Basic Medical Research Articles

Incidence and cost of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in mainland urban China: a nationwide retrospective study 2014-2016.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous sarcoma. Limited population-based epidemiological studies on DFSP have been conducted. We aimed to estimate the incidence and disease burden of DFSP in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the national databases of the Urban Basic Medical Insurance scheme. Cases were identified by ICD code and Chinese language diagnostic terms. National incidence from 2014 to 2016 was estimated by gender and age, and associated medical costs were calculated. A total of 175 patients were confirmed with DFSP from 2014 to 2016. Crude incidence varied from 0.353 per 100,000 (95%CI: 0.203-0.503) in 2014 to 0.367 per 100,000 (95%CI: 0.279-0.455) in 2016. Incidence was higher in males than in females. The first incidence peak was observed between the ages of 20 and 39 years and the highest incidence rates were in those aged over 60 years. Average medical costs of DFSP were higher than the per capita disposable income of residents. Incidence of DFSP in mainland urban China is lower than in most developed countries and has remained relatively stable from 2014 to 2016. Further research is expected to clarify the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of DFSP.

Hepatoprotective role of tecomella undulata bark extract in comparison with n- acetylcysteine on acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.

Objective: To assess hepatoprotective effect of Tecomella Undulata bark extract on acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats as compared to N-Acetylcysteine. Study Design: Experimental Comparative Study. Setting: Bahria University Medical & Dental College Karachi in collaboration with Basic Medical Sciences Institute Karachi. Period: March 2020 till August 2020. Material & Method: Study included 56 Albino rats divided in four groups with 14 animals in each group. Group A was control, Group B was induced hepatotoxicity by giving Acetaminophen 500 mg as a single dose, Group C was given N–Acetylcysteine 140mg/kg intraperitoneally for 6 days and Group D was given Tecomella bark extract 200mg/kg for 15 days after acetaminophen induced liver damage. Their blood samples were collected and sent for hepatic enzyme levels. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23. One way ANOVA was applied. For multiple comparison post hoc tukey’s test was used. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Result: The mean Serum AST, ALT and ALP levels were increased in Group-B, however, Group-D showed significant reduction in hepatic enzyme levels as compared to Group-C. Tecomella bark extract showed hepatoprotective effect by reducing hepatic enzyme levels in acetaminophen induced hepatic damage in albino rats. Conclusion: Thus Tecomella plant extract could act as an alternative antidote to N-acetylcysteine in acetaminophen induced hepatic damage in albino rats.

Basic Medical Laboratory Services as an Effort to Detect Metabolic Syndrome in Anduonohu Sub-District, Kendari City

Metabolic syndrome is an accumulation of metabolic disorders that can increase the risk of cardiovascular-related diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and decreased of HDL level. Community basically already knows each parameter separately but still rarely knows about the condition if these parameters occur together as metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to socialize as well as brought laboratory services closer to detect metabolic syndrome. This activity was carried out on 50 residents of the Anduonohu Village, Poasia District, Kendari City. Laboratory services performed include measurement of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood cholesterol. Detection of metabolic syndrome using the definition of the International Diabetes Foundation 2009 by assessing the parameters of central obesity, blood pressure and glucose levels showed that 48% of the participants had metabolic syndrome

Behavioral deviations: healthcare-seeking behavior of chronic disease patients with intention to visit primary health care institutions

