bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver Histology Predicts Liver Regeneration and Outcome in ALPPS
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Victor , Linecker Michael , Caballero-Llanes Albert , Reese Tim , Oldhafer Karl J. , Hernandez-Alejandro Roberto , Tun-Abraham Mauro , Li Jun , Fard-Aghaie Mohammad , Petrowsky Henrik , Brusadin Roberto , Lopez-Conesa Asuncion , Ratti Francesca , Aldrighetti Luca , Ramouz Ali , Mehrabi Arianeb , Autran Machado Marcel , Ardiles Victoria , De Santibañes Eduardo , Marichez Arthur , Adam René , Truant Stéphanie , Pruvot Francois-René , Olthof Pim , Van Gulick Thomas , Montalti Roberto , Troisi Roberto I. , Kron Philipp , Lodge Peter , Kambakamba Patryk , Hoti Emir , Martinez-Caceres Carlos , de la Peña-Moral Jesus , Clavien Pierre-Alain , Robles-Campos Ricardo 
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims:
Alterations in liver histology influence the liver´s capacity to regenerate, but the relevance of each of the different changes rapid liver growth induction is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the influence of the degree of histological alterations during the first and second stages on the ability of the liver to regenerate.

Methods:
This cohort study included data obtained from the International ALPPS Registry between November 2011 and October 2020. Only patients with colorectal liver metastases were included in the study. We developed a histological risk score based on histological changes (stages 1 and 2) and a tumor pathology score based on the histological factors associated with poor tumor prognosis.

Results:
In total, 395 patients were included. The time to reach stage 2 was shorter in patients with a low histological risk stage 1 (13 vs. 17 d, P˂0.01), low histological risk stage 2 (13 vs. 15 d, P˂0.01) and low pathological tumor risk (13 vs. 15 d, P˂0.01). Regarding interval stage, there was a higher inverse correlation in high histological risk stage 1 group compared to low histological risk 1 group in relation with future liver remnant body weight (r=−0.1 and r=−0.08, respectively), and future liver remnant (r=−0.15 and r=−0.06, respectively).

Conclusion:
ALPPS is associated with increased histological alterations in the liver parenchyma. It seems that the more histological alterations present and the higher the number of poor prognostic factors in the tumor histology, the longer the time to reach the second stage.
Natural selection and human adiposity: crafty genotype, thrifty phenotype
Authors: Wells Jonathan C. K. 
Published: July 2023

Evolutionary perspectives on obesity have aimed to understand how the genetic constitution of individuals has been shaped by selective pressures such as famine, predation or infectious disease. The dual intervention model assumes strong selection on lower and upper limits of adiposity, but negligible fitness implications for intermediate adiposity. These frameworks are agnostic to age, sex and condition. I argue that selection has favoured a ‘crafty genotype’—a genetic basis for accommodating variability in the ‘fitness value’ of fat through phenotypic plasticity, depending on the endogenous and exogenous characteristics of each individual. Hominin evolution occurred in volatile environments. I argue that the polygenetic basis of adiposity stabilizes phenotype in such environments, while also coordinating phenotypic variance across traits. This stability underpins reaction norms through which adiposity can respond sensitively to ecological factors. I consider how the fitness value of fat changes with age, sex and developmental experience. Fat is also differentially distributed between peripheral and abdominal depots, reflecting variable prioritization of survival versus reproduction. Where longevity has been compromised by undernutrition, abdominal fat may promote immediate survival and fitness, while long-term cardiometabolic risks may never materialize. This approach helps understand the sensitivity of adiposity to diverse environmental factors, and why the health impacts of obesity are variable.
This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)’.
