bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Your womb, your choice!” Making an informed decision regarding the timing of pregnancy following miscarriage
Authors: Shah Faizan , Bhattacharya Sohinee , Lamont Kathleen , Morgan Heather May 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe ideal interpregnancy interval (IPI) following a miscarriage is controversial as the World Health Organization (WHO) advise women to delay pregnancy for at least six months. Subsequent research has found that IPI less than six months is beneficial for both mother and baby. The impact of this guidance on the decision-making process for couples/women in this predicament is unknown.Views of women regarding the optimum IPI following miscarriage were investigated using a thematic framework applied to discussion threads from a popular online forum, Mumsnet (https://www.mumsnet.com). A systematic search of all online information was also undertaken to identify all relevant patient information regarding conceiving another pregnancy after a miscarriage. The findings from the search were tabulated and analysed in relation to the themes identified from the discussion threads on Mumsnet. Ninety-four discussion threads were included. Women saw no reason to wait if they felt ready. Women posted about their frustrations at the multiple sources of conflicting advice they received, at the lack of professional sympathy and felt that being told to wait before trying to conceive after a miscarriage was outdated advice. However, these findings were not corroborated by the patient information currently available online. All web-based patient information gave consistent advice – to wait for at least one normal period before trying to conceive again after a miscarriage and to try for another pregnancy when they felt physically mentally and emotionally ready. None advised waiting for six months. This study highlights that sometimes despite contradictory clinical advice, women are keen to make their own decisions regarding reproductive choice. These decisions are often empowered by peer support and advice which women trust over inconsistent information received from healthcare professionals. In this case, health information appears to have been updated in response to women’s choice rather than the other way around.Research highlightsA knowledge gap exists in relation to the views of women regarding the ideal interpregnancy interval following miscarriage.This study provides insights into the views and beliefs of women regarding the IPI following miscarriageThe dominant themes emerging from the study were: there is an array of conflicting advice being provided; there is no requirement to wait following a miscarriage; and the right time is when a couple feels physically, mentally and emotionally ready to try for another pregnancy.Current web-based information for patients does not endorse the WHO’s guidance of waiting for at least six months before trying to conceive again after a miscarriage.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among 925 Staff Members in an Urban Hospital Accepting COVID-19 Patients in Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Nishida Tsuotmu , Iwahashi Hiromi , Yamauchi Kazuhiro , Kinoshita Noriko , Okauchi Yukiyoshi , Suzuki Norihiro , Inada Masami , Abe Kinya 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe subclinical severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rate in hospitals during the pandemic remains unclear. To evaluate the effectiveness of our hospital’s current nosocomial infection control, we conducted a serological survey of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody (immunoglobulin G) among the staff of our hospital, which is treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.MethodsThe study design was cross-sectional. We measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G in the participants using a laboratory-based quantitative test (Abbott immunoassay), which has a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 99.6%, respectively. To investigate the factors associated with seropositivity, we also obtained some information from the participants with an anonymous questionnaire.ResultsWe invited 1133 staff members in our hospital, and 925 (82%) participated. The mean age of the participants was 40.0±11.8 years, and most were women (80.0%). According to job title, there were 149 medical doctors or dentists (16.0%), 489 nurses (52.9%), 140 medical technologists (14.2%), 49 healthcare providers (5.3%), and 98 administrative staff (10.5%). The overall prevalence of seropositivity for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 0.43% (4/925), which was similar to the control seroprevalence of 0.54% (16/2970)) in the general population in Osaka during the same period according to a government survey conducted with the same assay. Seropositive rates did not significantly differ according to job title, exposure to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, or any other investigated factors.ConclusionThe subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in our hospital was not higher than that in the general population under our nosocomial infection control measures.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) health awareness among the United Arab Emirates Population
Authors: Qubais Saeed Balsam , Elbarazi Iffat , Barakat Mai 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn response to the global (COVID-19) epidemic, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government is taking precautionary action to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect the safety and well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors. The knowledge and practices of individuals will probably have an important bearing on the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices toward COVID-19 among the general public in the UAE during the current outbreak COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of 1356 of respondents in the UAE we conducted during the epidemic outbreak between 9th to 24th June-2020. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: Socio-demographic, participants knowledge, and participants practices. Independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, and binary logistic regression have used. A p-value of (p < 0.05) was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the total sample, 72% were females, 47% % were aged between 30-49 years, 57.2% were from Sharjah, 65.6% had a college degree, and 40.6% were unemployed. The total correct score of knowledge and practices questions was high 85% and 90%, respectively.Males gender, other marital status, and illiterate/primary educational levels had a lower level of knowledge and practices than others. participants aged 18-29 had little higher knowledge than other ages but had a lower level in practices, people who live in Abu Dhabi had better knowledge and practice than other emirates, employed people had a lower level of knowledge but higher in practice. Binary logistic regression analysis presented that females, 18-29 years, and married participants significantly associated with a higher score of knowledge, while female gender, over 30 years old, the martial status of singles, college-level and higher, unemployed, were significantly associated with high mean practice score.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, the current study is one of the first studies to evaluate the knowledge and practices of UAE population toward COVID-19. Most of the respondents demonstrate an excellent level of knowledge and awareness as well as proper conscious practices. Continuing to implement the health education programs pursued by the UAE is highly important to maintain the appropriate level of awareness among the public.
