bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropathological features of levodopa-responsive parkinsonism in multiple system atrophy: an autopsy case report and comparative neuropathological study
Authors: Tamura Mitsuyoshi , Takeda Takahiro , Kitayama Yoshihisa , Suichi Tomoki , Shibuya Kazumoto , Harada-Kagitani Sakurako , Kishimoto Takashi , Kuwabara Satoshi , Hirano Shigeki 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIn typical patients with multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) levodopa is ineffective. However, there are some of these patients who respond well to levodopa treatment. Levodopa efficacy in MSA-P patients is thought to be related to the degree of putaminal damage, but the pathological causation between the putaminal involvement and levodopa efficacy has not been established in detail.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the neuropathological features of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in a “levodopa-responsive” MSA-P patient in comparison with “levodopa-unresponsive” conventional MSA-P patients.Materials and methodsClinicopathological findings were assessed in a 53-year-old Japanese man with MSA who presented with asymmetric parkinsonism, levodopa response, and later wearing-off phenomenon. During autopsy, the nigrostriatal pathology of presynaptic and postsynaptic dopaminergic receptor density and α-synuclein status were investigated. The other two patients with MSA-P were examined using the same pathological protocol.ResultsFour years after the onset, the patient died of sudden cardiopulmonary arrest. On autopsy, numerous α-synuclein-positive glial cytoplasmic inclusions in the basal ganglia, pons, and cerebellum were identified. The number of neurons in the putamen and immunoreactivity for dopamine receptors were well-preserved. In contrast, significant neuronal loss and decreased dopamine receptor immunoreactivity in the putamen were observed in the “levodopa-unresponsive” MSA-P control patients. These putaminal pathology results were consistent with the findings of premortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All three patients similarly exhibited severe neuronal loss in the substantia nigra and decreased immunoreactivity for dopamine transporter.ConclusionLevodopa responsiveness in patients with MSA-P may be corroborated by the normal putamen on MRI and the preserved postsynaptic nigrostriatal dopaminergic system on pathological examination. The results presented in this study may provide a rationale for continuation of levodopa treatment in patients diagnosed with MSA-P.
Sugar labeling information and online marketing strategies for hand-shaken tea drinks in northern Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chi-Hsuan , Wong Te-Chih , Chung Mei , Bai Chyi-Huey , Chen Yi-Chun 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the main cause of excessive sugar intake and increased health risks. Food companies usually use social media to market SSBs in order to increase consumers’ purchase intentions. To reduce excessive added sugar consumption from hand-shaken tea drinks, Taiwan has implemented a mandatory policy requiring clear sugar content labeling. This study aimed to investigate the sugar label information and online marketing strategies for hand-shaken tea drinks in northern Taiwan.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, content analysis was employed to investigate the sugar labeling information and the current situation of online marketing in hand-shaken tea drink brands based in northern Taiwan. Seventy-two hand-shaken tea drink brands’ stores were visited to record their sugar labeling presentation methods, with brands lacking labeling, presenting incomplete labeling, or not offering customized sugar levels being excluded, resulting in 60 brands being chosen for the subsequent data collection process. The sugar and energy contents in 1,581 hand-shaken tea drinks were recorded and calculated. Subsequently, the sugar contents were assessed in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) sugar recommendations (25 g/day), warning label criteria, and Taiwan’s regulations for low-sugar packaged beverages. Seven brands that had high online impressions were further selected and their marketing strategies in 560 Facebook posts were analyzed.ResultsThe presentation methods of labeling varied among the 60 brands, and only 42 brands had obvious and easily accessible labeling. The most common labeling presentation method was posters (n = 28). After converting the sugar content of half-sugar and low-sugar hand-shaken tea drinks, it was found that 60.2% of half-sugar beverages and 13.0% of low-sugar beverages exceeded 25 g of sugar per cup. Over 90% of brands had Facebook and Instagram accounts. The top marketing strategies for tea drink brands on Facebook were specific beverage information, brand information, and nutrition and health marketing. Most posts promoted sugar-sweetened beverages.ConclusionNot all hand-shaken tea drink brands in this study followed Taiwan’s labeling regulations. Moreover, high sugar contents in hand-shaken tea drinks labeled as half-sugar and low-sugar could potentially lead people to unconsciously consume excessive amounts of sugar. Future research should explore the impact of online marketing strategies on SSBs consumption behavior and ways to mitigate it among the Taiwanese public.
