bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mechanistic interaction between mechanical dyssynchrony and filling pressure in cardiac resynchronisation therapy candidates
Authors: Beela Ahmed S , Manetti Claudia A , Prinzen Frits W , Delhaas Tammo , Herbots Lieven , Lumens Joost 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims
Both left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony and filling pressure have been shown to be associated with outcome in heart failure patient treated with cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). To investigate the mechanistic link between mechanical dyssynchrony and filling pressure and to assess their combined prognostic value in CRT candidates.

Methods and results
Left atrial pressure (LAP) estimation and quantification of mechanical dyssynchrony were retrospectively performed in 219 CRT patients using echocardiography. LAP was elevated (eLAP) in 49% of the population, normal (nLAP) in 40%, and indeterminate in 11%. CRT response was defined as per cent-decrease in LV end-systolic volume after 12 ± 6 months CRT. Clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality during 4.8 years (interquartile range: 2.7–6.0 years). To investigate the mechanistic link between mechanical dyssynchrony and filling pressure, the CircAdapt computer model was used to simulate cardiac mechanics and haemodynamics in virtual hearts with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and various causes of increased filling pressure. Patients with nLAP had more significant mechanical dyssynchrony than those with eLAP. The combined assessment of both parameters before CRT was significantly associated with reverse LV remodelling and post-CRT survival. Simulations revealed that mechanical dyssynchrony is attenuated by increased LV operational chamber stiffness, regardless of whether it is caused by passive or active factors, explaining the link between mechanical dyssynchrony and filling pressure.

Conclusion
Our combined clinical-computational data demonstrate that in patients with LBBB, the presence of mechanical dyssynchrony indicates relatively normal LV compliance and low filling pressure, which may explain their strong association with positive outcomes after CRT.
Qualitative and quantitative assessment of atrial functional mitral regurgitation: analysis from the REVEAL-AFMR registry
Authors: Murata Azusa , Kaneko Tomohiro , Amano Masashi , Sato Yukio , Ohno Yohei , Obokata Masaru , Sato Kimi , Okada Taiji , Sakamoto Akira , Hirose Naoki , Morita Kojiro , Machino-Ohtsuka Tomoko , Abe Yukio , Minamino Tohru , Delgado Victoria , Kagiyama Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims
The prevalence, characteristics, and prognosis of atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) based on severity remain unclear. No studies have systematically evaluated quantitative thresholds, such as effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) or regurgitant volume, in relation to outcomes in AFMR. This multicentre study aimed to clarify the clinical implications of both qualitative and quantitative assessments of AFMR severity.

Methods and results
In this first multicentre study across 26 centres, patients with at least moderate AFMR—defined by preserved left ventricular (LV) function, enlarged left atrium (LA), and absence of primary mitral valve changes—were retrospectively analysed. AFMR severity was evaluated using a comprehensive approach, including EROA, regurgitant volume, and regurgitant fraction. Among the 1007 patients, 728 (72.3%) had moderate, 146 (14.5%) moderate-to-severe, and 133 (13.2%) severe AFMR. Age, sex, natriuretic peptide levels, and LV ejection fraction were similar across all groups. Patients with severe AFMR had longer atrial fibrillation history, worse heart failure symptoms, larger LV and LA, and more severe tricuspid regurgitation. AFMR severity was independently associated with a higher risk of death, heart failure hospitalization, and mitral valve intervention (hazard ratio 1.51, P = 0.001 for moderate-to-severe, 2.80, P &lt; 0.001 for severe). Quantitative thresholds showed a significantly higher event risk with EROA ≥ 0.30, regurgitant volume ≥ 60 mL, and regurgitant fraction ≥ 50%.

Conclusion
Severe AFMR was common and linked to greater atrial fibrillation burden, cardiac structural issues, and an increased risk of adverse clinical events. Quantitative thresholds offer valuable guidance for clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
Impact of intravascular ultrasound for coronary bifurcations treated with last-generation stents: insights from the ULTRA-BIFURCAT registry
Authors: Bruno Francesco , Choi Ki Hong , De Filippo Ovidio , Kim Hyun Kuk , Doronzo Mattia , Cho Yun-Kyeong , Pinxterhuis Tineke H , Kang Jeehoon , Mattesini Alessio , Song Young Bin , Piccolo Raffaele , Koo Bon-Kwon , Wańha Wojciech , Lee Hyun-Jong , Cortese Bernardo , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Perl Leor , Kim Hyo-soo , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Iannaccone Mario , Chun Woo Jung , Capodanno Davide , Leone Attilio , Truffa Giachet Alessandra , Hur Seung-Ho , Stefanini Giulio , Han Seung Hwan , Escaned Javier , Carmeci Antonino , Campo Gianluca , Patti Giuseppe , von Birgelen Clemens , de Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Nam Chang-Wook , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Bifurcation lesions are associated with higher rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Aim
To investigate the impact of imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a real-world population with coronary bifurcation lesions.

