bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiGut: A scalable in vitro platform for simulating the human gut microbiome—Development, validation and simulation of antibiotic‐induced dysbiosis
Authors: Davis Birch William A. , Moura Ines B. , Ewin Duncan J. , Wilcox Mark H. , Buckley Anthony M. , Culmer Peter R. , Kapur Nikil 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn vitro models of the human colon have been used extensively in understanding the human gut microbiome (GM) and evaluating how internal and external factors affect the residing bacterial populations. Such models have been shown to be highly predictive of in vivo outcomes and have a number of advantages over animal models. The complexity required by in vitro models to closely mimic the physiology of the colon poses practical limits on their scalability. The scalable Mini Gut (MiGut) platform presented in this paper allows considerable expansion of model replicates and enables complex study design, without compromising on in vivo reflectiveness as is often the case with other model systems. MiGut has been benchmarked against a validated gut model in a demanding 9‐week study. MiGut showed excellent repeatability between model replicates and results were consistent with those of the benchmark system. The novel technology presented in this paper makes it conceivable that tens of models could be run simultaneously, allowing complex microbiome‐xenobiotic interactions to be explored in far greater detail, with minimal added resources or complexity. This platform expands the capacity to generate clinically relevant data to support our understanding of the cause‐effect relationships that govern the GM.
Role of stereotactic body radiotherapy for inferior vena cava tumour thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sharma Deepti , Thaper Deepak , Kamal Rose , Yadav Hanuman Prasad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionTo evaluate the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with inferior vena cava tumour thrombus (IVCTT) who are not suitable for other loco‐regional therapies.MethodsThis is an observational retrospective study done between May 2020 and April 2022. The data of 17 patients who underwent SBRT were collected. Patients of Child–Pugh score (CPS) A5‐B7 and along with a liver reserve of ≥700 cc were included. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and adverse events including hepatic decompensation were carefully recorded.ResultsIn the cohort, the tumour thrombus was extended to the right atrium in nine (52.9%) patients, and regional nodal and lung were found in 60% and 31.4% of patients respectively. The median gross tumour volume (GTV) was 745 cc (107–1,650 cc). The median SBRT dose prescription was 35 Gy (25–45 Gy) in 5–10 fractions. At 6 months, LC and OS were 80% and 75% respectively. On multivariate analysis, an ALBI score >−2.36 was found to be the predictor for the poor OS. Post‐SBRT, a change in CPs by 2 points was observed in one patient (5.9%) which was managed conservatively. Post‐radiation, improvement in pain and discomfort was observed in 92.3% and 87% of patients, respectively and bone metastasis related pain was also resolved.ConclusionStereotactic body radiotherapy is a safe and feasible option for HCC patients with IVC and right atrium tumour thrombosis. It not only improves the quality of life but also results in good LC and OS with acceptable toxicity. SBRT should be considered in a multidisciplinary fashion for patients presenting with tumour thrombosis extending to IVC and the right atrium.
Real‐world study of treatment and outcome of type B2 + B3 thymoma: The neglected part of thymoma
Authors: Zhao Ke , Chen Yeye , Liu Lei , Wang Guige , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhou Mengxin , Gao Xuehan , Rao Ke , Yang Libing , Guo Chao , Zhang Ye , Huang Cheng , Liu Hongsheng , Li Shanqing 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to examine the treatment and prognosis of patients with type B2 + B3 thymoma and compare it with those patients with type B2 and B3 thymoma.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of the results of 39 patients with type B2 + B3 thymoma, 133 patients with type B2 thymoma, and 64 patients with type B3 thymoma. The Kaplan–Meier technique was used to generate survival curves. For multivariate analysis, the Cox proportional hazard model was applied.ResultsWith a median follow‐up of 60 months (range: 1–128 months), the percentage of patients with tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage III and IV disease gradually increased from 19.5% to 25.6% to 35.9% among those with histological subtypes B2, B2 + B3, and B3, respectively, p = 0.045. Twenty‐three patients experienced recurrence or metastasis. The total 10‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 86.0% overall (85.0% in type B2, 87.2% in type B2 + B3, and 87.5% in type B3). Age, R0 resection, and Masaoka–Koga stage were found to have a significant on PFS in all patients. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between different histotypes of thymoma, p = 0.650. PFS was predicted by R0 resection in all histotypes and by the Masaoka–Koga stage in the type B2 subgroup.ConclusionCombining the two staging methods to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with B2 + B3 thymoma is recommended. R0 resection is recommended to reduce recurrence. Patients with B2 + B3 thymoma have a prognosis similar to those with a B2 thymoma or a B3 thymoma alone.
