bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Maintenance of an Improved Ejection Fraction: An Echocardiogram-based Registry Study
Authors: McElderry Brenna , O’Neill Thomas , Griffin Brian P. , Kalahasti Vidyasagar , Barzilai Benico , Brateanu Andrei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) is increasingly recognized as a sizable and distinct entity. While the features associated with improved ejection fraction have been explored and new guidelines have emerged, factors associated with sustaining an improved ejection fraction over time have not been defined.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess factors associated with maintenance of an improved ejection fraction in a large real-world patient cohort.MethodsA total of 7,070 participants with heart failure with improved ejection fraction and a subsequent echocardiogram (ECHO) performed after at least nine months of follow-up were included in a retrospective study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and medications were built to identify characteristics and therapeutic interventions associated with maintaining an improved ejection fraction.ResultsMean age (SD) was 64.9 (13.8) years, 62.7% were men, and 75.1% were White. White race and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors were correlated with maintaining the ejection fraction at least nine months after ejection fraction improvement. In contrast, male sex, or having atrial fibrillation/flutter, coronary artery disease, history of myocardial infarction, presence of an implanted cardioverter defibrillator, and use of loop diuretics were correlated with a decline in ejection fraction after previously documented improvement.ConclusionContinued use of renin-angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors was associated with maintaining the ejection fraction beyond the initial improvement phase.
Immunoglobulin A as a key immunological molecular signature of post-COVID-19 conditions
Authors: Sousa Graziele F. , Carpes Raphael M. , Silva Carina A. O. , Pereira Marcela E. P. , Silva Amanda C. V. F. , Coelho Viktoria A. G. S. , Costa Evenilton P. , Mury Flávia B. , Gestinari Raquel S. , Menezes Jackson S. , Silva Manuela L. , Nepomuceno-Silva José L. , Tanuri Amilcar , Júnior Orlando C. F. , Monteiro-de-Barros Cintia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCOVID-19 has infected humans worldwide, causing millions of deaths or prolonged symptoms in survivors. The transient or persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been defined as post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). We conducted a study of 151 Brazilian PCC patients to analyze symptoms and immunoglobulin profiles, taking into account gender, vaccination, hospitalization and age. Fatigue and myalgia were the most common symptoms and lack of vaccination, hospitalization, and neuropsychiatric and metabolic comorbidities were relevant for the development of PCC. Analysis of serological immunoglobulins showed that IgA was higher in PCC patients, especially in the adult and elderly groups. Also, non-hospitalized and hospitalized PCC patients produced high and similar levels of IgA. Our results indicated that the detection of IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 during the course of the disease could be associated with the development of PCC and may be an immunological signature to predict prolonged symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy Among People With HIV in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Cummings Peterlyn E. , Lakoh Sulaiman , Yendewa Sahr A. , Massaquoi Samuel P.E. , James Peter B. , Sahr Foday , Deen Gibrilla F. , Gevao Pelema , Yendewa George A. 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesPeople living with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk of COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, yet less is known about COVID-19 vaccination uptake and hesitancy, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among PWH in Sierra Leone.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of PWH in routine care at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone from April through June 2022. We collected sociodemographic and health-related data. We used the VAX Scale, a validated instrument to assess attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. From the responses, we constructed hesitancy (VAX) scores, with higher scores implying negative attitudes towards vaccination. We used generalized linear models to identify factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.ResultsA total of 490 PWH were enrolled (71.4% female, median age 38 years, median CD4 count 412 cells/mm3, 83.9% virologically suppressed). About 17.3% had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The mean VAX score was 43.14 ± 7.05, corresponding to 59.9% participants classified as vaccine hesitant. Preference for natural immunity (65.8%) and concerns about commercial profiteering (64.4%) were the commonest reasons for hesitancy, followed by mistrust of vaccine benefits (61.4%) and worries about future side effects (48.0%). In adjusted regression analysis, being Muslim (β = 2.563, p < 0.001) and residence in urban areas (β = 1.709, p = 0.010) were associated with greater vaccine hesitancy, while having tested ever for COVID-19 was associated with lesser vaccine hesitancy (β = -3.417, p = 0.027).ConclusionWe observed a low COVID-19 vaccine uptake and high hesitancy among PWH in Sierra Leone. Our findings underscore the need to address vaccine hesitancy as a critical element of efforts to boost COVID-19 vaccine uptake among this population in Sierra Leone.