Associations between homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate and the risk of all-cause mortality in American adults with stroke
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Xie Xia , Zhang Yurong 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveAssociations between plasma homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12, and folate and the risk of all-cause mortality are unclear. This study aimed to examine whether plasma Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate levels independently predict the risk of all-cause mortality in American adults with stroke.MethodsData from the United States National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES; 1999–2006) were used and linked with the latest (2019) National Death Index (NDI). Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of all-cause mortality for Hcy, folate, and B12 levels in adults with stroke. Sample weights were calculated to ensure the generalizability of the results.ResultsA total of 431 participants were included (average age: 64.8 years). During a median follow-up of 10.4 years, 316 deaths occurred. Hcy was positively associated with all-cause mortality in adults with stroke (HR, 1.053; 95% CI: 1.026–1.080). Stroke patients with plasma Hcy levels in the fourth quartile had a 1.631-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.631; 95% CI: 1.160–2.291) than those in the first quartile. The association between plasma Hcy and all-cause mortality was strong significant in older patients (p for interaction = 0.020). Plasma folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were inversely correlated with Hcy concentrations [B-value (95% CI): −0.032 (−0.056– −0.008), −0.004 (−0.007– −0.002), respectively]. No significant associations were observed between folate, vitamin B12 levels, and all-cause mortality in adults with stroke.ConclusionPlasma Hcy levels were positively associated with all-cause mortality in older adults with stroke. Folate and vitamin B12 levels were inversely correlated with Hcy. Plasma Hcy may serve as a useful predictor in mortality risk assessment and targeted intervention in adults with stroke.
Comprehensive genomic profiling reveals prognostic signatures and insights into the molecular landscape of colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Jinwei , Zhao Sihui , Su Junyan , Liu Siyao , Wu Zaozao , Ma Wei , Tang Ming , Wu Jingcui , Mao Erdong , Han Li , Liu Mengyuan , Zhang Jiali , Cao Lei , Shao Jingyi , Shang Yun 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with diverse molecular characteristics. The NGS-based approach enhances our comprehension of genomic landscape of CRC and may guide future advancements in precision oncology for CRC patients.MethodIn this research, we conducted an analysis using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on samples collected from 111 individuals who had been diagnosed with CRC. We identified somatic and germline mutations and structural variants across the tumor genomes through comprehensive genomic profiling. Furthermore, we investigated the landscape of driver mutations and their potential clinical implications.ResultsOur findings underscore the intricate heterogeneity of genetic alterations within CRC. Notably, BRAF, ARID2, KMT2C, and GNAQ were associated with CRC prognosis. Patients harboring BRAF, ARID2, or KMT2C mutations exhibited shorter progression-free survival (PFS), whereas those with BRAF, ARID2, or GNAQ mutations experienced worse overall survival (OS). We unveiled 80 co-occurring and three mutually exclusive significant gene pairs, enriched primarily in pathways such as TP53, HIPPO, RTK/RAS, NOTCH, WNT, TGF-Beta, MYC, and PI3K. Notably, co-mutations of BRAF/ALK, BRAF/NOTCH2, BRAF/CREBBP, and BRAF/FAT1 correlated with worse PFS. Furthermore, germline AR mutations were identified in 37 (33.33%) CRC patients, and carriers of these variants displayed diminished PFS and OS. Decreased AR protein expression was observed in cases with AR germline mutations. A four-gene mutation signature was established, incorporating the aforementioned prognostic genes, which emerged as an independent prognostic determinant in CRC via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Noteworthy BRAF and ARID2 protein expression decreases detected in patients with their respective mutations.ConclusionThe integration of our analyses furnishes crucial insights into CRC’s molecular characteristics, drug responsiveness, and the construction of a four-gene mutation signature for predicting CRC prognosis.
