bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional anesthesia for transplantation surgery ‐ A White Paper Part 2: Abdominal transplantation surgery
Authors: Ander Michael , Mugve Neal , Crouch Cara , Kassel Cale , Fukazawa Kyota , Isaak Robert , Deshpande Ranjit , McLendon Charles , Huang Jiapeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTransplantation surgery continues to evolve and improve through advancements in transplant technique and technology. With the increased availability of ultrasound machines as well as the continued development of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols, regional anesthesia has become an essential component of providing analgesia and minimizing opioid use perioperatively. Many centers currently utilize peripheral and neuraxial blocks during transplantation surgery, but these techniques are far from standardized practices. The utilization of these procedures is often dependent on transplantation centers’ historical methods and perioperative cultures. To date, no formal guidelines or recommendations exist which address the use of regional anesthesia in transplantation surgery. In response, the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA) identified experts in both transplantation surgery and regional anesthesia to review available literature concerning these topics. The goal of this task force was to provide an overview of these publications to help guide transplantation anesthesiologists in utilizing regional anesthesia. The literature search encompassed most transplantation surgeries currently performed and the multitude of associated regional anesthetic techniques. Outcomes analyzed included analgesic effectiveness of the blocks, reduction in other analgesic modalities—particularly opioid use, improvement in patient hemodynamics, as well as associated complications. The findings summarized in this systemic review support the use of regional anesthesia for postoperative pain control after transplantation surgeries. Part 1 of the manuscript focused on regional anesthesia performed in thoracic transplantation surgeries, and part 2 in abdominal transplantations. Specifically, regional anesthesia in liver, kidney, pancreas, intestinal, and uterus transplants or applicable surgeries are discussed.
Comparison of postoperative ascites replacement strategies on time to first flatus after living donor liver transplantation: Albumin vs. lactated Ringer's solution
Authors: Oh Seung‐Young , Woo Hye‐Young , Lim Leerang , Im Hyunjae , Lee Hannah , Lee Jeong‐Moo , Hong Suk Kyun , Choi YoungRok , Yi Nam‐Joon , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Ryu Ho Geol 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere is insufficient evidence regarding the optimal regimen for ascites replacement after living donor liver transplantation (LT) and its effectiveness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of replacing postoperative ascites after LT with albumin on time to first flatus during recovery with early ambulation and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsAdult patients who underwent elective living donor LT at Seoul National University Hospital from 2019 to 2021 were randomly assigned to either the albumin group or lactated Ringer's group, based on the ascites replacement regimen. Replacement of postoperative ascites was performed for all patients every 4 h after LT until the patient was transferred to the general ward. Seventy percent of ascites drained during the previous 4 h was replaced over the next 4 h with continuous infusion of fluids with a prescribed regimen according to the assigned group. In the albumin group, 30% of a total of 70% of drained ascites was replaced with 5% albumin solution, and remnant 40% was replaced with lactated Ringer's solution. In the lactated Ringer's group, 70% of drained ascites was replaced with only lactated Ringer's solution. The primary outcome was the time to first flatus from the end of the LT and the secondary outcome was the incidence of AKI for up to postoperative day 7.ResultsAmong the 157 patients who were screened for eligibility, 72 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 63 ± 8.2 years, and 73.0 % (46/63) were male. Time to first flatus was similar between the two groups (66.7 ± 24.1 h vs. 68.5 ± 25.6 h, p = .778). The albumin group showed a higher glomerular filtration rate and lower incidence of AKI until postoperative day 7, compared to the lactated Ringer's group.ConclusionsUsing lactated Ringer's solution alone for replacement of ascites after living donor LT did not reduce the time to first flatus and was associated with an increased risk of AKI. Further research on the optimal ascites replacement regimen and the target serum albumin level which should be corrected after LT is required.
A pragmatic tool to screen for pre‐transplant cognitive impairment among potential candidates for liver transplant
Authors: Teles Mayan S. , Ruck Jessica M. , Jefferis Alexa , Helmy Sherif , Oh Esther S. , Murriel Emily C. , Lai Jennifer C. , King Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionCognitive impairment (CI) among liver transplant (LT) candidates is associated with increased risk of waitlist mortality and inferior outcomes. While formal neurocognitive evaluation is the gold standard for CI diagnosis, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is often used for first‐line cognitive screening. However, MoCA requires specialized training and may be too lengthy for a busy evaluation appointment. An alternate approach may be the Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS), which is patient‐ and informant‐based and can be administered quickly. We compared potential LT candidates identified by MoCA and QDRS as potentially benefiting from further formal cognitive evaluation.MethodsWe identified 46 potential LT candidates enrolled at a single center of a prospective, observational cohort study who were administered MoCA and QDRS during transplant evaluation (12/2021–12/2022). Scores were dichotomized as (1) normal versus abnormal and (2) normal/mild impairment versus more‐than‐mild impairment. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of QDRS compared to MoCA.ResultsBy MoCA, this population had a prevalence of 48% normal cognition, 48% mild, 4% moderate, and 0% severe impairment. This was categorized as 96% normal/mild and 4% more‐than‐mild impairment. When comparing to MoCA cognitive screening, QDRS had a sensitivity of 61%, specificity of 56%, NPV of 56%, and PPV of 61%. When identifying more‐than‐mild impairment, QDRS had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 73%, NPV of 100%, and PPV of 10%.ConclusionThe high sensitivity and NPV of QDRS in identifying more‐than‐mild impairment suggests it could identify potential LT candidates who would benefit from further formal cognitive evaluation. The ability to administer QDRS quickly and remotely makes it a pragmatic option for pre‐transplant screening.
