bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Ferreira Luiz Kobuti , Lindberg Olof , Santillo Alexander F , Wahlund Lars‐Olof 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionFunctional connectivity (FC)—which reflects relationships between neural activity in different brain regions—has been used to explore the functional architecture of the brain in neurodegenerative disorders. Although an increasing number of studies have explored FC changes in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), there is no focused, in‐depth review about FC in bvFTD.MethodsComprehensive literature search and narrative review to summarize the current field of FC in bvFTD.Results(1) Decreased FC within the salience network (SN) is the most consistent finding in bvFTD; (2) FC changes extend beyond the SN and affect the interplay between networks; (3) results within the Default Mode Network are mixed; (4) the brain as a network is less interconnected and less efficient in bvFTD; (5) symptoms, functional impairment, and cognition are associated with FC; and (6) the functional architecture resembles patterns of neuropathological spread.ConclusionsFC has potential as a biomarker, and future studies are expected to advance the field with multicentric initiatives, longitudinal designs, and methodological advances.
Quantitative electroencephalographic analysis of delirium tremens development following alcohol‐withdrawal seizure based on a small number of male cases
Authors: Yoon Jee‐Eun , Mo Heejung , Kim Dong Wook , Im Hee‐Jin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionSeizures and delirium tremens (DTs) are recognized as severe alcohol‐withdrawal symptoms. Prolonged admission and serious complications associated with alcohol withdrawal are responsible for increased costs and use of medical and social resources. This study investigated the predictive value of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) for developing alcohol‐related DTs after alcohol‐withdrawal seizure (AWS).MethodsWe compared differences in QEEG in patients after AWS (n = 13). QEEG was performed in the intensive care unit within 48 h of admission, including in age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. We also investigated the prognostic value of QEEG for the development of alcohol DTs after AWS in a retrospective, case‒control study. The spectral power of each band frequency and the ratio of the theta to alpha band (TAR) in the electroencephalogram were analyzed using iSyncBrain® (iMediSync, Inc., Korea).ResultsThe beta frequency and the alpha frequency band power were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in patients than in age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. In AWS patients with DTs, the relative beta‐3 power was lower, particularly in the left frontal area, and the TAR was significantly higher in the central channel than in those without DTs.ConclusionQuantitative EEG showed neuronal excitability and decreased cognitive activities characteristic of AWS associated with alcohol‐withdrawal state, and we demonstrated that quantitative EEG might be a helpful tool for detecting patients at a high risk of developing DTs during an alcohol‐dependence period.
Subaqueous free‐standing 3D cell culture system for ultrafast cell compaction, mechano‐inductive immune control, and improving therapeutic angiogenesis
Authors: Im Gwang‐Bum , Kim Yu‐Jin , Lee Tae Il , Bhang Suk Ho 
Published: October 2022

AbstractConventional 3D cell culture methods require a comprehensive complement in labor‐intensive and time‐consuming processes along with in vivo circumstantial mimicking. Here, we describe a subaqueous free‐standing 3D cell culture (FS) device that can induce the omnidirectional environment and generate ultrafast human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) that efficiently aggregate with compaction using acoustic pressure. The cell culture conditions were optimized using the FS device and identified the underlying molecular mechanisms. Unique phenomena in cell aggregation have led to extraordinary cellular behavior that can upregulate cell compaction, mechanosensitive immune control, and therapeutic angiogenesis. Therefore, we designated the resulting cell aggregates as “pressuroid.” Notably, external acoustic stimulation produced by the FS device affected the pressuroids. Furthermore, the pressuroids exhibited upregulation in mechanosensitive genes and proteins, PIEZO1/2. CyclinD1 and PCNA, which are strongly associated with cell adhesion and proliferation, were elevated by PIEZO1/2. In addition, we found that pressuroids significantly increase angiogenic paracrine factor secretion, promote cell adhesion molecule expression, and enhance M2 immune modulation of Thp1 cells. Altogether, we have concluded that our pressuroid would suggest a more effective therapy method for future cell therapy than the conventional one.
