bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Susceptible Vaccinated Exposed Infected Hospitalized and Removed/Recovered (SVEIHR) Model Framework for COVID-19
Authors: Oyamakin S.O. , Popoola J.I 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn reaction to the severe socio-economic effects and upheavals that the Covid-19 sickness had on the world within the first few weeks of its introduction, everyone involved had to act quickly to look for possible solutions for preventing the ensuing epidemics. A prompt response is more critical given Nigeria’s subpar social, economic, and healthcare infrastructure. Investigated was the efficacy of various pharmacological, non-pharmaceutical, or a combination of both therapies in flattening the Covid-19 incidence curve. In order to investigate the impact of these interventions, a deterministic SVEIHR model was created and applied. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) portal’s Covid-19 data were used to parametrize the model. For simulations using a system dynamic simulation, estimated parameters were employed. The fundamental reproduction number, R0, was used to evaluate the success of our suggested intervention in effectively managing COVID-19 transmission. The simulation results demonstrated that the use of only non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as the use of face masks, a light lockdown, and hand washing at baseline or high levels, is insufficient, with the R0varying from vaccination at the vaccination rate of 0.5% with non-pharmaceutical interventions at any level of compliance, and a combination of vaccination at 0.05% and high hygiene level were effective in flattening the Covid-19 disease incidence curve in Nigeria, returning a R0less than 0. Furthermore, maintaining a high level of cleanliness, which includes hand washing and the use of a face mask, would be sufficient to stop the spread of Covid-19 disease and eventually flatten Covid-19 disease incidence curve in Nigeria, given a low turnout of 0.05% for vaccination and the easing of lockdown.
Do MOXFQ scores change over time? A retrospective study of podiatric surgery outcomes
Authors: North Victoria , Reilly Ian , Bridgen Andy , Maher Anthony 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecording patient-reported outcome measurements six months after surgery using PASCOM-10 is common practice in podiatric surgery in the United Kingdom. This study aims to establish if the health-related quality of life after foot surgery is changed at the 12- month point.MethodAn audit of patient-reported outcomes following foot surgery was undertaken. Electronic case notes were examined, and 236 patients were identified over 1 year. Patients completed the Manchester Oxford Foot/Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ) pre-surgery, at six months post-operatively (in person/telephone conversation) and were then invited by letter to complete this again at 12 months post-operatively.Results91 participants (39%) completed both post-operative questionnaires (66 females 25 males), 45% completed a six-month questionnaire only and 61% completed a 12-month questionnaire. The results demonstrate a significant score change between the three time points and across the three MOXFQ domains of walking/standing, pain and social interaction (0.353, F [6, 356] = 40.59, p <.001), and a further interaction with gender (0.435, F [6,352] = 30.23, p <.001). An average, positive change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) across all domains was the greatest from pre-surgery to six months post-surgery at 78% improved, and then decreased to 62% improved at 12 months post-surgery. Females experience lower HRQOL before surgery, at 6 months and at 12-month post-operation time points but gain the greatest improvement over pre-operative scores at 30%.ConclusionA patient-centred approach is key in foot surgery, patient-reported health-related quality of life changes significantly at different time points. In this review, the overall health- related quality of life improved with surgery at the six- and 12-month point, but with some deterioration at 12 months. A short period of recovery may not yield genuine long-term patient- reported outcomes, and an increase to a minimum of 12 months is recommended from the more common six months. However, the different methods of collecting post-operative data at various time points may have had an influence on scores.Level of clinical evidence:4
Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease is Associated with Longitudinal Changes in Plasma Biomarkers in the Multiethnic Washington Heights, Inwood Columbia Aging Project Cohort
