bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidative degradation mechanism of 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole modified TEPA‐MCM‐41 adsorbents for carbon capture from flue gas
Authors: Wang Ruotong , Guo Tuo , Xiang Xiaoju , Yin Yinmei , Guo Qingjie , Wang Yanxia
Published: March 2023

Solid amine adsorbents can efficiently adsorb CO2, but a significant problem is that amine groups are oxidized. In this research, tetraethylenepentamine‐impregnated MCM‐41 adsorbents (TEPA‐MCM‐41) were functionally modified with sulphur‐containing antioxidant 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole (described as antioxidant MB) and tns‐(2.4‐di‐tert‐butyl)‐phosphite (defined as antioxidant 168), respectively. The antioxidative degradation mechanism of 8% MB–50% TEPA‐MCM‐41 was analyzed by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (in situ DRIFT) spectrum and high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/mass). The CO2 adsorption capacity of 50% TEPA‐MCM‐41 was 4.30 mmol/g under 15% CO2/85% N2, but decreased to 1.38 mmol/g after oxidation at 100°C for 42 h under 95% N2/5% O2 certain condition. The CO2 capacity of 8% MB–50% TEPA‐MCM‐41 reduced from 3.90 to 2.86 mmol/g. After 30 adsorption cycles under 5% O2/15% CO2/80% N2, the capacity of 8% MB–50% TEPA‐MCM‐41 also only decreased by 16.8%, while 50% TEPA‐MCM‐41 decreased by 63.2%. The reason for the excellent antioxidant stability of 8% MB–50% TEPA‐MCM‐41 is that MB scavenged free radicals from amine oxidation and decomposed the hydroperoxides produced by free radical reactions. The hydroperoxides were decomposed into alcohols (non‐radical products), which were eventually oxidized to sulphonic compounds. The MB modification inhibited the oxidative degradation of solid amine adsorbents guided for the production of antioxidant‐efficient adsorbents.
Ventricular conduction abnormality in patients with mild to moderate cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dhande Mehak , Aronis Konstantinos N. , Thoma Floyd , Mulukutla Suresh , Bhonsale Aditya , Kancharla Krishna , Shalaby Alaa , Voigt Andrew , Mark Estes N. A. , Jain Sandeep K. , Saba Samir
Published: March 2023

Background

In mild‐to‐moderate cardiomyopathy, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is indicated in patients with high burden of right ventricular pacing but not in those with intrinsic ventricular conduction abnormalities.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that CRT positively impacts outcomes of patients with intrinsic ventricular conduction delay and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 36%‐50%.

Methods

Of 18 003 patients with LVEF ≤ 50%, 5966 (33%) patients had mild‐to‐moderate cardiomyopathy, of whom 1741 (29%) have a QRS duration ≥120 ms. Patients were followed to the endpoints of death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Outcomes were compared between patients with narrow versus wide QRS.

Results

Of the 1741 patients with mild‐to‐moderate cardiomyopathy and wide QRS duration, only 68 (4%) were implanted with a CRT device. Over a median follow‐up of 3.35 years, 849 (51%) died and 1004 (58%) had a HF hospitalization. The adjusted risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.11, p = 0.046) and of death or HF hospitalization (HR = 1.10, p = 0.037) were significantly higher in patients with wide versus narrow QRS duration. In patients with wide QRS complex, CRT was associated with reduction in the adjusted risk of death (HR = 0.47, p = 0.020) and of death or HF hospitalization (HR = 0.58, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Patients with mild‐to‐moderate cardiomyopathy and wide QRS duration are rarely implanted with CRT devices and have worse outcomes compared to those with narrow QRS. Randomized trials are needed to examine if CRT has salutary effects in this population.
First person profile: Yi‐Long Wu, MD
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: March 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, Yi‐Long Wu, MD, realized early on that a comprehensive, multimodality treatment approach to treating lung cancer was needed to improve patient outcomes; he now focuses on finding a cure. In addition, new guidelines endorse ending cervical cancer screening for select women older than 65 years, and prostate cancer screening in men aged 70 years or older can add unnecessary expenses to Medicare Advantage plans.
Chemotherapy with the use of next‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors based on measurable residual disease has the potential to avoid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in treatment for adults with Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Xie Mixue , Shi Ting , Jiang Qi , Jia Yunlu , Zhou De , Tong Hongyan , Jin Jie , Zhu Hong‐Hu
Published: March 2023

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) as postremission treatment is recommended for Philadelphia‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in current guidelines. However, comparisons of later generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) plus chemotherapy with allo‐HSCT have yielded similar outcomes. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate allo‐HSCT in first complete remission (CR1) versus chemotherapy for adult Ph+ ALL in the TKI era.

