bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful explantation of children from the Berlin Heart EXCOR® ventricular assist device: A systematic review
Authors: Mikulski Matthew F. , Iyer Swati , Well Andrew , Mery Carlos M. , Owens W. Richard , Glass Lauren D. , Castleberry Chesney D. , Fraser Charles D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Berlin Heart EXCOR® (BHE) can bridge children with severe heart failure to transplantation, but some are successfully weaned and spared transplantation. This study seeks to identify characteristics of children amenable to successful explantation with BHE support.MethodsPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses 2020 guidelines were used. Five databases were screened for original, English articles measuring BHE support in patients <18 years old based on title and abstract. Exclusion criteria were applied: full‐text availability, <10 total pediatric BHE patients, zero successful explantations from BHE, nonprimary literature, adult and pediatric results that could not be separated, and studies with overlapping patient information. Studies were analyzed with descriptive statistics.ResultsFrom 41 857 potential studies, 14 were analyzed with data from 58 hospitals on four continents from 1990 to 2020. There were 984 BHE patients. The most common diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 318, 32.3%), followed by congenital heart disease (n = 249, 25.3%). There were 85 (8.6%) children explanted with favorable outcomes. The underlying diagnosis was known in 44 (51.8%) cases: 14 (8.4%) of 166 cardiomyopathies, 17 (48.6%) of 35 myocarditis, and 12 (16.7%) of 72 with congenital heart disease were explanted. When the type of support was known, the rate of LVAD patients explanted was 21.3% (n = 19/89) and 2.4% (n = 1/42) of BiVAD patients were explanted.ConclusionExplantation from BHE is not uncommon at 8.6%, but significant variation exists in the explantation data reported. Myocarditis and LVAD support may be populations suitable for weaning. Standardization of reporting measures and prospective registries may help identify patients suitable for this alternative to transplant and help develop weaning protocols.
Population genetics for insect conservation and control
Authors: Beaurepaire Alexis L. , Webster Matthew T. , Neumann Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInsects are essential not only for ecosystem functioning and food security but also comprise some of the world's most destructive invasive species. Therefore, both insect declines and invasions raise major conservation concerns globally and call for respective conservation or mitigation measures. However, studies of insects are hampered by intrinsic biological features of these organisms, which include extreme population fluctuations, a huge diversity of ecological strategies, and common cryptic species. Population genetics provides a large toolkit to adequately accommodate those features, thereby enabling researchers to inform and monitor the efficacy of conservation and mitigation programs. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular and analytical methods that are relevant to insect conservation or mitigation and highlight the challenges involved in their implementation. We detail how and why temporal changes in genetic diversity, population structure and migration, and the genetic basis of adaptation should be taken into account to inform insect management programs. Finally, we review the barriers to the broad adoption of population genetics in insect research and provide guidelines to facilitate the use of these methods by stakeholders. Overall, this review provides theoretical and practical guidelines for implementing population genetics in both insect conservation and control.
