bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S215. FRONTO-TEMPORAL CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN PATIENTS WITH FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSES TREATED WITH ARIPIPRAZOLE: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
Authors: Peitl Vjekoslav , Silić Ante , Ostojić Draženka , Aukst Margetić Branka , Markoš Ines Šiško , Bogović Dijaković Anamarija , Rendulić Ana , Karlović Dalibor
Published: May 2020

Background

Cognitive dysfunctions have long been observed in patients with schizophrenia, while cognitive symptoms are receiving a lot of attention due to the fact they can be considered core symptoms of schizophrenia. Cerebral blood flow has been by some researchers associated with cognitive functioning, or at least some aspects of cognitive functions. Because of its distinctive psychopharmacologic properties, aripiprazole is deemed a substantially different antipsychotic compared to the majority of the available compounds. It has been hypothesised that due to this fact it could have beneficial effects especially on cognition in schizophrenia. In line with that thought, the objective of this study was to investigate whether use of an atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole has beneficial effects on cerebral blood flow and cognitive functioning in patients with a first episode of schizophrenia during a three month treatment.

Methods

Forty patients were included in the ongoing study. At baseline and at three month follow up schizophrenia symptomatology was assessed by PANSS, cognitive functions by 5-KOG screening instrument for cognition in psychiatry, while cerebral blood flow was assessed by 99mTc-D,L-hexamethylene-propyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) using a SPECT technique.

Results

After three months of treatment, we observed a significant improvement of schizophrenia symptoms and cognitive functions, measured by PANSS and 5-KOG, with all of the five subscales of the latter and its total score being significantly higher than at baseline (p<0.05). Similarly, cerebral blood-flow measured by SPECT improved at three months follow up compared to baseline.

Discussion

Use of aripiprazole in first episode patients with schizophrenia is associated with increased fronto-temporal cerebral blood flow and improvement of schizophrenia symptomatology, including cognition indices. Although we cannot confirm it directly, it is possible that improved fronto-temporal cerebral blood flow led to the improvement in cognition indices.
S222. A SYSTEMATIC AND METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW OF RECENT SOCIAL FUNCTIONING MEASURES AND APPROACHES
Authors: Long Maria , Stansfeld Jacki , Davies Nathan , Crellin Nadia , Moncrieff Joanna
Published: May 2020

Background

Many people with a psychosis diagnosis have significant impairments in their social functioning. Despite this, long standing lack of consensus exists in the definition of social functioning in psychosis. Efforts to evaluate interventions for social functioning are hampered by measurement difficulties, and comparing interventions is difficult. Popular measures of social functioning vary widely, both conceptually and methodologically, and it is unclear how meaningful they are for service users. With the increasing development and evaluation of social interventions for psychosis and the boom in the development of measures, this paper reviews the recently developed measures of social functioning. It aggregates how often and in which studies measures have been used, the concepts and theories that underlie them, as well as assessing their quality across a number of indicators, with a particular focus on how patient-centred they are.

Methods

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Results

21 new measures of social functioning were identified, of low to moderate quality. The content, definitions, theories and domains will be discussed, as well as a discussion of changes in the construct over time. Discussion will include the development of measures for use in first episode psychosis, measures with a focus on negative symptoms and the increasing use of technology in the assessment of social functioning.

Discussion

Many measures exist for assessing social functioning in psychosis, of variable quality. Further attention should be directed to psychometric evaluation and ensuring service user involvement in development.
S232. ASSOCIATIONS OF FOOD CRAVING WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH FIRST-EPISODE PSYCHOSIS
Authors: Kim Yeonghyeok , Ryu Seunghyong , Lee Ju-Yeon , Chung Young-Chul , Kim Sung-Wan
Published: May 2020

Background

Obesity in patients with schizophrenia have important effects on metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, mortality, quality of life and treatment compliance. There is a growing interest in recognizing and intervening this problem. In this study, we aimed to explore the associations of food craving and eating pattern on weight gain and psychiatric characteristics in patients with first-episode psychosis.

Methods

We analyzed data from clinical cohort of first-episode psychosis. To exclude compounding effects of antipsychotics, we included patients who took one of amisulpride, paliperidone, and aripiprazole and whose duration of treatment was 3 months or less. The degree of food craving was measured by General Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (G-FCQ-T). Psychiatric characteristics were investigated by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Weight was measured at baseline and 3 months. Associations between the G-FCQ-T and other measures including weight gain for 3 months were analyzed by gender.

