bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where to Draw the Line in Ex-Situ Split Liver Transplantation for Adult Recipients? – A Benchmarking Analysis
Authors: Muller X , Rossignol G , Mabrut J Y , Mohkam K , Sepulveda A , Lesurtel M , Dondero F , Goumard C , Scatton O , Allard M A , Cherqui D , Pittau G 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
A comprehensive outcome analysis of ex situ right split liver graft transplantation (RSLT) is currently lacking.

Aims
Benchmarking outcomes of RSLT against best achievable results from whole LT offers a novel comparative approach.

Methods
This retrospective study includes all consecutive ex-situ RSLT for adult recipients performed from 2014-2019 at 4 high volume transplant centers (&gt;70 LT/year). Outcomes including overall morbidity expressed by the comprehensive complication index (CCI) and graft related complications were compared to the published benchmark cutoffs for whole graft LT.

Results
We included 129 ex-situ RSLT with 76% H45678 (n=98) and 24% (n=31) H5678 grafts. The median follow-up was 4.8 years. Overall and severe 1-year morbidity expressed by the CCI were within established whole graft LT benchmarks. Biliary complication rates were slightly higher than the benchmark due to the occurrence of cut-surface leaks. The arterial thrombosis rate was outside the benchmark cutoff (7% vs ≤4.4%) leading to a higher retransplantation
rate. However, overall 1-year graft and recipient mortality were well within the benchmark cutoffs, resulting in a 5-year overall recipient survival of 88.5%. Selecting benchmark cases for RSLT defined by low-risk recipient-donor criteria including static cold storage time ≤10h and recipient MELD≤20 points, did not significantly reduce overall morbidity nor arterial complication rate. In contrast, the type of split graft (H45678 vs.H5678) did impact on both arterial and biliary complications.

Conclusions
This large multicenter series of ex-situ right split grafts disclosed an overall 1-year morbi-mortality comparable to the best achievable results in whole graft LT. The results show that the main morbidity burden in adult RSLT is related to technical criteria rather than graft-recipient matching.
10-Year Nationwide Experience in Management with Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms – Hospital Incidence, Treatment and Outcome of 885 Patients Treated in Switzerland
Authors: Stoklasa K , Meuli L , Reutersberg B , Menges A L , Zimmermann A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair remains a challenging disease pattern. The evolution of fenestrated and branched endografts (f/bEVAR) has provided a less invasive method of treating these aneurysms compared to open TAAA repair (OR).

Aims
To analyse hospital incidence and in-hospital mortality of patients treated for TAAA in Switzerland.

Methods
Secondary data analysis of case-related hospital discharge data of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office for the years 2009-2018. Standardised annual incidences rates were calculated using the European standard population 2013. In-hospital all-cause mortality rates were calculated as raw values and standardised for age, sex, and the van Walraven comorbidity score.

Results
A total of 885 cases were included in this study (16.8% ruptured (rTAAA), 83.2% non-ruptured (nrTAAA)), of which 69.3% were male. Overall hospital incidence rates for nrTAAA were 0.42 in 100,000 women and 0.9 in 100,000 men in 2009 and doubled for both sexes in 2018. For rTAAA, the hospital incidence rate ranged from 0.00 to 0.12 in 100 000 women and 0.02 to 0.18 in 100,000 men, with no trend over the years. 39.5% of patients with TAAA were treated with OR, 44.2% were treated with f/bEVAR, and 9.8% with hybrid repair with no difference in outcome for nrTAAA. All-cause mortality was 55% in rTAAA and 7.1% in nrTAAA. Mortality was lower in rTAAA, when f/bEVAR or hybrid procedures were used. An increased age, a ruptured aneurysm and higher comorbidity strongly correlated with increased in hospital mortality.

