bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of therapeutic plasma exchange to remove lipoprotein X in a patient with vanishing bile duct syndrome presenting with cholestasis, pseudohyponatremia, and hypercholesterolemia: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Jung Yujung , Nelson Heather A. , Lin David Ming‐Hung 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionLipoprotein X (Lp‐X) is an abnormal lipoprotein found in multiple disease conditions, including liver dysfunction and cholestasis. High Lp‐X concentrations can interfere with some laboratory testing that may result in spurious results. The detection of Lp‐X can be challenging, and there is currently a lack of consensus regarding the management of Lp‐X other than treating the underlying disease.Case PresentationA 42‐year‐old female with Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with dexamethasone, high dose cytarabine and cisplatin and vanishing bile duct syndrome confirmed by liver biopsy presented with cholestasis, pseudohyponatremia (sodium, 113 mmol/L; reference range 136–146 mmL/L; serum osmolality, 303 mOsm/kg), and hypercholesterolemia (> 2800 mg/dL, reference range < 200 mg/dL). Lp‐X was confirmed by lipoprotein electrophoresis (EP). Although she did not manifest any specific signs or symptoms, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was initiated based on laboratory findings of extreme hypercholesterolemia, spuriously abnormal serum sodium, and HDL values, and the potential for short‐ and long‐term sequelae such as hyperviscosity syndrome, xanthoma, and neuropathy. During the hospitalization, she was treated with four 1.0 plasma volume TPE over 6 days using 5% albumin for replacement fluid. After the first TPE, total cholesterol (TC) decreased to 383 mg/dL and sodium was measured at 131 mmol/L. The patient was transitioned into outpatient maintenance TPE to eliminate the potential of Lp‐X reappearance while the underlying disease was treated. Serial follow‐up laboratory testing with lipoprotein EP showed the disappearance of Lp‐X after nine TPEs over a 10‐week period.Literature ReviewThere are seven and four case reports of Lp‐X treated with TPE and lipoprotein apheresis (LA), respectively. While all previous case reports showed a reduction in TC levels, none had monitored the disappearance of Lp‐X after completing a course of therapeutic apheresis.ConclusionClinicians should have a heightened suspicion for the presence of abnormal Lp‐X in patients with cholestasis, hypercholesterolemia, and pseudohyponatremia. Once Lp‐X is confirmed by lipoprotein EP, TPE should be initiated to reduce TC level and remove abnormal Lp‐X. Most LA techniques are not expected to be beneficial since Lp‐X lacks apolipoprotein B. Therefore, we suggest that inpatient course of TPE be performed every other day until serum sodium, TC and HDL levels become normalized. Outpatient maintenance TPE may also be considered to keep Lp‐X levels low while the underlying disease is treated. Serum sodium, TC, and HDL levels should be monitored while on maintenance TPE.
Evaluation of a scoring system for vein suitability in platelet apheresis donors
Authors: Noushad Shahida , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh , Toora Esha , Sahoo Dibyajyoti , Hari Priya K M 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionDonor vein assessment for the selection of good quality veins is crucial for a successful apheresis procedure. This study intends to find out the effectiveness of a vein assessment scoring tool (VST) used and found to be effective in selecting whole blood donors to reduce the difficulty in identifying good quality veins for the plateletpheresis procedure.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective observational study on platelet apheresis donors with the application of a VST consisting of three vein descriptor parameters (vein visibility, vein palpability, and vein size) with 5 Likert‐type responses constituting a score of 0–12 for each arm. Two vein assessors independently evaluated the vein in both arms and marked their responses blinded from each other as well from the principal investigator. The scores were then calculated and analyzed at the end of the study for their association with phlebotomy and procedural outcomes.ResultsA total of 190 donors were recruited. The mean scores for the arms with successful and failed phlebotomy were 9.1 and 9.4 (SD 2.3), respectively. The intra‐class correlation Alpha Cronbach value was 0.834 and 0.837 for total scoring in the left arm and right arm, respectively, between the two assessors. Scores neither showed a correlation with other outcomes like low flow alarms, hematoma formation, number of phlebotomy attempts, and procedure completion.ConclusionThe study showed that the vein score tool did not truly predict the phlebotomy outcome in apheresis donors, though there was a good degree of inter‐assessor reliability.
