Recruitment Site Research Articles

Selecting EHR-driven recruitment strategies: An evidence-based decision guide.

Participant recruitment for research is a persistent bottleneck that can be improved by leveraging electronic health records (EHRs). Despite emerging evidence for various EHR-driven approaches, guidance for those attempting to select and use such approaches is limited. The national Recruitment Innovation Center established the EHR Recruitment Consult Resource (ERCR) service line to support multisite studies through implementation of EHR-driven recruitment strategies. As the ERCR, we evolved a guide through 17 consultations over 3 years with multisite studies recruiting in diverse biomedical research domains. We assessed literature and engaged domain experts to identify five key EHR-driven recruitment strategies: direct to patient messages, candidate lists for mailings/calls, direct to research alerts, point of care alerts, and participant registries. Differentiating factors were grouped into factors of study population, study protocol and recruitment workflows, and recruitment site capabilities. The decision matrix indicates acceptable or preferred strategies based on the differentiating factors. Across the ERCR consultations, candidate lists for mailing or calls were most common, participant registries were least frequently recommended, and for some studies no EHR-driven recruitment was recommended. Comparative effectiveness research is needed to refine further evidence for these and potentially new strategies to come.

Household pesticide exposures and infant gross motor development in the MADRES cohort.

The development of motor skills in infancy is a vital neurodevelopmental milestone. Although previous studies have explored the neurotoxic effects of agricultural pesticides on infants' motor development, limited research has examined early postnatal household pesticide use on infants' motor development, particularly among urban communities. This study examined the association between early postnatal household pesticide use and infants' gross and fine motor development at 6months of age. Questionnaires were administered via telephone to 296 mother-infant dyads in the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) pregnancy cohort. Early life household pesticide use was assessed via questionnaire administered when infants turned 3months old and gross and fine motor development was assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at 6months old. Infant gross motor scores were reverse coded so that higher scores indicated lower gross motor performance. Negative binomial regressions were performed to assess the relationship between household pesticide use and infant gross motor development. Infants were predominantly Hispanic (78.7%) and full term (gestational age at birth: 39.0±1.9weeks), with 22.3% of maternal participants reporting household use of rodent and insect pesticides. Adjusting for recruitment site, maternal age, ethnicity, household income, education, infant corrected age, infant sex, and home type, infants with maternal-reported household use of rodent and insect pesticides had 1.30 times higher expected gross motor scores (95% confiidence interval 1.05, 1.61) than infants with no reported use of household pesticides, with higher scores indicating reduced gross motor performance. Our results suggest household use of rodent and insect pesticides may harm infants' gross motor development in early childhood. Future research should evaluate the impact of specific household chemicals in infant biospecimens and their associations with infant motor development to confirm these findings.

Factors associated with breast-feeding initiation and continuation in Canadian-born and non-Canadian-born women: a multi-centre study.

To identify factors associated with breast-feeding initiation and continuation in Canadian-born and non-Canadian-born women. Prospective cohort of mothers and infants born from 2008 to 2012: the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) Cohort Study. General community setting in four Canadian provinces. In total, 3455 pregnant women from Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto between 2008 and 2012. Of 3010 participants included in the current study, the majority were Canadian-born (75·5 %). Breast-feeding initiation rates were high in both non-Canadian-born (95·5 %) and Canadian-born participants (92·7 %). The median breast-feeding duration was 10 months in Canadian-born participants and 11 months in non-Canadian-born participants. Among Canadian-born participants, factors associated with breast-feeding initiation and continuation were older maternal age, higher maternal education, living with their partner and recruitment site. Rooming-in during the hospital stay was also associated with higher rates of breast-feeding initiation, but not continuation at 6-month postpartum. Factors associated with non-initiation of breast-feeding and cessation at 6-month postpartum were maternal smoking, living with a current smoker, caesarean birth and early-term birth. Among non-Canadian-born participants, maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower odds of breast-feeding initiation and lower odds of breast-feeding continuation at 6 months, and older maternal age and recruitment site were associated with breast-feeding continuation at 6 months. Although Canadian-born and non-Canadian-born women in the CHILD cohort have similar breast-feeding initiation rates, breast-feeding initiation and continuation are more strongly associated with socio-demographic characteristics in Canadian-born participants. Recruitment site was strongly associated with breast-feeding continuation in both groups and may indicate geographic disparities in breast-feeding rates nationally.

