bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors of Korean American Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Park So-Hyun
Published: April 2022

Background

Breast cancer incidence has been increasing in Korean American women. However, there are limited data on Korean American breast cancer survivors’ health-promoting lifestyle behaviors. The American Cancer Society (ACS) publishes guidelines on weight, diet, physical activity, and alcohol for cancer survivors. Because of limited data on Korean American breast cancer survivors, their level of adherence to ACS guidelines is unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine Korean American breast cancer survivors’ level of adherence to ACS guidelines.

Methods

Korean American breast cancer survivors (N = 50) participated in a cross-sectional study. Diet data including alcohol consumption were collected with 4-day diet records. Physical activity data were collected with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Total score of adherence to ACS guidelines was assessed with a systematic scoring system that ranged from 0 to 8.

Results

Participants’ average body mass index was 23.7 (±2.7). Average daily serving of fruits and vegetables was 3.3 (±2.9), red meat was 0.8 (±1.5), and alcohol was 0. On average per week, participants had 51.8 (±85.2) minutes of moderate physical activity, 35 (±78.3) minutes of vigorous physical activity, and 69.1 (±73.7) minutes of walking. The average total adherence score to ACS guidelines was 5.3 (±1.3).

Conclusions

Findings indicate modest adherence to ACS guidelines, with the alcohol guideline score contributing the most and diet guideline score the least.

Implications for Practice

Findings from this study can be used to inform healthcare providers to educate Korean American breast cancer survivors on improving their diet and physical activity behaviors.
The Central Cavitation in Pulmonary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Lin Nan , Xie Hangyu , Zhang Wenjie , Ma Xuelei
Published: April 2022

Primary pulmonary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a rare type of extranodal lymphoma with PET/CT manifestations of consolidations, ground-glass opacities, and high 18F-FDG uptake. Because of its rarity and the lack of typical imaging features, it can hardly be diagnosed through PET/CT. The central cavitation was occasionally seen in pulmonary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and may be a key imaging feature in differential diagnoses. In this report, we describe an 80-year-old man diagnosed as having pulmonary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which demonstrated the central cavitation detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Genetic variation in symbiotic islands of natural variant strains of soybean Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens differing in competitiveness and in the efficiency of nitrogen fixation
Authors: Bender Flavia Raquel , Nagamatsu Sheila Tiemi , Delamuta Jakeline Renata Marçon , Ribeiro Renan Augusto , Nogueira Marco Antonio , Hungria Mariangela
Published: April 2022

Soybean is the most important legume cropped worldwide and can highly benefit from the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) process. Brazil is recognized for its leadership in the use of inoculants and two strains,

Bradyrhizobium japonicum

CPAC 15 (=SEMIA 5079) and

Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens

CPAC 7 (=SEMIA 5080) compose the majority of the 70 million doses of soybean inoculants commercialized yearly in the country. We studied a collection of natural variants of these two strains, differing in properties of competitiveness and efficiency of BNF. We sequenced the genomes of the parental strain SEMIA 566 of

B. japonicum

, of three natural variants of this strain (S 204, S 340 and S 370), and compared with another variant of this group, strain CPAC 15. We also sequenced the genome of the parental strain SEMIA 586 of

B. diazoefficiens

, of three natural variants of this strain (CPAC 390, CPAC 392 and CPAC 394) and compared with the genome of another natural variant, strain CPAC 7. As the main genes responsible for nodulation (nod, noe, nol) and BNF (nif, fix) in soybean

Bradyrhizobium

are located in symbiotic islands, our objective was to identify genetic variations located in this region, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions and deletions (indels), that could be potentially related to their different symbiotic phenotypes. We detected 44 genetic variations in the

B. japonicum

strains and three in

B. diazoefficiens

. As the

B. japonicum

strains have gone through a longer period of adaptation to the soil, the higher number of genetic variations could be explained by survival strategies under the harsh environmental conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Genetic variations were detected in genes enconding proteins such as a dephospho-CoA kinase, related to the CoA biosynthesis; a glucosamine-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase, key regulator of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway; a LysR family transcriptional regulator related to nodulation genes; and NifE and NifS proteins, directly related to the BNF process. We suggest potential genetic variations related to differences in the symbiotic phenotypes.
Impact of a Multidisciplinary Nutritional Support Team on Quality Improvement for Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Rothkopf Michael M. , Pant Mohan D. , Brown Rebecca , Haselhorst Jamie , Gagliardotto Francine , Tallman Allison , Stevenson Debbie , DePalma Andrew , Saracco Michael , Rosenberg Dan , Proudan Vladimir , Shareef Kishwar , Ayub Nudrat
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is an essential therapy for patients requiring long term nutritional support. The Amerita Quality Improvement Project for HPN Patients (QIP-PN) explored opportunities for QI for patients under its service. As a component of QIP-PN,we studied the effect of a Physician Nutrition Expert (PNE)-led multidisciplinary nutritional support team (MNST) on HPN care.

Objective

To test the effect of an MNST on adherence to protocols, outcomes and QOL in HPN.

