bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative anatomical landmarks and longitudinal HeartMate 3 pump position in X‐rays: Relevance for adverse events
Authors: Widhalm Gregor , Aigner Philipp , Gruber Bernhard , Moscato Francesco , Moayedifar Roxana , Schaefer Anne‐Kristin , Dimitrov Kamen , Zimpfer Daniel , Riebandt Julia , Schlöglhofer Thomas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundLeft ventricular assist device (LVAD) malposition has been linked to hemocompatibility‐related adverse events (HRAEs). This study aimed to identify preoperative anatomical landmarks and postoperative pump position, associated with HRAEs during LVAD support.MethodsPre‐ and postoperative chest X‐ray measures (≤14 days pre‐implantation, first postoperative standing, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post‐implantation) were analyzed for their association with HRAEs over 24 months in 33 HeartMate 3 (HM3) patients (15.2% female, age 66 (9.5) years).ResultsHM3 patients with any HRAE showed significantly lower preoperative distances between left ventricle and thoracic outline (dLVT) (25.3 ± 10.2 mm vs. 40.3 ± 15.5 mm, p = 0.004). A ROC‐derived cutoff dLVT ≤ 29.2 mm provided 85.7% sensitivity and 72.2% specificity predicting any HRAE during HM3 support (76.2% (>29.2 mm) vs. 16.7% (≤29.2 mm) freedom from HRAE, p < 0.001) and significant differences in cardiothoracic ratio (0.58 ± 0.04 vs. 0.62 ± 0.04, p = 0.045). Postoperative X‐rays indicated lower pump depths in patients with ischemic strokes (9.1 ± 16.2 mm vs. 38.0 ± 18.5 mm, p = 0.007), reduced freedom from any neurological event (pump depth ≤ 28.7 mm: 45.5% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.004), and a significant correlation between pump depth and inflow cannula angle (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Longitudinal changes were observed in heart‐pump width (F(4,60) = 5.61, p < 0.001).ConclusionPreoperative X‐ray markers are associated with postoperative HRAE occurrence. Applying this knowledge in clinical practice may enhance risk stratification, guide therapy optimization, and improve HM3 recipient management.
Increase of pyogenic bacterial infections after relaxation of social distancing measures linked to COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rossetti Vanessa , Amaddeo Alessandro , Vanz Daniele , Boscarelli Alessandro , Minute Marta , Cozzi Giorgio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimAfter the relaxation of COVID‐19 mitigation measures, we observed a dramatic increase in pyogenic infections. Based on this observation, we retrospectively analysed all cases of invasive bacterial infections of brain, lung and complicated ear–nose–throat (ENT) infections, in the period from 1 August to 31 March from the years 2018–2019 to 2022–2023.MethodsThe study was conducted in two Paediatric Emergency Departments, at IRCCS ‘Burlo Garofolo’ of Trieste and at Treviso Hospital. Electronic medical records were searched for all cases with a definitive diagnosis at discharge of mastoiditis, suppurative cervical lymphadenitis, retropharyngeal, parapharyngeal and peritonsillar abscess (ENT group), bacterial brain abscesses, epidural empyema, subdural empyema (central nervous system group), thoracic empyema and necrotising pneumonia (lung group).ResultsIn 2022–2023, we observed an increase in infections compared to the previous years. Total number of cases were 22, 29, 8, 27 and 63 in 2018–2019, 2019–2020, 2020–2021, 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, respectively. The greater increase occurred in thoracic empyema, with a peak incidence of +120% in 2022–2023 in respect of 2021–2022.ConclusionWe reported an important increase in paediatric bacterial complicated infections in two North East Italian regions, possibly correlated with the relaxation of COVID‐19 social distancing measures.
