bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Assessment of Protein Variants in Structured Domains by Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Mateu-Regué Àngels , Mariani Luca , Bagger Frederik Otzen , Bose Muthiah , Nielsen Finn Cilius 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTWith the expanding catalogue of novel disease-genes, there is an increasing need to establish the significance of potential disease-causing variants. Based on the idea that pathogenic variants in structured protein domains disturb folding and association with macromolecular assemblies, we employed Fluorescence Correlation and Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS and FCCS) to assessin vivoprotein complex formation. Since the molecular underpinning of BRCA-associated breast and ovarian cancers is well defined and data from a recent genome editing screening allowed us to compare variant binding data with a reliable functional HRD test in addition to ClinVar and AlphaMissense data, we examined the binding of mutated wild-type BRCA1 or isolated RING and BRCT domains to BARD1 and RBBP8, respectively. The results demonstrate that FCCS, whether applied to full-length BRCA1 in live cells and/or to isolated domains in cellular lysates identified pathogenic BRCA1 RING or BRCT domain variants. We moreover demonstrate the feasibility of employing FCCS for analysis of HNPCC-related factor MSH2 and MEN1 factor Menin variants in combination with DNA mismatch repair factor MSH6 and transcription factor JUND, respectively. We propose that FCCS may be an appealing complement to current clinical procedures for classifying variants, for many monogenic diseases given its generic nature and ease of use.
Impact of adherence and stringency on the effectiveness of lockdown measures: a modelling study
Authors: Brunekreef Joren , Teslya Alexandra , Buskens Vincent , Nunner Hendrik , Kretzschmar Mirjam 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns were a widely used strategy to reduce disease transmission. However, there was much debate about the optimal level of strictness and duration of lockdowns. This study considers how lockdowns impact public health opinions, which in turn influence adherence to and effectiveness of these measures. We developed an agent-based simulation model to study the impact of health-related opinions on the effectiveness of lockdowns in controlling disease spread. The model simulates infection spread and health opinion dynamics among individuals connected through a network of contacts and incorporates feedback loops between epidemic variables and opinion dynamics. We simulated different scenarios of lockdown implementation by varying a threshold value of prevalence when a lockdown is initiated and the stringency of the lockdown. We found that quickly imposing a lockdown with high stringency is the most effective at reducing infection spread, provided that there is a certain degree of adherence to the lockdown among the population. Furthermore, stricter lockdowns minimize fatigue with respect to the imposed measures, since the duration of a lockdown is shorter on average in this scenario. Such lockdown policies can therefore be a beneficial, high-impact tool in containing epidemic spread, especially when supplemented by information interventions maintaining the adherence to lockdown measures.Author summaryLockdowns were a widely used strategy to curb disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effectiveness of such measures depends on the population’s adherence to the regulations. Long and strict lockdowns may lower this adherence as the population experiences ‘fatigue’ with the regulations. In our study, we model the interplay between lockdowns, disease transmission, and health-related opinions in a population network.We tested various lockdown scenarios by altering strictness of measures on the one hand, and lockdown initiation times based on disease prevalence rates on the other hand. Our findings show that swift, stringent lockdowns are the most effective in reducing infections, particularly with strong public compliance. Additionally, stricter lockdowns tend to reduce fatigue as they are generally shorter.These results highlight that prompt, rigorous lockdown policies, supported by strategies to maintain public adherence, are most efficient in controlling epidemics. Furthermore, effective communication to ensure community cooperation may enhance the success of these measures.
