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Clinical and Investigative Medicine.... Jun 2024Despite the impact of physician-scientists on scientific discovery and translational medicine, several reports have signalled their declining workforce, reduced funding,...
PURPOSE
Despite the impact of physician-scientists on scientific discovery and translational medicine, several reports have signalled their declining workforce, reduced funding, and insufficient protected research time. Given the paucity of outcome data on Canadian MD/PhD programs, this study presents a national portrait of the sociodemographic characteristics, training trajectories, productivity, and satisfaction in trainees and alumni from Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc programs.
METHODS
Quantitative data were collected in a national survey launched in 2021. Respondents included 74 MD/PhD alumni and 121 trainees across 12 Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc programs.
RESULTS
Among MD/PhD alumni, 51% were independent practitioners/researchers while others underwent residency training. Most trainees (88%) were in MD/PhD programs. Significantly more alumni identified as men than did trainees. Significantly more alumni conducted clinical and health services research, while more trainees conducted basic science research. Average time to MD/PhD completion was 8 years, with no correlation to subsequent research outcomes. Self-reported research productivity was highest during MD/PhD training. Concerning training trajectories, most alumni completed residency, pursued additional training, and practised in Canada. Finally, regression models showed that trainees and alumni were satisfied with programs, with significant moderators in trainee models.
CONCLUSION
Survey findings showed Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc programs recruit more diverse cohorts of trainees than before, provide productive research years, and graduate alumni who pursue training and academic employment in Canada. Both alumni and trainees are largely satisfied with these training programs. The need to collect in-depth longitudinal data on Canadian MD/PhD graduates to monitor diversity and success metrics is discussed.
Topics: Canada; Humans; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Female; Personal Satisfaction; Adult; Biomedical Research
PubMed: 38958475
DOI: 10.3138/cim-2024-2714 -
Chemical Communications (Cambridge,... Jul 2024Self-assembling short peptide amphiphiles, crafted through a minimalistic approach, spontaneously generate well-ordered nanostructures, facilitating the creation of... (Review)
Review
Self-assembling short peptide amphiphiles, crafted through a minimalistic approach, spontaneously generate well-ordered nanostructures, facilitating the creation of precise nanostructured biomaterials for diverse biomedical applications. The seamless integration of bioactive metal ions and nanoparticles endows them with the potential to serve as pioneering materials in combating bacterial infections. Nanomanipulation of these molecules' binary structures enables effective penetration of membranes, forming structured nanoarchitectures with antibacterial properties. Through a comprehensive exploration, we attempt to reveal the innovative potential of short peptide amphiphiles, particularly in conjugation with metal cations and nanoparticles, offering insights for future research trajectories.
PubMed: 38958435
DOI: 10.1039/d4cc01762e -
Aging & Mental Health Jul 2024Older care recipients have different types of care networks, varying from spouse-only to large mixed care networks, that add to different levels of wellbeing. Applying...
OBJECTIVES
Older care recipients have different types of care networks, varying from spouse-only to large mixed care networks, that add to different levels of wellbeing. Applying Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to the care context, we argue that the care network composition may foster or hamper the three basic needs for wellbeing: relatedness, autonomy and competence.
METHOD
Data are from ten observations between 1992 and 2022 of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ( = 18,434 observations from 4,837 older Dutch adults). Five care network types are used: no care, partner, informal, formal or privately paid care. Mixed-hybrid-multilevel regression analysis of depressive symptoms as measure of wellbeing is applied on care network type and loneliness, mastery and care sufficiency as indicators of the three basic needs for wellbeing.
RESULTS
Receiving care from a partner care network is, compared to the formal care network, the most negatively associated with depressive symptoms, followed by informal care and privately paid care. Differences in care network types existed in loneliness and care sufficiency, but not in mastery, and in part explained the association between care network types and depressive symptoms. Results of between and within effects are comparable.
CONCLUSION
Using a rich data set and advanced methodology support the hypotheses that formal care networks hamper wellbeing due to insufficient care and increased loneliness, in particular compared to partner and informal care. The role of mastery was less important, possibly because it does not measure care related level of control.
PubMed: 38958434
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2373405 -
Nano Letters Jul 2024Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that repress transposable elements to maintain genome integrity. The canonical catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA)...
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that repress transposable elements to maintain genome integrity. The canonical catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) circuit relies on random collisions of free-diffused reactant probes, which substantially slow down reaction efficiency and kinetics. Herein, we demonstrate the construction of a spatial-confined self-stacking catalytic circuit for rapid and sensitive imaging of piRNA in living cells based on intramolecular and intermolecular hybridization-accelerated CHA. We rationally design a 3WJ probe that not only accelerates the reaction kinetics by increasing the local concentration of reactant probes but also eliminates background signal leakage caused by cross-entanglement of preassembled probes. This strategy achieves high sensitivity and good specificity with shortened assay time. It can quantify intracellular piRNA expression at a single-cell level, discriminate piRNA expression in tissues of breast cancer patients and healthy persons, and in situ image piRNA in living cells, offering a new approach for early diagnosis and postoperative monitoring.
