bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary examination of the relations between disease stage, illness perceptions, coping strategies, and psychological morbidity in chronic hepatitis B and C guided by the Common-Sense Model of Illness
Authors: Ekmen Nergiz , Can Güray , Can Hatice 
Published: April 2021

Background and aims
Chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) has a spectrum from asymptomatic disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In our study, we aimed to establish the relations between disease stage, illness perception, coping strategies and psychological morbidity in CVH.

Methods
A total of 182 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (n = 136) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (n = 46) were enrolled. Illness perceptions were measured with the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire. Coping strategies were measured with the Carver Brief Coping Questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Relations were evaluated by structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results
In CHB, combining the questionnaire data using SEM resulted in a final model with an excellent fit [χ
2 (2) = 0.00, P = 1.000, χ
2/N = 0.00, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) < 0.001, comparative fit index (CFI) = 1.000, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = 1.000]. Disease stage had a significant direct influence on illness perceptions (β = 0.23, P = 0.006). Illness perceptions had a significant direct influence on emotional coping strategy, depression and anxiety (β = 0.20, P = 0.019; β = 0.33, P < 0.001; β = 0.59, P < 0.001, respectively). While the use of emotional coping strategies was associated significantly (P = 0.01) with the presence of anxiety, problem-focused coping strategy was associated with depression (P = 0.004). In CHC, SEM resulted in a final model with an excellent fit [χ
2 (2) = 0.078, P = 0.962, χ
2/N = 0.039, RMSEA<0.001, CFI = 1.000, GFI = 0.999]. Disease stage did not have a significant direct influence on illness perceptions (P > 0.05). Illness perceptions had a significant direct influence on depression and anxiety (β = 0.27, P = 0.023; β = 0.44, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion
The psychological consequences of the disease vary depending on the person’s perception of illness and coping strategies.
Prevalence study of different methods for hepatitis B virus diagnosis with blood donor people in Baghdad city
Authors: Saeed Noor AlHuda Ali A.H. , Hamzah Israa Hussein , Al-kadmy Israa M.S. 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Globally, infecting with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a big issue today. The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence and year-wise trend of the HBV surfaces antigens (HBs-Ag), antibodies vs. HBV core antigens (anti-HBcs) while HBV-DNA in serum sample patients and replacement blood donors in Baghdad, Iraq.

Methods:
During the period between 2017 and 2019, a total of 212 blood donors of ages 18–70 years were screened for HBs-Ag, anti-HBs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, and anti-HBc antigen–antibody (Ag–Ab) and HBV-DNA using real-time PCR.

Results:
A total of 110 (51.8%) of 212 blood donors were positive to all tests: HBs-Ag, anti-Hbs, anti-HBc and HBV-DNA. Forty-six (41.8%) were positive for HBV-DNA, HBs-Ag and anti-HBc, whereas 14 (12.7%) were positive for HBs-Ag and anti-HBc. Although nine (8.1%) blood donors were positive in real-time PCR (HBV-DNA loaded) with a negative result in ELISA. Forty one (37.2%) markers indicated a high number of inveterate or resolvable contagion. The total diffusion increment significance in 2017–2018, stabilized thereafter and started decreasing from 2018 to 2019 marginally. There is a high significance variance at (P < 0.01) while comparison among examined groups.

Conclusions:
Significance and impact of study: the prevalence of HBV infection in 3 years is lower in Baghdad blood donors (51.8%) compared to other regions of Iraq. A high number of infections with no signs of HBs-Ag or viral DNA were recorded. Therefore, the inclusion of anti-HBc seromarker and DNA in the routine screening could isolate potential infectious blood units.
