Evaluation of Open-Source Tools for Differential Privacy.

Differential privacy (DP) defines privacy protection by promising quantified indistinguishability between individuals who consent to share their privacy-sensitive information and those who do not. DP aims to deliver this promise by including well-crafted elements of random noise in the published data, and thus there is an inherent tradeoff between the degree of privacy protection and the ability to utilize the protected data. Currently, several open-source tools have been proposed for DP provision.

Altered expression of the locus and mitochondrial respiratory complexes in adrenocortical carcinoma.

Abnormalities of the insulin‑like growth factor 2 locus with the overexpression of are frequent findings in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). The present study assessed the expression of RNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) from the locus using PCR‑based methods in ACC and adrenocortical adenoma (ACA). The results were associated with proteomics data.

A regression discontinuity analysis of the social distancing recommendations for older adults in Sweden during COVID-19.

Background: This article investigates the impact of a non-mandatory and age-specific social distancing recommendation on isolation behaviours and disease outcomes in Sweden during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March to July 2020). The policy stated that people aged 70 years or older should avoid crowded places and contact with people outside the household.

Methods: We used a regression discontinuity design-in combination with self-reported isolation data from COVID Symptom Study Sweden (n = 96 053; age range: 39-79 years) and national register data (age range: 39-100+ years) on severe COVID-19 disease (hospitalization or death, n = 21 804) and confirmed cases (n = 48 984)-to estimate the effects of the policy.

False Positive Results in SARS-CoV-2 Serological Tests for Samples From Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Diseases.

Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases are often treated with immunosuppressants and therefore are of particular concern during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Serological tests will improve our understanding of the infection and immunity in this population, unless they tests give false positive results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the specificity of SARS-Cov-2 serological assays using samples from patients with chronic inflammatory diseases collected prior to April 2019, thus defined as negative.

Self-efficacy, recovery and psychological wellbeing one to five years after heart transplantation: a Swedish cross-sectional study.

Background: Self-efficacy refers to a person´s confidence in carrying out treatment-related activities and constitutes the foundation of self-management as well as long-term follow-up after heart transplantation. Exploring the heart recipients´ experiences by means of self-report instruments provides healthcare professionals with valuable information on how to supply self-management support after heart transplantation.

Aims: The aim was to explore self-efficacy in relation to the self-reported level of recovery and psychological wellbeing, among adult heart recipients, one to 5 years after transplantation.