bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlates of Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies Among Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional-Study
Authors: Ogunsina Kemi , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Rodriguez Valentina , Caban-Martinez Alberto J , Schaefer-Solle Natasha , Ahn Soyeon , Kobetz-Kerman Erin N , Lee David J 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Context
Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with underactive thyroid glands, and possibly autoimmunity. Firefighters are exposed to EDCs from flame retardants; however, the prevalence and risk factor associations of thyroid antibodies among firefighters are unknown.

Context
We aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and associated sociodemographic and occupational risk factors among firefighters.

Methods
Firefighters attending professional health and safety conferences between November 2018 and January 2020, and with no prior diagnosis of thyroid disease were invited (n = 278) to submit a health survey, blood samples, and complete a thyroid ultrasound. The survey assessed for sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, including a history of familial thyroid disease, smoking, firefighter tenure, and job rank, radiation exposure, and mitigation practices of occupational exposures. Serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) was also assessed.

Results
Approximately 39.9% of firefighters evaluated had a positive TPOAb test. The mean age for those TPOAb positive was lower than those who tested negative (41.4 ± 7.9 vs 43.1 ± 7.9 years, P = 0.07) but this difference was not significant. Firefighters with a family history of thyroid disease had a statistically significant higher prevalence of TPOAb compared with those without a family history (60.0% vs 37.5%, P = 0.02); this association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational factors (odds ratio 2.99; CI, 1.31-6.85).

Conclusion
The prevalence of TPOAb is high among firefighters in our study, and family history is a significant determinant of testing positive for TPOAb. Firefighters may benefit from TPOAb and thyroid stimulating hormone tests, and screening for family history of thyroid disease at baseline employee medical check-ups. This finding suggests the need for further studies.
PHLPP1 regulates CFTR activity and lumen expansion through AMPK
Authors: Lobert Viola H. , Skardal Maren L. , Malerød Lene , Simensen Julia E. , Algra Hermine A. , Andersen Aram N. , Fleischer Thomas , Enserink Hilde A. , Liestøl Knut , Heath Joan K. , Rusten Tor Erik , Stenmark Harald A. 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
Complex organ development depends on single lumen formation and its expansion during tubulogenesis. This can be achieved by correct mitotic spindle orientation during cell division, combined with luminal fluid filling that generates hydrostatic pressure. Using a human 3D cell culture model, we have identified two regulators of these processes. We find that pleckstrin homology leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) 2 regulates mitotic spindle orientation, and thereby midbody positioning and maintenance of a single lumen. Silencing the sole PHLPP family phosphatase in Drosophila melanogaster, phlpp, resulted in defective spindle orientation in Drosophila neuroblasts. Importantly, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is the main channel regulating fluid transport in this system, stimulated by phosphorylation by protein kinase A and inhibited by the AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK. During lumen expansion, CFTR remains open through the action of PHLPP1, which stops activated AMPK from inhibiting ion transport through CFTR. In the absence of PHLPP1, the restraint on AMPK activity is lost and this tips the balance in the favour of channel closing, resulting in the lack of lumen expansion and accumulation of mucus.
Recent Progress in the Synthesis of Deuterated Aldehyde
Authors: Shinada Tetsuro , Nakayama Atsushi , Okamura Hironori , Yasuno Yoko 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Deuterium-labeled organic compounds have become indispensable research tools in scientific research. This review focuses on the synthesis of deuterated aldehydes (RCDO) in which the hydrogen at the formyl group is replaced with deuterium. Aldehydes are useful starting materials for organic synthesis. A variety of transformations and derivatizations involving carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions and heteroatom manipulations are possible at the formyl group. Consequently, RCDOs are expected to be a powerful starting material for the synthesis of deuterium-labeled compounds. Many efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of RCDO. The classical and advanced methods are described in this review.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the 5C scale to identify factors associated with COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Cape Town, South Africa – a protocol
Authors: Alobwede Samuel Muabe , Katoto Patrick DMC , Cooper Sara , Lumngwena Evelyn N , Kidzeru Elvis B , Goliath Rene , Jackson Amanda , Wiysonge Charles S , Shey Muki S 
Published: August 2022

