bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EValuating the Effect of periopeRaTIve empaGliflOzin on cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury: rationale and design of the VERTIGO study
Authors: Coca Armando , Bustamante-Munguira Elena , Fidalgo Verónica , Fernández Manuel , Abad Cristina , Franco Marta , González-Pinto Ángel , Pereda Daniel , Cánovas Sergio , Bustamante-Munguira Juan 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a serious complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) that increases postoperative complications and mortality. CSA-AKI develops due to a combination of patient- and surgery-related risk factors that enhance renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as empagliflozin reduce renal glucose reabsorption, improving tubulo-glomerular feedback, reducing inflammation and decreasing intraglomerular pressure. Preclinical studies have observed that SGLT2i may provide significant protection against renal ischemia–reperfusion injury due to their effects on inadequate mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species activity or renal peritubular capillary congestion, all hallmarks of CSA-AKI. The VERTIGO (EValuating the Effect of periopeRaTIve empaGliflOzin) trial is a Phase 3, investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study that aims to explore whether empagliflozin can reduce the incidence of adverse renal outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.

Methods
The VERTIGO study (EudraCT: 2021-004938-11) will enroll 608 patients that require elective cardiac surgery with ECC. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either empagliflozin 10 mg orally daily or placebo. Study treatment will start 5 days before surgery and will continue during the first 7 days postoperatively. All participants will receive standard care according to local practice guidelines. The primary endpoint of the study will be the proportion of patients that develop major adverse kidney events during the first 90 days after surgery, defined as ≥25% renal function decline, renal replacement therapy initiation or death. Secondary, tertiary and safety endpoints will include rates of AKI during index hospitalization, postoperative complications and observed adverse events.

Conclusions
The VERTIGO trial will describe the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in preventing CSA-AKI. Patient recruitment is expected to start in May 2024.
Huge, invasive, and destructive Abiotrophia defectiva endocarditis of the aortic valve and the aortic wall: a case report of an emergency but successful Ross–Konno operation in a child
Authors: Cetera Vera , Cantinotti Massimiliano , Barberi Elisa , Pak Vitali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Abiotrophia defectiva forms Gram-positive cocci, is part of normal oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal flora, and is rarely involved in endocarditis in children population. Its special nutritional requirements and subacute clinical course may delay diagnosis and proper treatment, leading to life-threatening consequences.

Case summary
We report a rare case of huge and destructive A. defectiva infective endocarditis (IE) of the aortic valve and the aortic wall in a 3-year-old child, in follow-up after surgical valvuloplasty for congenital aortic stenosis. The child presented at our department with signs of left side hemiplegia. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation due to large vegetation extending to the aortic wall up to the aortic arch. Blood cultures resulted positive for A. defectiva. He was initially treated conservatively with antibiotic therapy. Ten days after admission, because of clinical deterioration, he required intubation and an emergency Ross–Konno operation. Despite the critical conditions and highly risky surgery, the child recovered well and was discharged home 5 weeks after the operation.

Discussion
Abiotrophia defectiva IE is rare in children. Since 1995, only 16 cases of A. defectiva IE have been reported in children, including our case. This pathogen has a higher rate of complications when affecting children rather than adult population. Our case demonstrates that conservative strategy with antibiotics is rarely resolutive in the case of IE caused by A. defectiva. Whenever one or more indications for surgery are present, surgical intervention should always be taken into consideration, even if clinical conditions are prohibitive and surgery is at very high risk.
A Grounded Theory of Walking for Health Promotion in Older Urban Adults
Authors: Kim Dong Ha , Yoo Seunghyun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Walking enhances the health, quality of life, and independence of older adults. However, a global decline in urban walking necessitates a re-evaluation of segmented, quantitative approaches to policies and theoretical frameworks in geriatric medicine for promoting walking among older adults. This study conceptualized the perceptions, experiences, and behaviors regarding walking, from a health promotion perspective, among older urban adults.

Research Design and Methods
Pedestrian-friendly communities were explored for older adults in Seoul, South Korea, using a grounded theory. Thirty-eight older adults actively engaged in walking were recruited between July and December 2020. A qualitative multimethod approach was used, and the collected data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, with axial coding integrating textual and spatiobehavioral information.

Results
The open-coding process yielded 92 concepts, 47 subcategories, and 19 categories. Using axial and selective coding principles, a conceptual framework was developed to explain how walking shaped the daily lives of older urban adults and provided multidimensional health benefits. Walking perception attributes were characterized by “embodied subjectivity as a healthy older adult,” “autonomy of movement,” and “walking as a way to enrich or sustain life.” Active walking facilitated interactions between older adults and their neighborhood environment within the context of compact and accessible urban living.

