bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of Worsening Heart Failure and All-Cause Mortality Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With Heart Failure: A Nationwide Real-World Safety Study
Authors: Sindet-Pedersen Caroline , Michalik Felix , Strange Jarl Emanuel , Christensen Daniel Mølager , Nouhravesh Nina , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Andersson Charlotte , Folke Fredrik , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Fosbøl Emil , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar H. , Køber Lars , Schou Morten 
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:
Patients with heart failure are vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, limited evidence exists on the safety of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in this patient population. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk of all-cause mortality, worsening heart failure, venous thromboembolism, and myocarditis associated with the mRNA vaccines in patients with heart failure.

METHODS:
Using Danish nationwide registries, 2 cohorts were constructed: (1) all prevalent heart failure patients in 2019 aged 40 to 95 years and (2) all prevalent heart failure patients in 2021 aged 40 to 95 years, who were vaccinated with either of the 2 mRNA vaccines (BNT162B2 or mRNA-1273). The patients in the 2 cohorts were matched 1:1 using exact exposure matching on age, sex, and duration of heart failure. To estimate standardized absolute risks, outcome-specific Cox regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS:
The total study population comprised 101 786 patients. The median age of the study population was 74 years (interquartile range, 66–81). The standardized risk of all-cause mortality within 90 days was 2.23% (95% CI, 2.10%–2.36%) in the vaccinated cohort and 2.56% (95% CI, 2.43%–2.70%) in the unvaccinated cohort (90-day risk difference, −0.33% [95% CI, −0.52% to −0.15%]). The standardized risk of worsening heart failure within 90 days was 1.10% (95% CI, −1.01% to 1.19%) in the 2021 (vaccinated) cohort and 1.08% (95% CI, 0.99%–1.17%) in the 2019 (unvaccinated) cohort (risk difference, 0.02% [95% CI, −0.11% to 0.15%]). No significant differences were found regarding venous thromboembolism or myocarditis.

CONCLUSIONS:
Receiving an mRNA vaccine was not associated with an increased risk of worsening heart failure, myocarditis, venous thromboembolism, or all-cause mortality.
Evolution of NT-proBNP During Prerandomization Screening in VICTORIA: Implications for Clinical Outcomes and Efficacy of Vericiguat
Authors: Armstrong Paul W. , Zheng Yinggan , Lund Lars H. , Butler Javed , Troughton Richard W. , Emdin Michele , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Ponikowski Piotr , Blaustein Robert O. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Roessig Lothar , Voors Adriaan A. , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Westerhout Cynthia M. ,   on behalf of the VICTORIA Study Group
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:
Selecting high-risk patients with heart failure with potentially modifiable cardiovascular events is a priority. Our objective was to evaluate NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) changes during a 30-day screening to establish (1) the frequency and direction of changes; (2) whether a relationship exists between changes in NT-proBNP and the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization; and (3) whether changes in NT-proBNP relate to vericiguat’s clinical benefit.

METHODS:
VICTORIA (A Study of Vericiguat in Participants With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) randomized 5050 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and a recent worsening heart failure event. We studied 3821 patients who had NT-proBNP measured during screening and at randomization.

