bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catalytic dehydration of 1,2-butanediol to 1,3-butadiene over CsH2PO4/SiO2
Authors: Inaba Takami , Kurniawan Enggah , Hara Takayoshi , Yamada Yasuhiro , Sato Satoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Silica-supported alkali metal phosphate catalysts were investigated for the vapor-phase dehydration of 1,2-butanediol (1,2-BDO) to produce 1,3-butadiene (BD). Among the alkali metal phosphates explored, a silica-supported CsH2PO4 (CsH2PO4/SiO2) was found to be the most efficient catalyst. Several parameters, such as the Cs/P ratio, reaction temperature, and contact time, significantly affected the BD formation. The highest BD yield of 59.6% was achieved over 10CsH2PO4/SiO2 at 411 °C, with butanal and butanone as the main side products. Based on the conversion-selectivity plots at 411 °C, a possible reaction pathway for BD formation was proposed. In addition, the dehydrations of 1,2-epoxybutane and 2-buten-1-ol were also performed to verify the reaction sequence. The epoxidation of 1,2-BDO to 1,2-epoxybutane, which is one of the initial steps of the stepwise formation of BD, proceeded via an acid-base concerted mechanism. This work is the first report on the dehydration of 1,2-BDO to produce BD efficiently.
Olfactory function after mild traumatic brain injury in children—a longitudinal case control study
Authors: Gellrich Janine , Zickmüller Claudia , Thieme Theresa , Karpinski Christian , Fitze Guido , Smitka Martin , von der Hagen Maja , Schriever Valentin A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The prevalence of posttraumatic olfactory dysfunction in children after mild traumatic brain injury ranges from 3 to 58%, with potential factors influencing this variation, including traumatic brain injury severity and assessment methods. This prospective longitudinal study examines the association between mild traumatic brain injury and olfactory dysfunction in children. Seventy-five pediatric patients with mild traumatic brain injury and an age-matched healthy control group were enrolled. Olfactory function was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks battery, which focuses on olfactory threshold and odor identification. The study found that children with mild traumatic brain injury had impaired olfactory function compared with healthy controls, particularly in olfactory threshold scores. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the patient group was 33% and persisted for 1 yr. No significant association was found between traumatic brain injury symptoms (e.g. amnesia, loss of consciousness) and olfactory dysfunction. The study highlights the importance of assessing olfactory function in children after mild traumatic brain injury, given its potential impact on daily life. Although most olfactory dysfunction appears transient, long-term follow-up is essential to fully understand the recovery process. The findings add valuable insights to the limited literature on this topic and urge the inclusion of olfactory assessments in the management of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury.
Distinct neural mechanisms for action access and execution in the human brain: insights from an fMRI study
Authors: Papitto Giorgio , Friederici Angela D , Zaccarella Emiliano 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Goal-directed actions are fundamental to human behavior, whereby inner goals are achieved through mapping action representations to motor outputs. The left premotor cortex (BA6) and the posterior portion of Broca’s area (BA44) are two modulatory poles of the action system. However, how these regions support the representation-output mapping within the system is not yet understood. To address this, we conducted a finger-tapping functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment using action categories ranging from specific to general. Our study found distinct neural behaviors in BA44 and BA6 during action category processing and motor execution. During access of action categories, activity in a posterior portion of BA44 (pBA44) decreased linearly as action categories became less specific. Conversely, during motor execution, activity in BA6 increased linearly with less specific categories. These findings highlight the differential roles of pBA44 and BA6 in action processing. We suggest that pBA44 facilitates access to action categories by utilizing motor information from the behavioral context while the premotor cortex integrates motor information to execute the selected action. This finding enhances our understanding of the interplay between prefrontal cortical regions and premotor cortex in mapping action representation to motor execution and, more in general, of the cortical mechanisms underlying human behavior.
Acute myocardial infarction following radiofrequency catheter ablation in a child: a case report on the mechanism of coronary artery occlusion assessed by cardiovascular imaging
Authors: Nishio Ryota , Doi Shinichiro , Fukunaga Hideo , Dohi Tomotaka 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Radiofrequency ablation is a common treatment for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, even in paediatric patients weighing ≥15 kg, where outcomes are similar to those in adults. However, reports of acute coronary artery occlusion after radiofrequency ablation for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia are rare.

Case summary
An 11-year-old girl with symptomatic atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia refractory to drug treatment underwent radiofrequency ablation. During the procedure, ST elevation was observed, and coronary angiography revealed occlusion of the right coronary artery at the segment 4 atrioventricular branch. Intravascular ultrasonography showed a narrowed lumen and an abnormal area of low echogenicity in the adjacent myocardium. After dilation with a 1.5 mm diameter balloon, blood flow was successfully restored. Follow-up coronary computed tomography angiography revealed residual stenosis in the right coronary artery at the segment 4 atrioventricular branch; however, blood flow to the distal occlusion was preserved. The patient was discharged without further complications.

