bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of human T-cell leukemia virus in vitro diagnostics using plasma specimens collected in Japan
Authors: Kusagawa Shigeru , Kawana-Tachikawa Ai , Matsubayashi Keiji , Sobata Rieko , Hamaguchi Isao
Published: June 2023

Background

In vitro diagnostics (IVDs) for primary detection test/screening of human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) have recently been updated to new-generation products in Japan. In this study, the performance of these products was evaluated and discussed in terms of the usability of HTLV diagnosis in Japan.

Methods

The performance of 10 HTLV IVDs for primary detection test and confirmatory/discriminatory test was evaluated. Plasma specimens that had been declared ineligible for transfusion were provided by the Japanese Red Cross Blood Center.

Results

The diagnostic specificity of the IVDs was 100% (160/160). Six sandwich assays resulted in all HTLV-1/HTLV-positive specimens being positive (46/46). On the other hand, one sandwich assay, IVD under development 2 (UD2), resulted in one HTLV-1-positive and one HTLV-positive specimen being negative (44/46, 95.7%). One indirect assay, HISCL HTLV-1, could not detect one HTLV-positive specimen (45/46, 97.8%), but the updated product, UD1, correctly detected it (46/46, 100%). Serodia HTLV-I, based on a particle agglutination assay, resulted in 44 of the 46 positive specimens, but could not detect two specimens (44/46, 95.7%). ESPLINE HTLV-I/II, based on an immunochromatography assay (ICA), was able to diagnose all specimens as positive (46/46, 100%).

Conclusions

Six sandwich assays and an ICA demonstrated high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and are recommended for use in HTLV diagnosis in conjunction with confirmatory/discriminatory test using the INNO-LIA HTLV-I/II Score.
E-cadherin expression in the tumor microenvironment of advanced epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant lung adenocarcinoma and the association with prognosis
Authors: Chang Yu-Ping , Huang Gong-Kai , Chen Yung-Che , Huang Kuo-Tung , Chen Yu-Mu , Lin Chiung-Yu , Huang Chao-Cheng , Lin Meng-Chih , Wang Chin-Chou
Published: June 2023

Background

The expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), E-cadherin, and vimentin in lung cancer tumor microenvironment is known to impact patient survival or response to therapy. The expression of these biomarkers may also differ between primary lung tumors and brain metastatic tumors. In this study, we investigated the interaction between these biomarkers in lung tumors with or without concomitant brain metastasis and the interaction with paired brain metastatic tumors.

Methods

The study included 48 patients with stage IV epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Sixteen of the forty-eight patients were diagnosed with brain metastasis, while the remaining thirty-two were not. All sixteen patients with brain metastasis had brain tumors. The expression of PD-L1, TILs (CD8+ T lymphocytes and FOXP3+ regulatory T lymphocytes), E-cadherin, and vimentin were evaluated using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.

Results

Patients with brain metastasis exhibited a higher frequency of exon 19 deletion and uncommon EGFR mutations, a higher lung tumor vimentin score, worse progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) than patients without brain metastasis. IHC staining showed no difference between paired lung and brain tumors. Patients with low PD-L1 expression had better PFS and OS. After multivariate analysis, higher body mass index, the presence of brain metastasis, bone metastasis, and uncommon EGFR mutations were correlated with worse PFS, while the presence of brain metastasis and high lung tumor E-cadherin score was associated with worse OS.

Conclusions

In patients with stage IV EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, high E-cadherin expression in the lung tumor might be associated with worse OS. Vimentin expression in the lung tumor was positively related to the risk of brain metastasis.
The association between serum albumin and depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional study of NHANES data during 2005–2018
Authors: Zhang Guimei , Li Shuna , Wang Sisi , Deng Fangyi , Sun Xizhe , Pan Jiyang
Published: June 2023

Aims

The association between serum albumin and depressive symptoms has been unclear in previous epidemiological studies. We explored whether serum albumin is associated with depressive symptoms based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 13,681 participants aged ≥ 20 years from the NHANES performed during 2005–2018, which produced nationally representative database. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Serum albumin concentration was measured using the bromocresol purple dye method, and participants were divided into quartiles of serum albumin concentrations. Weighted data were calculated according to analytical guidelines. Logistics regression and linear regression models were used to assess and quantify the association between serum albumin and depressive symptoms. Univariate and stratified analyses were also performed.

Results

There were 1551 (10.23%) adults (aged ≥ 20 years) with depressive symptoms among the 13,681. A negative association was found between serum albumin concentration and depressive symptoms. Compared with the lowest albumin quartile, the multivariate-adjusted effect size (95% confidence interval) for depressive symptoms of the fully adjusted model in the highest albumin quartile was 0.77 (0.60 to 0.99) and − 0.38 (− 0.66 to − 0.09) using logistics regression and linear regression models respectively. Current smoking status modified the association between serum albumin concentration and PHQ-9 scores (p for interaction = 0.033).

