bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circadian dependence of the acute immune response to myocardial infarction
Authors: Kilgallen A B , Crnko S , Feyen D A M , Van Der Akker F , Gremmels H , Du Pre B C , Sampiao Pinto V M , Reijers R , Doevendans P A , De Jager S C A , Sluijter J P G , Van Laake L W 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aim
Circadian rhythms control many physiological processes, including numerous aspects of the immune system. Whether these immunological oscillations play a role in the pathophysiology after ischemic injury, such as myocardial infarction (MI), remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize circadian rhythms during the acute inflammatory responses after MI.

Methods and results
Balb/c mice were operated at Zeitgeber Time (ZT) 2, 8, 14 and 20. Three hours after MI, animals were terminated and blood and hearts were collected to assess immunological status and damage. We observed diurnal fluctuation in leukocyte numbers in the blood, peaking during the rest-phase (ZT2 and 8) of the circadian cycle. Interestingly, the homing and infiltration of neutrophils to the injured myocardium was more pronounced during the active-phase of the mice (ZT14 and 20), at which time higher levels of Troponin-T were measured in the serum. Higher neutrophil extravasation during the active phase (especially the sleep-to-wake transition, ZT14) was also correlated to greater chemokine release in the blood and adhesion molecule expression in the heart.

Conclusion
The occurrence of a myocardial infarction during the early-morning hours leads to greater myocardial damage in patients. In the present study, we showed that the neutrophil response in the first hours after MI is stronger during the sleep-to-wake transition, thereby potentially playing a role in the worse clinical outcome observed during this time period.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This research received funding from the EU's H2020 research and innovation programme under Marie S. Curie cofund RESCUE grant agreement No 801540.
Enhancement of engineered cardiac tissues by promotion of hiPSC-cardiomyocyte proliferation
Authors: Hesselbarth R , Esser T U , Roshanbinfar K , Struefer S , Schubert D W , Engel F B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Cardiac tissue engineering is a promising strategy to generate human cardiac tissues for modelling cardiac diseases, screening for therapeutic drugs, and repairing the injured heart. Yet, several issues remain to be resolved including the generation of tissues with high cardiomyocyte density.

Purpose
Determining the effects of the induction of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (hiPSC) cardiomyocyte proliferation post-fabrication.

Methods
hiPSCs were differentiated into cardiomyocytes, embedded with or without CHIR990121 at three concentrations in a collagen pre-gel, and cast. The engineered cardiac tissues were then cultured in the absence or presence of CHIR99021 for up to 35 days. Hydrogels and engineered cardiac tissues were analysed utilizing rheology and assays to determine viability, proliferation, calcium flow, and contractility.

Results
Here, we show that the integration of CHIR99021 in collagen I hydrogels promotes proliferation of hiPSC-cardiomyocytes post-fabrication improving contractility of and calcium flow in engineered cardiac tissues. Presence of CHIR99021 has no effect on the gelation kinetic or the mechanical properties of collagen I hydrogels. Analysis of cell density and proliferation based on Ki-67 staining indicates that integration of CHIR99021 together with external CHIR99021 stimulation increases hiPSC-cardiomyocyte number by ∼2-fold within 7 days post-fabrication. Analysis of the contractility of engineered cardiac tissues after another 3 days in the absence of external CHIR99021 shows that CHIR99021-induced hiPSC-cardiomyocyte proliferation results in synchronized calcium flow, rhythmic beating, increases speed of contraction and contraction amplitude, and reduces peak-to-peak time. The CHIR99021-stimulated engineered cardiac tissues exhibited spontaneous rhythmic contractions for at least 35 days.

Conclusion
Collectively, our data demonstrate the potential of induced cardiomyocyte proliferation to enhance engineered cardiac tissues by increasing cardiomyocyte density and reducing arrhythmia.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Activation of adenosine receptors improved cardiac dysfunction induced by myocardial infarction
Authors: Beltrame F , Da Silva J S , Montagnoli T L , Maia R , Fraga C A M , Barreiro E J , Zapata-Sudo G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by an intense inflammatory response leading to cardiac remodeling and subsequent cardiac dysfunction.