Results

A total of 180 patients with first-episode psychosis were enrolled in this analysis. In male patients, the G-FCQ-T score was significantly associated with scores on the YBOCS and SES. In female patients, the G-FCQ-T score was significantly associated with the BDI, PSS, baseline body weight and weight gain for 3 months

Discussion

This study demonstrated the associations of food craving with depression, perceived stress, and weight gain in female patients and with obsessive compulsive symptoms and self-esteem in male patients. These results suggest various moderators impact weight gain and food craving in patients with first-episode psychosis.
S237. MODERATORS AND RELATIONSHIPS OF COGNITION AND SUBJECTIVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Tan Eric , Rossell Susan , Lee Stuart
Published: May 2020

Background

The relationship between cognitive impairments and subjective quality of life (sQOL) in schizophrenia remains indeterminate, relative to studies of objective QOL (oQOL), despite much previous work. This study sought to better characterise the cognition-sQOL relationship in schizophrenia by 1) examining associations between factor analysis-derived cognitive domains and sQOL, 2) investigating if these domains predicted sQOL over other demographic and clinical variables, and 3) exploring if clinical, demographic and functional variables moderated the significant relationships.

Methods

47 schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder patients (age: M=43.72, SD=11.35) and 48 healthy controls (age: M=39.82, SD=13.89) were assessed. QOL was measured using the Lehman’s QOL Interview. Composite scores were created to represent oQOL and sQOL, and factor analysis (principal axis factoring with varimax rotation) assessed for latent domains within 14 cognitive tasks. Symptomatology was assessed using the PANSS and MADRS. Pearson’s correlations and a stepwise linear regression were conducted to examine the associations between cognition and sQOL before the moderation analyses.

Results

Three cognitive domains were derived: visuospatial planning, verbal linguistic and inhibition switching. Only tasks comprising the verbal linguistic cognitive domain were significantly associated with, and predicted, sQOL (p<.05). Moderation analyses revealed that the direction of this relationship differed between patients and healthy controls (p<.05), and was moderated in patients only by positive symptom severity (p<.05).

Discussion

The relationship between cognition and sQOL in schizophrenia is determined by, and more associated with, meaning-based cognitions. It is affected by symptomatology, notably positive symptoms, which lead to worsening sQOL among those with more intact verbal linguistic processing.
S244. RELIABILITY OF CORE SCHIZOPHRENIA SYMPTOMS RATINGS USING THE SIX-ITEM POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SYNDROME SCALE (PANSS-6) PERFORMED BY MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Hansen Johanna , Dines David , Opler Mark , Mors Ole , Østergaard Søren D , Kølbæk Pernille
Published: May 2020

Background

Assessing and monitoring the severity of illness is an essential component of the measurement-based treatment of schizophrenia. The six-item Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-6) is a psychometrically valid scale, which allows for a brief and valid assessment of the severity of core symptoms of schizophrenia via the Simplified positive And Negative Symptoms interview (SNAPSI). The use of the PANSS-6 in a clinical setting requires raters to obtain reliable and valid ratings. The aim of the study was to determine the amount of training needed for raters with no or very little clinical experience to perform reliable PANSS-6 ratings.

Methods

A total of 89 5th year medical students, divided in 4 groups, which were enrolled in a 4-week mandatory internship in the psychiatric unit of Aarhus University Hospital were invited to participate in the training program. Out of 89 students 58% (n=52) participated.

The training program contained 9 hours of standardized training. All participants performed a baseline rating of a SNAPSI patient interview before the display of a theoretical introduction video to SNAPSI and the principles of PANSS-6 rating. Following the theoretical introduction, the students individually rated another 5 SNAPSI patient videos. After each SNAPSI video, an expert consensus-video was displayed. The order of the SNAPSI and corresponding consensus videos was randomized between the 4 different groups of students.

The PANSS-6 ratings performed by the students were compared to gold standard ratings performed by a certified PANSS-rater and psychiatrist at different time-points during the training. Agreements were calculated by using percent agreement.

Results

The percent agreement between the students and the gold standard on the PANSS-6 total score improved from time 1 (baseline) to time 4 (after the theoretical introduction video and 3 SNAPSIs) from 88% to 100%.

Discussion

In conclusion, medical students with very limited clinical experience were able to perform reliable PANSS-6 ratings of SNAPSI patient interviews after participating in a brief standardized training program. Future studies should assess whether raters with very limited clinical experience are able to conduct the SNAPSI and extract sufficient information for PANSS-6 rating. This would render the possibility of using medical students as PANSS-6 raters in clinical practice to remedy the shortage of psychiatrists and to allow for measurement-based care, which requires systematic administration of symptom rating scales to drive clinical decision making.
Russian Family Foundations: benefits and pitfalls for international clients with Russian connections
Authors: Alimirzoev Sergei , Aleshchev Ilya , Romanova Daria
Published: May 2020

Since 2018, Russian law has provided for the concept of a “Hereditary Foundation”, a private foundation which can be established after the demise of the testator and which can act in a way similar to a common-law trust. It is an option for complex estate planning under Russian law. It has attracted both interest and controversy, with many concerned that the gray area, lacunae, and inconsistencies in the legislation may prevent its effective implementation. The authors analyze the practical challenges in this area and consider whether and how this vehicle fares in competition with the non-Russian structures traditionally used by Russian private clients for estate and succession planning.
Effects of space allowance and marketing strategy on growth performance of pigs raised to 165 kg
Authors: Lerner Annie B , Rice Emily A , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D , Woodworth Jason C , O’Quinn Travis G , Gonzalez John M , Allerson Matt W , Dilger Anna C , Boler Dustin D , Price Hannah E , Lowell Jessica E , Richardson Elaine , Barkley Kayla E , Honegger Lauren T , Harsh Bailey N , Shackelford Steven D , Wheeler Tommy L , King David A , Fields Brandon
Published: May 2020

