bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Response Inhibition, Visual Anticipation and Verbal Fluency During Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Patients With Drug‐Resistant Epilepsy
Authors: Lähde Niina , Basnyat Pabitra , Raitanen Jani , Kämppi Leena , Lehtimäki Kai , Rosti‐Otajärvi Eija , Peltola Jukka 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on cognitive domain of attention and executive functions (AEFs) has not been extensively researched. This study was set up to investigate performance variability on cognitive tests assessing AEFs in drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients receiving VNS therapy during a follow‐up of up to 5 years.MethodsThirty‐three DRE patients were assessed with the interference, maze, and written verbal fluency tests as a part of EpiTrack screening before and after VNS implantation through repeated follow‐ups according to the clinical VNS protocol. A linear mixed‐effects model was used to analyse changes in test scores.ResultsMaze performance improved significantly by an average of 0.20 s per month (95% confidence interval (CI): –0.365 to –0.041; p = 0.014). Interference performance improved by an average of 0.05 s per month (p = 0.207) and number of words increased by an average of 0.03 words per month (p = 0.079) on the verbal fluency test. On the maze test, patients with psychiatric comorbidities improved the most (0.52 s/month, p = 0.001), while on the interference test, patients with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), those taking 1–2 antiseizure medications (ASMs) and patients with focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures improved the most (0.14 s/month, p = 0.005; 0.14 s/month, p = 0.033 and 0.16 s/month, p = 0.087, respectively). For verbal fluency, no clinically meaningful improvement was noted in any of the groups.ConclusionDuring the follow‐up, maze performance markedly improved, while performance on the interference and verbal fluency tasks remained relatively stable at the group level. Accordingly, visual anticipation and planning improved during VNS therapy whereas response inhibition was unchanged at the group level despite significant enhancements in patients with FLE and those taking 1–2 ASM. Furthermore, the presence of psychiatric comorbidities correlated with even greater improvement on maze performance.
Impaired Sequential Working Memory in Patients With Young Onset Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zhang Guanyu , Zhang Shuo , Zhao Zhenzhen , Ma Jinghong , Chan Piu , Ye Zheng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSequential working memory refers to the cognitive ability to maintain and/or manipulate a set of ordered representations within a short period. It remains unclear whether sequential working memory is impaired in patients with young onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD).ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the sequential working memory in patients with YOPD.MethodsSixty‐three YOPD patients (29 women) and one hundred age‐ and education‐matched healthy controls participated in three well‐established sequential working memory tests. The YOPD patients were categorized into akinetic rigid type (PD‐ART) and non‐akinetic rigid type (PD‐NART). Participants were asked to maintain digit sequences in mind in the digit span forward (DST‐F) and to maintain and manipulate digit sequences in mind in the digit span backward (DST‐B) and adaptive digit ordering tests (DOT‐A).ResultsThe PD‐ART group scored lower and had higher ordering costs (difference between the DST‐F and DOT‐A scores) than the healthy control group in the DOT‐A. Moreover, in the PD‐ART group, the daily levodopa equivalent dose for dopamine D2/3 receptor agonists positively correlated with the DOT‐A score and negatively correlated with the DOT‐A ordering cost, suggesting that patients who took a greater dose of dopamine D2/3 receptor agonists tended to have higher DOT‐A scores and lower DOT‐A ordering costs.ConclusionsThese results indicated that the impaired sequential working memory may be one of markers of identifying early cognitive impairment in patients with YOPD, especially in PD‐ART patients. The dopamine D2/3 receptor agonists can recover this impairment to some extent.
