bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User perspectives on the future of mobility assistive devices: Understanding users’ assistive device experiences and needs
Authors: Morris Leah , Cramp Mary , Turton Ailie
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Current assistive devices are inadequate in addressing the needs of some people living with impaired mobility. This study explored the experiences of living with impaired mobility in relation to how wearable assistive adaptive and rehabilitative technologies may improve their quality of life.

Methods

A cross-case study approach was adopted; the case being defined as the experience of impaired mobility. Semi-structured interviews were utilised. The sample ( n = 8) was purposefully selected to have impaired mobility due to stroke, age-related frailty, or lower limb amputation. From the interview transcripts, in-depth case illustrations were written to provide personal stories and thematic analysis was carried out to provide a cross-case analysis.

Results

There were two overarching themes: lifestyle changes; and wishes and desires for assistive devices. There were shared experiences across participant groups, such as falls and fear of falling. All participants identified a wish for increased speed of walking. However, the reasons for their difficulties differed depending on personal factors and their condition. Participants wanted devices to be adjustable to their perceived ability on a day-to-day basis.

Conclusions

Although common concerns and impacts of living with impaired mobility were apparent, individuals have unique requirements that should inform the design of assistive technology devices.
The Stark realities of reproducible statistically orientated sociological research: Some newer rules of the sociological method
Authors: Gayle Vernon , Connelly Roxanne
Published: August 2022

There is increasing concern that research is not transparent and that empirical results are often impossible to reproduce. Guidelines for undertaking reproducible research have been proposed in a number of academic areas (e.g. computational economics, psychology and medical research), however currently there are no guidelines for sociological research. This methodological paper provides guidance for undertaking reproducible statistically orientated sociological research. We provide an extended demonstration of the issues associated with reproducing results and undertaking transparent analyses. We draw on suitable concepts and techniques from open research, e-research and computing. We propose a set of Newer Rules of the Sociological Method, for undertaking transparent statistically orientated sociological research that supports reproducibility.
Collecting qualitative data using a smartphone app: Learning from research involving people with experience of multiple disadvantage
Authors: Welford Joanna , Sandhu Jatinder , Collinson Beth , Blatchford Sheila
Published: August 2022

This article discusses the use of a smartphone application (‘app’) as a method for undertaking diary-based qualitative research with a group of participants with lived experience of multiple disadvantage (experience of two or more of homelessness, offending, mental ill-health and substance misuse). As part of a multi-method approach to the study, an app was designed for participants to capture rich, real-time qualitative data through a variety of media – text, audio, image and video – to make it accessible and interactive for participants. There is an identified gap in the use of apps to collect qualitative data with marginalised groups, and this paper reflects on our experience of designing and implementing an app as part of a wider multi-method research project. We argue that, particularly during the challenges of adapting research methods in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the smartphone app has considerable potential for engaging participants in a flexible way to involve marginalised groups. Qualitative researchers in particular should consider the potential of this approach, and encourage others to share their reflections and learning.
Kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses post complete vaccination with coronavac: A prospective study in 50 health workers
Authors: Nugraha Jusak , Permatasari Cynthia Ayu , Fitriah Munawaroh , Tambunan Betty Agustina , Fuadi Muhamad Robi’ul
Published: August 2022

Background:

COVID-19 pandemic causes severe acute respiratory syndrome and requires rapid action. The development of effective safe vaccines become a global priority for achieving herd immunity. Vaccination is expected to form specific antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein which can neutralize the virus, preventing the virus from binding with ACE 2 receptors.

Objective:

Evaluating and to know if there any differences of kinetics antibody levels from recipient’s anti-IgG S-RBD and NAb with complete second dose CoronaVac Vaccine, to determine the antibody response in preventing SARS-CoV-2.

Method:

A prospective-cohort study using observational analytics was conducted from January-April 2021 at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. A total of 50 subjects are healthcare workers who received two doses of CoronaVac. The IgG S-RBD and NAb levels were measured on Maglumi 800 device (SNIBE, China). Differences in IgG S-RBD and NAb levels before vaccination and after second dose CoronaVac vaccination on 14th day, on 28th day, ware tested using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests.

Result:

Mean values of IgG S-RBD and NAb have fluctuated. There was a significant difference between IgG S-RBD and NAb levels on day-0 (0.090 vs 18.630; p < 0.001) and day-28 (141.266 vs 116.640; p = 0.037). The median value showed the IgG S-RBD level on day-28 was much better than NAb value (141,266 v 116,640).

