bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of pre‐body donor quizzes on student performance in a hybrid anatomy course
Authors: Berrios Barillas Reivian , Bove Allyn
Published: March 2024

Learning human anatomy is essential for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education. Body donors are traditionally utilized to understand content, but in a hybrid learning environment, students have limited time to use body donors. To improve body donor access and learning, we created online synchronous pre‐body donor activities. The impact of these online strategies on students' subsequent exams and final grade were investigated in a non‐randomized, observational study. These activities were hypothesized to positively influence students' anatomy performance. In a 16‐week semester, DPT students (case [n = 91], control [n = 22]) participated in a hybrid program of asynchronous/synchronous online learning and two in‐person immersions. Measures included student course grades and teaching surveys. Spearman's rho correlations analyzed the relationship between four pre‐body donor quizzes to body donor exams, written exams, and final course grade. Mann–Whitney U tests assessed differences in grades between cohorts. A linear regression model examined the influence of pre‐body donor quizzing on exams/final grades. Correlation tests revealed a strong relationship between the average pre‐body donor quiz score and both the first written exam and final course grade (p = 0.0001). The case group achieved significantly higher scores than the control group on the first in‐person body donor exam (p = 0.011), the second written exam (p = 0.0001), and the final grade (p = 0.004). The pre‐body donor quizzes predicted performance on the subsequent in‐person body donor exams, written exams, and the final grade. Implementation of online pre‐body donor learning activities was associated with increased academic performance among hybrid DPT students and may aid in learning anatomy concepts for clinical practice.
GC‐MS AND Chemometric Analysis of the Essential Oils Obtained from Mexican Commercial Chamomilla Recutita Teas
Authors: Pérez‐Vásquez Araceli , Peña‐Álvarez Araceli , Mata Rachel
Published: March 2024

The essential oils prepared by hydrodistillation of twenty‐one brands of German chamomile (S1–S21) commercialized in Mexico were analyzed by GS‐MS. Altogether, twenty‐four different compounds were identified in the analyzed samples, varying from 77 to 100 % of the total composition. Multivariate analyses were applied to explore similarity/dissimilarity and correlation between all samples; the results revealed a strong correlation among samples S4, S5, and S7–S21 due to the presence of (Z)‐en‐yn‐dicycloether [(Z)‐tonghaosu], α‐bisabolol, β‐farnesene, β‐eudesmol, and xanthoxylin. The samples S1–S3 and S6 were clustered separately. Samples S1, S3, and S6 were characterized by their higher content of bisabolol oxide A (38.78 %, 51.84 %, and 70.46 %, respectively) as most known chemotypes of German chamomile, but only S1 and S3 contained chamazulene. Finally, S2 differed from the others because of its high content of (E)‐anethole (62.28 %), suggesting a case of adulteration or substitution of the crude drug employed for manufacturing the product.
The First Comprehensive Chemical Profiling of Vachellia gummifera (Willd.) Kyal. & Boatwr., a Plant with Medicinal Value
Authors: Kisiriko Musa , Noleto‐Dias Clarice , Bitchagno Gabin T. M. , Naboulsi Imane , Anastasiadi Maria , Terry Leon A. , Sobeh Mansour , Beale Michael H. , Ward Jane L.
Published: March 2024

Vachellia gummifera (Willd.) Kyal. & Boatwr. is a medicinal plant endemic to Morocco that has no documented studies on its chemical composition. In this study, the chemical composition of the water/methanol (4 : 1) extracts of air‐dried leaf and stem samples of Moroccan V. gummifera was determined using UHPLC‐MS and NMR. In total, over 100 metabolites were identified in our study. Pinitol was the major compound in both the leaf and stem extracts, being significantly more abundant in the former. Asparagine and 3‐hydroxyheteroendrin were the second most abundant compounds in the stem and leaf extracts, respectively, though both compounds were present in each tissue. The other compounds included flavonoids based on quercetin, and phenolic derivatives. Eucomic acid, only identified in the stems and was the major aromatic compound distinguishing the leaf and stem profiles. Quercetin 3‐O‐(6′′‐O‐malonyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside was identified as the major flavonoid in the leaves but was also present in the stems. Other malonylated derivatives that were all flavonol glycosides based on myricetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin in addition to quercetin were also identified. This is the first report of eucomic acid and malonylated compounds in Vachellia species. This report provides valuable insights into the chemotaxonomic significance of the Vachellia genus.
Degradation meets development: Implications in β‐cell development and diabetes
Authors: Ashok Akshaya , Kalthur Guruprasad , Kumar Anujith
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic development is orchestrated by timely synthesis and degradation of stage‐specific transcription factors (TFs). The transition from one stage to another stage is dependent on the precise expression of the developmentally relevant TFs. Persistent expression of particular TF would impede the exit from the progenitor stage to the matured cell type. Intracellular protein degradation‐mediated protein turnover contributes to a major extent to the turnover of these TFs and thereby dictates the development of different tissues. Since even subtle changes in the crucial cellular pathways would dramatically impact pancreatic β‐cell performance, it is generally acknowledged that the biological activity of these pathways is tightly regulated by protein synthesis and degradation process. Intracellular protein degradation is executed majorly by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and Lysosomal degradation pathway. As more than 90% of the TFs are targeted to proteasomal degradation, this review aims to examine the crucial role of UPS in normal pancreatic β‐cell development and how dysfunction of these pathways manifests in metabolic syndromes such as diabetes. Such understanding would facilitate designing a faithful approach to obtain a therapeutic quality of β‐cells from stem cells.
Unraveling gluten protein compositions of einkorn, emmer, and spelt grown in the Lyon region in France
Authors: Correa Sofía , Lepagneul Justine , Thomas Mathieu , Mayaud Laurence , Hamant Olivier , Samson Marie‐Françoise , Charreyre Marie‐Thérèse
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Minor species of wheat, including einkorn (Ei), emmer (Em), and spelt (Sp), are believed to have different gluten compositions compared to common wheat (CW). Given the limited research on these resources, and as a result of a collaboration with a collective of farmers, we aimed to provide insights into their gluten compositions. We focused on varieties readily accessible to farmers and bakers within the region of Lyon, France.

