bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental trajectory of social reward motivation from early adolescence into adulthood in female and male Long‐Evans rats
Authors: Murray Shealin H. , Logan Ryanne J. , Sheehan Andrew C. , Paolone Arianna R. , McCormick Cheryl M.
Published: April 2024

Most studies of adolescent and adult behavior involved one age group of each, whereas the dynamic changes in brain development suggest that there may be behavioral flux in adolescence. In two studies, we investigated developmental changes in social reward motivation in female and male Long‐Evans rats from prepuberty to early adulthood in a social operant conditioning task. Given the earlier onset of puberty in females than in males, we predicted the course of social reward development would differ between the sexes. Overall, the pattern of results from both studies suggests that the trajectory of social motivation across adolescence is characterized by upward and downward shifts that do not depend on the sex of the rats. During training, in both studies, the mean number of social gate openings and percentage of social gate openings was higher at P30 (prepubertal, early adolescence) and P50 (late adolescence) than at P40 (mid adolescence) and P70 (adulthood) irrespective of sex. Nevertheless, the specific age comparisons that were significant depended on the study. In both studies, P30 rats had greater levels of social motivation than did adults in accessing a social reward when increased effort was required (progressive ratio tests). In an extinction test, only P30 and P50 rats continued to show more nose‐pokes at the previously social gate than at the nonsocial gate, suggesting resistance to extinction. The results highlight the importance of characterizing behavior at several timepoints in adolescence to understand the neural mechanisms, many of which show similar discontinuities as they develop across adolescence.
‘It always seems impossible, until it is done’: Perspectives on reconciliation and its underlying processes in post‐conflict societies
Authors: Karić Tijana , Van Assche Jasper , Swart Hermann
Published: April 2024

This Special Issue editorial explores perspectives on intergroup reconciliation and its underlying processes in post‐conflict societies, emphasizing the importance of four key themes: 1) victimhood, 2) acknowledgment, 3) forgiveness, and 4) intergroup contact. After presenting the state of the art in reconciliation research, we present the individual contributions in this Special Issue, and we link them to the four key themes. We end this editorial by setting out an agenda for future research, underscoring the timeliness and relevance of reconciliation efforts in today's world. By offering insights into evidence‐based interventions and practical strategies for promoting positive intergroup relations, this Special Issue hopes to contribute to the broader discourse on peacebuilding and social cohesion in post‐conflict societies.
Geochemical and palynological records of the Early‐Middle Jurassic in the Turpan‐Hami Basin, NW China: Implications for paleoenvironment and paleoclimate change
Authors: Du Zhiwei , Wu Hao , Ban Shuyue , Cao Huairen , Hao Aisheng , Ma Jinlong , Wei Guoliang
Published: April 2024

The Early‐Middle Jurassic is one of the crucial coal‐forming geologic periods in the world and an important target for hydrocarbon exploration in the Turpan‐Hami Basin, China. The paleoenvironment and vegetation reconstruction of the Early‐Middle Jurassic have been investigated using elemental geochemistry and palynological analysis to reveal paleoclimate evolution. A total of 48 genera of pteridophyte spore and 35 genera of gymnosperm pollen were identified, and 5 palynological assemblages were longitudinally divided, which showed significant differences in geochemical behaviours. The paleoenvironment was a transition from suboxidation to anoxia and then to an oxidation environment under freshwater conditions. The paleowater in the northern Taibei Sag was deeper than that in the southern part during the Middle Jurassic, which coincided with the sedimentary background of the sublacustrine fan in the north and the shallow braided river delta in the south. The paleovegetation evolved from mixed lowland–upland forest in the Hettangian‐Toarcian, to lowland fern forest in the Aalenian‐Bajocian, to upland conifers forest in the early Bathonian, to upland Cheirolepidiaceae forest in the late Bathonian‐Callovian. The Toarcian and Bathonian‐Callovian arid climate and the Hettangian‐Pliensbachian and Aalenian‐Bajocian warm‐humid climate were responses to the continued global warming events and the intensification of the East Asian monsoon circulation, respectively. The influence of the Bathonian‐Callovian aridification event on the sedimentary response in the southern Taibei Sag will be delayed due to the gradual southward migration of the depositional centre.
Adolescent responses to paternal verbal aggression: Assessing spillover and compensatory processes using random intercept cross‐lagged panel models
Authors: Bailey Natasha A. , Costello Meghan A. , Stern Jessica A. , Davis Alida A. , Allen Joseph P.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Prior research suggests several pathways through which verbal aggression manifests across adolescent relationship contexts, including spillover (continuity of aggression across different relationships) and compensation (offsetting an aggressive relationship with less aggression in other relationships). These pathways vary across timescales in ways that between‐person analytic approaches are unlikely to adequately capture. The current study used random intercept cross‐lagged panel modeling (RI‐CLPM) to examine adolescents' spillover and compensatory responses to paternal verbal aggression.

Methods

Participants were 184 adolescents (53.2% female) from a United States community sample participating in a longitudinal study. Annually from ages 13–17, participants reported on their experiences of verbal aggression in their paternal and maternal relationships and participated in observed interactions with a close peer that were coded for aggressive behavior.

