bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A spatio-temporal study of state-wide case-fatality risks during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Aldana Ricardo , Gomez-Verjan Juan Carlos , Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Naranjo Lizbeth 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe study case-fatality risks (risks of dying in sick individuals) corresponding to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. Spatio-temporal analysis by state were performed, mainly from April to September 2020, including descriptive analyses through mapping and time series representations, and the fit of linear mixed models and time series clustering to analyze trends by state. The association of comorbidities and other variables with the risks were studied by fitting a spatial panel data linear model (splm). As results, we observed that on average the greatest risks were reached by July, and that highest risks were observed in some states, Baja California Norte, Chiapas, and Sonora; interestingly, some densely populated states, as Mexico City, had lower values. Different trends by state were observed, and a four-order polynomial, including fixed and random effects, was necessary to model them. The most general structure is one in which the risks increase and then decrease and was observed in states belonging to two clusters; however, there is a cluster corresponding to states with a retarded increase, and another in which increasing risks through time were observed. A cyclic behavior in terms of states having a second increasing trend was observed. Finally, according to the splm, percentage of men, being in the group of 50 years and over, chronic kidney disease failure, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and hypertension were positively associated with the case-fatality risks. This analysis may provide valuable insight into COVID-19 dynamics in future outbreaks, as well as the determinants of these trends at a state level; and, by combining spatial and temporal information, provide a better understanding of COVID-19 case-fatality.
A spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline deleterious variants in ovarian cancer in Russia
Authors: Kechin Andrey , Boyarskikh Ulyana , Barinov Alexey , Tanas Alexander , Kazakova Svetlana , Zhevlova Anastasia , Khrapov Evgeniy , Subbotin Sergey , Mishukova Olga , Kekeeva Tatiana , Demidova Irina , Filipenko Maxim 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPathogenic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are essential biomarkers of an increased breast and ovarian cancer risk and tumor sensitivity to poly ADP ribose (PARP) inhibitors. In many countries, their detection includes patient prescreening with quantitative PCR (qPCR) identifying several founder mutations. In Russia, eight mutations are included in such tests, among which c.5266dup (5382insC) is the most frequently identified one. Here, we showed the distribution of 1406 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in BRCA1/2 genes identified in ovarian cancer patients recruited into the study from 72 Russian regions in 2015-2021. The most of mutations were detected with qPCR, for qPCR mutation negative samples, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) covering whole coding sequences of the genes was applied. As expected, the most abundant mutations were c.5266dupC (41.0%), c.4035delA (7.0%), c.1961delA (6.3%), c.181T>G (5.2%), c.3756_3759delGTCT (1.8%), c.3700_3704delGTAAA (1.5%), and c.68_69delAG (1.5%). However, we identified several mutations which were more frequent than the founder c.5946delT mutation (also known as 6174delT, 0.5% of participants): c.5152+1G>T (1.2%), c.1687C>T (1.0%), c.4689C>G (0.9%), c.1510delC (0.6%), c.2285_2286delGA (0.6%) in the BRCA1 gene; and c.5286T>G (1.2%), c.2808_2811delACAA (0.8%), c.658_659delGT (0.7%), c.7879A>T (0.6%), c.3847_3848delGT (0.6%) in the BRCA2 gene. Having developed an NGS-targeted panel on SNPs flanking BRCA2 c.5286T>G, we showed the founder effect for this mutation and suggested that it arose about 700 years ago that is twice later that it is thought for the c.5266dupC. The total occurrence of mutations identified in at least 10 participants (13 mutations) was only 70%. To our knowledge, eighty-nine mutations (identified in 8% of participants) have not been described previously. Thus, this study may help in improving prescreening qPCR tests and extend our knowledge about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes variability in ovarian cancer patients.
