bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in octogenarians
Authors: Kozhuharov N , Nabeela K , Jais P , Martin C , Sticherling C , Ginks M , Ullah W , Balasubramaniam R , Kalla M , Furniss S , M. Gallagher M , Hunter R , Wong T , Gupta D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Catheter ablation is superior to standard medical therapy in controlling atrial fibrillation (AF). There is limited data on the long-term outcomes of AF ablation in octogenarians.

Purpose
This study aims to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of AF catheter ablation in octogenarians, compared to non-octogenarians.

Methods
In this retrospective, multicentre, international study in 13 centres in the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, the long-term outcomes of 473 consecutive octogenarian patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF were compared to 473 propensity-matched non-octogenarian controls (median age 81.3 [80.0, 83.0] vs 64.4 [56.5, 70.7] years, 54.3% vs 35.1% females; p-value for both &lt;0.001). The primary endpoint was the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia during 365 days' follow-up after an initial blanking period of 90 days (median follow-up time 322 [153, 365] days.

Results
Acute success of the ablation was achieved in 97% of octogenarians. When comparing non-octogenarians vs octogenarians, there were more complications in the octogenarians group (11.4% vs 7.0%, p=0.018), with the most common adverse events being vascular complications (3.8% vs 2.7%). The median follow-up time was 322 [153, 365] days. Through day 365, 131 (27.7%) octogenarians had a recurrence of atrial arrhythmia as compared to 111 (23.5%) non-octogenarians (odds ratio 1.49; 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.92; p=0.002). In a multivariable regression model including gender, previous AF ablation, vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left atrial dilatation, and indwelling cardiac implantable electronic device, age above 80 remained an independent predictor of recurrence of atrial arrhythmias throughout 365 days' follow-up.

Conclusion
Age over 80 is associated with higher rates of recurrence of atrial arrhythmia on 365 days' follow-up post-catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Arrhythmia recurrence on follow-up
Impact of Pirfenidone on arrhythmic and clinical outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Im S I 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Atrial fibrosis is an important substrate in atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly in the setting of structural heart disease. Previous study reported that Pirfenidone, an antifibrotic agent, was beneficial at reducing myocardial fibrosis.

Purpose
The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of Pirfenidone on arrhythmic and clinical outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods
Our database of patients diagnosed with IPF from 2008 to 2023 was used to obtain echocardiography, electrocardiogram, and 24hr-holter monitoring data. Inclusion criteria were all IPF patients with/without Pirfenidone. And we compared arrhythmic events including atrial fibrillation, atrial premature complex, atrial tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia and clinical outcomes according to use of Pirfenidone.

Results
Among 257 patients with IPF (74.0±8.9 years), 106 (41.2%) patients took Pirfenidone. Difference in the baseline characteristics was not observed. During the median 36-month follow-up, a lower incidence of arrhythmic events (P=0.001) and diastolic dysfunction (P=0.025) was observed in the Pirfenidone group. In univariate analysis, hypertension, coronary artery disease, higher body weight, longer PR interval, QRS duration, and less use of Pirfenidone were associated with arrhythmic events. In multivariate analysis, higher body weight and less Pirfenidone use were independent risk factors for arrhythmic events.

Conclusion(s)
The use of Pirfenidone was associated with less arrhythmic events and lower diastolic dysfunction compared with no use of Pirfenidone in the long-term follow-up. And obesity was associated with higher incidence of arrhythmic events in IPF patients.Table
Effect of fine particulate matter exposure on gestational diabetes mellitus risk: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wan Zhenyan , Zhang Shandan , Zhuang Guiying , Liu Weiqi , Qiu Cuiqing , Lai Huiqin , Liu Weiling 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The literature on the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk has focused mainly on exposure during the first and second trimesters, and the research results are inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the associations between PM2.5 exposure during preconception, the first trimester and second trimester and GDM risk in pregnant women in Guangzhou.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study of 26 354 pregnant women was conducted, estimating PM2.5, particulate matter with a diameter &gt;10 µm (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) exposure during preconception and the first and second trimesters. Analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards models and nonlinear distributed lag models.

Results
The study found that exposure to PM2.5 or a combination of two pollutants (PM2.5+PM10, PM2.5+SO2, PM2.5+CO and PM2.5+O3) was found to be significantly associated with GDM risk (P &lt; 0.05). In the second trimester, with significant interactions found for occupation and anaemia between PM2.5 and GDM. When the PM2.5 concentrations were ≥19.56, ≥25.69 and ≥23.87 μg/m3 during preconception and the first and second trimesters, respectively, the hazard ratio for GDM started to increase. The critical window for PM2.5 exposure was identified to be from 9 to 11 weeks before conception.

