bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary shunt perfusion detected by colour flow doppler imaging and its impact on liver allograft survival
Authors: Zülke Carl , Anthuber Matthias , Krämling Hans‐Joerg , Berger Hermann , Jauch Karl‐Walter , Schildberg Friedrich Wilhelm 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPrimary dysfunction (PDF) and eventual primary nonfunction (PNF) of liver allografts have been characterized by various clinical and laboratory parameters reflecting graft function, cellular integrity and extrahepatic influence following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). During the past 6 yr we have been able to demonstrate that this potentially devastating condition is routinely accompanied by a pathological initial perfusion pattern detected by colour flow doppler imaging (CFDI) within hours following OLT. In the majority of PDF cases (n=30) CFDI revealed increased vascular resistance in regard to arterial blood flow to the malfunctioning graft, with a resulting 1‐yr graft survival rate of 80% following the institution of early prostaglandin therapy in this group of patients. A completely different perfusion pattern was noticed by CFDI in a total of 13 cases with grossly decreased arterial resistance, resulting in an apparently supranormal arterial blood supply together with a reduced portal inflow in comparison to primarily functioning grafts. The presence of this pathologic graft perfusion was explained by the formation of arterio‐portal shunts within the graft during conservation and reperfusion, leading to a 1‐yr graft survival of merely 46.1%.
Antiproteinuric efficacy of fosinopril after renal transplantation is determined by the extent of vascular and tubulointerstitial damage
Authors: Lufft Volkmar , Kliem Volker , Hamkens Annette , Bleck Jörg S , Eisenberger Ute , Petersen Ruth , Ehlerding Götz , Maschek Hansjörg , Pichlmayr Rudolf , Brunkhorst Reinhard 
Published: September 2024

Backgroundangiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been successfully used for treatment of proteinuria after renal transplantation (RTx). Factors possibly responsible for the great interpatient variance of the antiproteinuric effect (APE) have not yet been investigated in renal‐transplanted patients.Methods28 patients after RTx with a persistent proteinuria of more than 1.25 g/d were treated prospectively with doses of fosinopril (10‐ 15 mg/d) which were not effective on systemic arterial blood pressure. Prior to initiation of fosinopril, renal graft biopsy was performed in all patients and renal graft artery stenosis was excluded by duplex ultrasound. Serum creatinine and proteinuria were measured prior to, as well as 3 and 8 months after initiation of ACE inhibition, mean arterial pressure was controlled via 24‐h measurement and repeated spot measurements. Reduction of proteinuria was correlated with renal histology, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, mean arterial blood pressure, sodium excretion before therapy and the relative changes of these parameters during therapy respectively.Resultstherapy had to be stopped in 8/28 patients due to side effects including rise of serum creatinine (n = 4). Three patients were excluded due to non‐compliance. In the remaining patients (n = 17) proteinuria was reduced from 2.94±1.66 to 1.82 ± 1.39 and 2.48 ± 3.05 g/d after 3 and 8 months respectively, in the mean ± SD. There was a significant inverse correlation between the APE and the extent of benign nephrosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. No correlation of the APE to any of the other parameters could be demonstrated.Conclusionsfosinopril can be administered effectively in a subgroup of proteinuric renal transplant recipients. However, because of a high proportion of patients developing side effects, careful monitoring is obligatory. Our results show that the lesser the degree of chronic morphological injury, the greater is the antiproteinuric effect. Thus, the degree of pre‐existing histologically proven damage of the graft may serve as an indicator for the antiproteinuric efficacy of ACE inhibitor therapy after RTx.
