scholarly journals The rapid, massive infection of the scientific literature and authors by COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ioannidis ◽  
Maia Salholz-Hillel ◽  
Kevin Boyack ◽  
Jeroen Baas
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Citation Impact ◽  
News Stories ◽  
Automobile Design ◽  
Citation Indicator ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Scientific Workforce

Importance: COVID-19 is a major global crisis and the scientific community has been mobilized to deal with this crisis. Objective: To estimate the extent to which the scientific workforce in different fields has been engaged publishing papers relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, setting, and participants: We evaluated Scopus (data cut, December 1, 2020) for all indexed published papers and preprints relevant to COVID-19. We mapped this COVID-19 literature in terms of its authors across 174 subfields of science according to the Science Metrix classification. We also evaluated the extent to which the most influential scientists across science (based on a composite citation indicator) had published COVID-19-related research. Finally, we assessed the features of authors who published the highest number of COVID-19 publications and of those with the highest impact in the COVID-19 field based on the composite citation indicator limited to COVID-19 publications. Main outcomes and measures: Publishing scientists (authors) and their published papers and citation impact. Results: 84,180 indexed publications were relevant to COVID-19 including 322,279 unique authors. The highest rates of COVID-19 publications were seen for authors classified in Public Health and in Clinical Medicine, where 11.3% (6,388/56,516) and 11.1% (92,570/833,060) of authors, respectively, had published on COVID-19. Almost all (173/174) subfields (except for Automobile Design & Engineering) had some authors publishing on COVID-19. Among active scientists at the top 2% of citation impact, 15,803 (13.3%) had published on COVID-19 in their publications in the first 11 months of 2020. The rates were the highest in the fields of Clinical Medicine (27.7%) and Public Health (26.8%). In 83 of the 174 subfields of science, at least one in ten active, influential authors in that field had authored something on COVID-19. 65 authors had already at least 30 (and up to 133) COVID-19 publications each. Among the 300 authors with the highest composite citation indicator for COVID-19 publications, 26 were journalists or editors publishing news stories or editorials in prestigious journals; most common countries for the remaining were China (n=77), USA (n=66), UK (n=27), and Italy (n=20). Conclusions and relevance: The scientific literature and publishing scientists have been rapidly and massively infected by COVID-19 creating opportunities and challenges. There is evidence for hyper-prolific productivity.

scholarly journals The rapid, massive growth of COVID-19 authors in the scientific literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 210389
Author(s):  
John P. A. Ioannidis ◽  
Maia Salholz-Hillel ◽  
Kevin W. Boyack ◽  
Jeroen Baas
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Massive Growth ◽  
Citation Indicator ◽  
Prolific Authors ◽  
Scientific Workforce ◽  
Hiv Aids

We examined the extent to which the scientific workforce in different fields was engaged in publishing COVID-19-related papers. According to Scopus (data cut, 1 August 2021), 210 183 COVID-19-related publications included 720 801 unique authors, of which 360 005 authors had published at least five full papers in their career and 23 520 authors were at the top 2% of their scientific subfield based on a career-long composite citation indicator. The growth of COVID-19 authors was far more rapid and massive compared with cohorts of authors historically publishing on H1N1, Zika, Ebola, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. All 174 scientific subfields had some specialists who had published on COVID-19. In 109 of the 174 subfields of science, at least one in 10 active, influential (top 2% composite citation indicator) authors in the subfield had authored something on COVID-19. Fifty-three hyper-prolific authors had already at least 60 (and up to 227) COVID-19 publications each. Among the 300 authors with the highest composite citation indicator for their COVID-19 publications, most common countries were USA ( n = 67), China ( n = 52), UK ( n = 32) and Italy ( n = 18). The rapid and massive involvement of the scientific workforce in COVID-19-related work is unprecedented and creates opportunities and challenges. There is evidence for hyper-prolific productivity.

