bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal health-related quality of life in people with thoracic aortic aneurysms
Authors: Sharples Linda D , Anagnostopoulou Vasiliki , Pouncey Anna L , Freeman Carol , McCarthy Andrew , Gray Joanne , McMeekin Peter , Sastry Priya , Vale Luke , Bicknell Colin , Large Stephen R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Surgical intervention for thoracic aortic aneurysms is high risk. Understanding changes in health-related quality of life before and after endovascular stent grafting and open surgical repair can aid treatment decision-making.

Methods
The Effective Treatments for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (‘ETTAA’) study (ISRCTN04044627) was a longitudinal, observational study. Adults with new/existing arch or descending thoracic aortic aneurysms greater than or equal to 4 cm in diameter were followed from 2014 to 2022. Five domains of health-related quality of life (Mobility, Self-Care, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort, and Anxiety/Depression) were recorded using the EuroQoL, five dimensions, five levels (‘EQ-5D-5L’) questionnaire and analysed using a range of longitudinal mixed models.

Results
Of 886 thoracic aortic aneurysm participants, 824 completed at least 2 questionnaires. Patients had slightly worse health-related quality of life than age-matched norms. Without surgery, deterioration occurred over time in Mobility (0.072/year (95% c.i. 0.042 to 0.101), P &lt; 0.001) and Self-Care (0.039/year (95% c.i. 0.018 to 0.061), P &lt; 0.001) in both sexes and Pain/Discomfort in women (0.069/year (95% c.i. 0.020 to 0.118), P = 0.005). For 6 weeks after endovascular stent grafting, there was a significant impairment in Self-Care (0.214 (95% c.i. 0.112 to 0.316), P &lt; 0.001) and (for women only) in Usual Activities (0.625 (95% c.i. 0.338 to 0.911), P &lt; 0.001), which then returned to pre-endovascular stent grafting levels. Six weeks after open surgical repair, the impairment in health-related quality of life was greater (Mobility 0.492 (95% c.i. 0.314 to 0.669), Self-Care 0.474 (95% c.i. 0.364 to 0.583), Usual Activities 1.469 (95% c.i. 1.042 to 1.896), and Pain/Discomfort 0.561 (95% c.i. 0.363 to 0.760), all P &lt; 0.001) and took longer to return to pre-open surgical repair levels, partly due to increased complications and longer hospitalization. Anxiety/Depression decreased after open surgical repair (−0.214 (95% c.i. −0.326 to −0.101), P &lt; 0.001). Age, sex, frailty, smoking, New York Heart Association class, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly associated with health-related quality of life.

