bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients Undergoing Implantable Defibrillator Placement
Authors: Hummel James P. , Lan Zhou , Jones Paul W. , Khera Rohan , Stein Kenneth , Curtis Jeptha P. , Akar Joseph G. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionIdentifying patients who will develop a need for right ventricular (RV) pacing after defibrillator (ICD) placement would help inform appropriate device selection, specifically to identify patients who might be more suitable for dual chamber or biventricular transvenous defibrillators versus single‐chamber or subcutaneous devices which do not provide pacing. We sought to determine predictors of RV pacing in patients who did not have a pacing indication at the time of initial ICD implant.MethodsThis observational study assessed single‐chamber ICD recipients implanted from 2006 to 2016 from Boston Scientific's ALTITUDE database and linked to the NCDR® ICD Registry. The study population (n = 11 044) of ICDs (programmed VVI mode at 40 bpm), and without a clinical indication for pacing. was randomly divided into training and validation cohorts (70/30) and characteristics associated with RV pacing were identified using logistic regression. The outcome was defined as the development of > 20% RV pacing averaged over any continuous 90‐day period within 24 months after the ICD implant.ResultsPatients who developed > 20% RV pacing (n = 148, 1.3%) had a higher likelihood of being older, male, and with a history of syncope, ventricular tachycardia or cardiac arrest, hypertension, previous or ongoing AF, and longer PR, QRS duration and BUN level (p < 0.01). After adjustment, PR > 230 ms, history of AF, ongoing AF at time of implant, history of VT or cardiac arrest, and age > 70 were independently associated with RV pacing.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into predictors of RV pacing in ICD recipients without pacing needs at baseline.
The Atrial Fibrillation Registry (The FLOW‐AF Registry): Insights From the United Arab Emirates—Patient Characteristics, Treatment, and One‐Year Outcomes
Authors: El Kadri Moutaz , AlMuti Khalid , Agrawal Amrish , Bazargani Nooshin , Gamaleldin Mohamed Fathy Soliman , Ahmed Haytham Mohamed , Hassanain Omneya , Khalife Natasha , Radaideh Ghazi , Magdy Mohamed , Almahmeed Wael A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe epidemiological landscape and treatment efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Middle East, notably in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), remain under‐explored, presenting a distinct demographic and clinical pattern compared to Western populations. The FLOW‐AF Registry aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the characteristics, treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) of newly diagnosed non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients in the UAE, contributing to the scant literature on NVAF management in the region.MethodsThis multicenter, prospective observational study enrolled patients diagnosed with NVAF across six sites in the UAE. Data were collected on demographics, medical history, treatment decisions, clinical outcomes, and HCRU over a 12‐month observation period.ResultsA total of 198 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 63.44 years. Mean CHA₂DS₂‐VASc and HAS‐BLED scores at baseline were 2.95 and 1.76, respectively. Most patients (55.77%) were prescribed non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). One‐year incidence rates for major clinical events were 6.7% for all‐cause mortality, 2.8% for bleeding complications, and 0.6% for myocardial infarction. No strokes were reported during the study period.ConclusionThe FLOW‐AF Registry provides valuable insights into NVAF management in the UAE, demonstrating a distinct patient profile and a preference for NOACs. The NVAF cohort in the UAE was characterized by a younger demographic with lower risk scores and lower rate of clinical events relative to global counterparts. The findings underscore the evolving approach to AF management in the UAE, suggestive of a shift towards NOAC use but also highlights the need for ongoing research to fully understand long‐term outcomes and validate current treatment paradigms in the UAE.
Impact of Hyperuricemia on Incident Hypertension When Hypertension Definition Changes From 140/90 to 130/80 mmHg in a Large Taiwanese Population Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Liu Yi‐Hsueh , Su Wei‐Yu , Lin Chih‐Yi , Tsai Chun‐Chi , Su Ho‐Ming , Chen Szu‐Chia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTA lower blood pressure threshold (≥130/80 mmHg) to define hypertension has been proposed in several hypertension guidelines. This study assessed the relationship between hyperuricemia and incident hypertension, examining serum uric acid (SUA) cut‐offs using both traditional and new definitions in a large Taiwanese cohort. This observational cohort study enrolled 26 973 participants from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), followed for a median of 4 years. Regarding traditional definition (140/90 mmHg), hyperuricemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.297), quartile 3 of SUA (OR, 1.211), quartile 4 of SUA (OR, 1.495), and high SUA (OR, 1.127) were significantly associated with incident hypertension in males, and hyperuricemia (OR, 1.198), quartile 4 of SUA (OR, 1.359), and high SUA (OR, 1.099) were significantly associated with incident hypertension in females. As for new definition (130/80 mmHg), hyperuricemia (OR, 1.376), quartile 3 of SUA (OR, 1.229), quartile 4 of SUA (OR, 1.554), and high SUA (OR, 1.139) were associated with incident hypertension in males, and hyperuricemia (OR, 1.249), quartile 3 of SUA (OR, 1.253), quartile 4 of SUA (OR, 1.429), and high SUA (OR, 1.096) were associated with incident hypertension in females. The interaction between hyperuricemia and sex on incident hypertension was significant for both traditional (140/90, p < 0.001) and new (130/80, p = 0.001) definitions. Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with incident hypertension under both traditional and new definitions. A significant interaction between hyperuricemia and sex was noted, although the differences were not so great.
