bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasons underlying the intention to vaccinate children aged 5-11 against COVID-19: A cross-sectional study of parents in Israel, November 2021
Authors: Morozov Nicole G. , Dror Amiel A. , Daoud Amani , Eisenbach Netanel , Kaykov Edward , Barhoum Masad , Sheleg Tsvi , Sela Eyal , Edelstein Michael 
Published: March 2022

AbstractVaccination is a key tool to mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Israel, COVID-19 vaccines became available to adults in December 2020 and to 5–11-year-old children in November 2021. Ahead of the vaccine roll-out in children, we aimed to determine whether surveyed parents intended to vaccinate their children and describe reasons for their intentions. We collected information on parental socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccine history, intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, and reasons for parental decisions using an anonymous online survey. We identified associations between parental characteristics and plans to vaccinate children using a logistic regression model and described reasons for intentions to vaccinate or not. Parental non-vaccination and having experienced major vaccination side effects were strongly associated with non-intention to vaccinate their children (OR 0.09 and 0.18 respectively, p<0.001). Parents who were younger, lived in the socio-economically deprived periphery, and belonged to the Arab population had lower intentions to vaccinate their children. Reasons for non-intention to vaccinate included concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy (53%, 95%CI 50-56) and the belief that COVID-19 is a mild disease (73%, 95%CI 73-79), while a frequent motive for vaccination was the return to normal social and educational life (89%, 95%CI 87-91). Understanding rationales for COVID-19 vaccine rejection or acceptance, as well as parental demographic data, can pave the way for intentional educational campaigns to encourage not only vaccination against COVID-19, but also regular childhood vaccine programming.HighlightsParental intention to vaccinate children aged 5-11 is much lower than vaccine coverage in parental age groupsBeing unvaccinated and having experienced side effects following vaccination were the greatest negative predictors in parents of intention to vaccinate their childrenParents were more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine for their children to allow them to return to daily social life and to ensure economic security in the familyParents were more likely to reject a COVID-19 vaccination for health reasons such as safety concerns or due the belief that COVID-19 was a mild disease in children
Testing Frequency Matters | An Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test in United States Correctional Facilities
Authors: Lind Margaret L. , Schultes Olivia L. , Robertson Alexander J. , Houde Amy J. , Cummings Derek A.T. , Ko Albert I. , Kennedy Byron S. , Richeson Robert P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe CDC recommends serial rapid antigen assay collection within congregate facilities for screening and outbreak testing. Though modeling and observational studies from community and long-term care facilities have shown serial collection provides adequate sensitivity and specificity, the diagnostic accuracy of this testing strategy within correctional facilities remains unknown.MethodsUsing Connecticut Department of Corrections (DOC) data from November 21st2020 to June 15th2021, we estimated the accuracy of a rapid assay, BinaxNOW, under three collection strategies, a single test in isolation and two and three serial tests separated by 1-4 day intervals. Diagnostic accuracy metrics were estimated in relation to RT-PCRs collected within one day before the first or after the last included rapid antigen tests in a series.ResultsOf the 17,669 residents who contributed at least one RT-PCR or rapid antigen during the study period, 3,979 contributed ≥1 paired rapid antigen test series. In relation to RT-PCR, the three-rapid antigen test strategy had a sensitivity of 89.6% (95% confidence intervals: 86.1-92.6%) and specificity of 97.2% (CI: 95.1-98.3%). The sensitivities for two and one-rapid antigen test strategy were 75.2% and 52.8%, respectively, and the specificities were 98.5% and 99.4%, respectively. The sensitivity was higher among symptomatic residents and when the RT-PCR was collected before the rapid antigen tests.ConclusionsWe found the serial collection of an antigen test resulted in high diagnostic accuracy. These findings support serial testing within correctional facilities for outbreak investigation, screening, and when rapid detection is required (such as intakes or transfers).
