bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mGluR1/IP3/ERK signaling pathway regulates vestibular compensation in ON UBCs of the cerebellar flocculus
Authors: Liu Dan , Wang Jun , Tian E. , Chen Jingyu , Kong Weijia , Lu Yisheng , Zhang Sulin
Published: August 2023

Aims

To investigate the role of mGluR1α in cerebellar unipolar brush cells (UBC) in mediating vestibular compensation (VC), using mGluR1α agonist and antagonist to modulate ON UBC neurons, and explore the mGluR1/IP3/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway.

Methods

First, AAV virus that knockdown ON UBC (mGluR1α) were injected into cerebellar UBC by stereotactic, and verified by immunofluorescence and western blot. The effect on VC was evaluated after unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL). Second, saline, (RS)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), and LY367385 were injected into tubes implanted in rats at different time points after UL separately. The effect on ON UBC neuron activity was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Then, Phosphoinositide (PI) and p‐ERK1/2 levels of mGluR1α were analyzed by ELISA after UL. The protein levels of p‐ERK and total ERK were verified by western blot. In addition, the effect of mGluR1α activation or inhibition on VC‐related behavior was observed.

Results

mGluR1α knockdown induced VC phenotypes. DHPG increased ON UBC activity, while LY367385 reduced ON UBC activity. DHPG group showed an increase in PI and p‐ERK1/2 levels, while LY367385 group showed a decrease in PI and p‐ERK1/2 levels in cerebellar UBC of rats. The western blot results of p‐ERK and total ERK confirm and support the observations. DHPG alleviated VC‐related behavior phenotypes, while LY367385 exacerbated vestibular decompensation‐like behavior induced by UL.

Conclusion

mGluR1α activity in cerebellar ON UBC is crucial for mediating VC through the mGluR1/IP3/ERK signaling pathway, which affects ON UBC neuron activity and contributes to the pathogenesis of VC.
Strain‐derived myocardial work in wild‐type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis with aortic stenosis—diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Ladefoged Bertil , Pedersen Anders Lehmann Dahl , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt
Published: August 2023

Background

Several echocardiographic parameters have been suggested to differentiate wild‐type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt) from other causes of hypertrophy. These studies have all been performed in small samples of mixed cardiac amyloidosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of echocardiographic parameters in patients with ATTRwt and aortic stenosis (AS) versus patients with AS. The secondary aim was to investigate the role of myocardial work in the prognosis of patients with ATTRwt.

Methods

The sensitivity and specificity of the relative apical sparing ratio (RAS), the apical‐to‐basal ratio (AB), the ejection‐fraction‐to‐global‐longitudinal‐strain ratio (EF/GLS), and the global myocardial work index (GWI) were calculated using receiver‐operated characteristics curves and area under the curve (AUC) in patients with ATTRwt and AS (n = 50) versus patients with AS (n = 354). Multivariable regression was used to assess the prognostic value of GWI in patients with ATTRwt (n = 212).

Results

When used to identify AS from ATTRwt + AS, GWI had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 70%. The AUC of GWI was larger than that of AB (p = .01) and EF/GLS (p > .01) but not RAS (p = .15). In patients with ATTRwt multivariable regression found age predicted mortality with an estimate of HR = 1.086 (CI: 1.034–1.141) while GWI predicted survival with an estimate of HR = .837 (CI: .733–.956) per 100 mmHg*% increase.

Conclusion

GWI was demonstrated to be a viable classifier in ATTRwt and AS versus AS. GWI was demonstrated to independently predict survival in patients with ATTRwt. Further studies examining the role of myocardial work in ATTRwt are warranted.
Molecular basis of selective amyloid‐β degrading enzymes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Żukowska Joanna , Moss Stephen J. , Subramanian Vasanta , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: August 2023

The accumulation of the small 42‐residue long peptide amyloid‐β (Aβ) has been proposed as a major trigger for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Within the brain, the concentration of Aβ peptide is tightly controlled through production and clearance mechanisms. Substantial experimental evidence now shows that reduced levels of Aβ clearance are present in individuals living with AD. This accumulation of Aβ can lead to the formation of large aggregated amyloid plaques—one of two detectable hallmarks of the disease. Aβ‐degrading enzymes (ADEs) are major players in the clearance of Aβ. Stimulating ADE activity or expression, in order to compensate for the decreased clearance in the AD phenotype, provides a promising therapeutic target. It has been reported in mice that upregulation of ADEs can reduce the levels of Aβ peptide and amyloid plaques—in some cases, this led to improved cognitive function. Among several known ADEs, neprilysin (NEP), endothelin‐converting enzyme‐1 (ECE‐1), insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) and angiotensin‐1 converting enzyme (ACE) from the zinc metalloprotease family have been identified as important. These ADEs have the capacity to digest soluble Aβ which, in turn, cannot form the toxic oligomeric species. While they are known for their amyloid degradation, they exhibit complexity through promiscuous nature and a broad range of substrates that they can degrade. This review highlights current structural and functional understanding of these key ADEs, giving some insight into the molecular interactions that leads to the hydrolysis of peptide substrates, the crucial tasks performed by them and the potential for therapeutic use in the future.
Usefulness of the Fibrosis‐4 index and alanine aminotransferase at 1 year of nucleos(t)ide analog treatment for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Inoue Jun , Akahane Takehiro , Kobayashi Tomoo , Kimura Osamu , Sato Kosuke , Ninomiya Masashi , Iwata Tomoaki , Takai Satoshi , Kisara Norihiro , Sato Toshihiro , Nagasaki Futoshi , Miura Masahito , Nakamura Takuya , Umetsu Teruyuki , Sano Akitoshi , Tsuruoka Mio , Onuki Masazumi , Sawahashi Satoko , Niitsuma Hirofumi , Masamune Atsushi ,   THERME Study Group
Published: August 2023

