bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary veins isolation using cryoballoon and pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation: practical techniques in variable scenarios
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Schmidt Boris , Chun Julian K. R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCatheter ablation is the most effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Electrical pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) forms the cornerstone ablation strategy. Radiofrequency (RF) in combination with 3D mapping system is the traditional ablation approach to treat AF. As a single-shot ablation system, cryoballoon (CB) has been an established ablation modality to facilitate PVI procedure. As a novel non-thermal single-shot ablation technology, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has its unique biophysical profile. Recent studies have demonstrated that PFA allows for efficient and durable PVI. However, the manipulation of single-shot ablation catheter may be different from the conventional point-by-point RF ablation catheter; ablation catheter with fixed size may have practical difficulties in variable anatomy and different clinical scenarios. The present article focuses on the technical aspects, describes the procedural approaches and illustrates the practical techniques of using CB and PFA for PVI, ultimately with the purpose to facilitate the ablation procedure and improve the patients’ clinical outcome.
ISpliter: an intelligent and automatic surface mesh generator using neural networks and splitting lines
Authors: Liu Zengsheng , Chen Shizhao , Gao Xiang , Zhang Xiang , Gong Chunye , Xu Chuanfu , Liu Jie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we present a novel surface mesh generation approach that splits B-rep geometry models into isotropic triangular meshes based on neural networks and splitting lines. In the first stage, a recursive method is designed to generate plentiful data to train the neural network model offline. In the second stage, the implemented mesh generator, ISpliter, maps each surface patch into the parameter plane, and then the trained neural network model is applied to select the optimal splitting line to divide the patch into subdomains continuously until they are all triangles. In the third stage, ISpliter remaps the 2D mesh back to the physical space and further optimizes it. Several typical cases are evaluated to compare the mesh quality generated by ISpliter and two baselines, Gmsh and NNW-GridStar. The results show that ISpliter can generate isotropic triangular meshes with high average quality, and the generated meshes are comparable to those generated by the other two software under the same configuration.
Use of laboratory animals and issues regarding the procurement of animals for research in Korea
Authors: Ahn Na , Park Jaehak , Roh Sangho 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Laboratory animals remain critical to biomedical research, despite the increasing availability of alternative approaches. Indeed, scientists strive to reduce and refine and replace the use of laboratory animals, even in the face of public calls for ever-more stringent regulation for the protection and care of animals in research. This report outlines the current status and legal regulatory issues with regard to the procurement and use of animals for research in Korea.

Results
The number of animals used for education and research purposes was increased nationwide, from 2.5 to 4.9 million in 2015 and 2021, respectively. When compared with figures from the UK, institutions in Korea were found to use more mammals such as mice and dogs. In our research, we identified three major issues concerning recent animal supply in Korea, particularly: (1) Purchase of dogs from unregistered animal supplier for a dog cloning project; (2) Purchase of dogs from an unclear source for veterinary education and training; (3) Illegal cat experiments using cats obtained from unauthorized routes.

Conclusions
Our findings support the notion that alternatives to laboratory animal research should be implemented. We conclude that improvements in the regulations and guidelines for animal suppliers, together with the recent introduction of legislation will improve animal safety and wellbeing of animals in laboratory research in Korea.
Phytochemical constitution and antioxidant activity of functional herbal drink from Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) fruits containing spices and condiments
Authors: Gomez Saji , Anjali C. , Kuruvila Bintu , Maneesha P. K. , Joseph Meagle 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFunctional beverages originate primarily from fruits and vegetables sources, but also include those from other plants such as tea, coffee, cocoa, soybean as well as animal products like milk and dairy-based and alcoholic drinks. They have definite medical or health benefits which include prevention or delaying the progress of diseases. Indian gooseberry is a very rich source of vitamin C and phenolics, two potent antioxidant compounds. Similarly curcumin in turmeric, piperine in black pepper and gingerol in ginger have proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Incidence of covid-19 pandemic has raised awareness among people the importance of maintaining higher levels of immunity. A study was undertaken at Kerala Agricultural University during 2020–21 to develop an herbal functional drink from Indian gooseberry fruit juice incorporated with turmeric and black pepper powders, ginger juice extract and juice of acid lime fruits. The herbal drink formulated with these ingredients was homogenized at an operating pressure of 175 Bar with a speed of 235 SPM and was subsequently pasteurized at 100 0 C for 10 minutes in glass bottles, followed by storage under refrigerated conditions at 5 ± 2 0 C for 3 months. The initial ascorbic acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total carotenoids and total curcumin contents were 61.0 mg100g− 1, 184.0 mg100g− 1, 153.0 mg100g− 1, 119.98 mg100g− 1 and 31.0 mg100g− 1, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the herbal drink was determined by three assays, viz. ABTS, DDPH and FRAP. The initial IC 50 values of the herbal drink by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays were 8.64, 0.212 and 0.368 μgml− 1, respectively. Significant decline in ascorbic acid, total flavonoids, total carotenoids and curcumin content were recorded in the product during storage in contrast to the total phenolics content which showed a significant rise over the storage period. Antioxidant activity of the herbal drink determined by all the three assays also declined significantly throughout the storage period. The results indicate that the product can be promoted as a healthy drink which has to be stored at low temperature in order to retain higher levels of antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity.
Graphical Abstract
A rare case of Zinner syndrome with unilateral testicular agenesis and aberrant course of left common iliac artery
Authors: Varma Dixit , Ullah Ibrahim Khalil , Thakur Madhurjya Kumar 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Zinner syndrome is a rare Wolffian duct anomaly presenting as a triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. The condition is due to a developmental anomaly leading to malformation of the mesonephric duct. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of Zinner syndrome. Due to the limited number of cases reported in the literature, the associations of Zinner syndrome are not well established.

