bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burden of Herpes Zoster in Individuals With Chronic Conditions in the Republic of Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Database Study
Authors: Chen Jing , Shin Ju-Young , Bea Sungho , Ye Byong Duk , Lee Dong-Gun , Kim Hyungwoo , Choi Won Suk , Shantakumar Sumitra 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic conditions (CCs) may increase the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) infection, leading to a greater healthcare burden in these individuals compared to those without CCs. It is therefore clinically important to quantify HZ disease burden in individuals with and without CCs, given the rapidly aging population in the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Methods
This retrospective cohort study examines the trends in incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) in individuals aged ≥18 years with CCs, using the National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) database from 2010 to 2019. These patients were stratified by age group, sex, HZ complications, and CCs. The annual average number of HZ patients, IRs, and IRRs were calculated for individuals with and without CCs.

Results
In total, 729 347 patients with HZ were eligible for the study. HZ IRs were highest in patients with diabetes, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, asthma, and chronic liver disease, with HZ IRRs following a similar trend. Overall, HZ IRs generally increased with age, typically peaking at 60–64 or 65–69 years, and were similar for females and males. HZ IRs were highest among patients without complications, followed by HZ with other, cutaneous, ocular, and neurologic complications across all CCs. For each of the CCs, HZ IRs were consistently higher than those of the non-CC population regardless of sex.

Conclusions
The findings of this study reiterate the importance of HZ prevention for healthy aging, especially for CC populations at increased risk of HZ in the ROK.
Treatment of intracranial aneurysms using the Tubridge flow diverter
Authors: Yuan Dun , Zhenmei Nibu , Guo Yuxin , Cao Fang , Liu Junyu , Jiang Weixi , Li Yifeng , Yan Junxia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The Tubridge flow diverter (TFD) was recently developed to treat intracranial aneurysm (IA). In this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of this novel device.

Methods
A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with IA was recruited between June 2017 and February 2022. The studied outcomes were perioperative complications, clinical quality of life, and angiographic IA occlusion. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore the potential predictors of perioperative stroke events and IA occlusion. A comprehensive literature review was conducted across five databases for evidence synthesis.

Results
Among the patients with IA in our cohort, 144 underwent successful TFD implantation. Postoperative stroke was observed in 11 (7.6%) patients, and 130 (90.3%) patients were discharged with modified Rankin scales (mRS) of ≤2. In the last clinical follow-up (mean, 16.9 months), 96.6% of the patients reported a satisfactory quality of life (mRS ≤2). IA occlusion was observed in 84.6% of the patients at the last angiographic follow-up (mean, 10.4 months). Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [odds ratio (OR), 6.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–43.91] and giant IA (OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 1.15–27.48) were associated with perioperative stroke events. The evidence synthesis found high rates of satisfactory quality of life (rate, 98.8%; 95% CI, 97.1–99.9%) and IA obliteration (rate, 78.5%; 95% CI, 74.0–82.7%) after TFD treatment. The pooled complication rate was 13.6% (95% CI, 10.9–16.5%).

Conclusions
This study identified a high rate of IA occlusion in patients who received TFD treatment. These patients also reported a satisfactory quality of life. Further studies in larger prospective cohorts with longer follow-up periods are warranted to verify our findings.
Key message What is already known on this topic Flow diverter (FD) devices are an optimal tool to modify hemodynamics and treat intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, the safety and efficacy of a novel self-expanding FD, namely the Tubridge flow diverter (TFD), remain to be fully established owing to the short-term follow-up periods and limited sample size of existing studies. What this study adds In our cohort of patients who received TFD treatment, 96.6% of patients reported satisfactory quality of life at the last clinical follow-up (mean, 16.9 months); and 84.6% of IAs were successfully occluded at the last angiographic follow-up (mean, 10.4 months). Our comprehensive review and evidence synthesis of existing studies on TFD found high rates of satisfactory quality of life (98.8%; 97.1–99.9%) and IA obliteration (78.5%; 74.0–82.7%). How this study might affect research, practice or policy TFD demonstrated satisfactory performance in the treatment of IAs in our cohort. Studies with larger prospective cohorts and longer follow-up periods are warranted to further investigate this promising novel approach.
Large language models and rheumatology: are we there yet?
Authors: Benavent Diego , Madrid-García Alfredo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The last two years have marked the beginning of a golden age for natural language processing (NLP) in medicine. The arrival of large language models (LLMs) and multimodal models have raised new opportunities and challenges for research and clinical practice. In rheumatology, a specialty rich in data and requiring complex decision-making, the use of these tools may transform diagnostic procedures, improve patient interaction, and simplify data management, leading to more personalized and efficient healthcare outcomes. The objective of this article is to present an overview of the status of LLMs in the field of rheumatology while discussing some of the challenges ahead in this area of great potential.
Estimated prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea by occupation and industry in England: a descriptive study
Authors: Kinoshita Ryohei , Quint Jennifer K , Kallis Constantinos , Polkey Michael I 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Study Objectives
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can induce excessive sleepiness, causing work-related injuries and low productivity. Most individuals with OSA in the United Kingdom are undiagnosed, and thus, theoretically, workplace screening, might by identifying these individuals improve both their individual health and overall productivity. However, the prevalence of OSA in different workplaces is unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of OSA by industries and occupations in England.

