National Status Research Articles

Development and validation of a practical clinical risk prediction model for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop an accurate post-ERCP pancreatitis risk prediction model using easily obtainable variables. Using prospective multi-center ERCP data, we performed logistic regression using stepwise selection on several patient-, procedure-, and endoscopist-related factors that were determined a priori. The final model was based on a combination of the Bayesian information criterion and Akaike's information criterion performance, balancing the inclusion of clinically relevant variables and model parsimony. All available data were used for model development, with subsequent internal validation performed on bootstrapped data using 10-fold cross-validation. Data from 3021 ERCPs were used to inform models. There were 151 cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis (5.0% incidence). Variables included in the final model included female sex, pancreatic duct cannulation, native papilla status, pre-cut sphincterotomy, increasing cannulation time, presence of biliary stricture, patient age, and placement of a pancreatic duct stent. The final model was discriminating, with a receiver operating characteristic curve statistic of 0.79, and well-calibrated, with a predicted risk-to-observed risk ratio of 1.003. We successfully developed and internally validated a promising post-ERCP pancreatitis clinical prediction model using easily obtainable variables that are known at baseline or observed during the ERCP procedure. The model achieved an area under the curve of 0.79. External validation is planned as additional data becomes available.

Abstract 2223: Cancer risk factors and nativity: Lifestyle and sociodemographic disparities among us-born and non-us-born residents and by length of residence in the US

Abstract Background: Previous studies have found racial/ethnic disparities in cancer and cancer-related risk factors. However, the relationship between US nativity status and cancer risk is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the relationship between cancer risk factors, including lifestyle behaviors, demographic characteristics, and nativity status, among US residents. Methods: We used data from the 2010 and 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). All analyses accounted for the NHIS complex survey design. Our sample consisted of 31,252 US-Born and non-US-born residents. Regression models were employed to assess the association of US nativity with various lifestyle and demographic variables, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, race, sex, education, income, and employment status. Results: In our sample, 25,153 (82.73%) were US-born. Among non-US-born respondents (n=6,099), 35.13% have resided in the US for less than 15 years, and 64.87% for greater than 15 years. 80.19% of US-born individuals identified as non-Hispanic White (NHW), followed by non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) (11.71%), and Hispanics (8.10%). For non-US-born residents, 63.67% identified as Hispanic, followed by NHW (24.21%), and NHB (12.12%). Non-US-born individuals had lower odds of consuming red meat (aOR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.47-0.75), and processed meat (aOR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.31-0.43) compared to their US-born counterparts. Notably, non-US-born individuals had significantly higher odds of never smoking (aOR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.35-1.83), never drinking (aOR=2.45, 95% CI: 2.05-2.93), and consuming grains (aOR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.25-1.68) in comparison to US-born individuals. Conversely, non-US-born individuals had lower odds of meeting physical activity guidelines (aOR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.59-0.99), and consuming fruits (aOR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.99), and consuming vegetables (aOR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.97). Additionally, non-US-born respondents had higher odds of being overweight/obese compared to normal weight (aOR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.16-1.60) compared to US-born respondents. When considering the length of time in the US, non-US-born residents with greater than 15 years of residence had lower odds of being normal weight compared to overweight/obese (aOR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.63-0.97), and never drinking alcohol (aOR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.93). Discussion: These disparities highlight the association of nativity and length of residence on health-related behaviors and outcomes in the United States, and the need for targeted public health interventions considering nativity and residency duration to address these health disparities. Citation Format: LaShae D. Rolle, Melissa Lopez-Pentecost, Reanna Clavon, Atif Bhatti, Zuhair Khan, Tracy E. Crane. Cancer risk factors and nativity: Lifestyle and sociodemographic disparities among us-born and non-us-born residents and by length of residence in the US [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2223.

