bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated vision screening of children using a mobile graphic device
Authors: Kane Steven A. , Gaspich Mark , Kane Julia , Weitzman Sarah , Hofeldt Albert 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackground/ObjectiveCan measures of interocular brightness disparity, acuity, and colour vision identify children with amblyopia?Subjects/Methods208 subjects from 3 to 14 years were recruited for a prospective, observational protocol to measure interocular brightness disparity, acuities with and without a pinhole, and colour vision using an iPad. Interocular brightness disparity was assessed as the subject looked through a system of polarizing filters and chose the brighter of two spaceships. The differential brightness of image pairs was varied according to a staircase algorithm until equal brightness was perceived. Acuities were tested with tumbling Es. Colour vision was tested with AO-HRR colour plates. 2 subjects (1%) were later confirmed to have unilateral amblyopia.ResultsBinocular brightness balance on the iPad detected both amblyopes and excluded all 202 non-amblyopes, in this study with sensitivity and specificity of 100%. By using 20/30 as cutoff for normal acuity, 1 of the 2 amblyopes was detected and all non-amblyopes were excluded by visual acuity testing with pinhole. The mean difference between iPad and E-Chart visual acuities with pinhole was 0.02 logMAR with limits of agreement from -0.08 to +0.11 logMAR. Colour vision testing with iPad and printed plates gave identical results. Testing times were brief and exit pleasure poll responses were positive.ConclusionsInterocular brightness disparity, acuity, and colour vision can be measured in children as young as 3 years playing a fun game on a mobile graphic device. Interocular brightness disparity may be a sensitive and specific method to detect unilateral amblyopia.
Prevalence use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the general population with COVID-19 and associated COVID-19 risk, hospitalization, severity, death, and safety outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Huilei , Huang Shanshan , Mei Kaibo , Shao Wen , Zhang Jing , Ma Jianyong , Zhu Wengen , Jiang Yuan , Yu Peng , Liu Xiao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionRecent reports of potential harmful effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have provoked great concern. Therefore, the safety of NSAIDs is still questioned.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases from December 2019 to January 2021 to examine use prevalence for NSAIDs in general, as well as associated COVID-19 risk and outcomes. This study has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019132063)ResultsWe included 25 studies with a total of 101,215 COVID-19 patients. The use of NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients reached 19%. Exposure to NSAIDs was not associated with significantly increased risk of developing COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR]=0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-1.24; I2=82%), hospitalization (OR=1.06, 95%CI: 0.76-1.48; I2=81%), mechanical ventilation (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.47-1.06; I2=38%), and length of hospital stay. Moreover, use of NSAIDs was significantly associated with better outcomes, including severity of COVID-19 (OR=0.79, 95%CI: 71-0.89; I2=0%) and death (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.52-0.89; I2=85%) in patients with COVID-19. Regarding safety outcomes, exposure to NSAIDs was associated with increased risk of stroke (OR=2.32, 95%CI: 1.04-5.2; I2=0%), but not with myocardial infraction (OR=1.49; p=0.66; I2=0%), overt thrombosis (OR=0.76, p=0.50; I2=28%) and major bleeding (p=0.61).ConclusionBased on current evidence, exposure to NSAIDs is not linked to increased odds or exacerbation of COVID-19 in the general COVID-19 population. Furthermore, administration of NSAIDs might have better outcomes and survival benefits in the general COVID-19 population, although potentially increasing the risk of stroke. Use of NSAIDs might be safe and beneficial in COVID-19. Future observational and randomized control trials are needed for further confirmation.