Evaluating the effects of cardiometabolic exposures on circulating proteins which may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 severity
Authors: Richardson Tom G , Fang Si , Mitchell Ruth E , Holmes Michael V , Smith George Davey 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundDeveloping insight into the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is of critical importance to overcome the global pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19). In this study, we have applied Mendelian randomization (MR) to systematically evaluate the effect of 10 cardiometabolic risk factors and genetic liability to lifetime smoking on 97 circulating host proteins postulated to either interact or contribute to the maladaptive host response of SARS-CoV-2.MethodsWe applied the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach and several robust MR methods in a two-sample setting to systemically estimate the genetically predicted effect of each risk factor in turn on levels of each circulating protein. Multivariable MR was conducted to simultaneously evaluate the effects of multiple risk factors on the same protein. We also applied MR using cis-regulatory variants at the genomic location responsible for encoding these proteins to estimate whether their circulating levels may influence SARS-CoV-2 severity.FindingsIn total, we identified evidence supporting 105 effects between risk factors and circulating proteins which were robust to multiple testing corrections and sensitivity analyses. For example, body mass index provided evidence of an effect on 23 circulating proteins with a variety of functions, such as inflammatory markers c-reactive protein (IVW Beta=0.34 per standard deviation change, 95% CI=0.26 to 0.41, P=2.19×10−16) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IVW Beta=0.23, 95% CI=0.17 to 0.30, P=9.04×10−12). Further analyses using multivariable MR provided evidence that the effect of BMI on lowering immunoglobulin G, an antibody class involved in protecting the body from infection, is substantially mediated by raised triglycerides levels (IVW Beta=-0.18, 95% CI=-0.25 to -0.12, P=2.32×10−08, proportion mediated=44.1%). The strongest evidence that any of the circulating proteins highlighted by our initial analysis influence SARS-CoV-2 severity was identified for soluble glycoprotein 130 (odds ratio=1.81, 95% CI=1.25 to 2.62, P=0.002), a signal transductor for interleukin-6 type cytokines which are involved in the body’s inflammatory response. However, based on current case samples for severe SARS-CoV-2 we were unable to replicate findings in independent samples.InterpretationOur findings highlight several key proteins which are influenced by established exposures for disease. Future research to determine whether these circulating proteins mediate environmental effects onto risk of SARS-CoV-2 are warranted to help elucidate therapeutic strategies for covid-19 disease severity.FundingThe Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, the British Heart Foundation and UK Research and Innovation.
Estimating COVID-19 contribution to total excess mortality
Authors: Pimenoff Ville N. , Elfström Miriam , Baussano Iacopo , Björnstedt Mikael , Dillner Joakim 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe compared the total excess mortality per week in relation to the reported Covid-19 related deaths in the Stockholm region (Sweden). Total excess mortality peaked under the weeks of high COVID-19-related mortality, but 25% of these deaths were not recognized as Covid-related. Most of these deaths occurred outside hospitals. Total all-cause mortality in excess to average all-cause mortality during the epidemic peak period may provide a comprehensive picture of the total burden of COVID19-related deaths.
