bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cenobamate in refractory epilepsy: Overview of treatment options and practical considerations
Authors: Schmitz Bettina , Lattanzi Simona , Vonck Kristl , Kälviäinen Reetta , Nashef Lina , Ben‐Menachem Elinor
Published: September 2023

Management of drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) represents a challenge to the treating clinician. This manuscript addresses DRE and provides an overview of treatment options, medical, surgical, and dietary. It addresses treatment strategies in polytherapy, then focuses on the role cenobamate (CNB) may play in reducing the burden of DRE while providing practical advice for its introduction. CNB is a recently approved, third generation, anti‐seizure medication (ASM), a tetrazole‐derived carbamate, thought to have a dual mechanism of action, through its effect on sodium channels as well as on GABAA receptors at a non‐benzodiazepine site. CNB, having a long half‐life, is an effective add‐on ASM in refractory focal epilepsy with a higher response rate and a higher seizure‐freedom rate than is usually seen in regulatory clinical trials. Experience post‐licensing, though still limited, supports the findings of clinical trials and is encouraging. Its spectrum of action in relation to generalized epilepsies and seizures remains to be established, and there are no data on its efficacy in monotherapy. At the time of writing, CNB has been prescribed for some 50 000 individuals with DRE and focal epilepsy. A larger number is needed to fully establish its safety profile. It should at all times be introduced slowly to minimize the risk of serious allergic drug reactions. It has clinically meaningful interactions which must be anticipated and managed to maximize tolerability and likelihood of successful treatment. Despite the above, it may well prove to be of major benefit in the treatment of many patients with drug resistant epilepsy.
Randomized trial to assess the efficacy and safety of xyloglucan for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children
Authors: Perez‐Garcia Maria Jose , Royuela Ana , Rodriguez‐Contreras Francisco‐Javier , PandoBravo Maria Angeles , Chiatti Cristina , Ramos Carmen , Arana‐Zumaquero Mario , Gonzalez‐Marcos Maria Isabel , Diaz Juncal , Fresno‐Calle Maria Cristina , García‐Bartolomé Ruth , Viver Susana , Villaverde‐Gonzalez Serena , Cilleruelo‐Pascual Maria Luz , Gutierrez‐Junquera Carolina , Rasines‐Rodriguez Alejandro , Manso‐Pérez Alba , Román‐Riechmann Enriqueta
Published: September 2023

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases in children and an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. No specific treatment is available; therefore, management is exclusively symptomatic. Xyloglucan has been approved in Europe as a class IIa medical device for restoration of the physiological functions of the intestinal wall. Our objective was to assess efficacy and safety of xyloglucan for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children. We performed a triple‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial in four primary care centers and one continued care hospital center. The study population comprised children with acute gastroenteritis aged >3 months and <5 years. Our primary endpoint was time (in hours) of resolution of diarrhea, defined as the time to resolution of stool consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale ≤5 or Amsterdam Stool Form Scale B or C) or time until deposition frequency resumes to normality, whichever occurred first. We also recorded intravenous rehydration, hospitalization, stools per day, Vesikari scale, vomiting, relapse, weight loss, drugs prescribed, and adverse events. Eighty children were included in the intention‐to‐treat population (43 xyloglucan and 37 placebo) and 74 (93%) in the per‐protocol population. Time to resolution of diarrhea was similar in both groups with (median, 95% CI) 24, 17–24 h in the xyloglucan group versus 24, 19–24 h in the placebo group, p = .680. Significant differences were observed for patients with moderate‐to‐severe diarrhea (Vesikari scale ≥9): xyloglucan group (20 [15–24] h) versus placebo group (85 [51–120] h) (p = .04). No other significant differences were found. Xyloglucan can be considered safe and other studies should be performed to confirm the usefulness in patients with moderate‐to‐severe diarrhea.
Insights into momentous aroma dominating the characteristic flavor of jasmine tea
Authors: Zhao Yueling , Li Shunyu , Du Xiao , Xu Wei , Bian Jinlin , Chen Shengxiang , He Chunlei , Xu Jingyi , Ye Shanrong , Feng Dejian , Li Pinwu
Published: September 2023

Jasmine tea is loved by most people who drink flower tea owing to its unique aroma, and it is known as the top of flower teas. In our study, the quantitative evaluation of the quality of jasmine tea and detection of aroma components were carried out. First, the flavor quality of 92 kinds of jasmine tea was evaluated using multiple sub‐factor quality evaluation methods. According to the evaluation results, jasmine tea was divided into three types: “fresh and lovely” (FL), “heavy and thick” (HT), and “fresh and heavy” (FH). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to detect the aroma components of the three types of jasmine tea samples. α‐Farnesene, cis‐3‐hexenyl benzoate, acid phenylmethyl ester, linalool, methyl anthranilate, and indole were the main substances that constituted the basic aroma quality characteristics of jasmine tea. Compared to the FL type, the HT and FH types were weaker in the diversification of the characteristic aroma and accumulation of green, herb, sweet, and roast aroma substances. Green and herb aromas play crucial roles in the fresh and persistent qualities of the three types of jasmine tea, which are the key quality factors research focus of jasmine tea.
Self‐help application for obsessive‐compulsive disorder based on exposure and response prevention technique with prototype design and usability evaluation: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rezaee Rita , Parsa Ziba , Ahmadzadeh Laaya , Ahmadian Leila , Avazzadeh Sepehr , Marzaleh Milad Ahmadi
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common disorder that, due to its debilitating nature, significantly affects personal abilities, job performance, social adjustment, and interpersonal relationships. There are significant barriers to accessing evidence‐based cognitive‐behavioral therapy as a first‐line treatment for obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Mobile health applications (Apps) offer a promising way to improve access to evidence‐based therapies while overcoming these barriers. The present study was to design and evaluate a prototype of a self‐help application for people with OCD (the most common pattern of OCD) based on the exposure and response prevention (ERP) technique.

