bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between the gut microbiome and 24-hour blood pressure measurements in the SCAPIS study
Authors: Lin Yi-Ting , Sayols-Baixeras Sergi , Baldanzi Gabriel , Dekkers Koen F. , Hammar Ulf , Nguyen Diem , Nielsen Nynne , Eklund Aron C. , Varotsis Georgios , Holm Jacob B. , Nielsen H. Bjørn , Lind Lars , Bergström Göran , Smith J. Gustav , Engström Gunnar , Ärnlöv Johan , Sundström Johan , Orho-Melander Marju , Fall Tove 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsLarge population-based studies on gut microbiota and hypertension have been conducted using methods with low taxonomic resolution and office blood pressure. This study aims to investigate the relationship between specific characteristics of the gut microbiome and 24-hour blood pressure measurements.Methods and resultsThe association of gut microbial species, determined by shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples, with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements was assessed in 4063 participants without antihypertensive medication from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study. Multivariable-adjusted models identified 140 microbial species associated with at least one of the 24-hour blood pressure traits. Notably,Roseburia faecis,R. inulinivorans, andDorea longicatenawere strongly positively associated with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, whileAlistipes communisandA. shahiiwere inversely associated with diastolic blood pressure. An enrichment of threonine degradation I,Bifidobacteriumshunt, and lactate production was observed in species associated with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Species positively associated with blood pressure were in general also positively associated with secondary bile acids but negatively associated with primary bile acids and vitamin A-related metabolites.ConclusionsIn this large cross-sectional analysis, we identified a group of gut microbial species and microbial functions associated with blood pressure. Our findings provide insights into the relation of the gut microbiome and blood pressure, which can lead to a new understanding of the etiology of hypertension.
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among South Asians in Ontario: A test-negative design population-based case-control study
Authors: Chanchlani Rahul , Shah Baiju R. , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , de Souza Russ , Luo Jin , Bolotin Shelly , Bowdish Dawn ME , Desai Dipika , Lear Scott A , Loeb Mark , Punthakee Zubin , Sherifali Diana , Wahi Gita , Anand Sonia S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among South Asians living in Ontario, Canada compared to non-South Asians, and 2) compare the odds of symptomatic COVID-19 infection and related hospitalizations and deaths among non-vaccinated South Asians and non-South Asians.DesignTest negative design studySettingOntario, Canada between Dec 14, 2020 and Nov 15, 2021ParticipantsAll eligible individuals >18 years with symptoms of COVID-19 and subdivided by South Asian ethnicity versus other, and those who were vaccinated versus non-vaccinated.Main Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was vaccine effectiveness as defined by COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, and secondary outcome was the odds of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and death comparing non-vaccinated South Asians to non-vaccinated non-South Asians.Results883,155 individuals were included. Among South Asians, two doses of COVID-19 vaccine prevented 93.8% (95% CI 93.2, 94.4) of COVID-19 infections and 97.5% (95% CI 95.2, 98.6) of hospitalizations and deaths. Among non-South Asians, vaccines prevented 86.6% (CI 86.3, 86.9) of COVID-19 infections and 93.1% (CI 92.2, 93.8) of hospitalizations and deaths. Non-vaccinated South Asians had higher odds of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to non-vaccinated non-South Asians (OR 2.35, 95% CI 2.3, 2.4), regardless of their immigration status.ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing infections, hospitalizations and deaths among South Asians living in Canada. The observation that non-vaccinated South Asians have higher odds of symptomatic COVID-19 infection warrants further investigation.What is already known?Some ethnic communities, such as South Asians, were disproportionately impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are limited data on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy among this high-risk ethnic group.What this study adds?-In this large population-based study including close to 900,000 individuals in Canada, we show COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing symptomatic SARS CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations and deaths among both South Asians and non-South Asians.-We also demonstrate that, among non-vaccinated individuals, South Asians have higher odds of COVID-19 infection, and an increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths compared to non-South Asians.