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study revealed that albumin concentration is significantly more likely to be a protective factor for depressive symptoms, with the association being more pronounced in non-smokers.
Impact assessment of e-trainings in occupational safety and health: a literature review
Authors: Barati Jozan Mohammad Mahdi , Ghorbani Babak Daneshvar , Khalid Md Saifuddin , Lotfata Aynaz , Tabesh Hamed
Published: June 2023

Background

Implementing workplace preventive interventions reduces occupational accidents and injuries, as well as the negative consequences of those accidents and injuries. Online occupational safety and health training is one of the most effective preventive interventions. This study aims to present current knowledge on e-training interventions, make recommendations on the flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of online training, and identify research gaps and obstacles.

Method

All studies that addressed occupational safety and health e-training interventions designed to address worker injuries, accidents, and diseases were chosen from PubMed and Scopus until 2021. Two independent reviewers conducted the screening process for titles, abstracts, and full texts, and disagreements on the inclusion or exclusion of an article were resolved by consensus and, if necessary, by a third reviewer. The included articles were analyzed and synthesized using the constant comparative analysis method.

Result

The search identified 7,497 articles and 7,325 unique records. Following the title, abstract, and full-text screening, 25 studies met the review criteria. Of the 25 studies, 23 were conducted in developed and two in developing countries. The interventions were carried out on either the mobile platform, the website platform, or both. The study designs and the number of outcomes of the interventions varied significantly (multi-outcomes vs. single-outcome). Obesity, hypertension, neck/shoulder pain, office ergonomics issues, sedentary behaviors, heart disease, physical inactivity, dairy farm injuries, nutrition, respiratory problems, and diabetes were all addressed in the articles.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this literature study, e-trainings can significantly improve occupational safety and health. E-training is adaptable, affordable, and can increase workers’ knowledge and abilities, resulting in fewer workplace injuries and accidents. Furthermore, e-training platforms can assist businesses in tracking employee development and ensuring that training needs are completed. Overall, this analysis reveals that e-training has enormous promise in the field of occupational safety and health for both businesses and employees.
Defunctioning stoma in anterior resection for rectal cancer does not impact anastomotic leakage: a national population-based cohort study
Authors: Munshi Eihab , Lydrup Marie-Louise , Buchwald Pamela
Published: June 2023

Background

Anterior resection (AR) is considered the gold standard for curative cancer treatment in the middle and upper rectum. The goal of the sphincter-preserving procedure, such as AR, is vulnerable to anastomotic leak (AL) complications. Defunctioning stoma (DS) became the protective measure against AL. Often a defunctioning loop-ileostomy is used, which is associated with substantial morbidity. However, not much is known if the routine use of DS reduces the overall incidence of AL.

Methods

Elective patients subjected to AR in 2007–2009 and 2016-18 were recruited from the Swedish colorectal cancer registry (SCRCR). Patient characteristics, including DS status and occurrence of AL, were analyzed. In addition, independent risk factors for AL were investigated by multivariable regression.

Results

The statistical increase of DS from 71.6% in 2007–2009 to 76.7% in 2016–2018 did not impact the incidence of AL (9.2% and 8.2%), respectively. DLI was constructed in more than 35% of high-located tumors ≥ 11 cm from the anal verge. Multivariable analysis showed that male gender, ASA 3–4, BMI > 30 kg/m2, and neoadjuvant therapy were independent risk factors for AL.

Conclusion

Routine DS did not decrease overall AL after AR. A selective decision algorithm for DS construction is needed to protect from AL and mitigate DS morbidities.
Association of interleukin-8 polymorphism (+ 781 C/T) with the risk of oral Lichen Planus disease
Authors: Ghasemi Haniyeh , Mozaffari Hamid Reza , Kohsari Maryam , Hatami Masoud , Yari Kheirollah , Marabi Mohammad Hesam
Published: June 2023

Background

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease. The pathogenesis of OLP is unknown. The Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) that occurs in the regulatory position + 781 could affect the expression of interleukin-8. This polymorphism is probably associated with increased serum levels of IL-8. The current study aimed to investigate the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-8( + 781 C/T) in OLP patients and whether it is associated with the severity of OLP disease in an Iranian population.

