bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of discrimination on binge eating in a nationally representative sample of Latine individuals
Authors: Johnson Sarah N. , Forbush Kelsie T. , Swanson Trevor James
Published: July 2022

Objective

Latines have higher rates of eating disorders characterized by binge eating compared to their non‐Latine white counterparts, yet culturally and socially relevant factors related to binge eating in Latines have been largely understudied. The purpose of the current study was to examine how discrimination and acculturative stress were associated with binge eating in a nationally representative sample of Latines. An additional aim was to test the extent to which family cohesion and social support could buffer against the effects of discrimination and acculturative stress on binge eating.

Method

Participants (56% female, N = 2550) were Latines enrolled in the National Latino and Asian American Study. Structural equation modeling using 1000 re‐sampled data sets built from machine learning iterative sampling procedures was used to examine the effects of discrimination, acculturative stress, family cohesion, and social support on binge eating.

Results

Results indicated that only discrimination was significantly associated with binge eating. Neither the direct effect of acculturative stress, interaction of family cohesion and acculturative stress, interaction of social cohesion and acculturative stress, nor the interaction of social support and discrimination were significantly associated with binge eating.

Discussion

This study highlights the need for mental‐health providers to understand and assess discrimination among Latines presenting with concerns of binge eating. Treatments that effectively provide coping strategies to manage discriminatory experiences and reduce binge eating could improve both effectiveness of treatment and retention rates for Latine individuals with binge eating.

Public Significance

This study examined the association of discrimination, acculturative stress, family cohesion, and social support with binge eating in Latines. Only discrimination was significantly associated with binge eating, highlighting the importance for providers to assess discrimination among Latines with binge‐eating concerns and to improve equity, inclusion, and belonging at a societal level. Modifying existing treatments to address coping with discrimination could improve the effectiveness for Latines with binge‐eating concerns.
Do plant communities show constant final yield?
Authors: Cavalieri Andrea , Groß Dorothee , Dutay Alexandra , Weiner Jacob
Published: July 2022

Total biomass production of plant monocultures growing over a range of densities and harvested after a period of growth increases monotonically with density and then levels out at higher densities. This pattern is called constant final yield (CFY) and is considered one of the most general phenomena in plant ecology. If CFY applies to plant communities, it would be a key to understanding and predicting many community‐level phenomena. We tested two primary hypotheses experimentally: (1) Mixtures of several species show CFY. (2) If so, the proportion of biomass production by the component species in a mixture does not change at densities above the density that reaches CFY. We performed a series of glasshouse experiments over 3 years using a “community density series,” in which the overall density of five species was varied while their proportions remained unchanged. In the first experiment, we grew a mixture of annual and perennial herbaceous species in mesocosms, and all species were also grown in monocultures at the corresponding densities. A similar experiment was performed in the second and third years, but only with annuals. A third experiment with mixtures only was performed in pots over 2 years. In all cases, aboveground biomass was harvested, separated by species, dried, and weighed. Perennials with underground storage organs produced maximum aboveground biomass at low or intermediate densities. In the second experiment, two of the species produced maximum biomass at the second‐highest density in monoculture, while mixtures of all five species showed classical CFY behavior, and the contribution of the species to the mixture changed very little above the lowest density producing CFY. The results of the third experiment were also consistent with the hypotheses. In conclusion, CFY in aboveground biomass production was observed in communities of annual species, and the contribution of the individual species was relatively insensitive to an increase in density above that reaching CFY, i.e., competitive performance of the species changed with density until CFY was reached. Evidence for CFY was stronger in mixture than in monoculture. Coexistence theory must include density as well as frequency dependence if densities are below CFY.
Post‐introduction evolution of a rapid life‐history strategy in a newly invasive plant
Authors: Woods Ellen C. , Sultan Sonia E.
Published: July 2022

A central question in invasion biology is whether adaptive trait evolution following species introduction promotes invasiveness. A growing number of common‐garden experiments document phenotypic differences between native‐ and introduced‐range plants, suggesting that adaptive evolution in the new range may indeed contribute to the success of invasive plants. However, these studies are often subject to methodological pitfalls, resulting in weak evidence for post‐introduction adaptive trait evolution and leaving its role in the invasion process uncertain. In a common‐garden glasshouse study, we compared the growth, life‐history, and reproductive traits of 35 native‐ and introduced‐rangePolygonum cespitosumpopulations. We used complementary approaches including climate‐matching, standardizing parental conditions, selection analysis, and testing for trait–environment relationships to determine whether traits that increase invasiveness adaptively evolved in the species' new range. We found that the majority of introduced‐range populations exhibited a novel trait syndrome consisting of a fast‐paced life history and concomitant sparse, reduced growth form. Selection analysis confirmed that this trait syndrome led to markedly higher fitness (propagule production) over a limited growing season that was characteristic of regions within the introduced range. Additionally, several growth and reproductive traits showed temperature‐based clines consistent with adaptive evolution in the new range. Combined, these results indicate that, subsequent to its introduction to North America over 100 generations ago,P. cespitosumhas evolved key traits that maximize propagule production. These changes may in part explain the species' recent transition to invasiveness, illustrating how post‐introduction evolution may contribute to the invasion process.
Morphotectonic forcing and anthropogenic impact behind a recently emerged relict island of the Brahmaputra River
Authors: Gogoi Priti Rekha , Chetia Monisha , Borgohain Supriya , Bora Malobika , Kumar Adesh , Lahiri Siddhartha Kumar
Published: July 2022

