bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The circadian syndrome is a predictor for cognition impairment in middle‐aged adults: Comparison with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Shi Zumin , Stern Naftali , Liu Jianghong , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Kronfeld‐Schor Noga , El‐Osta Assam , Alberti George , Chai Zhonglin , Bilu Carmel , Einat Haim , Marcus Yonit , Zimmet Paul
Published: June 2024

Aims

Circadian syndrome (CircS) is considered a better predictor for cardiovascular disease than the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aim to examine the associations between CircS and MetS with cognition in Chinese adults.

Method

We used the data of 8546 Chinese adults aged ≥40 years from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. MetS was defined using harmonised criteria. CircS included the components of MetS plus short sleep and depression. The cut‐off for CircS was set as ≥4. Global cognitive function was assessed during the face‐to‐face interview.

Results

CircS and MetS had opposite associations with the global cognition score and self‐reported poor memory. Compared with individuals without the CircS and MetS, the regression coefficients (95%CI) for global cognition score were −1.02 (−1.71 to −0.34) for CircS alone and 0.52 (0.09 to 0.96) for MetS alone in men; −1.36 (−2.00 to −0.72) for CircS alone and 0.60 (0.15 to 1.06) for MetS alone in women. Having CircS alone was 2.53 times more likely to report poor memory in men (95%CI 1.80–3.55) and 2.08 times more likely in women (95%CI 1.54–2.81). In contrast, having MetS alone was less likely to report poor memory (OR 0.64 (0.49–0.84) in men and 0.65 (0.52–0.81) in women). People with CircS and MetS combined were more likely to have self‐reported poor memory.

Conclusions

CircS is a strong and better predictor for cognition impairment than MetS in Chinese middle‐aged adults. MetS without short sleep and depression is associated with better cognition.
Spatial prioritization for widespread invasive species control: Trade‐offs between current impact and future spread
Authors: Carter Stephanie , Mills Catherine , Hao Zhenhua , Mott Rowan , Hauser Cindy E. , White Matthew , Sharples Jason , Taylor John , Moore Joslin L.
Published: June 2024

Spatially explicit prioritization of invasive species control is a complex issue, requiring consideration of trade‐offs between immediate and future benefits. This study aimed to prioritize management efforts to account for current and future threats from widespread invasions and examine the strength of the trade‐off between these different management goals. As a case study, we identified spatially explicit management priorities for the widespread invasion of introduced willow into riparian and wetland habitats across a 102,145‐km2 region in eastern Australia. In addition to targeting places where willow threatens biodiversity now, a second set of management goals was to limit reinfestation and further spread that could occur via two different mechanisms (downstream and by wind). A model of likely willow distribution across the region was combined with spatial data for biodiversity (native vegetation, threatened species and communities), ecological conditions, management costs, and two potential dispersal layers. We used systematic conservation planning software (Zonation) to prioritize where willow management should be focussed across more than 100,000 catchments for a range of different scenarios that reflected different weights between management goals. For willow invasion, we found that we could prioritize willow management to reduce the future threat of dispersal downstream with little reduction in the protection of biodiversity. However, accounting for future threats from wind dispersal resulted in a stronger trade‐off with protection of threatened biodiversity. The strongest trade‐off was observed when both dispersal mechanisms were considered together. This study shows that considering current and future goals together offers the potential to substantially improve conservation outcomes for invasive species management. Our approach also informs land managers about the relative trade‐offs among different management goals under different control scenarios, helping to make management decisions more transparent. This approach can be used for other widespread invasive species to help improve invasive species management decisions.
Biogeography and diversity patterns of abundant and rare bacterial communities in paddy soils along middle and lower Yangtze River
Authors: Zhu Xiancan , Hu Minghui , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Ya , Du Dongsheng
Published: June 2024

The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River serve as principal rice production bases in China, yet the biodiversity and ecological processes of bacterial communities in paddy soils are not well understood. This study explores the diversity, composition, ecological function, and assembly processes of abundant and rare bacterial communities in paddy soils. A total of 129 paddy soil samples from 43 sites along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were collected and analyzed using NovaSeq sequencing. The results showed that the dominant phylum for both abundant and rare taxa was Proteobacteria, with a greater relative abundance of the abundant taxa. The diversity of the abundant community was lower than that of the rare community. Soil properties and geographic variables explained more of the variation in the abundant community than in the rare community. The rare community exhibited a significant distance‐decay relationship. The assembly of the abundant community was more influenced by stochastic processes, although both the abundant and rare communities were governed by stochastic processes. It is concluded that both abundant and rare bacterial communities exhibit differing biogeographic patterns, yet they undergo similar ecological processes in the paddy soils along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. These observations offer a theoretical framework for a deeper comprehension of the function of both abundant and rare bacteria, as well as the development and preservation of soil bacterial diversity within agricultural ecosystems.
Habitat conditions filter stronger for functional traits than for phenology in herbaceous species
Authors: Deilmann Till J. , Ulrich Josephine , Römermann Christine
Published: June 2024

