bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Narrow windows of opportunity: the limited utility of cyber operations in war
Authors: Pedersen Frederik A H , Jacobsen Jeppe T 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The use of offensive cyber operations in war is no longer theoretical conjecture. Still, as we witness their use, important questions remain. How are offensive cyber operations employed in conventional warfighting, and what is their utility for the warfighting? This article answers these questions by analyzing new empirical evidence from the Russo–Ukrainian War, drawing on the novel TECI-model built for systematically analyzing and understanding offensive cyber operations in war through the model’s four constituent variables: target, effect, complexity, and integration. The article finds the utility of cyber operations in war is limited owing to an unsuitability for physical destruction, high risks of failure, high costs of complex operations that are more likely to attain successful and destructive effects, and a dichotomy between the tempi of conventional and cyber operations leading to cross-domain integration difficulties. Still, two narrow windows for achieving utility exist. Cumulative strategic utility is achievable by targeting critical infrastructure and governments in a persistent barrage of less complex cyber operations. Operational and tactical utility is achievable in the beginning of warfighting where the temporal dichotomy is less pronounced because cross-domain integration can be planned before warfighting commences. Filling a gap in the literature, TECI provides a common and operationalized model for future research systematically analyzing cyber operations, allowing for comparisons on the evolving role of cyberspace in war.
The role of genetic testing in diagnosing Fabry’s disease and its overlapping with cardiomyopathies: a case series
Authors: Suppah Mustafa , Narayanasamy Hema , Nelson James , Alsidawi Said 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Fabry’s disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, shares cardiac manifestations with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We underscore the importance of considering Fabry’s disease as a differential diagnosis in HCM patients, highlighting genetic testing’s role in cardiomyopathy evaluation.

Case summary
Three male patients with left ventricular hypertrophy were initially diagnosed with HCM but were later found to have Fabry’s disease through genetic testing. Atypical features such as renal dysfunction and conduction abnormalities raised suspicion. Genetic testing confirmed diagnosis, guiding tailored management.

Discussion
Fabry’s disease poses diagnostic challenges due to its resemblance to HCM. Genetic testing enables precise diagnosis and personalized management, especially in cases with atypical presentations. Early recognition and intervention, facilitated by genetic testing, can improve patient outcomes in Fabry’s disease.
Tricuspid regurgitation and heart failure: the fate of treated vs. untreated cohort in the percutaneous era
Authors: Zancanaro Edoardo , Romeo Maria Rita , Nardone Annalisa , D’Agostino Andreina , Mariani Massimiliano , Berti Sergio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with heart failure (HF) and reduced survival. Within a short-time period, transcatheter tricuspid valve repair or replacement (TTVR/TTVr) for TR has evolved from innovation to clinical reality. The present study’s aim is to provide 1-year results between TR patients treated with TTVR and TTVr compared with untreated patients, in terms of cardiac survival, rehospitalization, right-side HF symptom development, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) improvement.

Methods and results
Seventy-seven patients (pts) have been prospectively inserted into a dedicated database from January 2020 till January 2023. Twenty-six patients (33.8%) have been treated with TTVR/r [treated group (TG)], and 51 pts (66.2%) have been left untreated with medical therapy optimization [untreated group (UNTG)]. Analysing the cardiac death between the two groups, there was a significant statistical difference since TG has less incidence of exitus in the general population (P = 0.05). Concerning HF hospitalization, TG has a lower incidence with a P = 0.005. In TG, there was a significant improvement in NYHA class at follow-up (FUP) (P = 0.001) as well as an improvement in right-side HF symptoms (P = 0.001).

Conclusion
This study shows that treatment in the case of TR with right-side HF has a positive impact on cardiac death and HF hospitalization at 1 year. And there is a significant improvement in clinical and echocardiographic status at FUP in the TG.
Aortic valve performance after remodelling versus reimplantation in a propensity-matched comparison
Authors: Gofus Jan , Vojacek Jan , Karalko Mikita , Zacek Pavel , Kolesar Adrian , Toporcer Tomas , Urban Martin , Glac Filip , Cerny Stepan , Homola Pavel , Hlubocky Jaroslav , Slautin Andrey , Fila Petr , Zakova Daniela , Sterba Jan , Rashid Hiwad , Van Linden Arnaud , Holubec Tomas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Both aortic root remodelling and aortic valve (AV) reimplantation have been used for valve-sparing root replacement in patients with aortic root aneurysm with or without aortic regurgitation. There is no clear evidence to support one technique over the another. This study aimed to compare remodelling with basal ring annuloplasty versus reimplantation on a multicentre level with the use of propensity-score matching.