The use of lung ultrasound in evaluation of extravascular lung water in hemodialysis patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Elgenidy Anas , Amin Mostafa Atef , Awad Ahmed K. , Emad Abdullah , Nassar Abdelrahman , Alomari Omar , Ibrahim Radwa , Husain‐Syed Faeq , Aly Mostafa G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRationale and ObjectivesDetermining dry weight is crucial for optimizing hemodialysis, influencing efficacy, cardiovascular outcomes, and overall survival. Traditional clinical assessment methods for dry weight, relying on factors such as blood pressure and edema, frequently lack reliability. Lung ultrasound stands out as a promising tool for assessing volume status, given its non‐invasiveness and reproducibility. This study aims to explore the role of Lung ultrasound in evaluating the impact of hemodialysis and ultrafiltration on extravascular lung water, with a specific focus on changes in B‐lines post‐hemodialysis compared to pre‐hemodialysis.Materials and MethodsThe research encompassed searches across PubMed, WOS, and Scopus databases for studies related to lung ultrasound and hemodialysis. A meta‐analysis was then performed to determine the mean differences in various parameters before compared to after, hemodialysis, including the number of B‐lines, indexed end‐inspiratory and end‐expiratory inferior vena cava diameters, inferior vena cava collapsibility index, weight, blood pressure, and serum levels of NT‐pro‐BNP.ResultsOur meta‐analysis, included 33 studies with 2301 hemodialysis patients, revealed a significant decrease in the number of B‐lines post‐hemodialysis (mean difference = 8.30, 95% CI [3.55 to 13.05]). Furthermore, there was a noteworthy reduction in inspiratory and expiratory inferior vena cava diameters post‐hemodialysis (mean difference = 2.32, 95% CI [0.31 to 4.33]; mean difference = 4.05, 95% CI [2.44 to 5.65], respectively). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between B‐lines and the maximum inferior vena cava diameter both pre‐ and post‐hemodialysis (correlation coefficient = 0.39; correlation coefficient = 0.32, respectively).ConclusionThese findings indicate the effectiveness of lung ultrasound in detection of volume overload and assessment of response to ultrafiltration in hemodialysis patients.
Big data approach in the field of gastric and colorectal cancer research
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBig data is characterized by three attributes: volume, variety,, and velocity. In healthcare setting, big data refers to vast dataset that is electronically stored and managed in an automated manner and has the potential to enhance human health and healthcare system. In this review, gastric cancer (GC) and postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) will be used to illustrate application of big data approach in the field of gastrointestinal cancer research. Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication only reduces GC risk by 46% due to preexisting precancerous lesions. Apart from endoscopy surveillance, identifying medications that modify GC risk is another strategy. Population‐based cohort studies showed that long‐term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) associated with higher GC risk after HP eradication, while aspirin and statins associated with lower risk. While diabetes mellitus conferred 73% higher GC risk, metformin use associated with 51% lower risk, effect of which was independent of glycemic control. Nonetheless, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NA‐NSAIDs) are not associated with lower GC risk. CRC can still occur after initial colonoscopy in which no cancer was detected (i.e. PCCRC). Between 2005 and 2013, the rate of interval‐type PCCRC‐3y (defined as CRC diagnosed between 6 and 36 months of index colonoscopy which was negative for CRC) was 7.9% in Hong Kong, with >80% being distal cancers and higher cancer‐specific mortality compared with detected CRC. Certain clinical and endoscopy‐related factors were associated with PCCRC‐3 risk. Medications shown to have chemopreventive effects on PCCRC include statins, NA‐NSAIDs, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers.
Comparative genomics identifies genetic markers linked to structural variations that differentiate Puccinia graminis tritici and secalis formae speciales
Authors: Bryan Anthony , Korolev Andrey , Bergmann Susan , Boshoff Willem H. P. , Flath Kerstin , Justesen Annemarie F. , Schulz Philipp , Visser Botma , Saunders Diane G. O. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStem rust is a serious disease of many gramineous plants including small grain staples such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale. Separate formae speciales (ff. spp.) of the causal fungus, Puccinia graminis, predominantly infect certain host plant genera. However, despite these taxonomic subdivisions, many P. graminis ff. spp. are genetically too similar to distinguish using existing genetic markers. For those infecting cereals, this is particularly challenging for P. graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) and P. graminis f. sp. secalis (Pgs). Herein we harnessed newly available genomic data for 39 Pgt and Pgs isolates and identified four regions of structural variation that were used to design four simple PCR‐based assays to distinguish the aforementioned formae speciales. These genomic regions display large presence/absence variation between Pgt and Pgs isolates, and yet a high degree of sequence conservation within shared neighbouring regions, facilitating primer design. We also confirmed lack of amplification in host plant genera analysed, which included assessment of the shared alternate host of Pgt and Pgs, Berberis vulgaris. Accurate classification of P. graminis ff. spp. infections on B. vulgaris is exceptionally valuable to rapidly define plants harbouring P. graminis inoculum when adjacent to cereal crops. Finally, we demonstrated utility of these four genetic markers to correctly distinguish a genetically diverse array of Pgt and Pgs isolates. This strategy could now be readily applied to other pathogens of interest, which will be of increasing value as genomic resources continue to rapidly expand for many key biotic threats to agricultural productivity.
