bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Whey-Based Pineapple Beverage Enriched with Banana Pseudostem and Ginger Extract
Authors: Pious Helna , Joseph Sushmi Varghese , VG Aiswarya , S Sharath
Published: January 2025

Aims: This study aimed to develop a pineapple-based whey beverage enriched with banana pseudostem extract and ginger, leveraging their nutritional and functional properties. By optimizing the formulation using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the research sought to create a nutritious and sustainable product that minimizes food waste while enhancing the beverage’s sensory appeal.
Study Design: This research was experimental and performed in a laboratory.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at College of Dairy Science and Technology, KVASU, Pookode, Kerala, India, between the period of March 2022 and September 2022.
Methodolgy: The whey drink was formulated by incorporating pineapple juice, ginger extract, and banana pseudostem extract, followed by optimization of ingredient levels based on sensory and RSM.
Results: The optimum formulation of whey drink given by RSM to achieve the predicted maximum response values were 32.5% pineapple juice, 0.875% ginger extract and 8% sugar. The whey drink was found to have 92.3% moisture, 0.6% ash, 1.77% protein, 0.32% acidity, 4.5% pH, 10% total solids, 12% total soluble solids, 8.5% radical scavenging activity,0.12% fiber and 6.3% ascorbic acid.
Development of Advanced Processing Techniques for Pigeon Pea Dal to Enhance In vitro Protein Digestibility
Authors: Dutta Minakshi , C. R. Nagesh , Laishram Rosalin , R. Dineshkumar , Bansal Navita , Goswami Suneha , Kumar Ranjeet R. , Raje Ranjeet Sharad , G. Rama Prashat , T Vinutha
Published: January 2025

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a nutritionally significant legume, rich in protein (18–25%), carbohydrates (57.6%), and essential micronutrients such as ascorbic acid, folic acid, niacin, and pantothenic acid. However, the presence of antinutritional factors such as polyphenols, phytic acid, and enzyme inhibitors adversely impacts protein digestibility and bioavailability. This study was conducted to develop advanced, energy-efficient thermal processing methods, including hydrothermal treatment, autoclaving, and infrared heating, to enhance the in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and reduce the polyphenol content of pigeon pea dals. Each treatment was applied at varying intensities, followed by different drying durations, and evaluated for moisture content, IVPD, and polyphenol levels. The moisture content across treatments ranged from 8.45% to 16.78%, with the lowest levels achieved under extended drying durations (5 hours for hydrothermal and infrared heating, and 8 hours for autoclaving). IVPD significantly increased with thermal exposure, reaching 82.81% in hydrothermal (HT30+DT5), 85.72% in autoclaving (AC60+DT8), and 85.12% in infrared heating (IRH30+DT5). Polyphenol content exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing duration of thermal treatment. This reduction is attributed to thermal degradation of polyphenols during treatment. Thermal processing disrupted protein matrices and degraded polyphenols, contributing to improved digestibility.
Assessment of Ichthyofaunal Diversity in Gavier Lake, Surat, India
Authors: S. A. Patel , S. B. Sakhiya , K. N. Trivedi , C. J. Chandpa , N. G. Bhattacharya
Published: January 2025

Fish, with over 36,000 species globally, are the most diverse vertebrates, with nearly half residing in freshwater habitats. This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of the ichthyofauna of Gavier Lake, Surat, Gujarat, identifying 19 species across various families. The Cyprinidae family was the most represented, with five species, Siluridae with three and Channidae with two species. Wallago attu, a Near Threatened species according to the IUCN Red List, was also recorded. The lake’s diverse ecological features, including rich vegetation and bird habitats, provide vital resources for fish species, supporting an interdependent ecosystem. The structural complexity of submerged roots and aquatic plants enhances fish shelter, breeding, and foraging opportunities. Additionally, otters, apex predators in freshwater systems, indicate a healthy and abundant fish population. Other wildlife, such as snakes and butterflies, further highlights the lake’s ecological richness. This study underscores the importance of conserving Gavier Lake as a critical biodiversity hotspot and the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect its unique aquatic ecosystem.
Antiparasitic Efficacy in Canine Sarcoptic Mange: A Comparison Study
Authors: Jain Supnesh , Jatav Ranbir Singh , Verma Rupesh , Tiwari Amita , Patel Manoj , Pathak Salil Kumar , Pratap Aditya , Dangi Rakesh , Singh Mrinal
Published: January 2025

Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, is a highly contagious and zoonotic ectoparasitic infestation affecting dogs worldwide. This study evaluated the occurrence of sarcoptic mange and compared the therapeutic efficacy of selamectin, sarolaner and ivermectin in affected dogs in and around Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. From May to October 2024, 269 dogs with dermatological affections suspected of sarcoptic mange were examined, with 13 dogs (4.83%) tested positive based on skin scrapings. Age-wise analysis revealed that young dogs (<1 year) exhibited a higher susceptibility to the condition (53.85%). Additionally, male dogs demonstrated a higher occurrence rate (61.54%) compared to females; however, this difference was not statistically significant. A therapeutic trial was conducted on 12 dogs diagnosed with S. scabiei infestations, divided into three treatment groups: Group 1 received ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg PO daily for 28 days), Group 2 received sarolaner (2 mg/kg PO on Day 0), and Group 3 received selamectin (6–12 mg/kg topical spot-on on Day 0). Dermatological signs and mite counts were monitored before and after treatment, including crusting, scaling, erythematous papules and pruritus. Mite counts significantly decreased in sarolaner (100%) and selamectin (100%) treated groups, compared to the ivermectin treated group (26.32%). Sarolaner and selamectin demonstrated superior efficacy in eliminating mites and resolving clinical signs. Sarolaner monthly oral administration and selamectin topical application provide practical, effective options for managing sarcoptic mange, especially for the generalized condition.
Surgical Correction of Flatfoot Due to Injury to the Posterior Tibial Muscle Tendon: A Case Report
Authors: Sardinha Henrique Costa , Rezende Leonardo Pinheiro , Silva Fábio Felippe da , Marinho Mariana Bessa , Nicolau Paôlla Nayme Martins Morais , Leal Danilo Marques , Dutra Jorge Miguel Gonzales
Published: January 2025

Aims: This article aims to report and describe the surgical application of a technique that is underrepresented in scientific literature.
Presentation of Case: A 44-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with a low-energy sprain of the right ankle, resulting in rupture of the posterior tibial tendon and additional injuries to the ligaments and tendons, presenting with acute flatfoot deformity. Surgical treatment was suggested and a surgical approach involving a reconstruction with a hamstring autograft was performed.
Discussion: The posterior tibial tendon (PTT) is crucial for foot movement and is prone to rupture due to its anatomical structure, primarily caused by repetitive stress and ankle fractures. Therefore, the case described is unusual because it involved a complete rupture of the PTT triggered by a low-energy trauma. PTT dysfunction can lead to acquired flatfoot, which occurred in our patient, who was classified as being in stage II of the disease. The recommended treatment for this case is posterior tibial tendon reconstruction through tendon transfer. To achieve this, a hamstring tendon autograft was used without sacrificing the foot tendons with a muscle transfer, a rarely reported situation in the literature, but one that proved to offer better outcomes for the patient.
Conclusion: This case report discusses stage II flatfoot from posterior tibial tendon (PTT) rupture due to low-energy trauma. Surgical repair using autografts from gracilis and semitendinosus muscles showed favorable outcomes compared to the traditional flexor digitorum longus tendon method. Further studies are needed to establish consensus on this approach.
Impact of Farming Systems for Nutritional Food Security to Farm Families in Dry Land Farming Situation in Anantapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Rani K. Sudha , Ravikishore M. , Swamy G. Narayana , Bhargavi K. , Johnson M.
Published: January 2025

Aims: The present study validates the possibility of Farming Systems for Nutrition based models in dryland farming situation and to address malnutrition among farm families.
Study Design: Frontline Demonstrations (Field Demonstrations).
Place and Duration of Study: The field demonstrations were conducted at KVK, Reddipalli instructional farm of Anantapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh during the period from July, 2019 to October, 2021.
Methodology: FSN model was designed for a one-acre area based on the major crop grown in the area and to include all the food group crops (cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables) that are suitable in the district, and to provide a balanced diet, which is a vital element for a healthy life, by providing right amounts of carbohydrates, healthy proteins, vitamins and minerals. In the Anantapuramu district, as groundnut is the major crop, groundnut-based farming systems are designed by including all the prominent crops to cover all the food groups. This paper thoroughly discusses the farming systems for the nutrition models demonstrated and to meet the annual requirements of all food groups of a Farm household (5-6 members).
Results: The results revealed that, farming systems for the nutrition model provides a total of 35 percent of the cereal requirement which is rich in carbohydrates and can meet the calorie needs of the family, 93 percent of legumes which is rich in protein content and 335 percent of vegetable requirement which meets micronutrient needs and 238 percent of nuts and oilseed requirement, meeting protein and antioxidant requirement of a family.
Conclusion: The results provide evidence regarding feasibility of location specific FSN models to promote sustainable and healthy diets, using locally available plant and animal food resources, to address nutrition deficiencies in farm families. Hence, the approach can be seen as a subset of the larger canvas of agro-ecology and sustainable food systems, with explicit focus on addressing household nutrition security as demonstrated by the study, highlights the need for greater support, research and extension in this important area.
Foreign Investments and Market Capitalization in Nigeria: A VECM Analysis
Authors: Okafor Chidinma Goodness , Nwokoye Ebele Stella , Metu Amaka Gertrude
Published: January 2025

