bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do the perception of the technological and symbolic dimensions and the social context affect the green consumer adoption process of eco‐innovations?
Authors: Cubillas‐Para Clara , Tomaseti‐Solano Eva , Madrid‐Guijarro Antonia
Published: November 2023

Environmental challenges have led to a shift toward more sustainable consumption and production patterns. Understanding the factors that influence consumers' choices toward green products is crucial for achieving sustainable development. This study investigates the adoption process of a low‐involvement eco‐innovation, examining the influence of the level of green consumerism, the perception of its technological and symbolic dimensions, social pressure, and social conspicuousness. A sample of 268 observations was examined using the PLS‐SEM methodology. The results highlightthe indirect effect of the level of green consumption on low‐involvement eco‐innovation adoption through the perception of its technological and symbolic dimensions, as well as social pressure and social conspicuousness. These findings have important practical implications for the design of marketing strategies aimed at promoting low‐involvement eco‐innovations. By emphasizing the social benefits and the influence of others on adopting green behaviors, marketers can effectively target consumers and facilitate the transition toward more sustainable consumption patterns.
Ultra‐stable cycling of organic carboxylate molecule hydrogen bonded with inorganic Ti3C2Tx MXene with improved redox kinetics for sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Li Jiabao , Hao Jingjing , Wang Ruoxing , Yuan Quan , Wang Tianyi , Pan Likun , Li Junfeng , Wang Chengyin
Published: November 2023

The application of small organic molecules for sodium‐ion batteries is generally plagued by their high solubility, poor conductivity, and sluggish redox dynamics in organic electrolyte, thus developing efficient strategies to restrain solubilization while obtaining fast charge transfer becomes a challenge. Herein, a rational hybridization strategy through hydrogen bond between organic molecule and inorganic substrate has been proposed, employing the terminal –C═O of trisodium 1, 2, 4‐benzenetricarboxylate (TBC) molecule and –OH groups of inorganic Ti3C2Tx MXene, respectively. In general, such a design evidently mitigates the aggregation of both TBC molecules and Ti3C2Tx MXene. Furthermore, the robust hydrogen bonding significantly mitigates the dissolution of TBC and guarantees the robust coupling between them, thus contributing to the integrity of electrode and modifying the electrochemical sodium storage in both half and full cells. Moreover, the systematic kinetic analysis and mechanism detection reveal improved charge transportation and robust two‐electron electrochemical reversibility of the hybrid TBC/Ti3C2Tx. Taken together, this work demonstrates a potential novel strategy toward stable and practical organic battery chemistries through hydrogen bonding with inorganic compounds.
A novel fault detection scheme for a nonlinear dynamic process based on generalized non‐negative matrix projection‐maximum mean discrepancy: Application on the DAMADICS benchmark process
Authors: Cheng Zhang , Cheng‐Long Deng , Yun‐Fei Wang , Xiao‐Ping Guo , Yuan Li
Published: November 2023

In order to address the issue of minor fault detection in nonlinear dynamic processes, this paper proposes a fault detection method based on generalized non‐negative matrix projection‐maximum mean discrepancy (GNMP‐MMD). Firstly, the GNMP is employed to acquire the residual scores of the samples. Subsequently, a sliding window approach is integrated with MMD for real‐time monitoring of sample status within the residual subspace. In this study, GNMP is utilized to mitigate the impact of non‐Gaussianity in data distribution, while MMD serves to alleviate autocorrelation among samples. A numerical case and experimental data collected from the DAMADICS process are utilized to simulate and validate the proposed method. Compared to traditional principal component analysis (PCA), dynamic principal component analysis (DPCA), dynamic kernel principal component analysis (DKPCA), non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF), GNMP, and MMD, the experiment results clearly illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method.
Association between omentin‐1 and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in Chinese elderly patients
Authors: Su Zhengjia , Tian Shuya , Liang Wei , Wu Liqun
Published: November 2023

Background

Omentin‐1 is a novel adipokine and is associated with chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains unclear whether omentin‐1 levels are associated with diagnostic significance in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study aimed to investigate the correlation between omentin‐1 and HFpEF in Chinese elderly patients.