Discussion and Implications
A healthy and age-friendly community encourages interactions between older adults and their neighborhood environment by providing opportunities for daily walking for several purposes, such as providing a sense of autonomy, increasing health-promoting behaviors, and creating a sense of community.
Deep learning for detection and counting of Nephrops norvegicus from underwater videos
Authors: Burguera Antoni Burguera , Bonin-Font Francisco , Chatzievangelou Damianos , Fernandez Maria Vigo , Aguzzi Jacopo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) is one of the most important fishery items for the EU blue economy. This paper describes a software architecture based on neural networks, designed to identify the presence of N. norvegicus and estimate the number of its individuals per square meter (i.e. stock density) in deep-sea (350–380 m depth) Fishery No-Take Zones of the northwestern Mediterranean. Inferencing models were obtained by training open-source networks with images obtained from frames partitioning of in submarine vehicle videos. Animal detections were also tracked in successive frames of video sequences to avoid biases in individual recounting, offering significant success and precision in detection and density estimations.
Prevalence of Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Urban Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Canada, 2017–2019
Authors: Alessandrini Jenna , Cox Joseph , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Hart Trevor A , Grace Daniel , Grennan Troy , Moore David , Lambert Gilles , Chambers Catharine , Deeks Shelley L , Grewal Ramandip , Lachowsky Nathan J , Sauvageau Chantal , Tan Darrell H S , Coutlée François , Burchell Ann N ,   the Engage-HPV Team, Jollimore Jody , Nisenbaum Rosane , Ogilvie Gina , Grace Daniel , Hart Trevor , Cox Joseph , Lambert Gilles , Jollimore Jody , Lachowsky Nathan , Moore David , Burchell Ann , Grennan Troy , de Pokomandy Alexandra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers. In 2015 and 2016, HPV vaccines became publicly funded for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) under 27 years of age in most Canadian provinces.

Methods
Between 2017 and 2019, sexually active GBM in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver were recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Participants aged 16–30 years were invited to self-collect oral rinse specimens for HPV testing. We estimated HPV prevalence in the oral tract overall and compared these by vaccination status.

Results
Among the 838 GBM with a valid oral specimen, 36.9% reported receiving ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine. Overall, oral HPV prevalence was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5%–3.7%) for at least 1 HPV type and 1.2% (95% CI, .5%–1.9%) for any high-risk type. We detected quadrivalent (HPV 6/11/16/18) vaccine-preventable types in 0.3% (95% CI, .0%–1.0%) of vaccinated individuals and 1.1% (95% CI, .1%–2.0%) of unvaccinated individuals.

Conclusions
Oral HPV prevalence was low in a population of young urban GBM in Canada, of whom 37% were vaccinated. Findings serve as a benchmark for monitoring of vaccination impacts on oral HPV infection within this priority population.
Antimicrobial susceptibility in Clostridioides difficile varies according to European region and isolate source
Authors: Freeman Jane , Viprey Virginie , Ewin Duncan , Spittal William , Clark Emma , Vernon Jon , Fawley Warren , Davis Georgina , Tkalec Valerija , Wilcox Mark , Rupnik Maja , Davies Kerrie ,   COMBACTE-CDI Consortium, Bonten Marc , Davies Kerrie A , Wilcox Mark H , Kuijper Ed , Rupnik Maja , Wingen-Heimann Sebastian , Tacconelli Evelina , Vilken Tuba , Petrosillo Nicola 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Clostridioides difficile epidemiology is evolving with country-associated emerging and resistant ribotypes (RT). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of C. difficile isolated from clinical and animal samples collected across Europe in 2018 was performed to provide antimicrobial resistance data and according to C. difficile RTs and source.

Methods
Samples were cultured for C. difficile and isolates PCR ribotyped. Metronidazole, vancomycin, fidaxomicin, moxifloxacin, clindamycin, imipenem, tigecycline, linezolid, rifampicin and meropenem minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 280 clinical and 126 animal isolates were determined by Wilkins–Chalgren agar dilution.

Results
Fidaxomicin was the most active antimicrobial (all isolates geometric mean MIC = 0.03 mg/L) with no evidence of reduced susceptibility. Metronidazole MICs were elevated among RT027 (1.87 mg/L) and RT181 clinical isolates (1.03 mg/L). RT027 and RT181 had elevated geometric mean moxifloxacin MICs (14.49 mg/L, 16.88 mg/L); clindamycin (7.5 mg/L, 9.1 mg/L) and rifampicin (0.6 mg/L, 21.5 mg/L). Five isolates (RT002, RT010 and RT016) were metronidazole resistant (MIC = 8 mg/L) and 10 (RT027; RT198) had intermediate resistance (4 mg/L). Metronidazole MICs were not elevated in animal isolates. Increased geometric mean vancomycin MICs were observed among RT078, mostly isolated from animals, but there was no resistance (MIC ≥ 4 mg/L). Clinical and animal isolates of multiple RTs showed resistance to moxifloxacin and clindamycin. No resistance to imipenem or meropenem was observed.