A total of 976 pigs (PIC 327 × Camborough; PIC, Hendersonville, TN; initially 22.0 ± 1.53 kg body weight [BW]) were used in a 160-d growth study to evaluate the effects of increasing space allowance and varying marketing strategies on growth performance of pigs raised to market weights of ~165 kg. Pens of pigs were blocked by location within the barn and allotted to one of six treatments. Pen served as the experimental unit, and there were eight replicate pens per treatment. The first four treatments consisted of increased initial stocking density and did not utilize topping strategies: (1) 14 pigs/pen (1.17 m2/pig), (2) 17 pigs/pen (0.97 m2/pig), (3) 20 pigs/pen (0.82 m2/pig), and (4) 23 pigs/pen (0.71 m2/pig). The fifth treatment began with 25 pigs/pen (0.66 m2/pig) and had four marketing events with the heaviest 3 pigs/pen removed on day 93, and additional pigs removed to a common inventory of 20 pigs/pen on day 122 and 17 pigs/pen on day 147 with final marketing on day 160. The final treatment began the experiment with 23 pigs/pen (0.71 m2/pig) with three marketing events to achieve a common inventory of 20 pigs/pen on day 108 and 17 pigs/pen on day 147. Pens of pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured on days 0, 55, 93, 108, 122, 135, 147, and 160. As space allowance decreased from 1.17 to 0.71 m2/pig via increased initial pen inventory (treatments 1 to 4), overall average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased (linear, P < 0.001), while gain:feed ratio (G:F) did not differ (P > 0.05). The treatments with multiple marketing events were compared with each other and with the treatment that began with 0.71 m2/pig and only marketed once at the end of the study. Overall ADG and ADFI were not different (P > 0.05) among these three treatments. Marketing pigs three or four times improved (P < 0.05) G:F compared with the treatment that began the study with 0.71 m2/pig and marketed only once. Reducing floor space allowance for heavy weight pigs decreased intake, which resulted in lower growth rate and final BW, with these reductions occurring before the critical k-value was reached. Total weight gain per pen was maximized with the lowest space allowance and the multiple marketing treatments. Thus, strategic use of pig removals prior to final marketing may allow producers to maximize both number of pigs and total weight marketed through a barn when feeding to heavy weights.
Individual vocal recognition across taxa: a review of the literature and a look into the future
Authors: Carlson Nora V. , Kelly E. McKenna , Couzin Iain
Published: May 2020

Individual vocal recognition (IVR) has been well studied in mammals and birds. These studies have primarily delved into understanding IVR in specific limited contexts (e.g. parent–offspring and mate recognition) where individuals discriminate one individual from all others. However, little research has examined IVR in more socially demanding circumstances, such as when an individual discriminates all individuals in their social or familial group apart. In this review, we describe what IVR is and suggest splitting studies of IVR into two general types based on what questions they answer (IVR-singular, and IVR-multiple). We explain how we currently test for IVR, and many of the benefits and drawbacks of different methods. We address why IVR is so prevalent in the animal kingdom, and the circumstances in which it is often found. Finally, we explain current weaknesses in IVR research including temporality, specificity, and taxonomic bias, and testing paradigms, and provide some solutions to address these weaknesses.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Signal detection theory in recognition systems: from evolving models to experimental tests’.
Flavobacterium profundi sp. nov., isolated from a deep-sea seamount
Authors: Wang Qian , Cai Sheng-Dong , Liu Jie , Zhang De-Chao
Published: May 2020

The Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobic, motile bacterial strain, designated TP390T, was isolated from a seamount near the Yap Trench in the tropical western Pacific. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain TP390T was related to the genus

Flavobacterium

and had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence identity with the type strain of

Flavobacterium jejuense

EC11T (97.8 %). Sequence similarities to all other type strains of current species of the genus

Flavobacterium

were below 97 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 1G. The quinone system for strain TP390T comprised predominantly menaquinone MK-6 and the polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, four unknown aminolipids, one glycolipid and six unknown polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain TP390T was 31.2 mol%. In addition, the maximum values of in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (isDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strain TP390T with

F. jejuense

KCTC 42149T were 22.60 and 80.01% respectively. Combined data from phenotypic, phylogenetic, isDDH and ANI data demonstrated that the strain TP390T is representative of a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

, for which we propose the name Flavobacterium profundi sp. nov. (type strain TP390T=KACC 18559T=CGMCC 1.15398T).
Hymenobacter setariae sp. nov., isolated from the ubiquitous weedy grass Setaria viridis
Authors: Chhetri Geeta , Kim Jiyoun , Kim Inhyup , Kim Hyungdong , Seo Taegun
Published: May 2020

