bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connecting the dots: relationship between heart rate and overall dynamic body acceleration in free-ranging cattle
Authors: Niccolai L J , Devineau Olivier , Thiel Alexandra , Zimmermann Barbara , Evans L Alina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Monitoring physiological indicators including heart rate (HR) is crucial for managing animal welfare across diverse settings, from precision livestock farming to wildlife conservation. HR is a reliable indicator of energy expenditure and stress, yet the invasive nature of HR loggers limits their application in wild and free-ranging species. This study explores whether overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), measured with an external accelerometer, can serve as a less invasive proxy for HR. Using free-ranging cattle as a model species in Norway, we examined the relationship between ODBA and HR to assess how external accelerometry might indirectly reflect physiological states in settings that resemble wild conditions. Cattle provide an ideal model because they share some characteristics with wild herbivores, including exposure to diverse terrain and potential predation, whilst offering advantages for handling and sensor retrieval. Our findings showed that low ODBA values corresponded to static behaviours (e.g. standing, ruminating), where small movements caused HR spikes, whilst higher ODBA reflected dynamic activities (e.g. walking, foraging), with HR plateauing. This relationship suggests that ODBA can be used to approximate HR in environments where direct HR measurement is challenging. By using accelerometry to infer HR changes in free-ranging cattle, this study offers insights that could extend to wild species, offering a tool for conservationists to monitor and manage animal health and well-being less invasively.
Clinical Outcomes After First-Line Anti- Tumor-Necrosis-Factor Treatment of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Mirabella , Larsen Lone , Dige Anders , Poulsen Anja , Lo Bobby , Attauabi Mohamed , Ovesen Pernille Dige , Wewer Mads Damsgaard , Christiansen Dagmar , Hvas Christian Lodberg , Petersen Andreas Munk , Bendtsen Flemming , Seidelin Jakob , Burisch Johan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Existing findings on outcomes of anti-tumor-necrosis-factor (TNF) therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are largely based on retrospective studies. We aimed to investigate real-world outcomes of anti-TNF therapy and predictors thereof in a prospective IBD cohort.

Methods
In a Danish multicenter cohort of adult bio-naïve patients with IBD treated with anti-TNF, we assessed clinical response and remission to induction therapy using clinical disease activity scoring indices at Week 14. In patients who continued treatment beyond the induction period, we also assessed loss of response (LOR), drug withdrawal, and major IBD surgery during maintenance therapy.

Results
This study included 774 patients (706 infliximab, 68 adalimumab) followed for a median duration of 125 weeks Clinical response was achieved in 209/331 (67.4%) of ulcerative colitis (UC) and 125/197 (74.0%) of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, while 143/331 (46.1%) UC and 81/197 (47.9%) CD patients achieved clinical remission. In 294 UC and 309 CD patients received maintenance therapy, while 86/294 (29.3%) UC and 78/309 (25.2%) CD patients experienced LOR. Active smoking and less severe disease activity predicted favorable outcomes in UC, while short disease duration, colonic disease, nonstricturing behavior, and concomitant immunomodulator therapy predicted favorable outcomes in CD.

Conclusions
Clinical response was achieved in 2 in 3 UC and 3 in 4 CD patients, meanwhile, one-third of UC and one-fourth of CD patients experienced LOR despite the short disease duration in this study. Several clinical features were associated with outcomes and may be useful predictors of anti-TNF treatment response.
Surgical management of traumatic tricuspid regurgitation: a case report
Authors: Buttiglione Gianpiero , Höfer Daniel , Hangler Herbert , Bonaros Nikolaos 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Traumatic tricuspid valve regurgitation is a rare condition related to blunt chest trauma. In the early phase, the patients may remain asymptomatic. Progressive tricuspid regurgitation leads to the development of symptoms thereafter. Progressive right ventricular dysfunction aggravates symptoms, and the diagnosis is made by subsequent echocardiography at a later time. The treatment is usually surgical, especially in younger patients.

Case summary
We describe a 30-year-old patient with traumatic tricuspid valve regurgitation after a motorcycle accident. No cardiac injury was detected at the moment of the collision, and the patient remained asymptomatic at the initial phase. Five years later, the patient was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of dyspnoea at exertion. Echocardiography demonstrated severe tricuspid valve regurgitation with right ventricle dilatation. Surgical tricuspid valve repair including ring annuloplasty and implantation of artificial chords via an endoscopic approach was performed. Surgery was complicated by impingement of the right coronary artery by one of the annuloplasty sutures, which was addressed by subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention.

