bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graft Versus Host Disease After Intestinal Transplantation: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Kaufman Stuart S. , Hussan Elsadig , Kroemer Alexander , Timofeeva Olga , Pasieka Helena B. , Guerra Juan Francisco , Yazigi Nada A. , Khan Khalid M. , Ekong Udeme D. , Subramanian Sukanya , Hawksworth Jason S. , Girlanda Raffaelle , Ghobrial Shahira S. , Fishbein Thomas M. , Matsumoto Cal S.
Published: July 2021

Background.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is an uncommon but highly morbid complication of intestinal transplantation (ITx). In this study, we reviewed our 17-y experience with GVHD focusing on factors predicting GVHD occurrence and survival.

Methods.

Retrospective review of 271 patients who received 1 or more ITx since program inception in 2003 with survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Results.

Of 271 patients, 28 developed GHVD 34 (18–66) d after ITx presenting with rash or rash with fever in 26, rectosigmoid disease in 1, and hemolysis in 1; other sites, mainly rectosigmoid colon, were involved in 13. Initial skin biopsy demonstrated classic findings in 6, compatible findings in 14, and no abnormalities in 2. Additional sites of GVHD later emerged in 14. Of the 28 patients, 16 died largely from sepsis, the only independent hazard for death (hazard ratio [HR], 37.4181; P = 0.0008). Significant (P < 0.0500) independent hazards for occurrence of GVHD in adults were pre-ITx functional intestinal failure (IF) (HR, 15.2448) and non-IF diagnosis (HR, 20.9952) and early post-ITx sirolimus therapy (HR, 0.0956); independent hazards in children were non-IF diagnosis (HR, 4.3990), retransplantation (HR, 4.6401), donor:recipient age ratio (HR, 7.3190), and graft colon omission (HR, 0.1886). Variant transplant operation was not an independent GVHD hazard.

Conclusions.

Initial diagnosis of GVHD after ITx remains largely clinical, supported but not often confirmed by skin biopsy. Although GVHD risk is mainly recipient-driven, changes in donor selection and immunosuppression practice may reduce incidence and improve survival.
COMP: A Potential Early Biomarker of RAS After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Novo Mirza , Westin Johan , Andersson Lars-Magnus , Jonsson Berdenius Anton , Nordén Rickard , Magnusson Jesper M.
Published: July 2021

Background.

Chronic rejection, defined as chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), is the major factor limiting long-term survival after lung transplantation (LTx). A specific subgroup of CLAD is restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). CLAD’s pathogenesis is largely unknown, but previous findings suggest that it is associated with increased fibrosis in the transplanted lung. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) has been associated with multiple fibrotic conditions. The current study aimed to explore the relation between COMP serum levels and development of CLAD, and RAS in particular, in a retrospective cohort of LTx patients.

Methods.

This study included retrospective data from patients who underwent LTx during 2009–2011. Blood samples and spirometry data were obtained at follow-up visits 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo after transplantation. Serum samples were analyzed for COMP. CLAD and RAS were defined according to the 2019 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus document.

Results.

Data from 38 patients (19 men and women, respectively) were collected. Twenty-three patients (60.5%) developed CLAD, of whom 6 (26.1 %) fulfilled the criteria for RAS. Patients who developed RAS had higher mean COMP levels between 1 and 3 mo after LTx than those who did not develop RAS (10.9 [3.9-17.5] U/L vs 7.4 [3.9-10.8] U/L, P = 0.008). RAS was also associated with shorter survival. We found no association between COMP levels and CLAD of other types than RAS.

Conclusions.

Serum level of COMP early after LTx seems to be associated with RAS development and might serve as a biomarker suitable for clinical use in the LTx setting.
Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 1)
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitri V. , Zubarev Andrey Yu
Published: July 2021

The issue, in two parts, is devoted to theoretical, computational and experimental studies of transport phenomena in various complex systems (in porous and composite media; systems with physical and chemical reactions and phase and structural transformations; in biological tissues and materials). Various types of these phenomena (heat and mass transfer; hydrodynamic and rheological effects; electromagnetic field propagation) are considered. Anomalous, relaxation and nonlinear transport, as well as transport induced by the impact of external fields and noise, is the focus of this issue. Modern methods of computational modelling, statistical physics and hydrodynamics, nonlinear dynamics and experimental methods are presented and discussed. Special attention is paid to transport phenomena in biological systems (such as haemodynamics in stenosed and thrombosed blood vessels magneto-induced heat generation and propagation in biological tissues, and anomalous transport in living cells) and to the development of a scientific background for progressive methods in cancer, heart attack and insult therapy (magnetic hyperthermia for cancer therapy, magnetically induced circulation flow in thrombosed blood vessels and non-contact determination of the local rate of blood flow in coronary arteries). The present issue includes works on the phenomenological study of transport processes, the derivation of a macroscopic governing equation on the basis of the analysis of a complicated internal reaction and the microscopic determination of macroscopic characteristics of the studied systems.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 1)’.
The role of thermal diffusion, particle clusters, hydrodynamic and magnetic forces on the flow behaviour of magneto-polymer composites
Authors: Suarez-Fernandez William R. , Duran Juan D. G. , Lopez-Lopez Modesto T.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study the shear-induced flow of magneto-polymer composites, consisting of dispersions of magnetic particles in solutions of polymers, as a competition between the colloidal forces amid particles and their bulk transport induced by the hydrodynamic forces. For this aim, we analyse the role of different experimental parameters. Firstly, by using only solutions of a well-known anionic polymer (sodium alginate), we provoke a moderate hindering of particle movement, but keeping the liquid-like state of the samples. On the contrary, a gel-like behaviour is conferred to the samples when a cationic polymer (chitosan) is additionally added, which further reduces the particle movement. We analyse the effect of an applied magnetic field, which is opposed to particle transport by hydrodynamic forces, by inducing magnetic attraction between the particles. We perform the analysis under both stationary and oscillatory shear. We show that by using dimensionless numbers the differences between samples and experimental conditions are emphasized. In all cases, as expected, the transport of particles driven by bulk hydrodynamic forces dominates at high values of the shear rate.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 1)’.
The influence of non-stationarity and interphase curvature on the growth dynamics of spherical crystals in a metastable liquid
Authors: Makoveeva Eugenya V. , Alexandrov Dmitri V.
Published: July 2021

