bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum levels of specialised pro-resolving molecule pathways are greatly increased in SARS-CoV-2 patients and correlate with markers of the adaptive immune response
Authors: Turnbull James , Jha Rakesh , Ortori Catherine A. , Lunt Eleanor , Tighe Patrick J. , Irving William L. , Gohir Sameer A. , Kim Dong-Hyun , Valdes Ana M. , Tarr Alexander W. , Barrett David A. , Chapman Victoria 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSpecialised pro-resolution molecules (SPMs) halt the transition to chronic pathogenic inflammation. We aimed to quantify serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory bioactive lipids in SARS-CoV-2 patients, and to identify potential relationships with innate responses and clinical outcome.MethodsSerum from 50 hospital admitted inpatients (22 female, 28 male) with confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and 94 age and sex matched cohort collected prior to the pandemic, were processed for quantification of bioactive lipids. Anti-nucleocapsid and anti-spike quantitative binding assays were performed.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 serum had significantly higher concentrations of omega-6 derived pro-inflammatory lipids and omega-6 and omega-3 derived SPMs, compared to age and sex matched controls. Levels of SPMs were not markedly altered by age. There were significant positive correlations between SPMs and other bioactive lipids and anti-spike antibody binding. Levels of some SPMs were significantly higher in patients with an anti-spike antibody value >0.5. Levels of linoleic acid (LA) and 5,6-dihydroxy-8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatrienoic acid (5,6-DHET) were significantly lower in SARS-COV-2 patients who died.DiscussionSARS-COV-2 infection was associated with a robust activation of the pathways that generate the specialised pro-resolution molecules and other anti-inflammatory bioactive lipids, supporting the future investigation of these pathways which may inform the development of novel treatments.
Cytokine release syndrome-like serum responses after COVID-19 vaccination are frequent but clinically inapparent in cancer patients under immune checkpoint therapy
Authors: Walle Thomas , Bajaj Sunanjay , Kraske Joscha A. , Rösner Thomas , Cussigh Christiane S. , Kälber Katharina A. , Müller Lisa Jasmin , Strobel Sophia Boyoung , Burghaus Jana , Kallenberger Stefan , Stein-Thöringer Christoph , Jenzer Maximilian , Schubert Antonia , Kahle Steffen , Williams Anja , Hoyler Birgit , Zielske Lin , Skatula Renate , Sawall Stefanie , Leber Mathias F. , Kunes Russell Z. , Krisam Johannes , Fremd Carlo , Schneeweiss Andreas , Krauss Jürgen , Berger Anne Katrin , Haag Georg M. , Zschäbitz Stefanie , Halama Niels , Springfeld Christoph , Kirsten Romy , Hassel Jessica C. , Jäger Dirk ,   NCT ANTICIPATE Investigators, Ungerechts Guy 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCancer patients frequently receive immune checkpoint therapies (ICT) which may modulate immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Recently, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed in a cancer patient who received the BTN162b2 vaccine under ICT. Here, we analyzed adverse events (AEs) in patients of various solid tumor types undergoing (n=64) or not undergoing (n=26) COVID-19 vaccination under ICT as an exploratory endpoint of a prospectively planned cohort study. We did not observe clinically relevant CRS after vaccination (95% CI [0,0.056]). Short term (<4 weeks) serious AEs were rare (12.5%) and overall AEs under ICT were comparable to unvaccinated patients. Despite the absence of CRS symptoms, we observed a pairwise-correlated set of CRS-associated cytokines upregulated in 42% of patients after vaccination and ICT (>1.5fold). Hence, clinically meaningful CRS appears to be rare in cancer patients under ICT and elevated serum cytokine levels are common but not sufficient to establish CRS diagnosis.
