bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methionine aminopeptidases: Potential therapeutic target for microsporidia and other microbes
Authors: Das Bhaskar C. , Chokkalingam Parthiban , Shareef Mohammed Adil , Shukla Srushti , Das Sasmita , Saito Mariko , Weiss Louis M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMethionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) have emerged as a target for medicinal chemists in the quest for novel therapeutic agents for treating cancer, obesity, and other disorders. Methionine aminopeptidase is a metalloenzyme with two structurally distinct forms in humans, MetAP‐1 and MetAP‐2. The MetAP2 inhibitor fumagillin, which was used as an amebicide in the 1950s, has been used for the successful treatment of microsporidiosis in humans; however, it is no longer commercially available. Despite significant efforts and investments by many pharmaceutical companies, no new MetAP inhibitors have been approved for the clinic. Several lead compounds have been designed and synthesized by researchers as potential inhibitors of MetAP and evaluated for their potential activity in a wide range of diseases. MetAP inhibitors such as fumagillin, TNP‐470, beloranib, and reversible inhibitors and their analogs guide new prospects for MetAP inhibitor development in the ongoing quest for new pharmacological indications. This perspective provides insights into recent advances related to MetAP, as a potential therapeutic target in drug discovery, bioactive small molecule MetAP2 inhibitors, and data on the role of MetAP‐2 as a therapeutic target for microsporidiosis.
Effects of different pretreatment on the drying characteristics and pectin properties of jujube by microwave coupled with pulsed vacuum drying
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Ji Zhuofan , Xia Yukun , Rao Huan , Zhang Zhentao , Jenis Janar , Hao Jianxiong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe effects of ultrasound (US), ultrahigh pressure (UP), cold plasma (CP), and high pressure and pulsed electric fields (PEF) pretreatments were evaluated for drying characteristics, bioactive components, and pectin properties of jujube slices during microwave coupled with pulsed vacuum drying (MPVD). US, CP, and PEF reduced drying time by 18.75%, while UP reduced it by 6.25%. Samples treated with US and PEF showed improved color and rehydration (345.11%, 319.24%), with SEM revealing larger pores post‐pretreatment. PEF‐treated jujube had highest phenol (16.95 mg GAE/g DW) and water‐soluble pectin(WSP) (43.71 mg/g AIR), correlating positively with rehydration (r = 0.67). CP had highest flavonoid content (17.01 mg RE/g DW) and US showed highest antioxidant activity (DPPH 80.57%, ABTS 89.65%). Chelate‐soluble pectin (CSP) Sodium carbonate‐soluble pectin (NSP) was positively correlated with hardness (r = 0.71, 0.69). These findings suggest pretreatments improve drying efficiency, nutrient retention, and pectin functionality in jujube products.  Practical ApplicationsDrying for jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is the most common method of processing and ensure the sale. Three kinds of non‐thermal processing pretreatment method (ultrasound, ultrahigh pressure, and cold plasma) combined with novel drying method, microwave coupled pulsed vacuum drying (MPVD) was studied in the application on the dehydration of jujube slice in this paper. The drying characteristics and pectin properties of winter jujube were analyzed and treated by MPVD compared with freeze drying and hot air drying, for both technological research and processing practice. The drying kinetics, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, sensory attributes, and pectin properties were also used as descriptors in order to promising dehydration method for obtaining high value‐added jujube products. Moreover, the relationship between the cell wall pectin and the phenols, hardness and crispness were analyzed, which give a new insight to study the changing scheme in the nutrients and the texture during the dehydration for fruits and vegetables.
Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid fillers for cheek augmentation using a treatment guide to choose between products
Authors: Nikolis Andreas , Bertucci Vince , Humphrey Shannon , Beleznay Katie , Bernstein Steven , Prygova Inna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients can have different reasons for seeking cheek augmentation; while some are in need of volume augmentation, others may request projection and lifting. A treatment guide can be useful for treating clinicians in choosing the most suitable product.AimsThis 8‐week, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cheek augmentation using a treatment guide to choose between study products HACON and HALYF.Patients/MethodsFemale subjects intending to undergo cheek augmentation were treated according to primary need for treatment—HACON for contouring or HALYF for projection. Treatments were performed according to approved labels. Assessments included Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) evaluations, subject satisfaction, subject‐perceived age (FACE‐Q), naturalness of facial expressions, 3D imaging analysis, and safety assessments.ResultsAll subjects (n = 60) were assessed as aesthetically improved by the investigators 4 and 8 weeks after last injection. For all subjects, contouring or projection was achieved as planned with natural‐looking results. Subject satisfaction was high in both study groups. Volume change of the cheek area was statistically significant from baseline to Week 4 (p < 0.001), in both treatment groups and on both sides of the face. Overall, treatments were well tolerated with mainly mild adverse events related to treatment.ConclusionsThe proposed guide for product selection of HACON or HALYF for treatment of the cheek area was useful to achieve the primary treatment goal for both products. Treatments were well tolerated and associated with improved aesthetic appearance of the cheeks as well as high subject satisfaction.
Ultrasound rejuvenation for upper facial skin: A randomized blinded prospective study
Authors: Chen Wei , Deng Yuequ , Qiao Guanqun , Cai Wei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundGrowing demand for facial rejuvenation drives advancements in these therapies, including laser, radiofrequency, and focused ultrasound, alongside thermal stimulation adjuncts. These methods, known for stimulating collagen regeneration, skin tightening, and lifting, have gained popularity due to their minimal side effects, low trauma, and high safety, demonstrating favorable outcomes in clinical practice.ObjectiveWe sought to assess the efficacy of ultrasound skin tightening for brow lift within the scope of a procedure addressing facial sagging across the entire face. Our aim was to explore a noninvasive method capable of effectively enhancing mild to moderate brow ptosis by tightening and lifting the skin in the upper facial region.MethodsThis was a rater‐blinded, prospective cohort study. The upper facial region of the participants was treated with the new device, micro‐focused ultrasound (MFU), in model D3.0/D2.0/M3.0. Outcomes of brow lift were measured in comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment photographs and three‐dimensional (3D) vector analysis.ResultsA total of 42 participants (37 females) were enrolled, with 2 participants withdrawing from the trial, resulting in 40 subjects who completed 180‐day‐follow‐up and evaluation. 35 (87.5%) were deemed to have clinically significant brow elevation by two blinded assessors (experienced clinicians) at 180‐day posttreatment (p < 0.01). The mean change in brow height after 90‐day was 2.16 ± 0.63 mm at the frontal position (straight‐ahead gaze) (p < 0.01). The 3D vector analysis reveals varying magnitudes of vector displacement in the upward and outward directions of the skin on the frontal region above the eyebrows.ConclusionFocused ultrasound appears to be a safe and effective method for upper facial skin rejuvenation. A single focused ultrasound treatment on the forehead and temple areas resulted in an average brow elevation of 2.1 mm.
Sleep‐related bruxism, microarousals and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations in sleep stages: A cross‐sectional study in a large apnoeic population
Authors: de Miranda Diniz Silvana Alkmim , de Magalhães Lopes Regina , Guedes Luciana Macedo , Bruzinga Fábio Fernandes Borém , de Aguilar Seraidarian Karolina Kristian , de Magalhães Barros Vinícius , de Barros Massahud Maria Letícia , Seraidarian Paulo Isaias 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSleep‐related bruxism (SB) is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep, mediated by the non‐peripheral central nervous system.PurposeThe objectives of this cross‐sectional study were to evaluate associations between SB, microarousals and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations and to compare the frequency of SB and microarousals in sleep stages, in an apnoeic population.MethodsTwo hundred and forty individuals composed the sample, who underwent a single full‐night polysomnography. Self‐reports and clinical inspections were not considered for assessing SB. The polysomnographic assessment of SB was performed using electrodes placed on masseter muscles and chin. SB was defined as more than two events of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity per hour of sleep. Microarousals were considered when there were abrupt changes in electroencephalogram frequencies, without complete awakening, lasting from 3 to 15 s. Oxyhaemoglobin desaturations were defined as significant drops (≥3%) in basal oxygen saturations. With these data, SB, microarousals and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations were evaluated and submitted to statistical analysis.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed between bruxers and non‐bruxers when comparing the rates of microarousals (p < .001) and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations (p = .038). There was a higher number of SB and microarousals in NREM (non‐rapid eye movement) two sleep stage (p < 0.001). Bruxers had a greater risk of higher numbers of microarousals (OR = 1.023; p = .003), which did not occur for oxyhaemoglobin desaturations (OR = 0.998; p = .741).ConclusionsA higher number of microarousals presents relationship with SB; associations between SB and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations remained inconclusive; higher frequency of SB and microarousals was observed in NREM 2 sleep stage.
