bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood-brain barrier integrity decreases with higher blood pressure, a 7T DCE-MRI study
Authors: van den Kerkhof Marieke , de Jong Joost J.A. , Voorter Paulien H.M. , Postma Alida , Kroon Abraham A. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Jansen Jacobus F.A. , Backes Walter H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundBlood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity is presumed to be impaired in hypertension, resulting from cerebral endothelial dysfunction. Hypertension antedates various cerebrovascular diseases, such as cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), and is a risk factor for developing neurodegenerative diseases for which BBB disruption is a preceding pathophysiological process. In this study, we investigated the relation between hypertension, current blood pressure and BBB leakage in human subjects.MethodsBBB leakage was determined in twenty-two patients with hypertension and nineteen normotensive controls, age- and sex-matched (median age[range]:65[45-80] years,19 males), using a sparsely time-sampled contrast-enhanced 7 Tesla MRI protocol. Structural cSVD markers were visually rated. Multivariable regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and cSVD markers, were performed to determine the relation between hypertension status, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), drug treatment, and BBB leakage.ResultsBoth hypertensive and normotensive participants showed mild scores of cSVD. BBB leakage did not differ between hypertensive and normotensive participants, however was significantly higher for SBP, DBP and MAP in the cortex, and DBP and MAP in the grey matter. Effectively treated patients showed less BBB leakage than those with current hypertension.ConclusionBBB integrity in the total and cortical grey matter decreases with increasing blood pressure, but is not related to hypertension status. These findings show that BBB disruption already occurs with increasing blood pressure, before the presence of overt cerebral tissue damage. Additionally, our results suggest that effective antihypertensive medication has a protective effect on the BBB.Registered at:https://trialsearch.who.int/; Unique identifier: NL7537
Hypertension mediated the effects of pericardial adipose tissue on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Xie Feng , Cao Peng , Tang Hai-bo , Luo Zhi , Zhu Shai-hong , Zhu Li-yong 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough previous studies have presented a relevance between pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the precise role of PAT in CVDs remains uncertain.MethodsIn the Mendelian randomization (MR) research, we extracted instrumental variants significantly correlated with PAT to assess its effects on CVDs. Inverse-variance weighted model was elected as the leading MR analytical method. F-statistic was utilized to assess the intensity of instrumental variants and avert weak-tool bias. Numerous sensitivity analyses were adopted to confirm the credibility of outcomes. The mediated effect of hypertension between PAT and CVDs was estimated in 2-step MR analysis.ResultsThe MR research demonstrated genetically determined PAT was remarkably correlated with greater risks of cardiovascular disease (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09--1.22, P=1.32*10-6), heart failure (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.28--5.34, P=0.008), coronary heart disease (OR 3.53; 95% CI 1.55--8.06, P=0.003), ischemic heart disease (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.14--4.67, P=0.020), ischemic stroke (OR 3.18; 95% CI 1.63--6.20, P=0.001), and venous thromboembolism (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00--1.04, P=0.015). And the correlation was partially mediated by hypertension. Results were verified by sensitivity analysis.ConclusionsGenetic determined PAT was remarkably correlated with additional risks of diverse CVDs. Identified as a mediator, hypertension had a significant influence on the causal association. The correlation between PAT and CVDs deserves further exploration.NOVELTY AND RELEVANCEWhat Is New?This was the first Mendelian randomization research to detect the potential causal relationship of genetically determined PTA on multiple CVDs risks and confirm the mediating effect of hypertension on the causal association.What Is Relevant?The MR research not only estimated the causal effect of PAT on hypertension but also identified the mediating role of hypertension between PAT and CVDs.Clinical/Pathophysiological Implications?This study revealed PAT promoted CVDs progression and hypertension played an intermediary role, which indicated that PAT might serve as a potential therapeutic target and antihypertensive drugs could be conjunctly used to provide cardiovascular benefits.especially for people with obesity, because they had more PAT accumulation.