An increasing number of studies in botanical gardens are investigating species' responses to climate change. However, the influence of local environmental or habitat conditions such as soil nutrient status or microclimate on phenology and the link between morpho‐physiological functional traits and phenological stages are poorly understood, making it difficult to extrapolate patterns from botanical gardens to natural environments. Therefore, we selected herbaceous species growing in two semi‐natural habitats, namely, semi‐dry grasslands (SDGs) and mesophilic grasslands (MGs) and the botanical garden of Jena (Germany) to investigate the influence of habitat conditions on interspecific and intraspecific patterns in phenology, functional traits and their associations. For 16 species, we monitored leaf and flowering phenology weekly for 133 populations from the three habitats, measured morpho‐physiological traits (i.e., whole plant, leaf and reproductive traits), as well as habitat conditions and compared the measurements across habitats. Multivariate analyses revealed that morpho‐physiological traits conspicuously showed stronger differences between habitats compared to phenological traits. Populations on MG showed temporal niche segregation, whereas populations on SDG showed flowering synchrony. Boosted Regression Trees showed that morpho‐physiological traits, especially reproductive traits, strongly influenced phenological traits and that the trait‐phenology relationships were highly habitat‐specific. We conclude that species phenology is broadly similar between botanical gardens and local habitats. However, phenological responses to the environment may be constrained by a certain suite of correlated traits due to ecological plant strategies that vary across habitats. The effect of habitat conditions on morpho‐physiological functional traits and phenology‐trait relationships is important and should not be neglected at local scales, implying consequences at larger scales.
Bigger isn't always better: Challenging assumptions about the associations between diapause, body weight, and overwintering survival
Authors: Short Clancy A. , Walters Jared L. , Hahn Daniel A.
Published: June 2024

During the winter, animals face limited food availability. Many animals enter dormancy to reduce their winter energy expenditure. Most insects spend the winter in diapause, a state of programmed dormancy. It is often assumed that diapausing insects need nutrient stores to fuel their many months of basal metabolism and must grow heavier than their non‐diapause‐programmed counterparts. However, the extent to which food limitation affects body weight during overwintering preparation as well as the likelihood and duration of diapause remains unclear. We limited the duration of the feeding period and thus the total quantity of food available to diapause‐destined larvae of the pupal‐diapausing flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, to test how food limitation affects body weight in the context of diapause programming. We also tested the extent to which food deprivation and body weight affect the likelihood and duration of diapause. We hypothesized that diapause‐destined larvae grow more quickly and pupariate at a heavier body weight than non‐diapause larvae. We also hypothesized that body weight is more dramatically reduced by food limitations when a larva is programmed for diapause. Finally, we hypothesized that larvae with lighter body weight (i.e., food limited) are less likely to enter pupal diapause and also stay in diapause for a shorter duration than heavier, well‐fed, individuals. Contrary to our hypotheses that diapausing insects are heavier than their non‐diapausing counterparts, we found diapausing pupae weighed less than non‐diapausing pupae, especially when larvae received limited food. We found light pupae did not abort their diapause program. In both diapausing and non‐diapausing pupae, body weight was positively correlated with simulated winter survival. However, above a weight threshold, body weight no longer affected simulated winter survival in diapausing pupae. Contrary to our predictions and the general consensus in much of the diapause literature, we also found that lighter pupae stayed in diapause longer than heavier pupae. Overall, our results challenge the precept that body weight and diapause are positively associated. The relationship between body weight and diapause is complex and may be affected by the availability of food before and after winter, the availability of high‐quality overwintering sites, and the life history of a particular insect.
Diuretics in pregnancy: Data from the ESC Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease (ROPAC)
Authors: van der Zande Johanna A. , Greutmann Matthias , Tobler Daniel , Ramlakhan Karishma P. , Cornette Jerome M. J. , Ladouceur Magalie , Collins Nicholas , Adamson Dawn , Paruchuri Vijaya P. , Hall Roger , Johnson Mark R. , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W. ,   on behalf of the ROPAC Investigators Group
Published: June 2024

Aims

Data on diuretic use in pregnancy are limited and inconsistent, and consequently it remains unclear whether they can be used safely. Our study aims to evaluate the perinatal outcomes after in‐utero diuretic exposure.

Methods and results

The Registry Of Pregnancy And Cardiac disease (ROPAC) is a prospective, global registry of pregnancies in women with heart disease. Outcomes were compared between women who used diuretics during pregnancy versus those who did not. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of diuretic use on the occurrence of congenital anomalies and foetal growth. Diuretics were used in 382 (6.7%) of the 5739 ROPAC pregnancies, most often furosemide (86%). Age >35 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.0), other cardiac medication use (OR 5.4, 95% CI 4.2–6.9), signs of heart failure (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.2), estimated left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.0–4.2), New York Heart Association class >II (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.3–5.1), valvular heart disease (OR 6.3, 95% CI 4.7–8.3) and cardiomyopathy (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.6–5.7) were associated with diuretic use during pregnancy. In multivariable analysis, diuretic use during the first trimester was not significantly associated with foetal or neonatal congenital anomalies (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.7–2.6), and diuretic use during pregnancy was also not significantly associated with small for gestational age (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–1.9).