Impact of bacteriocins on multidrug‐resistant bacteria and their application in aquaculture disease prevention and control
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Liu Hong , Liu Shuangping , Mao Jian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAquaculture plays an important role in meeting human demand for animal protein. Disease is a critical factor that restricts the green and healthy development of aquaculture. Intensive aquaculture practices can increase the susceptibility of aquatic animals to pathogens due to environmental stress. Antibiotics are commonly used for disease prevention and control, but their frequent use in aquaculture can increase the risk of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and resistance gene transmission, posing a threat to the health of aquatic animals and humans. Recent studies have shown that bacteriocins have inhibitory effects on different species of bacteria, fungi and viruses, and can even affect natural resistance structures such as bacterial biofilms, presenting promising prospects as antimicrobial agents. Bacteriocins have potential applications in various fields such as agriculture, food and medicine, but limited research has been conducted on their impact on aquaculture disease prevention and control, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. Therefore, this review aims to summarise the classification, sources, preparation methods, antibacterial activity against multidrug‐resistant bacteria and application of bacteriocins as antimicrobial agents in aquaculture disease prevention and control. In addition, limitations of bacteriocin application in aquaculture and future research directions are also discussed.
Peritoneal Protein Loss With Time in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Malho Guedes Anabela , Marques Roberto Calças , Domingos Ana Teresa , Laranjo Céu , Silva Ana Paula , Rodrigues Anabela , Krediet Raymond T. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTLongitudinal evolution of peritoneal protein loss (PPL), a reflection of hydrostatic pressure–driven leak of plasma proteins through the large‐pore pathway, is not clear. Time on PD causes loss of mesothelial cells, vasculopathy, and increased thickness of the submesothelial fibrous layer. Are these structural changes associated with progressive increase of PPL, in a parallel with the rise in the D/P creatinine? The aim of the present study was to identify longitudinal changes of PPL over time. This single‐center, longitudinal study included 52 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with a median follow‐up of 26.5 months, evaluated at two different time points with a minimum interval of 6 months. Repeated measures analysis was performed using paired sample t‐test or the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, depending on the distribution. After a median interval of 15.5 months, lower levels of residual renal function and urine volume, lower Kt/V, and creatinine clearance were found. D/P creatinine and PPL were stable, but a decrease in ultrafiltration was present. Systemic inflammation, nutrition, and volume overload showed no significant change with time on PD. Analysis of a subpopulation with over 48 months between initial and subsequential assessment (n = 11) showed again no difference in inflammation, nutritional and hydration parameters from baseline, but importantly PPL decreased after more than 4 years on PD (mean difference 1.2 g/24, p = 0.033). D/P creatinine and dip of sodium remained unchanged. The absence of deleterious effects of time on PD is reassuring, pointing to the benefit of updated PD prescription, including the standard use of more biocompatible solutions towards membrane preservation and adjusted prescription avoiding overhydration and inflammation while maintaining nutritional status. After controlling for confounders, PPL may act as a biomarker of acquired venous vasculopathy, even if small pore fluid transport rates and free water transport are preserved.
