Long QT Syndrome With Drugs Used in the Management of Arrhythmias: A Systematic Review.

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a severe cardiac disorder characterized by an abnormally prolonged QTc interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can result in life-threatening irregular heart rhythms. The use of certain medications, particularly anti-arrhythmic drugs such as quinidine, sotalol, and amiodarone, can lead to acquired LQTS by prolonging the QT interval through the inhibition of specific ion channels responsible for heart repolarization, which may present symptoms like fainting, seizures, and sudden cardiac arrest. This systematic review, conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, focused on analyzing the association between Long QT syndrome and drugs utilized for managing arrhythmias, involving a thorough examination of six selected studies from an initial pool of 68 articles. It was found that antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, and flecainide have the potential to cause QT prolongation as a side effect, which is often influenced by factors including dosage, coexisting medical conditions, electrolyte imbalances, and other risk factors. Prolonged QT interval significantly elevates the risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia called torsade de pointes. The management of this side effect typically involves reducing the medication dosage or discontinuing it altogether and, in some cases, employing selective beta blockers. However, further research is essential to improve the understanding and implementation of strategies to prevent and manage QT prolongation caused by antiarrhythmic drugs. Additional clinical studies are warranted to enhance knowledge and provide comprehensive guidelines to healthcare practitioners regarding the appropriate use of these medications. Close monitoring of the QT interval is recommended for patients receiving anti-arrhythmic therapy, and consideration should be given to patient-specific risk factors for LQTS, including age, sex, and electrolyte imbalances.

Impact of single centre kidney-exchange transplantation to increase living donor pool in India: A cohort study involving non-anonymous allocation.

AIM: In India, 85% of organ donations are from living donors and 15% are from deceased donors. One-third of living donors were rejected because of ABO or HLA incompatibility. Kidney exchange transplantation (KET) is a cost-effective and legal strategy to increase living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) by 25%-35%. METHODS: We report our experience with 539 KET cases and the evolution of a single-centre program to increase the use of LDKT. RESULTS: Between January 2000 and 13 March, 2024, 1382 deceased donor kidney transplantations and 5346 LDKT were performed at our centre, including 10% (n = 539) from KET. Of the 539 KET, 80.9% (n = 436) were ABO incompatible pairs, 11.1% (n = 60) were compatible pairs, and 8% (n = 43) were sensitized pairs. There were 75% 2-way (n = 2 × 202 = 404), 16.2% 3-way (n = 3 × 29 = 87), 3% 4-way (n = 4 × 4 = 16), 1.8% 5-way (n = 5 × 2 = 10), 2.2% 6-way (n = 6 × 2 = 12), and 1.8% 10-way KET (n = 10 × 1 = 10). Of the recipients 81.2% (n = 438) were male and 18.8% (n = 101) were female, while of the donors, 78.5% (n = 423) were female and 21.5% (n = 116) were male. All donors were near relatives; wives (54%, n = 291) and mothers (20%, n = 108) were the most common donors. At a median follow-up of 8.2 years, patient survival, death censored graft survival, acute rejection, and median serum creatinine levels of functioning grafts were 81.63% (n = 440), 91% (n = 494), 9.8% (n = 53) and 1.3 mg/dL respectively. We credited the success to maintaining a registry of incompatible pairs, high-volume LDKT programs, non-anonymous allocation and teamwork. CONCLUSION: This is the largest single-centre KET program in Asia. We report the challenges and solutions to replicate our success in other KET programs.

The N-terminus of the Chlamydia trachomatis effector Tarp engages the host Hippo pathway.