Conclusion
Without intervention, health-related quality of life declines as age increases. Changes in health-related quality of life should contribute to surgical treatment decision-making.
3T sodium-MRI as predictor of neurocognition in nondemented older adults: a cross sectional study
Authors: Lui Elaine , Venkatraman Vijay K , Finch Sue , Chua Michelle , Li Tie-Qiang , Sutton Bradley P , Steward Christopher E , Moffat Bradford , Cyarto Elizabeth V , Ellis Kathryn A , Rowe Christopher C , Masters Colin L , Lautenschlager Nicola T , Desmond Patricia M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Dementia is a burgeoning global problem. Novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics beyond volumetry may bring new insight and aid clinical trial evaluation of interventions early in the Alzheimer’s disease course to complement existing imaging and clinical metrics. To determine whether: (i) normalized regional sodium-MRI values (Na-SI) are better predictors of neurocognitive status than volumetry (ii) cerebral amyloid PET status improves modelling. Nondemented older adult (&gt;60 years) volunteers of known Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog11), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) neurocognitive test scores, ApolipoproteinE (APOE) e4 +/− cerebral amyloid PET status were prospectively recruited for 3T sodium-MRI brain scans. Left and right hippocampal, entorhinal and precuneus volumes and Na-SI (using the proportional intensity scaling normalization method with field inhomogeneity and partial volume corrections) were obtained after segmentation and co-registration of 3D-T1-weighted proton images. Descriptive statistics, correlation and best-subset regression analyses were performed. In our 76 nondemented participants (mean(standard deviation) age 75(5) years; woman 47(62%); cognitively unimpaired 54/76(71%), mildly cognitively impaired 22/76(29%)), left hippocampal Na-SI, not volume, was preferentially in the best models for predicting MMSE (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.19(Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.07,0.53), P-value = 0.001) and ADAS-Cog11 (Beta(B) = 1.2(CI = 0.28,2.1), P-value = 0.01) scores. In the entorhinal analysis, right entorhinal Na-SI, not volume, was preferentially selected in the best model for predicting ADAS-Cog11 (B = 0.94(CI = 0.11,1.8), P-value = 0.03). While right entorhinal Na-SI and volume were both selected for MMSE modelling (Na-SI OR = 0.23(CI = 0.09,0.6), P-value = 0.003; volume OR = 2.6(CI = 1.0,6.6), P-value = 0.04), independently, Na-SI explained more of the variance (Na-SI R2 = 10.3; volume R2 = 7.5). No imaging variable was selected in the best CERAD models. Adding cerebral amyloid status improved model fit (Akaike Information Criterion increased 2.0 for all models, P-value &lt; 0.001–0.045). Regional Na-SI were more predictive of MMSE and ADAS-Cog11 scores in our nondemented older adult cohort than volume, hippocampal more robust than entorhinal region of interest. Positive amyloid status slightly further improved model fit.
Regulating oxidation states of Cu nanowires for enhanced catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Li Zhong , Chao Yongchen , Sun Kaiyue , Cao Junyang , Sun Dan , Wu Dengfeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The construction of highly efficient and low-cost catalysts is crucial for the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Herein, we provide a simple processing method, including vacuum storage, natural oxidation, and heating oxidation, that effectively regulates the surface oxidation state of copper nanowires and produces copper nanowires with different oxidation states (such as Cu, Cu2O, and CuO). Research has found that CuNW-N (Cu nanowires for vacuum storage) catalysts with a surface composition of 67.9% Cu0, 20.6% Cu+, and 11.5% Cu2+ exhibit the best catalytic performance for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and their reaction rate constant reaches 0.791 min−1. This work provides a feasible catalyst preparation strategy for the efficient catalytic reduction of 4-NP.
Surgical skill simulation training to proficiency reduces procedural errors among novice cardiac device implanters: a randomized study
Authors: Mascheroni Jorio , Stockburger Martin , Patwala Ashish , Mont Lluís , Rao Archana , Retzlaff Hartwig , Garweg Christophe , Gallagher Anthony G , Verbelen Tom 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
In cardiac device implantation, having both surgical skills and ability to manipulate catheter/lead/wire is crucial. Few cardiologists, however, receive formal surgical training prior to implanting. Skills are mostly acquired directly on-the-job and surgical technique varies across institutions; suboptimal approaches may increase complications. We investigated how novel proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation training impacts the surgical quality of implantations, compared to traditional simulation (SIM) training.

Methods and results
In this international prospective study, novice implanters were randomized (blinded) 1:1 to participate in a simulation-based procedure training curriculum, with proficiency demonstration requirements for advancing (PBP approach) or without (SIM). Ultimately, trainees performed the surgical tasks of an implant on a porcine tissue that was video-recorded and then scored by two independent assessors (blinded to group), using previously validated performance metrics. Primary outcomes were the number of procedural Steps Completed, Critical Errors, Errors (non-critical), and All Errors Combined. Thirty novice implanters from 10 countries participated. Baseline experiences were similar between groups. Compared to SIM-trained, the PBP-trained group completed on average 11% more procedural Steps (P &lt; 0.001) and made 61.2% fewer Critical Errors (P &lt; 0.001), 57.1% fewer Errors (P = 0.140), and 60.7% fewer All Errors Combined (P = 0.001); 11/15 (73%) PBP trainees demonstrated the predefined target performance level vs. 3/15 SIM trainees (20%) in the video-recorded performance.