Hypothesis

Omentin‐1 may be invovled in HFpEF and there may be a difference of omentin‐1 levels between HFpEF and control.

Methods

217 subjects were selected, including 115 patients with HFpEF and 102 control subjects. Enzyme‐linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect plasma levels of omentin‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to examine the diagnostic performance of omentin‐1 in HFpEF.

Results

The levels of omentin‐1 decreased significantly in the HFpEF group (14.02 ± 8.35 vs. 19.74 ± 8.45 ng/mL, p < .001), while NT‐proBNP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels were significantly increased in the HFpEF group compared with the control group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that omentin‐1 levels were negatively correlated with E/e' (r = −.340, p < .001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that omentin‐1 was an independent protective factor for HFpEF (odd ratio = 0.948, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.905–0.993, p = .025). Omentin‐1 levels were negatively correlated with NT‐proBNP (r = −.273, p < .001) and TNF‐α (r = −.221, p = .001). Diagnostic efficiency by ROC curve analysis in the patients with HFpEF showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for omentin‐1 was equivalent to NT‐proBNP (AUC: 0.734, 95%CI 0.667–0.802; AUC: 0.800, 95%CI 0.738–0.861). Subgroup analysis showed that in the patients between the age of 70 and 80, the predictive capability of omentin‐1 was stronger than NT‐proBNP (AUC: 0.809, 95%CI 0.680–0.937; AUC: 0.674, 95%CI 0.514–0.833).

Conclusions

Omentin‐1 levels which were associated with inflammation, were decreased in the HFpEF patients. It could be regarded as a valuable biomarker for the occurrence and development of HFpEF in elderly patients.
Co‐delivery of Curcumin and Doxorubicin Using a pH‐photothermal Dual‐responsive and CD44‐targeted Nanocarrier for Enhanced Chemo‐photothermal Synergistic Tumor Treatment
Authors: Lv Ruihong , Wang Haohao , Ji Yongsheng , Gao Shanshan , Hao Ning , Zhang Shanshan , Lv Yanna , Zhang Qilin , Han Xiyu , Liu Yanting , Xu Zhigang
Published: November 2023

In this study, we have developed a novel approach for synergistic tumor treatment by utilizing degradable dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin and curcumin (Cur). These nanoparticles are equipped with polydopamine (PDA) for photothermal therapy and hyaluronic acid (HA) as a targeting ligand. The incorporation of PDA not only ensures the controlled release of therapeutic agents but also confers pH and photothermal responsiveness to the nanocarriers. Cur, a natural compound, serves as an antitumor sensitizer, elevating intracellular ROS levels to promote apoptosis. In addition, the excellent biocompatibility and targeting property of nanocarriers were enhanced by the HA‐modification, improving the effective accumulation in tumor cells. Comprehensive research including MTT assay, live/dead staining and ROS generation proved that the excellent antitumor capability of dual‐drug loaded nanocarriers was a result of chemo‐photothermal synergistic therapy and Cur‐induced cellular amplified ROS generation. The cellular uptake assays further demonstrated the efficiency of HA‐mediated intracellular accumulation, accelerated uptake driven by photothermal‐induced and a precise internalization pathway of nanocarriers. Furthermore, the results of in vivo biocompatibility revealed no significant blood and organ toxicity associated to the prepared nanocarriers. Our findings underscore the substantial potential of the proposed dual‐drug loaded nanocarriers for chemo‐photothermal synergistic therapy, offering a safe and promising strategy for effective tumor treatment.
Meta‐analysis of microarray data to determine gene indicators involved in the cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Hashemi Sheikhshabani Somayeh , Amini‐Farsani Zeinab , Kazemifard Nesa , Modarres Parastoo , Amini‐Farsani Zahra , Omrani Mir Davood , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh
Published: November 2023

Background

Significant miss‐expressed gene indicators contributing to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer have not been completely understood. It seems that several regulatory genes and signaling pathways are associated with the emergence of the chemo‐resistant phenotype.

