bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of single-lead electrocardiogram interpretation to detect atrial fibrillation: insights from the SAFER feasibility study
Authors: Hibbitt Katie , Brimicombe James , Cowie Martin R , Dymond Andrew , Freedman Ben , Griffin Simon J , Hobbs F D R ichard , Lindén Hannah Clair , Lip Gregory Y H , Mant Jonathan , McManus Richard J , Pandiaraja Madhumitha , Williams Kate , Charlton Peter H 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Single-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) can be recorded using widely available devices such as smartwatches and handheld ECG recorders. Such devices have been approved for atrial fibrillation (AF) detection. However, little evidence exists on the reliability of single-lead ECG interpretation. We aimed to assess the level of agreement on detection of AF by independent cardiologists interpreting single-lead ECGs and to identify factors influencing agreement.

Methods and results
In a population-based AF screening study, adults aged ≥65 years old recorded four single-lead ECGs per day for 1–4 weeks using a handheld ECG recorder. Electrocardiograms showing signs of possible AF were identified by a nurse, aided by an automated algorithm. These were reviewed by two independent cardiologists who assigned participant- and ECG-level diagnoses. Inter-rater reliability of AF diagnosis was calculated using linear weighted Cohen’s kappa (κw). Out of 2141 participants and 162 515 ECGs, only 1843 ECGs from 185 participants were reviewed by both cardiologists. Agreement was moderate: κw = 0.48 (95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.58) at participant level and κw = 0.58 (0.53–0.62) at ECG level. At participant level, agreement was associated with the number of adequate-quality ECGs recorded, with higher agreement in participants who recorded at least 67 adequate-quality ECGs. At ECG level, agreement was associated with ECG quality and whether ECGs exhibited algorithm-identified possible AF.

Conclusion
Inter-rater reliability of AF diagnosis from single-lead ECGs was found to be moderate in older adults. Strategies to improve reliability might include participant and cardiologist training and designing AF detection programmes to obtain sufficient ECGs for reliable diagnoses.
Chronic Kidney Disease Is Associated With Increased All-Cause Mortality Risk Among Older Black Adults
Authors: Cobb Ryon J , Thorpe Roland J , Norris Keith N 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Older patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of all-cause mortality than the general population. However, there is limited information available on how CKD relates to all-cause mortality among Black adults in the United States. We aimed to investigate how CKD relates to all-cause mortality risk among older Black adults.

Research Design and Methods
This study draws on a subsample of self-identified Black participants (N = 1 393) from the Health and Retirement Study ages 52 to 96 who completed the anthropomorphic and biomarker supplement in 2006/2008. Our measure of CKD derives from serum cystatin C-based using dried blood spots, and all-cause mortality derives from the National Death Index and a key informant within the household from 2006 to 2019.

Results
Twenty-nine percent of respondents died during the study period, whereas 31% had CKD. The mean age of the entire sample is 64.52. Results from our Cox proportional hazards models showed that CKD was independently associated with an increased risk of death from all causes among older Black participants in a model that adjusted for demographics, behavioral, clinical, and health characteristics.

