bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Pain Catastrophizing With Urinary Biomarkers in Women With Bladder Pain Syndrome
Authors: Soriano Alex , Allen Antoinette , Malykhina Anna P. , Andy Uduak , Harvie Heidi , Arya Lily 
Published: March 2021

Objectives
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in central neurological processes. We hypothesize that greater pain catastrophizing is associated with higher urinary BDNF levels in women with bladder pain syndrome.

Methods
A secondary analysis of a database of women with urinary urgency was conducted. We identified women who met AUA criteria of bladder pain syndrome. Urinary symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and neuropathic pain were measured using the Female Genitourinary Pain Index, Pain Catastrophizing Scale and painDETECT questionnaires respectively. The relationship of the catastrophizing score with urinary BDNF (primary outcome) and other urinary biomarkers, including nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and osteopontin, was evaluated using univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results
In 62 women with bladder pain syndrome, 15 (24%) reported pain catastrophizing symptoms (Pain Catastrophizing Scale score >30). Higher catastrophizing scores were associated with worse urinary symptoms, greater pelvic pain, greater neuropathic pain, and worse quality of life scores (all P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, after controlling for age, body mass index and urinary symptoms, a higher pain catastrophizing score was associated with lower BDNF (P = 0.04) and lower VEGF levels (P = 0.03). Urinary urgency was associated with a higher NGF level (P = 0.04) while bladder pain was associated with higher levels of NGF (P = 0.03) and VEGF (P = 0.01).

Conclusions
Neuroinflammatory mechanisms contribute to the central processing of pain in women with bladder pain syndrome. Worse urinary symptoms are associated with higher NGF and VEGF levels, but worse pain catastrophizing is associated with lower BDNF and VEGF levels. Urinary BDNF levels may be useful in phenotyping women who have central augmentation of pain processing.
Causes of death in people with cardiovascular disease: a prospective UK Biobank cohort study
Authors: Drozd Michael , Pujades-Rodriguez Mar , Sun Fei , Franks Kevin N , Lillie Patrick J , Witte Klaus K , Kearney Mark T , Cubbon Richard M 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality has substantially improved over recent decades. Some evidence indicates this has been paralleled by an increasing proportion of non-cardiovascular mortality in people with CVD. However, the contemporary causes of death across a broad spectrum of CVDs, either alone or in combination, remains unclear.We analysed cardiovascular, infection, cancer and other causes of death prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 493,280 participants in the prospective UK Biobank study. Studied CVDs included baseline: abdominal aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, valvular heart disease and venous thromboembolic disease; we separately considered cardiovascular multimorbidity defined as the total number of these baseline CVDs. Crude mortality rates and Poisson regression analysis were used to quantify the absolute and relative risk of cause-specific death. Associations are reported as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% CIs.During a median follow-up of 10.9 [IQR 10.1-11.6] years per participant, there were 27,729 deaths (20.4% primarily attributed to CVD, 53.6% to cancer, 5.0% to infection and 21.0% to other causes). As the number of co-morbid CVDs increased, the proportion of cardiovascular and infection-related deaths increased, whereas cancer and other deaths decreased. Accrual of multiple CVDs was associated with marked increases in relative risk of infection and cardiovascular death; versus those without CVD, people with three or more CVDs, the relative risk of cardiovascular death increased most (IRR 3.89; 95%CI 3.59-4.21), followed by infection (4.41; 3.44-5.64), with other (2.01; 1.72-2.35) and cancer (1.52; 1.35-1.72) being substantially less increased. All studied CVDs except atrial fibrillation were independently associated with increased risk of infection death, with heart failure (2.73; 1.60-4.66) and valvular heart disease (3.09; 2.38-4.00) posing the greatest risk.In conclusion, causes of death vary substantially between differing baseline CVDs, and according to the number of baseline CVDs, with non-cardiovascular deaths due to cancer and infection making an important contribution. Holistic and personalized care are likely to be important tools for continuing to improve outcomes in people with CVD.
