bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between systolic blood pressure and mortality in heart failure patients with hypertension
Authors: Lang Xueyan , Peng Cheng , Zhang Yanxiu , Gao Rong , Zhao Bing , Li Yilan , Zhang Yao 
Published: February 2024

Background:
The correlation between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mortality in hypertensive patients with different phenotypes of heart failure (HF) has not been adequately studied, and optimal blood pressure control targets remain controversial. To explore the link between SBP and prognosis in all or three ejection fraction (EF) phenotypes of HF patients with hypertension.

Methods:
We analyzed 1279 HF patients complicated by hypertension in a retrospective cohort. The SBP <130 mmHg group included 383 patients, and the SBP ≥130 mmHg group included 896 patients. The major end point was all-cause mortality.

Results:
Of the 1279 study patients, with a median age of 66.0 ± 12.0 years, 45.3% were female. The proportions of the three subtypes of heart failure complicated with hypertension (HFrEF, HEmrEF, and HFpEF) were 26.8%, 29.3%, and 43.9%, respectively. During the 1-year follow-up, 223 patients experienced all-cause death, and 133 experienced cardiovascular death. Restricted cubic splines showed that the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death increased gradually as the SBP level decreased in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF. Furthermore, the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that SBP <130 mmHg was also associated with an increased risk of all-cause death [hazard ratio (HR) 2.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–5.20, P = 0.011] and cardiovascular death (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.01–3.63, P = 0.047) in HFrEF patients. A trend toward increased risk was observed among HFmrEF patients, but it was not statistically significant. This trend was not observed in HFpEF patients.

Conclusion:
In HFrEF patients, SBP <130 mmHg was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. A trend toward increased risk was observed among HFmrEF patients, but not among HFpEF patients.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Unvaccinated Kidney Transplant Recipients Infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: A Case Series
Authors: Qu Yue , Zhuang Jing , Duan Yanya , Baibutihan Ahebaota , Maimaiti Zuolamu , Zhang Changrong , Niu Junqiao , Teng Wei , Ailimu Maierdang , Wei Xuemei , Qi Baowen , Li Jiuzhi , Du Shuang , Wang Dingding , Cao Ke , Wang Junyan , Lu Chen , Tian Xuefei , Jiang Hong 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Due to their chronic immunocompromised status, kidney transplant (KT) recipients face escalated risks from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which may be exacerbated by lower vaccination rates. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the clinical traits of unvaccinated KT recipients with COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron infection in unvaccinated KT recipients.

Methods:
In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical outcomes of 36 unvaccinated KT recipients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection, as confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment regimens, and outcomes were examined, and 2-month follow-up assessments were conducted.

Results:
KT recipients had a high incidence of severe infection, with 66.7% classified as having severe/critical illness. Factors associated with severe/critical illness included age; diabetes mellitus; lung infection computed tomography score; and elevated serum D-dimer, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and ferritin levels. The patients in the severe/critical group also had significantly lower blood lymphocyte counts and serum albumin levels. Treatment strategies included discontinuation of antimetabolic drugs, reduction or discontinuation of calcineurin inhibitor drugs, antiviral therapy, and early patient-tailored nutritional support. Acute kidney injury was observed in 19.4% of patients. Four (11.1%) patients died during the observation period, with two (5.6%) succumbing hospitalization and two (5.6%) during the 2-month follow-up period due to infection. The remaining patients did not report any significant symptoms and are still undergoing follow-up.

Conclusion:
Early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and vigilant monitoring are all crucial aspects of the clinical management of unvaccinated KT recipients with COVID-19. These findings contribute to the understanding of the clinical characteristics and management of COVID-19 in patients undergoing KT.
Impact of MAFLD criteria on postoperative recurrence of non-B, non-C HCC
Authors: Johira Yusuke , Nakahara Takashi , Yamaoka Kenji , Fujii Yasutoshi , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Fujino Hatsue , Ono Atsushi , Murakami Eisuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Tsuge Masataka , Oka Shiro 
Published: February 2024

Background
This study aimed to clarify the population in whom the presence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) especially contributes to recurrence after liver resection for non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC).

Methods
Of the 199 patients who underwent liver resection for NBNC-HCC, those who exceeded Milan criteria and with pathologically proven vascular invasion, intrahepatic metastasis, and positive resection margins were excluded, and the remaining 94 were eligible for this study. We explored factors contributing to postoperative recurrence in populations with and without advanced liver fibrosis.

Results
Independent factors contributing to postoperative recurrence in the study population were male sex (P = 0.023) and presence of type 2 diabetes (DM) (P = 0.006) and advanced liver fibrosis (P < 0.001). Factors in cases with advanced liver fibrosis (n = 43) were non-overweight (P = 0.02), type 2 DM (P = 0.006), and preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level of 8.2 ng/ml or higher (P = 0.021). In cases without advanced liver fibrosis (n = 51), only presence of all three MAFLD criteria was related to recurrence.