Conclusion
Proficiency-based progression training produces superior objectively assessed novice operators’ surgical performance in device implantation compared with traditional (simulation) training. Systematic PBP incorporation into formal academic surgical skills training is recommended before in vivo device practice. Future studies will quantify PBP training’s effect on surgery-related device complications.
Evolutionary innovation accelerates morphological diversification in pufferfishes and their relatives
Authors: Troyer Emily M , Evans Kory M , Goatley Christopher H R , Friedman Matt , Carnevale Giorgio , Nicholas Benjamin , Kolmann Matthew , Bemis Katherine E , Arcila Dahiana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Evolutionary innovations have played an important role in shaping the diversity of life on Earth. However, how these innovations arise and their downstream effects on patterns of morphological diversification remain poorly understood. Here, we examine the impact of evolutionary innovation on trait diversification in tetraodontiform fishes (pufferfishes, boxfishes, ocean sunfishes, and allies). This order provides an ideal model system for studying morphological diversification owing to their range of habitats and divergent morphologies, including the fusion of the teeth into a beak in several families. Using three-dimensional geometric morphometric data for 176 extant and fossil species, we examine the effect of skull integration and novel habitat association on the evolution of innovation. Strong integration may be a requirement for rapid trait evolution and facilitating the evolution of innovative structures, like the tetraodontiform beak. Our results show that the beak arose in the presence of highly conserved patterns of integration across the skull, suggesting that integration did not limit the range of available phenotypes to tetraodontiforms. Furthermore, we find that beaks have allowed tetraodontiforms to diversify into novel ecological niches, irrespective of habitat. Our results suggest that general rules pertaining to evolutionary innovation may be more nuanced than previously thought.
Becoming a Rescuer in the Pyrenees: Border Guides Who took Jews from France to Franco’s Spain (1940–1943)
Authors: Adams Jacqueline 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
During the Holocaust, thousands of Jews in France fled Europe via Franco’s Spain. When leaving France, refugees who lacked the required travel documents avoided police and customs officers at the Franco-Spanish border by walking over the Pyrenees. Guides (passeurs) led them through the mountains to the border, choosing trails and times that would make encounters with police patrols less likely. Most charged large sums of money, but some worked without payment. This article explores why the latter group engaged in this dangerous form of rescue, by examining how they became border guides. It focuses on two French farmers, a French Christian brother at a sanatorium, and an antifascist activist from Germany. The sources analyzed include the memoirs, unpublished accounts, diaries, letters and oral history interviews of the guides, their work associates, and the refugees; as well as official correspondence between French police and government officials in the Pyrenees region, and the archival records of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The author’s primary research finding is that the border guides considered in this study undertook the dangerous task of guiding refugees because they had had a series of experiences and had engaged in a series of actions that made it more feasible for them to do so when asked. Their values and understanding of their work also help explain why they became guides. Reflections on the implications of this research for our comprehension of bystanders’ actions conclude the article.
Graft incompatibility between pepper and tomato elicits an immune response and triggers localized cell death
Authors: Thomas Hannah Rae , Gevorgyan Alice , Hermanson Alexandra , Yanders Samantha , Erndwein Lindsay , Norman-Ariztía Matthew , Sparks Erin E , Frank Margaret H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Graft compatibility is the capacity of two plants to form cohesive vascular connections. Tomato and pepper are incompatible graft partners; however, the underlying cause of graft rejection between these two species remains unknown. We diagnosed graft incompatibility between tomato and diverse pepper varieties based on weakened biophysical stability, decreased growth, and persistent cell death using viability stains. Transcriptomic analysis of the junction was performed using RNA sequencing, and molecular signatures for incompatible graft response were characterized based on meta-transcriptomic comparisons with other biotic processes. We show that tomato is broadly incompatible with diverse pepper cultivars. These incompatible graft partners activate prolonged transcriptional changes that are highly enriched for defense processes. Amongst these processes was broad nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLR) upregulation and genetic signatures indicative of an immune response. Using transcriptomic datasets for a variety of biotic stress treatments, we identified a significant overlap in the genetic profile of incompatible grafting and plant parasitism. In addition, we found over 1000 genes that are uniquely upregulated in incompatible grafts. Based on NLR overactivity, DNA damage, and prolonged cell death, we hypothesize that tomato and pepper graft incompatibility is characterized by an immune response that triggers cell death which interferes with junction formation.
Mortality Trends in Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Age, Sex, and Race in the United States from 1999 to 2020
Authors: Aziz Saleha , Akhlaq Anum , Owings Anna , Gurz Sana , Zafar Yousaf , Ali Basim , Tang Shou-jiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The prevalence and disease course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have evolved over the years. It is unknown how these factors have impacted all-cause mortality. Our study assesses IBD mortality trends in the United States over 20 years by age, sex, and race.