Methods

Three milliliters of saliva were taken from 100 patients with OLP and 100 healthy individuals who were matched in age and gender. After DNA extraction from saliva samples of patients and healthy individuals, the genotype of IL-8 at position + 781 is detected using the PCR-RFLP method. The results were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

Frequency of C/C, T/C, and T/T genotypes at position IL-8 + 781 gene in the patient group were 47%, 41%, and 12%, respectively, and in the control group, were 37%, 42%, and 21%. The difference between the two groups regarding allele frequency distribution was statistically significant (χ2 = 3.86, p = 0.049, 95% CI = 0.44-1, OR = 0.66). Our results indicated the significantly higher frequency of the TT genotype in the erosive OLP compared to the nonerosive group (p = 0.03, OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.49–1.6).

Conclusion

This study depicted the difference in the frequency of SNP IL-8 + 781 C/T allele in the patient and control groups had a significant association with the risk of OLP. In addition, our data revealed that IL-8 + 781 C/T polymorphisms might be associated with the severity of OLP in the Iranian population.
ORIENTATE: automated machine learning classifiers for oral health prediction and research
Authors: Gomez-Rios Inmaculada , Egea-Lopez Esteban , Ortiz Ruiz Antonio José
Published: June 2023

Background

The application of data-driven methods is expected to play an increasingly important role in healthcare. However, a lack of personnel with the necessary skills to develop these models and interpret its output is preventing a wider adoption of these methods. To address this gap, we introduce and describe ORIENTATE, a software for automated application of machine learning classification algorithms by clinical practitioners lacking specific technical skills. ORIENTATE allows the selection of features and the target variable, then automatically generates a number of classification models and cross-validates them, finding the best model and evaluating it. It also implements a custom feature selection algorithm for systematic searches of the best combination of predictors for a given target variable. Finally, it outputs a comprehensive report with graphs that facilitates the explanation of the classification model results, using global interpretation methods, and an interface for the prediction of new input samples. Feature relevance and interaction plots provided by ORIENTATE allow to use it for statistical inference, which can replace and/or complement classical statistical studies.

Results

Its application to a dataset with healthy and special health care needs (SHCN) children, treated under deep sedation, was discussed as case study. On the example dataset, despite its small size, the feature selection algorithm found a set of features able to predict the need for a second sedation with a f1 score of 0.83 and a ROC (AUC) of 0.92. Eight predictive factors for both populations were found and ordered by the relevance assigned to them by the model. A discussion of how to derive inferences from the relevance and interaction plots and a comparison with a classical study is also provided.

Conclusions

ORIENTATE automatically finds suitable features and generates accurate classifiers which can be used in preventive tasks. In addition, researchers without specific skills on data methods can use it for the application of machine learning classification and as a complement to classical studies for inferential analysis of features. In the case study, a high prediction accuracy for a second sedation in SHCN children was achieved. The analysis of the relevance of the features showed that the number of teeth with pulpar treatments at the first sedation is a predictive factor for a second sedation.
Spatial distribution and factors influencing modern contraceptive practice among tribal married women in India: evidence from National Family Health Survey 5 (2019–2021)
Authors: Panda Sushree Nibedita , Barik Manish , Acharya Ardhendu Sekhar , Kanungo Srikanta , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: June 2023

Background

The unmet need for family planning has been a public health concern in developing countries, especially in the south-east region. In India, the expanding roles of women has led to a growing need for family planning and contraception. However, tribal women still struggle with reproductive and sexual health issues. Unfortunately, most tribal women are not informed about the potential health risks associated with contraceptive use, as service providers often neglect to provide this information. As a result, tribal women often suffer in silence, which can lead to serious health problems. Thus, the present study aimed to understand the patterns and factors associated with modern contraceptive usage as well as the district level variation in usage among tribal married women.

Methods

We included 91,976 tribal married women participants aged 15 to 49 years from National Family Health Survey 5 conducted during the years 2019 to 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the prevalence of modern contraceptive usage along with 95% confidence interval (CI) as a measure of uncertainty. The association between various socio-demographic predictors and modern contraceptive usage were assessed by multivariable logistic regression and presented as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR).

Results

The overall prevalence of modern contraceptive practices was found to be 53% among tribal married women, which was below the national average. Sterilization was the most preferred method of modern contraceptive, whereas injectables were the least preferred method. More than 80% of the married women get the family planning information from the public health facility and health workers. Districts of eastern and north-eastern states have comparatively less modern contraceptive prevalence than central and southern states. Age, education, parity and access to media were significantly associated with the use of modern methods of contraception.