Conclusion
Liver fibrosis is a strong factor contributing to postoperative recurrence of NBNC-HCC, as previously reported. In patients with advanced liver fibrosis, presence of type 2 DM was the only factor associated with recurrence among MAFLD criteria. On the other hand, in patients without advanced liver fibrosis, the combination of all MAFLD criteria, rather than a specific criterion alone, contributed to recurrence. MAFLD criteria were found to have utility as predictors of postoperative recurrence in NBNC-HCC.
Prediction and evaluation of a nomogram model for recurrent acute pancreatitis
Authors: Chen Yuan , Huang Shu , Luo Bei , Jiang Jiao , Ren Wensen , Zou Kang , Zhong Xiaolin , Lü Muhan , Tang Xiaowei 
Published: February 2024

Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influencing factors for recurrent acute pancreatitis and construct the nomogram model to predict the risk of recurrent acute pancreatitis.

Methods
Patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University were enrolled. We collected these patients’ basic information, laboratory data, imaging information. Using Logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to select risk factor for Cross-Validation Criterion. To create nomogram and validated by receiver operator characteristic curve, calibration curves and decision curve analysis.

Results
A total of 533 patients with acute pancreatitis were included, including 99 recurrent acute pancreatitis patients. The average age of recurrent acute pancreatitis patients was 49.69 years old, and 67.7% of them were male. At the same time, in all recurrent acute pancreatitis patients, hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis is the most important reason (54.5%). Regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression showed that smoking history, acute necrotic collection, triglyceride, and alcohol etiology for acute pancreatitis were identified and entered into the nomogram. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of the training set was 0.747. The calibration curve showed the consistency between the nomogram model and the actual probability.

Conclusion
In conclusion, some high-risk factors like smoking history, acute necrotic collection, triglyceride, and alcohol etiology for acute pancreatitis may predict recurrent pancreatitis and their incorporation into a nomogram has high accuracy in predicting recurrence.
Osteonecrosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bhayana Himanshu , Sharma Tarun Kumar , Sharma Alka , Dhillon Mehtab S. , Jena Anuraag , Kumar Deepak , Sharma Vishal 
Published: February 2024

Background
The relationship of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis (AVN) is uncertain.

Methods
Systematic review to estimate the frequency of osteonecrosis in IBD was performed. Electronic databases were searched on 12 December 2022 to identify relevant studies. We planned to estimate the pooled prevalence of AVN in IBD, the risk in IBD when compared to the healthy population (without any chronic disease), and the impact of steroid use on osteonecrosis (IBD with and without steroid use). The risk of Bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool.

Results
Fifteen studies including 105 154 individuals were included. The pooled rate AVN was 10.39 per 1000 patients (95% confidence interval, 4.44–24.11, I2 = 97%). Subgroup analysis suggested that the prevalence was lower in larger studies (>1000 participants) at 3.10, 1.07; 8.98, I2 = 98% versus 21.03, 8.69; 50.01, I2 = 83%. The use of steroids did not seem to increase the risk of osteonecrosis in the included studies (pooled odds ratio: 1.88, 0.55–6.41, I2 = 39%). The systematic review was limited by the absence of comparison with the control population free of chronic disease.

Conclusion
IBD may be associated with a risk of osteonecrosis. Future studies should assess the risk in comparison to the healthy population and the impact of disease activity and IBD therapies on the risk.
Enhanced Donor Antigen Presentation by B Cells Predicts Acute Cellular Rejection and Late Outcomes After Transplantation
Authors: Ashokkumar Chethan , Ningappa Mylarappa , Raghu Vikram , Mazariegos George , Higgs Brandon W. , Morgan Paul , Remaley Lisa , Fazzolare Martin Tamara , Holzer Pamela , Trostle Kevin , Xu Qingyong , Zeevi Adriana , Squires James , Soltys Kyle , Horslen Simon , Khanna Ajai , Ganoza Armando , Sindhi Rakesh 
Published: February 2024

Background.
Enhanced B-cell presentation of donor alloantigen relative to presentation of HLA-mismatched reference alloantigen is associated with acute cellular rejection (ACR), when expressed as a ratio called the antigen presenting index (API) in an exploratory cohort of liver and intestine transplant (LT and IT) recipients.

Methods.
To test clinical performance, we measured the API using the previously described 6-h assay in 84 LT and 54 IT recipients with median age 3.3 y (0.05–23.96). Recipients experiencing ACR within 60 d after testing were termed rejectors.

