bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative high dose of dexamethasone in emergency laparotomy: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cihoric Mirjana , Kehlet Henrik , Lauritsen Morten L , Højlund Jakob , Kanstrup Katrine , Kärnsund Sofia , Foss Nicolai B 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy present with a profound inflammatory response, which could be an independent pathophysiological component in prolonged recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single preoperative high dose of intravenous dexamethasone on the inflammatory response and recovery after emergency laparotomy.

Methods
In this double-blinded placebo-controlled trial, patients were prospectively stratified according to surgical pathology (intestinal obstruction and perforated viscus) and randomized to preoperative 1 mg/kg dexamethasone or placebo at a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary outcome was C-reactive protein on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes were postoperative recovery, morbidity, and mortality.

Results
A total of 120 patients were included in the trial. On postoperative day 1, the C-reactive protein response was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (a median of 170 versus 220 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.015; mean difference = 49 (95% c.i. 13 to 85) mg/l) and when stratified according to intestinal obstruction (a median of 60 versus 160 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.002) and perforated viscus (a median of 230 versus 285 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.035). Dexamethasone administration was associated with improved recovery (better haemodynamics, better pulmonary function, less fatigue, and earlier mobilization). Furthermore, the dexamethasone group had a lower 90-day mortality rate (7% versus 23% for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; relative risk 0.33 (95% c.i. 0.11 to 0.93); P = 0.023) and a decreased incidence of postoperative major complications (27% versus 45% for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; relative risk 0.62 (95% c.i. 0.37 to 1.00); P = 0.032).

Conclusion
A single preoperative high dose of intravenous dexamethasone significantly reduces the inflammatory response after emergency laparotomy and is associated with enhanced recovery and improved outcome.

