bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poa annua control in golf course putting green collars via fraise mowing
Authors: Brosnan James T. , Breeden Gregory K.
Published: July 2024

Poa annua L. control on golf courses is challenging, particularly in collars adjacent to putting greens where herbicide options are limited. Field research was conducted in Knoxville, TN from 2022 to 2024 to evaluate P. annua control efficacy following summer fraise mowing of putting green collars. Plots were arranged in a hybrid bermudagrass [C. dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy, cv. ‘Tifway’] collar adjacent to a creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting green. A walk‐behind fraise mower (RR600 HDX; SISIS) was used to fraise mow plots (0.6 × 3 m) to depths of 8 or 15 mm. A non‐fraise‐mowed check (0 mm) was included for comparison. Plots were fraise mowed on June 20, 2022 and July 10, 2023 with recovery visually assessed thereafter relative to non‐fraise‐mowed check plots in each replication. Poa annua control was visually assessed 133 and 233 days after treatment relative to non‐fraise‐mowed check plots as well. In the absence of herbicide, summer fraise mowing of hybrid bermudagrass collars provided effective control (>89%) of P. annua for 133 days. Hybrid bermudagrass recovery from this mechanical control method was swift, which suggests that it could be incorporated into a weed management program with pre‐ and postemergence herbicides similar to harvest weed seed control methods used in crop production.
The role of positive affect in asthma control and symptom severity in adolescents
Authors: Jenkins Brooke N. , Martin Logan T. , Halterman Jill S. , Moskowitz Judith T. , Glynn Laura M. , Tirakitsoontorn Pornchai , Kamath Sunil , Kain Zeev N.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

We test the effects of positive affect and its arousal subscale components of calm, wellbeing, and vigor on asthma control and symptom severity in adolescents with moderate to severe asthma. Additionally, we test whether positive affect (and its arousal components) moderate how stress impacts asthma control and symptom severity.

Methods

Adolescents with asthma (N = 66, ages 12–17) completed brief surveys 4 times a day for 7 days reporting on their positive affect, stress, and asthma symptom severity and conducted a morning peak expiratory flow assessment each day. Asthma control and psychological asthma triggers were assessed at the end of the 7 days.

Results

Positive affect moderated the association between stress and asthma control (b = −0.33, p = 0.009) as well as the association between psychological triggers and asthma control (b = −0.74, p = 0.007). When assessing the positive affect arousal components, calm and wellbeing seemed to be driving these effects. Additionally, calm moderated the association between stress and asthma symptom severity (b = −0.33, p = 0.036) as well as the association between psychological triggers and asthma symptom severity (b = −0.75, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

When considering patient stress (e.g., general stress, psychological asthma triggers), positive affect and its arousal components of calm and wellbeing may be helpful for patients with higher levels of stress and/or for patients experiencing greater numbers of psychological triggers.
Age‐varying associations of parent‐adolescent relationship and school connectedness with adolescent self‐compassion: Differences by gender
Authors: Peng Yujia , Xia Mengya , Chi Xinli
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Parent‐adolescent relationships and school connectedness are critical promotive factors for adolescent self‐compassion. However, little is known about how the magnitude of the associations between these protective factors and self‐compassion changes across continuous age groups and whether gender differences exist in the age‐varying associations. This study aims to investigate (1) the age‐varying associations of parent‐adolescent relationships and school connectedness with self‐compassion using time‐varying effect modeling and (2) how their age‐varying associations may differ by gender.

Methods

A total of 14,776 adolescents aged 10–18 (mean age = 13.53 ± 2.08, 52.3% males) from Shenzhen, China participated in this study. All adolescents completed the online questionnaires in the school computer rooms.

