bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithium in bipolar depression: A review of the evidence
Authors: Riedinger Mirjam A. , van der Wee Nic J. A. , Giltay Erik J. , de Leeuw Max
Published: October 2023

Background

Lithium is widely used as treatment of acute mania and as prophylactic therapy for bipolar disorder. International and national guidelines also consider lithium as a possible treatment of acute bipolar depression. Research on the use of lithium in bipolar depression, however, seems to be limited compared to the data available for its efficacy in the other phases of bipolar disorder.

Objective

To provide a systematic review of the evidence for lithium in the treatment of acute bipolar depression and provide directions for further research.

Method

A systematic review of clinical studies investigating the use of lithium in bipolar depression was performed using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines in Pubmed, Embase and Psychinfo using the medical subjects headings and free text terms “lithium,” “bipolar depression,” “dosage,” “serum concentration” and “bipolar disorders.”

Results

This review included 15 studies with a total of 1222 patients, between the age of 18 and 65, suffering from bipolar depression of which 464 were treated with lithium. There are currently only limited and low‐quality data on the efficacy of lithium as a treatment of bipolar depression. It appears that there have been no placebo controlled randomized controlled trials with lithium concentrations that are considered to be therapeutic. The older studies suffered from limitations such as small sample sizes, insufficient treatment lengths, and insufficient monitoring of serum concentrations.

Conclusion

In contrast to data for the treatment of mania and prophylaxis, robust data on the efficacy of lithium in bipolar depression is currently lacking, making it impossible to make conclusions regarding efficacy or inefficacy, for which further research is needed.
The use of a mobile obstetric emergency system to improve obstetric referrals in Bong County, Liberia: A pre‐post study
Authors: Lee HaEun , Dahn Bernice , Sieka Joseph , Nyanplu Aloysius , Reynolds Christopher W. , Edson Claire , Lockhart Nancy , Lori Jody R.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Liberia experiences an unmet need for cesarean section with about 5% population coverage, lower than 9%–19% coverage associated with improved maternal and newborn outcomes. Delays in the referral process for comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC) services due to ineffective communication between a rural health facility (RHF) and a district hospital contribute to the low CS rate. This study examined the association between mobile obstetric emergency system (MORES) implementation and referral time for obstetric emergencies as well as maternal/newborn outcomes.

Methods

A pre‐post descriptive analysis was conducted on data collected from 20 rural health facilities (RHFs) and two hospitals in Bong County. Women with referral data from both RHFs and hospitals were matched and information including transfer time, reasons for referral, and maternal and newborn outcomes were extracted. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models examined the relationship between the intervention's implementation and mode of delivery, maternal outcome, newborn outcome, and transfer time from RHF to district hospital. Ethics approval was obtained from two study centers.

Results

Women had higher odds of undergoing a CS at endline (OR: 1.86 95% CI: 0.99–3.46) compared to baseline. Additionally, newborns had lower odds of showing non‐vigorous symptoms (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14–0.68), defined as a newborn with poor respiratory effort, muscle tone, or heart rate. There was no significant association between the intervention's implementation and transfer time.

Conclusion

The MORES intervention is a promising means to increase timely care seeking along the referral pathway which may enhance access to cesarean section as well as improved newborn outcome in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Fetal subdural hematoma with favorable neonatal outcome: A case report
Authors: Gudu Wondimu , Tadesse Felagot , Sium Abraham Fessehaye
Published: October 2023

Synopsis

Fetal subdural hematoma is a rare diagnosis. Identification of risk factors, timely diagnosis, and delivery can optimize neonatal outcome of this fetal condition with poor prognosis.
Landscape of board certification preparation in pharmacy residency programs
Authors: Omer Delvin , Barfield Reagan K. , Prosser Maggie , McConnell Mary , Caulder Celeste , Bookstaver P. Brandon
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Board certification among pharmacists is increasing in prevalence, accompanying expanded practice opportunities and exam availability to broader specialty areas. Residency training is one common prerequisite for board certification. Although there are documented benefits, board certification preparation (BCP) has yet to be evaluated among the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP)‐accredited residency programs.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine the status of BCP among ASHP‐accredited residency programs and corresponding attitudes of residency program directors (RPDs) regarding BCP.

Methods

This study is a mixed methods cross‐sectional survey of RPDs from United States (US) states. Eligible RPDs were identified through the ASHP residency directory. A 33‐item survey was developed in REDCap® and distributed via email. Those with missing or invalid emails were excluded. The survey was open for 6 weeks and responses were anonymous. Descriptive statistics were applied for data evaluation.

Results

Of the 1601 RPDs emailed, 360 survey responses were received, a 23.3% response rate when excluding invalid email addresses. Among the survey respondents, 313 (86.9%) were board certified. Respondents served as RPDs of Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) (175, 48.6%) or Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) (177, 49.2%) programs. Structured BCP was offered by 33 (9.2%) programs and 49 (13.6%) financially support residents' BCP. Among programs that offer structured preparation, 12 (36.4%) use institution‐specific materials. Among programs that do not currently offer BCP, 142 (57.3%) indicated they were “somewhat” or “very” interested in implementation, identifying the top barriers as cost and time.

