bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Right ventricular function in Marfan patients remains stable despite multiple cardiac interventions
Authors: Mihalj Maks , Nucera Maria , Ferro Cyril , Mosbahi Selim , Haynes Alan , Yildiz Murat , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Schoenhoff Florian S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Mitral valve regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction are cardiovascular symptoms of Marfan syndrome. There is a paucity of information on tricuspid valve regurgitation and right ventricular function. In patients with Marfan syndrome, we looked at long-term changes in right ventricular function, tricuspid valve regurgitation and freedom from tricuspid valve repair.

METHODS
Retrospective-observational single-centre analysis on right ventricular function and tricuspid regurgitation in Marfan patients who underwent surgery with cardioplegic arrest between 1995 and 2020. Patients were followed-up from 1st operation until death, with echocardiographic changes analysed longitudinally. Composite end point was tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) ≤16 mm, severe tricuspid regurgitation or tricuspid repair.

RESULTS
The study included 135 patients who underwent 193 operations, 58 of those were reoperations in 40 patients. Median age at 1st operation was 35 years [interquartile range (IQR) 26–46], median follow-up was 8.0 years (IQR 3.0–16.0) and median time to 1st reoperation was 7.5 years (IQR 3.4–12.5). The composite end point occurred in 81 observations in 40 patients, mostly as a recurrent event, after median 7.0 years (IQR 1.0–13.0). Ten-year cumulative incidence for composite end point was 22.0% (95% CI 15–31) and 9.0% (95% CI 4.4–16) for new-onset TAPSE ≤16 mm, but no significant change in TAPSE was observed at 10 years. Tricuspid regurgitation was associated with increased risk of annual progression (P &lt; 0.001), but not clinically relevant at 10 years. Actuarial 10-year survival was 91.1%.

CONCLUSIONS
In Marfan patients with a history of cardiac surgery and subsequent reoperations, the right ventricular function remains stable. The incidence of severe tricuspid regurgitation and tricuspid repair remain low.
Germline mutation rate predicts cancer mortality across 37 vertebrate species
Authors: Kapsetaki Stefania E , Compton Zachary T , Mellon Walker , Vincze Orsolya , Giraudeau Mathieu , Harrison Tara M , Abegglen Lisa M , Boddy Amy M , Maley Carlo C , Schiffman Joshua D 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and objectivesCancer develops across nearly every species. However, cancer occurs at unexpected and widely different rates throughout the animal kingdom. The reason for this variation in cancer susceptibility remains an area of intense investigation. Cancer evolves in part through the accumulation of mutations, and therefore, we hypothesized that germline mutation rates would be associated with cancer prevalence and mortality across species.MethodologyWe collected previously published data on germline mutation rate and cancer mortality data for 37 vertebrate species.ResultsGermline mutation rate was positively correlated with cancer mortality (P-value = 0.0008; R2 = 0.13). Controlling for species’ average parental age, maximum longevity, adult body mass or domestication did not improve the model fit (the change (Δ) in Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was less than 2). However, this model fit was better than a model controlling for species trophic level (ΔAIC &gt; 2).Conclusions and implicationsThe increased death rate from cancer in animals with increased germline mutation rates may suggest underlying hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes similar to those diagnosed in human patients. Species with higher germline mutation rates may benefit from close monitoring for tumors due to increased genetic risk for cancer development. Early diagnoses of cancer in these species may increase their chances of overall survival, especially for threatened and endangered species.
Clinical impact of atrial fibrillation progression in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A report from the CHART-2 Study
Authors: Ito Tomohiro , Noda Takashi , Nochioka Kotaro , Shiroto Takashi , Yamamoto Nobuhiko , Sato Hiroyuki , Chiba Takahiko , Hasebe Yuhi , Nakano Makoto , Takahama Hiroyuki , Takahashi Jun , Miyata Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Yasuda Satoshi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexists with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and clinical outcomes of patients with AF vary depending on its subtype. While AF progression characterized by the transition from paroxysmal AF to persistent AF is sometimes observed, the incidence and clinical impact of AF progression in patients with HFpEF remain to be explored.

Methods and results
We enrolled patients with HFpEF and paroxysmal AF from the Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District-2 (CHART-2) Study. AF progression was defined as the transition from paroxysmal AF to persistent AF. A total of 718 patients (median age: 72 years, 36% were female) were enrolled. For a median follow-up of 6.0 years (interquartile range: 3.0–10.2 years), AF progression occurred in 105 patients (14.6%), with a cumulative incidence of 16.7% at 10 years. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, previous hospitalization for heart failure [hazard ratio (HR) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–2.60; P = 0.007] and left atrial diameter (per 5-mm increase) (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.20–1.55; P &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with AF progression. Furthermore, AF progression was significantly linked to worsening heart failure (adjusted HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.18–2.40; P = 0.004). Notably, 27 cases (26%) of worsening heart failure occurred within 1 year following AF progression.