Targeted co‐delivery of paclitaxel and anti P‐gp shRNA by low molecular weight PEI decorated with L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine
Authors: Kazemi Maryam , Parhizkar Elahehnaz , Samani Soliman Mohammadi , Firuzi Omidreza , Sadeghpour Hossein , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Dehshahri Ali 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCo‐delivery of small chemotherapeutic molecules and nucleic acid materials via targeted carriers has attracted great attention for treatment of resistant tumors and reducing adverse effects. In this study, a targeted carrier for co‐delivery was prepared based on low‐molecular weight polyethylenimine (LMW PEI). Paclitaxel (PTX) was covalently conjugated onto PEI via a succinate linker. The PEI conjugate was decorated with L‐DOPA in order to target large neutral amino acid transporter‐1 (LAT‐1) that is over‐expressed on various cancer cells. This PEI conjugate was complexed with human ABCB1 shRNA plasmid to down‐regulate the expression of P‐glycoprotein, as one of the major efflux pumps inducing resistance against chemotherapeutics. The formation of PEI conjugate enhanced the solubility of PTX and resulted in the condensation and protection of plasmid DNA in nanosized polyplexes. The results of targeted delivery into the cells demonstrated that PEI conjugate transferred the payloads to the cells over‐expressing LAT‐1 transporter, while the biological effects on the cells lacking the transporter was negligible. Also, shRNA‐mediated down‐regulation of P‐gp led to the increase of toxic effects on the cells over‐expressing P‐gp. This study suggests a promising approach for co‐delivery of small molecules and nucleic acid materials in a targeted manner for cancer therapy.
A model for the catalytic activity of microtubule polymerases
Authors: Xie Ping 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA XMAP215/Stu2/Alp14 polymerase can catalyze processively the tubulin addition to the microtubule (MT) plus end. In this work, a model is proposed for the underlying molecular mechanism of the polymerase activity, where the polymerase can not only catalyze processively the tubulin addition to but also promote the tubulin removal from the MT plus end. Based on the model the dynamics of both the wild‐type and mutant polymerases is studied theoretically, explaining consistently and well various available experimental data. To further test the model, predicted results are provided.
What happens in the long term: Uptake of cancer surveillance and prevention strategies among at‐risk relatives with pathogenic variants detected via cascade testing
Authors: Frey Melissa K. , Ahsan Muhammad Danyal , Badiner Nora , Lin Jenny , Narayan Priyanka , Nitecki Roni , Rauh‐Hain Jose Alejandro , Moss Haley , Fowlkes Rana Khan , Thomas Charlene , Bergeron Hannah , Christos Paul , Levi Sarah R. , Blank Stephanie V. , Holcomb Kevin , Cantillo Evelyn , Sharaf Ravi N. , Lipkin Steven , Offit Kenneth , Chapman‐Davis Eloise 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundCascade genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes offers affected relatives the opportunity to pursue cancer screening and risk‐reducing surgery and thus reduces morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to measure the long‐term utilization of targeted cancer prevention and quality of life among at‐risk relatives offered clinician‐facilitated cascade genetic testing.MethodsIn a pilot study, at‐risk relatives of patients with a hereditary cancer syndrome were contacted directly by the clinical team and offered telephone genetic counseling and genetic testing via an at‐home, mailed saliva kit. Two‐year follow‐up results evaluating the use of targeted cancer prevention strategies and the quality of life for enrolled relatives were reported. Quality‐of‐life was measured with validated surveys, and scores were compared to the time of initial contact by the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsNinety‐five at‐risk relatives were enrolled in the initial pilot study, and 72 (76%) participated in the 2‐year follow‐up; 57 of these (79%) had completed genetic testing. Twenty‐five of those 57 relatives (44%) were found to harbor an inherited pathogenic variant. Guideline‐based cancer surveillance was recommended to 18 relatives; 13 (72%) completed at least one recommended screening, and six (33%) completed all recommended screenings. Risk‐reducing surgery was recommended to 10 relatives; four (40%) completed a total of eight procedures. Quality‐of‐life surveys demonstrated low levels of anxiety, depression, distress, and uncertainty.ConclusionsThe 2‐year follow‐up of the original pilot study revealed that clinician‐facilitated cascade testing resulted in genetically targeted cancer screening and prevention with preserved quality of life. These results, to be confirmed by larger randomized controlled trials, suggest that medical systems should consider supporting clinician‐facilitated cascade testing programs.
