bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient Knowledge and Perception about Antibiotics in Community Pharmacy
Authors: Chand Priya Pritika 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance is on the rise around the world, posing a serious threat to public health in the twenty-first century. Several research conducted in various nations have found that the general public plays a pivotal role in the increase and spread of antibiotic resistance. The present study was designed to determine the patient knowledge and perception about antibiotics in community pharmacy.Methods200 participants were recruited by convenience sampling from patients visiting the pharmacy with a prescription for antibiotics and those fulfilling the eligibility criteria for this research. A structured questionnaire was used to access the patient’s knowledge and perception regarding antibiotics. Data collected were analyzed using Microsoft excel and Epi Info Software version 7 which was used to determine predictors of low antibiotic knowledge.ResultsOverall, 200 questionnaires were analyzed. 70.5% of the respondents had an intermediate level of knowledge. Misconceptions that antibiotics would work on viral infections were reported. 82% of the respondents could correctly identify that misuse of antibiotics can cause antibiotic resistance. The age, educational level, and whether or not the participants’ were studying or working in medical field were found to be important predictors of antibiotic knowledge.ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrate that the public surveyed has misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge in some crucial aspects of prudent antibiotic use. Also, negative attitudes regarding rational use of antibiotics were evident. Educational interventions are required to promote rationale use of antibiotics among the general public.
Influences of race and clinical variables on psychiatric genetic research participation: Results from a schizophrenia sample
Authors: Xavier Rose Mary , Shanavas Yuktha , Britt Brian M. , George Wales T. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveAdvances in genetics has led to a better understanding of both genetic and environmental contributions to psychiatric mental health disorders. But psychiatric genetics research is predominantly Eurocentric, and individuals of non-European ancestry continue to be significantly underrepresented in research studies. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with genetic study participation in a schizophrenia sample.MethodsThe study sample was extracted from the Clinical Antipsychotics Trial of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) schizophrenia study which enrolled patients with schizophrenia between the ages of 18-65 and incorporated an optional genetic sub-study. Using regression models, we examined sociodemographic and clinical factors that were independently associated with participation in the genetic sub-study.ResultsThe genetic sub-study had a lower proportion of Black (30% in genetic vs 40% in CATIE overall) and Other race (4% vs 6%) participants. Severe psychopathology symptoms (odds ratio [OR]=0.78, p=0.004) and better reasoning scores (OR = 1.16,p= 0.036) influenced the odds of genetic study participation. Compared to Black participants, White participants were significantly more likely to participate in the genetic sub-study (OR=1.43, p=0.009)ConclusionRace and clinical variables significantly impact genetic study participation of individuals with schizophrenia. Future studies should examine the interactive effects of race and clinical variables for a nuanced understanding of how individuals diagnosed with severe psychiatric illnesses choose to participate in genetics studies.
Isoniazid preventive therapy completion and factors associated with non-completion among patients on antiretroviral therapy at Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Amanya Ian , Muhoozi Michael , Aruhomukama Dickson , Ssebagereka Anthony , Mugambe Richard 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundIsoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is given to HIV patients to reduce the risk of active tuberculosis (TB). However, treatment completion remains sub-optimal among those that are initiated. This study aimed to determine the completion level of IPT and the factors associated with non-completion among people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Kisenyi Health Center IV in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsA facility-based retrospective cohort study utilizing routinely collected data of 341 randomly selected HIV patients initiated on IPT was conducted. Data extracted from the registers were used to determine the IPT completion. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variances was used to determine the associated factors of IPT non-completion while in-depth interviews were conducted to explore barriers to IPT completion from the patient’s perspective.ResultsA total of 341 patients who started on isoniazid (INH) were retrospectively followed up, with 69% (236/341) being female. Overall IPT completion was at 83%. Multivariable analysis revealed the prevalence of IPT non-completion among males was 2.24 times the prevalence among females [aPR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.40-3.58]. The prevalence of IPT non-completion among patients with a non-suppressed HIV viral load was 3.00 times the prevalence among those with a suppressed HIV viral load [aPR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.44-6.65]. Patients who were married/cohabiting had a 69% lower prevalence of IPT non-completion compared to those who were single [aPR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17-0.55]. Lack of IPT-related health education, pill burden, distance to the health facility, and patient relocation were reported as the barriers to IPT completion.ConclusionIPT completion was found to be at 83% among the cohort studied. However, lower completion levels persist among males and HIV virally non-suppressed patients. Lack of IPT-related health education, pill burden, distance to the health facility, and patient relocation were reported as the barriers to IPT completion. Interventions that target these groups of people need to be intensified.
