bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive predictors of clinically significant portal hypertension in NASH cirrhosis: Validation of ANTICIPATE models and development of a lab‐based model
Authors: Rabiee Anahita , Deng Yanhong , Ciarleglio Maria , Chan Jean L. , Pons Monica , Genesca Joan , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), defined as hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥ 10 mm Hg, identifies patients with compensated cirrhosis at a high risk of decompensation. However, HVPG is an invasive and nuanced method. The ANTICIPATE models, which include liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography (TE) and platelet count ± body mass index, are robust noninvasive surrogates of CSPH but required external validation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. Additionally, TE is not widely available worldwide. The aims of the study were: (1) to externally validate the ANTICIPATE models using baseline data from patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis screened/enrolled in a multicenter international randomized controlled trial; and (2) to develop and externally validate a model using only laboratory values. Regarding aim 1, both ANTICIPATE models showed good calibration and discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.8) in our cohort (n = 222). Regarding aim 2, a new lab‐based model using the Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4 [age, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, platelet count]) plus serum albumin was developed. The discrimination in the training cohort (n = 309) was good (AUC of 0.78 [95% confidence interval [CI]:0.72–0.83]). It was then externally validated in a separate cohort of 245 patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis (AUC of 0.8 [95% CI: 0.75–0.86]). Given the difference in the prevalence of CSPH between training (74%) and validation (39%) cohorts, the model required an update of the baseline risk to achieve a good calibration. The updated model was named FIB4+. In conclusion, both ANTICIPATE models performed well in predicting the presence of CSPH in NASH cirrhosis. A model using FIB‐4 plus albumin (FIB4+) can be used to predict CSPH where TE is not available.
Measure to improve: Is there a patient‐acuity measurement tool suitable for use in maternity service provision in the Netherlands? A systematic review
Authors: Cronie Doug J. , Rosman Ageeth , Vries Raymond de 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsIt is difficult to overestimate the importance of safe staffing levels within the context of effective, quality healthcare. Poor staffing has been cited as a contributory factor in the number of unnecessary hospital deaths. This is particularly so in maternity care, where poor staffing has been inexorably linked to avoidable perinatal and maternal mortality. In the Netherlands, maternity service provision (MSP) is stratified into primary (community)‐ and secondary (hospital)‐based care. While most midwives (71%) work in primary care, the majority are self‐employed or work in small group practices. Where women birth at home, one‐to‐one care during labor is the norm. However, despite the existence of a national standard for birth‐related care, which states unequivocally that women birthing in hospitals should (also) receive one‐to‐one care, while in labor this is not always the case. The extent of compliance with the national care standard has until now not been the subject of scrutiny. We aim to identify evidence for the use of patient‐acuity measurement tools (PAMTs) in MSP to explore the extent of one‐to‐one care for women birthing in hospitals in the Netherlands and select and/or modify a valid PAMT suitable for use in maternity units in hospitals in the Netherlands to assess to what extent the quality standard of one‐to‐one care for birthing women is being met.MethodsIn this systematic literature review, all citations are first screened for title and abstract, then full text for suitability of inclusion.ResultsThree studies were identified for inclusion in the review. One PAMT is recommended.ConclusionOne PAMT suitable for use in maternity service was identified. However, the evidence level for use is low. Nevertheless, in view of the unique nature of midwifery service provision, a PAMT specifically developed for use in maternity service is preferable.
A multimodal molecular image fusion method based on relative total variation and co‐saliency detection
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhu Rui 
Published: October 2022

AbstractImage fusion can integrate complementary information from multimodal molecular images to provide an informative single result image. In order to obtain a better fusion effect, this article proposes a novel method based on relative total variation and co‐saliency detection (RTVCSD). First, only the gray‐scale anatomical image is decomposed into a base layer and a texture layer according to the relative total variation; then, the three‐channel color functional image is transformed into the luminance and chroma (YUV) color space, and the luminance component Y is directly fused with the base layer of the anatomical image by comparing the co‐saliency information; next, the fused base layer is linearly combined with the texture layer, and the obtained fused result is combined with the chroma information U and V of the functional image. Finally, the fused image is obtained by transforming back to the red–green–blue color space. The dataset consists of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/positron emission tomography images, MRI/single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images, computed tomography/SPECT images, and green fluorescent protein/phase contrast images, each category with 20 image pairs. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method RTVCSD outperforms the nine comparison algorithms in terms of visual effects and objective evaluation. RTVCSD well preserves the texture information of the anatomical image and the metabolism or protein distribution information of the functional image.
