bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term lifestyle change and risk of mortality and Type 2 diabetes in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bonekamp Nadia E , Visseren Frank L J , Cramer Maarten J , Dorresteijn Jannick A N , van der Meer Manon G , Ruigrok Ynte M , van Sloten Thomas T , Teraa Martin , Geleijnse Johanna M , Koopal Charlotte 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsTo quantify the relationship between self-reported, long-term lifestyle changes (smoking, waist circumference, physical activity, and alcohol consumption) and clinical outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods and resultsData were used from 2011 participants (78% male, age 57 ± 9 years) from the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort—Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease cohort who returned for a re-assessment visit (SMART2) after ∼10 years. Self-reported lifestyle change was classified as persistently healthy, improved, worsened, or persistently unhealthy. Cox proportional hazard models were used to quantify the relationship between lifestyle changes and the risk of (cardiovascular) mortality and incident Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Fifty-seven per cent of participants was persistently healthy, 17% improved their lifestyle, 8% worsened, and 17% was persistently unhealthy. During a median follow-up time of 6.1 (inter-quartile range 3.6–9.6) years after the SMART2 visit, 285 deaths occurred, and 99 new T2D diagnoses were made. Compared with a persistently unhealthy lifestyle, individuals who maintained a healthy lifestyle had a lower risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.63], cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38–0.87), and incident T2D (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28–0.73). Similarly, those who improved their lifestyle had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37–0.74), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.81), and incident T2D (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27–0.92).ConclusionThese findings suggest that maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower mortality and incident T2D risk in CVD patients. This study emphasizes the importance of ongoing lifestyle optimization in CVD patients, highlighting the potential for positive change regardless of previous lifestyle habits.
Patient-reported outcome measures on mental health and psychosocial factors in patients with Brugada syndrome
Authors: Six Stefaan , Theuns Peter , Libin Pieter , Nowé Ann , Pannone Luigi , Bogaerts Bart , Jaxy Simon , Olsen Catharina , Pappaert Gudrun , Grau Isel , Sieira Juan , Van Dooren Sonia , Scheirlynck Esther , Nekkebroeck Julie , Mallefroy Marina , de Asmundis Carlo , Bilsen Johan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a hereditary arrhythmic disease, associated with sudden cardiac death. To date, little is known about the psychosocial correlates and impacts associated with this disease. The aim of this study was to assess a set of patient-reported psychosocial outcomes, to better profile these patients, and to propose a tailored psychosocial care.

Methods and results
Patients were recruited at the European reference Centre for BrS at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium. Recruitment was undertaken in two phases: phase 1 (retrospective), patients with confirmed BrS, and phase 2 (prospective), patients referred for ajmaline testing who had an either positive or negative diagnosis. BrS patients were compared to controls from the general population. Two hundred and nine questionnaires were analysed (144 retrospective and 65 prospective). Collected patient-reported outcomes were on mental health (12 item General Health Questionnaire; GHQ-12), social support (Oslo Social Support Scale), health-related quality of life, presence of Type-D personality (Type-D Scale; DS14), coping styles (Brief-COPE), and personality dimensions (Ten Item Personality Inventory). Results showed higher mental distress (GHQ-12) in BrS patients (2.53 ± 3.03) than in the general population (P &lt; 0.001) and higher prevalence (32.7%) of Type D personality (P &lt; 0.001) in patients with confirmed Brugada syndrome (BrS +). A strong correlation was found in the BrS + group (0.611, P &lt; 0.001) between DS14 negative affectivity subscale and mental distress (GHQ-12).

Conclusion
Mental distress and type D personality are significantly more common in BrS patients compared to the general population. This clearly illustrates the necessity to include mental health screening and care as standard for BrS.
Lead management in patients undergoing percutaneous tricuspid valve replacement or repair: a ‘heart team’ approach
Authors: Gabriels James K , Schaller Robert D , Koss Elana , Rutkin Bruce J , Carrillo Roger G , Epstein Laurence M 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Clinically significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has historically been managed with either medical therapy or surgical interventions. More recently, percutaneous trans-catheter tricuspid valve (TV) replacement and tricuspid trans-catheter edge-to-edge repair have emerged as alternative treatment modalities. Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have an increased incidence of TR. Severe TR in this population can occur for multiple reasons but most often results from the interactions between the CIED lead and the TV apparatus. Management decisions in patients with CIED leads and clinically significant TR, who are undergoing evaluation for a percutaneous TV intervention, need careful consideration as a trans-venous lead extraction (TLE) may both worsen and improve TR severity. Furthermore, given the potential risks of ‘jailing’ a CIED lead at the time of a percutaneous TV intervention (lead fracture and risk of subsequent infections), consideration should be given to performing a TLE prior to a percutaneous TV intervention. The purpose of this ‘state-of-the-art’ review is to provide an overview of the causes of TR in patients with CIEDs, discuss the available therapeutic options for patients with TR and CIED leads, and advocate for including a lead management specialist as a member of the ‘heart team’ when making treatment decisions in patients TR and CIED leads.
