bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disease burden, risk factors, and trends of lip, oral cavity, pharyngeal cancers: A global analysis
Authors: Huang Junjie , Chan Sze Chai , Ko Samantha , Lok Veeleah , Zhang Lin , Lin Xu , Lucero‐Prisno Don E. , Xu Wanghong , Zheng Zhi‐Jie , Elcarte Edmar , Withers Mellissa , Wong Martin C. S. ,   NCD Global Health Research Group, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
Published: July 2023

Background

Lip, oral and pharyngeal cancers make up a small percentage of total cancer cases worldwide and have reported lower rates of cancer‐related deaths globally in 2020, but their 5‐year survival rate in either early or advanced stages is different. The study evaluated the global incidence, mortality, risk factors, and temporal trends by age, gender, and geographical locations of lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancer.

Methods

Incidence and mortality rates were extracted from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) volumes I‐XI, the Nordic Cancer Registries (NORDCAN), the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, and the WHO IARC mortality database. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate the Average Annual Percentage Change to examine trends.

Results

The highest incidence rates were found in Melanesia and South‐Central Asia and mortality rates were 8.2 and 7.5. Risk factors associated with incidence and mortality included HDI, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and chronic health conditions such as hypertension. Increasing trends of incidence and mortality were observed in females from Malta; males aged 50 and above from the United Kingdom, and females aged 50 and above from Slovakia reporting the largest increase.

Conclusions

Although global incidence and mortality trends reported an overall decrease, significant increases were found for older age groups and female subjects. Incidence increase may be due to the growing prevalence of lifestyle, metabolic risk factors, and HPV infections, especially in developed countries.
Percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty for Takayasu arteritis‐associated pulmonary hypertension: A single‐arm meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Ming‐Li , Zhu Yong‐Jian , Zhou Yu‐Ping , Zhu Xi‐Jie , Yang Yin‐Jian , Cheng Chun‐Yan , Mei Ke‐Yi , Li Xian‐Mei , Liu Chao , Xu Xi‐Qi , Sun Kai , Jing Zhi‐Cheng
Published: July 2023

Background

The efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty (PTPA) for Takayasu arteritis‐associated pulmonary hypertension (TA‐PH) remain unclear.

Objectives

To examine the efficacy and safety of PTPA in TA‐PH.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Library were searched from inception to August 18, 2022, for articles investigating the efficacy and safety of PTPA for TA‐PH. The primary efficacy outcomes were pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) changes from baseline to re‐evaluation and 6‐minute walking distance (6MWD). The safety outcome was procedure‐related complications.

Results

Five articles comprising 104 patients with TA‐PH who underwent PTPA were included. The scores of article quality, as assessed using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies tool, were high, ranging from 13 to 15 points. The pooled treatment effects of PVR (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −4.8 WU; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −6.0 to −3.5 WU; I2 = 0.0%), 6MWD (WMD: 101.9 m; 95% CI: 60.3–143.6 m; I2 = 70.4%) significantly improved. Procedure‐related complications, which predominantly present as pulmonary artery injury and pulmonary injury, occurred in 32.0% of the included patients. Periprocedural death occurred in one patient (1.0%, 1/100).

Conclusions

Patients with TA‐PH could benefit from PTPA in terms of hemodynamics and exercise tolerance, at the expense of procedure‐related complications. PTPA should be encouraged to enhance the treatment response in TA‐PH. These findings need to be confirmed by further studies, ideally, randomized controlled trials.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022354087.
Anaplastic lymphoma associated with breast implants—Early diagnosis and treatment
Authors: de Paule Carlos Felipe Pasquini , Pedroso Raíssa Bocchi , de Barros Carvalho Maria Dalva , Pelloso Fernando Castilho , Roma Aluísio Marino , da Silva Freitas Renato , Cavalcante Juliana Magalhães , Fiats Ribeiro Helena , Pelloso Sandra Marisa
Published: July 2023

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with breast implants is a relatively new disease that deserves attention from the academic community. Brazil figures as one of the protagonists in plastic surgery, however publications are insufficient and very few cases are reported in comparison to other countries. It is a disease with excellent prognosis when diagnosed early and treated effectively, but for this to happen, it is essential that health care professionals and the patient understand its pathology. We reported two cases in a small town during a short period of time. In both cases reported by this study, the patients presented late seroma, associated with pain as a clinical presentation, at 13 and 9 years after the placement of silicone implants with textured polyurethane surfaces. After the procedure, the patients were screened for cancer. Further research with more robust samples is still needed to fully determine the risks and benefits of using textured versus smooth implants.
Giant left atrial myxoma causing mitral regurgitation through annulus dilatation
Authors: Xu Danfeng , Li Xuejie
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Giant left atrial myxoma causing mitral regurgitation through mitral annulus dilatation without affecting leaflet function is rarely reported.

