bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine level correlates with the progression and prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ikenaka Kensuke , Maeda Yasuhiro , Hotta Yuji , Nagano Seiichi , Kakuda Keita , Tatebe Harutsugu , Atsuta Naoki , Ito Daisuke , Aguirre Cesar , Kimura Yasuyoshi , Baba Kousuke , Katsuno Masahisa , Tokuda Takahiko , Kimura Kazunori , Sobue Gen , Mochizuki Hideki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and the progression and prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and to compare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum ADMA levels with other biomarkers of ALS.MethodsSerum ADMA levels of patients with sporadic ALS (n = 68) and disease control patients (n = 54) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Serum samples were obtained at the time of patient registration for diagnosis. Correlations of ADMA level and other markers (nitric oxide [NO] and neurofilament light chain [NFL] levels) were analyzed. Changes in the ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R) score from the onset of disease (ALSFRS-R preslope) was used to assess disease progression. Survival was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier analysis.ResultsThe concentration of ADMA in CSF was substantially higher in patients with ALS than in disease controls. Serum ADMA level correlated with CSF ADMA level (r = 0.591, p < 0.0001), and was independently associated with the ALSFRS-R preslope (r = 0.505. p < 0.0001). Patients with higher serum ADMA levels had less favorable prognoses. CSF ADMA level significantly correlated with CSF NfL level (r = 0.456, p = 0.0002) but not with NO level (r = 0.194, p = 0.219).ConclusionADMA level is an independent biomarker of ALS disease progression and prognosis, and reflects the degree of motor neuron degeneration. The increased ADMA level in ALS patients was not associated with the inhibition of NO production.
Epidemiological dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 VOC Gamma in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Rebello Moreira Filipe Romero , D’arc Mirela , Mariani Diana , Herlinger Alice Laschuk , Schiffler Francine Bittencourt , Rossi Átila Duque , de Carvalho Leitão Isabela , dos Santos Miranda Thamiris , Calvano Cosentino Matheus Augusto , de Paula Tôrres Marcelo Calado , dos Santos Cunha da Costa Raíssa Mirella , Alves Gonçalves Cássia Cristina , Faffe Débora Souza , Galliez Rafael Mello , da Costa Ferreira Junior Orlando , Aguiar Renato Santana , dos Santos André Felipe Andrade , Voloch Carolina Moreira , Pinto Castiñeiras Terezinha Marta Pereira , Tanuri Amilcar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe emergence and widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) or interest (VOI) imposes an enhanced threat to global public health. In Brazil, one of the countries most severely impacted throughout the pandemic, a complex dynamics involving variants co-circulation and turnover events has been recorded with the emergence and spread of VOC Gamma in Manaus in late 2020. In this context, we present a genomic epidemiology investigation based on samples collected between December 2020 and May 2021 in the second major Brazilian metropolis, Rio de Janeiro. By sequencing 244 novel genomes through all epidemiological weeks in this period, we were able to document the introduction and rapid dissemination of VOC Gamma in the city, driving the rise of the third local epidemic wave. Molecular clock analysis indicates this variant has circulated locally since the first weeks of 2021 and only seven weeks were necessary for it to achieve a frequency above 70%, consistent with rates of growth observed in Manaus and other states. Moreover, a Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction indicates VOC Gamma spread throughout Brazil between December 2020 and January 2021, and that it was introduced in Rio de Janeiro through at least 13 events coming from nearly all regions of the country. Comparative analysis of RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values provides further evidence that VOC Gamma induces higher viral loads (N1 target; mean reduction of Ct: 2.7, 95% CI = ±0.7). This analysis corroborates the previously proposed mechanistic basis for this variant enhanced transmissibility and distinguished epidemiological behavior. Our results document the evolution of VOC Gamma and provide independent assessment of scenarios previously studied in Manaus, therefore contributing to the better understanding of the epidemiological dynamics currently being surveyed in other Brazilian regions.
