bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroids are associated with increased survival in elderly presenting severe SARS-Cov2 infection
Authors: Laure Gallay , Viet-Thi Tran , Elodie Perrodeau , Nicolas Vignier , Matthieu Mahevas , Francesca Bisio , Emmanuel Forestier , Francois-Xavier Lescure 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids among elderly patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring oxygen.DesignComparative observational study based on routine care data. Baseline characteristics of patients were balanced using propensity-score inverse probability of treatment weighting.SettingGeriatric and infectious diseases wards from 36 hospitals in France and Luxembourg.ParticipantsAdults > 80 years old PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or typical CT-scan images, requiring oxygen ≥ 3L/min and with an inflammatory syndrome (C-reactive protein ≥ 40mg/L).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was overall survival at day 14. The secondary outcome was the proportion of patients discharged from hospital to home/rehabilitation on day 14. Adverse events were abstracted from electronic health records.ResultsAmong the 267 patients included in the analysis, 96 were assigned to the treatment group. Median age was 86, interquartile range 83 to 90 and 95% had a SARS-CoV-2 PCR-confirmed diagnosis. Use of corticosteroids was significantly associated with an increased survival (weighted hazard ratio [wHR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.97). There was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups regarding the proportion of patients discharged to home/rehabilitation at day 14 (wRR 1.11, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.81). Twenty-two (16.7%) patients receiving corticosteroids developed adverse events while only 11 (6.4%) from the control group did.ConclusionsCorticosteroids were associated with a significant increase the day-14 overall survival of patients over 80 years old hospitalized for severe COVID-19.Impact statementWe certify that this work is novel. As of today, studies on the efficacy of corticosteroids did not specifically target elderly patients.Among older patients aged over 80 years old, the RECOVERY trial found no difference in the survival of patients treated or not with dexamethasone. However, the heterogeneity in the severity of infection within the latter subgroup limited the drawing of strong conclusions
Metabolomic/lipidomic profiling of COVID-19 and individual response to tocilizumab
Authors: Meoni Gaia , Ghini Veronica , Maggi Laura , Vignoli Alessia , Mazzoni Alessio , Salvati Lorenzo , Capone Manuela , Vanni Anna , Tenori Leonardo , Fontanari Paolo , Lavorini Federico , Peris Adriano , Bartoloni Alessandro , Liotta Francesco , Cosmi Lorenzo , Luchinat Claudio , Annunziato Francesco , Turano Paola 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe current pandemic emergence of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) poses a relevant threat to global health. SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from absence of symptoms to severe forms that need intensive care treatment. Here, plasma-EDTA samples of 30 patients compared with age- and sex-matched controls were analyzed via untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics and lipidomics. With the same approach, the effect of tocilizumab administration was evaluated in a subset of patients. Despite the heterogeneity of the clinical symptoms, COVID-19 patients are characterized by common plasma metabolomic and lipidomic signatures (91.7% and 87.5% accuracy, respectively, when compared to controls). Tocilizumab treatment resulted in at least partial reversion of the metabolic alterations due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, NMR-based metabolomic and lipidomic profiling provides novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of human response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to monitor treatment outcomes.Author summaryThe current COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is markedly affecting the world population. Here we report about the small-molecule profile of patients hospitalized during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we showed that the infection induces profound changes in the metabolome. The analysis of the specific metabolite changes and correlations with clinical data enabled the identification of potential biochemical determinants of the disease fingerprint. We also followed how metabolic alterations revert towards those of the control group upon treatment with tocilizumab, a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor. These results open up possibilities for the monitoring of novel patients and their individual response to treatment.