Large rivers can be significantly impacted upon by both tectonics and human activities; yet, there are very few studies where these natural and anthropogenic impacts combine. A new river island called Dibru‐Saikhoa has appeared very recently on the Brahmaputra valley map in Assam. More than 200 km2 in area, it is situated in the extreme upstream reach of the Brahmaputra River and represents the second biggest relict island after Majuli (with a present area of ~500 km2). The cause of the formation of this island is generally attributed to river dynamics, with only a minor anthropogenic role. However, our study, considering morphological changes from 1915 to 2019 and subsurface geophysical data, suggests that the anthropogenic factor was an important ‘trigger’ of island formation, acting on a system made sensitive to change by the combination of local tectonics and rapidly changing sediment influx. Making use of the satellite‐borne Bouguer gravity data and ground survey‐based seismic sections, we located some of the prominent blind faults. Taking into consideration recent activation and interplay of these faults, the mode of accommodation space generation, and aggradation characteristics due to fluvial processes, we suggest a multi‐order mechanism of formation of this relict island. The first‐order trigger is due to the unstable river morphology of the Siang, which is responding to tilting of the valley floor as a co‐seismic phenomenon, and subsequently influences two other rivers—the Dibang and the Lohit. Second‐order forcing comes from intra‐plate residual pop‐up that comes into play due to uneven sediment loading. The third‐order forcing is inter‐plate suturing, which causes arching and fracturing of the basement.
Technological characteristics of sodium reduced wheat bread: Effects of fermentation type and partial replacement of salt with potassium chloride
Authors: Pashaei Mitra , Mollakhalili‐Meybodi Neda , Sadeghizadeh Jalal , Mirmoghtadaei Leila , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Arab Masoumeh
Published: July 2022

Rheological, physicochemical, textural, and sensory characteristics of wheat bread prepared by potassium chloride (KCl) substitution of sodium chloride (NaCl) at different ratio (0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50) in the presence of two different fermentation types (Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast starter (YSF) and mixed fermentation based on sourdough (MFSD)) were investigated. Considering the results obtained at this study, the technological characteristics change through KCl substitution ratio which depends on the type of fermentation. In other words, the enhanced activity of microflora in MFSD‐fermented samples and decreased activity of yeast in YSF‐fermented ones have been found by increasing the ratio of KCl incorporation level. Despite the increased activity of starter microflora in MFSD‐fermented samples through increasing the KCl incorporation level, the lowest specific volume (p < .05) is found in SD50 (containing 50%w/w KCl in the presence of MFSD) with a quantity equal to 1.71 ± 0.47 cm3/g confirming its inability to restore gases. No significant difference has been found in KCl substitution levels up to 20%w/w in YSF‐fermented samples (Y20) with control (p ≥ .05). The lowest crumb lightness (L*) (65.27 ± 0.12), highest cohesiveness (1.31 ± 0.07 mm), and springiness (0.76 ± 0.01) is also found in Y20. Considering sensory characteristics perception, no significant difference has been found in textural characteristics perception of Y10 and Y20 containing KCl at 10%w/w and 20% w/w, respectively, in the presence of YSF with control sample (Y). The overall acceptability is also found to be more influenced by texture perception(r = 0.827, p < .00).
Hordeum vulgareL. microgreen mitigates reproductive dysfunction and oxidative stress in streptozotocin‐induced diabetes and aflatoxicosis in male rats
Authors: Khattab Marwa S. , Aly Tahany A. A. , Mohamed Sara M. , Naguib Abdel Moneim M. , AL‐Farga Ammar , Abdel‐Rahim Emam A.
Published: July 2022

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM) is a common chronic disease worldwide, which may be due to increased environmental pollution. Aflatoxin B1 is a likely inevitable contaminant in food and dairy products. Both DM and aflatoxicosis exert a deleterious effect on reproduction urging the exploration of various functional food for protection. This study investigated the effect of barley microgreen (BM) on reproductive disorders caused by DM with or without aflatoxicosis in male rats. Rats were divided into eight groups; G1 control, G2 barley, G3 aflatoxin, G4 aflatoxin‐barley, G5 streptozotocin (STZ), G6 STZ‐barley, G7 STZ‐aflatoxin, and G8 STZ‐aflatoxin‐barley. BM chemical composition revealed elevated calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin A compared with barely seeds. Complete blood picture, lipid profile, serum oxidative stress parameters, relative testicular weight, sperm analysis, chromosomal aberration, and testis histopathology were performed. The lipid profile was altered significantly in G7. Oxidative stress was increased in G3, G5, and G7, whereas it was decreased in BM‐treated groups. Sperm counts were reduced significantly in aflatoxin and/or STZ groups but increased significantly in BM‐treated groups. Sperm morphological abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations were decreased significantly in BM‐treated groups compared with untreated groups. Testicular histopathology revealed moderate diffuse degeneration of seminiferous tubules in aflatoxin and/or STZ groups, which were alleviated in BM‐treated groups. In conclusion, aflatoxin and STZ together caused severe reproductive disorder and oxidative stress more than aflatoxin or STZ alone. BM diet reduced significantly oxidative stress and reproductive disorder associated with DM and aflatoxicosis in rats.
Tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of Shillong Plateau, North East India through the Permian‐Eocene window
Authors: Ali Mohammed Amir , Duarah Bhagawat Pran
Published: July 2022

