bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Effective Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Conjugated Polymers and Oligomers
Authors: Monge Florencia A. , Jagadesan Pradeepkumar , Bondu Virginie , Donabedian Patrick L. , Ista Linnea , Chi Eva Y. , Schanze Kirk S. , Whitten David G , Kell Alison M. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThe current Covid-19 Pandemic caused by the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus has proven extremely difficult to prevent or control. Currently there are few treatment options and very few long-lasting disinfectants available to prevent the spread. While masks and protective clothing and “social distancing” may offer some protection, their use has not always halted or slowed the spread. Several vaccines are currently undergoing testing; however there is still a critical need to provide new methods for inactivating the virus before it can spread and infect humans. In the present study we examined the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by synthetic conjugated polymers and oligomers developed in our laboratories as antimicrobials for bacteria, fungi and non-enveloped viruses. Our results show that we can obtain highly effective light induced inactivation with several of these oligomers and polymers including irradiation with near-UV and visible light. With both the oligomers and polymers, we can reach several logs of inactivation with relatively short irradiation times. Our results suggest several applications involving the incorporation of these materials in wipes, sprays, masks and clothing and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that can be useful in preventing infections and the spreading of this deadly virus and future outbreaks from similar viruses.
SARS-CoV-2 Inactivation Potential of Metal Organic Framework Induced Photocatalysis
Authors: Ornstein Jason , Ozdemir Ray O.K. , Boehme Anne , Nouar Farid , Serre Christian , Ackerman Daniel N. , Herrera Vicki L. , Santarpia Joshua L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAs the world recovers from the lockdown imposed by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, returning to shared indoor spaces is considered a formidable risk. It is now clear that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is driven by respiratory microdroplets expelled by infected persons, which can become suspended in the air. Several layering technologies are being explored to mitigate indoor transmission in the hopes of re-opening business, schools and transportation systems. Here we coupled the water adsorptive and photocatalytic capacity of novel Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) to demonstrate the capture and inactivation of SARS-CoV-2. Discussion is given on the methods of analysis and the differences between the photocatalytic activity of several MOFs, and the difference between MOF induced photocatalysis and ultra violet photolysis of SARS-CoV-2. Our results are intended to provide support to industry looking for alternative methods secure indoor spaces.
Combined Metabolic Activators accelerates recovery in mild-to-moderate COVID-19
Authors: Altay Ozlem , Arif Muhammad , Li Xiangyu , Yang Hong , Aydın Mehtap , Alkurt Gizem , Kim Woonghee , Akyol Dogukan , Zhang Cheng , Dinler-Doganay Gizem , Turkez Hasan , Shoaie Saeed , Nielsen Jens , Borén Jan , Olmuscelik Oktay , Doganay Levent , Uhlén Mathias , Mardinoglu Adil 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThere is a need to treat COVID-19 patients suffering from respiratory problems, resulting in decreased oxygen levels and thus leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities. Here, we investigated if a high oral dose of a mixture of Combined Metabolic Activators (CMA) can restore metabolic function and thus aid the recovery of COVID-19 patients. We conducted a placebo-controlled, open-label phase 2 study and a double-blinded phase 3 clinical trials to investigate the time of symptom-free recovery on ambulatory patients using a mixture of CMA consisting of NAD+ and glutathione precursors. The results of both studies showed that the time to complete recovery was significantly shorter in the CMA group (6.6 vs 9.3 days) in phase 2 and (5.7 vs 9.2 days) in phase 3 trials. A comprehensive analysis of the blood metabolome and proteome showed that the plasma levels of proteins and metabolites associated with inflammation and antioxidant metabolism are significantly improved in patients treated with the metabolic activators as compared to placebo. The results show that treating patients infected with COVID-19 with a high dose of CMAs leads to a more rapid symptom-free recovery, suggesting a role for such a therapeutic regime in the treatment of infections leading to respiratory problems.
