bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P165: Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Traumatic Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis
Authors: Jubouri Matti , Surkhi Abdelaziz , D’Oria Mario , Bailey Damian , Williams Ian , Bashir Mohamad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) represents one of the most devastating scenarios of vascular trauma. Different management strategies are available with varying clinical outcomes, however, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the first-line option for most BTAI patients, mainly owing to its minimally invasive nature yielding improved immediate results. This meta-analysis aims to investigate mortality and long-term survival as well as reintervention following TEVAR in BTAI.

Methods
In a systematic review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted on multiple electronic databases using strict search terms. Twenty-five studies met the set inclusion/exclusion criteria. Proportional meta-analysis of extracted data was conducted using the R-studio and STATA software.

Results
The final analysis included 1367 BTAI patients with who underwent TEVAR. Using the SVS grading system, 2.4% of the population had Grade 1 injuries, 12.8% Grade 2, 60.2% Grade, 22.6% Grade 4, and 1.7% unspecific. All-cause mortality did not exceed 20% in all studies except one outlier with a 37% mortality rate. Using the random-effects model, the pooled estimate of overall mortality was 6.95% (95%CI 5.35-8.55%; I2 = 70.6%). This was 91.2% (95%CI, 88.6-93.2; I2= 30.2%) at 6 months, 89.8% (95%CI, 86.7-92.3; I2 = 53.6%) at 1-year, 88.9% (95%CI, 85.2-91.8; I2= 62.3%) at 2 years, and 87.6% (95%CI, 83.3-90.9; I2 = 69.6%) at 5 years. Moreover, the pooled estimate of reintervention was 0.19% (95%CI, 0.1-0.49%; I2 = 81.7%).

