bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remdesivir-Associated Survival Outcomes Among Immunocompromised Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: Real-world Evidence From the Omicron-Dominant Era
Authors: Mozaffari Essy , Chandak Aastha , Gottlieb Robert L , Chima-Melton Chidinma , Berry Mark , Amin Alpesh N , Sax Paul E , Kalil Andre C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with immunocompromising conditions are at increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–related hospitalizations and deaths. Randomized clinical trials provide limited enrollment, if any, to provide information on the outcomes in such patients treated with remdesivir.

Methods
Using the US PINC AI Healthcare Database, we identified adult patients with immunocompromising conditions, hospitalized for COVID-19 between December 2021 and February 2024. The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality examined in propensity score–matched patients in remdesivir vs nonremdesivir groups. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with cancer, hematological malignancies, and solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Results
Of 28 966 patients included in the study, 16 730 (58%) received remdesivir during the first 2 days of hospitalization. After propensity score matching, 8822 patients in the remdesivir and 8822 patients in the nonremdesivir group were analyzed. Remdesivir was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate among patients with no supplemental oxygen (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.73 [.62–.86] at 14 days and 0.79 [.68–.91] at 28 days) and among those with supplemental oxygen (0.75 [.67–.85] and 0.78 [.70–.86], respectively). Remdesivir was also associated with lower mortality rates in subgroups of patients with cancer, hematological malignancies (leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma), and solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants.

Conclusions
In this large cohort of patients with immunocompromising conditions hospitalized for COVID-19, remdesivir was associated with significant improvement in survival, including patients with varied underlying immunocompromising conditions. The integration of current real-world evidence into clinical guideline recommendations can inform clinical communities to optimize treatment decisions in the evolving COVID-19 era, extending beyond the conclusion of the public health emergency declaration.
Remdesivir Effectiveness in Reducing the Risk of 30-Day Readmission in Vulnerable Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Retrospective US Cohort Study Using Propensity Scores
Authors: Mozaffari Essy , Chandak Aastha , Gottlieb Robert L , Kalil Andre C , Jiang Heng , Oppelt Thomas , Berry Mark , Chima-Melton Chidinma , Amin Alpesh N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Reducing hospital readmission offer potential benefits for patients, providers, payers, and policymakers to improve quality of healthcare, reduce cost, and improve patient experience. We investigated effectiveness of remdesivir in reducing 30-day coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related readmission during the Omicron era, including older adults and those with underlying immunocompromising conditions.

Methods
This retrospective study utilized the US PINC AI Healthcare Database to identify adult patients discharged alive from an index COVID-19 hospitalization between December 2021 and February 2024. Odds of 30-day COVID-19-related readmission to the same hospital were compared between patients who received remdesivir vs those who did not, after balancing characteristics of the two groups using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Analyses were stratified by maximum supplemental oxygen requirement during index hospitalization.

Results
Of 326 033 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 during study period, 210 586 patients met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 109 551 (52%) patients were treated with remdesivir. After IPTW, lower odds of 30-day COVID-19-related readmission were observed in patients who received remdesivir vs those who did not, in the overall population (3.3% vs 4.2%, respectively; odds ratio [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 0.78 [.75–.80]), elderly population (3.7% vs 4.7%, respectively; 0.78 [.75–.81]), and those with underlying immunocompromising conditions (5.3% vs 6.2%, respectively; 0.86 [.80–.92]). These results were consistent irrespective of supplemental oxygen requirements.

Conclusions
Treating patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with remdesivir was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of 30-day COVID-19-related readmission across all patients discharged alive from the initial COVID-19 hospitalization, including older adults and those with underlying immunocompromising conditions.
Temporal trajectory and left ventricular ejection fraction association of eight circulating biomarkers in first acute myocardial infarction patients: a 12-month prospective cohort study
Authors: Elbaz Meyer , Grazide Marie-Hélène , Bataille Vincent , Blanc Grégoire , Cantero Anne-Valérie , Firat Hueseyin , Vindis Cécile 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
Our study aimed to explore the temporal trajectory of eight circulating biomarkers, measured serially over 12 months, in a prospective observational cohort of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to investigate the association between these biomarkers and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during follow-up assessments.

Methods and results
We enrolled 155 patients admitted for a first AMI requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Baseline characteristics, laboratory test results, and cardiac ultrasound examinations were collected at pre-PCI (H0), immediately post-PCI (H24), at discharge (D3), and at 6 months (M6) and 12 months (M12) post-PCI. Blood samples were analysed for established and emerging biomarkers described in left ventricular dysfunction: soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), osteopontin, angiopoietin-2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), hepcidin, and galectin-3. Values at H24, D3, M6, and M12 were compared with value at H0. Three kinetic profiles were identified, with six biomarkers peaking during the acute MI phase. Crude relationships between clinical variables and the peak values (highest observed between H0 and D3) of each biomarker were studied. Peak levels of sST2, IL-6, osteopontin, and angiopoietin-2 demonstrated significant correlations with both baseline and follow-up LVEF values.