A Gram-stain-negative, short-rod, aerobic, non-motile, red to pink-pigmented bacterium, designated Fur1T, was isolated from the dry spikelet clusters of a plant called Setaria viridis near Dongguk University. Phylogenetic analysis conducted based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain Fur1T belonged to the genus

Hymenobacter

of the family

Hymenobacteraceae

. The 16S rRNA gene of Fur1T showed highest sequence similarity to those of

Hymenobacter metalli

KACC 17381T (97.5 %) and

Hymenobacter marinus

KACC 19042T (97.1 %). Growth occurred at 4–37 °C (optimum, 25–28 °C), up to 1.0 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %) and pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0–7.5). The major fatty acids of strain Fur1T were identified as iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1
 ω5c, anteiso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c) and summed feature 4 (comprising anteiso-C17 : 1B and/or iso-C17 : 1I) as the major cellular fatty acids. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as MK-7. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified phospholipids, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified polar lipid. The genomic DNA G+C content based on the draft genome sequence was 58.7 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain Fur1T and its closest relative was below 70 %. Characterization based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses clearly indicated that strain Fur1T represents a novel species of the genus

Hymenobacter

, for which the name Hymenobacter setariae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Fur1T (=KACC 19903T=NBRC=113691T).
MODELING COVID19 IN INDIA (Mar 3-May 7, 2020): HOW FLAT IS FLAT, AND OTHER HARD FACTS
Authors: Dey Smarajit
Published: May 2020

A time-series model was developed for Number of Total Infected Cases in India, using data from Mar 3 to May 7, 2020. Two models developed in the early phases were discarded when they lost statistical validity, The third, current, model is a 3rd-degree polynomial that has remained stable over the last 30 days (since Apr 8), with R2 > 0.998 consistently. This model is used to forecast Total Covid cases, after cautionary discussion of triggers that would invalidate the model. The purpose of all forecasts in the study is to provide a comparator to evaluate policy initiatives to control the pandemic - the forecasts are not objectives by themselves. Actual observations less than forecasts mean successful policy interventions. Figures of Doubling Time, Fatality Rate and Recovery Rate used by authorities are questioned. Elongation of doubling rates is inherent in the model, and worthy of mention only when the time actually exceeds what the model predicts. The popular Fatality Rate and Recovery Rate metrics are shown to be illogical. The study defines two terms Ongoing Fatality Rate (OFR), and Ongoing Recovery Rate (ORR) and determines these currently to be ~9% and ~76% respectively in India. Over time, OFR will decline to the eventual Case Fatality Rate (CFR), while ORR will eventually climb to (1-CFR). There is no statistical basis to assume eventual Indian CFR, and China’s 5.5% CFR is used as a proxy. Using these metrics, the current model forecasts by May-end, >150000 Total Infected, ~5000 Deaths and >85000 Active Cases. There is no pull-back evident in the current model in the foreseeable future, and cases continue to rise at progressively slower rates. Subject to usual caveats, the model is used to forecast till Sep 15. The study argues that Indian hospital infrastructure is reasonably ready to handle Active Cases as predicted for Sept 15 – in that sense, the curve is “flat enough”. However, the curve is NOT flat enough with respect to fatalities - nearly 100000 by Sept 15. Setting an arbitrary limit that Total Deaths must be within 50,000 by Sept 15, the study retrofits a model that shows what the desired growth of Covid19 cases should be. It is seen that overall doubling time of 38 days is required in period June 1 to Sep 15, if deaths are to remain below 50000.
COVID-19 pandemic: every day feels like a weekday to most
Authors: Liu Tony , Meyerhoff Jonah , Mohr David C. , Ungar Lyle H. , Kording Konrad P.
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has clear clinical1 and economic2 impacts, but also affects behaviors e.g. through social distancing3, and may increase stress and anxiety. However, while case numbers are tracked daily4, we know little about the psychological effects of the outbreak on individuals in the moment. Here we examine the psychological and behavioral shifts over the initial stages of the outbreak in the United States in an observational longitudinal study. Through GPS phone data we find that homestay is increasing, while being at work dropped precipitously. Using regular real-time experiential surveys, we observe an overall increase in stress and mood levels which is similar in size to the weekend vs. weekday differences. As there is a significant difference between weekday and weekend mood and stress levels, this is an important decrease in wellbeing. For some, especially those affected by job loss, the mental health impact is severe.
Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: a systematic review
Authors: Chamseddine Reem S , Wahbeh Farah , Chervenak Frank , Salomon Laurent J , Ahmed Baderledeen , Rafii Arash
Published: May 2020

