bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ApoE e4e4 genotype and mortality with COVID-19 in UK Biobank
Authors: Kuo Chia-Ling , Pilling Luke C , Atkins Janice L , Masoli Jane AH , Delgado João , Kuchel George A , Melzer David 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe previously reported that the ApoE e4e4 genotype was associated with COVID-19 test positivity (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.65 to 3.24, p=1.19×10−6) in the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort, during the epidemic peak in England, from March 16 to April 26, 2020. With more COVID-19 test results (March 16 to May 31, 2020) and mortality data (to April 26, 2020) linked to UKB, we re-evaluated the ApoE e4 allele association with COVID-19 test positivity, and with all-cause mortality following test-confirmed COVID-19. Logistic regression models compared ApoE e4e4 participants (or e3e4s) to e3e3s with adjustment for sex; age on April 26th or age at death; baseline UKB assessment center in England (accounting for geographical differences in viral exposures); genotyping array type; and the top five genetic principal components (accounting for possible population admixture). ApoE e4e4 genotype was associated with increased risks of test positivity (OR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.72 to 2.93, p=3.24×10−9) and of mortality with test-confirmed COVID-19 (OR=4.29, 95% CI: 2.38 to 7.72, p=1.22×10−6), compared to e3e3s. Independent replications are needed to confirm our findings and mechanistic work is needed to understand how ApoE e4e4 results in the marked increase in vulnerability, especially for COVID-19 mortality. These findings also demonstrate that risks for COVID-19 mortality are not simply related to advanced chronological age or the comorbidities commonly seen in aging.
Distress among Brazilian university students due to the Covid-19 pandemic: survey results and reflections
Authors: Von Krakauer Hübner Carlos , de Lima Bruscatto Marcella , Lima Rafaella Dourado 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe first case of infection with the new coronavirus was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In March, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined the disease epidemic as a pandemic. Thus, a quarantine was imposed by many governments. As a consequence, and given that epidemiological outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as Covid-19, are associated with psychological disorders and symptoms of mental illness, researchers at the Shanghai Mental Health Center have created the Covid-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), in which the results are obtained: normal, mild/moderate distress and severe distress. The main objective of the study was based on the application of CPDI, in order to identify the health and well-being of Brazilian students from different undergraduate courses at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC/SP) during the Covid-19 pandemic and to test the hypothesis that medical students suffer more than students from other courses. The research is based on a cross-sectional observational study, in which we applied, using Google FormsR, the questions contained in CPDI, among with demographic data: age, sex, educational institution, undergraduate course and school year. The Index was applied online for seven days in which a total of 654 valid responses were obtained: 501 (76.6%) female and 149 (22.8%) male. Regarding age, 333 students (50.91%) were 17-20 years old, 279 (42.66%) between 21-25, 30 (4.59%) between 26-30 and 12 (1.84%) between 31-50. The results indicate that the participants reported significant psychological distress, according to the CPDI score. Practically 90% (87.92%) of the students experienced suffering, while only 12.08% did not suffer. The study provides the first empirical evidence on the level of psychological distress in Brazilian university students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, it suggests support and monitoring of university students during and after the pandemic, with effective and efficient intervention in their mental health.Summary boxesSECTION 1Researchers at the Shanghai Mental Health Center have created the Covid-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), to measure the amount of psychological suffering of the population, due to the pandemic of Coronavirus. Before our research, the survey had been applicated in China and Iran. The main objective of the study was to identify with the survey, the health and well-being of Brazilian students from different undergraduate courses at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC/SP) during the Covid-19 pandemic and to test the hypothesis that medical students suffer more than students from other courses.SECTION 2The study provides the first empirical evidence on the level of psychological distress in Brazilian university students during the Covid-19 pandemic, practically 90% (87.92%) of the students experienced some suffering.
Affected medical services in Iwate prefecture in the absence of a COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Sasaki Noriyuki , Nishizuka Satoshi S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Japanese government has declared a national emergency and travel entry ban since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began. As of June 19, 2020, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Iwate. Here, we analyzed the excess deaths as well as the number of patients and medical earnings due to the pandemic from prefectural hospitals located in one of the least-affected areas in Japan. From January to March 2020, the excess death rates per month were not significantly higher than the past-year average. Compared to January 2020, the numbers of both outpatients and inpatients in April 2020 showed a 5.2% and 6.1% decrease, respectively. Accordingly, the amount of medical earnings of both outpatients and inpatients in April 2020 showed a 3.0% and 6.3% decrease, respectively. Present analysis demonstrated that there were no excess deaths due to “unidentified” COVID-19 infections in Iwate; however, hospital budgetary management has been affected by the social restrictions. Regardless of COVID-19 infection spread, it may be difficult to maintain daily medical services if such low service activity continues in the existing hospitals. Additional longitudinal studies will be necessary to evaluate the effects of social restrictions on hospital management, but the true demand of regional medical services may emerge after this outbreak.