Methods

Pooled assessment of the hematologic and molecular complete response rates was performed after 3‐month TKI treatment. Hazard ratios (HRs) were determined for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) benefit with allo‐HSCT. The effect of measurable residual disease status on survival benefit was also analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐nine retrospective and prospective single‐arm cohort studies involving 5054 patients were included. Combined HRs indicated that in the general population, allo‐HSCT favorably influenced DFS and OS. Achieving complete molecular remission (CMR) within 3 months after starting induction was a favorable survival prognostic factor regardless of whether the patient had undergone allo‐HSCT. Among the patients with CMR, survival rates in the nontransplant subgroup were comparable with those in the transplant subgroup, with the estimated 5‐year OS of 64% versus 58% and 5‐year DFS of 58% versus 51%, respectively. The use of next‐generation TKIs results in a higher proportion of patients achieving CMR (ponatinib 82% vs. imatinib 53%), while improving survival in nontransplant patients.

Conclusion

Our novel findings suggest that combination chemotherapy plus TKIs leads to a comparable survival benefit as with allo‐HSCT for MRD‐negative (CMR) patients. This study provides novel evidence for allo‐HSCT indications for Ph+ ALL in CR1 in the TKI era.
Association between bariatric surgery and outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Haddad Fadi G. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Bidikian Aram , Jabbour Elias J. , Short Nicholas J. , Ning Jing , Xiao Lianchun , Pemmaraju Naveen , DiNardo Courtney D. , Kadia Tapan M. , Marx Kayleigh R. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Ravandi Farhad , Sasaki Koji , Issa Ghayas C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss intervention. However, it can also decrease the bioavailability of oral medications. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the mainstay treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), are the most successful example of an oral targeted therapy. The impact of bariatric surgery on CML outcomes is unknown.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, we screened 652 patients with CML and identified 22 with prior bariatric surgery, and compared their outcomes to a matched cohort of 44 patients with no prior bariatric surgery.

Results

The rate of early molecular response (3‐month BCR::ABL1 < 10% International Scale) was lower in the bariatric surgery group compared with the control group (68% vs. 91%; p = .05), with longer median times to achieve complete cytogenetic (6 vs. 3 months; p = .001) or major molecular responses (12 vs. 6 months; p = .001). Bariatric surgery was associated with inferior event‐free survival (5‐year, 60% vs. 77%; p = .004) and failure‐free survival (5‐year, 32% vs. 63%; p < .0001). In a multivariate analysis, bariatric surgery was the only independent predictor for the risk of treatment failure (hazard ratio, 9.40; 95% CI, 2.71–32.55; p = .0004) or event‐free survival (hazard ratio, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.67–12.23; p = .008).

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is associated with suboptimal responses that require adapted treatment strategies.
Predicting building energy utilization with energy plus simulation and advanced sea lion optimization algorithm based on Elman neural network
Authors: Ali Al‐Fadheeli Mohammed Saud , Bouteraa Yassine , Mohammed Adil Hussein , Mahmood Salman Hayder , Ghasemi Ghadir
Published: March 2023

There are different methods for modeling a structure and the building with the heat from the exterior and interior sources for evaluating a good performance, predicting energy utilization. Various methods, differing from simple regression to techniques, which are according to the physical ideology, could be utilized in simulation. There is a prevalent explanation for whole these methods, in which the input parameters are according to an actual database when they are accessible, or else, the energy utilization assessment would be underestimated or over‐estimated. In this investigation, two procedures have been presented that one is according to Elman neural network based on advanced sea lion optimization algorithm and the other one is according to physical ideology, that is, energy plus, which is prediction equipment for predicting building energy utilization. It can be seen that both methods can be proper for energy utilization prediction. In addition, an analysis that is parametric is implemented for the reflected structure on energy plus for evaluating the impact of some variables like the occupation of the building profile and weather database on predicting.
Reliability of the NACC Telephone‐administered Neuropsychological Battery (T‐cog) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment for participants in the USC ADRC
Authors: Howard Rebecca Sitra , Goldberg Terry E. , Luo James , Munoz Cynthia , Schneider Lon S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic necessitated remote administration of neuropsychological testing. We assessed the test–retest reliability for a telephone‐administered cognitive battery, recommended for use in the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC).

Methods

64 participants in the University of Southern California ADRC clinical core underwent repeat telephone evaluation using the T‐cog Neuropsychological Battery. Reliability was measured by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for continuous variables and weighted Kappa coefficient for categorical variables. Mean scores for Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total and Craft Story 21 Immediate and Delayed Recall were compared using paired t tests.

Results

Mean age was 74.8 (8.3 standard deviation); 73.4% were female. ICCs ranged from 0.52 to 0.84, indicating moderate test–retest reliability except for number span backward, which showed poor reliability. Weighted Kappa for MoCA items ranged from −0.016 to 0.734; however, relatively good observed agreement was seen across all items (70.3% to 98.4%). Although MoCA total scores did not significantly change, Craft Story 21 Immediate and Delayed Recall mean scores increased between first and second administrations (P < 0.0001).

Discussion

Test–retest reliability for the T‐cog Neuropsychological Battery is adequate. The variation seen in testing is similar to results seen from face‐to‐face testing, with Craft Story 21 recall showing modest and expected practice effects.

Highlights

Moderate test–retest reliability is seen in most measures of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Neuropsychological Test Battery and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.52 to 0.84, except for number Span backward.