The relationship between the mode of presentation, CT‐derived body composition, systemic inflammatory grade and survival in colon cancer
Authors: Golder Allan M. , Sin Ling Kwan Ernest , Alani Fatima , Alasadi Ala , Dolan Ross , Mansouri David , Horgan Paul G. , McMillan Donald C. , Roxburgh Campbell S. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundWithin colorectal cancer, the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) and CT‐derived body composition, particularly the loss of lean muscle mass, are independently associated with oncological outcomes; however, no study has included both non‐metastatic and metastatic disease. The present study analyses the association between body composition, mode of presentation, SIR and survival in patients with TNM I–IV colon cancer.MethodsPatients diagnosed with colon cancer from 2011 to 2014 were identified. The SIR was stratified using systemic inflammatory grade (SIG). Staging CT scans were used to define body composition: subcutaneous fat index (SFI), visceral fat area (VFA), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle density (SMD). The effect of SIG and body composition on mode of presentation and 3‐year overall survival (3‐yr OS) was analysed.ResultsOne thousand one hundred forty‐six patients were identified; 14%/38%/40%/8% had TNM Stage I/II/III/IV colon cancer, respectively. Patients were predominantly aged 65 + (63%), male (52%) and BMI > 25 (62%). 79%74% had a high SFI/VFA, and 56%/62% had a low SMI/SMD, respectively. Abnormal body composition was prevalent across all disease stages and associated with TNM stage—high SFI in 87%/76%/81%/68% (P < 0.001), high VFA in 79%/73%/75%/67% (P = 0.189), low SMI in 43%/60%/55%/68% (P < 0.001) and low SMD in 55%/65%/61%/67% (P = 0.094) of TNM I/II/III/IV disease, respectively. Body composition was associated with SIG—high SFI in 83%/80%/77%/78%/66% (P = 0.004), high VFA in 78%/78%/70%/63%/61% (P = 0.002), low SMI in 48%/52%/62%/62%/79% (P < 0.001) and low SMD in 56%/60%/62%/70%/76% (P < 0.001) of patients with SIG 0/1/2/3/4, respectively. After adjustment for other factors, increased SIG (OR 1.95), visceral obesity (OR 0.65) and low SMI (OR 1.61) were associated with emergency presentation. In TNM Stage II colon cancer, low SMI and low SMD were associated with worse 3‐yr OS (92% vs 87%, P < 0.001 and 96% vs 85%, P < 0.001, respectively). In TNM Stage III, a trend was seen between low SMI and SMD and 3‐yr OS (77% vs 73%, P = 0.091 and 76% vs 75%, P = 0.034, respectively). In TNM Stage IV disease, low SMI was associated with 3‐yr OS (43% vs 16%, P < 0.001). A trend, albeit not of significance, was seen between low SMD and 3‐yr OS (32% vs 21%, P = 0.366).ConclusionsThe present results show that abnormal body composition is prevalent across TNM I–IV colon cancer and associated with TNM stage and SIG. Body composition is independently associated with emergency presentation and long‐term survival. Further research is required to analyse whether interventions including structured exercise programmes or attenuation of the SIR have an effect on CT‐derived body composition and oncological outcomes.