Phasehood as defective intervention: Possessor extraction and selective DP islandhood in West Circassian
Authors: Ershova Ksenia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractĀ‐extraction of possessors in West Circassian is constrained in a puzzling way: the possessor of an ergative or applied argument DP may not undergo clausebound wh‐movement, but long‐distance possessor extraction across a clausal boundary is grammatical. Based on the variable islandhood of these DPs, this paper argues for an agree‐based approach to phasehood. Phase opacity is treated as intervention defective intervention, with the phase intervening between the probe and the goal. Defective intervention does not take place if the corresponding phase has independently entered an Agree relation with the movement‐triggering probe. Islandhood is thus correctly predicted to be contextually determined: in West Circassian, the difference between clausebound and long‐distance possessor extraction is conditioned by the set of agreement features on the local movement‐triggering probe: a wh‐feature on C in the case of clausebound extraction and a successive‐cyclic edge feature on embedded C in the case of long‐distance wh‐movement. Additionally, the account appeals to the opacity of phase edges to explain the contrast between DPs that display islandhood effects (ergative and applied argument DPs) and constituents that are uniformly transparent for subextraction (the absolutive DP and postpositional phrases).
Optical coherence tomographic features of feline acute corneal hydrops: A case report
Authors: Jeong Manbok , Yoo Sukjong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study was to describe the optical coherence tomographic features of a cat with acute corneal hydrops.Animal StudiedA 4‐year‐old castrated male domestic shorthaired showing conjunctival redness, ocular discharge, and intermittent squinting of both eyes with asymmetrical disease onset.MethodsComplete ophthalmic examination and optical coherence tomography were performed.ResultsOn slit‐lamp biomicroscopic examination, severe intrastromal fluid pockets with profound bullae were observed in the dorsomedial region in both eyes. A diagnosis of feline acute corneal hydrops was made in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography revealed profound stromal lamellar separation representing heterogeneous reflective areas, and fluid pockets and bullae of variable size were concomitant to Descemet's membrane detachment demonstrated by a well‐defined homogeneous hyporeflective area. Upon reevaluation 30 days during healing process for both eyes, the thickened epithelia and the thinning pan‐stromal areas were identified as homogeneously hyper‐reflective epithelia and as heterogeneous hyper‐reflectivity, respectively. A thickened posterior corneal surface was shown as heterogeneous with patchy hyper‐reflectivity. Additionally, Descemet's membrane detachment in the initial presentation had two distinct forms suspicious of Descemet's membrane rupture in each eye: a break with rolled ends and a break with flat ends.ConclusionTo the author's knowledge, this study represents the first documentation of in vivo detection of Descemet's membrane detachment and presumed rupture in a cat experiencing acute corneal hydrops. These observations strongly indicate that Descemet's membrane detachment/rupture acts as a most likely risk factor in the onset of acute corneal hydrops in cats.
Failure Pressure Evaluation of Corroded Pipeline Using Semi-Empirical and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Torres Juliana v. S. , Motta Renato S. , Afonso Silvana M. B. , Bouchonneau Nadège , Lyra Paulo R. M. , Willmersdorf Ramiro B. , Pimentel Júlio T. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Computational simulation using the finite element method (FEM) has proven to be one of the most efficient methods for the correct evaluation of the structural integrity of pipelines with corrosion-induced defects. In this paper, the results of the failure pressure of corroded pipelines obtained with a computer tool called PIPEFLAW based on nonlinear finite element analyses are presented and compared with the failure pressures of corroded pipes obtained with twelve (12) advanced semi-empirical models from the literature. A computational code was created in the Python language to automatically obtain the failure pressure of randomly generated cases of corroded pipes, which allows the analysis of multiple piping cases with isolated external corrosion defects in an idealized configuration. For this purpose, the LHS (Latin Hypercube Sampling) approach was adopted for the design of experiments to obtain a better distribution of cases in the sample space. Comparisons between the results using the FEM and semi-empirical models show, as expected, that the semi-empirical solutions are more conservative in most cases analyzed in this work. A statistical model is proposed that adheres to the relative error distribution for some of the models used. Moreover, the influence of some parameters (pipeline thickness, defect depth, defect length, defect width, yield stress and ultimate stress) on the failure pressure was evaluated. It was found that in most of the studied models the error increases as the defect depth increases.