Aim

Nucleos(t)ide analogs do not completely prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of a non‐invasive liver fibrosis marker, the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, for predicting HCC development.

Methods

Among a total of 882 chronically hepatitis B virus infection‐infected patients who were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs, 472 patients without HCC history whose FIB‐4 at baseline and 1 year of treatment was obtained were evaluated for the incidence of HCC.

Results

The median FIB‐4 was 2.00 at baseline and was significantly reduced to 1.58 at 1 year (P < 0.001), but the reduction was small at 2 years or later. When a receiver operating characteristic analysis of FIB‐4 was performed to predict HCC within 5 years, the area under the curve of FIB‐4 at 1 year was higher than that at baseline (0.676 vs. 0.599). The HCC incidence was significantly higher in patients with FIB‐4 ≥1.58 than in those with FIB‐4 <1.58 (14.8% vs. 3.6% at 10 years, P < 0.001). Additionally, an abnormal alanine aminotransferase (≥31 U/L) at 1 year was an independent risk for HCC. When a fibrosis and alanine aminotransferase‐1 (FAL‐1) score was evaluated as an applicable number of FIB‐4 ≥1.58, and alanine aminotransferase ≥31 as 0, 1, and 2, the HCC risk in patients with score 2 was significantly higher than in those with score 1 or score 0 (24.1% vs. 9.8% vs. 0.7% at 10 years, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

FIB‐4 ≥1.58 and alanine aminotransferase ≥31 at 1 year of nucleos(t)ide analog was an independent risk factor for HCC development, and a score using these factors stratified the risk of HCC.
Gonadal and cellular dynamics during protogynous sex change in the harlequin sandsmelt Parapercis pulchella
Authors: Yao Akifumi , Nakamura Mayuko , Kohtsuka Hisanori , Sunobe Tomoki , Miura Toru
Published: August 2023

Some teleost fishes change their sex, and some of these fishes have specific gonads known as “ovotestes,” that is, gonads containing both ovarian and testicular tissues. In this study, we revealed the gonadal transformation process and cell dynamics during the female‐to‐male sex change in the harlequin sandsmelt, Parapercis pulchella (Pinguipetidae), in which females possess ovotestes. Histological observations revealed that although female ovotestes were composed of oocytes, a few cysts of male germ cells were observed among them. At the initial phase of sex change, male germ cells increased, and spermatogenesis proceeded. After that, oocytes decreased and finally disappeared, and the gonads became functional testes. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against Pcna (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) as a cell proliferation marker revealed that spermatogonia were Pcna positive, whereas spermatocytes were negative, in female ovotestes. This suggests that spermatogenesis is arrested at the spermatocyte stage. In addition, some somatic cells surrounding oocytes, which were thought to be the female follicle cells, were Pcna positive during sex change, indicating that these cells proliferate during sex change and are reused in male testes after sex change. Also, immunostaining using antibodies against active cleaved‐Caspase3a as an apoptosis marker demonstrated that oocytes degenerated through apoptotic cell death at the late transition stage. Together with previous findings in other fishes, these findings suggested that the histological processes in gonads during sex change, such as the order of developmental events, developmental fates of ovarian cavities, and ovotestis structures, are diversified among fish species. In contrast, cellular dynamics of female germ and somatic cells during sex change are common among protogynous species.
Insights into vertebral band pair deposition rate in the juvenile common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Spear Luka N. , Kohin Suzanne , Mohan John A. , Wells R. J. David
Published: August 2023

