bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using HoloLens2™ to reduce staff exposure to aerosol generating procedures during a global pandemic
Authors: Cafferkey John J , Hampson Dominic O P , Ross Clare , Kooner Angad S , Martin Guy FJ , Kinross James M 
Published: May 2020

RATIONALECOVID-19 poses a unique challenge; caring for patients with a novel, infectious disease whilst protecting staff. Some interventions used to give oxygen therapy are aerosol generating procedures. Staff delivering such interventions require PPE and are exposed to a significant viral load resulting in sick days and even death. We aim to reduce this risk using an augmented-reality communication device: The HoloLens by Microsoft.OBJECTIVESIn a tertiary centre in London we aim to implement HoloLens technology, allowing other medical staff to remotely join the consulting clinician when in a high-risk patient area delivering oxygen therapy. The study primary outcome was to reduce the exposure to staff and demonstrate non-inferiority staff satisfaction when compared to not using the device. Our secondary outcome was to reduce extrapolated PPE costs when using the device.METHODSOur study was conducted in March and April 2020, within a respiratory unit delivering aerosolising oxygen therapies (High flow nasal oxygen, Continuous positive airway pressure and non-invasive ventilation) to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.MEASUREMENTSSelf-reported questionnaires to assess satisfaction in key areas of patient care. An infrared people counting device was also used to assess staff in and out of the unit.MAIN RESULTSMean self-reported time in the high-risk zone was less when using HoloLens (2.69 hours) compared to usual practice (3.96 hours) although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3657). HoloLens showed non-inferiority when compared to usual practice in staff satisfaction score for all domains. Furthermore, mean staff satisfaction score encouragingly improved when using HoloLens. Self-reported PPE counts from this study showed 12 staff members changing PPE 25.8 times per shift, almost double the 13.5 times in the HoloLens count.CONCLUSIONSWe have demonstrated HoloLens can reduce the number of staff exposed to aerosol generating areas in a novel infectious disease. Our results show it did not impair communication, medical staff availability or end of life care. HoloLens technology may also reduce the use of PPE, which has equipment availability and cost benefits. This study provides grounding for further use of the HoloLens device by bringing a bedside experience to experts remote to the situation.
SARS-CoV-2 detection in nasopharyngeal throat swabs by metagenomics
Authors: Tan Le Van , Hong Nguyen Thi Thu , Ngoc Nghiem My , Thanh Tran Tan , Lam Vo Thanh , Nguyet Lam Anh , Nhu Le Nguyen Truc , Ny Nguyen Thi Han , Minh Ngo Ngoc Quang , Man Dinh Nguyen Huy , Hang Vu Thi Ty , Khanh Phan Nguyen Quoc , Xuan Tran Chanh , Phong Nguyen Thanh , Tu Tran Nguyen Hoang , Hien Tran Tinh , Hung Le Manh , Truong Nguyen Thanh , Yen Lam Minh , Dung Nguyen Thanh , Thwaites Guy , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh ,   for OUCRU COVID-19 research group
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTMetagenomics could detect SARS-CoV-2 in all eight nasopharyngeal/throat swabs with high/low viral loads, and rhinovirus in a co-infected patient. The sequenced viruses belonged to lineage B1. Because metagenomics could detect novel pathogen and co-infection, and generate sequence data for epidemiological investigation, it is an attractive approach for infectious-disease diagnosis.
