bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a digital solution: Predicting public take-up of Singapore’s contact tracing mobile application during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Saw Young Ern , Tan Edina Y-Q , Liu Jessica S , Liu Jean CJ 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), new digital solutions have been developed for infection control. In particular, contact tracing mobile applications provide a means for governments to manage both health and economic concerns. As public reception is paramount to success, we conducted a systematic examination of sociodemographic characteristics that predict downloads of a contact tracing application. Participants were 505 adults who completed a web-based survey in Singapore, the site of the first contact tracing application (TraceTogether). We found that persons who had already changed their lifestyles on account of the pandemic were more likely to download the application. Network analyses revealed that contact tracing downloads was associated with using hand sanitizers, avoiding public transport, and preferring outdoor over indoor venues during the pandemic. However, demographic and situational characteristics were not significant predictors of application downloads. Together, these findings provide a base for policy makers to promote the uptake of digital contact tracing.HighlightsWorldwide, digital contact tracing has been introduced to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).In a survey of 505 participants, we investigated sociodemographic factors predicting voluntary downloads of a contact tracing mobile application.Use of the contact tracing application was predicted by the extent to which an individual had modified his / her behaviors because of the outbreak.Network analyses revealed that application usage was associated with using hand sanitizers, avoiding public transport, and preferring outdoor over indoor venues.No demographic factor significantly predicted application usage.
Ethnic disparities in COVID-19 mortality in Mexico: a cross-sectional study based on national data
Authors: Ibarra-Nava Ismael , Flores-Rodriguez Kathia G. , Ruiz-Herrera Violeta , Ochoa-Bayona Hilda C. , Salinas-Zertuche Alfonso , Padilla-Orozco Magaly , Salazar-Montalvo Raul G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the mortality associated with ethnicity, particularly of Indigenous peoples, in a large sample of patients with COVID-19 in Mexico.DesignNational, cross-sectional study.SettingMexico.Participants416546 adult patients; 4178 Indigenous peoples with COVID-19 were the primary population under study.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was mortality from COVID-19 up to August 3rd, 2020. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios while adjusting for confounders.ResultsAmong all patients with COVID-19, whether hospitalized or not, a higher proportion of Indigenous peoples died compared to non-Indigenous people (16.5% vs 11.1%, respectively). Among hospitalized patients, a higher proportion of Indigenous peoples died (37.1%) compared to non-Indigenous peoples (36.3%). Deaths outside the hospital were also higher among Indigenous peoples (3.7% vs 1.7%). A higher proportion of Indigenous peoples died in both the private and public health care sectors. The adjusted odds ratio for COVID-19 mortality among Indigenous peoples with COVID-19 was 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.24). The adjusted odds ratio for COVID-19 mortality among Indigenous peoples with COVID-19 was higher among those who received only ambulatory care (1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.24 to 1.92).ConclusionsIn the large sample of patients with COVID-19, the findings suggest that Indigenous peoples in Mexico have a higher risk of death from COVID-19, especially outside the hospital. These findings suggest Indigenous peoples lack access to care more so than non-Indigenous people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. More research is needed regarding the impact of the COVID-19 among racial and ethnic minorities in Mexico.
Covid-19 Social Distancing Interventions by State Mandate and their Correlation to Mortality in the United States
Authors: McCafferty Sean , Ashley Sean 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundEvaluate the correlation between U.S. state mandated social interventions and Covid-19 mortality using a retrospective analysis of Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) data.MethodsTwenty-seven (27) states in the United States were selected on June 17, 2020 from IHME data which had clearly defined and dated establishment of statewide mandates for social distancing measures to include: School closures, Prohibition on mass gatherings, business closures, stay at home orders, severe travel restrictions, and closure of non-essential businesses. The state Covid-19 mortality prevalence was defined as total normalized deaths to the peak daily mortality rate. The state mortality prevalence was correlated to the total number of mandates-days from their date of establishment to the peak daily mortality date. The slope of the maximum daily mortality rate was also correlated to mandate-days.ResultsThe standardized mortality per state to the initial peak mortality rate did not demonstrate a discernable correlation to the total mandate days (R2 = 0.000006, p= 0.995). The standardized peak mortality rate per state suggested a slight correlation to the total mandate days (R2 = 0.053,p=0.246), but was not statistically significant. There was a significant correlation between standardized mortality and state population density (R2 = 0.524,p=0.00002).ConclusionsThe analysis appears to suggest no mandate effective reduction in Covid-19 mortality nor a reduction in Covid-19 mortality rate to its defined initial peak when interpreting the mean-effect of the mandates as present in the data. A strong correlation to population density suggests human interaction frequency does affect the total mortality and maximum mortality rate.Trial RegistrationPublic data is not patient specific and made available for public download on IHME Websites which can be used, shared, modified or built upon by non-commercial users via the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/PrécisThe mean-effects of Covid-19 mandated social interventions were found to have no affect the maximum slope of the daily mortality nor the overall mortality but did correlate to the population density.
