bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of vaccination certification with mass vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions on mitigating COVID-19
Authors: Cao Hu , Cao Longbing 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAs COVID-19 vaccines became abundantly available around the world since the second half of 2021, many countries carried out a vaccination certificate (green pass) policy to encourage vaccination and help reopen their economies. This policy granted certified people more freedom of gathering and movement than unvaccinated individuals. Accordingly, pre-existing non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were adjusted under the vaccination certificate policy. The vaccination certificate also induced heterogeneous behaviors between unvaccinated and vaccinated groups, which complicates the modeling of COVID-19 transmission. Still, limited work is available in evaluating the impact of the green pass policy on COVID-19 transmission using quantitative methods. To characterize the major changes caused by the green pass policy, a modified susceptible-exposed-infected-removed (SEIR) epidemiological model SEIQRD2is proposed in this paper. By integrating different behavior patterns of unvaccinated and vaccinated groups under the green pass policy, SEIQRD2adopts the inherent variability and complexity of human behaviors in the context of vaccination and NPIs and their effect on COVID-19 transmissions. Three countries: Greece, Austria, and Israel are selected as case studies to demonstrate the validity of SEIQRD2. The simulation results illustrate that the combination of NPIs and vaccination still plays a pivotal role in containing the resurgence of COVID-19 by enforcing vaccination certification.
Development and Validation of an Evidence-based Home Pursed Lip Breathing Protocol for Improving Health Outcomes in Patients with COPD
Authors: Huang Houqiang , Da Jun , Watson Roger , Hayter Mark , Huang Min 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTAimTo develop and validate an evidence-based home PLB intervention protocol for improving related health outcomes (e.g. dyspnea, exercise capability, etc.) in COPD patients and to present a detailed intervention development process.MethodsPhase one of the Medical Research Council Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions was employed to guide the development process of the PLB intervention. The appropriateness of the PLB protocol was finally determined by a panel of experts using the content validity index.ResultsThe preliminary PLB intervention protocol was developed based on several underlying rationales, which encompass the extension of expiration time, enhancement of respiratory muscle strength, augmentation of tidal volume, and integration of the most reliable research evidence obtained from four systematic reviews, six RCTs, five clinical trials, and ten recommendations. The PLB intervention was structured with a designated time ratio of inspiration to expiration, set at 1:2. Additionally, the training parameters of the PLB intervention were established as follows: three sessions per day, each lasting for 10 minutes, over a duration of 8 weeks. The intensity of PLB training was individualized, with the inhalation component adjusted according to each participant’s tolerance level, while emphasizing the exhalation phase to ensure complete expulsion of air from the lungs.Regarding the content validity of the PLB intervention protocol, it demonstrated excellence, as consensus was achieved among all panel experts. Both the item-level and scale-level Content Validity Indices (CVIs) reached the maximum score of 1.0, indicating a high level of agreement and credibility in the content of the protocol as evaluated by the expert panel.ConclusionAn optimal evidence-based home PLB protocol has been adapted and developed to manage COPD patients’ health-related outcomes. The protocol is transparent and fully supported by relevant mechanisms, concrete evidence, recommendations, and experts’ consensus.ImpactThe development of the PLB intervention protocol has shown considerable variation among studies, resulting in inconclusive effects in COPD patients. Moreover, there is currently a dearth of an evidence-based PLB intervention protocol, particularly in the home setting. Consequently, this study, guided by the MRC framework, has successfully formulated an evidence-based home PLB intervention aimed at enhancing the health outcomes of COPD patients
Plasma water T2detects age-stratified differences in cardiometabolic health among familial CCM patients with Hispanic CCM1 mutation
Authors: Croft Jacob , Sandoval Diana F. , Cistola David , Zhang Jun 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTIntroductionCerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are abnormal clusters of capillaries in the nervous system. This pilot study analyzed the cardiometabolic health status of individuals with familial CCMs caused by a rare mutation in theCCM1gene (fCCM1). The aim was to compare plasma water T2values from individuals with fCCM1 with values from metabolically unhealthy and healthy individuals with no known CCM mutations.DesignThis observational, cross-sectional study included 75 participants: 11 fCCM1 patients, 24 metabolically unhealthy and 40 metabolically healthy individuals. Plasma water T2, an early, global and practical marker of cardiometabolic health, was measured in the time domain using benchtop magnetic resonance relaxometry. The results were stratified by age (≤ 45 vs. >45 years). Group means were compared using Welch’s one-way ANOVA andpost hocTukey-Kramer tests. Multivariable linear regression, with T2as the outcome variable, was used to explore associations with age, gender, Hispanic ethnicity and fCCM1 status.ResultsIn the younger age stratum, the fCCM1 group had a mean plasma water T2value comparable to the metabolically healthy group (p=0.6388), but higher than the unhealthy group (p<0.0001). By contrast, in the older stratum, the mean plasma water T2value for the fCCM1 group was comparable to the metabolicallyunhealthy group (p=0.7819) and lower than the healthy group (p=0.0005). Multivariable linear regression revealed that age and theinteractionbetween age and fCCM1 status were significant predictors of T2, even after adjusting for gender and Hispanic ethnicity.ConclusionPlasma water T2shows potential as a biomarker for assessing the health status of individuals with fCCM1. Further research is needed to validate these preliminary observations and elucidate the association between CCMs and cardiometabolic health.