The interactive effect of organizational identification and reward type on reward valuation
Authors: Kelly Khim , Liu Weiming , Presslee Adam 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRecent management trends highlight two techniques firms use to motivate employee effort: (1) fostering employees' organizational identification (OI) and (2) offering employees tangible rewards such as gift cards instead of cash rewards. We use three studies to examine how OI affects employees' reward valuation and how such effects differ depending on the reward type. Study 1 is an experiment, demonstrating that increasing OI increases the emphasis participants place on a reward's symbolic value, which then increases the total value of the reward—to a larger extent when the reward is tangible than when it is cash. Study 2 is an experiment, providing evidence that Study 1 results are robust to using a tangible reward that is not socially consumed, that is selected either by the firm or by the employee, and that is either a good or poor fit with the employee's personal preference. Finally, Study 3 is a survey, asking respondents about actual rewards they received from their current employer and capturing their actual OI with their current employer. Results in Study 3 are inferentially similar to those in Study 1 and Study 2, albeit stronger for rewards of smaller monetary value. Collectively, these results highlight the particular benefit of strong OI on how employees value tangible rewards relative to cash rewards, which should be of interest to incentive system designers.
Physical activity is associated with slower epigenetic ageing—Findings from the Rhineland study
Authors: Fox Fabienne A. U. , Liu Dan , Breteler Monique M. B. , Aziz Nasir Ahmad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractEpigenetic ageing, i.e., age‐associated changes in DNA methylation patterns, is a sensitive marker of biological ageing, a major determinant of morbidity and functional decline. We examined the association of physical activity with epigenetic ageing and the role of immune function and cardiovascular risk factors in mediating this relation. Moreover, we aimed to identify novel molecular processes underlying the association between physical activity and epigenetic ageing. We analysed cross‐sectional data from 3567 eligible participants (mean age: 55.5 years, range: 30–94 years, 54.8% women) of the Rhineland Study, a community‐based cohort study in Bonn, Germany. Physical activity components (metabolic equivalent (MET)‐Hours, step counts, sedentary, light‐intensity and moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity activities) were recorded with accelerometers. DNA methylation was measured with the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip. Epigenetic age acceleration (Hannum's age, Horvath's age, PhenoAge and GrimAge) was calculated based on published algorithms. The relation between physical activity and epigenetic ageing was examined with multivariable regression, while structural equation modeling was used for mediation analysis. Moreover, we conducted an epigenome‐wide association study of physical activity across 850,000 CpG sites. After adjustment for age, sex, season, education, smoking, cell proportions and batch effects, physical activity (step counts, MET‐Hours and %time spend in moderate‐to‐vigorous activities) was non‐linearly associated with slower epigenetic ageing, in part through its beneficial effects on immune function and cardiovascular health. Additionally, we identified 12 and 7 CpGs associated with MET‐Hours and %time spent in moderate‐to‐vigorous activities, respectively (p < 1 × 10−5). Our findings suggest that regular physical activity slows epigenetic ageing by counteracting immunosenescence and lowering cardiovascular risk.