Conclusions

Our study does not conclusively establish an association between diuretic use during pregnancy and adverse foetal outcomes. Given these findings, it is essential to assess the risk–benefit ratio on an individual basis to guide clinical decisions.
Pulmonary hypertension across the spectrum of left heart and lung disease
Authors: Borlaug Barry A. , Larive Brett , Frantz Robert P. , Hassoun Paul , Hemnes Anna , Horn Evelyn , Leopold Jane , Rischard Franz , Berman‐Rosenzweig Erika , Beck Gerald , Erzurum Serpil , Farha Samar , Finet J. Emanuel , Highland Kristin B. , Jacob Miriam , Jellis Christine , Mehra Reena , Renapurkar Rahul , Singh Harsimran , Tang W.H. Wilson , Vanderpool Rebecca , Wilcox Jennifer , Yu Shilin , Hill Nicholas
Published: June 2024

Aims

Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are grouped based upon clinical and haemodynamic characteristics. Groups 2 (G2, left heart disease [LHD]) and 3 (G3, lung disease or hypoxaemia) are most common. Many patients display overlapping characteristics of heart and lung disease (G2–3), but this group is not well‐characterized.

Methods and results

Patients with PH enrolled in the prospective, NHLBI‐sponsored PVDOMICS network underwent intensive clinical, biomarker, imaging, gas exchange and exercise phenotyping. Patients with pure G2, pure G3, or overlapping G2–3 PH were compared across multiple phenotypic domains. Of all patients with predominant G2 (n = 136), 66 (49%) were deemed to have secondary lung disease/hypoxaemia contributors (G2/3), and of all patients categorized as predominant G3 (n = 172), 41 (24%) were judged to have a component of secondary LHD (G3/2), such that 107 had G2–3 (combined G2/3 and G3/2). As compared with G3, patients with G2 and G2–3 were more obese and had greater prevalence of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and coronary disease. Patients with G2 and G2–3 were more anaemic, with poorer kidney function, more cardiac dysfunction, and higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide than G3. Lung diffusion was more impaired in G3 and G2–3, but commonly abnormal even in G2. Exercise capacity was severely and similarly impaired across all groups, with no differences in 6‐min walk distance or peak oxygen consumption, and pulmonary vasoreactivity to nitric oxide did not differ. In a multivariable Cox regression model, patients with G2 had lower risk of death or transplant compared with G3 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–0.86), and patients with G2–3 also displayed lower risk compared with G3 (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38–0.86).

Conclusions

Overlap is common in patients with a pulmonary or cardiac basis for PH. While lung structure/function is clearly more impaired in G3 and G2–3 than G2, pulmonary abnormalities are common in G2, even when clinically judged as isolated LHD. Further study is required to identify optimal systematic evaluations to guide therapeutic innovation for PH associated with combined heart and lung disease.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02980887.
A nationwide, population‐based study on specialized care for acute heart failure throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Cannata Antonio , Mizani Mehrdad A. , Bromage Daniel I. , Piper Susan E. , Hardman Suzanna M.C. , Sudlow Cathie , de Belder Mark , Deanfield John , Gardner Roy S. , Clark Andrew L. , Cleland John G.F. , McDonagh Theresa A. ,   on behalf of the CVD‐COVID‐UK/COVID‐IMPACT Consortium
Published: June 2024

Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted the delivery of care for patients with heart failure (HF), leading to fewer HF hospitalizations and increased mortality. However, nationwide data on quality of care and long‐term outcomes across the pandemic are scarce.

Methods and results

We used data from the National Heart Failure Audit (NHFA) linked to national records for hospitalization and deaths. We compared pre‐COVID (2018–2019), COVID (2020), and late/post‐COVID (2021–2022) periods. Data for 227 250 patients admitted to hospital with HF were analysed and grouped according to the admission year and the presence of HF with (HFrEF) or without reduced ejection fraction (non‐HFrEF). The median age at admission was 81 years (interquartile range 72–88), 55% were men (n = 125 975), 87% were of white ethnicity (n = 102 805), and 51% had HFrEF (n = 116 990). In‐hospital management and specialized cardiology care were maintained throughout the pandemic with an increasing percentage of patients discharged on disease‐modifying medications over time (p < 0.001). Long‐term outcomes improved over time (hazard ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90–0.95, p < 0.001), mainly driven by a reduction in cardiovascular death. Receiving specialized cardiology care was associated with better long‐term outcomes both for those who had HFrEF (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.77–0.82, p < 0.001) and for those who had non‐HFrEF (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.85–0.90, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Despite the disruption of healthcare systems, the clinical characteristics of patients admitted with HF were similar and the overall standard of care was maintained throughout the pandemic. Long‐term survival of patients hospitalized with HF continued to improve after COVID‐19, especially for HFrEF.
Electrochemical determination of wine polyphenols using carbon electrodes: A review
Authors: Ndreka Xhensiana , Isak Nensi , Xhaxhiu Kledi , Kudr Jiri , Zitka Ondrej , Farruku Muhamed , Baraj Besnik
Published: June 2024