Validation of band pair deposition rates in elasmobranch vertebrae is essential for accurate age estimation using band pair counting techniques. We present a validation study of the vertebral band pair deposition rate for juvenile common thresher sharks Alopias vulpinus in the northeastern Pacific Ocean (NEPO) using tag and recapture with oxytetracycline (OTC) injection. A total of 14 juvenile A. vulpinus marked with OTC from 1998 through 2013 were recaptured with times at liberty ranging from 1.08 to 3.81 years with an average of 2.14 years (±0.97 years standard deviation, SD). Shark size ranged from 80 to 128 cm fork length (LF) at the time of OTC injection and from 112 to 168 cm LF for those measured at recapture. The slopes of the relationships between band pairs post OTC and years at liberty for each reader ranged from 0.84 to 0.95, slightly lower than the 1.0 slope expected from annual band pair formation. These findings preliminarily support previous age and growth assumptions based on a one band pair per year deposition rate. However, high variation in band pair deposition rates between samples, coupled with regression slopes falling just under one band pair per year, indicates that further investigation is needed to refine band pair deposition rate estimates.
Modeling and optimization of integrated earth air heat exchanger and direct evaporative cooling system using ANN and RSM approaches for preserving fruits and vegetables
Authors: Nishad Praween , Mangaraj Shukadev
Published: August 2023

Conventional air‐conditioned storage systems are more energy intensive which requires a consistent supply of electricity. Apart from this, it is costly and not suitable in remote areas where electricity is almost inaccessible. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the performance and feasibility of an integrated earth air heat exchanger and direct evaporative cooling system for storage of fruits and vegetables. The effects of air velocity (4–6 m/s), water flow rate (0.032–0.096 kg/s), and thickness of the cooling pad (50–150 mm) with corresponding responses were investigated in order to develop response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models and compared them to predict temperature drop and humidity rise. Using RSM model, the optimum values for maximum temperature drop (16.80°C) and humidity rise (70.85%) within a range of input variables were found to be 4 m/s air velocity, 0.065 kg/s water flow rate, and 150 mm thickness of the cooling pad. For predicting the temperature drop and humidity rise, the higher (0.992 and 0.998) lower MAE (0.045 and 0.064), RMSE (0.187 and 0.266), and values (0.028 and 0.001) were observed in the ANN model. The developed ANN model was better than RSM models, and the model prediction was in good agreement with experiment values within the range of ±5% uncertainty. The results of this study indicate that the proposed cooling system can be successfully applied to store horticultural commodities.

Practical Application

Introduced hybrid cooling technique is low‐cost and eco‐friendly, and can be commercially used for on‐farm storage of fruits and vegetables to enhance their shelf life. The system is helpful for smallholder farmers/retailers to maintain the quality of the commodity during storage, minimize post‐harvest losses, and fetch good market value for the commodity.
Hybrid data‐driven modeling for accurate prediction of quality parameters in sugarcane milling with fine‐tuning
Authors: Yang Tao , Mao Hanling , Yin Yanqing , Zhong Jiankang , Wen Jieming , Ding Jiang , Duan Qingshan
Published: August 2023

The data‐driven model for predicting sugarcane milling quality parameters is crucial for optimization. Current challenges include real‐time data acquisition and limited labeled data, reducing model accuracy and raising data collection costs. There is an urgent need to utilize unlabeled data to establish data‐driven models for sugarcane milling. This study introduces novel hybrid strategies, namely combining Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM), utilizing pre‐training and fine‐tuning techniques. These strategies include CNN‐KELM and Transfer Learning CNN‐KELM (TL‐CNN‐KELM). Results demonstrate superior accuracy compared to single algorithms. TL‐CNN‐KELM, leveraging unlabeled data through transfer learning, achieves reductions of 0.007 in mean squared error and 0.005 in mean absolute error for extraction rate predictions. For initial juice sugar content predictions, reductions of 0.027 in mean squared error and 0.012 in mean absolute error are attained. This approach demonstrates enhanced accuracy in predicting quality parameters while maintaining robustness to data size.

Practical Applications

This work can reduce the data acquisition cost for quality parameter prediction and accelerate the intellectualization of sugarcane milling. In production practice, there are many process industries similar to sugarcane milling, so the novel algorithms also provide an idea for the quality parameter optimization and prediction of other process industries.
Comparison of different risk stratifications for gastric cancer and establishing a simplified risk‐scoring model based on the Kyoto classification
Authors: Zhang Pengyue , Xu Tingting , Wang Jingjing , Li Yang , Cai Yi , Feng Hui , Wang Yalei
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

The study aims to assess the value of different risk stratifications in diagnosing early gastric cancer (GC) and explore risk factors based on Kyoto gastritis classification.

Methods

This study was a single‐centered cross‐sectional study; all epidemiological data and endoscopic findings were obtained prospectively. To evaluate the proportion of GC in each risk stratification and to compare the diagnostic performance of different methods using the receiver operating characteristic curve, univariable and multivariable analyses were used to explore the correlation between endoscopic findings and GC.

Results

A total of 240 subjects were enrolled, and the diagnostic efficacy of the Kyoto Classification Score was similar to Operative Link on Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment (OLGIM) stage, and the accuracy was higher than that of the Japanese scoring system and OLGA stage. Moderate atrophy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–8.16), severe atrophy (OR = 4.96, 95% CI: 1.75–14.04), map‐like redness (OR = 9.89, 95% CI: 1.16–84.15), and xanthelasma (OR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.15–11.15) were independent risk factors for GC. The simplified Kyoto classification (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] = 0.76, P = 0.58) based on multivariable analysis demonstrated favorable diagnostic value compared with traditional Kyoto classification score (AUROC = 0.74).

