bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of combined cap-assisted, water-aided, and prone position colonoscopy for adenoma detection: A retrospective study
Authors: Ko Jihwan , Ko Byung Gu , Han Seong Ho , Kim Hyung Wook 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of cap-assisted, water-aided, and 12 o’clock-prone position colonoscopy as individual techniques for adenoma detection is well documented. However, the efficacy of the combination of the three colonoscopy methods is unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to retrospectively compare the efficacy between combined-method colonoscopy (CMC) and standard colonoscopy (SC).Methods and FindingsA total of 746 patients who underwent either CMC or SC, performed by two board-certified gastroenterologists between December 2019 and March 2020 at Baekyang Jeil Internal Medicine Clinic, were retrospectively evaluated. We evaluated polyp detection rate (PDR), adenoma detection rate (ADR), and mean number of adenomas detected per procedure (MAP). Statistical analysis for comparison between the groups was performed using the Student’s t-test, and ADR and PDR were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. The study population was predominantly women (55.4%). The mean patient age (standard deviation) was 62.87 (±7.83) years. There was no significant difference in sex, number of fecal occult blood test-positive patients, and age between the two groups. The PDR, ADR, and proximal colon MAP were significantly higher in the CMC group than in the SC group (PDR: 59.8% vs. 84.9%, p < 0.001; ADR: 49.2% vs. 70.1%, p < 0.001; proximal colon MAP: 0.55 vs. 1.24, p < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared with SC, CMC increases PDR, ADR, and MAP, especially proximal colon MAP. Therefore, CMC may be more useful than SC in clinical settings. This study is the first to evaluate the efficacy of the three techniques in combination.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of UK healthcare workers
Authors: Gilleen James , Santaolalla Aida , Valdearenas Lorena , Salice Clara , Fusté Montserrat 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is an urgent need to understand the psychological impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on UK healthcare workers (HCW).AimsTo reveal risk and protective factors associated with poor mental wellbeing of HCW working during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.Method2773 UK HCWs completed a survey between 22ndApril and 10th May 2020 containing scales measuring anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress, and questions about roles and COVID-19-related factors including workplace preparation and risk management. Respondents were classified as high or low symptomatic on each mental health scale and logistic regression revealed risk and protective factors associated with each outcome. Change in wellbeing from pre to during COVID-19 was also quantified.ResultsA large proportion of UK HCW had high mental health symptoms. ‘Fixed’ risk factors of poor mental health included being female, being ‘frontline’, pre-existing mental health diagnoses, and experience of stressful/traumatic events. An additional set of ‘controllable’ factors also significantly increased risk: PPE availability, workload, lack of COVID-19 preparation and training, and insufficient communication of clinical procedures. Resilience and sharing stress reduced risk, as did ethical support for those making treatment decisions. Allied HCW and managers were at elevated risk of high symptoms particularly PTSD. Wellbeing, especially of frontline workers, had significantly worsened compared to before COVID-19.ConclusionsPoor mental wellbeing was prevalent in HCW during the UK COVID-19 response. A number of controllable factors should be targeted, and protective factors promoted, to reduce the detrimental effect of COVID-19 and other pandemics on HCW mental health.
