bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Consumption and Illicit Drug Use: Associations With Fall, Fracture, and Acute Health Care Utilization Among People With HIV Infection
Authors: Kim Theresa W. , Bertholet Nicolas , Magane Kara M. , Lloyd-Travaglini Christine , Winter Michael R. , Samet Jeffrey H. , Erlandson Kristine M. , Stein Michael D. , Bryant Kendall J. , Saitz Richard , Heeren Timothy C. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Given alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) use occurs among people with HIV (PWH), we examined its association with falls and fall-related outcomes and whether frailty moderates the association.

Setting:
Northeastern US city.

Methods:
We analyzed an observational cohort of PWH with current or past AOD use. Alcohol measures were any past 14-day heavy use, average alcohol/day, and days with heavy use. Drug use measures were past 30-day illicit use of cocaine, opioids, and sedatives. Repeated cross-sectional associations were estimated with separate multivariable generalized estimating equation regression models for each fall-related outcome.

Results:
Among PWH (n = 251; mean age 52 [SD = 10]), 35% reported heavy alcohol use, 24% cocaine, 16% illicit opioids, 13% illicit sedatives, and 35% any fall; 27% were frail. Heavy alcohol use was associated with a fall (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.07), multiple falls (AOR = 1.55 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.19), and fall/fracture–related emergency department visit or hospitalization (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.97). Higher average alcohol/day and more heavy drinking days were associated with multiple falls. Illicit sedative use was associated with a fall, multiple falls, and emergency department visit/hospitalization and opioid use with fracture. Frailty moderated the association of heavy alcohol use and a fall (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.28 to 4.01 in those frail) but not in those not frail.

Conclusion:
The effect of AOD use on falls and fall-related outcomes was most pronounced with alcohol, particularly among frail PWH. Heavy alcohol, illicit sedative, and illicit opioid use are high-priority targets for preventing falls and fall-related consequences for PWH.
Brief Report: Substance Use Care Continuum in Women With and Without HIV in the Southern United States
Authors: Ramakrishnan Aditi , Fujita Ayako W. , Mehta C. Christina , Wilson Tracey E. , Shoptaw Steve , Carrico Adam , Adimora Adaora A. , Eaton Ellen F. , Jones Deborah L. , Chandran Aruna , Sheth Anandi N. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Substance use (SU) contributes to poor outcomes among persons living with HIV. Women living with HIV (WWH) in the United States are disproportionately affected in the South, and examining SU patterns, treatment, and HIV outcomes in this population is integral to addressing HIV and SU disparities.

Methods:
WWH and comparable women without HIV (WWOH) who enrolled 2013–2015 in the Women's Interagency HIV Study Southern sites (Atlanta, Birmingham/Jackson, Chapel Hill, and Miami) and reported SU (self-reported nonmedical use of drugs) in the past year were included. SU and treatment were described annually from enrollment to the end of follow-up. HIV outcomes were compared by SU treatment engagement.

Results:
At enrollment, among 840 women (608 WWH, 232 WWOH), 18% (n = 155) reported SU in the past year (16% WWH, 24% WWOH); 25% (n = 38) of whom reported SU treatment. Over time, 30%, 21%, and 18% reported SU treatment at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively, which did not significantly differ by HIV status. Retention in HIV care did not differ by SU treatment. Viral suppression was significantly higher in women who reported SU treatment only at enrollment (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:
We identified a substantial gap in SU treatment engagement, with only a quarter reporting treatment utilization, which persisted over time. SU treatment engagement was associated with viral suppression at enrollment but not at other time points or with retention in HIV care. These findings can identify gaps and guide future strategies for integrating HIV and SU care for WWH.
Cognitive Complaint Types Can Correlate With Cognitive Testing, Perceived Stress, and Symptom Distress in Older Adults With Normal Cognition and Dementia
Authors: Stites Shana D. , Lee Brian N. , Rubright Jonathan D. , Harkins Kristin , Mechanic-Hamilton Dawn 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
We examined how cognitive complaint types (CCTs) correlate with cognitive testing, perceived stress, and symptom distress in older adults with normal cognition and dementia.

