bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustained Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Initiations in the United States
Authors: Hoenigl Martin , Abramovitz Daniela , Flores Ortega Ricardo E , Martin Natasha K , Reau Nancy 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Recent reports indicated declines in hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing during the first half of 2020 in the United States due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the longer-term impact on HCV testing and treatment is unclear.

Methods
We obtained monthly state-level volumes of HCV antibody, RNA and genotype testing, and HCV treatment initiation, stratified by age and gender, spanning January 2019 until December 2020 from 2 large national laboratories. We performed segmented regression analysis for each state from a mixed-effects Poisson regression model with month as the main fixed predictor and state as a random intercept.

Results
During the pre–COVID-19 period (January 2019–March 2020), monthly HCV antibody and genotype tests decreased slightly whereas RNA tests and treatment initiations remained stable. Between March and April 2020, there were declines in the number of HCV antibody tests (37% reduction, P &lt; .001), RNA tests (37.5% reduction, P &lt; .001), genotype tests (24% reduction, P = .023), and HCV treatment initiations (31%, P &lt; .001). Starting April 2020 through the end of 2020, there were significant increases in month-to-month HCV antibody (P &lt; .001), RNA (P = .035), and genotype tests (P = .047), but only antibody testing rebounded to pre–COVID-19 levels. HCV treatment initiations remained low after April 2020 throughout the remainder of the year.

Conclusions
HCV testing and treatment dropped by &gt;30% during April 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but although HCV testing increased again later in 2020, HCV treatment rates did not recover. Efforts should be made to link HCV-positive patients to treatment and revitalize HCV treatment engagement by healthcare providers.
External validation of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons morbidity and mortality risk models
Authors: Gómez de Antonio David , Crowley Carrasco Silvana , Romero Román Alejandra , Royuela Ana , Gil Barturen Mariana , Obiols Carme , Call Sergi , Royo Ínigo , Recuero José Luis , Cabanero Alberto , Moreno Nicolás , Embún Raúl ,   Spanish Group of Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (GEVATS), Bolufer Sergio , Congregado Miguel , Jimenez Marcelo F , Aguinagalde Borja , Amor-Alonso Sergio , Arrarás Miguel Jesús , Orozco Ana Isabel Blanco , Boada Marc , Cal Isabel , Ramos Ángel Cilleruelo , Fernández-Martín Elena , García-Barajas Santiago , García-Jiménez María Dolores , García-Prim Jose María , Garcia-Salcedos José Alberto , Gelbenzu-Zazpe Juan José , Giraldo-Ospina Carlos Fernando , Hernández María Teresa Gómez , Hernández Jorge , Wolf Jennifer D Illana , Abularach Alberto Jáuregui , Jiménez Unai , Sanz Iker López , Martínez-Hernández Néstor J , Martínez-Téllez Elisabeth , Collado Lucía Milla , Poce Roberto Mongil , Moradiellos-Díez Francisco Javier , Moreno-Basalobre Ramón , Merino Sergio B Moreno , Quero-Valenzuela Florencio , Ramírez-Gil María Elena , Ramos-Izquierdo Ricard , Rivo Eduardo , Rodríguez-Fuster Alberto , Rojo-Marcos Rafael , Sanchez-Lorente David , Moreno Laura Sánchez , Simón Carlos , Trujillo-Reyes Juan Carlos , García Cipriano López , Alfara Juan José Fibla , Romero Julio Sesma , Trancho Florentino Hernando 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
There is a wide variety of predictive models of postoperative risk, although some of them are specific to thoracic surgery, none of them is widely used. The European Society for Thoracic Surgery has recently updated its models of cardiopulmonary morbidity (Eurolung 1) and 30-day mortality (Eurolung 2) after anatomic lung resection. The aim of our work is to carry out the external validation of both models in a multicentre national database.

METHODS
External validation of Eurolung 1 and Eurolung 2 was evaluated through calibration (calibration plot, Brier score and Hosmer–Lemeshow test) and discrimination [area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC ROC)], on a national multicentre database of 2858 patients undergoing anatomic lung resection between 2016 and 2018.

