bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prehabilitation Using a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for a Patient With a Total Artificial Heart Prior to Heart Transplantation
Authors: Racodon Michaël , Hermand Éric , Lemahieu Jean-Michel , Blairon Pauline , Vanhove Pierre , Secq Amandine 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
The last few decades have been marked by significant advances in mechanical cardiocirculatory support. A total artificial heart (TAH) became a viable therapeutic option for numerous patients as a bridge to heart transplantation, particularly for those in end-stage heart failure. This technology aims to address the various subsequent shortfalls of organs. This report reviews the impact of a prehabilitation on a patient with an Aeson TAH (Carmat).

Discussion:
We assessed improvements in functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in a newly implanted patient following standard cardiac rehabilitation as a prehabilitation program, using 6-min walk test and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) health survey, respectively. Similar functional improvements were observed over a short period of 2 wk compared with a longer protocol for patients with a heart transplant, and superior effects on QoL. The patient was successfully transplanted 5 mo after the TAH implantation.

Summary:
Prehabilitation of a patient with a TAH increased both their physical capacity and QoL.
NOS3 prevents MMP-9, and MMP-13 induced extracellular matrix proteolytic degradation through specific microRNA-targeted expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer in hypertension-related atherosclerosis
Authors: Ramírez-Carracedo Rafael , Hernández Ignacio , Moreno-Gómez-Toledano Rafael , Díez-Mata Javier , Tesoro Laura , González-Cucharero Claudia , Jiménez-Guirado Beatriz , Alcharani Nunzio , Botana Laura , Saura Marta , Zamorano Jose L. , Zaragoza Carlos 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) elicits atheroprotection by preventing extracellular matrix (ECM) proteolytic degradation through inhibition of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and collagenase MMP-13 by still unknown mechanisms.

Methods:
C57BL/6 mice lacking ApoE, NOS3, and/or MMP13 were fed with a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Entire aortas were extracted and frozen to analyze protein and nucleic acid expression. Atherosclerotic plaques were detected by ultrasound imaging, Oil Red O (ORO) staining, and Western Blot. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR were performed to evaluate EMMPRIN, MMP-9, and EMMPRIN-targeting miRNAs. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC) were incubated to assess the role of active MMP-13 over MMP-9. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to determine statistical differences.

Results:
Lack of NOS3 in ApoE null mice fed with a high-fat diet increased severe plaque accumulation, vessel wall widening, and high mortality, along with EMMPRIN-induced expression by upregulation of miRNAs 46a-5p and 486-5p. However, knocking out MMP-13 in ApoE/NOS3-deficient mice was sufficient to prevent mortality (66.6 vs. 26.6%), plaque progression (23.1 vs. 8.8%), and MMP-9 expression, as confirmed in murine aortic endothelial cell (MAEC) cultures, in which MMP-9 was upregulated by incubation with active recombinant MMP-13, suggesting MMP-9 as a new target of MMP-13 in atherosclerosis.

Conclusion:
We describe a novel mechanism by which the absence of NOS3 may worsen atherosclerosis through EMMPRIN-induced ECM proteolytic degradation by targeting the expression of miRNAs 146a-5p and 485-5p. Focusing on NOS3 regulation of ECM degradation could be a promising approach in the management of atherosclerosis.
Volume overload is a major characteristic in primary aldosteronism: a 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Kokko Eeva , Choudhary Manoj Kumar , Mutanen Aapo , Honkonen Milja , Tikkakoski Antti , Koskela Jenni K. , Hämäläinen Mari , Moilanen Eeva , Viukari Marianna , Matikainen Niina , Nevalainen Pasi I. , Pörsti Ilkka 
Published: February 2024

Objectives:
We examined haemodynamics, focusing on volume balance and forward and backward wave amplitudes, before and after 2.8 years of targeted treatment of primary aldosteronism. Patients with essential hypertension and normotensive individuals were examined for comparison (n = 40 in each group).

Methods:
Recordings were performed using radial artery pulse wave analysis and whole-body impedance cardiography. Unilateral aldosteronism was treated with adrenalectomy (n = 20), bilateral aldosteronism with spironolactone-based medication (n = 20), and essential hypertension with standard antihypertensive agents.

