bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences for predicting metabolic syndrome by adipose dysfunction markers in institutionalized elderly
Authors: Alvero-Cruz Jose Ramon , Fernández Vázquez Rosalia , Martínez Blanco Javier , Diaz Antonio Jesus , Rosety Ignacio , Rosety Miguel Angel , Rosety-Rodriguez Manuel , Ordonez Francisco Javier 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsRecent studies have emphasized that metabolic syndrome (MetS) was the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the institutionalized elderly. In addition, the occurrence of MetS was higher in those with longer age-adjusted institutionalization time. The present study was conducted to assess predictive value of markers of adipose tissue dysfunction for the early screening of MetS in this population.Methods and resultsTwo hundred and eleven institutionalized older adults (132 women, aged 74.3 ± 7.3 years; 79 men, aged 71.5 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study. Lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI), and triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio were determined. The receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to compare the area under the curve of each index. The total prevalence of MetS was 23.8%. In female group, VAI and TG/HDL ratio presented moderate–high sensitivity (77.78% and 78.38%, respectively) and specificity (77.62% and 73.49%, respectively). In males group, LAP presented moderate–high sensitivity (75%) and specificity (76.9%).ConclusionGender played a key role on the prediction of MetS by adipose dysfunction markers in institutionalized elderly. Accordingly, VAI and TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio showed the highest predictive value for MetS in female elderly. LAP was the strongest predictor of MetS in male elderly.
The mediating role of effective treatments in the relationship between income level and survival in patients with heart failure: a sex- and cohabitation-stratified study
Authors: Andersen Julie , Gerds Thomas A , Hlatky Mark A , Gislason Gunnar , Schou Morten , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Møller Sidsel , Madelaire Christian , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
Patients with heart failure and low income have a high mortality risk. We examined whether lower survival among low-income patients with heart failure could be explained by different use of β -blockers, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi), and implanted devices compared with high-income patients.

Methods and results
We linked Danish national registries to identify patients with new-onset heart failure between 2005 and 2016. A total of 18 308 patients was included in the main analysis. We collected information on medical treatment and device therapy after discharge. We investigated the remaining income disparity if everybody had the same probability of treatment as the high-income patients. We used causal mediation analysis to examine to what extent treatment differences mediate the association between income and 1-year mortality in strata defined by sex and cohabitation status. If low-income patients had the same probability of initiating β-blockers and RASi treatment as high-income patients, low-income men who lived alone would increase initiation of treatment by 12.4% (CI: 10.0% to 14.9%) and as a result reduce their absolute 1-year mortality by 1.0% (CI: −1.4% to −0.5%). If low-income patients had the same probability of not having breaks in medical treatment and getting device therapy, as high-income patients, low-income patients would increase the probability of not having breaks in treatment between 1.8% and 5.8% and increase the probability of getting device therapy between 1.0% and 3.8%, across strata of sex and cohabitation status.

Conclusion
Lower rates of treatment initiation appear to mediate the poorer survival seen among patients with heart failure and low income, but only in males living alone.
Exercise capacity is related to attenuated responses in oxygen extraction and left ventricular longitudinal strain in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Van Ryckeghem Lisa , Keytsman Charly , Verboven Kenneth , Verbaanderd Elvire , Frederix Ines , Bakelants Elise , Petit Thibault , Jogani Siddharth , Stroobants Sarah , Dendale Paul , Bito Virginie , Verwerft Jan , Hansen Dominique 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced exercise capacity and cardiovascular diseases, both increasing morbidity and risk for premature death. As exercise intolerance often relates to cardiac dysfunction, it remains to be elucidated to what extent such an interplay occurs in T2DM patients without overt cardiovascular diseases. Design: Cross-sectional study, NCT03299790.