Results

The results showed that both parent‐adolescent relationships and school connectedness were positively associated with adolescent self‐compassion, and the magnitudes fluctuated with age. Specifically, the association between parent‐adolescent relationships and self‐compassion peaked for adolescents in early adolescence, with the key timing for girls (age group of 10 years old) being slightly earlier than boys (age group of 11 years old). The association between school connectedness and self‐compassion was stronger for boys in the early years of adolescence (in the age group of 12.7 years), while stronger for girls during middle adolescence (in the age group of 14.0 years). Overall, girls were more sensitive to connections with parents and schools than boys during most age groups.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrated differential key timing for boys and girls regarding family‐ and school‐based intervention to cultivate self‐compassion and highlighted the importance of maintaining strong connections with families and schools for cultivating adolescent self‐compassion, particularly for girls.
Photo‐crosslinkable hydrogel incorporated with bone matrix particles for advancements in dentin tissue engineering
Authors: da Silva Isabela Sanches Pompeo , Bordini Ester Alves Ferreira , Bronze‐Uhle Erika Soares , de Stuani Vitor , Costa Matheus Castro , de Carvalho Letícia Alves Martins , Cassiano Fernanda Balestrero , de Azevedo Silva Lucas José , Borges Ana Flávia Sanches , Soares Diana Gabriela
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to create injectable photo‐crosslinkable biomaterials, using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel, combined with a decellularized bone matrix (BMdc) and a deproteinized (BMdp) bovine bone matrix. These were intended to serve as bioactive scaffolds for dentin regeneration. The parameters for GelMA hydrogel fabrication were initially selected, followed by the incorporation of BMdc and BMdp at a 1% (w/v) ratio. Nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) was also included as a control. A physicochemical characterization was conducted, with FTIR analysis indicating that the mineral phase was complexed with GelMA, and BMdc was chemically bonded to the amide groups of gelatin. The porous structure was preserved post‐BMdc incorporation, with bone particles incorporated alongside the pores. Conversely, the mineral phase was situated inside the pore opening, affecting the degree of porosity. The mineral phase did not modify the degradability of GelMA, even under conditions of type I collagenase‐mediated enzymatic challenge, allowing hydrogel injection and increased mechanical strength. Subsequently, human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were seeded onto the hydrogels. The cells remained viable and proliferative, irrespective of the GelMA composition. All mineral phases resulted in a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized matrix deposition. However, GelMA‐BMdc exhibited higher cell expression values, significantly surpassing those of all other formulations. In conclusion, our results showed that GelMA‐BMdc produced a porous and stable hydrogel, capable of enhancing odontoblastic differentiation and mineral deposition when in contact with HDPCs, thereby showing potential for dentin regeneration.
Effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity in renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Wang Lianping , Hao Xiaogang , Li Xiangxin , Li Qingjie , Fang Xuexun
Published: July 2024

Nephrotoxicity remains a major adverse reaction of the anticancer drug cisplatin (CDDP) chemotherapy, which is an important risk factor for chronic renal disease. Ginsenoside Rh2 from Panax ginseng has been shown to protect against CDDP‐induced nephrotoxicity in vivo, but its pharmacological effect on renal tubular epithelial cells is not clearly understood. This study examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the nephroprotective effects of Rh2 on CDDP‐induced HK‐2 cells and acute kidney injury (AKI) mice. As a result of Rh2 treatment, CDDP‐induced HK‐2 cells showed increased cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase release. Moreover, Rh2 ameliorated CDDP‐induced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression to reduce damage. Rh2 inhibited apoptosis and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of HK‐2 cells by reducing proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as well as by attenuating tunicamycin‐induced ER stress. In addition, treatment of CDDP‐induced AKI mice with Rh2 substantially reduced blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, attenuated histological damage of kidney. Further, Rh2 also improved kidney function by inhibiting ER stress to support in vitro findings. These results consistently demonstrated that Rh2 protects renal tubular epithelial cells from CDDP‐induced nephrotoxicity and apoptosis by restoring ER homeostasis, which might suggest a therapeutic potential and providing new insights into AKI alternative therapies.
Hsa_circRNA_007630 knockdown delays colon cancer progression by modulation of ferroptosis via miR‐506‐3p/AURKA axis
Authors: Hu Ying , Wu Xiongjian , Tan Xiaobin , Zhang Jingzhi
Published: July 2024

Colon cancer contributes to high mortality rates internationally that has seriously endangered human health. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) served as a key molecule in colon cancer. However, its role of AURKA on regulating ferroptosis in colon cancer and their possible interactions with miRNAs and circRNAs remain still elusive. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis after RNA‐sequencing was conducted to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), ferroptosis‐related DEGs and hub genes. The direct relationship between miR‐506‐3p and hsa_circRNA_007630 or AURKA was predicted, then verified by dual luciferase reporter and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The rescue experiments were conducted by cotransfection with si‐hsa_circRNA_007630, miR‐506‐3p inhibitor or pcDNA‐AURKA in HT29 cells. Erastin was used to induce ferroptosis in HT29 cells and validated by detecting levels of intracellular Fe2+, lipid reactive oxygen species, glutathione, malondialdehyde and ferroptosis markers expression. We screened a total of 331 DEGs, 26 ferroptosis‐related genes, among which 3 hub genes were identified through PPI network analysis. Therein, AURKA expression was elevated in colon cancer cells. Moreover, AURKA was targeted by miR‐506‐3p, and hsa_circRNA_007630 operated as miR‐506‐3p sponge. The effect of hsa_circRNA_007630 depletion on the inhibiting malignant phenotypes of HT29 cells was rescued by inhibition of miR‐506‐3p or AURKA overexpression. Additionally, AURKA reduced erastin‐induced ferroptosis in HT29 cells. Depletion of circRNA_007630 exerts as a suppressive role in colon cancer through a novel miR‐506‐3p/AURKA pathway related to ferroptosis, and might become a novel marker for colon cancer.
Macrophage‐mediated heart repair and remodeling: A promising therapeutic target for post‐myocardial infarction heart failure
Authors: Yin Wenchao , Chen Yong , Wang Wenjun , Guo Mengqi , Tong Lingjun , Zhang Mingxiang , Wang Zhaoyang , Yuan Haitao
Published: July 2024

