bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroid Administration Is Associated With Improved Outcome in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Chopra Amit , Chieng Hau C. , Austin Adam , Tiwari Anupama , Mehta Swati , Nautiyal Amit , Al-Tarbsheh Ali Hani , Jain Esha , Feustel Paul J. , Shkolnik Boris , Jaitovich Ariel
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To compare the clinical outcome of mechanically ventilated patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related acute respiratory distress syndrome, who received corticosteroid with those who did not.

Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Setting:

Intensive care setting.

Patients:

All adult mechanically ventilated patients, who were admitted to the ICU between March 20, 2020, and May 10, 2020, for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Cohort was divided into two groups based on corticosteroid administration. The primary outcome variable was ventilator-free days at day 28. Secondary outcome variable was ICU-free days at day 30, and hospital-free days at day 30. Consecutive 61 mechanically ventilated patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related acute respiratory distress syndrome were analyzed. Patient in corticosteroid group as compared with noncorticosteroid group have higher 28-day ventilator-free days (mean, 10.2; median, 7 [interquartile range, 0–22.3] vs mean, 4.7; median, 0 [interquartile range, 0–11]; p = 0.01).There was no significant difference noted in secondary outcomes (ICU-free days at day 30 and hospital-free days at day 30).

Conclusions:

Among mechanically ventilated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, corticosteroids use was associated with significant improvement in 28-day ventilator-free days at day 28, but no significant improvement in ICU-free days at day 30, and hospital-free days at day 30.
A Phase I, Dose Escalation, Single Dose Trial of Oral Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium Containing Human IL-2 in Patients With Metastatic Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Gniadek Thomas J. , Augustin Lance , Schottel Janet , Leonard Arnold , Saltzman Daniel , Greeno Edward , Batist Gerald
Published: June 2020

Salmonella has been shown to preferentially colonize solid tumors. It is known that toxicity limits the systemic administration of immunomodulatory cytokines that have a significant anticancer effect. Therefore, we tested a unique cancer treatment strategy comprised of oral delivery of Saltikva, an attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium that contain the human gene for interleukin-2. In preclinical experimentation, a significant antitumor effect without toxicity was observed. A dose escalation, single dose, Phase I trial was conducted. Dose escalation (105 to 1010) while monitoring for dose limiting toxicity and response was performed. Flow cytometry was conducted to determine the immunologic effect. In total 22 patients were administered Saltikva. Eight patients did not complete the trial. No toxicity or adverse events were observed. There was no survival advantage. Flow cytometry demonstrated an increase in circulating natural killer (NK) cells and NK-T cells when comparing the prestudy period. The results of this phase I dose escalation study show that oral attenuated S. typhimurium containing the human interleukin-2 gene caused no significant toxicities up to doses of 1010 colony forming unit. There was no evidence of partial or complete response. All patients had progressive disease and eventually succumbed to their illness. Although no survival advantage was seen in this single dose study, the statistically significant increase in circulating NK and NK-T cell demonstrates an immunologic effect from this treatment regimen and suggest that a multiple dose study should be undertaken.
Intervention study of the effect of insulation retrofitting on home blood pressure in winter: a nationwide Smart Wellness Housing survey
Authors: Umishio Wataru , Ikaga Toshiharu , Kario Kazuomi , Fujino Yoshihisa , Hoshi Tanji , Ando Shintaro , Suzuki Masaru , Yoshimura Takesumi , Yoshino Hiroshi , Murakami Shuzo
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The WHO's Housing and health guidelines (2018) listed ‘low indoor temperatures and insulation’ as one of five priority areas, and indicated insulation retrofitting to help mitigate the effect of low indoor temperatures on health. However, there is still not enough evidence for the effect of insulation retrofitting based on an objective index.

Methods:

We conducted a nonrandomized controlled trial comparing home blood pressure (HBP) between insulation retrofitting (942 households and 1578 participants) and noninsulation retrofitting groups (67 households and 107 participants). HBP and indoor temperature were measured for 2 weeks before and after the intervention in winter. To examine the influence of insulation retrofitting on HBP, we used multiple linear regression analysis.

Results:

The analyses showed that indoor temperature in the morning rose by 1.4°C after insulation retrofitting, despite a slight decrease in outdoor temperature by 0.2°C. Insulation retrofitting significantly reduced morning home SBP (HSBP) by 3.1 mmHg [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.5–4.6], morning home DBP (HDBP) by 2.1 mmHg (95% CI: 1.1–3.2), evening HSBP by 1.8 mmHg (95% CI: 0.2–3.4) and evening HDBP by 1.5 mmHg (95% CI: 0.4–2.6). In addition, there was a dose–response relationship between indoor temperature and HBP, indicating the effectiveness of a significant improvement in the indoor thermal environment. Furthermore, there was heterogeneity in the effect of insulation retrofitting on morning HSBP in hypertensive patients compared with normotensive occupants (–7.7 versus –2.2 mmHg, P for interaction = 0.043).

