bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with atopic, nonatopic, and sans asthma—Factor analysis
Authors: Okada Naoki , Yamamoto Yoshiro , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Jun , Tomomatsu Katsuyoshi , Shiraishi Yoshiki , Matsuse Hiroto , Shimoda Terufumi , Kimura Hirokazu , Watai Kentaro , Harada Toshiyuki , Fujita Yuka , Obase Yasushi , Suzukawa Maho , Suzuki Junko , Takayanagi Noboru , Ishiguro Takashi , Masaki Katsunori , Fukunaga Koichi , Asano Koichiro 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) develops in the presence or absence of asthma, either atopic or nonatopic. We have tried to explore the essential components in the pathogenesis of the disease, which are either consistent and variable according to the presence and type of asthma.MethodsNon‐cystic fibrosis ABPA cases satisfying Asano's criteria were extracted from a prospective registry of ABPA and related diseases in Japan between 2013 and 2023. According to the type of preceding asthma, ABPA was classified into three groups: ABPA sans asthma (no preceding asthma), ABPA with atopic asthma, and ABPA with nonatopic asthma. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to identify the components that determined the clinical characteristics of ABPA.ResultsAmong 106 cases of ABPA, 25 patients (24%) had ABPA sans asthma, whereas 57 (54%) and 24 (23%) had ABPA with atopic and nonatopic asthma, respectively. Factor analysis identified three components: allergic, eosinophilic, and fungal. Patients with atopic asthma showed the highest scores for the allergic component (p < .001), defined by total and allergen‐specific IgE titers and lung opacities, and the lowest scores for the fungal component defined by the presence of specific precipitin/IgG or positive culture for A. fumigatus. Eosinophilic components, including peripheral blood eosinophil counts and presence of mucus plugs/high attenuation mucus in the bronchi, were consistent among the three groups.ConclusionThe eosinophilic component of ABPA is considered as the cardinal feature of ABPA regardless of the presence of preceding asthma or atopic predisposition.
Women in surgery: trends in nine surgical specialties
Authors: Graham Vaite , Arora Bharti 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundGender disparity in surgery remains an issue worldwide. We analysed the trends in gender distribution in surgical subspecialties across Australia and New Zealand over the last 8 years.MethodsWorkforce reports from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons were reviewed from 2014 to 2021. Data relating to 4802 applicants, 1554 trainees and 6839 active surgeons across nine surgical subspecialties was analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using a difference of proportions hypothesis test. Predictions regarding time to parity were performed using a linear regression model.ResultsAll nine surgical subspecialties' surgeon numbers saw a steady increase in the representation of women between 2014 and 2021. The most significant rise seen in general surgery from 14% to 21% (P ≤ 0.001). Proportions of women trainees were variable, the only significant rise was seen in orthopaedics from 9% to 19% (P ≤ 0.001). Proportions of women applicants and successful applicants have also been variable. General surgery saw the only consistent increase in women applicants over the last 6 years, from 35% in 2016 to 43% in 2021. Linear regression predictions estimate that paediatric surgery will be the first to reach gender parity in 23 years, and orthopaedics the last, in 186 years.ConclusionA steady increase in women has been observed across all surgical subspecialities over the last 8 years. However, estimates based on current trends suggest that gender parity may be out of reach for the next eight generations in subspecialties such as cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery.
Artificial intelligence for predicting acute appendicitis: a systematic review
Authors: Lam Antoinette , Squires Emily , Tan Sheryn , Swen Ng Jeng , Barilla Adriano , Kovoor Joshua , Gupta Aashray , Bacchi Stephen , Khurana Sanjeev 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPaediatric appendicitis may be challenging to diagnose, and outcomes difficult to predict. While diagnostic and prognostic scores exist, artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to assist with these tasks.MethodA systematic review was conducted aiming to evaluate the currently available evidence regarding the use of AI in the diagnosis and prognostication of paediatric appendicitis. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched. This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO.ResultsTen studies met inclusion criteria. All studies described the derivation and validation of AI models, and none described evaluation of the implementation of these models. Commonly used input parameters included varying combinations of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics. While multiple studies used histopathological examination as the ground truth for a diagnosis of appendicitis, less robust techniques, such as the use of ICD10 codes, were also employed. Commonly used algorithms have included random forest models and artificial neural networks. High levels of model performance have been described for diagnosis of appendicitis and, to a lesser extent, subtypes of appendicitis (such as complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis). Most studies did not provide all measures of model performance required to assess clinical usability.ConclusionsThe available evidence suggests the creation of prediction models for diagnosis and classification of appendicitis using AI techniques, is being increasingly explored. However, further implementation studies are required to demonstrate benefit in system or patient‐centred outcomes with model deployment and to progress these models to the stage of clinical usability.
