bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of ejection fraction improvement in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Liu Dan , Hu Kai , Schregelmann Lena , Hammel Clara , Lengenfelder Björn Daniel , Ertl Georg , Frantz Stefan , Nordbeck Peter 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of dynamic changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) for cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in an all‐comer heart failure (HF) population with reduced EF (HFrEF, EF < 40%). We sought to identify independent factors related to improvement in EF and to identify risk factors for increased risk of CV events in the subgroups of improved EF (iEF) and non‐improved EF (niEF), respecively.Methods and resultsThis is a retrospective sub‐analysis from the REDEAL HF trial, which included consecutive patients with chronic HF who were hospitalized from July 2009 to December 2017. Baseline and follow‐up echocardiography data (interval ≥12 months) of 573 consecutive patients with HFrEF were analysed. iEF was defined as absolute improvement in EF ≥ 10% and follow‐up EF over 40%. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite endpoint of cardiovascular (CV) death, CV hospitalization, or appropriate implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapy for ventricular arrhythmia. EF improved in 37.2% of patients with HFrEF during follow‐up (median period of 17 months). iEF was independently associated with shorter HF duration (>4 vs. ≤4 years, odd ratio [OR] = 0.477, 95% CI 0.305–0.745), no coronary artery disease (CAD vs. no CAD, OR = 0.583, 95% CI 0.396–0.858), and no ICD implantation (ICD vs. no ICD, OR = 0.341, 95% CI 0.228–0.511). Compared with niEF, iEF was significantly and independently associated with lower all‐cause mortality (22.1% vs. 31.1%, P = 0.019; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.674, 95% CI 0.469–0.968), lower CV mortality (8.9% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.015; HR = 0.539, 95% CI 0.317–0.916), and lower CV events risk (27.2% vs. 49.2%, P < 0.001; HR 0.519, 95% CI 0.381–0.708), after adjustment for age, sex, duration of HF, and other clinical risk factors. Hypertension (HR = 2.452, P = 0.032) and elevated N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP >1153 pg/mL, HR = 4.372, P < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for CV events in the iEF subgroup. ICD implantation (HR = 1.533, P = 0.011), elevated NT‐proBNP (HR = 1.626, P = 0.018), increased left atrial volume index (HR = 1.461, P = 0.021), reduced lateral mitral annular plane systolic excursion (HR = 1.478, P = 0.025), and reduced tricuspid plane systolic excursion (HR = 1.491, P = 0.039) were identified as risk factors for CV events in the niEF subgroup.ConclusionsImprovement in EF is independently related to the longer survival and lower CV related mortality and hospitalization rate of HFrEF. Elevated baseline NT‐proBNP is identified as the strongest prognostic factor associated with increased CV events risk in HFrEF patients both with and without improved EF, regardless of age, sex, duration of HF, and other clinical risk factors.
Construction of a Bifunctional Pd(0)‐CALB@SiO2 Hybrid Catalyst for the Synthesis and Arylation of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine in One Pot
Authors: Budhiraja Meenakshi , Ali Amjad , Tyagi Vikas 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHerein, we describe an efficient strategy for the construction of enzyme‐metal biohybrid catalyst [Pd(0)‐CALB@SiO2] via encapsulation of Candida antarctica lipase B and Pd(0) within silica. Next, the applicability of the newly constructed biohybrid was demonstrated by catalyzing the sequence of Groebke‐Blackburn‐Bienayme (GBB) multicomponent reaction and Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling in a single‐pot to produce clinically significant imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives. Interestingly, both entities, i.e., CALB enzyme and Pd(0)‐metal of hybrid catalyst, exhibited good catalytic activity during this approach. Further, the generality of this protocol was explored by using differently substituted boronic acid, which gave related products in 49–87 % isolated yield. Next, the synthetic utility was proved by set‐up a gram scale reaction which provided the complementary product in 81 % yield. Also, the developed biohybrid was found to be reusable up to five catalytic cycles.
Enhanced pain sensitivity in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is partially reverted by treatment: An exploratory study
Authors: Lahaye Clément , Miolanne Magalie , Farigon Nicolas , Pereira Bruno , Dubray Claude , Beudin Patricia , Greil Annick , Boirie Yves 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundObesity is frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) and chronic pain. OSA as well as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment may modulate the pain perception threshold (PT) in patients with obesity.MethodsIn this prospective, longitudinal study, all patients admitted for obesity assessment were screened for OSA by nocturnal polygraphy (SOMNOcheck®, IAH ≥10) and performed mechanical (Von Frey electronic device) and electrical (PainMatcher®) pain tests. Those with severe OSA were retested for PT 1 month after initiation of CPAP therapy. Newly diagnosed patients with severe OSA (hypopnea apnoea index >30) have been offered to start CPAP treatment.ResultsAmong 85 patients, there were 27 OSA patients, aged between 40 ± 13.2 years with a BMI of 42 ± 7.2 kg/m2. Severe OSA patients (N = 11) showed a lower PT than non‐OSA patients (N = 58) during mechanical (177 ± 120 vs. 328 ± 136 g, p < 0.01) and electrical methods (7.4 ± 6.4 vs. 12.9 ± 6.7 stimulation duration steps; p = 0.03). In the severe OSA group (N = 7), an increased PT was observed 1 month after CPAP treatment during mechanical pain testing (298 ± 69 vs. 259 ± 68 g, p < 0.05), but not during electrical pain testing (11.5 ± 3.0 vs. 12.4 ± 3.8 stimulation duration steps, p = 0.50).ConclusionIn patients with obesity, this exploratory study showed that the presence of an OSA is associated with a decreased PT, whereas implantation of a CPAP device tends to normalize pain perception.