This is a case of a 37‐year‐old man suffering from worsening exertional dyspnea detected left atrial myxoma 92 × 43 mm. Radical mass resection and mitral annuloplasty were performed simultaneously. Giant left atrial myxoma causing mitral regurgitation through mitral annulus dilatation without affecting leaflet function is rarely reported.
The Role of Inverted Ligand Field in the Electronic Structure and Reactivity of Octahedral Formal Platinum (IV) Complexes**
Authors: Ienco Andrea , Ruffo Francesco , Manca Gabriele
Published: July 2023

Platinum complexes are ubiquitous in chemistry and largely used as catalysts or as precursors in drug chemistry, thus a deep knowledge of their electronic properties may help in planning new synthetic strategies or exploring new potential applications. Herein, the electronic structure of many octahedral platinum complexes is drastically revised especially when they feature electronegative elements such as halogens and chalcogens. The investigation revealed that in most cases the five d platinum orbitals are invariably full, thus the empty antibonding orbitals, usually localized on the metal, are mainly centered on the ligands, suggesting a questionable assignment of formal oxidation state IV. The analysis supports the occurrence of the inverted ligand field theory in all cases with the only exceptions of the Pt−F and Pt−O bonding. The trends for the molecular complexes are mirrored also by the density of states plots of extended structures featuring octahedral platinum moieties in association with chalcogens atoms. Finally, the oxidative addition of a Se−Cl linkage to a square platinum complex to achieve an octahedral moiety has been revised in the framework of the inverted ligand field.
Reduced Tiara‐like Palladium Complex for Suzuki Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Daka Mario , Montini Tiziano , Pengo Paolo , Marussi Giovanna , Crosera Matteo , Adami Gianpiero , Delgado Juan Jose , Giambastiani Giuliano , Fertey Pierre , Fonda Emiliano , Pasquato Lucia , Fornasiero Paolo
Published: July 2023

The design of highly active and structurally well‐defined catalysts has become a crucial issue for heterogeneous catalysed reactions while reducing the amount of catalyst employed. Beside conventional synthetic routes, the employment of polynuclear transition metal complexes as catalysts or catalyst precursors has progressively intercepted a growing interest. These well‐defined species promise to deliver catalytic systems where a strict control on the nuclearity allows to improve the catalytic performance while reducing the active phase loading. This study describes the development of a highly active and reusable palladium‐based catalyst on alumina (Pd8/Al2O3) for Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions. An octanuclear tiara‐like palladium complex was selected as active phase precursor to give isolated Pd‐clusters of ca. 1 nm in size on Al2O3. The catalyst was thoroughly characterised by several complementary techniques to assess its structural and chemical nature. The high specific activity of the catalyst has allowed to carry out the cross‐coupling reaction in 30 min using only 0.12 mol % of Pd loading under very mild and green reaction conditions. Screening of various substrates and selectivity tests, combined with recycling and benchmarking experiments, have been used to highlight the great potentialities of this new Pd8/Al2O3 catalyst.
[(μ3‐F)(BrF5)3]− – An Unprecedented Molecular Fluoridobromate(V) Anion in Cs[Br3F16]
Authors: Möbs Martin , Graubner Tim , Karttunen Antti J. , Kraus Florian
Published: July 2023

The reaction of Cs[BrF6] with BrF5 gave the compound Cs[Br3F16] with the unprecedented propeller‐shaped, C3‐symmetric [(μ3‐F)(BrF5)3]− anion. All other currently known fluoridobromates(V) contain only octahedral [BrF6]− anions, which, unlike the related [IF6]− anions, never exhibited stereochemical activity of the lone pair on the Br atoms. Despite the same coordination number of six for the Br atom in the [BrF6]− and [(μ3‐F)(BrF5)3]− anions, the longer μ3‐F−Br bonds provide additional space, allowing the lone pairs on the Br atoms to become stereochemically active. Cs[Br3F16] was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and quantum‐chemical calculations for both the solid‐state compound and the isolated anion at 0 K. Intrinsic bond orbital calculations show that the μ3‐F−Br bond is essentially ionic in nature and also underpin the stereochemical activity of the lone pairs of the Br(V) atoms.
Erythronium Bonds: Noncovalent Interactions Involving Group 5 Elements as Electron‐Density Acceptors**
Authors: Calabrese Miriam , Gomila Rosa M. , Pizzi Andrea , Frontera Antonio , Resnati Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Analyses of the Cambridge Structural Database and theoretical calculations (PBE0‐D3/def2‐TZVP level, atoms‐in‐molecules, natural bond orbital studies) prove the formation of net attractive noncovalent interactions between group 5 elements and electron‐rich atoms (neutral or anionic). These kinds of bonding are markedly different from coordination bonds formed by the same elements and possess the distinctive features of σ‐hole interactions. The term erythronium bond is proposed to denote these bonds. X‐ray structures of vanadate‐dependent bromoperoxidases show that these interactions are present also in biological systems.
Chiroptical Generation, Switching, and Long‐Term Memory in Supramolecular Azobenzene‐Pendant Polymer: Regulation by Cellulose Peralkyl Esters, D‐/L‐Glucose Permethyl Esters, Solvents, UV Light Irradiation, and Thermal Annealing Process†
Authors: Yi Shiyuan , Wang Laibing , Cheng Xiaoxiao , Fujiki Michiya , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Various optically active polymers are known to afford sophisticated chirality‐related functionalities, i.e., asymmetric catalysis, chiroptical switching and memory in UV‐vis‐NIR region, chromatographic separation of enantiomers, and sensors for molecular chirality. Recently, material researchers have paid much attention to the design of chiral supramolecular architectures from achiral polymers upon intermolecular interactions with help of greener biosources. The present article reports an instantaneous generation of ambidextrous supramolecules revealing light‐driven chiroptical switching/memory in UV‐vis region when achiral azobenzene‐containing vinylpolymers are non‐covalently interacted with alkyl ester derivatives of natural cellulose and D‐/L‐glucose. It was recognized that the semi‐synthetic biomaterials efficiently work as chirality‐inducing scaffoldings to several achiral and optically inactive molecules, oligomers, and polymers. Our successful results shed light on a new approach of how inexpensive poly‐/mono‐saccharide derivatives can afford supramolecular chiroptical systems with the azobenzene pendant polymer as aggregates in suspension and liquid‐crystalline films with minimal energy, time, and cost.
Safety and efficacy of ablation for atrial fibrillation in combination with left atrial appendage occlusion in octogenarians
Authors: Zhang Peng‐Pai , Zhao Yan , Sun Jian , Wang Qun‐Shan , Li Wei , Zhang Rui , Chen Mu , Mo Bin‐Feng , Yu Yi , Feng Xiang‐Fei , Liu Bo , Yu Yi‐Chi , Lu Qiu‐Fen , Li Yi‐Gang
Published: July 2023

