bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity Is Associated With Increased Pediatric Dengue Virus Infection and Disease: A 9-Year Cohort Study in Managua, Nicaragua
Authors: Mercado-Hernandez Reinaldo , Myers Rachel , Bustos Carillo Fausto Andres , Zambrana José Victor , López Brenda , Sanchez Nery , Gordon Aubree , Balmaseda Angel , Kuan Guillermina , Harris Eva 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Obesity is on the rise globally in adults and children, including in tropical areas where diseases such as dengue have a substantial burden, particularly in children. Obesity impacts risk of severe dengue disease; however, the impact on dengue virus (DENV) infection and dengue cases remains an open question.

Methods
We used 9 years of data from 5940 children in the Pediatric Dengue Cohort Study in Nicaragua to determine whether pediatric obesity is associated with increased susceptibility to DENV infection and symptomatic presentation. Analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations adjusted for age, sex, and preinfection DENV antibody titers.

Results
From 2011 to 2019, children contributed 26 273 person-years of observation, and we observed an increase in prevalence of overweight (from 12% to 17%) and obesity (from 7% to 13%). There were 1682 DENV infections and 476 dengue cases in the study population. Compared with participants with normal weight, participants with obesity had higher odds of DENV infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.42) and higher odds of dengue in DENV-infected individuals (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI: 1.15–2.19). Children with obesity infected with DENV showed increased odds of presenting fever (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.05–2.02), headache (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI: 1.07–2.14), and rash (aOR, 2.26; 95% CI: 1.49–3.44) when compared with children with normal weight.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that obesity is associated with increased susceptibility to DENV infection and dengue cases in children, independent of age, sex, and preinfection DENV antibody titers.
Clip opening while locked after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with different onset times: a case series
Authors: Matsuzoe Hiroki , Mizutani Kazuki , Onishi Naoko Soejima , Yoshida Ayano , Kawamura Takayuki , Ueno Masafumi , Sakaguchi Genichi , Nakazawa Gaku 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is now available in many countries and has achieved favourable therapeutic outcomes. However, there have been no reported cases of clip opening while locked (COWL) during the acute phase using the MitraClip G4 system (Abbott, Abbott Park, IL, USA).

Case summary
We present two cases of COWL occurring at different phases: one immediately after clip release and the other 2 days post-procedure. In both cases, the initial treatment involved the use of the XTW system. Subsequently, an additional XT system was deployed for the deterioration of mitral regurgitation caused by COWL, without any complications.

Discussion
The MitraClip G4 system offers four size variations, providing a larger grasping area and increased flexibility for accessing complex lesions. Furthermore, the complication rate decreased with increasing operator experience and device generation. However, it has been reported that COWL can occur after the clip is deployed during TEER. Although the mechanism of COWL is unclear, the nature and mobility of the valve leaflets and the product specificity of the MitraClip may be involved.
Machine learning-based prediction of 1-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing CRT implantation: validation of the SEMMELWEIS-CRT score in the European CRT Survey I dataset
Authors: Tokodi Márton , Kosztin Annamária , Kovács Attila , Gellér László , Schwertner Walter Richard , Veres Boglárka , Behon Anett , Lober Christiane , Bogale Nigussie , Linde Cecilia , Normand Camilla , Dickstein Kenneth , Merkely Béla 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to externally validate the SEMMELWEIS-CRT score for predicting 1-year all-cause mortality in the European Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Survey I dataset—a large multi-centre cohort of patients undergoing CRT implantation.

Methods and results
The SEMMELWEIS-CRT score is a machine learning-based tool trained for predicting all-cause mortality in patients undergoing CRT implantation. This tool demonstrated impressive performance during internal validation but has not yet been validated externally. To this end, we applied it to the data of 1367 patients from the European CRT Survey I dataset. The SEMMELWEIS-CRT predicted 1-year mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.729 (0.682–0.776), which concurred with the performance measured during internal validation [AUC: 0.768 (0.674–0.861), P = 0.466]. Moreover, the SEMMELWEIS-CRT score outperformed multiple conventional statistics-based risk scores, and we demonstrated that a higher predicted probability is not only associated with a higher risk of death [odds ratio (OR): 1.081 (1.061–1.101), P &lt; 0.001] but also with an increased risk of hospitalizations for any cause [OR: 1.013 (1.002–1.025), P = 0.020] or for heart failure [OR: 1.033 (1.015–1.052), P &lt; 0.001], a less than 5% improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction [OR: 1.033 (1.021–1.047), P &lt; 0.001], and lack of improvement in New York Heart Association functional class compared with baseline [OR: 1.018 (1.006–1.029), P = 0.003].

