bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in Sweden vs. Finland: benefits of population-wide screening
Authors: Laine Matti T , Mani Kevin , Gunnarsson Kim , Wanhainen Anders , Sund Reijo , Venermo Maarit 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
In 2006, screening of 65-year-old men for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was started in Sweden. Decline in aneurysm-related mortality has been reported since, but aneurysm incidence has been diminishing globally. Neighbouring Finland with similar population structure and health care system has no AAA screening programme. The aim of this study was to compare incidence and results of AAA repair in Sweden and Finland to differentiate the effect of screening from other changes in the epidemiology and treatment of AAA.

Methods
All repairs for intact AAA (iAAA) or ruptured AAA (rAAA) from 1998 to 2017 were identified from national registers, and mortality data for these patients were collected.

Results
A total of 15 927 operations for iAAA were performed in Sweden and 6933 in Finland. In Sweden, the yearly operation volume increased after introduction of screening. Both countries showed a decrease in number of rAAA operations, but the decrease was more pronounced in Sweden. Sweden had a higher proportion of all AAA repairs because of rupture in the start of the study but by the end, the proportions were similar in both countries. Long-term survival improved for 65–79-old men in Sweden after start of screening.

Conclusions
This study reveals improvements in results of AAA repair in Sweden. A decrease in rAAA repair and increase in iAAA repair were evident after AAA screening was started in 2006 and resulted in better outcomes. These changes are likely the result of AAA screening as they cannot be seen in neighbouring Finland that is lacking an AAA screening programme.
Transcatheter non-acute retrieval of the tine-based leadless ventricular pacemaker
Authors: Funasako Moritoshi , Hála Pavel , Janotka Marek , Šorf Jan , Machová Lucie , Petrů Jan , Chovanec Milan , Škoda Jan , Šedivá Lucie , Šimon Jaroslav , Dujka Libor , Reddy Vivek Y , Neužil Petr 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
We report our single-centre experience of mid-term to long-term retrieval and reimplantation of a tine-based leadless pacemaker [Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS)]. The TPS is a clinically effective alternative to transvenous single-chamber ventricular pacemakers. Whereas it is currently recommended to abandon the TPS at the end of device life, catheter-based retrieval may be favourable in specific scenarios.

Methods and results
We report on nine consecutive patients with the implanted TPS who subsequently underwent transcatheter retrieval attempts. The retrieval system consists of the original TPS delivery catheter and an off-the-shelf single-loop 7 mm snare. The procedure was guided by fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography. After an implantation duration of 3.1 ± 2.8 years (range 0.4–9.0), the overall retrieval success rate was 88.9% (8 of 9 patients). The mean procedure time was 89 ± 16 min, and the fluoroscopy time was 18.0 ± 6.6 min. No procedure-related adverse device events occurred. In the one unsuccessful retrieval, intracardiac echocardiography revealed that the TPS was partially embedded in the ventricular tissue surrounding the leadless pacemaker body in the right ventricle. After retrieval, three patients were reimplanted with a new TPS device. All implantations were successful without complications.

Conclusion
A series of transvenous late retrievals of implanted TPS devices demonstrated safety and feasibility, followed by elective replacement with a new leadless pacing device or conventional transvenous pacing system. This provides a viable end-of-life management alternative to simple abandonment of this leadless pacemaker.
Early rapid local impedance drop is associated with acute lesion efficacy during pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Perge Péter , Petrovic Nikola , Salló Zoltán , Piros Katalin , Nagy Vivien Klaudia , Ábrahám Pál , Osztheimer István , Merkely Béla , Gellér László , Szegedi Nándor 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
The predictive role of local impedance (LI) drop in lesion formation using a novel contact force sensing ablation catheter was recently described. The purpose of our current study was to assess the temporal characteristics of LI drop during ablation and its correlation with acute lesion efficacy.