This manuscript is concerned with the theory of nucleation and evolution of a polydisperse ensemble of crystals in metastable liquids during the intermediate stage of a phase transformation process. A generalized growth rate of individual crystals is obtained with allowance for the effects of their non-stationary evolution in unsteady temperature (solute concentration) field and the phase transition temperature shift appearing due to the particle curvature (the Gibbs–Thomson effect) and atomic kinetics. A complete system of balance and kinetic equations determining the transient behaviour of the metastability degree and the particle-radius distribution function is analytically solved in a parametric form. The coefficient of mutual Brownian diffusion in the Fokker–Planck equation is considered in a generalized form defined by an Einstein relation. It is shown that the effects under consideration substantially change the desupercooling/desupersaturation dynamics and the transient behaviour of the particle-size distribution function. The asymptotic state of the distribution function (its ‘tail’), which determines the relaxation dynamics of the concluding (Ostwald ripening) stage of a phase transformation process, is derived.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 1)’.
A kinetic model for magnetostriction of a ferrogel with physical networking
Authors: Safronov A. P. , Zubarev A. Yu. , Mikhnevich E. A. , Rusinova E. V.
Published: July 2021

Kinetics of magnetostriction of ferrogel with physical networking based on natural polysaccharide guar gum with embedded strontium hexaferrite magnetic particles were studied in the uniform magnetic field 420 mT. An ellipsoidal sample was elongated by 37% along the applied field and contracted by 15% in the transverse direction, while its volume was kept constant. The characteristic time of magnetostriction was 440 s. Dynamic mechanical analysis in an oscillatory mode showed that the deformation of ferrogel is mostly elastic rather than viscous. Its storage modulus was almost constant in a frequency range of 0.1–100 Hz and by at least an order of magnitude larger than the loss modulus. Meanwhile, a developed theoretical model based on the elasto-viscous behaviour of the ferrogel failed to estimate correctly the experimental value of its magnetostriction. Calculated values of the elongation of ferrogel in the field were several orders of magnitude lower than those observed in the experiment for the ferrogel with physical networking. Consistency between the experiment and the theory was achieved using the alternative consideration based on the deformation of a liquid droplet of ferrofluid. The applicability of such an approach was discussed concerning structural relaxation properties of the ferrogel with physical networking.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 1)’.
The hodograph equation for slow and fast anisotropic interface propagation
Authors: Galenko P. K. , Salhoumi A.
Published: July 2021

Using the model of fast phase transitions and previously reported equation of the Gibbs–Thomson-type, we develop an equation for the anisotropic interface motion of the Herring–Gibbs–Thomson-type. The derived equation takes the form of a hodograph equation and in its particular case describes motion by mean interface curvature, the relationship ‘velocity—Gibbs free energy’, Klein–Gordon and Born–Infeld equations related to the anisotropic propagation of various interfaces. Comparison of the present model predictions with the molecular-dynamics simulation data on nickel crystal growth (obtained by Jeffrey J. Hoyt
et al.
and published in
Acta Mater.
47
(1999) 3181) confirms the validity of the derived hodograph equation as applicable to the slow and fast modes of interface propagation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 1)’.
Genomic epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 household transmission
Authors: Hare Daniel , Gonzalez Gabriel , Dean Jonathan , McDonnell Kathleen , Carr Michael J. , De Gascun Cillian F.
Published: July 2021