A survey of UK nurses about their care of people with malignant fungating wounds
Authors: Pramod Susy , Dumville Jo , Norman Gill , Stringer Jacqui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMalignant fungating wounds (MFW) are nonhealing wounds affecting people with advanced cancer. There is currently no research evidence on who delivers care for people’s MFW in the UK and what care these professionals deliver. This survey focussed on nurses who deliver care for people with MFW to find out more about their roles and the care they deliver, and to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to delivering care for these wounds.MethodAn online anonymous survey was conducted among nurses who provide wound care for people with MFW across the UK. Study data were collected using Qualtrics XM software and analysed with SPSS.ResultWe received 154 questionnaire responses. Respondents were tissue viability nurses, community nurses and other specialist nurses. The main reported MFW-related management aims were to manage wound odour, exudate, pain and bleeding, and prevention of infection. The top-ranked treatment aim was pain management followed by odour management. The most reported antimicrobial dressing was topical silver, and the non-antimicrobial dressing was superabsorbent. Access to MFW care training is reported as a barrier to providing care to people with MFW as is a lack of local and national guidelines. Availability of dressings, access to training, and good communication processes were reported as facilitators.ConclusionThis is the first study that explored MFW wound care practices in the UK. A range of nurses are involved in care delivery with variations in the treatments used. Lack of access to MFW care training, resources, and standardised guidelines may impede care delivery.
What’s On the Menu? Towards Predicting Nutritional Quality of Food Environments
Authors: Seo DongHyeon , Horn Abigail , Abeliuk Andrés , Burghardt Keith 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUnhealthy diets are a leading cause of major chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Food environments–the physical spaces in which people access and consume food–have the potential to profoundly impact diet and related diseases. We take a step towards better understanding the nutritional quality of food environments by developing MINT: Menu Item to NutrienT model. This model utilizes under-studied data sources on recipes and generic food items, along with state-of-the-art word embedding and deep learning methods, to predict the nutrient density of never-before-seen food items using only their name as input. The model achieves anR2= 0.77, a sub-stantial improvement over comparable models. We illustrate the utility of MINT by applying it to the Los Angeles restaurant food environment, and discover close agreement between predicted and ground truth nutrient density of restaurant menu items. This model represents a significant step towards a policy toolkit needed to precisely identify and target food environments characterized by poor nutritional quality.
Alterations in Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Dynamics in Schizophrenia as a Result of Global not Local Processes
Authors: Metzner Christoph , Dimulescu Cristiana , Kamp Fabian , Fromm Sophie , Uhlhaas Peter J , Obermayer Klaus 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTWe examined changes in large-scale functional connectivity and temporal dynamics and their underlying mechanisms in schizophrenia (ScZ) through measurements of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data and computational modelling. The rs-fMRI measurements from patients with chronic ScZ (n=38) and matched healthy controls (n=43), were obtained through the public schizConnect repository. Computational models were constructed based on diffusion-weighted MRI scans and fit to the experimental rs-fMRI data. We found decreased large-scale functional connectivity across sensory and association areas and for all functional subnetworks for the ScZ group. Additionally global synchrony was reduced in patients while metastability was unaltered. Perturbations of the computational model revealed that decreased global coupling and increased background noise levels both explained the experimentally found deficits better than local changes to the GABAergic or glutamatergic system. The current study suggests that large-scale alterations in ScZ are more likely the result of global rather than local network changes.
Reengineering a machine learning phenotype to adapt to the changing COVID-19 landscape: A study from the N3C and RECOVER consortia
Authors: Crosskey Miles , McIntee Tomas , Preiss Sandy , Brannock Daniel , Yoo Yun Jae , Hadley Emily , Blancero Frank , Chew Rob , Loomba Johanna , Bhatia Abhishek , Chute Christopher G. , Haendel Melissa , Moffitt Richard , Pfaff Emily 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn 2021, we used the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) as part of the NIH RECOVER Initiative to develop a machine learning (ML) pipeline to identify patients with a high probability of having post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or Long COVID. However, the increased home testing, missing documentation, and reinfections that characterize the latter years of the pandemic necessitate reengineering our original model to account for these changes in the COVID-19 research landscape.MethodsOur updated XGBoost model gathers data for each patient in overlapping 100-day periods that progress through time, and issues a probability of Long COVID for each 100-day period. If a patient has known acute COVID-19 during any 100-day window (including reinfections), we censor the data from 7 days prior to the diagnosis/positive test date through 28 days after. These fixed time windows replace the prior model’s reliance on a documented COVID-19 index date to anchor its data collection, and are able to account for reinfections.ResultsThe updated model achieves an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90. Precision and recall can be adjusted according to a given use case, depending on whether greater sensitivity or specificity is warranted.DiscussionBy eschewing the COVID-19 index date as an anchor point for analysis, we are now able to assess the probability of Long COVID among patients who may have tested at home, or with suspected (but untested) cases of COVID-19, or multiple SARS-CoV-2 reinfections. We view this exercise as a model for maintaining and updating any ML pipeline used for clinical research and operations.