Heart failure (HF) remains prevalent in patients who survived myocardial infarction (MI). Despite the accessibility of the primary percutaneous coronary intervention and medications that alleviate ventricular remodeling with functional improvement, there is an urgent need for clinicians and basic scientists to further reveal the mechanisms behind post‐MI HF as well as investigate earlier and more efficient treatment after MI. Growing numbers of studies have highlighted the crucial role of macrophages in cardiac repair and remodeling following MI, and timely intervention targeting the immune response via macrophages may represent a promising therapeutic avenue. Recently, technology such as single‐cell sequencing has provided us with an updated and in‐depth understanding of the role of macrophages in MI. Meanwhile, the development of biomaterials has made it possible for macrophage‐targeted therapy. Thus, an overall and thorough understanding of the role of macrophages in post‐MI HF and the current development status of macrophage‐based therapy will assist in the further study and development of macrophage‐targeted treatment for post‐infarction cardiac remodeling. This review synthesizes the spatiotemporal dynamics, function, mechanism and signaling of macrophages in the process of HF after MI, as well as discusses the emerging bio‐materials and possible therapeutic agents targeting macrophages for post‐MI HF.
Ineffectiveness of phosphorus‐containing amendments to reduce Pb bioaccessibility in an urban alkaline soil
Authors: Lake Loryssa , Basta Nicholas
Published: July 2024

Urban soils contaminated by historical and current anthropogenic activities present an alarming human health risk requiring redress. Federal and state governments continue to lower residential soil lead (Pb) screening standards, which will likely require new risk‐based approaches to address urban soil Pb contamination. Phosphorus (P) soil amendments have long been presented as a solution to sequester Pb, thereby reducing exposure risk. In this study, P‐containing sources (biosolids incinerator ash, poultry litter, biosolids compost, and triple superphosphate) of varying solubilities were assessed as soil amendments to reduce Pb bioaccessibility and serve as an inexpensive remediation strategy for urban soil. Contaminated soil (1624 mg kg−1 Pb, pH 7.43) from Cleveland, OH, was treated with the four P‐containing soil amendments at a 1:5 Pb:P molar ratio and two combination treatments at 1:10 Pb:P molar ratio and incubated for 3 months. A batch equilibration analysis was also conducted to assess reduction in in vitro bioaccessible Pb (IVBA Pb). Pb bioaccessibility was evaluated using US EPA Method 1340 at pH 1.5 and the Physiologically Based Extraction Test pH 2.5 at 1 and 3 months. In general, treatments were ineffective in reducing IVBA Pb regardless of IVBA extraction method, incubation duration, batch equilibration analyses, or P source. The results of this study suggest P‐containing amendments are not suitable to address Pb exposure in the study soil. Site‐specific efficacy testing to determine reductions in IVBA Pb from P‐containing amendments should be performed before making recommendations for remediation of Pb‐contaminated urban soil.
Microbial diversity and gene abundance in denitrifying bioreactors: A comparison of the woodchip surface biofilm versus the interior wood matrix
Authors: Duggan DiDominic Katie L. , Shapleigh James P. , Walter M. Todd , Wang Y. Samuel , Reid Matthew C. , Regan John M.
Published: July 2024

Excessive amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) can lead to eutrophication in water sources. Woodchip bioreactors have shown success in removing N from agricultural runoff, but less is known regarding P removal. Woodchip bioreactors are subsurface basins filled with woodchips installed downgradient of agricultural land to collect and treat drainage runoff. Microorganisms use the woodchips as a carbon (C) source to transform N in the runoff, with unresolved biological impacts on P. This study aims to explore microbial communities present in the bioreactor and determine whether milling woodchips to probe the microbial communities within them reveals hidden microbial diversities or potential activities. Metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were performed on six woodchip samples (i.e., three unmilled and three milled) collected from a 10‐year‐old woodchip bioreactor treating agricultural tile drainage. All samples had similar DNA purity, yield, quality, and microbial diversity regardless of milling. However, when sequences were aligned against various protein libraries, our results indicated greater relative abundance of denitrification and P transformation proteins on the outside of the woodchips (unmilled), while the interior of woodchips (milled) exhibited more functional gene abundance for carbohydrate breakdown. Thus, it may be important to characterize microbial communities both within woodchips, and on woodchip surfaces, to gain a more holistic understanding of coupled biogeochemical cycles on N, P, and C in woodchip bioreactors. Based on these findings, we advise that future microbial research on woodchips (and potentially other permeable organic materials) examine both the surface biofilm and the interior organic material during initial studies. Once researchers determine where specific proteins or enzymes of interest are most prevalent, subsequent studies may then focus on either one or both aspects, as needed.
Comparative osteology of the skull of cowbirds (Icteridae: Molothrus)
Authors: Gómez Raúl O. , Lois‐Milevicich Jimena
Published: July 2024

