bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The analysis of carrier transport mechanism at the interface of BZOPET-GR Schottky contact
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Li Yapeng , Jia Jiqiang , Luo Zhaoyu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Through the hydrothermal technique, we successfully deposited boron (B)-doped zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/graphene (GR) flexible substrate, creating a B-ZnO/PET/GR Schottky contact. The ZnO NRs exhibited a well-defined hexagonal structure with a lattice constant size of approximately 0.502 nm, as evidenced by characterization results. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed a reduction in oxygen vacancies with increasing B ion doping. The current–voltage (I-V) characteristics of the Schottky contacts were systematically investigated over a temperature range of 160–300 K. As the temperature increased, the barrier height exhibited an upward trend, while the ideality factor decreased. This behavior was ascribed to barrier inhomogeneity at the Schottky contact interface. Employing a single Gauss distribution function for barrier height, we verified and elucidated this phenomenon, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the observed temperature-dependent electrical properties.
Functional dependency and cardiometabolic multimorbidity in older people: pooled analysis of individual-level data from 20 countries
Authors: Bai Anying , Chen Qiushi , Geldsetzer Pascal , Gray Muir , Xie Zhilan , Zhang Daqian , Baernighausen Till , Hu Yixin , Jiang Yu , Chen Simiao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) on functional dependency (FD) is well established, but the temporal effect of FD on CMM and its mechanisms remain underexplored.

Design
A multicohort study pooled data from three international cohorts.

Setting
Data were sourced from the Health and Retirement Study (USA), the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (China) and the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in 18 European countries.

Methods
FD was defined as the inability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) independently. CMM was defined as the co-occurrence of two or three cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Generalised estimating equation models assessed associations between FD and CMM, with mediation analysis using the Karlson, Holm and Breen method to explore the effects of hypertension and depressive symptoms. Sensitivity analyses ensured robustness.

Results
The final cohort included 157 512 and 190 249 individuals for ADL and IADL analyses, respectively. CMM prevalence was 18.97% and 16.65% in these groups. FD was consistently associated with higher CMM risk, with odds ratios ranging from 1.47 (95% confidence interval: 1.33–1.63) to 1.56 (1.42–1.73). Hypertension and depressive symptoms increased CMM risk, particularly at higher FD levels. Mediation analysis showed hypertension and depressive symptoms accounted for 8.01%–16.43% and 12.04%–18.36% of the adverse effect of FD on CMM, respectively, with more pronounced effects among smokers and heavy drinkers.

Conclusions
Targeted interventions focusing on hypertension, mental wellness, lifestyle factors, and integrated treatments for FD are crucial to prevent CMM in older adults.
Differences in mean age at diagnosis of invasive melanoma for men and women, by anatomic site, thickness, and subtype
Authors: Whiteman David C , Pandeya Nirmala , Olsen Catherine M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Understanding the factors influencing age at melanoma diagnosis by sex and anatomic site is crucial for developing effective prevention and early detection strategies. While previous research has highlighted sex-based differences in melanoma incidence by age and anatomic distribution, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate sex-specific patterns in melanoma age at diagnosis across different anatomic sites and thickness categories, considering the potential influence of disease progression and detection rates.

Methods
We conducted a registry-based study to examine mean age at diagnosis of invasive melanoma over two decades for men and women in the US (limited to white race), and Queensland, Australia. Mean age at diagnosis was calculated for men and women according to anatomic site (head/neck, trunk, upper limb, lower limb), and further by Breslow thickness (&lt;1.00 mm, 1.01-2.00 mm, 2.01-4.00 mm, &gt;4.00 mm) and histologic subtype (superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, ‘other’ subtypes, and subtype ‘not otherwise specified’). Case-listings of all invasive melanoma diagnoses between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2018 were obtained from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (9 registries) and from the Queensland Cancer Registry. Sensitivity analyses were performed restricting the data to the most recent 5-year time period (2014-2018). All analyses were conducted between 15 July and 19 August 2024.