A healthy capital market promotes the overall economic wellbeing of a country. However, Nigeria’s capital market has witnessed both internal and external pressures leading to high rate of volatility. This study examines the impact of foreign investments on market capitalization in Nigeria’s capital market for the period 1981 to 2022. The study is anchored on the theoretical framework of capital movement across regions and seeks to explain why investors invest in foreign countries and the impacts of such investments on the host country’s capital market. We adopted a vector error correction model (VECM) as our analytical tool. The ontrol variables: exchange rate, infrastructure, interest rate, and the target variables: foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) were regressed on market capitalization. Results indicate that FDI and FPI had positive and significant impact on market capitalization in Nigeria’s capital market and that FDI and market capitalization are the major contributors to the variations in market capitalization in Nigeria’s capital market. We conclude that FDI and FPI play important roles in Nigeria’s capital market performance and recommend incentives such as tax reduction and fee waivers which are capable of encouraging foreign enterprises listing. These will make Nigeria’s capital market globally attractive to foreign investors and hence ensure a continuous and impactful inflow.
Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Dexamethasone Compound Ropivacaine Iliofascia Space Block on Pain Caused by Lumbar Anesthesia in Patients With Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Li Aiguo , Feng Huafeng , Li Yanhua , Qing Chaosheng , Peng Lingyun , Zhang Xu
Published: January 2025

Objective

To observe the effect of dexamethasone complex ropivacaine on reducing lateral side pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

120 patients aged 45 to 75 years who were recommended to undergo unilateral total hip replacement treatment were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 30 each and receive treatment as following: 5 μg sufentanyl injection was injected before lumbar anesthesia in Group A, ropivacaine and saline in group B; dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine in group C; dexamethasone plus ropivacaine in group D. Electrocardiogram and pulse oxygen saturation were routinely monitored (SpO2), invasive mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and pain visual analogue score (VAS) at 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after administration ( T0, T1, T2 and T3) were assessed for the patients in the operating room. The operation duration, anesthesia operation duration, intraoperative bleeding volume, patient anesthesia satisfaction, adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, chills and nausea and vomiting, and the number of postoperative intravenous analgesia pump dosage presses were recorded.

Results

Comparison of the hemodynamic changes between the groups: at T2, the fluctuations in HR and arterial blood pressure in group D (10 minutes after dose) were smaller than those of the other 3 groups, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05); at T3, the arterial blood pressure and HR fluctuations in groups B, C and D were smaller than those in group A, with A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). VAS scores at T2 and T3 Time points were statistically significant reduced than T0 in group B, C and D (P < 0.05); in group C and D, VAS score at T1 were significantly lower than T0, which was not observed in other groups; none of the 4 groups had adverse event such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting, and local anesthetic poisoning (P > 0.05). In groups C and D, the number of postoperative analgesic pump dosage presses was significantly less than that in groups A and B, with a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided dexamethasone compound ropivacaine fascia iliaca space block can significantly reduce the pain caused by lateral lumbar anesthesia in total hip replacement surgery, and facilitate the hemodynamic stability of patient, better patient comfort and higher satisfaction with anesthesia. Combined dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone had better postoperative analgesia and less opioid use in the analgesic pump. Compared with the dexamethasone compound ropivacaine group, the nerve block was faster and patients were more satisfied with anesthesia, which was conducive to postoperative rehabilitation and worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy Use and Survival in Females With Breast Cancer
Authors: McVicker Lauren , Labeit Alexander M. , Coupland Carol A. C. , Hicks Blánaid , Hughes Carmel , McMenamin Úna , McIntosh Stuart A. , Murchie Peter , Cardwell Chris R.
Published: November 2023

Importance

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause can be treated with vaginal estrogen therapy. However, there are concerns about the safety of vaginal estrogen therapy in patients with breast cancer.

Objective

To determine whether the risk of breast cancer–specific mortality was higher in females with breast cancer who used vaginal estrogen therapy vs females with breast cancer who did not use hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study analyzed 2 large cohorts, one each in Scotland and Wales, of females aged 40 to 79 years with newly diagnosed breast cancer. These population-based cohorts were identified from national cancer registry records from 2010 to 2017 in Scotland and from 2000 to 2016 in Wales and were followed up for breast cancer–specific mortality until 2020. Females were excluded if they had a previous cancer diagnosis (except nonmelanoma skin cancer). Data analysis was performed between August 2022 and August 2023.

Exposure

Use of vaginal estrogen therapy, including vaginal tablets and creams, was ascertained from pharmacy dispensing records of the Prescribing Information System for the Scotland cohort and from general practice prescription records for the Wales cohort.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was time to breast cancer–specific mortality, which was obtained from national mortality records. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for breast cancer–specific mortality, comparing vaginal estrogen therapy users with HRT nonusers and adjusting for confounders, including cancer stage and grade.

Results

The 2 cohorts comprised 49 237 females with breast cancer (between 40 and 79 years of age) and 5795 breast cancer–specific deaths. Five percent of patients with breast cancer used vaginal estrogen therapy after breast cancer diagnosis. In vaginal estrogen therapy users compared with HRT nonusers, there was no evidence of a higher risk of breast cancer–specific mortality in the pooled fully adjusted model (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63-0.94).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this study showed no evidence of increased early breast cancer–specific mortality in patients who used vaginal estrogen therapy compared with patients who did not use HRT. This finding may provide some reassurance to prescribing clinicians and support the guidelines suggesting that vaginal estrogen therapy can be considered in patients with breast cancer and genitourinary symptoms.
Improving Rate Performance by Inhibiting Jahn–Teller Effect in Mn‐Based Phosphate Cathode for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Chen , Ni Qing , Li Meng , Sun Zheng , Yuan Xuanyi , Li Lei , Wang Kuangyu , Jin Haibo , Zhao Yongjie
Published: November 2023