Conclusions
Our study results suggest that PM2.5 exposure during preconception and the first and second trimesters increases the risk of GDM, with the preconception period appearing to be the critical window for PM2.5 exposure.
Conifers Concentrate Large Numbers of NLR Immune Receptor Genes on One Chromosome
Authors: Woudstra Yannick , Tumas Hayley , van Ghelder Cyril , Hung Tin Hang , Ilska Joana J , Girardi Sebastien , A’Hara Stuart , McLean Paul , Cottrell Joan , Bohlmann Joerg , Bousquet Jean , Birol Inanc , Woolliams John A , MacKay John J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptor genes form a major line of defense in plants, acting in both pathogen recognition and resistance machinery activation. NLRs are reported to form large gene clusters in limber pine (Pinus flexilis), but it is unknown how widespread this genomic architecture may be among the extant species of conifers (Pinophyta). We used comparative genomic analyses to assess patterns in the abundance, diversity, and genomic distribution of NLR genes. Chromosome-level whole genome assemblies and high-density linkage maps in the Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Taxaceae, and other gymnosperms were scanned for NLR genes using existing and customized pipelines. The discovered genes were mapped across chromosomes and linkage groups and analyzed phylogenetically for evolutionary history. Conifer genomes are characterized by dense clusters of NLR genes, highly localized on one chromosome. These clusters are rich in TNL-encoding genes, which seem to have formed through multiple tandem duplication events. In contrast to angiosperms and nonconiferous gymnosperms, genomic clustering of NLR genes is ubiquitous in conifers. NLR-dense genomic regions are likely to influence a large part of the plant's resistance, informing our understanding of adaptation to biotic stress and the development of genetic resources through breeding.
The Maintenance of Deleterious Variation in Wild Chinese Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Steux Camille , Szpiech Zachary A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Understanding how deleterious variation is shaped and maintained in natural populations is important in conservation and evolutionary biology, as decreased fitness caused by these deleterious mutations can potentially lead to an increase in extinction risk. It is known that demographic processes can influence these patterns. For example, population bottlenecks and inbreeding increase the probability of inheriting identical-by-descent haplotypes from a recent common ancestor, creating long tracts of homozygous genotypes called runs of homozygosity (ROH), which have been associated with an accumulation of mildly deleterious homozygotes. Counterintuitively, positive selection can also maintain deleterious variants in a population through genetic hitchhiking. Here, we analyze the whole genomes of 79 wild Chinese rhesus macaques across five subspecies and characterize patterns of deleterious variation with respect to ROH and signals of recent positive selection. We show that the fraction of homozygotes occurring in long ROH is significantly higher for deleterious homozygotes than tolerated ones, whereas this trend is not observed for short and medium ROH. This confirms that inbreeding, by generating these long tracts of homozygosity, is the main driver of the high burden of homozygous deleterious alleles in wild macaque populations. Furthermore, we show evidence that homozygous LOF variants are being purged. Next, we identify seven deleterious variants at high frequency in regions putatively under selection near genes involved with olfaction and other processes. Our results shed light on how evolutionary processes can shape the distribution of deleterious variation in wild nonhuman primates.
Association of Exposure to Ambient Air Pollutants With Cognitive Performance and Dementia Risk and the Mediating Role of Pulmonary Function: Evidence From the UK Biobank
Authors: Lin Fabin , Wang Lili , Shi Yisen , Chen Xuanjie , Lin Yixiang , Zheng Jiayi , Chen Ke , Ye Qinyong , Cai Guoen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The pathways by which air pollution affects cognition remain to be explored. This study aimed to explore how single air pollutants [including nitrogen oxide (NOX), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), PM10, and PM2.5–10], and air pollution mixture could affect cognitive function and the incidence of dementia, and determine whether pulmonary function (PF) could play a mediating role in the relationship.

Methods
Multiple statistical methods were employed to evaluate association of 5 air pollutants (NOX, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, and PM2.5–10) with cognitive function. Bootstrap method was used to estimate mediating role of PF in the association of air pollutants with cognition or the incidence of dementia.

Results
A mixture of air pollutants was associated with performance on 5 cognitive tests, and global cognition (p &lt; .05). Significantly negative association was also identified between mixture of air pollutants and PF (β= −0.020, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.029 to −0.011). In addition, as PF scores increase, performance on all cognitive tests significantly improve, although the risk of dementia correspondingly decreases. It was noted that PF was shown to mediate the effects of air pollution mixtures on all cognitive tests as well as global cognition. For global cognition, PF mediated 6.08% of the association. PF was also found to have a mediating role in the association between NOX, NO2, PM2.5, and the risk of dementia.