Methods and results
Point-by-point pulmonary vein isolation was performed. The efficacy of applications was determined by pacing along the circular ablation line and assessing loss of capture. Local impedance, contact force, and catheter position data with high resolution were analysed and compared in successful and unsuccessful applications. Five hundred and fifty-nine successful and 84 unsuccessful applications were analysed. The successful applications showed higher baseline LI (P &lt; 0.001) and larger LI drop during ablation (P &lt; 0.001, for all). In case of unsuccessful applications, after a moderate but significant drop from baseline to the 2 s time point (153 vs. 145 Ω, P &lt; 0.001), LI did not change further (P = 0.99). Contradictorily, in case of successful applications, the LI significantly decreased further (baseline–2 s–10 s: 161–150–141 Ω, P &lt; 0.001 for all). The optimal cut-point for the LI drop indicating unsuccessful application was &lt;9 Ω at the 4-s time point [AUC = 0.73 (0.67–0.76), P &lt; 0.001]. Failing to reach this cut-point predicted unsuccessful applications [OR 3.82 (2.34–6.25); P &lt; 0.001].

Conclusion
A rapid and enduring drop of the LI may predict effective lesion formation, while slightly changing or unchanged LI is associated with unsuccessful applications. A moderate LI drop during the first 4 s of radiofrequency application predicts ineffective radiofrequency delivery.
Unveiling the main drivers of tree decline in Zagros semi-arid forests
Authors: Shafeian Elham , Ewald Michael , Latifi Hooman , Fassnacht Fabian Ewald 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Tree decline in arid and semi-arid forest ecosystems causes severe socioeconomic and ecological problems and thus needs to be thoroughly quantified and monitored across space and time. This study investigates tree and forest decline in Iran’s Zagros forests, considering environmental factors (e.g. topographic, soil, and climatic variables). We used field data from Chaharmahal-and-Bakhtiari (a study area covering 165 km2) and environmental data derived from freely available databases. Relationships between tree, forest decline, and environmental data were analyzed using generalized additive models. Our findings reveal that slope and the BioClim-16 variable (precipitation of the wettest quarter) significantly influence tree decline across various decline classes (P-values: slope = .009, BioClim-16 = .02). The best multivariate model for forest decline incorporated soil organic carbon and silt as predictive variables, with soil organic carbon emerging as the key factor (P-value = .04). Additionally, a spectral analysis of bare soil in declining and non-declining areas consistently demonstrated reduced reflectance values in declining regions across 10 Sentinel-2 bands, with VNIR-3, SWIR-2, red, green, and blue bands consistently showing significant differences as unveiled by the Wilcoxon test in all seasons except winter. These reduced reflectance values may indicate that forests stocked on soils with larger grain size (a higher fraction of sand) and/or higher organic carbon content may be more vulnerable to decline. This study contributes to our hitherto understanding of the main drivers of tree and forest decline in semi-arid forests, among others underscoring the potential utility of the spectral properties of bare soil in sparse semi-arid forests to predict the likelihood of tree decline.
Genotypic variation in winter wheat for fusarium foot rot and its biocontrol using Clonostachys rosea
Authors: Chaudhary Sidhant , Ricardo Rosa Margarida Nogueira , Dubey Mukesh , Jensen Dan Funck , Grenville-Briggs Laura , Karlsson Magnus 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Biological control to manage plant diseases is an environmentally friendly alternative to using chemical pesticides. However, little is known about the role of genetic variation in plants affecting the efficacy of biological control agents (BCAs). The aim of this study was to explore the genetic variation in winter wheat for disease susceptibility to fusarium foot rot caused by Fusarium graminearum and variation in biocontrol efficacy of the fungal BCA Clonostachys rosea to control the disease. In total, 190 winter wheat genotypes were evaluated under controlled conditions in 2 treatments, i.e. (1) F. graminearum (Fg) and (2) F. graminearum infection on C. rosea–treated seeds (FgCr). Alongside disease severity, plant growth-related traits such as shoot length and root length were also measured. Comparison of genotypes between the 2 treatments enabled the dissection of genotypic variation for disease resistance and C. rosea efficacy. The study revealed significant variation among plant genotypes for fusarium foot rot susceptibility and other growth traits in treatment Fg. Moreover, significant variation in C. rosea efficacy was also observed in genotype contrasts between the 2 treatments for all traits. Using a 20K marker array, a genome-wide association study was also performed. We identified a total of 18 significant marker–trait associations for disease resistance and C. rosea efficacy for all the traits. Moreover, the markers associated with disease resistance and C. rosea efficacy were not co-localized, highlighting the independent inheritance of these traits, which can facilitate simultaneous selection for cultivar improvement.
Novel Sex-Specific Genes and Diverse Interspecific Expression in the Antennal Transcriptomes of Ithomiine Butterflies
