bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum neopterin levels in relation to mild and severe COVID-19
Authors: Robertson Josefina , Gostner Johanna M , Nilsson Staffan , Andersson Lars-Magnus , Fuchs Dietmar , Gisslen Magnus 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is rapidly spreading worldwide. There is limited information about prognostic markers that could help clinicians to identify COVID-19 patients with a poor prognosis. Serum levels of the immune activation marker neopterin has shown to be of prognostic value in patients with SARS. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum neopterin is associated with the severity of COVID-19.MethodsWe included 34 patients with confirmed COVID-19 between March 3 and March 30, 2020. Fifteen patients had mild disease and did not require hospitalization, whereas 19 patients developed severe COVID-19 requiring intensive care. Concentrations of serum neopterin, tryptophan, and kynurenine were measured at and repeatedly after inclusion.ResultsWe found a more than two-fold higher mean concentration of neopterin in severely ill patients (mean value 42.0 nmol/L (SD 18.2)) compared to patients with mild symptoms (16.9 nmol/L (SD 11.0)). All of the severe cases had elevated neopterin concentrations (>9.1 nmol/L) at the initial sampling with values ranging from 17.2 to 86.7 nmol/L. In comparison, 10 of 15 patients with mild disease had neopterin levels above 9.1 nmol/L, with concentrations in the range from 4.9 to 31.6 nmol/L. Neopterin levels gradually decreased during the course of COVID-19, but severe cases maintained elevated levels for a longer period. Moreover, lower levels of tryptophan and higher levels of kynurenine, indicating an increased tryptophan catabolism, were seen in the group with severe cases.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we found that serum neopterin levels are associated with the severity of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that neopterin could be used as a prognostic marker, but further studies are needed to elucidate how it can be used in clinical praxis.
COVID19 epidemic growth rates have declined since early March in U.S. regions with active hospitalized case surveillance
Authors: Bhatia Rajiv 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionOptimal pandemic monitoring and management requires unbiased and regionally specific estimates of disease incidence and epidemic growth.MethodsI estimated growth rates and doubling times across a 22-week period of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic using hospital admissions incidence data collected through the US CDC COVID-NET surveillance program which operates in 98 U.S. counties located in 13 states. I cross validated the growth measures using mortality incidence data for the same regions and time periods.ResultsBetween March 1 and August 8, 2020, two distinct waves of epidemic activity occurred. During the first wave in the COVID-NET monitoring regions, the harmonic mean of the maximum weekly growth rate was 534% (Median: 575; Range: 250 to 2250) and this maximum occurred in the second or third week of March in different regions. The harmonic mean of the minimum doubling time occurred with maximum growth rate and was 0.35 weeks (Median 0.36 weeks; Range: 0.22 to 0.55 weeks). The harmonic mean of the maximum incidence rate during the first wave of the epidemic was 8.5 hospital admissions per 100,000 people per week (Median: 9.2, Range: 4 to 40.5) and the peak of epidemic infection transmission associated with this maximum occurred on or before March 27, 2020 in eight of the 13 regions. Dividing the 22-week observed period into four intervals, the harmonic mean of the weekly hospitalization incidence rate was highest during the second interval (4.6 hospitalizations per week per 100,000), then fell during the third and fourth intervals. Growth rates declined from 101 percent per week in the first interval to 2.5 percent per week in the last. Doubling time have lengthened from 3/5th of a week in the first interval to 12.5 weeks in the last. Period by period, the cumulative incidence has grown primarily in a linear mode. The mean cumulative incidence of hospitalizations on Aug 8th, 2020 in the COVID-NET regions is 96 hospitalizations per 100,000. Regions which experienced the highest maximum weekly incidence rates or greatest cumulative incidence rates in the first wave, generally, but not uniformly, observed the lower incidence rates in the second wave. Growth measures calculated based on mortality incidence data corroborate these findings.ConclusionsDeclining epidemic growth rates of SARS-COV-2 infection appeared in early March in the first observations of nationwide hospital admissions surveillance program in multiple U.S. regions. A sizable fraction of the U.S. population may have been infected in a cryptic February epidemic acceleration phase. To more accurately monitor epidemic trends and inform pandemic mitigation planning going forward, the US CDC needs measures of epidemic disease incidence that better reflect clinical disease and account for large variations in case ascertainment strategies over time.
