bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of pulmonary ground-glass opacities: a position paper from a panel of experts of the Italian Society of Thoracic Surgery (SICT)
Authors: Lococo Filippo , Luzzi Luca , Cusumano Giacomo , De Filippis Antonio Fabillian , Pariscenti Gianluca , Guggino Gianluca , Rena Ottavio , Davini Federico , Grossi William , Marulli Giuseppe , Lococo Achille , Cardillo Giuseppe ,   GGO Consensus Conference Working Group
Published: May 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
A significant gap in our knowledge of how to manage pulmonary ground-glass opacities (GGOs) still exists. Accordingly, there is a lack of consensus among clinicians on this topic. The Italian Society of Thoracic Surgery (Società Italiana di Chirurgia Toracica, SICT) promoted a national expert meeting to provide insightful guidance for clinical practice. Our goal was to publish herein the final consensus document from this conference.

METHODS
The working panel of the PNR group (Pulmonary Nodules Recommendation Group, a branch of the SICT) together with 5 scientific supervisors (nominated by the SICT) identified a jury of expert thoracic surgeons who organized a multidisciplinary meeting to propose specific statements (n = 29); 73 participants discussed and voted on statements using a modified Delphi process (repeated iterations of anonymous voting over 2 rounds with electronic support) requiring 70% agreement to reach consensus on a statement.

RESULTS
Consensus was reached on several critical points in GGO management, in particular on the definition of GGO, radiological and radiometabolic evaluation, indications for a non-surgical biopsy, GGO management based on radiological characteristics, surgical strategies (extension of pulmonary resection and lymphadenectomy) and radiological surveillance. A list of 29 statements was finally approved.

CONCLUSIONS
The participants at this national expert meeting analysed this challenging topic and provided a list of suggestions for health institutions and physicians with practical indications for GGO management.
Correlative imaging of collagen fibers and fibroblasts using CLEM optimized for picrosirius red staining and FIB/SEM tomography
Authors: Hirashima Shingo , Ohta Keisuke , Kanazawa Tomonoshin , Togo Akinobu , Tsuneyoshi Risa , Miyazono Yoshihiro , Kusukawa Jingo , Nakamura Kei-ichiro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Conventional imaging for three-dimensional (3D) ultra-architectural analysis of collagen fibers and fibroblasts is time-consuming and requires numerous ultrathin sections to search the target area. Currently, no method allows 3D ultra-architectural analysis of predetermined areas including spatial relationships between collagen fibers and fibroblasts in vitro. Herein, we developed a new method for in vitro analysis of the 3D ultrastructure of fibroblasts and collagen fibers using CLEM optimized for picrosirius red staining and FIB/SEM tomography. Collagen fibers were observed between, rather than on top of, stacked cells. This method offers the advantage of mesoscopic and ultrastructural analysis, thus minimizing bias and ensuring accurate observation.
Spread of Covid-19 in the United States is controlled
Authors: Hu Zixin , Ge Qiyang , Li Shudi , Xu Tao , Boerwinkle Eric , Jin Li , Xiong Momiao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs of May 1, 2020, the number of cases of Covid-19 in the US passed 1,062,446, interventions to slow down the spread of Covid-19 curtailed most social activities. Meanwhile, an economic crisis and resistance to the strict intervention measures are rising. Some researchers proposed intermittent social distancing that may drive the outbreak of Covid-19 into 2022. Questions arise about whether we should maintain or relax quarantine measures. We developed novel artificial intelligence and causal inference integrated methods for real-time prediction and control of nonlinear epidemic systems. We estimated that the peak time of the Covid-19 in the US would be April 24, 2020 and its outbreak in the US will be over by the end of July and reach 1,551,901 cases. We evaluated the impact of relaxing the current interventions for reopening economy on the spread of Covid-19. We provide tools for balancing the risks of workers and reopening economy.
Hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin: a potential interest in reducing in-hospital morbidity due to COVID-19 pneumonia (HI-ZY-COVID)?