Abstract P301: Nativity Explains Disparities in Provider Experience Scores Among Asian and Pacific Islander Patients With and Without Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Research has shown that Asian patients rate their patient-provider experience lower than Non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients. Few studies have examined whether experience scores differ by cardiovascular disease presence and disaggregated Asian race subgroups. Hypotheses: 1) NHW patients will have the highest healthcare experience scores, followed by multiracial Asian and Pacific Islander (API) patients, and then single race API patients; 2) patients with CVD will have lower scores than patients without CVD; and 3) longer duration in the U.S. will be associated with higher scores. Methods: We examined 5,234 participants, aged 40+ surveyed in two health systems in Hawai'i and California. The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey quantified patient experience (range: 5-20). We dichotomized CAHPS to compare patients who scored low (< 18) to high (18+). For immigrants, length of residence determined nativity. Multivariable logistic regression compared the association of race and low CAHPS, adjusting for age, sex, ethnic affiliation strength, education, nativity, and CVD diagnosis. Results: There were no significant differences in CAHPS score by CVD (Table). Chinese and Filipino patients had significantly higher odds of low CAHPS than NHW patients with adjustment for age and sex. These differences were fully attenuated when adjusting for nativity. Compared to U.S.-born people, immigrants who have lived in the U.S. between 0-19 years were more likely to have low CAHPS (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.47, 3.10). Even immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for 20+ years had increased odds of low CAHPS (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.81). Conclusion: Although most people have positive provider experiences, differences remain by race. Nativity and duration in the U.S. explained racial variations in CAHPS among API individuals in our study. Research should continue disaggregating racial data by nativity status to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for immigrant populations.

Tektin bundle interacting protein, TEKTIP1, functions to stabilize the tektin bundle and axoneme in mouse sperm flagella

Tektins are microtubule inner proteins (MIPs) and localize at the inside lumen of doublet microtubules (DMTs) of cilia/flagella. TEKTIP1, a newly identified protein by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), is proposed to be localized at the center of the tektin bundle and hypothesized to recruit tektins or stabilize the bundle. However, the physiological role of TEKTIP1 is unknown. In this study, we generated Tektip1-knockout (Tektip1−/−) mice and showed that they were male subfertile primarily due to reduced sperm motility. A high percentage of sperm from Tektip1−/− mice showed moderately disorganized axoneme structures and abnormal flagellar waveforms. TEKTIP1 predominately interacted with TEKT3 among tektins. Loss of TEKTIP1 partially disturbed the organization of tektin bundle by mainly affecting the native status of TEKT3 and its interaction with other tektins. Collectively, our study reveals the physiological role and potential molecular mechanism of TEKTIP1 in axonemal structure and sperm motility, highlights the importance of MIPs in stabilizing DMTs, and suggests a potential relevance of TEKTIP1 deficiency to human asthenospermia. Tektip1−/− mice will be an excellent animal model to study the DMT organization of sperm flagella using cryo-EM in future.

Short Communication: Avifauna survey in Bama coastal area of Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Siddiq AM, Sulistiyowati H, Setiawan R, Wimbaningrum R, Wahono ND. 2024. Short Communication: Avifauna survey in Bama coastal area of Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 8: 14-20. Baluran National Park is an essential habitat for avifauna in the East Java region, Indonesia. We surveyed the avifauna in the Bama coastal area using the line transect method at three stations, including Kalitopo, Bekol-Bama, and Manting. During a three-day survey, we recorded 53 bird species belonging to 47 genera and 32 families. According to the IUCN Red List, there are three conservation statuses (least concern: 49 species, near threatened: one species, endangered: three species); then, based on the CITES status, there are two categories (non-appendix: 47 species, Appendix II: six species), and finally, based on national status, there are two categories (non-protected categories: 41 species, protected categories: 12 species). Based on the frequencies, 32 common and 21 rare bird species are reported in the Bama coastal area. Three of the common species are Sunda Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica), Cave Swiftlet (Collocalia linchi), and Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), which was found in all observation tracks. Furthermore, these surveys provide recommendations for further research related to ecological topics for several threatened bird species, such as Padda oryzivora, Pavo muticus, Acridotheres melanopterus, Gracula religiosa, A. albirostris, and Nisaetus cirrhatus.