Psychometric Properties of a New Stress-Related Personality Scale: The Virtual Inventory of Behavior and Emotions (VIBE)
Authors: Rettew David C. , Freckleton Dustin , Schork Nicholas , Graf Arnulf , Morrell Zoe , Lincoln Lucy , Smalley Susan , Hudziak James J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPersonality traits are important factors with regard to the tendency to experience and response to stress. This study introduces and tests a new stress-related personality scale called the Virtual Inventory of Behavior and Emotions (VIBE).MethodsTwo samples totaling 5512 individuals (with 66% between the ages of 18 and 34) completed the VIBE along with other measures of personality, stress, mood, and well-being. Results: Exploratory factor analyses revealed a four-factor structure for the instrument with dimensions labelled: 1) stressed; 2) energetic; 3) social; and 4) disciplined. Confirmatory factor analytic procedures on the final 23-item version showed good psychometric properties and data fit while machine learning analyses demonstrated the VIBE’s ability to distinguish between groups with similar patterns of response. Strong convergent validity was suggested through robust correlations between the dimensions of the VIBE and other established rating scales.ConclusionOverall, the data suggest that the VIBE is a promising tool to help advance understanding of the relations between stress, personality, and related constructs.
Plasmodium vivax malaria serological exposure markers: assessing the degree and implications of cross-reactivity with P. knowlesi
Authors: Longley Rhea J , Grigg Matthew J , Schoffer Kael , Obadia Thomas , Hyslop Stephanie , Piera Kim A. , Nekkab Narimane , Mazhari Ramin , Takashima Eizo , Tsuboi Takafumi , Harbers Matthias , Tetteh Kevin , Drakeley Chris , Chitnis Chetan E. , Healer Julie , Tham Wai-Hong , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , White Michael T , Cooper Daniel J , Rajahram Giri S , Barber Bridget E. , William Timothy , Anstey Nicholas M , Mueller Ivo 
Published: December 2021

SummarySerological exposure markers are a promising tool for surveillance and targeted interventions for Plasmodium vivax malaria. P. vivax is closely related to the zoonotic parasite P. knowlesi, which also infects humans. P. vivax and P. knowlesi are co-endemic across much of South East Asia, making it important to design P. vivax serological markers that minimise cross-reactivity in this region. Our objective was to determine the degree of IgG antibody cross-reactivity against a panel of P. vivax serological markers in samples from human participants with P. knowlesi malaria. We observed higher levels of IgG antibody reactivity against P. vivax proteins that had high levels of sequence identity with their P. knowlesi ortholog. IgG reactivity peaked at 7 days post P. knowlesi infection and was short-lived, with minimal responses detected at 1-year post-infection. Using these data, we designed a panel of 8 P. vivax proteins with low-levels of cross-reactivity with P. knowlesi. This panel was able to accurately classify recent P. vivax infections whilst reducing misclassification of recent P. knowlesi infections.
(SARS-CoV-2) COVID 19: Genomic surveillance and evaluation of the impact on the population speaker of indigenous language in Mexico
Authors: Medel-Ramírez Carlos , Medel-López Hilario , Mérida Jennifer Lara 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe importance of the working document is that it allows the analysis of information and cases associated with (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19, based on the daily information generated by the Government of Mexico through the Secretariat of Health, responsible for the Epidemiological Surveillance System for Viral Respiratory Diseases (SVEERV). The information in the SVEERV is disseminated as open data, and the level of information is displayed at the municipal, state and national levels. On the other hand, the monitoring of the genomic surveillance of (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19, through the identification of variants and mutations, is registered in the database of the Information System of the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) based in Germany. These two sources of information SVEERV and GISAID provide the information for the analysis of the impact of (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19 on the population in Mexico. The first data source identifies information, at the national level, on patients according to age, sex, comorbidities and COVID-19 presence (SARS-CoV-2), among other characteristics. The data analysis is carried out by means of the design of an algorithm applying data mining techniques and methodology, to estimate the case fatality rate, positivity index and identify a typology according to the severity of the infection identified in patients who present a positive result. for (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19. From the second data source, information is obtained worldwide on the new variants and mutations of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), providing valuable information for timely genomic surveillance. This study analyzes the impact of (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19 on the indigenous language-speaking population, it allows us to provide information, quickly and in a timely manner, to support the design of public policy on health.
