bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vericiguat and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Insights From the VICTORIA Trial
Authors: Butler Javed , Stebbins Amanda , Melenovský Vojtěch , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Cowie Martin R. , Stehlik Josef , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Blaustein Robert O. , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Nkulikiyinka Richard , O’Connor Christopher M. , Pieske Burkert M. , Ponikowski Piotr , Spertus John A. , Voors Adriaan A. , Anstrom Kevin J. , Armstrong Paul W. ,   on behalf of the VICTORIA Study Group
Published: June 2022

Background:
We examined the effects of vericiguat compared with placebo in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction enrolled in VICTORIA (Vericiguat Global Study in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) on health status outcomes measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and evaluated whether clinical outcomes varied by baseline KCCQ score.

Methods:
KCCQ was completed at baseline and 4, 16, and 32 weeks. We assessed treatment effect on KCCQ using a mixed-effects model adjusting for baseline KCCQ and stratification variables. Cox proportional-hazards modeling was performed to evaluate the effect of vericiguat on clinical outcomes by tertiles of baseline KCCQ clinical summary score (CSS), total symptom score (TSS), and overall summary score (OSS).

Results:

Of 5050 patients, 4664, 4741, and 4470 had KCCQ CSS (median [25th to 75th], 65.6 [45.8–81.8]), TSS (68.8 [47.9–85.4]), and OSS (59.9 [42.0–77.1]) at baseline; 94%, 88%, and 82% had data at 4, 16, and 32 weeks. At 16 weeks, CSS improved by a median of 6.3 in both arms; no significant differences in improvement were seen for TSS and OSS between the 2 groups (
P
=0.69, 0.97, and 0.13 for CSS, TSS, and OSS). Trends were similar at 4 and 32 weeks. Vericiguat versus placebo reduced cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization risk similarly across tertiles of baseline KCCQ CSS, TSS, and OSS (interaction
P
=0.13, 0.21, and 0.65).

Conclusions:
Vericiguat did not significantly improve KCCQ scores compared with placebo. Vericiguat reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization across the range of baseline health status.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02861534.
Differences in Prognostic Value of Myocardial Perfusion Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Using High-Efficiency Solid-State Detector Between Men and Women in a Large International Multicenter Study
Authors: Tamarappoo Balaji K. , Otaki Yuka , Sharir Tali , Hu Lien-Hsin , Gransar Heidi , Einstein Andrew J. , Fish Mathews B. , Ruddy Terrence D. , Kaufmann Philipp , Sinusas Albert J. , Miller Edward J. , Bateman Timothy M. , Dorbala Sharmila , Di Carli Marcelo , Eisenberg Evann , Liang Joanna X. , Dey Damini , Berman Daniel S. , Slomka Piotr J. 
Published: June 2022

Background:
Semiquantitative assessment of stress myocardial perfusion defect has been shown to have greater prognostic value for prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in women compared with men in single-center studies with conventional single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cameras. We evaluated sex-specific difference in the prognostic value of automated quantification of ischemic total perfusion defect (ITPD) and the interaction between sex and ITPD using high-efficiency SPECT cameras with solid-state detectors in an international multicenter imaging registry (REFINE SPECT [Registry of Fast Myocardial Perfusion Imaging With Next-Generation SPECT]).

Methods:
Rest and exercise or pharmacological stress SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging were performed in 17 833 patients from 5 centers. MACE was defined as the first occurrence of death or myocardial infarction. Total perfusion defect (TPD) at rest, stress, and ejection fraction were quantified automatically by software. ITPD was given by stressTPD-restTPD. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between ITPD versus MACE-free survival and expressed as a hazard ratio.