Purpose
Activation of adenosine A2A and A3 receptors induced by LASSBio-1027 could improve cardiac function, through the reduction of the inflammatory response and the activated cardiac fibroblasts (CF).

Methods
The Animal Care and Use Committee approved the experimental protocols. MI was induced in male Wistar rats by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery and confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography. The experimental groups were Sham and MI treated orally with either vehicle or LASSBio-1027 (30 or 70 μmol/kg) during 7 days. At the endpoint, hemodynamic parameters were evaluated and hearts were prepared for histological and immunohistochemical analysis for fibrosis and cellular infiltrate detection and for α-SMA, TNF-α, iNOs, c-fos, p38MAPK expression, respectively. Production of reactive oxygen species and collagen in CF with H2O2–induced oxidative stress was observed in the presence or absence of LASSBio-1027 (10 μM).

Results
Diastolic dysfunction was detected in MI group because the filling pressure (E/e') and the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were increased from 22.9±1.6 to 37.0±3.7 and from 3.2±0.9 to 18.2±2.2 mmHg (p&lt;0.01), respectively. LASSBio-1027 (70 μmol/kg) prevented diastolic dysfunction since E/e' and LVEDP reduced to 23.8±5.3 and 6.4±1.6 mmHg (p&lt;0.01). Adenosine receptor agonist improved systolic dysfunction in MI group with increase of ejection fraction from of 30.1±3.1 to 48.4±4.8% (p&lt;0.05). As shown in figure 1, MI promoted an increase in collagen deposition, cellular infiltrate, expression of SMA-α, TNF-α, iNOs, c-fos and p38MAPK which confirmed the intense fibrosis, cell proliferation and inflammation. Oral administration of LASSBio-1027 reduced those parameters in a dose dependent manner. LASSBio-1027 reduced H2O2-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation with the decrease of stain density of α-SMA from 1794.4 to 574.4 staining area/cell and collagen production from 33.7±9.6 to 22.1±18.9% (p&lt;0.05). Effects of LASSBio-1027 were inhibited by the antagonists of A2A (ZM-241385) and A3 (MRE3008F20) receptors.

Conclusions
Activation of adenosine A2A and A3 receptors by LASSBio-1027 improved cardiac function and remodeling induced by MI.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): CNPq. CAPES, FAPERJ Histological AnalysisImmunohistochemistry analysis
Physical exertion at work and addictive behaviors: tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, sugar and fat intake
Authors: Hamieh N , Descatha A , Zins M , Goldberg M , Czernichow S , Plessz M , Roquelaure Y , Lemogne C , Matta J , Airagnes G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
This study examined the prospective association of physical exertion at work with risk of tobacco, cannabis, alcohol use and sugar and fat consumption.

Methods
Volunteers of the French population-based CONSTANCES cohort currently employed were included from 2012 to 2017 for tobacco and cannabis outcomes (n = 100,612), and from 2012 to 2016 for alcohol and sugar and fat outcomes (n = 75,414). High level of physical exertion was defined as a score ≥12 at the Rating Perceived Exertion Borg scale. Substance use was self-reported and patterns of sugar and fat intakes were obtained from principal component analysis and used in quartiles. Generalized linear models computed odds of substance use and sugar and fat consumption at follow-up according to baseline physical exertion at work, while adjusting for sociodemographic factors, depressive symptoms and baseline level of consumption.

Results
High physical exertion was associated with tobacco use, i.e.: increased odd of relapse in former smokers (OR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02-1.24), and increased number of cigarettes per day in current smokers (OR = 1.54, 95%CI:1.33-1.78) with dose-dependent relationships (P for trend&lt;0.001). It was also associated with increased odd of cannabis use at least once per month compared to no use in the past year (OR = 1.31, 95%CI:1.03-1.66) and with increased odds of sugar and fat consumption (OR = 1.06, 95%CI:1.01-1.11 and OR = 1.13, 95%CI:1.07-1.18, for third and fourth quartiles compared to the first, respectively).

Conclusions
The associations between physical exertion at work and subsequent tobacco and cannabis use and sugar and fat consumption should be taken into account for information and prevention strategies.