Manganese‐based phosphate cathodes are promising candidates for developing advanced sodium‐ion batteries, primarily driven by their reliable elemental abundance, low toxicity, and desirable cycling performance. However, the cooperative Jahn–Teller effect of Mn3+ will inevitably lead to structural disorder and irreversible phase transition, thus greatly harming the reversible capacity, rate, and cycling performance. Herein, a stable NASICON‐type Na3MnHf(PO4)3 cathode is demonstrated with a volume variation of 1.9% upon the process of Na+ extraction/insertion based on the robust Hf─O bond and symmetrical MnO6 octahedron. Moreover, making full use of the stepwise redox reactions of Mn2+/Mn3+/Mn4+, this cathode reveals excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 85.4% after 2500 cycles at 10 C. Matching with commercial hard carbon anodes, the assembled full cell keeps a capacity retention of 92.1% with the Coulombic efficiency close to 100% after 600 cycles at 1 C. The research promises opportunities for the structural amelioration of manganese‐based phosphate cathodes toward the application in high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries.
Mechanically Strengthened Aerogels through Multiscale, Multicompositional, and Multidimensional Approaches: A Review
Authors: Parale Vinayak G. , Kim Taehee , Choi Haryeong , Phadtare Varsha D. , Dhavale Rushikesh P. , Kanamori Kazuyoshi , Park Hyung‐Ho
Published: November 2023

In recent decades, aerogels have attracted tremendous attention in academia and industry as a class of lightweight and porous multifunctional nanomaterial. Despite their wide application range, the low mechanical durability hinders their processing and handling, particularly in applications requiring complex physical structures. “Mechanically strengthened aerogels” have emerged as a potential solution to address this drawback. Since the first report on aerogels in 1931, various modified synthesis processes have been introduced in the last few decades to enhance the aerogel mechanical strength, further advancing their multifunctional scope. This review summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art developments of mechanically strengthened aerogels through multicompositional and multidimensional approaches. Furthermore, new trends and future directions for as prevailed commercialization of aerogels as plastic materials are discussed.
Hearing loss and history of otolaryngological conditions in adults with microdeletion 22q11.2
Authors: von Scheibler Emma N. M. M. , Widdershoven Josine C. C. , van Barneveld Denise C. P. B. M. , Schröder Nina , van Eeghen Agnies M. , van Amelsvoort Thérèse A. M. J. , Boot Erik
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have shown that the 22q11.2 microdeletion, associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), conveys an increased risk of chronic otitis media, and hearing loss at young age. This study reports on hearing loss and history of otolaryngological conditions in adults with 22q11.2DS. We conducted a retrospective study of 60 adults with 22q11.2DS (41.7% male) at median age 25 (range 16–74) years who had visited an otolaryngologist and audiologist for routine assessment at a 22q11.2 expert center. Demographic, genetic, audiometric, and otolaryngological data were systematically extracted from the medical files. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of age, sex, full‐scale intelligence quotient, and history of chronic otitis media on the severity of hearing loss. Hearing loss, mostly high‐frequency sensorineural, was found in 78.3% of adults. Higher age and history of chronic otitis media were associated with more severe hearing loss. Otolaryngological conditions with possible treatment implications included chronic otitis media (56.7%), globus pharyngeus (18.3%), balance problems (16.7%), and obstructive sleep apnea (8.3%). The results suggest that  in 22q11.2DS, high‐frequency hearing loss appears to be common from a young adult age, and often unrecognized. Therefore, we recommend periodic audiometric screening in all adults, including high‐frequency ranges.
Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Atropisomers Bearing Multiple Chiral Elements: An Emerging Field
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Hao , Li Tian‐Zhen , Liu Si‐Jia , Shi Feng
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of asymmetric catalysis, the demand for the enantioselective synthesis of complex and diverse molecules with different chiral elements is increasing. Owing to the unique features of atropisomerism, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of atropisomers has attracted a considerable interest from the chemical science community. In particular, introducing additional chiral elements, such as carbon centered chirality, heteroatomic chirality, planar chirality, and helical chirality, into atropisomers provides an opportunity to incorporate new properties into axially chiral compounds, thus expanding the potential applications of atropisomers. Thus, it is important to perform catalytic asymmetric transformations to synthesize atropisomers bearing multiple chiral elements. In spite of challenges in such transformations, in recent years, chemists have devised powerful strategies under asymmetric organocatalysis or metal catalysis, synthesizing a wide range of enantioenriched atropisomers bearing multiple chiral elements. Therefore, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of atropisomers bearing multiple chiral elements has become an emerging field. This review summarizes the rapid progress in this field and indicates challenges, thereby promoting this field to a new horizon.
Gamified learning: Assessing the influence of leaderboards on online formative quizzes in a computer programming course
Authors: Cigdem Harun , Korkusuz Mehmet Emin , Karaçaltı Caner
Published: November 2023