Aims

Here, a meta‐analysis approach was adopted to assess deregulated genes involved in relapse after the first line of chemotherapy (cisplatin).

Methods and Results

To do so, six ovarian cancer libraries were gathered from GEO repository. Batch effect removal and quality assessment, and boxplots and PCA were performed using SVA and ggplot2 packages in R, respectively. Cisplatin‐resistant and ‐sensitive ovarian cancer groups were compared with find genes with significant expression changes using linear regression models in the LIMMA R package. The significance threshold for DEGs was taken as adj p‐value < .05 and − 1 > logFC > 1. A total of 261 genes were identified to have significant differential expression levels in the cisplatin‐resistant versus cisplatin‐sensitive group. Among the 10 top up‐regulated and down‐regulated genes, PITX2, SNCA, and EPHA7 (up), as well as TMEM98 (down) are indirect upstream regulators of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, contributing greatly to the development of chemo‐resistance in cancer via promoting cell proliferation, survival, and cell cycle progression as well as inhibiting apoptosis. Moreover, a comprehensive assessment of DEGs revealed the dysregulation of not only membrane ion channels KCa1.1, Kv4, and CACNB4, affecting cell excitability, proliferation, and apoptosis but also cell adhesion proteins COL4A6, EPHA3, and CD9, affecting the attachment of normal cells to ECM and apoptosis, introducing good options to reverse cisplatin resistance.

Conclusion

Our results predict and suggest that upstream regulators of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, ion channels, and cell adhesion proteins play important roles in cisplatin resistance development in ovarian cancer.
CIE color coordinates for the design of luminescent glass materials
Authors: Ruivo Andreia , Laia César
Published: November 2023

New photoluminescent materials have numerous possibilities in many different areas from technological applications to contemporary glass art and design, encouraging the development of new forms and products. Glass luminescent materials, known for their exceptional durability and recyclability, position glass as an ideal solution for fostering a more sustainable future. In recent years, white luminescence in glass and ceramics has been the subject of several investigations about its possible application in white light‐emitting diodes (WLED). Color coordinates and CIE chromaticity diagrams serve as valuable tools to represent and define the range of luminescent colors achievable in a particular composition. These aid in understanding wheter a composition can be used to produce white luminescence or various other colors.  In this study, a soda‐lime silicate glass composition was doped with a mixture of different lanthanide oxides to increase the luminescence color palette. The same glass sample can also present different colors by changing the excitation light, allowing higher tunability of luminescent colors. It was effectively demonstrated the extensive spectrum of colors produced, which was represented through luminescence color coordinates for all synthesized glasses. Moreover, the possibility of detecting if an excited state process is occurring was studied by calculating the lanthanides factors and comparing them with those used in the glass synthesis. Nevertheless, it is shown that the energy transfer process has to be significant to influence the color coordinates and the calculation of the factors.
Ethane and Propane Dehydrogenation on Small Platinum Clusters Supported on Silica: An Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics and DFT Study
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Srivastava Vimal Chandra
Published: November 2023