Fractal characteristics of the trabecular pattern of the mandible in patients with renal transplantation
Authors: Altunok Murat , Miloğlu Özkan , Doğan Hasan , Yılmaz Ahmet Berhan , Uyanık Abdullah , Çankaya Erdem 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveIn this study, we examined the mandibular trabecular bone structures by performing fractal dimension (FD) analysis in patients who underwent renal transplantation (RTx).MethodsOur study is an observational study with 69 RTx patients and 35 control group patients. The mean FD values of the patient and control groups were calculated and compared. In addition, biochemical parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and vitamin‐D parameters and FD values of both groups were analyzed.ResultsFD values were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy group (p < .05). In the RTx group compared to the control group, ALP (90.71 ± 34.25–66.54 ± 16.8, respectively) (p < .001) and PTH (75.76 ± 38.01–38.17 ± 12.39, respectively) (p < .001) values were higher. There was a positive correlation between the FD values and ALP (rspearman = .305, p = .011) and a negative correlation between FD values and vitamin‐D (rspearman = .287, p = .017) of patients with RTx.ConclusionFD values were found to be lower in patients who underwent RTx compared to the control group. It should be considered that FD analysis can be a method that can be used to evaluate trabecular bone structure in patients undergoing RTx.
Human tracheal transplantation: A systematic review of case reports
Authors: Verzeletti Vincenzo , Mammana Marco , Zambello Giovanni , Dell'Amore Andrea , Rea Federico 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with long‐segment airway stenosis not amenable to conventional surgery may benefit from tracheal transplantation. However, this procedure has been only anecdotally reported, and its indications, techniques, and outcomes have not been extensively reviewed.MethodsWe conducted a systematic Literature search to identify all original articles reporting attempts at tracheal transplantation in humans.ResultsOf 699 articles found by the initial search, 11 were included in the systematic review, describing 14 cases of tracheal transplantation. Patients underwent transplantation for benign stenosis in nine cases, and for malignancies in five cases. In 12 cases blood supply to the trachea was provided by wrapping the graft in a vascularized recipient's tissue, while in 2 cases the trachea was directly transplanted as a vascularized composite allograft. The transplantation procedure was aborted before orthotopic transplantation in two patients. Among the remaining 12 patients, there was 1 operative mortality, while 4 patients experienced complications. Immunosuppressants drugs were administered to the majority of patients postoperatively, and only one group of authors attempted their withdrawal, in five patients. At the end of follow‐up, all 11 patients surviving the operation were alive, but 2 had a recurrent tracheal stenosis requiring an airway appliance for breathing.ConclusionHuman tracheal transplantation is still at an embryonic phase. Studies available in the Literature report different surgical techniques, and information on long‐term outcomes is still limited. Future research is needed in order to understand the clinical value of this procedure.