Conclusion:

Insulation retrofitting significantly reduced HBP and was more beneficial for reducing the morning HSBP of hypertensive patients.
iStent Inject (Second-generation Trabecular Microbypass) Versus Nonpenetrating Deep Sclerectomy in Association With Phacoemulsification for the Surgical Treatment of Open-angle Glaucoma and Cataracts: 1-Year Results
Authors: Paletta Guedes Ricardo A. , Gravina Daniela M. , Paletta Guedes Vanessa M. , Chaoubah Alfredo
Published: June 2020

Precis:

Both nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) and iStent inject are safe and effective when combined with phacoemulsification. The NPDS group presented lower final intraocular pressure (IOP); however, more postoperative intervention and longer recovery time was required.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the 1-year efficacy and safety of second-generation trabecular microbypass stent implantation (iStent inject) versus NPDS in association with phacoemulsification (Phaco) for the concomitant surgical treatment of open-angle glaucoma and cataracts.

Materials and Methods:

This was a single-center longitudinal retrospective comparative study of eyes treated with Phaco-NPDS, with adjunctive use of collagen matrix implant and mitomycin C (group 1), or Phaco-iStent inject (group 2). The main outcome measures were success rates [absolute success: proportion of eyes with IOP<18 mm Hg without any glaucoma medication; relative success: proportion of eyes achieving different target IOPs (<18; <15; and <12 mm Hg) with or without medication]; mean reduction (%) in IOP and medication use; number of postoperative reinterventions (goniopuncture, needling, and reoperation); and number of complications.

Results:

The mean age (y) was 69.3 in group 1 and 72.7 in group 2. Groups 1 (n=51) and 2 (n=32) achieved absolute success rates of 74.5% and 81.3%, respectively (P=0.333). Concerning relative success rates, no significant difference was found for IOP<18 mm Hg or an IOP<15 mm Hg between the 2 groups. However, significantly more eyes achieved an IOP <12 mm Hg in the Phaco-NPDS group. The mean percentage of IOP reduction from baseline to the end of follow-up was also statistically higher in group 1 (39.9% vs. 24.5%). Both groups achieved similar results in the mean reduction of medications per eye. No significant complications were found in either group, but patients in group 1 required more postoperative intervention than group 2.

Conclusions:

Both techniques are safe and effective for the concomitant surgical treatment of open-angle glaucoma and cataracts and presented comparable relative success rates at different target IOP levels (<18 and <15 mm Hg). A larger proportion of patients in group 1 achieved a target IOP <12 mm Hg; however, more postoperative intervention was required.
Advances in Imaging of Diffuse Parenchymal Liver Disease
Authors: Ghadimi Maryam , Habibabadi Roya Rezvani , Hazhirkarzar Bita , Shaghaghi Mohammadreza , Ameli Sanaz , Khoshpouri Pegah , Ghasabeh Mounes Aliyari , Gurakar Ahmet , Pawlik Timothy M. , Kamel Ihab R.
Published: June 2020

There are >1.5 billion people with chronic liver disease worldwide, causing liver diseases to be a significant global health issue. Diffuse parenchymal liver diseases, including hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, metabolic diseases, and hepatitis cause chronic liver injury and may progress to fibrosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. As early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases impact the progression and outcome, the need for assessment of the liver parenchyma has increased. While the current gold standard for evaluation of the hepatic parenchymal tissue, biopsy has disadvantages and limitations. Consequently, noninvasive methods have been developed based on serum biomarkers and imaging techniques. Conventional imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging provide noninvasive options for assessment of liver tissue. However, several recent advances in liver imaging techniques have been introduced. This review article focuses on the current status of imaging methods for diffuse parenchymal liver diseases assessment including their diagnostic accuracy, advantages and disadvantages, and comparison between different techniques.
Immune Response to Vaccination in Children and Young People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Dembiński Łukasz , Dziekiewicz Marcin , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess immune response to vaccination in children and young people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In patients with IBDs, both the disease itself and its treatment can affect the vaccine response.

Methods:

Medical databases were searched for relevant studies and statistical analysis was performed. As a result, 20 publications were included in the study, 9 of which met the criteria for the meta‐analysis.

Results:

The immune response to vaccination was better in healthy subjects (odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.45–1.17) and patients without immunosuppressive treatment (odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval = 0.41–1.03), but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Immunogenicity of vaccinations in children and young people with IBD is not significantly lower than it is in healthy ones. Immune response to vaccination in this group of patients is also not significantly lower in patients on immunosuppressive therapy than in those without it.
Integrative Review of Gut Microbiota and Expression of Symptoms Associated With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Sealschott Stephanie D. , Pickler Rita H. , Fortney Christine A. , Bailey Michael T.
Published: June 2020

Background

Neonatal exposure and subsequent withdrawal from maternal substance use disorder are a growing problem and consequence of the current opioid epidemic. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is defined by a specified cluster of symptoms with treatment guided by the expression and severity of these symptoms. The mechanisms or pathophysiology contributing to the development of NAS symptoms are not well known, but one factor that may influence NAS symptoms is the gut microbiota.