Results

Spillover was observed from father‐adolescent to mother‐adolescent and adolescent‐peer contexts in analyses at the between‐person level, likely capturing long‐term, cumulative effects of paternal aggression. Conversely, compensation was observed in analyses at the within‐person level, likely capturing medium‐term (i.e., year‐to‐year) adaptations to paternal aggression: Adolescents who experienced more aggression from their father than expected at a specific time point were less likely to both perpetrate and experience aggression in maternal and peer relationships the following year. Several findings differed across teen gender, with compensation more likely to occur in males than females.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the multiple pathways by which father‐adolescent aggression may be linked to behavior in other relationships in the medium‐ and long‐term. They also support the value of RI‐CLPM in decomposing these effects.
Protein‐enriched soup and weekly exercise improve muscle health: A randomized trial in mid‐to‐old age with inadequate protein intake
Authors: Peng Li‐Ning , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Tseng Sung‐Hua , Yen Ko‐Han , Lee Huei‐Fang , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan , Chen Liang‐Kung
Published: April 2024

Background

Prior research has highlighted the synergistic impact of protein supplementation on muscle function post‐exercise in adults; however, evidence supporting the combined effects were less robust and inconsistent on those with protein insufficiency. This investigation aims to explore efficacy of protein‐enriched soup coupled with exercise on muscle health and metabolism in middle‐aged and older adults with suboptimal protein intake.

Methods

An open‐label, 12‐week, randomized controlled trial involving participants with insufficient protein intake (<1.0 g/kg/day) was done. The intervention group consumed protein‐enriched soup (24–30 g protein daily) and 1‐h weekly exercise, while controls received health education. Assessments included laboratory tests, functional assessments, and body composition.

Results

In this trial, 97 out of 100 randomized participants (mean age: 64.65 ± 4.84 years, 81.8% female) completed the study (47 in intervention group and 50 in control group). Compared results of baselines, at 1 and 3 months of intervention, significant improvements in waist circumference (83.48 ± 10.22 vs. 82.5 ± 9.88 vs. 82.37 ± 9.42 cm, P for trend = 0.046), 6‐min walking distance (525.65 ± 58.46 vs. 534.47 ± 51.87 vs. 552.02 ± 57.66 m, P for trend = 0.001), five‐time sit‐to‐stand time (7.63 ± 1.63 vs. 6.81 ± 1.8 vs. 6.4 ± 1.42 s, P for trend <0.001), grip strength (26.74 ± 6.54 vs. 27.53 ± 6.99 vs. 28.52 ± 7.09 kg, P for trend <0.001), and MNA score (26.8 ± 2.14 vs. 27.73 ± 1.74 vs. 27.55 ± 1.72, P for trend <0.001) were discerned within the intervention group. The intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in serum triglyceride (105.32 ± 49.84 vs. 101.36 ± 42.58 vs. 93.43 ± 41.49 mg/dL, P for trend = 0.023), increased HDL‐C (60.04 ± 16.21 vs. 60 ± 17.37 vs. 62.55 ± 18.27 mg/dL, P for trend = 0.02), and DHEA‐S levels (97.11 ± 54.39 vs. 103.39 ± 56.75 vs. 106.83 ± 60.56 μg/dL, P for trend = 0.002). Serum myostatin did not differ in both groups, but serum leptin levels significantly increased (9118.88 ± 5811.68 vs. 11508.97 ± 7151.08 vs. 11220.80 ± 7190.71 pg/mL, P for trend = 0.016) in controls. The intervention group showed greater improvements in 6 min walking distance (β = 0.71, 95% CI: 6.88 to 40.79, P = 0.006), five‐time sit‐to‐stand test (β = −0.87, 95% CI: −1.59 to −0.15, P = 0.017), MNA score (β = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.20 to 1.71, P = 0.013), serum triglycerides (β = −15.01, 95% CI: −27.83 to −2.20, P = 0.022), LDL‐C (β = −9.23, 95% CI: −16.98 to −1.47, P = 0.020), and DHEA‐S levels (β = 9.98, 95% CI: 0.45 to 19.51, P = 0.04) than controls.

Conclusions

Protein‐enriched soup with weekly exercise over 12 weeks significantly improved physical performance, lipid profile, and DHEA‐S levels among middle‐aged and older adults with inadequate protein intake, while studies assessing long‐term benefits of the intervention are needed.
An Improved HPLC Separation Method for TSPO Radioligand [11C]ER176 Clinical Production
Authors: Li Kang‐Po , Cai Hancheng
Published: April 2024

Mitochondrial membrane translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) expression is increased in activated microglia, established as a plausible target of neuroinflammation imaging. [11C]ER176, specifically binding to TSPO, has been developed as the third generation of radioligand for PET imaging of TSPO, which showed the potential in better quantifying neuroinflammation than its predecessors. In the current study, we developed an automated radiosynthesis with an improved HPLC purification method for [11C]ER176 clinical production. The improved HPLC separation was integrated into the automated production of [11C]ER176 using a reverse phase semi‐preparative HPLC column with an isocratic pump and the mixture of methanol and 50 mM ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. The fraction corresponding to [11C]ER176 was collected around 8.5–9.0 min without the risk of getting contaminations from nearby impurities. The automated production process took about 30 min after end of bombardment (EOB) and the quality of the final product [11C]ER176 met all specifications for clinical use based on current US Pharmacopeia and FDA CGMP requirements.
Racial disparities in disease‐specific mortality and surgical management of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion
Authors: Chen J. C. , Handley Demond , Elsaid Mohamed I. , Fisher James L. , Owusu‐Brackett Nicci , Azap Lovette , Bhattacharyya Oindrila , Pawlik Timothy M. , Carson William E. , Obeng‐Gyasi Samilia
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

Given persistent racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, this study explores racial differences in disease‐specific mortality and surgical management among patients with microinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS‐MI).