Registration number
NCT04791566 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
PPCRKB: a risk factor knowledge base of postoperative pulmonary complications
Authors: Duan Jianchao , Li Peiyi , Shao Aibin , Hao Xuechao , Zhou Ruihao , Bi Cheng , Liu Xingyun , Li Weimin , Zhu Huadong , Chen Guo , Shen Bairong , Zhu Tao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are highly heterogeneous disorders with diverse risk factors frequently occurring after surgical interventions, resulting in significant financial burdens, prolonged hospitalization and elevated mortality rates. Despite the existence of multiple studies on PPCs, a comprehensive knowledge base that can effectively integrate and visualize the diverse risk factors associated with PPCs is currently lacking. This study aims to develop an online knowledge platform on risk factors for PPCs (Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Risk Factor Knowledge Base, PPCRKB) that categorizes and presents the risk and protective factors associated with PPCs, as well as to facilitate the development of individualized prevention and management strategies for PPCs based on the needs of each investigator. The PPCRKB is a novel knowledge base that encompasses all investigated potential risk factors linked to PPCs, offering users a web-based platform to access these risk factors. The PPCRKB contains 2673 entries, 915 risk factors that have been categorized into 11 distinct groups. These categories include habit and behavior, surgical factors, anesthetic factors, auxiliary examination, environmental factors, clinical status, medicines and treatment, demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, genetic factors and miscellaneous factors. The PPCRKB holds significant value for PPC research. The inclusion of both quantitative and qualitative data in the PPCRKB enhances the ability to uncover new insights and solutions related to PPCs. It could provide clinicians with a more comprehensive perspective on research related to PPCs in future.
Database URL: http://sysbio.org.cn/PPCs
MIAMI-AD (Methylation in Aging and Methylation in AD): an integrative knowledgebase that facilitates explorations of DNA methylation across sex, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lukacsovich David , O’Shea Deirdre , Huang Hanchen , Zhang Wei , Young Juan , Chen X Steven , Dietrich Sven-Thorsten , Kunkle Brian , Martin Eden , Wang Lily 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a significant impact on aging populations. DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations have been implicated in both the aging processes and the development of AD. Given that AD affects more women than men, it is also important to explore DNAm changes that occur specifically in each sex. We created MIAMI-AD, a comprehensive knowledgebase containing manually curated summary statistics from 98 published tables in 38 studies, all of which included at least 100 participants. MIAMI-AD enables easy browsing, querying, and downloading DNAm associations at multiple levels—at individual CpG, gene, genomic regions, or genome-wide, in one or multiple studies. Moreover, it also offers tools to perform integrative analyses, such as comparing DNAm associations across different phenotypes or tissues, as well as interactive visualizations. Using several use case examples, we demonstrated that MIAMI-AD facilitates our understanding of age-associated CpGs in AD and the sex-specific roles of DNAm in AD. This open-access resource is freely available to the research community, and all the underlying data can be downloaded. MIAMI-AD facilitates integrative explorations to better understand the interplay between DNAm across aging, sex, and AD.
Database URL: https://miami-ad.org/
Family structure and policy contexts: implications for tertiary education attainment in 25 European countries
Authors: Lindemann Kristina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study examines how institutional contexts in 25 European countries moderate the association between family structure and tertiary education attainment. Previous research has proposed the resource deprivation perspective to explain lower educational outcomes among children from disrupted families, suggesting that policies addressing resource deprivation could mitigate these negative consequences. However, limited attention has been given to the role of policy contexts in shaping the educational outcomes of youth from disrupted families. This study focuses on two types of policies: the generosity of social benefits to single parents and financial support for students in tertiary education. Using data from the EU-SILC and employing multilevel regression models, the findings indicate that generous financial support for students reduces the tertiary education attainment gap between youth from separated and two-parent families. However, this effect is observed only among low-socioeconomic status (SES) and moderate-SES families. In contrast, the generosity of social benefits does not appear to moderate the association between family structure and tertiary education attainment, even when examining low-SES families or specifically considering benefits for low-earning single parents. Furthermore, the influence of these analysed policies is limited among young people from widowed families.
Left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: current status and perspectives
Authors: Landmesser Ulf , Skurk Carsten , Tzikas Apostolos , Falk Volkmar , Reddy Vivek Y , Windecker Stephan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism, and the left atrial appendage (LAA) has been identified as a principal source of thromboembolism in these patients. While oral anticoagulation is the current standard of care, LAA closure (LAAC) emerges as an alternative or complementary treatment approach to reduce the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with AF. Moderate-sized randomized clinical studies have provided data for the efficacy and safety of catheter-based LAAC, largely compared with vitamin K antagonists. LAA device iterations, advances in pre- and peri-procedural imaging, and implantation techniques continue to increase the efficacy and safety of LAAC. More data about efficacy and safety of LAAC have been collected, and several randomized clinical trials are currently underway to compare LAAC with best medical care (including non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants) in different clinical settings. Surgical LAAC in patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery reduced the risk of stroke on background of anticoagulation therapy in the LAAOS III study. In this review, we describe the rapidly evolving field of LAAC and discuss recent clinical data, ongoing studies, open questions, and current limitations of LAAC.
Acute post-procedural inducibility is a poor predictor of clinical outcomes in high-risk patients (PAINESD &gt; 17) undergoing scar-related ventricular tachycardia ablation
Authors: Sipko Joseph , Baranowski Bryan , Bhargava Mandeep , Callahan Thomas D , Dresing Thomas J , Higuchi Koji , Hussein Ayman A , Kanj Mohamed , Lee Justin , Martin David O , Nakhla Shady , Rickard John J , Saliba Walid I , Taigen Tyler , Wazni Oussama M , Santangeli Pasquale , Sroubek Jakub 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) non-inducibility in response to programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) is a widely used procedural endpoint for VT ablation despite inconclusive evidence with respect to clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. The aim is to determine the utility of acute post-ablation VT inducibility as a predictor of VT recurrence, mortality, or mortality equivalent in high-risk patients.