Background: Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases and are known to be reliable sources of information for the patients and their relatives. Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers about vaccines are thus important determinants of their own vaccination uptake and their intention to recommend vaccinations to their patients. However, culturally adapted tools and studies to address vaccine uptake and hesitancy as well as related behaviors among healthcare workers in the Global South are limited. Methods: We propose a mixed methods project to understand the extent and determinants of vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers and construct a validated scale to measure this complex and context-specific phenomenon in Cape Town. We will summarize responses as counts and percentages for categorical variables and means with standard deviations (or medians with inter quartile ranges) for continuous variables. We will run the Shapiro-Wilks test to assess the normality. Analysis of the variance, chi-square tests, and equivalents will be conducted as appropriate for group comparisons. Logistic regression models will also be performed to assess association between variables. We will focus on the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. We will use an existing tool developed and validated in Germany and the United States of America to measure five psychological determinants of vaccination (referred to as the 5C scale), as the basis to develop and validate a scale to measure the scope and determinants of vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among healthcare workers in Cape Town. Discussion and conclusion: Through this study, we hope to expand the scientific evidence base on vaccination acceptance and demand among healthcare workers in South Africa and build resources to enable better understanding of, detection, and response to vaccination hesitancy in Cape Town.
Optimal Incentives for Salespeople with Learning Potential
Authors: Gao Long 
Published: August 2022

We study a compensation problem for salespeople with learning potential. In our model, both the firm and sales agent are risk neutral and forward-looking; the agent can privately observe his skill, exert effort, and learn from experience; the firm can learn from the agent’s choice and revise sales targets over time. The problem entails a dynamic tradeoff between exploiting learning, screening information, and maximizing efficiency. We find the optimal compensation plan differs substantially from the existing ones: it sets aggressive targets for expediting skill development, and pays the information rent for neutralizing the agent’s misbehaving temptation over the entire relationship. We find learning drives the long-run outcomes; ignoring it can mislead compensation design and inflict substantial losses. Our results shed light on when and why firms distort sales, favor incumbents, and prefer long-term plans. By highlighting the critical role of learning in long-run performance, this study advances our understanding of salesforce theory and practice. This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing. Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4509 .
The role of individual factors in the mental health of NHS ambulance personnel
Authors: Hutchinson Lucy Catherine , Forshaw Mark J , Poole Helen 
Published: August 2022

Background: An estimated 27% of ambulance personnel experience general psychological distress. The relationship between work and mental health is complex. Aims: This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent individual factors affect the mental health of ambulance personnel. Methods: Four UK NHS ambulance trusts facilitated recruitment of ambulance personnel (n=160). Well-validated measures were used to collect data on the predictor variables: the Perceived Stress Scale; the Satisfaction with Life Scale; and the Brief Resilience Scale. Mental health, assessed according to response to trauma measured by the Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-r), and anxiety and depression, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were the outcome measures. Findings: Regression models demonstrated that all predictor variables accounted for nearly half of the variance in each outcome (P<0.01). Conclusions: A significant proportion of variance was accounted for by individual factors. This assists in understanding the impact and role of individual factors in the mental health of this occupational group. Future research could inform intervention development.
Individuality and ethnicity eclipse a short-term dietary intervention in shaping microbiomes and viromes
Authors: Li Junhui , George Markowitz Robert H. , Brooks Andrew W. , Mallott Elizabeth K. , Leigh Brittany A. , Olszewski Timothy , Zare Hamid , Bagheri Minoo , Smith Holly M. , Friese Katie A. , Habibi Ismail , Lawrence William M. , Rost Charlie L. , Lédeczi Ákos , Eeds Angela M. , Ferguson Jane F. , Silver Heidi J. , Bordenstein Seth R. 
Published: August 2022

