bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoalbuminaemia and heart failure: A practical review of current evidence
Authors: Biancucci Marta , Barbiero Riccardo , Pennella Benedetta , Cannatà Antonio , Ageno Walter , Tangianu Flavio , Maresca Andrea Maria , Dentali Francesco , Bonaventura Aldo
Published: July 2024

Hypoalbuminaemia (serum albumin levels ≤3.5 g/dl) is associated with poor outcomes among patients with heart failure (HF). This narrative review includes original articles and reviews published over the past 20 years and retrieved from PubMed using the following search terms (or their combination): ‘heart failure’, ‘hypoalbuminaemia’, ‘heart failure with reduced ejection fraction’, ‘heart failure with preserved ejection fraction’, ‘all‐cause mortality’, ‘in‐hospital mortality’, ‘hospitalization’, ‘prognosis’. The aims of this review are to provide an overview on the prevalence of hypoalbuminaemia in HF, its impact on clinical outcomes, and potential mechanisms that may suggest future therapeutic strategies. Hypoalbuminaemia is frequent in HF patients, especially among the elderly. However, data about the exact epidemiology of hypoalbuminaemia are scant due to different definitions, and prevalence is estimated between 5% and 70% across the whole spectrum of ejection fraction. Current evidence points to hypoalbuminaemia as a marker of poor outcomes in HF, irrespective of the ejection fraction, and in other cardiovascular diseases. Among patients who suffered from acute coronary syndrome, those with hypoalbuminaemia had an increased risk of new‐onset HF and in‐hospital mortality. Albumin, however, might also play a role in the natural history of such diseases due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. Whether albumin supplementation or nutritional support in general would be beneficial in improving clinical outcomes in HF is not completely clear and should be evaluated in adequately designed studies.
Improving the triphenylphosphine/triphenylphosphine oxide (TPP/TPPO)‐based method for the absolute and accurate quantification by FTIR‐ATR of hydroperoxides in oils or lipid extracts
Authors: Wind Juliette , Villeneuve Pierre , Taty Mignon Prince Exaucé , Figueroa‐Espinoza Maria Cruz , Baréa Bruno , Pradelles Rémi , Durand Erwann
Published: July 2024

Research on natural sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for both food and nutraceutical prospects has significantly grown in recent years. Some plant oils and lipid extracts contain carotenoids, xanthophylls, sterols, and/or phenolic compounds that can provoke a lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) overestimation when quantifying them using nonselective colorimetric assays. Herein, we have optimized a mid‐infrared method using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) to quantify LOOHs in oils or lipid extracts. This method is based on the conversion of triphenylphosphine (TPP) to triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) in the presence of hydroperoxides, with a direct assessment of TPPO levels following the formation of an oil film on the ATR crystal's surface, allowing for a low detection limit of 0.5 mmol of LOOH kg−1. The concentration of oil and TPP, as well as the reaction time, were optimized. It was demonstrated that the presence of pigments, unsaponifiable compounds, phenolics, and/or PUFAs on oils, do not disrupt the analysis. Furthermore, the stoichiometry of the TPP/LOOH reaction was examined, confirming the reliability of the method in detecting various forms of hydroperoxides. An accelerated oxidation study was carried out and the hydroperoxide contents measured using TPP/TPPO were found to be comparable to those obtained using the ferric thiocyanate method. Our method offers a fast, simple, robust, and sensitive approach to accurately quantify hydroperoxides, regardless of the chemical composition of oil or lipid extracts.

Practical Application: The hydroperoxide assay method outlined in this study allows for the rapid and straightforward detection of hydroperoxides in pure oil matrices. The method's elevated sensitivity facilitates the early identification of oxidation indicators in oils, especially those with significant carotenoid or xanthophyll contents since these compounds may affect the results when using methods based on colorimetric quantification of hydroperoxides. This accurate, precise, and reproducible approach requires only small quantities of test samples and chemical products, making it well suited to routine application in laboratories and industrial environments.
Local nano‐electrode fabrication utilizing nanofluidic and nano‐electrochemical control
Authors: Morikawa Kyojiro , Takeuchi Tomoaki , Kitamori Takehiko
Published: July 2024

Miniaturized systems have attracted much attention with the recent advances in microfluidics and nanofluidics. From the capillary electrophoresis, the development of glass‐based microfluidic and nanofluidic technologies has supported advances in microfluidics and nanofluidics. Most microfluidic systems, especially nanofluidic systems, are still simple, such as systems constructed with simple straight nanochannels and bulk‐scale electrodes. One of the bottlenecks to the development of more complicated and sophisticated systems is to develop the locally integrated nano‐electrodes. However, there are still issues with integrating nano‐electrodes into nanofluidic devices because it is difficult to fit the nano‐electrode size into a nanofluidic channel at the nanometer level. In this study, we propose a new method for the fabrication of local nano‐electrodes in nanofluidic devices with nanofluidic and nano‐electrochemistry‐based experiments. An electroplating solution was introduced to a nanochannel with control of the flow and the electroplating reaction, by which nano‐electrodes were successfully fabricated. In addition, a nanofluidic device was available for nanofluidic experiments with the application of 200 kPa. This method can be applied to any electroplating material such as gold and copper. The local nano‐electrode will make a significant contribution to the development of more complicated and sophisticated nanofluidic electrophoresis systems and to local electric detection methods for various nanofluidic devices.
Analyzing water hyacinth plants from two South African rivers for the detection of seven pharmaceuticals and their metabolites
Authors: Himmelsbach Markus , Mlynek Franz , Buchberger Wolfgang , Madikizela Lawrence , Klampfl Christian W.
Published: July 2024