Conclusion

Improving contraceptive use and reducing unmet needs for contraception among tribal women requires sustained efforts from healthcare workers, including Information Education and Communication (IEC) through mass media to raise awareness. A tailored family planning strategy is crucial to address the specific needs of tribal women at both the local and national levels, with adequate resources and monitoring for impact with this India can achieve Total Fertility Rate (TFR) 2.1 among tribals.
Educational strategies in the health professions to mitigate cognitive and implicit bias impact on decision making: a scoping review
Authors: Thompson John , Bujalka Helena , McKeever Stephen , Lipscomb Adrienne , Moore Sonya , Hill Nicole , Kinney Sharon , Cham Kwang Meng , Martin Joanne , Bowers Patrick , Gerdtz Marie
Published: June 2023

Background

Cognitive and implicit biases negatively impact clinicians’ decision-making capacity and can have devastating consequences for safe, effective, and equitable healthcare provision. Internationally, health care clinicians play a critical role in identifying and overcoming these biases. To be workforce ready, it is important that educators proactively prepare all pre-registration healthcare students for real world practice. However, it is unknown how and to what extent health professional educators incorporate bias training into curricula. To address this gap, this scoping review aims to explore what approaches to teaching cognitive and implicit bias, for entry to practice students, have been studied, and what are the evidence gaps that remain.

Methods

This scoping review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Databases were searched in May 2022 and included CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI, Medline, ERIC, Embase, and PsycINFO. The Population, Concept and Context framework was used to guide keyword and index terms used for search criteria and data extraction by two independent reviewers. Quantitative and qualitative studies published in English exploring pedagogical approaches and/or educational techniques, strategies, teaching tools to reduce the influence of bias in health clinicians' decision making were sought to be included in this review. Results are presented numerically and thematically in a table accompanied by a narrative summary.

Results

Of the 732 articles identified, 13 met the aim of this study. Most publications originated from the United States (n=9). Educational practice in medicine accounted for most studies (n=8), followed by nursing and midwifery (n=2). A guiding philosophy or conceptual framework for content development was not indicated in most papers. Educational content was mainly provided via face-to-face (lecture/tutorial) delivery (n=10). Reflection was the most common strategy used for assessment of learning (n=6). Cognitive biases were mainly taught in a single session (n=5); implicit biases were taught via a mix of single (n=4) and multiple sessions (n=4).

Conclusions

A range of pedagogical strategies were employed; most commonly, these were face-to-face, class-based activities such as lectures and tutorials. Assessments of student learning were primarily based on tests and personal reflection. There was limited use of real-world settings to educate students about or build skills in biases and their mitigation. There may be a valuable opportunity in exploring approaches to building these skills in the real-world settings that will be the workplaces of our future healthcare workers.
The paradigm shift towards online learning during Covid-19 pandemic: an assessment of the attitudes on the learning practices among University of Zambia pharmacy students
Authors: Kampamba Martin , Chiluba Kaluba , Hikaambo Christabel Nang’andu , Lufungulo Enala S. , Mwila Kennedy
Published: June 2023

Background

The nexus between higher education and digital technology has been extensively studied in the past and recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to ascertain pharmacy students' attitudes towards using online learning during COVID-19.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed the University of Zambia’s (UNZA) pharmacy students’ adaptive characteristics, such as attitude, perception, and barriers to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from a survey of N = 240 were collected using a self-administered, validated questionnaire along with a standard tool. Findings were statistically analysed using STATA version 15.1.

Results

Of the 240 respondents, 150 (62%) had a negative attitude towards online learning. Further, 141 (58.3%) of the respondents find online learning less effective than traditional face-to-face learning. Regardless, 142 (58.6%) of the respondents expressed a desire to modify and adapt online learning. The mean scores for the six domains of attitude (perceived usefulness, intention to adapt, ease of use of online learning, technical assistance, learning stressors, and distant use of online learning) were 2.9, 2.8, 2.5, 2.9, 2.9, and 3.5, respectively. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, no factors in this study were significantly associated with attitude towards online learning. The high cost of the internet, unreliable internet connectivity and lack of institutional support were perceived barriers to effective online learning.

Conclusion

Although most of the students in this study had a negative attitude toward online learning, they are willing to adopt it. Online learning could supplement traditional face-to-face learning in pharmacy programs if it can be made more user-friendly, have fewer technological barriers, and be complemented by programs that help improve practical learning abilities.
Trustworthy artificial intelligence and ethical design: public perceptions of trustworthiness of an AI-based decision-support tool in the context of intrapartum care
Authors: Dlugatch Rachel , Georgieva Antoniya , Kerasidou Angeliki
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite the recognition that developing artificial intelligence (AI) that is trustworthy is necessary for public acceptability and the successful implementation of AI in healthcare contexts, perspectives from key stakeholders are often absent from discourse on the ethical design, development, and deployment of AI. This study explores the perspectives of birth parents and mothers on the introduction of AI-based cardiotocography (CTG) in the context of intrapartum care, focusing on issues pertaining to trust and trustworthiness.