Predicting Impaired Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Hyperperfusion Syndrome with BeamSAT MRI in Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Ikeuchi Yusuke , Kohta Masaaki , Yamashita Shunsuke , Yamanishi Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Yoji , Tanaka Jun , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Kimura Hidehito , Fujita Atsushi , Hosoda Kohkichi , Kohmura Eiji , Sasayama Takashi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated the impact of collateral flow of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory and cross flow visualized with internal carotid artery (ICA)-selective Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) constructed by pencil beam presaturation (BeamSAT) pulse on preoperative cerebral hemodynamic status and postoperative hyperperfusion syndrome.MethodsFourty-eight patients who underwent carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy were included. The preoperative status of collateral flow in the MCA territory and crossflow was assessed using ICA-selective MRA. Cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) were assessed using single-photon emission computed tomography. Potential signs of hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) were retrospectively assessed by reviewing medical charts.ResultsPatients who either demonstrated mismatch in MCA signal intensity (MCA-MRA grade) between ICA-selective MRA by BeamSAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional MRA or whose MRA crossflow was visualized on BeamSAT MRI were placed in the developed collateral (DC) group (n=19). All other patients were placed in the undeveloped collateral (UC) group (n = 29). Preoperative ipsilateral CVR was significantly lower in the DC group than in the UC group (18.0±20.0% versus 48.3±19.5%; P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the DC group was significantly associated with impaired CVR (odds ratio [OR] = 17.7, [95%confidence interval [CI]: 1.82 to 171]; P = 0.013). The partial area under curves (AUCs) of BeamSAT logisitic model (0.843) were significantly larger than those of the conventional logistic model (0.626) over the range of high sensitivity (0.6-1) (p = 0.04). The incidence of postoperative symptoms suggestive of HPS was significantly higher in the DC group than in the UC group (8/19 vs. 1/29; P=0.001).ConclusionsThe differences in the MCA-MRA grade and crossflow between ICA-selective and conventional MRA were associated with impaired CVR. BeamSAT MRI may be a valuable and non-invasive tool for assessing of cerebral hemodynamics and predicting postoperative HPS.
Profiling health and socioeconomic disadvantage in the northern Adelaide Local Health Network population
Authors: Shoubridge Cheryl , Maddison John , Lynch John , Boyd Mark 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to describe and compare aspects of the socioeconomic and health status of the population within regions of an Australian capital city.DesignThis comparative study harnessed publicly available, deidentified, population level data from the 2021 census spanning measures of relative disadvantage, population demographics, health status and risk factors known to contribute to health outcomes. We describe data for greater Australian capital cities and compare aggregate public health area data that reflect local health network boundaries within greater Adelaide.ResultsNorthern Adelaide is a region of greater relative disadvantage, demonstrated by the low Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage score (945) compared to the national average (1000) and scores for the central and southern Adelaide regions. Social determinants that contribute to this relative disadvantage include the proportion of people with no or limited education (26%) and those living on constrained income sources (e.g. unemployment benefits / aged pension, 10% and 72%, respectively). The northern Adelaide region has higher burdens of long-term health conditions including but not limited to diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and lung diseases. We demonstrate that the comparatively high prevalence of obesity (37%) for people in the north of Adelaide were correlated with low numbers of people with adequate fruit intake (48%) and the higher proportion of people who currently smoke (16%) and who undertake low or no levels of exercise (73%).ConclusionsSocial disadvantage in the northern Adelaide region compared to the less disadvantaged central and southern regions of Adelaide is associated with poorer health outcomes and correlated with higher levels of health risk behaviours. Understanding the challenges within this local community setting may provide opportunities for local health networks to lead interventions to mitigate social risks and thereby improve health outcomes in this population.Short Key Question SummaryWhat is known about the topic?Social disadvantage is correlated with poor health outcomesWhat does this paper add?Profiles the types and prevalence of social determinants of health and the health status of a community region within an Australian capital city.What are the implications for practitioners?This profile of adverse social determinants of health relevant to the local community setting provides a context for the health system to respond, advocate for and intervene effectively to improve the well-being needs of this disadvantaged community.
Between-networks hyperconnectivity is induced by beta-amyloid and may facilitate tau spread
Authors: Hojjati Seyed Hani , Butler Tracy A. , Leon Mony de , Gupta Ajay , Nayak Siddharth , Luchsinger José A. , Chiang Gloria C. , Razlighi Qolamreza R. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the buildup of neurofibrillary tau tangles and beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques. While it has been hypothesized that Aβ facilitates the spread of tau outside of the medial temporal lobe (MTL), the specific pathological processes and mechanisms by which this occurs remain poorly understood. Our study employed advanced neuroimaging techniques, integrating 18F-Florbetaben Aβ and 18F-MK6240 tau positron emission tomography (PET) with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to characterize these mechanisms in two distinct datasets, that included 481 healthy elderly subjects, 46 of whom came with longitudinal data. Our research highlighted an intricate internetwork relationship between Aβ and tau accumulation, across spatially distinct functional networks. Additionally, we observed compelling evidence supporting the existence of a compensatory mechanism triggered by Aβ accumulation, resulting in hyperconnectivity between functional networks. Finally, the longitudinal findings indicate that between-networks hyperconnectivity is associated with future tau elevation and mediates the relationship between cortical Aβ and early-stage tau. Understanding this early brain alteration in response to the accumulation of Aβ could guide treatments early in the disease course and potentially prevent future tau accumulation.
