bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Shift to Toxicological-Related Deaths Over Natural During the COVID-19 Pandemic—An Ontario, Canada, Experience
Authors: French Karissa , Jhirad Reuven , Herath Jayantha 
Published: March 2024

Study Design: Retrospective review of deaths in Ontario where there was Coroner’s investigation and a postmortem examination between 2018 and 2021 to compare year by year changes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To establish the changes in patterns of toxicological deaths over the pandemic. Methods: Using the database of the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario to determine the numbers of postmortem examinations for the province of Ontario as well as the primary cause and manner of death. Those with a toxicological primary cause of death were isolated from 2003 to the first half of 2022 and divided by year. For those between the years 2018 and 2021 deaths were divided by manner of death. Further all deaths with either a toxicological primary cause of death or unfinalized investigations which were highly suspicious for a toxicological cause based on circumstance with a positive toxicology were isolated. From these the data on demographics and substances detected were compiled by year for comparison. Results: Comparing two years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to the following two years there was an increase in total case load of 22%. Comparing the year before the pandemic to the first year of the pandemic deaths from natural causes fell from 52% to 47% of total cases, while drug-related cases increased from 24% to 36%. Fentanyl remained as the most prevalent detected substance in toxicological deaths. Combined opioid toxicity with stimulants increased, as well as the detection of nonpharmaceutical benzodiazepines. Deaths in men increased to comprise 3 in 4 drug-related deaths with the 30 to 39 years age-group remaining the most impacted. Conclusions: There was an increase in numbers and relative proportions of cases attributed to drug-related deaths which remained high over the two years of the pandemic.
Relationship Between Postural Stability and Proprioception, Pain, Quadriceps Strength, and Muscle Tightness in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy
Authors: Fendri Thouraya , Beaune Bruno , Kasmi Sofien , Chaari Fatma , Sahli Sonia , Boyas Sébastien 
Published: March 2024

Background: Athletes with patellar tendinopathy (PT) have postural stability deficits; however, the underlying mechanisms and factors responsible remain unknown. The effect on postural stability in PT of decreased quadriceps strength, altered proprioception, lower-limb muscle tightness, and knee pain, which explain postural stability deficiency in other populations, is uninvestigated. Hypothesis: Proprioceptive acuity, muscle tightness, quadriceps strength, and pain predict postural stability in athletes with PT. Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: A total of 43 athletes with PT and 43 healthy athletes were enrolled. Static and dynamic postural stability, proprioceptive acuity, muscle tightness, quadriceps strength, and pain were evaluated using a force platform, Y-balance test (YBT), a weight discrimination protocol, a goniometer, an isometric dynamometer, and a valid questionnaire, respectively. Results: Athletes with PT had significantly worse static and dynamic postural stability in the affected limb (AL) compared with the nonaffected limb (NAL) ( P < 0.01) and the control group ( P < 0.01). Athletes suffering from PT revealed lower quadriceps strength ( P < 0.01), proprioceptive acuity ( P = 0.02), and higher muscle tightness in the AL compared with the NAL and controls. Quadriceps weakness of the AL and pain in athletes with PT explained the variance of dynamic postural stability impairment. Conclusion: Athletes with PT have postural stability deficiency compared with healthy peers. Our results demonstrate that quadriceps muscle weakness and pain are the factors that explain postural stability impairment. Clinical Relevance: These results can assist clinicians in the design of therapeutic balance rehabilitation programs by acting not only on pain relief but also on quadriceps strengthening through resistance training to avoid subsequent injuries in athletes with PT.
Plastid genome data provide new insights into the dynamic evolution of the tribe Ampelopsideae (Vitaceae)
Authors: Zhang Lei , Meng Ying , Wang Da , He Guan-Hao , Zhang Jun-Ming , Wen Jun , Nie Ze-Long 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Ampelopsideae J. Wen & Z.L. Nie is a small-sized tribe of Vitaceae Juss., including ca. 47 species from four genera showing a disjunct distribution worldwide across all the continents except Antarctica. There are numerous species from the tribe that are commonly used as medicinal plants with immune-modulating, antimicrobial, and anti-hypertensive properties. The tribe is usually recognized into three clades, i.e., Ampelopsis Michx., Nekemias Raf., and the Southern Hemisphere clade. However, the relationships of the three clades differ greatly between the nuclear and the plastid topologies. There has been limited exploration of the chloroplast phylogenetic relationships within Ampelopsideae, and studies on the chloroplast genome structure of this tribe are only available for a few individuals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the evolutionary characteristics of plastid genomes of the tribe, including their genome structure and evolutionary insights.

