bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ICD-10 based syndromic surveillance enables robust estimation of burden of severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization and intensive care treatment
Authors: Tolksdorf Kristin , Haas Walter , Schuler Ekkehard , Wieler Lothar H. , Schilling Julia , Hamouda Osamah , Diercke Michaela , Buda Silke 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) required countries to establish COVID-19 surveillance by adapting existing systems, such as mandatory notification and syndromic surveillance systems. We estimated age-specific COVID-19 hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) burden from existing severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) surveillance and compared the results to COVID-19 notification data.MethodsUsing data on SARI cases with ICD-10 diagnosis codes for COVID-19 (COVID-SARI) from the ICD-10 based SARI sentinel, we estimated age-specific incidences for COVID-SARI hospitalization and ICU for the first five COVID-19 waves in Germany and compared these to incidences from notification data on COVID-19 cases using relative change Δrat the peak of each wave.FindingsThe COVID-SARI incidence from sentinel data matched the notified COVID-19 hospitalization incidence in the first wave with Δr=6% but was higher during second to fourth wave (Δr=20% to 39%). In the fifth wave, the COVID-SARI incidence was lower than the notified COVID-19 hospitalization incidence (Δr=-39%). For all waves and all age groups, the ICU incidence estimated from COVID-SARI was more than twice the estimation from notification data.ConclusionThe use of validated SARI sentinel data adds robust and important information for assessing the true disease burden of severe COVID-19. Mandatory notifications of COVID-19 for hospital and ICU admission may underestimate (work overload in local health authorities) or overestimate (hospital admission for other reasons than the laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection) disease burden. Syndromic ICD-10 based SARI surveillance enables sustainable cross-pathogen surveillance for seasonal epidemics and pandemic preparedness of respiratory viral diseases.
Persistence, prevalence, and polymorphism of sequelae after COVID-19 in young adults
Authors: Deuel Jeremy Werner , Lauria Elisa , Lovey Thibault , Zweifel Sandrine , Meier Mara Isabella , Züst Roland , Gültekin Nejla , Stettbacher Andreas , Schlagenhauf Patricia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 sequelae are poorly defined with an ambiguous pathophysiology. Persistent sequelae could have global, public health and societal ramifications. We aimed to describe sequelae presenting more than six months after COVID-19 in non-hospitalized young adults.MethodsA prospective, longitudinal cohort study followed-up on young Swiss Armed Forces (SAF) personnel. The comprehensive test battery was administered during a single full day of testing at the University of Zürich. It quantified the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, renal, ophthalmological, male reproductive, psychological, and general health in addition to laboratory parameters.ResultsWe included 501 participants (5.6% females) with a median age of 21 years (range 19-29). Cases of previous COVID -19 (>6 months (mean 10 months) since diagnosis, n=177) were compared with never infected controls (n=248). We also included more recent COVID-19 cases (≤6 months, n=19) and asymptomatically infected individuals (n=49). We found a significant trend towards metabolic disorders, higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (p=0.03), lower aerobic threshold (p=0.007), higher blood cholesterol (p<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein LDL levels (p<0.001) in participants> 6 months post Covid-19 when compared to controls. There were no significant differences in psychosocial questionnaire scores, ophthalmological outcomes, sperm quality or motility between controls and those infected more than 6 months previously with SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionsYoung, previously healthy, individuals largely recover from mild infection and the multi-system impact of the infection is less that seen in older or hospitalized patients. These results may be extrapolated to health-care workers and other young workforce adults. However, the constellation of higher body mass index, dyslipidemia and lower physical endurance 6 months post COVID-19 is suggestive of a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders and possible cardiovascular complications. These findings will guide investigation and follow-up management.
Underdispersion in the reported Covid-19 case and death numbers may suggest data manipulations
Authors: Kobak Dmitry 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe suggest a statistical test for underdispersion in the reported Covid-19 case and death numbers, compared to the variance expected under the Poisson distribution. Screening all countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) dataset for evidence of underdispersion yields 21 country with statistically significant underdispersion. Most of the countries in this list are known, based on the excess mortality data, to strongly undercount Covid deaths. We argue that Poisson underdispersion provides a simple and useful test to detect reporting anomalies and highlight unreliable data.