With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its rapid spread, concerns regarding its effects on pregnancy outcomes have been growing. We reviewed 164 pregnancies complicated by maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection across 20 studies. The most common clinical presentations were fever (57.9%), cough (35.4%), fatigue (15.2%), and dyspnea (12.2%). Only 2.4% of patients developed respiratory distress. Of all patients, 84.5% delivered via Cesarean section, with a 23.9% rate of maternal gestational complications, 20.3% rate of preterm delivery, and a concerning 2.3% rate of stillbirth delivery. Relative to known viral infections, the prognosis for pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 is good, even in the absence of specific antiviral treatment. However, neonates and acute patients, especially those with gestational or pre-existing co-morbidities, must be actively managed to prevent severe outcomes.
High sensitivity CDC EUA SARS-CoV-2 kit-based End Point-PCR assay.
Authors: Freire-Paspuel Byron , Vega-Marino Patricio , Velez Alberto , Cruz Marilyn , Garcia Bereguiain Miguel Angel
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis is based on RT-qPCR protocols that limited testing to facilities with Real Time PCR devices and probes supply. Here we described and adapted version of the RT-qPCR CDC protocol where N1, N2 and N3 primers are used for end point PCR and amplicons are visualized on agarose gel with a limit of detection up to 20 viral RNA copies/uL. This protocol would allow to extend SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis to basic molecular biology laboratories with a great impact on surveillance programs at developing countries.
COVID-19 outbreak in Italy: estimation of reproduction numbers over two months toward the Phase 2
Authors: Allieta Mattia , Allieta Andrea , Rossi Sebastiano Davide
Published: May 2020

After two months from the first case in COVID-19 outbreak, Italy counts more than 190,000 confirmed positive cases. From the beginning of April 2020, the nationwide lockdown started to show early effects by reducing the total cumulative incidence reached by the epidemic wave. This allows the government to program the measures to loosen lockdown restrictions for the so called "Phase 2". Here we provided the reproduction number estimation both in space and in time from February 24th to April 24th, 2020 across two months into the epidemic. Our estimates suggest basic reproduction number averaged over all the regions of 3.29, confirming that epidemiological figures of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Italy are higher than those observed at the early stage of Wuhan (China) outbreak. Based on the SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics reported here, we gave a quantitative evaluation of the efficiency of the government measures to low the reproduction number under the unity (control regime). We estimated that among the worst hit regions in Italy, Lombardy reached the control regime on March 22nd followed by Emilia-Romagna (March 23th), Veneto (March 25th) and Piemonte (March 26th). Overall, we found that the mean value of time to reach the control regime in all the country is about 31 days from the February 24th and about 14 days from the first day of nationwide lockdown (March 12th). Finally, we highlighted the interplay between the reproduction number and two demographic indices in order to probe the "state of activity" of the epidemic for each Italian region in the control regime. We believe that this approach can provide a tool in the management of "Phase 2", potentially helping in challenging decision to continue, ease or tighten up restrictions.
Trends in the Proportion of Women as peer reviewers in JAMA, 2009-2018
Authors: Kipersztok Lisa , Masukume Gwinyai , Gonzalez-Alvarez Julio , Grech Victor
Published: May 2020

The achievement of gender equity by 2030 is one of the international Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations member states. Peer review is crucial to academia and diverse perspectives add significant value by avoiding publication biases. We investigated the trend in female peer reviewers in JAMA, a globally influential medical journal, over the past decade. Based on publicly available data with a sample size of 33,745, we found an increased proportion of female peer reviewers from 23.9% in 2009, to a peak of 29.1% in 2018. Despite an increase in the proportion of female peer reviewers over the past decade, if we assume a linear trend, gender equity in peer reviewers for JAMA would not be reached until 2065, beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal target.
Current Evidence of the Pharmacological Treatments for Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) A Scoping Review
Authors: Yamaji Noyuri , Ohde Sachiko , Kobayashi-Cuya Kimi Estela , Saito Shota , Takahashi Osamu
Published: May 2020

Background: As of May 2 2020, 3,267,184 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 229,971 COVID-19-caused deaths have been reported worldwide. Currently, there is limited clarity on the pharmacological treatments available for the novel coronavirus. We systematically identified the current evidence and ongoing research on the pharmacological treatments for COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a scoping review using PRISMA-ScR. Observational studies, including cohort studies and case series, as well as experimental studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were searched electronically on April 7, 2020 and by hand on May 1, 2020. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched along with seven trial registries. The inclusion criteria were patients with confirmed COVID-19 who received pharmacological therapies, including hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir, tocilizumab, and favipiravir.
Results: We identified 222 studies on pharmacological treatment of the novel coronavirus. We included 11 of these studies in this review, including the ones on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine (one cohort), lopinavir/ritonavir (one RCT, three cohorts, and two case series), remdesivir (one RCT and one case series), tocilizumab (one case series), and favipiravir (one RCT). In the three RCTs carried out in China, both lopinavir/ritonavir and remdesivir did not show any significant earlier clinical improvement in case of severe infection [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.31, p=0.09 and HR: 1.24, p=0.24, respectively], The clinical recovery rate on day seven was not significantly different between the favipiravir and arbidol groups (p=0.14) for moderate patients, although the duration of pyrexia and cough in the favipiravir group was significantly shorter as compared to the arbidol group (p<0.01). There are 135 ongoing RCTs, including 72 for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, 29 for lopinavir/ritonavir, 14 for remdesivir, 16 for tocilizumab, and 4 for favipiravir.
Conclusion: The clinical effectiveness and safety of these drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 remains unclear owing to the lack of large, high-quality RCTs. However, in the event of emerging infectious diseases, we need to repeatedly and systematically update the best available evidence to avoid misleading information.
Behavioural change towards reduced intensity physical activity is disproportionately prevalent among adults with serious health issues or self-perception of high risk during the UK COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Rogers Nina Trivedy , Waterlow Naomi , Brindle Hannah , Enria Luisa , Eggo Rosalind M , Lees Shelley , Roberts Chrissy h
Published: May 2020

