bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in peripheral vestibular disorders based on Korean population data
Authors: Jeong Junhui , Youk Tae Mi , Jung Hyun Taek , Choi Hyun Seung 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesComprehensive studies in which the seasonal variation in peripheral vestibular disorders was evaluated using data from an entire population are insufficient. The seasonal variation in peripheral vestibular disorders based on data from the entire Korean population was investigated in the present study.MethodsRetrospective data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea from 2008 to 2020 was analyzed. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis (VN), and Meniere's disease (MD) were defined based on diagnostic, treatment, or audiovestibular test codes. The seasonal incidence for each peripheral vestibular disorder was calculated among all study subjects.ResultsFor the entire study cohort, the incidence of BPPV was significantly higher in spring (odds ratio [OR] = 1.031, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.026–1.037), autumn (OR = 1.024, 95% CI = 1.019–1.029), and winter (OR = 1.051, 95% CI = 1.046–1.056) than in summer. The incidence of VN was significantly lower in winter (OR = 0.917, 95% CI = 0.907–0.927) than in summer. The incidence of MD was significantly higher in spring (OR = 1.027, 95% CI = 1.015–1.039) and autumn (OR = 1.029, 95% CI = 1.017–1.041) and significantly lower in winter (OR = 0.919, 95% CI = 0.908–0.931) than in summer. Differences were also observed in seasonal variation based on sex and age.ConclusionsSignificant seasonal variation occurred in peripheral vestibular disorders including BPPV, VN, and MD based on the entire Korean population data. Furthermore, seasonal variation showed differences based on sex and age.Level of Evidence4.
Self‐Assembled Hierarchical Nanostructures: Toward Engineered SERS‐Active Platforms
Authors: Cutolo Maria Alessandra , Galeotti Francesco , Spaziani Sara , Quero Giuseppe , Calcagno Vincenzo , Micco Alberto , Irace Andrea , Breglio Giovanni , Pisco Marco , Cusano Andrea 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe creation of SERS‐active substrates is investigated by self‐assembling hierarchical structures of plasmonic‐assisted nanospheres (HSNs). The hierarchical architecture exploits the advantages of the well‐known ordered configuration of a hexagonally closed‐packed array (CPA) of nanospheres. A further layer of upper nanospheres is used to provide regular and intense surface hotspots, located at the nanogaps between neighboring nanospheres. Numerical analysis is carried out to predict the SERS performances and to identify the more promising configurations, by offering design criteria and a physical insight on the conditions affecting the SERS response of the self‐assembled substrates. Two alternative self‐assembly fabrication methods have been pursued to realize HSNs, namely co‐deposition and sequential deposition. Morphological analysis revealed the formation of well‐ordered hierarchical structures with different ratios between the diameters of the bottom and upper nanospheres. Experimental analysis of the SERS response demonstrates that HSNs can work as cost‐effective SERS substrates with superior performances with respect to the simpler single‐layer CPA configurations.
Independent Phase Control in Gap‐Tuned Metasurfaces for Dual‐Function Switching
Authors: Liao Yi , Chen Kaiji , Su Xiaoqiang , Xu Quan , Niu Li , Wu Tong , Zhang Huifang , Gu Jianqiang , Zhang Xueqian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSeeking new ways to actively control the phase using metasurfaces has gained significant attention in recent years, which is the key to achieve controllable wavefronts under external stimuli. Among various active phase control mechanisms, a mechanical method based on gap tuning, termed as gap‐tuned metasurface here, has shown promise in continuous phase adjustment. However, previous studies face limitations in independent and complete phase control at different gap distances, which is crucial in dual‐function switching applications. In this study, a novel type of gap‐tuned metasurfaces are proposed, which can overcome the above limitations through simultaneously manipulating the Pancharatnam–Berry phase and gap‐induced dynamic phase under circularly polarized incidences. Two exemplary gap‐tuned metasurfaces capable of orbital angular momentum (OAM) switching and focusing‐polarity switching are experimentally demonstrated. Furthermore, the special dynamic phase design also exhibits phase conjugate property similar to the Pancharatnam–Berry phase, making circular polarization handedness an alternative route for dual‐function switching. This method provides a straightforward and effective means for the development of active wavefront control devices.