A longitudinal study of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients shows high correlation between neutralizing antibodies and COVID-19 severity
Authors: Legros Vincent , Denolly Solène , Vogrig Manon , Boson Bertrand , Rigaill Josselin , Pillet Sylvie , Grattard Florence , Gonzalo Sylvie , Verhoeven Paul , Allatif Omran , Berthelot Philippe , Pélissier Carole , Thierry Guillaume , Botelho-Nevers Elisabeth , Paul Stéphane , Walzer Thierry , Cosset François-Loïc , Bourlet Thomas , Pozzetto Bruno 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the immune responses elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection is critical in terms of protection from re-infection and, thus, for public health policy and for vaccine development against the COVID-19. Here, using either live SARS-CoV-2 particles or retroviruses pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 S viral surface protein (Spike), we studied the neutralizing antibody (nAb) response in serum specimens from a cohort of 140 SARS-CoV-2 qPCR-confirmed patients, including patient with mild symptoms but also more severe form including those that require intensive care. We show that nAb titers were strongly correlated with disease severity and with anti-Spike IgG levels. Indeed, patients from intensive care units exhibited high nAb titers, whereas patients with milder disease symptoms displayed heterogenous nAb titers and asymptomatic or exclusive outpatient care patients had no or poor nAb levels. We found that the nAb activity in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients displayed a relatively rapid decline after recovery, as compared to individuals infected with alternative coronaviruses. We show the absence of cross-neutralization between endemic coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2, indicating that previous infection by human coronaviruses may not generate protective nAb against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we found that the D614G mutation in the Spike protein, which has recently been identified as the major variant now found in Europe, does not allow neutralization escape. Altogether, our results contribute to the understanding of the immune correlate of SARS-CoV-2 induced disease and claim for a rapid evaluation of the role of the humoral response in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in slums and non-slums of Mumbai, India, during June 29-July 19, 2020
Authors: Malani Anup , Shah Daksha , Kang Gagandeep , Lobo Gayatri Nair , Shastri Jayanthi , Mohanan Manoj , Jain Rajesh , Agrawal Sachee , Juneja Sandeep , Imad Sofia , Kolthur Ullas 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveEstimate seroprevalence in representative samples from slum and non-slum communities in Mumbai, India, a mega-city in a low or middle-income country and test if prevalence is different in slums.DesignAfter geographically-spaced community sampling of households, one individual per household was tested for IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 N-protein in a two-week interval.SettingSlum and non-slum communities in three wards, one each from the three main zones of Mumbai.ParticipantsIndividuals over age 12 who consent to and have no contraindications to venipuncture were eligible. 6,904 participants (4,202 from slums and 2,702 from non-slums) were tested.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were the positive test rate for IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein by demographic group (age and gender) and location (slums and non-slums). The secondary outcome is seroprevalence at slum and non-slum levels. Sera was tested via chemiluminescence (CLIA) using Abbott Diagnostics ArchitectTM N-protein based test. Seroprevalence was calculated using weights to match the population distribution by age and gender and accounting for imperfect sensitivity and specificity of the test.ResultsThe positive test rate was 54.1% (95% CI: 52.7 to 55.6) and 16.1% (95% CI: 14.9 to 17.4) in slums and non-slums, respectively, a difference of 38 percentage points (P < 0.001). Accounting for imperfect accuracy of tests (e.g., sensitivity, 0.90; specificity 1.00), seroprevalence was as high as 58.4% (95% CI: 56.8 to 59.9) and 17.3% (95% CI: 16 to 18.7) in slums and non-slums, respectively.ConclusionsThe high seroprevalence in slums implies a moderate infection fatality rate. The stark difference in seroprevalence across slums and non-slums has implications for the efficacy of social distancing, the level of herd immunity, and equity. It underlines the importance of geographic specificity and urban structure in modeling SARS-CoV-2.