Why do children not survive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?
Authors: Alexander Georgina K , Namachivayam Siva P , Chiletti Roberto , Butt Warwick 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in critically ill children with cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Use is increasing in children with high‐risk comorbidities. Reasons children do not survive ECMO are poorly described.AimsDescribe characteristics and cause of death, compare mortality in children with high‐risk comorbidities, evaluate mortality trends over a decade.MethodAll children <18 years old who received ECMO at this institution from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were described and categorised by outcome: died on or <48 h post‐ECMO, died ≥48 h post‐ECMO, survived to hospital discharge. Children who did not survive ECMO (DNSE) were categorised to: ECMO withdrawal for irrecoverable original condition, withdrawal for poor prognosis neurological condition, brain death, withdrawal for poor prognosis with multiple complex conditions, and unsupportable. Poison regression was used to analyse survival trends.ResultsFour hundred twenty‐eight children received ECMO, 19% DNSE, 14% died ≥48 h post‐ECMO and 67% survived. ECMO was electively withdrawn for irrecoverable original condition (39%), poor prognosis for neurological condition (32%) or multiple complex conditions (18%). One hundred twenty‐two children had ≥1 high‐risk comorbidity. Children with genetic syndromes (58%), risk‐adjusted congenital heart surgery score‐1 ≥4 (53%), primary immunodeficiency (50%) had lower hospital survival. No children with malignancy/bone marrow transplant survived to hospital discharge. Overall hospital survival was 67%, with no significant change during the study period (P‐trend = 0.99).ConclusionChildren who DNSE have therapy electively withdrawn for irrecoverable disease or poor prognosis. Children with high‐risk comorbidities have a reasonable chance of survival. This study informs clinicians ECMO may be a therapeutic option.
Impact of phytase supplementation on nutrient variability, growth, and digestibility in weaned pigs fed a corn‐SBM complex diet
Authors: Park Jong Wan , Kinara Elick , Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Moturi Joseph , Mun JunYoung , Ha SangHun , Park SeRin , Kim JinSoo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of different nutrient matrices, with or without phytase supplementation, on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility, and blood inositol in pigs fed a complex diet based on corn‐soybean meal. Four hundred newly weaned cross‐bred (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) 21‐day‐old piglets of initial body weight 6.35 ± 1.91 kg were allotted to one of the five dietary treatments: Control (CNT), a corn‐soybean‐based standard diet; negative control 1 (NC1), a standard diet with reduced available phosphorus (Av.P) (−0.125%), metabolizable energy (ME) (−40 kcal), and crude protein (CP) (−0.3%); NC1 with 500 phytase units per kilogramme (FTU/kg) (N1P5); negative control 2 (NC2), a standard diet with greater reduction of Av.P (−0.150%), ME (−55 kcal), and CP (−0.45%,); and NC2 with 1000 FTU/kg (N2P10). Piglets were housed in a random arrangement based on sex and body weight and data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using analysis of variance. Results showed that the body weight and average daily gain of the NC2 treatment were lower (p < 0.05) compared to NC2. Gain to feed ratio was greater (p < 0.05) in the CNT and N1P5 treatments compared to the NC1, NC2, and N2P10 treatments. The CP digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments compared to other treatments. Moreover, the digestibility of phosphorus and calcium was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments than in CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments. The digestibility of non‐dispensable AA; histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and valine were increased (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 than in CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments. Nevertheless, the digestibility of dispensable AA, glutamic acid, was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments than in CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments. Blood myo‐inositol concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments compared to CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments in phase 2. These results demonstrated enhanced outcomes under conditions of moderate deficiency, whereas more pronounced deficiencies necessitated increased phytase dosages to observe significant improvements. The efficacy of phytase was evident in its ability to elevate average daily gain, gain to feed ratio, phosphorus and calcium, CP, AA, and blood myo‐inositol.
