bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of immunomodulation therapy in women with recurrent implantation failure undergoing assisted conception: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Khairy Mohammed , Harb Hoda , Eapen Abey , Melo Pedro , Kazem Rahnuma , Rajkhowa Madhurima , Ndukuwe George , Coomarasamy Arri 
Published: February 2024

AbstractProblemRecurrent implantation failure (RIF) after multiple embryo transfers remains a vexing problem and immunomodulators have been used with conflicting results. This study aims to assess the effect of immunomodulation therapy on live birth rate (LBR) in women with RIF undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART).Method of study designThis is a retrospective cohort study in multicentre network of private assisted conception units in the UK. The study included women who had at least two failed attempts of embryo transfers at CARE fertility network in the period from 1997 to 2018. Women in the treatment group had immunomodulator drugs in the form of corticosteroids, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and intravenous intralipid (IVIL) infusions, either separately or in combination, after immunological testing, in addition to standard ART whilst women in the control group had only ART without immunomodulators. The primary outcome was LBR per cycle. Secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR), cumulative live birth (CLBR), and miscarriage.ResultsA total of 27 163 ART cycles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 5083 had immunomodulation treatment in addition to standard ART treatment, and 22 080 had standard ART treatment alone. Women in the treatment group were significantly older (mean age 38.5 vs. 37.1 years, p < .001), and had a higher number of previous failed ART cycles (mean 4.3 vs. 3.8, p < .01). There was a higher LBR in women who received immunomodulation therapy when compared with the control group (20.9% vs. 15.8%, odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–1.53, p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that immunomodulation treatment was a significant independent predictor of live birth after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.15–1.54, p < .001). Survival analysis showed a higher CLBR in the treatment group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.62–1.94, p < .001).Conclusion(s)This study provides evidence of a potential beneficial effect of immunomodulation therapy in women with RIF after immunological testing. There remains a need for high quality, adequately powered multicentre RCTs to robustly address the role of immunomodulation in women with RIF. There is also an urgent need for standardised screening tests for immune disorders that could preclude implantation.
Perinatal outcomes after regional analgesia during labour
Authors: Lawson Janna , Amaratunge Lahiru , Goh Melody , Selvaratnam Roshan J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundRegional analgesia is a common and effective form of in‐labour analgesia. However, there are concerns whether it is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.AimsTo examine the association between regional analgesia and maternal and neonatal outcomes.Materials and MethodsA retrospective population‐based cohort study of singleton term births in Victoria, Australia, between 2014 and 2020. Women who received regional analgesia were compared with women who did not. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used.ResultsThere were 107 013 women who received regional analgesia and 214 416 women who did not. Compared to women who did not receive regional analgesia, regional analgesia was associated with an increased risk of instrumental birth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.59, 95% CI: 3.52–3.67), caesarean section (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 2.24–2.35), longer duration of the second stage of labour (β coefficient = 26.6 min, 95% CI: 26.3–27.0), Apgar score below seven at five minutes (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21–1.39), need for neonatal resuscitation (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.40–1.48), need for formula in hospital (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.65–1.72), and the last feed before discharge not exclusively from the breast (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.56–1.62).ConclusionRegional analgesia use in labour was associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings may add to the risk–benefit discussion regarding regional analgesia for pain relief and highlight the importance of shared decision‐making. Further large prospective studies and randomised controlled trials will be useful.
Editorial: How often can we get the right diagnosis after bone marrow transplant in patients with abnormal liver function tests?
Authors: Gaume C. , Moluçon Chabrot C. , Chabrot P. , Abergel A. 
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Dezan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17756 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17870
Editorial: Enhancing frailty assessment in liver transplantation candidates—The role of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) in predicting mortality and guiding prehabilitation. Authors' reply
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J. , Williams Felicity R. 