Medication economic burden of antidepressant non-adherence in Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez-Abejón Eduardo , Pedrosa-Naudín M. Aránzazu , Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Alvarez F. Javier 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Non-adherence to antidepressants is associated with worse disease outcomes (morbidity and mortality) and correlates with higher healthcare resource utilization and costs.Methods: A population-based registry study was conducted to assess non-adherence and to analyze the economic burden of treatment and from non-adherence to antidepressants in 2021. Non-adherence was measured by the Medication Possession Ratio and those below 80% were classified as non-adherent.Results: In 2021, 246,718 patients (10.60% [95% CI: 10.48–10.72]) received antidepressants at a cost of €29 million. The median antidepressant cost per patient/year was €70.08€, ranging from €7.58 for amitriptyline to €396.66 for agomelatine. Out-of-pocket costs represented 6.09% of total expenditures, with a median copayment of €2.78 per patient. The 19.87% [95% CI 19.52–20.22)] of patients were non-adherent to antidepressants, costing €3.9 million (13.30% of total antidepressant costs). Non-adherence rates exceeded 20% for the tricyclic antidepressants, fluoxetine (23.53%), fluvoxamine (22.42%), and vortioxetine (20.58%). Venlafaxine (14.64%) and citalopram (14.88%) had the lowest non-adherence rates, of less than 15%. The median cost of non-adherent medications per patient/year was €18.96 and ranged from €2.50 (amitriptyline) to €133.42 (agomelatine).Conclusion: Reducing non-adherence to antidepressants is critical to improving clinical and economic outcomes. The implementation of interventions and standardized measures, including early detection indicators, is urgently needed. Antidepressants differ with regard to non-adherence and their cost, and this should be considered when prescribing this medication. The Medication Possession Ratio could be used by the healthcare provider and clinician to identify non-adherent patients for monitoring, and to take necessary corrective actions.
Evolution of pharmacogenomic services and implementation of a multi-state pharmacogenomics clinic across a large rural healthcare system
Authors: Van Heukelom Joel , Morgan Jennifer , Massmann Amanda , Jacobsen Kristen , Petry Natasha J. , Baye Jordan F. , Frear Samantha , Schultz April 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Pharmacogenomics (PGx) aims to maximize drug benefits while minimizing risk of toxicity. Although PGx has proven beneficial in many settings, clinical uptake lags. Lack of clinician confidence and limited availability of PGx testing can deter patients from completing PGx testing. A few novel PGx clinic models have been described as a way to incorporate PGx testing into the standard of care.Background: A PGx clinic was implemented to fill an identified gap in provider availability, confidence, and utilization of PGx across our health system. Through a joint pharmacist and Advanced Practice Provider (APP) collaborative clinic, patients received counseling and PGx medication recommendations both before and after PGx testing. The clinic serves patients both in-person and virtually across four states in the upper Midwest.Results: The majority of patients seen in the PGx clinic during the early months were clinician referred (77%, n = 102) with the remainder being self-referred. Patients were, on average, taking two medications with Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines. Visits were split almost equally between in-person and virtual visits.Conclusion: Herein, we describe the successful implementation of an interdisciplinary PGx clinic to further enhance our PGx program. Throughout the implementation of the PGx clinic we have learned valuable lessons that may be of interest to other implementors. Clinicians were actively engaged in clinic referrals and early adoption of telemedicine was key to the clinic’s early successes.
