bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Effective Dose at Computed Tomography in a Modern 64 slice Multidetector CT System in an Irish Tertiary Care Centre with Local and International Reference Standards
Authors: Curran Tadhg-Iarla , Maher Michael , McLaughlin Patrick , Coffey Fíona , O’Neill Siobhan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundComputed tomography (CT), by its nature, imparts a high dose of ionising radiation to patients being imaged. Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are used extensively in research but are also used in practice to establish if local imaging protocols have been optimised.AimTo audit effective dose (ED) at CT for four commonly performed examinations performed with a modern multidectector 64 slice CT (MDCT) system at large tertiary care centre by comparison with current international reference standardsMethods800 consecutive studies of CT brain, cervical spine, thorax and abdomen-pelvis were examined. All patients were imaged on 64-slice MDCT with study-specific protocols. Dose descriptors were extracted from image dose reports. ED was calculated using dose-length product conversion coefficients for all patients. Data was collated with Irish national and local DRLs, and published international point values.ResultsED range at CT abdomen-pelvis of 2.03-26.04 mSv (mean 8.041 mSv) was 28.5% above the national DRL (9 mSv) and 26% above the local DRL (9.75 mSv). ED at CT thorax of 2.46-10.09 mSv (5.061 mSv) was 3.5% greater than local DRL (8.4mSv) and 42.5% greater than the national DRL (5.46 mSv). ED at CT brain of 2.25-8.08 mSv (3.075 mSv) was 100% above both the local (1.98 mSv) and national (2.06 mSv) DRLs. CT cervical spine ED of 1.49-21.94 mSv (5.14 mSv) was 79% greater than the local (3.07 mSv) and 100% greater than the national DRL (1.42 mSv).ConclusionsAll studies exceed national DRLs. A significant optimisation potential is noted, in particular, for studies involving the head and cervical spine. A further review of study protocols is necessary to facilitate optimisation of total study radiation dose.
Using surgical wrapping material for the fabrication of respirator masks
Authors: Meijer Johanna H , Vrielink Joric Oude 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGiven the current shortage of respirator masks and the resulting lack of personal protective equipment for use by clinical staff, we examined bottom-up solutions that would allow hospitals to fabricate respirator masks that: (i) meet requirements in terms of filtering capacities, (ii) are easy to produce rapidly and locally, and (iii) can be constructed using materials commonly available in hospitals worldwide. We found that Halyard H300 material used for wrapping of surgical instruments and routinely available in hospitals, met these criteria. Specifically, three layers of material achieved a filter efficiency of 94%, 99%, and 100% for 0.3 μm, 0.5 μm, and 3.0 μm particles, respectively; importantly, these values are close to the efficiency provided by FFP2 and N95 masks. After re-sterilization up to 5 times, the filter’s efficiency remains sufficiently high for use as an FFP1 respirator mask. Finally, using only one layer of the material satisfies the criteria for use as a ‘surgical mask’. This material can therefore be used to help protect hospital staff and other healthcare professionals who require access to suitable masks but lack commercially available solutions.
An epidemiologic profile of COVID-19 patients in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Huy G. , Nguyen Tuan V. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimThere is a paucity of data on the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. In this paper, we sought to provide an epidemiologic description of patients who were infected with SARS-Cov-2 in Vietnam.MethodsData were abstracted from the wikipedia’s COVID-19 information resource and Johns Hopkins University Dashboard. Demographic data and treatment status were obtained for each patient in each day. The coverage period was from 23/1/2020 to 10/4/2020. Descriptive analyses of incident cases were stratified by gender and age group. The estimation of the reproduction ratio was done with a bootstrap method using the R statistical environment.ResultsDuring the coverage period, Vietnam has recorded 257 cases of COVID-19. Approximately 54% of the cases were women. The median age of patients was 30 years (range: 3 months to 88 years), with 78% of patients aged 49 or younger. About 66% (n = 171) of patients were overseas tourists (20%) and Vietnamese students or workers returning from overseas (46%). Approximately 57% (n = 144) of patients have been recovered and discharged from hospitals. There have been no mortality. The reproduction ratio was estimated to range between 0.95 and 1.24.ConclusionThese data indicate that a majority of COVID-19 patients in Vietnam was imported cases in overseas tourists and young students and workers who had returned from overseas.
