bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of The Pink Luminous Breast LED-Based Technology Device as a Screening Tool for the Early Detection of Breast Abnormalities
Authors: Ocasio-Villa Fernando , Morales-Torres Luisa , Velez-Medina Norma , Orengo Juan C. , Suarez Martinez Edu B. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBreast cancer is the leading cause of sex-specific female cancer death in the United States. Detection at earlier stages contributes to decrease the mortality rate. The mammography is considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening with an estimate sensitivity of 86.9% and a specificity 88.9%. However, these values are negatively affected by the breast, which is consider a risk factor for developing breast cancer. Herein, we validate the novel LED-based FDA Class I medical device Pink Luminous Breast (PLB) by the comparison of two breast screening imaging-based tests using a double blinded approach. The PLB works by emitting a LED red light with a harmless spectrum of 640-800 nanometers, the trans-illuminated breast tissue allows the observation of abnormalities represented by darker or shadowing areas. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the PLB device as a screening tool for the early detection of breast abnormalities when compared with the mammography as the gold standard. Our results showed that PLB device has a high sensitivity (89.6%) and specificity (96.4%) for detecting breast abnormalities comparable to the adjusted mammography values: 86.3% and 68.9% respectively. Importantly, the percentage of positive dense tissue findings from a total of 340 events was 266 (78.2%) using PLB vs. 248 (72.9%) detected by the mammography. A 100% of the participants responded in a survey that they feel comfortable using the device and visualizing their breast without feeling pain or discomfort during the examination. The PLB positive validation vs the mammography brings the potential to be recommended for routinely breast screening at non-clinical settings. The PLB provides a rapid, non-invasive, portable, and easy-to-use tool for breast screening that can complement the home-based BSE technique or the CBE. In addition, the PLB can be conveniently used for screening breasts with surgical implants. PLB provides an accessible and painless breast cancer screening tool. The use of this device is not intended to replace the mammography as the gold standard for breast screening but rather to use it as an adjunct or complement tool as part of more efficient earlier detection strategies and contribute to decrease this health disparity.
Relative Pandemic Severity in Canada and Four Peer Nations During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Peng Amy , Simmons Alison E. , Amoako Afia , Tuite Ashleigh R. , Fisman David N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionNational responses to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been highly variable, which may explain some of the heterogeneity in the pandemic’s health and economic impacts across the world. We sought to explore the effectiveness of the Canadian pandemic response relative to responses in four peer countries with similar political, economic and health systems, and with close historical and cultural ties to Canada (the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia) from March 2020 to May 2022.MethodsWe used reported age-specific mortality data to generate estimates of pandemic mortality standardized to the Canadian population. Age-specific case fatality, hospitalization, and intensive care admission probabilities for the Canadian province of Ontario were applied to estimated deaths in order to calculate hospitalizations and intensive care admissions averted by the Canadian response. The monetary value of averted hospitalizations was estimated using cost estimates from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Age-specific quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) lost due to fatality were estimated using published estimates. QALY were monetized using a net expected benefit approach.ResultsRelative to the United States, United Kingdom, and France, the Canadian pandemic response was estimated to have averted 94,492, 64,306 and 13,641 deaths respectively, with more than 480,000 hospitalizations averted, and 1 million QALY saved, relative to the United States. A United States pandemic response applied to Canada would have resulted in more than $40 billion in economic losses due to healthcare expenditures and lost QALY; losses relative to the United Kingdom and France would have been $21 billion and $5 billion respectively. By contrast, an Australian pandemic response would have averted over 28,000 additional deaths and averted nearly $9 billion in costs in Canada.ConclusionsCanada outperformed peer countries that aimed for mitigation, rather than elimination, of SARS-CoV-2 in the first two years of the pandemic, likely because of a more stringent public health response to disease transmission. This resulted in substantial numbers of lives saved and economic costs averted. However, comparison with Australia demonstrates that an elimination focus would have allowed Canada to save tens of thousands of lives, and would have saved substantial economic costs.
