bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cotinine concentrations in maternal serum and amniotic fluid during pregnancy and risk of testicular germ cell cancer in the offspring: A prospective nested case‐control study
Authors: Beck Astrid L. , Uldbjerg Cecilie S. , Lim Youn‐Hee , Coull Brent A. , Sørensen Karina M. , Utko Magdalena M. , Wilkowski Bartlomiej , Rantakokko Panu , Bengtsson Marie , Lindh Christian , Petersen Jørgen H. , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Hauser Russ , Juul Anders , Bräuner Elvira V.
Published: August 2023

Maternal smoking in pregnancy may increase the risk of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) in offspring, but current evidence remains inconclusive. We performed a nested case‐control study using cotinine measurements in maternal serum and amniotic fluid as a biomarker for tobacco exposure during pregnancy. A total of 654 males with maternal serum (n = 359, ncases/controls = 71/288) and/or amniotic fluid (n = 295, ncases/controls = 66/229) samples were included. Data on TGCC diagnoses and relevant covariates were derived from nationwide Danish health registries. Cotinine was quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. An adapted cox regression model estimated the risk of TGCC considering active and inactive tobacco use defined according to cotinine concentrations of <, ≥15 ng/ml. Overall, the concentrations of cotinine were comparable in maternal serum and amniotic fluid (medianserum/amniotic fluid: 2.1/2.6 ng/ml). A strong statistically significant correlation was detected in 14 paired samples (Spearman rho: 0.85). Based on maternal serum cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC in offspring (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.51; 1.52). Similarly, based on amniotic fluid cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.64; 1.95). However, different risks were observed for seminomas and nonseminomas in both matrices, but none were statistically significant. Our findings did not provide convincing evidence supporting that exposure to tobacco during pregnancy is associated with TGCC.
Obstetric practice differences between Syrian refugees and non‐Syrian nonrefugee gravidae: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kasoha Mariz , Nigdelis Meletios P. , Bishara Leila , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Solomayer Erich‐Franz , Haj Hamoud Bashar
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess differences in obstetric practices between Syrian war refugees (SRs) and non‐Syrian nonrefugees (NSRs) in a tertiary care provider in Germany.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of SRs (n = 356) and NSRs (n = 5836) giving birth between January 2015 and December 2018. Data on medical history, birth mode, complications, and neonatal parameters was extracted. Group differences were evaluated using Mann–Whitney and χ2 test. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the association of refugee status with mode of birth in conditions associated with increased risk of cesarean section (CS).

Results

SRs had higher rates of adolescent pregnancies (1.7% versus 0.6%, P = 0.020) but fewer maternal diseases compared with NSRs (1.7% versus 3.9%, P = 0.035). The rate of CS was higher in the NSR group (43.9% versus 36%, P = 0.003), as well as the rates of premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.006) and steroid administration for lung maturation (P = 0.012). Cases of umbilical artery pH ≤7.0 were more common in SRs (0.4% versus 1.1%, P = 0.027). Women with previous CS had similar odds of CS in the current pregnancy irrespective of study group (odds ratio, 0.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.50–1.75]).

Conclusion

SR women had lower rates of CS but higher rates of adolescent pregnancies and neonatal pH ≤7.0 at birth compared with NSR women.
Women's experience of polycystic ovary syndrome management: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: Guan Minhui , Li Rong , Shen Quan , Wang Guang Peng , Li Ziyan , Xiao Meili , Lei Jun
Published: August 2023

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common chronic condition in women of child‐bearing age. There is currently no effective treatment, so early and long‐term management is essential. However, there are many problems in the practice of disease management in women with PCOS that make it difficult to achieve good outcomes.

Objective

To explore women's experience of PCOS management and identify the relevant facilitators and barriers to management.

Search strategy

A structured search was undertaken in five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane) from the date of establishment of the database up to December 2022.

Selection criteria

All qualitative and mixed‐methods studies available in English describing the experience of PCOS management from the patients' perspective were included.

Data collection and analysis

The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to appraise study quality. The evidence was synthesized using a pragmatic meta‐aggregative approach guided by the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behavior (COM‐B).

Main results

A total of 13 studies were included with 85 equivocal findings and 12 credible findings. The findings were meta‐aggregated into three themes: (1) capability of women with PCOS, including patients' attitudes toward disease and management, knowledge, and skills of the disease; (2) opportunities in PCOS management, including information about PCOS, diagnostic delay, disease characteristics, disease management plan, and logistical and environmental problems; and (3) motivation in PCOS management, including impact of symptoms, perceived needs, support and feedback, and unpleasant medical experience.