Changes in work and health of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Griffiths Daniel , Sheehan Luke , van Vreden Caryn , Petrie Dennis , Whiteford Peter , Sim Malcolm R , Collie Alex 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the long-term effects of work loss on health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether any effects are persistent upon returning to work.MethodsA prospective longitudinal cohort study of 2603 participants across Australia monitored changes in health and work during between March and December 2020, with participants completing surveys at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months later. Outcomes described psychological distress, and mental and physical health. Linear mixed regression models examined associations between changes in health and experiences of work loss, and return to work, over time.ResultsLosing work during the early stages of the pandemic was associated with long-term poorer mental health, which began to recover over time as some returned to work. Physical health deteriorated over time, greater for people not working at baseline. Being out of work was associated with poorer mental health, but better physical health. These effects were larger for people that had recently lost work than for people with sustained work loss, and retaining employment played a protective role. Generally, returning to work resulted in poorer physical health and improvements in mental health, although this depended on the broader context of changes in work.ConclusionsWork cessation during the pandemic led to poor health outcomes and had long-lasting effects. Returning to work benefits mental health but may reduce physical activity in the short-term. We encourage the provision of accessible mental health supports and services immediately following loss of work, and for people with prolonged forms of work loss.
Preventing COVID-19 Outbreaks Through Surveillance Testing in Healthcare Facilities - A Modelling Study
Authors: Litwin Tim , Timmer Jens , Berger Mathias , Wahl-Kordon Andreas , Müller Matthias J. , Kreutz Clemens 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSurveillance testing within healthcare facilities provides an opportunity to prevent severe outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the quantitative impact of different available surveillance strategies is not well-understood. Our study adds to the available body of evidence by examining different strategies for their potential to decrease the probability of outbreaks in these facilities. Based on our findings, we propose determinants of successful surveillance measures. To this end, we establish an individual-based model representative of a mental health hospital yielding generalizable results. Attributes and features of this facility were derived from a prototypical hospital, which provides psychiatric, psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic treatment. We estimate the relative reduction of outbreak probability for three test strategies (entry test, once-weekly test and twice-weekly test) relative to a symptom-based baseline strategy. We found that fast diagnostic test results and adequate compliance of the clinic population are mandatory for conducting effective surveillance. The robustness of these results towards uncertainties is demonstrated via comprehensive sensitivity analyses. In summary, we robustly quantified the efficacy of different surveillance scenarios and conclude that active testing in mental health hospitals and similar facilities successfully reduces the number of COVID-19 outbreaks.
Optimal dose and safety of molnupiravir in patients with early SARS-CoV-2: a phase 1, dose-escalating, randomised controlled study
Authors: Khoo Saye H , FitzGerald Richard , Fletcher Thomas , Ewings Sean , Jaki Thomas , Lyon Rebecca , Downs Nichola , Walker Lauren , Tansley-Hancock Olana , Greenhalf William , Woods Christie , Reynolds Helen , Marwood Ellice , Mozgunov Pavel , Adams Emily , Bullock Katie , Holman Wayne , Bula Marcin D , Gibney Jennifer L , Saunders Geoffrey , Corkhill Andrea , Hale Colin , Thorne Kerensa , Chiong Justin , Condie Susannah , Pertinez Henry , Painter Wendy , Wrixon Emma , Johnson Lucy , Yeats Sara , Mallard Kim , Radford Mike , Fines Keira , Shaw Victoria , Owen Andrew , Lalloo David G , Jacobs Michael , Griffiths Gareth 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAGILE is a phase Ib/IIa platform for rapidly evaluating COVID-19 treatments. In this trial (NCT04746183) we evaluated the safety and optimal dose of molnupiravir in participants with early symptomatic infection.MethodsWe undertook a dose-escalating, open-label, randomised-controlled (standard-of-care) Bayesian adaptive phase I trial at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Clinical Research Facility. Participants (adult outpatients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within 5 days of symptom onset) were randomised 2:1 in groups of 6 participants to 300mg, 600mg and 800mg doses of molnupiravir orally, twice daily for 5 days or control. A dose was judged unsafe if the probability of 30% or greater dose-limiting toxicity (the primary outcome) over controls was higher than 25%. Secondary outcomes included safety, clinical progression, pharmacokinetics and virologic responses.ResultsOf 103 volunteers screened, 18 participants were enrolled between 17 July and 30 October 2020. Molnupiravir was well tolerated at 400, 600 or 800mg doses with no serious or severe adverse events. Overall, 4 of 4 (100%), 4 of 4 (100%) and 1 of 4 (25%) of the participants receiving 300, 600 and 800mg molnupiravir respectively, and 5 of 6 (83%) controls, had at least one adverse event, all of which were mild (≤grade 2). The probability of ≥30% excess toxicity over controls at 800mg was estimated at 0.9%.ConclusionMolnupiravir was safe and well tolerated; a dose of 800mg twice-daily for 5 days was recommended for Phase II evaluation.