Authentic specimens of Juncaceae names stored in the Herbarium of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv

Background. The Herbarium of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (LW) is one of the oldest herbaria in Ukraine. It was established in 1783 by Prof. B. Schiwerek. At present, its holdings are estimated at 300,000 specimens, including about 2000 type ones. Scientific processing of herbarium collections, their digitization, and cataloging are in progress. In 2002, the Herbarium of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv was included in the State Register of Scientific Objects of Ukraine that have the national heritage status. The aim of this study was to compile a list of Juncaceae type specimens of the Herbarium LW. Material and Methods. In the Herbarium LW, specimens of Juncaceae were analyzed. The authentic specimens of other herbaria were studied on JSTOR Global Plants. Using SimpleMappr, we created a map of loci classici of the type specimens names housed in this herbarium. Acronyms of herbaria are given according to the Index Herbariorum. Results. In the Herbarium of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, we found authentic specimens of six names: Juncus bulbosus var. salinus Schur, Juncus czetzii Schur, Juncus kotschyi Boiss., Juncus lampocarpus var. viviparus Schur, Juncus transsilvanicus Schur, Luzula alpigena Schur. For each name, we provide: 1) nomenclatural citation, 2) information from the protologue, 3) the text of the herbarium label of the type specimen kept in the Herbarium LW, 4) herbarium specimen number, 5) notes. Most of the authentic specimens are kept in F. Schur’s nominative collection. Conclusions. Six authentic specimens of Juncaceae are kept in the Herbarium LW: one isolectotype and 5 syntypes. Collectors of type specimens are F. Schur and T. Kotschy. The geographic areas of the Juncaceae type collection include 2 countries: Romania and Iran. At present, all of these names belong to synonyms.

Analysis of the Notoriety of General Press and Radio Media in Spain

Digitalisation has transformed the dynamics of interaction between the media and its audience, requiring rapid transmission of information and adaptation to the diversity of approaches in the current media space (Casero-Ripollés, 2010; Peña Fernández et al., 2019). This research seeks to determine the notoriety of the main Spanish national generalist press and radio media. It also aims to evaluate the differences in recognition according to the socio[1]demographic characteristics of the subjects. The study is of an inferential-correlational type and employs a quantitative approach methodology, with a questionnaire as a data collection tool and a sample of 385 participants randomly distributed throughout Spain. Statistical procedures such as correlation matrices and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to study the relationships between variables. The results reveal that El País leads in notoriety among newspapers, while SER stands out among general radio stations. The select groups are completed by El Mundo and ABC; and the COPE, respectively. Level of education, nationality, age and socio-economic status are the variables that show statistically significant inter-group differences in terms of cumulative recognition indexes. However, in the case of radio, relevant variations are also observed in terms of ideological issues, potentially marked by a circumstantial component. It is worth noting that in none of the scenarios measured does gender act as a differentiating variable. The conclusions reveal a notoriety of the media relatively in line with their audience ratings, although there are other conditioning elements, such as the trajectory of the medium

Research on the innovative path of precise communication of Chinese Martial Arts under the background of the "One Belt and One Road"

Research on the innovative path of precise communication of Chinese Martial Arts under the background of the "One Belt and One Road"

Hebraic, the emerging new variety among Palestinians in Israel: Characteristics and sociolinguistic reflections

Language is not abstracted from reality but responds to emerging changes. Arabic-Hebrew contact among Palestinians in Israel offers a fertile background for a study of sociopolitical conflicts, given the unique civil and national status of Palestinian citizens of Israel, a polity defined and perceived as a Jewish state. The current article focuses on Arabic-Hebrew contact in Israel. More specifically, it describes Hebraic, the formation of a “new variety” – Arabic mixed with Hebrew in the linguistic repertoire of Palestinian Arabs, citizens of Israel. The linguistic characteristics and the motives that led to its creation are described. The sociolinguistic reflections in relation to identity are introduced to provide explanations for its formation and its meaning.

Peer victimization and social anxiety in adolescence: a comparison between migrant and native students in Italy.

