bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial remodelling and function in various left ventricular hypertrophic phenotypes
Authors: De Raffele Martina , Teis Albert , Cediel German , Weerts Jerremy , Conte Cristina , Juncà Gladys , Kasa Gizem , Ferrer-Sistach Elena , Bertini Matteo , Bayes-Genis Antoni , Delgado Victoria 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Aims
How the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy affects left atrial (LA) remodelling and function remains unexplored. The present study aims to investigate the influence of various hypertrophic phenotypes on LA remodelling and function.

Methods and results
Patients with LV hypertrophy who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were compared to a control group. CMR data were analysed retrospectively to assess LA strain, volume, sphericity, and left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI). Independent clinical associates of LA strain were assessed using multivariable linear regression analysis. A total of 375 individuals were included: 148 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 35 with cardiac amyloidosis (CA), 41 with hypertensive (HTN) heart disease, 97 with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), and 54 with normal CMR. Indexed LA end-systolic (iLVmax), diastolic volumes, and LA sphericity were the largest in patients with CA (59.1 ± 16.9 mL/m2, 46.8 ± 16.4 mL/m2, and 83.2 ± 2.1%, respectively). Patients with CA presented a higher LACI when compared with other groups (58 ± 2% vs. 42 ± 2% in HCM, 39 ± 2% in HTN heart disease, 37 ± 2% in AS, and 22 ± 1% in normal), while no differences were observed across others. Patients with CA showed the lowest LA reservoir [9.6% (0.6–18.6%)] and booster strain (9.1 ± 5.4%), whereas no differences were observed across other groups. LACI and iLAVmax were independently correlated with LA reservoir (β = 0.15 and β = −39.33, respectively), LA conduit (β = 0.08 and β = −17.08, respectively), and LA booster strains (β = 0.1 and β = −28.69, respectively). LA sphericity was independently correlated with LA reservoir strain (β = −0.51). Finally, LV global longitudinal strain was independently correlated with LA reservoir (β = −0.43), conduit (β = −0.20), and booster strain (β = −0.24).

Conclusion
LA characteristics differ among LV hypertrophic phenotypes. LACI and iLAVmax are independently correlated with LA function, while LA sphericity correlates independently with LA reservoir strain.
A novel staging system of cardiac damage in aortic stenosis based on multi-chamber myocardial deformation
Authors: Tomaselli Michele , Springhetti Paolo , Benfari Giovanni , Penso Marco , Clement Alexandra , Pilan Matteo , Leonardi Denis , Ciceri Luca , Buta Alexandra , Scarsini Roberto , Calin Andreea , Nitu Claudia , Radu Noela , Muraru Denisa , Popescu Bogdan A , Ribichini Flavio , Badano Luigi P 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Aims
This study evaluates whether multi-chamber myocardial deformation analysis using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can enhance validated current staging systems and improve risk stratification for patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results
We reanalysed 2D, Doppler, and STE data obtained from two cohorts: derivation (654 patients, median age: 82 years; 51% men) and validation (237 patients, median age: 77 years; 55% men) with at least moderate AS (aortic valve area &lt; 1.5 cm2). The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis identified optimal cut-off values linked to outcomes: 15% for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), 13% for peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), and 19% for right ventricular free-wall strain (RVFWS). Patients have been divided into five stages: Stage 0, no left-side damage (LVGLS ≥ 15% and PALS ≥ 13%); Stage 1, partial left-side damage (LVGLS &lt; 15% or PALS &lt; 13%); Stage 2, definite left-side damage (LVGLS &lt; 15% and PALS &lt; 13%); Stage 3, no right-side damage (RVFWS ≥ 19%); and Stage 4, right-side damage (RVFWS &lt; 19%). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, the new staging scheme remained independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause death [adjusted-hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.48; P = 0.001]. This new staging classification exhibited higher predictive power [area under the curve (AUC) 0.67; 95% CI 0.62–0.73] than those proposed by Généreux et al. (Staging classification of aortic stenosis based on the extent of cardiac damage. Eur Heart J 2017;38:3351–8.) (AUC 0.62; 95% CI 0.56–0.67; P = 0.002) and Tastet et al. (Staging cardiac damage in patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019;74:550–63.) (AUC 0.64; 95% CI 0.58–0.70; P = 0.041) for 2-year all-cause death, with similar findings in the validation cohort.

