bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A trans-ancestry genome-wide association study of unexplained chronic ALT elevation as a proxy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with histological and radiological validation
Authors: Vujkovic Marijana , Ramdas Shweta , Lorenz Kimberly M. , Guo Xiuqing , Darlay Rebecca , Cordell Heather J. , He Jing , Gindin Yevgeniy , Chung Chuhan , Meyers Rob P , Schneider Carolin V. , Park Joseph , Lee Kyung M. , Serper Marina , Carr Rotonya M. , Kaplan David E. , Haas Mary E. , MacLean Matthew T. , Witschey Walter R. , Zhu Xiang , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Kember Rachel L. , Kranzler Henry R. , Verma Anurag , Giri Ayush , Klarin Derek M. , Sun Yan V. , Huang Jie , Huffman Jennifer , Creasy Kate Townsend , Hand Nicholas J. , Liu Ching-Ti , Long Michelle T. , Yao Jie , Budoff Matthew , Tan Jingyi , Li Xiaohui , Lin Henry J. , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Taylor Kent D. , Chang Ruey-Kang , Krauss Ronald M. , Vilarinho Silvia , Brancale Joseph , Nielsen Jonas B. , Locke Adam E. , Jones Marcus B. , Verweij Niek , Baras Aris , Reddy K. Rajender , Neuschwander-Tetri Brent A. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Sanyal Arun J. , Chalasani Naga , Ryan Katherine A. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Gill Dipender , Wells Andrew D. , Manduchi Elisabetta , Saiman Yedidya , Mahmud Nadim , Miller Donald R. , Reaven Peter D. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Muralidhar Sumitra , DuVall Scott L. , Lee Jennifer S. , Assimes Themistocles L. , Pyarajan Saiju , Cho Kelly , Edwards Todd L. , Damrauer Scott M. , Wilson Peter W. , Gaziano J. Michael , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Khera Amit V. , Grant Struan F.A. , Brown Christopher D. , Tsao Philip S. , Saleheen Danish , Lotta Luca A. , Bastarache Lisa , Anstee Quentin M. , Daly Ann K. , Meigs James B. , Rotter Jerome I. , Lynch Julie A. ,   Regeneron Genetics Center, DiscovEHR Collaboration, EPoS Consortium Investigators, VA Million Veteran Program, Rader Daniel J. , Voight Benjamin F. , Chang Kyong-Mi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing cause of chronic liver disease. Using a proxy NAFLD definition of chronic alanine aminotransferase elevation (cALT) without other liver diseases, we performed a trans-ancestry genome-wide association study in the Million Veteran Program including 90,408 cALT cases and 128,187 controls. In the Discovery stage, seventy-seven loci exceeded genome-wide significance – including 25 without prior NAFLD or ALT associations – with one additional locus identified in European-American-only and two in African-American-only analyses (P<5×10-8). External replication in cohorts with NAFLD defined by histology (7,397 cases, 56,785 controls) or liver fat extracted from radiologic imaging (n=44,289) validated 17 SNPs (P<6.5×10-4) of which 9 were novel (TRIB1,PPARG,MTTP,SERPINA1,FTO,IL1RN,COBLL1,APOH, andIFI30). Pleiotropy analysis showed that 61 of 77 trans-ancestry and all 17 validated SNPs were jointly associated with metabolic and/or inflammatory traits, revealing a complex model of genetic architecture. Our approach integrating cALT, histology and imaging reveals new insights into genetic liability to NAFLD.
Number of tests required to flatten the curve of coronavirus disease-2019
Authors: Hwang Seogwon , Kim Jong-Hoon , Choe Young June , Oh Dong-hyun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe developed a mathematical model to quantify the number of tests required to stop the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our model analyses performed using the data from the U.S. suggest that the infection coefficient increases by approximately 47% upon relaxing the lockdown policy. To offset the effect of lockdown relaxation, the number of tests should increase by 2.25 times, corresponding to approximately 280,000–360,000 tests per day in April 2020.
