Tenecteplase for Stroke at 4.5 to 24 Hours with Perfusion-Imaging Selection.

BACKGROUND: Thrombolytic agents, including tenecteplase, are generally used within 4.5 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. Information on whether tenecteplase confers benefit beyond 4.5 hours is limited. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with ischemic stroke to compare tenecteplase (0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight, up to 25 mg) with placebo administered 4.5 to 24 hours after the time that the patient was last known to be well. Patients had to have evidence of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery and salvageable tissue as determined on perfusion imaging. The primary outcome was the ordinal score on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability and a score of 6 indicating death) at day 90. Safety outcomes included death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: The trial enrolled 458 patients, 77.3% of whom subsequently underwent thrombectomy; 228 patients were assigned to receive tenecteplase, and 230 to receive placebo. The median time between the time the patient was last known to be well and randomization was approximately 12 hours in the tenecteplase group and approximately 13 hours in the placebo group. The median score on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days was 3 in each group. The adjusted common odds ratio for the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days for tenecteplase as compared with placebo was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.57; P = 0.45). In the safety population, mortality at 90 days was 19.7% in the tenecteplase group and 18.2% in the placebo group, and the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 3.2% and 2.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Tenecteplase therapy that was initiated 4.5 to 24 hours after stroke onset in patients with occlusions of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery, most of whom had undergone endovascular thrombectomy, did not result in better clinical outcomes than those with placebo. The incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was similar in the two groups. (Funded by Genentech; TIMELESS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03785678.).

Blood Pressure after Successful Endovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data evaluating the optimum blood pressure (BP) goal post mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and its effect on outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO). The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intensive versus conventional BP control after reperfusion with MT via a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: We searched PubMed and Embase to obtain articles related to BP control post MT through September 2023. The primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) at 3 months, while secondary outcomes included excellent outcome (mRS 0-1), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality. RESULTS: Four RCTs with 1,566 patients (762 randomized into intensive BP control vs. 806 randomized into conventional BP control) were included. Analysis showed that there was a lower likelihood of functional independence (mRS 0-2: odds ratio [OR]: 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.91, p = 0.009) in the more intensive treatment group compared with the conventional treatment group. There was no statistically significant difference in achieving excellent outcome (mRS0-1: OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.63-1.07; p = 0.15), risk of sICH or mortality. INTERPRETATION: This systematic review and meta- analysis Indicates that in patients who achieved successful MT for acute ischemic stroke with LVO, intensive BP control was associated with a lower likelihood of functional independence at 3 months without significant difference in likelihood of achieving excellent outcome, sICH risk, or mortality. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:858-865.

Expansion of Telestroke Coverage in Community Hospitals: Unifying Stroke Care and Reducing Transfer Rate.

OBJECTIVE: Telestroke (TS) service has been shown to improve stroke diagnosis timing and accuracy, facilitate treatment decisions, and decrease interfacility transfers. Expanding TS service to inpatient units at the community hospital provides an opportunity to follow up on stroke patients and optimize medical management. This study examines the outcome of expanding TS coverage from acute emergency room triage to incorporate inpatient consultation. METHODS: We studied the effect of expanding TS to inpatient consultation service at 19 regional hospitals affiliated with Promedica Stroke Network. We analyzed data pre- and post-TS expansion. We reviewed changes in TS utilization, admission rate, thrombolytic therapy, patient transfer rate, and diagnosis accuracy. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and June 2022, a total of 9,756 patients were evaluated in our stroke network (4,705 in pre- and 5,051 in the post-TS expansion). In the post-TS expansion period, stroke patients' admission at the spoke hospital increased from 18/month to 40/month, and for TIA from 11/month to 16/month. TS cart use increased from 12% to 35.2%. Patient transfers to hub hospital decreased by 31%. TS service expansion did not affect intravenous thrombolytic therapy rate or door-to-needle time. There was no difference in length of stay or readmission rate, and the patients at the spoke hospitals had a higher rate of home discharge 57.38% compared with 52.58% at hub hospital. INTERPRETATION: Telestroke service expansion to inpatient units helped decrease transfers and retain patients in their communities, increased stroke and TIA diagnosis accuracy, and did not compromise patients' hospitalization or outcome. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:576-582.