Conclusion:

CoronaVac will form persistent antibodies. Despite antibody development, the acquired humoral immunity decreased at 28 days after full CoronaVac immunization. Kinetics of antibody NAb decreased more rapidly than IgG S-RBD.
The Long-Lasting Effects of Schooling: Estimating the Effects of Science and Math Identity in High School on College and Career Outcomes in STEM
Authors: Quintana Rafael , Saatcioglu Argun
Published: August 2022

A growing body of research suggests that the beliefs, interests, expectations and other attitudes acquired early in life play a critical role in shaping individuals’ career trajectories. Yet the causal pathways connecting early-acquired attitudes and future outcomes are not well understood. In this study, the authors argue that a plausible way to understand this relationship is by postulating a direct effect of early-acquired attitudes on future outcomes that is not mediated by more recent values of these attitudes. This effect is referred to as the controlled direct effect. Using a nationally representative sample, the authors implement inverse probability–weighted marginal structural models to estimate the controlled direct effect of math and science identity beliefs in ninth grade on career and college outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The results suggest that identifying with science or math in school increases the odds of enrolling in a STEM major in college as well expecting to have a STEM career.
Structural connectivity mediates the relationship between blood oxygenation and cognitive function in sickle cell anemia
Authors: Clayden Jonathan D. , Stotesbury Hanne , Kawadler Jamie M. , Slee April , Kӧlbel Melanie , Saunders Dawn E. , Hood Anna M. , Wilkey Olu , Layton Mark , Inusa Baba , Pelidis Maria , Chakravorty Subarna , Rees David C. , Howard Jo , Awogbade Moji , Liossi Christina , Kirkham Fenella J. , Clark Chris A.
Published: August 2022

In sickle cell disease, the relative importance of reduced hemoglobin (Hb) and peripheral oxygen saturation on brain structure remains uncertain. We applied graph-theoretical analysis to diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data to investigate the effect of structural brain connectivity on cognitive function, alongside the presence or absence, number, and volume of silent cerebral infarction. In patients, we investigated the relationships between network properties, blood oxygenation, and cognition (working memory and processing speed indices). Based on streamline counts and fractional anisotropy, we identified a subnetwork with weakened connectivity in 92 patients with sickle cell disease (91 homozygous for HbS [HbSS], 1 heterozygote with HbSβ0 thalassemia; 49 males; aged 8.0 to 38.8 y), compared with 54 control subjects (22 males; aged 6.7 to 30.6 y). Multiple regression analyses showed a significant effect of Hb on full-network edge density (P < .05) and of peripheral oxygen saturation on streamline-weighted subnetwork efficiency (P < .01). There were effects of fractional anisotropy-weighted full-network and subnetwork efficiency on working memory index (both P < .05), and of streamline-weighted subnetwork efficiency on processing speed index (P = .05). However, there were no effects of presence, number or volume of silent cerebral infarcts. Streamline-weighted efficiency was progressively lower with lower oxygen saturation, with a downstream effect on the processing speed index. In path analysis, indirect relationships between blood oxygenation and cognition, mediated by network properties, were better supported than direct alternatives, with an indirect relationship between low oxygen saturation and processing speed index in patients, mediated by structural connectivity efficiency in a subnetwork of the brain differing from control subjects. Our findings are consistent with the notion that cognitive impairment is primarily mediated by hypoxic–ischemic effects on normal-appearing white matter and highlight the utility of network-based methods in providing biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction in patients with sickle cell disease.
Medications for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Pitre Tyler , Su Johnny , Cui Sonya , Scanlan Ryan , Chiang Christopher , Husnudinov Renata , Khalid Muhammad Faran , Khan Nadia , Leung Gareth , Mikhail David , Saadat Pakeezah , Shahid Shaneela , Mah Jasmine , Mielniczuk Lisa , Zeraatkar Dena , Mehta Sanjay
Published: August 2022

Background:

There is no consensus on the most effective treatments of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our objective was to compare effects of medications for PAH.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials andClinicaltrials.govfrom inception to December 2021. We performed a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis on all included trials. We rated the certainty of the evidence using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results:

We included 53 randomised controlled trials with 10 670 patients. Combination therapy with endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) plus phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) reduced clinical worsening (120.7 fewer events per 1000, 95% CI 136.8–93.4 fewer; high certainty) and was superior to either ERA or PDE5i alone, both of which reduced clinical worsening, as did riociguat monotherapy (all high certainty). PDE5i (24.9 fewer deaths per 1000, 95% CI 35.2 fewer to 2.1 more); intravenous/subcutaneous prostanoids (18.3 fewer deaths per 1000, 95% CI 28.6 fewer deaths to 0) and riociguat (29.1 fewer deaths per 1000, 95% CI 38.6 fewer to 8.7 more) probably reduce mortality as compared to placebo (all moderate certainty). Combination therapy with ERA+PDE5i (49.9 m, 95% CI 25.9–73.8 m) and riociguat (49.5 m, 95% CI 17.3–81.7 m) probably increase 6-min walk distance as compared to placebo (moderate certainty).

