bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An empirical analysis of what people learned about COVID-19 through web search and the impacts on misinformation and attitude towards public health safety guidelines
Authors: Akpan Ikpe Justice , Aguolu Obianuju Genevieve , Akpan Asuama 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSeveral people flocked to the Internet to learn about the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 after the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As the novel coronavirus spread rapidly worldwide and was declared a global pandemic, the public rushed to Internet platforms to learn about the outbreak through Google search, online news outlets, and social media platforms. This paper evaluates the public’s web search to learn about the pandemic and the possible impacts on attitude to the public health guidelines. The results highlight four outcomes: First, a significant global population learned about the ongoing pandemic through a web search. Second, there is a direct correlation between learning SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and SARS-CoV and searching information on public health measures (wearing a facial mask and social distancing). Third, learning conspiracy theories or misinformation correspond with a lack of interest in gaining knowledge about public health safety guidelines. Also, the initial high interest in learning about Influenza declined as people gained information about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The results highlight the critical need to promptly sensitize the public about global health concerns using both the Internet platforms and traditional sources, adopt effective health communication strategies, and build trust.
Sequence-function Relationships in Phage-encoded Bacterial Cell Wall Lytic Enzymes and their Implications for Phage-derived Products Design
Authors: Vázquez Roberto , García Ernesto , García Pedro 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTPhage (endo)lysins are thought to be a viable alternative to usual antibiotic chemotherapy to fight resistant bacterial infections. However, a landscape view of lysins’ structure and properties regarding their function, with an applied focus, is somewhat lacking. Current literature suggests that specific features typical of lysins from phages infecting Gram-negative bacteria (G−) (higher net charge, amphipathic helices) are responsible for an improved interaction with G− envelope. Such antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-like elements are also of interest for antimicrobial molecules design. Thus, this study aims to provide an updated view on the primary structural landscape of phage lysins to clarify the evolutionary importance of several sequence-predicted properties, particularly for the interaction with the G− surface. A database of 2,182 lysin sequences was compiled, containing relevant information such as domain architectures, data on the phages’ host bacteria and sequence-predicted physicochemical properties. Based on such classifiers, an investigation on the differential appearance of certain features was conducted. Such analyses revealed different lysin architectural variants that are preferably found in phages infecting certain bacterial hosts. Particularly, some physicochemical properties (higher net charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophobic moment and aliphatic index) were associated to G− phage lysins, appearing specifically at their C-terminal end. Evidences on the remarkable genetic specialization of lysins regarding the features of the bacterial hosts have been provided, specifically supporting the nowadays common hypothesis that lysins from G− usually contain AMP-like regions.IMPORTANCEPhage-encoded lytic enzymes, also called lysins, are one of the most promising alternatives to common antibiotics. The lysins potential as novel antimicrobials to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria not only arises from features such as a lower chance to provoke resistance, but also from their versatility as synthetic biology parts. Functional modules derived from lysins are currently being used for the design of novel antimicrobials with desired properties. This study provides a view of the lysins diversity landscape by examining a set of phage lysin genes. This way, we have uncovered the fundamental differences between the lysins from phages that infect bacteria with different superficial architectures, and, thus, also the reach of their specialization regarding cell wall structures. These results provide clarity and evidences to sustain some of the common hypothesis in current literature, as well as make available an updated and characterized database of lysins sequences for further developments.