Results.
We first confirmed that B-cell uptake and presentation of alloantigen induced and thus reflected the alloresponse of T-helper cells, which were incubated without and with cytochalasin and primaquine to inhibit antigen uptake and presentation, respectively. Transplant recipients included 76 males and 62 females. Rejectors were tested at median 3.6 d before diagnosis. The API was higher among rejectors compared with nonrejectors (2.2 ± 0.2 versus 0.6 ± 0.04, P value = 1.7E-09). In logistic regression and receiver-operating-characteristic analysis, API ≥1.1 achieved sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for predicting ACR in 99 training set samples. Corresponding metrics ranged from 80% to 88% in 32 independent posttransplant samples, and 73% to 100% in 20 independent pretransplant samples. In time-to-event analysis, API ≥1.1 predicted higher incidence of late donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies after API measurements in LT recipients (P = 0.011) and graft loss in IT recipients (P = 0.008), compared with recipients with API <1.1, respectively.

Conclusions.
Enhanced donor antigen presentation by circulating B cells predicts rejection after liver or intestine transplantation as well as higher incidence of DSA and graft loss late after transplantation
Nonoperative Management for Low-Grade Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury
Authors: Golestani Simin , Dubose Joseph J , Efird Jessica , Teixeira Pedro G , Cardenas Tatiana C , Trust Marc D , Ali Sadia , Aydelotte Jayson , Bradford James , Brown Carlos VR 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the standard of care for the treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) requiring intervention. Data suggest that low-grade BTAI (grade I [intimal tears] or grade II [intramural hematoma]) will resolve spontaneously if treated with nonoperative management (NOM) alone. There has been no comparison specifically between the use of NOM vs TEVAR for low-grade BTAI. We hypothesize that these low-grade injuries can be safely managed with NOM alone.

STUDY DESIGN:
Retrospective analysis of all patients with a low-grade BTAI in the Aortic Trauma Foundation Registry from 2016 to 2021 was performed. The study population was 1 primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included complications, ICU length of stay, and ventilator days.

RESULTS:
A total of 880 patients with BTAI were enrolled. Of the 269 patients with low-grade BTAI, 218 (81%) were treated with NOM alone (81% grade I, 19% grade II), whereas 51 (19%) underwent a TEVAR (20% grade I, 80% grade II). There was no difference in demographic or mechanism of injury in patients with low-grade BTAI who underwent NOM vs TEVAR. There was a difference in mortality between NOM alone and TEVAR (8% vs 18%, p = 0.009). Aortic-related mortality was 0.5% in the NOM group and 4% in the TEVAR group (p = 0.06). Hospital and ICU length of stay and ventilator days were not different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:
NOM alone is safe and appropriate management for low-grade BTAI, with lower mortality and decreased rates of complication when compared with routine initial TEVAR.
Judicial hierarchy and discursive influence
Authors: Herron Felix , Carlson Keith , Rockmore Daniel N. , Livermore Michael A. 
Published: February 2024

We apply a dynamic influence model to the opinions of the US federal courts to examine the role of the US Supreme Court in influencing the direction of legal discourse in the federal courts. We propose two mechanisms for how the Court affects innovation in legal language: a selection mechanism where the Court's influence primarily derives from its discretionary jurisdiction, and an authorship mechanism in which the Court's influence derives directly from its own innovations. To test these alternative hypotheses, we develop a novel influence measure based on a dynamic topic model that separates the Court's own language innovations from those of the lower courts. Applying this measure to the US federal courts, we find that the Supreme Court primarily exercises influence through the selection mechanism, with modest additional influence attributable to the authorship mechanism.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘A complexity science approach to law and governance’.
A network model of legal relations
Authors: Sichelman Ted , Smith Henry E. 
Published: February 2024

From at least the early twentieth century, legal scholars have recognized that rights and other legal relations inhere between individual legal actors, forming a vast and complex social network. Yet, no legal scholar has used the mathematical machinery of network theory to formalize these relationships. Here, we propose the first such approach by modelling a rudimentary, static set of real property relations using network theory. Then, we apply our toy model to measure the level of modularity—essentially, the community structure—among aggregations of these real property relations and associated actors. In so doing, we show that even for a very basic set of relations and actors, law may employ modular structures to manage complexity. Property, torts, contracts, intellectual property, and other areas of the law arguably reduce information costs in similar, quantifiable ways by chopping up the world of interactions between parties into manageable modules that are semi-autonomous. We also posit that our network science approach to jurisprudential issues can be adapted to quantify many other important aspects of legal systems.
This article is part of the theme issue 'A complexity science approach to law and governance'.
Coalitions in international litigation: a network perspective
Authors: Mastrandrea R. , Antuofermo G. , Ovadek M. , Yeung T. Y.-C. , Dyevre A. , Caldarelli G. 
Published: February 2024