Methods

Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with birth parents and mothers based on a speculative case study. Interviewees were based in England and were pregnant and/or had given birth in the last two years. Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcribed interviews with the use of NVivo. Major recurring themes acted as the basis for identifying the values most important to this population group for evaluating the trustworthiness of AI.

Results

Three themes pertaining to the perceived trustworthiness of AI emerged from interviews: (1) trustworthy AI-developing institutions, (2) trustworthy data from which AI is built, and (3) trustworthy decisions made with the assistance of AI. We found that birth parents and mothers trusted public institutions over private companies to develop AI, that they evaluated the trustworthiness of data by how representative it is of all population groups, and that they perceived trustworthy decisions as being mediated by humans even when supported by AI.

Conclusions

The ethical values that underscore birth parents and mothers’ perceptions of trustworthy AI include fairness and reliability, as well as practices like patient-centered care, the promotion of publicly funded healthcare, holistic care, and personalized medicine. Ultimately, these are also the ethical values that people want to protect in the healthcare system. Therefore, trustworthy AI is best understood not as a list of design features but in relation to how it undermines or promotes the ethical values that matter most to its end users. An ethical commitment to these values when creating AI in healthcare contexts opens up new challenges and possibilities for the design and deployment of AI.
Problem-based learning versus reflective practice on nursing students’ moral sensitivity
Authors: Zia Toktam , Sabeghi Hakimeh , Mahmoudirad Gholamhossein
Published: June 2023

Background

Moral sensitivity is one of the prerequisites for nurses’ professional competency and patient care. It is critical to teach professional ethics in a student-centered manner in order to increase students’ moral sensibility. This study evaluated the effects of professional ethics education via problem-based learning and reflective practice on nursing students’ moral sensitivity.

Methods

This experimental study was performed on 74 nursing students who were randomly divided into three groups of problem-based learning, reflective practice and control. Principles of professional ethics were presented for the two intervention groups in four 2-hour sessions using ethical dilemmas scenarios. Participants completed the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire before, immediately, and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS16.

Results

Demographic characteristics of the three groups were similar (p > 0.05). The total moral sensitivity score significantly differed between the groups immediately and three months after the intervention (p < 0.001). The total mean score for moral sensitivity was significantly different between the two groups of problem-based learning and reflective practice, with the mean scores in the problem-based learning group being higher (p = 0.02). The mean score of moral sensitivity decreased statistically significantly in both experimental groups three months after the intervention as compared to immediately after the intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Nursing students’ moral sensitivity can be increased through reflective practice and problem-based learning. While the results indicated that problem-based learning was more successful than reflective practice, additional research is recommended to confirm the influence of these two strategies on moral sensitivity.
Practice of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists in response to self-medication request for a cough: a simulated client study
Authors: Loh Pengyeow , Lee Jason W. , Karuppannan Mahmathi , Chua Siew Siang
Published: June 2023

Background

Community pharmacy practice worldwide has been shifting from product-focused to patient-oriented. However, due to the absence of separation between prescribing and dispensing in Malaysia, community pharmacists may have limited roles in the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, the main functions of community pharmacists in Malaysia are related to self-medication requests for minor ailments and the supply of non-prescription medications. The objective of this study was to determine the practice of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia in response to self-medication requests for a cough.

Methods

This study utilised a simulated client method. A research assistant, acting as a simulated client, visited community pharmacies in the Klang Valley, Malaysia to consult the pharmacists on the treatment of a cough experienced by his father. Upon leaving the pharmacy premise, the simulated client entered the pharmacist’s responses in a data collection form which was structured based on pharmacy mnemonics for the response to symptoms, OBRA’90 on counselling elements, the five practice principles of pharmaceutical care by the American Pharmacists Association and literature review. Visits to the community pharmacies were conducted from September to October 2018.

Results

The simulated client visited a total of 100 community pharmacies. None of these community pharmacists practised adequate patients’ data collection, with only a low proportion who practised all the components studied under medication information evaluation (13%), formulating a drug therapy plan (15%) and monitoring and modifying the plan (3%). Of the 100 community pharmacists, 98 recommended treatment but none of them provided all the counselling elements studied in implementing the drug therapy plan.