Conclusions

This study confirms the value of the Kyoto classification score and the OLGIM stage in the risk stratification of GC. Simplified Kyoto classification is also promising in risk assessment of GC but still requires validation in the population.
A newer approach in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis with QR678® and QR678 Neo®—A prospective pilot study
Authors: Kapoor Rinky , Shome Debraj , Doshi Komal , Patel Ghanshyam , Tandel Harshal , Kumar Vaibhav
Published: August 2023

Background

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects the scalp and is characterized by erythema and oily scales. It could perhaps be difficult to control and could seriously degrade one's quality of life. The study's objective is to assess the effectiveness of intradermal administrations of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor therapy for the treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis in both men and women.

Method

Forty male and female patients with clinically diagnosed seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in the age 18–45 years, not satisfactorily responding to standard therapy for at least 6 months, were included. 1 mL solution of QR678 Neo® was administered in the scalp skin of all patients at 3‐week interval till eight sessions. Patients were advised to continue with antifungal shampoo and topical antifungal solution with steroid combination which they had been on during the treatment. Assessment of disease severity, dermoscopic evaluation, and self‐assessment were done at baseline and at the end of the fourth and the eighth sessions.

Results

Improvement was observed in adherent scalp flaking score after eighth session (mean = 12) compared to baseline (mean = 60). The dermoscopic evaluation showed a noticeable difference from baseline (mean = 11) in erythema and scaling with the Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp Severity Index tool at the end of treatment (mean = 2). A high satisfaction score was given for the efficiency in the self‐assessment questionnaire.

Conclusion

Our study proved that treatment with QR678 Neo® led to an improvement in the overall scalp condition by the resolution of flaking and inflammation.
Exploring exercise, physical wellbeing and the role of physiotherapy: perspectives from people with narcolepsy
Authors: Tadrous Ragy , O'Rourke Deirdre , Murphy Niamh , Quinn Gillian , Quinn Caitriona , Slattery Lisa , Broderick Julie
Published: August 2023

Narcolepsy is associated with reduced quality of life and physical performance. The study aimed to explore the attitudes of people with Type 1 narcolepsy towards exercise and physical activity, their physical wellbeing, and the potential role of physiotherapy. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 people with narcolepsy attending a dedicated outpatient narcolepsy clinic located in Dublin, Ireland. Transcripts were iteratively coded; a thematic analysis was undertaken, and key themes were identified. Four themes were identified: ‘Barriers and Facilitators to Exercising’, ‘Social Concerns’, ‘Health Concerns’ and ‘Suggestions for the Role of Physiotherapy’. Future research should explore the potential role of exercise to help manage narcolepsy‐related symptoms in this population.
Additive autoregressive models for matrix valued time series
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Fan
Published: August 2023

In this article, we develop additive autoregressive models (Add‐ARM) for the time series data with matrix valued predictors. The proposed models assume separable row, column and lag effects of the matrix variables, attaining stronger interpretability when compared with existing bilinear matrix autoregressive models. We utilize the Gershgorin's circle theorem to impose some certain conditions on the parameter matrices, which make the underlying process strictly stationary. We also introduce the alternating least squares estimation method to solve the involved equality constrained optimization problems. Asymptotic distributions of the parameter estimators are derived. In addition, we employ hypothesis tests to run diagnostics on the parameter matrices. The performance of the proposed models and methods is further demonstrated through simulations and real data analysis.
In Salmonella enterica, the pathogenicity island 2 (SPI‐2) regulator PagR regulates its own expression and the expression of a five‐gene operon that encodes transketolase C
Authors: Parks Anastacia R. , McCormick Regan D. , Byrne Jordan A. , Escalante‐Semerena Jorge C.
Published: August 2023

The enteropathogen Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica sv. Typhimurium str. LT2 (hereafter S. Typhimurium) utilizes a cluster of genes encoded within the pathogenicity island 2 (SPI‐2) of its genome to proliferate inside macrophages. The expression of SPI‐2 is controlled by a complex network of transcriptional regulators and environmental cues, which now include a recently characterized DNA‐binding protein named PagR. Growth of S. Typhimurium in low‐phosphate, low‐magnesium medium mimics conditions inside macrophages. Under such conditions, PagR ensures SPI‐2 induction by upregulating the transcription of slyA, which encodes a known activator of SPI‐2. Here, we report that PagR represses the expression of a divergently transcribed polycistronic operon that encodes the two subunits of transketolase TktC (i.e., tktD, tktE) of this bacterium. Transketolases contribute to the nonredox rearrangements of phosphorylated sugars of the pentose phosphate pathway, which provide building blocks for amino acids, nucleotides, cofactors, etc. We also demonstrate that PagR represses the expression of its own gene and define two PagR‐binding sites between stm2344 and pagR.
Design and Application of an Acetabular Integrative Anatomic Plate: A Retrospective Study of 178 Cases with Complex Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Fan Shicai , Mai Qiguang , Li Tao , Wang Hua , Yang Cheng , Huang Hai , Liao Jianwen , Zhang Yingze
Published: August 2023

Objective

As conventional plates require repeated pre‐bending during surgery with poor matching, this study aimed to explore the design and application of an acetabular integrative anatomical plate (AIAP) via the lateral‐rectus approach (LRA) in fresh complex acetabular fractures for the good reduction and fixation.

