bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development
Authors: Williams Abiodun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChapter 3 deals with the challenge of development, which Kofi Annan saw as central to his mandate. It discusses one of his main achievements as Secretary-General: spearheading the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals, an ambitious time-bound, integrated, and measurable framework for development cooperation. It examines his advocacy on HIV/AIDS, which he argued was not just a health issue but a threat to development in many parts of the world, and his role in the creation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The chapter also provides an account of his calls for the world to come together to find fair and just solutions to the existential climate crisis. It analyzes his role in setting up the Global Commission on International Migration, which emphasized the potential benefits of migration for development; convening the General Assembly’s first High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development; and creating the Global Forum on Migration and Development.
UN Reform
Authors: Williams Abiodun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChapter 7 considers Kofi Annan’s reforms of the UN to adapt the organization to the needs and demands of the twenty-first century. It examines his three major waves of reforms: at the beginning of his tenure in 1997; at the beginning of his second term in 2002; and during his last two years in office from 2005 to 2006. It gives particular attention to his management reforms, and his efforts to persuade member states to reform the Security Council. Annan played four reform roles: conceptualizing; lobbying; brokering deals; and implementing. He tried to balance the interests of the Global North and the Global South and was attentive to the agendas of both groups. The larger point here is that many states do not want the UN to be effective, nor want the Secretary-General to be able to manage autonomously. The differences of opinion among the UN membership on the merits of reform were deep. Reforms that impinged on the core interests of states often descended into a power struggle.
Conclusion
Authors: Williams Abiodun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring Annan’s ten years as Secretary-General, he metamorphosed from an international civil servant little known beyond the confines of UN diplomatic circles into a global leader and internationalist icon. He combined a realistic humility about the UN’s purposes with bold and visionary leadership, thereby maximizing the organization’s potential where it had a special role to play. His vision reflected his strong personal commitment to the principles and objectives of the UN. His leadership should remind us that realism about the UN’s deficiencies does not entail fatalism about the opportunities it presents. At a time of American hegemony, it was necessarily one of Annan’s priorities to maintain a working relationship with the US. But he had to work with the US while not alienating the other members of the UN. A committed internationalist, Annan believed that no country could achieve its objectives on its own and global problems needed multilateral solutions. The Secretary-General who ushered the UN into the twenty-first century, Kofi Annan encouraged the world to forge a collective response to the many interconnected global challenges of the new millennium. He played a decisive role in renewing and adapting the UN to the realities of a changing world.
Effectiveness of Interventions for Changing More Than One Behavior at a Time to Manage Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Silva Carolina C , Presseau Justin , van Allen Zack , Schenk Paulina M , Moreto Maiara , Dinsmore John , Marques Marta M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Health behaviors play a significant role in chronic disease management. Rather than being independent of one another, health behaviors often co-occur, suggesting that targeting more than one health behavior in an intervention has the potential to be more effective in promoting better health outcomes.

Purpose
We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials of interventions that target more than one behavior to examine the effectiveness of multiple health behavior change interventions in patients with chronic conditions.

Methods
Five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane) were systematically searched in November 2023, and studies included in previous reviews were also consulted. We included randomized trials of interventions aiming to change more than one health behavior in individuals with chronic conditions. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data, and used Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2 tool. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the effects of interventions on change in health behaviors. Results were presented as Cohen’s d for continuous data, and risk ratio for dichotomous data.

Results
Sixty-one studies were included spanning a range of chronic diseases: cardiovascular (k = 25), type 2 diabetes (k = 15), hypertension (k = 10), cancer (k = 7), one or more chronic conditions (k = 3), and multiple conditions (k = 1). Most interventions aimed to change more than one behavior simultaneously (rather than in sequence) and most targeted three particular behaviors at once: “physical activity, diet and smoking” (k = 20). Meta-analysis of 43 eligible studies showed for continuous data (k = 29) a small to substantial positive effect on behavior change for all health behaviors (d = 0.081–2.003) except for smoking (d = −0.019). For dichotomous data (k = 23) all analyses showed positive effects of targeting more than one behavior on all behaviors (RR = 1.026–2.247).

