bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relationship between resting state intra-network connectivity and accelerometer-measured physical activity in pediatric concussion: A cohort study
Authors: Sharma Bhanu , Obeid Joyce , DeMatteo Carol , Noseworthy Michael D. , Timmons Brian W. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore the association between resting state functional connectivity and accelerometer-measured physical activity in pediatric concussion.MethodsFourteen children with concussion (aged 14.54 ± 2.39 years, 8 female) were included in this secondary data-analysis. Participants had neuroimaging at 15.3 ± 6.7 days post-injury and subsequently a mean of 11.1 ± 5.0 days of accelerometer data. Intra-network connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), sensorimotor network (SMN), salience network (SN), and fronto-parietal network (FPN) was computed.ResultsPer general linear models, only intra-network connectivity of the DMN was associated with habitual physical activity levels. More specifically, increased intra-network connectivity of the DMN was significantly associated with higher levels of subsequent accelerometer-measured light physical activity (F(2,11) = 7.053, p = 0.011, Ra2 = 0.562; β = 0.469), moderate physical activity (F(2,11) = 7.053, p = 0.011, Ra2 = 0.562; β = 0.725), and vigorous physical activity (F(2,11) = 10.855, p = 0.002, Ra2 = 0.664; β = 0.79). Intra-network connectivity of the DMN did not significantly predict sedentary time. Likewise, the SMN, SA, and FPN were not significantly associated with either sedentary time or physical activity.ConclusionThese findings suggest that there is a positive association between the intra-network connectivity of the DMN and device-measured physical activity in children with concussion. Given that DMN impairment can be commonplace following concussion, this may be associated with lower levels of habitual physical activity, which can preclude children from experiencing the symptom-improving benefits of sub-maximal physical activity.KEY FINDINGSWhat are the new findings?Intra-network connectivity of the default mode network is associated with subsequent accelerometer-measured light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity within the first-month of pediatric concussionSimilar associations with physical activity are not observed when examining the intra-network connectivity of the sensorimotor network, salience network, or fronto-parietal networkImproved connectivity within the default mode network may lead to increased participation in light to vigorous physical activity in pediatric concussionHow might it impact on clinical practice in the future?Default mode network impairment is commonplace in concussion, and this may limit children from experiencing the symptom-improving benefits of physical activityAdjunctive interventions (e.g., mindfulness) that improve the health of the default mode network should be further studied in pediatric concussion
Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in moss with blood biomarker among nearby residents in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Burstyn Igor , Donovan Geoffrey H. , Michael Yvonne L. , Jovan Sarah 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a component of air pollutants that are costly to measure using traditional air-quality monitoring methods. We used an epiphytic bio-indicator (moss genus: Orthotrichum) to cost-effectively evaluate atmospheric deposition of PAHs in Portland, Oregon in May 2013. However, it is unclear if measurements derived from these bioindicators are good proxies for human exposure. To address this question, we simultaneously, measured PAH-DNA adducts in blood samples of non-smokers residing close to the sites of moss measurements. We accounted for individual determinants of PAH uptake that are not related to environmental air quality through questionnaires, e.g., wood fires, consumption of barbecued and fried meats. Correlation and linear regression (to control for confounders from the lifestyle factors) evaluated the associations. We did not observe evidence of an association between PAH levels in moss and PAH-DNA adducts in blood of nearby residents, but higher level of adduct were evident in those who used wood fire in their houses in the last 48 hours. It remains to be determined whether bio-indicators in moss can be used for human health risk assessment.HighlightsConcentration of PAH in moss do not relate to DNA adducts of PAH in blood of nearby residents in our sample.Content of moss may not be suitable for assessing exposure to PAH among humans.
