bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of body mass index with post‐liver transplant outcomes
Authors: Ruck Jessica M. , Shui Amy M. , Jefferis Alexis A. , Duarte Rojo Andres , Rahimi Robert S. , Ganger Daniel R. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Kappus Matthew , Ladner Daniela P. , Segev Dorry L. , Volk Michael , Tevar Amit , King Elizabeth A. , Lai Jennifer C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPatients with obesity have inferior outcomes after general surgery procedures, but studies evaluating post‐liver transplant (LT) outcomes have been limited by small sample sizes or lack of granularity of outcomes. We evaluated the relationship between obesity and post‐LT outcomes, including those observed in other populations to be obesity‐related.MethodsIncluded were 1357 LT recipients prospectively enrolled in the ambulatory pre‐LT setting at 8 U.S. centers. Recipient were categorized by body mass index (BMI, kg/m2): non‐obese (BMI < 30), class 1 obesity (BMI 30–<35), and classes 2–3 obesity (BMI ≥ 35). Post‐transplant complications were compared by BMI using Chi‐square and rank‐sum testing, logistic regression, Kaplan‐Meier curves, and Cox regression.ResultsClasses 2–3 obesity was associated with higher adjusted odds than non‐obesity of venous thrombosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.06, 95% CI 1.01–4.23, p = .047] and wound dehiscence (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.19–5.06, p = .02). Compared with non‐obese recipients, post‐LT hospital stay was significantly longer for recipients with classes 2–3 obesity [p = .01; median (Q1–Q3) 9 (6–14) vs. 8 (6–12) days) or class 1 obesity [p = .002; 9 (6–14) vs. 8 (6–11) days]. Likelihood of ICU readmission, infection, discharge to a non‐home facility, rejection, 30‐day readmission, and 1‐year readmission were similar across BMI categories (all p > .05).ConclusionCompared to non‐obese recipients, obese recipients had similar post‐LT survival but longer hospital stay and higher likelihood of wound dehiscence and venous thrombosis. These findings underscore that obesity alone should not preclude LT, but recipients with obesity should be monitored for obesity‐related complications such as wound dehiscence and venous thrombosis.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of postoperative stroke in combined heart‐lung transplantation: A retrospective cohort study of the UNOS registry
Authors: Akbar Armaan F. , Shou Benjamin L. , Casillan Alfred J. , Kilic Ahmet , Bush Errol L. , Whitman Glenn , Cho Sung‐Min 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStroke is a well‐characterized complication of isolated heart and lung transplantation, but has not been described in combined heart‐lung transplantation (HLTx). We retrospectively reviewed national U.S. data to describe the incidence, risk factors, and impact of postoperative stroke in HLTx recipients. Of 871 heart‐lung recipients between 1994–2022, 35 (4.0%) experienced stroke, and the incidence increased over time, trending toward significance (p‐trend = .07). After adjustment, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.63, 95%CI = [1.13–6.11]) and pre‐transplant implantable defibrillator (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI = [1.20–6.81]) were independent risk factors for stroke. Postoperative stroke is common and is increasing in an era where organ allocation is driven by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) bridging.
