bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FibroScan compared to liver biopsy for accurately staging recurrent hepatic steatosis and fibrosis after transplantation for MASH
Authors: Martínez‐Arenas Laura , Vinaixa Carmen , Conde Isabel , Lorente Sara , Díaz‐Fontenla Fernando , Marques Patrice , Pérez‐Rojas Judith , Montalvá Eva , Carvalho‐Gomes Ângela , Berenguer Marina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsMetabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) seems unavoidable and gradual. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy in the post‐LT setting of patients transplanted for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) of recurrent hepatic steatosis and fibrosis identified with FibroScan, compared to biopsy findings.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included adults transplanted for MASH between 2010 and 2022 in three LT centres in Spain who underwent FibroScan and biopsy at least 1‐year after LT.ResultsIn total, 44 patients transplanted for MASH after LT were included. The median time from LT to biopsy and FibroScan was 24.5 (interquartile range [IQR]:16–46) and 26.0 (IQR: 16.8–41.5) months, respectively. The median time between biopsy and FibroScan was 2.0 (IQR: 0–5) months. On FibroScan, significant steatosis was diagnosed in about half of the patients (n = 21, 47.7%), yet advanced fibrosis in only two cases (4.6%). On biopsy, a quarter of biopsied patients (n = 11, 25%) had a MASH diagnosis, two (4.6%) with significant fibrosis and one (2.3%) with cirrhosis. All patients with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values <8 kPa (n = 35, 79.5%) had a fibrosis stage ≤F1 (negative predictive value = 100%). The combination of post‐LT hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–80.4, p = .010) and post‐LT dyslipidaemia (OR: 7.9, 95% CI: 1.3–47.1, p = .024) with LSM (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8, p = .030) was independently associated with MASLD.ConclusionsAlthough biopsy remains the gold standard for detecting fibrosis, our results suggest that LSM values <8 kPa after LT for MASH are strongly correlated with absence of significant/advanced fibrosis.
High‐resolution versus conventional manometry for the diagnosis of small bowel motor dysfunction
Authors: Alcala‐Gonzalez L. G. , Nieto A. , Accarino A. , Azpiroz F. , Malagelada C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of small bowel motility disorders is performed by manometric evaluation of the contractile patterns of the small intestine. Conventional intestinal manometry systems include few pressure sensors at relatively long intervals. We have recently shown that high‐resolution jejunal manometry, with multiple closely spaced recording sites, allows the analysis of propagation patterns of intestinal motility in healthy subjects that cannot be detected with conventional manometry. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and diagnostic value of high‐resolution intestinal manometry in patients with suspected small bowel dysmotility.MethodsProspective pilot study evaluating intestinal motility patterns in 16 consecutive patients (16–61 years; 11 women) with severe, chronic digestive symptoms referred for the evaluation of intestinal motility and in 18 healthy controls (21–38 years; 8 women). A 36‐channel high‐resolution manometry catheter was orally placed under radiological guidance in the jejunum. Intestinal motility was continuously recorded for 3 h fasting and 2 h after a 450 kcal meal. The manometric recordings were analyzed in two formats: (a) with the high‐resolution data from 34 channels and (b) showing only the recordings from 5 channels separated by 7 cm intervals, mimicking a conventional manometry recording.Key ResultsIn the analysis mimicking conventional manometry, abnormal motility criteria were detected in six patients and in no healthy subject [bursts (n = 3), postprandial minute rhythm (n = 1) and myopathic pattern (n = 2)]. These classical dysmotility criteria were also detected by high‐resolution manometry. High‐resolution analysis detected one or more abnormal findings in seven additional patients that were not observed in any healthy subject, specifically: (a) abnormal propagation of Phase III (n = 3); (b) reduced propagated activity during Fasting Phase II (n = 4); (c) increased propagated activity during Fasting Phase II and postprandial phase (n = 1).Conclusions and InferencesThis pilot study suggests that high‐resolution intestinal manometry may improve the sensitivity of conventional manometry in the detection of intestinal motor dysfunction.