RESULTS
For Eurolung 1, calibration plot showed suboptimal overlapping (slope = 0.921) and a Hosmer–Lemeshow test and Brier score of P = 0.353 and 0.104, respectively. In terms of discrimination, AUC ROC for Eurolung 1 was 0.653 (95% confidence interval, 0.623–0.684). In contrast, Eurolung 2 showed a good calibration (slope = 1.038) and a Hosmer–Lemeshow test and Brier score of P = 0.234 and 0.020, respectively. AUC ROC for Eurolung 2 was 0.760 (95% confidence interval, 0.701–0.819).

CONCLUSIONS
Thirty-day mortality score (Eurolung 2) seems to be transportable to other anatomic lung-resected patients. On the other hand, postoperative cardiopulmonary morbidity score (Eurolung 1) seems not to have sufficient generalizability for new patients.
The year in cardiovascular medicine 2021: imaging
Authors: Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Ajmone-Marsan Nina , Di Carli Marcelo , Nicol Edward 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article reviews the most relevant literature published in 2021 on the role of cardiovascular imaging in cardiovascular medicine. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continued to impact the healthcare landscape, resulting in reduced access to hospital-based cardiovascular care including reduced routine diagnostic cardiovascular testing. However, imaging has also facilitated the understanding of the presence and extent of myocardial damage caused by the coronavirus infection. What has dominated the imaging literature beyond the pandemic are novel data on valvular heart disease, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) applied to imaging, and the use of advanced imaging modalities in both ischaemic heart disease and cardiac amyloidosis.
Risk factors, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in South America: a PURE substudy
Authors: Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Joseph Philip , Lopez-Lopez Jose P , Lanas Fernando , Avezum Alvaro , Diaz Rafael , Camacho Paul A , Seron Pamela , Oliveira Gustavo , Orlandini Andres , Rangarajan Sumathy , Islam Shofiqul , Yusuf Salim 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aims
In a multinational South American cohort, we examined variations in CVD incidence and mortality rates between subpopulations stratified by country, by sex and by urban or rural location. We also examined the contributions of 12 modifiable risk factors to CVD development and to death.

Methods and results
This prospective cohort study included 24 718 participants from 51 urban and 49 rural communities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. The mean follow-up was 10.3 years. The incidence of CVD and mortality rates were calculated for the overall cohort and in subpopulations. Hazard ratios and population attributable fractions (PAFs) for CVD and for death were examined for 12 common modifiable risk factors, grouped as metabolic (hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, and high non-HDL cholesterol), behavioural (tobacco, alcohol, diet quality, and physical activity), and others (education, household air pollution, strength, and depression). Leading causes of death were CVD (31.1%), cancer (30.6%), and respiratory diseases (8.6%). The incidence of CVD (per 1000 person-years) only modestly varied between countries, with the highest incidence in Brazil (3.86) and the lowest in Argentina (3.07). There was a greater variation in mortality rates (per 1000 person-years) between countries, with the highest in Argentina (5.98) and the lowest in Chile (4.07). Men had a higher incidence of CVD (4.48 vs. 2.60 per 1000 person-years) and a higher mortality rate (6.33 vs. 3.96 per 1000 person-years) compared with women. Deaths were higher in rural compared to urban areas. Approximately 72% of the PAF for CVD and 69% of the PAF for deaths were attributable to 12 modifiable risk factors. For CVD, largest PAFs were due to hypertension (18.7%), abdominal obesity (15.4%), tobacco use (13.5%), low strength (5.6%), and diabetes (5.3%). For death, the largest PAFs were from tobacco use (14.4%), hypertension (12.0%), low education (10.5%), abdominal obesity (9.7%), and diabetes (5.5%).