RESULTS:
Sixteen hundred exhibited a >20% reduction, 1412 had ≤20% change, and 809 showed a >20% rise in NT-proBNP levels. As compared with the primary composite outcome of 28.4/100 patient-years (497 events; 31.1%) in patients with a >20% decline in NT-proBNP, those with >20% during screening had worse outcomes; 48.8/100 patient-years (359 events; 44.4%); adjusted hazard ratio, 1.61 (95% CI, 1.39–1.85). Those patients with a ≤20% change in NT-proBNP had intermediate outcomes; 39.2/100 patient-years (564 events; 39.9%); adjusted hazard ratio, 1.33 (95% CI, 1.17–1.51). No relationship existed between NT-proBNP changes during screening and vericiguat’s effect on cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS:
Substantial differences occurred in the rates of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, especially in patients with a >20% change in NT-proBNP levels during screening interval. Sequential NT-proBNP levels add important prognostic information meriting consideration in future heart failure trials.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02861534.
Sex Differences in Coronary Atherosclerotic Phenotype and Healing Pattern on Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging
Authors: Seegers Lena Marie , DeFaria Yeh Doreen , Yonetsu Taishi , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Minami Yoshiyasu , Soeda Tsunenari , Araki Makoto , Nakajima Akihiro , Yuki Haruhito , Kinoshita Daisuke , Suzuki Keishi , Niida Takayuki , Lee Hang , McNulty Iris , Nakamura Sunao , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Fuster Valentin , Jang Ik-Kyung 
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:
Layered plaque, a signature of previous plaque disruption, is a known predictor of rapid plaque progression. Layered plaque can be identified in vivo by optical coherence tomography. Studies have reported differences in plaque burden between women and men, but sex differences in the pattern of layered plaque are unknown.