Almond Consumption for 8 Weeks Altered Host and Microbial Metabolism in Comparison to a Control Snack in Young Adults
Authors: Dhillon Jaapna , Newman John W. , Fiehn Oliver , Ortiz Rudy M. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTAlmond consumption can improve cardiometabolic (CM) health. However, the mechanisms underlying those benefits are not well characterized. This study explored the effects of consuming a snack of almonds vs. crackers for 8 weeks on changes in metabolomic profiles in young adults (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03084003). Participants (n=73, age: 18-19 years, BMI: 18-41 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to consume either almonds (2 oz/d, n=38) or an isocaloric control snack of graham crackers (325 kcal/d, n=35) daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline prior to and at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Metabolite abundances in the serum were quantified by hydrophilic interaction chromatography quadrupole (Q) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS/MS), gas chromatography (GC) TOF MS, CSH-ESI (electrospray) QTOF MS/MS, and targeted analyses for free PUFAs, total fatty acids, oxylipins and endocannabinoids. Linear mixed model analyses with baseline-adjustment were conducted, and those results were used for enrichment and network analyses. Microbial community pathway predictions from 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples was done using PICRUST2. Almond consumption enriched unsaturated triglycerides, unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, saturated and unsaturated lysophosphatidylcholines, tricarboxylic acids, and tocopherol clusters (p<0.05). Targeted analyses reveal lower levels of omega-3 total fatty acids (TFAs) overall in the almond group compared to the cracker group (p<0.05). Microbial amino acid biosynthesis, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways were also differentially enriched at the end of the intervention (p<0.05). The study demonstrates the differential effects of almonds on host tocopherol, lipid, and TCA cycle metabolism with potential changes in microbial metabolism, which may interact with host metabolism to facilitate the CM benefits.
Participatory prototyping of a tailored U=U (undetectable=untransmittable) message to increase HIV testing in men in Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Smith Philip , Joseph Davey Dvora L. , Schmucker Laura , Bruns Cal , Bekker Linda-Gail , Medina-Marino Andrew , Thirumurthy Harsha , Buttenheim Alison 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionTaking daily ART eliminates sufficient virus so that HIV is undetectable via viral load (VL) testing within 24 weeks. HIV-positive individuals with an undetectable VL cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners or through giving birth, a message commonly referred to as U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable). Since South African men have poorer HIV outcomes than women, we used interactive human centred design co-creation workshops to ask men from high HIV burden communities in Cape Town, South Africa to create a U=U message aimed at increasing HIV testing and ART uptake in men.MethodsTwo facilitators explained the U=U message to the men (n =39) attending the workshop and asked them how to effectively communicate the message. Participants designed messages to assuage fears of testing HIV positive, explaining that ART enables HIV positive people to live normally and makes the virus “untransmittable” to their sexual partners.ResultsParticipants developed three insights for the U=U message; 1) “Introduce” the modern antiretroviral pill, 2) positively redefine the man for whom the pill is intended, and 3) simplify the benefits of ART for men. Participants’ messages emphasised 1) “you cannot spread the virus (HIV) to the other person” 2) and “(the pill) keeps on killing the virus so I can live a normal life for the rest of my life.”DiscussionMen in the workshops co-created a simple U=U message to address fears of testing HIV positive, emphasising the pill’s positive effects. Co-created, tailored messaging may improve the uptake of HIV services for South African men.