Conclusions
Hospital incidence for nrTAAA doubled over the 10-year time period in Switzerland. 44.2% of all TAAA were treated with f/bEVAR with an increasing frequency over the years. However, mortality remained largely unchanged for both, rTAAA and nrTAAA. Increased age, a ruptured aneurysm and higher comorbidity are associated with worse outcome.
Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Post-Dissection Thoraco-Abdominal Aneurysms Using Inner Branch Device (Ibevar): A Preliminary Single Center Experience
Authors: Ettorre L , Ricciardi P , Roesti A , Ammollo R , Brusa J , Longchamp J , Côté E , Deslarzes-Dubuis C , Trunfio R , Déglise S 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Although open surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of post-dissection thoraco-abdominal aneurysms (TAAAs), the endovascular approach using fenestrated or branched endografts has emerged as a valid alternative for patients considered at high risk for surgery. The use of inner branch devices (iBEVAR) combining benefits of fenestrations and outer branches could offer an ideal configuration in this context.

Aims
Our aim was to report our preliminary monocentric experience with iBEVAR in the treatment of post-dissection TAAAs.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of prospective data retrieved from 1 center between Mars 2020 and January 2023 was done. Endpoints were immediate technical success, postoperative morbidity, rate of endoleaks, re-intervention and mortality.

Results
During this period, 18 patients (mean age 66,5 years, range 41-80) were identified. All were asymptomatic and operated in a 2-steps procedure with a TEVAR first. There were 5 off-the-shelf E-nside (28%) and 13 custom-made Extra-Design grafts (72%). Despite successful endograft deployment in all patients and branch catheterization in 68/70 cases (97%), the technical success was 94% due to an open conversion for ilio-mesenteric bypass. The 30-days mortality was 0%.
During the post-operative period, 17% of patients (3/18) presented complications with 1 case of mesenteric ischaemia requiring a visceral resection and 2 cases of paralytic ileus, treated conservatively. No spinal cord ischemia was observed. During the median follow-up of 16 months (range 1-36), 4 patients (22%) had a re-intervention: one case of type-Ic endoleak treated with an additional renal stent and 3 cases of type-III endoleaks in the celiac trunk requiring a relining. The overall target vessel patency was 100%. In all cases, the sac diameter remained stable.

Conclusions
The use of iBEVAR appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of post-dissection TAAAs with an acceptable rate of complications. Further patients and longer follow-up are needed.
Unexpected sound omissions are signaled in human posterior superior temporal gyrus: an intracranial study
Authors: Cho Hohyun , Fonken Yvonne M , Adamek Markus , Jimenez Richard , Lin Jack J , Schalk Gerwin , Knight Robert T , Brunner Peter 
Published: June 2023