Conclusions

A small proportion of programs offer structured BCP, although interest appears high among RPDs to consider implementation. The likelihood of implementation would presumably increase if associated barriers were addressed. Further qualitative evaluation may assist interested programs in efficient, cost‐effective implementation of BCP through institution‐specific or commercially available products.
Multispectral polarization microscopy of different stages of human oral tissue: A polarization study
Authors: Mann Priyanka , Thapa Pramila , Nayyar Vivek , Surya Varun , Mishra Deepika , Mehta Dalip Singh
Published: October 2023

Many optical techniques have been used in various diagnostics and biomedical applications since a decade and polarization imaging is one of the non‐invasive and label free optical technique to investigate biological samples making it an important tool in diagnostics, biomedical applications. We report a multispectral polarization‐based imaging of oral tissue by utilizing a polarization microscope system with a broadband‐light source. Experiments were performed on oral tissue samples and multispectral Stokes mapping was done by recording a set of intensity images. Polarization‐based parameters like degree of polarization, angle of fast axis, retardation and linear birefringence have been retrieved. The statistical moments of these polarization components have also been reported at multiples wavelengths. The polarimetric properties of oral tissue at different stages of cancer have been analyzed and significant changes from normal to pre‐cancerous lesions to the cancerous are observed in linear birefringence quantification as (1.7 ± 0.1) × 10−3, (2.5 ± 0.2) × 10−3 and (3.3 ± 0.2) × 10−3 respectively.
Hydroxyapatite‐based dental inserts: Microstructure, mechanical properties, bonding efficiency and fracture resistance of molars with occlusal restorations
Authors: Matic Tamara , Zebic Maja Lezaja , Miletic Vesna , Trajkovic Isaak , Milosevic Milos , Racic Aleksandar , Veljovic Djordje
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to (1) comparatively analyze properties of Sr‐ and Mg‐substituted hydroxyapatite (HAP)‐based dental inserts; (2) evaluate insert bonding to restorative materials, and (3) evaluate the effect of doped HAP inserts on fracture resistance (FR) of human molars with large occlusal restorations. By ion‐doping with Sr or Mg, 3 insert types were obtained and characterized using XRD, SEM, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness. Shear bond strength (SBS) was determined between acid etched or unetched inserts and following materials: Maxcem cement (Kerr); Filtek Z250 (3M) bonded with Single Bond Universal (SBU; 3M) or Clearfil Universal (Cf; Kuraray). Modified Class I cavities were prepared in 16 intact molars and restored using insert + composite or composite only (control) (n = 8/group). FR of restored molars was determined by static load until fracture upon thermal cycling. Fracture toughness was similar between Sr/Mg‐doped inserts (0.94–1.04 MPam−1/2 p = .429). Mg‐doped inserts showed greater hardness (range 4.78–5.15 GPa) than Sr6 inserts (3.74 ± 0.31 GPa; p < .05). SBS for SBU and Cf adhesives (range 7.19–15.93 MPa) was higher than for Maxcem (range 3.07–5.95 MPa) (p < .05). There was no significant difference in FR between molars restored with insert‐containing and control restorations (3.00 ± 0.30 kN and 3.22 ± 0.42 kN, respectively; p > .05). HAP‐based inserts doped with Mg/Sr had different composition and mechanical properties. Adhesive bonding to inserts resulted in greater bond strength than cementation, which may be improved by insert acid‐etching. Ion‐doped HAP inserts did not affect FR of restored molars. In conclusion, HAP‐based dental inserts may potentially replace dentin in large cavities, without affecting fracture resistance of restored teeth.
Modulatory role of terminal monomeric flavan‐3‐ol units in the viscoelasticity of dentin
Authors: Reis‐Havlat Mariana , Alania Yvette , Zhou Bin , Jing Shu‐Xi , McAlpine James B. , Chen Shao‐Nong , Pauli Guido F. , Bedran‐Russo Ana K.
Published: October 2023

Flavan‐3‐ol monomers are the building blocks of proanthocyanidins (PACs), natural compounds from plants shown to mediate specific biologic activities on dentin. While the stereochemistry of the terminal flavan‐3‐ols, catechin (C) versus epicatechin (EC), impacts the biomechanical properties of the dentin matrix treated with oligomeric PACs, structure–activity relationships driving this bioactivity remain elusive. To gain insights into the modulatory role of the terminal monomers, two highly congruent trimeric PACs from Pinus massoniana only differing in the stereochemistry of the terminal unit (Trimer‐C vs. Trimer‐EC) were prepared to evaluate their chemical characteristics as well as their effects on the viscoelasticity and biostability of biomodified dentin matrices via infrared spectroscopy and multi‐scale dynamic mechanical analyses. The subtle alteration of C versus EC as terminal monomers lead to distinct immediate PAC‐trimer biomodulation of the dentin matrix. Nano‐ and micro‐dynamic mechanical analyses revealed that Trimer‐EC increased the complex moduli (0.51 GPa) of dentin matrix more strongly than Trimer‐C (0.26 GPa) at the nanoscale length (p < 0.001), whereas the reverse was found at the microscale length (p < .001). The damping capacity (tan δ) of dentin matrix decreased by 70% after PAC treatment at the nano‐length scale, while increased values were found at the micro‐length scale (~0.24) compared to the control (0.18 ; p < .001). An increase in amide band intensities and a decrease of complex moduli was observed after storage in simulated body fluid for both Trimer‐C and Trimer‐EC modified dentin. The stereochemical configuration of the terminal monomeric units, C and EC, did not impact the chemo‐mechanical stability of dentin matrix.
Adsorptive cytapheresis in ulcerative colitis: A non‐pharmacological therapeutic approach revisited
Authors: Vernia Filippo , Viscido Angelo , Latella Giovanni
Published: October 2023