Conclusions
Mixed air pollution may impact cognitive function, with PF potentially mediating this relationship.
Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: The Moderating Effect of Resilience
Authors: Li Ke , Tang Fengyan , Albert Steven M , Rauktis Mary E , Ohmer Mary L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Social isolation has been recognized as a social problem with negative health consequences. Using data from 3 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, this study aimed to examine the long-term impact of social isolation on loneliness and depressive symptoms and to explore the moderating effect of resilience.

Research Design and Methods
This study comprised 3,681 U.S. adults aged 60 and older at the baseline wave. Social isolation index was constructed using 5 indicators, including not married or cohabitating with a partner, no social participation, and less than monthly contacts with children, family members, or friends. Loneliness was measured by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale and depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression scale. The moderator of resilience was assessed by the simplified resilience score. Latent growth curve models with robust standard errors were estimated.

Results
The results of latent growth curve models showed that social isolation was significantly associated with more initial loneliness and depressive symptoms. However, social isolation was associated with a slower increasing rate of loneliness, but no significant relationship with the change rate of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, resilience significantly buffered the negative effect of social isolation on the initial level of depressive symptoms.

Discussion and Implications
The findings underscore the importance of enacting strategies and interventions targeting resilience to address social isolation and its negative consequences among older adults.
An efficient algorithm to retrieve multiple fundamental frequencies of harmonic interference in surface-NMR measurements
Authors: Ghanati Reza , Irons Trevor , Hatami Mohammad Reza 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARY
The successful recovery of hydrogeophysical parameters through surface-NMR measurements depends on the quality of the signal, which can be significantly degraded by harmonics from multiple noise sources with different fundamental frequencies in urban areas. Accurate estimation of the fundamental frequencies of harmonics is the main step in harmonic noise cancellation-based methods. The existing 1-D and 2-D model-based approaches involve a computationally expensive process that sets limits for processing of large surface-NMR data sets. In addition, the classical Nyman, Gaiser and Saucier estimation (NGSE) algorithm, despite its fast implementation, may not accurately recover harmonic components when there is no prior knowledge of the expected value of the frequency offset between the true fundamental frequencies and their nominal values. This lack of knowledge can make it difficult to accurately estimate the maximum number of harmonics and, consequently, result in an incorrect recovery of the fundamental frequency. To surmount these limitations, we propose an enhanced version of the NGSE approach based on an efficient maximum number of harmonics search approach to process surface-NMR signals corrupted by powerline harmonics with both single and multiple frequency content. We verify the efficiency of our algorithm on a synthetic data set embedded in simulated powerline harmonic signals, and real electromagnetic noise recordings, as well as a real surface-NMR data set. Our numerical experiments confirm that the proposed algorithm can retrieve the multiple fundamental frequencies simultaneously with a significant speedup ranging from 4 to 87 times, depending on whether the signal has single, dual, or triple frequency content, in the overall computation time compared to the model-based methods.
Antifungal drug penetration in soft tissue abscesses: a comparative analysis
Authors: Cancela Costa Alicia , Kritikos Antonios , Glampedakis Emmanouil , Da Silva Pereira Clara Jorge , Schaller Fabian , Mercier Thomas , Strasser Roland , Balmpouzis Zisis , Koutsokera Angela , Manuel Oriol , Buclin Thierry , Decosterd Laurent Arthur , Lamoth Frederic 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are severe and difficult-to-treat infections affecting immunocompromised patients. Antifungal drug penetration at the site of infection is critical for outcome and may be difficult to achieve. Data about antifungal drug distribution in infected human tissues under real circumstances of IFI are scarce.

Methods
Multiple samples were obtained from soft tissue abscesses of a lung transplant patient with Candida albicans invasive candidiasis who underwent recurrent procedures of drainage, while receiving different consecutive courses of antifungal therapy [itraconazole (ITC), fluconazole, caspofungin]. Antifungal drug concentrations were measured simultaneously at the site of infection (surrounding inflammatory tissue and fluid content of the abscess) and in plasma for calculation of the tissue/plasma ratio (R). The concentration within the infected tissue was interpreted as appropriate if it was equal or superior to the MIC of the causal pathogen.

Results
A total of 30 tissue samples were collected for measurements of ITC (n = 12), fluconazole (n = 17) and caspofungin (n = 1). Variable concentrations were observed in the surrounding tissue of the lesions with median R of 2.79 (range 0.51–15.9) for ITC and 0.94 (0.21–1.37) for fluconazole. Concentrations ranges within the fluid content of the abscesses were 0.39–1.83 for ITC, 0.66–1.02 for fluconazole and 0.23 (single value) for caspofungin. The pharmacodynamic target (tissue concentration ≥ MIC) was achieved in all samples for all three antifungal drugs.

