bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cuticle segmentation based on visual saliency
Authors: Zhang Wenxia , Wang Chunguang , Wang Haichao , Yin Xiaofei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The cuticle of plant is an important tissue to keep water and resist the invasion of ultraviolet radiation and so on,it is also one of the most important indexes of plant drought resistance.In this paper,we introduce a method combined salient region detection and threshold segmentation for cuticle segmentation.The method used in the article has the following steps:Firstly,we transformed the slice image from the original RGB space into CIELAB space.Then according to the principle of visual significance,visually salient slice image regions were detected using color and luminance features.Finally,we obtained the segmentation results by threshold segmentation algorithm.We tested this method by 30 slice images of Cleistogenes Songorica.We got the average value of FPR(False Positive Rate),FNR(False Negative Rate)and GSA(Global Segmentation Accuracy) were 0.75%,7.19% and 98.43%.The method in this paper is more suitable for cuticle segmentation of Cleistogenes Songorica leaf slices and can also provide a reference for other plant leaf slice images.
Interactions between zinc and Phomopsis longicolla infection in roots of Glycine max
Authors: Morina Filis , Mijovilovich Ana , Koloniuk Igor , Pěnčík Aleš , Grúz Jiří , Novák Ondrej , Küpper Hendrik 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Phomopsis. longicolla is a hemibiotrophic fungus causing significant soybean yield loss worldwide. To reveal the role of zinc in plant-pathogen interactions, soybean seedlings were grown hydroponically with a range of Zn concentrations, 0.06 µM (deficient, Zn0), 0.4 µM (optimal growth), 1.5 µM, 4 µM, 12 µM, and toxic 38 μM, and were subsequently inoculated with P. longicolla via the roots. In vivo analysis of metal distribution in tissues by micro-X-ray fluorescence showed local Zn mobilization in the root maturation zone in all treatments. Decreased root and pod biomass, and photosynthetic performance in infected plants treated with 0.4 µM Zn were accompanied with accumulation of Zn, jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile), jasmonic acid, and cell wall-bound syringic acid (cwSyA) in roots. Zn concentration in roots of infected plants treated with 1.5 µM Zn was seven-fold higher than in the 0.4 µM Zn treatment, which together with accumulation of JA-Ile, cwSyA, cell wall-bound vanilic acid and leaf jasmonates contributed to maintaining photosynthesis and pod biomass. Host-pathogen nutrient competition and phenolics accumulation limited the infection in Zn-deficient plants. The low infection rate in Zn 4 µM-treated roots correlated with salicylic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and cell wall-bound p-coumaric acid accumulation. Zn toxicity promoted pathogen invasion and depleted cell wall-bound phenolics. The results show that manipulation of Zn availability improves soybean resistance to P. longicolla by stimulating phenolics biosynthesis and stress-inducible phytohormones.
Anxiolytic (Antianxiety) Medications
Authors: Roth Andrew J. , Nelson Christian J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Anxiety is common in cancer patients, but it is not necessarily predictable, tolerable, or inevitable. It can arise from the illness experience or as an exacerbation of a pre-existing anxiety disorder. Anxiety is commonly seen with a new cancer diagnosis, with complications of cancer treatment or medications, related to changes in body image, associated with fear of recurrence after treatment, when dealing with recurrence or progression of cancer after treatment, or when finding out that there is no further active treatment for the cancer and concerns about mortality must be engaged. Although understandable, these worries can intensify, causing severe panic or emotional paralysis, and interfere with completing cancer treatment. This chapter discusses the medical and psychiatric causes of anxiety, the medications used to treat anxiety, and the pros and cons of various choices. It is hoped that all practitioners can help educate patients about antianxiety medications, including fears about dependence, tolerance, and addiction, thereby improving outcomes.
