bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability to COVID-19-related Harms Among Transgender Women With and Without HIV Infection in the Eastern and Southern U.S.
Authors: Poteat Tonia C. , Reisner Sari L. , Miller Marissa , Wirtz Andrea L. ,   on behalf of the American Cohort To Study HIV Acquisition Among Transgender Women (LITE)
Published: August 2020

Background:
COVID-19 is a new pandemic, and its impact by HIV status is unknown. National reporting does not include gender identity; therefore, data are absent on the impact of COVID-19 on transgender people, including those with HIV. Baseline data from the American Cohort to Study HIV Acquisition Among Transgender Women in High Risk Areas (LITE) Study provide an opportunity to examine pre-COVID factors that may increase vulnerability to COVID-19-related harms among transgender women.

Setting:
Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Miami, New York City, Washington, DC.

Methods:
Baseline data from LITE were analyzed for demographic, psychosocial, and material factors that may affect vulnerability to COVID-related harms.

Results:
The 1020 participants had high rates of poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, homelessness, and sex work. Transgender women with HIV (n = 273) were older, more likely to be Black, had lower educational attainment, and were more likely to experience material hardship. Mental and behavioral health symptoms were common and did not differ by HIV status. Barriers to health care included being mistreated, provider discomfort serving transgender women, and past negative experiences; as well as material hardships, such as cost and transportation. However, most reported access to material and social support—demonstrating resilience.

Conclusions:
Transgender women with HIV may be particularly vulnerable to pandemic harms. Mitigating this harm would benefit everyone, given the highly infectious nature of this coronavirus. Collecting gender identity in COVID-19 data is crucial to inform an effective public health response. Transgender-led organizations' response to this crisis serve as an important model for effective community-led interventions.
T1-Based Synthetic Magnetic Resonance Contrasts Improve Multiple Sclerosis and Focal Epilepsy Imaging at 7 T
Authors: Massire Aurélien , Seiler Charlotte , Troalen Thomas , Girard Olivier M. , Lehmann Pierre , Brun Gilles , Bartoli Axel , Audoin Bertrand , Bartolomei Fabrice , Pelletier Jean , Callot Virginie , Kober Tobias , Ranjeva Jean-Philippe , Guye Maxime 
Published: August 2020

Objectives
Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (≥7 T) is a unique opportunity to improve the clinical diagnosis of brain pathologies, such as multiple sclerosis or focal epilepsy. However, several shortcomings of 7 T MRI, such as radiofrequency field inhomogeneities, could degrade image quality and hinder radiological interpretation. To address these challenges, an original synthetic MRI method based on T1 mapping achieved with the magnetization-prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP2RAGE) sequence was developed. The radiological quality of on-demand T1-based contrasts generated by this technique was evaluated in multiple sclerosis and focal epilepsy imaging at 7 T.

Materials and Methods
This retrospective study was carried out from October 2017 to September 2019 and included 21 patients with different phenotypes of multiple sclerosis and 35 patients with focal epilepsy who underwent MRI brain examinations using a whole-body investigative 7 T magnetic resonance system. The quality of 2 proposed synthetic contrast images were assessed and compared with conventional images acquired at 7 T using the MP2RAGE sequence by 4 radiologists, evaluating 3 qualitative criteria: signal homogeneity, contrast intensity, and lesion visualization. Statistical analyses were performed on reported quality scores using Wilcoxon rank tests and further multiple comparisons tests. Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities were calculated as well.

Results
Radiological quality scores were reported higher for synthetic images when compared with original images, regardless of contrast, pathologies, or raters considered, with significant differences found for all 3 criteria (P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank test). None of the 4 radiologists ever rated a synthetic image “markedly worse” than an original image. Synthetic images were rated slightly less satisfying for only 3 epileptic patients, without precluding lesion identification.

