bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic analyses identify brain functional networks associated with the risk of Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced parkinsonism
Authors: Chen Lin , Fang Ming-juan , Yu Xu-en , Xu Yin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Brain functional networks are associated with parkinsonism in observational studies. However, the causal effects between brain functional networks and parkinsonism remain unclear. We aimed to assess the potential bidirectional causal associations between 191 brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) phenotypes and parkinsonism including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP). We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the bidirectional associations between brain rsfMRI phenotypes and parkinsonism, followed by several sensitivity analyses for robustness validation. In the forward MR analyses, we found that three rsfMRI phenotypes genetically determined the risk of parkinsonism. The connectivity in the visual network decreased the risk of PD (OR = 0.391, 95% CI = 0.235 ~ 0.649, P = 2.83 × 10−4, P_FDR = 0.039). The connectivity of salience and motor networks increased the risk of DIP (OR = 4.102, 95% CI = 1.903 ~ 8.845, P = 3.17 × 10−4, P_FDR = 0.044). The connectivity of limbic and default mode networks increased the risk of DIP (OR = 14.526, 95% CI = 3.130 ~ 67.408, P = 6.32 × 10−4, P_FDR = 0.0437). The reverse MR analysis indicated that PD and DIP had no effect on brain rsfMRI phenotypes. Our findings reveal causal relationships between brain functional networks and parkinsonism, providing important interventional and therapeutic targets for different parkinsonism.
Modulation by serotonin reveals preferred recurrent excitatory connectivity in layer II of rat neocortex
Authors: Agahari Fransiscus Adrian , Stricker Christian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We reported that in layer II pyramidal cells of rat somatosensory cortex, 10 μM serotonin (5-HT) alters miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in a subset of cells (47%, “responders”, RC; “non-responders”, NC otherwise) via 5-HT2 receptors (5-HT2R) but in all pairs reduced evoked excitatory postsynaptic current amplitude by ~50% (Agahari FA, Stricker C. 2021. Serotonergic modulation of spontaneous and evoked transmitter release in layer II pyramidal cells of rat somatosensory cortex. Cereb Cortex. 31:1182–1200. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhaa285.) suggestive of preferential connectivity. We provide different lines of evidence that distinguish these subsets. First, after 5-HT exposure, changes in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current, spontaneous EPSC frequency, or whole-cell noise (σw) were restricted to postsynaptic cells in pairs (PO) and RC but absent in presynaptic (PR) and NC. Second, exposure caused a large change in holding current with a small variability in NC, but a small one with a large variability in PO/RC. In addition, ΔRin in PO/RC was larger than in PR/NC, with a negative correlation between ΔIhold and ΔRin in NC, a positive in PO, but none in RC. Third, an unbiased classifier identified most PO as RC and all PR as NC. Our data establish two distinct sets of pyramidal cells having a preferred connectivity from NC → RC. 5-HT2R-mediated modulation of transmitter release may likely reduce the signal-to-noise ratio in the ipsilateral but leave the output to the contralateral side unaffected.
Concordance of Noninvasive Plasma Cell-free DNA With Invasive Diagnostics for Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Disease
Authors: Lieu Anthony , Zimmet Alex N , Pozdol Joseph , Kushner Lauren E , Ho Dora , Banaei Niaz 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Mold plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a promising noninvasive diagnostic modality for early diagnosis of invasive mold disease (IMD) in immunocompromised patients. Although mold cfDNA PCR has been shown to be highly accurate, the value of invasive procedures to collect specimens for conventional fungal diagnostics following plasma cfDNA testing remains unclear.