Wideband hybrid metamaterial absorber via compound design of multiple mechanisms
Authors: Wang Zhenxu , Xiong Xinmeng , Liang Jian-Gang , Wang Jiafu , Fu Xinmin , Ding Chang , Han Yajuan , Sun Yong , Wang Yudeng , Zhou Junxiang , Jiang Juanna , Wang Wenjie , Qu Shaobo 
Published: November 2023

Broadband and high efficiency are the two core indexes of absorption research, which usually requires a balance between them. Therefore, how to take into account both and achieve broadband and efficient absorption is a hot topic in current research. In this paper, by the compound design of multiple mechanisms, a kind of wideband hybrid metamaterial absorber (HMA) is proposed. The overall structure consists of a layer of patterned resistive film and a layer of magnetic absorbing material (MAM) separated by the air. The resistive layer is designed as square ring type to regulate the local magnetic field, which results in significant magnetic field enhancement within the MAM layer, and this mechanism provides a prerequisite for wideband and high-efficiency absorption in the low frequency band. Furthermore, due to the electrical losses of the resistive film, another absorption band is additionally excited in the high frequency band. Thanks to the multiple mechanisms, the absorption efficiency above 90% in the 3.2–22.0 GHz frequency band can be realized, and the thickness of the overall structure is 7.0 mm that is 0.07 of the wavelengths at the lowest frequency point. To demonstrate this method, a prototype is designed, fabricated and measured. Both the simulation and experiment results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. This work provides a new method to design wideband and high-efficiency electromagnetic absorption structures and may find potential applications in multi-functional planar or conformal structures.
Comparing body temperature measurements using the double sensor method within a wearable device with oral and core body temperature measurements using medical grade thermometers—a short report
Authors: Eisenkraft Arik , Goldstein Nir , Fons Meir , Tabi Michael , Sherman Anna Danielle , Ben Ishay Arik , Merin Roei , Nachman Dean 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Body temperature is essential for diagnosing, managing, and following multiple medical conditions. There are several methods and devices to measure body temperature, but most do not allow continuous and prolonged measurement of body temperature. Noninvasive skin temperature sensor combined with a heat flux sensor, also known as the “double sensor” technique, is becoming a valuable and simple method for frequently monitoring body temperature.Methods: Body temperature measurements using the “double sensor” method in a wearable monitoring device were compared with oral and core body temperature measurements using medical grade thermometers, analyzing data from two prospective clinical trials of different clinical scenarios. One study included 45 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in which oral measurements were taken using a hand-held device, and the second included 18 post-cardiac surgery patients in which rectal measurements were taken using a rectal probe.Results: In study 1, Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of −0.04°C [0.34–(−0.43)°C, 95% LOA] with a correlation of 99.4% (p &lt; 0.001). In study 2, Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of 0.0°C [0.27–(−0.28)°C, 95% LOA], and the correlation was 99.3% (p &lt; 0.001). In both studies, stratifying patients based on BMI and skin tone showed high accordance in all sub-groups.Discussion: The wearable monitor showed high correlation with oral and core body temperature measurements in different clinical scenarios.
Protection against insect predation during fruit development: the role of fleshy fruit wings of three species of Zygophyllum in the cold desert of Central Asia
Authors: Xie Kaiqing , Qiu Juan , Mamut Jannathan , Li Yuting , Tan Dunyan 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionFruit wings serve various ecological functions, including facilitating wind dispersal, providing physical protection to seeds, and regulating seed germination. While many studies have reported the role of fruit wings in plants, little is known about their protective function during fruit development.MethodsIn this study, winged fruits damaged by insects in natural populations of three Zygophyllum species (Z. potaninii, Z. lehmannianum and Z. macropterum) were investigated. We measured and compared the percentage of damaged winged fruits, seed set, seed mass, seed germination, and seedling growth of different insect herbivory categories.ResultsThe results revealed that the percentage of winged fruits with damaged wings only (low predation) was significantly higher than that of with damaged both fruit wings and fruit bodies (high predation). Furthermore, winged fruits with low predation had significant higher seed set, seed mass, seed germination, and dry mass and relative growth rate (RGR) in the seedlings which grown from the seeds, than that from winged fruits with high predation.DiscussionThese results demonstrate that the presence of the fruit wings may provide protection for the seeds to alleviate harm from insect predation before dispersal. These findings provide new insights into the function of fruit wings and the reproductive strategies of desert plants.
Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) management strategies for dairy and meat production in the tropics and subtropics: yield and nutritive value
Authors: Islam M. Rafiq , Garcia Sergio C. , Sarker Nathu R. , Islam Md. Ashraful , Clark Cameron E. F. 
Published: November 2023

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) comprises up to 80% of the cattle diet in many tropical and subtropical regions and is used primarily by smallholder farmers. Despite the grass’s high yield, resulting animal productivity from this grass is low. One of the key reasons for the low animal productivity of Napier grass is its low nutritive value under current management. Taken together, previous work has shown the current yield, crude protein (CP), and metabolisable energy (ME) of Napier grass to be 26 t dry matter (DM)/ha/year, 96 g/kg DM, and 8.7 MJ/kg DM, respectively, ranging from 2 to 86 t DM/ha/year, 9 to 257 g CP/kg DM, and 5.9 to 10.8 MJ ME/kg DM, respectively, suggesting an opportunity for significant improvement on both yield and nutritive value of this grass. The DM yield and nutritive value of this grass are inversely related, indicating a trade-off between yield and quality; however, this trade-off could be minimised by increasing sowing density and harvesting frequency. Available literature shows that this simple management strategy of increasing sowing density (50 cm × 40 cm) and harvesting frequency (11–12 harvests/year) provides 71 t DM/ha with 135 g/kg DM CP and 10.8 MJ ME/kg DM. This quality of Napier grass has the potential to increase both milk and meat production substantially in the tropics and subtropics, and the farmers will likely find this simple management acceptable due to the high yield obtained through this management. However, there is a paucity of work in this field. Therefore, management strategies to improve the nutritive value of Napier grass are required to increase milk and meat production in the tropics and subtropics and in doing so improve the food security of more than half of the global population living in these regions.
A comparative analysis of morphology, microstructure, and volatile metabolomics of leaves at varied developmental stages in Ainaxiang (Blumea balsamifera (Linn.) DC.)
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Li Yanqun , Pang Yuxin , Shen Wanyun , Chen Qilei , Liu Liwei , Luo Xueting , Chen Zhenxia , Li Xingfei , Li Yulan , Zhang Yingying , Huang Mei , Yuan Chao , Wang Dan , Guan Lingliang , Liu Yuchen , Yang Quan , Chen Hubiao , Wu Hong , Yu Fulai 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionAinaxiang (Blumea balsamifera (Linn.) DC.) is cultivated for the extraction of (-)-borneol and other pharmaceutical raw materials due to its abundant volatile oil. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the structural basis and composition of volatile oil accumulation in fresh B. balsamifera leaves.MethodsTo address this problem, we compare the fresh leaves’ morphology, microstructure, and volatile metabonomic at different development stages, orderly defined from the recently unfolded young stage (S1) to the senescent stage (S4).Results and discussionDistinct differences were observed in the macro-appearance and microstructure at each stage, particularly in the B. balsamifera glandular trichomes (BbGTs) distribution. This specialized structure may be responsible for the accumulation of volatile matter. 213 metabolites were identified through metabolomic analysis, which exhibited spatiotemporal accumulation patterns among different stages. Notably, (-)-borneol was enriched at S1, while 10 key odor metabolites associated with the characteristic balsamic, borneol, fresh, and camphor aromas of B. balsamifera were enriched in S1 and S2. Ultra-microstructural examination revealed the involvement of chloroplasts, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and vacuoles in the synthesizing, transporting, and storing essential oils. These findings confirm that BbGTs serve as the secretory structures in B. balsamifera, with the population and morphology of BbGTs potentially serving as biomarkers for (-)-borneol accumulation. Overall, young B. balsamifera leaves with dense BbGTs represent a rich (-)-borneol source, while mesophyll cells contribute to volatile oil accumulation. These findings reveal the essential oil accumulation characteristics in B. balsamifera, providing a foundation for further understanding.