Results:
Aortic SBP and DBP, forward and backward wave amplitudes, and systemic vascular resistance were equally elevated in primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension. All these haemodynamic variables were similarly reduced by the treatments. Primary aldosteronism presented with 1 litre (∼10%) extracellular water excess (P < 0.001) versus the other groups, and this excess was normalized by treatment. Initial pulse wave velocity (PWV) was similarly increased in primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension, but final values remained higher in primary aldosteronism (P < 0.001). In regression analyses, significant explanatory factors for treatment-induced forward wave amplitude reduction were decreased systemic vascular resistance (β = 0.380) and reduced extracellular water volume (β = 0.183). Explanatory factors for backward wave amplitude reduction were changes in forward wave amplitude (β = 0.599), heart rate (β = −0.427), and PWV (β = 0.252).

Conclusion:
Compared with essential hypertension, the principal haemodynamic difference in primary aldosteronism was higher volume load. Volume excess elevated forward wave amplitude, which was subsequently reduced by targeted treatment of primary aldosteronism, along with normalization of volume load. We propose that incorporating extracellular water evaluation alongside routine diagnostics could enhance the identification and diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.
Pupil size measurements with a multifunctional aberrometer/coherence interferometer/tomographer and two infrared-based pupillometers
Authors: Davidova Petra , Biller Marvin , Ademmer Vanessa , Kohnen Thomas 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
To compare precision of pupil size measurements of a multifunctional device (Pentacam AXL Wave [Pentacam]) and 2 infrared-based pupillometers (PupilX, Colvard) and to compare repeatability of Pentacam and PupilX.

Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Design:
Prospective, comparative trial.

Methods:
Pupil diameter of healthy eyes was measured with Colvard once and Pentacam without glare (WO) and with glare (WG), PupilX in 0, 1, and 16 lux 3 times each. In a second series, measurements with Pentacam WO and PupilX in 0.06 and 0.12 lux were assessed.

Results:
36 eyes of participants aged 21 to 63 years were included. Mean pupil diameter was 6.05 mm with Colvard, 5.79 mm (first series), 5.50 mm (second series) with Pentacam WO, 3.42 mm WG, 7.26 mm PupilX in 0, 4.67 mm 1, 3.66 mm 16, 6.82 mm in 0.06, and 6.39 mm in 0.12 lux. Measurements with Pentacam WO were significantly different to PupilX in 0, 0.06, 0.12, and 1 lux (all P < .001), but not to Colvard (P = .086). Pupil size measured with Pentacam WG and PupilX in 16 lux was not significantly different (P = .647). Consecutive measurements with Pentacam WO and WG had mean SD of 0.23 mm and 0.20 mm, respectively, and with PupilX 0.11 in 0, 0.24 mm 1, and 0.20 mm in 16 lux.

Conclusions:
Pentacam provided good assessment of pupil size but was not equivalent to PupilX in low lighting conditions. Repeatability was more favorable for Pentacam.
Clozapine Use in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Colijn Mark Ainsley 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
22q11.2 deletion syndrome confers significant risk for the development of schizophrenia. While current recommendations regarding the management of psychotic symptoms in affected individuals are generally in keeping with treatment guidelines for general schizophrenia populations, evidence for the use of clozapine has come from case reports and retrospective observational data. As no reviews on the topic currently exist, a systematic review of clozapine use in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome was completed.

Methods
In November 2023, a literature search was completed using both PubMed and Scopus to identify English-language articles that reported the use of clozapine in humans with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Results
Twenty-six articles describing 57 individuals were deemed eligible for inclusion. Most individuals had a diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Where reported, the mean or median dose of clozapine was relatively low, and the majority of individuals exhibited a good response (approximately 65.5% across individual case reports/series). While seizures were unsurprisingly the most commonly reported serious adverse effect, the majority of individuals were able to remain on (or be restarted on) clozapine by having their dose decreased and/or by adding an anticonvulsant (most commonly valproate).