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Williams et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17834 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17860
Letter: The multifaceted role of Escherichia coli in influencing disorders of the industrial populations—Authors' reply
Authors: Gerasimidis Konstantinos , Faqerah Nojoud , Walker Daniel 
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Faqerah et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17720 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17865
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on sleep parameters and characteristics in individuals living with overweight and obesity
Authors: Glazer Stephen A. , Vallis Michael 
Published: February 2024

SummaryCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been very challenging for those living with overweight and obesity. The magnitude of this impact on sleep requires further attention to optimise patient care and outcomes. This study assessed the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on sleep duration and quality as well as identify predictors of poor sleep quality in individuals with reported diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnoea and those without sleep apnoea. An online survey (June–October 2020) was conducted with two samples; one representative of Canadians living with overweight and obesity (n = 1089) and a second of individuals recruited through obesity clinical services or patient organisations (n = 980). While overall sleep duration did not decline much, there were identifiable groups with reduced or increased sleep. Those with changed sleep habits, especially reduced sleep, had much poorer sleep quality, were younger, gained more weight and were more likely to be female. Poor sleep quality was associated with medical, social and eating concerns as well as mood disturbance. Those with sleep apnoea had poorer quality sleep although this was offset to some degree by use of CPAP. Sleep quality and quantity has been significantly impacted during the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic in those living with overweight and obesity. Predictors of poor sleep and the impact of sleep apnoea with and without CPAP therapy on sleep parameters has been evaluated. Identifying those at increased risk of sleep alterations and its impact requires further clinical consideration.
Metformin rejuvenates Nap1l2‐impaired immunomodulation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Liu Fan , Han Ruohui , Nie Shaochen , Cao Yuxin , Zhang Xinming , Gao Feng , Wang Zhengyang , Xing Liangyu , Ouyang Zhaoguang , Sui Lei , Mi Wenyi , Wu Xudong , Sun Lu , Hu Meilin , Liu Dayong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAgeing and cell senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) limited their immunomodulation properties and therapeutic application. We previously reported that nucleosome assembly protein 1‐like 2 (Nap1l2) contributes to MSCs senescence and osteogenic differentiation. Here, we sought to evaluate whether Nap1l2 impairs the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs and find a way to rescue the deficient properties. We demonstrated that metformin could rescue the impaired migration properties and T cell regulation properties of OE‐Nap1l2 BMSCs. Moreover, metformin could improve the impaired therapeutic efficacy of OE‐Nap1l2 BMSCs in the treatment of colitis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice. Mechanistically, metformin was capable of upregulating the activation of AMPK, synthesis of l‐arginine and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in OE‐Nap1l2 BMSCs, leading to an increasing level of nitric oxide. This study indicated that Nap1l2 negatively regulated the immunomodulatory properties of BMSCs and that the impaired functions could be rescued by metformin pretreatment via metabolic reprogramming. This strategy might serve as a practical therapeutic option to rescue impaired MSCs functions for further application.
Capital controls, banking competition, and monetary policy
Authors: Ghossoub Edgar A. , Harrison Andre , Reed Robert R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHow do capital controls and banking concentration affect economic development? This paper develops a general equilibrium model to study these important issues. To do so, we construct a framework with heterogeneous agents and imperfectly competitive financial intermediaries who help depositors manage liquidity risk. Importantly, higher levels of concentration raise the cost of domestic borrowing which increase the reliance on international capital markets. Finally, once the rate of money growth is sufficiently high, capital controls bind and the effects of monetary policy on capital formation are more pronounced.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer: GDF15 as a master player
Authors: Cavinato Maria 
Published: February 2024

Gastric cancer, a major global health concern, poses challenges in effective treatment, notably due to chemoresistance. This study investigates the role of growth/differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) in mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer cells. In this issue of The FEBS Journal, Wang et al. demonstrate that GDF15 upregulation is associated with cisplatin insensitivity, mediated by the ATF4‐CHOP pathway and reactive oxygen species‐activated general control nonderepressible 2 [Wang S‐F et al. (2023) FEBS J, https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16992]. Connecting these insights, we explore the broader implications of GDF15 expression in the aging‐cancer axis, particularly its involvement in cellular senescence and the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This study suggests that GDF15 released by senescent cells could contribute to tumor progression, indicating potential avenues for therapeutic intervention by targeting senescent cells and their SASP. While the study provides valuable insights into mitigating cisplatin resistance, further research is crucial to fully understand the role of GDF15 in the tumor microenvironment and its potential feedback loops promoting tumorigenesis.