Multi-phase, multi-ethnic GWAS uncovers putative loci in predisposition to human sprint performance, health and disease
Authors: Wang Guan , Fuku Noriyuki , Miyamoto-Mikami Eri , Tanaka Masashi , Miyachi Motohiko , Murakami Haruka , Cheng Yu-Ching , Mitchell Braxton D. , Morrison Errol , Austin Krista G. , Ahmetov Ildus I. ,   Sportgene Research Group, Generozov Edward V. , Filipenko Maxim L. , Gilep Andrei A. , Gineviciene Valentina , Moran Colin N. , Venckunas Tomas , Cieszczyk Pawel , Derave Wim , Papadimitriou Ioannis , Garton Fleur C. , North Kathryn , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Pitsiladis Yannis P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe genetic underpinnings of elite sprint performance remain largely elusive. For the first time, we uncovered rs10196189 (GALNT13) in the cross-ancestry, genome-wide analysis of elite sprint and power-oriented athletes and their controls from Jamaica, the USA, and Japan, and replicated this finding in two independent cohorts of elite European athletes (meta-analysisP< 5E-08). We identified statistically significant and borderline associations for cross-ancestry and ancestry specific loci inGALNT13,BOP1,HSF1,STXBP2 GRM7,MPRIP,ZFYVE28, CERS4, andADAMTS18, predominantly expressed in the nervous and hematopoietic systems. Further, we revealed thirty-six previously uncharacterized genes associated with host defence, leukocyte migration, and cellular responses to interferon-gamma and unveiled (reprioritized) four genes,UQCRFS1,PTPN6,RALYandZMYM4,responsible for aging, neurological conditions, and blood disorders from the elite athletic performance cohorts. Our results provide new biological insights into elite sprint performance and offer clues to the potential molecular mechanisms interlinking and operating in elite athletic performance and human health and disease.
Larger social networks may increase stigma against vocal illness: An integrated empirical and computational study of deciphering help-seeking behaviors and vocal stigma
Authors: Glick Aaron R. , Jones Colin , Martignetti Lisa , Blanchette Lisa , Tova Theresa , Henderson Allen , Pell Marc D. , Li-Jessen Nicole Y. K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with a stigmatized medical condition are often reluctant to seek medical help. Among professionals, singers and actors often experience stigma associated with voice disorders. Scientific evidence for vocal stigma is, however, limited and primarily anecdotal. No quantitative research has explored the impact that vocal stigma may have on help-seeking behavior in professional vocal performers. This study deployed and integrated empirical and computational tools to (1) quantify the experience of vocal stigma and help-seeking behaviors and (2) predict their modulations with peer influences in social networks.MethodsExperience of vocal stigma and information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) skills were prospectively profiled using online surveys from a total of 403 Canadians (200 vocal performers and 203 controls). The survey data were used to formulate an agent-based network model that numerically simulates the effect of social interactions on vocal stigma and help-seeking behaviors. Each virtual agent updates their IMB states via social interaction, which in turn changes their self- and social-stigma states. Profiles from vocal performers and non-vocal performers were compared as a function of network size. Network analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of social network structure on the flow of information and motivation among virtual agents.ResultsOver 4000 simulation runs in each context, larger social networks are more likely to contribute to an increase in vocal stigma. For small social networks, total stigma was reduced with higher total IMB but much less so for large networks with around 400 agents. For the agent population of vocal performers with high social-stigma and risk for voice disorder, their vocal stigma is resistant to large changes in IMB. Agents with extreme IMB and stigma values are also likely to polarize their networks faster in larger social groups.ConclusionsWe used empirical surveys to contextualize vocal stigma and IMB in real world populations and developed a computational model to theorize and quantify the interaction among stigma, health-seeking behavior and influence of social interactions. This work establishes an effective, predictable experimental platform to provide scientific evidence in developing public policy or social interventions of reducing health stigma in voice disorders and other medical conditions.