PP2A/B55α substrate recruitment as defined by the retinoblastoma-related protein p107.

Protein phosphorylation is a reversible post-translation modification essential in cell signaling. This study addresses a long-standing question as to how the most abundant serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) holoenzyme, PP2A/B55α, specifically recognizes substrates and presents them to the enzyme active site. Here, we show how the PP2A regulatory subunit B55α recruits p107, a pRB-related tumor suppressor and B55α substrate. Using molecular and cellular approaches, we identified a conserved region 1 (R1, residues 615-626) encompassing the strongest p107 binding site. This enabled us to identify an 'HxRVxxV619-625' short linear motif (SLiM) in p107 as necessary for B55α binding and dephosphorylation of the proximal pSer-615 in vitro and in cells. Numerous B55α/PP2A substrates, including TAU, contain a related SLiM C-terminal from a proximal phosphosite, 'p[ST]-P-x(4,10)-[RK]-V-x-x-[VI]-R.' Mutation of conserved SLiM residues in TAU dramatically inhibits dephosphorylation by PP2A/B55α, validating its generality. A data-guided computational model details the interaction of residues from the conserved p107 SLiM, the B55α groove, and phosphosite presentation. Altogether, these data provide key insights into PP2A/B55α's mechanisms of substrate recruitment and active site engagement, and also facilitate identification and validation of new substrates, a key step towards understanding PP2A/B55α's role in multiple cellular processes.

Relative importance of metabolic syndrome components for developing gestational diabetes.

To assess the independent and joint contribution of the individual components of metabolic syndrome, and known risk factors for gestational diabetes (GDM), on risk of GDM. Two thousand nine hundred and fifteen women from Australia and New Zealand, who participated in The Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints Study (SCOPE), were included. Using the SCOPE clinical data set and biomarkers obtained at 14-16weeks' gestation, a logistic regression model was fitted to the binary outcome GDM, with individual metabolic syndrome components (waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, HDL-C, triglycerides), recruitment site, and other established factors associated with GDM. Hierarchical partitioning was used to assess the relative contribution of each variable. Of the 2915 women, 103 women (3.5%) developed GDM. The deviance explained by the logistic regression model containing all variables was 18.65% and the AUC was 0.809. Seventy percent of the independent effect was accounted for by metabolic syndrome components. The highest independent relative contribution to GDM was circulating triglycerides (17 ± 3%), followed by waist circumference (13 ± 3%). Glucose and maternal BMI contributed 12 ± 2% and 12 ± 3%, respectively. The remaining factors had an independent relative contribution of < 10%. Triglyceride concentrations had the highest independent relative importance for risk of GDM. Increased focus for lowering triglycerides as an important risk factor for GDM is warranted.

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and PAP for obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid insomnia: effects on nocturnal sleep and daytime performance.

This study examines the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea on nocturnal sleep and daytime functioning. A partial factorial design was used to examine treatment pathways with CBT-I and PAP and the relative benefits of each treatment. One hundred eighteen individuals with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea were randomized to receive CBT-I followed by PAP, self-monitoring followed by CBT-I concurrent with PAP, or self-monitoring followed by PAP only. Participants were assessed at baseline, PAP titration, and 30 and 90 days after PAP initiation. Outcome measures included sleep diary- and actigraphy-measured sleep, Flinders Fatigue Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire, and cognitive emotional measures. A main effect of time was found on diary-measured sleep parameters (decreased sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset; increased total sleep time and sleep efficiency) and actigraphy-measured sleep parameters (decreased wake after sleep onset; increased sleep efficiency) and daytime functioning (reduced Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Flinders Fatigue Scale; increased Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire) across all arms (all P < .05). Significant interactions and planned contrast comparisons revealed that CBT-I was superior to PAP and self-monitoring on reducing diary-measured sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset and increasing sleep efficiency, as well as improving Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire and Flinders Fatigue Scale compared to self-monitoring. Improvements in sleep and daytime functioning were found with PAP alone or concomitant with CBT-I. However, more rapid effects were observed on self-reported sleep and daytime performance when receiving CBT-I regardless of when it was initiated. Therefore, concomitant treatment appears to be a favorable approach to accelerate treatment outcomes. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Insomnia and Comorbid Sleep Apnea (MATRICS); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01785303; Identifier: NCT01785303. Tu AY, Crawford MR, Dawson SC, etal. A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and PAP for obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid insomnia: effects on nocturnal sleep and daytime performance. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(3):789-800.