Polyclonal/monoclonal ratio in kidney and bone marrow transplanted patients treated with cyclosporine
Authors: Capone D , De Marino V , Caso N , Stanziale P , Fontana R , Imperatore P , De Marino V , Pisanti N 
Published: September 2024

On 296 blood samples obtained from 22 bone marrow and 21 kidney transplanted patients, the concomitant measurements of polyclonal and monoclonal cyclosporine (CSA) were performed and the relative polyclonal/monoclonal (P/M) ratios were calculated. Biochemical profiles of kidney and liver functions were also determined in all patients.For each type of transplant, biochemical data were divided into two subgroups on the basis of P/M ratio: A) data obtained in patients with P/M ratio > 3.0; B) data obtained in patients with P/M ratio ≤ 3.0. While in kidney transplanted patients no difference of biochemical profiles was found between two subgroups, in bone marrow transplant recipients the subgroup A showed a worsening of hepatic function parameters as compared to subgroup B.Therefore, it appears that P/M ratio could represent in bone marrow transplantation an index of hepatic CSA toxicity.
The Use of Riboflavin for the Inactivation of Pathogens in Blood Products
Authors: Goodrich Raymond P. 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives:In recent years, the desire to develop methods to inactivate pathogens in blood components has continued to grow. Several of these proposed approaches have been introduced or are currently in clinical studies. The use of chemical inactivating agents must be considered in terms of the current safety of the blood supply and the potential risks that the introduction of new chemical entities into blood components may carry. The impact which these treatment procedures have on the in vitro and in vivo performance of these products must also be considered relative to the potential benefit of the pathogen inactivation potential they offer. This paper will discuss one possible approach for inactivating pathogens in blood using vitamin. B2, Riboflavin, and light.Materials and Methods:We have used Riboflavin for treating plasma and platelets and evaluated protein quality and platelet function in vitro. Initial toxicology tests to assess the impact of infusion of photoproducts generated in these processes have also been conducted in rodents. Cytotoxicity evaluations have been used to assess the possible impact of photoproduct toxicity in vivo. Virus and bacteria spiking studies using a variety of human and animal model pathogens have been conducted in order to asses the efficacy of this process.Results:Initial toxicology assessment of the photoproducts of Riboflavin generated under the proposed treatment conditions have been favorable. Virus and bacteria clearance studies have demonstrated efficacy of the procedure against a wide range of human and animal pathogens, including intracellular HIV‐ 1. Studies with platelet and plasma function indicated reductions in vitro comparable to other proposed treatment approaches.Conclusion:The use of Riboflavin in a photochemical decontamination process for blood components shows promise.
Silicon, An Emergent Strategy to Lighten the Effects of (A)Biotic Stresses on Crops: A Review
Authors: Pereira Sandra , Monteiro Ana , Moutinho‐Pereira José , Dinis Lia‐Tânia 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTSilicon (Si) has emerged as a pivotal element influencing various aspects of plant growth and development. This review explores the multifaceted effects of Si on plants, encompassing both biotic and abiotic dimensions. Si, primarily absorbed by plants in the form of orthosilicic acid, demonstrates a diverse range of roles in enhancing plant resistance to environmental stresses. Biotic stresses, including pathogen attacks and insect infestations, are notably mitigated by the deposition of Si in plant tissues, fortifying cell walls and triggering defence mechanisms. Furthermore, Si plays a crucial role in alleviating abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and metal toxicity, imparting resilience to plants in challenging environments. The interaction between Si and plant physiology involves intricate mechanisms, impacting nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and hormonal regulation. As research in this field advances, a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced effects of Si on plants emerges, paving the way for innovative agricultural practices and the development of stress‐resistant crop varieties. This review delves into the contemporary knowledge surrounding the effects of Si on plants, underscoring its significance in promoting plant resilience and sustainable agriculture.