Estimation of Oral Disease Burden from Claims and Self-Reported Data
Authors: Okunseri Christopher , Frantsve-Hawley Julie , Thakkar-Samtani Madhuli , Okunev Ilya , Tranby Eric P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the use of Medicaid, commercial claims, and self-reported survey data to estimate the prevalence of oral disease burden.MethodsWe analyzed 2018 Medicaid claims from IBM Watson Medicaid Marketscan database, commercial claims from the IBM Dental Database, and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data. The estimate of oral disease burden was based on standard metrics using periodontal and caries-related treatment procedure codes. Examples are restorations: D2000-D2999, root Canals: D3230 – D3334, periodontics: D4000 – D4999, prosthodontics: D5000 – D6999 and extractions: D7000 - D7251. A direct comparison between the data sets was also done. Enrollees from the different databases were broken down by gender, race/ethnicity, and into age groups.ResultsMedicaid and commercial enrollees were 11.6 million and 10.5 million. The weighted proportion from MEPS for Medicaid and commercial plans ranged from 80-208 million people. Prevalence of caries-related treatments was estimated for IBM Watson and MEPS for total enrollees for Medicaid (13% vs. 12%); and commercial claims (25% vs. 17%), respectively. Prevalence of periodontal related treatments was estimated for IBM Watson and MEPS total enrollees for Medicaid (0.7% vs. 0.5%) and commercial claims (7% vs. 1.6%), respectively. Prevalence of dental diseases was higher in patients with at least one visit for Medicaid, commercial plans, and MEPS. Prevalence based on specific procedures were higher in commercial plans than in Medicaid.ConclusionsClaims data has the potential to serve as a proxy measure for the estimate of dental disease burden in a population. In addition, in rare events, claims data provides a better estimate of disease burden because it is based on a larger dataset.
Depressive disorders are associated with increased peripheral blood cell deformability: A cross-sectional case-control study (Mood-Morph)
Authors: Walther Andreas , Mackens-Kiani Anne , Eder Julian , Herbig Maik , Herold Christoph , Kirschbaum Clemens , Guck Jochen , Wittwer Lucas Daniel , Beesdo-Baum Katja , Kräter Martin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPathophysiological landmarks of depressive disorders are chronic low-grade inflammation and elevated glucocorticoid output. Both can potentially interfere with cell membrane bending and cell function, suggesting altered cell morpho-rheological properties like cell deformability and other cell mechanical features in depressive disorders.MethodWe performed a cross-sectional case-control study using image-based morpho-rheological characterization of unmanipulated blood samples facilitating real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC). Sixty-nine pre-screened individuals at high-risk for depressive disorders and 70 matched healthy controls were included and clinically evaluated by Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Facilitating deep learning on blood cell images, major blood cell types were classified and morpho-rheological parameters such as cell size and cell deformability of every individual cell was quantified.ResultsWe found peripheral blood cells to be more deformable in patients with depressive disorders compared to controls, while cell size was not affected. Lifetime persistent depressive disorder was associated with an increased cell deformability in monocytes and neutrophils, while in current persistent depressive disorder erythrocytes deformed more. Lymphocytes were more deformable in current major depressive disorder, while for lifetime major depressive disorder no differences could be identified.ConclusionsThis is the first study analyzing morpho-rheological properties of entire blood cells and highlighting depressive disorders and in particular persistent depressive disorders to be associated with increased blood cell deformability. While all major blood cells tend to be more deformable, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils are mostly affected. This indicates that immune cell mechanical changes occur in depressive disorders, which might be predictive for persistent immune response.
Informing University Covid-19 Decisions Using Simple Compartmental Models
Authors: Hurt Benjamin , Adiga Aniruddha , Marathe Madhav , Barrett Christopher L. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTTracking the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major challenge for policy makers. Although, several efforts are ongoing for accurate forecasting of cases, deaths, and hospitalization at various resolutions, few have been attempted for college campuses despite their potential to become COVID-19 hot-spots. In this paper, we present a real-time effort towards weekly forecasting of campus-level cases during the fall semester for four universities in Virginia, United States. We discuss the challenges related to data curation. A causal model is employed for forecasting with one free time-varying parameter, calibrated against case data. The model is then run forward in time to obtain multiple forecasts. We retrospectively evaluate the performance and, while forecast quality suffers during the campus reopening phase, the model makes reasonable forecasts as the fall semester progresses. We provide sensitivity analysis for the several model parameters. In addition, the forecasts are provided weekly to various state and local agencies.
