bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex moderates the relationship between social support and cardiovascular prevention behaviors in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Blakoe M , Petrova D , Garcia-Retamero R , Goncalves K , Catena A , Hernandez J A R , Sanchez M J 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Most risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are modifiable, suggesting that the burden of CVD could be substantially reduced through cardiovascular screening and healthier lifestyle. People who have social support are found to be more likely to adhere to cardiovascular prevention recommendations, but it is not clear whether the benefit of social support is equal for men and women.

Purpose
To investigate whether sex moderates the relationship between social support and adherence to cardiovascular prevention recommendations in a nationally representative sample.

Method
Participants were 17,287 adults (n=10,264 middle-aged adults 40-64 years old and n=7,023 older adults ≥ 65 years old) who participated in the National Health Survey of Spain in 2017. Social support was measured with the Functional Social Support Questionnaire of Duke-UNC. Adherence to cardiovascular screening recommendations was assessed based on self-reported testing of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar by a health professional in the past 12 months. Adherence to recommended health-related behaviors was assessed based on the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology regarding diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity.

Results
Multiple regression models adjusted for socio-demographic and cardiovascular history and risk variables showed that social support was more strongly associated with adherence to cardiovascular prevention recommendations in men than in women. In particular, low social support levels were especially detrimental for both middle-aged (screening: B=0.13, 95% CI [0.06-0.20], p&lt;0.001; behaviors: B=0.33 [0.26-0.41], p&lt;0.001) and older men (screening: B=0.10 [0.04-0.17], p = 0.001; behaviors: B=0.16 [0.08-0.25], p&lt;0.001), whereas older women had comparatively high adherence which was unrelated to social support (screening: B=0.02 [-0.03-0.08], p = 0.433; behaviors: B=0.03 [-0.03-0.10], p = 0.342).

Conclusions
Social support is more strongly associated with cardiovascular prevention in men than in women, such that men who lack social support have the lowest adherence to cardiovascular screening and lifestyle recommendations.
Factors affecting the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Lomper K , Karbowska A , Lisiak M , Uchmanowicz I , Wleklik M 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Intorduction. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery and is a serious clinical problem. POAF refers to new-onset atrial fibrillation developing immediately after surgery. Despite advances in surgical and perioperative techniques, it remains the most common adverse event in cardiac surgery. Many studies are being conducted to obtain detailed information on the mechanisms underlying POAF, its course and effective treatment methods. Despite a significant improvement in treatment outcomes after cardiac surgery, the incidence of POAF did not change. It continues to be a major burden for patients, physicians and healthcare systems increasing hospitalization and healthcare costs as reflected in longer hospital stays, increased post-operative complications and increased mortality.

Purpose
Identification of factors determining the occurrence of POAF in patients after cardiac surgery.

Material and Methods
125 patients (53 women, 72 men, mean age 68.68 ± 7.11) qualified for elective cardiac surgery were included in the study. Patients with persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation diagnosed before the procedure were excluded from the study. The study took into account a number of sociodemographic and clinical data, which were collected on the basis of patients' medical records from the course of hospitalization (sex, age, weight, height, BMI, place of residence, type of surgery, duration of surgery, perioperative risk according to EuroScore II, results of laboratory tests before and after surgery, the presence of comorbidities and multi-morbidity, hospitalization time). In addition, the score obtained in the CHA2DS2–VASc scale was taken into account in the analysis. The assumed significance level was p &lt; 0.05.

Results
POAF was identified in 41% of patients. The average perioperative risk in the study group was M± SD = 2.05 ± 1.61. It was noted that POAF is significantly more common in women than in men (21.6% vs. 19.2%; p = 0.048). Patients with POAF had a significantly higher BMI than patients without POAF (29.20±3.81 vs. 27.89±4.14, p = 0.38). In patients with POAF, a statistically significant correlation was found between the loss of platelets during the procedure and the length of hospitalization (r = -0.387, p&lt;0.005). In the study group, there was no relationship between the occurrence of POAF and the type of surgery, duration of surgery, loss of hemoglobin, total protein, decrease in potassium levels, the presence of comorbidities, multimorbidity, CHA2DS-VAc score).

Conclusions
1. Female sex is an unmodifiable factor determining the occurrence of POAF in cardiac surgery. 2. Overweight is a modifiable factor determining the occurrence of POAF in cardiac surgery. 3. Perioperative platelet loss in patients with POAF results in longer hospital stay after cardiac surgery.
Women achieve equivalent health-related quality of life benefits to men from attending cardiac rehabilitation: a matched case-control study
Authors: Candelaria D , Chung S , Gallagher R 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): SOLVE-CHD NHMRC Synergy Grant

Background/Introduction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in women globally; and women have worse health outcomes from CHD than men, including poorer health-related quality of life (HRQL). Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) has well-established benefit for patients with CHD in improving HRQL. These benefits have rarely been distinguished separately for women despite known differences to men.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare women and men’s HRQL outcomes after accounting for differences in age, partnership status and diagnosis.