Emulation of randomized trials of direct oral anticoagulants with claims data and implications for new Factor XI inhibitors
Authors: Wang Shirley V. , Lin Kueiyu Joshua , Schneeweiss Sebastian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) revolutionized the management of thromboembolic disorders. Clinical care may be further improved as Factor XIs undergo large‐scale outcome trials. What role can non‐randomized database studies play in expediting understanding of these drugs in clinical practice? The RCT‐DUPLICATIVE Initiative emulated the design of eight DOAC randomized clinical trials (RCT) using non‐randomized claims database studies. RCT study design parameters and measurements were closely emulated by the database studies and produced highly concordant results. The results of the single database study that did not meet all agreement metrics with the specific RCT it was emulating were aligned with a meta‐analysis of six trials studying similar questions, suggesting the trial result was an outlier. Well‐designed database studies using fit‐for‐purpose data came to the same conclusions as DOAC trials, illustrating how database studies could complement RCTs for Factor XI inhibitors—by accelerating insights in underrepresented populations, demonstrating effectiveness and safety in clinical practice, and testing broader indications.
Andexanet alfa versus PCC products for factor Xa inhibitor bleeding: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: White C. Michael , Caroti Kimberly Snow , Bessada Youssef , Hernandez Adrian V. , Baker William L. , Dobesh Paul P. , van Haalen Heleen , Rhodes Kirsty , Coleman Craig I. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPrevious meta‐analyses assessed andexanet alfa (AA) or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) products for the treatment of Factor Xa inhibitor (FXaI)‐associated major bleeding. However, they did not include recent studies or assess the impact of the risk of bias. We conducted a systematic review with meta‐analysis on the effectiveness of AA versus PCC products for FXaI‐associated major bleeding, inclusive of the studies' risk of bias. PubMed and Embase were searched for comparative studies assessing major bleeding in patients using FXaI who received AA or PCC. We used the Methodological Index for NOn‐Randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist and one question from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal of Case Series tool to assess the risk of bias. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed to provide a pooled estimate for the effect of AA versus PCC products on hemostatic efficacy, in‐hospital mortality, 30‐day mortality, and thrombotic events. Low–moderate risk of bias studies were meta‐analyzed separately, as well as combined with high risk of bias studies. Eighteen comparative evaluations of AA versus PCC were identified. Twenty‐eight percent of the studies (n = 5) had low–moderate risk and 72% (n = 13) had a high risk of bias. Studies with low–moderate risk of bias suggested improvements in hemostatic efficacy [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.72 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.15–6.44); one study], lower in‐hospital mortality [OR 0.48 (95% CI: 0.38–0.61); three studies], and reduced 30‐day mortality [OR 0.49 (95% CI: 0.30–0.80); two studies] when AA was used versus PCC products. When studies were included regardless of the risk of bias, pooled effects showed improvements in hemostatic efficacy [OR 1.36 (95% CI: 1.01–1.84); 12 studies] and reductions in 30‐day mortality [OR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.37–0.76); six studies] for AA versus PCC. The difference in thrombotic events with AA versus PCC was not statistically significant in the low–moderate, high, or combined risk of bias groups. The evidence from low–moderate quality real‐world studies suggests that AA is superior to PCC in enhancing hemostatic efficacy and reducing in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality. When studies are assessed regardless of the risk of bias, the pooled hemostatic efficacy and 30‐day mortality risk remain significantly better with AA versus PCC.