in utero HIV exposure and the early nutritional environment influence neurodevelopment in infants before age three: findings from an evidenced review and meta-analysis
Authors: White Marina , Connor Kristin L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe developing brain is especially vulnerable to infection and suboptimal nutrition during the pre- and early postnatal periods. Exposure to maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral therapies (ART) in utero and during breastfeeding can adversely influence infant (neuro)developmental trajectories. How early life nutrition may be optimised to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants who are HIV/ART-exposed has not been well characterised. We conducted an up-to-date evidence review and meta-analysis on the influence of HIV exposure in utero and during breastfeeding, and early life nutrition, on infant neurodevelopmental outcomes before age three. We report that exposure to maternal HIV infection/ART may adversely influence expressive language development, in particular, and these effects may be detectable within the first three years of life. Further, while male infants may be especially vulnerable to HIV/ART exposure, few studies overall reported sex-comparisons, and whether there are sex-dependent effects of HIV exposure on neurodevelopment remains a critical knowledge gap to fill. Lastly, early life nutrition interventions, including daily maternal multivitamin supplementation during the perinatal period, may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants who are HIV-exposed. Our findings suggest that the early nutritional environment may be leveraged to improve early neurodevelopmental trajectories in infants who have been exposed to HIV in utero. A clear understanding of how this environment should be optimised is key for developing targeted nutrition interventions during critical developmental periods in order to mitigate adverse outcome later in life, and should be a priority of future research.
Evaluation of production lots of a rapid point-of-care lateral flow serological test intended for identification of IgM and IgG against the N-terminal part of the spike protein (S1) of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hoffman Tove , Kolstad Linda , Rönnberg Bengt , Lundkvist Åke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesSeveral antibody tests are available to detect SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies, many of which address different antigens. Rapid point-of-care (POC) tests have been doubted due to an eventual risk of production errors, although it is unstudied whether such error would affect test sensitivity and/or specificity. We aimed to evaluate two separate production lots of a commercially available test intended for rapid detection of IgM and IgG against the N-terminal part of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S1).Materials and methodsSerum samples from individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, by RT-PCR and/or serology, and pre-COVID-19 negative control sera gathered from a biobank during 2018 were collected. The presence of anti-S1 IgM/IgG was verified by an in-house Luminex-based serological assay, serving as reference method. The index test was a commercially available rapid POC-test (the COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette [Zhejiang Orient Gene Biotech Co Ltd, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China/Healgen Scientific, LLC, U.S.A.]).ResultsOne hundred samples were verified positive for anti-S1 IgG (median fluorescence intensity (MFI) ≥900) and 74 for anti-S1 IgM (MFI ≥700), confirmed by RT-PCR (n=90) and/or serology (n=89). None of the negative controls (n=200; MFI <300) had SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 IgM, while one tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 IgG. For the two lots, the sensitivities of the rapid test were 93.2% (69/74; 95% CI: 85.1% – 97.1%) and 87.8% (65/74; 95% CI: 78.5% – 93.5%) for IgM, respectively 93.0% (93/100; 95% CI: 86.3% – 96.6%) and 100.0% for IgG (100/100; 95% CI: 96.3% – 100.0%). The specificity for both lots was 100% for IgM (200/200; 95% CI: 98.1% – 100%) and 99.5% for IgG (199/200; 95% CI: 97.2% – 99.9%). The positive predictive value was 100% for IgM and 98.9% and 99.0% for IgG. The negative predictive value was 95.7% and 97.6% for IgM, and 96.6% and 100.0% for IgG.ConclusionThe rapid POC-test used in this study is suitable to assess SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 specific IgM/IgG, as a measure of previous virus exposure on an individual level. While the specificity was not affected by production lot, external validation of separate lots of rapid POC-tests is encouraged to ensure high sensitivity before market introduction.
Assessment of the Publication Trends of COVID-19 Systematic Reviews and Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Taito Shunsuke , Kataoka Yuki , Ariie Takashi , Oide Shiho , Tsujimoto Yasushi 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of studies listed in The National Library of Medicine registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and preprints in medRxiv for COVID-19 has grown rapidly. In this study, we clarified the publication trends of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) regarding COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by investigating the number of SRs and RCTs on topics related to COVID-19 practice published in PubMed and medRxiv between January 1 and June 30, 2020. We calculated the ratio of the number of RCTs to that of SRs for this study period, as in a previous study. Results: The SR/RCT ratio in PubMed increased from 9.0 in March to 102 in June. In medRxiv, the SR/RCT ratio rose from 7.7 in March to 16.5 in June Discussion: The SR/RCT ratio increased and was much higher than that of 0.871 in 2017 found in a previous review of all medical research. During the study period, the trend in the COVID-19 publications comprised a more rapid increase in the number of SRs than RCTs
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population – a comparison between Germany and the UK
Authors: Knolle Franziska , Ronan Lisa , Murray Graham K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic social and economic changes in daily life. First studies report an impact on mental health of the general population showing increased levels of anxiety, stress and depression. In this study, we compared the impact of the pandemic on two culturally and economically similar European countries: the UK and Germany.MethodsParticipants (UK=241, German=541) completed an online-survey assessing COVID-19 exposure, impact on financial situation and work, substance and media consumption, mental health using the tSymptom-Check-List-27 (SCL-27) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire.ResultsWe found distinct differences between the two countries. UK responders reported a stronger direct impact on health, financial situation and families. UK responders had higher clinical scores on the SCL-27, and higher prevalence. Interestingly, German responders were less hopeful for an end of the pandemic and more concerned about their life-stability.ConclusionAs 25% of both German and UK responders reported a subjective worsening of the general psychological symptoms and 20-50% of German and UK responders reached the clinical cut-off for depressive and dysthymic symptoms as well as anxieties, it specifically shows the need for tailored intervention systems to support large proportions of the general public.