Mental Health of HBCU College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Sharron Xuanren , Goodman Jarid 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study investigated rates and predictors of mental health issues (e.g., depression and anxiety) in a sample of college students currently attending a historically Black college/university (HBCU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Participants/Methods98 undergraduate students (81 female and 17 male) completed an online survey containing questions about demographics, socioeconomic status, academic characteristics, and pandemic-related concerns. The survey also included PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires to evaluate depression and anxiety, respectively.Results49% of students met the clinical cutoff for depression, 39% for anxiety, and 52% for depression and/or anxiety. Significant predictors of meeting the cutoffs included parental job loss/hour reduction, being a senior, and feeling that the pandemic negatively impacted daily life, among other factors. Demographic variables (age, gender, etc.) had no effect.ConclusionHBCU students show high rates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be predicted based on the student’s academic, socioeconomic, and pandemic-related concerns.
Reduced dementia incidence following varicella zoster vaccination in Wales 2013–2020
Authors: Schnier Christian , Janbek Janet , Lathe Richard , Haas Jürgen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractINTRODUCTIONChronic infection with herpes viruses is a potential contributing factor to the development of dementia. The introduction of nationwide shingles (varicella zoster) vaccination in Wales might therefore be associated with reduced incident dementia.METHODSWe analyzed the association of shingles vaccination with incident dementia in Wales between 2013 and 2020 using retrospectively collected national health data.RESULTSVaccinated individuals were at reduced risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.75). The association was not modified by a reduction in shingles diagnosis and was stronger for vascular dementia than for Alzheimer’s disease. Vaccination was also associated with a reduction in several other diseases and all-cause mortality.DISCUSSIONOur study shows a clear association of shingles vaccination with reduced dementia, consistent with other observational cohort studies. The association may reflect selection bias with people choosing to be vaccinated having a higher healthy life expectancy.
Hypocalcemia and Acute Pulmonary Embolism Hospitalizations in the United States: Highlights from the propensity matched 2017 Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: Murthi Mukunthan , Shaka Hafeez , El-amir Zain , Velagapudi Sujitha , Jamil Abdul , Wani Farah , Atluri Ramtej , Kumar Akshay , Kichloo Asim 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause for hospitalization associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Disorders of calcium metabolism are a frequently encountered medical problem. The effect of hypocalcemia is not well defined on the outcomes of patients with PE. We aimed to identify the prognostic value of hypocalcemia in hospitalized PE patients utilizing the 2017 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). In this retrospective study, we selected patients with a primary diagnosis of Acute PE using ICD 10 codes. They were further stratified based on the presence of hypocalcemia. We primarily aimed to compare in-hospital mortality for PE patients with and without hypocalcemia. In the 2017 NIS, 187,989 patients had a principal diagnosis of acute PE. Among the above study group, 1565(0.8%)had an additional diagnosis of hypocalcemia. 12.4% of PE patients with hypocalcemia died in the hospital in comparison to 2.95% without hypocalcemia. On multivariate regression analysis, PE and hypocalcemia patients had 4 times higher odds (aOR-4.03, 95% CI 2.78-5.84, p<0.001) of in-hospital mortality compared to those with only PE. We observed a similarly high odds of mortality(aOR=4.4) on 1:1 propensity-matched analysis. The incidence of acute kidney injury (aOR=2.62, CI 1.95-3.52, p<0.001), acute respiratory failure (a0R=1.84, CI 1.42-2.38, p<0.001), sepsis (aOR=4.99, CI 3.08-8.11, p<0.001) and arrhythmias (aOR=2.63, CI 1.99-3.48, p<0.001) were also higher for PE patients with hypocalcemia. Thus, PE patients with hypocalcemia have higher in-hospital complications and mortality than those without hypocalcemia.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 variant on the severity of maternal infection and perinatal outcomes: Data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System national cohort