Methods

The study was divided into 3 phases: data review (phases 1a and 1b), observation (phase 2) and intervention (phase 3). 7 Amerita branch locations were selected as “study branches” based upon their volume of long-term HPN cases. All patients in the study were drawn from this population. Since the study was part of a QI project rather than a randomized controlled study, we employed a quasi-experimental design with a case-matched control group (control). Data were collected on demographics, treating physicians PNE status, HPN care variables, recommended interventions, quality-of-life assessment, adverse outcomes and hospitalizations. Paired t-test was used to compare continuous data between phases 2 and 3. Comparison between the study and control groups utilized a negative binomial regression model. Statistical analysis utilized R (https://www.r-project.org/).

Results

34 patients were reviewed in phase 1a and 197 in phase 1b . 40 study patients completed phase 2 and progressed into phase 3, of whom 30 completed ≥60 therapy days. Improvements in weight, BMI and QOL were seen in the study patients during intervention. Recommendations made and accepted by treating physicians differed based on PNE status. Study patients had fewer adverse outcomes and related hospitalizations than controls.

Conclusion

MNST recommendations improved clinical, biochemical parameters and patients’ self-reported overall health. MNST input reduced adverse outcomes, hospitalization and hospital length of stay. This study highlights the potential for MNST to have a significant impact on the quality and overall cost of HPN management.
“Efficacy and Safety of Fixed Combination of Hydroxychloroquine with Azithromycin Versus Hydroxychloroquine and Placebo in Patients with Mild COVID-19: Randomized, double blind, Placebo controlled trial”
Authors: Roy-García Ivonne A , Moreno-Noguez Moises , Rivas-Ruiz Rodolfo , Zapata-Tarres Marta , Perez-Rodriguez Marcela , Ortiz-Zamora Magaly A , Navarro-Susano Lourdes Gabriela , Guzman-Rivas Lilia M , Garcia-Cortes Luis Rey , Palma-Lara Icela , Gutierrez-Catrellón Pedro
Published: April 2022

To determine the efficacy and safety of fixed combination of hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin (HCQ+AZT) compared to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) alone or placebo in mild COVID-19 outpatients to avoid hospitalization.

Materials and methods

This randomized, parallel, double-blind clinical trial included male and female patients aged 18 and 76 years non COVID vaccinated, who were diagnosed with mild COVID-19 infection. All patients underwent liver and kidney profile test, as well as a health questionnaire and clinical revision to document that they did not have uncontrolled comorbidities. They were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment arms: 1) hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin 200 mg/250 mg every 12 hours for five days followed by hydroxychloroquine 200 mg every 12 hours for 5 days; 2) hydroxychloroquine 200 mg every 12 hours for ten days; or 3) placebo every 12 hours for ten days. The primary outcome of the study was hospitalization, while the secondary outcomes were disease progression, pneumonia, use of supplemental oxygen, and adverse events. This study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov with the NCT number of 04964583.

Results

A total of 92 participants were randomized. Of whom, 30 received HCQ+AZT, 31 received HCQ, and 31 received placebo. The median age was 37 years, 27.2% of the participants had comorbidities, and the global incidence of hospitalization was 2.2%. The incidence of hospitalization was 6.7% (2/30) in the HCQ+AZT group compared to the HCQ or placebo groups, in which there were no hospitalizations. Progression of disease was higher in the HCQ group [RR=3.25 (95% CI, 1.19-8.87)] compared with placebo group. There was no statistical difference between the HCQ+AZT group and the placebo group in progression of disease. The incidence of pneumonia was 30% in the HCQ+AZT group, 32.2% in the HCQ group, and 9.6% in the placebo group (HCQ + AZT vs Placebo; p=0.06). There was a significant risk of pneumonia versus placebo only in the HCQ group [RR=3.33 (95% CI, 1.01-10.9)]. Supplemental oxygen was required by 20% (6/30) of the patients in the HCQ+AZT group, 6.4 (2/31) of the patients in the HCQ group, and 3.2% (1/31) of the patients in the placebo group,[(HCQ + AZT vs Placebo; p=0.100), (HCQ vs Placebo, p=0.610)]. There was no statistical difference between groups for negative test (PCR) on day 11. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms. No lengthening of the QT interval was observed in patients receiving HCQ+AZT or HCQ.

Conclusion

The use of HCQ+AZT does not decrease the risk of hospitalization in patients with mild COVID-19. The use of HCQ increases the risk of progression and pneumonia.
Pathogen detection and characterization from throat swabs using unbiased metatranscriptomic analyses
Authors: Toma Ryan , Duval Nathan , Shen Nan , Torres Pedro J. , Camacho Francine R. , Chen Jiapeng , Ogundijo Oyetunji , Banavar Guruduth , Vuyisich Momchilo
Published: April 2022

Objective

Infectious diseases are common but are not easily or readily diagnosed with current methodologies. This problem is further exacerbated with the constant presence of mutated, emerging, and novel pathogens. One of the most common sites of infection by many pathogens is the human throat. Yet, there is no universal diagnostic test that can distinguish these pathogens. Metatranscriptomic (MT) analysis of the throat represents an important and novel development in infectious disease detection and characterization, as it is able to identify all pathogens in a fully unbiased approach.

