bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate estimation of factor structures of complex traits using SNP-based genomic relationships
Authors: De Vlaming Ronald , Slob Eric A. W. , Groenen Patrick J. F. , Rietveld Cornelius A. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundHeritability and genetic correlation can be estimated from genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data using various methods. We recently developed multivariate genomic-relatedness-based restricted maximum likelihood (MGREML) for statistically and computationally efficient estimation of SNP-based heritability ($$h^2_{\text{SNP}}$$hSNP2) and genetic correlation ($$\rho _G$$ρG) across many traits in large datasets. Here, we extend MGREML by allowing it to fit and perform tests on user-specified factor models, while preserving the low computational complexity.ResultsUsing simulations, we show that MGREML yields consistent estimates and valid inferences for such factor models at low computational cost (e.g., for data on 50 traits and 20,000 individuals, a saturated model involving 50$$h^2_{\text{SNP}}$$hSNP2’s, 1225$$\rho _G$$ρG’s, and 50 fixed effects is estimated and compared to a restricted model in less than one hour on a single notebook with two 2.7 GHz cores and 16 GB of RAM). Using repeated measures of height and body mass index from the US Health and Retirement Study, we illustrate the ability of MGREML to estimate a factor model and test whether it fits the data better than a nested model. The MGREML tool, the simulation code, and an extensive tutorial are freely available athttps://github.com/devlaming/mgreml/.ConclusionMGREML can now be used to estimate multivariate factor structures and perform inferences on such factor models at low computational cost. This new feature enables simple structural equation modeling using MGREML, allowing researchers to specify, estimate, and compare genetic factor models of their choosing using SNP data.
Etramp5 as a useful serological marker in children to assess the immediate effects of mass drug campaigns for malaria
Authors: Druetz T. , van den Hoogen L. , Stresman G. , Joseph V. , Hamre K. E. S. , Fayette C. , Monestime F. , Presume J. , Romilus I. , Mondélus G. , Elismé T. , Cooper S. , Impoinvil D. , Ashton R. A. , Rogier E. , Existe A. , Boncy J. , Chang M. A. , Lemoine J. F. , Drakeley C. , Eisele T. P. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Serological methods provide useful metrics to estimate age-specific period prevalence in settings of low malaria transmission; however, evidence on the use of seropositivity as an endpoint remains scarce in studies to evaluate combinations of malaria control measures, especially in children. This study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of a targeted mass drug administration campaign (tMDA) in Haiti by using serological markers.

Methods
The tMDA was implemented in September–October 2018 using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and single low-dose primaquine. A natural quasi-experimental study was designed, using a pretest and posttest in a cohort of 754 randomly selected school children, among which 23% reported having received tMDA. Five antigens were selected as outcomes (MSP1-19, AMA-1, Etramp5 antigen 1, HSP40, and GLURP-R0). Posttest was conducted 2–6 weeks after the intervention.

Results
At baseline, there was no statistical difference in seroprevalence between the groups of children that were or were not exposed during the posttest. A lower seroprevalence was observed for markers informative of recent exposure (Etramp5 antigen 1, HSP40, and GLURP-R0). Exposure to tMDA was significantly associated with a 50% reduction in the odds of seropositivity for Etramp5 antigen 1 and a 21% reduction in the odds of seropositivity for MSP119.

Conclusion
Serological markers can be used to evaluate the effects of interventions against malaria on the risk of infection in settings of low transmission. Antibody responses against Etramp5 antigen 1 in Haitian children were reduced in the 2–6 weeks following a tMDA campaign, confirming its usefulness as a short-term marker in child populations.
Uptake of postnatal care and its determinants in Ethiopia: a positive deviance approach
Authors: Fetene Samrawit Mihret , Gebremedhin Tsegaye 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Postnatal care (PNC) services are an essential intervention for improving maternal and child health. In Ethiopia, PNC service has been poorly implemented, despite the governments and partners’ attempt to improve maternal and child health service utilization. Moreover, many literatures identified that women with no education are significantly underutilized the PNC services. Thus, this study aimed to assess the PNC service uptake among women at high risk for underutilization of PNC services and to identify the individual and community level determinants of PNC services uptake in Ethiopia using the positive deviance approach.

Methods
Data from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2016 were used. A total of 2417 deviant women (women with no education) were identified through a two-stage stratified sampling technique and included in this analysis. A multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression analysis was computed to identify the individual and community-level determinants of PNC services uptake among deviant women. In the final model, a p-value of less than 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare statistically significant determinants of PNC services uptake.