Authors: Davido Benjamin , Lansaman Thibaud , Bessis Simon , Lawrence Christine , Alvarez Jean-Claude , Mascitti Hélène , Bouchand Frédérique , Moine Pierre , Perronne Véronique , Gal Aurélie Le , Annane Djillali , Perronne Christian , De Truchis Pierre 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with or without azithromycin is currently still debated as a potential treatment for the COVID-19 epidemic. Some studies showed discrepant results. However, timing for the treatment initiation and its setting (in-hospital or out-patient) are not consistent across studies.MethodsMonocentric retrospective study conducted from 2th March to 17th April 2020, in adults hospitalized in a tertiary hospital for COVID-19. Patients characteristics were compared between groups depending on the therapy received (HCQ/azithromycin taken ≥ 48 hours or other treatment). Outcomes were evaluated from admission, by the need for intensive care unit (ICU) support and/or death. Univariate analyses were performed using non-parametric tests and confirmed by a multiple logistic regression using Pearson correlation test.ResultsAmong 132 patients admitted for COVID-19 in the medicine ward, 45 received HCQ/azithromycin ≥ 48 hours, with a favorable outcome in 91.1% of cases (OR=6.2, p=0.002) versus others regimen (n=87). Groups were comparable at the baseline in terms of age, sex, comorbidities, extend in thoracic imaging, and severity.Among patients that required to be transferred to ICU (n=27) (for mechanical ventilation), median delay for transfer was 2 days (IQR 1-3). We report only 1 patient that presented an adverse event (a prolonged QT interval on EKG) that required to discontinue HCQ.ConclusionThe present study suggests a potential interest of the combination therapy using HCQ/azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19 in in-hospital patients.
Smoking and the risk of COVID-19 infection in the UK Biobank Prospective Study
Authors: Cho Eo Rin , Jha Prabhat , Slutsky Arthur S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSeveral studies suggest a lower prevalence of smoking than expected among adults with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We conducted logistic regression analyses of the UK Biobank prospective study of 0.5 million adults followed for an average of 11 years. Compared to women, men were more likely to be tested and to test positive. In sex-stratified analyses, current smokers had higher adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) for being tested (male OR 1.60, 95%CI 1.32-1.95 and female OR 1.50,1.21-.1.86). Current smokers were more slightly more likely than never smokers to test positive for COVID-19. Further examination of smoking as a risk factor for COVID-19 is required. These must take into account reverse causality, where smokers quit to avoid disease as well as prior diseases.
An Evaluation of the MedSnap Medication Authentication System
Authors: Hymel Patrick , Wong Daisy Y. , Zheng Ning , Brossette Stephen E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFalsified and substandard (SF) medications are a large and growing global public health threat affecting developed and developing markets. The need for scalable, easy-to-use, accurate methods to detect SF medications continues to grow. We conducted a proof-of-principle laboratory and field sample evaluation of MedSnap in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Over three days, MedSnap models were created from trusted and authentic medications and tested against samples of authentic/trusted or falsified artesunate, artemether-lumefantrine, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Across 48 tests of authentic/trusted and falsified samples, MedSnap was 100% sensitive and specific. On the final day of the study, a convenience sample of ciprofloxacin and azithromycin was collected from local pharmacies and tested. Each field sample matched an authentic/trusted model. The speed and ease of data collection, reference model building, and sample testing suggest scalable use cases for the system.
