bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting early rebleeding and mortality after endoscopic hemostasis of esophagogastric varices: Diagnostic performance of aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index and model for end‐stage liver disease‐Na score
Authors: Yokoyama Shinya , Honda Takashi , Ishizu Yoji , Imai Norihiro , Ito Takanori , Yamamoto Kenta , Mizuno Kazuyuki , Nakamura Masanao , Kawashima Hiroki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic variceal ligation and sclerotherapy are recommended for esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) in cirrhosis but can be complicated by early rebleeding and death. This study aimed to identify noninvasive markers accurately predicting early rebleeding and mortality after endoscopic hemostasis for EGVB.MethodsAmong 116 patients with endoscopically confirmed EGVB and endoscopic hemostasis, various noninvasive markers were calculated, and their predictive accuracy was compared by receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis. Endpoints included 5‐day rebleeding, 5‐day mortality, 6‐week rebleeding, and 6‐week mortality.ResultsThe median age was 63 years. Child‐Pugh class B and C patients accounted for 40.5% and 34.5%, respectively. Only the aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) significantly predicted 5‐day rebleeding, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.777 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.537–1). The model for end‐stage liver disease‐Na (MELD‐Na) score showed good predictive accuracy for 5‐day mortality (AUC: 0.839, 95% CI: 0.681–0.997), 6‐week rebleeding (AUC: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.663–0.932), and 6‐week mortality (AUC: 0.888, 95% CI: 0.797–0.979).ConclusionsPatients with cirrhosis with a high APRI and MELD‐Na score were at high risk of early rebleeding and death after EGVB. Allocating appropriate monitoring and care for those patients is necessary.
The effects of regular home delivery of HIV self‐testing and follow‐up counselling on HIV testing and prevention outcomes in men who have sex with men who test infrequently in the United States: a pragmatic, virtual randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wray Tyler B. , Chan Philip A. , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Ward Lori M. , Ocean Erik M. S. , Carr Daniel J. , Guigayoma John P. , Nadkarni Siddhi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPast research shows that HIV self‐testing (HIVST) can increase testing and facilitate more HIV diagnoses relative to clinic testing. However, in the United States, the use of HIVSTs is limited due to concerns that those who use HIVST could be less likely to be linked to care.MethodsFrom January 2019 to April 2022, we recruited 811 men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States who tested infrequently using an online marketing campaign and randomized them 1:1:1 to receive one of the following every 3 months for a year: (1) text message reminders to get tested at a local clinic (control); (2) mailed HIVST kits with access to a free helpline (standard HIVST); and (3) mailed HIVST kits with counselling provided within 24 hours of opening a kit (eTest). Quarterly follow‐up surveys assessed HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and sexual risk behaviour.FindingsEight participants were diagnosed with HIV, and all but one were through HIVST. Participants in either HIVST condition, standard or eTest, had significantly higher odds of any testing (OR = 7.9, 95% CI = 4.9−12.9 and OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 4.2−10.5) and repeat testing (>1 test; OR = 8.5, 95% CI = 5.7−12.6; OR = 8.9, 95% CI = 6.1−13.4) over 12 months relative to the control group. Rates of STI testing and PrEP uptake did not differ across study condition, but those in the eTest condition reported 27% fewer sexual risk events across the study period relative to other groups.ConclusionsHIVST vastly increased testing, encouraged more regular testing among MSM, and identified nearly all new cases, suggesting that HIVST could diagnose HIV acquisition earlier. Providing timely follow‐up counselling after HIVST did not increase rates of STI testing or PrEP use, but some evidence suggested that counselling may have reduced sexual risk behaviour. To encourage more optimal testing, programmes should incorporate HIVST and ship kits directly to recipients at regular intervals.