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program was queried for patients aged 18+ years with DCIS‐MI between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. The study cohort was divided into non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) and non‐Hispanic White (NHW) patients. Disease‐specific mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 3400 patients were identified, of which 569 (16.7%) were NHB and 2831 (83.3%) were NHW. Compared with NHW patients, NHB patients had more positive lymph nodes (7.6% vs. 3.9% p < 0.001). In addition, NHB women were more likely to undergo axillary lymph node dissection (6.0% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.044) and receive chemotherapy (11.8% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.001). There were no racial differences in breast surgery type (p = 0.168), reconstructive surgery (p = 0.362), or radiation therapy (p = 0.342). Overall, NHB patients had worse disease‐specific mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–4.14) with mortality risks diverging from NHW women after 3 years (6 years rate ratio [RR] 2.12, 95% CI: 1.13–4.34; 9 years RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.24–4.35).

Conclusions

NHB women with DCIS‐MI present with higher nodal disease burden and experience worse disease‐specific mortality than NHW women.
Tendon cross‐sectional area on magnetic resonance imaging and anthropometric characteristics can be used to predict insufficient four‐strand hamstring autograft diameter in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review
Authors: Vivekanantha Prushoth , Grzela Patrick , Wong Stephanie , Mansour Fadi , Khalik Hassaan Abdel , Johnson Jansen , Hantouly Ashraf , de SA Darren
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of semitendinosus tendon (ST) and gracilis tendon (GT) cross‐sectional area (CSA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anthropometric characteristics in preoperative estimation of graft diameter in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with four‐strand hamstring autografts.

Methods

Three databases were searched on 29 August 2023. The authors adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) and R‐AMSTAR (Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Review) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, anthropometric characteristics, imaging techniques, tendon CSA, correlation coefficients, sensitivities, specificities, regression models and cutoffs for predicting intraoperative graft diameters above 8 mm were recorded.

Results

Forty‐six studies comprising 4140 patients were included. Twelve of 19 (63.2%) studies reporting on ST + GT CSA found a moderate to very high correlation with intraoperative graft diameter. Five of 10 (50%) and one of seven (14.3%) studies reporting on ST CSA and GT CSA, respectively, found a moderate to high correlation with intraoperative graft diameter. Cutoffs of ST + GT CSA for predicting graft diameters above 8 mm ranged from 15.8 to 31.2 mm2. Nine of 35 (25.7%) studies that reported on height found a moderate to very high correlation with graft diameter. Seven of 33 (21.2%) studies reporting on weight found a moderate correlation with graft diameter.

Conclusion

Of the MRI parameters assessed, ST + GT CSA was the most reliable predictor of graft diameter. However, cutoffs, sensitivities, and specificities for predicting diameters above 8 mm were highly variable. Anthropometric characteristics in general were less predictive of graft diameter than MRI parameters. This information can be used by clinicians to predict patients at risk for ACLR failure due to insufficient graft size.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Better clinical outcomes and return to sport rates with additional medial meniscus root tear repair in high tibial osteotomy for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Guo Hailong , Li Qingyu , Zhang Zirui , Feng Ao , Qin Shiqi , Liu Lei , Sun Ran , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to investigate whether the repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) is effective for improving clinical outcomes and return to sports rates in young patients (50 years old or younger) with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and MMPRTs.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2019, 153 patients with KOA and MMPRTs who underwent open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) were retrospectively included. The patients were divided into OWHTO combined with MMPRT repair (n = 73) and isolated OWHTO (n = 80) groups. Lysholm scores, Hospital for Special Surgery (HHS) scores, Tegner scores, flexion contracture, range of knee flexion, return to sports rates and postoperative complications were compared. Radiological outcomes, including hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA) and Kellgren–Lawrence (K‐L) grade, were compared between the two groups.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 30.1 ± 3.0 months, the OWHTO + Repair group observed better clinical outcomes compared with the OWHTO group (Lysholm score: 86.7 ± 7.4 vs. 81.6 ± 6.9, p = 0.023. HHS score: 85.4 ± 8.20 vs. 80.5 ± 7.1, p = 0.039). The OWHTO + Repair group had higher Tegner scores and return to sports rates than the OWHTO group (Tegner score: 6 vs. 5, p = 0.020; return to sports rates: 38% vs. 15%, p = 0.001). No fracture or major complications occurred. Radiological outcomes showed no significant differences between the two groups (HKA: 181.1 ± 2.7 vs. 180.1 ± 1.5 n.s; MPTA: 90.1 ± 1.8 vs. 89.2 ± 1.4, n.s; JLCA:1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7, n.s).

