bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of housekeeping genes, tissue-specific genes, and dynamic regulation across developmental stages in pearl millet
Authors: Luo Wei , Sun Min , Zhang Ailing , Lin Chuang , Jin Yarong , Wang Xiaoshan , Huang Linkai
Published: December 2024

Background

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a vital cereal crop, predominantly cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. It serves as a staple food for millions, while also being utilized as forage and an energy crop. The crop’s resistance to heat and drought, coupled with its high biomass, positions it as a promising candidate for climate-resilient agriculture. A detailed understanding of its gene expression patterns across various tissues and developmental stages is essential for enhancing its yield and quality. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by employing RNA-seq to identify housekeeping genes (HKGs) and tissue-specific genes (TSGs) in pearl millet.

Results

Our analysis of RNA-seq data from nine tissues (seed, germ, radicle, leaf, root, tillering tissue, stem, spike, and grain) across eight developmental stages in pearl millet accession Tifleaf3 revealed a comprehensive gene expression profile. We identified 461 HKGs that exhibited stable expression across all tissues and stages, providing robust internal references for RT-qPCR. Additionally, 8091 TSGs were discovered, many of which showed distinctive expression patterns in tissues such as spike, stem, and leaf. Functional enrichment analysis of these genes using GO and KEGG pathways highlighted their roles in key biological processes and pathways, indicating their potential in crop trait enhancement. Protein-protein interaction networks constructed for stem and leaf tissues further illuminated the regulatory mechanisms underlying the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth stages.

Conclusion

This study presents a detailed transcriptomic landscape of pearl millet, identifying a set of HKGs and TSGs that are crucial for understanding the molecular basis of its growth and development. We provided valuable options for transcript normalization and crucial targets for exploring gene function for the plant growth and development in pearl millet. The insights gained from this work are instrumental for breeding programs aimed at enhancing the productivity of pearl millet, thereby contributing to food and energy security.
Genomic analyses revealed low genetic variation in the intron-exon boundary of the doublesex gene within the natural populations of An. gambiae s.l. in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kientega Mahamadi , Morianou Ioanna , Traoré Nouhoun , Kranjc Nace , Kaboré Honorine , Zongo Odette N , Millogo Abdoul-Azize , Epopa Patric Stephane , Yao Franck A. , Belem Adrien M G , Austin Burt , Diabaté Abdoulaye
Published: December 2024

Background

The recent success of a population control gene drive targeting the doublesex gene in Anopheles gambiae paved the way for developing self-sustaining and self-limiting genetic control strategies targeting the sex determination pathway to reduce and/or distort the reproductive capacity of insect vectors. However, targeting these genes for genetic control requires a better understanding of their genetic variation in natural populations to ensure effective gene drive spread. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the Ag1000G project (Ag3.0, 3.4 and 3.8), and Illumina pooled amplicon sequencing, we investigated the genetic polymorphism of the intron-4–exon-5 boundary of the doublesex gene in the natural populations of An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.).

Results

The analyses showed a very low variant density at the gRNA target sequence of the Ag(QFS)1 gene drive (previously called dsxFCRISPRh) within the populations of West and East Africa. However, populations from the forest area in Central Africa exhibited four SNP at frequencies ranging from 0.011 to 0.26. The SNP (2R:48714641[C > T]) at high frequencies, i.e. 0.26 is identified within the An. coluzzii population from Angola. The analyses also identified 90 low frequency (1 − 5%) SNPs in the genomic region around the gRNA target sequence (intron-4–exon-5 boundary). Three of these SNPs (2R:48714472 A > T; 2R:48714486 C > A; 2R:48714516 C > T) were observed at frequencies higher than 5% in the UTR region of the doublesex gene. The results also showed a very low variant density and constant nucleotide diversity over a five-year survey in natural An. gambiae s.l. populations of Burkina Faso.

Conclusion

These findings will guide the implementation of doublesex-targeted gene drives to support the current control tools in malaria elimination efforts. Our methods can be applied to efficiently monitor the evolution of any sequence of interest in a natural population via pooled amplicon sequencing, surpassing the need for WGS.
Accuracy of symptom checker for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections using machine learning and Bayesian network algorithms
Authors: Soe Nyi Nyi , Towns Janet M , Latt Phyu Mon , Woodberry Owen , Chung Mark , Lee David , Ong Jason J , Chow Eric P.F. , Zhang Lei , Fairley Christopher K.
Published: December 2024

Background

A significant proportion of individuals with symptoms of sexually transmitted infection (STI) delay or avoid seeking healthcare, and digital diagnostic tools may prompt them to seek healthcare earlier. Unfortunately, none of the currently available tools fully mimic clinical assessment or cover a wide range of STIs.