Wine′s phenolic compounds present a group of hundreds of chemical compounds, contributing to the wine taste, color, and stability during the ageing. These compounds include phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins, catechins, proanthocyanidins etc. They are very important because they offer numerous good benefits for human body. Electrochemical methods show a valuable technique for the determination of redox compounds in wine. In this review, a lot of attention is paid to carbon‐based electrodes and to the voltammetric signals obtained in red and white wines using different modifiers for the electrode surface with nanoparticles and natural compounds used in the construction of biosensors. These electrodes are widely used due to their non‐toxic properties, wide potential ranges, high conductivity and the possibility of use in aqueous and non‐aqueous solutions. Different carbon electrodes are considered and briefly discussed. This review explores the current advancements in the electrochemical determination of most important polyphenolic compounds in wine using carbon electrodes. Also, this review gives a clear view about the oxidation peaks of various phenolic compounds in wine. It encompasses ‐the in‐depth analysis of the different types of carbon electrodes used, such as glassy carbon, carbon paste, carbon nanotubes, screen‐printed,graphene‐based electrodes, biosensors and their respective benefits in polyphenolic compounds analysis. In conclusion, the electrochemical determination of polyphenolic compounds in wine using carbon electrodes offers a promising route for accurate and reliable analysis, with important implications for the wine industry and research. This review provides comprehensive information for researchers, winemakers and analytical chemists seeking to understand and apply these techniques for improving wine quality and advancing knowledge.
Influence of Different Melting Points of Phase Change Material on Photovoltaic Phase Change Materials System Performance: An Energy, Exergy, and Environmental Point of View
Authors: Almeshaal Mohammed , K Babu Prakash , Chinnasamy Subramaniyan , P Manoj Kumar , Subramanian Saravanakumar
Published: June 2024

The photovoltaic (PV) module extracts and converts solar irradiation energy into electrical power in a sustainable and renewable manner. The substantial upswing in the temperature of the PV panel occurs while conversion predominantly impacts its performance and reduces efficiency. To resolve this issue, three different organic phase‐change materials (PCMs), OM29, OM35, and OM42, are proposed for cooling the PV panel as a thermal energy storage medium. The energy and exergy performance of PV panels with and without PCM are compared through experimental investigation to study the influence of different melting points of PCM with reference PV system (PVr). It is identified that the average PV panel temperature can be significantly reduced by incorporating PCM materials (OM29, OM35, and OM4), which are 12.7%, 21.53%, and 17.71% lower than the PVr system. The average electrical efficiencies of PV‐PCM–OM29, PV‐PCM–OM35, and PV‐PCM–OM42 are 10.96%, 10.77%, and 11.66%, which are 4.07%, 6.38%, and 4.91% higher than PVr system. Similarly, the average exergy efficiency is 4.62%, 5.06%, and 5.57% higher. The incorporation of PCM (OM29, OM35, and OM4) as a cooling mechanism effectively mitigates the CO2 3.70, 5.67, and 4.46 tons of CO2 throughout its lifetime and contributes to the sustainable development goal 7.
Comprehensive analysis of the metabolic nutritional components and exploration of health‐promoting small molecules in japonica rice and indica rice seeds
Authors: Tian Mengjun , Lin Shaoyan , Huang Wenwen , Zhao Wei , Tan Junjie , Wang Ming
Published: June 2024

The comprehensive detection of primary metabolites and secondary metabolites in japonica rice (Nipponbare) and indica rice seeds (93‐11) were clarified by using a combination of targeted and untargeted metabolomics approaches we created. A total of 246 metabolites were identified, encompassing 4 primary metabolite classes (3 sugars, 6 organic acids, 21 amino acids, 5 lipids) and 3 secondary flavonoid metabolite classes (17 flavones, 2 flavonones, 4 flavonols), as well as various other secondary metabolites. We found that japonica rice contains higher levels of sugars (especially fructose), alanine, flavonols, and luteolin complexes, while indica rice contains higher levels of organic acids, amino acids (excluding alanine), flavanones, and apigenin and its complexes. Exploring and comparing the comprehensive nutritional composition of the two types of rice not only enabled individuals to choose their staple food according to their own physical condition but also provided new insights for the development of health‐promoting rice.
An invited commentary on mentoring in infant mental health: A symposium commemorating Robert N. Emde
Authors: Oppenheim David , Bernard Kristin , Dozier Mary , Lieberman Alicia F. , Mays Markita , West Jane
Published: June 2024