Clinical and genomic diversity ofTreponema pallidum subsp. pallidum:A global, multi-center study of early syphilis to inform vaccine research
Authors: Seña Arlene C. , Matoga Mitch M. , Yang Ligang , Lopez-Medina Eduardo , Aghakanian Farhang , Chen Jane S. , Bettin Everton B. , Caimano Melissa J. , Chen Wentao , Garcia-Luna Jonny A. , Hennelly Christopher M. , Jiang Yinbo , Juliano Jonathan J. , Pospíšilová Petra , Ramirez Lady , Šmajs David , Tucker Joseph D. , Cely Fabio Vargas , Zheng Heping , Hoffman Irving F. , Yang Bin , Moody M. Anthony , Hawley Kelly L. , Salazar Juan C. , Radolf Justin D. , Parr Jonathan B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe continuing increase in syphilis rates worldwide necessitates development of a vaccine with global efficacy. We conducted a multi-center, observational study to exploreTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidum(TPA) molecular epidemiology essential for vaccine research by analyzing clinical data and specimens from early syphilis patients using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and publicly available WGS data.MethodsWe enrolled patients with primary (PS), secondary (SS) or early latent (ELS) syphilis from clinics in China, Colombia, Malawi and the United States between November 2019 - May 2022. Inclusion criteria included age ≥18 years, and syphilis confirmation by direct detection methods and/or serological testing.TPAdetection and WGS were conducted on lesion swabs, skin biopsies/scrapings, whole blood, and/or rabbit-passaged isolates. We compared our WGS data to publicly available genomes, and analysedTPApopulations to identify mutations associated with lineage and geography.FindingsWe screened 2,820 patients and enrolled 233 participants - 77 (33%) with PS, 154 (66%) with SS, and two (1%) with ELS. Median age of participants was 28; 66% werecis-gender male, of which 43% reported identifying as “gay”, “bisexual”, or “other sexuality”. Among all participants, 56 (24%) had HIV co-infection. WGS data from 113 participants demonstrated a predominance of SS14-lineage strains with geographic clustering. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed that Nichols-lineage strains are more genetically diverse than SS14-lineage strains and cluster into more distinct subclades. Differences in single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were evident byTPAlineage and geography. Mapping of highly differentiated SNVs to three-dimensional protein models demonstrated population-specific substitutions, some in outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of interest.InterpretationOur study involving participants from four countries substantiates the global diversity ofTPAstrains. Additional analyses to exploreTPAOMP variability within strains will be vital for vaccine development and improved understanding of syphilis pathogenesis on a population level.FundingNational Institutes of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
APOEloss-of-function variants: Compatible with longevity and associated with resistance to Alzheimer’s Disease pathology
Authors: Chemparathy Augustine , Guen Yann Le , Chen Sunny , Lee Eun-Gyung , Leong Lesley , Gorzynski John , Xu Guangxue , Belloy Michael , Kasireddy Nandita , Tauber Andrés Peña , Williams Kennedy , Stewart Ilaria , Wingo Thomas , Lah James , Jayadev Suman , Hales Chad , Peskind Elaine , Child Daniel D , Keene C Dirk , Cong Le , Ashley Euan , Yu Chang-En , Greicius Michael D. 
Published: July 2023

SummaryThe ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Knockdown of this allele may provide a therapeutic strategy for AD, but the effect ofAPOEloss-of-function (LoF) on AD pathogenesis is unknown. We searched forAPOELoF variants in a large cohort of older controls and patients with AD and identified six heterozygote carriers ofAPOELoF variants. Five carriers were controls (ages 71-90) and one was an AD case with an unremarkable age-at-onset between 75-79. TwoAPOEε3/ε4 controls (Subjects 1 and 2) carried a stop-gain affecting the ε4 allele. Subject 1 was cognitively normal at 90+ and had no neuritic plaques at autopsy. Subject 2 was cognitively healthy within the age range 75-79 and underwent lumbar puncture at between ages 75-79 with normal levels of amyloid. The results provide the strongest human genetics evidence yet available suggesting that ε4 drives AD risk through a gain of abnormal function and support knockdown ofAPOEε4 or its protein product as a viable therapeutic option.
Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination decision-making among African American and Hispanic pregnant and postpartum women in Deep South
Authors: Zhang Ran , Byrd Tiffany , Qiao Shan , Torres Myriam E. , Li Xiaoming , Liu Jihong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 vaccination is vital for ending the pandemic but concerns about its safety among pregnant and postpartum women, especially among African American (AA) and Hispanic women, persist. This study aims to explore factors that influence vaccination decision-making among AA and Hispanic pregnant and postpartum women through women’s experiences and maternal care providers’ (MCPs) observations.MethodsFrom January and August 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with AA and Hispanic women and MCPs. Participants were recruited from obstetric and pediatric clinics in South Carolina, and all births took place after March 2020. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.ResultsThe study involved 19 AA and 20 Hispanic women, along with 9 MCPs, and revealed both barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination. The factors that influence pregnant and postpartum women’s decision about COVID-19 vaccine uptake included: 1) awareness of health threats associated with COVID-19 vaccines, 2) vaccine availability and accessibility, 3) vaccine-related knowledge and exposure to misinformation, 4) concerns regarding pre-existing health conditions and potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, 5) emotional factors associated with vaccination decision-making processes, 6) concerns about the well-being of infants, 7) cultural perspectives, and 8) encouragement by trusted supporters.ConclusionFindings suggest that reliable information, social support, and trusted doctors’ advice can motivate COVID-19 vaccination. However, barriers such as misinformation, mistrust in the health care system, and fears related to potential side effects impede vaccination uptake among AA and Hispanic pregnant and postpartum women. Future interventions should target these barriers, along with health disparities, involve trusted doctors in outreach, and initiate vaccine conversations to promote vaccination among this population.
Incubation-period estimates of Omicron (BA.1) variant from Taiwan, December 2021–January 2022, and its comparison to other SARS-CoV-2 variants: a statistical modeling, systematic search and meta-analysis
Authors: Akhmetzhanov Andrei R. , Cheng Hao-Yuan , Dushoff Jonathan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen several variants of concern, including the Omicron (BA.1) variant which emerged in October 2021. Accurately estimating the incubation period of these variants is crucial for predicting disease spread and formulating effective public health strategies. However, existing estimates often conflict because of biases arising from the dynamic nature of epidemic growth and selective inclusion of cases. This study aims to accurately estimate of the Omicron (BA.1) variant incubation period based on data from Taiwan, where disease incidence remained low and contact tracing was comprehensive during the first months of the Omicron outbreak.MethodsWe reviewed 100 contact-tracing records for cases of the Omicron BA.1 variant reported between December 2021 and January 2022, and found enough information to analyze 70 of these. The incubation period distribution was estimated by fitting data on exposure and symptom onset within a Bayesian mixture model using gamma, Weibull, and lognormal distributions as candidates. Additionally, a systematic literature search was conducted to accumulate data for estimates of the incubation period for Omicron (BA.1/2, BA.4/5) subvariants, which was then used for meta-analysis and comparison.ResultsThe mean incubation period was estimated at 3.5 days (95% credible interval: 3.1–4.0 days), with no clear differences when stratified by vaccination status or age. This estimate aligns closely with the pooled mean of 3.4 days (3.0–3.8 days) obtained from a meta-analysis of other published studies on Omicron subvariants.ConclusionsThe relatively shorter incubation period of the Omicron variant, as compared to previous SARS-CoV2 variants, implies its potential for rapid spread but also opens the possibility for individuals to voluntarily adopt shorter, more resource-efficient quarantine periods. Continual updates to incubation period estimates, utilizing data from comprehensive contact tracing, are crucial for effectively guiding these voluntary actions and adjusting high socio-economic cost interventions.
Synergistic efficacy of tigecycline combined with apramycin againsttet(X)-harboringAcinetobacter spp.