Methods

We designed an AIAP based on the anatomical morphology of the Chinese people. From March 2016 to September 2021, 178 patients with fresh complex acetabular fractures treated with an AIAP via the LRA were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated by the LRA under general anesthesia in a supine position. The fragments were well reduced and fixed by AIAPs. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. All patients underwent reexamination of pelvic X‐rays and CT scans and were followed up for over 1 year postoperatively. The reduction quality of fracture was evaluated according to the Matta criteria. The postoperative functional recovery was evaluated by modified Merle d'Aubigne‐Postel scoring system. Statistics were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

All 178 patients went through the operation successfully. The time from injury to operation ranged from 5 to 21 days (8.7 ± 2.6 days). The operation time ranged from 35 to 150 min (75 ± 29 min). The intraoperative blood loss was from 250 to 1400 ml (440 ± 153 ml). According to the Matta score, the fracture reduction was evaluated as excellent in 131 cases, good in 31 cases, and poor in 16 cases, with an overall excellent and good rate of 91%. Four patients suffered wound fat liquefaction and healed after fresh dressing. All patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years without wound infection. All fractures were healed. At the last follow‐up, the modified Merle d'Aubigne‐Postel score results were evaluated as excellent in 125 cases, good in 26 cases, and fair in 27 cases, with an overall excellent and good rate of 84.8%. Postoperative complications included six cases of traumatic arthritis of the hips and two cases of femoral head necrosis.

Conclusion

The LRA with an AIAP can help expose, reduce, and fix anterior and posterior columns as well as the quadrilateral area of the acetabulum, which is capable of improving the reduction quality of complex acetabular fractures and shortening surgical time and blood loss, thus reaching a good clinical efficacy.
Comparison of Modified K‐wire Fixation with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) for Unstable Colles Fracture in Elderly Patients
Authors: Zhang Lin , Jiang Haoming , Zhou Jin , Jing Jingti
Published: August 2023

Objective

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the standard treatment of unstable Colles fracture among the elderly. Modified percutaneous K‐wire fixation is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. However, there is controversy concerning its appropriate use. This study aimed to compare the early safety and efficacy of the two different treatments and provide an alternative method for the treatment of unstable Colles fracture among the older population.

Methods

Electronic medical records of 60 consecutive unstable Colles fractures patients who underwent surgery from June 2019 to October 2021, by modified percutaneous K‐wire fixation (30 patients) or ORIF (30 patients), were reviewed retrospectively. All cases were followed up for 3 months. The outcomes of patients were assessed with operation time, intraoperative blood loss, visual analog score (VAS) for wrist joint pain, palmar tilt (PT), radial inclination (RI), radial height (RH), Gartland–Werley score, total hospitalization costs, hospital stays, postoperative complications, and patient subjective satisfaction. General patient information was also collected.

Independent Student's t‐test or Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare continuous data. Pearson's chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the categorical data.

Results

The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly shorter in the K‐wire group than in the ORIF group (p < 0.05). Compared with the ORIF group, the VAS of the K‐wire group was significantly lower at 1 and 3 days postoperatively (p < 0.05), and no significant differences were observed in VAS between the two groups preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the PT, RI, and RH between the two groups preoperatively and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively (p > 0.05). Patients in the K‐wire group had significantly shorter hospital stays and lower total hospital costs (p < 0.05). All patients were followed up for 3 months, and there was no significant difference in the Gartland‐Werley score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the ORIF group, postoperative complications were lower, and patient subjective satisfaction was higher in the K‐wire group, but there were no significant differences (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Modified percutaneous K‐wire fixation in the treatment of unstable Colles fracture among the elderly is a safe, effective, rapid, and minimally invasive surgical option for surgeons.
The Effect of the Hip Flexion Angle in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Based on China‐Japan Friendship Hospital Classification ‐ A Finite Element Study
Authors: Wen Ming‐Tao , Liang Xue‐Zhen , Luo Di , Li Jia‐Cheng , Yan Bo‐Zhao , Lu Bo‐Wen , Guo Yan‐Bo , Xu Bo , Li Gang
Published: August 2023

Objective

The alteration in the mechanical environment of the necrotic area is the primary cause of the collapse observed in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical implications of the China‐Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) classification system and hip flexion angles on the necrotic area in ONFH using finite element analysis (FEA). The goal is to provide valuable guidance for hip preservation treatments and serve as a reference for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

Methods

Hip tomography CT scan data from a healthy volunteer was used to create a 3D model of the left hip. The model was preprocessed and imported into Solidworks 2018, based on the CJFH classification. Material parameters and boundary conditions were applied to each fractal model in ANSYS 21.0. Von Mises stresses were calculated, and maximum deformation values were obtained to evaluate the biomechanical effects of the load on the necrotic area and post‐necrotic femur, as well as assess each fractal model's collapse risk.

