bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Distributions of the Invasive Barnacle Scale Ceroplastes cirripediformis (Hemiptera: Coccidae) Under Climate Change and Implications for Its Management
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Duo , Guo Ge , Zhang Meixia , Lang Jiayi , Wei Jiufeng
Published: September 2020

Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock is one of the most destructive invasive pests that have caused various negative impacts to agricultural, ornamental, and greenhouse plants. Since it is time- and labor-consuming to control C. cirripediformis, habitat evaluation of this pest may be the most cost-effective method for predicting its dispersal and avoiding its outbreaks. Here, we evaluated the effects of climatic variables on distribution patterns of C. cirripediformis and produced a global risk map for its outbreak under current and future climate scenarios using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model. Our results showed that mean temperature of driest quarter (Bio 9), precipitation of coldest quarter (Bio 19), precipitation of warmest quarter (Bio 18), and mean temperature of wettest quarter (Bio 8) were the main factors influencing the current modeled distribution of C. cirripediformis, respectively, contributing 41.9, 29.4, 18.8, and 7.9%. The models predicted that, globally, potential distribution of C. cirripediformis would be across most zoogeographical regions under both current and future climate scenarios. Moreover, in the future, both the total potential distribution region and its area of highly suitable habitat are expected to expand slightly in all representative concentration pathway scenarios. The information generated from this study will contribute to better identify the impacts of climate change upon C. cirripediformis’s potential distribution while also providing a scientific basis for forecasting insect pest spread and outbreaks. Furthermore, this study serves an early warning for the regions of potential distribution, predicted as highly suitable habitats for this pest, which could promote its prevention and control.
Quantitative Mammographic Density Measurements and Molecular Subtypes in Chinese Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Tian Yuan , Guida Jennifer L , Koka Hela , Li Er-Ni , Zhu Bin , Sung Hyuna , Chan Ariane , Zhang Han , Tang Eric , Guo Changyuan , Deng Joseph , Hu Nan , Lu Ning , Gierach Gretchen L , Li Jing , Yang Xiaohong R
Published: September 2020

Background

Studies investigating associations between mammographic density (MD) and breast cancer subtypes have generated mixed results. We previously showed that having extremely dense breasts was associated with the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-enriched subtype in Chinese breast cancer patients.

Methods

In this study, we reevaluated the MD-subtype association in 1549 Chinese breast cancer patients, using VolparaDensity software to obtain quantitative MD measures. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

Compared with women with luminal A tumors, women with luminal B/HER2- (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04 to 1.38; P = .01), luminal B/HER2+ (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.46; P = .03), and HER2-enriched tumors (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.59; P = .01) had higher fibroglandular dense volume. These associations were stronger in patients with smaller tumors (<2 cm). In contrast, the triple-negative subtype was associated with lower nondense volume (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.99; P = .04), and the association was only seen among older women (age 50 years or older).

Conclusion

Although biological mechanisms remain to be investigated, the associations for the HER2-enriched and luminal B subtypes with increasing MD may partially explain the higher prevalence of luminal B and HER2+ breast cancers previously reported in Asian women.
ATLASGAL – relationship between dense star-forming clumps and interstellar masers
Authors: Billington S J , Urquhart J S , König C , Beuther H , Breen S L , Menten K M , Campbell-White J , Ellingsen S P , Thompson M A , Moore T J T , Eden D J , Kim W-J , Leurini S
Published: September 2020

We have used catalogues from several Galactic plane surveys and dedicated observations to investigate the relationship between various maser species and Galactic star-forming clumps, as identified by the APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL) survey. The maser transitions of interest are the 6.7 and 12.2-GHz methanol masers, 22.2-GHz water masers, and the masers emitting in the four ground-state hyperfine structure transitions of hydroxyl. We find clump association rates for the water, hydroxyl and methanol masers to be 56, 39, and 82 per cent, respectively, within the Galactic longitude range of 60○ > ℓ > −60○. We investigate the differences in physical parameters between maser associated clumps and the full ATLASGAL sample, and find that clumps coincident with maser emission are more compact with increased densities and luminosities. However, we find the physical conditions within the clumps are similar for the different maser species. A volume density threshold of n(H2) > 104.1 cm−3 for the 6.7-GHz methanol maser found in our previous study is shown to be consistent across for all maser species investigated. We find limits that are required for the production of maser emission to be 500 L⊙ and 6 M⊙, respectively. The evolutionary phase of maser associated clumps is investigated using the L/M ratio of clumps coincident with maser emission, and these have similar L/M ranges (∼100.2−102.7 L⊙/M⊙) regardless of the associated transitions. This implies that the conditions required for the production of maser emission only occur during a relatively narrow period during a star’s evolution. Lower limits of the statistical lifetimes for each maser species are derived, ranging from ∼0.4−2 × 104 yr and are in good agreement with the ‘straw man’ evolutionary model previously presented.
The efficacy and safety of citrate mixture vs sodium bicarbonate on urine alkalization in Chinese primary gout patients with benzbromarone: a prospective, randomized controlled study
Authors: Xue Xiaomei , Liu Zhen , Li Xinde , Lu Jie , Wang Can , Wang Xuefeng , Ren Wei , Sun Ruixia , Jia Zhaotong , Ji Xiaopeng , Chen Ying , He Yuwei , Ji Aichang , Sun Wenyan , Zhang Hui , Merriman Tony R , Li Changgui , Cui Lingling
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of citrate mixture and sodium bicarbonate on urine alkalization in gout patients under benzbromarone treatment.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, parallel controlled trial was conducted among 200 gout patients in the dedicated gout clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The participants were randomly divided into two groups (1:1), sodium bicarbonate group (3 g/day) and citrate mixture group (7 g/day). All patients were prescribed with 25 mg/day benzbromarone at initiation and maintained at a dose of 50 mg/day. Clinical and biochemical data were collected at each follow-up time point (baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12).