Changes in hospitalisation rates in older people before and after moving to a retirement village
Authors: Bloomfield Katherine , Wu Zhenqiang , Boyd Michal , Broad Joanna B. , Hikaka Joanna , Peri Kathy , Bramley Dale , Tatton Annie , Calvert Cheryl , Higgins Ann‐Marie , Connolly Martin J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesAn increasing proportion of older people live in Retirement Villages (‘villages’). This population cites support for health‐care issues as one reason for relocation to villages. Here, we examine whether relocation to villages is associated with a decline in hospitalisations.MethodsRetrospective, before‐and‐after observational study. Setting: Retirement villages, Auckland, New Zealand. Participants: 466 cognitively intact village residents (336 [72%] female); mean (SD) age at moving to village was 73.9 (7.7) years. Segmented linear regression analysis of an interrupted time‐series design was used. Main outcome measures: all hospitalisations for 18 months pre‐ and postrelocation to village. Secondary outcome: acute hospitalisations during the same time periods.ResultsThe average hospitalisation rate (per 100 person‐years) was 44.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36.3–55.6) 18–10 months before village relocation, 58.9 (95% CI = 48.3–72.0) 9–1 months before moving, 47.9 (95% CI = 38.8–59.1) 1–9 months after moving and 62.4 (95% CI = 51.2–76.0) 10–18 months after moving. Monthly average hospitalisation rate (per 100 person‐years) increased before relocation to village by an average of 1.2 (95% CI = 0.01–1.57, p = .04) per month from 18 to 1 month before moving, and there was a change in the level of the monthly average hospitalisation rate immediately after relocation (mean difference [MD] = −18.4 per 100 person‐years, 95% CI = −32.8 to −4.1, p = .02). The trend change after village relocation did not differ significantly from that before moving.ConclusionsAlthough we cannot reliably claim causality, relocation to a retirement village is, for older people, associated with a significant but non‐sustained reduction in hospitalisation.
Older adults' preferences for Internet‐based services: Type and content
Authors: Klein Britt , Shandley Kerrie , McLaren Suzanne , Clinnick Lisa 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjective(s)The aim of this paper was to report on qualitative survey responses provided by older Australian adults regarding their preferences for Internet‐based services and content.MethodsTwo qualitative questions (‘What type of Internet‐based mental health and well‐being (1) services, and (2) content would be of most interest to you?’) from a broader survey investigating the mental and physical health of older Australians were thematically analysed for commonly occurring themes. Eighty‐nine participants aged 65 years or older (mean age = 71 years, SD = 5.30) responded to at least one qualitative question. Participants were primarily female (60%, n = 53), born in Australia (65%, n = 58), in a relationship (58%, n = 52), living in the community (79%, n = 70) and relatively well educated, with the majority having completed a university degree (38%, n = 34).ResultsThemes indicated that participants were most interested in Facebook‐style services (n = 17), chat groups (n = 16) and email‐based services (n = 4) designed specifically for older adults (n = 14). However, some concerns were raised regarding the trustworthiness of Internet‐based services, with the largest proportion of participants (n = 22) noting that they were unlikely to use Internet‐ or social media‐based services. The primary content‐related themes were mental fitness (n = 34), grief and loss (n = 20), health information (n = 13), socialisation (n = 11) and physical fitness (n = 10).ConclusionsParticipants indicated interest in tailor‐made Facebook‐style services for older adults that allow them to communicate with their peers and create new social networks and incorporate content relating to strategies for working on mental and physical fitness, information on coping with grief and loss, as well as health information. These findings can be used by organisations to develop Internet‐based services and content for older Australian adults.
Estimating mountainous plant species richness and diversity for monitoring global change in a protected grassland park
Authors: Mashiane Katlego K. , Ramoelo Abel , Adelabu Samuel , Daemane Ernest 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAssessments of species diversity and richness are essential to understand present ecological and biodiversity conditions for effective conservation management strategies. Biodiversity indicators determine rangeland health and response to grazing, fire regimes and climate change. This research examined species richness, diversity and composition in a protected mountainous grassland. Two data sets, both collected from a 30 × 30 m plot, with similar species composition and cover were combined. One data set was collected using a 100‐step point survey and the other from a series of 16 plots. A single‐factor analysis of variance was used to test if the mean species richness and diversity of the sites differed across the study area. Species accumulation curves were used to determine the relationship between species richness and the number of sampling units per site. The results from fitting a species–area equation showed that the estimated maximum species richness was slightly greater than the observed species pool in all sites, meaning that the sampling units were not adequate (albeit by small margins) to capture all vascular plant species in the sites. Diversity metrics could, thus, be used to monitor species change within grassland plant communities.