Objectives

The purpose of this integrative review was to examine evidence that might show if and how the gut microbiota influence expression and severity of symptoms similar to those seen in NAS.

Methods

Using published guidelines, a review of research studies that focused on the gut microbiome and symptoms similar to those seen in NAS was conducted, using the Cochrane, EMBASE, and Scopus databases, from 2009 through 2019.

Results

The review results included findings of aberrant microbial diversity, differences in microbial communities between study groups, and associations between specific taxa and symptoms. In studies involving interventions, there were reports of improved microbial diversity, community structure, and symptoms.

Discussion

The review findings provide evidence that the gut microbiota may play a role in modifying variability in the expression and severity of symptoms associated with NAS. Future research should focus on examining the gut microbiota in infants with and without the syndrome as well as exploring the relationship between symptom expression and aberrant gut microbiota colonization in infants with NAS.
The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system: how it has improved glycaemic control for people with type 1 diabetes in Eastern Cheshire, UK
Authors: Yadegarfar Ghasem , Anderson Simon G. , Khawaja Zohaib , Cortes Gabriela , Leivesley Kathryn , Metters Ann , Horne Linda , Steele Tom , Heald Adrian H.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Many people with type 1 diabetes continue to run high HbA1c levels with associated elevated risk of cardiovascular events and increased mortality. We describe here how use of the FreeStyle Libre flash monitor has improved the glycaemic control of many people with type 1 diabetes where the new technology has been intensively deployed.

Methods

We report the outcomes of 92 consecutive adults (18 years of age or more) with type 1 diabetes who have begun using the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitor in East Cheshire, UK. Initiation was with education and support from one of the diabetes specialist nurses. An HbA1c of 60 mmol/mol (7.6%) was taken as the threshold for suboptimal glycaemic control.

Results

The mean cohort age was 43 years for men and 39 years for women (overall range 17–83 years). In 92 consecutive users, HbA1c decreased by an average of 10.7 mmol/mol (0.98%) after 3 months, and by 16.1 mmol/mol (1.47%) after 6 months. There was also a narrowing of the distribution of HbA1c, with many fewer people running high HbA1c ≥80 mmol/mol (9.5%). After the 6-month follow-up, two 2/92 users did not wish to continue with the monitoring.

Conclusion

Flash glucose monitoring has great potential for the management of type 1 diabetes in the adult population and improving metabolic control/quality of life for people across the world. The technology provides significantly more data than the intermittent results obtained by traditional subcutaneous blood glucose monitoring, which may not capture intervals of extreme variability or nocturnal events.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists and reversal of vascular degeneration through DNA repair, a step toward drug-induced regenerative medicine
Authors: Afdal Peter , Ismail Habiba-Allah , Ashraf Mirette , Hafez Nada , Nasry Nardine , Hafez Nouran , Youssef Nourhan , Samy Nourhan , Saeed Rana , AbdelMassih Antoine Fakhry
Published: June 2020

Endothelial dysfunction with subsequent degeneration and vasoocclusive remodeling is the hallmark of many cardiovascular disorders including pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). To date, the available treatments slows disease progression but does not prevent deterioration. Reversing such pathologies would spare many patients risky surgeries and long waiting lists for a possible organ donor. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists were first introduced as sole insulin sensitizers, however, there is increasing body of evidence that they have different actions on DNA which might help reverse vascular degeneration. This effect appears to be mainly achieved through enhancement of DNA damage responses (DDR). The aforementioned effect could offer new insights about repurposing drugs for achieving organ or tissue regeneration, an understudied field named drug-induced regenerative medicine.
Biomimicry of iridescent, patterned insect cuticles: comparison of biological and synthetic, cholesteric microcells using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Jullien Aurélie , Neradovskiy Maxim , Scarangella Adriana , Mitov Michel
Published: June 2020

Biological systems inspire the design of multifunctional materials and devices. However, current synthetic replicas rarely capture the range of structural complexity observed in natural materials. Prior to the definition of a biomimetic design, a dual investigation with a common set of criteria for comparing the biological material and the replica is required. Here, we deal with this issue by addressing the non-trivial case of insect cuticles tessellated with polygonal microcells with iridescent colours due to the twisted cholesteric organization of chitin fibres. By using hyperspectral imaging within a common methodology, we compare, at several length scales, the textural, structural and spectral properties of the microcells found in the two-band cuticle of the scarab beetleChrysina gloriosawith those of the polygonal texture formed in flat films of cholesteric liquid crystal oligomers. The hyperspectral imaging technique offers a unique opportunity to reveal the common features and differences in the spectral-spatial signatures of biological and synthetic samples at a 6-nm spectral resolution over 400 nm–1000 nm and a spatial resolution of 150 nm. The biomimetic design of chiral tessellations is relevant to the field of non-specular properties such as deflection and lensing in geometric phase planar optics.
Population-level effects of acoustic disturbance in Atlantic cod: a size-structured analysis based on energy budgets
Authors: Soudijn Floor H. , van Kooten Tobias , Slabbekoorn Hans , de Roos André M.
Published: June 2020

