bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired intestinal function is associated with lower muscle and cognitive health and well‐being in patients with congestive heart failure
Authors: Kirschner Sarah K. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P. , Rijnaarts Iris , Smit Tiffany J. , Larsen Daniel J. , Engelen Mariëlle P. K. J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSmall‐ and large‐intestinal perturbations have been described as prevalent extracardiac systemic manifestations in congestive heart failure (CHF), but alterations in protein digestion and absorption and plasma short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations and the potential link with other systemic effects (muscle and cognitive health) have not been investigated in CHF.MethodsWe analyzed protein digestion and absorption with dual stable tracer method in 14 clinically stable, noncachectic CHF outpatients (mean left ventricular ejection fraction: 35.5% [95% CI, 30.9%–40.1%]) and 15 controls. Small‐intestinal non–carrier‐mediated permeability and active carrier‐mediated glucose transport were quantified by sugar permeability test. Plasma SCFA (acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, valerate) concentrations were measured as intestinal microbial metabolites. Muscle function was assessed by isokinetic dynamometry, cognition by a battery of tests, and well‐being by questionnaire.ResultsProtein digestion and absorption were impaired by 29.2% (P = .001) and active glucose transport by 38.4% (P = .010) in CHF. Non–carrier‐mediated permeability was not altered. Whereas plasma propionate, butyrate, and isovalerate concentrations were lower in CHF (P < .05), acetate and valerate concentrations did not differ. Overall, intestinal dysfunction was associated with impaired leg muscle quality, emotional distress, and cognitive dysfunction (P < .05).ConclusionsWe identified impaired protein digestion and absorption and altered SCFA concentrations as additional intestinal dysfunctions in CHF that are linked to reduced muscle and cognitive health and well‐being. More research is needed to implement strategies to improve intestinal function in CHF and to investigate the mechanisms underlying its link with other systemic manifestations.
Elimination of hospital‐acquired central line–associated bloodstream infection on a mixed‐service pediatric unit
Authors: Mezoff Ethan A. , Roberts Erika , Ernst Daniel , Gniadek Michelle , Beauseau Wendi , Balint Jane , Ardura Monica I. , Dienhart Molly 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionHospital‐acquired central line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are “never events” in U.S. healthcare. National efforts to improve CLABSI rates are ongoing. Efforts are important for all patients with a central venous catheter (CVC) and critical to children with intestinal failure (IF) who depend on long‐term, daily use of a CVC and undergo extended hospitalizations. We describe outcomes of a multidisciplinary CLABSI elimination effort on a 24‐bed medical‐surgical unit caring for children with IF.MethodsUnit CLABSI events from 1/9/2012 to 4/16/2020 were evaluated with multiple improvement interventions. We leveraged prospectively maintained clinical registries and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting data to extract patient and unit demographics, ethanol lock utilization, and unit CVC days. Interventions were developed utilizing expert consensus and CDC guidelines with active frontline staff engagement. Descriptive statistics and tests of non‐parametric data were employed for analysis.ResultsNinety‐five patients with IF and 862 non‐IF patients experienced a total of 1,629 admissions with 20,372 CVC days. Twelve hospital‐acquired CLABSI events occurred during the study period, including 7 following NHSN definition change on 1/1/2015 (0.56 per 1,000 CVC days). After the last unit CLABSI on 12/5/2016, there were 7,117 CVC days through study conclusion.ConclusionsDescribed interventions with an enhanced culture of collaborative care profoundly improved hospital‐acquired CLABSI occurrence. Success in a specific population translated to all other unit patients with a CVC. Findings suggest elimination is not the result of a single new product or practice, but also includes support and empowerment of those caring for the patient and their CVC.
