bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The four-item PRECISE-DAPT score identifies coronary artery bypass grafting patients with increased risk for post-discharge major bleeding
Authors: Enström Philip , Martinsson Andreas , Rezk Mary , Nielsen Susanne , Björklund Erik , Landenhed-Smith Maya , Pan Emily , Jeppsson Anders 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Early identification of patients with increased bleeding risk increases the possibility to individualize antithrombotic treatment. We validated the PRECISE-DAPT score, originally developed to estimate bleeding risk in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.

Methods and results
All patients who underwent the first time, isolated CABG in Sweden 2009–2020 and survived until discharge were included. The four-item PRECISE-DAPT score, based on age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, pre-operative haemoglobin concentration, and previous spontaneous bleeding, was calculated in patients discharged on DAPT (n = 6838), or antiplatelet monotherapy (n = 15 406). High bleeding risk was defined as a score ≥25 in accordance with previous studies and major bleeding as hospitalization due to bleeding. Associations were assessed by C-statistics and Cox regression models.
Major bleeding occurred during the first post-operative year in 130 patients (1.9%) in the DAPT group, and in 197 patients (1.3%) in the monotherapy group. The score identified 32.9% of the patients in the DAPT group and 38.2% in the monotherapy groups as having high bleeding risk. The area under the ROC-curve for the score was 0.67 (95%CI 0.62–0.72) for DAPT and 0.71 (0.67–0.74) for monotherapy. The hazard ratio for high bleeding risk vs. very low risk was 4.14 (2.07–8.26) for DAPT patients, and 4.95 (2.61–9.39) for monotherapy patients, both P &lt; 0.001.

Conclusion
The PRECISE-DAPT identifies patients with increased risk for major bleeding after discharge following CABG with moderate accuracy. The accuracy is comparable to what previously has been reported for patients after PCI.
Effect of cross-platform variations on transthoracic echocardiography measurements and clinical diagnosis
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad Saber , Farsiani Yasaman , Pressman Gregg S , Amini M Reza , Kheradvar Arash 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Accurate cardiac chamber quantification is essential for clinical decisions and ideally should be consistent across different echocardiography systems. This study evaluates variations between the Philips EPIQ CVx (version 9.0.3) and Canon Aplio i900 (version 7.0) in measuring cardiac volumes, ventricular function, and valve structures.

Methods and results
In this gender-balanced, single-centre study, 40 healthy volunteers (20 females and 20 males) aged 40 years and older (mean age 56.75 ± 11.57 years) were scanned alternately with both systems by the same sonographer using identical settings for both 2D and 4D acquisitions. We compared left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes using paired t-tests, with significance set at P &lt; 0.05. Correlation and Bland–Altman plots were used for quantities showing significant differences. Two board-certified cardiologists evaluated valve anatomy for each platform. The results showed no significant differences in LV end-systolic volume and LV ejection fraction between platforms. However, LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) differed significantly (biplane: P = 0.018; 4D: P = 0.028). Right ventricular (RV) measurements in 4D showed no significant differences, but there were notable disparities in 2D and 4D volumes within each platform (P &lt; 0.01). Significant differences were also found in the LV systolic dyssynchrony index (P = 0.03), LV longitudinal strain (P = 0.04), LV twist (P = 0.004), and LV torsion (P = 0.005). Valve structure assessments varied, with more abnormalities noted on the Philips platform.

Conclusion
Although LV and RV volumetric measurements are generally comparable, significant differences in LVEDV, LV strain metrics, and 2D vs. 4D measurements exist. These variations should be considered when using different platforms for patient follow-ups.
Clinical and prognostic significance of central and obstructive apnoeas in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Gentile Francesco , Giannoni Alberto , Aimo Alberto , Castiglione Vincenzo , Bramanti Francesca , Iudice Giovanni , Degl’Innocenti Eleonora , Emdin Michele , Vergaro Giuseppe , Passino Claudio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Central apnoea (CA) and obstructive apnoea (OA) are highly prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is an increasingly recognized HF aetiology. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and impact of CA and OA in patients with ATTR-CA.