AbstractContext modulates sensory neural activations enhancing perceptual and behavioral performance and reducing prediction errors. However, the mechanism of when and where these high-level expectations act on sensory processing is unclear. Here, we isolate the effect of expectation absent of any auditory evoked activity by assessing the response to omitted expected sounds. Electrocorticographic signals were recorded directly from subdural electrode grids placed over the superior temporal gyrus (STG). Subjects listened to a predictable sequence of syllables, with some infrequently omitted. We found high-frequency band activity (HFA, 70–170 Hz) in response to omissions, which overlapped with a posterior subset of auditory-active electrodes in STG. Heard syllables could be distinguishable reliably from STG, but not the identity of the omitted stimulus. Both omission- and target-detection responses were also observed in the prefrontal cortex. We propose that the posterior STG is central for implementing predictions in the auditory environment. HFA omission responses in this region appear to index mismatch-signaling or salience detection processes.
Spatiotemporal topological correspondence between blood oxygenation and glucose metabolism revealed by simultaneous fPET-fMRI in brain’s white matter
Authors: Li Jiao , Wu Guo-Rong , Shi Mengyuan , Xia Jie , Meng Yao , Yang Siqi , Chen Huafu , Liao Wei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
White matter (WM) makes up half of the human brain. Compelling functional MRI evidence indicates that white matter exhibits neural activation and synchronization via a hemodynamic window. However, the neurometabolic underpinnings of white matter temporal synchronization and spatial topology remain unknown. By leveraging concurrent [18F]FDG-fPET and blood-oxygenation-level-dependent-fMRI, we demonstrated the temporal and spatial correspondences between blood oxygenation and glucose metabolism in the human brain white matter. In the temporal scale, we found that blood-oxygenation-level-dependent signals shared mutual information with FDG signals in the default-mode, visual, and sensorimotor-auditory networks. For spatial distribution, the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent functional networks in white matter were accompanied by substantial correspondence of FDG functional connectivity at different topological scales, including degree centrality and global gradients. Furthermore, the content of blood-oxygenation-level-dependent fluctuations in the white matter default-mode network was aligned and liberal with the FDG graph, suggesting the freedom of default-mode network neuro-dynamics, but the constraint by metabolic dynamics. Moreover, the dissociation of the functional gradient between blood-oxygenation-level-dependent and FDG connectivity specific to the white matter default-mode network revealed functional heterogeneities. Together, the results showed that brain energy metabolism was closely coupled with blood oxygenation in white matter. Comprehensive and complementary information from fMRI and fPET might therefore help decode brain white matter functions.
Experience dependent plasticity of higher visual cortical areas in the mouse
Authors: Craddock Rosie , Vasalauskaite Asta , Ranson Adam , Sengpiel Frank 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Experience dependent plasticity in the visual cortex is a key paradigm for the study of mechanisms underpinning learning and memory. Despite this, studies involving manipulating visual experience have largely been limited to the primary visual cortex, V1, across various species. Here we investigated the effects of monocular deprivation (MD) on the ocular dominance (OD) and orientation selectivity of neurons in four visual cortical areas in the mouse: the binocular zone of V1 (V1b), the putative “ventral stream” area LM and the putative “dorsal stream” areas AL and PM. We employed two-photon calcium imaging to record neuronal responses in young adult mice before MD, immediately after MD, and following binocular recovery. OD shifts following MD were greatest in LM and smallest in AL and PM; in LM and AL, these shifts were mediated primarily through a reduction of deprived-eye responses, in V1b and LM through an increase in response through the non-deprived eye. The OD index recovered to pre-MD levels within 2 weeks in V1 only. MD caused a reduction in orientation selectivity of deprived-eye responses in V1b and LM only. Our results suggest that changes in OD in higher visual areas are not uniformly inherited from V1.
“Floppy brain” in congenital hydrocephalus
Authors: Duy Phan Q , Kahle Kristopher T 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Hydrocephalus is classically considered to be a disorder of altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, leading to the dilation of cerebral ventricles. Here, we report a clinical case of a patient who presented with fetal-onset hydrocephalus with diffusely reduced cortical and white matter volumes resulting from a genetic mutation in L1CAM, a well-known hydrocephalus disease gene involved in neuronal cell adhesion and axon development. After CSF was drained from the ventricle intraoperatively, the patient’s cortical mantle collapsed and exhibited a “floppy” appearance on neuroimaging, suggesting an inability of the hydrocephalic brain to maintain its structural integrity. The case provides clinical support for altered brain biomechanical properties in human hydrocephalus and adds to the emerging hypothesis that altered brain development with secondary impact on brain structural stability may contribute to ventricular enlargement in some subsets of hydrocephalus.
Metrologically Traceable Quantification of 3 Apolipoprotein E Isoforms in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Huynh Huu-Hien , Kuch Kellie , Orquillas Allen , Forrest Katrina , Barahona-Carrillo Lili , Keene Dirk , Henderson Victor W , Wagner Anthony D , Poston Kathleen L , Montine Thomas J , Lin Amy , Tian Lu , MacCoss Michael J , Emrick Michelle A , Hoofnagle Andrew N 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
APOE genotype is associated with Alzheimer disease. Thus, the concentration of apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoforms in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could be altered in dementia. However, conflicting results have been obtained in different studies. Carefully validated and standardized assays could improve the interpretation of research findings, allow their replication in other laboratories, and generalize their application.

