bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of early corticosteroid withdrawal on simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplant long‐term outcomes: Single center experience and comparison to the International Pancreas Transplant Registry
Authors: Pierce Dana R. , Gruessner Angelika , Campara Maya , DiCocco Pierpaolo , Spaggiari Mario , Tzvetanov Ivo , Tang Ignatius , Benedetti Enrico , Lichvar Alicia B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere remains a paucity of modern data comparing early steroid withdrawal (ESW) versus chronic corticosteroid (CCS) immunosuppression in simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplant recipients with long‐term follow‐up. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of ESW compared to CCS post‐SPK.MethodsThis was a retrospective single‐center matched comparison with the International Pancreas Transplant Registry (IPTR). Patients from University of Illinois Hospital (UIH) represented the ESW group and were compared to those matched CCS patients from the IPTR. Included patients were adult recipients of a primary SPK transplant between 2003 and 2018 within the US receiving rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin induction. Patients were excluded if they had early technical failures, missing IPTR data, graft thrombosis, re‐transplant, or positive crossmatch SPK.ResultsA total of 156 patients were matched and included in the analysis. Patients were predominantly African American (46.15%) males (64.1%) with Type 1 diabetes etiology (92.31%). Overall pancreas allograft survival (hazard ratio [HR] = .89, 95% confidence interval [CI] .34–2.30, p = .81) and kidney allograft survival (HR = .80, 95%CI .32–2.03, p = .64) were similar between the two groups. Immunologic pancreas allograft loss was statistically similar at 1‐year (ESW 1.3% vs. CCS 0%, p = .16), 5‐year (ESW 1.3% vs. CCS 7.7%, p = .16), and 10‐year (ESW 11.0% vs. CCS 7.7%, p = .99). The 1‐year (ESW 2.6% vs. CCS 0%, p > .05), 5‐year (ESW 8.3% vs. CCS 7.0%, p > .05), and 10‐year (ESW 22.7% vs. CCS 9.9%, p = .2575) immunologic kidney allograft loss were also statistically similar. There was no difference in 10‐year overall patient survival (ESW 76.2% vs. CCS 65.6%, p = .63).ConclusionsNo differences were found between allograft or patient survival post‐SPK when comparing an ESW or CCS protocol. Future assessment is needed to determine differences in metabolic outcomes.
Impella 5.5 as a bridge to heart transplantation: Waitlist outcomes in the United States
Authors: Cevasco Marisa , Shin Max , Cohen William , Helmers Mark R. , Weingarten Noah , Rekhtman David , Wald Joyce W. , Iyengar Amit 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe 2018 United Network for Organ Sharing allocation policy change has led to a significant increase in the use of mechanical circulatory support devices in patients listed for orthotopic heart transplantation. However, there has been a paucity of data regarding the newest generation Impella 5.5, which received FDA approval in 2019.MethodsThe United Network for Organ Sharing registry was queried for all adults awaiting orthotopic heart transplantation who received Impella 5.5 support during their listing period. Waitlist, device, and early post‐transplant outcomes were assessed.ResultsA total of 464 patients received Impella 5.5 support during their listing period with a median waitlist time of 19 days. Among them, 402 (87%) patients were ultimately transplanted, with 378 (81%) being directly bridged to transplant with the device. Waitlist death (7%) and clinical deterioration (5%) were the most common reasons for waitlist removal. Device complications and failure were uncommon (<5%). The most common post‐transplant complication was acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (16%). Survival at 1‐year post‐transplant survival was 89.5%.ConclusionSince its approval, the Impella 5.5 has been increasingly used as a bridge to transplant. This analysis demonstrates robust waitlist and post‐transplant outcomes with minimal device‐related and postoperative complications.