Malaria and other risk factors for malnutrition, and the impact of intermittent preventive therapy for malaria on nutritional status of school-age children in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey and a randomized controlled open-label trial
Authors: Hhera Jeremiah John , Makenga Geofrey , Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundWHO and the Lancet reported that malaria and malnutrition form a double health burden in low and middle-income countries. Despite the massive implementation of several malaria interventions, there is limited information on the impact of intermittent preventive therapy (IPTsc) for malaria on the nutritional status of school-age children.ObjectiveTo determine malnutrition risk factors and evaluate the impact of IPTsc for malaria on the nutritional status of school-age children in North-East Tanzania.MethodsWe analyzed secondary data from a cross-sectional baseline survey and a randomized controlled open-label trial. Study participants were randomized to three treatment groups and thereafter followed for 20 months. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and a linear mixed model.FindingsAt baseline, the prevalence of malaria was 27%. 23% of ≤10 years children were underweight, 21% were stunted, and 28% were either thin or severely thin. The odds of stunting were 78% higher (AOR=1.78, 95%CI=[1.36, 2.33], P<0.001) among children who had malaria compared to those who did not. Children from low socioeconomic status (SES) had higher odds of being underweight (AOR=1.50, 95%CI=[1.13,2.01], P=0.006) compared to their high SES counterparts. During the intervention, change in mean weight, height, and BMI over time as estimated from age-treatment interaction was not significantly different in the DP and ASAQ treatment groups compared to the control group. A unit change in age increased weight, height, and BMI by 2.2 units (p-value<0.001), 3.3 units (p-value<0.001), and 0.5 units (p-value<0.001). The height and weight in female children were higher compared to that of male children by 1 unit (p-value<0.001) and 0.8 unit (p-value<0.001), respectively.ConclusionThe burden of malaria and malnutrition in this study’s setting is remarkable. Instead of focusing only on malaria, public health agencies should reinforce nutritional programs by collaborating with local communities to ensure food availability in schools and provide sustainable nutritional education to the local community members.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Patients on Antiretroviral Treatment at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
Authors: Sento Midekso , Negera Atoma , Negera Samuel 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an infections or clinical syndromes caused by microorganisms that can be acquired and transmitted via sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections are a major public health problem worldwide that cause acute illness, long-term complications, infertility, medical as well as psychological consequences, and death. Moreover, it facilitates the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To develop policies and strategies targeted at preventing and controlling illnesses, research on sexually transmitted infections in general and among people with HIV in particular is crucial.Objectiveto determine the prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among human immunodeficiency virus patients in antiretroviral treatment clinic in Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC), Adama, Ethiopia, 2022.Methodsan institution-based, retrospective cross-sectional study design among 376 HIV patients in Anti-retroviral treatment clinic in AHMC was conducted on January-February, 2022. Study participants were selected using a systematic sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and was taken from individual cards with a prepared checklist. The collected data was processed and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistical analyses were done to define the characteristics of the participants. Variables with p-value ≤0.25 in the bivariable analyses were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with STIs. Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was computed and variable with a p-value less than 0.05 was declared as statistically significant variable.Resultsamong 376 HIV positive patients 39 (10.37%) have STI and among them, 66.7% were female patients. Those under 35 years had 3.03 times more STI (aOR=3.03; 95% CI: (1.3, 6.66)) than those above 35 years. Those with CD4 of <500 had 11.7 times (aOR-=11.7; 95% C: (4.6, 30)) more STI than those with CD4 of > 500. Those with multiple sexual partners had 9.2 times (aOR=9.2; 95% CI: (2.7, 30.8)) more STI than those without multiple partners.Conclusionthe study revealed among 376 HIV-positive patients 39(10.37%) have STI and 337 (89.63%) have no STI. Age (lower age group), having multiple sexual partners, and lower CD4 count were the factors significantly associated with STIs. Thus, we recommend health workers should take time in counseling ART patients about STI in every visit.