Conclusions
This unique dataset of antifungal drug penetration in infected human soft tissue abscesses suggests that ITC, fluconazole and caspofungin could achieve appropriate concentrations in soft tissue abscesses.
Insight on Pediatric Burn Morbidity and Mortality at a Tertiary Indian Burn Care Center: A Case for Burn Prevention
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Eisner Zachary J , Saha Shivangi , Kumar Vinay , Singhal Maneesh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Pediatric burns pose a significant health burden in low and middle-income countries. Despite efforts to address burn prevention and management, morbidity and mortality rates remain high, particularly among children. Understanding pediatric burn epidemiology and predictors of clinical outcomes is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and improving patient care. This retrospective cohort study analyzed pediatric burn patients admitted to a tertiary burn centre in India between March 2022 and December 2023. Demographic data, burn characteristics, treatments, complications, and outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis, including logistic and linear regression, was conducted to identify predictors of mortality, sepsis, and hospital stay length. Among 332 pediatric burn patients, the median age was 3 years, with a male predominance. Scald burns were the most common, followed by electrical and flame burns. Median total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 20%, with the upper and lower extremities most affected. The incidence of electrical burns increased with age and was associated with a longer length of stay. Mortality rate was 14.2%, with age &gt;10 years, male gender, and TBSA &gt;30% predicting mortality. Complications like sepsis significantly increased mortality risk, while deep burns were associated with longer hospital stays. This study underscores the importance of targeted prevention efforts and specialized care. Scald burns among young children highlight the need for safer cooking practices, while the high incidence of electrical burns in older children suggests that age-specific education interventions are necessary. Predictors of mortality identified can guide risk assessment and resource allocation, emphasizing the importance of infection control and wound management strategies in improving outcomes.
Impact of changes in commuting mode on body weight among Japanese workers: a longitudinal study
Authors: Fukunishi Atsuko , Machida Masaki , Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Yutaka , Inoue Shigeru 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
The health benefits of active commuting have been reported. However, few studies have assessed commuting modes using objective methods. This study clarified the association between changes in objectively measured commuting modes and body weight among Japanese workers.

Methods
This longitudinal study used data from the annual health examinations and personnel records of a company with branches in all prefectures of Japan. Data from 2018 and 2019 were used as the baseline and follow-up data, respectively. The commuting mode was assessed using the commuting mode code included in the personnel records and classified into 3 types: walking, public transport, and car or motorcycle. The participants were classified into 9 categories based on the combination of their commuting modes in 2018 and 2019. Body weight was measured objectively during health examinations. The 1-year changes in body weight were calculated for the 9 categories and assessed using an analysis of covariance with adjustments for covariates.

Results
The analysis included 6551 workers (men: 86.8%; mean age: 42.8 years). Overall, body weights tended to increase (+0.40 kg/y). The participants who switched to more active commuting, such as from car or motorcycle to walking (−0.13 kg/y), from car or motorcycle to public transport (+0.10 kg/y), and from public transport to walking (−0.07 kg/y), exhibited small weight gains or losses. A similar trend was observed even after adjustment.

Conclusions
Changing to a more active commuting mode may prevent weight gain among workers.
The rehabilitation treatment beliefs questionnaire—revised: assessing adolescents’ treatment beliefs
Authors: Metzner Gloria , Glattacker Manuela 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
While there are several studies on children’s and adolescents’ beliefs about illness and medication treatment, there is limited research on their treatment beliefs in the context of rehabilitation. The Rehabilitation Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire (RTBQ) was the first instrument available to assess pediatric patients’ rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs. However, the RTBQ had some limitations that we aimed to address in this study: We revised the content of the RTBQ to include previously unaddressed dimensions of rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs, and we thoroughly tested its psychometric properties based on a sizeable, multicenter sample of adolescents with different chronic diseases.

Methods
Across 11 pediatric rehabilitation clinics throughout Germany, eligible patients aged 12–18 years with any chronic physical or mental health condition were invited to participate in an online survey. Psychometric evaluation included item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency and construct validity.

Results
The sample comprised N = 294 adolescents (M = 14.2 years) with various chronic conditions. Psychometric testing demonstrated a coherent factor structure with 6 interpretable scales covering process and outcome expectations, expectations of one’s own role in the treatment process, structural expectations, concerns, and emotions, the latter three representing previously unaddressed dimensions of rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs. Internal consistency was acceptable to good. Construct validity analyses showed mostly hypotheses-consistent correlations with related constructs.

Conclusions
The revised RTBQ provides a psychometrically well-tested, adolescent-specific, and disease-generic instrument that captures multiple dimensions of rehabilitation-related treatment beliefs. Practical implications include identifying adolescents’ beliefs about rehabilitation treatment in order to actively involve them in their illness management.