Featured
-
-
Article
| Open Access
Uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations amongst 3,433,483 children and young people: meta-analysis of UK prospective cohorts
COVID-19 vaccination has been recommended for children and young people (aged 5–17) in the UK since 2021/2022. In this study, the authors use linked health and administrative data to estimate vaccine uptake in this age group and show that age and adult household vaccination status are associated with uptake.
- Sarah J. Aldridge
- , Utkarsh Agrawal
- & Rhiannon K. Owen
-
Article
| Open Access
Persistence in risk and effect of COVID-19 vaccination on long-term health consequences after SARS-CoV-2 infection
The long-term health consequences of COVID-19 infection are not fully understood. In this retrospective cohort study from Hong Kong, the authors describe changes in the risk of various clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality for one year following COVID-19 infection and how they vary by vaccination status.
- Ivan Chun Hang Lam
- , Ran Zhang
- & Eric Yuk Fai Wan
-
Article
| Open Access
Leisure engagement in older age is related to objective and subjective experiences of aging
The benefits of different leisure activities for different aspects of aging remain unclear. Here, authors show that performing physical or creative activities is associated with important aging metrics and could help to prevent age-related decline.
- Jessica K. Bone
- , Feifei Bu
- & Daisy Fancourt
-
Article
| Open Access
Dermatologist-like explainable AI enhances trust and confidence in diagnosing melanoma
Artificial intelligence has become popular as a cancer classification tool, but there is distrust of such systems due to their lack of transparency. Here, the authors develop an explainable AI system which produces text- and region-based explanations alongside its classifications which was assessed using clinicians’ diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic confidence, and their trust in the system.
- Tirtha Chanda
- , Katja Hauser
- & Titus J. Brinker
-
Article
| Open Access
BCG vaccination-induced acquired control of mycobacterial growth differs from growth control preexisting to BCG vaccination
Bacillus Calmette-Guèrin vaccination prevents tuberculosis but some individuals control infection without immunization. Here the authors employ functional assessment of effector responses against mycobacteria to find that distinct gene expression profiles for pre-existing capacity to control and control induced by BCG vaccination.
- Krista E. van Meijgaarden
- , Wenchao Li
- & Simone A. Joosten
-
Article
| Open Access
Effects of accelerometer-based sedentary time and physical activity on DEXA-measured fat mass in 6059 children
Childhood obesity remains a global epidemic. Here, using objective measurements, the authors show that sedentary time increased from 6 h/day in childhood to 9 h/day in young adulthood, and was cumulatively associated with increased total and trunk fat mass. Both light or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity similarly partly reversed risk.
- Andrew O. Agbaje
- , Wei Perng
- & Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen
-
Article
| Open Access
TransformEHR: transformer-based encoder-decoder generative model to enhance prediction of disease outcomes using electronic health records
Using AI to predict disease can improve interventions slow down or prevent disease. Here, the authors show that generative AI models built on the framework of Transformer, the model that also empowers ChatGPT, can achieve state-of-the-art performance on disease predictions based on longitudinal electronic records.
- Zhichao Yang
- , Avijit Mitra
- & Hong Yu
-
Article
| Open Access
Snowflake-inspired and blink-driven flexible piezoelectric contact lenses for effective corneal injury repair
The cornea is susceptible to various injuries with a complicated repair process. Here, the authors propose a snowflake-inspired, blink-driven flexible piezoelectric contact lens for corneal injury repair.
- Guang Yao
- , Xiaoyi Mo
- & Yuan Lin
-
Article
| Open Access
Long COVID risk and pre-COVID vaccination in an EHR-based cohort study from the RECOVER program
The extent to which COVID-19 vaccination protects against long COVID is not well understood. Here, the authors use electronic health record data from the United States and find that, for people who received their vaccination prior to infection, vaccination was associated with lower incidence of long COVID.
- M. Daniel Brannock
- , Robert F. Chew
- & Stuart Katz
-
Article
| Open Access
saRNA vaccine expressing membrane-anchored RBD elicits broad and durable immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Vaccines with broad and long-lasting protection against variants of concern are still limited. Here, the authors report a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine expressing a membrane-anchored SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD and show that it elicits broad, durable and protective immunity in small animal models and NHPs.
- Mai Komori
- , Takuto Nogimori
- & Wataru Akahata
-
Article
| Open Access
The impact of introduction of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumococcal carriage in Nigeria
Nigeria has the highest incidence of pneumococcal disease in Africa and introduced the 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine for infants between 2014 and 2016. Here, the authors conduct repeated cross-sectional surveys to analyse the impact of the vaccination campaign on pneumococcal carriage and serotype distribution.
- Aishatu L. Adamu
- , J. Ojal
- & Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa
-
Article
| Open Access
Effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses against Omicron severe outcomes
This study investigates the protection provided by mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses against Omicron-associated severe disease in adults aged 50 and older. The authors use data from Ontario, Canada, and find that booster doses provide strong protection but that it declined during the period of BA.4/BA.5 predominance.