METHODS
This was a retrospective international multicentre study of patients undergoing remodelling or reimplantation between 2010 and 2021. Twenty-three preoperative covariates (including root dimensions and valve characteristics) were used for propensity-score matching. Perioperative outcomes were analysed along with longer-term freedom from AV reoperation/reintervention and other major valve-related events.

RESULTS
Throughout the study period, 297 patients underwent remodelling and 281 had reimplantation. Using propensity-score matching, 112 pairs were selected and further compared. We did not find a statistically significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the matched groups. Patients after remodelling had significantly higher reintervention risk than after reimplantation over the median follow-up of 6 years (P = 0.016). The remodelling technique (P = 0.02), need for decalcification (P = 0.03) and degree of immediate postoperative AV regurgitation (P &lt; 0.001) were defined as independent risk factors for later AV reintervention. After exclusion of patients with worse than mild AV regurgitation immediately after repair, both techniques functioned comparably (P = 0.089).

CONCLUSIONS
AV reimplantation was associated with better valve function in longer-term postoperatively than remodelling. If optimal immediate repair outcome was achieved, both techniques provided comparable AV function.
Attributable deaths in Austria due to ozone under different climate scenarios
Authors: Moshammer Hanns , Mayer Monika , Rieder Harald , Schmidt Christian , Bednar-Friedl Birgit , Wallner Peter , Hutter Hans-Peter 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTropospheric ozone is an air pollutant that poses a public health problem in Europe. Climate change could increase the formation of ozone. Applying past and predicted annual total (all-cause) mortality data and modeled daily ozone concentrations, we performed a nationwide health impact assessment estimating annual ozone-related (attributable) deaths in Austria. Different approaches were compared. Estimates were based on maximal 1-h averages of ozone. Until the decade from 2045 till 2055, more people will die in Austria because of the demographic trends. Therefore, more deaths will also be attributable to ozone. Higher greenhouse gas emission scenarios (e.g. Representative Concentration Pathway RCP8.5 compared to RCP2.6) will lead to more ozone-related deaths, mostly due to the national emission of ozone precursors (a difference of 250–340 cases per year, depending on the model), but to a lesser extent because of global climate change. Increases in attributable deaths will be affected mostly by national, not global mitigation measures. National emission reduction will certainly have a strong and beneficial effect on local atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and public health.
Comparison of population genetic structure of Pinus mugo Turra forest stands in the Giant Mountains by analysis of nSSR molecular marker data
Authors: Komárková Martina , Čáp Jiří , Trčková Olga , Dostál Jaroslav , Máchová Pavlína 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Pinus mugo (dwarf mountain pine) communities in the protected area of Krkonoše National Park are extremely valuable. After extensive deforestation during the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, P. mugo recovered naturally in some parts of the Giant Mountains, and in some places imported seeds were likely used for reforestation. To distinguish between native and possibly introduced local P. mugo populations, genetic variations between 12 populations from the Czech Sudeten part of the Giant Mountains and between the two populations from the Tatra Mountains were analysed using 12 nuclear microsatellite markers (nuclear simple sequence repeats). Based on the simple sequence repeat data, 146 alleles were found, and Shannon’s information index, number of private alleles, and expected heterozygosity (HE) of populations averaged 1.12, 0.16, and 0.53, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that most of the variation was detected within populations. Low levels of genetic differentiation were also observed (average FST = 0.023). The population structure was examined by Bayesian clustering. The results of STRUCTURE analysis confirmed that the introduced populations were different from the autochthonous populations. Some of the introduced Czech Sudeten populations had similar genetic structure as the more distant native populations from the Tatra Mountains. Our results provide important genetic information for the reconstruction of natural communities in the Giant Mountains.
Lessons from Extremophiles: Functional Adaptations and Genomic Innovations across the Eukaryotic Tree of Life