Adsorptive cytapheresis proves effective in a proportion of patients affected by ulcerative colitis. Relatively high cost and the need for apheresis facilities, prevented the widespread use of this therapeutic approach. More so following the introduction of anti‐TNFα biosimilars which proved both effective and inexpensive. Anti‐TNFα agents, however, are burdened by high rate of primary and secondary non‐response and prompt switching to new, high‐cost biologics, and small molecules. The present review analyzes advantages and disadvantages of adsorptive cytapheresis in the present clinical scenario and suggests its repositioning in the therapeutic workup of selected subgroups of ulcerative colitis patients. The extremely favorable safety profile makes adsorptive cytapheresis a viable therapeutic option in elderly and high‐risk UC patients, as well as potential second‐line treatment in corticosteroid‐dependent patients and poor responders to first‐line biologics.
Microsecond dynamics of H10N7 influenza neuraminidase reveals the plasticity of loop regions and drug resistance due to the R292K mutation
Authors: Sk Md Fulbabu , Samanta Sunanda , Poddar Sayan , Kar Parimal
Published: October 2023

At the beginning of the last century, multiple pandemics caused by influenza (flu) viruses severely impacted public health. Despite the development of vaccinations and antiviral medications to prevent and control impending flu outbreaks, unforeseen novel strains and continuously evolving old strains continue to represent a serious threat to human life. Therefore, the recently identified H10N7, for which not much data is available for rational structure‐based drug design, needs to be further explored. Here, we investigated the structural dynamics of neuraminidase N7 upon binding of inhibitors, and the drug resistance mechanisms against the oseltamivir (OTV) and laninamivir (LNV) antivirals due to the crucial R292K mutation on the N7 using the computational microscope, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In this study, each system underwent long 2 × 1 μs MD simulations to answer the conformational changes and drug resistance mechanisms. These long time‐scale dynamics simulations and free energy landscapes demonstrated that the mutant systems showed a high degree of conformational variation compared to their wildtype (WT) counterparts, and the LNV‐bound mutant exhibited an extended 150‐loop conformation. Further, the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) calculation and MM/GBSA free energy decomposition were used to characterize the binding of OTV and LNV with WT, and R292K mutated N7, revealing the R292K mutation as drug‐resistant, facilitated by a decline in binding interaction and a reduction in the dehydration penalty. Due to the broader binding pocket cavity of the smaller K292 mutant residue relative to the wildtype, the drug carboxylate to K292 hydrogen bonding was lost, and the area surrounding the K292 residue was more accessible to water molecules. This implies that drug resistance could be reduced by strengthening the hydrogen bond contacts between N7 inhibitors and altered N7, creating inhibitors that can form a hydrogen bond to the mutant K292, or preserving the closed cavity conformations.
Hydrogen bond energy estimation (H‐BEE) in large molecular clusters: A Python program for quantum chemical investigations
Authors: Ahirwar Mini Bharati , Khire Subodh S. , Gadre Shridhar R. , Deshmukh Milind M.
Published: October 2023

A procedure, derived from the fragmentation‐based molecular tailoring approach (MTA), has been proposed and extensively applied by Deshmukh and Gadre for directly estimating the individual hydrogen bond (HB) energies and cooperativity contributions in molecular clusters. However, the manual fragmentation and high computational cost of correlated quantum chemical methods make the application of this method to large molecular clusters quite formidable. In this article, we report an in‐house developed software for automated hydrogen bond energy estimation (H‐BEE) in large molecular clusters. This user‐friendly software is essentially written in Python and executed on a Linux platform with the Gaussian package at the backend. Two approximations to the MTA‐based procedure, viz. the first spherical shell (SS1) and the Fragments‐in‐Fragments (Frags‐in‐Frags), enabling cost‐effective, automated evaluation of HB energies and cooperativity contributions, are also implemented in this software. The software has been extensively tested on a variety of molecular clusters and is expected to be of immense use, especially in conjunction with correlated methods such as MP2, CCSD(T), and so forth.
Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of dicyanoarylamine‐based semi‐aromatic polymers
Authors: Wong Hui Qi , Yen Hung‐Ju
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Fluorescent high‐performance polymers have been extensively used in designing optoelectronic devices due to their low cost, excellent thermal stability, high mechanical strength, low flammability, good chemical and radiation resistance, and good electronic properties. While conventional organic luminophores fluoresce strongly in dilute solutions, they suffer from undesirable aggregation‐caused quenching in concentrated solutions and in the solid state due to extensive π‐π stacking interactions and formation of delocalized excitons or excimers. This phenomenon leads to non‐radiative decay thus, decreased fluorescence emission of the material in the solid film state, which significantly limits their real‐world application as solid light‐emitting materials.