Family clusters have contributed significantly to the onward spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, the dynamics of viral transmission in this setting remain incompletely understood. We describe the clinical and viral-phylogenetic characteristics of a family cluster of SARS-CoV-2 infections with a high attack rate, and explore how whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can inform outbreak investigations in this context. In this cluster, the first symptomatic case was a 22-month-old infant who developed rhinorrhoea and sneezing 2 days prior to attending a family gathering. Subsequently, seven family members in attendance at this event were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infections, including the infant described. WGS revealed indistinguishable SARS-CoV-2 genomes recovered from the adults at the gathering, which were closely related genetically to B.1 lineage viruses circulating in the local community. However, a divergent viral sub-lineage was recovered from the infant and another child, each harbouring a distinguishing spike substitution (N30S). This suggested that the infant was unlikely to be the primary case, despite displaying symptoms first, and additional analysis of her nasopharyngeal swab revealed a picornavirus co-infection to account for her early symptoms. Our findings demonstrate how WGS can elucidate the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infections within household clusters and provide useful information to support outbreak investigations. Additionally, our description of SARS-CoV-2 viral lineages and notable variants circulating in Ireland to date provides an important genomic-epidemiological baseline in the context of vaccine introduction.
Gordonia jinghuaiqii sp. nov. and Gordonia zhaorongruii sp. nov., isolated from Tibetan Plateau wildlife
Authors: Zhang Gui , Huang Yuyuan , Yang Jing , Lai Xin-He , Jin Dong , Lu Shan , Cheng Yanpeng , Yang Caixin , Pu Ji , Liang Junrong , Huang Ying , Xu Jianguo
Published: July 2021

Four mesophilic and Gram-stain-positive strains (zg-686T/zg-691 and HY186T/HY189) isolated from Tibetan Plateau wildlife (PR China) belong to the genus

Gordonia

according to 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequence-based phylogenetic/genomic results. They have a DNA G+C content range of 67.4–68.3 mol% and low DNA relatedness (19.2–27.6 %) with all available genomes in the genus

Gordonia

. Strains zg-686T/zg-691 and HY186T/HY189 had C18 : 1ω9c, C18 : 0 10-methyl, C16 : 1
ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and C16 : 0 as major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids detected in strains zg-686T and HY186T included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl inositol mannoside and phosphatidylinositol. The respiratory quinones comprised MK8(H2) (10.8 %) and MK9(H2) (89.2 %) for strain zg-686T, and MK6 (7.7 %), MK8(H2) (8.4 %), MK8(H4) (3.1 %) and MK9(H2) (80.8 %) for strain HY186T. Optimal growth conditions were pH 7.0, 35–37 °C and 0.5–1.5 % NaCl (w/v) for strains pair zg-686T/zg-691, and pH 7.0, 28 °C and 1.5 % (w/v) NaCl for strains pair HY186T/HY189. Based on these genotypic and phenotypic results, these four strains could be classified as two different novel species in the genus

Gordonia

, for which the names Gordonia jinghuaiqii sp. nov. and Gordonia zhaorongruii sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are zg-686T (=GDMCC 1.1715T =JCM 33890T) and HY186T (=CGMCC 4.7607T =JCM 33466T), respectively.
Harmonization of whole-genome sequencing for outbreak surveillance of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococci
Authors: Jamin Casper , De Koster Sien , van Koeveringe Stefanie , De Coninck Dieter , Mensaert Klaas , De Bruyne Katrien , Perales Selva Natascha , Lammens Christine , Goossens Herman , Hoebe Christian , Savelkoul Paul , van Alphen Lieke
Published: July 2021

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming the de facto standard for bacterial typing and outbreak surveillance of resistant bacterial pathogens. However, interoperability for WGS of bacterial outbreaks is poorly understood. We hypothesized that harmonization of WGS for outbreak surveillance is achievable through the use of identical protocols for both data generation and data analysis. A set of 30 bacterial isolates, comprising of various species belonging to the

Enterobacteriaceae

family and

Enterococcus

genera, were selected and sequenced using the same protocol on the Illumina MiSeq platform in each individual centre. All generated sequencing data were analysed by one centre using BioNumerics (6.7.3) for (i) genotyping origin of replications and antimicrobial resistance genes, (ii) core-genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) for

Escherichia coli

and

Klebsiella pneumoniae

and whole-genome multi-locus sequencing typing (wgMLST) for all species. Additionally, a split k-mer analysis was performed to determine the number of SNPs between samples. A precision of 99.0% and an accuracy of 99.2% was achieved for genotyping. Based on cgMLST, a discrepant allele was called only in 2/27 and 3/15 comparisons between two genomes, for

E. coli

and K. pneumoniae, respectively. Based on wgMLST, the number of discrepant alleles ranged from 0 to 7 (average 1.6). For SNPs, this ranged from 0 to 11 SNPs (average 3.4). Furthermore, we demonstrate that using different de novo assemblers to analyse the same dataset introduces up to 150 SNPs, which surpasses most thresholds for bacterial outbreaks. This shows the importance of harmonization of data-processing surveillance of bacterial outbreaks. In summary, multi-centre WGS for bacterial surveillance is achievable, but only if protocols are harmonized.
COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors: impact of vaccination on antibody levels, breakthrough infections and reinfection rate
Authors: Massimo La Raja , Monia Pacenti , Ileana Grimaldi , Caterina Boldrin , Margherita Cattai , Erica Solimbergo , Anna Battisti , Michele Scomazzon , Alberto Roman , Rosa Lazzaro Anna , Stefano Vicari , Stefano Terzariol , Giustina De Silvestro
Published: July 2021