This quasi‐experimental study investigates the impact of gamification on learning outcomes and course engagement in the computer programming course, a mandatory course in the Electronics and Communication Technology and Mechatronics Technology departments. The experimental group (EG) (N = 48) utilized leaderboards for gamified weekly online formative exams, while the control group (N = 48) used nongamified exams. Our hypothesis was that the EG would exhibit higher quiz completion rates and improved learning. However, the findings indicate no significant difference between gamified and nongamified approaches in terms of learning and course engagement. Although the EG completed more quizzes, it did not result in a substantial difference. Correlations reveal a positive relationship between theoretical exam scores and the number of completed quizzes, suggesting that gamification may not directly enhance learning. Notably, the overall impact of quiz completion on learning is more pronounced when considering all participants. Furthermore, the decline in quiz completion rates after the third week in both groups suggests that gamification may yield an innovative effect but lacks long‐term sustainability. These results suggest that gamification may be suitable for short‐term activities, such as 2–3 weeks, and may not sufficiently engage all students in the lesson.
Crosstalk of NLRP3 inflammasome and noncoding RNAs in cardiomyopathies
Authors: Jafari Negar , Shahabi Rabori Venus , Zolfi Gol Ali , Saberiyan Mohammadreza
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) identified as a serious public health problem. Although there is a lot of evidence that inflammatory processes play a significant role in the progression of CVDs, however, the precise mechanism is not fully understood. Nevertheless, recent studies have focused on inflammation and its related agents. Nucleotide oligomerization domain‐, leucine‐rich repeat‐, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) is a type of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that can recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and trigger innate immune response. NLRP3 is a component of the NOD‐like receptor (NLR) family and have a pivotal role in detecting damage to cardiovascular tissue. It is suggested that activation of NLRP3 inflammasome leads to initiating and propagating the inflammatory response in cardiomyopathy. So, late investigations have highlighted the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in various forms of cardiomyopathy. On the other side, it was shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly, microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs possess a regulatory function in the immune system's inflammatory response, implicating their involvement in various inflammatory disorders. In addition, their role in different cardiomyopathies was indicated in recent studies. This review article provides a summary of recent advancements focusing on the function of the NLRP3 inflammasome in common CVDs, especially cardiomyopathy, while also discussing the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome regulated by ncRNAs.
Deciphering Iron‐Catalyzed C−H Amination with Organic Azides: N2 Cleavage from a Stable Organoazide Complex
Authors: Stroek Wowa , Keilwerth Martin , Malaspina Lorraine A. , Grabowsky Simon , Meyer Karsten , Albrecht Martin
Published: November 2023

Catalytic C−N bond formation by direct activation of C−H bonds offers wide synthetic potential. En route to C−H amination, complexes with organic azides are critical precursors towards the reactive nitrene intermediate. Despite their relevance, α‐N coordinated organoazide complexes are scarce in general, and elusive with iron, although iron complexes are by far the most active catalysts for C−H amination with organoazides. Herein, we report the synthesis of a stable iron α‐N coordinated organoazide complex from [Fe(N(SiMe3)2)2] and AdN3 (Ad=1‐adamantyl) and its crystallographic, IR, NMR and zero‐field 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopic characterization. These analyses revealed that the organoazide is in fast equilibrium between the free and coordinated state (Keq=62). Photo‐crystallography experiments showed gradual dissociation of N2, which imparted an Fe−N bond shortening and correspond to structural snapshots of the formation of an iron imido/nitrene complex. Reactivity of the organoazide complex in solution showed complete loss of N2, and subsequent formation of a C−H aminated product via nitrene insertion into a C−H bond of the N(SiMe3)2 ligand. Monitoring this reaction by 1H NMR spectroscopy indicates the transient formation of the imido/nitrene intermediate, which was supported by Mössbauer spectroscopy in frozen solution.
Nitroimidazole derivatives potentiated against tumor hypoxia: Design, synthesis, antitumor activity, molecular docking study, and QSAR study
Authors: Almatary Aya M. , El Husseiny Walaa M. , Selim Khalid B. , Eisa Hassan M. H.
Published: November 2023

A hypoxic environment occurs predominantly in tumors. During the growth phase of a tumor, it grows until it exceeds its blood supply, leaving regions of the tumor in which the oxygen pressure is dramatically low. They are virtually absent in normal tissues, thus creating perfect conditions for selective bioreductive therapy of tumors. To this aim, a novel series of cytotoxic radiosensitizer agents were synthesized by linking the nitroimidazole scaffold with oxadiazole or triazole rings. The majority of the compounds exhibited moderate to excellent antiproliferative activities toward HCT116 cell line under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The structure–activity relationship study revealed that compounds containing the free thiol group either in the oxadiazoles 11a,b or the triazoles 21a,b–23a,b demonstrated the strongest antiproliferative activity, which proves that the free thiol group plays a crucial role in the antiproliferative activity of our compounds under both normoxic (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 12.50–24.39 µM) and hypoxic conditions (IC50 = 4.69–11.56 µM). Radiosensitizing assay of the four most active cytotoxic compounds 11b and 21–23b assured the capability of the compounds to enhance the sensitivity of the tumor cells to the DNA damaging activity of γ‐radiation (IC50 = 2.23–5.18 µM). To further investigate if the cytotoxicity of our most active compounds was due to a specific signaling pathway, the online software SwissTargetPrediction was exploited and a molecular docking study was done that proposed cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) enzyme to be the most promising target. The CDK2 inhibitory assay assured this assumption as five out of six compounds demonstrated a comparable inhibitory activity with roscovitine, among which compound 21b showed threefold more potent inhibitory activity in comparison with the reference compound. A further biological evaluation proved compound 21b to have an apoptotic activity and cell cycle arrest activity at the G1 and S phases. During the AutoQSAR analysis, the model demonstrated excellent regression between the predicted and experimental activity with r2 = 0.86. Subsequently, we used the model to predict the activity of the test set compounds that came with r2 = 0.95.
A Novel Quantitative Measure of Pharyngeal Shortening
Authors: Leonard Rebecca , Miles Anna , Bakker Lise , Allen Jacqueline
Published: November 2023

