bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the Greek population regarding the COVID-19 pandemic during the national lockdown (March 23 - May 03, 2020): A web-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Anestis Andreas , Lomvardeas Odysseas , Papadakis Nikolaos 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemic during the total lockdown of spring 2020 in Greece.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to May 5, 2020. Adult residents of Greece anonymously completed an online survey that was distributed through email and social media. A total of 1396 fully complete questionnaires were collected. Demographic questions, questions regarding the knowledge about the disease etiology, diagnosis and prevention, and questions related to the respondents’ attitude and perception toward the restriction measures and the confidence in different kinds of institutions providing information were included in the survey items. The appropriate statistical analyses were conducted according to the type of variable and the research question.ResultsThe highest knowledge scores were found in females (74.8%, p = 0.015), individuals over 60 years old (77.3%, p < 0.001) and individuals having completed post-secondary or tertiary education (76.5%, p < 0.001). Five attitude patterns toward the pandemic were identified: “trust in institutions”, “trust in the restriction measures”, “trust in media and the internet”, “trust in traditional institutions”, and “measures deniers”. Age, education, and knowledge score were the factors defining the attitudinal patterns revealed.ConclusionsEducation and public awareness of scientifically accurate information are the means for eliminating individually and socially irresponsible and dangerous behaviors and protecting public health in periods of health crises.
Immunogenicity and crossreactivity of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Dobaño Carlota , Santano Rebeca , Jiménez Alfons , Vidal Marta , Chi Jordi , Melero Natalia Rodrigo , Popovic Matija , López-Aladid Rubén , Fernández-Barat Laia , Tortajada Marta , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Reina Gabriel , Torres Antoni , Mayor Alfredo , Carolis Carlo , García-Basteiro Alberto L. , Aguilar Ruth , Moncunill Gemma , Izquierdo Luis 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTCOVID-19 patients elicit strong responses to the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 but binding antibodies are also detected in prepandemic individuals, indicating potential crossreactivity with common cold human coronaviruses (HCoV) and questioning its utility in seroprevalence studies. We investigated the immunogenicity of the full-length and shorter fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein, and the crossreactivity of antibodies with HCoV. We indentified a C-terminus region in SARS-CoV2 N of minimal sequence homology with HCoV that was more specific and highly immunogenic. IgGs to the full-length SARS-CoV-2 N also recognised N229E N, and IgGs to HKU1 N recognised SARS-CoV-2 N. Crossreactivity with SARS-CoV-2 was stronger for alpha-rather than beta-HCoV despite having less sequence identity, revealing the importance of conformational recognition. Higher preexisting IgG to OC43 N correlated with lower IgG to SARS-CoV-2 in rRT-PCR negative individuals, reflecting less exposure and indicating a potential protective association. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 N were higher in patients with more severe and longer symptoms and in females. IgGs remained stable for at least 3 months, while IgAs and IgMs declined faster. In conclusion, N is a primary target of SARS-CoV-2-specific and HCoV crossreactive antibodies, both of which may affect the acquisition of immunity to COVID-19.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) Outbreak Prediction Using a Susceptible-Exposed-Symptomatic Infected-Recovered-Super Spreaders-Asymptomatic Infected-Deceased-Critical (SEIR-PADC) Dynamic Model
Authors: Sedaghat Ahmad , Mosavi Amir 
Published: December 2020

AbstractExtension of SIR type models has been reported in a number of publications in mathematics community. But little is done on validation of these models to fit adequately with multiple clinical data of an infectious disease. In this paper, we introduce SEIR-PAD model to assess susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered, super-spreader, asymptomatic infected, and deceased populations. SEIR-PAD model consists of 7-set of ordinary differential equations with 8 unknown coefficients which are solved numerically in MATLAB using an optimization algorithm to fit 4-set of COVID-19 clinical data consist of cumulative populations of infected, deceased, recovered, and susceptible. Trends of COVID-19 in Trends in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are successfully predicted using available data from outbreak until 23rd June 2020. Promising results of SEIR-PAD model provide insight into better management of COVID-19 pandemic in GCC countries.