Conclusion:

Current PAH treatments improve clinically important outcomes, although the degree and certainty of benefit vary between treatments.
Determinants of metabolic syndrome among patients attending diabetes clinics in two sub-urban hospitals: Bono Region, Ghana
Authors: Abagre Timothy Agandah , Bandoh Delia Akosua , Addo-Lartey Adolphina Addoley
Published: August 2022

Background

Over 70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may have metabolic syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence about the prevalence, clustering, and determinants of metabolic syndrome components is needed to guide the implementation of interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases in low-income countries.

Methods

A clinic-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 out-patients attending two-selected diabetes mellitus clinics in the Bono Region of Ghana. Data was collected in June 2016 among participants aged 30–79 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was assessed using the harmonized definition. Patients were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and T2DM status was confirmed by reviewing medical records. The components of MS that were assessed included body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and blood glucose. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the risk factors of MS.

Results

The mean age of participants was 58.8 ± 11.49 years. The prevalence of MS was 68.6% (95% CI: 64.0–72.8), higher among women (76.3%, 95% CI: 70.6–81.2) than men (58.0%, 95% CI: 35.0–49.4) and in the 50–59-year age group (32.1%). The majority of participants [248 (57.7%)] had either two [124 (28.8%)] or four [124 (28.8%)] components of MS. Excluding fasting blood glucose (78.4%), the predominant components of MS identified in the study were reduced HDL cholesterol (70.2%), high waist circumference (60.9%), and elevated systolic blood pressure (49.8%). The study found that the odds of MS in women are 2.2-fold higher than in men (95% CI: 1.29–3.58, p = 0.003). Duration of T2DM (OR 5.2, 95% CI: 2.90–9.31, p < 0.001) and overweight status (OR 6.1, 95% CI: 3.70–10.07 p < 0.001) were also found to be significant determinants of MS.

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome was common among patients attending routine diabetes mellitus clinics in sub-urban hospitals in the middle belt of Ghana. Significant factors associated with metabolic syndrome included being female, living with diabetes for more than five years, and being overweight. Nationwide advocacy for routine screening and prevention of the syndrome should be initiated to prevent cardiovascular disease and mortality in this vulnerable population.
Social capital and health information seeking in China
Authors: Lu Qianfeng , Chang Angela , Yu Guoming , Yang Ya , Schulz Peter J.
Published: August 2022

Background

People’s potentials to seek health information can be affected by their social context, such as their social networks and the resources provided through those social networks. In the past decades, the concept of social capital has been widely used in the health realm to indicate people’s social context. However, not many such studies were conducted in China. Chinese society has its special quality that many Western societies lack: people traditionally render strong value to family relations and rely heavily on strong social ties in their social life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between different types of social capital and health information-seeking behavior (HISB) in the Chinese context. The different types of social capital were primarily bonding and bridging, as well as cognitive and structural ones.

Methods

Our analysis is based on a total of 3090 cases taken from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) – China, 2017. Dataset was weighted due to the overrepresentation of female respondents and hierarchical multiple regression analyses as well as binary logistic regression tests were operated to examine the associations between people’s social capital and their HISB.

Results

Some aspects of social capital emerged as positive predictors of HISB: information support (standing in for the cognitive component of social capital) promoted health information seeking, organization memberships (standing in for the structural component) encouraged cancer information seeking, and both the use of the internet and of traditional media for gaining health information were positively linked with bridging networks and organization memberships. Bonding networks (structural component) were not correlated with any other of the key variables and emotional support (cognitive social capital) was consistently associated with all health information-seeking indicators negatively.

Conclusions

Social capital demonstrated significant and complex relationships with HISB in China. Structural social capital generally encouraged HISB in China, especially the bridging aspects including bridging networks and organization memberships. On the other hand, emotional support as cognitive social capital damaged people’s initiatives in seeking health-related information.
Correlates and determinants of transport-related physical activity among adults: an interdisciplinary systematic review
Authors: Evans Jack T. , Phan Hoang , Buscot Marie-Jeanne , Gall Seana , Cleland Verity
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Transport-related physical activity (TRPA) has been identified as a way to increase physical activity due to its discretionary and habitual nature. Factors thought to influence TRPA span multiple disciplines and are rarely systematically considered in unison. This systematic review aimed to identify cross-sectional and longitudinal factors associated with adult TRPA across multiple research disciplines.

Methods

Using four electronic databases, a systematic search of English, peer-reviewed literature from 2010 – 2020 was performed. Studies quantitatively examining factors associated with the outcome of adult TRPA were eligible.