Conclusion

The present study showed that community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia were not providing adequate pharmaceutical care services to patients seeking self-medication for a cough. Such practice may compromise patient safety if inappropriate medicines or advice are given.
Self-healing hydrogel as an injectable implant: translation in brain diseases
Authors: Xu Junpeng , Hsu Shan-hui
Published: June 2023

Tissue engineering biomaterials are aimed to mimic natural tissue and promote new tissue formation for the treatment of impaired or diseased tissues. Highly porous biomaterial scaffolds are often used to carry cells or drugs to regenerate tissue-like structures. Meanwhile, self-healing hydrogel as a category of smart soft hydrogel with the ability to automatically repair its own structure after damage has been developed for various applications through designs of dynamic crosslinking networks. Due to flexibility, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization, self-healing hydrogel has great potential in regenerative medicine, especially in restoring the structure and function of impaired neural tissue. Recent researchers have developed self-healing hydrogel as drug/cell carriers or tissue support matrices for targeted injection via minimally invasive surgery, which has become a promising strategy in treating brain diseases. In this review, the development history of self-healing hydrogel for biomedical applications and the design strategies according to different crosslinking (gel formation) mechanisms are summarized. The current therapeutic progress of self-healing hydrogels for brain diseases is described as well, with an emphasis on the potential therapeutic applications validated by in vivo experiments. The most recent aspect as well as the design rationale of self-healing hydrogel for different brain diseases is also addressed.
Association of serum uric acid with hepatic steatosis detected by controlled attenuation parameter in the United States population
Authors: Feng Yunfu , Zheng Sijie , Liu Luojie , Yang Yanting
Published: June 2023

Background

The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been previously reported. Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) has better diagnostic performance than ultrasonography for assessing hepatic steatosis. The association of SUA with hepatic steatosis detected by CAP is worth further study.

Methods

The US population aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was assessed. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated by the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). NAFLD status was defined as CAP values of 268 dB/m without hepatitis B or C virus infection or considerable alcohol consumption. Multiple imputations were performed to fill in the missing covariate values. Linear regression, logistic regression, and smooth curve fitting were used to examine the association.

Results

In total, 3919 individuals participated in this study. There was a positive association between SUA (µmol/L) and CAP (β = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.12-0.17, P < 0.01). After stratification by sex, a significant relationship between SUA and CAP existed in both males (β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.09-0.16, P < 0.01) and females (β = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.14-0.20, P < 0.01) after multiple imputation. The inflection points of the threshold effect of SUA on CAP were 487.7 µmol/L in males and 386.6 µmol/L in females. There was a positive association between SUA (mg/dL) and NAFLD (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.23-1.37, P < 0.01). After stratification by race, positive relationships were also observed. Meanwhile, a positive relationship existed between hyperuricemia and NAFLD (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.64-2.30, P < 0.01). The positive relationship was more significant in females than in males (P for interaction < 0.01).

Conclusions

There was a positive association between SUA and CAP, as well as between SUA and NAFLD. Subgroup studies stratified by sex and ethnicity demonstrated that the effects were consistent.
Learning from intersectoral initiatives to respond to the needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the context of COVID-19 in Quebec and Ontario: a qualitative multiple case study protocol
Authors: Gautier Lara , Di Ruggiero Erica , Jackson Carly , Bentayeb Naïma , Blain Marie-Jeanne , Chowdhury Fariha , Gueye Serigne Touba Mbacké , Haydary Muzhgan , Maillet Lara , Mahmoudi Laila , Mondal Shinjini , Ouffouet Bessiranthy Armel , Pluye Pierre , Ziam Saliha , Touati Nassera
Published: June 2023

Background

Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status experience precarious living and working conditions that disproportionately expose them to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the two most populous Canadian provinces (Quebec and Ontario), to reduce the vulnerability factors experienced by the most marginalized migrants, the public and community sectors engage in joint coordination efforts called intersectoral collaboration. This collaboration ensures holistic care provisioning, inclusive of psychosocial support, assistance to address food security, and educational and employment assistance. This research project explores how community and public sectors collaborated on intersectoral initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to support refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the cities of Montreal, Sherbrooke, and Toronto, and generates lessons for a sustainable response to the heterogeneous needs of these migrants.

Methods

This theory-informed participatory research is co-created with socioculturally diverse research partners (refugees, asylum seekers and migrants without status, employees of community organizations, and employees of public organizations). We will utilize Mirzoev and Kane’s framework on health systems’ responsiveness to guide the four phases of a qualitative multiple case study (a case being an intersectoral initiative). These phases will include (1) building an inventory of intersectoral initiatives developed during the pandemic, (2) organizing a deliberative workshop with representatives of the study population, community, and public sector respondents to select and validate the intersectoral initiatives, (3) interviews (n = 80) with community and public sector frontline workers and managers, municipal/regional/provincial policymakers, and employees of philanthropic foundations, and (4) focus groups (n = 80) with refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings will be used to develop discussion forums to spur cross-learning among service providers.