BackgroundAlthough primary health care (PHC) has been proven to be effective in preventing and treating chronic diseases, the visits rate of PHC institutions is still not ideal. Some patients initially express a willingness to visit PHC institutions but end up seeking health services at non-PHC institutions, and the reasons for this behavior remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the factors that contribute to behavioral deviations among chronic disease patients who originally intended to visit PHC institutions.MethodsData were collected from a cross-sectional survey among chronic disease patients with original intention to visit PHC institutions in Fuqing City, China. The analysis framework was guided by Andersen’s behavioral model. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the factors affecting the behavioral deviations among chronic disease patients with a willingness to visit PHC institutions.ResultsA total of 1,048 individuals were finally included and about 40% of the participants with the original willingness to seek care from PHC institutions finally chose non-PHC institutions in their subsequent visits. The results of logistic regression analyses indicated that at the predisposition factor level, older participants (aOR60-69 = 0.602, P < 0.01; aOR70-75 = 0.475, P < 0.01) were less likely to have behavioral deviations. At the enabling factor level, compared to those covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and not reimbursed, those covered by Urban–Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) (aOR = 0.297, P < 0.01), and those answering that reimbursement from medical institutions was convenient (aOR = 0.501, P < 0.01) or very convenient (aOR = 0.358, P < 0.001) were less likely to have behavioral deviations. At the need factor level, participants who visited PHC institutions due to illness last year (aOR = 0.348, P < 0.001) and with polypharmacy (aOR = 0.546, P < 0.01) were less likely to have behavioral deviations compared to those without the visit of PHC institutions and not taking polypharmacy, respectively.ConclusionsThe deviations between the original willingness of PHC institution visits and subsequent behavior among chronic disease patients were associated with a number of predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Developing the health insurance system, strengthening the technical capacity of PHC institutions, and steadily developing a new concept of orderly healthcare-seeking behavior among chronic disease patients, will help promote their access to PHC institutions as well as improve the effectiveness of the tiered medical system for chronic disease care.

Approach and view of Medical Students towards Basic Medical Science Subjects: A Study at Bolan Medical College Quetta Pakistan

Introduction: The diagnosis of a disease and the mechanism of disease process can better understand if using the basic medical science subjects with clinical sciences. Objective: To assess the view and approach of medical students towards basic medical science subjects beside its clinical relevance in Bolan Medical College Quetta Pakistan. Method: This was a cross sectional study designed in an institute in Bolan Medical College Quetta Pakistan, from March-2021to May 2021. For collection of data pre tested questionnaire was used. All options were rated by using likert scale, ranges from strongly disagree to agree. The data were analyzed by using SPSS-27. Result: A total of 200 students participated in this study. Among them 40 (20%), 55 (27.5%), 35 (17.5%), 35 (17.5%), and 35 (17.5%) were of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and final year students respectively. 33 (16.5%) students were interested to join as career, 107(53.5%) were never join the basic side while maybe remained 60 (30%). Less financial attractions are in basic side by 130 (65%) that’s why not interested. If modular system apply this may attract the students to join as career, the reply was in 65% (130) don’t know. The clinical relevancy was 53.5% (107) anatomy, 47.5% (95) biochemistry while 41.5% (83) physiology. Conclusion: This study concluded that students have very low attraction for basic medical science subjects but this can elevated with way of teaching methodology and using clinical aspect. Students are very much reluctant to join basic side as their career due to less financial attractions.

Role of hypoxia inducible factor HIF-1α in heart valves.

The 2016 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award and subsequently the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine were awarded to William Kaelin, Jr., Sir Peter Ratcliffe, and Gregg Semenza for their work on how cells sense and adapt to hypoxic conditions. Their work showed that the changes in gene expression, cell metabolism, and tissue remodelling that occur in response to low oxygen concentrations are orchestrated by the transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). While the effects mediated by HIF-1α have been widely studied, its role in heart valves has only recently been investigated. These studies have shown that HIF-1α expression is evident in mechanisms that regulate the structure and function of heart valves. These include embryonic development, the regulation of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis and the initiation of the calcification process. This review provides a background on the role and function of HIF-1α in response to hypoxia and a discussion of the available evidence of its involvement in the regulation of heart valves in health and disease.

Socioeconomic Inequality and Associated Factors Affecting Health Care Utilization among the Elderly: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Background: Elderly population is particularly vulnerable to socioeconomic disparities. This study assessed inequalities in health care utilization among the elderly in China and identified contributing factors. Methods: This study used data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study survey. A non-linear probit regression model based on the Andersen Health Care Utilization Model was used to identify determinants of health care utilization among the elderly. The concentration index (CI) and the decomposition of the CI were calculated to evaluate inequalities in health care utilization among the elderly and identify related contributors. Results: The CI for actual and standardized outpatient visits was 0.0889 and 0.0945, respectively, and the corresponding values for inpatient service utilization were 0.1134 and 0.1176, respectively. Factors that contributed to greater inequalities in the utilization of outpatient and inpatient service included income (73.68% for outpatient service; 85.20% for inpatient service), Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) (40.75% for outpatient service; 32.03% for inpatient service) and non-agricultural Hukou status (12.63% for outpatient service; 18.73% for inpatient service). New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) (−34.30% for outpatient service; −33.18% for inpatient service) and poor health status (−7.36% for outpatient service; −8.30% for inpatient service) reduced inequalities in outpatient and inpatient utilization. Conclusions: This study found that a key contributor to these inequalities was income, followed by UEBMI coverage. Meanwhile, health care coverage through NRCMS was associated with fewer disparities in health care utilization.