scholarly journals Green Deal as a Climate Changes Dam on the Road to Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Jevtic ◽  
C Bouland
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Road ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
On The Road ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Public health professionals (PHP) have a dual task in climate change. They should persuade their colleagues in clinical medicine of the importance of all the issues covered by the GD. The fact that the health sector contributes to the overall emissions of 4.4% speaks to the lack of awareness within the health sector itself. The issue of providing adequate infrastructure for the health sector is essential. Strengthening the opportunities and development of the circular economy within healthcare is more than just a current issue. The second task of PHP is targeting the broader population. The public health mission is being implemented, inter alia, through numerous activities related to environmental monitoring and assessment of the impact on health. GD should be a roadmap for priorities and actions in public health, bearing in mind: an ambitious goal of climate neutrality, an insistence on clean, affordable and safe energy, a strategy for a clean and circular economy. GD provides a framework for the development of sustainable and smart transport, the development of green agriculture and policies from field to table. It also insists on biodiversity conservation and protection actions. The pursuit of zero pollution and an environment free of toxic chemicals, as well as incorporating sustainability into all policies, is also an indispensable part of GD. GD represents a leadership step in the global framework towards a healthier future and comprises all the non-EU members as well. The public health sector should consider the GD as an argument for achieving goals at national levels, and align national public health policies with the goals of this document. There is a need for stronger advocacy of health and public-health interests along with incorporating sustainability into all policies. Achieving goals requires the education process for healthcare professionals covering all of topics of climate change, energy and air pollution to a much greater extent than before.

scholarly journals The academic viewpoint on Big data and patient data ownership (as seen in the scientific literature)

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Mircheva ◽  
M Mirchev
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Medical Research ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Patient Information ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Medical Data ◽  
Patient Data ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Ethical Challenges

Abstract Background Ownership of patient information in the context of Big Data is a relatively new problem, apparently not yet fully understood. There are not enough publications on the subject. Since the topic is interdisciplinary, incorporating legal, ethical, medical and aspects of information and communication technologies, a slightly more sophisticated analysis of the issue is needed. Aim To determine how the medical academic community perceives the issue of ownership of patient information in the context of Big Data. Methods Literature search for full text publications, indexed in PubMed, Springer, ScienceDirect and Scopus identified only 27 appropriate articles authored by academicians and corresponding to three focus areas: problem (ownership); area (healthcare); context (Big Data). Three major aspects were studied: scientific area of publications, aspects and academicians' perception of ownership in the context of Big Data. Results Publications are in the period 2014 - 2019, 37% published in health and medical informatics journals, 30% in medicine and public health, 19% in law and ethics; 78% authored by American and British academicians, highly cited. The majority (63%) are in the area of scientific research - clinical studies, access and use of patient data for medical research, secondary use of medical data, ethical challenges to Big data in healthcare. The majority (70%) of the publications discuss ownership in ethical and legal aspects and 67% see ownership as a challenge mostly to medical research, access control, ethics, politics and business. Conclusions Ownership of medical data is seen first and foremost as a challenge. Addressing this challenge requires the combined efforts of politicians, lawyers, ethicists, computer and medical professionals, as well as academicians, sharing these efforts, experiences and suggestions. However, this issue is neglected in the scientific literature. Publishing may help in open debates and adequate policy solutions. Key messages Ownership of patient information in the context of Big Data is a problem that should not be marginalized but needs a comprehensive attitude, consideration and combined efforts from all stakeholders. Overcoming the challenge of ownership may help in improving healthcare services, medical and public health research and the health of the population as a whole.

scholarly journals Working towards evidence-informed policy: Public health report Stockholm

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bartelink ◽  
D Yacaman Mendez ◽  
A Lager
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Public Health Report ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Report ◽  
High Quality Evidence ◽  
Quality Evidence

