bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective analysis of DIC score and SIC score in prediction of COVID-19 severity
Authors: Kapoor Mayank , Panda Prasan Kumar , Saini Lokesh Kumar , Bahurupi Yogesh Arvind 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe novel Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) score [platelet count, prolonged prothrombin time, D-dimer, and fibrinogen] and Sepsis Induced Coagulopathy (SIC) score [platelet count, International normalized ratio, and Sequential organ failure assessment score] are markers of coagulopathy, which, for the first time, are explored in line with the COVID-19 disease outcomes. The correlation of D-dimer with these findings is also studied.Patients and methodsA retrospective analysis of hospital-based records of 168 COVID-19 patients. Data including D-dimer, routine investigations, DIC and SIC scorings (all within three days of admission) were collected and correlated with the outcomes. The study was conducted in a tertiary care center catering to population of North India.ResultsHigher DIC score (1·59 ± 1·18 v/s 0·96 ± 1·18), SIC score (1·60 ± 0·89 v/s 0·63 ± 0·99), and D-dimer titers (1321·33 ± 1627·89 v/s 583·66 ± 777·71 ng/ml) were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 disease (P<0·05). DIC score and SIC score ≥ 1, and D-dimer ≥ 1315 ng/ml for severe disease; DIC score ≥ 1, SIC score ≥ 2, and D-dimer ≥ 600 ng/ml for Pulmonary Embolism (PE); and DIC score and SIC score ≥ 1, and D-dimer level ≥ 990 ng/ml for mortality were the respective cut-off values we found from our study.ConclusionHigher DIC scores, SIC scores, and D-dimer values are associated with severe COVID-19 disease, in-hospital mortality, and PE risk. They can serve as easily accessible early markers of severe disease and prioritize hospital admissions in the presently overburdened scenario, and may be used to develop prognostic prediction models.HighlightsDIC scores, SIC scores, and D-dimer values are hereby studied in association with COVID-19 disease severity, in-hospital mortality, and PE risk. They serve as easily accessible early markers of severe disease and prioritize hospital admissions in the presently overburdened scenario, and may be used to develop prognostic prediction models.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among First Responders in Northeastern Ohio
Authors: Zhang Xiaochun , Saade Elie , Noguez Jaime H , Schmotzer Christine 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesFirst responders including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and police officers are working on the front lines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and facing a higher risk of infection. This study assessed the seroprevalence among first responders in northeastern Ohio during May-September 2020.MethodsA survey and IgG antibody test against SARS-CoV-2 were offered to University Hospitals Health System affiliated first responder departments.ResultsA total of 3080 first responders with diverse job assignments from more than 400 fire and police departments participated in the study. Among them, 73 (2.4%) were seropositive while only 0.8% had previously positive RT-PCR results. Asymptomatic infection accounts for 46.6% of seropositivity. By occupation, seropositive rates were highest among administration/support staff (3.8%), followed by paramedics (3.0%), EMTs (2.6%), firefighters (2.2%), and police officers (0.8%). Seroprevalence was not associated with self-reported exposure as work exposure rates were: paramedics 48.2%, firefighters 37.1%, EMTs 32.3%, police officers 7.7%, and administration/support staff 4.4%. Self-reported community exposure was strongly correlated with self-reported work exposure rate rather than seroprevalence suggesting a potential impact of risk awareness. Additionally, no significant difference was found among gender or age groups; however, black Americans have a higher positivity rate than other races although they reported lower exposure.ConclusionsDespite the high work-associated exposure rate to SARS-CoV-2 infection, first responders with different roles demonstrated seroprevalence no higher than their administrative/supportive colleagues, which suggests infection control measures are effective in preventing work-related infection.