Antipsychotics
Authors: Roth Andrew J. , Nelson Christian J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Antipsychotics in a cancer setting are often used with different goals than in a general psychiatric setting. In a cancer population, antipsychotics primarily help manage delirium, confusion, agitation, and manic episodes, but they also treat anxiety, insomnia, and nausea and can improve appetite. The potential causes of delirium are many and variable, and must be identified and addressed. However, antipsychotic medication may be needed to facilitate a medical workup to allow appropriate treatment by helping to manage symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. This chapter discusses pearls for recognizing delirium because confusion may start insidiously or quickly, lethargically or turbulently, sometimes from an obvious trigger, and sometimes not, and at times in an outpatient setting. Non-prescribers who understand the features of delirium and appreciate the appropriate use of antipsychotics can help educate and support patients and their families to expedite and promote timely and appropriate treatment for a potentially dangerous entity. Non-prescribing clinicians will learn the indications for use of antipsychotics in cancer care, the reasons prescribers chooses different medications in different situations, and to recognize side effects such as akathisia or restlessness, muscle rigidity, and sedation so they can communicate their observations with prescribers.
Medications for Fatigue
Authors: Roth Andrew J. , Nelson Christian J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue is common, occurring in up to 80% of patients. Distressing fatigue can be related to psychiatric or medical causes such as significant depression, frequent intense anxiety, or panic attacks, as well as sleep disturbances, pain, and electrolyte or hormonal abnormalities. It is often caused by a wide range of medications and substances. This chapter presents the various causes of fatigue to help non-prescribing clinicians distinguish fatigue from other look-alike diagnoses such as depression and make appropriate referrals to prescribers. Identifying opportunities to supplement nonpharmacologic therapies with an activating medication can improve a patient’s quality of life and joy in living. This chapter will help all clinicians become more aware of medications used to boost energy, such as energizing antidepressants, wakefulness agents, and psychostimulants, as well as the potential side effects of these medications.
Targeting TGF-β pathway with COVID-19 Drug Candidate ARTIVeda/PulmoHeal Accelerates Recovery from Mild-Moderate COVID-19
Authors: Trieu Vuong , Saund Saran , Rahate Prashant V. , Barge Viljay B. , Nalk K. Sunil , Windlass Hitesh , Uckun Fatih M. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTOur COVID-19 drug candidate ARTIVeda™/PulmoHeal is a novel gelatin capsule formulation of the Artemisia extract Ayurveda for oral delivery of TGF-β targeting anti-malaria phytomedicine Artemisinin with documented anti-inflammatory and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Here we report the safety and efficacy of ARTIVeda™ in adult COVID-19 patients with symptomatic mild-moderate COVID-19, who were treated in a randomized, open-label Phase IV study in Bangalore, Karnataka, India (Clinical Trials Registry India identifier: CTRI/2020/09/028044). ARTIVeda showed a very favorable safety profile, and the only ARTIVeda-related adverse events were transient mild rash and mild hypertension. Notably, ARTIVeda, when added to the SOC, accelerated the recovery of patients with mild-moderate COVID-19. While all patients were symptomatic at baseline (WHO score = 2-4), 31 of 39 (79.5%) of patients treated with ARTIVeda plus SOC became asymptomatic (WHO score = 1) by the end of the 5-day therapy, including 10 of 10 patients with severe dry cough 7 of 7 patients with severe fever. By comparison, 12 of 21 control patients (57.1%) treated with SOC alone became asymptomatic on day 5 (P=0.028, Fisher’s exact test). This clinical benefit was particularly evident when the treatment outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients (WHO score = 4) treated with SOC alone versus SOC plus ARTIVeda were compared. The median time to becoming asymptomatic was only 5 days for the SOC plus ARTIVeda group (N=18) but 14 days for the SOC alone group (N=10) (P=0.004, Log-rank test). These data provide clinical proof of concept that targeting the TGF-β pathway with ARTIVeda may contribute to a faster recovery of patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 when administered early in the course of their disease.
