bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combined anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament replacement by various materials: A comparative animal study
Authors: Claes L. , Dürselen L. , Kiefer H. , Mohr W.
Published: July 2024

On 30 sheep, a combined replacement of the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament of the right knee was performed with four different materials. Dacron prostheses and glutaraldehyde‐preserved bovine tendon prostheses as well as braided ligament prostheses made of carbon fibers and braided resorbable polydioxanone fibers surrounded by lyophilized dura in their intra‐articular part were used. Ten un‐operated sheep served as a control group. After 1 year the animals were sacrificed and the knee joints were explanted and biomechanically as well as histomorphologically investigated. The gross inspection of the joints showed no ruptured medial collateral ligament replacement but did show partially and totally ruptured anterior cruciate ligament replacements. The Dacron prosthesis was broken in 50% of the cases, whereas for the other materials one ruptured ligament replacement each (12.5%) could be observed. The anterior drawer test and the determination of the tensile stiffness of the remaining ligament replacements revealed that none of the operated knees achieved the properties of the normal control knees. However, the carbon fiber implants had the best result of all prostheses tested.

For all materials except the resorbable polydioxanone, abrasion particles could be found in the anterior cruciate ligament and in the synovial membrane. The tissue reaction to these particles was a mild synovitis for carbon fragments, a strong synovitis for Dacron particles, and a chronic inflammatory response to bovine tendon fragments with macrophage granulomas and fibrosis.
The design and analysis of a laminated partially degradable composite bone plate for fracture fixation
Authors: Zimmerman Mark , Parsons John R. , Alexander Harold
Published: July 2024

During the early stages of fracture healing, rigid internal fixation maintains alignment and promotes primary osseous union. Unfortunately, as healing progresses rigid fixation from bone plating can cause bone in the region of the plate to undergo stress protection atrophy. This can result in significant loss of bone mass and osteoporosis. Refracture of the bone upon device removal is a widely reported complication. In an effort to minimize or eliminate stress protection atrophy, we have designed a partially absorbable, fiber‐reinforced bone plate. Ideally, such a plate gradually loses rigidity as the fracture heals, increasingly transferring stress to the bone. Stress protection may be avoided and removal or the device after healing may be unnecessary. Composite theory was used to determine an optimum fiber layup for a composite bone plate. Composite analysis suggested the mechanical superiority of a 0°/ $pM45° laminae layup. Given this laminated design, a thermoplastic absorbable polymer (polylactic acid polymer) was reinforced with high‐modulus carbon fiber to produce a semiabsorbable composite. Implant evaluation included optimizing fabrication techniques, thorough mechanical device testing, and implantation on canine femurs to determine biocompatibility and efficacy. The composite design proved to have superior static and fatigue properties to laminated or random fiber designs used previously. Two techniques for hole fabrication were tested. The production of screw holes during the molding process rather than machining postmolding, improved the mechanical integrity of the finished plate. Although the 0°/±45° carbon/polylactic acid composite possessed superior mechanical properties, it was unsuccessful in the in vivo environment. Water absorption and subsequent delamination made the plate flexible. Hypertrophic nonunions developed. Further development to prevent water intrusion and premature loss of mechanical properties is necessary.
On Gloeotrichia Ag. from paddy fields of Kaira District, Gujarat, India
Authors: Mahajan A. D. , Patel R. J.
Published: July 2024

During the study of algal flora from the rice fields of Kaira district, Gujarat, the authors collected 12 forms of genus Gloeotrichia Ag. from Limbasi and Navagam, well‐known places for paddy cultivation in Gujarat. Of these except G. raciborskii var. salsettense Dixit, all are reported for the first time from Gujarat.
Vegetation of inland desert wadis in Egypt VI. Wadi Qassab
Authors: El‐Shakawi H. M. , Fayed A. A. , Salama F. M.
Published: July 2024

Sporadie torrential rains drain the Red Sea mountain ranges into wadi systems that pour huge amounts of water and sediments into either the outskirts of the Nile valley or the Red Sea coast. Wadi Qassab is one of the former group that received considerable amounts of surface runoff waters in December 1980, thus calling for this investigation. Fourty eight species comprising the vegetation of the wadi are seggregated in two community types not previously recorded in this desert: 1. Zygophyllum simplex‐Frankenia pulverulenta community and 2. Salsola baryosma‐Ochradenus baccatus community. Fourteen species are common to both communities and are considered as members of the alliance «Zygo coceineum“ previously recognized in other wadis of this desert.
Infrageneric chemosystematics of some cultivated species of Ixora L.
Authors: Mai K. Kiran , Radhakrishnaiah M. , Narayana L. L.
Published: July 2024

The chemataxonomy of six cultivated species of Ixora is studied with reference to the distribution of different classes of chemical constituents and phenolic compounds. The quantified chemical data, presented in the form of synthetic numerical indices and dendrogram are suggestive of close chemical ties among them and support their placement in one section.
Beitrag zur Holzanatomie der Pinaceae am Beispiel des Astholzes der Borstenkiefer, Pinus aristata Engelm.1)
Authors: SÜSS H.
Published: July 2024

