bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of gait speed, muscle strength and muscle mass in chronic heart failure—A prospective cohort study
Authors: Cejka Vladimir , Riepl Hermann , Schwegel Nora , Kolesnik Ewald , Zach David , Santner Viktoria , Höller Viktoria , Schweighofer Natascha , Obermayer‐Pietsch Barbara , Pieber Thomas , Morbach Caroline , Frantz Stefan , Zirlik Andreas , von Lewinski Dirk , Störk Stefan , Posch Florian , Ablasser Klemens , Verheyen Nicolas 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) impairs skeletal muscle mass and function, which contributes to reduced physical performance. We investigated the prognostic impact of gait speed (GS), handgrip strength (HG) and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) on cardiovascular outcomes in a prospective HF cohort.MethodsThis single‐centre prospective cohort study included adults with stable chronic HF with a previous diagnosis of overtly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% and LVEF < 50% at enrolment. GS was measured by the 4 m GS test, maximal HG was measured with a hydraulic dynamometer, and ASMI was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. The primary combined outcome was cardiovascular death or worsening HF. Fine and Gray regression models were calculated, treating non‐cardiovascular death as the competing event.ResultsTwo hundred five patients (78% male) were analysed. The median age was 66 (quartiles: 58–74) years, 31% had diabetes mellitus, and the median LVEF was 37 (30–43) %. Median GS was 1.0 (0.8–1.0) m/s, median HG was 32 (24–40) kg, and median ASMI was 8.0 (7.2–8.9) kg/m2. During a median follow‐up of 4.7 (4.0–5.3) years, the primary outcome was observed in 52 patients. In models adjusted for key clinical covariates, lower GS predicted a higher risk of cardiovascular death or worsening HF [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) per 0.1 m/s increase = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.95], whereas HG (SHR per 5 kg increase = 0.97, 95% CI 0.84–1.10) and ASMI (SHR per 1 kg/m2 increase = 1.17, 95% CI 0.94–1.44) did not. In the analysis of effect modification, these associations were consistent across key clinical subgroups.ConclusionsHigher GS was independently associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular death or worsening HF, whereas HG and ASMI were not. We prospectively confirm GS as a physical performance measure with clear prognostic significance for patients with HF.
Smartwatches in the assessment of heart failure patients in epidemiology and pathophysiology studies: A scoping review
Authors: Fabien Solenn , Waechter Sandra , Kayode Gbenga A. , Müller Berno , Roth Marietta , Koehler Friedrich 
Published: February 2025

AbstractA limited number of studies with smartwatches (SWs) investigated their potential in the field of heart failure (HF). The aim of this scoping review is to understand the extent of current literature on SWs in the HF population and the device's potential to improve disease management. The literature search was performed on PubMed and Embase in March 2024. Inclusion criteria included the use of commercialized SWs, HF diagnosis and peer‐reviewed publications. Articles were excluded if the SW was not the study intervention or was part of a broader intervention programme. Reviews, case reports and study protocols were excluded. Of 1200 identified articles, 13 were included in the scoping review, encompassing 1171 patients with HF, and findings were presented in a descriptive summary table. Validity of several SW‐collected physiological metrics was assessed against established technologies. Heart rate and step count measures were deemed moderately accurate in the HF population with Fitbit trackers (n = 5 patients, r = 0.54) and Garmin watches [n = 15 patients (mean age: 65.5 ± 12.6 years), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.89 for Vivofit 1 and CCC = 0.92 for Vivofit 3], respectively, while calorimetry was the least reliable measurement [n = 19 patients (mean age: 65.1 ± 6.6 years), mean difference to indirect calorimeter: P = 0.01 for Fitbit Charge 2, P = 0.02 for Mio Slice]. Wrist‐worn activity trackers were positively received by patients with HF [91.3% of adherence in research setting (n = 70 patients, median age (IQR): 79 years (76–82)), and 64% in real‐world environment (n = 14 patients)] and their health‐care providers (six cardiologists out of six acknowledged the data's usefulness), although device ownership ranged from 10 to 50% among the HF population. Physical activity information collected from SWs was found to be valuable in assisting cardiologists with their New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class assessment, which is known for its limited objectivity and reproducibility. Multiple studies found that SWs, especially Fitbit devices, successfully identified a pattern where the degree of exercise intolerance increased with higher NYHA classes. These findings suggested that activity trackers can objectively evaluate the severity of physical activity limitations. As the functional classification of patients influences treatment strategies, SWs could serve as a valuable tool to facilitate and optimize outpatient disease management. SWs could be used as a complement to standard monitoring in HF. With continuous technological advances, it will be valuable to follow the deployment of SWs and to investigate their contribution to increased patient safety and consequently to health care cost reductions.