Ultra–short-wave diathermy shortens the course of moderate and severe COVID-19: a randomized trial
Authors: Huang Liangjiang , Li Qian , Sayed Shah Zulfiqar Ali , Mohammad Nasb , Chen Bin , Iftikhar MPhil Ali , Xie Lingfeng , Hu Jifa , Chen Hong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractQuestionIs ultra-short-wave diathermy (USWD) safe and effective in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ?DesignSingle-centre, evaluator-blinded, two-arm, parallel design, randomized controlled clinical trial.ParticipantsModerate and severe COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory syndrome.InterventionUSWD for 10 minutes twice daily for 12 consecutive days along with standard medical treatment (USWD group, n = 25), versus standard medical treatment alone (control group, n = 25).Outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were the duration of recovery and negative conversion rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Secondary outcomes included clinical status (seven-category ordinal and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) scores), computed tomography (CT), routine blood tests, and adverse events.ResultsTime to clinical recovery (USWD 36.84±9.93 vs. control 43.56±12.15, P = 0.037) was significantly shortened with a between-group difference of 6.72 days. Clinical status was improved with significant between-group differences on day 28 (SIRS, P = 0.011; seven-category scale, P = 0.003). The rate of RNA negative conversion at days 7 (P = 0.066), 14 (P = 0.239), 21 (P = 0.269), and 28 (P = 0.490) was statistically insignificant. Moreover, insignificant differences were observed in the artificial intelligence-assisted CT analysis. No treatment-associated adverse events or worsening of pulmonary fibrosis were observed.ConclusionUSWD, as adjunctive therapy, shortened the recovery course and improved clinical status of patients with COVID-19 without aggravating pulmonary fibrosis. the findings are limited due to the small sample size and early termination.RegistrationChiCTR2000029972
Differences in detected viral loads guide use of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection assays towards symptomatic college students and children
Authors: Gomez Marti Juan Luis , Gribschaw Jamie , McCullough Melissa , Mallon Abbie , Acero Jamie , Kinzler Amy , Godesky Jamie , Heidenrich Kelly , Iagnemma Jennifer , Vanek Marian , Pasculle A William , Phan Tung , Hoberman Alejandro , Williams John V , Mitchell Stephanie , Wells Alan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLimitations in timely testing for SARS-CoV-2 drive the need for new approaches in suspected COVID-19 disease. We queried whether viral load (VL) in the upper airways at presentation could improve the management and diagnosis of patients. This study was conducted in a 9 hospital system in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania between March 1-August 31 2020. Viral load was determined by PCR assays for patients presenting to the Emergency Departments (ED), community pediatrics practices and college health service. We found that for the ED patients, VL did not vary substantially between those admitted and not. VL was relatively equivalent across ages, except for the under 25 age groups that tended to present with higher loads. To determine if rapid antigen testing (RAT) could aid diagnosis in certain populations, we compared BD Veritor and Quidel Sofia to SOC PCR-based tests. The antigen assay provided a disease-detection sensitivity of >90% in a selection of 32 positive students and was modeled to have an 80% sensitivity in all positive students. In the outpatient pediatric population, the antigen assay detected 70% of PCR-positives. Extrapolating these findings to viral loads in older hospitalized patients, a minority would be detected by RAT (40%). Higher loads did correlate with death, though the prognostic value was marginal (ROC AUC of only 0.66). VL did not distinguish between those needing mechanical ventilation and routine inpatients. We conclude that VL in upper airways, while not prognostic for disease management, may aid in selecting proper testing methodologies for certain patient populations.
