bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment provision for adults with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory study on patient and therapist experience with on-site sessions using face masks vs. telepsychiatric sessions
Authors: Wyler Helen , Liebrenz Michael , Ajdacic-Gross Vladeta , Seifritz Erich , Young Susan , Burger Pascal , Buadze Anna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMaintaining the therapeutic care of psychiatric patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland required changes to the way in which sessions were conducted, such as telepsychiatric interventions or the use of face masks during on-site sessions. While little is known about how face masks affect the therapeutic experience of patients and therapists, the effectiveness of telepsychiatry is well documented for several psychiatric disorders. However, research on the benefits of telepsychiatry in adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains scarce. This seems problematic since the symptoms typically associated with ADHD, such as attention problems and distractibility, may lessen the utility of telepsychiatry for this particular group. The present study’s aim was to explore how adult patients with ADHD and their therapists experienced therapy sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic in three different settings: face-to-face with the therapist wearing a face mask, via telephone, or via videoconferencing.MethodsIn this exploratory, quantitatively driven mixed-method study (quantitative questionnaire data and qualitative data from open-ended responses), we assessed patients’ evaluation of the session, their treatment satisfaction, and patients’ and therapists’ ratings of therapeutic alliance. We also collected qualitative comments on both sides’ experience of the session. Overall, 97 therapist and 66 patient questionnaires were completed. Results are reported for theN= 60 cases for which data from both parties were available. Sequential multiple regressions adjusted for therapist and number of sessions were used for the main quantitative analyses.ResultsTelepsychiatric sessions were rated as significantly less deep than face-to-face sessions, an effect that was mainly driven by lower ratings in the videoconferencing group and, as suggested by further analyses, may decline over time. No other statistically significant differences were observed. Elements that were mentioned as facilitating or complicating a session differed markedly between patients and therapists.ConclusionsBoth settings, on-site with the therapist wearing a face mask and telepsychiatric, seem to be valid options to continue treatment of adults with ADHD during a situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Aspects such as patient preference, session content, and therapeutic methods may be useful to identify the most suitable modality.
Prevalence of Occupation Associated with Increased Mobility During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shacham Enbal , Scroggins Stephen , Ellis Matthew , Garza Alexander 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveIdentifying geographic-level prevalence of occupations associated with mobility during local stay-at-home pandemic mandate.MethodsA spatio-temporal ecological framework was applied to determine census-tracts that had significantly higher rates of occupations likely to be deemed essential: food-service, business and finance, healthcare support, and maintenance. Real-time mobility data was used to determine the average daily percent of residents not leaving their place of residence. Spatial regression models were constructed for each occupation proportion among census-tracts within a large urban area.ResultsAfter adjusting for demographics, results indicate census-tracts with higher proportion of food-service workers, healthcare support employees, and office administration staff are likely to have increased mobility.ConclusionsIncreased mobility among communities is likely to exacerbate COVID-19 mitigation efforts. This increase in mobility was also found associated with specific demographics suggesting it may be occurring among underserved and vulnerable populations. We find that prevalence of essential employment presents itself as a candidate for driving inequity in morbidity and mortality of COVID-19.Three-question SummaryEmployees and workers deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to endure additional risk of infection due to community exposure. While preliminary reports are still quantifying this risk, we set out to examine if prevalence of specific occupations could be used to evaluate overall community-level risk based on stay-at-home mandate adherence.Study results suggest that that not only are certain occupation geo-spatially associated with movement outside the home but are also associated with demographic characteristics likely to contribute to inequity of COVID-19 morbidity.Often, nuanced inequities are lost in the larger data samples, being able to identify possible inequities from other sources such as prevalence of occupation among communities, remains an important and applicable alternative.
Bored, isolated and anxious: Experiences of prolonged hospitalization during high-risk pregnancy and preferences for improving care
Authors: Louis-Jacques Adetola F. , Vamos Cheryl , Torres Jessica , Dean Kathryn , Hume Emma , Obure Renice , Wilson Ronee 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAntepartum women who experience prolonged hospitalization are at greater risk for increased stress, anxiety, and depression. The purpose of this study was to examine women’s and healthcare staff’s experiences with prolonged hospitalizations during pregnancy and explore patient-centered intervention options. Guided by Social Support Theory, we conducted qualitative (focus group/interviews) and quantitative (surveys) methods. Patient survey respondents (N=57) were mostly white (77%), non-Hispanic (86%), and married (65%). Qualitative data (N=17) revealed challenges to women’s wellbeing related to: a) lack of knowledge; b) stress and anxiety; c) loss of independence; and d) social isolation in hospital; regarding concerns about hospitalization and competing demands at home. Suggested strategies for improving women’s experiences included interventions that involve family/friends, improved information sharing, and increased onsite services to facilitate a positive experience. This critical groundwork informed development of theory-based, patient-centered interventions to increase knowledge and enhance social support, among women who experience prolonged hospitalization during pregnancy.