Am Beispiel einer 25jährigen Holzprobe werden die Ergebnisse anatomischer Untersuchungen am Astholz der Borstenkiefer, Pinus aristata, mitgeteilt und die auffälligsten Abweichungen einiger quantitativer sowie qualitativer Merkmale vom Stammholz dieser Pinaceae diskutiert. Die Bedeutung des nahezu völligen Fehlens der Strahltracheiden für die Anatomie und Phylogenie der Pinaceae und das zahlreiche Vorkommen von Trabeculae (Saniosche Balken) werden in gesonderten Kapiteln behandelt.
Organographic distribution and specialization of vessels in Dioscorea sp.
Authors: Bhat R. B. , Weber D. J. , Bayanole O. O.
Published: July 2024

The investigations of organographic distribution and specialization of vessel elements were made in three species of Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae). Vessel distributions were studied in roots, nodes, internodes, petioles and midribs of leaves of each species. The vessel elements are chiefly cylindrical, or drum‐like, or globose when very short, rarely, fork‐shaped, conical or fusiform in shape. Perforation plates are chiefly scalariform, but reticulate, foraminate and rarely simple ones occur. The vessel elements had predominently two perforations or rarely one in all the organs examined, except in the nodes where some vessel elements possessed more than two perforation plates. The pits are simple and oval, circular, or elongated, and arrangement was either opposite, alternate or at random. Vessels were with or without tails. End walls were tapering or blunt. The three species of Dioscorea investigated have mostly primitive vessels except for some in nodes.
Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Pilzflora Kubas. V. Die Gattung Cercospora Fres. (Deuteromycotina, Hyphomycetes)
Authors: Arnold G. R. W.
Published: July 2024

In this fifth paper on the mycoflora of Cuba, dealing with the genus Cercospora Fres., one hundred and twelve species, occurring on higher land plants, are recorded.
Eine Methodik zur quantitativen Beschreibung der Phytozönose terrestrischer Ökosysteme (phytozönotische Aufnahme)1) Teil III : Die quantitative Beschreibung der Strauch‐ und Baumschichten
Authors: Kuschka V.
Published: July 2024

Die Gehölze weisen eine Reihe Besonderheiten auf, die zu Modifikationen der “phytozönotischen Aufnahme” zwingen. So setzt sich der “Sproßlängsschnittindex” (SLI) hier aus der Längsschnittfläche des Stamms und des Astwerks zusammen. Letztere ist nur durch Hochrechnung mit Hilfe des Verzweigungsfaktors bei Vermessung eines Probeastes bestimmbar. Der “Sproßlängsschnittindex” bleibt bei Gehölzen während einer Vegetationsperiode weitgehend konstant und wird, wie die Abundanz, durch einmalige Messung auf einer Dauerfläche ermittelt. Auch die monatliche Bestimmung des Blattflächenindex erfolgt durch Hochrechnung. Die Basis dafür bildet ebenfalls die Vermessung eines Probeastes, der mit einem Astschneider entnommen wird.

Die praktische Durchführung des Aufnahmeverfahrens wird wiederum an einem Beispiel erläutert. Dabei finden quadratische Probeflächen von 10 × 10 m Anwendung.
Eine Methodik zur quantitativen Beschreibung der Phytozönose terrestrischer Ökosysteme (phytozönotische Aufnahme)1) Teil IV: Die quantitative Beschreibung der Moosschicht
Authors: Kuschka V.
Published: July 2024

Auf Grund der engen Vergesellschaftung in Polstern und der geringen Größe ist ein direktes Auszählen der Abundanz von Moosen auf den erforderlichen Probeflächen zumeist nicht vor Ort möglich. Die Abundanz wird deshalb durch eine Hochrechnung aus der von Moospolstern bedeckten Fläche (AM) und der Abundanz pro 1 cm2 Moospolster (MC) ermittelt. Bei der Untersuchung der Probeflächen im Untersuchungsgebiet wird mit Hilfe eines 50 × 50 cm großen Quadrat‐Rasters die moosbedeckte Fläche ausgezählt. Alle weiteren Meßdaten zur Berechnung der Deckung gewinnt man an Proben aus den Moospolstern im Labor unter dem Stereomikroskop. Die “Uniformitäts‐Frequenz” von Moosen kann man über eine vereinfachte Formel als Quotient der moosbedeckten Fläche und der Gesamtprobefläche berechnen. An einem Beispiel wird der praktische Verlauf der phytozönotischen Aufnahme der Moosschicht demonstriert.
Contributions to the flora of Central Africa II Crepidorhopalon, a new genus within the relationship of Craterostigma, Torenia and Lindernia (Scrophulariaceae) with two new or note‐worthy species from Central and South Central Africa (Zaire, Zambia)
Authors: Fischer E.
Published: July 2024

A new genus, Crepidorhopalon Fischer, within the relationship of Craterostigma, Torenia and Lindernia is described.

It differs from Craterostigma s. str. by the aulacospermous seeds (with rows produced by the endosperm), the full synflorcscence with main florescence and paracladia and the club‐shaped hairs with a socle of cells on the palatum of the lower lip.

Crepidorhopalon differs from Torenia by the palmate leaf‐venation, the glabrous ovary and the dehiscence of the capsule.

Additionally, the new species Crepidorhopalon membranocylacinus Fischer from Zaire and C. involucratus (Philcox) Fischer from North West‐Zambia are described.
Eine Methodik zur quantitativen Beschreibung der Phytozönose terrestrischer Ökosysteme Teil II. Die quantitative Beschreibung der Krautschicht
Authors: Flöha V. Kuschka
Published: July 2024

Die phylozönotische Aufnahme muß ein Komplex von Methoden sein, der die gleichzeitige Beschreibung aller “Stratophytozönosen” auf einheitlicher Grundlage erlaubt. Dabei sollen folgende Kriterien die Basis bilden:

1. dominante Artenkombination

2. zeitliche Struktur

3. Raumstruktur.

Zur Typisierung der Phytozönosen als Grundlage der Ökosystemtypisierung ist außerdem die “Charakteristische Artenkombination” zu ermitteln.

