bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Appropriate relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions minimizes the risk of a resurgence in SARS-CoV-2 infections in spite of the Delta variant
Authors: Koslow Wadim , Kühn Martin J. , Binder Sebastian , Klitz Margrit , Abele Daniel , Basermann Achim , Meyer-Hermann Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe analyze the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) under an increasing number of vaccinations in Germany. For the spread of SARS-CoV-2 we employ a SIR-type model that accounts for age-dependence and includes realistic contact patterns between age groups. The implementation of NPIs occurs on changed contact patterns, improved isolation, or reduced infectiousness when, e.g., wearing masks. We account for spatial heterogeneity and commuting activities in between regions in Germany, and the testing of commuters is considered as a further NPI. We include the ongoing vaccination process and analyze the effect of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, which is considered to be 40% − 60% more infectious then the currently dominant B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant. We explore different opening scenarios under the ongoing vaccination process by assuming that local restrictions are either lifted in early July or August with or without continued wearing of masks and testing. Our results indicate that we can counteract the resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 despite the Delta variant with appropriate timing for the relaxation of NPIs. In all cases, however, school children are hit the hardest.Author summaryOne of the greatest challenges within the Covid-19 pandemic is to identify the timing and amount of non-pharmaceutical interventions (face masks, travel bans, school closures, etc). In the year 2021 more and more people are getting vaccinated. When can we finally lift all restrictions and stop wearing masks? In order to provide more insights to this question, we use a mathematical model which is capable of simulating the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions in Germany while accounting for age-dependent factors as well as commuting activities between regions. We include the vaccination process and analyze the much more infectious Delta coronavirus variant. We simulate scenarios that consider the timing of the return to pre-pandemic contacts as well as when to suspend wearing masks and testing. Our results show that a later opening by 1 August in combination with masks and testing reduces the chance of a further infection wave considerably. From the retrospective view of the revision, we see that the rise in infections at the end of summer could have been well predicted by our scenarios that considered lifting of NPIs in July as it happened in many places. In all of our scenarios, the infection manifests in the younger age groups.
Using a population-based Kalman estimator to model the COVID-19 epidemic in France: estimating associations between disease transmission and non-pharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Collin Annabelle , Hejblum Boris P. , Vignals Carole , Lehot Laurent , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Moireau Philippe , Prague Mélanie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSummaryIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, governments have adopted a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI). These include stringent measures such as strict lockdowns, closing schools, bars and restaurants, curfews, and barrier gestures such as mask-wearing and social distancing. Deciphering the effectiveness of each NPI is critical to responding to future waves and outbreaks. To this end, we first develop a dynamic model of the French COVID-19 epidemics over a one-year period. We rely on a global extended Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) mechanistic model of infection that includes a dynamic transmission rate over time. Multilevel data across French regions are integrated using random effects on the parameters of the mechanistic model, boosting statistical power by multiplying integrated observation series. We estimate the parameters using a new population-based statistical approach based on a Kalman filter, used for the first time in analysing real-world data. We then fit the estimated time-varying transmission rate using a regression model that depends on the NPIs while accounting for vaccination coverage, the occurrence of variants of concern (VoC), and seasonal weather conditions. We show that all NPIs considered have an independent significant association with transmission rates. In addition, we show a strong association between weather conditions that reduces transmission in summer, and we also estimate increased transmissibility of VoC.
Exploring the relationship between schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease: A genetic correlation and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Veeneman Rada R , Vermeulen Jentien M , Abdellaoui Abdel , Sanderson Eleanor , Wootton Robyn E , Tadros Rafik , Bezzina Connie R , Denys Damiaan , Munafò Marcus R , Verweij Karin JH , Treur Jorien L 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImportanceIndividuals with schizophrenia have a reduced life-expectancy compared to the general population, largely due to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical and epidemiological studies have been unable to fully unravel the nature of this relationship.ObjectiveInvestigate genetic correlations and potential bi-directional effects between liability to schizophrenia and CVD.Design, setting, and participantsWe obtained summary-data of genome-wide-association studies of schizophrenia (N=130,644), heart failure (N=977,323), coronary artery disease (N=332,477), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (N=757,601), heart rate variability (N=46,952), QT interval (N=103,331), early repolarization and dilated cardiomyopathy ECG patterns (N=63,700). We computed genetic correlations with linkage disequilibrium score regression and conducted bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR). With multivariable MR, we investigated whether associations were mediated by smoking, body mass index, physical activity, lipid levels, or type 2 diabetes. To ensure robustness, we applied a range of sensitivity methods.Main outcomes and measuresSchizophrenia, heart failure, coronary artery disease, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate variability, QT interval, early repolarization, dilated cardiomyopathy.ResultsGenetic correlations between liability to schizophrenia and CVD were close to zero (−0.02 to 0.04). With MR, we found robust evidence that liability to schizophrenia increases heart failure risk. This effect remained consistent with multivariable MR. There was also evidence that liability to schizophrenia increases early repolarization risk, largely mediated by BMI and lipid levels. Finally, there was evidence that liability to schizophrenia increases heart rate variability, a direction of effect contrasting previous studies. In the other direction, there was weak evidence that higher systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure increases schizophrenia risk.Conclusions and relevanceOur findings indicate that liability to schizophrenia increases the risk of heart failure, and that this is not mediated by key health behaviours. This is consistent with the notion that schizophrenia is characterised by a systemic dysregulation of the body (including inflammation and oxidative stress) with detrimental effects on the heart. To decrease cardiovascular mortality among schizophrenia patients, priority should lie with optimal treatment and interventions in early stages of psychoses. We also identified early repolarization, currently understudied, as a potential CVD marker among patients with schizophrenia.