Incidence and cost of vertebral fracture in urban China: a 5-year population-based cohort study.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures cause pain and disability, which result in a heavy socioeconomic burden. However, the incidence and cost of vertebral fractures in China are unknown. We aimed to assess the incidence and cost of clinically recognized vertebral fractures among people aged 50 years and older in China from 2013 to 2017. This population-based cohort study was conducted by using Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) data in China from 2013 to 2017, which covered more than 95% of the Chinese population in urban areas. Vertebral fractures were identified by the primary diagnosis (i.e. International Classification of Diseases code or text of diagnosis) in UEBMI and URBMI. The incidence and medical cost of these clinically recognized vertebral fractures in urban China were calculated. A total of 271981 vertebral fractures (186428, 68.5% females and 85553, 31.5% males) were identified, with a mean age of 70.26 years. The incidence of vertebral fractures among patients aged 50 years and over in China increased ~1.79-fold during the 5 years, from 85.21 per 100000 person-years in 2013 to 152.13 per 100000 person-years in 2017. Medical costs for vertebral fractures increased from US$92.74 million in 2013 to US$505.3 million in 2017. Annual costs per vertebral fracture case increased from US$3.54 thousand in 2013 to US$5.35 thousand in 2017. The dramatic increase in the incidence and cost of clinically recognized vertebral fractures among patients aged 50 and over in urban China implies that more attention should be given to the management of osteoporosis to prevent osteoporotic fractures.

Impacts of unifying urban and rural residents’ medical insurance on the hospitalisation expenses of rural patients in eastern China: an interrupted time series analysis

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the impact of the Urban and Rural Residents’ Basic Medical Insurance scheme on hospitalisation expenses of rural patients in eastern China, which unified separate healthcare systems for...

Students' Perception of Formative Assessment as an Instructional Tool in Competency-Based Medical Education: Proposal for a Proof-of-Concept Study.

In competency-based medical education (CBME), "Assessment for learning" or "Formative Assessment" (FA) plays a key role in augmenting student learning. FAs help students to measure their progress over time, enabling them to proactively improve their performance in summative assessments. FAs also encourage students to learn in a way where they address their knowledge gaps and gaps in their conceptualization of the subject matter. The effectiveness of an FA, as a learning and development instrument, relies on the degree of student involvement in the corresponding educational intervention's design and implementation. The extent of students' engagement in FA can be evaluated by appraising their perception regarding the educational intervention itself. This proof-of-concept study aims to develop a systemic understanding of a Formative Assessment as an Instructional Tool (FAIS) implemented in a biochemistry course in the Basic Medical Sciences component of an undergraduate entry, CBME. The educational intervention in question is an FAIS, which is implemented in a biochemistry course in the first semester of a 6-year bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery program. When developing the FAIS, each area of knowledge, skills, and attitudes were considered. Assessment formats are developed per Miller's learning pyramid. This multiphase study is meant to rely on a convergent mixed methods design, where qualitative and quantitative data are independently collected and analyzed. Thereafter, the outputs of analyses are systematically merged using joint display analysis process. Qualitative data are collected through a focus group session that captures the students' perception toward the FAIS. Data collection, integral to this focus group session, is exploratory. The inductive qualitative data analysis follows Braun and Clarke's 6-step framework. The quantitative component of this study revolves around investigating the effect of the FAIS on the course's summative assessment. The summative assessment performance of the 71 students, enrolled in the FAIS cohort, will be compared to that of the students in the non-FAIS cohort. The total duration of the proposed multiphase research study is 6 months. This proposed multiphase study is expected to showcase, from a systemic perspective, the effectiveness of the respective educational intervention. It will shed light on the participating students' attitudes in relation to the usefulness of FA in achieving competency goals and in fostering self-directed learning. The proposed study could also uncover the hypothesized association between the FA intervention and enhanced performance in summative assessments. Our findings will generate evidence regarding the application of FAs, which can be leveraged by other medical educators in contexts similar to those under investigation. DERR1-10.2196/41626.