Results
We sequenced, assembled, and annotated plastid genomes of 36 species from the tribe and related taxa in the family. Three main clades were recognized within Ampelopsideae, corresponding to Ampelopsis, Nekemias, and the Southern Hemisphere lineage, respectively, and all with 100% bootstrap supports. The genome sequences and content of the tribe are highly conserved. However, comparative analyses suggested that the plastomes of Nekemias demonstrate a contraction in the large single copy region and an expansion in the inverted repeat region, and possess a high number of forward and palindromic repeat sequences distinct from both Ampelopsis and the Southern Hemisphere taxa.

Conclusions
Our results highlighted plastome variations in genome length, expansion or contraction of the inverted repeat region, codon usage bias, and repeat sequences, are corresponding to the three lineages of the tribe, which probably faced with different environmental selection pressures and evolutionary history. This study provides valuable insights into understanding the evolutionary patterns of plastid genomes within the Ampelopsideae of Vitaceae.
Global longitudinal strain and plasma biomarkers for prognosis in heart failure complicated by diabetes: a prospective observational study
Authors: Iyer Nithin R. , Chan Siew-Pang , Liew Oi Wah , Chong Jenny P.C. , Bryant Jennifer A. , Le Thu-Thao , Chandramouli Chanchal , Cozzone Patrick J. , Eisenhaber Frank , Foo Roger , Richards A. Mark , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Ugander Martin , Chin Calvin W-L. ,   on behalf of the ATTRaCT investigators
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Heart failure (HF) and diabetes are associated with increased incidence and worse prognosis of each other. The prognostic value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has not been established in HF patients with diabetes.

Methods
In this prospective, observational study, consecutive patients (n = 315) with HF underwent CMR at 3T, including GLS, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), native T1, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) mapping. Plasma biomarker concentrations were measured including: N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T(hs-TnT), growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15), soluble ST2(sST2), and galectin 3(Gal-3). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalisation.

Results
Compared to those without diabetes (n = 156), the diabetes group (n = 159) had a higher LGE prevalence (76 vs. 60%, p < 0.05), higher T1 (1285±42 vs. 1269±42ms, p < 0.001), and higher ECV (30.5±3.5 vs. 28.8±4.1%, p < 0.001). The diabetes group had higher NT-pro-BNP, hs-TnT, GDF-15, sST2, and Gal-3. Diabetes conferred worse prognosis (hazard ratio (HR) 2.33 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–3.79], p < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis including clinical markers and plasma biomarkers, sST2 alone remained independently associated with the primary outcome (HR per 1 ng/mL 1.04 [95% CI 1.02–1.07], p = 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression models in the diabetes group, both GLS and sST2 remained prognostic (GLS: HR 1.12 [95% CI 1.03–1.21], p = 0.01; sST2: HR per 1 ng/mL 1.03 [95% CI 1.00-1.06], p = 0.02).