Results

(1) At the same hip flexion angle, maximum deformation followed this order: M Type < C Type < L Type. The L3 type necrotic area experienced the most significant deformation at 0, 60, and 110° angles (1.121, 1.7913, and 1.8239 mm respectively). (2) Under the same CJFH classification, maximum deformation values increased with hip flexion angle (0 < 60 < 110°), suggesting a higher risk of collapse at larger angles. (3) Von Mises stress results showed that the maximum stress was not located in the necrotic area but near the inner and outer edge of the femoral neck, indicating decreased stiffness and strength of the subchondral bone after osteonecrosis.

Conclusion

The study found that femoral head collapse risk was higher when the necrotic area was located in the lateral column under the same stress load and flexion angle. Mechanical properties of the necrotic area changed, resulting in decreased bone strength and stiffness. Large‐angle hip flexion is more likely to cause excessive deformation of the necrotic area; thus, ONFH patients should reduce or avoid large‐angle hip flexion during weight‐bearing training in rehabilitation activities.
Biomechanical Comparison of Different Surgical Approaches for the Treatment of Adjacent Segment Diseases after Primary Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ke Wencan , Zhang Teng , Wang Bingjin , Hua Wenbin , Wang Kun , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Yang Cao
Published: August 2023

Background and objective

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a well‐known complication after interbody fusion. Revision surgery is necessary for symptomatic ASD to further decompress and fix the affected segment. However, no optimal construct is accepted as a standard in treating ASD. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical effects of different surgical approaches for the treatment of ASD after primary transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Methods

A finite element model of the L1‐S1 was conducted based on computed tomography scan images. The primary surgery model was developed with a single‐level TLIF at L4‐L5 segment. The revision surgical models were developed with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), or TLIF at L3‐L4 segment. The range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), and the stress in cages were compared to investigate the biomechanical influences of different surgical approaches.

Results

The results indicated that all the three surgical approaches can stabilize the spinal segment by reducing the ROM at revision level. The ROM and IDP at adjacent segments of revision model of TLIF was greater than those of other revision models. While revision surgery with ALIF and LLIF had similar effects on the ROM and IDP of adjacent segments. Compared among all the surgical models, cage stress in revision model of TLIF was the maximum in extension and axial rotation.

Conclusion

The IDP at adjacent segments and stress in cages of revision model of TLIF was greater than those of ALIF and LLIF. This may be that direct extension of the surgical segment in the same direction results in stress concentration.
Effects of proline on survival, locomotion and amino acid haemolymph composition of Osmia cornuta (Latreille, 1805)
Authors: Tafi Elena , Sagona Simona , Coppola Francesca , Meucci Valentina , Galloni Marta , Bortolotti Laura , Bogo Gherardo , Nepi Massimo , Felicioli Antonio
Published: August 2023

Flower nectar, a sugar‐rich solution containing amino acids as major secondary solutes, is the primary energy source for bees. Proline is one of the most abundant protein nectar amino acids, showing several effects on bee physiology. Mason bees are outstanding pollinators, often preferred to Apis mellifera for pollination of fruit trees. Among them, Osmia cornuta (Latreille) is one of the most successfully managed species on a commercial scale. In this work, the effects of 10 mM proline‐enriched diet administration on O. cornuta feed consumption, survival, behaviour and haemolymph amino acid composition were investigated. Feed intake was higher for the proline diet, while survival rate was not affected. Behaviour was affected only in the senescence of the mason bees with a reduction in locomotor activity induced by proline intake. Proline diet also affected the haemolymph amino acid composition, decreasing concentration of tyrosine, methionine, leucine and phenylalanine after 10 days of feeding. These results were discussed in relation to the potential involvement of proline in oxidative stress in insects and proline's ability to be converted to other amino acids. Further investigations are necessary to better understand the molecular mechanisms of proline effects on locomotion and oxidative stress.
Bringing COVID‐19 vaccine to medically underserved populations utilizing a community‐guided mobile vaccine program
Authors: Ketel Christian , Clouse Kate , Jordan Heather , Uroza Sarah , Kirby Justin , Adams Keri , Davis Tiffany , Janbakhsh Diane , Green Michael , Hopkins Paige , James Barbara , Rahman Nadia , Thomas Ally , Plummer Carrie
Published: August 2023

Between March 23, 2021, and December 31, 2022, the Mobile Vaccine Program (MVP) vaccinated 5044 individuals from medically‐underserved communities in Middle Tennessee identified through and guided by a collaboration of local community agencies. The primary objective of the MVP was to vaccinate individuals for COVID‐19 who had barriers to traditional mass vaccine strategies through community‐guided strategies and partnerships. Three strategies were developed and implemented with community partners and their affiliated community health workers (CHWs). The strategies included pop‐up vaccination clinics at community partner events, CHW‐guided door‐to‐door in‐home vaccination, and community partner‐initiated homebound referrals for vaccination.
Decolonising and decriminalising child marriage in Africa
Authors: Nyamutata Conrad
Published: August 2023