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) combined with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a feasible approach for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Its role in octogenarians with AF is unclear.

Hypothesis

In AF patients over 80 years, CA combined with LAAO is a feasible way in restoring sinus rhythm and preventing stroke.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective study. Patients who underwent CA and LAAO in a single procedure between March 2018 and December 2020 were included. Efficacy endpoints included procedural success rate, AF recurrence rate, and thromboembolic events. Safety endpoints included pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade, device‐related thrombus (DRT), all‐cause death, and major bleeding.

Results

Five hundred and five patients (mean age 69.5 ± 7.7 years; 230 [45.5%] female) were included, with 46 (9.1%) patients aged ≥80 years old (octogenarian group). Prevalence of paroxysmal AF (25 [54.3%] vs. 207 [45.1%], p < 0.001) and CHA2DS2VASc score (4.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 1.4, p < 0.0001) were higher in octogenarian patients. There were six cases (1.2%) of pericardial effusion (all in nonoctogenarian patients). At 3 months postprocedure, 437 patients underwent TEE/CT. Thirty‐two (80%) octogenarian patients and 308 (77.6%) nonoctogenarian patients had no peri‐device leak. After a mean follow‐up of 26.9 ± 9.1 months, AF was documented in 10 (21.7%) patients in octogenarian group and in 103 (22.4%) patients in nonoctogenarian group (p = 0.99). The annual thromboembolic risk was 2.1% and 0.8% in the octogenarian group and nonoctogenarian group, respectively. Death occurred in 16 nonoctogenarian patients. One major bleeding was recorded in the octogenarian group.

Conclusions

The combination of CA and LAAO in a single procedure is a feasible treatment option in octogenarians with comparable efficacy and safety profile.
Development and validation of a prediction model based on machine learning algorithms for predicting the risk of heart failure in middle‐aged and older US people with prediabetes or diabetes
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Hou Riting , Ni Binghang , Jiang Yu , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) based prediction model for the risk of heart failure (HF) in patients with prediabetes or diabetes.

Methods

We used 3527 subjects aged 40 years and older with a prior diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018. The search for independent risk variables linked to HF was conducted using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. The 3527 subjects were randomly divided into training set and validation set in a 7:3 ratio. Five ML models were built on the training set using five ML algorithms, including random forest (RF), and then validated on the validation set. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis and Bootstrap resampling method were used to measure the predictive performance of the five ML models.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, poverty‐to‐income ratio, myocardial infarction condition, coronary heart disease condition, chest pain condition, and glucose‐lowering medication use were independent predictors of HF. By comparing the performance of the five ML models, the RF model (AUC = 0.978) was the best prediction model.

Conclusions

The risk of HF in middle‐aged and elderly patients with prediabetes or diabetes can be accurately predicted using ML models. The best prediction performance is presented by RF model, which can assist doctors in making clinical decisions.
Prioritizing parotid gland surgery: A call for the implementation of the MSRSGC classification
Authors: Reerds Sam T. H. , Honings Jimmie , van Engen Adriana C. H. , Marres Henri A. M. , Takes Robert P. , van den Hoogen Frank J. A.
Published: July 2023

Background

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is developed to aid diagnosis and management of salivary gland tumors. This study evaluates the time‐to‐treatment initiation (TTI) for parotid gland tumors in the Netherlands and relates these to the MSRSGC classification. Subsequently, the use of the MSRSGC in the Netherlands is evaluated.

Methods

Data regarding fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and histopathological resections of the parotid were gathered from the Dutch nationwide pathology data bank (PALGA). The TTI was calculated for each MSRSGC category and type of treating center. FNACs performed from 2018 to 2021 were gathered from PALGA to estimate how frequently the MSRSGC classification was applied.

Results

Median TTI in days were 86 for nondiagnostic (MSRSGC I), 75 for nonneoplastic (MSRSGC II), 65 for atypia of unknown significance (AUS) (MSRSGC III), 89 for benign (MSRSGC IVa), 52 for salivary gland neoplasm of unknown malignant potential (SUMP) (MSRSGC IVb), 31 for suspected malignant (MSRSGC V), and 30 for malignant (MSRSGC VI) categories. Significant variation in the TTI between the types of treating centers was found for the nondiagnostic, nonneoplastic, AUS, SUMP, and suspected malignant categories. In the first 3 years after the introduction of the MSRSGC, the pathologist stated the MSRSGC classification in 6.4% of all reports.