- Ramandip Grewal
- , Lena Nguyen
- & Jeffrey C. Kwong
-
Article
| Open Access
National surveillance data analysis of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in England by women of reproductive age
Women of reproductive age may have specific concerns relating to perceived impacts on fertility and menstrual cycles that make them hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination. In this study, the authors explore COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates in women of reproductive age using linked data for ~13 million women in England.
- Laura A. Magee
- , Erika Molteni
- & Sara White
-
Article
| Open Access
Associations of timing of physical activity with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a prospective cohort study
There is a growing interest in the role of timing of physical activity (PA) in improving health. Here, using a large-scale cohort study, the authors show that moderate-to-vigorous PA at the optimal time of day robustly predicts lower mortality risk and may maximize the beneficial effect of PA.
- Hongliang Feng
- , Lulu Yang
- & Jihui Zhang
-
Article
| Open Access
Quantifying PON1 on HDL with nanoparticle-gated electrokinetic membrane sensor for accurate cardiovascular risk assessment
Measuring proteomic subfractions of HDL can help during cardiovascular risk assessment. Here, the authors show, using a Nanoparticle-Gated Electrokinetic Membrane Sensor, the efficacy of Paroxonase 1 on HDL in its ability to diagnose cardiovascular disease compared to other commonly used methods.
- Sonu Kumar
- , Nalin Maniya
- & Hsueh-Chia Chang
-
Article
| Open Access
Projected health impact of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention among children with severe malarial anaemia in Africa
Trial data have shown that post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) reduces the risk of readmission and death in children previously hospitalised with severe malarial anaemia. Here, the authors use mathematical modelling to estimate the potential epidemiological impacts of PDMC in malaria-endemic countries in Africa.
- Lucy C. Okell
- , Titus K. Kwambai
- & Amani Thomas Mori
-
Comment
| Open AccessA call for immediate action to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake to prepare for the third pandemic winter
This Comment piece summarises current challenges regarding routine vaccine uptake in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations on how to increase uptake. To implement these recommendations, the article points to evidence-based resources that can support health-care workers, policy makers and communicators.
- Cornelia Betsch
- , Philipp Schmid
- & Amanda Garrison
-
Article
| Open Access
Levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among fully vaccinated individuals with Delta or Omicron variant breakthrough infections
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is associated with high rates of vaccine breakthrough infections, but the immunological basis for this is not well characterised. Here, the authors show that increased anti-Spike IgG antibody levels are associated with a reduced risk of infection with the Delta variant, but not with Omicron.
- Nina Breinholt Stærke
- , Joanne Reekie
- & Ole Schmeltz Søgaard
-
Comment
| Open Access
Analysing the relationship between the fields of thermo- and electrocatalysis taking hydrogen peroxide as a case study
Research in thermo- and electrocatalysis have often preceded in isolation, even for similar reactions. Here, the authors compare current trends in both fields and elaborate on the commonalities and differences with a specific focus on the production of hydrogen peroxide.
- Guilherme V. Fortunato
- , Enrico Pizzutilo
- & Marc Ledendecker
-
Article
| Open Access
Higher intake of whole grains and dietary fiber are associated with lower risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality
Higher intake of dietary fiber and whole grains are associated with reduced risk of various diseases including some cancers. Here, the authors estimate reductions in liver cancer of 22% and 31% and chronic liver disease mortality of 56% and 63% associated with increased whole grain and dietary fiber intake, respectively.
- Xing Liu
- , Wanshui Yang
- & Xuehong Zhang
-
Article
| Open Access
Battery-free, wireless soft sensors for continuous multi-site measurements of pressure and temperature from patients at risk for pressure injuries
Uninterrupted monitoring of pressure and temperature at skin interfaces can help to minimize the potential for pressure injuries in hospitalized or bedridden patients. Here, the authors introduce a soft, skin-mountable sensor that can continuously provide readings via antennas mounted under bedding, and demonstrate the functionality and robustness of the devices on patients.
- Yong Suk Oh
- , Jae-Hwan Kim
- & John A. Rogers
-
Article
| Open Access
Association of social distancing and face mask use with risk of COVID-19
Estimating the effectiveness of COVID-19 control measures requires large prospective data including symptoms and personal risk factors. Here, the authors used data from smartphone-based application and found that individual face mask use was associated with a 64% reduced risk of COVID-19 symptoms.
- Sohee Kwon
- , Amit D. Joshi
- & Andrew T. Chan
-
Article
| Open Access
Preventing corneal blindness caused by keratitis using artificial intelligence
Keratitis is the main cause of corneal blindness worldwide, but most vision loss caused by keratitis can be avoidable via early detection and treatment, which are challenging in resource-limited settings. Here, the authors develop a deep learning system for the automated classification of keratitis and other cornea abnormalities.