Stem Cell-Derived Nanovesicles: A Novel Cell-Free Therapy for Wound Healing.

Wound healing and regeneration are a dynamic and complex process that requires a collaborative effort between growth factors, epidermal cells, dermal cells, extracellular matrix, and vessels local to the wound area. Mesenchymal stem cells participate in the recruitment site, mainly by releasing secretory factors and matrix proteins to promote wound healing. Stem cell-derived nanovesicles (CDNs), including microvesicles, exosomes, and exosome mimetics, contain most of the biologically active substances of their parent cells and have similar effects. CDNs can shuttle various proteins, messenger RNAs, and microRNAs to regulate the activity of receptor cells, and they play important roles in skin wound healing. This article reviews recent research progress on CDNs for wound repair. We summarize current knowledge on how CDNs regulate immunity, fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, and scar formation in the wound healing process. This review can help researchers explore new treatment strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CDNs, which have a promising future as naturally cell-free therapies.

Breastfeeding and Risk of Late-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major contributor to neonatal sepsis worldwide. Late-onset group B Streptococcus disease (LOGBS) and its risk factors remain poorly understood. The isolation of GBS from breast milk has been described in cases of LOGBS. This potential association has raised concerns for mothers and clinicians regarding the safety of ongoing breastfeeding. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether exposure to breast milk is associated with increased risk of LOGBS. A case-control study of LOGBS was conducted across 4 hospital networks in Victoria, Australia, including the 2 major tertiary pediatric centers in the state, to evaluate 11 years of data (2007-2017). Cases were captured initially from microbiology databases and recaptured with International Classification of Diseases discharge coding. Each case patient was matched with 4 controls to assess feeding status. Patients were matched for chronological age, gestation, discharge status, recruitment site, and calendar year. We identified 92 cases of LOGBS: 73 cases on initial capture and 76 cases on the recapture analysis. Case patients were matched with 368 controls: 4 controls to each patient. Seventy-two patients were exposed to breast milk at the time of LOGBS (78.3%), compared with 274 controls (74.5%; odds ratio 1.2 [95% confidence interval 0.7-2.3]). Breastfeeding was not associated with increased risk of LOGBS. Breast milk should not be tested for GBS during a first episode of LOGBS.

Association between Term Equivalent Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 2-Year Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Report from the Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial Cohort

To compare the term equivalent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between erythropoietin (Epo) treated and placebo control groups in infants 240/7-276/7weeks of gestational age and to assess the associations between MRI findings and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2years corrected age. The association between brain abnormality scores and Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition at 2years corrected age was explored in a subset of infants enrolled in the Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial. Potential risk factors for neurodevelopmental outcomes such as treatment assignment, recruitment site, gestational age, inpatient complications, and treatments were examined using generalized estimating equation models. One hundred ten infants were assigned to Epo and 110 to placebo groups. 27% of MRI scans were rated as normal, and 60%, 10%, and 2% were rated as having mild, moderate, or severe abnormality. Brain abnormality scores did not significantly differ between the treatment groups. Factors that increased the risk of higher brain injury scores included intubation; bronchopulmonary dysplasia; retinopathy of prematurity; opioid, benzodiazepine, or antibiotic treatment >7days; and periventricular leukomalacia or severe intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosed on cranial ultrasound. Increased global brain abnormality and white matter injury scores at term equivalent were associated with reductions in cognitive, motor, and language abilities at 2years of corrected age. Evidence of brain injury on brain MRIs obtained at term equivalent correlated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes as assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 2years corrected age. Early Epo treatment had no effect on the MRI brain injury scores compared with the placebo group.