Conclusions
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases account for over two-thirds of deaths in South America. Men have consistently higher CVD and mortality rates than women. A large proportion of CVD and premature deaths could be averted by controlling metabolic risk factors and tobacco use, which are common leading risk factors for both outcomes in the region.
Expanding natural transformation to improve beneficial lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Di Giacomo Stefano , Toussaint Frédéric , Ledesma-García Laura , Knoops Adrien , Vande Capelle Florence , Fremaux Christophe , Horvath Philippe , Ladrière Jean-Marc , Ait-Abderrahim Hassina , Hols Pascal , Mignolet Johann 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Nowadays, the growing human population exacerbates the need for sustainable resources. Inspiration and achievements in nutrient production or human/animal health might emanate from microorganisms and their adaptive strategies. Here, we exemplify the benefits of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for numerous biotechnological applications and showcase their natural transformability as a fast and robust method to hereditarily influence their phenotype/traits in fundamental and applied research contexts. We described the biogenesis of the transformation machinery and we analyzed the genome of hundreds of LAB strains exploitable for human needs to predict their transformation capabilities. Finally, we provide a stepwise rational path to stimulate and optimize natural transformation with standard and synthetic biology techniques. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving natural transformation will facilitate and accelerate the improvement of bacteria with properties that serve broad societal interests.
Modelling of glucose repression signalling in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Persson Sebastian , Shashkova Sviatlana , Österberg Linnea , Cvijovic Marija 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a sophisticated signalling system that plays a crucial role in cellular adaptation to changing environments. The SNF1 pathway regulates energy homeostasis upon glucose derepression; hence, it plays an important role in various processes, such as metabolism, cell cycle and autophagy. To unravel its behaviour, SNF1 signalling has been extensively studied. However, the pathway components are strongly interconnected and inconstant; therefore, elucidating its dynamic behaviour based on experimental data only is challenging. To tackle this complexity, systems biology approaches have been successfully employed. This review summarizes the progress, advantages and disadvantages of the available mathematical modelling frameworks covering Boolean, dynamic kinetic, single-cell models, which have been used to study processes and phenomena ranging from crosstalks to sources of cell-to-cell variability in the context of SNF1 signalling. Based on the lessons from existing models, we further discuss how to develop a consensus dynamic mechanistic model of the entire SNF1 pathway that can provide novel insights into the dynamics of nutrient signalling.
Race/Ethnic Differences, Skin Tone, and Memory Among Older Latinos in the United States
Authors: Liu Mao-Mei , Telles Edward , Tucker Katherine L , Falcon Luis M , Jiménez Velázquez Ivonne Z , Dow William H 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
U.S. Latino populations are diverse. Research on racial identity, skin tone, and Latino health is imperative for understanding and combating racism and colorism. We examined differences in memory performance: among non-Latinos and Latinos who identified as Black, other, and White in the United States and then among Puerto Ricans in Boston whose skin tones ranged from dark, medium, light to “white.”

Methods
We used 2010 Health and Retirement Study and 2004 Boston Puerto Rican Health Survey data, respectively, to examine racial and color differences in memory performance among 50 and older adults in the United States and Puerto Rican older adults in Boston. We applied ordinary least squares regression to immediate and delayed word recall test scores and adjusted for education, health conditions, and health behaviors.

Results
In adjusted models, White non-Latinos had better memory performance than White Latinos. Black Latinos, other Latinos, and Black non-Latinos had lower delayed word recall scores than White Latinos. Black Latinos and Black non-Latinos had similar scores. Intra-Latino racial disparities endured despite the inclusion of education and other covariates. Among Puerto Ricans in Boston, medium-toned individuals had higher scores than “white”-toned individuals.