METHODS:
Preintervention optical coherence tomography images of 533 patients with chronic coronary syndromes were analyzed. Detailed plaque characteristics of layered and nonlayered plaques of the target lesion were compared between men and women.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of layered plaque was similar between men (N=418) and women (N=115; 55% versus 54%;
P
=0.832). In men, more features of plaque vulnerability were identified in layered plaque than in nonlayered plaque: lipid plaque (87% versus 69%;
P
<0.001), macrophages (69% versus 56%;
P
=0.007), microvessels (72% versus 39%;
P
<0.001), and cholesterol crystals (49% versus 30%;
P
<0.001). No difference in plaque vulnerability between layered and nonlayered plaques was observed in women. Layered plaque in men had more features consistent with previous plaque rupture than in women: interrupted pattern (74% versus 52%;
P
<0.001) and a greater layer index (1198 [781–1835] versus 943 [624–1477];
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
In men, layered plaques exhibit more features of vascular inflammation and vulnerability as well as evidence of previous plaque rupture, compared with nonlayered plaques, whereas in women, no difference was observed between layered and nonlayered plaques. Vascular inflammation (plaque rupture) may be the predominant mechanism of layered plaque in men, whereas a less inflammatory mechanism may play a key role in women.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT01110538, NCT04523194
Still I Rise: Baptism, Liberation, and White Supremacy
Authors: Grafenreed Mark C. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
There is no life without water. Covering three-fourths of the earth, water is necessary for sustaining life and represents the purification of all creation. Water motifs, likewise, figure prominently throughout the biblical narrative in which God cataclysmically intervenes through water into history and the human affairs of marginalized and oppressed peoples. God utilizes and reveals the transformative power of water as a symbol of freedom, liberation, emancipation, renewal, refreshing, righteousness, new birth, and new life. This symbolism is experienced through water baptism, the “sacrament of initiation” for all Christians. However, within the black Christian Church tradition, “the ritual of baptism is a crucial means of nurturing an embodied awareness of a self-identity that God values and affirms.” While white supremacists have sought to eradicate black bodies’ self-identity in God by legally mutating the meaning and efficacy of baptism, through their “dogged strength,” the black Christian Church tradition must reclaim the waters of liberation as a fundamental basis for locating their story, identity, and solidarity in God’s story.
Large-amplitude quasi-stationary Rossby wave events in ERA5 and the CESM2: features, precursors, and model biases in Northern Hemisphere winter
Authors: Fei Cuiyi , White Rachel H. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
High amplitude quasi-stationary Rossby waves (QSWs) have been connected to extreme weather events. By identifying particularly high amplitude QSW events (QWEs) over Europe and North America we study their characteristics in ERA5 re-analysis data and in ensemble simulations from the CESM2 general circulation model. The CESM2 reproduces the overall statistics of QWEs, with ERA5 results within the ensemble spread. The ensemble spread is large, indicating a strong influence of internal variability. Composites of meridional wind anomalies for QWEs show a phase preference in both ERA5 and CESM2, resembling the climatological wave pattern. This is partly due to the definition of QSWs; with the day-of-year climatological meridional wind removed when identifying QSWs, the phase preference remains, albeit with a weaker signal. Significant tropical Pacific precipitation anomalies are seen 5-15 days before observed QWEs; the location of these anomalies is broadly reproduced in CESM2, but the magnitude is substantially underestimated and the time scale is biased. We find a narrowed and strengthened jet stream over the Pacific at the early stage of European QWEs, which may create enhanced waveguidability; this signal is generally reproduced in the models. Overall, the CESM2 can simulate QWEs; differences between the model ensemble mean and re-analysis could result from model bias or internal variability, although biases are not reduced in CESM2 simulations forced with observed SSTs.
Growing Pacific Linkage with Western North Atlantic Explosive Cyclogenesis
Authors: Stuivenvolt-Allen Jacob , Wang Simon S.-Y. , Chikamoto Yoshimitsu , Meyer Jonathan D. D. , Johnson Zachary F. , Deng Liping 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Explosive cyclones (ECs), defined as extratropical cyclones that experience normalized pressure drops of at least 24 hPa in 24 h, are impactful weather events in the North Atlantic sector, but year-to-year changes in the frequency and impacts of these storms are sizeable. To analyze the sources of this interannual variability, we track cases of ECs and dissect them into two spatial groups: those that formed near the east coast of North America (coastal) and those in the north central Atlantic (high latitude). The frequency of high-latitude ECs is strongly correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation, a well-known feature, whereas coastal EC frequency is statistically linked with an atmospheric wave train emanating from the North Pacific in the last 30 years. This wave train pattern of alternating high and low pressure is associated with heightened upper-level divergence and Eady growth rates along the east coast of North America, likely resulting in a stronger correspondence between the atmospheric wave train and coastal EC frequency. Using coupled model experiments, we show that the tropical and North Pacific oceans are an important factor for this atmospheric wave train and the subsequent enhancement of seasonal baroclinicity in the North Atlantic.
Diagnosing Factors Leading to an Incorrect Supercell Thunderstorm Forecast
Authors: Mykolajtchuk Paul D. , Eure Keenan C. , Stensrud David J. , Zhang Yunji , Greybush Steven J. , Kumjian Matthew R. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
On 28 April 2019, hourly forecasts from the operational High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model consistently predicted an isolated supercell storm late in the day near Dodge City, Kansas, that subsequently was not observed. Two convection-allowing model (CAM) ensemble runs are created to explore the reasons for this forecast error and implications for severe weather forecasting. The 40-member CAM ensembles are run using the HRRR configuration of the WRF-ARW Model at 3-km horizontal grid spacing. The Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI)-based ensemble Kalman filter is used to assimilate observations every 15 min from 1500 to 1900 UTC, with resulting ensemble forecasts run out to 0000 UTC. One ensemble only assimilates conventional observations, and its forecasts strongly resemble the operational HRRR with all ensemble members predicting a supercell storm near Dodge City. In the second ensemble, conventional observations plus observations of WSR-88D radar clear-air radial velocities, WSR-88D diagnosed convective boundary layer height, and GOES-16 all-sky infrared brightness temperatures are assimilated to improve forecasts of the preconvective environment, and its forecasts have half of the members predicting supercells. Results further show that the magnitude of the low-level meridional water vapor flux in the moist tongue largely separates members with and without supercells, with water vapor flux differences of 12% leading to these different outcomes. Additional experiments that assimilate only radar or satellite observations show that both are important to predictions of the meridional water vapor flux. This analysis suggests that mesoscale environmental uncertainty remains a challenge that is difficult to overcome.