Prospective follow-up of New York City residents with e-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury—2020–2021
Authors: Tannert Niang Kathryn M. , Grasso Aviva B. , Debchoudhury Indira , Bushman Dena , Jasek John P. , Fairclough Monique A. , Van Oss Katherine R. , Chamany Shadi , LaSane Kendall D. , Franklin Sharraine M. , Talati Achala K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundA multistate outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) occurred in 2019. Because of EVALI’s novelty and severity, the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) prospectively assessed sequelae among NYC residents who received an EVALI diagnosis in 2019.MethodsUsing existing NYC EVALI surveillance data, DOHMH attempted contact with all living residents who received an EVALI diagnosis in 2019 and conducted 3 waves of telephone interviews during April 2020–March 2021. Interview questions were adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s EVALI case report form and validated surveys. Baseline differences between respondents and nonrespondents were assessed with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests; clinical and behavioral characteristics and open-ended responses were summarized.ResultsIn 2019, 53 NYC residents received an EVALI diagnosis; 33 (67%), 14 (29%), and 18 (37%) of 49 living residents participated in the first, second, and third interviews, respectively. Interviews occurred after outpatient diagnosis (6%) or hospital discharge (94%), at a median of 8, 11, and 17 months for each wave. Respondents (N = 33) and nonrespondents (N = 16) did not differ by sex, age, hospitalization status or length. Respondents were mostly male (70%), had a median age of 23 years (range: 16–63 years), and all reported using vaping or e-cigarette products (vaping) with tetrahydrocannabinol (88%), nicotine (49%), or cannabidiol (9%) before diagnosis. Respiratory (first and second interviews) and gastrointestinal (third interviews) symptoms were most commonly reported. Sixteen respondents (49%) reported any new diagnosis during follow-up. Fifteen to 29% of respondents reported vaping at each interview; 58%–93% reported recent non-vaped cannabinoid use.ConclusionNYC residents with EVALI reported symptoms throughout the follow-up period, and approximately half reported newly diagnosed health conditions.
Magnetization Transfer MRI of intragastric milk digestion: a feasibility study in humans
Authors: Mayar Morwarid , Terenzi Camilla , van Duynhoven John P.M. , Smeets Paul A.M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGastric milk protein (MP) coagulation has been extensively studied usingin vitroand animal models. Yet, verifying these results in humans remains essential. Recently, we demonstrated that1H Magnetization Transfer (MT) MRI can be used for the assessment of gastric MP coagulationin vitro.In the present follow-up study, we assessed the feasibility of using MT MRI for monitoring MP coagulationin vivoin humans. Twelve healthy adults underwent MRI scans before and after ingesting 300 g of low- or high-pasteurized skim milk (LPSM or HPSM, respectively). We assessed coagulation and gastric emptying (GE) dynamics by deriving the MT ratio (MTR),the total gastric content (TGC), semi-solid, and liquid volumes. TheMTRvalues increased during digestion for both milk products, indicating a decrease in protein molecular mobility and a concomitant increase in the degree of coagulation. Prolonged heating of milk did not affect theMTR(p = 0.15), but resulted in higher TGC volumes (MD 40.3 mL, 95% CI [25.5-55.1], p = 0.044) with a trend towards greater semi-solid (p = 0.056) or liquid (p = 0.065) volumes. These findings suggest that prolonged heating of milk leads to slower GE. We thus showed that by combining MT with conventional anatomical MRI both MP coagulation and GE dynamics, and thereby the impact of heating on gastric milk digestion, can be assessedin vivoin humans. Our work underpins the feasibility of using MRI as a non-invasive imaging tool for studying the effect of food processing and composition on gastric digestion.