A comparison between patients with various etiologies of cirrhosis and examination of cardiac risk factors limiting survival to liver transplantation
Authors: Delicce Michael J. , Mauch Joseph , Sims Omar T. , Lyu Ruishen , Kren Heather , Bartow Rose , Ferchill Donna , Joseph Abel , Fares Maan , Wakim‐Fleming Jamile 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground & AimsObjectives of this retrospective cohort study were to assess differences in patient survival between etiologies of cirrhosis while on the waitlist for liver transplantation (LT), and to identify cardiac risk factors that predict survival failure while on the waitlist for LT.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective cohort design included adult patients who were listed for LT at a tertiary academic hospital with a high‐volume liver transplant center.ResultsOf the 653 patients listed for LT during the study period, 507 (77.6%) survived to transplant and 146 (22.4%) died or clinically deteriorated prior to transplant. Cumulative incidence of death or clinical deterioration did not differ statistically between patient groups (log rank p = .11). In multivariate analysis, compared to patients with NAFLD, there were no significant differences between patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (HR .95, 95%, CI, .62–1.45), cryptogenic cirrhosis (HR 1.31, 95%, CI, .77–2.23), or hepatitis C cirrhosis (HR 1.12, 95%, CI, .66–1.90). However, higher MELD scores (HR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.12–1.19), severe coronary artery disease (HR = 2.09 95% CI, 1.23–3.55), and tricuspid regurgitation (HR = 2.62, 95% CI, 1.31–5.26) were independently associated with increased risk for survival failure to LT.ConclusionsThe presence of severe coronary artery disease and tricuspid regurgitation at the time of listing for transplant are associated with survival failure while on the LT waitlist across etiologies of liver disease. Diagnostic assessment of coronary and valvular disease should be considered in all patients undergoing evaluation for LT, such as cardiac catheterization and/or stress echocardiogram.
Severe hepatic encephalopathy with mechanical ventilation may inform waitlist priority in acute liver failure: A UNOS database analysis
Authors: Ma Jiayi , Slaven James E. , Nephew Lauren , Patidar Kavish R. , Desai Archita P. , Orman Eric , Kubal Chandrashekhar , Chalasani Naga , Ghabril Marwan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with acute liver failure (ALF) awaiting liver transplantation (LT) may develop multiorgan failure, but organ failure does not impact waitlist prioritization. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of organ failure on waitlist mortality risk and post LT outcomes in patients with ALF.MethodsWe studied adults waitlisted for ALF in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database (2002–2019). Organ failures were defined using a previously described Chronic Liver Failure modified sequential organ failure score assessment adapted to UNOS data. Regression analyses of the primary endpoints, 30‐day waitlist mortality (Competing risk), and post‐LT mortality (Cox‐proportional hazards), were performed. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine the organ failures most closely associated with 30‐day waitlist mortality.ResultsAbout 3212 adults with ALF were waitlisted, for hepatotoxicity (41%), viral (12%) and unspecified (36%) etiologies. The median number of organ failures was three (interquartile range 1–3). Having ≥3 organ failures (vs. ≤2) was associated with a sub hazard ratio (HR) of 2.7 (95%CI 2.2–3.4)) and a HR of 1.5 (95%CI 1.1–2.5)) for waitlist and post‐LT mortality, respectively. LCA identified neurologic and respiratory failure as most impactful on 30‐day waitlist mortality. The odds ratios for both organ failures (vs. neither) were higher for mortality 4.5 (95% CI 3.4–5.9) and lower for delisting for spontaneous survival .5 (95%CI .4–.7) and LT .6 (95%CI .5–.7).ConclusionCumulative organ failure, especially neurologic and respiratory failure, significantly impacts waitlist and post‐LT mortality in patients with ALF and may inform risk‐prioritized allocation of organs.
Climate change threatens the future viability of translocated populations
Authors: Bellis Joe M. , Maschinski Joyce , Bonnin Noémie , Bielby Jon , Dalrymple Sarah E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThe dynamic nature of climate change diminishes the effectiveness of static approaches to nature conservation. Areas that were once suitable for species may no longer be suitable, and areas that are suitable now, may be unsuitable in the future. Despite increasing global awareness of the threats posed by climate change, it remains poorly accounted for in conservation programmes, such as translocation. In this study, we project changes in climate suitability for populations of ectothermic species that have been successfully established through translocation efforts.LocationBiogeographical realms: Australasia, Holarctic, Palearctic and Nearctic.MethodsWe use species distribution models (SDMs) to project changes in macroclimatic suitability across 65 translocation recipient sites involving 38 ectothermic species. We consider optimistic (SSP126) and pessimistic (SSP370) scenarios of climate change for five general circulation models spanning three time horizons from 2021–2040 up to 2061–2080.ResultsOur models predict that at least 74% of recipient sites are projected to decline in climate suitability, regardless of the SSP scenario or time horizon. While recipient site suitability, scaled from 0 to 1 (low–high), was typically very high (>0.75, 39% of sites) under baseline climate conditions (1960–2010), models project a marked shift towards low suitability climates (<0.25, 40% of sites) by the middle of the century (2041–2060) onwards under the more pessimistic scenario. Relative to species' ranges, recipient sites located closer to the equator are projected to experience the most significant declines in suitability.Main ConclusionsOur results call for greater consideration of spatiotemporal factors during the recipient site selection process, so that translocated populations are more strategically placed for long‐term persistence under climate change.
