bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Primary Health Care services: An Experience from Qatar
Authors: Abdulmalik Mariam , Al Kuwari Mohamed Ghaith , Abdulla Samya Al , Bakri Ahmad Haj , Gibb John , Kandy Mujeeb Chettiyam 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn March 2020, Qatar started reporting increased numbers of COVID-19 positive cases. The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar has developed an emergency action plan to respond to the outbreak with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) as a main component of that response.AimThe aim of this review is to understand and document the Impact of COVID 19 on PHCC in Qatar in terms of response, modifications of services and introduction of new alternativesMethodologyA retrospective data analysis was conducted for all the COVID-19 swabbing activities and for all the utilization services volume across the PHCC health centers between January 2018 and May 2020.ResultsPHCC allocated testing sites for COVID-19 resulted in conducting 54824 swabs with 11455 positive cases and positivity rate of 20.8% between 14th of March and 15th of June 2020. The overall PHCC services utilization declined with overall reduction of 50% in April 2020. Alternative virtual and remote services were provided, telemedicine was introduced, and it made up 50% of the consultation volumes for April 2020. Home refill delivery medications managed to provide a total of 20920 delivered prescriptions by end of May 2020.Conclusion and recommendationsTo decrease the risk of infection to the patients and health care workers, PHCC in Qatar cancelled the appointments for some high-risk population. However, PHCC introduced virtual remote services that managed to make up for the in-person utilization volume and reflected acceptance in patients’ behaviours. PHCC continued in detecting positive COVID-19 cases among its targeted communities.
Soap versus sanitiser for preventing the transmission of acute respiratory infections: a systematic review with meta-analysis and dose-response analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy , Bakhit Mina , Krzyzaniak Natalia , Mar Chris Del , Scott Anna , Glasziou Paul 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand sanitiser to soap and water for preventing the transmission of acute respiratory infections (ARIs), and assess the relationship between the dose of hand hygiene and the number of ARI, influenza-like illness (ILI), or influenza events.MethodsSystematic review of randomised trials that compared a community-based hand hygiene intervention (soap and water, or sanitiser) with a control, or trials that compared sanitiser with soap and water, and measured outcomes of ARI, ILI, or laboratory-confirmed influenza or related consequences. Searches were conducted in CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and trial registries (April 2020) and data extraction completed by independent pairs of reviewers.ResultsEighteen trials were included. When meta-analysed, three trials of soap and water versus control found a non-significant increase in ARI events (Risk Ratio (RR) 1.23, 95%CI 0.78-1.93); six trials of sanitiser versus control found a significant reduction in ARI events (RR 0.80, 95%CI 0.71-0.89). When hand hygiene dose was plotted against ARI relative risk, no clear dose-response relationship was observable. Four trials were head-to-head comparisons of sanitiser and soap and water but too heterogeneous to pool: two found a significantly greater reduction in the sanitiser group compared to the soap group; two found no significant difference between the intervention arms.ConclusionAdequately performed hand hygiene, with either soap or sanitiser, reduces the risk of ARI virus transmission, however direct and indirect evidence suggest sanitiser might be more effective in practice.
Coronavirus-related online web search desire amidst the rising novel coronavirus incidence in Ethiopia: Google Trends-based infodemiology
Authors: Terefe Behailu , Rovetta Alessandro , Rajan Asha K , Awoke Mengist 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDuring disease outbreaks, social communication and behaviors are very important to contain the outbreak. Under such circumstances, individual activities on online platforms will increase tremendously. This will result in the circulation useful or misleading/misinformation (infodemic monikers) in the community. Thus, exploring the online trending information is highly crucial in the process of containing disease outbreak. Therefore, this study aimed to explore users’ concerns towards coronavirus-related online web search activities and to investigate the extent of misleading terms adopted for identifying the virus in the early stage of COVID-19 spread in Ethiopia.MethodsGoogle Trends was employed in exploring the tendency towards coronavirus-related web search activities in Ethiopia from March 13 to May 8, 2020. Keywords of the different names of COVID-19 and health-related issues were used to investigate the trends of public interest in searching from Google over time. Relative search volume (RSV) and Average peak comparison (APC) were used to compare the trends of online search interests. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to check for the presence of correlation.ResultDuring the study period, “corona,” “virus,” “coronavirus,” “corona virus”, “China coronavirus,” and “COVID-19”, were the top names users adopted to identify the virus. In almost all search activities, the users’ employed infodemic monikers to identify the virus (99%). “Updates” related issues (APC=60, 95% CI, 55 – 66) were the most commonly trending health-related searches on Google followed by mortality (APC=27, 95% CI, 24 – 30) and symptoms (APC=55, 95% CI, 50 – 60) related issues. The regional comparison showed the highest cumulative peak for the Oromia region on querying health-related information from Google.ConclusionThis study revealed an initial increase in the public interest of COVID-19 related Google search, but this interest was declined over time. Tremendous circulation of infodemic monikers for the identification of the virus was also noticed in the country. The authors recommend concerned stakeholders to work immensely to keep the public alert on coronavirus-related issues and to promote the official names of the virus to decrease the circulation of misleading and misinformation amid the outbreak.