Importance

There are growing concerns that the UK COVID-19 lockdown has reduced opportunities to maintain health through physical activity, placing individuals at higher risk of chronic disease and leaving them more vulnerable to severe sequelae of COVID-19.

Objective

To examine whether the UK’s lockdown measures have had disproportionate impacts on intensity of physical activity in groups who are, or who perceive themselves to be, at heightened risk from COVID-19.

Designs, Setting, Participants

UK-wide survey of adults aged over 20, data collected between 2020-04-06 and 2020-04-22.

Exposures

Self-reported doctor-diagnosed obesity, hypertension, type I/II diabetes, lung disease, cancer, stroke, heart disease. Self-reported disabilities and depression. Sex, gender, educational qualifications, household income, caring for school-age children. Narrative data on coping strategies.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Change in physical activity intensity after implementation of UK COVID-19 lockdown (self-reported).

Results

Most (60%) participants achieved the same level of intensity of physical activity during the lockdown as before the epidemic. Doing less intensive physical activity during the lockdown was associated with obesity (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.41), hypertension (OR 1.52, 1.33-1.71), lung disease (OR 1.31,1.13-1.49), depression (OR 2.02, 1.82-2.22) and disability (OR 2.34, 1.99-2.69). Participants who reduced their physical activity intensity also had higher odds of being female, living alone or having no garden, and more commonly expressed sentiments about personal or household risks in narratives on coping.

Conclusions and relevance

Groups who reduced physical activity intensity included disproportionate numbers of people with either heightened objective clinical risks or greater tendency to express subjective perceptions of risk. Policy on exercise for health during lockdowns should include strategies to facilitate health promoting levels of physical activity in vulnerable groups, including those with both objective and subjective risks.
Covid-19 by Race and Ethnicity: A National Cohort Study of 6 Million United States Veterans
Authors: Rentsch Christopher T. , Kidwai-Khan Farah , Tate Janet P. , Park Lesley S. , King Joseph T. , Skanderson Melissa , Hauser Ronald G. , Schultze Anna , Jarvis Christopher I. , Holodniy Mark , Lo Re Vincent , Akgun Kathleen M. , Crothers Kristina , Taddei Tamar H. , Freiberg Matthew S. , Justice Amy C.
Published: May 2020

Background: There is growing concern that racial and ethnic minority communities around the world are experiencing a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality from symptomatic SARS-Cov-2 infection or coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Most studies investigating racial and ethnic disparities to date have focused on hospitalized patients or have not characterized who received testing or those who tested positive for Covid-19.

Objective: To compare patterns of testing and test results for coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) and subsequent mortality by race and ethnicity in the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Participants: 5,834,543 individuals in care, among whom 62,098 were tested and 5,630 tested positive for Covid-19 between February 8 and May 4, 2020.

Exposures: Self-reported race/ethnicity.

Main outcome measures: We evaluated associations between race/ethnicity and receipt of Covid-19 testing, a positive test result, and 30-day mortality, accounting for a wide range of demographic and clinical risk factors including comorbid conditions, site of care, and urban versus rural residence.

Results: Among all individuals in care, 74% were non-Hispanic white (white), 19% non-Hispanic black (black), and 7% Hispanic. Compared with white individuals, black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to be tested for Covid-19 (tests per 1000: white=9.0, [95% CI 8.9 to 9.1]; black=16.4, [16.2 to 16.7]; and Hispanic=12.2, [11.9 to 12.5]). While individuals from minority backgrounds were more likely to test positive (black vs white: OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.81 to 2.12; Hispanic vs white: OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.96), 30-day mortality did not differ by race/ethnicity (black vs white: OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.33; Hispanic vs white: OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.87).