Identifying and alleviating bias due to differential depletion of susceptible people in post-marketing evaluations of COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Kahn Rebecca , Schrag Stephanie J. , Verani Jennifer R. , Lipsitch Marc 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecent studies have provided key information about SARS-CoV-2 vaccines’ efficacy and effectiveness (VE). One important question that remains is whether the protection conferred by vaccines wanes over time. However, estimates over time are subject to bias from differential depletion of susceptibles between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Here we examine the extent to which biases occur under different scenarios and assess whether serologic testing has the potential to correct this bias. By identifying non-vaccine antibodies, these tests could identify individuals with prior infection. We find in scenarios with high baseline VE, differential depletion of susceptibles creates minimal bias in VE estimates, suggesting that any observed declines are likely not due to spurious waning alone. However, if baseline VE is lower, the bias for leaky vaccines (that reduce individual probability of infection given contact) is larger and should be corrected by excluding individuals with past infection if the mechanism is known to be leaky. Conducting analyses both unadjusted and adjusted for past infection could give lower and upper bounds for the true VE. Studies of VE should therefore enroll individuals regardless of prior infection history but also collect information, ideally through serologic testing, on this critical variable.
Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 disease: A retrospective comparative study of patients treated with and without Remdesivir
Authors: Madan Surabhi , Patel Amit , Sharan Kartikae , Ghosh Shayon , Venugopal Vishnu , Shah Nitesh , Shah Bhagyesh , Thakkar Vipul , Chovatiya Rashmi , Shah Hardik , Dabhi Pradip , Patel Minesh , Meghnathi Bhowmik , Sankhla Vineet , Kapoor Vipul , Patel Tejas , Soni Maulik , Bapat Nirav , Shah Kaivan , Chandarana Ritanshu , Bhatt Parloop , Rana Manish 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundRemdesivir (RDV) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been found to be beneficial in patients with severe disease; however, its role in mild-moderate disease and its optimal timing need to be identified.ObjectiveTo assess the course of illness and final outcome in patients who received RDV at various stages of illness, and compare it to the non-RDV group.MethodsThis is a retrospective data analysis of 1262 COVID-19 patients hospitalized from May5, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The primary outcomes were progression to mechanical ventilation (MV) or death. Kaplan Meier survival analysis and log rank test were used for evaluating primary outcomes.Results398 patients comprised the RDV group and 260 patients comprised the non-RDV group. 2/3rd of patients were above 50 years of age in both the groups and 3/4th patients were male. Mortality rate was 5.8% in RDV group (10.4% in non-RDV group). Mortality rate was 3.6%, 4% and 16.7% when RDV was started within 5 days, 5 to 10 days and after 10 days of symptom onset respectively. Fewer patients in RDV group progressed to MV (4.0% v/s 8.2%). Earlier discharge occurred in RDV group. Use of supplemental oxygen was observed in 44.7% patients in RDV group (54.2% in non-RDV group). No significant adverse events were observed with RDV. Survival analysis showed that probability of event (death) was significant for patients with hypertension (HT) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) in RDV group.ConclusionEarly initiation of RDV is associated with shorter hospital stay, lower mortality as well as reduced need for supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation.
Antibody and T cell responses to Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV in naïve and previously infected individuals in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jeewandara Chandima , Aberathna Inoka Sepali , Pushpakumara Pradeep Darshana , Kamaladasa Achala , Guruge Dinuka , Jayathilaka Deshni , Gunasekara Banuri , Tanussiya Shyrar , Kuruppu Heshan , Ranasinghe Thushali , Dayarathne Shashika , Dissanayake Osanda , Gamalath Nayanathara , Ekanayake Dinithi , Jayamali MPDJ , Wijesinghe Ayesha , Dissanayake Madushika , Madusanka Deshan , Jayadas Tibutius Thanesh , Mudunkotuwa Anushika , Somathilake Gayasha , Harvie Michel , Nimasha Thashmi , Danasekara Saubhagya , Wijayamuni Ruwan , Schimanski Lisa , Tan Tiong K. , Dong Tao , Townsend Alain , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundAs there are limited data of the immunogenicity of the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV in different populations, antibody responses against different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and T cell responses, we investigated the immunogenicity of the vaccine, in individuals in Sri Lanka.MethodsSARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were measured in 282 individuals who were seronegative at baseline, and ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the wild type (WT), B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and B.1.617.2, ex vivo and cultured IFNγ ELISpot assays, intracellular cytokine secretion assays and B cell ELISpot assays were carried out in a sub cohort of the vaccinees at 4 weeks and at 6 weeks (2 weeks after the second dose).Results95% of the vaccinees seroconverted, although the seroconversion rates were significantly lower (p<0.001) in individuals >60 years (93.3%) compared to those who were 20 to 39 years (98.9%). 81.25% had ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies at 6 weeks, and there was no difference in these antibody titres in vaccine sera compared to convalescent sera (p=0.44). Vaccinees had significantly less (p<0.0001) antibodies to the RBD of WT and B.1.1.7, although there was no difference in antibodies to the RBD of B.1.351 and B.1.617.2 compared to convalescent sera. 27.7% of 46.4% of vaccinees had ex vivo IFNγ and cultured ELISpot responses respectively, and IFNγ and CD107a responses were detected by flow cytometry.ConclusionsSinopharm/BBIBP-CorV appeared to induce high seroconversion rates and induce a similar level of antibody responses against ACE2 receptor, B.1.617.2 and B.1.351 as seen following natural infection.