Kernstück der gesamten Methodik ist die Ermittlung der “dominanten Artenkombination”, als die Kombination der wesentlich die Primärproduktion der Phytozönose bestimmenden, großen Bauwert besitzenden und den Biotop am wesentlichsten becinflußenden Pflanzenarten. Als optimales Kriterium dafür wird vom Autor die Deckung angesehen. Eine allgemeine Formel zur Berechnung der Deckung aus Blattflächenindex und “Sproßlängsschnittindex” wird abgeleitet:

urn:x-wiley:00148962:fedrbf00056:equation:fedrbf00056-math-0001

D … Deckung

MP … Abundanz

v … Verzweigungsfaktor

MBI … Blattanzahl

ABI … Blattfiäcbe

I … Sproßlänge

d3 … Sproßdurchmesser

APF … Probeflächengröße.

Durch Berechnung der Dominanzen als prozentualer Anteil der Deckung der Art an der Gesamtdeckung ist eine Zuordnung der einzelnen Arten zur dominanten Artenkombination möglich.

An einem Beispiel aus dem FND “Rutsch” bei Flöha. Bezirk Karl‐Marx‐Stadt, wird die Praxis und Auswertung einer solchen phytozönotischen Aufnahme der Krautschicht demonstriert.
Ruderal vegetation of Baškiria II. Classes Artemisietea vulgaris, Agropyretea repentis, Plantaginetea majoris and Polygono‐Artemisietea austriacae1
Authors: Mirkin B. M. , Solomešč A. I. , Išbirdin A. R. , Sachapov M. T.
Published: July 2024

The vegetation of traditional classes of ruderal vegetation (Artemisietea vulgaris, Agropyretea repentis, Plantaginetea majoris) and the new class Polygono‐Artemisietea austriacae are described. The new class is shown as the East vicariant of Plantaginetea majoris under xerodermic conditions. The charateristic of 20 associations arc given with 15 new ones. The ecological and syndynamical interrelations of these associations are discussed. For each new association the nearest syntaxon from the Central Europe system is shown.
A triple growth factor strategy for optimizing bone augmentation in mice
Authors: Tenkumo Taichi , Koide Rie , Ogawa Toru , Yamaguchi Hirofumi , Suzuki Shigeki , Miyashita Makiko , Nakamura Keisuke , Wang Han , Yoda Nobuhiro , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: July 2024

With dental implant treatment becoming the gold standard, the need for effective bone augmentation prior to implantation has grown. This study aims to evaluate a bone augmentation strategy integrating three key growth factors: bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Collagen scaffolds incorporating BMP‐2, IGF‐1, or VEGF were fabricated and categorized into five groups based on their content: scaffold alone; BMP‐2 alone (BMP‐2); BMP‐2 and IGF‐1 (BI); BMP‐2, IGF‐1, and VEGF (BIV); and BMP‐2 and IGF‐1 with an earlier release of VEGF (BI + V). The prepared scaffolds were surgically implanted into the calvarias of C57BL/6JJcl mice, and hard tissue formation was assessed after 10 and 28 days through histological, tomographic, and biochemical analyses. The combination of BMP‐2 and IGF‐1 induced a greater volume of hard tissue augmentation compared with that of BMP‐2 alone, regardless of VEGF supplementation, and these groups had increased levels of cartilage compared with others. The volume of hard tissue formation was greatest in the BIV group. In contrast, the BI + V group exhibited a hard tissue volume similar to that of the BI group. While VEGF and CD31 levels were highest in the BIV group at 10 days, there was no correlation at the same time point between hard tissue formation and the quantity of M2 macrophages. In conclusion, the simultaneous release of BMP‐2, IGF‐1, and VEGF proved to be effective in promoting bone augmentation.
MARVEL analysis of high‐resolution rovibrational spectra of 16O12C18O
Authors: Alatoom Dunia , Ibrahim Mohammad Taha I. , Furtenbacher Tibor , Császár Attila G. , Alghizzawi M. , Yurchenko Sergei N. , Azzam Ala'a A. A. , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Empirical rovibrational energy levels are presented for the third most abundant, asymmetric carbon dioxide isotopologue, 16O12C18O, based on a compiled dataset of experimental rovibrational transitions collected from the literature. The 52 literature sources utilized provide 19,438 measured lines with unique assignments in the wavenumber range of 2–12,676 cm−1. The MARVEL (Measured Active Rotational‐Vibrational Energy Levels) protocol, which is built upon the theory of spectroscopic networks, validates the great majority of these transitions and outputs 8786 empirical rovibrational energy levels with an uncertainty estimation based on the experimental uncertainties of the transitions. Issues found in the literature data, such as misassignment of quantum numbers, typographical errors, and misidentifications, are fixed before including them in the final MARVEL dataset and analysis. Comparison of the empirical energy‐level data of this study with those in the line lists CDSD‐2019 and Ames‐2021 shows good overall agreement, significantly better for CDSD‐2019; some issues raised by these comparisons are discussed.
Tumour‐induced alterations in single‐nucleus transcriptome of atrophying muscles indicate enhanced protein degradation and reduced oxidative metabolism
Authors: Agca Samet , Domaniku‐Waraich Aylin , Bilgic Sevval Nur , Sucuoglu Melis , Dag Meric , Dogan Sukru Anil , Kir Serkan
Published: July 2024

Background

Tumour‐induced skeletal muscle wasting in the context of cancer cachexia is a condition with profound implications for patient survival. The loss of muscle mass is a significant clinical obstacle and is linked to reduced tolerance to chemotherapy and increased frailty. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving muscle atrophy is crucial for the design of new therapeutics.