Time-to-event assessment for the discovery of the proper prognostic value of clinical biomarkers optimized for COVID-19
Authors: Ferreira José Raniery , Ribeiro Victor Henrique Alves , Cossetin Marcelo , Figueredo Marcus Vinícius Mazega , Cardoso Carolina Queiroz , Almeida Bernardo Montesanti 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the early days of the pandemic, clinical biomarkers for COVID -19 have been investigated to predict patient mortality. A decision tree has been proposed previously comprising three variables, i.e., lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and lymphocyte percentage, with more than 90% accuracy in a public cohort. In this work, we highlighted the importance of the cohort made publicly available and complemented the findings by incorporating further evaluation. Results confirmed poor short-term prognosis to abnormal levels of some laboratorial indicators, such as LDH, CRP, lymphocytes, interleukin-6, and procalcitonin. In addition, our findings provide insights into COVID-19 research, such as key levels of fibrin degradation products, which are directly associated with the Dimerized plasmin fragment D and could indicate active coagulation and thrombosis. Still, we highlight here the prognostic value of interleukin-6, a cytokine that induces inflammatory response and may serve as a predictive biomarker.
Awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes in Bangladesh: evidence from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017/18
Authors: Khan Md. Nuruzzaman , Oldroyd John C. , Hossain Mohammad Bellal , Islam Rakibul M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Bangladesh; however, the management of diabetes assessed by diabetes awareness, treatment, and control, remains poor. We aimed to estimate the age-standardised prevalence of awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes and its associated factors.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data from 1,174 Bangladeshi adults aged 18 years and older available from the most recent nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18 were analysed. Awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes were our outcomes of interest. Age-stadarised prevalence of awareness, treatment, and control were estimated using the direct standardisation. Multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression models were used to identify factors associated with awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes.ResultsAmong those with diabetes (n=1,174), only 30.9% (95% CI, 28.2-33.6) were aware that they had the condition, and 28.2% (95% CI, 25.6-30.7) were on treatment. Among those treated for diabetes, only 26.5% (95% CI, 19.5-33.5) had controlled diabetes. Prevalences for awareness, treatment and control were even lower in men than women. Factors positively associated with awareness and treatment were increasing age and hypertension while factors negatively associated with awareness and treatment were being men and having lower education. Factors associated with poor control were secondary education and residing in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of poor management of diabetes in Bangladesh, especially in men. Less than one-third of the people with diabetes were aware of their condition. Just over one-fourth of the people with diabetes were on treatment, and those were treated one-fourth had controlled diabetes. Interventions targeting younger people, in particular men and those with lower education, are urgently needed. The government needs to strengthen diabetes management programs within primary health care and address structural factors including the costs of diabetes care to improve awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes in Bangladesh.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern exhibit reduced sensitivity to live-virus neutralization in sera from CoronaVac vaccinees and naturally infected COVID-19 patients
Authors: Vacharathit Vimvara , Aiewsakun Pakorn , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Srisaowakarn Chanya , Laopanupong Thanida , Ludowyke Natali , Phuphuakrat Angsana , Setthaudom Chavachol , Ekronarongchai Supanuch , Srichatrapimuk Sirawat , Wongsirisin Pattama , Sangrajrang Suleeporn , Imsuwansri Thanarath , Kirdlarp Suppachok , Nualkaew Sureeporn , Sensorn Insee , Sawaengdee Waritta , Wichukchinda Nuanjun , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Chantratita Wasun , Kunakorn Mongkol , Rojanamatin Jinda , Hongeng Suradej , Thitithanyanont Arunee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecent surges in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) call for the need to evaluate levels of vaccine-and infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech, Beijing, China) is currently being used for mass vaccination in Thailand as well as other low-income countries. Three VOCs currently circulating within Thailand include the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) strains. We assessed NAb potency against the prototypic strain containing the original spike sequence (WT) compared to that against the 3 VOCs using sera derived from a cohort of healthcare workers who received a full 2-dose regimen of CoronaVac. Sera from two other cohorts consisting of COVID-19 patients who had been hospitalized in 2020 and 2021 were evaluated for comparison. We found that, despite equally robust production of S1-RBD-binding IgG and 100% seropositivity, sera from both CoronaVac vaccinees and naturally infected individuals had significantly reduced neutralizing capacity against all 3 VOCs compared to WT. Strikingly, NAb titers against Alpha and Beta were comparable, but Delta appears to be significantly more refractory to NAbs in all groups. Our results may help inform on CoronaVac NAb-inducing capacity, which is a proxy for vaccine efficacy, in the context of the WT strain and 3 VOCs. Our results also have critical implications for public health decision-makers who may need to maintain efficient mitigation strategies amid a potentially high risk for infection with VOCs even in those who have been previously infected.