Weighted Kappa for MoCA items varied, but good observed agreement was seen.

MoCA total mean score did not change significantly between administrations.

Craft Story 21 Immediate and Delayed Recall means increased on repeat testing (P < 0.0001).
2b or not 2b? 2bRAD is an effective alternative to ddRAD for phylogenomics
Authors: Chambers E. Anne , Tarvin Rebecca D. , Santos Juan C. , Ron Santiago R. , Betancourth‐Cundar Mileidy , Hillis David M. , Matz Mikhail V. , Cannatella David C.
Published: March 2023

Restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) has become an accessible way to obtain genome‐wide data in the form of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for phylogenetic inference. Nonetheless, how differences in RADseq methods influence phylogenetic estimation is poorly understood because most comparisons have largely relied on conceptual predictions rather than empirical tests. We examine how differences in ddRAD and 2bRAD data influence phylogenetic estimation in two non‐model frog groups. We compare the impact of method choice on phylogenetic information, missing data, and allelic dropout, considering different sequencing depths. Given that researchers must balance input (funding, time) with output (amount and quality of data), we also provide comparisons of laboratory effort, computational time, monetary costs, and the repeatability of library preparation and sequencing. Both 2bRAD and ddRAD methods estimated well‐supported trees, even at low sequencing depths, and had comparable amounts of missing data, patterns of allelic dropout, and phylogenetic signal. Compared to ddRAD, 2bRAD produced more repeatable datasets, had simpler laboratory protocols, and had an overall faster bioinformatics assembly. However, many fewer parsimony‐informative sites per SNP were obtained from 2bRAD data when using native pipelines, highlighting a need for further investigation into the effects of each pipeline on resulting datasets. Our study underscores the importance of comparing RADseq methods, such as expected results and theoretical performance using empirical datasets, before undertaking costly experiments.
Estimating body mass of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) using body morphometrics
Authors: Baruzzi Carolina , Snow Nathan P. , Vercauteren Kurt C. , Strickland Bronson K. , Arnoult Jacques S. , Fischer Justin W. , Glow Michael P. , Lavelle Michael J. , Smith Benjamin A. , Steakley Daryl , Lashley Marcus A.
Published: March 2023

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are invading many areas globally and impacting biodiversity and economies in their non‐native range. Thus, wild pigs are often targeted for eradication efforts. Age‐ and sex‐specific body measurements are important for informing these eradication efforts because they reflect body condition, resource availability, and fecundity, which are common indicators of population trajectory. However, body mass is often difficult to collect, especially on large individuals that require specialized equipment or multiple people to weigh. Measurements that can be rapidly taken by a single land or wildlife manager on any size wild pig without aid from specialized equipment would be beneficial if they accurately infer wild pig body mass. Our goals were to assess whether morphometric measurements could accurately predict wild pig body mass, and to provide tools to directly input these measures and estimate wild pig body mass. Using linear models, we quantified the relationship between body mass and morphometric measurements (i.e., body length, chest girth, ear length, eye to snout length, hindfoot length, shoulder length, and tail length) from a subset (n = 102) of wild pigs culled at the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Mississippi, USA. We evaluated separate models for each individual morphometric measurement. We then used the model coefficients to develop equations to predict wild pig body mass. We validated these equations predicting body mass of 1592 individuals collected across eight areas in Australia, Guam, and the USA for cross‐validation. Each developed equation remained accurate when cross‐validated across regions. Body length, chest girth, and shoulder length were the morphometrics that best predicted wild pig body mass. Our analyses indicated it is possible to use the presented equations to infer wild pig body mass from simple metrics.
Rethinking the nature of intraspecific variability and its consequences on species coexistence
Authors: Girard‐Tercieux Camille , Maréchaux Isabelle , Clark Adam T. , Clark James S. , Courbaud Benoît , Fortunel Claire , Guillemot Joannès , Künstler Georges , le Maire Guerric , Pélissier Raphaël , Rüger Nadja , Vieilledent Ghislain
Published: March 2023

Intraspecific variability (IV) has been proposed to explain species coexistence in diverse communities. Assuming, sometimes implicitly, that conspecific individuals can perform differently in the same environment and that IV increases niche overlap, previous studies have found contrasting results regarding the effect of IV on species coexistence. We aim at showing that the large IV observed in data does not mean that conspecific individuals are necessarily different in their response to the environment and that the role of high‐dimensional environmental variation in determining IV has largely remained unexplored in forest plant communities. We first used a simulation experiment where an individual attribute is derived from a high‐dimensional model, representing “perfect knowledge” of individual response to the environment, to illustrate how large observed IV can result from “imperfect knowledge” of the environment. Second, using growth data from clonal Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil, we estimated a major contribution of the environment in determining individual growth. Third, using tree growth data from long‐term tropical forest inventories in French Guiana, Panama and India, we showed that tree growth in tropical forests is structured spatially and that despite a large observed IV at the population level, conspecific individuals perform more similarly locally than compared with heterospecific individuals. As the number of environmental dimensions that are well quantified at fine scale is generally lower than the actual number of dimensions influencing individual attributes, a great part of observed IV might be represented as random variation across individuals when in fact it is environmentally driven. This mis‐representation has important consequences for inference about community dynamics. We emphasize that observed IV does not necessarily impact species coexistence per se but can reveal species response to high‐dimensional environment, which is consistent with niche theory and the observation of the many differences between species in nature.
Population‐level lateralization of boxing displays enhances fighting success in male Great Himalayan leaf‐nosed bats
Authors: Zhang Chunmian , Lucas Jeffrey R. , Feng Jiang , Jiang Tinglei , Sun Congnan
Published: March 2023

