bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-elevational occurrence of two tick species, Ixodes ricinus and I. trianguliceps, at their northern distributional limit
Authors: De Pelsmaeker Nicolas , Korslund Lars , Steifetten Øyvind 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: During the last decades a northward and upward range shift has been observed among many organisms across different taxa. In the northern hemisphere, ticks have been observed to have increased their latitudinal and altitudinal range limit. However, the elevational expansion at its northern distribution limit remains largely unstudied. In this study we investigated the altitudinal distribution of the exophilic Ixodes ricinus and endophilic I. trianguliceps on two mountain slopes in Norway by assessing larval infestation rates on bank voles (Myodes glareolus).Methods: During 2017 and 2018, 1325 bank voles were captured during spring, summer and autumn at 10 trapping stations ranging from 100 m to 1000 m.a.s.l in two study areas in southern Norway. We used generalized logistic regression models to estimate the prevalence of infestation of both tick species along altitude, considering study area, collection year and season, temperature, humidity and altitude interactions as extrinsic variables; and host body mass and sex as intrinsic predictor variables.Results: We found that both I. ricinus and I. trianguliceps infested bank voles at altitudes up to 1000 m.a.s.l., which is a substantial increase in altitude compared to previous findings for I. ricinus in this region. The infestation rates declined more rapidly for I. ricinus compared to I. trianguliceps, indicating that the endophilic ecology of I. trianguliceps may provide shelter from limiting factors tied to altitude. Seasonal effects limited the occurrence of I. ricinus during autumn, but I. trianguliceps was found to infest rodents at all altitudes during all seasons of both years.Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the altitudinal distribution of two tick species at their northern distributional limit, one with the potential to transmit zoonotic pathogens to both humans and livestock. With warming temperatures predicted to increase, and especially so in the northern regions, the risk of tick-borne infections is likely to become a concern at increasingly higher altitudes in the future.
Laboratory based Retrospective Study to determine the start of SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness in Egypt at El-Demerdash tertiary hospitals
Authors: H.A.Agwa Sara , Elghazaly Hesham , El-Nakeep Sarah , Moustafa Ahmad , El-Sayed Manal H , Hafez Hala , abdo Samia , Matboli Marwa , Saad Maha , M.Elsayed Shaimaa , Elsamie Aya M.Abd , M.Dar Reham , elarab Hoda ezz , Ebeid Fatma S. E. , Makkeyah Sara , Meteini Mahmoud S El 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Subject Area: SARS-CoV-2Purpose: COVID-19 is the most recent pandemic causing morbidity and mortality. Although a part of the pathogens causing SARI, it is unique in causing pulmonary thrombosis and lung fibrosis. Thus different management is needed. We aimed o explore the start of SARS-CoV-2 in preserved SARI samples to know the exact time of its emergence in our hospital, to conduct whole-genome sequencing in positive SARS-CoV-2 samples to define its strain. To assess the clinical characteristics of the severe respiratory infection admitted to El-Demerdash hospitals in that same period from our own file reports.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among SARI patients who were admitted to Ain Shams university hospitals. preserved nasopharyngeal& oropharyngeal swabs from 333 SARI patients were used in SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-Real time PCR. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples was performed. Clinical characteristics of the SARI patients were analyzed in the same period to show the relation to morbidity and mortality.Results: The first case of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in a 6months aged female patient on mid-April 2020, B.1.1.7, clade GR. Co-infection (with both bacterial and viral) was most prevalent in pediatrics than adults, but mortality was higher in adults than pediatrics (18.1% versus 7.1%). ICU admission was higher in adults than in the pediatric group (65% versus 12.8%). Co-morbidities were associated with higher mortality and more severe infection. The most common bacterial infection in both adults and pediatrics was Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Conclusion: COVID-19 didn’t start till mid-April in the Egyptian hospitals as remarked by this tertiary hospital’s data. Co-infection is the most prevalent in children and further research is needed in this area.