Design

To test the utility of an MT approach to pathogen detection, throat samples were collected from participants before, during, and after an acute sickness.

Results

Clear sickness-associated shifts in pathogenic microorganisms are detected in the participants along with important insights into microbial functions and antimicrobial resistance genes.

Conclusions

MT analysis of the throat represents an effective method for the unbiased identification and characterization of pathogens. Since MT data include all microorganisms in the sample, this approach should allow for not only the identification of pathogens, but also an understanding of the effects of the resident throat microbiome in the context of human health and disease.
Effect of fasting therapy on vitamin D, vitality and quality of life. A randomized control trial
Authors: Tewani Gulab Rai , Silwal Karishma , Sharma Gita , Yadav Dinesh , Siddiqui Aarfa , Kriplani Sucheta , Nathani Varsha Vijay , Sharma Neha , Keswani Jyoti , Sharma Himanshu , Nair Pradeep M.K.
Published: April 2022

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of prolonged fasting (10 days) in the vitamin D, B12 levels, body mass index (BMI), weight, hemoglobin, vitality and quality of life (QoL) compared to normal diet.

Methods

This randomized control trial included 52 participants (aged 19-74 years) randomized in to a fasting group (FG) or a normal diet group (NDG) with 26 participants in each group. The study was conducted at an in-patient setting where the FG were on a fasting diet (500 kCal/day) which included holy basil herbal tea, lemon honey juice and water (3 L). The NDG (1500 kCal/day) consumed routine diet that included Indian breads, pulses, steamed rice, vegetable salads and beverages.

Results

The FG has shown significant increase in the Vitamin D levels (p=0.003, d=0.475), vitality (p=0.006, d=0.425), physical QoL (p<0.001, d=0.549), psychological QoL (p=0.002, d=0.488), environmental QoL (p=0.004, d=0.457) compared to NDG. No significant changes were observed in Vitamin B12, weight, BMI, hemoglobin and social QoL. A weak to moderate (ρ= 0.330-0.483) positive correlation was observed between vitality scores and QoL domains, whereas BMI scores showed an inverse correlation (ρ=−0.280) with vitamin D levels.

Discussion

The results suggest that prolonged fasting can improve the vitamin D levels, vitality and promote quality life compared to normal diet. Unlike previous studies FG does not differ from NDG with respect to weight and BMI. Nevertheless, fasting may be utilized as an effective tool to tackle vitamin d deficiency and associated health insufficiencies.

Trial Registry

Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2022/02/040446.
Elevated plasma phosphorylated tau 181 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis relates to lower motor neuron dysfunction
Authors: Cousins Katheryn A.Q. , Shaw Leslie M. , Shellikeri Sanjana , Dratch Laynie , Rosario Luis , Elman Lauren B. , Quinn Colin , Amado Defne A. , Wolk David A. , Tropea Thomas F. , Chen-Plotkin Alice , Irwin David J. , Grossman Murray , Lee Edward B. , Trojanowski John Q. , McMillan Corey T.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Plasma phosphorylated tau (p-tau181) is reliably elevated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but less explored is its specificity relative to other neurodegenerative conditions. Here we find novel evidence that plasma p-tau181 is elevated in amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative condition typically lacking tau pathology. We performed a detailed clinical evaluation to unravel the potential source of this unexpected observation.

Methods

Patients were clinically or pathologically diagnosed with ALS (n=130) or AD (n=82), or were healthy non-impaired controls (n=33). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed and area under the curve (AUC) was used to discriminate AD from ALS. Within ALS, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests compared analytes by presence/absence of upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) signs. Spearman correlations tested associations between plasma p-tau181 and postmortem neuron loss.

Results

A Wilcoxon test showed plasma p-tau181 was higher in ALS than controls (W=3297, p=0.0000020), and ROC analyses showed plasma p-tau181 poorly discriminated AD and ALS (AUC=0.60). In ALS, elevated plasma p-tau181 was associated with LMN signs in cervical (W=827, p=0.0072), thoracic (W=469, p=0.00025), and lumbosacral regions (W=851, p=0.0000029). In support of LMN findings, plasma p-tau181 was associated with neuron loss in the spinal cord (rho=0.46, p=0.017), but not in the motor cortex (p=0.41). CSF p-tau181 and plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) were included as reference analytes, and demonstrate specificity of findings.

Interpretation

We found strong evidence that plasma p-tau181 is elevated in ALS and may be a novel marker specific to LMN dysfunction.
COVID-19 and Curcumin: Using VOSviewer software to explore scientific landscapes – A bibliometric analysis
Authors: El Wahab Mostafa H. Abd
Published: April 2022

Background

Curcumin is derived from Turmeric which is a spice with an old history in the oriental world. For this reason, it was a subject for continuous research over years and some studies reported preliminary positive results in arthritis and metabolic syndrome. When COVID-19 declared as a global pandemic, debates exploded again regarding its effects in mitigating deleterious effects of the viral infection. However, being a traditional remedy flooded readers with thousands of publications, some of these was scientifically rigid and others were fraudulent. We aim to use VOSviewer software to visualize scientific landscape in this topic, to highlight the trends and identify main supporting bodies.