Post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 in cancer patients: Two cohorts in UK and Hong Kong
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Lee Shing Fung , Zhou Jiayi , Yan Vincent Ka Chun , Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Li Xue , Wong Carlos King Ho , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Wong Ian Chi Kei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundLimited research exists on the risks and spectrum of complications in post‐acute phase of COVID‐19 in cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the post‐acute effects of COVID‐19 on different types of morbidities among cancer patients across two regions with different healthcare systems and dominant variants of COVID‐19.Materials and MethodsCancer patients with COVID‐19 from the UK Biobank (UKB, n = 2230; March 16, 2020 to May 31, 2021; pre‐Omicron‐variants dominant) and electronic medical records in Hong Kong (HK cohort, n = 22,335; April 1, 2020 to October 31, 2022; Omicron‐variant dominant) were included. Each COVID‐19 case was randomly matched with up to 10 non‐COVID‐19 cancer patients based on age and sex. Follow‐up lasted until 31 August 2021 for UKB and 23 January 2023 for HK. Inverse probability treatment weighting balanced cohort characteristics. Cox regression evaluated the association of COVID‐19 with morbidities occurred 30 days post‐infection.ResultsCancer patients with COVID‐19 consistently showed significantly higher risk of major cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [UKB: hazard ratio [HR] 1.8 (95% CI 1.3, 2.5); HK: HR 1.4 (95% CI 1.1, 1.8)], CVD death [UKB: HR 4.3 (95% CI 2.9, 6.2); HK: HR 1.7 (95% CI 1.3, 2.4)], and all‐cause mortality [UKB: HR 4.7 (95% CI 4.0, 5.5); HK: HR 1.6 (95% CI 1.5, 1.7)] in both cohorts despite the difference in dominant variants. Cancer patients at advanced ages or severely infected had higher all‐cause mortality risk. However, associations between COVID‐19 and CVDs became insignificant for fully vaccinated patients.ConclusionCOVID‐19 infection is associated with increased risks of CVDs and mortality in cancer patients. Fully vaccination may reduce the post‐acute effects of COVID‐19 on CVDs. This information may guide effective pre‐emptive measures to reduce COVID‐19‐related morbidities and mortality in cancer patients.
Development of Surgical Site Infection One Year After Thyroplasty With Arytenoid Adduction
Authors: Simmons Ethan , Lao Wilson P. , Punjabi Nihal , Krishna Priya 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDelayed complications of arytenoid adduction and medialization laryngoplasty are rarely reported in the literature. Clinicians should be aware that performing an AA alongside an ML may seed oral cavity bacteria into the paralaryngeal space. This may result in delayed infection—especially in immunocompromised patients—necessitating implant removal and antibiotics.
An Unusual Cause of Failure of Fiberoptic Intubation due to Continuous Suctioning: A Case Report
Authors: Pradhan Kushal , Khadka Bikash , Rayamajhi Bijay , Sharma Apurb , Bhattarai Prajjwal Raj , Kc Shirish , Nepal Rohini ,   Doctors on Wheels (DOW)
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTFlexible fiberoptic intubation is the gold standard technique during difficult airway management. Failure of fiberoptic intubation could be due to patient factors, equipment factors, and operator expertise. We present a case where fiberoptic intubation was unsuccessful because of equipment error following continuous suction pressure application.
Modes of Binding of Small Molecules Dictate the Interruption of RBD‐ACE2 Complex of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Muneeswaran Sithanantham , Poopathi Raja Karuppiah Muruga 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe spike protein is a vital target for therapeutic advancement to inhibit viral entrance. Given that the connection between Spike and ACE2 constitutes the initial phase of SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis, obstructing this interaction presents a promising therapeutic approach. This work aims to find compounds from DrugBank that can modulate the stability of the spike RBD‐ACE2 protein‐protein complex. Employing a therapeutic repurposing strategy, we conducted molecular docking of over 9000 DrugBank compounds against the Spike RBD‐ACE2 complex, on ten variants, including the wild‐type. We also evaluated the intricate stability of the RBD‐ACE2 proteins by molecular dynamics simulations, hydrogen bond analysis, RMSD analysis, radius of gyration analysis, and the QM‐MM approach. We assessed the efficacy of the top ten candidates for each variant as an inhibitor. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that DrugBank small molecules can interact in three distinct modalities inside the extensive protein‐protein interface of RBD and ACE2 complexes. The top ten analyses identified specific DrugBank candidates for each variant and molecules capable of binding to multiple variants. This comprehensive computational technique enables the screening and forecasting of hits for any big and shallow protein‐protein interface drug targets.