Findings

We compared gluten compositions in 31 wheat varieties, revealing significantly lower glutenin and protein aggregate contents in Ei and Em than in CW. Similar trends, though milder, were observed for Sp. Additionally, we observed intra‐species variability, especially for Em, and identified varieties within each species with noteworthy protein profiles.

Conclusions

Each species showed characteristic protein contents, yet with intraspecies variability. Utilizing an innovative approach to analyze the full information provided by chromatograms, we successfully identified varieties with unusual characteristics.

Significance and Novelty

The specific protein compositions of Ei and Em, and to a lower extent Sp, may impact their processability and digestibility. Our study also highlights that considering complete chromatographic profiles can reveal differences that remain unnoticed when using traditional analytical approaches.
The effect of Lactococcus lactis CICC 23610 fermentation on the physicochemical properties and flavor formation of oat beverage
Authors: Cheng Yuliang , Yu Qian , Xia Xiuhua , Qian Jiaqin , Xu Qinwei , Yu Hang , Guo Yahui , Xie Yunfei , Yao Weirong , Qian He
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Probiotic fermentation may contribute to enhancing the flavor and nutrients of grain beverages. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis CICC 23610) fermentation on the physicochemical properties, flavor formation, and metabolomics of oat beverages.

Findings

Results showed that L. lactis CICC 23610 grew rapidly in oat substrate and brought a surge in acidity, apparent viscosity, and β‐glucan content. The final amount of lactic acid, sweet amino acids, and umami amino acids metabolites was also increased. Meanwhile, 15 volatile flavor components (VFCs) were identified as key aroma compounds in fermented oat beverages. The levels of 2,3‐butanedione, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, and heptanone rose, giving the beverage a tart, creamy, and sweet flavor, and the undesirable odors of hexanal, n‐octanal, nonanal, and 2‐pentylfuran were reduced. In addition, significant differences in metabolites based on untargeted metabolomics analyses of oat beverages before and after fermentation were mainly focused on organic acids, fatty acids, and short peptides. The sensory analysis showed that the overall acceptability of fermented oat beverages was significantly improved.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that the effects of free amino acids (FAAs), organic acids, and VFCs on flavor were mainly reflected in three indicators of odor, acidity, and umami.

Significance and Novelty

The encouraging results confirmed that probiotic fermentation is a promising method to enhance the overall quality of oat beverages, providing valuable insights into future industrial upgrades of grain beverages.
The Divalent Lanthanoid Triflates Ln(CF3SO3)2(CH3CN) (Ln=Sm, Eu): Structure, Luminescence, and Magnetism
Authors: Flosbach Niko T. , Rasche Bertold , Rochels Leonhard , Disch Sabrina , Wickleder Claudia , Adlung Matthias , Fischer Pia , Wickleder Mathias S.
Published: March 2024

The reaction of the trivalent lanthanoide triflates Ln(OTf)3 (Ln=Sm, Eu; OTf=CF3SO3−) with the respective metals in acetonitrile leads to the Ln(II)‐triflates Eu(OTf)2(CH3CN) (monoclinic, P21/n, Z=4, a=1053.54(1), b=610.28(5), c=1946.92(2) pm, β =98.611(4)) and Sm(OTf)2(CH3CN) (monoclinic, P21/n, Z=4, a=1054.41(4), b=612.16(2), c=1952.65(7) pm, β =98.524(2)). The isotypic strontium compound Sr(OTf)2(CH3CN) (monoclinic, P21/n, Z=4, a=1056.39(5), b=610.05(3), c=1950.1(1) pm, β =98.900(2)°) has been obtained from SrCO3 and triflic acid. The compounds have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, thermal analysis, and magnetic measurements.
Synthesis of Superbulky Amide Ligands by Addition of Polar Reagents to Sila–Imine
Authors: Knüpfer Christian , Klerner Lukas , Raucheisen Michael , Langer Jens , Harder Sjoerd
Published: March 2024

