bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy
Authors: Huo Rong-Rui , Pan Li-Xin , Wu Pei-Sheng , Liang Xiu-Mei , You Xue-Mei , Ma Liang , Zhong Jian-Hong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The prognostic significance of the aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma remains uncertain. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between the AST/ALT ratio and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy, and to explore the role of underlying liver diseases as mediators.

Methods
This retrospective study included patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy between January 2014 and January 2018 at two Chinese hospitals. The maximally selected rank statistic and g-computation approach were used to quantify and visualize the association between the AST/ALT ratio and overall survival or recurrence-free survival. The role of mediators (chronic hepatitis B, hepatic steatosis and liver cirrhosis) was analysed.

Results
Among the 1519 patients (mean(s.d.) age at baseline, 50.5(11.3) years), 1309 (86.2%) were male. During a median follow-up of 46.0 months, 514 (33.8%) patients died and 358 (23.6%) patients experienced recurrence. The optimal cut-off value for the AST/ALT ratio was 1.4, and the AST/ALT ratio greater than or equal to 1.4 was independently associated with a 39.0% increased risk of death and a 30.0% increased risk of recurrence (overall survival: hazard ratio (HR), 1.39; 95% c.i. 1.15 to 1.68; recurrence-free survival: HR, 1.30; 95% c.i. 1.12 to 1.52) after adjusting for confounders. Chronic hepatitis B significantly mediated the association of the ratio of AST/ALT with both overall survival and recurrence-free survival (20.3% for overall survival; 20.1% for recurrence-free survival).

Conclusion
The AST/ALT ratio greater than or equal to 1.4 was associated with shorter overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy, and chronic hepatitis B may play a role in their association.
Deep resolution of clinical, cellular and transcriptomic inflammatory markers of psoriasis over 52 weeks of interleukin-17A inhibition by secukinumab
Authors: Tomalin Lewis E , Kolbinger Frank , Suprun Maria , Wharton Keith A , Hartmann Nicole , Peters Thomas , Glueck Anton , Milutinovic Marina , Krueger James G , Suárez-Fariñas Mayte 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Secukinumab, an anti-interleukin (IL)-17A monoclonal antibody, induces histological and molecular resolution of psoriatic plaques by 12 weeks. However, the long-term effects of secukinumab on the molecular resolution of psoriatic inflammation remain unknown.

Objectives
To investigate the molecular resolution of psoriasis following 52 weeks of secukinumab treatment.

Methods
This was a two-part phase II randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled 52-week study of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving secukinumab 300 mg (NCT01537432). Psoriatic lesional and nonlesional skin biopsies were obtained at baseline and at weeks 12 and 52, and the composition of the residual disease genomic profile (RDGP; i.e. ‘molecular scar’) of biopsies from secukinumab responders analysed.

Results
After 52 weeks of treatment, 14 of 24 enrolled patients were considered to be clinical responders [≥ 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75)], 4 of 24 were considered to be nonresponders (&lt; PASI 75) and 6 of 24 patients were lost to follow-up; both the histological and transcriptomic profiles of PASI 75 responders improved from week 12 to week 52. RDGP transcripts of histological responders only partially overlapped between weeks 12 and 52, despite a similar number of transcripts in each RDGP; specifically, four novel transcript subsets showed distinct expression dynamics between weeks 12 and 52 (‘slow-resolving’, ‘recurring’, ‘persistent’ and ‘resolved’), with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory genes (e.g. SOCS1, CD207 and IL37) notably restored at week 52. Shorter disease duration prior to secukinumab treatment coincided with greater transcript improvements at weeks 12 and 52.