An aptamer/ siRNA Chimera against The SARS-CoV-2: A Dual Therapeutic Strategy for The Virus Neutralizing and RNA Interfering
Authors: Khanali Javad , Azangou-khyavy Mohammadreza , Asaadi Yasaman , Jamalkhah Monire , Kiani Jafar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, besides the vaccines, there is an urgent need for the development of effective therapeutics. Although significant efforts have been made to develop such therapies, there are currently no approved treatments for COVID-19. One of the potential therapeutic targets is the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2, which mediates viral entry into host cells. It has been shown that targeting S protein could neutralize viruses and hinder their binding to the cells. Among known viral neutralizing agents, aptamers’ potential in neutralizing the SARS-Cov-2 virus has not yet been revealed. In addition, aptamers could also be used for targeted delivery of drugs and other genetic elements, such as siRNAs, to the cells. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are reliable tools for gene knockdown via RNA degradation. siRNAs have been implemented previously against some viruses, including SARS-CoV, to target its genome. Recently, potential siRNA sequences and their targets in the SARS-CoV-2 genome have been reported, and the efficiency of siRNAs in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection is being revealed. An alternative antiviral approach we propose here relies on an aptamer-siRNA-based system for the treatment of COVID-19. These aptamers could neutralize viruses by hindering their receptor-mediated endocytosis, and siRNAs could suppress the expression of viral genes and halt various aspects of its pathogenesis whenever the aptamers fail to neutralize the virus.
Comorbidities role on death in diabetic patients with COVID-19&nbsp;
Authors: Emami Amir , Mohammadzadeh Khalil Ali , Akbari Ali , Falahati Farshad , Basirat Atefeh , Zare Hamid 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose: According to the possible role of other comorbidities in increase the risk of mortality in diabetes patient, recent study was designed to manage complications and mortality rate in this group of patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional study (25 February to 10 July 2020) total of 458 diabetic patients were enrolled based on their characteristics, symptoms and signs, and presence of underlying diseases. Multiple logistic regression and χ2 test analysis used to check the effectiveness of comorbidities on the mortality outcome among diabetic patients.Results: Of 458 diabetic patients, 306 (67%) were with underlying diseases (200 (65.4%) hypertension, 103 (33.7%) cardiovascular diseases and 29 (9.5%) kidney diseases). The rate of fatality was significantly high in patients with chronic kidney and liver diseases. The odds of mortality outcome increase 3.1 fold for patients over 55 years as compared to under 55 years (P =0.011), and the odds of mortality outcome was more than 5.1 folds for those who had chronic kidney disease (P <0.001).Conclusions: The presentation of SARS-CoV-2 in older diabetic patients with comorbidities (chronic kidney and liver diseases) is more severe in risk of mortality.
Measurement Operators in Conjugate Transformation Structure - Conjugate Hierarchy of Multiple Levels on Logic Constructions, Pairs of 0-1 Feature Vectors and Hamiltonian Dynamics
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Hamiltonian dynamics play a key role in the foundation of modern physics and mathematics with wider applications in multiple advanced sciences and technologies.This paper proposes a conjugate transformation structure and its measurement operators on a hierarchy of multiple levels to support intermediate transforming structures from pairs of logic states as micro-ensembles to feature vector transformations as global measurements.Using logic equations and pairs of partitions on phase spaces, conjugate 0-1 vectors provide hypercomplex number systems. Multiple operators can be created and linked with Hamiltonian operators.The main constructions of conjugate transformation structures are described and complex conjugate operators are discussed under a pair of symmetric and antisymmetric parameters with O(2^{2^n}x2^N); 1 =< n =< 2m structural complexity.Using new operators, the Yang-Mills equations are briefly described as an example.
Growth Hormone Activates PI3K/Akt Signaling and Inhibits ROS Accumulation and Apoptosis in Granulosa Cells of Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Gong Yan , Luo Shan , Fan Ping , Zhu Huili , Li Yujing , Huang Wei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Growth hormone (GH) can reduce oxidative stress (OS) induced apoptosis in some types of cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study investigated the role and underlying mechanism of GH in OS and apoptosis in GCs of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Primary GCs were collected from patients with and without PCOS (controls, n = 32) during oocyte retrieval. The patients with PCOS were randomly assigned to receive treatment with GH (PCOS-GH, n = 30) or without GH (PCOS-C, n = 31). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was determined by spectrophotometry and ﬂuorescence microscopy. GC apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining and JC-1 staining, respectively (flow cytometry). The expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins involved in PI3K/Akt signaling was determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, while active caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Result(s): The present study found that compared with those in the non-PCOS and PCOS-GH groups, the ROS levels and apoptotic rates were significantly increased, whereas MMP was significantly decreased in the PCOS-C group GCs (P < 0.05). Compared with those in non-PCOS and PCOS-GH groups, mRNA levels of FOXO1, Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 were significantly increased, whereas Bcl-2 was decreased in the GCs of the PCOS-C group (P < 0.05). The protein levels of FOXO1, Bax, cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 were increased, whereas p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-FOXO1 and Bcl-2 were decreased in the GCs of the PCOS-C group, compared with those in the non-PCOS and PCOS-GH groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: OS induced apoptosis and inactivated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in patients with PCOS. GH could improve apoptosis and activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Clinical Trial Registration Number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx). ChiCTR1800019437. Prospectively registered on October 20, 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=28663&htm= 4
Investigation of genetic variations of IL6 and IL6R as potential prognostic and pharmacogenetics biomarkers: implications for COVID19 and neuroinflammatory disorders.