The first aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between bullying victimization and social anxiety in native and migrant adolescents in Italy. Specifically, it was hypothesized that migrant adolescents (in comparison with natives) experience more frequent episodes of bullying victimization, which in turn, may be a risk factor for the development of social anxiety symptoms. The second aim of the study is to explore the relationships from reflected minority categorization to perceived ethnic discrimination at school and social anxiety symptoms, in the subgroup of migrant students. Results showed that the migrant (vs. native) status was predictive of higher scores in social anxiety dimensions (Fear of Negative Evaluation, Social Avoidance and Distress in New Situations, and General Social Avoidance Distress), via the mediating effect of increased peer victimization. Moreover, in the subgroup of migrant participants, an indirect effect of reflected minority categorization on social anxiety was observed, mediated by perceived ethnic discrimination at school. These findings may contribute to the understanding of health inequalities among migrant and native people in the Italian context. Limitations and practical implications of the study were discussed.

“Hidden” legal status; Information sources on extra-territorial extension of patent rights

Legal status information is a critical component of many patent searches, particularly those conducted in industry. Although most major patenting authorities can provide reasonably comprehensive data on their own national legal status, this may not enable the user to obtain a complete picture of where patent rights are in force. Many smaller countries have a mechanism to recognise patent rights previously granted by other jurisdictions; however, the public information sources on these extensions are poorly controlled and difficult to access. A review is provided on the various means by which extra-territorial extensions may be obtained, and of the quality and quantity of public information which can be retrieved.

Dietary Adherence and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults by Nativity Status: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2011-2014.

Although adherence to dietary guidelines is associated with better cognitive performance, there may be differences by nativity status. This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the healthy eating index (HEI) and cognitive performance (CP) among United States (US)-born and foreign-born older adults (60+ years). Data were obtained from the 2011-2014 NHANES (n = 3065). Dietary adherence was assessed with HEI quintiles. CP (adequate vs. low) was examined using word listing (CERAD), animal naming (AFT), and the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine associations. The US-born participants in higher dietary quintiles had adequate CP when compared to foreign-born participants. In adjusted models, the US-born participants in the highest HEI quintile had increased odds of adequate DSST scores (odds ratio: 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-3.28) compared with those in the lowest quintile. Patterns of association were generally reversed for foreign-born participants and were non-statistically significant. Future research should consider the influence of diets in delaying or preventing decline in cognition and evaluate nutritional factors that contribute to cognitive outcomes for the foreign-born population.

Acculturation and clinical symptoms of schizophrenia among Latine adults in the United States

BackgroundResearch on acculturation and schizophrenia spectrum disorders has yielded inconsistent findings. This study aimed to clarify the influence of acculturation on symptomatology in Latine individuals with schizophrenia in the United States. MethodsThe analysis involved cross-sectional data from Latine (n = 120) and non-Latine White (n = 60) adults with schizophrenia in San Diego, California. Participants completed the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH), Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in their preferred language. Univariate linear regressions were implemented to identify proxy measures as predictors of acculturation scores. Analyses of variance were conducted to analyze the relationship of SASH scores and proxy measures of acculturation to symptom severity. ResultsLatine participants presented more symptom severity than non-Latine Whites. When categorized by acculturation status (Spanish-preferring, bicultural, and English-preferring), Spanish-preferring participants presented similar psychiatric symptoms to the non-Latine group and less severe symptoms than both other Latine groups. Analyses identified study language as the strongest proxy measure for the SASH. Latine participants assessed in English had significantly worse positive and depressive symptoms than those assessed in Spanish. Nativity status moderated the relationship between study language and symptomatology. ConclusionsFindings support an association between acculturation and symptom severity among Latine individuals with schizophrenia. The use of proxy measures of acculturation may be useful in settings where time is constrained. Future research should continue to explore acculturation and symptomatology in Latine communities.