Conclusions

Additional MMPRT repair during OWHTO was associated with better clinical outcomes and higher rates of return to sports in young patients with medial compartment KOA and MMPRTs.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Static spacers play a crucial role in the treatment of complex periprosthetic joint infections of the knee
Authors: Lunz Andre , Omlor Georg W. , Voss Moritz N. , Geisbüsch Andreas , Renkawitz Tobias , Lehner Burkhard
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To determine the superior spacer design, a growing number of studies are comparing treatment results between patients having been treated with articulating and static knee spacers in the setting of two‐stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). In contrast, the primary objective of this study was to compare preoperative characteristics between patients from both spacer groups and examine whether significant differences were present prior to spacer implantation.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐centre, cohort study examined the preoperative situation of 80 consecutive knee PJIs between 2017 and 2020. All patients underwent two‐stage revision, with 35 (44%) receiving an articulating and 45 (56%) a static spacer.

Results

No significant differences were observed in terms of patient gender (p = 0.083), age (p = 0.666), comorbidity (p = 0.1) and preoperative clinical function (p = 0.246). Static spacers were significantly more often used in the presence of a periarticular fistula (p = 0.033), infection of a revision implant (p < 0.001), higher degree of bone loss (p < 0.001) and infection caused by a difficult‐to‐treat pathogen (p = 0.038). Complication and revision rates were similar for both spacer types during the interim period, while patients with articulating spacers demonstrated a superior clinical function (p < 0.001) during the interim period and after reimplantation.

Conclusion

Static spacers are being utilised in significantly more complex and unfavourable preoperative scenarios. Therefore, a preoperative selection bias may be at least partially accountable for any disparities observed in postoperative outcomes. To achieve the best possible results, surgeons should know and respect the distinct indications of static and articulating spacers and consequently understand and use them as complementary surgical options.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Return to badminton play following an ACL injury is common, but only a few return to previous performance
Authors: Kaldau Niels Christian , Andersen Frederik Flensted , Barfod Kristoffer Weisskirchner , Hersnaes Peter Nyby , Hölmich Per
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To report how many badminton players return to badminton after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and to which level.

Methods

Patients in Denmark from 2000 to 2018, registered in the Danish National Patient Register with a diagnosis of ACL rupture and badminton as a primary sport were asked about a return to sport (RTS) and return to performance (RTP) after ACL injury. RTP was defined as the return to full participation in the same sport, same level and same preinjury performance. To investigate the likelihood of RTS and return to preinjury level, a binominal logistic regression was used.

Results

Badminton was the primary sport for 900 participants. Only 435 players were injured during badminton, and 626 participants intended to RTP. RTS was achieved by 396 (63%) and 117 (19%) returned to the same performance as their preinjury level. However, 273 (44%) returned to full participation at the same level as the preinjury level but did not perform as well. Males had a significantly higher RTS than females, and RTP was also higher among males [221 (68%) vs. 175 (58%), odds ratio, OR: 1.67, p = 0.003 and 74 (23%) vs. 43 (14%), OR: 1.58, p = 0.05].

Conclusion

Return to badminton was achieved by 396 (63%), but only 117 (19%) returned to the same performance as their preinjury level after ACL injury. Females are less successful in RTS and RTP. Future research on improving RTS and the RTP rates in badminton, in general, and specifically for females is needed.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Unicondylar knee arthroplasty demonstrating a significant increased risk for aseptic revisions compared to unconstrained and constrained total knee arthroplasty: An analysis of aseptic revisions after unicondylar and primary total knee arthroplasty of the German Arthroplasty Registry
Authors: Straub Josina , Szymski Dominik , Walter Nike , Wu Yinan , Melsheimer Oliver , Grimberg Alexander , Alt Volker , Steinbrueck Arnd , Rupp Markus
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Due to ageing population, the implantation rate of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) is continuously growing. Aseptic revisions in primary knee arthroplasty are a major cause of revision. The aim of the following study was to determinate the incidence and reasons of aseptic revisions in constrained and unconstrained TKA, as well as in unicondylar knee arthroplasties (UKAs).

Methods

Data collection was performed using the German Arthroplasty Registry. Reasons for aseptic revisions were calculated. Incidence and comparison of aseptic revisions were analysed using Kaplan–Meier estimates. A multiple χ2 test with Holm's method was used to detect group differences in ligament ruptures.

Results

Overall, 300,998 cases of knee arthroplasty with 254,144 (84.4%) unconstrained TKA, 9993 (3.3%) constrained TKA and 36,861 (12.3%) UKA were analysed. Aseptic revision rate in UKA was significantly increased compared to unconstrained and constrained TKA (p < 0.0001). In constrained TKA, a 2.0% revision rate for aseptic reasons were reported after 1 year, while in unconstrained TKA 1.1% and in UKA, 2.7% of revisions were identified. After 7 years in constrained TKA 3.3%, in unconstrained TKA 2.8%, and in UKA 7.8% sustained aseptic revision. Ligament instability was the leading cause of aseptic revision accounting for 13.7% in unconstrained TKA. In constrained TKA, 2.8% resulted in a revision due to ligament instability. In the UKA, the most frequent cause of revisions was tibial loosening, accounting for 14.6% of cases, while progression of osteoarthritis accounted for 7.9% of revisions. Ligament instability was observed in 14.1% of males compared to 15.9% of females in unconstrained TKA and in 4.6% in both genders in UKA.