The size‐dependent activity of catalysts has been researched for a long time in the field of catalysis. Positively charged small Pt clusters enhance catalytic activity than bigger clusters and bulk for propane dehydrogenation. We performed DFT calculations on small Pt clusters adsorbed on silica support. The planar structure of Pt clusters is present till 4 Pt atoms, after which three‐dimensional structures are observed. AIMD and DFT calculations for silica showed that it has a high surface area and thermal stability suitable to conduct dehydrogenation reactions. The adsorption of Pt cluster on silica results in the formation of directional bonds which affects the properties of the adsorbed Pt catalysts by changing the redox properties. In the bulk phase, ethane and propane molecules undergo dehydrogenation reactions with 0.133 eV atom−1 and 0.244 eV atom−1 energies, respectively. NEB calculations showed that except for Pt‐2/SiO2, all the even Pt clusters require less activation energy than the neighboring odd Pt clusters. Ethane molecule interacting with Pt‐4/SiO2, Pt‐5/SiO2, Pt‐6/SiO2, and propane with Pt‐3/SiO2, Pt‐4/SiO2, Pt‐5/SiO2, Pt‐6/SiO2, follows the reverse Horiuti–Polanyi mechanism during dehydrogenation, whereas non‐reverse Horiuti–Polanyi mechanism (which requires comparatively lower activation energy) is followed for smaller Pt clusters.
Environmental metagenetics unveil novel plant‐pollinator interactions
Authors: Wizenberg Sydney B. , Newburn Laura R. , Richardson Rodney T. , Pepinelli Mateus , Conflitti Ida M. , Moubony Mashaba , Borges Daniel , Guarna M. Marta , Guzman‐Novoa Ernesto , Foster Leonard J. , Zayed Amro
Published: November 2023

Honey bees are efficient pollinators of flowering plants, aiding in the plant reproductive cycle and acting as vehicles for evolutionary processes. Their role as agents of selection and drivers of gene flow is instrumental to the structure of plant populations, but historically, our understanding of their influence has been limited to predominantly insect‐dispersed flowering species. Recent metagenetic work has provided evidence that honey bees also forage on pollen from anemophilous species, suggesting that their role as vectors for transmission of plant genetic material is not confined to groups designated as entomophilous, and leading us to ask: could honey bees act as dispersal agents for non‐flowering plant taxa? Using an extensive pollen metabarcoding dataset from Canada, we discovered that honey bees may serve as dispersal agents for an array of sporophytes (Anchistea, Claytosmunda, Dryopteris, Osmunda, Osmundastrum, Equisetum) and bryophytes (Funaria, Orthotrichum, Sphagnum, Ulota). Our findings also suggest that honey bees may occasionally act as vectors for the dispersal of aquatic phototrophs, specifically Coccomyxa and Protosiphon, species of green algae. Our work has shed light on the broad resource‐access patterns that guide plant‐pollinator interactions and suggests that bees could act as vectors of gene flow, and potentially even agents of selection, across Plantae.
Applicability of environmental DNA metabarcoding for the hyporheic zone of a stream bed
Authors: Tanaka Aki , Katano Izumi , Doi Hideyuki , Iguchi Mami , Koike Shohei
Published: November 2023

Hyporheic zones play a crucial role in ecological processes primarily orchestrated by hyporheic organisms, known as hyporheos. Our understanding of riverine biodiversity, encompassing hyporheic zones, remains limited. Therefore, the development of a method for the facile and accurate detection of hyporheic communities is imperative. Thus, we evaluated the applicability of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding surveys in the hyporheic zone in a small stream in Japan. We conducted simultaneous direct sampling and eDNA surveys at two different locations (head and tail of a rapid and a bar) and during two different seasons (less and more disturbed periods). Subsequently, we compared the outcomes of these sampling methods, locations, and seasons. Through eDNA metabarcoding targeting the cytochrome‐c oxidase subunit I (COI) regions, we successfully identified a diverse array of hyporheic and benthic taxa in all samples. Remarkably, the performance of eDNA metabarcoding was comparable to the identification of directly sampled benthos and hyporheos. We observed a 62%–78% concordance between direct sampling and eDNA metabarcoding. Notably, eDNA metabarcoding revealed a higher number of hyporheic taxa compared to direct sampling. Moreover, the relative detectability of hyporheos by eDNA metabarcoding differed between the seasons, unlike direct sampling. Our findings underscore the importance of conducting both eDNA surveys and direct sampling to comprehensively assess the composition of the stream community while accounting for seasonal variations. This study demonstrates the utility of eDNA metabarcoding as a non‐destructive approach for investigating the hyporheic zone, enabling a more effective assessment of riverine biodiversity.
Accountability in the Anthropocene: Activating responsible agents of reform or futile finger‐pointing?
Authors: Macdonald Kate
Published: November 2023