Methods

This work was developed in four different phases. (1) Needs assessment: a thorough literature review, reviewing existing related programs and apps, and interviewing patients and psychiatrists; (2) Creating a paper prototype: considering the functional features identified in the previous phase using wireframe sketcher software. (3) Creating a digital prototype: developing an actual prototype using Axure RP software based on the information obtained from an expert panel's evaluation of the paper prototype. (4) Prototype usability evaluation: through a heuristic evaluation with experts and usability testing with patients using the SUS questionnaire.

Results

After requirement analysis, requirements were defined in the areas of information and educational elements, and functional capabilities. Prototypes designed based on identified requirements include capabilities such as in‐app online self‐help groups, assessing the severity of the symptoms of the disorder, psychological training, supportive treatment strategies, setting personalized treatment plans, tracking treatment progress through weekly reports provided, anxiety assessment, and setting reminders.

Conclusion

The results of the heuristic evaluation with experts made it possible to identify how to provide information and implement the capabilities in a way that is more appropriate and easier for the user.
Ultrasound imaging and the culture of pregnancy management in low‐and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Ibrahimi Janat , Mumtaz Zubia
Published: September 2023

Background

Obstetric ultrasound imaging is a relatively new, but rapidly expanding, technology in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Given that new technologies modify practices, the influence of ultrasound on pregnancy management in LMICs is not comprehensively understood.

Objectives

To map how ultrasound technology may be modulating the culture of pregnancy management in LMICs.

Search Strategy

A search of five databases up to November 18, 2022.

Selection Criteria

Original, peer‐reviewed articles from LMICs, published in English from 2000 to 2022.

Data Collection and Analysis

All articles were assessed for quality using the GRADE approach. Data were analyzed thematically to generate new interpretive constructs and explanations.

Results

Forty articles involving 113 000 respondents suggests that obstetric ultrasound is becoming the preferred method of pregnancy surveillance, replacing clinically important components of prenatal care. Mothers overestimate ultrasound as an all‐powerful diagnostic and “therapeutic” tool that can deliver the perfect baby. For‐profit providers are driving medically unnecessary scans while the poor do not receive the recommended scans.

Conclusion

Ultrasound technology has modified the culture of pregnancy management in LMICs in unintended and possibly harmful ways. Private health services are pushing the detrimental trends. Limitations include generalizability of qualitative studies and insufficient attention to inequities.
Severe hemoperitoneum from spontaneous rupture of uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex‐cord tumor: A very rare case
Authors: EL Hayek Pamela , Chlala Walid , Younes Kenny , Ghaname Wadih , Ziadeh Hanane
Published: September 2023

Synopsis

A case of uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex‐cord tumor with an unfamiliar presentation. Management was performed based on the clinical findings and the literature recommendations.
Intraspecific difference of Latilactobacillus sakei in inflammatory bowel diseases: Insights into potential mechanisms through comparative genomics and metabolomics analyses
Authors: Liu Yaru , Duan Hui , Chen Ying , Zhang Chengcheng , Zhao Jianxin , Narbad Arjan , Tian Fengwei , Zhai Qixiao , Yu Leilei , Chen Wei
Published: September 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that have become a global health burden. Studies have revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei can effectively alleviate various immune diseases, including colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and metabolic disorders. Here, we obtained 72 strains of L. sakei from 120 fermentation and fecal samples across China. In total, 16 strains from different sources were initially screened in an in vitro Caco‐2 model induced by dextran sulfate sodium. Subsequently, six strains (four exhibiting effectiveness and two exhibiting ineffectiveness) were selected for further validation in an in vivo colitis mouse model. The results demonstrated that L. sakei strains exhibited varying degrees of amelioration of the colitis disease process. Notably, L. sakei CCFM1267, the most effective strain, significantly restored colon length and tight‐junction protein expression, and reduced the levels of cytokines and associated inflammatory enzymes. Moreover, L. sakei CCFM1267 upregulated the abundance of Enterorhabdus, Alloprevotella, and Roseburia, leading to increased levels of acetic acid and propionic acid. Conversely, the other four strains (L. sakei QJSSZ1L4, QJSSZ4L10, QGZZYRHMT1L6, and QGZZYRHMT2L6) only exhibited a partial remission effect, while L. sakei QJSNT1L10 displayed minimal impact. Therefore, L. sakei CCFM1267 and QJSNT1L10 were selected for further exploration of the mechanisms underlying their differential mitigating effects. Comparative genomics analysis revealed significant variations between the two strains, particularly in genes associated with carbohydrate‐active enzymes, such as the glycoside hydrolase family, which potentially contribute to the diverse profiles of short‐chain fatty acids in vivo. Additionally, metabolome analysis demonstrated that acetylcholine and indole‐3‐acetic acid were the main differentiating metabolites of the two strains. Therefore, the strains of L. sakei exhibited varying degrees of effectiveness in alleviating IBD‐related symptoms, and the possible reasons for these variations were attributed to discrepancies in the carbohydrate‐active enzymes and metabolites among the strains.
DOCK 6: Incorporating hierarchical traversal through precomputed ligand conformations to enable large‐scale docking
Authors: Balius Trent E. , Tan Y. Stanley , Chakrabarti Mayukh
Published: September 2023