Conclusion

In patients with UKA, aseptic revision rates are significantly higher compared to unconstrained and constrained TKA. Ligament instability was the leading cause of aseptic revision in unconstrained TKA. In UKA, the most frequent cause of revisions was tibial loosening, while progression of osteoarthritis was the second most frequent cause of revisions. Comparable levels of ligament instability were observed in both sexes.

Level of Evidence

Level III, cohort study.
Elucidating carbon sources of hydrothermal vent animals using natural 14C abundances and habitat water temperature
Authors: Nomaki Hidetaka , Chen Chong , Ogawa Nanako O. , Miyairi Yosuke , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Makabe Akiko , Kawagucci Shinsuke , Yokoyama Yusuke , Shimanaga Motohiro
Published: April 2024

Deep‐sea hydrothermal vents host exceptional ecosystems with lush animal communities primarily relying on organic matter (OM) produced by chemoautotrophic microbes. Though energy sources and food webs at vents have been extensively studied, the exact carbon sources of chemosynthetic primary production, such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the vent fluid or bottom water, have not been elucidated quantitatively across spatial scales. Here, we investigate carbon and nitrogen sources of 12 vent animal species at the Iheya North field, Okinawa Trough inhabiting different distances from the central venting area and with various feeding ecologies using natural‐abundance radiocarbon (Δ14C) in combination with conventional stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N). Our results show that generally, animals living closer to vent orifices were more depleted in 14C, indicating they assimilate more carbon from vent fluid CO2. Those relying on methanotrophs, however, exhibited low Δ14C values regardless of distance due to the lack of methane in the non‐vent‐influenced bottom water. Organisms with low Δ14C values also tend to exhibit low δ15N values, implying NH4+ assimilation into biomass in environments with high NH4+ concentrations. Our results demonstrate that 14C can clearly distinguish between chemoautotrophically fixed carbon originating from the vent fluid and detrital OM derived from surface primary production, and also discriminate between CO2‐ and CH4‐based chemoautotrophy. Although vent animals rely on vent fluid energetically, our results highlight that the dependency on vent fluids as carbon source varies greatly depending on habitat, as well as carbon fixation pathways of microbial primary producers.
Field encouraged to think big, do the impossible and transform MH, SUD care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2024

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council) hosted its annual conference, NATCON 24, with nearly 6,000 mental health and addiction treatment providers, CEOs, clinicians, advocates, health care professionals and others in what is considered the largest mental health and substance use conference in the country, on April 15‐17 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Black women discuss successes, strategies for C‐suite positions
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2024

The importance of mentorship, work–life balance and a support system are just a few of the components needed to obtain and maintain C‐suite positions, said a panelist of Black women leaders during a workshop presented during NATCON 24, the annual conference held by the National Council for Mental Well‐being, last week.
Analysis of wave propagation in multi‐physical environments for double‐layer auxetic FGP sandwich plates resting on Kerr elastic foundation
Authors: Hong Nguyen Thi
Published: April 2024

This is the first time the characteristics of wave propagation of infinite double‐layer auxetic functionally graded porous (FGP) sandwich plates connecting with shear connectors in a hygro‐thermal environment are explored. Each layer component consists of an auxetic FG sandwich material, which contains a core layer made of auxetic honeycomb, while the upper and bottom ones are made of FGP materials. The whole structure is placed on a three‐parameter Kerr elastic medium. Hamilton's principle is used to develop fundamental equations of motion. Then, a Navier closed‐form solution is employed to tackle propagating wave equations. By comparing the current findings with those found in the literature, the precision and validity of the suggested approach are proven. In addition, comprehensive parametric research is conducted to demonstrate the impact of the material‐graded value and shear connection on the propagation in the structure. In a hygro‐thermal condition, the outcomes of this study give early insights into wave propagation in double‐layer auxetic sandwich plates with shear connectors.
The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Bile Acid Metabolism: Insights from Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation
Authors: Jin Mengcheng , Zou Tangbin , Huang Hairong , Chen Ming , Zou Haoqi , Chen Baoyan , Lai Chengze , Li Huawen , Zhang Peiwen
Published: April 2024

Scope

Bile acids play a crucial role in lipid absorption and the regulation of lipid, glucose, and energy homeostasis. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a lipophilic antioxidant, has been recognized for its positive effects on obesity and related glycolipid metabolic disorders. However, the relationship between CoQ10 and bile acids has not yet been evaluated.