Past forest cover explains current genetic differentiation in the Carpathian newt (Lissotriton montandoni), but not in the smooth newt (L. vulgaris)
Authors: Antunes Bernardo , Dudek Katarzyna , Pabijan Maciej , Zieliński Piotr , Babik Wiesław 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimCurrent genetic variation and differentiation are expected to reflect the effects of past rather than present landscapes due to time lags, that is, the time necessary for genetic diversity to reach equilibrium and reflect demography. Time lags can affect our ability to infer landscape use and model connectivity and also obscure the genetic consequences of recent landscape changes. In this work, we test whether past forest cover better explains contemporary patterns of genetic differentiation in two closely related but ecologically distinct newt species—Lissotriton montandoni and L. vulgaris.LocationCarpathian Mountains and foothills.MethodsGenetic differentiation between populations was related to landscape resistance optimized with tools from landscape genetics, for multiple timeframes, using forest‐cover data from 1963 to 2015. Analyses were conducted for pairs of populations at distances from 1 to 50 km.ResultsWe find evidence for a time lag in L. montandoni, with forest cover from 40 years ago (ca. 10 newt generations) better explaining current genetic differentiation. In L. vulgaris, current genetic differentiation was better predicted by present land‐cover models with lower resistance given to open forests. This result may reflect the generalist ecology of L. vulgaris, its lower effective population sizes and exposure to habitat destruction and fragmentation.Main ConclusionsOur study provides evidence for time lags in L. montandoni, showing that the genetic consequences of landscape change for some species are not yet evident. Our findings highlight the interspecific variation in time lag prevalence and demonstrate that current patterns of genetic differentiation should be interpreted in the context of historical landscape changes.
Role of maternal spiralian‐specific homeobox gene SPILE‐E in the specification of blastomeres along the animal–vegetal axis during the early cleavage stages of mollusks
Authors: Morino Yoshiaki , Yoshikawa Hiroki 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSpiralians, one of the major clades of bilaterians, share a unique development known as spiralian development, characterized by the formation of tiers of cells called quartets, which exhibit different developmental potentials along the animal–vegetal axis. Recently, spiralian‐specific TALE‐type homeobox genes (SPILE) have been identified, some of which show zygotic and staggered expression patterns along the animal–vegetal axis and function in quartet specification in mollusks. However, it is unclear which maternal molecular components control the zygotic expression of these transcription factors. In this study, we focused on SPILE‐E, a maternal transcription factor, and investigated its expression and function in mollusks. We found that the maternal and ubiquitous expression of SPILE‐E in the cleavage stages is conserved in molluskan species, including limpets, mussels, and chitons. We knocked down SPILE‐E in limpets and revealed that the expression of transcription factors specifically expressed in the first quartet (1q2; foxj1b) and second quartet (2q; SPILE‐B) was abolished, whereas the macromere‐quartet marker (SPILE‐C) was ectopically expressed in 1q2 in SPILE‐E morphants. Moreover, we showed that the expression of SPILE‐A, which upregulates SPILE‐B but represses SPILE‐C expression, decreased in SPILE‐E morphants. Consistent with changes in the expression pattern of the above transcription factors, SPILE‐E‐morphant larvae exhibited patchy or complete loss of expression of marker genes of ciliated cells and shell fields, possibly reflecting incomplete specification of 1q2 and 2q. Our results provide a molecular framework for quartet specification and highlight the importance of maternal lineage‐specific transcription factors in the development and evolution of spiralians.