Undergraduate medical students in India are underprepared to be the young-taskforce against Covid-19 amid prevalent fears
Authors: Agarwal Vishwesh , Gupta Latika , Davalbhakta Samira , Misra Durga , Agarwal Vikas , Goel Ashish 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe healthcare system in India faces an acute shortage of front-line doctors to fight the Covid-19. Thus, the recruitment of undergraduate medical students into the health care force is being considered by many state governments. A survey was conducted amongst undergraduate medical students to understand their knowledge, attitude, and preparedness towards the ongoing pandemic.MethodsAn anonymized survey on a cloud-based website (Survey Monkey®) comprising 33 questions was served to medical students.ResultsOf 616 (24.6%) respondents among 2500 invitees across six medical schools in India, most (54.1%) were in the final year of their undergraduate training program. Knowledge regarding viral transmission, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, and drugs being tried out in Covid-19 was adequate among most students. However, understanding of the incubation period 123 (20%) and time to symptoms 30 (4.8%) was less than satisfactory. Three-fourths (75%) were unaware of the treatment guidelines for Covid-19, and one-quarter (155, 25.1%) were unaware of the required precautions during management. Moreover, 179 (29.1%) were unaware that Covid-19 causes an asymptomatic or minor illness in young individuals. Nearly 70% were reluctant to attend clinics from fear of getting infected or passing on to others. Besides, 250 (40.6%) were not updated on Covid-19, and most (486, 78.9%) resorted to social media for information on Covid-19.ConclusionPrevalent fears and inadequate understanding of Covid-19 suggest that undergraduate medical students are not prepared to be the front-line taskforce in the current pandemic.
Modeling COVID-19: Forecasting and analyzing the dynamics of the outbreak in Hubei and Turkey
Authors: Aslan Ibrahim Halil , Demir Mahir , Wise Michael Morgan , Lenhart Suzanne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAs the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) rages throughout the world, accurate modeling of the dynamics thereof is essential. However, since the availability and quality of data varies dramatically from region to region, accurate modeling directly from a global perspective is difficult, if not altogether impossible. Nevertheless, via local data collected by certain regions, it is possible to develop accurate local prediction tools, which may be coupled to develop global models.In this study, we analyze the dynamics of local outbreaks of COVID-19 via a coupled system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Utilizing the large amount of data available from the ebbing outbreak in Hubei, China as a testbed, we estimate the basic reproductive number, ℛ0 of COVID-19 and predict the total cases, total deaths, and other features of the Hubei outbreak with a high level of accuracy. Through numerical experiments, we observe the effects of quarantine, social distancing, and COVID-19 testing on the dynamics of the outbreak. Using knowledge gleaned from the Hubei outbreak, we apply our model to analyze the dynamics of outbreak in Turkey. We provide forecasts for the peak of the outbreak and the total number of cases/deaths in Turkey, for varying levels of social distancing, quarantine, and COVID-19 testing.
Rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by detecting IgG and IgM antibodies with an immunochromatographic device: a prospective single-center study
Authors: Pérez-García Felipe , Pérez-Tanoira Ramón , Romanyk Juan , Arroyo Teresa , Gómez-Herruz Peña , Cuadros-González Juan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesSARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis is challenging in patients from 2-3 weeks after the onset of symptoms, due to the low positivity rate of the PCR. Serologic tests could be complementary to PCR in these situations. The aim of our study was to analyze the diagnostic performance of one serologic rapid test in COVID-19 patients.MethodsWe evaluated an immunochromatographic test (AllTest COVID-19 IgG / IgM) which detects IgG and IgM antibodies. We validated the serologic test using serum samples from 45 negative patients (group 1) and 55 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by PCR (group 2). Then, we prospectively evaluated the test in 63 patients with clinical diagnosis of pneumonia of unknown etiology that were COVID-19 negative by PCR (group 3).ResultsAll 45 patients from group 1 were negative for the serologic test (specificity = 100%). Regarding group 2 (PCR-positive), the median time from their symptom onset until testing was 11 days. For these 55 group-2 patients, the test was positive for either IgM or IgG in 26 (overall sensitivity = 47%), and in patients tested 14 days or more after the onset of symptoms, the sensitivity was 74%. Regarding the 63 group-3 patients, median time after symptom onset was 17 days, and the test was positive in 56 (89% positivity).ConclusionsOur study shows that serologic rapid tests could be used as a complement of PCR to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection after 14 days from the onset of symptoms and in patients with pneumonia and negative PCR for SARS-CoV-2.
