bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electronic nose based analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds spectrum reveals asthmatic shifts and consistency in controls post-exercise and spirometry
Authors: Dragonieri Silvano , Marco Marcin Di , Ahroud Madiha , Quaranta Vitaliano Nicola , Portacci Andrea , Iorillo Ilaria , Montagnolo Francesca , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Analyzing exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with an electronic nose (e-nose) is emerging in medical diagnostics as a non-invasive, quick, and sensitive method for disease detection and monitoring. This study investigates if activities like spirometry or physical exercise affect exhaled VOCs measurements in asthmatics and healthy individuals, a crucial step for e-nose technology’s validation for clinical use. The study analyzed exhaled VOCs using an e-nose in 27 healthy individuals and 27 patients with stable asthma, before and after performing spirometry and climbing five flights of stairs. Breath samples were collected using a validated technique and analyzed with a Cyranose 320 e-nose. In healthy controls, the exhaled VOCs spectrum remained unchanged after both lung function test and exercise. In asthmatics, principal component analysis and subsequent discriminant analysis revealed significant differences post-spirometry (vs. baseline 66.7% cross validated accuracy [CVA], p < 0.05) and exercise (vs. baseline 70.4% CVA, p < 0.05). E-nose measurements in healthy individuals are consistent, unaffected by spirometry or physical exercise. However, in asthma patients, significant changes in exhaled VOCs were detected post-activities, indicating airway responses likely due to constriction or inflammation, underscoring the e-nose’s potential for respiratory condition diagnosis and monitoring.
Adaptations of masculinity: mapping the affective power of Achilles and Patroclus
Authors: Svelstad Per Esben 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus, two of the heroes of the Trojan War, has served various ideological purposes in adaptive revisions. The central question of this article is how the story lends itself to different interpretations and ideological projects across time. Building on concepts of affect, power, and cartographical reading, as described by Gilles Deleuze, the analyses highlight the potential of the myth to do different things. The examples analysed are Christa Wolf’s novel Kassandra, Madeline Miller’s novel The Song of Achilles, and a figure skating routine by French elite skater Kevin Aymoz. A comparison of these adaptations shows how the myth can be used to celebrate alternative notions of masculinity and challenge homophobic discourses. Furthermore, the comparison highlights figure skating as a mode of adaptation where a performer becomes a character, thus underlining the affirmative potential of the sport.
Urban-rural disparities in the short-term effects of cold and heat on myocardial infarction mortality in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Yang Min , He Qin , Wu Keyu , Wu Qiyue , Bai Zhongliang , Cheng Qianyao , Hu Jingyao , Wang Huadong , Su Hong , Xing Xiuya , Cheng Jian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Non-optimal ambient temperatures are risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) and urban-rural temperature differences in the context of climate change may have caused and will lead to differential association between temperature and MI. We collected daily mean temperature and daily MI deaths from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020 in Anhui Province, China. A distributed lag nonlinear model was performed to estimate the area-specific association of heat and cold (defined as the 2.5th and 97.5th percentile of the daily mean temperature) with MI mortality; the random-effects meta-analysis was then used to pool the effects of cold and heat. We found the risk of MI death due to cold was higher in rural areas [relative risk (RR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.26, lag0) than in urban areas (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.80-1.21, lag0), whereas the risk of MI death associated with heat was higher in urban areas (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.27, lag0) than in rural areas (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.99-1.10, lag0). Our findings may help to develop targeted protective strategies to reduce the adverse effects of cold and heat on cardiovascular disease.