We apply network science principles to analyse the coalitions formed by European Union nations and institutions during litigation proceedings at the European Court of Justice. By constructing Friends and Foes networks, we explore their characteristics and dynamics through the application of cluster detection, motif analysis and duplex analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the Friends and Foes networks exhibit disassortative behaviour, highlighting the inclination of nodes to connect with dissimilar nodes. Furthermore, there is a correlation among centrality measures, indicating that member states and institutions with a larger number of connections play a prominent role in bridging the network. An examination of the modularity of the networks reveals that coalitions tend to align along regional and institutional lines, rather than national government divisions. Additionally, an analysis of triadic binary motifs uncovers a greater level of reciprocity within the Foes network compared to the Friends network.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘A complexity science approach to law and governance’.
Words or code first? Is the legacy document or a code statement the better starting point for complexity-reducing legal automation?
Authors: Goodenough Oliver R. , Carlson Preston J. 
Published: February 2024

Law is a critical tool that humans have created to assist them in managing complex social interactions. Computational Law holds the potential to significantly enhance our capacity to express and manage legal complexity, and a number of advantages can result from restating public and private legal rules in computable form. Capturing that potential depends in part on the approaches taken to automation. One set of choices involves whether to translate directly into code from existing natural language statements of laws, regulations and contracts or whether to step back, envision the basic structure underlying those statements and build a software approach that reflects that structure in a code-native manner. We argue that many advantages can flow from the second approach, and we present a specific use case of a simplified insurance policy as an example of this approach. Large language models may assist in this process, but are not yet a replacement for a code-native utility.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘A complexity science approach to law and governance’.
σ
exchange in the one-boson exchange model involving the ground state octet baryons
Authors: Wu Bing , Cao Xiong-Hui , Dong Xiang-Kun , Guo Feng-Kun 
Published: February 2024

Based on the one-boson-exchange framework that the σ meson serves as an effective parametrization for the correlated scalar-isoscalar ππ interaction, we calculate the coupling constants of the σ to the 12+ ground state light baryon octet B by matching the amplitude of BB¯→ππ→B¯B to that of BB¯→σ→B¯B. The former is calculated using a dispersion relation, supplemented with chiral perturbation theory results for the BBππ couplings and the Muskhelishvili-Omnès representation for the ππ rescattering. Explicitly, the coupling constants are obtained as gNNσ=8.7−1.9+1.7, gΣΣσ=3.5−1.3+1.8, gΞΞσ=2.5−1.4+1.5, and gΛΛσ=6.8−1.7+1.5. These coupling constants can be used in the one-boson-exchange model calculations of the interaction of light baryons with other hadrons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Essay: Exploring the Physics of Basic Medical Research
Authors: Sandoghdar Vahid 
Published: February 2024

The 20th century witnessed the emergence of many paradigm-shifting technologies from the physics community, which have revolutionized medical diagnostics and patient care. However, fundamental medical research has been mostly guided by methods from areas such as cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics, with fairly small contributions from physicists. In this Essay, I outline some key phenomena in the human body that are based on physical principles and yet govern our health over a vast range of length and time scales. I advocate that research in life sciences can greatly benefit from the methodology, know-how, and mindset of the physics community and that the pursuit of basic research in medicine is compatible with the mission of physics.
.Published by the American Physical Society2024
Multiobjective optimization of process parameters of AZ91D/AgNPs/TiO2 composite fabricated by friction stir processing using response surface methodology and desirability
Authors: Niwas Ram , Kumar Vikas 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to determine the optimum parametric settings for yielding superior mechanical properties, namely, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and percentage elongation (EL) of AZ91D/AgNPs/TiO2 hybrid composite fabricated by friction stir processing.

Design/methodology/approach
An empirical model has been developed to govern crucial influencing parameters, namely, rotation speed (RS), tool transverse speed (TS), number of passes (NPS) and reinforcement fraction (RF) or weight percentage. Box Behnken design (BBD) with four input parameters and three levels of each parameter was used to design the experimental work, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to check the acceptability of the developed model. Desirability function analysis (DFA) for a multiresponse optimization approach is integrated with response surface methodology (RSM). The individual desirability index (IDI) was calculated for each response, and a composite desirability index (CDI) was obtained. The optimal parametric settings were determined based on maximum CDI values. A confirmation test is also performed to compare the actual and predicted values of responses.

Findings
The relationship between input parameters and output responses (UTS, YS, and EL) was investigated using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) enhanced the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength. It was observed that the inclusion of AgNPs led to an increase in ductility, while the increase in the weight fraction of TiO2 resulted in a decrease in ductility.

Practical implications
AZ91D/AgNPs/TiO2 hybrid composite finds enormous applications in biomedical implants, aerospace, sports and aerospace industries, especially where lightweight materials with high strength are critical.

Originality/value
In terms of optimum value through desirability, the experimental trials yield the following results: maximum value of UTS (318.369 MPa), maximum value of YS (200.120 MPa) and EL (7.610) at 1,021 rpm of RS, 70 mm/min of TS, 4 NPS and level 3 of RF.