bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting psychological symptoms when Facebook’s digital well-being features are used: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Barsova Tamara , Cheong Zi Gi , Mak Ann R , Liu Jean CJ 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrior research has linked social media usage to poorer mental health. To address these concerns, social media platforms have introduced digital well-being tools to help users monitor their engagement. Nonetheless, little is known about the effectiveness of these tools.ObjectiveIn this study, we focused on Facebook to assess users’ awareness and usage of 6 Facebook well-being tools (‘Unfollow’, ‘Snooze’, ‘Off-Facebook Activity’, ‘Your Time on Facebook’, ‘Set Daily Reminders’, and ‘Notification Settings’). Additionally, we examined whether use of the tools was associated with better mental health outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 608 Facebook users. The survey comprised questions about: (i) baseline Facebook use; (ii) adoption of Facebook’s digital well-being tools; and (iii) participant demographics. These were used to predict the primary outcome measure – scores on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).ResultsMost participants (97%) knew about Facebook’s digital well-being tools, but each tool was used by only 17 to 55% of participants. In turn, use of two tools was associated with better well-being. Namely, although participants who spent more time on Facebook reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, those who managed their feed content or notifications (using ‘Unfollow’ or ‘Notification settings’) had lower scores on each of these measures. However, use of the ‘Snooze’, ‘Off-Facebook Activity’, ‘Your Time on Facebook’, or ‘Set Time Reminder’ features was not associated with lower depression, anxiety, or stress scores.ConclusionsOf six of Facebook’s digital well-being tools, only two were associated with better user mental health. This underscores the complexity of designing social media platforms to promote user welfare. Consequently, we urge further research to understand the efficacy of various digital well-being tools.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04967846Study registrationNCT04967846: Social media effects on mental health (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04967846)
Lack of ownership of mobile phones could hinder the rollout of mHealth interventions in Africa
Authors: Okano Justin T. , Ponce Joan , Krönke Matthias , Blower Sally 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundMobile Health interventions, which require ownership of mobile phones, are being investigated throughout Africa. We estimate the percentage of individuals who own mobile phones in 33 African countries, identify a relationship between ownership and proximity to a health clinic (HC), and quantify inequities in ownership. We investigate basic mobile phone (BPs) and smartphones (SPs): SPs can connect to the internet, BPs cannot.MethodsWe use nationally representative data collected in 2017—2018 from 45,823 individuals in Round 7 of the Afrobarometer surveys. We use Bayesian Multilevel Logistic regression models for our analyses.Results82% of individuals in the 33 countries own mobile phones: 42% BPs, 40% SPs. Individuals who live close to an HC have higher odds of ownership than those who do not (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.31, Bayesian 95% Highest Posterior Density [HPD] region: 1.24— 1.39). Men, compared with women, have over twice the odds of ownership (aOR: 2.37, 95% HPD region: 1.96—2.84). Urban residents, compared with rural residents, have almost three times the odds (aOR: 2.66, 95% HPD region: 2.22—3.18) and, amongst mobile phone owners, nearly three times the odds of owning an SP (aOR: 2.67, 95% HPD region: 2.33—3.10). Ownership increases with age, peaks in 26—40 year olds, then decreases. Individuals under 30 are more likely to own an SP than a BP, older individuals more likely to own a BP than an SP. Probability of ownership decreases with the Lived Poverty Index; however, some of the poorest individuals own SPs.ConclusionsIf the digital devices needed for mHealth interventions are not equally available within the population (which we have found is the current situation), rolling out mHealth interventions in Africa is likely to propagate already existing inequities in access to healthcare.FundingNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Machine learning assisted analysis on TCR profiling data from COVID-19-convalescent and healthy individuals unveils cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and a wide spectrum of pathogens and other diseases
Authors: Georgakilas Georgios K. , Galanopoulos Achilleas P. , Tsinaris Zafeiris , Kyritsi Maria , Mouchtouri Varvara , Speletas Matthaios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDuring the last two years, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to millions of deaths worldwide, with a devastating socio-economic impact on a global scale. The scientific community’s focus has recently shifted towards the association of the T cell immunological repertoire with COVID-19 progression and severity, by utilising T cell receptor sequencing (TCR-Seq) assays. The Multiplexed Identification of T cell Receptor Antigen (MIRA) dataset, which is a subset of the immunoACCESS© study, provides thousands of TCRs that can specifically recognize SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Our study proposes a novel Machine Learning (ML) assisted approach for analysing TCR-Seq data from the antigens’ point of view, with the ability to accurately distinguish between COVID-19-convalescent and healthy individuals in the case of MIRA dataset. Most SARS-CoV-2 antigens were found to exhibit equal levels of recognition by MIRA TCRs in both convalescent and healthy cohorts, leading to the assumption of putative cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents. This hypothesis was validated by combining MIRA with other public TCR profiling repositories that host assays and sequencing data concerning a plethora of pathogens. Our study provides evidence regarding the cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and a wide spectrum of pathogens and diseases, with M. tuberculosis and Influenza virus exhibiting the highest levels of cross-reactivity. These results can potentially shift the emphasis of immunological studies towards an increased application of TCR profiling assays that have the potential to uncover key mechanisms of cell-mediated immune response against pathogens and diseases.