Conclusions

The median TTI for most categories is long, and there is significant interhospital variation in TTI. Preoperative risk stratification and treatment prioritization in parotid gland surgery in the Netherlands should be improved. The MSRSGC could contribute to this. Until 2021, the MSRSGS classification was implemented on a limited scale in the Netherlands.
Low‐risk oncocytic renal neoplasm: A useful cytologic diagnosis
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Jorda Merce , Wojcik Eva M. , Pitman Martha B.
Published: July 2023

The proposed diagnostic category of “low‐risk oncocytic renal neoplasm” consists of both oncocytomas and a subset of chromophobe renal cell carcinomas but has a 5‐year survival of at least 95%–100%.
Predictors of psychotherapy dropout in patients with borderline personality disorder: A systematic review
Authors: de Freixo Ferreira Leonor , Guerra Cátia , Vieira‐Coelho M. A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a highly debilitating psychiatric condition. Despite the expansion of new BPD specific forms of psychotherapy in the last few decades, high dropout rates have been reported in these treatments. Treatment discontinuation is associated with poor patient outcomes, inefficient resource utilization and the demoralization of healthcare providers.

Methods

In order to identify predictors of psychotherapy dropout among patients with BPD, a systematic search of Medline, the Cochrane Library, PsycInfo and PsycArticles was conducted. Studies included were randomized‐controlled trials in which patients diagnosed with BPD were exposed to a therapeutic intervention consisted of an evidence‐based psychotherapy. The quality of evidence in the studies was assessed through the use of revised Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Six articles, incorporating four types of psychotherapy programmes, were included. Overall, the studies present low risk of attrition and reporting bias and unclear risk of selection, performance and detection bias. Patients with weaker therapeutic alliance scores and higher hostility presented with higher dropout rates. In contrast, better mindfulness skills and greater performance in specific neuropsychological domains, such as memory and executive control, were identified as predictive of lower risk of dropout. Sociodemographic variables and treatment history did not influence treatment retention.

Conclusions

Factors that influence discontinuation should be taken into consideration in future treatment programmes, in an effort to optimize retention. Qualitative assessments of patients' reasons for dropping out may also help guide adjustments.
Reliability evaluation of carrier‐based pulse width modulated three‐level F‐type neutral point clamped inverter with power loss analysis
Authors: Roy Priyankar , Kurre Manish , Charan Nannam Hari , Banerjee Atanu
Published: July 2023

An improved carrier‐based pulse‐width‐modulation (CBPWM) technique for a three‐level (3L) F‐type neutral point‐clamped (FNPC) inverter is presented in this paper. By using the proposed modulation scheme, the DC‐link capacitor voltage at the neutral point is balanced. For manufacturers, reliability is one of the major concerns for all power electronics devices and parts. This paper proposes an extensive reliability analysis of the 3L‐FNPC inverter. Considering the mean time to failure (MTTF) of each device, the reliability of the 3L‐FNPC inverter is analyzed in this present work by using two different methods, which are the approximate method and the exact method. To compute the failure rate of the equipment, only the number of components is considered in the approximate method. Alternatively, exact methods are utilized to evaluate the reliability of a system by knowing the different stress levels and various operating environments of a specific system. Because of the strong correlation between device failure and temperature stress factors, power loss analysis is used in the exact method. The MATLAB Simulink environment is used to determine the power loss of the switching devices. A solar off‐grid photovoltaic (PV) system is considered for reliability testing. Experimental mission profile data are used to estimate the lifetime of the 3L‐FNPC inverter by applying the rainflow counting algorithm, the Coffin‐Manson model, and Miner's rule. The competitiveness, effectiveness, and reliability of the 3L‐FNPC inverter with the proposed modulation technique are validated using a hardware prototype.
Plasma‐derived biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms: A community‐based study
Authors: Krell‐Roesch Janina , Zaniletti Isabella , Syrjanen Jeremy A. , Kremers Walter K. , Algeciras‐Schimnich Alicia , Dage Jeffrey L. , van Harten Argonde C. , Fields Julie A. , Knopman David S. , Jack Clifford R. , Petersen Ronald C. , Vassilaki Maria , Geda Yonas E.
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

We examined associations between plasma‐derived biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in community‐dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Cross‐sectional study involving 1005 persons ≥50 years of age (mean 74 years, 564 male, 118 cognitively impaired), who completed plasma‐derived biomarker (amyloid beta 42 [Aβ42]/Aβ40, phosphorylated tau 181 [p‐tau181], p‐tau217, total tau [t‐tau], neurofilament light [NfL]), and NPS assessment.

RESULTS

P‐tau181 (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–3.00, p < 0.001), p‐tau217 (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.10–2.61, p = 0.016), and t‐tau (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08–1.92, p = 0.012) were associated with appetite change. We also found that p‐tau181 and p‐tau217 were associated with increased symptoms of agitation (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.20–3.11, p = 0.007 and OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.21–3.42, p = 0.007, respectively), and disinhibition (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.45–3.93, p = 0.001 and OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.33–3.98, p = 0.003, respectively). Aβ42/Aβ40 and NfL were not associated with NPS.