Methods and results
Fifty-three T2DM patients underwent exercise echocardiography (semi-supine bicycle) with combined ergospirometry. Cardiac output (CO), left ventricular longitudinal strain (LS), oxygen uptake (O2), and oxygen (O2) extraction were assessed simultaneously at rest, low-intensity exercise, and high-intensity exercise. Glycaemic control and lipid profile were assessed in the fasted state. Participants were assigned according to their exercise capacity being adequate or impaired (EXadequate: O2peak &lt;80% and EXimpaired: O2peak ≥80% of predicted O2peak) to compare O2 extraction, CO, and LS at all stages. Thirty-eight participants (EXimpaired: n = 20 and EXadequate: n = 18) were included in the analyses. Groups were similar regarding HbA1c, age, and sex (P &gt; 0.05). At rest, CO was similar in the EXimpaired group vs. EXadequate group (5.1 ± 1 L/min vs. 4.6 ± 1.4 L/min, P &gt; 0.05) and increased equally during exercise. EXimpaired patients displayed a 30.7% smaller increase in O2 extraction during exercise compared to the EXadequate group (P = 0.016) which resulted in a lower O2 extraction at high-intensity exercise (12.5 ± 2.8 mL/dL vs. 15.3 ± 3.9 mL/dL, P = 0.012). Left ventricular longitudinal strain was similar at rest but increased significantly less in the EXimpaired vs. EXadequate patients (1.9 ± 2.5% vs. 5.9 ± 4.1%, P = 0.004).

Conclusions
In asymptomatic T2DM patients, an impaired exercise capacity is associated with an impaired response in oxygen extraction and myocardial deformation (LS).

Trial registry
Effect of High-intensity Interval Training on Cardiac Function and Regulation of Glycemic Control in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03299790).
Short-term effects of particulate matter on cardiovascular morbidity in Italy: a national analysis
Authors: Stafoggia Massimo , Renzi Matteo , Forastiere Francesco , Ljungman Petter , Davoli Marina , de’ Donato Francesca , Gariazzo Claudio , Michelozzi Paola , Scortichini Matteo , Solimini Angelo , Viegi Giovanni , Bellander Tom ,   the BEEP Collaborative Group
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
We aimed at investigating the relationship between particulate matter (PM) and daily admissions for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) at national level in Italy.

Methods and results
Daily numbers of cardiovascular hospitalizations were collected for all 8084 municipalities of Italy, in the period 2013–2015. A satellite-based spatiotemporal model was used to estimate daily PM10 (inhalable particles) and PM2.5 (fine particles) concentrations at 1-km2 resolution. Multivariate Poisson regression models were fit to estimate the association between daily PM and cardiovascular admissions. Flexible functions were estimated to explore the shape of the associations at low PM concentrations, also in non-urban areas. We analysed 2 154 810 acute hospitalizations for CVDs (25% stroke, 24% ischaemic heart diseases, 22% heart failure, and 5% atrial fibrillation). Relative increases of total cardiovascular admissions, per 10 µg/m3 variation in PM10 and PM2.5 at lag 0–5 (average of last 6 days since admission), were 0.55% (95% confidence intervals: 0.32%, 0.77%) and 0.97% (0.67%, 1.27%), respectively. The corresponding estimates for heart failure were 1.70% (1.28%, 2.13%) and 2.66% (2.09%, 3.23%). We estimated significant effects of PM10 and PM2.5 also on ischaemic heart diseases, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and ischaemic stroke. Associations were similar between less and more urbanized areas, and persisted even at low concentrations, e.g. below WHO guidelines.

Conclusion
PM was robustly associated with peaks in daily cardiovascular admissions, especially for heart failure, both in large cities and in less urbanized areas of Italy. Current WHO Air Quality Guidelines for PM10 and PM2.5 are not sufficient to protect public health.
Drug-resistant hypertension in primary aldosteronism patients undergoing adrenal vein sampling: the AVIS-2-RH study
Authors: Rossi Gian Paolo , Rossitto Giacomo , Amar Laurence , Azizi Michel , Riester Anna , Reincke Martin , Degenhart Christoph , Widimsky Jiri , Naruse Mitsuhide , Deinum Jaap , Schultze Kool Leo , Kocjan Tomaz , Negro Aurelio , Rossi Ermanno , Kline Gregory , Tanabe Akiyo , Satoh Fumitoshi , Rump Lars Christian , Vonend Oliver , Willenberg Holger S , Fuller Peter J , Yang Jun , Chee Nicholas Yong Nian , Margill Steven B , Shafigullina Zulfiya , Quinkler Marcus , Oliveras Anna , Lee Bo-Ching , Wu Vin Cent , Kratka Zuzana , Seccia Teresa M , Lenzini Livia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
We aimed at determining the rate of drug-resistant arterial hypertension in patients with an unambiguous diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA). Moreover, we sought for investigating the diagnostic performance of adrenal vein sampling (AVS), and the effect of adrenalectomy on blood pressure (BP) and prior treatment resistance in PA patients subtyped by AVS in major referral centres.