Enhanced strength and toughness of SiC/C composite ceramics via SiC@graphene core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Zhitong , Zhao Jian , Liu Malin , Liu Zebing , Cheng Xinyu , Chang Jiaxing , Yang Xu , Li Bowen , Liu Bing , Liu Rongzheng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDeveloping high strength and tough silicon carbide (SiC) composite ceramics remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the process of synthesizing fully densified SiC/C composite ceramics using SiC@graphene (SiC@G) core–shell nanoparticles as raw materials through spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1700°C and 45 MPa. The SiC@G nanoparticles were synthesized by the fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FB‐CVD) method. During the sintering process, graphene coated, the surface of nanosized SiC particles exhibited high electrical and thermal conductivity, facilitating the uniform distribution of pulse current and heat and promoting the densification of SiC/C composite ceramics. For the prepared SiC/C composite ceramic, the carbon content reaches as high as 14.3 wt%, with carbon uniformly dispersed in a particulate form within the SiC matrix and stable interface bonding. Consequently, the introduction of excessive carbon does not compromise the hardness (28.8 GPa) and flexural strength (517.34 MPa) of the SiC/C composite ceramics. Furthermore, the carbon particles effectively enhance the toughness of the SiC/C composite material through mechanisms such as crack branching, bridging, and deflection, resulting in a fracture toughness of 7.38 MPa m1/2. The preparation strategy in this study provides a novel route for sintering SiC composites with high‐carbon content through nanoscale powder structure design, resulting in the attainment of high‐performance lightweight composite materials.
Concurrent Validity of Abbreviated Walk Tests Among Adults With Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Goh Rena Wen Yi , Chan Gideon Ji Yan , Mohammad Hanip Lynn Amelia , Kwok Boon Chong 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWalk tests are common gait speed and endurance assessments. Shorter test versions could benefit adults with intellectual disability. Thus, the concurrent validity of shorter tests was studied.MethodsThirty‐five adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability, aged 21–64 years, were assessed with the 4‐m walk test, 10‐m walk test for gait speed, 2‐min walk test, and 6‐min walk test for endurance. Correlation and Bland–Altman plots analyses were used to establish concurrent validity between shorter and standard tests.ResultsStrong positive relationships were found for gait speed tests, r = 0.94, p < 0.001, and endurance tests, r = 0.83, p < 0.001, and differences between shorter and standard tests were within limits of agreement.ConclusionsThe concurrent validity of shorter walk tests was established in this study. This would mean that adults with intellectual disability with lower levels of fitness could be assessed.Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12624000203550.
Loving our leaders: A triangular theory of love for political figures
Authors: Goldberg Sydney M. , Sternberg Robert J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMany people support and stand by political candidates in the same way that a person might support a significant other. In two studies, we preliminarily explored the utility of a triangular theory of love proposed for political figures. In the first study, data from 87 university students were used to obtain results relating to levels of intimacy, passion, commitment, and satisfaction for a participant‐chosen political figure. We hypothesized that intimacy, passion, and commitment would predict higher levels of satisfaction with political figures. Correlational analyses revealed significant relationships between all three variables and satisfaction. In stepwise multiple regressions, intimacy and passion retained significant relationships with satisfaction. In the second study, 299 university students reported levels of intimacy, passion, commitment, and satisfaction for three political figures: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama. All three variables were significantly correlated with satisfaction for each candidate. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that intimacy and commitment, but not passion, predicted satisfaction for Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Intimacy, passion, and commitment significantly predicted satisfaction for Barack Obama. Voters may experience a kind of love for political figures, and understanding this relationship may have implications for helping voters make informed decisions during elections.
Joint Modifiable Risk Factor Control and Incident Stroke in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hou Xuefei , Yue Suru , Xu Zihan , Li Xiaolin , Wang Yingbai , Wang Jia , Chen Xiaoming , Wu Jiayuan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTRecent guidelines have recognized several factors, including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), smoking, and physical activity, as key contributors to stroke risk. However, the impact of simultaneous management of these risk factors on stroke susceptibility in individuals with hypertension remains ambiguous. This study involved 238 388 participants from the UK Biobank, followed up from their recruitment date until April 1, 2023. Cox proportional hazard models with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to illustrate the correlation between the joint modifiable risk factor control and the stroke risk. As the degree of risk factor control increased, a gradual reduction in stroke risk was observed. Hypertensive patients who had the optimal risk factor control (≥5 risk factor controls) had a 14.6% lower stroke risk than those who controlled 2 or fewer (HR: 0.854; 95% CI: 804–0.908; p < 0.001). The excess risk of stroke linked to hypertension slowly diminished as the number of controlled risk factors increased. However, the risk was still 25.1% higher for hypertensive patients with optimal risk factor control as compared to the non‐hypertensive population (HR: 1.251; 95% CI: 1.100–1.422; p < 0.001). The protective effect of joint risk factor control against the stroke risk due to hypertension was stronger in medicated hypertensive patients than in those not medicated. This finding leads to the conclusion that joint risk factor control combined with pharmacological treatment could potentially eliminate the excess risk of stroke associated with hypertension.