Conclusion
In patients with HFpEF, AF progression is significantly associated with adverse outcomes, particularly worsening heart failure. An increased risk is observed in the early phases following progression to persistent AF.

Registration
Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT00418041
Evolutionary Insights from the Mitochondrial Genome of Oikopleura dioica: Sequencing Challenges, RNA Editing, Gene Transfers to the Nucleus, and tRNA Loss
Authors: Klirs Yael , Novosolov Maria , Gissi Carmela , Garić Rade , Pupko Tal , Stach Thomas , Huchon Dorothée 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Sequencing the mitochondrial genome of the tunicate Oikopleura dioica is a challenging task due to the presence of long poly-A/T homopolymer stretches, which impair sequencing and assembly. Here, we report on the sequencing and annotation of the majority of the mitochondrial genome of O. dioica by means of combining several DNA and amplicon reads obtained by Illumina and MinIon Oxford Nanopore Technologies with public RNA sequences. We document extensive RNA editing, since all homopolymer stretches present in the mitochondrial DNA correspond to 6U-regions in the mitochondrial RNA. Out of the 13 canonical protein-coding genes, we were able to detect eight, plus an unassigned open reading frame that lacked sequence similarity to canonical mitochondrial protein-coding genes. We show that the nad3 gene has been transferred to the nucleus and acquired a mitochondria-targeting signal. In addition to two very short rRNAs, we could only identify a single tRNA (tRNA-Met), suggesting multiple losses of tRNA genes, supported by a corresponding loss of mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in the nuclear genome. Based on the eight canonical protein-coding genes identified, we reconstructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees and inferred an extreme evolutionary rate of this mitochondrial genome. The phylogenetic position of appendicularians among tunicates, however, could not be accurately determined.
Efficient implementation of equivalent medium parametrization in finite-difference seismic wave simulation methods
Authors: Jiang Luqian , Zhang Wei 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARY
Gridpoint discretization of the model has a significant impact on the accuracy of finite-difference seismic waveform simulations. Discretizing the discontinuous velocity model using local point medium parameters can lead to artefact diffraction caused by the stair-step representation and inaccuracies in calculated waveforms due to interface errors, particularly evident when employing coarse grids. To accurately represent model interfaces and reduce interface errors in finite-difference calculations, various equivalent medium parametrization methods have been developed in recent years. Most of these methods require volume-integrated averaging calculations of the medium parameter values within grid cells. The simplest way to achieve this volume averaging is to apply numerical integration averaging to all grid cells. However, this approach demands considerable computational time. To address this computational challenge, we propose employing a set of auxiliary grids to identify which grid cells intersected by the welded interface and perform volume averaging only on these specific cells, thereby reducing unnecessary computational overhead. Additionally, we present a 3-D tilted transversely isotropic equivalent medium parametrization method, which effectively suppresses interface errors and artefact diffraction under the application of coarse grids. We also provide an approach for computing the normal direction of the interface, which is essential for the tilted transversely isotropic equivalent medium parametrization. Numerical tests validate the accuracy of the tilted transversely isotropic equivalent medium parametrization method and demonstrate the practicality of the implementation proposed in this paper for complex models.
Sexual health interventions with social marketing approach targeting young people: a scoping review
Authors: Putkonen Hanna , Kallio Hanna , Kylmä Jari , Rissanen Tiina , Sormunen Marjorita 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In a fast-paced digital and global environment, sexual education must keep up with young people’s sexual health needs. Social marketing is an approach that has been used in sexual health promotion for young people. The objective of the scoping review is to identify and map the use of social marketing in sexual health promotion for young people. Specifically, the content, delivery methods and effects of interventions on sexual health were researched. Six databases were systemically searched to capture the relevant peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods articles without time restrictions that provided evidence of sexual health-related social marketing interventions targeting young people aged 11–25. An inductive and deductive content analysis was performed. Nineteen studies were included in the data. The content of interventions was dominated by sexual risks and risk prevention, focusing particularly on sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and sexual violence. Additionally, interventions included topics of morals of sexual relationships and changes in the body. The delivery of interventions occurred through various media channels, events and activities, while the effects of interventions were monitored as improvements in sexual perceptions and sexual behaviour, limited gender-related effects, limited evidence of intervention attributed to behaviour and effects in different age groups. The social marketing approach was mostly preventive and concentrated on the risks, whereas the delivery methods were diverse and creative, combining modern and already well-established channels. Sexuality should be seen comprehensively, and interventions should respond to the full range of young people’s needs.
Dual β-lactams for the treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus: a review of the evidence and a call to act against an antibiotic nightmare
Authors: Longo Bianca Maria , Trunfio Mattia , Calcagno Andrea 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a group of rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), increasingly emerging as opportunistic pathogens. Current treatment options for these microorganisms are limited and associated with a high rate of treatment failure, toxicity and recurrence. In search of new therapeutic strategies, interest has grown in dual β-lactam (DBL) therapy, as research recently discovered that M. abscessus cell wall synthesis is mainly regulated by two types of enzymes (d,d-transpeptidases and l,d-transpeptidases) differently susceptible to inhibition by distinct β-lactams. In vitro studies testing several DBL combinations have shown synergy in extracellular broth cultures as well as in the intracellular setting: cefoxitin/imipenem, ceftaroline/imipenem, ceftazidime/ceftaroline and ceftazidime/imipenem. The addition of specific β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) targeting M. abscessus β-lactamase did not significantly enhance the activity of DBL combinations. However, in vivo data are lacking. We reviewed the literature on DBL/DBL-BLI-based therapies for M. abscessus infections to raise greater attention on this promising yet overlooked treatment option and to guide future preclinical and clinical studies.
A Validated LC-MS/MS Assay for the Quantification of Cholate Isotopes in Human Serum
Authors: Helmke Steve M , McRae Michael P , Christians Uwe , Shokati Touraj , Everson Gregory T 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Current methods for evaluating liver health rely on nonspecific blood tests, elastography surrogates for fibrosis, and invasive procedures, none of which directly measure liver function and physiology. Herein we present the analytical validation of a unique, highly sensitive LC-MS/MS assay and dual-sample oral (DuO) cholate challenge test to reliably quantify serial serum concentrations of cholate isotopes administered to patients with liver diseases. The clearance of administered cholate isotopes measured by the assay provides information about liver function and physiology.