Behavioral lateralization with left‐ and right‐hand use is common in the Animal Kingdom and can be advantageous for social species. The existence of a preferential use of the hands during agonistic interactions has been described for a number of invertebrate and vertebrate species. Bats compose the second largest order of mammals. They not only use their forelimbs for flight but also agonistic interactions. However, whether bat species show a population‐level lateralized aggressive display has largely been unexplored. Here, we examine the lateralization of boxing displays during agonistic interactions in male Great Himalayan leaf‐nosed bats, Hipposideros armiger, from three different populations. We found a population‐level lateralization of boxing displays: Males from all three populations show a preferential use of the left forearm to attack opponents. In addition, left‐handed boxers have higher fighting success over right‐handed boxers. This study expands our knowledge of the handedness of bats and highlights the role of behavioral lateralization in conflict resolution in nocturnal mammals.
N2O emission associated with shifts of bacterial communities in riparian wetland during the spring thawing periods
Authors: Cao Xiaoai , Liu Huamin , Liu Yang , Jing Jin , Wen Lu , Xu Zhichao , Liu Xuhua , Liu Dongwei , Zhuo Yi , Wang Lixin
Published: March 2023

Soil freeze–thaw processes lead to high nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and exacerbate the greenhouse effect. The wetlands of the Inner Mongolia Plateau are in the pronounced seasonal freeze–thaw zone, but the effect of spring thaw on N2O emissions and related microbial mechanisms is still unclear. We investigated the effects of different periods (freeze, freeze–thaw, and thaw) on soil bacterial community diversity and composition and greenhouse gas emissions during the spring freeze–thaw in the XiLin River riparian wetlands in China by amplicon sequencing and static dark box methods. The results showed that the freeze–thaw periods predominantly impact on the diversity and composition of the bacterial communities. The phyla composition of the soil bacteria communities of the three periods is similar in level, with Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria dominating the microbial communities. The alpha‐diversity of bacterial communities in different periods varies that the freezing period is higher than that of the freeze–thaw period (p < .05). Soil total carbon, soil water content, and microbial biomass carbon were the primary factors regulating the abundance and compositions of the bacterial communities during spring thawing periods. Based on functional predictions, the relative abundance of nitrification and denitrification genes was higher in the freezing period than in the thawing period, while the abundance was lowest in the freeze–thawing period. The correlation results found that N2O emissions were significantly correlated with amoA and amoB in nitrification genes, indicating that nitrification may be the main process of N2O production during spring thaw. This study reveals potential microbial mechanisms of N2O emission during spring thaw and provides data support and theoretical basis for further insight into the mechanism of N2O emission during spring thaw.
Intraspecific variation in mycorrhizal response is much larger than ecological literature suggests
Authors: Stahlhut Katherine N. , Conway Megan , Mason Chase M. , Bauer Jonathan T.
Published: March 2023

Mycorrhizal response is the most common metric for characterizing how much benefit a plant derives from mycorrhizal symbiosis. Traditionally, ecologists have used these metrics to generalize benefit from mycorrhizal symbiosis in plant species, ignoring the potential for plant intraspecific trait variation to alter the outcome of the mutualism. In order for mean trait values to be useful as a functional trait to describe a species, as has been attempted for mycorrhizal response traits, interspecific variation must be much larger than intraspecific variation. While the variation among species has been extensively studied with respect to mycorrhizal response traits, variation within species has rarely been examined. We conducted a systematic review and analyzed how much variation for mycorrhizal growth and nutrient response typically exists within a plant species. We assessed 28 publications that included 60 individual studies testing mycorrhizal response in at least five genotypes of a plant species, and we found that intraspecific trait variation for mycorrhizal response was generally very large and highly variable depending on study design. The difference between the highest and lowest growth response in a study ranged from 10% to 350% across studies, and 36 of the studies included species for which both positive and negative growth responses to mycorrhizae were observed across different genotypes. The intraspecific variation for mycorrhizal growth response in some of these studies was larger than the variation documented among species across the plant kingdom. Phosphorus concentration and content was measured in 17 studies and variation in phosphorus response was similar to variation in growth responses. We also found that plant genotype was just as important for predicting mycorrhizal response as the effects of fungal inoculant identity. Our analysis highlights not only the potential importance of intraspecific trait variation for mycorrhizal response, but also the lack of research that has been done on the scale of this variation in plant species. Including intraspecific variation into research on the interactions between plants and their symbionts can increase our understanding of plant coexistence and ecological stability.
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement or repair for secondary mitral regurgitation: a propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Ludwig Sebastian , Kalbacher Daniel , Ali Walid Ben , Weimann Jessica , Adam Matti , Duncan Alison , Webb John G. , Windecker Stephan , Orban Mathias , Giannini Cristina , Coisne Augustin , Karam Nicole , Scotti Andrea , Sondergaard Lars , Adamo Marianna , Muller David W.M. , Butter Christian , Denti Paolo , Melica Bruno , Regazzoli Damiano , Garatti Andrea , Schmidt Tobias , Andreas Martin , Dahle Gry , Taramasso Maurizio , Nickenig Georg , Dumonteil Nicolas , Walther Thomas , Flagiello Michele , Kempfert Joerg , Fam Neil , Ruge Hendrik , Rudolph Tanja K. , Wyler von Ballmoos Moritz C. , Metra Marco , Redwood Simon , Granada Juan F. , Tang Gilbert H.L. , Latib Azeem , Lurz Philipp , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan , Modine Thomas , Hausleiter Jörg , Conradi Lenard ,   on behalf of the CHOICE‐MI and the EuroSMR Investigators (see online Appendix S1)
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed to compare outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) and mitral valve transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER) for the treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

