bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal and external validation of the algorithm predicting first trimester outcome of a viable pregnancy
Authors: Stamatopoulos Nicole , Ngo Donna , Lu Chuan , Espada Vaquero Mercedes , Leonardi Mathew , Condous George 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundSymptoms like vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain in early pregnancy can create anxiety about potential miscarriage. Previous studies have demonstrated ultrasonographic variables at the first trimester transvaginal scan (TVS) which can assist in predicting outcomes by 12 weeks gestation.AimTo validate the miscarriage risk prediction model (MRP) in women who present with a viable intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) at the primary ultrasound.Materials and MethodsA multi‐centre diagnostic study of 1490 patients was performed between 2011 and 2019 for retrospective external and 2017–2019 for prospective temporal validation. The reference standard was a viable pregnancy at 12 + 6 weeks. The MRP model is a multinomial logistic regression model based on maternal age, embryonic heart rate, logarithm (gestational sac volume/crown‐rump length (CRL)) ratio, CRL and presence or absence of clots.ResultsTemporal validation data from 290 viable IUPs were collected: 225 were viable at the end of the first trimester, 31 had miscarried and 34 were lost to follow‐up. External validation data from 1203 viable IUPs were collected at two other ultrasound units: 1062 were viable, 69 had miscarried and 72 were lost to follow‐up. Temporal validation with a cut‐off of 0.1 demonstrated: area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8 (0.7–0.9), sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 83.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) 35.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) 94.9%, positive likelihood ration (LR+) 4.1 and negative LR (LR−) 0.4. External validation demonstrated: AUC 0.7 (0.7–0.8), sensitivity 44.9%, specificity 90.4%, PPV 23.3%, NPV 96.2%, LR+ 4.6 and LR− 0.6 (0.4–0.7).ConclusionThe MRP model is not able to be used in real time for counselling, and management should be individualised.
Bureaucratic Politicisation and Insurgent Bureaucrats: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Nicholls Walter J. , Baran Ian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMunicipal bureaucrats in the United States—mostly on the social side of the state (e.g. public health, welfare, educators, housing, and sometimes urban planners) but not exclusively so (e.g. district attorney offices)—have shown growing willingness to engage in political battles within the bureaucracy, connect with social movements, and construct oppositional identities centred on social and racial justice. Critical urban theories of the state highlight important constraints that shape state strategies, functions, and policies but tell us little about the contradictions propelling some bureaucrats into political contests over power and legitimacy. Consequently, we turn to theorists who conceive of the bureaucratic state as a contradictory and relatively autonomous field where conflicts between dominated and dominant bureaucrats overlap and converge with conflicts between dominated and dominant class forces (Bourdieu, Gramsci, Hall, and Poulantzas). Their observations are used to formulate the three propositions that underpin our theoretical framework. These propositions draw attention to the structural, relational, and conjunctural processes involved in forming individual bureaucrats into an insurgent political subject.