Implications of Telemedicine on Educational Outcomes and Healthcare Accessibility, Case Study of a Local College in Upstate New York
Authors: Kenyon Johnathan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractImportanceThere is a dearth of empirical research addressing the healthcare component on the academic performance of college students. It is unknown how discrepancies in healthcare access manifest in college students.ObjectiveTo improve awareness of the current healthcare issues facing college students and find ways to minimize the healthcare gap.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsLocal college students were assessed for health status, usage of the health system, potential factors discouraging the use of health benefits, and the educational outcomes of the students.Main Outcomes and MeasuresEducational outcomes associated with differing levels of healthcare access, averages, Pearson’s r, odds ratios and 95% CIs.ResultsNearly 1 in 4 students (26.1% [SE, 3.7%]) reported having inadequate healthcare access. Healthcare accessibility was strongly correlated with academic performance (r = .336 [95% CI, .179-.476]; P<.001). Low access students were significantly more likely to report barriers to healthcare (OR = 2.91 [95% CI, .557-5.29]; P<.001). Telemedical use corresponded with reduced absences (r = .219 [95% CI, .054-.373]; P=.01) and higher ratings on self-health assessments (OR = 1.74 [95% CI, .809-3.75]; P=.001). Use of telemedicine did not relate to reports of healthcare barriers (P>.99). Though the adoption of telemedicine among college students is staggeringly low, with fewer than 1 in 12 students (7.9% [SE 2.4%]) reporting at least some telemedical usage.Conclusions and RelevanceOver a quarter of college students report inadequate healthcare access despite fewer than 1 in 12 students utilizing telemedicine. Further research is needed to determine the extent to how much the current healthcare norms affect college students, but fostering a pedagogical approach to telemedicine may serve to bridge the healthcare gap.Key PointsQuestionIn what way does healthcare accessibility affect college students?FindingsMany students report inadequate healthcare access, despite having health insurance. The adoption of telemedicine among college students is currently low. Students utilizing telemedicine display improvements across health and academic categories.MeaningBolstering the adoption of telemedical health services may help to diminish the healthcare accessibility gap among college students.
Double Power Law for COVID-19: Prediction of New Cases and Death Rates in Italy and Spain
Authors: Osherovich Vladimir A. , Fainberg Joseph , Osherovich Lev Z. 
Published: May 2020

1.AbstractThe novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2 appeared at the end of 2019, spreading rapidly and causing a severe respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) with high mortality (2-5%). Until a vaccine or therapy is found, the most effective method of prophylaxis has been to minimize transmission via rigorous social distancing and seclusion of all but essential workers. Such measures, implemented at different times and to varying degrees world-wide, have reduced the rate of transmission compared with early phases of the pandemic, resulting in “flattening of the curve” followed by a gradual reduction in mortality after >6 weeks of rigorous social distancing measures. The cost of rigorous social distancing has been seen in radically reduced economic activity, job losses, disruption of schooling and social institutions. A key question facing policy makers and individuals is when to resume normal economic and social activity in the face of persistent community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. To help address this question, we have developed a model that accurately describes the entire transmission and mortality curves in Italy and Spain, two hard-hit countries that have maintained severe social distancing measures for over 2 months. Our model quantitatively describes the rapid rise and slow decay of new cases and deaths observed under stringent social distancing (the “long tail” effect). We predict that even when social distancing is rigorously maintained, the number of COVID-19 deaths after peak mortality may be 2 – 3 times larger than the total number of deaths up to the peak. Our model has important policy implications for countries currently debating how to ease social distancing measures.
Quantitatively Modeling Factors that Influence the Therapeutic Doses of Antibodies
Authors: Tang Yu , Li Xiaobing , Cao Yanguang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDose selection and confirmation are critical tasks in the development of therapeutic antibodies. These tasks could become particularly challenging in the absence of robust pharmacodynamics biomarkers or at very flat dose-response curves. Although much knowledge has been acquired in the past decade, it remains uncertain which factors are relevant and how to select doses more rationally. In this study, we developed a quantitative metric, Therapeutic Exposure Affinity Ratio (TEAR), to retrospectively evaluate up to 60 approved antibodies and their therapeutic doses (TDs), and systematically assessed the factors that are relevant to antibody TDs and dose selection patterns. This metric supported us to analyze many factors that are beyond antibody pharmacokinetics and target binding affinity. Our results challenged the traditional perceptions about the importance of target turnovers and target anatomical locations in the selection of TDs, highlighted the relevance of an overlooked factor, antibody mechanisms of action. Overall, this study provided insights into antibody dose selection and confirmation in the development of therapeutic antibodies.
