bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Blood-based Biomarkers for Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gao Andrew 
Published: October 2020

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) affects millions of people worldwide and causes symptoms such as bradykinesia and disrupted speech. Parkinson’s disease is known to be characterized by the mass death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region. In the status quo, PD is often diagnosed at late stages because obvious motor symptoms appear after the disease has progressed far. It is advantageous to diagnose PD before the onset of motor symptoms because treatments are often more effective at early stages. While motor symptoms usually manifest when over 50% of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra are already lost, molecular signatures of PD may be present at early stages in patient blood. This study aimed to analyze several gene expression studies’ data for commonly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the blood of early stage PD patients. 147 DEGs were identified in at least two out of three datasets and passed cut-off criteria. A protein interaction network for the DEGs was constructed and various tools were used to identify network characteristics and hub genes. PANTHER analysis revealed that the biological process “cellular response to glucagon stimulus” was overrepresented by almost 21 times among the DEGs and “lymphocyte differentiation” by 5.98 times. Protein catabolic processes and protein kinase functions were also overrepresented. ESR1, CD19, SMAD3, FOS, CXCR5, and PRKACA may be potential biomarkers and warrant further study. Overall, the findings of the present study provide insights on molecular mechanisms of PD and provide greater confidence on which genes are differentially expressed in PD. The results also are additional evidence for the role of the immune system in PD, a topic that is gaining interest in the PD research community.
Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Depression in Adults: A Nationwide Population-based Study in Korea
Authors: Jung Young-Eun , Dores Ashley K. , Patten Scott B. , Yatham Lakshmi N. , Lam Raymond W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D status may be associated with depression, but there have been inconsistencies in the reported estimates. This study aimed to examine the association of vitamin D status with depression in a large general population sample.MethodsCross-sectional data for a representative Korean sample of 1,825 people aged 19 years or older were obtained from the nationally representative Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014). Depression was defined by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores ≥10 (moderate/severe). Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between depression and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Continuous serum 25(OH)D level was categorized into quartiles. Continuous PHQ-9 scores were assessed using quantile regression. Adjustments for age, sex, marital status, level of education, lowest income quartile, body mass index, level of physical activity, chronic conditions, serum creatinine level, glomerular filtration rate, and history of depression were used in the statistical analyses. Estimates of prevalence and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were made. Sampling weights were utilized to account for survey design effects.ResultsIndividuals in the lowest serum 25(OH)D quartile level had significantly higher prevalence of depression than in the upper three quartiles (8.3% vs. 5.1%; p=0.024). No association was observed between serum 25(OH)D level and depression after adjusting for potential covariates (OR 1.48, 95%CI 0.93, 2.35; p=0.097]. However, a stronger association was observed among male respondents, with an estimated OR of 2.54 (95% CI 1.17, 5.50; p=0.018). Additionally, in the quantile regression analysis, estimates from adjusted models remained significant (β = −0.056, p=0.002).ConclusionWhile our findings support the association between lower vitamin D status and depression in Korean adults, additional studies are needed to clarify this relationship.
Does food-related cultural capital contribute to diet inequality in rural Australia? A pilot cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhou , Slimings Claudia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveRegional Australians have a poorer quality of diet compared to people living in metropolitan areas. Food-related cultural capital is one potential mechanism linking social determinants and nutrition. Relationships between food-related cultural capital and diet were investigated as an explanation for nutritional inequalities in regional New South Wales (NSW).DesignA cross-sectional survey of rural NSW adults was conducted from 12th October 2019 to 31st March 2020 focusing on diet, socio-economic factors and cultural capital. Three dietary outcomes were assessed: fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, and a healthy diet score. Food-related cultural capital was analysed as objectivised and total incorporated cultural capital separately. The survey was distributed online with social media promotion.SettingRegional south-eastern and western NSWParticipants448 adults (median age 57 years) of whom 93% were female.ResultsIn unadjusted analysis, both total incorporated and objectivised cultural capital had strong correlations with all three diet outcomes, with low cultural capital associated with poorer nutrition. After adjusting for sociodemographic confounders, low total incorporated cultural capital showed modest associations with low fruit consumption (OR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.00 – 2.87), low vegetable consumption (OR = 2.94, 95%CI = 1.69 – 5.11) and low diet score (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.59 – 4.71).ConclusionsFood-related cultural capital, particularly incorporated cultural capital, was independently associated with healthy food consumption in regional NSW. This new finding presents potential avenues to improve the diet of rural Australians through diet-related education, promoting food participation and reducing barriers to healthy food access.