Objectives

To develop new high‐performance polymers with high photo luminescent efficiency, good processability, film‐forming properties, which could potentially be used in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.

Methods

The preparation of the polyimide DiCN‐PI was carried out by a one‐step, high‐temperature solution imidization method. In this procedure, 1,2,4,5‐cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride and the diamine were polymerized in 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone and γ‐butyrolactone co‐solvent at 180°C for 15 hours in the presence of isoquinoline as catalyst. On the other hand, polyamide DiCN‐PA was synthesized according to the direct phosphorylation polycondensation technique described by Yamazaki from diamine and trans‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents.

Results and Discussion

Both polymers were soluble in several polar aprotic solvents and exhibited useful levels of thermal stability. The polymers were emissive with PL emission bands around 555 (bluish‐green) and 498 (cyan) nm in dilute 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone solutions for polyimide and polyamide, respectively. In the solid film state, the polymers emit light green and yellow colors, which simulate the PL behavior of their aggregated states, thereby demonstrating aggregation‐induced fluorescence changes.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the incorporation of bulky dicyanoarylamine moiety and alicyclic monomer units into the rigid polymer backbones effectively disrupted the planarity of the chain packing which resulted to the fluorescent high‐performance polymers with desired properties for potential optoelectronic applications.
Biceps brachii muscle cross‐sectional area measured by ultrasonography is independently associated with one‐month mortality: A prospective observational study
Authors: Catikkas Nezahat Muge , Binay Safer Vildan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Studies examining mortality in palliative care units are limited. We aimed to investigate the mortality and associated factors including ultrasonographic muscle parameters in hospitalized palliative patients with a subgroup analysis of older patients.

Methods

A prospective‐observational study. We recorded the demographics, number of diseases, diagnoses, and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), palliative performance scale (PPS), and nutritional risk screening‐2002 (NRS‐2002) scores. We noted the nutritional parameters and mortality. We measured the subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), muscle thickness (MT), and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris and biceps brachii using ultrasonography.

Results

We enrolled 100 patients (mean age: 73.2 ± 16.4 years, 53%: female). One‐month mortality was 42%. The non‐survivors had significantly higher malignancy, increased CCI and NRS‐2002 scores, lower required energy intake, calorie sufficiency rate, and biceps brachii SFT, MT, and CSA than the survivors. The independent mortality predictors were malignancy and biceps brachii CSA while the PPS score and malignancy were significantly associated with mortality in the older subgroup.

Conclusion

The malignancy and biceps brachii CSA might have prognostic value in predicting mortality in palliative patients. This was the first study investigating the mortality‐associated factors including ultrasonographic muscle measurements of both the lower and upper limbs in a palliative care center.
Pathways from maternal depression to child resilience: Socioeconomic, family, and individual factors in the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort
Authors: Maruyama Jessica Mayumi , Bauer Andreas , Hammerton Gemma , Halligan Sarah L. , Santos Ina S. , Munhoz Tiago N. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Barros Fernando C. , Fairchild Graeme , Matijasevich Alicia
Published: October 2023

Background

The negative impacts of maternal depression on child mental health outcomes are well‐documented. However, some children show adaptive functioning following exposure to maternal depression, demonstrating resilience. In a large birth cohort from Brazil, a middle‐income country, we examined direct and indirect pathways, considering socioeconomic, family, and individual factors, contributing to the development of resilience.

Methods

Using data from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort (N = 4231), we restricted the sample to those exposed to maternal depression up to age 6 years (depression present at ≥2 out of 5 assessment waves; n = 1132; 50% boys). Resilience was defined as scoring below or equal to the mean of the unexposed group on all four problem subscales of the parent‐report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at age 11 years. We examined pathways from socioeconomic status (SES; measured at birth) to resilience via cognitive stimulation (CS) (at 24 and 48 months) and Intelligence quotient (IQ) (at 6 years), and from CS to resilience via IQ, using counterfactual mediation.

Results

A minority of children exposed to maternal depression showed resilience (12.4%). There was evidence of indirect pathways from SES to resilience via CS (odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–3.38) and IQ (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.42), such that higher SES was associated with resilience via both higher levels of CS and higher IQ, which, in turn, were each positively associated with resilience. Furthermore, there was evidence of a direct (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.01–3.76) and total effect (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.05–3.89) of CS on resilience, even after controlling for SES. However, these effects varied depending on how persistent and severe depression was defined.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CS in early childhood may represent a modifiable protective factor for children exposed to maternal depression and a promising intervention target to promote child resilience in the context of maternal depression exposure.
Anticipated deaths with physician care (mitori) at home in one town in Japan: A preliminary report
Authors: Kajiwara Nobuyuki , Suezaki Shinya , Okamoto Megumi , Kuwahara Yasuo , Okui Masanori , Nishimura Akiyoshi , Takabayashi Hirono
Published: October 2023

Background

There are few reports on the numbers of anticipated deaths (mitori [看取り]) at home in Japan.

