http://hdl.handle.net/10993/92 Search this channel search http://orbilu.uni.lu/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41781 Title: Large-scale validation of miRNAs by disease association, evolutionary conservation and pathway activity. <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Keller, Andreas; Fehlmann, Tobias; Laufer, Thomas; Backes, Christina; Kahramann, Mustafa; Alles, Julia; Fischer, Ulrike; Minet, Marie; Ludwig, Nicole; Kern, Fabian; Kehl, Tim; Galata, Valentina; Dusterloh, Aneta; Schrors, Hannah; Kohlhaas, Jochen; Bals, Robert; Huwer, Hanno; Geffers, Lars; Krüger, Rejko; Balling, Rudi; Lenhof, Hans-Peter; Meese, Eckart <br/> <br/>Abstract: The validation of microRNAs (miRNAs) identified by next generation sequencing involves amplification-free and hybridization-based detection of transcripts as criteria for confirming valid miRNAs. Since respective validation is frequently not performed, miRNA repositories likely still contain a substantial fraction of false positive candidates while true miRNAs are not stored in the repositories yet. Especially if downstream analyses are performed with these candidates (e.g. target or pathway prediction), the results may be misleading. In the present study, we evaluated 558 mature miRNAs from miRBase and 1,709 miRNA candidates from next generation sequencing experiments by amplification-free hybridization and investigated their distributions in patients with various disease conditions. Notably, the most significant miRNAs in diseases are often not contained in the miRBase. However, these candidates are evolutionary highly conserved. From the expression patterns, target gene and pathway analyses and evolutionary conservation analyses, we were able to shed light on the complexity of miRNAs in humans. Our data also highlight that a more thorough validation of miRNAs identified by next generation sequencing is required. The results are available in miRCarta ( https://mircarta.cs.uni-saarland.de ). Tue, 21 Jan 2020 09:21:33 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41658 Title: Leveraging European infrastructures to access 1 million human genomes by 2022 <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Becker, Regina <br/> <br/>Abstract: Human genomics is undergoing a step change from being a predominantly research-driven activity to one driven through health care as many countries in Europe now have nascent precision medicine programmes. To maximize the value of the genomic data generated, these data will need to be shared between institutions and across countries. In recognition of this challenge, 21 European countries recently signed a declaration to transnationally share data on at least 1 million human genomes by 2022. In this Roadmap, we identify the challenges of data sharing across borders and demonstrate that European research infrastructures are well-positioned to support the rapid implementation of widespread genomic data access. Fri, 17 Jan 2020 14:41:30 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41657 Title: Sexual abuse of adolescents - methodological problems of victimisation surveys <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Heinz, Andreas Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:37:57 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41656 Title: School-Class Co-Ethnic and Immigrant Density and Current Smoking among Immigrant Adolescents <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Kern, Matthias Robert; Heinz, Andreas; Willems, Helmut <br/> <br/>Abstract: Although the school-class is known to be an important setting for adolescent risk behavior, little is known about how the ethnic composition of a school-class impacts substance use among pupils with a migration background. Moreover, the few existing studies do not distinguish between co-ethnic density (i.e., the share of immigrants belonging to one’s own ethnic group) and immigrant density (the share of all immigrants). This is all the more surprising since a high co-ethnic density can be expected to protect against substance use by increasing levels of social support and decreasing acculturative stress, whereas a high immigrant density can be expected to do the opposite by facilitating inter-ethnic conflict and identity threat. This study analyses how co-ethnic density and immigrant density are correlated with smoking among pupils of Portuguese origin in Luxembourg. A multi-level analysis is used to analyze data from the Luxembourg Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study (N = 4268 pupils from 283 classes). High levels of co-ethnic density reduced current smoking. In contrast, high levels of immigrant density increased it. Thus, in research on the health of migrants, the distinction between co-ethnic density and immigrant density should be taken into account, as both may have opposite effects. Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:00:38 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41640 Title: Optimising patients’ medical care after prison in Luxembourg <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Batista, Jorge; Stein, Romain; Baumann, Michèle <br/> <br/>Abstract: Introduction : Passing through prison can be a health gain for the incarcerated population and release from prison can become a period of vulnerability where this potentially acquired gain is lost if the transition back to civil society in not anticipated. The main objective was the identification and analysis of the factors favor and oppose primary care practice for patients leaving prison in Luxembourg. The secondary objective was to develop recommendations based on the key findings through a literature’s review. Methods : A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with general practitioners and patient-inmates. The questions from the two interview guides were similar so that the analysis allowed the results to be mirrored. Using the interviews’ transcripts, a categorical thematic content analysis of those was conducted based on the objectives. On the basis