bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Machine Learning Modeling Tool for Predicting HIV Incidence Using Public Health Data From a County in the Southern United States
Authors: Saldana Carlos S , Burkhardt Elizabeth , Pennisi Alfred , Oliver Kirsten , Olmstead John , Holland David P , Gettings Jenna , Mauck Daniel , Austin David , Wortley Pascale , Ochoa Karla V Saldana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Advancements in machine learning (ML) have improved the accuracy of models that predict human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence. These models have used electronic medical records and registries. We aim to broaden the application of these tools by using deidentified public health datasets for notifiable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from a southern US county known for high HIV incidence. The goal is to assess the feasibility and accuracy of ML in predicting HIV incidence, which could inform and enhance public health interventions.

Methods
We analyzed 2 deidentified public health datasets from January 2010 to December 2021, focusing on notifiable STIs. Our process involved data processing and feature extraction, including sociodemographic factors, STI cases, and social vulnerability index (SVI) metrics. Various ML models were trained and evaluated for predicting HIV incidence using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score.

Results
We included 85 224 individuals; 2027 (2.37%) were newly diagnosed with HIV during the study period. The ML models demonstrated high performance in predicting HIV incidence among males and females. Influential features for males included age at STI diagnosis, previous STI information, provider type, and SVI. For females, predictive features included age, ethnicity, previous STI information, overall SVI, and race.

Conclusions
The high accuracy of our ML models in predicting HIV incidence highlights the potential of using public health datasets for public health interventions such as tailored HIV testing and prevention. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to translate these models into practical public health applications.
Same, same, but different: dissimilarities in the hydrothermal germination performance of range-restricted endemics emerge despite microclimatic similarities
Authors: Rajapakshe Rajapakshe P V G S W , Tomlinson Sean , Tudor Emily P , Turner Shane R , Elliott Carole P , Lewandrowski Wolfgang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Seed germination responses for most narrow-range endemic species are poorly understood, imperilling their conservation management in the face of warming and drying terrestrial ecosystems. We quantified the realized microclimatic niches and the hydrothermal germination thresholds in four threatened taxa (Tetratheca erubescens, Tetratheca harperi, Tetratheca paynterae subsp. paynterae and Tetratheca aphylla subsp. aphylla) that are restricted to individual Banded Ironstone Formations in Western Australia. While T. aphylla subsp. aphylla largely failed to germinate in our trials, all other species demonstrated extended hydrothermal time accumulation (186–500°C MPa days), cool minimum temperatures (7.8–8.5°C), but broad base water potential thresholds (−2.46 to −5.41 MPa) under which germination occurred. These slow germination dynamics are suggestive of cool and wet winter months, where soil moisture is retained to a greater capacity in local microsites where these species occur, rather than the warmer and drier conditions in the surrounding arid environment. Hydrothermal time-to-event modelling showed that each species occupied unique hydrothermal germination niches, which correspond with the microclimatic differences the species are exposed to. Our results provide a baseline understanding for environmental and germination thresholds that govern the recruitment, and ultimately the population structure and persistence, of these short-range endemic plants. In addition, our results can aid future conservation, as well as restoration actions such as translocation to bolster population numbers and to mitigate against losses due to anthropogenic disturbance and global environmental change.
Decreasing microtubule detyrosination modulates Nav1.5 subcellular distribution and restores sodium current in mdx cardiomyocytes
Authors: Nasilli Giovanna , de Waal Tanja M , Marchal Gerard A , Bertoli Giorgia , Veldkamp Marieke W , Rothenberg Eli , Casini Simona , Remme Carol Ann 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
The microtubule (MT) network plays a major role in the transport of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 to the membrane, where the latter associates with interacting proteins such as dystrophin. Alterations in MT dynamics are known to impact on ion channel trafficking. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by dystrophin deficiency, is associated with an increase in MT detyrosination, decreased sodium current (INa), and arrhythmias. Parthenolide (PTL), a compound that decreases MT detyrosination, has shown beneficial effects on cardiac function in DMD. We here investigated its impact on INa and Nav1.5 subcellular distribution.