Results

Seventy-three studies (n = 66 cross-sectional;n = 7 longitudinal) were included, cumulatively reporting data from 1,278,632 observations. Thirty-six factors were examined for potential association with TRPA and presented in a social-ecological framework: individual (n = 15), social (n = 3), and environmental (n = 18). Seven factors were found to be consistently associated with higher adult TRPA: lower socio-economic status, higher self-efficacy, higher social normalization, lower distance of travel, higher destination concentration, more streetlighting, and higher public transportation frequency with a greater number of terminals near route start and endpoints.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive compilation of the correlates and determinants of adult TRPA. Seven individual, social, and environmental factors demonstrated consistent associations with TRPA. Models formed using these factors may facilitate more effective promotion of TRPA. There is a lack of longitudinal studies as well as studies assessing cognitive/attitudinal and social factors, highlighting gaps for further research. Those developing policies and strategies targeting TRPA need to consider a range of factors at the individual, social, and environmental level to maximise the likelihood of effectiveness.
Job-related stress associated with work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMDs) in municipal waste collectors: the moderation and mediation effect of job support
Authors: Yang Ching-Lan , Huang Wei-Ping , Lin Wen-Yu , Tseng Po-Chang , Kuo Hsien-Wen
Published: August 2022

Background

Since the policy of “keeping trash off of the ground” in Taiwan, long-term exposure to repetitive motion in waste collection process results in high risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMDs). Thus, we assessed the moderation and mediation effects of job-related stress and job support on work-related UEMDs among municipal waste collectors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in two cities located at northern Taiwan during 2018–2019. 626 municipal waste collectors voluntarily participated and anonymously filled out a structured questionnaire. The moderation and mediation effects of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and social support on UEMDs were analyzed by Haye’s Process Macro Model.

Results

Prevalence of UEMDs in municipal waste collectors were 43.4% for neck, 56.0% for shoulder, 24.1% for upper back, and 33.1% for hand/wrist. There was high prevalence of shoulder (72.2%), neck (48%), and upper back (30%) in female workers compared to male, most significantly in shoulders. In univariate and multivariate analysis, high ERI and low job support were significantly associated with ORs of 3.11 (95% CI:1.58–6.13) for elbow, 2.79 (95% CI:1.39–5.56) for shoulder, 3.39 (95% CI:1.64–7.00) for upper back and 3.83 (95% CI:1.98–7.41) for hand/wrist. Prevalent UEMDs were positively associated with high ERI in municipal waste collectors but negatively with job support. The moderation effects of ERI and job support on UEMDs, of which the measured synergy index exceeded one, were 18.24 for shoulder, 3.32 for elbow, and 2.45 for hand/wrist, but mediation effects were not significant.

Conclusions

This study found municipal waste collectors with work-related upper extremity disorders were significantly associated with work-related psychological risk factors. Therefore, waste collection cannot only to be improved by semi-automatic and automatic processes but immediate intervention programs for the reduction of psychological risk factors is needed promptly.
Changes in the prevalence of hyperuricemia in clients of health examination in Eastern China, 2009 to 2019
Authors: She Dunmin , Wang Yongliang , Liu Jing , Luo Na , Feng Shangyong , Li Ying , Xu Jin , Xie Shichun , Zhu Yan , Xue Ying , Zhang Zhenwen
Published: August 2022

Background

With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the incidence of hyperuricemia (HUA) is increasing globally. The prevalence of HUA ranged in terms of region, race, and age. This study aims to investigate the changes in the prevalence of HUA in clients of health examination in Eastern China between 2009 and 2019.

Methods

Chinese men and women aged 20–79 years (n = 4847 in the 2009 group and n = 12,188 in 2019 group) who had received health examinations were enrolled. Serum uric acid (UA) levels and biochemical parameters, including fasting blood-glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were evaluated. The prevalence of HUA in different age groups were measured, and the correlation of biochemical parameters with HUA were analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of HUA was 18.7% in the 2019 group, which was significantly higher than that in 2009 (11.1%). In females, the prevalence of HUA was significantly higher in 2019 than 2009 for age groups of 20–29 and 30–39 years. In male population, 2019 participants had significantly higher age-specific prevalence for all age groups than 2009 participants. Young men aged 20–29 years became the main population of HUA in the 2019 participants, whereas middle-aged men aged 40–49 years had the highest prevalence of HUA in the 2009 participants. The prevalence rates of HUA in all BMI groups in 2019 participants were significantly higher than those in 2009 participants. Spearmen’s correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI was positively correlated with HUA. The receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed BMI > 24.48 kg/m2 and BMI > 23.84 kg/m2 displayed good capacities to discriminate the population with HUA from those without HUA in 2009 and 2019 participants, respectively.