Prevalence of mask wearing in northern Vermont in response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Beckage Brian , Buckley Thomas E. , Beckage Maegan E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesInformation on prevalence of face mask usage in response to SARS-CoV-2 is required to both model disease spread and to improve compliance with mask usage. We sought to (1) estimate the prevalence of mask usage in northern Vermont and to (2) assess the effect of age and sex on mask usage.MethodsWe monitored the entrances to businesses and visually assessed individuals’ age, sex, and mask usage from a distance. We collected 1004 observations from 16 May through 30 May 2020 as businesses began to reopen following an extended state-wide lockdown. We analyzed these data using Bayesian random effects logistic regression.Results75.5% of individuals used a mask with significant effects of age and sex on mask usage. Females were more likely than males to wear masks (83.8%, n=488 vs. 67.6%, n=516); the odds of mask usage in males were 53% of those for females. Elders were most likely to wear a mask (91.4%, n=209) followed by young adults (74.8%, n=246), middle-aged adults (70.7%, n=519) and children (53.3%, n=30). The odds of an elder wearing a mask were 16.7 times that of a child, while the odds for young adults and middle-aged adults were ∼3 times greater than for a child. Highest mask usage was in elder females (96.3%, n=109) and lowest mask usage was in male children (43.8%, n=16).ConclusionsWe found high prevalence of mask usage overall, but also large differences in mask usage with age and sex. Females and elders had the highest use of face masks.
Geographic reconstruction of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Lombardy (Italy) during the early phase
Authors: Valeria Micheli , Giordana Rimoldi Sara , Francesca Romeri , Francesco Comandatore , Alessandro Mancon , Anna Gigantiello , Matteo Brilli , Davide Mileto , Cristina Pagani , Alessandra Lombardi , Rita Gismondo Maria ,   Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Diagnostic of Bioemergencies group
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThe circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy has been dominated by two large clusters of outbreaks in Northern part of the peninsula, source of alarming and prolonged infections in Lombardy region, in Codogno and Bergamo areas especially.The aim of the study was to expand understanding on the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the affected Lombardy areas. To this purpose, twenty full length genomes were collected from patients addressing to several Lombard hospitals from February 20th to April 4th, 2020.The obtained genome assemblies, available on the GISAD database and performed at the Referral Center for COVID-19 diagnosis, identified 2 main monophyletic clades, containing 9 and 52 isolates, respectively.The molecular clock analysis estimated a clusters divergence approximately one month before the first patient identification, supporting the hypothesis that different SARS-CoV-2 strains spread all over the world at different time, but their presence became evident only in late February along with Italian epidemic emergence.Therefore, the epidemiological reconstruction carried out by this work highlights multiple inputs of the virus into its initial circulation in Lombardy Region.However, a phylogenetic reconstruction robustness will be improved when other genomic sequences will be available, in order to guarantee a complete epidemiological surveillance.
What factors influence symptom reporting during an emerging infectious disease outbreak? A rapid review of the evidence
Authors: Carter Patrice , Megnin-Viggars Odette , Rubin G James 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionDuring any emerging infectious disease outbreak, people with symptoms of the illness are often asked to report their symptoms to the health service in a timely manner, to facilitate contact tracing. Numerous factors may influence an individual’s willingness to report these symptoms. Understanding these factors has become urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo determine which factors influence symptom reporting during an emerging infectious disease outbreak.MethodsWe conducted a rapid review of the evidence. We included papers based on primary research; published in a peer-reviewed journal; written in English; included factors associated with symptom reporting or accessing healthcare; and related to a major public health incident involving an infectious disease outbreak.Main resultsFive themes were identified as facilitators of symptom reporting or accessing healthcare: accurate and informative communication; symptom severity; concern about exposure; ease of access; and relationship with the healthcare provider. Seven themes were identified as barriers of symptom reporting or accessing healthcare: lack of knowledge; fear; stigmatization; invasion of privacy; low concern about symptoms; economics; and practicalities of attending a healthcare facility.Discussion & ConclusionIf contract tracing services are to be effective, members of the public need to have the capability, opportunity and motivation to use them. The themes identified should be used to evaluate the information provided to the public about such a service, the routes of access, and the underlying policies relating to the service, in order to ensure that as many people as possible with relevant symptoms will make contact.