Enhancing epidemiological investigation of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection with whole genome sequencing: A retrospective cohort study across four hospitals in the UK
Authors: Lumley Sheila F , Constantinides Bede , Sanderson Nicholas , Rodger Gillian , Street Teresa L , Swann Jeremy , Chau Kevin K , O’Donnell Denise , Warren Fiona , Hoosdally Sarah ,   OUH Microbiology laboratory,   OUH Infection Prevention and Control team, O’Donnell Anne-Marie , Walker Timothy M , Stoesser Nicole E , Butcher Lisa , Peto Tim EA , Crook Derrick W , Jeffery Katie , Matthews Philippa C , Eyre David W 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite robust efforts, patients and staff acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitals. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated whether whole-genome sequencing (WGS) could enhance the epidemiological investigation of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 acquisition.Methods and findingsFrom 17-November-2020 to 5-January-2021, 803 inpatients and 329 staff were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection across four teaching hospitals in Oxfordshire, UK. We classified cases according to epidemiological definitions, sought epidemiological evidence of a potential source for each nosocomial infection, and evaluated if epidemiologically-linked cases had genomic evidence supporting transmission. We compared epidemiological and genomic outbreak identification.Using national epidemiological definitions, 109/803 (14%) inpatient infections were classified as definite/probable nosocomial, 615 (77%) as community-acquired and 79 (10%) as indeterminate. There was strong epidemiological evidence to support definite/probable cases as nosocomial: 107/109 (98%) had a prior-negative PCR in the same hospital stay before testing positive, and 101(93%) shared time and space with known infected patients/staff. Many indeterminate cases were likely infected in hospital: 53/79 (67%) had a prior-negative PCR and 75 (95%) contact with a potential source. 89/615 (11% of all 803 patients) with apparent community-onset had a recent hospital exposure.WGS highlighted SARS-CoV-2 is mainly imported into hospitals: within 764 samples sequenced 607 genomic clusters were identified (>1 SNP distinct). Only 43/607 (7%) clusters contained evidence of onward transmission (subsequent cases within ≤1 SNP). 20/21 epidemiologically-identified outbreaks contained multiple genomic introductions. Most (80%) nosocomial acquisition occurred in rapid super-spreading events in settings with a mix of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Hospitals not routinely admitting COVID-19 patients had low rates of transmission. Undiagnosed/unsequenced individuals prevent genomic data from excluding nosocomial acquisition.ConclusionsOur findings suggest current surveillance definitions underestimate nosocomial acquisition and reveal most nosocomial transmission occurs from a relatively limited number of highly infectious individuals.
A multi-level investigation of the genetic relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer histotypes
Authors: Mortlock Sally , Corona Rosario I. , Kho Pik Fang , Pharoah Paul , Seo Ji-Heui , Freedman Matthew L. , Gayther Simon A. , Siedhoff Matthew T. , Rogers Peter A.W. , Leuchter Ronald , Walsh Christine S. , Cass Ilana , Karlan Beth Y. , Rimel B.J. ,   Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium,   International Endometriosis Genetics Consortium, Montgomery Grant W. , Lawrenson Kate , Kar Siddhartha P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEndometriosis is associated with increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs). Data from large endometriosis and EOC genome-wide association meta-analyses were used to estimate the genetic correlation and evaluate the causal relationship between genetic liability to endometriosis and major EOC histotypes, and to identify shared susceptibility loci. We estimated a significant genetic correlation (rg) between endometriosis and clear cell (rg=0.71), endometrioid (rg=0.48) and high-grade serous (rg=0.19) ovarian cancer, all supported by Mendelian randomization analyses. A bivariate meta-analysis identified 28 loci associated with endometriosis and EOC, including two novel risk loci, and 19 with evidence for a single underlying causal variant. Differences in the shared risk suggest different underlying pathways may contribute to the relationship between endometriosis and the different histotypes. Functional annotation using transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles of relevant tissues/cells highlighted several target genes. This comprehensive analysis reveals profound genetic overlap between endometriosis and EOC histotypes with valuable genomic targets for understanding the biological mechanisms linking the diseases.