Assessment of Adverse Childhood Experiences in the South Bronx on Risk of Developing Chronic Disease as Adults
Authors: Njoroge Alexander , Shariff Masood A , Khan Hira W , Gordillo Victor , Eclarinal Brian , Vargas Jose , Faiz Mohammad , Kasubhai Moiz , Jackson Tranice 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) have a negative impact on health outcomes. Using a cross-sectional study design, our objective was to identify the prevalence of ACEs among residents of the South Bronx and the relationship between such childhood stressors and prevalence of both chronic disease and modifiable high-risk behavior in adulthood.MethodsWe recruited patients from a hospital-based adult primary care clinic in the metropolitan area of South Bronx. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September 2017 and January 2018, using a modified ACE Questionnaire, that included nine ACE categories (Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Household Substance Abuse, Separation from Parents, Incarcerated Household Member, Parental Separation/Divorce, and Bullying), and in addition to questions on demographics, high-risk behavior, and diagnosis of chronic disease. Our primary objective was to gather incidence of ACEs organized by domains. Secondary objectives were to demonstrate any expected increase (as Odds Ratio) in Chronic Disease or maladaptive social habits when compared to patients with no ACEs within the cohort.ResultsA total of 454 patients completed the survey. The average age was 53.1±14.2 years and females were 49% of the sample. Hispanics were 61% followed by Blacks at 34%. Participants reported high-risk behavior in 24%, had a high prevalence of chronic illness (82%) and ACE events at 70%. We found a significant relationship between ACE events and having a chronic disease diagnosis and engagement in high-risk behavior with higher odds of reporting chronic illnesses among participants with exposure to childhood stressors (OR 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.5, p=0.002). Of the nine ACE categories many were independently associated with one or more chronic diseases in adulthood.ConclusionAccording to our survey data, ACE events in our patient population were more prevalent (30% with 4 or more exposures), higher than the proposed average of 1 out of 6 Americans with 4 or more exposures nationally according to the national statistics. These childhood stressors appear to have a strong association with development of high-risk behavior and chronic illnesses.
Spatial inequities in access to medications for treatment of opioid use disorder highlight scarcity of methadone providers under counterfactual scenarios
Authors: Tatara Eric , Lin Qinyun , Ozik Jonathan , Kolak Marynia , Collier Nicholson , Halpern Dylan , Anselin Luc , Dahari Harel , Boodram Basmattee , Schneider John 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTAccess to treatment and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is essential in reducing opioid use and associated behavioral risks, such as syringe sharing among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Syringe sharing among PWID carries high risk of transmission of serious infections such as hepatitis C and HIV. MOUD resources, such as methadone provider clinics, however, are often unavailable to PWID due to barriers like long travel distance to the nearest methadone provider and the required frequency of clinic visits. The goal of this study is to examine the uncertainty in the effects of travel distance in initiating and continuing methadone treatment and how these interact with different spatial distributions of methadone providers to impact co-injection (syringe sharing) risks. A baseline scenario of spatial access was established using the existing locations of methadone providers in a geographical area of metropolitan Chicago, Illinois, USA. Next, different counterfactual scenarios redistributed the locations of methadone providers in this geographic area according to the densities of both the general adult population and according to the PWID population per zip code. We define different reasonable methadone access assumptions as the combinations of short, medium, and long travel distance preferences combined with three urban/suburban travel distance preference. Our modeling results show that when there is a low travel distance preference for accessing methadone providers, distributing providers near areas that have the greatest need (defined by density of PWID) is best at reducing syringe sharing behaviors. However, this strategy also decreases access across suburban locales, posing even greater difficulty in regions with fewer transit options and providers. As such, without an adequate number of providers to give equitable coverage across the region, spatial distribution cannot be optimized to provide equitable access to all PWID. Our study has important implications for increasing interest in methadone as a resurgent treatment for MOUD in the United States and for guiding policy toward improving access to MOUD among PWID.