Challenges for non-technical implementation of digital proximity tracing: early experiences from Switzerland
Authors: von Wyl Viktor 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeveral countries have released digital proximity tracing (DPT) apps in addition to manual contact tracing (MCT) to combat the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. The goal of DPT is to notify app users about proximity exposures to persons infected with Sars-CoV-2 so that they can self-quarantine. However, early press reports from Switzerland suggest multiple challenges for non-technical DPT implementation.ObjectiveUsing media articles published during the first three months after the DPT app launch to describe non-technical implementation challenges reported by different stakeholders and to map these reports to the four constructs of normalization process theory (NPT), a framework to develop and evaluate complex digital health interventions.MethodsA Swiss media database was searched for articles on the Swiss DPT app (SwissCovid) published in German or French between 04.07.2020 and 03.10.2020. Topics were extracted manually from articles that were deemed pertinent in a structured process. Extracted topics were mapped to NPT constructs.ResultsOut of 94 articles deemed pertinent and selected for closer inspection, 38 provided unique information on implementation challenges. These challenges included unclear DPT benefits, which affected commitment and raised fears among different health system actors regarding resource competition with established pandemic mitigation measures. Moreover, media reports indicated process interface challenges such as delays or unclear responsibilities in the notification cascade, as well as misunderstandings and unmet communication needs from certain health system actors. Finally, some reports suggested misaligned incentives, not only for app usage by the public but also for process engagement by other actors in the app notification cascade. These challenges mapped well to the four constructs of NPT.ConclusionsEarly experiences from one of the earliest adopters of DPT indicate that non-technical implementation challenges warrant attention. The detected implementation challenges fit well into the framework of NPT, which seems well suited to guide the development and evaluation of complex DPT interventions.
Systematic assessment of outcomes following a genetic diagnosis identified through a large-scale research study into developmental disorders
Authors: Copeland H. , Kivuva E. , Firth H.V. , Wright C.F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeThe clinical and psychosocial outcomes associated with receiving a genetic diagnosis for developmental disorders are wide-ranging but under-studied. We sought to investigate outcomes from a subset of families who received a diagnosis through the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study.MethodIndividuals recruited through the Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service who received a confirmed genetic diagnosis through the DDD study before August 2019 (n=112) were included in a clinical audit. Families with no identified clinical outcomes (n=16) were invited to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews.ResultsDisease-specific treatment was identified for seven probands (6%), while 48 probands (43%) were referred for further investigations or screening and 60 probands (54%) were recruited to further research. Just five families (4%) opted for prenatal testing in a subsequent pregnancy, reflecting the relatively advanced maternal age in our cohort, and 42 families (38%) were given disease-specific information or signposting to patient-specific resources such as support groups. Six interviews were performed (response rate=47%) and thematic analysis identified four major themes: reaching a diagnosis, emotional impact, family implications and practical issues.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that receiving a genetic diagnosis has substantial positive medical and psychosocial outcomes for the majority of patients and their families.
Perspectives on building sustainable newborn screening programs for sickle cell disease: Experiences from Tanzania
Authors: Bukini Daima , Nkya Siana , McCurdy Sheryl , Mbekenga Columba , Manji Karim , Parker Michael , Makani Julie 
Published: October 2020

1.0AbstractPrevalence of Sickle Cell Disease is high in Africa, with significant public health effects to the affected countries. Many of the countries with the highest prevalence of the disease also have poor health care system, high burden of infectious diseases with many other competing healthcare priorities. Though, considerable efforts have been done to implement newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease programs in Africa but still coverage is low. Tanzania has one of the highest birth prevalence of children with Sickle Cell Disease in Africa. Also, it is one of many other African countries to implement pilot projects for Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease to assess feasibility. Several efforts have been made afterwards to continue providing the screening services as well as comprehensive care for Sickle Cell Disease. Using qualitative methods, we conducted In- Depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions with policy makers, health care providers and families to provide an analysis of their experiences and perspectives on efforts to expand and sustain Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease and related comprehensive care services in the country. Findings have demonstrated both the opportunities and challenges in the implementation and sustainability of the services in low resource settings. A key area of strengthening is full integration of the services in countries’ health care systems to facilitate coverage, accessibility and affordability of the services. However, efforts at the local level to sustain the programs are encouraging and can be used as a model in other programs implemented in low resources settings.
Quantification of a Viromed Klinik Akut V 500 disinfection device to reduce the indirect risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by aerosol particles
Authors: Kähler Christian J. , Fuchs Thomas , Hain Rainer 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIndoor SARS-CoV-2 infections by droplets and aerosols are currently considered to be particularly significant. FFP2/3 respirator masks, which fit tightly and gap free, generally provide very good protection. In public transport, while shopping or in waiting rooms, they are therefore ideally suited to protect against direct and indirect infection. Unfortunately, these masks make it difficult to breathe and can be uncomfortable to wear in the long run. Therefore, these masks should be worn for a maximum of 3 × 75 minutes per day. These masks are therefore hardly suitable for schools or at work. The question therefore arises as to how people in closed rooms can be permanently protected from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Large safety distances provide both self protection and protection of third parties, but they do not protect against indirect infection if the virus load in the room is high. Mouth and nose covers only offer protection of others against direct infection, but they do not protect the user against indirect infection. The same applies to faceshields and small protective walls. Indirect infections can be effectively prevented by free ventilation with windows or air conditioning systems that supply 100% outside air into the room, provided the air exchange rate is at minimum six times the room volume per hour. However, free ventilation by means of windows is rarely efficient enough, and in winter at the latest, it is no longer possible to open windows without wasting massive amounts of energy and endangering the health and well-being of people. The operation of air conditioning systems is also very energy-intensive during the cold season. Furthermore, most buildings do not have air conditioning systems. The question is therefore, how a largely safe protection against an indirect SARS-CoV-2 infection can be realized in closed rooms without wasting thermal energy and thus valuable resources. Technically, the problem can be solved with mobile disinfection devices or room air cleaners that separate the dangerous aerosol particles or inactivate the viruses by UV radiation or by contact with charge carriers. The potential of these devices is great and, since many German manufacturers produce these devices, they are also available. However, many of the devices offered do not provide effective protection because the volume flow is too small, the separation efficiency of the filters is too low and the performance of the UV and ionization unit is too weak. The Viromed Klinik Akut V 500 disinfection unit appears to meet the performance requirements and therefore the device is analyzed and evaluated in this study for its suitability to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The French Covid-19 contact tracing app: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of students in the health domain
Authors: Montagni Ilaria , Roussel Nicolas , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Tzourio Christophe 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundMany countries around the world have developed mobile phone apps capable of supporting instantaneous contact tracing to control the Covid-19 pandemic. In France, a few people have downloaded and are using the StopCovid contact tracing app. Reasons for this low uptake are unexplored. Students in the health domain are especially concerned and their usage and opinions about the app can inform improvements and diffusion of StopCovid among young people.ObjectiveTo investigate health-related students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices about the StopCovid app.MethodsA field survey was conducted among 318 students at the health sciences campus of the University of Bordeaux, France, between September 25th and October 16th, 2020. Quota sampling method was used and descriptive statistics were performed.ResultsA total of 77.3% (246/318) students had heard about the app, but only 11.3% (36/318) had downloaded it and 4.7% (15/318) were still using it at the time of the survey. Main reasons for not using the app were: belief that it was not effective given its limited diffusion (17.6%, 37/210), lack of interest (17.6%, 37/210) and distrust in data security and fear to be geo-located (15.7%, 33/210). Among those who had not heard about the app, after a brief description of its functioning and confidentiality policy, 52.7% (38/72) would use it. Participants reported that the main solution for increasing the use of the app would be a better communication (71.4%, 227/318).ConclusionEven among health students, the contact tracing app was poorly used. Findings suggest that improved communication describing its advantages and simplicity of use, and clarifying false beliefs about the app could help improving significantly its uptake.
Perceived Risk and Distress related to COVID-19: Comparing Healthcare versus non-Healthcare Workers of Pakistan
Authors: Abid Adeel , Shahzad Hania , Khan Hyder Ali , Piryani Suneel , Khan Areeba Raza , Rabbani Fauziah 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) find themselves susceptible to contracting COVID-19 or being the source of exposure for their family members. This puts them at a high risk of psychological distress which may compromise patient care. In this study we aim to explore the risk perceptions and psychological distress between HCWs and non-healthcare workers (NHCWs) in Pakistan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Pakistan using an online self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were categorized into HCWs (completed or aspiring to complete education in Medicine or allied fields) and NHCWs. HCWs were further categorized into front-line (direct patient care) and back-end HCWs.ResultsData from 1406 respondents (507 HCWs and 899 NHCWs) was analyzed. No significant difference was observed between HCWs and NHCWs’ perception of susceptibility and severity towards COVID-19. Healthcare graduates perceived themselves (66% students vs. 80% graduates, p-value 0.011) and their family (67% students vs. 82% graduates, p-value 0.008) to be more susceptible to COVID-19 than the healthcare students. Frontline HCWs perceived themselves (83% frontline vs. 70% back-end, p-value 0.003) and their family (84% frontline vs. 72% back-end, p-value 0.006) as being more susceptible to COVID-19 than back-end healthcare professionals. Over half of the respondents were anxious (54% HCWs and 55% NHCWs). Female gender, younger age and having COVID-19 related symptoms had a significant effect on the anxiety levels of both HCWs and NHCWs.ConclusionFrontline HCWs, healthcare students, young people, females and individuals with lower income were at a higher risk of psychological distress due to the pandemic. Government policies should thus be directed at ensuring the mental well-being of frontline HCWs, and improving their satisfaction in order to strengthen health care delivery system.
The COVID-19 Suffolk Events Toolkit (C-SET): A structured approach to conducting COVID-secure events
Authors: Chowdhury Avirup , Zermanos Terezija , Yu Xinming , Badrinath Padmanabhan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo develop a toolkit to provide a structured framework for assessing whether large events are COVID-secure.Study designCross-sectional reporting on the development of the COVID-19 Suffolk Events Toolkit (C-SET).MethodsThe toolkit was developed through an iterative process of writing, discussion, and modification, drawing upon national UK guidance. Pilot cases and a contemporaneous consultation with experts were also undertaken, and C-SET was revised in line with the findings.ResultsC-SET offers a robust, structured approach to identifying areas of concern and potential mitigations, and collates and synthesises current national UK guidance. A flexible, modular design allows it to provide high-level input across all types of event, and allow modification to suit the needs of individual organisations. It is applicable to a variety of users, including event organisers in need of a structure, or bodies whose role is to appraise such events. It provides a semi-quantitative summary output, and in conjunction with the detailed links to guidance in the framework, allows development of clear, actionable recommendations to tangibly improve the quality of events.ConclusionsA necessary trade-off exists between COVID-related health risks and wider risks due to economic downturn, and facilitating large events in a way that minimises COVID transmission risk may offer a way to balance these competing priorities. C-SET was developed to provide a structured approach to identifying areas of improvement across key risk domains, and suggests potential mitigations that are underpinned by national UK guidance. Use of this toolkit may aid event organisers in developing COVID-secure events, and aid regulatory bodies in suggesting actionable recommendations through generation of a summary report of areas of concern.
Detection and Segmentation of Lesion Areas in Chest CT Scans For The Prediction of COVID-19
Authors: Ter-Sarkisov Aram 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this paper we compare the models for the detection and segmentation of Ground Glass Opacity and Consolidation in chest CT scans. These lesion areas are often associated both with common pneumonia and COVID-19. We train a Mask R-CNN model to segment these areas with high accuracy using three approaches: merging masks for these lesions into one, deleting the mask for Consolidation, and using both masks separately. The best model achieves the mean average precision of 44.68% using MS COCO criterion for instance segmentation across all accuracy thresholds. The classification model, COVID-CT-Mask-Net, which learns to predict the presence of COVID-19 vs common pneumonia vs control, achieves the 93.88% COVID-19 sensitivity, 95.64% overall accuracy, 95.06% common pneumonia sensitivity and 96.91% true negative rate on the COVIDx-CT test split (21192 CT scans) using a small fraction of the training data. We also analyze the effect of Non-Maximum Suppression of overlapping object predictions, both on the segmentation and classification accuracy. The full source code, models and pretrained weights are available on https://github.com/AlexTS1980/COVID-CT-Mask-Net.
COVID -19: could green tea catechins reduce the risks?
Authors: Storozhuk Maksim 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeSeveral lines of emerging pharmacological and epidemiological evidence imply that overall risks related to COVID-19 may be reduced by green tea catechins. Therefore, it may be expected that countries with higher per/capita green tea consumption would be less affected by COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess this possibility.MethodsAmong countries with at least 3 million population (n=134), countries with relatively high (above 150 g) per/capita green tea consumption have been identified (n=21); (ii) normalized to population values of COVID-19 cases (morbidity) and deaths (mortality) for groups of countries with high and low per/capita green tea consumption were compared.ResultsStriking differences in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality between groups of countries with ‘high’ and ‘low’ green tea consumption were found. The differences were still observed after the adjustment for the onset of the disease. An analysis using multiple linear regression approach suggests that the associations are present at the level of individual countries.ConclusionEvidence supporting the idea that green tea constituents could reduce overall risks related to COVID-19 has been obtained. The results are promising and are in line with emerging evidence from other studies including pharmacological ones. Nevertheless, because of limitations of this study the idea still should be considered as a hypothesis requiring further assessment. Several vaccines are currently validated for COVID-19 prevention and mass vaccination has already been started in many countries. Still, it is likely that the development of an efficient drug therapy that reduces COVID-19 severity/mortality would be important for rather prolonged time. In this context, the results obtained in this study may have significant implications.