Establishment & lineage dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the UK
Authors: du Plessis Louis , McCrone John T. , Zarebski Alexander E. , Hill Verity , Ruis Christopher , Gutierrez Bernardo , Raghwani Jayna , Ashworth Jordan , Colquhoun Rachel , Connor Thomas R. , Faria Nuno R. , Jackson Ben , Loman Nicholas J. , O’Toole Áine , Nicholls Samuel M. , Parag Kris V. , Scher Emily , Vasylyeva Tetyana I. , Volz Erik M. , Watts Alexander , Bogoch Isaac I. , Khan Kamran ,   the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Aanensen David M. , Kraemer Moritz U. G. , Rambaut Andrew , Pybus Oliver G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe UK’s COVID-19 epidemic during early 2020 was one of world’s largest and unusually well represented by virus genomic sampling. Here we reveal the fine-scale genetic lineage structure of this epidemic through analysis of 50,887 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, including 26,181 from the UK sampled throughout the country’s first wave of infection. Using large-scale phylogenetic analyses, combined with epidemiological and travel data, we quantify the size, spatio-temporal origins and persistence of genetically-distinct UK transmission lineages. Rapid fluctuations in virus importation rates resulted in >1000 lineages; those introduced prior to national lockdown were larger and more dispersed. Lineage importation and regional lineage diversity declined after lockdown, whilst lineage elimination was size-dependent. We discuss the implications of our genetic perspective on transmission dynamics for COVID-19 epidemiology and control.
Performance of At-Home Self-Collected Saliva and Nasal-Oropharyngeal Swabs in the Surveillance of COVID-19
Authors: Braz-Silva Paulo H. , Mamana Ana C. , Romano Camila M. , Felix Alvina C. , de Paula Anderson V. , Fereira Noeli E. , Buss Lewis F. , Tozetto-Mendoza Tania R. , Caixeta Rafael A. V. , Leal Fabio E. , Grespan Regina M. Z. , Bizário João C. S. , Ferraz Andrea B. C. , Sapkota Dipak , Giannecchini Simone , To Kelvin K. , Doglio Alain , Mendes-Correa Maria C. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTSARS-CoV-2 quickly spread in the worldwide population by contact with oral and respiratory secretions of infected individuals, imposing social restrictions to control the infection. Massive testing is essential to breaking the chain of COVID-19 transmission. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of at-home self-collected samples - saliva and combined nasal-oropharyngeal swabs (NOP) - for SARS-CoV-2 detection in a telemedicine platform for COVID-19 surveillance. We analyzed 201 patients who met the criteria of suspected COVID-19. NOP sampling were combined (nostrils and oropharynx) and saliva collected using a cotton pad device. Detection of SARS-COV-2 was performed by using the Altona RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.0. According to our data, there was an overall significant agreement (κ coefficient value of 0.58) between the performances of saliva and NOP. Assuming that positive results in either sample represent true infections, 70 patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 were identified, with 52/70 being positive in NOP and 55/70 in saliva. This corresponds to sensitivities of 74.2% (95% CI; 63.7% to 83.1%) for NOP and 78.6% (95% CI; 67.6% to 86.6%) for saliva. We also found a strong correlation (β-coefficients < 1) between the cycle threshold values in saliva and NOP. Ageusia was the only symptom associated with patients SARS-CoV-2 positive only in NOP (p=0.028). In conclusion, our data show the feasibility of using at-home self-collected samples (especially saliva), as an adequate alternative for SARS-CoV-2 detection. This new approach of testing can be useful to develop strategies for COVID-19 surveillance and for guiding public health decisions.