Predicting intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine among the general population using the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior Model
Authors: Shmueli Liora 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundA novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March, 2020. Until such time as a vaccine becomes available, it is important to identify the determining factors that influence the intention of the general public to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine. Consequently, we aim to explore behavioral-related factors predicting intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine among the general population using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among adults aged 18 years and older from May 24 to June 24, 2020. The survey included socio-demographic and health-related questions, questions related to the HBM and TPB dimensions, and intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Associations between questionnaire variables and COVID-19 vaccination intention were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsEighty percent of 398 eligible respondents stated their willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. A unified model including HBM and TPB covariates as well as demographic and health-related factors, proved to be a powerful predictor of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine, explaining 78% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.78). Men (OR=4.35, 95% CI 1.58–11.93), educated respondents (OR=3.54, 95% CI 1.44–8.67) and respondents who had received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the previous year (OR=3.31, 95% CI 1.22–9.00) stated higher intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Participants were more likely to be willing to get vaccinated if they reported higher levels of perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccine (OR=4.49, 95% CI 2.79–7.22), of perceived severity of COVID-19 infection (OR=2.36, 95% CI 1.58–3.51) and of cues to action (OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.38–2.87), according to HBM, and if they reported higher levels of subjective norms (OR=3.04, 95% CI 2.15–4.30) and self-efficacy (OR=2.05, 95% CI 1.54–2.72) according to TPB. Although half of the respondents reported they had not received influenza vaccine last year, 40% of them intended to receive influenza vaccine in the coming winter and 66% of them intended to receive COVID-19 vaccine.ConclusionsProviding data on the public perspective and predicting intention for COVID-19 vaccination using HBM and TPB is important for health policy makers and healthcare providers and can help better guide compliance as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to the public.
Bortezomib abrogates temozolomide-induced autophagic flux through an ATG5 dependent pathway
Authors: Rahman Mohummad Aminur , Engelsen Agnete , Sarowar Shahin , Bindesbøll Christian , Birkeland Even , Lotsberg Maria L. , Knappskog Stian , Simonsen Anne , Chekenya Martha 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is invariably resistant to temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. Inhibiting the proteasomal pathway is an emerging strategy to accumulate damaged proteins and inhibit their lysosomal degradation. We hypothesized that bortezomib (BTZ) might sensitize GBM cells to TMZ. We examined change in autophagic flux after drug treatments and in combination with pharmacological inhibitors or CRISPR cas9 knockout of autophagy-related genes -5 and -7 (ATG5 and ATG7, respectively). Autophagic flux was increased in temozolomide resistant GBM cells as indicated by diminished levels of the autophagy markers LC3A/B-II and p62(SQSTM1), increased localisation of LC3A/B-II with STX17, higher long-lived protein degradation and no induction of apoptosis. In contrast, BTZ treatment abrogated autophagic flux by accumulation of LC3A/B-II and p62(SQSTM1) positive autophagosomes that did not fuse with lysosomes and reduced degradation of long-lived proteins. BTZ synergistically enhanced TMZ efficacy by attenuating cell proliferation, increased DNA damage and apoptosis. CRISPR CasATG5knockout reversed BTZ-induced autophagy blockade and rescued the GBM treated cells from death. We conclude that bortezomib abrogates temozolomide induced autophagy through ATG5 dependent pathway.