Method

We used the Japanese death certificate system (shiboukohyou [死亡小票]) for Toyono town citizens who died between 2020 and 2022 and judged a death to constitute mitori when the certificate was not written by a doctor referred from the police.

Results

Among 756 deaths, 109 (14.4%) were mitori at home. Deaths at home were 144 and mitori at home accounted for 75.7%.

Conclusion

Shiboukohyou appear to provide numbers of mitori at home. Death certificate should include a space which shows mitori or not.
Longitudinal Metabolite Changes in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Study of 3 Potential Neuroprotective Treatments
Authors: John Nevin A. , Solanky Bhavana S. , De Angelis Floriana , Parker Richard A. , Weir Christopher J. , Stutters Jonathan , Carrasco Ferran Prados , Schneider Torben , Doshi Anisha , Calvi Alberto , Williams Thomas , Plantone Domenico , Monteverdi Anita , MacManus David , Marshall Ian , Barkhof Frederik , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Chataway Jeremy ,   for the MS‐SMART Investigators
Published: October 2023

Background

1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) may provide a direct index for the testing of medicines for neuroprotection and drug mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (MS) through measures of total N‐acetyl‐aspartate (tNAA), total creatine (tCr), myo‐inositol (mIns), total‐choline (tCho), and glutamate + glutamine (Glx). Neurometabolites may be associated with clinical disability with evidence that baseline neuroaxonal integrity is associated with upper limb function and processing speed in secondary progressive MS (SPMS).

Purpose

To assess the effect on neurometabolites from three candidate drugs after 96‐weeks as seen by 1H‐MRS and their association with clinical disability in SPMS.

Study‐Type

Longitudinal.

Population

108 participants with SPMS randomized to receive neuroprotective drugs amiloride [mean age 55.4 (SD 7.4), 61% female], fluoxetine [55.6 (6.6), 71%], riluzole [54.6 (6.3), 68%], or placebo [54.8 (7.9), 67%].

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐Tesla. Chemical‐shift‐imaging 2D‐point‐resolved‐spectroscopy (PRESS), 3DT1.

Assessment

Brain metabolites in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and gray matter (GM), brain volume, lesion load, nine‐hole peg test (9HPT), and paced auditory serial addition test were measured at baseline and at 96‐weeks.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐test was used to analyze metabolite changes in the placebo arm over 96‐weeks. Metabolite differences between treatment arms and placebo; and associations between baseline metabolites and upper limb function/information processing speed at 96‐weeks assessed using multiple linear regression models. P‐value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the placebo arm, tCho increased in GM (mean difference = −0.32 IU) but decreased in NAWM (mean difference = 0.13 IU). Compared to placebo, in the fluoxetine arm, mIns/tCr was lower (β = −0.21); in the riluzole arm, GM Glx (β = −0.25) and Glx/tCr (β = −0.29) were reduced. Baseline tNAA(β = 0.22) and tNAA/tCr (β = 0.23) in NAWM were associated with 9HPT scores at 96‐weeks.

Data Conclusion

1H‐MRS demonstrated altered membrane turnover over 96‐weeks in the placebo group. It also distinguished changes in neuro‐metabolites related to gliosis and glutaminergic transmission, due to fluoxetine and riluzole, respectively. Data show tNAA is a potential marker for upper limb function.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Comparative transcriptome analysis of periodontitis and peri‐implantitis in human subjects
Authors: Oh Jung‐Min , Kim Yeongjoo , Son Hyojae , Kim Yun Hak , Kim Hyun‐Joo
Published: October 2023

Background

Peri‐implantitis is similar to periodontitis, but there are some differences. For the effective control of peri‐implantitis, it is necessary to clarify its similarities and differences with periodontitis in terms of gene expression.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 20 participants (10 healthy subjects and 10 patients with periodontitis and peri‐implantitis). Gingival tissue samples (10 healthy, 10 periodontitis, and 10 peri‐implantitis tissues) were collected, RNAs were extracted, and RNA sequencing and analysis were performed.

Results

Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis identified 757 upregulated and 159 downregulated genes common between periodontitis and peri‐implantitis. Periodontitis tissues uniquely showed 186 overexpressed and 22 suppressed genes compared with peri‐implantitis and healthy tissues, while peri‐implantitis had 1974 and 642, respectively. Each common and unique differential gene set showed distinct enriched biological features between periodontitis and peri‐implantitis after the pathway enrichment analysis. The expression pattern of selected DEGs focused on the representability of the disease was validated by RT‐qPCR.