Authors: Strafella Claudia , Caputo Valerio , Termine Andrea , Barati Shila , Caltagirone Carlo , Giardina Emiliano , Cascella Raffaella 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the distribution of genetic variations in IL6 and IL6R genes, which may be employed as prognostic and pharmacogenetic biomarkers for COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases. The study was performed on 271 samples representative of the Italian general population and identified seven variants (rs140764737, rs142164099, rs2069849, rs142759801, rs190436077, rs148171375, rs13306435) in IL6 and five variants (rs2228144, rs2229237, rs2228145, rs28730735, rs143810642) within IL6R, respectively. These variants have been predicted to affect the expression and binding ability of IL6 and IL6R. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed that IL6 and IL6R appeared to be implicated in several pathogenetic mechanisms associated with COVID19 severity and mortality as well as with neurodegenerative diseases mediated by neuroinflammation. Thus, the availability of IL6-IL6R-related biomarkers for COVID19 disease may be helpful to counteract harmful complications and prevent multi-organ failure. At the same time, IL6-IL6R-related biomarkers could also be useful for assessing the susceptibility and progression of neuroinflammatory disorders and undertake the most suitable treatment strategies to improve patients’ prognosis and quality of life. In conclusion, this study showed how IL6 pleiotropic activity could be exploited to meet different clinical needs and realize precision medicine protocols for chronic, age-related and modern public health emergencies.
COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing and mass testing in Kenya - Insights from a mathematical model&nbsp;
Authors: Mbogo Rachel Waema , Oddhiambo John W. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the world is currently facing a devastating pandemic of a novel coronavirus ( COVID -19), which started as an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown cause in the Wuhan city of China in December 2019. Within days and weeks, the COVID -19 pandemic had spread to over 210 countries. By the end of April, COVID -19 had caused over three million confirmed cases of infections and 230,000 fatalities globally. The trend poses a huge threat to global public health. Understanding the early transmission dynamics of the infection and evaluating the effectiveness of control measures is crucial for assessing the potential for sustained transmission to occur in new areas.We employed a SEIHCRD delay differential mathematical transmission model with reported Kenyan data on cases of COVID -19 to estimate how transmission varies over time and which population to target for mass testing. The model is concise in structure, and successfully captures the course of the COVID -19 outbreak, and thus sheds light on understanding the trends of the outbreak and the vulnerable populations. The results from the model gives insights to the government on the population to target for mass testing. The government should target population in the informal settlement for mass testing. People with pre-existing medical and non-medical conditions should be identified and given special medical care. With aggressive effective mass testing and adhering to the government directives and guidelines, we can get rid of COVID -19 epidemic.
Acute kidney injury caused by darunavir in a patient with COVID-19: A Case Report
Authors: Abdalla Shiema , Elgassim Lenah , Rustom Fatima , Othman Muftah 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA highly contagious virus known as SARS-CoV-2 has been a pandemic globally. HIV medications were one of the suggested treatments for COVID-19. Here, we report an unusual adverse drug reaction with darunavir in a SARS-CoV-2-infected patient.Case presentationThis is a case presentation of a 53-year-old male with no past medical history who was diagnosed with COVID-19. One week after initiating treatment, the patient developed acute kidney injury, and his serum creatinine increased significantly.ConclusionAs there was no clear justification for renal impairment such as a prerenal or postrenal cause, acute kidney injury, possibly crystal-induced nephropathy, was considered an adverse drug reaction from darunavir.
Risk Factors Analysis of COVID-19 Patients with ARDS and Prediction Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Xu Wan , Sun Nan-Nan , Gao Hai-Nv , Chen Zhi-Yuan , Yang Ya , Ju Bin , Tang Ling-Ling 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 is a newly emerging infectious disease, which is generally susceptible to human beings and has caused huge losses to people's health. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the common clinical manifestations of severe COVID-19 and it is also responsible for the current shortage of ventilators worldwide. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 ARDS patients and establish a diagnostic system based on artificial intelligence (AI) method to predict the probability of ARDS in COVID-19 patients. We collected clinical data of 659 COVID-19 patients from 11 regions in China. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were elaborately compared and both traditional machine learning algorithms and deep learning-based methods were used to build the prediction models. Results indicated the median age of ARDS patients was 56.5 years old, which was significantly older than those with non-ARDS by 7.5 years. Male and patients with BMI>25 were more likely to develop ARDS. The clinical features of ARDS patients included cough (80.3%), polypnea (59.2%), lung consolidation (53.9%), secondary bacterial infection (30.3%), and comorbidities such as hypertension (48.7%). Abnormal biochemical indicators such as lymphocyte count, leukocyte counting, CK, NLR, AST, LDH, and CRP were all strongly related to the aggravation of ARDS. Furthermore, through various AI methods for modeling and prediction effect evaluation based on the above risk factors, decision tree achieved the best AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in identifying the mild patients who were easy to develop ARDS, which undoubtedly helps to optimize the treatment strategy, reduce mortality, and relieve the medical pressure.
