bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Association Between the Quality of HIV Care in Nursing Homes and Hospitalization
Authors: Olivieri-Mui Brianne , McGuire Jean , Griffith John , Cahill Sean , Briesacher Becky 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) are living long enough to need age-related and HIV-related nursing home (NH) care. Nursing home quality of care has been associated with risk for hospitalization, but it is unknown if quality of HIV care in NHs affects hospitalization in this population. We assessed HIV care quality with four national measures adapted for the NH setting. We applied the measures to 2011–2013 Medicare claims linked to Minimum Data Set assessments of resident health, prescription dispensing data, and national reports of NH characteristics. Cox proportional hazards models calculated the risk of all-cause and HIV/AIDS-related hospitalization by HIV care compliance. We identified 1,246 PLWH in 201 NHs with 382 all-cause and 63 HIV/AIDS-related hospitalizations. Nursing home HIV care compliance varied from 24.9% to 64.7%. After regression adjustment, we could detect no difference in all-cause or HIV/AIDS-related hospitalizations by NH HIV care compliance. We postulate that the lack of association may be due to inappropriate HIV care quality measures that do not accurately represent NHs ability to care for PLWH. There is urgent need to create valid NH HIV care quality measures.
Hearing Disabilities and the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation in Different Age Groups
Authors: Jolink Casper , Lansbergen Simon E. , Dreschler Wouter A. 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
To assess differences in hearing disabilities between different age groups and the effectiveness of rehabilitation with hearing aids.

Study Design:
Retrospective chart review.

Setting:
First line hearing aid dispensers.

Patients:
First-time hearing aid users divided in a younger group aged 18 to 65 years (119 subjects) and an elderly group aged 70 years and older (213 subjects).

Intervention(s):
Rehabilitative.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Weighted pure tone averages (PTA) were calculated using the binaural impairment model. The patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) Amsterdam Questionnaire for Auditory Disabilities (AVAB), and client oriented scale of improvement (COSI) were collected pre- and post-fitting. To analyze whether age group, weighted PTA, and type of auditory dimension influences AVAB, linear regression and two-way ANalysis Of VAriance models were used.

Results:
The weighted PTA of the young group was significantly lower than of the elderly group. In the regression model differences between age groups were found to be significant for pre-AVAB and for AVAB benefit. The two-way ANalysis Of VAriance showed that the effect of age on pre- and post-AVAB scores was not influenced by PTA or the type of auditory dimension.

Conclusions:
Younger first-time hearing aid users experience more auditory disabilities, despite better hearing levels than their elderly counterparts. Their disabilities are rehabilitated more effectively by hearing aids.
The Potential Added Value of Novel Hearing Therapeutics: An Early Health Economic Model for Hearing Loss
Authors: Mandavia Rishi , Horstink Yvette M. , Grutters Janneke P.C. , Landry Evie , May Carl , Rovers Maroeska , Schilder Anne G.M. , Scholte Mirre 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
To construct an early health economic model to assess the potential added value of novel hearing therapeutics, compared with the current standard of care. We use idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) as a case example, because it is a lead indication for several emerging hearing therapeutics.

Methods:
A decision analytic model was developed to assess the costs and effects of using novel hearing therapeutics for patients with ISSNHL. This was compared to the current standard of care. Input data were derived from literature searches and expert opinion. The study adopted a healthcare perspective of the UK National Health Service. Four analyses were conducted: 1) headroom, 2) scenario, 3) threshold, 4) sensitivity.

Results:
The decision analytic model showed that novel therapeutics for ISSNHL have potential value both in terms of improved patient outcomes, as well as incremental net monetary benefit (iNMB). The base case analysis revealed an iNMB of £39,032 for novel therapeutics compared with the current standard of care. Results of the threshold and scenario analysis revealed that age of treatment and severity of ISSNHL are major determinants of iNMB for novel therapeutics.

