bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decline of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG, IgM and IgA in convalescent COVID-19 patients within 100 days after hospital discharge
Authors: Ma Huan , Zhao Dan , Zeng Weihong , Yang Yunru , Hu Xiaowen , Zhou Peigen , Weng Jianping , Cheng Linzhao , Zheng Xueying , Jin Tengchuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMonitoring the levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies such as IgG, M and A in COVID-19 patient is an alternative method for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection and an simple way to monitor immune responses in convalescent patients and after vaccination. Here, we assessed the levels of SARS-CoV-2 RBD specific antibodies in twenty-seven COVID-19 convalescent patients over 28–99 days after hospital discharge. Almost all patient who had severe or moderate COVID-19 symptoms and a high-level of IgG during the hospitalization showed a significant reduction at revisit. The remaining patients who had a low-level IgG during hospitalization stayed low at revisit. As expected, IgM levels in almost all convalescent patients reduced significantly or stayed low at revisit. The RBD-specific IgA levels were also reduced significantly at revisit. We also attempted to estimate decline rates of virus-specific antibodies using a previously established exponential decay model of antibody kinetics after infection. The predicted days when convalescent patients’ RBD-specific IgG reaches to an undetectable level are approximately 273 days after hospital discharge, while the predicted decay times are 150 days and 108 days for IgM and IgA, respectively. This investigation and report will aid current and future studies to develope SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that are potent and long-lasting.
Detection and Characterization of Thrombosis in Humans using Fibrin-Targeted Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Izquierdo-Garcia David , Désogère Pauline , Philip Anne L. , Mekkaoui Choukri , Weiner Rory B. , Catalano Onofrio A. , Chen Yin-Ching Iris , DeFaria Yeh Doreen , Mansour Moussa , Catana Ciprian , Caravan Peter , Sosnovik David E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe detection of thrombus in the left atrial appendage (LAA) is vital in the prevention of stroke. We present a novel technique to detect and characterize LAA thrombus in humans using positron emission tomography (PET) of a fibrin-binding radiotracer, [64Cu]FBP8. Initial testing in healthy volunteers (n = 8) revealed that [64Cu]FBP8 was stable to metabolism and was rapidly eliminated with a blood half-life of one hour. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and recent transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs) of the LAA (positive n = 12, negative n = 12) were studied. PET, integrated with magnetic resonance (PET-MR), of the thorax was performed one hour after [64Cu]FBP8 injection. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVMax) in the LAA was significantly higher in the TEE positive than negative subjects, median [interquartile range] of 4.0 [3.0–6.0] vs. 2.3 [2.1–2.5]; p < 0.001. A SUVMax threshold of 2.6 correctly identified 12/12 positive TEEs and 10/12 negative ones, yielding an area-under-the-receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97. The minimum longitudinal magnetic relaxation time (T1Min) in the LAA was significantly shorter in the TEE positive than TEE negative group 970 [780–1080] vs. 1380 [1120–1620], p < 0.05, with some overlap between the groups. Logistic regression using SUVMax and T1Min allowed all TEE positive and negative subjects to be classified with 100% accuracy. A strong correlation was seen between fibrin (SUVMax) and methemoglobin (T1Min) content in the LAA. In conclusion, the detection of LAA thrombus in humans with PET-MR of [64Cu]FBP8 is highly accurate and provides useful information on the biological properties of cardiac thrombus.One Sentence SummaryFirst-in-human fibrin-targeted PET-MR of thrombus
Imaging protocol, feasibility and reproducibility of cardiovascular phenotyping in a large tri-ethnic population-based study of older people: the Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study