Methods
A secondary analysis of a larger prospective observational study of CR outcomes using a matched case-control study of women and men. The sample included patients enrolled in four CR programs following admission for CHD (myocardial infarction [MI], percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]). Women were matched to men based on age (within 0-2 years), marital status (single, or partnered), and diagnosis (MI, PCI, or CABG). Sociodemographic data were collected from the participants and clinical information (diagnosis, comorbidities) from the medical record. HRQL was measured using the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12).

Results
Thirty-seven matched women and men were included in this study at baseline, of whom 27 completed the study (72.9%). There were no significance differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between men and women at baseline.
Both women and men improved HRQL substantially from pre-post CR, with no significant differences in change scores in any domain between the sexes despite women having worse scores at baseline in Physical Functioning (mean score 41.59 vs 44.15), Bodily Pain (mean score 47.78 vs 48.71) and overall physical summary score (mean score 44.14 vs 45.29).
Women had clinically meaningful improvements in Physical Functioning (MD 6.51, 95% CI 2.59-10.44) and Role Physical (MD 6.42, 95% CI 2.81-10.03), Mental Health (MD 4.35, 95% CI 2.05-6.66) and Bodily Pain (MD 4.97, 95% CI 1.36-8.60) and in the overall physical summary score (MD 5.67, 95% CI 1.98-9.38). Men achieved clinically meaningful improvements in the same domains as women plus Vitality (MD 5.11, 95% CI 0.87-9.36) and Social Function (MD 8.54, 95% CI 3.98-13.09).

Conclusion(s)
When matched to men for age, partnership status, and diagnosis, women achieve clinically meaningful and equivalent HRQL outcomes following CR. Women significantly improved in overall physical and mental health HRQL, as well as in the majority of HRQL domains. These findings could be used to strengthen advocacy in supporting women with CHD to participate and complete CR programs.
Review on clinical strategies for managing patients with elevated Lp(a): Cost-effectiveness of Lp(a) testing and awareness of lifestyle changes via Public Health Policy in absence of targeted therapy
Authors: Orfanos P , Hu X , Montgomery G , Abbas C , Lymperopoulou L , Bennett N , Zabiby A , Richardson S , Trueman D , Kaur J , Saxena N 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland

Introduction
Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an inherited, independent, and causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Approximately, 20%-30% of global population has elevated Lp(a), however, Lp(a) measurement is not performed routinely in clinical practice.

Purpose
This review aimed to identify treatment patterns for patients with elevated Lp(a). In addition, a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was performed to hypothesize that in the absence of Lp(a)-targeting therapy, broader Lp(a) testing, awareness of its additional risk and assertive management of other CV risk factors (e.g., LDL levels, BMI, Pulse pressure), may clinically and economically benefit patients and the healthcare system.

Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted using Embase®, MEDLINE® and MEDLINE®-In Process databases to identify the existing approaches for managing patients with ASCVD having elevated Lp(a). In addition, using a decision tree economic model and predictive risk equations from UK Biobank data, the cost effectiveness of Lp(a) screening and public policy awareness impact on other CV risk factors via lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking) was assessed from a healthcare system perspective.

Results
Out of 6,387 retrieved publications, 45 studies were included. An average of 72%, 72%, 48% and 22% patients received lipid lowering therapies (LLTs), anti-clotting agents, anti-hypertensives and anti-diabetics, respectively. In the absence of Lp(a)-targeting therapy, the economic evaluation demonstrated dominance of the benefits of Lp(a) testing, awareness of its additional risk and resulting lifestyle modifications outweighing the costs incurred due to Lp(a) testing, for both primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD.

Conclusions
In the absence of a targeted therapy, investing in Lp(a) testing, awareness about elevated Lp(a) levels and optimization of modifiable risk factors via lifestyle modifications will lead to significant benefits for the healthcare system. However, this will not mitigate the Lp(a) associated CV risk, hence, there is still an unmet need for Lp(a) targeting therapies.
Developing a brief intervention to communicate cardiovascular risk to patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain: a co-production approach
Authors: Schulberg S , Ferry A , Neubeck L , Mills N 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Brittish Heart Foundation

Background
The majority of patients who present to the Emergency Department with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) will be discharged once ACS has been ruled out. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) is a highly specific biomarker for myocardial injury and is the biomarker of choice for the diagnosis of ACS. However, our previous research on hs-cTn has demonstrated that patients with elevated levels that do not meet the diagnostic threshold for ACS are at increased risk of future cardiac events. These patients are often discharged with no further investigation or understanding of their risk of future cardiac events, despite the potential benefits of preventative strategies.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to co-design a brief intervention with patients and healthcare professionals to promote cardiovascular health in patients where the diagnoses of ACS has been ruled out but hs-cTn concentrations indicate higher risk of future cardiac events.