Conclusions
Secukinumab improves the histological and molecular phenotype of psoriatic lesional skin up to 52 weeks of treatment; these results suggest possible mechanisms that drive long-term control of psoriasis.
The impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock post-acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Paddock Sophie , Meng James , Johnson Nicholas , Chattopadhyay Rahul , Tsampasian Vasiliki , Vassiliou Vassilios 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Cardiogenic shock remains the leading cause of death in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used in the treatment of infarct-related cardiogenic shock. However, there is limited evidence regarding its beneficial impact on mortality. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies reporting the impact of VA-ECMO on mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Methods and results
A comprehensive search of medical databases (Cochrane Register and PubMed) was conducted. Studies that reported mortality outcomes in patients treated with VA-ECMO for infarct-related cardiogenic shock were included. The database search yielded 1194 results, of which 11 studies were included in the systematic review. Four of these studies, with a total of 586 patients, were randomized controlled trials and were included in the meta-analysis. This demonstrated that there was no significant difference in 30-day all-cause mortality with the use of VA-ECMO compared with standard medical therapy [odds ratio (OR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–1.27]. Meta-analysis of two studies showed that VA-ECMO was associated with a significant reduction in 12-month all-cause mortality (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.11–0.86). Qualitative synthesis of the observational studies showed that age, serum creatinine, serum lactate, and successful revascularization are independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusion
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation does not improve 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction; however, there may be significant reduction in all-cause mortality at 12 months. Further studies are needed to delineate the potential benefit of VA-ECMO in long-term outcomes.

Registration
The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42023461740).
One-year outcomes of total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk using the E-vita Open NEO
Authors: Kim Chong Hoon , Kim Tae-Hoon , Lee Ha , Kim Myeong Su , Heo Woon , Yoo Kyung-Jong , Cho Bum-Koo , Song Suk-Won 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
In this cohort study, we aimed to assess the 1-year clinical outcomes of using the E-vita Open NEO™ hybrid prosthesis for total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk (FET) to repair extensive aortic pathologies.

METHODS
We reviewed individuals who underwent thoracic aortic surgery between April 2021 and March 2023 from the Gangnam Severance Aortic Registry. Exclusion criteria included ascending aortic replacement, 1 or 2 partial arch replacement, descending aortic replacement and total arch replacement without an FET. Finally, all consecutive patients who underwent total arch replacement and FET with E-vita Open NEO for aortic arch pathologies between April 2021 and March 2023 were included in this cohort study. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on their pathology: acute aortic dissection, chronic aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality. The secondary end points during the postoperative period comprised stroke, spinal cord injury and redo sternotomy for bleeding. Additionally, the secondary end points during the follow-up period included the 1-year survival rate, 1-year freedom from all aortic procedures and 1-year freedom from unplanned aortic interventions.

RESULTS
The study included 167 patients in total: 92 patients (55.1%) with acute aortic dissection, 20 patients (12.0%) with chronic aortic dissection and 55 patients (32.9%) with thoracic aortic aneurysm. The in-hospital mortality was 1.8% (n = 3). Strokes occurred in 1.8% (n = 3) of the patients, spinal cord injury in 1.8% (n = 3) and redo sternotomy for bleeding was performed in 3.0% (n = 5). There were no significant differences between the pathological groups. The median follow-up period (quartile 1–quartile 3) was 198 (37–373) days, with 1-year survival rates of 95.9%. At 1 year, the freedom from all aortic procedures and unplanned aortic interventions were 90.3% and 92.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
The 1-year clinical outcomes of total arch replacement with FET using the E-vita Open NEO were favourable. Long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the durability of the FET.
C-reactive protein modifies lipoprotein(a)-related risk for coronary heart disease: the BiomarCaRE project
Authors: Arnold Natalie , Blaum Christopher , Goßling Alina , Brunner Fabian J , Bay Benjamin , Ferrario Marco M , Brambilla Paolo , Cesana Giancarlo , Leoni Valerio , Palmieri Luigi , Donfrancesco Chiara , Padró Teresa , Andersson Jonas , Jousilahti Pekka , Ojeda Francisco , Zeller Tanja , Linneberg Allan , Söderberg Stefan , Iacoviello Licia , Gianfagna Francesco , Sans Susana , Veronesi Giovanni , Thorand Barbara , Peters Annette , Tunstall-Pedoe Hugh , Kee Frank , Salomaa Veikko , Schnabel Renate B , Kuulasmaa Kari , Blankenberg Stefan , Koenig Wolfgang , Waldeyer Christoph 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Recent investigations have suggested an interdependence of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]-related risk for cardiovascular disease with background inflammatory burden. The aim the present analysis was to investigate whether high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) modulates the association between Lp(a) and coronary heart disease (CHD) in the general population.