Methods

Lewis lung carcinoma tumours were utilized to induce cachexia and muscle atrophy in mice. Single‐nucleus libraries of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle from tumour‐bearing mice and their non‐tumour‐bearing controls were constructed using 10X Genomics applications following the manufacturer's guidelines. RNA sequencing results were analysed with Cell Ranger software and the Seurat R package. Oxygen consumption of mitochondria isolated from TA muscle was measured using an Oroboros O2k‐FluoRespirometer. Mouse primary myotubes were treated with a recombinant ectodysplasin A2 (EDA‐A2) protein to activate EDA‐A2 receptor (EDA2R) signalling and study changes in gene expression and oxygen consumption.

Results

Tumour‐bearing mice were sacrificed while exhibiting moderate cachexia. Average TA muscle weight was reduced by 11% (P = 0.0207) in these mice. A total of 12 335 nuclei, comprising 6422 nuclei from the control group and 5892 nuclei from atrophying muscles, were studied. The analysis of single‐nucleus transcriptomes identified distinct myonuclear gene signatures and a shift towards type IIb myonuclei. Muscle atrophy‐related genes, including Atrogin1, MuRF1 and Eda2r, were upregulated in these myonuclei, emphasizing their crucial roles in muscle wasting. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that EDA2R activation and tumour inoculation led to similar expression patterns in muscle cells, including the stimulation of nuclear factor‐kappa B, Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription and transforming growth factor‐beta pathways and the suppression of myogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation. Muscle oxidative metabolism was suppressed by both tumours and EDA2R activation.

Conclusions

This study identified tumour‐induced transcriptional changes in muscle tissue at single‐nucleus resolution and highlighted the negative impact of tumours on oxidative metabolism. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle wasting.
Bidirectional transitions of sarcopenia states in older adults: The longitudinal evidence from CHARLS
Authors: Luo Ya‐Xi , Zhou Xiao‐Han , Heng Tian , Yang Ling‐Ling , Zhu Ying‐Hai , Hu Peng , Yao Xiu‐Qing
Published: July 2024

Background

Sarcopenia, the age‐related loss of muscle mass and function, brings multiple adverse outcomes including disability and death. Several sarcopenia consensuses have newly introduced the premorbid concept of possible sarcopenia and recommended early lifestyle interventions. Bidirectional transitions of premorbid states have been revealed in several chronic diseases yet not clarified in sarcopenia. This study aims to investigate the underlying transition patterns of sarcopenia states.

Methods

The study utilized three waves of data from a nationally representative survey, the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and included community‐dwelling individuals aged 60 years and older with at least two sarcopenia states assessments based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria 2019 (AWGS2019) between 2011 and 2015. The estimated transition intensity and probability between non‐sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and death were investigated using multi‐stage Markov (MSM) models.

Results

The study comprised 4395 individuals (49.2% female, median age 67 years) with a total of 10 778 records of sarcopenia state assessment, and the mean follow‐up period was 3.29 years. A total of 24.5% of individuals with a current state of possible sarcopenia returned to non‐sarcopenia, 60.3% remained possible sarcopenia, 6.7% progressed to sarcopenia, and 8.5% died by the next follow‐up. The transition intensity of recovery to non‐sarcopenia (0.252, 95% CI 0.231–0.275) was 2.8 times greater than the deterioration to sarcopenia (0.090, 95% CI 0.080–0.100) for individuals with possible sarcopenia. For individuals with possible sarcopenia, the estimated probabilities of recovering to non‐sarcopenia, progressing to sarcopenia, and transitioning to death within a 1‐year observation were 0.181, 0.066, and 0.035, respectively. For individuals with sarcopenia, the estimated probabilities of recovering to non‐sarcopenia, recovering to possible sarcopenia, and transitioning to death within 1‐year observation were 0.016, 0.125, and 0.075, respectively. In covariables analysis, age, sex, body mass index, physical function impairment, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes are important factors influencing bidirectional transitions.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the bidirectional transitions of sarcopenia states among older adults and reveal a notable proportion of possible sarcopenia show potential for recovery in the natural course. Screening and intensifying interventions based on risk factors may facilitate a recovery transition.
Differential impacts of fat and muscle mass on cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Guo Jie , Wei Yuxia , Heiland Emerald G. , Marseglia Anna
Published: July 2024

Background

The distribution of fat and muscle mass in different regions of the body can reflect different pathways to mortality in individuals with diabetes. Therefore, we investigated the associations between whole‐body and regional body fat and muscle mass with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non‐CVD mortality in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006, 1417 adults aged ≥50 years with T2D were selected. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to derive whole‐body, trunk, arm, and leg fat mass and muscle mass indices (FMI and MMI). Mortality data until 31 December 2019 were retrieved from the National Death Index. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