The chemistry of extremely bulky amide ligands is troubled by difficulties in deprotonation of the parent amine. As an alternative route to superbulky amide reagents, the addition of polar reagents to a sila–imine has been investigated. Attempts to synthesize the superbulky amide anion (tBu3Si)2N− by addition of tBuLi to tBu2Si=N(SitBu3) failed and gave tBu3Si(tBu2HSi)NLi and isobutene. Reaction of the sila–imine with KOtBu successfully led to tBu3Si[tBu2(tBuO)Si]NK which crystallized as a separated ion–pair. Reaction with the slightly bulkier KOAd (Ad=1‐adamantyl) led in presence of THF to ether ring–opening. Reaction with tBuOH gave tBu3Si[tBu2(tBuO)Si]NH but this amine cannot be easily deprotonated. Reaction with (BDI*)MgnBu in presence of THF gave (BDI*)Mg+ ⋅ (THF)2 and the non–coordinating anion tBu3Si[tBu2(nBu)Si]N−; BDI*=ß‐diketiminate ligand HC[C(tBu)N−DIPP]2, DIPP=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl. Reaction of Mg(nBu)2 with tBu2Si=N(SitBu3) led to a Mg complex with one amide ligand: tBu3Si[tBu2(nBu)Si]N−. The other superbulky amide anion isomerized by internal deprotonation of a tBu‐substituent to give a primary carbanion that is also coordinated to Mg. Although the amide–to–carbanion isomerization is highly contrathermodynamic, it allows for coordination of both anions to a single Mg center. The new bulky amides are rare cases of halogen–free weakly coordinating anions.
CFD‐ANN coupling model simulation of gas–solid feeding design for ternary biomass mixtures in bubbling fluidized bed gasifier
Authors: Soanuch Chaiwat , Pareek Vishnu , Piumsomboon Pornpote , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon
Published: March 2024

The performance of continuous feeding fluidized bed reactors is significantly influenced by their design. These reactors can effectively operate with a wide range of biomass mixtures. Therefore, it is imperative to carefully design the gas distributor plate and solid tube inlet to ensure stable fluidization and uniform distribution of fluidizing gas and solid particles within the reactor. This study investigated the impact of gas–solid feeder design in bubbling fluidized bed gasifier for biomass mixtures on system hydrodynamics, employing a computational fluid dynamics–artificial neural network (CFD‐ANN) coupling model to achieve more realistic simulations. A 2k factorial experimental design was adopted to inquire the impact of gas and solid feeding systems. The responses under investigation included the gas–solid mixing index and the solid residence time, both of which hold pivotal roles in specific chemical processes related to biomass utilization in fluidized bed technology. All cases were successfully simulated, and the results uncovered that the position and length of the solid inlet tube wielded a significant influence on reactor performance, particularly concerning solid residence time. Furthermore, the designs of the gas distributor were identified as critical factors capable of enhancing system turbulence and mixing. In summary, the results showed the potential for enhancing reactor performance through the optimization of gas–solid feeding systems and underscored the efficacy of the ANN drag model in simulating continuous biomass gasification systems.
Breaking gender stereotypes in management practices: Promoting paternity leave
Authors: Min Jungwon , Kim Gyunhee
Published: March 2024

This study examines the promotion of paternity leave by focusing on the role of female directors on boards. Drawing on insights from the literature on the upper echelons theory and strategic leadership, we argue that efforts to break gender stereotypes in upper‐echelon positions, particularly through female representation on boards, can promote paternity leave. Analyzing data from 633 Japanese firms between 2017 and 2021 with pooled regression models revealed that a high proportion of female directors promoted paternity leave. Additionally, it implied that the proportion of female department managers can strengthen the positive effects of female directors on paternity leave promotions. Our results contribute to the theory and practice of gender equality in organizations by providing implications for promoting crucial management practices that may be hindered by gender stereotypes.
Clinical metabolomics characteristics of diabetic kidney disease: A meta‐analysis of 1875 cases with diabetic kidney disease and 4503 controls
Authors: Yuan Yu , Huang Liping , Yu Lulu , Yan Xingxu , Chen Siyu , Bi Chenghao , He Junjie , Zhao Yiqing , Yang Liu , Ning Li , Jin Hua , Yang Rongrong , Li Yubo
Published: March 2024

Aims

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD), one of the major complications of diabetes, is also a major cause of end‐stage renal disease. Metabolomics can provide a unique metabolic profile of the disease and thus predict or diagnose the development of the disease. Therefore, this study summarises a more comprehensive set of clinical biomarkers related to DKD to identify functional metabolites significantly associated with the development of DKD and reveal their driving mechanisms for DKD.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases through October 2022. A meta‐analysis was conducted on untargeted or targeted metabolomics research data based on the strategy of standardized mean differences and the process of ratio of means as the effect size, respectively. We compared the changes in metabolite levels between the DKD patients and the controls and explored the source of heterogeneity through subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis and meta‐regression analysis.

Results

The 34 clinical‐based metabolomics studies clarified the differential metabolites between DKD and controls, containing 4503 control subjects and 1875 patients with DKD. The results showed that a total of 60 common differential metabolites were found in both meta‐analyses, of which 5 metabolites (p < 0.05) were identified as essential metabolites. Compared with the control group, metabolites glycine, aconitic acid, glycolic acid and uracil decreased significantly in DKD patients; cysteine was significantly higher. This indicates that amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism in DKD patients are disordered.