Case presentation
In this case report, we are presenting a case of a 38-year-old male with dysuria, intermittent pain in the scrotum and lower abdomen and painful ejaculation for the past six months. Imaging findings led to the diagnosis of Zinner syndrome, with unilateral testicular agenesis and an aberrant course of the left common iliac artery.

Conclusions
Apart from the known associations of Zinner syndrome, testicular agenesis in a patient with Zinner syndrome has not been reported in the literature and is an important addition to the limited literature available.
Relative time in physical activity and sedentary behaviour across a 2-year pedometer-based intervention in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Larsson Kristina , Von Rosen Philip , Rossen Jenny , Johansson Unn-Britt , Hagströmer Maria 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
People with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2D) need to be physically active, including moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) and reduce time in sedentary behaviour (SB). Few studies have evaluated the effect of randomised controlled trials taking all movement behaviours into account. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 2-year pedometer-based intervention in people with prediabetes or T2D on relative time in movement behaviours.

Methods
Secondary analysis of longitudinal data on individuals with prediabetes or T2D from a three-armed randomised controlled trial, the Sophia Step Study, was conducted. The three groups were (1) a multi‑component group (self‑monitoring of steps with a pedometer plus counselling), (2) a single‑component group (self‑monitoring of steps with a pedometer, without counselling), and (3) a standard care group (control). The three behaviours MVPA, LIPA and SB during waking hours were measured with an ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Relative time in MVPA, LIPA and SB for each participant at each time point was calculated and used as outcome measures. Linear mixed models assessed the effect of the intervention over time.

Results
In total 184 participants with mean (SD) age 64.3 (7.6) years and 41% female was included. In the multi-component group, compared to the control group, a significant group-by-time interaction effect for relative time in all three behaviours was found at 6 and 18 months and for MVPA and SB at 24 months. In the single-component group, compared to the control group, an effect occurred in the MVPA and SB behaviours at 6 months and MVPA and LIPA at 24 months. The estimated marginal means ranged from 0.9 to 1.5% of more MVPA, 1.9–3.9% of less LIPA and from 0.5% of less SB to 1.7 more SB in the intervention groups compared to the control group.

Conclusions
The findings show a beneficial effect on all behaviours over time in the two intervention groups compared to the control group. A more pronounced effect occurred in the multi-component intervention compared to the single-component intervention, implicating the importance of counselling in pedometer-based interventions.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02374788
First-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors Plus Antiangiogenic Drugs Versus Third-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mosca Mirta , Conci Nicole , Di Federico Alessandro , Tateo Valentina , Favorito Valentina , Zappi Arianna , Gelsomino Francesco , De Giglio Andrea 
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, despite significant survival improvement, the emergence of resistance mechanisms represents a common event. In this meta-analysis, we compared the efficacy and safety of third-generation EGFR-TKIs, the current standard of care, to first-generation EGFR-TKIs with antiangiogenic drugs for the first-line treatment of NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) reporting survival data published before September 1, 2022, were searched through the MEDLINE databases (PubMed), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley). Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (≥3 TRAEs) data were analyzed. RESULTS Twelve RCTs were included in our meta-analysis, with a total of 3,565 patients. We observed that third-generation EGFR-TKIs and first-generation EGFR-TKIs combined with antiangiogenic drugs provided a similar OS benefit over first-generation EGFR-TKIs in any of the subgroups. However, we indirectly observed a greater PFS benefit of third-generation EGFR-TKIs over first-generation EGFR-TKIs in females, never-smokers, in patients harboring exon 19 deletions, and in those with brain metastasis, as compared with using first-generation EGFR-TKIs plus antiangiogenic drugs. The ORR did not differ between the combination strategy and third-generation EGFR-TKIs. Finally, the risk of developing grade ≥3 TRAEs was higher using the combination of first-generation EGFR-TKIs and antiangiogenic drugs over first-generation EGFR-TKIs than third-generation EGFR-TKIs over first-generation EGFR-TKIs. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests that the combination strategy may provide an alternative to third-generation EGFR-TKIs, but more data are needed to determine the predictive clinicopathologic characteristics that can influence the treatment choice. Until then, third-generation EGFR-TKIs still represent the first choice in advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations.
Glycated Albumin Correlates With Time-in-Range Better Than HbA1c or Fructosamine
Authors: Desouza Cyrus V , Rosenstock Julio , Kohzuma Takuji , Fonseca Vivian A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Context
Intermediate-term glycemic control metrics may represent a viable alternative to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients without access to CGM.