Cervical cancer screening uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yimer Nigus Bililign , Mohammed Mohammed Akibu , Solomon Kalkidan , Tadese Mesfin , Grutzmacher Stephanie , Meikena Henok Kumsa , Alemnew Birhan , Sharew Nigussie Tadesse , Habtewold Tesfa Dejenie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCervical cancer screening and prevention programs have been given considerable attention in high-income countries, while only receiving minimal effort in many African countries. This meta-analytic review aimed to estimate the pooled uptake of cervical cancer screening uptake and identify its predictors in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, African Journals Online, Web of Science and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched. All observational studies conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa and published in English language from January 2000 to 2019 were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied to examine methodological quality of the studies. Inverse variance-weighted random-effects model meta-analysis was done to estimate the pooled uptake and odds ratio of predictors with 95% confidence interval. I2 test statistic was used to check between-study heterogeneity, and funnel plot and Egger’s regression statistical test were used to check publication bias. To examine the source of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis based on sample size, publication year and geographic distribution of the studies was carried out.ResultsOf 3,537 studies identified, 29 studies were included with 36,374 women. The uptake of cervical cancer screening in Sub-Saharan Africa was 12.87% (95% CI: 10.20, 15.54; I2= 98.5%). Meta-analysis of seven studies showed that knowledge about cervical cancer increased screening uptake by nearly 5-folds (OR: 4.81; 95% CI: 3.06, 7.54). Other predictors include educational status, age, HIV status, contraceptive use, perceived susceptibility, and awareness about screening locations.ConclusionCervical screening uptake is low in Sub-Saharan Africa and influenced by several factors. Health outreach and promotion targeting identified predictors are needed to increase uptake of screening service in the region.sProtocol registrationCRD42017079375
Non-medical COVID-19-related personal impact in medical ecological perspective: A global multileveled, mixed method study
Authors: Dye Timothy , Levandowski Brooke , Siddiqi Shazia , Ramos José Pérez , Li Dongmei , Sharma Saloni , Muir Erin , Wiltse Sophia , Royzer Rebecca , Panko Tiffany , Hall Wyatte , Barbosu Monica , Irvine Carrie , Pressman Eva 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread public health measures to reduce transmission, morbidity, and mortality attributed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While much research and focus surrounds COVID-19 vaccine development, testing, and supportive management, little is known about the determinants of non-medical, personal impact of COVID-19 prevention policies. We aimed to understand determinants of non-medical COVID-19 impact and to account for its multileveled, intersectional nature of associations.MethodsThis cross-sectional, multi-level, convergent mixed-methods study assessed a range of beliefs, practices, and experiences relating to COVID-19. We recruited a global sample (n=7,411) using both Facebook and Amazon mTURK platforms. We constructed a novel data-driven non-medical COVID-19 Impact Score and four subcomponents (“Personal Action,” “Supply-related,” “Cancellations,” and “Livelihood” impacts). We used generalized estimating equation models with identity link functions to determine concomitant association of individual, household, and country-level variables on the impact scores. We also classified 20,015 qualitative excerpts from 6859 respondents using an 80-code codebook.ResultsTotal and component impact scores varied significantly by region with Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean observing the highest impact scores. Multilevel modeling indicated that individual-level sociocultural variables accounted for much of this variation with COVID-related worry, knowledge, struggles in accessing food and supplies, and worsening mental health most strongly associated with non-medical impact. Family responsibilities, personal COVID medical experience, and health locus of control – in addition to country-level variables reflecting social and health challenge – were also significantly and independently associated with non-medical impact.DiscussionNon-medical personal impact of COVID-19 affects most people internationally, largely in response to shutdowns, implementing prevention requirements, and through economic consequences. In the context where most of the world’s population does not have direct medical experience with COVID-19, this phenomena of non-medical impact is profound, and likely impacts sustainability of public health interventions aimed at containing COVID-19.