Views of healthcare professionals on recruiting to a psychosocial randomised controlled trial: a qualitative study

BackgroundRandomised controlled trials, and in particular those of psychosocial interventions, often fail to recruit to target, resulting in underpowered trials with poor generalisability of findings. The objectives of this study were to explore the views of healthcare professionals on recruiting to psychosocial research studies, and to explore their views on factors that may hinder or facilitate recruitment.MethodsWe conducted 14 semi-structured interviews, with healthcare professionals who had been involved in recruitment into a randomised controlled trial of a talking therapy for depression in patients with advanced cancer. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive primary themes were identified, comprised of 11 subthemes. Attitudes towards research were largely positive. Health care professionals identified lack of time and narrow screening criteria as barriers to recruitment, and also noted the tendency to withhold participants from research for reasons other than eligibility (e.g., gatekeeping). The engagement of the study team with the clinical recruitment site, and the frequent presence of a researcher in clinics, were noted as facilitating recruitment.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals involved in recruiting to trials of psychosocial interventions hold generally positive views of psychosocial research. However, they report that constraints including space and time limit their ability to recruit, and express anxieties about approaching patients for trial recruitment in the palliative phase of their illness. The findings from this study can inform how best to design trials, and in particular trials of psychosocial interventions, and train health care professionals for the study, to maximise recruitment.

Identification of the GlialCAM interactome: the G protein-coupled receptors GPRC5B and GPR37L1 modulate megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy proteins.

Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC) is a type of vacuolating leukodystrophy, which is mainly caused by mutations in MLC1 or GLIALCAM. The two MLC-causing genes encode for membrane proteins of yet unknown function that have been linked to the regulation of different chloride channels such as the ClC-2 and VRAC. To gain insight into the role of MLC proteins, we have determined the brain GlialCAM interacting proteome. The proteome includes different transporters and ion channels known to be involved in the regulation of brain homeostasis, proteins related to adhesion or signaling as several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the orphan GPRC5B and the proposed prosaposin receptor GPR37L1. Focusing on these two GPCRs, we could validate that they interact directly with MLC proteins. The inactivation of Gpr37l1 in mice upregulated MLC proteins without altering their localization. Conversely, a reduction of GPRC5B levels in primary astrocytes downregulated MLC proteins, leading to an impaired activation of ClC-2 and VRAC. The interaction between the GPCRs and MLC1 was dynamically regulated upon changes in the osmolarity or potassium concentration. We propose that GlialCAM and MLC1 associate with different integral membrane proteins modulating their functions and acting as a recruitment site for various signaling components as the GPCRs identified here. We hypothesized that the GlialCAM/MLC1 complex is working as an adhesion molecule coupled to a tetraspanin-like molecule performing regulatory effects through direct binding or influencing signal transduction events.

Simplifying survivorship care planning: A randomized controlled trial comparing three care plan delivery approaches.

12024 Background: Survivorship care plans (“plans”) have been promoted to smooth the transition from active cancer treatment to survivorship. However, the time and resources involved in plan completion and delivery have been barriers to implementation. This randomized controlled trial aimed to identify the simplest, most effective approach for implementing survivorship care planning. Methods: Stage 1-3 breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients aged 21+ who were completing acute treatment were recruited from one urban-academic and one rural-community cancer center. Participants were randomized, stratified by recruitment site and cancer type, 1:1:1 to (a) mailed plan (“mail”), (b) plan delivered during one-time transition visit (“one-visit”), or (c) plan delivered during transition visit plus a 6-month follow-up visit (“two-visit”). Health service use (visits, tests/procedures, non-oral medications) was collected from participants and medical records for 18 months and compared to the plan recommendations. Logistic regression, adjusting for cancer type and recruitment site, was used to evaluate the primary outcome of adherence to recommendations for all health service use categories by intervention arm. Descriptive analyses compared care receipt for each health service use category separately (i.e., visits, tests/procedures, non-oral medications). Results: Of 378 participants randomized (n = 126 mail; n = 125 one-visit; n = 127 two-visit), 316 (84%) were analyzable for the primary outcome (n = 107 mail; n = 105 one-visit; n = 104 two-visit): 164 (52%) recruited from the urban-academic and 152 (48%) from the rural-community site; 137 (43%) breast, 112 (35%) prostate, 67 (21%) colorectal cancer; mean age 62 years. For the primary outcome, there was no difference across arms in the proportion of participants who received all plan-recommended care: 45.2% mail, 50.5% one-visit, 42.7% two-visit (p = 0.60). We did not find significant interactions by recruitment site or cancer type. There were also no differences in receipt of recommended care by category of health service use. The proportion of participants who had the recommended number of visits was 53.4% mail, 54.8% one-visit, 53.7% two-visit (p = 0.99). The proportion undergoing recommended tests/procedures was 78.8% mail, 77.2% one-visit, 73.0% two-visit (p = 0.62). The proportion receiving recommended non-oral medications was 66.7% mail, 75.0% one-visit, 73.7% two-visit (p = 0.87). Conclusions: This study found no significant difference in receipt of recommended follow-up care by plan delivery approach. Across study arms, survivors were more likely to receive recommended tests/procedures and non-oral medications but less likely to have the recommended number of visits. Feasibility and other factors may determine the best survivorship care planning approach. Clinical trial information: NCT03035773.