Mutations in the tail domain of the neurofilament heavy chain gene increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Marriott Heather , Spargo Thomas P. , Khleifat Ahmad Al , Fogh Isabella ,   Project MinE ALS Sequencing Consortium, Andersen Peter M , Başak Nazli A. , Cooper-Knock Johnathan , Corcia Philippe , Couratier Philippe , de Carvalho Mamede , Drory Vivian , Glass Jonathan D. , Gotkine Marc , Hardiman Orla , Landers John E. , McLaughlin Russell , Mora Pardina Jesús S. , Morrison Karen E. , Pinto Susana , Povedano Monica , Shaw Christopher E. , Shaw Pamela J. , Silani Vincenzo , Ticozzi Nicola , van Damme Philip , van den Berg Leonard H. , Vourc’h Patrick , Weber Markus , Veldink Jan H. , Dobson Richard J. , Schwab Patrick , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Iacoangeli Alfredo 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveGenetic variation in the neurofilament heavy chain gene (NEFH) has been convincingly linked to the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, however, the relationship betweenNEFHmutations and ALS susceptibility has not been robustly explored. We therefore wanted to determine if genetic variants inNEFHmodify ALS risk.MethodsWe performed fixed and random effects model meta-analysis of published case-control studies reportingNEFHvariant frequencies using next-generation sequencing, microarray or PCR-based approaches. Comprehensive screening and rare variant burden analysis ofNEFHvariation in the Project MinE ALS whole-genome sequencing data set was also conducted.ResultsWe identified 12 case-control studies that reportedNEFHvariant frequencies, for a total of 9,496 samples (4,527 ALS cases and 4,969 controls). Fixed effects meta-analysis found that rare (MAF<1%) missense variants in the tail domain ofNEFHincrease ALS risk (OR 4.56, 95% CI 2.13-9.72, p<0.0001). A total of 591 rareNEFHvariants, mostly novel (78.2%), were found in the Project MinE dataset (8,903 samples: 6,469 cases and 2,434 controls). Burden analysis showed ultra-rare (MAF <0.1%) pathogenic missense variants in the tail domain are associated with ALS (OR 1.94, 95% CI 0.86-4.37, Madsen-Browning p=0.039), replicating and confirming the meta-analysis finding. High-frequency rare (MAF 0.1-1%) tail in-frame deletions also confer susceptibility to ALS (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.67-2.07, SKAT-O p=0.03), which supports previous findings.InterpretationThis study shows thatNEFHtail domain variants are a risk factor of ALS and supports the inclusion of missense and in-frame deletionNEFHvariants in ALS genetic screening panels.