Sensing and decoding the neural drive to paralyzed muscles during attempted movements of a person with tetraplegia using a sleeve array
Authors: Ting Jordyn E. , Vecchio Alessandro Del , Sarma Devapratim , Colachis Samuel C. , Annetta Nicholas V. , Collinger Jennifer L. , Farina Dario , Weber Douglas J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMotor neurons in the brain and spinal cord convey information about motor intent that can be extracted and interpreted to control assistive devices, such as computers, wheelchairs, and robotic manipulators. However, most methods for measuring the firing activity of single neurons rely on implanted microelectrodes. Although intracortical brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been shown to be safe and effective, the requirement for surgery poses a barrier to widespread use. Here, we demonstrate that a wearable sensor array can detect residual motor unit activity in paralyzed muscles after severe cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Despite generating no observable hand movement, volitional recruitment of motor neurons below the level of injury was observed across attempted movements of individual fingers and overt wrist and elbow movements. Subgroups of motor units were coactive during flexion or extension phases of the task. Single digit movement intentions were classified offline from the EMG power (RMS) or motor unit firing rates with median classification accuracies >75% in both cases. Simulated online control of a virtual hand was performed with a binary classifier to test feasibility of real time extraction and decoding of motor units. The online decomposition algorithm extracted motor units in 1.2 ms, and the firing rates predicted the correct digit motion 88 ± 24% of the time. This study provides the first demonstration of a wearable interface for recording and decoding firing rates of motor neurons below the level of injury in a person with tetraplegia after motor complete SCI.Significance StatementA wearable electrode array and machine learning methods were used to record and decode myoelectric signals and motor unit firing in paralyzed muscles of a person with motor complete tetraplegia. Motor unit action potentials were extracted from myoelectric signals during attempted movements of the fingers and voluntary movements of the wrist and elbow. The patterns of EMG and motor unit firing rates were highly task-specific, even in the absence of visible motion in the limb, enabling accurate classification of attempted movements of single digits. These results demonstrate the potential to create a wearable sensor for determining movement intentions from spared motor neurons, which may enable people with severe tetraplegia to control assistive devices such as computers, wheelchairs, and robotic manipulators.
Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 strain of P.1 lineage harboring K417T/ E484K / N501Y by whole genome sequencing in the city, Japan
Authors: Hirotsu Yosuke , Omata Masao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOn the February 2020, the very first case was an American female from Diamond Princess cruise ship. Since, we have confirmed 136 patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) until February 2021. Here, we conducted the whole genome sequencing analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on samples from 70 of 136 patients (51.5%). These patients were infected in Diamond Princess cruise ship (n=1), Africa (n=2), Japan (n=66) and Brazil (n=1). The viral genome sequence of a patient on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in February 2020 was similar to that of original strain found in Wuhan, China (19A clade). Four patients, including two returnees from Africa and two lived in Japan, confirmed at the end of March 2020 had sequences similar to those of lineage with D614G mutation, which was endemic in Europe (20A [n=3] and 20B [n=1] clade). The 64 Japanese patients confirmed from September 2020 to January 2021 had sequences similar to those of the currently prevalent lineage (20B [n=58] and 20C clade [n=6]). Subsequent analysis revealed three mutations (K417T/ E484K / N501Y) in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein in a man in his 40s. The sequence was identical to the P.1 lineage (also known as 20J/501Y.V3) reported in Brazil. This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 lineage identified in the city, Japan.
Evaluation of a surrogate virus neutralization test for high-throughput serosurveillance of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mariën Joachim , Michiels Johan , Heyndrickx Leo , Nkuba-Ndaye Antoine , Ceulemans Ann , Bartholomeeusen Koen , Madinga Joule , Mbala-Kingebeni Placide , Vanlerberghe Veerle , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve , Wang Lin-Fa , Ariën Kevin K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHigh-throughput serological tests that can detect neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are desirable for serosurveillance and vaccine efficacy evaluation. Although the conventional neutralization test (cVNT) remains the gold standard to confirm the presence of neutralizing antibodies in sera, the test is too labour-intensive for massive screening programs and less reproducible as live virus and cell culture is involved. Here, we performed an independent evaluation of a commercially available surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT, GenScript cPass™) that can be done without biosafety level 3 containment in less than 2 hours. When using the cVNT and a Luminex multiplex immunoassay (MIA) as reference, the sVNT obtained a sensitivity of 94% (CI 90-96%) on a panel of 317 immune sera that were obtained from hospitalized and mild COVID-19 cases from Belgium and a sensitivity of 89% (CI 81-93%) on a panel of 184 healthcare workers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. We also found strong antibody titer correlations (rs>0.8) among the different techniques used. In conclusion, our evaluation suggests that the sVNT could be a powerful tool to monitor/detect neutralising antibodies in cohort and population studies. The technique could be especially useful for vaccine evaluation studies in sub-Saharan Africa where the basic infrastructure to perform cVNTs is lacking.