Many diseases linked with ethnic health disparities associate with changes in microbial communities in the United States, but the causes and persistence of ethnicity-associated microbiome variation are not understood. For instance, microbiome studies that strictly control for diet across ethnically diverse populations are lacking. Here, we performed multiomic profiling over a 9-day period that included a 4-day controlled vegetarian diet intervention in a defined geographic location across 36 healthy Black and White females of similar age, weight, habitual diets, and health status. We demonstrate that individuality and ethnicity account for roughly 70% to 88% and 2% to 10% of taxonomic variation, respectively, eclipsing the effects a short-term diet intervention in shaping gut and oral microbiomes and gut viromes. Persistent variation between ethnicities occurs for microbial and viral taxa and various metagenomic functions, including several gut KEGG orthologs, oral carbohydrate active enzyme categories, cluster of orthologous groups of proteins, and antibiotic-resistant gene categories. In contrast to the gut and oral microbiome data, the urine and plasma metabolites tend to decouple from ethnicity and more strongly associate with diet. These longitudinal, multiomic profiles paired with a dietary intervention illuminate previously unrecognized associations of ethnicity with metagenomic and viromic features across body sites and cohorts within a single geographic location, highlighting the importance of accounting for human microbiome variation in research, health determinants, and eventual therapies.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03314194.
Beliefs, barriers and hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine among Bangladeshi residents: Findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hossain Md. Sharif , Islam Md. Saiful , Pardhan Shahina , Banik Rajon , Ahmed Ayesha , Islam Md. Zohurul , Mahabub Md. Saif , Sikder Md. Tajuddin 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundCOVID‐19 vaccination acceptance is important, and combating hesitancy which is generally based on the individuals’ beliefs and perceptions is essential in the present pandemic. This study assesses COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors, beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 492 Bangladeshi residents (76% male; mean age = 24.21 ± 4.91 years; age range = 18–50 years) prior to the nationwide mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign (September 28, 2021). A semi-structured e-questionnaire included three sections (demographic variables, beliefs around the vaccination, and perceived barriers regarding COVID-19 vaccination).ResultsMore than a quarter of participants (26.42%) were hesitant, 70.33% reported to accept the vaccine, and 3.25% refused to be vaccinated. While (54%) believed that mass vaccination would be the most effective method to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns regarding the side effects of the vaccine (58%), inadequate vaccine trials before human administration (43%), commercial profiteering (42%), and mistrust of the benefits of the vaccine (20%) were also reported. In addition, other barriers including a short supply of vaccines, unknown future adverse effects (55%), low confidence in the health system (51%), doubts regarding its effectiveness (50%) and safety (45%), and insufficient information regarding potential adverse effects (44.7%) were reported. In bivariate analysis, variables such as current political affiliation, previous vaccination history, and health status were significantly associated with the COVID-19 vaccine uptake variable (acceptance, hesitancy, refusal). Regression analysis showed that participants who identified with the opposing current political parties, and not having been vaccinated since the age of 18 years were significantly more likely to report vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionsThe current findings relating to COVID-19 vaccination demonstrate that government and policy makers need to take all necessary measures to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccination program among the Bangladeshi people.
Proteome and morphological analysis show unexpected differences between promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis PH8 and LV79 strains
Authors: Tano Fabia Tomie , Barbosa Gustavo Rolim , de Rezende Eloiza , Souza Rodolpho Ornitz Oliveira , Muxel Sandra Marcia , Silber Ariel Mariano , Palmisano Giuseppe , Stolf Beatriz Simonsen 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundLeishmaniases are diseases caused byLeishmaniaprotozoans that affect around 12 million people.Leishmaniapromastigotes are transmitted to vertebrates by female phlebotomine flies during their blood meal. Parasites attach to phagocytic cells, are phagocytosed and differentiate into amastigotes. We previously showed that PH8 and LV79 strains ofLeishmania amazonensishave different virulence in mice and that their amastigotes differ in their proteomes. In this work, we compare promastigotes’ infectivity in macrophages, their proteomes and morphologies.Methods/Principal findingsPhagocytosis assays showed that promastigotes adhesion to and phagocytosis by macrophages is higher in PH8 than LV79. To identify proteins that differ between the two strains and that may eventually contribute for these differences we used a label-free proteomic approach to compare promastigote´s membrane-enriched fractions. Proteomic analysis enabled precise discrimination of PH8 and LV79 protein profiles and the identification of several differentially abundant proteins. The proteins more abundant in LV79 promastigotes participate mainly in translation and amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, while the more abundant in PH8 are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, cytoskeleton composition and vesicle/membrane trafficking. Interestingly, although the virulence factor GP63 was more abundant in the less virulent LV79 strain, zymography suggests a higher protease activity in PH8. Enolase, which may be related to virulence, was more abundant in PH8 promastigotes. Unexpectedly, flow cytometry and morphometric analysis indicate higher abundance of metacyclics in LV79.Conclusions/SignificanceProteome comparison of PH8 and LV79 promastigotes generated a list of differential proteins, some of which may be further prospected to affect the infectivity of promastigotes. Although proteomic profile of PH8 includes more proteins characteristic of metacyclics, flow cytometry and morphometric analysis indicate a higher abundance of metacyclics in LV79 cultures. These results shed light to the gaps in our knowledge of metacyclogenesis inL.amazonensis, and to proteins that should be studied in the context of infection by this species.
Novel approaches to analysis of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Observations from a phase 2 trial
Authors: Muntoni Francesco , Guglieri Michela , Mah Jean K. , Wagner Kathryn R. , Brandsema John F. , Butterfield Russell J. , McDonald Craig M. , Mayhew Anna G. , Palmer Jeffrey P. , Marraffino Shannon , Charnas Lawrence , Mercuri Eugenio 
Published: August 2022

Introduction
The North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) tool is a key instrument for measuring clinical outcomes in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To gain a better understanding of the longitudinal utility of the NSAA, we evaluated NSAA data from a phase II trial of 120 patients with DMD treated with domagrozumab or placebo.