Antibody response durability following three-dose COVID-19 vaccination in people with HIV receiving suppressive ART
Authors: Lapointe Hope R. , Mwimanzi Francis , Cheung Peter K. , Sang Yurou , Yaseen Fatima , Speckmaier Sarah , Barad Evan , Moran-Garcia Nadia , Datwani Sneha , Duncan Maggie C. , Kalikawe Rebecca , Ennis Siobhan , Young Landon , Ganase Bruce , Omondi F. Harrison , Umviligihozo Gisele , Dong Winnie , Toy Junine , Sereda Paul , Burns Laura , Costiniuk Cecilia T. , Cooper Curtis , Anis Aslam H. , Leung Victor , Holmes Daniel , DeMarco Mari L. , Simons Janet , Hedgcock Malcolm , Prystajecky Natalie , Lowe Christopher F. , Romney Marc G. , Barrios Rolando , Guillemi Silvia , Brumme Chanson J. , Montaner Julio S.G. , Hull Mark , Harris Marianne , Niikura Masahiro , Brockman Mark A. , Brumme Zabrina L. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundLimited data exist regarding longer-term antibody responses following three-dose COVID-19 vaccination, and the impact of a first SARS-CoV-2 infection during this time, in people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). We quantified wild-type-(WT), Omicron BA.1- and Omicron BA.5-specific responses up to six months post-third dose in 64 PLWH and 117 controls who remained COVID-19-naive or experienced their first SARS-CoV-2 infection during this time.DesignLongitudinal observational cohort.MethodsWe quantified WT- and Omicron-specific Anti-Spike receptor-binding domain IgG concentrations, ACE2 displacement activities and live virus neutralization at one, three and six months post-third vaccine dose.ResultsThird doses boosted all antibody measures above two-dose levels, but BA.1-specific responses remained significantly lower than WT-specific ones, with BA.5-specific responses lower still. Serum IgG concentrations declined at similar rates in COVID-19-naive PLWH and controls post-third dose (median WT- and BA.1-specific half-lives were between 66-74 days for both groups). Antibody function also declined significantly yet comparably between groups: six months post-third dose, BA.1-specific neutralization was undetectable in >80% of COVID-19 naive PLWH and >90% of controls. Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection boosted antibody concentrations and function significantly above vaccine-induced levels in both PLWH and controls, though BA.5-specific neutralization remained significantly poorer than BA.1 even post-breakthrough.ConclusionsFollowing three-dose COVID-19 vaccination, antibody response durability in PLWH receiving ART is comparable to controls. PLWH also mounted strong responses to breakthrough infection. Due to temporal response declines however, COVID-19-naive individuals, regardless of HIV status, would benefit from a fourth dose within 6 months of their third.
Sexual abuse and harsh punishment in early life are associated with more obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adulthood: An online survey
Authors: Król M. , Cao Y. , Kirkham E.J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionChildhood and adolescent maltreatment (CAM) is associated with many psychiatric conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, it remains unclear whether the severity of OCD symptoms vary according to the type of stress encountered in early life.MethodA sample of 345 participants (174 of whom had OCD) completed online measures of CAM (Child Abuse and Trauma Scale; CATS), OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised; OCI-R), anxiety, and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS).Regression analysis was used to examine associations between OCD symptoms and four subtypes of CAM: emotional abuse, neglect/home environment, punishment, and sexual abuse. Anxiety and depression were included as control variables.ResultsHigher levels of sexual abuse and punishment were significantly associated with more OCD symptoms irrespective of scores on measures of anxiety and depression. Emotional abuse and neglect/home environment were not significantly associated with OCD symptoms.DiscussionThese findings highlight the prospect of a specific role for harsh punishment and sexual abuse in the development of OCD. Future studies should examine this possibility using longitudinal designs. Health professionals should be mindful that individuals with OCD may have experienced heightened levels of CAM, especially in the domains of punishment and sexual abuse.