- Zhongwen Li
- , Jiewei Jiang
- & Wei Chen
-
Article
| Open Access
Maps and metrics of insecticide-treated net access, use, and nets-per-capita in Africa from 2000-2020
Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) are an important part of malaria control in Africa and WHO targets aim for 80% coverage. This study estimates the spatio-temporal access and use of ITNs in Africa from 2000-2020, and shows that both metrics have improved over time but access remains below WHO targets.
- Amelia Bertozzi-Villa
- , Caitlin A. Bever
- & Samir Bhatt
-
Article
| Open Access
Impact of COVID-19 outbreaks and interventions on influenza in China and the United States
Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented to interrupt COVID-19 transmission may also impact the spread of other infectious diseases. Here, the authors estimate that influenza activity in China and the United States reduced by up to 80% when NPIs were in place in the 2019–2020 season.
- Luzhao Feng
- , Ting Zhang
- & George F. Gao
-
Article
| Open Access
Impacts of social distancing policies on mobility and COVID-19 case growth in the US
In response to COVID-19, many states have implemented social distancing orders, but the effect of these orders on population mobility has not been fully quantified. Here, the authors use data from the US to show that state-level social distancing orders substantially reduced mobility and limited the spread of disease.
- Gregory A. Wellenius
- , Swapnil Vispute
- & Evgeniy Gabrilovich
-
Article
| Open Access
Health improvement framework for actionable treatment planning using a surrogate Bayesian model
Clinical decision-making regarding treatments based on personal characteristics leads to effective health improvements. Here, the authors introduce a modeling framework to evaluate the actionability of treatment pathways.
- Kazuki Nakamura
- , Ryosuke Kojima
- & Yasushi Okuno
-
Article
| Open Access
Infectivity, susceptibility, and risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission under intensive contact tracing in Hunan, China
Detailed knowledge of COVID-19 epidemiology is needed to inform public health responses. Here, the authors use large-scale contact tracing data to provide empirical estimates of key parameters, and show that susceptibility increases with age but transmissibility does not vary significantly.
- Shixiong Hu
- , Wei Wang
- & Hongjie Yu
-
Article
| Open Access
Data linkage to evaluate the long-term risk of HIV infection in individuals seeking post-exposure prophylaxis
Individuals seeking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV may represent an important risk group for future HIV infection. Here the authors find HIV infections at long-term follow-up in 22 of 348 men who have sex with men, and 0 of 623 other PEP seekers.
- Frédérique Hovaguimian
- , Huldrych F. Günthard
- & S. Yerly
-
Article
| Open Access
A game theoretic approach reveals that discretizing clinical information can reduce antibiotic misuse
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, exacerbated by antibiotic over-prescription. Here we show, using game theory, that reduction of over-prescription can be achieved by discretizing the clinical information given to physician, e.g., by decision support systems.
- Maya Diamant
- , Shoham Baruch
- & Uri Obolski
-
Article
| Open Access
Bidirectional contact tracing could dramatically improve COVID-19 control
Contact tracing is critical to controlling COVID-19, but most protocols only “forward-trace” to notify people who were recently exposed. Using a stochastic branching-process model, the authors show that “bidirectional” tracing to identify infector individuals and their other infectees robustly improves outbreak control.
- William J. Bradshaw
- , Ethan C. Alley
- & Kevin M. Esvelt
-
Article
| Open Access
Gut microbiota confers host resistance to obesity by metabolizing dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids
The gut microbiome is an important regulator of metabolic health. Here the authors show that intestinal bacteria metabolize dietary linoleic acid to 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid (HYA) which confers host resistance to high fat diet-induced obesity in mice.
- Junki Miyamoto
- , Miki Igarashi
- & Ikuo Kimura
-
Article
| Open Access
Dual functions of Rap1 are crucial for T-cell homeostasis and prevention of spontaneous colitis
Rap1, a member of the Ras family of small guanine triphosphatases, mediates lymphocyte adhesion to high endothelial venules. Here the authors show that depending on its activation status Rap1 plays a dual role in T cell adhesion and by regulating T cell homeostasis is involved in the protection from colitis.
- Sayaka Ishihara
- , Akihiko Nishikimi
- & Koko Katagiri
-
Article
| Open Access
Longer-term outcome in the prevention of psychotic disorders by the Vienna omega-3 study
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for neural development and lack of these fatty acids has been implicated in a number of mental health conditions. Here the authors report the longer-term efficacy of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the effects of fish oil capsules in individuals at ultrahigh risk for psychosis.
- G. Paul Amminger
- , Miriam R. Schäfer
- & Patrick D. McGorry
-
Article
| Open Access
Promotion of plasma membrane repair by vitamin E
Membrane repair of myocytes is important to prevent such disease as muscular dystrophy but the properties of this repair are not well characterised. In this study, vitamin E is shown to be important in the repair of myocyte cell membranes in cultured cells and in intact muscle.
- Amber C. Howard
- , Anna K. McNeil
- & Paul L. McNeil
Early-life exercise induces immunometabolic epigenetic modification enhancing anti-inflammatory immunity in middle-aged male mice