Authors: Gu Yian , Honig Lawrence S. , Kang Min Suk , Bahl Aanya , Sanchez Danurys , Reyes-Dumeyer Dolly , Manly Jennifer J. , Lantigua Rafael A. , Dage Jeffrey L. , Brickman Adam M. , Vardarajan Badri N , Mayeux Richard 
Published: August 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAlzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers can help differentiate cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The role of AD biomarkers in predicting cognitive impairment and AD needs examination.METHODSIn 628 CU individuals from a multi-ethnic cohort, Aβ42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau-181 (P-tau181), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured in plasma.RESULTSHigher baseline levels of P-tau181/Aβ42 ratio were associated with increased risk of incident dementia. A biomarker pattern (with elevated Aβ42/Aβ40 but low P-tau181/Aβ42) was associated with decreased dementia risk. Compared to CU, participants who developed MCI or dementia had a rapid decrease in the biomarker pattern reflecting AD-specific pathological change.DISCUSSIONElevated levels of AD biomarker P-tau181/Aβ42, by itself or combined with a low Aβ42/Aβ40 level, predicts clinically diagnosed AD. Individuals with a rapid change in these biomarkers may need close monitoring for the potential downward trajectory of cognition.Research in ContextSystematic Review: Few studies have evaluated the clinical application of AD blood-based biomarkers longitudinally as antecedent risk predictors. Data from multiethnic populations are even more limited. How preclinical trajectories of blood-based biomarkers are related with the risk of developing clinically diagnosed MCI or AD is largely unknown.Interpretation: High circulating level of P-tau181/Aβ42, by itself or combined with a low level of Aβ42/Aβ40, may predict development of incident clinical AD. Biomarkers levels of P-tau181, P-tau181/Aβ42, and NfL increase with age even among individuals who remain cognitively healthy. A rapid change in biomarkers may indicate the individuals in the active trajectory to develop clinically diagnosed MCI or AD.Future Directions: Larger studies or meta-analyses are needed to examine whether the predictive utility of blood-based biomarkers for AD differs across racial/ethnic groups. Well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the optimal duration between repeated measures of biomarkers.
Assessing community factors associated with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) defaulting among youth accessing HIV care in Mzimba District, Malawi
Authors: Kasalu Isaac Paul , Lazaro Mathews , Chilinda Idesi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroduction/BackgroundART defaulting has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality of HIV positive youth. Youth that default tend to develop drug resistance and resurgence of opportunistic infections. They can also transmit drug resistant strains of HIV to others through unprotected sexual intercourse. This study, therefore, aims at assessing community factors influencing ART defaulting amongst HIV positive youth enrolled on ART in Mzimba District.Material and MethodsThis study utilized a quantitative, case control design. A sample of 411 HIV positive youth (n=137 cases and n=274 controls) attending an HIV care clinic was recruited. Both ART defaulters and non-defaulters were enrolled using random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics were used to provide count, frequencies, proportions and ranges while inferential statistics were used to establish association between dependent variable with independent variables.ResultsResults from this study indicate that lack of community social support (p< 0.001, OR: 11.257, 95% CL: 6.782-18.686), long distance to ART clinics (p: 0.002, OR: 2.454, 95% CL: 1.511-3.985) and migration of the youth other countries (p:0.001, OR: 35.661, 95% CL: 4.675-272.049) are statistically significant factors to ART defaulting among the study participants who are youth in Mzimba District in Malawi.ConclusionThe study conclusively proved that lack of community social support, forgetfulness and going to RSA for employment influenced defaulting to antiretroviral therapy among the youth in Mzimba, Malawi. The researcher recommends introduction of community ART outreach programs to help in reducing defaulting among the youth. Further, policy review to provide for technology that enables free ARVs regardless of national identity (ID) documents requirements and cross-border collaboration in managing HIV among the youth on ART between countries to ensure continuity of care.