Theoretical prediction of closed‐shell paramagnetism for scandium and yttrium hydride
Authors: Grazioli Laura , Schleicher Luca T. , Stopkowicz Stella , Gauss Jürgen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFollowing chemical intuition, one would expect that all closed‐shell molecules are diamagnetic. However, it is known that this is not the case for some second‐row hydrides with low‐lying unoccupied orbitals due to an unquenching of the total angular momentum in the presence of an external magnetic field. In this article, the transition‐metal hydrides ScH and YH are investigated, assuming a similar unquenching effect involving low‐lying unoccupied and orbitals formed from the metal orbitals rather than the orbitals. We are comparing results obtained with various quantum‐chemical methods (HF, CCSD, CCSD(T), CCSDT) and basis sets. The obtained positive values for the magnetizabilities clearly indicate paramagnetic behavior. Vibrational effects on the magnetizability tensor are also considered, but these effects are small and do not change the overall conclusion that both ScH and YH are further examples for closed‐shell paramagnetism.
Prognostic value of initial and longitudinal changes in body composition in metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Min Woo , Jeon Sun Kyung , Paik Woo Hyun , Yoon Jeong Hee , Joo Ijin , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Sang Hyub 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia or visceral adipose tissue has been reported to be related to pancreatic cancer prognosis. However, clinical relevance of the comprehensive analysis of body compositions and their longitudinal changes is lacking. This study analysed the association between body composition changes after chemotherapy and survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively included 456 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 61.2 ± 10.0 years; 272 males and 184 females) with metastatic pancreatic cancer who received palliative chemotherapy from May 2011 to December 2019. Using deep learning‐based, fully automated segmentation of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) at the time of diagnosis, cross‐sectional areas of muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue were extracted from a single axial image of the portal venous phase at L3 level. Skeletal muscle index (SMI), visceral adipose tissue index (VATI), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI) and mean skeletal muscle attenuation (MA) were calculated, and their effect on overall survival (OS) was analysed. Longitudinal changes in body composition and prognostic values were also analysed in a subgroup of patients with 2‐ and 6‐month follow‐up CT (n = 349).ResultsA total of 452 deaths occurred during follow‐up in the entire cohort. The survival rate was 49.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44.9–54.2) at 1 year and 3.7% (95% CI, 2.0–6.8) at 5 years. In multivariable analysis, higher MA (≥44.4 HU in males and ≥34.8 HU in females) at initial CT was significantly associated with better OS in both males and females (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.706; 95% CI, 0.538–0.925; P = 0.012 for males, and HR, 0.656; 95% CI, 0.475–0.906; P = 0.010 for females), whereas higher SATI (≥42.8 cm2/m2 in males and ≥65.8 cm2/m2 in females) was significantly associated with better OS in female patients only (adjusted HR, 0.568; 95% CI, 0.388–0.830; P = 0.003). In longitudinal analysis, SMI, VATI and SATI significantly decreased between initial and 2‐month follow‐up CT, whereas mean MA significantly decreased between 2‐ and 6‐month follow‐up CT. In multivariable Cox regression analysis of longitudinal changes, which was stratified by disease control state, SATI change was significantly associated with OS in male patients (adjusted HR, 0.513; 95% CI, 0.354–0.745; P < 0.001), while other body composition parameters were not.ConclusionsIn patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, body composition mostly changed during the first 2 months after starting chemotherapy, and the prognostic factors associated with OS differed between males and females. Initial and longitudinal changes of body composition are associated with OS of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Patellar tendon angle is not elevated in ACL‐injured subjects, suggesting methods to correct should focus on prehabilitation and rehabilitation rather than surgery
Authors: Cance Nicolas , Dan Michael J. , Pineda Tomas , Romandini Iacopo , Demey Guillaume , Dejour David H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the study was to explore if the patellar tendon angles (PTAs) is an intrinsic risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. We hypothesised that the PTAs will be increased in ACL rupture patients compared to matched controls.MethodsWe performed a retrospective radiographic cohort study. A cohort of ACL‐injured patients between 2019 and 2022 was utilised. The control population, from the same time period, was a consecutive series of 100 patients without ligament or meniscal injuries which were prospectively added to our institutional registry. Posterior tibial slope (PTS), static anterior tibial translation (SATT), patellar tendon to tibial plateau angle (PT‐TPA), patellar tendon‐tibial shaft angle (PT‐TSA) were measured.ResultsA total of 100 patients were included in the control cohort and 110 in the ACL cohort. The