This paper is based on a symposium on mentoring in infant mental health that took place at the 18th World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH) conference. The symposium commemorated Robert N. Emde who was one of the founders of the field of Infant Mental Health, and devoted much of his career to mentorship. From an IMH perspective, mentoring experiences are best thought of as relationships, significant for both mentor and mentee, with positive mentoring experiences crucial for the development of IMH clinicians and researchers. The symposium participants, two pairs of mentor‐mentee dyads, first gave an opening statement about what mentoring meant for them generally and personally, and then addressed three issues: the goodness of fit between mentor and mentee, “light and shadow” in mentoring relationships, and balancing old wisdom with new trends in mentoring. The paper brings the participants’ views and personal experiences regarding these issues in their own words, highlighting key personal and professional issues related to mentorship from the perspectives of both mentor and mentee.
Research advance of occupational exposure risks and toxic effects of semiconductor nanomaterials
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Ding Xiaomeng , Pang Yanting , Liu Qing , Lei Jialin , Zhang Haopeng , Zhang Ting
Published: June 2024

In recent years, semiconductor nanomaterials, as one of the most promising and applied classes of engineered nanomaterials, have been widely used in industries such as photovoltaics, electronic devices, and biomedicine. However, occupational exposure is unavoidable during the production, use, and disposal stages of products containing these materials, thus posing potential health risks to workers. The intricacies of the work environment present challenges in obtaining comprehensive data on such exposure. Consequently, there remains a significant gap in understanding the exposure risks and toxic effects associated with semiconductor nanomaterials. This paper provides an overview of the current classification and applications of typical semiconductor nanomaterials. It also delves into the existing state of occupational exposure, methodologies for exposure assessment, and prevailing occupational exposure limits. Furthermore, relevant epidemiological studies are examined. Subsequently, the review scrutinizes the toxicity of semiconductor nanomaterials concerning target organ toxicity, toxicity mechanisms, and influencing factors. The aim of this review is to lay the groundwork for enhancing the assessment of occupational exposure to semiconductor nanomaterials, optimizing occupational exposure limits, and promoting environmentally sustainable development practices in this domain.
Association of maternal serum vitamin D level with fetal pulmonary artery Doppler indices and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Amjadi Nooshin , Pooransari Parichehr , Mirzamoradi Masoumeh , Gargari Soraya Saleh , Naeiji Zahra , Rahmati Nayereh , Arbabzadeh Taraneh , Torkestani Farahnaz , Karimi Zohreh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is potentially fatal in infants. The present study investigated the association of maternal serum vitamin D level with fetal pulmonary artery Doppler indices and neonatal RDS.

Methods

This cross‐sectional‐analytical study was conducted on 260 mothers admitted for delivery. The maternal serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was measured and fetal main pulmonary artery Doppler indices were evaluated. The neonate's weight, apgar score, RDS, Umbilical cord arterial pH and neonatal intensive care unit admission were recorded.

Results

There was a significant relationship between RDS and the low level of vitamin D in the mother's serum. Mothers with low vitamin D had higher fetal pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) and lower acceleration time (AT) to ejection time (ET) ratio. Also, in neonates with RDS, pulmonary artery PI was higher, and PSV and the ratio of AT to ET were significantly lower than neonates without RDS. Neonates with lower one and 5‐min apgar scores were born from mothers with lower vitamin D levels.

Conclusion

Serum levels of vitamin D in pregnant mothers as well as fetal pulmonary artery Doppler indices are correlated to RDS. There is a significant relationship between the serum level of vitamin D in pregnant mothers and fetal pulmonary artery Doppler indices.
Sources contributing to engineering students' academic well‐being: An exploration using the Q methodology
Authors: Chen Juebei , Du Xiangyun , Guerra Aida , da Silva Filipe Miguel Faria , Chaaban Youmen
Published: June 2024

Background

Recent literature has identified students' academic well‐being as an indicator of their persistence in their current study and competence development. While prior literature has focused on measuring students' academic well‐being from psychological and mental health perspectives, limited studies have explored the ways in which the learning environment provides diverse sources (e.g., supervision and peer support) to support students' academic well‐being.

Purpose

This study aims to explore sources that foster students' academic well‐being from the perspective of two different student groups, namely first‐year engineering students and senior engineering students, in a PBL (project‐based learning) environment.

Method

The Q methodology was applied, connecting both qualitative and quantitative research characteristics. Two student groups, including 23 first‐year engineering students and 19 senior engineering students, participated in this study to illustrate various viewpoints of different student groups and offer prospects for analyzing data from a new comparative angle via second‐order factor analysis.