Clinical and spatial characteristics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome by COVID-19 in Indigenous of Brazil
Authors: Sardinha Daniele Melo , Lima Karla Valéria Batista , da Silva Ferreira Ana Lúcia , Garcez Juliana Conceição Dias , Ueno Thalyta Mariany Rêgo Lopes , Rodrigues Yan Corrêa , dos Santos Anderson Lineu Siqueira , de Loiola Rosane do Socorro Pompeu , e Guimarães Ricardo José de Paula Souza , Lima Luana Nepomuceno Gondim Costa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan in China in December 2019, causing severe pneumonias and deaths, soon in March 2020 it reached pandemic level, affecting several countries including Brazil. The disease was named COVID-19, with characteristics of most infected having mild and moderate symptoms and a part severe symptom. The disease has already reached 158 ethnic groups, which have high vulnerability and limited access to health services. The objective is to investigate the clinical and spatial characteristics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome of COVID-19 in the indigenous peoples of Brazil. It is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical ecological study, based on data from the OpenDataSUS platform from 01/01/2020 to 31/08/2020. Profile variables, signs and symptoms and risk factors/comorbidities. The data were analyzed by Bioestat 5.3. There were 1,207 cases and 470 deaths. Profile: male gender (59.48%) means age 53 years. Signs and symptoms: fever (74.23%), cough (77.71%), sore throat (35.62%), dyspnea (69.34%), respiratory discomfort (62.80%), O2 saturation <95% (56.42%); and associated with mortality: dyspnea (80.0%) and O2 saturation <95% (69.36%). Risk factors and comorbidities (45.89%) were associated with deaths (54.04%). Comorbidities: Chronic Cardiovascular Disease (18.97%) and Diabetes Mellitus (18.97%), and associated with deaths: Chronic Cardiovascular Disease (24.46%). Being admitted to the ICU has a risk of death in (OR-3.96-<0.0001-CI-2,913/5,383) followed by not being vaccinated against influenza (OR-1.85-<0.0001-CI-1,358/2,528). The public and health policies of Brazil should be directed to control the dissemination of COVID-19 in this population, that COVID-19 evolves in the same intensity, however, the indigenous have vulnerabilities that can increase the impact of the pan-demic in this population.
DNA methylation and gene expression pattern of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes in saliva samples of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Misra Pratibha , Mukherjee Bhasker , Negi Rakhi , Marwah Vikas , Ghosh Arijit Kumar , Jindamwar Prashant , Singh Mukesh U , Vashum Y , Syamraj R , Chandra G Bala , Sibin M K 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 became a pandemic affecting the health and economy of the world. Although it was known that this virus uses ACE2 protein along with TMPRSS2 to enter the host cell, the methylation pattern and gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes are not explored in saliva samples of patients infected with COVID-19. The study aimed to quantify promoter methylation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 along with its mRNA expression in saliva samples of COVID-19 patients in order to understand the regulatory mechanism of these genes in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Saliva samples were collected from thirty male patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and thirty age-matched healthy control male subjects. Q MS PCR and qRT PCR was performed to quantify the promoter DNA methylation and mRNA expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 respectively. Our study didn’t find any significant difference between methylation and expression of these two genes in cases compared to control subjects. However there was significant positive correlation between DNA methylation of ACE2 and its gene expression. Among cases, the sample collected ≥7 days after appearance of symptoms showed higher amount of methylation in both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes when compared to sample collected before 7 days. In conclusion, we found that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 methylation plays a role in COVID-19.
Finding the real COVID-19 case-fatality rates for SAARC countries
Authors: Tazir Shah Md. Rafil , Ahammed Tanvir , Anjum Aniqua , Chowdhury Anisa Ahmed , Suchana Afroza Jannat 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCrude case fatality rate (CFR) is the most accurate when the pandemic is over. Adjustments to the crude CFR measure can better explain the pandemic situation by improving the CFR estimation. However, no study has thoroughly investigated COVID-19 adjusted CFR of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries. In this study, we estimated both survival interval and underreporting adjusted CFR of COVID-19 for the SAARC countries and observed the CFR changes due to the imposition of fees on COVID-19 tests in Bangladesh. Using the daily records up to 9th October, we implemented a statistical method to remove both the bias in crude CFR, i.e., the delay between disease onset and outcome bias and due to asymptomatic or mild symptomatic cases, reporting rates lower than 50% (95% CI: 10%-50%) bias. According to our findings, Afghanistan had the highest CFR, followed by Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Our estimated crude CFR varied from 3.71% to 0.29%, survival interval adjusted CFR varied from 3.77% to 0.3% and further underreporting adjusted CFR varied from 1.1% to 0.08%. We have also found that crude CFR increased from 1.261% to 1.572% after imposing the COVID-19 test fees in Bangladesh. Therefore, the authorities of countries with higher CFR should be looking for strategic counsel from the countries with lower CFR to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to combat the pandemic. Moreover, caution is needed to report the CFR.