Exploring the impact of gut microbiota on liver health in mice and patients with Wilson disease
Authors: Zhong Hao‐Jie , Liu Ai‐Qun , Huang Dong‐Ni , Zhou Zhi‐Hua , Xu Shun‐Peng , Wu Lei , Yang Xin‐Ping , Chen Yangchao , Hong Ming‐Fan , Zhan Yong‐Qiang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsDistinctive gut microbial profiles have been observed between patients with Wilson disease (WD) and healthy individuals. Despite this, the exact relationship and influence of gut microbiota on the advancement of WD‐related liver damage remain ambiguous. This research seeks to clarify the gut microbiota characteristics in both human patients and mouse models of WD, as well as their impact on liver injury.MethodsGut microbial features in healthy individuals, patients with WD, healthy mice and mice with early‐ and late‐stage WD were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, WD‐afflicted mice underwent treatment with either an antibiotic cocktail (with normal saline as a control) or healthy microbiota (using disease microbiota as a control). The study assessed gut microbiota composition, hepatic transcriptome profiles, liver copper concentrations and hepatic pathological injuries.ResultsPatients with hepatic WD and mice with WD‐related liver injury displayed altered gut microbiota composition, notably with a significant reduction in Lactobacillus abundance. Additionally, the abundances of several gut genera, including Lactobacillus, Veillonella and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, showed significant correlations with the severity of liver injury in patients with WD. In WD mice, antibiotic treatment or transplantation of healthy microbiota altered the gut microbial structure, increased Lactobacillus abundance and modified the hepatic transcriptional profile. These interventions resulted in reduced hepatic copper concentration and alleviation of WD‐related liver injury.ConclusionsIndividuals and mice with pronounced WD‐related liver injury exhibited shifts in gut microbial composition. Regulating gut microbiota through healthy microbiota transplantation emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for treating WD‐related liver injury.
A novel pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a wireless patch system in patients with chronic nausea and vomiting
Authors: Lacy Brian E. , Cangemi David J. , Accurso Joseph M. , Axelrod Steve , Axelrod Lindsay , Navalgund Anand 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundGastric sensorimotor disorders (functional dyspepsia [FD] and gastroparesis [GP]) are prevalent and burdensome. Prolonged ambulatory recording using a wireless patch may provide novel information in these patients.MethodsConsecutive adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) referred for gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) were eligible for study inclusion. Patients were excluded if they had prior foregut surgery; were taking opioids or other medications known to affect gastric emptying; had a HgbA1C > 10; or were recently hospitalized. Three wireless motility patches were applied to the skin prior to GES. Patients wore the patches for 6 days while recording meals, symptoms, and bowel movements using an iPhone app.Key ResultsTwenty‐three consecutive adults (87% women; mean age = 43.9 years; mean BMI = 26.7 kg/m2) were enrolled. A gastric histogram revealed three levels of gastric myoelectric activity: weak, moderate, and strong. Patients with delayed gastric emptying at 4 h had weak gastric myoelectrical activity. Patients with nausea and vomiting had strong intestinal activity. Those with FD had weak gastric and intestinal myoelectric activity, and a weak meal response in the stomach, intestine, and colon compared to those with nausea alone or vomiting alone.Conclusions and InferencesPatients with FD, and those with delayed gastric emptying, had unique gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity patterns. Reduced postprandial pan‐intestinal myoelectric activity may explain the symptoms of FD in some patients. Recording gastrointestinal activity over a prolonged period in the outpatient setting has the potential to identify unique pathophysiologic patterns and meal‐related activity that distinguishes patients with distinct gastric sensorimotor disease states.
