bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of 2016 UNOS pediatric heart allocation policy changes on VAD utilization, waitlist, and post‐transplant survival outcomes in children with CHD versus Non‐CHD
Authors: Das Bibhuti B. , Blackshear Chad T. , Lirette Seth T. , Slaughter Mark S. , Ghaleb Stephanie , Moskowitz William , Ghanamah Mohammad , Burch Phillip T. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsWe analyzed the impact of the revised pediatric heart allocation policy on types of ventricular assist device (VAD) utilization, and waitlist (WL) and post‐heart transplant (HT) survival outcomes in congenital heart disease (CHD) versus non‐CHD patients before (Era‐1) and after (Era‐2) pediatric heart allocation policy implementation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the UNOS database from December 16, 2011, through March 31, 2021, for patients < 18 years old and listed for primary HT. We compared the differences observed between Era‐1 and Era‐2.Results5551 patients were listed for HT, of whom 2447(44%) were in Era‐1 and 3104(56%) were in Era‐2. CHD patients were listed as status 1A unchanged, but the number of patients listed as status 1B decreased in Era‐2, whereas the number of non‐CHD patients listed as status 1A decreased, but status 1B increased. In Era‐2 compared to Era‐1, both temporary (1% to 4%, p < .001) and durable VAD (13.6% to 17.8%, p < .001) utilization increased, and the transplantation rate per 100‐patient years increased in both groups. The median WL period for CHD patients increased marginally from 70 to 71 days (p = .06), whereas for non‐CHD patients it decreased from 61 to 54 days (p < .001). Adjusted 90‐day WL survival increased from 84% to 88%, p = .016 in CHD, but there was no significant change in non‐CHD patients (p = .57). There was no significant difference in 1‐year post‐HT survival in CHD and non‐CHD patients between Era‐1 and Era‐2.ConclusionsIn summary, after the revised heart allocation policy implementation, temporary and durable VAD support increased, HT rate increased, waitlist duration marginally increased in the CHD cohort and decreased in the non‐CHD cohort, and 90‐day WL survival probability improved in children with CHD without significant change in 1‐year post‐HT outcomes. Future studies are needed to identify changes to the policy that may further improve the listing criteria to improve WL duration and post‐HT survival.
Restriction of interleukin‐6 alters endothelial cell immunogenicity in an allogenic environment
Authors: Lion Julien , Maitre Mathilde Le , de Truchis Camille , Taupin Jean‐Luc , Poussin Karine , Haziot Alain , Chong Edward , Glotz Denis , Mooney Nuala 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe microvascular endothelium of the renal transplant is the first site of graft interaction with the host immune system and is often injured in chronic Antibody Mediated Rejection (AMR). Microvascular inflammation is an independent determinant of AMR and heightens endothelial expression of HLA molecules thereby increasing the possibility of Donor Specific Antibody (DSA) binding. Endothelial cells produce IL‐6 in the steady‐state and this is increased by inflammation or by HLA‐DR antibody binding in an allogeneic setting. Because IL‐6 has been implicated in AMR, IL‐6 blockade is currently under investigation as a therapeutic target. To further understand the role of IL‐6 in endothelial cell immunogenicity, we have examined whether humanized antibody blockade of IL‐6 altered endothelial cell interactions with allogeneic PBMC and after anti‐HLA or DSA binding to endothelial cells in an in vitro human experimental model. Soluble factors, endothelial phenotype, Stat‐3 activation, CD4+‐T differentiation, and C4d deposition were examined. Blockade of IL‐6 reduced endothelial cell secretion of IL‐6 and of the monocyte chemoattractant MCP‐1. Pre‐activation of endothelial cells by anti‐HLA or DSA binding increased IL‐6 secretion, that was further increased by concurrent binding of both antibodies and this was inhibited by IL‐6 blockade. Activation of Stat‐3 in CD4+‐T mediated by soluble factors produced in endothelial‐PBMC interactions, and endothelial differentiation of CD4+‐T cell subsets (Th1, Th17, Treg), were impaired whereas activation of Complement by anti‐HLA antibody binding remained unchanged by IL‐6 blockade. Together, these data identify EC‐mediated pro‐inflammatory responses (T cell expansion, EC auto‐activation, chemokine secretion) targeted by IL‐6 blockade.