Discussion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of coronary artery occlusion following radiofrequency ablation for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, evaluated using intravascular ultrasonography and coronary computed tomography angiography. Based on the imaging findings, direct thermal injury was considered the cause of occlusion.
Two ‘firsts’ in a patient with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis following edge-to-edge repair: a case report
Authors: Patrascu Alexandru , Binder Donat , Al Farwan Feraas , Weinmann Kai , Ott Ilka 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. As many elderly TR patients are deemed inoperable, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) is arising as a viable treatment option. Though procedural safety aspects seem excellent, long-term risks cannot be ignored, including the feasibility of cardiac pacing by endovascular lead implantation at a later time, as well as T-TEER device-related infective endocarditis (IE), in the context of systemic infection.

Case summary
We present the case of an 80-year-old man with recurrent admissions for right heart failure due to massive TR, despite successful percutaneous mitral valve repair. The patient was turned down for surgery and eventually underwent T-TEER, with successful TR reduction to mild-to-moderate and improvement in quality of life. Five months later, the patient was admitted for symptomatic bradycardia and the first reported pacemaker implantation after T-TEER with a specific tricuspid valve device was performed. Lead implantation was guided by transoesophageal echocardiography, and did not worsen residual TR. Two years later, the patient presented with device-related tricuspid valve IE, again a ‘first’ following T-TEER. Despite antimicrobial therapy, the vegetation embolized through the atrial septal defect caused by prior mitral-TEER and triggered an ischaemic stroke. Furthermore, sepsis led to multiorgan failure and eventually death.

Discussion
Tricuspid regurgitation is an individual predictor of morbidity and mortality, frequently found in elderly, and should be addressed in symptomatic inoperable patients. With the rise of interventional treatment, new challenges face long-term follow-up and treatment after percutaneous repair. This case report underscores the feasibility of endovascular pacemaker lead implantation after T-TEER, while it points to the risk of device-related tricuspid valve IE.
Evolving consequences of right coronary artery to right atrium: coronary cameral fistula—a case report
Authors: How Wei Jun , Luckie Matthew , Bratis Konstantinos , Hasan Ragheb , Malik Nadim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Coronary cameral fistula is a rare diagnosis, which may be picked up incidentally on cardiac imaging. While majority of cases is asymptomatic, they can be complicated by myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmias, heart failure, infective endocarditis, and rarely rupture or thrombosis of the fistula leading to sudden death.

Case summary
A 73-year-old female presents with fever, lethargy, and examination finding of a continuous cardiac murmur. CT coronary angiogram confirmed the presence of a coronary cameral fistula, with an aneurysmal RCA seen arising from the right coronary sinus, following an extensive tortuous course wrapping around the heart, and terminating at the right atrium. While there was initial streptococcus bacteraemia identified on blood culture sampling, no obvious masses were detected on the valves, chambers, or along the course of the fistula. Over time, she develops anginal chest pain and heart failure symptoms, with progressive dilatation of the right ventricle and functional tricuspid regurgitation secondary to shunting of the fistula into the right chambers. Surgical intervention was then pursued and successfully addressed these complications.

Discussion
This case report highlights the importance of advanced imaging modalities for accurate diagnosis of coronary cameral fistulae, addressing late manifestations of the disease and the necessity for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cardiac anomalies.
In-depth analysis of pre- and postoperative functional outcome parameters in patients receiving laryngotracheal surgery
Authors: Evermann Matthias , Roesner Imme , Denk-Linnert Doris-Maria , Klepetko Walter , Schweiger Thomas , Hoetzenecker Konrad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Surgical treatment for airway stenosis necessitates personalized techniques based on the stenosis location and length, leading to favourable surgical outcomes. However, there is limited literature on functional outcomes following laryngotracheal surgery with an adequate number of patients.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laryngotracheal surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, from January 2017 to June 2021. The study included standardized functional assessments before and after surgery, encompassing spirometry, voice measurements, swallowing evaluation and subjective patient perception.

RESULTS
The study comprised 45 patients with an average age of 51.9 ± 15.9 years, of whom 89% were female, with idiopathic being the most common aetiology (67%). Procedures included standard cricotracheal resection in 11%, cricotracheal resection with dorsal mucosal flap in 49%, cricotracheal resection with dorsal mucosal flap and lateral cricoplasty in 24% and single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction in 16%. There were no in-hospital mortalities or restenosis cases during the mean follow-up period of 20.8 ± 13.2 months. Swallowing function remained intact in all patients. Voice evaluations showed a decrease in fundamental vocal pitch [203 (81–290) Hz vs 150 (73–364) Hz, P &lt; 0.001] and dynamic voice range (23.5 ± 5.8 semitones vs 17.8 ± 6.7 semitones, P &lt; 0.001). However, no differences in voice volume were observed (60.0 ± 4.1 dB vs 60.2 ± 4.8 dB, P = 0.788). The overall predicted voice profile changed from R0B0H0 to R1B0H1.