Objective
This work aimed to compare the relationship between CGM parameters and glycated albumin (GA), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and fructosamine for 24 weeks.

Methods
We conducted exploratory comparative analyses of CGM subgroup data from a previously published 24-week prospective study of assay performance in 8 US clinics. Participants included 34 individuals with type 1 (n = 18) and type 2 diabetes (n = 16) undergoing changes to improve glycemic control (n = 22; group 1) or with stable diabetes therapy (n = 12; group 2). Main outcome measures included Pearson correlations between CGM and glycemic indices and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of glycemic index values predictive of time in range (TIR) greater than 70%.

Results
At weeks 4 and 8, GA correlations with TIR were higher than HbA1c correlations in group 1. In group 2, GA correlations with TIR were statistically significant, whereas HbA1c correlations were not. In both groups over the first 12 weeks, GA correlations with TIR were higher than fructosamine-TIR correlations. In the ROC analysis, GA predicted a TIR greater than 70% during weeks 2 to 24 (area under the curve &gt;0.80); HbA1c was predictive during weeks 12 to 24. Cutoff values for TIR greater than 70% were 17.5% (sensitivity and specificity, 0.88) for GA and 7.3% (0.86) for HbA1c.

Conclusion
GA is the most accurate predictor of TIR over 8 weeks compared with other glycemic indices, which may assist in clinical evaluation of changes in treatment where CGM is not possible and it is too early to use HbA1c (NCT02489773).
Update on Adipose Tissue and Cancer
Authors: Brown Kristy A , Scherer Philipp E 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Adipose tissue is the largest endocrine organ and an accepted contributor to overall energy homeostasis. There is strong evidence linking increased adiposity to the development of 13 types of cancer. With increased adiposity comes metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance, and increased systemic insulin and glucose support the growth of many cancers, including those of the colon and endometrium. There is also an important direct crosstalk between adipose tissue and various organs. For instance, the healthy development and function of the mammary gland, as well as the development, growth, and progression of breast cancer, are heavily impacted by the breast adipose tissue in which breast epithelial cells are embedded. Cells of the adipose tissue are responsive to external stimuli, including overfeeding, leading to remodeling and important changes in the secretion of factors known to drive the development and growth of cancers. Loss of factors like adiponectin and increased production of leptin, endotrophin, steroid hormones, and inflammatory mediators have been determined to be important mediators of the obesity–cancer link. Obesity is also associated with a structural remodeling of the adipose tissue, including increased localized fibrosis and disrupted angiogenesis that contribute to the development and progression of cancers. Furthermore, tumor cells feed off the adipose tissue, where increased lipolysis within adipocytes leads to the release of fatty acids and stromal cell aerobic glycolysis leading to the increased production of lactate. Both have been hypothesized to support the higher energetic demands of cancer cells. Here, we aim to provide an update on the state of the literature revolving around the role of the adipose tissue in cancer initiation and progression.
Developmental mechanisms understood quantitatively
Authors: Biga Veronica , Wyatt Tom P. J. , Pinheiro Diana 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Across developmental systems, quantitative and imaging-based approaches have provided unprecedented resolution of dynamic changes in gene regulation and cell fate specification, along with complex changes in tissue morphology. This has set the stage for a wealth of comprehensive theoretical models, parameterised by experimental data, able to reproduce key aspects of biological behaviour and jointly enabling a higher level of abstraction, going from the identification of the molecular components to understanding complex functional relationships between these components. Despite these successes, gaining a cross-scale understanding of developmental systems will require further collaboration between disciplines, from developmental biology to bioengineering, systems biology and biophysics. We highlight the exciting multi-disciplinary research discussed at The Company of Biologists workshop ‘Fostering quantitative modelling and experimentation in Developmental Biology’.
Technical challenges of studying early human development
Authors: Rugg-Gunn Peter J. , Moris Naomi , Tam Patrick P. L. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Recent years have seen exciting progress across human embryo research, including new methods for culturing embryos, transcriptional profiling of embryogenesis and gastrulation, mapping lineage trajectories, and experimenting on stem cell-based embryo models. These advances are beginning to define the dynamical principles of development across stages, tissues and organs, enabling a better understanding of human development before birth in health and disease, and potentially leading to improved treatments for infertility and developmental disorders. However, there are still significant roadblocks en route to this goal. Here, we highlight technical challenges to studying early human development and propose ways and means to overcome some of these constraints.
Influence of Supervised Maternal Aerobic Exercise during Pregnancy on 1-Month-Old Neonatal Cardiac Function and Outflow: A Pilot Study
Authors: MAY LINDA E. , MCDONALD SAMANTHA , STEWART COURTNEY , NEWTON EDWARD , ISLER CHRISTY , STEED DENNIS , SARNO LAUREN A , KELLEY GEORGE A. , CHASAN-TABER LISA , KUEHN DEVON , ALLMAN-TUCKER BRITTANY R. , STROM CODY , CLAIBORNE ALEX , FANG XIANGMING 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose
The objective of this study is to assess the effects of supervised, recommended levels of prenatal aerobic exercise on 1-month-old infant cardiac function.