PT‐TPA was significantly less in the ACL cohort compared to the control cohort, mean and SD of 15.33 (±5.74) versus 13.91 (±5.68), respectively (p = 0.01). PT‐TSA was also less in the ACL cohort, mean and SD of 116.15 (±5.89) versus 114.27 (±4.81), however, this failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.08). The PT‐TPA was not correlated with PTS (p = 0.65) and the PT‐TSA was inversely correlated with PTS; Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.28 (p < 0.01). The PT‐TSA had a greater correlation −0.4 (p < 0.01) with SATT than PTS 0.37 (p < 0.01).ConclusionPTAs are not elevated in ACL‐injured subjects. While anteriorisation of the tibial tubercle is utilised in dogs to decrease the anterior thrust resulting from the anteriorly directed vector of the quadriceps, this treatment in the humans is not warranted and methods to reduce the PTAs should focus on prehabilitation and rehabilitation.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Real‐world experience of maralixibat in Alagille syndrome: Novel findings outside of clinical trials
Authors: Himes Ryan , Rosenthal Philip , Dilwali Natasha , Smith Kathryn , Venick Robert , Gonzalez‐Peralta Regino P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveMaralixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, is the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients aged ≥3 months with Alagille syndrome (ALGS). Approval was based on reductions in pruritus from the pivotal ICONIC trial, information from two additional trials (ITCH and IMAGO), and long‐term extension studies. Although participants in these trials met strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients have received maralixibat under broader circumstances as part of an expanded access program or commercially. The expanded access and postapproval settings inform a real‐world understanding of effectiveness and safety. The objective was to report on the use of maralixibat in the real‐world setting in eight patients who otherwise would not have met entrance criteria for the clinical trials, providing unique insights into its effectiveness in the management of ALGS.MethodsWe reviewed records of patients with ALGS who received maralixibat but would have been excluded from trials due to surgical biliary diversion, reduction of antipruritic/cholestatic concomitant medications, administration of medication through a gastrostomy or nasogastric tube, or use in patients under consideration for transplantation.ResultsMaralixibat appeared to be effective with reductions in pruritus compared to baseline. Consistent with clinical trials, maralixibat was well tolerated without appreciable gastrointestinal complications. Liver enzyme elevations were observed but were interpreted as consistent with normal fluctuations observed in ALGS, with no increases in bilirubin.ConclusionMaralixibat may be effective and well tolerated in patients with ALGS in broader clinical contexts than previously reported.
Liver resection is superior to tumor ablation in patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kakish Hanna , Suraju Mohammed O. , Davis Erik S. , Seth Abhinav , Kwon Yong K. , Aziz Hassan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe management of T2 multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC) is controversial, and the comparative impact of liver resection (LR) versus tumor ablation (TA) on survival continues to be debated. The aim of our study was to examine short‐ and long‐term survival for LR and TA in a nationally representative cohort. We hypothesized that patients who underwent LR would have improved survival.MethodsWe utilized the National Cancer Database (2004–2015) to identify patients diagnosed with non‐metastatic T2 MHCC. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated to compare 10‐year overall survival (OS) between LR and TA patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis with stratification was also performed based on lymphovascular invasion, resection margin status, and Charlson–Deyo score. Cox proportional hazard models were used in multivariable analyses.ResultsA total of 1225 patients met the inclusion criteria. 991 patients received LR, and 234 received TA. The majority of patients were male, White, and older than ≥60 years old. Clinicodemographic characteristics were generally similar between LR and TA patients. Among patients who underwent LR, 84% had negative margins, and 17% had lymphovascular invasion. Mortality at 30 days was significantly higher among LR patients compared to TA patients (5.4% vs 0.0%, p < 0.001), with those having a Charlson–Deyo score ≥2 facing the highest risk at 7.3%. Nevertheless, 10‐year OS for the LR cohort was 27.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.4%–30.8%) versus 14.7% (95% CI: 9.8%–20.7%, p < 0.001) for TA patients. In stratified analysis, survival benefit was statistically significant only among those with negative resection margin, no lymphovascular invasion, and Charlson–Deyo score ≤1. In multivariable Cox analysis, LR was independently associated with improved survival compared to TA (hazard ratio: 0.80; 95% CI = 0.67–0.95).ConclusionLR poses a higher long‐term survival benefit than TA. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Although our study patients are a highly selected group of multifocal T2 patients, it gives us a good insight into the fact that LR provides better outcomes if a transplant option is unavailable.