Monitoring sodium content in packaged foods sold in the Americas and compliance with the Updated Regional Sodium Reduction Targets
Authors: Yang Yahan , Flexner Nadia , Tiscornia Maria Victoria , Guarnieri Leila , Blanco-Metzler Adriana , Núñez-Rivas Hilda , Roselló-Araya Marlene , Arévalo-Rodríguez Paola , Kroker-Lobos Maria Fernanda , Diez-Canseco Francisco , Meza-Hernández Mayra , Yabiku-Soto Kiomi , Saavedra-Garcia Lorena , Allemandi Lorena , Nederveen Leo , L’Abbé Mary R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundSodium reduction is a cost-effective measure to prevent noncommunicable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) established a target of a 30% relative reduction in mean population intake of sodium by 2025. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published sodium reduction targets for packaged foods in 2015, expanding and updating the targets in 2021 to help Member States with its efforts in reducing population sodium intake.ObjectiveThis study examined the current sodium levels in packaged foods among five countries in the Americas and monitored cross-sectional and longitudinal compliance with the sodium targets from 2015 to 2022.MethodsFood labels were systematically collected from the main supermarkets in five countries in the Americas region in 2022. Sodium levels per 100g and per kcal for collected food labels in 16 PAHO categories and 75 subcategories were analyzed and compared against the Updated Regional Targets. Further analysis of three countries that have longitudinal data for 2015-2016, 2017-2018 and 2022 was conducted to compare sodium per 100 g against the 2015 PAHO Targets.ResultsA total of 25,569 food items were analyzed. Overall,‘processed meat and poultry’had the highest sodium levels, although there were large variations within categories. 47% and 45% of products met the sodium per 100g and per kcal 2022 targets, respectively. Peru had the highest compliance, whereas Panama had the lowest for both targets. Among Argentina, Costa Rica and Peru, the proportion of foods meeting the 2015 PAHO lower targets were 48, 53 and 61% for 2015-2016, 2017-2018 and 2022, respectively.ConclusionsThis study showed that around half of the examined foods met their respective sodium targets and there have been small improvements in compliance over time. Further efforts are required to reach the WHO’s global sodium reduction goal by 2025, such as implementation of mandatory sodium reduction targets and front-of-pack labelling regulations.
Development and Validation of a Diagnostic Prediction Rule for Osteopenia
Authors: Janwittayanuchit Thammabhorn , Kaewboonlert Naritsaret , Tangkanjanavelukul Pornthep , Phattaramarut Kitirat , Thongdee Pattama 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo triage patients with a high likelihood of osteopenia before referring them for a standard bone mass density test for diagnosis.IntroductionOsteopenia defined by low bone mineral density, is a precursor for osteoporosis and is primarily associated with aging-linked natural bone loss in adulthood. The model and findings can be used to adopt an inclusive screening and swift treatment model that can work in most settings where resources are limited.MethodsWe developed a diagnostic prediction rule based on clinical characteristics. A retrospective cohort of 798 patients who were going to be diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, within January-September 2022. The multivariable logistic regression to assess potential predictors. The logistic coefficients were transformed as a risk-based scoring system. The internally validation was performed using a bootstrapping procedure.ResultsThe model initially included seven predictors: sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. However, after using backward elimination for model reduction, only three predictors—sex, age, and weight—were retained in the final model. The discrimination performance was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC); it was 0.779 (95%CI 0.74-0.82), and the calibration plot showed good calibration. For internal validation, bootstrap resampling was utilized, yielding an AuROC of 0.768 (95% CI 0.73-0.81), indicating robust performance of the model.ConclusionsThis study developed and internally validated the Osteopenia Simple Scoring System. This clinical risk score could be one of the important tools for diagnosing osteopenia and allocating resources in resource-limited settings.
Postoperative Surveillance Adherence in Colorectal Cancer Patients at Urban Medical Center: is it Adequate?