Non‐resolution of acute kidney injury in the first week portends the development of chronic kidney disease in critically ill patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Maiwall Rakhi , Pasupuleti Samba Siva Rao , Hidam Ashini Kumar , Rastogi Archana , Thomas Sherin , Kumar Guresh , Kumar Anupam , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: July 2023

SummaryBackgroundRenal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) cause maladaptive repair and perpetuate renal fibrosis.AimTo evaluate urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and RTEC as risk factors for non‐resolution of acute kidney injury (AKI–NR) at day seven and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in critically ill patients with cirrhosis.MethodsWe performed urinary NGAL and microscopy at enrolment and day 7 in all patients. We assessed 17 renal injury, endothelial injury and repair markers, genes for mitochondrial biogenesis by qRT–PCR in RTEC, and post‐mortem renal biopsies for understanding mechanisms of AKI non‐resolution (n = 30).ResultsWe enrolled 310 patients, aged 48.1 ± 11.6 years, 87% male, 90% alcoholic. Of these, 36% had RTEC at enrolment, and 53% had AKI–NR on day 7. On mean follow‐up of 136 days (range 43–365), 150 (48.3%) developed CKD. The presence of RTEC or granular casts, NGAL and AKI–NR were independent predictors of CKD development on competing risk analysis. Higher MCP‐1, renal endothelial injury, decrease in tubular repair markers and failure of mitochondrial biogenesis in RTEC were seen in patients with AKI–NR compared with AKI–R (p < 0.05). Renal biopsies showed infiltration with monocyte–macrophage, increased α‐SMA, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.ConclusionAlmost two‐thirds of critically ill patients with cirrhosis have AKI, which resolves in only one‐half at day seven and predicts the development of CKD. Higher NGAL, RTEC, or granular casts were independent predictors of AKI–NR and CKD development. Enhanced tubular and endothelial injury, decreased repair, monocyte–macrophage infiltration and mitochondrial dysfunction in RTEC are associated with AKI non‐resolution and risk of renal fibrosis.
Analysis of Length-Biased and Partly Interval-Censored Survival Data with Mismeasured Covariates
Authors: Chen Li-Pang , Qiu Bangxu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we analyze the length-biased and partly interval-censored data, whose challenges primarily come from biased sampling and interfere induced by interval censoring. Unlike existing methods that focus on low-dimensional data and assume the covariates to be precisely measured, sometimes researchers may encounter high-dimensional data subject to measurement error, which are ubiquitous in applications and make estimation unreliable. To address those challenges, we explore a valid inference method for handling high-dimensional length-biased and interval-censored survival data with measurement error in covariates under the accelerated failure time model. We primarily employ the SIMEX method to correct for measurement error effects and propose the boosting procedure to do variable selection and estimation. The proposed method is able to handle the case that the dimension of covariates is larger than the sample size and enjoys appealing features that the distributions of the covariates are left unspecified.
Simultaneous Selection and Inference for Varying Coefficients with Zero Regions: A Soft-Thresholding Approach
Authors: Yang Yuan , Pan Ziyang , Kang Jian , Brummett Chad , Li Yi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractVarying coefficient models have been used to explore dynamic effects in many scientific areas, such as in medicine, finance, and epidemiology. As most existing models ignore the existence of zero regions, we propose a new soft-thresholded varying coefficient model, where the coefficient functions are piecewise smooth with zero regions. Our new modeling approach enables us to perform variable selection, detect the zero regions of selected variables, obtain point estimates of the varying coefficients with zero regions, and construct a new type of sparse confidence intervals that accommodate zero regions. We prove the asymptotic properties of the estimator, based on which we draw statistical inference. Our simulation study reveals that the proposed sparse confidence intervals achieve the desired coverage probability. We apply the proposed method to analyze a large-scale preoperative opioid study.