Significance Statement
Forecasts from operational numerical models are the foundation of weather forecasting. There are times when these models make forecasts that do not come true, such as 28 April 2019 when successive forecasts from the operational High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model predicted a supercell storm late in the day near Dodge City, Kansas, that subsequently was not observed. Reasons for this forecast error are explored using numerical experiments. Results suggest that relatively small changes to the prestorm environment led to large differences in the evolution of storms on this day. This result emphasizes the challenges to operational severe weather forecasting and the continued need for improved use of all available observations to better define the atmospheric state given to forecast models.
Preliminary evaluation of the diagnostic performance of Roche Elecsys® active vitamin B12 versus total vitamin B12 for vitamin B12 deficiency screening
Authors: Guillerme Jennifer , Feugray Guillaume , Girot Hélène , Brunel Valéry , Muraine Muriel Quillard 
Published: July 2023

Introduction The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is high in at-risk populations with sometimes irreversible consequences. Beside total B12 (TVB12), active B12 (AVB12) is a promising first-line marker. Only Abbott AVB12 assays were largely evaluated and generally demonstrated benefit in clinical practice. More recently developed Roche AVB12 still requires some investigations. Objectives Our study aimed to evaluate the Roche Elecsys® AVB12 immunoassay performance versus Roche Elecsys® TVB12 competition assay. Design and Methods: We included 175 patients at Rouen University Hospital who had a TVB12 value <300 pmol/L. We evaluated performance of AVB12 by comparing the results with TVB12 and MMA values in case of disagreement. Results Positive correlation was found between the AVB12 and TVB12. We found a disagreement between TVB12 and AVB12 in 18.8% of cases. Among 33 cases of disagreement, 76% had normal AVB12 but low TVB12, whereas 24% had low AVB12 and normal TVB12. Thirty-one MMA determinations were performed: 71% showed agreement between MMA and AVB12, versus 29% between MMA and TVB12. TVB12 reported a sensitivity (Se) at 66.7%, specificity (Sp) at 20%, positive predictive value (PPV) at 16.7% and negative predictive value (NPV) at 71.4% for the prediction of MMA elevation. We determined an optimized cut-off value of 45.5 pmol/L for AVB12, which reported a Se 66.7%, Sp 60%, PPV 30.7%, and NPV 88.9%. Conclusions Our results provide preliminary evidence that Roche AVB12 may offer better discrimination than Roche TVB12 in the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. Further more detailed evaluation is warranted.
Changes in Navigation Controls and Field-of-View Modes Affect Cybersickness Severity and Spatiotemporal Gait Patterns After Exposure to Virtual Environments
Authors: Lin Ming-I Brandon , Wu Bonnie , Cheng Shun-Wen 
Published: July 2023

Objective To examine the effects of navigation controls and field-of-view modes on cybersickness severity and gait dynamics after cessation of exposure to a virtual environment (VE). Background The applications of virtual reality are increasing in various fields; however, whether changes in interaction techniques and visual contents could mitigate the potential gait disturbance following VE exposure remains unclear. Method Thirty healthy adults wore a head-mounted display to complete six sessions of 12-min run-and-gun tasks using different navigation controls (gamepad, head, natural) and field-of-view modes (full, restricted). Forward and backward walking tasks were performed before and after VE exposure. The degrees of cybersickness and presence were evaluated using questionnaires, along with the in-session task performance. Spatiotemporal gait measures and their variabilities were calculated for each walking task. Results The participants experienced less cybersickness with the head and natural controls than with the gamepad. Natural control, based on matching body movements, was associated with the highest degree of presence and best performance. VE navigation using the gamepad showed reduced cadences and increased stride times during postexposure forward-walking tasks. When the VE was presented via the restricted field-of-view mode, increased gait variabilities were observed from backward-walking tasks after VE exposure. Conclusion Body movement-based navigation controls may alleviate cybersickness. We observed gait adaptation during both ambulation tasks, which was influenced by the navigation control method and field-of-view mode. Application This study provides the first evidence for gait adaptation during balance-demanding tasks after VE exposure, which is valuable for designing guidelines for virtual reality interactions.
Personality traits and attitude towards euthanasia among medical students in Serbia
Authors: Ristic Ivan , Ignjatovic-Ristic Dragana , Gazibara Tatjana 
Published: July 2023