Conclusion
Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with BTAI, TEVAR has proven to be a safe and effective management strategy.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from a suburban community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Buila Nathan B , Tshiswaka Tresor M , Lubenga Yves N , Katamba Fortunat K , Bayauli Pascal M , Ngoyi Georges N , Bantu Jean-Marc B , Beaney Thomas , Kerr Gabriele , Poulter Neil R , M’Buyamba-Kabangu Jean-René 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Hypertension remains the most powerful contributor to the global morbidity and mortality. May Measurement Month (MMM), a worldwide screening campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), is organized annually to increase awareness of high blood pressure (BP). We screened 20 913 adult (≥18 years) residents of suburb hamlets of Mbujimayi (mean age 35.1 ± 15.1 years; Black ethnicity: 98.8%; women: 29.6%; diabetes: 1.6%; alcohol drinkers: 16.8% and smokers: 6.7%, previous myocardial infarction: 1.4%; stroke: 0.8%; taking aspirin: 3.2%; taking statins: 1.9%). Three sitting BP readings were taken, and hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Half of the participants had never had their BP checked, whilst 4.2% of respondents had participated in the MMM19 campaign. 0.9% and 1.7% reported COVID-19 vaccination and positive test, respectively. After multiple imputation of missing BP readings, 14.0% of respondents had hypertension of which 35.8% were aware, 28.0% were on antihypertensive medication and 14.1% had controlled BP. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 40.4% were on monotherapy, 37.2% adhered to taking their medication regularly, and 50.4% had controlled BP (&lt;140/90 mmHg). In regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and antihypertensive treatment, smoking was associated with lower systolic BP, having more years of education was associated with higher systolic and diastolic BP, and physical activity was associated with lower systolic and diastolic BP. This campaign contributes somewhat to reducing the ‘black hole’ on the prevalence of hypertension in DRC pending systematic countrywide BP screening.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from the UK and Republic of Ireland
Authors: Lee Shaun C , Warrington Daniel , Beaney Thomas , Cockcroft John R , Pugh Christopher J A , Williams Abbie , Olding Tyler , Dolan Eamon , O’Brien Eoin , Hynes Lisa , Rabbitt Madeline , Cunnane Paul , Schutte Aletta E , Poulter Neil R , McDonnell Barry J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We participated in the UK and Republic of Ireland May Measurement Month 2021 (MMM21) campaign to raise awareness about blood pressure (BP) measurement and the dangers posed by elevated BP and hypertension. In addition, the campaign aimed to collect and report levels of BP awareness and control in the community setting. The MMM21 campaign set up opportunistic community screening sites at hospitals, general practice (GP) surgeries, community pharmacies, gyms, and various other public places. The campaign screened 1322 participants (mean age 46 years, 55% women) and found that 522 (39.5%) had hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication) at the time of testing. Of the 522 participants identified with hypertension, only 47.2% were aware of their condition. Of those on antihypertensive medication, only 45.7% had controlled BP (systolic BP &lt; 140 mmHg and diastolic BP &lt; 90 mmHg), and of all hypertensives, only 19.0% were controlled. Our UK and Ireland data continue to shed further light on low levels of awareness and control of hypertension in the UK and Ireland community setting. This evidence supports a critical need to further highlight the importance of identifying and taking action against raised BP.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Venezuela
Authors: Hernández-Hernández Rafael , Guzmán-Franulic Mónica L , Rawik-Dagher Yuly , Beaney Thomas , Poulter Neil R , Duin-Balza Amanda , Armas-Hernández María J , Silva Egle , Morr Igor , Octavio-Seijas José Andrés , Toopchiani Sima , Armas-Padilla María C 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the main cause of death in Venezuela, and hypertension is the principal risk factor. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign is a global initiative aimed to raising awareness of hypertension, which has been conducted in Venezuela since 2017. May Measurement Month 2021 included 46 732 participants with a mean age of 56.4 years (SD 14.4), 57.9% of whom were female. The percentage with hypertension was 60.3% (57.9% of females and 63.7% of males), 82.3% (84.8% of females and 79.2% of males) were aware, and 80.2% were taking antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 44.2% (41.2% of females and 48.2% of males) were not controlled [blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/≥90 mmHg], with 61.3% receiving one drug, 30.0% two drugs, and 8.7% three or more drugs. 87.5% of those on treatment reported taking it regularly. Conditions associated with higher BP levels include fewer years of education, having a previous diagnosis of hypertension, and women who were hypertensive during a previous pregnancy. Physical activity and pregnancy were conditions associated with lower BP levels. A previous positive COVID-19 test was reported in 11.1%, and one or more COVID-19 vaccinations reported in 22.7% of participants. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 78.8% reported their treatment was not affected by COVID-19. Results are consistent with previous MMM campaigns and indicate that the screening campaign is feasible and useful to identify hypertension even in exceptional conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Limitations and drawbacks of DQE estimation methods applied to electron detectors
Authors: Marcelot Olivier , Marcelot Cécile , Rolando Sébastien 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is generally accepted as the main figure of merit for the comparison between electron detectors, and most of the time given as a unique number at the Nyquist frequency while it is known to vary with electron dose. It is usually estimated, thanks to a method improved by McMullan in 2009. The purpose of this work is to analyze and to criticize this DQE extraction method on the basis of measurement and model results, and to give recommendations for fair comparison between detectors, wondering if the DQE is the right figure of merit for electron detectors.
Microequity: some thoughts for an emerging research agenda
Authors: Meki Muhammad , Quinn Simon 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper summarizes recent research in performance-based microfinance, and outlines future directions for research. We use the term ‘microequity’ to refer to any small-enterprise financing contract in which the repayment owed in each instalment depends positively upon the variable performance of the enterprise. We summarize research from financial economics and development economics to highlight the importance of implicit insurance in microequity contracts, and present a theoretical framework to illustrate the potential of microequity in supporting capital investment and incentivizing asset use. We conclude by highlighting directions for future research in this emerging field of microfinance.
Bone metastases among newly diagnosed cancer patients: a population-based study
Authors: Chen Feng , He Bo , Wang Yang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
(i) To analyze age-adjusted incidence rates of synchronous bone metastases diagnosed alongside primary malignancy from 2010 to 2018 in the US population, (ii) determine the incidence proportions (IPs) and characteristics of synchronous bone metastases among newly diagnosed cancer patients in the USA especially pediatric cases, and (iii) assess the implications of synchronous bone metastases on cancer patient’s survival, and identify the survival risk factors for these cancer patients.