Conclusion
T1-based synthetic MRI with the MP2RAGE sequence provided on-demand contrasts and high-quality images to the radiologist, facilitating lesion visualization in multiple sclerosis and focal epilepsy, while reducing the magnetic resonance examination total duration by removing an additional sequence.
De Novo Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis After COVID-19 in a Patient With a Transplanted Kidney From a Donor With a High-risk APOL1 Variant
Authors: Oniszczuk Julie , Moktefi Anissa , Mausoleo Aude , Pallet Nicolas , Malard-Castagnet Stephanie , Fourati Slim , El Karoui Khalil , Sahali Dil , Stehlé Thomas , Boueilh Anna , Verpont Marie-Christine , Matignon Marie , Buob David , Grimbert Philippe , Audard Vincent 
Published: August 2020

Background.
There is compelling evidence that renal complications in a native kidney are a major concern in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The spectrum of renal lesions observed on renal grafts in this context remains to be determined.

Methods.
We report the case of a renal transplant recipient with non-severe COVID-19, who subsequently developed nephrotic syndrome associated with acute renal injury.

Results.
Renal biopsy demonstrated focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions classified as not otherwise specified histological variant. Genotyping for 2 risk alleles of the apolipoprotein L1 gene demonstrated that the donor was homozygous for the G2/G2 genotype.

Conclusions.
In renal transplant patients receiving kidneys from donors with high-risk apolipoprotein L1 variants, COVID-19 may promote acute glomerular injury in the form of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis.
Coronavirus Disease-19: Disease Severity and Outcomes of Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Different Spectrums of Disease in Different Populations?
Authors: Ali Tariq , Al-Ali Ali , Fajji Layal , Hammad Ehab , Nazmi Ahmed , Alahmadi Ibrahim , Aleid Hassan , Ullah Asad , Shah Yaser , Broering Dieter 
Published: August 2020

Background.
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is associated with significant mortality. The elderly, patients with comorbidities, and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are particularly at risk. We observed a low incidence of severe disease in our population and aimed to determine the outcomes of COVID-19 (disease severity/intensive care unit [ICU] admissions/mortality) in SOT recipients.

Methods.
All SOT recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. Their demographic and clinical data were recorded from the hospital electronic system. Patients were assigned to 1 of 4 stages of disease severity: stage A = asymptomatic, stage B = mild, stage C = moderate, and stage D = severe.

Results.
Of the 3052 SOT recipients, 67 were diagnosed with COVID-19. The mean age was 52 years, and 69% were male. There were approximately 25% patients in stage A, 28% in stage B, 34% in stage C, and 12% in stage D. Patients in stages C and D were older than those in stage A (P = 0.04) or stage B (P = 0.03). Lactic dehydrogenase (P < 0.01) and D-dimer (P < 0.01) levels were higher across the stages. Approximately 70% of patients were admitted for a median duration of 9 days and the median follow-up was 35 days. Acute kidney injury occurred in 19% of patients, and 45% required supplementary oxygen. The symptomatic patients were treated with Hydroxychloroquine (83%), Azithromycin (89%), and Tocilizumab (23%). Around 15% of patients were admitted to ICU and 2 patients have died.

