bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Cognitive and Clinical Predictors of Real-Life Functioning, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Individuals at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis
Authors: Glenthøj Louise Birkedal , Kristensen Tina Dam , Wenneberg Christina , Hjorthøj Carsten , Nordentoft Merete
Published: May 2020

A substantial proportion of individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis show long-term functional impairments, which may have profound consequences for the individual and society. Finding predictors of these functional impairments is critical to inform on the individual’s functional prognosis and potentially develop targeted interventions. This study used data from 91 UHR individuals participating in a randomized, clinical trial, that were followed up at 12 months, to elucidate on clinical, neuro- and social-cognitive predictors of UHR individuals’ functional outcome in the domains of social- and role functioning, quality of life, and functional capacity. The proportion of UHR individuals showing a poor social- and role outcome at 12-month follow-up was 50% and 63%, respectively. Worse social outcome was predicted by higher levels of negative symptoms, reduced processing speed, and impaired baseline social functioning explaining 52% of the variance. Worse role outcome was predicted by impaired role functioning at baseline, explaining 25% of the variance. Quality of life impairments were predicted by better theory of mind explaining 4% of the variance, and functional capacity social skills deficits were predicted by impaired baseline social skills explaining 20% of the variance. Our findings indicate that processing speed and negative symptoms may contribute to social- and role-functioning deficits, and while aspects of social cognition may also relate to social- and role functioning, baseline-functional impairments seem to be a strong contributor to persistent impairments in functioning and quality of life. If replicated, our findings suggest the need for future studies investigating the effect of pro-functional interventions targeting baseline functioning and targeted cognitive domains in UHR.
A quality-improvement optimization pilot of BariFit, a mobile health intervention to promote physical activity after bariatric surgery
Authors: Klasnja Predrag , Rosenberg Dori E , Zhou Jing , Anau Jane , Gupta Anirban , Arterburn David E
Published: May 2020

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity (body mass index >40), helping individuals lose, on average, 25%–29% of their body weight over the first year. However, many patients begin to plateau and regain weight within 12–24 months, and 20% of patients begin to regain weight within 6 months postsurgery. As physical activity (PA) is an important predictor of weight loss and maintenance postsurgery, there is a need for scalable, effective lifestyle interventions to help bariatric patients increase PA in order to maximize their weight loss and maintenance. To assess feasibility of using mobile health (mHealth) tools to support PA postsurgery, we conducted a quality-improvement optimization pilot of BariFit, an mHealth intervention that combines commercial devices and custom text messages. Fifty-one bariatric patients enrolled in a 16-week optimization pilot of BariFit. To assess feasibility, pre–post changes in PA were assessed using activPAL. In addition, the pilot randomized, using a 2 × 2 factorial design, two adaptive approaches to daily step goals (variable and 60th percentile goals) and provision of rest days (yes/no), and microrandomized provision of SMS-delivered activity suggestions five times a day for each participant. Adherence to using study equipment was over 95% at 16 weeks. Participants increased PA by 1,866 steps from baseline to end-of-study (p < .007). Participants who received variable step goals averaged 1,141 more steps per day (p = .096) than those who received 60th percentile goals. Activity suggestions had no effect. mHealth interventions are feasible for supporting PA postbariatric surgery.
Strategies of community engagement in research: definitions and classifications
Authors: Sanders Thompson Vetta L , Ackermann Nicole , Bauer Kyla L , Bowen Deborah J , Goodman Melody S
Published: May 2020

Engagement activities are defined along a continuum that analyzes and represents nonacademic stakeholder activities and interactions with academic researchers. Proposed continua begin with none to limited stakeholder inclusion and input into research and continue with descriptions of increasing presence, input, and participation in decision-making. Despite some agreement in the literature, development of consistent terminology and definitions has been recommended to promote the common understanding of strategies in engaged research. This paper sought to develop and understand classifications and definitions of community-engaged research that can serve as the foundation of a measure of engaged research that permits comparisons among engagement strategies and the outcomes that they produce in health- and healthcare-related research studies. Data on academic and stakeholder perceptions and understandings of classifications and definitions were obtained using Delphi process (N = 19) via online and face-to-face survey and cognitive response interviews (N = 16). Participants suggested the need for more nuanced understanding of engagement along portions of the continuum, with active involvement and decision-making as engagement progressed. Cognitive interview responses suggested that outreach and education is a more advanced level of engagement than previously discussed in the literature and viewed consultation negatively because it required work without guaranteeing community benefit. It is possible to define a continuum of patient- and community-engaged research that is understood and accepted by both academic researchers and community members. However, future research should revisit the understanding and depiction of the strategies that are to be used in measure development.
Genome Sequence of Venturia oleaginea, the Causal Agent of Olive Leaf Scab
Authors: Jaber Mohammed Y. , Bao Jiandong , Gao Xiuqin , Zhang Limei , He Dou , Wang Xueyu , Wang Airong , Wang Zonghua , Wang Baohua
Published: May 2020