Methods and results

This study assesses the impact of CoQ10 treatment on bile acid metabolism in mice on a high‐fat diet using Ultra‐Performance Liquid Chromatography‐tandem Mass Spectrometry. CoQ10 reverses the reduction in serum and colonic total bile acid levels and alters the bile acid profile in mice that are caused by a high‐fat diet. Seventeen potential targets of CoQ10 in bile acid metabolism are identified by network pharmacology, with six being central to the mechanism. Molecular docking shows a high binding affinity of CoQ10 to five of these key targets. Further analyses indicate that farnesoid X (FXR) receptor and Takeda G‐protein coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) may be crucial targets for CoQ10 to regulate bile acid metabolism and exert beneficial effects.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the impact of CoQ10 in bile acids metabolism and offers a new perspective on the application of CoQ10 in metabolic health.
A feeling of not being alone – Patients' with COPD experiences of a group‐based self‐management education with a digital website: A qualitative study
Authors: Berglund Mia , Andersson Susanne , Kjellsdotter Anna
Published: April 2024

Aim

To describe patients' with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiences of group‐based self‐management education with a digital website.

Design

A qualitative approach with a phenomenologicalmethod. Patients participating in an earlier study, with self‐experience of COPD as a special competence, were involved as research partners at the design of this study.

Methods

Eleven individual and two group interviews with five participants in each group were conducted.

Results

Group‐based self‐management education with a digital website supports learning. Sharing experiences with others in similar situations creates security and reduces the feeling of being alone. Based on questions and discussion in the group, and through self‐reflection, general information is transformed into useful knowledge and understanding of one's own situation. COPD information on the website provides an opportunity to gain knowledge continuously based on needs that contributes to learning. This research has demonstrated that adapting learning activities to individual learning styles increases sustainability of learning. Sharing experiences reduces feelings of loneliness. It is therefore important to create spaces for sharing experiences and in‐depth reflection that support learning over time.
Mathematical results for the ‘Master Fund Strategy’ for legacy donations under the assumption of annual compounding
Authors: Jegers Marc
Published: April 2024

In recent issues of this journal, Solow, Symes and Webb (2023, 2024) present a new way to structure legacies by creating an intermediate fund which they call a Master Fund. They prove some interesting properties of this approach, comparing it with the traditional approach whereby the whole bequest is transferred to a Charity Fund. Their main mathematical results are obtained under continuous compounding, and numerical results are derived under (a more realistic) annual compounding assumption. In this note, additional practical results are obtained mathematically under the assumption of annual compounding. Specifically, it is shown that using a Master Fund always results in a time after which the annual amount of money a beneficiary organisation receives is greater than that without using the Master Fund. While the foregoing statement might not be true for the net present value, conditions on the annual investment, disbursement and discount rates under which this is the case are also provided.
Application of Time‐Driven Activity‐Based Costing for Head and Neck Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Yalamanchi Pratyusha , Marentette Lawrence J. , Fendrick A. Mark , Chinn Steven B. , Prince Mark E.P. , Rosko Andrew J. , Shuman Andrew G. , Spector Matthew E. , Stucken Chaz L. , Malloy Kelly M. , Casper Keith A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Traditional hospital accounting fails to provide an accurate cost of complex surgical care. Here we describe the application of time‐driven activity‐based costing (TDABC) to characterize costs of head and neck oncologic procedures involving free tissue transfer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

An analysis of head and neck oncologic procedures involving microvascular free flap reconstruction from 2018 to 2020 (n = 485) was performed using TDABC methodology to measure cost across operative case and postoperative admission, using quantity of time and cost per unit of each resource to characterize resource utilization. Univariate and generalized linear mixed models were used to examine associations between patient and hospital characteristics and cost of care delivery.

Results

The total cost of care delivery was $41,905.77 ± 21,870.27 with operating room (OR) supplies accounting for only 10% of the total cost. Multivariable analyses identified significant cost drivers including operative time, postoperative length of stay, number of return trips to the OR, postoperative complication, number of free flaps performed, and patient transfer from another hospital or via emergency department admission (P < .05).

Conclusion

Operative time and postoperative length of stay, but not operative supplies, were primary drivers of cost of care for head and neck oncology cases involving free tissue transfer. TDABC offers granular cost characterization to inform cost optimization through unused capacity identification and postoperative admission efficiencies.
Troubleshooting Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy Using Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy
Authors: Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Plawecki Andrea , Kaki Praneet , Boon Maurits , Huntley Colin
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study assesses the utility of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in guiding further treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have difficulty tolerating upper airway stimulation (UAS) or have inadequate response to therapy.

Study Design

We conducted a retrospective analysis of UAS patients at our institution who underwent DISE, post‐UAS, and evaluated the efficacy of different electrode configurations and maneuvers.

Setting

A tertiary care hospital.

Methods

Out of 379 patients who received UAS therapy, 34 patients who underwent DISE post‐UAS (DISE‐UAS) were included. Palatal coupling (PC) was assessed with UAS stimulation alone, jaw thrust alone, and both simultaneously during DISE.

Results

Among 34 patients, 5 had suboptimal adherence to UAS therapy, 19 had suboptimal therapy efficacy with residual OSA burden, and 10 had both. During DISE‐UAS, PC was observed in 7 patients (21%) with UAS stimulation alone, 9 patients (26%) with jaw thrust alone, and 8 patients (24%) with both maneuvers combined. Notably, 10 patients (29%) did not exhibit PC with any maneuver. Based on DISE‐UAS findings, 13 patients were recommended oral appliance therapy (OAT), and 8 patients underwent further surgical interventions.