Results
On average, women were diagnosed with invasive melanoma 3-8 years younger than men. The sex-difference in mean age at diagnosis was observed at all body sites and across most thickness categories in the US White and Queensland populations, but was most marked for thinner melanomas (&lt;1.00 mm) and melanoma of the trunk. Women were significantly younger than men at diagnosis of superficial spreading and nodular melanoma at all body sites in both populations, even within 0.1mm thickness strata.

Conclusions
Sex may be a factor that influences melanocytic progression. The consistently younger age of melanoma diagnosis in women compared with men suggests a need for tailored approaches to melanoma control.
Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy in Pregnant People With Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Chappell Catherine A , Kiser Jennifer J , Brooks Kristina M , Randolph Riley , Macio Ingrid S , Meyn Leslie A , MaWhinney Sam , Rick Anne-Marie , Muniz Gysella B , Kwon Kyung min , Letterio Cathleen , Naik Sarjita , Kreter Bruce , Bunge Katherine E , Krans Elizabeth E , Hillier Sharon L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during pregnancy can cure maternal HCV and prevent perinatal HCV transmission. The primary objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of sofosbuvir (SOF)/velpatasvir (VEL) in pregnant versus nonpregnant people.

Methods
Pregnant people with chronic HCV infection were enrolled between 23 and 25 weeks’ gestation and were provided SOF/VEL daily for 12 weeks. PK visits were performed at 3, 6, and 9 weeks. VEL, SOF, and GS-331007 (the inactive metabolite of SOF) in plasma and the SOF active metabolite (007-TP) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dried blood spots (DBSs) were measured and compared to historical data in nonpregnant people. Maternal adverse events, delivery outcomes, the sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy, infant adverse events, and HCV perinatal transmission were assessed.

Results
Fourteen participants were screened, and 11 enrolled. One participant discontinued treatment due to worsening of hyperemesis. VEL area under the curve (AUC) was similar to historic data in nonpregnant people, but the AUCs of SOF and GS-331007 were 38% higher and 38% lower, respectively. Concentrations of 007-TP in PBMCs were comparable or higher, whereas 007-TP in DBSs was approximately 50% lower in pregnant versus nonpregnant people. All 10 participants who completed treatment had undetectable HCV RNA at delivery. Two participants were lost to follow-up after delivery, but 1 had an HCV RNA through clinical care. All participants with data were cured (n = 9) and none of the infants acquired HCV (n = 8).

Conclusions
SOF/VEL exposures were not clinically different in pregnancy and support further evaluation of antenatal SOF/VEL treatment.
Associations of sarcopenia and malnutrition with 30-day in-hospital morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery
Authors: Abe Takahiro , Inao Tasuku , Shingu Yasushige , Yamada Akira , Takada Shingo , Fukushima Arata , Oyama-Manabe Noriko , Yokota Isao , Wakasa Satoru , Kinugawa Shintaro , Yokota Takashi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Sarcopenia and malnutrition often occur simultaneously in adults with cardiovascular diseases. Our objective was to determine the associations of preoperative sarcopenia and malnutrition with major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) after cardiac surgery

METHODS
We retrospectively analysed 154 consecutive patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery between January 2015 and June 2018 at two institutions in Japan. Sarcopenia and nutritional status were preoperatively assessed by bilateral psoas muscle volume index (PMVI) using CT scans and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), respectively.

RESULTS
The median age in the total cohort was 69 years, and 43% were women. Within 30 days after surgery, 20 patients developed in-hospital MACCE and seven patients died of any cause. Low PMVI (&lt;72.25 cm3/m2) and low PNI (&lt;48.15) were each independent predictors of postoperative MACCE occurrence with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 3.58 (1.22–10.53) and 3.73 (1.25–11.09) when adjusted for age and sex, and 3.25 (1.07–9.87) and 3.27 (1.08–9.89) when adjusted for preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker, and anticoagulant. In addition, the combination of low PMVI and low PNI conferred the highest risk of in-hospital MACCE among the four groups (i.e. the low PMVI, low PNI, low PMVI + low PNI and neither low PMVI nor low PNI groups).

CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative low PMVI and low PNI were respectively associated with 30-day in-hospital MACCE occurrence after cardiac surgery. Notably, coexistence of these reductions further enhanced the risk of postoperative MACCE.
A zero-inflated hidden semi-Markov model with covariate-dependent sojourn parameters for analysing marine data in the Venice lagoon
Authors: Ricciotti Lorena , Picone Marco , Pollice Alessio , Maruotti Antonello 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces a concomitant-variable hidden semi-Markov model tailored to analyse marine count data in the Venice lagoon. Our model targets acqua alta events, i.e. the exceedances of flooding limits, addressing the prevalent zero counts within the dataset through a fitted zero-inflated Poisson distribution. The data’s dynamics are attributed to a discrete set of hidden environmental risk states, evolving through time following a (nonhomogeneous) hidden semi-Markov chain. Furthermore, we extend the conventional hidden semi-Markov approach by introducing regression-dependent state-specific duration parameters, enhancing the model’s adaptability and precision in capturing real-world complexities. Our methodology hinges on the maximum-likelihood estimation, directly optimizing the log-likelihood function to infer the model’s parameters. Through the definition of this novel hidden semi-Markov model, we aim to offer a complete understanding of the intricate interplay between weather states, environmental variables, and the observed marine count data, thus contributing to a nuanced analysis of the Venice lagoon’s data.
Fast spatial simulation of extreme high-resolution radar precipitation data using integrated nested Laplace approximations
Authors: Vandeskog Silius M , Huser Raphaël , Bruland Oddbjørn , Martino Sara 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Aiming to deliver improved precipitation simulations for hydrological impact assessment studies, we develop a methodology for modelling and simulating high-dimensional spatial precipitation extremes, focusing on both their marginal distributions and tail dependence structures. Tail dependence is crucial for assessing the consequences of extreme precipitation events, yet most stochastic weather generators do not attempt to capture this property. The spatial distribution of precipitation occurrences is modelled with four competing models, while the spatial distribution of nonzero extreme precipitation intensities are modelled with a latent Gaussian version of the spatial conditional extremes model. Nonzero precipitation marginal distributions are modelled using latent Gaussian models with gamma and generalized Pareto likelihoods. Fast inference is achieved using integrated nested Laplace approximations. We model and simulate spatial precipitation extremes in Central Norway, using 13 years of hourly radar data with a spatial resolution of 1×1km2, over an area of size 6,461km2, to describe the behaviour of extreme precipitation over a small drainage area. Inference on this high-dimensional data set is achieved within hours, and the simulations capture the main trends of the observed precipitation well.
Ganglioneuroma: a rare appendiceal tumour – case report and literature review
Authors: Quinn Rakesh , Ellis-Clark Jodie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Ganglioneuromas (GN) are tumours of ectodermal origin, derived from the neural crest cells. Appendiceal GN are extremely rare, with only eight contemporary case reports in the literature. Being benign and indolent, the necessity of resection for GNs is often debated. However, obtaining tissue to confirm the diagnosis can be challenging, frequently leading to surgical resection. We present a case of an 85-year-old male with an enlarging appendiceal nodule diagnosed endoscopically. Further investigation with computed tomography (CT) scan failed to define the pathology. A laparoscopic appendicectomy was performed, which confirmed the diagnosis of appendiceal GN.
Neutral fraction of hydrogen in the intergalactic medium surrounding high-redshift gamma-ray burst 210905A
Authors: Fausey H M , Vejlgaard S , van der Horst A J , Heintz K E , Izzo L , Malesani D B , Wiersema K , Fynbo J P U , Tanvir N R , Vergani S D , Saccardi A , Rossi A , Campana S , Covino S , D’Elia V , De Pasquale M , Hartmann D , Jakobsson P , Kouveliotou C , Levan A , Martin-Carrillo A , Melandri A , Palmerio J , Pugliese G , Salvaterra R 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The Epoch of Reionization (EoR) is a key period of cosmological history in which the intergalactic medium (IGM) underwent a major phase change from being neutral to almost completely ionized. Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are luminous and unique probes of their environments that can be used to study the timeline for the progression of the EoR. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope X-shooter spectrum of GRB 210905A, which resides at a redshift of $z\sim 6.3$. We focus on estimating the fraction of neutral hydrogen, $x_{\rm H \, {\small I}}$, on the line of sight to the host galaxy of GRB 210905A by fitting the shape of the Lyman-$\alpha$ damping wing of the afterglow spectrum. The X-shooter spectrum has a high signal-to-noise ratio, but the complex velocity structure of the host galaxy limits the precision of our conclusions. The statistically preferred model suggests a low neutral fraction with a 3$\sigma$ upper limit of $x_{\rm H \, {\small I}} \lesssim 0.15$ or $x_{\rm H \, {\small I}} \lesssim 0.23$, depending on the absence or presence of an ionized bubble around the GRB host galaxy, indicating that the IGM around the GRB host galaxy is mostly ionized. We discuss complications in current analyses and potential avenues for future studies of the progression of the EoR and its evolution with redshift.
Development of the serotonin release assay with enterochromaffin cell-rich human intestinal organoids for the risk evaluation of drug-induced emesis
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshiki , Maeda Kazuya , Shimomura Osamu , Miyazaki Yoshihiro , Hashimoto Shinji , Oda Tatsuya , Kusuhara Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Drug-induced emesis is one of the major symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity. Preclinical risk assessment of emesis has been challenging owing to the lack of suitable animal models or in vitro assay systems. One of the triggers of emesis is an excessive serotonin (5-HT) release from enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the intestinal tract, which activates the vomiting center in the brain stem and elicits the vomiting reflex. Here, we propose a 5-HT release assay using human jejunal organoids that are preferentially differentiated into EC cells. In this assay, EC cell-rich organoids were stimulated with emetic risk drugs, and 5-HT release into the media was quantified, along with cellular ATP level and LDH leakage. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been reported to exhibit different probabilities of emesis in clinical settings. We demonstrated that 5-HT release from EC cell-rich organoids could qualitatively distinguish between drugs with high or low emetic risk. The results indicated that 5-HT release by ALK/ROS1-TKIs tended to occur prior to the onset of LDH leakage from EC cell-rich organoids, suggesting that 5-HT release was not simply a result of cell bursting. Epidermal growth factor receptor TKIs exhibit a lower potency for inducing 5-HT release, which is consistent with their low emetic risk. In summary, the use of EC cell-rich organoids in 5-HT release assays may prove to be a valuable tool in predicting drug-induced emesis in humans during drug development.
Obesity Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: McCloskey Colin G. , Hatton Kevin W. , Furfaro David , Engoren Milo 
Published: December 2024