Discussion
Findings support the importance of examining self-identified race and skin tone in Latino aging research. Further investigation is needed to understand the stubborn intra-Latino racial disparities in memory performance and surprising adverse cognitive performance among “white”-toned relative to darker-toned Puerto Ricans in Boston.
Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Bagwell-Gray Meredith E , Ramaswamy Megha 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Women who experience intimate partner violence are an underserved population at risk for cervical cancer, precipitated by their heightened risk for human papilloma virus (HPV) and underutilization of gynecological care. This pilot study describes the self-reported behaviors, levels of knowledge, and perceived self-efficacy with cervical cancer screening (i.e., Pap testing) and prevention (i.e., HPV vaccination) among survivors (N = 30) recruited from two domestic violence shelter organizations in the midwestern United States. Survey results indicate a need for increased knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and prevention strategies among this population; only 23 percent (n = 7) participants reported an up-to-date Pap test and 17 percent (n = 5) participants reported HPV vaccination. Findings also indicate how theoretical constructs from the health belief model, together with feminist understandings of coercive control and empowerment, might explain survivors’ proactive cervical health behaviors and offer insights for intervention.
Global health governance and the principle of subsidiarity: In defense of a robust decentralization approach
Authors: de Campos-Rudinsky Thana C , Canales Mariana 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Global health governance (GHG) scholars have conventionally advocated for a stronger World Health Organization, able to better centralize power and authority in decision-making processes addressing global health challenges. What we call “the centralization approach to GHG reform” has not led to the best outcomes. In challenging the centralization approach and showing where it fails, this article argues for a decentralized GHG reform, predicated on the principle of subsidiarity, as an alternative. We offer an applied ethics analysis of the principle of subsidiarity, which contradicts the conventional wisdom of the centralization approach. This normative article not only opens up a new way in the global health literature of theorizing the long-standing debate on GHG reform, but it also offers a new lens for responding to the current backlash against multilateralism by substantiating the complementarity and cooperation among global health stakeholders in times of pandemics and beyond.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Vaccinated Patients: A Retrospective Case-Control Study and Analysis of Vaccination Field Effectiveness in Austria From 2000 to 2018
Authors: Santonja Isabel , Stiasny Karin , Essl Astrid , Heinz Franz X , Kundi Michael , Holzmann Heidemarie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
There are discrepant observations on the severity of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in vaccinated persons. We, therefore, analyzed the occurrence of severe and mild disease in hospitalized vaccinated and nonvaccinated patients with TBE and determined the field effectiveness (FE) of vaccination against these forms of disease.

Methods
The study covered all patients hospitalized with TBE in Austria from 2000 to 2018. Clinical diagnoses in vaccinated and age- and sex-matched nonvaccinated patients were compared in a nested case-control study. FE was calculated based on vaccination coverage and incidences in the nonvaccinated and vaccinated population.

Results
Of 1545 patients hospitalized with TBE, 206 were vaccinated. In those, a higher proportion of severe TBE was observed, especially in children. FE was high in all age groups and against all forms of disease. The higher proportion of severe TBE can be explained by a lower FE against severe than against mild disease, a difference especially pronounced in children (FE, 82.7% for severe vs 94.7% for mild disease).

Conclusions
The FE of TBE vaccination is excellent. The observed higher proportion of severe disease in vaccinated persons with TBE does not reflect a higher risk associated with vaccination but is rather due to a somewhat lower FE against severe TBE. Because this effect was more pronounced in children, we recommend adapting the immunization schedule.
Effect of sigma E on carbapenem resistance in OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Cremanns Martina , Lange Felix , Gatermann Sören G. , Pfennigwerth Niels 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Resistance levels of Gram-negative bacteria producing OXA-48 carbapenemase can vary greatly and some of them can even be categorized as susceptible to imipenem and meropenem according to EUCAST breakpoints. This study aimed to reveal resistance mechanisms leading to varying levels of resistance to carbapenems in Klebsiella pneumoniae with blaOXA-48 submitted to the German National Reference Centre for MDR Gram-negative bacteria.

Methods
Meropenem-susceptible clinical blaOXA-48-bearing K. pneumoniae isolates were put under gradually increasing selective pressure of meropenem. Clinical isolates and spontaneous meropenem-resistant mutants were whole-genome sequenced with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology. Identified mutations apart from porin mutations were genetically constructed in the original clinical isolates using CRISPR/Cas. Clinical isolates and mutants were analysed for MICs, growth rates and expression of porins on mRNA and protein levels.

