bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hazardous alcohol use, antiretroviral therapy receipt, and viral suppression in people living with HIV who inject drugs in the United States, India, Russia, and Vietnam
Authors: Wagman Jennifer A. , Wynn Adriane , Matsuzaki Mika , Gnatienko Natalia , Metsch Lisa R. , del Rio Carlos , Feaster Daniel J. , Nance Robin M. , Whitney Bridget M. , Delaney Joseph A.C. , Kahana Shoshana Y. , Crane Heidi M. , Chandler Redonna K. , Elliott Jennifer C. , Altice Frederick , Lucas Gregory M. , Mehta Shruti H. , Hirsch-Moverman Yael , El-Sadr Wafaa M. , Vu Quan , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Springer Sandra A. , Tsui Judith I. , Samet Jeffrey H. 
Published: October 2020

Objectives:
In high-income countries, hazardous alcohol use is associated with reduced receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who inject drugs. These associations are less understood in lower middle-income countries (LMIC) and upper middle-income countries.

Design:
We examined associations between hazardous alcohol use, ART receipt, and viral suppression among PLHIV who reported current or former injection drug use. Participants were from nine studies in the United States (high-income country), India (LMIC), Russia (upper middle-income country), and Vietnam (LMIC).

Methods:
Hazardous alcohol use was measured via Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Outcomes were HIV viral suppression (viral load of <1000 RNA copies/ml) and self-reported ART receipt. Logistic regression assessed associations between hazardous alcohol use and both outcome variables, controlling for age and sex, among participants with current and former injection drug use.

Results:
Among 2790 participants, 16% were women, mean age was 37.1 ± 9.5 years. Mean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores were 4.6 ± 8.1 (women) and 6.2 ± 8.3 (men); 42% reported ART receipt; 40% had viral suppression. Hazardous alcohol use was significantly associated with reduced ART receipt in India (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval: 0.45–0.77, P < 0.001); and lower rates of viral suppression in Vietnam (adjusted odds ratio = 0.51, 95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.82, P = 0.006).

Conclusion:
Associations between hazardous alcohol use, ART receipt, and viral suppression varied across settings and were strongest in LMICs. Addressing hazardous alcohol use holds promise for improving HIV continuum of care outcomes among PLHIV who inject drugs. Specific impact and intervention needs may differ by setting.
Risk of smoking-related cancers among women and men living with and without HIV
Authors: Hessol Nancy A. , Barrett Benjamin W. , Margolick Joseph B. , Plankey Michael , Hussain Shehnaz K. , Seaberg Eric C. , Massad L. Stewart 
Published: October 2020

Objectives:
We investigated whether the effect of smoking on the incidence of smoking-related cancers differs by HIV-infection status, if sex modifies the impact of risk factors for smoking-related cancers, and the sex-specific attributable risk of smoking on cancer incidence.

Design:
Data from two large prospective studies in the United States were analyzed: 6789 men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study from 1984 through 2018 and 4423 women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study from 1994 through 2018.

Methods:
Incidence rates, relative risks, and adjusted population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated for smoking-related cancers.

Results:
During study follow-up, there were 214 incident smoking-related cancers in the men and 192 in the women. The age-adjusted incidence ratess for smoking-related cancers were higher in the women (392/100 000) than for the men (198/100 000; P < 0.01) and higher for people living with HIV (PLWH, 348/100 000) than for those without HIV (162/100 000; P < 0.01). Unadjusted incidence rates in PLWH were higher than in those without HIV when stratifying by cumulative pack-years of smoking (all P values <0.01). In adjusted interaction models, the effects of cumulative pack-years of smoking were significantly stronger in women. The adjusted PAFs for smoking-related cancers were nonsignificantly higher in the women than in the men (39 vs. 28%; P = 0.35).

Conclusion:
HIV looks to be an independent risk factor for smoking-related cancers and women appear to have a greater risk than men. These results highlight the need for interventions to help PLWH, especially women, quit smoking and sustain cessation to reduce their risk of smoking-related cancers.
Impact of a community-wide combination HIV prevention intervention on knowledge of HIV status among adolescents
Authors: Shanaube Kwame , Schaap Ab , Hoddinott Graeme , Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa Constance , Floyd Sian , Bock Peter , Hayes Richard , Fidler Sarah , Ayles Helen 
Published: October 2020

Objective:
To determine the impact of a community-wide combination HIV-prevention package (PopART Intervention) that includes universal testing and treatment (UTT) on knowledge of HIV status, among adolescents aged 15--19 years.

Design:
The HPTN 071 (PopART) for Youth (P-ART-Y) study was nested within HPTN 071 (PopART), a three-arm, cluster-randomized trial conducted from 2013 through 2018 in 21 communities in Zambia and South Africa. Communities were randomly assigned to arm A (combination prevention intervention with universal ART), arm B (prevention intervention with ART provided according to local guidelines), or arm C (standard-of-care).