Foreign‐born 5‐year‐old children with cleft palate had poorer speech outcomes than their native‐born peers
Authors: Lendt Louise , Becker Magnus , Eriksson Marie , Klintö Kristina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimSpeech difficulties are common in children with cleft palate, but research on foreign‐born children is limited. This study aimed to compare speech outcomes, surgery and speech intervention in 5‐year‐old foreign‐born and Swedish‐born children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip.MethodsThis retrospective study analysed data from the Swedish cleft lip and palate registry for children born between 2009 and 2016 using Pearson's Chi‐squared test and binary logistic regression.ResultsAmong 160 foreign‐born (106 boys, 54 girls) and 847 Swedish‐born (479 boys, 368 girls) 5‐year‐olds, foreign‐born children had significantly lower rates of sufficient velopharyngeal competence (77% vs. 86%), age‐appropriate consonant production (28% vs. 60%), and speech without non‐oral speech errors (70% vs. 86%). Differences remained after adjustment for cleft type, gender and additional diagnosed conditions. After further adjustments for age at completed primary palatal surgery, differences in age‐appropriate consonant production and speech without non‐oral speech errors remained significant. Foreign‐born children underwent completed primary palatal surgery at older ages and received more secondary palatal surgery and speech intervention than Swedish‐born peers.ConclusionForeign‐born children showed poorer speech outcomes than Swedish‐born peers, despite more secondary palatal surgery and speech intervention. Age at completed primary palatal surgery could partly explain these differences.
Will older adults be represented in patient‐reported data? Opportunities and realities
Authors: Roxburgh Nina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPolicy makers and health professionals are grappling with the high costs of and demand for health care, questions of sustainability and value, and changing population demographics—in particular, ageing populations. Digital solutions, including the adoption of patient‐reported measures, are considered critical in achieving person‐centred and value‐based health care. However, the utility of patient‐reported measures and the data they produce may be subject to ageist beliefs, prejudices and attitudes, rendering these data ineffective at promoting improved patient experiences and outcomes for older adults. This article explores the ethical considerations raised in relation to patient‐reported measures and the digital agency of older patients.
Exploring the role of non‐canonical splice site variants in aberrant splicing associated with reproductive genetic disorders
Authors: Zhou Ling , Yang Min , Mei Mei , Mai Zhuoyao , Li Xiaojuan , Deng Kewen , Chen Shiyi , Lin Siyuan , Li Yinshi , Jiang Weilun , Chen Hui , He Zuyong , Yuan Ping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWhole‐exome sequencing (WES) is frequently utilized in diagnosing reproductive genetic disorders to identify various genetic variants. Canonical ±1,2 splice sites are typically considered highly pathogenic, while variants at the 5′ or 3′ ends of exon boundaries are often considered synonymous or missense variants, with their potential impact on abnormal gene splicing frequently overlooked. In this study, we identified five variants located at the last two bases of the exons and two canonical splicing variants in five distinct families affected by reproductive genetic disorders through WES. Minigene analysis, RT‐PCR and Quantitative Real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) confirmed that all seven variants induced aberrant splicing, with six variants altering gene transcriptional expression levels. These findings underscore the crucial role of splice variants, particularly non‐canonical splice sites variants, in reproductive genetic disorders, with all identified variants classified as pathogenic.
A 3D micro‐CT assessment of composition and structure of bone tissue after vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using CAD/CAM‐customized titanium mesh
Authors: Cucchi Alessandro , Marchiori Gregorio , Sartori Maria , Fini Milena , Fiorino Antonino , Donati Raffaele , Corinaldesi Giuseppe , Maglio Melania 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo date, no studies have exploited micro‐CT in humans to evaluate bone morphology and structure after bone augmentation with CAD/CAM‐customized titanium mesh, in mandible and maxilla. The aim of this study was to assess the composition and microstructure of bone biopsy through micro‐CT analysis.Materials and MethodsBone augmentation at both maxillary and mandible sites was performed on 30 patients randomly treated with customized mesh, either alone (M−) or covered with resorbable membrane (M+), in both cases filled 50:50 with autogenous bone and xenograft. After 6 months, biopsies were taken and micro‐CT was performed on consecutive 1‐mm‐thick VOIs from coronal to apical side, measuring tissue volumes, trabecular thickness, spacing, and number.ResultsIn both groups, irrespective of membrane use, bone tissue (M−: 29.76% vs. M+: 30.84%) and residual graft material (M−: 14.87% vs. M+: 13.11%) values were similar. Differences were site‐related (maxillary vs. mandibular) with higher percentage of bone tissue and trabecular density of low‐mineralized bone and overall bone in the mandible.ConclusionsThe composition and structure of bone tissue, as assessed by micro‐CT after alveolar ridge augmentation using CAD/CAM‐customized titanium meshes, showed similar features regardless of whether a collagen membrane was applied.