Conclusion
The assessment of the temporal trajectories of these biomarkers and their associations with LVEF suggests that sST2, IL-6, osteopontin, and angiopoietin-2 hold significant promise as companion biomarkers. These biomarkers may improve the identification of patients at risk for developing impaired LVEF following AMI, thereby enabling more targeted and effective management strategies.
Quality of life effects of renal artery stenting versus medical therapy for atherosclerotic renal-artery stenosis: results from the randomized CORAL trial
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V , Wang Kaijun , Kirtane Ajay J , Magnuson Elizabeth A , Chinnakondepalli Khaja M , Cooper Christopher J , Dworkin Lance D , Cohen David J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Renal-artery stenosis can be associated with difficult to control hypertension, although renal-artery stenting has not been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Alternative antihypertensive medications could potentially result in quality of life benefits with renal-artery stenting.

Methods and results
We performed a pre-specified quality of life sub-study of the CORAL trial—multicenter, randomized, open-label trial of renal-artery stenting vs. medical therapy in patients with atherosclerotic renal-artery stenosis. Longitudinal growth curve models were used to compare the Physical Symptoms Distress Index (PSDI), SF-36, and EQ-5D scores over time between treatment groups. We also sought to validate the approach of assessing quality of life in hypertension studies. Among 906 patients (mean age 69.2 ± 9.1 years, 49.7% men), symptom frequency and distress due to side effects from antihypertensive medications changed minimally over time, with no significant differences between treatment groups. There were also no clinically significant differences between treatment groups for the SF-36 and its subscales or the EQ-5D. In internal validation of the quality of life measures, the PSDI correlated well with number/type of antihypertensive medications, and generic health status measures correlated with late clinical events.