Results

A total of 182 patients completed the 12-week urine alkalization study. The urine pH value of both groups increased significantly from the baseline to the final follow-up time point (sodium bicarbonate group, 5.50–6.00, P < 0.05; citrate mixture group, 5.53–5.93, P < 0.05). While the comparisons regarding urine pH between treatment groups showed no significant differences for each time point. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dropped significantly after 12 weeks’ trial in the sodium bicarbonate group (P < 0.01), while it was comparable between baseline and the last follow-up (P > 0.05) in the citrate mixture group. Results of urine analysis showed that the incident rate of occult blood in the sodium bicarbonate group was higher than that in the citrate mixture group (38 vs 24%, P < 0.05), accompanied by a similar occurrence of kidney stones. After 12-week follow-up, the frequency of twice gout flare in the citrate mixture group was significantly lower than that in sodium bicarbonate group (4 vs 12%, P = 0.037). No treatment-emergent adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

The efficacy of citrate mixture on urine alkalization is comparable to sodium bicarbonate under benzbromarone treatment without significant adverse events. Citrate mixture is superior to sodium bicarbonate in lowering the incidence of urine occult blood and the frequency of gout attacks.

Trial registration

Registered with ChiCTR (http://www.chictr.org.cn), No. ChiCTR1800018518.
DEVELOPMENT OF OPTICALLY STIMULATED LUMINESCENCE BADGE READER SYSTEM FOR INDIVIDUAL MONITORING OF RADIATION WORKERS
Authors: Mishra D R , Paliwal Lovely , Sutar S S , Singh A K
Published: September 2020

A new Optically Stimulated Luminescence Badge Reader (OSBARE-1) system has been designed and developed for application in the individual monitoring dosimetry. This badge reader system utilizes the 470-nm light of a blue LED for CW-OSL readout with the help of PMT photon counting module. The developed reader system can process four element 24 OSLD cards within 25 min. These four-element OSLD card consists of the Teflon embedded indigenously developed dosimetric grade α-Al2O3:C phosphor. The minimum measurable dose (MMD) was found to be ~26 μGy for these OSLD cards with reproducibility of ~1.12%. The various operational parameters such as variation in the dark counts, OSL scattering background counts and reproducibility have been studied in detailed for this reader system. The dosimetric studies performed on this developed reader system found to have a great potential for the OSLD-based large-scale personnel monitoring program for the radiation workers.
The impact of air pollution on terrestrial managed and natural vegetation
Authors: Stevens C. J. , Bell J. N. B. , Brimblecombe P. , Clark C. M. , Dise N. B. , Fowler D. , Lovett G. M. , Wolseley P. A.
Published: September 2020

Although awareness that air pollution can damage vegetation dates back at least to the 1600s, the processes and mechanisms of damage were not rigorously studied until the late twentieth century. In the UK following the Industrial Revolution, urban air quality became very poor, with highly phytotoxic SO2and NO2concentrations, and remained that way until the mid-twentieth century. Since then both air quality, and our understanding of pollutants and their impacts, have greatly improved. Air pollutants remain a threat to natural and managed ecosystems. Air pollution imparts impacts through four major threats to vegetation are discussed through in a series of case studies. Gas-phase effects by the primary emissions of SO2and NO2are discussed in the context of impacts on lichens in urban areas. The effects of wet and dry deposited acidity from sulfur and nitrogen compounds are considered with a particular focus on forest decline. Ecosystem eutrophication by nitrogen deposition focuses on heathland decline in the Netherlands, and ground-level ozone at phytotoxic concentrations is discussed by considering impacts on semi-natural vegetation. We find that, although air is getting cleaner, there is much room for additional improvement, especially for the effects of eutrophication on managed and natural ecosystems.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Air quality, past present and future’.
An increasing role for solvent emissions and implications for future measurements of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Lewis Alastair C. , Hopkins Jim R. , Carslaw David C. , Hamilton Jacqueline F. , Nelson Beth S. , Stewart Gareth , Dernie James , Passant Neil , Murrells Tim
Published: September 2020