Practitioners' perspectives on the enablers and barriers to successful Antarctic science‐policy knowledge exchange
Authors: Gardiner Natasha Blaize , Liggett Daniela , Gilbert Neil , Cvitanovic Christopher 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMultilateral environmental governance regimes like the Antarctic Treaty System are pivotal in addressing today's wicked transboundary socio‐ecological problems and central to their success is the facilitation of constructive knowledge exchange (KE) between research and policymaking communities. Consequently, the literature is now ripe with studies that aim to uncover the elements that enable or hinder KE successes across diverse environmental governance settings. Yet, in the Antarctic context, the KE practices that comprise Antarctic science‐policy interfaces remain empirically under examined. Here we contribute by exploring the perspectives of 31 Antarctic practitioners to develop our understandings of successful KE practices in the policy contexts of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and the Committee for Environmental Protection. By adopting a reflexive thematic analysis, we identify 11 enablers and 9 barriers to KE success that are overlapping, interconnected and complex. According to practitioners, in the face of pervasive barriers, such as the often overshadowing effect of politics, a deficiency of KE incentives and large‐scale wicked policy problems, certain Antarctic institutions and practitioners portray strong boundary spanning expertise, which despite the many challenges identified, serves to facilitate KE in support of evidence‐informed decision‐making. However, the extent to which boundary spanners are influential in their leadership varies, and while acknowledging that influential leadership is an important enabler for success, we raise several questions regarding the potentially unexplored assumptions that underpin current KE practices. As Antarctic practitioners share a desire to foster inclusive, iterative and multidirectional science‐policy dialogues among other identified improvements, we suggest that harnessing reflexivity and humility within these processes will be critically important for ensuring that existing asymmetries or inequities are not reinforced under the guise of improved ways of working.
Leptin Levels in Acute and Recovered Eating Disorders: An Arm‐Based Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cassioli Emanuele , Lucherini Angeletti Lorenzo , Rossi Eleonora , Selvi Giulia , Riccardi Elena , Siviglia Serena , Buonanno Roberta , Ricca Valdo , Castellini Giovanni 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a BMI‐adjusted meta‐analytical calculation of blood leptin levels across different eating disorders (EDs) including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), recovered EDs, and healthy controls (HCs). The goal was to understand BMI‐independent leptin alterations and their potential as biomarkers.MethodPubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies reporting serum leptin in AN, BN, BED, or recovered EDs. A multilevel network meta‐analysis using a linear mixed‐effects meta‐regression model, adjusting for BMI, sex, and assay type, was performed on 146 studies (5048 patients, 3525 controls).ResultsSignificant differences in leptin levels were found across EDs. AN patients exhibited the lowest leptin levels, while BED patients had the highest. BN and recovered AN patients had leptin levels similar to AN, significantly lower than HCs. BMI, sex, and assay type were significant covariates. The model accounted for heterogeneity due to diagnostic criteria, assay types, and study‐level differences.ConclusionsLeptin levels in EDs are significantly altered beyond BMI effects, suggesting disease‐specific factors. These findings support leptin's potential as a biomarker for ED staging and prognosis. Further research is needed to explore leptin's role in ED pathogenesis and trajectory, to identify subpopulations and improve clinical interventions.
