bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and potential predictors of SGLT2 inhibitor initiation in acutely hospitalized patients with heart failure
Authors: Lanier Cameron , Brumit Jessica C , Tharp Jennifer , Crawford Jacquelyn , White Kathleen M , Wilson Vera , Covert Kelly 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Disclaimer
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor initiation in hospitalized patients with heart failure and determine what potential factors may influence use.

Methods
A single-center, retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of hospitalized patients with heart failure. The primary outcome was the incidence of SGLT2 inhibitor initiation. Secondary outcomes included the rates of use of other guideline-directed medical therapy, identification of factors associated with initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors, and reasons why SGLT2 inhibitors were not initiated.

Results
A total of 503 patients were included. The overall incidence of SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was 18% across all heart failure types, with 30% incidence in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, 2.2% incidence in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and 5.7% incidence in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Logistic regression analysis showed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-0.99; P = 0.009) and the presence of HFpEF (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17-0.77; P = 0.007) or HFmrEF (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05-0.69; P = 0.02) were negatively associated with SGLT2 inhibitor initiation. Presence of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin 2 receptor blocker, or angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.16-4.05; P = 0.017) or a β-blocker (OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.62-10.37; P = 0.004) was positively associated with the addition of an SGLT2 inhibitor, as was a cardiology consult (OR, 8.29; 95% CI, 2.36-52.83; P = 0.005). Providers rarely documented the reason for not prescribing an SGLT2 inhibitor, but the most commonly cited reasons were deferral to the outpatient setting (5.6%) and concern for renal function (4.6%).