Methods

We prospectively invited attendees presenting with STI-related symptoms at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre to answer gender-specific questionnaires covering the symptoms of 12 common STIs using a computer-assisted self-interviewing system between 2015 and 2018. Then, we developed an online symptom checker (iSpySTI.org) using Bayesian networks. In this study, various machine learning algorithms were trained and evaluated for their ability to predict these STI and anogenital conditions. We used the Z-test to compare their average area under the ROC curve (AUC) scores with the Bayesian networks for diagnostic accuracy.

Results

The study population included 6,162 men (median age 30, IQR: 26–38; approximately 40% of whom had sex with men in the past 12 months) and 4,358 women (median age 27, IQR: 24–31). Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) (23.6%, 1447/6121), genital warts (11.7%, 718/6121) and balanitis (8.9%, 546/6121) were the most common conditions in men. Candidiasis (16.6%, 722/4538) and bacterial vaginosis (16.2%, 707/4538) were the most common conditions in women. During evaluation with unseen datasets, machine learning models performed well for most male conditions, with the AUC ranging from 0.81 to 0.95, except for urinary tract infections (UTI) (AUC 0.72). Similarly, the models achieved AUCs ranging from 0.75 to 0.95 for female conditions, except for cervicitis (AUC 0.58). Urethral discharge and other urinary symptoms were important features for predicting urethral gonorrhoea, NGU and UTIs. Similarly, participants selected skin images that were similar to their own lesions, and the location of the anogenital skin lesions were also strong predictors. The vaginal discharge (odour, colour) and itchiness were important predictors for bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis. The performance of the machine learning models was significantly better than Bayesian models for male balanitis, molluscum contagiosum and genital warts (P < 0.05) but was similar for the other conditions.

Conclusions

Both machine learning and Bayesian models could predict correct diagnoses with reasonable accuracy using prospectively collected data for 12 STIs and other common anogenital conditions. Further work should expand the number of anogenital conditions and seek ways to improve the accuracy, potentially using patient collected images to supplement questionnaire data.
Differential somatic coding variant landscapes between laser microdissected luminal epithelial cells from canine mammary invasive ductal solid carcinoma and comedocarcinoma
Authors: Deckwirth Vivi , Hundi Sruthi , Hytönen Marjo K. , Hannula Sari , Ellonen Pekka , Björkenheim Pia , Sukura Antti , Lohi Hannes
Published: December 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. Likewise, canine mammary tumors (CMT) represent the most common cancer in intact female dogs and develop in the majority spontaneously. Similarities exist in clinical presentation, histopathology, biomarkers, and treatment. However, CMT subtype-specific genomic background is less investigated. Here, we assess the genetic etiology of two histomorphological (HM) subtypes with BC counterparts, the CMT invasive ductal simple solid carcinoma (SC) and comedocarcinoma (CC), and compare the results with BC data.

Methods

Groups of 11–13 transformed ductal luminal epithelial cells were laser-capture microdissected from snap-frozen invasive mammary SC and CC subtypes of one intact female dog. HM unaffected lobular luminal epithelial cells were controls. Single-cell whole genome libraries were generated using PicoPLEX and sequenced to compare the subtypes’ somatic coding variant landscapes with each other and with BC data available in COSMIC-CGC and KEGG. Furthermore, HM and immunohistochemical (IHC) subtype characteristics were compared with the genomic results.

Results

The CC had six times more variants than the SC. The SC showed variants in adherens junction genes and genes of the MAPK, mTOR and NF-kappa-B signaling pathways. In the CC, the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction, cell adhesion, PI3K-Akt and cGMP-PKG pathways were enriched, reflecting the higher cellular malignancy. Affected pathways in both CMT subtypes overlapped with BC pathways in KEGG. Additionally, we identified ATP6V1C2, GLYATL3, CARMIL3, GATAD2B, OBSCN, SIX2, CPEB3 and ZNF521 as potential new subtype-distinct driver genes. Furthermore, our results revealed biomarker alterations in IHC in the basal/myoepithelial cell layer without respective genetic mutations, suggesting changes to their complex signaling pathways, disturbed regulative feedback loops or other silencing mechanisms.