Conclusions

This study identifies facilitators and barriers to PCOS management from the patient perspective, which can guide the design and implementation of PCOS management programs for patients. This study also provides information for future research into how the COM‐B theory can be incorporated into specific management plans to promote patient action.
MozzieNet: A deep learning approach to efficiently detect malaria parasites in blood smear images
Authors: Asif Sohaib , Khan Saif Ur Rehman , Zheng Xiaolong , Zhao Ming
Published: August 2023

Our study presents MozzieNet, a customized CNN model aimed at improving the identification of malaria parasites in blood smear microscopic images. By optimizing hyperparameters and incorporating techniques like data augmentation, batch normalization, and dropout, our model enhances robustness and generalization, addressing overfitting issues. Using the open‐source NIH malaria dataset with 27,558 images, we achieve a classification accuracy of 96.73%, recall rate of 97.90%, precision of 95.67%, area under the curve (AUC) of 99.35%, and F1 score of 96.77%. We performed feature maps and Grad‐CAM analysis on our proposed MozzieNet model to visualize and examine the targeted regions that are crucial for accurate predictions. Statistical analysis shows that the proposed architecture achieves promising performance and is superior to pre‐trained models and existing methods for malaria detection. MozzieNet is designed for cloud and low‐end smartphones, enabling malaria diagnosis in remote areas, thereby assisting physicians in informed malaria diagnosis and decision‐making.
Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides Exacerbate Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification Development
Authors: Salga Marjorie , Samuel Selwin G , Tseng Hsu-Wen , Gatin Laure , Girard Dorothée , Rival Bastien , Barbier Valérie , Bisht Kavita , Shatunova Svetlana , Debaud Charlotte , Winkler Ingrid G , Paquereau Julie , Dinh Aurélien , Genêt Guillaume , Kerever Sébastien , Abback Paer-Sélim , Banzet Sébastien , Genêt François , Lévesque Jean-Pierre , Alexander Kylie A
Published: August 2023

Neurogenic heterotopic ossifications (NHO) are heterotopic bones that develop in periarticular muscles after severe central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Several retrospective studies have shown that NHO prevalence is higher in patients who suffer concomitant infections. However, it is unclear whether these infections directly contribute to NHO development or reflect the immunodepression observed in patients with CNS injury. Using our mouse model of NHO induced by spinal cord injury (SCI) between vertebrae T11 to T13, we demonstrate that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria exacerbate NHO development in a toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)-dependent manner, signaling through the TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF/TICAM1) adaptor rather than the myeloid differentiation primary response-88 (MYD88) adaptor. We find that T11 to T13 SCI did not significantly alter intestinal integrity nor cause intestinal bacteria translocation or endotoxemia, suggesting that NHO development is not driven by endotoxins from the gut in this model of SCI-induced NHO. Relevant to the human pathology, LPS increased expression of osteoblast markers in cultures of human fibro-adipogenic progenitors isolated from muscles surrounding NHO biopsies. In a case–control retrospective study in patients with traumatic brain injuries, infections with gram-negative Pseudomonas species were significantly associated with NHO development. Together these data suggest a functional association between gram-negative bacterial infections and NHO development and highlights infection management as a key consideration to avoid NHO development in patients. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Quantitative and large‐format histochemistry to characterize peripheral artery compositional gradients
Authors: Nguyen V. A. , Brooks‐Richards T. L. , Ren J. , Woodruff M. A. , Allenby M. C.
Published: August 2023

The femoropopliteal artery (FPA) is a long, flexible vessel that travels down the anteromedial compartment of the thigh as the femoral artery and then behind the kneecap as the popliteal artery. This artery undergoes various degrees of flexion, extension, and torsion during normal walking movements. The FPA is also the most susceptible peripheral artery to atherosclerosis and is where peripheral artery disease manifests in 80% of cases. The connection between peripheral artery location, its mechanical flexion, and its physiological or pathological biochemistry has been investigated for decades; however, histochemical methods remain poorly leveraged in their ability to spatially correlate normal or abnormal extracellular matrix and cells with regions of mechanical flexion. This study generates new histological image processing pipelines to quantitate tissue composition across high‐resolution FPA regions‐of‐interest or low‐resolution whole‐section cross‐sections in relation to their anatomical locations and flexions during normal movement. Comparing healthy ovine femoral, popliteal, and cranial‐tibial artery sections as a pilot, substantial arterial contortion was observed in the distal popliteal and cranial tibial regions of the FPA which correlated with increased vascular smooth muscle cells and decreased elastin content. These methods aim to aid in the quantitative characterization of the spatial distribution of extracellular matrix and cells in large heterogeneous tissue sections such as the FPA.

Research Highlights

Large‐format histology preserves artery architecture.

Elastin and smooth muscle content is correlated with distance from heart and contortion during flexion.

Cell and protein analyses are sensitive to sectioning plane and image magnification.
In vitro studies for antiparasitic activities of Punica granatum extract
Authors: Al‐Shaebi Esam M. , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Maodaa Saleh N. , Abdel‐Gaber Rewaida
Published: August 2023

Because of the drug resistance, medicinal plants are used more frequently than coccidiostats to treat and control coccidiosis. Punica granatum is a powerful antioxidant with a variety of medicinal uses. This study used an in vitro experiment to investigate how different P. granatum from Yemen (Y) and Egypt (E) sources affected oocyst sporulation and served as an anthelminthic effector. In contrast to PGE and mebendazole, PGY (200 mg/mL) has the shortest time to paralyze and death the earthworm Eisenia fetida in this investigation. In addition, the treated worm groups' cuticle thickness and shrinkage in comparison to the control group were assessed and contrasted. Eimeria papillata is used as a model protozoan parasite in anticoccidial assays. This study shows that P. granatum affects oocysts sporulation in a dose‐dependent manner, with maximal percentages of 100% (PGY) and 48.60% (PGE) at 96 h for P. granatum concentrations of 200 mg/mL. Inhibition (%) was compared to various detergents, as well as positive and negative controls. According to our research, the P. granatum extract had powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial properties, with the potency changing according to the environmental conditions of each fruit source.