The impact of integrated urban and rural resident basic medical insurance on health service equity: Evidence from China.

Many countries and regions worldwide are improving their healthcare systems through the integration and unification of health insurance programs covering different groups of people. In China, the past 10 years has been the time when Chinese government promote the Urban and Rural Residents Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) by integrating the Urban Residents' Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) and New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS). To evaluate the impact of the URRBMI on equity in relation to health services. The quantitative data used in this study were obtained from the CFPS 2014-2020 database, and all respondents with health insurance type UEBMI, URBMI, and NRCMS were included. UEBMI respondents were set as the control group and URBMI or NRCMS as the intervention group, and a DID method model was used to analyze the impact of integrating health insurance on health service utilization, costs and health status. Heterogeneity analysis was also conducted after stratifying the sample according to income level and chronic disease status. This was done to investigate whether there were differences in the effects of the integrated health insurance program across different social groups. The implementation of URRBMI is found to be associated with a significant increase in inpatient service utilization (OR = 1.51, P < 0.01) among rural Chinese residents. Regression results by income stratum show that the utilization of inpatient services increased in rural areas for high-, middle- and low-income groups, with the fastest increase (OR = 1.78, P < 0.05) emerging for low-income groups. Analysis by chronic disease status shows that rural residents with chronic disease are associated with a higher increase in hospitalization rates (OR = 1.64, P < 0.01). The implementation of URRBMI is found to have improved health insurance's ability to withstand risks and effectively improve access to health services for rural residents. In this regard, it can be considered as playing a positive role in bridging the gap in health service utilization between rural and urban areas and in improving regional equity.

Piloting a Layperson Prehospital Care System in Rural Uganda.

In many low-income countries, basic prehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) remain under-developed, resulting in significant delays or the complete inability to access care. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a layperson EMS training targeting motorcycle taxi (boda) drivers in a rural region of Uganda. Fifty (50) adult boda drivers from Masindi, Uganda were selected for a one-day training course including lectures and simulation. Course content covered basic prehospital skills and transport. Participants were given a first responder kit at completion of the course. Understanding of material was assessed prior to training, immediately after course completion, and four months from the initial course using the same ten question test. Test means were analyzed using a standard linear regression model. At the four-month follow up, all 50 boda drivers participated in semi-structured small group qualitative interviews regarding their perception of the course and experiences implementing course skills in the community. Boda drivers were asked to complete a brief form on each patient transported during the study period. For patients transported to Masindi Kitara Medical Center (MKMC), hospital trauma registry data were analyzed. Trainees showed both knowledge acquisition and retention with pre-test scores of 21.8% improving to 48.0% at course completion and 57.7% at the four-month follow up. Overall, participant's scores increased by an average of 35% from the pre-test to the second post-test (P <.001). A total of 69 patient forms were completed on transported patients over the initial four-month period. Ninety-five percent (95%) of these were injured patients, and motorcycle crash was the predominant mechanism of injury (48% of injuries). Eight patients were transported to MKMC, but none of these patients were recorded in the hospital trauma registry. Major barriers identified through semi-structured interviews included harassment by police, poor road conditions, and lack of basic resources for transport. Ninety-four percent (94%) of trainees strongly agreed that the training was useful. Total costs were estimated at $3,489 USD, or $69 per trainee. Motorcycle taxi drivers can be trained to provide basic prehospital care in a short time and at a low cost. While there is much enthusiasm for additional training and skill acquisition from this cohort, the sustainability and scalability of such programs is still in question.

Effects of Postpartum Family Planning Counselling on Contraceptives Knowledge, Attitude and Intention Among Women Attending a General Hospital in The Gambia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PPFP counselling on contraceptives knowledge, attitudes and intention among women attending a general hospital in The Gambia. A quasi-experimental design with an intervention and comparison group was used. The intervention was PPFP counselling using the GATHER approach. A sample size of 674 participants was determined by a formula for comparison between the two groups. The questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and was pre-tested on 10% of the total study sample size (68). A reliability of 0.731 was obtained. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select study participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews in local languages with a 100% response rate at baseline and 96% at post-test. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 21.00 and the statistical analysis included both descriptive and inferential methods. An ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Benin (CMS/REC/2017/017) and the Gambia Government/Medical Research Council Laboratories Joint Ethics Committee (R017016Av1.1). Baseline respondents' socio-demographic characteristics revealed that the two groups had similar characteristics. A statistically significant difference existed on knowledge, attitude, and intention to use contraceptive methods between the intervention and comparison groups at post-intervention (p<0.05) while no significant difference was observed at baseline. Significant gains were achieved in the intervention group in terms of knowledge, attitude, and intention post-intervention. PPFP counselling during the postpartum period and before the discharge of women from the hospital may improve knowledge, attitude and intention to use contraceptives and, therefore, increase the likelihood of contraceptive uptake and thus prevent unwanted and closely spaced pregnancies.

