bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-Art Review: Diagnosis and Management of Spinal Implant Infections
Authors: Tai Don Bambino Geno , Patel Robin , Lovecchio Francis , Kwee Thomas , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Spinal implant infections are a serious complications of instrumented spinal fusion surgeries, carrying high morbidity and complex management challenges. Early postoperative infections may manifest with wound-healing issues, back pain, and fevers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality, but can be limited by metal artifacts. For cases with stable implants, surgical debridement with implant retention combined with at least 12 weeks of antibiotics is currently considered appropriate treatment. Staphylococcal infections are ideally treated with biofilm-active antibiotics. Suppressive antibiotic therapy can be considered when surgical debridement has been delayed or is incomplete, and for those who are poor surgical candidates for another surgery. Chronic infections may present insidiously with implant failure or pseudarthrosis; implant removal or revision is generally pursued. As current guidance is heavily based on the periprosthetic joint infection literature and low-level studies on spinal implant infections, further research on optimizing diagnostic and treatment approaches is needed.
Physiological response of longfin smelt to changing temperatures and turbidities
Authors: Pasparakis Christina , Biefel Felix , De Castro Francine , Wampler Alexandra , Cocherell Dennis E , Carson Evan W , Hung Tien-Chieh , Connon Richard E , Fangue Nann A , Todgham Anne E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Coastal estuaries globally, including the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), are experiencing significant degradation, often resulting in fisheries collapses. The SFE has undergone profound modifications due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization and increasing water exports for human use. These changes have significantly altered the aquatic ecosystem, favouring invasive species and becoming less hospitable to native species such as the longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys). With longfin smelt abundance declining to &lt;1% of historical numbers, there is a pressing need for laboratory-based experiments aimed at investigating the effects of varying environmental conditions on their stress response and physiology. This study explored the impact of temperature (11 and 14°C) and turbidity maintained with algae (1, 4 and 11 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) on the physiological condition of juvenile longfin smelt. Fish were sampled after 2 and 4 weeks in experimental conditions and analysed for whole-body cortisol, glucose, lactate and protein. Condition factor was calculated using length and weight measurements. Critical thermal maximum trials were conducted to assess how prior rearing conditions affected upper thermal tolerance. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in fish held in low-turbidity conditions, whilst glucose levels were significantly greater at lower temperatures and higher turbidities. Protein-to-mass ratios were significantly greater in higher turbidity conditions, with a significant interaction between temperature and turbidity further influencing these ratios. Moreover, 14°C led to diminished condition factors but increased upper thermal tolerances (26.3 ± 0.05 vs 24.6 ± 0.18) compared to longfin smelt at 11°C, highlighting a potential trade-off between the induction of defense mechanisms and subsequent reductions in energy and growth. Data suggest that cooler temperatures (11°C) and elevated turbidities (11 NTU) can benefit juvenile longfin smelt by reducing stress and enhancing growth and energy. These findings hold significant implications for informing and optimizing future endeavours in the culturing and conservation of this species.
Variation in the community composition of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in neighboring deserts within Joshua Tree National Park
Authors: Chu Hannah H , Murillo Amy C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) in southern California offers a unique opportunity to explore insect biodiversity across 2 distinct desert ecosystems: the lower-elevation Sonoran Desert and the higher-elevation Mojave Desert. In these harsh environments, many blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) serve as important decomposers, feeding on animal waste and decomposing tissue. Some blow fly species, notably non-native species, are associated with human activity, which underscores the need to study their communities in JOTR, where annual visitation has reached 3 million. This study investigated the community composition of blow flies across the park and assessed the impact of visitor activity on blow fly communities in JOTR. Sampling from 2021 to 2023 using traps baited with squid carcasses revealed higher blow fly diversity in the Mojave Desert relative to the Sonoran Desert, in contrast to previous insect and vegetation surveys within the park. Across the park, blow fly community composition (i.e., β-diversity) differed by season. Blow fly abundance, richness, and diversity were similar between low- and high-visitor activity sites. However, more non-native species were collected in areas of low visitor activity, suggesting regular waste removal practices in high-visitation sites might limit their ability to complete development as secondary colonizers. This study is the first to characterize blow fly communities in Joshua Tree National Park. These findings demonstrate that blow fly communities reflect previously established park boundaries and underscore the importance of waste management practices in reducing the spread of non-native species throughout the park.