Authors: Rappaport H B , Oliverio Angela M 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFrom hydrothermal vents, to glaciers, to deserts, research in extreme environments has reshaped our understanding of how and where life can persist. Contained within the genomes of extremophilic organisms are the blueprints for a toolkit to tackle the multitude of challenges of survival in inhospitable environments. As new sequencing technologies have rapidly developed, so too has our understanding of the molecular and genomic mechanisms that have facilitated the success of extremophiles. Although eukaryotic extremophiles remain relatively understudied compared to bacteria and archaea, an increasing number of studies have begun to leverage ’omics tools to shed light on eukaryotic life in harsh conditions. In this perspective paper, we highlight a diverse breadth of research on extremophilic lineages across the eukaryotic tree of life, from microbes to macrobes, that are collectively reshaping our understanding of molecular innovations at life's extremes. These studies are not only advancing our understanding of evolution and biological processes but are also offering a valuable roadmap on how emerging technologies can be applied to identify cellular mechanisms of adaptation to cope with life in stressful conditions, including high and low temperatures, limited water availability, and heavy metal habitats. We shed light on patterns of molecular and organismal adaptation across the eukaryotic tree of life and discuss a few promising research directions, including investigations into the role of horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotic extremophiles and the importance of increasing phylogenetic diversity of model systems.
Interference of skeleton photoperiod in circadian clock and photosynthetic efficiency of tea plant: in-depth analysis of mathematical model
Authors: Hu Zhi-Hang , Huang Ting , Zhang Nan , Chen Chen , Yang Kai-Xin , Sun Meng-Zhen , Yang Ni , Chen Yi , Tao Jian-Ping , Liu Hui , Li Xing-Hui , Chen Xuan , You Xiong , Xiong Ai-Sheng , Zhuang Jing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The circadian system of plants is a complex physiological mechanism, a biological process in which plants can adjust themselves according to the day and night cycle. To understand the effects of different photoperiods on the biological clock of tea plants, we analyzed the expression levels of core clock genes (CCA1, PRR9, TOC1, ELF4) and photosynthesis-related genes (Lhcb, RbcS, atpA) under normal light (light/dark = 12 h/12 h, 12L12D) and took the cost function defined by cycle and phase errors as the basic model parameter. In the continuous light environment (24 h light, 24L), the peak activity and cycle of key genes that control the biological clock and photosynthesis were delayed by 1–2 h. Under a skeleton photoperiod (6L6D, 3L3D), the expression profiles of clock genes and photosynthesis-related genes in tea plants were changed and stomatal opening showed a circadian rhythm. These observations suggest that a skeleton photoperiod may have an effect on the circadian rhythm, photosynthetic efficiency and stomatal regulation of tea plants. Our study and model analyzed the components of circadian rhythms under different photoperiodic pathways, and also revealed the underlying mechanisms of circadian regulation of photosynthesis in tea plants.
Efficacy of Vaccination and Revaccination Against Hepatitis B Virus Using 2 Different Strategies in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Markopoulos Panagiotis , Karmiris Konstantinos , Dimas Ioannis , Voudoukis Evangelos , Siakavellas Spyridon , Axiaris Georgios , Zacharopoulou Eirini , Zampeli Evanthia , Tsironi Eftychia , Tzouvala Maria , Papatheodoridis Georgios , Bamias Georgios 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit an increased risk for acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV), thus they should be vaccinated preferably, if not already infected or immunized. We assessed the efficacy of HBV vaccination in IBD patients and impact of different factors on the immune response. We also evaluated the success rate of 2 different revaccination strategies in the nonresponders.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational cohort study carried out in 5 tertiary centers. All patients were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), and antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen. Patients tested negative and underwent the standard schedule with 20 µg at 0, 1, and 6 months. Nonresponders (anti-HBs &lt;10 IU/L) were offered a revaccination scheme with either 3 doses of 40 µg at 0, 1, and 6 months or an accelerated scheme with 20 µg at 0, 1, and 2 months.