Conclusions

In recent 10 years, the prevalence of HUA was increased rapidly in Chinese adults, especially in males. In 2019, the young male group (20–29 years old) replaced the middle-aged male group (40–49 years old) in 2009 as the leading age group for male HUA. BMI was positively correlated with HUA, and might be a potential risk factors to predict HUA.
Traditional Chinese medicine formula 01 for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC01) for head & neck cancer and health-related quality of life: a retrospective study
Authors: Yanwei Li , Feng He , Xudong Wang , Zhanyu Pan
Published: August 2022

Background

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula 01 for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC01) is used in the management of head and neck cancers (HNCs), but whether NPC01 has an impact on the HR-QOL of patients with HNCs is unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with HNCs who were treated between January 2019 and January 2020 at the Head & Neck Cancer Center of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital. The patients were grouped according to whether they received NPC01 or not (controls). All patients routinely completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 modules before and after 3 months of systemic treatment. Health economics were collected.

Results

The patients who received NPC01 were older than the controls (48.6 ± 11.4 vs. 43.4 ± 8.8 years, P = 0.004). All other characteristics were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In EORTC QLQ-C30, physical functioning (P = 0.03), fatigue (P = 0.04), pain (P = 0.02), appetite loss (P = 0.02), and constipation (P = 0.01) scores were improved more in the NPC01 group than in controls. In EORTC H&N35, the scores for pain (P = 0.02), swallowing (P = 0.01), and dry mouth (P = 0.02) were better in the NPC01 group than in controls. The NPC01 cost was 38.94 RMB/patient compared with 12.81 RMB/patient for regular follow-up, but considering insurance coverage, the financial burden was not higher.

Conclusions

The results suggest that NPC01 improves HNCs-related symptoms and HR-QOL.
Coverage and equity of essential care services among stroke survivors in the Western Province of Sri Lanka: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Wellappuli Nalinda Tharanga , Perera Hettiarachchige Subashini Rasanja , Chang Thashi , Kasthuriratne Gunendrika , Gunawardena Nalika Sepali
Published: August 2022

Background

Stroke survivors require continuing services to limit disability. This study assessed the coverage and equity of essential care services received during the first six months of post-stroke follow-up of stroke survivors in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team defined the essential post-stoke follow-up care services and agreed on a system to categorize the coverage of services as adequate or inadequate among those who were identified as needing the said service. We recruited 502 survivors of first ever stroke of any type, from 11 specialist hospitals upon discharge. Six months following discharge, trained interviewers visited their homes and assessed the coverage of essential services using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Forty-nine essential post-stroke follow-up care services were identified and categorized into six domains: monitoring of risk conditions, treatment, services to limit disabilities, services to prevent complications, lifestyle modification and supportive services. Of the recruited 502 stroke survivors, 363 (72.3%) were traced at the end of 6 months. Coverage of antiplatelet therapy was the highest (97.2% (n = 289, 95% CI 95.3- 99.1)) while referral to mental health services (3.3%, n = 12, 95% CI 1.4–5.1) and training on employment for the previously employed (2.2%, n = 4, 95% CI- 0.08–4.32), were the lowest among the six domains of care. In the sample, 59.8% (95% CI 54.76–64.48) had received an ‘adequate’ level of essential care services related to treatment while none received an ‘adequate’ level of services in the category of support services. Disaggregated service coverage by presence and type of limb paralysis within the domain of services to prevent complications, and by sex and education level within the domain of education level, show statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Apart from treatment services to limit disabilities, coverage of essential care services during the post-stroke period was inadequate. There were no apparent inequities in the coverage of vast majority of services. However focused policy decisions are required to address these gaps in services.
Region of birth differences in healthcare navigation and optimisation: the interplay of racial discrimination and socioeconomic position
Authors: Paccoud Ivana , Nazroo James , Leist Anja K.
Published: August 2022

Background

While a large body of research has documented socioeconomic and migrant inequities in the effective use of healthcare services, the reasons underlying such inequities are yet to be fully understood. This study assesses the interplay between racial discrimination and socioeconomic position, as conceptualised by Bourdieu, and their contributions to healthcare navigation and optimisation.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional survey in Luxembourg we collected data from individuals with wide-ranging migration and socioeconomic profiles. We fitted sequential multiple linear and logistic regressions to investigate the relationships between healthcare service navigation and optimisation with perceived racial discrimination and socioeconomic position measured by economic, cultural and social capital. We also investigated whether the ownership of these capitals moderates the experience of racial discrimination in healthcare settings.

Results

We observed important disparities in healthcare navigation among different migrant communities. These differences were explained by accounting for the experience of racial discrimination. Racial discrimination was also negatively related with the extent of healthcare services optimisation. However, the impact of discrimination on both health service navigation and optimisation was reduced after accounting for social capital. Higher volumes of economic and social capital were associated with better healthcare experience, and with a lower probability of perceived racial discrimination.