Methods and results
Consecutive patients with ATTR-CA who underwent 24 h ambulatory cardiorespiratory monitoring were enlisted for an evaluation of the prevalence and severity of breathing disorders. The severity of these disorders was quantified using the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI). Accordingly, the patients were categorized as having normal breathing (NB, AHI &lt;5 events/h), OA (AHI ≥5 events/h with &gt;50% being obstructive), or CA (AHI &gt;5 events/h with ≥50% being central). The primary endpoint at follow-up was all-cause mortality. Out of 142 patients enrolled (n = 142, aged 77 ± 7 years, 91% males, 96% wild-type ATTR-CA), considering the 24 h monitoring, 20% had NB (39% at daytime and 8% at nighttime), 35% had CA (45% at daytime and 39% at nighttime), and 45% had OA (25% at daytime and 54% at nighttime). After a median 2.3-year (1.4–3.3 years) follow-up, 24 h, daytime, and nighttime AHIs were higher in non-survivors vs. survivors (all P &lt; 0.05), independently of the prevalent apnoea type (P = 0.64). At multivariable regression analysis (adjusted for the possible clinical, echocardiographic, and biohumoral confounders), nighttime AHI ≥30 events/h {hazard ratio 2.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–5.23], P = 0.033} and high-sensitivity troponin T [hazard ratio 2.43 (95% CI 1.42–4.17), P = 0.001] were predictors of mortality.

Conclusion
Both CA and OA are highly prevalent, both at daytime and nighttime, in patients with ATTR-CA and are associated with higher mortality.
Age-Disturbed Vascular Extracellular Matrix Links to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Yu Zhenping , Wu Andong , Ke Hao , Liu Jiankun , Zhao Ya , Zhu Yuanzheng , Wang Xiao-Yu , Xiang Yang , Xin Hong-Bo , Tian Xiao-Li 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common but life-threatening vascular condition in men at an advanced age. However, the underlying mechanisms of age-increased incidence and mortality of AAA remain elusive. Here, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of mouse aortas from males (young: 3-month, n = 4 vs old: 23-month, n = 4) and integrated with the data sets of human aortas (young: 20–39, n = 47 vs old: 60–79 years, n = 92) from GTEx project and the data set (GSE183464) for AAA to search for age-shifted aortic aneurysm genes, their relevant biological processes, and signaling pathways. Angiotensin II-induced AAA in mice was used to verify the critical findings. We found 1 001 genes transcriptionally changed with ages in both mouse and human. Most age-increased genes were enriched intracellularly and the relevant biological processes included mitochondrial function and translational controls, whereas the age-decreased genes were largely localized in extracellular regions and cell periphery and the involved biological processes were associated with extracellular matrix (ECM). Fifty-one were known genes for AAA and found dominantly in extracellular region. The common age-shifted vascular genes and known aortic aneurysm genes had shared functional influences on ECM organization, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Aorta with angiotensin II-induced AAA exhibited similar phenotypic changes in ECM to that in old mice. Together, we present a conserved transcriptional signature for aortic aging and provide evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and the imbalanced ribosomal homeostasis act likely as driven-forces for aortic aging and age-disturbed ECM is the substrate for developing AAA.
Vertical distribution of mesopelagic fishes deepens during marine heatwave in the California Current
Authors: Iglesias Ilysa S , Fiechter Jerome , Santora Jarrod A , Field John C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Marine heatwaves can impact the distribution and abundance of epipelagic organisms, but their effect on deep pelagic communities is unclear. Using fisheries acoustics data collected in the Central California current from 2013 to 2018, we found that during the warmest years of a large marine heatwave (2015–2016), the estimated center of mass depth of mesopelagic fishes deepened by up to 100 m compared to preheatwave conditions. Using a generalized additive model, we evaluated which biophysical factors may have driven these changes and found that light, dynamic height anomaly, and acoustic backscatter explained 81% of the variability in depth. We attribute the vertical shift by mesopelagic fishes into deeper waters to heatwave-driven compression of upwelling habitat that indirectly increased the amount of light reaching mesopelagic depths. Our results suggest that mesopelagic fishes are interconnected with, and thus sensitive to changes in near-surface oceanographic conditions, which could lead to cascading effects on vertical carbon export and the availability of mesopelagic fishes as prey for top predators under future climate conditions.
Machine learning insights on the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 in Nigeria
Authors: Oyebola Kolapo M , Ligali Funmilayo C , Owoloye Afolabi J , Erinwusi Blessing D , Musa Adesola Z , Aina Oluwagbemiga O , Salako Babatunde L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The lack of effective pharmacological measures during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as initial mitigation strategies. The impact of these NPIs on COVID-19 in Nigeria is not well-documented. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of NPIs to support future epidemic responses.