Immunogenicity and Safety of Booster Dose of S-268019-b or Tozinameran in Japanese Participants: An Interim Report of Phase 2/3, Randomized, Observer-Blinded, Noninferiority Study
Authors: Shinkai Masaharu , Sonoyama Takuhiro , Kamitani Akari , Shibata Risa , Seki Naomi , Omoto Shinya , Shinoda Masahiro , Sato Takashi , Ishii Naoki , Igarashi Kenji , Ariyasu Mari 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this randomized, observer-blinded, phase 2/3 study, S-268019-b (n=101), a recombinant spike protein vaccine, was analyzed for noninferiority versus tozinameran (n=103), when given as a booster ≥6 months after 2-dose tozinameran regimen in Japanese adults without prior COVID-19 infection. Interim results showed noninferiority of S-268019-b versus tozinameran in co-primary endpoints for neutralizing antibodies on day 29: geometric mean titer (GMT) (124.97 versus 109.70; adjusted-GMT ratio [95% CI], 1.14 [0.94-1.39]; noninferiority P-value, <0.0001) and seroresponse rate (both 100%; noninferiority P-value, 0.0004). Both vaccines elicited anti-spike-protein immunoglobulin G antibodies, and produced T-cell response (n=29/group) and neutralizing antibodies against Delta and Omicron pseudovirus and live virus variants (n=24/group) in subgroups. Most participants reported low-grade reactogenicity on days 1-2, the most frequent being fatigue, fever, myalgia, and injection-site pain. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, S-268019-b was safe and showed robust immunogenicity as a booster, supporting its use as COVID-19 booster vaccine.JRCT IDjRCT2031210470HighlightsThird COVID-19 vaccine dose (booster) enhances immune responseInterim phase 2/3 data for booster ≥6 months after the 2nd dose in Japan are shownS-268019-b was noninferior to tozinameran in inducing neutralizing antibodiesSera boosted with either vaccines neutralized Delta and Omicron virus variantsS-268019-b was safe, and results support its use as a booster in vaccinated adults
Assessment of Aerosol Persistence in ICUs via Low-cost Sensor Network and Zonal Models
Authors: Glenn K , He J , Rochlin R , Teng S , Hecker JG , Novosselov I 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic raised public awareness about airborne particulate matter (PM) due to the spread of infectious diseases via the respiratory route. The persistence of potentially infectious aerosols in public spaces and the spread of nosocomial infections in medical settings deserve careful investigation; however, a systematic approach characterizing the fate of aerosols in clinical environments has not been reported. This paper presents a methodology for mapping aerosol propagation using a low-cost PM sensor network in ICU and adjacent environments and the subsequent development of the data-driven zonal model. Mimicking aerosol generation by a patient, we generated trace NaCl aerosols and monitored their propagation in the environment. In positive (closed door) and neutral-pressure (open door) ICUs, up to 6% or 19%, respectively, of all PM escaped through the door gaps; however, the outside sensors did not register an aerosol spike in negative-pressure ICUs. The K-means clustering analysis of temporospatial aerosol concentration data suggests that ICU can be represented by three distinct zones: (1) near the aerosol source, (2) room periphery, and (3) outside the room. The data suggests two-phase plume behavior: dispersion of the original aerosol spike throughout the room, followed by an evacuation phase where “well-mixed” aerosol concentration decayed uniformly. Decay rates were calculated for positive, neutral, and negative pressure operations, with negative-pressure rooms clearing out nearly twice as fast. These decay trends closely followed the air exchange rates. This research demonstrates the methodology for aerosol monitoring in medical settings. This study is limited by a relatively small data set and is specific to single-occupancy ICU rooms. Future work needs to evaluate medical settings with high risks of infectious disease transmission.
Individualised Profiling of White Matter Organisation in Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Using TractLearn: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Clemente Adam , Attyé Arnaud , Renard Félix , Calamante Fernando , Burmester Alex , Imms Phoebe , Deutscher Evelyn , Akhlaghi Hamed , Beech Paul , Wilson Peter H , Poudel Govinda , Dominguez D Juan F , Caeyenberghs Karen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractApproximately 65% of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (m-sTBI) patients present with poor long-term behavioural outcomes, which can significantly impair activities of daily living. Numerous diffusion-weighted MRI studies have linked these poor outcomes to decreased white matter integrity of several commissural tracts, association fibres and projection fibres in the brain. However, these studies focused on group-based analyses, which are unable to deal with the substantial between-patient heterogeneity in m-sTBI. As a result, there is increasing interest in conducting individualised neuroimaging analyses. Here, we generated a detailed subject-specific characterisation of microstructural organisation of white matter tracts in 5 chronic patients with m-sTBI (29 – 49y, 2 females). We developed an imaging analysis framework using fixel-based analysis and TractLearn to determine whether the values of fibre density of white matter tracts at the individual patient level deviate from the healthy control group (n = 12, 8F, Mage=35.7y, age range 25 – 64y). Our individualised analysis confirmed unique white matter profiles, and the heterogeneous nature of m-sTBI to properly characterise the extent of brain abnormality. Future studies incorporating clinical data, as well as utilising larger reference samples and examining the test-retest reliability of the fixel-wise metrics are warranted. This proof-of-concept study suggests that these resulting individual profiles may assist clinicians in planning personalised training programs for chronic m-sTBI patients, which is necessary to achieve optimal behavioural outcomes and improved quality of life.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among health care workers after the first and second pandemic wave