Effect of antibiotic consumption on self-reported recovery from uncomplicated urinary tract infection
Authors: Gadalla Amal , Wise Hannah , Hughes Kathryn , Llor Carl , Moore Michael , Verheij Theo J M , Little Paul , Butler Chris C , Francis Nick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRandomised trials provide high-quality data on the effects of antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTI) but are prone to selection bias and may not accurately reflect effects in those who actually consume antibiotics.AimTo estimate the effect of antibiotic consumption, rather than prescription, on self-reported time to recovery in women with uncomplicated UTI.Design and settingSecondary analysis of data from a randomised control trial on point of care diagnostic to guide antibiotic prescribing in primary care. Antibiotic prescribing decisions were not mandated by the trial protocol.Methods413 adult women presenting with UTI symptoms and who either consumed (n=333) or did not consume (n=80) one or more doses of antibiotics during a 14-day follow-up were included. Antibiotic consumption was standardised using defined daily dose (DDD) and described as “days-worth of antibiotics”. Cox-proportional hazard model was used to estimate the effect of antibiotic consumption upon time to self-reported recovery, controlling for potential confounders and propensity of consuming antibiotics based on baseline symptom severity and history of UTI treatment.ResultsThe crude median time to recovery was 3 days longer among patients who did not consume antibiotics (10 days; 95% CI= 8.5-11.5) compared to those who consumed antibiotics (7 days; 95% CI= 6.5-7.5). Patients who consumed >0 to <3, ≥3 to ≤5, and >5 days-worth of antibiotics recovered at approximately 2 – 3 times faster than the rate of those who consumed no antibiotics, adjusted HR 3.2 (95% CI 2.0, 5.1), 2.8 (1.8, 4.3), 2.3 (1.5, 3.7), respectively.ConclusionConsuming antibiotics was associated with a reduction in self-reported time to recovery in this study which is consistent with results from previous trials.
SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases – data from the National Pediatric Rheumatology Database in Germany
Authors: Sengler Claudia , Eulert Sascha , Niewerth Martina , Minden Kirsten , Horneff Gerd , Kuemmerle-Deschner Jasmin B. , Siemer Caroline , Berendes Rainer , Girschick Hermann , Hühn Regina , Borte Michael , Hospach Anton , Emminger Wolfgang , Armann Jakob , Klein Ariane , Kallinich Tilmann 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesDue to their underlying disease as well as therapeutic immunosuppression, children and adolescents with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) may be at higher risk for a severe course or worse outcome of COVID-19, and SARS-CoV2 infection may trigger a flare of the RMD. To address these issues, a specific SARS-CoV-2 questionnaire was implemented in the National Pediatric Rheumatology Database (NPRD) in Germany.MethodsDemographic, clinical and treatment data from juvenile patients with RMD as well as data about SARS-CoV-2 infection like test date and method, clinical characteristics, disease course, outcome and impact on the disease activity of the RMD documented on this questionnaire were analyzed.ResultsFrom April 17th, 2020, to February 14th, 2021, data were collected from 79 patients (53% female) with RMD with median age of 14 years, diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (57%), autoinflammatory (23%) and connective tissue disease (8%). Sixty-one patients (77%) received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), 43% biologic DMARDs, and 9% systemic glucocorticoids. Sixty patients (76%) developed symptoms of COVID-19. Disease severity was mild and outcome was good in the majority of patients. Two patients were hospitalized, one of whom required intensive care and died of cardiorespiratory failure. In 84% of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, no relevant increase in disease activity of the RMD was observed.ConclusionsIn our cohort, COVID-19 in juvenile patients with RMD under various medications was mild with good outcome in the majority of cases. SARS-CoV-2 infection does not appear to have a relevant impact on disease activity of the underlying condition.