Role of national regime ideology for predicting biodiversity outcomes
Authors: Jones Jacob , Griffin Andrea S. , Agbola Frank W. , Hayward Matt W. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe rapid decline of global biodiversity has engendered renewed debate about the social, economic, and political factors contributing to it. Specifically, there is little understanding of the role that political ideology within a country (e.g., nationalism, conservatism, socialism) plays in determining biodiversity outcomes. We used negative binomial generalized linear models to investigate the importance of national regime ideology in predicting threatened animal species and protected area establishment compared with other factors that affect biodiversity outcomes, such as gross domestic product, inequality, and democracy. For threatened animals, the model with the highest Akaike weight suggested adverse biodiversity outcomes arose from larger gross domestic product (β = 0.120, p < 0.001). However, nationalism (β = 0.371, p < 0.01) and socialism (β = 0.293, p < 0.05) were also significantly associated with increased proportions of threatened species. For protected areas, the model with the highest Akaike weight suggested increases in democracy (β = 0.880, p < 0.001) led to a rise in relative protected area estate. Conservative regime ideology was also associated with greater protected area estate, although this did not increase the weight of evidence in support of the best models. These findings highlight the relevance of political ideology for predicting biodiversity outcomes at a national scale and illustrate opportunities to tailor policies and advocacy to promote biodiversity conservation more effectively. By targeting appropriate messaging and political advocacy, conservationists can improve the likelihood that politicians and their nations will participate in positive biodiversity actions.
Strategies for advancing inclusive biodiversity research through equitable practices and collective responsibility
Authors: Valdez Jose , Damasceno Gabriella , Oh Rachel R. Y. , Quintero Uribe Laura Catalina , Barajas Barbosa Martha Paola , Amado Talita Ferreira , Schmidt Chloé , Fernandez Miguel , Sharma Sandeep 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBiodiversity research is essential for addressing the global biodiversity crisis, necessitating diverse participation and perspectives of researchers from a wide range of backgrounds. However, conservation faces a significant inclusivity problem because local expertise from biodiversity‐rich but economically disadvantaged regions is often underrepresented. This underrepresentation is driven by linguistic bias, undervalued contributions, parachute science practices, and capacity constraints. Although fragmented solutions exist, a unified multistakeholder approach is needed to address the interconnected and systemic conservation issues. We devised a holistic framework of collective responsibility across all research participants and tailored strategies that embrace diversity and dismantle systemic barriers to equitable collaboration. This framework delineates the diverse actors and practices required for promoting inclusivity in biodiversity research, assigning clear responsibilities to researchers, publishers, institutions, and funding bodies. Strategies for researchers include cultivating self‐awareness, expanding literature searches, fostering partnerships with local experts, and promoting knowledge exchange. For institutions, we recommend establishing specialized liaison roles, implementing equitable policies, allocating resources for diversity initiatives, and enhancing support for international researchers. Publishers can facilitate multilingual dissemination, remove financial barriers, establish inclusivity standards, and ensure equitable representation in peer review. Funders must remove systemic barriers, strengthen research networks, and prioritize equitable resource allocation. Implementing these stakeholder‐specific strategies can help dismantle deep‐rooted biases and structural inequities in biodiversity research, catalyzing a shift toward a more inclusive and representative model that amplifies diverse perspectives and maximizes collective knowledge for effective global conservation.