Authors: Visscher Nathalie de , Holemans Xavier , Gillain Aline , Kornreich Anne , Lagasse Raphael , Piette Philippe , Ventura Manfredi , Thys Frédéric 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe Grand Hôpital de Charleroi is a large non-academic Belgian hospital that treated a large number of COVID-19 inpatients. In the context of this pandemic, all professions-combined healthcare workers (HCWs), and not only direct caregivers, are a frontline workforce in contact with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases and seem to be a high-risk group for exposure. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in HCWs in our hospital after the first and the second pandemic wave and also to characterize the distribution of this seroprevalence in relation to various criteria.MethodsAt the end of the two recruitment periods, a total of 4008 serological tests were performed in this single-center cross-sectional study. After completing a questionnaire including demographic and personal data, possible previous COVID-19 diagnostic test results and/or the presence of symptoms potentially related to COVID-19, the study participants underwent blood sampling and serological testing using DiaSorin’s LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG test for the first phase and LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG test for the second phase of this study.Results302 study participants (10,72%) in the first round of the study and 404 (33,92%) in the second round were positive for SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies. The prevalence of seropositivity observed after the second wave was 3,16 times higher than after the first wave. We confirmed that direct, prolonged and repeated contact with patients or their environment was a predominant seroconversion factor, but more unexpectedly, that this was the case for all HCWs and not only caregivers. Finally, the notion of high-risk contact seemed more readily identifiable in one’s workplace than in one’s private life.ConclusionOur study confirmed that HCWs are at a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than the general population, and suggest that repeated contacts with at-risk patients, regardless of the HCWs’ profession, represent the most important risk factor for seroconversion. (Clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT04723290)
Sero-surveillance for IgG to SARS-CoV-2 at antenatal care clinics in three Kenyan referral hospitals: repeated cross-sectional surveys 2020-21
Authors: Lucinde R. , Mugo D. , Bottomley C. , Karani A. , Gardiner E. , Aziza R , Gitonga J. , Karanja H. , Nyagwange J. , Tuju J. , Wanjiku P. , Nzomo E. , Kamuri E. , Thuranira K. , Agunda S. , Nyutu G. , Etyang A. , Adetifa I. M. O. , Kagucia E. , Uyoga S. , Otiende M. , Otieno E. , Ndwiga L. , Agoti C. N. , Aman R. A. , Mwangangi M. , Amoth P. , Kasera K. , Nyaguara A. , Ng’ang’a W. , Ochola L. B. , Namdala E. , Gaunya O , Okuku R , Barasa E. , Bejon P. , Tsofa B. , Ochola-Oyier L. I. , Warimwe G. M. , Agweyu A. , Scott J. A. G. , Gallagher K. E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe high proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections that have remained undetected presents a challenge to tracking the progress of the pandemic and estimating the extent of population immunity.MethodsWe used residual blood samples from women attending antenatal care services at three hospitals in Kenya between August 2020 and October 2021and a validated IgG ELISA for SARS-Cov-2 spike protein and adjusted the results for assay sensitivity and specificity. We fitted a two-component mixture model as an alternative to the threshold analysis to estimate of the proportion of individuals with past SARS-CoV-2 infection.ResultsWe estimated seroprevalence in 2,981 women; 706 in Nairobi, 567 in Busia and 1,708 in Kilifi. By October 2021, 13% of participants were vaccinated (at least one dose) in Nairobi, 2% in Busia. Adjusted seroprevalence rose in all sites; from 50% (95%CI 42-58) in August 2020, to 85% (95%CI 78-92) in October 2021 in Nairobi; from 31% (95%CI 25-37) in May 2021 to 71% (95%CI 64-77) in October 2021 in Busia; and from 1% (95% CI 0-3) in September 2020 to 63% (95% CI 56-69) in October 2021 in Kilifi. Mixture modelling, suggests adjusted cross-sectional prevalence estimates are underestimates; seroprevalence in October 2021 could be 74% in Busia and 72% in Kilifi.ConclusionsThere has been substantial, unobserved transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Nairobi, Busia and Kilifi Counties. Due to the length of time since the beginning of the pandemic, repeated cross-sectional surveys are now difficult to interpret without the use of models to account for antibody waning.