Conclusion

DISE‐UAS is a valuable adjunct in troubleshooting UAS therapy for patients intolerant to CPAP or with suboptimal therapy efficacy. This study provides an algorithm for targeted multimodality therapy based on DISE findings, facilitating personalized management approaches.
Numerical simulation of the blade coating processes using viscoelastic fluid with heat transfer analysis
Authors: Javed Muhammad Asif , Ghaffari Abuzar , Sowayan Ahmed S. , Atif H. M. , Khan Sami Ullah
Published: April 2024

The blade coating is an essential industrial technique that involves applying a protective liquid layer to a moving surface with a smoothing blade. In this article we demonstrated the non‐isothermal analysis of blade coating using viscoelastic fluid model numerically. The flow equations are made simplify using lubrication approximation theory (LAT). The resulting dimensionless flow and energy equations are simulated using a robust fourth‐order Runge–Kutta and Newton–Raphson methods to calculate the coating thickness (), stream function, velocity pressure, temperature profile, pressure gradient and blade load. The impact of the slip and involved parameters on these quantities are deliberated through various graphs and tables. The temperature distribution increases as the Brinkman number rises, with the maximum temperature occurring in the nip region of the flow. The mechanical quantities such as coating thickness increases while the blade load decreases with increasing the values of the slip parameter as compared with Newtonian model for both plane and exponential coater.

Highlights

The temperature distribution increases as the Brinkman number increases.

The coating thickness increases as the slip parameter value increases, while the blade load decreases.

The pressure profile shows an increasing trend with increasing the values of the blade height ratio (K).

The pressure profile increases with increasing the values of α1 while its shows decreasing trend with increases the value of the α2.
Early academic and behavior skills as predictors of later mathematics achievement
Authors: Allen Abigail A. , Smith R. Alex , Burns Matthew K. , Lembke Erica S.
Published: April 2024

Early academic skills and behavioral characteristics in students are predictive of later school achievement, but academics and behavior are commonly compartmentalized in research and practice. This study investigated to what extent first‐grade early numeracy (EN), literacy, and behavior ratings predicted fourth‐grade mathematics achievement. In fall of first‐grade, 501 students were given EN and literacy measures and a behavior rating scale completed by their teachers. In spring of fourth‐grade, students were given mathematics computation and concepts assessments. Regression analyses indicated EN, early literacy, and behavior uniquely predicted 39% of the variance in participants’ fourth‐grade mathematics achievement. Significant predictors were EN and behavior ratings (p < .001), which accounted for 29% and 9% of the variance in mathematics scores, respectively.
Pectin methylesterification state and cell wall mechanical properties contribute to neighbor proximity‐induced hypocotyl growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sénéchal Fabien , Robinson Sarah , Van Schaik Evert , Trévisan Martine , Saxena Prashant , Reinhardt Didier , Fankhauser Christian
Published: April 2024

Plants growing with neighbors compete for light and consequently increase the growth of their vegetative organs to enhance access to sunlight. This response, called shade avoidance syndrome (SAS), involves photoreceptors such as phytochromes as well as phytochrome interacting factors (PIFs), which regulate the expression of growth‐mediating genes. Numerous cell wall‐related genes belong to the putative targets of PIFs, and the importance of cell wall modifications for enabling growth was extensively shown in developmental models such as dark‐grown hypocotyl. However, the contribution of the cell wall in the growth of de‐etiolated seedlings regulated by shade cues remains poorly established. Through analyses of mechanical and biochemical properties of the cell wall coupled with transcriptomic analysis of cell wall‐related genes from previously published data, we provide evidence suggesting that cell wall modifications are important for neighbor proximity‐induced elongation. Further analysis using loss‐of‐function mutants impaired in the synthesis and remodeling of the main cell wall polymers corroborated this. We focused on the cgr2cgr3 double mutant that is defective in methylesterification of homogalacturonan (HG)‐type pectins. By following hypocotyl growth kinetically and spatially and analyzing the mechanical and biochemical properties of cell walls, we found that methylesterification of HG‐type pectins was required to enable global cell wall modifications underlying neighbor proximity‐induced hypocotyl growth. Collectively, our work suggests that plant competition for light induces changes in the expression of numerous cell wall genes to enable modifications in biochemical and mechanical properties of cell walls that contribute to neighbor proximity‐induced growth.
Association of PARP inhibitor treatment on the prevalence and progression of clonal hematopoiesis in patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Marshall Catherine H. , Gondek Lukasz P. , Daniels Violet , Lu Changxue , Pasca Sergiu , Xie Jiajun , Markowski Mark C. , Paller Channing J. , Sena Laura A. , Denmeade Samuel R. , Luo Jun , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are approved for the treatment of some men with advanced prostate cancer. Rare but serious side effects include myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The impact of PARP inhibitors on clonal hematopoiesis (CH), a potential precursor lesion associated with MDS and AML, is incompletely understood in prostate cancer. We hypothesized that PARP inhibitors would increase CH prevalence and abundance.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled participants with advanced prostate cancer treated with PARP inhibitors. The presence of CH was assessed from leukocytes using an ultra‐deep error‐corrected dual unique molecular identifiers sequencing method targeting 49 genes most commonly mutated in CH and myeloid malignancies. Variant allele frequencies (VAF) of ≥0.5% were considered clinically significant. Blood samples were collected before and after PARP inhibitor treatment.