Discussion
Traumatic tricuspid valve regurgitation requires careful evaluation. Transthoracic echocardiography should be recommended to exclude post-traumatic tricuspid regurgitation after major blunt chest trauma. Early diagnosis is important to avoid right ventricular failure. First-line surgical treatment consists of tricuspid repair by means of ring annuloplasty and implantation of artificial chords.
Efficacy of an Internet of Things-based system for cardiac rehabilitation monitoring: insights from the IntellIoT pivotal trial in heart failure patients
Authors: Marketou Maria E , Anastasiou Ioannis , Fourlis Alexis , Alevizaki Aphrodite , Kochiadakis George 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
Digital health solutions targeted to remote clinical monitoring are constantly gaining ground in cardiovascular care. However, evidence regarding their impact on cardiac rehabilitation efficiency in heart failure (HF) patients is relatively limited. In this study, conducted in the context of the IntellIoT project, we evaluated the effect of a purpose-designed Internet of Things (IoT)-based patient monitoring system on cardiac rehabilitation outcomes in a cohort of HF patients.

Methods and results
Nineteen clinically stable HF patients were enrolled in the study, which consisted of a 12-month standard-of-care run-in phase and a remote follow-up phase of equal duration, whereby an IoT-based e-health system was provided to study subjects. Device-derived data transmission was facilitated by a mobile phone application, coupled with a web-based platform accessible to study physicians. Study endpoints were (i) patient adherence rates to e-health system use and their associations to key clinical parameters, (ii) the degree of change in physical activity, and (iii) total time dedicated by physicians to enrolled patients’ care with and without the aid of the e-health system. Baseline-to-peak increase in daily step count was calculated at 23.34%. System use was associated with a decrease in time dedicated by physicians to enrolled patients’ care. A significant negative correlation was observed between age and progressive drop-in adherence rate to system use (r = −0.5722, P = 0.02).

