bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mendelian randomization integrating GWAS and eQTL data revealed genes pleiotropically associated with major depressive disorder
Authors: Yang Huarong , Liu Di , Zhao Chuntao , Feng Bowen , Lu Wenjin , Yang Xiaohan , Xu Minglu , Zhou Weizhu , Jing Huiquan , Yang Jingyun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo prioritize genes that are pleiotropically or potentially causally associated with the risk of MDD.MethodsWe applied the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method integrating GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data in 13 brain regions to identify genes that were pleiotropically associated with the risk of MDD. In addition, we repeated the analysis by using the meta-analyzed version of the eQTL summary data in the brain (brain-eMeta).ResultsWe identified multiple significant genes across different brain regions that may be involved in the pathogenesis of MDD. The prime-specific geneBTN3A2(corresponding probe: ENSG00000186470.9) was the top hit showing pleotropic association with MDD in 9 of the 13 brain regions and in brain-eMeta, after correction for multiple testing. Many of the identified genes are located in the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region on chromosome 6 and are mainly involved in immune response.ConclusionsOur SMR analysis revealed that multiple genes showed pleiotropic association with MDD across the brain regions. These findings provide important leads to a better understanding of the mechanism of MDD, and reveals potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and effective treatment of MDD.
Economic Losses Associated with COVID-19 Deaths in the United States
Authors: Quast Troy , Andel Ross , Gregory Sean , Storch Eric A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn addition to the overwhelming health effects of COVID-19, the disease has inflicted unprecedented economic damage. Vast resources have been directed at COVID-19 testing and health care while economic activity has been substantially curtailed due to disruptions resulting from individual choices and government policies. This study estimates the economic loss associated with COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. from February 1, 2020 through July 11, 2020. We use estimates of years of life lost that are based on the age and gender of decedents. Using a value of life year estimate of $66,759, we calculate economic losses of roughly $66 billion. The losses are concentrated in New York and New Jersey, which account for 17.5% of the total losses. Our analysis of per capita losses by state indicates that the highest values are located in the northeastern region of the country, while the values in the western states are relatively low. While economic losses associate with COVID-19 deaths is just one aspect of the pandemic, our estimates can provide context to the value of prevention and mitigation efforts.JEL codesI12, I18, J17
Staging and typing of chest CT images: A quantitative analysis based on an ambispective observational cohort study of 125 patients with COVID-19 in Xiangyang, China
Authors: Huang Guoxin , Wang Yong , Wu Xiaxia , Qu Gaojing , Chen Junwen , Yu Hui , Zhang Meiling , Wang Lisha , Ai Jinwei , Zhu Haoming , Chen Lei , Pei Bin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe stage of CT images was rarely studied and the relationship between the severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and CT images has not been studied based on systematic quantitative analysis currently.PurposeTo investigate the staging duration and classification of CT images of patients with COVID-19 based on quantitative analysis.Materials and MethodsThis is an ambispective observational cohort study based on 125 patients with COVID-19 from Jan 23 to Feb 28, 2020. The stage of CT and pulmonary lesion size were quantitatively analyzed. The categorical regression analysis based on optimal scale (CATREG) was performed to evaluate the association of CT score, age, and gender with the clinical type.ResultsThe CT images of 125 patients with COVID-19 (50.13 ± 16.91 years, 66 women) were analyzed in this study. Except for pre-early stage, the duration of early, progression-consolidation, and dissipation stage of CT images was 3.40 ± 2.31, 10.07 ± 4.91, and 20.60 ± 7.64 days, respectively. The median CT score was 5.00 (2.00-8.50) during the first 30 days, which reached a peak on the 11thday. Significant differences were found between the median CT scores of different clinical types (P<0.05). Besides, the age was correlated with the clinical type (P<0.001), the CT scores of 0.00-11.50, 11.50-16.00, and 16.00-20.00 were separately correlated with the moderate, severe, and critical type with the output accuracy 69.60%.ConclusionThe four-stage staging method based on quantitative analysis is consistent with the change rules of staging features and COVID-19. Quantitative study by scoring pulmonary lesion sizes accurately revealed the evolvement of pulmonary lesions and differences between different clinical types.SummaryQuantitative study of the stage duration and classification of chest CT images can objectively reveal the relationship between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and chest CT images.Key Results1. A four-stage staging method was proposed. Except for pre-early stage, the duration of early, progression-consolidation, and dissipation stage of CT images was 3.40 ± 2.31, 10.07 ± 4.91, and 20.60 ± 7.64 days, respectively.2. The severer the disease, the higher the median CT scores and their peak value.3. The CT scores of 0.00-11.50, 11.50-16.00, and 16.00-20.00 were separately correlated with the moderate, severe, and critical type.
