bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Preoperative Rupture from Imaging Alone in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Dong Yi , Lin Zai-Rong , Chen Liang-Wan , Luo Zeng-Rong 
Published: October 2023

Objective. To establish risk factors for predicting preoperative ruptures in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging features alone. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed patients with ATAAD treated between January 2017 and December 2021 in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, China. The primary outcome was preoperative rupture after admission. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed based on basic characteristics and CTA imaging variables selected by the application of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Results. A total of 564 patients were enrolled. The rate of preoperative rupture was 14.2% (n = 80). Patients who experienced rupture were significantly older (

P

= 0.002) and had a higher rate of DeBakey II (

P

= 0.016), syncope (

P

= 0.003), ventilator-assisted ventilation (

P

= 0.008), preoperative shock (

P

= 0.040), hypotensive state (

P

= 0.009), hepatic insufficiency (

P

= 0.002), acute kidney injury (

P

= 0.045), and moderate or massive pericardial effusion (

P

= 0.007). Multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for preoperative rupture based on CTA imaging features: DeBakey II (odds ratio (OR) = 1.988, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.211–3.676,

P

= 0.009), ascending aorta diameter (OR = 2.077, 95% CI 1.335–4.045,

P

< 0.001), ascending aorta false lumen diameter (OR = 2.988, 95% CI 2.055–4.291,

P

< 0.001), ascending aorta false lumen/true lumen diameter ratio >4 : 1 (OR = 3.129, 95% CI 2.031–6.225,

P

< 0.001), and number of branch arteries involved in dissection >6 (OR = 1.154, 95% CI 1.036–2.006,

P

= 0.036). Conclusions. CTA imaging features are one of the most convenient indicators for the early prediction of preoperative rupture in patients with ATAAD.
Mammographic Breast Density and Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Korean Women
Authors: Tran Thi Xuan Mai , Kim Soyeoun , Park Boyoung 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:
This study aimed to investigate the potential association between mammographic breast density and ovarian cancer risk.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included women ≥40 years of age who underwent a mammography screening from 2009 to 2014. Breast density was assessed using the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System. The primary outcome was ovarian cancer development, and the cases were recorded until 2020. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between breast density and ovarian cancer development. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, menopausal status, and body mass index (BMI) were conducted.

Results:
Of the 8,556,914 women included in this study, 9,246 ovarian cancer events were recorded during a median follow-up period of 10 years (interquartile range, 8.1–11.0 years). Compared with women with almost entirely fat density, those with scattered fibroglandular density, heterogeneous density, and extreme density had an increased risk of ovarian cancer with adjusted HRs of 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.15], 1.16 (95% CI, 1.09–1.24), and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.15–1.34), respectively. The strongest association was observed in the ≥60 years age group; subgroup analysis indicated a significant increase in association between the higher-density category and ovarian cancer risk, regardless of BMI or menopausal status.

Conclusions:
Higher levels of breast density are associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Impact:
Breast density may have a relationship with ovarian cancer risk and could be used to assess future risk.
Influence of Baseline Diastolic Blood Pressure on the Effects of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering: Results From the STEP Randomized Trial
Authors: Yang Ruixue , Huang Rongjie , Zhang Liangqing , Li Dongfeng , Luo Jiehong , Cai Jun 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:
The STEP (Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients) trial demonstrated that intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering has cardiovascular benefits. However, the influence of baseline diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on the effects of intensive blood pressure lowering on cardiovascular outcomes has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS:
We performed a post hoc analysis of the STEP trial. Participants were randomly allocated to intensive (110 to <130 mm Hg) or standard (130 to <150 mm Hg) treatment groups. The effects of intensive SBP lowering on the primary composite outcome (stroke, acute coronary syndrome, acute decompensated heart failure, coronary revascularization, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular death), major adverse cardiac event (a composite of the individual components of the primary outcome except for stroke), and all-cause mortality were analyzed according to baseline DBP as both a categorical and a continuous variable.