Objective Various factors may influence the attitudes of medical students towards euthanasia, including personal values, beliefs, and personality traits. The objective of this study was to examine the attitudes of 2nd and 5th year medical students about euthanasia and the relationship between these attitudes and students' personality traits. Methods Medical students from the Universities of Kragujevac and Belgrade, Serbia, participated in this study. A questionnaire was administered assessing attitudes toward euthanasia and student personality traits (honesty–humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness using the HEXACO-60). Results More than 50% of students in the second year and 60% of students in the fifth year were supportive of euthanasia. Students in the 5th year were 2.5 times more likely to express a concern that euthanasia needs to be clearly regulated by law compared to students in the second year. Adjusted analyses indicated that lower levels of honesty–humility and emotionality were positively correlated with students' belief that euthanasia should be legalized. Conclusion Many medical students in Serbia have a positive attitude towards euthanasia. It is important to consider the possible influences of culture, religion, and the law on attitudes towards euthanasia. Undergraduate medical training should include more hours dedicated to palliative care and end-of-life topics to raise awareness of patients' preferences in this regard.
Serum zinc levels in youth with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and anorexia nervosa: Clinical correlation with weight and psychopathology
Authors: Mahr Fauzia , Billman Miller Marley G , Quaill Marlana A , Ryan Sheryl A , Nadeem Tania 
Published: July 2023

Background Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and anorexia nervosa (AN) are characterized by restrictive eating and micronutrient deficiencies. While zinc deficiency has been identified in AN, zinc level in ARFID has not been systematically assessed. Aim Examine serum zinc levels and their association with eating pathology, psychopathology, and executive functioning in youth with ARFID and AN. Methods This study included 28 adolescents ( Mage = 13, 75% female) receiving treatment for ARFID ( n = 13) and AN ( n = 15). Demographic data and intake mood metrics were obtained via chart review. Participants completed the Delis–Kaplan Executive Functioning Systems and their mothers completed the behavior rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF-2). Zinc level was collected via blood draw. Independent samples t-tests, Pearson's chi-square, and Pearson's correlations were used to evaluate between-group differences and the relationship between zinc level and clinical correlates. Results No between-groups differences emerged in zinc levels, though half the sample demonstrated low levels for their ages. No significant correlations were found between zinc level and demographic data, mood measures, or executive functioning tasks. AN had relatively lower zinc levels, higher eating pathology, and anxiety, though ARFID had a longer duration of illness. Correlations between zinc and BRIEF-2 scores were mixed. Conclusion This is the first study to systematically assess zinc levels in ARFID. While there were no group differences for zinc levels, 50% of the sample had low zinc levels. Zinc level did not correlate with higher psychopathology. Monitoring zinc levels throughout treatment in the context of anabolic processes can inform treatment strategies.
Role of enhancement modifications in evaluating tumor response to immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dionese Michele , Pierantoni Francesco , Bezzon Elisabetta , Cumerlato Enrico , Bimbatti Davide , Basso Umberto , Maruzzo Marco , Zagonel Vittorina 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Evaluation of tumor response according only to dimensional criteria may underestimate treatment benefit in patients treated for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In this study we evaluated the role of lesion enhancement modifications and Choi criteria in patients affected by renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy. Methods: We collected data of 60 consecutive patients (with a total of 154 measurable lesions) treated with immunotherapy (nivolumab or ipilimumab plus nivolumab) at a single Institution. We evaluated tumour response using both RECIST1.1 criteria and Choi criteria at the first radiological assessment; we subsequently associated response with progression free survival and overall survival. Results: Choi criteria found a higher rate of objective response compared to RECIST criteria (38.3% vs 18.3%). An objective response according to both criteria was associated with longer progression free survival and overall survival. Response rate for Choi did not vary according to lesion site. Conclusion: Choi criteria seemed to be able to predict clinical benefit in a higher proportion of patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy than RECIST criteria. Partial response according to RECIST was confirmed as a predictor of longer progression-free survival and overall survival.