Results

In the first‐year engineering student group, three viewpoints were identified, namely the emphasis on enjoyment through study–life balance, personal values and aspirations, and academic agency. The senior engineering student group focused on internal sources related to professional development, including two viewpoints pertaining to their goal‐oriented academic development and enactment of agency through self‐management. Practical suggestions are proposed to optimize engineering curriculum design to better support students' academic well‐being.
Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of 4‐aryl‐3,4‐dihydrocoumarins
Authors: Dias Herbert J. , Santos William H. , Filho Luis C. S. , Crevelin Eduardo J. , McIndoe J. Scott , Vessecchi Ricardo , Crotti Antônio E. M.
Published: June 2024

We have investigated the gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of 11 synthetic 4‐aryl‐3,4‐dihydrocoumarins by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) on a quadrupole‐time‐of flight (Q‐TOF) hybrid mass spectrometer. We have also estimated thermochemical data for the protonated coumarins (precursor ion A) and product ion structures by computational chemistry at a B3LYP level of theory to establish the ion structures and to rationalize the fragmentation pathways. The most abundant ions in the product ion spectra of coumarins 1–11 resulted from C8H8O2, CO2, C4H4O3, C8H10O3, C8H8O2, and CH3OH eliminations through retro‐Diels–Alder (RDA) reactions, remote hydrogen rearrangements (β‐eliminations), and β‐lactone ring contraction. Although the investigated coumarins shared most of the fragmentation pathways, formation of a benzylic product ion and its corresponding tropylium ion was diagnostic of the substituents at ring C. The thermochemical data revealed that the nature and position of the substituents at ring C played a key role in the formation of this product ion and determined its relative intensity in the product ion spectrum. The results of this study contribute to knowledge of the gas‐phase ion chemistry of this important class of organic compounds.
Airflowing as an adjunctive treatment for periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alsuwaidi Salem , Almatrooshi Aisha , Shah Maanas , Hakam Abeer , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Alsabeeha Nabeel H. M. , Atieh Momen A.
Published: June 2024

Backgound

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess clinical and patient‐reported outcomes of subgingival instrumentation (SI) with adjunctive use of erythritol airflowing (EAF) compared to SI alone in the treatment of periodontitis.

Methods

Twenty‐six participants with Stage III/IV periodontitis requiring nonsurgical periodontal treatment were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: SI with EAF or SI alone. Clinical parameters of percentage of probing pocket depths (PPDs) of ≥5 mm, full mouth bleeding and plaque scores (FMBS and FMPS), and PPD values were recorded at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate postoperative participants’ perception of pain, swelling, bleeding, bruising, and root sensitivity. The impact of periodontal treatment on quality of life was assessed using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) at six months.

Results

A total of 26 participants with Stage III/IV periodontitis completed the 6‐month follow‐up. SI with or without EAF resulted in a statistically significant reductions in the FMBS, FMPS, PPDs, and percentage of PPDs of ≥5 mm at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up visits. There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups for any time interval. Participants receiving SI/EAF exhibited a higher reduction in FMBS compared to those in SI alone group at 3 (SI/EAF: 19.4 ± 11.9, SI alone: 30.1 ± 20.5; P = 0.12) and 6 months (SI/EAF: 14.3 ± 9.6, SI alone: 24.5 ± 18.2; P = 0.09). A lower percentage of sites with deep PPDs (≥5 mm) was also noted amongst participants in the SI/EAF group compared to SI alone at 3 months (SI/EAF: 14.3 ± 14.1, SI alone: 19.2 ± 20.3; P = 0.48) and 6 months (SI/EAF: 8.3 ± 10.0, SI alone: 15.4 ± 17.4; P = 0.22). Patient‐reported outcomes showed no significant differences between the two treatment groups, except in the psychosocial domain of the GOHAI at 6 months favoring the SI/EAF group (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the study, the adjunctive use of EAF in addition to SI in the treatment of Stage III/IV periodontitis did not result in a significant improvement in clinical parameters. Limited improvement in the QoL with EAF could be achieved.
Comparison of reconstructive techniques for nonprimary malignancies in the proximal humerus
Authors: Sullivan Mikaela H. , Arguello Alexandra M. , Barlow Jonathan D. , Morrey Mark E. , Rose Peter S. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin , Houdek Matthew T.
Published: June 2024

Background

Endoprostheses (EPC) are often utilized for reconstruction of the proximal humerus with either hemiarthroplasty (HA) or reverse arthroplasty (RA) constructs. RA constructs have improved outcomes in patients with primary lesions, but no studies have compared techniques in metastatic disease. The aim of this study is to compare functional outcomes and complications between HA and RA constructs in patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction for proximal humerus metastases.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our institutional arthroplasty database to identify 66 (56% male; 38 HA and 28 RA) patients with a proximal humerus reconstruction for a non‐primary malignancy. The majority (88%) presented with pathologic fracture, and the most common diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma (48%).

Resultss

Patients with RA reconstructions had better postoperative forward elevation (74° vs. 32°, p < 0.01) and higher functional outcome scores. HA patients had more complications (odds ratio 13, p < 0.01), with instability being the most common complication.