Discussion on “Optimal Test Procedures for Multiple Hypotheses Controlling the Familywise Expected Loss” by Willi Maurer, Frank Bretz, and Xiaolei Xun
Authors: Brannath Werner 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This comment builds on the familywise expected loss (FWEL) framework suggested by Maurer, Bretz, and Xun in 2022. By representing the populationwise error rate (PWER) as FWEL, it is illustrated how the FWEL framework can be extended to clinical trials with multiple and overlapping populations and the PWER can be generalized to more general losses. The comment also addresses the question of how to deal with midtrial changes in the posttrial risks and related losses that are caused by data-driven decisions. Focusing on multiarm trials with the possibility of dropping treatments midtrial, we suggest to switch from control of the unconditional expected loss to control of the conditional expected loss that is related to the actual risks and is conditional on the sample event that causes the change in the risks. The problem and here suggested solution is also motivated with a sequence of independent trials for a hitherto incurable disease which ends when an efficient treatment is found. No multiplicity adjustment is applied in this case and we show how this can be justified by the consideration of the changing out-trial risks and with control of conditional type I error rates and losses.
Association between inter‐pregnancy interval and risk of adverse birth outcomes in subsequent pregnancy: A retrospective study from Jordan
Authors: Hijazi Heba , Alameddine Mohamad , Al Abdi Rabah M. , Baniissa Wegdan , Sindiani Amer , Al‐Yateem Nabeel , Al‐Sharman Alham , Al Marzouqi Alounoud , Hossain Ahmed 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW), are leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to estimate the association between inter‐pregnancy interval (IPI) and the risks of adverse birth outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis involving 630 mothers who delivered a singleton live infant at a leading tertiary hospital in northern Jordan from March to August 2021. Outcome variables were preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) and LBW (<2.5 kg). Using multivariable logistic regression, the association between IPI and these two adverse birth outcomes was investigated.ResultsThe rates of preterm birth and LBW were 12.4% and 16.8%, respectively. Compared with an optimal IPI (24–36 months), a short IPI (<24 months) was positively associated with preterm birth (aOR: 4.09; 95% CI: 1.48–6.55) and LBW (aOR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.57–5.15). Infants conceived after a long IPI (≥ 60 months) had increased odds of preterm birth (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.12–5.78) and LBW (aOR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.67–4.03). Preterm delivery was also significantly associated with the mother's age (aOR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04–1.17), history of multiple cesarean births (aOR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.14–4.29), prolonged rupture of membranes (aOR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.10–5.52), and perinatal death (aOR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.10–5.49). A mother's history of prior LBW (aOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 1.08–6.80), hypertensive disorders (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.03–3.89), and multiple cesarean births (aOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 2.10–6.99) was associated with LBW.ConclusionsBoth short and long IPIs were related to preterm delivery and LBW. Optimal birth spacing is recommended to improve birth outcomes and must be considered when designing effective family planning programs.
The southern extension of the Eocene Andean orogeny: New sedimentary record of the foreland basin in the southern Central Andes at 32° S
Authors: Suriano Julieta , Lossada Ana C. , Mahoney J. Brian , Tedesco Ana M. , Limarino Carlos O. , Giambiagi Laura B. , Mazzitelli Manuela A. , Mescua José F. , Lothari Lucas , Quiroga Rodrigo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Eocene compressional phase is well known to have contributed to the construction of the Andes orogen at latitudes north of 30° S, but its extension to the south has not been fully studied. Moreover, synorogenic deposits of Eocene age across the foreland are scarce. The Cenozoic Manantiales Basin records the unroofing sequence of the Andes at 32° S. This study focuses on the basal infill of the Manantiales Basin, informally called the Areniscas Chocolate, which has received less attention than the upper infill until now. Sedimentological, geochronological and provenance studies were carried out on this unit. Here, we present the first ages for the Areniscas Chocolate sequence, of ca. 35–39 Ma (maximum depositional age, MDA). This MDA is interpreted as close to its depositional age, which together with their stratigraphic characteristics, allow us both to separate it from the overlying Miocene Chinches Formation and to propose it as an independent lithostratigraphic unit called Río de los Patos Formation (nov. den.). The provenance analysis of the Río delos Patos Formation indicates a sediment input from western sources located in the Coastal Cordillera and Western Principal Cordillera. Facies associations suggest that the Río de los Patos Formation represents the distal synorogenic deposits during the construction of an Eocene relief to the west. Therefore, the Manantiales Basin started during the late Eocene as a distal foreland basin, indicating that Eocene compression reached latitudes as far south as 32° S. Our results shed light into the characterization of the earliest infill of the Manantiales Basin, as well as into the tectonic evolution of the basin.