From April 2020 through May 2021 in Padova Province 3395 COVID-19 recovered patients were recruited as potential convalescent plasma donors and tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Since January 2021 COVID-19 vaccination campaign began in Italy, the impact of vaccination on antibody levels and suspect vaccine breakthrough infections in these subjects were investigated. Post-vaccination anti-Sars-Cov-2 antibody level in 54 previously infected subjects had an exponential increase compared to pre-vaccination level regardless of the number of vaccine doses. However after 100 days from vaccination SARS-CoV-2 antibody level tends to decline. Post-vaccination primary infections were detected in 15 cases, with 3 possible breakthrough infections after a full vaccination course. In these cases, antibody response after infection was present but weaker than the one of subjects vaccinated after natural infection. A trend toward stronger antibody response was observed with increasing distance between natural infection and vaccination. Additionally, 2 cases of asymptomatic reinfections are also discussed.
Timeline of SARS-CoV2 spread in Italy: results from an independent serological retesting
Authors: Montomoli Emanuele , Apolone Giovanni , Manenti Alessandro , Boeri Mattia , Suatoni Paola , Sabia Federica , Marchianò Alfonso , Bollati Valentina , Pastorino Ugo , Sozzi Gabriella
Published: July 2021

The massive emergence of COVID19 cases in the first phase of pandemic within an extremely short period of time suggest that an undetected earlier circulation of SARS-CoV-2 might have occurred, as documented by several papers in different countries, including a few that reported positive cases even earlier the first cases identified in Wuhan. Given the importance of this evidence, an independent evaluation was recommended. Here we report the results of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies blind retesting of blood samples collected in the prepandemic period in Italy, and in control samples collected one year before, by two independent centers. Results suggest the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in some samples collected in the prepandemic period, though the detection of IgM and/or IgG binding and neutralizing antibodies is strongly dependent on the different serological assays and thresholds employed, while being absent in control samples collected one year before. These findings highlight the importance of harmonizing serological assays for testing SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading and may contribute to a better understanding the future virus dynamics.

Article Summary Line

We report the results of an independent retesting of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood samples collected in prepandemic period in Italy and in matched samples collected one year before. The findings indicate the presence of IgM and/or IgG antibodies in selected samples of the prepandemic period only with different performance of serological assays used by the two centers. The results could give highlights on SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the pre-pandemic period and contribute to better predict future virus dynamic.
Temporal Variations in Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infections by Race and Ethnicity in Arkansas
Authors: Kennedy Joshua L. , Forrest J. Craig , Young Sean G. , Amick Benjamin , Williams Mark , James Laura , Snowden Jessica , Cardenas Victor M. , Boothe Danielle , Kirkpatrick Catherine , Modi Zeel , Caid Katherine , Owens Shana , Kouassi Marianne , Mann Ryan , Putt Claire , Irish-Clardy Katherine , Macechko Michael , Brimberry Ronald K. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Du Ruofei , Jin Jing , Zohoori Namvar , Kothari Atul , Hagrass Hoda , Olgaard Ericka , Boehme Karl W.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Our objective is to estimate CoV-2 infection rates in a rural state using seroprevalence of antibodies to CoV-2 as an indicator of infection.

Study Design and Setting

This is a single-site study within an academic center and regional programs within the state of Arkansas. We obtained residual serum samples from a convenience sample of adults who were outpatients and came to the hospital or regional clinic for non-COVID-related reasons. We collected remnant in three time periods (August 15 to September 5, September 12 to October 24, and November 7 to December 19).

Results

In 2020, the overall age, gender, and race standardized prevalence of CoV-2 antibodies was 2.6% (August to September), 4.1% (September to October), and 7.4% (November to December). There was no difference in seroprevalence between urban compared to rural areas. Positive tests were not uniformly distributed across racial and ethnic minorities. Higher seroprevalence rates were found in Hispanics and Blacks or African Americans compared to whites across all time periods.

Conclusions

In a state with a large rural population, 2.6-7.4% of people experienced CoV-2 infection by December 2020. Blacks and Hispanics had disproportionately higher rates of CoV-2 infections than whites.

What is new?

Key findings

In this prospective convenience sampling of remnant sera, we found increasing seroprevalence from 2.6% to 7.4% (August 2020 to December 2020). Higher seroprevalence rates were found in Hispanics and Blacks or African Americans compared to whites across all time periods, and no difference was determined between those individuals from rural or urban areas.

What this adds to what is known

In a largely rural population, Blacks and Hispanics had disproportionately higher rates of CoV-2 infections than whites, and these populations need to be studied further regarding outcomes.

What is the implication?

There are health disparities that exist regarding CoV-2 infections, and we should target vaccination information and education to these groups.

Highlights

-

SARS-CoV-2 infections increased from 2.6% to 7.4% from August to December 2020.

-

Higher seroprevalence was found in Hispanics and Blacks as compared to whites.

-

There was no difference in the seroprevalence in rural compared to urban areas.
Modeling Pulmonary Cystic Fibrosis in a Human Lung Airway-on-a-chip
Authors: Plebani Roberto , Potla Ratnakar , Soong Mercy , Bai Haiqing , Izadifar Zohreh , Jiang Amanda , Travis Renee N. , Belgur Chaitra , Cartwright Mark J. , Prantil-Baun Rachelle , Jolly Pawan , Giplin Sarah E. , Romano Mario , Ingber Donald E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which results in impaired airway mucociliary clearance, inflammation, infection, and respiratory insufficiency. The development of new therapeutics for CF are limited by the lack of reliable preclinical models that recapitulate the structural, immunological, and bioelectrical features of human CF lungs.