Research Highlights

Habitat of the plant is useful for production and accumulation of some secondary metabolites in plants which be effective for the therapeutic uses.

Different parameters in the environmental ecosystem affecting variation in chemical compositions and biological activity of P. granatum.
Clathrin light chain A‐enriched small extracellular vesicles remodel microvascular niche to induce hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Xu Yi , Yao Yue , Yu Liang , Zhang Xiaoxin , Mao Xiaowen , Tey Sze Keong , Wong Samuel Wan Ki , Yeung Cherlie Lot Sum , Ng Tung Him , Wong Melody YM , Che Chi‐Ming , Lee Terence Kin Wah , Gao Yi , Cui Yunfu , Yam Judy Wai Ping
Published: August 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play a key role in exchanging cargoes between cells in tumour microenvironment. This study aimed to elucidate the functions and mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) derived sEV‐clathrin light chain A (CLTA) in remodelling microvascular niche. CLTA level in the circulating sEVs of HCC patients was analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The functions of sEV‐CLTA in affecting HCC cancerous properties were examined by multiple functional assays. Mass spectrometry was used to identify downstream effectors of sEV‐CLTA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Tube formation, sprouting, trans‐endothelial invasion and vascular leakiness assays were performed to determine the functions of sEV‐CLTA and its effector, basigin (BSG) in HUVECs. BSG inhibitor, SP‐8356, was tested in a mouse model of patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs). Circulating sEVs of HCC patients had markedly enhanced CLTA levels than control individuals and were reduced in patients after surgery. HCC derived sEV‐CLTA enhanced HCC cancerous properties, disrupted endothelial integrity and induced angiogenesis. Mechanistically, CLTA remodels microvascular niche by stabilizing and upregulating BSG. Last, SP‐8356 alone or in combination with sorafenib attenuated PDXs growth. The study reveals the role of HCC derived sEV‐CLTA in microvascular niche formation. Inhibition of CLTA and its mediated pathway may illuminate a new therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.
Does a proactive procedure lead to a higher uptake of predictive testing in families with a pathogenic BRCA1/BRCA2 variant? A family cancer clinic evaluation
Authors: Menko Fred H. , van der Velden Sophie L. , Griffioen Diana N. , Ait Moha Daoud , Jeanson Kiki N. , Hogervorst Frans B. L. , Giesbertz Noor A. A. , Bleiker Eveline M. A. , van der Kolk Lizet E.
Published: August 2023

The uptake of genetic counseling and predictive genetic testing by family members at risk for hereditary tumor syndromes is generally below 50%. To address this issue, a new guideline was introduced in the Netherlands in 2019 that aims to improve the sharing of information within families. In addition to cascade screening supported by follow‐up telephone calls with the proband, municipal records were accessed to allow the geneticist to contact at‐risk family members directly. We evaluated this procedure in 32 families with a (likely) pathogenic germline BRCA1/BRCA2 variant diagnosed at our hospital between May 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021, comparing current uptake with outcomes achieved for 33 families diagnosed in 2014. Fifteen months after diagnostic testing of the proband, the uptake was 43% (120/277), comparable to the 44% (87/200) registered previously. Among a subgroup of women at 50% risk aged 25–75 years, 71% (47/66) were tested, comparable to an earlier uptake of 69% (59/86). Of the 34 at‐risk relatives we contacted directly, 17 (50%) underwent predictive testing. In conclusion, we found no evidence that the new procedure leads to a substantially increased uptake. Future research should be primarily aimed at understanding intrafamilial communication barriers.
Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and in silico studies of fluoroquinolones bearing 1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl‐triazole derivatives
Authors: Venkateswara Rao Gollapalli , Allaka Tejeswara Rao , Gandla Mahesh Kumar , Veera Venkata Nanda Pilli Kishore , Pindi Santhosh Reddy , Vaddi Pandu Ranga Rao , Bollikolla Hari Babu
Published: August 2023