Methods

We searched Web of Science (WOS) core collection database for publications between December 2019 and April 2022. Data collected include: year of publication, keywords, type of the document, author names, affiliations, abstracts and number of citations. VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to analyze co-citation, co-occurrence, and publication trends. Analysis considered one weight attribute which is “total link strength attributes”.

Results

A total of 205 publications (N=205) were included in the analysis. Most studies were original research articles (50.7%). Mean citation count of the top 10 cited articles was 37.9 (range 22 and 111). Country of corresponding author of these 10 studies was India in 5 (50%), Iran in 3 (30%). Organizational analysis revealed 5 Iranian universities as being the main research bodies with total link strengths (TLS) of 100. Co-occurrence of keywords identified “viral inhibition, oxidative stress, molecular docking, NF-kB pathway” as the most frequent mentioned keywords. Trend analysis showed negative trend with less publications covering this topic, chronologically.

Conclusion

Curcumin resided within the oriental tradition for years, it is no surprise that main supporting bodies were oriental. VOSviewer provides an easy, user-friendly options to handle bibliographic data.
Patient and Provider Perceptions of a Community-Based Accompaniment Intervention for Adolescents Transitioning to Adult HIV Care in Urban Peru: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Galea Jerome T. , Wong Milagros , Ninesling Brennan , Ramos Alicia , Senador Liz , Sanchez Hugo , Kolevic Lenka , Matos Eduardo , Sanchez Eduardo , Errea Renato A. , Lindeborg Andrew , Benites Carlos , Lecca Leonid , Shin Sonya , Franke Molly F.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) experience higher mortality rates compared to other age groups, exacerbated by suboptimal transition from pediatric to adult HIV care in which decreased adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and unsuppressed viremia are frequent. Care transition—a process lasting months or years—ideally prepares ALWH for adult care and can be improved by interventions that are youth-friendly and address psychosocial issues affecting ART adherence; however, such interventions are infrequently operationalized. Community-based accompaniment (CBA), in which laypeople provide individualized support and health system navigation, can improve health outcomes among adults with HIV. Here, we describe patient and provider perceptions of a novel HIV CBA intervention called “PASEO” for ALWH in Lima, Peru.

Methods

PASEO consisted of six core elements designed to support ALWH before, during, and after transition to adult HIV care. Community-based health workers provided tailored accompaniment for ALWH aged 15-21 years over 9 months, after which adolescent participants were invited to provide feedback in a focus group or in-depth interview. HIV care personnel were also interviewed to understand their perspectives on PASEO. A semi-structured interview guide probing known acceptability constructs was used. Qualitative data were analyzed using a Framework Analysis approach and emergent themes were summarized with illustrative quotes.

Results

We conducted 5 focus groups and 11 in-depth interviews among N=26 ALWH and 9 key-informant interviews with HIV care personnel. ALWH participants included those with both vertically- and behaviorally acquired HIV. ALWH praised PASEO, attributing increased ART adherence to the project. Improved mental health, independence, self-acceptance, and knowledge on how to manage their HIV were frequently cited. HIV professionals similarly voiced strong support of PASEO. Both ALWH and HIV professionals expressed hope that PASEO would be scaled. HIV professionals voiced concerns regarding financing PASEO in the future.

Conclusion

A multicomponent CBA intervention to increase ART adherence among ALWH in Peru was highly acceptable by ALWH and HIV program personnel. Future research should determine the efficacy and economic impact of the intervention.
The effect of antidepressants on severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nakhaee Hosein , Bayati Reza , Rahmanian Mohammad , Jolfayi Amir Ghaffari , Zangiabadian Moein , Rakhshanderou Sakineh
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Clinical depression and the subsequent low immunity is a comorbidity that can act as a risk factor for severity of COVID-19 cases. Antidepressants such as SSRI and SNRI are associated with immune-modulatory effects, which dismiss inflammatory response and reduce lung tissue damage. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of antidepressant drugs on prognosis and severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus up to January 16, 2022. The following keywords were used: “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “2019-nCoV”, “SSRI”, “SNRI”, “TCA”, “MAOI”, and “Antidepressant”. The pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI was assessed using a fixed or random-effect model. We considered P < 0.05 as statistically significant for publication bias. Data were analyzed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, Version 2.0 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ).