COVIDReady2 Study Protocol: Cross-sectional Survey of Medical Student Volunteering and Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom
Authors: Byrne Matthew H V , Ashcroft James , Alexander Laith , Wan Jonathan C M , Arora Anmol , Brown Megan E L , Harvey Anna , Clelland Andrew , Schindler Nicholas , Brassett Cecilia , Allan Rachel 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and objectivesCovid-19 has led to global disruption of healthcare. Many students volunteered to provide clinical support. Volunteering to work in a clinical capacity was a unique medical education opportunity; however, it is unknown whether this was a positive learning experience or which volunteering roles were of most benefit to students.Methods and DesignThe COVIDReady2 study is a national cross-sectional study of all medical students at UK medical schools. The primary outcome is to explore the experiences of medical students who volunteered during the pandemic in comparison to those who did not. We will compare responses to determine the educational benefit and issues they faced. In addition to quantitative analysis, thematic analysis will be used to identify themes in qualitative responses.DiscussionThere is a growing body of evidence to suggest that service roles have potential to enhance medical education; yet, there is a shortage of studies able to offer practical advice for how these roles may be incorporated in future medical education. We anticipate that this study will help to identify volunteer structures that have been beneficial for students, so that similar infrastructures can be used in the future, and help inform medical education in a non-pandemic setting.
Risk factors for increased COVID-19 case-fatality in the United States: A county-level analysis during the first wave
Authors: Millar Jess A. , Dao Hanh Dung N. , Stefopulos Marianne E. , Estevam Camila G. , Fagan-Garcia Katharine , Taft Diana H. , Park Christopher , Alruwaily Amaal , Desai Angel N. , Majumder Maimuna S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing significant morbidity and mortality across the US. In this ecological study, we identified county-level variables associated with the COVID-19 case-fatality rate (CFR) using publicly available datasets and a negative binomial generalized linear model. Variables associated with decreased CFR included a greater number of hospitals per 10,000 people, banning religious gatherings, a higher percentage of people living in mobile homes, and a higher percentage of uninsured people. Variables associated with increased CFR included a higher percentage of the population over age 65, a higher percentage of Black or African Americans, a higher asthma prevalence, and a greater number of hospitals in a county. By identifying factors that are associated with COVID-19 CFR in US counties, we hope to help officials target public health interventions and healthcare resources to locations that are at increased risk of COVID-19 fatalities.
Virtual handover of patients in the pediatric intensive care unit during COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Abouammoh Noura , Ashry Ahmad , Al-Eyadhy Ayman , Alhaboob Ali , Alsohime Fahad , Almazyad Mohammed , Alabdulhafid Majed , Temsah Reem , AlJamaan Fadi , Jamal Amr , Halwani Rabih , Alhasan Khalid , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Barry Mazin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesA key measure to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been social distancing. Incorporating video-conferencing applications in the patient handover process between healthcare workers can enhance social distancing while maintaining handover elements. This study describes pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) physicians’ experience of using an online video-conferencing application for handover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: qualitative content analysisSettingPICU at a university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Subjects: PICU PhysiciansInterventionsDue to the pandemic, the hospital’s PICU used Zoom® as a remote conferencing application, instead of a face-to-face handover. Following institutional review board approval, data were collected over two weeks (July 1, 2020 to July 14, 2020). Measurements: Demographic data and narrative descriptions of the perceived efficacy of remote handover were collected using open-ended questions through a created online link. The analysis process included open coding, creating categories, and abstraction.Main ResultsAll 37 PICU physicians who participated in the handover completed the survey. The participants comprised six attendings, nine specialists, and 22 residents. They had variable previous teleconferencing experiences. Most physicians (78.4%) were comfortable conducting a remote endorsement. Most found that Situation–Background– Assessment–Recommendation handover elements were properly achieved through this remote handover process. The perceived advantages of online handover included fewer interruptions, time efficiency, and facilitation of social distancing. The perceived disadvantages were the paucity of nonverbal communication and teaching during virtual meetings.ConclusionsVideo-conferencing applications used for online handovers could supplement traditional face-to-face intensive care unit patient endorsement during outbreaks of infectious diseases. The use of video streaming and more emphasis on teaching should be encouraged to optimize the users’ experience.