PubMed: 38958407
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02230 -
Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia =... 2024To investigate the association between the dimensions of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and complete vaccination for hepatitis B among healthcare workers (HCW).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between the dimensions of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and complete vaccination for hepatitis B among healthcare workers (HCW).
METHODS
Cross-sectional epidemiological study with HCW in Primary Health and Medium Complexity Care. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to test the association between the outcome variable (complete vaccination for hepatitis B based on self-report) and the variables of the HBM dimensions. Prevalence ratio (PR) and its respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated.
RESULTS
453 HCW participated. The prevalence of complete vaccination for hepatitis B was 56.9%. In the final analysis model, the following variables were associated with complete vaccination for hepatitis B: chances of having hepatitis B (PR=1.73) - related to the susceptibility dimension; disease severity (PR=0.74) - related to severity; reduced risk of absenteeism (PR=1.29) - related to benefits; not spending time to get vaccinated (PR=1.41) and not worrying about Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization (PR=1.43) - related to barriers.
CONCLUSIONS
The completeness of the hepatitis B vaccination schedule, reported by the investigated HCW, reveals the prevalence is below the target established by the Ministry of Health, which follows the national scenario of low coverage presented for other age groups. Understanding the risk perception and severity of hepatitis B can contribute to increasing the prevalence of vaccination for this infection.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Male; Female; Adult; Health Personnel; Hepatitis B; Middle Aged; Health Belief Model; Vaccination; Young Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38958371
DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720240036 -
Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia =... 2024To estimate the probability of infection with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses in different socioeconomic strata of the population of Recife, Northeast Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the probability of infection with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses in different socioeconomic strata of the population of Recife, Northeast Brazil.
METHODS
Study carried out from samples obtained in a survey of residents of a large urban center that had a population base and stratified sampling with random selection of households using the "Brazil Sample" package in the R software. HBV (HBsAg) and anti-HCV was performed using immunochromatographic tests. In cases positive for HBsAg, anti-HBc and HBeAg were tested using chemiluminescence, as well as HBV-DNA using real-time PCR. For cases positive for anti-HCV, the search for this antibody was repeated by chemiluminescence and for HCV-RNA by real-time PCR. The occurrence of HBsAg and anti-HCV cases in the general population was estimated based on a theoretical negative binomial distribution.
RESULTS
Among 2,070 samples examined, 5 (0.24%) were HBsAg and 2 (0.1%) anti-HCV positive. The majority of cases had self-reported skin color as black/brown (6/7), education level up to high school (6/7), a steady partner (5/7) and lived in an area of low socioeconomic status (5/7).
CONCLUSION
The occurrence of HBsAg and anti-HCV was lower than those previously found in population-based studies and slightly lower than the most recent estimates. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status should be a priority target of public health policies.
Topics: Humans; Brazil; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Socioeconomic Factors; Adolescent; Young Adult; Child
PubMed: 38958369
DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720240033 -
Brazilian Journal of Medical and... 2024This study explored the association between loneliness and mental health among nurses in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted...
This study explored the association between loneliness and mental health among nurses in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022. We enrolled 2,811 nurses from a tertiary hospital in China. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, work-related factors, and psychological characteristics were collected from participants via a self-reported questionnaire. Loneliness was measured with the three-item short form of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale were used to measure mental health. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined using binary logistic regression. Among participants in this study, 12.0% (337) experienced loneliness, and 7.8% (219) and 6.7% (189) reported depression and anxiety, respectively. The loneliness scores were categorized into three levels (3, 4-6, and 7-9). For depression, compared with the lowest reference, the ORs and 95% CI across the tertile were 1.31 (0.69-1.84) and 2.53 (1.11-5.76) after adjustment, respectively, and the P-value for trend was 0.045. For anxiety, compared with the lowest reference, the ORs and 95%CI across the tertile were 1.84 (1.28-2.63) and 2.52 (1.57-4.10) after adjustment, respectively; the P-value for trend was 0.004. This study showed that loneliness was significantly associated with poor mental health among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggested that medical establishments should offer interventions for nurses to prevent mental health problems by targeting this modifiable risk factor.
Topics: Humans; Loneliness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; China; COVID-19; Adult; Male; Mental Health; Depression; Nurses; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Anxiety; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Pandemics
PubMed: 38958366
DOI: 10.1590/1414-431X2024e13408 -
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2024To assess the quality of care transition from hospital to home for COVID-19 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality of care transition from hospital to home for COVID-19 patients.