Key considerations for the future of mental health epidemiology
Authors: Abdalla Salma M , Galea Sandro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Psychiatric epidemiology has led to substantial progress in our understanding of the causes of mental health disorders. The increasing sophistication of etiologic psychiatric research has been accompanied by a greater focus on the biological and genetic causes of psychiatric disorders, to some extent diverging from field’s early focus on the burden of poor mental health due to a breadth of social and economic conditions. We argue that the moment is ripe for advancing a mental health epidemiology that can reconnect the field to these earlier—and still central—concerns while retaining the strengths of psychiatric epidemiology. Embracing 5 considerations can help advance the evolving field of mental health epidemiology. First, conceptually, an ambitious vision for the future of the field necessitates investment in refining our definitions and methodologies. Second, there is a need for a renewed focus on the macrosocial determinants of mental health. Third, a deeper engagement with mental health inequities should be central to our scholarship. Fourth, the field would benefit from a more deliberate assessment of the mechanisms leading to adverse mental health outcomes, which can then be used to inform novel interventions. Finally, realizing this future is contingent upon a wholesale commitment to studying population mental health globally.
This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Depression at the intersection of race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and sexual orientation in a nationally representative sample of US adults: a design-weighted intersectional MAIHDA
Authors: McGuire F Hunter , Beccia Ariel L , Peoples JaNiene E , Williams Matthew R , Schuler Megan S , Duncan Alexis E 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study examined how race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and sexual orientation intersect under interlocking systems of oppression to socially pattern depression among US adults. With cross-sectional data from the 2015-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 234 722), we conducted a design-weighted, multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA) under an intersectional framework to predict past-year and lifetime major depressive episodes (MDEs). With 42 intersectional groups constructed from 7 race/ethnicity, 2 sex/gender, and 3 sexual orientation categories, we estimated age-standardized prevalence and excess or reduced prevalence attributable to 2-way or higher interaction effects. Models revealed heterogeneity across groups, with prevalence ranging from 1.9% to 19.7% (past-year) and 4.5% to 36.5% (lifetime). Approximately 12.7% (past year) and 12.5% (lifetime) of total individual variance was attributable to between-group differences, indicating key relevance of intersectional groups in describing the population distribution of depression. Main effects indicated, on average, that people who were White, women, gay/lesbian, or bisexual had greater odds of MDE. Main effects explained most between-group variance. Interaction effects (past year: 10.1%; lifetime: 16.5%) indicated another source of heterogeneity around main effects average values, with some groups experiencing excess or reduced prevalence compared with main effects expectations. We extend the MAIHDA framework to calculate nationally representative estimates from complex sample survey data using design-weighted, Bayesian methods.
This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Predictive value of early lactate (&lt;6 h) during normothermic machine perfusion and outcome after liver transplantation: results from a multicentre study
Authors: Hofmann Julia , Meszaros Andras T , Butler Andrew , Hann Angus , Hartog Hermien , Kneifel Felicia , Iype Satheesh , Crick Keziah , Cardini Benno , Fiore Barbara , Attia Magdy , Pollok Joerg-Matthias , Pascher Andreas , Vogel Thomas , Perera Thamara , Watson Christopher J E , Schneeberger Stefan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Biomarkers with strong predictive capacity towards transplantation outcome for livers undergoing normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) are needed. We investigated lactate clearing capacity as a basic function of liver viability during the first 6 h of NMP.

