bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among public community and health-care workers in Alzintan City of Libya
Authors: Kammon Abdulwahab M. , El-Arabi Ali A. , Erhouma Esadk A. , Mehemed Taha M. , Mohamed Othman A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among public community and health care workers in Alzintan City, Libya. During the period from 2/4/2020 to 18/5/2020, a total of 219 blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Collection of samples were divided in two categories; random samples from public community and samples from health care workers belonging to two Governmental hospitals and one private clinic. One Step Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) IgM/IgG Antibody Test was used. Out of the 219 samples tested, 6 (2.74%) samples were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. All health-care workers were tested negative. All positive cases were females and 5 of them aged between 44 to 75 years and one aged 32 years. The prevalence in young females (≤40 years) was 1.4% in total young females tested in the study and 1.75% in young females taken from public community. The prevalence in older females aged (≤ 40 years), was 11.1% in total females tested and 13.9% in females taken from public community. In conclusion, the preliminary investigation of SARS-CoV-2 revealed considerable prevalence in Alzintan City although the disease seems to be in its mild form. Active surveillance studies with high number of samples using both virological and serological tests are in urgent need.
Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine Nasal And Oral Antiseptic Preparations Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Pelletier JS , Tessema B , Westover J , Frank S , Brown SM , Capriotti JA 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for the global pandemic of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). From the first reported cases in December 2019, the virus has spread to over 4 million people worldwide. Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly through the aerosolization of respiratory droplets. Transmission also occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces and other fomites. Improved antisepsis of human and non-human surfaces has been identified as a key feature of transmission reduction. There are no previous studies of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) against SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluated nasal and oral antiseptic formulations of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) for virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. This is the first report on the efficacy of PVP-I against the virus that causes COVID-19.MethodsPVP-I nasal antiseptic formulations and PVP-I oral rinse antiseptic formulations from 1-5% concentrations as well as controls were studied for virucidal efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Test compounds were evaluated for ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 as measured in a virucidal assay. SARS-CoV-2 was exposed directly to the test compound for 60 seconds, compounds were then neutralized and surviving virus was quantified.ResultsAll concentrations of nasal antiseptics and oral rinse antiseptics evaluated completely inactivated the SARS-CoV-2 virus.ConclusionsNasal and oral PVP-I antiseptic solutions are effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a variety of concentrations after 60s exposure times. The formulations tested may help to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 if used for nasal decontamination, oral decontamination or surface decontamination in known or suspected cases of COVID-19.
Spurious Correlation? A review of the relationship between Vitamin D and Covid-19 infection and mortality
Authors: Srivastava Arpita , Kumar Vivek 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe study reviews the evidence presented in a recent study linking vitamin D levels and Covid-19 infection and mortality. It was argued that correlation alone may not be useful in establishing a relationship between vitamin D levels and Covid-19 infections and mortality. Appropriate controls need to be included for improved understanding of the relationship. We proposed life expectancy as a potential control. Including this control in a regression model, we find that vitamin D levels are not a statistically significant predictor of Covid-19 infections or mortality. Life expectancy, on the other hand, was found to be statistically significant predictor of infections and mortality at country level.
Survival in adult inpatients with COVID-19
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Efrén , Hernández-Suárez Carlos 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe conducted a nationwide and retrospective cohort study to assess the survival experience and determining factors in adult inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Data from 5,393 individuals were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted. The 7-day survival was 0.822 and went to 0.482, 0.280, and 0.145 on days 15, 21, and 30 of hospital stay, respectively. In the multiple analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of dying were: male gender, age, longer disease evolution before hospital entry, exposure to mechanical ventilator support, and personal history of chronic noncommunicable diseases (namely obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the survival probability in a large subset of Latin-American adults with COVID-19 and our results contribute to achieving a better understanding of disease evolution.
Psychological impact of Covid-19 lockdown in India: Different strokes for different folks
Authors: Sharma Anupam Joya , Subramanyam Malavika A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe psychological impact of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic are widely documented. In India, a family-centric society with a high population density and extreme social stratification, the impact of the lockdown might vary across diverse social groups. However, the patterning in the psychological impact of the lockdown among sexual minorities and persons known to be at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 is not known in the Indian context. We used mixed methods (online survey, n=282 and in-depth interviews, n=14) to investigate whether the psychological impact of the lockdown was different across these groups of Indian adults. We fitted linear and logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic covariates. Thematic analysis helped us identify emergent themes in our qualitative narratives. Anxiety was found to be higher among sexual minorities (β=2.44, CI: 0.58, 4.31), high-risk group (β=2.20, CI:0.36, 4.05), and those with history of depression/loneliness (β=3.89, CI:2.34, 5.44). Addiction to pornography was also found to be higher among sexual minorities (β=2.72, CI: 0.09, 5.36). Qualitative findings suggested that sexual minorities likely used pornography and masturbation to cope with the lockdown, given the limited physical access to sexual partners in a society that stigmatizes homosexuality. Moreover, both qualitative and quantitative study findings suggested that greater frequency of calling family members during lockdown could strengthen social relationships and increase social empathy. The study thereby urgently calls for the attention of policymakers to take sensitive and inclusive health decisions for the marginalized and the vulnerable, both during and after the crisis.
