bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communicating with patients and families about difficult matters: A rapid review in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ekberg Stuart , Parry Ruth , Land Victoria , Ekberg Katie , Pino Marco , Antaki Charles 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundPandemics pose significant challenges for healthcare systems, including an increase in difficult discussions about future illness progression and end of life.ObjectivesTo synthesise existing evidence about communication practices used to discuss difficult matters, including prognosis and end of life, and to use this evidence to make recommendations for clinical practice. The aim of this study was to use rapid review methods to update findings from a previous systematic review published in 2014.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, Scopus, ASSIA and Amed.Study eligibility criteriaStudies using conversation analysis or discourse analysis to examine recordings of actual conversations about difficult matters relating to future illness progression and end of life.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsData appraisal and extraction procedures used in the 2014 review were modified for this rapid review.ResultsFollowing screening, 18 sources were deemed to meet eligibility criteria, which were added to the 19 sources included in the 2014 systematic review. Synthesis of study findings identified 11 communication practices: providing opportunities for patient or family members to propose matters to discuss (7 out of 37 included sources); seeking a patient or family member’s perspective (6/37); discussing the future indirectly (11/37); discussing the future explicitly (7/37) linking to something previously said or done (11/37); using hypothetical scenarios (13/37); framing a difficult matter as universal (5/37); acknowledging uncertainty (3/37); exploring options (2/37); displaying sensitivity (7/37); emphasising the positive (7/37).LimitationsDividing work amongst the study authors to enable rapid review may have created inconsistencies.Conclusions and implications of key findingsThis synthesis of high-quality evidence from actual clinical practice supports a series of recommendations for communicating about difficult matters during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Epidemic analysis of COVID-19 Outbreak and Counter-Measures in France
Authors: Unlu Eren , Léger Hippolyte , Motornyi Oleksandr , Rukubayihunga Alia , Ishacian Thibaud , Chouiten Mehdi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has triggered world-wide attention among data scientists and epidemiologists to analyze and predict the outcomes, by using previous statistical epidemic models. We propose to use a variant of the well known SEIR model to analyze the spread of COVID-19 in France, by taking in to account the national lockdown declared in March 11, 2020. Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) is used to find optimal parameters for the model in the case of France. We propose to fit the model based only on the number of daily fatalities, where an R2 score based error metric is used. As the official number of confirmed cases is not reliable due to the lack of widespread testing, especially in the first phases of the outbreak, we show that basing the model optimisation on the number of fatalities can provide legitimate results.
Review and methodological analysis of trials currently testing treatment and prevention options for COVID-19 globally
Authors: Fragkou Paraskevi C. , Belhadi Drifa , Peiffer-Smadja Nathan , Moschopoulos Charalampos D. , Lescure François-Xavier , Janocha Hannah , Karofylakis Emmanouil , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Mentré France , Skevaki Chrysanthi , Laouénan Cédric , Tsiodras Sotirios 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundAs COVID-19 cases continue to rise globally within an unprecedented short period of time, solid evidence from large randomised controlled trials is still lacking. Currently, numerous trials testing potential treatment and preventative options are undertaken globally.ObjectivesWe summarised all currently registered clinical trials examining treatment and prevention options for COVID-19. Additionally, we evaluated the quality of the retrieved interventional studies.Data sourcesClinicaltrials.gov, the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and the European Union Clinical Trials Register were systematically searched.Study eligibility criteriaRegistered clinical trials examining treatment and/or prevention options for COVID-19 were included. No language, country or study design restrictions were applied. We excluded withdrawn or cancelled studies and trials not reporting therapeutic or preventative strategies for COVID-19.Participants and interventionsNo restrictions in terms of participants’ age and medical background or type of intervention were enforced.MethodsThe registries were searched using the term “coronavirus” or “COVID-19” from their inception until 26th March 2020. Additional manual search of the registries was also performed. Eligible studies were summarised and tabulated. Interventional trials were methodologically analysed, excluding expanded access studies and trials testing Traditional Chinese Medicine.ResultsIn total, 309 trials evaluating therapeutic management options, 23 studies assessing preventive strategies and 3 studies examining both were retrieved. Interventional treatment studies were mostly randomised (n=150, 76%) and open-label (n=73, 37%) with a median number of planned inclusions of 90 (IQR 40-200). Major categories of interventions that are currently being investigated are discussed.ConclusionNumerous clinical trials have been registered since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Summarised data on these trials will assist physicians and researchers to promote patient care and guide future research efforts for COVID-19 pandemic containment. However, up to the end of March, 2020, significant information on reported trials was often lacking.