Conclusion
Use of SGLT2 inhibitors remains low despite recommendations advocating for their use in heart failure, with these agents specifically underutilized in HFpEF and HFmrEF at this institution.
Fractional belonging: The experience of Bulgarian and Zimbabwean migrants living in Australia
Authors: Chihota Clement , Kudeva Rumyana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article outlines a phenomenon that emerged from a research project investigating meanings of ‘home’ and ‘belonging’, and how these shape the later-life plans among Bulgarian and Zimbabwean immigrants living in Australia. The study involved thirty-one adult participants, evenly divided between the two groups, and used a qualitative approach. Interviews were analysed through autoethnographic and phenomenological lenses, allowing for an in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences. A key finding is that while many participants felt ‘at home’ in certain social, cultural, or professional contexts, their sense of belonging was not universal or consistent across all areas of their lives. They also experienced ‘unbelonging’ in certain social or situational contexts. The term ‘fractional belonging’ was introduced to describe this fragmented, complex connection to a place. The article situates these findings within existing theories on belonging, social behaviour, and discourse, aiming to enrich the literature on migrant experiences. By highlighting the multifaceted and sometimes contradictory ways in which immigrant groups experience belonging, the article advocates for more nuanced and culturally responsive approaches in social and community work with migrant populations. Such approaches would foster empathy and compassion—qualities that are vital for effectively engaging with migrant populations and supporting their successful integration.
The engagement in policy practice of social workers in Germany and Switzerland—A comparative study
Authors: Burzlaff Miriam , Kindler Tobias , Schwartz-Tayri Talia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article presents the results of a cross-sectional quantitative study that, for the first time, examined the engagement of social workers in policy practice (PP) in Germany (n = 1,917) and Switzerland (n = 1,770). The study focused on the following research questions: To what extent do social workers in Germany and Switzerland differ in their (1) identification with political social work, (2) PP engagement, (3) PP skills, (4) received PP training during their studies, and (5) received organizational support for PP? The results suggest that most social workers in both countries strongly identify with the political dimension of social work as outlined in the profession’s global definition. However, the findings indicate rather low levels of PP engagement, PP skills, PP education, and organizational support for PP among respondents in both samples. While this gap between the normative claim and actual involvement in PP was evident in both groups, Swiss respondents were slightly but significantly less involved in all measured domains except for PP education. After a broad and detailed description of the respondents’ involvement in PP, the article concludes with implications for social work practice, education, and further research.
Living without privilege in Czech society: Building social work knowledge from lived experiences of inequalities
Authors: Broskevičová Zuzana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Social work research has increasingly focused on the intersectionality of social identities and categories, which can create unique forms of disadvantage. This study addresses the underexplored dimension of privilege within systems of inequality, focusing on how wealth inequality, anti-Roma racism, and structural barriers shape the lives of young people at risk of poverty in the Czech Republic. Grounded in a qualitative, multi-generational approach and critical communicative methodology, the study aims to explore the lived experiences of young people and their families facing systemic inequalities. The findings reveal that a lack of family assets, compounded by an unregulated housing market and pervasive racism and discrimination against Roma families, severely limits life opportunities and shapes the trajectories of the young people involved. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrate resilience in navigating systemic barriers, with some actively seeking pathways to social mobility. This study provides critical insights into the mechanisms that perpetuate inequalities and the strategies participants use to navigate them, while proposing anti-poverty and anti-racist strategies to advance social justice in social work education and practice.
Pathway-dependent brain stimulation responses indicate motion processing integrity after stroke
Authors: Bevilacqua Michele , Windel Fabienne , Beanato Elena , Menoud Pauline , Zandvliet Sarah , Ramdass Nicola , Fleury Lisa , Hervé Julie , Huxlin Krystel R , Hummel Friedhelm C , Raffin Estelle 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Homonymous Hemianopia (HH), a common visual impairment resulting from occipital lobe lesions, affects a significant number of stroke survivors. Intensive perceptual training can foster recovery, possibly by enhancing surviving visual pathways. This study employed cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) to induce associative plasticity within the residual and bi-directional primary visual cortex (V1) - middle temporal area (MT) pathways in stroke patients. We used ccPAS, which is thought to tap into Hebbian-like spike-timing dependent plasticity, over a motion processing pathway in stroke patients to transiently improve visual motion discrimination in their blind field.
Sixteen stroke patients participated in this double-blind, crossover study comparing the effects of bidirectional ccPAS (V1-to-MT or MT-to-V1) on motion discrimination and EEG-Granger Causality. Additionally, we explored potential multimodal sources of inter-individual variability.
Results showed that MT-to-V1 ccPAS enhanced motion direction discrimination, but the expected electrophysiological increase in top-down MT-to-V1 inputs was observed only in patients who showed improvement in motion discrimination. Good responders to MT-V1 ccPAS also demonstrated improved functional coupling between the cortical motion pathway and other relevant areas in the visual network, as well as more preserved ipsilesional V1-MT structural integrity.
These findings indicate that targeted ccPAS can effectively engage functionally relevant residual visual pathways in stroke-affected brains, potentially offering new avenues for patient stratification and visual recovery strategies.
Novel insight into TRPV1-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in neuropathic pain
Authors: Awad-Igbaria Yaseen , Ben-Menashe Aviv , Sakas Reem , Edelman Doron , Fishboom Tom , Shamir Alon , Francois-Soustiel Jean , Palzur Eilam 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Neuropathic pain remains one of the leading causes of global disability. The mechanism of neuropathic pain development and maintenance involves mitochondrial dysfunction induced-neuronal apoptosis of peripheral and central nociceptive pathways. The TRPV1 is a non-selective cation channel, which has a high Ca2+ permeability, playing an essential role in neuronal apoptosis in the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury. However, the mechanism of how TRPV1 activation in the spinal cord induces mitochondrial dysfunction-mediate neuronal apoptosis, resulting in allodynia is unknown.
Here, we found that activating the TRPV1 channel in the spinal cord using capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist, results in mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity that were found to be mediated by neuroinflammation, elevated level of apoptosis, and a reduction in transcription of the mitochondrial complexes in the spinal cord and DRG. Moreover, during the early activation of the TRPV1 (1h, 24h, 48h following the capsaicin injection in the spinal cord) we observed a robust reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption in the non-phosphorylated state, ATP-linked respiration, maximal respiration, and electron transfer capacity (ETC). A more advanced experiment, wherein we controlled capsaicin, Ca2+ concentration and the exposure time in isolated spinal cord tissue (Lumbar, L1-L6), unveiled that TRPV1 activation impairing the mitochondrial function in terms of oxygen consumption, collapsing the Ψm and induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), which were reversed by the mPTP inhibitor-Cyclosporin A (CsA) during challenging the mitochondria with Ca2+ in a dose-dependent manner. More critically, injection of TRPV1 antagonist AMG9810 in the spinal cord following sciatic nerve crush reversed mechanical allodynia and modulated thermal hypersensitivity. In addition, the presence of TRPV1 antagonist-AMG9810 along with capsaicin and Ca2+ during challenging the spinal cord tissue completely prevents the early mPTP induction, the reduction in oxygen consumption and.