Prevalence and risk factors for mortality related to COVID-19 in a severely affected area of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Pérez-Tanoira Ramón , Pérez-García Felipe , Romanyk Juan , Gómez-Herruz Peña , Arroyo Teresa , González Rosa , García Lourdes Lledó , Expósito Cristina Verdú , Moreno José Sanz , Gutiérrez Isabel , Mathews Abel Uribe , Ramos Esther López , Garcia Lara Maceda , Troncoso Daniel , Cuadros-González Juan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe coronavius disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reached Spain by 31 January 2020, in April 2020, the Comunidad de Madrid suffered one of the world’s highest crude mortality rate ratios. This study aimed to detect risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19.METHODSOur cohort were all consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 at a secondary hospital in Madrid, March 3-16, 2020. Clinical and laboratory data came from electronic clinical records and were compared between survivors and non-survivors, with outcomes followed up until April 4. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods allowed us to explore risk factors associated with in-hospital death.FINDINGSThe cohort comprised 562 patients with COVID-19. Clinical records were available for evaluation for 392 patients attended at the emergency department of our hospital, of whom 199 were discharged, 85 remained hospitalized and 108 died during hospitalization. Among 311 of the hospitalized patients, 34.7% died. Of the 392 patients with records, the median age was 71.5 years (50.6-80.7); 52.6% were men. 252 (64.3%) patients had a comorbidity, hypertension being the most common: 175 (44.6%), followed by other cardiovascular disease: 102 (26.0%) and diabetes: 97 (24.7%). Multivariable regression showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with age over 65 (odds ratio 8.32, 95% CI 3.01–22.96; p<0.001), coronary heart disease (2.76, 1.44-5.30; 0.002), and both lower lymphocyte count (0.34, 0.17–0.68; 0.002) and higher LDH (1.25, 1.05-1.50; 0.012) per 1-unit increase and per 100 units respectively.INTERPRETATIONCOVID-19 was associated in our hospital at the peak of the pandemic with a crude mortality ratio of 19.2% and a mortality ratio of 34.7% in admitted patients, considerably above most of the ratios described in the Chinese series. These results leave open the question as to which factors, epidemiological or intrinsically viral, apart from age and comorbidities, can explain this difference in excess mortality.FUNDINGNone.
Abdominal‐B regulates structure and development of the Harmonia axyridis cremaster
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Xing‐Xing , Shen Ling‐Feng , Feng Zhu‐Jun , Zhang Song‐Qi , Tian Hong‐Gang , Feng Yi , Liu Tong‐Xian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe ladybird Harmonia axyridis is an insect that exhibits pupal attachment to plants, which facilitates development and environmental adaptation. The cremaster is highly specialized for this behavior. However, the underlying molecular regulation of the cremaster remains unclear; therefore, we performed experiments to investigate the transcriptional regulation of cremaster development. First, we examined the morphological structure of the cremaster to reveal its function in pupal attachment of H. axyridis. Next, we analyzed the Hox gene Ha‐Abd‐B using RNA interference (RNAi) to determine its function in regulating cremaster formation; Ha‐Abd‐B up‐regulation promoted effective pupal attachment, whereas successful RNAi caused severe down‐regulation of this gene, and pupae were unable to attach. Furthermore, successful RNAi and subsequent Ha‐Abd‐B down‐regulation caused phenotypic changes in cremaster structure, including its complete disappearance from some individuals. Finally, we observed unique development of the cremaster and dynamic expression of Ha‐Abd‐B during pre‐pupal development; consequently, we hypothesized that there was specific pre‐pupal development of the cremaster. Overall, based on these results, the specialized cremasteric structure located on the posterior side of H. axyridis was determined to be a key organ for pupal attachment. Cremaster identification in H. axyridis is regulated by Ha‐Abd‐B and exhibits preferential development. Pupal attachment of H. axyridis reveals an environmental adaptation of this species; thus, this study and future molecular studies will help determine the role of Hox genes in regulation of insect attachment and further our understanding of the multiple functions of Hox genes.