Authors: Saikhan Lamia Al , Alobaida Muath , Bhuva Anish , Chaturvedi Nish , Heasman John , Hughes Alun D. , Jones Siana , Eastwood Sophie , Manisty Charlotte , March Katherine , K Ghosh Arjun , Mayet Jamil , Oguntade Ayodipupo , Tillin Therese , Williams Suzanne , Wright Andrew , Park Chloe 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeople of South Asian and African Caribbean ethnicities living in UK have a high risk of cardiometabolic disease. Limited data exist regarding detailed cardiometabolic phenotyping in this population. Methods enabling this are widely available, but the practical aspects of undertaking such studies in large and diverse samples are seldom reported.MethodsThe Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study is the UK’s largest tri-ethnic longitudinal cohort. Over 1400 surviving participants (58-85 y) attended the 2nd study-visit (2008-2011) during which comprehensive cardiovascular phenotyping, including 3D-echocardiography (3D-speckle-tracking (3D-STE)), computed tomography, coronary artery calcium scoring, pulse-wave velocity, central blood pressure, carotid artery ultrasound and retinal imaging were performed. We describe the methods used with the aim of providing a guide to their feasibility and reproducibility in a large tri-ethnic population-based study of older people.ResultsConventional echocardiography and all vascular measurements showed high feasibility (>90% analyzable of clinic-attendees). 3DE and 3D-STE were less feasible in this age group (76% 3DE acquisition feasibility and 38% 3D-STE feasibility of clinic-attendees). Intra- and inter-observer variabilities were excellent for most of conventional and advanced echocardiographic measures. The test-retest reproducibility was good-excellent and fair-good for conventional and advanced echocardiographic measures, respectively, but lower than when re-reading the same images. All vascular measures demonstrated excellent or fair-good reproducibility.ConclusionsDetailed cardiovascular phenotyping is feasible and reproducible in an ethnically diverse population. The data collected will lead to a better understanding of why people of South Asian and African Caribbean ancestry are at elevated risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Urban Sprawl of Covid-19 Epidemic in India: Lessons in the First Semester
Authors: Gupta Rajeev , Gaur Kiran , Khedar Raghubir S , Dhamija Rajinder K 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground & ObjectiveThe covid-19 epidemic is rapidly escalating in India and unlike developed countries there is no evidence of plateau or decline in the past 6 months. To evaluate association of state-level sociodemographics with incident cases and deaths we performed an ecological study.MethodsPublicly available data sources were used. Absolute number of covid-19 cases and deaths were obtained and cases and deaths/million in each state calculated from February to July 2020. To assess association of state level disease burden with sociodemographic variables (urbanization, human development, healthcare availability, healthcare access and quality etc.) we determined Pearson’s correlation and logarithmic trends.ResultsCovid-19 in India has led to >2,000,000 cases and 45,000 deaths by end July 2020. There is large variation in state-level cases/million ranging from 7247 (Delhi), 3728 (Goa) and 3427 (Maharashtra) to less than 300/million in a few. Deaths/million range from 212 (Delhi), 122 (Maharashtra) and 51 (Tamilnadu) to 2 in north-eastern states. Most of the high burden states (except Delhi) are reporting increasing burden and deaths with the largest increase in July 2020. There is a significant positive correlation of urbanization with covid-19 cases (r=0.65, R2=0.35) and deaths (r=0.60, R2=0.28) and weaker correlation with other sociodemographic variables. From March to July 2020, stable R2 value for urbanization is observed with cases (0.37 to 0.39) while it is increasing for deaths (0.10 to 0.28).ConclusionsCovid-19 epidemic is escalating in India and cases as well as deaths are significantly greater in more urbanized states. Prevention, control and treatment should focus on urban health systems.