Conclusions
Targeting more than one behavior at a time is effective in chronic disease management and more research should be directed into developing the science of multiple behavior change.
Anthropogenic land-use change decreases pollination and male and female fitness in terrestrial flowering plants
Authors: Aguilar Ramiro , Cristóbal-Pérez E Jacob , Marquez Victoria , Carbone Lucas M , Paglia Isis , Freitas Leandro , Ashworth Lorena , Martén-Rodríguez Silvana , Wilson Fernandes Geraldo , Lobo Jorge , Fuchs Eric J , Quesada Mauricio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
The majority of the Earth’s land area is currently occupied by humans. Measuring how terrestrial plants reproduce in these pervasive environments is essential for understanding their long-term viability and their ability to adapt to changing environments.

Methods
We conducted hierarchical and phylogenetically independent meta-analyses to assess the overall effects of anthropogenic land-use changes on pollination, and male and female fitness in terrestrial plants.

Key Results
We found negative global effects of land-use change (i.e. mainly habitat loss and fragmentation) on pollination and on female and male fitness of terrestrial flowering plants. Negative effects were stronger in plants with self-incompatibility systems and in plants pollinated by invertebrates, regardless of life form and sexual expression. Pollination and female fitness of pollination-generalist and pollination-specialist plants were similarly negatively affected by land-use change, whereas male fitness of specialist plants showed no effects.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that angiosperm populations remaining in fragmented habitats negatively affect pollination, and female and male fitness, which will probably decrease the recruitment, survival and long-term viability of plant populations remaining in fragmented landscapes. We underline the main current gaps of knowledge for future research agendas and call not only for a decrease in the current rates of land-use changes across the world but also to embark on active restoration efforts to increase the area and connectivity of remaining natural habitats.
Investigating the role of mitochondrial membrane potential in paternal inheritance of mitochondria
Authors: Pouliot-Drouin Ariane , Niaison Thierry , Breton Sophie , Bettinazzi Stefano 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mitochondria depends on an electrochemical gradient known as the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Reflecting high functionality, elevated Δψm usually depicts healthy mitochondria and contributes to organelle selection. This study investigates whether mitochondrial properties linked with bioenergetics, such as Δψm, play a role in paternal inheritance of mitochondria. More specifically, the study looks at how sperm Δψm responds to egg chemoattractants in bivalves characterized by distinct mitochondrial inheritance patterns: strict maternal inheritance (SMI) and doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI), the latter displaying sex-specific transmission of paternal mitochondrial DNA. Sperm Δψm was examined in four bivalve species: the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) (DUI), plus the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) and the soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) (SMI). In the absence of egg chemoattractants, sperm Δψm did not vary between the two groups. However, there was a trend of increase in Δψm following egg detection only in sperm bearing paternally derived mitochondria (DUI). This suggests, along with bioenergetic changes, that Δψm modulation might be a specific property of at least some DUI species, possibly implicated in their unique ability to transmit their mitochondria in a sex-specific fashion.
Assessment of heart-substructures auto-contouring accuracy for application in heart-sparing radiotherapy for lung cancer
Authors: Marchant Tom , Price Gareth , McWilliam Alan , Henderson Edward , McSweeney Dónal , van Herk Marcel , Banfill Kathryn , Schmitt Matthias , King Jennifer , Barker Claire , Faivre-Finn Corinne 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We validated an auto-contouring algorithm for heart substructures in lung cancer patients, aiming to establish its accuracy and reliability for radiotherapy (RT) planning. We focus on contouring an amalgamated set of subregions in the base of the heart considered to be a new organ at risk, the cardiac avoidance area (CAA), to enable maximum dose limit implementation in lung RT planning.

Methods
The study validates a deep-learning model specifically adapted for auto-contouring the CAA (which includes the right atrium, aortic valve root, and proximal segments of the left and right coronary arteries). Geometric, dosimetric, quantitative, and qualitative validation measures are reported. Comparison with manual contours, including assessment of interobserver variability, and robustness testing over 198 cases are also conducted.

Results
Geometric validation shows that auto-contouring performance lies within the expected range of manual observer variability despite being slightly poorer than the average of manual observers (mean surface distance for CAA of 1.6 vs 1.2 mm, dice similarity coefficient of 0.86 vs 0.88). Dosimetric validation demonstrates consistency between plans optimized using auto-contours and manual contours. Robustness testing confirms acceptable contours in all cases, with 80% rated as “Good” and the remaining 20% as “Useful.”

Conclusions
The auto-contouring algorithm for heart substructures in lung cancer patients demonstrates acceptable and comparable performance to human observers.