Predicting subnational incidence of COVID-19 cases and deaths in EU countries
Authors: Robert Alexis , Chapman Lloyd AC , Grah Rok , Niehus Rene , Sandmann Frank , Prasse Bastian , Funk Sebastian , Kucharski Adam J 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecurring COVID-19 waves highlight the need for tools able to quantify transmission risk, and identify geographical areas at risk of outbreaks. Local outbreak risk depends on complex immunity patterns resulting from previous infections, vaccination, waning and immune escape, alongside other factors (population density, social contact patterns). Immunity patterns are spatially and demographically heterogeneous, and are challenging to capture in country-level forecast models.MethodsWe used a spatiotemporal regression model to forecast subnational case and death counts and applied it to three EU countries as test cases: France, Czechia, and Italy. Cases in local regions arise from importations or local transmission. Our model produces age-stratified forecasts given age-stratified data, and links reported case counts to routinely collected covariates (test number, vaccine coverage..). We assessed the predictive performance of our model up to four weeks ahead using proper scoring rules and compared it to the European COVID-19 Forecast Hub ensemble model. Using simulations, we evaluated the impact of variations in transmission on the forecasts. We developed an open-source RShiny App to visualise the forecasts and scenarios.ResultsAt a national level, the median relative difference between our median weekly case forecasts and the data up to four weeks ahead was 25% (IQR: 12-50%) over the prediction period. The accuracy decreased as the forecast horizon increased (on average 24% increase in the median ranked probability score per added week), while the accuracy of death forecasts remained stable. Beyond two weeks, the model generated a narrow range of likely transmission dynamics. The median national case forecasts showed similar accuracy to forecasts from the European COVID-19 Forecast Hub ensemble model, but the prediction interval was narrower in our model. Generating forecasts under alternative transmission scenarios was therefore key to capturing the range of possible short-term transmission dynamics.DiscussionOur model captures changes in local COVID-19 outbreak dynamics, and enables quantification of short-term transmission risk at a subnational level. The outputs of the model improve our ability to identify areas where outbreaks are most likely, and are available to a wide range of public health professionals through the Shiny App we developed.
Digital Mental Health Service engagement changes during Covid-19 in children and young people across the UK: presenting concerns, service activity, and access by gender, ethnicity, and deprivation
Authors: Knipe Duleeka , de Ossorno Garcia Santiago , Salhi Louisa , Mainstone-Cotton Lily , Sefi Aaron , John Ann 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe adoption of digital health technologies accelerated during Covid-19, with concerns over the equity of access due to digital exclusion. Using data from a text-based online mental health service for children and young people we explore the impact of the pandemic on service access and presenting concerns and whether differences were observed by sociodemographic characteristics in terms of access (gender, ethnicity and deprivation). We used interrupted time-series models to assess whether there was a change in the level and rate of service use during the Covid-19 pandemic (April 2020-April 2021) compared to pre-pandemic trends (June 2019-March 2020). Routinely collected data from 61221 service users were extracted for observation, those represented half of the service population as only those with consent to share their data were used. The majority of users identified as female (74%) and White (80%), with an age range between 13 and 20 years of age,. There was evidence of a sudden increase (13%) in service access at the start of the pandemic (RR 1.13 95% CI 1.02, 1.25), followed by a reduced rate (from 25% to 21%) of engagement during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic trends (RR 0.97 95% CI 0.95,0.98). There was a sudden increase in almost all presenting issues apart from physical complaints. There was evidence of a step increase in the number of contacts for Black/African/Caribbean/Black British (38% increase; 95% CI: 1%-90%) and White ethnic groups (14% increase; 95% CI: 2%-27%)), sudden increase in service use at the start of the pandemic for the most (58% increase; 95% CI: 1%-247%) and least (47% increase; 95% CI: 6%-204%) deprived areas. During the pandemic, contact rates decreased, and referral sources change at the start. Findings on access and service activity align with other studies observing reduced service utilization. The lack of differences in deprivation levels and ethnicity at lockdown suggests exploring equity of access to the anonymous service. The study provides unique insights into changes in digital mental health use during Covid-19 in the UK.