Human blood metabolites and risk of sepsis: A Mendelian randomization investigation
Authors: Shang Weifeng , Qian Hang , Zhang Sheng , Yuan Mingyang , Pan Xiaojun , Huang Sisi , Liu Jiao , Chen Dechang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundEvidence supports the observational correlations between human blood metabolites and sepsis. However, whether these associations represent a causal relationship is unknown. In this study, we applied two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causality between genetically proxied 486 blood metabolites and sepsis risk.MethodsWe used summary data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) on 486 metabolites involving 7824 individuals as exposure and a sepsis GWAS including 11,643 cases and 474,841 controls as the outcome. The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) was the primary method to estimate the causal relationship between exposure and outcome, with MR‐Egger and weighted median serving as supplements. Sensitivity analyses were implemented with Cochrane's Q test, MR‐Egger intercept, MR‐PRESSO and leave‐one‐out analysis. In addition, we performed replication MR, meta‐analysis, Steiger test, linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression and multivariable MR (MVMR) to thoroughly verify the causation.ResultsWe identified that genetically determined high levels of 1‐oleoylglycerophosphoethanolamine (odds ratio (OR) = .52, 95% confidence interval (CI): .31–.87, p = .0122), alpha‐glutamyltyrosine (OR = .75, 95% CI: .60–.93, p = .0102), heptanoate (7:0) (OR = .51, 95% CI: .33–.81, p = .0041) and saccharin (OR = .84, 95% CI: .74–.94, p = .0036) were causally associated with a lower risk of sepsis. MVMR analysis demonstrated the independent causal effect of these metabolites on sepsis.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that four blood metabolites have a protective impact on sepsis, thus providing novel perspectives into the metabolite‐mediated development mechanism of sepsis by combining genomics and metabolomics.
Developmental and environmental plasticity in opsin gene expression in Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: Irazábal‐González Lucia , Wright Daniel S. , Maan Martine E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn many organisms, sensory abilities develop and evolve according to the changing demands of navigating, foraging, and communication across different environments and life stages. Teleost fish inhabit heterogeneous light environments and exhibit a large diversity in visual system properties among species. Cichlids are a classic example of this diversity; visual system variation is generated by different tuning mechanisms that involve both genetic factors and phenotypic plasticity. Here, we document the developmental progression of visual pigment gene expression in Lake Victoria cichlids and test if these patterns are influenced by variation in light conditions. We reared two sister species of Pundamilia to adulthood in two distinct visual conditions that resemble the light environments that they naturally inhabit in Lake Victoria. We also included interspecific first‐generation hybrids. We focused on the four opsins that are expressed in Pundamilia adults (using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR)) (SWS2B, SWS2A, RH2A, and LWS) at 17 time points. We find that opsin expression profiles progress from shorter‐wavelength sensitive opsins to longer‐wavelength sensitive opsins with increasing age, in both species and their hybrids. The developmental trajectories of opsin expression also responded plastically to the visual conditions. Developmental and environmental plasticity in opsin expression may provide an important stepping stone in the evolution of cichlid visual system diversity.