of verbatim, items were formulated and grouped into dimensions and then themes. Results : Our analysis has highlighted the lack of links between the prison and the outside world at each stage of medical and psychosocial care from the point of view of care and support proposed in prison until prison release. Recommendations for doable improvements have been proposed, such as the creation of a general practitioners’ network continuing the medical care as well as genuine cooperation with organisations dealing with drug addicts. Conclusion : Reforms concerning prison care should be considered between the system of prison release, the creation of socio-medical relays and alternatives to incarceration, in analogy to the transitions clinics found in the United States Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:39:51 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41551 Title: Transition into a Nursing Home: Theoretical Framework on the Influence of Cultural Factors <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Boll, Thomas <br/> <br/>Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To create a theoretical framework for analyzing cultural influences on older people’s transition into a nursing home (NH). THEORIES: Action theories in cultural and developmental psychology (Boesch, 2001; Brandtstädter, 2006), social representations theory (Marková, 2012), theory of culture as a semiotic regulation system (Valsiner, 2007). METHODS: (1) Conceptualization of NH care and family care as alternative action paths for meeting the needs of older persons and their relatives. (2) Conceptualization of culture as a product of human actions and as offering different possibilities of care-related actions. (3) Systematization of care-related goals and instrumental values of NH care versus family care. (4) Theoretical mapping of cultural factors on proximal determinants of elder care decisions and actions. RESULTS: The framework contains the following propositions. Older people and family caregivers hold multiple goals (e.g., welfare of family carers, welfare of old person). NH care can meet some goals and simultaneously frustrate others. The effects and choice of NH care depends on a variety of cultural factors: Legal regulations for warranting care quality (e.g., nursing home laws), economic concepts and practices (e.g., business models of elder care) and professionalization (e.g., staff training). Family care depends on institutionalized options for reconciling job-, care- and other family-related duties (e.g., mobile care services, day care units) and for compensating expenses (e.g., care insurance). Cultural concepts of care dependency influence the meanings that individuals attribute to NH care. CONCLUSIONS: The framework specifies cultural factors relevant for older peoples’ transition into a NH and delineates mediating paths. It invites other sciences specialized on relevant cultural factors (e.g., law, political science, social economics) to further refine the analysis. An identification of cultural factors affecting NH care opens new options for improving care quality or living conditions of older persons, family and professional carers. Mon, 13 Jan 2020 17:19:44 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41422 Title: Alzheimer’s disease-associated (hydroxy)methylomic changes in the brain and blood <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Ali, Muhammad Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:11:41 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41294 Title: Ernährung und Bewegung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Luxemburg – Ergebnisse der HBSC-Befragungen 2006-2018 <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Heinz, Andreas; Catunda, Carolina Fri, 13 Dec 2019 10:39:23 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41274 Title: WYLD Special Symposium: Technological Innovations in Dementia Diagnosis and Care <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Leist, Anja <br/> <br/>Abstract: Researchers and entrepreneurs present technological innovations in dementia diagnosis and care, particularly through the use of wearables, apps, and novel data analysis techniques. These innovations address complex challenges of differential dementia diagnosis and ensuring high-quality and safe home and formal care. Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:33:36 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41260 Title: Symposium: Early detection and prevention of cognitive decline and dementia: Findings from major European collaborative and research initiatives <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Leist, Anja <br/> <br/>Abstract: With still no medical cure for dementia available, major research initiatives have been set up to investigate and target the development of dementia at earlier stages. Several ongoing projects focus on early detection of dementia with the hope to be able to administer personalized interventions for individuals at high risk. Ongoing clinical trials test different interventions on their potential to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Complementing those efforts, large and long-spanning observational studies can be used to detect long-term precursors of cognitive aging. Indeed, there is increasing evidence for a large window of opportunity for intervention of several decades that could be used for preventative efforts in dementia. The symposium will bring together major European collaborative and research initiatives in the field of early detection and prevention of dementia. The first part of the symposium will present findings from clinical trials, the second part new findings coming from a range of observational studies. The first paper will report on the design and study cohorts of the European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia Consortium (EPAD) and the TriBEKa project. The second paper will focus on new multifactorial models to quantify prevention potential based on the FINGER trial. The third