Water hyacinth plants (Eichhornia crassipes Mart.) collected from two South African rivers were analyzed in order to investigate their suitability for judging the presence of pharmaceuticals in the water. Thereby, a number of drugs, including amitriptyline, atenolol, citalopram, orphenadrine, lidocaine, telmisartan, and tramadol, could be detected. Particularly for the latter substance, relatively high concentrations (more than 5000 ng g−1 dry plant material) were detected in the water plants. Subsequently, the plant extracts were also screened for drug‐derived transformation products, whereby a series of phase‐one metabolites could be tentatively identified.
Synthesis of FeVO4 nanoparticles using sol‐gel auto‐combustion method and their application in supercapacitors
Authors: Pardeshi Onkar M. , Naeem Sajid , Patil Arun V.
Published: July 2024

Iron vanadate (FeVO4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the sol‐gel auto‐combustion technique, yielding a triclinic nanostructure as revealed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The average size, crystalline structure, and morphology of the nanoparticles were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to investigate the elemental content and purity of the FeVO4 NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the surface stretching frequency of the FeVO4 NPs. Using a doctor blade, the produced FeVO4 NPs were applied to the surface of a stainless steel (SS) substrate. The fabricated electrode was examined using GCD, EIS, and CV techniques. The absorption spectra exhibited strong absorbance in the visible range, with a band gap of 3.43 eV. Additionally, the FeVO4 electrode showed supercapacitor properties, with a maximum specific capacitance of 1151.05 F/g in a 1 M KOH electrolyte at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. These results indicate that the prepared FeVO4 electrode is promising for supercapacitor application due to their excellent electrochemical performance.
Discovery of a novel series of phenylthiazole thioether (sulfone) compounds based on natural thiasporine A as potential candidates for controlling rice fungal and bacterial diseases
Authors: Shi Jinchao , Tian Yao , Zhang Xiaojun , Mao Guoqing , Yin Panpan , Hu Richa , Feng Yapeng , Yu Linhua , Zhu Xiang , Li Junkai
Published: July 2024

Half of the world's population depends on rice for their calories. Protecting rice in the growth period from damage caused by phytopathogens is faced with a great challenge under the frequent extreme climate. To find novel fungicides to control rice diseases, 35 novel phenylthiazole‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐thioether (sulfone) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their efficacy against destructive fungal and bacterial diseases of rice. Bioassay results demonstrated that most of G‐series compounds possessed excellent antifungal and antibacterial activities. In particular, compounds G1 (EC50 = 2.22 μg/mL, R.s) and G7 (EC50 = 2.76 μg/mL, R.s) showed the most promising antifungal activities in vitro and exhibited superior protective and curative activities against rice sheath blight in vivo compared with commercial carbendazim. Surprisingly, compound G2 exhibited the remarkable antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) with an EC50 value of 1.98 μg/mL, and demonstrated superior protective activity (88.08%) than thiodiazole copper (79.39%) against rice bacterial leaf blight at 200 μg/mL. The abovementioned results fully manifested that the phenylthiazole‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐sulfone structure, especially compounds G1 and G2, had the potential to develop as commercial agents for controlling rice fungal and bacterial diseases.
Mechanical ventilation management and airway pressure release ventilation practice in acute respiratory distress syndrome: A cross‐sectional survey of intensive care unit clinicians in mainland China
Authors: Lv Yinxia , Jin Xinyang , Dong Meiling , Yang Lan , Wang Bo , Liang Guopeng , Wang Peng , Jing Xiaorong , Yang Yiyi , Yang Yunqin , Wang Zhen , Liao Xuelian , Yang Wei , Zhu Shuo , Lu Mandie , Kang Yan , Zhou Yongfang
Published: July 2024

Background

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) has become increasingly popular for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, its clinical impact remains a topic of debate. Furthermore, there is a gap between the guidelines and the actual clinical practices in mechanical ventilation management for ARDS. This survey aimed to explore the utilization of APRV and mechanical ventilation strategies for ARDS in Chinese intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians.

Methods

A comprehensive 34‐item survey was distributed online platforms amongst ICU clinicians across mainland China from June to August 2019.