To allow DOCK 6 access to unprecedented chemical space for screening billions of small molecules, we have implemented features from DOCK 3.7 into DOCK 6, including a search routine that traverses precomputed ligand conformations stored in a hierarchical database. We tested them on the DUDE‐Z and SB2012 test sets. The hierarchical database search routine is 16 times faster than anchor‐and‐grow. However, the ability of hierarchical database search to reproduce the experimental pose is 16% worse than that of anchor‐and‐grow. The enrichment performance is on average similar, but DOCK 3.7 has better enrichment than DOCK 6, and DOCK 6 is on average 1.7 times slower. However, with post‐docking torsion minimization, DOCK 6 surpasses DOCK 3.7. A large‐scale virtual screen is performed with DOCK 6 on 23 million fragment molecules. We use current features in DOCK 6 to complement hierarchical database calculations, including torsion minimization, which is not available in DOCK 3.7.
The stability of oxygen‐centered radicals and its response to hydrogen bonding interactions
Authors: Korotenko Vasilii , Zipse Hendrik
Published: September 2023

The stability of various alkoxy/aryloxy/peroxy radicals, as well as TEMPO and triplet dioxygen (3O2) has been explored at a variety of theoretical levels. Good correlations between RSEtheor and RSEexp are found for hybrid DFT methods, for compound schemes such as G3B3‐D3, and also for DLPNO‐CCSD(T) calculations. The effects of hydrogen bonding interactions on the stability of oxygen‐centered radicals have been probed by addition of a single solvating water molecule. While this water molecule always acts as a H‐bond donor to the oxygen‐centered radical itself, it can act as a H‐bond donor or acceptor to the respective closed‐shell parent.
Small non‐coding RNA profiling in patients with gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Molfino Alessio , Beltrà Marc , Amabile Maria Ida , Belli Roberta , Birolo Giovanni , Belloni Elena , De Lucia Serena , Garcia‐Castillo Lorena , Penna Fabio , Imbimbo Giovanni , Nigri Giuseppe , Pardini Barbara , Costelli Paola , Muscaritoli Maurizio
Published: September 2023

Background

Small non‐coding (snc)RNAs, including microRNAs and P‐element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)‐interacting‐RNAs (piRNAs), crucially regulate gene expression in both physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, some muscle‐specific microRNAs (myomiRs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of cancer‐induced muscle wasting. The aims of the present study were (i) to profile sncRNAs in both skeletal muscle and plasma of gastrointestinal cancer patients and (ii) to investigate the association among differentially expressed sncRNAs and the level of muscularity at body composition analysis.

Methods

Surgical patients with gastrointestinal cancer or benign disease were recruited. Blood samples and muscle biopsies (rectus abdominis) were collected during surgery. Low muscularity patients were those at the lowest tertile of skeletal muscle index (SMI; CT‐scan), whereas moderate/high muscularity patients were in the middle and highest SMI tertiles. SncRNAs in the muscle were assessed by RNAseq, circulating microRNAs were evaluated by qPCR.

Results

Cancer patients (n = 25; 13 females, 52%) showed a mean age of 71.6 ± 11.2 years, a median body weight loss of 4.2% and a mean BMI of 27.0 ± 3.2 kg/m2. Control group (n = 15; 9 females, 60%) showed a mean age 58.1 ± 13.9 years and a mean BMI of 28.0 ± 4.3 kg/m2. In cancer patients, the median L3‐SMI (cm2/m2) was 42.52 (34.42; 49.07). Males showed a median L3‐SMI of 46.08 (41.17–51.79) and females a median L3‐SMI of 40.77 (33.73–42.87). Moderate‐high and low muscularity groups included 17 and 8 patients, respectively. As for circulating microRNAs, miR‐21‐5p and miR‐133a‐3p were up‐regulated in patients compared with controls, whereas miR‐15b‐5p resulted down‐regulated in the same comparison (about 30% of control values). Sample clustering by muscularity and sex revealed increased miR‐133a‐3p and miR‐206 only in moderate‐high muscularity males. SncRNA profiling in the muscle identified 373 microRNAs and 190 piRNAs (72.5% and 18.7% of raw reads, respectively). As for microRNAs, 10 were up‐regulated, and 56 were down‐regulated in cancer patients versus controls. Among the 24 dysregulated piRNAs, the majority were down‐regulated, including the top two most expressed piRNAs in the muscle (piR‐12790 and piR‐2106). Network analysis on validated mRNA targets of down‐regulated microRNAs revealed miR‐15b‐5p, miR‐106a‐5p and miR‐106b‐5p as main interactors of genes related to ubiquitin ligase/transferase activities.