Compounds containing fluoroquinolone (FQ) moiety occupy privileged chemical space for discovering novel bioactive substances. In continuation of our research work, a new series of FQs linked to triazolyl–thiadiazine hybrids (3a–f) and triazolyl–oxadiazoles (5a–f) were developed as a new antimicrobial agent targeting DNA gyrase of Staphylococcus aureus. All the novel compounds have been characterized with IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral analysis and elemental analysis. All the synthesized derivatives were investigated for their antibacterial effect against various bacterial and fungal strains. Against Gram‐positive bacteria S. aureus, compounds 3e, 5a, and 5d showed the highest antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values 5.0 ± 0.04, 8.6 ± 0.03, and 6.1 ± 0.02 μg/mL, respectively. FQ derivatives 3a, 5c had the most potent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia bacteria with MICs 6.4 ± 0.01, 4.1 ± 0.01 μg/mL and compounds 3e, 5d are active against Gram‐negative bacteria Bacillus cereus with MICs 8.3 ± 0.02, 10.0 ± 0.02 μg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, the molecules 3e were slightly more selective towards antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum (MIC 4.2 ± 0.01 μg/mL), compared to fluconazole (MIC 3.5 ± 0.01 μg/mL). In addition, a fascinating molecular modeling investigation showed that our FQs 3, 5 demonstrated good binding inhibition of S. aureus complex in DNS gyrase (2XCT) towards advancing an efficient medication against antibacterial disease. The prepared ligand 3c forms three hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues LysB:1043 (N23…NZ), ArgB:1092 (O20…NH), GlyB:1082 (O…N) with bond lengths 3.13, 2.15, 2.76 A°, respectively.
Impact of family networks on uptake of health interventions: evidence from a community‐randomized control trial aimed at increasing HIV testing in South Africa
Authors: Makofane Keletso , Kim Hae‐Young , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric , Bassett Mary T. , Berkman Lisa , Adeagbo Oluwafemi , McGrath Nuala , Seeley Janet , Shahmanesh Maryam , Yapa H. Manisha , Herbst Kobus , Tanser Frank , Bärnighausen Till
Published: August 2023

Introduction

While it is widely acknowledged that family relationships can influence health outcomes, their impact on the uptake of individual health interventions is unclear. In this study, we quantified how the efficacy of a randomized health intervention is shaped by its pattern of distribution in the family network.

Methods

The “Home‐Based Intervention to Test and Start” (HITS) was a 2×2 factorial community‐randomized controlled trial in Umkhanyakude, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, embedded in the Africa Health Research Institute's population‐based demographic and HIV surveillance platform (ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104).

The study investigated the impact of two interventions: a financial micro‐incentive and a male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision support programme. The surveillance area was divided into 45 community clusters. Individuals aged ≥15 years in 16 randomly selected communities were offered a micro‐incentive (R50 [$3] food voucher) for rapid HIV testing (intervention arm). Those living in the remaining 29 communities were offered testing only (control arm). Study data were collected between February and November 2018.

Using routinely collected data on parents, conjugal partners, and co‐residents, a socio‐centric family network was constructed among HITS‐eligible individuals. Nodes in this network represent individuals and ties represent family relationships. We estimated the effect of offering the incentive to people with and without family members who also received the offer on the uptake of HIV testing. We fitted a linear probability model with robust standard errors, accounting for clustering at the community level.

Results

Overall, 15,675 people participated in the HITS trial. Among those with no family members who received the offer, the incentive's efficacy was a 6.5 percentage point increase (95% CI: 5.3−7.7). The efficacy was higher among those with at least one family member who received the offer (21.1 percentage point increase (95% CI: 19.9−22.3). The difference in efficacy was statistically significant (21.1–6.5 = 14.6%; 95% CI: 9.3−19.9).

Conclusions

Micro‐incentives appear to have synergistic effects when distributed within family networks. These effects support family network‐based approaches for the design of health interventions.
Collaborative evaluation study on 18 candidate diseases for newborn screening in 1.77 million samples
Authors: Maier Esther M. , Mütze Ulrike , Janzen Nils , Steuerwald Ulrike , Nennstiel Uta , Odenwald Birgit , Schuhmann Elfriede , Lotz‐Havla Amelie S. , Weiss Katharina J. , Hammersen Johanna , Weigel Corina , Thimm Eva , Grünert Sarah C. , Hennermann Julia B. , Freisinger Peter , Krämer Johannes , Das Anibh M. , Illsinger Sabine , Gramer Gwendolyn , Fang‐Hoffmann Junmin , Garbade Sven F. , Okun Jürgen G. , Hoffmann Georg F. , Kölker Stefan , Röschinger Wulf
Published: August 2023