Detailed osteological descriptions of the craniomandibular complex of passerine birds are lacking for most species, limiting our understanding of their diversity and evolution. Cowbirds (genus Molothrus) are a small but widespread group of New World nine‐primaried songbirds, well‐known for their unique brooding parasitic behavior. However, detailed osteological data for cowbirds and other Icteridae are currently scarce and several features of their skulls remain undescribed or poorly known. To address this issue, a detailed comparative osteology of cowbird skulls is presented here for the first time based on data from x‐ray microcomputed tomography, dry skeletal data, and multivariate analyses of linear morphometric data. Cowbird skulls offer some functional insights, with many finch‐like features probably related to a seed‐rich diet that distinguishes them from most other icterids. In addition, features previously overlooked in earlier studies might provide valuable phylogenetic information at different levels of passerine phylogeny (Passerida, Emberizoidea, Icteridae, and Agelaiinae), including some of the otic region and nasal septum. Comparisons among cowbirds show that there is substantial cranial variation within the genus, with M. oryzivorus being the most divergent cowbird species. Within the genus, distantly related species share similar overall skull morphology and proportions, but detailed osteological data allow species identification even in cases of strong convergence. Further efforts are warranted to furnish baseline data for future studies of this iconic group of Neotropical birds and to fully integrate it into phylogenetic comparative frameworks.
Multi‐modal mass spectrometry imaging of a single tissue section
Authors: Zhan Lingpeng , Huang Yanyi , Wang Guanbo
Published: July 2024

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) was developed to visualize spatial chemical information within tissues, thereby facilitating spatial multi‐omic analysis. However, due to the limited spatial information provided by individual modal MSI, correlating various chemical data within tissues remains a significant challenge. In recent years, multimodal MSI has garnered considerable attention due to its ability to visualize the spatial distributions of multiple biomolecules within tissues. Among the strategies employed in this field, multimodal imaging on a single tissue section circumvents multiple issues introduced by integration of images of consecutive tissue sections. In this minireview, we provide an overview of multimodal MSI on a single tissue section, with a particular focus on the use of Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization–MSI for spatial multi‐omic investigations that offer a comprehensive and in‐depth elucidation of the biological state and activities, aiming to inspire the development of new approaches in this field.
Metagenomic analysis reveals altered gut virome and diagnostic potential in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Pan , Shi Haitao , Guo Ruochun , Li Lu , Guo Xiaoyan , Yang Hui , Chang Danyan , Cheng Yan , Zhao Gang , Li Shenghui , Zhong Qingling , Zhang Huan , Zhao Ping , Fu Cui , Song Yahua , Yang Longbao , Wang Yan , Zhang Yue , Jiang Jiong , Wang Ting , Zhao Juhui , Li Yong , Wang Biyuan , Chen Fenrong , Zhao Hongli , Wang Yonghua , Wang Jinhai , Ma Shiyang
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, making early diagnosis crucial for improving patient outcomes. While the gut microbiome, including bacteria and viruses, is believed to be essential in cancer pathogenicity, the potential contribution of the gut virome to PC remains largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the gut viral compositional and functional profiles between PC patients and healthy controls, based on fecal metagenomes from two publicly available data sets comprising a total of 101 patients and 82 healthy controls. Our results revealed a decreasing trend in the gut virome diversity of PC patients with disease severity. We identified significant alterations in the overall viral structure of PC patients, with a meta‐analysis revealing 219 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) showing significant differences in relative abundance between patients and healthy controls. Among these, 65 vOTUs were enriched in PC patients, and 154 were reduced. Host prediction revealed that PC‐enriched vOTUs preferentially infected bacterial members of Veillonellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, and Streptococcaceae, while PC‐reduced vOTUs were more likely to infect Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiaceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae. Furthermore, we constructed random forest models based on the PC‐associated vOTUs, achieving an optimal average area under the curve (AUC) of up to 0.879 for distinguishing patients from controls. Through additional 10 public cohorts, we demonstrated the reproducibility and high specificity of these viral signatures. Our study suggests that the gut virome may play a role in PC development and could serve as a promising target for PC diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Future studies should further explore the underlying mechanisms of gut virus‐bacteria interactions and validate the diagnostic models in larger and more diverse populations.
TTV and CMV viral load dynamics: Which emerges first during immunosuppression?
Authors: Roberto Piergiorgio , Cinti Lilia , Lucente Dario , Russo Gianluca , Lai Quirino , Micozzi Alessandra , Gentile Giuseppe , Turriziani Ombretta , Pierangeli Alessandra , Antonelli Guido
Published: July 2024