English

In the last decade, there have been different mental health challenges among students due to academic stress, especially during examinations. This has led to the need to explore the relationship between psychoactive ingredients, behavioral responses and academic stress in relation to the use of hair creams. The objectives of the study were to identify hair creams containing psychoactive ingredients in use by female students, assess behavioral responses manifested by female students due to use of these hair creams and compare behavioral responses due to the use of these hair creams across the different departments as it relates to academic workload. The study was a cross-sectional survey of four hundred female students (100 to 500 levels) of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, in the Faculties of Pharmacy, Basic Medical Sciences, Administration and Social Sciences. The sample size was determined and randomly obtained from the population. A semi-structured questionnaire which was used as a data collection instrument was pretested. The data was subsequently organized with descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages and analyzed with inferential statistics like Chi Square, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann Whitney test for post-hoc determinations. Twelve percent of the respondents confirmed using hair creams containing psychoactive ingredients. The hair products that contain psychoactive ingredients were Morgan hair cream (4.2%), Dax (2.8%), Mega growth (2.8%), Kuza Indian Hemp (1.4%) and Bergamot (0.8%). The behavioral responses (Anxiety (p=0.217), Mood disorders (p=0.14) and Depression (p=0.234)), were not significantly manifested due to psychoactive ingredients of hair creams. Also, there was no significant relationship existing between academic workload and behavioral responses from the use of hair creams (Anxiety (p=0.079), Mood disorders (p=0.141) and Depression (p=0.169)). The study concluded that only 12% of hair creams contain psychoactive ingredients and these hair creams are Morgan Dax, Mega growth, Kuza Indian Hemp and Bergamont hair creams. Data gathered indicated that there was insufficient evidence linking female students&#39; usage of hair products containing psychoactive chemicals with their behavioral responses, and also, that academic workload did not have a role in the behavioral responses that were being displayed. Key words: Psychoactive ingredients, behavioral responses, academic stress, hair creams.

Phytochemical Analysis and in vitro Antioxidant Potential of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Irvingia gabonensis Stem Bark

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,363-372.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.039Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Catherine Otitolaiye, Akhere Omonkhua, Kelly Oriakhi, Edward Okello, Iyere Onoagbe, and Friday Okonofua Author(s) affiliations:Catherine Otitolaiye1, 2, Akhere Omonkhua2,*, Kelly Oriakhi2, Edward Okello3, Iyere Onoagbe4, Friday Okonofua5 1Department of Biochemistry, Sokoto State University, Sokoto, NIGERIA. 2Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Edo, NIGERIA. 3Human Nutrition Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Tyne, UNITED KINGDOM. 4Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, Edo-State, NIGERIA. 5Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin, NIGERIA. Abstract:Background: Irvingia gabonensis extracts are documented to possess antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic, and antioxidant activities. The phytochemical components of medicinal plants are responsible for their therapeutic properties, particularly those with antioxidant properties. Objectives: The quantitative phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant properties of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of I. gabonensis stem bark were assessed in this study. Materials and Methods: Standard techniques were used to measure the concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins in water and alcohol extracts of this plant. Total Antioxidant Power (TAP) and the extract's capacity to scavenge free radicals including superoxide, nitric oxide, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzoth iazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+), β-carotene, and hydrogen peroxide were also evaluated. The extracts' Ferric-Reducing Potential (FRAP) was also assessed. Results: The alcohol extract had significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of all the phytochemicals measured as well as near significantly (P <0.066) higher TAP in comparison to the aqueous extracts. In general, the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the ethanol extract surpassed that of the water extract. The ethanol extract had IC50 values that were comparable to or less than the reference standards for its ability to neutralize nitric oxide, H2O2, superoxide, and DPPH radicals. Conclusion: The outcomes of the quantitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of I. gabonensis stem bark clearly show their potential as an excellent reservoir of bioactive compounds and scavengers of deleterious oxidants; properties that could be explored therapeutically. Keywords:Antioxidant, Free radicals, in vitro., Irvingia gabonensis, PhytochemicalsView:PDF (364.97 KB)

Relationship between depression and lifestyle factors in Chinese adults using multi-level generalized estimation equation model.