RESULTS:

The 8259 participants had a mean age of 66.2±4.8 years, and 46.5% were men. Participants with lower DBP were slightly older and had greater histories of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Within each baseline DBP quartile, the mean achieved DBP was lower in the intensive versus standard group. The effects of intensive SBP lowering were not modified by baseline DBP as a continuous variable or as a categorical variable (quartiles, or <70, 70 to <80, and ≥80 mm Hg; all
P
value for interaction >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:
The beneficial effects of intensive SBP lowering on cardiovascular outcomes were unaffected by baseline DBP. Lower DBP should not be an obstacle to intensive SBP control.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03015311
Effect of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes on Prognosis of Multiple Cancers
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Jing Jiexian 
Published: October 2023

Background In the era of immunotherapy, the immune function of patients with cancer has attracted increasingly more attention. The immune scoring system is an important supplement to the classical tumor staging and classification process. The immune system plays a controversial role in the development of cancer. Meanwhile, the prognostic significance of peripheral blood lymphocytes is still controversial. The present study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of peripheral blood lymphocytes in eight types of cancers. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 32731 patients with cancer hospitalized in Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016. The percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD56+, and CD127+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of all patients were examined using flow cytometry. The immune cell subsets of patients with cancer were classified into three groups using the K-means clustering method via the R language software. Differences in the overall survival rate were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox regression model was utilized for univariate and multivariate analysis. Results The mean survival time of patients with liver cancer, rectal cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma was 30.25, 21.74, 37.67, 16.28, 21.62, 30.25, 31.43, and 34.27 months, respectively. The survival curves showed that the most prognostically beneficial immune state of the patients was when the expression of the immune cells in the peripheral blood was in equilibrium. Moreover, Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that the factors affecting the overall survival (OS) of patients with eight different kinds of cancer were not identical. However, CD19+ lymphocytes had the most significant impact on the prognosis of these patients. Conclusions Cancer occurrence and development were associated with the density of lymphocyte infiltration. Thus, immune homeostasis could be an effective indicator to evaluate prognosis and judge cancer treatment.
Roles and usages of neuro service dogs for caregivers living at home with persons with dementia: An exploratory comparative case study
Authors: Vincent Claude , Dumont Frédéric S , Rivard Annette , Rogers Manon , Brémault-Phillips Suzette , Brown Cary , Achou Bertrand 
Published: October 2023

The goal of the present study was to examine how canine assistance may support family caregivers and persons with dementia and to document and compare two modalities of home care support. An exploratory comparative case study research design was conducted. Three cases correspond of dyads of a caregiver, a person with mild to moderate dementia, and either a neuro service dog (NSD), a companion dog or no dog. Hypotheses are formulated to capture differences between cases. Recruitment was done in a service dog organisation, through Canadian Alzheimer associations and in records of a hospital. Data were collected through 45–60 minutes telephone interviews that included completion of the Caregiver’s Burden Scale and sociodemographic questions. We used an inductive approach with qualitative data. There were five caregivers (mean age 54.8 years) who had an NSD, 28 caregivers (63.6 years) who had a companion dog, and 23 caregivers (63.8 years) without dog. In the category of roles and usages of the dog, ‘Socialisation’ and ‘Help with a sense of direction’ were the most addressed roles for dyads with the NSD. For dyads with companion dog and without dog, ‘Engagement-and-meaning of life’ as well as ‘Physical activity with the dog’ were the most discussed roles. The ‘Sleep or wake up’ role was the least discussed role across three cases. In the other categories, they were seven advantages and 10 inconvenients that were mentioned for canine assistance. For home care support, the presence of NSD has more positive impacts on both the person with dementia and their caregiver compared to the presence of a companion dog; the presence of a NSD results in the person with dementia accessing more indoor and outdoor public sites than with a companion dog; and dyads with a dog are informally socially engaged more frequently than those with no dog.
PDIVAS: Pathogenicity predictor for Deep-Intronic Variants causing Aberrant Splicing
Authors: Kurosawa Ryo , Iida Kei , Ajiro Masahiko , Awaya Tomonari , Yamada Mamiko , Kosaki Kenjiro , Hagiwara Masatoshi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Deep-intronic variants that alter RNA splicing were ineffectively evaluated in the search for the cause of genetic diseases. Determination of such pathogenic variants from a vast number of deep-intronic variants (approximately 1,500,000 variants per individual) represents a technical challenge to researchers. Thus, we developed a Pathogenicity predictor for Deep-Intronic Variants causing Aberrant Splicing (PDIVAS) to easily detect pathogenic deep-intronic variants.