Maternal mortality due to obstetric hemorrhage by surgical injury during cesarean section: A nationwide study
Authors: de Vries Pauline L. M. , Verspyck Eric , Morau Estelle , Saucedo Monica , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine ,   the ENCMM study group
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionObstetric hemorrhage remains a largely preventable cause of maternal mortality globally. The contribution of uterine atony to hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality has decreased in France, while the contribution of other causes of obstetric hemorrhage such as surgical injury during cesarean has been reported to increase. However, little evidence exists regarding the risk factors and care processes of women who died from this cause of hemorrhage. Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical profile, underlying mechanisms, and preventability factors among women who died from obstetric hemorrhage by surgical injury during cesarean section.Material and MethodsNationwide analysis of all hemorrhage‐related maternal deaths by surgical injury during cesarean in France identified by the nationwide permanent enhanced maternal mortality surveillance system (ENCMM) between 2007 and 2018. We described the characteristics of the women, delivery hospitals, circumstances of hemorrhage, features of obstetric and resuscitation/transfusion care, and main preventability factors.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2018, hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality in France decreased from 1.6/100 000 live births (95% CI 1.1–2.2) (39/2 472 650) in 2007–2009 to 0.8/100 000 live births (95% CI 0.5–1.3) (19/2 311 783) in 2016–2018. Hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality ratio due to surgical injury during cesarean increased from 0.08 (95% CI 0.01–0.3) (2/2 472 650) to 0.2 (95% CI 0.07–0.5) (5/2 311 783) per 100 000 live births. Among the 18 women who died from surgical injury during cesarean over the 12‐year study period, we report a high prevalence of obesity (67%, 12/18), previous cesarean (72%, 13/18), and second‐stage cesareans (56%, 10/18). In 22% (4/18), cesarean section was performed in a hospital providing <1000 births annually, with no blood bank (39%, 7/18) or no adult intensive care (44%, 8/18) on‐site. Overall preventability of deaths was 94% (17/18). Main preventability factors were related to delay in hemorrhage diagnosis (77%, 14/18) due to late recognition of abnormal parameters (33%, 6/18) and late bedside ultrasound (56%, 10/18), and delay in management due to insufficient surgical skills (56%, 10/18).ConclusionsIn France, surgical injury during cesarean section is an increasing, largely preventable contributor to hemorrhage‐related maternal mortality, as other causes of fatal hemorrhage have become less frequent. The profile of these women showed a high prevalence of obesity, previous cesarean, second‐stage cesarean, and delivery in hospitals with limited medical and surgical resources, which suggests explanatory mechanisms for the fatal outcome and opportunities for prevention.
Editorial: Trajectory of soluble programmed cell death protein‐1 and ligand‐1 in HBV‐infected individuals treated with pegylated interferon—implications for stopping rules and the HBV cure programme
Authors: Lok James 
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Chen et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18131 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18174
Machine/deep learning‐assisted hemoglobin level prediction using palpebral conjunctival images
Authors: Kato Shota , Chagi Keita , Takagi Yusuke , Hidaka Moe , Inoue Shutaro , Sekiguchi Masahiro , Adachi Natsuho , Sato Kaname , Kawai Hiroki , Kato Motohiro 
Published: July 2024

SummaryPalpebral conjunctival hue alteration is used in non‐invasive screening for anaemia, whereas it is a qualitative measure. This study constructed machine/deep learning models for predicting haemoglobin values using 150 palpebral conjunctival images taken by a smartphone. The median haemoglobin value was 13.1 g/dL, including 10 patients with <11 g/dL. A segmentation model using U‐net was successfully constructed. The segmented images were subjected to non‐convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based and CNN‐based regression models for predicting haemoglobin values. The correlation coefficients between the actual and predicted haemoglobin values were 0.38 and 0.44 in the non‐CNN‐based and CNN‐based models, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for anaemia detection were 13% and 98% for the non‐CNN‐based model and 20% and 99% for the CNN‐based model. The performance of the CNN‐based model did not improve with a mask layer guiding the model's attention towards the conjunctival regions, however, slightly improved with correction by the aspect ratio and exposure time of input images. The gradient‐weighted class activation mapping heatmap indicated that the lower half area of the conjunctiva was crucial for haemoglobin value prediction. In conclusion, the CNN‐based model had better results than the non‐CNN‐based model. The prediction accuracy would improve by using more input data with anaemia.
Discovering cancer stem‐like molecule, nuclear factor I X, using spatial transcriptome in gastric cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Akira , Fukui Takafumi , Kido Aya , Katsuya Narutaka , Kuraoka Kazuya , Uraoka Naohiro , Suzuki Takahisa , Oka Shiro , Kotachi Takahiro , Ashktorab Hassan , Smoot Duane , Yasui Wataru 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is characterized by significant intratumoral heterogeneity, and stem cells are promising therapeutic targets. Despite advancements in spatial transcriptome analyses, unexplored targets for addressing cancer stemness remain unknown. This study aimed to identify Nuclear Factor IX (NFIX) as a critical regulator of cancer stemness in GC and evaluate its clinicopathological significance and function. Spatial transcriptome analysis of GC was conducted. The correlation between NFIX expression, clinicopathological factors, and prognosis was assessed using immunostaining in 127 GC cases. Functional analyses of cancer cell lines validated these findings. Spatial transcriptome analysis stratified GC tissues based on genetic profiles, identified CSC‐like cells, and further refined the classification to identify and highlight the significance of NFIX, as validated by Monocle 3 and CytoTRACE analyses. Knockdown experiments in cancer cell lines have demonstrated the involvement of NFIX in cancer cell proliferation and kinase activity. This study underscores the role of spatial transcriptome analysis in refining GC tissue classification and identifying therapeutic targets, highlighting NFIX as a pivotal factor. NFIX expression is correlated with poor prognosis and drives GC progression, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for personalized GC therapies.