Morphological and Phylogenetic Resolution ofDiplodia corticolaandD. quercivora, Emerging Canker Pathogens of Oak (Quercusspp.), in the United States
Authors: Ferreira Savannah L. , Stauder Cameron M. , Martin Danielle K.H. , Kasson Matt T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn Mediterranean Europe and the United States, oak species (Quercusspp.) have been in various states of decline for the past several decades. Several insect pests and pathogens contribute to this decline to varying degrees includingPhytophthora cinnamomi, Armillariaspp., various insect defoliators, and additionally in the U.S., the oak wilt pathogen,Bretziella fagacearum. More recently, two emerging canker pathogens,Diplodia corticola(Dc) andDiplodia quercivora(Dq) have been implicated in causing dieback and mortality of oak species in Europe and in several regions in the United States. In 2019, a fungal survey was conducted in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Eastern U.S., including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to determine the range and impact ofDcandDqon forest health within the U.S. A total of 563 oak trees between red and white oak family members were evaluated across 33 forests spanning 18 counties. A total of 32Diplodiaisolates encompassing threeDiplodiaspp. were recovered from 5,335 total plugs collected from the 13 of 18 sampled counties. RecoveredDiplodiaspecies includedDc, Dq, andD. sapinea(Ds), as well asBotryosphaeria dothidea(Bd), a closely related canker pathogen in theBotryosphaeriaceae. BothDcandDswere recovered from red and white oak family members, whereasDqwas exclusive to white oak family members andBdto red oak family members. Of these species,Dcwas most frequently isolated followed byDq, Ds, andBd. Overall, mortality was relatively low across all sampled counties, indicating that these fungi, at the levels that were detected, are not widely inciting oak decline across the region, but more likely are acting opportunistically when the environment is conducive for disease. In an attempt to better understand the relationships amongDcand potentially their geographic origin(s), a multi-gene phylogenetic study and corresponding morphological study were conducted. A total of 49Diplodiaisolates from Spain, France, Italy, and the U.S. were assessed. Across all isolates and geographic regions,Dcformed a strongly supported monophyletic clade sister toDqand included two strongly supported subclades, one that included isolates from Spain and California and a second that included isolates from Italy, Maryland, and West Virginia. Both subclades also exhibited overlapping spore measurements. These results supportDcas a cosmopolitan pathogen, native to both Europe and the U.S. with the possibility of secondary introductions.
Calculating effect sizes in animal social network analysis
Authors: Franks Daniel W. , Weiss Michael N. , Silk Matthew J. , Perryman Robert J. Y. , Croft Darren. P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBecause of the nature of social interaction or association data, when testing hypotheses using social network data it is common for network studies to rely on permutations to control for confounding variables, and to not also control for them in the fitted statistical model. This can be a problem because it does not adjust for any bias in effect sizes generated by these confounding effects, and thus the effect sizes are not informative in the presence of counfouding variables.We implemented two network simulation examples and analysed an empirical data set to demonstrate how relying solely on permutations to control for confounding variables can result in highly biased effect size estimates of animal social preferences that are uninformative when quantifying differences in behaviour.Using these simulations, we show that this can sometimes even lead to effect sizes that have the wrong sign and are thus the effect size is not biologically interpretable. We demonstrate how this problem can be addressed by controlling for confounding variables in the statistical dyadic or nodal model.We recommend this approach should be adopted as standard practice in the statistical analysis of animal social network data.