CONCLUSION

Higher plasma‐derived p‐tau181 and p‐tau217 levels are associated with increased symptoms of appetite change, agitation, and disinhibition. These findings may support the validity of plasma tau biomarkers for predicting behavioral symptoms that often accompany cognitive impairment.

HIGHLIGHTS

We studied 1005 community‐dwelling persons aged ≥ 50 years

Higher plasma tau levels are associated with increased neuropsychiatric symptoms

Aβ42/Aβ40 and NfL are not associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms

Clinicians should treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons with high plasma‐derived tau
Admission hyponatraemia as heart failure events predictor in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Sarastri Yuke , Zebua Juang Idaman , Lubis Puja Nastia , Zahra Fathi , Lubis Anggia Chairuddin
Published: July 2023

Aims

Heart failure remained consistent as one of the biggest cardiovascular problems in Indonesia. Hyponatraemia is a common electrolyte disorder among patients presented with heart failure; however, the prognostic value for worsening heart failure has not been well defined.

Methods and results

We studied 134 patients admitted with acute heart failure and investigated the relationship between admission serum sodium and the composite clinical outcomes of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization ambispectively with a follow‐up duration of 6 months. We also try to look for low sodium‐level impacts in several conditions. Among 134 patients, 84 patients presented with low sodium during admission, defined as a serum sodium level of <135 mEq/L, and it was associated with higher composite clinical outcome risk [odds ratio (OR), 5.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.8–12.0; P < 0.001]. Moreover, hyponatraemia impacts on composite endpoints were driven by both parameters; it was independently associated with mortality (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.4–6.8; P = 0.003) and rehospitalization (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.4–11.7; P < 0.001). This result remained consistent in most subgroups.

Conclusions

On‐admission hyponatraemia is a predictor for 6 month mortality and rehospitalization. Further work is needed to determine if correction of hyponatraemia translates into clinical benefit.
Efficacy and safety of baroreflex activation therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: systematic review
Authors: Molina‐Linde Juan Máximo , Cordero‐Pereda David , Baños‐Álvarez Elena , Rosario‐Lozano Maria Piedad , Blasco‐Amaro Juan Antonio
Published: July 2023

Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is a possible adjuvant treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy and may be an alternative therapy in patients with contraindications or drug intolerance. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BAT in patients with HFrEF. The protocol for this study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022349175). Searches were conducted using MEDLINE, preMedLine (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Trip Medical Database, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We included randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of BAT with pharmacological treatment. We assessed the risk of bias of each study using the Cochrane RoB2 tool and the certainty of the results using the GRADE approach. We performed a meta‐analysis of treatment effects using a fixed‐effects or random‐effects model, depending on the heterogeneity observed. Two studies were included in the meta‐analysis (HOPE4HF and BeAT‐HF). The results showed that BAT led to statistically significant improvements in New York Heart Association functional class (relative risk 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI, 1.65 to 2.76]), quality of life (difference in means −16.97; 95% CI [−21.87 to −12.07]), 6 min walk test (difference in means 56.54; 95% CI [55.67 to 57.41]) and N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (difference in means −120.02; 95% CI [−193.58 to −46.45]). The system‐ and procedure‐related complication event‐free rate varied from 85.9% to 97%. The results show that BAT is safe and improves functional class, quality of life and congestion in selected patients with HFrEF. Further studies and long‐term follow‐up are needed to assess efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality.
Effect of para‐Substituents on meso‐Functionalized Oxidovanadium(IV) Porphyrins as Catalysts for Oxygen Atom Transfer Mediated Oxidation of Benzoin to Benzil under Mild Conditions
Authors: Maurya Mannar R. , Prakash Ved , Yadav Inderpal , Sankar Muniappan
Published: July 2023

Systematic analysis of the effect of para‐substituents (H, Cl, Br and OMe) on the meso‐phenyl group in vanadyl meso‐tetraphenylporphyrins ([VIVO(TPP)] (R=H, 1), [VIVO(TCPP)] (R=Cl, 2), [VIVO(TBPP)] (R=Br, 3) and [VIVO(TMPP)] (R=OMe, 4)) on their properties and catalytic oxygen atom transfer (OAT) for oxidation of benzoin to benzil using DMSO as well as 30 % aqueous H2O2 as the sacrificial oxygen source have been studied. Electrochemical and theoretical (density functional theory) studies are in good agreement with the influence of these substituents on the catalytic property of these complexes. Complex [VIVO(TCPP)] (2) displayed the best catalytic activity for the conversion (92 %) of benzoin to benzil in 30 h with >99 % product selectivity when DMSO was used as an oxygen source, whereas excellent conversion (~100 %) of benzoin to benzil was noticed in 18 h with 95 % product selectivity when 30 % aqueous H2O2 was used as a source of oxygen. Furthermore, among these complexes, the electron‐withdrawing nature of the chloro substituent at the p‐position of meso‐phenyl group significantly influences the oxygen atom transfer. Experimental and simulated EPR studies confirmed the +4 oxidation of vanadium in these complexes. The structure of 2, 3 and 4, confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction method, are domed in shape, and the displacement of V(IV) ion from the mean porphyrin plane follows the order: 2 (0.458 Å) <3 (0.459 Å) <4 (0.479 Å). We observed that the electron‐withdrawing nature of chloro substituent at the p‐position of meso‐phenyl group influence the oxygen atom transfer from vanadyl porphyrin to dimethyl sulfide much.
5'‐O‐(2‐Isopropoxyprop‐2‐yl)‐protected Phosphoramidite Building Blocks in the Liquid Phase Oligonucleotide Synthesis
Authors: Liang Zehong , Rosenqvist Petja , Pajuniemi Ella , Ora Mikko , Heinonen Petri , Virta Pasi , Oivanen Mikko
Published: July 2023