Contemporary trends in the utilization of second‐line pharmacological therapies for type 2 diabetes in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Abrahami Devin , D'Andrea Elvira , Yin Hui , Kim Seoyoung C. , Paik Julie M. , Wexler Deborah , Azoulay Laurent , Patorno Elisabetta 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimTo examine trends of second‐line glucose‐lowering therapies among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating first‐line metformin in the United States and the United Kingdom, overall and by subgroups of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and calendar time.MethodsUsing the US Optum Clinformatics and the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we identified adults with T2D who initiated first‐line metformin or sulphonylurea monotherapy, separately, from 2013 to 2019. Within both cohorts, we identified patterns of second‐line medications through June 2021. We stratified patterns by CVD and calendar time to investigate the impact of rapidly evolving treatment guidelines.ResultsWe identified 148 511 and 169 316 patients initiating treatment with metformin monotherapy in the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively. Throughout the study period, sulphonylureas and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were the most frequently initiated second‐line medications in the United States (43.4% and 18.2%, respectively) and the United Kingdom (42.5% and 35.8%, respectively). After 2018, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists were more commonly used as second‐line agents in the United States and the United Kingdom, although these agents were not preferentially prescribed among patients with CVD. Initiation of first‐line sulphonylureas was much less common, and most sulphonylurea initiators had metformin added as the second‐line agent.ConclusionsThis international cohort study shows that sulphonylureas remain the most common second‐line medications prescribed following metformin in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite recommendations, the use of newer glucose‐lowering therapies with cardiovascular benefits remains low.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis of body composition in Chinese monozygotic twins
Authors: Tian Huimin , Qiao Haofei , Han Fulei , Kong Xiangjie , Zhu Shuai , Xing Fangjie , Duan Haiping , Li Weilong , Wang Weijing , Zhang Dongfeng , Wu Yili 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundLittle is currently known about epigenetic alterations associated with body composition in obesity. Thus, we aimed to explore epigenetic relationships between genome‐wide DNA methylation levels and three common traits of body composition as measured by body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) among Chinese monozygotic twins.MethodsGeneralized estimated equation model was used to regress the methylation level of CpG sites on body composition. Inference about Causation Through Examination Of Familial Confounding was used to explore the evidence of a causal relationship. Gene expression analysis was further performed to validate the results of differentially methylated genes.ResultsWe identified 32, 22 and 28 differentially methylated CpG sites (p < 10−5) as well as 20, 17 and eight differentially methylated regions (slk‐corrected p < 0.05) significantly associated with BF%, FM and LBM which were annotated to 65 genes, showing partially overlapping. Causal inference demonstrated bidirectional causality between DNA methylation and body composition (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed significant correlations between expression levels of five differentially methylated genes and body composition (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese DNA methylation signatures will contribute to increased knowledge about the epigenetic basis of body composition and provide new strategies for early prevention and treatment of obesity and its related diseases.
Long‐term safety of macitentan in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Guizuo , Qin Jinlv , Han Dong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundMacitentan has demonstrated its effectiveness in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), but its safety, especially for long‐term use, needs to be further explored. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the safety of long‐term use of macitentan in patients with PH.MethodsA systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of PH with macitentan, compared with placebo, were reviewed. Estimated effects of included studies were pooled as risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsSix RCTs (enrolling 1003 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Anaemia (RR 3.86, 95% CI 2.05–7.30), headache (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02–2.26) and bronchitis (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30–3.87) were more frequent in the macitentan groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event (AE) or serious adverse event (SAE), AEs leading to discontinuation of study treatment, all‐cause death, right ventricular failure (RVF) and peripheral oedema between the two groups.ConclusionsThe long‐term use of macitentan is safe for patients with PH, although with a higher risk of anaemia, headache and bronchitis.
The culturable leaf mycobiome of Viscum album subsp. austriacum
Authors: Jankowiak Robert , Bilański Piotr , Zając Julita , Jobczyk Adrianna , Taerum Stephen J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn Poland's pine forests, mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) abundance has increased over the past 20 years. This mistletoe infestation has decreased the growth and vigour of Scots pine trees. In this study, we surveyed the culturable fungi from healthy and diseased V. album subsp. austriacum leaves from two stands in Poland. In total, 63 distinct species were identified, 99.8% of which belonged to the phylum Ascomycota. The community compositions of fungi in mistletoe leaves were similar in healthy and diseased leaves as Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Botryosphaeria visci, Fusarium paeoniae and Microsphaeropsis olivacea were consistently found in leaves of all symptom types. The most frequently isolated fungus from asymptomatic leaves was M. olivacea, followed by A. alternata, A. pullulans and Hypoxylon rubiginosum. In comparison, the most frequently isolated fungi from leaves with rusty‐brown necrotic spots were (in decreasing order) M. olivacea, B. visci, F. paeoniae and A. alternata, while the most frequently isolated fungi from leaves with black or dark brown spots were M. olivacea, A. alternata, A. pullulans, Epicoccum layuense and F. paeoniae. This study was the first comprehensive report showing that certain fungal species may be pathogens of V. album subsp. austriacum in Poland. This study was also the first report of F. paeoniae, F. juglandicola, Diaporthe vacuae and Heterotruncatella spartii from V. album, and the first report of D. vacuae and H. spartii in Poland.