Conclusions

Racial discrimination plays a substantial role in accounting for inequality in healthcare service navigation by different migrant groups. This study highlights the need to consider the complex interplay between different forms of economic, cultural and social capital and racial discrimination when examining migrant, and racial/ethnic differences in healthcare. Healthcare inequalities arising from socioeconomic position and racism need to be addressed via multilevel policies and interventions that simultaneously tackle structural, interpersonal, and institutional dimensions of racism.
Clinicopathologic features of de novo non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in the post-transplant setting
Authors: Balitzer Dana , Tsai Jia-Huei , Gill Ryan M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become an increasingly recognized problem in patients after orthotopic liver transplant. The aims of this study were to compare the clinicopathologic features of recurrent and de novo NASH.

Methods

From 1995 to 2016, we performed a retrospective review of patients with a histological diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis made more than 6 months after liver transplant at University of California, San Francisco. The cases were categorized into de novo (n = 19) or recurrent steatohepatitis (n = 37).

Results

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection-related cirrhosis was the most common etiology of transplantation in de novo NASH (78% of cases,n = 29). There was no difference in glycogenosis or presence of grade 3 steatosis. More recurrent NASH biopsies had small ballooned hepatocytes (62.5% of cases) compared to de novo NASH (26.7%) (p = 0.03), and were less likely to show prominent portal inflammation (5% versus 40.5%,p = 0.0049). The diagnosis of recurrent NASH was made significantly sooner after transplantation than the diagnosis of de novo NASH (2.8 years versus 4.8 years,p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Overall, our results support that recurrent NASH demonstrates distinct clinicopathologic features compared to de novo NASH arising in the post-transplant setting.
Ethnomycological study on wild mushrooms in Pu’er Prefecture, Southwest Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Ran , Herrera Mariana , Xu Wenjun , Zhang Peng , Moreno Jesús Pérez , Colinas Carlos , Yu Fuqiang
Published: August 2022

Background

Yunnan is rich in fungal diversity and cultural diversity, but there are few researches on ethnomycology. In addition, extensive utilization of wild edible fungi (WEF), especially the ectomycorrhizal fungi, threatens the fungal diversity. Hence, this study aims to contribute to the ethnomycological knowledge in Pu’er Prefecture, Yunnan, China, including information on the fungal taxa presented in markets and natural habitats, with emphasis in ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF).

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with mushroom vendors in markets and with mushroom collectors in natural habitats were conducted. Information related to local names, habitat, fruiting time, species identification, price, cooking methods and preservation methods of wild edible mushrooms were recorded. Wild edible fungi were collected from forests, and morphological and molecular techniques were used to identify fungal species.

Results

A total of 11 markets were visited during this study. The 101 species collected in the markets belonged to 22 families and 39 genera, and about 76% of them were EMF. A wealth of ethnomycological knowledge was recorded, and we found that participants in the 45–65 age group were able to judge mushroom species more accurately. Additionally, men usually had a deepest mushroom knowledge than women. A total of 283 species, varieties and undescribed species were collected from natural habitats, and about 70% of them were EMF. Mushroom species and recorded amounts showed correspondence between markets and the natural habitats on different months.

Conclusion

The present study shows that Pu’er Prefecture is rich in local mycological knowledge and fungal diversity. However, it is necessary to continue the research of ethnomycological studies and to design and conduct dissemination of local knowledge in order to preserve it, since it currently remains mainly among the elderly population.
REViewer: haplotype-resolved visualization of read alignments in and around tandem repeats
Authors: Dolzhenko Egor , Weisburd Ben , Ibañez Kristina , Rajan-Babu Indhu-Shree , Anyansi Christine , Bennett Mark F. , Billingsley Kimberley , Carroll Ashley , Clamons Samuel , Danzi Matt C. , Deshpande Viraj , Ding Jinhui , Fazal Sarah , Halman Andreas , Jadhav Bharati , Qiu Yunjiang , Richmond Phillip A. , Saunders Christopher T. , Scheffler Konrad , van Vugt Joke J. F. A. , Zwamborn Ramona R. A. J. ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Chong Samuel S. , Friedman Jan M. , Tucci Arianna , Rehm Heidi L. , Eberle Michael A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Expansions of short tandem repeats are the cause of many neurogenetic disorders including familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, and many others. Multiple methods have been recently developed that can identify repeat expansions in whole genome or exome sequencing data. Despite the widely recognized need for visual assessment of variant calls in clinical settings, current computational tools lack the ability to produce such visualizations for repeat expansions. Expanded repeats are difficult to visualize because they correspond to large insertions relative to the reference genome and involve many misaligning and ambiguously aligning reads.