Conclusion
In the European CRT Survey I dataset, the SEMMELWEIS-CRT score predicted 1-year all-cause mortality with good discriminatory power, which confirms the generalizability and demonstrates the potential clinical utility of this machine learning-based risk stratification tool.
Design and rationale of the Engage-HF study: the impact of a gamified engagement toolkit on participation and engagement in a heart failure registry
Authors: Shakoor Abdul , Mohansingh Chanu , El Osrouti Azzeddine , Borleffs Jan Willem C , van Houwelingen Gert K , van de Swaluw Julio E C , van Kimmenade Roland , den Besten Marjolein , Pisters Ron , van Ofwegen-Hanekamp Clara E E , Koudstaal Stefan , Handoko Louis M , Asselbergs Folkert W , van Veghel Dennis , van Wijk Sandra S , van der Boon Robert M A , Brugts Jasper J , Schaap Jeroen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
Heart failure (HF) registries provide valuable insights into patient management and quality of care. However, healthcare professionals face challenges due to the administrative burden of participation in registries. This study aims to evaluate the impact of education through an engagement toolkit on HF nurse practitioners’ participation rate and data completeness in a national registry: the Netherlands Heart Registration-Heart Failure (NHR-HF) registry.

Methods and results
Engage-HF is an observational study (intervention at the HF nurse level) with a pretest–posttest design within the participating hospitals. Between December 2022 and April 2024, 28 HF nurse practitioners from 12 hospitals will participate in a 24-week educational programme using the Engage-HF engagement toolkit. The main interaction platform in this toolkit is a gamified smartphone-based educational application called BrightBirds. The complete toolkit includes this educational application with weekly challenges, interactive posters, pop-ups, and alert messages, and a follow-up call at Week 4. The primary endpoints are the NHR-HF participation rates and data completeness at 1 and 6 months after using the toolkit. Additionally, we will analyse the experience of participants with the toolkit concerning their HF registry and knowledge of ESC 2021 HF guidelines.

Conclusion
The Engage-HF study is the first to explore the impact of education through a gamified engagement toolkit to boost participation rates in a HF registry (NHR-HF) and test participant knowledge of the ESC 2021 HF guidelines. This innovative approach addresses challenges in the rollout of healthcare registries and the implementation of guidelines by providing a contemporary support base and a time-efficient method for education.
Influence of multiple risk factor control level on cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients
Authors: Peng Xinyi , Zhuang Miaomiao , Song Qirui , Bai Jingjing , Cai Jun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
The relationship between the level of baseline risk factor control and cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients with blood pressure interventions is not well understood. It is also unclear whether the level of baseline risk factor control is persuasively associated with cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients with a blood pressure lowering strategy.

Method and results
We performed an analysis of the Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients (STEP) trial. Participants without complete baseline risk factor data were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and estimate the association between risk factor control levels (≥6, 5, 4, and ≤3) and cardiovascular outcomes. A total of 8337 participants were involved in the analysis, and the median follow-up period was 3.19 years. Each additional risk factor uncontrolled was associated with a 24% higher cardiovascular risk (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11–1.37). Compared with participants with optimal risk factor control, those with ≤3 factors control exhibited 95% higher cardiovascular risk (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.37–2.77). The corresponding protective effects of multiple risk factor modification were not influenced by intensive or standard antihypertensive treatment (P for interaction = 0.71).