Conclusions

We have identified 5 metabolites and metabolic pathways related to DKD which can serve as biomarkers or targets for disease prevention and drug therapy.
Differences in growth and competition between plants of a naturalized and an invasive population of Bunias orientalis
Authors: Binama Blaise , Caroline Müller
Published: March 2024

The global shift of species' distributions has led to high numbers of noninvasive naturalized plants and the accumulation of invasive species within ecosystems. Competition between species may influence population dynamics, but little is known about the impacts of competition between conspecifics of naturalized and invasive populations. We investigated several plant traits at initial growth and regrowth following artificial defoliation in intra and interpopulation competition. Therefore, we used plants of Bunias orientalis from one noninvasive naturalized and one invasive population grown alone or in competition of two or three. Plants from the naturalized population were expected to be less competitive than plants from the invasive population, reflecting their differential impact in the introduced range. Independent of status, intrapopulation competition was expected to have less negative impacts on plants than interpopulation competition. Our results show that competition impacted mostly growth‐ rather than physiology‐related traits. The relative magnitude of intra and interpopulation competition differed among plant traits at the first and second harvest. Plants of the invasive population outperformed the naturalized population by allocating relatively more resources to the aboveground biomass and producing more and longer leaves particularly when grown in competition against two plants. Moreover, plants of the invasive population were more competitive, which may influence their successful establishment and range expansion in the introduced range, but growth patterns differed after artificial defoliation. Although evolution of intrapopulation competition in naturalized and invasive ranges may be expected, interpopulation competition seems to adversely impact the performance of the naturalized plant population of B. orientalis studied here. Apart from the status (naturalized vs. invasive), other factors may have had an influence on plant performance. Thus, further research is needed with more naturalized and invasive populations to test the generality of our findings and to isolate the specific mechanisms driving differences in competitiveness.
Preference of trees for nest building by critically endangered white‐rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) in Nepal
Authors: Gautam Ramji , Baral Nabin , Sharma Hari Prasad
Published: March 2024

White‐rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) are critically endangered species, and protecting their habitats, particularly the nesting trees, may have a positive impact on their reproductive success. For a better understanding of vultures' habitat needs, the characteristics of nesting trees should be accounted. In this paper, we compare the characteristics of the trees that have vultures' nests and that do not by randomly select a control tree within a 10 m radius of the nesting tree. We extensively searched and monitored the white‐rumped vultures' nests, nesting trees, and nesting tree species in Nepal between 2002 and 2022, and measured the characteristics of sampled trees such as their height, girth, canopy spread, branching orders, and whorls. We recorded 1161 nests of white‐rumped vulture in total on 194 trees belonging to 19 species over the past two decades. White‐rumped vultures preferred the kapok trees (Bombax ceiba) for nest construction than other tree species (χ2 = 115.38, df = 1, p < .001) as 66.49% of nests were built on them. In the logistic regression model, the number of whorls on a tree, canopy spread, and the height of the first branch determined whether a nest was present or absent on a tree. These results help to prioritize the tree attributes in a habitat conservation plan for vultures.
Multiple stressors mediate the effects of warming on leaf decomposition in a large regulated river
Authors: Scholl Eric A. , Hanus Kyle R. , Gardner Tyler W. , Kennedy Theodore A.
Published: March 2024

Predicting how increasing temperatures interact with other global change drivers to influence the structure and dynamics of Earth's ecosystems is a primary challenge in ecology. Our study made use of multiple simultaneous “natural experiments” to examine how rapid warming, declining nutrients, invasive consumers, and riparian invasive species management interact to influence leaf decomposition in a large and regulated river. Specifically, we compared the breakdown of cottonwood (Populus fremontii), willow (Salix exigua), and saltcedar (Tamarix sp.) leaf litter in 2022 to a previous experiment from 1998 that occurred under much cooler water temperatures, and had higher water phosphorus concentrations, low numbers of invasive New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), and unaltered litter chemistry from the herbivory of saltcedar leaf beetles (Diorhabda carinulata). We found that the effects of up to 10°C warmer temperatures on leaf decomposition were mediated by the establishment and management of invasive species and declining water nutrient concentrations arising from upstream reservoir lowering. Such interactions led to accelerated breakdown of saltcedar, but relatively minor effects of warming on the rate of cottonwood and willow decomposition. Additionally, our results demonstrate the potential for favorable invasive species management outcomes in the terrestrial environment to produce unintended responses in adjacent freshwater ecosystems. As temperatures continue to rise, it is critical that future studies consider how warming interacts with multiple stressors and environmental factors to influence processes such as decomposition in freshwater ecosystems.
Assessing the influence of Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside multi‐antioxidants on flaxseed oil's oxidative stability
Authors: Ma Guilan , Wang Jinying , Wang Xingrui , Gan Shengrui , Yang Furong , Dong Guoxin
Published: March 2024