An urgent call for the environmental sustainability of health systems: A ‘sextuple aim’ to care for patients, costs, providers, population equity and the planet
Authors: Alami Hassane , Lehoux Pascale , Miller Fiona A. , Shaw Sara E. , Fortin Jean‐Paul 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHealth systems have a duty to protect the health and well‐being of individuals and populations. Yet, healthcare contributes about 4.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Health systems need to question and improve established practices, assume strong environmental leadership, and aim for ambitious, sometimes radical, actions in favour of the climate. In this paper, we interrogate the suitability and feasibility of integrating the aim of ‘environmental sustainability’ to form the ‘Sextuple Aim.’ Environmental sustainability may be in tension with, but also a potential lever to meet the other cardinal aims: (1) quality and experience of patient care; (2) population health; (3) quality of work and satisfaction of healthcare providers; (4) equity and inclusion; and (5) cost reduction. We propose policy and practical avenues to help move towards the Sextuple Aim.
Analysis of serum calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and iron in patients with pre‐eclampsia in Bangladesh: A case–control study
Authors: Uddin S. M. Naim , Haque Mahmodul , Barek Md Abdul , Chowdhury Mohammad Nizam Uddin , Das Abhijit , Uddin Md. Giash , Islam Mohammad Safiqul 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPre‐eclampsia is a particular type of pregnancy condition. Although the primary etiology of pre‐eclampsia is unclear, it hypothesizes that the alteration of trace elements and macro‐minerals may play a crucial function in the pathogenesis of Pre‐eclampsia. Therefore, our research sought to ascertain the serum level of trace elements (zinc, iron) and macro‐minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium) and their possible association with pre‐eclampsia.MethodsThe present study was conducted with 74 pre‐eclampsia pregnant women (case) and 118 pregnant women having normal blood pressure (controls). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determined the serum level of trace components and electrolytes.ResultsThe researchers discovered notable differences in maternal age, gestational period, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and creatinine level. Results of serum analysis revealed that calcium (52.06 ± 3.71 mg/L vs. 65.93 ± 2.57 mg/L, p < 0.05) and potassium (63.44 ± 5.33 mg/L vs. 102.54 ± 4.25 mg/L, p < 0.001) concentrations were substantially lower in the patient group than in control. Serum zinc (0.34 ± 0.02 mg/L vs. 0.52 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.001) and iron (0.38 ± 0.03 mg/L vs. 0.46 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.05) concentration were also considerably decreased in pre‐eclampsia participants compared with a pregnant normotensive group. Pearson's correlation research results in the patient group revealed a connection between trace elements or macro minerals. In addition, the systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with sodium (r = 0.392, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with potassium (r = −0.257, p < 0.05) in the control group.ConclusionsThis study concludes that calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc levels were lower, whereas sodium levels were higher in Bangladeshi pre‐eclampsia patients compared to controls. These findings with Pearson's correlation and the inter‐element relationship between the patient and a control subject results can act as critical indication factors for patients with pre‐eclampsia in Bangladesh and, as a result, may require a higher intake of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc for effective therapeutic intervention and reduce the intake of sodium.
“I definitely feel like a scientist”: Exploring science identity trajectories among Latinx students in a critical race theory‐informed undergraduate research experience
Authors: Vasquez‐Salgado Yolanda , Camacho Tissyana C. , López Isabel , Chavira Gabriela , Saetermoe Carrie L. , Khachikian Crist 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe current study investigated science identity development among Latinx university students selected for a critical race theory (CRT)‐informed undergraduate research experience. Twenty students (12 female, 8 male; Mage = 22.00; SD = 2.77) enrolled in biomedical‐related majors at a 4‐year university responded to open‐ended questions regarding their identity as scientists at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 18 months after they began the program. Results illustrated a steady increase in the number of students identifying as scientists over 18 months. At 2 weeks into the program, only 35% of Latinx students felt like a scientist. At 6 months, 45% of Latinx students identified as a scientist. At 18 months, 70% of Latinx students reported feeling like a scientist. Results also revealed variation in science identity trajectories, with four trajectories viewed in the data: (1) consistent or fast achievement, (2) gradual achievement, (3) achievement adjustment, and (4) never reach achievement. The majority of students demonstrated a trajectory in which they reached science identity achievement (the feeling that they are “a scientist”). Our results provide evidence of the positive, longitudinal impact that a CRT‐informed curriculum has on the science identity development of Latinx students. Implications surrounding future research and strategies to facilitate long‐term Latinx student participation in the biomedical sciences are discussed.