Conclusions

This study contributes to understanding the subtype-specific molecular mechanisms in the canine mammary invasive ductal simple SC and CC, and revealed subtype-specific molecular complexity for phenotypically similar characteristics. Several affected genes and signaling pathways overlapped with BC indicating the potential use of CMT as model for BC. Our findings emphasize the need for thorough characterization of cancer specimens with respect to translational cancer research, but also how insight into tumor heterogeneity will be crucial for the development of targeted prognostics and therapeutic interventions.
Evaluation of N-NOSE as a surveillance tool for recurrence in gastric and esophageal cancers: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Iitaka Sayuri , Kuroda Akihiro , Narita Tomonori , Hatakeyama Hideyuki , Morishita Masayo , Ungkulpasvich Umbhorn , Hirotsu Takaaki , di Luccio Eric , Yagi Koichi , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: December 2024

Objective

Early detection of recurrent gastric and esophageal cancers remains a critical challenge. Innovative and non-invasive cancer screening technologies, such as N-NOSE, can improve early detection. N-NOSE is a urine-based scent test that leverages the olfactory abilities of the nematode C. elegans. For the first time, this prospective study evaluates the efficacy of the N-NOSE chemotaxis index as a novel biomarker for postoperative surveillance and recurrence in patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

A two-year prospective cohort study was conducted at The University of Tokyo Hospital, involving 40 patients with gastric and esophageal cancers. Urine samples were collected pre- and postoperatively and analysed using the N-NOSE technique.

Results

In cases of recurrence with vascular invasion, the chemotaxis index at 100-fold urine dilution was significantly elevated compared to the non-recurrence group.

Conclusion

This study suggests the potential of N-NOSE as an effective follow-up tool for patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer, particularly those with vascular invasion. While N-NOSE has been validated to distinguish between cancer and non-cancer, and its performance compared to traditional markers has been proven, it has not been studied for recurrence. Our data highlights, for the first time, the capability of N-NOSE in the surveillance of cancer recurrence.
The limited clinical utility of a routine creatine kinase (CK) on admission to a psychiatric inpatient unit
Authors: Scott Fraser A. M. , Butler Matt , Rogers Jonathan P.
Published: December 2024

Background

Creatine kinase (CK) is an intracellular enzyme expressed most commonly in tissues such as skeletal muscle. CK can be used as an investigation to support the diagnosis of conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare idiosyncratic drug reaction – classically to antipsychotic medications – which can be fatal. Routine screening of CK in psychiatric inpatients is a known practice, but its value is uncertain. We aimed to ascertain whether such screening resulted in new diagnoses of NMS or other conditions, and changes in clinical management.

Methods

Using an electronic case register, we conducted a descriptive retrospective cohort study, identifying all psychiatric inpatient admissions in a South London mental health trust over a four-year period where a CK test was conducted within 48 h of admission. We extracted the demographic and clinical characteristics (e.g., diagnosis) of those who met inclusion criteria. Free-text review was performed on all those with a CK potentially suggestive of NMS (CK ≥ 4x upper limit of normal reference range (ULN)) to determine the impact of this abnormal result on subsequent management and diagnosis (including NMS if identified).

Results

Of 14,236 inpatient episodes in the specified window, 2358 (16.6%) had a CK test within 48 h of admission. This was ≥ 4x ULN in 327 (13.8%) cases (free-text successfully reviewed in 318). There were no cases of NMS identified. An abnormal CK result led to a new alternative diagnosis, such as dehydration or catatonia, in only 14 patients (4.4% raised CK sample, 0.6% total CK sample). Impact on subsequent management appeared limited, with the most common adjustment being an increase in frequency of physical observations in 47 instances (14.8%).

Conclusions

The clinical utility of untargeted screening using a serum CK for psychiatric inpatients appears limited, with poor specificity in detection of NMS and a minimal impact on subsequent clinical management.
Association between adherence to behavioral intervention and capability well-being among parents of autistic children: a cross-sectional study from China
Authors: Zhang Huanyu , Chen Shanquan , Yu Jiazhou , Niu Xuejing , Wang Xue , Wang Li
Published: December 2024

Background

High adherence to behavioral interventions among parents of autistic children contribute to improvement in children’s behaviors and parental outcomes. However, most of previous studies focused on the effects of intervention adherence on health-related well-being among parents, which is inadequate to capture the multi-dimensional parental burden of caring for autistic children. The aim of this study is to assess the association between parents’ adherence to behavioral intervention and their capability well-being.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of autistic children aged 1–17 years with a confirmed diagnosis in China. A total of 213 parents of autistic children who were currently receiving behavioral intervention were considered in this study. Parental adherence to behavioral intervention was evaluated by the 5-item General Adherence subscale of the Medical Outcome Study. Capability well-being was assessed using the Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measures for Adults (ICECAP-A), including the domains of stability, attachment, autonomy, achievement, and enjoyment. The index scores for each domain were computed based on the preference-based value set in the United Kingdom, ranging from 0 to 1. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between intervention adherence and parental well-being. Intervention adherence as well as the variables with p < 0.1 in the univariate analyses were included in multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

The mean overall score of ICECAP-A was 0.681 (0.205). In the univariate analyses, intervention adherence was positively associated with stability, autonomy, achievement, and enjoyment (p < 0.05), while the relationship between intervention adherence and attachment was not significant (p = 0.07). After controlling for the confounders in the multivariate linear regression analyses, intervention adherence was positively associated with achievement (β = 0.0004) and enjoyment (β = 0.0004).

