The Role of Transparency, Trust, and Social Influence on Uncertainty Reduction in Times of Pandemics: Empirical Study on the Adoption of COVID-19 Tracing Apps.

Background: Contact tracing apps are an essential component of an effective COVID-19 testing strategy to counteract the spread of the pandemic and thereby avoid overburdening the health care system. As the adoption rates in several regions are undesirable, governments must increase the acceptance of COVID-19 tracing apps in these times of uncertainty.

Objective: Building on the Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT), this study aims to investigate how uncertainty reduction measures foster the adoption of COVID-19 tracing apps and how their use affects the perception of different risks.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate increases serum bicarbonate concentrations among patients with hyperkalaemia: exploratory analyses from three randomized, multi-dose, placebo-controlled trials.

Background: Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) binds potassium and ammonium in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to serum potassium reduction, Phase 2 trial data have shown increased serum bicarbonate with SZC, which may be clinically beneficial because maintaining serum bicarbonate ≥22 mmol/L preserves kidney function. This exploratory analysis examined serum bicarbonate and urea, and urine pH data from three SZC randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies among patients with hyperkalaemia [ZS-003 (n = 753), HARMONIZE (n = 258) and HARMONIZE-Global (n = 267)].

An evaluation of the use and handling errors of currently available recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone pen injectors by women with infertility and fertility nurses.

: This study compared preference ratings of women with infertility and nurses before and after simulated injection, and handling errors, with the GONAL-f®, Bemfola®, Ovaleap® and Rekovelle® pen injectors. : Injector-naïve women and injector-experienced fertility nurses tested injectors with masked labels in a randomized testing order. Injections were made into a foam pad and injectors were rated before and after use.

Effect of ferric citrate on serum phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23 among patients with nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease: path analyses.

Background: Among patients with nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), ferric citrate increases hemoglobin and iron parameters and reduces serum phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a key phosphate-regulating hormone. We conducted post hoc analyses of a phase 3 trial to explore associations between iron replacement, serum phosphate changes and FGF23 regulation.

Methods: We employed multivariable regression and longitudinal mixed-effects models to identify and confirm, respectively, whether baseline demographic and laboratory variables were associated with ferric citrate-induced changes in serum phosphate or FGF23 concentrations.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Dapagliflozin Plus Once-Weekly Exenatide Versus Placebo in Individuals with Obesity and Without Diabetes: Metabolic Effects and Markers Associated with Bodyweight Loss.

Introduction: The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist exenatide reduce bodyweight via differing and complementary mechanisms. This post hoc analysis investigated the metabolic effects and baseline associations with bodyweight loss on coadministration of dapagliflozin and exenatide once weekly (QW) among adults with obesity and without diabetes.

Methods: In the primary trial, adults with obesity and without diabetes [n = 50; 18-70 years; body mass index (BMI) 30-45 kg/m] were randomized to double-blind oral dapagliflozin 10 mg (DAPA) once daily plus subcutaneous long-acting exenatide 2 mg QW (ExQW) or placebo over 24 weeks, followed by an open-label extension from 24-52 weeks during which all participants received active treatment.

Which polyunsaturated fatty acids are active in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder receiving PUFA supplementation? A fatty acid validated meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Concerns about growth retardation and unknown effects on long-term brain development with stimulants have prompted interest in polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation (PUFA) as an alternative treatment. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of PUFA supplementation in ADHD have shown marginal benefit, and uncertainty exists as to which, if any, PUFA might be effective in alleviating symptoms of ADHD. We conducted an updated meta-analysis of RCTs in ADHD together with multivariable meta-regression analyses using data on PUFA content obtained from independent fatty acid methyl ester analyses of each study PUFA regimen.

EPA but not DHA appears to be responsible for the efficacy of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in depression: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Epidemiologic and case-control data suggest that increased dietary intake of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3 LC-PUFAs) may be of benefit in depression. However, the results of randomized controlled trials are mixed and controversy exists as to whether either eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or both are responsible for the reported benefits.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to provide an updated meta-analysis of all double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials examining the effect of omega3 LC-PUFA supplementation in which depressive symptoms were a reported outcome.