Objectives:
To determine the relationship between all-cause hospital mortality and morbidity in patients treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and to assess whether this relationship is mediated via body mass index (BMI).

Design:
Using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry, venoarterial ECMO runs from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, ECMO indications, and complications for survivors and decedents were univariately compared. Logistic regression with fractional polynomials was used to estimate the relationship between BMI and both mortality and complications in venoarterial ECMO patients.

Setting:
Contributing centers to the ELSO ECMO registry.

Patients:
Patients that underwent venoarterial ECMO at an ELSO contributing ECMO center.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
Twenty-two thousand eight hundred twenty-five venoarterial ECMO runs met inclusion criteria for analysis. The mean BMI for survivors was 28.4 ± 6.5 vs. 29.5 ± 6.9 kg/m2 for decedents. BMI was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.001), with the proportion of patients dying increasing with increasing BMI: 47% of underweight patients died, increasing to 50% for the normal range, to 53%, 56%, 58%, and 65% for preobese, class 1, class 2, and class 3 obese patients, respectively. Relative to a BMI of 25, a BMI of 35 had an odds ratio (OR) of death of 1.15 (1.09–1.18), and a BMI of 45 an OR of 1.46 (1.25–1.57). BMI was significantly associated with increased mechanical and renal complications, but decreased pulmonary complications.