Microbial Population Shift and Metabolic Characterization of Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Failure on Dental Caries
Authors: Paul Bidisha , Sierra Maria A , Xu Fangxi , Crystal Yasmi O , Li Xin , Saxena Deepak , Ruff Ryan Richard 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this pilot study was to describe the microbial profiles present in the plaque and saliva of children who continued to develop new carious lesions following treatment with silver diamine fluoride (“nonresponders”) compared to caries active, cariesfree, and children immediately receiving SDF treatment for untreated carie s in order to identify potential microbial differences that may relate to a re-incidence of caries.MethodsSaliva and plaque samples from infected and contralateral sites were obtained from twenty children who were either caries free, had active carious lesions, were caries active and received SDF treatment immediately before sampling, or had previously received SDF treatment and developed new caries. In total, 8,057,899 Illumina-generated sequence reads from 60 samples were obtained. Reads were processed using the Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology pipeline. Group differences were assessed using Analysis of Variance Models and Tukey Honest Significant Differences. To identify significant taxa between treatment groups, Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LefSe) and Analysis of Differential Abundance Taking Sample Variation Into Account were used.ResultsDifferential abundant analysis indicated that members of the Lachnospiraceae family were significantly enriched in non-responders and the genus Tannerella and species Granulicatella adiances were also highly abundant in this group. LefSe analysis between nonresponders and SDF-treated groups revealed that genera Leptotrichia and Granulicatella were enriched in non-responders. We observed the highest abundance of phosphotransferase system and lowest abundance of lipopolysaccharide synthesis in non-responders.DiscussionThe microbiome in dental biofilms is responsible for initiation and progression of dental caries. SDF has been shown to be effective in arresting the progression carious lesions, in part due to to its antimicrobial properties. Findings suggest that the differential abundance of select microbiota and specific pathway functioning in individuals that present with recurrent decay after SDF treatment may contribute to a potential failure of silver diamine fluoride to arrest dental caries.
Impact of pathogen reduction methods on immunological properties of the COVID-19 convalescent plasma
Authors: Kostin Alexander I. , Lundgren Maria N. , Bulanov Andrey Y. , Ladygina Elena A. , Chirkova Karina S. , Gintsburg Alexander L. , Logunov Denis Y. , Dolzhikova Inna V. , Shcheblyakov Dmitry V. , Borovkova Natalia V. , Godkov Mikhail A. , Bazhenov Alexey I. , Shustov Valeriy V. , Bogdanova Alina S. , Kamalova Alina R. , Ganchin Vladimir V. , Dombrovskiy Eugene A. , Volkov Stanislav E. , Drozdova Nataliya E. , Petrikov Sergey S. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesCOVID-19 convalescent plasma is an experimental treatment against SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of different pathogen reduction methods on the levels and virus neutralizing activity of the specific antibodies against SARS-CoV2 in convalescent plasma.Materials and MethodsA total of 140 plasma doses collected by plasmapheresis from COVID-19 convalescent donors were subjected to pathogen reduction by three methods: methylene blue (M)/visible light, riboflavin (R)/UVB, and amotosalen (A)/UVA. To conduct a paired comparison, individual plasma doses were divided into 2 samples that were subjected to one of these methods. The titres of SARS-CoV2 neutralizing antibodies (NtAbs) and levels of specific immunoglobulins to RBD, S- and N- proteins of SARS-CoV-2 were measured before and after pathogen reduction.ResultsThe methods reduced NtAbs titres differently: among units with the initial titre 80 or above, 81% of units remained unchanged and 19% decreased by one step after methylene blue; 60% were unchanged and 40% decreased by one step after amotosalen; after riboflavin 43% were unchanged and 50% (7% respectively) had a one- step (two-step respectively) decrease. Paired two-sample comparisons (M vs A, M vs R and A vs R) revealed that the largest statistically significant decrease in quantity and activity of the specific antibodies resulted from the riboflavin treatment.ConclusionPathogen reduction with methylene blue or with amotosalen provides the greater likelihood of preserving the immunological properties of the COVID-19 convalescent plasma compared to riboflavin.