Methods
The NSAA exploratory analyses included assessment of individual skills gained/lost, total skills gained/lost, cumulative loss of function, and the impact of transient loss of function due to a temporary disability on NSAA total score (temporary zero score).

Results
There was no significant difference in the total number of NSAA skills gained (mean 1.41 and 1.04, respectively; p = 0.3314) or lost (3.90 vs. 5.0; p = 0.0998) between domagrozumab- vs. placebo-treated patients at week 49. However, domagrozumab-treated patients were less likely to lose the ability to perform a NSAA item (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.98, p = 0.029) over 48-weeks vs. placebo-treated patients. When temporary zero scores were changed to “not obtainable” (8 values from 7 patients), domagrozumab-treated patients scored higher on the NSAA total score versus placebo-treated patients (difference at week 49: 2.0, 95% CI: 0.1–3.9, p = 0.0359).

Conclusions
These exploratory analyses reveal additional approaches to interpreting the NSAA data beyond just change in NSAA total score. These observations also highlight the importance of reporting items as “not obtainable” for a patient with a temporary/transient physical disability that impacts their ability to perform the NSAA test.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
NCT02310763.
Depression and associated factors among older adults in Bahir Dar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Anbesaw Tamrat , Fekadu Betelhem 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundDepression is the most common psychiatric condition among older adults, and it goes unnoticed by individuals themselves and is under-diagnosed by clinicians due to the misconception that these are normal parts of aging. However, the problem is not properly addressed in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among the older adults in Bahir Dar city.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 423 older adults in Bahir Dar city. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Depression was assessed using a 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the potential determinants of depression among the participants.ResultsThe prevalence of depression among older adults was found to be 57.9% (95% CI: 53.2–62.6). This study showed that educational status with grades 5-8th(AOR: 5.72, 95% CI: 2.87–11.34), and 9-12thgrade (AOR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.59–7.41), income <2004 ETB (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.16–3.07), cognitive impairments (AOR: 3.54, 95% CI: 2.16–5.81), family history of mental illness (AOR:3.06, 95% CI: 1.03–9.04), and poor quality of life (AOR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.74–4.46) were significantly associated with depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression among older adults was found to be huge. Having low educational status, low monthly income, cognitive impairments, family history of mental illness, and poor quality of life were associated with depression. Therefore, raising community awareness of mental health, increasing social participation, providing supportive counseling and routine screening of depressive symptoms are essential in combating depression among Bahir-Dar city older adults.
Utility of a novel wearable electrode embedded in an undershirt for electrocardiogram monitoring and detection of arrhythmias
Authors: Amami Kazuaki , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Horikoshi Yuko , Yamada Shinya , Nehashi Takeshi , Hijioka Naoko , Nodera Minoru , Kaneshiro Takashi , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Misaka Tomofumi , Takeishi Yasuchika 
Published: August 2022

Background
A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter ECG have been established as gold standards for detection of arrhythmias. Recently, wearable ECG monitoring devices have been available. Our purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a novel wearable electrode embedded in an undershirt is useful for ECG monitoring and detection of arrhythmias.

Methods
We studied 31 consecutive hospitalized patients who underwent catheter ablation of tachyarrhythmias. Patients equipped a wearable electrode and a lead CM5 of Holter ECG simultaneously, and total heart beats, maximum heart rate (HR), mean HR, minimum HR, detections of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, and premature ventricular contractions (Lown’s grade >II), were compared between the two methods using a Holter ECG analysis software.

Results
Median recording time of ECG by wearable electrodes was 12.6 hours. Strong correlations between the two methods were observed in total heart beats (R = 0.999, P <0.001), maximum HR (R = 0.997, P <0.001), mean HR (R = 0.999, P <0.001), minimum HR (R = 0.989, P <0.001) and QRS duration (R = 0.900, P <0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed excellent concordance between each parameter measured by two methods. In addition, the detection of atrial fibrillation (nine events), non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (two events), and premature ventricular contractions of Lown’s grade >II (five events) were concordant in two methods. In addition, there were no significant difference in parameters of time-domain and frequency-domain analyses of heart rate variability between the two methods.

Conclusions
The usefulness of a novel electrode embedded in an undershirt is equivalent to that of a Holter ECG in monitoring the ECG and detection of arrythmias.