Reduction of senescent fibro‐adipogenic progenitors in progeria‐aged muscle by senolytics rescues the function of muscle stem cells
Authors: Liu Lei , Yue Xianlin , Sun Zewei , Hambright William S. , Wei Jianming , Li Ying , Matre Polina , Cui Yan , Wang Zhihui , Rodney George , Huard Johnny , Robbins Paul D. , Mu Xiaodong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundFibro‐adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in the muscles have been found to interact closely with muscle progenitor/stem cells (MPCs) and facilitate muscle regeneration at normal conditions. However, it is not clear how FAPs may interact with MPCs in aged muscles. Senolytics have been demonstrated to selectively eliminate senescent cells and generate therapeutic benefits on ageing and multiple age‐related disease models.MethodsBy studying the muscles and primary cells of age matched WT mice and Zmpste24−/− (Z24−/−) mice, an accelerated ageing model for Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), we examined the interaction between FAPs and MPCs in progeria‐aged muscle, and the potential effect of senolytic drug fisetin in removing senescent FAPs and improving the function of MPCs.ResultsWe observed that, compared with muscles of WT mice, muscles of Z24−/− mice contained a significantly increased number of FAPs (2.4‐fold; n > =6, P < 0.05) and decreased number of MPCs (2.8‐fold; n > =6, P < 0.05). FAPs isolated from Z24−/− muscle contained about 44% SA‐β‐gal+ senescent cells, in contrast to about 3.5% senescent cells in FAPs isolated from WT muscle (n > =6, P < 0.001). The co‐culture of Z24−/− FAPs with WT MPCs resulted in impaired proliferation and myogenesis potential of WT MPCs, with the number of BrdU positive proliferative cells being reduced for 3.3 times (n > =6, P < 0.001) and the number of myosin heavy chain (MHC)‐positive myotubes being reduced for 4.5 times (n > =6, P < 0.001). The treatment of the in vitro co‐culture system of Z24−/− FAPs and WT MPCs with the senolytic drug fisetin led to increased apoptosis of Z24−/− FAPs (14.5‐fold; n > =6, P < 0.001) and rescued the impaired function of MPCs by increasing the number of MHC‐positive myotubes for 3.1 times (n > =6, P < 0.001). Treatment of Z24−/− mice with fisetin in vivo was effective in reducing the number of senescent FAPs (2.2‐fold, n > =6, P < 0.05) and restoring the number of muscle stem cells (2.6‐fold, n > =6, P < 0.05), leading to improved muscle pathology in Z24−/− mice.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the application of senolytics in the progeria‐aged muscles can be an efficient strategy to remove senescent cells, including senescent FAPs, which results in improved function of muscle progenitor/stem cells. The senescent FAPs can be a potential novel target for therapeutic treatment of progeria ageing related muscle diseases.
Atrial thrombosis: Not only left, think also about right!
Authors: Degiovanni Anna , Carassia Claudia , De Vecchi Simona , Erbetta Riccardo , Patti Giuseppe 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the general population. Systemic thromboembolism from left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis is a well‐known complication of AF, whereas thromboembolic complications from a right atrial (RA) thrombus are infrequent. Nevertheless, the prevalence of RA thrombosis is debated; despite having a low prevalence in echocardiographic studies, the higher prevalence found in autoptic studies rises the hypothesis of an under detection of RA clots, possibly related to the limited evaluation of right atrial appendage (RAA) with non‐invasive imaging. Here we present a review of the current literature about RA thrombosis, regarding its diagnosis, differentials, and best treatment options.
Double outlet right ventricle in adults: Anatomic variability, surgical treatment, and late postoperative complications
Authors: Karev Egor , Stovpyuk Oksana F. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDouble outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a highly complex congenital heart disease (CHD) entity, gaining increasing interest due to the rapid progress of cardiac surgery. The number of patients operated for this congenital defect has been growing since 1980s and over following decades with active transitioning of this cohort into the adult medicine. However, the diversity of initial anomaly and performed interventions makes challenging the management of these patients. This is particularly important in the regions where specialized adult CHD cardiology still remains underdeveloped. In this review, we observe the basic principles of DORV nomenclature, main types of the operations and possible late complications. The article focuses on adult patients and offers illustrations from clinical practice.