Methods
This retrospective single-center cohort study included patients with mold plasma cfDNA PCR performed 7 days before or 2 days after invasive specimen collection. Mold PCR detected Aspergillus species, Mucorales agents, Fusarium species, and Scedosporium species. Invasive procedures included tissue biopsy and bronchoscopy. The primary endpoint was the concordance of mold plasma cfDNA PCR results with results of conventional fungal tests performed on tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Results
Five hundred and six patients with mold plasma cfDNA PCR resulting ahead of invasive specimen (123 tissue and 426 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) results were included, and 437 (86.4%) were immunocompromised. After adjudicating discordant results based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium definitions for IMD, mold plasma cfDNA PCR and invasive test results were 88.5% (448/506) concordant. In proven cases, 64.7% (11/17) of negative mold plasma cfDNA PCR results occurred in patients with fungal sinusitis (8) and limb infection (3). Nonhematologic malignancy and nonneutropenic state were statistically associated with negative mold plasma cfDNA PCR in patients with proven or probable IMD.

Conclusions
Noninvasive mold plasma cfDNA PCR results were highly concordant with invasive specimen fungal test results, indicating risk-prone invasive specimen collection can be safely curtailed in immunocompromised patients with suspected IMD.
Telling stories about vendors: narrative practices to negotiate risk and establish an organizational cybersecurity culture
Authors: Osburn Laura D 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While many cybersecurity culture studies have focused on identifying and measuring an organization's cybersecurity culture—assumptions, values, behaviors, and artifacts—less research has focused on how cybersecurity culture is enacted in the daily workplace in ways that lead to cultural change. In this paper, I approach cybersecurity culture as a meaning-making activity, or practice within an organization. Organizational theory on narrative practices—including storytelling, sensemaking, and sensegiving—provide a conceptual framework to better understand cultural meaning-making practices, as well as how those practices shape decision-making and organizational actions. Using ethnographic observation and interview data, I conducted a narrative analysis of interdisciplinary communication between IT and Facilities professionals working with Internet of Things vendors and their associated risks. The findings demonstrate that storytelling, sensegiving, and sensemaking practices were key to developing an emerging narrative that shaped professional and organizational decision-making to improve cybersecurity. The results of this study suggest that a narrative approach to cybersecurity culture can illuminate practices of cultural meaning-making and organizational decision-making, and suggests that organizations should provide resources for IT and Facilities professionals to engage in interdisciplinary work to create a more robust cybersecurity culture in Facilities departments.
Assessment of the quality of root canal fillings—an ex vivo comparison of CBCT scans, conventional intraoral sensors, and a novel photon-counting sensor
Authors: Jervis Matt , Waid Erin , Melo da Fonte Juliana B , Pita de Melo Daniela , Replogle Karan J , Sousa Melo Saulo L 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To compare a novel photon-counting sensor, 2 CBCT protocols and 2 CMOS sensors on the detection of gaps between a gutta-percha cone and root canal walls.

Methods
Twenty-five mandibular incisors were prepared to 45/0.04 (size/taper) at working length. Teeth were placed in a partially dentate mandible and single gutta-percha cones of 7 sizes were placed at length, one at a time, for image acquisition with a photon-counting sensor, 2 CBCT protocols (90 µm3, 120 µm3) and 2 CMOS sensors. Three calibrated observers assessed images for gap presence. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, AUC, and agreement with gold standard were determined using ANOVA and Tukey test (P ≤ .05).

Results
Photon-counting sensor showed superior sensitivity and accuracy (88.47%, 81.57%), significantly higher than the CBCT protocols (50.70%-56.33%, 45.87%-53.17%). Contrarily, the photon-counting sensor showed the lowest specificity (40.27%), significantly lower than the CBCT protocols (90.27%, 97.23%). CMOS sensors showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between 72.23%-74.53%, not differing from other modalities. All intraoral sensors showed AUC around 82.87%-84.03%, significantly higher than CBCT protocol 120 µm3 (74.07%). The file size was inversely related to gap size and percentual agreement with gold standard.

Conclusions
CMOS sensors showed consistent results, while the photon-counting sensor had the highest sensitivity but lacked specificity. CBCT protocols excelled in specificity but had lower sensitivity.