Kinetic simulation of convection drying for its effect on nutritional, functional, and phytochemical profiling of Colocasia antiquorum and Nasturtium officinale leaves of the Himalayan region
Authors: Phull Tanvi , Phian Pallavi , Gupta Mahesh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractColocasia antiquorum (Taro) and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) leaves are highly potent indigenous crops with rich nutritional and phytochemical profiles. The leaves were mathematically modeled, using thin‐layer models, to study the process kinetics for convection drying and its cumulative effect on the physico‐chemical, nutritional, functional, phytochemical, and targeted metabolite profiles. The best‐fit model for C. antiquorum was the two‐term model, whereas for N. officinale, Page model showed the best adequacy with the determination of least Chi‐square and high co‐efficient along with root mean square error. The color and pigment degradation were the prominent changes observed in the quality characteristics of C. antiquorum and N. officinale leaves depicted by the color degradation study. The nutritional composition was significantly affected by the convective drying with reduced ash, protein, and phenolic contents. The extraction yields were however higher along with some elevated metabolite contents estimated for convection drying in comparison to freeze‐dried leaves.Practical applicationsThis study explores the drying kinetic behavior for the progression of moisture loss occurring over the drying time and moderation of drying to achieve a desired moisture content at certain drying rates. The quality characterization before and after selected drying conditions revealed the sensitivity of the chlorophyll/carotenoid pigments, nutrients, and phenolics retained significantly after the end point of drying. Also, the effect of convective drying on the physicochemical, nutritional, and phytochemical contents was significant, which edifies the extent of alterations occurring due to convective drying on the quality characteristics of Colocasia antiquorum (Taro) and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) leaves. Consequently, these two leafy vegetables hold good potential as crops to be promoted for nutritional security and health and wellness due to their rich bioactive profiles.
Malnutrition risk assessment using a machine learning‐based screening tool: A multicentre retrospective cohort
Authors: Parchure Prathamesh , Besculides Melanie , Zhan Serena , Cheng Fu‐yuan , Timsina Prem , Cheertirala Satya Narayana , Kersch Ilana , Wilson Sara , Freeman Robert , Reich David , Mazumdar Madhu , Kia Arash 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Early detection is important for timely intervention. This paper assesses the ability of a machine learning screening tool (MUST‐Plus) implemented in registered dietitian (RD) workflow to identify malnourished patients early in the hospital stay and to improve the diagnosis and documentation rate of malnutrition.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in a large, urban health system in New York City comprising six hospitals serving a diverse patient population. The study included all patients aged ≥ 18 years, who were not admitted for COVID‐19 and had a length of stay of ≤ 30 days.ResultsOf the 7736 hospitalisations that met the inclusion criteria, 1947 (25.2%) were identified as being malnourished by MUST‐Plus‐assisted RD evaluations. The lag between admission and diagnosis improved with MUST‐Plus implementation. The usability of the tool output by RDs exceeded 90%, showing good acceptance by users. When compared pre‐/post‐implementation, the rate of both diagnoses and documentation of malnutrition showed improvement.ConclusionMUST‐Plus, a machine learning‐based screening tool, shows great promise as a malnutrition screening tool for hospitalised patients when used in conjunction with adequate RD staffing and training about the tool. It performed well across multiple measures and settings. Other health systems can use their electronic health record data to develop, test and implement similar machine learning‐based processes to improve malnutrition screening and facilitate timely intervention.
Vegetarian diets and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An observational study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2018 using propensity score methods
Authors: Li Rui , Li Ming , Fly Alyce D. , Bidulescu Aurelian , Luo Juhua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundStudies on the association between vegetarian diets and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited and have inconsistent results. This study aims to explore the association between vegetarian diets and NAFLD and compare the stage of fibrosis between vegetarians and nonvegetarians in a US representative sample.MethodsCross‐sectional data from 23,130 participants aged ≥20 years were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2018. Vegetarian status was classified based on two 24‐h dietary recalls. We examined the association between vegetarian diets and the risk of NAFLD using the propensity score weighting method.ResultsVegetarian diets were significantly associated with decreases in hepatic steatosis index (HSI), US fatty liver index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score with mean differences of −2.70 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.69, −1.70), −3.03 (95% CI: −7.15, −0.91) and −0.12 (95% CI: −0.26, −0.01), respectively. While modelling the risk of NAFLD, we estimated that vegetarians were 53% less likely to have NAFLD assessed by HSI (odds ratios [OR]: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.65). The effect of vegetarian diets was higher among individuals with lower waist circumferences (OR: 0.20) than among those with higher waist circumferences (OR: 0.53, = 0.004). However, the association was largely attenuated after adjusting for body mass index and diabetes status. No significant association was identified between vegetarian diets and advanced fibrosis.ConclusionsVegetarian diets were associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD among US adults, and the association appeared to be stronger in people with lower waist circumferences. Further studies are warranted to replicate our findings.
Is multiple wavelength diode laser for facial contouring safe?