A core outcome set for trials evaluating self‐management interventions in people with severe mental illness and coexisting type 2 diabetes
Authors: Carswell Claire , Taylor Jo , Holt Richard I. G. , Brown Jennifer V. E. , Ajjan Ramzi , Böhnke Jan R. , Doran Tim , Kellar Ian , Shiers David , Wright Judy , Siddiqi Najma 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeople with severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and worse outcomes, compared to those without SMI and it is not known whether diabetes self‐management interventions are effective for people who have both conditions. Research in this area has been impeded by a lack of consensus on which outcomes to prioritise in people with co‐existing SMI and diabetes.AimsTo develop a core outcome set (COS) for use in effectiveness trials of diabetes self‐management interventions in adults with both type 2 diabetes and SMI.MethodsThe COS was developed in three stages: (i) identification of outcomes from systematic literature review of intervention studies, followed by multi‐stakeholder and service user workshops; (ii) rating of outcomes in a two‐round online Delphi survey; (iii) agreement of final ‘core’ outcomes through a stakeholder consensus workshop.ResultsSeven outcomes were selected: glucose control, blood pressure, body composition (body weight, BMI, body fat), health‐related quality of life, diabetes self‐management, diabetes‐related distress and medication adherence.ConclusionsThis COS is recommended for future trials of effectiveness of diabetes self‐management interventions for people with SMI and type 2 diabetes. Its use will ensure trials capture important outcomes and reduce heterogeneity so findings can be readily synthesised to inform practice and policy.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor therapy reduces the administration frequency of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agents in patients with diabetic macular oedema with a history of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agent use: A cohort study using the Japanese health insurance claims database
Authors: Ishibashi Ryoichi , Inaba Yosuke , Koshizaka Masaya , Takatsuna Yoko , Tatsumi Tomoaki , Shiko Yuki , Kashiwagi Yusuke , Maezawa Yoshiro , Kawasaki Yohei , Kawakami Eiryo , Yamamoto Shuichi , Yokote Koutaro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimWe assessed the effectiveness of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in reducing the administration frequency of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) using a health insurance claims database.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analysed health insurance claims data covering 11 million Japanese patients between 2005 and 2019. We analysed the frequency and duration of intravitreal injection of anti‐VEGF agents after initiating SGLT2is or other antidiabetic drugs.ResultsAmong 2412 matched patients with DMO, the incidence rates of anti‐VEGF agent injections were 230.1 per 1000 person‐year in SGLT2i users and 228.4 times per 1000 person‐year in non‐users, respectively, and the risk ratio for events was unchanged in both groups. Sub‐analysis of each baseline characteristic of the patients showed that SGLT2is were particularly effective in patients with a history of anti‐VEGF agent use [p = .027, hazard ratio (HR): 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22‐0.91]. SGLT2is reduced the risk for the first (p = .023, HR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22‐0.91) and second (p = .021, HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17‐0.89) anti‐VEGF agent injections.ConclusionsThere was no difference in the risk ratio for the addition of anti‐VEGF therapy between the two treatment groups. However, the use of SGLT2is reduced the frequency of anti‐VEGF agent administration in patients with DMO requiring anti‐VEGF therapy. Therefore, SGLT2i therapy may be a novel, non‐invasive, low‐cost adjunctive therapy for DMO requiring anti‐VEGF therapy.
Association of Lipoprotein(a) with arterial stiffness: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Simistiras Alexandros , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Delialis Dimitrios , Mavraganis Georgios , Oikonomou Ermioni , Maneta Eleni , Loutos Christos , Evangelou Evangelos , Stamatelopoulos Kimon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn this study we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the potential causal association of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels with pulse wave velocity (PWV).MethodsGenetic variants associated with Lp(a) were retrieved from the UK Biobank GWAS (N = 290,497). A non‐ overlapping GWAS based on a European cohort (N = 7,000) was used to obtain genetic associations with PWV (outcome) and utilized two different measures for the same trait, brachial–ankle (baPWV) and carotid–femoral (cfPWV) PWV. We applied a two‐sample MR using the inverse variance weighting method (IVW) and a series of sensitivity analyses for 170 SNPs that were selected as instrumental variables (IVs).ResultsOur analyses do not support a causal association between Lp(a) and PWV for neither measurement [βiwv(baPWV) = −.0005, p = .8 and βiwv(cfPWV) = −.006, p = .16]. The above findings were consistent across sensitivity analyses including weighted median, mode‐based estimation, MR‐Egger regression and MR‐PRESSO.ConclusionWe did not find evidence indicating that Lp(a) is causally associated with PWV, the gold standard marker of arterial stiffness.
In‐depth analysis of data from the RAS‐ALS study reveals new insights in rasagiline treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Schuster Joachim , Dreyhaupt Jens , Mönkemöller Karla , Dupuis Luc , Dieterlé Stéphane , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Kassubek Jan , Petri Susanne , Meyer Thomas , Grosskreutz Julian , Schrank Berthold , Boentert Matthias , Emmer Alexander , Hermann Andreas , Zeller Daniel , Prudlo Johannes , Winkler Andrea S. , Grehl Torsten , Heneka Michael T. , Johannesen Siw , Göricke Bettina , Witzel Simon , Dorst Johannes , Ludolph Albert C. ,   the RAS‐ALS Study Group
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeIn 2016, we concluded a randomized controlled trial testing 1 mg rasagiline per day add‐on to standard therapy in 252 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. This article aims at better characterizing ALS patients who could possibly benefit from rasagiline by reporting new subgroup analysis and genetic data.MethodsWe performed further exploratory in‐depth analyses of the study population and investigated the relevance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the dopaminergic system.ResultsPlacebo‐treated patients with very slow disease progression (loss of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale–Revised [ALSFRS‐R] per month before randomization of ≤0.328 points) showed a per se survival probability after 24 months of 0.85 (95% confidence interval = 0.65–0.94). The large group of intermediate to fast progressing ALS patients showed a prolonged survival in the rasagiline group compared to placebo after 6 and 12 months (p = 0.02, p = 0.04), and a reduced decline of ALSFRS‐R after 18 months (p = 0.049). SNP genotypes in the MAOB gene and DRD2 gene did not show clear associations with rasagiline treatment effects.ConclusionsThese results underline the need to consider individual disease progression at baseline in future ALS studies. Very slow disease progressors compromise the statistical power of studies with treatment durations of 12–18 months using clinical endpoints. Analysis of MAOB and DRD2 SNPs revealed no clear relationship to any outcome parameter. More insights are expected from future studies elucidating whether patients with DRD2CC genotype (Rs2283265) show a pronounced benefit from treatment with rasagiline, pointing to the opportunities precision medicine could open up for ALS patients in the future.