Development and validation of composite inflammaging metrics: Findings from two prospective cohort studies
Authors: Li Chenxi , Ge Yumeng , Yang Zhenqing , Yang Gan , Cao Xingqi , Fu Jinjing , Liu Zuyun 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundAging-related inflammation is associated with chronic diseases and mortality. This study aimed to: 1) develop composite inflammaging metrics (CIMs) in UK biobank (UKB), and validate them in UKB and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES); 2) estimate mortality and CVD risk predictions of CIMs; 3) compare CIMs with single inflammatory blood biomarkers and conventional inflammatory indexes; 4) examine associations between lifestyles and CIMs.MethodsWe utilized algorithms including multiple linear regression, principal component analysis (PCA), allostatic load (AL), and Klemera and Doubal method (KDM), to develop four CIMs from five inflammatory blood biomarkers, using data of 438,321 adults (40-70 years) from UK Biobank (UKB). We validated these CIMs in UKB and 10,667 adults (20-84 years) from NHANES IV. We performed a parametric proportional hazard model based on Gompertz distribution to estimate CVD and mortality risk predictions of CIMs. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated to compare the predictive abilities of CIMs. Multiple linear regression models were used to access associations between lifestyles and CIMs.ResultsWith adjustment for age and sex, four CIMs were significantly associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality and incident CVD in UKB, among which CIMKDMoutperformed the others (all-cause mortality: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46, 1.50; incident CVD: HR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.33, 1.36). CIMKDMhad the best discriminative ability for predicting 10-year survival and incident CVD in UKB (all-cause mortality: AUC = 0.728; incident CVD: AUC = 0.712). CIMs were responsive to lifestyle variables. For example, in UKB, compared to never smokers, current smokers had a significant increment in CIMKDM(coefficient = 0.30 SD,P< 0.001). Similar results were well validated in NHANES IV.ConclusionsWe developed and validated four novel CIMs that were predictive of mortality and CVD risk. CIMKDMoutperformed the others and had the potential to be used in aging related preventive and intervention programs. Intervention programs targeting lifestyles could slow inflammaging and further reduce disease burden.
A comprehensive Indian clinical and imaging Coronary Artery Disease Dataset: ICADD
Authors: Bohra Akanksha , Barthur Ashita , Patil Rahul , Ansumali Santosh 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground & objectivesCoronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and contributes significantly to the disease burden in India. The dearth of datasets for Indian patients with CAD is an obstacle to further development and collaborative work in clinical research. The purpose of this study was to create a comprehensive dataset of diagnostic information on CAD in Indian patients. We present Indian Coronary Artery Disease Dataset (ICADD) with CT and invasive FFR data to aid innovation and improvement of non-invasive diagnostic procedures.MethodsThe data was collected in a tertiary care centre in South India. The patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary CT-angiography (CCTA) and invasive angiography (ICA) with the measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) were included in the study.ResultsThe data from 70 patients were collected between April 2018 and Dec 2021. The dataset contains 70 CCTA, 70 ICA scans along with FFR, and echocardiography and haematology reports. It includes 54 (77.14%) male and 16 (22.85%) female patients. The mean age of participants is 50.7±8.8years.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, ICADD is the first of its kind database in India. This dataset can be used to create a benchmark database, serve as reference for performance and evaluation of clinical utility of novel non-invasive diagnostic methods and additionally serve as a database for clinical research.
Functional Neural Networks Stratify the Parkinson’s Disease Patients Across the Spectrum of Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hajebrahimi Farzin , Budak Miray , Sarıcaoğlu Mevhibe , Hanoğlu Lütfü , Bayraktaroğlu Zübeyir , Yıldırım Süleyman 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCognitive Impairment (CI) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the important non-motor symptoms that can begin even before the motor symptoms manifest. As the disease progresses into advance stages, however, virtually all patients suffer from cognitive decline. PD Patients hypothetically progress across PD with no CI (PD-NC), Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI), and PD dementia (PDD). The CI symptoms in PD are linked to different brain regions including dysfunctional subcortical regions and poorly elucidated neural pathways. However, it is still unknown how functional dysregulation in some brain regions correlates to CI progression in PD. Recently, rsfMRI has been shown to be a promising neuroimaging technique that can enable discovery of CI biomarkers in PD. Here, we investigated the differences in the clinical measures and the resting-state Functional Connectivity (FC) of three CI subtypes of PD. We included a total of 114 participants, (26 PD-NC, 32 PD-MCI, 31 PDD, and 26 Healthy Controls (HC), and performed intra- and inter-network FC analysis together with comprehensive clinical cognitive assessment. Our results showed the importance of several neural networks including Default Mode Network (DMN), Frontoparietal Network (FPN), Dorsal Attention Network (DAN), and Visual Network (VN) and their inter-intra network FC distinguishing between PD-MCI and PDD. Additionally, our results showed the importance of Sensory Motor Network (SMN), VN, DMN, and Salience Network (SN) in the discriminating PD-NC from PDD. Finally, in comparison to HC, we found DMN, FPN, VN, and SN as important networks for further differential diagnosis of CI subtypes of PD. We propose that resting state networks can be used in stratifying the CI subtypes of PD patients in the clinic.