Results:

In 10614 men and 7219 women, with a median follow-up of 4.75 years (interquartile range, 3.7–6.1), there were 1709 MACE. In a multivariable Cox model, after adjusting for revascularization and other confounding variables, ITPD was associated with MACE (hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05–1.1];
P
<0.001). There was an interaction between ITPD and sex (
P
<0.001); predicted survival for ITPD<5% was worse among men compared to women, whereas survival among women was worse than men for ITPD≥5%,
P
<0.001.

Conclusions:
In the international, multicenter REFINE SPECT registry, moderate and severe ischemia as quantified by ITPD from high-efficiency SPECT is associated with a worse prognosis in women compared with men.
Sex Differences in Culprit Plaque Characteristics Among Different Age Groups in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Seegers Lena Marie , Araki Makoto , Nakajima Akihiro , Yonetsu Taishi , Minami Yoshiyasu , Ako Junya , Soeda Tsunenari , Kurihara Osamu , Higuma Takumi , Kimura Shigeki , Adriaenssens Tom , Nef Holger M. , Lee Hang , McNulty Iris , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Jang Ik-Kyung 
Published: June 2022

Background:
Despite the significant decline in cardiovascular mortality in women over the past several decades, sex differences in the underlying pathology of acute coronary syndromes remain poorly understood. Previous postmortem studies have demonstrated sex differences in coronary plaque morphology with a higher prevalence of plaque erosion in young women and more plaque rupture in older women after menopause, whereas men showed no increase in prevalence of plaque rupture with age. However, in vivo data are limited.

Methods:
This study included patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome and underwent preintervention optical coherence tomography imaging of the culprit lesion. The culprit plaque was categorized as plaque rupture, plaque erosion or culprit plaque with calcification, and stratified by age. Features of plaque vulnerability at culprit lesion were also analyzed.

Results:

In 1368 patients (women=286), women and men had a similar distribution of culprit plaque morphology (plaque rupture versus plaque erosion). However, significant sex differences were found in the underlying mechanisms of acute coronary syndrome among different age groups: women showed a significant ascending trend with age in plaque rupture (
P
<0.001) and the features of plaque vulnerability such as lipid plaque (
P
<0.001), thin-cap fibroatheroma (
P
=0.005), and microstructures including macrophages, cholesterol crystals, and calcification (
P
=0.026). No trend was observed in men.

Conclusions:
Age related sex differences in culprit plaque morphology and vulnerability were identified in patients with acute coronary syndrome: prevalence of plaque rupture and vulnerability increased with age in women but not in men.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01110538 and NCT03479723.
Fine-Tuning Cardiac Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Signaling to Promote Health and Longevity
Authors: Abdellatif Mahmoud , Trummer-Herbst Viktoria , Heberle Alexander Martin , Humnig Alina , Pendl Tobias , Durand Sylvère , Cerrato Giulia , Hofer Sebastian J. , Islam Moydul , Voglhuber Julia , Ramos Pittol José Miguel , Kepp Oliver , Hoefler Gerald , Schmidt Albrecht , Rainer Peter P. , Scherr Daniel , von Lewinski Dirk , Bisping Egbert , McMullen Julie R. , Diwan Abhinav , Eisenberg Tobias , Madeo Frank , Thedieck Kathrin , Kroemer Guido , Sedej Simon 
Published: June 2022

Background:
The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) pathway is a key regulator of cellular metabolism and aging. Although its inhibition promotes longevity across species, the effect of attenuated IGF1 signaling on cardiac aging remains controversial.

Methods:
We performed a lifelong study to assess cardiac health and lifespan in 2 cardiomyocyte-specific transgenic mouse models with enhanced versus reduced IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling. Male mice with human IGF1R overexpression or dominant negative phosphoinositide 3-kinase mutation were examined at different life stages by echocardiography, invasive hemodynamics, and treadmill coupled to indirect calorimetry. In vitro assays included cardiac histology, mitochondrial respiration, ATP synthesis, autophagic flux, and targeted metabolome profiling, and immunoblots of key IGF1R downstream targets in mouse and human explanted failing and nonfailing hearts, as well.