Methods
A trial conducted in 6 high-volume transplant centres in Europe. All centres applied a back-to-base NMP approach with the OrganOx metra system. Perfusate lactate levels at start, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h of NMP were assessed individually and as area under the curve (AUC) and correlated with EAD (early allograft dysfunction), MEAF (model for early allograft function) and modified L-GrAFT (liver graft assessment following transplantation) scores.

Results
A total of 509 livers underwent ≥6 h of NMP before transplantation in 6 centres in the UK, Germany and Austria. The donor age was 53 (40–63) years (median, i.q.r.).
The total NMP time was 10.8 (7.9–15.7) h. EAD occurred in 26%, MEAF was 4.72 (3.54–6.05) and L-GrAFT10 −0.96 (−1.52–−0.32). Lactate at 1, 2 and 6 h correlated with increasing robustness with MEAF. Rather than a binary assessment with a cut-off value at 2 h, the actual 2 h lactate level correlated with the MEAF (P = 0.0306 versus P = 0.0002, Pearson r = 0.01087 versus r = 0.1734). The absolute lactate concentration at 6 h, the AUC of 0–6 h and 1–6 h (P &lt; 0.0001, r = 0.3176) were the strongest predictors of MEAF.

Conclusion
Lactate measured 1–6 h and lactate levels at 6 h correlate strongly with risk of liver allograft dysfunction upon transplantation. The robustness of predicting MEAF by lactate increases with perfusion duration. Monitoring lactate levels should be extended to at least 6 h of NMP routinely to improve clinical outcome.
The interictal suppression hypothesis is the dominant differentiator of seizure onset zones in focal epilepsy
Authors: Doss Derek J , Shless Jared S , Bick Sarah K , Makhoul Ghassan S , Negi Aarushi S , Bibro Camden E , Rashingkar Rohan , Gummadavelli Abhijeet , Chang Catie , Gallagher Martin J , Naftel Robert P , Reddy Shilpa B , Williams Roberson Shawniqua , Morgan Victoria L , Johnson Graham W , Englot Dario J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Successful surgical treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy traditionally relies on the identification of seizure onset zones (SOZs). Connectome-based analyses of electrographic data from stereo electroencephalography (SEEG) may empower improved detection of SOZs. Specifically, connectome-based analyses based on the interictal suppression hypothesis posit that when the patient is not having a seizure, SOZs are inhibited by non-SOZs through high inward connectivity and low outward connectivity. However, it is not clear whether there are other motifs that can better identify potential SOZs. Thus, we sought to use unsupervised machine learning to identify network motifs that elucidate SOZs and investigate if there is another motif that outperforms the ISH.
Resting-state SEEG data from 81 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing a pre-surgical evaluation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center were collected. Directed connectivity matrices were computed using the alpha band (8–13 Hz). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on each patient’s connectivity matrix. Each patient’s components were analysed qualitatively to identify common patterns across patients. A quantitative definition was then used to identify the component that most closely matched the observed pattern in each patient.
A motif characteristic of the interictal suppression hypothesis (high-inward and low-outward connectivity) was present in all individuals and found to be the most robust motif for identification of SOZs in 64/81 (79%) patients. This principal component demonstrated significant differences in SOZs compared to non-SOZs. While other motifs for identifying SOZs were present in other patients, they differed for each patient, suggesting that seizure networks are patient specific, but the ISH is present in nearly all networks.
We discovered that a potentially suppressive motif based on the interictal suppression hypothesis was present in all patients, and it was the most robust motif for SOZs in 79% of patients. Each patient had additional motifs that further characterized SOZs, but these motifs were not common across all patients. This work has the potential to augment clinical identification of SOZs to improve epilepsy treatment.
Economics Imperialism then and now: Ben Fine on the Changing Relationship between Economics and the Other Social Sciences
Authors: Morgan Jamie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this review essay, I explore the first two of a planned 10 volumes of Ben Fine’s selected journal publications. The two are broadly concerned with economics imperialism before and after a ‘watershed’ (before which it is recognised for what it is and after which it is less so). I first set out what Fine means by economics imperialism. I then discuss a few examples of what heterodox economists have been talking about insofar as they were not (quite) talking about economics imperialism. This provides a useful segue into the specifics of Fine’s writings across the two volumes, and in two subsections, I separately survey the volumes. Finally, I conclude with some comment on the sense of unfinished business that hangs over constructive change.
Lipid lowering for prevention of venous thromboembolism: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Farmakis Ioannis T , Christodoulou Konstantinos C , Hobohm Lukas , Konstantinides Stavros V , Valerio Luca 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Studies have suggested that statins may be associated with reduced risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of the current study was to assess the evidence regarding the comparative effect of all lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) in primary VTE prevention.

Methods
After a systematic search of PubMed, CENTRAL, and Web of Science up until 2 November 2022, randomized controlled trials (RCT) of statins (high- or low-/moderate-intensity), ezetimibe, or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) were selected. An additive component network meta-analysis to compare VTE risk during long-term follow-up across different combinations of LLT was performed.