Authors: Vousden Nicola , Ramakrishnan Rema , Bunch Kathryn , Morris Edward , Simpson Nigel , Gale Christopher , O’Brien Patrick , Quigley Maria , Brocklehurst Peter , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Knight Marian 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn the UK, the Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 became dominant in late 2020, rapidly succeeded by the Delta variant in May 2021. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of these variants on severity of maternal infection and perinatal outcomes within the time-periods in which they predominated.MethodsThis national, prospective cohort study collated data on hospitalised pregnant women with symptoms of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and compared the severity of infection and perinatal outcomes across the Wildtype (01/03/20-30/11/20), Alpha (01/12/20-15/05/21) and Delta dominant periods (16/05/21-11/07/21), using multivariable logistic regression.FindingsOf 3371 pregnant women, the proportion that experienced moderate to severe infection significantly increased between Wildtype and Alpha periods (24.4% vs. 35.8%; aOR1.75 95%CI 1.48-2.06), and between Alpha and Delta periods (35.8% vs. 45.0%; aOR1.53, 95%CI 1.07-2.17). Compared to the Wildtype period, symptomatic women admitted in the Alpha period were more likely to require respiratory support (27.2% vs. 20.3%, aOR1.39, 95%CI 1.13-1.78), have pneumonia (27.5% vs. 19.1%, aOR1.65, 95%CI 1.38-1.98) and be admitted to intensive care (11.3% vs. 7.7%, aOR1.61, 95%CI 1.24-2.10). Women admitted during the Delta period had further increased risk of pneumonia (36.8% vs. 27.5%, aOR1.64 95%CI 1.14-2.35). No fully vaccinated pregnant women were admitted between 01/02/2021 when vaccination data collection commenced and 11/07/2021. The proportion of women receiving pharmacological therapies for SARS-CoV-2 management was low, even in those critically ill.InterpretationSARS-CoV-2 infection during Alpha and Delta dominant periods was associated with more severe infection and worse pregnancy outcomes compared to the Wildtype infection, which itself increased risk compared to women without SARS-CoV-2 infection.1 Clinicians need to be aware and implement COVID-specific therapies in keeping with national guidance. Urgent action to tackle vaccine misinformation and policy change to prioritise uptake in pregnancy is essential.FundingNational Institute for Health Research HS&DR Programme (11/46/12).
The olfactory organ is a unique site for resident neutrophils in the brain
Authors: Palominos M. Fernanda , Candia Danissa , Paz Jorge Torres , Whitlock Kathleen E. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFor decades we have known that the brain “drains” through the subarachnoid space following a route that crosses the cribriform plate to the nasal mucosa and cervical lymph nodes. Yet little is known about the potential role of the olfactory epithelia and associated lymphatic vasculature in the immune response. To better understand the immune response in the olfactory organs we used cell-specific fluorescent reporter lines in dissected, intact adult brains to visualize blood-lymphatic vasculature and neutrophils in the olfactory sensory system. Here we show that the extensive blood vasculature of the olfactory organs is associated with a lymphatic cell type resembling high endothelial venules (HEVs) of the lymph nodes in mammals and a second resembling Mural Lymphatic Endothelial Cells (muLECs) that extended from the brain to the peripheral olfactory epithelia. Surprisingly, the olfactory organs contained the only neutrophil populations observed in the brain. Damage to the olfactory epithelia resulted in a rapid increase of neutrophils within the olfactory organs as well as the appearance of neutrophils in the brain suggesting that neutrophils enter the brain in response to damage. Analysis of cell division during and after damage showed an increase in BrdU labeling in the olfactory epithelia and a subset of the neutrophils. Our results reveal a unique population of neutrophils in the olfactory organs that are associated with an extensive lymphatic vasculature suggesting a dual olfactory-immune function for this unique sensory system.HighlightsThe olfactory organ is the only region of the brain that contains resident neutrophils in the adult animal.Damage to olfactory sensory neurons triggers a rapid mobilization of neutrophils within the olfactory organ and in the central nervous system.Two types of lymphatic vasculature resembling Mural Lymphatic Endothelial Cells (muLEC) and High Endothelial Venules (HEV) are present in the olfactory sensory system.Lymphatic vasculature resembling Mural Lymphatic Endothelial Cells (muLEC) wrap the olfactory bulbs and extend across the cribriform plate to olfactory epithelia.