Methods
Data from 71 678 participants from 8 European prospective population-based cohort studies were used (65 661 without/6017 with established CHD at baseline; median follow-up 9.8/13.8 years, respectively). Fine and Gray competing risk-adjusted models were calculated according to accompanying hsCRP concentration (&lt;2 and ≥2 mg/L).

Results
Among CHD-free individuals, increased Lp(a) levels were associated with incident CHD irrespective of hsCRP concentration: fully adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratios [sHRs (95% confidence interval)] for the highest vs. lowest fifth of Lp(a) distribution were 1.45 (1.23–1.72) and 1.48 (1.23–1.78) for a hsCRP group of &lt;2 and ≥2 mg/L, respectively, with no interaction found between these two biomarkers on CHD risk (Pinteraction = 0.82). In those with established CHD, similar associations were seen only among individuals with hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L [1.34 (1.03–1.76)], whereas among participants with a hsCRP concentration &lt;2 mg/L, there was no clear association between Lp(a) and future CHD events [1.29 (0.98–1.71)] (highest vs. lowest fifth, fully adjusted models; Pinteraction = 0.024).

Conclusions
While among CHD-free individuals Lp(a) was significantly associated with incident CHD regardless of hsCRP, in participants with CHD at baseline, Lp(a) was related to recurrent CHD events only in those with residual inflammatory risk. These findings might guide adequate selection of high-risk patients for forthcoming Lp(a)-targeting compounds.
Air pollutants, genetic susceptibility, and abdominal aortic aneurysm risk: a prospective study
Authors: Ma Yudiyang , Li Dankang , Cui Feipeng , Wang Jianing , Tang Linxi , Yang Yingping , Liu Run , Tian Yaohua 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Air pollutants are important contributors to cardiovascular diseases, but associations between long-term exposure to air pollutants and the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are still unknown.

Methods
This study was conducted using a sample of 449 463 participants from the UK Biobank. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the risk of AAA incidence associated with long-term exposure to air pollutants were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model with time-varying exposure measurements. Additionally, the cumulative incidence of AAA was calculated by using the Fine and Grey sub-distribution hazards regression model. Furthermore, this study investigated the combined effects and interactions between air pollutants exposure and genetic predisposition in relation to the risk of AAA onset.

Results
Long-term exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter &lt;2.5 µm [PM2.5, 1.21 (1.16, 1.27)], particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter &lt;10 µm [PM10, 1.21 (1.16, 1.27)], nitrogen dioxide [NO2, 1.16 (1.11, 1.22)], and nitrogen oxides [NOx, 1.10 (1.05, 1.15)] was found to be associated with an elevated risk of AAA onset. The detrimental effects of air pollutants persisted even in participants with low-level exposure. For the joint associations, participants with both high levels of air pollutants exposure and high genetic risk had a higher risk of developing AAA compared with those with low concentrations of pollutants exposure and low genetic risk. The respective risk estimates for AAA incidence were 3.18 (2.46, 4.12) for PM2.5, 3.09 (2.39, 4.00) for PM10, 2.41 (1.86, 3.13) for NO2, and 2.01 (1.55, 2.61) for NOx.