Different Growth Behavior of MOF‐on‐MOF Heterostructures to Enhance Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Mao Lujiao , Chen Dandan , Guo Yuanyuan , Han Cheng , Zhou Xuemei , Yang Zhi , Huang Shaoming , Qian Jinjie 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe exploration of non‐noble metal electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has become particularly urgent. Here, FeNi‐based Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) were obtained by adding different solvents, where PBA particles preferentially grew on the surface plane/edge of coordination polymer precursor (Ni‐ABDC) with various polarities. This resulted in the formation of FeNi‐PBA‐plane/edge morphologies, respectively. Notably, on account of more exposed PBAs, FeNi nanoparticles were uniformly supported on the porous N‐doped carbon nanomaterials. Among them, the calcined FeNi‐NC‐800 underwent an interesting pre‐activation process and exhibited a low overpotential of 281 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 82 mV dec−1 in 1.0 m KOH. This bimetallic sample showed superior OER activity and stability in comparison with control materials, which could be attributed to its abundant FeNi nanoparticles, high nitrogen content, large specific surface area, and synergistic effects between Fe and Ni atoms. In addition, relevant theoretical calculation on the optimal catalyst, FeNi‐NC‐800, further demonstrated its efficient OER performance with effective Fe‐doping in the Ni‐based oxyhydroxides.
Association between heart failure quality of care and mortality: a population‐based cohort study using nationwide registries
Authors: Batra Gorav , Aktaa Suleman , Benson Lina , Dahlström Ulf , Hage Camilla , Savarese Gianluigi , Vasko Peter , Gale Chris P. , Lund Lars H. 
Published: October 2022

AimsTo evaluate the quality of heart failure (HF) care using the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) quality indicators (QIs) for HF and to assess whether better quality of care is associated with improved outcomes.Methods and resultsWe performed a nationwide cohort study using the Swedish HF registry, consisting of patients with any type of HF at their first outpatient visit or hospitalization. Independent participant data for quality of HF care was evaluated against the ESC QIs for HF, and association with mortality estimated using multivariable Cox regression. In total, 43 704 patients from 80 hospitals across Sweden enrolled between 2013–2019 were included, with median follow‐up 23.6 months. Of the 16 QIs for HF, 13 could be measured and 5 were inversely associated with all‐cause mortality during follow‐up. Higher attainment (≥50% vs. <50% attainment) of the composite opportunity‐based score (combination of QIs into a single score) for patients with reduced ejection fraction was associated with lower all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.72–0.91). Attainment of the composite score was less in the outpatient than inpatient setting (adjusted odds ratio 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.72–0.99). Quality of care varied across hospitals, with assessment of health‐related quality of life being the indicator with the widest variation in attainment (interquartile range 61.7%).ConclusionQuality of HF care may be measured using the ESC HF QIs. In Sweden, attainment of HF care evaluated using the QIs demonstrated between and within hospital variation, and many QIs were inversely associated with mortality.
Spironolactone effect on cardiac structure and function of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: a pooled analysis of three randomized trials
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Cleland John G. , Girerd Nicolas , Bozec Erwan , Rossignol Patrick , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Cosmi Franco , Mariottoni Beatrice , Solomon Scott D. , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , Shah Amil M. , Petutschnigg Johannes , Pieske Burkert , Edelmann Frank , Zannad Faiez 
Published: October 2022

AimsSpironolactone is currently used in a large proportion of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), yet its effect on cardiac structure and function in a large population has not been well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of spironolactone on key echocardiographic parameters in HFpEF.Methods and resultsAn individual‐patient‐data meta‐analysis of three randomized trials (HOMAGE, Aldo‐DHF, and TOPCAT) was performed comparing spironolactone (9–12 month exposure) to placebo (or control) for the changes in left atrial volume index (LAVi), left ventricular mass index (LVMi), interventricular septum (IVS) thickness, E/e′ ratio, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among patients with stage B (HOMAGE) or C (Aldo‐DHF and TOPCAT) HFpEF. Analysis of covariance was used to test the effect of spironolactone on echocardiographic changes. A total of 984 patients were included in this analysis: 452 (45.9%) from HOMAGE, 398 (40.4%) from Aldo‐DHF, and 134 (13.6%) from TOPCAT. The pooled‐cohort patient's median age was 71 (66–77) years and 39% were women. Median LAVi was 29 (24–35) ml/m2, LVMi 100 (84–118) g/m2, IVS thickness 12 (10–13) mm, E/e′ ratio 11 (9–13), and LVEF 64 (59–69)%. Spironolactone reduced LAVi by −1.1 (−2.0 to −0.1) ml/m2 (p = 0.03); LVMi by −3.6 (−6.4 to −0.8) g/m2 (p = 0.01); IVS thickness by −0.2 (−0.3 to −0.1) mm (p = 0.01); E/e′ ratio by −1.3 (−2.4 to −0.2) (p = 0.02); and increased LVEF by 1.7 (0.8–2.6)% (p < 0.01). No treatment‐by‐study heterogeneity was found except for E/e′ ratio with a larger effect in Aldo‐DHF and TOPCAT (interaction p < 0.01).ConclusionsSpironolactone improved cardiac structure and function of patients with HFpEF.