Results
In this analysis, the uptake of PNC service among deviant women was 5.8% [95% CI: 4.9–6.8]. Working in the agriculture (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.13–3.52), being Orthodox religion follower (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.42–4.57), living in the highest wealth quantile (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.25–3.91) were the individual level determinants, whereas residing in the city administration (AOR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.15–8.71), and living closer to health facility (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.03–2.39) were the community level determinants.

Conclusion
The study highlighted a better PNC service uptake among deviant women who are working in the agriculture, follows orthodox religion, lives in highest household wealth status, resides in city administration, and living closer to the health facility. The positive deviance approach provides evidences for health policy makers and program implementers to improve health behavior in specific target population, and ultimately to bring better maternal and child health outcomes, despite acknowledged adverse risk profile. Such strategy and knowledge could facilitate targeted efforts aimed at achieving national goals of maternal and newborn mortality reduction in the country.
A scoping review of outdoor food marketing: exposure, power and impacts on eating behaviour and health
Authors: Finlay Amy , Robinson Eric , Jones Andrew , Maden Michelle , Cerny Caroline , Muc Magdalena , Evans Rebecca , Makin Harriet , Boyland Emma 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
There is convincing evidence that unhealthy food marketing is extensive on television and in digital media, uses powerful persuasive techniques, and impacts dietary choices and consumption, particularly in children. It is less clear whether this is also the case for outdoor food marketing. This review (i) identifies common criteria used to define outdoor food marketing, (ii) summarises research methodologies used, (iii) identifies available evidence on the exposure, power (i.e. persuasive creative strategies within marketing) and impact of outdoor food marketing on behaviour and health and (iv) identifies knowledge gaps and directions for future research.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted of Medline (Ovid), Scopus, Science Direct, Proquest, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and a number of grey literature sources. Titles and abstracts were screened by one researcher. Relevant full texts were independently checked by two researchers against eligibility criteria.

Results
Fifty-three studies were conducted across twenty-one countries. The majority of studies (n = 39) were conducted in high-income countries. All measured the extent of exposure to outdoor food marketing, twelve also assessed power and three measured impact on behavioural or health outcomes. Criteria used to define outdoor food marketing and methodologies adopted were highly variable across studies. Almost a quarter of advertisements across all studies were for food (mean of 22.1%) and the majority of advertised foods were unhealthy (mean of 63%). The evidence on differences in exposure by SES is heterogenous, which makes it difficult to draw conclusions, however the research suggests that ethnic minority groups have a higher likelihood of exposure to food marketing outdoors. The most frequent persuasive creative strategies were premium offers and use of characters. There was limited evidence on the relationship between exposure to outdoor food marketing and eating behaviour or health outcomes.

Conclusions
This review highlights the extent of unhealthy outdoor food marketing globally and the powerful methods used within this marketing. There is a need for consistency in defining and measuring outdoor food marketing to enable comparison across time and place. Future research should attempt to measure direct impacts on behaviour and health.
Religion, politics and COVID-19 risk perception among urban residents in Malawi
Authors: Chilanga Emmanuel , Dzimbiri Mastano , Mwanjawala Patrick , Keller Amanda , Mbeya Ruth Agather 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Majority of Malawians have not yet adopted COVID-19 mitigation measures despite having knowledge about its infectivity, morbidity, and fatality. Understanding drivers of hesitancy to adoption of COVID-19 mitigation measures is critical as it can inform prevention programs. This study explores Malawians’ COVID-19 risk perception, and the associated constraints in the adoption of mitigation efforts. A Health Belief Model (HBM) approach was used to understand perceived factors that undermine public health COVID-19 messages to reduce the spread of the pandemic in Malawi.

Methods
The study applied rapid appraisal and photovoice qualitative inquiry to comprehend risk perception regarding COVID-19. We purposively selected 52 participants from three major cities in Malawi. Audio and video interviews were transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were coded manually to derive key themes and concepts.

Results
The study identified that social factors particularly religious and political beliefs influenced COVID-19 risk perception. Specific religious beliefs pertaining to individuals recognizing signs of the ‘Christian apocalypse’ were particularly associated with lower risk perceptions. Politically, participants believed COVID-19 lockdown measures were a ploy by the then-ruling party to remain in power.