Comparison of SARS-COV-2 nasal antigen test to nasopharyngeal RT-PCR in mildly symptomatic patients
Authors: Abdulrahman Abdulkarim , Mustafa Fathi , AlAwadhi Abdulla I , Alansari Qadar , AlAlawi Batool , AlQahtani Manaf 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionCOVID 19 has been vastly spreading since December 2019 and the medical teams worldwide are doing their best to limit its spread. In the absence of a vaccine the best way to fight it is by detecting infected cases early and isolate them to prevent its spread. Therefore, a readily available, rapid, and cost-effective test with high specificity and sensitivity for early detection of COVID 19 is required. In this study, we are testing the diagnostic performance of a rapid antigen detection test in mildly symptomatic cases. (RADT).MethodsThe study included 4183 patients who were mildly symptomatic. A nasal sample for the rapid antigen test and a nasopharyngeal sample was taken from each patient. Statistical analysis was conducted to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and kappa coefficient of agreement.ResultsThe prevalence of COVID 19 in the study population was 17.5% (733/4183). The calculated sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 99.1% respectively. Kappa’s coefficient of agreement between the rapid antigen test and RT-PCR was 0.859 (p < 0.001). A stratified analysis was performed and it showed that the sensitivity of the test improved significantly with lowering the cutoff Ct value to 24.ConclusionThe results of the diagnostic assessment of nasal swabs in the RADT used in our study are promising regarding the potential benefit of using them as a screening tool in mildly symptomatic patients. The diagnostic ability was especially high in cases with high viral load. The rapid antigen test is intended to be used alongside RT-PCR and not replace it. RADT can be of benefit in reducing the use of PCR.
The genetic risk for COVID-19 severity is associated with defective innate immune responses
Authors: Kuijpers Yunus , Chu Xiaojing , Jaeger Martin , Moorlag Simone J.C.F.M. , Koeken Valerie A.C.M. , Zhang Bowen , de Nooijer Aline , Grondman Inge , Janssen Nico , Mourits Vera P. , J. de Bree L. Charlotte , de Mast Quirijn , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Joosten Leo A.B. , Li Yang , Netea Mihai G. , Xu Cheng-Jian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRecent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of COVID-19 patients of European ancestry have identified genetic loci significantly associated with disease severity (1). Here, we employed the detailed clinical, immunological and multi-omics dataset of the Human Functional Genomics Projects (HFGP) to explore the physiological significance of the host genetic variants that influence susceptibility to severe COVID-19. A genomics investigation intersected with functional characterization of individuals with high genetic risk for severe COVID-19 susceptibility identified several major patterns: i. a large impact of genetically determined innate immune responses in COVID-19, with increased susceptibility for severe disease in individuals with defective monocyte-derived cytokine production; ii. genetic susceptibility related to ABO blood groups is probably mediated through the von Willebrand factor (VWF) and endothelial dysfunction. We further validated these identified associations at transcript and protein levels by using independent disease cohorts. These insights allow a physiological understanding of genetic susceptibility to severe COVID-19, and indicate pathways that could be targeted for prevention and therapy.One Sentence summaryIn this study, we explore the physiological significance of the genetic variants associated with COVID-19 severity using detailed clinical, immunological and multi-omics data from large cohorts. Our findings allow a physiological understanding of genetic susceptibility to severe COVID-19, and indicate pathways that could be targeted for prevention and therapy.