Methods

We leveraged organ-on-a-chip technology to develop a microfluidic device lined by primary human CF bronchial epithelial cells grown under an air-liquid interface and interfaced with pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (CF Airway Chip) exposed to fluid flow. The responses of CF and healthy Airway Chips were analyzed in the presence or absence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and the bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results

The CF Airway Chip faithfully recapitulated many features of the human CF airways, including enhanced mucus production, increased cilia density and a higher ciliary beating frequency compared to chips lined by healthy bronchial epithelial cells. The CF chips also secreted higher levels of IL-8, which was accompanied by enhanced PMN adhesion to the endothelium and transmigration into the airway compartment. In addition, CF Airway Chips provided a more favorable environment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth, which resulted in enhanced secretion of inflammatory cytokines and recruitment of PMNs to the airway.

Conclusions

The human CF Airway Chip may provide a valuable preclinical tool for pathophysiology studies as well as for drug testing and personalized medicine.
The retrospective observational study of clinical outcomes of single dose infusion of warm blood cardioplegia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Chernov Igor I. , Ivashchenko Iliya A. , Mandel Irina A.
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a normothermic cardioplegia solution N™ use and obtain additional information about dosing regimens during normothermic or mild hypothermic cardiac surgery.

Methods

A retrospective observational study included 150 cardio surgery patients. The primary endpoint was the intraoperative acute heart failure development. The secondary endpoints were the postoperative Troponin T concentrations, the need for catecholamine support, and the repeated infusion of a cardioplegia solution.

Results

The duration of aortic cross-clamping varied from 17 to 154 minutes, median 59 [interquartile range, 46 - 73] minutes. Spontaneous sinus rhythm recovery was observed in 136 (90.7%) patients. Intraoperative acute heart failure was observed in 1 case. The Troponin T concentrations were 0.331±0.143 ng/mL after surgery. Mortality was 2% (3 patients). Eight patients received an additional volume of N™ solution to maintain asystole. Among 16 patients with a cross-clamp duration greater than 90 minutes epinephrine was used in 3 (18.8%) patients in dose of more than 0.05 mcg/kg/min. Among 134 patients cross-clamp duration less than 90 minutes the catecholamine support was used in 4 (3%) patients, p=0.027.

Conclusions

A primary single-dose infusion of cardioplegia solution N™ provides myocardial protection for 59 [interquartile range, 46 - 73] minutes and up to 154 minutes. The catecholamine support in the group of aortic cross-clamp duration less than 90 minutes was used lesser than in the group of aortic cross-clamp duration greater than 90 minutes (3% and 18.8%, respectively). The cardioprotection during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery especially in elderly patients with concomitant disease needs to be confirmed in a future investigations.
Serological testing reveals the hidden COVID-19 burden among healthcare workers experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial outbreak
Authors: Nakagama Yu , Komase Yuko , Candray Katherine , Nakagama Sachie , Sano Fumiaki , Tsuchida Tomoya , Kunishima Hiroyuki , Imai Takumi , Shintani Ayumi , Nitahara Yuko , Kaku Natsuko , Kido Yasutoshi
Published: July 2021

We describe the results of testing healthcare workers from a tertiary care hospital in Japan, which had experienced a COVID-19 outbreak during the first peak of the pandemic, for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody seroconversion. Using two chemiluminescent immunoassays and a confirmatory surrogate virus neutralization test, serological testing unveiled that a surprising 42.2% (27/64) of overlooked COVID-19 diagnoses had occurred when case detection had relied solely on SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification testing. This undetected portion of the COVID-19 iceberg beneath the surface may potentially have led to silent transmissions and triggered the spread. A questionnaire-based risk assessment was further indicative of exposures to specific aerosol-generating procedures, i.e. non-invasive ventilation, having had conveyed the highest transmission risks and served as the origin of outbreak. Our observations are supportive of a multi-tiered testing approach, including the use of serological diagnostics, in order to accomplish exhaustive case detection along the whole COVID-19 spectrum.
Exploring the relationship between resting state intra-network connectivity and accelerometer-measured physical activity in pediatric concussion: A cohort study
Authors: Sharma Bhanu , Obeid Joyce , DeMatteo Carol , Noseworthy Michael D. , Timmons Brian W.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To explore the association between resting state functional connectivity and accelerometer-measured physical activity in pediatric concussion.

Methods

Fourteen children with concussion (aged 14.54 ± 2.39 years, 8 female) were included in this secondary data-analysis. Participants had neuroimaging at 15.3 ± 6.7 days post-injury and subsequently a mean of 11.1 ± 5.0 days of accelerometer data. Intra-network connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), sensorimotor network (SMN), salience network (SN), and fronto-parietal network (FPN) was computed.