Healthcare utilization and expenditure among people with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension in Cambodia: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chhim Srean , Te Vannarath , Buffel Veerle , Van Olmen Josefien , Chham Savina , Long Sereyraksmey , Yem Sokunthea , Van Damme Wim , Wouters Edwin , Ir Por 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess utilization of public and private healthcare, related healthcare expenditure, and associated factors for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or hypertension (HTN) and for people without those conditions in Cambodia.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey.SettingsFive operational districts in Cambodia.ParticipantsData was from 2,360 participants aged ≥ 40 years who had used healthcare services at least once in the three months preceding the survey.Primary and secondary outcomeThe main variables of interest were the number of healthcare visits and healthcare expenditure in the last three months.ResultsThe majority of healthcare visits took place in the private sector. Only 22.0% of healthcare visits took place in public healthcare facilities: 21.7% in people with HTN, 37.2% in people with T2D, 34.7% in people with T2D plus HTN, and 18.9% in people without the two conditions (P-value<0.01). In people with T2D and/or HTN, increased public healthcare use was significantly associated with Health Equity Fund (HEF) membership and living in operational districts with community-based care. Furthermore, significant healthcare expenditure reduction was associated with HEF membership and using public healthcare facilities in these populations.ConclusionOverall public healthcare utilization was relatively low; however, it was higher in people with chronic conditions. HEF membership and community-based care contributed to higher public healthcare utilization among people with chronic conditions. Using public healthcare services regardless of HEF status reduced healthcare expenditure, but the reduction in spending was more noticeable in people with HEF membership. To increase public healthcare utilization among people with T2D and/or HTN, the public healthcare system should further improve care quality, expand social health protection, and expand community-based care for this population. However, these may require more time and resources. One potential strategy in the short run is to partner the private sector with the public sector.STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY▪Our study is among the few to examine healthcare utilization and expenditure among people with two major chronic conditions type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or hypertension (HTN) in Cambodia, in comparison with the people without the two conditions.▪The findings in this study provides could inform decision-makers about strategies for T2D and HTN management in Cambodia and similar settings.▪Our study is not representative for the national level as most of the study sites we selected were rural or semi-rural.▪We only calculated the healthcare expenditure for those who used the service in the three months preceding the study, which cannot be generalized to the target population in the study (people aged 40 years or older).
Polygenic coronary artery disease association with brain atrophy in the cognitively impaired
Authors: de Silva Eric , Sudre Carole H , Barnes Josephine , Scelsi Marzia A , Altmann André ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTThe role cardiac function plays in the predilection for, and progression of, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is complex and unclear. While a number of low-frequency genetic variants of large effect-size have been shown to underlie both cardiovascular disease and dementia, recent studies have highlighted the importance of common genetic variants of small-effect size, which, in aggregate, are embodied by a polygenic risk score (PRS). In this study we aim to investigate the effect of polygenic risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) on brain atrophy in AD using whole brain volume (WBV) and put our findings in context with the polygenic risk for AD and presumed small vessel disease as quantified by white matter hyperintensities (WMH). We used 730 subjects from the ADNI database to investigate PRS effects (beyond APOE) on whole brain volumes, total and regional WMH and amyloid beta across diagnostic groups. In a subset of these subjects (N=602) we utilise longitudinal changes in whole brain volume over a maximum of 24 months using the boundary shift integral approach. Linear regression and linear mixed effects models were used to investigate the effect of WMH at baseline as well as AD-PRS and CAD-PRS on whole brain atrophy and whole brain atrophy acceleration, respectively. All genetic associations were examined under oligogenic (p=1e-5) and the more variant-inclusive polygenic (p=0.5) scenarios. Our results suggest no evidence for a link between PRS score and markers of AD pathology at baseline (when stratified by diagnostic group). However, both AD-PRS and CAD-PRS were associated with longitudinal decline in WBV (AD PRS t=3.3, PFDR=0.007 over 24 months in healthy controls) and surprisingly, under certain conditions WBV atrophy is statistically more correlated with cardiac PRS than AD PRS (CAD PRS t=2.1, PFDR=0.04 over 24 months in the MCI group). Further, in our regional analysis of WMH, AD PRS beyond APOE is predictive of white matter volume in the occipital lobe in AD subjects in the polygenic regime. Finally, the rate of change of brain volume (or atrophy acceleration) may be sensitive to AD polygenic risk beyond APOE in healthy individuals (t=2, p=0.04). For subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), beyond APOE, a more inclusive polygenic risk score including more variants, shows CAD PRS to be more predictive of WBV atrophy, than an oligogenic approach including fewer larger effect size variants.