Conclusions:
In patients undergoing venoarterial ECMO, increasing BMI was associated with increasing all-cause mortality and mechanical and renal complications.
CAR-based cell therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang Yiyang , Lu Liangjing , Ye Shuang , Fu Qiong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The remarkable efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematological malignancies has provided a solid basis for the therapeutic concept, wherein specific pathogenic cell populations can be eradicated by means of targeted recognition. During the past few years, CAR-based cell therapies have been extensively investigated in preclinical and clinical research across various non-tumor diseases, with particular emphasis in the treatment of autoimmune diseases (ADs), yielding significant advancements. The recent deployment of CD19-directed CAR T cells has induced long-lasting, drug-free remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other systemic AD, alongside a more profound immune reconstruction of B cell repertoire compared with conventional immunosuppressive agents and B cell-targeting biologics. Despite the initial success achieved by CAR T cell therapy, it is critical to acknowledge the divergences in its application between cancer and AD. Through examining recent clinical studies and ongoing research, we highlight the transformative potential of this therapeutic approach in the treatment of SLE, while also addressing the challenges and future directions necessary to enhance the long-term efficacy and safety of CAR-based cell therapies in clinical practice.
Portal vein pulsatility is associated with the cumulative fluid balance
Authors: Andrei Stefan , Longrois Dan , Nguyen Maxime , Bouhemad Belaid , Guinot Pierre-Gregoire 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
Previous studies have explored tools for evaluating the effects of positive fluid balance, with recent emphasis, and controversies, on venous ultrasound parameters and composite scores. The portal vein pulsatility index and the renal venous pattern have emerged as the most promising indicators of volume-induced venous congestion. But in the general intensive care unit (ICU), numerous factors influence cardiovascular homeostasis, affecting venous function.

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with portal vein pulsatility index in general ICU patients. Secondary objectives were to examine the correlations between pulsatility index and additional markers of congestion.

DESIGN
This exploratory study was a post hoc analysis of a prospective, multicentric, observational database.

SETTING
The data collection was performed in four ICUs in university-affiliated or tertiary hospitals.

PATIENTS
This study included adult patients within 24 h of general ICU admission with an expected ICU length of stay of more than 2 days.

INTERVENTION
Patients underwent clinical, biological, and echocardiographic assessments at several times: ICU admission, day 1, day 2, day 5 and the last day of ICU.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
The study primary endpoint was the portal vein pulsatility index during the course of the patients’ stay on the ICU.

RESULTS
One hundred forty-five patients and 514 haemodynamic evaluations were analysed. The mean age of the patients was 64 ± 15 years, 41% were women, with a median [IQR] admission simplified acute physiology score II of 46 [37 to 59]. The univariable followed by multivariable mixed-effects linear regression analyses demonstrated an association between portal vein pulsatility index, heart rate [estimate −0.002 (95% CI, −0.003 to −0.001), P < 0.001] and the cumulative fluid balance [estimate 0.0007 (95% CI, 0.00007 to 0.001), P = 0.024]. Portal vein pulsatility index showed no agreement with CVP of at least 12 mmHg (kappa correlation −0.008, P = 0.811), negative passive leg raising (kappa correlation −0.036, P = 0.430), mean inferior vena caval (IVC) diameter greater than 2 cm (kappa correlation −0.090, P = 0.025), maximal IVC diameter greater than 2 cm (kappa correlation −0.010, P = 0.835), hepatic vein systolic/diastolic ratio less than 1 (kappa correlation 0.043, P = 0.276), or renal vein pulsatile pattern (kappa correlation −0.243, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION
The study findings emphasise the unique sensitivity of portal vein pulsatility index in assessing fluid balance in general ICU patients. The lack of correlation between portal vein pulsatility index and other parameters of venous congestion underscores its potential to provide distinctive insights into venous congestion.