Abstract Issue Public health problems and interventions are often addressed in sub-optimal ways by not prioritizing them based on the best available evidence. Description of the Problem The public health report 2019 for the Stockholm region aims to inform decision makers, politicians, and public health workers about the risk factors and diseases that account for the biggest part of the burden of disease with a clear focus on high quality evidence and communication of main messages. How did the public health report 2019 affect public health policy in the Stockholm region? Results The public health report 2019 influenced agenda setting, resource allocation and priority setting in the Stockholm region. Lessons We identified the following facilitating factors in the process, of which most also are supported in scientific literature, in chronological order: 1) understanding the policymaking context to be aware of windows of opportunity, 2) establishing relationships with relevant policymakers, engage with them routinely in the decision-making process, and being accessible for questions, 3) doing high-quality research by considering the latest scientific literature, multiple data sources and involving academic experts in the field, 4) communicating clear and relevant messages for generalists by translating research into easy-understandable texts and attractive figures, and 5) active dissemination of the report through multiple channels. In addition, the following barriers were identified: 1) the timeframe of the policymaking process was not in line with the research process, and 2) involving politicians in an early stage can potentially harm the objectivity of research in media messages. Key messages By focussing on major problems, high quality evidence and clear messages a public health report can contribute to more evidence-informed policy making. Engaging decision makers in the process of public health reporting is critical for the impact on agenda setting, resource allocation, and priority setting.

scholarly journals How the Heart Was Involved in COVID-19 during the First Pandemic Phase: A Review

Epidemiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-139
Author(s):  
Andrea Canalella ◽  
Ermanno Vitale ◽  
Francesca Vella ◽  
Paola Senia ◽  
Emanuele Cannizzaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Hubei Province ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanisms ◽  
Cardiovascular Involvement

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first observed in Wuhan, Hubei Province (China) in December 2019, resulting in an acute respiratory syndrome. Only later was COVID-19 considered a public health emergency of international concern and, on 11 March 2020, the WHO classified it as pandemic. Despite being a respiratory virus, the clinical manifestations are also characterized by cardiological involvement, especially in patients suffering from previous comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, its complications being potentially serious or fatal. Despite the efforts made by the scientific community to identify pathophysiological mechanisms, they still remain unclear. A fundamental role is played by the angiotensin 2 converting enzyme, known for its effects at the cardiovascular level and for its involvement in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The goal of this paper was to highlight the mechanisms and knowledge related to cardiovascular involvement during the first pandemic phase, as well as to emphasize the main cardiological complications in infected patients.

scholarly journals Regulations concerning natural swimming ponds in Europe: considerations on public health issues

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 564-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saverio Giampaoli ◽  
Nathalie Garrec ◽  
Gérard Donzé ◽  
Federica Valeriani ◽  
Lothar Erdinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Water Management ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Recreational Water ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
European Directive ◽  
New Type

Natural swimming ponds (NSPs) are a new type of recreational water facility characterized by the substitution of traditional disinfection with biodepuration. While this feature meets esthetic desires of users, specific concerns on public health issues have been raised by the scientific community and local authorities. The absence of a European directive applicable to these environments leaves each country without specific and harmonized indications. The present work describes the local/national policy situation, describing adopted parameters and monitoring activities. All documents underline the need for appropriate microbiological analysis and correct water management.

scholarly journals Cyanobacterial Toxins and Peptides in Lake Vegoritis, Greece

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 394
Author(s):  
Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou ◽  
Kimon Moschandreou ◽  
Aikaterina Paraskevopoulou ◽  
Christophoros Christophoridis ◽  
Elpida Grigoriadou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Simultaneous Determination ◽  
Aquatic Ecosystems ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Cyanobacterial Toxins ◽  
Major Threat ◽  
Almost All

Cyanotoxins (CTs) produced by cyanobacteria in surface freshwater are a major threat for public health and aquatic ecosystems. Cyanobacteria can also produce a wide variety of other understudied bioactive metabolites such as oligopeptides microginins (MGs), aeruginosins (AERs), aeruginosamides (AEGs) and anabaenopeptins (APs). This study reports on the co-occurrence of CTs and cyanopeptides (CPs) in Lake Vegoritis, Greece and presents their variant-specific profiles obtained during 3-years of monitoring (2018–2020). Fifteen CTs (cylindrospermopsin (CYN), anatoxin (ATX), nodularin (NOD), and 12 microcystins (MCs)) and ten CPs (3 APs, 4 MGs, 2 AERs and aeruginosamide (AEG A)) were targeted using an extended and validated LC-MS/MS protocol for the simultaneous determination of multi-class CTs and CPs. Results showed the presence of MCs (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR, dmMC-LR, dmMC-RR, MC-HtyR, and MC-HilR) and CYN at concentrations of <1 μg/L, with MC-LR (79%) and CYN (71%) being the most frequently occurring. Anabaenopeptins B (AP B) and F (AP F) were detected in almost all samples and microginin T1 (MG T1) was the most abundant CP, reaching 47.0 μg/L. This is the first report of the co-occurrence of CTs and CPs in Lake Vegoritis, which is used for irrigation, fishing and recreational activities. The findings support the need for further investigations of the occurrence of CTs and the less studied cyanobacterial metabolites in lakes, to promote risk assessment with relevance to human exposure.