Conclusion
A stepwise association was observed between cardiovascular risk and the number of risk factor control in hypertensive patients. The more risk factors were modified, the less cardiovascular risk was observed, irrespective of different blood pressure lowering strategies. Comprehensive risk factor control strategies are warranted to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in hypertensive patients.
The Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle and precuticle: a model for studying dynamic apical extracellular matrices in vivo
Authors: Sundaram Meera V , Pujol Nathalie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat the exposed surfaces of animal bodies to shape tissues, influence social interactions, and protect against pathogens and other environmental challenges. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, collagenous cuticle and zona pellucida protein-rich precuticle aECMs alternately coat external epithelia across the molt cycle and play many important roles in the worm's development, behavior, and physiology. Both these types of aECMs contain many matrix proteins related to those in vertebrates, as well as some that are nematode-specific. Extensive differences observed among tissues and life stages demonstrate that aECMs are a major feature of epithelial cell identity. In addition to forming discrete layers, some cuticle components assemble into complex substructures such as ridges, furrows, and nanoscale pillars. The epidermis and cuticle are mechanically linked, allowing the epidermis to sense cuticle damage and induce protective innate immune and stress responses. The C. elegans model, with its optical transparency, facilitates the study of aECM cell biology and structure/function relationships and all the myriad ways by which aECM can influence an organism.
Deciphering the Biological Aging Impact on Alveolar Bone Loss: Insights From α-Klotho and Renal Function Dynamics
Authors: Wang Zifei , Xue Hao , Sun Yuqiang , Wang Qing , Sun Wansu , Zhang Hengguo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Alveolar bone loss is generally considered a chronological age-related disease. As biological aging process is not absolutely determined by increasing age, whether alveolar bone loss is associated with increasing chronological age or biological aging remains unclear. Accurately distinguishing whether alveolar bone loss is chronological age-related or biological aging-related is critical for selecting appropriate clinical treatments. This study aimed to identify the relationship between alveolar bone loss and body aging. In total, 3 635 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and 71 living kidney transplant recipients from Gene Expression Omnibus Datasets were enrolled. Multivariate regression analysis, smooth curve fittings, and generalized additive models were used to explore the association among alveolar bone loss, age, serum α-Klotho level, renal function markers, as well as between preoperative creatinine and renal cortex-related α-Klotho gene expression level. Meanwhile, a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to assess the causal relationship between α-Klotho and periodontal disease (4 376 individuals vs 361 194 individuals). As a biological aging-related indicator, the α-Klotho level was negatively correlated with impaired renal function and alveolar bone loss. Correspondingly, accompanied by decreasing renal function, it was manifested with a downregulated expression level of α-Klotho in the renal cortex and aggravated alveolar bone loss. The MR analysis further identified the negative association between higher genetically predicted α-Klotho concentrations with alveolar bone loss susceptibility using the IVW (odds ratio [OR] = 0.999, p = .005). However, an inversely U-shaped association was observed between chronological age and alveolar bone loss, which is especially stable in men (the optimal cutoff values were both 62 years old). For men above 62 years old, increasing age is converted to protective factor and is accompanied by alleviated alveolar bone loss. Alveolar bone loss that is directly associated with decreased renal function and α-Klotho level was related to biological aging rather than chronological age. The renal–alveolar bone axis could provide a new sight of clinical therapy in alveolar bone loss.
Quality of life improvement from thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation ablation in women versus men: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Vos Lara M , Vos Rein , Nieuwkerk Pythia T , Vos Peter-Paul W K , Hofman Frederik N , Klautz Robert J M , Van Putte Bart P 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Thoracoscopic ablation has proven to be an effective and safe rhythm control strategy, especially for persistent atrial fibrillation. However, its impact on quality of life (QoL) and potential gender differences remains unclear.

METHODS
This prospective, single-centre observational study included consecutive patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation undergoing thoracoscopic ablation. QoL was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaires and longitudinal trend analysis including linear mixed models was used to assess gender-specific differences.

RESULTS
A total of 191 patients were included; mean age 63.9 ± 8.6 years, 61 (31.9%) women and 148 (77.5%) with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Women were older, more symptomatic and reported lower baseline QoL. AFEQT summary scores substantially improved after three months (relative increase 51.5% from baseline; P &lt; 0.001) and persisted up to 1-year (57.2%; P &lt; 0.001). Women showed substantial QoL improvement, which was comparable to men at 1 year. Distinct gender-related trajectories for AFEQT were observed. Women showed more often clinically important decline over time, yet AF recurrence and age were predictive factors in both men and women. Patients with AF recurrence also experienced QoL improvements, albeit to a lesser extent than those in sinus rhythm (61.3% vs 26.9%, P &lt; 0.001), with no differences between men and women.

CONCLUSIONS
Thoracoscopic ablation for atrial fibrillation results in substantial QoL improvement and was comparable for men and women. Understanding sex-specific and age-related trajectories is important to further enhance patient-centred atrial fibrillation care.
Thrombocytopenia in Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Due to Platelets With Altered Function Undergoing Cell Death Pathways
Authors: Fang Yaohui , Shen Shu , Zhang Jingyuan , Xu Ling , Wang Tong , Fan Lei , Zhu Qiong , Xiao Jian , Wu Xiaoli , Jin Jiayin , Wu Qiaoli , Zhang Yanfang , Tang Shuang , Zheng Xin , Deng Fei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Thrombocytopenia is the major clinical feature of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), but the mechanism by which it occurs remains unclear.

Methods
RNA transcriptome analyses were performed on platelets purified from patients with SFTS and mice infected with SFTS virus (SFTSV). The functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the platelets were characterized. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to measure the levels of platelet activation, SFTSV infection in platelets, formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, transcription of DEGs, and the percentage of platelets undergoing cell death.

Results
Enhanced neutrophil activation and interferon signaling involved in the viral life cycle were common platelet responses in SFTS, which may consume increasing numbers of platelets. Other functional changes may be associated with different outcomes of SFTS. SFTSV infection led to platelet destruction by pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy. Platelets in SFTSV-infected mice mainly play a role in adaptive immunity, and platelet death was not as severe as in humans.