Right ventricular dysfunction for prediction of long‐term recovery in de novo HFrEF : a PROLONG‐II substudy
Authors: Jakstaite Aiste Monika , Mueller‐Leisse Johanna , Hillmann Henrike A.K. , Hohmann Stephan , Eiringhaus Jörg , Bavendiek Udo , Kempf Tibor , Veltmann Christian , Bauersachs Johann , Duncker David , Berliner D. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsTo analyse the predictive value of advanced markers of right ventricular (RV) function and RV‐pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling in forecasting long‐term left ventricular (LV) improvement in de novo heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods and results260 patients (mean age 57 years, 68% men) from the PROLONG‐II study were included. PROLONG‐II analysed patients with new‐onset HFrEF receiving a wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator. For this substudy, RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWS), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and right ventricular‐pulmonary artery (RV‐PA) coupling ratios [RVFWS/systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP), TAPSE/PASP and FAC/PASP] at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up (early follow‐up) were examined. LV improvement and non‐improvement were defined as an LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of >35% or ≤35% at last available (long‐term) follow‐up. The median follow‐up was 31.5 months (IQR: 18.2–45.4), and 151 (58%) patients experienced LV improvement in the long term. No significant differences of RV function and markers of RV‐PA coupling were observed at baseline; however, the subgroup of patients with long‐term LVEF improvement showed better RV function at early follow‐up (RVFWS −20.9 ± 4.3 vs. −18.5 ± 5.1%, TAPSE 19.7 ± 5.1 vs. 17.4 ± 4.9 mm, FAC 39.7 ± 8.5 vs. 35.2 ± 9.4%, all P < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, RVFWS at early follow‐up was shown to be an independent predictor of later LV recovery [odds ratio 1.078 (95% confidence interval 1.010–1.150), P < 0.05]. The non‐improvers exhibited worse RV‐PA coupling at early follow‐up [RVFWS/PASP 0.82 ± 0.35 vs. 0.65 ± 0.35%/mmHg, TAPSE/PASP 0.71 (0.55–1.00) vs. 0.54 (0.35–0.75) mm/mmHg, FAC/PASP 1.54 ± 0.61 vs. 1.24 ± 0.75%/mmHg, all P < 0.01]. RVFWS/PASP identified RV‐PA uncoupling was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 4.64, 95% confidence interval 1.34–16.09, P = 0.033).ConclusionsPersistent RV dysfunction, as indicated by both standard and advanced echocardiographic markers during the early follow‐up period, implies a reduced potential for long‐term LV recovery in patients with newly diagnosed HFrEF.
Immune cell dynamics in heart failure: implicated mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Authors: Li Gen , He Wu , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe relationship between heart failure (HF) and immune activation has garnered significant interest. Studies highlight the critical role of inflammation in HF, affecting cardiac structure and function. Despite promising anti‐inflammatory therapies, clinical trials have faced challenges, indicating an incomplete understanding of immune mechanisms in HF. Immune cells, which are key cytokine sources, are pivotal in HF progression. In this review, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the complex role of different types of immune cells and their cell subtypes in HF. In addition, the authors summarize the available targets and animal experimental evidence for targeting immune cells for the treatment of HF. Future research directions will focus on the roles of immune cells and their interrelationships at different stages of HF, aiming to develop more targeted therapeutic strategies that can achieve more precise interventions in the pathological process of HF.