Conclusions.
Most SOT recipients developed mild to moderate COVID-19 infection; few required ICU admission and 2 patients have died. Remaining patients have recovered and have been discharged from the hospital.
Chest X-ray image analysis and classification for COVID-19 pneumonia detection using Deep CNN
Authors: Gao Terry , Wang Grace 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn order to speed up the discovery of COVID-19 disease mechanisms, this research developed a new diagnosis platform using deep convolutional neural network (CNN) which is able to assist radiologists with diagnosis by distinguishing COVID-19 pneumonia from non-COVID-19 pneumonia in patients at Middlemore Hospital based on chest X-rays classification and analysis. Such a tool can save time in interpreting chest X-rays and increase the accuracy and thereby enhance our medical capacity for detection and diagnosis COVID-19. The research idea is that a set of X-ray medical lung images (which include normal, infected by bacteria, infected by virus including COVID-19) were used to train a deep CNN which can be able to distinguish between the noise and the useful information and then uses this training to interpret new images by recognizing patterns that indicate certain diseases such as coronavirus infection in the individual images. The supervised learning method is used as the process of learning from the training dataset can be thought of as a doctor supervising the learning process. It becomes more accurate as the number of analyzed images growing. In this way, it imitates the training for a doctor, but the theory is that since it is capable of learning from a far larger set of images than any human, can have the potential of being more accurate.
Meta-analysis of 208,370 East Asians identifies 113 genomic loci and yields new non-immune cell relevant biological insights for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yin Xianyong , Kim Kwangwoo , Suetsugu Hiroyuki , Bang So-Young , Wen Leilei , Koido Masaru , Ha Eunji , Liu Lu , Sakamoto Yuma , Jo Sungsin , Leng Rui-Xue , Otomo Nao , Laurynenka Viktoryia , Kwon Young-Chang , Sheng Yujun , Sugano Nobuhiko , Hwang Mi Yeong , Li Weiran , Mukai Masaya , Yoon Kyungheon , Cai Minglong , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Chung Won Tae , Huang He , Takahashi Daisuke , Lee Shin-Seok , Wang Mengwei , Karino Kohei , Shim Seung-Cheol , Zheng Xiaodong , Miyamura Tomoya , Kang Young Mo , Ye Dongqing , Nakamura Junichi , Suh Chang-Hee , Tang Yuanjia , Motomura Goro , Park Yong-Beom , Ding Huihua , Kuroda Takeshi , Choe Jung-Yoon , Li Chengxu , Niiro Hiroaki , Park Youngho , Shen Changbing , Miyamoto Takeshi , Ahn Ga-Young , Fei Wenmin , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Shin Jung-Min , Li Keke , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Lee Yeon-Kyung , Wang Yongfei , Amano Koichi , Yang Wanling , Tada Yoshifumi , Yamaji Ken , Shimizu Masato , Atsumi Takashi , Suzuki Akari , Sumida Takayuki , Okada Yukinori , Matsuda Koichi , Matsuo Keitaro , Kochi Yuta ,   Japanese Research Committee on Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head, Kottyan Leah C. , Weirauch Matthew T. , Parameswaran Sreeja , Eswar Shruti , Salim Hanan , Chen Xiaoting , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Harley John B. , Ohmura Koichiro , Kim Tae-Hwan , Yang Sen , Yamamoto Takuaki , Kim Bong-Jo , Shen Nan , Ikegawa Shiro , Lee Hye-Soon , Zhang Xuejun , Terao Chikashi , Cui Yong , Bae Sang-Cheol 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder, has been associated with nearly 100 susceptibility loci1-8. Nevertheless, these loci only partially explain SLE heritability and provide limited biological insight. We report the largest study of SLE in East Asians (13,377 cases and 194,993 controls), identifying 233 association signals within 113 (46 novel) genetic loci. We detect six new lead missense variants and prioritize ten most likely putative causal variants, one of which we demonstrate exhibits allele-specific regulatory effect on ACAP1 in vitro. We suggest 677 effector genes with potential for drug repurposing, and provide evidence that two distinct association signals at a single locus act on different genes (NCF2 and SMG7). We demonstrate that SLE-risk variants overlap with cell-specific active regulatory elements, notably EBNA2-mediated super-enhancers in Epstein-Barr Virus-transformed B cells, and implicate the role for non-immune cells in SLE biology. These findings shed light on genetic and biological understandings of SLE.
Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transcriptional activity in cardiomyocytes of COVID-19 patients without clinical signs of cardiac involvement