Conclusions
The altered functions of platelets, including mediating leukocyte activation and undergoing cell death, contribute to thrombocytopenia in patients with SFTS. The different mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in mice suggest that platelet functions should be considered in experimental animal models.
Marine particle size-fractionation indicates organic matter is processed by differing microbial communities on depth-specific particles
Authors: Comstock Jacqueline , Henderson Lillian C , Close Hilary G , Liu Shuting , Vergin Kevin , Worden Alexandra Z , Wittmers Fabian , Halewood Elisa , Giovannoni Stephen , Carlson Craig A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Passive sinking flux of particulate organic matter in the ocean plays a central role in the biological carbon pump and carbon export to the ocean’s interior. Particle-associated microbes colonize particulate organic matter, producing “hotspots” of microbial activity. We evaluated variation in particle-associated microbial communities to 500 m depth across four different particle size fractions (0.2–1.2, 1.2–5, 5–20, &gt;20 μm) collected using in situ pumps at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study site. In situ pump collections capture both sinking and suspended particles, complementing previous studies using sediment or gel traps, which capture only sinking particles. Additionally, the diagenetic state of size-fractionated particles was examined using isotopic signatures alongside microbial analysis. Our findings emphasize that different particle sizes contain distinctive microbial communities, and each size category experiences a similar degree of change in communities over depth, contradicting previous findings. The robust patterns observed in this study suggest that particle residence times may be long relative to microbial succession rates, indicating that many of the particles collected in this study may be slow sinking or neutrally buoyant. Alternatively, rapid community succession on sinking particles could explain the change between depths. Complementary isotopic analysis of particles revealed significant differences in composition between particles of different sizes and depths, indicative of organic particle transformation by microbial hydrolysis and metazoan grazing. Our results couple observed patterns in microbial communities with the diagenetic state of associated organic matter and highlight unique successional patterns in varying particle sizes across depth.
Molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase encoding genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections in children: a systematic review
Authors: Chávez Rodríguez Mariana , Mascareñas De Los Santos Abiel Homero , Vaquera Aparicio Denisse Natalie , Aguayo Samaniego Rebeca , García Pérez Rodrigo , Siller-Rodríguez Daniel , Rosales-González Sara Paulina , Castillo-Morales Patricia Lizeth , Castillo Bejarano José Iván 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaeticus complex is the leader pathogen for the World Health Organization’s list due to the escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. Insights into the molecular characterization of carbapenemase genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections among children are scarce. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review to describe the molecular epidemiology of the carbapenemase genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections in the pediatric population.

Methods
Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for reporting systematic reviews, we conducted a review of in chore bibliographic databases published in English and Spanish, between January 2020 and December 2022. All studies conducted in patients ≤6 years with molecular characterization of carbapenemase-encoding genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus infections were included.

Results
In total, 1129 cases were reviewed, with an overall carbapenem-resistance rate of 60.3%. A. baumannii-calcoaceticus was isolated from blood cultures in 66.6% of cases. Regionally, the Eastern Mediterranean exhibited the highest prevalence of carbapenem resistance (88.3%). Regarding the carbapenemase genes, blaKPC displayed an overall prevalence of 1.2%, while class B blaNDM had a prevalence of 10.9%. Class D blaOXA-23-like reported a prevalence of 64%, blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-40 had a prevalence of 33% and 18.1%, respectively. Notably, the Americas region showed a prevalence of blaOXA-23-like at 91.6%.

Conclusion
Our work highlights the high prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii-calcoaceticus and class D carbapenemase genes in children. Of note the distribution of different carbapenemase genes reveals considerable variations across WHO regions. To enhance epidemiological understanding, further extensive studies in children are imperative.
Culturable yeast community associated with grape must and honey bees sampled from apiaries located in the vineyards
Authors: Siesto Gabriella , Pietrafesa Rocchina , Alberico Grazia , Tedesco Francesco , Cardinale Massimiliano , Romano Patrizia , Capece Angela 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim
In this study, we investigated culturable yeast community, present in grape must sampled from vineyards with apiaries on the borders, and in honey bees collected in these apiaries.

Methods and results
To this aim, yeasts isolated from spontaneously fermented grapes randomly collected in two vineyards (P1 and P2) with apiaries on the borders (A1 and A2) were compared to those isolated from spontaneously fermented grapes collected from a vineyard without apiary (P4). At the same time, yeast community was analyzed on bees collected in each apiary placed in the vineyards, in comparison to yeasts isolated from an apiary (A3) located far from the vineyards. The analysis was performed for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). The isolated yeasts were identified by restriction analysis of amplified ITS region, followed by sequencing of ITS fragment.
Our research showed that the presence of apiaries seems to increase yeast counts of grape must, in particular of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; furthermore, the permanence of apiaries in the vineyards allowed the recovering of these yeasts also from bees.

Conclusions
Our findings seem to corroborate the role of bees as vectors and reservoirs of oenologically relevant yeasts, such as a source of non-conventional yeasts with potential biotechnological applications.