Methods
Utilizing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (2010–2018), we calculated age-adjusted IPs and annual percentage change (APC), and employed logistic regression and Cox regression models for our analysis.

Results
3 300 736 cancer patients were identified. The age-adjusted incidence rates of synchronous bone metastases increased from 2010 (18.04/100 000) to 2018 (20.89/100 000; APC: 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–3.1), but decreased in lung cancer (average APC: –1.0, 95% CI, −1.8 to −0.3). The highest IPs were observed in pediatric neuroblastoma (43.2%; 95% CI, 39.8%–46.7%) and adult small cell carcinoma (23.1%; 95% CI, 22.7%–23.4%). Multivariate logistic analyses revealed that primary tumor characteristics were correlated with higher bone metastases risk. Survival analyses also showed varied prognostic outcomes based on metastasis sites and demographics among cancer patients. Landmark analyses further indicated among long-term cancer survivors (≥3 and ≥5 years), patients with de novo bone metastases had the poorest survival rates compared with those with other synchronous metastases (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
This study provides a population-based estimation of the incidence and prognosis for synchronous bone metastases. Our findings highlight the need for early identification of high-risk groups and multidisciplinary approaches to improve prognosis of cancer patients with de novo bone metastases.
Where are they and how do they perform? Measuring long-term career outcomes of public health doctoral recipients
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Cheng , Hanks Andrew S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Doctoral recipients of public health play pivotal roles in the support and leadership of the public health industry and academic research. We conducted this study to assess and track the long-term career outcomes of public health PhDs (PHPhD).

Methods
We linked data from the Survey of Doctorate Recipients to the Survey of Earned Doctorates and tracked the long-term career outcomes and job placements of PHPhD from 2001 to 2017. Logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression models were used to model career outcomes and behavioral characteristics.

Results
PHPhD specializing in biometrics and biostatistics had the highest annual income. In all, 59.5% of PHPhD chose academia to likely continue research activities. However, 11.1% of PHPhD shifted job sectors from academia to industry or government 10 years postgraduation. Persistent disparities across racial and gender groups were observed in job outcomes such as salary, working hours and job satisfaction.

Conclusions
These results provide instructive insights PHPhD can use for long-term career planning. Public health program administrators, employers and stakeholders may use the results to address labor outcome disparities in race and gender.
Electroencephalogram rhythmic and arrhythmic spectral components and functional connectivity at resting state may predict the development of synucleinopathies in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Hernandez Jimmy , Lina Jean-Marc , Dubé Jonathan , Lafrenière Alexandre , Gagnon Jean-François , Montplaisir Jacques-Yves , Postuma Ronald B , Carrier Julie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Study Objectives
Idiopathic/isolated rapid eye movement-sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) often precedes the onset of synucleinopathies. Here, we investigated whether baseline resting-state EEG advanced spectral power and functional connectivity differed between iRBD patients who converted towards a synucleinopathy at follow-up and those who did not.

Methods
Eighty-one participants with iRBD (66.89 ± 6.91 years) underwent a baseline resting-state EEG recording, a neuropsychological assessment, and a neurological examination. We estimated EEG power spectral density using standard analyses and derived spectral estimates of rhythmic and arrhythmic components. Global and pairwise EEG functional connectivity analyses were computed using the weighted phase-lag index (wPLI). Pixel-based permutation tests were used to compare groups.

Results
After a mean follow-up of 5.01 ± 2.76 years, 34 patients were diagnosed with a synucleinopathy (67.81 ± 7.34 years) and 47 remained disease-free (65.53 ± 7.09 years). Among patients who converted, 22 were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and 12 with dementia with Lewy bodies. As compared to patients who did not convert, patients who converted exhibited at baseline higher relative theta standard power, steeper slopes of the arrhythmic component and higher theta rhythmic power mostly in occipital regions. Furthermore, patients who converted showed higher beta global wPLI but lower alpha wPLI between left temporal and occipital regions.