In conclusion, our findings suggest that TRPV1 activation induces neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the spinal cord, reflected in mechanical and thermal allodynia. Notable, the mitochondrial dysfunction following the TRPV1 activation in the spinal cord includes crucial elements that contribute to neuronal death, including mPTP induction, reduction in Ψm and oxygen consumption. Strikingly, regulating the TRPV1 following sciatic nerve injury reverses hypersensitivity probably via protection of the mitochondrial, suggesting a fundamental role for the TRPV1 pathway in mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated pain development.
Influence of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels on the slower age-related decline in grey matter in younger women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chen Mei-Jou , Chen Chang-Le , Chang Yu-Yuan , Huang Chu-Chun , Wu Wen-Chau , Ho Hong-Nerng , Tseng Wen-Yih Isaac 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by excess androgens, ovulatory disorders and a higher prevalence of obesity and metabolic disturbances including Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension, some of which are risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and brain atrophy. However, it is unclear whether brain ageing occurs more rapidly in women with PCOS compared with those without PCOS. Except for the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis involved in the conventional ovulatory process, little is known regarding the role of the grey matter in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and limited existing studies examining brain structures in PCOS have shown inconsistent results. This case–control study aimed to investigate the age-related differences in total and regional brain grey matter volume and average cortical thickness in young women with and without PCOS by using brain magnetic resonance imaging to understand whether women with PCOS exhibit distinctive patterns of brain ageing, and their association with factors including obesity, hyperandrogenism and metabolic disturbances. Seventy-six women diagnosed with PCOS and 68 age-matched women without PCOS (aged 20–35 years) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging to measure grey matter volume and cortical thickness. Anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic measurements were conducted to assess their associations with the investigated brain structures. In women without PCOS, increasing age was significantly correlated with a decrease in global grey matter volume (r = −0.5598, P &lt; 0.0001), while this association was not significant in women with PCOS (r = −0.1475, P = 0.204). The decline in grey matter volume with age differed significantly between the two groups regardless of obesity (body mass index exceeding 25 kg/m2), especially in the frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal regions. After adjusting for dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels, the negative association between age and global grey matter volume became statistically significant in women with PCOS. Increasing age was also significantly associated with a decrease in global cortical thickness in women without PCOS, but not in women with PCOS. Such negative association between global cortical thickness and age was particularly stronger in women with obesity compared with those without. The negative association between age and global cortical thickness in women with PCOS became pronounced after adjusting for DHEAS levels. Women with PCOS experience a milder grey matter loss with age compared with women without PCOS. The neuroprotective effect of high DHEAS levels in women with PCOS may be implicated in this relationship.
Spikes on ripples are better interictal biomarkers of epilepsy than spikes or ripples
Authors: Fabbri Lorenzo , Matarrese Margherita A G , Jahromi Saeed , Perry Michael Scott , Tamilia Eleonora , Madsen Joseph R , Stone Scellig S D , Pearl Phillip L , Papadelis Christos 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Spikes are the most established interictal epilepsy biomarkers. Yet, they suffer from low specificity since they are partially concordant with the epileptogenic zone and are often found in non-epileptogenic areas. High-frequency oscillations, classified as ripples and fast ripples, are considered more specific biomarkers compared with spikes. Ripples occur more often than fast ripples but are believed to be less specific, since they are more frequently generated by physiological mechanisms. Here, we examine the temporal relationship between spikes, ripples and fast ripples, and assess the ability of these biomarkers (and their combinations) to delineate the epileptogenic zone and predict outcome. We hypothesize that spikes on ripples (temporal co-occurrence of spikes and ripples) can identify the epileptogenic zone and predict outcome better than spikes or ripples.
We analysed intracranial EEG data from 40 children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Spikes, ripples and fast ripples were classified based on their temporal occurrence. Their rates were compared with resection by performing a receiver operating characteristic analysis. The resection ratio, quantifying the extent of each biomarker’s removal, was computed, and correlated with patients’ outcome.
Spikes on ripples were seen in all patients; fast ripples were seen in 43% of patients. In good outcome patients, fast ripple and spike on ripple rates were higher inside resection (P = 0.027; P = 0.003, respectively). Fast ripples and spikes on ripples resection ratio predicted outcome (P &lt; 0.05). For fast ripples, outcome was predicted in 82% of patients; this proportion was higher than the one for spikes (48%, P = 0.015) and ripples (40%, P = 0.003), and spikes on ripples (53%, P = 0.034). Fast ripples were the most accurate (82%) to predict outcome; spikes on ripples were the most precise (positive predictive value = 90%). Spike rate and spikes on ripples performance to predict the epileptogenic zone were correlated (r = 0.36, P = 0.035). For patients with frequent spikes, spikes on ripples accuracy to predict outcome reached 70%.
Fast ripples are the best biomarker, but they can be seen in only half of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Spikes on ripples are a good alternative with more universal applicability since they can be seen in all patients while their resection predicts good outcome; their performance is improved in patients with frequent spikes. Overall, in the absence of fast ripples, spike on ripple areas should be targeted during surgery.
Worldwide study of the taste of bitter medicines and their modifiers
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Lin Cailu , Bell Katherine , Huang Amy , Hannum Mackenzie , Ramirez Vicente , Christensen Carol , Rawson Nancy E , Colquitt Lauren , Domanico Paul , Sasimovich Ivona , Herriman Riley , Joseph Paule , Braimah Oghogho , Reed Danielle R 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The bitter taste of medicines hinders patient compliance, but not everyone experiences these difficulties because people worldwide differ in their bitterness perception. To better understand how people from diverse ancestries perceive medicines and taste modifiers, 338 adults, European and recent US and Canadian immigrants from Asia, South Asia, and Africa, rated the bitterness intensity of taste solutions on a 100-point generalized visual analog scale and provided a saliva sample for genotyping. The taste solutions were five medicines, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), moxifloxacin, praziquantel, amodiaquine, and propylthiouracil (PROP), and four other solutions, TAF mixed with sucralose (sweet, reduces bitterness) or 6-methylflavone (tasteless, reduces bitterness), sucralose alone, and sodium chloride alone. Bitterness ratings differed by ancestry for two of the five drugs (amodiaquine and PROP) and for TAF mixed with sucralose. Genetic analysis showed that people with variants in one bitter receptor variant gene (TAS2R38) reported PROP was more bitter than did those with a different variant (p= 7.6e-19) and that people with either an RIMS2 or a THSD4 genotype found sucralose more bitter than did others (p=2.6e-8, p=7.9e-11, resp.). Our findings may help guide the formulation of bad-tasting medicines to meet the needs of those most sensitive to them.
Clinical use of [15O]H2O/[18F]FDG viability positron emission tomography does not reliably predict left ventricular ejection fraction improvement or survival after revascularization
Authors: Kjærulff Mette Louise Gram , Tolbod Lars Poulsen , Pryds Kasper , Nielsen Roni , Madsen Simon , Luong Thien Vinh , Gormsen Lars Christian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims
Previous observational studies suggest that preoperative imaging in patients with chronic ischaemic heart failure (iHF) may identify non-contractile, hypoperfused, yet metabolically viable (hibernating) myocardial segments that can regain function after coronary revascularization. Various imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET) with retention tracers like 82Rb, have shown equivocal results. However, recent randomized studies have found limited value in these methods for predicting postoperative recovery and survival. This study, therefore, aims to assess whether PET viability imaging using the optimal perfusion tracer [15O]H2O, combined with [18F]FDG, provides better predictive accuracy.