High rate of increased level of plasma Angiotensin II and its gender difference in COVID-19: an analysis of 55 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a single hospital, WuHan, China
Authors: Liu Na , Hong Yan , Chen Ren-Gui , Zhu Heng-Mei 
Published: May 2020

Background2019 Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is turning into a pandemic globally lately. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is identified as an important functional receptor for SARS-Cov-2. ACE2 and ACE are homologues with inverse functions in the renin–angiotensin system. ACE converts angiotensin I into a vital vasoactive peptide called angiotensin II(AngII), whereas ACE2 hydrolyzes AngII into a series of vasodilators. There were few reports illustrated the expression of AngII in COVID-19. This study aimed to demonstrate the expression of angiotensin II in COVID-19 and how it correlated to the disease.MethodsWe enrolled 55 patients with COVID-19 admitted to renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 21st to February 21st, 2020. Demographic data were collected upon admission. COVID-19 nuclear acid, plasma AngII, Renin and aldosterone in the lying position without sodium restriction, and other laboratory indicators were together measured by the laboratory department of our hospital.FindingsOf the 55 patients with COVID-19, 34(61.8%) had an increased level of AngII. The severity of COVID-19 and male is positively related with the level of AngII. The level of blood lymphocyte, PCT, ALT, and AST were remarkably severe with those of normal level of AngII (P < 0.05). CD4/CD8 cells ratio was significantly higher whereas CD3+CD8+ cells amount, CD3+CD8+ cells proportion, CD56+CD16+CD3- cells amount and CD19+CD3- cells amount were considerably lower than those of normal level of AngII (P < 0.05). Abnormal rates of blood lymphocyte and PCT were significantly higher in Patients with elevated AngII level. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of COVID-19 (OR=4.123) and CD4/CD8 ratio(OR=4.050) were the co-directional impact factor while female(OR=0.146) was inverse impact factor of elevated AngII level.InterpretationHigh rate of increased level of AngII was detected in COVID-19 patients. Patients with elevated AngII level were more likely to be critically ill with COVID-19. Considering the gender differences in ACE2 expression and no gender differences in angiotensin expression, the gender differences in AngII level might indicate less loss of ACE2 in female patients. Elevated AngII level was correlated with CD4/CD8 ratio, suggesting it might involve in immune disorder.
Favipiravir for treating novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Arab-zozani Morteza , Hassanipour Soheil , Ghoddoosi-Nejad Djavad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionAn outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in Wuhan, China in mid-December 2019, and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Due to the unknown nature of the disease and the lack of specific drugs, several potential treatments were used for patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate studies of the effects of Favipiravir in COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods and analysisWe will search electronic databases including LitCovid hub, PubMed, Scopus, ISI web of Sciences, Cochrane, and Embase using keywords related to COVID-19 and Favipiravir. We will search the reference lists of all included studies and reviews. We will also search for clinical trial registries, such as clinicaltrial.gov for the ongoing clinical trials. Two investigators (MAZ and SH) will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-text of included studies based on eligibility criteria. These investigators will also independently extract data and appraise the quality of studies. All potential discrepancies will be resolved through consultation with the third reviewer. Data synthesis will be conducted using the Review Manager software (version 5.3) or CMA (version 2). Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using a standard I2 test. A funnel plot, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test will be used for asymmetry to explore possible publication bias.Ethics and disseminationThe findings of this systematic review with proportional meta-analysis will help to identify the safety and efficacy of Favipiravir for COVID-19 patients. Knowledge gained from this research will also assist physicians in selecting better treatment options and developing a guideline in this field.Strengths and limitations of this studyIn the protocol, all stage of study conducted by two reviewers independently and supervised by a third reviewer.This systematic review may produce the first meta-analysis that provides evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of favipiravir on COVID-19 patients.The small number of studies published in this field when writing a protocol can be one of the most important limitations.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020180032
Empirical evidence for safety of mechanical ventilation during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a physical model
Authors: de Andrade Neumamm Leonardo Bugarin , Jardim-Neto Alcendino Cândido , Motta-Ribeiro Gabriel Casulari da 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundCardiac arrest is a critical event requiring adequate and timely response in order to increase patient’s chance of survival. In patients mechanically ventilated with advance airways cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuver may be simplified by keeping the ventilator on. This work assessed the response of a intensive care mechanical ventilator to CPR using a patient manikin ventilated in three conventional modes.MethodsVolume controlled (VCV), pressure controlled (PCV) and pressure regulated volume controlled (PRVC) ventilation were applied in a thorax physical model with or without chest compressions. The mechanical ventilator was set with inspiratory time of 1.0 s, ventilation rate of 10 breaths/minute, positive end-expiratory pressure of 0 cmH2O, FiO2 of 1.0, target tidal volume of 600 ml and trigger level of -20 cmH2O. Airway opening pressure and ventilatory flow signals were continuously recorded..ResultsChest compression resulted in increased airway peak pressure in all ventilation modes (p<0.001), specially with VCV (137% in VCV, 83% in PCV, 80% in PRVC). However, these pressures were limited to levels similar to release valves in manual resuscitators (∼60 cmH2O). In pressure controlled modes tidal/minute volumes decreased (PRVC=11%, p=0.027 and PCV=12%, p<0.001), while still within the variability observed during bag-valve-mask ventilation. During VCV, variation in tidal/minute volumes were not significant (p=0.140). Respiratory rates were constant with and without chest compression.ConclusionsA intensive care mechanical ventilator could provide adequate ventilation during compressions in a manikin model while using conventional ventilation modes.
Cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis in malaria vectors: insights from the adult oenocyte transcriptome
Authors: Grigoraki Linda , Grau-Bove Xavier , Carrington-Yates Henrietta , Lycett Gareth J , Ranson Hilary 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe surface of insects is coated in cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs); variations in the composition of this layer affect a range of traits including adaptation to arid environments and defence against pathogens and toxins. In the African malaria vector,Anopheles gambiaequantitative and qualitative variance in CHC composition have been associated with speciation, ecological habitat and insecticide resistance. Understanding how these modifications arise will inform us of how mosquitoes are responding to climate change and vector control interventions. CHCs are synthesised in sub-epidermal cells called oenocytes that are very difficult to isolate from surrounding tissue. Here we utilise a transgenic line with fluorescent oenocytes to purify these cells for the first time. Comparative transcriptomics revealed the enrichment of biological processes related to long chain fatty acyl-CoA biosynthesis and elongation of mono-, poly-unsaturated and saturated fatty acids and enabled us to delineate, and partially validate, the hydrocarbon biosynthetic pathway inAn gambiae.
COVID-19 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A case series of 33 patients
Authors: Härter Georg , Spinner Christoph D. , Roider Julia , Bickel Markus , Krznaric Ivanka , Grunwald Stephan , Schabaz Farhad , Gillor Daniel , Postel Nils , Mueller Matthias C. , Müller Markus , Römer Katja , Schewe Knud , Hoffmann Christian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractData on people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is still scarce. This case series of 33 PLWH patients with COVID-19 reveals symptoms and outcome in this special population. Three out of 32 patients with documented outcome died (9%). However, 91% of the patients recovered and 76% have been classified as mild cases, indicating that there is no excess morbidity and mortality among PLWH with symptomatic COVID-19. All patients were on antiretroviral treatment, of them 22 on tenofovir-containing regimen, and 4 on the protease inhibitor darunavir.
Cohort profile: Preliminary experience of 500 COVID-19 postive cases at a South West London District General Hospital
Authors: Field R.E , Afzal I. , Dixon J. , Patel V.R , Sarkar P , Marsh J.E 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis retrospective cohort analysis, reports the demographic data and early outcome of the first 500 patients who were admitted to a District General Hospital in South West London, UK and tested positive to COVID-19. The patients were admitted between 10 January and 10 April 2020; with the first COVID-19 positive diagnosis on 6 March. A surge in admissions started around the 15 March and peaked at the beginning of April.56.8% of the admissions were male and 43.2% were female. The average age of the 500 admissions was 69.32 years (SD 19.23 years, range 1 week to 99.21 years). By the morning of 14 April 2020, 199 patients had been discharged (Female 89, Male 111), 163 patients had died (female 61, male 102) and 131 remained as in-patients (female 66, male 71).Fewer than one in twenty deaths occurred in patients below the age of 50 years, in either gender. Mortality rose dramatically, for both genders, after the age of sixty with males being almost twice as vulnerable to dying, as females, during the 7th decade. Males older than their mid-fifties were more likely to die than leave hospital. The same applied to females beyond their mid seventies. We did not see any evidence of a poorer outcome associated with a lower decile for Index of Multiple Deprivation or convincing evidence that any Ethnic minority groups were more likely to die than the White subgroups. When compared to the equivalent medical conditions, normally treated in the early spring, COVID-19 has an increased mortality, adversely affecting more men and an older population.The mean duration from admission to discharge was 11.29 days (SD 11.50 days). For admission to death, the mean interval was 11.72 days (SD 11.05 days). 62 of the 500 admissions required ventilator support. Of this subgroup, 71% were male and 29% were female. By the morning of the 14 April, no female over the age of 60 had left the intensive care unit alive and no male over the age of 50 had left the intensive care unit alive. At this time-point, 1.2% of the 500 admitted patients had returned alive from the intensive care units, following a period of ventilator support. This figure will rise if prolonged ventilator and renal support proves effective.While only providing a snapshot of a relatively small number of patients, reviewed over a short time period, from a small geographic area, the data supports the view that the younger members of society are less vulnerable to the adverse sequelae of COVID-19 infection and that any return to normal work and social activities should be considered initially for the individuals who are less than 40-50 years of age. There is an ongoing need for analyses on larger patient cohorts using both demographic and detailed clinical data.