Health Literacy in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review.

Health literacy plays a crucial role during pregnancy, as the mother’s health behavior influences both her own health and that of her child. To the authors’ best knowledge, no comprehensive overview on evidence of the health literacy of pregnant women and its impact on health outcomes during pregnancy exists. Therefore, this review aims to assess health literacy levels in pregnant women, whether health literacy is associated with outcomes during pregnancy and whether effective interventions exist to improve the health literacy of pregnant women. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and EBSCO, resulting in 14 studies. The results show mixed levels of health literacy in pregnant women. Limited health literacy is associated with unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy. Mixed health literacy levels can be attributed to the recruitment site, the number of participants and the measurement tool used. Quality assessment reveals that the quality of the included studies is moderate to good. The review revealed that randomized controlled trials and interventions to improve health literacy in pregnant women are rare or do not exist. This is crucial in the light of the mixed health literacy levels found among pregnant women. Healthcare providers play a key role in this context, as pregnant women with limited health literacy rely on them as sources of health information.

An ecological momentary assessment study of physical activity behaviors among mothers of toddlers from low-income households

BackgroundMothers of young children from low-income communities may be vulnerable to barriers associated with low physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between home environment factors and maternal physical activity among mothers of toddlers.MethodsMothers of toddlers (n = 200) recruited from low-income communities simultaneously wore an ankle-placed accelerometer and were given a personal digital assistant for ecological momentary assessment. Mothers received randomly prompted questions about their current environment, activity, and social setting several times a day over eight consecutive days. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression models with random intercepts; within-group and between-group relations between physical activity and environment factors were disaggregated.ResultsWithin-group relations included higher physical activity counts for specific mothers with television off versus on (95% CI = 130.45, 199.17), children absent versus present (95% CI = 82.00, 3.43), engaging with a child versus not (95% CI = 52.66, 127.63), and outside versus inside location (95% CI = 277.74, 392.67). Between-group relations included higher physical activity on average when other adults were absent versus present (95% CI = − 282.63, − 46.95). Recruitment site (urban vs. semi-urban) significantly moderated the within-group relation between being outside versus inside and activity count (β = − 243.12, 95% CI = − 358.74, − 127.47), and showed stronger relations among urban mothers (β = 440.33, 95% CI = 358.41, 522.25), than semi-urban (β = 190.37, 95% CI = 109.64, 271.11). Maternal body weight significantly moderated the within-group relation between being located outside versus inside the home and activity count (β for interaction = − 188.67, 95% CI = − 308.95, − 68.39), with a stronger relation among mothers with normal weight (β = 451.62, 95% CI = 345.51, 557.73), than mothers with overweight/obesity (β = 271.95, 95% CI = 204.26, 339.64).ConclusionsThis study highlights home environmental factors, including screen time, the presence of others (adults and children), and location (i.e., outside versus inside) that may relate to maternal physical activity behaviors. Understanding factors associated with physical activity could reduce physical activity disparities.Trial registry ClinicalTrials. NCT02615158, April 2006