Occupational exposures associated with being a COVID-19 case; evidence from three case-controls studies
Authors: Hiironen Iina , Saavedra-Campos Maria , Panitz Jennifer , Ma Thomas , Nsonwu Olisaeloka , Charlett Andre , Hughes Gareth , Oliver Isabel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe evidence on risk factors for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in community settings is sparse, yet this information is key to inform public health action. We investigated factors associated with being a COVID-19 case using data collected through contact tracing.MethodsWe conducted three retrospective, frequency-matched case-control studies between August 2020 and October 2020 using case data from the NHS Test and Trace programme. Controls were obtained through Market Research Panels. Multivariable analyses provided adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for multiple community exposure settings. We analysed the results in meta-analyses using random effects models to obtain pooled odds ratios (pORs).ResultsAcross all study periods, there was strong statistical evidence that working in healthcare (pOR 2.87, aOR range 2.72-3.08), social care (pOR 4.15, aOR range 2.46-5.41) or hospitality (pOR 2.36, aOR range 2.01-2.63) were associated with increased odds of being a COVID-19 case. There was also evidence that working in warehouse setting was associated with increased odds (pOR 3.86, aOR range 1.06-14.19), with a substantial increase in odds observed over the study periods. A similar pattern was also observed in education and construction.ConclusionsThe studies indicate that some workplace settings are associated with increased odds of being a case. However, it is not possible to determine how much of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 took place within the workplace, and how much was associated with social, household or transport exposures.
Transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 on airplanes and high-speed trains
Authors: Hu Maogui , Wang Jinfeng , Lin Hui , Ruktanonchai Corrine W , Xu Chengdong , Meng Bin , Zhang Xin , Carioli Alessandra , Feng Yuqing , Yin Qian , Floyd Jessica R , Ruktanonchai Nick W , Li Zhongjie , Yang Weizhong , Tatem Andrew J , Lai Shengjie 
Published: December 2020

SummaryModern transportation plays a key role in the long-distance and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, little is known about the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 on confined vehicles, such as airplanes and trains. Based on the itinerary and epidemiological data of COVID-19 cases and close contacts among 9,265 airline passengers on 291 airplanes and 29,335 passengers on 830 high-speed trains in China from December 20, 2019 to March 17, 2020, we estimated that the upper bound of overall attack rate of COVID-19 among passengers was 0.60% (95% confidence interval: 0.43%-0.84%) for airplanes and 0.35% (0.28%-0.44%) for trains departing from Wuhan before its lockdown, respectively. The reproduction number during travel ranged from 0.12 to 0.19 on airplanes and from 0.07 to 0.12 on trains, with the risk varying by seat distance from the index case and joint travel time, but the difference in risk was not significant between the types of aircraft and train. Overall, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission on planes and high-speed trains with high efficiency air filtration devices was relatively low. Our findings improve understanding of COVID-19 spread during travel and may inform response efforts, such as lifting travel restrictions, and resuming transportation in the pandemic.
Estimating the risk of incident SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in quarantine hospitals: the Egyptian example
Authors: Jijón Sofía , Shafie Ahmad Al , Hassan Essam ,   EMAE-MESuRS working group on nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 modeling, Temime Laura , Jean Kévin , El-Kassas Mohamed 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTIn response to the COVID-19 epidemic, Egypt established a unique care model based on quarantine hospitals where only externally-referred confirmed COVID-19 patients were admitted, and healthcare workers resided continuously over 1-to 2-week working shifts. While the COVID-19 risk for HCWs has been widely reported in standard healthcare settings, it has not been evaluated yet in quarantine hospitals.Here, we relied on longitudinal data, including results of routine RT-PCR tests, collected within three quarantine hospitals located in Cairo and Fayoum, Egypt. Using a model-based approach that accounts for the time-since-exposure variation in false-negative rates of RT-PCR tests, we computed