Mechanisms of phosphatidylserine influence on viral production: a computational model of Ebola virus matrix protein assembly
Authors: Liu Xiao , Pappas Ethan J. , Husby Monica L. , Motsa Balindile B. , Stahelin Robert V. , Pienaar Elsje 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEbola virus (EBOV) infections continue to pose a global public health threat, with high mortality rates and sporadic outbreaks in Central and Western Africa. A quantitative understanding of the key processes driving EBOV assembly and budding could provide valuable insights to inform drug development. Here we used a computational model to evaluate EBOV matrix assembly. Our model focused on the assembly kinetics of VP40, the matrix protein in EBOV, and its interaction with phosphatidylserine (PS) in the host cell membrane. Human cells transfected with VP40-expressing plasmids are capable of producing virus-like particles (VLPs) that closely resemble EBOV virions. We used data from this in vitro VP40 system to calibrate our computational model. PS levels in the host cell membrane had been shown to affect VP40 dynamics as well as VLP production through recruiting VP40 dimers to plasma membrane inner leaflet. Our computational results indicated that PS may have direct influence on VP40 filament growth and affect multiple steps in the assembly and budding of VP40 VLPs. We also proposed that the assembly of VP40 filaments may follow the nucleation-elongation theory where initialization and oligomerization of VP40 are two separate and distinct steps in the assembly process. This work illustrated how computational and experimental approaches can be combined to allow for additional analysis and hypothesis generation. Our findings advanced understanding of the molecular process of EBOV assembly and budding processes and may help the development of new EBOV treatments targeting VP40 matrix assembly.
Intrinsic water use efficiency depends on stomatal aperture rather than stomatal density in C3 and C4 grasses grown at glacial CO2 and low light
Authors: Israel Walter Krystler , Watson-Lazowski Alexander , Chen Zhong-Hua , Ghannoum Oula 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTWe investigated how stomatal morphology and physiology control intrinsic leaf water use efficiency (iWUE) in grasses. Two C3 and six C4 grasses were grown at ambient (400 µl L-1) or glacial CO2 (180 µl L-1) and high (1000 µmol m-2 s-1) or low light intensity (200 µmol m-2 s-1). C4 grasses tended to have higher iWUE and CO2 assimilation rates, and lower stomatal conductance (gs), operational stomatal aperture (aop) and guard cell K+ influx rate relative to C3 grasses, while stomatal size (SS) and stomatal density (SD) did not vary according to the photosynthetic type. Overall, iWUE and gs depended most on aop and density of open stomata. In turn, aop correlated with K+ influx, stomatal opening speed on transition to high light and SS. Species with higher SD had smaller and faster-opening stomata. Although C4 grasses operated with lower gs and aop at ambient CO2, they showed a greater potential to open stomata relative to maximal stomatal conductance (gmax), indicating heightened stomatal sensitivity and control. We uncover novel links between aop, gs, iWUE and K+ influx amongst grasses and differential K+ influx responses of C4 guard cells to low light, revealing molecular targets for breeding crops with high iWUE.HighlightsAcross C3 and six C4 grasses, intrinsic water use efficiency was strongly associated with stomatal conductance, operational stomatal aperture, guard cell K+ influx and stomatal opening speed on transition to high light.
Antiviral metabolite 3’-Deoxy-3’,4’-didehydro-cytidine is detectable in serum and identifies acute viral infections including COVID-19
Authors: Mehta Ravi , Chekmeneva Elena , Jackson Heather , Sands Caroline , Mills Ewurabena , Arancon Dominique , Li Ho Kwong , Arkell Paul , Rawson Timothy M. , Hammond Robert , Amran Maisarah , Haber Anna , Cooke Graham , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Kaforou Myrsini , Lewis Matthew , Takats Zoltan , Sriskandan Shiranee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThere is a critical need for improved infectious disease diagnostics to enable rapid case identification in a viral pandemic and support targeted antimicrobial prescribing. Here we use high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to compare the admission serum metabolome of patients attending hospital with a range of viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, to those with bacterial infections, non-infected inflammatory conditions and healthy controls. We demonstrate for the first time that 3’-Deoxy-3’,4’-didehydro-cytidine (ddhC), a free base of the only known human antiviral small molecule ddhC-triphosphate (ddhCTP), is detectable in serum. ddhC acts as an accurate biomarker for viral infections, generating an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.954 (95% confidence interval 0.923-0.986) when comparing viral to non-viral cases. Gene expression of viperin, the enzyme responsible for ddhCTP synthesis, is highly correlated with ddhC, providing a biological mechanism for its increase during viral infection. These findings underline a key future diagnostic role of ddhC in the context of pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial stewardship.