Conclusion
Internet of Things-based healthcare constitutes a promising approach in HF patients’ rehabilitation, whereas elderly patients might constitute the population most likely to benefit. However, larger, randomized studies are required to confirm our findings.
The type of environment has a greater impact on the larval microbiota of Anopheles arabiensis than on the microbiota of their breeding water
Authors: Assentato Lorenzo , Nilsson Louise K J , Brunius Carl , Feltelius Vilhelm , Elleby Rasmus , Hopkins Richard J , Terenius Olle 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Mosquito larvae of the genus Anopheles develop entirely in water, frequently visiting the surface for air. The aquatic environment plays a key role in shaping their microbiota, but the connection between environmental characteristics of breeding sites and larval microbiota remains underexplored. This study focuses on Anopheles arabiensis, which inhabits the surface microlayer (SML) of breeding sites, a zone with high particle density. We hypothesized that the SML could allow us to capture the diversity of the surrounding environment, and in turn its influence on the larval microbial communities. To test this, we collected A. arabiensis larvae and SML samples from various breeding sites categorized by environmental features. Our results confirm that breeding site characteristics are significant drivers of the bacterial species present in mosquito larvae. Additionally, we found that the larval micro-environment selectively shapes its microbiota, highlighting a dynamic interplay between environmental and internal factors. Interestingly, specific bacterial families were associated with the presence or absence of larvae in breeding sites, suggesting potential ecological roles. These findings expand our understanding of vector-mosquito microbiota, emphasizing the importance of breeding site features in shaping larval microbial communities and providing a foundation for future research on mosquito ecology and control strategies.
Proteomic identification of a Toxoplasma gondii sporozoite-specific antigen using HDAC3 inhibitor-treated tachyzoites as surrogate
Authors: Warschkau David , Klein Sandra , Schadt Ella , Doellinger Joerg , Schares Gereon , Seeber Frank 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a complex life cycle. Access to sexual stages and sporozoite-containing oocysts, essential for studying the parasite’s environmental transmission, is limited and requires animal experiments with cats. Thus, alternatives and resource-efficient methods are needed. Several molecular factors and transcriptional switches responsible for differentiation have been identified in recent years. In tachyzoites, drug-induced inhibition of the histone deacetylase HDAC3, or genetic depletion of transcription factors regulating HDAC3, leads to the expression of genes that are specific to sexual stages and oocysts. Here, we applied this concept and showed that the commercially available HDAC3 inhibitor apicidin could be used to identify the hitherto unknown antigen of the sporozoite-specific monoclonal antibody G1/19 in tachyzoites. Using mass spectrometry of immunoprecipitated G1/19 target protein from apicidin-treated cultures, we identified it as SporoSAG. In addition, for the much less abundant sporozoite-specific protein LEA860, apicidin treatment was still sufficient to induce a detectable protein level in immunofluorescence microscopy. We also discuss further applications and the limitations of this approach. This allows to overcome issues with the paucity of material of sexual stages and oocysts from T. gondii to some extent without the need for cat-derived material.
New insights toward the design of an effective trapping method for Coraebus undatus F. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: Mannu Roberto , López Sergio , Quero Carmen , Olivieri Maurizio , Ruiu Pino Angelo , Lentini Andrea 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Coraebus undatus has emerged as a significant threat to the health and productivity of Quercus suber in the Mediterranean region, as its attacks result in a depreciation of commercialized cork planks, leading to severe economic losses. The development of an effective monitoring methodology is essential for the optimal implementation of management strategies as the level of C. undatus infestation can only be assessed after cork debarking. Hence, we conducted a series of studies to assess the efficacy of trap type, color, and size, as well as lure type, for trapping C. undatus. Field trials were conducted in 2020 and 2023 in various infested cork oak stands in Sardinia (Italy). The results demonstrated that the four trapping systems tested (i.e. cross-vane interception traps, prism traps, panel traps, and plastic films) were effective in intercepting C. undatus females. The number of females found in purple cross-vane traps in 2020 was consistently higher than that of other colored traps (i.e. black, green) regardless of the lure tested (cork oak green leaf volatiles or a mixture of three longhorn beetle pheromones). However, data from 2023 field trials showed that the attractiveness of unbaited purple prism traps was higher than that of traps releasing host volatiles. Our observations also revealed that the trapping surface had a significant effect on the number of insects intercepted when testing panel traps. Among the trapping methods we tested, unbaited sticky purple films attached to the cork oak trunk yielded the highest number of catches. Overall, this work contributes to the body of knowledge on the features influencing the efficiency of trapping C. undatus. Our results serve as a baseline for the development of an effective monitoring tool, which may be further improved for use in a mass trapping program.
A free lunch: microhaplotype discovery in an existing amplicon panel improves parentage assignment for the highly polymorphic Pacific oyster
Authors: Thompson Neil F , Sutherland Ben J G , Green Timothy J , Delomas Thomas A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Amplicon panels using genotyping by sequencing methods are now common, but have focused on characterizing SNP markers. We investigate how microhaplotype (MH) discovery within a recently developed Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) amplicon panel could increase the statistical power for relationship assignment. Trios (offspring and two parents) from three populations in a newly established breeding program were genotyped on a 592 locus panel. After processing, 92% of retained amplicons contained polymorphic MH variants and 85% of monomorphic SNP markers contained MH variation. The increased allelic richness resulted in substantially improved power for relationship assignment with much lower estimated false positive rates. No substantive differences in assignment accuracy occurred between SNP and MH datasets, but using MHs increased the separation in log-likelihood values between true parents and highly related potential parents (aunts and uncles). A high number of Mendelian incompatibilities among trios were observed, likely due to null alleles. Further development of a MH panel, including removing loci with high rates of null alleles, would enable high-throughput genotyping by reducing panel size and therefore cost for Pacific oyster research and breeding programs.
Controlling the frequency dynamics of homing gene drives for intermediate outcomes
Authors: Camm Benjamin J , Fournier-Level Alexandre 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Gene drives have enormous potential for solving biological issues by forcing the spread of desired alleles through populations. However, to safeguard from the potentially irreversible consequences on natural populations, gene drives with intermediate outcomes that neither fixate nor get removed from the population are of outstanding interest. To elucidate the conditions leading to intermediate gene drive outcomes, a stochastic, individual allele-focused gene drive model was developed to simulate the diffusion of a homing gene drive in a population. The frequencies of multiple alleles at a locus targeted by a gene drive were tracked under various scenarios. These explored the effect of gene drive conversion efficiency, strength and frequency of resistance alleles, dominance and strength of a fitness cost for the gene drive, and the level of inbreeding. Four outcomes were consistently observed: fixation, loss, temporary, and equilibrium. The latter 2 are defined by the frequency of the gene drive peaking then crashing or plateauing, respectively. No single variable determined the outcome of a drive. The difference between the conversion efficiency and resistance level, modeled quantitatively, differentiated the temporary and equilibrium outcomes. The frequency dynamics of the gene drive within outcomes varied extensively, with different variables driving these dynamics between outcomes. These simulation results highlight the possibility of fine-tuning gene drive outcomes and frequency dynamics. To that end, we provide a web application implementing our model, which will guide the safer design of gene drives able to achieve a range of controllable outcomes tailored to population management needs.
Tracing value from social determinant solutions
Authors: Nichols Len M , Waidman Timothy A , Clemans-Cope Lisa , Garrett Bowen , Taylor Kima 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We develop and illustrate a framework to trace value from social determinants of health (SDOH) interventions across 4 dimensions: health, cost and quality, engagement, and equity. To provide context, we begin by estimating the societal value lost to premature deaths from homelessness and food insecurity, using recent longitudinal methods that offer greater precision. We then apply the value tracing framework to 2 example interventions: permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless people and medically tailored meals for dual eligibles. These examples are supported by a narrative review of relevant literature, highlighting evidence from high-quality studies of SDOH projects that often show a broader range of benefits to multiple stakeholders. Prior research frequently overlooks non-healthcare savings, concluding that interventions “don’t pay for themselves.” In contrast, our findings show that when all beneficiaries are considered, many SDOH interventions yield a net positive value. Recognizing the public good nature of SDOH interventions is essential for reaching accurate policy conclusions. This paper advocates for greater recognition and estimation of the multiple sources of value in payment policies and investment decisions. Additional SDOH interventions and practical examples for local coalitions are provided in appendices.
Intestinal Ultrasound Measures are Strongly Correlated With Small Bowel Endoscopic Lewis Score in Active Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ukashi Offir , Lahat Adi , Ungar Bella , Veisman Ido , Levy Hadar , Sharif Kassem , Eidler Pinhas , Eliakim Rami , Kopylov Uri , Carter Dan , Ben-Horin Shomron , Albshesh Ahmad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Small bowel video capsule endoscopy (SB-VCE) assesses mucosal inflammation in Crohn’s disease (CD), while intestinal ultrasound (IUS) examines transmural involvement. We aimed to correlate SB-VCE with IUS in evaluating active CD and monitoring treatment response over time.