Studying a Method for Applying Phase Shift Using a Three‐Channel Phase Shifter at a Central Frequency of 10 GHz: Design, Simulation and Construction
Authors: Zarezadeh Esmail , shirpay Ali , mohammadi Ghader 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTFeeding phased array antennas are crucial components of this type of antenna system. To change the angle of the beam in phased array antennas, the antenna arrays need to have a phase difference. A method for applying phase shifts in the power divider is presented, which can be integrated into a single antenna feed system structure. Using Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) technology, which has been widely used in the manufacturing of microwave devices recently, makes it possible to design and manufacture all elements such as antennas, power dividers, filters, and phase shifters on a single substrate. This approach reduces manufacturing costs, size, and weight of microwave circuits; more importantly, it eliminates the losses associated with non‐coplanar connections and circuits. A three‐port phase shifter is proposed, illustrating how to control the phase difference between output ports. After designing, simulating, and optimizing the relevant parameters at a frequency of 10 GHz, the phase shifter was manufactured and measured on the Rogers RO4003 substrate. The measurement results matched well with the simulation results, and all findings are presented.
Achieving sustainable carbon neutrality of food processing: Toward a net‐zero margarine production facility
Authors: Aleksic Aleksandar D. , Gordic Dusan , Vukasinovic Vladimir , Josijevic Mladen , Nikolic Jelena 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDecarbonization and ultimately net‐zero production are rapidly becoming top priorities in today's corporate environment. The food processing industry is recognized as one of the key industries in the process of decarbonizing the entire industrial sector. Therefore, this article presents a methodology for achieving sustainable net‐zero production within the food industry. The approach involves a series of strategically planned steps that enable decision‐makers to accomplish the desired outcome effectively. These steps include determining the baseline carbon footprint, identifying, prioritizing, and implementing carbon footprint reduction opportunities, and implementing carbon offsetting. Additionally, the methodology incorporates an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in relation to predicted production volumes, as production levels directly influence the emissions from a production facility. The proposed methodology was applied to a margarine production plant case study. The results indicate that implementing the suggested carbon footprint reduction opportunities reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22%, assuming constant production volume. Achieving carbon neutrality, however, would require the purchase of carbon offsets. The most cost‐effective carbon offsetting scenarios result in an additional cost of 3.33%–6.52% on purchased energy, which presents a manageable financial impact for the company.
Affinities and Complementarities of Methods and Information Sets in the Estimation of Prices in Real Estate Markets
Authors: Bozanic‐Leal Mirko S. , Goic Marcel , Thraves Charles 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this article, we evaluate the predictive power of multiple machine learning methods using different sets of information, such as location, amenities, socioeconomic characteristics, and available infrastructure nearby, in both residential and commercial real estate markets. This analysis allows us to understand what type of information is the most relevant for each market, which methods are best suited for certain explanatory variables, and the degree of complementarity among different covariates. Our results indicate that the combination of multiple data sources consistently leads to better forecasting and that flexible machine learning models outperform linear regression or spatial methods by taking advantage of the complex interactions between explanatory variables of different sources. From a substantive point of view, we found that residential sale markets have a higher prediction error compared with their rent counterparts, with house sales being the market with the largest estimation error. In terms of the explanatory power of different information sets in different markets, we observe that socioeconomic and location variables have the highest impact on the prediction for sale markets and that, in relative terms, amenities and proximity to places of interest are more important for rental than sale residential markets.