PERCEPTION OF DEATH IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH POETRY

This research is a determined attempt to reveal the perception of DEATH in contemporary English poetry. It has been a focal point of lengthy discussions and numerous reflections, as DEATH is a universal experience that everybody regardless of nationality, gender and marital status, religious and political views will go through one day. All people are mortal by nature, but the idea of what happens after death to some extent depends on the culture or religion they belong to. Thus, the religious perception of DEATH as a stage of transformation that puts an end to earthly suffering and paves the way for an everlasting, abundant life in Heaven can be traced in modern English poetry. It helps people embrace their own mortality, make peace with the fluidity of time and inevitability of DEATH. Another finding shows that DEATH is often depicted as the end of the journey, the awareness of which, on the one hand, fills life with meaning and motivates people to act on their dreams, but on the other, causes deep regrets about missed opportunities and wasted time. There is no distinct fear of DEATH in the studied poetry, but rather the feeling of immense sadness over something the person hasn’t done or can’t change.

Systematic review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences and supportive care needs associated with cancer

BackgroundPersistent disparities exist between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (the Indigenous peoples of Australia) and non-Indigenous Australians associated with cancer, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing a longer time to treatment, higher morbidity rates, and higher mortality rates. This systematic review aimed to investigate findings and recommendations in the literature about the experiences and supportive care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with cancer in Australia.MethodsA qualitative systematic review was conducted using thematic analysis. Database searches were conducted in CINAHL, Informit, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2000 and December 2021. There were 91 included studies which were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The included studies reported on the experiences of cancer and supportive care needs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.ResultsSix key themes were determined: Culture, family, and community; cancer outcomes; psychological distress; access to health care; cancer education and awareness; and lack of appropriate data. Culture was seen as a potential facilitator to achieving optimal cancer care, with included studies highlighting the need for culturally safe cancer services and the routine collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status in healthcare settings.ConclusionFuture work should capitalize on these findings by encouraging the integration of culture in healthcare settings to increase treatment completion and provide a positive experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with cancer.

Diet Diversity of the Fluviatile Masu Salmon, Oncorhynchus masou (Brevoort 1856) Revealed via Gastrointestinal Environmental DNA Metabarcoding and Morphological Identification of Contents.

Masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou (Brevoort 1856), a commercially important fish species endemic to the North Pacific Ocean, attained national second-level protected animal status in China in 2021. Despite this recognition, knowledge about the trophic ecology of this fish remains limited. This study investigated the diet diversity of fluviatile Masu salmon in the Mijiang River, China, utilizing the gastrointestinal tract environmental DNA (GITeDNA) metabarcoding and morphological identification. The results revealed a diverse prey composition, ranging from terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates to small fishes. The fluviatile Masu salmon in general consumed noteworthily more aquatic prey than terrestrial prey. There were much more prey taxa and a higher diet diversity detected by GITeDNA metabarcoding than by morphological identification. GITeDNA metabarcoding showed that larger and older Masu salmon consumed significantly more terrestrial insects than aquatic prey species did, with 7366 verses 5012 sequences in the group of ≥20 cm, 9098 verses 4743 sequences in the group of ≥100 g and 11,540 verses 729 sequences in the group of age 3+. GITeDNA metabarcoding also showed size- and age-related diet diversity, indicating that the dietary niche breadth and trophic diversity of larger and older Masu salmon increased with food resources expanding to more terrestrial prey. Terrestrial invertebrates of riparian habitats play a vital role in the diet of fluviatile Masu salmon, especially larger individuals, highlighting their importance in connecting aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Conservation plans should prioritize the protection and restoration of riparian habitats. This study advocates the combined use of GITeDNA metabarcoding and morphological observation for a comprehensive understanding of fish diet diversity.

Maternal health care utilization following the implementation of the free maternal health care policy in Ghana: analysis of Ghana demographic and health surveys 2008–2014