Effective Contact Tracing for COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Authors: Juneau Carl-Etienne , Briand Anne-Sara , Pueyo Tomas , Collazzo Pablo , Potvin Louise 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundContact tracing is commonly recommended to control outbreaks of COVID-19, but its effectiveness is unclear. This systematic review aimed to examine contact tracing effectiveness in the context of COVID-19.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and All EBM Reviews were searched using a range of terms related to contact tracing for COVID-19. Articles were included if they reported on the ability of contact tracing to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 or on characteristics of effective tracing efforts. Two investigators screened all studies.ResultsA total of 32 articles were found. All were observational or modelling studies, so the quality of the evidence was low. Observational studies (n=14) all reported that contact tracing (alone or in combination with other interventions) was associated with better control of COVID-19. Results of modelling studies (n=18) depended on their assumptions. Under assumptions of prompt and thorough tracing with no further transmission, they found that contact tracing could stop an outbreak (e.g. by reducing the reproduction number from 2.2 to 0.57) or that it could reduce infections (e.g. by 24%-71% with a mobile tracing app). Under assumptions of slower, less efficient tracing, modelling studies suggested that tracing could slow, but not stop COVID-19.ConclusionsObservational and modelling studies suggest that contact tracing is associated with better control of COVID-19. Its effectiveness likely depends on a number of factors, including how many and how fast contacts are traced and quarantined, and how effective quarantines are at preventing further transmission. A cautious interpretation suggests that to stop the spread of COVID-19, public health practitioners have 2-3 days from the time a new case develops symptoms to isolate the case and quarantine at least 80% of its contacts, and that once isolated, cases and contacts should infect zero new cases. Less efficient tracing may slow, but not stop, the spread of COVID-19. Inefficient tracing (with delays of 4-5+ days or less than 60% of contacts quarantined with no further transmission) may not contribute meaningfully to control of COVID-19.FundingLP holds the Canada Research Chair in Community Approaches and Health Inequalities (CRC 950-232541). This funding source had no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of the study.Competing interestsCEJ has contractual agreements with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal and is founder of Dr. Muscle and the COVID-19 Science Updates (https://covid1.substack.com/).RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42020198462
Regional differences in time off work after injury: a comparison of Australian states and territories within a single workers’ compensation system
Authors: Lane Tyler J , Sheehan Luke , Gray Shannon , Collie Alex 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTime off work after workplace injury varies by compensation system. While often attributed to features of the compensation system, unaccounted regional factors may drive much of the effect. In this study, we compare disability durations by state and territory of residence within a single national workers’ compensation system. Large differences would indicate that factors other than compensation system settings are responsible for system effects observed in previous studies.MethodsWe applied crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to compare disability durations by state and territory of residence. Confounders included factors known to influence disability duration. Durations were left-censored at two weeks and right-censored at 104 weeks.ResultsWe analysedN= 38,686 claims. In both crude and adjusted models, three of the seven states and territories significantly differed from the reference group, New South Wales. However, two of the three were different between crude and adjusted models. Regional effects were relatively small compared to other factors including insurer type, age, and type of injury.ConclusionsRegional factors influence disability duration, which persist with adjustment for demographic, work, insurer type, and injury confounders. However, the effects are inconsistently significant and fairly small, especially when compared to the effect of confounders and system effects found in previous studies. Regional factors likely only account for a small share of the difference in disability duration between compensation systems.