Starting at the community: Treatment seeking pathways of children with suspected severe malaria in Uganda
Authors: Brunner Nina C. , Karim Aliya , Athieno Proscovia , Kimera Joseph , Tumukunde Gloria , Angiro Irene , Signorell Aita , Delvento Giulia , Lee Tristan T. , Lambiris Mark , Ogwal Alex , Nakiganda Juliet , Mpanga Flavia , Kagwire Fred , Amutuhaire Maureen , Burri Christian , Lengeler Christian , Awor Phyllis , Hetzel Manuel W. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionCommunity health workers (CHW) usually refer children with suspected severe malaria to the nearest public health facility or a designated public referral health facility (RHF). Caregivers do not always follow this recommendation. This study aimed at identifying post-referral treatment-seeking pathways that lead to appropriate antimalarial treatment for children less than five years with suspected severe malaria.MethodsAn observational study in Uganda enrolled children below five years presenting to CHWs with signs of severe malaria. Children were followed up 28 days after enrolment to assess their condition and treatment-seeking history, including referral advice and provision of antimalarial treatment from visited providers.ResultsOf 2211 children included in the analysis, 96% visited a second provider after attending a CHW. The majority of CHWs recommended caregivers to take their child to a designated RHF (65%); however, only 59% followed this recommendation. Many children were brought to a private clinic (33%), even though CHWs rarely recommended this type of provider (3%). Children who were brought to a private clinic were more likely to receive an injection than children brought to a RHF (78% vs 51%, p<0.001) and more likely to receive the second or third-line injectable antimalarial (artemether: 22% vs. 2%, p<0.001, quinine: 12% vs. 3%, p<0.001). Children who only went to non-RHF providers were less likely to receive an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) than children who attended a RHF (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, 95% CI 0.51–0.79, p<0.001). Children who did not go to any provider after seeing a CHW were the least likely to receive an ACT (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.14–0.34, p<0.001).ConclusionsHealth policies should recognise local treatment-seeking practices and ensure adequate quality of care at the various public and private sector providers where caregivers of children with suspected severe malaria actually seek care.
Comparing men who have sex with men and inject drugs and people who inject drugs who are men and have sex with men in San Francisco: Implications for HIV and hepatitis C virus prevention
Authors: Artenie Adelina , Facente Shelley N. , Patel Sheena , Stone Jack , Hecht Jennifer , Rhodes Perry , McFarland Willi , Wilson Erin , Vickerman Peter , Morris Meghan D. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID) carry a disproportionate burden of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. We compared the demographic and risk profiles of MSM who inject drugs (MSM-IDU, i.e., men reached through affiliation with MSM) and PWID who are men and have sex with men (PWID-MSM, i.e., men reached through affiliation with PWID).MethodsWe used data from the most recent waves of the National HIV Behavioural Surveillance among MSM (2017) and PWID (2018) in San Francisco. Participants were recruited through venue-based (MSM) and peer-referral (PWID) sampling and completed standardised questionnaires. We compared the characteristics of MSM-IDU and PWID-MSM using bivariate tests.ResultsOf 504 participants completing the MSM survey, 6.2% reported past-year injection drug use (MSM-IDU). Among 311 male participants completing the PWID survey, 19.0% reported past-year sex with a male (PWID-MSM). Relative to MSM-IDU, more PWID-MSM were older, identified as bisexual, had lower income, a history of incarceration and were homeless. MSM-IDU had more male sexual partners (median: 10 vs 3) and fewer injected daily (29.0% vs 64.4%) than PWID-MSM. While more PWID-MSM sought sterile equipment from a syringe program (86.4% vs 35.5%), fewer reported using PrEP (15.0% vs 42.9%).ConclusionThe sociodemographic, risk behaviour, and prevention access profiles of MSM-IDU and PWID-MSM in San Francisco suggest that they represent distinct populations who may require tailored HIV and HCV prevention strategies. MSM- and PWID-focused prevention programs should provide combined sexual health and harm reduction messages and services.