Child marriages, often attributed to culture and gender inequality, are prevalent across Africa. Several countries have moved to criminalise the practice. At the core of the criminalisation debate are the fundamental tensions between statutory (state) law on the one hand, and religious and customary law on the other. The growing momentum towards punishment, targeted almost invariably at male offenders, is meant to address the conflict between cultural practices that lead to child marriage and the protection of children's rights. However, some countries have not criminalised child marriage. Thus, the outlawry of child marriages is not universal on the continent. The agitation towards criminalisation—I describe this as ‘popular punitvism’ ‐ as a panacea, is animated by Western penological justifications, principally, deterrence. However, Western criminological and penological theories may not fully account for a phenomenon in other social and geographical spaces. The paper argues for decolonising and decriminalising child marriages in Africa but not legalising it.
‘Being and becoming a practice educator’: An AHP online programme
Authors: Hislop Jane , Lane Judith , Hegarty David , Thomas Janet
Published: August 2023

Background

Five higher education institutions (HEIs) in Scotland with qualifying allied health professional (AHP) programmes developed an online programme in practice education. This paper focuses on the design, development and evaluation of this programme.

Approach

The programme was developed using the ADDIE approach for instructional design and was launched on TURAS (NHS e‐learning platform) in November 2020. In November 2021, an online questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the e‐learning programme and AHPs' preferences for future practice education training.

Evaluation

Of the 407 responses, 95% (n = 388) were working in the NHS. There was no preference for online or face‐to‐face format of training. For the majority, having flexibility of time and place was deemed to be important to manage learning particularly given high workloads and staff shortages. Out of the 29% (n = 118) who answered questions regarding the programme, more than 60% (n > 75) of respondents reported it was well organised, the content relevant and would support their learning. Free text comments suggested a desire for networking opportunities to discuss learning.

Implications

An e‐learning programme for new and existing AHP practice educators in Scotland was developed and launched in November 2020. Key feedback from participants was that they wanted to have opportunities for interaction with other learners to discuss and share their learning whether this was online or face‐to‐face. The programme now forms the foundation education in practice education for AHPs in Scotland and is supplemented with networking opportunities through synchronous online training with HEIs and via NHS Education for Scotland's virtual community.
An open‐label clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of an elemental diet for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in dogs
Authors: Tinsley Jeffrey , Griffin Craig , Sheinberg Galia , Griffin Joya , Cross Emily , Gagné Jason , Romero Anahi
Published: August 2023

Background

The diagnosis of cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) in dogs is dependent on a diet trial and provocative challenge.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of an elemental diet for the diagnosis of CAFR in dogs.

Animals

Sixty‐two client‐owned nonseasonally pruritic dogs.

Materials and Methods

A prospective, uncontrolled, observational elimination diet trial study. Dogs were fed a commercially available elemental canine diet (Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company) for up to eight weeks. Pruritus was assessed using a validated Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), lesions with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI‐04) and gastrointestinal (GI) signs with a client questionnaire. All dogs were challenged with their previous diet for up to 14 days. Treats were added from Day (D)7 to D14.

Results

Forty‐five dogs completed the study. Eighteen (40%) of these were diagnosed with CAFR and 27 (60%) were diet‐nonresponsive (NR). Dogs with CAFR flared on provocative challenges within 14 days. The smallest volume of previous diet that induced a CAFR flare was one teaspoon in two dogs (11.1%). The mean number of days leading to a provocation of clinical signs was 4.88 days. Gastrointestinal signs improved in both groups. Eight of the dogs with CAFR (44.4%) were subsequently maintained on the elemental diet alone.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula is efficacious for the diagnosis of canine CAFR. One teaspoon of the offending diet may induce clinical signs in some dogs with CAFR.
Report of Faculty Experiences When Team Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Malak Haroon , Gambescia Stephen F.
Published: August 2023

This article continues the project of current authors (Malak & Gambescia, 2023) who learned about the personalities, leadership styles, and pedagogical preferences of higher education instructors that have collaborated on lessons, by expanding the analysis to the experiences of team teaching in the areas of best, worse, and overall experiences in the teaching/learning process. Thirty-five faculty who had team taught in the past completed an online survey responding to 16 questions related to their team-teaching experience, using a Likert Scale rating and several open-ending questions. Respondents found that the most benefit from the experience was in collaborating with the other faculty member as opposed to benefits to the student. Furthermore, in this collaboration faculty found satisfaction in the planning and building of components in the teaching/learning process to provide a quality course versus activities related to students such as building better relationships and activities related to assessing students’ work. External influences and benefits to self that were not related to the other faculty member or student interaction were not evident. Given these results, we believe that a significant characteristic of any faculty member involved in team teaching is knowing how to lead and knowing how to follow.
Effect of CH4 Addition on Soot Formation in C2H4 Diffusion Flame
Authors: Liu Bing , Wang Chengjing , Zhang Yindi , Si Mengting , Luo Guang
Published: August 2023