Methods
To evaluate this hypothesis, we aimed to develop, validate, and standardize a new measurement procedure using LC-MS/MS. Purified recombinant apoE protein standards (E2, E3, E4) were thoroughly characterized and used to assign the concentration of a matrix-matched calibration material that contained each apoE isoform, which ensured the metrological traceability of results.

Results
The assay of each isoform in human CSF was precise (≤11%CV) and of moderate throughput (approximately 80 samples per day). It demonstrated good linearity and parallelism for lumbar CSF, ventricular CSF, and bovine CSF. The use of an SI-traceable matrix-matched calibrator enabled precise and accurate measurements. There was no association observed between total apoE concentration and the number of Ɛ4 alleles in a cohort of 322 participants. However, the concentration of each isoform was significantly different in heterozygotes, with E4 &gt; E3 &gt; E2. Isoform concentrations were associated with cognitive and motor symptoms but contributed negligibly to a predictive model of cognitive impairment that included established CSF biomarkers.

Conclusions
Our method simultaneously measures each apoE isoform in human CSF with excellent precision and accuracy. A secondary matrix-matched material has been developed and is available to other laboratories to improve interlaboratory agreement.
Bandwidth-Efficient Zero-Knowledge Proofs For Threshold ECDSA
Authors: Cui Handong , Chan Kwan Yin , Yuen Tsz Hon , Kang Xin , Chu Cheng-Kang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In most threshold Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) signatures using additively homomorphic encryption, the zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs related to the ciphertext or the message space are the bottleneck in terms of bandwidth as well as computation time. In this paper, we propose a compact ZK proof for relations related to the Castagnos–Laguillaumie (CL) encryption, which is 33% shorter and 29% faster than the existing work in PKC 2021. We also give new ZK proofs for relations related to homomorphic operations over the CL ciphertext. These new ZK proofs are useful to construct a bandwidth-efficient universal composable-secure threshold ECDSA without compromising the proactive security and the non-interactivity. In particular, we lowered the communication and computation cost of the key refresh algorithm in the Paillier-based counterpart from $O(n^3)$ to $O(n^2)$. Considering a 5-signer setting, the bandwidth is better than the Paillier-based counterpart for up to 99, 95 and 35% for key generation, key refreshment and pre-signing, respectively.
Ivabradine for inappropriate sinus tachycardia-induced symptomatic Mobitz type I atrio-ventricular block: a case summary
Authors: Korolewicz James , Meenakshisundaram Ramachandran , Lim Phang Boon 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is characterized by a continuum of symptoms, and the aetiology of IST is imprecise. IST-induced autonomic dysfunction is well known, but IST-induced atrio-ventricular block is not reported to our knowledge.

Case summary
A 67-year-old female presented with a 4-day history of random intermittent difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, palpitations, and dizziness, with a recorded heart rate of 30 beats per minute (BPM) on home monitoring equipment. The initial electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated sinus rhythm with intermittent Mobitz type I second degree atrio-ventricular (AV) block, with continuous cardiac monitoring demonstrating frequent episodes of Wenckebach phenomenon throughout the day, with a sinus rate of 100–120 BPM. Echocardiogram showed no significant structural abnormalities. The patient was on bisoprolol, and hence, it was suspected Wenckebach may be due to that and so stopped. However, there was no tangible effect on rhythm 48 hours after stopping bisoprolol, leading to a suspicion of IST-induced Mobitz type I second degree AV block; and so decided to introduce ivabradine 2.5 mg twice daily. After 24 hours of Ivabradine, the patient remained in sinus rhythm with no documented episodes of Wenckebach phenomenon on cardiac monitor, a finding subsequently confirmed by 24-hour Holter monitoring. During a recent follow-up visit in clinic, the patient remained symptom-free, with an ECG demonstrating sinus rhythm at a physiological rate.