Conclusions

These results show dysregulation of both muscle microRNAs and piRNAs in cancer patients compared with controls, the former following a sex‐specific pattern. Changes in circulating microRNAs are associated with the degree of muscularity rather than body weight loss.
Appendicitis in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography
Authors: Wang Zimo , Bao Fuxing , Liang Weiyu , Wu Huaiyu , Lin Ziwei , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of appendicitis in pregnant women was examined in a meta‐analysis.

Methods

Pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis were evaluated using ultrasound in a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 2011 to August 10, 2023. The sensitivity and specificity values and diagnostic odds ratios were obtained using the pooled data.

Results

A total of 239 patients were studied in four relevant investigations. Ultrasonography has a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 88% for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.66%. Ultrasonography had a positive likelihood ratio of 4.65 (95% confidence interval, 1.42–15.23) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.62). There was no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.93).

Conclusions

Ultrasound has moderate sensitivity for identifying appendicitis in pregnant women and may be utilized as an alternative diagnostic method.
Randomized phase II trial of chemoradiotherapy with S‐1 versus combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S‐1 as neoadjuvant treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer (JASPAC 04)
Authors: Sugiura Teiichi , Toyama Hirochika , Fukutomi Akira , Asakura Hirofumi , Takeda Yuriko , Yamamoto Kouji , Hirano Satoshi , Satoi Sohei , Matsumoto Ippei , Takahashi Shinichiro , Morinaga Soichiro , Yoshida Makoto , Sakuma Yasunaru , Iwamoto Hidetaka , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate which treatment, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NAC‐RT) with S‐1 or combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S‐1 (NAC‐GS), is more promising as neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) for resectable pancreatic cancer in terms of effectiveness and safety.

Methods

In the NAC‐RT with S‐1 group, the patients received a total radiation dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions with oral S‐1. In the NAC‐GS group, the patients received intravenous gemcitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 with oral S‐1 for two cycles. The primary endpoint was the 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rate. The trial was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry as UMIN000014894.

Results

From April 2014 to April 2017, a total of 103 patients were enrolled. After exclusion of one patient because of ineligibility, 51 patients were included in the NAC‐RT with S‐1 group, and 51 patients were included in the NAC‐GS group in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. The 2‐year PFS rate was 45.0% (90% confidence interval [CI]: 33.3%–56.0%) in the NAC‐RT with S‐1 group and 54.9% (42.8%–65.5%) in the NAC‐GS group (p = .350). The 2‐year overall survival rate was 66.7% in the NAC‐RT with S‐1 group and 72.4% in the NAC‐GS group (p = .300). Although leukopenia and neutropenia rates were significantly higher in the NAC‐GS group than in the NAC‐RT with S‐1 group (p = .023 and p < .001), other adverse events of NAT and postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Both NAC‐RT with S‐1 and NAC‐GS are considered promising treatments for resectable pancreatic cancer.
Two‐step artificial intelligence algorithm for liver segmentation automates anatomic virtual hepatectomy
Authors: Kazami Yusuke , Kaneko Junichi , Keshwani Deepak , Kitamura Yoshiro , Takahashi Ryugen , Mihara Yuichiro , Ichida Akihiko , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: September 2023

Background

Anatomic virtual hepatectomy with precise liver segmentation for hemilivers, sectors, or Couinaud's segments using conventional three‐dimensional simulation is not automated and artificial intelligence (AI)‐based algorithms have not yet been applied.

Methods

Computed tomography data of 174 living‐donor candidates for liver transplantation (training data) were used for developing a new two‐step AI algorithm to automate liver segmentation that was validated in another 51 donors (validation data). The Pure‐AI (no human intervention) and ground truth (GT, full human intervention) data groups were compared.

Results

In the Pure‐AI group, the median Dice coefficients of the right and left hemilivers were highly similar, 0.95 and 0.92, respectively; sectors, posterior to lateral: 0.86–0.92, and Couinaud's segments 1–8: 0.71–0.89. Labeling of the first‐order branch as hemiliver, right or left portal vein perfectly matched; 92.8% of the second‐order (sectors); 91.6% of third‐order (segments) matched between the Pure‐AI and GT data.

