bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telomere length among Chinese oldest old
Authors: Yeung Suey S.Y. , Wang Xingyan , Ma Suk Ling , Chen Yangchao , Tsui Stephen Kwok Wing , Tang Nelson Leung Sang , Woo Jean 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionTelomere length (TL) is generally regarded as a biomarker of aging. TL, which is influenced by sociodemographic factors, has been shown to be inversely associated with morbidity. However, most studies were examined in the youngest old and whether the findings can be extended to the oldest old is less clear. This study examined TL and its associated factors in Chinese oldest old in Hong Kong.MethodsFollow-up data collected after 14 years from the baseline of the Mr. and Ms. Osteoporosis cohort were analyzed. A structured interview on sociodemographic factors and physical measurement was conducted. Frailty and sarcopenia status were respectively determined by Fried’s criteria and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition. TL was measured by a molecular inversion probe - quantitative PCR (MIP-qPCR) assay and expressed as telomere / a single copy reference gene (T/S) ratio. Adjusted binary logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between TL and the presence of multimorbidity, age-related diseases, frailty and sarcopenia.ResultsAmong 555 participants (mean age 83.6±3.8 years, 41.3% women), the mean T/S ratio was 1.01±0.20. Males had lower T/S ratio (0.97±0.20) compared with females (1.07±0.18) (p<0.001). A lower education level was related to a longer TL (p=0.016). Being a current smoker was related to a shorter TL (p=0.007). TL was not significantly different across categories of age, subjective socioeconomic status, drinking status, physical activity level and body mass index (p>0.05). There were no associations between TL and the presence of multimorbidity, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, frailty and sarcopenia.ConclusionAmong Chinese oldest old, males had shorter TL compared with females. TL was not associated with age-related diseases, frailty and sarcopenia in this age group. TL may not be a biological marker of aging among the oldest old.
Geographic and temporal trends in fentanyl-detected deaths in Connecticut, 2009-2019
Authors: Lu Haidong , Crawford Forrest W. , Gonsalves Gregg S. , Grau Lauretta E. 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTPurposeSince 2012 fentanyl-detected fatal overdoses have risen from 4% of all fatal overdoses in Connecticut to 82% in 2019. We aimed to investigate the geographic and temporal trends in fentanyl-detected deaths in Connecticut during 2009-2019.MethodsData on the dates and locations of accidental/undetermined opioid-detected fatalities were obtained from Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Using a Bayesian space-time binomial model, we estimated spatiotemporal trends in the proportion of fentanyl-detected deaths.ResultsDuring 2009-2019, a total of 6,632 opioid deaths were identified. Among these, 3,234 (49%) were fentanyl-detected. The modeled spatial patterns suggested that opioid deaths in northeastern Connecticut had higher probability of being fentanyl-detected, while New Haven and its neighboring towns and the southwestern region of Connecticut, primarily Greenwich, had a lower risk. Model estimates also suggested fentanyl-detected deaths gradually overtook the preceding non-fentanyl opioid-detected deaths across Connecticut. The estimated temporal trend showed the probability of fentanyl involvement increased substantially since 2014.ConclusionOur findings suggest that geographic variation exists in the probability of fentanyl-detected deaths, and areas at heightened risk are identified. Further studies are warranted to explore potential factors contributing to the geographic heterogeneity and continuing dispersion of fentanyl-detected deaths in Connecticut.
Near point-of-care HIV viral load testing: Uptake and utilization in suburban Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Tun Ni Ni , Smithuis Frank , Tun Nyan Lynn , Min Myo , Ma Hlaing Myo Ma , van Olmen Josefien , Lynen Lutgarde , Gils Tinne 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionHIV viral load testing in resource-limited settings is often centralized, limiting access. Near point-of-care (POC) viral load testing was introduced in Myanmar in 2017. We assessed its uptake and utilization.MethodsRoutine program data from three HIV clinics of Medical Action Myanmar were used. Annual viral load uptake was cross-sectionally analysed in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated between July 2009-June 2019. Attrition at two years was assessed between PLHIV with different access to viral load testing with Kaplan-Meier analysis. For those eligible for a first viral load when near POC viral load became available, a viral load cascade was constructed. We used logistic regression to explore predictors of confirmed virological failure after a first high viral load.ResultsAmong 5271 PLHIV who started ART between July 2009-December 2019, annual viral load uptake increased significantly after near POC was introduced. Attrition in the first two years after ART initiation was not different among those eligible for a first viral load before viral load was available, after centralized laboratory-based viral load, and after near POC viral load introduction. After introduction of near POC viral load, 92% (2945/3205) of eligible PLHIV received a first viral load, a median of 2.8 years (IQR: 1.4-4.4) after initiation. The delay was 3.7 years (IQR: 2.8-5.1) and 0.9 years (IQR: 0.6-1.4) in those becoming eligible before and after near POC viral load was available, respectively. Among those with a first viral load, 95% (2796/2945) were ≤1000 copies/ml. Eighty-four % (125/149) of those with a viral load >1000 copies/ml received enhanced adherence counselling and a follow up viral load, a median of 119 days (IQR: 95-167) after the first viral load. Virological failure was confirmed in 67% (84/125), and 82% (69/84) of them were switched to second-line ART. Nine-three % (64/69) among those switched were alive on ART at end of follow-up. Having a first viral load of ≥5000 copies/ml was associated with confirmed virological failure.ConclusionNear POC viral load testing enabled rapid scale-up of viral load testing in Myanmar. PLHIV with a high viral load were adequately managed.