Conclusions
Analyses of resting-state EEG rhythmic and arrhythmic components and functional connectivity suggest an imbalanced excitatory-to-inhibitory activity within large-scale networks, which is associated with later development of a synucleinopathy in patients with iRBD.
CircTLK1: A novel regulator involved in VSMC phenotypic switching and the developmental process of atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Feng , Xiang Xuying , Wen Cheng , Guo Xiaoqing , Nie Lei , Chen Jiaojiao , Xia Yuanpeng , Hu Bo , Mao Ling 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPhenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is essential for atherosclerosis development. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a specific non‐coding RNA that is produced as a closed‐loop structure in mammals, and its specific expression pattern is closely related to its cell type and tissue. To clarify the roles of circTLK1 in VSMC phenotypic switching, we performed qRT‐PCR, immunoblotting, and immunostaining. qRT‐PCR revealed that circTLK1 was upregulated in both mouse models of atherosclerosis in vivo and PDGF (platelet‐derived growth factor)–BB‐induced VSMCs in vitro. Furthermore, the overexpression of circTLK1 promoted PDGF‐BB‐induced VSMC phenotypic switching. Conversely, experiments performed in vivo demonstrate that the knockdown of SMC‐specific circTLK1 led to a reduction in the development of atherosclerosis. The relationship between circTLK1 and miR‐513a‐3p and Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) was detected by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA FISH). Mechanistically, circTLK1 acted as a sponge for miR‐513a‐3p, leading to the upregulation of KLF4, a key transcription factor for phenotypic switching. Targeting the circTLK1/miR‐513a‐3p/KLF4 axis may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.
Direct potable reuse and birth defects prevalence in Texas: An augmented synthetic control method analysis of data from a population-based birth defects registry
Authors: Schraw Jeremy M. , Rudolph Kara E. , Shumate Charles J. , Gribble Matthew O. 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Direct potable reuse (DPR) involves adding purified wastewater that has not passed through an environmental buffer into a water distribution system. DPR may help address water shortages and is approved or is under consideration as a source of drinking water for several water-stressed population centers in the United States, however, there are no studies of health outcomes in populations who receive DPR drinking water. Our objective was to determine whether the introduction of DPR for certain public water systems in Texas was associated with changes in birth defect prevalence.

Methods:
We obtained data on maternal characteristics for all live births and birth defects cases regardless of pregnancy outcome in Texas from 2003 to 2017 from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and birth and fetal death records. The ridge augmented synthetic control method was used to model changes in birth defect prevalence (per 10,000 live births) following the adoption of DPR by four Texas counties in mid-2013, with county-level data on maternal age, percent women without a high school diploma, percent who identified as Hispanic/Latina or non-Hispanic/Latina Black, and rural-urban continuum code as covariates.

Results:
There were nonstatistically significant increases in prevalence of all birth defects collectively (average treatment effect in the treated = 53.6) and congenital heart disease (average treatment effect in the treated = 287.3) since June 2013. The estimated prevalence of neural tube defects was unchanged.

Conclusions:
We estimated nonstatistically significant increases in birth defect prevalence following the implementation of DPR in four West Texas counties. Further research is warranted to inform water policy decisions.
ER stress promotes mitochondrial calcium overload and activates the ROS/NLRP3 axis to mediate fatty liver ischemic injury
Authors: Li Fei , Guan Zhu , Gao Yiyun , Bai Yan , Zhan Xinyu , Ji Xingyue , Xu Jian , Zhou Haoming , Rao Zhuqing 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Fatty livers are widely accepted as marginal donors for liver transplantation but are more susceptible to liver ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. Increased macrophage-related inflammation plays an important role in the aggravation of fatty liver IR injury. Here, we investigate the precise mechanism by which endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates macrophage NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain–associated protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload in fatty liver IR.

Methods:
Control- and high-fat diet-fed mice were subjected to a partial liver IR model. The ER stress, mitochondrial calcium levels, and NLRP3 signaling pathway in macrophages were analyzed.

