bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthcare workers’ compliance with COVID-19 preventive and control measures at De Martino Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Janay Abdullahi Ibrahim , Kilic Bulent , Unal Belgin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and objectivesHealthcare workers are a high-risk group for COVID-19 and protecting them is crucial for healthcare delivery. Limited studies have explored compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC) practices among Somali healthcare workers. This study aimed to determine compliance with IPC practices among healthcare workers in De Martino Public Hospital, Somalia.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at De Martino Public Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia from August to October 2022, with the participation of 204 healthcare workers (response rate = %97). Compliance was assessed using responses to 25 questions on a five-point Likert-type scale, and the median score of 20 was used to dichotomize compliance scores. A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to check the associations between healthcare workers’ sociodemographic information, related factors to IPC, work conditions and practices on COVID-19, and IPC compliance during healthcare interventions using SPSS 23 version.ResultsIn total, 58.3% of the participants had good compliance with IPC. There were significant associations between IPC compliance and the type of healthcare worker (doctors and doctor assistants: 72.3%, nurses and paramedical staff: 67.3%, non-clinical staff: 5.7%, p<0.01). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, compared to non-clinical staff, doctors and doctor assistants (OR: 12.11, 95% CI: 2.23-65.84) nurses and paramedical staff (OR: 21.38, 95% CI: 4.23 - 108.01) had higher compliance with infection prevention and control measures. There were no significant associations between compliance and gender, marital status, vaccination status, or smoking (p>0.05 for all).ConclusionsInadequate compliance with COVID-19 IPC measures was observed among hospital workers. Prioritizing awareness campaigns and behavior change interventions, especially among non-clinical staff, is crucial for effective COVID-19 infection prevention and control within the hospital.
Cost-effectiveness of end-game strategies against sleeping sickness across the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Antillon Marina , Huang Ching-I , Sutherland Samuel A. , Crump Ronald E. , Brown Paul E. , Bessell Paul R. , Crowley Emily H. , Snĳders Rian , Hope Andrew , Tirados Iñaki , Dunkley Sophie , Verlé Paul , Lebuki Junior , Shampa Chansy , Miaka Erick Mwamba , Tediosi Fabrizio , Rock Kat S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGambiensehuman African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) is marked for elimination of transmission (EoT) by 2030. We examined the cost-effectiveness (CE) of EoT in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has the highest global gHAT burden. In 165 health zones (HZs), we modelled the transmission dynamics, health outcomes, and economic costs of six strategies during 2024–40, including the cessation of activities after case reporting reduces to zero. Uncertainty in CE was assessed within the net monetary framework, which presents the optimal strategies at a range of willingness-to-pay (WTP) values, denominated in costs per disability-adjusted life-year averted. We assessed the optimal strategy for CE and EoT in each health zone separately, but we present results by health zone as well as aggregated by coordination and for the whole country. Status quo strategies, CE strategies (WTP=$500), and strategies with a high probability of EoT by 2030 are predicted to yield EoT by 2030 in 117 HZs, 130 HZs, and 138 HZs respectively, at a cost by 2040 of $171M (95% PI:$89.5M— 283M), $177M (95% PI: $97.9M—289M), $216M (95% PI: $119M–355M). A more lenient timeline of EoT by 2040 could lead to EoT in 153 HZs at a cost of $199M (95% PI: $109M–$327M), leaving 12 HZs shy of the goal. Costs would have to be front-loaded; in 2024, status quo strategies would cost $16.1M (95% PI: $8.44M—23.8M), minimum costs strategies would cost $17.0M (95% PI: $9.31M-–24.9M), and elimination strategies would cost $25.6M (95% PI: $15.8M—36.6M). Investing in EoT by 2030 is predicted to reduce 74% of gHAT deaths from 10,601 (95% PI: 1063—36,124) with status quo strategies to 2654 (95% PI: 301—9454).