Methods and results

The CHOICE‐MI registry included 262 patients with SMR treated with TMVR between 2014 and 2022. The EuroSMR registry included 1065 patients with SMR treated with M‐TEER between 2014 and 2019. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed for 12 demographic, clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Echocardiographic, functional and clinical outcomes out to 1 year were compared in the matched cohorts. After PS matching, 235 TMVR patients (75.5 years [70.0, 80.0], 60.2% male, EuroSCORE II 6.3% [interquartile range 3.8, 12.4]) were compared to 411 M‐TEER patients (76.7 years [70.1, 80.5], 59.0% male, EuroSCORE II 6.7% [3.9, 12.4]). All‐cause mortality was 6.8% after TMVR and 3.8% after M‐TEER at 30 days (p = 0.11), and 25.8% after TMVR and 18.9% after M‐TEER at 1 year (p = 0.056). No differences in mortality after 1 year were found between both groups in a 30‐day landmark analysis (TMVR: 20.4%, M‐TEER: 15.8%, p = 0.21). Compared to M‐TEER, TMVR resulted in more effective mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction (residual MR ≤1+ at discharge for TMVR vs. M‐TEER: 95.8% vs. 68.8%, p < 0.001), and superior symptomatic improvement (New York Heart Association class ≤II at 1 year: 77.8% vs. 64.3%, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

In this PS‐matched comparison between TMVR and M‐TEER in patients with severe SMR, TMVR was associated with superior reduction of MR and superior symptomatic improvement. While post‐procedural mortality tended to be higher after TMVR, no significant differences in mortality were found beyond 30 days.
Photoinduced Metal‐Free Decarboxylative Transformations: Rapid Access to Amines, Alkyl Halides, and Olefins
Authors: Luo Jia‐jing , Jing Dong , Lu Cong , Zheng Ke
Published: March 2023

Herein, we report an efficient photocatalytic strategy for the decarboxylative transformations of redox‐active esters to construct C=C, C(sp3)−N, and C(sp3)−X bonds in a single‐step. This operationally simple method provides a straightforward access to a variety of protected alkyl amines, alkyl halides and olefins under mild conditions in the absence of metals and photocatalysts. The method can successfully be applied to primary, secondary, and tertiary aliphatic carboxylic acid derivatives. Mechanistic studies indicate that the charge transfer complex (CTC) was formed by nBu4NI with redox‐active esters, in which the nBu4NI acted as both an iodine source and an efficient electron donor.
Risk assessment of lead and cadmium concentrations in hen's eggs using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Hoseini Hedayat , Abedi Abdol‐Samad , Mohammadi‐Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Salmani Yeganeh , Esfarjani Fatemeh
Published: March 2023

The hen egg is one of the main sources of cheap, great quality, and nutritious food. This study aimed at determining the level of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in hen eggs and at assessing the carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic risks caused by the consumption of hen eggs collected in Iran. A total of 42 hen eggs from 17 major brands were randomly sampled from supermarkets. Lead and cadmium concentrations were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Additionally, using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method to calculate dietary exposure, target hazard quotient (THQ), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), the related human health risk associated with ingesting these hazardous metals for adults was evaluated. The average Pb and Cd concentrations in whole eggs were 7.16 ± 0.248, and 2.83 ± 0.151 μg kg−1, respectively, which were less than the maximum permitted levels, established by FAO/WHO and the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). Pb and Cd concentrations were significantly correlated at the 0.05 level (r = 0.350). Regarding the levels of Pb and Cd in eggs, overall, the estimated weekly intake (EWI) of these metals for adults by egg consumption was determined 0.014 and 0.007 mg/week, respectively, which were lower than the risk values suggested. The carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic indexes of Cd and Pb indicated that the adult population in Iran was safe (THQ Pb and Cd <1, ILCR <10−6 Pb). It should be emphasized that this research primarily focuses on egg consumption, which may account for a relatively small portion of Iranian consumers' overall exposure to Pb and Cd. Therefore, a comprehensive study on the risk assessment of these metals through whole‐diet foods is recommended. The findings showed that lead and cadmium levels in all evaluated eggs were suitable for human consumption. Adults' Pb and Cd exposure from eating eggs was significantly lower than the risk levels established by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), per the exposure assessment. According to the THQ values of these dangerous metals, which were below one value, egg eating by Iranian consumers does not present a non‐carcinogenic risk. In addition, this finding provides accurate and reliable information for policymakers to improve food safety status to reduce public health hazards.
Impacts of alpine meadow degradation on the soil moisture and hydrological processes in the three river source region on the Qinghai Tibetan plateau
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Wang Junbang , Xu Xinliang , Zhang Shuping , Li Yuzhe , Fan Yuejun , Zhou Huakun
Published: March 2023