Associations between Alzheimer’s disease polygenic risk scores and hippocampal subfield volumes in 17,161 UK Biobank participants
Authors: Foo Heidi , Thalamuthu Anbupalam , Jiang Jiyang , Koch Forrest , Mather Karen A. , Wen Wei , Sachdev Perminder S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHippocampal volume is an important biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and genetic risk of AD is associated with hippocampal atrophy. However, the hippocampus is not a uniform structure and has a number of subfields, the associations of which with age, sex, and polygenic risk score for AD (PRSAD) have been inadequately investigated. We examined these associations in 17,161 cognitively normal UK Biobank participants (44-80 years). Age was negatively associated with all the hippocampal subfield volumes and females had smaller volumes than men. Higher PRSAD was associated with lower volumes in the bilateral whole hippocampus, hippocampal-amygdala-transition-area (HATA), and hippocampal tail; right subiculum; left cornu ammonis (CA)1, CA4, molecular layer, and granule cell layer of dentate gyrus (CG-DG), with associations being greater on the left side. Older individuals (median age 63 years, n=8984) showed greater subfield vulnerability to high PRSAD compared to the younger group (n=8177), but the effect did not differ by sex. The pattern of subfield involvement in relation to the PRSAD in community dwelling healthy individuals sheds additional light on the pathogenesis of AD.
Clinical Outcome of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infection Among a Large Nationwide Cohort of 5,621 Hospitalized Patients in Korea
Authors: Park Hayne Cho , Kim Do Hyoung , Cho Ajin , Kim Juhee , Yun Kyu-sang , Kim Jinseog , Lee Young-Ki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe investigated clinical outcome of asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and identified risk factors associated with high patient mortality using Korean nationwide public database of 5,621 hospitalized patients. The mortality rate and admission rate to intensive care unit were compared between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. The prediction model for patient mortality was developed through risk factor analysis among asymptomatic patients. The prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection was 25.8%. The mortality rates were not different between groups (3.3% vs. 4.5%, p=0.17). However, symptomatic patients were more likely to receive ICU care compared to asymptomatic patients (4.1% vs. 1.0%, p<0.0001). The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index score (CCIS) was the most potent predictor for patient mortality in asymptomatic patients. The clinicians should predict the risk of death by evaluating age and comorbidities but not the presence of symptoms.Article Summary LineSince asymptomatic patients have similar mortality rate with symptomatic patients, the clinicians should not classify clinical severity according to initial presence of symptom.
Cathepsin L plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and humanized mice and is a promising target for new drug development
Authors: Zhao Miao-Miao , Yang Wei-Li , Yang Fang-Yuan , Zhang Li , Huang Weijin , Hou Wei , Fan Changfa , Jin Ronghua , Feng Yingmei , Wang Youchun , Yang Jin-Kui 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYTo discover new drugs to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an understanding of the molecular basis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is urgently needed. Here, for the first time, we report the crucial role of cathepsin L (CTSL) in patients with COVID-19. The circulating level of CTSL was elevated and was positively correlated with disease course and severity in COVID-19 patients. Correspondingly, SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection increasedCTSLexpression in human cell lines and humanACE2transgenic mice, whileCTSLoverexpression, in turn, enhanced pseudovirus infection. CTSL functionally cleaved the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and enhanced virus entry, as evidenced by CTSL overexpression and knockdownin vitroand application of CTSL inhibitor drugsin vivo. Furthermore, amantadine, a licensed anti-influenza drug, significantly inhibited CTSL activity and prevented SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection. Therefore, CTSL is a promising target for new anti-COVID-19 drug development.