Relationship between depression and lifestyle factors in Chinese adults using multi-level generalized estimation equation model.

Organoids As a Tool to Fuel Basic Medical Research

The use of animal models in biomedical research has been a long-standing challenge due to their limited ability to accurately depict human physiology and pathology. However, the development of organoids has changed this by allowing the replication of the structure and function of human organs in a controlled laboratory setting. Organoids are 3D cell cultures that possess the key features of specific organs, and contain a population of self-renewing stem cells that can differentiate into various cell types that mimic the organ-specific properties and spatial organization. Organoids can be derived from both adult and pluripotent stem cells [1]. Recent advancements in the field demonstrate that 3D organoids robustly exhibit self-organizing properties in both embryonic and adult mammal stem cells, exhibiting key structures and functional characteristics of organs such as the brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and retina. This article provides an overview of recent progress in organoid technology and its impact on advancing basic medicine.

Expanding outpatient benefits package can reduce diabetes-related avoidable hospitalizations.

To evaluate the policy effect of replacing hospitalization service with outpatient service and reducing diabetes-related avoidable hospitalizations by improving outpatient benefits package. A database of hospital discharge from 2015 to 2017 in City Z was used. All diabetic inpatient cases enrolled in Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance were selected as the intervention group, and diabetic inpatient cases enrolled in Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance were selected as the control group. The Difference-in-Difference model was used to analyze the effect of improving outpatient benefits package level of diabetes from 1800 yuan (about $252.82) to 2400 yuan (about $337.09) per capita per year on avoidable hospitalization rate, average hospitalization cost and average length of stay. The avoidable hospitalization rate of diabetes mellitus decreased by 0.21 percentage points (P < 0.01), the average total cost of hospitalization increased by 7.89% (P < 0.01), and the average length of stay per hospitalization increased by 5.63% (P < 0.01). Improving the outpatient benefits package of diabetes can play a role in replacing hospitalization service with outpatient service, reducing diabetes-related avoidable hospitalizations, and reducing the disease burden and financial burden.

Nasal mucosa is much more susceptible than oral mucosa to infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron subvariants: Wearing nasal masks where facial masks cannot be used

we analyzed airway tissue tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and found that the nasal mucosa is much more susceptible than oral mucosa to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and subvariants, suggesting the importance of protecting nasal epithelium from Omicron variant infection. We have designed a bifunctional mask that can be used as a facial mask under regular conditions and a nasal mask in some settings (e.g., eating and drinking) where facial mask cannot be used This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Endometriosis Increases the Risk of Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

HomeStrokeVol. 54, No. 2Endometriosis Increases the Risk of Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study No AccessResearch ArticleRequest AccessFull TextAboutView Full TextView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissionsDownload Articles + Supplements ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toSupplemental MaterialNo AccessResearch ArticleRequest AccessFull TextEndometriosis Increases the Risk of Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study Ming Zheng and Shaoping Zheng Ming ZhengMing Zheng Correspondence to: Ming Zheng, MD, PhD, Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, China. Email E-mail Address: [email protected] or E-mail Address: [email protected] https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3651-7701 Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China (M.Z.). Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, China (M.Z.). *M. Zheng and S. Zheng contributed equally. Search for more papers by this author and Shaoping ZhengShaoping Zheng https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3544-0431 Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fujian, China (S.Z.). *M. Zheng and S. Zheng contributed equally. Search for more papers by this author Originally published23 Jan 2023https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.041163Stroke. 2023;54:e30–e33AbstractDownload figureDownload PowerPointFootnotes*M. Zheng and S. Zheng contributed equally.For Sources of Funding and Disclosures, see page e32.Supplemental Material is available at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/suppl/10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.041163.Correspondence to: Ming Zheng, MD, PhD, Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Rd, Beijing 100850, China. Email [email protected]edu.cn or [email protected]com