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a broad class of air pollutants which act as precursors to tropospheric ozone and secondary organic aerosols. Total UK emissions of anthropogenic VOCs peaked in 1990 at 2,840 kt yr
−1
and then declined to approximately 810 kt yr
−1
in 2017 with large reductions in road transport and fugitive fuel emissions. The atmospheric concentrations of many non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) in the UK have been observed to fall over this period in broadly similar proportions. The relative contribution to emissions from solvents and industrial processes is estimated to have increased from approximately 35% in 1990 to approximately 63% in 2017. In 1992, UK national monitoring quantified 19 of the 20 most abundant individual anthropogenic VOCs emitted (all were NMHCs), but by 2017 monitoring captured only 13 of the top 20 emitted VOCs. Ethanol is now estimated to be the most important VOC emitted by mass (in 2017 approx. 136 kt yr
−1
and approx. 16.8% of total emissions) followed by
n
-butane (52.4 kt yr
−1
) and methanol (33.2 kt yr
−1
). Alcohols have grown in significance representing approximately 10% of emissions in 1990 rising to approximately 30% in 2017. The increased role of solvent emissions should now be reflected in European monitoring strategies to verify total VOC emission reduction obligations in the National Emissions Ceiling Directive. Adding ethanol, methanol, formaldehyde, acetone, 2-butanone and 2-propanol to the existing NMHC measurements would provide full coverage of the 20 most significant VOCs emitted on an annual mass basis.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Air quality, past present and future’.
How will air quality effects on human health, crops and ecosystems change in the future?
Authors: von Schneidemesser Erika , Driscoll Charles , Rieder Harald E. , Schiferl Luke D.
Published: September 2020

Future air quality will be driven by changes in air pollutant emissions, but also changes in climate. Here, we review the recent literature on future air quality scenarios and projected changes in effects on human health, crops and ecosystems. While there is overlap in the scenarios and models used for future projections of air quality and climate effects on human health and crops, similar efforts have not been widely conducted for ecosystems. Few studies have conducted joint assessments across more than one sector. Improvements in future air quality effects on human health are seen in emission reduction scenarios that are more ambitious than current legislation. Larger impacts result from changing particulate matter (PM) abundances than ozone burdens. Future global health burdens are dominated by changes in the Asian region. Expected future reductions in ozone outside of Asia will allow for increased crop production. Reductions in PM, although associated with much higher uncertainty, could offset some of this benefit. The responses of ecosystems to air pollution and climate change are long-term, complex, and interactive, and vary widely across biomes and over space and time. Air quality and climate policy should be linked or at least considered holistically, and managed as a multi-media problem.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Air quality, past present and future’.
Reducing global air pollution: the scope for further policy interventions
Authors: Amann Markus , Kiesewetter Gregor , Schöpp Wolfgang , Klimont Zbigniew , Winiwarter Wilfried , Cofala Janusz , Rafaj Peter , Höglund-Isaksson Lena , Gomez-Sabriana Adriana , Heyes Chris , Purohit Pallav , Borken-Kleefeld Jens , Wagner Fabian , Sander Robert , Fagerli Hilde , Nyiri Agnes , Cozzi Laura , Pavarini Claudia
Published: September 2020

Over the last decades, energy and pollution control policies combined with structural changes in the economy decoupled emission trends from economic growth, increasingly also in the developing world. It is found that effective implementation of the presently decided national pollution control regulations should allow further economic growth without major deterioration of ambient air quality, but will not be enough to reduce pollution levels in many world regions. A combination of ambitious policies focusing on pollution controls, energy and climate, agricultural production systems and addressing human consumption habits could drastically improve air quality throughout the world. By 2040, mean population exposure to PM2.5 from anthropogenic sources could be reduced by about 75% relative to 2015 and brought well below the WHO guideline in large areas of the world. While the implementation of the proposed technical measures is likely to be technically feasible in the future, the transformative changes of current practices will require strong political will, supported by a full appreciation of the multiple benefits. Improved air quality would avoid a large share of the current 3–9 million cases of premature deaths annually. At the same time, the measures that deliver clean air would also significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and contribute to multiple UN sustainable development goals.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Air quality, past present and future’.
Cost-effectiveness of remdesivir and dexamethasone for COVID-19 treatment in South Africa
Authors: Jo Youngji , Jamieson Lise , Edoka Ijeoma , Long Lawrence , Silal Sheetal , Pulliam Juliet R.C. , Moultrie Harry , Sanne Ian , Meyer-Rath Gesine , Nichols Brooke E
Published: September 2020

Background

South Africa recently experienced a first peak in COVID-19 cases and mortality. Dexamethasone and remdesivir both have the potential to reduce COVID-related mortality, but their cost-effectiveness in a resource-limited setting with scant intensive care resources is unknown.

Methods

We projected intensive care unit (ICU) needs and capacity from August 2020 to January 2021 using the South African National COVID-19 Epi Model. We assessed cost-effectiveness of 1) administration of dexamethasone to ventilated patients and remdesivir to non-ventilated patients, 2) dexamethasone alone to both non-ventilated and ventilated patients, 3) remdesivir to non-ventilated patients only, and 4) dexamethasone to ventilated patients only; all relative to a scenario of standard care. We estimated costs from the healthcare system perspective in 2020 USD, deaths averted, and the incremental cost effectiveness ratios of each scenario.