Results:
Young mice with increased IGF1R signaling exhibited superior cardiac function that progressively declined with aging in an accelerated fashion compared with wild-type animals, resulting in heart failure and a reduced lifespan. In contrast, mice with low cardiac IGF1R signaling exhibited inferior cardiac function early in life, but superior cardiac performance during aging, and increased maximum lifespan, as well. Mechanistically, the late-life detrimental effects of IGF1R activation correlated with suppressed autophagic flux and impaired oxidative phosphorylation in the heart. Low IGF1R activity consistently improved myocardial bioenergetics and function of the aging heart in an autophagy-dependent manner. In humans, failing hearts, but not those with compensated hypertrophy, displayed exaggerated IGF1R expression and signaling activity.

Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that the relationship between IGF1R signaling and cardiac health is not linear, but rather biphasic. Hence, pharmacological inhibitors of the IGF1 pathway, albeit unsuitable for young individuals, might be worth considering in older adults.
Self-Replication in Neural Networks
Authors: Gabor Thomas , Illium Steffen , Zorn Maximilian , Lenta Cristian , Mattausch Andy , Belzner Lenz , Linnhoff-Popien Claudia 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
A key element of biological structures is self-replication. Neural networks are the prime structure used for the emergent construction of complex behavior in computers. We analyze how various network types lend themselves to self-replication. Backpropagation turns out to be the natural way to navigate the space of network weights and allows non-trivial self-replicators to arise naturally. We perform an in-depth analysis to show the self-replicators’ robustness to noise. We then introduce artificial chemistry environments consisting of several neural networks and examine their emergent behavior. In extension to this work’s previous version (Gabor et al., 2019), we provide an extensive analysis of the occurrence of fixpoint weight configurations within the weight space and an approximation of their respective attractor basins.
Research Grants Crowding Out and Crowding In Donations to Higher Education
Authors: Gannaway Grant , Heutel Garth , Price Michael 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Using a dataset that includes every private donation made to a large public university from 1938 to 2012 and demographic information on all alumni, we examine the effects of public research funding on individual donations. Our dataset allows us to examine crowding effects on a small time scale and extensive donor characteristics. We estimate effects on the total number of donations (extensive margin) and on the average size of a donation (intensive margin). National Science Foundation research grants have a positive (crowd-in) effect on the extensive margin and a negative (crowd-out) effect on the intensive margin. We find no evidence of these effects from other sources of federal research funding. Previous donors and in-state residents respond differently to grants than do new donors and out-of-state residents, respectively.
Forced Return of Embedded Asylum-Seeking Families with Children to Armenia from a Children’s Rights Perspective
Authors: Zijlstra A. Elianne , Bonhage-Talsma Grytsje T. , Post Wendy J. , Kalverboer Margrite E. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Asylum-seeking families with children can be forced to return to their country of origin after staying several years in the Netherlands. The best interests of the child should play a role in return decisions. It is unclear whether the development of these children is threatened after forced return. This study aims to gain insight from a children’s rights perspective into the situation of children who were forced to return to Armenia. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with 17 children and their parents. Results show that children are negative about their lives in Armenia after forced return. They experience psychosocial, identity and physical problems. Access to basic needs, care and education is limited. The parents’ emotional availability decreases. From a children’s rights perspective, it can be concluded that the decision to return children in this study did not meet their developmental needs, their best interests and children’s rights are contravened.
Inter-American Children and their Rights: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Judicial Decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Authors: Silva Niño de Zepeda Rafael 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This article focuses on the influence of courts and the achr in the social construction of childhood and children’s rights. Using critical discourse analysis, it explores the meanings and understandings of childhood and children’s rights that emerge from the judgments of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on family care, custody, adoption, deprivation of liberty and detention conditions. From this analysis, I argue that the iachr constructs a normative notion of the child according to which she is understood as being between the categories of human being, human becoming, subject of rights and object of protection and a concept of children’s rights according to which these are primarily thought of as their right to receive special measures of protection. The tensions between this complex view on childhood and a paternalistic approach to children’s rights reveals the need for a children’s rights specific international human rights law instrument for the Inter-American human rights system.