Investigating SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination in an acute healthcare setting during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in London
Authors: Zhou Jie , Otter Jonathan A. , Price James R. , Cimpeanu Cristina , Garcia Danel Meno , Kinross James , Boshier Piers R , Mason Sam , Bolt Frances , Holmes Alison H. , Barclay Wendy S. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundEvaluation of SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic in London.MethodsWe performed this prospective cross-sectional observational study in a multi-site London hospital. Air and surface samples were collected from seven clinical areas, occupied by patients with COVID-19, and a public area of the hospital. Three or four 1.0 m3air samples were collected in each area using an active air sampler. Surface samples were collected by swabbing items in the immediate vicinity of each air sample. SARS-CoV-2 was detected by RT-qPCR and viral culture; the limit of detection for culturing SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces was determined.ResultsViral RNA was detected on 114/218 (52.3%) of surfaces and 14/31 (38.7%) air samples but no virus was cultured. The proportion of surface samples contaminated with viral RNA varied by item sampled and by clinical area. Viral RNA was detected on surfaces i and in air in public areas of the hospital but was more likely to be found in areas immediately occupied by COVID-19 patients than in other areas (67/105 (63.8%) vs. 29/64 (45.3%) (odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.9, p=0.025, Chi squared test)). The high PCR Ct value for all samples (>30) indicated that the virus would not be culturable.ConclusionsOur findings of extensive viral RNA contamination of surfaces and air across a range of acute healthcare settings in the absence of cultured virus underlines the potential risk from environmental contamination in managing COVID-19, and the need for effective use of PPE, physical distancing, and hand/surface hygiene.
IgG serology in health care and administrative staff populations from 7 hospitals representative of different exposures to SARS-CoV-2 in Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Sandri Maria Teresa , Azzolini Elena , Torri Valter , Carloni Sara , Tedeschi Michele , Castoldi Massimo , Mantovani Alberto , Rescigno Maria 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLombardy is one of the regions in Italy most affected by COVID-19. We assessed the diffusion of the virus via testing plasma anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in 3985 employees of 7 different hospitals, located across the Lombardy region in areas with different exposure to the epidemic. Subjects filled an anamnestic questionnaire to self-report on COVID-19 symptoms, co-morbidities, smoking, regular or smart-working, and the exposure to COVID-19-infected individuals. We show that the number of individuals exposed to the virus depended on the geographical area where the hospital was located and ranged between 3 to 43% which correlated with the incidence of COVID-19 in Lombardy. There was a higher prevalence of females than males positive for IgG, however the level of antibodies was similar, suggesting a comparable magnitude of the response. We observed 10% of IgG positive asymptomatic individuals and another 20% with one or two symptoms. 81% of individuals presenting both anosmia/ageusia and fever resulted SARS-CoV-2 infected. IgG positivity correlated with family contacts.In conclusion, the frequency of IgG positivity and SARS-CoV-2 infection is dependent on the geographical exposure to the virus and to extra-hospital exposure.
Age, gender and COVID-19 infections
Authors: Sobotka Tomáš , Brzozowska Zuzanna , Muttarak Raya , Zeman Kryštof , di Lego Vanessa 
Published: May 2020

AbstractData for ten European countries which provide detailed distribution of COVID-19 cases by sex and age show that among people of working age, women diagnosed with COVID-19 substantially outnumber infected men. This pattern reverses around retirement: infection rates among women fall at age 60-69, resulting in a cross-over with infection rates among men. The relative disadvantage of women peaks at ages 20-29, whereas the male disadvantage in infection rates peaks at ages 70-79. The elevated infection rates among women of working age are likely tied to their higher share in health- and care-related occupations. Our examination also suggests a link between women’s employment profiles and infection rates in prime working ages. The same factors that determine women’s higher life expectancy account for their lower fatality and higher male disadvantage at older ages.