Methods:
Older adults (n = 259) with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or mild-stage Alzheimer disease completed cognitive testing and self-report measures (Cognitive Difficulties Scale, Global Distress Index, Perceived Stress Scale). Cross-sectional analyses examined: (1) CCT composition by classification method,( 2) CCTs by diagnostic group, (3) correlations of CCTs with cognitive testing scores, and (4) correlations of CCTs with perceived stress and symptom distress.

Results:
CCTs derived from 2 classification approaches loaded onto 4 factors: memory, attention-concentration (AC), temporal orientation, and praxis. Memory contained complaints about both memory and executive functioning. AC contained both classifications of AC complaints. Complaints about AC (AC1 and AC2) differed by diagnostic group (all P < 0.05). One of 2 classifications of AC (AC1) complaints discerned between impaired and unimpaired long-delay memory scores (both P < 0.05). In multivariable analyses, that same classification of AC (AC1) complaints correlated with higher perceived stress (both P < 0.001) but not symptom distress (both P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
CCTs showed a factor structure that was mostly robust between classification methods; however, some content-divergent CCTs shared factors, suggesting construct overlap. Relatively slight variations in content altered how CCTs correlated with diagnostic groups, perceived stress, and symptom distress. Most CCTs did not discern between impaired and unimpaired cognitive test scores. Research is needed to better understand CCTs as clinical markers and targets of clinical interventions.
Mendelian randomization analysis identifies a causal effect of Streptococcus salivarius on DR mediating via the level of host fasting glucose
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zheng Gongwei , Jiang Dingping , Deng Chunyu , Zhang Yaru , Ma Yunlong , Su Jianzhong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of leading causes of vision loss in adults with increasing prevalence worldwide. Increasing evidence has emphasized the importance of gut microbiome in the etiology and development of DR. However, the causal relationship between gut microbes and DR remains largely unknown.MethodsTo investigate the causal associations of DR with gut microbes and DR risk factors, we employed two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the causal effects of 207 gut microbes on DR outcomes. Inputs for MR included Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics of 207 taxa of gut microbes (the Dutch Microbiome Project) and 21 risk factors for DR. The GWAS summary statistics data of DR was from the FinnGen Research Project. Data analysis was performed in May 2023.ResultsWe identified eight bacterial taxa that exhibited significant causal associations with DR (FDR < 0.05). Among them, genusCollinsellaand speciesCollinsella aerofacienswere associated with increased risk of DR, while the speciesBacteroides faecis,Burkholderiales bacterium_1_1_47,Ruminococcus torques, Streptococcus salivarius, genusBurkholderiales_noname, and familyBurkholderiales_nonameshowed protective effects against DR. Notably, we found that the causal effect of speciesStreptococcus salivariuson DR was mediated through the level of host fasting glucose, a well-established risk factor for DR.ConclusionsOur results reveal that specific gut microbes may be causally linked to DR via mediating host metabolic risk factors, highlighting potential novel therapeutic or preventive targets for DR.
Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalizations after COPD Hospitalization among Older Adults
Authors: Mosher Christopher L. , Osazuwa-Peters Oyomoare L. , Nanna Michael G. , MacIntyre Neil R. , Que Loretta G. , Jones W. Schuyler , Palmer Scott M. , O’Brien Emily C. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMeta-analyses have suggested the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events is significantly higher after a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. However, these studies have been limited to highly selected patient populations potentially not generalizable to the broader population of COPD.METHODSWe assessed the risk of ASCVD hospitalizations after COPD hospitalization compared to before COPD hospitalization and identified patient factors associated with ASCVD hospitalizations after COPD hospitalization. This retrospective cohort study used claims data from 920,550 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for COPD from 2016-2019 in the US. The primary outcome was risk of a ASCVD hospitalization composite outcome (myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery by-pass graft surgery, stroke, or transient ischemic attack) in the 1 year after-COPD hospitalization relative to the 1 year before-COPD hospitalization. Time from discharge to a composite ASCVD hospitalization outcome was modeled using an extension of the Cox Proportional-Hazards model, the Anderson-Gill model with adjustment for patient characteristics. Additional analyses evaluated for interactions in subgroups and risk factors associated with the composite ASCVD hospitalization outcome.RESULTSAmong 920,550 patients (mean age, 73 years) the hazard ratio estimate (HR; 95% CI) for the composite ASCVD hospitalization outcome after-COPD hospitalization vs before-COPD hospitalization was 0.99 (0.97, 1.02; p = 0.53) following adjustment. We observed 3 subgroups that were significantly associated with higher risk for ASCVD hospitalizations after COPD hospitalization: 76+ years old, women, COPD hospitalization severity. Among the 19 characteristics evaluated, 10 were significantly associated with higher risk of CVD events 1 year after COPD hospitalization with hyperlipidemia (2.78; 2.67, 2.90) and history of cardiovascular disease (1.77; 1.72 1.83) associated with the greatest risk.CONCLUSIONAmong Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for COPD, the risk of ASCVD hospitalizations was not significantly increased after COPD-hospitalization relative to before-COPD hospitalization. Although, we identified age 76+ years old, female sex, and COPD hospitalization severity as high risk subgroups and 10 risk factors associated with increased risk of ASCVD events after-COPD hospitalization. Further research is needed to characterize the COPD exacerbation populations at highest ASCVD hospitalization risk.
Longitudinal changes in iron homeostasis in human experimental and clinical malaria
Authors: Woolley Stephen D. , Grigg Matthew J. , Marquart Louise , Gower Jeremy , Piera Kim , Nair Arya Sheela , Amante Fiona M. , Rajahram Giri S. , William Timothy , Frazer David M. , Chalon Stephan , McCarthy James S. , Anstey Nicholas M. , Barber Bridget E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe interaction between iron deficiency and malaria is incompletely understood. We evaluated longitudinal changes in iron homeostasis in volunteers enrolled in malaria volunteer infection studies (VIS) and in Malaysian patients with falciparum and vivax malaria.MethodsWe retrieved samples and associated data from 55 participants enrolled in malaria VIS, and 171 malaria patients and 30 healthy controls enrolled in clinical studies in Malaysia. Ferritin, hepcidin, erythropoietin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured by ELISA.ResultsIn the VIS, participants’ parasitaemia was correlated with baseline mean corpuscular volume (MCV), but not iron status (ferritin, hepcidin or sTfR). Ferritin, hepcidin and sTfR all increased during the VIS. Ferritin and hepcidin normalised by day 28, while sTfR remained elevated. In VIS participants, baseline iron status (ferritin) was associated with post-treatment increases in liver transaminase levels. In Malaysian malaria patients, hepcidin and ferritin were elevated on admission compared to healthy controls, while sTfR increased following admission. Hepcidin normalised by day 28; however, ferritin and sTfR both remained elevated 4 weeks following admission.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that parasitaemia is associated with an individual’s MCV rather than iron status. The persistent elevation in sTfR 4 weeks post-infection in both malaria VIS and clinical malaria may reflect a causal link between malaria and iron deficiency.
A randomised control trial investigating the effect of improving the cleaning of shared medical equipment on healthcare-associated infections (The CLEEN study): Statistical Analysis Plan
Authors: White Nicole , Cheng Allen , Browne Katrina , Russo Philip , Stewardson Andrew , Amin Maham , Graham Kirsty , King Jennie , Tehan Peta , Brain David , Northcote Maria , Mitchell Brett 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis document outlines the Statistical Analysis Plan for the CLEaning and Enhanced disiNfection (CLEEN) study. The CLEaning and Enhanced disiNfection (CLEEN) study is a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial evaluating the role of enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment as part of hospital infection prevention and control programs. The study is preregistered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001143718) and is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (GNT2008392). The full study protocol used to inform the Statistical Analysis Plan has been published.1A signed copy of the Statistical Analysis Plan is available on request from the corresponding author (BM).