Overlooked or Unimportant? An Overview of the Coprolite Collections at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Zipfel Bernhard , Montgomery Chandele , Neumann Frank H. , Scott Louis , Choiniere Jonah , Hancox John P. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFossilized feces, termed coprolites, provide unique information on digestive systems, diets, and ecosystems of extinct animals, and are potentially useful for palynology, biostratigraphy and preservation of animal and plant remains. Despite this broad utility, scientific enquiry into coprolites has been relatively sparse. We carried out a systematic investigation into 23 significant South African fossil collections of the Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in search of coprolites. This study spanned a temporal range from the Permian to the recent Cenozoic returning approximately 790 known coprolites in the collections. Of these, only four assemblages have appeared in six coprolite‐specific publications. Others have been mentioned to some extent in publications focused on fauna, palynology or simply mentioned that coprolites were present. Clearly, the coprolite collections at the ESI are understudied and require attention with the intention of stimulating a greater interest in this field.
Comparison of a novel aluminum lactate‐based with an aluminum chloride‐based antiperspirant in excessive axillary and inguinal perspiration: first randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lütgerath Constantin , Weiß Christel , Faulhaber Jörg , Karsai Syrus 
Published: December 2022

SummaryBackgroundTopical aluminum salts are a commonly used remedy for excessive axillary perspiration. To the contrary, less is known about their anhidrotic potential in the groin. This study sought to compare the anhidrotic efficacy and tolerability of an aluminum chloride‐based antiperspirant to an innovative aluminum lactate‐based antiperspirant in healthy study participants presenting with excessive axillary and inguinal perspiration.Participants and MethodsFifty participants were enrolled in this open open‐labeled, randomized, controlled trial. Following a baseline assessment, efficacy was analyzed at two time points throughout the study period by means of four physiological parameters (pH value, transepidermal water loss, gravimetric analysis, Minor test) and two questionnaires (Dermatology Life Quality Index, Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale). Tolerability was evaluated via symptom diaries.ResultsBoth study preparations were comparably effective in reducing axillary and inguinal perspiration and exhibited increasing effectiveness over time. In both treatment regions, the aluminum lactate‐based antiperspirant had a more favorable tolerability profile than the aluminum chloride‐based antiperspirant.ConclusionsDue to its comparable efficacy and – most noticeably in the groin – superior tolerability, this study supports the use of topical aluminum lactate as a first‐line option to control excessive axillary and inguinal perspiration.
The role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in long‐term neurodegenerative processes following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Chiu Li Shan , Anderton Ryan S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a devastating and debilitating disease to endure. Due to improvements in clinical practice, declining mortality rates have led to research into the long‐term consequences of TBI. For example, the incidence and severity of TBI have been associated with an increased susceptibility of developing neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanisms linking this alarming association are yet to be fully understood. Recently, there has been a groundswell of evidence implicating the microbiota–gut–brain axis in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Interestingly, survivors of TBI often report gastrointestinal complaints and animal studies have demonstrated gastrointestinal dysfunction and dysbiosis following injury. Autonomic dysregulation and chronic inflammation appear to be the main driver of these pathologies. Consequently, this review will explore the potential role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in the development of neurodegenerative diseases following TBI.
Heterozygous GABAA receptor β3 subunit N110D knock‐in mice have epileptic spasms
Authors: Qu Shimian , Jackson Laurel G. , Zhou Chengwen , Shen DingDing , Shen Wangzhen , Nwosu Gerald , Howe Rachel , Catron Mackenzie A. , Flamm Carson , Biven Marshall , Kang Jing‐Qiong , Macdonald Robert L. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveInfantile spasms is an epileptic encephalopathy of childhood, and its pathophysiology is largely unknown. We generated a heterozygous knock‐in mouse with the human infantile spasms‐associated de novo mutation GABRB3 (c.A328G, p.N110D) to investigate its molecular mechanisms and to establish the Gabrb3+/N110D knock‐in mouse as a model of infantile spasms syndrome.MethodsWe used electroencephalography (EEG) and video monitoring to characterize seizure types, and a suite of behavioral tests to identify neurological and behavioral impairment in Gabrb3+/N110D knock‐in mice. Miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) were recorded from layer V/VI pyramidal neurons in somatosensory cortex, and extracellular multi‐unit recordings from the ventral basal nucleus of the thalamus in a horizontal thalamocortical slice were used to assess spontaneous thalamocortical oscillations.ResultsThe infantile spasms–associated human de novo mutation GABRB3 (c.A328G, p.N110D) caused epileptic spasms early in development and multiple seizure types in adult Gabrb3+/N110D knock‐in mice. Signs of neurological impairment, anxiety, hyperactivity, social impairment, and deficits in spatial learning and memory were also observed. Gabrb3+/N110D mice had reduced cortical mIPSCs and increased duration of spontaneous oscillatory firing in the somatosensory thalamocortical circuit.SignificanceThe Gabrb3+/N110D knock‐in mouse has epileptic spasms, seizures, and other neurological impairments that are consistent with infantile spasms syndrome in patients. Multiple seizure types and abnormal behaviors indicative of neurological impairment both early and late in development suggest that Gabrb3+/N110D mice can be used to study the pathophysiology of infantile spasms. Reduced cortical inhibition and increased duration of thalamocortical oscillatory firing suggest perturbations in thalamocortical circuits.