Conclusions
Compared to HF patients without diabetes, those with diabetes have worse plasma and CMR markers of fibrosis and a more adverse prognosis. GLS by CMR is a powerful and independent prognostic marker in HF patients with diabetes.
Association between social support and ambulance use among older people in Japan: an empirical cross-sectional study
Authors: Asano Yotaro , Takasugi Tomo , Ueno Keiko , Kondo Naoki , Yoshino Atsuto , Ojima Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Ambulance service demand and utilization are increasing worldwide. To address this issue, the factors that affect ambulance use must be identified. Few studies have examined factors that can intervene and thus reduce the frequency of ambulance use. This study aimed to examine the association between social support and ambulance use among older adults in Japan. We hypothesize that social support is associated with reduced ambulance use.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. In December 2019 and January 2020, we collaborated with individuals aged 65 years or above with no long-term care needs. A total of 24,581 participants were included in the analysis. The objective and explanatory variables were ambulance use and social support, respectively. Binomial regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
Social support was associated with ambulance use. People who had no one to listen to their complaints or worries were significantly more likely to use ambulance services than those who did (OR [95% CI] = 1.26 [1.03–1.53]). People with no one to take care of them when they were ill were also significantly more likely to use ambulance services than those who had someone to provide care (1.15 [1.01–1.31]). Moreover, the results of binomial logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals who called an ambulance but were not hospitalized had significantly lower social support compared to those who did not call an ambulance.

Conclusions
The results suggest that the presence and quality of social support play a significant role in ambulance use among older adults in Japan. Our findings can help policymakers to plan and implement strategies for reducing the burden on emergency medical care.
A colonial serrated polyp classification model using white-light ordinary endoscopy images with an artificial intelligence model and TensorFlow chart
Authors: Chen Tsung-Hsing , Wang Yu-Tzu , Wu Chi-Huan , Kuo Chang-Fu , Cheng Hao-Tsai , Huang Shu-Wei , Lee Chieh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, we implemented a combination of data augmentation and artificial intelligence (AI) model—Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)—to help physicians classify colonic polyps into traditional adenoma (TA), sessile serrated adenoma (SSA), and hyperplastic polyp (HP). We collected ordinary endoscopy images under both white and NBI lights. Under white light, we collected 257 images of HP, 423 images of SSA, and 60 images of TA. Under NBI light, were collected 238 images of HP, 284 images of SSA, and 71 images of TA. We implemented the CNN-based artificial intelligence model, Inception V4, to build a classification model for the types of colon polyps. Our final AI classification model with data augmentation process is constructed only with white light images. Our classification prediction accuracy of colon polyp type is 94%, and the discriminability of the model (area under the curve) was 98%. Thus, we can conclude that our model can help physicians distinguish between TA, SSA, and HPs and correctly identify precancerous lesions such as TA and SSA.
Does the intensity of pain and disability affect health-related quality of life of older adults with back pain? Multilevel analysis between Brazil and Netherlands: a cross-sectional study of the BACE consortium
Authors: de Oliveira Grigorini Adriana Estela , Pereira Leani Souza Máximo , Koes Bart , da Silva Silvia Lanzioti Azevedo , Chiarotto Alessandro , Felício Diogo Carvalho , Leopoldino Amanda Aparecida Oliveira 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The prognosis of back pain (BP) in the older adults is less favorable than in younger adults and progress to adverse outcomes and consequent worsening of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The present study aimed to verify the association between BP intensity, disability and HRQoL in older adults residents in Brazil and Netherlands, and to evaluate whether the country of residence influences the associations.

Methods
Data were collected from 602 Brazilian and 675 Dutch participants with a new episode of BP from the Back Complaints in Elders (BACE) consortium. For the present study, a cross section was used. Pain intensity and disability were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), respectively. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire. Age, sex, and education were descriptive variables. Pain intensity (NPS score) and country were the independent variables and quality of life assessed by each SF domain − 36 was the dependent variable. Analysis of models at the individual level was performed to verify the association between pain and disability, also HRQoL in Netherlands and Brazil in the total sample. The multilevel model was used to verify whether the older adults person’s country of residence influenced this relationship.