Exploring novel risk loci for heart failure and the shared genetic etiology with blood lipids, blood pressure, and blood glucose: a large-scale multi-trait association analysis
Authors: Zhu Yanchen , Wang Yahui , Cui Zhaorui , Liu Fani , Hu Jiqiang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe comprehensive exploration of genomic risk loci for heart failure (HF) remains constrained, and the genetic role of blood lipids (BL), blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose (BG) in HF has not been fully characterized.MethodsWe first assessed the global and local genetic correlations between HF and the quantitative traits of BL, BP, and BG. We then employed multi-trait association analysis and multi-trait colocalization analysis to identify novel and pleiotropic genomic risk loci for HF. Furthermore, we explored potential genes, pathways, tissues, and cells associated with HF involving BL, BP, and BG. Lastly, we investigated potential therapeutic targets for HF.FindingsWe found extensive global and local genetic correlations between HF and the traits of BL, BP, and BG. Multi-trait association analysis successfully identified 154 novel genomic risk loci for HF. Multi-trait colocalization analysis further revealed 46, 35, and 14 co-localized loci shared by HF with BL, BP, and BG, respectively. We found that the loci shared by HF with these traits rarely overlapped, indicating distinct shared mechanisms. Gene-mapping, gene-based, and transcriptome-wide association analyses prioritized noteworthy candidate genes (such as LPL, GRK5, and TNNC1) for HF. In enrichment analysis, HF exhibited comparable characteristics with cardiovascular traits and metabolic correlated to BL, BP, and BG. We provided genetic evidence for putative drugs, and highlighted 33 robust potential protein targets.InterpretationThese findings will provide biological insights into the pathogenesis for HF, and benefit the development of preventive or therapeutic drugs for HF.
Effect of nutrition assessment, counselling and support integration on mother- infant nutritional status, practices and health in Tororo and Butaleja districts, Uganda: A comparative non equivalent quasi experimental study
Authors: Namukose Samalie , Maina Gakenia Wamuyu , Kiwanuka Suzanne N , Makumbi Fredrick Edward 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition remains a health challenge for women aged 15 to 49 years and their infants. While Nutrition Assessment Counselling and Support (NACS) is considered a promising strategy, evidence on its effectiveness remains scanty. This study assessed the effect of comprehensive NACS package on the mother-infant practices, health and nutrition outcomes in two districts in Eastern Uganda.MethodsA comparative non equivalent quasi experimental design was employed with two groups; Comprehensive NACS (Tororo) and Routine NACS (Butaleja). Pregnant mothers were enrolled spanning various trimesters and followed through the antenatal periods and post-delivery for health and nutrition status. Infants were followed for feeding practices, health and nutritional status at birth and weeks 6, 10, 14 and at month 6, 9 and 12 post-delivery. Propensity score matching ensured study group comparability. The NACS effect was estimated by nearest neighbour matching and the logistic regression methods. Statistical analysis utilised STATA version 15 and R version 4.1.1.ResultsA total of 666/784 (85%) with complete data and were analysed (routine: 412, comprehensive: 254). Both groups were comparable by mothers’ age, MUAC, prior antenatal visits, meal frequency, micronutrient supplementation and instances of maternal headache, depression and diarrhoea. However, differences existed in gestation age, income, family size, education and other living conditions. Comprehensive NACS infants exhibited higher infant birth weights, weight- for- age z-scores at the 3rd-6thvisits (p<0.001), length- for- age z scores at the 4th-7thvisits (p<0.001) and weight-for-length z-scores at the 3rd- 5th(p<=0.001) visits. Despite fewer episodes of diarrhoea and fever, upper respiration infections were higher.ConclusionThe comprehensive NACS demonstrated improved mother-infant nutritional and other health outcomes suggesting the need for integrated and holistic care for better maternal, infant and child health.