Potential spreading risks and disinfection challenges of medical wastewater by the presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral RNA in septic tanks of fangcang hospital
Authors: Zhang Dayi , Ling Haibo , Huang Xia , Li Jing , Li Weiwei , Yi Chuan , Zhang Ting , Jiang Yongzhong , He Yuning , Deng Songqiang , Zhang Xian , Liu Yi , Li Guanghe , Qu Jiuhui 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia raises the concerns of effective deactivation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in medical wastewater by disinfectants. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in septic tanks of Wuchang Fangcang Hospital and found their unexpected occurrence after disinfection with sodium hypochlorite. Embedded viruses in faeces particles might be released in septic tanks, behaving as a source of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially contributing to its spread through drainage pipelines. Current recommended disinfection strategy (free chlorine above 6.5 mg/L after 1.5-hour contact) needs to be reevaluated to completely remove SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in non-centralized disinfection system and effectively deactivate SARS-CoV-2. The effluents showed negative results for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA when overdosed with sodium hypochlorite but had high a level of disinfection by-product residuals, possessing significant ecological risks.
Network Analysis Prioritizes DEWAX and ICE1 as the Candidate Genes for Major eQTL Hotspots in Seed Germination
Authors: Hartanto Margi , Joosen Ronny V. L. , Snoek Basten L. , Willems Leo A. J. , Sterken Mark G. , de Ridder Dick , Hilhorst Henk W. M. , Ligterink Wilco , Nijveen Harm 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSeed germination is characterized by a constant change of gene expression across different time points. These changes are related to specific processes, which eventually determine the onset of seed germination. To get a better understanding on the regulation of gene expression during seed germination, we performed a quantitative trait locus mapping of gene expression (eQTL) at four important seed germination stages (primary dormant, after-ripened, six-hour after imbibition, and radicle protrusion stage) usingArabidopsis thalianaBay x Sha recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The mapping displayed the distinctness of the eQTL landscape for each stage. We found several eQTL hotspots across stages associated with the regulation of expression of a large number of genes. Interestingly, an eQTL hotspot on chromosome five collocates with hotspots for phenotypic and metabolic QTLs in the same population. Finally, we constructed a gene co-expression network to prioritize the regulatory genes for two major eQTL hotspots. The network analysis prioritizes transcription factors DEWAX and ICE1 as the most likely regulatory genes for the hotspot. Together, we have revealed that the genetic regulation of gene expression is dynamic along the course of seed germination.One-sentence summaryTwo transcription factors, DEWAX and ICE1, may be important regulators of gene expression during seed germination, based on network analysis of eQTL hotspots.
Specificity of Gβ and γ subunits to the SNARE complex both at rest and after α2aadrenergic receptor stimulation
Authors: Yim Yun Young , McDonald W. Hayes , Betke Katherine M. , Kaya Ali , Hyde Karren , Erreger Kevin , Gilsbach Ralf , Hein Lutz , Hamm Heidi E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThough much is known about the various physiological functions of each GPCR and the specificity of Gα subunits, the specificity of Gβγ activated by a given GPCR and activating each effector in vivo is not known. Previously, we identified different Gβ and Gγ subunits interacting specifically with α2a-adrenergic receptors (α2aAR). In this study, we examined its in vivo specificity to the soluble NSF attachment proteins (SNARE) complex in adrenergic (auto-α2aAR) and non-adrenergic (hetero-α2aAR) neurons. We applied a quantitative targeted multiple reaction monitoring proteomic analysis of Gβ and Gγ subunits bound to the SNARE complex, and found only a subset of Gβ and Gγ bound. Without stimulation of auto-α2aAR, Gβ1and Gγ3interacted with the SNARE complex. When auto-α2aAR were activated, Gβ1, Gβ2, and Gγ3were found. Further understanding of in vivo Gβγ specificity to its effectors provides new insights into the multiplicity of genes for Gβ and Gγ.SummarySpecific Gβγ dimers interact with the SNARE complex following presynaptic α2aAR activation in both adrenergic and non-adrenergic neurons.