Therapeutic Potential of Gasdermin D‐Mediated Myocardial Pyroptosis in Ischaemic Heart Disease: Expanding the Paradigm From Bench to Clinical Insights
Authors: Piamsiri Chanon , Maneechote Chayodom , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIschaemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. One significant contributor to the pathology of IHD is the excessive release of inflammatory mediators during the disease progression. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death (PCD) triggered by the activation of inflammasomes and caspase 1. The activation of inflammatory caspase 1 proteolytically cleaves gasdermin D (GSDMD) to the activated form amino acid terminus (GSDMD‐NT), leading to disruption of the plasma membrane. This cascade of events is considered the canonical pathway of pyroptosis. IHD also caused oxidative stress, thereby triggering noncanonical pyroptosis via the activation of caspases 4/5/11. Previous studies have provided compelling evidence of the close relationship between pyroptosis and the aetiology of IHD (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury and chronic myocardial infarction), as well as the association of pyroptosis with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Several interventions aimed at targeting pyroptosis have demonstrated promising therapeutic benefits against IHD‐related pathologies. This review provides mechanistic insights into the roles of pyroptosis in IHD from in vitro, in vivo and clinical perspectives. In‐depth understanding into this area could also pave the way for the future development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting pyroptosis in IHD.
Single Cell RNA‐Seq Identifies Cell Subpopulations Contributing to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Humans
Authors: Zhang Tangjuan , Hou Zhichao , Ding Zheng , Wang Peng , Pan Xue , Li Xiangnan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe cell populations, particularly subpopulations, involved in the onset and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain incompletely understood. This study employed single‐cell RNA‐seq to identify cell populations and subpopulations with significantly altered proportions in the lungs of patients with IPF. In IPF lungs, endothelial cell proportions were significantly increased, while alveolar epithelial cell proportions were markedly decreased. Among the three identified fibroblast subpopulations, the proportion of myofibroblasts was significantly increased, while the proportions of the other two fibroblast subtypes were reduced. Similarly, within the three macrophage subpopulations, the macrophage_SPP1 subpopulation, localised to fibroblastic foci, showed a significant increase in proportion, while the alveolar macrophage subpopulation was significantly reduced. Trajectory analysis revealed that fibroblasts in IPF lungs could differentiate into myofibroblasts, and alveolar macrophages could transition into the macrophage_SPP1 subpopulation. Among T‐cell subpopulations, only the CD4 T_FOXP3 subpopulation exhibited a significant change, whereas all four B‐cell subpopulations showed significant proportional shifts. These findings provide a comprehensive view of the cellular alterations contributing to IPF pathogenesis. Extensive interactions among various cell populations and subpopulations were identified. The proportions of various cell populations and subpopulations in IPF lungs, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages and B cells, were significantly altered. Further in‐depth investigation into the roles of cell subpopulations with significantly altered proportions in the onset and progression of IPF will provide valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying the disease. This understanding could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies and medications for IPF treatment.