Methods and results
We conducted a retrospective analysis of high-risk patients (defined as PAINESD &gt; 17) who underwent scar-related VT ablation at our institution between July 2010 and July 2022. Patients’ response to PVS (post-procedure) was categorized into three groups: Group A, no clinical VT or VT with cycle length &gt; 240 ms inducible; Group B, only non-clinical VT with cycle length &gt; 240 ms induced; and Group C, all other outcomes (including cases where no PVS was performed). The combined primary endpoint included death, durable left ventricular assist device placement, and cardiac transplant (Cox analysis). Ventricular tachycardia recurrence was considered a secondary endpoint (competing risk analysis). Of the 1677 VT ablation cases, 123 cases met the inclusion criteria for analysis. During a 19-month median follow-up time (interquartile range 4–43 months), 82 (66.7%) patients experienced the composite primary endpoint. There was no difference between Groups A and C with respect to the primary [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.21 (0.94–1.57), P = 0.145] or secondary [HR = 1.18 (0.91–1.54), P = 0.210] outcomes. These findings persisted after multivariate adjustments. The size of Group B (n = 13) did not permit meaningful statistical analysis.

Conclusion
The results of post-ablation PVS do not significantly correlate with long-term outcomes in high-risk (PAINESD &gt; 17) VT ablation patients.
‘Largely a matter of sentiment’? The demise of the battleship in the post-1945 Royal Navy
Authors: Benbow Tim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Received wisdom suggests that a conservative, even sentimental Royal Navy clung to the battleship long after it ceased to have any strategic rationale; that the battleship finally disappeared due to its vulnerability; and that its withdrawal was imposed on a reluctant admiralty by more enlightened politicians. This article challenges each of these assertions to argue that the admiralty in fact had a reasoned case for temporarily retaining battleships; they departed because other capabilities could better perform their role; and the admiralty actively developed these replacements, while rapidly shrinking and retiring its battleship fleet in the face of some political resistance.
What We (Don’t) Know About the Infectious Disease Burden Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness in the United States and Canada
Authors: Kashani Mitra , Bien Michael , Mosites Emily , Meehan Ashley A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) and sexual and gender minority (SGM) YEH may be at increased risk for infectious diseases due to living arrangements, risk behaviors, and barriers to health care access that are dissimilar to those of housed youth and older adults experiencing homelessness. Here, we synthesize findings from 12 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2020 that enumerate YEH or SGM YEH infectious disease burden in locations across the United States or Canada. Pathogens presented in the reviewed studies were limited to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bloodborne infections (BBI). Only 3 studies enumerated infectious diseases among SGM YEH. There was a dearth of comparison data by housing status or SGM identity. We also introduce 3 publicly available surveillance datasets from the United States or Canada that quantify certain STIs, BBIs, and tuberculosis among YEH to support future analyses. Our review calls for more comprehensive YEH-centered research and surveillence to improve estimates of infectious diseases among this vulnerable population.
HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance in newly diagnosed individuals in Italy over the period 2015–21
Authors: Fabeni Lavinia , Armenia Daniele , Abbate Isabella , Gagliardini Roberta , Mazzotta Valentina , Bertoli Ada , Gennari William , Forbici Federica , Berno Giulia , Piermatteo Lorenzo , Borghi Vanni , Pinnetti Carmela , Vergori Alessandra , Mondi Annalisa , Parruti Giustino , Di Sora Fiorella , Iannetta Marco , Lichtner Miriam , Latini Alessandra , Mussini Cristina , Sarmati Loredana , Perno Carlo Federico , Girardi Enrico , Antinori Andrea , Ceccherini-Silberstein Francesca , Maggi Fabrizio , Santoro Maria Mercedes ,   The Italian HIV Drug Resistance Group, Ceccherini-Silberstein F , Bellocchi M C , Carioti L , Santoro M M , Andreoni M , Iannetta M , Bertoli A , Sarmati L , Malagnino V , Teti E , Armenia D , Antinori A , Baldini F , Bellagamba R , Berno G , Camici M , Cicalini S , De Zottis F , Esvan R , Fabeni L , Forbici F , Fusto M , Gagliardini R , Gebremeskel S , Gili F , Girardi E , Grilli E , Grisetti S , Mastrorosa I , Mazzotta V , Mondi A , Orchi N , Ottou S , Pinnetti C , Pittalis S , Pizzi D , Plazzi M , Vergori A , Buonomini A R , Giuliani M , Latini A , Pacifici A , Perno C F , Belvisi V , Del Borgo C , Carraro A , Lichtner M , Marocco R , Borghi V , Mussini C , Gennari W 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) is still a critical aspect for the management of individuals living with HIV-1. Thus, its evaluation is crucial to optimize HIV care.