Too much to mask: determinants of sustained adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon
Authors: Salti Nisreen , McCall Stephen J. , Zeid Berthe Abi , Salibi Noura El , Alawieh Marwan , Ramadan Zeinab , Ghattas Hala , Abdulrahim Sawsan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLebanon has battled the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of an economic crisis. The evolution of the pandemic and a fragile health system have meant that public health policy has had to rely heavily on non-pharmaceutical interventions for disease control. However, changes in disease dynamics and pandemic fatigue have meant that disease control policies need to be updated. Identifying variables associated with adherence to non-pharmaceutical preventive practices, particularly for vulnerable groups, can therefore help inform and refine interventions in the face of pandemic fatigue and changing disease dynamics. Using recent and timely data on older (50 years and above) Syrian refugees in Lebanon, this paper explores the determinants of adherence to two non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 prevention measures (wearing a mask and avoiding social gatherings) among this high-risk subgroup in a vulnerable population. Among respondents who report adhering to these measures, the paper also identifies the determinants of sustained adherence over a period of 6 months. The findings suggest that older refugees and those less educated are less likely to wear a mask, and refugees living in informal tented settlements are more likely to relent on preventive practices within 6 months. Individuals with chronic diseases who initially report avoiding social gatherings are also likelier to desist than those without chronic illness.The lower continued adherence to mask wearing among residents of informal tented settlements points to factors beyond pandemic fatigue and that should be taken into consideration in devising measures for disease control: the potential for community-based norms to determine individual-level behavior. Recognizing the pivotal effect of community-based norms in settings such as informal tented settlements is essential in adapting current policy and designing future interventions.
Factors Associated with Open Access Publishing Costs in Oncology Journals
Authors: Koong Alex , Gardner Ulysses G , Burton Jason , Stewart Caleb , Thompson Petria S , Fuller Clifton D , Ludmir Ethan B , Rooney Michael K 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundOpen access (OA) publishing represents an exciting opportunity to facilitate dissemination of scientific information to global audiences. However, OA publication is often associated with significant article processing charges (APCs) for authors, which may thus serve as a barrier to publication.MethodsWe identified oncology journals using the SCImago Journal & Country Rank database. All journals with an OA publication option and APC data openly available were included. We searched journal websites and tabulated journal characteristics, including APC amount (USD), OA model (hybrid vs full), 2-year impact factor (IF), H-index, number of citable documents, modality/treatment specific (if applicable), and continent of origin. We generated a multiple regression model to identify journal characteristics independently associated with OA APC amount.ResultsOf 367 oncology journals screened, 251 met final inclusion criteria. The median APC was 2957 USD (IQR 1958-3450). On univariable testing, journals with greater number of citable documents (p<0.001), higher IF (p < 0.001), higher H-index (p < 0.001), and those using the hybrid OA model (p < 0.001) or originating in Europe/North America (p < 0.001) tended to have higher APCs. In our multivariable model, number of citable documents, IF, OA publishing model, and region persisted as significant predictors of processing charges.ConclusionsOA publication costs are greater in oncology journals that publish more citable articles, utilize the hybrid OA model, have higher IF, and are based in North America or Europe. These findings may inform targeted action to help the oncology community fully appreciate the benefits of open science.