Methods and results
From the ULTRA-BIFURCAT registry, we compared intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) vs. angiographic guidance in a cohort of 3486 propensity matched patients. MACE, a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), target-lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis was the primary endpoint. Subgroup analyses were performed for unprotected left main (ULM) and non-ULM disease. PSM generated 1743 pairs. MACE occurred in 154 (9%) patients in the IVUS-guided group and in 199 (11%) patients in the angio-guided group (P = 0.09). IVUS guidance was associated with lower MACE in the ULM population [hazard ratio (HR) 0.62, 95% confidence internal (CI) 0.46–0.83], but had no impact in the non-ULM population (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.83–1.51), P for interaction = 0.006. IVUS was associated with a reduction in all-MI (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16–0.64) in the ULM population and with lower stent thrombosis (ST) in the non-ULM population (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08–0.71). Provisional stenting was associated with lower MACE in the ULM population (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45–0.98), whereas kissing balloon (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56–0.99) and ultra-thin stents (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.29–0.67) were protective factors in the non-ULM population.

Conclusion
In a real-world scenario, IVUS guidance during drug eluting stent (DES) implantation is associated with a lower rate of MACE in patients with ULM coronary bifurcation lesions. In non-ULM bifurcations, no difference was observed on MACE, while IVUS guidance was associated with a lower rate of ST.
Does metabolic rate influence genome-wide amino acid composition in the course of animal evolution?
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang De-Xing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Natural selection is believed to shape amino acid usage of the proteome by minimizing the energy cost of protein biosynthesis. Although this hypothesis explains well the amino acid frequency (AAfrequency) difference among the 20 common amino acids within a given genome (species), whether it is applicable to cross-species difference remains to be inspected. Here, we proposed and tested a “metabolic rate hypothesis,” which suggests that metabolic rate impacts genome-wide AAfrequency, considering that the energy allocated to protein biosynthesis is under selection pressure due to metabolic rate constraint. We performed integrated phylogenetic comparative analyses on proteomic sequence and metabolic rate data of 166 species covering 130 eumetazoan orders. We showed that resting metabolic rate (RMR) was significantly linked to AAfrequency variation across animal lineages, with a contribution comparable to or greater than genomic traits such as GC content and codon usage bias. Consistent with the metabolic rate hypothesis, low-energy-cost amino acids are observed to be more likely at higher frequency in animal species with high (residual) metabolic rate. Correlated evolution of RMR and AAfrequency was further inferred being driven by adaptation. The relationship between RMR and AAfrequency varied greatly among amino acids, most likely reflecting a trade-off among various interacting factors. Overall, there exists no “one-size-fits-all” predictor for AAfrequency, and integrated investigation of multilevel traits is indispensable for a fuller understanding of AAfrequency variation and evolution in animal.
Asymmetrical hybridization and environmental factors influence the spatial genetic structure of a killifish hybrid zone
Authors: Hardy Andrew L , Gaither Michelle R , Lotterhos Katie E , Greaves Samuel , Cipolla Kyra Jean , Kerns Emily V , Prieto Trujillo Andres , Gilg Matthew R 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Hybridization offers insight into speciation and the forces that maintain barriers to reproduction, and hybrid zones provide excellent opportunities to test how environment shapes barriers to reproduction and hybrid fitness. A hybrid zone between the killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus and Fundulus grandis, had been identified in northeastern Florida, although the spatial structure and parameters that affect the distribution of the two species remain unknown. The present study aimed to determine the fine-scale spatial genetic patterns of the hybrid zone to test the hypothesis that species ranges are influenced by changes in dominant vegetation and to determine how differences in reproductive barriers between the two species influence the observed patterns. The area of overlap between the two species spanned ~37 km and showed a mosaic pattern of hybridization, suggesting the spatial structure of the hybrid zone is largely influenced by the environment. Environmental association analysis, however, suggested that while dominant vegetation had a significant influence on the spatial structure of the hybrid zone, a combination of environmental factors was driving the observed patterns. Hybridization tended to be rare at sites where F. heteroclitus was the more abundant species, suggesting that differences in preference for conspecifics can lead to differences in rates of introgression into parental taxa and likely result in a range-shift as opposed to adaptation in the face of climate change.
German Intelligence during the Second World War: The Canary Islands as a Case Study
Authors: García Cabrera Marta 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Between 1939 and 1945, the Canary Islands, an important region of nominally neutral or non-belligerent Spain, were a site of military planning, diplomacy, propaganda, naval supply, and intelligence. Most practically, the Third Reich utilized the islands as a supply station for ships and submarines. It could also draw on the National Socialist sympathies of the large and integrated German community. It established intelligence-gathering campaigns in four forms: (1) naval intelligence gathered by the secret supply service of the German Navy, (2) a network of espionage, information, subversion and sabotage operations organized by the Abwehr, which connected the islands with Río de Oro, Ifni and Cabo Juby in Spanish Sahara, (3) a military radio monitoring and interception substation; and (4) surveillance and information-gathering undertaken by agents of police organizations. This article considers the role played by German intelligence in the Canary Islands as a case study of wartime intelligence operations.
Nursing Home Administrators’ Experiences of Work Stress and Intention to Quit During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nelson H Wayne , Weil Joyce , McSweeney-Feld Mary Helen , Yang Bo Kyum , Barry Theresa “Teta” , Thayer Natalie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic negatively affected nursing home administrators (NHAs). This study explores licensed and employed NHA’s perceptions about what work stress events would drive their turnover intentions (TI) in year 3 of the pandemic.