Axial spondyloarthritis patients have altered mucosal IgA response to oral and fecal microbiota
Authors: Gill Tejpal , Stauffer Patrick , Asquith Mark , Laderas Ted , Martin Tammy M. , Davin Sean , Schleisman Matthew , Ramirez Claire , Ogle Kimberly , Lindquist Ingrid , Nguyen Justine , Planck Stephen R. , Shaut Carley , Diamond Sarah , Rosenbaum James T. , Karstens Lisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients have an altered immunoglobulin A (IgA) response in the gut and oral microbial communities.MethodsWe performed 16S rRNA gene (16S) sequencing on IgA positive (IgA+) and IgA negative (IgA−) fractions (IgA-SEQ) from feces (n=17 AxSpA; n=14 healthy) and saliva (n=17 AxSpA; n=12 healthy), as well as on IgA-unsorted fecal and salivary samples. PICRUSt2 was used to predict microbial metabolic potential in AxSpA patients and healthy controls (HCs).ResultsIgA-SEQ revealed enrichment of several microbes in the fecal (Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospira) and salivary (Prevotellaceae, Actinobacillus) microbiome in AxSpA patients as compared with HCs. Fecal microbiome from AxSpA patients showed a trend towards increased alpha diversity of the IgA+ fraction and decreased diversity in the IgA− fraction in comparison with HCs, while the salivary microbiome exhibits a significant decrease in alpha diversity in both IgA+ and IgA− fractions. Increased IgA coating of Clostridiales Family XIII correlated with disease severity. Inferred metagenomic analysis suggests perturbation of metabolites and metabolic pathways for inflammation (oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione metabolism) and metabolism (propanoate and butanoate metabolism) in AxSpA patients.ConclusionsAnalyses of fecal and salivary microbes from AxSpA patients reveal distinct populations of immunoreactive microbes using novel IgA-SEQ approach, which were not captured by comparing their relative abundance with HCs. Predictive metagenomic analysis revealed perturbation of metabolites/metabolic pathways in AxSpA patients. Future studies on these immunoreactive microbes may lead to better understanding of the functional role of IgA in maintaining microbial structure and human health.
Exposition to airborne SARS-CoV-2 in household and hospitals settings as studied by a vacuum cleaner as a high-powered air sampler
Authors: de Man Peter , Ortiz Marco , Bluyssen Philomena M. , de Man Stijn J. , Rentmeester Marie-Jozé , van der Vliet Marijke , Wils Evert-Jan , Ong David S.Y. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to study the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in air surrounding infected healthcare workers (HCW) in their homes versus infected patients who were undergoing potential aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMP). We also studied the effect of different face masks worn bij infected persons on spread of SARS-CoV-2 into the air.MethodsWe developed a high-volume air sampler method that uses a household vacuum cleaner with a surgical mask serving as a sample filter. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was harvested from these sample filters and analyzed on the presence of RNA by polymerase chain reaction. We acquired air samples in close aproximity of HCWs wearing different facemasks. Also, we obtained free air samples away from the infected HCWs and samples near intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing AGMP. Fog experiments were performed to visualize the airflow around our air sampler.ResultsAerosols were visibly suctioned into the vacuum cleaner when there was no face mask, whereas wearing a face mask resulted in a delayed and reduced flow of aerosols into the vacuum cleaner. The face masks that were worn by the HCWs were positive in 54-83% of cases. The proportion of positive air samples was higher in household settings of recently infected HCWs (29/41; 70.7%) compared to ICU settings (4/17; 23.5%) (p<0.01).ConclusionThis high-volume air sampler method was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples. Air samples in the household environment of recently infected HCWs more frequently contained SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to those obtained in patient rooms during potential AGMP.