Heart Rate n-Variability (HRnV) Measures for Prediction of Mortality in Sepsis Patients Presenting at the Emergency Department
Authors: Liu Nan , Chee Marcel Lucas , Qi Foo Mabel Zhi , Pong Jeremy Zhenwen , Guo Dagang , Koh Zhi Xiong , Wah Ho Andrew Fu , Niu Chenglin , Chong Shu-Ling , Hock Ong Marcus Eng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSepsis is a potentially life threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment for optimal outcomes. There is little consensus on an objective way to assess for sepsis severity and risk for mortality. In recent years, heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the cardiac autonomic regulation derived from short electrocardiogram tracings, has been found to correlate with sepsis mortality, and its use as a prognostic variable and for risk stratification has been promising. In this paper, we present using novel heart rate n-variability (HRnV) measures for sepsis mortality risk prediction and compare against current mortality prediction scores.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort study on a convenience sample of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) of Singapore General Hospital between September 2014 to April 2017. Patients were included in the study if they were above 21 years old, were suspected to have sepsis by their attending physician, triaged as emergency or urgent cases, and if they met two or more of the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained from the electronic medical records, and HRV and novel HRnV parameters were calculated from five minute ECG tracings. Univariable analysis was conducted on variables obtained, with the primary outcome being 30-day in-hospital mortality (IHM). Variables selected through univariable analysis and stepwise selection were included in a multivariable logistic regression model, the results of which were presented using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis.ResultsOf 342 patients included for final analysis, 66 (19%) met with the primary outcome. On univariable analysis, 85 out of 142 analysed HRV and HRnV parameters showed statistical difference between groups. The final multivariable logistic regression model comprised of 21 variables including four vital signs, two HRV parameters, and 15 HRnV parameters. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.81-0.90), outperforming several established clinical scores.ConclusionThe use of novel HRnV measures can provide adequate power to predictive models in the risk stratification of patients presenting to the ED with sepsis. When included in a multivariable logistic regression model, the HRnV-based model outperformed traditional risk stratification scoring systems. The HRnV measures may have potential to allow for a rapid, objective, and accurate means of patient risk stratification for sepsis severity and mortality.
Gender- and Age-Specific Associations of Visit-To-Visit Blood Pressure Variability with Incident Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Zhou Jiandong , Lee Sharen , Wong Wing Tak , Leung Keith Sai Kit , Lam Ronald Hang Kin , Leung Prudence Shun Hay , Liu Tong , Chang Carlin , Cheung Bernard Man Yung , Tse Gary , Zhang Qingpeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a bidirectional relationship between blood pressure variability (BPV) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but few studies have examined the gender- and age-specific effects of visit-to-visit BPV on GAD incidence. We examined the predictive value of BPV for the incidence of GAD in a family clinic cohort.MethodsConsecutive patients with a first attendance to family medicine clinics in Hong Kong between January 1st, 2000, and December 31st, 2002, with at least three blood pressure measurements available thereafter were included. The primary endpoint was incident GAD as identified by ICD-9 coding from the local Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System.ResultsThis study included 48023 (50% males) patients with a median follow-up of 224 (IQR: 217-229) months. Females were more likely to develop GAD compared to males (incidence rate: 7% vs. 2%), as were patients of older age. Significant univariate predictors were female gender, older age, pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and gastrointestinal diseases, various laboratory examinations and the number of blood pressure measurements. Higher baseline, maximum, minimum, SD, CV, and variability score of diastolic blood pressure significantly predicted GAD, as did all systolic blood pressure measures (baseline, latest, maximum, minimum, mean, median, variance, SD, RMS, CV, variability score).ConclusionsThe relationships between longer term visit-to-visit BPV and incident GAD were identified. Female and older patients with higher blood pressure and higher BPV were at the highest risks of GAD.