Cervical Dissection in Patients With Tandem Lesions Is Associated With Distal Embolism and Lower Recanalization Success.

BACKGROUND: Tandem lesions consist of cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis or occlusion, most commonly of atherosclerosis or dissection etiology, plus a large vessel occlusion. In this study, we compare outcomes in patients with atherosclerosis versus dissection of the cervical ICA. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study includes data from tandem lesion patients who underwent endovascular treatment from 2015 to 2020. Atherosclerosis was defined as ICA stenosis/occlusion associated with a calcified lesion and dissection by the presence of a tapered or flame-shaped lesion and intramural hematoma. Primary outcome: 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2); secondary outcomes: 90-day favorable shift in the modified Rankin Scale score, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2c-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, parenchymal hematoma type 2, petechial hemorrhage, distal embolization, early neurological improvement, and mortality. Analysis was performed with matching by inverse probability of treatment weighting. RESULTS: We included 526 patients (68 [59-76] years; 31% females); 11.2% presented dissection and 88.8%, atherosclerosis. Patients with dissection were younger, had lower rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking history. They also exhibited higher rates of ICA occlusion, multiple stents (>1), and lower rates of carotid self-expanding stents. After matching and adjusting for covariates, there were no differences in 90-day functional independence. The rate of successful recanalization was significantly lower in the dissection group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.16-0.91]; P=0.031), which also had significantly higher rates of distal emboli (adjusted odds ratio, 2.53 [95% CI, 1.15-5.55]; P=0.021). There were no differences in other outcomes. Acute ICA stenting seemed to increase the effect of atherosclerosis in successful recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that among patients with acute stroke with tandem lesions, cervical ICA dissection is associated with higher rates of distal embolism and lower rates of successful recanalization than atherosclerotic lesions. Using techniques to minimize the risk of distal embolism may mitigate this contrast. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to fully understand these associations.

Outcomes of Bridging Intravenous Thrombolysis Versus Endovascular Therapy Alone in Late-Window Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Studies comparing bridging intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with direct endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke who present late are limited. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of bridging IVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT 6 to 24 hours after time last known well. METHODS: We enrolled patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke and a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≥6 from 20 centers across 10 countries in the multicenter retrospective CLEAR study (CT for Late Endovascular Reperfusion) between January 2014 and May 2022. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting modeling adjusted for clinical and imaging confounders to compare functional outcomes, reperfusion success, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality between EVT patients with and without prior IVT. RESULTS: Of 5098 patients screened for eligibility, we included 2749 patients, of whom 549 received bridging IVT before EVT. The timing of IVT was not recorded. Witnessed stroke onset and transfer rates were higher in the bridging IVT group (25% versus 12% and 77% versus 55%, respectively, P value for both <0.0001), and time intervals between stroke onset and treatment were shorter (time last known well-start of EVT median 560 minutes [interquartile range, 432-791] versus 724 minutes [interquartile range, 544-912]; P<0.0001). After adjustment for confounders, there was no difference in functional outcome at 3 months (adjusted common odds ratio for modified Rankin Scale shift, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.89-1.19]; P=0.72) or successful reperfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.81-1.75]; P=0.39). There were no safety concerns associated with bridging IVT versus direct EVT (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage: adjusted odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.38-1.48]; P=0.40; mortality: adjusted odds ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.89-1.46]; P=0.31). Results were unchanged when the analysis was limited to patients who received IVT >6 hours after last known well. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke who underwent EVT 6 to 24 hours from last known well, bridging IVT was not associated with a difference in outcomes compared with direct EVT. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04096248.

Sex Differences in Outcomes of Late-Window Endovascular Stroke Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The association between sex and outcome after endovascular thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and safety outcomes between men and women treated with endovascular thrombectomy in the late 6-to-24-hour window period. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective observational cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy of anterior circulation stroke in the late window from 66 clinical sites in 10 countries from January 2014 to May 2022. The primary outcome was the 90-day ordinal modified Rankin Scale score. Secondary outcomes included 90-day functional independence (FI), return of Rankin (RoR) to prestroke baseline, FI or RoR, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. Multivariable and inverse probability of treatment weighting methods were used. We explored the interaction of sex with baseline characteristics on the outcomes ordinal modified Rankin Scale and FI or RoR. RESULTS: Of 1932 patients, 1055 were women and 877 were men. Women were older (77 versus 69 years), had higher rates of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and greater prestroke disability, but there was no difference in baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis showed no difference between women and men in ordinal modified Rankin Scale (odds ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.79-1.21]), FI or RoR (odds ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.78-1.22]), severe disability or mortality (odds ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.80-1.23]). The multivariable analysis of the above end points was concordant. There were no interactions between baseline characteristics and sex on the outcomes of ordinal modified Rankin Scale and FI or RoR. CONCLUSIONS: In late presenting patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy in the 6 to 24-hour window, there was no difference in clinical or safety outcomes between men and women.