To explore the effects of mattic epipedon (ME) on soil moisture and hydraulic properties in the alpine meadow of three‐river source region, the soil moisture, water infiltration, evapotranspiration, soil bulk density and soil water holding capacity of original vegetation (OV), light degradation (LD), moderate degradation (MD) and severe degradation (SD) was conducted in this study, respectively. The results showed that: (1) the alpine meadow degradation reduced the soil moisture in the shallow layer (0–10 cm) and had no significant effects on the soil moisture in the deep layer (20–30 cm). (2) The effects of alpine meadow degradation on infiltration was depend on the presence of ME or not, when the ME existed on the land surface (from OV treatment to MD treatment), the alpine meadow degradation had no significant effects on infiltration. Once the ME disappeared on the land surface (from MD treatment to SD treatment), the alpine meadow degradation mainly increased the infiltration. (3) With the aggravation of alpine meadow degradation, the daily evapotranspiration first decreased and then significantly increased when the gravimetric soil water content at 0–5 cm in SD treatment (GWC5) was exceeded 19.5%, the daily evapotranspiration gradually decreased when GWC5 ranged from 9.3% to 19.5%, and had no significant changes on the evapotranspiration when GWC5 was less than 9.3%. Considering the characteristics of precipitation in alpine meadow, it was concluded that the alpine meadow degradation accelerated the evapotranspiration during the plant‐growing season. (4) The effect of alpine meadow degradation on soil bulk density and saturated water capacity was concentrated at 0–10 cm. With the aggravation of alpine meadow degradation, the bulk density at 0–10 cm was first stable and then significantly increased and the saturated water capacity at 0–10 cm was first gradually increased and then significantly decreased. Our results suggested that the ME is vital for water conservation of alpine meadow and the protection of ME should be emphasized to promote the sustainable development of the ecosystem and the water supply of water towers in China.
Virtual reality learning: A randomized controlled trial assessing medical student knowledge of fetal development
Authors: Ryan Grace , Rafferty Anthony , Murphy John , Higgins Mary F. , Mangina Eleni , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate whether a virtual reality learning environment (VRLE) enhanced student understanding and knowledge compared with a traditional tutorial.

Method

A randomized controlled trial involving medical students from University College Dublin, Ireland. Participants were assigned to an intervention (VRLE involving a 15‐min learning experience on the stages of fetal development) or control (PowerPoint tutorial on the same topic) group. Multiple choice questionnaires (MCQs) assessed knowledge at three time points: preintervention, immediately postintervention, and 1 week postintervention. Primary outcomes were differences in MCQ knowledge scores postintervention between groups. Secondary outcomes included attitudes on the learning experience assessed using the Student Satisfaction and Self‐Confidence in Learning Scale (SCLS) and the Virtual Reality Design Scale (VRDS).

Results

No statistically significant between‐group differences were found in the primary outcome assessing postintervention knowledge scores. Within‐group differences in knowledge scores were significant among the three time points for both the intervention (P < 0.01 [95% confidence interval, 5.33–6.19]) and control (P = 0.02 [95% confidence interval, 5.74–6.49]) groups. Mean levels of satisfaction and self‐confidence in learning were higher in the intervention group compared with the control group: 54.2 (standard deviation, 7.5) and 50.5 (standard deviation, 7.2), respectively (P = 0.21).

Conclusion

VRLEs are a learning tool that can support knowledge development.
Discontinuation of Denosumab: Gradual Decrease in Doses Preserves Half of the Bone Mineral Density Gain at the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Laroche Michel , Couture Guillaume , Degboé Yannick
Published: March 2023