Methods:
Knowledge of HIV status was measured using data collected during the third round of the PopART intervention in arms A and B (October 2016 to December 2017) and by conducting a cross-sectional survey (August to November 2017) in arm C communities to provide comparative data. The survey was conducted among ∼200 randomly selected adolescents in each community. We used linear regression of the 21 community-level values to make comparisons among trial arms.

Results:
Knowledge of HIV status was 78.2% (23 544/30 089) in arm A and 76.0% (24 417/32 148) in arm B communities, compared with 32.9% (698/2120) in arm C communities. Knowledge of HIV status varied by country, triplet, sex, and age. The adjusted mean difference was 42.3% between arm A with arm C, 95% CI 28.1–56.6, P less than 0.001 and 40.4% between arm B with arm C, 95% CI 24.6–56.2, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Implementation of a community-wide combination HIV-prevention package that includes UTT substantially enhanced knowledge of HIV status among adolescents.
Estimating the effect of social inequalities in the mitigation of COVID-19 across communities in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Gozzi Nicolò , Tizzoni Michele , Chinazzi Matteo , Ferres Leo , Vespignani Alessandro , Perra Nicola 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe study the spatio-temporal spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Santiago de Chile using anonymized mobile phone data from 1.4 million users, 22% of the whole population in the area, characterizing the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on the epidemic dynamics. We integrate these data into a mechanistic epidemic model calibrated on surveillance data. As of August 1st 2020, we estimate a detection rate of 102 cases per 1,000 infections (90% CI: [95 - 112 per 1,000]). We show that the introduction of a full lockdown on May 15th, 2020, while causing a modest additional decrease in mobility and contacts with respect to previous NPIs, was decisive in bringing the epidemic under control, highlighting the importance of a timely governmental response to COVID-19 outbreaks. We find that the impact of NPIs on individuals’ mobility correlates with the Human Development Index of comunas in the city. Indeed, more developed and wealthier areas became more isolated after government interventions and experienced a significantly lower burden of the pandemic. The hetero-geneity of COVID-19 impact raises important issues in the implementation of NPIs and highlights the challenges that communities affected by systemic health and social inequalities face adapting their behaviors during an epidemic.
Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis and HIV services: a cross-sectional survey of 669 health professionals in 64 low and middle-income countries
Authors: Khan Mishal S. , Rego Sonia , Rajal Joaquín Benítez , Bond Virginia , Fatima Razia Kaneez , Isani Afshan Khurshid , Sutherland Jayne , Kranzer Katharina 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe experiences of frontline healthcare professionals are essential in identifying strategies to mitigate the disruption to healthcare services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of TB and HIV professionals in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Between May 12 and August 6 2020, we collected qualitative and quantitative data using an online survey in 11 languages. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to analyse responses.Findings669 respondents from 64 countries completed the survey. Over 40% stated that it was either impossible or much harder for TB and HIV patients to reach healthcare facilities since COVID-19. The most common barriers reported to affect patients were: fear of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, transport disruptions and movement restrictions. 37% and 28% of responses about TB and HIV stated that healthcare provider access to facilities was also severely impacted. Strategies to address reduced transport needs and costs – including proactive coordination between the health and transport sector and cards that facilitate lower cost or easier travel - were presented in qualitative responses. Access to non-medical support for patients, such as food supplementation or counselling, was severely disrupted according to 36% and 31% of HIV and TB respondents respectively; qualitative data suggested that the need for such services was exacerbated.ConclusionPatients and healthcare providers across numerous LMIC faced substantial challenges in accessing healthcare facilities, and non-medical support for patients was particularly impacted. Synthesising recommendations of frontline professionals should be prioritised for informing policymakers and healthcare service delivery organisations.
Rapid and Low-cost Sampling for Detection of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 in Dehumidifier Condensate
Authors: Moitra Parikshit , Alafeef Maha , Dighe Ketan , Ray Priyanka , Chang James , Ramamurthy Sai Sathish , Ge Xudong , Pan Dipanjan , Rao Govind 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAirborne spread of COVID-19 by infectious aerosol is all but certain. However, easily implemented approaches to assess the actual environmental threat are currently unavailable. We present a simple approach with the potential to rapidly provide information about the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the atmosphere at any location. We used a portable dehumidifier as a readily available and affordable tool to collect airborne virus in the condensate. The dehumidifiers were deployed in selected locations of a hospital ward with patients reporting flu like symptoms which could possibly be due to COVID-19 over three separate periods of one week. Samples were analyzed frequently for both virus envelope protein and SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In several samples across separate deployments, condensate from dehumidifiers tested positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens and confirmed using two independent assays. RNA was detected, but not attributable to SARS-CoV-2. Our results point to a facile pool testing method to sample air in any location in the world and assess the presence and concentration of the infectious agent in order to obtain quantitative risk assessment of exposure, designate zones as ‘hot spots’ and minimize the need for individual testing which may often be time consuming, expensive and laborious.