Results
Forty-five RCTs (n = 254 933 patients) were identified, reporting a total of 2084 VTE events. Compared with placebo, the combination of PCSK9i with high-intensity statin was associated with the largest reduction in VTE risk (risk ratio [RR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43–0.80), while there was a trend towards reduction for high-intensity (0.84; 0.70–1.02) and low-/moderate-intensity (0.89; 0.79–1.00) statin monotherapy. Ezetimibe monotherapy did not affect the VTE risk (1.04; 0.83–1.30). There was a gradual increase in the summary effect of VTE reduction with increasing intensity of the LLT. When compared with low-/moderate-intensity statin monotherapy, the combination of PCSK9i and high-intensity statin was significantly more likely to reduce VTE risk (0.66; 0.49–0.89).

Conclusions
The present meta-analysis of RCTs suggests that LLT may have a potential for VTE prevention, particularly in high-intensity dosing and in combination therapy.
Timing of administration of beta-blockers: effects on early de novo postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: De Kruijf N L M , Zwijnenburg R D , Van Schie M S , Kavousi M , Taverne Y J H J , De Groot N M S 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Early postoperative atrial fibrillation (ePoAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery. Guidelines recommend use of perioperative beta-blockers for ePoAF prevention. Despite these recommendations and improvements of surgical skills and postoperative care, the occurrence of ePoAF did not alter over time.

Purpose
We examined the effect of pre- and post-operative beta-blocker’ usage on development of early (≤ 5 days after surgery) de novo PoAF.

Methods
Adult patients (N=415) with coronary artery bypass grafting (N=225), valve surgery (N=135) or a combination of both (N=55) were retrieved from an existing database to investigate the relation between beta-blocker’ usage and de novo ePoAF. Early de novo PoAF was defined as AF occurring ≤ 5 days after surgery. Sub analysis was performed in a subpopulation on patients who received pre- and post-operative beta-blockers and had undergone epicardial mapping of the right atrium in sinus rhythm (SR) (N=125) (Table 1). Unipolar potentials were classified as single, short or long double and fractionated potentials. Unipolar potential voltage, conduction velocity and conduction block (CB) prevalence were measured.

Results
De novo ePoAF occurred in 135 (33%) patients and mainly (46%) on the second post-operative day. Post-operative beta-blockers were administered in 13 (4%) patients in day 0, 163 (46%) patients in day 1, 103 (29%) patients in day 2, 42 (12%) patients in day 3, 23 (7%) patients in day 4, and 8 (3%) patients in day 5. Preoperative beta-blockers’ usage was not significantly associated with lower prevalence of de novo ePoAF (usage versus no usage 35% versus 27%; odds ratio 1.45 [95% CI, 0.93 – 2.25]). However, postoperative beta-blockers’ usage was significantly associated with lower prevalence of de novo ePoAF (usage versus no usage 20% versus 61%; odds ratio 0.16 [95% CI, 0.10- 0.26]). De novo ePoAF occurred in 22% of the patients using both pre- and post-operative beta-blockers. In the sub analyses of the epicardial mapping data patients without (N=91) and with ePoAF (N=34) were compared. ePoAF was associated with more low voltage areas and CB. Furthermore, patients with ePoAF had more long doubles, and fractionated potentials and subsequently less single potentials. (Figure 1).

Conclusion
Our results suggest that administration of beta-blockers after, but not prior to cardiac surgery, could be effective in preventing de novo ePoAF. However, this therapy is only moderately effective in preventing ePoAF. Among patients using both pre- and postoperative beta-blockers, patients with ePoAF had more extensive arrhythmogenic substrates prior to cardiac surgery compared to patients who remained in SR.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and high troponin levels: patient characteristics and evaluation of coexisting coronary artery disease
Authors: Aletras G , Stratinaki M , Bachlitzanaki E , Georgopoulou T , Korela D , Rogdakis E , Pitarokoilis M , Bachlitzanaki M , Foukarakis E 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
High-sensitive troponin (hs-cTnI/hs-cTnT) assays are preferred for detecting myocardial injury and can be elevated in various clinical conditions other than acute myocardial infarction including supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs). Patients with SVT and troponinemia often need further evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD), guiding the clinical management.