WITHDRAWN: Early estimation of life expectancy using weekly deaths data
Authors: Lanzieri Giampaolo 
Published: August 2023

Withdrawal StatementThe author has withdrawn this manuscript owing to the results changing in the final published version, which is now available from Eurostat (see DOI: 10.2785/655566). Therefore, the author does not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Impact of Significant Hemoglobin Drop without Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Reddy Pavan , Merdler Ilan , Zhang Cheng , Cellamare Matteo , Ben-Dor Itsik , Satler Lowell F. , Rogers Toby , Garcia-Garcia Hector M. , Waksman Ron 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundHemoglobin (Hgb) drop without bleeding is common among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); however, the clinical implications of significant Hgb drop have not been fully evaluated. We sought to describe clinical phenotype and outcomes of patients with significant Hgb drop without bleeding.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing TAVR at our institution from 2011-2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Three groups were assessed: No Hgb Drop and No Bleed (NoD-NoB – reference group), Hgb Drop with Bleed (D-wB), and Hgb Drop and No Bleed (D-NoB). Hgb drop was defined as ≥3 g/dL decrease from pre-to post-TAVR. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital death and 1-year all-cause mortality.ResultsA total of 1,851 cases with complete Hgb data were included: NoD-NoB: n=1,579 (85.3%); NoD-NoB: n=49 (2.6%); D-wB n=223 (12.6%). Compared to NoD-NoB, D-NoB were older (81.1 vs. 78.9 years) with higher pre-procedure Hgb (12.9 vs. 11.7 g/dL). In-hospital death rate was higher among patients with D-NoB vs. NoD-NoB (4.5% vs. 0.8%, p<0.001) and similar to D-wB (4.5% vs. 4.1%, p=0.999). Predictors of in-hospital death were D-NoB (odds ratio [OR]: 3.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32-8.69) and transfusion (OR: 10.6; 95% CI 4.25-28.2). Landmark survival analysis found that D-NoB experienced one-year mortality rate comparable to NoD-NoB, while D-wB had higher mid-term mortality (HR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.83-5.73), and transfusion continued to impact mortality (HR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.79-3.63).ConclusionHemoglobin drop without bleeding is common among patients undergoing TAVR and may represent a higher risk of peri-procedural death. Blood transfusion increases short-and mid-term mortality risk in patients with and without bleeding, supporting a restrictive transfusion strategy.What Is Known; What the Study AddsWhat is Known- Hemoglobin drop without overt bleeding may be seen after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); however, its incidence and impact on clinical outcomes is unknown.What the Study Adds- Hemoglobin drop without a source of bleeding is not uncommon among patients undergoing TAVR.- Patients more likely to have hemoglobin drop without bleeding include those with lower body surface area, older age, and higher pre-procedural hemoglobin level.- Compared to patients without bleeding or hemoglobin drop, patients with hemoglobin drop without bleeding had higher inpatient mortality.- Blood transfusion increased short-and long-term mortality in patients with or without bleeding.Visual Abstract
Performance of RAPID noncontrast CT stroke platform in large vessel occlusion and intracranial hemorrhage detection
Authors: Yedavalli Vivek , Heit Jeremy J , Dehkharghani Seena , Haerian Hafez , Mcmenamy John M. , Honce Justin , Timpone Vincent M , Harnain Christopher , Kesselman Andrew , Filly Anthony , Beardsley Adam , Sakamoto Brian , Song Christopher , Montuori James L , Navot Benjamin , Mena Francisco Villar , Giurgiutiu Dan-Victor , Kitamura Felipe , Lima Fabricio Oliveira , Silva Henrique Coelho , Mont’Alverne Francisco José Arruda , Albers Gregory W 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundNoncontrast CT (NCCT) is used to evaluate for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemia in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Large vessel occlusions (LVOs) are a major cause of AIS, but challenging to detect on NCCT.AimsThe purpose of this study is to evaluate an AI software called RAPID NCCT Stroke (RAPID, iSchemaView, Menlo Park, CA) for ICH and LVO detection compared to expert readers.MethodsIn this IRB approved retrospective, multicenter study, stand-alone performance of the software was assessed based on the consensus of 3 neuroradiologists and sensitivity and specificity were determined. The platform’s performance was then compared to interpretation by readers comprised of eight general radiologists (GR) and three neuroradiologists (NR) in detecting ICH and hyperdense vessel sign (HVS) indicating LVO. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of each reader. P < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 244 cases were included. Of the 244, 115 were LVOs and 26 were ICHs. One hundred three cases did not have LVO nor ICH. Stand-alone performance of the software demonstrated sensitivities and specificities of 96.2% and 99.5% for ICH and 63.5% and 95.1% for LVO detection.Compared to all 11 readers and eight GR readers only respectively, the software demonstrated superiority, achieving significantly higher sensitivities (63.5% versus 43.6%, p < 0.0001 and 63.5% versus 40.9%, p =0.001).ConclusionThe RAPID NCCT Stroke platform demonstrates superior performance to radiologists for detecting LVO from a NCCT. Use of this software platform could lead to earlier LVO detection and expedited transfer of these patients to a thrombectomy capable center.