Methods and results
Seventy-three patients with chronic iHF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (mean baseline LVEF 31 ± 9%) underwent [15O]H2O/[18F]FDG PET viability imaging before potential revascularization. The primary endpoint was a ≥5% absolute increase in LVEF from baseline to follow-up, assessed by echocardiography. In total, 31 of 73 (42%) patients were revascularized, with 16 of 31 (52%) experiencing a ≥5% LVEF improvement postoperatively. Baseline characteristics and revascularization type did not significantly differ between improvers and non-improvers. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of PET metrics to predict LVEF improvement yielded area under curve values ≤0.60, and no baseline characteristics or PET measures predicted survival in revascularized patients.

Conclusion
No [15O]H2O/[18F]FDG PET parameters predicted post-revascularization LVEF improvement or survival in patients with suspected chronic iHF. Thus, the clinical use of PET viability imaging still warrants reconsideration, particularly if non-ischaemic HF is present.
Case report: venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation supported severe coronary vasospasm with recurrent cardiac arrest
Authors: Bellavista Crespo Ignasi , Izquierdo Ribas Marc , Galán Gil David , Pascual Mayans Júlia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Coronary vasospasm is a known cause of transient myocardial ischaemia with non-acute significant occlusive atherosclerotic coronary lesions. Most of them are often effectively managed with oral vasodilators but a few seem to have recurrent episodes despite good adherence to treatment.

Case summary
Here, we report a case of a 54-year-old woman with optimal guideline medical treatment due to known coronary vasospasm. During admission, despite several intravenous vasodilators, she presented recurrent severe coronary vasospasm episodes with subsequent cardiac arrests that required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. After stabilization, oral vasodilators followed by stellate ganglion block and thoracic sympathectomy were done to avoid new episodes.

Discussion
This case reflects a wide range of treatment possibilities for recurrent coronary vasospasm although optimal medical treatment, including circulatory support with VA-ECMO during the hyperacute phase, which provided significant benefit in the context of recurrent witnessed cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity. Long-acting vasodilators (molsidomine, nicorandil), alongside less commonly used treatments (magnesium, fluvastatin), may be useful in patients with refractory vasospasm. Lastly, it seems reasonable to consider transient stellate ganglion ablation and thoracic sympathectomy as the final step of treatment if severe episodes persist. Nevertheless, stronger evidence is needed for the aforementioned strategies.