Emotional Distress, Stress, Anxiety and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Career Women in Healthcare Sciences Research
Authors: Bittar Noor , Cohee Andrea A. , Savoy April , Ismail Heba M 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to report stress and anxiety levels during the early period of the pandemic on early career women researchers in health sciences research and determine the factors associated with increased stress and anxiety.MethodsA 50-item self-administered internet questionnaire was developed using a mix of Likert-type scales and open-ended response questions. The survey was distributed via email and social media platforms June 10-August 3, 2020. Anxiety and stress associated with the demands of being in health sciences research as well as personal/family demands were assessed through validated measures (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Anxiety Short Form and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)) and open-ended responses.ResultsOne hundred and fifty-one early career women in healthcare sciences research completed the survey. The mean respondent age was 37.3±5.2 years, all had a college degree or higher, 50.3% holding a PhD and 35.8%, M.D. Of the 151 respondents, 128 reported their race/ethnicity and the majority were Caucasian (74.0%). One-third (31.2%) reported being ‘very much’ concerned about reaching their research productivity goals, and 30.1% were ‘very much’ concerned about academic promotion and tenure. Fifty percent reported a ‘moderate’ PROMIS anxiety score and 72.1% reported a ‘moderate’ PSS score. For the open-ended responses, 65.6% reported a worry about their professional goals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Major concerns revolved around finances, childcare and job security.ConclusionsThroughout the pandemic, early career women investigators have reported high overall stress, anxiety and worries.
Machine Learning to Understand Genetic and Clinical Factors Associated with the Pulse Waveform Dicrotic Notch
Authors: Cunningham Jonathan W. , Achille Paolo Di , Morrill Valerie N. , Weng Lu-Chen , Choi Seung Hoan , Khurshid Shaan , Nauffal Victor , Pirruccello James P , Solomon Scott D. , Batra Puneet , Ho Jennifer E. , Philippakis Anthony A. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Lubitz Steven A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAbsence of a dicrotic notch on finger photoplethysmography (PPG) is an easily ascertainable and inexpensive trait that has been associated with age and prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the trait exists along a continuum, and little is known about its genetic underpinnings or prognostic value for incident CVD.MethodsIn 169,787 participants in the UK Biobank, we identified absent dicrotic notch on PPG and created a novel continuous trait reflecting notch smoothness using machine learning. Next, we determined the heritability, genetic basis, polygenic risk, and clinical relations for the binary absent notch trait and the newly derived continuous notch smoothness trait.ResultsHeritability of the continuous notch smoothness trait was 7.5%, compared with 5.6% for the binary absent notch trait. A genome wide association study of notch smoothness identified 15 significant loci, implicating genes including NT5C2 (P=1.2×10−26), IGFBP3 (P=4.8×10−18), and PHACTR1 (P=1.4×10−13), compared with 6 loci for the binary absent notch trait. Notch smoothness stratified risk of incident myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and aortic stenosis. A polygenic risk score for notch smoothness was associated with incident CVD and all-cause death in UK Biobank participants without available PPG data.ConclusionWe found that a machine learning derived continuous trait reflecting dicrotic notch smoothness on PPG was heritable and associated with genes involved in vascular stiffness. Greater notch smoothness was associated with greater risk of incident CVD. Raw digital phenotyping may identify individuals at risk for disease via specific genetic pathways.