REPERCUSSIONS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF PREGNANT AND PUERPERAL WOMEN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Vieira Leticia Genova , Camargo Emerson Lucas Junior Silva , Schneider Guilherme , da Silva Gabrielly Pereira Rocatti , Thomazini Micaella , Possani Matheus Arantes , Matioli Matheus Rozário , de Sousa Ibiapina Aline Raquel 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused negative impacts on the physical and mental health of the population worldwide. Pregnant and puerperal women comprise the population most vulnerable to impacts on mental health.ObjectiveTo synthesize the scientific evidence on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of pregnant and puerperal women.MethodsSystematic review focused on answering the question “what is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of pregnan and puerperal women?”. In order to perform the search of the studies, we used combinations among the keywords: pregnan*, puerper*, prenatal, perinatal, “mental health”, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. In total, we identified 150 studies from the databases and 14 studies were selected from preprints. We identified another four studies through manual search, totaling 18 studies to compose the final sample of this review.ResultsAnxiety and depression were the main outcomes found, being shown in 15 and 11 studies, respectively. Other outcomes found in more than one study were: concerns related to several factors, loneliness, stress and fear.ConclusionFrom this review, we can infer that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of pregnant and puerperal women, with depression and anxiety being the most frequent changes. The social detachment, the media pressure, the fear of contracting the infection, the economic scenario and the rupture of family rituals are shown as intensifying factors of psychological distress, thus causing changes in the mental health of these women.
Summer COVID-19 third wave: faster high altitude spread suggests high UV adaptation
Authors: Seligmann Hervé , Vuillerme Nicolas , Demongeot Jacques 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe present spread parameters for first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemy for USA states, and third wave for 32 regions (19 countries and 13 states of the USA) detected beginning of August 2020. USA first/second wave spreads increase/decrease with population density, are uncorrelated with temperature and median population age. Pooling all 32 regions, third wave spread is slower than for first wave, similar to second wave, and increases with mean altitude (second wave slopes decrease above 900m). Apparently, viruses adapted in spring (second wave) to high temperatures and infecting the young, and in summer (third) waves for spread at altitudes above 1000m. Third wave slopes are not correlated to temperature, so patterns with elevation presumably indicate resistance to relatively high UV regimes. Environmental trends of the COVID-19 pandemy change at incredible rates, making predictions based on classical epidemiological knowledge particularly uncertain.
Engineering luminescent biosensors for point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection
Authors: Elledge Susanna K. , Zhou Xin X. , Byrnes James R. , Martinko Alexander J. , Lui Irene , Pance Katarina , Lim Shion A. , Glasgow Jeff E. , Glasgow Anum A. , Turcios Keirstinne , Iyer Nikita , Torres Leonel , Peluso Michael J. , Henrich Timothy J. , Wang Taia T. , Tato Cristina M. , Leung Kevin K. , Greenhouse Bryan , Wells James A. 
Published: August 2020

SUMMARYCurrent serology tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies mainly take the form of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or lateral flow assays, with the former being laborious and the latter being expensive and often lacking sufficient sensitivity and scalability. Here we present the development and validation of a rapid, low-cost solution-based assay to detect antibodies in serum, plasma, whole blood, and saliva, using rationally designed split luciferase antibody biosensors (spLUC). This new assay, which generates quantitative results in as short as 5 minutes, substantially reduces the complexity and improves the scalability of COVID-19 antibody tests for point-of-care and broad population testing.
Single-strand RPA for rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA
Authors: Kim Youngeun , Yaseen Adam B. , Kishi Jocelyn Y. , Hong Fan , Saka Sinem K. , Sheng Kuanwei , Gopalkrishnan Nikhil , Schaus Thomas E. , Yin Peng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe report the single-strand Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (ssRPA) method, which merges the fast, isothermal amplification of RPA with subsequent rapid conversion of the double-strand DNA amplicon to single strands, and hence enables facile hybridization-based, high-specificity readout. We demonstrate the utility of ssRPA for sensitive and rapid (4 copies per 50 µL reaction within 10 min, or 8 copies within 8 min) visual detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA spiked samples, as well as clinical saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs in VTM or water, on lateral flow devices. The ssRPA method promises rapid, sensitive, and accessible RNA detection to facilitate mass testing in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Decontaminating N95 respirators during the Covid-19 pandemic: simple and practical approaches to increase decontamination capacity, speed, safety and ease of use