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate, intracellular Gram-negative bacteria and the leading bacterial STI in the United States. Chlamydia's developmental cycle involves host cell entry, replication within a parasitophorous vacuole called an inclusion, and induction of host cell lysis to release new infectious particles. During development, Chlamydia manipulates the host cell biology using various secreted bacterial effectors. The early effector Tarp is important for Chlamydia entry via its well-characterized C-terminal region which can polymerize and bundle F-actin. In contrast, not much is known about the function of Tarp's N-terminus (N-Tarp), though this N-terminal region is present in many Chlamydia species. To address this, we use Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo cell biology platform to study N-Tarp-host interactions. Drosophila development is well-characterized such that developmental phenotypes can be traced back to the perturbed molecular pathway. Transgenic expression of N-Tarp in Drosophila tissues results in phenotypes consistent with altered host Hippo signaling. The Salvador-Warts-Hippo pathway is a conserved signaling cascade that regulates host cell proliferation and survival during normal animal development. We studied N-Tarp function in larval imaginal wing discs, which are sensitive to perturbations in Hippo signaling. N-Tarp causes wing disc overgrowth and a concomitant increase in adult wing size, phenocopying overexpression of the Hippo co-activator Yorkie. N-Tarp also causes upregulation of Hippo target genes. Last, N-Tarp-induced phenotypes can be rescued by reducing the levels of Yorkie, or the Hippo target genes CycE and Diap1. Thus, we provide the first evidence that the N-terminal region of the Chlamydia effector Tarp is sufficient to alter host Hippo signaling and acts upstream of the co-activator Yorkie. Chlamydia alters host cell apoptosis during infection, though the exact mechanism remains unknown. Our findings implicate the N-terminal region of Tarp as a way to manipulate the host Hippo signaling pathway, which directly influences cell survival.

A systematic review of randomized control trials looking at functional improvement of rotator cuff partial thickness tears following platelet-rich-plasma injection: a comparison of glenohumeral joint vs. subacromial bursa vs. intratendinous injection locations.

Background: Prior research has demonstrated that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown promising results in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, lateral epicondylitis, and rotator cuff disease. However, there is a lack of standardization with PRP regarding its use for partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs). The primary objective of this review is to assess the location of PRP injections in the shoulder, and how it corresponds to shoulder functional outcomes in PTRCTs. Methods: Data sources included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between January 2010 and September 2021 with the terms PRP, partial thickness rotator cuff tears, intra-articular injections, subacromial injections, and intratendinous injections. Major inclusion criteria: partial thickness rotator cuff tears only, functional outcome scores pre-injection and post-injection, minimum 2-month follow-up time, and nonsurgical PRP injections only. Major exclusion criteria: PRP used as an adjunct therapy, full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and surgical intervention before treatment. Results: A total of 8 RCTs were included which utilized PRP injected into the shoulder for PTRCTs. Studies were grouped by the location of the injection with the following breakdown: 1 glenohumeral joint, 4 subacromial bursa, and 3 intratendinous as the site of injection of PRP. Intra-articular PRP showed a 46.2% improvement (P < .05) in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score at 12-month follow-up, however PRP compared to physical therapy had no statistical difference. For subacromial injections, one study showed no statistical difference between hyaluronic acid and PRP vs PRP, but both groups showed improvement compared to normal saline at 3, 6, and 12 months (P < .05). For intratendinous injections, PRP was found to be superior in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores at 66.1% improvement (P < .05) at 3 months and 71.6% at 6 months (P < .05) after two PRP injections when compared to dry needling. Another study showed a statistically significant difference in ASES score when combining LP-PRP injection intratendinous and subacromial bursa when compared to corticosteroid at 3 months. Furthermore, at 6-month follow-up, the PRP group showed significant improvement in the Oxford Shoulder Score compared to a subacromial bursa corticosteroid group 53.8% vs 31.7% (P < .01). Conclusion: Based on our review of current literature, there is inconclusive evidence of the ideal location to inject PRP when partial rotator cuff tear is present. Despite PRP showing improved functional outcomes in patients diagnosed with PTRCT regardless of the injection site, more research is needed to figure out the optimal concentration of PRP, frequency of injection, and who are ideal candidates when utilizing PRP for PTRCTs.

Osteoma of the stylohyoid chain: A rare presentation in a CBCT study.