Does Economic Inequality Drive Voters' Disagreement about Party Placement?
Authors: Muraoka Taishi , Rosas Guillermo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDoes economic inequality warp voters' views about party platforms? If so, are voters' perceptual biases systemically shaped by their economic status? Drawing from a psychological theory of class conflict, we argue that income inequality heightens disagreement about party positions among people with different economic status. Analyzing survey responses on perceived ideological positions of 700 + parties in over 110 elections, we reveal that poorer and richer voters systematically misperceive the positions of parties in opposite directions, and that the extent to which they do so is larger in more unequal societies. We also show that class‐based perceptual disagreement is particularly salient among left‐ and right‐leaning parties, but not among centrist parties. Our findings question a fundamental principle of representative democracy, suggesting that even a basic consensus on the ideological placements of parties cannot be taken for granted in highly unequal societies.
Plasminogen deficiency does not prevent sodium retention in a genetic mouse model of experimental nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Xiao Mengyun , Bohnert Bernhard N. , Aypek Hande , Kretz Oliver , Grahammer Florian , Aukschun Ute , Wörn Matthias , Janessa Andrea , Essigke Daniel , Daniel Christoph , Amann Kerstin , Huber Tobias B. , Plow Edward F. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Artunc Ferruh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimSodium retention is the hallmark of nephrotic syndrome (NS) and mediated by the proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by aberrantly filtered serine proteases. Plasmin is highly abundant in nephrotic urine and has been proposed to be the principal serine protease responsible for ENaC activation in NS. However, a proof of the essential role of plasmin in experimental NS is lacking.MethodsWe used a genetic mouse model of NS based on an inducible podocin knockout (Bl6‐Nphs2tm3.1Antc*Tg(Nphs1‐rtTA*3G)8Jhm*Tg(tetO‐cre)1Jaw or nphs2Δipod). These mice were crossed with plasminogen deficient mice (Bl6‐Plgtm1Jld or plg−/−) to generate double knockout mice (nphs2Δipod*plg−/−). NS was induced after oral doxycycline treatment for 14 days and mice were followed for subsequent 14 days.ResultsUninduced nphs2Δipod*plg−/− mice had normal kidney function and sodium handling. After induction, proteinuria increased similarly in both nphs2Δipod*plg+/+ and nphs2Δipod*plg−/− mice. Western blot revealed the urinary excretion of plasminogen and plasmin in nphs2Δipod*plg+/+ mice which were absent in nphs2Δipod*plg−/− mice. After the onset of proteinuria, amiloride‐sensitive natriuresis was increased compared to the uninduced state in both genotypes. Subsequently, urinary sodium excretion dropped in both genotypes leading to an increase in body weight and development of ascites. Treatment with the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin prevented sodium retention in both genotypes.ConclusionsThis study shows that mice lacking urinary plasminogen are not protected from ENaC‐mediated sodium retention in experimental NS. This points to an essential role of other urinary serine proteases in the absence of plasminogen.
Influence of sea turtle nesting on hunting behavior and movements of jaguars in the dry forest of northwest Costa Rica
Authors: Montalvo Víctor H. , Fuller Todd K. , Saénz‐Bolaños Carolina , Cruz-Díaz Juan Carlos , Hagnauer Isabel , Herrera Hansell , Carrillo Eduardo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractJaguars (Panthera onca) are opportunistic predators that prey on large profitable prey items, such as sea turtles at nesting beaches. Here, we use jaguar and sea turtle track‐count surveys, combined with satellite telemetry of one jaguar, to evaluate whether jaguar hunting behavior and movements are influenced by seasonal sea turtle nesting in the Sector Santa Rosa of Área de Conservación Guanacaste in northwest Costa Rica. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the effect of moon phase and sea surface temperature on olive ridley (Lepidochelis olivacea) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting abundance, as well as the combination of these predictors on the frequency of jaguar predation activity (proximity to nesting beaches) and movements. For home‐range size and location analyses, we calculated kernel density estimates for each season at three different temporal scales. Sea turtle nesting season influenced jaguar activity patterns, as well as sea turtle abundance was related to jaguar locations and predation events, but jaguar home‐range size (88.8 km2 overall) did not differ between nesting seasons or among temporal scales. Environmental conditions influenced sea turtle nesting and, as a consequence, also influenced jaguar movements and foraging activity. Our study defined the home range of a female jaguar in the tropical dry forest and its relationship to seasonally abundant turtles. Additional information related to the effect of tourism on jaguar–sea turtle interactions would improve conservation of these species at unique nesting beaches in the area.