Conclusions

The overall capability well-being among parents of autistic children was worse than that of the general population and caregivers of adult patients with chronic diseases. Adherence to behavioral interventions was positively associated with parental well-being in terms of achievement and enjoyment. Health professionals should involve parents in behavioral interventions and encourage them to implement therapeutic strategies on a routine basis. Customized interventions are warranted to improve capability well-being targeting at vulnerable groups.
Components of joint health and wellbeing strategies: a pan-London review of all 33 local authorities
Authors: Asmar Marie Line El , Karki Manisha , Mall Bathsheba , Riboli-Sasco Eva , El-Osta Austen
Published: December 2024

Background

In the UK, Health and Wellbeing Strategies (JHWS) were introduced to identify and help address the health needs of local communities. JHWS translate a borough’s Joint Strategic Needs assessment into actionable outcomes and prioritises areas of focus, but the content and approach of JHWS may vary across different local authorities (LAs) due to demographic and priority differences.

Objective

Characterise the key health and wellbeing components of existing and emerging health and wellbeing strategies of 33 local authorities in London.

Design

Scoping review study with content assessment.

Methods

An online search was conducted to identify JHWS documents. This search was supplemented with outreach to health and wellbeing boards to ensure that the latest documents were retrieved. A set of 62 health and wellbeing themes and words to be captured spanning 13 categories was developed by a team of researchers, and data collection was independently carried out by two researchers. Occurrences of words in the strategy documents were recorded, and a configuration matrix was created and used to determine data trends across the local authorities. A broad search of the context in which the search terms appeared was also performed to understand the trends.

Results

Thirty-three JHWS were analysed to identify key search term frequencies. The analysis encompassed strategies from 2015 to 2030, ranging from 7 to 94 pages. Mental health and youth terms emerged as the two top priorities across all strategies. Other frequent terms were related to access to healthcare, inequality, employment, smoking, housing, carers, and elderly individuals. Conversely, terms related to dental health, pollution, nutrition, sexual health, green spaces, breastfeeding, and climate were less cited.

Conclusion

This analysis provides insights into regional health priorities and a comprehensive overview of health and wellbeing strategies across London's local authorities. Despite certain limitations, the findings offer valuable insights for local authorities' strategic planning and future research.
The impact of living with multiple long-term conditions (multimorbidity) on everyday life – a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Holland Emilia , Matthews Kate , Macdonald Sara , Ashworth Mark , Laidlaw Lynn , Cheung Kelly Sum Yuet , Stannard Sebastian , Francis Nick A. , Mair Frances S. , Gooding Charlotte , Alwan Nisreen A. , Fraser Simon D. S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs), living with two or more long-term conditions (LTCs), often termed multimorbidity, has a high and increasing prevalence globally with earlier age of onset in people living in deprived communities. A holistic understanding of the patient’s perspective of the work associated with living with MLTCs is needed. This study aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence describing the experiences of people living with MLTCs (multimorbidity) and to develop a greater understanding of the effect on people’s lives and ways in which living with MLTCs is 'burdensome' for people.

Methods

Three concepts (multimorbidity, burden and lived experience) were used to develop search terms. A broad qualitative filter was applied. MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO) and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000-January 2023. We included studies where at least 50% of study participants were living with three or more LTCs and the lived experience of MLTCs was expressed from the patient perspective. Screening and quality assessment (CASP checklist) was undertaken by two independent researchers. Data was synthesised using an inductive approach. PPI (Patient and Public Involvement) input was included throughout.

Results

Of 30,803 references identified, 46 met the inclusion criteria. 31 studies (67%) did not mention ethnicity or race of participants and socioeconomic factors were inconsistently described. Only two studies involved low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Eight themes of work were generated: learning and adapting; accumulation and complexity; symptoms; emotions; investigation and monitoring; health service and administration; medication; and finance. The quality of studies was generally high. 41 papers had no PPI involvement reported and none had PPI contributor co-authors.