The new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Central America: Demographic-spatial simulations, Analyses of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) and Neutrality Tests in complete genomes from Belize, Guatemala, Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico
Authors: Felix Pierre Teodosio , Ramos Robson da Silva , Venâncio Dallynne Bárbara Ramos , Da Silva Eduarda Doralice Alves Braz , de Albuquerque Rosane Maria 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this work, we evaluated the levels of genetic diversity in 38 complete genomes of SARS-CoV-2 from five Central American countries (Belize, Guatemala, Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico) with 04, 10, 2, 8 and 14 haplotypes, respectively, with an extension of up to 29,885 bp. All sequences were publicly available on the National Biotechnology Information Center (NCBI) platform. Using specific methodologies for paired FST, AMOVA, mismatch, demographic-spatial expansion, molecular diversity and for the time of evolutionary divergence, it was possible to notice that only 79 sites remained conserved and that the high number of polymorphisms found helped to establish a clear pattern of genetic non-structuring, based on the time of divergence between the groups. The analyses also showed that significant evolutionary divergences within and between the five countries corroborate the fact that possible rapid and silent mutations are responsible for the increase in genetic variability of the Virus, a fact that would hinder the work with molecular targets for vaccines and medications in general.
Covid-19, Lockdowns and Motor Vehicle Collisions: Empirical Evidence from Greece
Authors: Vandoros Sotiris 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReduced mobility during Covid-19 lockdowns means fewer vehicles at risk of collision, but also an opportunity to speed on empty streets. Other collision risk factors that have changed during the pandemic include alcohol consumption, sleeping patterns, distraction, unemployment and economic uncertainty. Evidence on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on motor vehicle collisions is scarce, as such statistics are often released with a delay. The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of the first wave of the pandemic and the first lockdown on motor vehicle collisions and associated injuries and deaths in Greece. Using monthly data at the regional unit level, I provide descriptive evidence and subsequently follow a difference-in-difference econometric approach, comparing trends in 2020 to those of the previous five years while controlling for unemployment and petrol prices. I found a steep decline in collisions, injuries and deaths compared to what would have been otherwise expected. In March and April 2020, there were about 1,226 fewer collisions, 72 fewer deaths, 40 fewer serious injuries and 1,426 fewer minor injuries compared to what would have been expected in the absence of the pandemic.
Perception and awareness of COVID-19 among health science students and staff of Kuwait University: An online cross-sectional study
Authors: Alali Walid Q. , AlFouzan Wadha , Aljimi Dhuha , Al-Tawalah Haya , Kheirallah Khalid A. , Yimer Getnet 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unprecedented. Health science students are the future frontliners to fight pandemics. Awareness and perception toward COVID-19 among health science students and staff at Kuwait University was assessed.MethodsBetween June and July 2020, an online questionnaire was distributed to all students and staff at HCS. The questionnaire was divided into six sections: socio-demography, risk and awareness, preparedness and prevention, source of information, policies, and social stigma.ResultsA total of 592 students and 162 staff completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported chronic condition among students and staff was 14.0% and 19.1%, respectively. Moreover, self-reported COVID-19 prevalence among students and staff was 2.7% and 1.2%, respectively. Interestingly, 54% of students and 38.3% of staff reported that they knew someone within their immediate social environment who have been/are infected with SARS-CoV-2. Among students, 92.4% wore face mask in indoor places (outside of their home) often/all the time compared to wearing it outdoors (69.3%); whereas, for staff, it was more common to wear it outdoor than in indoor places (75.9% vs. 81.5%). Both students and staff showed greatest deal of trust was in official government press release and consultation with healthcare workers.Willingness to take COVID-19 vaccine was indicated by 50% of students strongly agreed and an additional 25.8% agreed to taking it. Interest vaccine uptake was lower among staff (28.4% and 34.6% strongly agreed or agreed, respectively). Participants strongly agreed or agreed (72.5% and 19.6% of students as well as 68.5% and 22.2% of staff) that wearing face mask in public should be obligatory. More than 18% of students and staff indicated that they would avoid contact with COVID-19 infected people.ConclusionsResponses of students and staff were mostly similar and showed that they follow precautionary measures to control spread of COVID-19, understand the viral transmission risk, and willing to raise awareness to reduce social stigma.