The contribution of smoking and smokeless tobacco to oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk in the African oesophageal cancer corridor: Results from the ESCCAPE multicentre case‐control studies
Authors: Simba Hannah , Menya Diana , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Dzamalala Charles , Finch Peter , Mlombe Yohannie , Mremi Alex , Narh Clement T. , Schüz Joachim , McCormack Valerie 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTobacco use is a well‐established risk factor for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) but the extent of its contribution to the disease burden in the African oesophageal cancer corridor has not been comprehensively elucidated, including by type of tobacco use. We investigated the contribution of tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) to ESCC in Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya. Hospital‐based ESCC case‐control studies were conducted in the three countries. Incident cases and controls were interviewed using a comprehensive questionnaire which included questions on tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of ESCC associated with tobacco, adjusted for age, sex, alcohol use, religion, education and area of residence. One thousand two hundred seventy‐nine cases and 1345 controls were recruited between August 5, 2013, and May 24, 2020. Ever‐tobacco use was associated with increased ESCC risk in all countries: Tanzania (OR 3.09, 95%CI 1.83‐5.23), and in Malawi (OR 2.45, 95%CI 1.80‐3.33) and lesser in Kenya (OR 1.37, 95%CI 0.94‐2.00). Exclusive smokeless tobacco use was positively associated with ESCC risk, in Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya combined (OR 1.92, 95%CI 1.26‐2.92). ESCC risk increased with tobacco smoking intensity and duration of smoking. Tobacco use is an important risk factor of ESCC in Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya. Our study provides evidence that smoking and smokeless tobacco cessation are imperative in reducing ESCC risk.
Reprotoxicity induced by acute exposure to aqueous tuber extract of Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pilissão Luiz Eduardo Ben , Rodrigues Cristiane Freitas , Porto Douglas , Brabo Gabriela Rossi , Tassinari da Silva Andressa , Puntel Robson Luiz , Paim Clésio Soldatelli , Denardin Cristiane Casagrande , Ávila Daiana Silva 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMaca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) has been used in folk medicine to treat fertility disturbances, a claim that has been evidenced in some studies. However, the clinical trials validating this use have shown paradoxical findings and then maca safety is not well known. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms by which maca affects the reproductive system using an in vivo model, the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. Tuber maca powder, obtained from local commerce, was used to prepare the aqueous extract. Worms were acutely exposed to maca extracts (40, 120, 240, and 330 μg/μl), and 48 h after treatments, physiological and biochemical assays were conducted. Maca extract caused a significant decrease in total number of eggs and in the number of eggs per worm. These effects were associated to increased lipid peroxidation, reduced triacylglycerol levels, and also impairedvit‐2(vitellogenin) expression, besides increase in the number of apoptotic germline cells. We have found quantifiable levels of alkaloids in this maca extract, which presence could be related to this toxicity. Collectively, our data suggest that maca extract exposure causes reproductive toxicity to worms that could be, at least in part, associated to both an increase in apoptosis of germline cells and also to a decrease in vitellogenin expression, needed for egg yolk production and, consequently, successful reproduction.
Modeling VI and VDRL feedback functions: Searching normative rules through computational simulation
Authors: Silveira Paulo Sergio Panse , de Oliveira Siqueira José , Bernardy João Lucas , Santiago Jessica , Meneses Thiago Cersosimo , Portela Bianca Sanches , Benvenuti Marcelo Frota 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe present the mathematical description of feedback functions of variable interval and variable differential reinforcement of low rates as functions of schedule size only. These results were obtained using an R script named Beak, which was built to simulate rates of behavior interacting with simple schedules of reinforcement. Using Beak, we have simulated data that allow an assessment of different reinforcement feedback functions. This was made with unparalleled precision, as simulations provide huge samples of data and, more importantly, simulated behavior is not changed by the reinforcement it produces. Therefore, we can vary response rates systematically. We've compared different reinforcement feedback functions for random interval schedules, using the following criteria: meaning, precision, parsimony, and generality. Our results indicate that the best feedback function for the random interval schedule was published by Baum (1981). We also propose that the model used by Killeen (1975) is a viable feedback function for the random differential reinforcement of low rates schedule. We argue that Beak paves the way for greater understanding of schedules of reinforcement, addressing still open questions about quantitative features of simple schedules. Also, Beak could guide future experiments that use schedules as theoretical and methodological tools.