Three-dimensional movement and distribution of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) in stored wheat at different temperatures and at different times
Authors: Boopathy Harshini , Bharathi Vimala S K , Jayas Digvir S , Jian Fuji 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Understanding the movement and distribution patterns of insects is crucial for developing effective stored grain management protocols. This research investigates 3-dimensional movement and distribution of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) separately at different temperatures (5, 10, 20, and 30°C) and for different movement periods (1, 2, 3, and 24 h) in stored wheat with a uniform moisture content of 14.5% (wet basis). The experiments were conducted in a wooden container with internal dimensions of 0.7 × 0.7 × 0.7 m. The wheat was filled into 343 mesh cubes (referred to as cubes), each measuring 0.1 × 0.1 × 0.1 m, arranged in 7 layers after being loaded into the container. One hundred insects were introduced into the center cube (the center of the container) at the start of each experiment. After the desired movement period, the cubes were removed in less than 45 min from the wooden container. The wheat in each cube was wrapped in labeled plastic bags, sieved, and the insects were recovered and counted. Results indicated that both species exhibited movement speeds &gt; 7.2 m/d in vertical and horizontal directions at higher temperatures (20 and 30°C). At lower temperatures (5 and 10°C), their vertical speed was higher than their horizontal speed. Tribolium castaneum ceased movement at 5°C, whereas ~13% of C. ferrugineus adults continued to move at this temperature. The drift effect and geotaxis influenced the movement and distribution of both species in the vertical direction, while their horizontal movement followed a diffusion pattern.
A systematic review of associations between the environment, DNA methylation, and cognition
Authors: Glover Sophie , Illyuk Jacob , Hill Claire , McGuinness Bernadette , McKnight Amy Jayne , Hunter Ruth F 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases poses a significant public health challenge, prompting a growing focus on addressing modifiable risk factors of disease (e.g. physical inactivity, mental illness, and air pollution). The environment is a significant contributor of risk factors which are known to impact the brain and contribute to disease risk (e.g. air pollution, noise pollution, green and blue spaces). Epigenetics can offer insights into how various environmental exposures impact the body to contribute to cognitive outcomes. In this systematic review, we examined studies which have associated an environmental exposure to a type of epigenetic modification, DNA methylation, and a cognitive outcome. We searched four databases with keywords “environmental exposures,” “epigenetics,” and “cognition.” We yielded 6886 studies that we screened by title/abstract followed by full text. We included 14 studies which focused on four categories of environmental exposure: air pollution (n = 3), proximity to roads (n = 1), heavy metals (n = 6), and pesticides (n = 4). Overall, n = 10/14 studies provided evidence that DNA methylation is statistically significant in the association between the environment and a cognitive outcome. Furthermore, we identified that n = 5/14 studies performed a type of biological pathway analysis to determine the presence of biological pathways between their environmental exposure and cognitive outcome. Our findings underscore the need for methodological improvements and considerations in future studies, including investigation of other environmental exposures considering tissue-specificity of methylation profiles and stratifying analysis by sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic determinants of disease. This review demonstrates that further investigation is warranted, the findings of which may be of use in the development of preventative measures and risk management strategies for neurodegenerative disease.
The crucial role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in diagnosing pulmonary valve endocarditis in patients after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation: a case report
Authors: Rottiers Kaat , Rosseel Liesbeth 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) are at increased risk for infective prosthetic valve endocarditis. Diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) following TPVI is particularly difficult due to impaired visualization of the transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) with echocardiography [Delgado V, Ajmone Marsan N, de Waha S, Bonaros N, Brida M, Burri H, et al. 2023 ESC guidelines for the management of endocarditis. Eur Heart J 2023;44:3948–4042]. The aim of this case report is to describe the significant role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in diagnosing IE post-TPVI.