The Shillong Plateau in the north‐eastern Indian Plate signifies a cut‐off patch of the Indian Peninsular Shield, bordered by fault and thrust sheets, with thick alluvium cover along its periphery. The basement rock in the plateau accomplished about 2 km relief difference with the adjoining Sylhet Trough of Bangladesh in the south. The plateau witnessed Permo‐Carboniferous Gondwana sedimentation at its western margin, with Early Cretaceous basaltic traps and continuous fluvio‐marine sedimentation along its southern edge since the late Cretaceous. Although it is largely believed that strike‐slip movement along the Dauki Fault shifted the plateau about 250 km eastward, however, the driving mechanism for Shillong Plateau detachment and conversion of rift‐intercratonic basin to platformal configuration has drawn more attraction. This article focuses on the tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of Shillong Plateau and its adjoining regions on the basis of previous works, to try to understand the distinct tectonic and environmental factors. Early Permian continental rifting to the south‐west of the plateau and south‐east and south‐west of the Malda High presumably separated the Shillong Plateau from Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC). Extrusion of Rajmahal Traps west of the Malda High and Bengal‐Sylhet‐Mikir volcanism along an Early Cretaceous geofracture probably accelerated the east‐northeast migration of Shillong Plateau with respect to the CGGC. Since the Late Cretaceous, sedimentation at the southern fringe of Shillong Plateau commenced with an intracratonic basin which gradually transformed into a passive margin configuration during the Late Palaeocene‐Eocene Epoch during growth of the Indian Ocean. Differential subsidence in southern Shillong Plateau caused clastic sedimentation without considerable transportation. At the beginning, the Late Cretaceous intracratonic basin had received volcanoclastic, fluvio‐lacustrine sediments in a series of graben/half‐grabens associated with extensional faulting and volcanism, as represented by the Lower Mahadek and Jadukata formations in the plateau. The upper Mahadek and later Palaeogene sequences along the southern margin of the plateau record marine sedimentation, initiated with an estuarine‐marshy environment during the Late Cretaceous to Palaeocene, followed by a platformal marine succession since the Mid‐Eocene. The Calcutta‐Mymensingh Eocene Hinge Zone that separates a stable shelf from the deep basinal part might be traced through the south‐eastern fringe of Shillong Plateau and presumably continues further north‐east between the Naga and Disang thrusts in the eastern part of Dhansiri Valley.
Comparison of human skin‐ and nerve‐derived Schwann cells reveals many similarities and subtle genomic and functional differences
Authors: Chu Tak‐Ho , Baral Kabita , Labit Elodie , Rosin Nicole , Sinha Sarthak , Umansky Daniel , Alzahrani Saud , Arora Rohit , Cao Leslie , Rancourt Derrick , Biernaskie Jeff , Midha Rajiv
Published: July 2022

Skin is an easily accessible tissue and a rich source of Schwann cells (SCs). Toward potential clinical application of autologous SC therapies, we aim to improve the reliability and specificity of our protocol to obtain SCs from small skin samples. As well, to explore potential functional distinctions between skin‐derived SCs (Sk‐SCs) and nerve‐derived SCs (N‐SCs), we used single‐cell RNA‐sequencing and a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. Our results showed that Sk‐SCs expressed typical SC markers. Single‐cell sequencing of Sk‐ and N‐SCs revealed an overwhelming overlap in gene expression with the exception of HLA genes which were preferentially up‐regulated in Sk‐SCs. In vitro, both cell types exhibited similar levels of proliferation, migration, uptake of myelin debris and readily associated with neurites when co‐cultured with human iPSC‐induced motor neurons. Both exhibited ensheathment of multiple neurites and early phase of myelination, especially in N‐SCs. Interestingly, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurite outgrowth assay showed substantially more complexed neurite outgrowth in DRGs exposed to Sk‐SC conditioned media compared to those from N‐SCs. Multiplex ELISA array revealed shared growth factor profiles, but Sk‐SCs expressed a higher level of VEGF. Transplantation of Sk‐ and N‐SCs into injured peripheral nerve in nude rats and NOD‐SCID mice showed close association of both SCs to regenerating axons. Myelination of rodent axons was observed infrequently by N‐SCs, but absent in Sk‐SC xenografts. Overall, our results showed that Sk‐SCs share near‐identical properties to N‐SCs but with subtle differences that could potentially enhance their therapeutic utility.
Highly accurate retinotopic maps of the physiological blind spot in human visual cortex
Authors: Urale Poutasi W. B. , Puckett Alexander M. , York Ashley , Arnold Derek , Schwarzkopf D. Samuel
Published: July 2022