Results
Mutations associated with meropenem resistance were predominantly found in ompK36, but in some cases ompK36 was unaffected. In two mutants, ISs within the rpoE (sigma factor E; σE) operon were detected, directly in or upstream of rseA. These IS1R elements were then inserted into the same position of the susceptible clinical isolates using CRISPR/Cas. CRISPR-rseA-rseB-rseC mutants showed higher resistance levels to carbapenems and cephalosporins, reduced growth rates and reduced expression of major porins OmpK36 and OmpK35 in quantitative RT–PCR and SDS-PAGE.

Conclusions
Enhanced synthesis of σE leads to increased resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems in clinical K. pneumoniae isolates. This effect could be based upon remodelling of expression patterns of outer membrane proteins. The up-regulated σE stress response also leads to a significant reduction in growth rates.
A case report of ectopic pancreatic tissue in the gallbladder
Authors: Jansen van Rensburg Anzel , Raufian Kasra 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Heterotropic pancreatic tissue is a rare entity where aberrant pancreatic tissue is located without any anatomical connection to the pancreas. It is usually reported to be found in stomach, duodenum, jejunum and spleen. Rare locations include lung, mediastinum, liver, mesentery, ileum, meckels diverticulum and gallbladder [1, 2]. This anomaly is often an incidental finding during laparotomy or autopsy. We describe a case of an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the histology of the gallbladder showing focal ectopic pancreatic acinar tissue.
Health and illness in migrants and refugees arriving in Europe: analysis of the electronic Personal Health Record system
Authors: Zenner Dominik , Méndez Ana Requena , Schillinger Steffen , Val Elena , Wickramage Kolitha 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
The electronic Personal Health Record (ePHR) is a health information system that registers health data on newly arriving migrants and was implemented in eight European countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia). This is a cross-sectional study aimed to describe the health problems and health status of all migrants attended at health clinics as part of the health assessment programme established in the reception centres (2016–2019).

Methods
Data were collected on demographics, clinical and laboratory findings and diagnostics performed, including medical records. We classified all diseases using pre-specified algorithms according to information on pre-specified variables from the ePHR questionnaire, ICD-10 codes, positive laboratory findings or review of medical records. Crude proportions were calculated and odds ratios (OR) estimated using logistic regression modelling.

Results
The ePHR dataset contained a total of 19 564 clinical episodes in 14 436 individuals, recorded between January 2016 and October 2019. Most individuals (75%) were refugees or asylum seekers (22%) from 92 different nationalities. There were 2531/19 564 (12.9%) infectious diseases episodes reported during the study period, being 1283/2531 (50.7%) of them pharyngo-tonsillitis, 529 (20.9%) scabies, 158 (6.2%) viral hepatitis and 156(6.1%) lower respiratory infections. There were 2462 (17.1%) individuals with non-communicable diseases reported; including 821 (5.7%) cardiovascular diseases, 1183 (8.2%) neurological condition, 644 (4.5%) Diabetes mellitus and 212 (1.5%) kidney disease cases. Having Diabetes Mellitus (adjusted OR, aOR 3.3, [95% confidence interval, CI 2.7–4.1], P &lt; 0.001), and neurological disorders (aOR 1.8, [95% CI 1.4–2.2], P &lt; 0.001) were associated with cardiovascular disorders in the multivariable logistic regression model.
Mental health problems were reported in 641/14 436 (4.4%) individuals and were associated with increasing age. Furthermore, 610 episodes of acute injuries were reported among 585/14 436 (4.1%) people, 517 (88.4%) of them in men (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
The ePHR is a valuable tool to efficiently collect health-related data to better address migrant health issues. We described a mostly healthy population with many acute infectious disease episodes particularly in children, but also with significant number of chronic conditions and less frequent injuries or mental health problems.