Mapping First to Second wave transition of covid19 Indian data via Sigmoid function and prediction of Third wave
Authors: Mondal Supriya , Ghosh Sabyasachi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUnderstanding first and second wave of covid19 Indian data along with its few selective states, we have realized a transition between two Sigmoid pattern with twice larger growth parameter and maximum values of cumulative data. As a result of those transition, time duration of second wave shrink to half of that first wave with four times larger peak values. It is really interesting that the facts can be easily understood by simple algebraic expressions of Sigmoid function. After understanding the crossing zone between first and second wave curves, a third wave Sigmoid pattern is guessed.
STUDY OF BLOOD GROUP ANALYSIS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH LYMPHOPENIA IN COVID-19 INFECTED CASES – OUR EXPERIENCE IN TERITARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Ravuri Swarupa , Cigiri Saritha , Kalangi Harika , Jeshtadi Anunayi , Kumar K.Nithesh , Krishna Nampally Vamshi , Bacchu Srilatha , Sudhakar K. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTAIMS AND OBJECTIVESTo study the distribution and frequencies of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups among confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection. We also studied the relation between ABO blood group system and lymphopenia and studied the gender association in COVID-19 patients.METHODESA hospital based retrospective study was conducted at Government Medical College Suryapet from 01 Aug 2020 to 30 Sep 2020. A total of 200 Covid cases were included in the study who came to the hospital with the complaints of Fever, Sore throat, Body Pains, Cough, Breathlessness, Diarrhoea etc. Patients confirmed Covid infection was tested for blood grouping and RH typing by using forward blood grouping with the help of commercially available standard monoclonal antisera. CBP was processed in sysmax 5 part Haematology analyser. Blood group frequency was tested also assed the gender association, Covid patients presents with lymphopenia the relation between the ABO blood group and lymphocyte count was determined.RESULTSMales were more compared to the females .Middle aged group male patients were more commonly involved. Most predominant blood group was group B 79(39.5%), group O 78(39%),group A 37(18.5%), group AB 6(3%),most of them were 190 (95%)Rh positive, only 10 Rh negative (5%).To assess the Lymphopenia in our study we divided the absolute lymphocyte count into 5 groups. Group 1 cases are more 58 (29%), Group 2 91(45.5%), Group 3 30 (15%), Group 4 16(8%), Group 5 5(2.5%).CONCLUSIONMale patients with blood group B were more compared to other blood groups however more number of studies are necessary to confirm these findings in a larger sample and among individuals of different ethnicities.