Design and management considerations for the Kenya–Tanzania marine transboundary conservation area
Authors: Horigue Vera , Tuda Arthur , Maina Joseph 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough transboundary conservation areas (TCAs) are critical tools for protecting ecosystems and ecological processes that transcend national jurisdictions, they are challenging to create due to the differences in governance contexts and capacity and power dynamics among countries. Marine TCAs are also more difficult to enforce relative to terrestrial TCAs because most nations still treat oceans as open access. Current guidelines for TCA development and implementation also focus mostly on terrestrial TCAs, which are not practical for marine TCAs. Hence, we reviewed the challenges associated with the design and management of marine TCAs and devised analytical and practical approaches to support the application of spatial planning frameworks and adaptive governance mechanisms. We used the lessons from the review to examine the decisions made for the proposed marine TCA in the Kenya–Tanzania border region and created options and considerations to promote effective design and management processes. We found the obstacles to marine TCAs in general are related to issues of fit, particularly differences in environmental research capacity, socioeconomic contexts, and internal institutional arrangements. These included differences in knowledge and capacity for marine ecological research and conservation; ability to adjust and update data; differences in values, interests, and resource uses; conservation costs; jurisdictional differences; engagement of multiple levels of organization; and differences in legal bases and policy development processes. Understanding and reconciling these challenges during the TCA development process can help enhance meaningful discussions in the design of the TCA and cultivate the enabling conditions for collaborative governance across countries and within different levels of organization from national to local actors.
Using spatial capture‐recapture models to estimate spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) population density and assess the influence of sex‐specific covariates on space use and detection probability
Authors: Visagie Marna , Davis Robert S. , Venter Jan A. , Honiball Terry‐Lee 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDespite being resident or reintroduced to multiple South African protected areas, spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) have been subject to limited population monitoring and are not managed in the same intensive way as other large carnivores. Considering the species' significant influence on ecosystem processes, robust estimates of population density are necessary to inform conservation management. In this study, we ran a single‐season camera trap survey in the Main Camp section of Addo Elephant National Park (Addo), South Africa, and used spatial capture‐recapture (SCR) models to estimate spotted hyaena population density. Spotted hyaena density was estimated to be 11.13 (± SE 1.96) individuals/100 km2, with an estimated abundance of 37 (± SE 6.44) individuals. Using our database of sexed spotted hyaena individuals, we found no significant difference for sex‐specific SCR parameters (baseline encounter probability and spatial scale parameter), suggesting the incorporation of sex‐specific information may not be as necessary for spotted hyaena as it is for territorial felids and other species with more pronounced differences in range size. Spotted hyaena density in Addo was comparable to previous SCR studies and towards the higher end of known densities. Our estimate provides an important baseline for monitoring reintroduction success in Addo, and we advocate for increased SCR monitoring of spotted hyaena in South African protected areas to inform a metapopulation approach to the species' management.