Association of University Reopening Policies with New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in the United States
Authors: Li Yang , Ma Cheng , Tang Weijing , Zhang Xuefei , Zhu Ji , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractImportanceReopening of universities in the U.S. has been controversial in the setting of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.ObjectiveTo investigate (1) the association between new COVID-19 cases since September 1st with the number of students returning to campus in each county across the U.S. and (2) how different reopening policies at universities correlated with new COVID-19 cases.DesignObservational cohort study using publicly available data sources. Multivariable regression models estimated both effects of university reopening and different reopening policies.Settings and ParticipantsPopulations in U.S. counties reporting new confirmed COVID-19 cases from August 1st to October 22nd.Exposures(1) total enrollment of students under the in-person or hybrid policies per county population and (2) proportion of online and hybrid enrollment within each county.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMean number of daily new confirmed COVID-19 cases per 10,000 county population from September 1st to October 22nd.ResultsFor 2,893 counties included in the study, mean number of daily confirmed cases per 10,000 county population rose from 1.51 from August 1st to August 31st to 1.98 from September 1st to October 22nd. Mean number of students returning to universities was 2.1% (95% CI, 1.8% to 2.3%) of the county population. The number of students returning to campus had an increased association (β = 2.006, P < 0.001) with new confirmed COVID-19 cases within the local county region where the institution resided. For 1,069 U.S. counties with universities, the mean proportion of online enrollment within each county was 40.1% (95% CI, 37.4% to 42.8%), with most students enrolling in-person or hybrid mode. In comparison to holding classes in-person, reopening universities online (β = -0.329, P < 0.001) or in a hybrid mode (β = -0.272, P = 0.012) had a decreased association with new confirmed COVID-19 cases.Conclusions and RelevanceA higher number of students returning to campus in U.S. counties was associated with an increase in new confirmed COVID-19 cases; reopening online or partially online was associated with slower spread of the virus, in comparison to in-person reopening.Key PointsQuestionAre students returning to universities and specific reopening policies associated with new confirmed coronavirus cases in United States?FindingsIn this cohort study of 2,893 U.S. counties, the number of students returning to campus was significantly associated with a higher number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases. In 1,069 U.S. counties with universities, online or hybrid reopening was significantly associated with a lower risk of new cases compared with in-person reopening.MeaningAn increased risk of coronavirus infection was seen in surrounding regions after universities reopened last fall, and this effect was largest in those holding in-person classes.
Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Dominican Republic
Authors: De Luna David , Roque Yori , Batlle Nicolás , Gómez Katherine , Jáquez Miguelina , Cabrera Brinia , de la Cruz Lissa , Tavárez Osvaldo , Belliard Rossy , Sanchez José Javier 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo present clinical and demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients admitted to Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago in Dominican Republic, we analyzed electronic medical records of all hospitalized patients clinically admitted as viral pneumonia through March - April, 2020. Of 374 patients, 150 (40.1%) laboratory confirmed, were included in this study. Most of the patients were men (104 / 69.3%) with a median (IQR 44 - 66) age of 54. Hypertension (83 / 55.3%) and diabetes mellitus (49 / 32.7%) were the most common comorbidities, whereas fever (120 / 80%), cough (79 / 52.7%) and fatigue (60 / 40%) were the most common presenting symptoms. 28 (18.7%) patients required admission to the intensive care unit, of them, 26 patients (17.3%) required mechanical ventilation. The overall mortality rate was 10.7% Higher levels of inflammatory markers were associated with longer length of stay (LOS). This findings indulge information that could contribute to stratify patients at higher risk of complications.
Associations of reading skills and properties of cerebral white matter pathways in 8-year-old children born preterm
Authors: Dubner Sarah E , Ben-Shachar Michal , Mezer Aviv , Feldman Heidi M , Travis Katherine E 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTAIMChildren born preterm (PT) experience perinatal white matter injury and later reading deficits at school age. We used two complementary neuroimaging modalities to determine if reading skills would be associated with contemporaneous white matter properties in school-aged PT children.METHODIn 8-year-old PT children (N=29), we measured diffusivity (fractional anisotropy, FA), from diffusion MRI, and myelin content (relaxation rate, R1) from quantitative relaxometry. We assessed reading (Gray’s Oral Reading Test, Fifth Edition) in each child. Whole-brain deterministic tractography coupled with automatic segmentation and quantification were applied to extract FA and R1 along four tracts and assess their statistical association with reading scores.RESULTSReading-FA correlations were not significant along the four analyzed tracts. Reading-R1 correlations were significantly positive in portions of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus, right uncinate fasciculus, and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus. FA positively correlated with R1 in limited areas of reading-R1 associations, but did not contribute to the variance in reading scores.INTERPRETATIONCombining complementary neuroimaging approaches identified relations between reading and white matter properties not found using a single MRI measure. Associations of reading skills and white matter properties may vary across white matter tracts and metrics in PT children.What this paper adds▪Preterm children’s reading was associated with white matter myelin content.▪Preterm children’s reading was not associated with white matter diffusivity.