Authors: Russo Riccardo , Levine Carly , Grady Courtney , Peixoto Blas , McCormick-Ell Jessica , Block Thomas , Gresko Anthony , Demas Guillaume , Chitale Poonam , Frees Alexis , Ruiz Alejandro , Alland David 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially N95 respirators. Efficient, effective and economically feasible methods for large-scale PPE decontamination are urgently needed.Aims(1) to develop protocols for effectively decontaminating PPE using vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP); (2) to develop novel approaches that decrease set up and take down time while also increasing decontamination capacity (3) to test decontamination efficiency for N95 respirators heavily contaminated by makeup or moisturizers.MethodsWe converted a decommissioned Biosafety Level 3 laboratory into a facility that could be used to decontaminate N95 respirators. N95 respirators were hung on metal racks, stacked in piles, placed in paper bags or covered with makeup or moisturizer. A VHP®VICTORYTM unit from STERIS was used to inject VHP into the facility. Biological and chemical indicators were used to validate the decontamination process.FindingsN95 respirators individually hung on metal racks were successfully decontaminated using VHP. N95 respirators were also successfully decontaminated when placed in closed paper bags or if stacked in piles of up to six. Stacking reduced the time needed to arrange N95 respirators for decontamination by approximately two-thirds while almost tripling facility capacity. Makeup and moisturizer creams did not interfere with the decontamination process.ConclusionsRespirator stacking can reduce the hands-on time and increase decontamination capacity. When personalization is needed, respirators can be decontaminated in labeled paper bags. Make up or moisturizers do not appear to interfere with VHP decontamination.
Keep calm and carry on: safety, feasibility and early outcomes of head and neck cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Walker Sara , Thomson Maureen , Campbell Frances , Hay Lisa , Grose Derek , James Allan , Lamb Carolynn , Nixon Ioanna , Schipani Stefano , Wilson Christina , Paterson Claire 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with cancer are considered at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and increased severity of infection. Anti-cancer treatment may further increase those risks.The aim of this work is to report early outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated during the pandemic.Materials and MethodsA retrospective cohort study in a UK tertiary level oncology centre between 1st March and 23 June 2020, including patients with HNC who were either newly diagnosed, had developed new recurrent/metastatic disease, or were already scheduled to receive treatment during that period.Results200 patients were evaluated. Median age was 64 years, 65.5% had multiple co-morbidities, 77.5% were current or ex-smokers and 59.5% lived in areas of deprivation. 99 patients were treated with 6 weeks of radical (chemo) radiotherapy. Systemic anti-cancer treatment was delivered to 40 patients.2 (1.0%) patients with HNC had confirmed COVID-19 infection; 1 patient prior to primary radical RT - no delay to treatment was required and RT was completed as planned, 1 patient acquired COVID-19 after primary surgery but recovered well and started adjuvant RT 9.7 weeks after surgery.The proportion of patients receiving supportive care only (19.5%) was in keeping with that pre-COVID-19. The proportion of patients not completing (chemo) radiotherapy (3.4%) or with gaps in treatment (14.1%) was similar to pre-COVID-19. 30-day mortality after radical (chemo)radiotherapy was 2.3%, no higher than in previous years.ConclusionsIt is feasible and safe to deliver standard treatment for patients with HNC during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Use, reuse or discard: quantitatively defined variance in N95 respirator integrity following vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Levine Carly , Grady Courtney , Block Thomas , Hurley Harry , Russo Riccardo , Peixoto Blas , Frees Alexis , Ruiz Alejandro , Alland David 
Published: August 2020

SUMMARYBackgroundCOVID-19 has stretched the ability of many institutions to supply needed personal protective equipment, especially N95 respirators. N95 decontamination and reuse programs provide one potential solution to this problem. Unfortunately, a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of decontamination on the integrity of various N95 models using a quantitative fit test (QTFT) approach is lacking.Aims1) To investigate the effects of up to eight rounds of vaporized H2O2 (VHP) decontamination on the integrity of N95 respirators currently in use in a hospital setting. 2) To examine if N95 respirators worn by one user can adapt to the face shape of a second user with no compromise of integrity following VHP decontamination.MethodsThe PortaCount Pro+ Respirator Fit Tester Model 8038 was used to quantitatively define the integrity, measured by fit, of N95 respirators following decontamination with VHP.FindingsThere was an observable downward trend in the integrity of Halyard Fluidshield 46727 N95 respirators throughout eight cycles of decontamination with VHP. The integrity of 3M 1870 N95 respirators was significantly reduced after the respirator was worn, decontaminated with VHP, and then quantitatively fit tested on a second user. Furthermore, we uncovered inconsistencies between qualitative fit test and QTFT results that may have strong implications on the fit testing method used by institutions.ConclusionsOur data revealed variability in the integrity of different N95 models after VHP decontamination and exposed potential limitations of N95 decontamination and reuse programs.