Barriers and Facilitators of Implementing Arabic‐Validated Standardised Outcome Measures for Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation Among Physical Therapists
Authors: Almarwani Maha , Alhamyani Reham 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundImplementing standardised outcome measures (SOMs) in stroke rehabilitation practices enhances patient care, communication, and overall clinical effectiveness. However, the implementation of Arabic‐validated SOMs in stroke rehabilitation practices among Arabic‐speaking patients has not been fully explored.AimsTo examine the use, facilitators, and barriers of implementing Arabic‐validated SOMs for chronic stroke rehabilitation among physical therapists.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 262 physical therapists managing patients with chronic stroke. The survey evaluated the use, facilitators, and barriers to implementing Arabic‐validated SOMs. Descriptive statistics summarised demographic and professional characteristics, while multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of SOM use, with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated.ResultsThe use of Arabic‐validated SOMs in chronic stroke rehabilitation was reported by 54% of therapists within the first week of physical therapy services and 64% at discharge. The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test were the two most commonly employed scales. Facilitators for implementing SOMs included facilitating adherence to clinical practice guidelines, providing valuable patient insights, and supporting balanced assessments. Barriers included time constraints, financial limitations, and time demands on both patients and therapists. Familiarity with clinical practice guidelines was significantly associated with increased use of Arabic‐validated SOMs.ConclusionsImplementing Arabic‐validated SOMs is essential to ensure culturally appropriate and linguistically accurate evaluations that support evidence‐based decision‐making and enhance patient management in stroke rehabilitation among Arabic‐speaking patients. Enhancing familiarity with clinical practice guidelines and addressing barriers such as time constraints and financial challenges can further promote the implementation of Arabic‐validated SOMs into routine practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Dentists' Awareness of Antibiotic Stewardship and Their Willingness to Support Its Implementation: A Cross‐Sectional Survey in a Dental School
Authors: Banjar Arwa A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesAntibiotic overuse is highly reported among dentists worldwide. An antibiotic stewardship programme has been shown to be effective for decreasing the number of unappropriated antibiotic prescriptions. The goal of this survey was to assess dentists' awareness of antibiotic stewardship and their willingness to implement changes accordingly.MethodsA structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to dentists at a university hospital with different levels of experience. It included questions regarding antibiotic prescription habits, antibiotic stewardship knowledge and willingness to implement changes in such a programme.ResultsOverall, 256 dentists participated in the survey. Among them, 16.4% (95% confidence interval: 12.1%–21.5%) reported awareness regarding antibiotic stewardship. Awareness levels were higher among specialists (28.3%) and increased with experience. Most dentists in this study reported willingness to improve their antibiotic prescribing practices. The mean willingness score was 8.78 (standard deviation: 1.81).ConclusionsAwareness of antibiotic stewardship was low among dentists with different levels of experience. However, dentists were willing to change their antibiotic prescription habits if policies were implemented as part of a stewardship programme at the school.
Effect of a Contamination Prevention Activity Against Contamination of Blood Culture
Authors: Ohnishi Jun , Ishimaru Naoto , Shimokawa Toshio , Kinami Saori , Nakajima Takahiro , Kanzawa Yohei , Mizuki Shimpei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundBlood culture is important in the diagnosis of blood infections and the identification of treatment strategies. Increased contamination in blood culture is a reduction in quality of care. This retrospective observational study, set in an emergency department in Japan, aims to elucidate the contamination rate before and after the introduction of contamination prevention activities.MethodsWe compared the contamination rates before and one year after contamination prevention activities. Specifically, these activities included a novel and specific use of a blood culture cart and adherence to a checklist. The checklist included noting the actual site of collection, the method of disinfection, and whether gloves were worn.ResultsThere were 1184 and 1129 blood culture samples before and after the preventive activities, respectively. The rates of contamination were 2.03% (95% Cl = 1.30% to 3.00%) and 1.24% (95% Cl = 0.68% to 2.07%), respectively.ConclusionPrevention activities including specific use of a blood culture cart and careful adherence to a checklist were not associated with a significant decrease in contamination rate in our hospital. Further studies based in hospitals with greater rates of contamination may see higher rates of reduction.
Regional sensitivity analysis to assess critical parameters in circular economy interventions: An application to the dynamic MFA model
Authors: Fujii Yusuke , Matsuoka Ken , Koide Ryu , Shinojima Nobuaki , Murakami Shinsuke 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn evaluating a circular economy (CE), one needs to address the complexity arising from indicators with multiple objectives, multiple means of implementation with combinations of CE strategies, and the uncertainty inherent in resource cycle systems. Regional sensitivity analysis (RSA) is a version of global sensitivity analysis that can be used to determine whether the output variables of a mathematical model lie within a certain range. Although RSA has found application in a wide range of fields, no prior studies sought to apply the method to industrial ecology. In this study, RSA is applied to a dynamic material flow analysis (MFA) model to identify the essential factors and analyze the conditions under which two indicators, greenhouse gas emissions and total material requirement, are influenced, in the case studies for digital cameras and smartphones. To this end, RSA with 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations were performed. Two factors were found to be especially important: (1) controlling the collection channels of end‐of‐life products, and (2) encouraging consumers to use products over a longer period. It was also suggested that, for ambitious reductions in environmental impacts, the achievement of targets should be given priority over the speed of implementation of strategies. To avoid catastrophic environmental impacts, the first step should be to ensure higher recycling rates using well‐developed collection routes. This study represents a major step forward from simply forecasting future cycles with the dynamic MFA model to the application of RSA to systematically consider parameter uncertainties with various possibilities of combined circular economy strategies.