paper will report an integrated analysis of four longitudinal studies of ageing (OCT0, H70, LASA, and MAP) to evaluate the role of cognitively stimulating activities in the transitions from cognitively normal to slightly impaired, severely impaired, and death with multi-state models. The fourth paper will present the contribution of environmental factors over the life course, in particular air pollution, on cognitive change in the Lothian Birth Cohort of 1936. The last paper makes use of recent developments in approaching causal inference in observational studies and applies these to predict cognitive aging and dementia with data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:45:49 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41201 Title: Modeling Parkinson's disease using human midbrain organoids <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Monzel, Anna Sophia <br/> <br/>Abstract: With increasing prevalence, neurodegenerative disorders present a major challenge for medical research and public health. Despite years of investigation, significant knowledge gaps exist, which impede the development of disease-modifying therapies. The development of tools to model both physiological and pathological human brains greatly enhanced our ability to study neurological disorders. Brain organoids, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), hold unprecedented promise for biomedical research to unravel novel pathological mechanisms of a multitude of brain disorders. As brain proxies, these models bridge the gap between traditional 2D cell cultures and animal models. Owing to their human origin, hiPSC-derived organoids can recapitulate features that cannot be modeled in animals by virtue of differences in species. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a human-specific neurodegenerative disorder. The major manifestations are the consequence of degenerating dopaminergic neurons (DANs) in the midbrain. The disease has a multifactorial etiology and a multisystemic pathogenesis and pathophysiology. In this thesis, we used state-of-the-art technologies to develop a human midbrain organoid (hMO) model with a great potential to study PD. hMOs were generated from iPSC-derived neural precursor cells, which were pre-patterned to the midbrain/hindbrain region. hMOs contain multiple midbrain-specific cell types, such as midbrain DANs, as well as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. We could demonstrate features of neuronal maturation such as myelination, synaptic connections, spontaneous electrophysiological activity and neural network synchronicity. We further developed a neurotoxin-induced PD organoid model and set up a high-content imaging platform coupled with machine learning classification to predict neurotoxicty. Patient-derived hMOs display PD-relevant pathomechanisms, indicative of neurodevelopmental deficits. hMOs as novel in vitro models open up new avenues to unravel PD pathophysiology and are powerful tools in biomedical research. Fri, 06 Dec 2019 15:23:08 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41192 Title: An international case-vignette study to assess general practitioners’ willingness to deprescribe (LESS) <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Tabea Jungo, Katharina; Mantelli, Sophie; Rozsnyai, Zsofia; Missiou, Aristea; Gerasimovska Kitanovska, Biljana; Weltermann, Birgitta; Tuz, Canan; Mallen, Christian; Collins, Claire; Kurpas, Donata; De Mello Franco, Fabio Gazelato; Petrazzuoli, Ferdinando; Thulesius, Hans; Lingner, Heidrun; Johansen, Kasper Lorenz; Wallis, Katharine; Hoffmann, Kathryn; Peremans, Lieve; Pilv, Liina; Petek Šter, Marija; Sattler, Martin; Van Der Ploeg, Milly; Torzsa, Péter; Kánská, Petra; Vinker, Shlomo; Assenova, Radost; Gomez Bravo, Raquel; Viegas, Rita; Tsopra, Rosy; Kreitmayer Pestić, Sanda; Gintere, Sandra; Koskela, Tuomas; Lazic, Vanja; Tkachenko, Victoria; Reeve, Emily; Luymes, Clare; Poortvliet, Rosalinde; Chiolero, Arnaud; Rodondi, Nicolas; Gussekloo, Jacobijn; Streit, Sven <br/> <br/>Abstract: Background: Globally, many oldest-old (>80 years of age) suffer from several chronic conditions and take multiple medications. Ideally, their general practitioners (GPs) regularly and systematically search for inappropriate medications and, if necessary, deprescribe those. However, deprescribing is challenging due to numerous barriers not only within patients, but also within GPs. Research questions: How does the willingness to deprescribe in oldest-old with polypharmacy differ in GPs from different countries? What factors do GPs in different contexts perceive as important for deprescribing? Method: We assess GPs' willingness to deprescribe and the factors GPs perceive to influence their deprescribing decisions in a cross-sectional survey using case-vignettes of oldest-old patients with polypharmacy. We approach GPs in 28 European countries as well as in Israel, Brazil and New Zealand through national coordinators, who administer the survey in their GP network. The case vignettes differ in how dependent patients are and whether or not they have a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). For each case vignette, GPs are asked if and which medication they would deprescribe. GPs further rate to what extent pre-defined factors influence their deprescribe decisions. We will compare the willingness to deprescribe and the factors influencing deprescribing across countries. Multilevel models will be used to analyze the proportions of the deprescribed medications per case along the continuum of dependency and history of CVD and to analyze the factors perceived as influencing deprescribing decisions. Results: As of early-July 2018, the survey has been distributed in 14 countries and >650 responses have been returned. We will present first results at the conference. Conclusions: First, assessing GPs’ willingness to deprescribe and comparing the factors influencing GPs’ deprescribing decisions across countries will allow an understanding of the expected variation in the willingness to deprescribe across different contexts. Second, it will enable the tailoring of specific interventions that might facilitate deprescribing in oldest-old patients. Points for discussion: How can we explain differences across countries? How can the results be translated into practice in order to help GPs to optimize deprescribing practices? What factors could help GPs to implement deprescribing in oldest-old patients with polypharmacy? Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:04:17 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41191 Title: Defining feasibility of Primary care strategies to disclose, counsel and provide access to advocacy on family violence. <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Pas; Gomez Bravo, Raquel; Clavería, Ana; Fernandez Alonso, Carmen; Lazic, Vanja; Kopcavar, Nena; Martins, Carlos; Azeredo, Zaida; Usta, Jinan; Kenkre, Joyce; Rotar Pavlic, Danica; Collins, Claire <br/> <br/>Abstract: Background: Family violence (FV) is a widespread public health problem and serious consequences. One third of European women suffer from partner violence in their adult lifetime while on fourth of situations of partner violence children are present. Elderly abuse is present between 10 to 20 % of the population above 60 General practice is often a point of contact for victims but they tend to hesitate or feel ashamed to ask for assistance. GPs generally lack training in disclosing and supporting FV, feel uncomfortable about asking and may be hindered by lack of facilities where to refer. In 2018, WONCA encourages all national colleges and academies to develop policy and implementation strategies on family violence identification and response for intimate partner violence, child abuse and elder abuse. This recommendation states it is needed to develop research and define performance and outcome measures for general practitioners/family doctors and primary care teams in each of our member nations; implementation strategies for comprehensive family violence care should be enabled and evaluated. Research questions: To define needs and concerns of practice teams and analyze possibilities for practice management across European Countries. Method: A Delphi approach modified according to RAND is proposed to develop a consensus using online collection of data. A steering group will be composed of delegates recruited form EGPRN and EUROPREV members to constitute a nominal group validating questions and authorising feedback to respondents for each Delphi round. Country representatives in the project will select a representative sample in each country to allow for generalisability of conclusions per country and European wise. Collaboration with national colleges is encouraged. A meeting at EGPRN in October 2018 will further detail the methodology. A constant comparative methodology using computer software (eg. NVIVO or similar) will be followed analysing data on each question highlighting similarities and differences between answers thus constructing an underlying model about concerns and possible solutions proposed. Points for discussion: How to constitute a sample per country to allow for generalisability. What are main focuses for consensus development? Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:03:36 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/41043 Title: A Bourdieusian approach to class‐related inequalities: the role of capitals and capital structure in the utilisation of healthcare services in later life <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Paccoud, Ivana; Nazroo, James; Leist, Anja <br/> <br/>Abstract: This paper draws on Bourdieu's theory of economic, social and cultural capital to understand the relative effect of the volume and the composition of these capitals on healthcare service use in later life. Based on data from the fifth wave of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (n = 64,840), we first look at the contribution of each capital in the use of three healthcare services (general practitioner, dentist and hospital). Using cluster analysis, we then mobilise Bourdieu's concept of habitus to explain how the unequal distribution of material and non‐material capitals acquired in childhood lead to different levels of health and hospital care utilisation in later life. After controlling for demographic and health insurance variables, our results show that economic capital has the strongest individual association among the three capitals. However, the results of a cluster analysis used to distinguish between capital structures show that those with high non‐material capital and low material capital have higher levels of primary healthcare utilisation, and in turn lower levels of hospital use. Bourdieu's approach sheds light on the importance of capitals in all forms and structures to understand the class‐related mechanisms that contribute to different levels of healthcare use. Wed, 27 Nov 2019 08:04:19 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/40964 Title: “Patient participation” and related concepts: A scoping review on their dimensional <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Ortiz Halabi, Iness; Scholtes, Beatrice; Gillian, Nicholas; Odero, Angela; Baumann, Michèle; Ziegler, Olivier; Gagnayre, Remi; Bragard, Isabelle; Pétré, Benoit; Guillame, M; Bernard, Voz; Durieux, Nancy <br/> <br/>Abstract: Objectives Several concepts on collaboration between patients and healthcare systems have emerged in the literature but there is little consensus on their meanings and differences. In this study, “patient participation” and related concepts were studied by focusing on the dimensions that compose them. This review follows two objectives: (1) to produce a detailed and comprehensive overview of the “patient participation” dimensions; (2) to identify differences and similarities between the related concepts. Methods A scoping review was performed to synthesize knowledge into a conceptual framework. An electronic protocol driven search was conducted in two