Results

A total of 420 valid responses were collected, with 57.4% (241) originating from academic hospitals and 42.6% (179) from non‐academic hospitals. Of the respondents, 98.6% (414) recognized the significance of low tidal volume ventilation for ARDS prognosis, 85.2% adhered to a tidal volume below 8 mL/kg predicted body weight, and most (46.4%) selected the initial positive end‐expiratory pressure within the range of 5–10 cmH2O based on experience. Among the respondents, 62.1% (261) reported familiarity with APRV and 41.9% (176) had implemented APRV. Of those who had utilized APRV, 93.2% (164) believed in its effectiveness for ARDS patients and 69.3% (122) advocated for early application of APRV. Substantial variations were noted regarding APRV initiation settings and the preservation of spontaneous breathing during APRV. Academic hospitals exhibited higher usage rates of lung recruitment, neuromuscular blockade, prone ventilation, and acquaintance with and utilization of APRV compared to non‐academic hospitals (all p values ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight opportunities for improvement in mechanical ventilation management for ARDS, particularly in non‐academic hospitals. Additionally, a significant proportion of clinicians demonstrated limited knowledge of APRV, and there was a lack of consensus on its application. Further training and larger‐scale clinical trials are required to validate the efficacy and utilization of APRV in managing ARDS.
Association of maximum uterine diameter with postoperative complications in laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chu Yu‐Qun , Ding Dah‐Ching
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine the maximum uterine diameter threshold associated with an elevated risk of complications following laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study from a single tertiary referral center. We enrolled patients who underwent LSH for benign indications at our hospital between January 2013 and June 2023. The primary outcome was the occurrence of surgical complications within the 30‐day timeframe of hysterectomy. The covariate included the year of the procedure, patient age, body mass index, parity, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, comorbidities, history of previous abdominal and pelvic surgery, and preoperative anemia, blood loss, surgical time, hospital stay and pathology. The exclusion criteria comprised those who underwent hysterectomy for malignancy, individuals who underwent total vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and those with missing data on uterine maximum diameter, study outcomes, or covariates.

Results

We included a final sample of 120 patients, revealing a median uterine diameter of 9.12 cm, with 9.2% experiencing complications. The median uterine weight among 40 patients was 275 g. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested a potential cutoff of 11.55 cm for predicting complications, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.67. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed a significant association between uterine diameter exceeding the cutoff and increased complication risk (OR 33.925, 95% CI: 2.294–501.690, P = 0.0103). A correlation (r = 0.762, P < 0.001) between uterine weight and diameter indicated the latter's suitability for preoperative assessment of uterine weight.

Conclusion

The maximum uterine diameter with an optimal cutoff of 11.55 cm was associated with increased complication risk.
The bidirectional relationship between benign/malicious envy and subjective well‐being in adolescents: The mediating effect of self‐esteem
Authors: Liu Li , Miao Hualing , He Li , Wang Juan , Guo Cheng
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Subjective well‐being, an important index for measuring mental health, is presently declining among junior high school students. Envy, one of their common emotions, is inextricably linked to subjective well‐being. Based on the Dual Envy Theory, our research explores the bidirectional relationship between benign‐malicious envy and subjective well‐being. The mediating role of self‐esteem, as well as the related gender differences, is examined.

Methods

Chinese middle school students (n = 1566, boys 50.3%, age = 13.96 ± 0.88 years old) were assessed at two time points over a 3‐month interval. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the longitudinal relationships among the variables.

Results

(1) Cross‐lagged analysis showed a positive bidirectional relationship between benign envy and subjective well‐being and a negative bidirectional relationship between malicious envy and subjective well‐being in the total sample. However, the path from T1 subjective well‐being to T2 malicious envy in boys was not significant. (2) Self‐esteem mediated the relationship between both benign and malicious envy and subjective well‐being among both boys and girls. A Wald chi‐square test showed that T2 self‐esteem was a stronger predictor of T2 benign envy in boys than in girls.

Conclusion

The results reveal a virtuous cycle of benign envy and subjective well‐being, and a vicious cycle of malicious envy and subjective well‐being, while emphasizing the role of self‐esteem in this process. Gender differences were also noted. These findings have important implications for improving the subjective well‐being of secondary school students and exploring the positive effects of envy.
Part‐time subsidies and maternal reemployment: Evidence from a difference‐in‐differences analysis
Authors: Zimmert Franziska , Zimmert Michael
Published: July 2024