Plant Genetic Networks Shaping Phyllosphere Microbial Community.

Phyllosphere microbial communities inhabit the aerial plant parts, such as leaves and flowers, where they form complex molecular interactions with the host plant. Contrary to the relatively well-studied rhizosphere microbiome, scientists are just starting to understand, and potentially utilize, the phyllosphere microbiome. In this article, we summarize the recent studies that have provided novel insights into the mechanism of the host genotype shaping the phyllosphere microbiome and the possibility to select a stable and well-adapted microbiome. We also discuss the most pressing gaps in our knowledge and identify the most promising research directions and tools for understanding the assembly and function of phyllosphere microbiomes - this understanding is necessary if we are to harness phyllosphere microbiomes for improving plant growth and health in managed systems.

Stabilization of the human cytomegalovirus UL136p33 reactivation determinant overcomes the requirement for UL135 for replication in hematopoietic cells.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta herpesvirus that persists indefinitely in the human host through a latent infection. The polycistronic UL133-UL138 gene locus of HCMV encodes genes regulating latency and reactivation. While UL138 is pro-latency, restricting virus replication in CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), UL135 overcomes this restriction and is required for reactivation. By contrast, UL136 is expressed with later kinetics and encodes multiple proteins with differential roles in latency and reactivation. Like UL135, the largest UL136 isoform, UL136p33, is required for reactivation from latency in HPCs; viruses failing to express either protein are unresponsive to reactivation stimuli. Furthermore, UL136p33 is unstable, and its instability is important for the establishment of latency, and sufficient accumulation of UL136p33 is a checkpoint for reactivation. We hypothesized that stabilizing UL136p33 might overcome the requirement of UL135 for replication. We generated recombinant viruses lacking UL135 that expressed a stabilized variant of UL136p33. Stabilizing UL136p33 did not impact the replication of the UL135 mutant virus in fibroblasts. However, in the context of infection in HPCs, stabilization of UL136p33 strikingly compensated for the loss of UL135, resulting in increased replication in CD34+ HPCs and in humanized NOD-scid IL2Rγcnull (huNSG) mice. This finding suggests that while UL135 is essential for replication in HPCs, it functions largely at steps preceding the accumulation of UL136p33, and that stabilized expression of UL136p33 largely overcomes the requirement for UL135. Taken together, our genetic evidence indicates an epistatic relationship between UL136p33 and UL135, whereby UL135 may initiate events early in reactivation that drive the accumulation of UL136p33 to a threshold required for productive reactivation. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of nine human herpesviruses and a significant human pathogen. While HCMV establishes a lifelong latent infection that is typically asymptomatic in healthy individuals, its reactivation from latency can have devastating consequences in the immunocompromised. Defining viral genes important in the establishment of or reactivation from latency is important to defining the molecular basis of latent and replicative states and in controlling infection and CMV disease. Here we define a genetic relationship between two viral genes in controlling virus reactivation from latency using primary human hematopoietic progenitor cells and humanized mouse models.

Predicting Functional Outcome Using 24-Hour Post-Treatment Characteristics: Application of Machine Learning Algorithms in the STRATIS Registry.