To increase the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil (FSO), combinations of two synergists (vitamin C, citric acid) and five distinct antioxidants (SDG (Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), tea polyphenol (TP), resveratrol (RE), caffeic acid (CA), and vitamin E (VE)) were assessed. Based on the accelerated oxidation reaction at 65°C, the antioxidant effect was assessed for changes in the shelf‐life, fatty acid composition, peroxide value (POV), volatile and sterol contents of FSO. The SDG multi‐antioxidant combination, which included 0.01% SDG, 0.01% TP, and 0.02% vitamin C, demonstrated the strongest antioxidative qualities, according to the data; the POV of FSO dropped by 57.5% as compared to the blank group. Additionally, the SDG multi‐antioxidant combination outperformed 0.02% TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), increased the shelf‐life of FSO from 295 to 761 days, and postponed the deterioration of sterols and unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the production of ketones and the degradation of esters and acids were diminished. In summary, the combination of SDG‐TP and vitamin C as antioxidants can be an effective natural alternative to artificial antioxidants to extend the shelf‐life of FSO.

Practical Applications: Flaxseed oil utilizing multi‐antioxidant combinations has a wide range of practical applications. Multi‐antioxidant combination of flaxseed oil helps prevent cell damage and slows down the aging process. Antioxidant‐rich oils have numerous health benefits such as reducing inflammation, promoting heart health and improving digestive health. Multi‐antioxidant combination flaxseed oil is versatile and a valuable natural product that can be used in all aspects of daily life to improve overall health, It can provide a theoretical reference for the selection of antioxidants to improve the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil, provide a theoretical basis for the replacement of artificial antioxidants, and also provide certain technical support for the industrial application of flaxseed oil.
Visible‐Light Induced Trifluoromethylation/Cyclization of Unactivated Alkene‐Bound Quinazolinones
Authors: Zou Luqian , Zhao Hengyuan , Wang Xinming , Dong Jun , Yang Chungang , Sun Weiqing , Xu Jianbin , Fan Baomin
Published: March 2024

Herein, we reported a selective, mild method for the visible‐light‐photocatalyzed trifluoromethylation and cyclization of unactivated tethered alkenes to provide tri‐ and tetracyclic quinazolinones. Trifluoroacetic acid and anhydride are inexpensive and readily available reagents for the process that proceeds without the addition of a strong oxidant. The wide substrate scope and the formation of 5‐ and 6‐membered rings are demonstrated in 44–82 % yields. Control experiments provide the basis for a proposed mechanism involving photocatalyzed SET from fac‐Ir(ppy)3 to TFAA and trifluoromethyl radical‐mediated regioselective cyclization. The practicality of the protocol was illustrated by a gram‐scale synthesis in 76 % yield.
Hexafluoroisopropanol Promoted Ring‐Opening‐Cyclization of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes with Primary Amines
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Tangellapally Rajeshwari , Arun Doma
Published: March 2024

We reveal here a catalyst‐free, ring‐opening‐cyclization of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes with primary amines to synthesize functionalized dihydropyrroles. This protocol avoids inert conditions and solvents promoted by hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). The reaction is quite general with aryl, alkyl, and alicyclic amines. A good number of cyclopropanes bearing keto groups reacted excellently to produce the desired products. Further, we complemented this method with Meldrum's acid‐derived cyclopropanes for synthesizing γ‐lactams. We have demonstrated the post‐synthetic applications of the products and gram‐scale synthesis to highlight the adaptability of this synthetic protocol.
The role of muscle disuse in muscular and cardiovascular fitness: A systematic review and meta‐regression
Authors: Casuso Rafael A. , Huertas Jesús R. , Aragón‐Vela Jerónimo
Published: March 2024

We aimed to assess the effects of muscle disuse on muscle strength (MS), muscle mass (MM) and cardiovascular fitness. Databases were scrutinized to identify human studies assessing the effects of muscle disuse on both (1) MM and (2) maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and/or MS. Random‐effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression with initial physical fitness and length of the protocol as a priori determined moderators were performed. We quantitatively analyzed 51 different studies, and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Data from the participants in 14 studies showed a decline in both VO2max (SMD: −0.93; 95% CI: −1.27 to −0.58) and MM (SMD: −0.34; 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.10). Data from 47 studies showed a decline in strength (−0.88; 95% CI: −1.04 to −0.73) and mass (SMD: −0.47; 95% CI: −0.58 to −0.36). MS loss was twice as high as MM loss, but differences existed between anatomical regions. Notably, meta‐regression analysis revealed that initial MS was inversely associated with MS decline. VO2max and MS decline to a higher extent than MM during muscle disuse. We reported a more profound strength loss in subjects with high muscular strength. This is physiologically relevant for athletes because their required muscular strength can profoundly decline during a period of muscle disuse. It should however be noted that a period of muscle disuse can have devastating consequences in old subjects with low muscular strength.
Suicide risk factors among older adults: Implications for counselors as Medicare providers
Authors: Mize Mary Chase , Shannonhouse Laura , Minton Casey Barrio , Fullen Matthew , Shaikh Afroze , Westcott Jordan
Published: March 2024