Analytical and therapeutic innovations led to a continuous but variable extension of newborn screening (NBS) programmes worldwide. Every extension requires a careful evaluation of feasibility, diagnostic (process) quality and possible health benefits to balance benefits and limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of 18 candidate diseases for inclusion in NBS programmes. Utilising tandem mass spectrometry as well as establishing specific diagnostic pathways with second‐tier analyses, three German NBS centres designed and conducted an evaluation study for 18 candidate diseases, all of them inherited metabolic diseases. In total, 1 777 264 NBS samples were analysed. Overall, 441 positive NBS results were reported resulting in 68 confirmed diagnoses, 373 false‐positive cases and an estimated cumulative prevalence of approximately 1 in 26 000 newborns. The positive predictive value ranged from 0.07 (carnitine transporter defect) to 0.67 (HMG‐CoA lyase deficiency). Three individuals were missed and 14 individuals (21%) developed symptoms before the positive NBS results were reported. The majority of tested candidate diseases were found to be suitable for inclusion in NBS programmes, while multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, isolated methylmalonic acidurias, propionic acidemia and malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase deficiency showed some and carnitine transporter defect significant limitations. Evaluation studies are an important tool to assess the potential benefits and limitations of expanding NBS programmes to new diseases.
Comparison of typical radiation doses and risks using an anthropomorphic ‘bone fracture’ phantom for commonly performed X‐ray projections in a 5‐year‐old
Authors: Doyle Edel , Dimmock Matthew R , Lee Kam L , Thomas Peter , Bassed Richard B
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are typical dose levels for medical imaging examinations for groups of standard‐sized patients or standard phantoms for broadly defined types of equipment used as a tool to aid optimisation of protection for medical exposures. Currently, there are no paediatric DRLs for conventional radiography (i.e. general X‐rays) published in Australia. The aim of this study was to establish typical radiation doses and risks that are representative of those delivered for commonly performed X‐ray projections for a 5‐year‐old/20 kg child using a 5‐year‐old anthropomorphic ‘bone fracture’ phantom in three dedicated paediatric radiology departments in Victoria. Methods: A total of 20 projection images were acquired for a standard 5‐year‐old/20 kg phantom using digital radiography X‐ray equipment. The air kerma‐area product (KAP) measured at each centre by a KAP metre, which was calibrated to a national primary standard, was considered to represent the median value for that centre for each X‐ray projection. Organ doses and effective dose were estimated using PCXMC software, and risks of radiation‐induced cancer and radiation‐induced death were calculated based on the BEIR VII report. Results: The typical doses for the individual X‐ray projections ranged from 3 mGy•cm2 to 86 mGy•cm2, whilst the effective doses ranged from 0.00004 to 0.07 mSv. The radiation risks were ‘minimal’ to ‘negligible’. Conclusion: The estimation of typical radiation doses and associated risks for a 5‐year‐old/20 kg phantom study provides reference values for guidance and is a first step in assisting optimisation at other institutions until national DRLs, based on patient data from the clinical setting, are published.
Correlation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging with findings of electroencephalography in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Jamalipour Soufi Ghazaleh , Hekmat Nia Ali , Hajalikhani Parvaneh , Mehvari‐Habibabadi Jafar , Chit Saz Navid
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This research aimed to see how well magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) could identify the lateralization side in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results.

Methods

Twenty‐three individuals were included in this research and diagnosed with TLE (both clinically and by EEG). Clinical exams, interictal EEG, and MRI were performed on all patients. In addition, the individuals were also subjected to proton MRS.

Results

The age range of 23 participants was 20–55 years (mean = 34.6 ± 8.5); 10 were male (44%), and 13 were female (56%). The right temporal lobe MRI showed a sensitivity and specificity of 60% and 55% for detecting mesial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTS) foci, respectively (positive predictive value (PPV) of 27% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 83%). MRI showed 83% sensitivity and 35% specificity for MTS foci in the left temporal lobe (PPV of 31% and NPV of 86%). MRS showed 61% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the right temporal lobe (PPV 100%) and 80% sensitivity and specificity in the left temporal lobe (PPV 100%) for identifying MTS foci. Overall, MRS (both left and right) results matched EEG findings.

Conclusion

MRS is a potential noninvasive neuroradiology technique for assessing epilepsy patients because it is more sensitive than structural MRI in identifying MTS. The results of the study overall appears to be of interest but still need further support from future studies with larger sample sizes.
Two‐stage or not two‐stage? That is the question for IPD meta‐analysis projects
Authors: Riley Richard D. , Ensor Joie , Hattle Miriam , Papadimitropoulou Katerina , Morris Tim P.
Published: August 2023

Individual participant data meta‐analysis (IPDMA) projects obtain, check, harmonise and synthesise raw data from multiple studies. When undertaking the meta‐analysis, researchers must decide between a two‐stage or a one‐stage approach. In a two‐stage approach, the IPD are first analysed separately within each study to obtain aggregate data (e.g., treatment effect estimates and standard errors); then, in the second stage, these aggregate data are combined in a standard meta‐analysis model (e.g., common‐effect or random‐effects). In a one‐stage approach, the IPD from all studies are analysed in a single step using an appropriate model that accounts for clustering of participants within studies and, potentially, between‐study heterogeneity (e.g., a general or generalised linear mixed model). The best approach to take is debated in the literature, and so here we provide clearer guidance for a broad audience. Both approaches are important tools for IPDMA researchers and neither are a panacea. If most studies in the IPDMA are small (few participants or events), a one‐stage approach is recommended due to using a more exact likelihood. However, in other situations, researchers can choose either approach, carefully following best practice. Some previous claims recommending to always use a one‐stage approach are misleading, and the two‐stage approach will often suffice for most researchers. When differences do arise between the two approaches, often it is caused by researchers using different modelling assumptions or estimation methods, rather than using one or two stages per se.
Comparative utility of hermetic and conventional grain storage bags for smallholder farmers: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ngoma Theresa N , Monjerezi Maurice , Leslie John F , Mvumi Brighton M , Harvey Jagger JW , Matumba Limbikani
Published: August 2023