Ultrasound exploration of muscle characteristic changes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients
Authors: Zhao Ping , Ding Changwei , Fu Xinxu , Zhang Yingchun , Gu Jiarui , Hu Ji , Wang Caishan , Yang Min , Sheng Yujing , Zhang Ying , Chen Xiaofang , Mao Pan , Liu Chun‐feng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPurposeUsing brightness mode ultrasound combined with shear wave elastography, this study aims to detect structural and functional changes of the medial head of gastrocnemius (MG) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with or without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).Methods149 T2DM patients (DPN group and non‐DPN group) and 60 healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled. We measured the absolute difference of fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA), and shear wave velocity (SWV) of both MG in neutral position and maximal ankle joint's plantar flexion and calculated ΔFL, ΔPA, and ΔSWV. These three parameters, along with muscle thickness (MT), were compared among the three groups.ResultsIn the DPN group, the MG's MT, ΔPA, and ΔSWV were significantly lower than in the non‐DPN group (p < 0.01); these parameters achieved the highest scores in the control group (p < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the combination of ΔSWV and ΔFL was the largest for predicting inpatients with or without DPN.ConclusionsDecreased muscle mass (MT) and muscle contractibility (ΔFL and ΔSWV) were detected in patients with T2DM, with or without DPN. ΔSWV and ΔFL of the MG showed high‐diagnostic accuracy for DPN warning signs.
Seven reasons why binary diagnostic categories should be replaced with empirically sounder and less stigmatizing dimensions
Authors: Lahey Benjamin B. , Tiemeier Henning , Krueger Robert F. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundAn ongoing positive revolution advocates a new approach to the individual differences in human emotions, cognitions, and behavior that cause distress and impair functioning. This revolution endorses the long‐proposed, but still unrealized rejection of the medical model, which attributes psychological problems to a sick brain or mind. In addition, it advocates replacing the binary diagnoses used in ICD and DSM, which assume a clear discontinuity between “normal” and “abnormal” functioning, with continuous dimensions of psychological problems.MethodSelective literature review.Results and DiscussionSeven strong reasons are provided for adopting a dimensional approach.
Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of extracellular vesicles administered intravenously and intranasally to Macaca nemestrina
Authors: Driedonks Tom , Jiang Linglei , Carlson Bess , Han Zheng , Liu Guanshu , Queen Suzanne E. , Shirk Erin N. , Gololobova Olesia , Liao Zhaohao , Nyberg Lyle H. , Lima Gabriela , Paniushkina Liliia , Garcia‐Contreras Marta , Schonvisky Kayla , Castell Natalie , Stover Mitchel , Guerrero‐Martin Selena , Richardson Riley , Smith Barbara , Mahairaki Vasiliki , Lai Charles P. , Izzi Jessica M. , Hutchinson Eric K. , Pate Kelly A. M. , Witwer Kenneth W. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) have potential in disease treatment since they can be loaded with therapeutic molecules and engineered for retention by specific tissues. However, questions remain on optimal dosing, administration and pharmacokinetics. Previous studies have addressed biodistribution and pharmacokinetics in rodents, but little evidence is available for larger animals. Here, we investigated the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of Expi293F‐derived EVs labelled with a highly sensitive nanoluciferase reporter (palmGRET) in a non‐human primate model (Macaca nemestrina), comparing intravenous (IV) and intranasal (IN) administration over a 125‐fold dose range. We report that EVs administered IV had longer circulation times in plasma than previously reported in mice and were detectable in cerebrospinal fluid after 30–60 min. EV association with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, especially B‐cells, was observed as early as 1‐min post‐administration. EVs were detected in liver and spleen within 1 h of IV administration. However, IN delivery was minimal, suggesting that pretreatment approaches may be needed in large animals. Furthermore, EV circulation times strongly decreased after repeated IV administration, possibly due to immune responses and with clear implications for xenogeneic EV‐based therapeutics. We hope that our findings from this baseline study in macaques will help to inform future research and therapeutic development of EVs.