Methods
Overall, 2386 HIV-1 protease/reverse transcriptase and 1831 integrase sequences from drug-naïve individuals diagnosed in north and central Italy between 2015 and 2021 were analysed. TDR was evaluated over time. Phylogeny was generated by maximum likelihood. Factors associated with TDR were evaluated by logistic regression.

Results
Individuals were mainly male (79.1%) and Italian (56.2%), with a median (IQR) age of 38 (30–48). Non-B infected individuals accounted for 44.6% (N = 1065) of the overall population and increased over time (2015–2021, from 42.1% to 51.0%, P = 0.002). TDR prevalence to any class was 8.0% (B subtype 9.5% versus non-B subtypes 6.1%, P = 0.002) and remained almost constant over time. Overall, 300 transmission clusters (TCs) involving 1155 (48.4%) individuals were identified, with a similar proportion in B and non-infected individuals (49.7% versus 46.8%, P = 0.148). A similar prevalence of TDR among individuals in TCs and those out of TCs was found (8.2% versus 7.8%, P = 0.707).
By multivariable analysis, subtypes A, F, and CFR02_AG were negatively associated with TDR. No other factors, including being part of TCs, were significantly associated with TDR.

Conclusions
Between 2015 and 2021, TDR prevalence in Italy was 8% and remained almost stable over time. Resistant strains were found circulating regardless of being in TCs, but less likely in non-B subtypes. These results highlight the importance of a continuous surveillance of newly diagnosed individuals for evidence of TDR to inform clinical practice.
Prediction of antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae using genomic and metagenomic next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Zhou Xun , Yang Ming , Chen Fangyuan , Wang Leilei , Han Peng , Jiang Zhi , Shen Siquan , Rao Guanhua , Yang Fan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant pathogen with increasing resistance and high mortality rates. Conventional antibiotic susceptibility testing methods are time-consuming. Next-generation sequencing has shown promise for predicting antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aims to develop prediction models using whole-genome sequencing data and assess their feasibility with metagenomic next-generation sequencing data from clinical samples.

Methods
On the basis of 4170 K. pneumoniae genomes, the main genetic characteristics associated with AMR were identified using a LASSO regression model. Consequently, the prediction model was established, validated and optimized using clinical isolate read simulation sequences. To evaluate the efficacy of the model, clinical specimens were collected.

Results
Four predictive models for amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam, initially had positive predictive values (PPVs) of 92%, 98%, 99%, 94%, respectively, when they were originally constructed. When applied to clinical specimens, their PPVs were 96%, 96%, 95%, and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, there were negative predictive values (NPVs) of 100% for ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, and ‘not applicable’ (NA) for amikacin and piperacillin/tazobactam. Our method achieved antibacterial phenotype classification accuracy rates of 95.92% for amikacin, 96.15% for ciprofloxacin, 95.31% for levofloxacin and 100% for piperacillin/tazobactam. The sequence-based prediction antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) reported results in an average time of 19.5 h, compared with the 67.9 h needed for culture-based AST, resulting in a significant reduction of 48.4 h.