Conclusions
This review reaffirms that individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome may benefit from clozapine therapy even at a low dose, assuming they meet criteria for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and provided no contraindications exist. However, given the increased incidence of seizures in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, the use of prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy should be considered, and hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia screened for and corrected before the initiation of clozapine. It is also recommended that clozapine blood levels be monitored.
A 2-Year, Randomized, Clinical Trial Examining the Effects of Speed of Processing Cognitive Training on Quality-of-Life Indicators in Adults With HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder in Birmingham, Alabama: Results of the Think Fast Study
Authors: Vance David E. , Fazeli Pariya L. , Azuero Andres , Frank Jennifer S. , Wadley Virginia G. , Raper James L. , Pope Caitlin N. , Jacob Alexandra , Ball Karlene K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Speed of processing (SOP) cognitive training may improve indicators of the quality of life (QoL) in people living with HIV. In this 2-year, longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial, 216 participants ages 40 years and older with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder or borderline HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder were assigned to one of three groups: (a) 10 hr of SOP training (n = 70); (b) 20 hr of SOP training (n = 73), or (c) 10 hr of internet navigation control training (a contact control group; n = 73). Participants completed several QoL measures at baseline, posttest, and Year 1 and Year 2 follow-ups. Using linear mixed-effect models, no strong pattern of training effects across QoL outcomes was apparent, with small-magnitude, nonsignificant, between-group differences in depression, locus of control, and Medical Outcomes Study-HIV scales. In conclusion, despite prior work showing some transfer of SOP cognitive training improving QoL, that was not observed. Implications for research and practice are posited.
The role of donor sex on the post-liver transplant outcomes in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Lee David Uihwan , Harmacinski Ashton , Kolachana Sindhura , Bahadur Aneesh , Lee KeeSeok , Lee Ki Jung , Pu Alex , Chou Harrison , Fan Gregory Hongyuan , Malik Raza 
Published: February 2024

Background and aims:
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) can result in hepatic decompensation and require liver transplantation (LT). This study investigates the effect of the sex of the donor and recipient as a prognostic risk factor for adverse outcomes after LT in patients with PSC.

Methods:
UNOS registry was used to select LT patients with PSC from 1987 to 2019. The study cohort was stratified based on the sex of the recipient and further subdivided based on the sex of the donor. The primary endpoints of this study were all-cause mortality and graft failure, which were evaluated using a sequential Cox regression analysis.

Results:
This study included 2829 patients; 906 female recipients were transplanted from 441 male donors and 465 female donors. 1923 male recipients were transplanted from 1194 male donors and 729 female donors. Within the mismatch analyses, the male-to-male recipients also had a significantly reduced hazard ratio of graft failure compared to female-to-male transplants [aHR 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.79, P = 0.003]. No difference in graft failure was observed in the mismatched female recipient subgroup. The mismatched male recipient group also showed a decreased hazard ratio of mortality from graft rejection and respiratory causes. No differences in specific mortality causes were identified in the mismatched female recipient group.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrated an increase in the risk of graft failure and mortality secondary to graft failure in male recipients of female donor livers. No differences in mortality or graft failure were identified in female recipients of male livers.
Prevalence and risk factors for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Huawei , Zhang Yu , Gao Yanjing 
Published: February 2024

Background
This study aimed to assess cardiac structure and function in patients with cirrhosis, to investigate the prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) in patients with cirrhosis of different etiologies and to analyze the risk factors for the development of CCM.

Methods
This study selected cirrhotic patients aged 18–75 years who were hospitalized in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. Patients with known heart disease, chronic lung disease, severe renal insufficiency, malignancy, thyroid disease, hypertension, diabetes or pregnancy were excluded. A total of 131 patients with cirrhosis were finally included. Based on the results of echocardiography, patients who met the diagnostic definition of CCM were included in the CCM group, otherwise, they were classified as the non-CCM group. The demographic and clinical data of the two groups were compared, and the clinical characteristics and risk factors of CCM were evaluated.

Results
The overall prevalence of CCM was 24.4%, and the occurrence of CCM was not related to the etiology of liver cirrhosis. The prevalence of CCM was significantly higher among cirrhotic patients complicated with ascites (31.4% vs. 16.4%; P = 0.046) or with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (42.9% vs. 17.1%; P = 0.003). Older age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.058; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.005–1.113; P = 0.032] and PVT (OR = 2.999; 95% CI, 1.194–7.533; P = 0.019) were independent risk factors for the development of CCM.