Community knowledge, attitudes and practices related to Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in Zambia
Authors: Zulu Gideon , Mwape Kabemba E. , Welte Tamara M. , Simunza Martin , Hachangu Alex , Mutale Wilbroad , Chembensofu Mwelwa , Sikasunge Chummy , Phiri Isaac K. , Winkler Andrea S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies onTaenia soliumtaeniosis / cysticercosis (TSTC) have been conducted in Zambia. However, none has assessed community knowledge, attitudes and practices related to TSTC and epilepsy.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2022. The design consisted of a questionnaire-based survey conducted in each of the 25 purposely selected villages in Chiparamba Rural Health Centre (RHC) catchment area in Chipata district of the Eastern Province.ResultsA total of 588 participants comprising 259 (44%) males and 329 (56%) females with median age of 42 years (range 17 to 92 years) were interviewed. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of taeniosis and human cysticercosis (HCC), including transmission and prevention measures was very low. Whilst the majority had heard about epilepsy, they were not able to link HCC to epilepsy. Most participants were aware of cysticerci in pigs (PCC) including its predilection sites but were not aware of mode of transmission and prevention measures. The pork meat inspection by trained professionals was also not a common practice in the area. Risk perception ofT. soliuminfections was thus very low. Overall knowledge, attitude and practice scores related toT. soliuminfections and to epilepsy were very low with median scores of 0.38 (IQR 0.25 - 0.54) for knowledge, 0.25 (0.25 - 0.50) for attitudes, and 0.31 (0.25 - 0.44) for practices. Males had better knowledge on TSTC (median = 0.42, p = 0.017, r = 0.098) and better practice scores (median = 0.38, p = < 0.001, r = 0.154) compared to females though the effect size was small. With regards to sanitation and hygiene washing with soap and water was reported by many but only few had a hand washing facility near their latrines.ConclusionThe study shows overall poor knowledge, attitudes and practices related to TSTC among the community of Chiparamba RHC in Chipata district of the Eastern Province of Zambia. This poses a serious challenge for control and elimination ofT. soliuminfections and thus efforts to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices should be made using a One Health approach for the control and elimination of TSTC. Educational programs about TSTC transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention, management and control need to be scaled up in the study area and Zambia as a whole.
A progesterone derivative linked to a stable phospholipid activates breast cancer cell response without leaving the cell membrane
Authors: Font-Mateu Jofre , Sanllehí Pol , Sot Jesús , Abad Beatriz , Mateos Nicolas , Torreno-Pina Juan Andres , Ferrari Roberto , Wright Roni H.G. , Garcia-Parajo Maria , Joglar Jesús , Goñi Félix M. , Beato Miguel 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTIn hormone-responsive breast cancer cells, progesterone (P4) has been shown to act via its nuclear receptor (PR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. A small fraction of PR is palmitoylated and anchored to the cell membrane (mbPR) forming a complex with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Upon hormone exposure, either directly or via interaction with ERα mbPR activates the SRC/RAS/ERK kinase pathway leading to phosphorylation of PR by ERK. Kinase activation is essential for P4 gene regulation, as the ERK and MSK1 kinases are recruited by the PR to its genomic binding sites and trigger chromatin remodeling. An interesting open question is whether activation of mbPR can result in gene regulation in the absence of ligand binding to intracellular PR. This matter has been investigated in the past using P4 attached to serum albumin, but the attachment is leaky and albumin can be endocytosed and degraded, liberating P4. Here we propose a more stringent approach to address this issue by ensuring attachment of P4 to the cell membrane via covalent binding to a stable phospholipid. This strategy identifies the actions of P4 independent of hormone binding to intracellular PR. We found that a membrane-attached progestin can activate mbPR, the ERK signalling pathway leading to PR phosphorylation, initial gene regulation and entry into the cell cycle, in the absence of detectable intracellular progestin.
Metformin an anti-diabetic drug, possess ACE-2 receptor-SARS-Cov-2 RBD binding antagonist activity, anti-inflammatory and cytokine inhibitory properties suitable for treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Saxena Uday , Meher Kranti , Saranya K , Vangala Subrahmanyam 
Published: May 2023

SummaryMetformin is a widely used and is a safe anti-diabetic drug. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities in humans and animal models. Specifically we explored its activity in SARS-CoV-2 initiated COVID19 disease. Here we show that metformin 1. blocks the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain RBD to human ACE2 receptor 2. We also show that it has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces cytokine secretion as well as blocks the recruitment of monocytes to endothelial cells 3. Finally we show its activity in a hamster in vivo model of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a nasal formulation. Based on the safety and the therapeutic properties relevant to COVID-19 it is feasible to propose a nasal spray of metformin that can be used in treatment of this disease. A nasal spray would deliver the drug to the target organ lung and spare other organs which get exposed upon oral dosing.