Conclusions
In a large, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, we found no significant benefit of routine renal-artery stenting over medical management for the treatment of atherosclerotic renal-artery stenosis in terms of disease-specific or generic quality of life measures. As these quality of life measures are important to patients and are associated with medication compliance, future studies of antihypertensive treatments should consider including these quality of life measures as secondary outcomes.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00081731
Do non-farmers pay more for land than farmers?
Authors: Schmidt Lorenz , Odening Martin , Ritter Matthias 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The increase in farmland prices in many parts of the world over the past decade has sparked discussions about whether non-farmers pay higher prices for farmland. This study uses a causal machine learning approach with a rich data set of land transactions in Germany to quantify the potential price premium paid by non-farmers. By applying the causal forest method, we uncover the heterogeneity of price premiums and reveal moderating effects of covariates. We find that the average positive price premium by non-farmers decreases with parcel size and distance to a highway exit.
Examining health literacy in the Danish general population: a cross-sectional study on the associations between individual factors and healthcare-seeking behaviour
Authors: Sætre Lisa Maria Sele , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg , Raasthøj Isabella Pernille , Seldorf Sofie Amalie , Rasmussen Sanne , Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Knowledge about health literacy challenges among the general population is valuable for initiatives targeting social inequity in health. We investigated health literacy in various population groups and the impact of healthcare-seeking behaviour by analysing the associations between (i) lifestyle, socioeconomics, self-rated health, chronic disease, and health literacy and (ii) symptom burden, contact to general practitioner (GP), and health literacy. In total, 27 488 individuals participated in a population-based survey. Questionnaire data comprised information about symptoms, GP contact, lifestyle, self-rated health, chronic disease, and four aspects of health literacy: feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, having sufficient information about health, having social support for health, and being able to actively engage with healthcare providers. Socioeconomics were obtained from registers. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression models were applied. Individuals who smoked, lived alone, had different ethnicity than Danish, and low self-rated health had more health literacy challenges reflected in lower scores for all aspects of health literacy. Individuals with high symptom burden and those who had presented a high absolute number of symptoms to their GP were less likely to have sufficient information about health and be able to actively engage, whereas individuals reporting GP contact with a high relative percentage of their symptoms were more likely to feel understood and supported by healthcare providers. Health literacy challenges are related to healthcare-seeking behaviour and several individual factors. To address social inequity in health and society, interventions aimed at both the individual and community-based health literacy are essential.
The white gene as a transgenesis marker for the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Gonzalez-Sqalli Emmanuel , Caron Matthieu , Loppin Benjamin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The cricket Gryllus bimaculatus is an emerging model insect of the order Orthoptera that is used in a wide variety of biological research themes. This hemimetabolous species appears highly complementary to Drosophila and other well-established holometabolous models. To improve transgenesis applications in G. bimaculatus, we have designed a transformation marker gene inspired from the widespread Drosophila mini-white+. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we first generated a loss-of-function mutant allele of the Gb-white gene (Gb-w), which exhibits a white eye coloration at all developmental stages. We then demonstrate that transgenic insertions of a piggyBac vector containing a 3xP3-Gb-w+ cassette rescue eye pigmentation. As an application, we used this vector to generate G. bimaculatus lines expressing a centromeric histone H3 variant (CenH3.1) fused to EGFP and validated EGFP-CenH3.1 detection at cricket centromeres. Finally, we demonstrate that Minos-based germline transformation and site-specific plasmid insertion with the ΦC31 integrase system function in G. bimaculatus.
The Highly Repetitive Genome of Myxobolus rasmusseni, an Emerging Myxozoan Parasite of Fathead Minnows
Authors: Muthye Viraj R , Leon Coria Aralia , Liu Hongrui , Goater Cameron P , Finney Constance A M , Wasmuth James D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Myxozoans are a monophyletic taxon of approximately 2,400 described species of parasites from the phylum Cnidaria. The recent focus on their negative impacts on fisheries, on their evolution from free-living ancestors, and on their emergence into new fish host populations has stressed the critical need for genomic resources for this parasitic group. Here, we describe the genome assembly and annotation of Myxobolus rasmusseni, an emerging parasite of fathead minnows in Alberta, Canada. The assembly is 174.6 Mb in size, 68% of which is made up of repetitive elements, making it one of the most repetitive animal genomes sequenced to date. Through comparisons to other myxozoans, we show that widespread gene loss, a known phenomenon of this group of parasites, is consistent with closely related species. Additionally, we assembled the M. rasmusseni mitochondrial genome, which is nearly twice the size of the typical animal mitochondrial genome yet contains only five of the canonical mitochondrial protein-coding genes and open reading frames not found in other myxozoans. These results add to our understanding of the gene- and genome-level diversity observed in myxozoans.
Housing and Community Partner Views on the Benefits of Housing With Services: The Right Care, Right Place, Right Time Program
Authors: Miller Edward Alan , Nadash Pamela , Simpson Elizabeth , Cohen Marc A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Older adult-focused housing with services programs seek to improve access to supportive services, particularly among individuals residing in subsidized housing. The Right Care, Right Place, Right Time (R3) program comprises 2 on-site wellness teams responsible for 400 participants across 7 housing sites in Greater Boston. These embedded teams work directly with residents to address health-related needs and access to services. This study reports on the perceived benefits of participating in the R3 program from the perspective of housing staff and community partners.

Research Design and Methods
Data were derived from 24 semistructured interviews conducted as part of a program evaluation. Participants described resident, housing, and system-related reasons for deciding to participate in the R3 program and their experiences of their participation.

Results
In addition to positive overall assessments, housing partner interviewees reported concrete and psychosocial benefits for housing residents (e.g., connecting with resources, enabling longer stays, empowering residents, alleviating distress) and staffing and resident-related benefits. Community partners perceived more appropriate utilization of services by residents (e.g., reducing emergency transports).

Discussion and Implications
Findings elucidate why housing and community partners might be motivated to integrate housing, health, and supportive care into affordable housing for older adults using a wellness team.
The Interaction Between Indigenous Identity and Rural Residency in Dementia Prevalence Among Ecuadorian Older Adults
Authors: Amano Takashi , Gallegos-Riofrío Carlos Andres , Freire Wilma B , Waters William F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
While recognizing the acknowledged difference in dementia prevalence between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, most previous studies were conducted in the Global North. This study aims to examine the relationship between Indigenous ethnic identity and dementia status with a special focus on urban–rural differences among older adults in Ecuador.

Research Design and Methods
Data came from Ecuador’s Survey of Health, Welfare, and Aging, derived from a probability sample of households in Ecuador. The final sample comprised 4,984 adults aged 60 or older. Dementia status was assessed through 3 indicators: low scores on a cognitive assessment, the number of difficulties in instrumental activities of daily living, and self-reported dementia diagnosis. Logistic regression and multivariate decomposition analyses were utilized.

Results
Indigenous participants, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors, exhibited a higher likelihood of having dementia compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Among Indigenous participants, those residing in rural areas had a higher likelihood of having dementia status, while there was no significant urban–rural difference observed among non-Indigenous participants. Rural residency and covariates explain 91.0% of the observed difference in dementia prevalence between Indigenous and non-Indigenous older adults.