Estimating the real-time case fatality rate of COVID-19 using Poisson mixtures model
Authors: Lee Paul H. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTWe proposed using Poisson mixtures model that utilized data of deaths, recoveries, and total confirmed cases in each day since the outbreak. We demonstrated that our CFR estimates for Hubei Province and other parts of China were superior to the simple CFR estimators in the early stage of COVID-19 outbreak.
The origin and underlying driving forces of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak
Authors: Chaw Shu-Miaw , Tai Jui-Hung , Chen Shi-Lun , Hsieh Chia-Hung , Chang Sui-Yuan , Yeh Shiou-Hwei , Yang Wei-Shiung , Chen Pei-Jer , Wang Hurng-Yi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe spread of SARS-CoV-2 since December 2019 has become a pandemic and impacted many aspects of human society. Here, we analyzed genetic variation of SARS-CoV-2 and its related coronavirus and found the evidence of intergenomic recombination. After correction for mutational bias, analysis of 137 SARS-CoV-2 genomes as of 2/23/2020 revealed the excess of low frequency mutations on both synonymous and nonsynonymous sites which is consistent with recent origin of the virus. In contrast to adaptive evolution previously reported for SARS-CoV in its brief epidemic in 2003, our analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes shows signs of relaxation of selection. The sequence similarity of the spike receptor binding domain between SARS-CoV-2 and a sequence from pangolin is probably due to an ancient intergenomic introgression. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 might have cryptically circulated within humans for years before being recently noticed. Data from the early outbreak and hospital archives are needed to trace its evolutionary path and reveal critical steps required for effective spreading. Two mutations, 84S in orf8 protein and 251V in orf3 protein, occurred coincidentally with human intervention. The 84S first appeared on 1/5/2020 and reached a plateau around 1/23/2020, the lockdown of Wuhan. 251V emerged on 1/21/2020 and rapidly increased its frequency. Thus, the roles of these mutations on infectivity need to be elucidated. Genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 collected from China was two time higher than those derived from the rest of the world. In addition, in network analysis, haplotypes collected from Wuhan city were at interior and have more mutational connections, both of which are consistent with the observation that the outbreak of cov-19 was originated from China.SUMMARYIn contrast to adaptive evolution previously reported for SARS-CoV in its brief epidemic, our analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes shows signs of relaxation of selection. The sequence similarity of the spike receptor binding domain between SARS-CoV-2 and a sequence from pangolin is probably due to an ancient intergenomic introgression. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 might have cryptically circulated within humans for years before being recently noticed. Data from the early outbreak and hospital archives are needed to trace its evolutionary path and reveal critical steps required for effective spreading. Two mutations, 84S in orf8 protein and 251V in orf3 protein, occurred coincidentally with human intervention. The 84S first appeared on 1/5/2020 and reached a plateau around 1/23/2020, the lockdown of Wuhan. 251V emerged on 1/21/2020 and rapidly increased its frequency. Thus, the roles of these mutations on infectivity need to be elucidated.
COVID-19 outbreak at a large homeless shelter in Boston: Implications for universal testing
Authors: Baggett Travis P. , Keyes Harrison , Sporn Nora , Gaeta Jessie M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe circumstances of homelessness create the potential for rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in this vulnerable population. Upon observing a cluster of COVID-19 cases from a single large homeless shelter in Boston, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program conducted symptom assessments and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 among all guests residing at the shelter over a 2-day period. Of 408 participants, 147 (36.0%) were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. COVID-positive individuals were more likely to be male (p<0.001) but did not differ significantly from COVID-negative individuals with respect to other demographic and clinical characteristics. Cough (7.5%), shortness of breath (1.4%), and fever (0.7%) were all uncommon among COVID-positive individuals. Our findings illustrate the rapidity with which COVID-19 can be widely transmitted in a homeless shelter setting and suggest that universal PCR testing, rather than a symptom triggered approach, may be a better strategy for identifying and mitigating COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness.