Conclusions

The two‐step AI algorithm for liver segmentation automates anatomic virtual hepatectomy. The AI‐based algorithm correctly divided all hemilivers, and more than 90% of the sectors and segments.
Island idleness: Investigating the impact of remittances on labour market participation in Comoros
Authors: Keller Michael , Mulangu Francis
Published: September 2023

The labour market is fundamental for economic growth, which makes an in‐depth understanding of its dynamics crucial for development and poverty reduction. One determinant of labour market outcomes are remittances. Remittances can influence the decision of an individual whether to participate in the labour market or not, which makes it necessary to understand this relation. In this study we assessed the impact of remittances on the labour supply in the Comoros, the second largest recipient of remittances as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa, by using propensity score matching and national household surveys for 2014 and 2020 to estimate how remittances influenced the decision to participate in the labour market. Most of our results are statistically insignificant; that is, individuals receiving remittances were as likely to participate in the labour market as non‐receivers. Remittances did not influence the unemployment rate and the number of hours worked. On the other side, we found that the type of work was influenced overall by remittances with remittances receivers being more likely to engage in informal work, being more likely to be self‐employed and finally being less likely to engage in wage work. We further find some heterogeneity across the origin and the amount of received remittances. Foreign remittances can explain better the few significant results than domestic remittances and high remittances receivers influenced the labour participation rate, while low and medium remittances receivers explain better the impact of remittances on hours worked, self‐employment and wage work.
Radial Planes in Hip Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Techniques, Applications, and Perspectives
Authors: Chen Yan‐Li , Chen Wei
Published: September 2023

The hip cartilage and labrum, as the main targets of femoroacetabular impingement, sports‐related or traumatic damage, as well as congenital and developmental abnormalities, have attracted increasing attention with the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hip arthroscopy. MRI is a commonly used imaging modality to noninvasively visualize the hip cartilage and labral lesions. However, conventional orthogonal MRI planes encounter unique challenges given the ball‐and‐socket configuration of the hip joint, its anatomically abducted and anteverted orientation, and the thin, closely apposed cartilage enveloping the femoral head and acetabulum. Advancements in hip MRI's radial plane, which is acquired through the center of the hip joint, offer a solution. This technology provides true cross‐sectional images of the cartilage and labrum perpendicular to the curvature of the joint, thereby mitigating the partial‐volume‐averaging effects. The integration of 3.0‐Tesla high field strength and three‐dimensional (3D) acquisition techniques further enhances the capabilities of the radial plane. This combination yields a high signal‐to‐noise ratio, high spatial resolution, high contrast between intraarticular structures, while minimizing partial‐volume‐averaging effects. Such improvements potentially facilitate the comprehensive detection of even minor chondral and labral lesions. The capability for multiplanar reconstruction from a single 3D volumetric acquisition further strengthens the usefulness of the radial plane by aiding in precise localization of hip cartilage and labral lesions, in line with hip arthroscopy findings. These advancements have the potential to standardize MRI evaluations and radiographic reporting systems for hip cartilage and labrum, offering precise guidance for hip arthroscopy. This article presents a comprehensive review of radial plane technology applied to the hip MRI, and discusses the morphological assessment and localization of hip cartilage and labral lesions utilizing this advanced imaging technique.

Evidence Level

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
The Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry (J‐AB): Annual report in 2021
Authors: Kusano Kengo , Yamane Teiichi , Inoue Koichi , Takegami Misa , Nakai Michikazu , Kanaoka Koshiro , Tonegawa‐Kuji Reina , Miyamoto Koji , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Takatsuki Seiji , Nakamura Kohki , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Shimizu Wataru ,   J‐AB registry investigators
Published: September 2023

The Japanese Catheter Ablation (J‐AB) registry, started in August 2017, is a voluntary, nationwide, multicenter, prospective, observational registry, performed by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS) in collaboration with the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center using a Research Electronic Data Capture system. The purpose of this registry is to collect the details of target arrhythmias, the ablation procedures, including the type of target arrhythmias, outcomes, and acute complications in the real‐world settings. During the year of 2021, we have collected a total of 89 609 procedures (mean age of 66.1 years and 65.9% male) from 506 participant hospitals. Detailed data are shown in Figures and Tables.
Comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed quality difference between beauty tea processed through indoor withering and outdoor solar withering
Authors: Ding Fengjiao , Zhang Yunzhi , Lin Jinlong , Zhong Sitong , Li Pengchun , Li Yuanchao , Chen Chunmei , Jin Shan
Published: September 2023

Background

Withering is the first processing procedure of beauty tea, and there are few reports on the impact of withering methods on the quality of beauty tea and its regulatory mechanisms.

Results

Through comparison of fresh tea leaves (FT) with the leaves after indoor natural withering for 18 h (IWT‐18) and outdoor solar withering for 6 h (OWT‐6), which were collected at the end of the two withering processes, 17 282 and 13 984 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were respectively screened and 267 and 154 differential metabolites (DMs) were respectively identified. The coexpression network revealed that a large number of DEGs and DMs were enriched in phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporter pathways, and the number of DMs and DEGs in IWT‐18 versus FT exceeded that in OWT‐6 versus FT. Both withering methods promoted a significant increase in content of phenylalanine and upregulation of β‐glucoside expression in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway. Five theaflavin‐type proanthocyanidins in the flavonoid synthesis pathway were more significantly accumulated in FT versus IWT‐18 than in FT versus OWT‐6. Meanwhile, both withering methods can affect the ABC transporter pathway to promote the accumulation of amino acids and their derivatives, but different withering methods affect different ABC transporter families. Outdoor withering with more severe abiotic stress has a greater impact on the ABCG family, whereas indoor withering has a more significant effect on the ABCC family. Sensory evaluation results showed that the dry tea of IWT‐18 was slightly better than that of OWT‐6 because of the longer withering time and more thorough substance transformation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the formation of honey flavor in beauty tea may be closely related to the DEGs and DMs in these three pathways. Our research provides theoretical data support for further revealing the mechanism of quality formation during the withering process of beauty tea. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quality of Office‐based Procedure Training During Laryngology Fellowship
Authors: Enver Necati , Axiotakis Lucas G. , Sulica Lucian , Pitman Michael J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The primary objective was to assess the perspectives of recent laryngology fellowship graduates on office‐based procedure training, with a secondary objective to compare this with previous research on perspectives of fellowship directors.