Cardiac Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization in Myocardial Infarction Based on Deep Transfer Learning and Radiomics Features
Authors: Jamthikar Ankush D. , Hathaway Quincy A , Maganti Kameswari , Hamirani Yasmin , Bokhari Sabahat , Yanamala Naveena , Sengupta Partho P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveAcute myocardial infarction (MI) alters cardiomyocyte geometry and architecture, leading to changes in the acoustic properties of the myocardium. This study examines ultrasomics — a novel cardiac ultrasound-based radiomics technique to extract high-throughput pixel-level information from images—for identifying infarcted myocardium.MethodologyA retrospective multicenter cohort of 380 participants was split into two groups: a model development cohort (n=296; 101 MI cases, 195 controls) and an external validation cohort (n=84; 40 MI cases, 44 controls). Handcrafted and transfer learning-derived deep ultrasomics features were extracted from 2-chamber and 4-chamber echocardiographic views and ML models were built to detect patients with MI and infarcted myocardium within individual views. Myocardial infarct localization via texture features was determined using Shapley additive explanations. All the ML models were trained using 10-fold cross-validation and assessed on an external test dataset, using the area under the curve (AUC).ResultsThe ML model, leveraging segment-level handcrafted ultrasomics features identified MI with AUCs of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.97-0.97) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.74-0.89) at the patient-level and view-level, respectively. A model combining handcrafted and deep ultrasomics provided incremental information over deep ultrasomics alone (AUC: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.85 vs. 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66-0.82). Using a view-level ultrasomic model we identified texture features that effectively discriminated between infarcted and non-infarcted segments (p<0.001) and facilitated parametric visualization of infarcted myocardium.ConclusionThis pilot study highlights the potential of cardiac ultrasomics in distinguishing healthy and infarcted myocardium and opens new opportunities for advancing myocardial tissue characterization using echocardiography.
Top-funded digital health companies offering lifestyle interventions for dementia prevention: Company overview and evidence analysis
Authors: Vinay Rasita , Probst Jonas , Huynh Panitda , Schlögl Mathias , Kowatsch Tobias , Nißen Marcia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and objectiveDementia prevention has been recognized as a top priority by public health authorities due to the lack of disease modifying treatments. In this regard, digital dementia-preventive lifestyle services (DDLS) emerge as potentially pivotal services, aiming to address modifiable risk factors on a large scale. This study aims to identify the top-funded companies offering DDLS globally and evaluate their clinical evidence to gain insights into the current state of the global service landscape.MethodsA systematic screening of two financial databases (Pitchbook and Crunchbase) was conducted. Corresponding published clinical evidence was collected through a systematic literature review and analyzed regarding study purpose, results, quality of results, and level of clinical evidence.FindingsThe ten top-funded companies offering DDLS received a total funding of EUR 128.52 million, of which three companies collected more than 75%. Clinical evidence was limited due to only nine eligible publications, small clinical subject groups, the absence of longitudinal study designs, and no direct evidence of dementia prevention.ConclusionThe study highlights the need for a more rigorous evaluation of DDLS effectiveness in today’s market. It serves as a starting point for further research in digital dementia prevention.