Detection Of SARS-COV-2 Variants Of Concern In Wastewater Of Leuven, Belgium
Authors: Bloemen Mandy , Delang Leen , Rector Annabel , Raymenants Joren , Thibaut Jonathan , Pussig Bram , Fondu Lore , Aertgeerts Bert , Van Ranst Marc , Van Geet Chris , Arnout Jef , Wollants Elke 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTTo investigate whether wastewater surveillance can be used as an early warning system to detect a rise in SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, and to follow the circulation of specific variants of concern (VOC) in particular geographical areas, wastewater samples were collected from local neighborhood sewers and from a large regional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the area of Leuven, Belgium. In two residential sampling sites, a rise in viral SARS-CoV-2 copies in wastewater preceded the peaks in positive cases. In the WWTP, peaks in the wastewater viral load were seen simultaneous with the waves op positive cases caused by the original Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 strain, the Alpha variant and the Delta variant. For the Omicron BA.1 variant associated wave, the viral load in wastewater increased to a lesser degree, and much later than the increase in positive cases, which could be attributed to a lower level of fecal excretion, as measured in hospitalized patients. Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs (Alpha, Delta and Omicron) could be detected based on the presence of specific key mutations. The shift in variants was noticeable in the wastewater, with key mutations of two different variants being present simultaneously during the transition period.We found that wastewater based surveillance is a sensitive tool to monitor SARS-CoV-2 circulation levels and VOCs in larger regions. This can prove to be highly valuable in times of reducing testing capacity. Differences in excretion levels of various SARS-CoV-2 variants should however be taken into account when using wastewater surveillance to monitor SARS-CoV-2 circulation levels in the population.
Elevated expression of RGS2 may underlie reduced olfaction in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Avnat Eden , Shapira Guy , Gurwitz David , Shomron Noam 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAnosmia is common in COVID-19 patients, lasting for weeks or months following recovery. The biological mechanism underlying olfactory deficiency in COVID-19 does not involve direct damage to nasal olfactory neurons, which do not express the proteins required for SARS-CoV-2 infection. A recent study suggested that anosmia results from downregulation of olfactory receptors. We hypothesized that anosmia in COVID-19 may also reflect SARS-CoV-2 infection-driven elevated expression of regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a key regulator odorant receptor, thereby silencing their signaling. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed gene expression of nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients and non-infected controls (two published RNA-sequencing datasets, 580 individuals). Our analysis found upregulated RGS2 expression in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (FC=14.5, Padj=1.69e-05 and FC=2.4; Padj=0.001, per dataset). Additionally, RGS2 expression was strongly correlated with PTGS2, IL1B, CXCL8, NAMPT and other inflammation markers with substantial upregulation in early infection. These observations suggest that upregulated expression of RGS2 may underlie anosmia in COVID-19 patients. As a regulator of numerous G-protein coupled receptors, RGS2 may drive further neurological symptoms of COVID-19. Studies are required for clarifying the cellular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infection drives the upregulation of RGS2 and other genes implicated in inflammation. Insights on these pathways may assist in understanding anosmia and additional neurological symptoms reported in COVID-19 patients.
“Sadly I think we are sort of still quite white, middle-class really” – Inequities in access to bereavement support: Findings from a mixed methods study
Authors: Selman L. E. , Sutton E. , Mirra R. Medeiros , Stone T. , Gilbert E. , Roulston Y. , Murray K. , Longo M. , Seddon K. , Penny A. , Mayland C.R. , Wakefield D. , Byrne A. , Harrop E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundVoluntary and community sector bereavement services play are central to bereavement support in the UK.AimTo determine service providers’ perspectives on access to their support before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignMixed methods study using an explanatory sequential design: (1) Cross-sectional online survey of UK bereavement services; (2) Qualitative interviews with staff and volunteers at case study services.Settings/participants147 services participated in the survey; 24 interviews were conducted across 14 services.Results67.3% of services reported there were groups with unmet needs not accessing their services before the pandemic; most frequently people from minoritised ethnic communities (49%), sexual minority groups (26.5%), deprived areas (24.5%) and men (23.8%). Compared with before the pandemic, 3.4% of services were seeing more people from minoritised ethnic groups, while 6.1% were seeing fewer. 25.2% of services did not collect ethnicity data. Qualitative findings demonstrated the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on minoritised ethnic communities, including disruption to care/mourning practices, and the need for culturally appropriate support. During the pandemic outreach activities were sometimes deprioritised; however, increased collaboration was also reported. Online provision improved access but excluded some. Positive interventions to increase equity included collecting client demographic data; improving outreach, language accessibility and staff representation; supporting other professionals to provide bereavement support; local collaboration and coproduction.ConclusionsService providers report inequities in access to bereavement support. Attention needs to be paid to identifying, assessing and meeting unmet needs for appropriate bereavement support. Identified positive interventions can inform service provision and research.
bp: Blood Pressure Analysis in R
Authors: Schwenck John , Punjabi Naresh M. , Gaynanova Irina 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDespite the world-wide prevalence of hypertension, there is a lack in open-source software for analyzing blood pressure data. The R package bp fills this gap by providing functionality for blood pressure data processing, visualization, and feature extraction. In addition to the comprehensive functionality, the package includes six sample data sets covering continuous arterial pressure data (AP), home blood pressure monitoring data (HBPM) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data (ABPM), making it easier for researchers to get started. The R package bp is publicly available on CRAN and at https://github.com/johnschwenck/bp.