Novel biomarkers reflecting the degree of immunosuppression in transplant patients are required to ensure eventual personalized equilibrium between rejection and infection risks. With the above aim, Torque Teno Virus (TTV) viremia was precisely examined in a large cohort of transplanted immunocompromised patients (192 hematological and 60 solid organ transplant recipients) being monitored for Cytomegalovirus reactivation. TTV load was measured in 2612 plasma samples from 448 patients. The results revealed a significant increase in TTV viral load approximately 14 days following CMV reactivation/infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. No recognizable difference in TTV load was noted among hematological patients during the entire timeframe analyzed. Furthermore, a temporal gap of approximately 30 days was noted between the viral load peaks reached by the two viruses, with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) preceding TTV. It was not possible to establish a correlation between CMV reactivation/infection and TTV viremia in hematological patients. On the other hand, the SOT patient cohort allowed us to analyze viral kinetics and draw intriguing conclusions. Taken together, the data suggest, to our knowledge for the first time, that CMV infection itself could potentially cause an increase in TTV load in the peripheral blood of patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
Clinical performance of Circulating HBV RNA and iTACT‐HBcrAg Assays in HBeAg‐negative and HBsAg‐cleared Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Matsuura Kentaro , Inoue Takako , Sasada Keiko , Ogawa Shintaro , Watanabe Takehisa , Kawamura Hayato , Fujiwara Kei , Kataoka Hiromi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: July 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA and hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) have been reported to reflect the transcriptional activity of covalently closed circular HBV DNA. We retrospectively investigated the proportions of quantifiable serum HBV RNA and immunoassay for total antigen including complex via pretreatment‐hepatitis B core‐related antigen (iTACT‐HBcrAg) in chronic hepatitis B patients negative for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and/or with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. This study included 246 HBeAg‐negative HBV‐infected patients, who comprised 13 with liver cirrhosis (LC, the LC group), 118 chronic hepatitis (CH, the CH group), and 115 inactive carriers (IC, the IC group), and 44 patients with HBsAg seroclearance. iTACT‐HBcrAg and HBV RNA levels were determined using stored serum samples. Higher proportions of the patients had quantifiable iTACT‐HBcrAg than HBV RNA in all groups of HBeAg‐negative patients (iTACT‐HBcrAg: 84.6%, 90.7%, 35.7%, HBV RNA: 23.1%, 26.3%, 14.8%, for the LC, CH, IC groups). With HBsAg seroclearance (HBsAg <0.05 IU/mL), the proportions of quantifiable samples for HBV RNA were also lower than iTACT‐HBcrAg (0% for HBV RNA). Thus, iTACT‐HBcrAg was more often detectable than circulating HBV RNA in this study population. Further long‐term prospective evaluation of iTACT‐HBcrAg is desirable for its utilization in clinical practice.
The effects of eWom triggered service recovery on customer citizenship behavior in the hospitality industry: The moderating role of failure severity
Authors: Tengilimoglu Engin , Öztürk Yüksel
Published: July 2024

This study examines service failures in the hospitality industry, amplified by the shift to online platforms, and highlights the need for effective online recovery methods. These methods are crucial for retaining existing customers and preventing potential customer loss. Despite its importance, customer citizenship behavior resulting from service recovery must be noticed. This study examines the impact of service failure severity and online recovery methods on customer citizenship behavior, employing six scenarios varying in severity and recovery strategies. Multi‐group scanning electron microscope analysis reveals that justice types positively influence recovery satisfaction, enhancing customer citizenship behaviors. Failure severity moderates the relationship between recovery satisfaction and customer citizenship behavior, with recovery satisfaction being more effective in promoting advocacy and tolerance behaviors during low‐severity failures. However, this effect diminishes in high‐severity failures. Effective recovery strategies can transform negative service failures into positive outcomes for hospitality organizations.
Exploring the formation of destination loyalty from destination personality and self‐congruity: A mediating role of destination relationship quality
Authors: Li Mao‐Hua , Lai Ivan Ka Wai
Published: July 2024

This study proposes a new concept of the tourist‐destination relationship called destination relationship quality. It consists of four elements: destination satisfaction, destination trust, destination commitment, and destination attachment. The study investigates how destination personality and self‐congruity influence tourists' destination loyalty through destination relationship quality. Data were obtained through systematic sampling from 424 Chinese tourists in Guangzhou, China. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis, this study confirmed that destination personality and self‐congruity are antecedent factors of destination relationship quality, which ultimately affect tourists' destination loyalty towards a destination. The study contributes to tourist‐destination relationship research by indicating the mechanism for establishing destination relationship quality so that researchers can further apply this concept in their future studies. The results of this study are helpful for tourist destination marketers to attach importance to the establishment of destination personality and create core differences in tourist destinations when developing marketing strategies.
Prospective Evaluation of Normal Supraspinatus Muscle Using Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Jeong Jeung Yeol , Khil Eun Kyung , Seo Woorim
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate normal supraspinatus (SS) muscle elasticity using shear wave elastography (SWE) in an asymptomatic group, analyze its correlation with demographic factors and ultrasound (US) grayscale grade, and compare the elasticity between normal SS muscles and symptomatic SS muscles with tendon tears.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted with 101 adult patients with normal SS muscle scheduled for surgery due to a contralateral shoulder with SS tendon tear. Both shoulders underwent US examinations, including SWE. The SWE values, including mean and median elasticity, as well as the elasticity ratio, were analyzed for their correlation with demographic characteristics and grayscale grades. A comparison of SWE values was performed between the normal and symptomatic SS muscle groups.