Stopping treatment for osteoporosis with denosumab (Dmab) leads to a major and rapid loss in bone mineral density (BMD) and a risk of vertebral fracture. Subsequent treatment with bisphosphonate (Bp) does not completely prevent this bone loss. We carried out a prospective pilot study to find out whether the gradual dose reduction with denosumab could prevent this bone loss. We proposed a therapeutic protocol consisting in reducing the doses of Dmab to women treated with Dmab for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Six months after the last dose of Dmab 60 mg, the subsequent injection was performed with a reduced dose of 30 mg, and the month‐12 injection was a 15‐mg injection. BMD and serum C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were measured at the start of treatment with Dmab (T0), at the last dose with 60 mg (T1), and at 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) after the last 15 mg Dmab injection. We included 13 patients aged 68.7 ± 3 years, and treated with Dmab for 45.2 ± 5 months. At the lumbar spine, 39% of the initial gain in BMD was preserved 1 year after the last dose (15 mg). Conversely, at the hip, the bone loss at the end of the treatment reduction protocol was equivalent to the initial gain. The mean CTX level was 166 ± 152 pg/mL 6 months after the last dose (T2; 15 mg), and 549 ± 425 pg/mL 12 months after the last dose (T3; 15 mg). One patient presented two vertebral fractures, 8 months after the last dose of Dmab (15 mg). Gradual dose reduction of denosumab (30 mg then 15 mg) does not prevent bone loss in the hip and partially maintains the initial gain at the spine. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Single‐leg disuse decreases skeletal muscle strength, size, and power in uninjured adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Preobrazenski Nicholas , Seigel Joel , Halliday Sandra , Janssen Ian , McGlory Chris
Published: March 2023

We aimed to quantify declines from baseline in lower limb skeletal muscle size and strength of uninjured adults following single‐leg disuse. We searched EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, and CCRCT up to 30 January 2022. Studies were included in the systematic review if they (1) recruited uninjured participants; (2) were an original experimental study; (3) employed a single‐leg disuse model; and (4) reported muscle strength, size, or power data following a period of single‐leg disuse for at least one group without a countermeasure. Studies were excluded if they (1) did not meet all inclusion criteria; (2) were not in English; (3) reported previously published muscle strength, size, or power data; or (4) could not be sourced from two different libraries, repeated online searches, and the authors. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool to assess risk of bias. We then performed random‐effects meta‐analyses on studies reporting measures of leg extension strength and extensor size. Our search revealed 6548 studies, and 86 were included in our systematic review. Data from 35 and 20 studies were then included in the meta‐analyses for measures of leg extensor strength and size, respectively (40 different studies). No meta‐analysis for muscle power was performed due to insufficient homogenous data. Effect sizes (Hedges' gav) with 95% confidence intervals for leg extensor strength were all durations = −0.80 [−0.92, −0.68] (n = 429 participants; n = 68 aged 40 years or older; n ≥ 78 females); ≤7 days of disuse = −0.57 [−0.75, −0.40] (n = 151); >7 days and ≤14 days = −0.93 [−1.12, −0.74] (n = 206); and >14 days = −0.95 [−1.20, −0.70] (n = 72). Effect sizes for measures of leg extensor size were all durations = −0.41 [−0.51, −0.31] (n = 233; n = 32 aged 40 years or older; n ≥ 42 females); ≤7 days = −0.26 [−0.36, −0.16] (n = 84); >7 days and ≤14 days = −0.49 [−0.67, −0.30] (n = 102); and >14 days = −0.52 [−0.74, −0.30] (n = 47). Decreases in leg extensor strength (cast: −0.94 [−1.30, −0.59] (n = 73); brace: −0.90 [−1.18, −0.63] (n = 106)) and size (cast: −0.61[−0.87, −0.35] (n = 41); brace: (−0.48 [−1.04, 0.07] (n = 41)) following 14 days of disuse did not differ for cast and brace disuse models. Single‐leg disuse in adults resulted in a decline in leg extensor strength and size that reached a nadir beyond 14 days. Bracing and casting led to similar declines in leg extensor strength and size following 14 days of disuse. Studies including females and males and adults over 40 years of age are lacking.
Asylee perspectives on psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress
Authors: Cassidy Galen P. , McQuaid Jennifer , Heatherington Laurie , Su Chi Jiun
Published: March 2023

Asylees (i.e., asylum seekers) have a higher prevalence of mental health concerns, particularly posttraumatic distress, than the general population due to both their exposure to traumatic experiences and prolonged uncertain status in a new country. Meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials with asylees have found that culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CA‐CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative exposure therapy (NET) are efficacious in treating trauma‐related symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, treatment utilization remains low. Thus, it is imperative to determine what PTSD interventions are effective, credible, and acceptable for asylees. We employed structured virtual interviews with 40 U.S. asylees from diverse countries living with one or more symptoms of PTSD. Participants were asked about treatment engagement, perceived barriers to treatment, goals for psychotherapy, and perceptions of the effectiveness and difficulty of engaging in CA‐CBT, EMDR, NET, and (non–exposure‐based) interpersonal therapy (IPT) for PTSD. Participants perceived IPT to be significantly less difficult than all exposure‐based treatments, with medium effect sizes, ds = 0.55–0.71. A qualitative analysis of asylees’ comments provided valuable insights into how they think about these treatments. Ways in which these results can be considered when informing recommendations for improving interventions for asylees are discussed.
Point‐of‐care devices based on fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy for tumor margin detection during breast cancer surgery: Towards breast conservation treatment
Authors: Thapa Pramila , Singh Veena , Gupta Komal , Shrivastava Anurag , Kumar Virendra , Kataria Kamal , Mishra Piyush R. , Mehta Dalip S.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Fluorescence‐based methods are highly specific and sensitive and have potential in breast cancer detection. Simultaneous fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy during intraoperative procedures of breast cancer have great advantages in detection of tumor margin as well as in classification of tumor to healthy tissues. Intra‐operative real‐time confirmation of breast cancer tumor margin is the aim of surgeons, and therefore, there is an urgent need for such techniques and devices which fulfill the surgeon's priorities.

