bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low LDL cholesterol and risk of bacterial and viral infections: observational and Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Benn Marianne , Emanuelsson Frida , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims
Low levels of LDL cholesterol may be associated with risk of infectious disease. We tested the hypothesis that low LDL cholesterol due to genetic variation in the LDLR, PCSK9, and HMGCR genes and a polygenic LDL cholesterol score is associated with risk of infectious diseases in the general population.

Methods and results
Using observational and Mendelian randomization designs, we examined associations of low plasma LDL cholesterol with risk of bacterial and viral infections in 119 805 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study/Copenhagen City Heart Study, 468 701 from the UK Biobank, and up to 376 773 from the FinnGen Research Project. Observationally, low LDL cholesterol concentrations were associated with risk of hospitalization for both bacterial and viral infections. In genetic analyses, a 1 mmol/L lower LDL cholesterol was associated with lower plasma PCSK9 {−0.55 nmol/L [95% confidence interval (CI): −1.06 to −0.05]; P = 0.03}, leucocyte count [−0.42 × 109/L (−0.61 to −0.24); P &lt; 0.001], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [−0.44 mg/L (−0.79 to −0.09); P = 0.014]. Using an LDLR, HMGCR, and PCSK9 score, a 1 mmol/L lower LDL cholesterol was associated with risk ratios of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86–0.97; P = 0.002) for unspecified bacterial infection, of 0.92 (0.87–0.97; P = 0.004) for diarrhoeal disease, and of 1.15 (1.03–1.29; P = 0.012) for unspecified viral infections and 1.64 (1.13–2.39; P = 0.009) for HIV/AIDS. Using a polygenic LDL cholesterol score largely showed similar results and in addition a lower risk of 0.85 (0.76–0.96; P = 0.006) for bacterial pneumonia and 0.91 (0.82–0.99; P = 0.035) for sepsis.

Conclusion
Genetically low LDL cholesterol concentrations were associated with lower concentration of markers of inflammation; lower risk of hospitalization for unspecified bacterial infections, infectious diarrhoeal diseases, bacterial pneumonia, and sepsis; and higher risk of viral infections and HIV/AIDS.
Characterization of dynamic changes in cardiac microstructure after reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction by biphasic diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Rajakulasingam Ramyah , Ferreira Pedro F , Scott Andrew D , Khalique Zohya , Azzu Alessia , Molto Maria , Conway Miriam , Falaschetti Emanuela , Cheng Kevin , Hammersley Daniel J , Cantor Emily-Jane , Tindale Alexander , Beattie Catherine J , Banerjee Arjun , Wage Ricardo , Soundarajan Raj K , Dalby Miles , Nielles-Vallespin Sonia , Pennell Dudley J , de Silva Ranil 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and Aims
Microstructural disturbances underlie dysfunctional contraction and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Biphasic diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT-CMR) quantifies dynamic reorientation of sheetlets (E2A) from diastole to systole during myocardial thickening, and markers of tissue integrity [mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA)]. This study investigated whether microstructural alterations identified by biphasic DT-CMR: (i) enable contrast-free detection of acute myocardial infarction (MI); (ii) associate with severity of myocardial injury and contractile dysfunction; and (iii) predict adverse LV remodelling.

Methods
Biphasic DT-CMR was acquired 4 days (n = 70) and 4 months (n = 66) after reperfused STEMI and in healthy volunteers (HVOLs) (n = 22). Adverse LV remodelling was defined as an increase in LV end-diastolic volume ≥ 20% at 4 months. MD and FA maps were compared with late gadolinium enhancement images.

Results
Widespread microstructural disturbances were detected post-STEMI. In the acute MI zone, diastolic E2A was raised and systolic E2A reduced, resulting in reduced E2A mobility (all P &lt; .001 vs. adjacent and remote zones and HVOLs). Acute global E2A mobility was the only independent predictor of adverse LV remodelling (odds ratio .77; 95% confidence interval .63–.94; P = .010). MD and FA maps had excellent sensitivity and specificity (all &gt; 90%) and interobserver agreement for detecting MI presence and location.

