bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating ketone bodies and mortality in heart failure: a community cohort study
Authors: Oyetoro Rebecca O. , Conners Katherine M. , Joo Jungnam , Turecamo Sarah , Sampson Maureen , Wolska Anna , Remaley Alan T. , Otvos James D. , Connelly Margery A. , Larson Nicholas B. , Bielinski Suzette J. , Hashemian Maryam , Shearer Joseph J. , Roger Véronique L. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between ketone bodies (KB) and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) syndrome has not been well established.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to assess the distribution of KB in HF, identify clinical correlates, and examine the associations between plasma KB and all-cause mortality in a population-based HF cohort.MethodsThe plasma KB levels were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations between clinical correlates and KB levels. Proportional hazard regression was employed to examine associations between KB (represented as both continuous and categorical variables) and mortality, with adjustment for several clinical covariates.ResultsAmong the 1,382 HF patients with KB measurements, the median (IQR) age was 78 (68, 84) and 52% were men. The median (IQR) KB was found to be 180 (134, 308) μM. Higher KB levels were associated with advanced HF (NYHA class III–IV) and higher NT-proBNP levels (both P &lt; 0.001). The median follow-up was 13.9 years, and the 5-year mortality rate was 51.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.1%–54.4%]. The risk of death increased when KB levels were higher (HRhigh vs. low group 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05–1.44), independently of a validated clinical risk score. The association between higher KB and mortality differed by ejection fraction (EF) and was noticeably stronger among patients with preserved EF.ConclusionsMost patients with HF exhibited KB levels that were consistent with those found in healthy adults. Elevated levels of KB were observed in patients with advanced HF. Higher KB levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of death, particularly in patients with preserved EF.
Association of sleep characteristics with cardiovascular disease risk in adults over 40 years of age: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hou Xin-Zheng , Li Yu-Shan , Wu Qian , Lv Qian-Yu , Yang Ying-Tian , Li Lan-Lan , Ye Xue-Jiao , Yang Chen-Yan , Wang Man-Shi , Lv Yan-Fei , Cao Lin-Lin , Wang Shi-Han 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between sleep characteristics and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has yet to reach a consistent conclusion, and more research needs to be carried out. This study aimed to explore the relationship between snoring, daytime sleepiness, bedtime, sleep duration, and high-risk sleep patterns with CVD risk.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2018 were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between snoring, daytime sleepiness, bedtime, sleep duration, high-risk sleep patterns, and CVD risk. Stratified analysis and interaction tests were carried out according to hypertension, diabetes and age.ResultsThe final analysis contained 6,830 participants, including 1,001 with CVD. Multivariable logistic regression suggested that the relationship between snoring [OR = 7.37,95%CI = (6.06,8.96)], daytime sleepiness [OR = 11.21,95%CI = (9.60,13.08)], sleep duration shorter than 7 h [OR = 9.50,95%CI = (7.65,11.79)] or longer than 8 h [OR = 6.61,95%CI = (5.33,8.19)], bedtime after 0:00 [OR = 13.20,95%CI = (9.78,17.80)] compared to 22:00–22:59, high-risk sleep patterns [OR = 47.73,95%CI = (36.73,62.04)] and CVD risk were statistically significant. Hypertension and diabetes interacted with high-risk sleep patterns, but age did not.ConclusionsSnoring, daytime sleepiness, excessive or short sleep duration, inappropriate bedtime, and high-risk sleep patterns composed of these factors are associated with the CVD risk. High-risk sleep patterns have a more significant impact on patients with hypertension and diabetes.
Unravelling seismogenesis and characterizing the unique features of two significant felt earthquakes (M > 4.0) of 2020 in the southwestern parts of the Delhi region
Authors: Prajapati Sanjay K. , Pandey Ajeet P. , Bhattacharjee Sudipto , Vashisth Shikha , Mishra O. P. 