Scoping Opportunities for Nitrogen Use Efficiency Among Productive Agricultural Forage Grasses With Diverse Rooting Systems
Authors: Muhandiram N. P. K. , Humphreys M. W. , Fychan R. , Davies J. W. , Scott M. B. , Harper J. , Thomas A. , Powell H. , Sanderson R. , Marley C. L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTFor forage production to be efficient and environmentally sustainable, the extent and timing of nitrogen fertiliser applications should match the uptake and growth capabilities of a grass crop. A two‐year field experiment, comprising four diverse grass cultivars, was conducted to assess the impact of two contrasting N‐application rates on forage and root biomass (RB) production and nitrogen‐use‐efficiencies (NUEs). Replicated field plots of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and two Festulolium (ryegrass × fescue hybrid) cultivars were compared at Low N (LN) 178 and High N (HN) 356 kg ha−1 over 2 years. HN applications increased dry matter yield (DMY) in Year 1 (p < 0.05) but not in Year 2. Ryegrass outyielded all in Year 1 but in Year 2, fescue had the highest DMY at HN (p < 0.05), but cultivars did not differ in yield at LN. Festulolium yields were consistently intermediate. Root biomass at LN in Yr1 was highest in the Festulolium (Lolium perenne × Festuca arundinacea var glaucescens) (p < 0.05). For all grasses, and in both years, mean RB and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and nitrogen utilisation efficiency (NutE) were higher under LN, than HN. Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NupE) was similar in all grasses in Year 1, irrespective of N treatment, but in Year 2, excepting tall fescue, was greater in grasses grown under LN. Increasing RB correlated (p < 0.05) with improved NUE and NutE, but no association was evident for NupE. Grass cultivars differed in their response to nitrogen applications. Whilst relative forage production of ryegrass and fescue contrasted over the 2 years, forage yields of Festulolium cultivars were more consistent. In conclusion, HN application depressed NUE by productive grass cultivars and correlations between RB and NUEs may indicate opportunities to help tailor grass cultivar/fertiliser combinations and achieve sustainable forage and root production.
Guide to microfluidic systems and the preparation of emulsions
Authors: Liu Zhe , Zhang Xinyu , Zheng Yichen , Ma Xiaojie , Shi Aimin , Wang Qiang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMicrofluidic technology, as an effective method for precise manipulation of microfluid volumes, has demonstrated significant potential in the preparation of emulsions. This guideline introduces key components of a microfluidic operating system, including the design of microfluidic chips (such as T‐junction, flow‐focusing, and co‐flowing structures), fluid driving systems, control systems, and observation and detection systems, explaining how they collaborate to accurately control the droplet generation process. In terms of specific steps for emulsion preparation, the guideline details the workflow utilizing microfluidic technology to fabricate both single‐layer O/W and W/O emulsions, as well as complex multi‐layer emulsions, emphasizing critical considerations during experimentation. Through in‐depth understanding and judicious application of microfluidic technology, there is a promise to advance emulsion preparation techniques across various domains, including drug delivery, food technology, biotechnology, and materials science.
Explicit Memory, Implicit Memory, and the Hippocampus: Insights From Early Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Schacter Daniel L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDuring the 1980s and 1990s, much memory research focused on the differential role of the hippocampus in various forms of memory. My work on the distinction between explicit and implicit memory led me to become involved in several early neuroimaging studies that made use of cognitive paradigms to investigate the conditions in which hippocampal activity does and does not occur, and to address the theoretical implications of these findings. Here, I summarize two such projects and some of the personal backstory associated with them.
Baseline and Rest: A Need for Conceptual Clarity When Measuring Parasympathetic Reactivity and Recovery
Authors: Kolacz Jacek 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTParasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity has widespread research applications but poses measurement challenges due to its high sensitivity to environmental conditions and immediate demands. While standardised methods exist for measuring PNS reactivity and recovery in response to stressors, the selection of appropriate baseline and resting states is often overlooked. This commentary argues that a clearer conceptual distinction between baseline, a research construct for comparing values, and rest, a psychophysiological state of low arousal and cognitive engagement, is crucial for data interpretation. This includes a need for explicitly justifying baseline conditions in relation to research goals and validating rest conditions. By improving the clarity and rigour of baseline and rest, researchers can enhance the interpretability of PNS reactivity and recovery measures, supporting integration of research findings across studies.
