bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in identifying ruptured aneurysms in cases of multiple aneurysms: Utilizing MRI with contrast for surgical planning—A case report
Authors: Hosseini Ehsan Mohammad , Zafarshamspour Saber , Atallah Oday , Rasekhi Alireza , Rahmanian Abdolkarim , Jamali Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Accurately identifying the ruptured aneurysm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple aneurysms is critical to prevent rebleeding and optimize outcomes. Vessel wall MRI with contrast can aid in pinpointing the culprit aneurysm, informing a tailored surgical or endovascular management strategy for these complex cases. In patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and multiple intracranial aneurysms, MRI with contrast and DSA are crucial for identifying the ruptured aneurysm, guiding a shift from endovascular to microsurgical clipping. Successful single‐session treatment and absence of postsurgical deficits highlight the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach. Further research on optimal strategies is needed.

Multiple intracranial aneurysms make up approximately 20% of cases of aneurysmal SAH. In patients with aneurysmal SAH and multiple intracranial aneurysms, definite treatment of the ruptured aneurysm causing SAH is of the highest priority. However, identifying the bleeding source can be challenging, and it may not be recognizable by the hemorrhage pattern. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment of a ruptured aneurysm in a patient with multiple aneurysms can lead to bleeding recurrence and an undesirable outcome. We report a 65‐year‐old woman who presented with severe sudden onset headache. Neuroimaging studies revealed diffuse SAH and concurrent PICA and ACom aneurysm with triplicate A2. However, the ruptured aneurysm responsible for the patient's symptoms was not obvious based on routine neuroimaging studies. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast was performed, revealing circumferential enhancement of the PICA aneurysm. In this report, we demonstrate the real‐world effect of vessel wall MRI with contrast on decision‐making regarding identifying the ruptured aneurysm and surgical planning in cases of multiple aneurysms. Furthermore, we show that MRI and aneurysm wall enhancement could be a promising option in detecting ruptured aneurysms in cases of multiple aneurysms.
Double‐Anchored Triphenylamine‐Fluorene Functionalized Dyes for High‐Performance Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Ho Cheuk‐Lam , Fan Linyu , Huang Shuwen , Kwong Wai‐Hang , Yi Kwok Yan , Kwong Tsz‐Lung , Huang Shuping
Published: July 2024

Two novel metal‐free organic dyes, namely the mono‐anchoring KMT1 and di‐anchoring KMT2 dyes, have been synthesized to function as photosensitizers for utilizing in photocatalytic hydrogen production systems. They adopt the donor‐donor‐π‐acceptor and donor‐donor‐(−π‐acceptor)2 configurations, respectively, featuring triphenylamine and fluorene moieties as electron donors, thiophene as the π‐bridges and cyanoacrylic acid as the acceptors/anchoring groups. It was found that the photocatalytic performance of the di‐anchoring dye significantly outperforms that of its mono‐anchoring counterpart. KMT2‐based photocatalytic system demonstrated remarkable performance, producing 3520 μmol (84.9 mL) of hydrogen over a span of 257 hours under blue light irradiation, with a turnover number (TON) of 56300, a turnover frequency (TOFi) of 1862.7 h−1, an initial hydrogen production activity (activityi) of 1164180 and an apparent quantum yield (AQYi %) of 19.9. This performance is among the top‐tier when compared to other dyes used in similar photocatalytic systems. The results clearly illustrate that the di‐anchoring dye possesses several advantages, including a broad absorption spectrum, higher absorptivity, and a relatively slower charge recombination rate. These attributes collectively contribute to its superior overall performance in photocatalysis.
Synthesis of Mono‐ and Bis‐Thiourea Organocatalysts and Their Application in Stereoselective Glycosylation Reactions
Authors: Rénio Márcia , Ventura M. Rita
Published: July 2024

Two new mono‐thiourea, four bis‐thiourea and one squaramide organocatalysts were synthesised from L‐tartaric acid. These organocatalysts were able to activate glycosyl phosphates for stereoselective nucleophilic substitution reactions with broad functional group compatibility under mild conditions. The influence of the number and position of the thiourea groups and the proximity of the asymmetric centre to the catalytic important atoms for the stereoselective outcome of the glycosylation reactions was studied. 1,2‐cis Glycosides were obtained in up to 85 % yield and high diastereoselectivity (up to α:β 83 : 17).
Clinical Implications of Co‐administering Apixaban with Key Interacting Medications
Authors: Favatella Nicholas , Dalton David , Byon Wonkyung , Merali Samira J. , Klem Christian
Published: July 2024

With many available data sources, clinicians need to consider the benefit‐risk profile of individual anticoagulants when balancing the need for anticoagulation, including evaluating the risks in patients with comorbidities and potential drug‐drug interactions. This narrative review presents clinical data across multiple phases of drug development for the use of apixaban, a selective factor Xa inhibitor, when taken concomitantly with other agents, and evaluates the benefit‐risk profile of apixaban with these interacting medications. Key subgroup analyses from the phase 3 ARISTOTLE trial (NCT00412984) are presented using data from patients who received either concomitant inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4 and/or P‑glycoprotein. We also review the available evidence for the use of apixaban in patients with cancer‐associated thromboembolism, as well as the use of apixaban in patients with COVID‐19.
Molecular Mechanism of the β3AR Agonist Activity of a β‐Blocker
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Zhang Shuhao , Dai Shengjie , Chen Kai , Gao Kaixuan , Sun Xiaoou , Lin Bin , Liu Xiangyu
Published: July 2024