Somatic, emotional, and gastrointestinal symptom severity are increased among children and adolescents with COVID‐19
Authors: Wechsler Joshua B. , Berken Jonathan A. , Keeley Kaitlyn , Singer Wolfgang , Jhaveri Ravi , Katz Ben Z. , Fortunato John E. , Saps Miguel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPost‐infectious disorders of gut‐brain interaction (PI‐DGBI) have significant impact on children and adolescents. The effect of COVID‐19 on PI‐DGBI‐associated symptoms in this population, however, is unknown.MethodsWe performed electronic medical record searches to identify patients 8–17 years old with a SARS‐CoV2 PCR test at Lurie Children's Hospital between November 2020 and March 2021 (cohort 1) and April–October 2021 (cohort 2). Questionnaires were administered to assess symptoms prior to and 3 months following the test. This included the Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score (PEESS), questionnaire of pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms—Rome IV, Nausea Profile (NP), dyspepsia symptom survey (DSS), nausea severity profile (NSP), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). We grouped patients based on the presence of symptoms prior to COVID‐19 test or the test result.ResultsOne hundred and ninety‐six parent(s) or guardian(s) in cohort 1 and 274 in cohort 2 completed surveys and self‐reported their child's COVID‐19 result. Cohort 1 had increased PEESS and DSS scores, lower PedsQL scores, and increased frequency of abdominal pain disorders among patients with symptoms prior to COVID‐19 testing. Both cohorts had increased NP and NSP scores among patients with symptoms prior to COVID‐19 testing that was highest among patients with a positive COVID‐19 test. Abdominal pain and diarrhea prior to COVID‐19 testing predicted higher NP scores.ConclusionsAmong symptomatic COVID‐19 tested children, we found increased severity of nausea‐associated somatic, emotional, and gastrointestinal symptoms in the 3 months following the test that was most increased among patients with a positive COVID‐19 test.
Transcriptomics reveal a mechanism of niche defense: two beneficial root endophytes deploy an antimicrobial GH18‐CBM5 chitinase to protect their hosts
Authors: Eichfeld Ruben , Mahdi Lisa K. , De Quattro Concetta , Armbruster Laura , Endeshaw Asmamaw B. , Miyauchi Shingo , Hellmann Margareta J. , Cord‐Landwehr Stefan , Peterson Daniel , Singan Vasanth , Lail Kathleen , Savage Emily , Ng Vivian , Grigoriev Igor V. , Langen Gregor , Moerschbacher Bruno M. , Zuccaro Alga 
Published: September 2024

Summary

Effector secretion is crucial for root endophytes to establish and protect their ecological niche.

We used time‐resolved transcriptomics to monitor effector gene expression dynamics in two closely related Sebacinales, Serendipita indica and Serendipita vermifera, during symbiosis with three plant species, competition with the phytopathogenic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana, and cooperation with root‐associated bacteria.

We observed increased effector gene expression in response to biotic interactions, particularly with plants, indicating their importance in host colonization. Some effectors responded to both plants and microbes, suggesting dual roles in intermicrobial competition and plant–microbe interactions. A subset of putative antimicrobial effectors, including a GH18‐CBM5 chitinase, was induced exclusively by microbes. Functional analyses of this chitinase revealed its antimicrobial and plant‐protective properties.

We conclude that dynamic effector gene expression underpins the ability of Sebacinales to thrive in diverse ecological niches with a single fungal chitinase contributing substantially to niche defense.
Effectiveness of cold plasma application in oral wound healing process: A scoping review
Authors: Shoorgashti Reyhaneh , Nikmaram Reza , Azimi Yasaman , Rouientan Abdolreza , Ebrahimi Homan , Lesan Simin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveCold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown an ability to promote wound healing by modulating biological processes without causing thermal damage. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAP application in the oral wound healing process.DesignAn electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature (Google Scholar). The search included all articles published up to October 11, 2023. Only studies focusing on the different CAP types' effects on oral cavity wounds or cells were included in the review.ResultsThis review analyzed 13 studies including seven cell culture studies, one animal study, and five human studies (three in vivo and two ex vivo). The findings from the reviewed articles suggest that CAP may have therapeutic potential. It can maintain cell viability and influence gene expression, accelerate wound healing, and modulate inflammation‐related cytokines. DBD plasma exhibited time‐sensitive effects on cellular behavior and microplasma irradiation positively impacted cell count, biochemical profiles, and cellular migration.ConclusionThe application of CAP has been shown to have a positive impact on the healing of oral wounds in cell culture, animal, and human studies.