The Correlation of Parents Height Characteristics and Maternal Nutritional Status During Pregnancy Based on Upper Arm Circumference (UAC) and Stunting Incidence of Toddlers Aged 24-59 Months in the Working Area of Berbek Community Health Center Nganjuk Regency

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 001-012
Author(s):  
Wahyu Nuraisya ◽  
Wahyu Erdi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Upper Arm ◽  
Public Health Center ◽  
Maternal Nutritional Status ◽  
Arm Circumference ◽  
Parental Height ◽  
Almost All

Stunting in Indonesia was the fifth ranks in the world, influenced by many factors, some of which are the height of the parents and the nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy. The purpose of this research was to determine the correlation of parent height characteristics and maternal nutritional status during pregnancy based on Upper Arm Circumference (UAC) with stunting incidence in toddlers aged 24-59 months in the working area of the Berbek Public Health Center Nganjuk Regency. The research design used correlation analytic research design with observational method with case control approach. The independent variables consisted of parental height characteristics and maternal nutritional status during pregnancy based on UAC, and the dependent variable was stunting incidence. The population was 2266 respondents of under-five children aged 24-59 months. The sampling technique used quota sampling consisted 96 respondents. The instrument used height measurement tool, the Mother's Child Health book and the Public Health Center Weigh Activity Report, 2011. This research was conducted from 22 July to 22 August 2019 in three selected villages namely Sumberurip, Sumberwindu and Semare villages. Data analysis used chi-square test α (0.05). The results showed that almost all mothers and fathers had normal height characteristics, almost all respondents had the nutritional status of the mother during normal pregnancy. Analysis of height, circumference of the mother, and nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy based on Upper Arm Circumference (UAC) was obtained ρ value = 0.036; 0,000 and 0,000 <α 0,05. It meant that there was a correlation between parental height characteristics and maternal nutritional status during pregnancy based on Upper Arm Circumference (UAC) with the incidence of stunting in children aged 24-59 months in the Berbek Public Health Center Nganjuk Regency Parental height and nutritional status of the mother during normal pregnancy, it will have the opportunity to have a child with good growth.

Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurant Program: A Survey of Participating Restaurant Operators

2003 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley A. Macaskill ◽  
John J.M. Dwyer ◽  
Connie L. Uetrecht ◽  
Carol Dombrow
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
First Year ◽  
Communication Education ◽  
Family Style ◽  
Quick Service ◽  
Almost All

Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurant Program is a standard provincial health promotion program. Public health units grant an award of excellence to restaurants that meet designated standards in nutrition, food safety, and non-smoking seating. The purpose of this study was to assess whether program objectives for participating restaurant operators were achieved during the first year of program implementation, and to obtain operators’ recommendations for improving the program. Dillman's tailored design method was used to design a mail survey and implement it among participating operators (n = 434). The design method, which consisted of four mail-outs, yielded a 74% response rate. Fifty percent of respondents operated family-style or quick-service restaurants, and 82% of respondents learned about the program from public health inspectors. Almost all respondents (98%) participated in the program mainly to have their establishments known as clean and healthy restaurants, 65% received and used either point-of-purchase table stands or postcards to promote the program, and 98% planned to continue participating. The respondents’ suggestions for improving the program were related to the award ceremony and program materials, media promotion, communication, education, and program standards. Program staff can use the findings to enhance the program.

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