Results

Twelve studies were included in our systematic review. Three of them were experimental with 1751, and nine of them were observational with 290,950 participants. Seven out of twelve articles revealed the effect of antidepressants on reducing severity of COVID-19. SSRI medications, including Fluvoxamine, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, and Paroxetine and also among the SNRI drugs Venlafaxine are also reasonably associated with reduced risk of intubation or death. There were four studies showing no significant effect and one study showing the negative effect of antidepressants on prognosis of covid-19. The meta-analysis on clinical trials showed that fluvoxamine could significantly decrease the severity outcomes of COVID-19 (RR: 0.745; 95% CI: 0.580-0.956)

Conclusions

Most of the evidence supports that the use of antidepressant medications, mainly Fluvoxamine may decrease the severity and improve the outcome in hospitalizes patients with sars-cov-2. Some studies showed contradictory findings regarding the effects of antidepressants on severity of COVID-19. Further experimental studies should be conducted to clarify the effects of antidepressants on severity of COVID-19.
An umbrella review of the evidence linking oral health and systemic health: from the prevalence to clinical and circulating markers
Authors: Botelho João , Mascarenhas Paulo , Viana João , Proença Luís , Orlandi Marco , Leira Yago , Chambrone Leandro , Mendes José João , Machado Vanessa
Published: April 2022

Oral conditions are highly prevalent worldwide. Recent studies have been supporting a potential bidirectional association of oral disorders with systemic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Robust evidence supports the greater prevalence of oral conditions in people suffering from NCDs limiting the ability of oral self-care. As for the relationship with other NCDs, the lines of evidence have increased exponentially but not always with the proper coherence. This umbrella review of meta-analyses appraises the strength and validity of the evidence for the association between oral health and systemic health. An extensive search included systematic reviews that have provided meta-analytic estimates on the association of an oral condition with a NCD. The overall strength of evidence was found to be unfavorable and with methodological inconsistencies. Twenty-two NCDs, four types of cancer and circulating levels of CRP were strongly associated with oral diseases. Among the significant NCDs are diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, depression, neurodegenerative conditions, rheumatic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric helicobacter pylori, stroke, obesity, diabetes mellitus or asthma. Most evidence is unlikely to change which indicates a relatively robust consistency of the available body of evidence.
A meta-epidemiological assessment of transparency indicators of infectious disease models
Authors: Zavalis Emmanuel A. , Ioannidis John P.A.
Published: April 2022

Mathematical models have become very influential, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data and code sharing are indispensable for reproducing them, protocol registration may be useful sometimes, and declarations of conflicts of interest (COIs) and of funding are quintessential for transparency. Here, we evaluated these features in publications of infectious disease-related models and assessed whether there were differences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and for COVID-19 models versus models for other diseases. We analysed all PubMed Central open access publications of infectious disease models published in 2019 and 2021 using previously validated text mining algorithms of transparency indicators. We evaluated 1338 articles: 216 from 2019 and 1122 from 2021 (of which 818 were on COVID-19); almost a six-fold increase in publications within the field. 511 (39.2%) were compartmental models, 337 (25.2%) were time series, 279 (20.9%) were spatiotemporal, 186 (13.9%) were agent-based and 25 (1.9%) contained multiple model types. 288 (21.5%) articles shared code, 332 (24.8%) shared data, 6 (0.4%) were registered, and 1197 (89.5%) and 1109 (82.9%) contained COI and funding statements, respectively. There was no major changes in transparency indicators between 2019 and 2021. COVID-19 articles were less likely to have funding statements and more likely to share code. Manual assessment of 10% of the articles that were identified by the text mining algorithms as fulfilling transparency indicators showed that 24/29 (82.8%) actually shared code, 29/33 (87.9%) actually shared data; and all had COI and funding statements, but 95.8% disclosed no conflict and 11.7% reported no funding. On manual assessment, 5/6 articles identified as registered had indeed been registered. Transparency in infectious disease modelling is relatively low, especially for data and code sharing. This is concerning, considering the nature of this research and the heightened influence it has acquired.
Profile of Brazilian inpatients with COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection and risk factors for unfavorable outcome
Authors: de Jesus Matheus A. S , Hojo-Souza Natália S. , de Moraes Thiago R. , Guidoni Daniel L. , de Souza Fernanda S. H
Published: April 2022

Objective

To characterize the epidemiological and clinical profile of individuals more likely to become infected by SARS-CoV-2 after the fully vaccination schedule in order to profile priority groups to receive a booster dose in situations of vaccine doses shortage as well as for maintenance of personal protective care.

Methods

Data from hospitalized COVID-19 patients who had been fully vaccinated and had a SARS-CoV-2 infection positive diagnosis were collected from the SIVEP-Gripe database (Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System) from January 18, 2021 to September 15, 2021. Demographic data, clinical symptoms/signs and preexisting medical conditions (comorbidities) were analyzed. The primary outcome was in-hospital death.

Results

The majority of hospitalized patients with vaccine breakthrough infection were elderly ≥ 60 years old, male, with critical or severe COVID-19. The fatality rate was extremely high (50.27%) and more pronounced in elderly groups. The most prevalent symptoms were cough, dyspnoea, respiratory distress, and low blood oxygen saturation. The most frequent comorbidities were heart disease and diabetes. High fatality rates were observed among patients admitted to the intensive care units (72.88%) and those who required invasive mechanical ventilation (87.82%). The main risk factors for an unfavorable outcome were older age, respiratory compromise, inactivated virus vaccine immunization, and preexisting medical conditions.