Results

Remdesivir for non-ventilated patients and dexamethasone for ventilated patients was estimated to result in 1,111 deaths averted (assuming a 0-30% efficacy of remdesivir) compared to standard care, and save $11.5 million. The result was driven by the efficacy of the drugs, and the reduction of ICU-time required for patients treated with remdesivir. The scenario of dexamethasone alone to ventilated and non-ventilated patients requires additional $159,000 and averts 1,146 deaths, resulting in $139 per death averted, relative to standard care.

Conclusions

The use of dexamethasone for ventilated and remdesivir for non-ventilated patients is likely to be cost-saving compared to standard care. Given the economic and health benefits of both drugs, efforts to ensure access to these medications is paramount.

40-word summary of article’s main point

The use of remdesivir and dexamethasone for treatment of severe COVID-19 in South Africa is likely to be cost-saving relative to standard care. Enabling access to these medications should be prioritize to improve patient outcomes and reduce total costs.
Self-sampling of capillary blood for serological testing of SARS-CoV-2 by COVID-19 IgG ELISA
Authors: Brown Lottie , Byrne Rachel L , Fraser Alice , Owen Sophie I , Cubas-Atienzar Ana I , Williams Chris , Kay Grant A , Cuevas Luis E , Fitchett Joseph R A , Fletcher Tom , Garrod Gala , Kontogianni Konstantina , Krishna Sanjeev , Menzies Stefanie , Planche Tim , Sainter Chris , Staines Henry M , Turtle Lance , Adams Emily R
Published: September 2020

Serological testing is emerging as a powerful tool to progress our understanding of COVID-19 exposure, transmission and immune response. Large-scale testing is limited by the need for in-person blood collection by staff trained in venepuncture. Capillary blood self-sampling and postage to laboratories for analysis could provide a reliable alternative.

Two-hundred and nine matched venous and capillary blood samples were obtained from thirty nine participants and analysed using a COVID-19 IgG ELISA to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Thirty seven out of thirty eight participants were able to self-collect an adequate sample of capillary blood (≥50 μl). Using plasma from venous blood collected in lithium heparin as the reference standard, matched capillary blood samples, collected in lithium heparin-treated tubes and on filter paper as dried blood spots, achieved a Cohen’s kappa coefficient of >0.88 (near-perfect agreement). Storage of capillary blood at room temperature for up to 7 days post sampling did not affect concordance.

Our results indicate that capillary blood self-sampling is a reliable and feasible alternative to venepuncture for serological assessment in COVID-19.
An incomplete Circle of Willis is not a risk factor for white matter hyperintensities: The Tromsø Study
Authors: Hindenes Lars B. , Håberg Asta K. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Vangberg Torgil R.
Published: September 2020

Objective

The Circle of Willis (CoW) is often underdeveloped or incomplete, leading to suboptimal blood supply to the brain. As hypoperfusion is thought to play a role in the aetiology of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), the objective of this study was to assess whether incomplete CoW variants were associated with increased WMH volumes compared to the complete CoW.

Methods

In a cross-sectional population sample of 1864 people (age 40 – 84 years, 46.4% men), we used an automated method to segment WMH using T1-weighted and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image obtained at 3T. CoW variants were classified from time-of-flight scans, also at 3T. WMH risk factors, including age, sex, smoking and blood pressure, were obtained from questionnaires and clinical examinations. We used linear regression to examine whether people with incomplete CoW variants had greater volumes of deep WMH (DWMH) and periventricular WMH (PWMH) compared to people with the complete CoW, correcting for WMH risk factors.

Results

Participants with incomplete CoW variants did not have significantly higher DWMH or PWMH volumes than those with complete CoW when accounting for risk factors. Age, pack-years smoking, and systolic blood pressure were risk factors for increased DWMH and PWMH volume. Diabetes was a unique risk factor for increased PWMH volume.

Conclusion

Incomplete CoW variants do not appear to be risk factors for WMH in the general population.
The Use of Psychoactive Substances in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Weber César Augusto Trinta , Monteiro Ingridi Teixeira , Gehrke Julia Medeiros , de Souza Wagner Silva
Published: September 2020