Authors: Cicconardi Francesco , Morris Billy J , Martelossi Jacopo , Ray David A , Montgomery Stephen H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The olfactory sense is crucial for organisms, facilitating environmental recognition and interindividual communication. Ithomiini butterflies exemplify this importance not only because they rely strongly on olfactory cues for both inter- and intra-sexual behaviors, but also because they show convergent evolution of specialized structures within the antennal lobe, called macroglomerular complexes (MGCs). These structures, widely absent in butterflies, are present in moths where they enable heightened sensitivity to, and integration of, information from various types of pheromones. In this study, we investigate chemosensory evolution across six Ithomiini species and identify possible links between expression profiles and neuroanatomical. To enable this, we sequenced four new high-quality genome assemblies and six sex-specific antennal transcriptomes for three of these species with different MGC morphologies. With extensive genomic analyses, we found that the expression of antennal transcriptomes across species exhibit profound divergence, and identified highly expressed ORs, which we hypothesize may be associated to MGCs, as highly expressed ORs are absent in Methona, an Ithomiini lineage which also lacks MGCs. More broadly, we show how antennal sexual dimorphism is prevalent in both chemosensory genes and non-chemosensory genes, with possible relevance for behavior. As an example, we show how lipid-related genes exhibit consistent sexual dimorphism, potentially linked to lipid transport or host selection. In this study, we investigate the antennal chemosensory adaptations, suggesting a link between genetic diversity, ecological specialization, and sensory perception with the convergent evolution of MCGs. Insights into chemosensory gene evolution, expression patterns, and potential functional implications enhance our knowledge of sensory adaptations and sexual dimorphisms in butterflies, laying the foundation for future investigations into the genetic drivers of insect behavior, adaptation, and speciation.
Bioinformatics-aided function exploration of GH29 fucosidases from human gut Parabacteroides
Authors: Wu Haiyang , Li Qingxin , Wu Jin Chuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Gut microbes produce α-l-fucosidases critical for utilizing human milk oligosaccharides, mucosal and dietary glycans. Although gut Parabacteroides have garnered attention for their impact on host health and disease, their CAZymes remain poorly studied. CAZome analysis of eleven gut Parabacteroides type strains revealed their capacity to degrade mucin O-glycans. Their abundance of GH29 fucosidases caught our attention, and we predicted the functional profiles of 46 GH29 fucosidases using in silico approaches. Our findings showed diverse linkages specificities and species-specific distributions, with over half of GH29 enzymes functioning as α1,3/4 fucosidases, essential for acting on Lewis antigen epitopes of mucin O-glycans. We further enzymatically validated 4 novel GH29 sequences from poorly characterized groups. PgoldGH29A (cluster37GH29BERT, GH29:75.1CUPP) does not act on tested natural substrates. PgoldGH29B (cluster1GH29BERT, GH29:84.1CUPP) functions as a strict α1,3/4 fucosidase. PgoldGH29C (cluster14GH29BERT, GH29:29.1CUPP) displays unprecedented substrate specificity for α1,2/3/4 disaccharides. PgoldGH29D (cluster4GH29BERT, GH29:6.2CUPP) acts on α1,2/3/4/6 linkages similar to enzymes from GH29:6.1CUPP but prefers disaccharides over trisaccharides. These results suggest that PgoldGH29B and PgoldGH29D can contribute to mucin O-glycan degradation via their α1,3/4 and α1,2 fucosidase activity, respectively, while the natural substrates of PgoldGH29A and PgoldGH29C may be irrelevant to host-glycans. These insights enhance our understanding of the ecological niches inhabited by gut Parabacteroides and may guide similar exploration in other intriguing gut microbial species.
Rethinking science diplomacy and global biosecurity: challenges, emerging practices and the way forward
Authors: Namdeo Suryesh Kumar , Zhang Joy Y 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The changing organization and nature of biotechnology and bio-innovations have led to the global phenomenon of ‘science at large’. This has given rise to two key trends in global biosecurity governance: the growing role of science diplomacy in addressing biosecurity concerns and the rise of distributed agencies, particularly involving young practitioners from the global South, who are participating in a decentralization of western-dominated biosecurity discourse through Track II science diplomacy. These trends require updated and inclusive regulatory innovations that acknowledge biosecurity and related regulatory-ethical discussions as crucial elements of public diplomacy. There is a particular need to align these efforts with emerging forms of societal funding and to foster novel public–private partnerships in advanced bioscience research. They also call for promoting multitrack science diplomacy by bolstering institutional support for science diplomacy and biosecurity. This could be in the form of dedicated funding, or the establishment of sustained platforms to enable regular mutual learning and interactions between an international group of scientists and policy-makers. These efforts should be complemented by investment to normalize cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral dialogues, which are essential for building communities among both established and new stakeholders. These dialogues can foster mutual learning, cultural harmonization and the development of joint initiatives to address shared biosecurity concerns. This policy paper advocates for the formal integration of science diplomacy training into university science curriculums, especially at the postgraduate level. This training will equip the next generation of scientists to align scientific visions and enhance biosecurity compliance in an increasingly connected yet ideologically diverse world.
Predictive role of cardiopulmonary bypass exposure indexed to body surface area on postoperative organ dysfunction: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Falter Florian , Salter Ryan , Fernandes Jose , Burt Christiana , Drummond Kate , Ramalingam Ganesh , Nashef Samer 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Long cardiopulmonary bypass times are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes and increased healthcare resource use. It is likely that this effect is pronounced in smaller patients. Previous studies have been criticized for not taking into consideration that prolonged bypass times are often due to higher complexity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bypass index (bypass time/body surface area) and adverse postoperative events.