Results

Per general linear models, only intra-network connectivity of the DMN was associated with habitual physical activity levels. More specifically, increased intra-network connectivity of the DMN was significantly associated with higher levels of subsequent accelerometer-measured light physical activity (F(2,11) = 7.053, p = 0.011, Ra2 = 0.562; β = 0.469), moderate physical activity (F(2,11) = 7.053, p = 0.011, Ra2 = 0.562; β = 0.725), and vigorous physical activity (F(2,11) = 10.855, p = 0.002, Ra2 = 0.664; β = 0.79). Intra-network connectivity of the DMN did not significantly predict sedentary time. Likewise, the SMN, SA, and FPN were not significantly associated with either sedentary time or physical activity.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there is a positive association between the intra-network connectivity of the DMN and device-measured physical activity in children with concussion. Given that DMN impairment can be commonplace following concussion, this may be associated with lower levels of habitual physical activity, which can preclude children from experiencing the symptom-improving benefits of sub-maximal physical activity.

KEY FINDINGS

What are the new findings?

Intra-network connectivity of the default mode network is associated with subsequent accelerometer-measured light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity within the first-month of pediatric concussion

Similar associations with physical activity are not observed when examining the intra-network connectivity of the sensorimotor network, salience network, or fronto-parietal network

Improved connectivity within the default mode network may lead to increased participation in light to vigorous physical activity in pediatric concussion

How might it impact on clinical practice in the future?

Default mode network impairment is commonplace in concussion, and this may limit children from experiencing the symptom-improving benefits of physical activity

Adjunctive interventions (e.g., mindfulness) that improve the health of the default mode network should be further studied in pediatric concussion
Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in moss with blood biomarker among nearby residents in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Burstyn Igor , Donovan Geoffrey H. , Michael Yvonne L. , Jovan Sarah
Published: July 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a component of air pollutants that are costly to measure using traditional air-quality monitoring methods. We used an epiphytic bio-indicator (moss genus: Orthotrichum) to cost-effectively evaluate atmospheric deposition of PAHs in Portland, Oregon in May 2013. However, it is unclear if measurements derived from these bioindicators are good proxies for human exposure. To address this question, we simultaneously, measured PAH-DNA adducts in blood samples of non-smokers residing close to the sites of moss measurements. We accounted for individual determinants of PAH uptake that are not related to environmental air quality through questionnaires, e.g., wood fires, consumption of barbecued and fried meats. Correlation and linear regression (to control for confounders from the lifestyle factors) evaluated the associations. We did not observe evidence of an association between PAH levels in moss and PAH-DNA adducts in blood of nearby residents, but higher level of adduct were evident in those who used wood fire in their houses in the last 48 hours. It remains to be determined whether bio-indicators in moss can be used for human health risk assessment.

Highlights

Concentration of PAH in moss do not relate to DNA adducts of PAH in blood of nearby residents in our sample.

Content of moss may not be suitable for assessing exposure to PAH among humans.
Identifying and alleviating bias due to differential depletion of susceptible people in post-marketing evaluations of COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Kahn Rebecca , Schrag Stephanie J. , Verani Jennifer R. , Lipsitch Marc
Published: July 2021

Recent studies have provided key information about SARS-CoV-2 vaccines’ efficacy and effectiveness (VE). One important question that remains is whether the protection conferred by vaccines wanes over time. However, estimates over time are subject to bias from differential depletion of susceptibles between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Here we examine the extent to which biases occur under different scenarios and assess whether serologic testing has the potential to correct this bias. By identifying non-vaccine antibodies, these tests could identify individuals with prior infection. We find in scenarios with high baseline VE, differential depletion of susceptibles creates minimal bias in VE estimates, suggesting that any observed declines are likely not due to spurious waning alone. However, if baseline VE is lower, the bias for leaky vaccines (that reduce individual probability of infection given contact) is larger and should be corrected by excluding individuals with past infection if the mechanism is known to be leaky. Conducting analyses both unadjusted and adjusted for past infection could give lower and upper bounds for the true VE. Studies of VE should therefore enroll individuals regardless of prior infection history but also collect information, ideally through serologic testing, on this critical variable.
Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 disease: A retrospective comparative study of patients treated with and without Remdesivir
Authors: Madan Surabhi , Patel Amit , Sharan Kartikae , Ghosh Shayon , Venugopal Vishnu , Shah Nitesh , Shah Bhagyesh , Thakkar Vipul , Chovatiya Rashmi , Shah Hardik , Dabhi Pradip , Patel Minesh , Meghnathi Bhowmik , Sankhla Vineet , Kapoor Vipul , Patel Tejas , Soni Maulik , Bapat Nirav , Shah Kaivan , Chandarana Ritanshu , Bhatt Parloop , Rana Manish
Published: July 2021

Background

Remdesivir (RDV) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been found to be beneficial in patients with severe disease; however, its role in mild-moderate disease and its optimal timing need to be identified.

Objective

To assess the course of illness and final outcome in patients who received RDV at various stages of illness, and compare it to the non-RDV group.

Methods

This is a retrospective data analysis of 1262 COVID-19 patients hospitalized from May5, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The primary outcomes were progression to mechanical ventilation (MV) or death. Kaplan Meier survival analysis and log rank test were used for evaluating primary outcomes.

Results

398 patients comprised the RDV group and 260 patients comprised the non-RDV group. 2/3rd of patients were above 50 years of age in both the groups and 3/4th patients were male. Mortality rate was 5.8% in RDV group (10.4% in non-RDV group). Mortality rate was 3.6%, 4% and 16.7% when RDV was started within 5 days, 5 to 10 days and after 10 days of symptom onset respectively. Fewer patients in RDV group progressed to MV (4.0% v/s 8.2%). Earlier discharge occurred in RDV group. Use of supplemental oxygen was observed in 44.7% patients in RDV group (54.2% in non-RDV group). No significant adverse events were observed with RDV. Survival analysis showed that probability of event (death) was significant for patients with hypertension (HT) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) in RDV group.