Effect of various treatment modalities on the novel coronavirus (nCOV-2019) infection in humans: a systematic review & meta-analysis
Authors: Misra Shubham , Nath Manabesh , Hadda Vijay , Vibha Deepti 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground and aimSeveral therapeutic agents have been investigated for the treatment of novel Coronavirus-2019 (nCOV-2019). We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of various treatment modalities in nCOV-2019 patients.MethodsAn extensive literature search was conducted before 22 May 2020 in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library databases. Quality assessment was performed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A fixed-effect model was applied if I2<50%, else the results were combined using random-effect model. Risk Ratio (RR) or Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) along-with 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) were used to pool the results. Between study heterogeneity was explored using influence and sensitivity analyses & publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. Entire statistical analysis was conducted in R version 3.6.2.ResultsEighty-one studies involving 44in vitroand 37 clinical studies including 8662 nCOV-2019 patients were included in the review. Lopinavir-Ritonavir compared to controls was significantly associated with shorter mean time to clinical improvement (SMD -0.32; 95%CI -0.57 to -0.06) and Remdesivir compared to placebo was significantly associated with better overall clinical improvement (RR 1.17; 95%CI 1.07 to 1.29). Hydroxychloroquine was associated with less overall clinical improvement (RR 0.88; 95%CI 0.79 to 0.98) and longer time to clinical improvement (SMD 0.64; 95%CI 0.33 to 0.94), It additionally had higher all-cause mortality (RR 1.6; 95%CI 1.26 to 2.03) and more total adverse events (RR 1.84; 95% CI 1.58 to 2.13).ConclusionOur meta-analysis suggests that exceptin vitrostudies, no treatment till now has shown clear-cut benefit on nCOV-2019 patients. Lopinavir-Ritonavir and Remdesivir have shown some benefits in terms less time to clinical improvement and better overall clinical improvement. Hydroxychloroquine use has a risk of higher mortality and adverse events. Results from upcoming large clinical trials must be awaited to draw any profound conclusions.
Serum SARS-COV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein: A Sensitivity and Specificity Early Diagnostic Marker for SARS-COV-2 Infection
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Li , Wang Huihui , Li Xuemei , Zhang Shubing , Xu Yuanhong , Wei Wei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of serum severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid(N) protein assay in the early stage of SARS-COV-2 infection.MethodSerum N protein in SARS-COV-2 infected patients and non-SARS-COV-2 infected population was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) double antibody sandwich assay. Colloidal gold immunochromatography assay is used to detect serum N protein antibodies in the above population.Results50 cases of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid positive and SARS-CoV-2 antibody negative patients had a serum N protein positive rate of 76%, including 2% with a concentration of 10.00-49.99 pg / mL, 8% with a concentration of 50.00-99.99 pg / mL, 22% with a concentration of 100.00 - 299.99 pg/mL, and 44% with a concentration≥ 300.00 pg / mL. 37 samples of patients with serum SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive after infection had a serum SARS-CoV-2 N protein positive rate of 2.7%, of which 2.7% had the concentration of 10.00-49.99 pg / mL and 0% had the concentration of 50.00-99.99 pg / mL, 100.00 −299.99 pg / mL, and >300.00 pg / mL. Serum N protein test results of 633 non-SARS-COV-2 infected patients including pregnant women, other respiratory infections, and increased rheumatoid factor were all negative, having a serum N protein concentration less than 10.00 pg/mL, with a specificity of 100%. Using SPSS 19.0 to calculate the receiver operating characteristic curve, the area under the curve was 0.9756 (95% confidence interval 0.9485-1.000, p <0.0001), sensitivity and specificity were 92% (95% confidence interval 81.16% to 96.85%) and 96.84% (95% confidence interval 95.17% to 97.15%). The best CUTOFF value is 1.850 pg / mL.ConclusionThe measurement of SARS-COV-2 serum N protein has a high diagnostic value for the infected patients before the antibody appears, and shortens the window period of serological diagnosis. The laboratory needs to establish an individual CUTOFF value according to purpose of the application.
Predicting COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia Using Modified Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Alharbi Nader 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis research presents a modified Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) approach for the analysis of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. We have proposed this approach and developed it in [1–3] for separability and grouping step in SSA, which plays an important role for reconstruction and forecasting in the SSA. The modified SSA mainly enables us to identify the number of the interpretable components required for separability, signal extraction and noise reduction. The approach was examined using different number of simulated and real data with different structures and signal to noise ratio. In this study we examine its capability in analysing COVID-19 data. Then, we use Vector SSA for predicting new data points and the peak of this pandemic. The results shows that the approach can be used as a promising one in decomposing and forecasting the daily cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
COVID-19: Effects of environmental conditions on the propagation of respiratory droplets
Authors: Zhao Lei , Qi Yuhang , Luzzatto-Fegiz Paolo , Cui Yi , Zhu Yangying 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTAs Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread, a detailed understanding on the transmission mechanisms is of paramount importance. The disease transmits mainly through respiratory droplets and aerosol. Although models for the evaporation and trajectory of respiratory droplets have been developed, how the environment impacts the transmission of COVID-19 is still unclear. In this study, we investigate the propagation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles generated by speech under a wide range of temperature (0 °C to 40 °C) and relative humidity (0% to 92%) conditions. We show that droplets can travel three times farther in low temperature and high humidity environment, while the amount of aerosol increases in high temperature and low humidity environment. The results also underscore the importance of proper ventilation, as droplets and aerosol spread significantly farther in airstreams. This study contributes to the understanding of the environmental impact on COVID-19 transmission.
Clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Spain: results from the SEMI-COVID-19 Network
Authors: Rojo José Manuel Casas , Santos Juan Miguel Antón , Núñez-Cortés Jesús Millán , Lumbreras Carlos , Rincón José Manuel Ramos , Roy-Vallejo Emilia , Artero Arturo , Fernández Francisco Arnalich , Bruñén Jose Miguel García , Núñez Juan Antonio Vargas , Castro Santiago J. Freire , Manzano Luis , Fraile Isabel Perales , Vieitez Anxela Crestelo , Puchades Francesc , Rodilla Enrique , Marquínez Marta Nataya Solís , Tur David Bonet , del Pilar Fidalgo Moreno María , Aizpuru Eva M Fonseca , Sánchez Francisco Javier Carrasco , Pejenaute Elisa Rabadán , Rubio-Rivas Manuel , Peña José David Torres , Huelgas Ricardo Gómez ,   for the SEMI-COVID-19 Network
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundSpain has been one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo create a registry of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain in order to improve our knowledge of the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of this disease.MethodsA multicentre retrospective cohort study, including consecutive patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 throughout Spain. Epidemiological and clinical data, additional tests at admission and at seven days, treatments administered, and progress at 30 days of hospitalization were collected from electronic medical records.ResultsUp to April 30th 2020, 6,424 patients from 109 hospitals were included. Their median age was 69.1 years (range: 18-102 years) and 56.9% were male. Prevalences of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were 50.2%, 39.7%, and 18.7%, respectively. The most frequent symptoms were fever (86.2%) and cough (76.5%). High values of ferritin (72.4%), lactate dehydrogenase (70.2%), and D-dimer (61.5%), as well as lymphopenia (52.6%), were frequent. The most used antiviral drugs were hydroxychloroquine (85.7%) and lopinavir/ritonavir (62.4%). 31.5% developed respiratory distress. Overall mortality rate was 21.1%, with a marked increase with age (50-59 years: 4.2%, 60-69 years: 9.1%, 70-79 years: 21.4%, 80-89 years: 42.5%, ≥ 90 years: 51.1%).ConclusionsThe SEMI-COVID-19 Network provides data on the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain. Patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain are mostly severe cases, as one in three patients developed respiratory distress and one in five patients died. These findings confirm a close relationship between advanced age and mortality.
Bayesian modeling of COVID-19 cases with a correction to account for under-reported cases
Authors: Oliveira Anderson Castro Soares de , Morita Lia Hanna Martins , Silva Eveliny Barroso da , Granzotto Daniele Cristina Tita , Zardo Luiz André Ribeiro , Fontes Cor Jesus Fernandes 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe novel of COVID-19 disease started in late 2019 making the worldwide governments came across a high number of critical and death cases, beyond constant fear of the collapse in their health systems. Since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers and authorities are mainly concerned with carrying out quantitative studies (modeling and predictions) overcoming the scarcity of tests that lead us to under-reporting cases. To address these issues, we introduce a Bayesian approach to the SIR model with correction for under-reporting in the analysis of COVID-19 cases in Brazil. The proposed model was enforced to obtain estimates of important quantities such as the reproductive rate and the average infection period, along with the more likely date when the pandemic peak may occur. Several under-reporting scenarios were considered in the simulation study, showing how impacting is the lack of information in the modeling.