Computerized Cognitive Training in People with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Gefen Eliane , Launder Nathalie H. , Davey Christopher G. , Nahum Mor , Gilboa Yafit , Finke Carsten , Malmberg Gavelin Hanna , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Lampit Amit 
Published: March 2021

AbstractImportanceCognitive impairment is a common feature of both symptomatic and remitted states of depression that is associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes and treatment non-response. As such, finding treatments to maintain or enhance cognition in people with depression is imperative.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and moderators of computerized cognitive training (CCT) for cognitive and functional outcomes in people with depression.Data SourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were screened from inception through to 08 September 2022, with no language or publication type restrictions.Study SelectionTwo independent reviewers conducted duplicate study screening and assessed against the following inclusion criteria: (1) adults (mean age 18 years or older) with depression, (2) CCT with minimum three hours practice, (3) active or passive control group, (4) cognitive and/or functional outcomes measured at baseline and post-intervention, (5) randomized controlled trials. Of 4245 identified studies, 34 met selection criteria.Data Extraction and SynthesisThe methods used followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2) was conducted independently by two reviewers. Analyses were conducted using robust variance estimation.OutcomesThe primary outcome was change from baseline to post-intervention in overall cognition. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial functioning, daily functioning, subjective cognition, global cognition and domain-specific cognitive function.ResultsThirty-four studies encompassing 39 comparisons and 2041 unique participants met inclusion criteria. The pooled effect size of CCT was small for both overall cognition (g=0.28; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.38;P<.001; τ2=0.078;I2=47%; 95% prediction interval −0.31 to 0.86) and depressive symptoms (g=0.23; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.39;P=.004; τ2=0.066;I2=45%; 95% prediction interval −0.32 to 0.78). Benefits of CCT were also found for psychosocial functioning, subjective cognition, fluid reasoning, long-term memory and retrieval, low working memory, shifting, inhibition and processing speed. Greater CCT dose and multidomain programs were associated with greater cognitive response to CCT. There was no evidence for difference across clinical subtypes or between delivery modalities.Conclusions and RelevanceThis systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that CCT is an efficacious intervention for overall cognition, depressive symptoms, psychosocial functioning, subjective cognition, and many domain-specific cognitive functions for people with depression.
Reconstructing the COVID-19 epidemic in Delhi, India: infection attack rate and reporting of deaths
Authors: Pons-Salort Margarita , John Jacob , Watson Oliver J , Brazeau Nicholas F , Verity Robert , Kang Gagandeep , Grassly Nicholas C 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIndia reported over 10 million COVID-19 cases and 149,000 deaths in 2020. To estimate exposure and the potential for further spread, we used a SARS-CoV-2 transmission model fit to seroprevalence data from three serosurveys in Delhi and the time-series of reported deaths to reconstruct the epidemic. The cumulative proportion of the population estimated infected was 48.7% (95% CrI 22.1% – 76.8%) by end-September 2020. Using an age-adjusted overall infection fatality ratio (IFR) based on age-specific estimates from mostly high-income countries (HICs), we estimate that 15.0% (95% CrI 9.3% – 34.0%) of COVID-19 deaths were reported. This indicates either under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths and/or a lower age-specific IFR in India compared with HICs. Despite the high attack rate of SARS-CoV-2, a third wave occurred in late 2020, suggesting that herd immunity was not yet reached. Future dynamics will strongly depend on the duration of immunity and protection against new variants.
Tools for measuring sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) indicators in humanitarian settings
Authors: Goulart Céline M. , Giancola Amanda , Nakhuda Humaira , Ampadu Anita , Purewal Amber , Kortenaar Jean-Luc , Bassani Diego G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEffective measurement of all health indicators and especially SRHR is difficult in humanitarian settings. Displacement and insecurity due to conflict, natural disasters, and epidemics place women and girls at higher risk of SRHR-related morbidity and mortality and reduce the coverage of essential SRHR services. This scoping review describes the measurement tools, methods, and indicators used to measure SRHR coverage and outcome indicators in humanitarian settings in the past 15 years and presents an accessible dashboard that can be used by governments, researchers and implementing organizations to identify available SRHR measurement tools.MethodsScientific articles published between January 2004 and May 2019 were identified using Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, PAIS index as well as relevant non-peer-reviewed literature available through websites of humanitarian organizations. Publications including data from low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), focused on women and/or girls living in areas impacted by a humanitarian crisis, where data was collected within five years of the crisis were included. Indicators extracted from these publications were categorized according to validated SRHR indicators recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Measurement tools, sampling and data collection methods, gap areas (geographical, topical and contextual), and indicators were catalogued for easy access in an interactive Tableau dashboard.ResultsOur search yielded 42,081 peer-reviewed publications and 2,569 non-peer-reviewed reports. After initial title and abstract screening, 385 publications met the inclusion criteria. SRHR indicators were categorized into nine domains: abortion, antenatal care, family planning, gender-based violence, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, maternal health, maternal mortality, menstrual and gynecological health, and obstetric care (delivery). A total of 65 tools and questionnaires measuring SRHR were identified, of which 25 were designed specifically for humanitarian settings.DiscussionAlthough SRHR was measured in humanitarian settings, several gaps in measurement were identified. Abortion and gynaecological health were not consistently measured across included studies or validated WHO indicators. Toolkits and indicators identified in this review may be used to inform future SRHR data collection in humanitarian settings. However, identifying and/or developing innovative data collection methodologies should be a research priority, especially in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Occupational stress and quality of sleep among dentists in the Philippines
Authors: Dalanon Junhel , Fernandez Ivy , Estalani Cora , Chikahisa Sachiko , Shimizu Noriyuki , Locsin Rozzano , Matsuka Yoshizo 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundOccupational stress and sleep quality share a bidirectional relationship among other comorbidities. Dentistry remains among the health professions that suffer the greatest stress.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the correlation between occupational stress and sleep quality among dentists in the Philippines.MethodsThe Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire assessed occupational stress and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index measured sleep quality in purposively sampled dentists (n=420) in the Philippines.ResultsThe prevalence of occupational stress (19%) was low yet poor sleep quality (71%) was high. The global PSQI score (p=0.047) and sleep onset latency (p=0.036) were found to be associated with occupational stress.ConclusionsThis study supports the vast literature on the relationship between occupational stress and sleep quality, despite documenting an unexpected low prevalence of occupational stress in Filipino dentists. Further research on the coping mechanisms of these dentists is warranted.