Advances in knowledge
Novel photon-counting sensors and CBCT imaging provided no significant advantage over conventional sensors in assessing gaps as an indicator of quality of root canal filling. Furthermore, smaller gaps were more difficult to detect, regardless of the imaging technique used.
Repeat Procedures After Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: MANIFEST-REDO Study
Authors: Scherr Daniel , Turagam Mohit K , Maury Philippe , Blaauw Yuri , van der Voort Pepijn , Neuzil Petr , Reichlin Tobias , Metzner Andreas , Vijgen Johan , Kautzner Josef , Boveda Serge , Anic Ante , Hansen Jim , Manninger Martin , Sommer Philipp , Anselme Frederic , Willems Stephan , Deneke Thomas , Tilz Roland , Steven Daniel , Wakili Reza , Jais Pierre , Funasako Moritoshi , Arentz Thomas , Rollin Anne , Mulder Bart A , Ouss Alexandre , Petru Jan , Kueffer Thomas , Lemoine Marc D , Koopman Pieter , Peichl Petr , Adelino Raquel , Jurisic Zrinka , Ruwald Martin , Eberl Anna-Sophie , Sohns Christian , Savoure Arnaud , Nentwich Karin , Gunawardene Melanie , Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Sultan Arian , Bohnen Jan-Eric , Kupusovic Jana , Derval Nicolas , Lehrmann Heiko , Ekanem Emmanuel , Reddy Vivek Y 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Initial clinical studies of pulsed field ablation (PFA) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) indicated a &gt;90% durability rate of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, these studies were largely conducted in single centers and involved a limited number of operators. The electrophysiological findings and outcomes in patients undergoing repeat ablation after an initial PF ablation for AF are incompletely understood.

Methods
In the MANIFEST-REDO study, we investigated patients who underwent repeat ablation due to clinical recurrence – AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) – following first-ever PVI with a pentaspline PFA catheter (Farawave; Boston Scientific Inc).

Results
At 22 centers, 427 patients (age 64±11 years; 37% female) were included. Of note, the recurrent arrhythmia leading to the repeat ablation was paroxysmal AF (51%), persistent AF (30%), or AT (19%). At the repeat procedure, the PV reconnection rates were: 30% (LSPV), 28% (LIPV), 33% (RSPV) and 32% (RIPV). In 45% of patients all PVs were durably isolated at the beginning of the repeat procedure, with the previous use of any imaging or mapping modality being univariately associated with durable PVI. After a post-redo follow-up period of 284 [90-366] days, the primary effectiveness endpoint (freedom from documented AF/AT lasting ≥30s after 3-month blanking without class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs or symptoms) was achieved in 65% of patients, with significant differences between groups (PAF 65% vs. PersAF 56% vs. AT 76%; p=0.04). Persistent AF as recurrent arrhythmia after the initial PFA ablation predicted AT/AF recurrence after repeat ablation (HR 1.241 (95% CI 1.534-1.005 CI); p=0.045). The procedural complication rate was 2.8%.

Conclusion
In repeat procedures for AF/AT performed after an index procedure with PFA for AF, PV reconnections are not uncommon. Repeat procedures can be performed safely and with an acceptable subsequent success rate.
Improving atrial fibrillation or flutter detection and management by smartphone-based photoplethysmography rhythm monitoring following cardiac surgery: a pragmatic randomized trial
Authors: Gruwez Henri , De Melio Nicolas , Vermunicht Paulien , Van Langenhoven Leen , Desteghe Lien , Lamberigts Marie , Nuyens Dieter , Van Herendael Hugo , Rodrigus Inez , Van Kerrebroeck Christiaan , Vandervoort Pieter , Heidbuchel Hein , Pison Laurent , Rega Filip , Haemers Peter 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) after cardiac surgery are common and associated with adverse outcomes. The increased risk related to AF or AFL may extend beyond discharge. This study aims to determine whether photoplethysmography (PPG)-based smartphone monitoring to detect AF or AFL after hospital discharge following cardiac surgery improves AF management.