Use of non–prescribed buprenorphine in the criminal justice system: Perspectives of individuals recently released from incarceration

Buprenorphine, an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), remains underutilized in many U.S. jails and prisons. However, use of non–prescribed (i.e., diverted) buprenorphine has been reported in these settings. The current study examined non–prescribed buprenorphine use experiences in correctional and community contexts. The study conducted face-to-face interviews with 300 adults with OUD/opioid misuse and recent incarceration, recruited in Baltimore, MD, and New York, NY (n = 150 each). Illicit/non–prescribed opioid use during incarceration was reported by 63% of participants; 39% reported non–prescribed buprenorphine. Non–prescribed buprenorphine was considered the most widely available opioid in jails/prisons in both states (81% reported “very” or “somewhat” easy to get). The average price of non–prescribed buprenorphine in jail/prison was ~10× higher than in the community (p < 0.001). Participants were more likely to endorse getting high/mood alteration as reasons for using non–prescribed buprenorphine during incarceration, but tended to ascribe therapeutic motives to use in the community (e.g., self-treatment; p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that different individual-level characteristics were associated with history of non–prescribed buprenorphine use during incarceration and in the community. Use of non–prescribed buprenorphine during incarceration was associated with younger age (p = 0.006) and longer incarceration history (p < 0.001), while use of non–prescribed buprenorphine in the community was associated with MD recruitment site (p = 0.001), not being married (p < 0.001), prior buprenorphine treatment experience (p < 0.001), and housing situation (p = 0.01). These findings suggest that different dynamics and demand characteristics underlie the use of non–prescribed buprenorphine in community and incarceration contexts, with implications for efforts to expand OUD treatment in correctional settings.

Intertidal zonation and recruitment of oysters in the upstream of Jiantiao Bay, Sanmen County, Zhejiang Province

This study aims to explore the intertidal zonation pattern of oysters and examine the effect of breeding site and spat collector on oyster recruitment in the upstream of Jiantiao Bay, which is essential to understand the biology, ecology and resource conservation of oysters. The quantitative field observations identified Kumamoto oyster <italic>Crassostrea sikamea</italic>, Sumonie oyster <italic>C</italic>. <italic>ariakensis</italic> and Hongkong oyster <italic>C</italic>. <italic>hongkongensis</italic> by using the morphological and molecular methods. <italic>C</italic>. <italic>hongkongensis</italic> was first recorded on the coast of Zhejiang Province. <italic>Crasssostrea sikamea</italic> was present at all five tidal zones (1.4 m, 2.2 m, 3.0 m, 3.8m, 4.6 m above the standard level in Jiantao Bay hydraulic station), and its densities gradually declined along a decreasing tidal elevation gradient. The densities of <italic>C</italic>. <italic>sikamea</italic> were the highest at the 4.6 m tidal zone and were significantly greater than those at the 1.4 m and 2.2 m tidal zones (<italic>P</italic><0.05). <italic>Crassostrea ariakensis</italic> and <italic>C</italic>. <italic>hongkongensis</italic> were only present at the deepest two tidal zones (1.4 m and 2.2 m). Results from the oyster recruitment experiments indicated that both recruitment site and spat collector significantly affected the densities and shell height of oyster spat. There were high oyster recruitment in the Jiantiao Bay. The study conlcuded that concrete tiles were better spat collector than plastic ring. In general, the upstream site (S1) should be recommended as the suitable breeding ground for <italic>C</italic>. <italic>sikamea</italic>.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with observation/conservative management for preventing recurrent symptoms and complications in adults with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones (C-Gall trial)

BackgroundGallstone disease (cholelithiasis) is common. In most people it is asymptomatic and does not require treatment, but in about 20% it can become symptomatic, causing pain and other complications requiring...