Reduction in antibiotic prescribing attainable with a gonococcal vaccine
Authors: Kissler Stephen M. , Mitchell Moriah , Grad Yonatan H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe estimated the fraction of antibiotic prescribing in the US attributable to gonorrhea. Gonorrhea contributes to an outsized proportion of antibiotic prescriptions in young adults, males, and in the southern and western US. A gonococcal vaccine could substantially reduce antibiotic prescribing in these populations.
International Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Changes in Oral Health in Smokers after Switching to Combustion-Free Nicotine Delivery Systems: SMILE Study protocol
Authors: Conte Gianluca , Pacino Sebastiano Antonio , Urso Salvatore , Caponnetto Pasquale , Benfatto Francesca , Greiling Doris , Pedullà Eugenio , Generali Luigi , Consolo Ugo , Checchi Vittorio , Kowalski Jan , Nowak Maciej , Górska Renata , Amaliya Amaliya , Chapple Iain , Milward Mike , Maclure Robert , Polosa Riccardo 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTAlthough the well-known detrimental effects of conventional cigarette smoking on oral health, there are still lack of evidences about the impact of less harmful alternatives (such as electronic cigarettes or heat not burn products), especially in young smokers with clinical absence of signs of periodontitis.SMILE will be a prospective, multicenter, interventional, open label, randomized, controlled, three parallel-arms study assessing oral health parameters and teeth appearance of 18 months duration.This study aims to compare short- and long-term impact on oral health between smokers continuing with conventional cigarette smoking, those switching to combustion-free nicotine delivery systems (C-F NDS), and never-smokers by objectively evaluating changes in gingival response, as a proxy for periodontal/gingival.The total number of participants in the study planned of the trial is 606 (505 regular smokers and 101 never-smokers).Regular smokers not intending to quit will be randomized in the ratio 1:4 either in continuing to smoke commercially manufactured conventional cigarettes (n = 101; Study Arm A) or switching to C-F NDS (n = 404; Study Arm B), never-smokers will be assigned in Arm C (n= 101).The primary outcome will be to assess and compare the percentage mean change in Modified Gingival Index (MGI) score between Baseline and 18 months follow-up between the Study Arms A and B.Secondary outcomes include the assessment of within- and between-group (Arm A, Arm B and Arm C) variations from baseline to 18 months follow-up of several endpoints, such as MGI, Tooth Stains Assessment, Dental Discolorations, Plaque Score Imaging, Oral Health Quality of Life (OHQOL) assessment and EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS – QoL) assessment.Patient recruitment will start in January 2021 and enrolment is expected to be completed by June 2021.This will be the first study determining overall oral health impact of using CF-NDS in smokers without sign of periodontitis. Data from this study will provide valuable insights into the overall potential of C-F NDS to reduce the risk of periodontal diseases.
Burden of intestinal parasitic infections in children and its association with hand washing practice in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wagnew Fasil , Tadesse Aster , Abajobir Amanuel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major public health challenges in developing countries including Ethiopia, although few studies previously estimated the magnitude of IPIs and associated factors in the country. Reports from these scarce studies were also widely varied and remained inconsistent. This study thus aimed to synthesize the pooled magnitude of IPIs and factors affecting it.MethodsInternationally broad based medical database including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Web of Science, and Google Scholar for grey literature were exhaustively searched usinga prioriset criteria to identify studies estimating the prevalence of IPIs among children from 2000-2018. PRISMA guideline was used to systematically review and meta-analyze these studies. Details of study characteristics including sample size, magnitude of effect sizes (including odds ratios (ORs)) and standard errors were extracted. Random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates in Stata/se version-14. I2and meta-bias statistics assessed heterogeneity and Egger’s test for publication bias. Sub-group analyses were also carried out based on age of children and regions.ResultsForty-three studies were included in the final analysis (N = 20,008 children). The overall prevalence of IPIs, with one or more species, was 48.2% (95% CI: 40.1, 56.3) in Ethiopian children. Based on sub-group analyses, the highest prevalence of IPIs was observed among school-age children (52.4% (95% CI, 41.3, 63.5)) and in Amhara regional state (52.1% (95% CI, 37.3-66.8)). The odds of having IPIs was nearly six times higher in children who were not practicing hand washing as compared to their counterparts (pooled OR = 5.6 (95% CI: 3.4,9.3). Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test detected no publication bias.ConclusionOn aggregate, the pooled prevalence of IPIs among Ethiopian children is significantly high. Not hand washing before eating was a risk factor for IPIs. The establishment of applicable sanitation services and health education will help reduce the magnitude of IPIs and promote a healthier childhood.