The Impact of Coping Strategies on Suicide Attempts and Suicidal Ideation in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Aksoy Poyraz Cana , Özdemir Armağan , Çakir Şen Cansu , Usta Sağlam Nazife Gamze , Enginkaya Semra , Tomruk Nesrin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The stress coping strategies of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) may affect their suicide risk. We examined coping behaviors and impact of coping strategies and clinical characteristics on suicide attempts and lifetime suicidal ideation in patients with BD I, compared with a healthy control group. We recruited 185 euthymic patients with BD and 94 healthy controls. Participants completed the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. Suicide attempt prevalence in patients with BD was around 34%, and frequency of lifetime suicide ideation was around 60%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed greater use of behavioral disengagement and religious coping strategies among patients with BD, compared with controls. Patients with previous suicide attempts presented a more severe illness course, notably early onset, with more depressive and mixed episodes and a more dysfunctional coping style than nonsuicidal patients. Behavioral interventions can target avoidant coping behavior, such as denial, especially in patients with suicide attempts.
Children develop robust and sustained cross-reactive spike-specific immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Dowell Alexander C. , Butler Megan S. , Jinks Elizabeth , Tut Gokhan , Lancaster Tara , Sylla Panagiota , Begum Jusnara , Bruton Rachel , Pearce Hayden , Verma Kriti , Logan Nicola , Tyson Grace , Spalkova Eliska , Margielewska-Davies Sandra , Taylor Graham S. , Syrimi Eleni , Baawuah Frances , Beckmann Joanne , Okike Ifeanyichukwu , Ahmad Shazaad , Garstang Joanna , Brent Andrew J , Brent Bernadette , Ireland Georgina , Aiano Felicity , Amin-Chowdhury Zahin , Jones Samuel , Borrow Ray , Linley Ezra , Wright John , Azad Rafaq , Waiblinger Dagmar , Davis Chris , Thomson Emma , Palmarini Massimo , Willett Brian J. , Barclay Wendy S. , Poh John , Saliba Vanessa , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Brown Kevin E , Ramsay Mary E , Zuo Jianmin , Moss Paul , Ladhani Shamez 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 infection is generally mild or asymptomatic in children but the biological basis for this is unclear. We studied the profile of antibody and cellular immunity in children aged 3-11 years in comparison with adults. Antibody responses against spike and receptor binding domain (RBD) were high in children and seroconversion boosted antibody responses against seasonal Beta-coronaviruses through cross-recognition of the S2 domain. Seroneutralisation assays against alpha, beta and delta SARS-CoV-2 variants demonstrated comparable neutralising activity between children and adults. T cell responses against spike were >2-fold higher in children compared to adults and displayed a TH1 cytokine profile. SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific T cells were also detected in many seronegative children, revealing pre-existing responses that were cross-reactive with seasonal Alpha and Beta-coronaviruses. Importantly, all children retained high antibody titres and cellular responses at 6 months after infection whilst relative antibody waning was seen in adults. Spike-specific responses in children also remained broadly stable beyond 12 months. Children thus distinctly generate robust, cross-reactive and sustained immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection with focussed specificity against spike protein. These observations demonstrate novel features of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses in children and may provide insight into their relative clinical protection. Furthermore, this information will help to guide the introduction of vaccination regimens in the paediatric population.