Published: January 2024

Two significant earthquakes (M4.6 and 4.2) occurred close to a NE–SW-trending lineament in the southwestern part of the Delhi NCR (National Capital Region) within a short time span of about 5 months in 2020. These events were located to the north of the Alwar district in Rajasthan and generated a significant ground shaking in and around Delhi. In the present study, we tried to understand a causal relationship between the events and a nearby source in the region, geologically demarcated as the lineament. We analyzed the broadband waveform data from 26 seismic stations that recorded the recent events of 03 July 2020 (M4.6) and 17 December 2020 (M4.2). Typically, the epicentral area has been devoid of significant earthquakes since the past six decades; however, a few minor events (M &lt; 4.0) have been recorded till date. Analysis of the earthquake database for two decades (2000–2022) revealed low seismicity (nearly quiescent-like situation) in ∼100 sq km area around the epicentral zone, unlike considerable seismicity along faults/lineaments close to the Delhi region. The full-waveform inversion analyses of the events indicate normal faulting with a minor strike–slip components. The source parameters, viz., source radius, stress drop, and seismic moment, were estimated to be 6 km, 166 bars, and 8.28E+15 Nm, respectively, for the 03 July 2020 event and 4 km, 138 bars, and 2.29E+15 Nm, respectively, for the 17 December 2020 event. The causative source of these events is ascertained based on the stress inversion modeling that indicated a NW–SE tensile stress corroborating well with the NE–SW-trending lineament mapped in the study region. The static Coulomb stress modeling indicated that the event which occurred on 3 July 2020 had advanced the triggering process of the event in the northeast segment of the same source that occurred on 17 December 2020. We further emphasize that the aforementioned lineament probably activated due to the regional tectonics of the study area. The causative source of these events with strike 48°, dip 86°, and rake −60° is found to be in the conformity with the local tectonics and is well-supplemented by a high stress ratio (0.70 ± 0.05) and low friction coefficient (0.5).
A novel nomogram for predicting cardiometabolic diseases from modifiable risks in middle-aged adults-implication for health education
Authors: Chang Chia-Hao , Lin Ming-Shyan , Lin Yu-Chih , Huang Tung-Jung , Chen Mei-Yen 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundMiddle-aged adults often overlook critical modifiable risk factors that contribute to the emergence of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including hypertension and diabetes. Many CMDs can be alleviated by addressing these modifiable risks. However, there has been insufficient research focused on rural adults with lower levels of health literacy in this regard. The aim of this study was to explore and develop an intuitive assessment tool for predicting cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), which can be used for health education with adults of low health literacy.MethodsThis was a community-based, cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire on health-promoting habits, smoking, sleep, and physiological biomarkers was obtained via community health screening in the coastal region of Yunlin County, Taiwan. Multivariate logistic regression was used to screen for significant variables in the nomogram construction. Analysis with nonlinear restricted cubic spline was performed.ResultsA total of 712 participants (60.9% females) aged 40–64 years, with middle school level or lower education, were included. The average age was 55.6 years (SD=7.3), and 220 individuals (31%) had CMDs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, lower scores of vegetables, fruit, water, and exercise (VFWE), smoking history, sleep deprivation, and being overweight were significantly associated with CMDs. The model incorporating these modifiable risk factors demonstrated good discriminatory ability, as indicated by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 (0.73–0.76). A predictive nomogram was developed that presented modifiable risk factors in a simple graphical format to facilitate the prediction of CMDs.ConclusionsThis study highlights a high prevalence of CMDs among middle-aged adults, along with the disregard for important risk factors that could be modified. The developed nomogram could be a practical and effective tool for community health education to enhance health literacy and prevent the progression of CMDs.