Olive leaf scab, also known as peacock spot disease, caused by Venturia oleaginea (syn. Spilocaea oleaginea and Fusicladium oleagineum) is the most widespread and economically important fungal disease attacking olive in production countries. Here, we report the first highly contiguous whole-genome sequence (46.08 Mb) of one isolate, YUN35, of V. oleaginea. The described genome sequence and annotation resource will be useful to study the fungal biology, pathogen-host interaction, characterization of genes of interest, and population genetic diversity.
Proposal for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Management
Authors: Downs John B. , Weled Barry , Räsänen Jukka , Haines Krista L. , Vidyasagar Dharmapuri , Stock M. Christine , Habashi Nader
Published: May 2020

Setting:

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has raised fear throughout the nation. Current news and social media predictions of ventilator, medication, and personnel shortages are rampant.

Patients:

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 are presenting with early respiratory distress and hypoxemia, but not hypercapnia.

Interventions:

Patients who maintain adequate alveolar ventilation, normocapnia, and adequate oxygenation may avoid the need for tracheal intubation. Facemask continuous positive airway pressure has been used to treat patients with respiratory distress for decades, including those with severe acute respiratory syndrome. Of importance, protocols were successful in protecting caregivers from contracting the virus, obviating the need for tracheal intubation just to limit the spread of potentially infectious particles.

Conclusions:

During a pandemic, with limited resources, we should provide the safest and most effective care, while protecting caregivers. Continuous positive airway pressure titrated to an effective level and applied early with a facemask may spare ventilator usage. Allowing spontaneous ventilation will decrease the need for sedative and paralytic drugs and may decrease the need for highly skilled nurses and respiratory therapists. These goals can be accomplished with devices that are readily available and easier to obtain than mechanical ventilators, which then can be reserved for the sickest patients.
What constitutes a syndemic? Methods, contexts, and framing from 2019
Authors: Mendenhall Emily , Singer Merrill
Published: May 2020

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to describe what methods were used for 60 articles on HIV syndemics in 2019, where they took place, what syndemic clusters emerged, and why this matters.

Recent findings

Most articles published in 2019 used regression analyses, and fewer used higher level modeling techniques, frequencies and descriptive, longitudinal cohort study, and social network analysis. Some employed ethnography, qualitative interviews, or were simply reviews. Most syndemic co-factors were substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, depression, intimate partner violence, stigma, sexually transmitted infections, and trauma and non-communicable diseases. Half of the studies were conducted in the United States and mostly in urban areas. Other contexts were Canada, Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Botswana, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, India, Indonesia, China, Peru, and Romania.

Most recommendations suggested that people living with HIV need interventions that address other factors situated within their life, such as their mental health, social stigma, experiences of trauma and intimate partner violence, and social stigma and sexual risk taking. Many took an intersectoral approach and emphasized the need to consider the various factors that shape experiences with HIV, from sex, sexuality, class, race and ethnicity, and past trauma.
The role of brown adipose tissue and the thermogenic adipocytes in glucose metabolism: recent advances and open questions
Authors: Chondronikola Maria
Published: May 2020

Purpose of review

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the thermogenic adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) are considered emerging targets against obesity-related metabolic perturbations given their high capacity for thermogenesis and glucose and lipid disposal. This manuscript summarizes and critically evaluates the recent advances on the role of BAT and thermogenic adipocytes in glucose homeostasis in humans.

Recent findings

Recent studies support that BAT has high capacity for glucose disposal not only during cold but during rewarming and thermoneutrality as well. Moreover, BAT is now considered a metabolic sink for the disposal of branched-chain amino acids improving whole-body glucose metabolism in rodents and, potentially, in humans. β3 adrenergic agonism and glucagon-like peptide 1 increase BAT metabolic activity for glucose and/or induce the browning of WAT. Finally, recent findings support the association of glucose disposal in BAT with subclinical atherosclerosis and the reproducibility of two advanced medical imaging methods for the assessment of BAT using a glucose radiotracer.

Recent studies provide new insights on the role of human BAT and thermogenic adipocytes in glucose metabolism. However, further research is needed to unequivocally establish the clinical significance of BAT and the thermogenic adipocytes in glucose homeostasis in humans.
Trends in Costs of Care and Utilization for Medicaid Patients With Diabetes in Accountable Care Communities
Authors: Moin Tannaz , Harwood Jessica M. , Mangione Carol M. , Jackson Nicholas , Ho Sam , Ettner Susan L. , Duru O. Kenrik
Published: May 2020

Background/Objectives:

Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes have complex care needs. The Accountable Care Communities (ACC) Program is a practice-level intervention implemented by UnitedHealthcare to improve care for Medicaid beneficiaries. We examined changes in costs and utilization for Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes assigned to ACC versus usual care practices.