Background

The protocols for mitigating the transmission of Covid-19 seem to be a trigger for the use of psychoactive substances, as an individual’s adaptive response to support this new way of being in the world. Objective: To investigate the use of psychoactive substances in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. Method: A cross-sectional and prospective observational study, undertaken in a virtual environment. An online survey was developed and employed through Google Forms to collect data. The survey was made available to participants on social networks, Facebook@, Whatsapp@, and Instagram@, linked to the research group, during the period 06/15/2020 to 07/15/2020. 1,145 individuals participated in the research. Results: The average age of the participants was 37 years old. They were mostly female, white, Brazilians, with a higher education level, with occupations in the health field, and had religion. They either maintained their family income or suffered a small income decrease. Moreover, they informed that they were caring for social isolation. The most used substances before and after the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic were alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, although the use of these substances decreased (P< 0.001). Approximately 32% of the participants started using psychoactive substances in this period. Among them, most individuals started by their own initiative. Conclusions: For a better understanding of the pattern use of psychoactive substances during the Covid-19 pandemic and the adverse effects on human behavior and mental disorders, careful longitudinal studies must be developed, due to the great interest in the knowledge of adaptive responses when people’s lives are at risk.
Low-Cost Differential Pressure Spirometry for Emergency Ventilator Tidal Volume Sensing
Authors: Edmunds Jordan L. , Bustamante Mauricio J. , Piech David K. , Schor Jonathan S. , Raymond Samuel J. , Camarillo David B. , Maharbiz Michel M.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

COVID-19 has become a significant burden on the healthcare systems in the United States and around the world, with many patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) to survive. Close monitoring of patients is critical, with total volume per breath (tidal volume) being one of the most important data points. However, ventilators are complex and expensive devices, typically in the range of tens of thousands of US dollars, and are challenging to manufacture, typically requiring months. Solutions which could augment the ventilator supply rapidly and at low cost in the United States and elsewhere would be valuable. In this paper, we present a standalone tidal volume measurement system consisting of a D-Lite spirometer, pressure sensor, microcontroller, and tubing with a cost of parts less than $50 USD. We also provide a model to predict the error in tidal volume measurements based on the pressure sensor used and the flow during ventilation. We validate this system and show that the tidal volume accuracy for flows above 10 L/min was within 10%. We envision this system being used to increase the ventilator supply in resource-constrained settings.
Dynamic connectivity predicts acute motor impairment and recovery post-stroke
Authors: Bonkhoff Anna K. , Rehme Anne K. , Hensel Lukas , Tscherpel Caroline , Volz Lukas J. , Espinoza Flor A. , Gazula Harshvardhan , Vergara Victor M. , Fink Gereon R. , Calhoun Vince D. , Rost Natalia S. , Grefkes Christian
Published: September 2020

Objective

Thorough assessment of cerebral dysfunction after acute brain lesions is paramount to optimize predicting short- and long-term clinical outcomes. The potential of dynamic resting-state connectivity for prognosticatingmotorrecovery has not been explored so far.

Methods

We built random forest classifier-based prediction models of acute upper limb motor impairment and recovery after stroke. Predictions were based on structural and resting-state fMRI data from 54 ischemic stroke patients scanned within the first days of symptom onset. Functional connectivity was estimated using both a static and dynamic approach. Individual motor performance was phenotyped in the acute phase and six months later.

Results

A model based on the time spent in specific dynamic connectivity configurations achieved the best discrimination between patients with and without motor impairments (out-of-sample area under the curve and 95%-confidence interval (AUC±95%-CI): 0.67±0.01). In contrast, patients with moderate-to-severe impairments could be differentiated from patients with mild deficits using a model based on the variability of dynamic connectivity (AUC±95%-CI: 0.83±0.01). Here, the variability of the connectivity between ipsilesional sensorimotor cortex and putamen discriminated the most between patients. Finally, motor recovery was best predicted by the time spent in specific connectivity configurations (AUC±95%-CI: 0.89±0.01) in combination with the initial motor impairment. Here, better recovery was linked to a shorter time spent in a functionally integrated network configuration in the acute phase post-stroke.

Interpretation

Dynamic connectivity-derived parameters constitute potent predictors of acute motor impairment and post-stroke recovery, which in the future might inform personalized therapy regimens to promote recovery from acute stroke.
40 Hz Auditory Steady-State Responses Predict Transition to Psychosis in Clinical-High-Risk Participants: A MEG Study
Authors: Grent-‘t-Jong Tineke , Gajwani Ruchika , Gross Joachim , Gumley Andrew I. , Krishnadas Rajeev , Lawrie Stephen M. , Schwannauer Matthias , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Uhlhaas Peter J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To examine whether 40-Hz Auditory Steady-State Responses (ASSR) in participants at clinical high-risk for psychosis predict clinical outcomes.

Method

In this study, magnetoencephalography (MEG) data were collected during a 40-Hz ASSR paradigm in 116 participants meeting clinical high-risk (CHR-P) for psychosis criteria, a clinical control group characterized by affective disorders and/or substance abuse (CHR-N: n=38), 32 first-episode psychosis patients (FEP, 14 antipsychotic-naïve), and 49 healthy controls. We examined 40-Hz-ASSR-source-activity in bilateral Heschl’s gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, Rolandic operculum, and the thalamus. Group differences in ASSR amplitudes were tested and correlated with neuropsychological scores, psychosocial functioning, and clinical symptoms. Linear discriminant analyses was used to assess whether 40-Hz-ASSR predicts transition to psychosis and persistence of APS.