Endocrine hormone imbalance in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nägele Matthias P. , Barthelmes Jens , Kreysing Leonie , Haider Thomas , Nebunu Delia , Ruschitzka Frank , Sudano Isabella , Flammer Andreas J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsSustained neurohormonal activation plays a central role in the progression of heart failure (HF). Other endocrine axes may also be affected. It was the aim of this study to examine the endocrine profile (thyroid, parathyroid, glucocorticoid, and sex hormones) in a contemporary sample of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (EF) on established disease‐modifying therapy.MethodsThis study prospectively measured morning fasting hormones in 52 ambulatory and stable HF patients with EF < 50% on disease‐modifying therapy (mean age 63 ± 11 years, 29% female, mean LVEF 32 ± 9.6%) and compared them to 54 patients at elevated risk for HF (61 ± 12 years, 28% female) and 62 healthy controls (HC; 61 ± 13 years, 27% female). Main comparisons were performed using one‐way analysis of variance. Associations with biomarkers were studied with linear regression.ResultsHF patients showed a reduced free triiodothyronine (fT3)/free thyroxine (fT4) ratio compared to HC (0.30 ± 0.06 vs. 0.33 ± 0.05, p = 0.046). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and cortisol were increased in HF compared to both HC (median [IQR] 59 [50–84] vs. 46 [37–52] ng/L, p < 0.001 and 497 ± 150 vs. 436 ± 108 nmol/L, p = 0.03, respectively) and patients at risk (both p < 0.001). Total testosterone was reduced in male HF compared to HC (14.4 ± 6.6 vs. 18.6 ± 5.3 nmol/L; p = 0.01). No differences in TSH, estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were found. Lower fT3 levels were found in HF with EF < 40% versus EF 40%–49% (4.6 ± 0.3 vs. 5.2 ± 0.7 pmol/L, p = 0.009). In HF patients, fT3 was an independent predictor of NT‐proBNP and high‐sensitivity troponin T in multiple regression analysis. PTH was positively associated with NT‐proBNP.ConclusionThere is evidence of endocrine hormonal imbalance in HF with reduced EF beyond principal neurohormones and despite the use of disease‐modifying therapy.
Facial palsy as a manifestation of COVID‐19: A systematic review of cases
Authors: Khurshid Aiman , Khurshid Maman , Sohail Aruba , Raza Imran Mansoor , Ahsan Muhammad Khubab , Alam Shah Mir Umer Farooq , Taseer Anab Rehan , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Ullah Irfan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsFacial palsy is a rare complication of the COVID‐19 infection. Herein, we conducted a systematic review of all published cases of facial palsy post‐COVID‐19 infection in an attempt to educate the general population and medical practitioners regarding the likely occurrence of facial palsy in COVID‐19 patients, its detection, effective treatment plan, and prognosis of the condition.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) from December 1, 2019 to September 21, 2021.ResultsWe included 49 studies bearing accounts of 75 cases who had facial palsy. The mean age of patients was 42.9 ± 19.59 years, with a male‐to‐female ratio of 8:7. The majority of the cases were reported from Brazil (n = 14), USA (n = 9), Turkey (n = 9), and Spain (n = 9). Noticeably, 30.14% of COVID‐19 patients were diagnosed with Guillain‐Barré syndrome. In total, 22.97% of patients complained of bilateral facial paralysis (n = 17), whereas ipsilateral paralysis was observed in 77.03% (n = 57). These were common complaints of Lagophthalmos, otalgia, facial drooping, dysarthria, and compromised forehead wrinkling. The treatment regimen mainly included the use of corticosteroids (n = 51) (69.86%), antivirals (n = 23) (31.51%), IVIG (n = 18) (24.66%), antibiotics (n = 13) (17.81%), antiretroviral (n = 9) (12.33%), and antimalarial (n = 8) (10.96%) medications. In all, 35.62% of patients (n = 26) adhered to a combination of antiviral and corticosteroid‐based therapy. Positive treatment outcomes were observed in 83.58% (n = 56) of cases. In contrast, 10 patients (14.93%) showed nonsignificant recovery, out of which 3 (4.48%) died from the disease.ConclusionThe association of facial palsy with COVID‐19 is controversial and therefore requires further investigation and published work to confirm a causal relationship. However, physicians should not overlook the likelihood of facial palsy post‐COVID‐19 infection and treat it accordingly.