Conclusions
Biphasic DT-CMR identifies microstructural alterations in both diastole and systole after STEMI, enabling detection of MI presence and location as well as predicting adverse LV remodelling. DT-CMR has potential to provide a single contrast-free modality for MI detection and prognostication of patients after acute STEMI.
The telomere-to-telomere genome of flowering cherry (Prunus campanulata) reveals genomic evolution of the subgenus Cerasus
Authors: Jiang Dongyue , Li Yingang , Zhuge Fei , Zhou Qi , Zong Wenjin , Liu Xinhong , Shen Xin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Prunus campanulata, a species of ornamental cherry, holds significant genetic and horticultural value. Despite the availability of various cherry genomes, a fully resolved telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assembly for this species has been lacking. Recent advancements in long-read sequencing technologies have made it possible to generate gap-free genome assemblies, providing comprehensive insights into genomic structures that were previously inaccessible.

Findings
We present the first T2T genome assembly for P. campanulata “Lianmeiren” (v2.0), achieved through the integration of PacBio HiFi, ultra-long Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Illumina, and Hi-C sequencing. The assembly resulted in a highly contiguous genome with a total size of 266.23 Mb and a contig N50 of 31.6 Mb. The genome exhibits remarkable completeness (98.9% BUSCO) and high accuracy (quality value of 48.75). Additionally, 13 telomeres and putative centromere regions were successfully identified across the 8 pseudochromosomes. Comparative analysis with the previous v1.0 assembly revealed 336,943 single nucleotide polymorphisms, 107,521 indels, and 1,413 structural variations, along with the annotation of 1,402 new genes.

Conclusions
This T2T genome assembly of P. campanulata “Lianmeiren” provides a critical reference for understanding the genetic architecture of the species. It enhances our ability to study structural variations, gene function, and evolutionary biology within the Prunus genus.
NHE3 Controls Proliferation and Migration of Colonic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bernardazzi Claudio , Saha Tultul , Gurney Michael A , Laubitz Daniel , Dey Pujarini Dutta , Masannat Tarek , Sheikh Irshad Ali , Midura-Kiela Monica T , Ghishan Fayez K , Kiela Pawel R 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
In the gut, Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3; SLC9A3) plays important roles in pH regulation, absorption of Na+, and indirectly of other nutrients. NHE3-deficient mice develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like dysbiosis and spontaneous colitis, and rare mutations in the SLC9A3 gene may confer a risk factor for very early-onset IBD. However, the roles of NHE3 in the epithelial cell functions beyond the canonical ion transport, especially in the face of injury, remain poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of NHE3 in colonic epithelial cell proliferation and migration during wound healing.

Methods
Colonic organoids from NHE3+/+ and NHE3−/− mice and SK-CO-15 cells with shRNA-mediated NHE3 knockdown (NHE3KD) were used to assess the intrinsic role of NHE3 in cellular proliferation, migration, wound healing, adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), activation status of focal adhesion kinase (pFAKY397), and in gene transcription.

Results
NHE3−/− colonoids showed increased cell proliferation and reduced ECM adhesion. NHE3−/− colonoids and NHE3KD cells showed increased spontaneous motility, enhanced migration in serum gradient, and in 2 models of wound healing. This was associated with FAK and Src activation and modulation of genes associated with cell–cell interactions, cell–ECM interactions, and the formation of focal adhesions. Inhibition of FAK autophosphorylation eliminated the effect of NHE3 deficiency on cell migration.