The synergistic effect of diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis on the all-cause mortality: a cohort study of an American population
Authors: Li Weihua , Xie Siyu , Zhong Shengdong , Lan Liting 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis have different effects on prognosis. The two often co-occur, so we aimed to investigate whether DM and osteoporosis have an effect on all-cause death and whether DM and osteoporosis have a synergistic effect.MethodsThis study analyzed 18,658 subjects from five cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The primary endpoint was all-cause death. The subjects were divided into four groups based on the presence or absence of DM and osteoporosis. Survival curves and Cox regression analysis based on NHANES recommended weights were used to assess the risk of all-cause death between the diseased and non-diseased groups and to calculate additive interactions to assess whether there was a synergistic effect between diabetes and osteoporosis.ResultsThe group with DM and osteoporosis had the lowest survival rate. After full adjustment for confounders, patients with DM alone had a 30% higher risk of all-cause death compared with those without DM and osteoporosis (HR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.09-1.55). Patients with osteoporosis alone had a 67% higher risk of all-cause death (HR: 1.67, 95%CI:1.16-2.43) and patients with combined DM and osteoporosis had a 127% higher risk of all-cause death (HR:2.27, 95%CI: 1.57-3.27). There was an additive interaction between DM and osteoporosis [RERI (95%CI): 1.03(0.55-1.50)] and excess mortality risk of 38% [AP (95% CI) 0.38(0.30-0.46)].ConclusionsThere might be a synergistic effect of DM and osteoporosis on all-cause mortality, and patients with both conditions have a higher risk of death.
Toll-like receptor 2 (−196 to −174) del and TLR1 743 A > G gene polymorphism—a possible association with drug-resistant tuberculosis in the north Indian population
Authors: Varshney Deepika , Singh Shoor Vir , Mohanty Keshar Kunja , Kumar Santosh , Varshney Nitin , Sinha Ekata , Barik Sushanta Kumar 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to analyze the association between TLR2 deletion (−196 to −174) and TLR1 743 A &gt; G gene polymorphism with drug resistant tuberculosis (PTB, MDR-TB, and XDR-TB) in a population from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.MethodsThe present case–control study included 101 pulmonary TB patients, 104 multidrug-resistant TB patients, 48 extremely drug-resistant TB patients, and 130 healthy and unrelated controls residing in the same locality. The genotyping method for TLR2 deletion (−196 to −174) was carried out by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and TLR1 743 A &gt; G gene polymorphism was performed by hybridization probe chemistry in Roche Real-Time PCR. Genotype and allele frequencies were analyzed by the chi-square test. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA and compared using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsThe frequency of heterozygous (Ins/del) genotypes for TLR2 (−196 to −174) polymorphism was predominant in XDR-TB patients (0.57), whereas heterozygous A/G genotype for TLR1 743 A &gt; G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was predominant in healthy controls (0.57) for TLR1 743 A &gt; G gene polymorphism. The heterozygous genotype of TLR2 deletion polymorphism was found to be significantly higher in XDR-TB (p = 0.0001). TLR1 743 A &gt; G SNP, AG genotypes were found to be significantly associated with healthy controls than PTB (p = 0.047). The level of serum cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) was also found to be significantly different among TB patients and healthy controls.ConclusionThe findings suggested that in the present population, the heterozygous (Ins/Del) genotype and deletion allele of TLR2 deletion (−196 to −174) polymorphism are associated with the risk for the development of drug-resistant TB. Furthermore, for TLR1 743 A &gt; G gene polymorphism, A/G genotype, and G allele are found associated with healthy controls, suggesting the protective role against TB.