Methods

Recent laryngology fellowship graduates were surveyed via an online survey platform regarding post‐fellowship practice and various aspects of office‐based procedure training, including perceived competence, mentorship, and barriers.

Results

There were 51 respondents. Seventy‐six percent of respondents felt they “definitely” received adequate office procedure training. Number of procedures as primary surgeon was significantly associated with perception of adequate training (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.08–2.19, p = 0.018) and high post‐fellowship office procedure volume (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02–2.39, p = 0.040). Fellows reported a lower percentage of procedures as primary surgeons compared with program directors (46.8% vs. 61.9%, p = 0.028). Fellows and directors agreed that informal debriefs were more commonly employed than more structured training elements such as checklists and simulators. Of nine office procedures, laryngeal electromyography, KTP laser, and transnasal esophagoscopy had the greatest decreases in practice after training.

Conclusion

Although most recent laryngology fellowship graduates endorse adequate office‐based procedure training, a range of individual experiences exists, and office procedure volume, both overall and across individual procedures, may decrease after fellowship. Fellows performing office procedures as primary surgeons may be linked to perceived quality of training and post‐fellowship volume.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:1802–1806, 2024
Mechanochemical Activation of a Metal–Organic Framework Embedded within a Thermoplastic Polyurethane Matrix: Probing Fluorogenic Stress‐Sensing
Authors: Shinde Kshitij Sanjay , Michael Philipp , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: September 2023

Here, a mechanochemically triggered Cu(I) bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene [NHC))‐based metal–organic framwork (MOF) embedded into a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)‐matrix is reported. The induced fluorogenic copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reveals the stressed parts within the thermoplastic PU via a simple optical detection. As determined via oscillating tensile rheology on dumbbell‐shaped samples of TPU, a MOF, containing 4.66% copper, catalyzes the fluorogenic CuAAC between the nonfluorescent precursor dyes, 8‐azidonaphthalen‐2‐ol, and 3‐hydroxyphenylacetylene. After mechanical activation of the MOF situated inside the TPU, the fluorescent 8‐(4‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)naphthalen‐2‐ol dye is formed. Monitoring the formation of the dye inside the TPU via fluorescence spectrometry at λex = 458 nm shows an increase of the fluorescence intensity up to 60–70%. It is demonstrated that a dumbbell‐shaped TPU, subjected to higher stress, displays higher fluorescence than the surrounding other areas, thus effectively functioning as a three‐in‐one stress‐sensor system.
Marketing analytics: The bridge between customer psychology and marketing decision‐making
Authors: Basu Rituparna , Lim Weng Marc , Kumar Anil , Kumar Satish
Published: September 2023

As modern marketing environments become increasingly data‐intensive, the role of marketing analytics in illuminating the dynamics of customer psychology to inform marketing decision‐making becomes critical. This study conducts a systematic literature review using a bibliometric analysis of 122 studies identified and retrieved from Scopus, focusing on the expansive domain of marketing analytics. Our review serves as a conduit binding the fragmented past, present, and future of marketing analytics, presenting an organized framework that highlights the characteristic theoretical underpinnings associated with it. Beyond offering a panoramic perspective of key resources—encompassing journals, authors, countries/territories, and institutions—we delve deeply into predominant themes in marketing analytics. These themes underscore its vital applications, from decision‐making, forecasting, and capability building, to understanding customer journeys and gaining a competitive edge. Central to our discourse is the study's implication, emphasizing marketing analytics as a bridge to a more informed grasp of customer psychology in today's customer‐centric, data‐driven environment. Through this lens, marketing analytics becomes a potent tool to capture psychological nuances, uncovering facets that might be bypassed by traditional marketing, thereby empowering enriched decision‐making in modern marketing strategies.
A study of genetic heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorders based on plasma proteomic and metabolomic analysis: multiomics study of autism heterogeneity
Authors: Tang Xiaoxiao , Feng Chengyun , Zhao Yuxi , Zhang Huajie , Gao Yan , Cao Xueshan , Hong Qi , Lin Jing , Zhuang Hongbin , Feng Yuying , Wang Hanghang , Shen Liming
Published: September 2023