Authors: Alnasarat Ahmad , Darian Talin R. , Shahait Awni , Baldawi Mohanad , Mostafa Gamal 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimTo examine the adherence rate to surveillance guidelines after curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the impact of demographic factors.MethodsData was collected retrospectively including demographics, stage at diagnosis, and adherence to surveillance guidelines as recommended by the US Multi-Society Task Force (USMSTF) guidelines, for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who underwent curative surgical resection between 2005 and 2014 in a tertiary academic medical center.ResultsA total of 124 patients were included (Male /female, 56.5%/ 43.5%), African American 109 (87.9%), and 70 patients (56.5%) had Medicare/Medicaid insurance. Overall, Appropriate clinical evaluation twice per year for 3 years following surgery was completed in 78 (63%) of patients. A total of 56 (45%) had carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels checked twice a year for 3 years. Surveillance colonoscopy 1 year postoperatively occurred in 64 (51.6%), and 37 (29.8%) had a second colonoscopy 3 years postoperatively. Abdomen/pelvis CT scan was obtained in 90 (72.5%) at 1 year post-operatively. In the entire cohort, strict adherence to post-recession surveillance only occurred in 46 (37.1%). There was no correlation between adherence to surveillance and gender (p=0.184), race (p=0.118), or insurance type (p=0.51).ConclusionAdherence to surveillance after curative resection of CRC was inadequate regardless of socioeconomic, medical insurance, or race. Measures should be taken to identify barriers and improve compliance with guidelines.What is already known on this topic?Effective surveillance after colorectal cancer surgery is essential, yet many patients fail to follow recommended guidelines. Existing research highlights disparities in CRC outcomes based on race, socioeconomic status, and insurance coverage, affecting early detection and treatment.What this study addsOur study reveals a 37.1% adherence rate to surveillance guidelines among CRC patients in an urban medical center, unaffected by gender, race, or insurance status. This challenges previous assumptions about demographic disparities in post-resection care.How this study might affect research, practice, or policyThe study highlights the need for interventions to improve adherence rate to CRC surveillance. Future research, clinical practices, and policy initiatives should focus on overcoming barriers to ensure equitable and effective follow-up care.
A CT-based radiomics approach for CD8+ lymphocytes infiltration stratification in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zerka Fadila , Felfli Mehdi , Voyton Charles M , Thinnes Alexandre , Jacques Sebastien , Liu Yan , Iannessi Antoine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccurate prediction of tumor microenvironment is crucial for optimizing decision making throughout cancer treatment process. Current biopsy or surgical-based approaches to assess tumor microenvironment are limited by their invasiveness and tumor heterogeneity. The present study aimed to investigate the association of computed tomography radiomics features and CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration levels for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.Materials and Methods283 patients with CT imaging and RNA-Seq data were collected from open-source data repositories. The study included three independent cohorts of non-small cell lung cancer patients, with one serving as the training set and the other two as external test sets. 1246 CT radiomics features were extracted. Three discriminative texture features were used to train the AI model.ResultsThe model, trained on discriminative features, achieved a mean area under the curve AUC-ROC of 0.71(±0.17 std) on the training data. The AUC-ROC of the model on the two independent test sets is 0.67 (95% CI: 51%, 80%) on TCGA and 0.64 (95% CI: 51%, 74%) on LUNG3.ConclusionCT texture features can differentiate patients with high from low CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration levels. These features can non-invasively analyze the whole tumor and aid in the identification of patients that can respond to immunotherapy.Tweetable abstractTexture radiomics features on CT scans can aid in stratifying CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration levels for patients with NSCLC.
The diagnostic accuracy of the point-of-care urine dipstick test in detecting urinary tract infection among symptomatic patients in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Onyango Hellen A. , Sloan Derek J , Keenan Katherine , Kesby Mike , Ngugi Caroline , Gitonga Humphrey , Hammond Robert 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most frequently diagnosed bacterial infections and constitute a large proportion of workload in clinical microbiology laboratories. Urine culture is the confirmatory test for UTI. However, most primary care settings routinely use the more rapid, less labour-intensive dipstick. This study assesses the characteristics of a urine dipstick test in predicting a positive urine culture and how best it can be used in resource constrained settings despite its limitations.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted at two level-V health facilities in Nairobi County, Kenya. Adults and children presenting with clinical symptoms of UTI were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. Midstream urine samples were collected. Urinary dipstick was used to identify Nitrites (NIT) and leucocyte esterase (LE) production. Urine was cultured on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient agar, blood agar and MacConkey agar; and incubated at 370C for 24 hours. Urine cultures with pure bacterial colony counts of ≥104cfu/ml were classified as “positive” for UTI.ResultsOf a total of 552 participants enrolled into the study, 124 (23%) were urine culture positive. Prior medication use was associated with culture negativity. With urine culture as the reference standard, urinary dipstick sensitivity was poor overall (using either LE+ or NIT+ to confer a positive dipstick result still only achieved sensitivity of 66.9%). Using combined NIT+ and LE+ to confer a positive dipstick result had the highest specificity (99.2%), alongside a positive predictive value of 91.1%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 35.6. A NIT+ test alone showed highest concordance with urine culture results (percentage agreement: 86%) but still had a Cohen’s Kappa value of only 0.5, conferring weak agreement overall.ConclusionDipstick test is a poor surrogate of urine culture. However, the test may be suitable as a ‘rule-out’ test to exclude UTI, and avoid antibiotic prescription, when both NIT and LE are negative. Although dipstick continues to be in use in resource constrained settings, poor concordance with urine culture results highlights a need for better near patient tests to diagnose UTI and guide antibiotic decision-making.