Postharvest management is critical to attaining household food, nutrition, and income security. Hermetic grain storage bags offer an effective pesticide‐free way to protect stored grain against fungal and insect infestation. We evaluated articles indexed in the Web of Science that included experiments comparing the storage efficacy of conventional and hermetic storage bags based on grain germination rate, insect infestation, physical damage, mycotoxin contamination, and changes in weight and moisture content. Compared with grain stored in hermetic bags, grain stored in conventional bags lost 3.6‐fold more seed viability, contained 42‐fold more insects, had 11‐fold more physical damage, and lost 23‐fold more grain weight, while grain moisture levels were similar for both hermetic and conventional storage bags. Mycotoxin contamination levels were not as frequently assessed. Levels could be low in grain stored in both types of bags, or levels could be low in hermetic bags and significantly higher in conventional bags. The improved properties of grain stored in hermetic bags can increase food security and household income by providing safe storage options for maintaining seed germinability, and for consumption and/or sale when food supplies are high, or when prices are low. Hermetic bags are economically feasible for use by subsistence farmers in Sub‐Saharan Africa for grain for household consumption and for carrying‐over seed for planting in the next season. Additional studies are needed to verify the mycotoxin contamination results and to determine if there are differences in functional food characteristics, e.g. flavor and cooking properties, that have not been as comprehensively studied. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of different lactic acid bacteria on the characteristic flavor profiles of Chinese rice wine
Authors: Yang Yijin , Li Shen , Xia Yongjun , Wang Guangqiang , Ni Li , Zhang Hui , Ai Lianzhong
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

It has been well accepted that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the main bacterial genera present during the brewing of Chinese rice wine (CRW). LAB plays a decisive role in the flavor quality of CRW; however, its application in CRW has previously been overlooked. Therefore, effects of different LAB as co‐fermenter on the flavor characteristics of CRW were investigated.

RESULTS

Co‐fermentation of LAB increased the utilization rate of reducing sugar, concentration of lactic acid, amino acid nitrogen and total acidity, as well as the content of volatile flavor compounds. Different LAB doses had little effect on the flavor profiles of CRW, but the species of LAB greatly affected the flavor characteristic. The flavor of CRW co‐fermented with Lactococcus lactis was characterized by long‐chain fatty acid ethyl esters, while co‐fermentation with Weissella confusa highlighted the ethyl esters of low molecular weight and short carbon chains in the resultant CRW. Alcohol compounds were dominant in the CRW co‐fermented using Pediococcus pentosaceus.

CONCLUSION

The co‐fermentation of LAB increased the number of volatile flavor compounds, especially esters. LAB exhibited great potential in the application of CRW industry to enrich the flavor characteristics and enhance the flavor diversity of the final product. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Correlation of Ocular Plane‐Wave Doppler With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Preeclampsia
Authors: Silverman Ronald H. , Urs Raksha , Wapner Ronald J. , Valenzuela Ives A. , Coleman Hanna R. , Bearelly Srilaxmi
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and compromised fetal blood supply. The eye, like other end organs, is affected by this systemic condition, but unlike in other organs, ocular media transparency allows high‐resolution optical visualization of the vascular structure of the retina. Our aim was to assess how ultrasound‐determined ocular blood‐flow correlates with vascular structure of the retina and choriocapillaris determined by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

Plane‐wave ultrasound and OCTA were performed on both eyes of 40 consecutive subjects consisting of normal controls (n = 11), mild PE (n = 5), severe PE (n = 17) and chronic or gestational hypertension (n = 7) within 72 hours following delivery. From ultrasound, we measured pulsatile flow velocity and resistance indices in the central retinal artery (CRA) and vein, the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) and choroid. From OCTA, we measured vascular density (VD) in the superficial, deep retina and choriocapillaris. We determined differences in Doppler and OCTA parameters among groups and correlations between ultrasound and OCTA.

Results

In severe PE, flow resistance was reduced with respect to controls. Flow velocity and resistance in the and SPCA were moderately correlated with VD in the choriocapillaris and peripapillary retina, but VD in PE did not differ significantly from controls.

Conclusions

Although OCTA parameters were moderately correlated with Doppler ultrasound, OCTA did not demonstrate significant differences between PE and controls postpartum.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Saba Elias S. , Kim Hannah , Huynh Pauline , Jiang Nancy
Published: August 2023

Objective

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is an alternative form of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), that incorporates various exercises to optimize tongue placement and increase oropharyngeal tone. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to determine the efficacy of OMT in OSA patients.

Data Sources

PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science.

Review Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, a directed search strategy was performed for randomized control trials (RCTs) published prior to March 24, 2023, featuring 10+ patients with OSA undergoing mono‐therapeutic OMT. The primary outcome of interest was apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI). Secondary outcomes included subjective sleepiness, sleep‐related quality‐of‐life, and snoring frequency.

Results

Of the 1244 abstracts that were identified, 7 RCTs involving 310 patients met inclusion criteria. Adult OMT patients had a statistically significant improvement in AHI (MD −10.2; 95% CI, −15.6, −4.8, p < 0.05), subjective sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale; MD −5.66; 95% CI, −6.82, −4.5, p < 0.05), sleep‐related quality‐of‐life (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; MD −3.00; 95% CI, −4.52, −1.49, p < 0.05), and minimum oxygen saturation (MD 2.71; 95% CI, 0.23, 5.18, p < 0.05) when compared with sham OMT or no therapy. Within the single RCT featuring pediatric OMT patients, patients had poor compliance (<50%) and did not show any improvements in AHI, minimum oxygen saturation, or snoring frequency.