Employment interruptions of mothers are still one of the main causes for different labour market outcomes between women and men. Employment subsidies can incentivise mothers to shorten employment interruptions after childbirth. We examine a German parental leave reform incentivising an early return to part‐time work. Exploiting the exogenous variation defined by the child's birthday, we apply unconditional difference‐in‐differences (DiD) estimation using administrative data. Machine learning augmented DiD estimation shows that our findings are robust to the inclusion of a large dictionary of potential covariates. Additionally, we estimate conditional effects in the DiD setting. Our results show that being eligible to the new regime yields positive average employment effects that are mainly driven by part‐time employment. In particular, the increased attractiveness of part‐time work does not cannibalise full‐time employment. The policy creates heterogeneous incentives depending on the opportunity costs of working part time: especially mothers with middle income and prior part‐time workers respond to the reform. Besides, diverging results for East and West Germany hint at the potential of a change in social norms.
Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies of Glu‐Glu‐Arg, Glu‐Pro‐Arg, and Pro‐Arg‐Pro tripeptides to reveal their anticancer and antiviral potentials
Authors: Yilmaz Gozde , Celik Sefa , Erbolukbas Ozel Aysen , Akyuz Sevim
Published: July 2024

Bioactive peptides have been emerging as drug candidates with increasing importance in the last few decades. In this study, to evaluate the anticancer and antiviral properties of EER (Glu‐Glu‐Arg), EPR (Glu‐Pro‐Arg), and PRP (Pro‐Arg‐Pro) tripeptides, firstly their conformation preferences were searched, and the most stable optimized structure of each tripeptide was determined, using the molecular mechanics force field (MMFF) method and the Spartan06 program. Afterwards, each tripeptide was docked to SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein receptor‐binding domain (6M0J), SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (6M03, 6LU7), spike glycoprotein (6VXX), DNA (1BNA), integrins (4WK0, 3ZDX, 1JV2) and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (4HJO). Moreover, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to validate the stability of the EER, EPR and PRP tripeptides docked to SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease, MPro (6M03) and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (4HJO) within 100 ns time scale and ligand‐receptor interactions were evaluated. The metrics root‐mean‐square deviation, root‐mean‐square fluctuation, intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and radius of gyration revealed that the EER, EPR, and PRP tripeptides form energetically stable complexes with the target proteins. The binding free energies were calculated by the combination of Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) and Molecular Mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area (MM‐PBSA) methods (MM/PB(GB)SA). Principal Component Analysis on MD data was performed to evaluate the energy and structural information of the tripeptide‐protein complexes. Additionally, in‐silico structure‐based pharmacological predictions were made and the anticancer and antibacterial activities of the tripeptides were predicted.
Utility of the rurality index for Japan for exploring good practice solutions for declining birthrates in rural areas
Authors: Nomura Osamu , Soma Yuki , Kaneko Makoto
Published: July 2024

Background

Japan is experiencing unprecedented decreasing birthrates. This preliminary study aimed to identify the municipalities in Aomori Prefecture that are successfully tacking declining birthrates using the Rurality Index for Japan (RIJ).

Methods

We obtained 100‐level RIJ and census data from 1980 to 2020 for children (age < 15 years) in the municipal population of Aomori Prefecture.

Results

The analysis revealed generally weak but significant relationships between population variables and the RIJ.

Conclusions

The RIJ is effective for identifying good practice communities that have developed and implemented solutions to prevent declining birthrates at the community level.
Cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis and other systemic inflammatory or autoimmune disease manifestations in the setting of clonal hematopoiesis
Authors: George Giby V. , Liesveld Jane , El Hussein Siba , Jajosky Audrey N.
Published: July 2024

The clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of clonal hematopoiesis (CH)‐associated immunological dysfunction are poorly understood. We describe an elderly woman with CH who developed various systemic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases (SIADs), including cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and temporal arteritis. Sequencing of the LCH revealed somatic oncogenic mutations in MAP2K1, IDH2, and SRSF2, with enrichment of the latter two in her peripheral blood at high allele frequencies. These findings raise concern for the future development of a myeloid malignancy. Given the mounting evidence for adult‐onset autoinflammatory conditions caused by somatic blood mutations, we suspect CH‐mediated immune dysregulation is contributing to her multi‐organ involvement by a combination of SIADs.
Myeloma‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis – A comprehensive case study and a novel chemotherapy‐free approach with anakinra
Authors: Al‐Ammari Maged , Hsu Danny , Bryant Adam
Published: July 2024