Returning to the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic: The concerns of Australian workers
Authors: Griffiths Daniel , Sheehan Luke , van Vreden Caryn , Whiteford Peter , Collie Alex 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine the nature and prevalence of workers’ concerns regarding workplaces reopening during the pandemic. To identify characteristics of workers and industries where particular concerns are more common.MethodsProspective cohort study of 1063 employed Australian adults, enrolled at the start of the pandemic. Data on attitudes to workplaces reopening were collected 1 July – 30 September 2020. The frequency of concerns describes infection risk and changes to work and impact on home life. Regression models examined associations between demographic and industry factors with reopening concerns.ResultsMore than four in five (82.4%) of workers reported concerns about workplace infection risk. Just over half (53.4%) reported concerns about impacts to work and home life. Concerns were more prevalent for workers reporting psychological distress, financial stress, and among those exclusively working from home. Concerns regarding infection risk were common for workers in health care (IRR=1.16, 95% CI=[1.01, 1.33]), retail (IRR=1.31, 95% CI=[1.06, 1.61]), and accommodation/food service industries (IRR=1.25, 95% CI=[1.01, 1.55]). Concerns regarding changes to work and home life were more common for female workers (IRR=1.24, 95% CI=[1.07, 1.43]), and partners/spouses with dependent children (IRR=1.44, 95% CI=[1.16, 1.79]).ConclusionConcerns of COVID-19 infection in the workplace are common. Many workers are also concerned about changes to their work and home life. The prevalence of concerns is related to the nature of work and responsibilities at home. Actions that reduce risk of workplace transmission, coupled with effective communication of infection controls, may alleviate worker concerns whilst recognising workers’ family and social circumstances.
Estimating the asymptomatic proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population: Analysis of a nationwide serosurvey in the Netherlands
Authors: McDonald SA , Miura F , Vos ERA , Boven M van , de Melker H , van der Klis F , van Binnendijk R , Hartog G den , Wallinga J 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive persons who are asymptomatic – and whether this proportion is age-dependent – are still open research questions. Because an unknown proportion of reported symptoms among SARS-CoV-2 positives will be attributable to another infection or affliction, the observed, or ‘crude’ proportion without symptoms may underestimate the proportion of persons without symptoms that are caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsBased on a large population-based serological study comprising test results on seropositivity and self-reported symptom history conducted in April/May 2020 in the Netherlands (n=3147), we estimated the proportion of reported symptoms among those persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 that is attributable to this infection, where the set of relevant symptoms fulfills the ECDC case definition of COVID-19, using inferential methods for the attributable risk (AR). Generalised additive regression modelling was used to estimate the age-dependent relative risk (RR) of reported symptoms, and the AR and asymptomatic proportion (AP) were calculated from the fitted RR.ResultsUsing age-aggregated data, the estimated AP was 70% (95% CI: 65-77%). The estimated AP decreased with age, from 80% (95% CI: 67-100%) for the <20 years age-group, to 55% (95% CI: 48-68%) for the 70+ years age-group.ConclusionWhereas the ‘crude’ AP represents a lower bound for the proportion of persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 without COVID-19 symptoms, the AP as estimated via an attributable risk approach represents an upper bound. Age-specific AP estimates can inform the implementation of public health actions such as targetted virological testing and therefore enhance containment strategies.
Characterization of antibody response in asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Marchi S , Viviani S , Remarque EJ , Ruello A , Bombardieri E , Bollati V , Milani GP , Manenti A , Lapini G , Rebuffat A , Montomoli E , Trombetta CM 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTSARS-CoV-2 pandemic is causing high morbidity and mortality burden worldwide with unprecedented strain on health care systems.To elucidate the mechanism of infection, protection, or rapid evolution until fatal outcome of the disease we performed a study in hospitalized COVID-19 patients to investigate the time course of the antibody response in relation to the outcome. In comparison we investigated the time course of the antibody response in SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic subjects.Study results show that patients produce a strong antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 with high correlation between different viral antigens (spike protein and nucleoprotein) and among antibody classes (IgA, IgG, and IgM and neutralizing antibodies). The peak is reached by 3 weeks from hospital admission followed by a sharp decrease. No difference was observed in any parameter of the antibody classes, including neutralizing antibodies, between subjects who recovered or with fatal outcome. Only few asymptomatic subjects developed antibodies at detectable levels.