External validation of the predictive performance of population pharmacokinetic models for phenobarbital in pediatric patients
Authors: Ryu Sunae , Jung Woo Jin , Jiao Zheng , Chae Jung-Woo , Yun Hwi-yeol 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTAimSeveral studies have reported population pharmacokinetic models for phenobarbital (PB), but the predictive performance of these models has not been well documented. This study aims to do external validation of the predictive performance in published pharmacokinetic models.MethodsTherapeutic drug monitoring data collected in neonates and young infants treated with PB for seizure control, was used for external validation. A literature review was conducted through PubMed to identify population pharmacokinetic models. Prediction- and simulation-based diagnostics, and Bayesian forecasting were performed for external validation. The incorporation of size or maturity functions into the published models was also tested for prediction improvement.ResultsA total of 79 serum concentrations from 28 subjects were included in the external validation dataset. Seven population pharmacokinetic studies of PB were selected for evaluation. The model by Volleret al. [27] showed the best performance concerning prediction-based evaluation. In simulation-based analyses, the normalized prediction distribution error of two models (those of Shellhaaset al. [24] and Marsotet al. [25]) obeyed a normal distribution. Bayesian forecasting with more than one observation improved predictive capability. Incorporation of both allometric size scaling and maturation function generally enhanced the predictive performance, but with marked improvement for the adult pharmacokinetic model.ConclusionThe predictive performance of published pharmacokinetic models of PB was diverse, and validation may be necessary to extrapolate to different clinical settings. Our findings suggest that Bayesian forecasting improves the predictive capability of individual concentrations for pediatrics.What is already known about this subjectPharmacokinetics of phenobarbital (PB) have been reported large inter-individual difference and treatment with PB required therapeutic drug monitoring.Population pharmacokinetic models for PB have been studied by several researchers but predictive performance of these models has not been well documented.What this study addsPredictive performance of pharmacokinetic models of phenobarbital (PB) was various and required validation for extrapolation to different clinical settings.Bayesian forecasting could improve the predictability for individual drug concentrations.Imputation of both size and maturation functions could help to enhance the predictability of pharmacokinetic models for pediatric patients.
Modelling the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in the Czech Republic and the role of government interventions
Authors: Májek Ondřej , Ngo Ondřej , Jarkovský Jiří , Komenda Martin , Rážová Jarmila , Dušek Ladislav , Pavlík Tomáš 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the Czech Republic, the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed on 1 March 2020; early population interventions were adopted in the following weeks. A simple epidemiological model was developed to help decision-makers understand the course of the epidemic and perform short-term predictions. In this paper, we present the use of the model and estimated changes in the reproduction number (decrease from > 2.00 to < 1.00 over March and April) following adopted interventions.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Formation Among Healthcare Workers, September 2, 2020
Authors: Birch Thomas , Barkama Ravit , Georgescu Joanna Tyszkiewicz , Yamada Emma , Olsen Drew , Torres Ed , Sinclair Alison 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMany frontline healthcare workers throughout the world have been exposed to COVID-19 infection in the workplace and the community. We describe the nature of infection and the durability of antibodies among various types of healthcare workers at an acute care community hospital in northern New Jersey adjacent to New York City, part of the epicenter of the first wave of the US epidemic. Exposure was concentrated among frontline workers and in clusters among support staff. The antibody response correlated with symptoms and job type.MethodsEmployees had Polymerase Chain Reaction testing using a variety of commercially available products based on availability. All screening and testing for diagnosis used the nasopharyngeal swab. Tests for SARS-CoV-2 were obtained at approximately 2, 3 and 4 months using Abbott IgG antibody assay. Results of community sero-prevalence were obtained from hospital and physician surveys as no government entity was monitoring sero-prevalence. Hospital associated employee COVID-19 infections were identified through testing and contact tracing.Results5179 patients with COVID-19 syndrome were managed through telehealth over 6 months. 3236 patients were admitted with COVID-19 disease during this time. 2514 out of 3100 employees were tested for antibody to SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 16% of employees tested positive for antibodies at some point. When divided by general job type, 17% of direct caregivers were positive. 16% of indirect contact such as receptionists, housekeeping and food service workers were positive. 16% of nonclinical workers with no patient contact tested positive. The community rate of sero-positivity in one study in Bergen County was 12.2. (1) In the midst of the epidemic, the rate among hospital workers in New York City was 13.7%. (2) The overall population rate in New York City, at the peak of the epidemic, was 21% with some communities as high as 68%. Long Island had 16.7% and Westchester/Rockland 11.7%. (3) Other hospital systems in Northern NJ had up to 25% sero-positive employees. (4)
Estimating the global reduction in transmission and rise in detection capacity of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in early 2020
Authors: Belloir Antoine , Blanquart François 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo better control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is essential to quantify the impact of control measures and the fraction of infected individuals that are detected. To this end we developed a deterministic transmission model based on the renewal equation and fitted the model to daily case and death data in the first few months of 2020 in 79 countries and states, representing 4.2 billions individuals. Based on a region-specific infection fatality ratio, we inferred the time-varying probability of case detection and the time-varying decline in transmissiblity. As a validation, the predicted total number of infected was close to that found in serosurveys; more importantly, the inferred probability of detection strongly correlated with the number of daily tests per inhabitant, with 50% detection achieved with 0.003 daily tests per inhabitants. Most of the decline in transmission was explained by the reductions in transmissibility (social distancing), which avoided 10 millions deaths in the regions studied over the first four months of 2020. In contrast, symptom-based testing and isolation of positive cases was not an efficient way to control the spread of the disease, as a large part of transmission happens before symptoms and only a small fraction of infected individuals was typically detected. The latter is explained by the limited number of tests available, and the fact that increasing test capacity increases the probability of detection less than proportionally. Together these results suggest that little control can be achieved by symptom-based testing and isolation alone.