Research Design:

Interrupted time series with concurrent control group analysis, at the person-month level. The ACC was implemented in 14 states, and we selected comparison non-ACC practices from those states to control for state-level variation in Medicaid program. We adjusted the models for age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, seasonality, and state-by-year fixed effects. We examined the difference between ACC and non-ACC practices in changes in the time trends of expenditures and hospital and emergency room utilization, for the 4 largest categories of Medicaid eligibility [Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income (without Medicare), Expansion, Dual-Eligible].

Subjects/Measures:

Eligibility and claims data from Medicaid adults with diabetes from 14 states between 2010 and 2016, before and after ACC implementation.

Results:

Analyses included 1,200,460 person-months from 66,450 Medicaid patients with diabetes. ACC implementation was not associated with significant changes in outcome time trends, relative to comparators, for all Medicaid categories.

Conclusions:

Medicaid patients assigned to ACC practices had no changes in cost or utilization over 3 years of follow-up, compared with patients assigned to non-ACC practices. The ACC program may not reduce costs or utilization for Medicaid patients with diabetes.
Communication and Cultural Sensitivity for Families and Children With Life-Limiting Diseases
Authors: Koch Amie , Grier Kimberlee
Published: May 2020

The health care decisions of families of children who have life-limiting genetic diseases are impacted by multiple factors including religious and ethical values, education and knowledge, emotional trauma, availability of support, and accessibility of care. Palliative care nurses must practice the highest standards by delivering nonbiased, nonjudgmental support to patients and families; however, nurses may experience moral distress if their personal values conflict with a family's decisions and needs. This case focuses on a family receiving community-based palliative care for a child with a genetic life-limiting disease. They had a family history of this disease, which had caused the deaths of previous children, and the mother had a current unplanned pregnancy. The care team overcame language barriers and cultural obstacles to establish a trusting relationship with the vulnerable pregnant mother. They were able to support her decision to terminate her pregnancy safely by helping her to navigate a complex health care system. Using 5 crucial pillars to assist health care members with the delivery of nonjudgmental family-centered palliative care is recommended: (1) identification of biases, (2) utilization of a culturally safe approach, (3) effective communication, (4) assessment and support, and (5) knowledge of community resources.
Early Kidney Allograft Failure After Simultaneous Liver-kidney Transplantation: Evidence for Utilization of the Safety Net?
Authors: Cullaro Giuseppe , Verna Elizabeth C. , Emond Jean C. , Orandi Babak J. , Mohan Sumit , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: May 2020

Background.

With the implementation of the “Safety Net,” we aimed to determine the impact of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT), as compared to kidney transplant after liver transplant (KALT), on kidney allograft failure (KF).

Methods.

An analysis of the UNOS database for all adult patients who received either an SLKT or KALT from 2002 to 2017. The outcomes were 90-day KF and 1-year KF (as reported to UNOS, at 90- and 365-day postkidney transplant, respectively). We compared the following groups of patients: SLKT <25 (SLKT with final model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] <25), SLKT25/35 (MELD ≥25/<35), and SLKT35 (MELD ≥35) to KALT.

Results.

Of the 6276 patients, there were 1481 KALT, 1579 SLKT <25, 1832 SLKT25/35, and 1384 SLKT ≥35. The proportion of patients with 90-day and 1-year KF increased significantly among the KALT, SLKT <25, SLKT25/35, and SLKT ≥35 groups (P < 0.001; test for trend): 90-day KF: 3.3% versus 5.5% versus 7.3% versus 9.3% and 1-year KF: 5.1% versus 9.4% versus 12.3% versus 14.7%. After adjustment and compared with KALT, beginning at an MELD ≥25 those undergoing SLKT had significantly higher risk of 90-day and 1-year KF: 90-day KF: SLKT25/35: hazard ratio, 1.6(1.0-2.3); SLKT ≥35: 2.1(1.3-3.3); 1-year KF: SLKT25/35: hazard ratio, 1.7(1.2-2.4); SLKT ≥35: 2.1(1.5-3.0).

Conclusions.

As compared to KALT recipients, SLKT recipients with an MELD ≥25 had significantly higher risk of early KF. Given the now well-established “Safety Net,” KALT may serve as an opportunity to improve kidney outcomes in patients with an MELD ≥25.
Finding a signal hidden among noise: how can predators overcome camouflage strategies?
Authors: Galloway James A. M. , Green Samuel D. , Stevens Martin , Kelley Laura A.
Published: May 2020