Children’s Rights in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Canosa Antonia , van Doore Kathryn E. , Beazley Harriot , Graham Anne 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This article maps and critically discusses the intersection of childhood, human rights and tourism in scholarly research. Findings reveal this area of scholarship has received little attention beyond “adultist” and “protectionist” approaches, which construct children as too vulnerable to participate in tourism research, policy and practice. Through a systematic scoping review of relevant peer-reviewed scholarly articles, we argue for more child-centred, rights-based, and participatory approaches to engaging children in research about their lives in an area where their voices are often neglected. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (uncrc) was an important milestone in realising children’s rights, and while much has been achieved during this time, children’s rights research and scholarship must address certain fundamental issues to move into the future. This paper aims to respond to the recent call for more interdisciplinary efforts focused on children’s rights in the context of global development and tourism.
Place of Tubomanometry in Patulous Eustachian Tube Diagnosis
Authors: Ros Laetitia , Gargula Stéphane , Montava Marion , Michel Justin , Radulesco Thomas , Lavieille Jean‐Pierre 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our study was to describe the diagnostic performances of tubomanometry (TMM) and to determine tubomanometric parameter thresholds for the diagnosis of patulous eustachian tube (PET).Study DesignWe performed a retrospective, monocentric study, including patients treated for PET vs control group.SettingThis study was performed at the Otolaryngology Department of a tertiary‐care hospital in the south of France.MethodsWe collected epidemiologic and clinical data, as well as adjusted opening latency index (“R”‐index), rhinopharyngeal pressure threshold of tubal opening (Po), and velar contraction index (IVC) on TMM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for determination of R index and Po thresholds.ResultsTwenty‐one patients (26 patulous ears) and 14 controls (24 normal ears) were included. The R index values and Po values were significantly lower in the PET group vs controls (0.46 vs 0.80, respectively; P < .05 for R index and 13.89 vs 26.42 mbar, respectively; P < .05 for Po). No significant difference was reported between the 2 groups on IVC measurement (P = .784). After ROC curve analysis, R index was the most discriminating factor to classify PET patients with 89% specificity and 76% sensitivity with a threshold ≤0.6. Po value ≤10 mbar could support this diagnosis with more than 83% specificity.ConclusionTMM is a reliable noninvasive method for positive diagnosis of PET. TMM could provide an accurate positive PET diagnosis and an objective evaluation for PET management.
The Green is the New Red? A Libertarian Challenge: The Radicals and the Friends of the Earth Italy, 1976–1983
Authors: Bonfreschi Lucia 
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on Italian libertarian and anti-authoritarian environmentalism, embodied at the political level by the Radical Party and by a small organization linked to it, the Amici della Terra, the Italian section of Friends of the Earth. It aims at highlighting their role within the environmentalist galaxy of associations, movements and committees and at studying their political strategy, the peculiarities of their cultural and political contribution to the Green movement, but also their clashes with the other components. The paper analyses the Radical Party and Amici della Terra's support for anti-nuclear mobilizations in the late 1970s, especially against the construction of a nuclear plant in Montalto di Castro; how they provided a political outlet for many animal-rights movements and contributed to bringing conservationist associations closer to politics; and how they tried to build international links with other Green parties and associations. The paper highlights some political and ideological clashes between Radical environmentalism and the so-called ‘Red ecology’ around the referendum against nuclear power plants, the anti-hunting referendum and the mobilization for peace and the Amici della Terra's proposal to create local Green Lists. Thus it aims at adding a political interpretation to the cultural one – suggested by scholars – of the delay in the development of a Green party in Italy compared to other Western European countries.
Metabolic syndrome following a first episode of psychosis: results of a 1-year longitudinal study conducted in metropolitan Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Coentre Ricardo , Levy Pedro , Góis Carlos , Figueira Maria Luísa 
Published: June 2022