Results
PDIVAS was trained on an ensemble machine-learning algorithm to classify pathogenic and benign variants in a curated dataset. The dataset consists of manually curated pathogenic splice-altering variants (SAVs) and commonly observed benign variants within deep introns. Splicing features and a splicing constraint metric were used to maximize the predictive sensitivity and specificity, respectively. PDIVAS showed an average precision of 0.92 and a maximum MCC of 0.88 in classifying these variants, which were the best of the previous predictors. When PDIVAS was applied to genome sequencing analysis on a threshold with 95% sensitivity for reported pathogenic SAVs, an average of 27 pathogenic candidates were extracted per individual. Furthermore, the causative variants in simulated patient genomes were more efficiently prioritized than the previous predictors.

Conclusion
Incorporating PDIVAS into variant interpretation pipelines will enable efficient detection of disease-causing deep-intronic SAVs and contribute to improving the diagnostic yield. PDIVAS is publicly available at https://github.com/shiro-kur/PDIVAS.

Graphical abstract
Relationship between comorbidity and health outcomes in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Kyoung Suk , Park Da-In , Lee Jihyang , Oh Oonjee , Kim Nayoung , Nam Gyumi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is expected to rise due to increased survivorship and life expectancy of patients with acute heart conditions. Patients with HF and other multiple comorbid conditions are likely to have poor health outcomes. This study aimed to assimilate the current body of knowledge and to provide the pooled effect of HF patients’ comorbid conditions on health outcomes.

Methods
A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. Observational studies evaluating the relationship between comorbid conditions and the health outcomes of HF were included. The pooled effect sizes of comorbidity on the identified health outcomes were calculated using a random effects model, and the heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics.

Results
A total of 42 studies were included in this review, and a meta-analysis was performed using the results of 39 studies. In the pooled analysis, the presence of a comorbid condition showed a significant pooled effect size in relation to the prognostic health outcomes: all-cause mortality (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.18, 1.45), all-cause readmission (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.09, 1.23), HF-related readmission (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.05, 1.23), and non-HF-related readmission (HR 1.17; 95% CI 1.07, 1.27). Also, comorbidity was significantly associated with health-related quality of life and self-care confidence. Furthermore, we identified a total of 32 comorbid conditions from included studies. From these, 16 individual conditions were included in the meta-analyses, and we identified 10 comorbid conditions to have negative effects on overall prognostic outcomes: DM (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11, 1.22), COPD (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.23, 1.39), CKD (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.14, 1.23, stroke (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.17, 1.31), IHD (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11, 1.23), anemia (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14, 1.78), cancer (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04, 1.32), atrial fibrillation (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01, 1.54), dementia (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03, 1.36) and depression (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04, 1.31).

Conclusions
Comorbid conditions have significantly negative pooled effects on HF patient health outcomes, especially in regard to the prognostic health outcomes. Clinicians should carefully identify and manage these conditions when implementing HF interventions to improve prognostic outcomes.
Aortic stiffness effectively risk stratifies diabetic patients with suspected myocardial ischemia undergoing vasodilatory stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Pengyos Sukanda , Boonyasirinant Thananya , Kaolawanich Yodying 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background and aims
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) comprehensively assesses aortic stiffness and myocardial ischemia in a single examination. Aortic stiffness represents a subclinical marker of cardiovascular risk in the general population, including patients with diabetes mellitus. However, there is no prognostic data regarding aortic stiffness in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing stress perfusion CMR.