Methods and results
Ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs) from wild-type (WT) and mdx (DMD) mice were incubated with either 10 µM PTL, 20 µM EpoY, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 3–5 h, followed by patch-clamp analysis to assess INa and action potential (AP) characteristics in addition to immunofluorescence and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to investigate MT detyrosination and Nav1.5 cluster size and density, respectively. In accordance with previous studies, we observed increased MT detyrosination, decreased INa and reduced AP upstroke velocity (Vmax) in mdx CMs compared to WT. PTL decreased MT detyrosination and significantly increased INa magnitude (without affecting INa gating properties) and AP Vmax in mdx CMs, but had no effect in WT CMs. Moreover, STORM analysis showed that in mdx CMs, Nav1.5 clusters were decreased not only in the grooves of the lateral membrane (LM; where dystrophin is localized) but also at the LM crests. PTL restored Nav1.5 clusters at the LM crests (but not at the grooves), indicating a dystrophin-independent trafficking route to this subcellular domain. Interestingly, Nav1.5 cluster density was also reduced at the intercalated disc (ID) region of mdx CMs, which was restored to WT levels by PTL. Treatment of mdx CMs with EpoY, a specific MT detyrosination inhibitor, also increased INa density, while decreasing the amount of detyrosinated MTs, confirming a direct mechanistic link.

Conclusion
Attenuating MT detyrosination in mdx CMs restored INa and enhanced Nav1.5 localization at the LM crest and ID. Hence, the reduced whole-cell INa density characteristic of mdx CMs is not only the consequence of the lack of dystrophin within the LM grooves but is also due to reduced Nav1.5 at the LM crest and ID secondary to increased baseline MT detyrosination. Overall, our findings identify MT detyrosination as a potential therapeutic target for modulating INa and subcellular Nav1.5 distribution in pathophysiological conditions.
Octreotide’s role in the management of post-esophagectomy chylothorax
Authors: Deboever Nathaniel , Feldman Hope , Eisenberg Michael , Antonoff Mara B , Mehran Reza J , Rajaram Ravi , Rice David C , Roth Jack A , Sepesi Boris , Swisher Stephen G , Vaporciyan Ara A , Walsh Garrett L , Hofstetter Wayne L 
Published: February 2024

Summary
The use of octreotide in managing intrathoracic chyle leak following esophagectomy has gained popularity in the adult population. While the benefits of octreotide have been confirmed in the pediatric population, there remains limited evidence to support its use in the adults post-esophagectomy. Thus, we performed a single-institution cohort study to characterize its efficacy. The study was performed using a prospective, single-center database, from which clinicopathologic characteristics were extracted of patients who had post-esophagectomy chyle leaks. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the effect of octreotide use on chest tube duration (CTD), hospital length of stay (LOS), and overall survival (OS). In our cohort, 74 patients met inclusion criteria, among whom 27 (36.5%) received octreotide. Kaplan–Meier revealed no significant effect of octreotide on CTD (P = 0.890), LOS (P = 0.740), or OS (P = 0.570). Multivariable Cox regression analyses further corroborated that octreotide had no effect on CTD (HR = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–1.20, P = 0.155), LOS (HR = 0.64, CI: 0.34–1.21, P = 0.168), or OS (1.08, CI: 0.53–2.19, P = 0.833). Octreotide use in adult patients with chyle leak following esophagectomy lacks evidence of association with meaningful clinical outcomes. Level 1 evidence is needed prior to further consideration in this population.
Papillary muscle rupture without severe mitral regurgitation following percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy: a case report
Authors: Rossignon Pierre , Morra Sofia , de Hemptinne Quentin , de Cannière Didier , Unger Philippe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) is the first-line therapy of clinically significant rheumatic mitral stenosis. While the procedure is generally safe, new onset or aggravation of mitral regurgitation (MR) may occur, mainly due to commissural splitting and, less frequently, to leaflet tear and chordal rupture. Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is exceedingly rare in this setting.

Case summary
A 74-year-old woman with a history of aortic valve replacement and prior rheumatic mitral commissurotomy presented for worsening exercise intolerance and exertional dyspnoea. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mean pressure gradient of 10 mmHg and a mitral valve area of 1.0 cm², consistent with clinically significant mitral stenosis. Subsequent PTMC was complicated by anterolateral PMR. However, the resulting MR was unexpectedly only of mild-to-moderate severity. Because of residual mitral stenosis and persisting symptoms, surgical mechanical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty were performed 6 weeks after PTMC. Papillary muscle rupture was confirmed during surgery.

Discussion
We herein describe the occurrence of PMR induced by PTMC; the resulting MR was unexpectedly of mild-to-moderate severity, as a result of extensive rheumatic lesions limiting valve mobility. This case challenges the dogma according to which PMR invariably leads to severe MR. This might not be necessarily the case when it occurs following PTMC.
Regional excess mortality in France during COVID-19 pandemic: the first three epidemic periods (March 2020–June 2021)
Authors: Faisant Marlène , Vincent Nicolas , Hubert Bruno , Le Tertre Alain 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to describe the mortality excess during the three first epidemic periods of COVID-19 in all regions of France.