Antigen-based testing but not real-time PCR correlates with SARS-CoV-2 virus culture
Authors: Pekosz Andrew , Cooper Charles K. , Parvu Valentin , Li Maggie , Andrews Jeffrey C. , Manabe Yukari C. , Kodsi Salma , Leitch Jeffry , Gary Devin S. , Roger-Dalbert Celine 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYIndividuals can test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after no longer being infectious.1-8 Positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen-based testing exhibits a temporal pattern that corresponds with active, replicating virus and could therefore be a more accurate predictor of an individual’s potential to transmit SARS-CoV-2.2,3,9 Using the BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 later flow antigen detection test, we demonstrate a higher concordance of antigen-positive test results with the presence of cultured, infectious virus when compared to RT-PCR. When compared to infectious virus isolation, the sensitivity of antigen-based testing is similar to RT-PCR. The correlation between SARS-CoV-2 antigen and SARS-CoV-2 culture represents a significant advancement in determining the risk for potential transmissibility beyond that which can be achieved by detection of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA. Coupled with a rapid time-to-result, low cost, and scalability, antigen-based testing should facilitate effective implementation of testing and public health interventions that will better contain COVID-19.
COVID-19 severity in asthma patients: A multi-center matched cohort study
Authors: Robinson Lacey B. , Wang Liqin , Fu Xiaoqing , Wallace Zachary S. , Long Aidan A. , Zhang Yuqing , Camargo Carlos A. , Blumenthal Kimberly G. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe evidence pertaining to the effects of asthma on Coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes has been unclear. To improve our understanding of the clinically important association of asthma and Coronavirus disease 2019.MethodsA matched cohort study was performed using data from the Mass General Brigham Health Care System (Boston, MA). Adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients with confirmed Coronavirus disease 2019 and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, or interstitial lung disease between March 4, 2020 and July 2, 2020 were analyzed. Up to 5 non-asthma comparators were matched to each asthma patient based on age (within 5 years), sex, and date of positive test (within 7 days). The primary outcomes were hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death, using multivariable Cox-proportional hazards models accounting for competing risk of death, when appropriate. Patients were followed for these outcomes from diagnosis of Coronavirus disease 2019 until July 2, 2020.ResultsAmong 562 asthma patients, 199 (21%) were hospitalized, 15 (3%) received mechanical ventilation, and 7 (1%) died. Among the 2686 matched comparators, 487 (18%) were hospitalized, 107 (4%) received mechanical ventilation, and 69 (3%) died. The adjusted Hazard Ratios among asthma patients were 0.99 (95% Confidence Internal 0.80, 1.22) for hospitalization, 0.69 (95% Confidence Internal 0.36, 1.29) for mechanical ventilation, and 0.30 (95% Confidence Internal 0.11, 0.80) for death.ConclusionsIn this matched cohort study from a large Boston-based healthcare system, asthma was associated with comparable risk of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation but a lower risk of mortality.
Investigating the potential benefit that requiring travellers to self-isolate on arrival may have upon the reducing of case importations during international outbreaks of influenza, SARS, Ebola virus disease and COVID-19
Authors: Bays Declan , Bennett Emma , Finnie Thomas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWith the advent of rapid international travel, disease can now spread between nations faster than ever. As such, when outbreaks occur in foreign states, pressure mounts to reduce the risk of importing cases to the home nation. In a previous paper, we developed a model to investigate the potential effectiveness of deploying screening at airports during outbreaks of influenza, SARS, and Ebola. We also applied the model to the current COVID-19 outbreak. This model simulated the testing of travellers (assumed not to be displaying symptoms prior to boarding their flight) as they arrived at their destination. The model showed that the reduction in risk of case importation that screening alone could deliver was minimal across most scenarios considered, with outputs indicating that screening alone could detect at most 46.4%, 12.9%, and 4.0% of travellers infected with influenza, SARS and Ebola respectively, while the model also reported a detection rate of 12.0% for COVID-19. In this paper, we present a brief modification to this model allowing us to assess the added impact that quarantining incoming travelers for various periods may have on reducing the risk of case importation. Primary results show that requiring all travellers to undergo 5 days of self-isolation on arrival, after which they are tested again, has the potential to increase rates of detection to 100%, 87.6%, 81.7% and 41.3% for travellers infected with influenza, SARS, COVID-19 and Ebola respectively. Extending the period of self-isolation to 14 days increases these potential detection rates to 100%, 100%, 99.5% and 91.8% respectively.