Results

We implemented REViewer, a computational method for visualization of sequencing data in genomic regions containing long repeat expansions and FlipBook, a companion image viewer designed for manual curation of large collections of REViewer images. To generate a read pileup, REViewer reconstructs local haplotype sequences and distributes reads to these haplotypes in a way that is most consistent with the fragment lengths and evenness of read coverage. To create appropriate training materials for onboarding new users, we performed a concordance study involving 12 scientists involved in short tandem repeat research. We used the results of this study to create a user guide that describes the basic principles of using REViewer as well as a guide to the typical features of read pileups that correspond to low confidence repeat genotype calls. Additionally, we demonstrated that REViewer can be used to annotate clinically relevant repeat interruptions by comparing visual assessment results of 44FMR1repeat alleles with the results of triplet repeat primed PCR. For 38 of these alleles, the results of visual assessment were consistent with triplet repeat primed PCR.

Conclusions

Read pileup plots generated by REViewer offer an intuitive way to visualize sequencing data in regions containing long repeat expansions. Laboratories can use REViewer and FlipBook to assess the quality of repeat genotype calls as well as to visually detect interruptions or other imperfections in the repeat sequence and the surrounding flanking regions. REViewer and FlipBook are available under open-source licenses athttps://github.com/illumina/REViewerandhttps://github.com/broadinstitute/flipbookrespectively.
Minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months during fasting days of orthodox Christian mothers in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Birhanu Haregewoin , Gonete Kedir Abdela , Hunegnaw Melkamu Tamir , Aragaw Fantu Mamo
Published: August 2022

Background

Nutritional improvement through appropriate feeding practices is critical for young children's healthy growth and development. Even if children are exempted from fasting, their diets are influenced by the widespread fasting practices of their Orthodox Christian mothers. However, scientific evidence on a minimum acceptable diet (MAD) among children aged 6–23 months during the fasting period was limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months during the fasting period among Orthodox Christian mothers in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted during the fasting season (Lent) from March 8, 20,121 to April 8, 2021. A total of 738 Orthodox Christian mothers with their children were selected by multistage sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data among mothers to assess children’s MAD status. The degree of association between independent and dependent variables was assessed by using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Those variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered as a significant factor for MAD among children aged 6–23 months. Data were presented using texts, tables and figures.

Results

The overall prevalence of MAD among children aged 6–23 months was 19.4% (95% CI: 16.40%-22.20). Having household wealth index of rich and middle (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI: 2.26,8.50) and (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.69,6.22), respectively, children aged from 12–17 months (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.43,4.92) and 18–23 months (AOR = 5.39, 95% CI: 2.93,9.95) respectively, Children who lived with a family member who consumed any time without keeping the fasting time(AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13,2.83) and mothers of young children who were married (AOR = 4.13, 95% CI: 1.29,13.23) have significant association with MAD.

Conclusion

The practice of minimum acceptable diet was inadequate. Age of child, wealth status, marital status, and presence of family member who fed without keeping fasting time were significantly associated factors for MAD among children aged 6–23 months. Advocacy for appropriate feeding practice and meeting the MAD for children aged 6–23 months during the fasting period should also be strengthened targeting the unmarried women and those with poor households and giving awareness for mothers in collaboration with the respective religious leaders is highly recommended.
Corpus-based analysis of near-synonymous verbs
Authors: Alanazi Zaha
Published: August 2022

Despite having different semantic profiles, near synonyms are usually presented in dictionaries as being contextually interchangeable, which may lead EFL learners to assume their contextual interchangeability. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies on how near synonyms are similar or different in their semantic and grammatical preferences. To enrich the literature on near synonyms’ semantic and grammatical profiles, this study explores the collocational behaviors and the semantic preferences of the near-synonymous verbs (affectvs.impact). Sketch Engine was used to examine lexical collocates, the colligational profile and the semantic prosody of the two verbs. The findings revealed fine-grained contextual differences in their collocational, grammatical, and semantic preferences. Applications of the findings for English language teaching will be discussed a long with recommendations for future research.
Cost-Related Medication Nonadherence and Patient Cost Responsibility for Rural and Urban Cancer Survivors
Authors: Williams Courtney P. , Davidoff Amy , Halpern Michael T. , Mollica Michelle , Castro Kathleen , Allaire Benjamin , de Moor Janet S.
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE:

The relationship between out-of-pocket spending and cost-related medication nonadherence among older rural- and urban-dwelling cancer survivors is not well understood.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, Medicare claims, and the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey linked data resource linked data (2007-2015) to investigate the relationship between cancer survivors' cost responsibility in the year before and after report of delaying or not filling a prescription medication because of cost in the past 6 months (cost-related medication nonadherence). Secondary exposures and outcomes included Medicare spending and utilization. Generalized linear models assessed bidirectional relationships between cost-related medication nonadherence, spending, and utilization. Effects of residence were assessed via interaction terms.