Health spending and vaccination coverage in low-income countries
Authors: Castillo-Zunino Francisco , Keskinocak Pinar , Nazzal Dima , Freeman Matthew C 
Published: November 2020

SummaryBackgroundRoutine childhood immunization is a cost-effective way to save lives and protect people from disease. Some low-income countries (LIC) have achieved remarkable success in childhood immunization, despite lower levels of gross national income or health spending compared to other countries. We investigated the impact of financing and health spending on vaccination coverage across LIC and lower-middle income countries (LMIC).MethodsAmong LIC, we identified countries with high-performing vaccination coverage (LIC+) and compared their economic and health spending trends with other LIC (LIC-) and LMIC. We used cross-country multi-year linear regressions with mixed-effects to test financial indicators over time. We conducted three different statistical tests to verify if financial trends of LIC+ were significantly different from LIC- and LMIC; p-values were calculated with an asymptotic χ2 test, a Kenward-Roger approximation for F tests, and a parametric bootstrap method.FindingsDuring 2014–18, LIC+ had a mean vaccination coverage between 91–96% in routine vaccines, outperforming LIC- (67–80%) and LMIC (83–89%). During 2000–18, gross national income and development assistance for health (DAH) per capita were not significantly different between LIC+ and LIC- (p > 0·13, p > 0·65) while LIC+ had a significant lower total health spending per capita than LIC- (p < 0·0001). Government health spending per capita per year increased by US$0·42 for LIC+ and decreased by US$0·24 for LIC- (p < 0·0001). LIC+ had a significantly lower private health spending per capita than LIC- (p < 0·012).InterpretationLIC+ had a difference in vaccination coverage compared to LIC- and LMIC that could not be explained by economic development, total health spending, nor aggregated DAH. The vaccination coverage success of LIC+ was associated with higher government health spending and lower private health spending, with the support of DAH on vaccines.
Poor odor identification predicts mortality risk in older adults without neurodegenerative diseases: the Shanghai Aging Study
Authors: Xiao Zhenxu , Zhao Qianhua , Liang Xiaoniu , Wu Wanqing , Cao Yang , Ding Ding 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIrrespective of neurodegeneration, the decline of olfactory function might also reflect a wider range of pathological conditions contributing to mortality. However, the potential explanations and their predictive values have rarely been reported.MethodsA total of 1,433 older adults aged ≥ 60 years without neurodegenerative disease were administered a follow-up of 8.6 years on average. Sniffin’ Sticks Screening Test was used to assess the olfactory identification at baseline. Survival status during the follow-up was obtained from the local Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Bidirectional stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify variables associated with mortality. Two predictive models were constructed by statistical learning methods.ResultsAll-cause mortality rate was 1.1/100 person-years during the follow-up. Sex (HR = 0.65, 95%CI 0.46 - 0.93), age (HR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.10 - 1.15), chronic kidney disease (HR = 1.88, 95%CI 1.09 - 3.25), low density lipoprotein (HR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.67 - 0.99), anemia (HR = 2.74, 95%CI 1.19 - 6.30), and fail to identify coffee odor (HR = 1.96, 95%CI 1.19 - 3.23) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. The logistic regression and the random forest predictive models showed similar predictive accuracy (0.91 and 0.90) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.77 and 0.75).ConclusionsThe association between poor olfactory and long-term mortality was verified among Chinese older population. Certain odors identification ability may contribute to the prediction of long-term mortality along with other important risk factors.
Impact of the COVID-19 nonpharmaceutical interventions on influenza and other respiratory viral infections in New Zealand
Authors: Huang Q. Sue , Wood Tim , Jelley Lauren , Jennings Tineke , Jefferies Sarah , Daniells Karen , Nesdale Annette , Dowell Tony , Turner Nikki , Campbell-Stokes Priscilla , Balm Michelle , Dobinson Hazel C , Grant Cameron C. , James Shelley , Aminisani Nayyereh , Ralston Jacqui , Gunn Wendy , Bocacao Judy , Danielewicz Jessica , Moncrieff Tessa , McNeill Andrea , Lopez Liza , Waite Ben , Kiedrzynski Tomasz , Schrader Hannah , Gray Rebekah , Cook Kayla , Currin Danielle , Engelbrecht Chaune , Tapurau Whitney , Emmerton Leigh , Martin Maxine , Baker Michael G. , Taylor Susan , Trenholme Adrian , Wong Conroy , Lawrence Shirley , McArthur Colin , Stanley Alicia , Roberts Sally , Ranama Fahimeh , Bennett Jenny , Mansell Chris , Dilcher Meik , Werno Anja , Grant Jennifer , van der Linden Antje , Youngblood Ben , Thomas Paul G. , Webby Richard J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractStringent nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as lockdowns and border closures are not currently recommended for pandemic influenza control. New Zealand used these NPIs to eliminate coronavirus disease 2019 during its first wave. Using multiple surveillance systems, we observed a parallel and unprecedented reduction of influenza and other respiratory viral infections in 2020. This finding supports the use of these NPIs for controlling pandemic influenza and other severe respiratory viral threats.