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immune response syndrome characterized by excessive inflammation and tissue destruction. A limited number of cases involving HLH patients with concomitant multiple myeloma (MM), leading to significant mortality, have been documented, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis. We present the case of a 78‐year‐old previously healthy male admitted to our hospital with a newly diagnosed MM. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with HLH and received treatment with anakinra, intravenous immunoglobulin, and dexamethasone. This case report highlights the unique aspect of being the first documented instance of myeloma‐associated HLH treated with anakinra.
Multikingdom characterization of gut microbiota in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Xing Yida , Liu Yiping , Sha Shanshan , Zhang Yue , Dou Yuemeng , Liu Changyan , Xu Mingxi , Zhao Lin , Wang Jingdan , Wang Yan , Ma Xiaochi , Yan Qiulong , Kong Xiaodan
Published: July 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis‐associated interstitial lung disease (RA‐ILD) is a serious and common extra‐articular disease manifestation. Patients with RA‐ILD experience reduced bacterial diversity and gut bacteriome alterations. However, the gut mycobiome and virome in these patients have been largely neglected. In this study, we performed whole‐metagenome shotgun sequencing on fecal samples from 30 patients with RA‐ILD, and 30 with RA‐non‐ILD, and 40 matched healthy controls. The gut bacteriome and mycobiome were explored using a reference‐based approach, while the gut virome was profiled based on a nonredundant viral operational taxonomic unit (vOTU) catalog. The results revealed significant alterations in the gut microbiomes of both RA‐ILD and RA‐non‐ILD groups compared with healthy controls. These alterations encompassed changes in the relative abundances of 351 bacterial species, 65 fungal species, and 4,367 vOTUs. Bacteria such as Bifidobacterium longum, Dorea formicigenerans, and Collinsella aerofaciens were enriched in both patient groups. Ruminococcus gnavus (RA‐ILD), Gemmiger formicilis, and Ruminococcus bromii (RA‐non‐ILD) were uniquely enriched. Conversely, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides spp., and Roseburia inulinivorans showed depletion in both patient groups. Mycobiome analysis revealed depletion of certain fungi, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, in patients with RA compared with healthy subjects. Notably, gut virome alterations were characterized by an increase in Siphoviridae and a decrease in Myoviridae, Microviridae, and Autographiviridae in both patient groups. Hence, multikingdom gut microbial signatures showed promise as diagnostic indicators for both RA‐ILD and RA‐non‐ILD. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the fecal virome, bacteriome, and mycobiome landscapes of RA‐ILD and RA‐non‐ILD gut microbiota, thereby offering potential biomarkers for further mechanistic and clinical research.
Addressing out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest with current technology advances: Breaking the deadlock with a mobile network
Authors: Hayashi Meiso , Iwasaki Yu‐ki
Published: July 2024

Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a global public health problem, with survival rates remaining low at around 10% or less despite widespread cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This is partly due to the challenges of knowing when and where a sudden OHCA occurs and where the nearest AED is located. In response, countries around the world have begun to use network technology‐based smartphone applications. These applications are activated by emergency medical service dispatchers and alert preregistered volunteer first responders (VFRs) to nearby OHCAs using Global Positioning System localization. Accumulating evidence, although mostly from observational studies, shows their effectiveness in increasing the rate of bystander CPR, defibrillation, and patient survival. Current guidelines recommend the use of these VFR alerting systems, and the results of ongoing randomized trials are awaited for further dissemination. This article also proposed the concept of a life‐saving mobile network (LMN), which uses opportunistic network and wireless sensor network technologies to create a dynamic mesh network of potential victims, rescuers, and defibrillators. The LMN works by detecting a fatal arrhythmia with a wearable sensor device, localizing the victim and the nearest AED with nearby smartphones, and notifying VFRs through peer‐to‐peer communication. While there are challenges and limitations to implementing the LMN in society, this innovative network technology would reduce the tragedy of sudden cardiac death from OHCA.
Association between calf circumference and mortality in people receiving home enteral nutrition: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Back Thamara , Taconeli Cesar Augusto , Schieferdecker Maria Eliana Madalozzo
Published: July 2024

Background

Among the anthropometric measurements, calf circumference has been widely used as a simple and practical method to diagnose low muscle mass and sarcopenia. However, the association between this measurement and clinical outcomes in people receiving home enteral nutrition is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of calf circumference with mortality, discharge from home enteral nutrition, continuity in home enteral nutrition, and new hospitalizations in adult and older adult people.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used secondary data, including people aged ≥18 years receiving home enteral nutrition. The association between calf circumference and the outcomes of mortality, discharge from home enteral nutrition, and continuity in home enteral nutrition was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. The association between calf circumference and the occurrence of new hospitalizations was investigated using binary logistic regression.

Results

Among the 899 people included in the study, 470 were men (52.3%), the median age was 72 years (interquartile range, 56.5–82), and 850 had inadequate calf circumference (94.5%). As calf circumference increased, the odds of mortality decreased and the probability of discharge from home enteral nutrition and continuity in home enteral nutrition increased. Furthermore, in people with oncologic diagnoses, the odds of new hospitalizations were reduced by 71.9% for each additional centimeter in calf circumference.

Conclusion

These findings underline the importance of using calf circumference as part of the nutrition assessment because it is a simple, easy, and cost‐effective method that can also be used as a tool to predict clinical outcomes.
Safety and efficacy of linaclotide in children aged 2–5 years with functional constipation: Phase 2, randomized study
Authors: Di Lorenzo Carlo , Robert Jon , Rodriguez‐Araujo Gerardo , Shakhnovich Valentina , Xie Wangang , Nurko Samuel , Saps Miguel
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase‐C agonist, was recently approved in the United States for the treatment of children 6–17 years of age with functional constipation (FC). This study evaluated the dose‐response, safety, and efficacy of 4 weeks of linaclotide compared with placebo in children 2–5 years of age with FC.