Results

Ten men were enrolled; mean age of 67 years. Six patients had Gleason 7 disease, and four had Gleason ≥8 disease at diagnosis. Nine had localized disease at diagnosis, and eight had prior treatment with radiation. The mean time between pre‐ and post‐treatment blood samples was 11 months (range 2.6–31 months). Six patients (60%) had CH identified prior to PARP inhibitor treatment, three with multiple clones. Of 11 CH clones identified in follow‐up, 5 (45%) appeared or increased after treatment. DNMT3A, TET2, and PPM1D were the most common CH alterations observed. The largest post‐treatment increase involved the PPM1D gene.

Conclusion

CH alterations are frequently found after treatment with PARP inhibitors in patients with prostate cancer and this may be one mechanism by which PARP inhibitors lead to increased risk of MDS/AML.
Structural basis for the recognition of α‐1,6‐branched α‐glucan by GH13_47 α‐amylase from Rhodothermus marinus
Authors: Miyasaka Yuki , Yokoyama Kohei , Kozono Takuma , Kitano Yoshikazu , Miyazaki Takatsugu , Sakaguchi Masayoshi , Nishikawa Atsushi , Tonozuka Takashi
Published: April 2024

Glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 13 is among the main families of enzymes acting on starch; recently, subfamily 47 of GH13 (GH13_47) has been established. The crystal structure and function of a GH13_47 enzyme from Bacteroides ovatus has only been reported to date. This enzyme has α‐amylase activity, while the GH13_47 enzymes comprise approximately 800–900 amino acid residues which are almost double those of typical α‐amylases. It is important to know how different the GH13_47 enzymes are from other α‐amylases. Rhodothermus marinus JCM9785, a thermophilic bacterium, possesses a gene for the GH13_47 enzyme, which is designated here as RmGH13_47A. Its structure has been predicted to be composed of seven domains: N1, N2, N3, A, B, C, and D. We constructed a plasmid encoding Gly266‐Glu886, which contains the N3, A, B, and C domains and expressed the protein in Escherichia coli. The enzyme hydrolyzed starch and pullulan by a neopullulanase‐type action. Additionally, the enzyme acted on maltotetraose, and saccharides with α‐1,6‐glucosidic linkages were observed in the products. Following the replacement of the catalytic residue Asp563 with Ala, the crystal structure of the variant D563A in complex with the enzymatic products from maltotetraose was determined; as a result, electron density for an α‐1,6‐branched pentasaccharide was observed in the catalytic pocket, and Ile762 and Asp763 interacted with the branched chain of the pentasaccharide. These findings suggest that RmGH13_47A is an α‐amylase that prefers α‐1,6‐branched parts of starch to produce oligosaccharides.
Design Strategy of Vertical GaN Power Schottky Barrier Diodes with p‐GaN Junction Termination Extension and Experimental Demonstration of Selective p‐Doping by Implantation
Authors: Chen Hang , Chen Sihao , Wang Heng , Wong Man Hoi , Liu Chao
Published: April 2024

Herein, the impact of the key structural parameters on the breakdown characteristics of the vertical gallium nitride (GaN) power Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with p‐GaN junction termination extension (JTE) structures by numerical simulation is systematically investigated. With a p‐type GaN structure incorporated at the edge of the Schottky junction, the electric field crowding at the edge of Schottky anode can be alleviated, effectively avoiding the premature breakdown of the devices. It is found that the acceptor concentration, thickness, width, and surface charge density of the incorporated JTE are closely associated with the electric field distribution and the reverse breakdown characteristics. The vertical SBDs with optimum p‐GaN JTE parameters feature a dramatic improvement in Baliga's figure of merit, without obvious degradation in the forward and dynamic performance. Selective p‐doping and acceptor activation is also demonstrated, which verifies the fabrication feasibility of the proposed JTE structures. Through the results, the way can be paved for the design and fabrication of high‐performance GaN vertical power devices toward high‐voltage, high‐power, and high‐speed applications.
Exploration of the Magnetic Properties of ZrCo:Co Bilayer Films: Effects of the Thickness of the Co Layer on the Anisotropy and Magnetic Interaction Parameters
Authors: Fersi Riadh , Apolo Palarizato Dalia
Published: April 2024

The analysis of ZrCo:Co films with varying Co layer thicknesses reveals distinctive magnetic properties and behaviors. Despite significant roughness, the films exhibit uniform surfaces and complete crystallization at the nanoscale. Magnetic studies show positive remanence anisotropy, decreased coercivity Hc and remanent magnetization Mr with increasing film thickness, along with a linear correlation between thickness and surface roughness. Exchange interactions between grains and layers influence magnetic properties. Ferromagnetic resonance analysis demonstrates a direct correlation between film thickness and magnetization orientation preference, notably at δCo = 200 nm. These findings underscore the critical role of film thickness in determining microstructural and magnetic properties, offering insights for magnetic device and nanotechnology applications. Understanding these relationships may lead to thickness‐tunable magnetic materials. This study uniquely explores ZrCo:Co films, delving into how their magnetic properties vary with Co layer thickness, revealing novel magnetic behaviors.