The Association of Socioeconomic Status, the Concern for Catching Covid-19, and Anxiety Between Individuals with and without a Cancer History from a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Sasmal Sonya , Yu Mengda , Bernardo Brittany , Adeyanju Toyin , Paskett Electra D. 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundCOVID-19 has negative impacts on mental health in all populations. Individuals with a history of cancer have an increased risk of catching and having more severe symptoms of COVID-19 than the general public. The objective of this study was to examine how cancer history and concern for catching COVID-19 relate to anxiety.MethodsThis cross-sectional study is part of the “Impact of COVID-19 on Behaviors across the Cancer Control Continuum in Ohio” project conducted from June to November 2020. The sample consisted of 7012 participants who completed survey online, by phone, or by mail. Self-reported concern for catching COVID-19 and anxiety over the last 7 days were used. Linear and logistic regression models were performed to determine the association between demographics, cancer history, concern for catching COVID-19, and anxiety.ResultsIn our study sample, most participants rated their concern for catching COVID-19 as moderately high or high (56%) and reported anxiety for one day or more (63%). Individuals with a cancer history were more likely to report moderate-high or high concern for catching COVID-19 (59% vs.54%, P<0.001) but less likely to report anxiety (58% vs. 67%, P<0.001) compared to those without a cancer history. Individuals with higher SES were less likely to report anxiety (middle vs. low SES: OR=0.68, 95%CI=0.59-0.79; high vs. low SES: OR=0.70, 95%CI=0.61-0.82). Additionally, increased concern for catching COVID-19 was associated with higher likelihood of reporting anxiety (moderate-low vs. low: OR=1.65, 95%CI=1.42-1.92; moderate-high vs. low: OR=2.98, 95%CI=2.53-3.50; high vs. low: OR=4.35, 95%CI=3.74-5.07).ConclusionsOur findings suggest individuals with a cancer history reported higher concern for catching COVID-19. Higher concern for catching COVID was associated with anxiety. These findings indicate that healthcare providers should pay special attention to the different populations to reduce concerns for catching COVID-19 and provide strategies to improve mental health during a pandemic outbreak.FundingThis study was supported by a supplement to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) core support grant (P30 CA016058), and the OSUCCC The Recruitment, Intervention and Survey Shared Resource (RISSR)(P30 CA016058).The Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science grant support (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Grant UL1TR001070) in publications relating to this project. This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute (F99CA253745 to X.Z.).
Promoting HIV care continuum outcomes among people who use drugs and alcohol: A systematic review of randomized trials published from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Pitpitan Eileen V. , Wiginton John Mark , Romero Raul Bejarano , Baker Dania Abu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSubstance use remains a robust predictor of HIV infection, as well as a serious impediment to progress across the HIV care continuum for people living with HIV. As such, the careful design and implementation of interventions uniquely tailored to target substance use and HIV care behaviors remain paramount. A necessary step in these efforts is to understand the extent to which HIV care interventions have been efficacious in helping people who use substances progress across the HIV care continuum. Using PubMed and ProQuest databases, we performed a systematic review of randomized trials of HIV care continuum interventions among people who use substances published between 2011 and 2021, the treatment-as-prevention era. Existing systematic reviews and studies in which less than half of those sampled reported substance use were excluded. We identified ten studies (total N=5410; range: 210-1308), nine of which intentionally targeted substance-using populations. Four of these studies involved use of at least one of several substances, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and/or marijuana, among others; three involved injection drug use only; one involved methamphetamine use only; and one involved alcohol use only. One study targeted a population with incidental substance use, which involved use of alcohol, injection drug use, and non-injection drug use. Viral suppression was targeted in 8/10 studies, followed by uptake/initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART; 6/10), ART adherence (6/10), retention to care (4/10), and linkage to care (3/10). For each outcome, intervention effects were found in roughly half of the studies in which a given outcome was assessed. Mediated (2/10) and moderated (2/10) effects were minimally examined. The diversity of substances used in and across studies, as well as other characteristics that varied across studies, prevented broad deductions or conclusions about the amenability of specific substances to intervention. Moreover, study quality was mixed due to varying attrition and assessment measures (self-report vs biological/clinical). More coordinated, comprehensive, and targeted efforts are needed to disentangle intervention effects on HIV care continuum outcomes among populations using diverse substances.