Socio-economic disparities and COVID-19 in the USA
Authors: Paul Ayan , Englert Philipp , Varga Melinda 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 is not a universal killer. We study the spread of COVID-19 at the county level for the United States up until the 15th of August, 2020. We show that the prevalence of the disease and the death rate are correlated with the local socio-economic conditions often going beyond local population density distributions, especially in rural areas. We correlate the COVID-19 prevalence and death rate with data from the US Census Bureau and point out how the spreading patterns of the disease show asymmetries in urban and rural areas separately and is preferentially affecting the counties where a large fraction of the population is non-white. Our findings can be used for more targeted policy building and deployment of resources for future occurrence of a pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2. Our methodology, based on interpretable machine learning and game theory, can be extended to study the spread of other diseases.
Plasma P-tau 181, P-tau 217 and Other Blood-Based Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers in a Multi-Ethnic, Community Study
Authors: Brickman Adam M. , Manly Jennifer J. , Honig Lawrence S. , Sanchez Danurys , Reyes-Dumeyer Dolly , Lantigua Rafael A. , Lao Patrick J. , Stern Yaakov , Vonsattel Jean Paul , Teich Andrew F. , Airey David Charles , Proctor Nicholas Kyle , Dage Jeffrey L. , Mayeux Richard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionBlood-based Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers provide opportunities for community studies and across ethnic groups. We investigated blood biomarker concentrations in the Washington Heights, Inwood, Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), a multi-ethnic community study of aging and dementia.MethodsWe measured plasma Aβ40, Aβ42,T-tau, P-tau181 and P-tau217, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) in 113 autopsied participants, (29% with high AD neuropathological changes) and in 300 clinically evaluated individuals (42% with clinical AD). Receiver operating characteristics were used to evaluate each biomarker. We also investigated biomarkers as predictors of incident clinical AD.ResultsP-tau181, P-tau217 and NfL concentrations were elevated in pathologically and clinically diagnosed AD. Decreased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and increased P-tau217 and P-tau181 were associated with subsequent AD diagnosis.DiscussionBlood-based AD biomarker concentrations are associated with pathological and clinical diagnoses and can predict future development of clinical AD, providing evidence that they can be incorporated into multi-ethnic, community-based studies.
Development, clinical translation, and utility of a COVID-19 antibody test with qualitative and quantitative readouts
Authors: Bortz Robert H. , Florez Catalina , Laudermilch Ethan , Wirchnianski Ariel S. , Lasso Gorka , Malonis Ryan J. , Georgiev George I. , Vergnolle Olivia , Herrera Natalia G. , Morano Nicholas C. , Campbell Sean T. , Orner Erika P. , Mengotto Amanda , Dieterle M. Eugenia , Fels J. Maximilian , Haslwanter Denise , Jangra Rohit K. , Celikgil Alev , Kimmel Duncan , Lee James H. , Mariano Margarette , Nakouzi Antonio , Quiroz Jose , Rivera Johanna , Szymczak Wendy A. , Tong Karen , Barnhill Jason , Forsell Mattias N. E. , Ahlm Clas , Stein Daniel T. , Pirofski Liise-anne , Goldstein D. Yitzchak , Garforth Scott J. , Almo Steven C. , Daily Johanna P. , Prystowsky Michael B. , Faix James D. , Fox Amy S. , Weiss Louis M. , Lai Jonathan R. , Chandran Kartik 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to place an immense burden on societies and healthcare systems. A key component of COVID-19 control efforts is serologic testing to determine the community prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and quantify individual immune responses to prior infection or vaccination. Here, we describe a laboratory-developed antibody test that uses readily available research-grade reagents to detect SARS-CoV-2 exposure in patient blood samples with high sensitivity and specificity. We further show that this test affords the estimation of viral spike-specific IgG titers from a single sample measurement, thereby providing a simple and scalable method to measure the strength of an individual’s immune response. The accuracy, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness of this test makes it an excellent option for clinical deployment in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.