Results

The mean SWE modulus of the normal SS muscle was 27.87 kPa (±49.04), with an elasticity ratio of approximately 1.52 (±0.03). Males exhibited slightly higher elasticity ratios compared with females (1.61 vs 1.45, P = .016). The interobserver agreement for all SWE measurements was excellent (>0.8). Grayscale grade increased with age, showing a similar pattern in females (P < .001). However, no significant correlation was observed between SWE values and grayscale grade in the normal SS muscle group. SWE values in normal SS muscles were significantly lower than those with tendon tears (P < .001).

Conclusions

SWE provides objective measurements of normal SS muscle elasticity. Gender‐based variations were observed, with males exhibiting slightly higher elastography ratios. SWE values were significantly lower in asymptomatic SS muscles compared with those with tendon tears.
Trends and epidemiology in robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty: Reduced complications and shorter hospital stays
Authors: Maman David , Laver Lior , Becker Roland , Takrori Loai Ahmad , Mahamid Assil , Finkel Binyamin , Gan‐Or Hadar , Yonai Yaniv , Berkovich Yaron
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study provides an in‐depth analysis of the immediate postoperative outcomes and implications or robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA‐TKA) compared with conventional TKA (C‐TKA), particularly with regard to mortality, complications, hospital stay and costs, drawing from a comprehensive nationwide data set.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, the largest all‐payer inpatient healthcare database in the United States, was used to identify all patients who underwent RA‐TKA or C‐TKA from 2016 to 2019. A total of 527,376 cases, representing 2,638,679 patients who underwent elective TKA were identified, of which 88,415 had RA‐TKA. To mitigate potential variations and selection bias in baseline characteristics between the two groups, a propensity score‐matched analysis was employed to further balance and refine our data set, resulting in 176,830 patients evenly distributed between the groups. Analysis was performed according to demographics, immediate post‐operative complications, and economic data, including payor class, length of stay and total charges.

Results

There was a marked shift towards RA‐TKA, from an initial 0.70% in 2016 to a notable 7.30% by 2019. Patients who underwent RA‐TKA were slightly younger (66.2 ± SD years), compared to the C‐TKA group (66.7 ± SD years). Hospital stay was 1.89 days and 2.29 days for RA‐TKA and C‐TKA, respectively. Charges metrics revealed slightly higher charges for RA‐TKA. Less postoperative complications were found in the RA‐TKA group, such as blood loss, anaemia, acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia and surgical wound complication. Even following the propensity score matching, these findings remained consistent and statistically significant.

Conclusions

RA‐TKA use in the United States has grown substantially in the last few years and has been associated with significantly reduced immediate post‐operative complications and length of hospital stay compared to C‐TKA, offering safer surgical management for TKA patients. Further studies on the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of RA‐TKA would improve the understanding of the full potential of this technology.

Levels of Evidence

Level III.
Hamstring autografts demonstrate either similar or inferior outcomes to quadriceps or bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts in revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review of comparative studies
Authors: Vivekanantha Prushoth , Kahlon Harjind , Hassan Zackariyah , Slawaska‐Eng David , Abdel‐Khalik Hassaan , Johnson Jansen , de SA Darren
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (r‐ACLR) using hamstring tendon (HT) autografts with those using either quadriceps tendon (QT) or bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autografts or allografts.

Methods

Three databases were searched on 8 August 2023. The authors adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (R‐AMSTAR) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, surgical details, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), rates of instability, failure and return to sport (RTS) were extracted.

Results

Eleven studies comprising 859 patients were included in this review. Five studies compared HT and QT autografts. One study each reported greater IKDC scores (p = 0.04) and Tegner scores (p = 0.04) in the QT group, while one study each reported higher anterior translation (p = 0.04), rates of positive pivot shift (p = 0.03) and rates of failure (p = 0.03) in the HT group. Six studies compared HT and BPTB autografts with one study each reporting greater Lysholm scores (p = 0.02) and less side‐to‐side anterior laxity (p < 0.01) in the BPTB group. Two studies compared HT autografts with allografts with only one study reporting a faster time to RTS in the HT group than the allograft group (p < 0.001). All other comparisons were not significant.

Conclusions

HT autografts result in either similar or inferior outcomes in r‐ACLR when compared to QT or BPTB autograft options. Allografts resulted in similar outcomes to HT autografts apart from greater time to RTS for r‐ACLR.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Achieving high accuracy in meniscus tear detection using advanced deep learning models with a relatively small data set
Authors: Güngör Erdal , Vehbi Husam , Cansın Ahmetcan , Ertan Mehmet Batu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced deep learning models, specifically YOLOv8 and EfficientNetV2, in detecting meniscal tears on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a relatively small data set.

Method

Our data set consisted of MRI studies from 642 knees—two orthopaedic surgeons labelled and annotated the MR images. The training pipeline included MRI scans of these knees. It was divided into two stages: initially, a deep learning algorithm called YOLO was employed to identify the meniscus location, and subsequently, the EfficientNetV2 deep learning architecture was utilized to detect meniscal tears. A concise report indicating the location and detection of a torn meniscus is provided at the end.