METHODS
Single-centre, retrospective cohort study including 2413 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass from June 2018 to April 2020. Length of hospital stay, as surrogate marker of postoperative morbidity, was selected as primary outcome. The strength of association between bypass index and the primary outcome was assessed with linear regression analysis. Secondary outcomes included new onset renal, pulmonary or cardiac rhythm dysfunction. The predictive value of bypass index was assessed with linear regression analysis; univariate and multiple regression were used to assess the strength of association between Bi and the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS
Bypass index was predictive for length of stay at univariate (Relative Risk (RR): 1.004, P &lt; 0.001) and at multivariable (RR: 1.003, P &lt; 0.001) analysis. The association between bypass index and new renal (mean difference: 14.1 min/m2, P &lt; 0.001) and cardiac rhythm dysfunction (mean difference: 12.6 min/m2) was significant. This was not true of postoperative lung dysfunction (mean difference: −1.5 min/m2, P = 0.293).

CONCLUSIONS
Bypass index, calculated as total bypass time/patient body surface area, is predictive of postoperative morbidity and resource utilization after cardiac surgery on pump.
Faltering mortality improvements at young-middle ages in high-income English-speaking countries
Authors: Timonin Sergey , Leon David A , Banks Emily , Adair Tim , Canudas-Romo Vladimir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, stagnating life expectancy trends were reported in some high-income countries (HICs). Despite previous evidence from country-specific studies, there is a lack of comparative research that provides a broader perspective and challenges existing assumptions. This study aims to examine longevity trends and patterns in six English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States) by combining period and cohort perspectives and to compare them with other HICs.

Methods
Using data from the Human Mortality and World Health Organization Mortality Databases, we estimated partial life expectancy, lifespan inequality and cohort survival differences for 1970–2021, as well as the contribution of causes of death to the gap in life expectancy between English-speaking countries and the average for other HICs in 2017–19.