Methods
Consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus with suspected myocardial ischemia referred for adenosine stress perfusion CMR with aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) during 2010–2013 were studied. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for heart failure, coronary revascularization (> 90 days post-CMR), and ischemic stroke. The secondary outcome was hard cardiac events, defined as the composite of cardiac mortality and nonfatal MI.

Results
A total of 424 patients (median follow-up 7.2 years) were included. The mean PWV was 12.16 ± 6.28 m/s. MACE and hard cardiac events occurred in 26.8% and 9.4% of patients, respectively. Patients with elevated PWV (> 12.16 m/s) had a significantly higher incidence of MACE (HR 2.14 [95%CI 1.48, 3.09], p < 0.001) and hard cardiac events (HR 2.69 [95%CI 1.42, 5.10], p = 0.002) compared to those with non-elevated PWV. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that PWV independently predicts MACE (p = 0.003) and hard cardiac events (p = 0.01). Addition of PWV provided incremental prognostic value beyond clinical data, left ventricular mass index, myocardial ischemia, and late gadolinium enhancement in predicting MACE (incremental χ² 7.54, p = 0.006) and hard cardiac events (incremental χ² 5.99, p = 0.01).

Conclusions
Aortic stiffness measured by CMR independently predicts MACE and hard cardiac events and confers significant incremental prognostic value in patients with diabetes mellitus with suspected myocardial ischemia. Aortic stiffness measurement could potentially be considered as part of a stress perfusion CMR protocol to enhance risk prediction in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Orthostatic variation of pulmonary artery pressure in ambulatory heart failure patients
Authors: Sethi Prince , Acharya Prakash , Lancaster Payton , Stack Brianna , Munshi Kartik , Ranka Sagar , Shah Zubair , Sauer Andrew J. , Gupta Kamal 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aim
To study effect of change in position (supine and standing) on pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in ambulatory heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods
Seventeen patients with CardioMEMS® sensor and stable heart failure were consented and included in this single center study. Supine and standing measurements were obtained with at least 5 min interval between the two positions. These measurements included PAP readings utilizing the manufacturer handheld interrogator obtaining 10 s data in addition to the systemic blood pressure and heart rate recordings.

Results
Mean supine and standing readings and their difference (Δ) were as follows respectively: Systolic PAP were 33.4 (± 11.19), 23.6 (± 10) and Δ was 9.9 mmHg (p = 0.0001), diastolic PAP were 14.2 (± 5.6), 7.9 (± 5.7) and Δ was 6.3 mmHg (p = 0.0001) and mean PAP were 21.8 (± 7.8), 14 (± 7.2) and Δ was 7.4 mmHg (p = 0.0001) while the systemic blood pressure did not vary significantly.

Conclusion
There is orthostatic variation of PAP in ambulatory HF patients demonstrating a mean decline with standing in diastolic PAP by 6.3 mmHg, systolic PAP by 9.9 mmHg and mean PAP by 7.4 mmHg in absence of significant orthostatic variation in systemic blood pressure or heart rate. These findings have significant clinical implications and inform that PAP in each patient should always be measured in the same position. Since initial readings at the time of implant were taken in supine position, it may be best to use supine position or to obtain a baseline standing PAP reading if standing PAP is planned on being used.
The roots of healthy aging: investigating the link between early-life and childhood experiences and later-life health
Authors: Lu Nan , Nie Peng , Siette Joyce 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWhilst early-life conditions have been understood to impact upon the health of older adults, further exploration of the field is required. There is a lack of consensus on conceptualising these conditions, and interpretation of experiences are socially and culturally dependent.To advance this important topic we invite authors to submit their research to the Collection on ‘The impact of early-life/childhood circumstances or conditions on the health of older adults’.
Transmitted drug resistance and subtype patterns of viruses from reported new HIV diagnoses in Germany, 2017–2020
Authors: Fiebig Uwe , Altmann Britta , Hauser Andrea , Koppe Uwe , Hanke Kirsten , Gunsenheimer-Bartmeyer Barbara , Bremer Viviane , Baumgarten Axel , Bannert Norbert 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The transmission of resistant HIV variants jeopardizes the effective use of antiretrovirals for therapy and prophylaxis. Molecular surveillance of new HIV diagnoses with a focus on prevalence and type of resistance associated mutations and the subtype of circulating viruses is mandatory.