A cross-sectional study of psychosocial factors and sickness presenteeism in Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Masuda Masashi , Ishimaru Tomohiro , Hino Ayako , Ando Hajime , Tateishi Seiichiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Tsuji Mayumi , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe examined the association between socioeconomic and health status, and lifestyle and sickness presenteeism among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 epidemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an Internet-monitor survey was conducted in December, 2020 in Japan. Of 33,302 survey participants, we analyzed 27,036 participants (13,814 men and 13,222 women) who reported experience with sickness presenteeism.ResultsThe odds ratio (OR) of sickness presenteeism associated with unmarried versus married status was 1.15. Respective figures for other variables were 1.11 for manual laboring work compared to desk work; 1.79 and 2.29 for loss of employment at the time the pandemic began and continuation of unemployment compared to maintaining employment during the pandemic; and 3.34 for a feeling of financial instability compared to stability.ConclusionThe issue of sickness presenteeism has become more prominent under the COVID-19 epidemic.
Prevention and Control of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections in Adult Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Ginseng-Based Clinical Trials
Authors: Adusei-Mensah Frank , Agjei Richard Osei , Awoniyi Luqman Oluwaseun , David Lekpa K. , Awoniyi Fatima Badmus , Adeyemi Oluwafikayo S. , Olawuni Adedayo , Adegbite Ayobami 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionAcute respiratory infections are continuously emerging. Discovered in Wuhan city, China in 2019, COV-SARS-2 and most viral respiratory diseases presently do not have a definitive cure. This paper aims to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of ginseng for prevention and control of acute respiratory illness including SARS-COV-2 in adult population.MethodWe performed a systematic literature review using databases PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane library from 1st through the 27th of April 2020. All related articles that reported the use of Ginseng in COVID-19 patients were included in this analysis. Screening was done by 2-independent researchers. The meta-analysis was performed using comprehensive meta-analysis package.Result596 articles were retrieved for the time frame. After screening, 5 articles with RCTs outcomes relevant to the review were selected. Ginseng was found to be effective in the reduction of risk by 38 % and 3-days shorter duration of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in all trials than placebo.ConclusionAs the world continues to race to find a cure, it is important to consider the use of ginseng which has been proven over the years to be effective in the treatment of acute respiratory illnesses. Further studies should however be conducted to determine the right dosage to improve efficacy and prevent adverse events.FundingThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.Highlight⍰COVID-19 is very infectious ravaging the globe⍰Millions have been infected and hundreds of thousands lost their lives to COVID-19⍰Due to absence of vaccines, urgent search for vaccines and drugs is still underway⍰Ginseng has been useful in similar respiratory viral infections in the past⍰Current paper throws more light on the need to consider ginseng for COVID-19 control
Knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19 among the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Jubayer Md. Fahad , Islam Limon Md. Tariqul , Rana Md. Masud , Kayshar Md. Shahidullah , Arifin Md. Shoaib , Uddin AHM Musleh , Rahman Mazumder Md. Anisur 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThe Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh has become more vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their living and environmental conditions. The current study represents an assessment of the Rohingya people’s COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) at eight refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. This cross-sectional study was completed with a total of 400 responses between July and September of 2020. A questionnaire was created to assess demographic characteristics (5 items), knowledge (10 items), attitude (5 items), practices (5 items), and information sources (1 item). Aside from the total KAP scores, the scores are also presented based on demographic variables. The KAP of the respondents were not satisfactory, with scores of 5.8 ±1.8, 2.2 ± 1.0, and 0.9 ± 0.7, respectively. We found significant differences only in the knowledge scores based on education and gender. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of COVID-19 training that focuses on behavioral changes for the Rohingya people in Bangladesh.