Methods
We used the Centers for Disease Control Wide-Ranging OnLine Data for Epidemiologic Research database for multiple causes of death in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from 1999 to 2020. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) and crude mortality rates per 100 000 population were obtained. Joinpoint Analysis Software was used for annual percentage change (APC) overall and by age, sex, and race (White and Black).

Results
Overall AAMR in CD and UC were 0.79 and 0.53, respectively. All-cause mortality was stable from 1999 to 2018. There was a significant rise in APC from 2018 to 2020 (CD vs. UC, +11.28 vs. +9.29). This rise was observed across both races, sexes, and ages ≥45 years in the last 2–4 years of the study. AAMR in females compared with males varied in CD (0.81 vs. 0.79) and UC (0.45 vs. 0.62). White adults had higher AAMR than Black adults in both CD (0.94 vs. 0.50) and UC (0.58 vs. 0.28). The crude mortality rate increased with age and was highest in those ≥85 years (CD vs. UC, 5.07 vs. 5.23).

Conclusions
All-cause mortality trends in IBD were stable until 2018 and rose between 2018 and 2020. Mortality rates were higher amongst the elderly and White adults. Females with CD and males with UC had higher mortality rates.
Risk of Paradoxical Rheumatoid Arthritis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Exposed to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors: A Propensity-Matched Multicenter Study
Authors: Keluth Chavan Akash , Jha Pankhuri , Perez Jaime Abraham , Harper Elleson , Sinh Preetika , Cooper Gregory , Katz Jeffry , Cominelli Fabio , Regueiro Miguel , Mansoor Emad 
Published: September 2024

Lay Summary
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Our retrospective study did not show an increased risk when compared with non-anti-TNF therapy for IBD.
Half a Century of Global Invasion: How Global Trends Can Inform the Spread and Phenology of the Non-Native Kelp, Undaria Pinnatifida, in California, United States
Authors: McHaskell Danielle Alexis 
Published: September 2024

Synopsis
The potential for non-native species to outcompete native species, change ecosystem dynamics, and decrease biodiversity necessitates an understanding of their ecological role. Non-native seaweed species (NNSS) can be particularly impactful due to their cryptic life cycles, high fecundity, and tolerance to stressors, which could allow rapid spread across coastlines. This literature review summarizes a few well-known NNSS in California with a focus on using global literature on Undaria pinnatifida to inform potential trends of habitat use, dispersal, and phenology in this region. Globally, we found that Undaria is widely documented in bays and harbors, but there are documented cases of it establishing populations in coastal habitats in exposed rocky reef ecosystems, including California. Using data on thermal tolerance for U. pinnatifida in its native range, I found the sea surface temperatures (SST) throughout the west coast of the USA during 2019 are within the thermal tolerance of Undaria with the best SST for gametophytes occurring most frequently in southern California. Using data from the literature, I estimated the potential for Undaria to disperse from known populations in San Diego, CA, USA. These data suggest that Undaria has the potential to disperse into open coastal habitats in this region. This study provides a case for further using pre-existing literature from other regions to guide research conducted in regions of interest that can inform management decisions.
The Role of Polycystic Kidney Disease-Like Homologs in Planarian Nervous System Regeneration and Function
Authors: Ross K G , Alvarez Zepeda S , Auwal M A , Garces A K , Roman S , Zayas R M 
Published: September 2024