The Role of CRP, Interleukin-6 and Their Derived Immune-Inflammatory Indices in Early Prediction of Severity and Mortality of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Taha Sara I. , Shata Aalaa K. , El-Sehsah Eman M. , Fouad Shaimaa H. , Moussa Aya H. , Abdalgeleel Shaimaa A. , Moustafa Nouran M. , Youssef Mariam K. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), finding sensitive biomarkers is critical for detecting severe cases early and intervening effectively.ObjectivesTo compare and evaluate the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and their derived immune-inflammatory indices (CRP/albumin (CRP/alb), lymphocyte/CRP (L/CRP), and lymphocyte/IL-6 (L/IL-6)) in COVID-19 patients.MethodsOn admission, 85 confirmed COVID-19 patients, their measured and collected laboratory data were obtained and compared.ResultsLevels of CRP, IL-6, and CRP/alb were significantly higher (P=0.001) in severe patients and non-survivors, but L/CRP and L/IL-6 were significantly lower (P=0.001). We observed the best predictive performance for COVID-19 severity at 1.65 for CRP/alb and 260.86 for L/CRP with 84.7% diagnostic accuracy for both. The best diagnostic accuracy for COVID-19 in-hospital mortality was 87.1% by IL-6 at 120 pg/ml and 85.9% by L/IL-6 at 5.40. The multi-marker prediction surpassed the performance of a single biomarker prediction. IL-6 was an independent risk factor associated with severe disease development (odds ratio (OR): 1.033; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.066).ConclusionsPretreatment values of CRP, IL-6, and their derived indices could be included in the diagnostic work-up of COVID-19 to determine the severity and predict the outcome.
Automated diagnosis of autism: State of the art
Authors: Valizadeh Amir , Moassefi Mana , Nakhostin-Ansari Amin , Some’eh Soheil Heidari , Hosseini-Asl Hossein , Torbati Mehrnush Saghab , Aghajani Reyhaneh , Ghorbani Zahra Maleki , Menbari-Oskouie Iman , Aghajani Faezeh , Mirzamohamadi Alireza , Ghafouri Mohammad , Faghani Shahriar , Memari Amir Hossein 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a panel of conditions that begin during the developmental period and result in impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning. Early diagnosis is directly related to a better prognosis. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of ASD requires a long and exhausting subjective process.ObjectiveTo review the state of the art for the automated autism diagnosis.MethodsIn February 2022, we searched multiple databases and several sources of grey literature for eligible studies. We used an adapted version of the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the risk of bias in the studies. A brief report of the methods and results of each study is presented. Data were synthesized for each modality separately using the Split Component Synthesis (SCS) method. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2statistics and evaluated publication bias using trim and fill tests combined with ln DOR. Confidence in cumulative evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach for diagnostic studies.ResultsWe included 344 studies from 186020 participants (51129 are estimated to be unique) for nine different modalities in this review, from which 232 reported sufficient data for meta-analysis. The area under the curve was in the range of 0.71-0.90 for all the modalities. The studies on EEG data provided the best accuracy, with the area under the curve ranging between 0.85 to 0.93.ConclusionsThe literature is rife with bias and methodological/reporting flaws. Recommendations are provided for future research to provide better studies and fill in the current knowledge gaps.