Anthropogenic underwater noise may negatively affect marine animals. Yet, while fishes are highly sensitive to sounds, effects of acoustic disturbances on fishes have not been extensively studied at the population level. In this study, we use a size-structured model based on energy budgets to analyse potential population-level effects of anthropogenic noise on Atlantic cod (
Gadus morhua
). Using the model framework, we assess the impact of four possible effect pathways of disturbance on the cod population growth rate. Through increased stress, changes in foraging and movement behaviour, and effects on the auditory system, anthropogenic noise can lead to (i) increased energy expenditure, (ii) reduced food intake, (iii) increased mortality, and (iv) reduced reproductive output. Our results show that population growth rates are particularly sensitive to changes in energy expenditure and food intake because they indirectly affect the age of maturation, survival and fecundity. Sub-lethal effects of sound exposure may thus affect populations of cod and fishes with similar life histories more than lethal effects of sound exposure. Moreover, anthropogenic noise may negatively affect populations when causing persistent increases of energy expenditure or decreases of food intake. Effects of specific acoustic pollutants on energy acquisition and expenditure should therefore be further investigated.
Cross-ecosystem bottlenecks alter reciprocal subsidies within meta-ecosystems
Authors: Klemmer Amanda J. , Galatowitsch Mark L. , McIntosh Angus R.
Published: June 2020

Reciprocal subsidies link ecosystems into meta-ecosystems, but energy transfer to organisms that do not cross boundaries may create sinks, reducing reciprocal subsidy transfer. We investigated how the type of subsidy and top predator presence influenced reciprocal flows of energy, by manipulating the addition of terrestrial leaf and terrestrial insect subsidies to experimental freshwater pond mesocosms with and without predatory fish. Over 18 months, fortnightly addition of subsidies (terrestrial beetle larvae) to top-predators was crossed with monthly addition of subsidies (willow leaves) to primary consumers in mesocosms with and without top predators (upland bullies) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design in four replicate blocks. Terrestrial insect subsidies increased reciprocal flows, measured as the emergence of aquatic insects out of mesocosms, but leaf subsidies dampened those effects. However, the presence of fish and snails, consumers with no terrestrial life stage, usurped and retained the energy within in the aquatic ecosystem, creating a cross-ecosystem bottleneck to energy flow. Thus, changes in species composition of donor or recipient food webs within a meta-ecosystems can alter reciprocal subsidies through cross-ecosystem bottlenecks.
Comparative transcriptomics of the venoms of continental and insular radiations of West African cones
Authors: Abalde Samuel , Tenorio Manuel J. , Afonso Carlos M. L. , Zardoya Rafael
Published: June 2020

The transcriptomes of the venom glands of 13 closely related species of vermivorous cones endemic to West Africa from genera
Africonus
and
Varioconus
were sequenced and venom repertoires compared within a phylogenetic framework using one
Kalloconus
species as outgroup. The total number of conotoxin precursors per species varied between 108 and 221. Individuals of the same species shared about one-fourth of the total conotoxin precursors. The number of common sequences was drastically reduced in the pairwise comparisons between closely related species, and the phylogenetical signal was totally eroded at the inter-generic level (no sequence was identified as shared derived), due to the intrinsic high variability of these secreted peptides. A common set of four conotoxin precursor superfamilies (T, O1, O2 and M) was expanded in all studied cone species, and thus, they are considered the basic venom toolkit for hunting and defense in the West African vermivorous cone snails. Maximum-likelihood ancestral character reconstructions inferred shared conotoxin precursors preferentially at internal nodes close to the tips of the phylogeny (between individuals and between closely related species) as well as in the common ancestor of
Varioconus
. Besides the common toolkit, the two genera showed significantly distinct catalogues of conotoxin precursors in terms of type of superfamilies present and the abundance of members per superfamily, but had similar relative expression levels indicating functional convergence. Differential expression comparisons between vermivorous and piscivorous cones highlighted the importance of the A and S superfamilies for fish hunting and defense.
Reciprocity creates a stake in one's partner, or why you should cooperate even when anonymous
Authors: Barclay Pat
Published: June 2020