Methods
The Health Survey for England 2019 dataset was combined with Sleep Heart Health Study dataset. We applied multiple imputation for the combined dataset to estimate OSA in the English population aged 40–64. We estimated the pooled prevalence of OSA by both industry and occupation by separating samples by Standard Industry Classification and Standard Occupation Classification.

Results
The overall OSA prevalence estimated by imputation for ages 40–64 was 17.8% (95% CI = 15.9% to 19.9%). Separating those samples into industrial/occupational groups, the estimated prevalence of OSA varied widely by industry/occupation. Descriptive analysis revealed that the estimated prevalence of OSA was relatively higher in the Accommodation and food, Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, Construction industries, and Protective service occupations, health and social care associate professionals, and skilled construction and building trades occupations.

Conclusions
In England in 2019, Accommodation and food, Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, Construction industries, and Protective service occupations, health and social care associate professionals, and skilled construction and building trades occupations showed a relatively higher prevalence of OSA indicating that they may be target populations for workplace screening.
How “Ceremonial Openness” Prevents Organizational Change: An Analysis of Corporate Earnings Calls in the Oil and Gas Industry, 2007–2020
Authors: Ladegaard Isak , Rieger Annika 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Incumbent firms resist change as they have much to lose if things go wrong. But inertia can also be costly, particularly in times of crisis. In a world on fire, does corporate transparency foster engagement with external threats to future organizational success? To answer this question, we conduct a mixed-methods analysis of 887 public earnings-calls meetings between executives, investors, and outside analysts from 24 major oil and gas companies in 2007–2020, a period marked by extreme weather events and increased popular and political pressure to slow global warming. We find that formal rituals that promote openness and debate to protect investors reproduce the status quo by cultivating narratives that deny the need for change.
O03 THE SEVERITY OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION AND VARIOUS FORMS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Authors: Yusupova Khafiza , Abdullaeva Guzal , Khamidullaeva Gulnoz , Mashkurova Zarina , Radjabova  , Sherbadalova N , Pulatova M 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
comparative analysis of the severity of cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients with various forms of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Materials and methods:
During the observation period, 156 patients of both sexes with I–III degree of arterial hypertension (AH) were examined. The average age of patients was 63.8±9.07 years, duration of hypertension was 12.8±7.8 years. To analyze cognitive impairment in patients with AF 3 groups of patients were formed: Group I - hypertension and AF with a permanent form, n = 91, Group II - hypertension and AF with a paroxysmal form, n = 18, Group III - AH and persistent AF form, n=47. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Mini-Cog test, MOCA. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression levels. The results are presented as M±SD.

Results:
The analysis of psychological testing data showed that cognitive impairment is more pronounced in the group of patients with a permanent form of AF. Thus, the total score on the Mini-Cog test in group I of patients was 3.73±1.3 points, while in group II it was 4.0±1.11 points (p<0.05). According to MoCa scale, the total score was superior in group II patients, amounting to 19.7±6.14, while in group I this figure was 19.2±6.08 (p<0.05), and in group III is 18.8±7.22, which indicates a greater severity of cognitive impairment in patients with hypertension and AF with a permanent form and a persistent form. Cognitive functions such as memory are significantly better in group II compared to group I: 7.88±1.99 points versus 6.9±1.78 points, respectively (p>0.05), and decision-making function is significantly better in group III group. It should be noted that according to the HADS scale, the severity of anxiety and depression is higher in group III.

Conclusion:
A comparative analysis of psychological testing data taking into account the form of AF showed that cognitive impairment is more pronounced in patients with a permanent form of AF.
O06 HYPERTENSION CONTROL AND COMORBIDITIES: INSIGHTS FROM THE MAY MEASUREMENT MONTH CAMPAIGN, 2017-2019
Authors: Razo Christian , Beaney Thomas , Poulter Neil R. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Schutte Aletta E. , Johnson Catherine O. , Roth Gregory A 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Hypertension frequently coexists with other chronic conditions and cardiometabolic risk factors. The identification of comorbidities is key in the management of hypertensive patients. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at enhancing the detection and awareness of hypertension. This study analyzes data from MMM collected between 2017 and 2019 to evaluate hypertension control among adults aged 18 years and the frequency of comorbidities.