Impact of Dutasteride on PSA Kinetics and Time to Progression in Men with PSA-only Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Myers Charles E , McCarthy Michelle S 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAVODART After Radical Therapy For Prostate Cancer Study (ARTS) reported dutasteride reduced PSA doubling (PSADT) at two years by 66% and disease progression by 59%. The durability of the cancer control is unknown.ObjectiveExplore the impact of dutasteride on PSADT and time to progression in men with PSA-only recurrent disease.Design, Setting and ParticipantsRetrospective examination of the impact of dutasteride on PSA kinetics and time to progression with PSA-only recurrent prostate cancer.InterventionDutasteride daily.Outcome, Measurement and Statistical AnalysisChange in PSA over time was determined by linear regression of natural log of PSA versus time. The slope of that curve was used as a measure of exponential PSA progression. Impact of dutasteride on slope was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank two-sided test. Time to progression was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier, univariant and multivariant Cox regression.Results and LimitationCompared to men with BPH, patients showed little change in PSA during the first 3 months. Thereafter, the PSA resumed an exponential increase. PSADT was 10.3 months pre dutasteride and 24.8 months post dutasteride. Multivariant analysis showed a strong correlation between post dutasteride PSA kinetics and time to progression, with close to 50% relapse free at 10 years. Post-dutasteride, patients with PSADT >9 months had significantly better survival.ConclusionsDutasteride slows PSADT in PSA-only recurrent prostate cancer. This decline correlated with time to disease progression with close to 50% progression free at 10 years.Patient SummaryMen with PSA-only recurrent prostate cancer on dutasteride experience a significant drop in the rate at which the PSA increases. If the PSA does not double between months 3-12, they are likely to remain free of metastases for many years.
Mouse Adapted SARS-CoV-2 protects animals from lethal SARS-CoV challenge
Authors: Muruato Antonio , Vu Michelle N. , Johnson Bryan A. , Davis-Gardner Meredith E. , Vanderheiden Abigail , Lokugmage Kumari , Schindewolf Craig , Crocquet-Valdes Patricia A. , Langsjoen Rose M. , Plante Jessica A. , Plante Kenneth S. , Weaver Scott C. , Debbink Kari , Routh Andrew L. , Walker David , Suthar Mehul S. , Xie Xuping , Shi Pei-Yong , Menachery Vineet D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a worldwide pandemic causing significant damage to public health and the economy. Efforts to understand the mechanisms of COVID-19 disease have been hampered by the lack of robust mouse models. To overcome this barrier, we utilized a reverse genetic system to generate a mouse-adapted strain of SARS-CoV-2. Incorporating key mutations found in SARSCoV-2 variants, this model recapitulates critical elements of human infection including viral replication in the lung, immune cell infiltration, and significantin vivodisease. Importantly, mouse-adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 does not impair replication in human airway cells and maintains antigenicity similar to human SARS-CoV-2 strains. Utilizing this model, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infected mice are protected from lethal challenge with the original SARS-CoV, suggesting immunity from heterologous CoV strains. Together, the results highlight the utility of this mouse model for further study of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease.