Sociodemographic predictors of outcomes in COVID-19: examining the impact of ethnic disparities in Northern Nevada
Authors: Antwi-Amoabeng Daniel , Beutler Bryce D. , Awad Munadel , Kanji Zahara , Mahboob Sumaiya , Ghuman Jasmine , Boppana Sri Harsha , Sheikh Mohammad S. , Ulanja Mark B. , Gullapalli Nageshwara 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundOn March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) a pandemic. Nearly five million individuals have since been diagnosed with this increasingly common and potentially lethal viral infection. Emerging evidence suggests a disproportionate burden of illness and death among minority communities. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ethnicity on outcomes among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Northern Nevada.DesignSingle-center, retrospective observational studyMaterials and methodsThe electronic health records of 172 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were obtained from a 946-bed tertiary referral center serving Northern Nevada. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared by ethnic group (Hispanic versus non-Hispanic). Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mortality.ResultsAmong 172 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 12th and May 8th, 2020, 87 (50.6%) identified as Hispanic and 81 (47.1%) as non-Hispanic. The mean age was 46.0 among Hispanics and 55.8 among non-Hispanics. Comorbidities linked to increased COVID-19-related mortality – hypertension, obesity, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – were more common among the non-Hispanic population. Hispanic individuals were significantly more likely to be uninsured and to live in low-income communities as compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts (27.6% versus 8.2% and 52.9% versus 30.6%, respectively). Hispanic patients were also less likely than non-Hispanics to have a primary care provider (42.5% versus 61.2%). However, mortality was significantly higher among the non-Hispanic population (15.3% versus 5.8%).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Hispanic individuals in Northern Nevada, who account for only 25.7% of the population but over half of the confirmed cases. Hispanic individuals were younger and had fewer comorbidities than their non-Hispanic counterparts; consequently, despite considerable socioeconomic disadvantage, mortality was lower among the Hispanic population. The underlying causes of ethnic disparities in COVID-19 incidence remain to be established, but further investigation may lead to more effective community- and systems-based interventions.
Estimation and monitoring of COVID-19’s transmissibility from publicly available data
Authors: Silveira Antonio , Pereira Antonio 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe COVID-19 pandemic began in the city of Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 and quickly spread worldwide. The disease is caused by contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which probably jumped from an animal host to humans. SARS-CoV-2 infects various tissues in the body, notably the lungs, and patients usually die from respiratory complications. Mathematical models of the disease have been instrumental to guide the implementation of mitigation strategies aimed at slowing the spread of the disease. One of the key parameters of mathematical models is the basic reproduction ratioR0, which measures the degree of infectivity of affected individuals. The goal of mitigation is to reduceR0as close or below 1 as possible, as it means that new infections are in decline. In the present work, we use the recursive least-squares algorithm to establish the stochastic variability of a time-varyingR0(t) from eight different countries: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and the United States of America. The proposed system can be implemented as an online tracking application providing information about the dynamics of the pandemic to health officials and the public at large.
The effect of calcium and vitamin D on bone mineral density in patients taking glucocorticoid therapies: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Jiawen 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTGlucocorticoid (GC) administration is an effective therapy commonly used in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, the use of GC can give rise to serious complications. The main detrimental side effect of GC therapy is significant bone loss, resulting in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP).We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate whether the use of calcium supplementation, with or without vitamin D, vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D analogues is capable of increasing bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and hip in adult patients undergoing glucocorticoid therapies compared to no treatment.
Covid19 Surveillance in Peru on April using Text Mining
Authors: Saire Josimar Edinson Chire , Cruz Jimy Frank Oblitas 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present outbreak as consequence by coronavirus covid19 has generated an big impact over the world. South American countries had their own limitations, challengues and pandemic has highlighted what needs to improve. Peru is a country with good start with quarantine, social distancing policies but the policies was not enough during the weeks. So, the analysis over April is performed through infoveillance using posts from different cities to analyze what population was living or worried during this month. Results presents a high concern about international context, and national situation, besides Economy and Politics are issues to solve. By constrast, Religion and Transport are not very important for peruvian citizens.