Methods and results
The Adrenal Vein Sampling International Study-2 (AVIS-2) was a multicentre international study that recruited consecutive PA patients submitted to AVS, according to current guidelines, during 15 years. The patients were over 18 years old with arterial hypertension and had an unambiguous diagnosis of PA. The rate of resistant hypertension was assessed at baseline and after adrenalectomy using the American Heart Association (AHA) 2018 definition. Information on presence or absence of resistant hypertension was available in 89% of the 1625 enrolled PA patients. Based on the AHA 2018 criteria, resistant hypertension was found in 20% of patients, of which about two-thirds (14%) were men and one-third (6%) women (χ2 = 17.1, P &lt; 1*10−4) with a higher rate of RH in men than in women (23% vs. 15% P &lt; 1*10−4). Of the 292 patients with resistant hypertension, 98 (34%) underwent unilateral AVS-guided adrenalectomy, which resolved BP resistance to antihypertensive treatment in all.

Conclusions
(i) Resistant hypertension is a common presentation in patients seeking surgical cure of PA; (ii) AVS is key for the optimal management of patients with PA due to resistant hypertension; and (iii) AVS-guided adrenalectomy allowed resolution of treatment-resistant hypertension.
Association of inflammatory disease and long-term outcomes among young adults with myocardial infarction: the Mass General Brigham YOUNG-MI Registry
Authors: Weber Brittany , Biery David W , Singh Avinainder , Divakaran Sanjay , Berman Adam N , Wu Wanda Y , Brown Jenifer M , Hainer Jon , Nasir Khurram , Liao Katherine , Bhatt Deepak L , Di Carli Marcelo F , Blankstein Ron 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
Autoimmune systemic inflammatory diseases (SIDs) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, particularly myocardial infarction (MI). However, there are limited data on the prevalence and effects of SID among adults who experience an MI at a young age. We sought to determine the prevalence and prognostic implications of SID among adults who experienced an MI at a young age.

Methods and results
The YOUNG-MI registry is a retrospective cohort study from two large academic centres, which includes patients who experienced a first MI at 50 years of age or younger. SID was ascertained through physician review of the electronic medical record (EMR). Incidence of death was ascertained through the EMR and national databases. The cohort consisted of 2097 individuals, with 53 (2.5%) possessing a diagnosis of SID. Patients with SID were more likely to be female (36% vs. 19%, P = 0.004) and have hypertension (62% vs. 46%, P = 0.025). Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years, patients with SID experienced an higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with either the full cohort of non-SID patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.07–3.57), P = 0.030], or a matched cohort based on age, gender, and CV risk factors [HR = 2.68, 95% CI (1.18–6.07), P = 0.018].

Conclusions
Among patients who experienced a first MI at a young age, 2.5% had evidence of SID, and these individuals had higher rates of long-term all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that the presence of SID is associated with worse long-term survival after premature MI.
The male disadvantage in life expectancy: can we close the gender gap?
Authors: Hossin Muhammad Zakir 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Men are usually considered to be the stronger sex. However, when it comes to health, they are evidently weaker than their female counterparts. In almost all countries around the world, men consistently live shorter lives than women. The gender gap in longevity has once again been evident during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which kills men disproportionately. Drawing on the relevant scientific literature and updated information, this article aimed to provide useful insights into the biological and social mechanisms that potentially underlie the gender gap in life expectancy.
Characteristics of Pediatric Recurrent Bacterial Meningitis in Beijing Children’s Hospital, 2006–2019
Authors: Chen Tian-ming , Chen He-ying , Hu Bing , Hu Hui-li , Guo Xin , Guo Ling-yun , Li Shao-ying , Liu Gang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Few data on recurrent bacterial meningitis (RBM) in children are available. Here, we estimated the frequency of RBM in children and investigated the predisposing conditions, etiology, and clinical characteristics of RBM in children.

Methods
Cases of RBM in the Beijing Children’s Hospital medical record database between January 2006 and December 2019 were collected.