Conclusions
Inhibition of NHE3, unconfounded by chronic inflammatory or microbial pressure, may represent a permissible mechanism beneficial to the host by modulating cellular plasticity and promoting epithelial wound healing. These unexpected results provide a novel insight into the pleiotropic roles of NHE3 in mucosal homeostasis.
Environment-driven trends in larval abundance predict fishery recruitment in two saltwater basses
Authors: Jarvis Mason Erica T , Watson William , Ward Eric J , Thompson Andrew R , Semmens Brice X 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Environmental and biological factors influencing fish larvae can drive fishery cohort strength, yet larval abundance is typically a better indicator of spawning biomass. Under a changing ocean, studies that explore the relationships between environmental variables, larval abundance, and fishery recruitment remain valuable areas for ongoing research. We focus on a popular, recreational-only, multispecies saltwater bass fishery (genus Paralabrax) whose population status and recovery potential are uncertain. We resolved Paralabrax spp. larval data to species over a 54-year period (1963–2016) and used species distribution models to (i) generate and test species-specific standardized indices of larval abundance as indicators of adult stock status and fishery recruitment and (ii) evaluate long-term spatiotemporal trends in their population dynamics relative to environmental variables and climate forcing. Contrary to initial hypotheses, species-specific larval abundance predicted future catches, with higher recent larval abundances suggesting potential for fishery recovery. Temperature, zooplankton biomass, and isothermal depth were important predictors of bass larval abundance, indicating these variables could also be valuable for predicting fishery recruitment and anticipating population change. Our findings paint a path forward towards a more ecosystem-based fishery management approach for this important fishery and may serve as a template for data- or assessment-limited fisheries.
Misinterpreting retrospective patterns in fishery stock assessment
Authors: Cadrin Steven X 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Estimates of stock size for a specific year change when a new year of data is added to a stock assessment model, and some assessments exhibit a unidirectional pattern to these retrospective differences. Assuming that the most recent stock assessment is the most reliable, retrospective patterns are often misinterpreted as a measure of estimation bias that can be corrected. The logical fallacy of this interpretation is exposed when another new year of data is added, and the estimates that were assumed to be true are now considered to be biased. True values of estimated parameters are needed to infer bias. For example, simulation-estimation experiments can produce retrospective patterns from misspecified estimation models that assume time-varying processes are stationary. These simulations show that retrospective patterns are not a reliable measure of bias, and retrospective adjustments may be further from true values. Therefore, the terminology of retrospective “bias” and “correction” is misleading. Retrospective patterns can be an informative diagnostic to identify and confront model misspecification, and if retrospective patterns cannot be reduced with respecified models, they can be communicated as measure of uncertainty for consideration in the precautionary management.
Scholactivism in the service of counter-populism: The case of constitutional overhaul in Israel
Authors: Bar-Siman-Tov Ittai , Hostovsky Brandes Tamar , Lieblich Eliav , Roznai Yaniv , Shinar Adam 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article examines the role that legal scholars in Israel played with respect to the constitutional overhaul promoted by Israel’s thirty-seventh government, during the period between November 2022 and September 2023. Members of the legal academia in Israel, including the authors of this article, took an active part in resisting the overhaul, engaging in a wide array of activities that draw on their professional knowledge and status. These activities included collective activism through the publishing of position papers, giving community talks, collaborating with other parts of the protest movement, providing media commentary, writing op-eds, taking part in political negotiations, and engaging in outreach to the international legal community and international institutions. The article examines this activity in the context of the scholarship on “scholactivism,” and addresses the critique that scholactivism may compromise the role of the scholar to disseminate knowledge and seek the truth. After reviewing the constitutional overhaul and the activities undertaken by legal scholars, the article argues that in the context of counter-populism, the activist goal of fighting populism aligns with, rather than contradicts, the scholarly goals of disseminating knowledge and seeking the truth. Furthermore, when constitutional law is the modus operandi of populist leaders, legal scholars have a unique role in identifying manipulations and threats and explaining them to the public. Nonetheless, the article also examines the risks associated with legal scholars’ activism, including potential threats to the integrity of scholarship and the status of scholars. It offers strategies for mitigating these risks and assessing them against the threats at hand.
Molecular Characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Elderly Patients During the 2023–2024 Season in the Era of Nirsevimab Introduction
Authors: Caillault Amandine , Softic Laurent , Bay Pierre , Ly Arnaud , Soulier Alexandre , Melica Giovanna , Rodriguez Christophe , de Prost Nicolas , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Fourati Slim 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe infections in elderly individuals. Nirsevimab is a novel prophylactic monoclonal antibody, widely used in infants in France during the 2023–2024 season. It may select for resistant RSV variants that, if transmitted in the community, could compromise vaccine efficacy in the elderly. In this study, we analyzed RSV full-length genomes (68% RSV-A, 32% RSV-B) from 125 patients aged &gt;60 years during the 2023–2024 season. Genetic diversity of RSV-F site Ø was low, with no resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) detected. While no RASs were identified, ongoing monitoring is essential to prevent the emergence of resistant variants that could affect vaccine efficacy in the elderly.
Characterization of c-Src During Listeria monocytogenes Cell-to-Cell Spreading
Authors: McLeod Petra A , Dhanda Aaron S , Guttman Julian A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes replicates within host cells and spreads from cell to cell using actin-based motility. Cell-to-cell movement of L. monocytogenes is achieved by creating actin-rich membrane protrusions (listeriopods), which generate corresponding invaginations in adjacent cells through caveolin-mediated endocytosis. We show that c-Src, a multifunctional tyrosine kinase, is enriched at invaginations and is crucial for efficient cell-to-cell spreading of the bacteria as cells expressing c-Src mutants that were either constitutively active or those that impeded the function of c-Src resulted in significantly more (or less) cell-to-cell spreading. This work demonstrates the importance of c-Src in influencing L. monocytogenes’ ability to spread intercellularly.
Prevalence and contributing factors of intravenous medication administration errors in emergency departments: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tan Shirlyn , Teh Lih Jiuan , Mohd Mokhtaruddin Safura , Henry Basil Josephine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Medication administration in busy emergency departments (EDs) presents significant challenges due to the high-pressure environment and complexity of processes. Medication administration errors (MAEs) are a critical concern as they can severely impact patient safety and increase healthcare costs. Understanding the prevalence and underlying factors contributing to intravenous MAEs is essential for enhancing patient care and improving hospital services. This study aims to explore and measure the frequency of intravenous MAEs in EDs and identify factors contributing to these errors during their preparation and administration.