Burden of Disease from Contaminated Drinking Water in Countries with High Access to Safely Managed Water: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Debbie , Gibson Jacqueline MacDonald , Brown Joe , Habtewold Jemaneh , Murphy Heather M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe vast majority of residents of high-income countries (≥90%) reportedly have high access to safely managed drinking water. Owing perhaps to the widely held perception of near universal access to high-quality water services in these countries, the burden of waterborne disease in these contexts is understudied. This systematic review aimed to: identify population-scale estimates of waterborne disease in countries with high access to safely managed drinking water, compare methods to quantify disease burden, and identify gaps in available burden estimates. We conducted a systematic review of population-scale disease burden estimates attributed to drinking water in countries where ≥90% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water per official United Nations monitoring. We identified 24 studies reporting estimates for disease burden attributable to microbial contaminants. Across these studies, the population-weighted average burden of gastrointestinal illness risks attributed to drinking water was ∼3,529 annual cases per 100,000 people. Beyond exposure to infectious agents, we identified 10 studies reporting disease burden—predominantly, cancer risks—associated with chemical contaminants. Across these studies, the pooled population-weighted average of excess cancer cases attributable to drinking water was 1.8 annual cancer cases per 100,000 people. These estimates exceed WHO-recommended normative targets for disease burden attributable to drinking water and highlight that there remains important preventable disease burden in these contexts. However, the available literature was scant and limited in geographic scope, disease outcomes, range of microbial and chemical contaminants, and inclusion of subpopulations (rural, low-income communities; Indigenous or Aboriginal peoples; and populations marginalized due to discrimination by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status) that could most benefit from water infrastructure investments. Studies quantifying drinking water-associated disease burden in countries with reportedly high access to safe drinking water, with a focus on specific subpopulations and promoting environmental justice, are needed.
Monocyte, Neutrophil and Whole Blood Transcriptome Dynamics Following Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Carmona-Mora Paulina , Knepp Bodie , Jickling Glen C , Zhan Xinhua , Hakoupian Marisa , Hull Heather , Alomar Noor , Amini Hajar , Sharp Frank R , Stamova Boryana , Ander Bradley P 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAfter ischemic stroke (IS), peripheral leukocytes infiltrate the damaged region and modulate the response to injury. Peripheral blood cells display distinctive gene expression signatures post IS and these transcriptional programs reflect changes in immune responses to IS. Dissecting the temporal dynamics of gene expression after IS improves our understanding of immune and clotting responses at the molecular and cellular level that are involved in acute brain injury and may assist with time-targeted, cell-specific therapy.MethodsThe transcriptomic profiles from peripheral monocytes, neutrophils, and whole blood from 38 ischemic stroke patients and 18 controls were analyzed with RNAseq as a function of time and etiology after stroke. Differential expression analyses were performed at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and >48 h following stroke.ResultsUnique patterns of temporal gene expression and pathways were distinguished for monocytes, neutrophils and whole blood with enrichment of interleukin signaling pathways for different timepoints and stroke etiologies. Compared to control subjects, gene expression was generally up-regulated in neutrophils and generally down- regulated in monocytes over all times for cardioembolic, large vessel and small vessel strokes. Self-Organizing Maps identified gene clusters with similar trajectories of gene expression over time for different stroke causes and sample types. Weighted Gene Co- expression Network Analyses identified modules of co-expressed genes that significantly varied with time after stroke and included hub genes of immunoglobulin genes in whole blood.ConclusionsAltogether, the identified genes and pathways are critical for understanding how the immune and clotting systems change over time after stroke. This study identifies potential time- and cell-specific biomarkers and treatment targets.
A multi-analyte serum biomarker panel for early detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Firpo Matthew A. , Boucher Kenneth M. , Bleicher Josh , Khanderao Gayatri D. , Rosati Alessandra , Poruk Katherine E. , Kamal Sama , Marzullo Liberato , De Marco Margot , Falco Antonia , Genovese Armando , Adler Jessica M. , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Adler Douglas G. , Affolter Kajsa E. , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Scaife Courtney L. , Turco M. Caterina , Mulvihill Sean J. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTPurposeWe determined whether a large, multi-analyte panel of circulating biomarkers can improve detection of early-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Experimental DesignWe defined a biologically relevant subspace of blood analytes based on previous identification in premalignant lesions or early-stage PDAC and evaluated each in pilot studies. The 31 analytes that met minimum diagnostic accuracy were measured in serum of 837 subjects (461 healthy, 194 benign pancreatic disease, 182 early stage PDAC). We used machine learning to develop classification algorithms using the relationship between subjects based on their changes across the predictors. Model performance was subsequently evaluated in an independent validation data set from 186 additional subjects.ResultsA classification model was trained on 669 subjects (358 healthy, 159 benign, 152 early-stage PDAC). Model evaluation on a hold-out test set of 168 subjects (103 healthy, 35 benign, 30 early-stage PDAC) yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.920 for classification of PDAC from non-PDAC (benign and healthy controls) and an AUC of 0.944 for PDAC vs. healthy controls. The algorithm was then validated in 146 subsequent cases presenting with pancreatic disease (73 benign pancreatic disease, 73 early and late stage PDAC) as well as 40 healthy control subjects. The validation set yielded an AUC of 0.919 for classification of PDAC from non-PDAC and an AUC of 0.925 for PDAC vs. healthy controls.ConclusionsIndividually weak serum biomarkers can be combined into a strong classification algorithm to develop a blood test to identify patients who may benefit from further testing.