RESULTS:

Of 6,591 older cancer survivors, 13% reported cost-related medication nonadherence. Survivors were a median 8 years (interquartile range, 4.5-12.5 years) from their cancer diagnosis, 15% were dually Medicare/Medicaid-eligible, and prostate (40%) and breast (32%) cancer survivors were most prevalent. With every $500 USD increase in patient cost responsibility, risk of cost-related medication nonadherence increased by 3% (risk ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.04). After report of cost-related medication nonadherence, patient cost responsibility was 22% higher (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.32) compared with those not reporting nonadherence, amounting to $523 USD (95% CI, $430 USD to $630 USD). Medicare spending and utilization were also higher before and after report of cost-related nonadherence versus none. For survivors residing in rural (18%) and urban (82%) areas, residence did not modify adherence or cost outcomes.

CONCLUSION:

A bidirectional relationship exists between patient cost responsibility and cost-related medication nonadherence. Interventions reducing urban- and rural-dwelling survivor health care costs and cost-related adherence barriers are needed.
Incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Subsequent Mortality in a Multisite Cohort of Patients With Cancer in the CancerLinQ Discovery Database
Authors: Ray Emily M. , Riffon Mark F. , Kakamada Sirisha , Miller Robert S. , Potter Danielle
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE:

Understanding risks for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and subsequent mortality among patients with cancer may help inform treatment decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS:

CancerLinQ is an electronic health record database from US oncology practices. We identified a cohort of patients with malignancy and 2+ encounters at CancerLinQ practices in the 12 months before the study period (January 1, 2020-January 31, 2021). We identified a SARS-CoV-2 subcohort as having a positive SARS-CoV-2 test or International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, code. We examined predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality including sex, race, ethnicity, age, malignancy type, and prior therapy. Unadjusted and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) and 95% CIs were estimated from Poisson regression models for SARS-CoV-2 infections and mortality.

RESULTS:

The cancer cohort included 629,128 patients, and the SARS-CoV-2 subcohort included 12,300 patients. Higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2 was seen among patients who were male (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.18), Black (IRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.41 to 1.56), Hispanic (IRR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.91 to 2.14), age < 50 years (IRR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.42), with hematologic malignancies (IRR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.12), and with recent chemotherapy (IRR, 1.30, 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.40). In the adjusted analysis, higher incidence was seen in patients who were male (aIRR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.21), Hispanic (aIRR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.88 to 2.14), and with recent chemotherapy (aIRR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.25). There were 182 all-cause deaths within the SARS-CoV-2 subcohort. Higher mortality was seen among patients who were male (IRR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.86), unknown race (IRR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.42 to 4.91), other/unknown ethnicity (IRR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.29), age 60-69 years (IRR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.23 to 6.19), age 70-79 years (IRR, 5.28; 95% CI, 2.42 to 11.5), age 80+ years (IRR, 7.31; 95% CI, 3.31 to 16.1), or with recent chemotherapy (IRR, 1.52, 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.29). In the adjusted analysis, higher mortality was seen with increased age and receipt of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection must balance the competing risks of their cancer diagnosis/treatment and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Multicenter Analysis of Cardiometabolic-related Diagnoses in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: A PEDSnet Study
Authors: Valentine Anna , Davis Shanlee , Furniss Anna , Dowshen Nadia , Kazak Anne E , Lewis Christopher , Loeb Danielle F , Nahata Leena , Pyle Laura , Schilling Lisa M , Sequeira Gina M , Nokoff Natalie
Published: August 2022

Context

Studies on cardiometabolic health in transgender and gender-diverse youth (TGDY) are limited to small cohorts.

Objective

This work aimed to determine the odds of cardiometabolic-related diagnoses in TGDY compared to matched controls in a cross-sectional analysis, using a large, multisite database (PEDSnet).

Methods

Electronic health record data (2009-2019) were used to determine odds of cardiometabolic-related outcomes based on diagnosis, anthropometric, and laboratory data using logistic regression among TGDY youth vs controls. The association of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) with these outcomes was examined separately among TGDY. TGDY (n = 4172) were extracted from 6 PEDSnet sites and propensity-score matched on 8 variables to controls (n = 16 648). Main outcomes measures included odds of having cardiometabolic-related diagnoses among TGDY compared to matched controls, and among TGDY prescribed GAHT compared to those not prescribed GAHT.

Results

In adjusted analyses, TGDY had higher odds of overweight/obesity (1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3) than controls. TGDY with a testosterone prescription alone or in combination with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) had higher odds of dyslipidemia (1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3 and 3.7; 95% CI, 2.1-6.7, respectively) and liver dysfunction (1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9 and 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.3) than TGDY not prescribed GAHT. TGDY with a testosterone prescription alone had higher odds of overweight/obesity (1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.1) and hypertension (1.6 95% CI, 1.2-2.2) than those not prescribed testosterone. Estradiol and GnRHa alone were not associated with greater odds of cardiometabolic-related diagnoses.

Conclusion

TGDY have increased odds of overweight/obesity compared to matched controls. Screening and tailored weight management, sensitive to the needs of TGDY, are needed.