the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. Over a total follow-up of 6,064 person-days (PD), we estimated an incidence rate (per 100 PD) of 1.05 (95% CrI: 0.58–1.65) at Hospital 1, 1.92 (95% CrI: 0.93–3.28) at Hospital 2 and 7.62 (95% CrI: 3.47–13.70) at Hospital 3. The probability for an HCW to be infected at the end of a shift was 13.7% (95% CrI: 7.8%–20.8%) and 23.8% (95% CrI: 12.2%–37.3%) for a 2-week shift at Hospital 1 and Hospital 2, respectively, which lies within the range of risk levels previously documented in standard healthcare settings, whereas it was >3-fold higher for a 7-day shift at Hospital 2 (42.6%, 95%CrI: 21.9%–64.4%). Our model-based estimates unveil a proportion of undiagnosed infections among HCWs of 46.4% (95% CrI: 18.8%–66.7%), 45.0% (95% CrI: 5.6%–70.8%) and 59.2% (95% CrI: 34.8%–78.8%), for Hospitals 1 to 3, respectively.The large variation in SARS-CoV-2 incidence we document here suggests that HCWs from quarantine hospitals may face a high occupational risk of infection, but that, with sufficient anticipation and infection control measures, this risk can be brought down to levels similar to those observed in standard healthcare settings.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDSWhat is already known on this topicPrevious studies conducted in standard care settings have documented that frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) face high risk of COVID-19. Whether risk levels differ in alternative care models, such as COVID-19 quarantine hospitals in Egypt where HCWs resided in the hospital days and nights for various durations, is unknown.What this study addsCOVID-19 risk for HCWs in quarantine hospitals varies substantially between facilities, from risk levels that are in the range of those documented in standard healthcare settings to levels that were approximatively 3 times higher.How this study might affect research, practice or policyWith sufficient anticipation and infection control measures, occupational COVID-19 risk for HCWs working in quarantine hospitals can be brought down to levels similar to those observed in standard healthcare settings.
Population risk factors for severe disease and mortality in COVID-19: A global systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Booth Adam , Reed Angus Bruno , Ponzo Sonia , Yassaee Arrash , Aral Mert , Plans David , Labrique Alain , Mohan Diwakar 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimCOVID-19 clinical presentation is heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic to severe cases. While there are a number of early publications relating to risk factors for COVID-19 infection, low sample size and heterogeneity in study design impacted consolidation of early findings. There is a pressing need to identify the factors which predispose patients to severe cases of COVID-19. For rapid and widespread risk stratification, these factors should be easily obtainable, inexpensive, and avoid invasive clinical procedures. The aim of our study is to fill this knowledge gap by systematically mapping all the available evidence on the association of various clinical, demographic, and lifestyle variables with the risk of specific adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19.MethodsThe systematic review was conducted using standardized methodology, searching three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) for relevant literature published between 1st January 2020 and 9th July 2020. Included studies reported characteristics of patients with COVID-19 while reporting outcomes relating to disease severity. In the case of sufficient comparable data, meta-analyses were conducted to estimate risk of each variable.ResultsSeventy-six studies were identified, with a total of 17,860,001 patients across 14 countries. The studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of the sample under study, outcomes, and risk measures reported. A large number of risk factors were presented for COVID-19. Commonly reported variables for adverse outcome from COVID-19 comprised patient characteristics, including age >75 (OR = 2.65 (1.81–3.90)), male sex (OR = 2.05(1.39–3.04)) and severe obesity (OR = 2.57 (1.31–5.05)). Active cancer (OR = 1.46 (1.04–2.04)) was associated with increased risk of severe outcome. A number of common symptoms and vital measures (respiratory rate and SpO2) also suggested elevated risk profiles.ConclusionsBased on the findings of this study, a range of easily assessed parameters are valuable to predict elevated risk of severe illness and mortality as a result of COVID-19, including patient characteristics and detailed comorbidities, alongside the novel inclusion of real-time symptoms and vital measurements.