Conclusions

Although periodontitis and peri‐implantitis showed common gene expression that was clearly differentiated from healthy conditions, there were also unique gene patterns that were differentially expressed only in peri‐implantitis. These findings will help elucidate the mechanisms involved in the progression of peri‐implantitis.
Management of thyroid disorders in older people
Authors: Godbole Gauri , Joshi Tripti , Majumder Monica
Published: October 2023

Thyroid disorders are common in older people and cause significant morbidity. There may be fewer symptoms at presentation and increased susceptibility to adverse events, making diagnosis and management more challenging. The approach to management of thyroid disorders in older people differs from that for younger individuals. Factors that need to be considered include frailty, concurrent illness, polypharmacy, drug–drug interactions, and target organ sensitivity to treatment. This review discusses the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and management of thyroid disorders and the effects of medications on thyroid function in older people.
Does Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis Length and Location Change with Serial Endoscopic Interventions?
Authors: Mirmozaffari Yasine , Ghodke Ameer , Shah Rupali N. , Buckmire Robert A.
Published: October 2023

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim was to assess changes in physical parameters of subglottic stenosis (SGS) following serial endoscopic surgical intervention.

Study Design

This was a retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective review of 52 idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) patients undergoing multiple endoscopic (excision/dilation) procedures between 2014 and 2022 was completed. Parameters including proximal stenosis distance from the vocal process and total stenosis length collected intraoperatively were compared over serial treatments. Differences between patient variables affecting distances from the vocal process and mean stenosis length were statistically analyzed utilizing nonparametric estimators including the Mann Whitney U, Fisher exact, and linear regression models.

Results

For the cohort of iSGS patients (N = 52), the mean age was 55.1 (±15.1). The patients were predominantly female (96.2%) and Caucasian (84.6%). Patients underwent an average of 3.4 (±1.3) endoscopic procedures for long‐term treatment of iSGS (range: 1 to 5 procedures). Patients undergoing a total of two (2) total procedures within the data collection window demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in mean stenosis length between the first and second procedures (p = 0.014). Changes in distance of the stenosis from the glottis was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.833). There was a statistically significant decrease in mean length of stenosis from the 1st to the 2nd procedure by approximately 0.11 cm (p = 0.0003). No additional statistically significant differences in stenosis length or location were detected.

Conclusions

Serial endoscopic excision/dilation procedures (the mainstay of iSGS surgical management) do not appear to significantly lengthen intraluminal stenosis nor change the distance of the stenosis from the glottis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:1769–1772, 2024
Predatory impacts of invasive Blue Catfish in an Atlantic coast estuary
Authors: Hilling Corbin D. , Schmitt Joseph D. , Jiao Yan , Orth Donald J.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Predatory invasive fishes may consume species of management interest and alter food webs. Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus is a large-bodied, salinity-tolerant species that exhibits broad diet breadth and preys on species of both conservation concern and fisheries management interest. To better understand the ecological consequences of the establishment of Blue Catfish fisheries, estimates of predatory impacts are needed.

Methods

Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we integrated abundance estimates, diet information, and consumption-to-biomass ratios to estimate population-level Blue Catfish predation for a large Chesapeake Bay tributary along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States, the James River.

Result

Population-level annual predation estimates by Blue Catfish exceeded 100 metric tons for several species or taxa of interest, including an estimated 400.7 metric tons (95% CI = 272.6–613.2) of blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Prey species abundances were unknown and thus limited opportunities to evaluate prey population responses. For instance, effects of Blue Catfish on blue crab populations remain unknown without tributary-specific estimates of blue crab abundance, but comparisons to landings data suggests that Blue Catfish predation on blue crab in the James River may be low compared with harvest.

Conclusion

Estimation of Blue Catfish predatory effects may inform development of management goals and objectives that balance diverse stakeholder interests. This work provides beneficial information to assess trade-offs of Blue Catfish fisheries and their effects on coastal aquatic resources.
Misfolded α‐Synuclein in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Contact Sport Athletes
Authors: Vasilevskaya Anna , Martinez‐Valbuena Ivan , Anastassiadis Chloe , Taghdiri Foad , Khodadadi Mozhgan , Tarazi Apameh , Green Robin , Colella Brenda , Wennberg Richard , Mikulis David , Davis Karen Deborah , Kovacs Gabor G. , Tator Charles , Tartaglia Maria Carmela
Published: October 2023

Background

Misfolded α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) can be detected using the real‐time quaking‐induced conversion (RT‐QuIC) technique in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Objectives

The objectives are (1) to examine misfolded CSF α‐synuclein incidence, and (2) to compare clinical presentation, sports history, brain volumes, and RT‐QuIC α‐synuclein positivity in former athletes.

Methods

Thirty former athletes with magnetic resonance imaging, neuropsychological testing, and CSF analyzed for phosphorylated tau 181 (p‐tau), total tau (t‐tau), amyloid‐β 42 (Aβ42), and neurofilament light chain (NfL). CSF α‐synuclein was detected using RT‐QuIC.