Effect of Sclerosis Bands in Femoral Head Necrosis on Non‐Vascularized Fibular Grafting—A Finite Element Study
Authors: Yixuan Huang , Xinwei Yuan , Feifei Gao , Jianbin Mai , Mingbin Guo , Hongzhong Xi , Wei Song , Xin Liu , Bin Du 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveFemoral head necrosis is a challenging condition in orthopaedics, and the occurrence of collapse is an important factor affecting the prognosis of femoral head necrosis. Sclerosis bands are known to influence the collapse of the femoral head, yet there is a lack of research on the biomechanical role of sclerosis bands in non‐vascularized fibular grafting surgery. This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical impact of sclerosis bands in femoral head necrosis and their role in non‐vascularized fibular grafting surgery (NVFG) using finite element analysis.MethodsWe constructed 11 finite element models based on CT scan data of a normal hip joint, simulating different sclerosis band thicknesses and defect scenarios. The models were analyzed for changes in femoral head displacement and von Mises stress. We constructed a hip joint model based on CT data from a normal hip joint, and after reconstruction, assembly, and optimization using 3‐matic. We created five groups consisting of 11 finite element analysis models of the hip joint. Mesh partitioning and mechanical parameter settings were performed in ANSYS. The changes and differences in femoral head displacement and von Mises stress of these models were analyzed.ResultsIncreasing sclerosis band thickness led to reduced peak displacement of the femoral head by 28.6%, 42.9%, and 47.6%, and increased surface von Mises stress by 28.3%, 13.8%, and 13.0%, respectively. Post‐surgery, peak displacement decreased in all groups compared to pre‐surgery levels. Increasing sclerosis band thickness post‐surgery resulted in decreased maximum von Mises stress of the femoral head by 13.9%, 3.0%, and 8.1%. Defect volume in the defect groups correlated with increased peak displacement of the femoral head by 10.0%, 30.0%, and 100.0%, and increased surface maximum von Mises stress of the femoral head by 9.3%, 14.0%, and 15.1%.ConclusionSclerosis band formation exacerbates von Mises stress concentration on the femoral head surface. However, thicker sclerosis bands improve post‐NVFG stability and mechanical performance. Larger anterior lateral sclerosis band defects significantly compromise postoperative stability, increasing the risk of collapse. Protecting the anterior lateral sclerosis band during NVFG surgery is crucial.
Different de novo mutations in the NF1 gene in a family with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: García‐Díaz Juan de Dios , Balsa‐Vázquez Javier , Rodríguez‐Villa Ana , Férriz Esther 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe criteria for clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are not sensitive in young children. Recognition is easier when one of their parents has been diagnosed with this condition, and the causal mutation is known. We present a case of a girl with isolated café‐au‐lait spots, whose father was diagnosed with NF1. However, both were found to carry different de novo mutations in the NF1 gene. This possibility has significant implications for the diagnostic process and genetic counseling.
Reticulated pigmentary changes and Terry's nails in a patient with a TERT variant‐associated telomere biology disorder
Authors: Noveir Sasan D. , Galamgam Jayden , Pithadia Deeti , Truong Amanda , Hogeling Marcia , Cheng Carol E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTelomere biology disorders (TBD) are a complex set of inherited illnesses characterized by short telomeres. Dyskeratosis congenita (DC), which is now considered a severe TBD phenotype, is characterized by reticulated pigmentary changes, nail dystrophy, premalignant oral leukoplakia, and systemic involvement. This case describes a 2‐year‐old female with reticulated pigmentary changes and Terry's nails who was found to have a TERT variant and short telomeres; she lacked other mucocutaneous and systemic features of TBD. This report describes a unique clinical presentation of TBD and highlights the importance of upholding suspicion for TBD in individuals with limited or subtle features of classic DC.