Efficacy and safety of phentermine/topiramate in adults with overweight or obesity: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Lei Xiang-Guo , Lai Chen , Sun Ziyi , Yang Xi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between phentermine/topiramate therapy and weight loss and adverse events in adults with overweight problems or obesity by meta-analysis and systematic review.MethodsMedical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms related to phentermine/topiramate were selected to search for eligible trials in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and EMBASE up to April 18, 2020. The quality of randomized controlled trials was evaluated by Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models. Our systematic review protocol, registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020188324).ResultsPhentermine/topiramate therapy resulted in a weight loss of 7.73 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.60, 8.85) compared to placebo. For phentermine/topiramate subjects in different weight loss subgroups, the weight loss of subjects with ≥5%, ≥10%, and ≥15% baseline weight loss were 3.18 (95% CI: 2.75, 3.67), 5.32 (95% CI: 4.53, 6.25), and 5.65 (95% CI: 3.55, 9.01), respectively. Phentermine/topiramate reduced waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lipid levels. The adverse effects associated with the treatment mainly included Dysgeusia, Paresthesia, Dry mouth.ConclusionsPhentermine/topiramate reduced body weight and was well tolerated. However, it increased the risk of nervous system-related adverse events to a certain extent, but the symptoms are not serious. Long-term clinical and pharmacological studies are needed to understand the long-term efficacy and safety of phentermine/topiramate.Study Importance QuestionsPhentermine/topiramate was approved by the FDA as an anti-obesity drug. However, the European Medicines Agency refused marketing authorization for phentermine/topiramate owing to safety concerns.Phentermine/topiramate reduced body weight and was well tolerated. However, it remarkably increased the risk of nervous system-related adverse events.In this study, the efficacy and incidence of adverse events of phentermine/topiramate were further evaluated through meta-analysis to provide reference for the clinical use of phentermine/topiramate.
Head-to-head comparison of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detecting rapid test with self-collected anterior nasal swab versus professional-collected nasopharyngeal swab
Authors: Lindner Andreas K. , Nikolai Olga , Kausch Franka , Wintel Mia , Hommes Franziska , Gertler Maximilian , Krüger Lisa J. , Gaeddert Mary , Tobian Frank , Lainati Federica , Köppel Lisa , Seybold Joachim , Corman Victor M. , Drosten Christian , Hofmann Jörg , Sacks Jilian A. , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Denkinger Claudia M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundTwo antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) are now approved through the WHO Emergency Use Listing procedure and can be performed at the point-of-care. However, both tests use nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples. NP swab samples must be collected by trained healthcare personnel with protective equipment and are frequently perceived as uncomfortable by patients.MethodsThis was a manufacturer-independent, prospective diagnostic accuracy study with comparison of a supervised, self-collected anterior nose (AN) swab sample with a professional-collected NP swab sample, using a WHO-listed SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT, STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test (SD Biosensor), which is also being distributed by Roche. The reference standard was RT-PCR from an oro-/nasopharyngeal swab sample. Percent positive and negative agreement as well as sensitivity and specificity were calculated.ResultsAmong the 289 participants, 39 (13.5%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. The positive percent agreement of the two different sampling techniques for the Ag-RDT was 90.6% (CI 75.8-96.8). The negative percent agreement was 99.2% (CI 97.2-99.8). The Ag-RDT with AN sampling showed a sensitivity of 74.4% (29/39 PCR positives detected; CI 58.9-85.4) and specificity of 99.2% (CI 97.1-99.8) compared to RT-PCR. The sensitivity with NP sampling was 79.5% (31/39 PCR positives detected; CI 64.5-89.2) and specificity was 99.6% (CI 97.8-100). In patients with high viral load (>7.0 log 10 RNA SARS-CoV2/swab), the sensitivity of the Ag-RDT with AN sampling was 96% and 100% with NP sampling.ConclusionSupervised self-sampling from the anterior nose is a reliable alternative to professional nasopharyngeal sampling using a WHO-listed SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT. Considering the ease-of-use of Ag-RDTs, self-sampling and potentially patient self-testing at home may be a future use case.