Conclusions

We characterize the profile of hospitalized Brazilian patients with COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection and the risk factors for an unfavorable outcome. These data have made it possible to identify priority groups to receive a booster dose, in addition to not neglecting personal protection.
Longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and self-directed passive aggression: A random intercept cross-lagged panel analysis
Authors: Schanz Christian G. , Equit Monika , Schäfer Sarah K. , Michael Tanja
Published: April 2022

Background

Self-directed passive aggression (SD-PAB) is defined as any behaviour harming one-self by inactivity and omission of own needs. Depressive disorders are a severe mental disorder that results from the interaction between stress exposure, coping strategies, and vulnerability. Previous cross-sectional studies found SD-PAB to be associated with depressive symptoms and to represent a mediator of the relationship between cognitive risk factors and depressive symptoms. Therefore, SD-PAB may be a potential target of prevention or treatment in the context of depressive disorders. However, prospective studies on the relationship between depressive symptoms and SD-PAB are lacking. The current study aimed at closing this gap by examining the associations of subjective stress, SD-PAB, and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally and over time.

Method

In two assessment cohorts students participated three times [M1: start of the semester (n = 352); M2: start of the exam period (n = 293); M3 = end of the exam period (n = 276)] in an online survey (depressive symptoms; self-perceived stress; SD-PAB). Cross-sectional data was analysed using regression models. Longitudinal data was analysed using Random Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Models.

Results

Across all time points, SD-PAB demonstrated a unique cross-sectional association with depressive symptoms when controlled for self-perceived stress (β = .27 – .33; all p’s < .001). Furthermore, at M2 [β = .14, t(289) = 3.71, p < .001] and M3 [β = .15, t(272) = 3.51, p < .001] the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-perceived stress was stronger for individuals reporting higher levels of SD-PAB. Depressive symptoms at M1 are a marginal significant predictor of SD-PAB at M2 (β = .31; p = .067) and depressive symptoms at M2 are a marginal significant predictor for SD-PAB at M3 (β = .17; p = .074). However, there was no evidence for SD-PAB predicting the course of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

SD-PAB may represent a symptom of depressive disorders and a moderator of unsuccessful stress coping but does not predict the course of depressive symptoms over time.
Malaria and typhoid fever coinfection among patients presenting with febrile illnesses in Ga West Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Rufai Tanko , Aninagyei Enoch , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Ayin Christian Teye-Muno , Nortey Priscillia , Quansah Reginald , Cudjoe Francis Samuel , Tei-Maya Ernest , Duah Junior Isaiah Osei , Danso-Appiah Anthony
Published: April 2022

Background

Malaria and typhoid fever coinfection presents major public health problems especially in the tropics and sub-tropics where malaria and typhoid fever are co-endemic. Clinicians often treat both infections concurrently without laboratory confirmation. However, concurrent treatment has public health implications as irrational use of antibiotics or anti-malarials may lead to the emergence of drug resistance, unnecessary cost and exposure of patients to unnecessary side effects. This study determined the proportion of febrile conditions attributable to either malaria and/or typhoid fever and the susceptibility patterns of Salmonella spp. isolates to commonly used antimicrobial agents in Ghana.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-seven (157) febrile patients attending the Ga West Municipal Hospital, Ghana, from February to May 2017 were sampled. Blood samples were collected for cultivation of pathogenic bacteria and the susceptibility of the Salmonella isolates to antimicrobial agents was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with antibiotic discs on Müller Hinton agar plates. For each sample, conventional Widal tests for the detection of Salmonella spp were done as well as blood film preparation for detection of Plasmodium spp. Data on the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were collected using an android technology software kobo-collect by interview. Data were analyzed using Stata version 13 statistical Software. Logistic regression models were run to determine odds ratio (OR) and the direction of association between dependent and independent variables, setting p-value at <0.05 for statistical significance.

Results

Of the total number of patients aged 2–37 years (median age = 6 years, IQR 3–11), 82 (52.2%) were females. The proportion of febrile patients with falciparum malaria were 57/157 (36.3%), while Salmonella typhi O and H antigens were detected in 23/157 (14.6%) of the samples. The detection rate of Salmonella spp in febrile patients was 10/157 (6.4%). Malaria and typhoid fever coinfection using Widal test and blood culture was 9 (5.7%) and 3 (1.9%), respectively. The isolates were highly susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin but resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol, and meropenem.

Conclusion

Plasmodium falciparum and Salmonella spp coinfections were only up to 1.9%, while malaria and typhoid fever, individually, were responsible for 36.3% and 6.4%, respectively. Treatment of febrile conditions must be based on laboratory findings in order not to expose patients to unnecessary side effects of antibiotics and reduce the emergence and spread of drug resistance against antibiotics.
Significance and clinical suggestions for the Somatosensory Evoked Potentials increased in amplitude revealed by a large sample of neurological patients
Authors: Sebastiano Davide Rossi , Cazzato Daniele , Visani Elisa , Bella Eleonora Dalla , Brambilla Laura , Devigili Grazia , Caroppo Paola , Maggi Lorenzo , Nanetti Lorenzo , Salsano Ettore , Canafoglia Laura , Canavero Isabella , Anghileri Elena , Bonfoco Deborah , Lanteri Paola
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between N20-P25 peak-to-peak amplitude (N20p-P25p) of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEPs) and the occurrence of abnormalities of the peripheral and/or central sensory pathways and of myoclonus/epilepsy, in 308 patients with increased SEPs amplitude from upper limbs stimulation

Methods

We compared cortical response (N20p-P25p) in different groups of patients identified by demographic, clinical and neurophysiological factors and performed a cluster analysis for classifying the natural occurrence of subgroups of patients.