Substantial progress has been made in the past 15 years regarding how prey use a variety of visual camouflage types to exploit both predator visual processing and cognition, including background matching, disruptive coloration, countershading and masquerade. By contrast, much less attention has been paid to how predators might overcome these defences. Such strategies include the evolution of more acute senses, the co-opting of other senses not targeted by camouflage, changes in cognition such as forming search images, and using behaviours that change the relationship between the cryptic individual and the environment or disturb prey and cause movement. Here, we evaluate the methods through which visual camouflage prevents detection and recognition, and discuss if and how predators might evolve, develop or learn counter-adaptations to overcome these.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Signal detection theory in recognition systems: from evolving models to experimental tests'.
Modeling the impact of social distancing, testing, contact tracing and household quarantine on second-wave scenarios of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Aleta Alberto , Martin-Corral David , Pastore y Piontti Ana , Ajelli Marco , Litvinova Maria , Chinazzi Matteo , Dean Natalie E , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Longini Ira M , Merler Stefano , Pentland Alex , Vespignani Alessandro , Moro Esteban , Moreno Yamir
Published: May 2020

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has required the implementation of severe mobility restrictions and social distancing measures worldwide. While these measures have been proven effective in abating the epidemic in several countries, it is important to estimate the effectiveness of testing and tracing strategies to avoid a potential second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. We integrate highly detailed (anonymized, privacy-enhanced) mobility data from mobile devices, with census and demographic data to build a detailed agent-based model to describe the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in the Boston metropolitan area. We find that enforcing strict social distancing followed by a policy based on a robust level of testing, contact-tracing and household quarantine, could keep the disease at a level that does not exceed the capacity of the health care system. Assuming the identification of 50% of the symptomatic infections, and the tracing of 40% of their contacts and households, which corresponds to about 9% of individuals quarantined, the ensuing reduction in transmission allows the reopening of economic activities while attaining a manageable impact on the health care system. Our results show that a response system based on enhanced testing and contact tracing can play a major role in relaxing social distancing interventions in the absence of herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Mining Twitter Data on COVID-19 for Sentiment analysis and frequent patterns Discovery
Authors: Drias Habiba H. , Drias Yassine
Published: May 2020

A study with a societal objective was carried out on people exchanging on social networks and more particularly on Twitter to observe their feelings on the COVID-19. A dataset of more than 600,000 tweets with hashtags like COVID and coronavirus posted between February 27, 2020 and March 25, 2020 was built. An exploratory treatment of the number of tweets posted by country, by language and other parameters revealed an overview of the apprehension of the pandemic around the world. A sentiment analysis was elaborated on the basis of the tweets posted in English because these constitute the great majority. On the other hand, the FP-Growth algorithm was adapted to the tweets in order to discover the most frequent patterns and its derived association rules, in order to highlight the tweeters insights relatively to COVID-19.
Rapid implementation of real-time SARS-CoV-2 sequencing to investigate healthcare-associated COVID-19 infections
Authors: Meredith Luke W. , Hamilton William L. , Warne Ben , Houldcroft Charlotte J. , Hosmillo Myra , Jahun Aminu S. , Curran Martin D. , Parmar Surendra , Caller Laura G. , Caddy Sarah L. , Khokhar Fahad A. , Yakovleva Anna , Hall Grant , Feltwell Theresa , Forrest Sally , Sridhar Sushmita , Weekes Michael P. , Baker Stephen , Brown Nicholas , Moore Elinor , Popay Ashley , Roddick Iain , Reacher Mark , Gouliouris Theodore , Peacock Sharon J. , Dougan Gordon , Török M. Estée , Goodfellow Ian
Published: May 2020

Background

The burden and impact of healthcare-associated COVID-19 infections is unknown. We aimed to examine the utility of rapid sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 combined with detailed epidemiological analysis to investigate healthcare-associated COVID-19 infections and to inform infection control measures.

Methods

We set up rapid viral sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from PCR-positive diagnostic samples using nanopore sequencing, enabling sample-to-sequence in less than 24 hours. We established a rapid review and reporting system with integration of genomic and epidemiological data to investigate suspected cases of healthcare-associated COVID-19.

Results

Between 13 March and 24 April 2020 we collected clinical data and samples from 5191 COVID-19 patients in the East of England. We sequenced 1000 samples, producing 747 complete viral genomes. We conducted combined epidemiological and genomic analysis of 299 patients at our hospital and identified 26 genomic clusters involving 114 patients. 66 cases (57.9%) had a strong epidemiological link and 15 cases (13.2%) had a plausible epidemiological link. These results were fed back to clinical, infection control and hospital management teams, resulting in infection control interventions and informing patient safety reporting.