5'‐O‐(2‐isopropoxyprop‐2‐yl) (IIP)‐protection was introduced to 5’‐OH function of nucleosides in high yields by an acid‐catalysed transacetalization with 2,2‐diisopropoxypropane. The applicability of this temporal 5’‐O‐protecting group was demonstrated in the liquid phase oligonucleotide synthesis (LPOS) using the corresponding phosphoramidite building blocks (dA, dG, dC and dT) and a tetrapodal precipitative soluble support. Standard protecting groups were used on nucleobases. Tetrazole as an activator, followed by oxidation using m‐chloroperbenzoic acid, was used for the coupling. The IIP was shown to be a capable choice to the 5’‐O protection in solution phase synthesis. It could be readily removed with formic acid (t1/2<10 s in 6 % HCOOH in dichloromethane/methanol (2/1) at RT), resulting in volatile byproducts (acetone and isopropanol).
Long‐term effect associated with seizures and dynamic effect associated with treatment on cognitive dysfunction of adult patients with focal epilepsy as evaluated by the Trail Making Test
Authors: Hasegawa Naoya , Annaka Hiroki
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study was performed to clarify the utility of the Trail Making Test (TMT) in evaluating the effects of the course of epilepsy on cognitive function by evaluating the course of epileptic seizures and the results of the TMT over time.

Methods

We performed the TMT twice at a 1‐year interval for each patient with focal epilepsy. We performed multiple regression analyses with the first TMT scores as dependent variables and clinical features as independent variables. Next, we performed a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to evaluate the difference between the first and second TMT scores for patients in each seizure prognosis group.

Results

We enrolled 132 adult patients in this study. Multiple regression analyses showed that longer active seizure periods were associated with worse first TMT‐B performance (β = .318, p < .001) and B–A (β = .377, p < .001) and that the number of antiseizure medicines was associated with worse first TMT‐A performance (β = .186, p = .025). In addition, topiramate and zonisamide adversely affected TMT performance. MANCOVA showed an interaction between the prognosis of TMT‐B performance and the seizure prognosis [F(2, 120) = 3.68, p = .028]. Subeffect tests revealed that the second TMT‐B performance improved only in the seizure improvement group [F(1, 10) = 10.07, p = .01].

Significance

Epileptic seizures were shown to be associated with both long‐term and dynamic adverse effects on cognitive function evaluated with the TMT in adult patients with focal epilepsy. Seizure control is important for improving the cognitive function of patients with epilepsy; however, the potential adverse effects of polypharmacy and some antiseizure medicines such as zonisamide and topiramate on cognitive function should be considered.
miR‐99a‐5p as a biomarker for lymph node metastasis prediction in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Cousseau Cristiane Pereira Vargas , Sorroche Bruna Pereira , de Jesus Teixeira Renan , de Carvalho Ana Carolina , Melendez Matias Eliseo , de Castro Capuzzo Renato , Laus Ana Carolina , da Silva Luciane Sussuchi , de Menezes Nei Soares , Carvalho André Lopes , Arantes Lidia Maria Rebolho Batista
Published: July 2023

Background

Metastatic lymph node involvement influences therapy decisions and serves as a prognostic indicator in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, many early‐stage patients with clinically negative lymph nodes exhibit no metastasis upon surgical staging. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs capable of distinguishing pathologically positive (pN+) from negative (pN0) nodes in OSCC patients without clinical evidence of lymph node metastases (cN0).

Methods

Expression levels of 798 miRNAs were assessed in tumor samples from 10 pN+ and 10 pN0 patients using the Nanostring nCounter platform. Validation was performed in an independent cohort of 15 pN+ and 24 pN0 patients through RT‐qPCR.

Results

Eight miRNAs exhibited differential expression between pN0 and pN+ patients. Notably, hsa‐miR‐99a‐5p demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in predicting patients at higher risk of positive lymph nodes.

Conclusions

These findings highlight hsa‐miR‐99a‐5p as a potential biomarker for detecting lymph node metastasis in primary OSCC tumors.
Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda; an East African public health concern
Authors: Sospeter Sospeter Berling , Udohchukwu Okereke Promise , Ruaichi Juvenali , Nchasi Goodluck , Paul Innocent Kitandu , Kanyike Andrew Marvin , Dewey Rebecca Susan
Published: July 2023

On August 21, 2022, healthcare authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in North Kivu Province, bringing the total to 15 outbreaks nationwide. On September 20, 2022, Uganda's authorities declared an outbreak of the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus following a confirmed a case in Mubende district. As of October 6, 2022, the reported numbers of cases were 63, with 29 deaths in Uganda and 1 case with 1 death in DRC, respectively. Ebola virus causes an acute and severely fatal illness, resulting in death within a very short time if left untreated. In addition, these outbreaks in DRC and Uganda pose a major threat to the health and socioeconomic well‐being of the people of East Africa due to multiple cross‐border activities. Adequate preparations need to be made by the healthcare authorities of the nations concerned; the government, healthcare workers, and the East‐African community as a whole have important roles to play in the effective prevention and control of the spread of Ebola virus within and across their borders.
HCIU: Hybrid clustered inception‐basedUNETfor the automatic segmentation of organs at risk in thoracic computed tomography images
Authors: Ashok Malvika , Gupta Abhishek , Pandey Mohit
Published: July 2023