Effect of intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative pain and swelling following periodontal flap surgery: A randomized controlled trial of patient‐centered outcomes
Authors: Vieth Michael P. , Deas David E. , Archontia Palaiologou A. , Diogenes Anibal , Mader Michael J. , Mealey Brian L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis randomized, crossover trial sought to determine if a preoperative intravenous (IV) dose of dexamethasone reduces pain, swelling, and analgesic usage following periodontal surgery.MethodsThirty‐seven patients planned for two similar periodontal flap surgeries under IV sedation were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive either 2 mL (8 mg) dexamethasone sodium phosphate or 2 mL of IV solution (placebo) before the first surgery, and 2 mL of the other solution before the second surgery. Postoperative discomfort was managed with a standardized regimen of 600 mg ibuprofen and 325 mg acetaminophen. A smartphone application was used to record self‐assessed pain and swelling scores using 21‐point numerical (NRS‐21) and 4‐point verbal (VRS‐4) rating scales as well as the number of analgesic medications taken at 12‐, 24‐, 48‐, 72‐, 168‐, and 336‐hours following each surgery.ResultsIV dexamethasone was associated with a significant reduction in pain at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours (P <0.05), and swelling at 12, 24, 48, and 168 hours (P < 0.05) postoperatively when compared with placebo based on NRS‐21 responses. VRS‐4 data showed significant reductions in pain at 12, 72, and 168 hours and swelling at 12, 24, and 168 hours postoperatively with dexamethasone. No significant differences were found in the number of tablets of ibuprofen or acetaminophen between dexamethasone and placebo surgeries.ConclusionsPreoperative, intravenously administered dexamethasone reduces pain and swelling within the first postoperative week following periodontal flap surgery and should be considered a useful adjunct for perioperative management.
Screening anti‐gout compounds from Phellinus igniarius by ultrafiltration liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based on evaluation of an in vitro method combined with enzymatic reaction
Authors: Wang Jing , Song Jiling , Zhang Yong , Gou Shasha , Shi Bingqing , Shi Dongfang , Zheng Meizhu , Yu Min , Liu Chun‐ming 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the present study, the anti‐inflammation effect of Phellinus igniarius extract was detected on an in vitro model of RAW 264.7 cells stimulated using sodium urate. In this cell model, the content changes of inflammatory cytokines, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and interleukin‐1 beta, in cell culture supernatants were detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of P. igniarius extracts was determined using a microplate reader. Furthermore, in order to identify the active compounds of P. igniarius, ultrafiltration liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was utilized to screen xanthine oxidase inhibitors from the extract. Our results showed that in the presence of P. igniarius extract, the expressions of interleukin‐1 beta and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 decreased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared to that in the control group. The extract effective inhibited the xanthine oxidase activity. Finally, seven compounds were screened and identified as potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors from P. igniarius. Taken together, these results demonstrate a potential anti‐inflammation bioactivity of P. igniarius in vitro, providing a basis for further in vivo research for the prevention and treatment of gout.
Use of 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazole hexafluorophosphate modified magnetic hyperbranched polyamideamine as sorbent for the extraction of pyrethroid insecticides from tea infusion
Authors: Liu Zikai , Meng Zilin , Fan Jiaxuan , Li Jing , Zhou Wenfeng , Gao Haixiang , Zhang Sanbing , Lu Runhua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMagnetic hyperbranched polyamideamine was carboxylated using succinic anhydride and modified further with 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazole hexafluorophosphate successively. The morphology and chemical composition of the prepared material was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett‐Teller measurement, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. 1‐Octyl‐3‐methylimidazole hexafluorophosphate modified magnetic hyperbranched polyamideamine was used as sorbent in the magnetic solid‐phase extraction for the separation and enrichment of five pyrethroid insecticides from tea infusion. The magnetic solid‐phase extraction method proposed in this article has low method detection limits (0.53–0.71 ng/mL), acceptable coefficient of determination (0.9992–0.9998), wide linear ranges (2.5–500.0 ng/mL), and good repeatability (intraday: 1.2–6.3%; interday: 1.6–5.4%). In the detection of five pyrethroid insecticides in tea infusion, relative recoveries were in the range from 87.7 to 114.7% with satisfactory relative standard deviations (0.2–7.4%). With the aid of quantum chemistry calculations, the interaction energy between the sorbent and five pyrethroid insecticides was calculated, which proved the necessity of the modification of 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazole hexafluorophosphate.