Conclusions

We established real-time genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK hospital and demonstrated the benefit of combined genomic and epidemiological analysis for the investigation of healthcare-associated COVID-19 infections. This approach enabled us to detect cryptic transmission events and identify opportunities to target infection control interventions to reduce further healthcare-associated infections.
Real Time Investigation of a large Nosocomial Influenza A Outbreak Informed by Genomic Epidemiology
Authors: Javaid Waleed , Ehni Jordan , Gonzalez-Reiche Ana S. , Carreno Juan Manuel , Hirsch Elena , Tan Jessica , Khan Zenab , Kriti Divya , Ly Thanh , Kranitzky Bethany , Barnett Barbara , Cera Freddy , Prespa Lenny , Moss Marie , Albrecht Randy A. , Mustafa Ala , Herbison Ilka , Hernandez Matthew M , Pak Theodore , Alshammary Hala , Sebra Robert , Smith Melissa , Krammer Florian , Gitman Melissa , Sordillo Emilia M , Simon Viviana , van Bakel Harm
Published: May 2020

Background: Nosocomial respiratory virus outbreaks represent serious public health challenges. Rapid and precise identification of cases and tracing of transmission chains is critical to end outbreaks and to inform prevention measures.
Methods: We combined conventional surveillance with Influenza A virus (IAV) genome sequencing to identify and contain a large IAV outbreak in a metropolitan healthcare system. A total of 381 individuals, including 91 inpatients and 290 health care workers (HCWs), were included in the investigation.
Results: During a 12-day period in early 2019, infection preventionists identified 89 HCWs and 18 inpatients as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), using an amended definition, without the requirement for fever. Sequencing of IAV genomes from available nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens identified 66 individuals infected with a nearly identical strain of influenza A H1N1 (43 HCWs, 17 inpatients, and 6 with unspecified affiliation). All HCWs infected with the outbreak strain had received the seasonal influenza virus vaccination. Characterization of five representative outbreak viral isolates did not show antigenic drift. In conjunction with IAV genome sequencing, mining of electronic records pinpointed the origin of the outbreak as a single patient and a few interactions in the emergency department that occurred one day prior to the index ILI cluster.
Conclusions: We used precision surveillance to identify and control a large nosocomial IAV outbreak, mapping the source of the outbreak to a single patient rather than HCWs as initially assumed based on conventional epidemiology. These findings have important ramifications for more effective prevention strategies to curb nosocomial respiratory virus outbreaks.
NON-WHITE ETHNICITY, MALE SEX, AND HIGHER BODY MASS INDEX, BUT NOT MEDICATIONS ACTING ON THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) HOSPITALISATION: REVIEW OF THE FIRST 669 CASES FROM THE UK BIOBANK
Authors: Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , McCracken Celeste , Ardissino Maddalena , Bethell Mae S , Cooper Jackie , Cooper Cyrus , Harvey Nicholas C , Petersen Steffen E
Published: May 2020

Background: Cardiometabolic morbidity and medications, specifically Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), have been linked with adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to investigate factors associated with COVID-19 positivity for the first 669 UK Biobank participants; compared with individuals who tested negative, and with the untested, presumed negative, rest of the population.

Methods: We studied 1,474 participants from the UK Biobank who had been tested for COVID-19. Given UK testing policy, this implies a hospital setting, suggesting at least moderate to severe symptoms. We considered the following exposures: age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, ACEi/ARB use, prior myocardial infarction (MI), and smoking. We undertook comparisons between: 1) COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 tested negative participants; and 2) COVID-19 tested positive and the remaining participants (tested negative plus untested, n=501,837). Logistic regression models were used to investigate univariate and mutually adjusted associations.

Results: Among participants tested for COVID-19, non-white ethnicity, male sex, and greater BMI were independently associated with COVID-19 positive result. Non-white ethnicity, male sex, greater BMI, diabetes, hypertension, prior MI, and smoking were independently associated with COVID-19 positivity compared to the remining cohort (test negatives plus untested). However, similar associations were observed when comparing those who tested negative for COVID-19 with the untested cohort; suggesting that these factors associate with general hospitalisation rather than specifically with COVID-19.

Conclusions: Among participants tested for COVID-19 with presumed moderate to severe symptoms in a hospital setting, non-white ethnicity, male sex, and higher BMI are associated with a positive result.
Other cardiometabolic morbidities confer increased risk of hospitalisation, without specificity for COVID-19. Notably, ACE/ARB use did not associate with COVID-19 status.
Vaccination Behavior among Children with Developmental Delay and their siblings: A cross sectional study from Kerala
Authors: Basheer Salah , Uvais NA
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

Despite multiple scientific evidence to the contrary, parental concerns with respect to association of vaccination and development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) persist. Mental health professionals work closely with families with developmental disabilities. Greater understanding regarding the vaccination status in siblings of children with developmental disabilities and its associated factors will help them to contribute to public health strategies in combating infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to study the vaccination uptake and its associated factors in sibling of children with developmental disabilities.

Materials and Methods

The study design was cross sectional in nature. The families of children with developmental disabilities were recruited into the study from three child developmental centres. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The recruitment of participants into the study was done from December 2017 to February 2018.