Conclusion
Increased antimicrobial resistance was detected in eastern Europe and mostly associated with RT027 and related emerging RT181, while clinical isolates from northern and western Europe had the lowest general levels of resistance.
Point-of-Care Testing Biosafety Decisions: An Investigation Summary Illustrating Current Decision-Making Process in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Tadros Manal , Shaw Julie L V , Chen Yan , Wong-Fung Matt , Koerner Tess , Ralevski Georgina , Kerr Elaine , Matukas Larissa M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Point-of-care testing (POCT) is increasingly being used in healthcare, including hospitals, and POCT-style tests are also used within some laboratories. The principles of biosafety, including risk assessment and containment of biohazardous agents, can be utilized as a foundation to establish policies and procedures guiding safe performance of POCT. However, specific biosafety guidelines for POCT are generally lacking, particularly for those performed outside laboratories by healthcare workers. This study aims to explore POCT biosafety program decision-making infrastructure and oversight in Ontario.

Content
The Institute of Quality Management in Healthcare distributed a survey to 249 laboratories in Ontario. There were 11 questions on POCT biosafety practices.

Summary
The survey had a high response rate of 88.7%. How POCT biosafety decisions were made was variable among respondents. For POCT-style tests conducted within laboratories, the biosafety officer (BSO) and/or the microbiologist were involved in biosafety decisions in 95% of microbiology labs or 55% of other labs. Only 27% of the respondents reported that biosafety decisions were made by BSOs and/or microbiologists when POCT was conducted outside the laboratory. When POCT is performed outside the laboratory, biosafety decisions were made largely by Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and POCT laboratory staff. Similarly, training and auditing of staff who perform POCT were mainly done by IPAC and POCT laboratory staff. The survey showed that a wide variety of POCT was being conducted for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.
Plant development and reproduction in a changing environment
Authors: Pagnussat Gabriela C , Gomez-Casati Diego F 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Plants face the most diverse climatic conditions throughout their life cycle. As sessile organisms, they are remarkably resilient to adverse environments, which have been exacerbated in the current context of global change. The way in which plants sense and respond to various types of abiotic stresses varies depending on the severity of the stress and the developmental stage of the plant, affecting both vegetative and reproductive aspects. Understanding how plants respond and adapt to a changing environment is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and ensuring the future survival and reproduction of plant species.
Underluminous tidal disruption events
Authors: Amaro Seoane Pau 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
We have evidence of X-ray flares in several galaxies consistent with a star being tidally disrupted by a supermassive black hole (MBH). If the star starts on a nearly parabolic orbit relative to the MBH, one can derive that the fallback rate follows a $t^{-5/3}$ decay. Depending on the penetration factor, β, a star will be torn apart differently, and relativistic effects play a role. We have modified the standard version of the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) code Gadget to include a relativistic treatment of the gravitational forces between the gas particles of a main-sequence (MS) star and a MBH. We include non-spinning post-Newtonian corrections to incorporate the periapsis shift and the spin-orbit coupling up to next-to-lowest order. We find that tidal disruptions around MBHs in the relativistic cases are underluminous for values starting at $\beta \gtrapprox 2.25$, i.e. the fallback curves produced in the relativistic cases are progressively lower compared to the Newtonian simulations as the penetration parameter increases. While the Newtonian cases display a total disruption, we find that all relativistic counterparts feature a survival core for penetration factors going to values as high as 12.05. We perform a additional dynamical numerical study that shows that the geodesics of the elements in the star converge at periapsis. We confirm these findings with an analytical study of the geodesic separation equation. The luminosity of TDEs must be lower than predicted theoretically due to the fact that the star will partially survive when relativistic effects are taken into account. A survival core should consistently emerge from any TDE with $\beta \gtrapprox 2.25$.
Structural analysis of the BisI family of modification dependent restriction endonucleases
Authors: Szafran Katarzyna , Rafalski Dominik , Skowronek Krzysztof , Wojciechowski Marek , Kazrani Asgar Abbas , Gilski Mirosław , Xu Shuang-yong , Bochtler Matthias 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The BisI family of restriction endonucleases is unique in requiring multiple methylated or hydroxymethylated cytosine residues within a short recognition sequence (GCNGC), and in cleaving directly within this sequence, rather than at a distance. Here, we report that the number of modified cytosines that are required for cleavage can be tuned by the salt concentration. We present crystal structures of two members of the BisI family, NhoI and Eco15I_Ntd (N-terminal domain of Eco15I), in the absence of DNA and in specific complexes with tetra-methylated GCNGC target DNA. The structures show that NhoI and Eco15I_Ntd sense modified cytosine bases in the context of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) without base flipping. In the co-crystal structures of NhoI and Eco15I_Ntd with DNA, the internal methyl groups (G5mCNGC) interact with the side chains of an (H/R)(V/I/T/M) di-amino acid motif near the C-terminus of the distal enzyme subunit and arginine residue from the proximal subunit. The external methyl groups (GCNG5mC) interact with the proximal enzyme subunit, mostly through main chain contacts. Surface plasmon resonance analysis for Eco15I_Ntd shows that the internal and external methyl binding pockets contribute about equally to sensing of cytosine methyl groups.
Impact of Antifungal Prophylaxis Continuation or Discontinuation After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant on the Incidence of Invasive Mold Infection
Authors: Ross Justine Abella , Lee Brian , Ma Huiyan , Tegtmeier Bernard , Nanayakkara Deepa , Dickter Jana , Spielberger Ricardo , Smith Eileen , Pullarkat Vinod , Forman Stephen J , Taplitz Randy , Nakamura Ryotaro , Al Malki Monzr , Dadwal Sanjeet Singh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Continuing antifungal prophylaxis (AFPx) to prevent invasive mold infections (IMIs) in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) after primary hospital discharge from alloHCT admission varies among transplant centers despite recommendations to continue prophylaxis through day +75. Characteristics driving AFPx prescribing at hospital discharge and outcomes are unknown.