Conclusion

Early initiation of RDV is associated with shorter hospital stay, lower mortality as well as reduced need for supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation.
Antibody and T cell responses to Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV in naïve and previously infected individuals in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jeewandara Chandima , Aberathna Inoka Sepali , Pushpakumara Pradeep Darshana , Kamaladasa Achala , Guruge Dinuka , Jayathilaka Deshni , Gunasekara Banuri , Tanussiya Shyrar , Kuruppu Heshan , Ranasinghe Thushali , Dayarathne Shashika , Dissanayake Osanda , Gamalath Nayanathara , Ekanayake Dinithi , Jayamali MPDJ , Wijesinghe Ayesha , Dissanayake Madushika , Madusanka Deshan , Jayadas Tibutius Thanesh , Mudunkotuwa Anushika , Somathilake Gayasha , Harvie Michel , Nimasha Thashmi , Danasekara Saubhagya , Wijayamuni Ruwan , Schimanski Lisa , Tan Tiong K. , Dong Tao , Townsend Alain , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: July 2021

Background

As there are limited data of the immunogenicity of the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV in different populations, antibody responses against different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and T cell responses, we investigated the immunogenicity of the vaccine, in individuals in Sri Lanka.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were measured in 282 individuals who were seronegative at baseline, and ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the wild type (WT), B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and B.1.617.2, ex vivo and cultured IFNγ ELISpot assays, intracellular cytokine secretion assays and B cell ELISpot assays were carried out in a sub cohort of the vaccinees at 4 weeks and at 6 weeks (2 weeks after the second dose).

Results

95% of the vaccinees seroconverted, although the seroconversion rates were significantly lower (p<0.001) in individuals >60 years (93.3%) compared to those who were 20 to 39 years (98.9%). 81.25% had ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies at 6 weeks, and there was no difference in these antibody titres in vaccine sera compared to convalescent sera (p=0.44). Vaccinees had significantly less (p<0.0001) antibodies to the RBD of WT and B.1.1.7, although there was no difference in antibodies to the RBD of B.1.351 and B.1.617.2 compared to convalescent sera. 27.7% of 46.4% of vaccinees had ex vivo IFNγ and cultured ELISpot responses respectively, and IFNγ and CD107a responses were detected by flow cytometry.

Conclusions

Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV appeared to induce high seroconversion rates and induce a similar level of antibody responses against ACE2 receptor, B.1.617.2 and B.1.351 as seen following natural infection.
Axial spondyloarthritis patients have altered mucosal IgA response to oral and fecal microbiota
Authors: Gill Tejpal , Stauffer Patrick , Asquith Mark , Laderas Ted , Martin Tammy M. , Davin Sean , Schleisman Matthew , Ramirez Claire , Ogle Kimberly , Lindquist Ingrid , Nguyen Justine , Planck Stephen R. , Shaut Carley , Diamond Sarah , Rosenbaum James T. , Karstens Lisa
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate whether axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients have an altered immunoglobulin A (IgA) response in the gut and oral microbial communities.

Methods

We performed 16S rRNA gene (16S) sequencing on IgA positive (IgA+) and IgA negative (IgA−) fractions (IgA-SEQ) from feces (n=17 AxSpA; n=14 healthy) and saliva (n=17 AxSpA; n=12 healthy), as well as on IgA-unsorted fecal and salivary samples. PICRUSt2 was used to predict microbial metabolic potential in AxSpA patients and healthy controls (HCs).

Results

IgA-SEQ revealed enrichment of several microbes in the fecal (Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospira) and salivary (Prevotellaceae, Actinobacillus) microbiome in AxSpA patients as compared with HCs. Fecal microbiome from AxSpA patients showed a trend towards increased alpha diversity of the IgA+ fraction and decreased diversity in the IgA− fraction in comparison with HCs, while the salivary microbiome exhibits a significant decrease in alpha diversity in both IgA+ and IgA− fractions. Increased IgA coating of Clostridiales Family XIII correlated with disease severity. Inferred metagenomic analysis suggests perturbation of metabolites and metabolic pathways for inflammation (oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione metabolism) and metabolism (propanoate and butanoate metabolism) in AxSpA patients.

Conclusions

Analyses of fecal and salivary microbes from AxSpA patients reveal distinct populations of immunoreactive microbes using novel IgA-SEQ approach, which were not captured by comparing their relative abundance with HCs. Predictive metagenomic analysis revealed perturbation of metabolites/metabolic pathways in AxSpA patients. Future studies on these immunoreactive microbes may lead to better understanding of the functional role of IgA in maintaining microbial structure and human health.
Exposition to airborne SARS-CoV-2 in household and hospitals settings as studied by a vacuum cleaner as a high-powered air sampler
Authors: de Man Peter , Ortiz Marco , Bluyssen Philomena M. , de Man Stijn J. , Rentmeester Marie-Jozé , van der Vliet Marijke , Wils Evert-Jan , Ong David S.Y.
Published: July 2021

Background

We aimed to study the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in air surrounding infected healthcare workers (HCW) in their homes versus infected patients who were undergoing potential aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMP). We also studied the effect of different face masks worn bij infected persons on spread of SARS-CoV-2 into the air.