Results
In total, 1905 children with bacterial meningitis (BM) were documented in the Beijing Children’s Hospital medical record database. A total of 43 patients had RBM. The rate of RBM in children was 2.3% (43/1905). Forty (93.0%) patients had predisposing conditions, including 15 (34.9%) cases of inner ear malformations, 5 (11.6%) cases of dermal sinus tracts, 9 (20.9%) cases of head injury, 5 (11.6%) cases of congenital cranial meningocele, 3 (7.0%) cases of congenital skull base defects, 3 (7.0%) cases of immunodeficiency, and other 3 (7.0%) cases of unknown reason. Among all the 121 BM episodes, a total of 64 episodes were etiologically confirmed BM and the other 57 episodes were probable BM. Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 52) was accounted for 81.3% of confirmed BM episodes. Thirty-four of the 37 patients with congenital or acquired anatomical defects were available to follow up after surgeries, and all of them had no BM after surgeries. Three patients with antibody deficiencies got intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and they did not suffer BM anymore.

Conclusions
RBM is rare in children. The majority of children with RBM had predisposing conditions including congenital/acquired anatomical defects and immunodeficiency. Interventions should be implemented to solve the underlying conditions to avoid RBM.
Who Counts? Measuring Disability Cross-Nationally in Census Data
Authors: Pettinicchio David , Maroto Michelle 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDespite established recommended standard definitions, measures, and methods by the UN Washington Group on Disability Statistics and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to assess dimensions of disability, national censuses vary widely in the questions used to identify people with disabilities. Although many seek to conform ex-ante to ICF definitions, they also deviate from this basic framework in different ways. This complicates ex-post harmonization and standardization for cross-national comparisons of disability prevalence and outcomes influenced by disability status, such as labor market participation. Addressing these issues, this study uses IPUMS International Census microdata since 2,000 to examine disability measurement across 65 countries. We find that definitions, terminology, measurement, and instructions to both respondents and enumerators matter for understanding disability prevalence cross-nationally. For instance, questions that included potentially stigmatizing language were associated with lower rates of disability reporting, but questions that listed specific limitations were associated with higher rates. Beyond disability, our findings also speak more broadly to ongoing challenges in survey harmonization for cross-national comparison.
SN 2017gci: a nearby Type I Superluminous Supernova with a bumpy tail
Authors: Fiore A , Chen T-W , Jerkstrand A , Benetti S , Ciolfi R , Inserra C , Cappellaro E , Pastorello A , Leloudas G , Schulze S , Berton M , Burke J , McCully C , Fong W , Galbany L , Gromadzki M , Gutiérrez C P , Hiramatsu D , Hosseinzadeh G , Howell D A , Kankare E , Lunnan R , Müller-Bravo T E , O’ Neill D , Nicholl M , Rau A , Sollerman J , Terreran G , Valenti S , Young D R 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
We present and discuss the optical spectrophotometric observations of the nearby (z = 0.087) Type I superluminous supernova (SLSN I) SN 2017gci, whose peak K-corrected absolute magnitude reaches Mg = −21.5 mag. Its photometric and spectroscopic evolution includes features of both slow- and of fast-evolving SLSN I, thus favoring a continuum distribution between the two SLSN-I subclasses. In particular, similarly to other SLSNe I, the multiband light curves (LCs) of SN 2017gci show two re-brightenings at about 103 and 142 d after the maximum light. Interestingly, this broadly agrees with a broad emission feature emerging around 6520 Å after ∼51 d from the maximum light, which is followed by a sharp knee in the LC. If we interpret this feature as Hα, this could support the fact that the bumps are the signature of late interactions of the ejecta with a (hydrogen-rich) circumstellar material. Then we fitted magnetar- and CSM-interaction-powered synthetic LCs on to the bolometric one of SN 2017gci. In the magnetar case, the fit suggests a polar magnetic field Bp ≃ 6 × 1014 G, an initial period of the magnetar Pinitial ≃ 2.8 ms, an ejecta mass $M_{\rm ejecta}\simeq 9\, \mathrm{M}_\odot $ and an ejecta opacity $\kappa \simeq 0.08\, \mathrm{cm}^{2}\, \rm{g}^{-1}$. A CSM-interaction scenario would imply a CSM mass $\simeq 5\, \mathrm{M}_\odot $ and an ejecta mass $\simeq 12\, \mathrm{M}_\odot $. Finally, the nebular spectrum of phase + 187 d was modeled, deriving a mass of $\sim 10\, {\rm M}_\odot$ for the ejecta. Our models suggest that either a magnetar or CSM interaction might be the power sources for SN 2017gci and that its progenitor was a massive ($40\, {\rm M}_\odot$) star.
The Centromere Histone Is Conserved and Associated with Tandem Repeats Sharing a Conserved 19-bp Box in the Holocentromere of Meloidogyne Nematodes
Authors: Despot-Slade Evelin , Mravinac Brankica , Širca Saša , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , Plohl Miroslav , Meštrović Nevenka 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Although centromeres have conserved function, centromere-specific histone H3 (CenH3) and centromeric DNA evolve rapidly. The centromere drive model explains this phenomenon as a consequence of the conflict between fast-evolving DNA and CenH3, suggesting asymmetry in female meiosis as a crucial factor. We characterized evolution of the CenH3 protein in three closely related, polyploid mitotic parthenogenetic species of the Meloidogyne incognita group, and in the distantly related meiotic parthenogen Meloidogyne hapla. We identified duplication of the CenH3 gene in a putative sexual ancestral Meloidogyne. We found that one CenH3 (αCenH3) remained conserved in all extant species, including in distant Meloidogyne hapla, whereas the other evolved rapidly and under positive selection into four different CenH3 variants. This pattern of CenH3 evolution in Meloidogyne species suggests the subspecialization of CenH3s in ancestral sexual species. Immunofluorescence performed on mitotic Meloidogyne incognita revealed a dominant role of αCenH3 on its centromere, whereas the other CenH3s have lost their function in mitosis. The observed αCenH3 chromosome distribution disclosed cluster-like centromeric organization. The ChIP-Seq analysis revealed that in M. incognita αCenH3-associated DNA dominantly comprises tandem repeats, composed of divergent monomers which share a completely conserved 19-bp long box. Conserved αCenH3-associated DNA is also confirmed in the related mitotic Meloidogyne incognita group species suggesting preservation of both centromere protein and DNA constituents. We hypothesize that the absence of centromere drive in mitosis might allow for CenH3 and its associated DNA to achieve an equilibrium in which they can persist for long periods of time.
1. Incidence of Nosocomial COVID-19 in Patients Hospitalized at a Large U.S. Academic Medical Center
Authors: Rhee Chanu , Baker Meghan , Vaidya Vineeta , Tucker Robert , Resnick Andrew S , Morris Charles , Klompas Michael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Many patients are avoiding essential care for fear of contracting Covid-19 in healthcare settings. However, the incidence of nosocomial Covid-19 infection in U.S. acute care hospitals is unknown.