Diarrhea, Helminth Infection, Dehydration, and Malnutrition Associated with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facilities and Poor Handwashing in Schools in Metro Manila, Philippines: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sangalang Stephanie O. , Prado Nelissa O. , Lemence Allen Lemuel G. , Cayetano Mylene G. , Lu Jinky Leilanie DP. , Valencia John Cedrick , Kistemann Thomas , Borgemeister Christian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDiarrhea, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection, and malnutrition threaten the lives of millions of children globally but particularly in the Global South, where inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) drive disease risk. The aim of our study was to identify environmental and behavioral risk factors of these diseases among schoolchildren in Metro Manila, Philippines. We analyzed data from a multistage cluster sample of grade 5-10 students to investigate WaSH facilities and hygiene practices. Outcomes were self-reported diarrhea and STH infection and observed malnutrition (stunting, undernutrition, over-nutrition); we used logistic regression models to explore correlates. We included 1,558 students from 15 schools in 3 cities. Over 14% (212) of students experienced diarrhea only, 29.7% (438) experienced STH infection only, and 14% (207) experienced both diarrhea and STH infection. Over 15% (227) of students were stunted, ∼6% (87) were undernourished, and 21% (306) were over-nourished. While diarrhea was associated with poor handwashing, avoiding school restrooms, and lack of a restroom cleaning policy, STH infection was associated with students’ dissatisfaction with school restrooms. Risk of having both diarrhea and STH infection increased when school restrooms lacked water or were unclean. Being only stunted was associated with diarrhea, while being both stunted and undernourished was associated with STH infection. These findings demonstrate that adequate water supply and cleanliness of school WaSH facilities must be achieved and maintained to prevent disease. Future school-based WaSH interventions are recommended to provide clean WaSH facilities that have water, promote handwashing, and discourage avoidance of school toilets.
Association of Mortality and Aspirin Prescription for COVID-19 Patients at the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Osborne Thomas F , Veigulis Zachary P , Arreola David M , Mahajan Satish , Röösli Eliane , Curtin Catherine M 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThere is growing evidence that thrombotic and inflammatory pathways contribute to the severity of COVID-19. Common medications such as aspirin, that mitigate these pathways, may decrease COVID-19 mortality. This assessment was designed to quantify the correlation between aspirin and mortality for COVID-19 positive patients in our care. Data from the Veterans Health Administration national electronic health record database was utilized for the evaluation. Veterans from across the country with a first positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction lab result were included in the evaluation which comprised 28,350 patients from March 2, 2020 to September 13, 2020 for the 14-day mortality cohort and 26,346 patients from March 2, 2020 to August 28, 2020 for the 30-day mortality cohort. Patients were matched via propensity scores and the odds of mortality were then compared. Among COVID-19 positive Veterans, preexisting aspirin prescription was associated with a statistically and clinically significant decrease in overall mortality at 14-days (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.32-0.46) and at 30-days (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.33-0.45), cutting the odds of mortality by more than half. Findings demonstrated that pre-diagnosis aspirin prescription was strongly associated with decreased mortality rates for Veterans diagnosed with COVID-19. Prospective evaluation is required to more completely assess this correlation and its implications for patient care.
Investigating mental and physical disorders associated with COVID-19 in online health forums
Authors: Patel Rashmi , Smeraldi Fabrizio , Abdollahyan Maryam , Irving Jessica , Bessant Conrad 
Published: December 2020

Objectives: Online health forums provide rich and untapped real-time data on population health. Through novel data extraction and natural language processing (NLP) techniques, we characterise the evolution of mental and physical health concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic among online health forum users.

Setting and design: We obtained data from 739,434 posts by 53,134 unique users of three leading online health forums: HealthBoards, Inspire and HealthUnlocked, from the period 1st January 2020 to 31st May 2020. Using NLP, we analysed the content of posts related to COVID-19.

Primary outcome measures:
(i)	Proportion of forum posts containing COVID-19 keywords
(ii)	Proportion of forum users making their very first post about COVID-19
(iii)	Number of COVID-19 related posts containing content related to physical and mental health comorbidities

Results: Posts discussing COVID-19 and related comorbid disorders spiked in early- to mid-March around the time of global implementation of lockdowns prompting a large number of users to post on online health forums for the first time. The pandemic and corresponding public response has had a significant impact on posters' queries regarding mental health.

Conclusions: We demonstrate it is feasible to characterise the content of online health forum user posts regarding COVID-19 and measure changes over time. Social media data sources such as online health forums can be harnessed to strengthen population-level mental health surveillance.