Results
In the pre-pandemic period, the increase in life expectancy slowed in all English-speaking countries, except Ireland, mainly due to stagnating or rising mortality at young-middle ages. Relative to other HICs, those born in Anglophone countries since the 1970s experienced relative survival disadvantage, largely attributable to injuries (mainly suicides) and substance-related mortality (mainly poisonings). In contrast, older cohorts enjoyed advantages for females in Australia and Canada and for males in all English-speaking countries except the United States.

Conclusions
Although future gains in life expectancy in wealthy societies will increasingly depend on reducing mortality at older ages, adverse health trends at younger ages are a cause for concern. This emerging and avoidable threat to health equity in English-speaking countries should be the focus of further research and policy action.
Complex Structure That Admits Complete Nevanlinna–Pick Spaces of Hardy Type
Authors: Kojin Kenta 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we will characterize those sets, over which every irreducible complete Nevanlinna–Pick space enjoys that its multiplier and supremum norms coincide. Moreover, we will prove that, if there exists an irreducible complete Nevanlinna–Pick space of holomorphic functions on a reduced complex space $X$ whose multiplier algebra is isometrically equal to the algebra of bounded holomorphic functions (we will say that such a space is of Hardy type in this paper), then $X$ must be biholomorphic to the unit disk minus a zero analytic capacity set. This means that the Hardy space is characterized as a unique irreducible complete Nevanlinna–Pick space of Hardy type.
Respiratory Isolation for Tuberculosis: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Karakousis Petros C , Mooney Graham 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Although tuberculosis is an ancient disease, recognition of its airborne route of transmission, with implications for respiratory isolation, is relatively recent. Historically, the disease was believed to be hereditary or contracted by inhaling ‘miasma,’ or corrupted air, and patients were not routinely isolated. The sanatorium initially served as a place of healing for patients with tuberculosis. Discovery of the tubercle bacillus and its mode of transmission via aerosol in the late 19th/early 20th century reinforced the important public health role of sanatoria and tuberculosis hospitals in preventing disease transmission through isolation. In recent decades, outpatients receiving treatment are required to remain in respiratory isolation at home until they are deemed noninfectious based on multiple sputum samples. This historical review demonstrates that despite changing medical knowledge, drug therapies, and social conditions over time, the role of isolation remains an important topic of debate in the treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Reduced Red Blood Cell Deformability in Vivax Malaria
Authors: Rathnam Jeyamalar T Thurai , Grigg Matthew J , Dondorp Arjen M , William Timothy , Rajasekhar Megha , Rajahram Giri , Simpson Julie A , Barber Bridget E , Anstey Nicholas M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Reduced deformability of both infected and uninfected red blood cells (RBCs) contributes to pathogenesis in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Whole-blood RBC deformability (RBC-D) is not well characterized in Plasmodium vivax malaria. We used a laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer to measure the RBC-D in fresh whole-blood samples from Malaysian patients with vivax malaria (n = 25). Deformability of whole-blood RBCs, the vast majority of which were uninfected, was reduced in vivax malaria compared with controls (n = 15), though not to the same degree as in falciparum malaria (n = 90). Reduced RBC-D may contribute to the pathogenesis of vivax malaria, including splenic retention of uninfected RBCs.
When in Debt, Appoint Women? A Re-Examination of Aid, Debt, and the Inclusion of Women in African Cabinets
Authors: Breuning Marijke , Akyol Seyma , Yun Sung Min 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Are more aid-dependent and indebted countries more likely to include women in their cabinets? Several studies have suggested that such countries seek to please donors and lenders. Focusing on Africa, we test whether leaders respond to international incentives and, specifically, signal donors and lenders that they value gender equality in political decision-making. Although leaders have more direct control over the gender composition of the cabinet than the legislature, our analyses do not show that aid dependence and indebtedness result in more women in either the cabinet or the legislature. We operationalize aid dependence and indebtedness as a proportion of recipient gross national income, which we argue better reflects the aid and loan recipients’ vulnerability to external pressure. Using regression analysis techniques and multiple robustness checks to evaluate our panel data, our findings remain consistent with arguments that African states have stronger bargaining positions than the foreign aid literature has acknowledged.