BackgroundIn July 2008, Ghana introduced a ‘free’ maternal health care policy (FMHCP) through the national health insurance scheme (NHIS) to provide comprehensive antenatal, delivery and post-natal care services to pregnant women. In this study, we evaluated the ‘free’ policy impact on antenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization since the policy inception.MethodsThe study used two rounds of repeated cross-sectional data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS, 2008–2014) and constructed exposure variable of the FMHCP using mothers’ national health insurance status as a proxy variable and another group of mothers who did not subscribe to the policy. We then generated the propensity scores of the two groups, ex-post, and matched them to determine the impact of the ‘free’ maternal health care policy as an intervention on antenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization, using probit and logit models.ResultsAntenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization increased by 8 and 13 percentage points difference, observed coefficients; 0.08; CI: 95% [0.06–0.10]; p < 0.001 and 0.13; CI: 95% [0.11–0.15], p < 0.001, respectively. Pregnant women were 1.97 times more likely to make four plus [a WHO recommended number of visits at the time] antenatal care visits and 1.87 times more likely to give birth in a health care facility of any level in Ghana between 2008 and 2104; aOR = 1.97; CI: 95% [1.61–2.4]; p < 0.001 and aOR = 1.87; CI: 95% [1.57–2.23]; p < 0.001, respectively.ConclusionsAntenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization improved significantly in Ghana indicating a positive impact of the FMHCP on maternal health care utilization in Ghana since its implementation.

Human influence on the distribution of cacao: insights from remote sensing and biogeography

Cacao (Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae) is an important tree crop in Africa and in the Americas. Current genomic evidence suggests that its original range in Tropical Americas was smaller than its current distribution and that human-mediated dispersal occurred before European colonization. This includes regions like Mesoamerica and Eastern Amazonia where cacao is supposedly naturally occurring. In this study, we utilize remote sensing and land use data to examine the influence of human activities on cacao-growing regions and explore patterns between cacao distribution and anthropized areas. By evaluating nearly nine thousand preserved specimen collections, we worked with a comprehensive occurrence dataset that considers taxonomy and distribution. We then analyzed remote sensing images of specimen locations and compared land use profiles of regions into which cacao was introduced with documented native areas. Our findings revealed a clear association between anthropized areas and cacao specimens, with the majority located in areas strongly affected by human activities. Conversely, regions closer to the proposed native range of cacao exhibit less human impact. These results, while accounting for sampling bias, reinforce the idea that humans may have played a significant role in cacao’s dispersal, even in parts of the Amazon where its native status remains uncertain. The discussion on cacao’s native range and identification of introduced areas hold implications for jurisdiction, access to genetic resources, and conservation efforts. Additionally, it is relevant to debates surrounding the repatriation of genetic data of economically important crops. Understanding the historical human influence on cacao’s distribution is crucial for addressing issues of crop improvement, conservation, and sustainable use.

Confounders in Predictive Medical Models: Roles of Nationality and Immigrant Status

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the opinion of natural science specialists on the latest recommendations of official regulators regarding the prevention of causes of social disparities in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models. Materials and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted using the Telegram platform, where participants were asked a single question: "Is the inclusion of predictors such as “nationality” and “immigrant status” in AI and ML medical models ethical and consistent with contemporary scientific standards?" Respondents were provided with two response options: "Yes" or "No." The survey was specifically targeted at international groups, focusing primarily on English and Russian-speaking clinicians and scientific researchers. Results: 180 unique individuals participated in the survey. The results revealed that one-third of the respondents (60 individuals) agreed that including predictors such as nationality and immigration status is inappropriate in the current ML and AI models. Conclusion: In conclusion, the fact that only one-third of respondents disagree with categorizing patients based on nationality is at odds with the standards set by official regulators. This discrepancy underscores the need for educational programs aimed at sensitizing the scientific community to prioritize biological predictors over data documented in passports or identity cards.

Living arrangements and housing affordability issues of young adults in Canada: Differences by nativity status.

Housing prices in Canada have increased dramatically, giving rise to a housing affordability crisis. Young adults have been disproportionately affected by this crisis. To cope, many young adults have had to alter their living arrangements, contributing to the diversification of their living arrangements. Young adults' diverse living arrangements are the product of growing inequalities in young adults' economic prospects and access to family support. Extant work has yet to document how young adults' risk of having unaffordable housing varies according to their living arrangements. Our comparison of young adults' risk of having unaffordable housing according to their living arrangements reveals that co-residence with parents, relatives, or roommates reduces young adults' risk of having unaffordable housing. This protective effect is smaller for the foreign-born than the Canadian-born. The National Housing Strategy should allocate more resources to increase the supply of affordable housing earmarked for young adults, particularly the foreign-born who live alone or with children.