Hyperpigmentation in skin of colour: Therapeutical benefits of isobutylamido‐thiazolyl‐resorcinol (Thiamidol®), an effective tyrosinase inhibitor, in phototypes IV–VI
Authors: Schuster Barbara , Sammain Adel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSkin of colour, defined as Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI, is especially susceptible to hyperpigmentation concerns such as melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Treating hyperpigmentation in skin of colour is challenging due to increased risk of PIH, which can be induced by the treatments. Isobutylamido‐Thiazolyl‐Resorcinol (ITR), a tyrosinase inhibitor, has previously been identified as an effective and safe solution for hyperpigmentation, inhibiting melanin production without common side effects. This review evaluates available evidence on ITR's efficacy and safety for the management of hyperpigmentation in skin types IV–VI. Three publications reporting four studies were reviewed. Two randomised controlled trials assessed the efficacy and tolerability of ITR for the management of melasma in patients with skin of colour, whereas one randomised clinical trial and one observational real‐world study explored therapeutic benefits for patients with acne‐related PIH. A total of 234 participants completed the four reviewed studies, of which 232 were skin of colour. In a randomised vehicle‐controlled trial, ITR significantly improved Melasma Area and Severity Index scores and quality of life over 24 weeks of application compared to baseline and vehicle. A comparative clinical trial showed ITR, alone or with hyaluronic acid, effectively reduced melasma. A randomised vehicle‐controlled study in patients with acne‐related PIH showed ITR significantly reduced PIH visibility as compared to baseline and vehicle. An observational real‐world study confirmed effective PIH reduction by ITR in a real‐life setting. All studies showed good tolerability of the examined ITR‐containing formulations. The results collectively support ITR as a safe and effective cosmetic solution in skin of colour. ITR emerges as a reliable hyperpigmentation management option for this patients groups, backed by robust methodologies. Future research should include more patients with Fitzpatrick skin type VI and explore potential benefits of combining ITR and laser treatments in skin of colour to reduce PIH risk.
Is marginalised cultivated land on the Tibetan Plateau suitable for production or ecology? An example from the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Zhou Wei , Ma Rongrong , Wang Juan , Zhang Huizhong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the ecologically fragile alpine area of the Tibetan Plateau, some marginalised cultivated lands have more serious conflicts related to agricultural production and ecological protection than others; thus, it is of practical significance to explore the rational use of marginalised cultivated lands. In this study, Xining City and Haidong City in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau were taken as the study area. Marginalised cultivated land was identified, and the vegetation photosynthesis model was used to evaluate its production function. Ecological function was evaluated in terms of soil retention, landscape connectivity and habitat maintenance. The rational use pathways of marginalised cultivated land were derived through statistical analysis and aggregation model analysis. The results showed that there were 183,489.19 ha of marginalised cultivated land in the study area; the average value of production function of marginalised cultivated land was approximately 70% of that of nonmarginalised cultivated land, and its various ecological functions reached 93.64%–117.98% of that of nonmarginalised cultivated land. In general, the distribution of production functions decreases from northwest to southeast, and the ecological functions are high in the middle and low in the surroundings. A comprehensive analysis of the production and ecological functions of marginalised cultivated land can provide a reference basis for the rational formulation of cultivated land protection policies and ecological protection policies.