A 54-year-old male patient presented for a periodic check-up at the dental clinic. A panoramic radiograph showed bilateral ossification of the stylohyoid ligament with an oval radiopacity on the right side. Cone-beam computed tomography revealed a well-defined, homogenous hyperdense entity from the lower third of the ossified stylohyoid ligament on the right side. The differential diagnosis of osteoma on the stylohyoid chain includes Eagle syndrome and benign tumors of the stylohyoid chain and adjacent structures. Osteoma rarely manifests in the neck. Even more infrequent are tumors originating from the stylohyoid chain, with only a single documented case of osteoma reported in the literature in 1993. Due to the asymptomatic status, no surgical intervention was advised, and the case would be monitored periodically. This case report describes the details of an osteoma that emerged from the stylohyoid chain, marking it as the second recorded occurrence of this highly rare condition.

Response of Male Reproductive System Against Ionizing Radiation and Available Radio-protective Agents: Cellular and Molecular Insight.

BACKGROUND: The reproductive organ, housing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), undergoes ongoing division impacted by the irradiation dosage and exposure duration. Within the male reproductive organ, germ stem cells (spermatogonia) and somatic cells (Sertoli and Leydig cells) are present. Lower doses of ionizing (>4-6 Gy) and non-ionizing radiation (radiofrequency and microwave range 900 MHz - 2.45 GHz) may cause sperm-related issues, while higher doses (15 Gy) may affect Leydig cells and testosterone production. Response to radiation varies with age and pubescence. Spermatogonial stem cells, crucial for regenerating the spermatogenic lineage, express molecular markers like Estrogen receptor, FSH (Follicular Stimulating Hormone) receptor, TLR-4 (Toll-like Receptor-4), TLR-5 (Toll-like Receptor-5), FGF2 (Fibroblast Growth Factor-2), KIT (Receptor Tyrosine Kinase), AT-1 (Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor), LXRs-γ (Liver X Receptor-γ), TNF-ß (Tumor Necrosis Factor-ß), and PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen), influencing stem cell activity in testes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the various available radioprotective agents and their efficacy in targeting the male reproductive system from the available literature. RESULT: Various radioprotective herbal/synthetic/microbial/metallic extracts/formulations/ drugs [Septilin, Silymarin, Organic Turmeric, Oestrogen, Melatonin, Febuxostat, SQGD (Semiquinone glucoside derivative), Rapamycin, Entolimod, Zinc, Selenium, etc.] have been investigated up to exposure, but owing to effectiveness issues, they are unable to fulfil the aim to the fullest of restoring male fertility and normal testosterone levels during such eventuality. CONCLUSION: Further study is needed to optimize these tactics and fill knowledge gaps. Also, the effective components of herbal, synthetic drugs, etc., should be isolated and tested up to clinical levels, paving the way for successful radioprotection and radiomitigation strategies in the male reproductive system.

Racial and ethnic disparities in prostate cancer screening following the 2018 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

OBJECTIVE: In 2018, the United States Preventive Services Task Force promoted shared decision making between healthcare provider and patient for men aged 55 to 69. This study aimed to analyze rates of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing across racial and ethnic groups following this new recommendation. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted of the 2020-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database to assess men aged 55 or older without a history of prostate cancer. We defined four race-ethnicity groups: non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs), Hispanics, and Other. The primary outcome was the most recent PSA test (MRT), defined as the respondent's most recent PSA test occurring pre-2018 or post-2018 guidelines. Logistic regression adjusted for covariates including age, socioeconomic status factors, marital status, smoking history, and healthcare access factors. RESULTS: In the age 55 to 69 study sample, NHW men had the greatest proportion of MRT post-2018 guidelines (n = 15,864, 72.5%). NHB men had the lowest percentage of MRT post-2018 guidelines (n = 965, 66.6%). With NHW as referent, the crude odds of the MRT post-2018 guidelines was 0.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53-0.90) for NHB. The maximally adjusted odds ratio was 0.78 (0.59-1.02). CONCLUSIONS: We found that NHB aged 55 to 69 reported decreased rates of PSA testing after 2018 when compared to NHW. This was demonstrated on crude analysis but not after adjustment. Such findings suggest the influence of social determinants of health on preventative screening for at-risk populations.