Conclusion

OMT may provide a reasonable alternative for OSA patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or other more established treatment options. OMT benefits appear limited in children due to poor compliance. More studies are required to evaluate compliance and the long‐term effects of OMT on OSA outcomes.

Level of Evidence

1 Laryngoscope, 134:480–495, 2024
Impact of Dementia on the Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Head and Neck Cancers: A National Study
Authors: Kandula Rema Anisha , Borne Grant , Kandregula Sandeep , Beyl Robbie , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O.
Published: August 2023

Background

Dementia, a growing concern among the elderly, has an increased poor postoperative outcome that goes unrecognized by many. Our study aims to establish if dementia plays a role in the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients that undergo resections.

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2019 with a primary diagnosis of head and neck cancer who underwent surgical resection. Outcomes analyzed include postoperative delirium, ICU stay, complications, length of stay, and non‐routine discharge.

Results

A total of 77095 patients were included, of which 1140 patients had dementia. The mean age of the patients with dementia was 77.5 years (±9.1) versus 63.2 years (±12.1) with no dementia. Dementia patients had a higher non‐home discharge rate (77.2% vs 46.8%, p = <0.001), extended length of stay (10.9 days ±14.7 vs 7.9 days ±8.8), postoperative delirium (15.4% vs 1.5%, p = <0.001), and longer ICU stay (8.3% vs 5.8%) as compared with patients with no dementia. A higher number of patients with Dementia were placed in long‐term facilities (53.5% vs 14.6%) postoperatively. More dementia patients (7.9% vs 0.9%) were transferred in from another health care facility for surgery. Dementia was associated with higher odds of delirium (OR, 6.36; 95% CI, 5.2–7.77), non‐routine discharge (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.76–2.3), ventilation (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6–1.05), and length of stay (estimate 3.01, 95% CI, 1.84–4.184).

Conclusion

Preoperative dementia significantly impacts postoperative delirium, non‐home discharge, and extended length of stay in head and neck cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1258–1264, 2024
Computational fluid dynamics of upper airway aerodynamics for exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction: A feasibility study
Authors: Döllinger Michael , Jakubaß Bernhard , Cheng Hu , Carter Stephen J. , Kniesburges Stefan , Aidoo Bea , Lee Chi Hwan , Milstein Claudio , Patel Rita R.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Use of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations to measure the changes in upper airway geometry and aerodynamics during (a) an episode of Exercise‐Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) and (b) speech therapy exercises commonly employed for patients with EILO.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging stills of the upper airway including the nasal and oral cavities from an adult female were used to re‐construct three‐dimensional geometries of the upper airway. The CFD simulations were used to compute the maximum volume flow rate (l/s), pressure (Pa), airflow velocity (m/s) and area of cross‐section opening in eight planes along the vocal tract, separately for inhalation and exhalation.

Results

Numerical predictions from three‐dimensional geometrical modeling of the upper airway suggest that the technique of nose breathing for inhalation and pursed lip breathing for exhalation show most promising pressure conditions and cross‐sectional diameters for rescue breathing exercises. Also, if EILO is due to the constriction at the vocal fold level, then a quick sniff may also be a proper rescue inhalation exercise. EILO affects both the inspiratory and the expiratory phases of breathing.

Conclusions

A prior knowledge of the supraglottal aerodynamics and the corresponding upper airway geometry from CFD analysis has the potential to assist the clinician in choosing the most effective rescue breathing technique for optimal functional outcome of speech therapy intervention in patients with EILO and in understanding the pathophysiology of EILO on a case‐by‐case basis with future studies.

Level of Evidence

4
9‐POHSA prevents NF‐kB activation and ameliorates LPS‐induced inflammation in rat hepatocytes
Authors: Situmorang Jiro Hasegawa , Chen Ming‐Cheng , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Shih Cheng‐Yen , Lin Pi‐Yu , Loh Ching‐Hui , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: August 2023

Liver inflammation has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, leading to the development of diseases like hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver disease. One factor that has been linked to liver inflammation is increased levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which can be caused by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles that contribute to liver inflammation. There is promising research on a new class of lipids called fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), which have been shown to potentiate insulin release and exert an anti‐inflammatory effect. Specifically, one type of FAHFA called 9‐POHSA (palmitoleic acid ester of 9‐hydroxy stearic acid) has been studied for its potential to attenuate inflammation‐related indexes induced by LPS in hepatocytes, which play a critical role in the progression of liver inflammation. This study found that following LPS treatment, tumor necrosis factor‐ α, interleukin‐6, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were upregulated and increased cell migration, but 9‐POHSA pre‐treatment attenuated the upregulation of these markers and prevented cell migration induced by LPS. Using flowcytometry analysis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found to be responsible for CTGF upregulation. In addition, the effects of 9‐POHSA were likely associated with its inhibition of the activation of the NF‐kB. These results suggest that 9‐POHSA has potential as a therapy for liver inflammation and fibrosis by attenuating inflammation‐related indexes induced by LPS in hepatocytes. This study provides important insight into the mechanisms of liver inflammation and the potential for new treatments to address liver diseases.
A global review of pyrosomes: Shedding light on the ocean's elusive gelatinous “fire‐bodies”
Authors: Lilly Laura E. , Suthers Iain M. , Everett Jason D. , Richardson Anthony J.
Published: August 2023