Pre‐tracheotomy for Potentially Emergent Airway Scenarios: Indications and Outcomes
Authors: Knewitz Allison , Nanda Nainika , Hoffman Matthew R. , Dailey Seth H. , Wieland Aaron M. , McCulloch Timothy M. 
Published: May 2021

Objectives/HypothesisAirway access in the setting of unsuccessful ventilation and intubation typically involves emergent cricothyrotomy or tracheotomy, procedures with associated significant risk. The potential for such emergent scenarios can often be predicted based on patient and disease factors. Planned tracheotomy can be performed in these cases but is not without its own risks. We previously described a technique of pre‐tracheotomy or exposing the tracheal framework without entering the trachea, as an alternative to planned tracheostomy in such cases. In this way, a tracheotomy can be easily completed if needed, or the wound can be closed if it is not needed. This procedure has since been used in an array of indications. We describe the clinical situations where pre‐tracheotomy was performed as well as subsequent patient outcomes.MethodsRetrospective series of patients undergoing a pre‐tracheotomy from 2015 to 2020. Records were reviewed for patient characteristics, indication, whether the procedure was converted to tracheotomy or closed at the bedside, and any post‐procedural complications.ResultsPre‐tracheotomy was performed in 18 patients. Indications included failed extubation after head and neck reconstruction, subglottic stenosis, laryngeal masses, laryngeal edema, thyroid masses, and an oropharyngeal bleed requiring operative intervention. Tracheotomy was avoided in 10 patients with wound closed at the bedside; procedure was converted to tracheotomy in the remaining eight. There were no complications. Indications for conversion included failed extubation, intraoperative hemorrhage, significant stridor with dyspnea, and inability to ventilate.ConclusionPre‐tracheotomy offers simplified airway access and provides a valuable option in scenarios where tracheotomy may, but not necessarily, be needed.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2802–E2809, 2021
Nitrate fluxes induced by turbulent mixing in dipole eddies in an oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Li Ruihuan , Xu Jie , Cen Xianrong , Zhong Wanxuan , Liao Jianzu , Shi Zhen , Zhou Shengqi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe vertical turbulent fluxes of nitrate to the base of the euphotic zone were quantified to assess the role of turbulent mixing in modulating new production inside cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies in an oligotrophic ocean. Although the turbulent nitrate flux (0.35 ± 0.11 mmol N m−2 d−1) at the base of the euphotic zone inside the cyclonic eddy was higher than that (0.07 ± 0.03 mmol N m−2 d−1) inside the anticyclonic eddy, this flux contributed to 19.7–76.3% of new production in the anticyclonic eddy and less than 4.94% in the cyclonic eddy, wherein new production was primarily driven by upwelling. Moreover, the turbulent nitrate flux in the cyclonic eddy center was higher than that at its edge because of differences in turbulent diffusivity. However, the opposite pattern appeared in the anticyclonic eddy, mainly due to discrepancies in the nitrate gradients and turbulent diffusivity. Elevated turbulent diffusivity at the edge of the anticyclonic eddy is the most likely attributed to submesoscale processes. These findings provide observatory evidence, confirming that a higher phytoplankton biomass exists in the anticyclonic eddy edge than in its center.