Results
A total of 409 patients were included, and 273 (66.7%) of those (females: 49.5%; Crohn’s disease [CD]: 56.7%) responded to baseline vaccination. A total of 189 (69.2%) of 273 (females: 48.1%; CD: 60.3%) developed anti-HBs &gt;100 IU/L. Body mass index &lt;30 kg/m2 (P = .017) was positively associated, while diagnosis of CD (P = .013), extensive UC (P &lt;.0001), extraintestinal manifestations (P = .001), and treatment with immunomodulators/anti-tumor necrosis factor (P &lt; .00) negatively affected the response. Revaccination was offered to 103 patients, and 58.3% of them achieved anti-HBs &gt;10 IU/L. Both revaccination strategies were equally effective.

Conclusions
IBD patients demonstrate lower response to HBV vaccination compared with the general population. Age, body mass index, type, disease activity, and immunosuppression negatively affect the response. Half of nonresponders may benefit from an enhanced revaccination attempt.
Accounting for spatio-temporal distribution changes in size-structured abundance estimates for a data-limited stock of Raja clavata
Authors: Staeudle Timo Michael , Parmentier Bram , Poos Jan Jaap 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Vulnerability of elasmobranchs to fishing and declines in populations over the last decades have prompted calls for improved fisheries management and conservation efforts. The Raja clavata (Thornback ray) population in the Greater North Sea ecoregion is a population that has historically shown marked declines with increasing industrialized fishing, while a lack of robust catch data of commercial fisheries hampers assessment of population abundance. Using fisheries-independent survey catch data haul-by-haul surface area estimates, we employ integrated-nested Laplace approximation to estimate total and size-class abundances of R. clavata. By accounting for spatio-temporal changes in the population, size selectivity between survey gears, and minimizing bias from partially overlapping survey areas, we demonstrate major changes in the abundance and distribution over the past three decades. Notably, increases of abundance in the Eastern English Channel and south-eastern North Sea result in an overall increase in the abundance and biomass of the population. Our findings expand understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics and exploitation of this data-limited stock, emphasizing the potential for improved population abundance estimates to inform future stock assessments.
Optimizing wastewater treatment plants with advanced feature selection and sensor technologies
Authors: Timiraos Míriam , Águila Jesús F , Arce Elena , Núñez Moisés Alberto GarcÍa , Zayas-Gato Francisco , Quintián Héctor 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This research establishes a foundational framework for the development of virtual sensors and provides significant preliminary results. Our study specifically focuses on identifying the key factors essential for accurately predicting total nitrogen in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants. This contribution enhances the predictive capabilities and operational efficiency of these plants, demonstrating the practical benefits of integrating advanced feature selection methods and innovative sensor technologies. These findings provide crucial insights and pave the way for future advancements in the field. In this study, four different feature selection methods are employed to comprehensively explore the variables influencing total nitrogen predictions. The effectiveness of these methods is then evaluated by applying three regression techniques. The findings indicate acceptable levels of accuracy in all applied cases, with one method demonstrating particularly promising results, applicable to several wastewater treatment plants. This validation of the selected variables not only underlines their effectiveness, but also lays the foundation for future virtual sensor applications. The integration of such sensors promises to improve the accuracy and reliability of predictions, marking a significant advance in wastewater treatment plant instrumentation.
Unusual spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage: three case reports
Authors: Lovitskyi Yurii , Romanenko Yaryna , Shcherbyna Maksym , Zadorozhna Kristina , Kalyna Roman , Herasymenko Evhen , Kopchak Kostiantyn 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Introduction and importance: Spontaneous hemoperitoneum (SH) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by nontraumatic and non-iatrogenic intraperitoneal bleeding. This article explores three unique cases of SH, shedding light on unusual causes and emphasizing the critical role of diagnostic imaging and exploratory laparotomy in management. Methods: The study was a retrospective single-center non-consecutive case series. Results: We report three distinct cases of SH, each originating from uncommon sources: rupture of greater omentum arterio-venous malformation, a branch of the left gastric artery, and pathological splenic rupture. Clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and surgical interventions are detailed for each case. Conclusion: These rare cases underscore the diverse etiologies of SH, including idiopathic omental bleeding, gastric intramural hematoma, and atraumatic splenic rupture. Enhanced CT imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis, enabling the characterization of underlying pathologies. Exploratory laparotomy proves to be an essential treatment option for unstable patients with suspected or confirmed diagnoses of SH.
Surgical approach of anorectal mucosal melanoma with locoregional disease – a case report
Authors: Quinn Rakesh , Ellis-Clark Jodie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Anorectal mucosal melanoma is rare entity. There is currently no consensus on optimal surgical treatment for loco-regional anorectal melanoma that has a favourable outcome. Abdominoperineal resection has not shown a survival benefit over wide local excision due to the inevitable distant recurrence. With local excision considered favourable given reduced surgical morbidity and avoidance of permanent stoma. However, anorectal melanomas are often diagnosed late, with an increased tumour size and depth of primary lesions, increasing the risk of local recurrence and subsequent disease morbidity when excised locally. The decision to proceed to local excision versus abdominoperineal resection is complex, it needs to be individualized, based on primary tumour clinicopathological features and driven by multidisciplinary discussion, with the goal to improve quality and quantity of life. We present a case of a 66-year-old female with anorectal mucosal melanoma with locoregional disease and our surgical approach.
Colorectal adenocarcinoma of the interposed colon after esophagectomy in infancy: a case report
Authors: Schraps Nina , Mercanoglu Baris , Giannou Anastasios , Witthöft Thomas , Hackert Thilo , Melling Nathaniel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Colorectal carcinomas are a rare but possible complication in an interposed colonic segment used for reconstruction after esophagectomy. We report the case of a patient who underwent colonic interposition surgery in childhood due to esophageal atresia and was diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma of the interposed colon ~57 years later. The patient underwent gastric pull-up after thoraco-abdominal resection of the colonic interposition en bloc with the adjacent remaining esophagus.