Pharmaceutical Repurposing Strategies for Metabolic Disorders: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Studies
Authors: Zhang Shixuan , Hu Xiaoxi , Hou Dandan , Sun Xiaoru , Sun Dayan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMetabolic disorders (MDs) are a group of medical conditions that impact the metabolism. These complex processes may have common characteristics among various diseases, thereby suggesting the potential of drug repurposing. Employing Mendelian Randomization (MR), we constructed a causal network between 2,478 targetable drug-gene expressions (eQTLs) and 30 broadly reported metabolic disorders. Our study identified 499 drug target genes significantly associated with 27 metabolic disorders (|MR coefficient| > 0.2). Pathway enrichment analysis of drug target genes indicates that regulation of response stimulus may serve as a common pathway across 14 diseases. Based on 53 commonly used clinical drugs for 18 diseases, we elucidated novel therapeutic mechanisms of some drugs, such as the potential of Valproic Acid to treat Schizophrenia by affecting key genes in Alcoholism,SLC29A1, andHDAC4. Furthermore, we identified potential for drug repurposing in four diseases, with Manic Episode and Type 1 Diabetes sharing four novel drugs: Cannabidiol, Doxorubicin, Genistein, and Propylthiouracil. Additionally, we predicted 189 potential therapeutic drugs affecting the causal genes of diseases. Overall, we established a causal network between metabolic disorders and drug target genes, explored possible pathways for drug action on disease treatment, and proposed drug repurposing strategies for four diseases.HighlightsTo the best of our understanding, the manuscript we have submitted delineates the inaugural drug-gene causal network tailored for Metabolic Disorders (MDs), covering an array of 30 diseases.This investigation unveils potential novel drug mechanisms aimed at treating MDs, marking a pioneering exploration in this domain.We introduce strategies for the repurposing of drugs targeting four specific MDs, suggesting innovative approaches to treatment.The findings are presented through an easily navigable web interface, enabling thorough examination by users (https://quantlifebits.shinyapps.io/mrmetabopharm/).
Exploring Motor Imagery as a Therapeutic Intervention for Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Michel Maxime , Terragno Elena , Bereau Matthieu , Magnin Eloi , Gueugneau Nicolas , Soares Antonio Vinicius , Sagawa Yoshimasa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundMotor Imagery (MI) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the rehabilitation of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). MI entails mentally rehearsing motor actions without physically executing them. This cognitive process has garnered attention due to its potential benefits in aiding motor function recovery in PD patients. Its role in complementing traditional treatment approaches is likely to reverberate throughout clinical practice. This study strives to provide a comprehensive examination several MI protocols designed for individuals with PD. The focus was to underscore the outcomes observed across motor symptoms, balance, gait, and quality of life.MethodsA literature search was carried out in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and PEDro, from the first publication to February 2024. Study with at least one keyword in relation to PD and MI in the title were included.ResultsOf the 262 studies 53 were included. Twelve RCTs with a mean PEDro score of 6.6/10 and 41 descriptive and non-RCT studies. Among the RCTs, there were almost exclusively MI on balance, gait, and lower limbs exercise. They found an 85.2% improvement for the experimental group on the TUG with a cognitive task (p<0.02), 5.8% on the TUG (p<0.05), a 5.1% improvement in walking speed (p<0.05), other variables did not show significant improvement. For the descriptive and non-RCTs studies, there were various tasks and outcomes for the lower and upper limbs. It was shown that there was no difference in execution time in MI between patients with PD and HS, while in ME patients with PD were slower. For the upper limb, several tasks were proposed, such as thumb opposition, joystick movements and writing tasks with variable results. RCTs were more focused on balance, lower limb and walking, there was no specific outcome for the upper limb and speech. The heterogeneity of the tasks and outcomes across all included studies is also a limitation.ConclusionTo summarize, the current research on walking disorders in PD shows promise, but further investigations are crucial, particularly with an emphasis on upper limb function and speech. A need exists for studies with larger sample sizes, utilizing precise methodologies, and specifically targeting these areas to enhance our comprehension of the potential advantages of MI in the context of comprehensive PD rehabilitation.