Discussion

This research will highlight the experiences of community and public organizations in their ability to offer responsive services for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the context of a pandemic. We will draw lessons learnt from the promising practices developed in the context of COVID-19, to improve services beyond times of crisis. Lastly, we will reflect upon our participatory approach—particularly in relation to the engagement of refugees and asylum seekers in the governance of our research.
Virus usurps alternative splicing to clear the decks for infection
Authors: Li Ruixue , Gao Shenyan , Chen Huayuan , Zhang Xiaozhan , Yang Xia , Zhao Jun , Wang Zeng
Published: June 2023

Since invasion, there will be a tug-of-war between host and virus to scramble cellular resources, for either restraining or facilitating infection. Alternative splicing (AS) is a conserved and critical mechanism of processing pre-mRNA into mRNAs to increase protein diversity in eukaryotes. Notably, this kind of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism has gained appreciation since it is widely involved in virus infection. Here, we highlight the important roles of AS in regulating viral protein expression and how virus in turn hijacks AS to antagonize host immune response. This review will widen the understandings of host-virus interactions, be meaningful to innovatively elucidate viral pathogenesis, and provide novel targets for developing antiviral drugs in the future.
Politics matters for individual attitudes toward vaccine donation: cross-national evidence from the United States and Taiwan
Authors: Hsiao Yuan , Lin Fang-Yu , Sheen Greg Chih-Hsin , Wang Ching-Hsing
Published: June 2023

Background

Vaccine equity has been a major concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the principle of vaccine equity, donor countries should apply the criterion of needs to make decisions about vaccine donation instead of considering recipient countries’ economic status. We examine whether people follow the same criterion or consider other factors to decide which country to donate vaccines and how many vaccines should be delivered.

Methods

We conducted online surveys with the design of conjoint experiment in the United States and Taiwan in 2021. 1,532 American citizens and 1,587 Taiwanese citizens were interviewed. The respondents were broadly quota-matched to their respective demographic proportions on the dimensions of age, gender, and education. We estimated the average marginal component effects (AMCEs) of the conjoint attributes by using the OLS regression models with standard errors clustered at the respondent level.

Results

15,320 and 15,870 decisions on vaccine donation generated by conjoint experiment respectively in the United States and Taiwan were included in the analysis. Both American and Taiwanese people tend to donate vaccines to countries that suffer severe consequences of COVID-19 and democracies compared to authoritarian countries. However, they are less willing to donate vaccines to those with higher levels of capability in response to COVID-19. Taiwanese people tend to donate vaccines to countries having formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan (AMCE 13.4%, 95% CI 11.8%-15.1%). Nonetheless, American people would rather donate vaccines to countries without formal diplomatic relations with the United States (AMCE − 4.0%, 95% CI -5.6%--2.4%).

Conclusions

The findings reveal that politics plays a significant role in people’s decisions about vaccine donation. Under electoral pressure, political leaders must think about how to respond to the public’s preferences over vaccine donation to achieve vaccine equity and address the global health crisis.
Sex specific molecular networks and key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Guo Lei , Cao Jiqing , Hou Jianwei , Li Yonghe , Huang Min , Zhu Li , Zhang Larry , Lee Yeji , Duarte Mariana Lemos , Zhou Xianxiao , Wang Minghui , Liu Chia-Chen , Martens Yuka , Chao Michael , Goate Alison , Bu Guojun , Haroutunian Vahram , Cai Dongming , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and age-associated neurodegenerative disorder that affects women disproportionally. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. Moreover, while the interplay between sex and ApoE genotype in AD has been investigated, multi-omics studies to understand this interaction are limited. Therefore, we applied systems biology approaches to investigate sex-specific molecular networks of AD.

Methods

We integrated large-scale human postmortem brain transcriptomic data of AD from two cohorts (MSBB and ROSMAP)viamultiscale network analysis and identified key drivers with sexually dimorphic expression patterns and/or different responses to APOE genotypes between sexes. The expression patterns and functional relevance of the top sex-specific network driver of AD were further investigated using postmortem human brain samples and gene perturbation experiments in AD mouse models.

Results

Gene expression changes in ADversuscontrol were identified for each sex. Gene co-expression networks were constructed for each sex to identify AD-associated co-expressed gene modules shared by males and females or specific to each sex. Key network regulators were further identified as potential drivers of sex differences in AD development.LRP10was identified as a top driver of the sex differences in AD pathogenesis and manifestation. Changes of LRP10 expression at the mRNA and protein levels were further validated in human AD brain samples. Gene perturbation experiments in EFAD mouse models demonstrated thatLRP10differentially affected cognitive function and AD pathology in sex- and APOE genotype-specific manners. A comprehensive mapping of brain cells inLRP10over-expressed (OE) female E4FAD mice suggested neurons and microglia as the most affected cell populations. The female-specific targets ofLRP10identified from the single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of theLRP10OE E4FAD mouse brains were significantly enriched in theLRP10-centered subnetworks in female AD subjects, validatingLRP10as a key network regulator of AD in females. Eight LRP10 binding partners were identified by the yeast two-hybrid system screening, and LRP10 over-expression reduced the association of LRP10 with one binding partner CD34.