Management of invasive candidiasis: A focus on rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, and fosmanogepix
Authors: August Benjamin A. , Kale‐Pradhan Pramodini B. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractManagement of invasive fungal infections is challenging with growing antifungal resistance. Broad antifungal use has resulted in greater intrinsic and acquired resistance among Candida spp. It is important for clinicians to recognize the relationship between host susceptibility, site of infection, Candida resistance profiles, specific drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the role of novel antifungal agents. This narrative review covers the role of rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, and fosmanogepix in the management of invasive candidiasis (IC). The PubMed Database, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched between January 2006 and January 2024 using the following terms: rezafungin, CD101, ibrexafungerp, SCY‐078, fosmanogepix, APX001, candidemia, and invasive candidiasis. Review articles, prospective clinical trials, and observational studies published in the English language were reviewed. Studies evaluating pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety in animals and humans were also reviewed. Promising data continues to emerge in support of novel drug therapies for IC and candidemia. Rezafungin possesses a unique pharmacodynamic profile that might be advantageous compared to other echinocandins, with a practical, once‐weekly dosing interval. Ibrexafungerp, currently approved for vulvovaginal candidiasis, has been studied off‐label for use in IC and candidemia, and initial data is encouraging. Lastly, fosmanogepix, a mechanistically novel, investigational antifungal agent, may be a potential future option in the management of IC and candidemia. Future research is needed to evaluate the potential use of these agents among diverse patient populations.
Spontaneous self‐assembly of magnetic nanoparticle chains, at the first stage of a gas aggregation source
Authors: Orellana Christian , González‐Fuentes Claudio , Abellan María , Segura Rodrigo , Oyarzún Simón , Acevedo Cristian , Romero Christian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThere is an increasing interest in magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and self‐assembled MNP chains for applications in biomedicine, catalysis, and other technologically relevant applications. In this work, we report the spontaneous self‐assembly of MNPs at the top surface of the shield of a magnetron sputter head. The resulting nanostructures consisted of clustered nanoscale chains arranged in highly oriented microfibers, with lengths of micrometer order and diameters ranging from 20 to 600 nm. The intense magnetic field gradient around the sputter magnetron's head is the driving force of the self‐assembly process, also trapping species that would otherwise be lost in the carrier gas flow.
An ensemble machine learning model generates a focused screening library for the identification of CDK8 inhibitors
Authors: Lin Tony Eight , Yen Dyan , HuangFu Wei‐Chun , Wu Yi‐Wen , Hsu Jui‐Yi , Yen Shih‐Chung , Sung Tzu‐Ying , Hsieh Jui‐Hua , Pan Shiow‐Lin , Yang Chia‐Ron , Huang Wei‐Jan , Hsu Kai‐Cheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe identification of an effective inhibitor is an important starting step in drug development. Unfortunately, many issues such as the characterization of protein binding sites, the screening library, materials for assays, etc., make drug screening a difficult proposition. As the size of screening libraries increases, more resources will be inefficiently consumed. Thus, new strategies are needed to preprocess and focus a screening library towards a targeted protein. Herein, we report an ensemble machine learning (ML) model to generate a CDK8‐focused screening library. The ensemble model consists of six different algorithms optimized for CDK8 inhibitor classification. The models were trained using a CDK8‐specific fragment library along with molecules containing CDK8 activity. The optimized ensemble model processed a commercial library containing 1.6 million molecules. This resulted in a CDK8‐focused screening library containing 1,672 molecules, a reduction of more than 99.90%. The CDK8‐focused library was then subjected to molecular docking, and 25 candidate compounds were selected. Enzymatic assays confirmed six CDK8 inhibitors, with one compound producing an IC50 value of ≤100 nM. Analysis of the ensemble ML model reveals the role of the CDK8 fragment library during training. Structural analysis of molecules reveals the hit compounds to be structurally novel CDK8 inhibitors. Together, the results highlight a pipeline for curating a focused library for a specific protein target, such as CDK8.