Results
The average age of the participants was 67.00 (7.33) years. In the total sample, linear regression analysis adjusted for sex and age showed a significant association between BP intensity scores and HRQoL, for all domains. There was no association between disability and HRQoL. In the multilevel analysis, there was an association between BP intensity and HRQoL in all domains and an association between the country of residence and HRQoL, influencing the effect of pain, in all domains, except for the physical functioning.

Conclusion
Socioeconomic and cultural aspects of different countries can affect the perception of the elderly about their HRQoL in the presence of BP. Pain and disability in Brazilian and Dutch older adults ones are experienced differently in relation to their HRQoL.
Polymicrobial bloodstream infections per se do not increase mortality compared to monomicrobial bloodstream infections in sepsis patients: a Korean nationwide sepsis cohort study
Authors: Lee Su Yeon , Park Mi Hyeon , Oh Dong Kyu , Lim Chae-Man ,   on behalf of the Korean Sepsis Alliance (KSA) investigators, Hong Sang-Bum , Suh Gee Young , Jeon Kyeongman , Ko Ryoung-Eun , Cho Young-Jae , Lee Yeon Joo , Lim Sung Yoon , Park Sunghoon , Heo Jeongwon , Lee Jae-myeong , Kim Kyung Chan , Chang Youjin , Lee Sang-Min , Hong Suk-Kyung , Cho Woo Hyun , Kwak Sang Hyun , Lee Heung Bum , Ahn Jong-Joon , Seong Gil Myeong , Lee Song-I. , Park Tai Sun , Lee Su Hwan , Choi Eun Young , Moon Jae Young , Kang Hyung Koo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
There is limited information about the outcomes of polymicrobial bloodstream infections in patients with sepsis. We aimed to investigate outcomes of polymicrobial bloodstream infections compared to monomicrobial bloodstream infections.

Methods
This study used data from the Korean Sepsis Alliance Registry, a nationwide database of prospective observational sepsis cohort. Adult sepsis patients with bloodstream infections from September 2019 to December 2021 at 20 tertiary or university-affiliated hospitals in South Korea were analyzed.

Results
Among the 3,823 patients with bloodstream infections, 429 of them (11.2%) had polymicrobial bloodstream infections. The crude hospital mortality of patients with sepsis with polymicrobial bloodstream infection and monomicrobial bloodstream infection was 35.7% and 30.1%, respectively (p = 0.021). However, polymicrobial bloodstream infections were not associated with hospital mortality in the proportional hazard analysis (HR 1.15 [0.97–1.36], p = 0.11). The inappropriate use of antibiotics was associated with increased mortality (HR 1.37 [1.19–1.57], p < 0.001), and source control was associated with decreased mortality (HR 0.51 [0.42–0.62], p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Polymicrobial bloodstream infections per se were not associated with hospital mortality in patients with sepsis as compared to monomicrobial bloodstream infections. The appropriate use of antibiotics and source control were associated with decreased mortality in bloodstream infections regardless of the number of microbial pathogens.
Influenza a H1N1 infection complicated with encephalopathy and acute pancreatitis: a case report
Authors: Cui Junhao , Jia Wanyu , Li Peng , Zhang Xue , Li Zheng , Song Chunlan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper reports a case of influenza complicated with influenza associated encephalopathy complicated with acute pancreatitis. This kind of disease is relatively rare, we hope to draw people’s attention to it in order to improve early detection and prognosis.
Evaluating the relationship between conditional cash transfer programme on preterm births: a retrospective longitudinal study using the 100 million Brazilian cohort
Authors: Ortelan Naiá , de Almeida Márcia Furquim , Pinto Júnior Elzo Pereira , Bispo Nivea , Fiaccone Rosemeire L. , Falcão Ila Rocha , Rocha Aline dos Santos , Ramos Dandara , Paixão Enny S. , de Cássia Ribeiro-Silva Rita , Rodrigues Laura C. , Barreto Mauricio L. , Ichihara Maria Yury T. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Preterm births increase mortality and morbidity during childhood and later life, which is closely associated with poverty and the quality of prenatal care. Therefore, income redistribution and poverty reduction initiatives may be valuable in preventing this outcome. We assessed whether receipt of the Brazilian conditional cash transfer programme - Bolsa Familia Programme, the largest in the world - reduces the occurrence of preterm births, including their severity categories, and explored how this association differs according to prenatal care and the quality of Bolsa Familia Programme management.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed involving the first live singleton births to mothersenrolled in the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort from 2004 to 2015, who had at least one child before cohort enrollment. Only the first birth during the cohort period was included, but born from 2012 onward. A deterministic linkage with the Bolsa Familia Programme payroll dataset and a similarity linkage with the Brazilian Live Birth Information System were performed. The exposed group consisted of newborns to mothers who received Bolsa Familia from conception to delivery. Our outcomes were infants born with a gestational age < 37 weeks: (i) all preterm births, (ii) moderate-to-late (32–36), (iii) severe (28–31), and (iv) extreme (< 28) preterm births compared to at-term newborns. We combined propensity score-based methods and weighted logistic regressions to compare newborns to mothers who did and did not receive Bolsa Familia, controlling for socioeconomic conditions. We also estimated these effects separately, according to the adequacy of prenatal care and the index of quality of Bolsa Familia Programme management.