Blood cell DNA methylation biomarkers in preclinical malignant pleural mesothelioma: The EPIC prospective cohort
Authors: Allione Alessandra , Viberti Clara , Cotellessa Ilaria , Catalano Chiara , Casalone Elisabetta , Cugliari Giovanni , Russo Alessia , Guarrera Simonetta , Mirabelli Dario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Gentile Marco , Eichelmann Fabian , Schulze Matthias B. , Harlid Sophia , Eriksen Anne Kirstine , Tjønneland Anne , Andersson Martin , Dollé Martijn E.T. , Van Puyvelde Heleen , Weiderpass Elisabete , Rodriguez‐Barranco Miguel , Agudo Antonio , Heath Alicia K. , Chirlaque María‐Dolores , Truong Thérèse , Dragic Dzevka , Severi Gianluca , Sieri Sabina , Sandanger Torkjel M. , Ardanaz Eva , Vineis Paolo , Matullo Giuseppe 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer mainly caused by asbestos exposure. Specific and sensitive noninvasive biomarkers may facilitate and enhance screening programs for the early detection of cancer. We investigated DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles in MPM prediagnostic blood samples in a case‐control study nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort, aiming to characterise DNAm biomarkers associated with MPM. From the EPIC cohort, we included samples from 135 participants who developed MPM during 20 years of follow‐up and from 135 matched, cancer‐free, controls. For the discovery phase we selected EPIC participants who developed MPM within 5 years from enrolment (n = 36) with matched controls. We identified nine differentially methylated CpGs, selected by 10‐fold cross‐validation and correlation analyses: cg25755428 (MRI1), cg20389709 (KLF11), cg23870316, cg13862711 (LHX6), cg06417478 (HOOK2), cg00667948, cg01879420 (AMD1), cg25317025 (RPL17) and cg06205333 (RAP1A). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the model including baseline characteristics (age, sex and PC1wbc) along with the nine MPM‐related CpGs has a better predictive value for MPM occurrence than the baseline model alone, maintaining some performance also at more than 5 years before diagnosis (area under the curve [AUC] < 5 years = 0.89; AUC 5‐10 years = 0.80; AUC >10 years = 0.75; baseline AUC range = 0.63‐0.67). DNAm changes as noninvasive biomarkers in prediagnostic blood samples of MPM cases were investigated for the first time. Their application can improve the identification of asbestos‐exposed individuals at higher MPM risk to possibly adopt more intensive monitoring for early disease identification.
The use of a novel sensorized simulation platform for real‐time labor progression assessment
Authors: Mannella Paolo , Tognarelli Selene , Pancetti Federica , Morchi Laura , Menciassi Arianna , Simoncini Tommaso 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo prove the potentialities of an integrated and sensorized childbirth platform as an innovative simulator for education of inexperienced gynecological and obstetrical medical students.MethodsA total of 152 inexperienced medical students were recruited to a simulation program on labor progression evaluation. After an introductory lecture on basic concepts of labor and birth given by an expert gynecologist, three different gynecologic scenarios were simulated using both a traditional obstetric simulator and the innovative proposed platform, for a total of six tests for each student. A score was assigned for each performed scenario, based on its correctness. Self‐assessment questionnaires were compiled before and after the simulation program for additional subjective assessment.ResultsMedian score of the simulations performed with our platform was significantly higher than that of the simulations performed with a traditional simulator, for all the three experimented scenarios (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe use of a sensorized platform for labor progression allowed for an accurate and faster diagnosis if compared with a traditional simulator even for inexperienced operators, supporting its use in clinical training, which could be realistically introduced into the clinical practice for medical student education.