Uncovering Survivorship Bias in Longitudinal Mental Health Surveys During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Czeisler M. , Wiley J. , Czeisler C. , Rajaratnam S. , Howard M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsMarkedly elevated adverse mental health symptoms were widely observed early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Unlike the U.S., where cross-sectional data indicate anxiety and depression symptoms have remained elevated, such symptoms reportedly declined in the U.K., according to analysis of repeated measures from a largescale longitudinal study. However, nearly 40% of U.K. respondents (those who did not complete multiple follow-up surveys) were excluded from analysis, suggesting that survivorship bias might partially explain this discrepancy. We therefore sought to assess survivorship bias among participants in our longitudinal survey study as part of The COVID-19 Outbreak Public Evaluation (COPE) Initiative.MethodsSurvivorship bias was assessed 4,039 U.S. respondents who completed surveys including the assessment of mental health as part of The COPE Initiative in April 2020 and were invited to complete follow-up surveys. Participants completed validated screening instruments for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Survivorship bias was assessed for (1) demographic differences in follow-up survey participation, (2) differences in initial adverse mental health symptom prevalences adjusted for demographic factors, and (3) differences in follow-up survey participation based on mental health experiences adjusted for demographic factors.ResultsAdjusting for demographics, individuals who completed only one or two out of four surveys had higher prevalences of anxiety and depression symptoms in April 2020 (e.g., one-survey versus four-survey, anxiety symptoms, adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.55, P=0.0045; depression symptoms, aPR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.17-1.75, P=0.00052). Moreover, individuals who experienced incident anxiety or depression symptoms had higher odds of not completing follow-up surveys (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.22-2.31, P=0.0015, aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.15-2.12, P=0.0046, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings revealed significant survivorship bias among longitudinal survey respondents, indicating that restricting analytic samples to only respondents who provide repeated assessments in longitudinal survey studies could lead to overly optimistic interpretations of mental health trends over time. Cross-sectional or planned missing data designs may provide more accurate estimates of population-level adverse mental health symptom prevalences than longitudinal surveys.
Early Multidrug Outpatient Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19) and Reduced Mortality Among Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Alexander Paul E , Armstrong Robin , Fareed George , Gill Kulvinder K. , Lotus John , Oskoui Ramin , Prodromos Chad , Risch Harvey A. , Tenenbaum Howard C , Wax Craig M. , McCullough Peter A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe outbreak of COVID-19 from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread all over the world with tremendous morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In-hospital treatment addresses the multifaceted nature of the illness including viral replication, cytokine storm, and endothelial injury with thrombosis. We identified nine reports of early treatment outcomes in COVID-19 nursing home patients. Multi-drug therapy including hydroxychloroquine with one or more anti-infectives, corticosteroids, and antithrombotic agents can be extended to seniors in the nursing home setting without hospitalization. Data from nine studies found multidrug regimens relying on the use of hydroxychloroquine as well as other agents including doxycycline were associated with a statistically significant and >60% reductions in mortality. Going forward, we theorize and based on the evidence, that early empiric treatment for the elderly with COVID-19 in the nursing home setting (or similar congregated settings with elderly residents/patients) has a genuine probability of success and acceptable safety. This group remains our highest at-risk group and warrants acute treatment focus that will prevent the development and/or worsening of problems associated with COVID-19, most particularly isolation, hospitalization, and death. In fact, with the rapidity and severity of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in nursing homes, in-center treatment of patients with acute COVID-19 is possibly the most rational and importantly feasible strategy to reduce the risks of hospitalization and death. If the approach remains ‘wait-and-see’ and elderly high-risk patients in such congregated nursing room type settings are allowed to worsen with no early treatment, they may be too sick and fragile to benefit from in-hospital therapeutics and are at risk for pulmonary failure, life-ending micro-thrombi of the lungs, kidneys etc. We put forth the notion that the most important factor in this regard, is making available early therapeutic intervention as described here. These drugs include and under supervision by skilled doctors, combination/sequenced ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, colchicine, azithromycin, doxycycline, bromhexine hydrochloride, and favipiravir (outside the US), along with inhaled steroids such as budesonide and oral steroids including dexamethasone and prednisone, and anti-thrombotic anti-clotting drugs such as heparin). As the clinical trials data on treatments for COVID-19 mature, this early treatment therapeutic option deserves serious, urgent, and sober consideration by the medical establishment and respective decision-makers.