Mathematical Modeling and Optimal Control Analysis of COVID-19 in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemneh Haileyesus Tessema , Tilahun Getachew Teshome 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper we developed a deterministic mathematical model of the pandemic COVID-19 transmission in Ethiopia, which allows transmission by exposed humans. We proposed an SEIR model using system of ordinary differential equations. First the major qualitative analysis, like the disease free equilibruim point, endemic equilibruim point, basic reproduction number, stability analysis of equilibrium points and sensitivity analysis was rigorously analysed. Second, we introduced time dependent controls to the basic model and extended to an optimal control model of the disease. We then analysed using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle to derive necessary conditions for the optimal control of the pandemic. The numerical simulation indicated that, an integrated strategy effective in controling the epidemic and the gvernment must apply all control strategies in combating COVID-19 at short period of time.
Superspreaders and lockdown timing explain the power law dynamics of COVID-19
Authors: Vazquez Alexei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractInfectious disease outbreaks are expected to grow exponentially in time, when left unchecked Measures such as lockdown and social distancing can drastically alter the growth dynamics of the outbreak. Indeed the 2019-2020 COVID-19 outbreak is characterized by a power law growth 1. Strikingly however, the power law exponent is different across countries 2. Here I illustrate the relationship between these two extreme scenarios, exponential and power law growth, based on the impact of superspreaders and lockdown strategies to contain the outbreak. The theory predicts an inverse relationship between the power law exponent and the speed of the lockdown that is validated by the observed COVID-19 data across different countries.
Segmental Signs and Spontaneous Pain in Acute Visceral Disease - Lateralization and Bodily Patterns
Authors: Shaballout Nour , Aloumar Anas , Manuel Jorge , May Marcus , Beissner Florian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe differential diagnosis of acute visceral diseases is a challenging clinical problem. The older literature suggests that patients with acute visceral problems show segmental signs, such as hyperalgesia, skin resistance, or muscular defence, whose lateralization and segmental distribution may be used for differential diagnosis.This study aimed to investigate the lateralization and segmental distribution of spontaneous pain and segmental signs in acute visceral diseases.We recruited 208 emergency room patients that were presenting for acute medical problems. All patients underwent a structured 10-minute bodily examination to test for various segmental signs and were asked for spontaneous pain and segmental symptoms, such as nausea, meteorism, and urinary retention. We collected all findings as digital drawings on a tablet-PC. After the final diagnosis, patients were divided into groups according to the organ affected. Using statistical image analysis, we calculated average distributions of pain and segmental signs for the heart, lungs, stomach, liver/gallbladder, and kidneys/ureters analyzing their segmental distribution and lateralization.85 of 110 patients with a single-organ problem reported pain, while 81 had at least one segmental sign, the most frequent being hyperalgesia (n=46), and muscle resistance (n=39). While the pain was distributed along the body midline, segmental signs for the heart, stomach and liver/gallbladder appeared mostly ipsilateral to the affected organ. An unexpectedly high number of patients (n=37) further showed ipsilateral mydriasis.The present study underlines the usefulness of including segmental signs in the bodily examination of patients with acute medical problems.
Dose-dependent volume loss in subcortical deep grey matter structures after cranial radiotherapy
Authors: Nagtegaal Steven H.J , David Szabolcs , Philippens Marielle E.P. , Snijders Tom J. , Leemans Alexander , Verhoeff Joost J.C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeThe relation between radiotherapy (RT) dose to the brain and morphological changes in healthy tissue has seen recent increased interest. There already is evidence for changes in the cerebral cortex and white matter, as well as selected subcortical grey matter (GM) structures. We studied this relation in all deep GM structures, to help understand the aetiology of post-RT neurocognitive symptoms.Materials and methodsWe selected 31 patients treated with RT for glioma. Pre-RT and post-RT 3D T1 MRIs were automatically segmented, and the changes in volume of the following structures were assessed: amygdala, nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, globus pallidus, putamen, and thalamus. The volumetric changes were related to the mean RT dose received by each structure. Hippocampal volumes were entered into a population-based nomogram to estimate hippocampal age.ResultsA significant relation between RT dose and volume loss was seen in all examined structures, except the caudate nucleus. The volume loss rates ranged from 0.16-1.37 %/Gy, corresponding to 4.9-41.2% per 30 Gy. Hippocampal age, as derived from the nomogram, was seen to increase by a median of 11 years.ConclusionAlmost all subcortical GM structures are susceptible to radiation-induced volume loss, with more volume loss being observed with increasing dose. Volume loss of these structures is associated with neurological deterioration, including cognitive decline, in neurodegenerative diseases. To support a causal relationship between radiation-induced deep GM loss and neurocognitive functioning in glioma patients, future studies are needed that directly correlate volumetrics to clinical outcomes.