The Effects of Coronavirus Victimization Distress and Coronavirus Racial Bias on Mental Health Among AIAN, Asian, Black, and Latinx Young Adults
Authors: Fisher Celia B. , Tao Xiangyu , Yip Tiffany 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRationaleU.S. Racial/ethnic minorities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in rates of infection and morbidity. Pre-pandemic racial discrimination has been associated with depression and general anxiety. However, the effect of Coronavirus specific forms of discrimination on mental health have not been examined. This study assessed the effect of previously identified social determinants of mental health and COVID-19 specific victimization and racial bias beliefs on depression and anxiety among young adults of color in the U.S.MethodsA national online survey of 399 AIAN, Asian, Black, and Latinx adults (18 – 25 years) included demographic variables, COVID-19 health risks, and standardized measures of depression, anxiety, Coronavirus related victimization distress and perceptions of Coronavirus-related racial bias across a range of contexts.ResultsEmployment, financial and prescription insecurity, COVID-19 health risks, Coronavirus victimization distress and Coronavirus racial bias beliefs were positively correlated with depression and anxiety. Scores on the Coronavirus racial bias scale were significantly higher among Asian and Black respondents. Structural equation modeling controlling for race/ethnicity and demographic variables indicated perceived Coronavirus racial bias mediated the effect of Coronavirus victimization distress on both mental health indices.ConclusionResults suggest the COVID-19 pandemic has created new pathways to mental health disparities among young adults of color by reversing formerly protective factors such as employment, and by exacerbating structural and societal inequities linked to race. Findings highlight the necessity of creating mental health services tailored to the specific needs of racial/ethnic minorities during the current and future health crises.
CLINICAL COURSE, RISK FACTORS FOR TRANSFER TO ICU AND MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 AFFECTED BY ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE REFERRED TO A RESPIRATORY INTERMEDIATATE CARE UNIT
Authors: Buonamico Enrico , Quaranta Vitaliano Nicola , Boniello Esterina , Dimitri Michela , Majorano Marco , Labate Luciana , Pierucci Paola , Capozza Elena , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Resta Onofrio 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionThere are no clear guidelines as yet for the selection of patients affected by COVID-19 who can be treated in intermediate RICU, neither shared criteria for their intubation and transfer in ICU.In the present study we described the clinical course and risk factors for transfer to ICU and mortality of SARS-Cov-2 positive patients affected by acute respiratory failure, hospitalized in a Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit in the south of Italy.MethodsIn this retrospective, observational single centre study we evaluated 96 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients affected by acute respiratory failure (ARF). We compared demographic data, laboratory data and clinical outcomes between deceased and survived patients, aiming to identify risk factors for transfer to ICU and mortality, and possible gender-related differences.ResultsOf 96 patients, 51 (53.1%) survived and 45 (46.9 %) died. Among those who died, 23 (51.1%) deceased in RICU. Twenty-nine (30.2%) were transferred to ICU, of whom 22 (75.9%) died in ICU. Patients affected by COPD have a higher mortality compared to patients without this comorbidity (p = 0.002). Lower baseline P/F ratio (p = 0,014) and neurologic comorbidities (p = 0,008) emerged as risk factors for death.Male were younger than female patients (66 vs 80 y.o.; p = 0.042). In female patients, lower peripheral blood lymphocyte count (p = 0.007) is a risk factor for death, characteristic gender-related in our sample.Female sex was a protective parameter against transfer to ICU (p = 0,036) and P/F ratio wasn’t a significant predictor of transfer to ICU (p = 0,227).Only higher baseline CRP (p = 0,034) has shown a predictive role for transfer to ICU in our sample. Patients deceased after a transfer to ICU had younger age (p = 0,000), lower median comorbidity number (p = 0,000), lower D-dimer (p = 0,029) and lower prevalence of female sex (p = 0,029).DiscussionMortality in our study was similar to that found in other studies involving patients in non-invasive ventilation. In our study older age and comorbidities play as predictors of death in COVID-19 patients. COPD, despite presenting low prevalence, is a risk factor for death, both in men and women. In female patients chronic ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure are death predictors. High CRP and lymphopenia, linked to inflammatory status, are predictors of transfer to ICU. Patients transferred to ICU higher mortality than the others, and patients who die in ICU are mostly men, younger and have less comorbidities. Baseline P/F ratio is not a good predictor of transfer to ICU, while in our sample is a sensible predictor of death. More studies need to be performed on COVID-19 patients, in the urgency of COVID-19 pandemic persistence.