Sildenafil in Emergency Treatment of Biliary Colic: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yakoot Mostafa 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundSildenafil was reported to have a strong inhibitory effect on both gallbladder contraction and biliary pressure of the Sphincter of Oddi. We hypothesized that a single oral dose of sildenafil might counteract the smooth muscle spasm and decrease the intra-ductal and sphincteric pressures to relieve pain of biliary colic and facilitate release of impacted stones.ObjectivesTo assess the pain-relieving effect of 25 mg oral Sildenafil dose in comparison to an oral 20 mg ketorolac dose in adult patients presenting with acute biliary colic.MethodsTwenty consecutive eligible patients presenting with moderate to severe biliary colic were randomly assigned to receive one Sildenafil 25 mg tablet or two ketorolac 10 mg oral tablets. A four point’s verbal rating scale (VRS) and 100 mm Visual pain analog scale (VPAS) of pain severity were measured before treatment then at 30 and 60 minutes after the dose intake.ResultsTreatment success, defined as reduction of VRS, 60 minutes after dose intake from moderate and severe to mild or none was similar (9/10) in both treatment groups. Significant reductions of VPAS at 30 and 60 minutes were noted in both groups. The reduction in VPAS after 60 minutes from dose intake was significantly greater in Sildenafil group (83.16%) than ketorolac group (79.34%) (p=0.033).ConclusionsSingle oral dose of sildenafil 25 mg might be safe and effective for relief of biliary colic. Further studies are needed to confirm its value particularly for patients who cannot tolerate or show inadequate response to NSAIDs or opiates.HighlightsSildenafil has a strong relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of gallbladder.We tested the effect of sildenafil 25 mg oral dose on the relief biliary colic.We found it at least comparable to 20 mg of the potent analgesic ketorolac.We recommend further studies on impacted stones in the common bile duct.
Early Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 in German wastewater
Authors: Wilhelm Alexander , Schoth Jens , Meinert-Berning Christina , Bastian Daniel , Ciesek Sandra , Teichgräber Burkhard , Wintgens Thomas , Weber Frank-Andreas , Widera Marek 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWastewater-based SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology (WBE) has been established as an important tool to support individual testing strategies. Omicron sub-variants BA.4/5 have spread globally displacing the predeceasing variants. Due to the severe transmissibility and immune escape potential of BA.4/5, early monitoring was required to asses and implement countermeasures in time.In this study, we monitored the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 BA.4/5 at six municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Federal State of North-Rhine-Westphalia (NRW, Germany) in May and June 2022. Initially, L452R-specific primers/probes originally designed for SARS-CoV-2 Delta detection were validated using inactivated authentic viruses and evaluated for their suitability to detect BA.4/5. Subsequently, the assay was used for RT-qPCR analysis of RNA purified from wastewater obtained twice a week at six WWTPs. The occurrence of L452R carrying RNA was detected in early May 2022 and the presence of BA.4/5 was confirmed by variant-specific single nucleotide polymorphism PCR (SNP-PCR) targeting E484A/F486V. Finally, the mutant fractions were quantitatively monitored by digital PCR confirming BA.4/5 as the majority variant by 5th June 2022.In conclusions, the successive workflow using RT-qPCR, variant-specific SNP-PCR, and RT-dPCR demonstrates the strength of WBE as a versatile tool to rapidly monitor variant spreading independent of individual test capacities.