Discussion and Implications
Results from our study confirm that CKD is associated with increased risk of death from all causes among older Black adults. Future studies should examine whether changes in CKD over time relate to all-cause mortality risk among older Black adults.
The influence of crisis on policy formulation: the case of alcohol regulation in South Africa during COVID-19 (2020–21)
Authors: Hargovan Mumta , London Leslie , Orgill Marsha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study contributes to a neglected aspect of health policy analysis: policy formulation processes. Context is central to the policy cycle, yet the influence of crises on policy formulation is underrepresented in the health policy literature in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper analyses a detailed case study of how the COVID-19 crisis influenced policy formulation processes for the regulation of alcohol in South Africa, as part of COVID-19 control measures, in 2020 and 2021. It provides a picture of the policy context, specifically considering the extent to which the crisis influenced the position and power of actors, and policy content. Qualitative data were collected from nine key informant interviews and 127 documents. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. A policy formulation conceptual framework was applied as a lens to describe complex policy formulation processes. The study revealed that the perceived urgency of the pandemic prompted a heightened sense of awareness of alcohol-related trauma as a known, preventable threat to public health system capacity. This enabled a high degree of innovation among decision-makers in the generation of alternative alcohol policy content. Within the context of uncertainty, epistemic and experiential policy learning drove rapid, adaptive cycles of policy formulation, demonstrating the importance of historical and emerging public health evidence in crisis-driven decision-making. Within the context of centralization and limited opportunities for stakeholder participation, non-state actors mobilized to influence policy through the public arena. The paper concludes that crisis-driven policy formulation processes are shaped by abrupt redistributions of power among policy actors and the dynamic interplay of evolving economic, political and public health priorities. Understanding the complexity of the local policy context may allow actors to navigate opportunities for public health-oriented alcohol policy reforms in South Africa and other LMICs.
The first 100 years of the ICES Journal of Marine Science
Authors: Anderson Emory D 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
To celebrate the centenary of the ICES Journal of Marine Science in 2026, this article takes a retrospective look at what transpired with the Journal during those 100 years. Beginning with the original intent of the publication, its subsequent transformation is chronicled from being a French-titled journal focussing mainly on northeast Atlantic topics with three issues per volume to its present status as a well-known and highly rated publication 9–10 issues per year featuring papers from around the world addressing the full range of marine science investigations. The publication, subscriptions, and distribution of the Journal were initially handled by Danish firms, but were later contracted to major publishing companies such as Academic Press and Oxford University Press, the current publisher. Brief commentaries are provided of the nine individuals who have served as editor or editor-in-chief of the Journal throughout its 100-year history, as well as some who have served as assisting editors or editorial assistants in the ICES Secretariat. The management and promotion of the Journal by ICES are also reviewed.
Thrombomodulin Improves Cognitive Deficits in Heat-Stressed Mice
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hsien , Tang Ling-Yu , Wang Lin-Yu , Chang Ching-Ping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Thrombomodulin (TM) exerts anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects to improve the survival of patients with septic shock. Heat stroke resembles septic shock in many aspects. We tested whether TM would improve cognitive deficits and related causative factors in heat-stressed (HS) mice.

Methods
Adult male mice were exposed to HS (33°C for 2 hours daily for 7 consecutive days) to induce cognitive deficits. Recombinant human soluble TM (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered immediately after the first HS trial and then once daily for 7 consecutive days. We performed the Y-maze, novel objective recognition, and passive avoidance tests to evaluate cognitive function. Plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), coagulation parameters, and both plasma and tissue levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were biochemically measured. The duodenum and hippocampus sections were immunohistochemically stained. The intestinal and blood-brain barrier permeability were determined.

Results
Compared with controls, HS mice treated with TM had lesser extents of cognitive deficits, exacerbated stress reactions, gut barrier disruption, endotoxemia, blood-brain barrier disruption, and inflammatory, oxidative, and coagulatory injury to heart, duodenum, and hippocampal tissues, and increased plasma HMGB1. In addition to reducing cognitive deficits, TM therapy alleviated all the abovementioned complications in heat-stressed mice.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that HS can lead to exacerbated stress reactions, endotoxemia, gut barrier disruption, blood-brain barrier disruption, hippocampal inflammation, coagulopathy, and oxidative stress, which may act as causative factors for cognitive deficits. TM, an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-coagulatory agent, inhibited heat stress-induced cognitive deficits in mice.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Among Women in a Large Integrated Health Care Organization in the United States
Authors: Ackerson Bradley K , Tartof Sara Y , Chen Lie H , Contreras Richard , Reyes Iris Anne C , Ku Jennifer H , Pellegrini Michele , Schmidt Johannes E , Bruxvoort Katia J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur commonly and often recur. However, recent data on the epidemiology of recurrent UTI (rUTI) are scarce.