Confronted by intersecting ecological and social crises associated with the rise of the Anthropocene, architects of global environmental governance have often attempted to harness accountability claims to single out the individual or organisational actors contributing most significantly to these crises and pressure them to uphold responsibilities to society and the planet. Yet critics have cautioned against excessive reliance on individualised accountabilities as means of tackling planetary crises, given the constrained ability of such approaches to lead the large‐scale transformations required to redirect anthropogenic drivers of global environmental change. This article adapts agent‐centered approaches to accountability to address such critiques. It is first argued that agent‐centered accountability is an important element in broader efforts to support systemic change, helping to identify responsible powerholders, redefine normative standards of responsibility and empower advocates of strengthened global environmental governance to demand compliance with expanded responsibilities. However to take seriously the distinctive demands of large‐scale institutional change, such approaches need to be: (a) differentiated in ways that account for the contrasting roles of different individual and organisational actors within de‐centred accountability systems; (b) materially extended in ways that enable agents to be held more effectively to account for their contributions to collective social and political processes; and (c) discursively challenged in ways that resist discursive efforts to present individualised accountabilities as substitutes for more radical and large‐scale institutional interventions. The article's argument is elaborated and illustrated through exploration of problems and practices of accountability associated with the contested governance of global production systems.
Plastic 3D Printing in Adsorption Cooling: A Proof‐of‐Principle Module
Authors: AL‐Hasni Shihab , Santori Giulio
Published: November 2023

Plastic 3D printing allows the replacement of metal parts in a water/silica gel adsorption heat transformer module and its rapid manufacturing at low cost. This research investigates a simple design using three finned metal heat exchangers (HEXs) enclosed in one plastic 3D‐printed vessel. The dynamics of a conventional packed bed adsorber of Siogel silica gel grains with thermal response method is first identified to establish a benchmark case and allow to focus only on the challenges introduced by plastic 3D printing. Final testing of the device across a range of operating conditions and cycle times representative of cooling, desalination, and intermediate shows the adsorber follows an unconventional thermodynamic cycle. Generation of larger powers is achievable by coupling multiple small modules.
Cost Optimization of Compressed Hydrogen Gas Transport via Trucks and Pipelines
Authors: Solomon Mithran Daniel , Heineken Wolfram , Scheffler Marcel , Birth‐Reichert Torsten
Published: November 2023

The global energy landscape faces significant challenges, necessitating a transition toward alternative energy sources to mitigate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen emerged as a versatile energy carrier with immense potential, particularly in the realm of transportation. However, the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure poses a critical barrier to its widespread adoption. By examining various important factors including the pressure level, transported capacity, trailer capacity, pipeline diameter, pressure drop, and transport distance, this study aims to optimize the hydrogen supply chain and improve the cost‐effectiveness of compressed hydrogen gas transportation. Five major delivery modes, encompassing compressed gas trucks and pipelines of varying diameters, are evaluated. This research offers valuable insights into the costs associated with hydrogen delivery within the European context. It reveals that the total levelized cost of hydrogen transportation (LCOHT) ranges from 0.3 to 3.44 € kg−1. These cost fluctuations are observed over transport distances that extend from 25 to 500 km and are dependent upon varying hydrogen demand levels, encompassing quantities of up to 100 000 kg per day. Based on the results, optimal choices for transport infrastructure are identified considering factors such as distance and hydrogen demand.
Uncertainty and investment: Evidence from domestic oil rigs
Authors: Dossani Asad , Elder John
Published: November 2023