Middle managers as key talent management stakeholders: Navigating paradoxes
Authors: Jooss Stefan , McDonnell Anthony , Skuza Agnieszka 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMiddle managers are critical in talent management practice. Yet, their commitment to enacting organisational strategies and policies is often limited given their multiplicity of responsibilities and tasks beyond talent management. Taking a paradox lens and a multi‐stakeholder perspective, we draw from 147 interviews with middle managers, HR leaders and talents to unpack two key paradoxes when managing talent: a short‐term–long‐term paradox and a function–organisation paradox. Our research reveals a range of defensive and proactive responses to these paradoxes, which leads us to develop a typology of middle manager approaches navigating paradoxes in talent management. This typology depicts features, tensions and examples of middle managers' approach to managing talent. We introduce the extent of intradepartmental involvement and interdepartmental collaboration as key features and illustrate spatial and temporal tensions underlying paradoxes. We conclude with implications of the (in)effective management of paradoxes in a talent context.
Effect of exposure conditions on chemical properties of materials for surgical endodontic procedures
Authors: Koutroulis Andreas , Valen Håkon , Ørstavik Dag , Kapralos Vasileios , Camilleri Josette , Sunde Pia Titterud 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the role of aging and changes in environmental conditions on selected properties of a prototype radiopacified calcium silicate‐based cement (TZ‐base) with or without incorporation of silver nanoparticles or bioactive glass, and two commercial materials, Biodentine and intermediate restorative material. Materials were immersed in ultrapure water or fetal bovine serum for 28 days and were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x‐ray analysis. Immersion media were either replaced weekly or not replenished at all and were assessed for alkalinity and calcium release after 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days; antibacterial effect against 2‐day monospecies biofilms; and cytotoxicity by the 3‐(4,5 dimethylthiazolyl‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay after 1, 7, or 28 days. Alkalinity, calcium release, antibacterial activity, and cell cytotoxicity increased over time when the medium was not changed but decreased with medium replenishment. Immersion in fetal bovine serum resulted in lower alkalinity, less bactericidal properties, and lower cytotoxicity of prototype cements and Biodentine than did water immersion. Biodentine and 20% bioactive glass‐containing cement had overall lower alkalinity, calcium release, and antibacterial activity than TZ‐base, and Biodentine was less cytotoxic than TZ‐base. In conclusion, exposure conditions and cement modifications significantly affected materials’ leaching properties. Exposure conditions warrant consideration when evaluating cements’ clinical properties.
Epilepsy and sleep characteristics are associated with diminished 24‐h memory retention in older adults with epilepsy
Authors: Sarkis Rani A. , Lam Alice D. , Pavlova Milena , Locascio Joseph J. , Putta Swapna , Puri Nirajan , Pham Jonathan , Yih Alison , Marshall Gad A. , Stickgold Robert 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals with epilepsy often have memory difficulties, and older adults with epilepsy are especially vulnerable, due to the additive effect of aging. The goal of this study was to assess factors that are associated with 24‐h memory retention in older adults with epilepsy.MethodsFifty‐five adults with epilepsy, all aged >50 years, performed a declarative memory task involving the recall of the positions of 15 card pairs on a computer screen prior to a 24‐h ambulatory electroencephalogram (EEG). We assessed the percentage of encoded card pairs that were correctly recalled after 24 h (24‐h retention rate). EEGs were evaluated for the presence and frequency of scalp interictal epileptiform activity (IEA) and scored for total sleep. Global slow wave activity (SWA) power during non‐rapid eye movement sleep was also calculated.ResultsForty‐four participants successfully completed the memory task. Two were subsequently excluded due to seizures on EEG. The final cohort (n = 42) had a mean age of 64.3 ± 7.5 years, was 52% female, and had an average 24‐h retention rate of 70.9% ± 30.2%. Predictors of 24‐h retention based on multivariate regression analysis when controlling for age, sex, and education included number of antiseizure medications (β = −.20, p = .013), IEA frequency (β = −.08, p = .0094), and SWA power (β = +.002, p = .02).SignificanceIn older adults with epilepsy, greater frequency of IEA, reduced SWA power, and higher burden of antiseizure medications correlated with worse 24‐h memory retention. These factors represent potential treatment targets to improve memory in older adults with epilepsy.