Harnessing the Power of Sex Differences: What a Difference Ten Years Did Not Make
Authors: Rechlin Rebecca K. , Splinter Tallinn F.L. , Hodges Travis E. , Albert Arianne Y. , Galea Liisa A.M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSex differences exist in many neurological and psychiatric diseases. Mandates have been initiated across funding agencies for research to include males and females. What has been lacking in the literature is a detailed assessment of how sex is incorporated into the design (e.g. balanced design) and into the analyses (e.g. covariate). We surveyed papers in 2009 and 2019 across six journals in Neuroscience and Psychiatry. There was a 30% increase in the percentage of papers that included both sexes to 68% in 2019. Despite this increase, in 2019 only 19% of studies used an optimal design for discovery of possible sex differences and only 5% analyzed sex as a discovery variable. Here we show that little progress has been made in harnessing the power that sex differences can afford in research for discovery and therapeutic potential for neurological and psychiatric disease to improve the health of men, women and gender diverse individuals.Highlights68% of Neuroscience and Psychiatry papers reported the use of both sexes in 2019Only 19% of studies in 2019 used sex consistently throughout the study analysesOf the studies that used males and females, 59% did not include sex in the analysesOnly 5% of studies in 2019 used sex as a discovery variable in their analysesMale only papers were 8.4 times more prevalent than female-only papers
Temporal and Spatial Niche Partitioning of Bumblebee Species (Apidae:Bombus) on a Himalayan Mountain
Authors: Moss Alan James , Camilo Gerardo R , Ren Zong-Xin , Bernhardt Peter 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundBumblebees are essential pollinators in many ecosystems. To maintain such ecosystem functions, bumblebee diversity remains an important concern. We measured abundance and diversity of bumblebee species along an elevational gradient over three flowering seasons. We hypothesized that co-occurring bumblebees partition niches over time and space.MethodsWe sampled bumblebees at six different meadows along Yulong Snow Mountain (Yunnan, SW China), a region known for high bumblebee diversity, over summer months (2017 – 2019). We analyzed the standardized abundances of the workers from different bumblebee species over 11 weeklong periods. We also analyzed the standardized abundances of the workers of each species at each of the six different meadows.ResultsClear patterns of temporal niche partitioning were most apparent for the two, dominant species,B. friseanusandB. lepidus. Spatial niche partitioning was evident for rarer species which tended to be most abundant at lower elevations.ConclusionsTemporal and spatial niche partitioning are among two of the ways that bumblebee diversity is maintained on Yulong Snow Mountain. This has future implications if changing climate conditions disrupt partitioning leading to increased interspecific competition.
Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis shows disturbed calcium homeostasis and deregulation of T lymphocyte apoptosis in inclusion body myositis
Authors: Johari Mridul , Vihola Anna , Palmio Johanna , Jokela Manu , Jonson Per Harald , Sarparanta Jaakko , Huovinen Sanna , Savarese Marco , Hackman Peter , Udd Bjarne 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveInclusion body myositis (IBM) has an unclear molecular etiology due to the co-existence of characteristic cytotoxic T-cell activity and degeneration of muscle fibers. Using in-depth gene expression and splicing studies, we aimed at understanding the different components of the molecular pathomechanisms in IBM.MethodsWe performed RNA-seq on RNA extracted from skeletal muscle biopsies of clinically and histopathologically defined IBM (n=24), tibial muscular dystrophy (n=6), and histopathologically normal group (n=9). In a comprehensive transcriptomics analysis, we analyzed the differential gene expression, differential splicing and exon usage, downstream pathway analysis, and the interplay between coding and non-coding RNAs (micro RNAs and long non-coding RNAs).ResultsWe observe dysregulation of genes involved in calcium homeostasis, particularly affecting the T-cell activity and regulation, causing disturbed Ca2+ induced apoptotic pathway of T cells in IBM muscles. Additionally, LCK/p56, which is an essential gene in regulating the fate of T-cell apoptosis, shows altered expression and splicing usage in IBM musclesInterpretationOur analysis provides a novel understanding of the molecular mechanisms in IBM by showing a detailed dysregulation of genes involved in calcium homeostasis and its effect on T-cell functioning in IBM muscles. Loss of T-cell regulation is hypothesized to be involved in the consistent observation of no response to immune therapies in IBM patients. Our results show that loss of apoptotic control of cytotoxic T cells could indeed be one component of their abnormal cytolytic activity in IBM muscles.