Methods:
Three sitting blood pressure (BP) readings, anthropometric measurements, and self-reported history of diabetes, myocardial infarction and stroke were collected. Missing BP readings were inputted using multiple imputation based on available BP measurements and sociodemographic variables. Hypertension was defined as an average systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. Hypertension treatment was defined as current medication use; control was defined as BP <140/90 mmHg.

Results:
Among 2,907,848 participants from 95 countries, 34.2% had hypertension, and 12.1% had a history of at least one other chronic condition. Specifically, 8.3% self-reported type 2 diabetes, 4.5% had experienced myocardial infarction, and 2.9% had a history of stroke. Some individuals had multiple comorbidities at the time of the screening: 6% had both myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes, 8% had myocardial infarction and stroke, 2% had stroke and type 2 diabetes, and 8% had all three comorbidities.
Among those with hypertension, 58.9% were on medication and 24.0% had at least one additional comorbidity, specifically, 15.8% reported type 2 diabetes, 8.8% had experienced myocardial infarction, and 5.5% had a history of stroke.
Of those with hypertension on medication, 43.1% were controlled. Among treated individuals, hypertension control rates were higher in individuals with comorbidities (50% vs 30%). Conversely, individuals without comorbidities had poorer hypertension control.

Conclusions:
The data suggest a high prevalence of comorbidities within the screened population and among individuals diagnosed with hypertension. Additionally, individuals without comorbidities exhibited suboptimal hypertension management.
O29 LACK OF VALIDATED BLOOD PRESSURE DEVICES FOR USE IN PREGNANCY AVAILABLE FROM AUSTRALIAN PHARMACIES
Authors: Slater Kaylee , Chapman Niamh , Picone Dean 
Published: September 2024

Background and objective.
Self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) at home can aid in the management of hypertension, including during pregnancy. Only 20% of home BP devices have been validated for the general population. However, specific accuracy validation in pregnant women is required for use among this population. The availability of home BP devices that have been validated for use in pregnant women is unknown, which was the aim of this study. Secondary aims were to assess device cost and claims regarding use in pregnancy.

Methods.
A search of pharmacies with physical and online stores in Australia that sell upper-arm cuff home BP devices was conducted. Validation status in pregnant women was determined by checking model numbers on the STRIDE-BP website. Cost of device and claims about the devices’ use in pregnancy were extracted from instruction manuals and information on the pharmacy webpage.

Results.
Eighteen pharmacies and 40 unique home BP devices were identified. Four (10%) devices were validated for use in pregnancy, and these were more expensive than other devices (Table). Fifteen devices listed a caution warning to seek healthcare provider advice before use if pregnant, including all four that had been validated for pregnancy. Concerningly, information about four devices stated they were recommended for pregnancy, although evidence of validation was not found on STRIDE-BP. Information about one device stated it had not been tested on pregnant women and was not suitable for use, although this information was only available in the device manual and not point-of-sale. Nineteen devices had no mention of pregnancy at all.

Conclusion.
Very few home BP devices available from Australian pharmacies are specifically validated for use in pregnancy, are priced higher than non-validated devices and do not effectively target their intended users. To guarantee that only validated home BP devices are used in pregnancy increased awareness is urgently needed and could be assisted by clear labelling on devices provided at the point-of-sale instore or online.

Table. Home BP devices sold in 18 Australian pharmacies.

BP: blood pressure. Cost displayed in Australian dollars (AUD). The percentages add to more than 100% because some devices validated in the general population were also validated for pregnancy and pre-eclampsia.
O30 AVAILABILITY OF PROPERLY VALIDATED AUTOMATED BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING DEVICES FOR CHILDREN: STRIDE BP SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Menti Ariadni , Mariglis Dimitrios , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos , Kollias Anastasios , Palatini Paolo , Parati Gianfranco , Wang Jiguang , Schutte Aletta , Stergiou George 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Properly validated automated upper-arm cuff blood pressure (BP) measuring devices are currently recommended for office, home, and ambulatory BP measurement. However, the validation of BP devices in children presents additional challenges, necessitating separate studies. This study assessed the evidence on accurate automated BP devices in children.

Methods:
STRIDE BP (www.stridebp.org) performs periodic systematic PubMed searches to identify validation studies of automated cuff BP monitors. Validation studies including children (3-12 years) conducted using an established protocol, including the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018), ANSI/AAMI/ISO 2013/2009, ESH-IP 2010/2002, AAMI 2002/1992/1987, and BHS 1993/1990, were identified from the STRIDE BP database.