Alveolar ridge preservation and early implant placement at maxillary central incisor sites: A prospective case series study
Authors: Chen Stephen T. , Darby Ivan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeTo assess whether alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) with 90% deproteinized bovine bone mineral in a 10% collagen matrix (DBBMC) and resorbable type I/III porcine collagen matrix (CM) maintains sufficient bone volume for early implant placement 8–10 weeks after extraction of maxillary central incisors.Materials and MethodsIn this case series study of 10 consecutively enrolled patients, sockets of maxillary single central incisors requiring extraction and early implant placement were grafted with DBBMC/CM. Ridge dimensions were measured pre‐extraction and just prior to implant placement.ResultsAlveolar ridge preservation maintained sufficient bone volume for implants to be placed in all sites. Compared to pre‐extraction, there was a significant reduction in the orofacial dimensions of the ridge (1.4 ± 1.07 mm; 13.2% reduction) and bone (0.7 ± 0.67 mm; 9.3%) at the coronal midfacial region. A significant reduction in apicocoronal height of the crestal bone at midfacial (1.2 ± 0.78 mm) and palatal aspects was observed. On CBCT, a statistically significant reduction in alveolar ridge area occurred (10.9 ± 13.42 mm2; 12.2% reduction). To optimize aesthetic outcomes, 9/10 sites required additional low volume grafting at the coronal region, whereas one site required more extensive grafting due to a facial bone dehiscence. At 1‐year, the implant survival rate was 100% and median Pink Esthetic Score (PES) was 10 (range 9–13).ConclusionsARP using DBBMC/CM maintains sufficient bone volume for early implant placement 8.9 ± 0.97 weeks later, with a 100% survival rate 1 year after restoration.
Risk factors for portal vein stenosis in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Yin Chao , Zhu Zhi‐Jun , Wei Lin , Sun Li‐Ying , Zhang Hai‐Ming , Wu Hai‐Rui 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the incidence and risk factors of portal vein stenosis (PVS) in pediatric liver transplantation (LT).MethodsThis retrospective analysis of 396 cases of pediatric LT (patients aged ≤ 14 years old) was conducted at the Liver Transplantation Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital (China) from June 2013 to December 2017. We collected relevant data and calculated the incidence. We analyzed a total of 23 risk factors for PVS children during the perioperative period.ResultsThe incidence of PVS in pediatric LT was 6.6%. The following were identified as risk factors for PVS in pediatric LT: Preoperative portal hypertension was complicated, weight (≤7 kg), recipients of portal vein diameter ≤4 mm, GRWR (≥3.5%), the use of cold preservation vein grafts, anastomosis in the region of superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein and reverse blood flow in the portal vein shown in preoperative ultrasound examination. Recipients of portal vein diameter ≤4 mm and the use cold preservation grafts were independent risks factors for PVS in pediatric LT.ConclusionFor recipients with the risk factors identified in this study, we strongly recommend a strict follow‐up and the provision of suitable interventions when indicated.
Effect of alcohol prohibition on liver cirrhosis mortality rates in Canada from 1901 to 1956: A time‐series analysis
Authors: Chrystoja Bethany R. , Rehm Jürgen , Crépault Jean‐François , Shield Kevin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe extent to which alcohol consumption in Canada was affected by alcohol prohibition in the early 20th century remains unclear. Since there is a dearth of data on consumption during this time, we estimated the effect of alcohol prohibition on alcohol consumption, as measured by changes in liver cirrhosis mortality rates in Canada.Design and MethodsAnnual liver cirrhosis mortality data were obtained for 1901 to 1956 for the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Changes in death rates were assessed, by province, using autoregressive integrated moving average models. Results were pooled across provinces using a fixed effects meta‐analysis. A secondary fixed effects meta‐analysis was performed which only included provinces with data for before, during and after prohibition, and excluded provinces with data only beginning during prohibition.ResultsProhibition was associated with a statistically significant decrease in liver cirrhosis death rates only in Nova Scotia (P = 0.01). Pooling of provincial results indicated that prohibition resulted in 0.39 (95% confidence interval 0.06, 0.72; P = 0.02) fewer liver cirrhosis deaths per 100 000 people. In the restricted meta‐analysis, prohibition resulted in 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.18, 1.12; P < 0.01) fewer liver cirrhosis deaths per 100 000 people.Discussion and ConclusionsAlthough alcohol prohibition in Canada did not eliminate alcohol consumption, our findings suggest that prohibition was associated with reduced consumption, as evidenced by a reduction in liver cirrhosis mortality rates. Further, it's important to reflect on alcohol's history in Canada and use those policy lessons to guide the construction of effective cannabis legislation.