COVID-19 preventive behaviors among people with anxiety and depression: Findings from Japan
Authors: Stickley Andrew , Matsubayashi Tetsuya , Sueki Hajime , Ueda Michiko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLittle is known about COVID-19 preventive behaviors among individuals with mental health problems. This study used cross-sectional online survey data from 2000 Japanese adults collected in April and May, 2020, to examine the association between anxiety and depression and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that both anxiety and depression were associated with lower odds for engaging in preventive behaviors such as wearing a face mask and hand washing. Our results highlight the importance of facilitating the performance of preventive behaviors in individuals with mental health problems to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in this population.
Half of children entitled to free school meals do not have access to the scheme during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK
Authors: Parnham Jennie C , Laverty Anthony A , Majeed Azeem , Vamos Eszter P 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo investigate access to free school meals (FSM) among eligible children, to describe factors associated with uptake and investigate whether receiving FSM was associated with measures of food insecurity in the UK using the COVID-19 wave of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHKS).Study designCross sectional analyses of questionnaire data collected in April 2020.Methods635 children who were FSM eligible with complete data were included in the analytic sample. Accessing a FSM was defined as receiving a FSM voucher or a cooked meal at school. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate (i) associations between characteristics and access to FSM and (ii) associations between access to FSM and household food insecurity measures. All analyses accounted for survey design and sample weights to ensure representativenessResults51% of eligible children accessed a FSM. Children in junior schools or above (aged 8+ years) (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 11.81; 95% CI 5.54,25.19), who were low income (AOR 4.81; 95% CI 2.10,11.03) or still attending schools (AOR 5.87; 95% CI 1.70,20.25) were more likely to receive FSM. Children in Wales were less likely to access FSM than those in England (AOR 0.11; 95% CI 0.03,0.43). Receiving a FSM was associated with an increased odds of recently using a food bank, but not reporting feeling hungry.ConclusionsIn the month following the COVID-19 lockdown, 49% of eligible children did not receive any form of FSM. The present analyses highlight that the voucher scheme did not adequately serve children who could not attend school during the lockdown. Moreover, more needs to be done to support families relying on income-related benefits, who still report needing to access a foodbank. As the scheme may be continued in summer or in a potential second wave, large improvements will be needed to improve its reach.
Estimating the proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among households in France: a cross-sectional study based on individuals with myocardial infarction history
Authors: Fraticelli Laurie , Freyssenge Julie , Claustre Clément , Martinez Mikaël , Redjaline Abdesslam , Serre Patrice , Bochaton Thomas , Khoury Carlos El 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have identified that adults with cardiovascular diseases were disproportionately associated with a significantly increased risk of a severe form of COVID-19 and all-cause mortality. We aimed to describe the diagnosed COVID-19 cases and to estimate the symptomatic and asymptomatic suspected cases among individuals with pre-existing myocardial infarction myocardial infarction and their relatives in lockdown period. Methods: We conducted a two-week cross-sectional telephone survey, from May 4 to May 15, 2020, including all households with at least one individual with pre-existing cardiovascular disease in the past two years. We defined a suspected COVID-19 case when living with at least one individual tested positive to COVID-19, or when an individual has been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case since the March 1rst, or when a relative from the same house has been hospitalized or deceased for COVID-19.ResultsWe observed high rates of compliance with health measures during the lockdown period, regardless of age or risk factors. Among individuals with myocardial infarction history, two were COVID-19 confirmed, 13·37% were suspected (94/703) of whom 70·21% (66/94) asymptomatic.ConclusionsIndividuals with myocardial infarction history presented different symptoms association with more respiratory signs. This population, which is older and associated with more comorbidities, is exposed to a high risk of complication in the event of contamination. Infection rates are relevant to adjusting the management of emergency departments in our region.
Prescribing patterns for medical treatment of suspected prostatic obstruction: A spatiotemporal statistical analysis of Scottish open access data
Authors: Andreis Federico , Bryant Richard , Giorgi Emanuele , Williamson Andrea , Ward Ashleigh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare services treating men with prostate conditions are increasingly burdened worldwide. One of the competing factors in this demand is increasing diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men, much of which is suspected bladder outflow obstruction secondary to benign prostate hyperplasia/enlargement. However, the impact of increases on services is largely hidden, and there is limited knowledge of potential differences in management based on geography.ObjectiveTo investigate potential variation in the prescribing of drugs for suspected bladder outflow obstruction in Scotland based on analysis of publicly available data, and identify trends that may help to inform future prescribing behaviour.Design, setting, and participantsWe linked the relevant publicly available prescribing and patient data to all general practices in Scotland between October 2015 and November 2019.Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe analysed the numbers of daily doses of drugs prescribed for suspected bladder outflow obstruction per month using a Bayesian Poisson regression analysis, incorporating random effects to account for spatial and temporal elements in prescribing.ResultsPrescriptions of drugs to treat suspected bladder outflow obstruction increased during the observation period in Scotland, consistent with an ageing population and increased diagnosis. Whilst some determinants of health inequality regarding prescribing practices across health boards are consistent with those known from the literature, other inequalities remain unexplained after accounting for practice- and patient-specific characteristics such as socio-economic deprivation and rurality.ConclusionsVariations in spatiotemporal prescribing for suspected bladder outflow obstruction exist in Scotland, some of which are unexplained and require further investigation.