Pediatric Organ Donation: 16‐Year Experience of PICU/ICU of a Third Level Hospital in Portugal, 2006–2021
Authors: Rodrigues Sara Sofia S. , Silva André Costa e , Rios Margarida , Grilo Marta , Ribeiro Augusto 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPediatric organ donors represent a small but important portion of the deceased donor pool, helping both children and adults in the transplant waitlist. Despite this, pediatric donation remains an overlooked subject of research.MethodsRetrospective, single‐center, descriptive study. All brain death patients under 18 years old who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between January 1st, 2006, and December 31st, 2021, and who were eligible for organ donation were included.ResultsBetween January 2006 and December 2021, 200 children/adolescent died in the ICU. From those, 62 patients (31%) were considered eligible for organ donation. The mean age of the donors at the time of death was 8.8 years. Sixty‐three per cent were male. The most frequent cause of death was traumatic brain injury (n = 36). Two hundred and fifty organs were collected benefitting 202 persons with a recipient/donor ratio of 3.3. Kidneys were the most frequent organ donated (n = 116), followed by liver (n = 56) and heart (n = 34). The median number of organs donated per child was four, with a minimum of 1 organ and maximum of 8.ConclusionsPediatric organ donation represents a small proportion of overall organ donation, but children and adolescents have important impact on the lives they save. The field of pediatric organ donation needs more research to better understand the contribution of the pediatric population to both adults and children who wait for an organ.
Naked statistical evidence and verdictive justice
Authors: Roush Sherrilyn 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhat is it for the verdict of a criminal trial to be just? It is widely agreed that a Guilty verdict is just only if the defendant did the relevant deed, and only if his rights were not violated in the process of apprehending, charging, and convicting him. I argue that more is required: he must be found Guilty because he is guilty, and not solely for other reasons. The conviction must be based on the guilt. I argue that many rules of evidence and procedural rules designed to protect a defendant's rights also encourage fulfillment of this basing condition and that the condition helps to explain how an erroneous conviction involving no misconduct can nevertheless be a moral wrong. I argue that the condition also gives an explanation (among others) of why a naked statistic is insufficient for a just conviction.
Mobile genetic elements of Xylella fastidiosa and their contribution to pathogenicity
Authors: Jimenez Dennis , Beltran Diego , Castillo José A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractXylella fastidiosa is a destructive bacterial plant pathogen affecting hundreds of plant families, including important crops such as olive and citrus trees and vines. The pathogenicity of this bacterium rests in a group of genes that encode toxins, enzymes, fimbrial/afimbrial adhesins, cell–cell aggregation proteins and other virulence factors. We investigated the contribution of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) to the pathogenicity of X. fastidiosa. Using computational tools, we analysed 94 X. fastidiosa genomes corresponding to the three most important subspecies to identify insertion sequences (ISs) and prophages. Results indicate that the distribution and diversity of ISs are modest, with a few families widespread throughout the subspecies of X. fastidiosa. The prophages are abundant, and play a more significant role in the pathogenicity of X. fastidiosa. Prophages are common in the subspecies of X. fastidiosa and contribute to numerous genes related to pathogenicity. The phylogenetic analyses suggest that prophages are recently acquired and that the rearranging of pathogenicity genes triggered by them could generate strains with new pathogenic capacities. Finally, the contribution of MGEs to the pathogenesis of X. fastidiosa was evidenced by determining their association with virulence genes using a Bayesian framework for phylogenetic analysis of character evolution.