Evidence of SARS-Cov-2-specific memory B cells six months after vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Ciabattini Annalisa , Pastore Gabiria , Fiorino Fabio , Polvere Jacopo , Lucchesi Simone , Pettini Elena , Auddino Stefano , Rancan Ilaria , Durante Miriam , Miscia Michele , Rossetti Barbara , Fabbiani Massimiliano , Montagnani Francesca , Medaglini Donata 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTSARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy and immunogenicity, but limited information is currently available on memory B cells generation and long-term persistence. Here, we investigated Spike-specific memory B cells and humoral responses in 145 subjects, up to six months after the BNT162b2 vaccine (Comirnaty) administration. Spike-specific antibody titers peaked 7 days after the second dose and significant titers and neutralizing activity were still observed after six months, despite a progressive decline over time. Concomitant to antibody reduction, Spike-specific memory B cells, mostly IgG class-switched, increased in blood of vaccinees and persisted six months after vaccination. Following in vitro restimulation, circulating memory B cells reactivated and produced Spike-specific antibodies. A high frequency of Spike-specific IgG+ plasmablasts, identified by computational analysis 7 days after boost, positively correlated with the generation of IgG+ memory B cells at six months.These data demonstrate that mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine elicits strong B cell immunity with Spike-specific memory B cells that still persist six months after vaccination, playing a crucial role for rapid response to SARS-CoV-2 virus encounter.One Sentence SummarymRNA BNT162b2 vaccine elicits persistent spike-specific memory B cells crucial for rapid response to SARS-CoV-2 virus encounter
Comparing organ donation decisions for next-of-kin versus the self: Results of a national survey
Authors: Liu Christopher W. , Chen Lynn N. , Anwar Amalina , Zhao Boyu Lu , Lai Clin K. Y. , Ng Wei Heng , Suhitharan Thangavelautham , Ho Vui Kian , Liu Jean C. J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesIntensive care audits point to family refusal as a major barrier to organ donation. In this study, we sought to understand refusal by accounting for the decision-maker’s mindset. This focused on: (1) how decisions compare when made on behalf of a relative (versus the self); and (2) confidence in decisions made for family members.DesignCross-sectional survey in Singapore.SettingParticipants were recruited from community settings via door-to-door sampling and community eateries.Participants973 adults who qualified as organ donors in Singapore.ResultsAlthough 68.1% of participants were willing to donate their own organs, only 51.8% were willing to donate a relative’s. Using machine learning, we found that consistency was predicted by: (i) religion, and (ii) fears about organ donation. Conversely, participants who were willing to donate their own organs but not their relative’s were less driven by these factors, and may instead have resorted to heuristics in decision-making. Finally, we observed how individuals were overconfident in their decision-making abilities: although 78% had never discussed organ donation with their relatives, the large majority expressed high confidence that they would respect their relatives’ wishes upon death.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the distinct psychological processes involved when donation decisions are made for family members. Amidst a global shortage of organ donors, addressing the decision-maker’s mindset (e.g., overconfidence, the use of heuristics) may be key to actualizing potential donors identified in intensive care units.Strengths and Limitations of this StudyWe used a multi-disciplinary approach combining psychology theory and machine learning analyses to understand family refusal in a novel manner.We directly compared organ donation decisions made from the self versus for next-of-kin, and also documented overconfidence in the decision-making process.The study was conducted in an urban setting and may not apply to rural contexts.
Set-based rare variant association tests for biobank scale sequencing data sets
Authors: Zhou Wei , Bi Wenjian , Zhao Zhangchen , Dey Kushal K. , Jagadeesh Karthik A. , Karczewski Konrad J. , Daly Mark J. , Neale Benjamin M. , Lee Seunggeun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUK Biobank has released the large-scale whole-exome sequencing (WES) data, but the best practices remain unclear for rare variant tests, and an existing approach, SAIGE-GENE, can have inflated type I error rates with high computation costs. Here, we propose SAIGE-GENE+ with greatly improved type I error control and computational efficiency compared to SAIGE-GENE. In the analysis of UKBB WES data of 30 quantitative and 141 binary traits, SAIGE-GENE+ identified 551 gene-phenotype associations. In addition, we showed that incorporating multiple MAF cutoffs and functional annotations can help identify novel gene-phenotype associations.
Electrophysiological correlates of proactive and reactive inhibition in a modified visual Go/NoGo task
Authors: Kutý Jiří , Damborská Alena , Linhartová Pavla , Lamoš Martin , Jeřábková Barbora , Rudišinová Daniela , Bareš Martin , Kašpárek Tomáš 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImpulse control is crucial for everyday functioning in modern society. People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from impulse control impairment. According to the theory of dual mechanisms of control, motor impulse control can be divided into proactive and reactive modes. Proactive inhibition is involved before an event that might require inhibitory control. Reactive inhibition is initiated after the occurrence of an event that requires inhibitory control. Few studies have focused on proactive inhibition in relation to impaired impulse control, moreover electrophysiological evidence is scarce. Therefore, in the search for electrophysiological correlates of proactive and reactive inhibitions, we assessed event-related potentials elicited during a modified emotionally neutral visual Go/NoGo task in 28 clinically impulsive BPD patients and 35 healthy control (HC) subjects. In both groups, proactive inhibition was associated with enhanced late prestimulus activity and a suppressed poststimulus N2 component. In both groups, reactive inhibition was associated with enhanced poststimulus N2 and P3 components. We found no electrophysiological differences between HC subjects and BPD patients and both groups performed similarly in the task. Hence, the clinically observed impulse control impairment in BPD might act through different mechanisms other than altered inhibitory control in an emotionally neutral task.