Results

189 families with children with developmental disabilities were recruited into the study. In total, these children had 114 typically developing elder siblings and 50 typically developing younger sibling. The proportion of overall complete vaccination among children with developmental disabilities group and the younger sibling group were significantly lower than their older sibling group (P<0.01). The proportion of MMR vaccination among children with developmental disabilities group and the younger sibling group were significantly lower than their older sibling group (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest that the reduced vaccination uptake is a general trend in families of children with developmental delay. Such a significant fall in the vaccination rate in this group of children will make them vulnerable in case of outbreaks. This emphasise the need to have public health strategies targeted to improve the vaccination rate in families of children with developmental disabilities.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in industry workers in Split-Dalmatia and Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia
Authors: Jerković Ivan , Ljubić Toni , Bašić Željana , Kružić Ivana , Kunac Nenad , Bezić Joško , Vuko Arijana , Markotić Alemka , Anđelinović Šimun
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

As a result of global spread, COVID-19 has also affected the Republic of Croatia in the last week of February. Although official data show that the number of newly infected is declining, it is still unknown what proportion of the population has been affected by the disease.

AIM

To examine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in industry workers population sample.

METHODS

From 23 to 28 April 2020, we conducted serological testing for antibodies (IgG and IgM) on 1494 factory employees living in the Split-Dalmatia and Šibenik-Knin County (Croatia). We analysed antibody seroprevalence on the level of the company, county, and separately for employees living at the factory premises with limited mobility during the lockdown measures.

RESULTS

In a total sample of tested company employees, we detected antibodies in 1.27% of participants (95% CI 0.77-1.98%). In Split facility 13/1316 (0.99%, 95% CI 0.53-1.68%) of participants were tested positive, of which 13/1079 (1.20%, 95% CI 0.64-2.05%) of those living outside the facility and 0/237 (0%, 95% CI 0-1.26%) of those living inside the facility. In Knin facility, 6/178 (3.37%, 95% CI 1.25-7.19%) participants were tested positive for antibodies. The difference between Split (no mobility restrictions) and Knin, was not statistically significant (χ2 = 3.47, P = 0.062).

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed relatively small SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in the DIV Group population sample. When the study findings are interpreted on the county levels, they could indicate that most of the counties’ population was not exposed to the virus.
A reference measurement of circulating ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) in humans by LC-MS/MS: comparison with conventional ELISA
Authors: Genoux Annelise , Duparc Thibaut , Ruidavets Jean-Bernard , Ingueneau Cecile , Najib Souad , Ferrieres Jean , Perret Bertrand , Croyal Mikael , Martinez Laurent O
Published: May 2020

ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is a 9.5 kDa protein that binds to mitochondrial and plasma membrane ATP synthase and selectively inhibits ATP hydrolysis. Recently, IF1 was identified in systemic circulation in humans. IF1 appeared as an independent determinant of HDL-cholesterol with lower levels in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Moreover, IF1 was also found to negatively associate with mortality in these patients, supporting the notion that circulating IF1 could be a promising biomarker of cardiovascular disease. However, in previous studies, IF1 was quantified by a non-standardized competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Herein, we have validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) enabling the accurate quantification of IF1 in human plasma. Plasma IF1 was trypsin-digested through an optimized procedure before LC-MS/MS analysis. The method was successfully validated over 4 independent experiments into the range of 100-1,500 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients had never exceeded 14.2% and accuracy ranged between 95% and 102% for the selected EAGGAFGK peptide marker. Subsequently, the results of the LC-MS/MS method were compared with those obtained using ELISA in 204 individuals from the GENES study. We found that IF1 plasma levels obtained using both techniques were strongly correlated (r =0.89, p <0.0001), while the Bland-Altman plot did not indicate any major statistically significant differences. To clinically validate LC-MS/MS, we confirmed the positive correlation between IF1 plasma levels and HDL-cholesterol (r =0.38, p <0.0001). Besides, we found lower IF1 plasma levels in CHD patients compared to controls (431 +/- 132 ng/mL and 555 +/- 173 ng/mL, respectively; p <0.0001). Hence, it can be concluded that the presented LC-MS/MS method provides a highly specific strategy for IF1 quantification in human plasma and could be proposed as a reference technique.
The Effect of a Simple Phone Call Intervention on FIT-Positive Individuals: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Wong Gretel Jianlin , Lau Jerrald , Tan Ker-Kan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been shown to improve patient outcomes. A widely utilised preliminary screening tool is the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). However, follow-up rates after a positive FIT result remain suboptimal.

Methods

In order to improve FIT-positive individuals’ compliance to follow-up consultation and to elucidate barriers to action, a simple 5- to 10-minute telephone intervention with a structured script based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was conducted.

Results

Ninety-two FIT-positive individuals who had previously rejected follow-up consultation in the National University Hospital, Singapore were interviewed by the study team. Individuals reported barriers to action such as the denial of a positive FIT result (41.8%) and a lack of knowledge (34.5%). More than 20% of the participants who had yet to schedule follow-up consultation changed their minds after the intervention.