Results

Compared to controls, 40-Hz-ASSR responses in CHR-Ps were impaired in right Rolandic operculum (d=0.41) and right thalamus (d=0.43), particularly in those with combined UHR/BS symptoms and CHR-Ps who transitioned to psychosis (n=11). FEP-patients showed significant impairments in the right thalamus (d=0.58), while the CHR-N group was unaffected. Importantly, right thalamus 40-Hz-ASSRs predicted transition to psychosis (transitioned [n=11] vs non-transitioned [n=105]); classification accuracy 73.3%, AUC=0.827), whereas this was not the case for persistent APS (Persistent [n=41] vs non-Persistent [n=37]; classification accuracy 56.4%).

Conclusions

The current study indicates that MEG-recorded 40-Hz-ASSRs constitute a potential biomarker for predicting transition to psychosis in CHR-P participants.
Onset, duration, and persistence of taste and smell changes and other COVID-19 symptoms: longitudinal study in Israeli patients
Authors: Klein Hadar , Asseo Kim , Karni Noam , Benjamini Yuval , Nir-Paz Ran , Muszkat Mordechai , Israel Sarah , Niv Masha Y.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The multifaceted disease manifestation of COVID-19 requires longitudinal characterization of symptoms, to aid with screening and disease management.

Methods

Phone interviews and follow-ups were completed with 112 mild COVID-19 RT-PCR-positive adult patients, over a six weeks period.

Results

More than one symptom at disease onset was experienced by ∼70 of the patients. Over one third of the patients experienced fever, dry cough, headache, or muscle ache as the first symptom. If fatigue was reported, it was usually the first symptom to appear. Smell and taste changes had occurred 3.9 ± 5.4 and 4.6 ± 5.7 days (mean ± SD) since disease onset and emerged as first symptoms in 15% and 18% of patients, respectively. Fever was the shortest lasting symptom (5.8 ± 8.6 days (mean ± SD), and smell and taste changes were the longest-lasting symptoms (24.3 ± 22.9 days and 19.4 ± 19.1 (mean ± SD), respectively), with longer smell recovery correlated with smell change severity. In one third of patients who reported cough, smell and taste changes, these symptoms persisted after negative RT-PCR tests.

Conclusions

Each symptom can occur as first or later, some are more likely to appear as firsts, and typically more than one symptom occurs at disease onset. The severity of olfactory change is associated with its recovery time. Lack of chemosensory recuperation in recovered patients is common. These findings can aid patients through their illness and provide expected recovery patterns.
Equity in Paediatric Emergency Departments during COVID-19
Authors: Thorne Sophie , Bhopal Sunil , Harkensee Christian , Battersby Alex , Brough Anna , Owens Stephen
Published: September 2020

Children’s attendances in paediatric emergency departments have fallen precipitously in North East England and elsewhere in recent months. We analysed data from 3 hospitals to understand which children were not being brought during the COVID-19 ‘lockdown’. In our population there is no evidence of a disproportionate impact on children belonging to vulnerable sociodemographic groups and no obvious change in illness acuity among those children still attending. However we noted a marked reduction in infectious disease presentations which might reflect one positive impact of enhanced social distancing on child health. More granular data describing the ‘collateral damage’ of the COVID-19 pandemic to children’s clinical services are needed to plan for the mitigation of its continuing effects.

What is known on this topic

Presentations to paediatric emergency departments in Europe and the United States have reduced dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’.

What this paper adds box

This is the first paper to show that reduced attendance was proportionate across different deprivation and ethnicity groups.

We show that presentations of children with infectious diseases reduced more than those with other conditions or trauma.

There was no change in admission rates, taken as a broad indicator of illness acuity at presentation among the population still attending paediatric emergency departments.
Airway emergency management in a pediatric hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Thom Christopher S , Deshmukh Hitesh , Soorikian Leane , Jacobs Ian , Fiadjoe John E , Lioy Janet
Published: September 2020

Objective

Children’s hospitals frequently care for infants with various life-threatening airway anomalies. Management of these infants can be challenging given unique airway anatomy and potential malformations. Airway emergency management must be immediate and precise, often demanding specialized equipment and/or expertise. We developed a Neonatal-Infant Airway Safety Program to improve medical responses, communication, equipment usage and outcomes for infants requiring emergent airway interventions.

Patients and Methods

All patients admitted to our quaternary neonatal and infant intensive care unit (NICU) from 2008-2019 were included in this study. Our program consisted of a multidisciplinary airway response team, pager system, and emergency equipment cart. Respiratory therapists present at each emergency event recorded specialist response times, equipment utilization, and outcomes. A multidisciplinary oversite committee reviewed each incident.

Results

Since 2008, there were 159 airway emergency events in our NICU (∼12 per year). Mean specialist response times decreased from 5.9±4.9 min (2008-2012, mean±SD) to 4.3±2.2 min (2016-2019, p=0.12), and the number of incidents with response times >5 min decreased from 28.8±17.8% (2008-2012) to 9.3±11.4% (2016-2019, p=0.04 by linear regression). As our program became more standardized, we noted better equipment availability and subspecialist communication. Few emergency situations (n=9, 6%) required operating room management. There were 3 patient deaths (2%).