Comparing Sexual Network Mean Active Degree Measurement Metrics among Men who have Sex with Men
Authors: Chandra Christina , Morris Martina , Van Meter Connor , Goodreau Steven M. , Sanchez Travis , Janulis Patrick , Birkett Michelle , Jenness Samuel M. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundMean active degree is an important proxy measure of cross-sectional network connectivity commonly used in HIV/STI epidemiology research. No current studies have compared measurement methods of mean degree using cross-sectional surveys for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States.MethodsWe compared mean degree estimates based on reported ongoing main and casual sexual partnerships (current method) against dates of first and last sex (retrospective method) from 0–12 months prior to survey date in ARTnet, a cross-sectional survey of MSM in the U.S. (2017–2019). ARTnet collected data on the number of sexual partners in the past year but limited reporting on details used for calculating mean degree to the 5 most recent partners. We used linear regression to understand the impact of truncated partnership data on mean degree estimation.ResultsRetrospective method mean degree systematically decreased as the month at which it was calculated increased from 0–12 months prior to survey date. Among participants with >5 partners in the past year compared to those with ≤5, the average change in main degree between 12 and 0 months prior to survey date was −0.05 (95% CI: −0.08, −0.03) after adjusting for race/ethnicity, age, and education. The adjusted average change in casual degree was −0.40 (95% CI: −0.45, −0.35).ConclusionsThe retrospective method underestimates mean degree for MSM in surveys with truncated partnership data, especially for casual partnerships. The current method is less prone to bias from partner truncation when the target population experiences higher cumulative partners per year.SummarySurvey designs can lead to potential bias, such as underestimation, in the measurement of mean active degree in sexual networks of men who have sex with men.
Nerve excitability measured with the TROND protocol in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lugg Anna , Schindle Mason , Sivak Allison , Tankisi Hatice , Jones Kelvin E. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis meta-analysis assessed the 30+ nerve excitability indices generated by the TROND protocol to identify potential biomarkers for ALS.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, to identify human studies that tested median motor axons. Forest Plot analyses were performed using a random-effects model to determine the pooled effect (Z-score), heterogeneity (I2), and Cohen’s d for potential biomarker identification.ResultsOut of 2866 studies, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria, incorporating data from 719 controls and 942 ALS patients. Seven indices emerged as potential biomarkers: TEd 90-100 ms, strength-duration time constant (SDTC), superexcitability, TEd 40-60 ms, resting I/V slope, 50% depolarizing I/V, and subexcitability (ranked by the magnitude of the difference between patients and controls from largest to smallest). In a sensitivity analysis focusing on patients with larger compound muscle action potentials (CMAP), only four indices were potential biomarkers: TEd 10-20 ms, TEd 90-100 ms, superexcitability, and SDTC.ConclusionAmong the extensive range of 30+ excitability indices generated by the TROND protocol, we have identified seven indices that effectively differentiate ALS patients from healthy controls. Furthermore, a smaller subset of four indices shows promise as potential biomarkers when the CMAP remains relatively large. However, most studies were considered to be at moderate risk of bias due to case-control designs and absence of sensitivity and specificity calculations, underscoring the need for more prospective diagnostic test-accuracy studies with appropriate disease controls.NEW & NOTEWORTHYThis meta-analysis uncovers seven potential axonal excitability biomarkers for lower motor neuron pathology in ALS, shedding light on ion channel dysfunction. The identified dysfunction aligns with the primary pathology – protein homeostasis disruption. These biomarkers could fill a gap to detect pre-symptomatic spread of the disease in the spinal cord and monitor treatments targeting protein homeostasis and limiting spread, towards enhancing patient care.