Early medical abortion using telemedicine – acceptability to patients
Authors: Erlank Chelsey Porter , Lord Jonathan , Church Kathryn 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe English government approved both stages of early medical abortion (EMA) for at-home use on 30th March 2020. MSI Reproductive Choices UK (MSUK), one of the largest service providers of abortion services in England, launched a telemedicine EMA pathway on 6th April 2020.MethodsA sample of all MSUK’s telemedicine EMA patients between April and August 2020 were invited to opt in to a follow-up call to answer clinical and satisfaction questions. 1,243 (13.7% of all telemedicine EMAs) were successfully followed-up, on average within five days post-procedure. Responses were analysed quantitatively and descriptively. The sample was compared to the total telemedicine EMA population on nine sets of background characteristics to check sample validity, and all results were tested across the same nine characteristics for variation.ResultsPatients reported high confidence in telemedicine EMA and high satisfaction with the convenience, privacy and ease of managing their abortion at home. No patient reported that they were unable to consult privately. Over 80% of patients reported preferring the telemedicine pathway, and two-thirds that they would choose telemedicine again if COVID-19 were no longer an issue.DiscussionTelemedicine EMA is a valued, private, convenient and easier option that is highly acceptable for patients seeking an abortion, especially those for whom in-clinic visits are logistically or emotionally challenging. Evidence that this pathway would be a first choice again in future for most patients supports the case to make access to telemedicine EMA permanent.Key message pointsOn 30th March 2020, the English government approved both stages of early medical abortion (EMA) for at-home use, paving the way for telemedicine EMA provision.MSUK patients receiving routine follow-up calls reported high confidence in telemedicine EMA and high satisfaction with the privacy, convenience and ease of this pathway.Two-thirds of telemedicine EMA patients reported they would choose this pathway again in future, demonstrating that it should remain available after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mortality in Norway and Sweden before and after the Covid-19 outbreak: a cohort study
Authors: Juul Frederik E , Jodal Henriette C , Barua Ishita , Refsum Erle , Olsvik Ørjan , Helsingen Lise M , Løberg Magnus , Bretthauer Michael , Kalager Mette , Emilsson Louise 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesNorway and Sweden are similar countries regarding ethnicity, socioeconomics and health care. To combat Covid-19, Norway implemented extensive measures such as school closures and lock-downs, while Sweden has been criticised for relaxed measures against Covid-19. We compared the effect of the different national strategies on all-cause and Covid-19 associated mortality.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingThe countries Norway and Sweden.ParticipantsAll inhabitants.Main outcome measuresWe calculated weekly mortality rates (MR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) per 100,000 individuals as well as mortality rate ratios (MRR) comparing the epidemic year (29th July, 2019 to 26th July, 2020) to the four preceding years (July 2015 to July 2019). We also compared Covid-19 associated deaths and mortality rates for the weeks of the epidemic in Norway and Sweden (16th March to 26th July, 2020).ResultsIn Norway, mortality rates were stable during the first three 12-month periods of 2015/16; 2016/17 and 2017/18 (MR 14.8 to 15.1 per 100,000), and slightly lower in the two most recent periods including during epidemic period (2018/19 and 2019/20; 14.5 per 100,000). In Sweden, all-cause mortality was stable during the first three 12-month periods of 2015/16; 2016/17 and 2017/18 (MR 17.2 to 17.5 per 100,000), but lower in the year 2018/19 immediately preceding the epidemic (16.2 per 100,000). Covid-19 associated mortality rates were 0.2 per 100,000 (95%CI 0.1 to 0.4) in Norway and 2.9 (95%CI 1.9 to 3.9) in Sweden. The increase in mortality was confined to individuals in 70 years or older.ConclusionsAll-cause mortality remained unaltered in Norway. In Sweden, the observed increase in all-cause mortality during Covid-19 was partly due to a lower than expected mortality preceding the epidemic and the observed excess mortality, was followed by a lower than expected mortality after the first Covid-19 wave. This may suggest mortality displacement.Strengths and limitations of this studyCompares two similar contries in all aspects but the handling of the Covid-19 epidemicEvaluates the mortality for several years before and during the epidemicProvides a possible explanation of the observed mortality changesDiscusses the socioeconomic effects of the different strategies in the two countriesDoes not evaluate cause-specific mortality