A volumetric asymmetry study of gray matter in individuals with and without dyslexia.

Brain imaging work aimed at increased classification of dyslexia has underscored an important relationship between anterior (i.e., the inferior frontal gyrus; IFG) and posterior (i.e., superior temporal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus) brain regions. The extent to which the three components of the inferior frontal gyrus, namely the pars orbitalis, triangularis, and opercularis, are differentially related to the posterior regions, namely the superior temporal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus, needs further elucidation. Information about the nature of the anterior-posterior connections would facilitate our understanding of the neural underpinnings associated with dyslexia. Adult participants (N = 38; 16 with dyslexia) took part in an MRI study, whereby high-resolution structural scans were obtained. Volumetric asymmetry of the three regions of the IFG, the superior temporal gyrus, and the supramarginal gyrus was extracted. Significant differences were found for each of the three IFG regions, such that skilled readers had a greater leftward asymmetry of the orbitalis and triangularis, and greater rightward asymmetry of the opercularis, when compared to individuals with dyslexia. Furthermore, the pars triangularis was significantly associated with leftward asymmetry of the superior temporal gyrus for skilled but not dyslexic participants. For individuals with dyslexia, the cortical asymmetry of the IFG, and the corresponding connections with other reading-related brain regions, is inherently different from skilled readers. We discuss our findings in the context of the print-to-speech framework to further our understanding of the neural underpinnings associated with dyslexia.

Mesenchymal stem cells and thermal annular procedures for discogenic pain: a systematic review with pooled analysis.

Aim: Compare the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cell injection therapies (MSC) and thermal annular procedures for the treatment of discogenic lower back pain. Materials & methods: A systematic review was performed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Pooled analysis was performed using patients' pain scores at baseline and at 12 months post-intervention. Results: Effect sizes based on change in pain score from baseline to 12 month follow-up revealed clinically significant improvement in pain score across all interventions. Conclusion: Minimally invasive interventions provide meaningful relief in discogenic back pain, with results suggesting promise for MSC injection therapies as a treatment model.

Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Longitudinal Characteristics Associated With Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) has better outcomes than HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). However, factors contributing to HFimpEF remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate clinical and longitudinal characteristics associated with subsequent HFimpEF. This was a single-center retrospective HFrEF cohort study. Data were collected from 2014 to 2022. Patients with HFrEF were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes, echocardiographic data, and natriuretic peptide levels. The main end points were HFimpEF (defined as EF >40% at ≥3 months with ≥10% increase) and mortality. Cox proportional hazards and mixed effects models were used for analyses. The study included 1,307 patients with HFrEF with a median follow-up of 16.3 months (interquartile range 8.0 to 30.6). The median age was 65 years; 68% were male whereas 57% were White. On follow-up, 38.7% (n = 506) developed HFimpEF, whereas 61.3% (n = 801) had persistent HFrEF. A multivariate Cox regression model identified gender, race, co-morbidities, echocardiographic, and natriuretic peptide as significant covariates of HFimpEF (p <0.05). The HFimpEF group had better survival compared with the persistent HFrEF group (p <0.001). Echocardiographic and laboratory trajectories differed between groups. In this HFrEF cohort, 38.7% transitioned to HFimpEF and approximately 50% met the definition within the first 12 months. In a HFimpEF model, gender, co-morbidities, echocardiographic parameters, and natriuretic peptide were associated with subsequent HFimpEF. The model has the potential to identify patients at risk of subsequent persistent or improved HFrEF, thus informing the design and implementation of targeted quality-of-care improvement interventions.