Preoperative chemotherapy response and survival in patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases
Authors: Tinsley Nadina , O'Dwyer Sarah T. , Nagaraju Raghavendar , Chakrabarty Bipasha , Braun Michael , Mullamitha Saifee , Kamposioras Konstantinos , Marti Marti F. E. , Saunders Mark , Clouston Hamish , Selvasekar Chelliah , Wild Jonathan , Wilson Malcolm , Renehan Andrew , Aziz Omer , Barriuso Jorge 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTreatment guidelines provided by PRODIGE‐7 recommend perioperative systemic chemotherapy before cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases (CRPM). Toxicity with multimodal treatment needs to be better defined. Chemotherapy response and impact on survival have not been reported. We assessed CRPM patients who received systemic oxaliplatin/irinotecan before CRS (preoperative) with Mitomycin C (35 mg/m2, 90 min) or Oxaliplatin (368 mg/m2, 30 min) heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Secondary analysis was performed from a prospective database. Overall survival (OS) in chemotherapy responders (R) and nonresponders (NR) was compared. Toxicity was assessed by rate of adverse events (AEs). From April 2005 to April 2021, 436 patients underwent CRS + HIPEC; 125 (29%) received preoperative chemotherapy. The 112 (90%) received oxaliplatin (64, 57%) or irinotecan (48, 43%). R, defined as complete (CR) or partial response on preoperative imaging and/or postoperative histology, was seen in 71, 63% (53.8–72.3); 16, 14% (8.4–22.2) had CR. Median OS in R versus NR was 43.7 months (37.9–49.4) versus 23.9 (16.3–31.4) p = 0.007, HR 0.51 (0.31–0.84). OS multivariable analysis showed HR 0.48 (0.25‐0.95), p = 0.03 for chemotherapy response corrected by peritoneal cancer index, completeness of cytoreduction score. CRS led to 21% grade 3–4 AEs versus 4% for preoperative chemotherapy. HIPEC grade 3‐4 AEs were 0.5%. Preoperative chemotherapy response is an independent predictor for OS in CRPM.
Visible fluid motion on manipulation as the new threshold for intraoperatively determined knee arthroplasty component loosening: A Delphi study
Authors: Buijs George S. , Kievit Arthur J. , Walinga Alex B. , Schafroth Matthias U. , Hirschmann Michael T. , Blankevoort Leendert ,   International Consensus Panel
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThere is a lack of a clear, uniform definition for intraoperatively assessed component loosening of a knee arthroplasty component, complicating the interpretation and interchangeability of results of diagnostic studies using an intraoperative observation as the reference test. The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus among specialised knee revision surgeons regarding the definition of intraoperatively determined loosening of total or unicondylar knee arthroplasty components.MethodsUtilising the Delphi consensus method, an international panel of highly specialised knee revision surgeons was invited to participate in a three‐round process. The initiation of the first round involved the exploration of possible criteria for intraoperatively determined loosening with open questions. The second round focused on rating these criteria importance on a five‐point Likert scale. For the third round, criteria that reached consensus were summarised in consecutive definitions for intraoperatively determined loosening and proposed to the panel. Consensus was established when over 70% of participants agreed with a definition for intraoperatively determined loosening.ResultsThe 34 responding panel members described in total 60 different criteria in the first round of which 34 criteria received consensus in the second round. Summarising these criteria resulted in four different definitions as minimal requirements for intraoperatively determined loosening. Eighty‐eight percent of the panel members agreed on defining a component as loose if there is visible fluid motion at the interface observed during specific movements or when gently applying direct force.ConclusionThis study successfully established a consensus using a Delphi method among knee revision surgeons on the definition of intraoperatively determined component loosening. By agreeing on the visibility of fluid motion as new definition, this study provides a standardised reference for future diagnostic research. This definition will enhance the interpretability and interchangeability of future diagnostic studies evaluating knee arthroplasty component loosening.Level of EvidenceLevel V.