Impact of COVID-19 on the outreach strategy of cancer social service agencies in Singapore: A pre-post analysis with Facebook data
Authors: Tan Kieran Ethan , Raamkumar Aravind Sesagiri , Wee Hwee Lin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Singapore government implemented multiple restrictive measures as the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spread through the community, thereby affecting the support service of cancer-related social service agencies (cancer-SSAs). We are interested to understand how Singapore’s cancer-SSAs utilized the social media platform Facebook to overcome the restrictions which were introduced due to COVID-19. Facebook posts from cancer-SSAs 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) and Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) between comparable periods in 2019 and 2020 were extracted. These posts were categorized using a classification scheme specifically developed for this study. Statistical analyses were performed to determine if there was a significant difference in the frequency of posts between 2019 and 2020, and across three specific periods in 2020. Results indicate that 365CPS appears to have adapted to the pandemic by increasing their posting frequency on Facebook in 2020, but the same was not evident for SCS. However, both SSAs tweaked their social media outreach strategy in line with social distancing measures, publishing posts detailing activities that beneficiaries can participate from home such as healthy recipes and virtual events. SSAs can scale up their efforts to achieve a higher level of health promotion and support for their beneficiaries.
COVID-PCD – a participatory research study on the impact of COVID-19 in people with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Pedersen Eva SL , Collaud Eugénie NR , Mozun Rebeca , Ardura-Garcia Cristina , Lam Yin Ting , Harris Amanda , Lucas Jane S , Copeland Fiona , Manion Michele , Rindlishbacher Bernhard , Silberschmidt Hansruedi ,   COVID-PCD patient advisory group, Goutaki Myrofora , Kuehni Claudia E 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionCOVID-PCD is a participatory study initiated by people with PCD who have an essential vote in all stages of the research from the design of the study to the recruitment of participants, and interpretation and communication of the study results. COVID-PCD aims to collect epidemiological data in real time from people with PCD throughout the pandemic to describe incidence of COVID-19, symptoms, and course of disease; identify risk factors for prognosis; and assess experiences, wishes, and needs.MethodsThe study is advertised through patient support groups and participants register online on the study website (www.covid19pcd.ispm.ch). The study invites persons of any age from anywhere in the world with a suspected or confirmed PCD. A baseline questionnaire assesses details on PCD diagnosis, habitual symptoms, and COVID-19 episodes that occurred before study entry. Afterwards, participants receive a weekly follow-up questionnaire with questions on incident SARS-CoV-2 infections, current symptoms, social contact behaviour, and physical activity. Occasional thematic questionnaires are sent out focusing on emerging questions of interest chosen by people with PCD. In case of hospitalisation, patients or family members are asked to obtain a hospital report. Results are continuously analysed and summaries put online.ConclusionThe study started recruitment on April 30, 2020, and 556 people with PCD completed the baseline questionnaire by November 2, 2020. The COVID-PCD study is a participatory study that follows people with PCD during the COVID-19 pandemic, helps to empower affected persons, and serves as a platform for communication between patients, physicians, and researchers.