Case summary
A 22-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with fever and chest pain. Relevant past medical history included a left ventricular outflow membrane resection at infancy, a Ross procedure at the age of 4 with post-operative pacemaker implantation and Melody™ TPVI at the age of 16 because of pulmonary valve stenosis. Blood tests showed elevated inflammatory markers. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 53 mmHg. After 2 days, blood cultures appeared positive for Streptococcus species. Subsequently, transoesophageal echocardiography showed an elevated TPV peak gradient (25 mmHg). No clear valvular nor pacemaker lead vegetations were identified but could not be ruled out as inspection of the TPV was difficult. However, 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated heightened metabolism at the TPV, which confirmed the diagnosis of TPV IE. Intravenous antibiotic treatment was administered, which led to clinical improvement and normalization of the inflammatory markers.

Discussion
Transthoracic echocardiography and transoesophageal echocardiography often fail to provide adequate assessment, making 18F-FDG PET/CT crucial for diagnosing TPV IE in this case. Important to notice is the possibility of false-negative and false-positive diagnoses and the radiation exposure, particularly in this young population.
Image reconstruction impacts haemodynamic parameters derived from 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging with compressed sensing
Authors: Sjöberg Pia , Lala Tania , Wittgren Johan , Jin Ning , Hedström Erik , Töger Johannes 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
4D blood flow measurements by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can be used to simplify blood flow assessment. Compressed sensing (CS) can provide better flow measurements than conventional parallel imaging (PI), but clinical validation is needed. This study aimed to validate stroke volume (SV) measurements by 4D-CS in healthy volunteers and patients while also investigating the influence of the CS image reconstruction parameter λ on haemodynamic parameters.

Methods and results
Healthy participants (n = 9; 20–62 years) underwent CMR with 2D, 4D-CS, and 4D-PI flow. Patients (n = 30, 17 with congenital heart defect; 2–75 years) had 4D-CS added to their clinical examination. Impact of λ was assessed by reconstructing 4D-CS data for six different λ values. In healthy volunteers, 4D-CS and 4D-PI SV differed by 0.4 ± 6.5 mL [0.6 ± 9.1%; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.98], and 4D-CS and 2D flow by 0.9 ± 7.0 mL (0.9 ± 10.6%; ICC 0.98). In patients, 4D-CS and 2D flow differed by −1.3 ± 6.0 mL (−7.2 ± 20%; ICC 0.97). SV was not dependent on λ in patients (P = 0.75) but an increase in λ by 0.001 led to increased differences between 4D-CS and 4D-PI of −0.4% (P = 0.0021) in healthy participants. There were significant differences for ventricular kinetic energy (systole: P &lt; 0.0001; diastole: P &lt; 0.0001) and haemodynamic forces (systole: P &lt; 0.0001; diastole: P &lt; 0.0001), where error increased with increasing λ values in both healthy participants and patients.

Conclusion
4D flow CMR with CS can be used clinically to assess SV in paediatric and adult patients. Ventricular kinetic energy and haemodynamic forces are however sensitive to the change in reconstruction parameter λ, and it is therefore important to validate advanced blood flow measurements before comparing data between scanners and centres.
Cardiorespiratory fitness in COPD and HF from the Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise: a National Database
Authors: Boulet Jacinthe , Myers Jonathan , Christle Jeffrey W , Arena Ross , Kaminsky Leonard , Nozza Anna , Abella Joshua , White Michel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
To better characterize functional consequences of the presence of COPD on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with HF.

Methods and results
Patients with any clinical indication for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were included in the international FRIEND registry. Diagnosis of COPD was confirmed by a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) &lt; 0.70. HF was diagnosed in the presence of symptoms and signs of HF. A total of 10 957 patients were divided into four groups: patients without HF or COPD (n = 8963), patients with HF (n = 852) or COPD (n = 991) alone, and patients with both HF and COPD (n = 151). Maximal workload was the lowest in patients with both HF and COPD [78.09 (95% CI: 72.92, 83.64 watts)], and all pairwise comparisons with adjusted P &lt; 0.05 between groups were statistically significant. Patients with both HF and COPD yielded the lowest PETCO2 values [31.80 (95% CI: 31.00, 32.60)] mmHg and exhibited a higher VE/VCO2 slope compared with HF (36.73 (95% CI: 35.78, 37.68) vs. 33.91 (95% CI: 33.50, 34.33 units, P &lt; 0.0001). Peak VO2 was the lowest with concomitant HF and COPD 19.93 (95% CI: 18.60, 21.27) mL/kg/min and was significantly different compared with all other groups (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Patients referred for CPET with COPD and concomitant HF exhibit a profound impairment in CRF compared with patients with COPD or HF alone. Early identification of pulmonary obstruction in patients with HF by more frequent usage of pulmonary function testing may contribute to providing better treatment for both COPD and HF in these high-risk individuals.
Posterior cricoid plate drill enlargement in idiopathic subglottic stenosis
Authors: Trabalza Marinucci Beatrice , Menna Cecilia , Messa Fabiana , Piccioni Giorgia , Argento Giacomo , Tiracorrendo Matteo , Ciccone Anna Maria , Siciliani Alessandra , Maurizi Giulio , D’Andrilli Antonio , Andreetti Claudio , Rendina Erino Angelo , Ibrahim Mohsen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISS) is an airway stricture between larynx and trachea, within 1 cm from the vocal cords. Resection–reconstruction present technical issues because of the need to resect the anterior portion of the cricoid cartilage, but not the posterior plate beyond which the recurrent laryngeal nerves access the vocal cords. The main surgical challenge consists of the minute airway calibre short below the cords, ensuing after the resection. We propose drill posterior cricoid plate moulding to obtain antero-posterior and lateral amplification of the laryngo-tracheal anastomosis.