Authors: Bulfamante Gaetano Pietro , Perrucci Gianluca Lorenzo , Falleni Monica , Sommariva Elena , Tosi Delfina , Martinelli Carla , Songia Paola , Poggio Paolo , Carugo Stefano , Pompilio Giulio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular complication in patients affected by novel Coronavirus respiratory disease (COVID-19) are increasingly recognized. However, although a cardiac tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for inflammatory cells in autopsy heart samples of COVID-19 patients has been reported, the presence of the virus in cardiomyocytes has not been documented yet.MethodsWe investigated for SARS-CoV-2 presence in heart tissue autopsies of 6 consecutive COVID-19 patients deceased for respiratory failure showing no signs of cardiac involvement and with no history of heart disease. Cardiac autopsy samples were analysed by digital PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, RNAScope, and transmission electron microscopy assays.ResultsThe presence of SARS-CoV-2 into cardiomyocytes was invariably detected. A variable pattern of cardiomyocytes injury was observed, spanning from the absence of cell death and subcellular alterations hallmarks to the intracellular oedema and sarcomere ruptures. In addition, we found active viral transcription in cardiomyocytes, by detecting both sense and antisense SARS-CoV-2 spike RNA.ConclusionsIn this analysis of autopsy cases, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 into cardiomyocytes, determining variable patterns of intracellular involvement, has been documented. All these findings suggest the need of a cardiologic surveillance even in survived COVID-19 patients not displaying a cardiac phenotype, in order to monitor potential long-term cardiac sequelae.
Assessment of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in an intense re-exposure setting
Authors: Abu Raddad Laith J. , Chemaitelly Hiam , Malek Joel A. , Ahmed Ayeda A. , Mohamoud Yasmin A. , Younuskunju Shameem , Ayoub Houssein H. , Kanaani Zaina Al , Khal Abdullatif Al , Kuwari Einas Al , Butt Adeel A. , Coyle Peter , Jeremijenko Andrew , Kaleeckal Anvar Hassan , Latif Ali Nizar , Shaik Riyazuddin Mohammad , Abdul Rahim Hanan F. , Yassine Hadi M. , Al Kuwari Mohamed G. , Romaihi Hamad Eid Al , Al Thani Sheikh Mohammad , Bertollini Roberto 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundReinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is debated. We assessed risk and incidence rate of documented SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a large cohort of laboratory-confirmed cases in Qatar.MethodsAll SARS-CoV-2 laboratory-confirmed cases with at least one PCR positive swab that is ≥45 days after a first-positive swab were individually investigated for evidence of reinfection, and classified as showing strong, good, some, or weak/no evidence for reinfection. Viral genome sequencing of the paired first-positive and reinfection viral specimens was conducted to confirm reinfection. Risk and incidence rate of reinfection were estimated.ResultsOut of 133,266 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, 243 persons (0.18%) had at least one subsequent positive swab ≥45 days after the first-positive swab. Of these, 54 cases (22.2%) had strong or good evidence for reinfection. Median time between first and reinfection swab was 64.5 days (range: 45-129). Twenty-three of the 54 cases (42.6%) were diagnosed at a health facility suggesting presence of symptoms, while 31 (57.4%) were identified incidentally through random testing campaigns/surveys or contact tracing. Only one person was hospitalized at time of reinfection, but still with mild infection. No deaths were recorded. Viral genome sequencing confirmed four out of 12 cases with available genetic evidence. Risk of reinfection was estimated at 0.01% (95% CI: 0.01-0.02%) and incidence rate of reinfection was estimated at 0.36 (95% CI: 0.28-0.47) per 10,000 person-weeks.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 reinfection can occur but is a rare phenomenon suggestive of a strong protective immunity against reinfection that lasts for at least a few months post primary infection.
Stress symptoms and reactions to COVID-19: A multinational survey from six Asian regions
Authors: Yue Ricci P.H. , Cheng Edmund W. , Or Nick H.K. , Yuen Samson W.H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPeople may experience a heightened level of stress reactions during a pandemic event and in an isolated social environment. A multi-national survey about such mental health information about COVID-19 was conducted in May 2020 across six Asian regions: Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Data were collected from a population representative sample of 11,895 adults on their stress symptoms and reactions to COVID-19 and the related public health measures. 59.1% of the respondents showed at least one substantial stress symptom. The situation was particularly worrying in South Korea, where 75% of the respondents reported substantial stress symptoms. Respondents who were young, educated, lived in an urban area, had a high socioeconomic status, had a history of chronic illness or mental illness, or who lived with a pregnant woman, elderly or children were most vulnerable to stress during the pandemic. Stress reactions showed a positive relationship with the amount of time spent following news about the COVID-19 outbreak. Asian adults coped with their stress by preparing safety equipment and extra daily commodities (62.4%) and by following government-issued public health measures (60.1%). Most Asian (71%) also frequently checked on the safety of family members and friends to keep each other safe. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated stringent public health measures have largely increased the prevalence of substantial stress symptoms across multiple Asian regions. Governments should prepare this mental health pandemic and the associated social repercussions.