Managing liquidity along the supply chain: Supplier‐base concentration and corporate cash policy
Authors: Di Lulu , Jiang Wei , Mao Ju , Zeng Yeqin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe find that customer firms with more concentrated supplier bases tend to hold higher levels of cash reserves. The positive relation between supplier‐base concentration and cash holdings is more pronounced for firms with nonstate ownership, higher market competition, worse inventory efficiency, more relationship‐specific investment, central positions in the production networks, and headquarters located in regions with lower levels of financial development. Furthermore, we show that debt issuance enhances firms' cash holdings when they have concentrated suppliers, and supplier‐base concentration increases firms' cash spending on R&D investment. Our study highlights the importance of supplier structure in shaping corporate cash policy.
Joint bleeds in mild hemophilia: Prevalence and clinical characteristics
Authors: Chiari John B. , Prozora Stephanie , Feinn Richard , Louizos Evangelia , Gallagher Patrick G. , Bona Robert 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionJoint bleeds are a common and frequent complication associated with hemophilia, increasing the risk of hemophilic arthropathy. It is important to define and characterize the presence of joint complications in mild hemophilia to develop strategies to mitigate disease burden.AimsTo characterize the prevalence, clinical characteristics of joint bleeds, and risk factors that may lead to hemarthrosis in people with mild hemophilia.MethodsFollowing Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with mild hemophilia seen at the Yale Hemophilia Treatment Center or Classical Hematology Program.ResultsThe medical records of 70 patients were reviewed. Eighty one percent were male and 19 percent were female. Twenty individuals with mild hemophilia had a history of joint bleeding, 13 were traumatic bleeds, 7 were spontaneous. The age of first joint bleed ranged from 4 to 58 years old, with an average age of 20.8‐years old. Ten patients developed joint bleeds between the ages of 10 and 20 years old. The most common locations of joint bleeding were the knee (n = 11) and ankle (n = 7). Eight of 70 patients had hepatitis C (HCV), 6 experienced joint bleeding.ConclusionsIn this study, almost one third of patients with mild hemophilia experienced joint bleeding, often without history of trauma. Joint range of motion was abnormal in more than a third of the patients with mild hemophilia regardless. These data highlight the need for ongoing evaluation and characterization of joint health in individuals with mild hemophilia.Highlights
Twenty‐nine percent of individuals with mild hemophilia had history of joint bleed.
PwH and mild diseases with previous or current hepatitis C had higher likelihood of joint bleeding.
Approximately 15% of PwH and mild diseases had abnormal joint examinations without a confirmed history of joint bleeding.
Exploring the link between gut microbiota and alopecia areata: a two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhang Li , Song Xiuzu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhile observational studies have suggested a link between gut microbiota diversity and alopecia areata (AA), the causal relationship remains unclear.MethodsWe leveraged data from the MiBioGen and FinnGen consortiums' Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) encompassing gut microbiota (n = 13,266) and AA (n = 211,428) datasets. A comprehensive Mendelian randomization (MR) and reverse MR approach were employed, utilizing five statistical methods to evaluate causality. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to corroborate the MR results.ResultsInverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis indicated a protective effect against AA from Butyricimonas (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18–0.77, P = 0.01), Enterorhabdus (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16–0.95, P = 0.04), Eubacterium (xylanophilum group) (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.84, P = 0.02), and Phascolarctobacterium (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.91, P = 0.03), while Ruminococcaceae UCG003 posed as a risk factor (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.27–6.14, P = 0.01). Reverse MR showed no significant causal link between AA and gut microbiota, with no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionsOur analysis suggests probable causality between certain gut microbiota and AA, shedding light on its pathogenesis and potential intervention strategies.