Conclusions

The impact of living with MLTCs was experienced as a multifaceted and complex workload involving multiple types of work, many of which are reciprocally linked. Much of this work, and the associated impact on people, may not be apparent to healthcare staff, and current health systems and policies are poorly equipped to meet the needs of this growing population. There was a paucity of data from LMICs and insufficient information on how patient characteristics might influence experiences. Future research should involve patients as partners and focus on these evidence gaps.
Association of air purifier usage during pregnancy with adverse birth outcomes: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Inadera Hidekuni , Matsumura Kenta , Kasamatsu Haruka , Shimada Kanako , Kitase Akiko , Tsuchida Akiko ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Nakayama Takeo , Sobue Tomotaka , Shima Masayuki , Kageyama Seiji , Suganuma Narufumi , Ohga Shoichi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: December 2024

Objective

Previous studies have reported that ambient air pollutants such as PM2.5 can increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether air purifier usage during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of adverse birth outcomes in a large Japanese birth cohort.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort analysis using data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Use of air purifiers during pregnancy was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Primary outcomes were the prevalence of preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight (LBW). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The prevalence of outcomes was 4.5% for PTB, 7.4% for SGA, and 8.1% for LBW. The crude model analysis revealed that PTB, SGA, and LBW showed lower ORs in the group that used an air purifier, although the association disappeared in the adjusted model except for SGA (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.00, p = 0.048) and LBW (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.98, p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis stratified by infant sex revealed that the lower OR for LBW was observed only in male infants.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that avoiding maternal air pollution exposure during pregnancy may be useful in preventing adverse birth outcomes. These findings provide evidence supporting the development of protective measures against air pollutants in the gestational period by relevant health agencies.
Education of household head and maternal healthcare utilization: the case of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Mahabubur , Amin Md Tazvir , Ferdous Zannatul , Patwary Hridoy , Haider M. Moinuddin
Published: December 2024

Background

The high maternal mortality ratio in South Asian countries could be attributed to poor maternal healthcare (MHC) utilization. Here household heads (HHs) are the main decision-makers of the households and thus can be key stakeholders in women’s MHC uptake. We aim to investigate the role of HHs’ education in MHC utilization and explore the educational status of male adolescents who will eventually replace today’s HHs in the future.

Method

We investigated antenatal care (ANC), and institutional delivery as two MHC during pregnancy and childbirth using the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019. Due to the stratified cluster sampling nature of the BMICS 2019, we estimated odds ratios from mixed-effect multiple logistic regression considering women nested within clusters and estimated marginal effects to conclude. Using the Bangladesh Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Survey 2019–20, we estimated region-specific school dropout rates and identified the reasons for and timing of dropout among male adolescents.

Results

The odds of ANC uptake and institutional delivery decreased by lower levels of HHs’ education. Marginal effects of HHs’ education on institutional delivery across comparable levels of ANC uptake show that less educated HHs diminish the full potential of ANC uptake in facilitating institutional delivery. The heaviest burden (~ 70%) of less educated (up to primary level) HHs was in the northeastern region. The highest rate of school dropout (40%) was also in the northeastern region. Around 60% of dropouts left school before or just after completing primary level. The primary reasons for dropout were lack of interest and financial constraints.

Conclusion

Integrating HHs into MHC programs can be the immediate call for action while averting male adolescents’ school dropouts can be the long-term strategy.
Factors associated with parental intentions to vaccinate 0-4-year-old children against COVID-19 in Canada: a cross-sectional study using the Childhood COVID-19 Immunization Coverage Survey (CCICS)
Authors: Zareef Israa , Frescura Anna-Maria , Dave Sailly , Uhlik Caren , Guan David , Samhat Hussein , Ebrahim Marwa , Laroche Julie
Published: December 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with low or no parental intention to vaccinate children of 0-4-years in Canada with a COVID-19 vaccine through the 2022 Childhood COVID-19 Immunization Coverage Survey (CCICS). The CCICS was conducted prior to the introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine and a vaccine recommendation for this age group.

Methods

Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to determine associations between sociodemographic factors as well as knowledge, attitudes and beliefs and low/no intentions to vaccinate against COVID-19 among parents of children 0–4 years.

Results

Factors associated with low intentions to vaccinate children against COVID-19 included being male (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 2.0‒2.1) compared to female; being 30–39 (aOR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.1‒1.2) compared to 40+; being Black (aOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 2.2‒2.5), East/Southeast Asian (aOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 3.3‒3.8), or having multiple ethnicities (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1‒1.6) compared to White European ethnicity; living in a rural (aOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.9‒2.1) compared to urban community; having a total 2021 household income of $60,000‒$79,999 CAD (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.3‒1.5) compared to $150,000 CAD and above; and trusting government bodies (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1‒1.2), international bodies (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 2.2‒2.5), or media (aOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.9‒2.2) for information about COVID-19 vaccines compared to health care providers.