Ketogenic diet therapy leads to antiseizure medication reduction in children and adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: He Fang , Ye Lingqi , Wang Leilei , Zhou Jiping , Shao Xiaotong , Miao Pu , Wang Shan , Li Hong , Ding Yao , Wang Shuang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to evaluate the safety of reducing or withdrawing anti‐seizure medications (ASMs) in a cohort comprising both adults and children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) undergoing ketogenic diet therapy (KDT).MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis of clinical profiles in adults and children with DRE who had adhered to KDT for at least 6 months. Successful withdrawal or reduction of an ASM was defined as discontinuation or dose reduction without subsequent resumption or increase and without initiation of any new ASM throughout the entire follow‐up period. Changes in the ASM load were calculated specifically for adult patients.ResultsThe study enrolled 56 participants (34 children and 22 adults) with DRE, with 64.3% achieving successful withdrawal of at least one ASM. The probability of ASM withdrawal remained consistent for children (64.7%) versus adults (63.6%), as well as for responders (62.5%) versus non‐responders (68.8%), and it was not associated with other clinical factors. Early ASM reduction (including withdrawal) after diet initiation occurred in 15 patients (26.8%), with treatment outcomes comparable to those of the remaining participants. Among the 22 adults, the mean values of ASM load reduced by 24.5%, with a similar magnitude observed for responders (24.2%) versus non‐responders (25.1%). In addition, adults tend to have a slower elevation in serum ketone levels compared to children.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the safe achievability of ASM withdrawal through KDT in most patients with DRE, irrespective of age or seizure frequency reduction.
Epidemiology of patch tested patients with permanent tattoos—A comparative analysis of 9693 IVDK patients (2020–2022)
Authors: Schubert Steffen , Oppel Eva , Bauer Andrea , Schröder‐Kraft Claudia , Löffler Harald , Strom Kerstin , Worm Margitta , Brans Richard , Wagner Nicola , Angela Yenny , Geier Johannes ,   for the IVDK
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundPermanent tattooing is the invasive introduction of tattoo ink (pigments) into the dermis. The ink and aftercare cosmetics applied on pre‐damaged skin may contain skin sensitisers.ObjectivesTo identify patient characteristics and the pattern of sensitisation in tattooed patients patch tested within the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK).Patients and MethodsComparative analysis of patient characteristics and reaction frequencies to baseline series allergens in 1648 consecutive patients with and 8045 consecutive patients without permanent tattoos. Non‐overlapping 95%‐confidence intervals were considered as significant.ResultsHaving permanent tattoos was related with female sex, age <40 years, tobacco smoking, atopic dermatitis, (occupational) hand dermatitis and being employed in particular occupational groups (e.g., healthcare workers, mechanics, hairdressers). Sensitisation to nickel was increased in tattooed patients and associated with female sex (OR 4.23 [95%‐CI, 3.48–5.18]), age ≥40 years (OR 1.26 [95%‐CI, 1.08–1.49]), tobacco smoking (OR 1.19 [95%‐CI, 1.01–1.40]) and having permanent tattoos (OR 1.27 [95%‐CI, 1.05–1.53]).ConclusionsThe association between nickel sensitisation and permanent tattoos is probably confounded by past reactions to pierced costume jewellery. Socio‐economic factors most probably contribute to the connection between tattoos, tobacco smoking, occupational or hand dermatitis, and being employed in particular occupational groups.