Methods and results
The intervention group performed 1 min rhythm checks three times daily using a smartphone-based PPG application during 6 weeks after hospitalization for cardiac surgery. The primary outcome involved AF management interventions by independent physicians, including initiation of oral anticoagulation (OAC), direct cardioversion, and up-titration or initiation of antiarrhythmic drugs. The study included 450 patients [mean (SD) age, 64.1 (9.2) years; 96 women (21.3%); 130 patients with AF history (28.9%); median (IQR) CHA2DS2-VASc score, 2 (1–3)], of whom 238 were randomized to PPG-based monitoring and 212 to usual care. AF/AFL was detected with PPG or electrocardiography in 44 patients (18.5%) in the monitoring group and 4 patients (1.9%) in the usual care group (OR 11.8; 95% CI, 4.2–33.3; P &lt; 0.001); these were new detections in, respectively, 22 patients (9.2%) and 1 patient (0.5%) (OR 21.3; 95% CI, 2.9–166.7; P = 0.003). AF management interventions occurred in 24 patients (10.1%) in the monitoring group compared to 5 patients (2.4%) in the usual care group [odds ratio (OR), 5.1; 95% CI, 1.8–14.4; P = 0.002].

Conclusion
In unselected patients discharged home following cardiac surgery, PPG-based smartphone monitoring revealed significantly more AF/AFL which led to significantly more optimization of AF management.
Using Rasch analysis to assess the latent construct of the Capacity to Work Index in a Swedish working population sample
Authors: Blomberg Agneta , Hensing Gunnel , Bertilsson Monica , Hadžibajramović Emina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Measurements of capacity to work (CTW) in relation to common mental disorders (CMD) are needed to improve research on determinants for maintained work participation (WP). The aim of this study was to assess the construct validity of the Capacity to Work Index (C2WI) in a heterogenous sample of the Swedish working population. Cross-sectional web survey data among Swedish employees (n = 8201) was used. The construct validity was assessed in terms of the unidimensionality of the scale, response categories appropriateness, and the differential item functioning with respect to gender and age. Rasch analysis was used in both the full sample and randomly selected subsets. The Rasch model (RM) was fitted using two versions of the C2WI construct: the original 17-item scale and a 7-item scale. The 17-item scale did not discriminate as required, whereas the 7-item scale demonstrated a better fit to the RM. However, statistically significant χ2 statistics indicated non-invariant item performance across the latent continuum. A third attempt assessed both scales on a subgroup, yielding improved results, but an overall fit to the RM was not achieved. CTW in relation to CMD assessed by the C2WI did not fulfil the requirements for construct validity outlined by the RM. Real-world experiences of CTW are complex and reflect expressions of mental health in diverse work environments. Further studies are required to determine the predictive capacity of C2WI and its individual items in relation to relevant outcomes, such as maintained WP in the working population.
Predators drive selection for adaptive plasticity in prey defense behavior
Authors: Boys Wade A , Lanzer Tara L , Ping Taylor S , Siepielski Adam M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Plasticity to reduce activity is a common way prey evade predators. However, by reducing activity prey often experience lower individual growth rates because they encounter their own prey less often. To overcome this cost, natural selection should not simply favor individuals generating stronger plasticity to reduce activity rates but also selection to resume activity once the threat of predation subsides. If such plasticity is adaptive, it should vary under environmental conditions that generate stronger selection for greater plasticity, such as predator density. Using a mesocosm experiment and observational study with a damselfly-prey/fish-predator system, we show that fish predation exerts selection for greater plasticity in activity rates of damselflies. Such selection allows damselfly activity levels to initially decrease and then rebound when the threat of predation dissipates, potentially helping to ameliorate a hypothesized growth penalty from activity reductions. We also find that the extent of plasticity in activity to the threat of fish predation increases, albeit slightly (r2 = 0.04%–0.063%), as fish densities increase across natural lakes, consistent with the idea that the magnitude of plasticity is shaped by environmental conditions underlying selection. Collectively, these results demonstrate how selection acts to drive adaptive plasticity in a common predator avoidance strategy.
Gene pseudogenization in fertility-associated genes in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a species with long-term low effective population size
Authors: Peers Jessica A , Nash Will J , Haerty Wilfried 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We are witnessing an ongoing global biodiversity crisis, and an increasing number of mammalian populations are at risk of decline. Species that have survived severe historic bottlenecks, such as the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) exhibit symptoms of inbreeding depression including reproductive and developmental defects. Although it has long been suggested that such defects stem from an accumulation of weakly deleterious mutations, the implications of such mutations leading to pseudogenization has not been assessed. Here, we use comparative analysis of eight felid genomes to better understand the impacts of deleterious mutations in the cheetah. We find novel pseudogenization events specific to the cheetah. Through careful curation, we identify 65 genes with previously unreported premature termination codons (PTCs) that likely affect gene function. With the addition of population data (n = 6), we find 22 of these PTCs in at least one resequenced individual, four of which (DEFB116, ARL13A, CFAP119, and NT5DC4) are also found in a more recent reference genome. Mutations within three of these genes are linked with sterility, including azoospermia, which is common in cheetahs. Our results highlight the power of comparative genomic approaches for the discovery of novel causative variants in declining species.
Modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults differ by sex and APOE4
Authors: Reas Emilie T , Parada Humberto , Bergstrom Jaclyn , McEvoy Linda K 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
The extent to which lifestyle shapes trajectories of normal cognitive aging, and the factors with highest potential for mitigating cognitive decline, remain poorly uncharacterized.