Results:
Liver steatosis exacerbated liver inflammation and IR injury and enhanced NLRP3 activation in macrophages. Myeloid NLRP3 deficiency attenuated intrahepatic inflammation and fatty liver injury following IR. Mechanistically, increased ER stress and mitochondrial calcium overload were observed in macrophages obtained from mouse fatty livers after IR. Suppression of ER stress by tauroursodeoxycholic acid effectively downregulated mitochondrial calcium accumulation and suppressed NLRP3 activation in macrophages, leading to decreased inflammatory IR injury in fatty livers. Moreover, Xestospongin-C–mediated inhibition of mitochondrial calcium influx decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression in macrophages after IR. Scavenging of mitochondrial ROS by mito-TEMPO suppressed macrophage NLRP3 activation and IR injury in fatty livers, indicating that excessive mitochondrial ROS production was responsible for macrophage NLRP3 activation induced by mitochondrial calcium overload. Patients with fatty liver also exhibited upregulated activation of NLRP3 and the ER stress signaling pathway after IR.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that ER stress promotes mitochondrial calcium overload to activate ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathways within macrophages during IR-stimulated inflammatory responses associated with fatty livers.
Racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anouti Ahmad , Seif El Dahan Karim , Rich Nicole E. , Louissaint Jeremy , Lee William M. , Lieber Sarah R. , Arab Juan Pablo , Zhang Bill Y. , Patel Mausam J. , Thimphittaya Chanattha , Díaz Luis Antonio , Gregory Dyanna L. , Kozlitina Julia , VanWagner Lisa B. , King Andrea C. , Mitchell Mack C. , Singal Amit G. , Cotter Thomas G. 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), encompassing alcohol-associated hepatitis and alcohol-associated cirrhosis, is rising in the United States. Racial and ethnic disparities are evident within ALD; however, the precise nature of these disparities is poorly defined.

Methods:
We conducted a search of the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies published from inception through September 2023 that reported ALD incidence, prevalence, and mortality within the United States, stratified by race and ethnicity. We calculated pooled prevalence and incidence by race and ethnicity, including risk ratios and ORs for ALD pooled prevalence and alcohol-associated hepatitis/alcohol-associated cirrhosis pooled proportions, and OR for ALD mortality using the DerSimonian and Laird method for random-effect models.

Results:
We identified 25 relevant studies (16 for quantitative meta-analysis), comprising 76,867,544 patients. ALD prevalence was highest in Hispanic (4.5%), followed by White (3.1%) and Black (1.4%) individuals. Pooled risk ratios of ALD prevalence were 1.64 (95% CI: 1.12–2.39) for Hispanic and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.35–0.87) for Black compared to White individuals. Mortality among those with ALD did not significantly differ between White and Hispanic (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.9–2.5; I
2=0%), Black (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.8–1.6; I
2=0%), or Native American (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 0.9–2.9) individuals, while there was a significant difference between White and Asian (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.03–0.5) individuals. Most data were cross-sectional and assessed to be of poor or fair quality.

Conclusions:
Differences were observed in ALD epidemiology, including higher prevalence among Hispanic and lower prevalence among Black individuals, although there were smaller differences in ALD mortality. Differences in ALD prevalence and prognosis remain poorly defined based on existing data, highlighting a need for higher-quality epidemiological studies in this area.
False-Positive Rate for Suspected Drug-Related Deaths Following Full Autopsy
Authors: Hancock Addie , McLemore Jerri , Russell Greg 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The sharp increase in drug-related deaths has tempted medical examiner/coroner offices to perform external examinations with comprehensive toxicology testing instead of performing a standard autopsy. Compounding the problem of an increasing workload has been the decrease in available forensic pathologists. Opting for external examinations on suspected drug-related fatalities, however, is antithetical to current best practices. The purpose of this study was to review case files, autopsy reports, and toxicologic results of all deaths that were autopsied at the authors' facility and decide whether significant disease processes or injuries that would supersede the results of toxicologic testing and external examination findings alone were being missed.