Genome-wide association analysis reveals extensive genetic overlap between mood instability and psychiatric disorders but divergent patterns of genetic effects
Authors: Hindley Guy , O’Connell Kevin S. , Rahman Zillur , Frei Oleksandr , Bahrami Shahram , Shadrin Alexey , Høegh Margrethe Collier , Cheng Weiqiu , Karadag Naz , Lin Aihua , Rødevand Linn , Fan Chun C. , Djurovic Srdjan , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Dale Anders M. , Smeland Olav B. , Andreassen Ole A. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTMood instability (MOOD) is a transdiagnostic phenomenon with a prominent neurobiological basis. Recent genome-wide association studies found significant positive genetic correlation between MOOD and major depression (DEP) and weak correlations with other psychiatric disorders. We investigated the polygenic overlap between MOOD and psychiatric disorders beyond genetic correlation to better characterize putative shared genetic determinants. Summary statistics for schizophrenia (SCZ, n=105,318), bipolar disorder (BIP, n=413,466), DEP (n=450,619), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n=53,293) and MOOD (n=363,705), were analysed using the bivariate causal mixture model and conjunctional false discovery rate methods to estimate the proportion of shared variants influencing MOOD and each disorder, and identify jointly associated genomic loci. MOOD correlated positively with all psychiatric disorders, but with wide variation in strength (rg=0.10-0.62). Of 10.4K genomic variants influencing MOOD, 4K-9.4K were estimated to influence psychiatric disorders. MOOD was jointly associated with DEP at 163 loci, SCZ at 110, BIP at 60 and ADHD at 25, with consistent genetic effects in independent samples. Fifty-three jointly associated loci were overlapping across two or more disorders (transdiagnostic), seven of which had discordant effect directions on psychiatric disorders. Genes mapped to loci associated with MOOD and all four disorders were enriched in a single gene-set, “synapse organization”. The extensive polygenic overlap indicates shared molecular underpinnings across MOOD and psychiatric disorders. However, distinct patterns of genetic correlation and effect directions of shared loci suggest divergent effects on corresponding neurobiological mechanisms which may relate to differences in the core clinical features of each disorder.
ABO and Rh blood groups, demographics, and comorbidities in COVID-19 related deaths: a retrospective study in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia
Authors: Brdar Ivan , Jerković Ivan , Bašić Željana , Kunac Nenad , Anđelinović Deny , Bezić Joško , Kružić Ivana , Vuko Arijana , Anđelinović Šimun 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTAimTo examine ABO and Rh blood group distribution in COVID-19 related deaths considering demographics and pathological conditions.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study at the University Hospital Centre Split, Croatia, that included 245 COVID-positive individuals that died from April 8, 2020, to January 25, 2021. From the hospital database, we extracted data on their blood groups, demographics, and pre-existing comorbidities. To compare findings with the general population, we used information from collected blood group donations (n = 101357) and statistical reports of non-COVID deaths from 2019 (n = 4968).ResultsThe proportion of males was significantly higher in analyzed subjects than in non- COVID deaths from 2019 (63.7% vs. 48.9%, P < 0.001), while the proportion of older individuals did not differ (P = 0.8). The most common pre-existing diseases were hypertension (59.6%), diabetes (37.1%), heart failure (28.8%), digestive disorder (26.5%), and solid tumor (21.6%). The ABO distribution in the deceased and donors’ group showed statistically significant differences, with the higher prevalence of A/AB group and lower prevalence of 0, but with individual differences significant only for AB and non-AB groups. There was a significantly reduced proportion of females within the deceased with group 0 (P = 0.014) and a higher proportion of AB individuals with coronary heart disease (P = 0.024), while other differences were not significant.ConclusionThe study confirmed a higher risk of death in male individuals. The lower proportion of type 0 in deceased individuals was more pronounced in females, implying that group 0 is not necessarily an independent protective factor. Among analyzed comorbidities, coronary heart disease was identified as a potential risk factor for AB individuals.