Result

The YOLOv8 model achieved mean average precision at 50% threshold (mAP@50) scores of 0.98 in the sagittal view and 0.985 in the coronal view. Similarly, the EfficientNetV2 model obtained area under the curve scores of 0.97 and 0.98 in the sagittal and coronal views, respectively. These outstanding results demonstrate exceptional performance in meniscus localization and tear detection.

Conclusion

Despite a relatively small data set, state‐of‐the‐art models like YOLOv8 and EfficientNetV2 yielded promising results. This artificial intelligence system enhances meniscal injury diagnosis by generating instant structured reports, facilitating faster image interpretation and reducing physician workload.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Knee flexor strength at 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon can be predicted from that at 3 months
Authors: Sengoku Takuya , Nakase Junsuke , Mizuno Yushin , Ishida Yoshihiro , Yanatori Yusuke , Takemoto Naoki , Demura Satoru
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to identify factors influencing persistent muscle weakness in knee flexor strength after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the hamstring tendon and establish a clear cut‐off value at 3 months postoperatively for the limb symmetry index (LSI) to exceed 90% at 6 months postoperatively.

Methods

One hundred forty‐eight patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were included and categorised into two groups based on knee flexor strength at 6 months postoperatively: patients with LSI of 90% or greater (achieved group: n = 114) and patients with LSI less than 85% (nonachieved group: n = 34). Items with significant differences between the two groups (preoperative waiting period, LSI to body weight ratio of knee flexor and extensor strength at 3 months postoperatively and peak torque angle of knee flexor muscle) were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis. Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the cut‐off value of the LSI at 3 months postoperatively, which was required to achieve the LSI criteria for knee flexor strength 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis extracted the preoperative waiting period and LSI for knee flexor strength at 3 months postoperatively. The cut‐off value at 3 months postoperatively was 76.9% (area under the curve value, 0.82; sensitivity, 0.76; and specificity, 0.81) of the LSI.

Conclusion

The LSI of at least 76.9% for knee flexor strength at 3 months after ACL reconstruction was an indicator for achieving the 6 months postoperatively. This is a criterion to aim for, considering the stress on the graft and the regeneration process of the semitendinosus tendon.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Long‐Term Plate Complications in Patient‐Specific Plates Utilizing Computer‐Aided Design
Authors: Yang Sara , Morton Zoey , Sautter Mackenzie , Young Gavin , Petrisor Daniel , Chandra Srinivasa R. , Wax Mark K.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Assess the long‐term plate complications with patient‐specific plates (PSPs) created with computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) for fibula free flap reconstructions for mandibular defects.

Methods

Retrospective chart review from January 2010 to July 2022 of patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap and PSP. Primary outcome was plating‐related complications, defined as plate exposure, fracture, loose screws, and plate removal.

Results

A total of 221 patients underwent PSP fibula reconstruction. Average age was 59.8 + 14.3 years old with male to female ratio of 2:1. Squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible was the most common reason for resection, 47.5%, n = 105. Plate removal occurred in 11% of patients (n = 25) about 17.4 months after the initial surgery. Plates were removed due to exposure (76%, n = 19) or screw loosening (24%, n = 6). Malignancy was associated with an increased risk of plate complications when compared to benign tumor (odds ratio [OR] 9.04, confidence interval [CI] 1.36–3.85), osteonecrosis (OR 1.38, CI 0.59–3.48), and trauma (OR 1.26, CI 0.23–12.8). Postoperative radiation therapy (OR 2.27, CI 1.07–4.82, p = 0.026) and surgical site infection (OR 9.22, CI 4.11–21.88, p = 0.001) were associated with more plate complications.

Conclusions

CAD creates PSPs that remain stable in the majority of patients over the long term. Plate removal is less compared to non‐PSP reconstruction. Consideration of the soft tissue envelope over the plate and management of perioperative infection at the time of surgery should be entertained.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4929–4934, 2024
Obeticholic acid's effect on HDL function in MASH varies by diabetic status
Authors: Kim Chunki , Tsai Tsung‐Heng , Lopez Rocio , McCullough Arthur , Kasumov Takhar
Published: July 2024