Studying the effect of co-combustion of multiple fuels on soot formation has become a hot spot in the investigation of soot particles. In this paper, the influence of methane blending on soot formation in ethylene flame combustion is studied experimentally and numerically. The visible spectrum of flame image processing technology was used for the in situ measurement of laminar flame temperature and carbon smoke volume points in the experiment. The effects of different methane blending ratios on particle nucleation, coalescence, surface growth, and oxidation process of soot were analyzed based on the piecewise particle dynamics soot model of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using CoFlame Code. Results indicate that the synergistic effect promoted the increasing rate of nucleation and addition reaction of hydrogen extraction at a low methane blending ratio, and the increase in the total mass of soot was mainly due to the PAH condensation rate. The total amount of soot generation gradually decreases with increasing blending ratio. The overall trend of condensation, surface growth rate, and soot nucleation in the flame decreases with increasing blending ratio. And the nucleation rate gradually shifts from a single peak to a double peak and increases slightly at the initial stage of the flame combustion reaction. It is worth mentioning that the change of three PAH precursors (secondary benzo(a)pyrenyl, benzo(a)pyrene, and benzo(ghi)fluoranthene) and the temperature explains the change of nucleation rate from unimodal to bimodal.
Microstructural Evolution and Room Temperature Mechanical Properties in Additively Manufactured Mar M 509 With Short Cycle Heat Treatment
Authors: Sahu Shreehard , Kumar Bikash , Sahoo Siba Sundar , Jaya Balila Nagamani , Srinivasan Dheepa
Published: August 2023

The Co-based superalloy Mar M 509, known for its high-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion resistance, is processed via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mar M 509 in as-printed (As-P) and heat-treated (HT) states are compared based on two build orientations (longitudinal (L) and transverse (T)) to establish structure-property links with heat treatment. The As-P condition displays a distinct cellular microstructure (500–600 nm) with 50–60 nm carbide particles adorning cell boundaries. Longitudinal (L) build has columnar grains (8–35 μm along the major axis) with a grain aspect ratio of 4, while transverse (T) orientation exhibits equiaxed, bimodal microstructure (5–10 μm and 15–25 μm grain sizes). Strong <001> texture is noted in L. Mechanical properties at room temperature differ between L and T; T (569 ± 12 HV) has 15% higher hardness compared to L (489 ± 18 HV) and 34% higher 0.2% yield strength (YS), but 30% lower elongation than L. Post a short heat treatment cycle at 1250 °C, weld bead structure and cell boundaries break down. Both L (25–33 μm along the major axis) and T orientations (5–42 μm) experience grain growth, and carbides coarsen (250–350 nm). Post-heat treatment, dislocation density decreases, indicating recrystallization; lattice parameter of matrix reduces, implying solute depletion contributing to carbide enrichment. Yield strength drops from 860 MPa to 740 MPa in L and from 1150 MPa to 840 MPa in T, with ductility rising from 14% to 23% in L.
Extending area selective deposition of ruthenium onto 3D SiO2-Si multilayer stacks
Authors: Sondhi Kartik , Sharangpani Rahul , Tirukkonda Roshan , Nag Joyeeta , Guo Xing-Cai , Gribelyuk Michael A. , Makala Raghuveer S. , Kanakamedala Senaka
Published: August 2023

Recent trends in semiconductor process engineering have resulted in significant adoption of new materials and processes to enable new paradigms in device manufacturing. One such emerging process is area selective deposition where a material can be selectively deposited on an area of interest. In this work, we have demonstrated selective deposition of ruthenium (Ru) on amorphous (a-Si) and polycrystallized silicon (p-Si) to silicon dioxide (SiO2) on both 2D blanket films as well as 3D annealed SiO2–Si multilayer stacks. Amorphous Si once crystallized using high temperature annealing exhibits reduced surface hydrogen content (–Si–H), yet we observed Ru growth on p-Si films that were annealed under multiple conditions (800, 900, and 1000 °C). We have used a combination of Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to show that both –Si–H and film crystallinity impact the selective growth of Ru. We have also demonstrated selective deposition of ∼10 nm Ru on p-Si layers and ∼0 nm Ru on SiO2 layers of the annealed 3D SiO2–Si multilayer stack. Additionally, by using a combination of XPS and transmission electron microscopy, we have demonstrated that Ru growth is higher on nongrowth surfaces in 2D substrates than on 3D stacks. Finally, we have shown that this process technology can be further advanced using a combination of selective and nonselective conformal atomic layer deposition processes to develop a novel 3D annealed SiO2–Si multilayer stack, thereby demonstrating a 3D device with low –H content p-Si films. This study can help us to realize new integration schemes for innovative 3D device structures.