Chloroquine, but not hydroxychlorquine, prolongs the QT interval in a primary care population
Authors: Isaksen Jonas L. , Holst Anders G. , Pietersen Adrian , Nielsen Jonas B. , Graff Claus , Kanters Jørgen K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundChloroquine (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have recently been suggested as treatment for the current Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, despite their long-term use and only few case reports on adverse effects, CQ and HCQ are listed as a known risk of the lethal ventricular arrhythmia Torsade de Pointes and their cardiac safety profile is being questioned. Thus, we aimed to investigate the electrocardiographic and mortality effects of CQ and HCQ in a primary care population.MethodsWe used Danish health care registers and electrocardiograms (ECGs) from primary care to define three studies. 1) A paired study of subjects with ECGs before and during use of CQ/HCQ, 2) a matched ECG study of subjects taking CQ/HCQ compared to controls, and 3) a mortality study on people taking HCQ matched to control. In both matched studies, we adjusted for connective tissue diseases, use of QT-prolonging drugs, and cardiac disease. We used the QTc interval as the marker for electrocardiographic safety. In the mortality study, cases were followed from first claimed prescription until 300 days after estimated completion of the last prescription. 95% confidence intervals follow estimates in parenthesis.ResultsUse of CQ was associated with a 5.5 (0.7;10) ms increase in QTc in the paired study (n=10). In the matched study (n=28, controls=280), QTc was insignificantly increased in subjects taking CQ by 4.7 (−3.4;13) ms. With a ΔQTc of 1.0 (−5.6;7.5), use of HCQ was not associated with an increased QTc in the paired study (n=32). In the matched study (n=172, controls=1,720), QTc also was not different between groups (p=0.5). In the mortality study (n=3,368), use of HCQ was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.67 (0.43;1.05).ConclusionsIn subjects free of COVID-19, we found a small increase in QTc associated with use of chloroquine, but not hydroxychloroquine. We found no increased mortality associated with use of hydroxychloroquine.
Epidemiological Risk Factors Associated with Death and Severe Disease in Patients Suffering From COVID-19: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Dorjee Kunchok , Kim Hyunju 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionProgression of COVID-19 to severe disease and death is insufficiently understood.ObjectiveSummarize the prevalence adverse outcomes, risk factors, and association of risk factors with adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science for case-series and observational studies of hospitalized COVID-19 patients through May 22, 2020. Data were analyzed by fixed-effects meta-analysis, using Shore’s adjusted confidence intervals to address heterogeneity.ResultsForty-four studies comprising 20594 hospitalized patients met inclusion criteria; 12591 from the US-Europe and 7885 from China. Pooled prevalence of death [%(95% CI)] was 18% (15-22%). Of those that died, 76% were aged≥ 60 years, 68% were males, and 63%, 38%, and 29% had hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, respectively. The case fatality risk [%(95% CI)] were 62% (48-78) for heart disease, 51% (36-71) for COPD, and 42% (34-50) for age≥ 60 years and 49% (33-71) for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Summary relative risk (sRR) of death were higher for age≥ 60 years [sRR=3.8; 95% CI: 2.9-4.8; n=12 studies], males [1.3; 1.2-1.5; 17], smoking history [1.9; 1.1-3.3; n=6], COPD [2.0; 1.6-2.4; n=9], hypertension [1.8; 1.7-2.0; n=14], diabetes [1.5; 1.4-1.7; n=16], heart disease [2.0; 1.7-2.4; 16] and CKD [2.0; 1.3-3.1; 8]. The overall prevalence of hypertension (55%), diabetes (31%) and heart disease (16%) among COVODI-19 patients in the US were substantially higher than the general US population.ConclusionsPublic health screening for COVID-19 can be prioritized based on risk-groups. A higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in COVID-19 patients can suggest increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in the population.