A total of 1417 participants were included in this study (weighted mean age [standard error]: 63.7 [0.3] years; 50.5% female). Over a median follow‐up of 13.6 years, 797 deaths were recorded (371 CVD‐related and 426 non‐CVD deaths). Higher FMI in the arm was associated with increased risk of non‐CVD mortality (fourth quartile [Q4] vs. first quartile [Q1]: HR 1.82 [95% CI 1.13–2.94]), whereas higher FMI in the trunk or leg was not significantly associated with CVD or non‐CVD mortality. Conversely, higher arm MMI was associated with a lower risk of both CVD (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 0.51 [95% CI 0.33–0.81]) and non‐CVD (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 0.56 [95% CI 0.33–0.94]) mortality. There was a significant interaction between smoking status and arm FMI on non‐CVD mortality (P for interaction = 0.007). Higher arm FMI was associated with a higher risk of non‐CVD mortality among current or former smokers (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 2.67 [95% CI 1.46–4.88]) but not non‐smokers (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 0.85 [95% CI 0.49–1.47]).

Conclusions

Fat mass and muscle mass, especially in the arm, are differently associated with CVD and non‐CVD mortality in people with T2D. Our findings underscore the predictive value of body compositions in the arm in forecasting mortality among older adults with T2D.
A multi‐omics approach to overeating and inactivity‐induced muscle atrophy in db/db mice
Authors: Okamura Takuro , Hamaguchi Masahide , Kobayashi Genki , Ichikawa Takahiro , Hasegawa Yuka , Miyoshi Tomoki , Senmaru Takafumi , Nakanishi Naoko , Sasano Ryoichi , Fukui Michiaki
Published: July 2024

Background

Overeating and inactivity are associated with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate its pathological basis using integrated omics and db/db/mice, a model representing this condition.

Methods

The study involved housing 8‐week‐old db/m and db/db mice for 8 weeks. Various analyses were conducted, including gene expression in skeletal muscle and small intestine using next‐generation sequencing; cytokine arrays of serum; assessment of metabolites in skeletal muscle, stool, and serum; and analysis of the gut microbiota. Histone modifications in small intestinal epithelial cells were profiled using CUT&Tag.

Results

Compared with db/m mice, db/db mice had 22.4% lower grip strength and approximately five times the visceral fat weight (P < 0.0001). Serum cytokine arrays showed a 2.8‐fold relative concentration of VEGF‐A in db/db mice (P < 0.0001) and lower concentrations of several other cytokines. mRNA sequencing revealed downregulation of Myh expression in skeletal muscle, upregulation of lipid and glucose transporters, and downregulation of amino acid transporters in the small intestine of db/db/mice. The concentrations of saturated fatty acids in skeletal muscle were significantly higher, and the levels of essential amino acids were lower in db/db mice. Analysis of the gut microbiota, 16S rRNA sequencing, revealed lower levels of the phylum Bacteroidetes (59.7% vs. 44.9%) and higher levels of the phylum Firmicutes (20.9% vs. 31.4%) in db/db mice (P = 0.003). The integrated signal of histone modifications of lipid and glucose transporters was higher, while the integrated signal of histone modifications of amino acid transporters was lower in the db/db mice.

Conclusions

The multi‐omics approach provided insights into the epigenomic alterations in the small intestine, suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of inactivity‐induced muscle atrophy in obese mice.
High‐resolution ultrasound approach to quadrangular joint in carpal boss: Everything musculoskeletal sonographer should know
Authors: Corvino Antonio , Ricci Vincenzo , Cocco Giulio , Pizzi Andrea Delli , Tafuri Domenico , Corvino Fabio , Nevalainen Mika T. , Chew Felix S. , Mespreuve Marc , Catalano Orlando
Published: July 2024

At the quadrangular joint (QAJ) of the carpus, a rare bony protuberance called carpal boss (CB) may occur. This bone abnormality may be due to osteophytes development or os styloideum. Symptomatic patients may complain pain, swelling, and restrictions in hand motion. These symptoms result from joint degenerative‐inflammatory changes, development of ganglion cyst/bursitis, or tendons pathology. Correct diagnosis and appropriate management can be achieved through high‐resolution ultrasonography (HR‐US). The purpose of this review is to define the pathology spectrum around and within the QAJ in CB. The role of HR‐US is highlighted and the standard technique for the QAJ assessment is described.
A comprehensive MRI analysis of osteoid osteomas in patients with diverse radiological features across various regions
Authors: Yazol Merve , Ozer Halil , Asfuroğlu Umut , Tokgoz Nil
Published: July 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which does not involve ionizing radiation, is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing osteoid osteoma (OO), an ailment more common in children and young adults.

Purpose

This study aims to perform a literature review and delineate the MRI findings of OO lesions in patients exhibiting varying radiological features across different regions.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study included 63 patients diagnosed with OO through MRI, assessed independently by two blinded radiologists using both standard and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI techniques. After excluding 7 patients with prior biopsy, surgery, or RFA, the study included 56 patients with 57 lesions.