The physiological blind spot is a naturally occurring scotoma corresponding with the optic disc in the retina of each eye. Even during monocular viewing, observers are usually oblivious to the scotoma, in part because the visual system extrapolates information from the surrounding area. Unfortunately, studying this visual field region with neuroimaging has proven difficult, as it occupies only a small part of retinotopic cortex. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging and a novel data‐driven method for mapping the retinotopic organization in and around the blind spot representation in V1. Our approach allowed for highly accurate reconstructions of the extent of an observer’s blind spot, and out‐performed conventional model‐based analyses. This method opens exciting opportunities to study the plasticity of receptive fields after visual field loss, and our data add to evidence suggesting that the neural circuitry responsible for impressions of perceptual completion across the physiological blind spot most likely involves regions of extrastriate cortex—beyond V1.
RNA helicase DEAD‐box protein 5 alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progression via tethering TSC complex and suppressing mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Zhang Yanqiu , Ye Shengtao , Lu Weijia , Zhong Jiawen , Leng Yingrong , Yang Ting , Luo Jun , Xu Wenjun , Zhang Hao , Kong Lingyi
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its progressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are rapidly becoming the top causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, there are no approved therapies for the treatment of NASH. DEAD‐box protein 5 (DDX5) plays important roles in different cellular processes. However, the precise role of DDX5 in NASH remains unclear.

Approach and Results:

DDX5 expression was downregulated in patients with NASH, mouse models with diet‐induced NASH (high‐fat diet [HFD], methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet, and choline‐deficient HFD), mouse models with NASH‐HCC (diethylnitrosamine with HFD), and palmitic acid–stimulated hepatocytes. Adeno‐associated virus–mediated DDX5 overexpression ameliorates hepatic steatosis and inflammation, whereas its deletion worsens such pathology. The untargeted metabolomics analysis was carried out to investigate the mechanism of DDX5 in NASH and NASH‐HCC, which suggested the regulatory effect of DDX5 on lipid metabolism. DDX5 inhibits mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation by recruiting the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1/2 complex to mTORC1, thus improving lipid metabolism and attenuating the NACHT‐, leucine‐rich‐repeat (LRR)‐, and pyrin domain (PYD)‐containing protein 3  inflammasome activation. We further identified that the phytochemical compound hyperforcinol K directly interacted with DDX5 and prevented its ubiquitinated degradation mediated by ubiquitin ligase (E3) tripartite motif protein 5, thereby significantly reducing lipid accumulation and inflammation in a NASH mouse model.

Conclusions:

These findings provide mechanistic insight into the role of DDX5 in mTORC1 regulation and NASH progression, as well as suggest a number of targets and a promising lead compound for therapeutic interventions against NASH.
Network meta‐analysis of randomized trials in multiple myeloma: Efficacy and safety in frontline therapy for patients not eligible for transplant
Authors: Botta Cirino , Gigliotta Emilia , Paiva Bruno , Anselmo Rita , Santoro Marco , Otero Paula Rodriguez , Carlisi Melania , Conticello Concetta , Romano Alessandra , Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Cerchione Claudio , Vià Matteo Da , Bolli Niccolò , Correale Pierpaolo , Di Raimondo Francesco , Gentile Massimo , San Miguel Jesus , Siragusa Sergio
Published: July 2022

The treatment scenario for newly‐diagnosed transplant‐ineligible multiple myeloma patients (NEMM) is quickly evolving. Currently, combinations of proteasome inhibitors and/or immunomodulatory drugs +/− the monoclonal antibody Daratumumab are used for first‐line treatment, even if head‐to‐head comparisons are lacking. To compare efficacy and safety of these regimens, we performed a network meta‐analysis of 27 phase 2/3 randomized trials including a total of 12,935 patients and 23 different schedules. Four efficacy/outcome and one safety indicators were extracted and integrated to obtain (for each treatment) the surface under the cumulative ranking‐curve (SUCRA), a metric used to build a ranking chart. With a mean SUCRA of 83.8 and 80.08 respectively, VMP + Daratumumab (DrVMP) and Rd + Daratumumab (DrRd) reached the top of the chart. However, SUCRA is designed to work for single outcomes. To overcome this limitation, we undertook a dimensionality reduction approach through a principal component analysis, that unbiasedly grouped the 23 regimens into three different subgroups. On the bases of our results, we demonstrated that first line treatment for NEMM should be based on DrRd (most active, but continuous treatment), DrVMP (quite “fixed‐time” treatment), or, alternatively, VRD and that, surprisingly, melphalan as well as Rd doublets still deserve a role in this setting.
Gendered motives towards hybrid entrepreneurial intentions: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Liu Zhiyang , Wu Guixing
Published: July 2022

Hybrid entrepreneurship research is to probe into the increasingly widespread phenomenon of “employment + entrepreneurship” in real life, and to break the traditional practice of dichotomizing self‐employment and employment. Hybrid entrepreneurship provides entrepreneurs with another employment alternative by combining entrepreneurship and employment. By analyzing data collected mainly from prospective entrepreneurs in China, this paper aims to explore the main influencing factors of hybrid entrepreneurial intentions, in particular how gender moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial motives and hybrid entrepreneurial intentions. Empirical findings reveal that gender differences are evident in prospective entrepreneurs who are motivated to be self‐employed by necessity‐driven factors and those who aim to test the waters of entrepreneurship via the hybrid path.
Explicit solvent repulsive scaling replica exchange molecular dynamics (RS‐REMD) in molecular modeling of protein‐glycosaminoglycan complexes
Authors: Marcisz Mateusz , Gaardløs Margrethe , Bojarski Krzysztof K. , Siebenmorgen Till , Zacharias Martin , Samsonov Sergey A.
Published: July 2022