Single‐Photon Time‐Stretch Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Ben , Huang Kun , Ma Huijie , Fang Jianan , Zheng Tingting , Chu Yongyuan , Guo Hairun , Liang Yan , Wu E , Yan Ming , Zeng Heping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSensitive mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is highly demanded in various fields ranging from industrial inspection, biomedical diagnosis to astronomical observation. However, the detection sensitivity of conventional MIR spectrometers is severely limited by excessive noises for existing infrared sensors, which hinders widespread use in photon‐scarce scenarios. Here, a broadband MIR single‐photon time‐stretch spectrometer is devised and implemented based on high‐fidelity spectral upconversion and time‐correlated coincidence counting. Specifically, a nanophotonic supercontinuum illumination covering 2.4–4.2 µm is nonlinearly converted to the near‐infrared band, where low‐loss single‐mode fiber and high‐performance silicon detector can be leveraged to facilitate dispersive operation and sensitive detection, respectively. The arrival time for the dispersed upconversion photons is precisely registered with a low‐timing‐jitter photon counter, which enables us to obtain a high spectral resolution about 0.5 cm−1 under a low‐light‐level illumination down to 0.14 photons/nm/pulse. In comparison to previous MIR upconversion spectrometers, the presented time‐stretch architecture favors single‐pixel simplicity and high‐throughput acquisition for the single‐photon spectral measurement. The achieved MIR spectroscopic features of broadband spectral coverage, sub‐wavenumber resolution, single‐photon sensitivity, and room‐temperature operation would stimulate immediate applications in material and life sciences.
Dependence of protective effect of Ti1–xAlxN coatings in 3 wt.% NaCl solution on dissolution mechanism of their phases c‐Ti0.5Al0.5N, c‐AlN, and c‐TiN
Authors: Kameneva Anna , Bublik Natalia , Kameneva Darya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe dissolution mechanism of phases c‐Ti0.5Al0.5N, c‐aluminium nitride (AlN), c‐TiN, and Al2Ti, and elements of the Ti1–xAlxN coatings (for x < 0.6) in 3 wt.% NaCl solution is described based on the results of X‐ray diffraction analysis, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope and previous electrochemical tests. Researchers studied the protective effectiveness of Ti1–xAlxN coatings in 3 wt.% NaCl solution by analyzing the factors: composition, thickness, porosity, total energy of ground state, stresses, structure, and texture. It was first established that the additional c‐TiN phase with Rpmax and Ecormax, and secondary phase Ti0.70–0.82N formed after Al's dissolution in the main phase c‐Ti0.5Al0.5N increases the N content and prevents the Ti dissolution in the Ti1–xAlxN coatings. The phase c‐AlN with icormin reduces the dissolution rate of Al in the c‐Ti0.5Al0.5N phase. The stoichiometric c‐Ti0.5Al0.5N is the most thermodynamically stable phase. The described phase transformations in Ti1–xAlxN coatings during phases dissolution in 3 wt.% NaCl can predict the coating protective effect. A multilayer coating with layers of c‐AlN, c‐TiN, and c‐Ti0.5Al0.5N is recommended for industrial use.
Drug development advances in human genetics‐based targets
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Yu Wenjun , Li Yan , Wang Aiping , Cao Haiqiang , Fu Yuanlei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDrug development is a long and costly process, with a high degree of uncertainty from the identification of a drug target to its market launch. Targeted drugs supported by human genetic evidence are expected to enter phase II/III clinical trials or be approved for marketing more quickly, speeding up the drug development process. Currently, genetic data and technologies such as genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), whole‐exome sequencing (WES), and whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) have identified and validated many potential molecular targets associated with diseases. This review describes the structure, molecular biology, and drug development of human genetics‐based validated beneficial loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutation targets (target mutations that reduce disease incidence) over the past decade. The feasibility of eight beneficial LOF mutation targets (PCSK9, ANGPTL3, ASGR1, HSD17B13, KHK, CIDEB, GPR75, and INHBE) as targets for drug discovery is mainly emphasized, and their research prospects and challenges are discussed. In conclusion, we expect that this review will inspire more researchers to use human genetics and genomics to support the discovery of novel therapeutic drugs and the direction of clinical development, which will contribute to the development of new drug discovery and drug repurposing.