Towards evolutionary predictions: Current promises and challenges
Authors: Wortel Meike T. , Agashe Deepa , Bailey Susan F. , Bank Claudia , Bisschop Karen , Blankers Thomas , Cairns Johannes , Colizzi Enrico Sandro , Cusseddu Davide , Desai Michael M. , van Dijk Bram , Egas Martijn , Ellers Jacintha , Groot Astrid T. , Heckel David G. , Johnson Marcelle L. , Kraaijeveld Ken , Krug Joachim , Laan Liedewij , Lässig Michael , Lind Peter A. , Meijer Jeroen , Noble Luke M. , Okasha Samir , Rainey Paul B. , Rozen Daniel E. , Shitut Shraddha , Tans Sander J. , Tenaillon Olivier , Teotónio Henrique , de Visser J. Arjan G. M. , Visser Marcel E. , Vroomans Renske M. A. , Werner Gijsbert D. A. , Wertheim Bregje , Pennings Pleuni S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEvolution has traditionally been a historical and descriptive science, and predicting future evolutionary processes has long been considered impossible. However, evolutionary predictions are increasingly being developed and used in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology and conservation biology. Evolutionary predictions may be used for different purposes, such as to prepare for the future, to try and change the course of evolution or to determine how well we understand evolutionary processes. Similarly, the exact aspect of the evolved population that we want to predict may also differ. For example, we could try to predict which genotype will dominate, the fitness of the population or the extinction probability of a population. In addition, there are many uses of evolutionary predictions that may not always be recognized as such. The main goal of this review is to increase awareness of methods and data in different research fields by showing the breadth of situations in which evolutionary predictions are made. We describe how diverse evolutionary predictions share a common structure described by the predictive scope, time scale and precision. Then, by using examples ranging from SARS‐CoV2 and influenza to CRISPR‐based gene drives and sustainable product formation in biotechnology, we discuss the methods for predicting evolution, the factors that affect predictability and how predictions can be used to prevent evolution in undesirable directions or to promote beneficial evolution (i.e. evolutionary control). We hope that this review will stimulate collaboration between fields by establishing a common language for evolutionary predictions.
Comparison of bacterial suppression by phage cocktails, dual‐receptor generalists, and coevolutionarily trained phages
Authors: Borin Joshua M. , Lee Justin J. , Gerbino Krista R. , Meyer Justin R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe evolution and spread of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria have renewed interest in phage therapy, the use of bacterial viruses (phages) to combat bacterial infections. The delivery of phages in cocktails where constituent phages target different modalities (e.g., receptors) may improve treatment outcomes by making it more difficult for bacteria to evolve resistance. However, the multipartite nature of cocktails may lead to unintended evolutionary and ecological outcomes. Here, we compare a 2‐phage cocktail with a largely unconsidered group of phages: generalists that can infect through multiple, independent receptors. We find that λ phage generalists and cocktails that target the same receptors (LamB and OmpF) suppress Escherichia coli similarly for ~2 days. Yet, a “trained” generalist phage, which previously adapted to its host via 28 days of coevolution, demonstrated superior suppression. To understand why the trained generalist was more effective, we measured the resistance of bacteria against each of our phages. We find that, when bacteria were assailed by two phages in the cocktail, they evolved mutations in manXYZ, a host inner‐membrane transporter that λ uses to move its DNA across the periplasmic space and into the cell for infection. This provided cross‐resistance against the cocktail and untrained generalist. However, these mutations were ineffective at blocking the trained generalist because, through coevolutionary training, it evolved to bypass manXYZ resistance. The trained generalist's past experiences in training make it exceedingly difficult for bacteria to evolve resistance, further demonstrating the utility of coevolutionary phage training for improving the therapeutic properties of phages.
Heat treatment effects on fracture resistance of additively manufactured PLA specimens under mode I loading
Authors: Ayatollahi Majid R. , Rezaeian Parham , Nabavi‐Kivi Amir , Khosravani Mohammad Reza 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe current paper deals with the influence of heat treatment on the tensile, flexural, and fracture strength of polylactic acid (PLA) specimens made by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. Three different temperatures of 80°C, 100°C, and 120°C were used to anneal the dog bone and enlarged compact tension (ECT) specimens to examine the mechanical and fracture performance of the FDM‐PLA parts, respectively. The fracture behavior was assessed using the equivalent material concept (EMC) combined with the J‐integral, average strain energy density (ASED), and maximum tangential stress (MTS) criteria, and the theoretical estimates were compared with the experimental results. Finally, the effectiveness of these criteria was discussed comprehensively, and the failure mechanisms in the broken tensile and flexural specimens were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, applying heat treatment to the FDM specimens could improve their structural integrity by around 57% from the fracture resistance point of view.