Conclusion
The prevalence of CCM in cirrhotic patients was 24.4%, and the occurrence of CCM was not related to the etiology of cirrhosis. The prevalence of CCM was higher in cirrhotic patients with ascites or PVT. Older age and PVT are independent risk factors for CCM, but validation in larger sample studies is still needed.
Evaluation of chronic hepatitis B patients who voluntarily discontinued oral antiviral therapy: is there an answer to the controversial topic?
Authors: Arslan Eyüp , Yildiz Yeşim , Karaşahin Ömer , Demir Yakup , Tümbül Mermutluoğlu Çiğdem , Ünlü Gülten , Kuşçu Ferit , Kaya Şafak , Akgül Fethiye , Damar Çakirca Tuba , Yilmaz Karadağ Fatma , Altunişik Toplu Sibel , Nazik Selçuk , Akdemir İrem , Özer Balin Şafak , Kandemir Fatma Özlem , İnan Dilara , Bayindir Yaşar , Taşova Yeşim , Çelen Mustafa Kemal 
Published: February 2024

Objective
The uncertain treatment duration for nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an important problem for both patients and physicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the determinants of virologic relapse (VR) and the optimum time of treatment discontinuation in the follow-up of CHB patients who voluntarily discontinued treatment after virological suppression was achieved under NA use.

Methods
Data from 138 patients from 11 centers were included in this registry-based study. Factors associated with VR were investigated using multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results
Ninety-nine (71.7%) of the patients were HBeAg (Hepatitis B e antigen) negative. During the 24-month follow-up period after treatment discontinuation, VR occurred in 58.7% (n = 81) of all patients and 57.6% (n = 57) of HBeAg-negative patients. The duration of NA treatment was significantly shorter (cutoff 60 months) in HBeAg-negative patients who later developed VR. In addition, the duration of virologic remission achieved under NA treatment was significantly shorter (cutoff 52 months) in those who later developed VR. In the Cox multivariate regression model of HBeAg-negative patients, having less than 60 months of NA treatment (HR = 2.568; CI:1.280–5.148; P = 0.008) and the levels of alanine aminotransferase being equal to or higher than twice the upper level of normal at the beginning of treatment (HR = 3.753; CI:1.551–9.081; P = 0.003) were found to be statistically significant and independently associated with VR.

Conclusion
The findings of this study may provide clinical guidance in terms of determining the most appropriate discontinuation time for NA.
Receiving a Prenatal or Postnatal Diagnosis of (Dis)Ability
Authors: MacNeil Morgan , Campbell-Yeo Marsha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The phenomenon of carrying and birthing an infant with a (dis)ability is complex and emotionally driven for parents. Infants with (dis)abilities are at risk for long-term health and developmental challenges, which may cause fear and stress in families. Parents report dissatisfaction with their experience of learning of their infant's (dis)ability diagnosis. After unexpected news is given to expecting or new parents prenatally or postnatally, it is the nurse who is often left with parents during an extremely emotional and vulnerable time. Although nurses play a pivotal role in supporting parents through this vulnerable time, their specific role is not well defined. This narrative synthesis reviews the role of the nurse during complex family situations and applies findings to their role in supporting families through receiving the diagnosis of a (dis)ability for their infant either prenatally or postnatally. Nurses can assist parents through this process of adaptation by using a compassionate and empathetic approach in their care, facilitating opportunities for parent–infant bonding, speaking with person-first language, clarifying complex information, and assisting with allocation of various internal and external resources. Future research dedicated to the creation of best practice clinical guidelines on communicating with families during the diagnosis of (dis)ability would assist nurses and other health care professionals in meeting the multifaceted and sensitive needs of parents and families, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for the parents, family, and infant.
Sexually Transmitted Infection Partner Services Outcomes Before and During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in King County, WA
Authors: Fenelon Hannah T. , Berzkalns Anna , Amiya Rachel M. , Barbee Lindley A. , Dombrowski Julia C. , Golden Matthew R. , Kerani Roxanne P. 
Published: February 2024

Background
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic mitigation efforts resulted in reallocation of public health personnel, likely impacting provision of timely sexually transmitted infection partner services (PS). We describe PS outcomes before and during the pandemic in King County, WA.