Development of subtype‐selective drugs for G protein‐coupled receptors poses a significant challenge due to high similarity between subtypes, as exemplified by the three β‐adrenergic receptors (βARs). The β3AR agonists show promise for treating the overactive bladder or preterm birth, but their potential is hindered by off‐target activation of β1AR and β2AR. Interestingly, several β‐blockers, which are antagonists of the β1ARs and β2ARs, have been reported to exhibit agonist activity at the β3AR. However, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Understanding the underlying mechanism should facilitate the development of β3AR agonists with improved selectivity and reduced off‐target effects. In this work, we determined the structures of human β3AR in complex with the endogenous agonist epinephrine or with a synthetic β3AR agonist carazolol, which is also a high‐affinity β‐blocker. Structure comparison, mutagenesis studies and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the differences on the flexibility of D3.32 directly contribute to carazolol's distinct activities as an antagonist for the β2AR and an agonist for the β3AR. The process is also indirectly influenced by the extracellular loops (ECL), especially ECL1. Taken together, these results provide key guidance for development of selective β3AR agonists, paving the way for new therapeutic opportunities.
Modeling the impact of resource allocation decisions on genomic prediction using maize multi‐environment data
Authors: Schoemaker Dylan L. , Lima Dayane Cristina , de Leon Natalia , Kaeppler Shawn M.
Published: July 2024

In a hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) breeding program that utilizes genomic selection, resource allocation used in phenotypic data acquisition must be balanced between population size, number of environments, and the number of testers used for generating hybrids. Plant breeders evaluate newly developed inbred lines using multi‐environment trials to account for genotype‐by‐environment interaction effects. The replication of hybrids across environments in these trials impacts the training data accuracy for developing genomic prediction models. This study examined the impact of resource allocation scenarios on genomic prediction accuracy using a multi‐environment trial dataset generated using inbred lines crossed to multiple testers. A total of 369 Stiff Stalk double haploid lines from a synthetic mapping population were testcrossed to three non‐Stiff Stalk inbred lines as testers, PHZ51, PHK76, and PHP02, and evaluated across 34 environments by the Genomes to Fields Initiative in 2020 and 2021. Resource allocation scenarios significantly impacted site‐specific genomic prediction accuracy for unobserved hybrids in unobserved environments. A training set with three to five environments that had the highest quality data produced similar prediction accuracy as data from 10 random environments for both observed and unobserved hybrids, indicating that strong prediction models can be built with a limited set of environments for both grain yield and plant height. We found that resource‐efficient prediction models that use data from one tester and three to five environments can effectively conduct selection of untested hybrids and in untested environments. Public research programs are often limited in testing capacity, and this study provides support for genomic selection in resource‐limited breeding programs.
Physiological responses to a changing winter climate in an early spring‐breeding amphibian
Authors: Schmidt Robin , Zummach Cecile , Sinai Noa , Sabino‐Pinto Joana , Künzel Sven , Dausmann Kathrin H. , Ruthsatz Katharina
Published: July 2024

Climate change is swiftly altering environmental winter conditions, leading to significant ecological impacts such as phenological shifts in many species. As a result, animals might face physiological mismatches due to longer or earlier activity periods and are at risk of being exposed to late spring freezes. Our study points for the first time to the complex physiological challenges that amphibians face as a result of changing thermal conditions due to winter climate change. We investigated the physiological responses to a period of warmer winter days and sudden spring freeze in the common toad (Bufo bufo) by acclimating them to 4°C or 8°C for 48 h or exposing them to 4°C or −2°C for 6 h, respectively. We assessed the daily energy demands, determined body condition and cold tolerance, explored the molecular responses to freezing through hepatic tissue transcriptome analysis, and measured blood glucose levels. Toads acclimated to higher temperatures showed a higher daily energy expenditure and a reduced cold tolerance suggesting faster depletion of energy stores and the loss of winter acclimation during warmer winters. Blood sugar levels were higher in frozen toads indicating the mobilization of cryoprotective glucose with freezing which was further supported by changed patterns in proteins related to glucose metabolism. Overall, our results emphasize that increased thermal variability incurs physiological costs that may reduce energy reserves and thus affect amphibian health and survival. This might pose a serious threat to breeding adults and may have subsequent effects at the population level.
Prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of chronic pain in the Spanish population. Results from the pain barometer
Authors: Dueñas M. , De Sola H. , Salazar A. , Esquivia A. , Rubio S. , Failde I.
Published: July 2024

Background

Chronic pain (CP) is a public health problem worldwide.

Aim

To update the prevalence of CP and compare the clinical and social characteristics of people with CP with those with non‐chronic continuous pain and a group without pain.