A glimpse into the&nbsp;diverse cellular immunity against&nbsp;SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;
Authors: Chang Lung-Ji , Chang Cheng-Wei , Liu Yuchen , Jiao Cheng , Liu Hongwei , Chen Xiaochuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific cellular immune response may prove to be essential for long-term immune protection against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To assess COVID-19-specific immunity in the population, we synthesized selected peptide pools of SARS-CoV-2 structural and functional proteins, including Spike (S), Membrane (M), envelope (E), Nucleocapsid (N) and Protease (P) as target antigens. Survey of the T cell precursur frequencies in healthy individuals specific to these viral antigens demonstrated a diverse cellular immunity, including high, medium, low and no responders. This was further confirmed by in vitro induction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 T cell immune responses using dendritic cell (DC)/T cell coculture, which was consistent with the corresponding T cell precursor frequencies in each individual tested. In general, the combination of all five antigenic pools induced the strongest cellular immune response, and individual donors responded differently to different viral antigens. Importantly, a secondary in vitro booster stimulation of the T cells with the DC-peptides induced increased anti-viral immune responses in all individuals even in the no responders, suggesting that booster immunization in a vaccine scheme may elicit a broad protection in immune naïve population. Our analysis illustrates the critical role of cellular immunity in fighting COVID-19 and the importance of analyzing anti-SARS-CoV-2 T cell response in addition to antibody response in the population.
Application of disease model to ascertain risk-mitigation strategies during COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, an example from resource-constrained urban settings in Pakistan
Authors: HASSAN SHOAIB , Salman Mo , Mustafa Tehmina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Most COVID-19 affected resource-constrained settings have not ascertained their disease prevalence that pose a risk for global health. In wake of limited diagnostics and research capacity in such settings, this disease forecasting model provides an example to be adapted for evidence-based response efforts. Using officially reported data, this model forecasted COVID-19 prevalence in cosmopolitan cities. Several risk-mitigation strategies were analyzed for effectiveness in controlling disease incidence. Moreover, the reproduction rates to ascertain transmission, herd-immunity threshold, and performance of required laboratory tests were studied. The severe-critical cases were relatively low due to larger young population. Following any risk-mitigation strategy, at end of first wave, a susceptible population remained at risk of recurrent COVID-19 transmission. The herd-immunity threshold was in accordance with global estimates but would need careful monitoring based on adopted risk-mitigation strategy and variation in vaccines’ efficacy. A test-gap between performed vs required laboratory tests led to miss several cases from getting diagnosed. First of its kind, this study estimates sub-national COVID-19 prevalence in dense-urban living in low-middle income settings. Future response policies should consider such evidence to prevent recurrent COVID-19 waves of transmission. Unless sustained herd-immunity is achieved by effective immunization, risk of re-introduction to vulnerable population would remain.
The morbidity and mortality of non-small cell lung cancer in low risk areas of the COVID-19
Authors: Yu Minhao , Cheng Yalin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: To analyze the morbidity and mortality of non-small cell lung cancer and evaluate treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer patients in low-risk areas of the COVID-19.Materials and methods: We selected patients in the hospital in Sichuan Science City Hospital from September 2019 to February 2020 as research subjects and divided them into experimental and control groups. The evaluation of treatment strategy was based on morbidity and mortality.Results: There were 9010 patients hospitalized. The total morbidity was 0.699%, which was 0.504% in the control group and 0.991% in the experimental group (P=0.024). The total mortality was 0.887 /103, which was 0.840/103 in the control group (4/4764) and 0.942/103 in the experimental group (P=0.998). The patients discontinued therapy or follow-up and cancer progression in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P＜0.001, =0.007). Most of the discontinued and progressive cancer patients were elderly and in late stage.Conclusion: The morbidity of NSCLC during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly high. The mortality in the experimental group was slightly higher than that in the control group, while the difference in cancer progression was significant. It is practicable to perform surgery for early-stage NSCLC patients and undesirable to suspend treatment for late-stage patients in low-risk areas.