Methods
We examined PS outcomes for syphilis and gonorrhea cases diagnosed in 2019 and 3 periods in 2020 (pre-lockdown: January 1, 2020–March 23, 2020; lockdown: March 24, 2020–June 5, 2020; post-lockdown: June 6, 2020–December 31, 2020). We described changes over time in 3 PS outcomes: cases initiated, interviewed, and with named sex partners. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with Poisson regression comparing these outcomes in the 2020 periods with 2019.

Results
Reported gonorrhea (4611 vs. 4179) and syphilis (665 vs. 586) cases declined from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, 60.7% of cases were initiated, compared with 42.1% before lockdown (aPR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70%–0.78%), 41.7% during lockdown (aPR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73–0.85), and 41.7% after lockdown (aPR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77–0.85). Among initiated cases, the proportion interviewed also seemed to drop in the 3 lockdown periods (52.4%, 41.0%, 44.1%) compared with 2019 (55.7%). However, in adjusted analyses, the prevalence of interview among case patients was only lower pre-lockdown (aPR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.99), and higher during (aPR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01–1.20) and after (aPR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06–1.19). Interviewed patients named partners more often during (21.4%; aPR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.05–1.74) and less often after lockdown (16.0%; aPR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51–0.79), compared with 2019 (26.6%).

Conclusions
These results underscore the need for a trained public health worker reserve, and plans for deployment of existing workers and prioritization of cases to continue essential sexually transmitted infection public health activities during public health crises.
TRENDS IN CHOLESTEROL AND LIPOPROTEINS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME INCIDENCE AND DEATH AMONG SEPSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Black Lauren Page , Hopson Charlotte , Barker Grant , Munson Taylor , Henson Morgan , Bertrand Andrew , Daly-Crews Kimberly , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Guirgis Faheem W. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective: Compare changes in cholesterol and lipoprotein levels occurring in septic patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and by survivorship. Methods: We reanalyzed data from prospective sepsis studies. Cholesterol and lipoprotein levels were analyzed using univariate testing to detect changes between septic patients with or without ARDS, and among ARDS survivors compared with nonsurvivors at enrollment (first 24 h of sepsis) and 48 to 72 h later. Results: 214 patients with sepsis were included of whom 48 had ARDS and 166 did not have ARDS. Cholesterol and lipoproteins among septic ARDS versus non-ARDS showed similar enrollment levels. However, 48 to 72 h after enrollment, change in median total cholesterol (48/72 h − enrollment) was significantly different between septic ARDS (−4, interquartile range [IQR] −23.5, 6.5, n = 35) and non-ARDS (0, −10.0, 17.5, P = 0.04; n = 106). When compared by ARDS survivorship, ARDS nonsurvivors (n = 14) had lower median total cholesterol levels (75.5, IQR 68.4, 93.5) compared with ARDS survivors (113.0, IQR 84.0, 126.8, P = 0.022), and lower median enrollment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (27, IQR 19.5–34.5) compared with ARDS survivors (43, IQR 27–67, P = 0.013; n = 33). Apolipoprotein A-I levels were also significantly lower in ARDS nonsurvivors (n = 14) (87.6, IQR 76.45–103.64) compared with ARDS survivors (130.0, IQR 73.25–165.47, P = 0.047; n = 33). At 48 to 72 h, for ARDS nonsurvivors, median levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (9.0, IQR 4.3, 18.0; n = 10), LDL-C (17.0, IQR 5.0, 29.0; n = 9), and total cholesterol (59.0, 45.3, 81.5; n = 10) were significantly lower compared with ARDS survivors’ (n = 25) levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (20.0, IQR 12.0–39.0, P = 0.014), LDL-C (42.0, IQR 27.0–58.0, P = 0.019), and total cholesterol (105.0, IQR 91.0, 115.0, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Change in total cholesterol was different in septic ARDS versus non-ARDS. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein A-I levels were lower in ARDS nonsurvivors compared with survivors. Future studies of dysregulated cholesterol metabolism in septic ARDS patients are needed to understand biology and links to potential therapies.