Valid inference for machine learning-assisted GWAS
Authors: Miao Jiacheng , Wu Yixuan , Sun Zhongxuan , Miao Xinran , Lu Tianyuan , Zhao Jiwei , Lu Qiongshi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMachine learning (ML) has revolutionized analytical strategies in almost all scientific disciplines including human genetics and genomics. Due to challenges in sample collection and precise phenotyping, ML-assisted genome-wide association study (GWAS) which uses sophisticated ML to impute phenotypes and then performs GWAS on imputed outcomes has quickly gained popularity in complex trait genetics research. However, the validity of associations identified from ML-assisted GWAS has not been carefully evaluated. In this study, we report pervasive risks for false positive associations in ML-assisted GWAS, and introduce POP-GWAS, a novel statistical framework that reimagines GWAS on ML-imputed outcomes. POP-GWAS provides valid statistical inference irrespective of the quality of imputation or variables and algorithms used for imputation. It also only requires GWAS summary statistics as input. We employed POP-GWAS to perform the largest GWAS of bone mineral density (BMD) derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry imaging at 14 skeletal sites, identifying 89 novel loci reaching genome-wide significance and revealing skeletal site-specific genetic architecture of BMD. Our framework may fundamentally reshape the analytical strategies in future ML-assisted GWAS.
Neurometabolic dysfunction in psychosis observed with 7 T MRS
Authors: Schallmo Michael-Paul , Demro Caroline , Killebrew Kyle W. , Olman Cheryl A. , Sponheim Scott R. , Marjańska Małgorzata 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAltered brain chemistry is thought to contribute to impairments in cognitive and perceptual functioning in people with psychotic psychopathology (PwPP). As heritable genetic factors shape the development of psychosis, these alterations in brain chemistry may extend to biological relatives of PwPP. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive method for quantifying the concentration of various neurochemicals in the human brain. A number of MRS studies in different brain regions have been performed in PwPP, and to a lesser extent in relatives, but results have been largely mixed. There are a number of methodological issues that may have influenced previous findings. We show here that when such issues are addressed, MRS reveals a pattern of neurometabolic dysfunction in PwPP. We acquired MRS data at 7 tesla with an ultra-short echo time (TE = 8 ms) sequence in both occipital and prefrontal cortices from 43 healthy controls, 42 first-degree biological relatives, and 64 PwPP. We saw reduced levels ofN-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in the occipital lobe in PwPP and their relatives (versus controls), and lowerN-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) in prefrontal cortex in PwPP versus controls. Surprisingly, we also saw markedly increased levels of glucose in both occipital and prefrontal cortices in PwPP. Hierarchical clustering analyses showed that higher glucose levels were linked to higher psychiatric symptom levels and impairments in visual task performance. Together, our findings point to a disruption in neural metabolism across multiple brain areas in PwPP that is associated with impaired cognitive and perceptual functioning.
Contact with young children is a major risk factor for pneumococcal colonization in older adults
Authors: Wyllie Anne L. , Yolda-Carr Devyn , Hislop Maikel S. , Mbodj Sidiya , Wurst Loren , Waghela Pari , Alexander-Parrish Ronika , Grant Lindsay R. , Arguedas Adriano , Gessner Bradford D. , Weinberger Daniel M. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundImportant questions remain about the sources of transmission of pneumococcus to older adults in the community. This is a critical question for understanding the potential indirect effects of using pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in children and older adults. For non-institutionalized individuals, the most likely source of adult-to-adult transmission is in the household. The goal of this study was to characterize the dynamics and risk factors for acquisition of pneumococcus in older adults.MethodsWe designed a longitudinal study to sample adults >60 years of age living in the same household (New Haven, CT, USA), and without younger contacts residing in the household. Saliva samples and questionnaires regarding social behaviors and health status were obtained every 2 weeks for a period of 10 weeks. DNA extracted from culture-enriched saliva was tested using qPCR for pneumococcus genespiaBandlytA.ResultsAcross two study seasons (November 2020-August 2021, November 2021-September 2022), 121 individuals from 61 households were followed for 6 study visits; 62 individuals were enrolled in both seasons. Overall, 52/1088 (4.8%) samples tested positive for pneumococcus based onpiaB, with 27/121 (22.3%) individuals colonized on at least one time point. Several individuals were colonized at multiple timepoints including two individuals who were colonized throughout the 10-week sampling period; two others were colonized at 5 of 6 time points. In 5 instances, both members of the household were carriers in the same season, though not necessarily at the same time point. Pneumococcal carriage was substantially higher among individuals who had contact with children (10.0% vs 1.6%). Participants who reported recent contact with <5-year-olds and 5-9-year-olds had particularly elevated prevalence (13.8%; 14.1%, respectively).ConclusionsContact with young children was the most important factor that influenced pneumococcal acquisition rates. While there were several instances where both adult household members were colonized at the same time or at sequential visits, these individuals also both typically had contact with children.