Glycosaminoglcyans (GAGs), linear anionic periodic polysaccharides, are crucial for many biologically relevant functions in the extracellular matrix. By interacting with proteins GAGs mediate processes such as cancer development, cell proliferation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite this eminent importance of GAGs, they still represent a limited focus for the computational community in comparison to other classes of biomolecules. Therefore, there is a lack of modeling tools designed specifically for docking GAGs. One has to rely on existing docking software developed mostly for small drug molecules substantially differing from GAGs in their basic physico‐chemical properties. In this study, we present an updated protocol for docking GAGs based on the Repulsive Scaling Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics (RS‐REMD) that includes explicit solvent description. The use of this water model improved docking performance both in terms of its accuracy and speed. This method represents a significant computational progress in GAG‐related research.
Therapy from my point of view: A case illustration of routine outcome monitoring and feedback in psychotherapeutic interventions
Authors: Demir Selin , Schwarz Franziska , Kaiser Tim
Published: July 2022

Lately, the use of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) to adapt and improve ongoing psychotherapeutic treatments has become more widespread. Their main purpose is to support data‐informed, collaborative treatment decisions which include the patient's point of view on their progress. In case of nonresponse or deterioration, these systems are able to warn clinicians and guide the process “back on track” in treatment. In this case illustration, the Greifswald Psychotherapy Navigator System (GPNS) detected the deterioration of 19‐year‐old Sarah during the first eight sessions of cognitive‐behavioral therapy for social anxiety and depression. Here, the GPNS helped the therapist gain insight as to how Sarah's social anxiety affected their treatment and adjust her strategy accordingly. Using the symptom curves and progress scales of the GPNS, the therapist was able to then address her patient's struggles in detail during their sessions and with her supervisor. After adapting her therapeutic approach, the patient's deterioration could be averted while simultaneously strengthening their communication in the process. Clinical implications and the benefits of using PROM systems for evidence‐based personalization of psychotherapy are presented.
Comparative analysis of opioid use between robotic and open pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Witt Russell G. , Hirata Yuki , Prakash Laura R. , Newhook Timothy E. , Maxwell Jessica E. , Kim Michael P. , Tran Cao Hop S. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Katz Matthew H. G. , Tzeng Ching‐Wei D. , Ikoma Naruhiko
Published: July 2022

Background/Purpose

Risk‐stratified pancreatectomy clinical pathways using regional anesthesia and multimodality analgesia have decreased overall opioid use, but the additional benefits of robotic surgery in opioid reduction for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are unknown. We compared the inpatient opioid use between robotic PD and open PD.

Methods

Patients undergoing open PD within a protocol evaluating preincisional regional anesthetic block bundles were compared to consecutively‐treated patients undergoing robotic PD identified from a prospectively maintained single‐institutional database. Clinical characteristics, operative outcomes, pain scores and inpatient oral morphine equivalent (OME) use were compared between patients treated with robotic or open PD. Patients with a history of continuous‐release opioid dependence were excluded.

Results

Of 114 total patients, 25 underwent robotic PD and 89 underwent open PD. Intraoperative opioid use was not different (P = .87), nor were cumulative pain scores. Robotic PD patients used significantly fewer OMEs per day on postoperative days 1–4 (P = .039), used fewer total OMEs during hospitalization (robotic: median = 79, IQR 42.5–141; open: median = 126, IQR 61.3–203.8; P = .0036) and were discharged with fewer OMEs (robotic: median = 0, IQR 0–43.8; open: median = 25, IQR 0–75; P = .009) despite a shorter length of stay (robotic: median = 4, open: median = 5, P = .002).

Conclusions

Robotic PD patients required fewer inpatient OMEs than open PD while maintaining similar pain scores. A higher percentage of robotic PD patients tapered off of opioids prior to discharge than open surgery patients treated with a standardized opioid reduction protocol despite a shorter length of stay. These results provide a rationale for choosing robotic PD when feasible to minimize opioid use.
A practical synthesis of voxelotor
Authors: Kang Linlin , Mao Yongjun , Jiang Shun , Lu Sheng
Published: July 2022

An improved and practical synthesis of voxelotor (1) was developed, from the commercially available chemicals pyrazole, 2‐chloronicotinic acid, and dimethoxybenzene. The key intermediate (2‐[1‐isopropyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl]pyridin‐3‐yl)methanol (8) was prepared in 45% yield over 4 steps, including reduction and cross‐coupling condensation. 2,6‐Dihydroxybenzaldehyde (24) was prepared in 68% yield over 2 steps. Finally, 1 was obtained from this convergent synthetic route through 8 steps in total 25% yield and 99.2% purity on a 20 grams scale.
Healthcare quality during pediatric mental health boarding: A qualitative analysis
Authors: McCarty Emily J. , Nagarajan Meera K. , Halloran Sean R. , Brady Robert E. , House Samantha A. , Leyenaar JoAnna K.
Published: July 2022

Background

Following initial evaluation and management, youth requiring inpatient psychiatric care often experience boarding, defined as being held in the emergency department or another location while awaiting inpatient care. Although mental health boarding is common, little research has examined the quality of healthcare delivery during the boarding period.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of multidisciplinary clinicians and parents regarding mental health boarding and to develop a conceptual model to inform quality improvement efforts.