Gambling in Connecticut Adolescents: Prevalence, Socio-demographic Characteristics, Trauma Exposure, Suicidality, and Other Risk Behaviors
Authors: Stefanovics Elina A. , Zhai Zu Wei , Potenza Marc N. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAdolescent gambling is a public health concern and has been linked to suicidality and other risk behaviors and poor health correlates. This study examines relationships between adolescents reporting gambling in the past-year and a range of health risk behaviors, traumatic experiences, school performance, and receipt of social support. Data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Connecticut high-school students stratified by gambling status were examined in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Among 1,807 adolescents, past-year gambling was reported by 453 or 25.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=22.7-28.1%). Gambling prevalence was higher among older males and lower in adolescents of Asian origin. Gambling was further associated with suicidality and risk behaviors including substance use, smoking (traditional tobacco and electronic vapor use), risky use of digital technologies, unsafe sex, and aggressive behaviors. Gambling was also associated with traumatic experiences, depression/dysphoria, poor academic performance, and less social support from the family and teachers. The results of this study provide an up-to-date estimate of the current prevalence and correlates of gambling among Connecticut adolescents and underscores the importance of routine screening and monitoring of gambling behaviors, as well as interventions for other risk behaviors in this population.
Association between cannabis use and brain imaging phenotypes in UK Biobank: an observational and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ishrat Saba , Levey Daniel F. , Gelernter Joel , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Topiwala Anya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood has been associated with brain structure and functional connectivity, yet despite a rapid increase in cannabis use among older adults in the past decade, the impact on brain structure and function in this population remains understudied. We examined 3,641 lifetime cannabis users (mean age = 61.00 years, standard deviation (SD) = 7.07) and 12,255 controls (mean age = 64.49 years, SD = 7.51) from the UK Biobank. Insufficient data were available on cannabis use disorders in the UK Biobank to perform an analysis. Brain structure and functional connectivity were measured using multiple imaging-derived phenotypes. Associations with cannabis use were assessed using multiple linear regression while controlling for potential confounders. Additionally, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the potential causal relationship. After correcting for false discovery rate for multiple testing, participants with lifetime cannabis use had significantly lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity in the genu of the corpus callosum. A weaker resting-state functional connectivity was observed in brain regions underlying the default mode and central executive networks. Furthermore, bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses found no support for a causal relationship between either cannabis use or cannabis dependence and brain structure or function. Our findings indicate that associations between lifetime cannabis use and later life brain structure and function are not likely causal in nature and may represent residual confounding.