Circadian immunity, sunrise time and the seasonality of respiratory infections
Authors: Mo Ziyi , Scheben Armin , Steinberg Joshua , Siepel Adam , Martienssen Robert 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe innate and adaptive immune response are regulated by biological clocks, and circulating lymphocytes are lowest at sunrise. Accordingly, severity of disease in mouse models is highly dependent on the time of day of viral infection. Here, we explore whether circadian immunity contributes significantly to seasonality of respiratory viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Susceptibility-Infection-Recovery-Susceptibility (SIRS) models of influenza and SIRS-derived models of COVID-19 suggest that local sunrise time is a better predictor of the basic reproductive number (R0) than climate, even when day length is taken into account. Moreover, these models predict a window of susceptibility when local sunrise time corresponds to the morning commute and contact rate is expected to be high. Counterfactual modeling suggests that retaining daylight savings time in the fall would reduce the length of this window, and substantially reduce seasonal waves of respiratory infections.
Innate immune deficiencies in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Peyneau Marine , Granger Vanessa , Wicky Paul-Henri , Khelifi-Touhami Dounia , Timsit Jean-François , Lescure François-Xavier , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Tran-Dihn Alexy , Montravers Philippe , Monteiro Renato C. , Chollet-Martin Sylvie , Hurtado-Nedelec Margarita , de Chaisemartin Luc 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leading to death in a significant number of individuals. Evidence of a strong role of the innate immune system is accumulating, but the precise cells and mechanism involved remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the links between circulating innate phagocyte phenotype and functions and severity in COVID-19 patients. Eighty-four consecutive patients were included, 44 of which were in intensive care units (ICU). We performed an in-depth phenotyping of neutrophil and monocyte subpopulations and measured soluble activation markers in plasma. Additionally, myeloid cell functions (phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and NETosis) were evaluated on fresh cells from patients. Resulting parameters were linked to disease severity and prognosis. Both ICU and non-ICU patients had circulating neutrophils and monocytes with an activated phenotype, as well as elevated concentrations of soluble activation markers (calprotectin, myeloperoxidase, neutrophil extracellular traps, MMP9, sCD14) in their plasma. ICU patients were characterized by increased CD10low CD13low immature neutrophils, LOX-1+ and CCR5+ immunosuppressive neutrophils, and HLA-DRlow CD14low downregulated monocytes. Markers of immature and immunosuppressive neutrophils were strongly associated with severity and poor outcome. Moreover, neutrophils and monocytes of ICU patients had impaired antimicrobial functions, which correlated with organ dysfunction, severe infections, and mortality. Our study reveals a marked dysregulation of innate immunity in COVID-19 patients, which was correlated with severity and prognosis. Together, our results strongly argue in favor of a pivotal role of innate immunity in COVID-19 severe infections and pleads for targeted therapeutic options.One Sentence SummaryOur study reveals a marked dysregulation of innate immunity in COVID-19 patients, which correlates with severity and prognosis.