Degree of cure of orthodontic composite attachments underneath aligners
Authors: Lasance Sandrine Janine , Koletsi Despina , Eliades George , Eliades Theodore 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the percentage degree of cure (DC%) of 2‐mm‐thick resin composite attachments used for aligner treatment. Three types of aligner – two thermoformed aligners (Clear Aligner [CLA], polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified; and Invisalign [INV], polyester urethane) and a three‐dimensional‐printed aligner (Graphy TC‐85DAC [GRP], an acrylate‐methacrylate copolymer) – were selected, along with two universal resin composites (3M Filtek Universal [FTU] and Charisma Topaz ONE [CTO]). Samples of each composite were placed under each aligner, and the degree of cure of each composite was evaluated on the top (facing the aligner) and the bottom (facing the substrate) attachment surfaces after curing. Five specimens were used per combination of aligner and composite, and an additional group of composites irradiated without aligners served as the control. The DC% measurements were performed using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. The DC% across the aligners were (median values) 33.8%–44.8% for CLA, 33.6%–40.8% for INV, 32.8%–40.6% for GRP, and 40.0%–51.7% for the control group. The DC% values of the attachments cured under any aligner were significantly lower than that of the corresponding control, with the values recorded on the top surfaces being 6% higher than those on the bottom surfaces after adjusting for aligner group and composite type.
Identifying locally actionable strategies to increase participant acceptability and feasibility to participate in Phase I cancer clinical trials
Authors: Staras Stephanie A. S. , Wollney Easton N. , Emerson Lisa E. , Silver Natalie , Dziegielewski Peter T. , Hansen Marta D. , Sanchez Gabriela , D'Ingeo Dalila , Johnson‐Mallard Versie , Renne Rolf , Fredenburg Kristianna , Gutter Michael , Zamojski Kendra , Vandeweerd Carla , Bylund Carma L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecruitment of cancer clinical trial (CCT) participants, especially participants representing the diversity of the US population, is necessary to create successful medications and a continual challenge. These challenges are amplified in Phase I cancer trials that focus on evaluating the safety of new treatments and are the gateway to treatment development. In preparation for recruitment to a Phase I recurrent head and neck cancer (HNC) trial, we assessed perceived barriers to participation or referral and suggestions for recruitment among people with HNC and community physicians (oncologist, otolaryngologist or surgeon).MethodsBetween December 2020 and February 2022, we conducted a qualitative needs assessment via semistructured interviews with a race and ethnicity‐stratified sample of people with HNC (n = 30: 12 non‐Hispanic White, 9 non‐Hispanic African American, 8 Hispanic and 1 non‐Hispanic Pacific Islander) and community physicians (n = 16) within the University of Florida Health Cancer Center catchment area. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach to describe perspectives and identify relevant themes.ResultsPeople with HNC reported thematic barriers included: concerns about side effects, safety and efficacy; lack of knowledge and systemic and environmental obstacles. Physicians identified thematic barriers of limited physician knowledge; clinic and physician barriers and structural barriers. People with HNC and physicians recommended themes included: improved patient education, dissemination of trial information and interpersonal communication between community physicians and CCT staff.ConclusionsThe themes identified by people with HNC and community physicians are consistent with research efforts and recommendations on how to increase the participation of people from minoritized populations in CCTs. This community needs assessment provides direction on the selection of strategies to increase CCT participation and referral.Patient or Public ContributionThis study focused on people with HNC and community physicians' lived experience and their interpretations of how they would consider a future Phase I clinical trial. In addition to our qualitative data reflecting community voices, a community member reviewed the draft interview guide before data collection and both people with HNC and physicians aided interpretation of the findings.