Evaluation of the specificity and accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen self-tests compared to RT-PCR from 1015 asymptomatic volunteers
Authors: Iftner Thomas , Iftner Angelika , Pohle Diana , Martus Peter 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveEvaluation of the specificity and accuracy of four CE-approved SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid self-tests (AG-ST) Anbio, Clungene, Hotgene and Mexacare.Method1015 asymptomatic volunteers were screened for SARS-CoV-2 by means of an oropharyngeal swab taken by qualified personnel and subsequent RT-PCR testing. Each participant additionally performed nasal self-swabs for two of the four rapid antigen tests at the same day according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Study participants transmitted a photo and own interpretation of their test results to the study center. The results of the two self-tests provided by the participants were correlated with the results of the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and independently assessed and evaluated by the study center.ResultsNone of the volunteers tested positive upon RT-PCR, whereas 13 AG-ST showed a false positive test result (0.7 %). The highest false positivity rate was found for the Clungene test (2.1 % compared to 0.2 % for the other tests), while the highest test failure rate (invalid) was found for the Mexacare test (3.7%). The Anbio and Hotgene tests produced the fewest false positive results when evaluated by the participants and also showed the best agreement among themselves.ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 Antigen rapid self-tests with higher false positive test rates, such as the Clungene test, or with high rates of invalid test results, such as the Mexacare test, are less suitable for screening purposes of asymptomatic study participants especially in low-prevalence settings. False positive or inadequate test results increase the burden on certified test laboratories due to verification PCR tests and cause a substantial economic loss due to unnecessary quarantine measurements and cause psychological stress in the affected study participants. In addition to earlier defined requirements for sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 detection, a lower acceptance boundary for the false positivity rate of < 0.3% should be demanded.
Stochastic dynamics of social patch foraging decisions
Authors: Bidari Subekshya , El Hady Ahmed , Davidson Jacob , Kilpatrick Zachary P 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTAnimals typically forage in groups. Social foraging can help animals avoid predation and decrease their uncertainty about the richness of food resources. Despite this, theoretical mechanistic models of patch foraging have overwhelmingly focused on the behavior of single foragers. In this study, we develop a mechanistic model that accounts for the behavior of individuals foraging together and departing food patches following an evidence accumulation process. Each individual’s belief about patch quality is represented by a stochastically accumulating variable which is coupled to others’ belief to represent the transfer of information. We consider a cohesive group, and model information sharing by considering both intermittent pulsatile coupling (only communicate decision to leave) and continuous diffusive coupling (communicate throughout the evidence accumulation process). We find that foraging efficiency under pulsatile coupling has a stronger dependence on the coupling strength parameter compared to diffusive. Despite employing minimal information transfer, pulsatile coupling can still provide similar or higher foraging efficiency compared to diffusive coupling. Conversely, since diffusive coupling is more robust to parameter choices, it performs better when individuals have heterogeneous departure criteria and social information weighting. Efficiency is measured by a reward rate function that balances the amount of energy accumulated against the time spent in a patch, computed by solving an ordered first passage time problem for the patch departures of each individual. Using synthetic data we show that we can distinguish between the two modes of communication and identify the model parameters. Our model establishes a social patch foraging framework to parse and identify deliberative decision strategies, to distinguish different forms of social communication, and to allow model fitting to real world animal behavior data.
Micro and Nanoplastics Interactions with Plant Species: Trends, Meta-Analysis, and Perspectives
Authors: Azeem Imran , Adeel Muhammad , Ahmad Muhammad Arslan , Shakoor Noman , Zain Muhammad , Yousef Naglaa , Yinghai Zhao , Azeem Kamran , Zhou Pingfan , White Jason C. , Ming Xu , Rui Yukui 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe ubiquitous presence of nano plastics (NPx) and micro plastics (MPx) in the environment has been demonstrated, and as such, the exposure scenarios, mechanisms of plant response, and ultimate risk must be determined. However, the current literature reports ambiguous outcomes and provides limited mechanistic insight into critical governing processes. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of the most recent literature investigating the effect of MPx/NPx on plant species under laboratory and field conditions so as to evaluate the current state of knowledge. Toxic effects of MPx/NPx exposure in plants varies as a function of plant species and interestingly, generally non-significant responses are reported in staple crops. NPx (<100 nm) more negatively affected plant development parameters (n=341) (n is total number of observations), photosynthetic pigments (n=80), and biochemical indicators (n=91) than did MPx (>100 nm). Surprisingly, NPx exposure yielded negligible effects on germination rate (n=17), although root morphology (n=45) was negatively affected. Alternatively, MPx negatively affected on germination (n= 27) and generally non-significant affect with regard to root morphology (n=64). The effect of MPx/NPx on plant health decreases with increasing exposure time. No specific trends were evident for the production of biochemical enzymes as related to MPx/NPx concentration or size. Future work should include crop full life cycle studies to highlight the accumulation of MPx/NPx in edible tissues and also to investigate potential trophic transfer of MPx/NPx. Furthermore, we provide a framework for additional investigative work to address these and other knowledge gaps and to enable accurate assessment of the fate and risk of these materials to environmental and human health.Environmental significanceAccumulation of plastic (MPx and NPx) particles is increasing in environmental compartments, and this might be threatened to agricultural plants.Graphical Abstract