Results

Six (20%) former athletes were α‐synuclein positive. α‐Synuclein positive athletes were similar to α‐synuclein negative athletes on demographics, sports history, clinical features, CSF p‐tau, t‐tau, Aβ42, and NfL; however, had lower grey matter volumes in the right inferior orbitofrontal, right anterior insula and right olfactory cortices.

Conclusions

α‐Synuclein RT‐QuIC analysis of CSF may be useful as a prodromal biofluid marker of PD and DLB. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
RAF1 mutation leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a Chinese family with a history of sudden cardiac death: A diagnostic insight into Noonan syndrome
Authors: Zheng Jingjing , Peng Longyun , Cheng Ruofei , Li Zhiyan , Xie Jianjie , Huang Erwen , Cheng Jianding , Zhao Qianhao
Published: October 2023

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is predominantly caused by mutations in sarcomeric genes. However, a subset of cases is attributed to genetic disorders unrelated to sarcomeric genes, such as Noonan syndrome (NS) and other RASopathies. In this study, we present a family with a history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and focus on two adults with syndromic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods

Clinical evaluations, including echocardiography, were conducted to assess cardiac manifestations. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify potential genetic variants underlying syndromic LVH in the study participants.

Results

Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a missense variant in the RAF1 gene, c.782C>T (p.Pro261Leu). This variant confirmed the diagnosis of NS in the affected individuals.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the importance of family history investigation and genetic testing in diagnosing syndromic LVH. By identifying the underlying genetic cause, clinicians can better understand the etiology of RAS‐HCM and its association with SCD in young adults.
Evaluation of modulation of immunity by lymph node transfer: A preliminary histological evidence in lymphedema patients
Authors: Elia Rossella , Chen Hung‐Chi , Cazzato Gerardo , Di Summa Pietro G. , Giudice Giuseppe , Maruccia Michele
Published: October 2023

Background

The exact knowledge of the local biological and immunological effects of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) continues to be an emerging science but a positive control positive control over infectious and immune‐mediated processes is often advocated. Knowing the characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate associated with lymphedema, the aim of this paper is to verify the hypothesis that VLNT is able to modulate the inflammatory and immune microenvironment of lymphedematous tissue by evaluating any modification of the local inflammatory cell infiltrate.

Patients and Methods

A prospectively database of patients who received VLN transfer for lower extremity lymphedema between January 2018 and December 2020 was reviewed. Nine patients diagnosed with extremities' stage II secondary lymphedema were included, with a mean age of 55.3 (range 39–66 years) years. Gastroepiploic lymph node transfer was performed in all patients and transferred heterotopically. Full thickness 6‐mm skin punch biopsies were obtained from all voluntary lymph node transfer patients at identical sites of the lymphedematous limb during the surgical procedure of VLNT (T0) and 1 year later (T1). Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against the following markers: anti‐CD3; anti‐CD4; anti‐CD8; anti‐CD68. Data at T0 were compared to those at T1.

Results

Post‐operative course was uneventful in all cases experiencing a significant reduction (almost a third) in terms of cellulitis episodes: The median duration of follow‐up for patients was 28.3 months (range 12–40). The analysis of the density of the inflammatory cells as a whole revealed a significant reduction at T1 compared to T0. Specifically, CD3 expression levels turned from 16.36 ± 3.421 (cells/mm2) pre‐operatively to 7.6 ± 1.511 (cells/mm2) post‐operatively (p < .0001). CD4+ cells turned from 7.270 ± 3.421 (cells/mm2) at T0 to 4.815 ± 1.511 cells/mm2 at T1 (p = .0173). CD8 expression values decreased from 4.360 ± 3.421 (cells/mm2) to 2.753 ± 1.451 (cell/mm2) at T1 (p = .0003). Monocyte/macrophage marker CD68 varied from 8.208 ± 2.314 (cells/mm2) at T0 to 7.600 ± 1876 (cells/mm2) at T1 (p = .0003).

Conclusion

VLNT decreases skin and subcutaneous tissues' infiltration of inflammatory cells, providing one explanation for the positive control of lymph node transfer procedure over infectious and immune‐mediated processes.
An in silico investigation of Kv2.1 potassium channel: Model building and inhibitors binding sites analysis**
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xinyuan , Zhou Jie , Wang Weiping , Wang Xiaoliang , Xu Bailing
Published: October 2023

Kv2.1 is widely expressed in brain, and inhibiting Kv2.1 is a potential strategy to prevent cell death and achieve neuroprotection in ischemic stroke. Herein, an in silico model of Kv2.1 tetramer structure was constructed by employing the AlphaFold‐Multimer deep learning method to facilitate the rational discovery of Kv2.1 inhibitors. GaMD was utilized to create an ion transporting trajectory, which was analyzed with HMM to generate multiple representative receptor conformations. The binding site of RY785 and RY796(S) under the P‐loop was defined with Fpocket program together with the competitive binding electrophysiology assay. The docking poses of the two inhibitors were predicted with the aid of the semi‐empirical quantum mechanical calculation, and the IGMH results suggested that Met375, Thr376, and Thr377 of the P‐helix and Ile405 of the S6 segment made significant contributions to the binding affinity. These results provided insights for rational molecular design to develop novel Kv2.1 inhibitors.
Blenderized tube feedings: Practice recommendations from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Epp Lisa , Blackmer Allison , Church April , Ford Ivy , Grenda Brandee , Larimer Cara , Lewis‐Ayalloore Joanna , Malone Ainsley , Pataki Linda , Rempel Gina , Washington Vita ,   The ASPEN Enteral Nutrition Committee
Published: October 2023