Methods

An observational cross‐sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of 7058 adults from the Spanish population. Sociodemographic data, the presence of CP and non‐chronic continuous pain, characteristics of pain, limitations on activities of daily living (ADL), the presence and level of anxiety and depression (HADS), quality of life (SF‐12v2) and social support (DUKE) were collected. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed.

Results

The prevalence of CP was 25.9% (95% CI;24.8–26.9) and that of non‐chronic continuous pain was 7.7% (95% CI;7.1–8.3). Women presented a higher prevalence of both CP (30.5% vs. 21.3%) and non‐chronic continuous pain (8.8% vs. 6.6%). CP was more common in the group between 55 and 75 years old (30.6%, 95% CI = 28.6–32.6%), non‐chronic continuous pain affected most the population between 18 and 34 years old (11.2%, 95% CI = 9.6–12.7%). The median duration of CP was 4 years. The lumbar was the most frequent pain site (58.1%), and 27.1% did not know the cause. A greater frequency of limitations on ADL, more anxiety and depression, and worse quality of life were shown among the subjects with CP.

Conclusion

CP affects one in four Spanish people and impairs the mental, physical and social health. Differences exist by sex and age in its frequency. Identifying subjects with non‐chronic continuous pain is fundamental to prevent their pain from becoming chronic.

Significance Statement

Indicating the main aspects where this work adds significantly to existing knowledge in the field, and if appropriate to clinical practice.

Due to its high prevalence and impact on quality of life, chronic pain has become one of the main health problems nowadays. Attention must be paid to it both from a clinical and social perspective, trying to raise awareness among the population of its possible causes and consequences. In routine clinical practice, greater consideration is given to groups of people with a higher prevalence of chronic pain, such as women and people with middle age, and with no chronic pain to prevent the appearance of chronic pain.
Dietary supplementation of black cumin (Nigella sativa) meal in the formulation of protein‐enriched cookies, further in vivo evaluation of protein quality with physicochemical and organoleptic characterization
Authors: Batool Rizwana , Ramzan Rabia , Raza Awais , Aziz Mahwash , Rohi Madiha , Naeem Adan , Nusrat Wajeeha , Razi Aiza , Saleem Bakhtawar , Batool Wajeeha , Bilal Ahmed , Khadijah Babirye
Published: July 2024

Nigella sativa has solid historical importance as a medicinal herb and is widely used in the bakery industry. The study revealed that the defatted black cumin meal (DBCM) possesses a high nutritious composition and amino acid profile, such as Leu, Lys, Arg, Phe, and Glu. The supplementation effect of wheat flour with defatted black cumin meal (DBCM) at levels of 5%–25% was explored on the cookies' nutritional, functional, and organoleptic attributes. Moreover, the present work was conducted to assess the in vivo protein quality of defatted black cumin meal (DBCM)‐supplemented cookies using the albino rat's experimental modeling for 10 days. Rheological characterization suggested a solid elastic behavior for all cookies dough with elevation in G' (138,652–230,926 Pa), G" (34201–45,092 Pa), and G* values due to protein addition. The functional characteristics of the flour blends showed that DBCM addition significantly (p ≤ .05) improved oil (70.56%–165%) and water (84.83%–232.67%) absorption capacities, emulsion, and foaming stability. The physicochemical and organoleptic assessment of the cookies exposed that a 20% level of substitution of DBCM produced acceptable cookies. The net protein utilization (NPU), protein efficiency ratio (PER), true digestibility (TD), and biological value (BV) significantly differ from each other among all the supplementation diet groups with 0%–25% DBCM.
Potential of cold plasma pretreatment for preserving biochemical attributes and ensuring the microbiological safety of saffron stigma
Authors: Birjandi Toroghi Zohreh , Niazmand Razieh , Moradinezhad Farid , Bayat Hassan
Published: July 2024

Saffron, similar to numerous other agricultural commodities, is susceptible to microbial contamination during cultivation and postharvest handling. Cold plasma treatment has emerged as an effective method for microbial inactivation while preserving food quality. The aim of this research was to preserve the color integrity and minimize the presence of microorganisms in dried saffron stigma by implementing cold plasma pre‐treatment. Process parameters were optimized using the response surface method (RSM), considering the type of atmosphere (argon and air), plasma exposure time (1, 5, and 10 min), and plasma power (40, 70, and 100 W) as independent variables. The objectives were to maximize crocin content and minimize the total microbial load. The analysis of the response surface revealed that the argon atmosphere had a more significant impact on reducing microbial contamination than air, and an increase in plasma exposure time led to a decrease in microbial load. The maximum reduction in microbial load, by 0.9 logarithmic cycles compared to the control, was achieved with a 10‐min treatment at 40 W power. Extended plasma exposure durations led to a minor reduction in the color, taste, aroma, and antioxidant properties of saffron stigma. Specifically, the color, taste, and aroma decreased by 0.5%, 0.5%, and 0.08%, respectively, with longer plasma exposure times. The antioxidant activity decreased by 0.64% with prolonged exposure time. However, the plasma‐treated samples did not show any signs of Escherichia coli, mold, or yeast. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that the type of atmosphere significantly influenced the reduction of infection and maintenance of saffron stigma's color quality. Cold plasma pretreatment holds promise as a viable method for preserving the physicochemical attributes of saffron while effectively reducing microbial contamination.
Dysfunctional astrocyte glutamate uptake in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus contributes to visceral pain and anxiety‐like behavior in mice with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Luo Rong , Hu Xiaojun , Li Xin , Lei Fan , Liao Ping , Yi Limei , Zhang Xia , Zhou Bin , Jiang Ruotian
Published: July 2024