Factors associated with maternal mortality in eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter case–control study
Authors: Yuya Mohammed , Tura Abera Kenay , Girma Sagni , Ahmed Redwan , Knight Marian , van den Akker Thomas 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify factors associated with maternal mortality in 13 public hospitals with maternity units in eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA nested case‐control study embedded within the Ethiopian Obstetric Surveillance System (EthOSS) cohort. EthOSS was established in April 2021 to monitor women admitted with severe obstetric complications (e.g., obstetric hemorrhage, eclampsia, uterine rupture, sepsis, and severe anemia) during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. The cases were all women who died during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum in these hospitals, while women who survived these complications were the controls. For each case, we randomly selected three controls. The factors associated with maternal mortality were described using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Associations were examined using binary logistic regression analysis followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis for factors with P < 0.25. Finally, P < 0.05 was considered as the cut‐off for a statistically significant association.ResultsA total of 280 women (70 cases and 210 controls) were included in the study. Compared to survivors, women who died were more likely to have given birth by caesarean section (aOR = 3.35; 95% CI 1.49–7.53), to have been admitted into an intensive care unit (aOR = 6.58; 95% CI 2.08–20.82), to have had postpartum hemorrhage (aOR = 6.39; 95% CI 2.56–15.94), and to have had a pre‐existing medical condition (aOR = 5.39; 95% CI 1.16–24.99).ConclusionImproving maternal survival requires appropriate indications for caesarean sections, safe surgical conditions, seamless communication between facilities (particularly in high‐risk pregnancies), adequate multidisciplinary care for women with pre‐existing conditions, and effective intensive care.
FIGO‐GCH joint consensus statement on the current status and recommendations for the use of blind intrauterine procedures in the evaluation and management of women with suspected intrauterine pathologies
Authors: Villegas‐Echeverri Juan Diego , Pope Rachel , Robert Magali , Meinhold‐Heerlein Ivo , Haimovich Sergio , Carugno José , Pacheco Luis A. , Sardo Attilio Di Spiezio 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHistorically, blind intrauterine procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C) and blind endometrial biopsies have been the primary approach for diagnosing and managing intrauterine pathologies. However, these techniques lack direct visualization, leading to diagnostic limitations, incomplete treatment, and increased complication rates. Despite substantial advances in hysteroscopic technology, including high‐definition imaging and minimally invasive instruments, blind procedures remain widely used. This paper examines the limitations of blind intrauterine procedures, underscoring the advantages of hysteroscopy, which provides real‐time visualization and allows for more accurate, targeted interventions. With the adoption of the “See and Treat” philosophy, hysteroscopy enables nearly 90% of procedures to be performed in an office setting, enhancing both patient convenience and outcomes. FIGO and GCH advocate for the gradual replacement of blind procedures with hysteroscopic approaches whenever feasible, noting that hysteroscopy improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces risks, and minimizes the need for repeat interventions. Recommendations include expanding access to hysteroscopy through targeted training, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where financial and logistical barriers limit access to advanced gynecological care. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the importance of patient‐centered care, encouraging transparent counseling to support informed decision‐making.
No Mow May and Leave The Leaves: The impact of social campaigns on turf quality
Authors: Stricker Sara M. , Jordan Katerina , Watson John R. , Lyons Eric 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe No Mow May and Leave The Leaves social media campaigns, both of which advocate for a minimalist approach to turf management in various settings including home lawns, parks, and urban greenspaces, have gained momentum in the public consciousness. No Mow May encourages homeowners and municipalities to refrain from mowing the grass in May, and Leave The Leaves recommends refraining from raking and removing fallen tree leaves in the autumn. The underlying goal is to support biodiversity, particularly pollinators, by either allowing wildflowers to flourish or providing an overwintering habitat for insects and other small creatures. This study examined each of these campaigns and the combination of both on turf quality and weed establishment. By avoiding lawn mowing until June, the unintended consequences were increased weed invasion and decreased turf quality. Regardless of Leaf treatment, flower number did not differ between mowed and unmowed treatments except when counting immediately followed mowing. Thick leaf litter over turf in the winter led to turf death followed by weed invasion. The challenges we observed associated with No Mow May and Leave The Leaves initiatives could be addressed by integrating science‐backed practices and considering regional variations in climate and grass species. This would ensure that both environmental conservation and turf health are considered.