Automatic segmentation is the most effective and fast method to plan radiotherapy treatment in thoracic computed tomography (CT), as manual segmentation takes time and produces variability in the results. This article proposes a hybrid HCIU method to segment the thoracic organs at risk (OAR) using prior localization techniques. The dataset of 40 Patients containing 7420 slices of thoracic CT has been used to perform the experiment on the Google Colab Pro+ framework. HCIU constitutes a hybrid deep learning model for features extraction, a K‐mean algorithm to form the clusters based on the extracted features, and the ensemble UNET InceptionV3 model trained on the data of each cluster for the segmentation of OAR. With HCIU, we achieved an average dice score of 92.05%, 97.39%, 95.75%, and 96.45% for the esophagus, heart, trachea, and aorta. The average sensitivity and specificity values achieved were 98.38% and 97.43% on the test dataset. Also, statistical tests have been applied to each organ's pixel values for analyzing the model's segmented results. A hybrid method has been proposed to improve the localization in thoracic OAR segmentation in CT. The proposed method achieved precise accuracy in segmenting the four organs compared with the other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Nudging farmers towards low‐pesticide practices: Evidence from a randomized experiment in viticulture
Authors: Zachmann Lucca , McCallum Chloe , Finger Robert
Published: July 2023

Planting fungus‐resistant grapevines is an effective way to reduce pesticide use in grapevine production, but their uptake remains low. We explore whether providing personalized or general information on growers' use of environmentally toxic fungicides changes their planting intentions of fungus‐resistant varieties (i.e., salience nudging), conducting a randomized experiment with 436 grapevine growers in Switzerland. We find no effect of providing personalized or general information on the intended plantation share of fungus‐resistant varieties. However, exploratory analyses suggest that growers' perceptions about fungus‐resistant varieties may cause the null result, with growers having noncompliant environmental perceptions being particularly prone to boomerang effects.
Biological mechanism of ZnO nanomaterials
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Li Jingjing , Li Mei , Sun Jiwen , Shang Xiaofen , Ma Yonghua
Published: July 2023

Modern nanotechnology has made zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) multifunctional, stable, and low cost, enabling them to be widely used in commercial and biomedical fields. With its wide application, the risk of human direct contact and their release into the environment also increases. This review aims to summarize the toxicity studies of ZnO NMts in vivo, including neurotoxicity, inhalation toxicity, and reproductive toxicity. The antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms of ZnO NMts in vitro and the toxicity to eukaryotic cells were summarized. The summary found that it was mainly related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by oxidative stress. It also discusses the potential harm to body and the favorable prospects of the widespread use of antibacterial and antiviral in the future medical field. The review also emphasizes that the dosage and use method of ZnO NMts will be the focus of future biomedical research.
MIR663AHG as a competitive endogenous RNA regulating TGF‐β‐induced epithelial proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Tong Shiyu , Mo Miao , Hu Xiheng , Wu Longxiang , Chen Minfeng , Zhao Cheng
Published: July 2023