Methods
This prospective study utilized the direct observation technique where the preparation and administration of 222 intravenous medications were observed in the EDs of two hospitals in Malaysia. Information on medication preparation, administration, and other procedures was recorded. Error rates were calculated, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors contributing to intravenous MAEs.

Results
MAEs were detected in 83.3% (185/222) of the observed medications affecting 86.7% (124/143) patients. Among these, a total of 240 MAEs were identified, with the most common being wrong rate of administration (55.8%), wrong preparation technique (20.8%), and omission error (11.7%). Alimentary tract and metabolism medications accounted for the highest proportion of MAEs (52.0%), followed by anti-infective medications (21.7%) and nervous system medications (15.4%). Excluding wrong time errors reduced the error rate to 80.2% (178/222). Nonverbal orders and inadequate or absence of labelling were significantly associated with MAEs, while factors such as the complexity of preparations, working shift, experience, and high-alert medications showed no significant associations.

Conclusion
The study highlighted a high prevalence of intravenous MAEs in EDs. Nonverbal orders and inadequacy in labelling of medications were significant contributing factors to MAEs in the ED. Implementing an admixture labelling policy, comprehensive training programmes, strict enforcement of existing guidelines and protocols through regular audits, establishing nonpunitive error reporting system, and technological solutions where financially feasible are crucial for mitigating these errors to promote patient safety.
Developing and validating a Global Trigger Tool for assessing frequency, level of harm, and preventability of adverse drug events in pediatric inpatients units
Authors: Gutkind Amit , Toren Amos , Somech Raz , Bezalel Yael , Loebstein Ronen , Edden Yair , Oberman Bernice , Zimlichman Eyal 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Medications are a major cause of harm to patients in hospitals, and several studies have found that they cause approximately 20% of injuries that occur in medical institutions. It was found that the rate of adverse drug events (ADEs) in pediatric hospitalizations ranges from 11 to 40 events per 100 hospitalizations and 1% of cases caused death.