The Resistance Abilities of Some Bacillus Species to Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions: Whole Genome Sequencing of the Novel Candidate Probiotic Strains Bacillus clausiiBA8 and Bacillus subtilisBA11
Authors: Söylemez‐Milli Nursel , Ertürkmen Pelin , Alp Baltakesmez Duygu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study aims to investigate the resistance of potential probiotic Bacillus species to various conditions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and their safety characteristics. MALDI‐TOF MS identified all tested strains with a good safety score of ≥ 2.0; the strains demonstrated the capacity to pass through the Gl tract, exhibiting a reduction of > 6 log/CFU live cells. Furthermore, they exhibited varying survival rates in an acidic environment (pH 2.0–3.0) and the presence of Ox‐Bile (1% w/v) (p < 0.05). Following exposure to pH 3.0 and Ox‐Bile, the survival rate of Bacillus spp. ranged between 85.94% and 91.24% and 87.30% and 91.54%, respectively. The results of the in vitro experiments showed that the six Bacillus strains had comparable characteristics (e.g., tolerance to GI track enzyme, auto‐aggregation ability) to the reference probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LA15. The auto‐aggregation results of the B. clausii BA8 strain, which has demonstrated resistance to GI tract conditions, were also noteworthy. This strain showed 72.32% after 2 h and 74.55% at the end of 5 h. Most suitable for use as probiotic strains B. clausii BA8 and B. subtilis BA11, sequenced via Illumina NovaSeq, showed average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 98.1% and 97.8%, respectively. The genome annotation of B. clausii and B. subtilis with Prokka revealed 4,498,248‐4,215,606 bp genome length, 44%–43% GC content, and 110–26 contigs, respectively. B. clausii BA8 has been comprehensively characterized, is of low risk for human consumption, and has been recommended as a potential probiotic strain. However, further in vivo experimentation is required to confirm these findings.
Driving Mechanism of Synergistic Efficiency in Reducing Pollution and Carbon: Evidence From 249 Green Parks
Authors: Li Chuang , Li Keke , Wang Liping 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe green park serves as a significant spatial carrier for China's strategy to become a manufacturing powerhouse and promote industrial transformation and upgrading. It is a crucial platform for implementing and driving the transformation and development of green manufacturing, promoting green development and harmonious coexistence between man and nature in the current era. The main focus of this study is a total of 249 green parks announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and it employs the multi‐time point PSM‐DID method to investigate 280 prefecture‐level cities. The results show that: (1) The coefficient of the green park certification policy is estimated to have a significantly negative impact at the 1% significance level. (2) The green park certification facilitates the integration of pollution reduction and carbon reduction efforts by leveraging green technology innovation and government support. (3) The promoting effect of green industrial park certification has regional consistency and resource heterogeneity. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the effects and pathways of green park certification on the synergies of carbon and pollution reduction.
Grey‐Matter Structure Markers of Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's Conversion, Functioning and Cognition: A Meta‐Analysis Across 11 Cohorts
Authors: Couvy‐Duchesne Baptiste , Frouin Vincent , Bouteloup Vincent , Koussis Nikitas , Sidorenko Julia , Jiang Jiyang , Wink Alle Meije , Lorenzini Luigi , Barkhof Frederik , Trollor Julian N. , Mangin Jean‐François , Sachdev Perminder S. , Brodaty Henry , Lupton Michelle K. , Breakspear Michael , Colliot Olivier , Visscher Peter M. , Wray Naomi R. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle flagship study of ageing,   the Alzheimer's Disease Repository Without Borders Investigators,   the MEMENTO cohort Study Group
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAlzheimer's disease (AD) brain markers are needed to select people with early‐stage AD for clinical trials and as quantitative endpoint measures in trials. Using 10 clinical cohorts (N = 9140) and the community volunteer UK Biobank (N = 37,664) we performed region of interest (ROI) and vertex‐wise analyses of grey‐matter structure (thickness, surface area and volume). We identified 94 trait‐ROI significant associations, and 307 distinct cluster of vertex‐associations, which partly overlap the ROI associations. For AD versus controls, smaller hippocampus, amygdala and of the medial temporal lobe (fusiform and parahippocampal gyri) was confirmed and the vertex‐wise results provided unprecedented localisation of some of the associated region. We replicated AD associated differences in several subcortical (putamen, accumbens) and cortical regions (inferior parietal, postcentral, middle temporal, transverse temporal, inferior temporal, paracentral, superior frontal). These grey‐matter regions and their relative effect sizes can help refine our understanding of the brain regions that may drive or precede the widespread brain atrophy observed in AD. An AD grey‐matter score evaluated in independent cohorts was significantly associated with cognition, MCI status, AD conversion (progression from cognitively normal or MCI to AD), genetic risk, and tau concentration in individuals with none or mild cognitive impairments (AUC in 0.54–0.70, p‐value < 5e‐4). In addition, some of the grey‐matter regions associated with cognitive impairment, progression to AD (‘conversion’), and cognition/functional scores were also associated with AD, which sheds light on the grey‐matter markers of disease stages, and their relationship with cognitive or functional impairment. Our multi‐cohort approach provides robust and fine‐grained maps the grey‐matter structures associated with AD, symptoms, and progression, and calls for even larger initiatives to unveil the full complexity of grey‐matter structure in AD.