Attributable is Preventable: Corrected and revised estimates of population attributable fraction of TB related to undernutrition in 30 high TB burden countries
Authors: Bhargava Anurag , Bhargava Madhavi , Beneditti Andrea , Kurpad Anura 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe Global TB Report 2020 estimated the population attributable fractions (PAF) for the major risk factors of TB. Undernourishment emerged as the leading risk factor accounting for 19% of the cases. The WHO however used the terms undernourishment and undernutrition interchangeably in its computation of PAF. Undernourishment is an indirect model derived estimate of decreased per capita energy availability, while undernutrition is defined by direct anthropometric measurements of nutritional status.MethodsWe re-estimated the PAF of undernutrition (instead of undernourishment) in 30 high TB burden countries, using the prevalence of undernutrition (age standardized estimate of BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 in adults for both sexes), and the relative risk (RR) of 3.2. Further, we revised PAF estimates of undernutrition with an RR of 4.49, in light of recent evidence.FindingsTwenty four percent of TB in high burden countries is attributable to undernutrition. The PAF of undernutrition was highest in Asian countries, unlike the PAF of undernourishment that was highest in Africa. The corrected estimate led up to 65% increase in number of cases attributable to undernutrition in Asian countries. More than one-third to nearly half of TB cases in India could be attributable to undernutrition.InterpretationEstimation of the PAF of TB related to undernutrition is methodologically valid and operationally relevant, rather than PAF related to undernourishment. Addressing undernutrition, the leading driver of TB in high TB burden countries (especially Asia) could enable achievement of END TB milestones of TB incidence for 2025.
Mental health indicators in Sweden over a 12-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lovik Anikó , González-Hijón Juan , Kähler Anna K. , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur A. , Frans Emma M. , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Pedersen Nancy L. , Hall Per , Czene Kamila , Sullivan Patrick F. , Fang Fang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the lives of people globally and is expected to have profound effects on mental health. Yet, self-reported large-scale online surveys on mental health are still relatively uncommon. Here we aim to describe the mental health burden experienced in Sweden using baseline data of the Omtanke2020 Study.MethodSelf-reported baseline data collected over a 12-month period (June 9, 2020-June 8, 2021) from the longitudinal online survey of the Omtanke2020 Study including 27,950 adults in Sweden. Participants were volunteers or actively recruited through existing cohorts and after providing informed consent responded to monthly online questionnaires on socio-demographics, mental and physical health, COVID-19 infection, and impact. Poisson regression was fitted to assess the relative risk of high mental health burden (depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 specific PTSD).ResultThe overall proportion of persons with high level of symptoms was 15.6%, 9.5% and 24.5% for depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 specific PTSD, respectively. Overall, 43.4% of the participants had significant, clinically relevant symptoms for at least one mental health outcome and 7.3% had significant symptoms for all three outcomes. We also observed differences in the prevalence of these symptoms across strata of sex, age, recruitment type, COVID-19 status, region, and seasonality.ConclusionWhile the proportion of persons with high mental health burden remains higher than in pre-pandemic publications, our estimates are lower than previously reported levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD during the pandemic in Sweden and elsewhere.
A mechanistic investigation of enhanced nitrogen use efficiency in wheat seedlings after treatment with an Ascophyllum nodosum biostimulant
Authors: Łangowski Łukasz , Goñi Oscar , Ikuyinminu Elomofe , Feeney Ewan , O’Connell Shane 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTReduction in the emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide and nitrogen (N) pollution of ground water by improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops is urgently required in pursuit of a sustainable agricultural future. Utilising an engineered biostimulant (PSI-362) derived from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, we examined its effect on wheat seedling growth dynamics and mechanistic spatiotemporal changes at transcriptional and biochemical levels in relation to N uptake, assimilation and NUE. PSI-362-mediated biomass increase was associated with increased nitrate uptake and N assimilation in the form of glutamate, glutamine, free amino acids, soluble proteins and total chlorophyll. Phenotypical and biochemical analysis were supported by evaluation of differential expression of genetic markers involved in nitrate perception and transport (TaNRT1.1/NPF6.3), and assimilation (TaNR1 and TaNiR1, TaGDH2, TaGoGAT, TaGS1). Finally, a comparative analysis of the PSI-362 and two generic Ascophyllum nodosum extracts (ANEs) demonstrated that the NUE effect greatly differs depending on the ANE biostimulant used. In the current context of climate warming the transition of agriculture to a more sustainable model is urgently required. Application and adoption of precision biostimulants creates an opportunity for sustainable crop management, reduced production cost and environmental pollution, while maintaining yields.