Authors: Liu Juan , Zheng Si-Lin , Wu Jing-Jing , Zheng Mei , Cai Da-Tong , Zhang Yan , Sun Jian , Liu Ya-Hong , Liao Xiao-Ping , Yu Yang 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTThe emergence of the wide variety of novel tigecycline resistancetet(X) variants includingtet(X3),tet(X4),tet(X5) andtet(X6) has posed a significant challenge to the clinical treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and represents a serious threat to global public health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the synergism of tigecycline combined with other antibiotics as a means of overcomingtet(X)-mediated resistance inAcinetobacter spp. We found that the combinations of tigecycline with apramycin or amikacin exhibited synergistic activity againsttet(X)-harboringAcinetobacter spp. with FICI values of 0.088 and 0.625, respectively. The MICTGCdecreased >5-fold decrease in the presence of subinhibitory levels of apramycin. This combination was shown to be a therapeutically effective synergism using bothin vitroandin vivo(mouse thigh infection model) assays and delayed the increase of MIC values over time. This study highlights the synergism of tigecycline in combination with apramycin which offers a viable therapeutic alternative for infections caused bytet(X)-harboringAcinetobacter.
Slow conduction and spatial dispersion of repolarization are intrinsic properties of cardiomyocyte electrophysiology that contribute to proarrhythmia in an iPSC model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lim Seakcheng , Mangala Melissa M. , Holliday Mira , Szappanos Henrietta Cserne , Ross Samantha B. , Liang Whitney , Ranpura Ginell N. , Vandenberg Jamie I , Semsarian Christopher , Hill Adam P. , Hool Livia C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited heart muscle disease; characterised by left ventricular wall thickening, cardiomyocyte disarray, and fibrosis, and is associated with arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden death. However, it is unclear to what extent the electrophysiological disturbances that lead to sudden death occur secondary to the structural changes in the myocardium, or as a result of intrinsic properties of the HCM cardiomyocyte. In this study, we used an induced pluripotent stem cell model of the Arg403Gln variant in myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) to study ‘tissue level’ electrophysiological properties of HCM cardiomyocytes. For the first time, we show significant slowing of conduction velocity and an increase in local spatial dispersion of repolarisation - both well-established substrates for arrhythmia - in monolayers of HCM cardiomyocytes. Analysis of rhythmonome protein expression in R403Q cardiomyocytes revealed dramatically reduced connexin-43, sodium channels, and inward rectifier channels – a three-way hit that combines to reduce electrotonic coupling between HCM cardiomyocytes and slow cardiac conduction. Our data therefore represent a novel, biophysical basis for arrhythmia in HCM, that is intrinsic to cardiomyocyte electrophysiology. Later in the progression of the disease, these proarrhythmic electrical phenotypes may be accentuated by fibrosis and myocyte disarray to contribute to sudden death in HCM patients.
Impact of Kaposi Sarcoma on Quality of Life Amongst HIV-infected Adults Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in East Africa
Authors: Lu Scott , Laker-Oketta Miriam , Byakwaga Helen , Glidden David , Mwebesa Bwana , Muzoora Conrad , Maurer Toby , Assenzio Melissa , Hunt Peter , Bangsberg David , Haberer Jessica , Martin Jeffrey 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn sub-Saharan Africa, increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability has improved survival after diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) compared to the pre-ART era, but mortality among patients with KS is still considerably higher than HIV-infected persons without KS. Furthermore, among those patients with KS who are treated initially with ART without adjunct chemotherapy and who do survive, little is known about how well they function and feel — quality of life (QOL) — compared to those without KS.METHODSAmong HIV-infected adults initiating ART in two prospective studies in Uganda, we compared those presenting with KS to those without KS. QOL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Survey-HIV instrument prior to ART initiation and at 16, 32, and 48 weeks thereafter; higher scores indicate better QOL. To ascertain the independent effect of KS versus non-KS on 11 domains of QOL and two summary scores, we created mixed effects models adjusted for directed acyclic graph-informed confounders.RESULTSWe examined 224 participants with KS and 730 without KS, among whom 64% were women and median age was 34 years. Prior to ART initiation, participants had a median CD4+ T count of 159 cells/mm3and plasma HIV RNA of 5.1 log10copies/ml. In adjusted analyses prior to ART initiation, those with KS had lower mean scores in 8 of 11 QOL domains and both physical and mental health summary scores compared to those without KS. After 48 weeks of ART, those with KS had higher mean QOL scores compared those without KS in 4 domains and the mental health summary score, and lower scores in only one domain. There was no significant difference in 6 domains and the physical health summary score,CONCLUSIONSAmongst HIV-infected adults in East Africa, at time of ART initiation, those with KS had worse mean QOL compared to those without KS. Over the first year of ART, those with KS became comparable to or exceeded those without KS in most QOL domains. The findings indicate that some patients with KS can be treated with ART alone and further emphasize the need to predict those who will do well with ART alone versus those who need additional initial therapy.