Single-Blind and Double-Blind Peer Review: Effects on National Representation
Authors: Kalavar Meghana , Watane Arjun , Wu David , Sridhar Jayanth , Mruthyunjaya Prithvi , Parikh Ravi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesTo assess whether the type of peer-review (single-blinded vs double-blinded) has an impact on nationality representation in journals.MethodsA cross-sectional study analyzing the top ten nationalities contributing to the number of articles across 16 ophthalmology journals.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the percentage of articles published from the journal’s country of origin between the top single-blind journals and top double-blind journals (SB= 42.0%, DB = 26.6%, p=0.49) but there was a significant difference between the percentage of articles from the US (SB=48.0%, DB=22.8%, p=0.02). However, there was no significant difference for both country of origin (SB =38.0%, DB =26.6%, p=0.43) and articles from the US (SB=35.0%, DB=22.8%, p=0.21) when assessing the top 8 double-blind journals matched with single-blind journals of a similar impact factor. The countries that most commonly made the top ten lists for highest number of articles were the US (n=16, 100%) and England (n=16, 100%). This held true even for journals established outside the United States (US=11/12, England=11/12).ConclusionsThere was no statistically significant difference in country-of-origin representation between single-blind journals and double-blind journals. However, higher income countries contributed most often to the journals studied even among journals based outside the US.
Significance of SARS-CoV-2 Specific Antibody Testing during COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation
Authors: Fujimoto Akane B. , Yildirim Inci , Keskinocak Pinar 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the value of using SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody testing to prioritize the vaccination of susceptible individuals as part of a COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan when vaccine supply is limited.MethodsA compartmental model was used to simulate COVID-19 spread when considering diagnosis, isolation, and vaccination of a cohort of 1 million individuals. The scenarios modeled represented 4 pandemic severity scenarios and various times when the vaccine becomes available during the pandemic. Eligible individuals have a probability p of receiving antibody testing prior to vaccination (p = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1). The value of serology testing was evaluated by comparing the infection attack rate, peak infections, peak day, and deaths.ResultsThe use of antibody testing to prioritize the allocation of limited vaccines reduces infection attack rates and deaths. The size of the reduction depends on when the vaccine becomes available relative to the infection peak day. The largest reduction in cases and deaths occurs when the vaccine is deployed before and close to the infection peak day. The reduction in the number of cases and deaths diminishes as vaccine deployment is delayed and moves closer to the peak day.ConclusionsAntibody testing as part of the vaccination plan is an effective method to maximize the benefit of a COVID-19 vaccine. Decision-makers need to consider relative timing between the infection peak day and when the vaccine becomes available.
Estimating the COVID-19 Prevalence in Spain with Indirect Reporting via Open Surveys
Authors: Garcia-Agundez Augusto , Ojo Oluwasegun , Hernandez Harold , Baquero Carlos , Frey Davide , Georgiou Chryssis , Goessens Mathieu , Lillo Rosa , Menezes Raquel , Nicolaou Nicolas , Ortega Antonio , Stavrakis Efstathios , Anta Antonio Fernandez 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTDuring the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, accurate tracking has proven unfeasible. Initial estimation methods pointed towards case numbers that were much higher than officially reported. In the CoronaSurveys project, we have been addressing this issue using open online surveys with indirect reporting. We compare our estimates with the results of a serology study for Spain, obtaining high correlations (R squared 0.89). In our view, these results strongly support the idea of using open surveys with indirect reporting as a method to broadly sense the progress of a pandemic.
Robust spike antibody responses and increased reactogenicity in seropositive individuals after a single dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Krammer Florian , Srivastava Komal ,   the PARIS team, Simon Viviana 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn important question is arising as COVID-19 vaccines are getting rolled out: Should individuals who already had a SARS-CoV-2 infection receive one or two shots of the currently authorized mRNA vaccines. In this short report, we show that the antibody response to the first vaccine dose in individuals with pre-existing immunity is equal to or even exceeds the titers found in naïve individuals after the second dose. We also show that the reactogenicity is significantly higher in individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past. Changing the policy to give these individuals only one dose of vaccine would not negatively impact on their antibody titers, spare them from unnecessary pain and free up many urgently needed vaccine doses.