Conclusions
In this study, long-term air pollutants exposure was associated with an increased risk of AAA incidence.
Ecological character displacement among Nothobranchius annual killifishes in Tanzania
Authors: Alila David O , ten Brink Hanna , Haesler Marcel , Seehausen Ole 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Divergent ecological character displacement (ECD) is the competition-driven divergence in resource use-related phenotypic traits between coexisting species. It is considered one of the primary drivers of ecological diversification and adaptive radiation. We analyzed phenotypic and ecological variation in 2 African annual killifish species of the genus Nothobranchius: N. eggersi and N. melanospilus in sympatry and N. melanospilus in allopatry. Our aim was to test whether allopatric and sympatric populations of N. melanospilus differ morphologically from each other and from N. eggersi and examine whether these differences are consistent with the predictions of ECD. We find that sympatric N. melanospilus differ from allopatric N. melanospilus and differ from N. eggersi more strongly than the latter. Our data satisfy four criteria for demonstrating ECD: Differences in phenotypes between allopatric and sympatric N. melanospilus are greater than expected by chance; the divergence pattern between allopatric and sympatric N. melanospilus results from an evolutionary shift rather than from ecological sorting; morphological differences observed reflect differences in resource use; and, lastly, sites of allopatry and sympatry do not differ in food resource availability or other ecological conditions. Our results suggest that competition is the main driver of the observed divergence between two N. melanospilus populations.
Performance of ASCVD Risk Prediction Models in Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A UK Biobank Study
Authors: Alayo Quazim A , Famutimi Daniel , Ayoub Malek , De Las Fuentes Lisa , Deepak Parakkal 
Published: January 2024

Lay Summary
This study suggests that the current atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk prediction models used in clinical practice performed better in the non–inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort compared with IBD, highlighting the need for a more specific risk prediction model tailored to the IBD population.
Synthesis of UiO-66-NH2@SiO2 with a multistage pore structure for effective adsorption of organic pollutants
Authors: Wang Tingting , Yue Xiaoju , Han Lin , Wang Jinnong , Zhang Yuzhen , Tang Xiaofeng , Wang Shifeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We reported anchoring mesoporous silica onto the microporous metal–organic frameworks (MOF) (UiO-66-NH2) to obtain a hierarchical porous framework (UiO-66-NH2@SiO2). This strategy maintains the high specific surface area (SA) of the MOF and addresses the mass transfer issue frequently encountered in microporous materials, providing more possibilities for subsequent modified structural frameworks. The structural characteristics of UiO-66-NH2@SiO2 were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, surface analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In this work, the specific SA of the composite material was 196.667 m2/g, which decreased due to the occupation of some pores by anchored silica. Adsorption experiments showed that the composite material had a better adsorption effect (Congo red, 393.83 mg/g; bromophenol blue, 446.46 mg/g) than UiO-66-NH2, with electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding being the main driving forces. Therefore, this is a material that has a positive impact on dye adsorption. The strategy proposed in this work has potential applications not only in the construction of new materials but also in the exploration of dye adsorbents.
Convergence with rates for a Riccati-based discretization of SLQ problems with SPDEs
Authors: Prohl Andreas , Wang Yanqing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We consider a new discretization in space (parameter $h&gt;0$) and time (parameter $\tau&gt;0$) of a stochastic optimal control problem, where a quadratic functional is minimized subject to a linear stochastic heat equation with linear noise. Its construction is based on the perturbation of a generalized difference Riccati equation to approximate the related feedback law. We prove a convergence rate of almost ${\mathcal O}(h^{2}+\tau )$ for its solution, and conclude from it a rate of almost ${\mathcal O}(h^{2}+\tau )$ resp. ${\mathcal O}(h^{2}+\tau ^{1/2})$ for computable approximations of the optimal state and control with additive resp. multiplicative noise.
Gamma-convergent LDG method for large bending deformations of bilayer plates
Authors: Bonito Andrea , Nochetto Ricardo H , Yang Shuo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Bilayer plates are slender structures made of two thin layers of different materials. They react to environmental stimuli and undergo large bending deformations with relatively small actuation. The reduced model is a constrained minimization problem for the second fundamental form, with a given spontaneous curvature that encodes material properties, subject to an isometry constraint. We design a local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method, which imposes a relaxed discrete isometry constraint and controls deformation gradients at barycenters of elements. We prove $\varGamma $-convergence of LDG, design a fully practical gradient flow, which gives rise to a linear scheme at every step, and show energy stability and control of the isometry defect. We extend the $\varGamma $-convergence analysis to piecewise quadratic creases. We also illustrate the performance of the LDG method with several insightful simulations of large deformations, one including a curved crease.
A powerful partnership: researchers and patients working together to develop a patient-facing summary of clinical trial outcome data
Authors: Ruzich Emily , Ritchie Jason , Ginchereau Sowell France , Mansur Aliyah , Griffiths Pip , Birkett Hannah , Harman Diane , Spink Jayne , James David , Reaney Matthew 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
Availability of easy-to-understand patient-reported outcome (PRO) trial data may help individuals make more informed healthcare decisions. Easily interpretable, patient-centric PRO data summaries and visualizations are therefore needed. This three-stage study explored graphical format preferences, understanding, and interpretability of clinical trial PRO data presented to people with prostate cancer (PC).