Objectives
This is a comparative and retrospective study. The overarching objective is to adapt the Pediatric Trigger Tool (PTT) of the “Child Health Corporation of America” to pediatric wards in Israel, with the intention of using it to assess the rate of adverse events that occur during medication given in pediatric wards. The study characterized ADEs and examined the ability of the PTT to identify ADEs in relation to those that were voluntarily reported by the staff.

Method
This study included internal and surgical pediatric wards at an academic pediatric medical center. The PTT was validated on medical record data from 700 hospitalizations between the years 2015 and 2017. The study also determined, among other things: the stage of drug administration at which the events occurred, the percentage of all events that could have been prevented, the degrees of damage the ADE caused and more.

Results
The Positive Predictive Value of the customized tool stands at 16.91%. The study found 108 ADEs in 78 hospitalizations. The ADE rate per 100 hospitalizations was 15.4, the ADE rate per 1000 drug doses was 3.9, and the ADE rate per 1000 hospitalization days was 22.8, of which 18.5% were preventable. The category of drugs that led to the highest number of ADEs was painkillers. Those ADEs led to a large number of adverse clinical effects: constipation, hypokalemia, vomiting, and rash. The most common reason for coming to the hospital was suspicion or treatment of a hematologic disease, followed by hospitalization due to a burn. The customized tool found 10.8 times more ADEs than those reported voluntarily-subjectively by the clinical staff.

Conclusions
The study found that, properly adapted, the PTT tool can be used to detect ADEs in internal and surgical pediatric wards.
Party Time: Entering the Lifeworlds and Career Trajectories of Chinese Transnational Professionals in Africa
Authors: Bunskoek Raoul , Hönke Jana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The literature on transnational professionals (TPs) focuses on transnational structures and practices that are professionally defined. In this article, we start with the observation that Chinese TP lifeworlds in Africa diverge significantly from the ones described in the TP literature. We argue that TP lifeworlds “beyond the Anglosphere” and the practices they produce require more attention to understand the future of transnational governance in a polycentric world. The article analyzes Chinese professionals who work in state-owned and private enterprises in Africa; what is considered competent practice and how promotions occur in this context; and discusses these professionals’ limited autonomy from the state—different from a core assumption on which theories about the power of professionals and their practices in international relations are based. It shows that Chinese TPs rarely advance model practices in their field. They find themselves in expert sectors in Africa because they are made to go there, and apart from (mixed) professional credentials must demonstrate modesty, loyalty and patriotism in order to fit in and advance their careers in global China. Thus more context-sensitive theorizing is needed that considers variation in the role and autonomy of professions and their expertise in constituting community and transnational practices. Theoretically, we bring together literatures on Chinese cadres and corporate professionals with the literature on TPs for the first time. Empirically, the analysis is based on interviews with Chinese corporate professionals in Zambia and East Asia, and an analysis of secondary literature on Chinese companies and professionals operating in Africa more broadly.
Entangled Narratives: Insights from Social and Computer Sciences on National Artificial Intelligence Infrastructures
Authors: Singh J P , Shehu Amarda , Dua Manpriya , Wesson Caroline 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
How do countries narrate their values and priorities in artificial intelligence infrastructures in comparative national and global contexts? This paper analyzes the policies governing national and regional artificial intelligence infrastructures to advance an understanding of “entangled narratives” in global affairs. It does so by utilizing artificial intelligence techniques that assist with generalizability and model building without sacrificing granularity. In particular, the machine learning and natural language processing big data models used alongside some process-tracing demonstrate the ways artificial intelligence infrastructural plans diverge, cluster, and transform along several topical dimensions in comparative contexts. The paper's entangled narrative approach adds to international relations (IR) theorizing about infrastructural narratives and technological diffusion. We provide patterned and granular results at various levels, which challenge and refine existing theories that attribute differences in infrastructures and technological adoption to geopolitical competition and imitation, top-down or linear international diffusion effects, and differences in political systems.