Leveraging Compliance to Design a Minimally Invasive, Expandable Interbody Cage Capable of Customized Anatomical Fit for Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Orr Daniel J. , Payne Christian , Jones Hailey , Anderson James , Sperry Alek , Sargent Brandon , Frankel Bruce M. , Howell Larry L. , Bowden Anton E. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As spinal fusion surgery continues to transition to less invasive techniques, there remains an unmet need for ever smaller and more complex interbody cages to meet the unique needs of this difficult surgery. This work focuses on the hypothesis that this need can be met using the inherent advantages of compliant mechanisms. Deployable Euler spiral connectors (DESCs), optimized using a gradient based optimization algorithm, were used as the foundation for a device that can stow to a very small size for device insertion then bilaterally deploy to a substantially larger device footprint. Additionally, a continuously adjustable lordotic angle was achieved using the same device so as to result in a customized anatomical fit. Several tests, including finite element analysis (FEA), compression testing, shear testing, and deployment in a cadaver, were performed as initial verification and validation that the concept device performs well under typical testing paradigms used for interbody cages. While further device testing and refinements are necessary prior to clinical use, the present work demonstrates the promise of this approach and highlights the potential of compliant mechanism devices for advancing minimally invasive (MIS) lumbar fusion.
Biomechanical Considerations of Refreshable Braille and Tactile Graphics Toward Equitable Access: A Review
Authors: Zakrajsek Anne D. , Foulkes Samuel , Nagel Nicole , Neurohr Fred , Nauman Eric A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This review highlights the biomechanical foundations of braille and tactile graphic discrimination within the context of design innovations in information access for the blind and low-vision community. Braille discrimination is a complex and poorly understood process that necessitates the coordination of motor control, mechanotransduction, and cognitive-linguistic processing. Despite substantial technological advances and multiple design attempts over the last fifty years, a low-cost, high-fidelity refreshable braille and tactile graphics display has yet to be delivered. Consequently, the blind and low-vision communities are left with limited options for information access. This is amplified by the rapid adoption of graphical user interfaces for human-computer interaction, a move that the blind and low vision community were effectively excluded from. Text-to-speech screen readers lack the ability to convey the nuances necessary for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education and offer limited privacy for the user. Printed braille and tactile graphics are effective modalities but are time and resource-intensive, difficult to access, and lack real-time rendering. Single- and multiline refreshable braille devices either lack functionality or are extremely cost-prohibitive. Early computational models of mechanotransduction through complex digital skin tissue and the kinematics of the braille reading finger are explored as insight into device design specifications. A use-centered, convergence approach for future designs is discussed in which the design space is defined by both the end-user requirements and the available technology.
Numerical and Analytical Simulation of the Growth of Amyloid-β Plaques
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNumerical and analytical solutions were employed to calculate the radius of an amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque over time. To the author's knowledge, this study presents the first model simulating the growth of Aβ plaques. Findings indicate that the plaque can attain a diameter of 50 μm after 20 years of growth, provided the Aβ monomer degradation machinery is malfunctioning. A mathematical model incorporates nucleation and autocatalytic growth processes using the Finke–Watzky model. The resulting system of ordinary differential equations was solved numerically, and for the simplified case of infinitely long Aβ monomer half-life, an analytical solution was found. Assuming that Aβ aggregates stick together and using the distance between the plaques as an input parameter of the model, it was possible to calculate the plaque radius from the concentration of Aβ aggregates. This led to the “cube root hypothesis,” positing that Aβ plaque size increases proportionally to the cube root of time. This hypothesis helps explain why larger plaques grow more slowly. Furthermore, the obtained results suggest that the plaque size is independent of the kinetic constants governing Aβ plaque agglomeration, indicating that the kinetics of Aβ plaque agglomeration is not a limiting factor for plaque growth. Instead, the plaque growth rate is limited by the rates of Aβ monomer production and degradation.