Patterns of IgM Binding to Tumor Associated Antigen Peptides Correlate with the Type of Brain Tumors
Authors: Ferdinandov Dilyan , Kostov Viktor , Hadjieva Maya , Shivarov Velizar , Bussarsky Assen , Pashov Anastas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe immune system can be used as a biosensor of the internal environment. Changes in the reactivities of the antibody repertoire can be used as a readout for a wide range of disturbances including various inflammatory conditions and malignant tumors. Extending our previous work based on IgM mimotope libraries, here we report our studies on the interpretability of profiles of IgM reactivities to a library of natural 15-mer peptides derived from 20 tumor associated antigens and 193 linear B cell epitopes involved in tumor pathogenesis. Sera from 21 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, n=10), brain metastases of other tumors (n=5) and non-tumor bearing neurosurgery patients (n=6) were used to probe their IgM reactivity with an array of 4526 peptide sequences. Using feature selection algorithms, we were able to extract profiles that separated well the three diagnostic groups with accuracy of up to 0.9. A key feature of the profiles extracted was their size (138 peptides for differentiating GBM and 340 – for tumor bearing patients) and origin from practically all tested antigens. Comparable numbers of reactivities were gained or lost in tumor bearing patients. A minimal set of the most significant 41 reactivities from 16 antigens contained disproportionately large number of epitopes from stromelysine-3 and erbB2 receptor with some of the reactivities gained and other lost in cancer patients. Epitopes from human papilloma virus 16 and HTLV-1 were included too. Some of the reactivities were readily interpretable both as antigen source and structural context (signal peptides). The interpretation of the rest requires further confirmatory studies. Thus, a set of natural peptides from tumor antigens readily provides profile of interpretable IgM reactivities which can serve as classifiers for clinically relevant patient stratification.
The immediate psychological response of the general population in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Joseph Royes , Alshayban Dhfer , Lucca Jisha M , Alshehry Yasir Abdulaziz 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe health and economic burden of pandemic diseases significantly cause psychosocial problems. The outbreak of COVID-19 may differentially exacerbate anxiety and stress in people subjected to the real or perceived threat of the virus.MethodAn online cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess the general population’s immediate psychological response during the initial state of the outbreak in Saudi Arabia. The study used brief screening tools PHQ-4 for anxiety-depression symptoms and IES-6 for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.ResultsAmong the 584 respondents, 19.8% and 22.0% reported moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. According to the combined PHQ-4 score, 14.5% of participants showed moderate to severe anxiety or depression disorder. Overall, 64.8% met the level of clinical concern for posttraumatic stress disorder and 51.3% met the level of probable posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis. Multivariate analyses showed that females, non-Saudi nationalities, and those who had a history of mental illness were more vulnerable to anxiety and depression disorders than their counterparts, whereas a higher prevalence of distress symptoms was reported among those who prefer Arabic over English for communication. It was found that people whose colleagues or family infected with the disease were more likely to report moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression and distress. The study further showed that the higher the perceived threat, the higher the chances of exhibiting anxiety-depressive disorder symptoms and distress symptoms.ConclusionThe findings might be a matter for serious concern, and considerable attention is required from authorities and policymakers regarding early detection and treatment of these illnesses in order to reduce the burden of the pandemic related mental illness.
Five years functional connectivity reorganization without clinical or cognitive decline in MS
Authors: Høgestøl Einar August , Ghezzo Samuele , Nygaard Gro Owren , Espeseth Thomas , Sowa Piotr , Beyer Mona K. , Harbo Hanne Flinstad , Westlye Lars T. , Hulst Hanneke E. , Alnæs Dag 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTObjective1) To assess fMRI-based functional connectivity (FC) anomalies in early multiple sclerosis (MS), 2) To determine the relation between FC changes and structural brain damage due to disease progression 3) To study the association between FC changes and cognitive and physical disability.MethodsStructural MRI and resting-state fMRI were acquired from 76 early relapsing-remitting MS patients at baseline (average disease duration 71.7 months ± 63) and after five years. Ninety-four healthy controls (HCs) matched for age and sex were included at baseline. Independent component analysis (ICA) and network modelling were used to measure FC. FC variation was related to expanded disability status scale and neuropsychological outcomes. Brain and lesion volumes were quantified using standard methods. We used the 25 independent components obtained from ICA to estimate the longitudinal stability of the brain connectome as a proxy for functional reorganization over time.ResultsThe MS subjects were clinically and cognitively stable. Compared to HCs, FC abnormalities were detected within networks and in single connections in patients with early MS at baseline. Over time, FC was relatively invariable, but changes in FC were associated with progression of brain atrophy (ρ = 0.39, p = .06). No significant relationship with clinical and cognitive measures or lesion load was detected.ConclusionPatients with MS showed evidence of altered FC in the early stages of the disease. Over time, changes in FC seem to be related to a progression of brain atrophy, which are known to precede changes in clinical and cognitive functioning.