Patterns of sacral dysmorphism in pelvic CT scans at a national referral hospital in Kenya
Authors: Nyang’au Valentine B , Sitati Fred , Gakuya Edward , Amunga Oline 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundSacral dysmorphism refers to morphological variations found in the first two sacral segments that limit the safe placement of percutaneous sacral iliac screws. The prevalence is documented in European, North American and some Asian populations. However, studies within the African population including Kenya are lacking. The aim of the study was to describe the patterns of sacral dysmorphism in pelvic computerized tomography (CT) scans at a national referral hospital in Kenya.MethodsA cross-sectional study carried out at the Radiology Department, Kenyatta National Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021 involving the radiographic evaluation of 293 stored abdominal pelvic CT scans of patients. Sacral dysmorphism was identified based on the sacral dysmorphism score >70 and the presence of any of the six morphological features of sacral dysmorphism.ResultsA sacral dysmorphism score of more than 70 was found to in 64% of the population. The prevalence of dysmorphic sacra (based on the presence of at least one qualitative feature) was 100%. The most prevalent feature of sacral dysmorphism was the lack of recession of the S1 segment (82%) followed by an unfused sacral segment (76%). Of note is that some qualitative features of sacral dysmorphism were protective against a high sacral dysmorphism score. There was no statistical significance of gender in sacral dysmorphism.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of sacral dysmorphism score in this population. There is a need for further studies to revisit the concept of dysmorphic sacra based on the presence of at least one qualitative feature as all our participants had at least one feature.
Metabolic disruption impairs ribosomal protein levels, resulting in enhanced aminoglycoside tolerance
Authors: Shiraliyev Rauf , Orman Mehmet A. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTAminoglycoside antibiotics display broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by targeting their ribosomes. Herein, we have demonstrated that energy metabolism plays a crucial role in aminoglycoside tolerance, as knockout strains associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and the electron transport chain (ETC) exhibited increased tolerance to aminoglycosides in the mid-exponential growth phase ofEscherichia colicells. Given that aminoglycoside uptake relies on the energy-driven electrochemical potential across the cytoplasmic membrane, our initial expectation was that these genetic perturbations would decrease the proton motive force (PMF), subsequently affecting the uptake of aminoglycosides. However, our results did not corroborate this assumption. We found no consistent metabolic changes, ATP levels, cytoplasmic pH variations, or membrane potential differences in the mutant strains compared to the wild type. Additionally, intracellular concentrations of fluorophore-labeled gentamicin remained similar across all strains. To uncover the mechanism responsible for the observed tolerance in mutant strains, we employed untargeted mass spectrometry to quantify the proteins within these mutants and subsequently compared them to their wild-type counterparts. Our comprehensive analysis, which encompassed protein-protein association networks and functional enrichment, unveiled a noteworthy upregulation of proteins linked to the TCA cycle in the mutant strains during the mid-exponential growth phase, suggesting that these strains compensate for the perturbation in their energy metabolism by increasing TCA cycle activity to maintain their membrane potential and ATP levels. Furthermore, our pathway enrichment analysis shed light on local network clusters displaying downregulation across all mutant strains, which were associated with both large and small ribosomal binding proteins, ribosome biogenesis, translation factor activity, and the biosynthesis of ribonucleoside monophosphates. These findings offer a plausible explanation for the observed tolerance of aminoglycosides in the mutant strains. Altogether, this research has the potential to uncover mechanisms behind aminoglycoside tolerance, paving the way for novel strategies to combat such cells.
Nanodelivery of lipids to coral larvae maximises post-settlement survival: Implications for larval ecology and reef restoration
Authors: Boulotte Nadine M. , Rudd David , Harrison Peter L. , Humphrey Craig , Benkendorff Kirsten 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTInterest in reef restoration is increasing as coral mortality has accelerated at an unprecedented rate. However, high mortality rates of coral early-life stages represent a population bottleneck, which directly impacts the effectiveness of restoration projects. While most coral larvae are considered lecithotrophic and catabolise maternally transmitted lipids to meet metabolic demands; here we demonstrate that coral larvae can be facultative feeders. We used nanoparticles to deliver triacylglycerides to aposymbiotic larvae which resulted in a 30% increase in larval energetic lipids, and a 46% increase in survival rate, up to 16 weeks post-settlement. Changes in phospholipid molecular species in the larvae suggest phagocytosis of the nanoparticles, and an increase in free fatty acids indicates lipolysis of the phagocytosed triacylglycerides. We suggest that a continuum of nutritional strategies should be recognised in coral early-life stages, and that nanoparticles can be used by restoration practitioners to deliver nutritional resources to maximise restoration outcomes.