Methods
Patients with active SB-CD who initiated biologics were prospectively followed with fecal calprotectin (FC), SB-VCE, and IUS at baseline and after 14 and 52 weeks. The Lewis score (LS), Limberg index (LI), and terminal ileum bowel wall thickness (TI-BWT) were documented, and the International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score (IBUS-SAS) was retrospectively calculated. Biochemical, endoscopic, and ultrasonographic remission were defined as FC &lt; 150 μg/g, LS &lt; 135, and LI &lt; 2 + TI-BWT ≤ 3 mm, respectively. A therapeutic response for each index was defined as a 25% reduction compared to baseline.

Results
Seventy-one patients were included (median age: 30 years [23-43], 49.3% male). The median interval between SB-VCE and IUS was 3 days (0-25). Initially, the LS strongly correlated with TI-BWT (r = 0.647, P &lt; .001), LI (r = 0.597, P &lt; .001), and IBUS-SAS (r = 0.647, P &lt; .001), but these correlations weakened over time (TI-BWT: r = 0.344, P = .002; LI: r = 0.471, P = .001; IBUS-SAS: r = 0.236, P = .122). Moderate agreement was found between ultrasonographic and endoscopic treatment responses (LS and TI-BWT: K = 0.51, P = .015; LS and LI: K = 0.44, P = .063), with fair agreement for remission (K = 0.27, P = .006). TI-BWT best cutoffs for mild (LS ≥ 135) and moderate-to-severe (LS ≥ 790) inflammation were 2.25 mm and 3.6 mm, respectively

Conclusions
IUS measures are strongly correlated with VCE-inflammatory LS in active CD and may provide an assessment of endoscopic response and remission over time.
Analyzing and mitigating the risks of patient harm during operating room to intensive care unit patient handoffs
Authors: Martins Nara Regina Spall , Martinez Edson Zangiacomi , Simões Cláudia Marquez , Barach Paul Randall , Carmona Maria José Carvalho 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Patients continue to suffer from preventable harm and uneven quality outcomes. Reliable clinical outcomes depend on the quality of robust administrative systems and reliable support processes. Critically ill patient handoffs from the operating room (OR) to the intensive care unit (ICU) are known to be high-risk events. We describe a novel perspective on how risk factors associated with the process of patient handoff communication between the OR and the ICU can lead to flawed communication, degraded team awareness, medical errors, and increased patient harm. Data were collected from two semi-structured focus groups using a five-step risk management approach at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We conducted a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) with multidisciplinary healthcare providers consisting of attending physicians, anesthesiologists, nurses, and physiotherapists involved in patient handoffs. We analyzed the results using a similitude analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing this novel risk management approach. We identified the handoffs risks associated with patients, staff, institution, and potential financial risks. The FMEA identified 12 process failures and 36 causes that generated 12 consequences and pointed to robust needed preventive measures to mitigate handoff risks. The clinical teams reported that this approach allowed them to see the process more completely as a whole not only in their narrow silos, thus understanding the enablers and difficulties of the other team members and how this understanding can shed light on their mental models, actions, and the process reliability. Teams identified key steps in the OR to ICU handoff process that are prone to the highest hazards to patients, the hospital, and staff, and are currently targeted for process improvement. Evidence-driven recommendations intended for reducing the risks associated with patient handoffs are presented. Implementing a dynamic risk management, interdisciplinary approach was used to redesign the OR to ICU patient handoff approach around the patient’s and clinician’s needs. The risk management program helped healthcare providers identify handoff steps, highlighting risky handoff process failures, making it possible to identify actionable failures, consequences, and define preventative action plans for mitigating the risks to improve the quality and safety of patient handoffs.