Method
Participants of the Rancho Bernardo Study underwent demographic, health, and behavioral characterization at baseline, along with up to seven cognitive assessments over a 27-year follow-up period. Factor analysis of 24 baseline risk variables identified 9 composite factors. Mixed effects models on data from 1489 participants (aged 45-95 years at baseline) assessed prediction of cognitive change by baseline factor scores. Models were repeated stratified by sex and APOE4 status.

Results
Factors of hyperlipidemia and obesity; marriage and depression; occupation and education; and physical activity and subjective health best predicted rates of decline across multiple cognitive domains. Distinct risk profiles were identified for women and men, and for APOE4 carriers and non-carriers. Models of composite risk estimated that potential savings could amount to 7-9.5 years of preserved cognitive healthspan for low- versus high-risk profiles. Magnitudes of aggregate risk effects were greater among women across cognitive domains, and for APOE4 carriers for memory and verbal fluency.

Discussion
Multifactorial life-course approaches to manage cardiometabolic health and promote physical, cognitive, and social engagement, may help to mitigate cognitive decline with age, with composite risk associated with up to a decade of preserved cognitive health-span. Differences by sex and APOE4 in risk profiles and their potential for risk reduction, highlight the importance of developing personalized recommendations for multi-domain approaches to cognitive health maintenance throughout the life-course.
The architecture and design of competition authority in Bangladesh: goals, institutional design, adjudicatory process, and method for scrutiny
Authors: Bhuiyan Azhar Uddin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The objectives a legislation seeks to achieve are intricately woven into the fabric of its application and modus operandi of implementation. Now, how can the law be correctly applied, and the authority be rightly operated without fully understanding the purpose behind its enactment, and the institutional design prescribed by the law? This question is particularly pertinent in the case of Bangladesh’s competition law, where the statutory text remains largely ambivalent, offering limited guidance on its application and implementation. Despite this, it is striking that no academic inquiry to date has thoroughly examined the constitutional foundations, the legislative history, parliamentary committee reports, or the speeches delivered by parliamentarians during the law’s formulation. This is the first of its kind study on the architecture and design of the competition law in Bangladesh by analysing hard-to-access archival documents such as parliamentary debates on the enactment of the Competition Act 2012. It demonstrates that the architecture of the law and design of the competition authority Bangladesh Competition Commission does not corroborate, leading to non-fulfillment of the goals of the law, and lax enforcement or implementation of the law even after a decade.