Abdominal visceral pain is a predominant symptom in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP); however, the underlying mechanism of pain in CP remains elusive. We hypothesized that astrocytes in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH) contribute to CP pain pathogenesis. A mouse model of CP was established by repeated intraperitoneal administration of caerulein to induce abdominal visceral pain. Abdominal mechanical stimulation, open field and elevated plus maze tests were performed to assess visceral pain and anxiety‐like behavior. Fiber photometry, brain slice Ca2+ imaging, electrophysiology, and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Mice with CP displayed long‐term abdominal mechanical allodynia and comorbid anxiety, which was accompanied by astrocyte glial fibrillary acidic protein reactivity, elevated Ca2+ signaling, and astroglial glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1) deficits in the PVH. Specifically, reducing astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in the PVH via chemogenetics significantly rescued GLT‐1 deficits and alleviated mechanical allodynia and anxiety in mice with CP. Furthermore, we found that GLT‐1 deficits directly contributed to the hyperexcitability of VGLUT2PVH neurons in mice with CP, and that pharmacological activation of GLT‐1 alleviated the hyperexcitability of VGLUT2PVH neurons, abdominal visceral pain, and anxiety in these mice. Taken together, our data suggest that dysfunctional astrocyte glutamate uptake in the PVH contributes to visceral pain and anxiety in mice with CP, highlighting GLT‐1 as a potential therapeutic target for chronic pain in patients experiencing CP.
Within‐person biological mechanisms of mood variability in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Toenders Yara J. , de Moor Marleen H. M. , van der Cruijsen Renske , Green Kayla , Achterberg Michelle , Crone Eveline A.
Published: July 2024

Mood variability, the day‐to‐day fluctuation in mood, differs between individuals and develops during adolescence. Because adolescents show higher mood variability and average mood than children and adults, puberty might be a potential biological mechanism underlying this increase. The goal of this preregistered developmental study was to examine the neural and hormonal underpinnings of adolescent‐specific within‐person changes in mood variability, with a specific focus on testosterone, cortisol, pubertal status, and resting‐state functional brain connectivity. Data from two longitudinal cohorts were used: the L‐CID twin study (aged 7–13, N at the first timepoint = 258) and the accelerated Leiden Self‐Concept study (SC; aged 11–21, N at the first timepoint = 138). In both studies resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) data was collected, as well as daily mood. Additionally, in the SC study self‐reported puberty testosterone and cortisol were collected. Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models (RI‐CLPM) were used to study the within‐person relations between these biological measures and mood variability and average mood. Mood variability and average mood peaked in adolescence and testosterone levels and self‐reported puberty also showed an increase. Connectivity between prefrontal cortex (dlPFC and vmPFC) and subcortical regions (caudate, amygdala) decreased across development. Moreover, higher testosterone predicted average negative mood at the next time point, but not vice versa. Further, stronger vmPFC–amygdala functional connectivity predicted decreases in mood variability. Here, we show that brain connectivity during development is an important within‐person biological mechanism of the development of mood in adolescents.

Practitioner Points

Mood variability peaks in adolescence.

Within‐person changes in testosterone predict within‐person changes in mood.

Within‐person changes in vmPFC–amygdala connectivity predict within‐person changes in mood variability.
Frontoparietal and salience network synchronizations during nonsymbolic magnitude processing predict brain age and mathematical performance in youth
Authors: Ng Chan‐Tat , Huang Po‐Hsien , Cho Yi‐Cheng , Lee Pei‐Hong , Liu Yi‐Chang , Chang Ting‐Ting
Published: July 2024

The development and refinement of functional brain circuits crucial to human cognition is a continuous process that spans from childhood to adulthood. Research increasingly focuses on mapping these evolving configurations, with the aim to identify markers for functional impairments and atypical development. Among human cognitive systems, nonsymbolic magnitude representations serve as a foundational building block for future success in mathematical learning and achievement for individuals. Using task‐based frontoparietal (FPN) and salience network (SN) features during nonsymbolic magnitude processing alongside machine learning algorithms, we developed a framework to construct brain age prediction models for participants aged 7–30. Our study revealed differential developmental profiles in the synchronization within and between FPN and SN networks. Specifically, we observed a linear increase in FPN connectivity, concomitant with a decline in SN connectivity across the age span. A nonlinear U‐shaped trajectory in the connectivity between the FPN and SN was discerned, revealing reduced FPN‐SN synchronization among adolescents compared to both pediatric and adult cohorts. Leveraging the Gradient Boosting machine learning algorithm and nested fivefold stratified cross‐validation with independent training datasets, we demonstrated that functional connectivity measures of the FPN and SN nodes predict chronological age, with a correlation coefficient of .727 and a mean absolute error of 2.944 between actual and predicted ages. Notably, connectivity within the FPN emerged as the most contributing feature for age prediction. Critically, a more matured brain age estimate is associated with better arithmetic performance. Our findings shed light on the intricate developmental changes occurring in the neural networks supporting magnitude representations. We emphasize brain age estimation as a potent tool for understanding cognitive development and its relationship to mathematical abilities across the critical developmental period of youth.

Practitioner Points

This study investigated the prolonged changes in the brain's architecture across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, with a focus on task‐state frontoparietal and salience networks.

Distinct developmental pathways were identified: frontoparietal synchronization strengthens consistently throughout development, while salience network connectivity diminishes with age. Furthermore, adolescents show a unique dip in connectivity between these networks.

Leveraging advanced machine learning methods, we accurately predicted individuals' ages based on these brain circuits, with a more mature estimated brain age correlating with better math skills.
Outcomes of SMARCB1‐deficient sinonasal carcinoma: Largest single‐center cross‐sectional study
Authors: Woods Robbie , Scholfield Daniel , Axiotakis Lucas , Fitzgerald Conall , Adilbay Dauren , Cracchiolo Jennifer , Patel Snehal , Shah Jatin , Dunn Lara , Pfister David , Lee Nancy , Dogan Snjezana , Ganly Ian , Cohen Marc
Published: July 2024

Background

We evaluate outcomes of SMARCB1‐deficient sinonasal carcinomas in the largest single‐institution study.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study of patients with SMARCB1‐deficient sinonasal carcinoma between 1998 and 2024. Disease‐specific survival (DSS) and recurrence‐free probability (RFP) at 1 and 5 years were measured by Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

There were 47 patients with a median age of 53. Initial pathological diagnosis was altered in 33%. Twelve (34%) patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with one partial response. Curative surgical approach was undertaken in 73%. Definitive chemoradiation was administered in 20%. DSS at 1 and 5 years was 93% and 45%, respectively. RFP at 1 and 5 years was 73% and 33%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, cranial nerve involvement (p = 0.01 for DSS) remained significantly worse for DSS and overall survival.

Conclusions

SMARCB1‐deficient tumors had limited response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cranial nerve involvement was associated with worse prognosis. Optimal treatment is unclear. Surgery should be offered to patients with resectable disease.
Preoperative right ventricular strain as an early predictor of perioperative cardiac failure in patients undergoing mitral surgery: An exploratory study
Authors: Russo Alessandro , Bergamini Viola Elisa , Gambaro Alessia , Di Gennaro Gianfranco , Fanti Diego , Devigili Alessandro , Ceola Graziadei Marcello , Brognoli Gabriele , Corubolo Luisa , Rama Jacopo , Zanin Anita , Schweiger Vittorio , Donadello Katia , Polati Enrico , Gottin Leonardo
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study's primary purpose was to demonstrate the correlation of preoperative right ventricular free‐wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and pre‐/postsurgical variation in strain (delta strain) with the clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of right ventricular dysfunction. Its secondary purpose was to determine the correlation of RVFWLS and delta strain with length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), ventilation days, trend of natriuretic peptide test. (NT‐proBNP) and lactate in the first 48 h, incidence of acute renal failure, and 28‐day mortality.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Cardio‐thoracic and Vascular Anaesthesia Department and ICU of the University Hospital Integrated Trust of Verona.

Participants

Patients scheduled for mitral surgery.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

All clinical and transoesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) parameters were collected at baseline, before surgery (T1) and at admission in the ICU postsurgery (T2). During the postoperative period, the clinical and echocardiographic diagnoses of right, left, or biventricular dysfunction were evaluated. TEE parameters were evaluated by a cardiologist offline. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the development of any type of ventricular dysfunction. No statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups. According to a logistic regression model, a T1‐RVFWLS value of −15% appeared to predict biventricular dysfunction (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 91.3%). No correlation between T1‐ or T2‐RVFWLS and creatinine, hours of ventilation or ICU LOS was found.

Conclusions

Our study introduces a new parameter that could be used in perioperative evaluations to identify patients at risk of postoperative biventricular dysfunction.
FIGO good practice recommendations on optimizing models of care for the prevention and mitigation of preterm birth
Authors: Anumba Dilly , Soma‐Pillay Priya , Bianchi Ana , Valencia González Catalina M. , Jacobbson Bo ,   the FIGO Committee for Preterm Birth
Published: July 2024

The global challenge of preterm birth persists with little or no progress being made to reduce its prevalence or mitigate its consequences, especially in low‐resource settings where health systems are less well developed. Improved delivery of respectful person‐centered care employing effective care models delivered by skilled healthcare professionals is essential for addressing these needs. These FIGO good practice recommendations provide an overview of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of the various care models for preventing and managing preterm birth across global contexts. We also highlight that continuity of care within existing, context‐appropriate care models (such as midwifery‐led care and group care), in primary as well as secondary care, is pivotal to delivering high quality care across the pregnancy continuum—prior to conception, through pregnancy and birth, and preparation for a subsequent pregnancy—to improve care to prevent and manage preterm birth.
Comparative proteomics analysis of female fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis using data‐independent acquisition sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra‐based mass spectrometry
Authors: Kuo Cheng‐Yu , Tang Kuo‐Tung , Wang Wei‐Chen , Zheng Yi‐Feng , Wu Yi‐Ling , Chang Chih‐Jui , Lai Chien‐Chen
Published: July 2024

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a widespread muscle pain disorder that primarily affects females. Osteoarthritis (OA) is another common chronic condition. This study utilized sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH)‐based proteomic analysis on the urine of patients with FM and OA. The study identified 54 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the FM group compared to the healthy control (HC) group; 17 DEPs in the OA group compared to the HC group; and 47 DEPs in the FM group compared to the OA group, with a p‐value <0.05 and a fold change >1.5 or <0.67. The DEPs in both FM and OA groups were primarily involved in pathways related to coagulation and the complement system, as well as serotonin, dopamine, glutamate pathways, and acute phase reactions. The study suggests that FM and OA induce inflammatory reactions, significantly altering the expression of acute phase proteins and notably decreasing the expression of GNB2. This distinction between health and disease, and the differentiation between FM and OA, is facilitated through the coagulation and complement systems, with SERPING1 and EPCR being key markers. Through these pathways, a better understanding of the impact of FM and OA on the human proteome is achieved.
The accuracy of preoperative implant size prediction achieved by digital templating in total knee arthroplasty is not affected by the quality of lateral knee radiographs
Authors: Pichler Lorenz , Klein Leonhard , Perka Carsten F. , Gwinner Clemens , El Kayali Moses K. D.
Published: July 2024

Background

Digital templating software can be used for preoperative implant size prediction in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the accuracy of its prediction is reported to be low, and the impact of radiograph quality is unclear.

Purpose

To investigate on the application of lateral knee radiograph quality criteria for knee rotation (KR) and knee abduction/adduction (KA) and their impact on the accuracy of final implant size prediction achieved by preoperative digital templating for TKA.

Methods

A total of 191 radiographs of patients undergoing TKA were allocated into four groups according to their KR as measured at the posterior femoral condyles and their KA as measured at the distal femoral condyles on lateral knee radiographs: group A (KR ≤ 5 mm, KA ≤ 5 mm), B1 (KR > 5 mm, KA ≤ 5 mm), B2 (KR ≤ 5 mm, KA > 5 mm) and B3 (KR > 5 mm, KA > 5 mm). Preoperative templating of femoral and tibial implant size using digital templating software was carried out by two observers. Correlation coefficients (CCs) between planned and final implant size, percentage of cases with planned to final size match as well as percentage of cases within ±1 and ±2 of planned to final size were reported according to groups.

Results

Group A showed the highest percentage of cases with matching planned to final femoral implant size (45%) and the highest percentage of cases with ±1 planned to final implant size (86%) as compared to B1 (match 28%, ±1 84%), B2 (match 41%, ±1 84%) and B3 (match 35%, ±1 78%). CCs for planned to final implant size were reported at >0.75 in all groups. No statistically significant difference in the CCs of planned to final implant size amongst groups was found.

Conclusion

The accuracy of implant size prediction achieved by preoperative digital templating for TKA is neither affected by KR nor KA on lateral knee radiographs.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Counting rainbow triangles in edge‐colored graphs
Authors: Li Xueliang , Ning Bo , Shi Yongtang , Zhang Shenggui
Published: July 2024

Let be an edge‐colored graph on vertices. The minimum color degree of , denoted by , is defined as the minimum number of colors assigned to the edges incident to a vertex in . In 2013, Li proved that an edge‐colored graph on vertices contains a rainbow triangle if . In this paper, we obtain several estimates on the number of rainbow triangles through one given vertex in . As a consequence, we prove counting results for rainbow triangles in edge‐colored graphs. One main theorem states that the number of rainbow triangles in is at least , which is best possible by considering the rainbow ‐partite Turán graph, where its order is divisible by . This means that there are rainbow triangles in if , and rainbow triangles in if when . Both results are tight in the sense of the order of the magnitude. We also prove a counting version of a previous theorem on rainbow triangles under a color neighborhood union condition due to Broersma et al., and an asymptotically tight color degree condition forcing a colored friendship subgraph (i.e., rainbow triangles sharing a common vertex).
Novel pH‐sensitive gellan gum–ε‐polylysine hydrogel microspheres for sulforaphene delivery
Authors: Qu Yang , Li Xiuxia , Chen Xiaoqiao , Li Jianrong , Yu Zhangfu , Shen Ronghu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to improve the stability and utilization of sulforaphene (SFE) and to enhance the intestinal stability and pH‐sensitive release of SFE in the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve this objective, calcium chloride (CaCl2) was used as a crosslinking agent to fabricate novel SFE‐loaded gellan gum (GG)‐ε‐polylysine (ε‐PL) pH‐sensitive hydrogel microspheres by using the ionic crosslinking technique.