Background

Little is known about pharyngeal shortening (PShort) during swallowing. This observational study measured PShort during swallowing in healthy adults and compared it to patients with swallowing impairments of different aetiologies.

Methods

275 healthy volunteers (19–99 years) and 75 dysphagic patients (25 with head and neck cancer, 25 with Parkinson's, 25 with stroke) underwent videofluoroscopy. A novel quantitative measure of PShort for 1, 3, and 20 mL thin liquid barium and 3 mL paste boli was determined and compared across age, sex, bolus type and patient cohort.

Results

PShort ranged from 1.05 to 4.41 cm across bolus types with larger displacements for 20 mL (M: 2.52 cm) and paste (M: 2.43 cm) compared with 1 mL (M: 2.36 cm) and 3 mL (M: 2.41 cm). PShort correlated with sex, height, and cohort but not age. Inter‐rater reliability for three raters was substantial (intraclass correlation >0.80).

Conclusions

This novel fluoroscopic measure of PShort is reliable and demonstrates quantitative changes in vertical pharyngeal displacement in healthy and swallow‐impaired adults related to sex, size, and bolus type.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2121–2126, 2024
Difference of Antrochoanal Polyps Between Children and Adults in the Chinese Population
Authors: Tu Yanyi , Jiang Tianjiao , Wu Yisha , Luo Jinfeng , Sun Shujuan , Liu Chuanping , Yu Peng , Chen Aiping , Ji Hongzhi , Wan Yuzhu , Yu Liang , Shi Li
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aims to find the difference in clinical and immunopathological characteristics between children and adults with antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) in the Chinese population.

Methods

The clinical data of 69 patients diagnosed with ACPs were retrospectively analyzed. Cytokine levels in 16 controls and 40 ACPs tissues were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 was measured using qPCR, immunofluorescent staining, and western blot.

Results

There were 51 (73.9%) children (<18 years old) and 18 (26.1%) adults (≥18 years old). The sex ratio differed significantly between the two groups (p = 0.0032). There were no significant differences in the nasal side of ACPs and approaches to surgery between the two groups. In both groups, the most common symptom was nasal obstruction, followed by nasal discharge. As for associated nasal diseases, there was a significant difference between the two groups in septal deviation (p = 0.0223). Adult patients showed significantly higher expression of IL‐8 mRNA than children (p = 0.0424). The mRNA and protein levels of MMP‐9 were also significantly higher in adult patients than in children (p = 0.0498 and 0.0009, respectively).

Conclusion

In the Chinese population, the comorbidities and immunopathological characteristics of adult ACP patients are different from those of children. The level of IL‐8 and MMP‐9 was significantly higher in ACPs of adults than in children, which may contribute to the more severe tissue remolding in adult ACP patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2093–2099, 2024
Oral Intake Difficulty and Aspiration Pneumonia Assessment Using High‐Resolution Manometry
Authors: Nishikubo‐Tanaka Kaori , Asayama Rie , Kochi Kazutaka , Okada Masahiro , Tanaka Keiko , Yamada Hiroyuki , Hato Naohito
Published: November 2023

Objective

The sequential generation of swallowing pressure (SP) from the nasopharynx to the proximal esophagus is important for the bolus to pass from the oral cavity to the esophagus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of the SP sequence mode on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) with oral intake difficulty and aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

Consecutive patients with dysphagia who were admitted to our dysphagia clinic between November 2016 and November 2020 were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. We classified the HRM pressure topography data according to the SP sequence mode into type A, normal; B, partially decreased; C, totally decreased; and D, sequence disappeared, and according to the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) during pharyngeal swallowing into type 1, flattening and 2, non‐flattening. Clinical dysphagia severity was determined based on oral intake difficulty and aspiration pneumonia.