Research Design and Methods
As part of a larger survey-based research project collecting numerical and textual data, this study conducted content analysis with qualitative data. Narrative data from 3,859 discrete responses of 1,139 NHAs, from 50 states and Washington, DC, on 2 open-ended electronic survey questions asking about their work stress and TI were collected from February to March 2022. Categories and subcategories were counted and discussed in context as themes.

Results
We identified 4 main narrative categories with subcategories about NHA’s stress about the regulatory system (e.g., excessive, conflicting, changing regulations), staffing (e.g., insufficient, agency staff), organizational pressures (e.g., work overload), and macro system stressors (e.g., media representation of nursing homes). Three main TI categories with subcategories were identified: the long-term care (LTC) setting and system (e.g., regulatory demands, staffing, facility surveys); personal factors (e.g., stress, career opportunities); and others (e.g., “I would never quit” or “I already decided to quit”).

Discussion and Implications
Whole community disaster planning, person-centered surveyor training, improved regulatory guidance, simplified reporting, adequate guidance assistance, and adequate staff could mitigate NHA stress and TI during crises. Administrator resilience should be recognized. Solutions for supporting NHAs can include long-term care industry participation in public health disaster preparedness coalitions, consistent regulatory guidelines with established communication channels, and ongoing crisis leadership training for administrators.
Iterative algorithm for computing magnetic field considering remanent magnetization and demagnetization
Authors: Zhang Ying , Dai Shikun , Zhang Qianjiang , Ling Jiaxuan 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARY
Efficient and high-precision methods for performing large-scale numerical calculations under high magnetic susceptibility conditions are essential for magnetic exploration applications. This paper proposes an algorithm for magnetic field modelling considering both demagnetization and remanent magnetization. The 3-D partial differential equation of magnetic potential is reduced to a 1-D ordinary differential equation in the space-wavenumber domain through a 2-D Fourier transform in the horizontal direction. Using the quadratic interpolation finite element method to obtain the pentagonal equation, the chasing method is used to solve the equation efficiently, and a contraction operator based on electromagnetic integral equation method is introduced to ensure stable iteration convergence. The validity of the algorithm was confirmed by comparing it with analytical solutions. Numerical examples demonstrate the importance of considering demagnetization under high magnetization conditions. Test results reveal that magnetic susceptibility is the sole factor affecting convergence among the factors examined. Further analysis showed that, for the same magnetic susceptibility, the algorithm converges with the same number of iterations and higher precision is achieved with an increasing number of nodes. Under the same grid configuration, higher magnetic susceptibility requires more iterations to converge and results in lower algorithm precision. The algorithm presented in this paper shows higher efficiency compared to those based on integral equations. Moreover, we demonstrate the algorithm's high accuracy when applied to models with anomalies near boundaries. Finally, the adaptability of the algorithm to complex geological models and undulating topography is verified by combining model tests with DEM data. This algorithm presents an efficient and high-precision method for magnetic field calculations under conditions of high susceptibility and strong remanent magnetization, offering promising prospects for geoscience applications.
Cost-effectiveness of a simplified acute malnutrition program: a secondary analysis of the OptiMA randomized clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Resch Stephen C , Sato Ryoko , Phelan Kevin , Cazes Cécile , Ombotimbe Abdramane , Hubert Victoire , Boubacar Harouna , Bozama Liévin Izie , Sakubu Gilbert Tshibangu , Tshiala Béatrice Kalenga , Tusuku Toussaint , Alitanou Rodrigue , Kouamé Antoine , Yao Cyrille , Gabillard Delphine , Kinda Moumouni , Becquet Renaud , Shepherd Susan , Hecht Robert M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Acute malnutrition (AM) causes large loss of life and disability in children in Africa. Researchers are testing innovative approaches to increase the efficiency of treatment programs This paper presents results of a cost-effectiveness analysis of one such program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) based on a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial Optimizing Treatment for Acute Malnutrition (OptiMA), conducted in DRC in 2018–20. A total of 896 children aged 6–59 months with a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) &lt;125 mm or with oedema were treated and followed for 6 months. The cost-effectiveness of OptiMA using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) at a tapered dose was compared with the standard national program in which severe cases (SAM) received RUTF proportional to weight, and moderate cases (MAM) were referred to another clinic for a fixed dose regimen of ready-to-use supplementary food. Cost analysis from the provider perspective used data collected during the trial and from administrative records. Statistical differences were derived using t-tests. The mean cost per enrolled child under OptiMA was $123 [95% confidence interval (CI): 114–132], not statistically different from the standard group [$127 (95%CI: 118–136), P = 0.549], while treatment success (i.e. recovery to MUAC &gt; 125 mm and no relapse for 6 months) under OptiMA was 9% higher (72 vs 63%, P = 0.004). Among children with SAM at enrollment, there was no significant difference in treatment success between OptiMA and standard care (70 vs 62%, P = 0.12), but OptiMA’s mean cost per enrolled child was 23% lower ($128 vs $166, P &lt; 0.0001). OptiMA was more effective at preventing progression to SAM among those enrolled with MAM (5 vs 16%, P &lt; 0.0001), with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $234 per progression to SAM prevented. Overall, OptiMA had significantly better outcomes and was no more expensive than standard care. Its adoption could enable more children to be successfully treated in contexts where therapeutic food products are scarce.
Development of a registration interval correction model for enhancing excess all-cause mortality surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sordo Anna A , Do Anna A , Irwin Melissa J , Muscatello David J 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Estimates of excess deaths provide critical intelligence on the impact of population health threats including seasonal respiratory infections, pandemics and environmental hazards. Timely estimates of excess deaths can inform the response to COVID-19. However, access to timely mortality data is challenging due to the time interval between the death occurring and the date the death is registered and available for analysis (‘registration interval’).

