Tag: pubmed

J Med Internet Res. 2022 Nov 9. doi: 10.2196/40701. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Social media provide an ideal medium for breeding and reinforcing vaccine hesitancy, especially during public health emergencies. Algorithmic recommendation technology and users’ selective exposure and group pressure leads to online echo chambers, causing vaccination promotion inefficiently. Avoiding or breaking echo chambers largely relies on key users’ behavior.

OBJECTIVE: To eliminate the impact of echo chambers on vaccine hesitancy during public health emergencies on social media, this research aimed to develop a framework to quantify echo chamber effect in users’ topic-selection and attitude-contagion about COVID-19 vaccines or vaccinations, detect online opinion leaders and structural hole spanners based on network-attributes, and explore the relationship of their behavior patterns and network locations, as well as the relationship of network locations and impact on topic-based and attitude-based echo chambers.

METHODS: We called Sina Weibo API to crawl tweets related to COVID-19 vaccine or vaccination and user information on Weibo, a Chinese social media. Adapting social network analysis, we examined low echo chamber effect based on topic in representational networks of information, based on attitude in communication flow networks of users, under different interactive mechanisms (retweeting, commenting). Statistical and visual analysis were used to characterize behavior patterns of key users (opinion leaders, structural hole spanners), and explore their function in avoiding or breaking topic-based and attitude-based echo chambers.

RESULTS: Users showed low echo chamber effect in vaccine-related topic selection and attitude interaction. For the former, the homophily was more obvious in retweeting than in commenting, while for latter, it’s opposite. Speakers, replicators, and monologists tended to be opinion leaders, while common users, retweeters, networkers tended to be structural hole spanners. Both leaders and spanners tended to be bridgers to disseminate diverse topics and communicate with users holding cross-cutting attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines. Besides, users who tended to echo single topic might bridge multiple attitudes, while users who focused on diverse topics also tended to be bridgers for different attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS: This research not only revealed low echo chamber effect in vaccine hesitancy, but also dug out reasons behind it from the perspective of users, offering insights for research about echo chamber’s form, degree, formation, and depolarization, social capital, stakeholder theory, user portraits, dissemination pattern of topic and sentiment, providing strategies for public health and public opinion managers to cooperate to avoid or correct echo chamber chaos, and promote online vaccine campaign.

PMID:36367965 | DOI:10.2196/40701

Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2022 Oct 31. doi: 10.15326/jcopdf.2022.0326. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Antiplatelet therapy has been associated with fewer exacerbations and reduced respiratory symptoms in COPD. Whether platelet activation is associated with respiratory symptoms in COPD is unknown.

METHODS: Former smokers with spirometry-confirmed COPD had urine 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (11dTxB2), plasma soluble CD40L (sCD40L) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) repeatedly measured during a 6-9-month study period. Multivariate mixed-effects models adjusted for demographics, clinical characteristics, and medication use evaluated the association of each biomarker with respiratory symptoms, health status, and quality of life.

RESULTS: Among 169 participants (average age 66.5±8.2 years, 51.5% female, 47.5±31 pack-years, FEV₁ percent predicted 53.8±17.1), a 100% increase in 11dTxB2 was associated with worse respiratory symptoms reflected by higher scores on the COPD Assessment Test (β 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-1.4), Ease of Cough and Sputum Clearance Questionnaire (ECSC) β 0.77, 95%CI: 0.38-1.2, worse health status (Clinical COPD Questionnaire [CCQ] β 0.13, 95%CI: 0.03-0.23) and worse quality of life (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] β 1.9, 95%CI: 0.39-3.4). No statistically significant associations were observed for sCD40L or sP-selectin. There was no consistent statistically significant effect modification of the relationship between urine 11dTxB2 and respiratory outcomes by history of cardiovascular disease, subclinical coronary artery disease, antiplatelet therapy, or COPD severity.

CONCLUSIONS: In stable moderate-severe COPD, elevated urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2, a metabolite of the platelet activation product thromboxane A2, was associated with worse respiratory symptoms, health status, and quality of life.

PMID:36367951 | DOI:10.15326/jcopdf.2022.0326

Transplantation. 2022 Oct 29. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000004383. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the fourth BNT162b2 vaccination in reducing the rate and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Omicron variant in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) is unknown.

METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 447 RTRs regarding the status and timing of the fourth vaccination, prior vaccinations, and preceding COVID-19 infection. RTRs with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 infection from December 1, 2021, to the end of March 2022 were considered to have been infected with the Omicron variant and were interviewed to determine their disease severity. In a subgroup of 74 RTRs, the humoral response to the fourth dose was analyzed. In 30 RTRs, microneutralization assays were performed to reveal the humoral response to wild-type, Delta, and Omicron variant isolates before and after the fourth dose.

RESULTS: Of 447 RTRs, 144 (32.2%) were infected with the Omicron variant, with 71 (49.3%) of the infected RTRs having received the fourth vaccine dose. RTRs who did not receive the fourth dose before the infection had more serious illness. In a subgroup of 74 RTRs, the fourth dose elicited a positive humoral response in 94.6% (70/74), with a significant increase in geometric mean titer for receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G and neutralizing antibodies (P < 0.001). The humoral responses to the Omicron variant before and after the fourth dose were significantly lower than the responses to the wild-type and the Delta variants.

CONCLUSION: Overall, the fourth BNT162b2 dose was effective in reducing the rate and severity of Omicron disease in RTRs, despite the reduced humoral response to the variant.

PMID:36367927 | DOI:10.1097/TP.0000000000004383

J Phys Chem B. 2022 Nov 11. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04610. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

By analyzing the Kubo-cluster-cumulant expansion of the potential of mean force of polypeptide chains corresponding to backbone-local interactions averaged over the rotation of the peptide groups about the C^α···C^α virtual bonds, we identified two important kinds of “along-chain” correlations that pertain to extended chain segments bordered by turns (usually the β-strands) and to the folded spring-like segments (usually α-helices), respectively, and are expressed as multitorsional potentials. These terms affect the positioning of structural elements with respect to each other and, consequently, contribute to determining their packing. Additionally, for extended chain segments, the correlation terms contribute to propagating the conformational change at one end to the other end, which is characteristic of allosteric interactions. We confirmed both findings by statistical analysis of the virtual-bond geometry of 77 950 proteins. Augmenting coarse-grained and, possibly, all-atom force fields with these correlation terms could improve their capacity to model protein structure and dynamics.

PMID:36367920 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04610

PLoS One. 2022 Nov 11;17(11):e0277542. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277542. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndromes (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity is a growing major global public health problem with huge morbidity and mortality. It is a pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic disorder characterized by alteration of platelet indices and increased platelet activation, however, the tendency to use them in diagnosis is not yet fully evaluated in our context and there is limited evidence on the role of platelet indices in predicting and differentiating DM+MetS comorbidity in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate platelet indices in HC, DM, and DM+MetS, and to determine their role in the prediction of DM+MetS comorbidity risk and the distinction between DM+MetS and DM or healthy persons in southwest Ethiopia.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Wolkite University specialized hospital from March to August 2021. A total of 336 study participants (112 healthy controls (HC), 112 DM, 112 DM+MetS) was included in this study. Anthropmetric data were measured and the venous blood sample was collected to determine platelet indices, lipid profiles, and blood glucose levels. The SPSS version 21 statistical software was used to perform receiver operating curve (ROC), one-way ANOVA, and independent T-test analysis. The p-value for statistical significance was set at <0.05.

RESULT: In the present study, we found a significant difference in the mean value of PLT, MPV, and PDW between DM+MetS, DM, and HC. A statistically significant difference in the mean value of MPV and PDW was observed between HC and DM+MetS as well as DM and DM+MetS (p-value<0.001). At the cutoff value of 9.65fl with a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 67.9%, MPV differentiates DM+MetS from HC with an AUC of 0.859. MPV can differentiate DM+MetS from DM at a cutoff value of 10.05fl with sensitivity, specificity, and an AUC of 67.9%, 65.2%, and 0.675, respectively. At the cutoff value of 9.65fl with a sensitivity of 69.6% and a specificity of 67.9%, MPV differentiates DM from HC with an AUC of 0.747. The best platelet parameter identified in this study for predicting the presence of DM+MetS comorbidity was MPV (AUC=0.859; 95%CI=0.81-0.90).