Conclusions

Our airway safety program, including readily available specialists and equipment, facilitated effective resolution of airway emergencies in our NICU and multidisciplinary involvement enabled rapid and effective changes in response to COVID-19 regulations. A similar program could be implemented in other centers.
COVID-19 in Youth Soccer
Authors: Watson Andrew M. , Haraldsdottir Kristin , Biese Kevin , Goodavish Leslie , Stevens Bethany , McGuine Timothy
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the case and incidence rates of COVID-19 among youth soccer players and evaluate the relationship with background COVID-19 risk and phase of return to play.

Methods

Surveys were distributed to soccer clubs throughout the country regarding their phase of return to soccer (individual only, group non-contact, group contact) and date of reinitiation, number of players, cases of COVID-19, and risk reduction procedures that were being implemented. Overall case and incidence rates were compared to national pediatric data and county data from the prior 10 weeks where available. Finally, a negative binomial regression model was developed to predict club COVID-19 cases with local incidence rate and phase of return as covariates and the log of club player-days as an offset.

Results

129 clubs responded, of whom 124 had reinitiated soccer, representing 91,007 players with a median duration of 73 days (IQR: 53-83 days) since restarting. Of the 119 that had progressed to group activities, 218 cases of COVID-19 were reported among 85,861 players. Youth soccer players had a lower case rate and incidence rate than the national rate for children in the US (254 v. 477 cases per 100,000; IRR = 0.511, 95% CI = [0.40-0.57], p<0.001) and the general population from the counties in which soccer clubs were based where data was available (268 v. 864 cases per 100,000; IRR = 0.202 [0.19-0.21], p<0.001). After adjusting for local COVID-19 incidence, there was no relationship between club COVID-19 incidence and phase of return (non-contact: β=0.35±0.67, p=0.61; contact: β=0.18±0.67, p=0.79). No cases were reported to have resulted in hospitalization or death. 100% of clubs reported having a plan in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and utilizing multiple different risk reduction procedures (median 8, IQR 6-10).

Conclusions

The incidence of COVID-19 among youth soccer athletes is relatively low when compared to the background incidence among children in the United States and the local general population. No relationship was identified between club COVID-19 incidence and phase of return to soccer. Youth soccer clubs universally report implementing a number of risk reduction procedures.
Implications of Genetic Distance to Reference andDe NovoGenome Assembly for Clinical Genomics in Africans
Authors: Shriner Daniel , Adeyemo Adebowale , Rotimi Charles N.
Published: September 2020

In clinical genomics, variant calling from short-read sequencing data typically relies on a pan-genomic, universal human reference sequence. A major limitation of this approach is that the number of reads that incorrectly map or fail to map increase as the reads diverge from the reference sequence. In the context of genome sequencing of genetically diverse Africans, we investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using ade novoassembly of the read data as the reference sequence in single sample calling. Conditional on sufficient read depth, the alignment-based and assembly-based approaches yielded comparable sensitivity and false discovery rates for single nucleotide variants when benchmarked against a gold standard call set. The alignment-based approach yielded coverage of an additional 270.8 Mb over which sensitivity was lower and the false discovery rate was higher. Although both approaches detected and missed clinically relevant variants, the assembly-based approach identified more such variants than the alignment-based approach. Of particular relevance to individuals of African descent, the assembly-based approach identified four heterozygous genotypes containing the sickle allele whereas the alignment-based approach identified no occurrences of the sickle allele. Variant annotation using dbSNP and gnomAD identified systematic biases in these databases due to underrepresentation of Africans. Using the counts of homozygous alternate genotypes from the alignment-based approach as a measure of genetic distance to the reference sequence GRCh38.p12, we found that the numbers of misassemblies, total variant sites, potentially novel single nucleotide variants (SNVs), and certain variant classes (e.g., splice acceptor variants, stop loss variants, missense variants, synonymous variants, and variants absent from gnomAD) were significantly correlated with genetic distance. In contrast, genomic coverage and other variant classes (e.g., ClinVar pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, start loss variants, stop gain variants, splice donor variants, incomplete terminal codons, variants with CADD score ≥20) were not correlated with genetic distance. With improvement in coverage, the assembly-based approach can offer a viable alternative to the alignment-based approach, with the advantage that it can obviate the need to generate diverse human reference sequences or collections of alternate scaffolds.
INFERRED RESOLUTION THROUGH HERD IMMMUNITY OF FIRST COVID-19 WAVE IN MANAUS, BRAZILIAN AMAZON
Authors: Prowse Thomas A. A. , Purcell Tara , Baía-da-Silva Djane Clarys , Sampaio Vanderson , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Wood James , Mueller Ivo , McVernon Jodie , Lacerda Marcus V. G. , Ross Joshua V.
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