No effect of resistance exercise on antibody responses to influenza vaccination in older adults: a randomized control trial
Authors: Elzayat Mahmoud T. , Markofski Melissa M. , Simpson Richard J. , Laughlin Mitzi , LaVoy Emily C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOlder adults are at elevated risk for morbidity and mortality caused by influenza. Vaccination is the primary means of prophylaxis, but protection is often compromised in older adults. As acute eccentric resistance exercise mobilizes immune cells into muscle, it may enhance vaccination response. PURPOSE: Compare antibody responses to influenza vaccination in older adults who performed resistance exercise prior to vaccination to those who did not exercise. METHODS: 29 resistance training-naive older adults (20 women, 73.9 ± 5.3 years) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: vaccination in the same arm that exercised (Ex-S), vaccination in the opposite arm that exercised (Ex-OP), and seated rest (No-Ex). Exercise was unilateral and consisted of 10 sets of 5 eccentric repetitions at 80% of the pre-determined concentric one repetition maximum. Lateral raises were alternated with bicep curls. No-Ex sat quietly for 25 min. Following exercise or rest, all subjects received the 2018 quadrivalent influenza vaccine (Seqirus Afluria) in the non-dominant deltoid. Antibody titers against the four influenza vaccine strains were determined by hemagglutinin inhibition assays at baseline, 6-, and 24-weeks post-vaccination. Group differences in antibody titers by time were assessed by restricted maximum likelihood mixed models. Fold-changes in antibody titers 6- and 24-weeks from baseline were compared between groups by Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: No significant group x time effects were found for any strain. Groups did not differ in fold-increase of antibody titers 6- and 24-weeks post-vaccination. Although seroconversion rates remained low, only one subject (Ex-S) reported flu-like symptoms 18 weeks post-vaccination. CONCLUSION: Acute arm eccentric exercise did not influence antibody titers to the influenza vaccine delivered post-exercise in older adults. More strenuous exercise may be required for exercise to act as an adjuvant. http://ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03736759 U.S. NIH Grant/Contract: R03AG052778
Defining movement instabilities in yips golfers using motion capture and muscle synergies
Authors: Revankar Gajanan S. , Ogasawara Issei , Hattori Noriaki , Kajiyama Yuta , Shimoda Shingo , Garcia Alvaro Costa , Uno Yuki , Nakano Tomohito , Gon Yasufumi , Kawamura Sadahito , Nakata Ken , Mochizuki Hideki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract‘Yips’ is an involuntary movement disorder seen in some professional golfers. The diagnostic challenge in yips is to distinguish symptoms of task-specific dystonia from psychological ‘choking’. We evaluated 15 professional golfers with mild symptomatic yips via anxiety tests, motion-capture and surface electromyography during a ‘putting’ task. Movement instabilities were analyzed via temporal statistical methodologies (one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping). In a subset of golfers, we found significant differences in angular velocities of the putter-club rotation and altered synergy neural coefficients during the downswing phase. Our results showed that golfers with mild yips require sensitive motion-capture evaluations wherein movement instabilities become evident. Particularly the downswing is affected, and the ensuing perturbations in phasic muscle activity share dystonic features that are consistently identified as abnormal muscle synergy patterns. Despite a strong subjective feeling of yips that golfers complain of, movement analysis can reliably exclude those with ‘choking’ from those with task-specific dystonias.