Consistent centennial‐scale change in European sub‐Arctic peatland vegetation toward Sphagnum dominance—Implications for carbon sink capacity
Authors: Piilo Sanna R. , Väliranta Minna M. , Amesbury Matt J. , Aquino‐López Marco A. , Charman Dan J. , Gallego‐Sala Angela , Garneau Michelle , Koroleva Natalia , Kärppä Mai , Laine Anna M. , Sannel A. Britta K. , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina , Zhang Hui 
Published: December 2022

AbstractClimate warming is leading to permafrost thaw in northern peatlands, and current predictions suggest that thawing will drive greater surface wetness and an increase in methane emissions. Hydrology largely drives peatland vegetation composition, which is a key element in peatland functioning and thus in carbon dynamics. These processes are expected to change. Peatland carbon accumulation is determined by the balance between plant production and peat decomposition. But both processes are expected to accelerate in northern peatlands due to warming, leading to uncertainty in future peatland carbon budgets. Here, we compile a dataset of vegetation changes and apparent carbon accumulation data reconstructed from 33 peat cores collected from 16 sub‐arctic peatlands in Fennoscandia and European Russia. The data cover the past two millennia that has undergone prominent changes in climate and a notable increase in annual temperatures toward present times. We show a pattern where European sub‐Arctic peatland microhabitats have undergone a habitat change where currently drier habitats dominated by Sphagnum mosses replaced wetter sedge‐dominated vegetation and these new habitats have remained relatively stable over the recent decades. Our results suggest an alternative future pathway where sub‐arctic peatlands may at least partly sustain dry vegetation and enhance the carbon sink capacity of northern peatlands.
Clinical significance of geriatric conditions in acute hospitalization
Authors: Umegaki Hiroyuki , Nagae Masaaki , Komiya Hitoshi , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Yamada Yosuke , Sakai Tomomichi , Tajima Tomihiko 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundGeriatric conditions (GCs) are common in the elderly population, but their clinical significance in acute care is not well understood. In this study, we first investigated the cross‐sectional associations of GCs with frailty and polypharmacy at the time of admission to an acute care geriatric ward. Then, to clarify the clinical significance of GCs in acute care, we prospectively examined the association of GCs with the incidence of hospital‐acquired complications and consequences after discharge.MethodsParticipants were 184 patients (40.2% men: mean age 85.0 ± 6.0 years) hospitalized in an acute care geriatric ward at a university hospital. We examined the cross‐sectional associations of GCs with frailty and polypharmacy by multiple regression analysis, and then the associations of GCs with the incidence of hospital‐acquired complications, falls and death within 3 months of discharge by multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsGCs were associated with frailty and use of polypharmacy, independent of multiple morbidity. GCs were also associated with readmission within 3 months of discharge; however, there was no significant association with the incidence of hospital‐acquired complications, falls, or mortality after discharge.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that GCs are clinically significant in the hospitalized elderly and further research on GCs is warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 50–53.
Automated image analysis of keratin 7 staining can predict disease outcome in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Sjöblom Nelli , Boyd Sonja , Manninen Anniina , Blom Sami , Knuuttila Anna , Färkkilä Martti , Arola Johanna 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that obstructs the bile ducts and causes liver cirrhosis and cholangiocarcinoma. Efficient surrogate markers are required to measure disease progression. The cytokeratin 7 (K7) load in a liver specimen is an independent prognostic indicator that can be measured from digitalized slides using artificial intelligence (AI)‐based models.MethodsA K7‐AI model 2.0 was built to measure the hepatocellular K7 load area of the parenchyma, portal tracts, and biliary epithelium. K7‐stained PSC liver biopsy specimens (n = 295) were analyzed. A compound endpoint (liver transplantation, liver‐related death, and cholangiocarcinoma) was applied in Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to measure AUC values and positive likelihood ratios for each histological variable detected by the model.ResultsThe K7‐AI model 2.0 was a better prognostic tool than plasma alkaline phosphatase, the fibrosis stage evaluated by Nakanuma classification, or K7 score evaluated by a pathologist based on the AUC values of measured variables. A combination of parameters, such as portal tract volume and area of K7‐positive hepatocytes analyzed by the model, produced an AUC of 0.81 for predicting the compound endpoint. Portal tract volume measured by the model correlated with the histological fibrosis stage.ConclusionsThe K7 staining of histological liver specimens in PSC provides significant information on disease outcomes through objective and reproducible data, including variables that cannot be measured by a human pathologist. The K7‐AI model 2.0 could serve as a prognostic tool for clinical endpoints and as a surrogate marker in drug trials.