SARS‐CoV‐2 evolves to reduce but not abolish neutralizing action
Authors: Zhang Yandi , Ndzouboukou Jo‐Lewis B. , Lin Xiaosong , Hou Hongyan , Wang Feng , Yuan Leyong , Gan Mengze , Yao Zongjie , Fu Hui , Cao Jinge , Fan Xionglin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants of concern (VOCs) have prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic by escaping pre‐existing immunity acquired by natural infection or vaccination. Elucidation of VOCs' mutation trends and evasion of neutralization is required to update current control measures. Mutations and the prevalence of VOCs were analyzed in the global immunization coverage rate context. Lentivirus‐based pseudovirus neutralization analysis platforms for SARS‐CoV‐2 prototype strain (PS) and VOCs, containing Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, were constructed based on the spike protein of each variant and HEK 293T cell line expressing the human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor on the surface, and an enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter. Serum samples from 65 convalescent individuals and 20 WIBP‐CorV vaccine recipients and four therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) namely imdevimab, casirivimab, bamlanivimab, and etesevimab were used to evaluate the neutralization potency against the variants. Pseudovirus‐based neutralization assay platforms for PS and VOCs were established, and multiplicity of infection (MOI) was the key factor influencing the assay result. Compared to PS, VOCs may enhance the infectivity of hACE2‐293T cells. Except for Alpha, other VOCs escaped neutralization to varying degrees. Attributed to favorable and emerging mutations, the current pandemic Omicron variant of all VOCs demonstrated the most significant neutralization‐escaping ability to the sera and mAbs. Compared with the PS pseudovirus, Omicron had 15.7‐ and 3.71‐fold decreases in the NT50 value (the highest serum dilution corresponding to a neutralization rate of 50%); and correspondingly, 90% and 43% of immunization or convalescent serum samples lost their neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant, respectively. Therefore, SARS‐CoV‐2 has evolved persistently with a strong ability to escape neutralization and prevailing against the established immune barrier. Our findings provide important clues to controlling the COVID‐19 pandemic caused by new variants.
Preparation of Graphene‐Based Hydrogel Thermal Interface Materials with Excellent Heat Dissipation and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ma Jingying , Du Wenqiao , Chen Zhimin , Wang Wei , Zhang Long 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHeat dissipation has become an essential factor affecting the performance and operating life of electronic devices as the development of modern electronic devices continues to miniaturize and integrate to increase power density. The development of new thermal interface materials has been the key solution to heat dissipation. Herein, a high thermal conductive graphene‐based hydrogel (G/PVP‐PVA) with an interpenetrating network is successfully constructed by physical cross‐linking combined with the freeze–thaw process. The effect of the preparation parameters on its all‐around performance is evaluated in detail. When the graphene dosage is 0.33%, the maximal tensile stress of the hydrogel is 322.4 kPa, the self‐recovery is 95.4%, and the thermal conductivity is as high as 1.486 W m−1 K−1. The cooling simulation experiment shows that the hydrogel can adhere closely to the wall to reduce the air thermal resistance effectively, and the cooling rate is as high as 5.04 °C min−1. The simulation experiment of the human body cooling shows that its cooling rate is 1.10 °C min−1, while that for a commercial hydrogel is 0.27 °C min−1. The G/PVP‐PVA can give a practically potential solution for the thermal management of flexible electronic products and provides a new material for an efficient medical cooling application.
The impact of animal welfare regulations on firms' product offerings: Humane or organic product?
Authors: Lin Zhiping , Xiao Wenli , Lin Yen‐Ting , Mu Yinping 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIncreased public concerns about animal welfare have spurred new regulations to improve animals' treatment and living conditions. We study how these regulations affect firms' product offerings, prices, and profits. We consider two competing animal agriculture supply chains, each consisting of a supplier and a buyer. New regulations require firms to choose between offering humane or organic products, which are differentiated by animals' living conditions. We find that consumers' growing awareness of animal welfare encourages firms to offer organic products, which require the highest standards for animals' living conditions. We also show that tightening humane product standards and loosening organic product standards encourage firms to offer organic products—but with distinct pricing implications. The former leads to higher retail prices whereas the latter may lower retail prices. Depending on costs and consumers' awareness of animal welfare, a humane product may be priced higher or lower than an organic product. Furthermore, we provide conditions under which a regulator should offer a unit‐cost or an investment cost subsidy to improve social welfare. We show that subsidies can encourage firms to change from offering humane to organic products, or vice versa, to enhance total social welfare.