Seroprevalence and risk factors of exposure to COVID-19 in homeless people in Paris, France: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 lockdown period from March 17 to May 11, 2020, French authorities in Paris and its suburbs relocated people experiencing recurrent homelessness to emergency shelters, hotels, and large venues. A serological survey was done at some of these locations to assess the COVID-19 exposure prevalence in this group.MethodsWe did a cross-sectional seroprevalence study at food distribution sites, emergency shelters, and workers' residences that were provided medical services by Médecins Sans Frontières in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis in the Ile-de-France region. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody seropositivity was detected by Luciferase-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Pseudo Neutralization Test. Sociodemographic and exposure related information was collected via a verbal questionnaire to analyse risk factors and associations with various COVID-19 symptoms.FindingsBetween June 23 and July 2, 2020, 426 (52%) of 818 individuals recruited tested positive in 14 sites. Seroprevalence varied significantly by type of recruitment site (χ2 p<0·0001), being highest among those living in workers' residences (88·7%, 95% CI 81·8–93·2), followed by emergency shelters (50·5%, 46·3–54·7), and food distribution sites (27·8%, 20·8–35·7). More than two thirds of COVID-19 seropositive individuals (68%, 95% CI 64·2–72·2; 291 of 426) did not report any symptoms during the recall period. COVID-19 seropositivity was strongly associated with overcrowding (medium density: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2·7, 95% CI 1·5–5·1, p=0·0020; high density: aOR 3·4, 1·7–6·9, p<0·0001).InterpretationThese results show high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 with important variations between those at different study sites. Living in crowded conditions was the strongest factor associated with exposure level. This study underscores the importance of providing safe, uncrowded accommodation, alongside adequate testing and public health information.FundingMédecins Sans Frontières, Epicentre, Institut Pasteur's URGENCE nouveau coronavirus fund, Total Foundation.

Rapid review of five years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research in Australia – persisting under‐representation of urban populations

ObjectiveTo review how published Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research reflects the geographical distribution of the Indigenous population of Australia. MethodsRapid review using Lowitja Institute Lit.search tool for PubMed indexed Indigenous health research papers (January 2013 to January 2018). Geographic location, participant age, study type and recruitment site were identified for each paper. ResultsA total of 1,258 research papers were identified: 190 (15%) focused exclusively on Indigenous people living in urban areas; 563 (45%) in rural/remote areas; and 505 (40%) spanned urban and rural/remote areas. Despite similar burdens of disease, three times as many papers were published per 1,000 DALYs for rural/remote areas than urban areas. ConclusionsIndigenous health research publications have more than doubled since 2010. However, research focusing on the health needs of urban Indigenous people remains low relative to disease burden and population. Implications for public healthMore research to address the health needs of Indigenous people living in urban areas is required although this should not be at the expense of research for rural and remote areas. Increased funding quarantined for Indigenous health research, coupled with self‐determination of the research agenda and reporting on the geographic representativeness of research, may help address geographical inequities in research outputs.

Mediterranean diet and antihypertensive drug use: a randomized controlled trial.

To examine in older individuals at high cardiovascular risk whether following a Mediterranean diet decreased the necessity of antihypertensive drugs and modulated their associated cardiovascular risk. In the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study, we assessed whether volunteers randomly allocated to an intervention with a Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts (relative to a low-fat control diet) disclosed differences in the risk of: initiating antihypertensive medication in nonusers at baseline (n = 2188); and escalating therapy in participants using one, two, or three drugs at baseline (n = 2361, n = 1579, and n = 554, respectively). We also assessed whether allocation to Mediterranean diet modified the association between antihypertensive drug use and incident cardiovascular events. Participants allocated to Mediterranean diet interventions were associated with lower risk of initiating antihypertensive therapy [5-year incidence rates: 47.1% in the control diet, 43.0% in MedDiets; hazard ratio = 0.84, 95% CI (0.74--0.97), in a model adjusted for age, sex, and recruitment site]. Volunteers using two drugs at baseline in the Mediterranean diet intervention enriched with extra-virgin olive oil decreased their risk of therapy escalation [5-year incidence rates: 22.9% in the control diet, 20.1% in the MedDiet; hazard ratio = 0.77, 95% CI (0.60--0.99)]. Allocation to Mediterranean diet interventions attenuated the association between antihypertensive therapy at baseline and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (P interaction = 0.003). In an older population at high cardiovascular risk, following a Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of initiating or escalating antihypertensive medication and attenuated cardiovascular risk in antihypertensive drug users.