FOR SOCIAL MEDIA: @AliciaCastongu2, @FazalZaidi9, @oozaidat, @Mouhammad_Jumaa OBJECTIVE: Machine learning (ML) algorithms have emerged as powerful predictive tools in the field stroke. Here, we examine the predictive accuracy of ML models for predicting functional outcomes using 24-hour post-treatment characteristics in the Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke (STRATIS) Registry. METHODS: ML models, adaptive boost, random forest (RF), classification and regression trees (CART), C5.0 decision tree (C5.0), support vector machine (SVM), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and logistic regression (LR), and traditional LR models were used to predict 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2). Twenty-four-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was examined as a continuous or dichotomous variable in all models. Model accuracy was assessed using the area under characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The 24-hour NIHSS score was a top-predictor of functional outcome in all models. ML models using the continuous 24-hour NIHSS scored showed moderate-to-good predictive performance (range mean AUC: 0.76-0.92); however, RF (AUC: 0.92 ± 0.028) outperformed all ML models, except LASSO (AUC: 0.89 ± 0.023, p = 0.0958). Importantly, RF demonstrated a significantly higher predictive value than LR (AUC: 0.87 ± 0.031, p = 0.048) and traditional LR (AUC: 85 ± 0.06, p = 0.035) when using the 24-hour continuous NIHSS score. Predictive accuracy was similar between the 24-hour NIHSS score dichotomous and continuous ML models. INTERPRETATION: In this substudy, we found similar predictive accuracy for functional outcome when using the 24-hour NIHSS score as a continuous or dichotomous variable in ML models. ML models had moderate-to-good predictive accuracy, with RF outperforming LR models. External validation of these ML models is warranted. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:40-49.

Assessing the WHO-UNICEF primary health-care measurement framework; Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Objective: To assess the availability of information on indicators of the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund primary health-care measurement framework in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and to outline the opportunities for and challenges to using the framework in these countries. Methods: We reviewed global and national data repositories for quantitative indicators of the framework and conducted a desk review of country documents for qualitative indicators in February-April 2023. We assessed data sources and cross-sectional survey tools to suggest possible sources of information on framework indicators that were not currently reported in the countries. We also identified specific indicators outside the framework on which information is collected in the countries and which could be used to measure primary health-care performance. Findings: Data on 54% (32/59) of the quantitative indicators were partially or completely available for the countries, ranging from 41% (24/59) in Pakistan to 64% (38/59) in Nepal. Information on 41% (66/163) of the qualitative subindicators could be acquired through desk reviews of country-specific documents. Information on input indicators was more readily available than on process and output indicators. The feasibility of acquiring information on the unreported indicators was moderate to high through adaptation of data collection instruments. Conclusion: The primary health-care measurement framework provides a platform to readily assess and track the performance of primary health care. Countries should improve the completeness, quality and use of existing data for strengthening of primary health care.

Determinants of pharmacists' confidence to participate in antimicrobial stewardship: A confirmatory factor analysis.

AIM: Pharmacists are essential members of hospital antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams. A lack of self-perceived confidence can limit pharmacists' involvement and contributions. Pharmacists working in AMS have reported a lack of confidence. There is currently a lack of validated measures to assess pharmacists' self-perceived confidence when working in AMS and contributors to this confidence. This study aimed to identify variables contributing to pharmacist self-perceived confidence and validate an AMS hospital pharmacist survey tool using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). METHODS: Responses from a survey of Australian and French hospital pharmacists were used to undertake CFA and path analysis on factors related to pharmacists' self-perceived confidence. It was hypothesized that pharmacists' self-perceived confidence would be impacted by time working in AMS, perceived importance of AMS programmes, perceived barriers to participating in AMS and current participation. RESULTS: CFA demonstrated a good model fit between the factors. Items included in the model loaded well to their respective factors with acceptable reliability. Path analysis demonstrated that time working in AMS had a significant impact on pharmacists' self-perceived confidence, while perceived barriers had a negatively significant relationship. Pharmacy participation in AMS and perceived importance of AMS programmes had a non-significant impact. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrated that the survey tool showed good validity and identified factors that can impact pharmacists' self-perceived confidence when working in hospital AMS programmes. Having a validated survey tool can identify factors that can reduce pharmacists' self-perceived confidence. Strategies can then be developed to address these factors and subsequently improve pharmacists' self-perceived confidence.

Attention-based deep convolutional neural network for classification of generalized and focal epileptic seizures.