Advances in knowledge
Accurate and reliable auto-contouring results for the CAA facilitate the implementation of a maximum dose limit to this region in lung RT planning, which has now been introduced in the routine setting at our institution.
A pathway linking pulse pressure to dementia in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Rizvi Batool , Lao Patrick J , Sathishkumar Mithra , Taylor Lisa , Queder Nazek , McMillan Liv , Edwards Natalie C , Keator David B , Doran Eric , Hom Christy , Nguyen Dana , Rosas H Diana , Lai Florence , Schupf Nicole , Gutierrez Jose , Silverman Wayne , Lott Ira T , Mapstone Mark , Wilcock Donna M , Head Elizabeth , Yassa Michael A , Brickman Adam M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Adults with Down syndrome are less likely to have hypertension than neurotypical adults. However, whether blood pressure measures are associated with brain health and clinical outcomes in this population has not been studied in detail. Here, we assessed whether pulse pressure is associated with markers of cerebrovascular disease and is linked to a diagnosis of dementia in adults with Down syndrome via structural imaging markers of cerebrovascular disease and atrophy. The study included participants with Down syndrome from the Alzheimer’s Disease - Down Syndrome study (n = 195, age = 50.6 ± 7.2 years, 44% women, 18% diagnosed with dementia). Higher pulse pressure was associated with greater global, parietal and occipital white matter hyperintensity volume but not with enlarged perivascular spaces, microbleeds or infarcts. Using a structural equation model, we found that pulse pressure was associated with greater white matter hyperintensity volume, which in turn was related to increased neurodegeneration, and subsequent dementia diagnosis. Pulse pressure is an important determinant of brain health and clinical outcomes in individuals with Down syndrome despite the low likelihood of frank hypertension.
Immune reconstitution is the trigger of herpes zoster with lymphopenia and high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamamoto Takenobu , Aoyama Yumi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Herpes zoster (HZ) rarely results in subsequent death, but predictive biomarkers for mortality necessitate further elucidation.

Objectives
To investigate immune dynamics prior to an HZ event, risk factors for HZ onset and immune status at initial HZ.

Methods
This retrospective study extracted from patient records the absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts (ANC and ALC, respectively) at the initial HZ date of appearance and up to 30 days before HZ. A follow-up survey was completed within 180 days of onset of illness.

Results
Patients with HZ showed a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lower ALC than patients in the control group at the initial date and had a poorer prognosis. In the pre-onset examination, the maximum and minimum ALC values were significantly lower in patients with HZ than in the control group, and the maximum ALC value in patients with HZ was lower than the minimum value in the control group. The lowest ALC was observed 7 days before the onset of HZ. An NLR of 4.53 or more and an ALC of 0.64 × 109 cells L–1 or less were predictive markers of HZ development within 30 days. Patients who died after HZ had a lower minimum ALC than those who survived longer.

Conclusions
HZ develops in a state of immune reconstitution in patients with immunocompromised conditions, as part of ‘unmasking’ the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Lymphopenia prior to HZ onset is one of the most crucial factors in its pathogenesis and vital prognosis. Limitations of the study were small population size, varying age distribution, retrospective nature, and potential overestimation of pre-onset data.
Cannabis Use in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following Legalization of Cannabis in Canada
Authors: Iablokov Vadim , Gregor Jamie , Chande Nilesh , Ponich Terry , Jairath Vipul , Khanna Reena , Asfaha Samuel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Cannabis is used by patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) as an alternative to, or in combination with, conventional therapies to treat symptoms such as abdominal pain, poor sleep, and reduced appetite. The clinical efficacy of cannabis for these disorders is controversial, with some studies showing harmful outcomes associated with its use. Previous studies suggest that cannabis is used by ~12% of patients with UC and ~16% of patients with CD in the USA despite legal prohibition.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study of adult patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) followed in a Canadian tertiary care center. Patients completed an online 40-question survey that included demographics, IBD disease history, cannabis use, and the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ).

Results
Completed surveys were obtained from 254 participants (148 with CD, 90 with UC, and 16 with indeterminate colitis). Recent cannabis use was reported by 41% of CD and 31% of UC participants. Interestingly, only 46% of participants who used cannabis discussed their use with their physician. Participants who recently used cannabis reported more abdominal pain, poor appetite, and flatulence, and importantly this was associated with lower SIBDQ scores (recent use 37 vs non-recent use 40).