Discussion
Mobitz type I second degree AV block is usually due to reversible conduction block at the level of the AV node whereby malfunctioning AV nodal cells tend to progressively fatigue until they fail to conduct an impulse. Under conditions of increased vagal tone and autonomic dysfunction, Wenckebach occurrence will be increased. Thus, selective impulse conduction within the sinoatrial (SA) node by ivabradine to reduce beat conduction to the AV node in patients with IST/dysautonomia-induced Mobitz type I AV will reduce the occurrence of Wenckebach.
Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia in pregnancy: ‘I have ice for you’
Authors: Abou Rachid , Louwe Leoni A , Jukema J Wouter , Kortekaas Kirsten A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy is a known trigger of novel and pre-existing supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. We present a case of a stable pregnant patient presenting with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) and application of the ‘facial ice immersion technique’.

Case summary
A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented with recurrent AVNRT. Due to unsuccessful attempts of conventional vagal manoeuvres (VMs) and refusal of pharmacological agents, we successfully performed a non-conventional VM with the ‘facial ice immersion technique’. This technique was applied successfully at repeated clinical presentation.

Discussion
The role of non-pharmacological interventions remains pivotal and may lead to desired therapeutical effects without the use of any costly pharmacological agents with possible adverse events. However, non-conventional VMs such as the ‘facial ice immersion technique’ are less commonly known but appear to be easy and a safe option for both mother and foetus in the management of AVNRT during pregnancy. Clinical awareness and understanding of treatment options are imperative in contemporary patient care.
Small Powers, International Organizations and the Role of Law: Jorge Castañeda’s Views from Mexico
Authors: Quintana Francisco-José 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This article examines the work of Mexican diplomat and jurist Jorge Castañeda as an insight into the trajectory of international legal thought in the semi-periphery on international organizations. It argues that Castañeda adopted a distinct approach to international organizations law that foregrounds power asymmetries. The article considers three interventions made by Castañeda that express this semi-peripheral approach and have lasting relevance. First, it shows how, by focusing on the interests of small powers, Castañeda’s work in the 1950s departed from functionalist optimism and stressed the tension between rule by international organizations and domestic rule, emphasizing the centrality of the reserved domain and drawing lessons for strategic legal engagement for small powers. Second, this article studies how Castañeda’s concern for the cause of small powers shaped his views on regionalism, grounding his critique of Pan-Americanism and his vindication of the United Nations (UN) to attenuate the perils of regionalism. Third, this article retrieves Castañeda’s defence of the UN General Assembly as a platform for international law-making, contextualizes it within the rise of decolonization and explores the implications for his earlier sceptical views about the expansion of UN powers. The article concludes by highlighting the significance of the thought of semi-peripheral jurists for any efforts aimed at re-theorizing international organizations.
The female-breadwinner well-being ‘penalty’: differences by men’s (un)employment and country
Authors: Kowalewska Helen , Vitali Agnese 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between female breadwinning and life satisfaction in heterosexual couples. We extend previous research by treating the man’s employment status as a variable that helps to explain rather than confounds this relationship, and by comparing multiple countries through regression analyses of European Social Survey data (Rounds 2–9). Results provide evidence of a female-breadwinner well-being ‘penalty’: men and women are less satisfied with their lives under the female-breadwinner arrangement versus the dual-earner and male-breadwinner alternatives. The penalty is marginal when the male partner is part-time employed but sizeable when he is jobless. However, there are gender differences: after controls for composition, gender-role attitudes, and partners’ relative incomes, the penalty becomes negligible for women while remaining large for men. Analyses suggest these gender differences are linked to high male unemployment among female-breadwinner couples: whereas women appear roughly equally adversely affected by a male partner’s unemployment as by their own, men report substantially higher well-being when she is unemployed instead of him. Country comparisons indicate that while this female-breadwinner well-being penalty is largest in more conservative contexts, especially Germany, it is fairly universal across Europe. So, even in countries where women’s employment is more widespread and cultural and institutional support for the male-breadwinner model is weaker, unemployed men with breadwinner wives are not immune from the social stigma and psychological difficulties associated with their gender non-conformity.