A conceptual framework for understanding stress-induced physiological and transgenerational effects on population responses to climate change
Authors: Crino Ondi L , Bonduriansky Russell , Martin Lynn B , Noble Daniel W A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Organisms are experiencing higher average temperatures and greater temperature variability because of anthropogenic climate change. Some populations respond to changes in temperature by shifting their ranges or adjusting their phenotypes via plasticity and/or evolution, while others go extinct. Predicting how populations will respond to temperature changes is challenging because extreme and unpredictable climate changes will exert novel selective pressures. For this reason, there is a need to understand the physiological mechanisms that regulate organismal responses to temperature changes. In vertebrates, glucocorticoid hormones mediate physiological and behavioral responses to environmental stressors and thus are likely to play an important role in how vertebrates respond to global temperature changes. Glucocorticoids have cascading effects that influence the phenotype and fitness of individuals, and some of these effects can be transmitted to offspring via trans- or intergenerational effects. Consequently, glucocorticoid-mediated responses could affect populations and could even be a powerful driver of rapid evolutionary change. Here, we present a conceptual framework that outlines how temperature changes due to global climate change could affect population persistence via glucocorticoid responses within and across generations (via epigenetic modifications). We briefly review glucocorticoid physiology, the interactions between environmental temperatures and glucocorticoid responses, and the phenotypic consequences of glucocorticoid responses within and across generations. We then discuss possible hypotheses for how glucocorticoid-mediated phenotypic effects might impact fitness and population persistence via evolutionary change. Finally, we pose pressing questions to guide future research. Understanding the physiological mechanisms that underpin the responses of vertebrates to elevated temperatures will help predict population-level responses to the changing climates we are experiencing.
Hyperparasitism and the evolution of parasite virulence
Authors: Wood Jason , Ashby Ben 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Hyperparasites (species which parasitize other parasites) are common in natural populations, affecting many parasitic taxa, including: eukaryotic parasites; bacterial and fungal pathogens. Hyperparasitism is therefore likely to shape the ecology and evolution of many host–parasite systems, representing a promising method for biocontrol (e.g., treating antimicrobial resistant infections). However, the eco-evolutionary consequences of hyperparasitism have received little attention. We use a host–parasite–hyperparasite model to explore how introducing a hyperparasite drives the evolution of parasite virulence, and what impact this has on the host population. We show when the introduction of a hyperparasite selects for higher or lower parasite virulence, and the changes in virulence experienced by the host population. Crucially, we show that variation in the direct effects of hyperparasites on virulence and transmission, and the probability of cotransmission, can lead to a previously unseen hysteresis effect, whereby small shifts in hyperparasite characteristics can lead to sudden shifts in parasite virulence. We also show that hyperparasites can induce diversification in parasite virulence, leading to the coexistence of high and low virulence strains. Our results show hyperparasites can have dramatic effects on the evolution of parasite virulence, and that the use of hyperparasites in biocontrol should be approached with caution.
Quantitative trait locus mapping of osmotic stress response in the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Stapley Jessica , McDonald Bruce A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Osmotic stress is a ubiquitous and potent stress for all living organisms, but few studies have investigated the genetic basis of salt tolerance in filamentous fungi. The main aim of this study was to identify regions of the genome associated with tolerance to potassium chloride (KCl) in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. A secondary aim was to identify candidate genes affecting salt tolerance within the most promising chromosomal regions. We achieved these aims with a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping study using offspring from 2 crosses grown in vitro in the presence or absence of osmotic stress imposed by 0.75 M KCl. We identified significant QTL for most of the traits in both crosses. Several QTLs overlapped with QTL identified in earlier studies for other traits, and some QTL explained trait variation in both the control and salt stress environments. A significant QTL on chromosome 3 explained variation in colony radius at 8-day postinoculation (dpi) in the KCl environment as well as colony radius KCl tolerance at 8 dpi. The QTL peak had a high logarithm of the odds ratio (LOD) and encompassed an interval containing only 36 genes. Six of these genes present promising candidates for functional analyses. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of QTL unique to the KCl environment found evidence for the enrichment of functions involved in osmotic stress responses.