Results

No significant differences of N20p-P25p were found among different age-dependent groups, and in patients with or without PNS/CNS abnormalities of sensory pathways, while myoclonic/epileptic patients showed higher N20p-P25p than other groups. Cluster analysis identified four clusters including patients with myoclonus/epilepsy, patients with central sensory abnormalities, patients with peripheral sensory abnormalities, patients with neither myoclonus nor sensory abnormalities.

Conclusions

Increased N20p-P25p correlated to different pathophysiological conditions: strong cortical hyperexcitability in patients with cortical myoclonus and/or epilepsy and enlarged N20p-P25p, while milder increase of N20p-P25p could be underpinned by plastic cortical changes following abnormalities of sensory pathways, or degenerative process involving the cortex. SEPs increased in amplitude cannot be considered a specific correlated for myoclonus/epilepsy, but it in several neurological disorders may represent a sign of adaptive, plastic and/or degenerative cortical changes.
Regulation of Store-Operated Ca2+Entry by IP3Receptors Independent of Their Ability to Release Ca2+
Authors: Chakraborty Pragnya , Deb Bipan Kumar , Arige Vikas , Musthafa Thasneem , Malik Sundeep , Yule David I , Taylor Colin W. , Hasan Gaiti
Published: April 2022

Loss of endoplasmic reticular (ER) Ca2+activates store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE) by causing the ER localized Ca2+sensor STIM to unfurl domains that activate Orai channels in the plasma membrane at membrane contact sites (MCS). Here we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which the inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), an ER-localized IP3-gated Ca2+channel, regulates neuronal SOCE. In human neurons, SOCE evoked by pharmacological depletion of ER-Ca2+is attenuated by loss of IP3Rs, and restored by expression of IP3Rs even when they cannot release Ca2+, but only if the IP3Rs can bind IP3. Imaging studies demonstrate that IP3Rs enhance association of STIM1 with Orai1 in neuronal cells with empty stores; this requires an IP3-binding site, but not a pore. Convergent regulation by IP3Rs, may tune neuronal SOCE to respond selectively to receptors that generate IP3.
Mondo: Unifying diseases for the world, by the world
Authors: Vasilevsky Nicole A , Matentzoglu Nicolas A , Toro Sabrina , Flack Joseph E , Hegde Harshad , Unni Deepak R , Alyea Gioconda F , Amberger Joanna S , Babb Larry , Balhoff James P , Bingaman Taylor I , Burns Gully A , Buske Orion J , Callahan Tiffany J , Carmody Leigh C , Cordo Paula Carrio , Chan Lauren E , Chang George S , Christiaens Sean L , Dumontier Michel , Failla Laura E , Flowers May J , Garrett H. Alpha , Goldstein Jennifer L , Gration Dylan , Groza Tudor , Hanauer Marc , Harris Nomi L , Hilton Jason A , Himmelstein Daniel S , Hoyt Charles Tapley , Kane Megan S , Köhler Sebastian , Lagorce David , Lai Abbe , Larralde Martin , Lock Antonia , López Santiago Irene , Maglott Donna R , Malheiro Adriana J , Meldal Birgit H M , Munoz-Torres Monica C , Nelson Tristan H , Nicholas Frank W , Ochoa David , Olson Daniel P , Oprea Tudor I , Osumi-Sutherland David , Parkinson Helen , Pendlington Zoë May , Rath Ana , Rehm Heidi L , Remennik Lyubov , Riggs Erin R , Roncaglia Paola , Ross Justyne E , Shadbolt Marion F , Shefchek Kent A , Similuk Morgan N , Sioutos Nicholas , Smedley Damian , Sparks Rachel , Stefancsik Ray , Stephan Ralf , Storm Andrea L , Stupp Doron , Stupp Gregory S , Sundaramurthi Jagadish Chandrabose , Tammen Imke , Tay Darin , Thaxton Courtney L , Valasek Eloise , Valls-Margarit Jordi , Wagner Alex H , Welter Danielle , Whetzel Patricia L , Whiteman Lori L , Wood Valerie , Xu Colleen H , Zankl Andreas , Zhang Xingmin Aaron , Chute Christopher G , Robinson Peter N , Mungall Christopher J , Hamosh Ada , Haendel Melissa A
Published: April 2022

There are thousands of distinct disease entities and concepts, each of which are known by different and sometimes contradictory names. The lack of a unified system for managing these entities poses a major challenge for both machines and humans that need to harmonize information to better predict causes and treatments for disease. The Mondo Disease Ontology is an open, community-driven ontology that integrates key medical and biomedical terminologies, supporting disease data integration to improve diagnosis, treatment, and translational research. Mondo records the sources of all data and is continually updated, making it suitable for research and clinical applications that require up-to-date disease knowledge.
Hair concentrations of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis consumers psychiatric patients
Authors: Barguil Yann , Chiaradia Laura , Southwell Guy , Charlot Jean-Yves
Published: April 2022