Methods

In this phase 2, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multidose study, 35 children with FC (based on Rome III criteria) were randomized 3:1 to receive linaclotide (18, 36, or 72 μg, for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and 5:1 to receive linaclotide 9, 18, 36, or 72 μg (group 4), or matching placebo. Key endpoints were the changes from baseline in overall spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency (SBMs/week), stool consistency, and straining, as well as the proportion of days with fecal incontinence during the study intervention period. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

Results

Of the randomized patients, 34 (97.1%) completed the treatment period and 33 (94.3%) completed the posttreatment period. Mean change from baseline over the treatment period for three of the four key efficacy endpoints showed greater improvement in the linaclotide 72 μg group versus placebo. A dose‐response trend was seen for stool consistency in patients receiving linaclotide. Four patients randomized to linaclotide experienced treatment‐emergent AEs, one of which was treatment‐related (mild diarrhea). All AEs were mild or moderate and none were severe.

Conclusions

Linaclotide was well tolerated in this pediatric population and an efficacy trend was seen with linaclotide 72 μg versus placebo.
Potential nutritional and functional matters in yeast culture prepared by soybean meal fermentation
Authors: Cao Yazhuo , Xu Minwei , Chen Qiong , Wu Dianhui , Lu Jian , Cai Guolin
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Yeast culture (YC) is a product fermented on a specific medium, which is a type of postbiotic of anaerobic solid‐state fermentation. Although YC has positive effects on the animal growth and health, it contains a variety of beneficial metabolites as dark matter, which have not been quantified. In the present study, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry is employed to identify the unknown metabolites. Following their identification, the important chemicals are quantified using HPLC‐diode array detection methods.

RESULTS

Non‐targeted metabolomics studies showed that 670 metabolites in total were identified in YC, of which 23 metabolites significantly increased, including organic acids, amino acids, nucleosides and purines, isoflavones, and other substances. The chemical quantitative analysis showed that the contents of succinic acid, aminobutyric acid, glutamine, purine and daidzein increased by 84.42%, 51.07%, 100%, 68.85% and 4.60%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the use of non‐targeted metabolomics combined with chemical quantitative analysis to reveal the nutritional and functional substances of YC could help to elucidate the postbiotic mechanism and provide theoretical support for the regulation of the directional accumulation of beneficial metabolites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pathological Intraplaque Hemorrhage as the Gold Standard to Assess the Efficacy of Ultrasound in Predicting Vulnerable Carotid Plaque Rupture
Authors: Huang Yaping , Sun Xinping , Ding Xu , Tan Shuping , Yu Zexing , Shi Xue , Li Xin , Ge Huiyu
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess the clinical utility of ultrasound in predicting the risk of carotid vulnerable plaque rupture using pathological intraplaque hemorrhage as the gold standard.

Methods

A total of 118 patients who underwent endarterectomy due to symptomatic carotid artery stenosis were enrolled. Conventional ultrasound assessed the plaque thickness, area stenosis rate, echo, and surface morphology. Neovascularization were assessed by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and tracing intraplaque nonenhanced areas. According to neovascularization grade (0–4), plaques were classified as low‐, intermediate‐, and high risk. Fresh intraplaque hemorrhage within the pathology was adopted as the gold standard for diagnosing plaque rupture risk. Thus, we divided patients into ruptured risk and nonruptured risk groups to assess the value of crucial factors for plaque rupture risk using ultrasound.

Results

Of the 118 patients, hypertension accounted for 71.2%, hyperlipidemia 68.6%, diabetes 52.5%, and statin history 64.4%. In the rupture risk group, diabetes, smoking, and stenosis rate were significantly higher than the nonrupture risk group (P < .001); plaque thickness ≥4 mm (P > .05); and mainly hypoechoic with irregular surface morphology (P < .001), nonenhanced areas in the plaques (P < .001), and neovascularization >grade 2 (P < .001). Compared with the low‐risk group, plaque rupture risk was 7.219 times higher in the medium‐risk group and 18.333 times higher in the high‐risk group. The kappa value of the interobserver consistency of crucial ultrasound parameters was >0.75, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.919 (P < .01).

Conclusions

Both conventional ultrasound and CEUS have significant clinical importance in the prediction of rupture risk in vulnerable carotid plaques, thereby enabling stroke risk stratification and the assessment of plaque rupture risk.
Migration tracking assists harvest management of overabundant Canada geese in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Neufeld Leanne R. , Baldwin Frank , Fraser Kevin C.
Published: July 2024