Methods
Patients who presented to the Emergency Department with symptoms suggestive of ACS and a maximum high-sensitivity troponin between 5 ng/L and the 99th centile were invited to attend a focus group or participate in one-to one interviews. We also interviewed healthcare professionals involved in the care of this group. Patients were recruited using electronic medical records and staff were recruited through social media and posters. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. We created protypes based upon the initial data which we presented back to patients and staff for feedback to help refine our brief intervention.

Results
We identified several themes from the data which included; experience of the Emergency Department, previous experience of cardiovascular risk communication, desired information, format of intervention, delivery mode of intervention, timing of delivery, language used and potential barriers. The patients did not have strong preferences on what information should be included in the intervention, however, most patients were receptive to receiving information about their cardiovascular risk guided by hs-cTn. Patients voiced that the intervention should not contain any medical terminology and information should be understood by a lay audience. Many patients and staff felt that the pressures currently faced in the Emergency Department may act as a barrier in delivering the cardiovascular brief intervention.

Conclusion
We have co-produced a cardiovascular brief intervention in collaboration with patients and healthcare professionals. The effect of this brief intervention on cardiovascular outcomes will be tested in a future randomised controlled trial.
Different kinetics of NT-proBNP and sST2 highlight different therapeutic pathways of sacubitril/valsartan
Authors: Mattavelli I , Mapelli M , Salvioni E , Bonomi A , Palermo P , Banfi C , Paolillo S , Biondi M L , Agostoni P 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and soluble interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 ST2 (sST2) are biomarkers used to grade heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) severity. Both are potential targets of HFrEF treatment, but the first is associated with the patient’s hemodynamic status, while the second is more indicative of the inflammatory status and of myocardial fibrosis.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the kinetics of these biomarkers after treatment with sacubitril/valsartan in HFrEF.

Methods
We analyzed blood samples of HFrEF patients at baseline (before sacubitril/valsartan treatment), after 1, 2, 3 months (respectively after a month taking the 24/26 – 49/51 – 97/103mg b.i.d. doses), and 6 months after the maximum tolerated dose was reached (end-study).

Results
We obtained samples from 72 HFrEF patients (age 64.0±10.5, 83% males) (Table 1). NT-proBNP and sST2 values progressively and significantly reduced up to 37% and 16%, respectively, with a greater reduction for NT-proBNP (p&lt;0.001). Specifically, NT-proBNP reduced from 1144 [593-2586] to 743 [358-1524] pg/mL and sST2 from 27.3 [20.5-35.0] to 23.1 [15.9-30.7] ng/mL, p for trend &lt;0.001 in both cases). The reduction of the two biomarkers over time occurred with statistically significant different kinetics: deferred for sST2 and faster for NT-proBNP (Figure 1). No significant changes in renal function and potassium levels were recorded.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that, in HF patients, sacubitril/valsartan effects on the cardiovascular system share a double pathway: a first, hemodynamic, faster pathway and a second, non-hemodynamic anti-inflammatory, delayed one. Both likely contribute to the sacubitril/valsartan benefits in HFrEF.Table 1Figure 1
Smoke-free home restrictions in Armenia and Georgia: motives, barriers and secondhand smoke reduction behaviors
Authors: Berg Carla J , Dekanosidze Ana , Hayrumyan Varduhi , LoParco Cassidy R , Torosyan Arevik , Grigoryan Lilit , Bazarchyan Alexander , Haardörfer Regine , Kegler Michelle C 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Promoting smoke-free homes (SFHs) in Armenia and Georgia is timely given high smoking and secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) rates and recent national smoke-free policy implementation. This study examined theoretical predictors (e.g. motives, barriers) of SFH status, and among those without SFHs, past 3-month SFH attempts and intent to establish SFHs in the next 3 months.

Methods
Multilevel logistic regression analyzed these outcomes using 2022 survey data from 1467 adults (31.6% past-month smokers) in Armenia (n = 762) and Georgia (n = 705). Correlates of interest included SHSe reduction behaviors and SFH motives and barriers; models controlled for country, community, age, sex, smoking status and other smokers in the home.