Methods
Analytical method validation of the cholate assay analytes (endogenous unlabeled cholic acid, 24-13C-cholic acid, and 2,2,4,4-D4-cholic acid) in terms of accuracy, precision, analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, and range of reliable response was completed in human serum samples spiked with quality controls and calibrators in accordance with applicable guidelines. DuO test parameters were validated using samples from 48 subjects representing various liver disease etiologies.

Results
Accuracy (mean biases) for all analytes ranged from 0.1% to 3.7%. Using a nested components-of-variance design (20 days, 2 runs per day, 2 replicates per sample), total imprecision for all analytes ranged from 2.3% to 8.4%. Lower and upper limits of quantitation were established and validated at 0.1 to 10.0 µM. Matrix effects and potential interferents did not affect assay performance. DuO test validation met all prespecified acceptance criteria.

Conclusions
The method validation studies described herein established the performance characteristics in terms of accuracy, precision, analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, reportable ranges, and reference intervals of the LC-MS/MS cholate assay and DuO test.
Isolation and identification of entomopathogenic fungi strains for Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) control
Authors: Konopická Jana , Skoková Habuštová Oxana , Jánová Nicole , Žurovcová Martina , Doležal Petr , Zemek Rostislav 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the most widespread insect pest that causes major economic losses, especially on potatoes. Due to heavy insecticide use, this species now resists most pesticides, posing a significant control challenge. Frequent pesticide application also harms non-target organisms, the environment, and human health. Hence, utilizing biocontrol agents like entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) offers a viable alternative for pest management. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize new EPF strains isolated from soil samples and evaluate their efficacy against adult L. decemlineata under laboratory conditions.

Methods and results
Soil samples were collected in potato fields or uncultivated areas adjacent to the field in the Czech Republic and the EPF strains were isolated using a modified Tenebrio bait method. A total of 20 fungal strains were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular markers based on the 28S rRNA, ITS, and elongation factor 1-alpha gene sequences as Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill., Beauveria brongniartii (Sacc.) Petch, and Cordyceps fumosorosea (Wize) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom.) Luangsa-ard, Houbraken, Hywel-Jones & Samson (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae), Metarhizium brunneum (Petch), and Metarhizium robertsii Bisch., Rehner & Humber (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). The bioassays revealed high variability among virulence of these strains against L. decemlineata with the shortest median time to death (LT50 = 5 days) in M. robertsii strain MAN3b.