Methods
Two complementary approaches were implemented. First, we described the number of death of patients infected with or diagnosed with COVID-19 in health care (HC) and medico-social (MS) institutions. Then, we estimated general all-cause mortality excess (all ages) by comparing the mortality observed with the expected mortality. We used a daily number of death model according to a negative binomial distribution, as a function of the long-term trend in mortality (penalized spline function of time) and its seasonal variation (cyclic spline function). The model provided expected mortality during epidemic periods with a 95% credibility interval. Each region defined three epidemic periods, including the overseas territories.

Results
The two approaches were consistent in the most affected regions but there are major regional disparities that vary according to the epidemic period. There is an east–west gradient in the relative excess of deaths from all-causes during each epidemic period. The deaths observed in HC and MS institutions alone do not explain the excess (or deficit) of mortality in each region and epidemic period.

Conclusion
An analysis by age group according to the two approaches and a comparison of death specific causes could provide a better understanding of these differences. Electronic death registration system (mortality by medical causes) would allow a rapid mortality related estimation to an emerging pathology like Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) but is still insufficient for real-time medical causes of death monitoring.
Carotid Body Function in Tyrosine Hydroxylase Conditional Olfr78 Knockout Mice
Authors: Colinas Olalla , Mombaerts Peter , López-Barneo José , Ortega-Sáenz Patricia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Olfr78 gene encodes a G-protein-coupled olfactory receptor that is expressed in several ectopic sites. Olfr78 is one of the most abundant mRNA species in carotid body (CB) glomus cells. These cells are the prototypical oxygen (O2) sensitive arterial chemoreceptors, which, in response to lowered O2 tension (hypoxia), activate the respiratory centers to induce hyperventilation. It has been proposed that Olfr78 is a lactate receptor and that glomus cell activation by the increase in blood lactate mediates the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). However, this proposal has been challenged by several groups showing that Olfr78 is not a physiologically relevant lactate receptor and that the O2-based regulation of breathing is not affected in constitutive Olfr78 knockout mice. In another study, constitutive Olfr78 knockout mice were reported to have altered systemic and CB responses to mild hypoxia. To further characterize the functional role of Olfr78 in CB glomus cells, we here generated a conditional Olfr78 knockout mouse strain and then restricted the knockout to glomus cells and other catecholaminergic cells by crossing with a tyrosine hydroxylase-specific Cre driver strain (TH-Olfr78 KO mice). We find that TH-Olfr78 KO mice have a normal HVR. Interestingly, glomus cells of TH-Olfr78 KO mice exhibit molecular and electrophysiological alterations as well as a reduced dopamine content in secretory vesicles and neurosecretory activity. These functional characteristics resemble those of CB neuroblasts in wild-type mice. We suggest that, although Olfr78 is not essential for CB O2 sensing, activation of Olfr78-dependent pathways is required for maturation of glomus cells.
Feedback System Analysis of a Multicomponent Intervention on Dyads of Home-Dwelling Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers: Results From the LIVE@Home.Path Trial
Authors: Vislapuu Maarja , Patrascu Monica , Allore Heather , Husebo Bettina S , Kjerstad Egil , Gedde Marie H , Berge Line I 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Proper symptom management, informal caregiver support, and service innovation are required to reduce dementia care burden. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the multicomponent LIVE (Learning, Innovation, Volunteering, Empowerment) intervention on caregiver experience of the self-perceived care situation, coordinator performance, and informal care time.

Research Design and Methods
We conducted a 24-month multicomponent, stepped-wedge randomized control trial including dyads of people ≥65 years with mild-to-moderate dementia with minimum weekly contact with their informal caregivers in Norway. The intervention was implemented by municipal coordinators over a 6-month period. This study investigates the first 6-month period (September 2019–March 2020) of the trial, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Primary outcomes are changes in provision of informal care time assessed by Resource Utilization in Dementia Care (RUD) and informal caregiver experience assessed by the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). We use logistic regression and feedback system analysis to assess the reach of the multicomponent intervention.

Results
A total of 280 dyads were included at baseline, mean age of the person with dementia was 81.8 years, and 62.5% were female. After 6 months, the feedback system analysis reveals that the caregivers randomized to the intervention period reported improved caregiver situation (CGIG-T: intervention 0.63 (SD 2.4) vs control −0.43 (SD 1.7), p &lt; .01), even though informal care time for activities of daily living was not reduced (p = .31). Informal caregivers registered a positive change for the Learning, Innovation, and Empowerment components, while no change was found for Volunteer support.

Discussion and Implications
Findings illustrate the usefulness of dementia care coordinators that provide regular follow-up. We also show that complex intervention studies benefit from applying feedback system analysis. Meeting the needs of persons with dementia and their caregivers is a complex process that requires coordinated input from health services and user communities.