Methods
Daily COVID-19 cases and deaths were analysed using smoothed variables to identify transmission trends. Regression analysis and clustering algorithms were applied to evaluate the impact of each NPI.

Results
Multiple transmission peaks were reported, with the highest smoothed daily new cases (approximately 1790) observed around 29 December 2021 and smoothed daily new deaths (approximately 23) peaking around 8 September 2021. NPIs such as public transport (coefficient value −166.56, p=0.01) and workplace closures (coefficient value −150.06, p=0.01) strongly correlated with decreased case numbers. This finding highlights the importance of mobility control and non-essential workplace management in slowing infection transmission during an outbreak. Public transport restrictions (coefficient value −2.43, p&lt;0.001) also had a direct effect on death reduction.

Conclusions
Public transport restrictions and workplace closures correlated with reductions in the number of cases and deaths. These findings can guide future pandemic responses to enhance favourable public health outcomes.
Novel candidate taxa contribute to key metabolic processes in Fennoscandian Shield deep groundwaters
Authors: Dopson Mark , Rezaei Somee Maryam , González-Rosales Carolina , Lui Lauren M , Turner Stephanie , Buck Moritz , Nilsson Emelie , Westmeijer George , Ashoor Kamal , Nielsen Torben N , Mehrshad Maliheh , Bertilsson Stefan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The continental deep biosphere contains a vast reservoir of microorganisms, although a large proportion of its diversity remains both uncultured and undescribed. In this study, the metabolic potential (metagenomes) and activity (metatranscriptomes) of the microbial communities in Fennoscandian Shield deep subsurface groundwaters were characterized with a focus on novel taxa. DNA sequencing generated 1270 de-replicated metagenome-assembled genomes and single-amplified genomes, containing 7 novel classes, 34 orders, and 72 families. The majority of novel taxa were affiliated with Patescibacteria, whereas among novel archaea taxa, Thermoproteota and Nanoarchaeota representatives dominated. Metatranscriptomes revealed that 30 of the 112 novel taxa at the class, order, and family levels were active in at least one investigated groundwater sample, implying that novel taxa represent a partially active but hitherto uncharacterized deep biosphere component. The novel taxa genomes coded for carbon fixation predominantly via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, nitrogen fixation, sulfur plus hydrogen oxidation, and fermentative pathways, including acetogenesis. These metabolic processes contributed significantly to the total community’s capacity, with up to 9.9% of fermentation, 6.4% of the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, 6.8% of sulfur plus 8.6% of hydrogen oxidation, and energy conservation via nitrate (4.4%) and sulfate (6.0%) reduction. Key novel taxa included the UBA9089 phylum, with representatives having a prominent role in carbon fixation, nitrate and sulfate reduction, and organic and inorganic electron donor oxidation. These data provided insights into deep biosphere microbial diversity and their contribution to nutrient and energy cycling in this ecosystem.
Mycobacterium abscessus strain variability in preclinical drug development: does it really matter?
Authors: Mudde Saskia E , Meliefste Henriëtte M , Ammerman Nicole C , de Steenwinkel Jurriaan E M , Bax Hannelore I 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
New treatment options for Mycobacterium abscessus infections are urgently needed. Since a correlation between MICs and clinical outcomes is not clearly established, potency of novel drugs needs to be evaluated using additional in vitro drug activity assays. Preclinical drug activity assays generally use the M. abscessus type strain ATCC 19977. However, M. abscessus complex entails a genetically and morphologically diverse group, and it is questionable whether drug activity observed against ATCC 19977 is representative of drug activity against clinical M. abscessus isolates.