Prevalence, risks and outcomes of frailty in People Experiencing Homelessness: a protocol for secondary analysis of Health Needs Audit data
Authors: Dawes Jo , Walters Kate , Frost Rachael , Bagkeris Emmanouil , Burton Alexandra , Herzberg Debra , Hayward Andrew 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFrailty describes a health state related to ageing where people become less resilient to health challenges and more likely to have adverse outcomes if they become unwell. People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are known to have poor health, with research suggesting that many become frail at a younger age than the general population. Previous research using small-scale primary data collection suggests that the prevalence of frailty in homeless populations varies widely (16-55%), with variations in sample sizes and settings partially accounting for differences in current estimates. The prevalence, risks, and outcomes of frailty in PEH are poorly understood. We propose to carry out a secondary analysis of existing health survey data collected from 2,792 PEH. This will involve creating a Frailty Index (FI) to identify frail people within the dataset. Regression analyses will be used to identify associations between potential risk factors and outcomes of frailty in this population. This protocol will: 1) Outline the creation of a FI to assess the frailty prevalence within a dataset of health information collected from a cohort of PEH and 2) Describe proposed methods of regression analysis for identification of associations between frailty and risks factors/outcomes of frailty in the cohort of PEH within the dataset. The processes described in this paper can inform future development of FIs in other datasets. It is expected that the FI created will be an appropriate and robust method for identifying frailty in a cohort of PEH and results of the secondary data analysis will provide a more robust estimate of the associations between frailty and risk factors/outcomes.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in uMgungundlovu, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Gangat Radiya , Ngah Veranyuy , Tawonga Rushambwa , Blanford Justine I. , Ncayiyana Jabulani Ronnie , Nyasulu Peter Suwirakwenda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundInvestigating the spatial distribution of SARS-CoV-2 at a local level and describing the pattern of disease occurrence can be used as the basis for efficient prevention and control measures. This research project aims to utilize geospatial analysis to understand the distribution patterns of SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship with certain co-existing factors.MethodsSpatial characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 were investigated over the first four waves of transmission using ESRI ArcGISPro v2.0, including Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) with Moran’s “I” as the measure of spatial autocorrelation; and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). In implementing temporal analysis, time series analysis using the Python Seaborn library was used, with separate modelling carried out for each wave.ResultsStatistically significant SARS-CoV-2 incidences were noted across age groups with p-values consistently < 0.001. The central region of the district experienced a higher level of clusters indicated by the LISA (Moran’s I: wave 1 – 0.22, wave 2 – 0.2, wave 3 – 0.11, wave 4 – 0.13) and the KDE (Highest density of cases: wave 1: 25.1-50, wave 2: 101-150, wave 3: 101-150, wave 4: 50.1-100). Temporal analysis showed more fluctuation at the beginning of each wave with less fluctuation in identified cases within the middle to end of each wave.ConclusionA Geospatial approach of analysing infectious disease transmission is proposed to guide control efforts (e.g., testing/tracing and vaccine rollout) for populations at higher vulnerability. Additionally, the nature and configuration of the social and built environment may be associated with increased transmission. However, locally specific empirical research is required to assess other relevant factors associated with increased transmission.
Optimal and Safe Pain Management Approach in Ankle and Hindfoot Fractures: Improving Practitioner Decision
Authors: Ahmad Tashfeen , Muhammad Zehra Abdul , Mohib Yasir , Hussain Riaz , Umer Masood 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundOver or sub-optimal analgesic treatment leads to undesired consequences and patient dissatisfaction. The study aims to assess the sub-optimal or optimal pain relief and safety of routinely prescribed oral analgesic(s) at discharge and 1-week post-discharge in ankle and foot fracture surgeries.MethodsThe ongoing prospective cohort study data on 54 ankle and hindfoot trauma fracture adult patients enrolled between June 2022 to July 2023 was analyzed. Post-surgery oral analgesics prescribed at hospital discharge and 1-week follow-up were stratified for assessing adverse events and pain (Visual Analogue Scale) at 1- and 2 weeks post-discharge. The relationship of age, gender, and comorbidity was analyzed by multiple logistic regression for adverse events and multiple linear regression for pain score.ResultsMedian pain scores at 1- and 2-week follow-ups were 3.2 (IQR=3.0) and 2 (IQR=2.0) respectively. Combinations of tramadol, acetaminophen with naproxen or diclofenac or orphenadrine; and naproxen, pregabalin, with acetaminophen seemed toxic with sub-optimal pain control. Similar results were for celecoxib combined with pregabalin and etoricoxib combined with diclofenac or tramadol. Acetaminophen alone was safe but occasionally showed intolerance. Etoricoxib or diclofenac alone or with acetaminophen was safe and showed better pain control in this cohort. A regression model was non-significant for a relationship between covariates and pain scores or adverse events.ConclusionCurrent data suggests that certain oral analgesics or their combinations are harmful with sub-optimal pain control while some are safe and effective. Choosing suitable analgesics or their combinations in specific fractures might reduce patient harm with optimal pain management.