Conclusions

Patients with nonprimary malignancies of the proximal humerus had improved functional outcomes and fewer complications after undergoing reconstruction with a reverse EPC compared to a HA EPC. Preference for reverse EPC should be given in patients with good prognosis and ability to complete postoperative rehabilitation.
Seven Days of Voice Rest Post‐phonosurgery Is Not Better than 3 days: A Prospective Randomized Short‐term Outcome Study
Authors: Voloch Liat , Icht Michal , Ben‐David Boaz M. , Carmel Neiderman Narin Nard , Levenberg Guy , Manor Yael , Shpunt Dina , Oestreicher‐Kedem Yael
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to compare the short‐term effect of 7 versus 3 days of voice rest (VR) on objective vocal (acoustic) parameters following phonosurgery.

Methods

A prospective randomized study conducted at a tertiary referral medical center. Patients with vocal fold nodules, polyps, or cysts and scheduled for phonosurgery were recruited from the Voice Clinic. They were randomized into groups of 7‐ or 3‐day postoperative VR periods and their voices were recorded preoperatively and at 4‐week postoperatively. A mixed linear model statistical analysis (MLMSA) was used to compare pre‐ and postoperative jitter, shimmer, harmonic‐to‐noise ratio, and maximum phonation time between the two groups.

Results

Sixty‐five patients were recruited, but only 34 fully complied with the study protocol, and their data were included in the final analysis (19 males, 20 females; mean age: 40.6 years; 17 patients in the 7‐day VR group and 16 in the 3‐day VR group). The groups were comparable in age, sex, and type of vocal lesion distribution. The preoperative MLMSA showed no significant group differences in the tested vocal parameters. Both groups exhibited significant (p < 0.05) and comparable improvement in all vocal parameters at postoperative week 4.

Conclusions

A VR duration of 7 days showed no greater benefit on the examined vocal parameters than the 3‐day protocol 4‐week postoperatively. Our results suggest that a 3‐day VR regimen can be followed by patients who undergo phonosurgery without compromising the vocal results. Larger‐scale and longer‐duration studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:4661–4666, 2024
Laryngeal chondromas: Current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Candelo Estephania , Bohorquez Caballero Anyull D. , Abello‐Vaamonde Jorge A. , Sanz Ana Maria , Lozano Gonzalez Roberta , Chelf Cynthia , Williams Abigail M. , Rutt Amy L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Cartilaginous tumors of the larynx are rare, representing less than 1% of all laryngeal tumors. Chondromas are benign mesenchymal tumors characterized by a slow‐paced growth, primarily originated in the cricoid cartilage, followed by the thyroid, arytenoid, and epiglottic cartilages. This scoping review aims to understand the extent of evidence on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, morbidity, and recurrence of the laryngeal chondroma (LC).

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Systematic Reviews, Lilacs, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.

Review methods

The scoping review was conducted from 1816 to 2023, for observational studies describing LC. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, followed by an evaluation of the full text for eligibility. The data were collected from the qualifying articles, and a narrative summary of the outcomes was prepared.

Results

One hundred and nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Ninety‐four case reports, 22 case series, and 3 cohorts. Two hundred and four participants with a diagnosis of LC were described. Male:female ratio was 2.8:1. The most common localization was the cricoid (113; 47.08%), followed by the thyroid (45; 18.75%), and the arytenoid cartilage (27; 11.25%). Dyspnea (78.85%) and hoarseness (74.28%) were the most reported symptoms. The recurrence rate was 11.25%, and complications were uncommon following the resection.

Conclusion

This scoping review found a low‐frequency rate over all the cartilaginous laryngeal tumors. Most patients were treated with resection, with a low rate of malignancy conversion. This population has low attributable mortality, morbidity, and recurrence according to the current literature.
Variation in aerosol generation by surgical modality during oropharyngeal and laryngeal surgery
Authors: Sithole S. P. , Kuhn W. , Sibiya L. A.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The objectives were to determine the surgical modality with the lowest aerosol and droplets generated by commonly used modalities in oropharyngeal and laryngeal surgery.

Methods

A simulation of oropharyngeal and laryngeal surgery was set up using fresh sheep heads. Four common surgical modalities were utilized: cold steel, electrocautery, coblation, and microdebrider. The resultant aerosol generated was evaluated using two measurement modalities at two key positions in the theater. (1) DustTrak Pro Aerosol Monitor was used to measure the concentration of particles. (2) Fluorescein dye coated on the oropharynx and larynx, and the resultant scatter on paper.

Results

Electrocautery and coblation produced statistically significant increases in the concentration of aerosols (p < .001). Microdebrider and cold steel instrumentation produced the least aerosols. No measurable fluorescein droplets were noted for all four modalities.