Differential Performance of CoronaCHEK SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Antibody Assay by Geographic Origin of Samples
Authors: Baker Owen R. , Grabowski M. Kate , Galiwango Ronald M. , Nalumansi Aminah , Serwanga Jennifer , Clarke William , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Rothman Richard E. , Fernandez Reinaldo E. , Serwadda David , Kagaayi Joseph , Lutalo Tom , Reynolds Steven J. , Kaleebu Pontiano , Quinn Thomas C. , Laeyendecker Oliver 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe assessed the performance of CoronaCHEK lateral flow assay on samples from Uganda and Baltimore to determine the impact of geographic origin on assay performance.MethodsSerum samples from SARS-CoV-2 PCR+ individuals (Uganda: 78 samples from 78 individuals and Baltimore: 266 samples from 38 individuals) and from pre-pandemic individuals (Uganda 1077 and Baltimore 532) were evaluated. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated to identify factors associated with a false-positive test.ResultsAfter first positive PCR in Ugandan samples the sensitivity was: 45% (95% CI 24,68) at 0-7 days; 79% (95%CI 64,91) 8-14 days; and 76% (95%CI 50,93) >15 days. In samples from Baltimore, sensitivity was: 39% (95% CI 30, 49) 0-7 days; 86% (95% CI 79,92) 8-14 days; and 100% (95% CI 89,100) 15 days post positive PCR. The specificity of 96.5% (95% CI 97.5,95.2) in Ugandan samples was significantly lower than samples from Baltimore 99.3% (95% CI 98.1,99.8), p<0.01. In Ugandan samples, individuals with a false positive result were more likely to be male (PR 2.04, 95% CI 1.03,3.69) or individuals who had a fever more than a month prior to sample acquisition (PR 2.87, 95% CI 1.12,7.35).ConclusionsSensitivity of the CoronaCHEK was similar in samples from Uganda and Baltimore. The specificity was significantly lower in Ugandan samples than in Baltimore samples. False positive results in Ugandan samples appear to correlate with a recent history of a febrile illness, potentially indicative of a cross-reactive immune response in individuals from East Africa.
Development and validation of a productive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids and progestagens in human serum
Authors: Iannone Michele , Dima Anna Pia , Sciarra Francesca , Botrè Francesco , Isidori Andrea M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAdrenal and gonadal disorders are very often coupled, due to common etiology or pathophysiology. We present the development, validation and application of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous analysis of androgens (androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)), estrogens (estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3)), glucocorticoids (cortisol (F), cortisone (E), corticosterone (B), 11-deoxycortisol (S), 21-deoxycortisol (21DF), 11-deoxycorticosterone (11DB)), and progestagens (progesterone (P4), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP4) and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone (17OHP5)) in human serum for clinical use. Samples (250 &[mu]L of matrix) spiked with isotopic labelled internal standards were extracted with tert-butylmethyl ether (TBME) prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. The chromatographic separation of the underivatized endogenous steroids was achieved on a reversed-phase column (C18 Zorbax Eclipse Plus) using a methanol-water gradient. The LC column was coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray (ESI) source operating both in positive and in negative mode, with acquisition in multiple reaction mode. The method was validated using surrogated matrices and human serum samples. The proposed method was proven to be specific for all the considered steroids; and linearity was also assessed (R2 > 0.99) in the ranges of quantification investigated. The lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) were in the range of 10 - 400 pg/mL depending on the target steroid. Accuracy was in the range 80 - 120% for all the target compounds, the extraction recovery was higher than 65% for all the steroids considered and no remarkable matrix effect, expressed in terms of ion enhancement and ion suppression, was observed. To test the reliability of the developed and validated method, the analysis of serum samples collected from ten healthy subjects (5M/5F) was performed. In the clinical settings there is a growing need to develop accessible methods for full steroid hormone profiling. The dynamic link between steroidogenic glands and liver enzymatic processing (activation and clearance) attributes to the profile a much greater clinical meaning than a set of individually measured hormones. The presented method can be used to identify trajectories of deviation from the concentration normality ranges applied to disorders of the gonadal and adrenal axes.