Prior to the 1970s, blending food and liquids and putting them through an enteral access device (EAD) was the most common form of enteral nutrition (EN). However, in the 1970s, blenderized tube feedings (BTFs) became less popular due to the emergence of modern commercial enteral formulas (CEFs). Recently, a cultural shift toward consuming a natural diet, consisting of whole foods, has led to a resurgence in the use of BTF. The increasing use of BTF in a variety of patient care settings identifies a need for practice recommendations that provide guidance for nutrition professionals and patients. Members of the American Society for Parental and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Enteral Nutrition Committee identified salient clinical questions concerning BTF, conducted a comprehensive literature search, and subsequently developed practice recommendations pertaining to the use of BTF. This paper was approved by the ASPEN 2022–2023 Board of Directors.
Last‐mile delivery with drone and lockers
Authors: Boschetti Marco Antonio , Novellani Stefano
Published: October 2023

In this article, we define a new routing problem that arises in the last‐mile delivery of parcels, in which customers can be served either directly at home by a capacitated truck, or possibly with a drone carried on the truck, or in a self‐service mode using one of the available lockers. We investigate four different formulations, and for one of them, we propose a branch‐and‐cut approach. We also discuss some possible variants of the original problem. In the computational experiments, we analyze and compare the performance of the four formulations for the problem and its variants, and we provide some useful managerial insights.
An enhanced arithmetic optimization algorithm for optimal control of reactive power
Authors: Sahay Shuvam , Upputuri Ramanaiah , Kumari Pooja , Kumar Niranjan
Published: October 2023

In this article, an enhanced arithmetic optimization algorithm (EAOA) is utilized to resolve the optimal reactive power dispatch problem (ORPD) of power plants, which is a non‐linear, non‐smooth, complex optimization problem. Typically, it is formulated as a constrained optimal power flow problem. This paper utilizes the gamma distribution to generate initial random solutions, which improves the accuracy of the arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA). The original mode of deviation of math optimizer accelerated (MOA) is replaced with the improved pattern of change in the prey's energy in Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO), which creates a superior balance between the exploration and exploitation of AOA. This paper implements logarithmic and exponential operators in place of division and multiplication operators, which improves the exploration ability of AOA and also utilizes the gamma distribution in the generation of random numbers, which are essential for the selection of operators in both search phase which enlarges the search area and improves the global optimum solution. A parametric analysis is performed on 10 benchmark functions for nine possible values before selecting the algorithm's initial parameters. A comparative statistical analysis along with Friedman's test is carried out on 23 benchmark functions to test the overall performance as compared to Sine‐Cosine Algorithm (SCA), Swarm‐Salp Algorithm, Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), and basic Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA). EAOA is applied to the IEEE 57 bus system for optimal reactive power control. EAOA reports a significant reduction in a power loss of 23.2 MW, which is 18.596% smaller than the system's base case power loss of 28.5 MW as compared to Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Firefly Algorithm (FA), Bat‐inspired Algorithm (BAT), Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA), and Modified Ant Lion Algorithm (MALO) which reports a reduction in a power loss of 14.73%, 15.43%, 15.43%, 16.14%, and 16.14% respectively. EAOA reduces the TVD to 0.76 pu, compared to ABC, FA, BAT, CSA, and MALO, which minimizes the TVD to 0.84, 0.82, 0.88, 0.82, and 0.79, respectively. This proves that EAOA performs better in resolving ORCP problems regarding the quality of solutions and convergence. A detailed comparative statistical analysis of EAOA with CSA, BAT, and WOA (Whale Optimization Algorithm) is conducted in terms of Probability Distribution Functions (PDF) and Cumulative Distribution Functions (CDF), along with the Wilcoxson sign rank test, which proves that EAOA gives the solution with a higher degree of precision.
Differential privacy optimal control with asymmetric information structure
Authors: Zhang Di , Ni Yuan‐Hua
Published: October 2023

A linear‐quadratic optimal control is investigated in this article under the differential privacy (DP) philosophy to trade off the performance and privacy of sensitive information, where the two controllers have asymmetric information structure and some prescribed signal needs to be tracked. Note that the system output and tracking signal are always sensitive and easy to be filched by adversaries; thus the DP methodology is explored to protect them. Under DP Gaussian mechanism, the optimal linear controllers are first studied for finite‐horizon and infinite‐horizon problems. Then, the bounds of mean‐square error of steady‐state Kalman filter estimator is provided, and the DP parameter design will be guided that characterizes the privacy of sensitive information. As the DP Gaussian noise will degrade the controlled performance, the degraded performance is quantitatively calculated. Finally, a numerical example is given that shows the efficiency of obtained results.