First study on surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater systems and related environments in Wuhan: Post-lockdown
Authors: Zhao Lu , Atoni Evans , Du Yao , Zhang Huaiyu , Donde Oscar , Huang Doudou , Xiao Shuqi , Ma Teng , Shu Zhu , Yuan Zhiming , Tong Lei , Xia Han 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as an effective environmental surveillance tool in monitoring fecal-oral pathogen infections within a community. Congruently, SARS-CoV-2 virus, the etiologic agent of COVID-19, has been demonstrated to infect the gastrointestinal tissues, and be shed in feces. In the present study, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was concentrated from wastewater, sludge, surface water, ground water, and soil samples of municipal and hospital wastewater systems and related environment in Wuhan during the COVID-19 middle and low risk periods, and the viral RNA copies quantified using RT-qPCR. From the findings of this study, during the middle risk period, one influent sample and three secondary treatment effluents collected from Waste Water Treatment Plant 2 (WWTP2), as well as two influent samples from wastewater system of Hospital 2 were SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive. One sludge sample collected from Hospital 4; which was obtained during low risk period, was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. These study findings demonstrate the significance of WBE in continuous surveilling and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 at the community level, even when the COVID19 prevalence is low. Therefore, the application of WBE is principally useful in tracking the level of infections in communities and the risk assessment of the secondary environment.
A rapid and efficient screening system for neutralizing antibodies and its application for the discovery of potent neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD
Authors: Han Xiaojian , Wang Yingming , Li Shenglong , Hu Chao , Li Tingting , Gu Chenjian , Wang Kai , Shen Meiying , Wang Jianwei , Hu Jie , Wu Ruixin , Mu Song , Gong Fang , Chen Qian , Gao Fengxia , Huang Jingjing , Long Yingyi , Luo Feiyang , Song Shuyi , Long Shunhua , Hao Yanan , Li Luo , Wu Yang , Xu Wei , Cai Xia , Gao Qingzhu , Zhang Guiji , He Changlong , Deng Kun , Du Li , Nai Yaru , Wang Wang , Xie Youhua , Qu Di , Huang Ailong , Tang Ni , Jin Aishun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNeutralizing antibodies (Abs) have been considered as promising therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of pathogens. After the outbreak of COVID-19, potent neutralizing Abs to SARS-CoV-2 were promptly developed, and a few of those neutralizing Abs are being tested in clinical studies. However, there were few methodologies detailly reported on how to rapidly and efficiently generate neutralizing Abs of interest. Here, we present a strategically optimized method for precisive screening of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which enabled us to identify SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) specific Abs within 4 days, followed by another 2 days for neutralization activity evaluation. By applying the screening system, we obtained 198 Abs against the RBD of SARS-CoV-2. Excitingly, we found that approximately 50% (96/198) of them were candidate neutralizing Abs in a preliminary screening of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus and 20 of these 96 neutralizing Abs were confirmed with high potency. Furthermore, 2 mAbs with the highest neutralizing potency were identified to block authentic SARS-CoV-2 with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at concentrations of 9.88 ng/ml and 11.13 ng/ml. In this report, we demonstrated that the optimized neutralizing Abs screening system is useful for the rapid and efficient discovery of potent neutralizing Abs against SARS-CoV-2. Our study provides a methodology for the generation of preventive and therapeutic antibody drugs for emerging infectious diseases.