PPARβ/δ Activation Improves Corticosterone‐Induced Oxidative Stress Damage in Astrocytes by Targeting UBR5/ATM Signaling
Authors: Ji Juan , Chen Ye‐Fan , Hong Chen , Ren Xue‐Wei , Xu Hang , Cai Zhen‐Yu , Dong Yin‐Feng , Sun Xiu‐Lan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTOxidative stress‐mediated astrocytic damage contributes to nerve injury and the development of depression, especially under stress conditions. Peroxisomes and pexophagy are essential for balancing oxidative stress and protein degradation products. Our previous findings suggest that peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) activation significantly alleviates depressive behaviors by preventing astrocytic injury. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we established oxidative injury by treating astrocytes with corticosterone. Subsequently, PPARβ/δ agonists and antagonists were applied to determine the effects of PPARβ/δ on balancing peroxisomes and pexophagy in astrocytes. The PPARβ/δ agonist (GW0742) significantly improved cell viability and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by corticosterone, while pretreatment with the PPARβ/δ, antagonist GSK3787 reversed the effects of GW0742. Moreover, activating PPARβ/δ promoted peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (PEX5)‐mediated pexophagy by enhancing the phosphorylation of ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase. Conversely, blocking PPARβ/δ with GSK3787 partially abolished the effects of GW0742. Further investigations demonstrated that activation of PPARβ/δ not only induced transcription of the ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n‐recognin 5 (UBR5) but also enhanced the interaction between PPARβ/δ and UBR5, contributing to ATM interactor (ATMIN) degradation, and increased phosphorylated ATM kinase levels. Therefore, this study revealed that activating PPARβ/δ improves corticosterone‐induced oxidative damage in astrocytes by enhancing pexophagy. PPARβ/δ directly interacts with UBR5 to facilitate ATMIN degradation and promotes ATM phosphorylation, thereby maintaining the balance between peroxisomes and pexophagy. These findings suggest that PPARβ/δ is a potential target for promoting pexophagy in astrocytes upon stress.image
Higher suicide risk in type 1 diabetes compared to cancer and the general population in Korea
Authors: Kim Seohyun , Cho So Hyun , Oh Rosa , Kim Ji Yoon , Lee You‐Bin , Jin Sang‐Man , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Jae Hyeon , Kim Gyuri 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundPeople with diabetes have increased suicide risk. However, it is unclear whether those with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a higher risk than those with cancer, a disease associated with significant psychological stress and suicide risk.ObjectivesTo evaluate suicide risk among adults with T1D compared to matched cohorts of patients with cancer and the general population.MethodsThis population‐based matched‐cohort study examined adults aged ≥19 years (45,944 with T1D and 45,944 with cancer matched for age, sex, and index year) using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database for January 2009–December 2015 and including 229,720 matched controls without diabetes or cancer (1:5). Composite suicide outcomes were death by suicide or hospitalization for a suicide attempt (intentional self‐harm, fatal toxic substance, toxic effect of carbon monoxide, psychotropic medication, wrist laceration, fall, and asphyxia).ResultsParticipants had a median age of 62 years and a median follow‐up duration of 10.3 years. T1D was significantly associated with an increased risk of composite suicide outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.87–2.19) compared to controls. Individuals with T1D had significantly higher composite suicide outcome risk than patients with cancer (1:1) (aHR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.55–1.97). Younger (Age < 50) and lower‐income patients with T1D had a higher suicide risk than those without diabetes or cancer.ConclusionThis nationwide study demonstrated a significant association between T1D and increased suicide risk compared to the general population and patients with cancer. This underscores the importance of mental health screening and targeted interventions for this population.
Impact of Medicaid expansion on stage of diagnosis of lung cancer for rural and urban patients in New Hampshire
Authors: Carter Benjamin , Denny Jasmine , Lohrer Andrew 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeThis study examines the impact of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act on the stage of lung cancer diagnosis among rural and urban patients in New Hampshire.MethodsData from the New Hampshire State Cancer Registry spanning 2010‐2019 were analyzed to compare lung cancer diagnosis stages before and after the July 2014 Medicaid expansion. Rural‐urban categorization utilized Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes, and logistic regression with difference‐in‐difference analysis assessed the differential effects of Medicaid expansion on late‐stage diagnoses between rural and urban patients.FindingsPost‐expansion, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of late‐stage lung cancer diagnoses statewide. Rural patients initially had higher rates of late‐stage diagnoses compared to urban patients, but post‐expansion, this disparity diminished significantly. Logistic regression indicated reduced odds of late‐stage diagnosis among rural patients after expansion (OR = 0.719, P = .035), demonstrating a greater benefit in rural areas.ConclusionsMedicaid expansion in New Hampshire was associated with a substantial reduction in late‐stage lung cancer diagnoses, particularly benefiting rural patients who historically faced higher barriers to health care access. These findings underscore the potential of Medicaid expansion to mitigate rural‐urban disparities in cancer care outcomes.