Conclusion

The results suggest that a simple, structured telephone call can potentially encourage more FIT-positive individuals to pursue follow-up investigation.
Clearing your mind of work-related stress through moderate-to-vigorous and leisure-time physical activity: What "dose" it takes?
Authors: Lachance Jean-Philippe , Corbiere Marc , Hains-Monfette Gabriel , Bernard Paquito
Published: May 2020

Background. Work is reported as one of the main sources of psychological stress. Because of its role in the onset of burnout and impact on economic and health systems, work-related stress (WS) has become an issue of much concern. Among modifiable factors capable of reducing WS, two categories of physical activity (PA), namely leisure-time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LTPA and MVPA), show promising evidence. Previous findings suggest that LTPA and MVPA allow adults to experience psychological detachment from job demands and restore their depleted resources at work. However, the optimal independent doses of LTPA and MVPA associated with a lower WS level has not yet been established. Methods. The aim of this study was therefore to address this gap using a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of 4 200 Canadian workers. MVPA was measured through accelerometry and a self-reported assessment was conducted to collect data on WS and LTPA. Results. Generalized additive models indicated that one hour a day on average spent doing a LTPA of 8.5 METs-hour was associated with the highest benefits on WS (p < 0.001, Adjusted R2 = 0.04) while the optimal average daily dose of MVPA was around 90 minutes (p < 0.001, Adjusted R2 = 0.04). Noteworthy, first signs of WS reduction appear long before optimum is reached (e.g. 30 minutes of MVPA), stressing the relevance of merely doing an LTPA/MVPA regardless of the dose. Conclusion. Findings offer practical recommendations for public health policies on the optimal doses of MVPA/LTPA associated with decreased WS.
Parasites and their protection against COVID-19- Ecology or Immunology?
Authors: Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Segawa Ivan , Abuga Kelvin M , Nakate Vivian , Kayiira Anthony , Ellis Jayne , Tugume Lillian , Kiragga Agnes N , Meya David B
Published: May 2020

Background: Despite the high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, the incidence of COVID-19 in Africa has been slower than predicted. We aimed to investigate a possible association between parasitic infections and COVID-19.
Methods: An ecological study in which we analysed WHO data on COVID-19 cases in comparison to WHO data on helminths and malaria cases using correlation, regression, and Geographical Information Services analyses.
Results: Of the global 3.34 million COVID-19 cases and 238,628 deaths as at May 4th 2020, Africa reported 0.029/3.3 million (0.88%) cases and 1,064/238,628 (0.45%) deaths. In 2018, Africa reported 213/229 million (93%) of all malaria cases, 204/229 million (89%) of schistosomiasis cases, and 271/1068 million (25%) of soil-transmitted helminth cases globally. In contrast, Europe reported 1.5/3.3 million (45%) of global COVID-19 cases and 142,667/238,628 (59%) deaths. Europe had 5.8/1068 million (0.55%) soil-transmitted helminths cases and no malaria/schistosomiasis cases in 2018. We found an inverse correlation between the incidence of COVID-19 and malaria (r -0.17, p =0.002) and COVID-19 and soil-transmitted helminths (r -0.25, p <0.001). Malaria-endemic countries were less likely to have COVID-19 (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.90; p =0.02). Similarly, countries endemic for soil-transmitted helminths were less likely to have COVID-19 (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.44; p <0.001), as were countries endemic for schistosomiasis (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.11-0.45; p<0.001).
Conclusions: One plausible hypothesis for the comparatively low COVID-19 cases/deaths in parasite-endemic areas is immunomodulation induced by parasites. Studies to elucidate the relationship between parasitic infections and susceptibility to COVID-19 at an individual level are warranted.
A novel COVID-19 epidemiological model with explicit susceptible and asymptomatic isolation compartments reveals unexpected consequences of timing social distancing
Authors: Gevertz Jana L. , Greene James M. , Sanchez-Tapia Cynthia , Sontag Eduardo D.
Published: May 2020

Motivated by the current COVID-19 epidemic, this work introduces an epidemiological model in which separate compartments are used for susceptible and asymptomatic “socially distant” populations. Distancing directives are represented by rates of flow into these compartments, as well as by a reduction in contacts that lessens disease transmission. The dynamical behavior of this system is analyzed, under various different rate control strategies, and the sensitivity of the basic reproduction number to various parameters is studied. One of the striking features of this model is the existence of a critical implementation delay (“CID”) in issuing separation mandates: while a delay of about two weeks does not have an appreciable effect on the peak number of infections, issuing mandates even slightly after this critical time results in a far greater incidence of infection. Thus, there is a nontrivial but tight “window of opportunity” for commencing social distancing in order to meet the capacity of healthcare resources. However, if one wants to also delay the timing of peak infections –so as to take advantage of potential new therapies and vaccines– action must be taken much faster than the CID. Different relaxation strategies are also simulated, with surprising results. Periodic relaxation policies suggest a schedule which may significantly inhibit peak infective load, but that this schedule is very sensitive to parameter values and the schedule’s frequency. Furthermore, we considered the impact of steadily reducing social distancing measures over time. We find that a too-sudden reopening of society may negate the progress achieved under initial distancing guidelines, but the negative effects can be mitigated if the relaxation strategy is carefully designed.
Forecasting Covid-19 dynamics in Brazil: a data driven approach
Authors: Pereira Igor G. , Guerin Joris M. , Silva Júnior Andouglas G. , Distante Cosimo , Garcia Gabriel S. , Gonçalves Luiz M. G.
Published: May 2020