A polygenic risk score for coronary heart disease performs well in individuals aged 70 years and older
Authors: Neumann Johannes T. , Riaz Moeen , Bakshi Andrew , Polekhina Galina , Thao Le T. P. , Nelson Mark R. , Woods Robyn L. , Abraham Gad , Inouye Michael , Reid Christopher M. , Tonkin Andrew M. , McNeil John , Lacaze Paul 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe use of a polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict coronary heart disease (CHD) events has been demonstrated in the general adult population. However, whether predictive performance extends to older individuals is unclear.AimTo evaluate the predictive value of a PRS for incident CHD events in a prospective cohort of individuals aged 70 years and older.MethodsWe used data from 12,792 genotyped participants of the ASPREE trial, a randomized placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of daily 100mg aspirin on disability-free survival in healthy older people. Participants had no previous history of diagnosed atherothrombotic cardiovascular events, dementia, or persistent physical disability at enrolment. We calculated a PRS comprising 1.7 million genetic variants (metaGRS). The primary outcome was a composite of incident myocardial infarction or CHD death over 5 years.ResultsAt baseline, the median population age was 73.9 years and 54.9% were female. In total, 254 incident CHD events occurred. When the PRS was added to conventional risk factors, it was independently associated with CHD (hazard ratio 1.24 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.42], p=0.002). The AUC of the conventional model was 70.53 (95%CI 67.00-74.06), and after inclusion of the PRS increased to 71.78 (95%CI 68.32-75.24, p=0.019), demonstrating improved prediction. Reclassification was also improved, as the continuous net reclassification index after adding PRS to the conventional model was 0.25 (95%CI 0.15-0.28).ConclusionsA PRS for CHD performs well in older people, suggesting that the clinical utility of genomic risk prediction for CHD extends to this distinct high-risk subgroup.
COVID-19 vaccine access and attitudes among people experiencing homelessness from pilot mobile phone survey in Los Angeles, CA
Authors: Kuhn Randall , Henwood Benjamin , Lawton Alexander , Kleva Mary , Murali Karthik , King Coley , Gelberg Lillian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeople experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at high risk for COVID-19 complications and fatality, and have been prioritized for vaccination in many areas. Yet little is known about vaccine acceptance in this population. The objective of this study was to determine the level of vaccine hesitancy among PEH in Los Angeles, CA and to understand the covariates of hesitancy in relation to COVID-19 risk, threat perception, self-protection and information sources.Methods and findingsA novel mobile survey platform was deployed to recruit PEH from a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Los Angeles to participate in a monthly rapid response study of COVID-19 attitudes, behaviors, and risks. Of 90 PEH surveyed, 43 (48%) expressed some level of vaccine hesitancy based either on actual vaccine offers (17/90 = 19%) or a hypothetical offer (73/90 = 81%). In bivariate analysis, those with high COVID-19 threat perception were less likely to be vaccine hesitant (OR=0.34, P=.03), while those who frequently practiced COVID-19 protective behaviors were more likely to be vaccine hesitant (OR=2.21, P=.08). In a multivariate model, those with high threat perception (OR=0.25, P=.02) were less likely to be hesitant, while those engaging in COVID-19 protective behaviors were more hesitant (OR=3.63, P=.02). Those who trusted official sources were less hesitant (OR=0.37, P=.08) while those who trusted friends and family for COVID-19 information (OR=2.70, P=.07) were more likely to be hesitant.ConclusionsFindings suggest that targeted educational and social influence interventions are needed to address high levels of vaccine hesitancy among PEH.