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is the most commonly seen disease among aging males. Transforming growth factor(TGF)‐β‐mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epithelial overproliferation might be central events in BPH etiology and pathophysiology. In the present study, long noncoding RNA MIR663AHG, miR‐765, and FOXK1 formed a competing endogenous RNAs network, modulating TGF‐β‐mediated EMT and epithelial overproliferation in BPH‐1 cells. miR‐765 expression was downregulated in TGF‐β‐stimulated BPH‐1 cells; miR‐765 overexpression ameliorated TGF‐β‐mediated EMT and epithelial overproliferation in BPH‐1 cells. MIR663AHG directly targeted miR‐765 and negatively regulated miR‐765; MIR663AHG knockdown also attenuated TGF‐β‐induced EMT and epithelial overproliferation in BPH‐1 cells, whereas miR‐765 inhibition attenuated MIR663AHG knockdown effects on TGF‐β‐stimulated BPH‐1 cells. miR‐765 directly targeted FOXK1 and negatively regulated FOXK1. FOXK1 knockdown attenuated TGF‐β‐induced EMT and epithelial overproliferation and promoted autophagy in BPH‐1 cells, and partially attenuated miR‐765 inhibition effects on TGF‐β‐stimulated BPH‐1 cells. In conclusion, this study provides a MIR663AHG/miR‐765/FOXK1 axis modulating TGF‐β‐induced epithelial proliferation and EMT, which might exert an underlying effect on BPH development and act as therapeutic targets for BPH treatment regimens.
Anti‐cancer potential of selenium‐chitosan‐polyethylene glycol‐carvacrol nanocomposites in multiple myeloma U266 cells
Authors: Zhang Haixi , Zhao Jie , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Meganathan Velmurugan , Gu Xuezhong
Published: July 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer that is characterized by malignant plasma cell proliferation. Approximately 10% of all blood cancers are MM, and there is no standard curative therapy. In this work, we intended to synthesize, characterize, and assess the anticancer effects of selenium/chitosan/polyethylene glycol–carvacrol nanocomposites (SCP‐Car‐NCs) on MM U266 cells in vitro. Various characterization techniques were used to characterize the synthesized SCP‐Car‐NCs. Several in vitro free radical scavenging experiments were conducted to test the ability of synthesized SCP‐Car‐NCs to scavenge the different free radicals. The cytotoxicity of SCP‐Car‐NCs was assessed on Vero and U266 cells using the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. By using various fluorescence staining techniques, the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, MMP, and apoptosis were measured. Using commercial test kits, the levels of oxidative stress and apoptotic biomarkers in control and treated U266 cells were assessed. The highest peak in the UV spectral analysis was found to be at 271 nm, demonstrating the development of SCP‐Car‐NCs. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the synthesized SCP‐Car‐NCs contained a variety of stretching and bonding. The X‐ray diffraction study confirmed the crystallinity of SCP‐Car‐NCs. The dynamic light scattering analysis showed that the SCP‐Car‐NCs had an average size of 171 nm. The different free radicals, such as the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, and peroxyl radicals, were significantly scavenged by the SCP‐Car‐NCs. According to the MTT assay results, the SCP‐Car‐NCs decreased the viability of U266 cells while having no impact on the proliferation of Vero cells. The SCP‐Car‐NCs significantly boosted ROS production, decreased the MMP level, and promoted apoptosis, as evidenced by the fluorescence staining experiments. In U266 cells treated with SCP‐Car‐NCs, the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased while superoxide dismutases and glutathione levels were reduced. In the SCP‐Car‐NCs treated U266 cells, it was found that the Bax, caspase‐3, and −9 activities had increased while the Bcl‐2 level had decreased. In conclusion, our findings show that SCP‐Car‐NCs treatment reduced the viability and increased apoptosis in the U266 cells, providing a new insight on SCP‐Car‐NCs' potential for usage in the future to treat MM.
A new approach for the synthesis of α‐ketothioamides from methyl ketone, pyrrolidine/piperidine and elemental sulfur using recyclable magnetic catalyst
Authors: Le Ngoc‐Phuong Thi , Nguyen Thien‐Hang Thi , Nguyen Thy Khanh , Tran Phuong‐Khanh Bich , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

α‐Ketothioamides play a vital role in the fields of medicine and biology. There are many α‐ketothioamide synthesis pathways, but in general, most current methods involve either conventional heating in solvent conditions or using non‐recyclable catalysts. Thus, our work investigated the preparation of α‐ketothioamides under solvent‐free sonication using magnetic nanoparticle‐immobilized chlorozincate ionic liquid as a catalyst. The desired products were purified by chromatography columns and characterized using 1H NMR and 13C NMR.

RESULTS

In this study, Lewis acidic ionic liquid grafted onto magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@IL‐ZnCl2) was used as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the generation of a variety of α‐ketothioamide derivatives. The optimized conditions were methyl ketone (1.0 mmol), amine (1.2 mmol), S8 (1.2 mmol) and Fe3O4@IL‐ZnCl2 (15 mg) under solvent‐free sonication at 80 °C for 5 h, and the crude products were obtained in a 34–94% isolated yield. Then, this procedure was successfully applied to a wide range of aryl and alkyl ketone compounds. Besides, there was only a slight loss in catalytic activity in three consecutive cycles, indicating the reusability and stability of the catalytic system.

CONCLUSIONS

We have successfully designed a novel protocol for the generation of α‐ketothioamide derivatives from aryl/alkyl methyl ketones, amines, and elemental sulfur catalyzed by chlorozincate ionic liquid‐coated magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The reaction proceeded via a mild, efficient, solvent‐free sonication accompanied by a well‐reactive catalyst, which is easily separated and reusable. Besides, a feasible mechanism is presented. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Design, synthesis, antifungal activity, and molecular docking of novel trifluoromethyl pyrimidine derivatives containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and thioether moieties as potential succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors
Authors: Pan Nianjian , Wu Ruirui , Yan Chang , Zhou Mei , Fei Qiang , Li Pei , Wu Wenneng
Published: July 2023

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), a pivotal enzyme linking the respiratory electron transport chain and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, has been identified as an ideal target for developing effective fungicides. In this study, 20 novel trifluoromethyl pyrimidine derivatives containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and thioether moieties were prepared and characterized their structures by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. Bioassay results showed that some of the target compounds revealed moderate to good in vitro antifungal activities toward Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), Botryosphaeria dothidea (B. dothidea), Phomopsis sp., Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea), Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum), Phytophthora infestans (P. infestans), and Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae). In particular, compounds 6g and 6i had better in vitro antifungal activity against B. cinerea, with the EC50 values of 19.43 and 28.22 μg/mL, respectively, than that of Pyrimethanil (57.30 μg/mL). As well, compound 6r exhibited good in vitro antifungal activity against F. oxysporum, with the EC50 value of 3.61 μg/mL, which were lower than that of Boscalid (0.40 μg/mL). In addition, the molecular docking simulation revealed that compound 6r interacted with GLN‐150, ASP‐153, LYS‐151, GLY‐154, and GLY‐228 of SDH through hydrogen bond, which could explain the probable mechanism of action between the target compounds and SDH. This is the first report on the antifungal activity of novel trifluoromethyl pyrimidine derivatives containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and thioether moieties as potential SDH inhibitors.