Covid-19 pandemic Analysis using Regression
Authors: Raji P , Deeba Lakshmi GR 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCovid-19 is a pandemic which has affected all parts of the world. Covid-19 is a pandemic which can be controlled only by maintaining social distancing, proper hygiene, wearing mask, hand sanitation and to a extend by wearing face shield. Even though each state has followed their own ways of controlling the infection, awareness among citizens and behaving as responsible citizens is very important in controlling this disease. Contact tracing plays an important role in controlling this pandemic. This paper deals with the effect of Covid-19 in various states of India and also forecasts its effect using machine learning techniques. Regression analysis like Linear and polynomial have been used for analysis of Covid-19, where Kaggle dataset has been used. This helps in understanding the much-affected states in India and helps to understand the infrastructure requirements to handle this pandemic efficiently.
Estimating the impact of disruptions due to COVID-19 on HIV transmission and control among men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Booton Ross. D. , Fu Gengfeng , MacGregor Louis , Li Jianjun , Ong Jason J. , Tucker Joseph D. , Turner Katy M.E. , Tang Weiming , Vickerman Peter , Mitchell Kate M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is impacting HIV care globally, with gaps in HIV treatment expected to increase HIV transmission and HIV-related mortality. We estimated how COVID-19-related disruptions could impact HIV transmission and mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM) in four cities in China.MethodsRegional data from China indicated that the number of MSM undergoing facility-based HIV testing reduced by 59% during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside reductions in ART initiation (34%), numbers of sexual partners (62%) and consistency of condom use (25%). A deterministic mathematical model of HIV transmission and treatment among MSM in China was used to estimate the impact of these disruptions on the number of new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths. Disruption scenarios were assessed for their individual and combined impact over 1 and 5 years for a 3-, 4- or 6-month disruption period.ResultsOur China model predicted that new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths would be increased most by disruptions to viral suppression, with 25% reductions for a 3-month period increasing HIV infections by 5-14% over 1 year and deaths by 7-12%. Observed reductions in condom use increased HIV infections by 5-14% but had minimal impact (<1%) on deaths. Smaller impacts on infections and deaths (<3%) were seen for disruptions to facility testing and ART initiation, but reduced partner numbers resulted in 11-23% fewer infections and 0.4-1.0% fewer deaths. Longer disruption periods of 4 and 6 months amplified the impact of combined disruption scenarios. When all realistic disruptions were modelled simultaneously, an overall decrease in new HIV infections was always predicted over one year (3-17%), but not over 5 years (1% increase-4% decrease), while deaths mostly increased over one year (1-2%) and 5 years (1.2 increase – 0.3 decrease).ConclusionsThe overall impact of COVID-19 on new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths is dependent on the nature, scale and length of the various disruptions. Resources should be directed to ensuring levels of viral suppression and condom use are maintained to mitigate any adverse effects of COVID-19 related disruption on HIV transmission and control among MSM in China.
Associations between governor political affiliation and COVID-19 cases, deaths, and testing in the United States
Authors: Neelon Brian , Mutiso Fedelis , Mueller Noel T , Pearce John L , Benjamin-Neelon Sara E 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe response to the COVID-19 pandemic became increasingly politicized in the United States (US) and political affiliation of state leaders may contribute to policies affecting the spread of the disease. This study examined differences in COVID-19 infection, death, and testing by governor party affiliation across 50 US states and the District of Columbia.MethodsA longitudinal analysis was conducted in December 2020 examining COVID-19 incidence, death, testing, and test positivity rates from March 15 through December 15, 2020. A Bayesian negative binomial model was fit to estimate daily risk ratios (RRs) and posterior intervals (PIs) comparing rates by gubernatorial party affiliation. The analyses adjusted for state population density, rurality, census region, age, race, ethnicity, poverty, number of physicians, obesity, cardiovascular disease, asthma, smoking, and presidential voting in 2020.ResultsFrom March to early June, Republican-led states had lower COVID-19 incidence rates compared to Democratic-led states. On June 3, the association reversed, and Republican-led states had higher incidence (RR=1.10, 95% PI=1.01, 1.18). This trend persisted through early December. For death rates, Republican-led states had lower rates early in the pandemic, but higher rates from July 4 (RR=1.18, 95% PI=1.02, 1.31) through mid-December. Republican-led states had higher test positivity rates starting on May 30 (RR=1.70, 95% PI=1.66, 1.73) and lower testing rates by September 30 (RR=0.95, 95% PI=0.90, 0.98).ConclusionGubernatorial party affiliation may drive policy decisions that impact COVID-19 infections and deaths across the US. Future policy decisions should be guided by public health considerations rather than political ideology.