This paper has a twofold contribution. The first is a data driven approach for predicting the Covid-19 pandemic dynamics, based on data from more advanced countries. The second is to report and discuss the results obtained with this approach for Brazilian states, as of May 4th, 2020. We start by presenting preliminary results obtained by training an LSTM-SAE network, which are somewhat disappointing. Then, our main approach consists in an initial clustering of the world regions for which data is available and where the pandemic is at an advanced stage, based on a set of manually engineered features representing a country’s response to the early spread of the pandemic. A Modified Auto-Encoder network is then trained from these clusters and learns to predict future data for Brazilian states. These predictions are used to estimate important statistics about the disease, such as peaks. Finally, curve fitting is carried out on the predictions in order to find the distribution that best fits the outputs of the MAE, and to refine the estimates of the peaks of the pandemic. Results indicate that the pandemic is still growing in Brazil, with most states peaks of infection estimated between the 25th of April and the 19th of May 2020. Predicted numbers reach a total of 240 thousand infected Brazilians, distributed among the different states, with São Paulo leading with almost 65 thousand estimated, confirmed cases. The estimated end of the pandemics (with 97% of cases reaching an outcome) starts as of May 28th for some states and rests through August 14th, 2020.
Spread of the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): Modeling and Simulation of Control Strategies
Authors: Prabhakaran Harishankar
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading throughout the world and all healthcare systems are loaded beyond its capacity. The virus is named as SARS-CoV-2. In this situation, rational decisions need to be made on how the care is provided for patients with COVID-19. The Incidence report, general symptoms and readily available testing kits, different control strategies, the basic compartmental model, and some of the current research on the epidemiology of the disease are discussed and previously published models are reviewed. Modeling this disease helps in understanding the spread, and predict its future to evaluate different control strategies (Social Distancing, Contact Tracing and Hospitalization). Compartmental modeling framework is used in this work. The non-linear equations are formulated and fitted to the cumulative case and mortality data. Analytical analysis along with uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis is performed, and the conditions to achieve disease free equilibrium is evaluated. Finally, Different control strategies are simulated to show their importance. This paper aims to shows the advantage of mathematical modeling and their simulations in times like now, during which the COVID-19 spreading like wildfire. It also includes Pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in the modeling. The simulations are performed for the model fit to Cumulative Case and Mortality data in the United States of America.
The Reproduction number is found to be 2.71914.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence trends in healthy blood donors during the COVID-19 Milan outbreak
Authors: Valenti Luca , Bergna Annalisa , Pelusi Serena , Facciotti Federica , Lai Alessia , Tarkowski Maciej , Berzuini Alessandra , Caprioli Flavio , Santoro Luigi , Baselli Guido , Della Ventura Carla , Erba Elisa , Bosari Silvano , Galli Massimo , Zehender Gianguglielmo , Prati Daniele
Published: May 2020

Background&Aims: The Milan metropolitan area in Northern Italy was among the most severely hit by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence trends of SARS-CoV-2 in healthy asymptomatic adults, the risk factors, and laboratory correlates.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a random sample of blood donors since the start of the outbreak (February 24th to April 8th 2020, n=789). Presence of IgM/IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2-Nucleocapsid protein was assessed by a lateral flow immunoassay.
Results: The test had a 100/98.3 sensitivity/specificity, and for IgG+ was validated in a subset by an independent ELISA against the Spike protein (N=34, P<0.001). At the outbreak start, the overall adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 2.7%, 95% c.i. 0.3-6% (P<0.0001 vs. 120 historical controls). During the study period characterized by a gradual implementation of social distancing measures, there was a progressive increase in adjusted seroprevalence to 5.2%, 95% c.i. 2.4-9.0, due to a rise in IgG+ tests to 5%, 95%CI 2.8-8.2 (P=0.004 for trend, adjusted weekly increase 2.7+/-1.3%), but not of IgM+ (P=NS). At multivariate logistic regression analysis, seroconversion to IgG+ was more frequent in younger (P=0.043), while recent infections (IgM+) in older individuals (P=0.002). IgM+ was independently associated with higher triglycerides, eosinophils, and lymphocytes (P<0.05).
Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection was already circulating in Milan at the outbreak start. Social distancing may have been more effective in younger individuals, and by the end of April 2.4-9.0% of healthy adults had evidence of seroconversion. Asymptomatic infection may affect lipid profile and blood count.