A general inverse problem approach to neural function modeling inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Stucchi Marco 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe development of models of brain function remains a complex problem given the difficulty of extracting organizational principles from observations on a variety of morphologically and physiologically different neurons. State of the art results in this modeling research have been obtained by a different route, by leveraging the power of deep learning. However, this approach takes advantage of neuroscientific knowledge only to a limited extent. Here, I adopt a perspective that aims at combining experimental data and optimization algorithms by framing this modeling research as an inverse problem. To illustrate the method, I collected calcium imaging data from the first two regions of the olfactory processing pathway of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster, the antennal lobe and the calix of the mushroom bodies. In each case, our method gives accurate predictions for large fractions of recorded glomeruli and neurons, and the inferred networks recover known features of the biological counterpart.
The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Regulates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Vadnie Chelsea A. , Eberhardt Lauren A. , Hildebrand Mariah A. , Zhang Hui , Becker-Krail Darius , DePoy Lauren M. , Logan Ryan W. , McClung Colleen A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCircadian rhythms are commonly disrupted in individuals with depression and/or anxiety disorders. Animal studies indicate that circadian rhythm disruption can cause increased depressive and anxiety-like behavior, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Currently, there is conflicting evidence as to whether the master pacemaker in the brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), plays a key role in regulating psychiatric-related behavior. To investigate the role of the SCN in regulating depressive and anxiety-like behavior in mice, we directly manipulated the neural activity of the SCN using two chronic optogenetic stimulation paradigms. Repeated stimulation of the SCN late in the active phase (circadian time 21, CT21) shortened the period and dampened the amplitude of homecage activity rhythms. Repeated stimulation of the SCN at unpredictable times during the dark phase dampened, fragmented and reduced the stability of homecage activity rhythms. In both SCN optogenetic stimulation paradigms, dampened homecage activity rhythms (decreased amplitude) was associated with increased measures of anxiety-like behavior, but not in control mice. Increased fragmentation and decreased day-to-day stability of homecage activity also correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior. Unexpectedly the change in period of homecage activity rhythms was not directly associated with any psychiatric-related behavior. Furthermore, we did not observe consistent correlations between homecage activity amplitude and depressive-like behavior in stimulated mice. Taken together, these results indicate that SCN-mediated dampening of rhythms is directly correlated with increased anxiety-like, but not depressive-like behavior in mice. This work is an important step in understanding how specific SCN neural activity disruptions affect mood and anxiety-related behavior.
Genomic analysis of worldwide sheep breeds revealsPDGFDa major target of fat-tail selection in sheep
Authors: Dong Kunzhe , Yang Min , Han Jiangang , Ma Qing , Han Jilong , Song Ziyi , Luosang Cuicheng , Gorkhali Neena Amatya , Yang Bohui , He Xiaohong , Ma Yuehui , Jiang Lin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFat tail is a special trait in sheep acquired during sheep domestication. Several genomic analyses have been conducted in sheep breeds from limited geographic origins to identify the genetic factors underlying this trait. Nevertheless, these studies obtained different candidates. The results of these regional studies were easily biased by the breed structures. To minimize the bias and distinguish the true candidates, we used an extended data set of 968 sheep representing 18 fat-tailed breeds and 14 thin-tailed breeds from around the world, and integrated two statistic tests to detect selection signatures, including Genetic Fixation Index (FST) and difference of derived allele frequency (ΔDAF). The results showed thatplatelet derived growth factor D (PDGFD)exhibited the highest genetic differentiation between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Further analysis of sequence variation identified that a 6.8-kb region within the first intron ofPDGFDis likely the target of positive selection and contains regulatory mutation(s) in fat-tailed sheep. Histological analysis and gene expression analysis demonstrated thatPDGFDexpression is associated with maturation and hemostasis of adipocytes. Luciferase reporter assays showed that a segment of conserved sequence surrounding the orthologous site of one sheep mutation is functional in regulatingPDGFDexpression in human. These results reveal thatPDGFDis the predominant factor for the fat tail phenotype in sheep by contributing to adiopogenesis and maintaining the hemostasis of mature adipocytes. This study provides insights into the evolution of fat-tailed sheep and has important application to animal breeding, as well as obesity-related human diseases.