Predicting dengue in the Philippines using artificial neural network
Authors: Zafra Bryan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDengue fever is an infectious disease caused byFlavivirustransmitted byAedesmosquito. This disease predominantly occurs in the tropical and subtropical regions. With no specific treatment, the most effective way to prevent dengue is vector control. The dependence of Aedes mosquito population on meteorological variables make prediction of dengue infection possible using conventional statistical and epidemiologic models. However, with increasing average global temperature, the predictability of these models may be lessened employing the need for artificial neural network. This study uses artificial neural network to predict dengue incidence in the entire Philippines with humidity, rainfall, and temperature as independent variables. All generated predictive models have mean squared logarithmic error of less than 0.04.
A double-blind sham-controlled phase 1 clinical trial of tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in cocaine inpatients: craving, sleepiness, and contemplation to change
Authors: Gaudreault Pierre-Olivier , Sharma Akarsh , Datta Abhishek , Nakamura-Palacios Ester M. , King Sarah , Malaker Pias , Wagner Ariella , Vasa Devarshi , Parvaz Muhammad A. , Parra Lucas C. , Alia-Klein Nelly , Goldstein Rita Z. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImpaired inhibitory control accompanied by enhanced salience attributed to drug-related cues, both dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) functions, are hallmarks of drug addiction, contributing to worse symptomatology including craving. dlPFC modulation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) showed craving reduction in inpatients with cocaine use disorder (CUD). Our study aimed at assessing feasibility of a longer tDCS protocol in CUD (15 vs. the common five/10 sessions), and replicability of previous results.In a randomized double-blind sham-controlled protocol, 17 inpatients were assigned to either a real-tDCS (right anodal/left cathodal) or a sham-tDCS condition, for 15 sessions. Primary outcome measures were self-reported craving, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Secondary measures included sleepiness, readiness to change drug use, and affect. We also assessed cognitive function including impulsivity.An 82% retention rate demonstrated feasibility. Partially supporting previous results, there was a trend for self-reported craving to decrease in the real-tDCS group more than the sham group, an effect that would reach significance with 15 subjects per group. Quality of life and impulsivity improved over time of treatment in both groups. Significant group × time interactions showed improvements after treatment only in the real-tDCS group for daytime sleepiness and readiness to change drug use. One-month follow-up suggested transient effects of tDCS on sleepiness and craving.This study suggests that more subjects are needed to show a unique effect of real-tDCS on craving and to examine the duration of effect. Increased vigilance and motivation to change in the real-tDCS group suggest fortification of dlPFC-supported executive functions.
Determinants of Developing Symptomatic Disease in Ethiopian COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Leulseged Tigist W. , Alemahu Degu G. , Hassen Ishmael S. , Maru Endalkachew H. , Zewde Wuletaw C. , Chamesew Nigat W. , Yegile Kalkidan T. , Abebe Daniel S. , Abdi Firaol M. , Menyelshewa Etsegenet Y. , Gerbi Tegenu G. , Hagos Helen T. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundStudies show that having some symptoms seems to be associated with more severe disease and poor prognosis. Therefore, knowing who is more susceptible to symptomatic COVID-19 disease is important to provide targeted preventive and management practice. The aim of the study was to assess the determinants of having symptomatic disease among COVID-19 patients admitted to Millennium COVID-19 Care Center in Ethiopia.MethodsA case-control study was conducted from August to September 2020 among a randomly selected 765 COVID-19 patients (372 Asymptomatic and 393 Symptomatic patients). Chi-square test and independent t-test were used to detect the presence of a statistically significant difference in the characteristics of the cases (symptomatic) and controls (asymptomatic), where p-value of <0.05 considered as having a statistically significant difference. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess a statistically significant association between the independent variables and developing symptomatic COVID-19 where Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR), 95% CIs for AOR, and P-values were used for testing significance and interpretation of results.ResultsThe result of the multivariable binary logistic regression shows that age group (AOR= 1.818, 95% CI= 1.210, 2.731, p-value=0.004 for 30-39 years; AOR= 1.611, 95% CI= 1.016, 2.554, p-value=0.043 for 40-49 years and AOR= 4.076, 95% CI= 2.582, 6.435, p-value=0.0001 for years and above), sex (AOR= 1.672, 95% CI= 1.216, 2.299, p-value=0.002) and history of diabetes mellitus (AOR= 2.406, 95% CI= 1.384, 4.181, p-value=0.002) were found to be significant factors that determine the development of symptomatic disease in COVID-19 patients.ConclusionsDeveloping a symptomatic COVID-19 disease was found to be determined by exposures of old age, male sex, and being diabetic. Therefore, patients with the above factors should be given enough attention in the prevention and management process, including inpatient management, to pick symptoms earlier and to manage accordingly so that these patients can have a favorable treatment outcome.