Methods
Between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020, index uncomplicated UTIs (uUTIs) from office, emergency department, hospital, and virtual care settings were identified from the electronic health records of women at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. We defined rUTI as ≥3 UTIs within 365 days or ≥2 UTIs within 180 days. We determined the proportion of women with cystitis index uUTI who had rUTI, and we examined factors associated with rUTIs using modified multivariable Poisson regression.

Results
Among 374 171 women with cystitis index uUTI, 54 318 (14.5%) had rUTI. A higher proportion of women with rUTI vs those without rUTI were aged 18 to 27 or ≥78 years at index uUTI (19.7% vs 18.7% and 9.0% vs 6.0%, respectively), were immunocompromised, or had a positive urine culture result at index uUTI. In multivariable analyses, characteristics associated with rUTI included younger or older age (48–57 vs 18–27 years: adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 0.83 [95% CI, .80–.85]; ≥78 vs 18–27 years: aRR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.03–1.11]), Charlson Comorbidity Index (≥3 vs 0: aRR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08–1.17]), and diabetes mellitus (aRR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.04–1.10]). More frequent prior-year outpatient and emergency department encounters, oral antibiotic and oral contraceptive prescriptions, positive culture result at index uUTI, and antibiotic-resistant organisms were also associated with increased risk of rUTI.

Conclusions
The high risk of rUTI among women with cystitis is concerning, especially given previous reports of increasing UTI incidence. Current assessment of the epidemiology of rUTI may guide the development of preventive interventions against UTI.
The Politics of Punishment: Why Dictators Join the International Criminal Court
Authors: Johns Leslie , Parente Francesca 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Scholars commonly argue that international law and organizations promote democracy by helping dictators to credibly commit to accountability, individual rights, and transparency. Yet dictators routinely join treaties and international organizations without transitioning to democracy. International law and organizations can generate asymmetric costs for domestic actors because international rules often apply to both governments and non-state actors, yet dictators can limit how these rules are upheld at the domestic and international level. We argue that dictators are most likely to join such treaties and international organizations when they face strong domestic political competition. We illustrate our argument using the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has extensive powers to prosecute individuals for international crimes, including crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. We show that ICC investigations and prosecutions have become a tool for incumbent dictators to target their domestic opponents. We examine the implications of our theory for multiple outcome variables, including the decision to join the ICC, violence, and the survival of dictators in power. Our evidence suggests that dictators are most likely to join the ICC when they face strong political opponents and are subsequently less likely to commit violence and more likely to survive in office.
Validation of a New Liquid Asymmetric-Electrode Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (LAEP-OES) Method for Measurement of Total Mercury in Tuna
Authors: Takagi Hidenori , Shibuta Yoshiaki , Yamashita Michiaki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Mercury intake is caused by eating seafood, such as tuna and other predatory fish species. To reduce the health risks of mercury intake, it is necessary to continuously measure and monitor mercury concentrations at fish farms and markets. We have developed a compact system that can detect multiple heavy metals by liquid asymmetric-electrode plasma optical emission spectroscopy (LAEP-OES).

Objective
The validity of the LAEP-OES method for total mercury levels was evaluated using standard solutions, certified substances, and specimens of bluefin tuna and other fish species.

Methods
All specimens were dissolved in 4 M lithium hydroxide solution and then dispensed into a sample reservoir well of the single-use measurement reagent pack. Total mercury levels were automatically measured within 15 min of placement into the dedicated equipment. A total of 102 fish specimens, classified into 10 fish species, were evaluated using the new method and the results were compared to those obtained from validated analytical methods.

Results
LOD (0.02 mg/kg), LOQ (0.07 mg/kg), repeatability (4.0%), intermediate precision (9.8%), and trueness (recoveries 107%) of the proposed method were within satisfactory limits for total mercury levels in fish. Additionally, when using various fish species, the method had a strong positive correlation with the results of cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS, the official method) with Spearman rs = 0.984.