Conclusion
The study suggests that religious beliefs and political environment undermine self -perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 among urban dwellers in Malawi. We recommend that diverse actors in Malawi should collaborate to promote the dissemination of accurate COVID-19 discourses and reduce the severity of the pandemic’s impact in Malawi.
The serum uric acid is longitudinally related to patients global assessment of disease activity in male patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Cai Meimei , Liu Wen , Wu Yuanhui , Zheng Qing , Liu Dehao , Shi Guixiu 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate longitudinal relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and disease activity among Chinese males with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods
Two-year data from the NASA study cohort of male patients with axial spondyloarthritis were analyzed. Patients global assessment of disease activity (PtGA), BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, BASFI, and SF-36 were used as the outcomes. The autoregressive Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) model was used to investigate the longitudinal relationship between SUA and the above outcomes. Age and gender and symptom duration were tested as effect modifiers or confounders.

Results
In total, 102 male axSpA patients were included, 33.3% of who were hyperuricemia at baseline. Over time,serum uric acid levels associated with the global assessment of patient global assessment of disease activity (PtGA)[P=0.041, β=-2.059,95%CI(-4.032, -0.086)], SF-36: Vitality (VT) [P=0.01, β=1.751, 95%CI (0.415,3.087)], SF-36: Social Functioning (SF)[P=0.002, β= 2.968,95%CI (1.067,4.869)]). And these relationgships were independent of age, symptom duration, baseline uric acid levels, and medication use.

Conclusions
In summary, SUA levels is longitudinally related to PtGA and mental health assessment. Age, gender and symptom duration do not have an impact on the relationships.
Evidence of persistent glial cell dysfunction in the anterior cingulate cortex of juvenile idiopathic arthritis children: a proton MRS study
Authors: Han Haiwei , Xiao Ji Hong , Weng Yifei , Liang Hongyan , Han Chengkun , Yi Cuili , Lin Kezhao , Wu Hua 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aims to investigate whether the neurometabolites of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were distinct in patients with active and inactive juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) using the proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Methods
We measured the levels of total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA), choline (Cho), myo-inositol (ml), glutamate (Glu) and the complex of glutamate and glutamine (Glx) relative to total creatine (tCr) in ACC of each participant.

Results
Compared with the healthy controls, a significant decrease of total Cho/tCr and Glx/tCr ratio in ACC occurred in active and inactive JIA group. The tCho/Cr level was negatively associated with the serum level of ESR in active JIA patients. There was no difference in NAA/tCr ratio among the three groups, which may imply that no neuron and axonal losses occurred in either active or inactive JIA patients.