The human host response to monkeypox infection: a proteomic case series study
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Tober-Lau Pinkus , Farztdinov Vadim , Lemke Oliver , Schwecke Torsten , Steinbrecher Sarah , Muenzner Julia , Kriedemann Helene , Sander Leif Erik , Hartl Johannes , Mülleder Michael , Ralser Markus , Kurth Florian 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMonkeypox (MPX) is caused by the homonymous orthopoxvirus (MPXV) known since the 1970s to occur at low frequency in West and Central Africa. Recently, the disease has been spreading quickly in Europe and the US. The rapid rise of MPX cases outside previously endemic areas and the different clinical presentation prompt for a better understanding of the disease, including the development of clinical tests for rapid diagnosis and monitoring. Here, using Zeno SWATH MS - a latest-generation proteomic technology - we studied the plasma proteome of a group of MPX patients with a similar infection history and clinical severity typical for the current outbreak. Moreover, we compared their proteomes to those of healthy volunteers and COVID-19 patients. We report that MPX is associated with a strong and characteristic plasma proteomic response and describe MPXV infection biomarkers among nutritional and acute phase response proteins. Moreover, we report a correlation between plasma protein markers and disease severity, approximated by the degree of skin manifestation. Contrasting the MPX host response with that of COVID-19, we find a range of similarities, but also important differences. For instance, Complement factor H-related protein 1 (CFHR1) is induced in COVID-19, but suppressed in MPX, reflecting the different role of the complement system in the two infectious diseases. However, the partial overlap between MPX and COVID-19 host response proteins allowed us to explore the repurposing of a clinically applicable COVID-19 biomarker panel assay, resulting in the successful classification of MPX patients. Hence, our results provide a first proteomic characterization of the MPX human host response based on a case series. The results obtained highlight that proteomics is a promising technology for the timely identification of disease biomarkers in studies with moderate cohorts, and we reveal a thus far untapped potential for accelerating the response to disease outbreaks through the repurposing of multiplex biomarker assays.
Assessing COVID-19 pandemic excess deaths in Brazil: years 2020 and 2021
Authors: Robles Colonia Saditt Rocio , Cardeal Lara Morena , de Oliveira Rogério Antonio , Trinca Luzia Aparecida 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in Brazil for 2020 and 2021 years. We used mortality data (2015–2021) from the Health Ministry, the Brazilian government, to fit linear mixed models for forecasting baseline deaths under non-pandemic conditions. An advantage of the linear mixed model is the flexibility to capture year-trend while dealing with the correlations among death counts over time. Following a specified model-building strategy, estimation of all-cause excess deaths at the country level and stratified by sex, age, ethnicity and region of residence, from March 2020 to December 2021. We also considered the estimation of excess deaths due to specific causes. The estimated all-cause excess deaths was 187 842 (95% PI: 164 122; 211 562, P-Score=16.1%) for weeks 10-53, 2020, and 441 048 (95% PI: 411 740; 470 356, P-Score=31.9%) for weeks 1-52, 2021. P-Score values ranged from 1.4% (RS, South) to 38.1% (AM, North) in 2020 and from 21.2% (AL and BA, Northeast) to 66.1% (RO, North) in 2021. Differences among men (18.4%) and women (13.4%) appeared in 2020 only, and the P-Score values were about 30% for both sexes in 2021. Except for youngsters (<20 years old), all adult age groups were badly hit, especially those from 40 to 79 years old. In 2020, the Indigenous+East Asian population had the highest P-Score (26.2%), and the Black population suffered the greatest impact (34.7%) in 2021. The pandemic impact had enormous regional heterogeneity and substantial differences according to socio-demographic factors, mainly during the first wave, showing that some population strata benefited from the social distancing measures when they could adhere to them. In the second wave, the burden was very high for all but extremely high for some, highlighting that our society must tackle the health inequalities experienced by groups of different socio-demographic status.
Projecting COVID-19 Cases and Subsequent Hospital Burden in Ohio
Authors: Khuda Bukhsh Wasiur R. , Bastian Caleb Deen , Wascher Matthew , Klaus Colin , Sahai Saumya Yashmohini , Weir Mark , Kenah Eben , Root Elisabeth , Tien Joseph H. , Rempala Grzegorz 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTAs the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease started to spread rapidly in the state of Ohio, the Ecology, Epidemiology and Population Health (EEPH) program within the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at the Ohio State University (OSU) took the initiative to offer epidemic modeling and decision analytics support to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). This paper describes the methodology used by the OSU/IDI response modeling team to predict statewide cases of new infections as well as potential hospital burden in the state.The methodology has two components: 1) A Dynamic Survival Analysis (DSA)-based statistical method to perform parameter inference, statewide prediction and uncertainty quantification. 2) A geographic component that down-projects statewide predicted counts to potential hospital burden across the state. We demonstrate the overall methodology with publicly available data. A Python implementation of the methodology has been made available publicly.HighlightsWe present a novel statistical approach called Dynamic Survival Analysis (DSA) to model an epidemic curve with incomplete data. The DSA approach is advantageous over standard statistical methods primarily because it does not require prior knowledge of the size of the susceptible population, the overall prevalence of the disease, and also the shape of the epidemic curve.The principal motivation behind the study was to obtain predictions of case counts of COVID-19 and the resulting hospital burden in the state of Ohio during the early phase of the pandemic.The proposed methodology was applied to the COVID-19 incidence data in the state of Ohio to support the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) with predictions of hospital burden in each of the Hospital Catchment Areas (HCAs) of the state.