Materials and Methods
A 7-day online survey exploring people with PC’s preferences for different PRO data presentations (stage 1; n = 30) informed development of a draft plain-language resource sheet containing PRO data. After refining for clarity during cognitive debriefing interviews (stage 2; n = 18), the final resource sheet was circulated to people with PC for broader feedback (stage 3; n = 45).

Results
Although participants expressed preferences for certain graphical formats (pie charts and bar charts), preference did not always associate with interpretability and overall message clarity. Iterative development (stages 1 and 2) led to a final resource sheet, which 91.1% of participants in stage 3 considered useful and informative, and 88.9% expressed interest in receiving similar resources in the future.

Discussion
Findings demonstrate PRO data are relevant to people with PC and highlights that targeted resource sheets can support patient–clinician discussions. Appropriate graphical formatting and use of plain-language text is essential for conveying interpretable PRO data. Data visualization preferences are context dependent.

Conclusion
Resource sheets summarizing clinical trial PRO data can be helpful for decision-making in PC. Researchers and patients can work together to develop clear, relevant, sensitive, and understandable resource sheets, which equally consider patient priorities as well as those of scientists.
Aphids increase their rate of survival on emergent aquatic plants through niche construction
Authors: Kodera Taisei , Ohsaki Haruna , Yamawo Akira 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Flooding or rain is a threat to many insects in nature, including herbivorous invertebrates whose hosts are emergent aquatic plants. They may thus have developed particular adaptations to withstand the flooding that is a feature of emergent plants’ environment. The aphid Hyalopterus pruni (Hemiptera: Aphididae) modifies the physical and chemical conditions of its habitat by periodically spreading wax around itself with its hind legs. This behaviour constitutes a form of niche construction. We hypothesized that the aphid decreases its risk of death of own or around other individuals when submerged in water by spreading wax powder secreted from its body onto the leaves of its host plant, Phragmites australis. We compared the hydrophobicity of waxed and normal leaf surfaces. Next, we compared the survival rates of wax-powdering and nonwax-powdering aphids under submerged and rainy conditions in the laboratory and in the field. Finally, we examined whether the aphids’ wax-powdering behaviour increased as a result of experiencing brief submergence or rain. The surface of the waxed area was significantly more water-repellent than the surface of unwaxed leaves. The waxed areas held air bubbles when under water. In experiments, aphids without wax around themselves exhibited lower survival rates: 22.9% in laboratory conditions and 15.7% in field conditions after 48 hr underwater. In contrast, aphids that secreted wax had higher survival rates, with 41.5% and 38.2% under laboratory and field conditions, respectively, after the same duration. Aphids exposed to rainfall showed similar results. Moreover, aphids that had experienced rain or submersion for 24 hr engaged in increased wax-powdering behaviour. These results indicate that aphids reduce their risk of drowning by powdering secreted wax onto the surface of leaves around them. Our findings suggest that niche construction by herbivorous invertebrates supports their ability to utilize host plants that grow under stressful conditions, such as emergent plants that are subject to periodic inundation.