Liquiritigenin regulates insulin sensitivity and ameliorates inflammatory responses in the nonalcoholic fatty liver by activation PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Bao Lei , Hao Pei , Jiang Meiju , Chu Weijiang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent long‐term disease in the world. Liquiritigenin (LQ) is protective against a variety of hepatotoxins. Herein, we report the potential mechanism of LQ on a high‐fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD. NAFLD mice model was established by HFD for 12 weeks, and LQ treatment for 1 week. Commercially available assay kits measure liver triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Plasm TC, TG, high‐density‐lipoprotein (HDL‐C), and low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels were also monitored by biochemistry. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were performed to analyze the pro‐inflammatory factors, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), insulin tolerance test (IPITT), and serum insulin were also determined. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was employed to analyze the overlapping genes of LQ targets and NAFLD development‐related targets. Western blot was performed on key proteins of the enriched signaling pathway. HFD mice showed significant increases in hepatic TG and TC, and plasm TC, TG, and LDL‐C in blood lipids, while HDL‐C significantly decreased, and LQ treatment reversed their levels (p < 0.05). LQ also alleviated HFD‐induced elevated levels of IPGTT, IPITT, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). And serum levels of the pro‐inflammatory factor were also suppressed by LQ. PI3K/AKT pathway was enriched by KEGG pathway enrichment, and its key proteins p‐PI3K and p‐AKT were elevated after LQ treatment (p < 0.05). We found for the first time that LQ improves lipid accumulation, alleviates insulin resistance, and suppresses inflammatory responses in NAFLD mice, which might be associated with the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Structure‐based design, optimization of lead, synthesis, and biological evaluation of compounds active against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: de Almeida Gleybson Correia , de Oliveira Gerliny Bezerra , da Silva Monte Zenaide , Costa Érick Caique Santos , da Silva Falcão Emerson Peter , Scotti Luciana , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Oliveira Silva Ricardo , Pereira Valéria Rêgo Alves , da Silva Elis Dionisio , Junior Policarpo Ademar Sales , de Andrade Cavalcante Marton Kaique , de Melo Sebastião José 
Published: July 2023

AbstractChagas' disease affects approximately eight million people throughout the world, especially the poorest individuals. The protozoan that causes this disease–Trypanosoma cruzi–has the enzyme cruzipain, which is the main therapeutic target. As no available medications have satisfactory effectiveness and safety, it is of fundamental importance to design and synthesize novel analogues that are more active and selective. In the present study, molecular docking and the in silico prediction of ADMET properties were used as strategies to optimize the trypanocidal activity of the pyrimidine compound ZN3F based on interactions with the target site in cruzipain. From the computational results, eight 4‐amino‐5‐carbonitrile‐pyrimidine analogues were proposed, synthesized (5a‐f and 7g‐h) and, tested in vitro on the trypomastigote form of the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. The in silico study showed that the designed analogues bond favorably to important amino acid residues of the active site in cruzipain. An in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity was performed on L929 mammal cell lines. All derivatives inhibited the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi and also exhibited lower toxicity to L929 cells. The 5e product, in particular, proved to be a potent, selective (IC50 = 2.79 ± 0.00 μM, selectivity index = 31.3) inhibitor of T. cruzi. The present results indicated the effectiveness of drugs based on the structure of the receptor, revealing the potential trypanocidal of pyrimidines. This study also provides information on molecular aspects for the inhibition of cruzipain.
Epstein–Barr virus: To be a trigger of autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy?
Authors: Li Xiao‐Li , Wang Jun‐Yan , Li Liang‐Kang , Yang Chun‐Lin , Zhao Xue‐Lu , Yang Bing , Zhang Peng , Liu Bin , Li Yan‐Bin , Zhang Zhao‐Xu , Duan Rui‐Sheng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is a novel autoimmune disease of central nervous system (CNS). It is unclear whether Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is related to autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy.MethodsThe clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings of patients are presented. The levels of GFAP in CSF were detected by ELISA. T and B cell subsets in CSF were detected by flow cytometry. GFAP‐IgG in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were tested by cell‐based assay (CBA) and tissue‐based assay (TBA).ResultsAll three patients had fever, cognitive dysfunction, limb weakness, and positive GFAP‐IgG with EBV infection in CSF. Enteric glia cells may involve in this disease. Typical imaging findings include the gadolinium enhancement of linear perivascular radial perpendicular to the ventricle, meningeal enhancement (especially in midbrain interpeduncal fossa), longitudinally extensive lesions involving spindle cords, and more T2/Flair‐hyperintense lesions in the periventricular white matter at late stage. The patients had poor response to antiviral treatment and strong response to steroid pulse therapy.ConclusionEBV could induce CNS autoimmune response in autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy. The detection of GFAP‐IgG and EBV may facilitate the early diagnosis in these patients.