Conclusions
The abnormal neurometabolites in tCho/tCr and Glx/tCr in ACC may indicate that persistent dysfunction of glial cell, while neither neuron nor axonal losses occurred in active and inactive JIA patients.
An anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic proprietary Chinese medicine nasal spray designated as Allergic Rhinitis Nose Drops (ARND) with potential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection by targeting RBD (Delta)- angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding
Authors: Yip Ka Man , Lee Kwan Ming , Ng Tzi Bun , Xu Shujun , Yung Ken Kin Lam , Qu Shaogang , Cheung Allen Ka Loon , Sze Stephen Cho Wing 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundSince the outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in over 313,000,000 confirmed cases of infection and over 5,500,000 deaths, substantial research work has been conducted to discover agents/ vaccines against COVID-19. Undesired adverse effects were observed in clinical practice and common vaccines do not protect the nasal tissue. An increasing volume of direct evidence based on clinical studies of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in the treatment of COVID-19 has been reported. However, the safe anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic proprietary Chinese medicines nasal spray, designated as Allergic Rhinitis Nose Drops (ARND), and its potential of re-purposing for suppressing viral infection via SARS-CoV-2 RBD (Delta)- angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding have not been elucidated.PurposeTo characterize ARND as a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor for its possible preventive application in anti-virus hygienic agent.MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis of ARND was adopted to asacertain gene targets which were commonly affected by COVID-19. The inhibitory effect of ARND on viral infection was determined by an in vitro pseudovirus assay. Furthermore, ARND was confirmed to have a strong binding affinity with ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike-RBD (Delta) by ELISA. Finally, inflammatory and fibrotic cell models were used in conjunction in this study.ResultsThe results suggested ARND not only inhibited pseudovirus infection and undermined the binding affinity between ACE2 and the Spike protein (Delta), but also attenuated the inflammatory response upon infection and may lead to a better prognosis with a lower risk of pulmonary fibrosis. The data in this study also provide a basis for further development of ARND as an antiviral hygienic product and further investigations on ARND in the live virus, in vivo and COVID-19 patients. ARND holds promise for use in the current COVID-19 outbreak as well as in future pandemics.ConclusionARND could be considered as a safe anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent with potential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection.Graphical abstract
Optimising the diagnosis and referral of achondroplasia in Europe: European Achondroplasia Forum best practice recommendations
Authors: Cormier-Daire Valerie , AlSayed Moeenaldeen , Alves Inês , Bengoa Joana , Ben-Omran Tawfeg , Boero Silvio , Fredwall Svein , Garel Catherine , Guillen-Navarro Encarna , Irving Melita , Lampe Christian , Maghnie Mohamad , Mortier Geert , Sousa Sérgio B. , Mohnike Klaus 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundAchondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia, with serious comorbidities and complications that may occur from early infancy to adulthood, requiring lifelong management from a multidisciplinary team expert in the condition The European Achondroplasia Forum guiding principles of management highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely referral to a centre specialised in the management of achondroplasia to fully support individuals with achondroplasia and their families, and to appropriately plan management. The European Achondroplasia Forum undertook an exploratory audit of its Steering Committee to ascertain the current situation in Europe and to understand the potential barriers to timely diagnosis and referral.ResultsDiagnosis of achondroplasia was primarily confirmed prenatally (66.6%), at Day 0 (12.8%) or within one month after birth (12.8%). For suspected and confirmed cases of achondroplasia, a greater proportion were identified earlier in the prenatal period (87.1%) with fewer diagnoses at Day 0 (5.1%) or within the first month of life (2.6%). Referral to a specialist centre took place after birth (86.6%), predominantly within the first month, although there was a wide variety in the timepoint of referral between countries and in the time lapsed between suspicion or confirmed diagnosis of achondroplasia and referral to a specialist centre.ConclusionsThe European Achondroplasia Forum guiding principles of management recommend diagnosis of achondroplasia as early as possible. If concerns are raised at routine ultrasound, second line investigation should be implemented so that the diagnosis can be reached as soon as possible for ongoing management. Clinical and radiological examination supported by molecular testing is the most effective way to confirm diagnosis of achondroplasia after birth. Referral to a centre specialised in achondroplasia care should be made as soon as possible on suspicion or confirmation of diagnosis. In countries or regions where there are no official skeletal dysplasia reference or specialist centres, priority should be given to their creation or recognition, together with incentives to improve the structure of the existing multidisciplinary team managing achondroplasia. The length of delay between diagnosis of achondroplasia and referral to a specialist centre warrants further research.
The 2nd European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST-2): rationale and protocol for a randomised clinical trial comparing immediate revascularisation versus optimised medical therapy alone in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis at low to intermediate risk of stroke
Authors: Cheng Suk Fun , van Velzen Twan J. , Gregson John , Richards Toby , Jäger Hans Rolf , Simister Robert , Kooi M. Eline , de Borst Gert J. , Pizzini Francesca B. , Nederkoorn Paul J. , Brown Martin M. , Bonati Leo H. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Carotid endarterectomy is currently recommended for patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥50%, based on randomised trials conducted 30 years ago. Several factors such as carotid plaque ulceration, age and associated comorbidities might influence the risk-benefit ratio of carotid revascularisation. A model developed in previous trials that calculates the future risk of stroke based on these features can be used to stratify patients into low, intermediate or high risk. Since the original trials, medical treatment has improved significantly. Our hypothesis is that patients with carotid stenosis ≥50% associated with a low to intermediate risk of stroke will not benefit from additional carotid revascularisation when treated with optimised medical therapy. We also hypothesise that prediction of future risk of stroke in individual patients with carotid stenosis can be improved using the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the carotid plaque.

Methods
Patients are randomised between immediate revascularisation plus OMT versus OMT alone. Suitable patients are those with asymptomatic or symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥50% with an estimated 5-year risk of stroke of <20%, as calculated using the Carotid Artery Risk score. MRI of the brain at baseline and during follow-up will be used as a blinded measure to assess the incidence of silent infarction and haemorrhage, while carotid plaque MRI at baseline will be used to investigate the hypotheses that plaque characteristics determine future stroke risk and help identify a subgroup of patients that will benefit from revascularisation. An initial analysis will be conducted after recruitment of 320 patients with baseline MRI and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, to provide data to inform the design and sample size for a continuation or re-launch of the study. The primary outcome measure of this initial analysis is the combined 2-year rate of any clinically manifest stroke, new cerebral infarct on MRI, myocardial infarction or periprocedural death.

Discussion
ECST-2 will provide new data on the efficacy of modern optimal medical therapy alone versus added carotid revascularisation in patients with carotid stenosis at low to intermediate risk of future stroke selected by individualised risk assessment. We anticipate that the results of baseline brain and carotid plaque MRI will provide data to improve the prediction of the risk of stroke and the effect of treatment in patients with carotid stenosis.

Trial registration
ISRCTN registry ISRCTN97744893. Registered on 05 July 2012