CONCLUSIONS
Laryngotracheal surgery proves effective in fully restoring breathing capacity while preserving vocal function. Even in cases of high-grade and complex airway stenosis necessitating laryngotracheal reconstruction, favourable functional outcomes can be achieved.
Eliminate LDL cholesterol after heart attack … but only for a while
Authors: Prati Francesco , Biccirè Flavio Giuseppe , Sammartini Emanuele , Gatto Laura 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
There is a clear demonstration of the inverse linear correlation between LDL cholesterol levels and clinical benefit. However, the timing of the action of lipid-lowering drugs is not clear. According to animal studies with recombinant lipoprotein A-1, the composition of atherosclerosis changes within 40 h (with variations in lipid and inflammatory contents). Progression–regression studies of atherosclerosis in humans confirm the data, highlighting a rapid change in the plaque over 5 weeks. The data are also in line with what emerges from the survival curves of the old study comparing atorvastatin 80 mg vs. placebo (Myocardial Ischaemia Reduction with Aggressive Cholesterol Lowering). The spacing of the curves occurs after only 4 weeks, indicating the precociousness of the favourable effects of powerful statins. Finally, a recent Odyssey post hoc analysis compared the risk of cardiac death and coronary revascularization between a group in which alirocumab lowered LDL cholesterol to below 15 mg (Group 1 and in which the drug was therefore stopped) against the subjects in the placebo group (Group 2), applying a propensity score matching. The primary endpoint occurred in a lower percentage of patients in Group 1 (6.4 vs. 8.4%). Furthermore, patients in Group 1 had a significantly lower hazard ratio (HR) for major adverse cardiovascular events [0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51–0.997; P = 0.047] compared with the entire alirocumab group vs. placebo (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.78–0.93; P &lt; 0.001). According to these preliminary observations, aggressive and early treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in subjects with acute coronary syndrome translates into improved clinical results compared with a strategy that provides for more gradual control. These data will need to be confirmed through further prospective clinical studies and ideally with early conducted atherosclerosis regression studies.
There are those who would like zero LDL cholesterol
Authors: Borghi Claudio , Bragagni Alessio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The overwhelming evidence that the reduction of LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels is associated with a parallel reduction in cardiovascular (CV) risk has led the scientific community to progressively and constantly reduce the optimal therapeutic targets of LDLc, both in patients with known CV disease and in patients undergoing primary prevention. The recent introduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors has allowed clinicians to observe reductions in LDLc levels that go well beyond the limits set by the main international guidelines; following the ‘the lower the better’ paradigm, it is natural to ask how low LDLc can be reduced, whether this intervention is associated with a further reduction in CV risk and, above all, whether there are no issues related to safety in the use of polypharmacotherapies that determine an extreme reduction in LDLc levels. The purpose of this article is to summarize the main scientific evidence on the topic, trying to provide an answer to all clinicians who ‘would like their LDLc to be—almost—zero’.
Remote monitoring of severe heart failure
Authors: Scardovi Angela Beatrice , Boccanelli Alessandro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Patients with advanced heart failure, due to the instability of their clinical conditions, need close surveillance to avoid dangerous exacerbations or sudden events. Digital technology can be of great help in this contest, thanks to remote monitoring, made possible with the use of wearable or implantable instruments. The latter are currently generally inserted inside defibrillators or resynchronization systems, or inserted inside the pulmonary circulation for monitoring pulmonary pressure. Parameters such as thoracic impedance, physical activity, heart rate variability, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, blood pressure, and O2 saturation can be controlled remotely. The data relating to the actual benefit in terms of avoidable events (death and hospitalizations) are not definitive, but certainly from an organizational point of view, the benefit is evident, both on the part of the patient and of the organization of care. The latter, provided in the form of televisits, requires a re-modulation of the system, making use of trained personnel, a well-structured network, and digital technologies (platforms, electronic health records) that are not yet perfectly developed. The evolution of the solutions offered by artificial intelligence guarantees a rapid and progressive refinement of telemedicine in this sector.
Subcostal bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting with the da Vinci Single Port system: an experimental feasibility study
Authors: Stein Hubert , Falk Volkmar , Zacharias Joseph , Ikeda Michael , Smith John Michael , Crichton Georgia , Ryckembusch Louis , Kempfert Jörg 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We evaluated the feasibility of harvesting bilateral internal thoracic arteries with the da Vinci Single Port system (SP) through a single left-sided subcostal incision. Complete bilateral mobilization with sufficiently long conduits for multivessel grafting was possible in 2 human cadavers and 2 live porcine. Creating the subcostal access and docking the SP system took between 14 and 21 min and the total harvest time ranged from 65 to 125 min in all models. No major bleeding was observed in the live porcine and hemostasis was managed with the available instrumentation. One porcine deceased during surgery due to ventricular fibrillation followed by cardiac arrest. The robotic harvesting was technically easily reproduced by the surgeons and required no additional rib-spreading. Further studies will be required to assess if this subcostal approach with the da Vinci SP system yields true clinical benefits in patients.
Antibiotic prescribing practices of medical doctors in a resource-limited setting and the influence of individual perceptions and stewardship support: a survey in three tertiary hospitals in Vietnam
Authors: Vu Huong Thi Lan , Pham Thuy Thi Thanh , Duong Yen Hai , Truong Quan Anh , Nguyen Hong Khanh , Nguyen Tu Thi Cam , Trinh Long Xuan , Nguyen Ha Thi Hong , Le Minh Quang , Vu Vinh Hai , Chau Duc Minh , Huynh Nguyet Thi , Vo Em Thi Hoang Dung , Le Hoa Nguyen Minh , Pham Thach Ngoc , Pollack Todd M , Van Doorn H Rogier 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To understand antibiotic prescribing and influencing factors to inform antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions to reduce unwanted consequences of antibiotic use in hospitals in Vietnam, a lower-middle-income country in Asia.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of doctors at three tertiary hospitals using non-probability convenience sampling, through a paper-based (Hospitals 1 and 2) or electronic (Hospital 3) survey. Questions included items on perceptions regarding antibiotic resistance and AMS, prescribing practices, knowledge, demographics and training. We used principal components analysis and mixed-effects models to examine practices and identify influencing factors.