Occurrence and cycle of dimethyl sulfide in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Xu Feng , Yan Shi‐Bo , Zhang Hong‐Hai , Wu Ying‐Cui , Ma Qian‐Yao , Song Yu‐Chen , Zhuang Guang‐Chao , Yang Gui‐Peng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOceanic production and occurrence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and its subsequent ventilation to the atmosphere significantly contribute to the global sulfur cycle and impact the climate regulation. Spatial distributions of DMS, dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP, precursor of DMS), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, oxidation product of DMS), production and removal processes of DMS (including biological production, microbial consumption, photo‐degradation, and sea‐to‐air exchange), and biogenic contributions to the atmospheric sulfate burden were simultaneously studied in the western Pacific Ocean during winter. Sea surface DMS, DMSP, and DMSO were strongly correlated and had similar distribution patterns. The DMS photo‐degradation efficiency ratio (normalized using incident photon flux density) for ultraviolet B radiation (UVB): ultraviolet A radiation (UVA): photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was 391: 36: 1. However, considering the solar spectral composition, the actual contributions of UVB, UVA, and PAR to DMS photo‐degradation in surface waters were 40.6% ± 10.7%, 41.2% ± 15.6%, and 18.2% ± 7.2%, respectively. When integrated across the entire mixed layer, UVA and PAR became the dominant drivers, accounting for 45.2% ± 18.0% and 38.0% ± 17.3% of DMS photo‐degradation, respectively, as UVB was significantly attenuated in seawater. The DMS budget of the entire mixed layer indicated that microbial consumption, photo‐degradation, and ventilation accounted for about 74.3% ± 11.9%, 19.3% ± 9.3%, and 6.5% ± 4.0% of total DMS removal, respectively. Even if ventilation was a minor DMS removal pathway, DMS emissions still contributed approximately 45.2% ± 25.6% of the atmospheric non‐sea‐salt sulfate burden over the western Pacific Ocean.
Multifunctional, Wash Durable and Re‐usable Conductive Textiles for Wearable Electro/Physiological Monitoring
Authors: Kisannagar Ravinder Reddy , Singh Mukesh , Gupta Dipti 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntelligent functionalities coupled textiles have received massive attention in the wearable health monitoring devices owing to their lightweight, ease of wearability, intrinsic flexibility, and comfortable texture. This article describes multifunctional, highly conductive, wash durable, and re‐usable reduced graphene oxide (RGO) coated polyester knitted textiles by a simple, cost effective, and scalable dip‐dry‐reduce approach and a novel approach to integrate as fabricated RGO coated polyester knitted textile (RGT) with the wearable elastic band for electro/physiological signal monitoring. The RGT exhibits high conductivity of 0.23 KΩ sq−1 and excellent wash durability. The RGT textile as a strain sensor shows a high sensitivity of 4.1 and 8 at a strain of 5% along the course and wale direction, respectively, stability and durability for more than 1500 cycles and also shows its excellent performance in human motion detection. Obtained electrophysiological signals from the RGT electrodes integrated wearable elastic band are comparable to those of the conventional Ag/AgCl electrodes. Owing to its comfortable texture, ease of wearability, stability, and wash durability, the RGT has potential applications in the future wearable electronic devices.
Quantitative Assessment of Response to Long‐Term Treatment with Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Patients with Stiff Person Syndrome
Authors: Bose Smriti , Thompson Joseph P. , Sadalage Girija , Karim Abid , Jacob Saiju 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundStiff person syndrome (SPS) is an autoimmune condition involving antibodies against several components of the inhibitory synapse in the spinal cord, with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies being the predominant immune marker. SPS affects approximately 1 patient per million population per year. The effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been established, but studies on the long‐term efficacy of regular IVIG are limited.ObjectivesTo review clinical details and long‐term treatment response using a patient‐reported questionnaire in SPS and related syndromes.MethodsPatients were identified from a tertiary neuroimmunology clinic based on classical clinical symptoms, autoimmune profiles, and neurophysiological changes (Dalakas criteria). They were followed up after treatment to assess the response to IVIG.ResultsA total of 23 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. Patients' demographic profiles and clinical presentations were akin to that reported in literature. There was significant improvement in the functional ability (assessed by the modified Rankin scale [mRS]) and quality of life (QoL) following treatment with IVIG within 4 to 10 weeks (pre‐mRS vs. post‐mRS, P < 0.0001; pre‐QoL vs. post‐QoL, P = 0.0003) and sustained after 5 years of treatment (pre‐mRS vs. present mRS, P = 0.0003; pre‐QoL vs. present QoL, P = 0.0002).ConclusionsThis article describes one of the largest single‐center experiences of 23 patients with SPS and related syndromes and is the first to establish the long‐term efficacy of regular IVIG using a patient‐reported scoring system (Birmingham Response to Immunomodulatory Therapy [BRIT]). Consistent improvement in QoL and functional scores were seen over nearly 5 years after regular use of IVIG. It is recommended to use BRIT scores to assess the initial response as well as to monitor continued improvement to immunomodulation in SPS.
Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Degeneration and Cortical [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in De Novo Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Orso Beatrice , Arnaldi Dario , Girtler Nicola , Brugnolo Andrea , Doglione Elisa , Mattioli Pietro , Biassoni Erica , Fancellu Roberto , Massa Federico , Bauckneht Matteo , Chiola Silvia , Morbelli Silvia , Nobili Flavio , Pardini Matteo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) and the raphe‐thalamic serotonergic (SE) systems is among the earliest changes observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). The consequences of those changes on brain metabolism, especially regarding their impact on the cortex, are poorly understood.ObjectivesUsing multi‐tracer molecular imaging, we assessed in a cohort of drug‐naive PD patients the association between cortical metabolism and DA and SE system deafferentation of either striatum or thalamus, and we explored whether this association was mediated by either striatum or thalamus metabolism.MethodsWe recruited 96 drug‐naive PD patients (aged 71.9 ± 7.5 years) who underwent [123I]ioflupane single‐photon emission computed tomography ([123I]FP‐CIT‐SPECT) and brain [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG‐PET). We used a voxel‐wise analysis of [18F]FDG‐PET images to correlate regional metabolism with striatal DA and thalamic SE innervation as assessed using [123I]FP‐CIT‐SPECT.ResultsWe found that [123I]FP‐CIT specific to nondisplaceable binding ratio (SBR) and glucose metabolism positively correlated with one another in the deep gray matter (thalamus: P = 0.001, r = 0.541; caudate P = 0.001, r = 0.331; putamen P = 0.001, r = 0.423). We then observed a direct correlation between temporoparietal metabolism and caudate DA innervation, as well as a direct correlation between prefrontal metabolism and thalamus SE innervation. The effect of caudate [123I]FP‐CIT SBR values on temporoparietal metabolism was mediated by caudate metabolic values (percentage mediated: 89%, P‐value = 0.008), and the effect of thalamus [123I]FP‐CIT SBR values on prefrontal metabolism was fully mediated by thalamus metabolic values (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese data suggest that the impact of deep gray matter monoaminergic deafferentation on cortical function is mediated by striatal and thalamic metabolism in drug‐naive PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Linking Parkinson's Disease and Melanoma: Interplay Between α‐Synuclein and Pmel17 Amyloid Formation
Authors: Dean Dexter N. , Lee Jennifer C. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the death of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra of the brain. Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, pigmented cells that give rise to skin tone, hair, and eye color. Although these two diseases fundamentally differ, with PD leading to cell degeneration and melanoma leading to cell proliferation, epidemiological evidence has revealed a reciprocal relationship where patients with PD are more susceptible to melanoma and patients with melanoma are more susceptible to PD. The hallmark pathology observed in PD brains is intracellular inclusions, of which the primary component is proteinaceous α‐synuclein (α‐syn) amyloid fibrils. α‐Syn also has been detected in cultured melanoma cells and tissues derived from patients with melanoma, where an inverse correlation exists between α‐syn expression and pigmentation. Although this has led to the prevailing hypothesis that α‐syn inhibits enzymes involved in melanin biosynthesis, we recently reported an alternative hypothesis in which α‐syn interacts with and modulates the aggregation of Pmel17, a functional amyloid that serves as a scaffold for melanin biosynthesis. In this perspective, we review the literature describing the epidemiological and molecular connections between PD and melanoma, presenting both the prevailing hypothesis and our amyloid‐centric hypothesis. We offer our views of the essential questions that remain unanswered to motivate future investigations. Understanding the behavior of α‐syn in melanoma could not only provide novel approaches for treating melanoma but also could reveal insights into the role of α‐syn in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society