Susceptibility and characteristics of infections in patients with glucocorticoid excess or insufficiency: The ICARO tool
Authors: Minnetti Marianna , Hasenmajer Valeria , Sbardella Emilia , Angelini Francesco , Simeoli Chiara , Di Paola Nicola , Cozzolino Alessia , Pivonello Claudia , de Alcubierre Dario , Chiloiro Sabrina , Baldelli Roberto , De Marinis Laura , Pivonello Rosario , Pofi Riccardo , Isidori Andrea M. 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveRegistry data show that Cushing’s syndrome (CS) and adrenal insufficiency (AI) increase mortality rates associated with infectious diseases. Little information is available on susceptibility to infections, especially milder forms that do not require hospitalization or prescription drugs. This study aimed to investigate infectious diseases in patients with glucocorticoid disorders through the development of a specific tool.MethodsWe developed and administered the ICARO questionnaire addressing infectious events over a 12-month observation period to 1017 outpatients referred to four University Hospitals between 2018 and 2019. The ICARO questionnaire showed good test-retest reliability. The odds of infection were estimated after adjustment for potential confounders and collated into the ICARO score, reflecting the frequency and duration of infections.Results75 patients were diagnosed with hypercortisolism and 135 with hypocortisolism; 237 were excluded for uncontrolled disease. The remaining 570 served as controls. Compared to controls, hypercortisolism was associated with higher odds of respiratory (2.3) and urinary tract infections (4.1), mycoses (3.3) and flu (2.1). Subgroup analysis confirmed an increased risk of UTI (3.7) and flu (3.2) in mild hypercortisolism. Post-dexamethasone cortisol levels correlated with the ICARO score. Hypocortisolism also exhibited higher odds of mycoses (2.3), gastrointestinal (2.2) and urinary tract infections (2.5), independently of any glucocorticoid replacement dose.ConclusionsICARO is the first of its kind questionnaire developed to address susceptibility to infections in patients with glucocorticoid disorders and revealed the high prevalence and features of self-reported infections. ICARO could be a valuable tool for monitoring infections in various clinical settings.
Time-of-Day Variation in Subjective Mood Among Lumosity Users
Authors: Mendoza Raymond A. , Fernandez Fabian-Xosé , Tubbs Andrew S. , Perlis Michael L. , Grandner Michael A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHuman mood varies according to both endogenous and situational factors. Analyzing patterns of online media engagement can provide additional insights into a third dimension of mood potentially involving time-of-day factors. Using data collected through the online brain-training app, Lumosity, we report real-world trends in mood expression among 500,000 respondents. Endorsements of positive mood by Lumosity gamers peaked midday, while endorsements of negative mood peaked overnight. These data suggest that there may be inherent bias towards negative mood when individuals are awake at night. More broadly, they suggest that internet data-trails have the potential to uncover fundamental aspects of human behavior.
Epidemiology of Door Crush Injuries- A retrospective cohort study of South Indian Population in a Tertiary care center
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Ashwin , Sethu Maithreyi , Viswanathan Singaravelu , Rajappa Srinivasan , Jayaram Sathishkumar 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMore than half of the fingertip injuries in children are due to door jamming injuries.1)2) There have been several studies on door crush injuries (DCI) but they pertain to either the paediatric age group or form a part of study of fingertip injuries in a large population. This article caters solely to studying the epidemiology, mechanism of injury, associated risk factors and suggests few simple techniques to avoid DCI.MaterialsComparative analysis of the epidemiological data of all the patients with door crush injuries who presented to the Emergencies and the Out Patient Department in the Tertiary care centre was obtained from the MRD. This is a retrospective cohort study between January 2021 to December 2021. Patients with serious concomitant injuries, machine crush injury, heavy falling objects, window crush injury were excluded from the study.ResultsOf the 34 patients, 27 were male and 7 females. In 33 patients DCI was in the hinge side while only 1 had lock-side, entrance door being the commonest. 35% had first-aid done in a local nursing home before arriving at the hospital. 4 patients left against medical advice, 4 were conservatively treated and 2 had double finger injury. DCI was most common in preschool children. Right side and middle finger were most susceptible. 25% of the injuries happened on Mondays. Of the 36 fingers injured, 69% had pulp, 58% had nailbed and 22% had bony involvement. Primary suturing, local flap cover and K-wiring were the main modalities of treatment. Complications included altered sensation, nail deformity and contracture.ConclusionDoor crush injury is a major contributor for finger crush injuries in both children and adults. Awareness among parents, the use of safety appliances to prevent accidental door closing, counselling by doctors and nurses greatly help to bring down the number of door crush injuries.