Conclusions: Black and Hispanic individuals are experiencing an excess burden of Covid-19 not entirely explained by underlying medical conditions or where they live or receive care. While there was no observed difference in mortality by race or ethnicity, our findings may underestimate risk in the broader US population as health disparities tend to be reduced in VA.
Right ventricular contractility decreases during exercise in patients with non-advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Cobra Sandra Barros , Rodrigues Marcelo Palmeira , Melo Felipe Xavier , Ferreira Nathali Mireise Costa , Silva Cesar Augusto Melo
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Early right ventricular dysfunction in non-advanced patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. Thus, we aimed to assess right ventricular functions in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and controls by speckle-tracking strain echocardiography at rest and peak exercise.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 20 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients without oxygen use, blood oxygen saturation levels ≥92% at rest, and modified Medical Research Council score ≤3 and enrolled 10 matched controls. Transthoracic echocardiography images were acquired at rest and during a cardiopulmonary exercise test. We analyzed two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters and right ventricular function using the global longitudinal strain assessed by the two-dimensional speckle-tracking technique.
Results: In the control group, we found normal values of global longitudinal strain (GLS) at rest and at peak exercise, the latter being much more negative (-23.6±2.2% and -26.8±3.1%, respectively; p<0.001). By contrast, GLS values in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis group increased from -21.1±3.8% at rest to -17.0±4.5% at peak exercise (p<0.001). The exercise revealed a difference between the two groups as the mean GLS values moved during peak exercise in opposite directions. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis got worse, whereas control patients presented improved right ventricular contractility.
Conclusions: Right ventricular dysfunction was unveiled by speckle-tracking echocardiography during exercise in non-advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. We suggest that this reflects an inadequate right ventricular-arterial coupling decreasing the right ventricular longitudinal contraction during exercise in these patients. This parameter may be useful as an early index of suspected pulmonary hypertension.
Small RNA signatures of the anterior cruciate ligament from patients with knee joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Kharaz Yalda A. , Fang Yongxiang , Welting Tim , Peffers Mandy , Comerford Eithne J.
Published: May 2020

The anterior cruciate ligaments are susceptible to degeneration, resulting in pain, reduced mobility and development of the degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis. There is currently a paucity of knowledge on how anterior cruciate ligament degeneration and disease can lead to osteoarthritis. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs, and small nucleolar RNA, are important regulators of gene expression. We aimed to identify sncRNA profiles of human anterior cruciate ligaments to provide novel insights into their roles in osteoarthritis.

RNA was extracted from the anterior cruciate ligaments of non-osteoarthritic knee joints (control) and end-stage osteoarthritis knee joints, used for small RNA sequencing and significantly differentially expressed sncRNAs defined. Bioinformatic analysis was undertaken on the differentially expressed miRNAs and their putative target mRNAs to investigate pathways and biological processes affected.

Our analysis identified 184 sncRNA that were differentially expressed between control ACLs derived from osteoarthritic joints with a false discovery adjusted p value<0.05; 68 small nucleolar RNAs, 26 small nuclear RNAs and 90 microRNAs. We identified both novel and previously identified (miR-206, –101, –365 and –29b and –29c) osteoarthritis-related microRNAs and other sncRNAs (including SNORD74, SNORD114, SNORD72) differentially expressed in ligaments derived from osteoarthritic joints. Significant cellular functions deduced by the differentially small nuclear RNAs and 90 microRNAs. We identified expressed miRNAs included differentiation of muscle (P<0.001), inflammation (P<1.42E-10), proliferation of chondrocytes (P<0.03), fibrosis (P<0.001) and cell viability (P<0.03). Putative mRNAs were associated with the canonical pathways ‘Hepatic Fibrosis Signalling’ (P<3.7E-32), and ‘Osteoarthritis’ (P<2.2E-23). Biological processes included apoptosis (P<1.7E-85), fibrosis (P<1.2E-79), inflammation (P<3.4E-88), necrosis (P<7.2E-88) and angiogenesis (P<5.7E-101).

SncRNAs are important regulators of anterior cruciate disease during osteoarthritis and may be used as therapeutic targets to prevent and manage anterior cruciate ligament disease and the resultant osteoarthritis.
Weight change and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in adults with normal weight, overweight and obesity without chronic diseases; emulating trials using electronic health records
Authors: Katsoulis M. , Stavola BD , Ordaz KD , Gomes M. , Lai A , Lagiou P , Wannamethee G , Tsilidis K , Lumbers RT , Denaxas S , Banerjee A , Parisinos CA , Batterham R , Langenberg C , Hemingway H
Published: May 2020

Background

Cross sectional measures of body mass index (BMI) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, but less is known about whether weight change affects the risk of CVD.

Methods

We estimated the effect of 2-year weight change interventions on 7-year risk of CVD, by emulating hypothetical target trials using electronic health records. We identified 138.567 individuals in England between 1998 and 2016, aged 45-69 years old, free of chronic diseases at baseline. We performed pooled logistic regression, using inverse-probability weighting to adjust for baseline and time-varying variables. Each individual was classified into a weight loss, maintenance, or gain group.

Findings

In the normal weight, both weight loss and gain were associated with increased risk for CVD [HR vs weight maintenance=1.53 (1.18-1.98) and 1.43 (1.19-1.71 respectively)]. Among overweight individuals, both weight loss and gain groups, compared to weight maintenance, had a moderately higher risk of CVD [HR=1.20 (0.99–1.44) and 1.17 (0.99–1.38), respectively]. In the obese, weight loss had a lower risk lower risk of CHD [HR =0.66 (0.49–0.89)] and a moderately lower risk of CVD [HR =0.90 (0.72–1.13)]. When we assumed that a chronic disease occurred 1-3 years before the recorded date, estimates for weight loss and gain were attenuated among overweight individuals and estimates for weight loss were stronger among individuals with obesity.