Two year data from a preliminary study of double lesion site MRgFUS treatment of Essential Tremor targeting the thalamus and the posterior subthalamic area
Authors: Jameel Ayesha , Gedroyc Wladyslaw , Nandi Dipankar , Jones Bryn , Kirmi Olga , Molloy Sophie , Tai Yen , Charlesworth Gavin , Bain Peter 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundMR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an effective treatment for essential tremor (ET). However, the optimal intracranial target sites remain to be determined.ObjectiveTo assess MRgFUS induced sequential lesions in (anterior-VIM/VOP nuclei) the thalamus and then posterior subthalamic area (PSA) performed during the same procedure for alleviating ET.Methods14 patients had unilateral MRgFUS lesions placed in anterior-VIM/VOP then PSA. Bain-Findley Spirals were collected during MRgFUS from the treated arm (BFS-TA) and throughout the study from the treated (BFS-TA) and non-treated (BFS-NTA) arms and scored by blinded assessors. Although, the primary outcome was change in the BFS-TA from baseline to 12 months we have highlighted the 24 month data.Secondary outcomes included the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST), Quality of Life for ET (QUEST) and PHQ-9 depression scores.ResultsThe mean improvement in the BFS-TA from baseline to 24 months was 41.1% (p<0.001) whilst BFS-NTA worsened by 8.8% (p<0.001). Intra-operative BFS scores from the targeted arm showed a mean 27.9% (p<0.001) decrease after anterior-VIM/VOP ablation and an additional 30.1% (p<0.001) reduction from post anterior-VIM/VOP to post-PSA ablation.Mean improvements at 24 month follow-up in the CRST-parts A, B and C were 60.7%, 30.4% and 65.6% respectively and 37.8% in QUEST-tremor score (all p<0.05). Unilateral tremor severity scores decreased in the treated arm (UETTS-TA) 72.9% (p=0.001) and non-treated arm (UETTS-NTA) 30.5% (p=0.003). At 24 months residual adverse effects were slight unsteadiness (n=1) and mild hemi-chorea (n=1).ConclusionUnilateral anterior-VIM/VOP and PSA MRgFUS significantly diminished contralateral arm tremor with improvements in arm function, tremor related disability and quality of life, with an acceptable adverse event profile.
Improving Polygenic Prediction in Ancestrally Diverse Populations
Authors: Ruan Yunfeng , Lin Yen-Feng , Feng Yen-Chen Anne , Chen Chia-Yen , Lam Max , Guo Zhenglin ,   Stanley Global Asia Initiatives, He Lin , Sawa Akira , Martin Alicia R. , Qin Shengying , Huang Hailiang , Ge Tian 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTPolygenic risk scores (PRS) have attenuated cross-population predictive performance. As existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were predominantly conducted in individuals of European descent, the limited transferability of PRS reduces its clinical value in non-European populations and may exacerbate healthcare disparities. Recent efforts to level ancestry imbalance in genomic research have expanded the scale of non-European GWAS, although most of them remain under-powered. Here we present a novel PRS construction method, PRS-CSx, which improves cross-population polygenic prediction by integrating GWAS summary statistics from multiple populations. PRS-CSx couples genetic effects across populations via a shared continuous shrinkage prior, enabling more accurate effect size estimation by sharing information between summary statistics and leveraging linkage disequilibrium (LD) diversity across discovery samples, while inheriting computational efficiency and robustness from PRS-CS. We show that PRS-CSx outperforms alternative methods across traits with a wide range of genetic architectures, cross-population genetic overlaps and discovery GWAS sample sizes in simulations, and improves the prediction of quantitative traits and schizophrenia risk in non-European populations.