Results

Of 57 lesions evaluated, 50 were in long, and 7 in flat bones. One patient presented with two separate nidi within the intertrochanteric region. Most of the lesions, 49 (86%), were extra‐articular, while 8 (14%) were intra‐articular. The nidus was intracortical in 45 (78.9%) patients, intramedullary in 5 (8.8%), subperiosteal in 5 (8.8%), and endosteal in 2 (3.5%). Average nidus diameter was 7.02 ± 2.64 mm (3–12.6 mm). Central nidal calcification was present in 68.4% (n = 39) cases. Contrast enhancement was intense at 90.5%, moderate at 9.5%. Reactive sclerosis around the nidus was severe (50.9%), moderate (22.8%), and mild (26.3%). Bone marrow edema was severe (70.2%), moderate (14.0%), and mild (15.8%). Soft tissue edema was identified in 77.2% of all lesions.

Conclusion

To minimize delays in diagnosis and treatment, radiologists should become acquainted with the typical OO MRI findings and the atypical MRI findings that might be mistaken for other conditions.
Flipped classroom orthodontic education for undergraduate dental students: A factor analysis study
Authors: Saheb Safeena Abdul Khader , Hakami Zaki , Bokhari Ahmed M , Bawazeer Omar
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Dental schools have a primary responsibility to devise a curriculum that enhances students’ confidence and knowledge in orthodontic case analysis. This study aims to compare the confidence levels and performance of undergraduate students in orthodontic case screening, moderated by faculty in a lecture‐based format against their self‐analysis of the same cases 1 year later, using a case‐based and flipped learning approach.

Materials and methods

This study involved 100 fifth‐year students. The same group received predoctoral orthodontics training through an instructor‐centered, didactic approach in their fifth year and a case‐based, student‐centered, flipped classroom approach in their sixth year. At the end of each semester, the students completed an orthodontic case analysis and a self‐reflection survey.

Results

This study found no significant differences in diagnostic capabilities for orthodontic findings between the two methods studied. However, the self‐evaluation survey data revealed an increase in students’ confidence levels. This was specifically in terms of carrying out independent orthodontic case diagnosis, effectively communicating with orthodontic specialists, and their comfort in approaching orthodontic cases following the flipped classroom approach. Despite increased confidence in case diagnosis, the results showed that final‐year students are uncertain about creating initial treatment plans and referring cases at an early stage.

Conclusion

Despite no observed improvement in students’ orthodontic diagnostic abilities after another semester of student‐centered learning, their confidence in diagnosing orthodontic cases was notably enhanced.
Optimized AF4 combined with density cushion ultracentrifugation enables profiling of high‐purity human blood extracellular vesicles
Authors: Hu Liqiao , Zheng Xinyue , Zhou Maoge , Wang Jifeng , Tong Lingjun , Dong Ming , Xu Tao , Li Zonghong
Published: July 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising tool for clinical liquid biopsy. However, the identification of EVs derived from blood samples is hindered by the presence of abundant plasma proteins, which impairs the downstream biochemical analysis of EV‐associated proteins and nucleic acids. Here, we employed optimized asymmetric flow field‐flow fractionation (AF4) combined with density cushion ultracentrifugation (UC) to obtain high‐purity and intact EVs with very low lipoprotein contamination from human plasma and serum. Further proteomic analysis revealed more than 1000 EV‐associated proteins, a large proportion of which has not been previously reported. Specifically, we found that cell‐line‐derived EV markers are incompatible with the identification of plasma‐EVs and proposed that the proteins MYCT1, TSPAN14, MPIG6B and MYADM, as well as the traditional EV markers CD63 and CD147, are plasma‐EV markers. Benefiting from the high‐purity of EVs, we conducted comprehensive miRNA profiling of plasma EVs and nanosized particles (NPs), as well as compared plasma‐ and serum‐derived EVs, which provides a valuable resource for the EV research community. Overall, our findings provide a comprehensive assessment of human blood EVs as a basis for clinical biopsy applications.
Correlated spatiotemporal downscaling of Euro‐CORDEX climatic data for infrastructure resilience assessment
Authors: Chatzidaki Akrivi , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Barmpas Fotios , Hellsten Antti , Auvinen Mikko , Tsegas George
Published: July 2024

A methodology is presented for downscaling the Euro‐CORDEX climatic projections in order to derive spatially and temporally correlated weather fields that can be used for risk and resilience assessment of large‐scale asset portfolios or interconnected infrastructure. The temporal resolution of the Euro‐CORDEX data is downscaled to a 10 min basis by employing a modified analogue‐type approach that utilizes the k‐NN algorithm along with measurements from weather stations. The aim is to generate composite “Frankenstein” days comprising 144 jigsaw pieces of observed 10 min timeseries that are scaled and/or shifted, and matched together to form a continuous daily record. These point‐estimates, valid only at the locations of the weather stations, are expanded spatially by employing high‐fidelity weather intensity measure fields that provide variable yet synchronous patterns of weather parameters at all locations of interest. As a case study, the Euro‐CORDEX projections for wind, temperature, and precipitation are downscaled for the Metsovo‐Panagia segment of Egnatia Odos highway in Greece, by employing high‐fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations that account for the topography of the site to simulate turbulent wind flows. These are combined with measurements of two local weather stations to generate the Frankenstein timeseries and corresponding weather fields that can be used for estimating operability, recovery and direct/indirect loss statistics on an event‐by‐event basis for an ensemble of interconnected highway assets.
Evaluation of the performance of meteorological drought indices in Morocco: A case study of different climatic zones
Authors: Oubaha Anas , Ongoma Victor , Hssaine Bouchra Ait , Bouchaou Lhoussaine , Chehbouni Abdelghani
Published: July 2024