Spatial transcriptomic patterns underlying regional vulnerability to amyloid-β and tau pathologies and their relationships to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yu Meichen , Risacher Shannon L. , Nho Kwangsik T. , Wen Qiuting , Oblak Adrian L. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Apostolova Liana G. , Farlow Martin R. , Brosch Jared R. , Clark David G. , Wang Sophia , Deardorff Rachael , Wu Yu-Chien , Gao Sujuan , Sporns Olaf , Saykin Andrew J. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: August 2023

AbstractAmyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins accumulate within distinct neuronal systems in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although it is not clear why certain brain regions are more vulnerable to Aβ and tau pathologies than others, gene expression may play a role. We studied the association between brain-wide gene expression profiles and regional vulnerability to Aβ (gene-to-Aβ associations) and tau (gene-to-tau associations) pathologies leveraging two large independent cohorts (n = 715) of participants along the AD continuum. We identified several AD susceptibility genes and gene modules in a gene co-expression network with expression profiles related to regional vulnerability to Aβ and tau pathologies in AD. In particular, we found that the positiveAPOE-to-tau association was only seen in the AD cohort, whereas patients with AD and frontotemporal dementia shared similar positiveMAPT-to-tau association. Some AD candidate genes showed sex-dependent negative gene-to-Aβ and gene-to-tau associations. In addition, we identified distinct biochemical pathways associated with the gene-to-Aβ and the gene-to-tau associations. Finally, we proposed a novel analytic framework, linking the identified gene-to-pathology associations to cognitive dysfunction in AD at the individual level, suggesting potential clinical implication of the gene-to-pathology associations. Taken together, our study identified distinct gene expression profiles and biochemical pathways that may explain the discordance between regional Aβ and tau pathologies, and filled the gap between gene-to-pathology associations and cognitive dysfunction in individual AD patients that may ultimately help identify novel personalized pathogenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.One Sentence SummaryWe identified replicable cognition-related associations between regional gene expression profiles and selectively regional vulnerability to amyloid-β and tau pathologies in AD.
Improving estimates of epidemiological quantities by combining reported cases with wastewater data: a statistical framework with applications to COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Watson Leighton M. , Plank Michael J. , Armstrong Bridget A. , Chapman Joanne R. , Hewitt Joanne , Morris Helen , Orsi Alvaro , Bunce Michael , Donnelly Christl A. , Steyn Nicholas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundTimely and informed public health responses to infectious diseases such as COVID-19 necessitate reliable information about infection dynamics. The case ascertainment rate (CAR), the proportion of infections that are reported as cases, is typically much less than one and varies with testing practices and behaviours, making reported cases unreliable as the sole source of data. The concentration of viral RNA in wastewater samples provides an alternate measure of infection prevalence that is not affected by clinical testing, healthcare-seeking behaviour or access to care.MethodsWe constructed a state-space model with observed data of levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and reported case incidence and estimated the hidden states ofRand CAR using sequential Monte Carlo methods.ResultsHere, we analysed data from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2023 from Aotearoa New Zealand. Our model estimates thatRpeaked at 2.76 (95% CrI 2.20, 3.83) around 18 February 2022 and the CAR peaked around 12 March 2022. We calculate that New Zealand’s second Omicron wave in July 2022 was similar in size to the first, despite fewer reported cases. We estimate that the CAR in the BA.5 Omicron wave in July 2022 was approximately 50% lower than in the BA.1/BA.2 Omicron wave in March 2022.ConclusionsEstimatingR, CAR, and cumulative number of infections provides useful information for planning public health responses and understanding the state of immunity in the population. This model is a useful disease surveillance tool, improving situational awareness of infectious disease dynamics in real-time.Plain Language SummaryTo make informed public health decisions about infectious diseases, it is important to understand the number of infections in the community. Reported cases, however, underestimate the number of infections and the degree of underestimation likely changes with time. Wastewater data provides an alternative data source that does not depend on testing practices. Here, we combined wastewater observations of SARS-CoV-2 with reported cases to estimate the reproduction number (how quickly infections are increasing or decreasing) and the case ascertainment rate (the fraction of infections reported as cases). We apply the model to Aotearoa New Zealand and demonstrate that the second wave of infections in July 2022 had approximately the same number of infections as the first wave in March 2022 despite reported cases being 50% lower.