The active lung microbiota landscape of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Han Yang , Jia Zhilong , Shi Jinlong , Wang Weidong , He Kunlun 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTWith the outbreak of COVID-19 causing by SARS-CoV-2, the interaction between the host and SARS-CoV-2 was widely studied. However, it is unclear whether and how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects lung microflora, which contributes to COVID-19 complications. Here, we analyzed the metatranscriptomic data of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 19 COVID-19 patients and 23 healthy controls from 6 independent projects and detailed the active microbiota landscape in both healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients. The infection of SARS-CoV-2 could deeply change the lung microbiota, evidenced by the α-diversity, β-diversity and species composition analysis based on bacterial microbiota and virome. Pathogens (such as Klebsiella oxytoca causing pneumonia as well), immunomodulatory probiotics (such as Lactic Acid Bacteria and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a butyrate producer) and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were enriched in the COVID-19 group, suggesting a severe microbiota dysbiosis. The significant correlation between Rothia mucilaginosa, TMV and SARS-CoV-2 revealed drastic inflammatory battles between the host, SARS-CoV-2 and other microbes in the lungs. Notably, TMV only existed in the COVID-19 group, while Human respirovirus 3 only existed in the healthy group. Our study provides insight into the active microbiota in the lungs of COVID-19 patients and will contribute to the understanding of the infection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and the treatment of the disease and complications.
Capturing noroviruses circulating in the population: sewage surveillance in Guangdong, China (2013-2018)
Authors: Lu J. , Fang L. , Peng J.J. , Zeng L.L. , Lin H.F. , Xiong Q.L. , Yi L.N. , Song T. , He J.F. , Sun L. M. , Ke C.W. , Li H. , Zheng H.Y. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNoroviruses (NoVs) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks. The specific geographical distribution and expanding diversity of NoVs has posed a challenge to NoV surveillance and interventions. Here, we describe the long-term dynamic correlation between NoV distribution in sewage and in the local population by using high-throughput sequencing and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) analysis. The NoV viral loads in sewage were closely associated with the number of NoV outbreaks in the population. Compared with the viral distributions in outbreaks, the dominance of the newly emerged variants, such as GII.P17-GII.17 and GII.P16-GII.2, could be detected two months ahead in sewage. In addition, the dynamics of pre-epidemic variants, which were rarely detected from clinics, could be captured through sewage surveillance, thus improving our understanding of the viral origin and evolution. Our data highlight that the high-throughput environmental screening should become a critical part of the response to infectious diseases.
