Natural Language Processing for Improved Characterization of COVID-19 Symptoms: Observational Study of 350,000 Patients in a Large Integrated Health Care System.

Background: Natural language processing (NLP) of unstructured text from electronic medical records (EMR) can improve the characterization of COVID-19 signs and symptoms, but large-scale studies demonstrating the real-world application and validation of NLP for this purpose are limited.

Objective: The aim of this paper is to assess the contribution of NLP when identifying COVID-19 signs and symptoms from EMR.

Methods: This study was conducted in Kaiser Permanente Southern California, a large integrated health care system using data from all patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 laboratory tests from March 2020 to May 2021.

The Natural History of NAFLD, a Community-Based Study at a Large Health Care Delivery System in the United States.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global public health problem. However, the natural history of NAFLD is incomplete. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients identified with NAFLD by diagnosis codes in a large, community-based health care delivery system.

Obesity and Mortality Among Patients Diagnosed With COVID-19: Results From an Integrated Health Care Organization.

Background: Obesity, race/ethnicity, and other correlated characteristics have emerged as high-profile risk factors for adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated outcomes, yet studies have not adequately disentangled their effects.

Objective: To determine the adjusted effect of body mass index (BMI), associated comorbidities, time, neighborhood-level sociodemographic factors, and other factors on risk for death due to COVID-19.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Increased cancer rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Aims: As previous reports show an association of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-liver cancers, we examine the association of HCV with liver cancer and non-liver cancers.

Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) evaluating HCV and non-HCV patients from 1 January 2008 to 12 December 2012. Cancer diagnoses were obtained from the KPSC-SEER-affiliated registry.

Postoperative Risk of Hepatic Decompensation after Orthopedic Surgery in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Background And Aims: Previous studies have shown increased hepatic decompensation in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgery. However, there are little data available in cirrhotics undergoing orthopedic surgery compared to cirrhotics who did not undergo surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the demographics, comorbid conditions, and clinical factors associated with hepatic decompensation within 90 days in cirrhotics who underwent orthopedic surgery.

Understanding the Capacity for Exercise in Post-Bariatric Patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to conduct a pilot randomized trial testing an exercise program specifically adapted for post-bariatric patients.

Methods: A total of 51 post-bariatric patients, 6-24 months post-surgery, were randomly assigned to usual care control (n = 25) or the exercise intervention (n = 26). The intervention included twice weekly 60-min group exercise classes with functional strength, flexibility, and aerobic activities; at least 3 days per week of self-directed exercise; daily pedometer; recording of steps and activities; and weekly telephone counseling.

Fundraising, celebrations and classroom rewards are substantial sources of unhealthy foods and beverages on public school campuses.

Objective: The emphasis in school nutrition policy has been on vending and competitive items. Our study was designed to characterize and quantify the amount and source of other foods and beverages on school campuses.

Design: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a specially designed objective nutrition observation system.

The healthy options for nutrition environments in schools (Healthy ONES) group randomized trial: using implementation models to change nutrition policy and environments in low income schools.

Background: The Healthy Options for Nutrition Environments in Schools (Healthy ONES) study was an evidence-based public health (EBPH) randomized group trial that adapted the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) rapid improvement process model to implement school nutrition policy and environmental change.

Methods: A low-income school district volunteered for participation in the study. All schools in the district agreed to participate (elementary = 6, middle school = 2) and were randomly assigned within school type to intervention (n = 4) and control (n =4) conditions following a baseline environmental audit year.

Translating physical activity recommendations for overweight adolescents to steps per day.

Background: Steps/day guidelines for children aged 12 years and under are 12,000 to 16,000. There are limited reports in the literature on how many steps/day adolescents need to meet the 60-minutes/day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendation. This study aimed to determine the steps/day that correctly classifies adolescents as meeting the 60-minute recommendation using objective measures.