Age of onset defines two distinct profiles of atopic dermatitis in adults
Authors: Facheris Paola , Da Rosa Joel Correa , Pagan Angel D. , Angelov Michael , Del Duca Ester , Rabinowitz Grace , Gómez‐Arias Pedro Jesús , Rothenberg‐Lausell Camille , Estrada Yeriel D. , Bose Swaroop , Chowdhury Mashkura , Shemer Avner , Pavel Ana B. , Guttman‐Yassky Emma 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of adult‐onset atopic dermatitis (AOAD) is increasing. However, the unique characteristics of AOAD compared to pediatric‐onset AD persisting into adulthood (POAD) are underexplored, hampering the development of targeted‐therapeutics for this growing population. We thus assessed the profile of AOAD in skin and blood compared to that of POAD.MethodsWe collected skin biopsies and blood from adults with AOAD, POAD, and healthy controls (n = 15 in each group). Skin samples were analyzed by RNA sequencing, qRT‐PCR, and immunohistochemistry, and Olink Proseek multiplex assay was used to identify the serum proteomic profile.ResultsCompared to healthy controls, both AOAD and POAD showed cutaneous immune and barrier dysregulations with a shared Th2/Th22 hyperactivation. Overall, POAD showed greater inflammation in lesional skin, with more prominent expression of Th2/Th17/Th22 markers (CCL17/22, S100A8/9, IL‐36A, PI3/Elafin, DEFB4) in POAD compared to AOAD (p‐value < .05). In contrast, higher Th1‐(IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐15, CCL5) upregulation and Th1‐skewing were seen in AOAD. The epidermal barrier was also more compromised in POAD, with greater epidermal hyperplasia and lower expression of markers related to terminal differentiation, lipids, and cell adhesion. In parallel with increased rates of cardiovascular comorbidities, AOAD demonstrated many more significantly dysregulated proteins in serum (n = 148) compared to POAD (n = 86), including pro‐inflammatory and cardiovascular‐risk markers. Th1‐related products showed significant correlations between their skin and blood expressions only in AOAD subjects.ConclusionAge‐of‐onset delineates two distinct endophenotypes in adult AD potentially suggesting the need for broader (beyond Th2) therapeutic targeting in AOAD.
The impact of levosimendan on survival and weaning from ECMO after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Gaisendrees Christopher , Schlachtenberger Georg , Gerfer Stephen , Krasivskyi Ihor , Djordjevic Ilija , Sabashnikov Anton , Kosmopoulos Marinos , Jaeger Deborah , Luehr Maximilian , Kuhn Elmar , Deppe Antje‐Christin , Wahlers Thorsten 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is increasingly used due to its beneficial outcomes and results compared to conventional CPR. After cardiac arrest, the overall ejection fraction is severely impaired; thus, weaning from ECMO is often prolonged or impossible. We hypothesized that early application of levosimendan in these patients facilitates ECMO weaning and survival.MethodsFrom 2016 until 2020, patients who underwent eCPR after cardiac arrest at our institution were analyzed retrospectively and divided into two groups: patients who received levosimendan during ICU stay (n = 24) and those who did not receive levosimendan (n = 84) and analyzed for outcome parameters. Furthermore, we used propensity‐score matching and multinomial regression analysis to show the effect of levosimendan on outcome parameters.ResultsOverall, in‐hospital mortality was significantly lower in the group which received levosimendan (28% vs. 88%, p ≤ 0.01), and ECMO weaning was more feasible in patients who received levosimendan (88% vs. 20%, p ≤ 0.01). CPR duration until ECMO cannulation was significantly shorter in the levosimendan group (44 + 26 vs. 65 + 28, p = 0.002); interestingly, the rate of mechanical chest compressions before ECMO cannulation was lower in the levosimendan group (50% vs. 69%, p = 0.005).ConclusionIn patients after cardiac arrest treated with eCPR, levosimendan seems to contribute to higher success rates of ECMO weaning, potentially due to a short to mid‐term increase in inotropy. Also, the survival after levosimendan application was higher than patients who did not receive levosimendan.