Effect of water intake and storage time on protein concentration and enzyme AChE activity in erythrocyte and plasma blood samples of healthy individuals
Authors: Jovičić Snežana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundStorage time influence concentration levels of blood biomarker. This study aimed to assess the effect of water intake prior sampling and storage time on protein concentration, enzyme AChE activity, inhibitor efficacy and to build an efficient inhibitor calibration curve in healthy individuals.MethodsData analysis was performed on 11 participants. Study utilizes substrate acetylcholine chloride and inhibitors BW284c51 (0.01mM) and GUK-987 (0.1mM). Calibration curve ranging from 10-1 to 10-38 mM was build for inhibitor GUK-987 and GDK-510.Data analysis is carried out with Microsoft Excel 2007. Data analysis was performed via IBM SPSS Statistical Software v23.0. Descriptive statistics and parametric statistical tests were assessed for 0, 90, 91 and 92 days of storage in Plasma and Erythrocyte samples. Workflow of building calibration curve and the most efficient inhibition concentration is assessed.ResultsWater intake and storage time have effect on in vitro protein concentration, activation/inhibition of enzyme AChE activity in Plasma and Erythrocyte samples. However, 100% inhibitor efficacy is maintained for inhibitor GUK-987 in Plasma samples and inhibitor BW284c51 in Erythrocyte samples. The most efficient inhibitor concentration is determined.ConclutionSignificant changes and variable association have been estimated between protein concentration, activation/inhibition of enzyme AChE activity, as a cause of water intake and storage time. Taking all these factors into account for further research is important for disease prevention and human wellbeing.
A haemagglutination test for rapid detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Townsend Alain , Rijal Pramila , Xiao Julie , Tan Tiong Kit , Huang Kuan-Ying A , Schimanski Lisa , Huo Jiangdong , Gupta Nimesh , Rahikainen Rolle , Matthews Philippa C , Crook Derrick , Hoosdally Sarah , Street Teresa , Rudkin Justine , Stoesser Nicole , Karpe Fredrik , Neville Matthew , Ploeg Rutger , Oliveira Marta , Roberts David J , Lamikanra Abigail A , Tsang Hoi Pat , Bown Abbie , Vipond Richard , Mentzer Alexander J , Knight Julian C , Kwok Andrew , Screaton Gavin , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Supasa Piyada , Klenerman Paul , Dold Christina , Baillie Kenneth , Moore Shona C , Openshaw Peter JM , Semple Malcolm G , Turtle Lance CW , Ainsworth Mark , Allcock Alice , Beer Sally , Bibi Sagida , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Espinosa Alexis , Mendoza Maria , Georgiou Dominique , Lockett Teresa , Martinez Jose , Perez Elena , Sanchez Veronica , Scozzafava Giuseppe , Sobrinodiaz Alberto , Thraves Hannah , Joly Etienne 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTSerological detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is essential for establishing rates of seroconversion in populations, detection of seroconversion after vaccination, and for seeking evidence for a level of antibody that may be protective against COVID-19 disease. Several high-performance commercial tests have been described, but these require centralised laboratory facilities that are comparatively expensive, and therefore not available universally. Red cell agglutination tests have a long history in blood typing, and general serology through linkage of reporter molecules to the red cell surface. They do not require special equipment, are read by eye, have short development times, low cost and can be applied as a Point of Care Test (POCT). We describe a red cell agglutination test for the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD). We show that the Haemagglutination Test (“HAT”) has a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 99% for detection of antibodies after a PCR diagnosed infection. The HAT can be titrated, detects rising titres in the first five days of hospital admission, correlates well with a commercial test that detects antibodies to the RBD, and can be applied as a point of care test. The developing reagent is composed of a previously described nanobody to a conserved glycophorin A epitope on red cells, linked to the RBD from SARS-CoV-2. It can be lyophilised for ease of shipping. We have scaled up production of this reagent to one gram, which is sufficient for ten million tests, at a cost of ∼0.27 UK pence per test well. Aliquots of this reagent are ready to be supplied to qualified groups anywhere in the world that need to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, but do not have the facilities for high throughput commercial tests.