Conclusion
The LAEP-OES method can be used for measuring total mercury levels in bluefin tuna. Total mercury measurement using this new method has the potential to be applied to other fish species.

Highlights
Total mercury levels in fish were measured using our unique analysis system. Pacific bluefin tuna, southern bluefin tuna, and Atlantic bluefin tuna distributed in the Japanese market were analyzed for total mercury in their wild and farmed fish varieties.
The role of osteopontin and osteocyte-derived factors in secondary hyperparathyroidism-induced myopathy
Authors: Duque Eduardo J , Crispilho Shirley F , Oliveira Ivone B , Dominguez Wagner V , Silva Cleonice , Furukawa Luzia , Teng André K , Avesani Carla M , Shinjo Samuel K , Elias Rosilene M , Jorgetti Vanda , Moysés Rosa M A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Muscle weakness is a common symptom in CKD patients, and the pathway by which secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) affects muscle function is unknown. Osteopontin (OPN), a bone matrix protein stimulated by PTH and phosphate, has been associated with inflammatory muscle diseases. In this observational and prospective cohort study, we evaluated 30 patients with severe SHPT (39 ± 12 yr; 18 women), before and 6 mo after parathyroidectomy (PTx). We examined the relationships among CKD–mineral and bone disorder parameters; myokine and inflammatory cytokine levels; and changes in resting energy expenditure (REE), muscle function, BMD, and muscle-related proteins. At baseline, the patients showed low gene expression of muscle turnover markers and irisin, as well as high protein expression of OPN, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and fibroblast growth factor 21. Six months after PTx, REE and muscle mass had not changed, but physical performance, muscle strength, and bone mass improved, more so in patients undergoing total PTx. Also, there were reductions in the protein expression of OPN (11 vs 3%, p=.01) and TGF-β (21 vs 7%, p=.002) in muscle, together with a significant increase in irisin muscular levels (30 vs 35 pg/mg, p=.02). The gain in bone mass and the increase in irisin levels correlated with a reduction in PTH. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-17 (markers of myositis) were also lower after PTx. Our data suggest that SHPT plays a role in CKD-induced muscle dysfunction, indirectly, via release of bone-specific proteins, which is partially reverted with PTx.
Protocol digest of a randomized phase III trial comparing S-1-based chemoradiotherapy with/without nivolumab for unresectable locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: JCOG1908E (PENETRATE)
Authors: Sano Yusuke , Kanai Masashi , Morizane Chigusa , Sasaki Keita , Yoshimura Michio , Ito Yoshinori , Furuse Junji , Ozaka Masato , Fukuda Haruhiko , Ueno Makoto ,   on behalf of the Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology Group in Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a highly lethal disease with a 5-year survival proportion of &lt;10%. Chemoradiotherapy is a treatment option for unresectable locally advanced (UR-LA) or borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic cancer, but its efficacy is not sufficient. Induction of the synergistic effect of irradiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors can be an attractive strategy. An open-label randomized phase III trial has been conducted since October 2020 to confirm the superiority of nivolumab plus S-1-based chemoradiotherapy over S-1-based chemoradiotherapy alone in patients with UR-LA or BR pancreatic cancer. A total of 216 patients will be enrolled in 14 institutions within 3.5 years. The primary endpoint of the safety run-in part is dose-limiting toxicity, and that of the phase III part is overall survival. This trial was registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials as jRCT2080225361 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT2080225361).
The relevance of eosinophils in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: inflammation, microbiome, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Higham Andrew , Beech Augusta , Singh Dave 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by the inhalation of noxious particles such as cigarette smoke. The pathophysiological features include airway inflammation, alveolar destruction, and poorly reversible airflow obstruction. A subgroup of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has higher blood eosinophil counts, associated with an increased response to inhaled corticosteroids and increased biomarkers of pulmonary type 2 inflammation. Emerging evidence shows that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with increased pulmonary eosinophil counts have an altered airway microbiome. Higher blood eosinophil counts are also associated with increased lung function decline, implicating type 2 inflammation in progressive pathophysiology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We provide a narrative review of the role of eosinophils and type 2 inflammation in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, encompassing the lung microbiome, pharmacological targeting of type 2 pathways in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the clinical use of blood eosinophil count as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease biomarker.
Incidence of peritoneal cancer after oophorectomy among BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers
Authors: Narod Steven A , Gronwald Jacek , Karlan Beth , Moller Pal , Huzarski Tomasz , Tung Nadine , Aeilts Amber , Eisen Andrea , Armel Susan Randall , Singer Christian F , Foulkes William D , Neuhausen Susan L , Olopade Olufunmilayo , Pal Tuya , Fruscio Robert , Metcalfe Kelly , Raj Rebecca , Jacobson Michelle , Sun Ping , Lubinski Jan , Kotsopoulos Joanne 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
To estimate the incidence of primary peritoneal cancer after preventive bilateral oophorectomy in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Methods
A total of 6310 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who underwent a preventive bilateral oophorectomy were followed for a mean of 7.8 years from oophorectomy. The 20-year cumulative incidence of peritoneal cancer post-oophorectomy was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A left-truncated Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with the age at oophorectomy, year of oophorectomy, and family history of ovarian cancer as well as hormonal and reproductive risk factors.