METHODS
This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent laryngo-tracheal resection with drill enlargement between January 2023 and June 2024. Laryngo-tracheal resection was performed according to Pearson’s technique. At this point, airway calibre is gauged by endotracheal tubes of increasing size. To enlarge the air space, the inner surface of the posterior plate was moulded by drill. Breathing, complications, voice and swallowing function were recorded.

RESULTS
Our study includes 23 consecutive patients with ISS. No mortality was described. Fifteen patients (65.2%) described voice alteration and 7 (30.4%) experienced transient swallowing impairment. The mean operative time was 94.56 (±28.72) min. All patients breathed well at discharge. Overall early success rate was excellent (no sequelae) in 7 (30.4%) patients, and good (grade A: voice/breathing changes not influencing the quality of life; grade B: abnormal voice and shortness of breath, not hindering normal activities) in 15 (65.2%). At the mean follow-up of 10.5 ± 5.5 months, definitive success was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study describing this technique. The results of our early experience with drill moulding of the posterior cricoid plate are promising. It is an innovative, simple, safe, and effective method for subglottic airway enlargement in ISS, resulting in low post-operative complications, and in good to excellent results.
Market experience and agricultural technology adoption: the role of risk aversion and locus of control
Authors: Nigus Halefom Yigzaw , Mohnen Pierre , Nillesen Eleonora 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study examines the relationship between market experience and the adoption of risky but profitable agricultural technologies and explores the role of demand-side barriers. Using survey and incentivized experimental data, we find that market experience is significantly associated with increased adoption of improved agricultural technologies. Furthermore, we find that market experience is linked to reduced risk aversion and a stronger internal locus of control, which, in turn, are associated with higher technology adoption. Our findings imply that policies aimed at increasing farmers’ investment in improved agricultural technologies benefit not only from providing access to these technologies but also from addressing psychological barriers.
What does infrared thermography tell us about the evolutionary potential of heat tolerance in endotherms?
Authors: Monge Otto , Caro Samuel P , Charmantier Anne 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change affects wild animal populations through increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme climatic events. Endotherms have evolved the capacity to regulate their body temperature but little is still known about how they can physiologically adapt to the pace of global warming. Adaptive responses would require that heat-tolerance mechanisms, such as the capacity to withstand high body temperatures and regulate evaporative water loss, exhibit sufficient heritable genetic variation for selection to act upon. Unfortunately, the quantitative genetics of these traits in endotherms remains poorly understood. In a recent study using infrared thermography (IRT) on semi-captive ostriches, Svensson et al., (Heritable variation in thermal profiles is associated with reproductive success in the world’s largest bird. Evolution Letters, 8(2), 200–211.) sought to address this knowledge gap by measuring relative heat exchange from the head and neck and assessing the link between among-individual variation in heat dissipation and reproductive fitness. We discuss how IRT serves as a valuable tool for non-invasive data collecting, highlighting its potential for field studies of the evolutionary potential of thermal tolerance. Nevertheless, interpreting IRT data is not as straightforward as it may seem and thus must be conducted carefully. For instance, body parts from which surface temperatures are measured need to be unequivocally identified as sources of dry heat exchange in order to inform on thermoregulation—something lacking in the mentioned study. Furthermore, there is still no conclusive evidence that surface temperatures reflect core body temperatures in endotherms. Critical underlying mechanisms of the heat response, such as evaporative cooling, must also be considered. Assumptions stemming from uncertain proxies of thermoregulation can obscure our understanding of the endothermic adaptation of heat-tolerance traits to rapid global warming. These considerations emphasize that, while IRT can be a valuable tool for developing quantitative genetic approaches to estimate the evolutionary potential of heat tolerance in endotherms—particularly for species most vulnerable to warming, its application warrants careful planning.