Who is (Not) Complying with the Social Distancing Directive and Why? Testing a General Framework of Compliance with Multiple Measures of Social Distancing
Authors: Fazio Russell H. , Ruisch Benjamin C. , Moore Courtney A. , Samayoa Javier A. Granados , Boggs Shelby T. , Ladanyi Jesse T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA study involving over 2000 online participants tested a general framework regarding compliance with a directive in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study featured not only a self-report measure of social distancing but also behavioral measures -- simulations that presented participants with graphical depictions mirroring multiple real-world scenarios and asked them to position themselves in relation to others in the scene. The conceptual framework highlights three essential components of a directive: (1) the source, some entity is advocating for a behavioral change; (2) the surrounding context, the directive is in response to some challenge; and (3) the target, the persons to whom the directive is addressed. Belief systems relevant to each of these three components are predicted, and were found, to relate to compliance with the social distancing directive. The implications of the findings for public service campaigns encouraging people to engage in social distancing are discussed.
Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem
Authors: Blumberg Seth , Borlase Anna , Prada Joaquin M , Solomon Anthony W , Emerson Paul , Hooper Pamela J , Deiner Michael S , Amoah Benjamin , Hollingsworth Deirdre , Porco Travis C , Lietman Thomas M 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundProgress towards elimination of trachoma as a public health problem has been substantial, but the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted community-based control efforts.MethodsWe use a susceptible-infected model to estimate the impact of delayed distribution of azithromycin treatment on the prevalence of active trachoma.ResultsWe identify three distinct scenarios for geographic districts depending on whether the basic reproduction number and the treatment-associated reproduction number are above or below a value of one. We find that when the basic reproduction number is below one, no significant delays in disease control will be caused. However, when the basic reproduction number is above one, significant delays can occur. In most districts a year of COVID-related delay can be mitigated by a single extra round of mass drug administration. However, supercritical districts require a new paradigm of infection control because the current strategies will not eliminate disease.ConclusionIf the pandemic can motivate judicious, community-specific implementation of control strategies, global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem could be accelerated.
The impact of multimodal cognitive rehabilitation on executive functions in older adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Authors: Cisneros Eduardo , Beauséjour Véronique , de Guise Elaine , Belleville Sylvie , McKerral Michelle 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluated the impact of a multimodal cognitive rehabilitation intervention, the Cognitive Enrichment Program (CEP), on executive functioning (EF) and resumption of daily activities following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older individuals, in comparison to an active control group having received holistic rehabilitation as usual care.MethodsThe CEP’sexecutive function module included planning, problem solving, and goal management training, as well as strategies focusing on self-awareness. Effectiveness was evaluated by psychometric tests (Modified Six Elements Task-adapted – MSET-A, D-KEFSSorting testandStroop four-color version), while generalization was measured through self-reported questionnaires about daily functioning (Dysexecutive Functioning Questionnaire – DEX,Forsaken daily life activities). Measures were obtained before and after intervention, and six months later.ResultsANCOVA results showed significant group-by-time interactions onTackling the 6 subtasksandAvoiding rule-breakingmeasures of the MSET-A, with moderate effect sizes. Despite improvements in Sorting and Stroop scores, there were no group-by-time interaction on these measures. DEX generalization measure showed a significant reduction in patient/significant other difference on theExecutive Cognitionsubscale. There was a reduction in the number ofForsaken daily life activitiesin the experimental group compared to controls which was not significant immediately after CEP, but that was significant six months later.ConclusionsOur study shows that older adults with TBI can improve their executive functioning with a positive impact on everyday activities after receiving multimodal cognitive training compared to an active control group.