A Retrospective Comparative Study of Mid‐Term Outcomes of Atherectomy, Drug‐Coating Balloon Angioplasty, and Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty for Isolated Atherosclerotic Popliteal Artery Lesions
Authors: Dong Zhiyong , Guo Lianrui , Tong Zhu , Cui Shijun , Gao Xixiang , Zhang Chengchao , Guo Jianming , Gu Yongquan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 217 consecutive Chinese patients with isolated atherosclerotic popliteal artery lesions treated with atherectomy technique, DCB, and plain old balloon angioplasty from August 2017 to August 2022. There was no difference in the 48‐month patency rate between the atherectomy, DCB, and POBA groups (65%, 56%, and 51%, respectively; p = 0.3), as well as in adjusted Cox regression. Similarly, no difference was observed in the 48‐month clinically driven target lesion revascularization‐free (CDTLR‐free) rate among the groups (77%, 74%, and 65%; p = 0.34), confirmed by adjusted Cox regression. In the 48 months, a significant difference was observed in amputation‐free rates between the atherectomy, DCB, and POBA groups (97%, 91%, and 83%, respectively; p < 0.05). Adjusted Cox regression indicated POBA had worse outcomes than DCB and atherectomy. In the stenosis and occlusion subgroup, the 48‐month primary patency rates were 65%, 70%, and 54% (p > 0.9) and 65% versus 49% versus 49% (p = 0.3), showing no differences among the three groups. In the short lesion subgroup (<10 cm), the 48‐month primary patency rates were 65%, 66%, and 61% for atherectomy, DCB, and POBA, respectively (p = 0.7). In the long lesion subgroup (≥10 cm), the 48‐month patency rates were higher in the atherectomy and DCB groups compared to POBA (64%, 44%, and 34%), with no significant difference among the groups (p = 0.13). DCB and atherectomy demonstrate improved short‐ and mid‐term clinical outcomes compared to POBA in Chinese patients with popliteal artery disease.
RNA methylation sequencing shows different gene expression signatures for response to azacytidine therapy in high‐grade myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Gulei Diana , Moisoiu Vlad , Kegyes David , Drula Rares , Iluta Sabina , Tigu Adrian Bogdan , Nistor Madalina , Jitaru Ciprian , Bancos Anamaria , Rotariu Petra , Popovici Corina , Dima Delia , Tomai Radu , Rus Ioana , Constantinescu Catalin , Munteanu Raluca , Cenariu Diana , Sezerman Ugur , Zdrenghea Mihnea , Cermak Jaroslav , Einsele Hermann , Ghiaur Gabriel , Tomuleasa Ciprian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMyelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are myeloid malignancies with heterogeneous genotypes and phenotypes, characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and a high risk of progression towards acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Prognosis for patients treated with hypomethylating agents (HMAs), as is azacytidine, the main drug used as frontline therapy for MDS is mostly based on cytogenetics and next generation sequencing (NGS) of the initial myeloid clone. Although the critical influence of the epigenetic landscape upon cancer cells survival and development as well on tumour environment establishment is currently recognized and approached within current clinical practice in MDS, the heterogenous response of the patients to epigenetic therapy is suggesting a more complex mechanism of action, as is the case of RNA methylation. In this sense, the newly emerging field of epitranscriptomics could provide a more comprehensive perspective upon the modulation of gene expression in malignancies, as is the proof‐of‐concept of MDS. We initially did RNA methylation sequencing on MDS patients (n = 6) treated with azacytidine and compared responders with non‐responders. Afterwards, the genes identified were assessed in vitro and afterwards validated on a larger cohort of MDS patients treated with azacytidine (n = 58). Our data show that a more accurate prognosis could be based on analysing the methylome and thus we used methylation sequencing to differentially split high‐grade MDS patients with identical demographical and cytogenetic features, between azacytidine responders and non‐responders.