Epilepsy affects over 50 million people globally. Electroencephalography is critical for epilepsy diagnosis, but manual seizure classification is time-consuming and requires extensive expertise. This paper presents an automated multi-class seizure classification model using EEG signals from the Temple University Hospital Seizure Corpus ver. 1.5.2. 11 features including time-based correlation, time-based eigenvalues, power spectral density, frequency-based correlation, frequency-based eigenvalues, sample entropy, spectral entropy, logarithmic sum, standard deviation, absolute mean, and ratio of Daubechies D4 wavelet transformed coefficients were extracted from 10-second sliding windows across channels. The model combines multi-head self-attention mechanism with a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify seven subtypes of generalized and focal epileptic seizures. The model achieved 0.921 weighted accuracy and 0.902 weighted F1 score in classifying focal onset non-motor, generalized onset non-motor, simple partial, complex partial, absence, tonic, and tonic-clonic seizures. In comparison, a CNN model without multi-head attention achieved 0.767 weighted accuracy. Ablation studies were conducted to validate the importance of transformer encoders and attention. The promising classification results demonstrate the potential of deep learning for handling EEG complexity and improving epilepsy diagnosis. This seizure classification model could enable timely interventions when translated into clinical practice.

Removal of heavy metals from wastewater by aerogel derived from date palm waste.

Cellulose that has been sourced from date palm leaves as a primary component was utilised. This cellulose served as the foundational material for the development of an aerogel composite. During this process, MXene (Ti3C2Tx) played a pivotal role in enhancing the overall composition of the aerogel. To ensure the stability and durability of the resulting aerogel structure, calcium ions were introduced to the mix. These ions facilitated the cross-linking process of sodium alginate molecules, ultimately leading to the formation of calcium alginate. This cross-linking step is crucial for the enhanced mechanical and chemical stability of the aerogel. Incorporating alginate and Ti3C2Tx into the cellulose aerogel enhanced its structural integrity in aqueous conditions and increased its adsorption capacity. When evaluated with synthetic wastewater, this composite exhibited remarkable adsorption capacities of 72.9, 114.4, 92.9, and 123.9 mg/g for As, Cd, Ni, and Zn ions, respectively. A systematic study was carried out to see the effect of various parameters, including contact time, MXene concentration, pH, and temperature on the adsorption of these elements. Peak adsorption was achieved at 60 min, favoring a pH range between 6 and 8 and exhibited optimal sorption efficiency at lower temperatures. The adsorption kinetics adhered closely to a pseudo-second-order, while the Freundlich model adeptly described the adsorption isotherms. An interesting result of this research was the aerogel's regenerative potential. After undergoing a basic acid treatment, the MXene/cellulose/alginate aerogel composite could be restored and reused for up to three cycles, all while maintaining its core performance capabilities even after the rigorous cross-linking processes. In three consecutive cycles, the removal percentages for As, Cd, Ni, and Zn were 48.15%, 80.38%, 56.51%, and 86.12% in cycle 1; 37.35%, 65.63%, 45.97%, and 78.42% in cycle 2; and 28.60%, 56.22%, 34.70%, and 65.83% in cycle 3, respectively. The composite was tested in conditions resembling seawater salinity. Impressively, the aerogel continued to demonstrate a significant ability to adsorb metals, reinforcing its potential utility in real-world aquatic scenarios. These findings suggest that the composite aerogel, integrating MXene, cellulose, and alginate, is an effective medium for the targeted removal of heavy metals from aquatic environments.

Outcomes of dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator for left bundle branch area pacing: A systematic review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review of literature aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dual-chamber ICDs for LBBAP in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). METHODS: Digital databases were searched systematically to identify studies reporting the left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement in patients with LBBB. Detailed study and patient-level baseline characteristics including the type of study, sample size, follow-up, number of cases, age, gender, and baseline characteristics were abstracted. RESULTS: In a total of three studies, 34 patients were included in this review. There was a significant improvement reported in QRS duration in all studies. The mean QRS duration at baseline was 170 ± 17.4 ms, whereas the follow-up QRS duration at follow-up was 121 ± 17.3 ms. Two studies reported a significant improvement of 50% in LVEF from baseline. No lead-related complications or arrhythmic events were recorded in any study. The findings of the systematic review suggest that dual-chamber ICD for LBBAP is a promising intervention for patients with heart conditions. CONCLUSION: The procedure offers significant improvements in QRS duration and LVEF, and there were no lead-related complications or arrhythmic events recorded in any of the studies.

A Unified Spatio-Temporal Inference Network for Car-Sharing Serial Prediction.