Methods
We conducted an observational study of all patients admitted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts between March 7 (when the first Covid-19 patient was admitted) and May 30, 2020. During this period, a comprehensive infection control program was implemented including dedicated Covid-19 units with airborne infection isolation rooms, personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with CDC recommendations, PPE donning and doffing monitors, universal masking, restriction of visitors, and liberal RT-PCR testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. We reviewed the medical records of all patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR on hospital day 3 or later or within 14 days of hospital discharge to determine whether infection was community or hospital-acquired based on timing of RT-PCR tests, clinical course, and exposures.

Results
Over the 12-week period, 9,149 patients were admitted, in whom 7,394 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests were performed and 697 Covid-19 cases were confirmed, translating into a total 8,656 days of Covid-19-related care (Figure). The inpatient Covid-19 census peaked at 171 on April 21. Twelve of the 697 Covid-19 patients (1.7%) were first diagnosed by RT-PCR on hospital day 3 or later (median 4 days, range 3–15 days). Of these, only one was deemed hospital-acquired and was most likely acquired from his pre-symptomatic spouse who was visiting daily and diagnosed with Covid-19 before visitor restrictions were implemented. Amongst 8,370 non-Covid-19 patients discharged through June 17, 11 (0.1%) subsequently tested positive within 14 days (median time to diagnosis 6 days, range 1–14). Only one was deemed likely to have been hospital-acquired, albeit with no known exposures.
Figure. Timeline of implementation of major infection control policies and cumulative number of hospitalized COVID-19 cases (total and hospital-onset)

Conclusion
Nosocomial Covid-19 infection was exceedingly rare during the height of the pandemic in a hospital with rigorous infection control measures. Our findings may inform practices in other institutions and provide reassurance to patients regarding the safety of receiving care in acute care hospitals.

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures