bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Assumptions in Online and Blended Continuing Professional Development: Finding Our Way Forward Together
Authors: Bernson-Leung Miya E. , MacNeill Heather
Published: September 2023

Continuing professional development (CPD) providers and faculty face a practice gap between our knowledge of effective practices in CPD and our implementation of them, particularly in online environments. Developmental psychologists Bob Kegan and Lisa Lahey have attributed such knowledge-implementation gaps to an “Immunity to Change” rooted in tacit “Big Assumptions.” These Big Assumptions produce fears or worries, reveal competing commitments, and result in actions or inactions that hinder intended change. We sought to understand the barriers to change in online and blended CPD, to support CPD leaders in pursuing their goals for optimal use of technology in CPD. This inquiry arose from the 13th National Continuing Professional Development Accreditation Conference of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada, a virtual conference held in October 2022. After introducing the Immunity to Change framework and best practices in online and blended learning, we invited audience members to list Big Assumptions in CPD through chat and polling software. These responses were analyzed and grouped into five interrelated Big Assumptions that suggest a number of key barriers to optimal implementation of online CPD. We present data that counter each Big Assumption along with practical approaches to facilitate desired change for CPD.
Secondary Breast Angiosarcoma After a Primary Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Chau Bonny , Loggers Elizabeth T. , Cranmer Lee D. , Mogal Harveshp , Sharib Jeremy M. , Kim Edward Y. , Schaub Stephanie K. , Paulson Kelly G. , Linden Hannah M. , Specht Jennifer M. , Kim Janice N. , Javid Sara H. , Wagner Michael J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

Angiosarcoma is a rare complication of breast-conserving therapy. This study evaluated the change in incidence between 1992 and 2016 of secondary breast angiosarcoma (SBA) in patients with a history of breast cancer and the impact of management strategies for the original breast carcinoma on angiosarcoma treatment.

Methods:

Breast cancer and angiosarcoma cases were abstracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database. SBAs were defined as angiosarcomas located in the breast occurring after a prior breast cancer diagnosis. Primary breast angiosarcomas (PBAs) were defined as an angiosarcoma diagnosis listed as “one primary only.” Incidence rates were estimated using a proportion of the US total population. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association of clinicopathologic characteristics on overall survival.

Results:

Between 1992 and 2016, 193 cases of SBA were reported in the SEER dataset in patients with a prior history of breast cancer. The incidence of breast angiosarcoma in patients with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer increased 3-fold from about 10 cases per 100,000 person-years to about 30 cases per 100,000 person-years over this same period (P=0.0037). For treatment of SBA (n=193), almost all (95%) had surgery. Nine percent received radiation (compared with 35% of patients with PBA, P<0.001) and 23% received chemotherapy (vs. 45% for PBA, P=0.11).

Conclusions:

We demonstrate an increasing incidence of SBA over the study period. These data can help inform shared decision-making for optimal management of locoregional breast cancer and raise awareness of secondary angiosarcoma.
MicroNAPS: A Novel Classification for Infants with Micrognathia, Robin Sequence, and Tongue-based Airway Obstruction
Authors: Resnick Cory M. , Katz Eliot , Varidel Alistair
Published: September 2023

Background:

Robin sequence (RS) describes a heterogeneous population with micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction (UAO). Workup, treatment, outcomes assessment, and research inclusion are widely variable. Despite several classifications and algorithms, none is broadly endorsed. The objective of this investigation was to develop and trial a novel classification system designed to enhance clinical communication, treatment planning, prognostication, and research.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. A classification system was developed with five elements: micrognathia, nutrition, airway, palate, syndrome/comorbidities (MicroNAPS). Definitions and a framework for “stage” assignment (R0–R4) were constructed. Stage “tongue-based airway obstruction” (TBAO) was defined for infants with glossoptosis and UAO without micrognathia. MicroNAPS was applied to 100 infants with at least 1-year follow-up. Clinical course, treatment, airway, and feeding characteristics were assessed. Descriptive and analytic statistics were calculated and a P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Of the 100 infants, 53 were male. Mean follow-up was 5.0 ± 3.6 years. R1 demonstrated feeding-predominant mild RS for which UAO was managed nonoperatively but gastrostomy tubes were prevalent. R2 was characterized by airway-predominant moderate RS, typically managed with mandibular distraction or tongue-lip adhesion, with few gastrostomy tubes and short lengths-of-stay. R3 denoted severe RS, with similar UAO treatment to R2, but with more surgical feeding tubes and longer admissions. R4 represented a complex phenotype with 33% tracheostomies, protracted hospitalizations, and delayed palatoplasty. R0 (“at risk”) and TBAO groups displayed the most variability.

Conclusions:

MicroNAPS is easy to use and associated with relevant disease characteristics. We propose its adoption in clinical and research settings.
Salt intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease mortality in England, 2003–2018
Authors: Song Jing , Tan Monique , Wang Changqiong , Brown Mhairi K. , Pombo-Rodrigues Sonia , MacGregor Graham A. , He Feng J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in salt intake and concomitant changes in blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in England from 2003 to 2018.

Methods:

National surveys and death registration data were used for the analysis of salt intake as measured by 24-h urinary sodium excretion (449–1069 participants per year), BP (2651–6738 participants per year) and CVD mortality.

Results:

A decline in salt intake from 9.38 (SD 4.64) to 7.58 (3.41) g/d was observed between 2003 and 2014 (P < 0.01), followed by an increase to 8.39 (4.13) g/d in 2018 (P < 0.01). Similar trends in BP and CVD mortality were also observed between 2003 and 2018. SBP/DBP decreased from 125.3 (15.92)/74.48 (11.33) mmHg to 122.57 (14.92)/73.33 (10.75) mmHg between 2003 and 2014 (P < 0.01), followed by a plateau up to 2018 [122.04 (14.64)/73.84 (10.54) mmHg, P > 0.05]. Likewise, a fall in stroke and ischaemic heart disease mortality rates was observed between 2003 and 2014, from 12.24 and 43.44 cases per 100 000, to 8.19 and 27.23 cases per 100 000 (P < 0.01), respectively, followed by a plateau afterwards (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The UK salt reduction programme was initially successful in reducing population salt intake by 19% (from 9.38 g/d in 2003 to 7.58 g/d in 2014). However, in recent years, the programme stalled and thus led to an interruption in the decline of salt intake. BP and CVD mortality reduction was also interrupted when salt reduction stalled. The changes in salt intake may have played an important role in the concomitant changes in BP and CVD mortality. Urgent action is needed to reinvigorate the UK's once world-leading salt reduction programme.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Among Persons Who Completed a Two-dose COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series Compared With Those Reporting No COVID-19 Vaccination, US National MIS-C Surveillance
Authors: Yousaf Anna R. , Miller Allison D. , Lindsey Katherine , Shah Ami B. , Wu Michael J. , Melgar Michael , Zambrano Laura D. , Campbell Angela P.
Published: September 2023

We analyzed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children cases by reported COVID-19 vaccination status (2-dose primary series vs. no vaccination). A total of 46% vaccinated versus 58% unvaccinated persons received intensive care unit-level care (P = 0.02); the risk of intensive care unit admission was 23% higher (adjusted relative risk: 1.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.48) among unvaccinated patients; 21 unvaccinated persons died. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated persons, but may be less severe.
The Utility of Maternal TORCH Screening Due to Obstetrical Indications in Detecting Congenital Infections: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Abu Shqara Raneen , Or Shany , Abu Zraki Abdallah , Rizik Jeries , Glikman Daniel , Rechnitzer Hagai , Lowenstein Lior , Frank Wolf Maya
Published: September 2023

Background:

The diagnostic yield of TORCH screening for obstetrical indications is unclear. We evaluated TORCH testing results among women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios; and associations with congenital infections in neonates.

Method:

This retrospective single-center study included all the women diagnosed with IUGR, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios who underwent serological TORCH testing during 2010–2019. TORCH screening included Toxoplasma, cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella IgM and IgG. The data, which were cross-referenced with data of neonates with congenital TORCH infections during the same period, included indications for neonatal testing, sonographic findings and neonatal ophthalmologic and hearing findings.

Result:

Six women of 771 (0.8%) were diagnosed with primary TORCH infection: 4 (0.5%) with toxoplasmosis, and 2 (0.3%) with CMV. None had a confirmed congenital infection. The rates of positive maternal TORCH screening in IUGR and polyhydramnios were 2.1% and 0.6%, respectively. Maternal TORCH infection was not identified in any woman with oligohydramnios or severe polyhydramnios. None of the neonates with congenital infection were screened for TORCH during pregnancy due to polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios or IUGR. Among the neonates with congenital CMV, the most common indication for performing neonatal CMV polymerase chain reaction was suspected primary maternal infection during pregnancy due to symptomatic CMV. No incidences of congenital rubella were noted in the last decade in our medical center.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that routine TORCH screening in pregnancies complicated with IUGR, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios should be avoided. Suggestive maternal symptoms and specific fetal sonographic features should prompt testing for CMV and Toxoplasma infection.
Use of IDEAL-IQ in Quantifying Femoral Bone Marrow Involvement in Gaucher Disease
Authors: Hou Bo , Cidanwangjiu  , Zhang Haiping , Wang Fengdan , Qiu Zhengqing , Zhang Yan , Jin Zhengyu
Published: September 2023

Objective

To quantitatively measure femoral bone marrow involvement in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) by using fat fraction (FF) derived from the iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation quantitation (IDEAL-IQ) technique.

Methods

Bilateral femora of 23 patients with type 1 GD receiving low-dose imiglucerase treatment were prospectively scanned using structural magnetic resonance imaging sequences and an IDEAL-IQ sequence. Femoral bone marrow involvement was evaluated by both semiquantification (bone marrow burden [BMB] score based on magnetic resonance imaging structural images) and quantification (FF derived from IDEAL-IQ) methods. These patients were further divided into subgroups according to whether they underwent splenectomy or had bone complications. The interreader agreement of measurements and the correlation between FF and clinical status were statistically analyzed.

Results

In patients with GD, both BMB and FF evaluation of femora showed good interreader concordance (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.98 and 0.99, respectively), and FF highly correlated with BMB score (P < 0.001). The longer the duration of disease, the lower the FF (P = 0.026). Femoral FF was lower in subgroups with splenectomy or bone complications than those without splenectomy or bone complications (0.47 ± 0.08 vs 0.60 ± 0.15, 0.51 ± 0.10 vs 0.61 ± 0.17, respectively, both P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Femoral FF derived from IDEAL-IQ could be used to quantify femoral bone marrow involvement in patients with GD, and low bone marrow FF may predict worse outcomes of GD patients in this small-scale study.
Muscle Reference Values From Thoracic and Abdominal CT for Sarcopenia Assessment
Authors: Tonnesen P. Erik , Mercaldo Nathaniel D. , Tahir Ismail , Dietrich Anna-Sophia W. , Amayri Wael , Graur Alexander , Allaire Brett , Bouxsein Mary L. , Samelson Elizabeth J. , Kiel Douglas P. , Fintelmann Florian J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Loss of muscle mass is a known feature of sarcopenia and predicts poor clinical outcomes. Although muscle metrics can be derived from routine computed tomography (CT) images, sex-specific reference values at multiple vertebral levels over a wide age range are lacking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide reference values for skeletal muscle mass and attenuation on thoracic and abdominal CT scans in the community-based Framingham Heart Study cohort to aid in the identification of sarcopenia.

Materials and Methods

This secondary analysis of a prospective trial describes muscle metrics by age and sex for participants from the Framingham Heart Study without prior history of cancer who underwent at least 1 CT scan between 2002 and 2011. Using 2 previously validated machine learning algorithms followed by human quality assurance, skeletal muscle was analyzed on a single axial CT image per level at the 5th, 8th, 10th thoracic, and 3rd lumbar vertebral body (T5, T8, T10, L3). Cross-sectional muscle area (cm2), mean skeletal muscle radioattenuation (SMRA, in Hounsfield units), skeletal muscle index (SMI, in cm2/m2), and skeletal muscle gauge (SMRA·SMI) were calculated. Measurements were summarized by age group (<45, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, ≥75 years), sex, and vertebral level. Models enabling the calculation of age-, sex-, and vertebral-level–specific reference values were created and embedded into an open access online Web application.

Results

The cohort consisted of 3804 participants (1917 [50.4%] males; mean age, 55.6 ± 11.8 years; range, 33–92 years) and 7162 CT scans. Muscle metrics qualitatively decreased with increasing age and female sex.

Conclusions

This study established age- and sex-specific reference values for CT-based muscle metrics at thoracic and lumbar vertebral levels. These values may be used in future research investigating the role of muscle mass and attenuation in health and disease, and to identify sarcopenia.
Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Clinical Outcomes of Robotic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Kudsi Omar Yusef , Kaoukabani Georges , Friedman Alexander , Bou-Ayash Naseem , Bahadir Jenna , Gokcal Fahri
Published: September 2023

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic strained the health care sector, putting severe constraints on surgical departments. In this study, we evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the outcomes of patients undergoing robotic cholecystectomy (RC).

Patients and Methods:

Patients who underwent RC 1 year before and after March 2020 were included in this retrospective study and assigned accordingly to the pre or post-COVID group. Pre, intra, and postoperative variables were compared between groups.

Results:

In total, 110 patients were assigned to the pre-COVID group versus 80 in the post-COVID group. There were no differences in the demographics, except for a higher rate of previous gallbladder disease in the pre-COVID group (35.5% vs 13.8,% P < 0.001). The post-COVID group had a higher rate of emergent RCs (62.5% vs 39.1%, P = 0.002). Operative times were greater in the post-COVID group due to the more frequent participation of clinical fellows in the cases. The median hospital length of stay for both groups was 1 day, with higher rates of same-day discharge (pre-COVID 40.9% vs post-COVID 57.5%, P = 0.028). Complications were comparable between both groups, with no recorded cases of COVID-19 contraction within the virus incubation period. The median follow-up was 10 months for the entire cohort.

Conclusion:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in emergent cases, as well as higher rates of same-day discharge, were recorded, with no impact on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RC.
Early Bowel Obstruction after Bariatric Surgery: An Analysis of the 2020-2021 MBSAQIP Database
Authors: Clapp Benjamin , Abi Mosleh Kamal , Corbett John , Salame Marita , Hage Karl , Kurian Marina , Zundel Natan , Ghanem Omar M.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program evaluates 30-day outcomes of bariatric cases performed in the United States. The Participant Use File in 2020 introduced bowel obstruction (BO). We compared the rates of BO, risk factors, and postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and duodenal switch (DS).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB, SG, or DS obtained from the 2020-2021 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Patients who underwent either as a primary procedure with a body mass index >35 kg/m2 were selected. Baseline characteristics, operative details, and postoperative complications were collected. The outcome of interest was BO occurring within 30 days.

Results:

A total of 205,533 cases of which 148,944 were SG (72.4%), 54,606 were RYGB (26.5%), and 1983 were DS (1%). BO occurred in 0.74%, 0.4%, and 0.03% of patients who underwent an RYGB, DS, or SG, respectively. Patients with a BO in the RYGB group were more likely to be on immunosuppressive therapy (5.4% vs. 1.9%, P<0.001) with longer operative time (136.2 min±58.0 min vs. 117.4 min±53.6 min, P<0.001). SG patients with a BO were older (47.5±13.6 vs. 41.9±11.6, P=0.011) with longer operating times (98.6±63.8 vs. 68.9±33.4, P=0.002). Patients in the RYGB group with a BO had the highest rates of readmissions (71.9%) and reoperations (58.4%).

Conclusions:

Early bowel obstruction is rare after bariatric surgery. It is more common after RYGB and least common after SG. Readmission and reoperation rates were highest in patients with BO in the RYGB group.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-guided Drainage of Caudate Lobe Abscess: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Shah Jimil , Jena Anuraag , Singh Anupam K. , Jearth Vaneet , Dutta Usha
Published: September 2023

Background:

Liver abscess is usually treated with medical therapy. Few patients require drainage of the collection due to large size, certain high-risk location or rupture of the collection. Percutaneous drainage is most commonly used modality for the drainage of such collection. However, caudate lobe poses a unique difficulty in percutaneous drainage due to its deep location.

Methods:

We did a retrospective analysis of all patients with caudate lobe abscess who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage at our center. We reviewed their indications, technical and clinical success rates of the procedure from 2020 to 2023. We also performed systemic review of published literature till June 12, 2023 showing use of EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe abscess.

Results:

Total of 8 patients (age: 37.33 ± 12.8 y; Males 62.5%) underwent EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe collection at our center. Six patients underwent drainage using plastic stents, 1 patient underwent using metal stent, and 1 patient had aspiration of the abscess. Technical success was achieved in all patients. One patient succumbed to background illness and clinical success could be achieved in rest of the patients. In systemic review of literature on EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe, a total of 10 studies (17 patients) were included. All patients achieved technical success. Majority studies reported use of plastic stents or naso-cystic drains whereas only 1 case reported use of metal stents. One procedure related complication (localized para-esophageal abscess) was reported requiring endoscopic intervention for management.

Conclusion:

EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe abscess is safe and effective. It should be used as a first-line intervention after a failed medical management.
Effects of lemon or cinnamon essential oil vapor on physicochemical
properties of strawberries during storage
Authors: Freche Elise , Gieng John , Pignotti Giselle , Ibrahim Salam A. , Tran Helen P. , Ahn Dong U. , Feng Xi
Published: September 2023

Recently, consumers have gained an interest in natural and minimally processed
foods, inciting the food industry to consider using of natural products as
preservatives. Strawberries are a widely consumed fruit but are also highly
perishable. Therefore, in this study, the physicochemical properties of
strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa) were evaluated after a
12-h treatment with lemon essential oil (Citrus×limon)
or cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum cassia) vapor during
storage at 22°C for 4 days in an accelerated shelf-life study and
4°C for 18 days in a validation study. Weight loss was blunted in fruit
treated with oil vapor during the first days of storage (p<0.05). Lemon
essential oil delayed fruit darkening (p<0.05) but reduced the firmness
of strawberries (p<0.05). Strawberries treated with cinnamon essential
oil had a higher concentration of reducing sugars (p<0.05), and a
decrease of 16.7% visible decay, although the difference was
insignificant. Oil vapor treatment did not alter the pH, organic acid content,
or soluble solid content during storage compared to the control. Since lemon and
cinnamon essential oils have well-documented antimicrobial properties, they may
be suitable for the natural preservation of fruit. This study provides new
information on using essential oil vapor treatment to preserve fruits, and
potentially decrease fruit loss and waste.
Shelf-life prediction of fresh ginseng packaged with plastic films
based on a kinetic model and multivariate accelerated shelf-life
testing
Authors: Park Jong-Jin , Choi Jeong-Hee , Park Kee-Jai , Cho Jeong-Seok , Yun Dae-Yong , Lim Jeong-Ho
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to monitor changes in the quality of ginseng and
predict its shelf-life. As the storage period of ginseng increased, some quality
indicators, such as water-soluble pectin (WSP), CDTA-soluble pectin (CSP),
cellulose, weight loss, and microbial growth increased, while others
(Na2CO3-soluble pectin/NSP, hemicellulose, starch, and
firmness) decreased. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the
quality attribute data and the principal component 1 (PC1) scores extracted from
the PCA results were applied to the multivariate analysis. The reaction rate at
different temperatures and the temperature dependence of the reaction rate were
determined using kinetic and Arrhenius models, respectively. Among the kinetic
models, zeroth-order models with cellulose and a PC1 score provided an adequate
fit for reaction rate estimation. Hence, the prediction model was constructed by
applying the cellulose and PC1 scores to the zeroth-order kinetic and Arrhenius
models. The prediction model with PC1 score showed higher R2 values
(0.877-0.919) than those of cellulose (0.797-0.863), indicating that
multivariate analysis using PC1 score is more accurate for the shelf-life
prediction of ginseng. The predicted shelf-life using the multivariate
accelerated shelf-life test at 5, 20, and 35°C was 40, 16, and 7 days,
respectively.
Atomisation and vacuum drying studies on Malaysian honey
encapsulation
Authors: Rosli Nurul Aisyah , Lee Boon-Beng , Kasim Khairul Farihan , Mohamad Che Wan Sharifah Robiah
Published: September 2023

Malaysian honey is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, which can be a
healthy alternative to refined sugar in food production. However, liquid
honey’s viscous and sticky nature makes it unpreferable in industrial
handling. This study, an atomization system coupled with vacuum drying to
produce honey powders to overcome the problem. Three types of Malaysian honey,
namely Acacia, Gelam, and Tualang, were encapsulated in Ca-alginate gel beads
using the atomization system. The density viscosity, and surface tension of the
honey-alginate solutions were measured, and the concentration of honey and
alginate influenced the physical properties of the solutions. Honey-encapsulated
gel beads in the size range of 2.16-2.92 mm were produced using the atomization
system with the air-liquid mass flow rate ratios of 0.22-0.31, Weber number
(We) of 112-545, and Ohnersorges number
(Oh) of 0.35-10.46. Gel bead diameter can be predicted
using a simple mathematical model. After vacuum drying, the honey gel powder
produced was in the size range of 1.50-1.79 mm. Results showed that honey gel
powders with good encapsulation efficiency and high honey loading could be
produced using the atomization system and vacuum drying.
Physicochemical properties and physiological activity of bean sprouts
extract containing Hovenia dulcis Thunb
concentrates
Authors: Heo Ji-An , Park Wool-Lim , Min Hye-Ji , Kim Jeong-Ho , Won Yeong-Seon , Seo Kwon-Il
Published: September 2023

Reactive oxygen species are the byproducts of metabolic processes in the body,
However, excessive amount may cause side effects such as cancer. Therefore, to
reduce the production of these species, but their long-term administration at
high doses may induce side effects. Hence, natural materials with antioxidant
activities are attracting attention. Two of these natural materials are soybean
sprouts and Hovenia dulcis Thunb. fruits, but few studies have
evaluated the effects of their combination. Thus, we prepared a soybean sprout
extract containing 1.5% H. dulcis Thunb. fruit concentrate
(BHM) to develop a functional food material derived from natural products and
then confirmed its physicochemical properties and physiological activity. Among
the organic acids detected in BHM, malic acid exhibited the highest content of
1,451.03 ppm, and the main free sugars were glucose (645.48 ppm) and fructose
(738.11 ppm). Taurine was the most abundant free amino acid at a concentration
of 11.95 ppm, followed by those of arginine (10.97 ppm) and glutamic acid (10.16
ppm). Analyses of the mineral components revealed large amounts of Zn and Fe in
BHM, and the respective total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in BHM were
957.16 and 601.93 ppm. The DPPH radical and H2O2
scavenging activities and reducing power indicated excellent antioxidant
efficacy compared to the positive controls. Furthermore, blood alcohol and
acetaldehyde concentrations were measured to confirm the hangover-relieving
effects of BHM, with both significantly decreased (p<0.05). BHM displays
potential for development as a functional food, and the results of this study
may be used as basic data in further research.
Effects of aronia powder on the quality characteristics and
antioxidant activity of cookies
Authors: Hwang Eun-Sun , Kim Soyeon
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to determine the quality properties, phytochemical
compounds, and antioxidant activities of cookies prepared by replacing wheat
flour with 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% aronia powder. The
moisture content of the cookies decreased as the amount of aronia powder added
increased. In contrast, the ash, crude protein, and crude fat content of the
cookies did not differ between the control cookie and the cookies prepared with
2-6% aronia powder. The spreadability, leavening rate, loss rate and pH
decreased with increasing aronia powder content. Compared to the control cookie,
the lightness of the cookies decreased, but the redness and yellowness of the
cookies increased as the amount of aronia powder added increased. The total
polyphenol content of the cookies increased with increasing aronia powder
content. The antioxidant activity of the cookies increased significantly as to
the amount of aronia powder added increased compared to that of control cookie.
Based on the these results, it is concluded that adding aronia powder to cookies
increases antioxidant activity.
Quality characteristics of Aster glehni extract
depending on the concentration and time of enzyme treatment
Authors: Kim Sun Hwa , Yoon Sung Ran , Jeong Yong-Jin
Published: September 2023

The Aster glehni extract has many therapeutic and medicinal
values. Therefore, it is essential to set appropriate conditions for enzyme
treatment to efficiently extract A. glehni. In this study,
changes in the quality of A. glehni extract depending on the
concentration and time of enzyme treatment was investigated to increase its
effective utilization. Compared to the control, the pH of the extract of
A. glehni its soluble solid content increased with the
enzyme treatment. The color of the A. glehni extract changed
from green-yellow to reddish-yellow with the increase in treatment duration. The
fructose and sucrose contents of the extract were the highest at 7.73%
and 6.78%, respectively, in the control group without the enzyme
treatment. Glucose and maltose contents were 6.91% and 4.44% in
the C group (3.2% enzyme concentration and 60 min for enzyme treatment),
respectively. Total polyphenol content, which shows antioxidant activity, was
the highest at 7.38 mg GAE/g in the E group (1.6% of enzyme concentration
and 120 min for enzyme treatment). 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and
2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) showed the highest
radical scavenging activity in the C group (3.2% of enzyme concentration
and 60 min for enzyme treatment). These results enable setting appropriate
conditions of enzyme treatment in terms of enzyme concentration and time for the
production of dry powders using A. glehni extract.
Characterization of bitterness components of ginseng using
electronic tongue
Authors: Kim Kyung-Tack , Choi Sang Yoon
Published: September 2023

Ginseng root is a medicinal plant widely used in Korea for its immunity enhancing
and anti-fatigue properties. However, its bitter taste has a negative impact on
the expansion of the ginseng market. In this study, we determined the bitter
tasting compounds of ginseng using an electronic tongue. The results of
measuring bitterness showed that phenolic compounds and polyacetylenes of
ginseng had low bitterness. On the other hand, the bitterness was strong in
ginsenosides and alkaloids of ginseng. Among them, the bitterness of ginseng was
higher in ginsenosides than in alkaloids. Theses results suggest that
ginsenosides have a significant affect on the bitter taste of ginseng.
Potential production strategy for distilled soju
by fermenting nonsteamed rice using commercial enzyme products
Authors: Kwon Ye Seul , Lee Jisu , Kim Mi Seong , Han Sochon , Choi Han-Seok
Published: September 2023

The production of distilled soju by fermenting nonsteamed rice
was evaluated using commercial enzyme products. White koji and
modified nuruk had alpha-amylase activities of 31.90 U/g and
3,532.71 U/g, respectively, and gluco-amylase activities of 698.32 U/g and
4,899.58 U/g, respectively. The enzyme products had activities of
5,604.15-225,182.00 U/g and 13,517.41-120,822.41 U/g, respectively. At enzyme
concentrations of >800 mg/L, the Chung-moo-purified enzyme had an alcohol
productivity of ≥19%. Nurukzyme R400, Sanferm Yied, and Diazyme X4
exhibited alcohol productivities of >19% at concentrations of
>600 mg/L. The alcohol content of the vacuum distillates was
41.31%-44.86%. The volatile component with the alcohol content
adjusted to 25% was analyzed and principal component analysis was
performed. The volatile components in white koji, Diazyme X4,
and Sanferm Yield were similar. The modified nuruk treatment
group had a relatively high ethyl lactate content compared to the white
koji treatment group. The Nurukzyme R400 treatment group
had high contents of butyric acid and ethyl butyrate. The Chung-moo-purified
enzyme was characterized by a low component content. Thus, when enzyme products
were used in nonsteamed rice fermentation, no effect on the alcohol productivity
and quality of vacuum distilled soju was observed, suggesting
that it can replace white koji and modified nuruk.
Quality characteristics and physiological activities of mulberry
(Morus alba) vinegar
Authors: Yim Eun Jung , Jo Seung Wha , Kang Hyeon Jin , Oh Hyo Bin , Kim Young-Soo , Jeong Do-Youn
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to develop high value-added mulberry (Morus
alba) vinegar by fermenting mulberry with yeast and acetic acid
bacteria, for using it in various foods. To select the optimal strain for
mulberry fermentation, different strains were tested and Saccharomyces
cerevisiae SRCM101756 and Acetobacter pasteurianus
SRCM102419, exhibiting excellent alcohol and acetic acid production ability
during mulberry fermentation, were selected for fermentation. Mulberry vinegar
was prepared using mulberry wine and the selected acetic acid bacteria, and the
physicochemical properties and physiological effects were measured. The pH was
2.98 and total acidity was 4.70% by day 9 of fermentation, establishing
the possibility of developing them into vinegars for industrial use. The
α-glucosidase inhibition activity of mulberry
vinegar increased from 13.22% to 19.19% in the 100-fold dilution,
and from 42.35% to 46.11% in the 50-fold dilution, from before
fermentation to after fermentation, respectively. The angiotensin-converting
enzyme inhibition activity of mulberry vinegar was found to significantly
increase from 44.82% before fermentation to 63.88% after
fermentation in the 25-fold dilution. Moreover, a significant increase in
pancreatic lipase inhibition activity after fermentation was observed. Thus,
mulberry vinegar can be used as a functional material in vinegar and other
foods.
Characteristics and anti-obesity effect of fermented products of
coffee wine
Authors: Park So Hyun , Oh Hyeon Hwa , Jeong Do Youn , Kim Young-Soo
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the fermentation characteristics and
anti-obesity effects of acetic acid fermentation products of coffee wine. The
live cell counts, soluble solids, pH and total acidity of the acetic acid
unfermented coffee wine (AUFCW; day 0, before fermentation) were 6.35 log
CFU/mL, 8.10 °Brix, 3.88, and 1.29%, respectively, while the
acetic acid fermented coffee wine (AFCW; day 15, after fermentation) were 4.40
log CFU/mL, 8.57 °Brix, 3.07, and 7.45%, respectively. Pancreatic
lipase inhibitory activity tended to increase as the acetic acid fermentation
period increased. The anti-obesity effects of AFCW on 3T3-L1 cells, which was
induced by MDI, were evaluated based on the lipid accumulation rate, leptin
expression, and fat production-related gene expression
(PPAR-γ and SREBP-1c) at the mRNA level. In the case
of AFCW, the lipid accumulation rate and leptin expression were decreased to
69.37% and 50.20% at a concentration of 200
μg/mL, respectively, and the expression levels of
PPAR-γ and SREBP-1c at the mRNA level were decreased
to 79.89% and 48.81%, respectively. These results indicate that
anti-obesity effect of acetic acid fermentation products could be increased by
acetic acid fermentation of coffee wine.
Anti-obesity effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis
ethanol extract on the inhibition of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation in
high-fat diet-induced C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Park Seon Kyeong , Lee Jangho , Park Soo Hyun , Lee Yu Geon
Published: September 2023

The anti-adipogenic activity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis was
investigated by examining the effects of its ethanol extract (GUE) on a mouse
model with a high-fat diet (HFD) and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during adipocyte
differentiation. GUE administration for eight weeks significantly reduced weight
gain in mice fed an HFD. GUE effectively inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocyte
differentiation and lipid droplet accumulation. This inhibitory effect is
associated with the downregulation of key adipogenic regulators, including PPARγ
and C/EBPα, and the modulation of adipose metabolism
regulators, such as Fasn and Fabp4. LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis identified twelve
phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including liquiritigenin and licorice saponin,
in the GUE. These findings demonstrate that the anti-obesity effect of the GUE
is attributed to the biological activity of its phenolic and flavonoid
compounds. Therefore, the GUE has potential anti-obesity activity. Moreover,
further studies on the isolation of bioactive components from the GUE and the
investigation of the underlying molecular mechanisms of the GUE are required to
establish its efficacy in metabolic disorders, including obesity.
Grid Cell Firing Patterns Maintain their Hexagonal Firing Patterns on a Circular Track
Authors: Yim Man Yi , Walton Steven , Hedrick Kathryn
Published: September 2023

In an open two-dimensional environment, grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex are known to be active in multiple locations, displaying a striking periodic hexagonal firing pattern covering the entire space. Both modeling and experimental data suggest that such periodic spatial representations may emerge from a continuous attractor network. According to this theory, grid cell activity in any stable 1D environment is a slice through an underlying 2D hexagonal pattern, which is supported by some experimental studies but challenged by others. Grid cells are believed to play a fundamental role in path integration, and so understanding their behavior in various environments is crucial for understanding the flow of information through the entorhinal-hippocampal system. To this end, we analyzed the activity of grid cells when rats traversed a circular track. A previous study involving this data set analyzed individual grid cell activity patterns separately, but we found that individual grid cells do not provide sufficient data for determining the under-lying spatial activity pattern. To circumvent this, we compute the population autocorrelation, which pools together population responses from all grid cells within the same module. This novel approach recovers the underlying six-peak hexagonal pattern that was not observable in the individual autocorrelations. We also use the population autocorrelation to infer the spacing and orientation of the population lattice, revealing how the lattice differs across environments. Furthermore, the population autocorrelation of the linearized track reveals that at the level of the population, grid cells have an allocentric code for space. These results are strong support for the attractor network theory for grid cells, and our novel approach can be used to analyze grid cell activity in any undersampled environment.
Uncovering Invariant Representations in Functional Neuroimaging with Deep Metric Learning
Authors: Mittal Arunesh , Sun Xiaoxiao , Paisley John , Sajda Paul
Published: September 2023

With the increasing ability to record neuroimaging with higher spatial and temporal resolution, there is a growing need for methods that reduce these high-dimensional representations into latent low-dimensional structures that are discriminative and/or predictive of behavior, disease, or in general experimental context. We propose a metric learning framework to extract meaningful latent structures from high-dimensional fMRI data. This method learns the latent embeddings that reduce the intra-group variability while maximizing the inter-group variability. In addition, our method leverages advances in few-shot learning approaches to adapt to small sample-size fMRI datasets, allowing one to learn the latent structure from just a few samples per context. We evaluate our work on two publicly available fMRI datasets and report superior results compared to popular alternative approaches such as Principal Component Analysis (84.7% vs. 60%; 21.8% vs. 8.3%). We provide the Python code as open-source at Github.
Reconciling ASPP-p53 Binding Mode Discrepancies through an Ensemble Binding Framework that Bridges Crystallography and NMR Data
Authors: Liu Te , Huang Sichao , Zhang Qian , Xia Yu , Zhang Manjie , Sun Bin
Published: September 2023

ASPP2 and iASPP bind to p53 through their conserved ANK-SH3 domains to respectively promote and inhibit p53-dependent cell apoptosis. While crystallography has indicated that these two proteins employ distinct surfaces of their ANK-SH3 domains to bind to p53, solution NMR data has suggested similar surfaces. In this study, we employed multi-scale molecular dynamics (MD) combined with free energy calculations to reconcile the discrepancy in the binding modes. We demonstrated that the binding mode based solely on a single crystal structure does not enable iASPP’s RT loop to engage with p53’s C-terminal linker—a verified interaction. Instead, an ensemble of simulated iASPP-p53 complexes facilitates this interaction. We showed that the ensemble-average inter-protein contacting residues and NMR-detected interfacial residues align well with ASPP proteins, and the ensemble-average binding free energies better match experimental Kd values compared to single crystallgarphy-determined binding mode. For iASPP, the sampled ensemble complexes can be grouped into two classes, resembling the binding modes determined by crystallography and solution NMR. We thus propose that crystal packing shifts the equilibrium of binding modes towards the crystallographydetermined one. Lastly, we show that the ensemble binding complexes are sensitive to p53’s intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), attesting to experimental observations that these IDRs contribute to biological functions. Our results provide a dynamic and ensemble perspective for scrutinizing these important cancer-related protein-protein interactions (PPIs).
Adherence Behaviors to Prevent COVID: The Role of Anxiety and Prosocial Behaviors
Authors: Corbera Silvia , Marín-Chollom Amanda M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

In situations of acute stress, individuals may engage in prosocial behaviors or alternatively, individuals may engage in risk taking self-oriented behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic created large stress-promoting conditions that impacted individuals’ decisions to adhere to COVID-19 preventative behaviors. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between anxiety during the pandemic and adherence behaviors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the moderating influence prosocial behaviors.

Method

54 undergraduate students completed online questionnaires during the second wave of the pandemic: prosocial behaviors, anxiety, and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Moderation analyses were conducted using Process in SPSS.

Results

Results demonstrated a statistically significant interaction of public prosocial behavior with state anxiety (β = -.17, p=.01) predicting engagement in COVID-19 preventative behaviors. At low levels of anxiety, low levels of prosocial public behaviors were associated with higher engagement in COVID-19 preventative behaviors. In contrast, high levels of public prosocial behavior were associated with lower engagement in COVID-19 preventative behaviors at low levels of anxiety.

Conclusion

Results provide information that can aid at in the creation of anxiety reducing interventions that could increase adherence to COVID-19 preventative behaviors.
The Impact of the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) on Children
Authors: Stover John , Flanagan Clare F. , Teng Yu
Published: September 2023

Background

The AIDS epidemic has had severe impacts on children causing 7.7 million child deaths and orphaning 15 million children. The impact would have been even greater if the PEPFAR program had not provided drugs and services to avert millions of new infections and AIDS-related deaths. This paper estimates the historical impact of PEPFAR support on children and projects the impact through 2030 if the PEPFAR program were to stop in 2024.

Methods

We used the Goals RSM HIV simulation model to project counterfactual scenarios of no PEPFAR support during both the historical period (2000-2022) and the future period (2024-2030). We applied the model to 53 countries receiving PEPFAR support.

Results

From 2004-2022 the PEPFAR program averted 2.8 million new child HIV infections, 1.5 million child HIV-related deaths and prevented 8.2 million children from becoming AIDS orphans. A continuation of PEPFAR at its current level through 2030 would avert one million new child HIV infections, 460,000 child HIV-related deaths and 2.8 million AIDS orphans.

Discussion

The PEPFAR program has been crucial to the success that has been achieved to date in the global fight against AIDS. That success has created an obligation. Continuation of PEPFAR is critical to the effort to achieve the end of AIDS in the coming years.
A Common Data Model for the standardization of intensive care unit (ICU) medication features in artificial intelligence (AI) applications
Authors: Sikora Andrea , Keats Kelli , Murphy David J. , Devlin John W. , Smith Susan E. , Murray Brian , Buckley Mitchell S. , Rowe Sandra , Coppiano Lindsey , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan
Published: September 2023

Objective

Common Data Models provide a standard means of describing data for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, but this process has never been undertaken for medications used in the intensive care unit (ICU). We sought to develop a Common Data Model (CDM) for ICU medications to standardize the medication features needed to support future ICU AI efforts.

Materials and Methods

A 9-member, multi-professional team of ICU clinicians and AI experts conducted a 5-round modified Delphi process employing conference calls, web-based communication, and electronic surveys to define the most important medication features for AI efforts. Candidate ICU medication features were generated through group discussion and then independently scored by each team member based on relevance to ICU clinical decision-making and feasibility for collection and coding. A key consideration was to ensure the final ontology both distinguished unique medications and met Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) guiding principles.

Results

Using a list of 889 ICU medications, the team initially generated 106 different medication features, and 71 were ranked as being core features for the CDM. Through this process, 106 medication features were assigned to two key feature domains: drug product-related (n=43) and clinical practice-related (n=63). Each feature included a standardized definition and suggested response values housed in the electronic data library. This CDM for ICU medications is available online.

Discussion

The CDM for ICU medications represents an important first step for the research community focused on exploring how AI can improve patient outcomes and will require ongoing engagement and refinement.

Lay Summary

Medication data pose a unique challenge for interpretation by artificial intelligence (AI) because of the alphanumerical combinations (e.g., ibuprofen 200mg every 4 hours) and because of the technical detail associated with drug prescriptions (e.g., ibuprofen 200mg and acetaminophen 325mg are both starting doses and round tablet sizes, so it would be incorrect for the machine to view 325mg as ‘more’ than 200mg). Because AI has great potential to improve the safety and efficacy of medication use, a common data model for ICU medications (ICURx) is proposed here to overcome these challenges and support AI efforts in medication analysis.