Key messages
The associations between physical exertion at work and subsequent tobacco and cannabis use and sugar and fat consumption should be taken into account for information and prevention strategies. High physical exertion at work was positively associated with subsequent tobacco and cannabis use and sugar and fat consumption.
Assessment of glycemic control among Tunisian diabetic adults
Authors: Cherif I , Rejaibi S , Ben Mansour N , Zoghlami N , Saidi O , Skhiri A , Ben Slama F , Ben Romthane H , Turki Z , Aounallah-Skhiri H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Diabetes, a major public health issue in Tunisia, is responsible of an increased burden of morbidity and premature mortality. Achieving a good glycemic control is essential for reducing the morbidity-mortality associated with this disease. The purpose of our study was to assess the proportion of uncontrolled diabetes (UD) among Tunisian diabetic adults and assess associated factors.

Methods
A national household survey, stratified at three degrees, was conducted in 2016. As part of this study, we included previously diagnosed diabetic adults aged 20 years or above. Sociodemographic data and medical history were collected using an individual questionnaire, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) was measured using the “A1C Now +” device. The UD was defined based on the American Diabetes Association criteria for the year 2016 (HbA1c ≥7%). Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with UD. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). All data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results
A total of 873 subjects were included with a median age of 61 years and a sex-ratio equal to 0.9. The proportion of UD was (72.8%, 95% CI: [69.1-76.3]). In multivariate analysis, UD was more frequent among rural areas residents (AOR=1.8 [1.1-2.7]), those who had never seen a doctor within the year preceding the survey (AOR=2.2 [1.1-4.2]) and among those on oral antidiabetics (AOR=6.1 [1.9-18.9]) or insulin (AOR=23.8 [7.1-79.8]) compared to those who were following a diabetic diet.

Conclusions
This study highlighted a very high proportion of UD in diabetic Tunisian adults. A better involvement of primary care physicians in overall patient care, and improved availability of antidiabetic drugs for patients, are strongly recommended.

Key messages
Majority of Tunisian diabetic adults aged 20 years or older had an uncontrolled diabetes. Improving patient education and the availability of antidiabetic drugs for diabetic individuals in primary healthcare facilities is essential.
“Missed a vaccine?” Survey on vaccine hesitancy of high-risk categories in Bologna
Authors: Montalti M , Rallo F , Kregel J , Po G , Stillo M , Musti M , Pandolfi P , Fantini MP , Resi D , Gori D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Vaccine Hesitancy (VH) is considered by the WHO to be one of the ten threats of the 21st century. The Italian National Plan for Vaccine Prevention, as well as the European Action Plan, have among their objectives that of increasing the adherence to vaccinations both in general population and in categories at higher risk. It is precisely to these latter groups that the action of the Bologna Local Health Authority (LHA) has addressed targeted vaccination campaigns in recent years (e.g., DTP, HepB, PCV/PPV, RZV). Aim of our study was to investigate adherence to the proposed vaccination campaigns.

Methods
An anonymous QR-code scanned survey was administered to adults during the COVID-19 vaccine campaign in February in Bologna, a city in Northern Italy.

Results
A total of 2,321 participants were enrolled, 59% of whom were female. Among healthcare workers (n = 1,417), VH was 45.6% for Hib in 2020, 60.3% in 2019, and 68.3% in 2018; and 14.9% for HepB. Among people with chronic conditions (n = 149), 36.6% did not get the PCV/PPV vaccine. Among RZV vaccine recipients (n = 406), only 11.1% reported having been vaccinated. Women who were at least once pregnant in the last 5 years (n = 124), did not get the anti-pertussis vaccine in 41.9% of cases, and 71.8% of them refused the Hib vaccine. In general, the reasons most often given for missed vaccinations were ‘I did not inform myself enough about this specific vaccine' (ranging from 16.0% for Hib for healthcare workers to 44.8% for RZV), ‘I am not informed about the vaccinations I am entitled to' (27.3% for RZV, 31.8% for PCV/PPV), and ‘I do not find it useful' (46.2% for Hib in healthcare workers).