Objectives
To assess whether the relationship between MIC and the quantitative antimycobacterial activity of amikacin, imipenem and clofazimine differs between the ATCC 19977 strain and clinical M. abscessus isolates.

Methods
Experiments were performed with M. abscessus ATCC 19977 and a subset of six clinical isolates covering the three M. abscessus subspecies and the smooth and rough morphotypes. Cultures were exposed to the drugs at 4-fold increasing, MIC-standardized concentrations, and the mycobacterial load was assessed over time.

Results
Concentration- and time-dependent activity of amikacin, imipenem and clofazimine against the six clinical isolates was similar. Only slight variations in drug activity were observed between ATCC 19977 and clinical isolates.

Conclusions
Time- and concentration-dependent drug activity against the ATCC 19977 strain seems indicative for in vitro drug behaviour against M. abscessus complex clinical isolates. Including one clinical smooth morphotype isolate alongside ATCC 19977 seems appropriate for reliable interpretation of this particular in vitro drug activity assay as part of the M. abscessus preclinical drug development pipeline.
Impact of discontinuing routine fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in neutropenic allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: an observational study
Authors: Stern Anat , Henig Israel , Cohen Maya , Gur Ivan , Henig Oryan , Zuckerman Tsila , Paul Mical 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Uncertainty exists as to the role of fluoroquinolone (FQ) prophylaxis for patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the era of rising antibiotic resistance.

Objectives
We aimed to evaluate rates of bloodstream infections (BSI), resistance patterns and outcomes of patients after discontinuing routine FQ prophylaxis administration.

Methods
All adult recipients of first HSCT from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively included and classified according to time of HSCT as FQ group (HSCT January 2017–December 2018) or no FQ group (January 2019–December 2020). The primary outcome was Gram-negative (GN) BSI from day −7 to 30 days post-HSCT. The independent association between the study period and BSI was assessed using survival analysis, and adjusting for confounders.

Results
We included 254 patients, 130 (51%) and 124 (49%) in the FQ and no FQ groups, respectively. Compared to the FQ group, no FQ had significantly more GN BSI (21% versus 33%, P = 0.027) and the median time to first GN BSI was significantly shorter [4 (IQR 1–8) days versus 6 (1–10) days, P = 0.009]. Following adjustment, FQ prophylaxis remained associated with lower hazard for GN BSI (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.34–0.93). Eighty-two GN BSI episodes had FQ susceptibility testing. More GN BSI episodes were FQ resistant in the FQ group (68.9% versus 41.6%, P = 0.021). No significant difference was found for 30-day mortality, time to first febrile neutropenia and time to first broad-spectrum antibiotics between the groups (P was not significant).