Results
Fifty-five women developed primary peritoneal cancer (n = 45 in BRCA1, 8 in BRCA2, and 2 in women with a mutation in both genes). Their mean age at oophorectomy was 48.9 years. The annual risk of peritoneal cancer was 0.14% for women with a BRCA1 mutation and 0.06% for women with a BRCA2 mutation. The 20-year cumulative risk of peritoneal cancer from the date of oophorectomy was 2.7% for BRCA1 carriers and 0.9% for BRCA2 mutation carriers. There were no peritoneal cancers in BRCA1 carriers who had the operation before age 35 or in BRCA2 carriers who had the operation before age 45.

Conclusions
For BRCA1 mutation carriers, the annual risk of peritoneal cancer for 20 years post-oophorectomy is 0.14% per year. The risk is lower for BRCA2 carriers (0.06% per year).
The Compact Root Architecture 2 systemic pathway is required for the repression of cytokinins and miR399 accumulation in Medicago truncatula N-limited plants
Authors: Argirò Luca , Laffont Carole , Moreau Corentin , Moreau Carol , Su Yangyang , Pervent Marjorie , Parrinello Hugues , Blein Thomas , Kohlen Wouter , Lepetit Marc , Frugier Florian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Legume plants can acquire mineral nitrogen (N) either through their roots or via a symbiotic interaction with N-fixing rhizobia bacteria housed in root nodules. To identify shoot-to-root systemic signals acting in Medicago truncatula plants at N deficit or N satiety, plants were grown in a split-root experimental design in which either high or low N was provided to half of the root system, allowing the analysis of systemic pathways independently of any local N response. Among the plant hormone families analyzed, the cytokinin trans-zeatin accumulated in plants at N satiety. Cytokinin application by petiole feeding led to inhibition of both root growth and nodulation. In addition, an exhaustive analysis of miRNAs revealed that miR2111 accumulates systemically under N deficit in both shoots and non-treated distant roots, whereas a miRNA related to inorganic phosphate (Pi) acquisition, miR399, accumulates in plants grown under N satiety. These two accumulation patterns are dependent on Compact Root Architecture 2 (CRA2), a receptor required for C-terminally Encoded Peptide (CEP) signaling. Constitutive ectopic expression of miR399 reduced nodule numbers and root biomass depending on Pi availability, suggesting that the miR399-dependent Pi-acquisition regulatory module controlled by N availability affects the development of the whole legume plant root system.