Methods
In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed patients continuing AFPx vs no AFPx at hospital discharge. We included patients with a hospital stay ≥7 days and ≤40 days. We excluded patients with a history of IMI prior to alloHCT, new IMI during admission, or death prior to discharge. Our primary objective was incidence of probable or proven IMI per the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium. Our secondary objectives were nonrelapse mortality at day +100, overall survival at day +100, and characteristics driving AFPx discontinuation at hospital discharge.

Results
Of the 430 patients identified, 387 met inclusion criteria. At discharge, 56% (217/387) continued AFPx, and 44% (170/387) had no AFPx. At day +100, 3 probable IMI cases occurred in the group with continued AFPx vs 1 probable IMI case in the no-AFPx group (no proven IMI). Univariate analysis showed no difference in cumulative incidence of probable IMI (P = .440), nonrelapse mortality (P = .072), and overall survival (P = .855) between groups. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that patients were less likely to continue AFPx if they had a diagnosis other than acute myeloid leukemia, a length of stay ≤30 days, acute graft-vs-host disease grade 0 or 1, and corticosteroid use ≤5 days.

Conclusions
There was no difference in probable IMI at day +100 after alloHCT based on continuing vs discontinuing AFPx at hospital discharge after alloHCT admission supporting a risk-adapted prophylaxis approach.
Transcriptional regulation of transcription factor genes WRI1 and LAFL during Brassica napus seed development
Authors: Han Xu , Peng Yan , Yin Sijie , Zhao Hu , Zong Zhanxiang , Tan Zengdong , Zhang Yuting , Ma Wei , Guo Liang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The WRINKLED1 (WRI1) and LAFL (LEAFY COTYLEDON1 [LEC1], ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 [ABI3], FUSCA3 [FUS3], and LEC2) transcription factors play essential roles in governing seed development and oil biosynthesis. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the transcriptional regulation of WRI1 and LAFL, we conducted genome-wide association studies for the expression profiles of WRI1 and LAFL in developing seeds at 20 and 40 days after flowering (DAF) using 302 rapeseed (Brassica napus) accessions. We identified a total of 237 expression quantitative trait nucleotides (eQTNs) and 51 expression QTN-by-environment interactions (eQEIs) associated with WRI1 and LAFL. Around these eQTNs and eQEIs, we pinpointed 41 and 8 candidate genes with known transcriptional regulations or protein interactions with their expression traits, respectively. Based on RNA-sequencing and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing data, we employed the Extreme Gradient Boosting and Basenji models which predicted 15 candidate genes potentially regulating the expression of WRI1 and LAFL. We further validated the predictions via tissue expression profile, haplotype analysis, and expression correlation analysis and verified the transcriptional activation activity of BnaC03.MYB56 (R2R3-MYB transcription factor 56) on the expression of BnaA09.LEC1 by dual-luciferase reporter and yeast 1-hybrid assays. BnaA10.AGL15 (AGAMOUS-LIKE 15), BnaC04.VAL1 (VIVIPAROUS1/ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3-LIKE 1), BnaC03.MYB56, and BnaA10.MYB56 were coexpressed with WRI1 and LAFL at 20 DAF in M35, a key module for seed development and oil biosynthesis. We further validated the positive regulation of MYB56 on seed oil accumulation using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants. This study not only delivers a framework for future eQEI identification but also offers insights into the developmental regulation of seed oil accumulation.