Discriminant diagnostic validity of paediatric bipolar disorder screening tests: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alcaíno Cristian , Raouna Aigli , Tunç Hamdullah , MacBeth Angus , Bird Timothy , Youngstrom Eric 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionBipolar disorders (BD) are among the most significantly impairing of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Although BD symptoms may begin in adolescence, they are frequently not diagnosed until adulthood, and accordingly BD scales could aid diagnostic assessment in paediatric populations. This review aims to synthesis the evidence for the accuracy of BD symptom index tests for discriminating BD from non‐BD (other diagnoses or healthy controls) in paediatric population. Additionally, several theoretically relevant moderators of diagnostic accuracy were evaluated.MethodsA systematic search across three databases were conducted from 1980 to 2022, augmented by grey literature database searches, citation chaining and contacting authors. Data from eligible studies were synthesized using meta‐analysis. A multilevel model was fitted to account for nested effect sizes, with 31 potential moderators examined in univariate and multivariate models.ResultsTwenty‐Eight studies were eligible, yielding 115 effect sizes for analysis. Meta‐analytic modelling indicated BD symptom index tests have a high diagnostic accuracy (g = 1.300; 95% CI: 0.982 − 1.619; p < .001) in paediatric population. Accuracy was relative to the type of comparison group, index test content, index test informant and index test's scale or subscale.ConclusionsScreening tests based on mania content, caregiver report and non‐healthy comparison groups have clinical utility in identifying paediatric BD. Other informant‐and‐content combination may not accurately identify paediatric BD. Unlike healthy controls, tests derived from studies using non‐healthy comparison groups, represent BD symptom non‐specificity and BD symptom overlap with other disorders, providing external validity and clinical utility.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in progressive multiple sclerosis—a systematic review
Authors: Braun Bente , Fischbach Felix , Pfeffer Lena Kristina , Richter Johanna , Janson Dietlinde , Kröger Nicolaus M. , Mariottini Alice , Heesen Christoph , Häußler Vivien 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe aim was to determine the value of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) as a therapeutic intervention for progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) based on a systematic review of the current literature.MethodsAll studies from the databases PubMed and Google Scholar published in English before February 2024 which provided individual data for PMS patients were systematically reviewed. PICO was defined as population (P), primary progressive MS and secondary progressive MS patients; intervention (I), treatment with aHSCT; comparison (C), none, disease‐modifying therapy treated/relapsing–remitting MS cohorts if available; outcome (O), transplant‐related mortality, progression‐free survival (PFS) and no evidence of disease activity.ResultsA total of 15 studies met the criteria including 665 patients with PMS (74 primary progressive MS, 591 secondary progressive MS) and 801 patients with relapsing–remitting MS as controls. PFS data were available for 647 patients. PMS patients showed more severe disability at baseline than relapsing–remitting MS patients. The average transplant‐related mortality for PMS in 10 studies was 1.9%, with 10 deaths in 528 patients. PFS ranged from 0% to 78% in PMS groups 5 years after treatment initiation, demonstrating a high variability. No evidence of disease activity scores at 5 years ranged from 0% to 75%.ConclusionBased on the available data, aHSCT does not halt progression in people with PMS. However, there appears to be evidence of improved outcome in selected patients. Due to the heterogeneity of the available data, more comprehensive clinical trials assessing the efficacy of aHSCT across different patient groups are urgently needed to reduce variability and improve patient stratification.
Climate change could fuel urinary schistosomiasis transmission in Africa and Europe
Authors: van der Deure Tiem , Maes Tim , Huyse Tine , Stensgaard Anna‐Sofie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe freshwater snail Bulinus truncatus is an important intermediate host for trematode parasites causing urogenital schistosomiasis, a tropical disease affecting over 150 million people. Despite its medical importance, uncertainty remains about its global distribution and the potential impacts of climate change on its future spread. Here, we investigate the distribution of B. truncatus, combining the outputs of correlative and mechanistic modelling methods to fully capitalize on both experimental and occurrence data of the species and to create a more reliable distribution forecast than ever constructed. We constructed ensemble correlative species distribution models using 273 occurrence points collected from different sources and a combination of climatic and (bio)physical environmental variables. Additionally, a mechanistic thermal suitability model was constructed, parameterized by recent life‐history data obtained through extensive lab‐based snail‐temperature experiments and supplemented with an extensive literature review. Our findings reveal that the current suitable habitat for B. truncatus encompasses the Sahel region, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean segment of Africa, stretching from Southern Europe to Mozambique. Regions identified as suitable by both methods generally coincide with areas exhibiting high urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence. Model projections into the future suggest an overall net increase in suitable area of up to 17%. New suitable habitat is in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and large parts of Central Africa, while suitable habitat will be lost in the Sahel region. The change in snail habitat suitability may substantially increase the risk of urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in parts of Africa and Southern Europe while reducing it in the Sahel region.