Similar to other jurisdictions across North America, populations of temperate‐nesting giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) have increased to unprecedented levels in Manitoba, Canada, causing extensive damage to crops and property, posing risks to human safety, and mostly avoiding mortality risk from fall hunting seasons. As a result, this population in southern Manitoba was declared overabundant in 2019, through an amendment to the Canada Migratory Birds Regulations. Management authorities sought to increase harvest rates by introducing an additional hunting period in spring, or conservation season, wherein harvest could be concentrated on this population. An important consideration was the need to avoid additional harvest on non‐target populations that do not meet the criteria to be classified as overabundant, specifically, sub‐arctic nesting Canada geese (Branta canadensis interior) and mid‐continent cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii). To investigate differences in migration timing of populations, and ultimately determine start and closure dates for the spring conservation season, we deployed light‐level geolocators on adult females of each population between 2016 and 2018. We used Bayesian approaches to derive locations from light‐level data and generalized linear mixed models to investigate potential differences in timing of international border crossing among goose populations. Migration data confirmed that movement of these populations overlapped extensively in fall, but in spring, a narrow period existed where mainly the target population was present. Our findings provide the basis for decisions about timing of spring conservation seasons for overabundant temperate‐nesting Canada geese in Manitoba, the first season of its kind for this population in North America. Additionally, our work represents the first large‐scale use of light‐level geolocator technology for assisting with waterfowl harvest management decisions.
Reconstruction of Palatal Defects Using a Composite Chondromucosal Nasoseptal Flap and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bon‐Nieves Antonio A. , Peraza Lazaro R. , Ortiz‐Correa Zinnarky K. , Price Daniel L. , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The use of composite chondromucosal nasal septal flaps (ccNSF) has been demonstrated to be effective in cadaveric studies for the anterior skull base and the orbit. However, their application in the clinical setting remains unexplored. Our study aims to introduce a new method for treating palatal defects using ccNSF. Additionally, we studied the average NSF area and compared it to the average palate area.

Methods

We collected 108 CT scans from the medical records of patients without head and neck pathologies from a tertiary medical institution. We quantified the quadrangular (septal) cartilage and palate areas. Furthermore, we included a clinical case in which we used the ccNSF for the palatal defect reconstruction. This was to compare the mean area between the palate and the septal cartilage.

Results

The ccNSF covered the palatal defect without any significant complications for the first 9 months of follow‐up. A total of 102 CT scans met the inclusion criteria and were measured. We found that the mean quadrangular cartilage had a length of 2.50 (±0.52) cm, a width of 2.28 (±0.51) cm, and an area of 5.43 (±1.68) cm2. The mean palate length was 2.73 (±0.44) cm, with a width of 3.13 (±0.34) cm, and area of 7.87 (±1.43) cm2.

Conclusions

The ccNSF proved successful in palatal defect reconstruction, resulting in positive outcomes and no major complications until the 9‐month follow‐up. The ccNSF is a useful flap that avoids the use of free flap transfer and its associated morbidities.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4882–4887, 2024
Changes to upper‐ocean ecosystems may directly impact abyssal scavenger communities
Authors: de Jonge Daniëlle S. W. , Smith Alycia J. , Sweetman Andrew K.
Published: July 2024

Human pressures are changing ocean environments, such as a shift from fish‐ to squid‐dominated ecosystems in overfished, poorly oxygenated environments. After death, carcasses of upper ocean fauna sink to the seafloor where they provide food for demersal scavengers. It is unclear how shifts in carcass type impact abyssal scavengers. We performed baited benthic camera lander deployments in the Cabo Verde Abyssal Basin to test how a shift from fish‐ to squid‐dominated carrion could modify abyssal scavenger ecology. At the fish bait, peak scavenger abundance was greater and occurred later for the majority of observed fauna. However, removal rates of squid bait were up to 10‐fold greater, and a significantly different community composition developed, favoring faster organisms with lower chemosensory thresholds. At the fish bait, slower organisms were less disadvantaged as the bait persisted for longer periods allowing the development of a more complex community and dense amphipod aggregations. The rapid squid consumption indicates that the accumulation of this type of food fall at the seafloor may not occur, preventing scientific observations necessary to estimate the importance of squid carrion to the biological C pump and deep‐sea food webs. As such, the flux of squid carrion to the seafloor is likely greater than currently recognized in this part of the Atlantic. The differences observed between bait types indicate how future changes in upper ocean ecosystems may impact abyssal scavengers and their ecosystem functions, including controlling seafloor biomass, regulating the behavior of benthic fauna, and contributing to nutrient cycling and energy transfer.
Navigating Visual Challenges: How Parkinson's Disease Alters Cognitive Priorities in Visual Search
Authors: Balta Beylergil Sinem , Skelly Peggy , Quagraine Ibrahim , Kilbane Camilla , Ghasia Fatema F. , Shaikh Aasef G.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) hampers visual search tasks such as reading, driving, and navigation. We examined expectations from past experiences, guiding cognition and contextual priors, on visual search in PD.

Methods

We compared eye movements as PD and healthy participants searched for a hidden object (target) in cluttered real‐world scenes.

Results

PD participants prolonged fixation on high‐probability (high‐prior) locations for the target, consistent across expected and unexpected scenario. Such emphasis on contextual visual priors, evidenced by high fixation duration on high‐probability areas, was beneficial when the target was at the expected location but presented challenges when the target was situated in an unlikely place.

Conclusion

This study contributes to understanding how PD impacts visual search behavior and cognitive processing. The findings indicate that PD alters attention allocation and visual processing by affecting the utilization of contextual visual priors. It provides insights for potential interventions targeting visuo‐cognitive deficits in PD patients.
Gait Analysis and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics in Patients with Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Sarasso Elisabetta , Gardoni Andrea , Marelli Sara , Balestrino Roberta , Zenere Lucia , Castelnuovo Alessandra , Malcangi Massimo , Basaia Silvia , Grassi Andrea , Tettamanti Andrea , Canu Elisa , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Filippi Massimo , Agosta Federica
Published: July 2024

Background

Isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavioral disorder (iRBD) can precede neurodegenerative diseases. There is an urgent need for biomarkers to aid early intervention and neuroprotection.

Objective

The aim is to assess quantitative motor, cognitive, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics in iRBD patients.

Methods

Thirty‐eight polysomnography‐confirmed iRBD patients and 28 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent clinical, cognitive, and motor functional evaluations, along with brain MRI. Motor tasks included nine‐hole peg test, five‐times‐sit‐to‐stand test, timed‐up‐and‐go test, and 4‐meter walking test with and without cognitive dual task. Quantitative spatiotemporal gait parameters were obtained using an optoelectronic system. Brain MRI analysis included functional connectivity (FC) of the main resting‐state networks, gray matter (GM) volume using voxel‐based morphometry, cortical thickness, and deep GM and brainstem volumes using FMRIB's Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool and FreeSurfer.

Results

iRBD patients relative to healthy subjects exhibited a poorer performance during the nine‐hole peg test and five‐times‐sit‐to‐stand test, and greater asymmetry of arm‐swing amplitude and stride length variability during dual‐task gait. Dual task significantly worsened the walking performance of iRBD patients more than healthy controls. iRBD patients exhibited nonmotor symptoms, and memory, abstract reasoning, and visuospatial deficits. iRBD patients exhibited decreased FC of pallidum and putamen within the basal ganglia network and occipital and temporal areas within the visuo‐associative network, and a reduced volume of the supramarginal gyrus. Brain functional alterations correlated with gait changes.

Conclusions

Subtle motor and nonmotor alterations were identified in iRBD patients, alongside brain structural and functional MRI changes. These findings may represent early signs of neurodegeneration and contribute to the development of predictive models for progression to parkinsonism. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Effects of Anthocyanins on Cognition and Vascular Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ellis Lucy R. , Boesch Christine , Dye Louise
Published: July 2024

Scope

Good vascular function is crucial for cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance. Diets high in anthocyanins have been shown to improve vascular function and are associated with improvements in cognition. This systematic review investigates randomized controlled trials examining the impact of anthocyanin intake on both cognition and vascular function.

Methods and results

Of the 1486 studies identified through searching Ovid Medline and AMED, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and Scopus, 20 studies are selected which measured cognitive and vascular function. Overall, positive effects on verbal and working memory are observed, which are supported by studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate increased blood flow in brain regions related to these cognitive domains. However, effects of anthocyanins on blood pressure and markers of endothelial function are inconsistent.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides evidence for a positive effect of anthocyanins on cognition and insight into the relevance of endothelial function. Anthocyanins are widely available and can be easily consumed in a range of different fruits, vegetables, and other products. Further studies should establish the optimal daily intake of anthocyanins for cardiovascular and cognitive health.
On crack simulation by mixed‐dimensional coupling in GFEM with global‐local enrichments
Authors: Gomes Lorena L. , Barros Felicio B.
Published: July 2024

A strategy that combines the global‐local version of the generalized finite element method (GFEM) with a mixed‐dimensional coupling iterative method is proposed to simulate two‐dimensional crack propagation in structures globally represented by Timoshenko‐frame models. The region of interest called the local problem, where the crack propagates, is represented by a 2D elasticity model, where a fine mesh of plane stress/strain elements and special enrichment functions are used to describe this phenomenon accurately. A model of Timoshenko‐frame elements simulates the overall behavior of the structure. A coarse mesh of plane stress/strain elements provides a bridge between these two representation scales. The mixed‐dimensional coupling method imposes displacement compatibility and stress equilibrium at the interface between the two different element types by an iterative procedure based on the principle of virtual work. After establishing the constraint equations for the interface, the 2D elasticity model is related to the small‐scale model by the global‐local enrichment strategy of GFEM. In such a strategy, the numerical solutions of the local problem subjected to boundary conditions derived from the global‐scale problem enrich the approximation of this same global problem in an iterative procedure. Each step of the crack propagation requires a new sequence of this iterative global‐local procedure. On the other hand, the constraint equation for the interface is defined only once. The crack representation in a confined region by the global‐local strategy avoids a remeshing that would require new constraint equations. Two numerical problems illustrate the proposed strategy and assess the influence of the analysis parameters.