Conclusions
Our findings show that even in those who accept the COVID-19 vaccine, VH is high for other vaccinations campaigns run by the Bologna LHA. Targeted awareness and designed catch-up actions are needed, especially regarding this group that does not totally stand in the ranks of the so-called ‘no vax'.

Key messages
Vaccine Hesitancy toward other vaccines remains high among those who accept the anti-COVID-19 vaccination. A large number of hesitant respondents report either not being aware of the possibility of vaccination or not being adequately informed about the specific vaccine.
A dynamic GIS space-time diffusion model to tackle COVID-19 emergency
Authors: De Vito C , Pesaresi C , Villari P , Migliara G , Pavia D , Di Rosa E , Barbara A , Cerabona V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Surveillance and containment of the spread of COVID-19 requires the use of advanced geographic information science and technology (GIS&T) to map the spread and eventually to guide interventions. A dynamic space-time diffusion model in a GIS environment was developed and succesfully tested in Rome, Italy.

Methods
Information on cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by molecular diagnostics from Feb 25 to Sep 26 2020 (collected by a large Local Health Unit of Rome, Italy) was used to test a GIS simulator model able to monitor the spatial diffusion and temporal evolution of the spread of the disease. Data included information on: sex, date and place of birth, healthcare facility of hospitalization, date of notification, start date and end date of isolation, date of recovery (both clinical and laboratory confirmed), residence address.

Results
Globally, 3,056 cases were geocoded and analysed. The spatio-temporal analysis of the first 45 days since 25 Feb 2020 shows that the spread of COVID-19 was very fast (1,230 cases recorded on 11 Apr) and spatially widespread. Number of cases was highest in the city centre with clusters, thickets and axes in different sub-municipal areas. A slowdown occurred the following month, confirming the positive effect of the lockdown. This effect continued until 11 Jun with a small increase in the number of cases (+10.9%). The period up to 26 Sep is paradigmatic of the second wave, with a continuous increase in cases that spread from the city centre to the suburbs.

Conclusions
Using geocoding process and a detailed GIS mapping it is possible to identify streets, buildings and census sections where the number of cases is high and tends to increase rapidly and, at the same time, it is possible to distinguish clusters and axes that should be kept immediately under special observation as potential pools of super-diffusion. Development of its use in near-real time could bring significant advantages in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Key messages
The use of GIS technology is fundamental for mapping the spread of COVID-19. A greater effort should be made by institutions to increase the digitisation of health data and the possibility of using them for both research and surveillance purposes.
Promoting food literacy in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Riccardi MT , Savarese M , Acquati G , Nurchis MC , Sapienza M , Mastrilli V , Graps EA , Guendalina G , Damiani G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Diabetes is one of the major global health threats whose burden is sharply increasing. Food literacy is proved to be relevant to optimize self-management in diabetic patients. The present review aims to map the current literature on educational interventions to promote food literacy in type 2 diabetes, with a particular focus on the concept of patient engagement.

Methods
Five databases were queried using the Population-Intervention-Context-Outcome (PICO) model. Individual study quality was assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist for primary research provided by the American Diabetes Association. Data were summarized using descriptive statistic and a comparison between intervention carried out by a multidisciplinary team versus a single professionist was performed adopting a Chi-square test (p &lt; 0.05 was deemed as statistically significant).

Results
Of 1580 articles, 28 were finally included. Outcome categories were narratively labelled as “clinical”, “psychological”, “behavioural” and “literacy”. When the provider was a multidisciplinary team (25% of studies) improvement in self-management occurred in 86% of cases while in single-provider intervention the percentage was 71%, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.45). In the 10.7% of articles the use of technologies was reported, but generically descripted as the use of webpages, email or social media. Globally, an improvement in food literacy was reported in 75% of the interventions.

Conclusions
Nowadays, the use of a technology proxy is recognized as an efficient support in boosting patients' education, but the evidence in improving food literacy is scarce and difficult to compare. Public health programs improving food literacy are effective at different levels. These findings should encourage decision makers to allocate resources in this kind of programs.