Development
Using data from the New South Wales, Australia, Births Deaths and Marriages Registry, we developed a Poisson regression model that estimated near-complete weekly counts, for a given week of death, from partially-complete death registration counts. A 10-weeks lag was considered, and a 2-year baseline of historical registration intervals was used to correct lag weeks.

Application
Validation of estimated counts found that the root-mean-square error (as a percentage of mean observed near-complete registrations) was less than 7% for lag week 3, and &lt;5% for lag weeks 4–9. We incorporated this method utilizing an existing rapid weekly mortality surveillance system. Counts corrected for registration interval replaced observed values for the most recent weeks. Excess death estimates, based on corrected counts, were within 1.2% of near-complete counts available 9 weeks from the end of the analysis period.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates a method for estimating recent death counts to correct for registration intervals. Estimates obtained at a 3-week lag were acceptable, while those at greater than 3 weeks were optimal.
Lower Levels of Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern vs Wild Type: An Interplay Between Transmissibility and Immune Status
Authors: Winkel Angelique M A M , Kozanli Eva , Haverkort Mildred E , Euser Sjoerd M , Sluiter-Post Judith G C , Mariman Rob , Vogelzang Afke , de Bakker Jordy , Lap Coen R , van Houten Marianne A , Eggink Dirk , van Lelyveld Steven F L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 household transmission dynamics guides infection control and vaccination measures. This household cohort study prospectively assessed the impact of the Omicron BA.2 variant and immunity on household transmission using dense saliva sampling and sequence analysis.

Method
Households consisting of a polymerase chain reaction–confirmed index and at least 2 household members were enrolled in March and April 2022 during the Omicron BA.2 wave in the Netherlands. SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction was performed on 10 consecutive saliva samples. Serum antibodies were measured at baseline and day 42. Household and per-person secondary attack rates (SARs) were calculated to measure transmission. Whole genome sequencing was performed for phylogenetic analysis, followed by sensitivity analysis, to correct for multiple household introductions and index definition. Results were compared with the identical, early-pandemic, preimmunization predecessor study.

Results
Sixty-seven households were included, consisting of 241 individuals (median age, 33.0 years; IQR, 12.0–46.0). Maximum household SAR was 59.7% and per-person SAR 41.5%. Pediatric index cases were more likely to transmit. Transmission was negatively affected by household members’ immunity. Phylogenetic analysis showed multiple introductions in 4 households. Sensitivity analysis resulted in a minimal household SAR of 51.0% and per-person SAR of 28.5%.

Conclusions
The Omicron BA.2 variant is highly transmissible within households. However, the transmission rate is lower when compared with previous studies with other SARS-CoV-2 variants, highlighting the effect of immunity. Regardless of immune status, children have a crucial role in Omicron household transmission. Intensive sampling and phylogenetic analysis are beneficial for correctly calculating transmission rates, especially during periods of minimal behavioral restrictions.