Methods

We developed a high-volume air sampler method that uses a household vacuum cleaner with a surgical mask serving as a sample filter. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was harvested from these sample filters and analyzed on the presence of RNA by polymerase chain reaction. We acquired air samples in close aproximity of HCWs wearing different facemasks. Also, we obtained free air samples away from the infected HCWs and samples near intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing AGMP. Fog experiments were performed to visualize the airflow around our air sampler.

Results

Aerosols were visibly suctioned into the vacuum cleaner when there was no face mask, whereas wearing a face mask resulted in a delayed and reduced flow of aerosols into the vacuum cleaner. The face masks that were worn by the HCWs were positive in 54-83% of cases. The proportion of positive air samples was higher in household settings of recently infected HCWs (29/41; 70.7%) compared to ICU settings (4/17; 23.5%) (p<0.01).

Conclusion

This high-volume air sampler method was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples. Air samples in the household environment of recently infected HCWs more frequently contained SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to those obtained in patient rooms during potential AGMP.
Genome-wide association analysis reveals extensive genetic overlap between mood instability and psychiatric disorders but divergent patterns of genetic effects
Authors: Hindley Guy , O’Connell Kevin S. , Rahman Zillur , Frei Oleksandr , Bahrami Shahram , Shadrin Alexey , Høegh Margrethe Collier , Cheng Weiqiu , Karadag Naz , Lin Aihua , Rødevand Linn , Fan Chun C. , Djurovic Srdjan , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Dale Anders M. , Smeland Olav B. , Andreassen Ole A.
Published: July 2021

Mood instability (MOOD) is a transdiagnostic phenomenon with a prominent neurobiological basis. Recent genome-wide association studies found significant positive genetic correlation between MOOD and major depression (DEP) and weak correlations with other psychiatric disorders. We investigated the polygenic overlap between MOOD and psychiatric disorders beyond genetic correlation to better characterize putative shared genetic determinants. Summary statistics for schizophrenia (SCZ, n=105,318), bipolar disorder (BIP, n=413,466), DEP (n=450,619), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n=53,293) and MOOD (n=363,705), were analysed using the bivariate causal mixture model and conjunctional false discovery rate methods to estimate the proportion of shared variants influencing MOOD and each disorder, and identify jointly associated genomic loci. MOOD correlated positively with all psychiatric disorders, but with wide variation in strength (rg=0.10-0.62). Of 10.4K genomic variants influencing MOOD, 4K-9.4K were estimated to influence psychiatric disorders. MOOD was jointly associated with DEP at 163 loci, SCZ at 110, BIP at 60 and ADHD at 25, with consistent genetic effects in independent samples. Fifty-three jointly associated loci were overlapping across two or more disorders (transdiagnostic), seven of which had discordant effect directions on psychiatric disorders. Genes mapped to loci associated with MOOD and all four disorders were enriched in a single gene-set, “synapse organization”. The extensive polygenic overlap indicates shared molecular underpinnings across MOOD and psychiatric disorders. However, distinct patterns of genetic correlation and effect directions of shared loci suggest divergent effects on corresponding neurobiological mechanisms which may relate to differences in the core clinical features of each disorder.
ABO and Rh blood groups, demographics, and comorbidities in COVID-19 related deaths: a retrospective study in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia
Authors: Brdar Ivan , Jerković Ivan , Bašić Željana , Kunac Nenad , Anđelinović Deny , Bezić Joško , Kružić Ivana , Vuko Arijana , Anđelinović Šimun
Published: July 2021

Aim

To examine ABO and Rh blood group distribution in COVID-19 related deaths considering demographics and pathological conditions.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study at the University Hospital Centre Split, Croatia, that included 245 COVID-positive individuals that died from April 8, 2020, to January 25, 2021. From the hospital database, we extracted data on their blood groups, demographics, and pre-existing comorbidities. To compare findings with the general population, we used information from collected blood group donations (n = 101357) and statistical reports of non-COVID deaths from 2019 (n = 4968).

Results

The proportion of males was significantly higher in analyzed subjects than in non- COVID deaths from 2019 (63.7% vs. 48.9%, P < 0.001), while the proportion of older individuals did not differ (P = 0.8). The most common pre-existing diseases were hypertension (59.6%), diabetes (37.1%), heart failure (28.8%), digestive disorder (26.5%), and solid tumor (21.6%). The ABO distribution in the deceased and donors’ group showed statistically significant differences, with the higher prevalence of A/AB group and lower prevalence of 0, but with individual differences significant only for AB and non-AB groups. There was a significantly reduced proportion of females within the deceased with group 0 (P = 0.014) and a higher proportion of AB individuals with coronary heart disease (P = 0.024), while other differences were not significant.

Conclusion

The study confirmed a higher risk of death in male individuals. The lower proportion of type 0 in deceased individuals was more pronounced in females, implying that group 0 is not necessarily an independent protective factor. Among analyzed comorbidities, coronary heart disease was identified as a potential risk factor for AB individuals.