Synopsis
Planarians are an excellent model for investigating molecular mechanisms necessary for regenerating a functional nervous system. Numerous studies have led to the generation of extensive genomic resources, especially whole-animal single-cell RNA-seq resources. These have facilitated in silico predictions of neuronal subtypes, many of which have been anatomically mapped by in situ hybridization. However, our knowledge of the function of dozens of neuronal subtypes remains poorly understood. Previous investigations identified that polycystic kidney disease (pkd)-like genes in planarians are strongly expressed in sensory neurons and have roles in mechanosensation. Here, we examine the expression and function of all the pkd genes found in the Schmidtea mediterranea genome and map their expression in the asexual and hermaphroditic strains. Using custom behavioral assays, we test the function of pkd genes in response to mechanical stimulation and in food detection. Our work provides insight into the physiological function of sensory neuron populations and protocols for creating inexpensive automated setups for acquiring and analyzing mechanosensory stimulation in planarians.
Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights at the UN Security Council: Blurring Boundaries in a Social Space
Authors: Hoffmann Alvina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
How do we study the UN Security Council, a bastion of sovereign nation-state politics, from the perspective of “outsiders” such as UN special rapporteurs? This article reimagines the relationship between security and human rights at the UN through a social space approach. By challenging institutional and geographical boundaries between the Security Council in New York and the Human Rights Council in Geneva, I follow actors in a social space in which transversal lines connecting security and human rights become visible. I uncover a social space that is animated by actors, their relations and social positions relative to each other as well as connections between institutions, geographical locations, practical competencies, and material infrastructures. On this basis, I theorize four distinct boundary-blurring practices of UN special rapporteurs: between the issue areas of human rights and security, between the geographical locations of New York and Geneva, between institutions such as the Security Council, Human Rights Council and the OHCHR, and between the domains of politics and law. While these practices help them enter into the social space of the Security Council in New York, special rapporteurs need to pay “entry costs” by accepting the basic premises of the counter-terrorism architecture in return for recognition as valid actors in this architecture. Taking this viewpoint from the outside, I argue, illuminates the extension of the Security Council beyond its institutional confines and uncovers “the human-rightisation” of global security policy.
Comparative evaluation of early treatment with ceftolozane/tazobactam versus ceftazidime/avibactam for non-COVID-19 patients with pneumonia due to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lodise Thomas P , Obi Engels N , Watanabe Alexandre H , Yucel Emre , Min Jae , Nathanson Brian H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam are commonly used in patients with MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) pneumonia (PNA). This study compared outcomes between non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients with MDR-PSA PNA who received ceftolozane/tazobactam or ceftazidime/avibactam.

Methods
The study included non-COVID-19 adult hospitalized patients with MDR-PSA PNA in the PINC AI Healthcare Database (2016–22) who received ceftolozane/tazobactam or ceftazidime/avibactam within 3 days of index culture for ≥2 days. Outcomes were mortality, recurrent MDR-PSA PNA, discharge destination, post-index culture day length of stay (LOS) and costs (in US dollars, USD), and hospital readmission.

Results
The final sample included 197 patients (117 ceftolozane/tazobactam, 80 ceftazidime/avibactam). No significant differences were observed in mortality and post-index culture LOS and costs between groups. In the multivariable analyses, patients who received ceftolozane/tazobactam versus ceftazidime/avibactam had lower recurrent MDR-PSA PNA (7.9% versus 18.0%, P = 0.03) and 60 day PNA-related readmissions (11.1% versus 28.5%, P = 0.03) and were more likely to be discharged home (25.8% versus 9.8%, P = 0.03). Compared with ceftazidime/avibactam patients, ceftolozane/tazobactam patients had lower adjusted median total antibiotic costs (5052 USD versus 8099 USD, P = 0.003) and lower adjusted median comparator (ceftolozane/tazobactam or ceftazidime/avibactam) antibiotic costs (3938 USD versus 6441 USD, P = 0.005). In the desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) analysis, a ceftolozane/tazobactam-treated patient was more likely to have a more favourable outcome than a ceftazidime/avibactam-treated patient [DOOR probability: 59.6% (95% CI: 52.5%–66.8%)].

Conclusions
Early treatment with ceftolozane/tazobactam may offer some clinical and cost benefits over ceftazidime/avibactam in patients with MDR-PSA PNA. Further large-scale studies are necessary to comprehensively understand the outcomes associated with these treatments for MDR-PSA PNA.