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge, use, and discontinuation among Lake Victoria fisherfolk in Uganda: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Ntabadde Kauthrah , Kagaayi Joseph , Ssempijja Victor , Feng Xinyi , Kairania Robert , Lubwama Joseph , Ssekubugu Robert , Yeh Ping Teresa , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Tobian Aaron A R , Kennedy Caitlin E. , Mills Lisa A. , Alamo Stella , Kreniske Philip , Santelli John , Nelson Lisa J. , Reynolds Steven J. , Chang Larry William , Nakigozi Gertrude , Grabowski M. Kate 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere are limited population-level data on the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care continuum in eastern Africa. Here, we assessed the PrEP care continuum following PrEP rollout in a Ugandan community with ∼40% HIV seroprevalence.MethodsWe used cross-sectional population-based data collected between September 3 and December 19, 2018 from a Lake Victoria fishing community in southern Uganda to measure levels of self-reported PrEP knowledge, ever use, and discontinuation following 2017 PrEP rollout via a U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-supported phased implementation program. Our analysis included HIV-seronegative persons reporting having ever received an HIV test result. We examined associations between demographic, behavioral, and health utilization factors with each outcome using age-adjusted modified Poisson regression.ResultsThere were 1,401 HIV-seronegative participants, of whom 1,363 (97.3%) reported ever receiving an HIV test result. Median age was 29 years (IQR: 23-36), and 42.3% (n=577) were women. Most (85.5%; n=1,166) participants reported PrEP knowledge, but few (14.5%; n=197) reported ever using PrEP. Among 375 (47.7%) men and 169 (29.3%) women PrEP-eligible at time of survey, 18.9% (n=71) and 27.8% (n=47) reported ever using PrEP, respectively. Over half (52.3%, n=103) of those who had ever used PrEP, self-reported current use.ConclusionIn this Lake Victoria fishing community, there were low levels of PrEP use despite high levels of PrEP awareness and eligibility, particularly among men. Efforts that enhance awareness of HIV risk and increase PrEP accessibility may help increase PrEP use among HIV-seronegative persons in African settings with high HIV burden.
Characterizing the genetic architecture of drug response using gene-context interaction methods
Authors: Sadowski Michal , Thompson Mike , Mefford Joel , Haldar Tanushree , Oni-Orisan Akinyemi , Border Richard , Pazokitoroudi Ali , Ayroles Julien F. , Sankararaman Sriram , Dahl Andy , Zaitlen Noah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIdentifying the factors responsible for variability of treatment response is a central objective of clinical research. Specially designed pharmacogenomic studies have identified a handful of individual mutations modulating the effect of specific drugs. However, the extent to which drug response variability is driven by genetics is largely unknown, partly due to the small sample sizes of prospective pharmacogenomic trials. In this work, we develop a framework to study the genetic architecture of response to commonly prescribed drugs in large biobanks coupled with electronic health records. Our framework leverages concepts from gene-environment interaction testing, including novel interaction models at the level of genes, polygenic scores (PGS), and genome-wide heritability. We quantified the heritability of response to statins, metformin, warfarin, and methotrexate in 342,257 UK Biobank participants. Our results show that genetic variation modifies the primary effect of statins on LDL cholesterol (9% heritable) as well as its side effects on hemoglobin A1c and blood glucose (10% and 11% heritable, respectively). Next, we identified dozens of specific genes that modify drug response, which we then replicated in a retrospective pharmacogenomic study. Finally, we found that PGS accuracy varies up to 2-fold depending on treatment status, showing that the current approach of building PGS using mostly healthy individuals is likely to underperform in clinical contexts. Together, our results provide a framework for characterizing the genetic architecture of drug response using cross-sectional data.
Patients with COVID-19 Infection and Stroke have Higher than Expected Mortality, Regardless of the Primary Presentation
Authors: Liu Jintong , Fu Eric , Gillette Riley , Wohlauer Max 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 infection is associated with thrombotic events; however, this phenomenon is poorly understood. Few studies have reported the association between COVID-19 and stroke in the hospital setting.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed and characterized all patients who presented to a single, quaternary medical center between March and December 2020 (N=603). COVID-19 positive patients who developed ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were included in the analysis (N=66). This cohort was compared with patients who were COVID-19 negative at the time of stroke presentation in the same period (N=537). Statistical significance was evaluated using Pearson’s Chi squared test with Yates’ continuity correction and linear model ANOVA.ResultsSixty-six patients had COVID-19 and Stroke. Of these patients, 22 (33.4%) patients initially presented with stroke and 44 (66.7%) initially presented with COVID-19. Patients who presented with COVID-19 and had a stroke during their hospitalization (COVID-first) had worse outcomes than patients presenting to the hospital with stroke whose COVID test became positive later in the hospitalization (stroke-first). Patients who presented with COVID-19 and had a stroke during their hospitalization had an increased rate of acute renal failure (48.9% vs 19.0%, p=0.021) and need for ventilation (60.0% vs 28.6%, p=0.017). Further, in the COVID-first cohort, the use of heparin prior to the stroke event was not associated with mortality or type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic).ConclusionIn the early pandemic, patients with COVID-19 infection and stroke had a higher mortality rate compared to COVID-19 negative patients with stroke. Among patients with both COVID-19 and stroke, patients presenting with COVID-19 first had worse outcomes than patients presenting with stroke first. The use of heparin prior to the stroke event was not associated with mortality or type of stroke.