Clinical Trial Registration Number
NCT04043364
Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Among Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants to the United States
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany B , Zahodne Laura B , Ajrouch Kristine J , Dallo Florence J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Modifiable risk factors across the life course play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Studies have identified racial and ethnic disparities in ADRD risk factors. Few studies have explored the epidemiology of ADRD risk among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans, largely due to their classification as White in US national health surveys. Our aim was to estimate ADRD risk factors among MENA immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic White adults.

Research Design and Methods
We linked cross-sectional 2000–2017 National Health Interview Survey and 2001–2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (N = 108 695; age ≥ 18 years). Modifiable risk factors for ADRD that were evaluated (yes or no) included less than ninth grade education, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, alcohol use, obesity, smoking, depressive symptoms, marital status, physical inactivity, and diabetes. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were conducted. Regression models were adjusted by age and sex.

Results
Compared to US-born White adults, MENA immigrants had higher odds of reporting less than 9th grade education (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.17–3.21) and psychological health concerns (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.06–1.56). Compared to foreign-born White adults, MENA immigrants had higher odds of diabetes (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.06–2.08) and psychological health concerns (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.01–1.54).

Discussion and Implications
The findings provide the first comprehensive look at potentially modifiable risk factors for ADRD among MENA immigrants based on a life course model. Without a racial/ethnic identifier for MENA individuals on a national level, ADRD risk factors among US-born MENA adults and MENA immigrants cannot be examined. More research is needed to explore these risk factors by life stage (early, midlife, and late) to further determine ADRD risk and prevention strategies for MENA Americans.
Transfer learning model for estimating site amplification factors from limited microtremor H/V spectral ratios
Authors: Pan Da , Miura Hiroyuki , Kwan Chiman 
Published: February 2024

SUMMARY
Site amplification factors (SAFs) of seismic ground motions are essential in evaluating and estimating seismic hazards. In our previous study, the authors proposed a simple and cost-effective method to estimate a SAF based on a deep neural network (DNN) model and microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (MHVR). Since the previous DNN model was based on the observed SAFs and MHVRs within a limited district in Japan, the applicability of the previous model to non-source regions with different site conditions was limited. This study explored the application of a transfer learning (TL) technique to adapt an existing (pre-trained) DNN model to new regions and a different database. The SAFs obtained through generalized spectral inversion technique (GIT) at the seismic observation stations (K-NET and KiK-net) in Japan were collated as the ground truth for site effects. MHVRs recorded at the stations in several districts of Japan were collected to construct a data set for the development of the TL model. Subsequently, a TL model was constructed, leveraging the neural network layers and their weights from the pre-trained model while incorporating additional neural network layers to enhance the performance. During the training process, a total data set of 112 sites was divided into training set, validation set, and external test set by 1:1:5. Utilizing a cross-validation strategy, the residuals between pSAFs (pseudo-SAFs) estimated by the TL model and the observed SAFs were analysed for the external test set containing 80 sites. The results showed that the TL model outperformed the pre-trained DNN model. The cross-validation results demonstrated that almost consistent prediction results were obtained regardless of any combination of 16 sites selected as the training set. Furthermore, by contrasting the influence of varying training set sizes on the performance of the TL model and comparing the TL model to a DNN model with an extended training set, the effectiveness of constructing the model with the limited number of data (16 sites) was ascertained. Finally, the effectiveness and limitations of the TL model were evaluated using MHVRs with peak frequencies falling outside the training set's range.
Public awareness of war on diabetes campaign and its association with behavioural outcomes
Authors: Sambasivam Rajeswari , Abdin Edimansyah , AshaRani P V , Roystonn Kumarasan , Devi Fiona , Wang Peizhi , Lee Eng Sing , Sum Chee Fang , Subramaniam Mythily 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The War on Diabetes campaign was launched in 2016, encouraging Singapore residents to engage in regular exercise, adopt healthy dietary habits and screen for early detection of diabetes. This study aims to examine campaign awareness and its associations with sedentary behaviour, dietary habits and identifying diabetes. Data were obtained from the nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study on diabetes in Singapore. A total of 2895 participants responded to a single question assessing campaign awareness. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet screener assessed dietary habits, and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) measured sedentary behaviour. Recognition of diabetes was established using a vignette depicting a person with diabetes mellitus. Logistic and linear regression models were used to measure the associations. Most participants were 18- to 34-years old (29.9%) and females (51.6%). About 57.4% identified the campaign. Campaign awareness exhibited positive associations with identifying diabetes based on the vignette [odds ratio (OR): 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–2.2; P = 0.022], lower odds of sedentary behaviour ≥7 h/day (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5–0.9; P = 0.018) and higher DASH scores (β = 1.3; P &lt; 0.001). The study recognized early significant associations between the behavioural outcomes and the campaign, emphasizing the need for ongoing campaign sustainability and evaluation of its long-term impact on population health.