Car-sharing systems require accurate demand prediction to ensure efficient resource allocation and scheduling decisions. However, developing precise predictive models for vehicle demand remains a challenging problem due to the complex spatio-temporal relationships. This paper introduces USTIN, the Unified Spatio-Temporal Inference Prediction Network, a novel neural network architecture for demand prediction. The model consists of three key components: a temporal feature unit, a spatial feature unit, and a spatio-temporal feature unit. The temporal unit utilizes historical demand data and comprises four layers, each corresponding to a different time scale (hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly). Meanwhile, the spatial unit incorporates contextual points of interest data to capture geographic demand factors around parking stations. Additionally, the spatio-temporal unit incorporates weather data to model the meteorological impacts across locations and time. We conducted extensive experiments on real-world car-sharing data. The proposed USTIN model demonstrated its ability to effectively learn intricate temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal relationships, and outperformed existing state-of-the-art approaches. Moreover, we employed negative binomial regression with uncertainty to identify the most influential factors affecting car usage.

Systolic blood pressure reduction strategies in acute ischemic stroke patients following endovascular thrombectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is no clear consensus on ideal systolic blood pressure (SBP) target post-endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study intends to investigate the relationship between reducing SBP and clinical outcomes and to determine the therapeutic efficacy of moderate and intensive SBP reduction post EVT. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across five electronic databases to identify studies relevant to our analysis. Data from these studies were then analyzed using pooled relative risk (RR) along with their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for our categorical outcomes. functional independence at 90 days post-EVT was defined as a modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included eight studies with 2922 patients: 1376 patients were treated with intensive SBP reduction, 306 with moderate SBP reduction, and 1243 with standard SBP reduction. There was no difference in the risk of functional independence at 90 days post-EVT with both intensive-SBP reduction (target 120-140 mmHg, relative risk (RR) =1.05, 95 % CI 0.82, 1.34, p = 0.72) and moderate-SBP reduction (>160 mm Hg) (RR= 0.95, 95 % CI 0.69, 1.31, p = 0.76) compared with standard SBP reduction (>180 mm Hg). The risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) did not significantly differ between standard-SBP reduction and intensive-SBP reduction (RR = 0.93, 95 % CI 0.66, 1.31, p = 0.36) or moderate-SBP reduction (0.72 (95 % CI [0.28, 1.87], p = 0.50) groups, respectively. Intensive-SBP reduction significantly decreased the risk of hemicraniectomy. CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any difference in functional independence at 90 days in acute ischemic stroke patients with either intensive-SBP reduction or moderate-SBP reduction compared with standard SBP reduction post-EVT.

Efficacy of seventh generation bonding agents as desensitizers in patients with dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most challenging and persistent dental complaints characterized by transient, intense pain triggered by various stimuli. It affects a significant portion of the global population, predominantly those aged 20-40. This study aims to evaluate the desensitizing efficacy of seventh-generation dentin bonding agents (Single Bond Universal by 3 M ESPE and Xeno-V + by Dentsply) against a control group using Bifluorid 12 by Voco in mitigating DH within a month of the follow-up period. METHODS: This was a single-center, parallel-group, double-blind, controlled randomized clinical trial conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 105 patients with DH were allocated into three groups for this study. The patients were divided into three groups (Single Bond Universal by 3 M ESPE and Xeno-V + by Dentsply) and the control group containing fluoride varnish (Bifluorid 12 by Voco). Discomfort Interval Scale scores and Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale scores were recorded at baseline, immediately after the intervention, after 01 weeks, and after 01 month. RESULTS: All the materials demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in discomfort and sensitivity (DIS scores p-value 0.01) immediately after 01 week and over a period of 01 month after treatment compared with the baseline scores before application, with no single material proving superior over the one-month observation period. The study also provided insights into dental hygiene practices, with a significant majority using a toothbrush and sensitivity patterns, with cold stimuli being the most common cause of sensitivity. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that Single Bond Universal, Xeno V+, and Bifluorid 12 are equally effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity, with no distinct superiority observed over a one-month period. The findings highlight the potential of fluoride varnishes as a less technique-sensitive and cost-effective option for treating DH, offering valuable insights for future research and clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04225247 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04225247 ), Date of Registration: 13/01/2020. (Retrospectively registered).