Results:
Of 569 validation studies included in the STRIDE BP database, 47 (33 devices) were identified including children. Among them, STRIDE BP rejected 29 studies of which 18 were reported as “device pass” in the published paper. Among studies rejected by STRIDE BP but published as “pass”, main reasons for rejection were violations in the BP measurement procedure (sequence, number, repeats) (50%), inadequate reference device or cuffs for reference and test device (16.6%), inadequate sample size (22.2%), and single observer for reference BP (22.2%). Eventually 18 studies in children (38.3%) fulfilled all the validation protocol requirements, and 16 devices (10 available on the market) met the validation requirements and can be recommended for use in children. When additional ‘equivalent’ devices were considered (devices lacking validation studies but with differences from validated devices not affecting the measurement accuracy), 21 devices were found to be accurate, with 13 of them available on the market (Table).

Conclusions:
This analysis highlight a serious shortage of properly validated BP devices for children available in the market, with published validation studies often having major methodological issues. There is an urgent call to manufacturers and investigators to develop and properly validate more BP devices for children.

TABLE. Validated devices for office, home, and ambulatory BP measurement in children.
O31 VALIDATION ASSESSMENT OF A CUFF-BASED CENTRAL BLOOD PRESSURE DEVICE ACCORDING TO ARTERY SOCIETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Bui Tan , Picone Dean , Kosmala Wojciech , Kosowski MichaŁ , Zachwyc Jowita , Pucci Giacomo , Schultz Martin , Black Andrew , Dwyer Nathan , Roberts-Thomson Phillip , Adams Heath , Curcio Rosa , Arrivi Alessio , Paleri Sarang , Sharman James 
Published: September 2024

Background and objective.
Uscom BP+ is a cuff-based blood pressure (BP) device designed to non-invasively estimate central BP as distinct from conventional brachial BP. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the Uscom BP+ device compared to invasively measured BP.

Methods.
Automated non-invasive cuff central BP (using the Uscom BP+ device) and invasive central aortic BP (using fluid-filled catheters) were recorded simultaneously in 191 participants (65% male, aged 66±11 years) receiving coronary angiography at three independent research sites (Hobart, Australia, Perugia, Italy and Wroclaw, Poland). Validation assessment procedures were undertaken according to the Artery Society recommendations and with a minimal acceptable error of ≤5±≤8 mmHg as pass criteria.

Results.
Using the device default calibration technique (brachial cuff systolic [SBP] and diastolic BP [DBP]), cuff central SBP underestimated invasive central SBP [mean(SD) difference: -10.2(11.2) mmHg] and cuff central DBP overestimated invasive central DBP [mean(SD) difference: 9.7(8.6) mmHg]. When calibrating by cuff mean arterial pressure and DBP in a sub-group (n=140), SBP accuracy was improved, but variability remained high [mean(SD) difference: -6.4(13.8) mmHg, p=0.002 vs default calibration], whereas DBP accuracy and variability remained similar [mean(SD) difference: 9.0(8.4) mmHg, p=0.23 vs default calibration].

Conclusions.
The Uscom BP+ cuff device does not pass the Artery Society accuracy criteria compared with invasively measured central BP.
O66 CONCORDANCE BETWEEN THE PULSE WAVE VELOCITY ESTIMATED WITH TOTAL ARTERIAL COMPLIANCE AND CAROTID-FEMORAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Aristizabal-Ocampo Dagnovar , Espindola-Fernandez Diego , Correa-Correa Monica , Alvarez-Montoya Diego , Gallo-Villegas Jaime 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), considered a reference measure of aortic stiffness, plays a role in cardiovascular risk stratification. However, its application in clinical settings has been limited due to the need for additional equipment and trained personnel. Recently, our group developed a non-invasive method to estimate pulse wave velocity (PWV) based on total arterial compliance (Ct). Yet, the validity of this method remains uncertain. The objective was to evaluate the concordance between PWV estimated using Ct and cfPWV.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 56 adult patients who visited an outpatient cardiology center due to suspected hypertension. All participants underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-h ABPM). PWV was measured in all patients using two methods: i) the applanation tonometry technique, utilizing the SphygmoCor device (AtCor Medical, West Ryde, NSW, Australia); and ii) a novel method based on Ct derived from blood pressure and heart rate data obtained from 24-h ABPM, without the need for a pulse wave. This method utilized the relationship between Ct and PWV proposed by Vardoulis et al., derived from the Bramwell-Hill theory and experimental research, where PWV=√(36.7/Ct).

Results:
Among the participants, 58.9% were men, with an average age of 50.4±16.5 years and a body mass index of 28.0±4.3 kg/m2. The agreement of the PWV between the new method based on Ct and cfPWV was found to be very good (ICC 0.675; 95% CI 0.498 to 0.797), with a mean difference of 0.388±1.262 m/s (95% CI 0.050 to 0.726). Bland-Altman plots revealed that the differences between the methods were randomly distributed along the mean difference line (Figure).

Conclusions:
The ability to estimate PWV in humans using a new method based on Ct represents a significant advancement. This finding has the potential to streamline the implementation of PWV measurement as a risk marker in clinical practice.