Identification of potential vaccine candidates againstSARS-CoV-2, A step forward to fight COVID-19: A Reverse Vaccinology Approach
Authors: Gupta Ekta , Mishra Rupesh Kumar , Niraj Ravi Ranjan Kumar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes an immense health crisis to global public health. The COVID-19 is the etiologic agent of a recently arose disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Presently, there is no vaccine available against this emerged viral disease. Therefore, it is indeed a need of the hour to develop an effectual and safe vaccine against this decidedly pandemic disease. In the current study, we collectedSARS-CoV-2genome which is prominent in India against human host, further more using reverse vaccinology here we claim effective vaccine candidates that can be mile stone in battle against COVID19. This novel study divulged one promising antigenic peptide GVYFASTEK from surface glycoprotein (protein accession no. - QIA98583.1) ofSARS-CoV-2,which was predicated to be interacted with MHC alleles and showed up to 90% conservancy and high value of antigenicity. Subsequently, the molecular docking and simulation studies were verified molecular interaction of this prime antigenic peptide with the residues of HLA-A*11–01 allele for MHC Class I. After vigorous analysis, this peptide was predicted to be suitable epitope which is capable to induce the strong cell-mediated immune response against theSARS-CoV-2.Consequences from the current study could facilitate selectingSARS-CoV-2epitopes for vaccine production pipelines in the immediate future. This novel research will certainly pave the way for a fast, reliable and virtuous platform to provide timely countermeasure of this dangerous pandemic disease, COVID-19.
Comparativein vitrotranscriptomic analyses of COVID-19 candidate therapy hydroxychloroquine suggest limited immunomodulatory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 host response genes
Authors: Corley Michael J. , Sugai Christopher , Schotsaert Michael , Schwartz Robert E. , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has emerged as a potential and controversial antiviral candidate therapy for COVID-19. While many clinical trials are underway to test the efficacy of HCQ as a treatment for COVID-19, underlying mechanisms of HCQ in the setting of COVID-19 remain unclear. Hence, we examined differential gene expression signatures of HCQ exposure,in vitroSARS-CoV-2 infection, and host signatures of COVID-19 in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, and postmortem lung to evaluate whether HCQ transcriptome signatures associate with restoration of SARS-CoV-2-related host transcriptional responses. Here, we show that 24 hours ofin vitrotreatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) with HCQ significantly impacted transcription of 16 genes involved in immune regulation and lipid metabolism. Using transcriptome data fromin vitroSARS-CoV-2 infected NHBE and A549 cells and PBMC derived from confirmed COVID-19 infected patients, we determined that only 0.24% of the COVID-19 PBMC differentially expressed gene set and 0.39% of thein vitroSARS-CoV-2 cells differentially expressed gene set overlapped with HCQ-related differentially expressed genes. Moreover, we observed that HCQ treatment significantly impacted transcription of 159 genes in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages involved in cholesterol biosynthetic process and chemokine activity. Notably, when we compared the macrophage HCQ-related gene lists with genes transcriptionally altered during SARS-CoV-2 infection and in bronchoalveolar lavage of COVID-19+ patients, theCXCL6gene was impacted in all three transcriptional signatures revealing evidence in favor of chemokine modulation. HCQ-related transcriptional changes minimally overlapped with host genes altered in postmortem lung biopsies from COVID-19 participants. These results may provide insight into the immunomodulation mechanisms of HCQ treatment in the setting of COVID-19 and suggest HCQ is not a panacea to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Small molecule cognitive enhancer reverses age-related memory decline in mice
Authors: Krukowski Karen , Nolan Amber , Frias Elma S. , Boone Morgane , Ureta Gonzalo , Grue Katherine , Paladini Maria-Serena , Elizarraras Edward , Delgado Luz , Bernales Sebastian , Walter Peter , Rosi Susanna 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTWith increased life expectancy age-associated cognitive decline becomes a growing concern, even in the absence of recognizable neurodegenerative disease. The integrated stress response (ISR) is activated during aging and contributes to age-related brain phenotypes. We demonstrate that treatment with the drug-like small-molecule ISR inhibitor ISRIB reverses ISR activation in the brain, as indicated by decreased levels of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2. Furthermore, ISRIB treatment reverses spatial memory deficits and ameliorates working memory in old mice. At the cellular level in the hippocampus, ISR inhibition i) rescues intrinsic neuronal electrophysiological properties, ii) restores spine density and iii) reduces immune profiles, specifically interferon and T cell-mediated responses. Thus, pharmacological interference with the ISR emerges as a promising intervention strategy for combating age-related cognitive decline in otherwise healthy individuals.ONE SENTENCE SUMMARYInhibition of the integrated stress response restores neuronal and immune dysfunction and alleviates memory deficits in aged mice.