Methods
Eligible pregnant women were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group that participated in 150 min of supervised, moderate-intensity (40% to 59% V̇O2peak, 12 to 14 on Borg rating of perceived exertion) aerobic exercise per week for 24 wk or more or a nonexercising group that consisted of 150 min·wk−1 of relaxation techniques. One-month-old infant echocardiogram was performed to assess infant cardiac function, including heart rate (HR), left-ventricular stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac index, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and velocity time integral at the aortic valve. Pearson correlation analyses and linear regression models were performed.

Results
Prenatal aerobic exercise was negatively correlated with infant resting HR (r = −0.311, P = 0.02). Similarly, when controlling for infant sex and activity state, exercise level/volume (β = −0.316; 95% CI, −0.029 to −0.002; P = 0.02) predicted resting infant HR (R
2 = 0.18, P = 0.02). In infants of overweight/obese women, infants of aerobic exercisers had increased fractional shortening (P = 0.03). In addition, infant ventricular ejection fraction was correlated with maternal exercise attendance (r = 0.418, P = 0.03) as well as a trend for exercise level (r = 0.351, P = 0.08). Similarly, the only significant regression model for infants of overweight/obese women controls infant activity state (β = −0.444; 95% CI, −0.05 to −0.01; P = 0.006) and maternal exercise level (β = 0.492; 95% CI, 5.46–28.74; P = 0.01) predicting infant resting HR (F = 5.79, R
2 = 0.40, P = 0.003).

Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate that women participating in exercise in the second and third trimesters of their pregnancy may have infants with increased cardiac function at 1 month of age. Importantly, the cardiac function effects were further augmented for infants born to overweight/obese women.
BFR Training Improves Patients’ Reported Outcomes, Strength, and Range of Motion After Casting for Colles’ Fracture
Authors: YANG MINGMING , LIANG BIN , ZHAO XIN , WANG YANG , XUE MINGYUAN , WANG DAN 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose
This study compared traditional rehabilitation as a treatment modality after plaster cast treatment of Colles’ fracture with a combination of individualized blood flow restriction (BFR) and traditional rehabilitation.

Methods
Twenty-eight participants were randomized into a BFR group and a non-BFR group after plaster cast treatment of Colles’ fracture. The BFR group completed traditional rehabilitation with a medical grade tourniquet applied to the upper arm, and the non-BFR group underwent traditional rehabilitation only. Patients were followed up with radiographic outcomes (palmar tilt and radial inclination) to ensure the stability of the fracture. Clinical assessment of patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score, grip strength, pinch strength, wrist range of motion (ROM), and muscle stiffness was conducted at cast removal and 6 wk after cast removal. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA determined significant interactions between time and group in the aforementioned variables. An independent-sample t-test assessed the differences in baseline variables and radiographic outcomes.

Results
Significant interactions between time and group were noted for PRWE score (F = 11.796, P = 0.002, η
2
p = 0.339), grip strength (F = 5.445, P = 0.029, η
2
p = 0.191), and wrist ROM (ulnar deviation; F = 7.856, P = 0.010, η
2
p = 0.255). No significant interactions between time and group were found in measurements of pinch strength or wrist ROM (flexion, extension, radial deviation, pronation, supination). An independent-sample t-test showed no significant difference in baseline variables and radiographic outcomes between the groups before or after intervention.

Conclusions
This study found that combining individualized BFR with traditional rehabilitation resulted in greater increases in PRWE score, grip strength, and wrist ROM (ulnar deviation) than traditional rehabilitation alone. Therefore, adding individualized BFR to traditional rehabilitation might be a better option for treatment for similar patients.