As in many other settings, peak excess mortality preceded the officially reported ‘first wave’ peak of the COVID-19 epidemic in Manaus, Brazil, reflecting delayed case recognition and limited initial access to diagnostic testing. To avoid early information bias, we used detailed age and gender stratified death certificate and hospitalisation data to evaluate the epidemic’s trajectory and infer the cause of its decline using a stochastic model. Our results are consistent with heterogenous transmission reducing over time due to the development of herd immunity. Relative to a baseline model that assumed homogenous mixing across Manaus, a model that permitted a small, self-isolated population fraction raised the estimated herd-immunity threshold from 28% to 30% and reduced the final attack rate from 86% to 65%. In the latter scenario, a substantial proportion of vulnerable, older individuals remained susceptible to infection. Given uncertainties regarding the distancing behaviours of population subgroups with different social and economic characteristics, and the duration of sterilising or transmission-modifying immunity in exposed individuals, we conclude that the potential for epidemic outbreaks remains, but that future waves of infection are likely to be much less pronounced than that already experienced.
Sex-specific lesion topographies explain outcomes after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Bonkhoff Anna K. , Schirmer Markus D. , Bretzner Martin , Hong Sungmin , Regenhardt Robert W. , Brudfors Mikael , Donahue Kathleen L. , Nardin Marco J. , Dalca Adrian V. , Giese Anne-Katrin , Etherton Mark R. , Hancock Brandon L. , Mocking Steven J. T. , McIntosh Elissa C. , Attia John , Benavente Oscar R. , Bevan Stephen , Cole John W. , Donatti Amanda , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Heitsch Laura , Holmegaard Lukas , Jood Katarina , Jimenez-Conde Jordi , Kittner Steven J. , Lemmens Robin , Levi Christopher R. , McDonough Caitrin W. , Meschia James F. , Phuah Chia-Ling , Rolfs Arndt , Ropele Stefan , Rosand Jonathan , Roquer Jaume , Rundek Tatjana , Sacco Ralph L. , Schmidt Reinhold , Sharma Pankaj , Slowik Agnieszka , Söderholm Martin , Sousa Alessandro , Stanne Tara M. , Strbian Daniel , Tatlisumak Turgut , Thijs Vincent , Vagal Achala , Wasselius Johan , Woo Daniel , Zand Ramin , McArdle Patrick F. , Worrall Bradford B. , Jern Christina , Lindgren Arne , Maguire Jane , Bzdok Danilo , Wu Ona , Rost Natalia S. ,   on behalf of the MRI-GENIE and GISCOME Investigators and the International Stroke Genetics Consortium
Published: September 2020

Acute ischemic stroke affects men and women differently in many ways. In particular, women are oftentimes reported to experience a higher acute stroke severity than men. Here, we derived a low-dimensional representation of anatomical stroke lesions and designed a sex-aware Bayesian hierarchical modelling framework for a large-scale, well phenotyped stroke cohort. This framework was tailored to carefully estimate possible sex differences in lesion patterns explaining acute stroke severity (NIHSS) in 1,058 patients (39% female). Anatomical regions known to subserve motor and language functions emerged as relevant regions for both men and women. Female patients, however, presented a more widespread pattern of stroke severity-relevant lesions than male patients. Furthermore, particularly lesions in the posterior circulation of thelefthemisphere underlay a higher stroke severity exclusively in women. These sex-sensitive lesion pattern effects could be discovered and subsequently robustly replicated in two large independent, multisite lesion datasets. The constellation of findings has several important conceptual and clinical implications: 1) suggesting sex-specific functional cerebral asymmetries, and 2) motivating a sex-stratified approach to management of acute ischemic stroke. To go beyond sex-averaged stroke research, future studies should explicitly test whether acute therapies administered on the basis of sex-specific cutoff volumes of salvageable tissue will lead to improved outcomes in women after acute ischemic stroke.
Field competitiveness ofAedes albopictus[Diptera: Culicidae] irradiated males in pilot Sterile Insect Technique trials in Northern Italy
Authors: Bellini Romeo , Carrieri Marco , Balestrino Fabrizio , Puggioli Arianna , Malfacini Marco , Bouyer Jeremy
Published: September 2020

Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of infectious diseases, leading to more than one million deaths each year. Mosquitoes are responsible for 90% of the casualties and alternative control methods to insecticides are urgently needed, especially againstAedesvectors.Aedes albopictusis a particularly important species, causing major public health problems because it is a vector of several arboviruses and has a strong invasive behaviour. Various genetic control methods have been proposed to be integrated into the management strategies ofAedesspecies, among which the sterile insect technique (SIT), which proved efficient against various insect pests and vectors. However, the ability of released irradiated sterile male mosquitoes to compete with their wild counterparts and induce sterility in wild females, which is critical to the success of this strategy, remained poorly defined. Here, we assessed the field competitiveness ofAe. albopictusirradiated male using data from six release trials implemented in Northern Italy for three years. Sterile males were capable of inducing a good level of sterility in the wild female population, however with high variability in time and space. The field competitiveness of the released males was strongly negatively correlated with the ratio of sterile to wild males. This should be taken into consideration when designing future programmes to suppress field populations ofAedesmosquitoes.