Results

In total, 202 patients with dysphagia (mean [standard deviation] age, 68.3 [14.5] years; 140 [69.8%] male) were enrolled. Type C (odds ratio [OR], 10.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.89–51.45), type D (OR, 19.90; 95% CI, 4.18–122.35), and type 2 (OR, 6.36; 95% CI, 2.88–14.57) were significantly related to oral intake difficulty. Type C (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.08–11.12) and type 2 (OR, 4.18; 95% CI, 1.95–9.15) were significantly associated with aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusion

The failure of sequential generation of SP was associated with higher risk of oral intake difficulty and aspiration pneumonia. These assessments are useful in understanding the pathophysiology and severity of dysphagia and in selecting safety nutritional management methods.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2127–2135, 2024
Understanding the associations between social and emotional expression, communication, and relationships in individuals with eating pathology
Authors: Daniels Alyssa , Cornelius Talea , Gorin Amy A.
Published: November 2023

Research suggests that a disproportionate number of female individuals being treated for an eating disorder (ED) also have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Alexithymia, or difficulty identifying and describing emotions, may mediate the relationship between ED and ASD. In this study, we explored the association of autistic traits with symptoms of alexithymia and eating pathology, as well as the potential mediating role of alexithymia. Two hundred and twenty‐eight female participants aged 18 and older were recruited from online ED support platforms to complete an anonymous online survey via Qualtrics. The survey included three questionnaires: the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20, the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and the 13‐item Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. More than half (54.8%) of participants met the clinical threshold on the AQ. Participants with a positive screen on the AQ scale also reported more symptoms of alexithymia (92.6% of individuals with a positive AQ vs. 79.8% of those without), B = 9.02, p < 0.001. A positive AQ screen was also associated with significantly greater disordered eating symptoms, B = 4.26, p = 0.031. Alexithymia mediated this association, a × b = 1.98, p < 0.05. The results establish a strong positive relationship between autistic traits and alexithymia, supporting previous data and suggesting that autistic female individuals struggle to identify emotions. Additionally, alexithymia served as a mediator between autistic traits and disordered eating. Understanding this relationship may help inform the treatment of autistic female individuals who are also struggling with ED.
Einleuchtendes über Leonardos Kreuz
Authors: Suhr Wilfried , Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: November 2023

Wir sind mit anschaulichen Mitteln der vor mehr als 500 Jahren von Leonardo da Vinci aufgeworfenen Frage nachgegangen, warum eine auf dem Wasser driftende Halbblase eine kreuzförmige Lichtfigur auf dem Boden des Gefäßes hervorruft. Die Projektion dieser Lichtfigur mit einem schräg einfallenden parallelen Lichtbündel ließ vermuten, dass es sich bei ihr um eine astroidförmige Kaustik handelt. Als Nachweis haben wir von repräsentativen Punkten auf den Menisken der Blase ausgehend einzelne Laserstrahlen verfolgt, welche die Astroide stückweise reproduzieren konnten. Die so ermöglichte eindeutige Zuordnung zwischen den beleuchteten Bereichen auf der Blase und davon herrührenden Bestandteilen der Astroide konnten wir durch eine Modellrechnung nachvollziehen.
Gammastrahlung von der Sonne
Authors: Fleischhack Henrike , Huentemeyer Petra
Published: November 2023

Die Sonne leuchtet im gesamten elektromagnetischen Spektrum. Erstmals gelang mithilfe von Daten des HAWC‐Observatoriums nun der Nachweis, dass die Sonne Photonen mit Energien bis in den TeV‐Bereich aussendet. Diese hochenergetischen Gammastrahlen sind intensiver, wenn sich die Sonnenaktivität in einem Minimum befindet. Theoretische Modelle können diesen Effekt noch nicht vollständig erklären.
Kritische Verlangsamung und Vernichtung von Fermionen
Authors: Yang Chia‐Jung , Fiebig Manfred , Pal Shovon , Kroha Johann
Published: November 2023

Mit Hilfe der zeitaufgelösten Terahertz‐Spektroskopie lässt sich nachweisen, wie sich die Dynamik von bestimmten fermionischen Quasiteilchen an einem Phasenübergang kritisch verlangsamt und diese schließlich vernichtet werden – scheinbar entgegen dem Erhaltungssatz von Fermionen in der Natur.
Schatten und Spiegelbilder auf Karosserien
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: November 2023

Autokarosserien reflektierten das Licht sowohl diffus als auch spiegelnd. Dadurch kommen neben Spiegelungen auch Schatten ins Spiel.
Fucoxanthin ameliorates endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibits apoptosis and alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration in rats by upregulating Sirt1
Authors: Teng Cheng , Wu Jingtao , Zhang Zhao , Wang Jinquan , Yang Ye , Dong Chengji , Wu Long , Lin Zhen , Hu Yuezheng , Wang Jing , Zhang Xiaolei , Lin Zhongke
Published: November 2023

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are considered to be the main pathological factors of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Fucoxanthin (FX), a marine carotenoid extracted from microalgae, has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FX on NP cells induced by oxidative stress and its molecular mechanism. Primary NP cells of the lumbar vertebrae of rats were extracted and tested in vitro. qRT‐PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL staining were used to detect apoptosis, ERS, extracellular matrix (ECM), and Sirt1‐related pathways. In vivo experiments, the recovery of IDD rats was determined by X‐ray, hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin‐O/Fast Green, Alcian staining, and immunohistochemistry. Our study showed that oxidative stress induced ERS, apoptosis, and ECM degradation in NP cells. After the use of FX, the expression of Sirt1 was up‐regulated, the activation of PERK‐eIF2α‐ATF4‐CHOP was decreased, and apoptosis and ECM degradation were decreased. At the same time, FX improved the degree of disc degeneration in rats in vivo. Our study demonstrates the effect of FX on improving IDD in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that FX may be a potential drug for the treatment of IDD.
Do they have inquiry skill profiles? Exploring high school students' scientific inquiry in an animation‐based activity
Authors: Sui Chi‐Jung , Hsiao Sheng‐Yi , Yeh Shih‐Chao , Zhao Pingping , Chang Chun‐Yen , Lin Jing
Published: November 2023