Discussion and Implications
Indigenous older adults who are living in rural areas are at particularly high risk of having dementia largely because they have presently recognized modifiable risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need to prioritize provisions of appropriate and equitable service related to dementia for Indigenous people living in rural areas outside high-income countries.
End-of-Life Doulas: A Systematic Integrative Review and Redirection
Authors: Thompson Amber D , Utz Rebecca L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
End-of-life (EOL) doulas (EOLD) are an emerging role providing nonmedical support and advocacy for the dying and their families. Research about EOLD is new and currently highlights a need for more clarity in role definition and application. This review aims to comprehensively analyze existing knowledge regarding EOLD and their role in EOL care.

Research Design and Methods
A systematic and comprehensive search of 9 bibliographic databases identified all published academic articles related to EOLD (as named, self-identified, and/or trained) research from inception to June 2023. This review utilized an integrative approach and textual narrative synthesis to summarize the existing body of research findings related to EOLD.

Results
25 articles were identified, representing multiple disciplines including health and medicine, public health, social/behavioral sciences, and humanities. Research on EOLD has rapidly increased in recent years and is showing signs of maturation. The review focuses specifically on summarizing the breadth and depth of identified research on EOLD and critically analyzes emergent themes from the review: Application, Perception, Identity, and Future Research Directions.

Discussion and Implications
This review provides the most comprehensive review of the research literature on EOLD to date. Thematic findings for future research directions have provided the basis of a redirected research agenda to guide the field going forward. There is still a need to clarify who EOLD are and how they are being conceptualized by multiple stakeholders. Future research must address these missing voices to fully grasp the value and unique role that EOLD contribute to EOL care.
Performance of the Washington Group questions in measuring blindness and deafness
Authors: Landes Scott D , Swenor Bonnielin K , Hall Jean P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Washington Group Short Set (WGSS) questions are intended to measure the severity of disability and disability status in US federal surveys. We used data from the 2010–2018 National Health Interview Survey to examine the performance of the WGSS visual disability and hearing disability questions in capturing blindness and deafness. We found that the WGSS questions failed to capture 35.7% of blind adults and 43.7% of deaf respondents as having a severe disability, or, per their recommended cut point, as being disabled. Coupled with evidence demonstrating the poor performance of the WGSS questions in estimating the size of the overall disability population, we contend that results from this study necessitate a halt in the use of the WGSS questions to measure disability in US federal surveys.
Hybrid repair of complicated acute aortic arch intramural haematoma with the Castor single-branch stent graft
Authors: Rizza Antonio , Palmieri Cataldo , Di Sibio Silvia , Murzi Michele 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We report the off-label application of the Castor single-branch stent graft for a complicated acute intramural haematoma involving the aortic arch. The endograft was deployed in zone 1 with the single branch in the left common carotid artery through a surgical left carotid and percutaneous right femoral artery access. The procedure was completed with the construction of a left carotid-subclavian bypass followed by plug embolization of the left subclavian artery.
Relative Effectiveness and Waning of a Third Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 65 Years and Older during the BA.1/BA.2 Omicron Period
Authors: Lu Yun , Matuska Kathryn , McEvoy Rowan , Izurieta Hector S , Hervol Jessica Rose , Menis Mikhail , Lindaas Arnstein , Steele Whitney R , Chillarige Yoganand , Wernecke Michael , Kelman Jeffrey A , Forshee Richard A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
We assessed the added benefit and waning effectiveness of a third COVID-19 vaccine dose (original formula) for preventing COVID-19-related outcomes.

Methods
We used Medicare claims data to conduct a retrospective cohort study in U.S. community-dwelling Medicare Fee-for-Service beneficiaries aged ≥65 years during the BA.1/BA.2 Omicron period (December 19, 2021 – March 26, 2022). We estimated relative vaccine effectiveness (RVE) of 3 versus 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines using marginal structural Cox regression models.

Results
Among 8,135,020 eligible beneficiaries, 73.3% were 3-dose vaccinated by March 26, 2022. At 14-60 days since vaccination, a third dose provided significant added benefit against COVID-19-related hospitalization for Moderna (RVE: 77.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 76.0%, 78.4%) and Pfizer-BioNTech (RVE: 72.5%; 95% CI: 70.8%, 74.0%). Added benefit was lower &gt;120 days. For those with prior medically attended COVID-19 diagnoses, Pfizer-BioNTech provided an added benefit for 120 days, while Moderna provided some added benefit &gt;120 days. Added benefit for either vaccine was higher against death compared to less severe outcomes, which still decreased &gt;120 days.

Conclusions
A third dose COVID-19 vaccine provided significant added benefit against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, even for beneficiaries with prior medically attended COVID-19 diagnoses. This added benefit decreased after 4 months.