Pyrosomes are colonial tunicates that form gelatinous tubes and occasionally produce bioluminescent swarms. The rapid “bloom‐bust” dynamics of pyrosomes have the potential to outcompete other zooplankton, restructure marine food webs, enhance carbon export, and interfere with human activities. Pyrosomes have been recorded for at least two centuries, yet much remains unknown about their physiology, bloom mechanisms, and ecosystem impacts. Recent bloom reports prompt the question of whether frequencies or densities are increasing, and whether potential population changes are caused by ocean change. This review clarifies current information on pyrosome biology and ecology and explores apparent contradictions in habitat preferences and diel vertical migration (DVM). We posit that the dominant species, Pyrosoma atlanticum, may preferentially inhabit waters below 18°C and alter its DVM activity to maintain overall body temperature near this threshold. Expanding our knowledge of pyrosomes is needed to facilitate their inclusion in ecosystem models and forecasts of future population distributions.
Autosomal Dominant MPAN: Mosaicism Expands the Clinical Spectrum to Atypical Late‐Onset Phenotypes
Authors: Angelini Chloé , Durand Christelle Marie , Fergelot Patricia , Deforges Julie , Vital Anne , Menegon Patrice , Sarrazin Elizabeth , Bellance Rémi , Mathis Stéphane , Gonzalez Victoria , Renaud Mathilde , Frismand Solène , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Rouanet Marie , Burglen Lydie , Chabrol Brigitte , Desnous Béatrice , Arveiler Benoît , Stevanin Giovanni , Coupry Isabelle , Goizet Cyril
Published: August 2023

Background

Mitochondrial membrane protein‐associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) is caused by mutations in the C19orf12 gene. MPAN typically appears in the first two decades of life and presents with progressive dystonia‐parkinsonism, lower motor neuron signs, optic atrophy, and abnormal iron deposits predominantly in the basal ganglia. MPAN, initially considered as a strictly autosomal recessive disease (AR), turned out to be also dominantly inherited (AD).

Objectives

Our aim was to better characterize the clinical, molecular, and functional spectra associated with such dominant pathogenic heterozygous C19orf12 variants.

Methods

We collected clinical, imaging, and molecular information of eight individuals from four AD‐MPAN families and obtained brain neuropathology results for one. Functional studies, focused on energy and iron metabolism, were conducted on fibroblasts from AD‐MPAN patients, AR‐MPAN patients, and controls.

Results

We identified four heterozygous C19orf12 variants in eight AD‐MPAN patients. Two of them carrying the familial variant in mosaic displayed an atypical late‐onset phenotype. Fibroblasts from AD‐MPAN showed more severe alterations of iron storage metabolism and autophagy compared to AR‐MPAN cells.

Conclusion

Our data add strong evidence of the realness of AD‐MPAN with identification of novel monoallelic C19orf12 variants, including at the mosaic state. This has implications in diagnosis procedures. We also expand the phenotypic spectrum of MPAN to late onset atypical presentations. Finally, we demonstrate for the first time more drastic abnormalities of iron metabolism and autophagy in AD‐MPAN than in AR‐MPAN. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Plant‐Based Dietary Patterns and Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Analysis of the UK Biobank
Authors: Tresserra‐Rimbau Anna , Thompson Alysha S. , Bondonno Nicola , Jennings Amy , Kühn Tilman , Cassidy Aedín
Published: August 2023

Background

Plant‐based diets have been associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases, but the relationship with PD is unknown.

Objectives

We examined the association of three different plant‐based diets with PD incidence in the UK Biobank cohort.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study among 126,283 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. Three plant‐based diet indices (overall plant‐based diet index, PDI; healthful plant‐based diet index, hPDI; and unhealthful plant‐based diet index, uPDI) were derived from 24‐hour dietary recalls based on 17 food groups. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of PD across quartiles of the PDIs and for each of the food groups that constituted the score. Further analyses were carried out to assess potential heterogeneity in associations between hPDI and PD across strata of some hypothesized effect modifiers.

Results

During 11.8 years of follow‐up (1,490,139 person‐years), 577 cases of PD incidence were reported. After multivariable adjustment, participants in the highest hPDI and overall PDI quartile had lower risk of PD (22% and 18%, respectively), whereas a higher uPDI was associated with a 38% higher PD risk. In food‐based analyses, higher intakes of vegetables, nuts, and tea were associated with a lower risk of PD (28%, 31% and 25%, respectively). Stratifying by Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), results were significant only for those with a lower PRS for PD.

Conclusions

Following a healthful plant‐based diet and in particular the inclusion of readily achievable intakes of vegetables, nuts and tea in the habitual diet are associated with a lower risk of PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.