bibliographic databases and a thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results The search process returned 39 articles after exclusion for full data extraction and analysis. Through the thematic analysis, the dimensions, influencing factors and expected outcomes of “patient participation” were determined. Finally, differences between the included concepts were identified. Conclusion This global vision of “patient participation” allows us to go beyond the distinctions between the existing concepts and reveals their common goal to include the patient in the healthcare system. Practice implications This scoping review provides useful information to propose a conceptual model of “patient participation”, which could impact clinical practice and medical training programs. Sun, 17 Nov 2019 04:30:02 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/40904 Title: Computational analysis of molecular network perturbations in complex diseases <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Glaab, Enrico Sat, 09 Nov 2019 17:15:57 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/40897 Title: Investigation of the immune functions of DJ-1 <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Zeng, Ni Fri, 08 Nov 2019 09:44:40 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/40740 Title: Impaired serine metabolism complements LRRK2-G2019S pathogenicity in PD patients <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Nickels, Sarah; Walter, Jonas; Bolognin, Silvia; Gerard, Deborah; Jaeger, Christian; Qing, Xiaobing; Tisserand, Johan; Jarazo, Javier; Hemmer, Kathrin; Harms, Amy; Halder, Rashi; Lucarelli, Philippe; Berger, Emanuel; Antony, Paul; Glaab, Enrico; Hankemeier, Thomas; Klein, Christine; Sauter, Thomas; Sinkkonen, Lasse; Schwamborn, Jens Christian Mon, 21 Oct 2019 03:30:02 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/40726 Title: Generation of Patients-as-Partner Items Through a Qualitative Data Analysis : Initial Item Reduction <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Odero, Angela; Baumann, Michèle <br/> <br/>Abstract: Health psychology aspires to find ways for evaluating the Patient as a Partner. The Montréal model, proposes a verbal and conceptual interpretation. Developed by a University of Montréal research team, this approach advances that patients should play an active role in the healthcare process. Quantitative assessments employing a methodological framework involving a qualitative approach do not exist. Our study aimed at analyzing a procedure for generating patient as a partner related items and to elaborate their classification. Five semi-structured focus groups with 20 chronic disease patients and 15 professionals (doctors, nurses) were conducted. A qualitative analysis, combining inductive (data abstraction was conducted from specific to general), and deductive (guided by a predefined protocol) methods was employed to create a flexible framework of analysis. A thematic categorical content analysis of the transcriptions was conducted. Verbatim were extracted and classified into categories. Cluster analysis using Sorensen’s coeffient was performed with the software N’Vivo 12. Sorensen’s similarity analysis helped to structure a conceptual framework for the assessment of patient as partner at the doctor patient interaction level. The content of each category was verfied through consensus by multidisciplinary experts, who formulated items to capture the overall patient as partner experience. Our list of items constituted fundamental dimensions of partnership, constituting a first classification and a basis for the development of a routine clinical assessment tool. This process should guarantee that the items are acceptable, comprehensive and relevant (reflecting the lived experience of the participants) ensuring a validity of the future questionnaire. Thu, 17 Oct 2019 16:31:38 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10993/40725 Title: Resources and Competences required at the Institutional Level for a Patient – Healthcare Professional Partnership <br/> <br/>Author, co-author: Odero, Angela; Baumann, Michèle <br/> <br/>Abstract: Societal changes have catalyzed the perception of health as a personal responsibility, with social studies showing a behavioral trend where patients are increasingly seeking health information. This has given rise to patients who are active players in their care, and participate in decision-making. Central to these changes, are patients and healthcare professionals’, whose backgrounds and experiences reflect both cultural factors that influence health decisions, and a power shift from professional dominance to a more equitable partnership style. Our study aims to determine resources and competences required at the institutional level to implementing a partnership Semi-structured focus groups with 20 chronic disease patients and interviews with 15 healthcare professionals were conducted. Thematic content analysis was performed with NVivo 12 to categorize verbatim. Items were grouped into dimensions, and themes common to both parties were grouped together. Three major areas emerged: 1) Training to develop a partnership culture - Training healthcare professionals in patient psychology, developing therapeutic education programs for patients and enriching available information with patients’ experiential knowledge. 2) Creation of information / support centers for: Interdisciplinary meetings, facilitating the provision of structured, verified and pertinent information and providing administrative aid to patients. 3) Development of e-health solutions to: Provide information 24/7; facilitate collaborative content creation by healthcare professionals, patients and researchers, and for sharing and updating patient files among professionals. Our findings will help design, implement, monitor and evaluate suitable actions, and help promote sustainable forms of expertise – inclusion of experiential knowledge and resource patients within the healthcare team Thu, 17 Oct 2019 16:07:31 GMT