Method
From 2017 to 2020, 11,527 new HIV diagnoses were reported in Germany to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Protease (PR) and reverse-transcriptase (RT) sequences were obtained from 4559 (39.6%) cases, and PR, RT and integrase (IN) sequences were obtained from 3097 (26.9%) cases. The sequences were analyzed with data from the national HIV reports.

Results
Among all cases in the analysis, the proportion of primary resistance was 4.3% for nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), 9.2% for non-NRTI (NNRTIs), 3.3% for protease inhibitors (PIs) and 1.4% for integrase inhibitors (INIs). Dual-class resistance was highest for NRTIs/NNRTIs with 1.2%. There was no trend in the proportion of viruses resistant to drug classes. Most individual key mutations associated with relevant resistance had a prevalence below 1% including K65R (0.1%) and M184V (0.6%). A notable exception was K103NS, with a prevalence of 2.9% and a significant increase (pTrend=0.024) during 2017–2020. In this period, diagnoses of infections with HIV-1 subtype B were the most common at 58.7%, but its prevalence was declining (pTrend=0.049) while the frequency of minority subtypes (each < 1%) increased (pTrend=0.007). Subtype B was highest (75.6%) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and lowest in reported heterosexual transmissions (HETs, 22.6%).

Conclusion
The percentage of primary resistance was high but at a stable level. A genotypic determination of resistance is therefore still required before the start of therapy. The subtype diversity of circulating HIV-1 is increasing.
Risk factors for clinical stages of COVID-19 amongst employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worldwide over a period of 12 months
Authors: Tinti Maria Carla , Guisolan Stéphanie Cécilia , Althaus Fabrice , Rossi Rodolfo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Essential workers carry a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality than individuals working in non-essential activities. Scientific studies on COVID-19 risk factors and clinical courses for humanitarian aid workers (HAW) specifically are lacking. The nature of their work brings HAW in proximity to various populations, therefore potentially exposing them to the virus. The objective of this study is to assess severity degrees of COVID-19 in relation to multiple risk factors in a cohort of HAW.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study of data collected by the Staff Health Unit of the International Committee of the Red Cross, over 12 months (February 2021 – January 2022). Prevalence of demographic and health risk factors and outcome events were calculated. Factors associated with disease severity were explored in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Resulting OR were reported with 95%CI and p-values from Wald Test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results
We included 2377 patients. The mean age was 39.5y.o. Two thirds of the patients were males, and 3/4 were national staff. Most cases (3/4) were reported by three regions (Africa, Asia and Middle East). Over 95% of patients were either asymptomatic or presented mild symptoms, 9 died (CFR 0.38%). Fifty-two patients were hospitalised and 7 needed a medical evacuation outside the country of assignment. A minority (14.76%) of patients had at least one risk factor for severe disease; the most recorded one was high blood pressure (4.6%). Over 55% of cases occurred during the predominance of Delta Variant of Concern. All pre-existing risk factors were significantly associated with a moderate or higher severity of the disease (except pregnancy and immunosuppression).

Conclusions
We found strong epidemiological evidence of associations between comorbidities, old age, and the severity of COVID-19. Increased occupational risks of moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 do not only depend on workplace safety but also on social contacts and context.