Design, Setting, & Participants

We conducted semistructured interviews with clinicians and parents of youth experiencing boarding. Interviews focused on experiences of care and perceived opportunities for improvement were continued until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emergent themes using a general inductive approach. Axial coding was used to inform conceptual framework development.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 19 clinicians and 11 parents. Building on the Donabedian structure‐process‐outcome model of quality evaluation, emergent domains, and associated themes included: (1) infrastructure for healthcare delivery, including clinician training, healthcare team composition, and the physical environment; (2) processes of healthcare delivery, including clinician roles and responsibilities, goals of care, communication with families, policies/procedures, and logistics of inter‐facility transfer; and (3) measurable outcomes, including patient safety, family experience, mental health status, timeliness of care, and clinician moral distress.

Conclusion

This qualitative study summarizes clinician and family perspectives about care for youth experiencing boarding. The conceptual model resulting from this analysis can be applied to implement and evaluate quality improvement endeavors to support this vulnerable population.
Real‐life impact of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and entecavir therapy on lipid profile, glucose, and uric acid in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liang Jinlin , Yin Junhua , Jiang Yiyue , Yu Ning , Liao Xingmei , Zhao Siru , Wu Leyuan , Fan Rong
Published: July 2022

The impact of long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogs treatment on host metabolism is a concern. Hence, we conducted this study to compare the effect of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on metabolic parameters among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. In this real‐life retrospective study, 2030 CHB outpatients treated with ETV or TDF at Nanfang Hospital, China, were included. For treatment‐naïve patients, pretreatment and semiannual metabolic parameters were collected. For treatment‐experienced patients, metabolic parameters were collected at the first visit. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the effects of potential confounding factors. Among 122 treatment‐naïve patients and 1908 treatment‐experienced patients, ETV‐treated patients were older with a higher percentage of metabolic syndrome. After PSM, the characteristics were comparable between the two groups. For treatment‐naïve patients, four lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels showed a decreasing trend during the 42‐month TDF treatment, while they remained relatively stable or increased during ETV treatment. At Month 30, the levels of TC and LDL among TDF‐treated patients were significantly lower than those among ETV‐treated patients (TC: 4.7 mmol/L vs. 3.9 mmol/L, p = 0.004; LDL: 3.0 mmol/L vs. 2.4 mmol/L, p = 0.009). For treatment‐experienced patients, we also observed lower levels of lipid parameters in patients with different durations of TDF treatment. The levels of glucose and uric acid were similar among ETV‐ and TDF‐treated patients. TDF has a lipid‐lowering effect in CHB patients, which provides a basis for the selection of antiviral drugs for aging CHB patients.
Managing a portfolio of environmental projects: Focus, balance, and environmental management capabilities
Authors: Tong Xun , Linderman Kevin , Zhu Qinghua
Published: July 2022

This research examines the influence of a firm's portfolio of environmental projects on its ability to efficiently improve environmental outcomes. The data comes from Chinese automotive suppliers of a western manufacturer and consists of 154 environmental project portfolios that contain 614 environmental improvement projects as well as firm‐level data from Dun & Bradstreet. A data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to estimate the firms' efficiency in transforming resources into environmental outcomes. Then an econometric analysis evaluates the impact of the portfolio effect (i.e., environmental project portfolio composition) on the firm's efficiency in improving the environment. The empirical results show that when firms reduce the heterogeneity in the types of environmental projects in their portfolios (i.e., a more focused portfolio), they can more efficiently improve environmental outcomes. However, firms may want to introduce diversity in the types of environmental projects in their portfolio (i.e., reducing the focus).The analysis shows that more environmentally capable firms can increase the diversity of the projects in their portfolios without negatively impacting outcomes. In addition, firms can better manage diversity in their portfolios when they balance socially oriented projects with technically oriented projects. This study contributes to the theory of project portfolio roles in improving environmental outcomes and offers several novel insights for project portfolio managers working to improve environmental outcomes with limited resources.
Human‐to‐AI Interrater Agreement for Lung Ultrasound Scoring in COVID‐19 Patients
Authors: Fatima Noreen , Mento Federico , Zanforlin Alessandro , Smargiassi Andrea , Torri Elena , Perrone Tiziano , Demi Libertario
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Lung ultrasound (LUS) has sparked significant interest during COVID‐19. LUS is based on the detection and analysis of imaging patterns. Vertical artifacts and consolidations are some of the recognized patterns in COVID‐19. However, the interrater reliability (IRR) of these findings has not been yet thoroughly investigated. The goal of this study is to assess IRR in LUS COVID‐19 data and determine how many LUS videos and operators are required to obtain a reliable result.

Methods

A total of 1035 LUS videos from 59 COVID‐19 patients were included. Videos were randomly selected from a dataset of 1807 videos and scored by six human operators (HOs). The videos were also analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Fleiss' kappa coefficient results are presented, evaluated at both the video and prognostic levels.