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho , Oh Wook , Kim Hyoung‐Moon , Park Hyun‐Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe multiple wavelength diode laser (MWDL) is a sophisticated device designed to target deeper skin layers by emitting various wavelengths. Its unique feature is the ability to deliver heat to specific depths within the tissue using different wavelengths while simultaneously cooling the skin surface. Recent research by Choi et al. suggests that wavelengths of 755 and 810 nm can induce carbonization in hair follicles, while the 1064 nm wavelength penetrates deeper into tissues. MWDL has been proposed for fat redistribution in aging, but concerns have been raised regarding ocular safety and potential tissue damage, particularly when used near the eyes. Studies have shown ocular injuries during cosmetic laser procedures, emphasizing the need for robust ocular protection and safety protocols. Additionally, there are reports of internal ischemic necrosis and burns, highlighting the importance of precise energy settings and parameter management. While MWDL shows promise, further research and comprehensive guidelines are needed to ensure safe and effective usage in clinical practice.
Proceed with caution: Standard protocol exercise stress tests fail to replicate the diagnostic utility of supine‐stand tests for long QT syndrome
Authors: Pinsky Alexa M. , Kulkarni Veda K. , Bos J. Martijn , Neves Raquel , Allison Thomas G. , Ackerman Michael J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundLong QT syndrome (LQTS) is a sudden death predisposing condition characterized by ECG‐derived prolongation of the QT interval. Previous studies have demonstrated that the supine‐stand test may aid in the diagnosis of LQTS as patients fail to shorten their QT interval in response to standing up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ECG data derived from standard protocol, clinically performed treadmill exercise stress tests (TESTs) in their ability to mimic the formal supine‐stand test.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 478 TESTs from patients evaluated for LQTS. Patients referred for evaluation of LQTS but who were dismissed as normal served as controls. Heart rate & QT values were obtained from standard protocol TESTs.ResultsOverall, 243 patients with LQTS (125 LQT1, 63 LQT2, 55 LQT3; 146 [60%] female, mean age at TEST 30 ± 17 years) and 235 controls (142 [60%] female, mean age 24 ± 15 years) were included. The paired ΔQTc (QTcStand‐QTcSupine) was similar between LQTS (−5 ± 26) and controls (−2 ± 25; p = .2). During position change, the QT interval shortened by ≥20 ms in 33% of LQTS patients, remained unchanged in 62%, and increased in 5% of LQTS patients which was similar to controls (shortened in 40%, unchanged in 54%, and increased in 6% of controls; p = .2). Receiver‐operator curve analysis to test the diagnostic ability of supine‐stand ΔQT performed poorly in differentiating LQTS from controls with an of AUC 0.52 (p = .4).ConclusionTESTs should be used with caution when trying to interpret supine‐stand changes for diagnosis of LQTS.
Cannon A wave validation as a diagnostic tool in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias
Authors: González‐Casal David , Pérez‐Castellanos Alberto , Flores Nina Soto , Carta‐Bergaz Alejandro , González‐Torrecilla Esteban , Bruña Fernández Vanesa , Ávila Pablo , Atienza Felipe , Arenal Ángel , González‐Panizo Jorge , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco , Cabrera José Angel , Datino Tomás 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe presence of cannon A waves, the so called “frog sign”, has traditionally been considered diagnostic of atrioventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Nevertheless, it has never been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study is to assess the independent diagnostic utility of cannon A waves in the differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs).MethodsWe prospectively included 100 patients who underwent an electrophysiology (EP) study for SVT. The right jugular venous pulse was recorded during the study. In 61 patients, invasive central venous pressure (CVP) was registered as well. CVP increase is thought to be related with the timing between atria and ventricle depolarization; two groups were prespecified, the short VA interval tachycardias (including typical AVNRT and atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) mediated by a septal accessory pathway) and the long VA interval tachycardias (including atypical AVNRT and AVRT mediated by a left free wall accessory pathway).ResultsThe relationship between cannon A waves and AVNRT did not reach the statistical significance (OR: 3.01; p = .058); On the other hand, it was clearly associated with the final diagnosis of a short VA interval tachycardia (OR: 10.21; p < .001). CVP increase showed an inversely proportional relationship with the VA interval during tachycardia (b = −.020; p < .001). CVP increase was larger in cases of AVNRT (4.0 mmHg vs. 1.2 mmHg; p < .001) and short VA interval tachycardias (3.9 mmHg vs. 1.2 mmHg; p < .001).ConclusionThe presence of cannon A waves is associated with the final diagnosis of short VA interval tachycardias.