CONCLUSION: In this study, a significant difference in the mean value of PLT, MPV, and PDW was found between DM+MetS, DM, and HC. The mean value of platelet indices showed significant increases in DM+MetS patients in comparison to HC and DM. MPV has been identified as a good potential marker to predict DM+MetS comorbidity and to differentiate DM+MetS comorbidity from the HC or DM. Our results show that MPV could be a good hematological marker to differentiate DM+MetS comorbidity from the HC or DM, and may offer supportive information for early diagnosis, prevention, and control. Thus, the findings of this study should be taken into account for the prevention and control of DM+MetS comorbidity.

PMID:36367899 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0277542

PLoS One. 2022 Nov 11;17(11):e0277456. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277456. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

In 1919, the European bison population became extinct in the wild. The rescue of the lowland subspecies and the whole species was achieved mainly thanks to individuals from the Białowieża Forest (Polish-Belarusian border). There are currently two breeding lines-the lowland (purebred B. b. Bonasus) founded by 7 individuals and the lowland-Caucasian (hybrids of B. b. Bonasus and B. b. caucasicus) founded by 12 individuals. This genealogical study was conducted on 15,071 individuals recorded in the pedigree book between 1881 and 2020. Its objective was to determine the level of genetic variability and inbreeding almost 100 years after the rescue measures were initiated. The completeness of the pedigree of the reference population was 77% in the fifth generation backwards. A maximum of 23 generations can be traced back in the pedigree. The average inbreeding coefficient and the mean average relatedness of the reference population were very high, about 17% and 16% respectively. No significant amount of new inbreeding was discovered. The reference population has lost 9.11% of the total genetic diversity compared to the population of founders. A male of the Caucasian subspecies Kaukasus was discovered among the ancestors of the lowland lineage reference population. The effective population size calculated based on the increase in inbreeding was 23.93 individuals, based on complete generations equivalent it was 16.1 individuals. Wright’s F-statistics showed very small differences in genotypic frequencies between individuals within the two lineages in the reference population (FIS = 0.10), between individuals and the total population (FIT = 0.04) and low differentiation between lineages (FST = 0.06). The population of the European bison from the Białowieża Forest is generally very uniform but still shows good fitness.

PMID:36367897 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0277456

Diabetes Care. 2022 Nov 11:dc212305. doi: 10.2337/dc21-2305. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence on the association of sustained low-income status, income changes, and all-cause mortality risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using the Korean Health Insurance Service database, we studied 1,923,854 adults with T2D (aged ≥30 years) without cardiovascular disease and cancer, who were enrolled from 2009 through 2012 and followed to the end of 2020 (median 10.8 years of follow-up). We defined income levels based on the amount of health insurance premiums and categorized them into quartiles, the first being the low-income group, and assessed the income status annually in the preceding 5 years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to quantify the association of low-income status and income changes with mortality, with adjustment for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and diabetes duration and treatment.

RESULTS: Participants who consecutively had low income showed a higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.19; 95% CI 1.16-1.22), compared with those who had never been in the low-income group. This association was much stronger for consecutive recipients of Medical Aid, reflecting very-low-income status (HR 2.26; 95% CI 2.16-2.36), compared with those who had never been Medical Aid beneficiaries. Sustained low- and very-low-income status was associated with increased risk of mortality, specifically for younger adults (aged<40 years) and males. Those who experienced declines in income between the first (preceding 5 years) and the last (baseline) time points had an increased risk of mortality, regardless of baseline income status.

CONCLUSIONS: Among Korean adults with T2D, sustained low-income status and declines in income were associated with increased risk of mortality.