Graceful gait: virtual ballet classes improve mobility and reduce falls more than wellness classes for older women
Authors: Harrison Elinor C. , Haussler Allison M. , Tueth Lauren E. , Baudendistel Sidney T. , Earhart Gammon M. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionDance is an effective and motivating form of exercise for older women, but few studies have quantified the benefits of virtual dance classes nor, specifically, ballet. This study tested the effectiveness of virtual ballet compared to virtual wellness classes, with the goal of reaching underserved populations. It is among the first to explore the effects of virtual classical ballet on functional gait mobility, balance, and quality of life measures in older women.MethodsOlder women were recruited in two waves and randomized to two groups: a ballet class modified for older adults and a wellness-based control class. Both groups received 12 weeks of online classes, meeting twice per week for 45-min sessions. Classes were taught by a local company that offers community-based ballet classes. The same instructor led both the ballet and the wellness classes. Pre- and post-intervention assessments include gait and balance testing using wearable inertial sensors and self-report outcomes including quality of life and mood questionnaires.ResultsForty-four older women completed the study: Ballet group (n = 21, 67.81 ± 7.3 years); Wellness group (n = 23, 69.96 ± 6.7 years). Pre- to post-intervention, both groups increased velocity on the two-minute walk test (F1,42 = 25.36,p &lt; 0.001) and improved their time on the Timed Up and Go (F1,42 = 4.744,p = 0.035). Both groups improved balance on the Mini-BESTest (F1,42 = 38.154,p &lt; 0.001), increased their scores on the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (F1,42 = 10.688,p &lt; 0.001), and increased quality of life via the Short Form Health Survey (F1,42 = 7.663,p = 0.008). The ballet group improved gait variability in the backward direction (F1,42 = 14.577,p &lt; 0.001) and reduced fall rates more than the wellness group [χ2(1) = 5.096,p = 0.024].DiscussionBoth virtual ballet and wellness classes improve select measures of gait, balance, and quality of life. The benefits seen in both groups highlight the importance of considering social interaction as a key component when developing future interventions to target mobility in older women.
Comparing the effects of augmented virtual reality treadmill training versus conventional treadmill training in patients with stage II-III Parkinson’s disease: the VIRTREAD-PD randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Lombardi Gemma , Baccini Marco , Gualerzi Alice , Pancani Silvia , Campagnini Silvia , Doronzio Stefano , Longo Diego , Maselli Alessandro , Cherubini Giulio , Piazzini Michele , Ciapetti Tommaso , Polito Cristina , Pinna Samuele , De Santis Chiara , Bedoni Marzia , Macchi Claudio , Ramat Silvia , Cecchi Francesca 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundIntensive treadmill training (TT) has been documented to improve gait parameters and functional independence in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), but the optimal intervention protocol and the criteria for tailoring the intervention to patients’ performances are lacking. TT may be integrated with augmented virtual reality (AVR), however, evidence of the effectiveness of this combined treatment is still limited. Moreover, prognostic biomarkers of rehabilitation, potentially useful to customize the treatment, are currently missing. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects on gait performances of TT + AVR versus TT alone in II-III stage PD patients with gait disturbance. Secondary aims are to assess the effects on balance, gait parameters and other motor and non-motor symptoms, and patient’s satisfaction and adherence to the treatment. As an exploratory aim, the study attempts to identify biomarkers of neuroplasticity detecting changes in Neurofilament Light Chain concentration T0-T1 and to identify prognostic biomarkers associated to blood-derived Extracellular Vesicles.MethodsSingle-center, randomized controlled single-blind trial comparing TT + AVR vs. TT in II-III stage PD patients with gait disturbances. Assessment will be performed at baseline (T0), end of training (T1), 3 (T2) and 6 months (T3, phone interview) from T1. The primary outcome is difference in gait performance assessed with the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment gait scale at T1. Secondary outcomes are differences in gait performance at T2, in balance and spatial–temporal gait parameters at T1 and T2, patients’ satisfaction and adherence. Changes in falls, functional mobility, functional autonomy, cognition, mood, and quality of life will be also assessed at different timepoints. The G*Power software was used to estimate a sample size of 20 subjects per group (power 0.95, α &lt; 0.05), raised to 24 per group to compensate for potential drop-outs. Both interventions will be customized and progressive, based on the participant’s performance, according to a predefined protocol.ConclusionThis study will provide data on the possible superiority of AVR-associated TT over conventional TT in improving gait and other motor and non-motor symptoms in persons with PD and gait disturbances. Results of the exploratory analysis could add information in the field of biomarker research in PD rehabilitation.