Conclusion
Our staging system for detecting cardiac damage, incorporating multi-chamber myocardial deformation, exhibits a stronger association with outcomes than previously validated systems.
Assessing the Health Impact of Low Seafood Omega-3 Intake on Ischemic Heart Disease: Trends, Demographic Disparities, and Forecasts
Authors: Liu Changxing , Zhang Zhirui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to low intake of seafood omega-3 fatty acids is a major global health concern, particularly impacting mortality and disability rates. Understanding these trends and demographic variations offers insights for targeted public health interventions.

Methods
This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to analyze the IHD burden attributable to low omega-3 intake across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021, stratified by age, sex, and region. Key metrics included deaths, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs. Joinpoint regression and ARIMA modeling were used to assess trends and project future burden through 2035.

Results
Globally, IHD-related deaths due to low omega-3 intake rose from 500,154 in 1990 to 627,342 in 2021, with the age-standardized death rate declining from 13.94 to 7.49 per 100,000. DALYs increased from 13 million in 1990 to over 15 million in 2021, though the age-standardized DALY rate dropped from 322.93 to 181.07 per 100,000. Regional disparities were significant; North Africa and the Middle East had a 2021 death rate of 18.76 per 100,000, compared to 2.74 per 100,000 in high-income regions. Age and sex stratification revealed that older populations and males bear a higher burden. Projections indicate a stable or rising trend in low-SDI regions through 2035.

Conclusion
This study highlights a substantial global burden of IHD linked to low omega-3 intake, with significant regional and demographic disparities. Increasing omega-3 intake, especially in high-burden regions, could help to mitigate future IHD impacts.
Long-term survival from a randomized controlled trial of lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus thoracotomy for early-stage lung cancer
Authors: Dittberner Finn Amundsen , Bendixen Morten , Licht Peter Bjørn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We previously did a randomized clinical trial of lobectomy by VATS or thoracotomy for early-stage lung cancer and found that patients who underwent VATS had less postoperative pain and better quality of life compared with thoracotomy. VATS has since been regarded the preferred surgical method for early-stage lung cancer. It is assumed that long-term survival is not influenced by surgical approach, but this assumption primarily rests on non-randomized comparative studies. We decided to do a long-term follow-up of patients who entered our previous randomized trial.

METHODS
Between 2008 and 2014 we randomly assigned 206 patients to VATS (n = 103) or anterolateral thoracotomy (n = 103) for proven or suspected early-stage NSCLC. Records from patients with NSCLC on final pathology were identified in the national electronic patient-record system and the Danish Lung Cancer Registry. Overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test was used to compare the two interventions.

RESULTS
A total of 196 patients had NSCLC on final histopathology. Four patients were lost to follow-up and the remaining 192 were included in this follow-up study with 128 events used for overall survival analysis, 100 events for disease-free survival analysis and 79 events for cancer-specific survival analysis. VATS was used in 99 patients versus 93 by thoracotomy. Median age at time of surgery was 66 years (range 41–85 years). After a median follow-up time of 12.8 years (range 9.9–15.8 years), 33% of patients were alive. Overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival were not significantly different between VATS and thoracotomy: Overall survival (p = 0.29), disease-free survival (p = 0.17) and cancer-specific survival (p = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS
We did not find any statistically significant differences in overall, disease-free, or cancer-specific survival between VATS and thoracotomy. However, larger trials with better power for survival analysis are needed to fully explore if there are differences. Alternatively, differences in survival between thoracotomy and VATS for early-stage NSCLC could be investigated by pooling survival data from two similar randomized trials that have since been published.
A comprehensive assessment of membrane bioreactor contaminant removal efficacy through analytical chemistry, fish exposures, and microbiome characterization
Authors: Christen Charles H , Elliott Sarah M , Kiesling Richard L , VanDenBoom Alissa , Kohno Satomi , Givens Carrie E , Schoenfuss Heiko L 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Treated municipal wastewater effluent is an important pathway for Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) to enter aquatic ecosystems. As the aging wastewater infrastructure in many industrialized countries requires upgrades or replacement, assessing new treatment technologies in the context of CEC effects may provide additional support for science-based resource management. Here, we used three lines of evidence, analytical chemistry, fish exposure experiments, and fish and water microbiome analysis, to assess the effectiveness of membrane bioreactor treatment (MBR) to replace traditional activated sludge treatment. To do this, we sampled a municipal wastewater treatment plant with a split wastewater stream, a portion of which was treated with an MBR and another via an oxidation ditch (OXI). The OXI and MBR treatments substantially reduced most measured CECs compared to the primary effluent (PRI). Only pesticides and some pharmaceuticals were recalcitrant to both secondary treatment methods. While ammonia toxicity of PRI prevented its inclusion in fish exposure experiments, exposure of fish with waters from the OXI or MBR treated wastewater produced only subtle biological differences with no adverse apical outcomes. These findings were consistent with low chemically derived exposure: activity ratios (EARs) for OXI and MBR. Microbiome analysis of fish and wastewater highlighted the significant reduction of microbial abundance and diversity in the MBR treatment compared to all other treatments. The comparable removal efficacy of CECs in MBR makes it an attractive alternative to traditional OXI, especially when MBR may eliminate the need for tertiary treatment for wastewater disinfection.
Family Size across the Life Course and Cognitive Decline in Older Mexican Adults
Authors: Saenz Joseph , Quashie Nekehia T , Zhang Xing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
A growing body of research has identified associations between family size and cognition in older adults. These studies largely focus on older adults’ own fertility history instead of sibship size, defined as one’s number of siblings. Sibship size may impact cognitive development during early childhood, creating differences that may persist into late-life. Using a gendered life course framework, this study evaluates how family size across the life course (both sibship size and number of children) relates with cognitive aging among older Mexican adults.