Molecular evolution and structural analyses of the spike glycoprotein from Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 genomes: the impact of the fixation of selected mutations
Authors: Ferrareze Patrícia Aline Gröhs , Zimerman Ricardo Ariel , Franceschi Vinícius Bonetti , Caldana Gabriel Dickin , Netz Paulo Augusto , Thompson Claudia Elizabeth 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThe COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has reached by July 2021 almost 200 million cases and more than 4 million deaths worldwide since its beginning in late 2019, leading to enhanced concern in the scientific community and the general population. One of the most important pieces of this host-pathogen interaction is the spike protein, which binds to the human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) cell receptor, mediates the membrane fusion and is the major target of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The multiple amino acid substitutions observed in this region, specially in the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), mainly after almost one year of its emergence (late 2020), have enhanced the hACE2 binding affinity and led to several modifications in the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, improving the viral fitness and/or promoting immune evasion, with potential impact in the vaccine development. In this way, the present work aimed to evaluate the effect of positively selected mutations fixed in the Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 lineages and to check for mutational evidence of coevolution. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of selected mutations identified in some of the VOC and VOI lineages (C.37, B.1.1.7, P.1, and P.2) of Brazilian samples on the structural stability of the spike protein, as well as their possible association with more aggressive infection profiles by estimating the binding affinity in the RBD-hACE2 complex. We identified 48 sites under selective pressure in Brazilian spike sequences, 17 of them with the strongest evidence by the HyPhy tests, including VOC related mutation sites 138, 142, 222, 262, 484, 681, and 845, among others. The coevolutionary analysis identified a number of 28 coevolving sites that were found not to be conditionally independent, such as the couple E484K - N501Y from P.1 and B.1.351 lineages. Finally, the molecular dynamics and free energy estimates showed the structural stabilizing effect and the higher impact of E484K for the improvement of the binding affinity between the spike RBD and the hACE2 in P.1 and P.2 lineages, as well as the stabilizing and destabilizing effects for the positively selected sites.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of stress-induced network reconfigurations reflect negative affectivity
Authors: Kühnel Anne , Czisch Michael , Sämann Philipp G. ,   BeCOME Study Team, Binder Elisabeth B. , Kroemer Nils B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic stress is an important risk factor in the etiology of mood and anxiety disorders, but exact pathomechanisms remain to be understood. Mapping individual differences of acute stress-induced neurophysiological changes, especially on the level of neural activation and functional connectivity (FC), could provide important insights in how variation in the individual stress response is linked to disease risk.MethodsUsing an established psycho-social stress task flanked by two resting-state scans, we measured subjective, physiological, and brain responses to acute stress and recovery in 217 unmedicated participants with and without mood and anxiety disorders. To estimate block-wise changes in stress-induced brain activation and FC, we used hierarchical mixed-effects models based on denoised timeseries within a predefined stress network. We predicted inter- and intra-individual differences in stress phases (anticipation vs. acute stress vs. recovery) and transdiagnostic dimensions of stress reactivity using elastic net and support vector machines.ResultsWe identified four subnetworks showing distinct changes in FC over time. Subnetwork trajectories predicted the stress phase (accuracy: 71%,pperm<.001) and increases in pulse rate (R2=.10,pperm<.001). Critically, individual spatio-temporal trajectories of changes across networks also predicted negative affectivity (ΔR2=.08,pperm=.009), but not the presence or absence of a mood and anxiety disorder.ConclusionsSpatio-temporal dynamics of brain network reconfiguration induced by stress reflect individual differences in the psychopathology dimension negative affectivity. These results support the idea that vulnerability for mood and anxiety disorders can be conceptualized best at the level of network dynamics, which may pave the way for improved prediction of individual risk.