Auditory naming is impaired in posterior cortical atrophy and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Putcha Deepti , Eustace Ana , Carvalho Nicole , Wong Bonnie , Quimby Megan , Dickerson Bradford C. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionVisual naming ability reflects semantic memory retrieval and is a hallmark deficit of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Naming impairment is most prominently observed in the late-onset amnestic and logopenic variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (lvPPA) syndromes. However, little is known about how other patients across the atypical AD syndromic spectrum perform on tests of auditory naming, particularly those with primary visuospatial deficits (Posterior Cortical Atrophy; PCA) and early onset (EOAD) syndromes. Auditory naming tests may be of particular relevance to more accurately measuring anomia in PCA syndrome and in others with visual perceptual deficits.MethodsForty-six patients with biomarker-confirmed AD (16 PCA, 12 lvPPA, 18 multi-domain EOAD), at the stage of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, were administered the Auditory Naming Test (ANT). Performance differences between groups were evaluated using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc t-tests. Correlation analyses were used to examine ANT performance in relation to measures of working memory and word retrieval to elucidate cognitive mechanisms underlying word retrieval deficits. Whole-cortex general linear models were generated to determine the relationship between ANT performance and cortical atrophy.ResultsBased on published cutoffs, out of a total possible score of 50 on the ANT, 56% of PCA patients (mean score = 45.3), 83% of EOAD patients (mean = 39.2), and 83% of lvPPA patients (mean = 29.8) were impaired. Total uncued ANT performance differed across groups, with lvPPA performing most poorly, followed by EOAD, and then PCA. ANT performance was still impaired in lvPPA and EOAD after cuing, while performance in PCA patients improved to the normal range with phonemic cues. ANT performance was also directly correlated with measures of verbal fluency and working memory, and was associated with cortical atrophy in a circumscribed semantic language network.DiscussionAuditory confrontation naming is impaired across the syndromic spectrum of AD including in PCA and EOAD, and is likely related to auditory-verbal working memory and verbal fluency which represent the nexus of language and executive functions. The left-lateralized semantic language network was implicated in ANT performance. Auditory naming, in the absence of a visual perceptual demand, may be particularly sensitive to measuring naming deficits in PCA.
Resistant starches from dietary pulses improve neurocognitive health via gut-microbiome-brain axis in aged mice
Authors: Kadyan Saurabh , Park Gwoncheol , Hochuli Nathaniel , Miller Katelyn , Wang Bo , Nagpal Ravinder 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionCognitive decline is a common consequence of aging. Dietary patterns that lack fibers and are high in saturated fats worsen cognitive impairment by triggering pro-inflammatory pathways and metabolic dysfunctions. Emerging evidence highlights the neurocognitive benefits of fiber-rich diets and the crucial role of gut-microbiome-brain signaling. However, the mechanisms of this diet-microbiome-brain regulation remain largely unclear.MethodsAccordingly, we herein investigated the unexplored neuroprotective mechanisms of dietary pulses-derived resistant starch (RS) in improving aging-associated neurocognitive function in an aged (60-weeks old) murine model carrying a human microbiome.Results and discussionFollowing 20-weeks dietary regimen which included a western-style diet without (control; CTL) or with 5% w/w fortification with RS from pinto beans (PTB), black-eyed-peas (BEP), lentils (LEN), chickpeas (CKP), or inulin fiber (INU), we find that RS, particularly from LEN, ameliorate the cognitive impairments induced by western diet. Mechanistically, RS-mediated improvements in neurocognitive assessments are attributed to positive remodeling of the gut microbiome-metabolome arrays, which include increased short-chain fatty acids and reduced branched-chain amino acids levels. This microbiome-metabolite-brain signaling cascade represses neuroinflammation, cellular senescence, and serum leptin/insulin levels, while enhancing lipid metabolism through improved hepatic function. Altogether, the data demonstrate the prebiotic effects of RS in improving neurocognitive function via modulating the gut-brain axis.