Mental health status and related factors influencing healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jia , Huang Zhu-Tang , Sun Xin-Ce , Chen Ting-Ting , Wu Xiao-Tian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe mental health of healthcare workers during the coronavirus-2019 pandemic was seriously affected, and the risk of mental health problems was high. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the mental health problems of healthcare workers worldwide during the pandemic and to determine the latest global frequency of COVID-19 associated mental health problems.MethodsData in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Elsevier, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and the Web of Science before November 11, 2022, were systematically searched. Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies were included. The meta-analysis used a random effects model to synthesize the comprehensive prevalence rate of mental health problems. Subgroup analyses were performed based on time of data collection; whether the country was or was not developed; continent; doctors and nurses; doctors/nurses vs. other healthcare workers; and psychological evaluation scale.ResultsA total of 161 studies were included, including 341,014 healthcare workers worldwide, with women accounting for 82.8%. Occupationally, 16.2% of the healthcare workers were doctors, 63.6% were nurses and 13.3% were other medical staff. During the pandemic, 47% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-60%) of healthcare workers reported job burnout, 38% (95% CI, 35-41%) experienced anxiety, 34% (95% CI 30-38%) reported depression, 30% (95% CI, 29-31%) had acute stress disorder, and 26% (95% CI, 21-31%) had post-traumatic stress disorder.ConclusionsThe study found that there were common mental health problems among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common was job burnout, followed by anxiety, depression, acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the global pandemic has been brought under control, its long-term impact on the mental health of healthcare workers cannot be ignored. Additional research is required to develop measures to prevent, monitor and treat psychological disorders among healthcare workers.
Artificial intelligence of arterial Doppler waveforms to predict major adverse outcomes among patients evaluated for peripheral artery disease
Authors: McBane Robert D , Murphree Dennis H. , Liedl David , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Attia Itzhak Zachi , Arruda-Olson Adelaide M. , Scott Christopher G. , Prodduturi Naresh , Nowakowski Steve E. , Rooke Thom W. , Casanegra Ana I. , Wysokinski Waldemar E. , Houghton Damon E. , Bjarnason Haraldur , Wennberg Paul W. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at increased risk for major adverse cardiac (MACE), limb (MALE) events and all-cause mortality. Developing tools capable of identifying those patients with PAD at greatest risk for major adverse events is the first step for outcome prevention. This study aimed to determine whether computer assisted analysis of a resting Doppler waveform using deep neural networks can accurately identify PAD patients at greatest risk for adverse outcome events.MethodsConsecutive patients (4/1/2015-12/31/2020) undergoing ankle brachial index (ABI) testing were included. Patients were randomly allocated to training, validation and testing subsets (60%/20%/20%). Deep neural networks were trained on resting posterior tibial arterial Doppler waveforms to predict MACE, MALE and all-cause mortality at 5 years. Patients were then analyzed in quartiles based on the distribution of each prediction score.ResultsAmong 11,384 total patients, 10,437 patients met study inclusion criteria (mean age 65.8±14.8 years; 40.6% female). The test subset included 2,084 patients. During 5 years of follow up, there were 447 deaths, 585 MACE and 161 MALE events. After adjusting for age, sex, and Charlson index, deep neural network analysis of the posterior tibial artery waveform provided independent prediction of death (Hazard ratio 2.45 95% confidence interval 1.79-3.36), MACE (HR 1.98, 95%CI 1.50-2.62) and MALE (HR 11.65 95%CI 5.65-24.04) at 5 years with similar results at 1 year.ConclusionAn artificial intelligence enabled analysis of a resting Doppler arterial waveform enables identification of major adverse outcomes including all-cause mortality, MACE and MALE among PAD patients.