Association between vitamin D deficiency and exercise capacity in patients with CKD, a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Watson Emma L , Wilkinson Thomas J , O’Sullivan Tom F , Baker Luke A , Gould Douglas W , Xenophontos Soteris , Graham-Brown Matthew PM , Major Rupert W , Jenkinson Carl , Hewison Martin , Philp Andrew , Smith Alice C 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEvidence is growing for a role of vitamin D in regulating skeletal muscle mass, strength and functional capacity. Given the role the kidneys play in activating total vitamin D, and the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), it is possible that deficiency contributes to the low levels of physical function and muscle mass in these patients. This is a secondary cross-sectional analysis of previously published interventional study, withex vivofollow up work. 34 CKD patients at stages G3b-5 (eGFR 25.5 ± 8.3ml/min/1.73m2; age 61 ± 12 years) were recruited, with a sub-group (n=20) also donating a muscle biopsy. Vitamin D and associated metabolites were analysed in plasma by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectroscopy and correlated to a range of physiological tests of muscle size, function, exercise capacity and body composition. The effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 supplementation on myogenesis and myotube size was investigated in primary skeletal muscle cells from vitamin D deficient donors.In vivo, there was no association between total or active vitamin D and muscle size or strength, but a significant correlation withwas seen with the total form.Ex vivo, 1α,25(OH)2D3 supplementation reduced IL-6 mRNA expression, but had no effect upon proliferation, differentiation or myotube diameter. This early preliminary work suggests that vitamin D deficiency is not a prominent factor driving the loss of muscle mass in CKD, but may play a role in reduced exercise capacity.
ZeBraInspector, a platform for the automated segmentation and analysis of body and brain volumes in whole 5 dpf zebrafish following simultaneous visualization with identical orientations
Authors: Lempereur Sylvain , Simion Matthieu , Machado Elodie , Licata Fabrice , Buzer Lilian , Robineau Isabelle , Hémon Julien , Banerjee Payel , De Crozé Noémie , Léonard Marc , Affaticati Pierre , Jenett Arnim , Talbot Hugues , Joly Jean-Stéphane 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYIn recent years, the zebrafish has become a well-established laboratory model. We describe here the ZeBraInspector (ZBI) platform for high-content 3D imaging (HCI) of 5 dpf zebrafish eleuthero-embryos (EEs). This platform includes a mounting method based on 3D-printed stamps to create a grid of wells in an agarose cast, facilitating batch acquisitions with a fast-confocal laser scanning microscope. We describe reference labeling in cleared fish with a fluorescent lipophilic dye.Based on this labeling, the ZBI software registers EE 3D images, making it possible to visualize numerous identically oriented EEs on a single screen, and to compare their morphologies and any fluorescent patterns at a glance. High-resolution 2D snapshots can be extracted. ZBI software is therefore useful for diverse high-content analyses (HCAs).Following automated segmentation of the lipophilic dye signal, the ZBI software performs volumetric analyses on whole EEs and their nervous system white matter. Through two examples, we illustrate the power of these analyses for obtaining statistically significant results from a small number of samples: the characterization of a phenotype associated with a neurodevelopmental mutation, and of the defects caused by treatments with a toxic anti-cancer compound.