PMID:36367896 | DOI:10.2337/dc21-2305

PLoS One. 2022 Nov 11;17(11):e0271397. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271397. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Collaboration across sectors is critical to address complex health problems, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the ability to collaborate during the pandemic as part of a baseline evaluation of an intersectoral network of healthcare and community organizations established to improve the collective response to transgender (trans) persons who have been sexually assaulted (the trans-LINK Network). A validated social network analysis survey was sent to 119 member organizations in Ontario, Canada. Survey respondents were asked, ‘Has COVID-19 negatively affected your organization’s ability to collaborate with other organizations on the support of trans survivors of sexual assault?’ and ‘How has COVID-19 negatively affected your organization’s ability to collaborate within the trans-LINK Network?’. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Seventy-eight member organizations participated in the survey (response rate = 66%). Most organizations (79%) indicated that the pandemic had affected their ability to collaborate with others in the network, citing most commonly, increased workload (77%), increased demand for services (57%), and technical and digital challenges (50%). Survey findings were shared in a stakeholder consultation with 22 representatives of 21 network member organizations. Stakeholders provided suggestions to prevent and address the challenges, barriers, and disruptions in serving trans survivors experienced during the pandemic, which were organized into themes. Seven themes were generated and used as a scaffold for the development of recommendations to advance the network, including: increase communication and knowledge exchange among member organizations through the establishment of a network discussion forum and capacity building group workshops; enhance awareness of network organizations by developing a member-facing directory of member services, their contributions, and ability to provide specific supports; strengthen capacity to provide virtual and in-person services and programs through enhanced IT support and increased opportunities for knowledge sharing and skill development; and adopt a network wide syndemic approach that addresses co-occurring epidemics (COVID-19 + racism, housing insecurity, transphobia, xenophobia) that impact trans survivors of sexual assault.

PMID:36367864 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0271397

PLoS One. 2022 Nov 11;17(11):e0277359. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277359. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

The use of virtual laboratory simulations in various disciplines, which provide important educational benefits, has increased. Several studies show that laboratory activities, including scenario-based virtual laboratory simulation (SB-VLS), stimulate cognitive and non-cognitive skills. However, the effects of the SB-VLS when integrated into molecular biology courses, on the development of cognitive skills, such as scientific report writing skills, remain unexplored. A pre-post-test, randomized, quasi-experimental design was used. Thirty-five female students were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The control group (n = 17) attended a traditional lecture and video lab demonstration (VLD), while the experimental group (n = 18) participated in SB-VLS on molecular cloning. Findings revealed statistically significant differences, with large effects sizes in the SB-VLS group between pre- and post-test in intrinsic motivation (2.9 vs 3.86, p = 0.042, Cohen’s d = 4.17), self-efficacy (3.31 vs 3.85, p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 1.071), and knowledge gain scales (50.93 vs 75.93, p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.46). Moreover, between-group effect sizes of the experimental and control groups were also large for intrinsic motivation (dppc2 = 1.441), self-efficacy (dppc2 = 0.766), and knowledge (dppc2 = 1.147), indicating that the effect of the SB-VLS was significant, which may be due to the activities and techniques used in SB-VLS to develop learning outcomes. Additionally, the SB-VLS group had statistically better lab report scores as compared to the control group (3.92 vs. 4.72, p < 0.0001). Collectively, our data show that SB-VLS is an innovative teaching strategy and an effective tool for developing non-cognitive and cognitive skills, especially scientific report writing skills.

PMID:36367856 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0277359

PLoS One. 2022 Nov 11;17(11):e0277060. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277060. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare diagnostic values between the 40 keV virtual monoenergetic plus (40 keV VMI+) dual source dual energy computed tomography (DSDECT) pulmonary angiography images and the standard mixed (90 and 150 kV) images for the detection of acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS: Chest DSDECTs of 64 patients who were suspected of having acute PE were retrospectively reviewed by two independent reviewers. The assessments of acute PE of all patients on a per-location basis were compared between the 40 keV VMI+ and the standard mixed datasets (reference standard) with a two-week interval.

RESULTS: This study consisted of 64 patients (33 women and 31 men; mean age, 60.2 years; range 18-90 years), with a total of 512 locations. The interobserver agreement (Kappa) for detection of acute PE using the 40 keV VMI+ images and the standard mixed CT images were 0.7478 and 0.8750 respectively. The area under receiver operating characteristics (AuROC) for diagnosis of acute PE using the 40 keV VMI+ was 0.882. Four locations (0.78%) revealed a false negative result. Hypodense filling defects were identified in twelve locations (1.95%) in the 40 keV VMI+ images but had been interpreted as a negative study in the standard mixed CT images. The repeated reviews revealed that each location contained a hypodense filling defect but was overlooked on the standard mixed CT images.

CONCLUSIONS: Low-energy VMI + DSDECT images have beneficial in improving the diagnostic value of acute PE in doubtful or disregarded standard mixed images.

PMID:36367855 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0277060