MAIN CAUSES OF MEDICINE STOCK-OUTS IN MAURITANIA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Ag Ahmed Mohamed Ali , Coulibaly Issa , Ravinetto Raffaella , Buitrago Verónica Trasancos , Dujardin Catherine 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTThe number of medicine stock-outs (MSOs) is increasing globally. In Mauritania, they are recurring, although, to our knowledge, no study has yet been conducted to determine the causes. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to identify the main local or national causes of stock-outs to provide a common understanding and guide policy-makers towards corrective actions. The study was carried out in five health districts and at the regional and central levels. The samples were purposive. Two focus groups and twenty semi-structured individual interviews were held with 38 participants, including health professionals, managers from the Central Purchasing Office for Essential Medicines and Consumables (CAMEC), the Pharmacy and Laboratory Department (DPL) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). All interviews were recorded and transcribed. A thematic content analysis was carried out. Our findings indicate the national causes of MSOs at three healthcare system levels (operational, regional, and central). They were grouped into five categories: insufficient human resource capacity (number of staff, training, retention), communication and coordination problems between stakeholders, logistical constraints (transport, storage), financial constraints, inadequate forecasting of needs, and complex procurement procedures. These causes of MSOs are interconnected, and many could be addressed locally through solutions initiated and led by the Mauritanian authorities. To address MSOs sustainably, we suggest and discuss some possible actions, including reforms to improve CAMEC’s governance and accountability and, more broadly, to strengthen the various pillars of the local health and pharmaceutical system.
The role of Construction of Healthcare Consortium on the allocation of human resources for primary care resources and its equity in China
Authors: Li Shijie , Liao Changze , Zhang Shengli 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to measure the effect of Construction of Healthcare Consortium (CHC) on the allocation and equity of human resources (HR) for primary health care (PHC) in China, at the same time, it provides some data to support the government’s policies improvement in the next stage.MethodsChanges in the equity of allocation of HR for PHC by population are demonstrated through a three-stage approach to inequality analysis that includes the Gini coefficient (G), the Theil index (T), the concentration index (CI) and concentration curve. The GM(1,1) model is used to project the trend of resources from 2021 to 2030.ResultsVolume of HR for PHC accelerates at an average rate of growth following the release of CHC in the 2016. whilst some regions have seen their G and T rise between 2012 and 2016, their levels of inequality of allocation for resource shave gradually declined in the years following 2016, but there are exceptions, with the regions of northeast and northwest seeing the opposite. Eastern and northern region account for a larger contribution to intra-regional inequality. Concentration indices and concentration curves indicate that HR for PHC is related to economic income levels. GM (1, 1) projects an increasing trend in resources from 2021 to 2030, but with variations in average growth rates in different regions.ConclusionsThe inequality of human resources for primary health care in China is low, however, the inequality between regions has not been eliminated. We still need to take a long-term view to monitor the impact of CHC on the allocation of HR for PHC and its equity in China.