Convalescent Plasma in treatment of COVID-19: A review of evidence for a living systematic benefit-risk assessment
Authors: Davies Miranda , Lane Samantha , Evans Alison , Denyer Jacqueline , Dhanda Sandeep , Roy Debabrata , Osborne Vicki , Shakir Saad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to review the evidence for a living systematic benefit risk assessment for convalescent plasma use amongst patients with severe COVID-19 disease, based on currently available data.MethodsThe assessment used the Benefit-Risk Action Team (BRAT) framework. Convalescent plasma treatment in severe COVID-19 was compared to standard of care, placebo or other treatments. A literature search was conducted to identify published papers from January 1st, 2019 until July 8th, 2020. A value tree was constructed which included ranked key benefits and risks.ResultsWe screened 396 papers from PubMed and 127 papers from Embase. Four studies were eligible for inclusion as they contained comparative data. Results from a randomised controlled trial revealed a non-statistically significant shortening of time to clinical improvement of 2.15 days (95% CI, −5.28 to 0.99 days) in the intervention group compared with the control group, with a possible signal of increased efficacy amongst a small subset of patients with severe disease (but not life threatening disease), however this study may have been underpowered. Interpretation of findings amongst the three controlled non-randomised studies were limited by small patient numbers, lack of randomisation, and confounding by co-administration of other treatments. Limited data availability at the current time precluded construction of a data summary table and further quantitative analysis.ConclusionsThere was insufficient evidence from controlled studies to complete a data summary table for a systematic benefit-risk assessment of the use of CP for severe COVID-19 disease at the current time, and as such a benefit-risk conclusion could not be made. Whilst uncontrolled case series have suggested positive findings with CP, results from these studies are very difficult to interpret. We provide a framework which can be updated when further data that have an impact on the benefit-risk become available.Article SummaryStrengths and limitations of this studyprovides a living systematic benefit risk assessment based on currently available data for the use of convalescent plasma in patients with severe COVID-19 diseaseestablishes a framework inclusive of ranked key benefits and risks for convalescent plasma in severe COVID-19 disease, into which additional data can be added as this becomes available facilitating re-assessment of the benefit risk profileuses a transparent framework (BRAT framework) which can be applied to other potential treatment options in this disease contextinsufficient data available at the current time from comparative studies to form a benefit risk conclusion
Inferring person-to-person networks of Plasmodium falciparum transmission: is routine surveillance data up to the task?
Authors: Huber John H. , Hsiang Michelle S. , Dlamini Nomcebo , Murphy Maxwell , Vilakati Sibonakaliso , Nhlabathi Nomcebo , Lerch Anita , Nielsen Rasmus , Ntshalintshali Nyasatu , Greenhouse Bryan , Perkins T. Alex 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInference of person-to-person transmission networks using surveillance data is increasingly used to estimate spatiotemporal patterns of pathogen transmission. Several data types can be used to inform transmission network inferences, yet the sensitivity of those inferences to different data types is not routinely evaluated. We evaluated the influence of different combinations of spatial, temporal, and travel-history data on transmission network inferences for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. We found that these data types have limited utility for inferring transmission networks and may overestimate transmission. Only when outbreaks were temporally focal or travel histories were accurate was the algorithm able to accurately estimate the reproduction number under control, Rc. Applying this approach to data from Eswatini indicated that inferences of Rc and spatiotemporal patterns therein depend upon the choice of data types and assumptions about travel-history data. These results suggest that transmission network inferences made with routine malaria surveillance data should be interpreted with caution.