Current frequency of contact allergy to isothiazolinones (methyl‐, benz‐ and octylisothiazolinone) across Europe
Authors: Schwensen Jakob F. B. , Uter Wolfgang , Aerts Olivier , Agner Tove , Brans Richard , Bruze Magnus , Foti Caterina , Giménez‐Arnau Ana Maria , Gonçalo Margarida , Svedman Cecilia , Stingeni Luca , Wilkinson Mark , Johansen Jeanne Duus ,   the European Environmental Contact Dermatitis Research Group
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe use of methylisothiazolinone (MI) as a preservative in cosmetic products caused an alarming increase in MI contact allergy across Europe in the 2010s. This was followed by regulations of use with a total ban on leave‐on (implemented in 2017) and reduced use concentrations in rinse‐off cosmetics (2018).ObjectiveTo follow‐up on the prevalence of contact allergy to MI and the related benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) in consecutively patch‐tested patients in Europe.MethodsA cross‐sectional audit following the design of two previous audits on MI contact allergy from 1 May 2022 to 31 October 2022 included all patients patch tested with the European baseline series, including or supplemented with MI, BIT and OIT across 10 departments in eight European countries.ResultsA total of 2554 patients were consecutively patch tested with the three isothiazolinones during the study period. The prevalence of MI and BIT contact allergy was 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3%–3.7%; range 1.1%–5.8%) and 3.1% (95% CI: 2.4%–3.9%; range 0.0%–6.6%), respectively; that of OIT was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.4%–1.1%; range 0%–3.2%). Rinse‐off cosmetic (73.3%) and leave‐on cosmetic products (13.3%) were still associated with eliciting allergic contact dermatitis to MI.ConclusionWe confirmed a positive impact of regulatory measures on the prevalence of MI contact allergy in Europe, which halved compared to 2015. However, our data suggest that consumers may still be exposed to older cosmetic products containing MI. BIT has superseded MI in causing contact allergy, despite not being allowed for use in cosmetic products.
The Corporate Governance of Business Groups Around the World: A Review and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Aguilera Ruth V. , Federo Ryan , Justo Raquel , Merida Adrian Luis , Pascual‐Fuster Bartolomé 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueScholarly interest in business groups (BGs) has grown considerably over the years, as they emerged as important players in the global economy. Yet, there exist ample differences in the corporate governance, strategies, and performance of BG‐affiliated firms. Given that BGs differ substantially across national institutional contexts, previous studies provide inconclusive arguments and empirical evidence regarding the complex relationship between corporate governance and firm performance within BGs.Research Findings/InsightsOur review of 301 articles published in highly ranked journals between 1986 and 2023 establishes a mechanism‐based framework to explain the effect of BG affiliation, ownership structure, and corporate governance practices on firm performance. We also reveal that many relationships between these factors vary cross‐nationally and over time, contingent on the national institutional strength where BGs are domiciled and operate.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe develop a mechanism‐based framework to unpack the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance within BGs and discuss previous studies' findings across different institutional settings. We find that some mechanisms are generally applicable to BGs in many contexts, whereas others only hold in particular institutional conditions. We then offer several research avenues for further scholarly attention.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsManagers and policy makers should consider cross‐national differences to fully understand BGs. Ultimately, our review demonstrates that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach to BGs because their roles, functioning, and outcomes differ across institutional settings.