Older Adults and Their Families’ Online Reviews of Urban Nursing Homes in China
Authors: Yuan Hao , Shen Xiumei , Kong Guangyan , Duan Chenhao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Social media has made online care facility reviews popular. By analyzing online reviews of nursing homes (NHs), managers and designers can acquire insight into the perceptions of the older adults and their families. This study aims to help improve the care and environment of NHs.

Research Design and Methods
This study employed a mixed-methods approach to analyze online NH reviews. An inductive thematic analysis was utilized to identify and develop themes, followed by a detailed content analysis using Jieba, a Python-based program. Also, a regression analysis was conducted between the sentiment level of each subtheme and the final star ratings.

Results
Online reviews of NHs could be classified into 6 main themes, 18 subthemes, and 53 initial themes. Among the main themes, “service quality” received the most reviews, followed by “physical space environment.” Of the 53 initial themes, “attitude and caring” received the most feedback, followed by “general impression of the space environment,” and “meals and nutrition.” Regression analysis using 18 subthemes revealed that, except for the “facility scale,” all 17 subthemes were significantly connected with the final star rating. “Personal and property security” had the highest regression coefficients, followed by “service attitude” and “space.”

Discussion and Implications
Online reviews provide a valuable supplement to conventional NH quality assessment criteria, enhancing person-centered care delivery. Based on the findings, recommendations for NH management and design are proposed to improve care quality, environment, and satisfaction for older adults and families.
Infertility in patients with uterine fibroids: a debate about the hypothetical mechanisms
Authors: Don Emma E , Mijatovic Velja , Huirne Judith A F 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Fibroids are benign tumours of the myometrium and are the most common gynaecologic abnormality. Although most fibroids are asymptomatic, they can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, pressure complaints, and infertility. The association between fibroids and infertility has been debated for decades. It is generally acknowledged that the closer the fibroid is to the uterine cavity and the endometrium lining, the more unfavourable effect it might have on fertility, reducing the odds for successful implantation and gestation. Based on the limited available literature, we propose and discuss seven hypotheses on the underlying mechanism by which fibroids may reduce fertility. (i) Fibroids can cause sexual dysfunction, as fibroids can cause dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, which could interfere with sexual arousal and as a consequence the frequency of intercourse, resulting in a reduced probability of conception. (ii) Mechanical compression by fibroids on theinterstitial part of the fallopian tubes or deformation of uterine cavity could disturb oocyte and sperm transport. (iii) Fibroids can disturb peristalsis of the junctional zone in the myometrium, which could negatively influence oocyte and sperm transport as well as implantation. In addition, fibroids could induce a detrimental environment for implantation in other ways, by: (iv) changing the vagino-uterine microbiome; (v) disturbing the levels of inflammation and autophagy; (vi) inducing molecular changes in the endometrium; and (vii) inducing aberrant angiogenesis and altering the endometrial blood supply. After the discussion of these hypotheses, the implication of the influence of fibroids on early pregnancy loss is discussed. Surgical fibroid treatment is not tailored nor focussed on the pathophysiology of the fibroid; consequently it may be accompanied by recurrence of fibroids and risks of complications. Unravelling the pathogenic mechanisms about how fibroids influence fertility is essential to evolve classic surgical fibroid treatment. Instead of treatment of fibroid-related symptoms, the research should supports development of fibroid-targeted (pharmaceutical) treatment that is compatible with an active wish to become pregnant.
Starting Strong: Investigating the Importance of Early Academic Performance for Adult Human Capital
Authors: Kaila Heidi , Sahn David E , Sunder Naveen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We use a production function approach to investigate the factors that determine young adults' human capital outcomes in Madagascar and Senegal. Our study relies on unique and comparable panel data spanning over 15 years for both countries. We find that second-grade students' test scores are strong indicators of their French and math skills, as well as their educational attainment in their early twenties. Moreover, we observe that the association between second-grade skills and later-life outcomes is stronger among girls than boys, and in math test scores compared with French test scores. Our results emphasise the critical role of performing well during the early school years, as it predicts long-term outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations such as girls.