Results
In this sample, 53.6% had SFHs (Armenia: 39.2%; Georgia: 69.2%). Among those without SFHs, one-fourth had partial restrictions, no smokers in the home and/or recent SFH attempts; 35.5% intended to establish SFHs; and ∼70% of multiunit housing residents supported smoke-free buildings. We documented common SHSe reduction behaviors (opening windows, limiting smoking areas), SFH motives (prevent smell, protect children/nonsmokers) and barriers (smokers’ resistance). Correlates of SFHs were being from Georgia, other smokers in the home, fewer SHSe reduction behaviors, greater motives and fewer barriers. Among participants without SFHs, correlates of recent SFH attempts were other smokers in the home, greater SHSe reduction behaviors and SFH motives, and fewer barriers; correlates of SFH intentions were being female, greater SHSe reduction behaviors, greater motives, and fewer barriers.

Conclusions
SFH interventions should address motives, barriers and misperceptions regarding SHSe reduction behaviors. Moreover, smoke-free multiunit housing could have a great population impact.
Extraction, purification and characterization of collagen peptide prepared from skin hydrolysate of sturgeon fish
Authors: Hou Nian-Ting , Chen Bing-Huei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Collagen peptides from marine organisms have drawn great attention in food, cosmetics and medicine owing to their multiple functions including antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotection, skin protection, and wound healing effects. Recent reports have revealed that a large amount of solid waste is discarded from fisheries that could be used for producing high value-added products. This study aims to extract and purify collagens and peptides from sturgeon fish skin, a by-product obtained during the processing of sturgeon fish. A high yield of acid-soluble collagen was obtained by using acetic acid for extraction followed by sonication, while a high yield of pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) was shown by acetic acid and sonication followed by adding acetic acid and pepsin to the residue for extraction and then sonication. Two-stage hydrolysis with pepsin first followed by flavourzyme was necessary to produce high yield of PSC peptide. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed the presence of type I collagen and the structural integrity was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Flavourzyme was more effective in hydrolyzing PSC into peptides with low molecular weight (MW) than pepsin, papain, alcalase, and trypsin. Purification of PSC hydrolysate with a Sephadex G-10 column to exclude peptide with MW&gt;700 Da or ultrafiltration with a dialysis membrane with MW cutoff of 500 Da produced PSC peptides with MW&lt;700 Da and MW&lt;728 Da accounting, respectively, accounting for 40% or 52% of all the fragments based on low resolution-matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (LR-MALDI-MS). In conclusion, with sturgeon fish skin as raw material and flavourzyme level of 5%, the highest degree of hydrolysis and yield of PSC peptides with low MW was obtained by controlling the pH at 8, temperature at 50 °C, ratio of PSC to deionized water at 1:40 (mass concentration), hydrolysis time at 4 h, and ultrafiltration with dialyzing membrane MW cutoff of 500 Da.
The Silences of International Human Rights Law: The Need for a UN Treaty on Violence Against Women
Authors: Ada Tchoukou Julie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the face of women’s disproportionate experience of violence and the growing scholarly literature and advocacy on this issue, there is no international treaty recognising violence against women (VAW) as a human rights violation in and of itself. The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) does not include a definition of gender-based violence, violence against women or even domestic violence. Many soft law documents address VAW, including the CEDAW committee’s general recommendations. However, even though soft laws are persuasive in developing norms, their non-binding character effectively means that States cannot be held responsible for violations. Currently, to accommodate VAW within various treaties, certain ‘jurisdictional gymnastics’ must be done. This article argues that a critical re-characterization is necessary. The reality of women’s lives in many parts of the world necessitates an effective international legal framework that explicitly defines VAW, in all its forms, as a human rights violation.
Longfin squid reproductive behaviours and spawning withstand wind farm pile driving noise
Authors: Jones Ian T , Schumm Madison , Stanley Jenni A , Hanlon Roger T , Mooney T Aran 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Pile driving noise is an intense, repetitive, far-reaching sound that is increasing in many coastal habitats as the offshore wind energy industry expands globally. There is concern for its impacts on keystone species and vital fisheries taxa such as squids. In controlled laboratory conditions, we investigated whether exposure to pile driving noise from offshore wind farm construction altered reproductive behaviours in the short-lived semelparous species Doryteuthis pealeii. Pile driving noise had no significant effects on the occurrence rates of agonistic behaviours, mate guarding, mating, and egg laying, compared with silent control trials. The results contrast starkly with behavioural response rates of the same squid species during feeding and shoaling. The data suggest that squid reproductive behaviours may be resilient to this increasingly pervasive environmental stressor, and that behavioural context guides responses to windfarm noise for this invertebrate taxon. While some non-reproductive behaviours can clearly be disturbed, the results show that species with limited opportunity to reproduce can tolerate intense stressors to secure reproductive success.