Object and Instance Detection Within Image Scenes
Authors: Adenisimi Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper compares state-of-the-art methods in object and instance detection, and examines why YOLO (You Only Look Once) outperforms top detection methods. Different Pascal VOC dataset is used as the benchmark to explore mean average precision(mAP). YOLO is twice as accurate to prior works on real-time detection. The outcome of of merging YOLO with Fast R-CNN is an increased mean average precision (mAP) which results in performance boost. Hence, YOLO is an enhanced model of top detection methods.
A cGAMP-containing hydrogel for prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RBD subunit vaccine exposure induces a broad and potent humoral response
Authors: Böhnert Volker , Gale Emily C. , Lahey Lauren J. , Yan Jerry , Powell Abigail E. , Ou Ben S. , Carozza Jacqueline A. , Li Lingyin , Appel Eric A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein has emerged as a promising target for generation of neutralizing antibodies. Although the RBD subunit is more stable than its encoding mRNA, RBD-based subunit vaccines have been hampered by RBD’s poor immunogenicity. We hypothesize that this limitation can be overcome by sustained co-administration with a more potent and optimized adjuvant than standard adjuvants. The endogenous innate immune second messenger, cGAMP, holds promise as potent activator of the anti-viral STING pathway. Unfortunately, delivery of cGAMP as a therapeutic exhibits poor performance due to poor pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics from rapid excretion and degradation by its hydrolase ENPP1. To overcome these limitations, we sought to create an artificial immunological niche enabling slow release of cGAMP and RBD to mimic natural infections in which immune activating molecules are co-localized with antigen. Specifically, we co-encapsulated cGAMP and RBD in an injectable polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel. This cGAMP-adjuvanted hydrogel vaccine elicited more potent, durable, and broad antibody responses with improved neutralization as compared to dose-matched bolus controls and hydrogel-based vaccines lacking cGAMP. The cGAMP-adjuvanted hydrogel platform developed is suitable for delivery of other antigens and may provide enhanced immunity against a broad range of pathogens.
Immunisation of ferrets and mice with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein formulated with Advax-SM adjuvant protects against COVID-19 infection
Authors: Li Lei , Honda-Okubo Yoshikazu , Huang Ying , Jang Hyesun , Carlock Michael A. , Baldwin Jeremy , Piplani Sakshi , Bebin-Blackwell Anne G. , Forgacs David , Sakamoto Kaori , Stella Alberto , Turville Stuart , Chataway Tim , Colella Alex , Triccas Jamie , Ross Ted M , Petrovsky Nikolai 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe development of a safe and effective vaccine is a key requirement to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Recombinant proteins represent the most reliable and safe vaccine approach but generally require a suitable adjuvant for robust and durable immunity. We used the SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence and in silico structural modelling to design a recombinant spike protein vaccine (Covax-19™). A synthetic gene encoding the spike extracellular domain (ECD) was inserted into a baculovirus backbone to express the protein in insect cell cultures. The spike ECD was formulated with Advax-SM adjuvant and first tested for immunogenicity in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. The Advax-SM adjuvanted vaccine induced high titers of binding antibody against spike protein that were able to neutralise the original wildtype virus on which the vaccine was based as well as the variant B.1.1.7 lineage virus. The Covax-19 vaccine also induced potent spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ memory T-cells with a dominant Th1 phenotype, and this was shown to be associated with cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing of spike labelled target cells in vivo. Ferrets immunised with Covax-19 vaccine intramuscularly twice 2 weeks apart made spike receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG and were protected against an intranasal challenge with SARS-CoV-2 virus 2 weeks after the second immunisation. Notably, ferrets that received two 25 or 50μg doses of Covax-19 vaccine had no detectable virus in their lungs or in nasal washes at day 3 post-challenge, suggesting the possibility that Covax-19 vaccine may in addition to protection against lung infection also have the potential to block virus transmission. This data supports advancement of Covax-19 vaccine into human clinical trials.