Inflammation and oxidative stress are the key factors in the pathogenesis of both metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and atherosclerosis. Obeticholic acid (OCA), a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, improves hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in patients with MASH. However, it also reduces HDL cholesterol, suggesting that OCA may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with MASH. We assessed HDL cholesterol efflux function, antioxidant (paraoxonase and ceruloplasmin activity), pro‐inflammatory index, and particle sizes in a small group of patients with and without diabetes (n = 10/group) at baseline and after 18 months of OCA treatment. Patients on lipid‐lowering medications (statins, fibrates) were excluded. At baseline, ferritin levels were higher in patients with MASH without diabetes (336.5 [157.0, 451.0] vs. 83 [36.0, 151.0] ng/mL, p < 0.005). Markers of HDL functions were similar in both groups. OCA therapy significantly improved liver histology and liver enzymes but increased alkaline phosphatase levels in nondiabetic patients with MASH (p < 0.05). However, it did not have any significant effect on cholesterol efflux and the antioxidant paraoxonase functions. In nondiabetics, ceruloplasmin (CP) antioxidant activity decreased (p < 0.005) and the pro‐inflammatory index of HDL increased (p < 0.005) due to OCA therapy. In contrast, in diabetics, OCA increased levels of pre‐β‐HDL—the HDL particles enhanced protective capacity (p = 0.005) with no alteration in HDL functionality. In all patients, serum glucose levels were negatively correlated with OCA‐induced change in pro‐inflammatory function in HDL (p < 0.001), which was primarily due to diabetes (p = 0.05). These preliminary results suggest a distinct effect of OCA therapy on diabetic and nondiabetic patients with MASH and warrant a future large‐scale study.
Unlocking the Potential: PEGylation and Molecular Weight Reduction of Ionenes for Enhanced Antifungal Activity and Biocompatibility
Authors: Kurzyna Jan M. , Kopiasz Rafał J. , Paul Martyna , Flont Magdalena , Baranowska Patrycja , Mierzejewska Jolanta , Drężek Karolina , Tomaszewski Waldemar , Jastrzębska Elżbieta , Jańczewski Dominik
Published: July 2024

Numerous synthetic polymers, imitating natural antimicrobial peptides, have demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity, positioning them as potential candidates for new antimicrobial drugs. However, the high activity of these molecules often comes at the cost of elevated toxicity against eukaryotic organisms. In this study, a series of cationic ionenes with varying molecular weights to assess the influence of polymer chain length on ionene activity is investigated. To enhance polymer antimicrobial activity and limit toxicity a PEG side chain is introduced into the repeating unit. The resulting molecules consistently exhibited high activity against three model organisms: E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans. The incorporation of side PEG chain improves antifungal properties and biocompatibility, regardless of molecular weight. The most important finding of this work is that the reduction of polymer molecular mass led to increased antifungal activity and reduced cytotoxicity against HMF and MRC‐5 cell lines simultaneously. As a result, the best‐performing molecules reported herein displayed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as low as 2 and 0.0625 µg mL1 for C. albicans and C. tropicalis respectively, demonstrating exceptional selectivity. It is plausible that some of described herein molecules can serve as potential lead candidates for new antifungal drugs.
Nitrilotriacetic Acid Functionalized Microgels for Efficient Immobilization of Hyaluronan Synthase
Authors: Sommerfeld Isabel Katja , Dälken Esther Maria , Elling Lothar , Pich Andrij
Published: July 2024

Enzymes play a vital role in synthesizing complex biological molecules like hyaluronic acid (HA). Immobilizing enzymes on support materials is essential for their efficient use and reuse in multiple cycles. Microgels, composed of cross–linked, highly swollen polymer networks, are ideal for enzyme uptake owing to their high porosity. This study demonstrates the immobilization of His6‐tagged hyaluronan synthase from Pasteurella multocida (PmHAS) onto nitrilotriacetic acid functionalized microgels using different bivalent ions (Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, and Fe2+) via metal affinity binding. The results indicate that using Ni2+ yields the microgels with the highest enzyme uptake and HA formation. The immobilized PmHAS enables repetitive enzymatic production, producing high molecular weight HAs with decreasing dispersities in each step. Furthermore, the highest reported yield of HA with high molecular weight for immobilized PmHAS is achieved. This system establishes a foundation for continuous HA formation, with future works potentially enhancing PmHAS stability through protein engineering.
Influence of mechanical grinding on the formation of native passive layers on aluminum alloys
Authors: Schneider Michael , Langklotz Ulrike , Kühne Laurence , Kutzer‐Schulze Claudia
Published: July 2024

Mechanical grinding creates mechanical as well as thermal stress in treated material and the so‐called Beilby layer is formed. The present work investigates the influence of abrasive coarse grain size on the thickness and electrochemical behavior of the native oxide layer formed after the grinding process by using cyclovoltammetry. The difference in the native oxide layer thickness amounts to Δd ≈ 0.5 nm under the surface conditions investigated. Additionally, an experimental design is introduced and tested, which allows the operando measuring of the temperature of the material during the grinding process. Estimates result in a thermal stress Δσ between 0.8 and 1.3 MPa depending on the chosen grinding parameters and influence the subsequently formed oxide layer thickness.
Extensions of definable local homomorphisms in o‐minimal structures and semialgebraic groups
Authors: Barriga Eliana
Published: July 2024

We state conditions for which a definable local homomorphism between two locally definable groups , can be uniquely extended when is simply connected (Theorem 2.1). As an application of this result we obtain an easy proof of [3, Theorem 9.1] (cf. Corollary 2.3). We also prove that [3, Theorem 10.2] also holds for any definably connected definably compact semialgebraic group not necessarily abelian over a sufficiently saturated real closed field ; namely, that the o‐minimal universal covering group of is an open locally definable subgroup of for some ‐algebraic group (Theorem 3.3). Finally, for an abelian definably connected semialgebraic group over , we describe as a locally definable extension of subgroups of the o‐minimal universal covering groups of commutative ‐algebraic groups (Theorem 3.4).