Why do we care so much for friends, even making sacrifices for them they cannot repay or never know about? When organisms engage in reciprocity, they have a stake in their partner's survival and wellbeing so the reciprocal relationship can persist. This stake (aka fitness interdependence) makes organisms willing to help beyond the existing reciprocal arrangement (e.g. anonymously). I demonstrate this with two mathematical models in which organisms play a prisoner's dilemma, and where helping keeps their partner alive and well. Both models shows that reciprocity creates a stake in partners' welfare: those who help a cooperative partner––even when anonymous––do better than those who do not, because they keep that cooperative partner in good enough condition to continue the reciprocal relationship. ‘Machiavellian' cooperators, who defect when anonymous, do worse because their partners become incapacitated. This work highlights the fact that reciprocity and stake are not separate evolutionary processes, but are inherently linked.
Flexibility in an emergency life-history stage: acute food deprivation prevents sickness behaviour but not the immune response
Authors: Wilsterman Kathryn , Alonge Mattina M. , Ernst Darcy K. , Limber Cody , Treidel Lisa A. , Bentley George E.
Published: June 2020

The emergency life-history stage (ELHS) can be divided into two subcategories that describe distinct, coordinated responses to disease- or non-disease-related physiological challenges. Whether an individual can simultaneously express aspects of both subcategories when faced with multiple challenges is poorly understood. Emergency life-history theory suggests that disease- and non-disease-related responses are coordinated at the level of the whole organism and therefore cannot be expressed simultaneously. However, the reactive scope and physiological regulatory network models suggest that traits can be independently regulated, allowing for components of both disease- and non-disease-related responses to be simultaneously expressed within a single organism. To test these ideas experimentally, we subjected female zebra finches to food deprivation, an immune challenge, both, or neither, and measured a suite of behavioural and physiological traits involved in the ELHS. We examined whether the trait values expressed by birds experiencing simultaneous challenges resembled trait values of birds experiencing a single challenge or if birds could express a mixture of trait values concurrently. We find that birds can respond to simultaneous challenges by regulating components of the behavioural and immune responses independently of one another. Modularity within these physio-behavioural networks adds additional dimensions to how we evaluate the intensity or quality of an ELHS. Whether modularity provides fitness advantages or costs in nature remains to be determined.
Serratia inhibens sp. nov., a new antifungal species isolated from potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Hennessy Rosanna C. , Dichmann Søs I. , Martens Helle Juel , Zervas Athanasios , Stougaard Peter
Published: June 2020

A novel bacterial strain, S40T, with strong antifungal activity was isolated from the rhizosphere of green potato collected from Zealand, Denmark. Polyphasic analysis with a combined phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic approach was used to characterize S40T. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and MLSA (concatenated gyrB, rpoD, infB and atpD sequences) showed that strain S40T was affiliated with the genus

Serratia

and with

Serratia plymuthica

PRI-2C as the closest related strain [average nucleotide identity (ANI), 99.26 %; DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), 99.20%]. However, whole genome sequence analyses revealed that S40T and

S. plymuthica

PRI-2C genomes displayed lower similarities when compared to all other

S. plymuthica

strains (ANI ≤94.34 %; dDDH ≤57.6 % relatedness). The DNA G+C content of strain S40T was determined to be 55.9 mol%. Cells of the strain were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobic and displayed growth at 10–37 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C) and at pH 6–9 (optimum, pH 6–7). Major fatty acids were C16 : 0 (27.9 %), summed feature (C16 : 1
 ω6c/C16 : 1 ω7c; 18.0 %) and C17 : 0 cyclo (15.1 %). The respiratory quinone was determined to be Q8 (94 %) and MK8 (95 %) and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The results of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic analyses support the hypothesis that strain S40T represents a novel species of the genus

Serratia

, for which the name Serratia inhibens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S40T (=LMG 31467T=NCIMB 15235T). In addition, we propose that

S. plymuthica

PRI-2C is reclassified and transferred to the species S. inhibens as S. inhibens PRI-2C.
Proteomics Uncovers Immunosuppression in COVID-19 Patients with Long Disease Course
Authors: Tang Shaohua , Sun Rui , Xiao Qi , Mao Tingting , Ge Weigang , Huang Chongquan , Luo Meng , Qian Liujia , Chen Hao , Zhang Qiushi , Li Sainan , Liu Wei , Li Shufei , Xu Xueqin , Li Huanzheng , Wu Lianpeng , Dai Jianyi , Gao Huanhuan , Li Lu , Lu Tian , Liang Xiao , Cai Xue , Ruan Guan , Liu Kexin , Xu Fei , Li Yan , Zhu Yi , Huang Jianping , Guo Tiannan
Published: June 2020

Little is known regarding why a subset of COVID-19 patients exhibited prolonged positivity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we studied the sera proteomic dynamics in 37 COVID-19 patients over nine weeks, quantifying 2700 proteins with high quality. Remarkably, we found that during the first three weeks since disease onset, while clinical symptoms and outcome were indistinguishable, patients with prolonged disease course displayed characteristic immunological responses including enhanced Natural Killer cell-mediated innate immunity and regulatory T cell-mediated immunosuppression. We further showed that it is possible to predict the length of disease course using machine learning based on blood protein levels during the first three weeks. Validation in an independent cohort achieved an accuracy of 82%. In summary, this study presents a rich serum proteomic resource to understand host responses in COVID-19 patients and identifies characteristic Treg-mediated immunosuppression in patients with prolonged disease course, nominating new therapeutic target and diagnosis strategy.
Density Dependent Resource Budget Model for Alternate Bearing
Authors: Esmaeili Shadisadat , Hastings Alan , Abbott Karen , Machta Jonathan , Nareddy Vahini Reddy
Published: June 2020