Humoral and cellular responses to mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV2 in patients with a history of CD20-B-cell depleting therapy
Authors: Moor Matthias B. , Suter-Riniker Franziska , Horn Michael P. , Aeberli Daniel , Amsler Jennifer , Möller Burkhard , Njue Linet M. , Medri Cesare , Angelillo-Scherrer Anne , Borradori Luca , Radonjic-Hoesli Susanne , Jafari Morteza Seyed , Chan Andrew , Hoepner Robert , Bacher Vera Ulrike , Mani Laila-Yasmin , Iype Joseena Mariam , Hirzel Cédric , Maurer Britta , Sidler Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundB-cell depleting therapies increase COVID19 morbidity and mortality. For this specific population, evidence-based vaccination strategies are lacking. Here, we investigated humoral and cell mediated immune responses to SARS-CoV2 mRNA-based vaccines in patients receiving CD20-B-cell depleting agents for autoimmune disease, malignancy, or transplantation.MethodsPatients at the Bern University Hospital with a treatment history of anti-CD20 depleting agents (rituximab or ocrelizumab) were enrolled for analysis of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses (by interferon-γ release assay) after completing vaccination against SARS-CoV2. Primary outcome was the the anti-spike antibody response in anti-CD20-treated patients (n=96) in comparison to immunocompetent controls (n=29).ResultsAnti-spike IgG antibodies were detected in 49% of patients 1.79 months after the second vaccine dose (interquartile range, IQR: 1.16-2.48) compared to 100% of controls (p<0.001). SARS-CoV2 specific interferon-γ release was detected in 20% of patients and 75% of healthy controls (p<0.001). Only 11% of patients, but 75%of healthy controls showed positive reactions in both assays, respectively (p<0.001). Time since last anti-CD20 therapy (7.6 months), peripheral CD19+ (>27/µl), and CD4+ lymphocyte count (>653/µl) predicted humoral vaccine response (area under the curve [AUC]: 67% [CI 56-78], 67% [CI 55-80] and 66% [CI 54-79], (positive predictive value [PPV]: 0.78, 0.7 and 0.71).ConclusionThis study provides evidence for blunted humoral and cell-mediated immune responses elicited by SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccines in patients with CD20-depleting treatment history. Lymphocyte subpopulation counts are associated with vaccine response in this highly vulnerable population. (Funded by Bern University Hospital,ClinicalTrials.govnumber,NCT04877496)
Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Block in Upper Extremity Surgeries: Experiences from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Johora Fatema , Mahboob Sabiha , Nilufar Sonia , Shirin Mst. Arifa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBrachial plexus block has been gained popularity after its introduction because of provision of quality anesthesia and optimal postoperative analgesia in upper arm surgeries, and introduction of ultrasound guidance in recent years further enhances the practice because of efficacy and safety of procedure. This retrospective observational study evaluated the outcome and safety of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (supraclavicular and interscalene approach) in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh over 3-years period (January 2017 to December 2019) through analyzing preoperative anesthesia evaluation form, anesthesia documents and postoperative records. 113 patients were covered during the study period, of which 59 (52.2%) were males and 54 (47.8%) were females. Mean age of the patients were 38.94 ± 20.37 years. Majority of the patients (63.7%) were in ASA grading I. Operative time for surgeries were 115.30 ± 35.19 minutes. duration of sensory and motor block were 618 ± 55 minutes and 450 ± 74 minutes respectively. And first dose of postoperative analgesic was given after 705 ± 94 minutes of surgery. Tachycardia and hypertension were observed in 4.4% patients, where failure of motor blockade and puncture of subclavian vein were recoreded 1.8% and 0.9% respectively. Current study found that with ultrasound guidance in skilled hands, brachial plexus blockade through combination of supraclavicular and interscalene approaches can provide quality anesthesia and analgesia with minimal complications.
Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spine Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wasinpongwanich Kanthika , Nopsopon Tanawin , Pongpirul Krit 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeSurgical treatment is mandatory in some patients with lumbar spine diseases. To obtain spine fusion, many operative techniques were developed with different fusion rates and clinical results. This study aimed to collect randomized controlled trial (RCT) data to compare fusion rate, clinical outcomes, complications among Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), and other techniques for lumbar spine diseases.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases was searched for studies up to 13 February 2020. The meta-analysis was done using a random-effects model. Pooled risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval of fusion rate, clinical outcomes, and complication in TLIF and other techniques for lumbar diseases.ResultsThe literature search identified 3,682 potential studies, 15 RCTs (915 patients) were met our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to other techniques, TLIF had slightly lower fusion rate (RR=0.84 [95% CI 0.72, 0.97], p=0.02, I2=0.0%) at 1-year follow-up while there was no difference on fusion rate at 2-year follow up (RR=1.06 [95% CI 0.96, 1.18], p=0.27, I2=69.0%). The estimated risk ratio of total adverse events (RR=0.90 [95% CI 0.59, 1.38], p=0.63, I2=0.0%) and revision rate (RR=0.78 [95%CI 0.34, 1.79], p=0.56, I2=39.0%) showed no difference. TLIF had approximately half an hour more operative time than other techniques (MD=31.88 [95% CI 5.33, 58.44], p=0.02, I2=92.0%). There was no significant difference between TLIF and other techniques in terms of the blood loss, and clinical outcomes.ConclusionsBesides fusion rate at 1-year follow-up and operative time, our study demonstrated similar outcomes of TLIF with other techniques for lumbar diseases in regard to fusion rate, clinical outcomes, and complications.
Frequency of transmission, asymptomatic shedding, and airborne spread of Streptococcus pyogenes among schoolchildren exposed to scarlet fever: a longitudinal multi-cohort molecular epidemiology contact tracing study
Authors: Cordery Rebecca , Purba Amrit K. , Begum Lipi , Mills Ewurabena , Mosavie Mia , Vieira Ana , Jauneikaite Elita , Leung Rhoda CY , Siggins Matthew K. , Ready Derren , Hoffman Peter , Lamagni Theresa , Sriskandan Shiranee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite recommendations regarding prompt treatment of cases and enhanced hygiene measures, scarlet fever outbreaks increased in England between 2014-2018. We aimed to assess the impact of standard interventions on transmission of Streptococcus pyogenes to classroom contacts, households, and classroom environments.MethodsWe undertook a prospective, contact tracing study in schools with 2 consecutive scarlet fever cases that were reported to local Health Protection teams in London between March 1st and May 31st in 2018 and 2019. We cultured throat swabs from cases, household contacts, and classroom contacts at four time points. We also cultured hand swabs and cough plates from all cases, and from classroom contacts in 2019. Surface swabs from toys and other fomites in classrooms were cultured in 2018, and settle plates from classrooms were collected in 2019. Any sample with S. pyogenes detected was recorded as positive and underwent emm genotyping and genome sequencing to compare with the outbreak strain.FindingsSix classes, comprising 12 scarlet fever cases, 17 household contacts, and 278 classroom contacts were recruited from March 1st to May 31st in 2018 and the same period in 2019. Prevalence of the outbreak S. pyogenes strain in throat swabs from asymptomatic classroom contacts was high, increasing from 9.6% (11/115) in week 1, to 26.9% (34/126) in week 2, to 24.1% (26/108) in week 3, then 14.3% (5/35) in week 4. Colonisation with non-outbreak and non-genotyped S. pyogenes strains was 1.7% (2/115); 3.9% (5/126); 5.6% (6/108); and 0/35 in the same weeks. Genome sequencing showed clonality of isolates within each of six classes, confirming recent transmission accounted for high carriage. When transmissibility was tested, children who were asymptomatic carriers of emm4 and emm3.93 had positive cough plates on 1/14 (7.1%) and 7/21 (33.3%) occasions respectively. Only 1/60 surface swabs taken in 3 classrooms yielded the outbreak S. pyogenes strain. In contrast, 2/12 and 6/12 settle plates placed in elevated locations yielded the outbreak S. pyogenes strain in the two classrooms tested.InterpretationS. pyogenes transmission in schools is intense and may occur prior to, or inspite of reported treatment of cases, underlining a need for rapid case management. Despite guideline adherence, heavy shedding of S. pyogenes by small numbers of classroom contacts may perpetuate outbreaks, and airborne transmission has a plausible role in spread. The findings highlight the need for research to improve understanding and assess effectiveness of interventions to reduce S. pyogenes airborne transmission.