Volumetric alteration of olfactory bulb and immune-related molecular changes in olfactory epithelium in first episode psychosis patients
Authors: Yang Kun , Hua Jun , Etyemez Semra , Paez Adrian , Prasad Neal , Ishizuka Koko , Sawa Akira , Kamath Vidyulata 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundOlfactory dysfunction has been reproducibly reported in patients with psychosis, including first episode psychosis (FEP) patients. Consistently, structural abnormalities in the olfactory bulb (OB), a key region of the peripheral olfactory system, have also been reported in psychotic disorders. Meanwhile, air pollution and viral infections in the upper respiratory tract, including those of SARS-CoV-2, are reportedly risk factors for brain dysfunction and mental disorders. These risk factors can disturb the olfactory epithelium (OE) that is located adjacent to the OB and connected via direct neuronal projections. Nevertheless, it is unknown how a disturbance of the OE possibly affects the OB in the pathophysiological context of psychotic disorders.MethodsWe examined the volume of the OB in FEP patients and healthy controls from 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and molecular expression profiles of olfactory neuronal cells (ONCs) enriched from freshly biopsied OE.ResultsWe observed a reduction of the OB volume in FEP patients compared with healthy controls. We also observed a significant alteration in gene expression profiles in the ONCs from FEP patients, supporting the pathological changes in the OE. Among such molecular changes, immune-related molecules and pathways were underscored in association with the OB volume changes in FEP patients.ConclusionsOur data support the OB and OE pathologies in FEP patients. Immune-related molecular changes in the OE can biologically link adverse factors in the nasal cavity, such as air pollution and viral infection, with the OB structural change, both of which have been reported for psychotic disorders.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Risk Factors among Convalescents in Sichuan Province, China: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Li Cheng , Yang Huiping , Yuan Heng , Pan Ming , Cheng Xiuwei , Xiao Chongkun , Su Xiaoyan , Zhu Yuanfang , Xu Jianan , Tang Jianxiang , Du Xunbo , Peng Huanwen , Xiao Chen , Huang Tao , Liao Hongxiu , Xian Deqiang , Liao Hongxiu , Wang HaoZhou , Liu Wenwu , Ping Zhou , Zhang Zhengdong , Juan Liu , Wu Xianping , Zhang Tao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo understand SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of convalescents and assess their the immunity. Furthermore, we intend to explore the association between antibody levels and with demographic factors.Methods177 COVID-19 convalescents in Sichuan Province were voluntarily participated in our study. 363 serum samples were collected from June, 2020 to November, 2020. Duration of seroprevelance in these convalescents and their demographic characteristics were described, and the risk factors to antibody levels were analysed.ResultsMen had more than twice the odds of having IgM antibody positive compared with women (OR=2.419, 95% CI:[1.232, 4.751]). Participants without symptoms were nearly 0.5 times IgG seropositive than those with symptoms (OR=0.455, 95% CI: [0.220, 0.940]). People aged≥60 years were nearly 3 times IgG seropositive than those who aged < 20 years (OR=2.986, 95% CI: [1.058, 8.432]). Seroprevalence in asymptomatic declined quicker than symptomatic.ConclusionsAge and gender may affect the antibody levels and seroprevalence. Asymptomatic appeared more easier to turn to seronegative than symptomatic.
Cell-type specific requirement for pyruvate dehydrogenase in hematopoiesis and leukemia development
Authors: Jun Sojeong , Mahesula Swetha , Mathews Thomas P. , Martin-Sandoval Misty S. , Zhao Zhiyu , Piskounova Elena , Agathocleous Michalis 
Published: May 2021

SUMMARYCancer cells have different metabolic requirements as compared to their corresponding normal tissues. This is thought to reflect metabolic reprogramming during transformation. An alternative possibility is that some metabolic requirements of cancer cells reflect a maintenance of the metabolism of the specific normal cell type from which cancer cells originate. Here, we investigate this hypothesis by comparing glucose use in normal hematopoiesis and in leukemia. T cell progenitors in the thymus were glucose avid and oxidized more glucose in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle through pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) as compared to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or other hematopoietic cells. PDH deletion reduced the number of double positive (DP) T cell progenitors but had no effect on HSCs, myeloid progenitors and other hematopoietic cells we examined. PDH deletion blocked the development of T cell leukemia fromPten-deficient DP progenitors, but not the development of a myeloid neoplasm fromPten-deficient HSCs or myeloid progenitors. Therefore, the requirement of glucose oxidation for leukemia development is inherited from the normal cell of origin and occurs independently of the driver genetic lesion. PDH was not requiredin vivoto generate acetyl-CoA or maintain levels of TCA cycle metabolites but to prevent pyruvate accumulation and to maintain glutathione levels and redox homeostasis.