Professional counselors will be eligible to serve Medicare beneficiaries as of January 1, 2024, and Medicare is the primary health insurance program for older adults in the United States. This population is rapidly increasing, and growth is accompanied by increased mental health concerns such as suicide. Older adults who receive home‐delivered meals (HDM) may be at risk due to isolation, especially throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Grounded in the interpersonal theory of suicide, we sought to understand the relationships between proximal (thwarted belongingness; TB, perceived burdensomeness; PB) and distal (chronic pain, loneliness, and perceived social support) risk factors among older adults who receive HDM. TB and PB were correlated with pain, loneliness, and perceived social support, and these variables predicted TB and PB. Understanding relationships between proximal and distal suicide risk factors may inform interventions for counselors to address loneliness, enhance social support, and identify suicide risk among older adults.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of test–retest reliability and stability of delay and probability discounting
Authors: Gelino Brett W. , Schlitzer Rebekah D. , Reed Derek D. , Strickland Justin C.
Published: March 2024

In this meta‐analysis, we describe a benchmark value of delay and probability discounting reliability and stability that might be used to (a) evaluate the meaningfulness of clinically achieved changes in discounting and (b) support the role of discounting as a valid and enduring measure of intertemporal choice. We examined test–retest reliability, stability effect sizes (dz; Cohen, 1992), and relevant moderators across 30 publications comprising 39 independent samples and 262 measures of discounting, identified via a systematic review of PsychInfo, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. We calculated omnibus effect‐size estimates and evaluated the role of proposed moderators using a robust variance estimation meta‐regression method. The meta‐regression output reflected modest test–retest reliability, r = .670, p < .001, 95% CI [.618, .716]. Discounting was most reliable when measured in the context of temporal constraints, in adult respondents, when using money as a medium, and when reassessed within 1 month. Testing also suggested acceptable stability via nonsignificant and small changes in effect magnitude over time, dz = 0.048, p = .31, 95% CI [−0.051, 0.146]. Clinicians and researchers seeking to measure discounting can consider the contexts when reliability is maximized for specific cases.
A panel of multivalent nanobodies broadly neutralizing Omicron subvariants and recombinant
Authors: Zheng Liuhai , Wang Huifang , Liu Xueyan , Xu Chengchao , Tian Mingxiong , Shi Guangwei , Bai Chongzhi , Li Zhijie , Wang Jigang , Liu Shuwen
Published: March 2024

The emerging Omicron subvariants have a remarkable ability to spread and escape nearly all current monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments. Although the virulence of SARS‐CoV‐2 has now diminished, it remains a significant threat to public health due to its high transmissibility and susceptibility to mutation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop broad‐acting and potent therapeutics targeting current and emerging Omicron variants. Here, we identified a panel of Omicron BA.1 spike receptor‐binding domain (RBD)‐targeted nanobodies (Nbs) from a naive alpaca VHH library. This panel of Nbs exhibited high binding affinity to the spike RBD of wild‐type, Alpha B.1.1.7, Beta B.1.351, Delta plus, Omicron BA.1, and BA.2. Through multivalent Nb construction, we obtained a subpanel of ultrapotent neutralizing Nbs against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BF.7 and even emerging XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16 pseudoviruses. Protein structure prediction and docking analysis showed that Nb trimer 2F2E5 targets two independent RBD epitopes, thus minimizing viral escape. Taken together, we obtained a panel of broad and ultrapotent neutralizing Nbs against Omicron BA.1, Omicron BA.2, BF.7, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16. These multivalent Nbs hold great promise for the treatment against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and could possess a superwide neutralizing breadth against novel omicron mutants or recombinants.
Raman microspectroscopy for label‐free diagnosis of amyloid light‐chain amyloidosis in various organs
Authors: Yanagiya Shin‐ichiro , Honda Takeshi , Takanari Hiroki , Sogabe Kimiko , Nakamura Shingen , Bando Yoshimi , Tsuneyama Koichi , Abe Masahiro , Miki Hirokazu
Published: March 2024

Systemic amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which misfolded proteins aggregate as fibrous amyloid proteins with a β‐sheet structure and deposit in organs, resulting in organ failure. Most types of amyloidosis have a poor prognosis, and prompt diagnosis is essential for treatment. Systemic immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis is a type of amyloidosis that occurs when abnormal immunoglobulin light‐chain proteins are deposited in various organs and tissues. The deposition of amyloid proteins in tissues has traditionally been confirmed using Congo red staining and polarised light microscopy, which show apple‐green birefringence. In this study, we aimed to verify whether amyloid deposition in the heart, kidney, rectum, duodenum and skin can be detected using Raman microspectroscopy. Serial sections were prepared from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue biopsy samples obtained from patients with systemic amyloidosis. One of the serial sections was stained with Congo red to confirm the deposition of amyloid proteins using polarised light microscopy, whereas the other was left unstained for Raman microspectroscopy. A characteristic peak at Raman shift of 1665–1680 cm−1, which may represent a β‐sheet structure of amyloid proteins, was recorded in the area where the amyloid deposition had been confirmed by Congo red staining. Based on the peak at 1640–1680 cm−1, a colour map was obtained to detect amyloid protein‐positive regions. Thus, amyloid protein detection using Raman microspectroscopy may be useful for rapid diagnosis of amyloidosis.
Combining randomized and non‐randomized data to predict heterogeneous effects of competing treatments
Authors: Chalkou Konstantina , Hamza Tasnim , Benkert Pascal , Kuhle Jens , Zecca Chiara , Simoneau Gabrielle , Pellegrini Fabio , Manca Andrea , Egger Matthias , Salanti Georgia
Published: March 2024