Pre‐pregnancy substance use and first trimester cardiovascular health among nulliparous pregnant people: The nuMoM2b Study
Authors: Marshall Elly M. , Bhandari Ruchi , Haas David M. , Catov Janet M. , Umer Amna , Silver Robert M. , Barone Gibbs Bethany 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundSuboptimal pre‐pregnancy health, including substance use and cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with higher risks of maternal‐foetal morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveTo determine if pre‐pregnancy substance use is associated with early pregnancy cardiovascular health (CVH). It is hypothesised that pre‐pregnancy use of substances is associated with worse CVH in the first trimester of pregnancy.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis from the 2010–2015 United States nuMoM2b cohort (n = 9895). Pre‐pregnancy alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illicit substance use were assessed through questionnaires. Latent class analysis categorised participants based on their 3‐month pre‐pregnancy or ever(*) substance use: (1) Illicit substances*, marijuana*, and alcohol use (n = 1234); (2) marijuana* and alcohol use (n = 2066); (3) tobacco and alcohol use (n = 636); and (4) alcohol only use (n = 3194). The referent group reported no pre‐pregnancy substance use (n = 2765). First trimester CVH score from 0 (least healthy) to 100 (most healthy) was calculated using a modified American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 framework and included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, non‐HDL cholesterol, diet, sleep, and physical activity. Multiple linear regression evaluated the relationship between pre‐pregnancy substance use classes and CVH scores.ResultsCVH score varied by class: No substance use (mean: 65, SD: ±1.3), illicit substances*, marijuana*, and alcohol use (68 ± 1.3), marijuana* and alcohol use (67 ± 1.3), tobacco and alcohol use (62 ± 1.4), and alcohol only use (67 ± 1.3). In adjusted models, those who used tobacco and alcohol compared to the no substance use class had a lower CVH score (−2.82); other classes had scores ranging from 1.81 to 2.44 points higher than the no substance use class. Individual CVH component scores followed similar patterns.ConclusionsAll groups, but most markedly those who used tobacco and alcohol prior to pregnancy, began pregnancy with only moderate CVH and may benefit from CVH promotion efforts along with substance use treatment.
SUPERMAN genes: uncovering a new function in the development of complex inflorescences
Authors: Roque Edelín , Rodas Ana Lucía , Beltrán José Pío , Gómez‐Mena Concepción , Cañas Luis A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Arabidopsis SUPERMAN (SUP) gene and its orthologs in eudicots are crucial in regulating the number of reproductive floral organs. In Medicago truncatula, in addition to this function, a novel role in controlling meristem activity during compound inflorescence development was assigned to the SUP‐ortholog (MtSUP). These findings led us to investigate whether the role of SUP genes in inflorescence development was legume‐specific or could be extended to other eudicots. To assess that, we used Solanum lycopersicum as a model system with a cymose complex inflorescence and Arabidopsis thaliana as the best‐known example of simple inflorescence. We conducted a detailed comparative expression analysis of SlSUP and SUP from vegetative stages to flower transition. In addition, we performed an exhaustive phenotypic characterisation of two different slsup and sup mutants during the plant life cycle. Our findings reveal that SlSUP is required for precise regulation of the meristems that control shoot and inflorescence architecture in tomato. In contrast, in Arabidopsis, SUP performs no meristematic function, but we found a role of SUP in floral transition. Our findings suggest that the functional divergence of SUP‐like genes contributed to the modification of inflorescence architecture during angiosperm evolution.
Financial technocrats as competitive regime creators: The founding and design of the Network for Greening the Financial System
Authors: Helleiner Eric , DiLeo Monica , van 't Klooster Jens 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhy did a group of eight central bankers and financial supervisors from across the globe create a Network for Greening the Financial System in 2017? Why did they design this network as they did? The founders were an uncommon coalition, led by French financial authorities working closely with their Dutch, British, and Chinese counterparts, and backed by others from Germany, Mexico, Singapore, and Sweden. They were engaged in an unusual act of competitive regime creation at a moment when the United States was abandoning global leadership vis‐a‐vis climate change. This purpose led them to create a financial transgovernmental network that was distinctive in its roles, membership, and governance. Addressing these questions not only improves understanding of a body that has emerged as a leading voice in global discussions about the environmental aspects of financial policy. It also contributes to wider scholarship on financial transgovernmental networks and the greening of central banks.