Methods
Data comes from the 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (n=14,872 adults age 50+). We use latent growth curve models to evaluate how family size (sibship size and fertility history) relates with levels of latent general cognitive ability and nine-year cognitive decline and variation across gender.

Results
Small sibship size related to higher levels of cognitive ability among men, but not women. This benefit was somewhat reduced when educational attainment was accounted for. Regarding fertility history, we observed an inverse U-shaped relationship with level of cognitive ability, regardless of gender, that remained significant even after accounting for sibship size and other confounders. Neither family size measure predicted the rate of cognitive decline.

Discussion
This research broadens our understanding of family size and cognition associations in the context of Mexico's changing demographics that challenge the reliance on family support in late-life and highlights potential gender differences.
Empathy and psychological outcomes in informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huo Meng , Vu Thi , Yoneda Tomiko , Wei Jingkai , Abbott Bruce , Monin Joan K 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Scholars have increasingly recognized the crucial role that empathy plays as informal caregivers provide unpaid care to their older family and friends (i.e., care recipients). Yet, the existing literature exhibits substantial variability in study approaches and results, which limits the extent to which this literature can inform interventions intended to benefit informal caregivers. We sought to address this critical gap by synthesizing research that examined how caregivers’ and care recipients’ empathy were associated with caregivers’ psychological health.

Methods
We conducted a literature search using PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), EMBASE, and Scopus databases and systematically reviewed 21 peer-reviewed studies that were eligible for the current study. We utilized a multilevel random-effects approach and meta-analyzed 17 studies focused on caregivers’ negative psychological outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, anxiety, burden, burnout, stress).

Results
We observed small, non-significant associations linking caregivers’ emotional and cognitive empathy to their negative psychological outcomes. Yet, there were moderate, significant associations between greater emotional and cognitive empathy in care recipients and less negative psychological outcomes in caregivers. We also ran sensitivity tests for different aspects of emotional and cognitive empathy.

Discussion
This review reveals considerable heterogeneity in extant research but still offers robust evidence linking care recipients’ empathy to caregivers’ psychological health. Findings highlight the importance of engaging care recipients in interventions targeting caregivers and call for more consistent and nuanced investigations of empathy in caregiving.
Feasibility and acceptability of engaging care partners of persons living with dementia with electronic outreach for deprescribing
Authors: Jungo Katharina Tabea , Choudhry Niteesh K , Marcantonio Edward R , Bhatkhande Gauri , Crum Katherine L , Haff Nancy , Hanken Kaitlin E , Lauffenburger Julie C 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Care partners are critical for making treatment decisions in persons living with dementia. However, identifying them is challenging, hindering the broader use of interventions, such as those using digital technologies. We aimed to (i) assess the feasibility of identifying and contacting care partners using electronic health record (EHR) systems, and (ii) elicit their perspectives on electronic interventions for deprescribing.

Research Design and Methods
We systematically identified care partners of persons living with dementia ≥65 years of age via structured EHR data in a large healthcare system. Eligible care partners were contacted by patient portal (if they were an established proxy), mail, and phone to complete a survey.

Results
Of 4,138 eligible persons living with dementia identified, 1,084 (26%) had a care partner name recorded in the EHR. Out of 259 (6%) with sufficient care partner contact information for outreach, 74 (29%) completed the survey. Among care partners, 62 (84%) reported being confident in managing dementia medications, 59 (80%) were willing to stop ≥1 medications, and 43 (58%) were very/extremely interested in using digital tools for decision-making.