Interpretation

Among individuals with obesity, the weight loss group had a lower risk of CHD and moderately lower risk of CVD. Weight gain increased the risk of CVD across BMI groups.
Is the Current N95 Respirator Filtration Efficiency Test Sufficient for Evaluating Protection Against Submicrometer Particles Containing SARS-CoV-2?
Authors: Cai Changjie , Floyd Evan L. , Aithinne Kathleen A. , Oni Toluwanimi
Published: May 2020

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health procedure No. TEB-APR-STP-0059 recommend of measuring the respirator filtration efficiency using sodium chloride aerosol with count median diameter of 75 nm ± 20 nm and geometric standard deviation ≤1.86. This study showed that this method would overestimate the respirators’ ability to protect against submicrometer particles. In this study, we converted both mobility diameter and equivalent volume diameter to aerodynamic diameter for comparison. The results showed that one unqualified KN95 respirator (with the filtration efficiency of 72%±3% for ≥300 nm sodium chloride aerosol) still passed the test with a measured overall filtration efficiency of 98%±3%, due to its larger most penetrating particle size compared to the typical N95 respirator. In addition, after three cycle H2O2 plasma vaporous sterilizations, the most penetrating particle size for the N95 grade respirators also shifted to 250 nm – 500 nm, in which size the particles carried the peak concentration of the SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals. This size shift caused the significant difference between the size specific (250 nm – 500 nm) filtration efficiency and overall filtration efficiency using the same NaCl test aerosol. For example, after three cycle H2O2 plasma vaporous sterilizations, the size specific filtration efficiency of the N95 was 55%±2%, however, the measured overall filtration efficiency was still 86%±5%. The size Specific filtration efficiency of the KN95 was 69%±2%, but, the measured overall filtration efficiency was still 90%±3%. In order to protect health care personnel adequately, we recommend increasing the test aerosol size, and measuring the size specific filtration efficiency to evaluate the N95 alternatives (e.g. KN95), and the reuse of N95 level respirators. In addition, multi-cycle sterilization with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation appears to have fewer negative effects than H2O2.
Progression of COVID-19 in Indian States - Forecasting Endpoints Using SIR and Logistic Growth Models
Authors: Malhotra Bhoomika , Kashyap Vishesh
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 has led to the most widespread public health crisis in recent history. The first case of the disease was detected in India on 31 January 2019, and confirmed cases stand at 74,281 as of 13 May 2020. Mathematical modeling can be utilized to forecast the final numbers as well as the endpoint of the disease in India and its states, as well as assess the impact of social distancing measures. In the present work, the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model and the Logistic Growth model have been implemented to predict the endpoint of COVID-19 in India as well as three states accounting for over 55% of the total cases – Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi. The results using the SIR model indicate that the disease will reach an endpoint in India on 12 September, while Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi will reach endpoints on 20 August, 30 July and 9 September respectively. Using the Logistic Regression model, the endpoint for India is predicted on 23 July, while that for Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi is 5 July, 23 June and 10 August respectively. It is also observed that the case numbers predicted by the SIR model are greater than those for the Logistic Growth model in each case. The results suggest that the lockdown enacted by the Government of India has had only a moderate impact on the spread of COVID-19, and emphasize the need for firm implementation of social distancing guidelines.
Efficient Method for Genomic DNA Mutagenesis in E. coli
Authors: Palis Dave , Huang Frank
Published: May 2020

This paper has been withdrawn by bioRxiv because its content, including the author names, was fabricated and fraudulently submitted in what may have been an attempt to game citation statistics or other metrics
Modulation of endothelial organelle size as an antithrombotic strategy
Authors: Ferraro Francesco , Costa Joana R. , Ketteler Robin , Kriston-Vizi Janos , Cutler Daniel F.
Published: May 2020

It is long-established that Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is central to haemostasis and thrombosis. Endothelial VWF is stored in cell-specific secretory granules, Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs), uniquely rod-like exocytic organelles generated in a wide range of lengths (0.5 to 5.0 µm). It has been shown that WPB size responds to physiological cues and pharmacological treatment and that, under flow, VWF secretion from shortened WPBs produces a dramatic reduction of platelet and plasma VWF adhesion to an endothelial surface. WPB-shortening therefore represents a novel target for antithrombotic therapy acting via modulation of VWF adhesive activity. To this aim, we screened a library of licenced drugs and identified several that prompt WPB size reduction. These compounds therefore constitute a novel set of potentially antithrombotic compounds.

The size of the endothelial secretory granules that store Von Willebrand Factor correlates with its activity, central to haemostasis and thrombosis. Here, human-licenced drugs that reduce the size of these secretory granules are identified, providing a set of novel potential anti-thrombotic compounds.