Results

Findings show a stable agreement when evaluating a minimum of 500 videos. The statistical analysis illustrates that, at a video level, a Fleiss' kappa coefficient of 0.464 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.455–0.473) and 0.404 (95% CI = 0.396–0.412) is obtained for pairs of HOs and for AI versus HOs, respectively. At prognostic level, a Fleiss' kappa coefficient of 0.505 (95% CI = 0.448–0.562) and 0.506 (95% CI = 0.458–0.555) is obtained for pairs of HOs and for AI versus HOs, respectively.

Conclusions

To examine IRR and obtain a reliable evaluation, a minimum of 500 videos are recommended. Moreover, the employed AI algorithms achieve results that are comparable with HOs. This research further provides a methodology that can be useful to benchmark future LUS studies.
Characterizing Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Fold Dysfunction: Analysis with the Pediatric Health Information System Database
Authors: Shay Aryan D. , Zaniletti Isabella , Davis Kyle P. , Bolin Elijah , Richter Gresham T.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to characterize pediatric bilateral vocal fold dysfunction and to examine the overall inpatient mortality.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis. Data from the Pediatric Health Information System was gathered for all pediatric patients with a diagnosis of bilateral vocal fold dysfunction between January 2008 and September 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

2395 patients accounted for 4799 hospitalizations with bilateral vocal fold dysfunction. Inpatient mortality occurred in 2.9% of the study sample. Chiari 2 was found in 2.8% of patients. The most common associated diagnoses were related to comorbid respiratory conditions (61.1%). The median adjusted ratio of cost to charges was $76,569. Aspiration was noted in 28 patients (1.2%). Gastrostomy was performed in 607 patients (25.3%). Tracheostomy was performed in 27% of patients. The overall 90‐day readmission rate was 61%. On multivariate analysis, prognostic factors associated with increased hospital survival include gastrointestinal comorbidities (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–0.49) and tracheostomy (HR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.12–0.37).

Conclusion

This database study represents the largest cohort analysis to date characterizing bilateral vocal fold dysfunction. Favorable prognostic indicators of overall hospital survival include gastrointestinal comorbidities and the presence of tracheostomy. Tracheostomy is associated with an increase in hospital costs, comorbidities, gastrostomy tube placement, and Chiari diagnosis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1228–1233, 2023
Soil aggregate organic carbon and clover root characteristics as affected by earthworms (Metaphire guillelmi)
Authors: Ma Li , Shao Ming'an , Li Jing
Published: July 2022

Soil aggregate composition is an important factor that affects soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Earthworms can greatly affect soil aggregate composition. However, the effects of earthworms' activities on SOC content in soil aggregates and the stability of these compounds was not clear. To reveal the mechanism of earthworms impacts on soil carbon stock, different earthworms densities were set in soil columns planted with clovers (Trifolium repens L.). We then analyzed the relationship that earthworms had with soil physicochemical properties and clover plant growth. Earthworms increased the large (17.5%–35.6%) and medium aggregate content (0.6%–9.79%) and decreased the microaggregates content (19.8%–29%) of the surface soil. Soil aggregates in medium density treatment were more stable than those in others. Both the mean mass diameter and geometric mean diameter of soil aggregates increased with the densities of earthworms. The average SOC content in large‐, medium‐, and microaggregates were 5.5, 4.2, and 4.2 g kg−1 respectively in soils seeded with earthworms. There was a significant correlation between soil organic carbon content and macroaggregate organic carbon content (R2 = 0.623, p < 0.05). The root characteristic values (root length, surface area, diameter, and biomass) of earthworm‐treated clover‐planted soils were higher than those of control. Clover root indices were positively correlated with the soil organic carbon content and soil aggregates. Earthworms altered the soil aggregate content and enhanced soil organic carbon storage, and thus promoted the development of vegetation roots. This study provides scientific support for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of earthworms in soil carbon storage.
Clinical feasibility of a novel test setup for objective measurements using the VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE
Authors: Sprinzl Georg Mathias , Schörg Philipp , Edlinger Stefan , Ploder Marlene , Magele Astrid
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE is a widely used active middle ear implant to treat hearing loss. The floating mass transducer is surgically coupled to the ossicles, the round or oval window. A reliable method to monitor the coupling efficiency intraoperatively is highly desired. Research groups have developed several methods, but limitations remain. This study aims to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a new research setup for auditory brainstem response measurement to evaluate the coupling efficiency.

Method

In 14 subjects, the new tool was used to record VSB‐evoked ABR thresholds during surgery. The intra‐op ABR thresholds were compared to pre‐op bone conduction (BC) thresholds and post‐op vibrogram thresholds to evaluate the feasibility of the method as a tool to monitor coupling efficiency.

Results

The mean pre‐op BC threshold average at 1, 2, and 4 kHz (PTA3) was 47 dB HL, the mean intra‐op ABR threshold was 54 dB nHL, and the mean post‐op vibrogram PTA3 was 60 dB HLeq. ABR was measurable in all subjects using the new tool. Correlation between pre‐op BC thresholds and intra‐op ABR thresholds was statistically significant; however, one outlier was present.