Genetic heterogeneity poses a challenge to research and clinical translation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we conducted a plasma proteomic and metabolomic study of children with ASD with and without risk genes (de novo mutation) and controls to explore the impact of genetic heterogeneity on the search for biomarkers for ASD. In terms of the proteomic and metabolomic profiles, the groups of children with ASD carrying and those not carrying de novo mutation tended to cluster and overlap, and integrating them yielded differentially expressed proteins and differential metabolites that effectively distinguished ASD from controls. The mechanisms associated with them focus on several common and previously reported mechanisms. Proteomics results highlight the role of complement, inflammation and immunity, and cell adhesion. The main pathways of metabolic perturbations include amino acid, vitamin, glycerophospholipid, tryptophan, and glutamates metabolic pathways and solute carriers‐related pathways. Integrating the two omics analyses revealed that L‐glutamic acid and malate dehydrogenase may play key roles in the pathogenesis of ASD. These results suggest that children with ASD may have important underlying common mechanisms. They are not only potential therapeutic targets for ASD but also important contributors to the study of biomarkers for the disease.
Meta‐analysis of Association between Newer Glucose‐Lowering Drugs and Risk of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Tang Huilin , Lu Ying , Okun Michael S. , Donahoo William T. , Ramirez‐Zamora Adolfo , Wang Fei , Huang Yu , Chen Wei‐Han , Virnig Beth A. , Bian Jiang , Guo Jingchuan
Published: September 2023

Background

The association between newer classes of glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear.

Objective

The aim was to examine the effect of newer GLDs on the risk of PD through a meta‐analysis of randomized outcome trials.

Methods

The methods included randomized placebo‐controlled outcome trials that reported PD events associated with three newer classes of GLDs (ie, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors) in participants with or without type 2 diabetes. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using Peto's method.

Results

The study included 24 trials involving 33 PD cases among 185,305 participants during a median follow‐up of 2.2 years. Newer GLDs were significantly associated with a lower PD risk (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.25–0.98) than placebo.

Conclusion

Newer GLDs may possibly be associated with a decreased risk of PD; however, larger datasets are required to confirm or refute this notion.
Contralateral internal mammary artery perforator flap for large inner chest wall defect repair and immediate breast reconstruction after excision of large malignant inner breast tumors
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Wu Xiaodong , Yang Jing , Liang Jiahui , Ren Min
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Large breast tumor resection can cause chest wall defects that are difficult to close. A combination of oncoplastic techniques is required to repair chest wall defects and immediately reconstruct the breast. In this report, we present the use of the contralateral internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap to repair large chest wall defects and perform breast reconstruction for a series of patients.

Methods

Between July 2013 and June 2020, 10 patients and 4 patients underwent chest wall defect repair and breast reconstruction, respectively, with contralateral IMAP flaps. The average body mass index was 26.9 kg/m2 (range: 21.5–33.7 kg/m2). Tumor sizes varied from 2.5 × 1.5 × 0.8 to 9.5 × 6.0 × 4.0 cm3. Defect sizes ranged from 16 × 10 to 8 × 4 cm2. All patients underwent multiple imaging examinations to exclude abnormalities. Primary outcomes included complete tumor resection and flap survival. Secondary outcomes included the BREAST‐Q results and bilateral breast symmetry measurements.

Results

All flaps exhibited good postoperative survival and were between 20 × 12 and 10 × 5 cm2. Two patients experienced minor complications that did not influence outcomes. No obvious donor site complications were observed. The BREAST‐Q results indicated favorable reconstructive efficacy, with “satisfaction with breasts,” “physical well‐being (chest),” and “satisfaction with the outcome” scores of 77.8 (range: 58–87), 83.2 (range: 77–89), and 80.1 (range: 70–88), respectively. No signs of tumor recurrence were observed during a median follow‐up period of 53.5 months (range: 6–83 months). However, poor postoperative bilateral breast symmetry was observed (vertical extent: 0.63 [range: 0.36–0.88]; horizontal extent: 0.64 [range: 0.41–0.80]).

Conclusions

IMAP flaps are reliable options for chest wall defect repair and breast reconstruction for selected patients with locally advanced breast cancer and inner breast tumors. Despite poor postoperative bilateral breast symmetry, most patients reported excellent outcomes.
Identification of atypical T4SS effector proteins mediating bacterial defense
Authors: Shen Xi , Yang Zixiang , Li Zihan , Xiong Dan , Liao Jinxing , He Weimei , Shen Danyu , Shao Xiaolong , Niu Ben , He Yongxing , Gao Yong‐Gui , Qian Guoliang
Published: September 2023

To remain competitive, proteobacteria use various contact‐dependent weapon systems to defend against microbial competitors. The bacterial‐killing type IV secretion system (T4SS) is one such powerful weapon. It commonly controls the killing/competition between species by secreting the lethal T4SS effector (T4E) proteins carrying conserved XVIPCD domains into competing cells. In this study, we sought knowledge to understand whether the bacterial‐killing T4SS‐producing bacteria encode T4E‐like proteins and further explore their biological functions. To achieve this, we designed a T4E‐guided approach to discover T4E‐like proteins that are designated as atypical T4Es. Initially, this approach required scientists to perform simple BlastP search to identify T4E homologs that lack the XVIPCD domain in the genomes of T4SS‐producing bacteria. These homologous genes were then screened in Escherichia coli to identify antibacterial candidates (atypical T4Es) and their neighboring detoxification proteins, followed by testing their gene cotranscription and validating their physical interactions. Using this approach, we did discover two atypical T4E proteins from the plant‐beneficial Lysobacter enzymogenes and the phytopathogen Xanthomonas citri. We also provided substantial evidence to show that the atypical T4E protein Le1637‐mediated bacterial defense in interspecies interactions between L. enzymogenes and its competitors. Therefore, the newly designed T4E‐guided approach holds promise for detecting functional atypical T4E proteins in bacterial cells.
Finite‐time observer‐based fault detection with nonfragile control design for switched nonlinear networked systems with time‐delays
Authors: Velmurugan Dhanya , Arumugam Arunkumar , Arumugam Karthick
Published: September 2023