Rate of graft retear is higher in over‐the‐top superior capsular reconstruction for massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears with subscapularis tear
Authors: Sung Hsin‐Pei , Chen Wei‐Cheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeTo compare side‐to‐side superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with over‐the‐top SCR in terms of functional outcomes, pain relief and allograft survival rates.MethodsPatients who had undergone arthroscopic dermal allograft SCR for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and clinical follow‐up for ≥2 years were recruited. All patients underwent postoperative assessment with routine radiographic analysis for acromiohumeral distances, ultrasound imaging 1 and 3 months after SCR and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at least 12 months after SCR. The outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores.ResultsSCR was performed in 56 patients including side‐to‐side SCR in 32 and over‐the‐top SCR in 24. Postoperative MRI showed that the grafts were intact in 46 patients (82.1%; 26 who underwent side‐to‐side SCR and 20 who underwent over‐the‐top SCR). The proportion of nonhealing grafts in the over‐the‐top group was significantly higher with concomitant subscapularis tears (60% vs. 5.3%; p = 0.02). VAS scores and functional outcomes improved postoperatively in both groups and postoperative VAS (1.4 vs. 1.7; n.s.), Constant (74.8 vs. 76.0; n.s.), mean ASES (87.4 vs. 89.1; n.s.) and mean SANE (81.7 vs. 84.3; n.s.) scores did not differ significantly.ConclusionFor massive rotator cuff tears, over‐the‐top and side‐to‐side SCR achieve similar pain relief and functional improvement, and the rate of healing allografts is high. However, over‐the‐top SCR is not recommended for massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears with repairable subscapularis tendon tears due to a higher nonhealing rate.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Guiding Light with Programmable Wall Defects
Authors: Yu Haibo , Liu Xuan , Zhang Songyu , Wang Zhaoyi , Hu Jiaxiang , Luo Duanbin , Zheng Zhi‐Gang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExternal‐field controllable light‐guiding structures are critical in the field of optical circuits and optical integration, and many well‐designed solid‐state waveguides have good performance but are weakly controllable. Although there have been attempts at liquid light guiding, liquid‐filled waveguides cannot completely break the constraints of the solid structure, and in liquid crystal (LC), the smaller tuning angle of the optical soliton limits its further application. So designing a soft tunable light‐guiding structure becomes an urgent but challenging task. In this work, a novel electrically switchable light‐guiding structure with LC programmable wall defect is designed and verified. Wide‐angle recyclable switching of light guiding under an electric field and optical erasure and rewriting of the structure are realized, unleashing the potential of soft‐matter defect structures, and paving the way for soft optical devices and optoelectronic integration.
Streak artefact removal in x‐ray dark‐field computed tomography using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Kumschier Tom , Thalhammer Johannes , Schmid Clemens , Haeusele Jakob , Koehler Thomas , Pfeiffer Franz , Lasser Tobias , Schaff Florian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundComputed tomography (CT) relies on the attenuation of x‐rays, and is, hence, of limited use for weakly attenuating organs of the body, such as the lung. X‐ray dark‐field (DF) imaging is a recently developed technology that utilizes x‐ray optical gratings to enable small‐angle scattering as an alternative contrast mechanism. The DF signal provides structural information about the micromorphology of an object, complementary to the conventional attenuation signal. A first human‐scale x‐ray DF CT has been developed by our group. Despite specialized processing algorithms, reconstructed images remain affected by streaking artifacts, which often hinder image interpretation. In recent years, convolutional neural networks have gained popularity in the field of CT reconstruction, amongst others for streak artefact removal.PurposeReducing streak artifacts is essential for the optimization of image quality in DF CT, and artefact free images are a prerequisite for potential future clinical application. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of CNN post‐processing for artefact reduction in x‐ray DF CT and how multi‐rotation scans can serve as a pathway for training data.MethodsWe employed a supervised deep‐learning approach using a three‐dimensional dual‐frame UNet in order to remove streak artifacts. Required training data were obtained from the experimental x‐ray DF CT prototype at our institute. Two different operating modes were used to generate input and corresponding ground truth data sets. Clinically relevant scans at dose‐compatible radiation levels were used as input data, and extended scans with substantially fewer artifacts were used as ground truth data. The latter is neither dose‐, nor time‐compatible and, therefore, unfeasible for clinical imaging of patients.ResultsThe trained CNN was able to greatly reduce streak artifacts in DF CT images. The network was tested against images with entirely different, previously unseen image characteristics. In all cases, CNN processing substantially increased the image quality, which was quantitatively confirmed by increased image quality metrics. Fine details are preserved during processing, despite the output images appearing smoother than the ground truth images.ConclusionsOur results showcase the potential of a neural network to reduce streak artifacts in x‐ray DF CT. The image quality is successfully enhanced in dose‐compatible x‐ray DF CT, which plays an essential role for the adoption of x‐ray DF CT into modern clinical radiology.