Multi-cohort analysis of host immune response identifies conserved protective and detrimental modules associated with severity irrespective of virus
Authors: Zheng Hong , Rao Aditya M , Dermadi Denis , Toh Jiaying , Jones Lara Murphy , Donato Michele , Liu Yiran , Su Yapeng , Karagiannis Minas , Marantos Theodoros , Hasin-Brumshtein Yehudit , He Yudong D , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J , Heath Jim , Khatri Purvesh 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the fourth pandemic of the decade, has underscored gaps in global pandemic preparedness and the need for generalizable tests to avert overwhelming healthcare systems worldwide, irrespective of a virus. We integrated 4,780 blood transcriptome profiles from patients infected with one of 16 viruses across 34 independent cohorts from 18 countries, and 71 scRNA-seq profiles of 264,224 immune cells across three independent cohorts. We found a myeloid cell-dominated conserved host response associated with severity. It showed increased hematopoiesis, myelopoiesis, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells with increased severity. We identified four gene modules that delineate distinct trajectories associated with mild and severe outcomes, and show the interferon response was decoupled from protective host response during severe viral infection. These modules distinguished non-severe from severe viral infection with clinically useful accuracy. Together, our findings provide insights into immune response dynamics during viral infection, and identify factors that may influence patient outcomes.
Vulnerability and burden of all-cause mortality associated with particulate air pollution increased during COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide observed study in Italy
Authors: Ye Tingting , Xu Rongbin , Yu Wenhua , Chen Zhaoyue , Guo Yuming , Li Shanshan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundLimited evidence is available on the health effects of particulate matter (i.e. PM2.5, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5μm; PM10, < 10μm; PM2.5-10, 2.5-10μm) during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Italy.ObjectivesTo examine the associations between all-cause mortality and daily PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM10in the pandemic period, and compare them to the normal periods (2015-2019) in Italy.MethodsWe collected daily data regarding all-cause (stratified by age and gender), and PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM10for 107 Italian provinces from 1, January 2015 to 31, May 2020. A time-stratified case-cross design with the distributed lag non-linear model was used to examine the association between PM and all-cause mortality during the first three months of the COVID-19 outbreak (March to May in 2020) and the same months in 2015-2019. We also compared the counts and fractions of death attributable to PM in two periods.ResultsOverall, Italy saw an increase in daily death counts while slight decreases in PM concentrations in 2020 pandemic period compared to same months of 2015-2019. Mortality effects were significant in lag 0-3 days for PM2.5, lag 0-2 for PM10, and lag 0-1 for PM2.5-10. Each 10 µg/m3increase in PM was associated much higher increase in daily all-cause mortality during 2020 pandemic period compared to the same months during 2015-2019 [increased mortality rate: 7.24 % (95%CI: 4.84%, 9.70%) versus 1.69% (95%CI: 1.12%, 2.25%) for PM2.5; 3.45 % (95%C: 2.58%, 4.34%) versus 1.11% (95%CI: 0.79%, 1.42%) for PM10, 4.25% (95%CI: 2.99%, 5.52%) versus 1.76% (95%CI: 1.14%, 2.38%) for PM2.5-10]. The counts and fractions of deaths attributable to PM were higher in 2020 than the normal periods for PM2.5(attributable death counts: 20,062 in 2020 versus 3,927 per year in 2015-2019; attributable fractions: 10.2% versus 2.4%), PM10(15,112 versus 3,999; 7.7% versus 2.5%), and PM2.5-10(7,193 versus 2303; 3.7% versus 1.4%).ConclusionsCOVID-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability and excess cases of all-cause mortality associated with short-term exposure to PM2.5, PM2.5-10and PM10in Italy, despite a decline in air pollution level. This suggests using historical PM-mortality association to calculate health benefits associated with reduction in PMs has big uncertainties.