In this study, we aimed to characterize students' inquiry skill profiles and investigate whether students' gender, major, school location and type, and household registration are related to their inquiry skill profiles. By providing an animation‐based activity, we engaged students in a scientific inquiry on the atmospheric chemistry of climate change. Students performed data analytics, control of variables, and scientific reasoning tasks, which represented essential skills in the inquiry process. After removing the invalid data and conducting the two‐stage stratified sampling, we analyzed 724 11th‐grade Chinese students' multiple‐choice and open‐ended responses. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify if there were subgroups of students' inquiry skills. χ2 tests were conducted to examine whether the profiles' distribution differed in gender, major, school location, school type, and household registration. We identified four types of inquiry skill profiles among students: sophisticated, experimental, moderate, and basic, based on their skills in data analytics, scientific reasoning, and control of variables. The findings showed that school location significantly affected students' inquiry profiles, while school type, student major, and hukou had a mildly favorable impact. To sum up, the marriage of the LPA approach and the animation‐based activity has illuminated not just students' different inquiry skill profiles but also the relationships these profiles have with certain demographic factors. We discussed that it is imperative to recognize these varied inquiry skill profiles and work to bridge the disparities stemming from demographic differences for a more equitable science education environment.
Diverse People in Special Places
Authors: Amico Stephen
Published: November 2023

Contextualized in relation to contemporary claims of a ‘post-racial’ society, as well as decolonial critique, the sudden appearance of queerness in ethnomusicological literature is examined. Rather than evidence of an inevitable meliorism or disciplinary evolution/enlightened thinking, the meeting of queerness and ethnomusicology is argued to be the result of several factors: the market’s exploitation of difference—including the variable of non-normative sexuality—in order to create economic profit (related to such strategies as ‘pinkwashing’ and ‘queer baiting’); the neoliberal university’s parallel exploitation and containment of difference as means to constructing the Western, academic sphere as modern, liberal, and progressive; and the metaepistemic compulsions and prohibitions common to both spheres that require an acceptance of ‘positive thinking’, concomitantly and conversely constructing critique as the enemy of a ‘progress’ ultimately measured in relation to capital.
(No) Body/(No) Homo
Authors: Amico Stephen
Published: November 2023

This chapter explores one of the most significant animating forces shared by ethnomusicology and queerness: the ambivalence toward and inadequate engagement of the material, experiencing, sensate/sensual body, an extraordinarily rich site for explorations of sex/uality, auditory expressive culture, and the social. Highlighting the extent to which the ideological/discursive (often wedded to identity and/or politics) results in a desexualization/despecification of desire in both disciplines, it is argued that it is exactly embodiedhomosexual desire, so anathema to ethnomusicology, that is needed to discomfit and thus dislodge the discipline’s deep homophobic structuring. Ultimately, an embrace of the erotic, and the corporeally sexual, offers myriad possibilities for exploring the complexities of sexuality, race, and multiple sociocultural dynamics occluded by the decades-long, nearly exclusive focus on the textual/discursive.
The Colonial Space of Knowledge: The Medical Mission in West Africa, Imperial Entanglements and Colonial Cleanliness
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

The increasing expansion and intensity of European imperialism overseas produced new knowledge on purity, health and cleanliness, which affected the development of hygiene. This chapter begins by exploring the Basel Mission’s activities on the Gold Coast since 1828 and in Cameroon since 1885, which included far-reaching economic, social and medical policies. The involvement of the Basel Mission in delivering health care to the population in West Africa was increasingly valued by imperial policy-makers. There was a marked shift between 1885 and 1914 from an initial emphasis on the health and survival of white colonists to the teaching of hygiene to the resident population in the colonies, ostensibly for their own benefit. The improvement of “indigenous hygiene”—as it was referred to during the colonial period before World War I—became a key concern of colonial governments in Africa around 1900, for both economic and cultural reasons. The tropics provided a setting in which the Basel Mission doctors not only gained scientific reputation but also political authority.
Regional decomposition in age-group unemployment dynamics in Germany
Authors: Ochsen Carsten
Published: November 2023

This article analyzes age-group-related differences in the risk of losing a job and the chance to find new employment using regional administrative data for Germany. I also consider flows between inactivity (out of the labor force) and unemployment to examine the relative contributions of labor market flows to different age-group unemployment dynamics. Inactivity and activity flows account for about 23% (and 83% for the youth) of unemployment dynamics, and contributions of separation (11%-50%) and job finding (5%-30%) vary with age-groups. Counties with a larger share of the labor force youth have high dynamics and very low unemployment rates. In contrast, regions with a smaller percentage of youth experience twice as large unemployment rates. Overall, the results provide strong evidence for decreasing regional labor market dynamics when the share of older workers increases.