Successful Implementation and Sustainability of a Physical Activity Health Promotion Approach Utilising Community Peer‐Led Training: Case Studies of Two Local Governments in Victoria
Authors: Levinger Pazit , Dreher Bronwyn , Fearn Marcia , Hill Keith D. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIssue AddressedThe built environment, such as recreational parks, can impact older people's ability to be physically active. Targeted promotion and park‐based activities with the utilisation of peer‐led programs, run by volunteers, can provide a sustainable health promotion approach for engagement in physical activity. This article is a reflective narrative that describes case studies of two local governments that have maintained active age‐friendly outdoor recreational spaces with volunteer peer‐led community sessions 1 year following the completion of participation in a research trial. The case studies demonstrate factors important for the successful implementation of such health promotion approaches.MethodThe article overviews the community volunteer training module and the Councils' processes and strategies for volunteer engagement, retention and support. Data and information were collected through field notes, site visits, audit files of Council staff and research meeting notes.ResultsBoth local governments applied a rigorous recruitment process and had a dedicated officer to oversee and support the volunteers. A joint decision‐making process was practiced whereby the volunteers equally contributed to the planning around the activation of the parks, community events and any relevant sessions offered at the park.ConclusionThe structured process for recruiting, onboarding and managing volunteers, along with shared decision‐making and accountability, is likely to enhance the successful implementation of such initiatives.So WhatThe collaborative approach with local governments—featuring the training and upskilling of community members, coupled with ongoing Council support—has significant potential as a sustainable health promotion strategy to promote physical activity among older people in local parks.
The complex lived experience of women with infertility in Ethiopia: An interpretative phenomenologic analysis
Authors: Araya Bilen Mekonnen , Velez Maria P. , Alemu Kassahun , Dyer Silke , Andualem Hiwot Temesgen , Aldersey Heather M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the lived experience of women living with infertility in Ethiopia.MethodWe used interpretative phenomenologic analysis with open‐ended semi‐structured questions, focusing on what living with infertility looks like and what that means to the women. Participants included women who had experienced infertility and were following treatment at St. Paul's Hospital Center for Fertility & Reproductive Medicine in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We purposefully recruited 13 women living with infertility and used NVivo version 12 software for data analysis.ResultsThe study generated six themes: (1) the reason for wanting a child, (2) the financial sacrifice of accessing treatment, (3) infertility and marriage, (4) estrangement and ostracization in social life, (5) psychological despair and support, and (6) faith and resilience. Further analysis identified the superordinate themes: the meaning of a child; lineage and continuity of life; togetherness; marital discord; reduced social participation; being left out of the world, psychological suffering; support and relationship with healthcare providers; helplessness, acceptance, and hope. A child in the Ethiopian context has significant meaning for women and the community. Being unable to accomplish motherhood brings numerous challenges.ConclusionThe far‐reaching consequences of infertility substantially affect women's psychological, financial, sociocultural, and spiritual lives. However, despite the difficult journey of infertility, women develop coping mechanisms and resilience. Professional psychosocial support is necessary to alleviate the consequences of infertility, yet access to and utilization of these services are inadequate. Infertility needs to receive better attention in the Ethiopian healthcare system as it has significant implications for couples' lives.