Identification of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in seroprevalence studies among vaccinated populations
Authors: Demmer Ryan T. , Baumgartner Brett , Wiggen Talia D. , Ulrich Angela K. , Strickland Ali J. , Naumchik Brianna M. , Bohn Bruno , Walsh Sara , Smith Stephen , Kline Susan , Stovitz Steve D. , Yendell Stephanie , Beebe Tim , Hedberg Craig 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTImportanceIdentification of SARS-CoV-2 infection via antibody assays is important for monitoring natural infection rates. Most antibody assays cannot distinguish natural infection from vaccination.ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of a nucleocapsid-containing assay in identifying natural infection among vaccinated individuals.DesignA longitudinal cohort comprised of healthcare workers (HCW) in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area was enrolled. Two rounds of seroprevalence studies separated by one month were conducted from 11/2020–1/2021. Capillary blood from round 1 and 2 was tested for IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins with a qualitative chemiluminescent ELISA (spike-only assay). In a subsample of participants (n=82) at round 2, a second assay was performed that measured IgGs reactive to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (nucleocapsid-containing assay). Round 1 biospecimen collections occurred prior to vaccination in all participants. Vaccination status at round 2 was determined via self-report.SettingThe Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota metropolitan area.ParticipantsHCW age 18-80 years.ExposuresRound 1 recent SARS-CoV-2 infection assessed via a spike-only assay and participant self-report.OutcomesRound 2 SARS-CoV-2 infection assessed via the nucleocapsid-containing assay. Area under the curve (AUC) was computed to determine the discriminatory ability of round 2 IgG reactivity to nucleocapsid for identification of recent infection determined during round 1ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 40 (range=23-66) years, 83% were female, 46% reported vaccination prior to the round 2 testing. Round 1 seroprevalence was 9.5%. Among those not recently infected, when comparing vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals, elevated levels of spike 1 (p<0.001) and spike 2 (p=0.01) were observed while nucleocapsid levels were not statistically significantly different (p=0.90). Among all participants, nucleocapsid response predicted recent infection with an AUC(95%CI) of 0.93(0.88,0.99). Among individuals vaccinated >10 days prior to antibody testing, the specificity of the nucleocapsid-containing assay was 92% and while the specificity of the spike-only assay was 0%.Conclusions and RelevanceAn IgG assay identifying reactivity to nucleocapsid protein is an accurate predictor of natural infection among vaccinated individuals while a spike-only assay performed poorly. In the era of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, seroprevalence studies monitoring natural infection will require assays that do not rely on spike-protein response alone.
Rapid, inexpensive methods for exploring SARS CoV-2 D614G mutation
Authors: Al-Jaf Sirwan M.A. , Niranji Sherko Subhan , Mahmood Zana Hameed 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA common mutation has occurred in the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), known as D614G (A23403G). There are discrepancies in impacting of this mutation on the virus’s infectivity, and the whole genome sequencings are expensive and time-consuming. This study aims to develop three fast economical assays for prompt identifications of the D614G mutation including Taqman probe-based real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT PCR), an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) RT and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), in nasopharyngeal swab samples. Both rRT and ARMS data showed G614 mutant indicated by presence of HEX probe and 176bp, respectively. Additionally, the results of the RFLP data and DNA sequencings confirmed the prevalence of G614 mutant. These methods will be important, in epidemiological, reinfections and zoonotic aspects, through detecting the G614 mutant in retro-perspective samples to track its origins and future re-emergence of D614 wild type.
Primary care and point-of-care testing during a pandemic: Clinician’s perspectives on integrating rapid testing for COVID-19 into the primary care pathway
Authors: Kierkegaard Patrick , Hicks Timothy , Yang Yaling , Lee Joseph , Hayward Gail , Turner Philip J. , Allen A. Joy , Nicholson Brian D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundReal-world evidence to support the adoption of SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care (POC) tests in primary care is limited. As the first point of contact of the health system for most patients, POC testing can potentially support general practitioners (GPs) quickly identify infectious and non-infectious individuals to rapidly inform patient triaging, clinical management, and safely restore more in-person services.ObjectivesTo explore the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care testing in primary care services.DesignA qualitative study using an inductive thematic analysis.Setting21 general practices located across three regions in England.ResultsThree major themes were identified related to POC test implementation in primary care: (1) Insights into SARS-CoV-2 POC tests; (2) System and organisational factors; and (3) Practice-level service delivery strategies. Thematic subcategories included involvement in rapid testing, knowledge and perception of the current POC testing landscape, capacity for testing, economic concerns, resource necessities, perception of personal risk and safety, responsibility for administering the test, and targeted testing strategies.ConclusionGPs knowledge of POC tests influences their degree of trust, uncertainty, and their perception of risk of POC test use. Concerns around funding, occupational exposure, and workload play a crucial role in GPs hesitation to provide POC testing services. These concerns could potentially be addressed with government funding, the use of targeted testing, and improved triaging strategies to limit testing to essential patient cohorts.
Outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients treated with Clozapine
Authors: Govind Risha , de Freitas Daniela Fonseca , Pritchard Megan , Khondoker Mizanur , Teo James T , Stewart Robert , Hayes Richard D. , MacCabe James H. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundClozapine, an antipsychotic, is associated with increased susceptibility to infection with COVID-19, compared to other antipsychotics.AimsTo investigate associations between clozapine treatment and increased risk of adverse outcomes of COVID-19, namely COVID-related hospitalisation and intensive care treatment, and death, among patients taking antipsychotics with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.MethodUsing data from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) clinical records, via the Clinical Record Interactive Search system, we identified 157 individuals who had an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, were taking antipsychotics at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, and had a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. The following health outcomes were measured: COVID-related hospitalisation, COVID-related intensive care treatment death. We tested associations between clozapine treatment and each outcome using logistic regression models, adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity, neighbourhood deprivation, obesity, smoking status, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis and hypertension using propensity scores.ResultsIn the 157 individuals who developed COVID while on antipsychotics, there were 44 COVID-related hospitalisations, 13 COVID-related intensive care treatments and 13 deaths of any cause during the follow-up period. In the unadjusted analysis, there was no significant association between clozapine and any of the outcomes and there remained no associations following adjusting for the confounding variables.ConclusionsIn our sample of patients with COVID-19 and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, we found no evidence that clozapine treatment puts patients at increased risk of hospitalisation, intensive care treatment or death, compared to any other antipsychotic treatment. However, further research should be considered in larger samples to confirm this.Conflict of interestRDH has received research funding from Roche, Pfizer, Janssen, and Lundbeck. DFF has received research funding from Janssen and Lundbeck. JHM has received research funding from Lundbeck. JTT has received research funding from Bristol-Meyers-Squibb. RS declares research support in the last 36 months from Janssen, GSK and Takeda.Ethics statementThe research was conducted under ethical approval reference 18/SC/0372 from Oxfordshire Research Ethics Committee C.
Distinct SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses Elicited by Natural Infection and mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Assis Rafael , Jain Aarti , Nakajima Rie , Jasinskas Al , Kahn Saahir , Palma Anton , Parker Daniel M. , Chau Anthony , Leung Amanda , Grabar Christina , Muqolli Fjolla , Khalil Ghali , Escobar Jessica Colin , Ventura Jenny , Davies D. Huw , Albala Bruce , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Schubl Sebastian , Felgner Philip L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe analyzed data from two ongoing COVID-19 longitudinal serological surveys in Orange County, CA., between April 2020 and March 2021. A total of 8,476 finger stick blood specimens were collected before and after an aggressive mRNA vaccination campaign. IgG levels were determined using a multiplex antigen microarray containing 10 SARS-CoV-2 antigens, 4 SARS, 3 MERS, 12 Common CoV, and 8 Influenza antigens. Twenty-six percent of 3,347 specimens from unvaccinated Orange County residents in December 2020 were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. The Ab response was predominantly against nucleocapsid (NP), full length spike and the spike S2 domain. Anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) reactivity was low and there was no cross-reactivity against SARS S1 or SARS RBD. An aggressive mRNA vaccination campaign at the UCI Medical Center started on December 16, 2020 and 6,724 healthcare workers were vaccinated within 3 weeks. Seroprevalence increased from 13% in December to 79% in January, 93% in February and 99% in March. mRNA vaccination induced much higher Ab levels especially against the RBD domain and significant cross-reactivity against SARS RBD and S1 was also observed. Nucleocapsid protein Abs can be used to distinguish individuals in a population of vaccinees to classify those who have been previously infected and those who have not, because nucleocapsid is not in the vaccine. Previously infected individuals developed higher Ab titers to the vaccine than those who have not been previously exposed. These results indicate that mRNA vaccination rapidly induces a much stronger and broader Ab response than SARS-CoV-2 infection.