Mapping the genetic and environmental aetiology of autistic traits in Sweden and the United Kingdom
Authors: Reed Zoe E. , Larsson Henrik , Haworth Claire M.A. , Rai Dheeraj , Lundström Sebastian , Ronald Angelica , Reichenberg Abraham , Lichtenstein Paul , Davis Oliver S.P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAutistic traits are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and are known to vary geographically in prevalence. But to what extent does their aetiology also vary from place to place?MethodsWe applied a novel spatial approach to data on autistic traits from two large twin studies, the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS; N=16,677, including 8,307 twin pairs) and the Twins Early Development Study in the UK (TEDS; N=11,594, including 5,796 twin pairs), to explore how the influence of nature and nurture on autistic traits varies from place to place.ResultsWe present maps of gene- and environment-by geography interactions in Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK), showing geographical variation in both genetic and environmental influences across the two countries. In Sweden genetic influences appear higher in the far south and in a band running across the centre of the country. Environmental influences appear greatest in the south and north, with reduced environmental influence across the central band. In the UK genetic influences appear greater in the south, particularly in more central southern areas and the southeast, the Midlands and the north of England. Environmental influences appear greatest in the south and east of the UK, with less influence in the north and the west.ConclusionsWe hope this systematic approach to identifying aetiological interactions will inspire research to examine a wider range of previously unknown environmental influences on the aetiology of autistic traits. By doing so, we will gain greater understanding of how these environments draw out or mask genetic predisposition and interact with other environmental influences in the development of autistic traits.
Connexin-46/50 in a dynamic lipid environment resolved by CryoEM at 1.9 Å
Authors: Flores Jonathan A. , Haddad Bassam G. , Dolan Kimberly A. , Myers Janette B. , Yoshioka Craig C. , Copperman Jeremy , Zuckerman Daniel M. , Reichow Steve L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGap junctions establish direct pathways for connected cells and tissues to transfer metabolic and electrical messages1. The local lipid environment is known to affect the structure, stability and intercellular channel activity of gap junctions2-5; however, the molecular basis for these effects remains unknown. To gain insight toward how gap junctions interact with their local membrane environment, we used lipid nanodisc technology to incorporate native connexin-46/50 (Cx46/50) intercellular channels into a dual lipid membrane system, closely mimicking a native cell-to-cell junction. Structural characterization of Cx46/50 lipid-embedded channels by single particle CryoEM revealed a lipid-induced stabilization to the channel, resulting in a 3D reconstruction at 1.9 Å resolution. Together with all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and 3D heterogeneity analysis of the ensemble CryoEM data, it is shown that Cx46/50 in turn imparts long-range stabilization to the dynamic local lipid environment that is specific to the extracellular lipid leaflet of the two opposed membranes. In addition, nearly 400 water molecules are resolved in the CryoEM map, localized throughout the intercellular permeation pathway and contributing to the channel architecture. These results illustrate how the aqueous-lipid environment is integrated with the architectural stability, structure and function of gap junction communication channels, and demonstrates the ability of CryoEM to effectively characterize dynamical protein-lipid interactions.