Alternate bearing, seen in many types of plants, is the variable yield with a strongly biennial pattern. In this paper, we introduce a new model for alternate bearing behavior. Similar to the well-known Resource Budget Model, our model is based on the balance between photosynthesis (carbon accumulation) and reproduction processes. We consider two novel features with our model, 1) the existence of a finite capacity in the tree’s resource reservoir and 2) the possibility of having low (but non-zero) yield when the tree’s energy level is low. We achieve the former using a density dependent resource accumulation function, and the latter by removing the concept of the well-defined threshold used in the Resource Budget Model. At the level of an individual tree, our model has a stable two-cycle solution, which is suitable to model plants in which the alternate bearing behavior is pronounced. We incorporate environmental stochasticity by adding two uncorrelated noise terms to the parameters of the model associated with the carbon accumulation and reproduction processes. Furthermore, we examine the model’s behavior on a system of two coupled trees with direct coupling. Unlike the coupled Resource Budget Model, for which the only stable solution is the out-of-phase solution, our model with diffusive coupling has stable in-phase period-2 solutions. This suggests that our model might serve to explain spatial synchrony on a larger scale.
Neuronal firing in the medial temporal lobe reflects human working memory workload, performance and capacity
Authors: Boran Ece , Hilfiker Peter , Stieglitz Lennart , Grunwald Thomas , Sarnthein Johannes , Klaver Peter
Published: June 2020

2

The involvement of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) in working memory is controversially discussed. Critically, it is unclear whether and how the MTL supports performance of working memory. We recorded single neuron firing in 13 epilepsy patients while they performed a visual working memory task. The number of colored squares in the stimulus set determined the workload of the trial. We used the subjects’ memory capacity (Cowan’s K) to split them into a low and high capacity group. We found MTL neurons that showed persistent firing during the maintenance period. Firing was higher in the hippocampus for trials with correct compared to incorrect performance. Population firing predicted workload particularly during the maintenance period. Prediction accuracy of single trial activity was strongest for neurons in the entorhinal cortex of low capacity subjects. We provide evidence that low capacity subjects recruit their MTL to cope with an overload of working memory task demands.

1

Significance

Humans are highly limited in processing multiple objects over a short period of time. The capacity to retain multiple objects in working memory is typically associated with frontal and parietal lobe functioning, even though medial temporal lobe (MTL) neural architecture seems capable to process such information. However, there are conflicting findings from patient, electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies. Here we show for the first time that correct performance, workload and individual performance differences are reflected in separate mechanisms of neural activity within the MTL during maintenance of visual information in working memory. The data suggest that low capacity subjects use the MTL to process the overload of information.
Comparative analysis of coronavirus genomic RNA structure reveals conservation in SARS-like coronaviruses
Authors: Sanders Wes , Fritch Ethan J. , Madden Emily A. , Graham Rachel L. , Vincent Heather A. , Heise Mark T. , Baric Ralph S. , Moorman Nathaniel J.
Published: June 2020

Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 the etiological agent of COVID-19 disease, have caused multiple epidemic and pandemic outbreaks in the past 20 years1–3. With no vaccines, and only recently developed antiviral therapeutics, we are ill equipped to handle coronavirus outbreaks4. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate coronavirus replication and pathogenesis is needed to guide the development of new antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. RNA secondary structures play critical roles in multiple aspects of coronavirus replication, but the extent and conservation of RNA secondary structure across coronavirus genomes is unknown5. Here, we define highly structured RNA regions throughout the MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 genomes. We find that highly stable RNA structures are pervasive throughout coronavirus genomes, and are conserved between the SARS-like CoV. Our data suggests that selective pressure helps preserve RNA secondary structure in coronavirus genomes, suggesting that these structures may play important roles in virus replication and pathogenesis. Thus, disruption of conserved RNA secondary structures could be a novel strategy for the generation of attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for use against the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Bio-JOIE: Joint Representation Learning of Biological Knowledge Bases
Authors: Hao Junheng , Ju Chelsea J.-T , Chen Muhao , Sun Yizhou , Zaniolo Carlo , Wang Wei
Published: June 2020