Native ion mobility‐mass spectrometry reveals the binding mechanisms of anti‐amyloid therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Han Yilin , Desai Alec A. , Zupancic Jennifer M. , Smith Matthew D. , Tessier Peter M. , Ruotolo Brandon T. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the most important attributes of anti‐amyloid antibodies is their selective binding to oligomeric and amyloid aggregates. However, current methods of examining the binding specificities of anti‐amyloid β (Aβ) antibodies have limited ability to differentiate between complexes that form between antibodies and monomeric or oligomeric Aβ species during the dynamic Aβ aggregation process. Here, we present a high‐resolution native ion‐mobility mass spectrometry (nIM‐MS) method to investigate complexes formed between a variety of Aβ oligomers and three Aβ‐specific IgGs, namely two antibodies with relatively high conformational specificity (aducanumab and A34) and one antibody with low conformational specificity (crenezumab). We found that crenezumab primarily binds Aβ monomers, while aducanumab preferentially binds Aβ monomers and dimers and A34 preferentially binds Aβ dimers, trimers, and tetrameters. Through collision induced unfolding (CIU) analysis, our data indicate that antibody stability is increased upon Aβ binding and, surprisingly, this stabilization involves the Fc region. Together, we conclude that nIM‐MS and CIU enable the identification of Aβ antibody binding stoichiometries and provide important details regarding antibody binding mechanisms.
Effect of grape‐derived products on the serum levels of enzymes mainly produced by the liver: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of parallel randomized controlled trials
Authors: Alhajlah Sharif 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn recent years, an increase in the incidence of liver diseases has been reported all over the world. This study aims to comprehensively summarize and quantitatively analyze the existing evidence concerning the effectiveness of grape‐derived products on liver enzymes through a systematic review and meta‐analytic approach. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science were comprehensively searched until January 2024. Articles that reported the effect of grape‐derived products on serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using a random‐effects model. Nine studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The results revealed that grape‐derived products did not significantly change the concentrations of ALT (WMD: −2.70 IU/L, 95% CI: −6.14 to 0.75, p = 0.12), and AST (WMD: ‐1.42 IU/L, 95% CI: −3.54 to 0.70, p = 0.18). However, a significant reduction was observed in serum ALP levels (WMD: ‐5.49 IU/L, 95% CI: −9.57 to −1.4, p = 0.008). The present findings suggest that grape‐derived products positively influence serum ALP levels among adults. However, a more comprehensive decision necessitates additional studies.
COVAX and COVID‐19 Vaccine Inequity: A case study of G‐20 and African Union
Authors: Pushkaran Anjali , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Narayanan Prakash 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAs the world has a history of vaccine nationalism, especially during the 2009 Swine flu pandemic, the COVAX alliance, a globally collaborated mechanism, was created by World Health Organization (WHO), GAVI, and UNICEF to address the inequity of COVID‐19 vaccines. One of the primary aims of this alliance was to deliver vaccines to low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), which otherwise have less or no capacity to access vaccines from the open market. It is crucial to explore the contribution of COVAX in bridging the gap in equity, accessibility, and affordability of COVID‐19 vaccines between high‐ and low‐income countries (LICs). We selected Group 20 (G20) COVAX participants and the African Union (AU) as case studies to estimate these gaps. The bilateral purchase data shows that by December 2021, the G20 countries had vaccines more than double their population, whereas the AU could procure only about one fifth (19%) of their population. Out of 52 AU countries whose data was available, only 21 of them could strike a bilateral deal with vaccine manufacturers. Even after COVAX delivery, the share of the population that could be vaccinated in AU was just 36.8%, less than the target of WHO (40%) for December 2021. It was found that the COVAX alliance worked better than the open market competition for LMICs and LICs. The cost of vaccinating 20% of the population was 0.7% of the current health expenditure for G20 countries, whereas AU countries had to spend 5.5%. COVAX bears more cost (1%–3%) for AU countries than G20 countries (less than 1%). COVAX made COVID‐19 vaccines more affordable and accessible to these countries. However, LICs were disproportionately affected even with the COVAX Facility mechanism owing to their lack of vaccine deployment infrastructure.