Something to chat about: An analysis of genetic counseling via asynchronous messaging following direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing
Authors: Koerner Cari , Wetzel Heather , Klass Andrie , Doyle Lauren E. , Mills Rachel 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAdvances in technology, decreasing cost of genetic testing, and growing public interest in genetics marked by an increased uptake of genetic testing, particularly direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing (DTC‐GT), have led to an overwhelming demand for genetic counseling services. As such, various alternative service delivery models have been proposed to increase access to genetic counseling. Some service delivery models, such as asynchronous messaging, remain unexplored in the genetic counseling literature. The purpose of this study was to assess communication during genetic counseling for DTC‐GT through asynchronous messaging. A thematic analysis was conducted on 34 de‐identified chat transcripts between genetic counselors and clients who underwent DTC‐GT. Six categories of communication were identified and were grouped based on communication sources from either the client or the genetic counselor. Categories observed in client communication were motivations for seeking DTC testing and/or genetic counseling services, questions posed to the genetic counselor, responses provided during the session, and psychosocial aspects of the session related to the clients' mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Categories of communication that emerged from the genetic counselors' communications were educational aspects of the session and counseling strategies to address concerns that are not related to educational or informational needs. Most clients had specific questions about variants detected or specific conditions. Many clients asked about appropriate subsequent steps related to additional testing or medical management. Genetic counselors discussed the limitations of DTC‐GT and recommendations for clinical grade testing in almost all chat transcripts. In several chats, the genetic counselor provided advice to the client related to minimizing time sorting through likely benign results and refraining from altering medical management. Results suggest that genetic counselors are able to provide genetic information to clients and respond to their mental and emotional needs through asynchronous chat following DTC‐GT. Findings from this study provide initial insight into a unique genetic counseling delivery model and reveal the informational and counseling needs of clients following DTC‐GT.
Examining the influence of inflammatory bowel disease medications on sleep quality
Authors: Barnes Alex , Spizzo Paul , Bampton Peter , Andrews Jane M , Fraser Robert J , Mukherjee Sutapa , Mountifield Réme 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground and AimInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can disrupt sleep, leading to poor sleep quality. This may in part be due to the symptoms of IBD and the influence of pro‐inflammatory cytokines on sleep. This study aimed to investigate the potential influence of IBD medications on sleep quality.MethodsAn online survey of adults with IBD was conducted, which included measures of sleep quality, IBD activity, anxiety, depression, and physical activity. Logistic regression was used to investigate possible associations between IBD medications (corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, aminosalicyate) and outcome of poor sleep. A generalized linear model was built for outcome of sleep quality score.ResultsThere were 544 participants included in the final analysis, median age of 42, and 61% with Crohn's disease. Increased odds of poor sleep were seen in those taking opioids, medications for anxiety or depression, corticosteroids, vitamin D, methotrexate, and infliximab. A multivariate model was built incorporating demographic and IBD variables with opioids present in the final model and associated with increased odds of poor sleep. This was in addition to medications for sleep, depression, anxiety, IBD activity, and body weight. In a multivariate generalized linear model, opioids and methotrexate were associated with worse sleep quality scores.ConclusionsOpioids were associated with increased odds of poor sleep independent of other factors. This provides further support for avoiding these medications in people with IBD. Infliximab was associated with increased body weight and consequently increased odds of poor sleep.
The role of local treatment including pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients with isolated synchronous liver metastasis: Propensity score‐matched analyses
Authors: Yun Won‐Gun , Han Youngmin , Lee Mirang , Cho Young Jae , Jung Hye‐Sol , Thomas Alexander S. , Kluger Michael D. , Kwon Wooil , Jang Jin‐Young 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn an era of more effective chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the paradigm of local treatment is changing. However, the efficacy of local treatment in patients with isolated liver metastasis remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pancreatectomy ± local treatment for metastasis (cytoreductive surgery) in PDAC patients with isolated synchronous liver metastasis.MethodsIn total, 239 patients with isolated liver metastasis were extracted from Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH). For comparison, another 12 637 patients were extracted from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Propensity score matching was performed to minimize confounding in both cohorts. Survival analyses stratified by the treatment delivered were performed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and log‐rank tests.ResultsIn the SNUH cohort, the median (interquartile range) survival was 20.5 (13.0–42.0) months for patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus chemotherapy versus 12.0 (10.0–18.0) months for those who received chemotherapy alone (P < .001). With the NCDB cohort, the median (interquartile range) survival was 15.6 (8.9–31.2) months for patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus chemotherapy versus 7.4 (3.4–13.2) months for those who received chemotherapy alone (P < .001).ConclusionPatients with isolated synchronous liver metastasis should be considered for cytoreductive surgery in addition to effective chemotherapy.