Among young consumers of cannabis, a brief psychotic disorder (BPD) can be either the clinical manifestation of acute cannabis psychosis (ACP) or an announcement of schizophrenia’s onset. Clinicians are faced with the difficulty of making a differential diagnosis between disorders of the schizophrenic field and disorders induced by cannabis. To date, no clinical or even less paraclinical criteria have made it possible to differentiate syndromes whose prognoses and management are different. Since 2010, we measured delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in head hair among New Caledonian patients, all cannabis consumers (n = 256). We wanted to determine if these patients, cannabis users, suffering from different mental pathologies, present particular phenotypes of capillary cannabinoid concentrations (THC and CBD). At the time of initial psychiatric consultation, a sample of 3 cm proximal length of head hair was prepared for analysis, and THC and CBD were then assayed by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (Limit Of Quantitation: 0.05 ng/mg). At the end of the 6 months medico-psychologic follow-up from the initial evaluation, four groups of cannabis users were identified according to the final psychiatric diagnosis: control, acute cannabis psychosis (ACP), chronic psychosis (CP), and other personality disorders (OPD) groups. In this study, a high hair level of THC detected (> 0.7 ng/mg) associated with a low hair CBD/THC ratio (< 0.26) are two parameters that taken together could be good markers of CP development. For OPD and ACP, hair CBD/THC ratios were higher in the ACP group (> 0.43) than in the OPD group (< 0.32). This study highlights, once again, the protective role of CBD against the deleterious effects of THC. In association with clinical evaluation, this toxicological approach could be helpful for psychiatric diagnosis and would allow early management of BPD in cannabis consumers. For a consumer who does not present with a psychiatric disorder, it could give an information about the possibility of belonging to a group of patients at high risk of psychiatric decompensation. This provides an additional argument for efforts to control cannabis consumption by patients.
Expression quantitative trait methylation analysis elucidates gene regulatory effects of DNA methylation: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Keshawarz Amena , Bui Helena , Joehanes Roby , Ma Jiantao , Liu Chunyu , Huan Tianxiao , Hwang Shih-Jen , Tejada Brandon , Sooda Meera , Courchesne Paul , Munson Peter J. , Demirkale Cumhur Y. , Yao Chen , Heard-Costa Nancy L. , Pitsillides Achilleas N. , Lin Honghuan , Liu Ching-Ti , Wang Yuxuan , Peloso Gina M. , Lundin Jessica , Haessler Jeffrey , Du Zhaohui , Cho Michael , Hersh Craig P. , Castaldi Peter , Raffield Laura M. , Wen Jia , Li Yun , Reiner Alexander P. , Feolo Mike , Sharopova Nataliya , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Silverman Edwin K. , DeMeo Dawn L. , Carson April P. , Kooperberg Charles , Levy Daniel
Published: April 2022

Background

Expression quantitative trait methylation (eQTM) analysis identifies DNA CpG sites at which methylation is associated with gene expression and may reveal molecular mechanisms of disease. The present study describes an eQTM resource of CpG-transcript pairs.

Methods

DNA methylation was measured in blood samples from 1,045 Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants using the Illumina 450K BeadChip and in 1,070 FHS participants using the Illumina EPIC array. Blood gene expression data were collected from all 2,115 participants using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The association between DNA methylation and gene expression was quantified for all cis (i.e., within 1Mb) and trans (>1Mb) CpG-transcript pairs. Significant results (p<1E-7 for cis and <1E-14 for trans) were subsequently tested for enrichment of biological pathways and of clinical traits.

Results

We identified 70,047 significant cis CpG-transcript pairs where the top most significant eGenes (i.e., gene transcripts associated with a CpG) were enriched in biological pathways related to cell signaling, and for 1,208 clinical traits (enrichment false discovery rate [FDR] ≤ 0.05). We also identified 246,667 significant trans CpG-transcript pairs where the top most significant eGenes were enriched in biological pathways related to activation of the immune response, and for 1,191 clinical traits (enrichment FDR ≤ 0.05). Using significant cis CpG-transcript pairs, we identified significant mediation of the association between CpG sites and cardiometabolic traits through gene expression and identified shared genetic regulation between CpGs and transcripts associated with these cardiometabolic traits.

Conclusions

We developed a robust and powerful resource of eQTM CpG-transcript pairs that can help inform future functional studies that seek to understand the molecular basis of disease.
Parent-reported assessment scores reflect ASD severity in 2- to 7- year-old children
Authors: Jagadeesan Priyanka , Kabbani Adam , Vyshedskiy Andrey
Published: April 2022

We investigated the relationship between parent-reported assessments and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity. Parents evaluated 9573 children with ASD on five subscales: combinatorial receptive language, expressive language, sociability, sensory awareness, and health using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC). Scores in every subscale improved with age and there were clear differences between the three diagnostic categories. The differences between mild and moderate ASD as well as between moderate and severe ASD reached statistical significance in each subscale and in every age group in children 3 years of age and older. These findings demonstrate a consistent relationship between children’s diagnoses and their assessments.