Development of clinical virtual care pathways to engage and support families requiring neonatal intensive care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (COVES Study)
Authors: Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Dol Justine , Richardson Brianna , McCulloch Holly , Hundert Amos , Foye Sarah , Dorling Jon , Afifi Jehier , Bishop Tanya , Earle Rebecca , Rose Annette Elliott , Inglis Darlene , Kim Theresa , Leighton Carye , Loring Sally , MacRae Gail , Melanson Andrea , Simpson David C , Smit Michael , Whitehead Leah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, family presence restrictions in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) were enacted to limit disease transmission and protect infants, families, and healthcare providers. The effects of pandemic parental restrictions on providing optimal family integrated neonatal care is unknown.AimTo ensure optimal neonatal care using virtual care pathways to engage and support families in response to parental presence restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research had two objectives: (1) conduct a needs assessment with families and healthcare providers (HCPs) of infants in the NICU to understand the impact of COVID-19 restrictions; and (2) develop virtual clinical care pathways to meet identified needs.MethodsThis study used focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews with families and HCPs for the needs assessment and identification of barriers and facilitators, and co-design for the development of the clinical virtual care pathways. For objective 1, content analysis was conducted by two independent reviewers to categorize findings and identify important barriers and facilitators of family-integrated care. For objective 2, an agile, co-design process utilizing expert consensus of a large interdisciplinary team was used to develop the care pathways.ResultsA total of 23 participants were included in the needs assessment (objective 1): 12 families and 11 HCPs. Themes identified were: (1) the need to maintain and build relationships and support systems; (2) challenges in accessing education and resources to integrate families in care; and (3) lack of standardized, accessible messaging related to COVID-19. For objective 2, we used the themes identified in the needs assessment to co-design three clinical virtual care pathways: (1) building and maintaining relationships between family and healthcare providers; (2) awareness of resources; and (3) standardized COVID-19 messaging.ConclusionFamilies reported that restrictive parental presence policies affected their mental health, well-being and social support. Families and HCPs reported the restrictions impacted delivery of family integrated care, education, transition to home, and standardized messaging. Clinical care virtual pathways were designed to meet these needs to ensure more equitable family centred care.
A new Reproduction Index Ri and its Usefulness for Germany’s Covid19-Data
Authors: Conradt Robert N.J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the course of a large-scale infectious disease a time-dependent Reproduction rate is an important parameter for political, economic and social decisions. In this paper we focus on that parameter and introduce a mathematical implementation in addition to the mostly used definition of Robert-Koch-Institute (RKI) in Germany.Such value is of particular interest in order to serve as a criterion for possible Lock-Downs and “LockUps” in society and can provide deep insights into a pandemic event.Both the definition of the new Reproduction index and the RKI’s Reproduction number are compared analytically, applied to simple model calculations and finally on real Covid19 data. Clear advantages of the new Reproduction index become apparent and some weaknesses of the RKI’s Reproduction number become clearly visible.In addition we propose two additional ways of displaying pandemic data to have the pandemic behaviour at a glance. We find that some signatures of the pandemic appear now very well expressed - especially in conjunction with the new Reproduction index Ri.This all could be very helpful for future political, social and economic decisions.
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in a non-hospitalized cohort: results from the Arizona CoVHORT
Authors: Bell Melanie L , Catalfamo Collin J , Farland Leslie V. , Ernst Kacey C , Jacobs Elizabeth T , Klimentidis Yann C , Jehn Megan , Pogreba-Brown Kristen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClinical presentation, outcomes, and duration of COVID-19 has ranged dramatically. While some individuals recover quickly, others suffer from persistent symptoms, collectively known as post-acute sequelae of SAR-CoV-2 (PASC). Most PASC research has focused on hospitalized COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe disease. We used data from a diverse population-based cohort of Arizonans to estimate prevalence of various symptoms of PASC, defined as experiencing at least one symptom 30 days or longer. There were 303 non-hospitalized individuals with a positive lab-confirmed COVID-19 test who were followed for a median of 61 days (range 30-250). COVID-19 positive participants were mostly female (70%), non-Hispanic white (68%), and on average 44 years old. Prevalence of PASC at 30 days post-infection was 68.7% (95%CI 63.4, 73.9). The most common symptoms were fatigue (37.5%), shortness-of-breath (37.5%), brain fog (30.8%), and stress (30.8%). The median number of symptoms was 3 (range 1-20). Amongst 157 participants with longer follow-up (≥60 days), PASC prevalence was 77.1%.