Validation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mortality prediction and severity of illness scores in an international COVID‐19 cohort
Authors: Shah Neel , Xue Bing , Xu Ziqi , Yang Hanqing , Marwali Eva , Dalton Heidi , Payne Philip P. R. , Lu Chenyang , Said Ahmed S. ,   ISARIC Clinical Characterisation Group
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundVeno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐V ECMO) is a lifesaving support modality for severe respiratory failure, but its resource‐intensive nature led to significant controversy surrounding its use during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We report the performance of several ECMO mortality prediction and severity of illness scores at discriminating survival in a large COVID‐19 V‐V ECMO cohort.MethodsWe validated ECMOnet, PRESET (PREdiction of Survival on ECMO Therapy‐Score), Roch, SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment), APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation), 4C (Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium), and CURB‐65 (Confusion, Urea nitrogen, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, age >65 years) scores on the ISARIC (International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium) database. We report discrimination via Area Under the Receiver Operative Curve (AUROC) and Area under the Precision Recall Curve (AURPC) and calibration via Brier score.ResultsWe included 1147 patients and scores were calculated on patients with sufficient variables. ECMO mortality scores had AUROC (0.58–0.62), AUPRC (0.62–0.74), and Brier score (0.286–0.303). Roch score had the highest accuracy (AUROC 0.62), precision (AUPRC 0.74) yet worst calibration (Brier score of 0.3) despite being calculated on the fewest patients (144). Severity of illness scores had AUROC (0.52–0.57), AURPC (0.59–0.64), and Brier Score (0.265–0.471). APACHE II had the highest accuracy (AUROC 0.58), precision (AUPRC 0.64), and best calibration (Brier score 0.26).ConclusionWithin a large international multicenter COVID‐19 cohort, the evaluated ECMO mortality prediction and severity of illness scores demonstrated inconsistent discrimination and calibration highlighting the need for better clinically applicable decision support tools.
Impact of vision on generic health‐related quality of life – A systematic review
Authors: Purola Petri , Koskinen Seppo , Uusitalo Hannu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe aim of the study was to provide an overview on the relation between vision and generic health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in general populations worldwide. We conducted a systematic review to identify articles that have evaluated the relation of binocularly measured distance visual acuity (VA) and HRQoL in adults at population level around the world. Used search terms were related to visual acuity, vision loss, visual impairment and HRQoL. We identified 780 articles, of which 12 satisfied the eligibility criteria. The studies were conducted in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia. Generic HRQoL was measured using EQ‐5D, 15D, SF‐36, SF‐12 and/or WHOQoL. Nine studies reported a trend between decreasing VA and deteriorating HRQoL of at least some degree. Vision loss was mostly associated with dimensions related to physical health and capability, including self‐care, mobility and usual activities. Mental dimensions – vitality and social functioning in particular – were also affected, although the results were inconsistent. Six studies compared the impact of different medical conditions on HRQoL, all of which reported that the impact of visual impairment was equal or stronger compared with other major medical conditions. In conclusion, generic HRQoL instruments are sensitive to detect the relation between vision and HRQoL, as they cover dimensions influenced by vision. Declining vision is associated with reduced functioning, which leads to dependence and isolation – both major factors in an individual's well‐being. This phenomenon showed surprising similarity around the world and therefore emphasises the global burden of vision loss at both individual and societal level and encourages its prevention and treatment.