Large-scale Analyses of CAV1 and CAV2 Suggest Their Expression is Higher in Post-mortem ALS Brain Tissue and Affects Survival
Authors: Adey Brett N , Cooper-Knock Johnathan , Khleifat Ahmad Al , Fogh Isabella , van Damme Philip , Corcia Philippe , Couratier Philippe , Hardiman Orla , McLaughlin Russell , Gotkine Marc , Drory Vivian , Silani Vincenzo , Ticozzi Nicola , Veldink Jan H. , van den Berg Leonard H. , de Carvalho Mamede , Pinto Susana , Mora Pardina Jesus S. , Povedano Monica , Andersen Peter M. , Weber Markus , Başak Nazli A. , Shaw Christopher E , Shaw Pamela J. , Morrison Karen E. , Landers John E. , Glass Jonathan D. , Vourc’h Patrick , Dobson Richard JB , Breen Gerome , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Jones Ashley R , Iacoangeli Alfredo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCaveolin-1 and Caveolin-2 (CAV1 and CAV2) are proteins associated with intercellular neurotrophic signalling. There is converging evidence that CAV1 and CAV2 (CAV1/2) genes have a role in ALS. Disease-associated variants have been identified within CAV1/2 enhancers, which reduce gene expression and lead to disruption of membrane lipid rafts. Using large ALS whole-genome sequencing andpost-mortemRNA sequencing datasets (5987 and 365 tissue samples, respectively), and iPSC-derived motor neurons from 55 individuals, we investigated the role of CAV1/2 expression and enhancer variants in the ALS phenotype. We report a differential expression analysis between ALS cases and controls for CAV1 and CAV2 genes across variouspost-mortembrain tissues and three independent datasets. CAV1 and CAV2 expression was consistently higher in ALS patients compared to controls, with significant results across the primary motor cortex, lateral motor cortex, and cerebellum. We also identify increased survival among carriers of CAV1/2 enhancer mutations compared to non-carriers within Project MinE and slower progression as measured by the ALSFRS. Carriers showed a median increase in survival of 345 days. These results add to an increasing body of evidence linking CAV1 and CAV2 genes to ALS. We propose that carriers of CAV1/2 enhancer mutations may be conceptualised as an ALS subtype who present a less severe ALS phenotype with a longer survival duration and slower progression. Upregulation of CAV1/2 genes in ALS cases may indicate a causal pathway or a compensatory mechanism. Given prior research supporting the beneficial role of CAV1/2 expression in ALS patients, we consider a compensatory mechanism to better fit the available evidence, although further investigation into the biological pathways associated with CAV1/2 is needed to support this conclusion.
Effects of Different Mask Policies in 2020: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Liu Xue-Jing 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe research around the public’s usage of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is developing quickly. In this work, we analyzed data from 50 nations to assess the long-term effectiveness of mask policies with different levels using the Poisson regression model and generalized linear mixed model. Over the long term, stricter obligatory mask regulations were linked to more stable patterns and slower increases in Covid-19 case occurrences. The mitigation of disease transmission by mask policies was shown to have substantial major impacts throughout the entire year of 2020, whereas the incidence of illness displays increasing trends over time under various policies. When compared to no mask policy deployment, mask policies might reduce incidence growth by 13.5% to 17.8%, although the incidence under every policy climbed 1.5% to 1.9% on average every ten days. The mask policy is effective in controlling illness, according to the bulk of the data shown above. This result confirms the mask policy’s importance as a governing approach in the context of the worldwide pandemic.
TRANSGENERATIONAL EFFECT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMINE EXPOSURE IN THE COHORT OF LENINGRAD SIEGE SURVIVORS’ OFFSPRING
Authors: Tolkunova Kristina , Usoltsev Dmitrii , Moguchaia Ekaterina , Boyarinova Maria , Kolesova Ekaterina , Erina Anastasia , Voortman Trudy , Vasilyeva Elena , Kostareva Anna , Shlyakhto Evgeny , Konradi Alexandra , Rotar Oxana , Artomov Mykyta 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionEnvironmental exposure during early life development can affect disease risk in late-life period. There is little data on the transmission of phenotypic features from famine-exposed individuals to the next generations.ObjectiveThe purpose of our study was to investigate the association of parental starvation in the perinatal period and the period of early childhood with the phenotypic features observed in two generations of descendants of Leningrad Siege survivors (DLSS).Design and methodsWe examined 54 children and 30 grandchildren of 58 besieged Leningrad residents who suffered from starvation in early childhood and prenatal age during the Second World War. Controls from the population-based national epidemiological ESSE-RF study (n=175) were matched on sex, age and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometry, blood pressure (BP) measurement, and blood tests were performed for both groups. Sociodemographic and lifestyle information was collected via questionnaires. Phenotypes of controls and descendants (combined and children and grandchildren separately) were compared, taking into account multiple testing.ResultsComparison of two generations descendants with corresponding control groups revealed significantly higher creatinine level and lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), both in meta-analysis and in both generations independently. The mean values of GFR for all groups were detected within the normal range. Additionally, independent of the creatinine level, differences in the eating pattern were detected: insufficient fish consumption and excessive red meat consumption were significantly more frequent in the children of the Leningrad siege survivors compared with controls. BP and blood lipids did not differ between the groups.ConclusionsAncestral famine exposure in the prenatal period and early childhood may contribute to a decrease of in kidney filtration capacity and altered eating pattern in at least two generations of besieged Leningrad offspring.