Optimal allocation of PCR tests to minimise disease transmission through contact tracing and quarantine
Authors: Baker Christopher M. , Chades Iadine , McVernon Jodie , Robinson Andrew , Bondell Howard 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPCR testing is a crucial capability for managing disease outbreaks, but it is also a limited resource and must be used carefully to ensure the information gain from testing is valuable. Testing has two broad uses, namely to track epidemic dynamics and to reduce transmission by identifying and managing cases. In this work we develop a modelling framework to examine the effects of test allocation in an epidemic, with a focus on using testing to minimise transmission. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, we examine how the number of tests conducted per day relates to reduction in disease transmission, in the context of logistical constraints on the testing system. We show that if daily testing is above the routine capacity of a testing system, which can cause delays, then those delays can undermine efforts to reduce transmission through contact tracing and quarantine. This work highlights that the two goals of aiming to reduce transmission and aiming to identify all cases are different, and it is possible that focusing on one may undermine achieving the other. To develop an effective strategy, the goals must be clear and performance metrics must match the goals of the testing strategy. If metrics do not match the objectives of the strategy, then those metrics may incentivise actions that undermine achieving the objectives.
The polymorphism L412F in TLR3 inhibits autophagy and is a marker of severe COVID-19 in males
Authors: Croci Susanna , Venneri Mary Anna , Mantovani Stefania , Fallerini Chiara , Benetti Elisa , Picchiotti Nicola , Campolo Federica , Imperatore Francesco , Palmieri Maria , Daga Sergio , Gabbi Chiara , Montagnani Francesca , Beligni Giada , Farias Ticiana D.J. , Carriero Miriam Lucia , Sarno Laura Di , Alaverdian Diana , Aslaksen Sigrid , Cubellis Maria Vittoria , Spiga Ottavia , Baldassarri Margherita , Fava Francesca , Norman Paul J. , Frullanti Elisa , Isidori Andrea M. , Amoroso Antonio , Mari Francesca , Furini Simone , Mondelli Mario U ,   GEN-COVID multicenter study, Chiariello Mario , Renieri Alessandra , Meloni Ilaria 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThe polymorphism L412F in TLR3 has been associated with several infectious diseases. However, the mechanism underlying this association is still unexplored. Here, we show that the L412F polymorphism in TLR3 is a marker of severity in COVID-19. This association increases in the sub-cohort of males. Impaired autophagy and reduced TNFα production was demonstrated in HEK293 cells transfected with TLR3-L412F plasmid and stimulated with specific agonist poly(I:C). A statistically significant reduced survival at 28 days was shown in L412F COVID-19 patients treated with the autophagy-inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (P=0.038). An increased frequency of autoimmune disorders as co-morbidity was found in L412F COVID-19 males with specific class II HLA haplotypes prone to autoantigen presentation. Our analyses indicate that L412F polymorphism makes males at risk of severe COVID-19 and provides a rationale for reinterpreting clinical trials considering autophagy pathways.
The acceptability of testing contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases using serial, self-administered lateral flow devices as an alternative to self-isolation
Authors: Love Nicola , Ready Derren , Turner Charlie , Yardley Lucy , Rubin G. James , Hopkins Susan , Oliver Isabel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundTesting asymptomatic contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 could reduce onward transmission by improving case ascertainment and lessen the impact of self-isolation on un-infected individuals. This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a ‘test to enable approach’ as part of England’s tracing strategy.MethodsContacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases were offered serial testing as an alternative to self-isolation using daily self-performed lateral flow device (LFD) tests for the first 7 days post exposure. Asymptomatic participants with a negative LFD result were given 24 hours of freedom from self-isolation between each test. A self-collected confirmatory PCR test was performed on testing positive or at the end of the LFD testing period.ResultsOf 1,760 contacts, 882 consented to daily testing, with 812 within 48 hours of exposure sent testing packs. Of those who declined to participate, 39.1% stated they had already accessed PCR testing. Of the 812 who were sent packs, 570 (70.2%) reported one or more LFD results; 102 (17.9%) tested positive. Concordance between reported LFD result and a supplied LFD image was 97.1%. 82.8% of PCR positive samples and 99.6% of PCR negative samples were correctly detected by LFD. The proportion of secondary cases from contacts of those who participated in the study and tested positive (6.3%; 95% CI: 3.4-11.1%) were comparable to a comparator group who self-isolated (7.6%; 95% CI: 7.3-7.8%).ConclusionThis study shows a high acceptability, compliance and positivity rates when using self-administered LFDs among contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Offering routine testing as a structured part of the contact tracing process is likely to be an effective method of case ascertainment.