Conclusions

The findings of this study demonstrate that several sociodemographic factors and parental beliefs impact the decision to vaccinate children 0–4 years of age against COVID-19. Future research should focus on sociodemographic barriers to vaccination and how to most appropriately tailor the delivery of vaccination programs to specific groups, in an effort to narrow the gap between intentions and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in younger children. As well, messaging should specifically be targeted to parents who have lower confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and the government to provide correct information and build trust.
The relationship between non-communicable disease risk and mental wellbeing in adolescence: a cross-sectional study utilising objective measures in Indonesia
Authors: Cini Karly I. , Dumuid Dorothea , Francis Kate L. , Wulan Nisaa R. , Sawyer Susan M. , Handy Agung Fransisca , Pham Minh D. , Kennedy Elissa C. , Fisher Jane , Tran Thach , Medise Bernie E. , Devaera Yoga , Riyanti Aida , Wiweko Budi , Kaligis Fransiska , Wiguna Tjhin , Ansariadi Ansariadi , Azzopardi Peter S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental disorders) arise in adolescence but are mostly framed as relevant to health in adulthood; little is known about the relationship between co-occurring NCD risks and mental wellbeing in young people. This study aims to describe the prevalence and co-occurrence of distinct NCD risk factors, and how they relate to current mental wellbeing amongst adolescents in Indonesia, a young and populous country where NCD burden is increasing rapidly.

Methods

We assessed NCD risk and mental wellbeing amongst 1,331 school-based 16–18-year-olds in Jakarta (N = 609) and South Sulawesi (N = 722). Five domains of NCD risk (adiposity, substance use, physical inactivity, excess sedentary time, and diet) were either measured or self-reported. In Jakarta, we also measured blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Wellbeing was assessed using three indicators: general quality of life (QoL), physical function QoL, and psychological distress. We used linear regression to estimate the associations between co-occurring risks and wellbeing, adjusted for covariates of wellbeing: province, sex, socioeconomic status, and religion.

Results

NCD risk clustering was common, and more than half of adolescents had co-occurring risks in 3 or more of the 5 domains (58.9% (95%CI 53.7—63.9)). Adolescents with any NCD risk were more likely to report psychological distress, with this relationship most pronounced in those with excess sedentary time spent on video gaming and computer use. A higher number of NCD risk factors was associated with poorer psychological wellbeing and decreased general and physical function QoL. In the Jakarta subsample, reduced HDL and raised blood glucose was associated with psychological distress; and a higher number of risk biomarkers was associated with lower physical function QoL.

Conclusions

Our analysis also shows that these NCD risks (both individual risks and co-occurring risk count) are related to poorer profiles of mental wellbeing in adolescents, after adjusting for likely confounders.
Key informant perspectives of suicide prevention in Australia
Authors: Bassilios Bridget , Dunt David , Krysinska Karolina , Machlin Anna , Newton Danielle , Currier Dianne
Published: December 2024

Background

Suicide prevention policy in Australia is in a period of reform. The National Suicide Prevention Office is leading the development of a new National Suicide Prevention Strategy (Strategy). Stakeholder input is a critical element in the development of the new Strategy. This article describes key informant views about government-led suicide prevention efforts in Australia obtained as part of an environmental scan conducted as one input to inform the Strategy development process.

Methods

We interviewed 24 key informants in November and December 2022. Key informants were purposively recruited to ensure representation from cross-jurisdiction government departments/agencies, peak bodies and leaders in the suicide prevention sector, people with lived experience of suicide, and suicide prevention researchers. We enquired about successes, challenges, and opportunities. NVivo was used to conduct thematic analysis.

Results

Key themes identified as successes in Australia’s suicide prevention efforts included: leadership and funding for programs, services, and research; valuing the collective lived experience voice; moving towards a whole-of-government/system approach; and high community and political suicide (prevention) awareness. Key themes emerging as challenges in the sector were: defining the suicide prevention sector, limitations in the service system, workforce issues, and building the evidence base. Key themes mentioned as opportunities for improving suicide prevention efforts were: leveraging the current unprecedented awareness and desire for collaboration among multiple stakeholder groups; adopting wellness rather than crisis-driven models of care; including lived experience and co-design in all stages and aspects of policy planning, service development, and evaluation; and investing in data, research, and evaluation.