Outcomes of Early Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Renal Transplantation
Authors: Mour Girish K. , Ninan Jacob , Butterfield Duke , Zhang Nan , Nair Sumi S. , Smith Maxwell , Ryan Margaret , Reddy Kunam , Heilman Raymond L. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlternate complement dysregulation postrenal transplantation can result in thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). There is a scarcity of data regarding outcomes based on the timing of TMA post‐transplant, coupled with a lack of follow‐up biopsy findings post TMA diagnosis. This study aims to assess allograft and patient outcomes in individuals developing early TMA, defined within 4 months post‐transplantation, and explore any differences in follow‐up surveillance biopsies compared to a non‐TMA group.DesignThis is a single center retrospective study between January 1, 2002 and October 10, 2019. Patients who developed TMA within 4 months post‐transplantation were compared to a propensity matched non‐TMA group.ResultsThirty‐one patients developed TMA within 4 months of renal transplantation. Index TMA biopsy featured noticeable glomerular, and vascular lesions along with acute tubular injury. Four‐month surveillance biopsy showed significant glomerulitis, transplant glomerulopathy and chronic interstitial fibrosis as compared to non‐TMA group. However, at 1 year, these differences were no longer significant. There was no significant difference in patient survival (TMA vs. non‐TMA,p = 0.083); however, death censored graft survival was significantly lower in the TMA group (p < 0.001). TMA patients had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at 4 months and at 1 year as compared to the non‐TMA group.ConclusionEarly onset TMA post renal transplant leads to decreased renal function and lower graft survival. Early recognition and prompt treatment may help in reducing the adverse outcomes.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Imlifidase to Plasmapheresis in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Antibody‐Mediated Rejection
Authors: Halleck Fabian , Böhmig Georg A. , Couzi Lionel , Rostaing Lionel , Einecke Gunilla , Lefaucheur Carmen , Legendre Christophe , Montgomery Robert , Hughes Peter , Chandraker Anil , Wyburn Kate , Halloran Phil , Maldonado Angela Q. , Sjöholm Kristoffer , Runström Anna , Lefèvre Paola , Tollemar Jan , Jordan Stanley 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAntibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR) poses a barrier to long‐term graft survival and is one of the most challenging events after kidney transplantation. Removing donor specific antibodies (DSA) through therapeutic plasma exchange (PLEX) is a cornerstone of antibody depletion but has inconsistent effects. Imlifidase is a treatment currently utilized for desensitization with near‐complete inactivation of DSA both in the intra‐ and extravascular space.MethodsThis was a 6‐month, randomized, open‐label, multicenter, multinational trial conducted at 14 transplant centers. Thirty patients were randomized to either imlifidase or PLEX treatment. The primary endpoint was reduction in DSA level during the 5 days following the start of treatment.ResultsDespite considerable heterogeneity in the trial population, DSA reduction as defined by the primary endpoint was 97% for imlifidase compared to 42% for PLEX. Additionally, imlifidase reduced DSA to noncomplement fixing levels, whereas PLEX failed to do so. After antibody rebound in the imlifidase arm (circa days 6–12), both arms had similar reductions in DSA. Five allograft losses occurred during the 6 months following the start of ABMR treatment—four within the imlifidase arm (18 patients treated) and one in the PLEX arm (10 patients treated). In terms of clinical efficacy, the Kaplan–Meier estimated graft survival was 78% for imlifidase and 89% for PLEX, with a slightly higher eGFR in the PLEX arm at the end of the trial. The observed adverse events in the trial were as expected, and there were no apparent differences between the arms.ConclusionImlifidase was safe and well‐tolerated in the ABMR population. Despite meeting the primary endpoint of maximum DSA reduction compared to PLEX, the trial was unsuccessful in demonstrating a clinical benefit of imlifidase in this heterogenous ABMR population.Trial RegistrationEudraCT number: 2018‐000022‐66, 2020‐004777‐49; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03897205, NCT04711850
Temporal and spatial variations in squid jigging catch efficiency in the Oyashio Extension region
Authors: Niu Zixuan , Chen Zhaohui , Yu Wei , Guo Haihong , Zhu Ruichen , Zhang Xiaoyi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe abundance of fishery resources significantly impacts the ratio of fishing effort to harvest. However, traditional statistics of fishery catches or commonly used catch per unit effort (CPUE) metrics cannot accurately capture the complexity of resource abundance in the ocean. To address this issue, we propose here a novel approach that integrates the actual fishery catch from vessel logs with fishing duration obtained through automatic identification system (AIS) positioning. This combined analysis eliminates confounding factors and introduces a novel metric called “catch efficiency (CE)” to evaluate fishing operations more accurately, thereby reflecting resource abundance in a more reasonable way. In this study, we focus on the CE of squid in the Oyashio Extension region in the Northwestern Pacific. Our analysis reveals significant temporal and spatial variations of CE, manifesting in both intensity and distribution patterns. Moreover, our findings establish a close relationship between CE and background water mass distribution, chlorophyll‐a concentration, and micronekton biomass. This implies that the resource abundance of squid can be inferred by considering the varying environmental factors within the fishing area.