Some patients benefit from a treatment while others may do so less or do not benefit at all. We have previously developed a two‐stage network meta‐regression prediction model that synthesized randomized trials and evaluates how treatment effects vary across patient characteristics. In this article, we extended this model to combine different sources of types in different formats: aggregate data (AD) and individual participant data (IPD) from randomized and non‐randomized evidence. In the first stage, a prognostic model is developed to predict the baseline risk of the outcome using a large cohort study. In the second stage, we recalibrated this prognostic model to improve our predictions for patients enrolled in randomized trials. In the third stage, we used the baseline risk as effect modifier in a network meta‐regression model combining AD, IPD randomized clinical trial to estimate heterogeneous treatment effects. We illustrated the approach in the re‐analysis of a network of studies comparing three drugs for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Several patient characteristics influence the baseline risk of relapse, which in turn modifies the effect of the drugs. The proposed model makes personalized predictions for health outcomes under several treatment options and encompasses all relevant randomized and non‐randomized evidence.
Prognostic Factors and Outcomes Associated With Neck Lymphedema in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lao Isabella J. , Berry Jacklyn , Li Jinhong , Balogun Zainab , Elgohari Baher , Skinner Heath , Johnson Jonas , Nilsen Marci L.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors of neck lymphedema and to explore its association with symptoms and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients who underwent non‐operative treatment.

Methods

This study involved a cross‐sectional secondary analysis of data from patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radiation therapy (±chemotherapy). Patients with visits <6 weeks or >2 years following completion of radiation and those with recurrent or metastatic cancer were excluded. Presence of post‐treatment lymphedema, demographics, clinical characteristics, health‐related behaviors, and symptoms were collected. PROs were obtained using validated questionnaires that assessed depression, anxiety, swallowing dysfunction, and quality of life (QOL). Multivariable regression models were used to examine the relationship between lymphedema with predictors and symptoms.

Results

Of the 203 patients included, 88 (43.4%) developed post‐treatment lymphedema. In multivariable analysis, pre‐treatment Body Mass Index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.01, 1.14] p = 0.016) and N stage (OR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.06, 3.66], p = 0.032) were found to be independently associated with lymphedema. Regarding PROs, lymphedema was associated with greater swallowing dysfunction (3.48, 95% CI [0.20, 6.75], p = 0.038), decreased mouth opening (−3.70, 95% CI [−7.31, −0.10], p = 0.044), and increased fatigue (1.88, 95% CI [1.05, 3.38], p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Higher pre‐treatment BMI and greater N stage are identified as independent predictors for lymphedema development in non‐operative HNC patients. Additionally, patients experiencing lymphedema reported worsening swallowing dysfunction and increased symptoms related to trismus and fatigue. Recognizing patients at elevated risk for lymphedema allows for early intervention, alleviation of symptom burden, and optimization of health care resources.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3656–3663, 2024
Impact of Tracheostomy Timing Within the National Veterans Affairs Population
Authors: Blackwell Thomas , Alvi Suffia , Curran Nicholas R. , Germanwala Arpita
Published: March 2024

Objective

There is a lack of a definitive study in the literature comparing early versus late tracheostomy and exploring the impact of tracheostomy timing on patient outcomes. This study may help guide treatment paradigms and contribute to a consensus for optimal tracheostomy timing.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed comparing early versus late timing of tracheostomy placement and their respective outcomes. The authors used data provided by VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI) to find patients who received a tracheostomy at any VA Medical Center in the United States. There were a total of 25,334 tracheostomies in the database which satisfied our criteria. These occurred between the years 1999 and 2022. Propensity score matching assessed 17,074 tracheostomies, 8537 in either group. The median age of patients in the matched groups was 66 years, and approximately 97.4% of patients were male. Early tracheostomy timing was defined as the placement of the tracheostomy within 10 days of intubation. Outcomes included post‐tracheostomy intensive care unit (ICU) days, post‐tracheostomy hospital days, successful ventilator weaning, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Early tracheostomy was associated with significantly fewer ICU days and hospital days, and the early group experienced higher rates of successful ventilator weaning. Survival analysis of data within 5 years of tracheostomy showed that early tracheostomy was associated with significantly lower hazard for all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

Our results add to the body of evidence that an earlier transition to mechanical ventilation by tracheostomy confers benefits in patient morbidity and mortality as well as resource utilization.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3555–3561, 2024
Effects of Carbon Black Surface Modification on the Morphology and Properties in Blends with Natural Rubber Studied with High‐Resolution X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Wang Yuting , Jiang Wei , Zhu Keran , Wu Lihui , Chen Liang
Published: March 2024