Are digital technology interventions effective to reduce loneliness in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shah Syed Ghulam Sarwar , Nogueras David , Woerden Hugo Cornelis van , Kiparoglou Vasiliki 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo review the latest literature on the effectiveness of DTIs in reducing loneliness in (older) adults.Data SourcesElectronic searches in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science covering publication period from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2019.SubjectsAdult men and womenDesignSystematic review and meta-analysisMain Outcome MeasureLoneliness.Study SelectionPrimary studies that used DTIs for tackling loneliness in adults (aged ≥18 years) with follow-up measurements at least three months or more and publication in the English language.Data Extraction and SynthesisTwo researchers independently screened articles and extracted data on several variables: participants, interventions, comparators and outcomes. Data was extracted on the primary outcome i.e. loneliness measured at the baseline and follow-up measurements at three, four, six and twelve months after the intervention.ResultsSix studies were selected from 4939 articles screened. Selected studies included 5 clinical trials (4 RCTs and 1 quasi experimental study) and one before and after study, which enrolled 646 participants (men =154 (24%), women =427 (66%), no gender information =65 (10%) with average age between 73 and 78 years (SD 6-11). Five clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis and standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated for each trial and pooled across studies using a random effects model. The overall effect estimates were not statistically significant in follow-up measurements at three months (SMD= 0.02, 95% CI= −0.36, 0.40; P=0.92), four months (SMDs= −1.11, 95% CI= - 2.60, 0.38; P=0.14) and six months (SMD= −0.11, 95% CI= −0.54, 0.32; P=0.61). The quality of evidence was very low to moderate in these trials.ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to make conclusions that DTIs are effective in reducing loneliness in older adults. Future research may consider RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer duration of interventions and follow-up.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wellbeing and cognitive functioning of older adults
Authors: De Pue Sarah , Gillebert Céline , Dierckx Eva , Vanderhasselt Marie-Anne , De Raedt Rudi , Van den Bussche Eva 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTCOVID-19 took a heavy toll on older adults. In Belgium, by the end of August, 93% of deaths due to COVID-19 were aged 65 or older. Similar trends were observed in other countries. As a consequence, older adults were identified as a group at risk, and strict governmental restrictions were imposed on them. This has caused concerns about their mental health. Using an online survey, this study established the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults aged 65 years or older, and which factors moderate this impact. Participants reported a significant decrease in activity level, sleep quality and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression was strongly related to reported declines in activity level, sleep quality, wellbeing and cognitive functioning. Our study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the mental health of older adults. This implies that this group at risk requires attention of governments and healthcare.
Additive Compendium Map of Outbreak Risk Determinants of West Nile Virus in Europe at NUTS3
Authors: Gayle Alberto Alexander 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAnnual emergence of West Nile virus depends on a complex transmission chain. Predictive efforts are consequently confounded by time-varying associations and scale-dependent effect variability. SHAP (SHaply Additive Explanation) is a novel AI-driven solution with potential to overcome this. SHAP takes a high-performance XGBoost model and deductively imputes the marginal contribution of each feature with respect to the log relative risk associated with the local XGBoost prediction (an additive model). The resulting effect matrix is dimensionally identical to the original data but IID and homogenized in terms of units, scale, and interpretation. Such “synthetic data” can therefore serve as surrogate to allow for high-power statistical analyses. Here, we applied SHAP to a database consisting of high-resolution data from various domains – climate, environment, economic, sociodemographic, vector and host distribution – to derive an effect matrix of WNV outbreak risk determinants in Europe. This effect data proved superior to the original, nominal data in predictive tasks and delivered qualitatively compelling, domain-specific risk mappings. Further applications are discussed and others are invited to experiment.