Indoor residual spraying practises against Triatoma infestans in the Bolivian Chaco: contributing factors to suboptimal insecticide delivery to treated households
Authors: Gonçalves Raquel , Logan Rhiannon A.E. , Ismail Hanafy M. , Paine Mark J.I. , Bern Caryn , Courtenay Orin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIndoor Residual Spraying (IRS) of insecticides is a key method to reduce transmission by Triatoma infestans, vector of Chagas disease in a large part of South America. However, the successes of IRS in the Gran Chaco region straddling Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay, have not equalled those in other Southern Cone countries.AimsThis study evaluated routine IRS practises and insecticide quality control in a typical endemic community in the Bolivian Chaco.MethodsAlpha-cypermethrin active ingredient (a.i.) concentrations captured onto filter papers fitted to sprayed wall surfaces, and in prepared spray tank solutions, were measured using an adapted Insecticide Quantification Kit (IQK™). The results were analysed by negative binomial GLM regression in relation to the time (minutes) spray teams spent treating houses, spray rates (surface area to spray [m2/minute]), householder compliance to empty houses for IRS delivery, and the visual presence/absence of filter papers. The IQK™ assays developed for these samples were validated against HPLC quantification methods. Results: Substantial variations in the delivered a.i. concentrations were observed; only 10.4% (50/480) of filter papers, and 8.8% (5/57) of houses received the target concentration. The delivered concentrations were not related to those in the matched spray tank solutions. The sedimentation of a.i. in the surface solution of prepared spray tanks was rapid, resulting in a 29% loss of a.i. content within 5 minutes, and 48.5% after 15 minutes. The delivered concentrations were positively associated with the time spent spraying the house, and inversely related to the spray rate, but showed weak correlations in both cases. The influence of householder compliance on spray rates were significant, though associated differences in delivered concentrations were not detected. No differences were observed in spray rates between houses fitted with filter papers and houses without.ConclusionsSuboptimal delivery of IRS is partially attributed to the insecticide physical characteristics, and the need for revision of insecticide delivery methods, which includes training of IRS teams and community education to encourage compliance. The IQK™ is a necessary field-friendly tool to improve IRS quality, and to facilitate health worker training and decision making by the Chagas disease vector control managers.
Adverse Cardiovascular Complications Following Prescription of Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Inhibitors: A Propensity-Score Matched Cohort Study with Competing Risk Analysis
Authors: Zhou Jiandong , Lee Sharen , Lakhani Ishan , Yang Lei , Liu Tong , Zhang Yuhui , Xia Yunlong , Wong Wing Tak , Bao Kelvin King Hei , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Tse Gary , Zhang Qingpeng 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundProgrammed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab, are major classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors that are increasingly used for cancer treatment. However, their use is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. We examined the incidence of new-onset cardiac complications in patients receiving PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors.MethodsPatients receiving PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors since their launch up to 31stDecember 2019 at publicly funded hospitals of Hong Kong, China, without pre-existing cardiac complications were included. The primary outcome was a composite of incident heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter with the last follow-up date of 31stDecember 2020. Propensity score matching between PD-L1 inhibitor use and PD-1 inhibitor use with a 1:2 ratio for patient demographics, past comorbidities and non-PD-1/PD-L1 medications was performed.ResultsA total of 1959 patients were included. Over a median follow-up of 247 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 72-506), 320 (incidence rate [IR]: 16.31%) patients met the primary outcome after PD-1/PD-L1 treatment: 244 (IR: 12.57%) with heart failure, 38 (IR: 1.93%) with acute myocardial infarction, 54 (IR: 2.75%) with atrial fibrillation, 6 (IR: 0.31%) with atrial flutter. Compared with PD-1 inhibitor treatment, PD-L1 inhibitor treatment was significantly associated with lower risks of the composite outcome both before (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.32, 95% CI: [0.18-0.59], P value=0.0002) and after matching (HR: 0.34, 95% CI: [0.18-0.65], P value=0.001), and lower all-cause mortality risks before matching (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: [0.64-0.93], P value=0.0078) and after matching (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: [0.65-1.00], P value=0.0463). Patients who developed cardiac complications had shorter average readmission intervals and a higher number of hospitalizations after treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in both the unmatched and matched cohorts (P value<0.0001). Competing risk analysis with cause-specific and subdistribution hazard models and multiple approaches based on the propensity score all confirmed these observations.ConclusionsCompared with PD-1 treatment, PD-L1 treatment was significantly associated with lower risk of new onset cardiac complications and all-cause mortality both before and after propensity score matching.