Results
1,031,053 infants were analyzed; 65.9% of the mothers were beneficiaries. Bolsa Familia Programme was not associated with all sets of preterm births, moderate-to-late, and severe preterm births, but was associated with a reduction in extreme preterm births (weighted OR: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.63–0.76). This reduction can also be observed among mothers receiving adequate prenatal care (weighted OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.59–0.74) and living in better Bolsa Familia management municipalities (weighted OR: 0.56; 95%CI: 0.43–0.74).

Conclusions
An income transfer programme for pregnant women of low-socioeconomic status, conditional to attending prenatal care appointments, has been associated with a reduction in extremely preterm births. These programmes could be essential in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Exploring attitudes and variation by sociodemographic factors in consent provided for financial data linkage in an experimental birth cohort study
Authors: Reece Sian , Dickerson Josie , Pickett Kate E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Improving our understanding of household incomes and what constitutes financial insecurity can help us to better understand how financial insecurity is experienced and how this can change over time within and between individuals and populations. However, financial circumstances are often perceived as sensitive and stigmatising, particularly within some ethnic minority groups. This research aims to explore attitudes and variation by sociodemographic factors in consent provided for financial data linkage in an experimental birth cohort study, in order to obtain validated income and benefits data and to better understand the impact of community interventions on the financial security of its participants and their families.

Methods
This research utilises an observational study design to explore consent rates, attitudes and variation in sociodemographic factors between participants of an experimental birth cohort in a deprived and ethnically diverse setting who consent and do not consent to financial data linkage.

Results
Overall, participants were equally likely to consent and decline consent for financial data linkage. Measures of socioeconomic insecurity were associated with being more likely to provide consent for financial data linkage. Participants who were not employed (OR 1.49 95% CI 0.93, 2.40) and were more financially insecure (OR 1.85 95% CI 1.14, 3.93) were more likely to provide consent for financial data linkage. Where the participant’s first language was a language other than English, participants were also less likely to provide consent for data linkage (OR 0.65 95% CI 0.39, 0.98). The choice of consent for financial data linkage was not associated with: ethnicity; relationship factors; employment status of the participant’s partner; person present at time of recruitment; and measures of health, such as general health, mental health, wellbeing and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions
This research sets out an approach to obtaining validated income and benefits data, as a proxy measure for financial security, within an experimental birth cohort study in a deprived and ethnically diverse setting. It achieves good consent rates and demonstrates greater input from those who report greater potential need for financial support. Further research should be conducted to further understand the interplay of language spoken in this context.