The widespread of Coronavirus has led to a worldwide pandemic with a high mortality rate. Currently, the knowledge accumulated from different studies about this virus is very limited. Leveraging a wide-range of biological knowledge, such as gene on-tology and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks from other closely related species presents a vital approach to infer the molecular impact of a new species. In this paper, we propose the transferred multi-relational embedding modelBio-JOIEto capture the knowledge of gene ontology and PPI networks, which demonstrates superb capability in modeling the SARS-CoV-2-human protein interactions.Bio-JOIEjointly trains two model components. Theknowledge modelencodes the relational facts from the protein and GO domains into separated embedding spaces, using a hierarchy-aware encoding technique employed for the GO terms. On top of that, thetransfer modellearns a non-linear transformation to transfer the knowledge of PPIs and gene ontology annotations across their embedding spaces. By leveraging only structured knowledge,Bio-JOIEsignificantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods in PPI type prediction on multiple species. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the potential of leveraging the learned representations on clustering proteins with enzymatic function into enzyme commission families. Finally, we show thatBio-JOIEcan accurately identify PPIs between the SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human proteins, providing valuable insights for advancing research on this new disease.
Early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care and on people with mental health conditions: framework synthesis of international experiences and responses
Authors: Rains Luke Sheridan , Johnson Sonia , Barnett Phoebe , Steare Thomas , Needle Justin J , Carr Sarah , Taylor Billie Lever , Bentivegna Francesca , Edbrooke-Childs Julian , Scott Hannah Rachel , Rees Jessica , Shah Prisha , Lomani Jo , Chipp Beverley , Barber Nick , Dedat Zainab , Oram Sian , Morant Nicola , Simpson Alan ,   COVID-19 Mental Health Policy Research Unit Group
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has many potential impacts on people with mental health conditions and on mental health care, including direct consequences of infection, effects of infection control measures and subsequent societal changes. We aimed to map early impacts of the pandemic on people with pre-existing mental health conditions and services they use, and to identify individual and service-level strategies adopted to manage these.

Methods

We searched for relevant material in the public domain published before 30 April 2020, including papers in scientific and professional journals, published first person accounts, media articles, and publications by governments, charities and professional associations. Search languages were English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Relevant content was retrieved and summarised via a rapid qualitative framework synthesis approach.

Results

We found 872 eligible sources from 29 countries. Most documented observations and experiences rather than reporting research data. We found many reports of deteriorations in symptoms, and of impacts of loneliness and social isolation and of lack of access to services and resources, but sometimes also of resilience, effective self-management and peer support. Immediate service challenges related to controlling infection, especially in inpatient and residential settings, and establishing remote working, especially in the community. We summarise reports of swiftly implemented adaptations and innovations, but also of pressing ethical challenges and concerns for the future.

Conclusion

Our analysis captures the range of stakeholder perspectives and experiences publicly reported in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in several countries. We identify potential foci for service planning and research.
Economic burden of smoking attributed illnesses in Pakistan
Authors: Saqib Muhammad Arif Nadeem , Malik Ashar , Rafique Ibrar , Raza Faiz Ahmed , Obaidullah  , Sajjad Shaimuna Fareeha , Abid Sumera , Majid Rukhsana , Kamal Tahira , Islam Ziauddin
Published: June 2020

Background

The estimates of economic burden due to smoking attributed illnesses provide an opportunity to assess its overall impact on the economy and generate evidence for public health policy interventions for tobacco control. In this study, we estimated out of pocket expenditures on tobacco attributed illnesses and smoking attributable burden in Pakistan.

Methods

We used a prevalence-based disease-specific cost approach by including three major tobacco attributed illnesses i.e. lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Our analysis included out of pocket healthcare expenditures including direct and indirect costs which were estimated by interviewing the patients of selected illnesses. The smoking-attributable expenditure was calculated by the WHO tool kit.

Results

In 2018, the economic burden attributed to smoking related illnesses was Rs 192 billion (USD 1.3 billion). Smoking-attributable expenditure on cardiovascular disease was Rs 123 billion (USD 0.9 billion) which was 69% of the total economic cost of tobacco attributed illnesses in Pakistan. The economic cost in males was nearly three times higher than females.

Conclusions

Our study showed a significant economic burden due to tobacco attributed illnesses in Pakistan which can be prevented by implementing tobacco control policies effectively.
A compound Dirichlet-Multinomial model for provincial level Covid-19 predictions in South Africa
Authors: de Waal Alta , de Waal Daan
Published: June 2020

Accurate prediction of COVID-19 related indicators such as confirmed cases, deaths and recoveries play an important in understanding the spread and impact of the virus, as well as resource planning and allocation. In this study, we approach the prediction problem from a statistical perspective and predict confirmed cases and deaths on a provincial level. We propose the compound Dirichlet Multinomial distribution to estimate the proportion parameter of each province as mutually exclusive outcomes. Furthermore, we make an assumption of exponential growth of the total cummulative counts in order to predict future total counts. The outcomes of this approach is not only prediction. The variation of the proportion parameter is characterised by the Dirichlet distribution, which provides insight in the movement of the pandemic across provinces over time.
Willingness and acceptability of anxiety and depression screening among women living with HIV in Ethiopia
Authors: Yousuf Abdilahi , Musa Ramli , Isa Muhammad Lokman Md. , Arifin Siti Roshaidai Mohd
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Integration of related health services, such as screening of depression in HIV care is crucial for improving the quality of care and enhancing the use of scarce resources in developing countries. However, commonly these interrelated health services are commonly provided separately and there are many missed opportunities. Little is known about the client-related non-implementation issues. This study aims at examining the acceptability of anxiety and depression screening among women living with HIV.