The strategy of observer‐based nonfragile control and fault‐detection over finite‐time horizon has been examined for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear networked control systems (NNCSs) contingent with time varying delays inferred by the networks from sensor to controller and controller to actuator. Also, in this study, an observer‐based fault detection control has been designed for the NNCSs. By making use of fault detection control as residual generator, the conveyed fault detection problem is then transformed into attenuation problem. By employing multiple Lyapunov function and average dwell time (ADT) approach, sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) ensures the finite‐time boundedness (FTB) criterion of the resulting switched NNCSs with a prescribed disturbance attenuation. Subsequently, the preferred LMIs constraints realizes the controller and observer gains. Finally, two numerical examples are proffered to showcase the efficacity of the proposed technique.
Mechanical and vibrational study of raw and surface‐treated ramie fiber hybridized carbon fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Samuel Senthamizh Selvan , Issac Selvaraj Rajay Vedaraj
Published: September 2023

Hybrid polymer composites' lightweight, biodegradability, damping, and cost‐effectiveness have made them popular in recent decades. This study evaluated the raw and alkali‐treated hybrid composite's free vibration studies and mechanical properties by changing the ramie fiber layers (core) from two to four and keeping the carbon fiber layers (top and bottom) constant. Thus, to enhance the mechanical properties, the ramie fiber was treated prior with 2, 3, and 4 wt% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). These composites were characterized chemically, mechanically, morphologically, and vibrationally via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, flexural and tensile tests, field emission scanning electron microscope, and free vibration setup, respectively. The tensile and flexural samples were loaded under quasistatic conditions and tested at 1 and 2 mm/min to evaluate tensile and flexural properties, respectively, and a free vibration test built the natural frequencies and reliable damping factor using clamped‐clamped and clamped‐free boundary conditions. Two layers of carbon fiber (exterior layer) and two layers of ramie fiber (core layer) at 3 wt% NaOH produced maximum tensile strength (523 MPa) and flexural modulus (68,869 MPa) among natural and hybrid composite combinations. This study shows that hybridization and alkaline treatment improve composite material mechanical properties in a specific ratio.

Highlights

Mechanical and vibration analysis of carbon/ramie hybrid composites was studied.

Ramie fiber's surface treatment was carried out in NaOH at 2, 3, and 4 wt%.

Surface treatment uplifts mechanical and vibration properties than untreated.

Ramie fiber's chemical consequences were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope tests.

Surface treatment at 3 wt% builds higher mechanical and vibrational properties.
Prescribing cascades in ambulatory care: A structured synthesis of evidence
Authors: Shahid Faiza , Doherty Ann , Wallace Emma , Schmiedl Sven , Alexander G. Caleb , Dreischulte Tobias
Published: September 2023

The strength of evidence for specific ambulatory care prescribing cascades, in which a marker drug is used to treat an adverse event caused by an index drug, has not been well characterized. To perform a structured, systematic, and transparent review of the evidence supporting ambulatory care prescribing cascades. Ninety‐four potential prescribing cascades identified through a previously published systematic review. Systematic search of the literature to further characterize prescribing cascades. (1) Grading of evidence based on observational studies investigating associations between index and marker drugs, including: Level I—strong evidence [i.e. multiple high‐quality studies]; Level II—moderate evidence [i.e. single high‐quality study]; Level III—fair evidence [no high‐quality studies but one or more moderate‐quality studies]; and Level IV—poor evidence [other]. (2) Listing of the adverse event associated with the index drug in the product's United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label. (3) Synthesis of the evidence supporting mechanisms linking index drugs and associated adverse events. Of 99 potential cascades, 94 were supported by one or more confirmatory observational studies and were therefore included in this review. The 94 cascades related to 30 types of adverse drug reactions affecting 10 different anatomic/physiologic systems and were investigated by a total of 88 confirmatory studies, including prescription sequential symmetry analysis (n = 51), cohort (n = 30), and case–control (n = 7) studies. Overall, the evidence from observational studies was strong for 18 (19.1%) prescribing cascades, moderate for 61 (64.9%), fair for 13 (13.8%), and poor for 2 (2.1%). Although the evidence supporting mechanisms that link index drugs and associated adverse events was variable, FDA labels included information about the adverse event associated with the index drug for most (n = 86) but not all of the 94 prescribing cascades. Although we identified 18 of 94 prescribing cascades supported by strong clinical evidence and most adverse events associated with index drugs are included in FDA label, the evidentiary basis for prescribing cascades varies, with many requiring further evidence of clinical relevance.