Conclusions

These findings provide insights into key mechanisms mediating sex differences in AD pathogenesis and will facilitate the development of sex- and APOE genotype-specific therapies for AD.
Associations of height, body mass index, and weight gain with breast cancer risk in carriers of a pathogenic variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2: the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cohort Consortium
Authors: Kast Karin , John Esther M. , Hopper John L. , Andrieu Nadine , Noguès Catherine , Mouret-Fourme Emmanuelle , Lasset Christine , Fricker Jean-Pierre , Berthet Pascaline , Mari Véronique , Salle Lucie , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Ausems Margreet G. E. M. , Garcia Encarnacion B. Gomez , van de Beek Irma , Wevers Marijke R. , Evans D. Gareth , Tischkowitz Marc , Lalloo Fiona , Cook Jackie , Izatt Louise , Tripathi Vishakha , Snape Katie , Musgrave Hannah , Sharif Saba , Murray Jennie ,   EMBRACE Collaborators, Colonna Sarah V. , Andrulis Irene L. , Daly Mary B. , Southey Melissa C. , de la Hoya Miguel , Osorio Ana , Foretova Lenka , Berkova Dita , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Olah Edith , Jakubowska Anna , Singer Christian F. , Tan Yen , Augustinsson Annelie , Rantala Johanna , Simard Jacques , Schmutzler Rita K. , Milne Roger L. , Phillips Kelly-Anne , Terry Mary Beth , Goldgar David , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Mooij Thea M. , Antoniou Antonis C. , Easton Douglas F. , Rookus Matti A. , Engel Christoph
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Height, body mass index (BMI), and weight gain are associated with breast cancer risk in the general population. It is unclear whether these associations also exist for carriers of pathogenic variants in theBRCA1orBRCA2genes.

Patients and methods

An international pooled cohort of 8091BRCA1/2variant carriers was used for retrospective and prospective analyses separately for premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Cox regression was used to estimate breast cancer risk associations with height, BMI, and weight change.

Results

In the retrospective analysis, taller height was associated with risk of premenopausal breast cancer forBRCA2variant carriers (HR 1.20 per 10 cm increase, 95% CI 1.04–1.38). Higher young-adult BMI was associated with lower premenopausal breast cancer risk for bothBRCA1(HR 0.75 per 5 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.66–0.84) andBRCA2(HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.89) variant carriers in the retrospective analysis, with consistent, though not statistically significant, findings from the prospective analysis. In the prospective analysis, higher BMI and adult weight gain were associated with higher postmenopausal breast cancer risk forBRCA1carriers (HR 1.20 per 5 kg/m2, 95% CI 1.02–1.42; and HR 1.10 per 5 kg weight gain, 95% CI 1.01–1.19, respectively).

Conclusion

Anthropometric measures are associated with breast cancer risk forBRCA1andBRCA2variant carriers, with relative risk estimates that are generally consistent with those for women from the general population.
Development and validation of an eco-friendly HPLC–UV method for determination of atorvastatin and vitamin D3 in pure form and pharmaceutical formulation
Authors: Maged Khaled , El-Henawee Magda M. , Abd El-Hay Soad S.
Published: June 2023

Statin-associated muscle symptoms are considered as obvious adverse effects of prolonged statin therapy such as myopathy, myalgia, and rhabdomyolysis. These side effects are associated with vitamin D3 deficiency and can be adjusted by amendment of serum vitamin D3 level. Green chemistry aims to decrease the harmful effects of analytical procedures. Here we have developed a green and eco-friendly HPLC method for the determination of atorvastatin calcium and vitamin D3. The two drugs were separated in less than 10 min on Symmetry column C18 (100 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm) using a mixture consisting of 0.1% ortho-phosphoric acid (OPA) (pH = 2.16) and ethanol as the mobile phase in gradient manner. We have used Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) tools and the Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach (AGREE) for assessment of the greenness of our proposed method. The method proved linearity over concentration ranges of (5–40) and (1–8) µg/ml with low limit of detection of 0.475 and 0.041 µg/ml for atorvastatin calcium and vitamin D3 respectively. The method was successfully validated in accordance with ICH instructions and utilized for determination of the drugs of interest either in pure form or in their pharmaceuticals.