Effects of weight loss and feeding specially formulated diets on the body composition, blood metabolite profiles, voluntary physical activity, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of overweight cats
Authors: Opetz Danielle L , Oba Patricia M , Kostiuk Darcia , Kelly Janelle , Swanson Kelly S 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFeline obesity is a common and preventable disease, posing a myriad of health risks and detriments. Specially formulated diets and restricted feeding may serve as an intervention strategy to promote weight loss and improve feline health. In this study, our objective was to determine the effects of restricted feeding and weight loss on body composition, voluntary physical activity, blood hormones and metabolites, and fecal microbiota of overweight cats. Twenty-two overweight adult spayed female and neutered male cats [body weight (BW) = 5.70 ± 1.0 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 7.68 ± 0.6; age = 4 ± 0.4 yr] were used in a weight loss study. A control diet (OR) was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline (week 0), cats were allotted to OR or a test diet (FT) and fed to lose ~1.0% BW/wk for 24 wk. At baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 wk after weight loss, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed and blood samples were collected. Voluntary physical activity was measured at weeks 0, 8, 16, and 24. Fecal samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Change from baseline data were analyzed statistically using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P &lt; 0.05 considered significant. Restricted feeding of both diets led to weight and fat mass loss, lower BCS, and lower blood triglyceride and leptin concentrations. Cats fed the FT diet had a greater reduction in blood triglycerides and cholesterol than cats fed the OR diet. Restricted feeding and weight loss reduced fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, and indole concentrations. Fecal valerate concentrations were affected by diet, with cats fed the OR diet having a greater reduction than those fed the FT diet. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity was not affected, but fecal bacterial beta diversity analysis showed clustering by diet. Restricted feeding and weight loss affected relative abundances of 7 fecal bacterial genera, while dietary intervention affected change from baseline relative abundances of 2 fecal bacterial phyla and 20 fecal bacterial genera. Our data demonstrate that restricted feeding promoted controlled and safe weight and fat loss, reduced blood lipids and leptin concentrations, and shifted fecal metabolites and microbiota. Some changes were also impacted by diet, highlighting the importance of ingredient and nutrient composition in weight loss diets.
Effect of exogenous bile salts supplementation on the performance and hepatic lipid metabolism of aged laying hens
Authors: Sun Lijing , Xin Qian , Jiao Hongchao , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhao Jingpeng , Li Haifang , Zhou Yunlei , Cao Aizhi , Wang Jianmin , Lin Hai 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Bile acids (BA), a series of hydroxylated steroids secreted by the liver, are involved in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. In the present study, the effect of exogenous BAs on the performance and liver lipid metabolism of laying hens was investigated. Three hundred and sixty 50-wk-old Hy-line Brown hens were randomly allocated into three groups and subjected to one of the following treatments: fed with the basal diet (control, Con), the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 g/kg (0.1 g/kg BAs), or 0.2 g/kg (0.2 g/kg BAs) porcine BAs. Laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters were measured during the 8-wk experimental period. The expression of genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism was determined at the end of experiment. The results showed that BAs treatments had no influence (P &gt; 0.05) on laying rate, egg weight, and feed efficiency. BAs treatment, however, significantly decreased mortality of hens (P = 0.006). BAs treatment showed a transient negative influence on eggshell quality at week 4 but not at week 8. The yolk color on week 8 was increased by BAs treatments (P &lt; 0.0001) compared to control. The duodenum index showed a tendency to be increased (P = 0.053) and jejunum index were increased (P = 0.007) by BAs treatment. Compared to control, BAs treatments decreased lipid droplet content (P &lt; 0.0001) and TG content (P = 0.002) of liver. Fatty acid synthase activity was also decreased as an effect of BAs dietary supplementation. Compared to the control group, 0.1 g/kg BAs treatment increased (P &lt; 0.05) the mRNA expression of genes Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) (P = 0.042), cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) (P = 0.002), and cytochrome P450 family 8 subfamily B member 1 (CYP8B1) (P = 0.017), fatty acid synthase (FAS) (P = 0.020), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) (P = 0.032), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) (P = 0.037), proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (P = 0.002), apolipoprotein B (APO-B) (P = 0.020), and very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) (P = 0.024). In conclusion, the addition of exogenous BAs reduces lipid accumulation in liver. BA supplementation reduces the mortality of hens and improves egg yolk color, with no unfavorable effect on laying performance. The result suggests that suppressed FAS activity is involved in the reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by BAs treatment.