Determinants of gender disparities in psychological distress among youth and adults in South Africa: Evidence from the 2017 national population-based household survey
Authors: Zungu Nompumelelo P. , Makusha Tawanda , Makola Lehlogonolo , Mabaso Musawenkosi , Shisana Olive 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundPsychological distress has become a significant public health concern, and gender differences in psychological distress are well documented in the literature. This study investigated determinants of gender disparities in psychological distress among youth and adults in South Africa.MethodsThis study data used obtained from the 2017 National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour, and Communication Survey conducted using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling design. Multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with psychological distress among males and females.ResultsIn the male model, the odds of psychological distress were significantly higher among those who reported fair/poor self-rated health [AOR=1.7% (95% CI: 1.2-2.4), p=0.003], and excessive alcohol users [AOR=1.6% (95% CI: 1.1-2.3), p=0.008]. The odds were significantly lower among those with tertiary education level [AOR=0.5% (95% CI: 0.3-0.9), p=0.031], those from rural formal/farm areas [AOR=0.6% (95% 0.4-1.0), p=0.046], and those who were HIV negative [AOR=0.7% (95% CI: 0.4-1.0), p=0.051]. In the female model, the odds of psychological distress were significantly higher among those who reported fair/poor self-rated health [AOR=2.6% (95% CI: 2.0-3.4), p<0.001], and excessive alcohol users [AOR=2.0% (95% CI: 1.3-3.1), p=0.002]. The odds were significantly lower among the employed [AOR=0.7% (95% CI: 0.5-0.9), p=0.002], those from rural informal/tribal areas [AOR=0.6% (95% CI: 0.5-0.8), p=0.001], rural formal/farm areas [AOR=0.6% (95% CI: 0.4-0.9), p=0.015], and those with correct HIV knowledge and myth rejection [AOR=0.6% (95% CI: 0.4-0.7), p<0.001].ConclusionThe findings highlight the need for tailored gender-specific interventions and targeting identified high-risk groups. The finding also underscores the importance of integrated interventions to address the adverse effects of harmful alcohol use and HIV-positive serostatus on psychological distress.
The CAPP 2 Study Protocol: Strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Ontario
Authors: Etowa Josephine , Loemba Hugues , Bailey Liana , Yaya Sanni , Dabone Charles , Etowa Egbe B. , Ghose Bishwajit , Ajiboye Wale , Tyerman Jane , Luctkar-Flude Marian , Rayner Jennifer , Nnorom Onyenyechukwu , Taylor Robin , Beauchamp Sheryl , Oneka Goldameir , Kohoun Bagnini , Tharao Wangari , Inoua Haoua , Edet Ruby , Kiirya Joseph , Allibhai Soraya , Kirunga Ky’okusinga , Kemei Janet 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic emerged as an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems across the world disproportionately impacting immigrant and racialized populations. Canadian African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities representing some of the most vulnerable populations in terms of their susceptibility to health risks, receipt of adequate care, and chances of recovery. The COVID-19 ACB Providers Project (CAPP 2) aims to strengthen the ability of health care providers (HCP) to address this community’s COVID-19 related healthcare needs. Informed by CAPP 1.0 Project, a mixed-method study which examined COVID-19 pandemic impact on ACB communities in Ontario (Ottawa and Toronto), this second study seeks to develop and implement educational programs on five key areas (modules) to strengthen the capacity of HCPs working with ACB populations. The five modules (topics) include: 1) COVID-19 and its impacts on health, 2) social determinants of health and health inequities, 3) critical health literacy, 4) critical racial literacy, and 5) cultural competence and safety.Methods and analysisAn implementation science approach will guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of the evidence-informed interventions. Intersectionality lens, socio-ecological model (SEM) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) frameworks will inform the research process. To ensure active stakeholder engagement, there will be a Project Advisory Committee comprised of 16 ACB community members, health providers, and partner agency representatives. Five modules will be developed: two virtual simulation games in collaboration with leading simulation experts, and three non-simulation modules.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was granted by the University of Ottawa Research Ethics Board on July 18th, 2023 (H - 01-23 - 8069). The results of this study will be disseminated in community workshops, an online learning platform, at academic conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.