The Role of Palliative Care Consultation in Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment among ICU Patients Receiving Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV-ECMO): A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has extended the survivability of critically ill patients beyond their unsupported prognosis and has widened the timeframe for making an informed decision about the goal of care. However, an extended time window for survival does not necessarily translate into a better outcome and the sustaining treatment is ultimately withdrawn in many patients. Emerging evidence has implicated the determining role of palliative care consult (PCC) in direction of the care that critically ill patients receive. Objective: To evaluate the impact of PCC in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WOLST) among critically ill patients, who were placed on venovenous ECMO (VV-ECMO) at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: In a retrospective observational study, electronic medical records of 750 patients admitted to the ICU of our hospital between January 1, 2015, and October 31, 2021, were reviewed. Data was collected for patients on VV-ECMO, for whom WOLST was withdrawn during the ICU stay. Clinical characteristics and the underlying reasons for WOLST were compared between those who received PCC (PCC group) and those who did not (non-PCC group). Results: A total of 95 patients were included in our analysis, 63 in the PCC group and 32 in the non-PCC group. The average age of the study population was 48.8 ± 12.6 years, and 64.2% were male. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographics or clinical characteristics at the time of ICU admission. The average duration of ICU stay and VV-ECMO were 14.1 ± 19.9 days and 9.4 ± 16.6 days, respectively. The number of PCC visits was correlated with the length of ICU stay. The average duration of ICU stay (40.3 ± 33.2 days vs 27.8 ± 19.3 days, P = .05) and ECMO treatment (31.9 ± 27 days vs 18.6 ± 16.1 days, P = .01) were significantly longer in patients receiving PCC than those not receiving PCC. However, the frequency of life sustaining measures or the underlying reasons for WOLST did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > .05). Conclusion: Among ICU patients requiring ECMO support, longer duration of ICU stay and treatment with a higher number of life-sustaining measures seemed to be correlated with the number of PCC visits. The underlying reasons for WOLST seem not to be affected by PCC.

D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens core have distinct and valence-independent roles in learning.

At the core of value-based learning is the nucleus accumbens (NAc). D1- and D2-receptor-containing medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc core are hypothesized to have opposing valence-based roles in behavior. Using optical imaging and manipulation approaches in mice, we show that neither D1 nor D2 MSNs signal valence. D1 MSN responses were evoked by stimuli regardless of valence or contingency. D2 MSNs were evoked by both cues and outcomes, were dynamically changed with learning, and tracked valence-free prediction error at the population and individual neuron level. Finally, D2 MSN responses to cues were necessary for associative learning. Thus, D1 and D2 MSNs work in tandem, rather than in opposition, by signaling specific properties of stimuli to control learning.