Thrombin generation assay in platelet‐poor plasma in children with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Özdöl Umur , Özdemir Zeynep Canan , Töret Ersin , Özen Hülya , Bör Özcan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of anemia in childhood and it leads to a hypercoagulable state. We investigated endogenous thrombin production in platelet‐poor plasma before and after oral iron replacement in children with IDA using the thrombin generation assay (TGA).MethodsA total of 72 children diagnosed with IDA (IDA group) and 60 healthy children (control group) were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from the patients before and 1 month after oral iron replacement. TGA parameters [lag time, time to peak, peak height, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP)] were studied.ResultsIn the IDA group, the lag time and time to peak decreased by 8.3% and 10.6%, respectively, and the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak height both increased by 30% compared to those of the control group. Compared to the values before iron replacement, 1 month after iron replacement, the lag time and time to peak increased by 8.7% and 5%, respectively, and the ETP and peak height decreased by 31% and 31.3%, respectively, and became similar to those of the control group.ConclusionChildren with IDA have increased endogenous thrombin production in platelet‐poor plasma and a tendency for hypercoagulability. These changes are reversible, and the ETP values become similar to those of healthy children 1 month after iron replacement.
Multi‐drug resistance pattern and genome‐wide SNP detection in levofloxacin‐resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Okumura Kayo , Kaido Masako , Muratani Tetsuro , Yamasaki Eiki , Akai Yasumasa , Kurazono Hisao , Yamamoto Shingo 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesAntibiotic treatment is extremely stressful for bacteria and has profound effects on their viability. Such administration induces physiological changes in bacterial cells, with considerable impact on their genome structure that induces mutations throughout the entire genome. This study investigated drug resistance profiles and structural changes in the entire genome of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains isolated from six adapted clones that had evolved under laboratory conditions.MethodsEight UPEC strains, including two parental strains and six adapted clones, with different fluoroquinolone resistance levels originally isolated from two patients were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 28 different antibiotics including levofloxacin was determined for each of the eight strains. In addition, the effects of mutations acquired with increased drug resistance in the levofloxacin‐resistant strains on expression of genes implicated to be involved in drug resistance were examined.ResultsOf the eight UPEC strains used to test the MIC of 28 different antibiotics, two highly fluoroquinolone‐resistant strains showed increased MIC in association with many of the antibiotics. As drug resistance increased, some genes acquired mutations, including the transcriptional regulator acrR and DNA‐binding transcriptional repressor marR. Two strain groups with genetically different backgrounds (GUC9 and GFCS1) commonly acquired mutations in acrR and marR. Notably, acquired mutations related to efflux pump upregulation also contributed to increases in MIC for various antibiotics other than fluoroquinolone.ConclusionsThe present results obtained using strains with artificially acquired drug resistance clarify the underlying mechanism of resistance to fluoroquinolones and other types of antibiotics.
Performance‐related pay and the UK gender pay gap
Authors: Jones Melanie , Kaya Ezgi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractApplying decomposition methods to data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, we highlight the importance of performance‐related pay to the contemporary UK gender pay gap. We find that the lower probability of females being employed in performance‐related pay jobs explains a sizeable proportion of the gender pay gap, particularly at the top end of the annual earnings distribution. The latter is driven by its influence within the private sector.
Towards self‐organizing logistics in transportation: a literature review and typology
Authors: Gerrits Berry , van Heeswijk Wouter , Mes Martijn 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDeploying self‐organizing systems is a way to cope with the logistics sector's complex, dynamic, and stochastic nature. In such systems, automated decision‐making and decentralized or distributed control structures are combined. Such control structures reduce the complexity of decision‐making, require less computational effort, and are therefore faster, reducing the risk that changes during decision‐making render the solution invalid. These benefits of self‐organizing systems are of interest to many practitioners involved in solving real‐world problems in the logistics sector. This study, therefore, identifies and classifies research related to self‐organizing logistics (SOL) with a focus on transportation. SOL is an interdisciplinary study across many domains and relates to other concepts, such as agent‐based systems, autonomous control, and decentral systems. Yet, few papers directly identify this as self‐organization. Hence, we add to the existing literature by conducting a systematic literature review that provides insight into the field of SOL. The main contribution of this paper is two‐fold: (i) based on the findings from the literature review, we identify and synthesize 15 characteristics of SOL in a typology, and (ii) we present a two‐dimensional SOL framework alongside the axes of autonomy and cooperativity to position and contrast the broad range of literature, thereby creating order in the field of SOL and revealing promising research directions.