Conclusions

Key informants from across the suicide prevention sector in Australia identified a range of issues for consideration in the development of Australia’s new National Suicide Prevention Strategy which are also relevant for suicide prevention policy and program development in other high-income countries. Key issues include the need for concerted efforts to define and build the capacity of the suicide prevention sector, implement and monitor a whole-of-government approach that includes wellness models of care and lived experience, and bolster the evidence base. These efforts require effective leadership and resourcing.
Measuring associations between the food environment and dietary habits: comparing the proportion and density of food outlets
Authors: Bernsdorf Kamille Almer , Bøggild Henrik , Aadahl Mette , Toft Ulla
Published: December 2024

Background

The food environment plays a crucial role in shaping our dietary choices and overall health. Spatial measures provide distinct perspectives on the physical food environment and its impact on diet. While proportion measures are theoretically considered to provide a more accurate representation of the overall physical food environment than density measures, it is important to recognize that the association between food environments and diet can vary depending on the context. Therefore, relying solely on one measure may not be appropriate.

Methods

We systematically assessed the density and proportion of multiple food outlet types (fast-food outlets, convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants) around individuals homes using a large cross-sectional Danish study (N = 71,840). Densities were modeled in separate multilevel linear regression models, incorporating random intercepts from linear splines for each of the four food outlet types. Proportions were modeled without splines. Through the association with a dietary quality score (DQS), we examined the impact of quantifying the foodscape from density versus proportion measures. Associations were compared using parameter estimates, p-values, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) values, and Akaike weights.

Results

AIC values and Akaike weights were in favor of models including density measures. Across all outlet types, density measures were consistently negatively associated with the DQS until reaching densities of 3–5 (count/km2), at which point the direction of association became positive, indicating a shift towards a healthier DQS. After correcting for multiple comparisons, the most significant effect was observed for the sole significant proportion measure. A 10% increase in the proportion of fast-food outlets among "eating out options" was associated with a 7% decrease in the DQS, towards poorer dietary quality.

Conclusions

The associations highlight that choosing food outlet density versus proportions to quantify the foodscape impact findings of substantial importance when considering the significance level and direction of association. Findings suggests a threshold effect when using density measures indicating abundance of many food outlets, at which the association with dietary quality alters significantly towards healthier diet quality.
The association between socioeconomic position and depression or suicidal ideation in low- and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Barrass Lucy , Joshi Elisha , Dawe Joshua , Rubbo Bruna , Redaniel Maria Theresa , Riglin Lucy , Lee Nanette R. , Howe Laura D. , Knipe Duleeka
Published: December 2024

Background

Mental illnesses contribute to a significant burden of disease in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). Understanding risk factors for poor mental health is essential to reducing the burden, and for preventative measures to be implemented. The role of socioeconomic position (SEP) in poorer mental health is well established in high income countries, but less is known in LMICs. This study aimed to identify and synthesise epidemiological evidence for the associations between SEP and depression and suicidal ideation in LMICs in Southeast Asia, and to describe the strength and direction of any associations identified.

Methods

This systematic review identified evidence by searching four databases in February 2023 (Medline, Embase, PsycInfo and Web of Science), grey literature and reference searching of included papers. Papers were included if they were based in a Southeast Asian LMIC general or hospital populations (= 16 years of age) and explored at least one measure of SEP in association with depression or suicidal ideation. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. A meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were performed.

Results

Fifty-nine papers from six out of nine Southeast Asian LMICs were identified, with education the most commonly examined measure of SEP. Several papers explored more than one measure of SEP. Around half of the papers were rated as higher quality. Meta-analyses of education (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.49-2.35) and working status (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.99-1.71) provided evidence of lower levels of education and not being employed being associated with higher odds of depression. Consistent associations between lower SEP and higher odds of depression were also found for financial difficulty and subjective economic status. Three papers used suicidal ideation as their outcome, and there was some evidence of an association with lower SEP and higher ideation.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates that lower SEP is associated with higher likelihood of depression, whereas for suicidal ideation, the evidence available is insufficient to reach a conclusion. The lack of longitudinal studies prevents the temporal nature of these associations being established.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: CRD42023410444.
The generic version of China Health Related Outcomes Measures (CHROME-G): psychometric testing and comparative performance with the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 among the Chinese general population
Authors: Xie Shitong , Wu Jing , Chen Pinan , He Xiaoning , Zhao Kun , Xie Feng ,   for the CHROME Study Group
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The CHROME-G is the first generic preference-based measure developed in China. This study aimed to validate and compare the psychometric properties of the CHROME-G with the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 among the Chinese general population.

Methods

A representative sample of the Chinese general population in terms of age, gender, education, and urban/rural residence was recruited for an online survey. During the survey, respondents completed three instruments (first the CHROME-G, then the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 in random order), demographic and health-related questions. The retest survey was carried out after two weeks. Ceiling/floor effects were first assessed. Convergent and divergent validity was examined using Spearman’s rank correlation. Known-group validity was examined using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H test and effect size. Test–retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted Kappa statistics.