Conclusion

Intra‐op hearing threshold detection through ABR and direct stimulation of the VSB implant was reliable using this new tool. Despite some individual variability, first results correlate well with pre‐op BC and post‐op vibrogram thresholds.
Effects of elevatedpCO2and temperature on the calcification rate, survival, extrapallial fluid chemistry, and respiration of the Atlantic Sea scallopPlacopecten magellanicus
Authors: Cameron Louise P. , Grabowski Jonathan H. , Ries Justin B.
Published: July 2022

Anthropogenic CO2‐emission is causing ocean warming and acidification. Understanding how basic physiological processes of marine organisms respond to these stressors is important for predicting their responses to future global change. We examined the effects of elevated pCO2and temperature (pCO2 = 344–2199 ppm; temperature = 6°C, 9°C, and 12°C) on the calcification rate, extrapallial fluid (EPF) carbonate chemistry, respiration, and survivorship of Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) in a fully crossed 143‐d experiment. Rates of calcification and respiration were inhibited by elevated pCO2, and mortality occurred when elevated pCO2was accompanied by high‐temperature stress. Declines in growth and survivorship were likely caused by external shell dissolution, thermal stress, and hypercapnic reduction of metabolism under elevated pCO2. Concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity in the EPF increased above seawater concentrations in response to elevated pCO2. EPF pH declined, but did not decline as much as seawater pH, indicating that scallops regulate EPF pH to support calcification. The combination of EPF pH regulation and DIC elevation yielded an increase in EPF [] under elevated pCO2treatments. The combination of low respiration rates, high EPF [], and low calcification rates under elevated pCO2suggests that the impaired calcification arises more from hypercapnic inhibition of metabolic activity and external shell dissolution than from chemically unfavorable conditions in the EPF. These results demonstrate the importance of EPF chemistry for bivalve biomineralization, but show that regulation efforts are insufficient to fully offset the deleterious effects of elevated pCO2on scallop performance.
A 3D Printed Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffold Composed of Alginate Dialdehyde‐Gelatine Reinforced by Lysozyme Loaded Cerium Doped Mesoporous Silica‐Calcia Nanoparticles
Authors: Monavari Mahshid , Medhekar Rucha , Nawaz Qaisar , Monavari Mehran , Fuentes‐Chandía Miguel , Homaeigohar Shahin , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: July 2022

A novel biomaterial comprising alginate dialdehyde‐gelatine (ADA‐GEL) hydrogel augmented by lysozyme loaded mesoporous cerium doped silica‐calcia nanoparticles (Lys‐Ce‐MSNs) is 3D printed to create bioactive scaffolds. Lys‐Ce‐MSNs raise the mechanical stiffness of the hydrogel composite scaffold and induce surface apatite mineralization, when the scaffold is immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). Moreover, the scaffolds can co‐deliver bone healing (Ca and Si) and antioxidant ions (Ce), and Lys to achieve antibacterial (and potentially anticancer) properties. The nanocomposite hydrogel scaffolds can hold and deliver Lys steadily. Based on the in vitro results, the hydrogel nanocomposite containing Lys assured improved pre‐osteoblast cell (MC3T3‐E1) proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation, thanks to the biocompatibility of ADA‐GEL, bioactivity of Ce‐MSNs, and the stabilizing effect of Lys on the scaffold structure. On the other hand, the proliferation level of MG63 osteosarcoma cells decreased, likely due to the effect of Lys. Last but not least, cooperatively, alongside gentamicin (GEN), Lys brought about a proper antibacterial efficiency to the hydrogel nanocomposite scaffold against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Taken together, ADA‐GEL/Lys‐Ce‐MSN nanocomposite holds great promise for 3D printing of multifunctional hydrogel bone tissue engineering (BTE) scaffolds, able to induce bone regeneration, address infection, and potentially inhibit tumor formation and growth.
Photocurable Methacrylated Silk Fibroin/Hyaluronic Acid Dual Macrocrosslinker System Generating Extracellular Matrix‐Inspired Tough and Stretchable Hydrogels
Authors: Yetiskin Berkant , Tavsanli Burak , Okay Oguz
Published: July 2022

Extracellular matrix (ECM) containing interconnected proteins and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is a vital component of a tissue. Its gel‐like physicochemical architecture is always a model for scientists studying in the fields of material science. Here, inspired from the ECM, soft hydrogels possessing an interconnected protein/GAG network are fabricated. This network comprises silk fibroin (SF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) as a protein and a GAG component, respectively. The interconnection of the SF and HA is performed by using both methacrylated SF (meth‐SF) and HA (meth‐HA), which behave as macrocroslinkers for a monomer forming a flexible polymer network between the meth‐SF and meth‐HA. Meth‐HA/meth‐SF hydrogels can be compressed and stretched up to 95% and 300%, respectively, with fracture stresses varying between kPa to MPa ranges. Furthermore, they have highly frequency‐dependent viscoelastic properties above a particular frequency, likewise seen in many cells and tissues. Mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels can be easily tuned by changing the methacrylation degree of the HA, and the concentration and the type of the monomer. It is believed that the meth‐HA/meth‐SF hydrogels prepared within the scope of this study will be good candidates for tissue engineering applications.