Percutaneous Fifth Metatarsal Osteotomy for Bunionette Deformity Without Fixation or Strapping: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Bunionette deformity (BD) is a painful condition of the fifth metatarsal characterized by an osseous prominence and fifth toe varus deformity. The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of percutaneous distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomy (DMMO) without fixation or postoperative strapping of the foot. METHODS: A retrospective case series was performed on 111 patients (132 feet) with symptomatic BD who underwent percutaneous DMMO of the fifth metatarsal from September 2020 to January 2022 by an experienced minimally invasive surgeon. According to the Shimobayashi classification, we treated 1 type I deformity, 37 type II deformities, 52 type III deformities, 42 feet with type IV deformity, and no patient with a type V deformity. Ninety patients (81%) underwent unilateral osteotomy, and 21 (19%) had bilateral osteotomies. Most cases included other procedures including treatment of 114 associated deformities of the same feet: 68 bunions, 12 lesser metatarsal osteotomies (2-3-4 metatarsals), and 34 hammertoes (20 second hammertoes, 10 third hammertoes, 1 fourth hammertoes, 2 fifth hammertoes). Patient-reported clinical outcome measures, including the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire, the visual analog score (VAS), and overall satisfaction were collected. Fourth-to-fifth intermetatarsal angle (IMA) correction, time to bone union, and complication rates were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 24.1 months (range, 14-39 months). Both radiographic parameters and patient-reported outcome measures significantly improved after DMMO procedure. The average fourth-to-fifth IMA improved from 12.2 degrees, preoperatively, to 4.4 degrees, postoperatively (P < .001). Patient outcomes reflect the overall outcomes of the combined surgeries on a per-patient basis. Preoperatively, patients had a mean VAS score of 7.6, which improved to 0.6 at the last follow-up (P < .001). Furthermore, the average FFI significantly decreased from pre- to postoperation from 19.2 to 4.4, respectively (P < .001). Overall, 108 of 111 patients reported being satisfied with the outcomes of the procedure. Average bone union was achieved at 12.6 weeks postoperation, with a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 25 weeks. The complication rate was 1.5%, including 1 case of an asymptomatic cock-up deformity and 1 case of lateral fifth metatarsal shaft bone overhang pain, which resolved with an exostectomy. CONCLUSION: The results of this study of patients who had minimally invasive surgery from an experienced surgeon suggest that percutaneous DMMO of the fifth metatarsal without internal fixation or postoperative immobilization or strapping can be effective at improving radiographic alignment, pain, function, and overall satisfaction with minimal rates of complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Longitudinal Characteristics Associated with Heart Failure with Improved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Heart failure (HF) with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) has better outcomes than HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, factors contributing to HFimpEF remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate clinical and longitudinal characteristics associated with subsequent HFimpEF. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective HFrEF cohort study. Data were collected from 2014 to 2022. Patients with HFrEF were identified using ICD codes, echocardiographic data, and natriuretic peptide levels. The main endpoints were HFimpEF (defined as ejection fraction >40% at ≥3 months with ≥10% increase) and mortality. Cox proportional hazards and mixed effects models were used for analyses. Results: The study included 1307 HFrEF patients with a median follow-up of 16.3 months (IQR 8.0-30.6). The median age was 65 years; 68% were male while 57% were white. On follow-up, 39% (n=506) developed HFimpEF, while 61% (n=801) had persistent HFrEF. A multivariate Cox regression model identified sex, race comorbidities, echocardiographic, and natriuretic peptide as significant covariates of HFimpEF ( p <0.05). The HFimpEF group had better survival compared to the persistent HFrEF group ( p <0.001). Echocardiographic and laboratory trajectories differed between groups. Conclusion: In this HFrEF cohort, 39% transitioned to HFimpEF and approximately 50% met the definition within the first 12 months. In a HFimpEF model, sex, comorbidities, echocardiographic parameters, and natriuretic peptide were associated with subsequent HFimpEF. The model has the potential to identify patients at risk of subsequent persistent or improved HFrEF, thus informing the design and implementation of targeted quality-of-care improvement interventions.

Efficient and Secure Encapsulation of a Natural Phase Change Material in Nanofibers Using Coaxial Electrospinning for Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage.

In this study, we present an ecofriendly technique for encapsulating lauric acid (LA), a natural phase change material, within polystyrene (PS) nanofibers through coaxial electrospinning. The resulting LAPS core-sheath nanofibers exhibited a melting enthalpy of up to 136.6 J/g, representing 75.8% of the heat storage capacity of pristine LA (180.2 J/g), a value surpassing all previously reported core-sheath fibers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform LAPS nanofibers free of surface LA until the core LA feed rate reached 1.3 mL/h. As the core LA feed rate increased, the fiber diameter shrank from 2.24 ± 0.31 to 0.58 ± 0.45 µm. Infrared spectra demonstrated a proportional increase in the LA content with rising core LA injection rates. Thermogravimetric analysis found the maximum core LA content in core-sheath nanofibers to be 75.0%. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms displayed a trend line shift upon LA leakage for LA1.3PS nanofibers. LAPS fibers containing 75.0% LA effectively maintained consistent cycling stability and reusability across 100 heating-cooling cycles (20-60 °C) without heat storage deterioration. The core LA remained securely within the PS sheath after 100 cycles, and the LAPS nanofibers retained an excellent structural integrity without rupture. The energy-dense and form-stable LAPS core-sheath nanofibers have great potential for various thermal energy storage applications, such as building insulation, smart textiles, and electronic cooling systems, providing efficient temperature regulation and energy conservation.