Methods

In this article, we propose the development of fluorescence‐based smartphone imaging and spectroscopic point‐of‐care multi‐modal devices for detection of invasive ductal carcinoma in tumor margin during removal of tumor. These multimodal devices are portable, cost‐effective, noninvasive, and user‐friendly. Molecular level sensitivity of fluorescence process shows different behavior in normal, cancerous and marginal tissues. We observed significant spectral changes, such as, red‐shift, full‐width half maximum (FWHM), and increased intensity as we go towards tumor center from normal tissue. High contrast in fluorescence images and spectra are also recorded for cancer tissues compared to healthy tissues. Preliminary results for the initial trial of the devices are reported in this article.

Results

A total 44 spectra from 11 patients of invasive ductal carcinoma (11 spectra for invasive ductal carcinoma and rest are normal and negative margins) are used. Principle component analysis is used for the classification of invasive ductal carcinoma with an accuracy of 93%, specificity of 75% and sensitivity of 92.8%. We obtained an average 6.17 ± 1.66 nm red shift for IDC with respect to normal tissue. The red shift and maximum fluorescence intensity indicates p < 0.01. These results described here are supported by histopathological examination of the same sample.

Conclusion

In the present manuscript, simultaneous fluorescence‐based imaging and spectroscopy is accomplished for the classification of IDC tissues and breast cancer margin detection.
Criteria preprocessing in multi‐actor multi‐criteria analysis
Authors: Huang He , Canoy Rocsildes , Brusselaers Nicolas , te Boveldt Geert
Published: March 2023

Multi‐actor multi‐criteria analysis is a group decision‐making framework that allows multiple stakeholder groups to be involved in the decision‐making process, facilitating the understanding of the points of consensus and conflict among the stakeholder groups. Carefully selecting suitable criteria is important as they illustrate the possibly divergent priorities of the respective stakeholder group, and overlooking important criteria can lead to erroneous outcomes. Furthermore, the number of criteria needs specific consideration, as a too large number poses problems for human cognition, but a too small number inaccurately represents the stakeholder's interest. In stakeholder groups with many members, such as those representing citizens, defining a criteria set is likely to be even more complicated. Currently, there is no formal guideline to assist facilitators in defining these criteria sets. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for criteria preprocessing with stakeholder involvement that includes a guideline for firstly selecting criteria into a tentative list and secondly selecting the final criteria set. It provides a procedure on how to determine criteria considering the priorities of stakeholder groups with regard to the context. As a final step, we propose a mathematical model for selecting a number of criteria that are both cognitively manageable and representative for the participants' priorities. Based on the principles of the Pareto analysis, as well as the cognitive judgment theory “magic number seven plus or minus two”, a recommendation list of the criteria is generated. It prevents key criteria from being omitted while at the same time limiting the overall number of criteria. This framework is applied to a social decision‐making case for construction logistics, and the results are compared with the conventional approach of criteria definition.
Monitoring live mitochondrial metabolism in real‐time using NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Nagana Gowda G. A. , Pascua Vadim , Lusk John A. , Hong Natalie N. , Guo Lin , Dong Jiyang , Sweet Ian R. , Raftery Daniel
Published: March 2023

Investigation of mitochondrial metabolism is gaining increased interest owing to the growing recognition of the role of mitochondria in health and numerous diseases. Studies of isolated mitochondria promise novel insights into the metabolism devoid of confounding effects from other cellular organelles such as cytoplasm. This study describes the isolation of mitochondria from mouse skeletal myoblast cells (C2C12) and the investigation of live mitochondrial metabolism in real‐time using isotope tracer‐based NMR spectroscopy. [3‐13C1]pyruvate was used as the substrate to monitor the dynamic changes of the downstream metabolites in mitochondria. The results demonstrate an intriguing phenomenon, in which lactate is produced from pyruvate inside the mitochondria and the results were confirmed by treating mitochondria with an inhibitor of mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (UK5099). Lactate is associated with health and numerous diseases including cancer and, to date, it is known to occur only in the cytoplasm. The insight that lactate is also produced inside mitochondria opens avenues for exploring new pathways of lactate metabolism. Further, experiments performed using inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, FCCP and rotenone, show that [2‐13C1]acetyl coenzyme A, which is produced from [3‐13C1]pyruvate and acts as a primary substrate for the tricarboxylic acid cycle in mitochondria, exhibits a remarkable sensitivity to the inhibitors. These results offer a direct approach to visualize mitochondrial respiration through altered levels of the associated metabolites.