Results
Among 314 surveyed participants, 61%, 57% and 59% in Hospitals 1, 2 and 3, respectively, felt certain about the appropriateness of their antibiotic prescriptions. In total, 9% reported sometimes prescribing antibiotics when not needed to meet patients’ expectations, and 13% reported doing so to avoid perceived complications. Higher prescribing confidence was found among those with positive perceptions about AMS (P &lt; 0.0001), whereas negative perceptions about colleagues’ practices reduced this confidence (P &lt; 0.0001). Individual preference for branded antibiotics was associated with more unnecessary prescribing whereas having higher prescribing confidence decreased the habits of prescribing when not needed.

Conclusions
This study provides important implications for design of hospital interventions to address influencing factors on antibiotic prescribing in Vietnam and similar resource-limited settings. Specific interventions should target improving knowledge through education and training for doctors, enhancing the support from the AMS team, and promoting guidelines and policies for appropriate antibiotic use in hospital.
Dihydrophenazine: a multifunctional new weapon that kills multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and restores carbapenem and oxidative stress susceptibilities
Authors: Mahdally Norhan H , ElShiekh Riham A , Thissera Bathini , Eltaher Ashraf , Osama Aya , Mokhtar Maha , Elhosseiny Noha M , Kashef Mona T , Magdeldin Sameh , El Halawany Ali M , Rateb Mostafa E , Attia Ahmed S 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
The current work aims to fully characterize a new antimicrobial agent against Acinetobacter baumannii, which continues to represent a growing threat to healthcare settings worldwide. With minimal treatment options due to the extensive spread of resistance to almost all the available antimicrobials, the hunt for new antimicrobial agents is a high priority.

Methods and results
An Egyptian soil-derived bacterium strain NHM-077B proved to be a promising source for a new antimicrobial agent. Bio-guided fractionation of the culture supernatants of NHM-077B followed by chemical structure elucidation identified the active antimicrobial agent as 1-hydroxy phenazine. Chemical synthesis yielded more derivatives, including dihydrophenazine (DHP), which proved to be the most potent against A. baumannii, yet it exhibited a marginally safe cytotoxicity profile against human skin fibroblasts. Proteomics analysis of the cells treated with DHP revealed multiple proteins with altered expression that could be correlated to the observed phenotypes and potential mechanism of the antimicrobial action of DHP. DHP is a multipronged agent that affects membrane integrity, increases susceptibility to oxidative stress, interferes with amino acids/protein synthesis, and modulates virulence-related proteins. Interestingly, DHP in subinhibitory concentrations re-sensitizes the highly virulent carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strain AB5075 to carbapenems providing great hope in regaining some of the benefits of this important class of antibiotics.

Conclusions
This work underscores the potential of DHP as a promising new agent with multifunctional roles as both a classical and nonconventional antimicrobial agent that is urgently needed.