Conclusions
Results shown that some EPF strains, particularly those of genera Metarhizium, can be promising biocontrol agents against the Colorado potato beetle.
Dietary manganese supplementation decreases hepatic lipid deposition by regulating gene expression and enzyme activity involved in lipid metabolism in the liver of broilers
Authors: Yang Ke , Cui Xiaoyan , Hu Yangyang , Feng Xinyu , Chen Wenpeng , Zhang Weiyun , Zhang Liyang , Li Sufen , Hu Yun , Li Tingting , Wang Shengchen , Luo Xugang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the effects of different dietary forms of supplemental manganese (Mn) on hepatic lipid deposition, gene expression, and enzyme activity in liver fat metabolism in 42-d-old broiler chickens. In total 420 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (rooster:hen = 1:1) were assigned randomly based on body weight and sex to 1 of 6 treatments (10 replicate cages per treatment and 7 broilers per replicate cage) in a completely randomized design using a 2 (sex) × 3 (diet) factorial arrangement. The 3 diets were basal control diets without Mn supplementation and basal diets supplemented with either Mn sulfate or Mn proteinate. No sex × diet interactions were observed in any of the measured indexes; thus, the effect of diet alone was presented in this study. Dietary Mn supplementation increased Mn content in the plasma and liver, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) activity, and ATGL mRNA and its protein expression in the liver by 5.3% to 24.0% (P &lt; 0.05), but reduced plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels, liver TG content, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and malic enzyme (ME) activities, mRNA expression of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), FAS, stearoyl-coA desaturase (SCD), and ME, as well as the protein expression of SREBP1 and SCD in the liver by 5.5% to 22.8% (P &lt; 0.05). No differences were observed between the 2 Mn sources in all of the determined parameters. Therefore, it was concluded that dietary Mn supplementation, regardless of Mn source, decreased hepatic lipid accumulation in broilers by inhibiting SREBP1 and SCD expression, FAS and ME activities, and enhancing ATGL expression and activity.
The proper scope of education for flourishing
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján , VanderWeele Tyler J 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The concept of flourishing has recently come into vogue within various areas of the humanities and social sciences (e.g. philosophy, psychology, economics, health, education). This article focuses on its potential role within education, where the retrieval of flourishing has perhaps been most visible of all the recent areas of interest, setting in motion what some have called a ‘flourishing bandwagon’. This bandwagon has blazed a trail for the somewhat radical view that flourishing can be seen not only as a significant aim, but even the central aim, of all educational endeavours. Recent criticisms of the flourishing view focus on its potential vacuity and its unhelpful conflation of general and laudable, but uneducable, socio-political and psycho-moral aims with educable ones, hence placing unreasonable burdens on practitioners. After providing a brief historical and conceptual backdrop, this article aims at fleshing out and finessing the scope of education for flourishing and, hence at responding to the recent critics. This is done inter alia through an analogy with health where a similar theoretical problem beckons about possible conceptual underpopulations and overpopulations of the content of the aim of health itself.
Physicians’ opinions on the utilization of generic medications in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a narrative review
Authors: Rafiq Rubina , Ooi Guat See , Sridhar Sathvik B , Ejaz Haris 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
This review paper explores strategies and recommendations for reducing healthcare expenses in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by understanding physicians’ attitudes regarding the utilization of generic medicines.

Methods
A comprehensive search of seven databases yielded 24 437 titles and abstracts. Using inclusion criteria focusing on physicians’ insights into generic prescribing and exclusion criteria, cutting out systematic reviews, case studies, and non-English articles, the review process led to an in-depth analysis of six studies.

Results
Findings revealed that while physicians generally comprehend terms like “generic”, “brand”, and “bioequivalence”, they face difficulty discussing bioequivalence with patients. Lack of emphasis on generic medicines in medical education and complex patient communication were potential impediments to generic medicine prescribing in the GCC countries. Strategies & Recommendations: Promoting the benefits of generic drugs could support their usage and help decrease healthcare costs. Improving medical education to include a larger focus on generic medications and their benefits, as well as training physicians in effectively communicating bioequivalence concepts to patients, could promote the use of more cost-effective, generic options.

Conclusion
The review calls for attention to the potential of generic medicine prescribing to reduce healthcare expenses in the GCC. Future research studies should consider broadening the geographical scope to provide global insights into these issues and their possible solutions.
Post-Artesunate Delayed Hemolysis in Pediatric Malaria Patients in the United States
Authors: Sundararaman Sesh A , Hanze Villavicencio Karen L , Roper Brianne , Wang Ziyi , Davis Amy K F , Mayhew Jonathan A , Wang Michelle L , Tang Nina L , Soma Vijaya L , Shust Gail F , Feeney Margaret E , Trehan Indi , Weatherhead Jill E , John Chandy C , Gerber Jeffrey S , Odom John Audrey R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Post-artesunate delayed hemolysis (PADH) occurred in 6 of 24 children treated with artesunate for severe malaria in the United States; however, severe hemolysis requiring hospitalization or transfusion was rare. In children in the United States treated with artesunate, counseling, and symptom monitoring may be preferred to weekly laboratory surveillance for PADH.