No change in 24-hour salt intake estimated from spot urine in Norwegian adults from 2006 to 2019. The population-based HUNT Study
Authors: Holvik Kristin , Abel Marianne Hope , Holmen Jostein , Krokstad Steinar , Totland Torunn Holm , Meyer Haakon E 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveMonitoring time trends in salt consumption is important for evaluating the impact of salt reduction initiatives on public health outcomes. There has so far not been available data to indicate if salt consumption in Norway has changed during the previous decade. We aimed to assess whether average 24-hour salt intake estimated from spot urine samples in the adult population of mid-Norway changed from 2006-08 to 2017-19, and to describe variations by sex, age, and educational level.DesignRepeated cross-sectional studies.SettingThe population-based HUNT Study.ParticipantsIn each of two consecutive waves (HUNT3: 2006-08 and HUNT4: 2017-19), spot urine samples were collected from 500 men and women aged 25-64 years, in addition to 250 men and women aged 70-79 years in HUNT4. Based on spot urine concentrations of sodium, potassium and creatinine, age, sex, and body mass index, we estimated 24-hour sodium intake using the INTERSALT equation for the Northern European region.ResultsMean (95% confidence interval (CI)) estimated 24-hour salt intakes in men were 11.1 (95% CI 10.8, 11.3) g in HUNT3 and 10.9 (95% CI 10.6, 11.1) g in HUNT4, p=0.25.Corresponding values in women were 7.7 (95% CI 7.5, 7.9) g and 7.7 (95% CI 7.5, 7.9) g, p=0.88. Mean estimated salt intake in HUNT4 decreased with increasing age in women, but not in men, and it did not differ significantly across educational level in either sex.ConclusionsEstimated 24-hour salt intake in adult men and women in mid-Norway did not change from 2006-08 to 2017-19.
Safely managed sanitation practice and childhood stunting among under five years old children in Myanmar
Authors: Soe Than Kyaw , Laohasiriwong Wongsa , Sornlorm Kittipong , Mahato Roshan Kumar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn 2020, 149 million children under the age of five were estimated to be stunted globally. Around half of deaths among children under 5 years of age are related to under-nutrition. Objective of this study is to determine the association between safely managed sanitation and childhood stunting among under-five years old children in Myanmar. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 16 townships across three regions and five states in Myanmar. Multiple logistic regressions analysis was performed to determine the associations. This study found that 327 (27.09%) under-five children were stunted among a total of 1207 children in Myanmar. Children with unsafely managed sanitation were 2.88 times more likely to be stunting compared with children who access to safely managed sanitation services (AOR=2.88, 95% CI: 2.16 to 3.85; p-value <0.01). Other associated factors for childhood stunting were needs 1-15 minutes for water collection (AOR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.46 to 2.94; p-value <0.01), 15-60 minutes for water collection times (AOR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.23; p-value 0.02), unproper waste water disposal (AOR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.47 to 2.70; p-value <0.01), boys children (AOR=4.49, 95% CI: 3.30 to 6.12; p-value <0.01), did not take vitamin A supplements(AOR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.20; p-value <0.01), mothers height shorter than 153.4cm (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.45 to 2.58; p-value <0.01), and the lower minimal diet diversity (AOR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.87; p-value 0.02). More access to safely managed sanitation facilities, technical sharing for proper waste water disposal, promoting household water supply system, health promotion for children’s diet eating pattern, and regular support for Vitamin A supplementation are critical to reduce childhood stunting among children under the age of five in Myanmar.
Dispensaries and medical marijuana certifications and indications: Unveiling the geographic connections in Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Hirsch Annemarie G. , Wright Eric A. , Nordberg Cara M. , DeWalle Joseph , Stains Elana L. , Kennalley Amy L. , Zhang Joy , Tusing Lorraine D. , Piper Brian J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundPennsylvania opened its first medical marijuana (MMJ) dispensary in 2018. Qualifying conditions include six conditions determined to have insufficient evidence to support or refute MMJ effectiveness. We conducted a study to describe MMJ dispensary access in Pennsylvania and to determine whether dispensary proximity was associated with MMJ certifications and community demographics.MethodsUsing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we geocoded MMJ dispensary locations and linked them to U.S. Census Bureau data. We created dispensary access measures from the population-weighted centroid of Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs): distance to nearest dispensary and density of dispensaries within a 15-minute drive.We evaluated associations between dispensary access and the proportion of adults who received MMJ certification and the proportion of certifications for insufficient evidence conditions (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, glaucoma, Huntington’s disease, opioid use disorder, and Parkinson’s disease) using negative binomial modeling, adjusting for community features. To evaluate associations between the proportion of the population that was non-White, Hispanic, or both (NW-H) and distance to nearest dispensary, we used logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for median income.ResultsDistance and density of MMJ dispensaries was associated with the proportion of the ZCTA population certified and the proportion of certifications for limited evidence conditions. Compared to ZCTAs with no dispensary within 15 minutes, the proportion of adults certified increased by up to 31% and the proportion of certifications for limited evidence decreased by up to 22% for ZCTAs with two dispensaries. In 2021, the odds of being within five miles of a dispensary was higher in ZCTAs with the highest proportions of NW-H individuals (OR: 26.05, CI: 16.7 - 40.6), compared to ZCTAs with the lowest proportions.ConclusionsGreater dispensary access was associated with the proportions of certified residents and certifications for insufficient evidence conditions. Whether these patterns are due to differences in accessibility or demand is unknown. Associations between community demographics and dispensary proximity may indicate MMJ access differences.