Assessing the state of obesity care: Quality, access, guidelines, and standards
Authors: Kaplan Lee M. , Apovian Caroline M. , Ard Jamy D. , Allison David B. , Aronne Louis J. , Batterham Rachel L. , Busetto Luca , Dicker Dror , Horn Deborah B. , Kelly Aaron S. , Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Purnell Jonathan Q. , Ramos‐Salas Ximena ,   for the Assessing the State of Obesity Care Writing Group
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundAn international panel of obesity medicine experts from multiple professional organizations examined patterns of obesity care and current obesity treatment guidelines to identify areas requiring updating in response to emerging science and clinical evidence.AimsThe panel focused on multiple medical health and societal issues influencing effective treatment of obesity and identified several unmet needs in the definition, assessment, and care of obesity.MethodsThe panel was held in Leesburg, Virginia in September 2019.ResultsThe panelists recommended addressing these unmet needs in obesity medicine through research, education, evaluation of delivery and payment of care, and updating clinical practice guidelines (CPG) to better reflect obesity’s pathophysiological basis and heterogeneity, as well as the disease’s health, sociocultural, and economic complications; effects on quality of life; need for standards for quantitative comparison of treatment benefits, risks, and costs; and the need to more effectively integrate obesity treatment guidelines into routine clinical practice and to facilitate more direct clinician participation to improve public understanding of obesity as a disease with a pathophysiological basis. The panel also recommended that professional organizations working to improve the care of people with obesity collaborate via a working group to develop an updated, patient‐focused, comprehensive CPG establishing standards of care, addressing identified needs, and providing for routine, periodic review and updating.ConclusionsUnmet needs in the definition, assessment and treatment of obesity were identified and a blueprint to address these needs developed via a clinical practice guideline that can be utilized worldwide to respond to the increasing prevalence of obesity.
Alkyl sulfones: discovery of novel structural types with differentiated opportunities for insect control
Authors: Edmunds Andrew J. F. , Muehlebach Michel , Jung Pierre M. , Hueter Ottmar F. , Stoller André , Jeanguenat André , Emery Daniel , Sikervar Vikas , Sen Indira , Rendler Sebastian , Buchholz Anke 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe discovery of novel chemical classes with novel modes of action for insect control form the backbone of innovation with the goal to deliver much‐needed solutions into the hands of growers. Over the last decade, alkyl sulfones have emerged as one of the most versatile new classes and are under intensive investigation in many R&D programs in the industry, with Sumitomo Chemicals recently introducing oxazosulfyl as a first active ingredient to the market. In this review, we discuss some of our strategies to invent novel classes based upon ligand‐based design, and also show how incorporation of physical chemical properties into our design enabled us to predictably control chewing and sucking pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hydrogels loaded with MSC‐derived small extracellular vesicles: A novel cell‐free tissue engineering system for diabetic wound management
Authors: Zhong Weicheng , Meng Hao , Ma Liqian , Wan Xizi , Chen Shengqiu , Ma Kui , Lu Lu , Su Jianlong , Guo Kailu , Jiang Yufeng , Liu Xi , Fu Xiaobing , Zhang Cuiping 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWith the aging and obesity era, the increasing incidence of diabetes and diabetic complications, especially the non‐healing wounds, imposes a serious economic burden on both patients and society. The complex microenvironments, including hyperglycemia, bacterial infection, ischemia, and nerve damage, lead to the prolonged inflammation and proliferation phase of diabetic wounds. Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC‐sEVs), which contain a rich variety of therapeutic molecules, have been chased for decades because of their potential roles in cellular communication, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. As powerful tools for the controlled‐sustained release of sEVs, biocompatible hydrogels have been applied in a wide range of biomedical applications. Herein, we first summarize the pathological features of diabetic wounds, such as angiopathy, neuropathy, and immune cell dysfunction. Then, we discuss the biological properties, therapeutic performance, and stability of pure MSC‐sEVs. After that, we discuss the components, application patterns, and responsiveness of hydrogels. Next, we discuss the loading avenues of MSC‐sEVs into hydrogel, the release behaviors of sEVs from hydrogels, and the influence of the crosslinking method on the hydrogel‐sEV composites. Finally, we provide an overview of the current applications of hydrogels loaded with MSC‐sEVs as a novel cell‐free tissue engineering system in managing diabetic wounds and propose the critical unsolved issues. This review is expected to provide meaningful guidance for developing a novel cell‐free tissue engineering system for diabetic wound management.