TUSC3, p53 and p21 genetic association with development of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma among addictive tobacco chewers of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: This study delves into the intricate landscape of oral cancer, a global concern with a high incidence in Asian countries. We focus on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), primarily driven by the consumption of betel nut and its derivatives. OSCC often arises from premalignant lesions like oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In Pakistan, OSCC is prevalent among men due to various addictive substances, including smokeless tobacco and chewing materials. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53 and p21, play crucial roles in this malignancy's development. We also explore the involvement of TUSC3 gene deletion in OSCC and OSF. METHODS: In this study we investigated demographics, TUSC3 gene expression, deletion analysis, and TP53 and p21 genetic alterations in OSCC and OSF patients (blood and tissue of 50 samples in each condition) who had tobacco derivates usage history. The association analysis was carried out mainly through PCR based genotyping. RESULTS: The study's patient cohort (OSCC and OSF) displayed a wide age range from 13 to 65 years (Mean = 32.96 years). Both conditions were more prevalent in males, with a male-female ratio of approximately 2.5:1. Chewing habits analysis revealed high frequencies of gutka use in both OSF and OSCC patients. TUSC3 expression analysis in OSCC cell lines indicated significant downregulation. Genotyping showed no TUSC3 deletion in OSF cases, but a deletion rate of over 22% in OSCC tissue samples. Analysis supported a significant association of TUSC3 deletion with OSCC development but not with OSF. Polymorphism in p53 exon 4 and p21 (rs1801270) were significantly associated with both OSCC and OSF, adding to their pathogenesis. Our findings further revealed a strong correlation between TUSC3 deletion and the excessive use of tobacco and related products, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of OSCC development. CONCLUSIONS: Notably, our study provides a crucial insight into genetic aspects underlying OSCC and OSF in response of addictive consumption of areca nut, betel quid, and tobacco derivatives. A significant association between TUSC3 deletion and OSCC development, along with polymorphisms in TP53 and p21, underscores the importance of further research into the molecular mechanisms driving oral cancer progression for improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Comparative evaluation of propolis mouthwash with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical therapy in improving the periodontitis among perimenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Propolis mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical therapy in improving clinical parameters in perimenopausal women with chronic periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted by recruiting 144 subjects with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis. After scaling and root planning, subjects were allocated to two treatment groups: 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash and 20% propolis mouthwash twice daily for six weeks. Clinical parameters such as pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were analysed at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks. RESULT: The mean value of PPD in the propolis group was 4.67 at baseline, reduced to 4.01 at six weeks and 3.59 at 12 weeks. While in the chlorhexidine group, the baseline value of 4.65 reduced to 4.44 and 4.25 at six weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. The baseline value of the mean CAL in the propolis group was 4.45. This value was reduced to 4.15 at six weeks and 3.77 at 12 weeks. For the chlorhexidine group, the baseline value of CAL was 4.80, which was reduced to 4.50 and 4.19 at six weeks and 12 weeks. The mean value of bleeding on probing in the propolis group was 77.20, which decreased to 46.30 at six weeks and 14.60 at the final visit. In the chlorhexidine group, the mean value of 77.30 was reduced to 49.60 and 22.80 at subsequent visits. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that both propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash positively improve clinical parameters; however, propolis is significantly more effective in improving BOP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ID: NCT05870059, Date of Registration: 02/02/2022. ( https://beta. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/study/NCT05870059 ).

Fibrin glue in managing intractable gingival bleeding in patients with inherited bleeding disorders-a quasi-experimental pilot study.

This study presents the clinical outcomes of using inhouse prepared fibrin glue for controlling gingival bleeding in patients with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD). The objective of the study was to assess the reduction in transfusion days and improvement in compliance for dental evaluation over a one-year period in a low-to-middle-income country. The quasiexperimental pilot study included 40 IBD patients with gingival bleeding. These were divided into two groups: Group A received fibrin glue (n=20), while Group B did not (n=20). The study compared outcome metrics, including the number of treatment days and blood components transfused, using non-parametric tests with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results showed that Group A required fewer blood components (n=154) as compared to Group B (n=204) (p<0.001). Patients in Group A with Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) had a shorter treatment duration (one day) than those in group B (three days) (p<0.01). In conclusion, the application of fibrin glue effectively managed intractable gingival bleeding in IBD patients.