Myoinositol Versus Metformin in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread, complex, and multi-system hormonal disorder that occurs in women of reproductive age. The wide variation in practice in the treatment of PCOS is a direct consequence of the lack of sufficient evidence on alternative treatment strategies, as well as a poor understanding of the disorder itself. The aim of our systematic review was to assess the therapeutic advantages and adverse effects of metformin (MET), a standard treatment modality, with myoinositol (MI), a recent substitute that may be used alone or in combination with other remedies to treat PCOS. A literature search was done using PubMed Central, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Studies were limited to those published in English between 2012 and 2022 that focused on the management of PCOS with both MET and MI. The systematic review complied with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Using standard quality assessment tools, two reviewers independently assessed the content of the incorporated studies. Three meta-analyses, eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and one non-randomized non-controlled trial (NN-RCT) were deemed eligible. Following extensive analysis, we found that MET and MI are comparable in their effects on clinical, hormonal, and biochemical profiles. MI, however, had a better safety profile and tolerance due to minimal side effects compared to MET. These results demonstrate the potential role of MI as a novel asset in the armamentarium in the management of PCOS.

PeRiOperative Glucose PRAgMatic (PROGRAM) trial protocol and statistical analysis plan for comparing automated intraoperative reminders to standardise insulin administration in surgical patients at high risk of hyperglycaemia.

INTRODUCTION: Studies finding perioperative hyperglycaemia is associated with adverse patient outcomes in surgical procedures spurred the development of blood glucose guidelines at many institutions. In this trial, we will assess the implementation of a clinical decision support tool that is integrated into the intraoperative portion of our electronic health record and provides real-time best practice recommendations for intraoperative insulin dosing in surgical patients at high risk for hyperglycaemia. METHODS AND DESIGN: We will assess this intervention using a sequential and repeated cross-over design at the institutional level with periods of time for wash-out, control and study intervention. The unit of analysis will be the surgical case. The primary outcome will be the frequency of hyperglycaemia (>180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)) at first postoperative anaesthesia care unit measurement. There are several prespecified secondary analyses focused on perioperative glycaemic control. DISCUSSION: This protocol and statistical analysis plan describes the methodology, primary and secondary analyses. The PeRiOperative Glucose PRAgMatic (PROGRAM) trial was approved by the Vanderbilt University Institutional Review Board (IRB), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA (IRB, 220991). The study results will be disseminated via publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national scientific conferences. The results of PROGRAM trial will inform best practice for perioperative standardised insulin administration in surgical patients at high risk of hyperglycaemia. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05426096.

Characteristic adverse events with intra-aortic balloon pumps: An analysis of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration MAUDE database from 2016 to 2021.

INTRODUCTION: The United States Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) dataset represents a unique source for post-market surveillance data on adverse events (AE). An analysis of AE with percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) devices has previously been reported specifically for microaxial flow pumps. The characteristic AE for the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) have not been similarly analyzed or reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All events in the MAUDE dataset between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021 were reviewed involving the Linear, Mega and Sensation devices (Datascope/Getinge, Wayne New Jersey). Data was analyzed by two authors and categorized based on AE type, date, event type and device-related or patient-related AE. RESULTS: A total of 2795 AE were reported over five years. Device malfunction (91.4 %) was the most frequent classification followed by death (5.6 %) and injury (3.0 %). Catheter deformation/fracture/leak accounted for 37.9 % of total AEs. The most common patient event categorization was asymptomatic (90.8 %). Vessel damage/hemorrhage occurred in 1.4 % of reports. Death occurred in 5.6 % of reports and was associated with cardiac arrest in 110 of 156 events. Thrombus formation was described in 1.1 % of AEs. Device optic AE were common and unique to Sensation catheters. Calibration errors were also more common with Sensation (4.6 % versus 1.3 %) compared to other models. CONCLUSIONS: Publicly reported AE with IABPs are predominantly device malfunctions without clinical sequelae. Injury, vascular damage, bleeding and thrombosis AEs are not frequent amongst reported AEs. Emphasis should be placed on understanding mechanisms of device malfunction in order to improve both reliability and user experience.