Material and methods

This was a facility based cross-sectional study which included women living with HIV attending two hospitals in Jijiga town, Ethiopia. The study participants were identified using systematic random sampling method. An exit interview was conducted with the use of a pretested questionnaire. The gathered data was analysed using SPSS version 23 and multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with the factors associated with the acceptance of anxiety and depression screening.

Results

A total of 409 women participated in this study. Though, only 115 (28.1%) were aware about the existence of anxiety and depression screening, 357 (87.3%) accepted to receive the screening for anxiety and depression. Requisite of partner approval was the most common reason for not accepting the screening of anxiety and depression 21 (40.4%). When used multivariate logistic regression model; holding college level education, divorced and were living without partner, being self employed by occupation, aware of the existing screening service, source of information from health care providers and history of previous screening were significantly associated with acceptance of depression screening.

Conclusion

This research has shown that women participant living with HIV were willing to undergo the screening for depression, hence future interventions should focus on the integration of mental health screening in HIV clinical setup.
Impact of Daily Weather on COVID-19 outbreak in India
Authors: Gupta Amitesh , Pradhan Biswajeet
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has outspread obstreperously in India. As of June 04, 2020, more than 2 lakh cases have been confirmed with a death rate of 2.81%. It has been noticed that, out of each 1000 tests, 53 result positively infected. In order to investigate the impact of weather conditions on daily transmission occurring in India, daily data of Maximum (TMax), Minimum (TMin), Mean (TMean) and Dew Point Temperature (TDew), Diurnal Temperature range (TRange), Average Relative Humidity, Range in Relative Humidity, and Wind Speed (WS) over 9 most affected cities are analysed in several time frames: weather of that day, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16 days before transmission. Spearman’s rank correlation (r) shows significant but low correlation with most of the weather parameters, however, comparatively better association exists on 14 days lag. Diurnal range in Temperature and Relative Humidity shows non-significant correlation. Analysis shows, COVID-19 cases likely to be increased with increasing air temperature, however role of humidity is not clear. Among weather parameters, Minimum Temperature was relatively better correlate than other. 80% of the total confirmed cases were registered when TMax, TMean, TMin, TRange, TDew, and WS on 12-16 days ago vary within a range of 33.6-41.3° C, 29.8-36.5° C, 24.8-30.4° C, 7.5-15.2° C, 18.7-23.6° C, and 4.2-5.75 m/s respectively, hence, it gives an idea of susceptible weather conditions for such transmission in India. Using Support Vector Machine based regression, the daily cases are profoundly estimated with more than 80% accuracy, which indicate that coronavirus transmission can’t be well linearly correlated with any single weather parameters, rather multivariate non-linear approach must be employed. Accounting lag of 12-16 days, the association found to be excellent, thus depict that there is an incubation period of 14 ± 02 days for coronavirus transmission in Indian scenario.
Risk of Depression in Family Caregivers: Unintended Consequence of COVID-19
Authors: Gallagher Stephen , Wetherell Mark A.
Published: June 2020

Background

COVID-19 is likely to exacerbate the symptoms of poor mental health family caregivers. To investigate whether rates of depression increased in caregivers during COVID-19 and whether the unintended consequences of health protective measures, i.e., social isolation, exacerbated this risk. Another aim was to see if caregivers accessed any online/phone psychological support during COVID.

Method

Data (1349 caregivers; 7527 non-caregivers) was extracted from Understanding Society, UK population level dataset. The General Health Questionnaire cut-off scores identifying those with and without depression were our primary outcome.

Results

After adjustment for confounding caregivers had a higher risk of having depression compared with non-caregivers, Odds ratio (OR) = 1.22 (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.05-1.40)), p=.008 evidenced by higher levels of depression pre-COVID-19 (16.7% vs 12.1%) and during COVID-19 (21.6% vs 17.9%), respectively. Further, higher levels of loneliness increased the risk of depression almost 4-fold risk in caregivers, OR = 3.85 (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 3.08-4.85)), p<.001), while access to therapy attenuated the risk (47%. While 60% of caregivers with depression reported not accessing any therapeutic support (e.g., online or face to face) during COVID-19.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has had a negative impact on family caregivers’ mental health with loneliness a significant contributor to caregiver’s depression. However, despite these detriments in mental health, the majority of caregivers do not access any online or phone psychiatric support. Reducing feelings of isolation therefore provides an opportunity for psychiatric services and health care professionals to support at-risk caregivers.