Effects of RS17053 on α1‐adrenoceptors in rat vas deferens and aorta
Authors: Alsufyani Hadeel A. , Docherty James R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundRS17053 is classed as an α1A‐adrenoceptor selective antagonist.ObjectivesWe have examined its profile of action at all subtypes of α1‐adrenoceptor.MethodsNoradrenaline (NA) evoked contractions of rat vas deferens involve α1D‐adrenoceptors in phasic contractions and α1A‐adrenoceptors in tonic contractions. Contractions of rat aorta to NA involve α1D‐ and α1B‐adrenoceptors.ResultsRS17053 (10−5 M) shifted NA potency and virtually abolished tonic contractions to NA, with little or limited effect on phasic contractions. The α1D‐adrenoceptor antagonist BMY7378 (3 × 10−7 M) significantly inhibited the remaining phasic component of the contractions, and the α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist RS100329 (10−7 M) inhibited further the residual tonic contraction. Hence, RS17053 shows high selectivity for α1A‐adrenoceptors over α1D‐adrenoceptors in rat vas deferens. However, RS17053 (10−5 M) produced a large shift in the potency of NA in rat aorta, with a pKB of 6.82. Large shifts of NA potency in rat aorta involve α1B‐adrenoceptor blockade.ConclusionResults in rat vas deferens demonstrate low potency of RS17053 at α1D‐adrenoceptors, but results from rat aorta can only be explained as demonstrating α1B‐adrenoceptor antagonism by RS17053. RS17053 may be a useful pharmacological tool when reclassified as a mainly α1A‐ and to a lesser extent α1B‐adrenoceptor antagonist with little effect at α1D‐adrenoceptors.
Study on Permeability Calculation Method Based on J Function and Fractal Theory
Authors: Lu Guangteng , Lai Fengpeng , Li Bince 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPermeability is a required parameter for studying aquifer properties. However, for sandstone aquifers with low permeability, it is difficult to measure permeability directly through experiments. Based on fractal theory and the J function, a new method to calculate the permeability of a sandstone aquifer is derived. This work first solves the J function under each water saturation according to its definition. Combined with mercury pressure data, the J function and logarithmic curve equation of water saturation are then fitted by the drawing method, and the fractal dimension and tortuosity of the aquifer are further solved. Finally, the aquifer's permeability is calculated using the new permeability calculation method. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, 15 rock samples from the Chang 7 Group, Ordos Basin, are taken as research objects. The permeability is calculated using the new method combined with mercury injection data and aquifer characteristic parameters, and the results are compared with the real permeability. The relative error of most samples is <20%, which shows the permeability calculated by this method is accurate and reliable. The effects of fractal dimension, tortuosity, and porosity on permeability are also analyzed.
PEST and AEM Modeling for Data Acquisition Planning
Authors: McLane Charles 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA well‐planned field data collection program should be designed to (1) collect a sufficient set of data of the right types at the right locations, and (2) collect a parsimonious set of data to avoid unnecessary costs. Combining PEST and a simple analytic element method (AEM) groundwater flow model for the site of interest provides a relatively simple, low‐cost method of developing such a program. AEM models are well suited to this approach because they are quick to develop yet hydraulically accurate, reducing impacts on project budgets at early data collection planning stages; and quick to run, solving rapidly for the many iterations that PEST requires to generate good parameter estimates. This article shows two examples of this method: one for a steady state watershed model, and one for a transient pumping test project to demonstrate that PEST coupled with a simple AEM model that sketches out the key features of a site conceptual model can be an efficient tool in planning key parts of a hydrogeologic site investigation.