Conclusions
These preliminary results demonstrated that the performance of prediction model for a clinically significant antimicrobial–species pair was comparable to that of phenotypic methods, thereby encouraging the expansion of sequence-based susceptibility prediction and its clinical validation and application.
Deep-seated intermuscular lipoma of posterior neck muscles: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Alrumayh Jawaher , Albesher Meshal , Alrohaimi Fayez 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Lipomas are the most common soft tissue tumours, accounting for nearly 50% of all soft tissue neoplasms. Among the types of lipomas, intermuscular lipomas are rare. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with a deep-seated lipoma located between the trapezius and splenius capitis muscles in the posterior neck triangle. A successful surgical excision was performed. This case highlights challenges in diagnosis, surgical management, and the importance of complete excision in minimizing the risk of recurrence. This type of lipoma remains relatively understudied; therefore, further studies are needed to increase awareness of its incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and optimal management.
Suppressing Lithium Migration in a Carbon Fiber Negative Electrode During Atom Probe Tomography Analysis
Authors: Johansen Marcus , Singh Mahander P , Gault Baptiste , Liu Fang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Carbon fibers can play dual roles, carrying mechanical load and hosting lithium (Li) simultaneously in multifunctional devices called structural batteries. It is essential to gain a detailed understanding on the interaction between Li and carbon fibers on the nanoscale. Atom probe tomography (APT) can potentially reveal individual Li and C atoms. However, lithiated carbon fibers experience massive Li migration once exposed to the electric field in the APT instrument. We show that a few nanometers of a chromium (Cr) coating on APT specimens can shield the electric field and suppress the massive Li migration. The related effects of the Cr coating, such as introduction of oxygen, enhanced mass resolving power of the mass spectrum, and increased portion of single hits, are also discussed.
TSQ Incubation Enhances Autometallographic Zinc Detection in Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Ballestín Raúl , Torres Josema , Ponsoda Xavier 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Zinc is a critical ion for a large number of cellular functions. In the central nervous system, zinc ions are involved in synaptic transmission. Therefore, zinc homeostasis is essential, and cells have developed a variety of mechanisms to control cellular zinc concentration, including the zincosome formation. Alterations of free zinc levels have been associated with brain dysfunction and are present in many illnesses and syndromes. Astrocytes are implicated in the maintenance of the neuronal milleu and brain homeostasis. In this work, we have analyzed the combination of direct (TSQ) and indirect (autometallography) zinc detection methods to increase sensitivity for studying zinc uptake by rat astrocytes in vitro. Zincosome formation was visualized with the zinc fluorochrome TSQ by light microscopy. Additionally, we improved both zinc precipitation and cellular fixation methods to preserve zinc ions and make them suitable for autometallography development. Our tests pinpointed paraformaldehyde and sodium sulfide as the more adequate methods for cellular fixation and zinc precipitation, respectively. TSQ incubation and pH of the fixative were shown to be crucial for autometallography. Using this improved method, we visualized the zinc content of zincosomes at the ultrastructural level both as silver autometallographic precipitates and as electrodense sulfide-osmium zinc precipitates.
Analysis of Water Ice in Nanoporous Copper Needles Using Cryo Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Tegg Levi , McCarroll Ingrid E , Kim Se-Ho , Dubosq Renelle , Woods Eric V , El-Zoka Ayman A , Gault Baptiste , Cairney Julie M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The application of atom probe tomography (APT) to frozen liquids is limited by difficulties in specimen preparation. Here, we report on the use of nanoporous Cu needles as a physical framework to hold water ice for investigation using APT. Nanoporous Cu needles are prepared by electropolishing and dealloying Cu–Mn matchstick precursors. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam milling reveal a hierarchical, dendritic, highly wettable microstructure. The atom probe mass spectrum is dominated by peaks of Cu+ and H(H2O)n+ up to n ≤ 3, and the reconstructed volume shows the protrusion of a Cu ligament into an ice-filled pore. The continuous Cu ligament network electrically connects the apex to the cryostage, leading to an enhanced electric field at the apex and increased cooling, both of which simplify the mass spectrum compared to previous reports.