Determinants of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures: a nationwide on-line survey in Greece and Cyprus
Authors: Galanis Petros , Andreadaki Evangelia , Kleanthous Efrosyni , Georgiadou Anastasia , Evangelou Efi , Kallergis Georgios , Kaitelidou Daphne 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA limited number of studies have investigated the distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures in the general population. We studied psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures in the general population in Greece and Cyprus. Also, we investigated several demographic, clinical and job characteristics of the participants as possible determinants of distress. Data collection was performed during lockdown measures in Greece and Cyprus (from April 21stto May 4th2020). All participants provided informed consent to participate in the study. We used the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to measure the psychological distress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures. Seventeen point four percent of the participants had overall IES-R score from 24 to 32 indicating that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a clinical concern, while 33.5% had overall IES-R score >32 indicating that PTSD is a probable diagnosis. Females, Cyprus residents, participants that live with elderly people or patients with a chronic disease in home, participants with a mental health disease or/and chronic disease, participants under pharmaceutical treatment, participants that lost their work due to the pandemic and participants that work in hospital experienced greater distress. Also, increased age and decreased educational level was associated with increased distress. Findings suggest that our sample experienced great distress and this distress was affected by several demographic, clinical and job characteristics. Appropriate interventions should be established in order to support psychologically high risk groups and decrease their distress.
Wearable technologies for children with chronic illness: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: McErlane Flora , Davies Elin Haf , Ollivier Cecile , Mayhew Anna , Anyanwu Obuchinezia , Harbottle Victoria , Donald Aimee 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of wearable technologies in physical activity assessment in three paediatric diseases, namely Niemann-Pick C (NP-C), Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).DesignProof of concept feasibility studySetting and patientsThirty children were recruited across three UK hospitals (Royal Manchester’s Children Hospital, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and the Great North Children’s Hospital). Ten were diagnosed with NP-C, eight with DMD and twelve with JIA.InterventionAll participants completed the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at enrolment. Patients were provided with disease specific smartphone apps paired with a wearable device via Bluetooth. Ambulation was recorded in 30-minute epochs measuring average daily maximum (ADM), average daily steps (ADS), and average daily steps per 30-minute epoch (ASE).ResultsMedian 6MWT results were 450m, 325m and 434.5m for the NP-C, DMD and JIA cohorts respectively. Wearable data capture was feasible in all three disease groups, although complete data capture was not sustained. A statistically significant between-cohort difference was identified for ADM, ADS and ASE. Statistically significant differences were found between DMD/JIA for ADM; NP-C/DMD for ADS and DMD/JIA for ASE.DiscussionWearable sensor technologies have the potential to add important information to our understanding of ambulation in chronic paediatric disease. The wearable devices were easy to use and popular with patients although key features need to be addressed to ensure higher engagement in future deployments. As the technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, opportunities to implement child friendly solutions are already available.
Factors driving availability of COVID-19 convalescent plasma: Insights from a demand, production and supply model
Authors: Russell W. Alton , Grebe Eduard , Custer Brian 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundCOVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) is a promising treatment for COVID-19. Blood collectors have rapidly scaled up collection and distribution programs.MethodsWe developed a detailed simulation model of CCP donor recruitment, collection, production and distribution processes. Simulations based on epidemics in 11 U.S. states, in which key parameters were varied over wide ranges, allowed identification of the drivers of ability to calibrate collections capacity and ability to meet demand for CCP.ResultsChanges in collection capacity utilization lagged increases and decreases in COVID-19 hospital discharges, and never exceeded 75% in most simulations. Demand could be met for most of the simulation period in most simulations, but in states with early sharp increases in hospitalizations a substantial portion of demand went unmet during these early peaks. Modeled second wave demand could generally be met with stockpiles established during first epidemic peaks. Apheresis machine capacity (number of machines) and probability that COVID-19 recovered individuals are willing to donate were the most important supply-side drivers of ability to meet demand. Recruitment capacity was important in states with early peaks.ConclusionsEpidemic trajectory was the most important determinant of ability to meet demand for CCP, although our simulations revealed several contributing operational drivers of CCP program success.