Impact of sea spray‐mediated heat fluxes on polar low development
Authors: Lin Ting , Spengler Thomas , Rutgersson Anna , Wu Lichuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSea spray, originating from wave breaking under high wind conditions, can significantly affect turbulent heat fluxes at the air–sea interface. Even though polar lows (PLs) can become extreme weather features with gale‐force wind, the impact of sea spray on their development has rarely been investigated and is not considered in operational forecast models. In this study, the impact of sea spray on the development of two PLs over the Barents Sea is studied based on sensitivity experiments with an atmosphere–wave coupled model, where the spray‐mediated heat fluxes are parameterized. The results show that the impact of sea‐spray‐mediated heat fluxes on PL development is sensitive to the surface wind speed. In the case of the stronger PL, the higher surface wind speed results in significantly higher spray‐mediated heat fluxes. Consequently, these spray‐mediated heat fluxes intensify the convection and diabatic heating of the PL, resulting in its intensification. In comparison, the case with a weaker PL experiences less sea spray production and lower spray‐mediated heat fluxes due to its weaker surface wind speeds. Overall, we find that spray‐mediated sensible heat fluxes play an important role in the development of PLs, while the latent heat fluxes induced by sea spray have a relatively minor impact.
Long‐term pneumatic stenting with positive expiratory pressure therapy for severe expiratory central airway collapse
Authors: Funes‐Ferrada Rodrigo , Barrios‐Ruiz Alanna , Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Johnson Margaret M. , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian , Abia‐Trujillo David 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExpiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) comprising excessive central airway collapse (EDAC) and tracheobronchomalacia. Treatment is challenging for severe cases that are not candidates for surgical management. We report a case of severe ECAC successfully managed with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. A 75‐year‐old female patient status post right pneumonectomy, presented with chronic cough. Dynamic bronchoscopy evaluation showed severe EDAC which improved with intraprocedural noninvasive positive pressure (NIPPV) therapy. Due to patients' comorbidities, she was not a candidate to surgical tracheobronchoplasty. Therefore, we attempted pneumatic stenting with long‐term CPAP therapy resulting in improvement of symptoms and functional capacity. The long‐term efficacy of pneumatic stenting has not been clearly established yet. Literature review of management of ECAC with NIPPV consist primarily of case reports and there is only one clinical trial being conducted to assess the efficacy of CPAP therapy in ECAC. While NIPPV arises as a sufficient alternative for management of severe ECAC, larger scale studies are needed to prove the real efficacy of NIPPV in this setting.
Renewable energy and sustainable development goals: Insights from latent dirichlet allocation thematic and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Huang Rui , Li Rongrong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis research conducts a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between renewable energy and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Employing diverse methodologies including latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling, bibliometrics, citation analysis, and regression modeling, the study explores the evolving landscape of renewable energy research and its implications for SDGs. The analysis identifies a pronounced scholarly interest in renewable energy, reflected in the escalating publication volumes and citations across environmental sciences, green technology, and energy studies. Through meticulous examination, it uncovers interconnected research themes; encompassing policy uncertainty, Environmental Kuznets Curve, and ecological footprint, elucidating the multifaceted impact of renewable energy on the SDGs. Geographical distributions underscore diverse regional focuses, emphasizing the need for nuanced, context‐specific approaches. Regression analysis highlights influential factors like carbon dioxide emissions and gross domestic product (GDP) growth, delineating their pivotal roles in shaping scholarly attention toward renewable energy research. Furthermore, the study delves into the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of renewable energy's influence. It reveals its contributions to employment generation, sustainable production, energy access, and infrastructure development while navigating challenges related to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. This comprehensive investigation offers crucial insights into the complex interplay between renewable energy and the SDGs. It predicts future research directions and highlights the urgency for interdisciplinary collaboration, international cooperation, and policy innovations to harness renewable energy's transformative potential for global sustainable development.