Allantoin induces pruritus by activating MrgprD in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yang Yan , Sun Yulin , Guan Donglang , Chen Dan , Wang Dijun , Liu Tongtong , Sheng Meixiao , Jing Tao , Jun Shi , Zhu Chan , Yu Guang , Dong Xinzhong , Tang Zongxiang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChronic kidney disease is a disease with decreased, irreversible renal function. Pruritus is the most common skin symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease, especially in end-stage renal disease (AKA chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus [CKD-aP]); however, the underlying molecular and neural mechanism of the CKD-aP in patients remains obscure. Our data show that the level of allantoin increases in the serum of CKD-aP and CKD model mice. Allantoin could induce scratching behavior in mice and active DRG neurons; the calcium influx and the action potential were significantly reduced in DRG neurons of MrgprD KO or TRPV1 KO mice. U73122, an antagonist of PLC, could also block calcium influx in DRG neurons induced by allantoin. Thus, our results concluded that allantoin plays an important role in CKD-aP, mediated by MrgprD and TrpV1, in CKD patients.
The selfish nature in interpersonal exchange among adolescents: imposing the kind and submitting to the exploitative
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Feng Chunliang , Zhang Shen , Liang Zilu , Dong Wenshan , Qin Shaozheng , Luo Yue-Jia , Liu Chao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBullying events during adolescence are common, yet it remains largely unclear which kinds of behavioral patterns are more likely to result in being exploited. Leveraging recent advances in computational modeling and experimental economics, this study examines whether being nice or tough during early social interactions will impact future interactions. Adolescents were randomly assigned to play a cooperation game with two different simulated partners. We found that participants were more likely to cooperate with the initially tough partner than with the initially nice partner. Computational modeling revealed that behavioral changes were driven by changes in perceived social rewards from reciprocity. Perceived social rewards mediated the effects of different partners on the participants’ cooperative behaviors. The results indicate that being nice is not a good strategy for building social cooperation, and advance our knowledge of how adolescents form sustained social relationships with peers and may have implications for the education field.Statement of RelevanceBullying events in high school have been extremely common across cultures. Most studies focus on the modulations of adolescent’s behaviors by a specific factor, e.g., education, parenting style or psychological distorter. Our study examines a more general question: whether and how the way of adolescents exhibit themselves would dynamically influence the way that other people treat them. Our findings suggest that being nice initially is not a good strategy for building social cooperation. Being nice early in a relationship will weaken the value of reciprocity perceived by others, which in turn results in being exploited. We regard our work as being of significance for the fields of psychological science, education and human morality. This study advances our knowledge of how adolescents form sustained social relationships with their peers, and it may have implications for the education field.
Cellular and genomic properties ofHaloferax gibbonsiiLR2-5, the host of euryarchaeal virus HFTV1
Authors: Tittes Colin , Schwarzer Sabine , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Dyall-Smith Mike , Rodriguez-Franco Marta , Oksanen Hanna M. , Quax Tessa E.F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHypersaline environments are the source of many viruses infecting different species of halophilic euryarchaea. Information on infection mechanisms of archaeal viruses is scarce, due to the lack of genetically accessible virus-host models. Recently a new archaeal siphovirus, Haloferax tailed virus 1 (HFTV1), was isolated together with its host belonging to the genusHaloferax,but it is not infectious on the widely used model euryarcheonHfx. volcanii.To gain more insight into the biology of HFTV1 host strain LR2-5, we studied characteristics that might play a role in its virus susceptibility: growth-dependent motility, surface layer, filamentous surface structures and cell shape. Its genome sequence showed that LR2-5 is a new strain ofHfx. gibbonsii.LR2-5 lacks obvious viral defense systems, such as CRISPR-Cas, and the composition of its cell surface is different fromHfx. volcanii,which might explain the different viral host range. This work provides first deep insights into the relationship between the host of halovirus HFTV1 and other members of the genusHaloferax. Given the close relationship to the genetically accessibleHfx. volcanii, LR2-5 has high potential as a new model for virus-host studies in euryarchaea.