Conclusions
Cannabis use among patients with IBD has more than doubled since its legalization. Cannabis use is associated with worse abdominal symptoms and quality of life. Physicians should inquire about cannabis use and optimize symptom control with evidence-based therapies.
The Heidelberg registry of atrial fibrillation. a summary in the era of transition of oral anticoagulation regimes over an 11-year period
Authors: Salbach C , Yildirim M , Milles B , Hund H , Biener M , Mueller-Hennessen M , Frey N , Katus H , Giannitsis E 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): The study was supported by a research grant from Daiichi Sankyo and Bayer diagnostics. The sponsor had no influence on the study concept, data collection, or interpretation.

Background
Management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has improved in recent years. Particularly, the shift from vitamin-k containing (VKA) oral anticoagulation (OAC) regimes to factor Xa or thrombin inhibitor containing non-vitamin K regimes (NOAC) regimes has revolutionized stroke prevention in AF patients.

Purpose
This study aimed to illustrate the shift from VKA to NOAC regimes over an 11-year period in an emergency department (ED) setting.

Methods
The Heidelberg Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (HERA-FIB) is a retrospective, observational single-center study and collected data from patients with AF presenting to the ED of our hospital between 2009 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were (a) diagnosis of AF and (b) age &gt;18 years. Exclusion criteria were (a) non-availability of at least one high sensitive troponin T value and (b) lost to follow-up for all-cause mortality. Repeated visits to the ED were also excluded. Clinical data was accessed retrospectively from available medical records. A sequential follow-up was performed for all-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding and myocardial infarction. This study was conducted according to ethical principles stated in the Declaration of Helsinki (2008).

Results
Within the inclusion period of HERA-FIB a total of 76,528 visits to CPU were screened over an 11-year time period. 24.4% were excluded for other diagnosis than AF, resulting in a total of 12,279 visits to ED within the inclusion period. Here, a total of 5.4% of the patients were excluded after re-adjustment of AF diagnosis, 1,5% for non-sufficient laboratory values and 10% for lost-to follow-up. The total study population of HERA-FIB included 10,222 patients with the diagnosis of AF. Within the inclusion period of HERA-FIB, a significant change form VKA containing to NOAC containing anticoagulation regimes could be detected among patients presenting to the ED. Additionally, the number of patients on OAC compared to the number of patients without any OAC regime increased over time. Within the inclusion period, a total of 69.7% received an OAC regime. Here 59.5% of the AF patients received a NOAC and 40.5% VKA at discharge. Hazard ratio for patients on VKA for all-cause mortality was 1.25 (95%CI: 1.11-1.41), p=0.0003.

Conclusions
HERA-FIB is one of the largest real-world retrospective single-center databases for patients with AF, reflecting the shift from NOAC to VKA containing anticoagulation regimes in AF patients presenting to an ED over an 11-year period.
Clinical impact of sarcopenia on long-term mortality in patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting
Authors: Lee S H , Jo J , Yang J H , Kim S M , Choi K H , Song Y B , Jeong D S , Lee J M , Park T K , Hahn J , Choi S , Cho Y H , Sung K , Kim W S , Gwon H 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
None.

Aims
Sarcopenia is an aging-related condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and is an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. The relationship between sarcopenia and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is not fully understood. We evaluated the prognostic implications of sarcopenia in patients undergoing CABG.

Methods and Results
A total of 2,810 patients who underwent CABG was analyzed and classified according to presence of sarcopenia. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated as L3 muscle area (cm2)/height (m)2 on computed tomography. Sarcopenia was defined as SMI ≤45 cm2/m2 in men and ≤38 cm2/m2 in women. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during follow-up. The median follow-up was 8.7 years, and 924 patients (32.9%) had sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia were older and more frequently women. SMI was significantly correlated with age (R=-0.34, P&lt;0.001), weight (R=-0.56, P&lt;0.001), and body mass index (R=-0.52, P&lt;0.001). SMI was significantly associated with risk of death on a restricted cubic spline curve (HR=1.04 per-1 decrease, 95% CI 1.03-1.05, P&lt;0.001). Patients with sarcopenia had a higher incidence of long-term mortality than those without sarcopenia (survival rate 41.4% vs. 62.8%; adjusted HR=1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.36, P=0.02). Subgroup analysis showed that the prognostic implication of sarcopenia on long-term survival was more evident in men (adjusted HR=2.01, 95% CI 1.72-2.35) than women (adjusted HR=1.28, 95% CI 0.98-1.68) (interaction P=0.006).

Conclusions
Sarcopenia, defined by SMI on computed tomography, was associated with long-term mortality after CABG.