Pediatric to adult transition care in neurogastroenterology and motility: A position paper from the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
Authors: Butt Mohsin F. , Groen Jip , Jonker Charlotte A. L. , Burton‐Murray Helen , Carrington Emma V. , Chang Lin , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Ellis Jacob , Escher Johanna C. , Gorter Ramon R. , Jewell Sorcha , Karrento Katja , Koster Emma C. , Nurko Samuel , Rosen Rachel , van Tilburg Miranda A. L. , Zarate‐Lopez Natalia , Corsetti Maura , Benninga Marc A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTransition services—programs that support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as they move from a child‐centered to a more autonomous, adult‐orientated healthcare system—have been associated with improved short‐ and long‐term healthcare outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence exploring transition services within the neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) field. The overall aim of this article, endorsed by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, is to promote a discussion about the role of transition services for patients with NGM disorders. The AYAs addressed herein are those who have: (a) a ROME positive disorder of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), (b) a primary or secondary motility disorder (including those with motility disorders that have been surgically managed), or (c) an artificial feeding requirement (parenteral or enteral tube feeding) to manage malnutrition secondary to categories (a) or (b). The issues explored in this position paper include the specific physical and psychological healthcare needs of patients with NGM disorders; key healthcare professionals who should form part of a secondary care NGM transition service; the triadic relationship between healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients; approaches to selecting patients who may benefit most from transition care; methods to assess transition readiness; and strategies with which to facilitate transfer of care between healthcare professionals. Key areas for future research are also addressed, including the construction of NGM‐specific transition readiness questionnaires, tools to assess post‐transfer healthcare outcomes, and educational programs to train healthcare professionals about transition care in NGM.
The AI revolution with 21st century skills: Implications for the wage inequality and technical change
Authors: Grant Rachael , Üngör Murat 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe construct a three‐level constant elasticity of substitution production model. Labour is split into three components: (i) low‐skilled labour, (ii) high‐skilled labour with a traditional education background, and (iii) high‐skilled labour with an AI‐based education background. Rising use of automation in production will cause a rise in the skill premium (wages of both types of high‐skilled workers relative to low‐skilled workers) and AI skill premium (wages of high‐skilled labour with an AI‐based education relative to those with a traditional education background). Dependent on the value of the elasticity, automation may favour high‐skilled workers with an AI‐based education background.
Allogenic and autologous nondiluted serum eye drops—validation strategy compliant with good manufacturing practice
Authors: Dormann Frauke , Hähnel Viola , Müller Viktoria , Burkhardt Ralph , Offner Robert 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsSerum eye drops alleviate ocular symptoms of diseases such as sicca syndrome, or chronic graft‐versus‐host disease. This study was designed for good manufacturing practice validation of our standard manufacturing, storage and transport processes for both autologous and allogenic SEDs. Specifications of quality parameters are lacking and were aimed to be defined.MethodsUsing sterile collected, coagulated whole blood, serum was separated by centrifugation and filled into single‐use eye drop applicator vials. Quality control tests included visual inspection, sterility, leukocyte concentration, pH, vitamin A, TGF‐ß and VEGF‐A. Samples were collected after manufacture and after 24 h and 6 months of frozen storage (−20°C). Sterility testing was performed after opening the SED applicators at specified intervals. For transport validation, SEDs were packed in insulated transport bags and stored at 20–24°C and 30–32°C for 8 h.ResultsVitamin A, TGF‐ß and VEGF‐A assays showed no difference in concentration between fresh and 24 h frozen serum. All specifications for pH (aim 7.4) and cellular contamination were met and microbiological contamination tests were negative. Shelf‐life was defined as 6 months at −20°C. Once opened, the product must be used within 24 h to avoid bacterial outgrowth. Transporting frozen SEDs from the manufacturer via a local pharmacy to the patient within a maximum of 4 h was demonstrated.ConclusionsThe GMP compliance of our production, storage and transport processes for autologous and allogenic SEDs was successfully validated. 100% serum eye drops in single‐use applicators can be safely used for up to 24 h after opening.