Extended-Release Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Drug-Resistant HIV
Authors: Ma Yanping , Kang Yeona , Davenport Angelica , Aduamah Jennifer Mawunyo , Link Kathryn , Gurski Katharine 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe pharmacologic tail of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA), an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), allows for months-long intervals between injections, but it may facilitate the emergence of drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains during the acute infection stage. In this chapter, we present a within-host, mechanistic ordinary differential equation model of the HIV latency and infection cycle in CD4$${ }^+$$

+

T-cells to investigate the impact of CAB-LA on drug-resistant mutations in both humans and macaques. We develop a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for CAB-LA to correlate the inhibitory drug response with the drug concentration in plasma. After validating our model against experimental results, we conduct in silico trials. First, we separately administer CAB-LA to the in silico macaque and human patients before and after exposure to simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)/HIV, to observe SHIV and HIV infectivity dynamics, respectively. Although the model does not incorporate a mechanism for CAB-LA-induced HIV mutations, we analyze the outcomes when mutations occur naturally. Our findings suggest that CAB-LA may enhance the growth of drug-resistant strains over the wild-type strains during the acute stage. The in silico trials demonstrate that the effectiveness of CAB-LA against mutations and the fitness of the drug-resistant strain to infect T-cells determine the course of the mutated strain.
The Conference on the Future of Europe and Political Families: Pushing for Reform
Authors: Johansson Karl Magnus , Raunio Tapio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Conference on the Future of Europe brought together politicians and citizens across the European Union to discuss the future of integration. While designed as a bottom-up forum for listening to citizens, it offered an opportunity for the Europarties to advance their own objectives. This chapter examines how successful the three largest Europarties were in shaping the agenda, debates, and final outcome of the Conference, particularly regarding institutional reform. Inside the Parliament, the EP political groups formed large coalitions behind parliamentary resolutions calling for stronger EU level democracy. Europarties in turn remained throughout the process in a smaller role, while the political foundations contributed actively with events and various documents. Content analysis of the positions of the Europarties confirms their continued support for supranational democracy but shows also interesting variation in their more detailed objectives.
Conclusions: Transnational Parties—Elusive, But Deserving More Attention
Authors: Johansson Karl Magnus , Raunio Tapio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite a stronger legal basis and gradual organizational development, Europarties remain primarily transnational partisan actors dependent on their national member parties. The concluding chapter argues that it is precisely this transnational character that makes Europarties so elusive: they operate simultaneously at intergovernmental and supranational levels of decision-making, and measuring their impact is inherently difficult. Europarties are likely to remain in the background without institutional reforms to the electoral system or the institutional set-up of the EU, but they continue to wield a strong influence on the ‘future of Europe’. The challenge is to bring the Europarties closer to the citizens and to avoid decoupling between national and European politics which may also erode the internal cohesion of the Europarties.