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to characterize patients with supraventricular tachycardia (atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia-AVNRT, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia-AVRT and atrial tachycardia-AT) and elevated troponin values as well as to evaluate the association between troponin increase and coexisting coronary artery disease.

Methods
We recorded demographic characteristics, main complaints, underlying comorbidities, presence or absence of a previous history of SVT, duration of tachycardia, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), creatinine and peak hs-cTnI values on admission. Further details on the type of cardioversion and the total number of patients who visited the Emergency Department (ED) or were admitted to the Cardiology department due to SVT in the last 3 years were recorded. Subsequently, we examined all hospitalized patients, distinguishing those who underwent an invasive or non-invasive test to rule out CAD and noting the presence or absence of coexisting CAD. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of troponinemia. Data analysis using IBM-SPSS 27 and results presentation with mean and standard deviation for values with normal distribution and median and interquartile range (25th-75th) for values with non-normal distribution.

Results
Out of 106 patients who presented to the ED due to SVT 47 had abnormal hs-cTnI values. A statistically significant difference was observed in patients with troponinemia, particularly those with retrosternal pain, no previous history of SVT, and a longer duration of tachycardia. Factors such as gender, admission Cr, sodium, potassium, and SBP values, the presence of known CAD, diabetes mellitus (DM), thyroid disease, hypertension, or the type of cardioversion had no significant effect on the occurrence of troponinemia. Among the 47 patients with troponinemia, 39 were admitted to the Cardiology Department, and 21 of them underwent further evaluation for CAD, with only one patient showing significant disease.

Conclusions
Patients without a previous episode of SVT, presenting with retrosternal pain and longer duration of tachycardia on admission seem to be the ones to present abnormal troponin values after an episode of SVT. The occurrence of troponinemia in these patients is more likely to be related to myocardial oxygen-demand needs mismatch than to the presence of CAD. Comorbidities and other characteristics Admission values
Impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of heart failure hospitalisation and mortality
Authors: Veerni R , Bhalraam U , Paddock S , Meng J , Vassiliou V , Tsampasian V 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The use of Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in a variety of patient populations [1]. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the impact of SGLT2i on cardiovascular outcomes, specifically heart failure (HF) hospitalisation and mortality in patients with cancer.

Methods
A systematic literature search of PubMed and Ovid databases was conducted from inception until the 18th of November 2023. The search criteria used were : ["((SGLT2) OR (Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors) OR (canagliflozin) OR (dapagliflozin) OR (empagliflozin) OR (ertugliflozin)) AND (cancer)"]. The primary inclusion criteria for studies were: Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) or observational studies, involving patients administered SGLT2 inhibitors, with a comparison group. The outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation. Exclusion criteria included studies not specifically examining patients on SGLT2 inhibitors, and studies not reporting on cardiac dysfunction outcomes. The statistical analysis was conducted using R 4.3.1 on RStudio.

Results
Our search yielded 1304 studies, out of which, 8 studies with 2402 patients receiving SGLT2i and 30,494 controls were included in the analysis. The pooled analysis of 6 studies and 32,197 patients revealed that SGLT2i use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of All-Cause Mortality (Risk Ratio [RR] 0.49, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.35, 0.67], I² = 93%, p &lt; 0.01) [figure 1]. In addition, meta-analysis of 5 studies and 4,116 patients showed that the use of SGLT2i was associated with 62% reduction of HF Hospitalisation (Risk Ratio [RR] 0.49, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.35, 0.67], I² = 93%, p &lt; 0.01) [figure 2].

Conclusions
SGLT2i is associated with a significant decrease in both HF hospitalisation and all-cause mortality rates in patients with cancer. These findings suggest that SGLT2i could be beneficial in managing cardiovascular outcomes in this patient population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and potential clinical applications of SGLT2i in oncological settings. Figure 1 Figure 2