RESULTS

The molecular docking results of GG, ε‐PL, and SFE were good and occurred in the natural state. The loading efficiency (LE) of all samples was above 70%. According to the structural characterization results, GG and ε‐PL successfully embedded SFE in a three‐dimensional network structure through electrostatic interaction. The swelling characteristics and in vitro release results revealed that the microspheres were pH‐sensitive, and SFE was mainly retained inside the hydrogel microsphere in the stomach, and subsequently released in the intestine. The result of cytotoxicity assay showed that the hydrogel microspheres were non‐toxic and had an inhibitory effect on human colon cancer Caco‐2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the hydrogel microspheres could improve SFE stability and utilization and achieve the intestinal targeted delivery of SFE. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Lignin, extractives and structural carbohydrate characteristics of Thinopyrum intermedium biomass reveal additional valorization opportunities for dual‐crop utilization
Authors: Dräger Hannah , Mobley Justin , Kamali Poorya , Dorrani Masoumeh , Lynn Bert , DeHaan Lee , Schendel Rachel R.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, or intermediate wheat grass (IWG), is being developed as the first widely‐available perennial grain candidate. However, because the crop is still in development, grain yields are lower than those of traditional cereals. Utilization of its non‐grain biomass (e.g. for biofuel production and as a source of fine chemicals) would increase the economic value of its cultivation. The present study provides a structural characterization of the lignin and cell wall carbohydrates in IWG biomass and qualitative profiling of biomass extractives and compares them to those of annual wheat (Triticum aestivum) biomass grown in the same location and growing season.

RESULTS

The monosaccharide composition and ester‐linked phenolic acid contents of vegetative biomass material from annual wheat and IWG were similar. IWG vegetative biomass is rich in feruloylated arabinoxylans (AX) with a very low substitution rate, whereas the AX from IWG bran have a slightly higher substitution rate. The structure of IWG lignin was investigated using both the quantitative derivatization followed by reductive cleavage method and 2D‐NMR analysis, revealing an H:G:S lignin that incorporates tricin and is acylated with coumaric acid and smaller amounts of ferulates. IWG and wheat extractives contained fatty acids, various free phenolic compounds (tricin, monolignols and phenolic acids), phenolic conjugates and phytosterols.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides firm support for the further exploration of T. intermedium biomass as a carbohydrate feedstock (e.g, abundant in lightly substituted AX and cellulose polymers) for biofuel production and source of high‐value fine chemicals, such as tricin. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Which patients need anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after initial treatment with rehabilitation? A scoping review
Authors: Arp Kamilla , Nedermark Jacob , Ingwersen Kim Gordon , Ageberg Eva , Varnum Claus , Viberg Bjarke
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Some patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury initially treated with rehabilitation need ACL reconstruction (ACLR); yet, it is unclear what characterizes these patients. This review aimed to describe predictors for ACLR in patients initially treated with rehabilitation.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in the Cochrane, Embase, Medline, SportsDiscus and Web of Science databases from inception to 21 February 2023. Articles describing characteristics in adult patients with ACL injury undergoing ACLR after a minimum of 5 weeks rehabilitation were included. It was a priori chosen that characteristics described in at least three articles were considered more certain and could be defined as a predictor for ACLR, and those described in less than three articles were considered less certain and therefore defined as possible predictors. Articles were screened by two independent reviewers. The study was originally intended as a systematic review with meta‐analysis, but in case of limited data, we would convert it to a scoping review, as was the case for this review.

Results

There were 22,836 studies identified, and 181 full texts were screened, of which 10 papers were finally included. Only lower age and higher preinjury activity level were identified as predictors for ACLR. Another 12 possible predictors were identified in single studies. Through an iterative process, potential predictors were categorized into four groups: patient demographics, knee function, patient‐reported outcome measures and anatomical structures.

Conclusion

Lower age and higher preinjury activity level were the only predictors for ACLR after initial treatment with rehabilitation. While younger and highly active patients show a higher need for ACLR, more studies focussing on predictors and reasons for delayed ACLR are warranted.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Liquid Crystal Integrated Dynamic Terahertz Metalenses
Authors: Wang Qiguang , Ge Shijun , Yu Hongguan , Hu Wei
Published: July 2024

Metasurfaces can freely manipulate the wavefront of electromagnetic waves with the merits of minimization and integration. Dynamic metadevices have continued to be urgently pursued to realize on‐demand functionalities. Among them, dynamic metalenses have attracted particular attention due to their widespread applications, especially in the promising terahertz region. Here, a liquid crystal integrated terahertz metalens with dynamic focusing properties is proposed. Subwavelength silicon columns are specifically designed and set to realize the same lens phase profile for orthogonal linear polarizations, while the rotation of columns additionally introduces a spin‐selective conjugated geometric phase. A photopatterned liquid crystal layer is added to compensate for the geometric phase; therefore, a polarization‐independent single focus is achieved. With a saturated bias applied to the liquid crystal, the phase compensation vanishes; therefore, a spin‐selective bifocal function is realized. When lens and polarization grating profiles are encoded to the geometric phase separately, longitudinal and lateral spin‐dependent focus separations are demonstrated. The metalens can be electrically switched between single‐focus and bifocal functions. The dynamic metalens can be utilized in depth‐of‐field imaging and telecom port selection. The design endows various existing metadevices with dynamic functions.
Analysis of the microsurgery fellowship match: 2019–2022 update
Authors: McGraw J. Reed , Sulkar Reena S. , Amro Chris , Gala Zachary , Mehrara Babak J. , Wong Alex K. , Kovach Stephen J. , Matros Evan , Azoury Saïd C.
Published: July 2024

Background

A recent analysis of microsurgery fellowship match data published in 2019 demonstrated increased competition for available positions. With growing opportunities in the field, the authors hypothesize that the landscape for both applicants and programs has become more competitive. The aim of this study is to compare two periods of match data to inform residents and programs in microsurgery.

