activity of hyaluronidase may increase risk for stillbirth and invasive disease in pregnant or postpartum individuals. Our findings suggest that testing for GBS pigmentation and hyaluronidase may, albeit imperfectly, identify pregnant people at risk for invasive disease and represent a step towards a personalized medical approach for the administration of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.