Objective We aimed to assess the prevalence and course of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the associated metabolic parameters during the year following a first episode pf psychosis (FEP). Methods We performed a 1-year longitudinal observation of 60 patients who experienced FEP. MetS was defined using the modified definition of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. We assessed the metabolic parameters and socio-demographic and psychopathological data for the participants. Results The mean age of the participants was 27.1 years, and 33.3% of them were women. There was an increase in the prevalence of MetS from 6.7% to 11.7% during the year following the baseline assessment during the year following the baseline assessment ( p = 0.250). There were also significant increases in the prevalences of abnormal triglyceride concentration, waist circumference, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentration during this period. In addition, there was a considerable worsening of the metabolic profile of the participants. No baseline parameters were identified to be predictors of MetS over the 1-year follow-up period. Conclusions We can conclude that metabolic abnormalities are common in patients with FEP and that these rapidly worsen during the first year following the diagnosis of FEP. Studies on interventions are needed to reduce metabolic risk to cardiovascular diseases following the FEP.
Refining the psychometric properties of the Trinity Student Occupational Performance Profile – A self-report measure of occupational performance difficulties within the student role
Authors: Lombard Kim , Nolan Clodagh , Heron Elizabeth 
Published: June 2022

Introduction Navigating the transition to university can pose occupational performance difficulties for students with mental health disabilities including those on the autism spectrum or with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This study aimed to refine the Trinity Student Occupational Performance Profile (TSOPP) – a self-report measure of occupational performance difficulties within the student role for students with mental health disabilities which is based on the Person-Environment-Occupation model. Method Data from 667 files were gathered from two Irish universities. Rasch analyses were conducted on the measure’s item-sets (i.e. Person N = 30; Environment N = 20; Occupation N = 24) and on an item-set which combined all 74 items. All item-sets were assessed for fit, rating scale functioning, dimensionality, reliability and separation indices. Results The TSOPP demonstrated stronger psychometric properties as a combined item-set which measures the ultimate construct of occupational performance difficulties within the student role. The 6-point scale was collapsed into a 4-point scale and 20 redundant items were removed. The item difficulty hierarchy provided empirical evidence for occupational performance difficulties in the student role. Conclusion The TSOPP is a valid and reliable self-report measure of occupational performance difficulties within the student role for students with mental health disabilities in higher education.
Priorities for returning to work after traumatic injury: A public and professional involvement study
Authors: Gavin James P , Kettlewell Jade , Elliott Abigail O , Ammour Sandra , Wareham Peter 
Published: June 2022

Introduction Following traumatic injury, occupational therapists (OTs) are pivotal in supporting people to return-to-work (RTW) and regain independence. Aim: to identify priorities for RTW after traumatic injury and highlight barriers hindering the process. Method We recruited 17 participants with direct (i.e. trauma survivor [ n = 11]; OT trauma survivor [ n = 2]) or indirect (i.e. OT [ n = 4]) experience of returning to work following traumatic injury. Online consultations, lasting 60 min, were guided by a semi-structured script ensuring relevant topics were covered. An inductive approach was used for coding themes using thematic analysis. Findings Sense of purpose, identity and social interaction were greater priorities for RTW, than financial stability. Major barriers were: pain and fatigue; adapting to physical changes; impacts on mental health; and lack of support (healthcare and the workplace). Participants (public and healthcare professionals) reported a lack of vocational rehabilitation in supporting trauma survivors RTW, but advocated occupational therapy for psychological recovery; purposeful engagement in occupations; and community support. Conclusion Restoring an individual’s self-identity and social connections, whilst helping control pain and fatigue, should be prioritised when planning occupational therapy for those returning to work after traumatic injury. This study was limited to ‘returners’, but can inform occupational therapy interventions for RTW.