To elucidate the specific mechanical impact of carbon black (CB) filler–rubber interactions on reinforcement, CB particles are subjected to graphitization at 1300 °C and oxidation through concentrated nitric acid treatment to modulate their surface activity. Alongside untreated CB particles, the influence of surface activity and the oxygen distribution are investigated to assess their role in shaping CB aggregate structures using X‐ray absorption spectrum (XAS) and X‐ray computed tomography (CT) with spatial resolution of 30 nm. Meanwhile, virgin and modified CBs are blended in natural rubber with varying amounts (10, 30, 50 phr) and the aggregates distributions in rubber are investigated by nano‐CT. Combined with the mechanical properties of rubber composites and parameters of filler networks, the mechanical contributions arising from filler–rubber interactions are quantified. The findings underscore the robust interactions between oxidized CB and rubber matrix, exhibiting a mechanical property enhancement ratio of ≈59.2% at low strains in comparison to normal CB filler. The results indicate the synergies encompass of filler network, rubber chains, and filler–rubber interactions all play important roles for reinforcement, which aligns with the broader understanding of filler–rubber interactions and CB reinforcement mechanisms.
An alternative potential method for mixed steady‐state elastic oscillation problems
Authors: Natroshvili David , Mrevlishvili Maia , Tediashvili Zurab
Published: March 2024

We consider an alternative approach to investigate three‐dimensional exterior mixed boundary value problems (BVPs) for the steady‐state oscillation equations of the elasticity theory for isotropic bodies. The unbounded domain occupied by an elastic body,
, has a compact boundary surface
, which is divided into two disjoint parts, the Dirichlet part
and the Neumann part
, where the displacement vector (the Dirichlet‐type condition) and the stress vector (the Neumann‐type condition) are prescribed, respectively. Our new approach is based on the classical potential method and has several essential advantages compared with the existing approaches. We look for a solution to the mixed BVP in the form of a linear combination of the single‐layer and double‐layer potentials with densities supported on the Dirichlet and Neumann parts of the boundary, respectively. This approach reduces the mixed BVP under consideration to a system of boundary integral equations, which contain neither extensions of the Dirichlet or Neumann data nor the Steklov–Poincaré‐type operator involving the inverse of a special boundary integral operator, which is not available explicitly for arbitrary boundary surface. Moreover, the right‐hand sides of the resulting boundary integral equations system are vector functions coinciding with the given Dirichlet and Neumann data of the problem in question. We show that the corresponding matrix integral operator is bounded and coercive in the appropriate
‐based Bessel potential spaces. Consequently, the operator is invertible, which implies unconditional unique solvability of the mixed BVP in the class of vector functions belonging to the Sobolev space
and satisfying the Sommerfeld–Kupradze radiation conditions at infinity. We also show that the obtained matrix boundary integral operator is invertible in the
‐based Besov spaces and prove that under appropriate boundary data a solution to the mixed BVP possesses
‐Hölder continuity property in the closed domain
with
, where
is an arbitrarily small number.
Multi‐porous extension of anisotropic poroelasticity: Consolidation and related coefficients
Authors: Adamus Filip P. , Healy David , Meredith Philip G. , Mitchell Thomas M. , Stanton‐Yonge Ashley
Published: March 2024

We propose the generalization of the anisotropic poroelasticity theory. At a large scale, a medium is viewed as quasi‐static, which is the original assumption of Biot. At a smaller scale, we distinguish different sets of pores or fractures that are characterized by various fluid pressures, which is the original poroelastic extension of Aifantis. In consequence, both instantaneous and time‐dependent deformation lead to fluid content variations that are different in each set. We present the equations for such phenomena, where the anisotropic properties of both the solid matrix and pore sets are assumed. Novel poroelastic coefficients that relate solid and fluid phases in our extension are proposed, and their physical meaning is determined. To demonstrate the utility of our equations and emphasize the meaning of new coefficients, we perform numerical simulations of a triple‐porosity consolidation. These simulations reveal positive pore pressure transients in the drained behaviour of weakly connected pore sets, and these may result in the mechanical weakening of the material.
Study on improving the toughness of rapidly curing epoxy resin composite materials with a biobased microcrystalline cellulose
Authors: Bi Xiaoke , Liu Guoying , Cao Lijun , Sun Ce , Tana Haiyan , Zhang Yanhua
Published: March 2024

Rapid solidification molding is one of the main low‐cost forming methods for composite materials, and the reasonable selection of the solidification molding process is the key to achieving material performance. The curing system used in this paper is the widely used, inexpensive, and readily available epoxy resin (WSR618) and the transparent, colorless, and less toxic 593 curing agent, which cures at room temperature. Through the study of various temperature formulations, a rapid curing system was determined that has a 10‐min cure at 80°C. The results showed that when the mass ratio of epoxy (EP) resin to curing agent was 5:1, the curing system was selected at 80°C for 10 min, and the bending strength could reach 100.19 MPa, and the impact strength could reach 12.82 kJ/m2. However, the difficulty caused by quick solidification was a reduction in mechanical characteristics, which required modification. Microcrystalline cellulose is cheap and readily available and widely available, so microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was chosen for modification in this study. The experimental results showed that the addition of MCC reduced the fracture brittleness of EP composite materials. When 0.75% MCC was added, the bending and tensile strengths reached 116.88 and 52.53 MPa, respectively, which were 16.66% and 18.74% higher than unmodified EP. The elongation at break reached 11.57%, which is 14.13% higher than unmodified.