Conclusions
FQ prophylaxis is associated with fewer GN BSI in the early post-HSCT period even in high FQ resistance settings, with FQ resistance rates reaching &gt;60% following prophylaxis.
Is heat stress a growing problem for dairy cattle husbandry in the temperate regions? A case study of Baden-Württemberg in Germany
Authors: Leandro Miguel António , Stock Joana , Bennewitz Jörn , Chagunda Mizeck G G 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Heat stress with measurable effects in dairy cattle is a growing concern in temperate regions. Heat stress in temperate regions differs between environments with different geophysical characteristics. Microclimates specific to each environment were found to greatly impact at what level heat stress occurs and will occur in the future. The landlocked state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, provides several different environments, hence, a good case-study. Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) from 17 weather stations for the years 2003 to 2022 was calculated and milking yields from 22 farms for the years 2017 to 2022 were collected. The occurrences and evolving patterns of heat stress were analyzed with the use of a THI, and the effect of heat stress on milk yield was analyzed based on milking records from Automated Milking Systems. Daily average THI was calculated using hourly readings of relative humidity and ambient temperature, disregarding solar radiation and wind, as all animals were permanently stabled. Based on studies conducted in Baden-Württemberg and neighboring regions, cited ahead in the section of THI, THI = 60 was the threshold for heat stress occurrence. Findings show that the heat stress period varied between stations from 64 to 120 d with THI ≥ 60 in a year. This aligns with yearly and summer averages, also steadily increasing from May to September. The length of the heat stress period was found to increase 1 extra day every year. Extreme weather events such as heat waves did not increase the heat stress period of that year in length but increased the average THI. Milk yield was found to be significantly (α = 0.05) different between counties grouped into different zones according to heat stress severity and rate of increase in daily average THI. Future attempts at managing heat stress on dairy cattle farms in the temperate regions should account for microclimate, as geographical proximity does not mean that the increase in heat stress severity will be the same in the 2 neighboring areas.
State Liability in EU Environmental Law: Francovich is Dead, Long Live Compensation?
Authors: Stagstrup Johan P 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the milestone Francovich case, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) granted individuals, under certain conditions, a right to reparation for Member States’ breaches of EU law. While EU environmental law is rife with well-documented infringements, the Francovich principle, however, has seen little use in practice. This article examines why that is. Through an analysis of the ECJ’s Francovich-related case law, and especially the ECJ’s recent decision in C-61/21 Ministre de la Transition écologique, this study assesses the Court’s interpretation of the Francovich condition that the relevant provision must be ‘intended to confer rights’ on individuals. Against this backdrop, it is shown that the absence of EU environmental law conferring ‘Francovich rights’ is due to the principle’s incompatibility with the collective rights found in EU environmental law. Following from this, this study highlights the incorporation of compensation provisions in three key EU environmental directives as an alternative to Francovich liability and, in so doing, examines the evolving nature of private enforcement of EU environmental law.
Blood immune profiles reveal a CXCR3/CCR5 axis of dysregulation in early sepsis
Authors: Kealy David J , Wilson Julie C , Jaconelli Tom , Hogg Karen , Coop Rebecca , Forshaw Greg , Todd Neil , Yates David , Signoret Nathalie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We report on a pilot study exploring whether blood immune signatures can reveal early specific indicator profiles for patients meeting sepsis criteria upon hospital admission. We analyzed samples of sepsis-suspected patients (n = 20) and age-spanning healthy controls (n = 12) using flow cytometry–based assays. We measured inflammatory markers from plasma fractions and immunophenotyped freshly isolated unfixed peripheral blood mononucleated cells for leukocyte subset representation and expression of activation markers, including chemokine receptors. We found that besides IL-6 and sCD14, CXCR3 ligands (CXCL9 and CXCL10) separated sepsis-suspected patients from healthy controls. The abundance of CD4+ T cells was significantly reduced in patients, while they displayed substantial losses of CCR5-expressing monocytes and CXCR3/CCR5 double-positive T cells. Post hoc subgrouping of patients according to their sepsis diagnosis on discharge identified CXCR3/CCR5 double expression on T cells as a separating characteristic for confirmed cases. This work suggests a potential novel axis of dysregulation affecting CXCR3 and CCR5 in early sepsis.
Neonatal neutrophils exhibit reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Wackerbarth Lou Martha , Seifert Sonja Birke , Napoli Matteo , Rohwedder Ina , Vogl Thomas , Scheiermann Christoph , Kolben Thomas , Nussbaum Claudia , Pruenster Monika , Immler Roland , Sperandio Markus 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Newborns are at high risk to develop sepsis. This is linked to innate immune responses at birth which are not completely adapted to postnatal life. Neutrophils are key players of innate immunity and exhibit a marked ontogenetic regulation of their functionality. Here, we studied the NLRP3 inflammasome in neonatal neutrophils and found lower baseline expression of NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, and the K+-channel KV1.3 compared with adult neutrophils. Following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide/nigericin, apoptosis-related speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain oligomerization, caspase-1 activation, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release were significantly reduced in neonatal compared with adult neutrophils. Similarly, stimulation of neonatal neutrophils with E-selectin led to reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation accompanied by diminished release of the alarmin S100A8/A9. Taken together, our results strongly indicate diminished NLRP3 inflammasome activation in neonatal neutrophils leading to a significant reduction of released IL-1β and S100A8/A9. These findings identify reduced neutrophil NLRP3 inflammasome activation as a critical component contributing to the inherent susceptibility to infections in neonates.