Results

One thousand respondents (51.1% male, mean age 44.7 years) completed the first survey, with 378 also completing the retest survey. The mean ± SD completion time was 2.03 ± 0.58 min for the CHROME-G, and 1.37 ± 0.54 and 1.13 ± 0.38 min for the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2. Only the EQ-5D-5L had a ceiling effect of 35.1%. The range of Spearman rank’s correlations was 0.45–0.62 for convergent validity and 0.14–0.46 for divergent validity. Among different health subgroups, the effect size for the CHROME-G, EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 was 1.348–3.416, 1.362–3.325 and 1.097–2.228, respectively. The ICC for test–retest was 0.791 for the CHROME-G, compared with 0.994 and 0.971 for the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2.

Conclusions

The CHROME-G showed good and comparable psychometric properties with the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2.
Epidemiological shifts in chronic kidney disease: a 30-year global and regional assessment
Authors: Qin Kaili , Qing Jianbo , Wang Qian , Li Yafeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a growing global health challenge, with significant variability in disease burden across different regions and countries. This study aimed to analyze the trends in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for CKD from 1990 to 2019, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study.

Methods

We conducted an in-depth study on the global and age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs of CKD, and assessed trends over a 30-year period. Additionally, we explored the associations between healthcare access and quality (HAQ), the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), and CKD. Furthermore, we conducted a detailed analysis of six risk factors closely related to CKD, and based on these findings, provided strong evidence for enhancing the management of CKD.

Results

In 2019, there were 18,986,903 cases of CKD, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 1.82 (95% CI = 1.8 to 1.82) in incidence since 1990. The age-standardized incidence rate increased from 192.45 per 100,000 in 1990 to 233.65 per 100,000 in 2019. Prevalence also rose, with a total of 69,729,430 cases in 2019 and an AAPC of 1.19 (95% CI = 1.19 to 1.2). Mortality and DALYs have increased correspondingly, with the mortality rate reaching 18.29 per 100,000 and total DALYs at 41,538,592 in 2019. The analysis showed that higher HAQ levels are associated with better outcomes in terms of lower mortality and DALY rates, whereas lower HAQ levels correlate with poorer outcomes. In addition, high fasting plasma glucose and high systolic blood pressure are the main contributors to CKD-related deaths, with their population attributable fraction (PAF) significantly decreasing as the SDI decreases.

Conclusion

The burden of CKD has significantly increased over the past three decades, influenced by demographic changes and variations in healthcare quality and access. Effective public health strategies and improvements in healthcare delivery are needed to address the disparities in CKD outcomes globally.
Mathematical modeling of biohydrogen production via dark fermentation of fruit peel wastes by Clostridium butyricum NE95
Authors: Elerakey Norhan , Rasmey Abdel-Hamied M. , Aboseidah Akram A. , Hawary Heba
Published: December 2024

Background

Biohydrogen production from agro-industrial wastes through dark fermentation offers several advantages including eco-friendliness, sustainability, and the simplicity of the process. This study aimed to produce biohydrogen from fruit and vegetable peel wastes (FVPWs) by anaerobic fermentative bacteria isolated from domestic wastewater. Kinetic analysis of the produced biohydrogen by five isolates on a glucose medium was analyzed using a modified Gompertz model (MGM). Besides, the feasibility of hydrogen production by Clostridium butyricum NE95 using FVPWs as substrates was investigated.

Results

The bacterial isolate NE95 was selected as the highest biohydrogen producer with maximum biohydrogen production (Hmax) of 1617.67 ± 3.84 mL/L, Rmax (MGM) of 870.77 mL/L/h and lag phase (λ) of 28.37 h. NE95 was phenotypically and genetically identified as C. butyricum and its 16 S rRNA gene sequence was deposited in the GenBank under the accession number PP581833. The genetic screening of hydrogenase gene clusters indicated the presence of Fe-Fe hydrogenase gene in C. butyricum NE95. C. butyricum NE95 showed the ability to produce biohydrogen from different FVPWs, with watermelon and melon peels being the most promising feedstocks for fermentation. It was revealed that using a mixture (1:1, w/w) of watermelon and melon peels as a substrate for C. butyricum NE95 significantly increased biohydrogen yield with Hmax of 991.00 ± 10.54 mL/L, Rmax of 236.31 mL/L/h, λ of 33.92 h and a high accuracy of R2 (0.997).

Conclusions

The study highlights the effectiveness of C. butyricum NE95 on the valorization of FVPWs and generates a sustainable source of biohydrogen production.