Understanding drought occurrence and evolution is important in minimizing the impacts associated with it. This work assesses the performance of 10 commonly used meteorological indices to measure drought in Morocco. The studied indices are Deciles Index (DI), Percent of Normal Index (PNI), Z‐Score Index (ZSI), China‐Z Index (CZI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), its self‐calibrated variant (scPDSI) and Palmer Z Index (PZI). Rainfall and temperature gridded data is sourced from PERSIANN‐CDR and ERA5, respectively, for the period 1983–2021. The study area exhibits three main climatic regimes; subhumid, semi‐arid and arid, with a drying and warming climate, as depicted by the rainfall and temperature trends analysis. Results show that most rainfall‐based indices perform relatively poorly in drought monitoring in the study area. DI and PNI appear to be inconsistent and abnormally responsive to rainfall. RAI reports droughts 56.5% more frequently and slightly underestimate drought intensity compared to other indices. Similarly, ZSI and CZI largely underestimate drought intensity. PDSI and scPDSI are computationally demanding, often underestimate drought intensity and overestimate drought duration by at least 115% compared to SPI and SPEI. Conversely, PZI can be used for drought onset detection as it reported droughts early compared to the other indices. SPI and SPEI perform overall better regarding their consistent drought identification and severity assessment. However, SPEI is found to be more suitable than SPI in the arid and semi‐arid regions and performed better considering the warming climate of the country.
The Interplay between Negative Activating Emotions, Family Expressiveness, and Gender: Implications for Creativity
Authors: Wang Minghui , Takahashi Yusuke , Cheung Cecilia
Published: July 2024

Research on the implications of negative emotions for creativity has yielded mixed findings. To clarify this relationship, we conducted a short‐term prospective study with data collected across two time points. We also explored the moderating roles of family expressiveness and gender in the creative process. The sample included 392 Japanese adolescents (54.7% female; age range: 12–13 years old). Adolescents reported on their experiences of negative activating emotion (e.g., fear, anxiety) and the degree to which their family members expressed positive emotions (e.g., expressing gratitude) toward each other. A drawing task and an alternative uses task (AUT) were used to measure adolescents' creativity. For creativity expressed in the drawing task, negative activating emotion enhanced creativity in girls only when their families' emotional expressivity was of low or average levels. For creativity indexed by the AUT, a high level of family expressiveness strengthened the relationship between negative activating emotion and creativity in boys but suppressed such a relationship in girls. Findings suggest that, at least among Japanese adolescents, the associations between negative activating emotions and creativity can depend on multiple factors, including family emotional expressivity, gender, and the nature of the creativity task.
Implementation of hospital electronic medical record Patient Friendly Medication Lists and Interim Medication Administration Charts
Authors: Wembridge Paul , Rashed Saly , Monypenny Nick , Rodda Hamish
Published: July 2024

Patients discharged from Australian hospitals require a list of current medications at the point of discharge, which is commonly in the form of a Patient Friendly Medication List (PFML). Furthermore, the provision of an Interim Medication Administration Chart (IMAC) reduces the number of medication administration delays and omissions for patients discharged to residential aged‐care facilities. To increase the adoption of PFMLs and IMACs, a new process was developed for creating PFMLs and IMACs directly from the discharge prescription in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). This retrospective pre‐ and post‐intervention audit aimed to evaluate 1 year of PFML and IMAC generation from three acute metropolitan hospitals, prior to and after transitioning from pharmacy dispensing software to EMR‐generated documents. Despite similar hospital activity, the transition to EMR‐generated PFMLs and IMACs was associated with a 157% increase in PFML provision (7930 vs 20 373), a 220% increase in IMAC provision (1569 vs 5022) and a 99% reduction in the number of items typed into the pharmacy dispensing software that did not require supply (−59 171/year). Discharge dispensary turnaround times were lower in the post‐intervention period (36 min vs 30 min, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the transition to EMR‐generated PFMLs and IMACs was associated with increased provision of these documents, reduced data entry for items not required to be supplied, decreased risk of transcription errors and shortened time taken for the hospital pharmacy to process discharge items. This project was exempt due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Eastern Health Office of Research and Ethics (Reference no: QA21‐094). The justification for this ethics exemption was as follows: the project complies with the National Health and Medical Research Council's Ethical considerations in quality assurance and evaluation activities and met local requirements for an audit or quality assurance activity.
Exploring the natural efficacy of spirulina powder for combating obesity, diabetes, and inflammation
Authors: Krishnan Hari , Kaushik Deepika , Kumar Mukul , Oz Emel , Brennan Charles , Proestos Charalampos , Kumar Vishal , Ahmed Mukhtar , Oz Fatih
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

An increasing incidence of metabolic disorders emphasizes the need to explore natural treatments. Spirulina, a microalga with a rich nutrient profile, offers a promising solution for obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. This study provides a meticulous analysis of spirulina powder, evaluating its physicochemical attributes and technofunctional properties through the use of advanced analytical techniques.

RESULTS

Spirulina powder demonstrated strong flowability, substantial water and oil absorption capacity, and moderate foaming characteristics. The ethanolic extract of spirulina was found to be a repository of phenolic (6.93 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (7.17 mg QE/g) compounds, manifesting considerable antioxidant activity with a 58.49 g kg−1 inhibition of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The extract also exhibited pronounced inhibitory effects on lipase and amylase enzymes, with inhibition percentages of 72.05 g kg−1 and 70.28 g kg−1, respectively, and displayed a glucose retention capacity of 1.28 mg dL−1 (68.52 g kg−1) in a dialysis membrane assay. These results suggest its efficacy in modulating obesity and glycemic control. The powder also showed a potent anti‐inflammatory response by mitigating protein denaturation.