Key messages
Engaging people in the management of their disease by increasing food literacy level may represent a first step to reach the “health in all policies” approach. When planning a public health intervention, allocating resources for improving individual’s education is essential to achieve better health outcomes.
Diabetes screening among School Teachers: Exploring the Ignored Dimension of School Health Program
Authors: Ketata N , Ben Ayed H , Baklouti M , Masmoudi I , Yaich S , Maamri H , Jdidi J , Kassis M , Feki H , Damak J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The rising prevalence of diabetes is a serious public health concern globally, with its complications and associated health expenditures. The school teachers have chronic stress, predisposing them to many chronic diseases. The aim of this survey was to assess the prevalence and the predisposing factors influencing diabetes among secondary school teachers.

Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on a three-stage randomized sample of 258 secondary school teachers of 12 public schools on march 2021. A self-administered and pretested questionnaire was performed to assess sociodemographic characteristics and a Glucometer using glucose sticks was used to measure fasting blood sugar level. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were defined according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Results
Overall, 136 participants were females (52.7%) giving a male to female ratio of 0.9. The median age was 49 years (Interquartile range (IQR) = [43-53]). Of all teachers, 228 cases (88.4%) were married, 190 cases (73.6%) were from urban areas and 63 cases (24.4%) had a chronic disease. There were 29 (11.2%) active smokers. We noted that 23 participants were diabetics, giving a prevalence of fortuitous discovery diabetes of 8.9%. The prevalence of pre-diabetes was 10.5%. In multivariate logistic regression, higher prevalence of diabetes was independently associated with daily consumption of coffee (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.8; p = 0.048); frequently pasta consumption (&gt;3 times/week) (AOR=1.8; p = 0.012); family history of diabetes (AOR=2.5; p = 0.032), work seniority &gt;30 years (AOR= 2.2; p = 0.041) and higher body mass index (AOR=3.2; p = 0.02)

Conclusions
Our study results indicated that the prevalence of diabetes was relatively high among school teachers, addressing the urgent need for adopting healthy lifestyle. The School health program can be utilized as an effective tool to screen non-communicable diseases and to strengthen primary preventive care in school.

Key messages
Diabetes screening and associated factors. School teachers.
Non-communicable diseases in Southern Tunisia: morbidity, mortality profile and chronological trends
Authors: Ketata N , Ben Ayed H , Jedidi J , Yaich S , Maamri H , Baklouti M , Karray R , Kassis M , Feki H , Damak J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a major public health problem worldwide. Giving their impact on the morbidity and mortality burden, understanding their chronological trends over time is a priority for epidemiological surveillance. We aimed to determine the epidemiological specificities of NCDs and to study their chronological trends over the period 2010-2015.

Methods
We retrospectively collected data of hospitalized patients from the regional registry of morbidity and mortality in the Southern University Hospital of Tunisia during the period 2010-2015.

Results
We included 18081 patients with NCDs aged ≥ 25 years, with an annual number of 3013 cases/year. The median age of patients was 60 years(Interquartile range IQR = [43-80 years)]). There were 10288 males(57%), with a sex ratio (male/female)of 1.3. The distribution of NCDs was characterized by the predominance of cardiovascular disease(CVD)(10346 cases, 57.2%), then cancers(3034 cases; 16.8%),diabetes(2489 cases; 13.8%) and chronic respiratory tract diseases(2212 cases; 12.2%). Chronological trends analysis of NCDs showed that they remained globally stable between 2010 and 2015. The same result was applied to the group of cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus. However, there was a sharp rise for CVD between 2010 and 2015(ρ = 0.84; p = 0.036). The proportion of CVD increased significantly among men(ρ = 0.87; p = 0.019) and elderly(ρ = 0.88; p = 0.019). During the study period, 234 deaths were due to NCDs, with hospital mortality and lethality rates of 5.2/1000 hospitalizations and 1.29%, respectively. CVD were the main cause of deaths(60%). The hospital mortality rate of NCDs increased significantly from 2010 to 2015(ρ = 0.85; p = 0.031), notably for CVDs(ρ = 0.94; p = 0.005).

Conclusions
Chronological trends analysis revealed a significant rise in the morbidity and mortality burden ofCVDs during the period 2010-2015. It is imperative, therefore, to strengthen health care for these patients.

Key messages
Non-communicable diseases. Morbidity and mortality.