Conclusion:
This article describes the first health economic model for novel therapeutics for hearing loss; and shows that novel hearing therapeutics can be cost-effective under NICE's cost-effectiveness threshold, with considerable room for improvement in the current standard of care. Our model can be used to inform the development of cost-effective hearing therapeutics; and help decision makers decide which therapeutics represent value for money.
Age Estimation of Teenage Boys During Puberty
Authors: Pineau Jean-Claude 
Published: August 2020

Background
Age estimation of a minor whose identity is unknown must be accurate enough to respond to judicial requests. The main objective of this study is to accurately determine a teenager's age from simple and reproducible criteria.

Samples and Methods
The first reference sample consists of 1720 measurements collected from 170 teenagers aged 11 to 16 years, over a period of 5 years. A second validation sample of 735 teenage boys aged 11 to 16 made it possible to verify the relevance of our estimates. The degree of maturation was determined using 4 pubertal stages: the stage below the age of puberty, the prepubescent stage, the parapubescent stage, and the pubescent stage.
For each pubertal stage, an optimization of the values of the age was carried out in order to reduce the differences between the estimated and the actual age at the different age groups.

Results
The mean differences between estimated age and actual age from these values were −0.06 ± 0.91 years for the reference group and −0.49 ± 0.73 years for validation group.

Conclusions
Our method of age estimation is simpler and accurate. It could be used routinely in a forensic frame to respond to judicial requests.
Impact of chemotherapy-induced enteric nervous system toxicity on gastrointestinal mucositis
Authors: McQuade Rachel M. , Al Thaalibi Maryam , Nurgali Kulmira 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of reviewChemotherapy is a first-line treatment for many cancers; however, its use is hampered by a long list of side-effects. Gastrointestinal mucositis is a common and debilitating side-effect of anticancer therapy contributing to dose reductions, delays and cessation of treatment, greatly impacting clinical outcomes. The underlying pathophysiology of gastrointestinal mucositis is complex and likely involves several overlapping inflammatory, secretory and neural mechanisms, yet research investigating the role of innervation in gastrointestinal mucositis is scarce. This review provides an overview of the current literature surrounding chemotherapy-induced enteric neurotoxicity and discusses its implications on gastrointestinal mucositis.Recent findingsDamage to the intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract, the enteric nervous system (ENS), occurs following chemotherapeutic administration, leading to altered gastrointestinal functions. Chemotherapeutic drugs have various mechanisms of actions on the ENS. Oxidative stress, direct toxicity and inflammation have been identified as mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced ENS damage. Enteric neuroprotection has proven to be beneficial to reduce gastrointestinal dysfunction in animal models of oxaliplatin-induced enteric neuropathy.SummaryUnderstanding of the ENS role in chemotherapy-induced mucositis requires further investigation and might lead to the development of more effective therapeutic interventions for prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal side-effects.
Whole Care Home Testing for Covid-19 in a Local Authority Area in the United Kingdom
Authors: Starling Anna , White Eleanor , Showell Danny , Wyllie David , Kapadia Smita , Balakrishnan Ravi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in care homes reporting low numbers of cases of COVID-19.DesignA cross-sectional study of care homes, ascertaining perceived disease burden using interviews with care home managers and SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in residents and staff using nose and throat swabbing.Setting15 Care homes in Essex, United Kingdom, all of which had reported either zero or one case of COVID-19 to the Health Protection Team.Participants912 residents and staff of care homes were tested. Residents were eligible to be tested regardless of symptoms.Main outcome measureDetection of SARS-CoV-2 in residents and staff.ResultsIn the 15 care homes studied, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 23 (5.2%) of 441 residents. Of these 23, 21/23 (91%) were asymptomatic as reported by the care home managers. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 8/471 (1.7%) of staff. This differs from that in residents (p=0.003).ConclusionsThe study’s findings suggest that symptoms, as reported by care home managers, are an insensitive method of defining the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in nursing homes. Viral detection from residents is more common than from staff. Microbiological screening is a more sensitive method for defining the extent of SARS-CoV-2 in care homes than managerial reporting of resident symptoms.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rabies Reemergence in Latin America: the case of Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Raynor Brinkley , Díaz Elvis W. , Shinnick Julianna , Zegarra Edith , Monroy Ynes , Mena Claudia , Castillo-Neyra Ricardo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOver the past decades, there has been tremendous progress towards eliminating canine rabies in Latin America. Major components of rabies prevention programs in Latin America leading to these successes have been constant and intense surveillance for rabid dogs and uninterrupted yearly mass dog vaccination campaigns. However, vital measures to control COVID-19 in Latin America have had the negative trade-off of jeopardizing these rabies elimination and prevention activities. In this paper, we aimed to assess the effect of interrupting canine rabies surveillance and mass dog vaccination campaigns on rabies trends. We built a deterministic compartment model of dog rabies dynamics parameterized for conditions found in Arequipa, Peru, where there is an ongoing dog rabies epidemic. Our model suggests that a decrease in canine vaccination coverage as well as decreased surveillance leading to an increased length of survival of infected dogs could lead to a sharp rise in canine rabies and, subsequently, human rabies risk. We examined our results over the best estimate of the basic reproductive number in Arequipa (R0 = 1.44) and a range of plausible values for R0 (1.36 - 2). The rising trend was consistent. It is very possible that COVID-19 will continue to challenge our public health departments in the short- and medium-term. Innovative strategies to conduct dog vaccination and rabies surveillance during these trying times should be considered to safeguard the achievements made in Latin America towards the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies.
Expanding COVID-19 symptom screening to retail, restaurants, and schools by preserving privacy using relaxed digital signatures
Authors: Jew Brandon , Korb Alexis , Lou Paul , Chiang Jeffrey N. , An Ulzee , Sahai Amit , Halperin Eran , Eskin Eleazar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSymptom screening is a widely deployed strategy to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and many public health authorities are mandating its use by employers for all employees in the workplace. While symptom screening has the benefit of reducing the number of infected individuals in the workplace, it raises some inherently difficult privacy issues as a traditional approach requires the employer to collect symptom data from each employee which is essentially medical information. In this paper, we describe a system to implement Cryptographic Anonymous Symptom Screening (CASS) which allows for individuals to perform COVID symptom screening anonymously while avoiding the privacy issues of traditional approaches. In the system, individuals report their symptoms without any identifying information and are issued a completion certificate. This certificate contains a cryptographic code which certifies that the certificate was obtained from the screener after reporting no symptoms. The codes can be verified using a cryptographic algorithm which is publicly available. A standard cryptography approach to implement such a system would be to use digital signatures. Unfortunately, standard digital signatures have some limitations for this application in that the signatures are often hundreds of characters long and if the signature contains the name of the individual, then there is also a risk of compromising privacy. In our approach, we develop and utilize a relaxed digital signature scheme to provide 16 character long codes and handle names using equivalence classes which helps preserve privacy. Both of these extensions technically compromise the security but in a way that is negligible for this application. Our system can either serve the function of standard symptom screening system approaches for employees, but can also extend symptom screening to non-employees such as visitors or customers. In this case, the system can be utilized in retail, restaurants and schools to ensure that everyone in the physical space, including employees, customers, visitors and students have performed symptom screening.
LamPORE: rapid, accurate and highly scalable molecular screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on nanopore sequencing
Authors: James Phillip , Stoddart David , Harrington Eoghan D , Beaulaurier John , Ly Lynn , Reid Stuart W , Turner Daniel J , Juul Sissel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLamPORE™ is a rapid way of testing/screening large numbers of samples for the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. It combines barcoded multi-target amplification, 15-minute barcoded library preparation and real-time nanopore sequencing. Starting with extracted RNA, results can be obtained from 12 samples in approximately an hour and from 96 samples in under 2 hours. High scalability is achieved by combinatorial barcoding. Performance characteristics are currently being established and regulatory clearance to market is underway.
Real-world Evidence of Diagnostic Testing and Treatment Patterns in U.S. Breast Cancer Patients with Implications for Treatment Biomarkers from RNA-sequencing Data
Authors: Fernandes Louis E. , Epstein Caroline G. , Bobe Alexandria M. , Bell Joshua S.K. , Stumpe Martin C. , Salazar Michael E. , Salahudeen Ameen A. , Pe Benito Ruth A. , McCarter Calvin , Leibowitz Benjamin D. , Kase Matthew , Igartua Catherine , Huether Robert , Hafez Ashraf , Beaubier Nike , Axelson Michael D. , Pegram Mark D. , Sammons Sarah L. , O’Shaughnessy Joyce A. , Palmer Gary A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractINTRODUCTIONWe performed a retrospective analysis of longitudinal real-world data (RWD) from breast cancer patients to replicate results from clinical studies and demonstrate the feasibility of generating real-world evidence. We also assessed the value of transcriptome profiling as a complementary tool for determining molecular subtypes.PATIENTS AND METHODSDe-identified, longitudinal data were analyzed after abstraction from U.S. breast cancer patient records structured and stored in the Tempus database. Demographics, clinical characteristics, molecular subtype, treatment history, and survival outcomes were assessed according to strict qualitative criteria. RNA sequencing and clinical data were used to predict molecular subtypes and signaling pathway enrichment.RESULTSThe clinical abstraction cohort (n=4,000) mirrored U.S. breast cancer demographics and clinical characteristics indicating feasibility for RWE generation. Among HER2+ patients, 74.2% received anti-HER2 therapy, with ~70% starting within 3 months of a positive test result. Most non-treated patients were early stage. In this RWD set, 31.7% of patients with HER2+ IHC had discordant FISH results recorded. Among patients with multiple HER2 IHC results at diagnosis, 18.6% exhibited intra-test discordance. Through development of a whole-transcriptome model to predict IHC receptor status in the molecular sequenced cohort (n=400), molecular subtypes were resolved for all patients (n=36) with equivocal HER2 statuses from abstracted test results. Receptor-related signaling pathways were differentially enriched between clinical molecular subtypes.CONCLUSIONRWD in the Tempus database mirrors the overall U.S. breast cancer population. These results suggest real-time, RWD analyses are feasible in a large, highly heterogeneous database. Furthermore, molecular data may aid deficiencies and discrepancies observed from breast cancer RWD.
COVID-19 mortality according to civilian records
Authors: Lovisolo Lisandro , Catalão Diego H. S. , Burgos Rodrigo B. , Grave Malú , Constantino-Teles Pamella , Cunha Americo 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTIn this short report, we bring some data-driven analyses of COVID-19 mortality in Brazil. The impact of COVID-19 is evaluated by comparing the 2019 and 2020 civilian death records. There is evidence of a considerable excess of deaths since the pandemic started with respect to the previous year. In some states, it is clear that not all excess of deaths in 2020 is due to COVID-19, but to other respiratory causes that did not present the same prevalence in the previous year. Because of this unusual behavior of respiratory deaths, we may infer the evidence of a huge amount of under-reporting deaths due to the COVID-19. The data also shows that COVID-19 has produced an excess death in all ages besides people above 90 and below 10 years. In addition, when separates by sex, data indicate a larger increase in the deaths among males than females.
An Observational Study of COVID-19 from A Large Healthcare System in Northern New Jersey: Diagnosis, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Cunningham Marcus H. , Mediavilla Jose R. , Park Steven , Fitzgerald Sean , Ahn Hee Sang , Li Xiangyang , Zhan Caixin , Hong Tao , Munk Gary , Chow Kar Fai , Perlin David S. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundNew Jersey was an early epicenter for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, yet information on hospitalized COVID-19 patients from this area is scarce. This study aimed to provide data on demographics and clinical features of a hospitalized patient population who were confirmed with infection by our in-house (CDI) real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.MethodsWe included consecutive patients who were admitted to Hackensack Meridian Health system hospitals with laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 at Hackensack University Medical Center by the CDI virus test between March 12, 2020, and April 8, 2020. Clinical data and viral testing results were collected and analyzed for characteristics associated with outcomes, as well as the correlation with viral load.ResultsA total of 722 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 63 (interquartile range (IQR), 51-75) and 272 (37.7%) females. Mortality of this case series was 25.8%, with a statistically significant linear increase observed from age 40 to ≥80 by 10-year intervals. Viral load, as indicated by the cycle of threshold (Ct) values from the RT-PCR test, was significantly higher in the oldest patient group (≥80), and inversely correlated with survival.ConclusionsThis is the first report to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a large hospitalized COVID-19 patient series from New Jersey. Findings from this study are valuable to the ongoing response of both nationwide healthcare networks and the medical research community.SummaryWe describe the diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of a large hospitalized patient population in northern New Jersey during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Considering indirect benefits is critical when evaluating SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates
Authors: Gallagher Molly E. , Sieben Andrew J. , Nelson Kristin N. , Kraay Alicia N. M. , Lopman Ben , Handel Andreas , Koelle Katia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSignificant progress has already been made in development and testing of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and Phase III clinical trials have begun for 6 novel vaccine candidates to date. These Phase III trials seek to demonstrate direct benefits of a vaccine on vaccine recipients. However, vaccination is also known to bring about indirect benefits to a population through the reduction of virus circulation. The indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination can play a key role in reducing case counts and COVID-19 deaths. To illustrate this point, we show through simulation that a vaccine with strong indirect effects has the potential to reduce SARS-CoV-2 circulation and COVID-19 deaths to a greater extent than an alternative vaccine with stronger direct effects but weaker indirect effects. Protection via indirect effects may be of particular importance in the context of this virus, because elderly individuals are at an elevated risk of death but are also less likely to be directly protected by vaccination due to immune senescence. We therefore encourage ongoing data collection and model development aimed at evaluating the indirect effects of forthcoming SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 deletion variants detected in a nosocomial cluster during routine genomic surveillance, Lyon, France
Authors: Quéromès Grégory , Destras Grégory , Bal Antonin , Regue Hadrien , Burfin Gwendolyne , Brun Solenne , Fanget Rémi , Morfin Florence , Valette Martine , Lina Bruno , Frobert Emilie , Josset Laurence 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThrough routine genomic surveillance of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (n=229 whole genome sequences), 2 different frameshifting deletions were newly detected in the open reading frame (ORF) 6, starting at the same position (27267). While the 26-nucleotide deletion variant was only found in one sample in March 2020, the 34-nucleotide deletion variant was found within a single geriatric hospital unit in 5/9 patients sequenced and one health care worker with samples collected between April 2ndand 9th, 2020. Both the presence of the 34-nucleotide deletion variant limited to this unit and the clustering of the corresponding whole genome sequences by phylogeny analysis strongly suggested a nosocomial transmission between patients. Interestingly, prolonged viral excretion of the 34-nucleotide deletion variant was identified in a stool sample 14 days after initial diagnosis for one patient. Clinical data revealed no significant difference in disease severity between patients harboring the wild-type or the 34-nucleotide deletion variants. Thein vitroinfection of the two deletion variants on primate endothelial kidney cells (BGM) and human lung adenocarcinoma cells (Calu-3) yielded comparable replication kinetics with the wild-type strain. Furthermore, high viral loads were foundin vivoregardless of the presence or absence of the ORF6 deletion. Our study highlights the transmission and replication capacity of two newly described deletion variants in the same ORF6 region.ImportanceWhile the SARS-CoV-2 genome has remained relatively stable since its emergence in the human population, genomic deletions are an evolutionary pattern previously described for the related SARS-CoV. Real-time genomic monitoring of the circulating variants is paramount to detect strain prevalence and transmission dynamics. Given the role of ORF6 in interferon modulation, further characterization, such as mechanistic interactions and interferon monitoring in patients, is crucial in understanding the viral-host factors driving disease evolution.