Inverse Density of Iba1 and Glutamine Synthetase Expressing Glia in Rat Inferior Colliculus
Authors: Orton Llwyd David 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMicroglia and astrocytes undertake numerous essential roles in nervous systems but we know little of their anatomical distribution within numerous nuclei. In the principal nuclei of the mammalian auditory midbrain, the inferior colliculi (IC), the cellular density and relative distribution of glutamate synthetase (GS) expressing astrocytes and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) expressing microglia is unknown. To address this, the IC of young adult, male Wistar rats were immunohistochemically labelled for GS and Iba1, using chromogenic methods. Sub-regions of imaged IC sections were demarked and soma density of both cell types determined. GS labelled somata were twice more densely packed as Iba1 labelled somata throughout IC parenchyma and peri-vascular regions. Furthermore, GS labelled somata density was significantly lower in dorsal cortex than external cortex or central nucleus. Iba1 labelled somata density exhibited the opposite trend, revealing an inverse density of these glial cell types between IC sub-regions. GS labelled neuropil was strongest in the cortices with and a gradual transition of lighter labelling towards central nucleus. These data provide the first detailed descriptions of GS labelling in IC and demonstrate sub-regional differences in IC glial cell density. Taken together, these findings suggest neurochemical specialization of glia in IC sub-regions, likely related to local physiological and metabolic demands, with implications for IC function.
The Ventral Midline Thalamus Mediates Successful Deliberation by Coordinating Prefrontal and Hippocampal Neural Activity
Authors: Stout John J. , Hallock Henry L. , Adiraju Suhaas S. , Griffin Amy L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWhen faced with difficult choices, the possible outcomes are considered through a process known as deliberation. In rats, deliberation can be reflected by pause-and-reorienting behaviors, better known as Vicarious Trial and Errors (VTEs). While VTEs are thought to require medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dorsal hippocampal (dHPC) interactions, no work has demonstrated such a dual requirement. The nucleus reuniens (Re) of the ventral midline thalamus is anatomically connected with both the mPFC and dHPC, is required for HPC-dependent spatial memory tasks, and is critical for mPFC-dHPC neural synchronization. Currently, it is unclear if, or how, the Re is involved in deliberation. Therefore, by examining the role of the Re on VTE behaviors, we can better understand the anatomical and physiological mechanisms supporting deliberation. Here, we examined the impact of Re suppression on VTE behaviors and mPFC-dHPC theta synchrony during well-learned performance of a HPC-dependent delayed alternation (DA) task. Pharmacological suppression of the Re increased VTE behaviors that resulted in erroneous choices. These errors were best characterized as perseverative behaviors, where at the decision-point, some rats repeatedly turned in the direction that previously yielded no reward, while simultaneously deliberating. These ‘failed’ deliberations were associated with a reduction in mPFC-dHPC theta coherence at the choice-point. Importantly, the reduction in mPFC-dHPC theta synchrony observed during VTE behaviors was almost entirely driven by Re-suppression induced changes to the mPFC theta oscillation. Our findings suggest that the Re is important for successful deliberation, and mPFC-dHPC interactions, by coordinating local theta oscillations in the mPFC.
Organization of the catecholaminergic system in the short-lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Borgonovo Janina , Ahumada-Galleguillos Patricio , Oñate-Ponce Alejandro , Allende-Castro Camilo , Henny Pablo , Concha Miguel L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe catecholaminergic system has received much attention based on its regulatory role in a wide range of brain functions and its relevance in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we analyzed the neuroanatomical distribution of catecholaminergic neurons based on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the brain of adult Nothobranchius furzeri. In the telencephalon, numerous TH+ neurons were observed in the olfactory bulbs and the ventral telencephalic area, arranged as strips extending through the rostrocaudal axis. We found the largest TH+ groups in the diencephalon at the preoptic region level, the ventral thalamus, the pretectal region, the posterior tuberculum, and the caudal hypothalamus. In the dorsal mesencephalic tegmentum, we identified a particular catecholaminergic group. The rostral rhombencephalon housed TH+ cells in the locus coeruleus and the medulla oblongata, distributing in a region dorsal to the inferior reticular formation, the vagal lobe, and the area postrema. Finally, scattered TH+ neurons were present in the ventral spinal cord and the retina. From a comparative perspective, the overall organization of catecholaminergic neurons is consistent with the general pattern reported for other teleosts. However, Nothobranchius furzeri shows some particular features, including the presence of catecholaminergic cells in the midbrain. This work provides a detailed neuroanatomical map of the catecholaminergic system of Nothobranchius furzeri, a powerful aging model, also contributing to the phylogenetic understanding of one of the most ancient neurochemical systems.