Periodontitis and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Agnese Catiusse Crestani Del' , Schöffer Caroline , Kantorski Karla Zanini , Zanatta Fabricio Batistin , Susin Cristiano , Antoniazzi Raquel Pippi 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate the association between periodontitis and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults, and to compare OHRQoL across different severities of the disease.Materials and MethodsSearches were conducted in five electronic databases up to December 2023. Observational studies that provided a clear definition of periodontitis and used validated measures of OHRQoL were included. Meta‐analyses were performed both overall and based on factors that could explain heterogeneity between studies.ResultsSixty studies comprising 14,851 individuals were included in the review. Meta‐analyses showed that periodontitis was associated with impaired OHRQoL: any OHRQoL instruments (n = 33 studies; SMD: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.53–0.93), solely using the OHIP‐14 (n = 26 studies; MD: 5.14, 95% CI: 3.64–6.64), and risk assessment (n = 9 studies; adjusted RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12–1.78). Stages III–IV periodontitis had a greater impact than Stages I–II periodontitis. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses indicated smaller effect size estimates for individuals with comorbidities.ConclusionsPeriodontitis negatively impacts OHRQoL, with a positive score–response relationship found between periodontitis severity and poorer OHRQoL. However, the magnitude of this association appears to be diminished in individuals with comorbidities.
From Roots to Routes: Transnational Spaces and Identities of Syrian Youth Within Everyday Geographies of Istanbul
Authors: Ayyildiz Şeyma 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis article highlights the importance of understanding migration beyond past and present negotiations, arguing that Syrian students' everyday geographies are crucial for negotiating the future, contributing to the ongoing discourse on spatiality and migration studies. Space‐based interactions are constructing the future of young migrants both within national and international contexts. This study utilized virtual ethnographies, in‐depth interviews, and participant observations in Istanbul to explore the everyday experiences of Syrian students, providing insights into their future and current routes. It employs Massey's concepts of routes and roots, recognizing the duality between them from sociological and human geographical perspectives. It is discussed that understanding roots and routes can be achieved through an intersectional approach that integrates religion, education, age, and gender. This research study argues that categorizing students as local or global is insufficient due to the intertwining of perceptions of space with local and global dynamics in the context of multiple identities.
Do We Know the Long‐Term Effects of the Most Popular Traditional Swallow Maneuvers on the Submental Muscles?
Authors: Söyler Ayşe Kübra , Kıylıoğlu Nefati , Serel Arslan Selen , Demir Numan , Gök Mustafa , Ertekin Ersen , Düger Tülin 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundVarious trainings focus on the submental muscles (SMs) for dysphagia rehabilitation because of their importance for swallowing safety and efficiency. According to the current literature, swallow‐specific tasks may be optimal exercises for dysphagia. The effortful swallow (ES) and the Masako maneuver (MM) are the most commonly used swallow‐specific tasks in the clinical settings for dysphagia for years, but long‐term effects for these trainings is insufficient.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate and compare the effects of ES and MM on SM activity, strength and thickness.MethodsThirty‐seven healthy adults were randomised to ES, MM and control groups, and ES and MM groups completed 6 weeks of swallowing training. Participants in both training groups performed a total of 120 swallows in each session, while control group did not participate in any swallowing training. Surface electromyography was used to evaluate SM activity, digital dynamometer for SM strength and ultrasonography for SM thickness.ResultsBoth trainings did not change SM activity (p > 0.05), but increased SM strength (p < 0.05). MM increased the thickness of all SM (p < 0.05), and ES increased the thickness of mylohyoid (right, left) and digastric muscle (right) (p < 0.05), and there was no change in all evaluation parameters in the control group (p > 0.05). Also, trainings were not superior to each other in any parameter (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study provided new evidence to the literature to show that ES and MM trainings are effective for improving SM strength and thickness. Considering that SM is important in terms of swallowing safety and effectiveness, it is thought that both trainings may be promising by increasing the strength and mass of SM, especially in individuals with reduced SM strength and mass.