A national mixed-mode seroprevalence random population-based cohort on SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in France: the socio-epidemiological EpiCov study
Authors: Warszawski Josiane , Bajos Nathalie , Barlet Muriel , de Lamballerie Xavier , Rahib Delphine , Lydié Nathalie , Durrleman S , Slama Rémy , Seng Rémonie , Raynaud Philippe , Leduc Aude , Bagein Guillaume , Paliod Nicolas , Legleye Stéphane , Favre-Martinoz Cyril , Castell Laura , Sillard Patrick , Meyer Laurence , Beck François ,   The EPICOV study group
Published: February 2021

SummaryBackgroundthe EpiCov study, initiated at the end of the first national lockdown in France, aimed to provide national and regional estimates of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to analyze relations between living conditions and the dynamics of the epidemic. We present and discuss here the survey methodology, and describe the first-round fieldwork.Method371,000 individuals aged 15 years or more were randomly selected from the national tax register, stratified by departments, including three overseas departments, and by poverty level with over-representation of people living below the poverty line. Health, socio-economics, migration history, and living conditions were collected through self-computed-assisted web interviews or via computer-assisted telephone interviews. The first-round survey was conducted in May. A random subsample was eligible to receive material for home blood self-sample on dried blood spot (DBS), in order to detect IgG antibodies against the spike protein (Euroimmun ELISA-S), and neutralizing antibodies for non-negative ELISA-S. For the second-round conducted in November, all respondents were eligible for the antibodies detection from home DBS sample, as well as the other household members aged 6 years or more for 20% of them.Participation and adjustment for nonresponse134,391 respondents completed the first-round questionnaire from May 2 to June 1, 2020, including 16,970 (12.6%) respondents under the poverty line. Multimodal web/tel interviews was randomly assigned to 20% of the sample. The other were assigned to exclusive CAWI. Overall 17,441 respondents were eligible for home blood sample, among them 12,114 returned the DBS (interquartile date: May 25-June 5). The response probability was first estimated from logit models adjusted on a wide range of auxiliary demographic and socio-economic variables available from the sampling frame, and final weights calibrated to the margins of the population census permitted to correct for a large part of the non-response bias.ConclusionThe Epicov study is one of the largest national random population-based seroprevalence cohort, with both an epidemiological and sociological approaches to evaluate the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, and the impact on health and living conditions. One of the major interests of this study is the broad coverage of the socio-economic and territorial diversity of the population.