Conclusion

Electrocautery and coblation produced higher concentrations of aerosols. Mitigation factors should be considered with instruments with increased aerosolization. These modalities show low droplet‐related infection risk.
Efficacy and safety of omega‐3‐acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules in severe hypertriglyceridemia: A randomized, controlled, multicenter study
Authors: Zhao Wang , Wang Yangang , Li Jin , Chen Tao , Yin Delu , Dai Hailong , Yao Zhuhua , Zhao Shuiping
Published: June 2024

Omega‐3‐acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules (containing 465 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 375 mg docosahexaenoic acid) is composed of highly purified omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ethyl esters, whose lipid‐lowering effect for severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) treatment is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omega‐3‐acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules in patients with severe HTG. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study, 239 patients with severe HTG were enrolled and randomized (1:1) into omega‐3 group (N = 122) and placebo group (N = 117) to receive 12‐week corresponding treatments. Lipid‐related indexes were obtained at treatment initiation (W0), 4 weeks (W4), W8, and W12 after treatment. Adverse events and adverse drug reactions were recorded. Triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C), very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C), and apolipoprotein C‐III (Apo C‐III) at W4, W8, and W12 were decreased in the omega‐3 group versus the placebo group (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the percentage changes of TAG, TC, non‐HDL‐C, and VLDL‐C from W0 to W4, W8, and W12, and the percentage change of Apo C‐III from W0 to W4 and W8, were more obvious in the omega‐3 group compared with the placebo group (all p < 0.05). However, no difference was observed in the percentage changes of HDL‐C, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio during follow‐up between groups (all p > 0.05). Additionally, there was no discrepancy in adverse events and adverse drug reactions between groups (all p > 0.05). Omega‐3‐acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules exhibit satisfied lipid‐lowering effect with tolerable safety profile in patients with severe HTG.
How to select green technology acquisition paths for enterprises: An analysis based on evolutionary game theory
Authors: Ning Jing , Zheng Yin , Yu Cheng , Li Zhigang
Published: June 2024

As an important method of reducing pollution, green technology innovation (GTI) is receiving more attention. However, facing the challenges in conducting GTI, it is crucial for enterprises to find the optimal path to acquire green technology. This paper investigates how high‐pollution manufacturing enterprises make decisions on independent innovation and green technology introduction under government intervention and public involvement. The influences of other factors, such as media attention and product market competition, have also been considered in the tripartite evolutionary game model. The simulation after applying MATLAB indicates that government intervention and public participation have a significant impact on the decision‐making of green technology acquisition paths for enterprises. Government subsidies and penalties are important policy tools for enterprises to make decisions on the selection of green technology acquisition paths. Meanwhile, reputational incentives or losses brought from public involvement are also essential in encouraging government intervention and green technology acquisition of enterprises. Finally, the extent to which the changes in various influencing factors affect the selection of enterprises' green technology acquisition paths have been tested and simulated. This paper aims to provide policy implications for governments, as well as decision‐making strategies for enterprises that urgently require green transition to achieve sustainable development.
Technical Note: Swing golden angle – A navigator‐interleaved golden angle trajectory with eddy current suppression – Application in free‐running cardiac MRI
Authors: Li Zhongsen , Sun Aiqi , Liu Chuyu , Sun Haozhong , Wei Haining , Wang Shuai , Li Rui
Published: June 2024

Background

Golden angle (GA) radial trajectory is advantageous for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recently, several advanced algorithms have been developed based on navigator‐interleaved GA trajectory to realize free‐running cardiac MRI. However, navigator‐interleaved GA trajectory suffers from the eddy‐current effect, which reduces the image quality.

Purpose

This work aims to integrate the navigator‐interleaved GA trajectory with clinical cardiac MRI acquisition, with the minimum eddy‐current artifacts. The ultimate goal is to realize a high‐quality free‐running cardiac imaging technique.

Methods

In this paper, we propose a new “swing golden angle” (swingGA) radial profile order. SwingGA samples the k‐space by rotating back and forth at the generalized golden ratio interval, with smoothly interleaved navigator readouts. The sampling efficiency and angle increment distributions were investigated by numerical simulations. Static phantom imaging experiments were conducted to evaluate the eddy current effect, compared with cartesian, golden angle radial (GA), and tiny golden angle (tGA) trajectories. Furthermore, 12 heart‐healthy subjects (aged 21–25 years) were recruited for free‐running cardiac imaging with different sampling trajectories. Dynamic images were reconstructed by a low‐rank subspace‐constrained algorithm. The image quality was evaluated by signal‐to‐noise‐ratio and spectrum analysis in the heart region, and compared with traditional clinical cardiac MRI images.

Results

SwingGA pattern achieves the highest sampling efficiency (mSE > 0.925) and the minimum azimuthal angle increment (mAD < 1.05). SwingGA can effectively suppress eddy currents in static phantom images, with the lowest normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) values among radial trajectories. For the in‐vivo cardiac images, swingGA enjoys the highest SNR both in the blood pool and myocardium, and contains the minimum level of high‐frequency artifacts. The free‐running cardiac images have good consistency with traditional clinical cardiac MRI, and the swingGA sampling pattern achieves the best image quality among all sampling patterns.

Conclusions

The proposed swingGA sampling pattern can effectively improve the sampling efficiency and reduce the eddy currents for the navigator‐interleaved GA sequence. SwingGA is a promising sampling pattern for free‐running cardiac MRI.