Shape dynamics and migration of branched cells on complex networks
Authors: Liu Jiayi , Boix-Campos Javier , Ron Jonathan E. , Kux Johan M. , Oremek Magdalena E.M. , Rossi Adriano G. , Gov Nir S. , Sáez Pablo J. 
Published: March 2024

Migrating cells often face microenvironmental constraints that force them to extend multiple, often highly dynamic, protrusions, that compete to choose the new direction. However, the analy-sis of how cells coordinate shape dynamics during this directional decision-making process has been restricted to single junctions. Here, we present a theoretical model and the corresponding experimen-tal proof of concept usingin vivoandin vitrolive-cell microscopy and a neuronal network-based image analysis pipeline, to explore the shape and migration dynamics of highly bifurcated cells during spontaneous random migration. We found that macrophages and endothelial cells display different migration regimes in a hexagonal adhesive network, despite sharing a mesenchymal migra-tory strategy. Macrophages moved faster and presented larger changes in cell length in comparison to endothelial cells. The theoretical model describes the behavior of both cells during directional decision-making, and it reveals a trade-off between exploration for directional cues and long-range migration efficiency, showing the fine tune regulation of shape dynamics in complex geometries.TeaserHighly branched cells require precise control of their shape dynamics to ensure microenvironment exploration while keeping their motility.
Tumor Stroma Content Regulates Penetration and Efficacy of Tumor-targeting Bacteria
Authors: Zhan Y. , Burkel B. , Leaman E. J. , Ponik S. M. , Behkam B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBacteria-based cancer therapy (BBCT) strains grow selectively in primary tumors and metastases, colonize solid tumors independent of genetics, and kill cells resistant to standard molecular therapy. Clinical trials of BBCT in solid tumors have not reported any survival advantage yet, partly due to the limited bacterial colonization. Collagen, abundant in primary and metastatic solid tumors, has a well-known role in hindering intratumoral penetration of therapeutics. Nevertheless, the effect of collagen content on the intratumoral penetration and antitumor efficacy of BBCT is rarely unexplored. We hypothesized that the presence of collagen limits the penetration and, thereby, the antitumor effects of tumor-selectiveSalmonella. Typhimurium VNP20009 cheY+. We tested our hypothesis in low and high collagen content tumor spheroid models of triple-negative murine breast cancer. We found that high collagen content significantly hinders bacteria transport in tumors, reducing bacteria penetration and distribution by ∼7-fold. The higher penetration of bacteria in low collagen-content tumors led to an overwhelming antitumor effect (∼73% increase in cell death), whereas only a 28% increase in cell death was seen in the high collagen-content tumors. Our mathematical modeling of intratumoral bacterial colonization delineates the role of growth and diffusivity, suggesting an order of magnitude lower diffusivity in the high collagen-content tumors dominates the observed outcomes. Finally, our single-cell resolution analysis reveals a strong spatial correlation between bacterial spatial localization and collagen content, further corroborating that collagen acts as a barrier to bacterial penetration despiteS. Typhimurium VNP20009 cheY+motility. Understanding the effect of collagen on BBCT performance could lead to engineering more efficacious BBCT strains capable of overcoming this barrier to colonization of primary tumors and metastases.