MRI Intensity Standardization Evaluation Design for Head and Neck Quantitative Imaging Applications
Authors: Wahid Kareem A. , He Renjie , McDonald Brigid A. , Anderson Brian M. , Salzillo Travis , Mulder Sam , Wang Jarey , Sharafi Christina Setareh , McCoy Lance A. , Naser Mohamed A. , Ahmed Sara , Sanders Keith L. , Mohamed Abdallah S.R. , Ding Yao , Wang Jihong , Hutcheson Kate , Lai Stephen Y. , Fuller Clifton D. , van Dijk Lisanne V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundConventional MRI poses unique challenges in quantitative analysis due to a lack of specific physical meaning for voxel intensity values. In recent years, intensity standardization methods to optimize MRI signal consistency have been developed to address this problem. However, the effects of standardization methods on the head and neck region have not been previously investigated.PurposeThis study proposes a workflow based on healthy tissue region of interest (ROI) analysis to determine intensity consistency within a patient cohort. Through this workflow, we systematically evaluate different intensity standardization methods for T2-weighted MRI of the head and neck region.MethodsTwo image cohorts of five head and neck cancer patients, one with heterogeneous acquisition parameters (median age 59 years [range, 53-61]), and another with homogeneous acquisition parameters from a clinical trial (NCT04265430) (median age 61 years [range, 54-77]) were retrospectively analyzed. The standard deviation of cohort-level normalized mean intensity (SD NMIc), a metric of intensity consistency, was calculated across ROIs to determine the effect of five intensity standardization methods on T2-weighted images. For each cohort, the Friedman test with a subsequent post-hoc Bonferroni-corrected Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to compare SD NMIc among methods.ResultsConsistency (SD NMIc across ROIs) between T2-weighted images is substantially more impaired in the cohort with heterogeneous acquisition parameters (0.28 ± 0.04) than in the cohort with homogeneous acquisition parameters (0.15 ± 0.05). Consequently, intensity standardization methods more significantly improve consistency in the cohort with heterogeneous acquisition parameters (corrected p < 0.005 for all methods compared to no standardization) than in the cohort with homogeneous acquisition parameters (corrected p > 0.5 for all methods compared to no standardization).ConclusionsOur findings stress the importance of image acquisition parameter standardization, together with the need for testing intensity consistency before performing quantitative analysis of MRI.
The neurology and neuropsychiatry of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the early literature reveals frequent CNS manifestations and key emerging narratives
Authors: Rogers Jonathan P , Watson Cameron , Badenoch James , Cross Benjamin , Butler Matthew , Song Jia , Hafeez Danish , Morrin Hamilton , Rengasamy Emma Rachel , Thomas Lucretia , Ralovska Silviya , Smakowski Abigail , Sundaram Ritika Dilip , Hunt Camille Kaitlyn , Lim Mao Fong , Aniwattanapong Daruj , Singh Vanshika , Hussain Zain , Chakraborty Stuti , Burchill Ella , Jansen Katrin , Holling Heinz , Walton Dean , Pollak Thomas A , Ellul Mark , Koychev Ivan , Solomon Tom , Michael Benedict Daniel , Nicholson Timothy R , Rooney Alasdair G 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesThere is accumulating evidence of the neurological and neuropsychiatric features of infection with SARS-CoV-2. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to describe the characteristics of the early literature and estimate point prevalences for neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and CINAHL up to 18 July 2020 for randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies and case series. Studies reporting prevalences of neurological or neuropsychiatric symptoms were synthesised into meta-analyses to estimate pooled prevalence.Results13,292 records were screened by at least two authors to identify 215 included studies, of which there were 37 cohort studies, 15 case-control studies, 80 cross-sectional studies and 83 case series from 30 countries. 147 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The symptoms with the highest prevalence were anosmia (43.1% [35.2—51.3], n=15,975, 63 studies), weakness (40.0% [27.9—53.5], n=221, 3 studies), fatigue (37.8% [31.6—44.4], n=21,101, 67 studies), dysgeusia (37.2% [30.0—45.3], n=13,686, 52 studies), myalgia (25.1% [19.8—31.3], n=66.268, 76 studies), depression (23.0 % [11.8—40.2], n=43,128, 10 studies), headache (20.7% [95% CI 16.1—26.1], n=64,613, 84 studies), anxiety (15.9% [5.6—37.7], n=42,566, 9 studies) and altered mental status (8.2% [4.4—14.8], n=49,326, 19 studies). Heterogeneity for most clinical manifestations was high.ConclusionsNeurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms of COVID-19 in the pandemic’s early phase are varied and common. The neurological and psychiatric academic communities should develop systems to facilitate high-quality methodologies, including more rapid examination of the longitudinal course of neuropsychiatric complications of newly emerging diseases and their relationship to neuroimaging and inflammatory biomarkers.