Longitudinal analysis of virus load, serum antibody levels and virus neutralizing activity in vitro in cases with less severe COVID-19
Authors: Flehmig Bertram , Schindler Michael , Ruetalo Natalia , Businger Ramona , Bayer Manfred , Haage Angelika , Kirchner Thomas , Klingel Karin , Normann Andrea , Pridzun Lutz , Tougianidou Despina , Ranke Michael B. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBackgroundPatients infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit a highly variable clinical course, varying from barely discernible signs of disease, to moderate flu-like symptoms and, occasionally, with life-threatening pneumonia and/or cytokine storm. The relationship between the nasopharyngeal virus load, IgA and IgG antibodies to both the S1-RBD-protein and the N-protein as well the neutralizing activity (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 in the blood of moderately afflicted COVID-19 patients has not been investigated longitudinally so far.MethodsSeveral new serological methods to examine these parameters were developed and validated for the longitudinal investigation in three patients of a family which underwent a mild course of COVID-19.FindingsWe observed that the virus load had almost completely disappeared after about four weeks, whereas serum antibodies showed a contrasting course. IgA levels to S1-RBD-protein and, to a lesser extent, to the N-protein, peaked about three weeks after clinical disease onset but declined soon thereafter. IgG levels rose continuously, reaching a plateau approximately six weeks after disease onset. NAbs in serum reached a peak about four weeks after disease onset but dropped to a lower level about six weeks later.InterpretationOur data establishes associations of virus neutralization and a serological immune response foremost against Sars-CoV-2 S1-RDB-protein in a longitudinal manner.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Positive Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients; a multisource Electronic Healthcare Records Study from England
Authors: Rashid Muhammad , Wu Jianhua , Timmis Adam , Curzen Nick , Clarke Sarah , Zaman Azfar , Nolan James , Shoaib Ahmad , Mohamed Mohamed O , de Belder Mark A , Deanfield John , Gale Chris P , Mamas Mamas A. 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPatients with underlying cardiovascular disease and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited information on management and outcomes of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and concomitant COVID19 infection.ObjectivesThis multisource national analysis of live data from England was designed to characterise the presenting profile and outcomes of patients hospitalized with ACS and COVID-19 infection.MethodsMultisource data from all acute NHS hospital in England was linked to study the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 ACS compared to non COVID-19 ACS patients. Hierarchical multilevel models were constructed to study the association between COVID19 ACS and in-hospital and 30-day mortality.ResultsBetween 1st March 2020 and 31st May 2020, 517 (4.0%) were admitted with COVID-19 ACS from a total of 12,958 ACS patients. COVID-19 ACS patients were generally older, BAME ethnicity, more comorbid and had unfavourable presenting characteristics compared to non-COVID-19 ACS patients. They were less likely to receive invasive coronary strategy in the form of coronary angiography (67.7% vs 81.0%), PCI (30.2% vs 53.9%), dual antiplatelet medication 76.3% vs 88.0%), and other important secondary medication. Patients with COVID-19 ACS had higher in-hospital (aOR 3.27 95%CI 2.41-4.42) and 30-day mortality (aOR 6.53 95%CI 5.1-8.36) compared to non COVID-19 ACS group.ConclusionCOVID-19 infection is prevalent but less frequent in the patients hospitalized with ACS in England. Presence of COVID-19 infection in patients with ACS is associated with significant mortality hazard.
Clinical Validity of the diagnostic criteria for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: a real-world experience
Authors: Fouad Yasser , Saad Zienab M , Moeness Hend M , Abdel-Raheem Ehab M , Abdelghani Yasser , Osman Nasr M , Abdelhameed Wafaa , Mostafa Alaa M , Attia Dina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsTo eliminate the anti-definition of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), positive clinical criteria for metabolic associated fatty liver disease are recently proposed. In this study, we examine the validation and utilization of these criteria.METHODSTwo cohorts of 316 consecutive patients were recruited, including 242 patients previously diagnosed to have NAFLD and 74 patients with concomitant NAFLD and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) The validity of the proposed criteria for MAFLD, namely presence of hepatic steatosis with one of three criteria, overweight/obesity, diabetes or evidence of metabolic dysregulation was assessed. Fibrosis was assessed using, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). The impact of MAFLD on the clinical outcomes in CHC patients was also investigated.ResultsThe clinical criteria captured 240 patients (99.2%). 215 (88.8%) met either overweight or diabetes and 25 (10.3%) met the presence of 2 criteria of metabolic dysfunction. In patients, with dual etiologies, in the multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, BMI, ALT, AST and diabetes, the presence of MAFLD were significantly associated with increase high FIB-4 score of fibrosis (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 3.77 [1.49–9.48], P < 0.005) when compared to those with MAFLD only.CONCLUSIONThe proposed criteria for diagnosis of MAFLD is well validated and easily applicable to the entire spectrum of disease including non-obese subjects. Patients with lean MAFLD have favorable metabolic and fibrosis characteristics compared to their obese counterpart, while patients with concomitant MAFLD and CHC had severe metabolic and fibrosis characteristics compared to patients with MAFLD alone.