METHOD
A cross-sectional study conducted at a University Hospital in Southern Brazil, involving 78 patients discharged after COVID-19 hospitalization. Data collection was performed via telephone using the Brazilian version of the Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.
RESULTS
The mean quality of care transition was 70.8 on a scale ranging from zero to 100, indicating moderate quality of care transition. The highest score was attributed to factor 1, "Preparation for self-management," and the lowest to factor 4, "Care Plan."
CONCLUSIONS
It is important to enhance communication and support provided to patients during the transition process, especially regarding understanding prescribed medications and the development of clear care plans.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals, University; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Quality of Health Care; Adult; SARS-CoV-2; Aged; Patient Discharge; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38958356
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2023-0402 -
Andrology Jul 2024The effects of bariatric surgery on testosterone levels in men with obesity and hypogonadism have not been thoroughly explored yet.
BACKGROUND
The effects of bariatric surgery on testosterone levels in men with obesity and hypogonadism have not been thoroughly explored yet.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the possible effects of bariatric surgery on T levels in obese hypogonadal men by comparing T levels before and after surgery using a comprehensive claims database.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The TriNetX US Collaborative Network database was used to identify men ages 18-80 who underwent a bariatric procedure and had a serum T value of < 350 ng/dL prior to surgery. Men who received testosterone therapy before/or after surgery were excluded. We conducted a retrospective self-matched cohort analysis to examine the difference in serum T levels before and after bariatric surgery. A sub-analysis was carried out to explore differences between men who reached eugonadal status or maintained low T levels following surgery. Descriptive statistics detailed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, with continuous and categorical data compared using unpaired t-tests and chi-square analysis, respectively. Changes in T levels and body mass index (BMI) before and after surgery were compared using an unpaired t-test with a < 0.05 set for significance. All analyses were conducted using the TriNetX platform which utilizes both Python and R software.
RESULTS
The study analyzed 69 hypogonadal men who underwent bariatric surgery and had T levels assessed before and after the procedure. The mean (standard deviation) pre-surgery serum T level was 208 ± 79 ng/dL, which post-surgery increased to 371 ± 164 ng/dL, marking an average increase of 163 ± 164 ng/dL. Likewise, the mean (standard deviation) body mass index decreased from 42.9 ± 9.0 to 38.8 ± 5.7 kg/m. Post-surgery, 45% (31 men) achieved eugonadal status, while 55% (38 men) continued to have low T levels. A comparison between the post-surgery eugonadal cohort and the persistent low T cohort revealed that the former had higher pre-surgery serum T levels (235 ± 71 ng/dL vs. 184 ± 80.4 ng/dL, p = 0.007), a higher pre-surgery body mass index (45.5 ± 4.5 kg/m vs. 41.1 ± 11.5 kg/m, p = 0.041), and a significantly greater reduction in body mass index post-surgery (7.3 ± 7.2 kg/m vs. 2.0 ± 12.8 kg/m, p = 0.04). Notably, the increase in T was significantly higher in the eugonadal cohort compared to the persistent low testosterone cohort (257 ± 143 ng/dL vs. 95 ± 178 ng/dL, p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence of bariatric surgery's positive effect on serum T levels in obese men with baseline low T. Almost one out of two men with low T reached normal T levels after bariatric surgery. As the most comprehensive study to date, it validates and substantiates previous work suggesting that weight loss can improve T levels physiologically.
PubMed: 38958350
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13689 -
Journal of Motor Behavior Jul 2024In the Serial Reaction Time Task, participants respond to several stimuli usually being unaware that the stimuli follow a predefined sequence while still learning the...
In the Serial Reaction Time Task, participants respond to several stimuli usually being unaware that the stimuli follow a predefined sequence while still learning the sequence. In the present study, we aimed to clearly separate explicit intentional learning from implicit incidental learning by either informing participants about all details of the sequence or not informing participants about the existence of the sequence. Further, we explored the influence of anticipatory cues during practice while anticipatory cues were either presented (extrinsically triggered anticipation) or not presented (self-reliant intrinsic anticipation). Participants were tested before and after practice in the Practice Sequence and a Control Sequence. To test automatization, tests were performed in Single-Task and Dual-Task Blocks. Results showed that after learning with explicit instructions, participants memorized the sequence more deeply and executed the sequence faster than after learning without explicit instructions. Further, by learning with anticipatory cues, participants memorized the sequence less deeply and executed the sequence slower than by learning without anticipatory cues. Unexpectedly, automatization was sequence-unspecific and independent of the practice conditions. In conclusion, detailed explicit prior information about the sequence facilitates sequence learning while anticipatory online cues during practice hamper sequence learning.
PubMed: 38958336
DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2024.2369183