Methods

Microsurgery fellowship match data was obtained from the San Francisco Match with approval by the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery for the years 2014–2022. Data were stratified into the categories of 2016–2018 and 2019–2022. Parameters assessed included: program and position fill rates, match rates, and in‐service examination percentiles. Data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi‐square tests and unpaired t‐tests.

Results

The median number of participating programs and positions increased to 29 and 47 in 2019–2022, compared with 23 and 40 in 2016–2018. This coincided with a decrease in the number of applicants per position (1.3 [52–40] vs. 1.1 [50–47], p = .45). There was a significant increase in the match rate between groups (67.8% vs. 80.2%, p = .007). Recently, 2022 saw the lowest position fill rate on record, at 75.4% (40 of 53 positions filled), down from 85.3% (35 of 41) in 2018 (p = .35) and 95.6% (43 of 45) in 2019 (p = .006). Mean in‐service examination percentiles for successfully matched applicants did not differ between (2016–2018) and (2019–2022) applicants.

Conclusion

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of microsurgery fellowship training programs with a decline in the number of applicants. Accordingly, there has been an increased match rate for prospective applicants. Despite this, a pool of unmatched applicants and unfilled positions with training opportunities still remain. The reasons for which are likely multifactorial.
Long‐Term Hearing Outcome For Vestibular Schwannomas After Microsurgery And Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Daloiso Antonio , Cazzador Diego , Concheri Stefano , Tealdo Giulia , Zanoletti Elisabetta
Published: July 2024

Objective

Hearing loss is a common symptom associated with vestibular schwannoma (VS), either because of the tumor's effects on the cochlear nerve or due to active treatments such as surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Treatment decisions for VS are based on factors including tumor size, hearing status, patient symptoms, and institutional preference. The study aimed to investigate long‐term auditory outcomes in VS patients undergoing active treatments with a hearing preservation intent.

Data Sources

A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, searching Scopus, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases from inception to January 2024.

Review Methods

Studies meeting inclusion criteria, including a minimum 5‐year follow‐up and assessment of pre‐ and posttreatment hearing outcomes, were included. Pooled prevalence estimates for serviceable hearing after SRS and microsurgery were calculated using MetaXL software. Risk of bias assessment was performed with the Risk of Bias in Non‐randomized Studies of Interventions tool.

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, with 356 patients included for analysis. The pooled prevalence of maintaining serviceable hearing after SRS at 10 years was 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7%‐43.3%), with wide prediction intervals indicating variability in outcomes. Microsurgery demonstrated a higher prevalence of maintaining long‐term serviceable hearing, with a pooled estimate of 74.5% (95% CI: 63.5%‐84.1%).

Conclusion

This systematic review underscores the importance of long‐term follow‐up in evaluating auditory outcomes in VS treatment. Despite the biases inherent to pretreatment patients selection, hearing preservation microsurgery for sporadic VS removal demonstrated favorable and stable long‐term serviceable hearing.
Ultratough and self‐healable electromagnetic interference shielding materials with sandwiched silver nanowires in polyurethane composite films
Authors: Nguyen Duy Khiem , Truong Hoai Nam , Pham Ai Le Hoang , Tran Minh Sang , Nguyen Dinh Minh Tuan , Bui Viet Quoc , Lien Mai Thi Kieu , Nguyen Van Cuong , Vu Minh Canh
Published: July 2024

This study presents a facile self‐healing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite by sandwiching a layer of silver nanowires (AgNWs) between two layers of self‐healing polyurethane (SPU). The AgNWs layer forms an interconnected conductive network that effectively reflects and absorbs electromagnetic radiation, providing efficient EMI shielding. The SPU layers contribute autonomous healing of mechanical damages and restoring structural integrity and conductive pathways. The composite films exhibit remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) (up to 64.6 dB), exceptional mechanical toughness (106.4 MJ/m3), and self‐healing capabilities, outperforming conventional shielding materials. The synergy between AgNWs and SPU layers offers lightweight, flexible, tough, and self‐healing properties, making this material highly promising for applications in wearable electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries where durability and long‐term reliability are critical.

Highlights

Facile fabrication of sandwiched AgNWs layer between SPU films.

Sandwiched AgNWs/SPU films with exceptional EMI shielding.

AgNWs form conductive networks for efficient EMI shielding.

Remarkable mechanical toughness of 106.4 MJ/m3 and self‐healing capability.

Potential shielding materials for lightweight, wearable electronics, aerospace.