Integrated Network Pharmacology and Experimental Analysis Unveil Modulation of EGFR/MAPK Signaling Cascades in Acute Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Qing-Tong-Hua-Yu Decoction
Authors: Hu Jiajing , Zuo Long , Qu Wenyu , He Hongdun , Bao Jie , Zhang Wenyan , Zhang Yunyang , Zhu Meizhen , Li Tian 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveBased on network pharmacology, the response of Qing-tong-hua-yu Decoction (QTHY) to the regulation of EGFR/MAPK signaling cascade in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was discussed and the possible mechanism of the protective effect of QTHY on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was studied.MethodsA compound-target disease-function-pathway network was established and analyzed based on the network pharmacology approach used in Chinese medicine. The correlation, which is between effect of the components of QTHY Decoction against CI/RI with EGFR/MAPK signalling cascade response, was observed. And then the degree of neurological deficits in each group was assessed after cerebral ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 3 hours, 24 hours, 3 days and 7 days. Expression levels of EGFR and p44/42MAPK in ischemic brain tissue at different time points in various groups of rats were tested by Western bolt (WB), real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis revealed that QTHY-mediated treatment involved 439 key targets, in which the effect of QTHY groups against CI/RI was associated with EGFR/MAPK signaling cascade. QTHY treatment reduced neurological deficit scores and improved ischemic changes in rats. In addition, QTHY promoted EGFR and p44/42MAPK expression in the SVZ through the EGFR/MAPK signaling cascade, with varying degrees of improvement at different time points.ConclusionQTHY can better improve cerebral ischemia injury in CI / RI rats and exert the neuroprotective effect of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This may be related to the potential of QTHY to activate the EGFR / MAPK signaling cascade, which is consistent with the results of network pharmacology analysis.
Identification of Multiple Iron Uptake Mechanisms inEnterococcus faecalisand Their Relationship to Virulence
Authors: Brunson Debra N. , Colomer-Winter Cristina , Lam Ling Ning , Lemos José A. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTAmong the unfavorable conditions bacteria encounter within the host is restricted access to essential trace metals such as iron. To overcome iron deficiency, bacteria deploy multiple strategies to scavenge iron from host tissues with abundant examples of iron acquisition systems being implicated in bacterial pathogenesis. Yet, the mechanisms utilized by the major nosocomial pathogenEnterococcus faecalisto maintain intracellular iron balance are poorly understood. In this report, we conducted a systematic investigation to identify and characterize the iron acquisition mechanisms ofE. faecalisand to determine their contribution to virulence. Bioinformatic analysis and literature surveys revealed thatE. faecalispossesses three conserved iron uptake systems. Through transcriptomics, we discovered two novel ABC-type transporters that mediate iron uptake. While inactivation of a single transporter had minimal impact on the ability ofE. faecalisto maintain iron homeostasis, inactivation of all five systems (Δ5Fe strain) disrupted intracellular iron homeostasis and considerably impaired cell growth under iron-deficiency. Virulence of the Δ5Fe strain was generally impaired in different animal models but showed niche-specific variations in mouse models, leading us to suspect that heme can serve as an iron source toE. faecalisduring mammalian infections. Indeed, heme supplementation restored growth of Δ5Fe under iron-depletion and virulence in an invertebrate infection model. Collectively, this study reveals that the collective contribution of five iron transporters promotesE. faecalisvirulence and that the ability to acquire and utilize heme as an iron source is critical to the systemic dissemination ofE. faecalis.