Discussion and Implications
Despite the low percentage of care partners with sufficient contact information, reach rates were high for contacted care partners, suggesting feasibility for pragmatic system-level interventions. Most care partners showed great interest in using digital health tools for decision-making and managing medications. Therefore, electronic tools could help with identifying care partners and engaging them. However, scaling up interventions requires better care partner documentation or extracting information from free text.
Making ocean climate effects studies matter to society
Authors: Huse Geir , Batten Sonia , Schmidt Jörn , Isensee Kirsten , Bahri Tarub , Skern-Mauritzen Mette , Chiba Sanae , Haugan Peter 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The 5th International Conference on the Effects of Climate Change on the World’s Ocean (ECCWO5) was held from April 17 to 21, 2023, in Bergen, Norway. Some seven hundred ocean experts from around the world gathered online and under the sunny blue sky at Bryggen, a historic waterfront harbor. The ECCWO conference series was initiated in 2008, aiming to better understand the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems, the services they provide, and the people, businesses, and communities that depend on them. PICES, ICES, IOC, and FAO were major sponsors and organizers of this event with the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, as the local host. The outcomes of the symposium highlighted the importance of tipping points and the fact that the effects of climate change on habitat-building species are dramatic and are impacted by marine heat waves. A robust and adaptive ecosystem approach to fisheries management under climate change is recommended, and low-emission fishing should be implemented broadly. The effects of climate change on ocean deoxygenation need more research. Climate impact assessments should be routinely performed for key ecosystem components. There needs to be more focus on social-ecological approaches and effective stakeholder engagement. We encourage work across the boundaries of disciplines and geography to ensure rapid development and uptake of good practices in science-based advice and management so that they can be adopted by the fishing and aquaculture industry. The ECCWO conference series has contributed to building and maintaining a research community centered on climate change effects on the ocean that will be important moving forward.
Probabilistic Approaches for Risk Assessment and Regulatory Criteria Development: Current Applications, Gaps, and Opportunities
Authors: Flinders Camille , Barnhart Brad , Morrison Emily , Anderson Paul , Landis Wayne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Traditional ecological and human health risk assessment often relies on deterministic frameworks that preclude the presence of variability or uncertainty among input parameters characterizing exposure, effects, and risk. To promote increased realism and generate more robust risk management decisions, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) has been introduced as a foundational grouping of techniques that seeks to broadly characterize variability among its components. While multiple methods exist (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations, Bayesian networks) along with some federal and state regulatory guidance, gaps remain in prescriptive regulatory recommendations for the implementation of PRA methods. This article describes specific probabilistic approaches for risk characterization and assessment, regulatory support of PRA, challenges that may limit more widespread use, and opportunities for its expanded use in regulatory areas where it is not currently applied. Taken together, we hope to advance the understanding of probabilistic methodologies and their versatility for robust, transparent, data-based environmental risk assessment and standards derivation across a range of media that align with regulatory objectives to protect aquatic and terrestrial biota, human health, and vulnerable populations.
rpoB mutations and their association with rifampicin resistance in clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Edslev Sofie Marie , Aarris Mia , Nielsen Karen Leth , Hertz Frederik B , Johannesen Thor Bech , Kolenda Camille , Laurent Frederic , Månsson Emeli , Söderquist Bo , Stegger Marc 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a ubiquitous member of the healthy skin and mucous microbiota but is also an opportunistic pathogen responsible for various infections, often treated with antibiotics like rifampicin. Resistance to rifampicin in S. epidermidis arises primarily through nonsynonymous mutations in the rpoB gene.

Objectives
To investigate the prevalence of rpoB mutations and their association with phenotypic rifampicin resistance in clinical S. epidermidis isolates from Denmark, France, and Sweden.

Methods
All clinical isolates (N = 942) were whole-genome sequenced to identify mutations in rpoB and subsequently linked to phenotypic rifampicin resistance based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Results
A total of 64 (6.8%) isolates were resistant to rifampicin. They carried all mutational changes in the rifampicin resistance-determining region (RRDR). Among 12 identified nonsynonymous mutations, 11 were exclusively observed in resistant strains, including novel mutations not previously described in S. epidermidis.

Conclusions
This study highlights the diverse genetic variants of rpoB associated with rifampicin resistance in clinical S. epidermidis isolates, including novel mutations. The strong correlation between mutational changes in RRDR and phenotypic resistance reinforces the role of rpoB mutations as a primary mechanism of resistance in clinical isolates.