CONCLUSION

Spirulina powder is a potent natural agent with multiple health benefits, meriting its incorporation into functional foods. It could be suitable for application in the food industry, offering a natural strategy to combat metabolic diseases. This research adds to the scientific literature on spirulina, paving the way for future research into its utilization. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Cover Image
Authors: Li Yueqi , Xu Lingbin , Sam Faisal Eudes , Li Aihua , Hu Kai , Tao Yongsheng
Published: July 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Improving aromatic higher alcohol acetates in wines by co‐fermentation of Pichia kluyveri and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: growth interaction and amino acid competition by Yueqi Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13519.

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Annular Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Fizazi Ariane , Dereure Olivier
Published: July 2024

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) is a genodermatosis that typically presents with crusted erosions located in skin folds and the perineum. We report two cases of a highly atypical form of HHD, characterised by inflammatory annular skin lesions on the trunk, isolated and sparing the folds in one patient. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology or genetic analysis. Clinicians should consider this exceptional subset of HHD when encountering annular lesions resistant to antifungals even when a relevant familial background is lacking.
A four‐party evolutionary game analysis of collaborative construction strategies for zero‐carbon tourism cities
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Weitao , Wang Zhaofeng , Shi Song
Published: July 2024

A four‐party evolutionary game model for the collaborative construction strategies of zero‐carbon tourism cities (ZCTCs) is established that considers the individual contributions of local governments, tourism enterprises, tourists and local residents to the overall carbon‐neutralizing target. The evolutionary stability of the game players' strategies is then analyzed. The results show that there are three stable strategy combinations in the game system for ZCTC construction, which matches the construction modes of tourism cities at different levels of development. The initial value, costs, rewards, penalties, distribution coefficient, and reporting coefficient of the strategy selection affect the evolutionary paths of game players.
Comprehensive assessment of nonuniform image quality: Application to imaging near metal
Authors: Toews Alexander R. , Lee Philip K. , Nayak Krishna S. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Comprehensive assessment of image quality requires accounting for spatial variations in (i) intensity artifact, (ii) geometric distortion, (iii) signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and (iv) spatial resolution, among other factors. This work presents an ensemble of methods to meet this need, from phantom design to image analysis, and applies it to the scenario of imaging near metal.

Methods

A modular phantom design employing a gyroid lattice is developed to enable the co‐registered volumetric quantitation of image quality near a metallic hip implant. A method for measuring spatial resolution by means of local point spread function (PSF) estimation is presented and the relative fitness of gyroid and cubic lattices is examined. Intensity artifact, geometric distortion, and SNR maps are also computed. Results are demonstrated with 2D‐FSE and MAVRIC‐SL scan protocols on a 3T MRI scanner.

Results

The spatial resolution method demonstrates a worst‐case error of 0.17 pixels for measuring in‐plane blurring up to 3 pixels (full width at half maximum). The gyroid outperforms a cubic lattice design for the local PSF estimation task. The phantom supports four configurations toggling the presence/absence of both metal and structure with good spatial correspondence for co‐registered analysis of the four quality factors. The marginal scan time to evaluate one scan protocol amounts to five repetitions. The phantom design can be fabricated in 2 days at negligible material cost.

Conclusion

The phantom and associated analysis methods can elucidate complex image quality trade‐offs involving intensity artifact, geometric distortion, SNR, and spatial resolution. The ensemble of methods is suitable for benchmarking imaging performance near metal.
Improved abdominal T1 weighted imaging at 0.55T
Authors: Tasdelen Bilal , Lee Nam G. , Cui Sophia X. , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Breath‐held fat‐suppressed volumetric T1‐weighted MRI is an important and widely‐used technique for evaluating the abdomen. Both fat‐saturation and Dixon‐based fat‐suppression methods are used at conventional field strengths; however, both have challenges at lower field strengths (<1.5T) due to insufficient fat suppression and/or inadequate resolution. Specifically, at lower field strengths, fat saturation often fails due to the short T1 of lipid; and Cartesian Dixon imaging provides poor spatial resolution due to the need for a long ∆TE, due to the smaller ∆f between water and lipid. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate a new approach capable of simultaneously achieving excellent fat suppression and high spatial resolution on a 0.55T whole‐body system.

Methods

We applied 3D stack‐of‐spirals Dixon imaging at 0.55T, with compensation of concomitant field phase during reconstruction. The spiral readouts make efficient use of the requisite ∆TE. We compared this with 3D Cartesian Dixon imaging. Experiments were performed in 2 healthy and 10 elevated liver fat volunteers.

Results

Stack‐of‐spirals Dixon imaging at 0.55T makes excellent use of the required ∆TE, provided high SNR efficiency and finer spatial resolution (1.7 × 1.7 × 5 mm3) compared Cartesian Dixon (3.5 × 3.5 × 5 mm3), within a 17‐s breath‐hold. We observed successful fat suppression, and improved definition of structures such as the liver, kidneys, and bowel.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that high‐resolution single breath‐hold volumetric abdominal T1‐weighted imaging is feasible at 0.55T using spiral sampling and concomitant field correction. This is an attractive alternative to existing Cartesian‐based methods, as it simultaneously provides high‐resolution and excellent fat‐suppression.