We provide new evidence on the response of investment to uncertainty, using granular and high‐frequency (weekly) data on domestic oil drilling and oil prices since 2012, corresponding to the period of widespread horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the United States. Weekly data permits much weaker identifying restrictions than is required with monthly data that is common in the literature. We measure domestic drilling activity by the number of rigs drilling for oil, and we measure oil uncertainty by implied volatility from options on oil futures and the return on delta‐neutral straddles from options on oil futures. We show that the number of oil drilling rigs are tightly linked to both oil prices and oil uncertainty, and we find that oil uncertainty significantly decreases the number of drilling rigs, with a one standard deviation increase in uncertainty reducing the number of drilling rigs by up to 5%.
Understanding the interplay of self‐regulated learning strategies in medical education: A cross‐sectional structural equation modeling study
Authors: Faisal Eman
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Although previous studies have investigated self‐regulated learning strategies, a holistic study has not been conducted on note‐taking, environmental structuring, self‐evaluation, and self‐consequence strategies among medical students. The current study focused on the relationships between these four self‐regulated learning strategies in a medical context.

Methods

A conceptual model of the four strategies was developed, supported by the relevant literature. This cross‐sectional study used an electronic structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of 557 medical undergraduates. The data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to investigate the hypothetical model.

Results

The conceptual model fits the data well. All relationships between the strategies were significantly positive, except for a regression between environmental structuring and self‐evaluation, which was nonsignificant. Self‐evaluation strategies represented the highest mean, whereas self‐consequence strategies represented the lowest.

Conclusion

The findings of this study have implications for medical students, their teachers, and their universities regarding ways to enhance learners' regulated learning strategies. Future research should be conducted to develop additional statistical and comparison models for use in experimental studies and longitudinal investigations.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Reductive Transformation of C−C and C−O Multiple Bonds
Authors: Halder Atreyee , Mahanty Kingshuk , Maiti Debabrata , De Sarkar Suman
Published: November 2023

In recent decades, electro‐organic synthesis is indubitably emerging as a cornerstone of modern organic chemistry. Electrochemical organic transformations especially reduction reactions have made massive advancements in the last few years because of their sustainable and environ‐friendly nature. Electro‐reductive protocols can be used as a promising substitute for conventional reductants by expelling the requirement of the stoichiometric amount of metal reductants. The major challenges for these electro‐reductive reactions are primarily the use of a sacrificial electrode and divided cells. These limitations can be resolved through smart reaction planning by employing cheap sacrificial reagents or paired electrolysis without compromising the sustainable viewpoint. Considering the rapid enhancement in this field, imparting an intangible understanding of this evolving area is essential and substantial. In this review, we portrayed the electrochemical reductive transformations of C−C and C−O bonds after 2015 along with detailed mechanistic insights.
Crude collection efficiency of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell apheresis
Authors: Castillo‐Aleman Yandy Marx
Published: November 2023

Understanding the apheresis principles for harvesting hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is critical for performing efficient procedures. However, despite significant advances in estimating the collection efficiency (CE) of aphereses, many confounding factors still need to be addressed in the classical calculations. The CE values are unrestricted, and many procedures exhibit CEs of a given cell population greater than 100%. This report introduces a simple equation that estimates the “crude” CE, which ranges from 0% to 100% and intrinsically considers the contribution of donor‐related variables such as the pre‐procedure mobilization and intra‐apheresis recruitment of CD34+ cells (as a convenient marker for HSCs), as well as the performance of the apheresis system itself.
Erxian Decoction‐induced serum exosomes slowed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell senescence through mitophagy
Authors: Huang Haoqiang , Qian Yinhua , Feng Ye , Wang Yitao , Qian Pingkang , Xu Feng , Wang Qing
Published: November 2023

Objective

Erxian Decoction (EXD) is traditionally employed in the treatment of menopausal syndromes, although its underlying mechanisms remain largely undefined. Given that the senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is intertwined with organismal aging and associated diseases, this study endeavored to elucidate the influence of EXD on aging BMSCs and uncover the mechanisms through which EXD impedes BMSC senescence.

Methods

Initially, we probed the anti‐senescent mechanisms of EXD on BMSCs via network pharmacology. We subsequently isolated and identified exosomes from the serum of EXD‐fed rats (EXD‐Exos) and administered these to H2O2‐induced aging BMSC. Assays were conducted to assess BMSC senescence indicators and markers pertinent to mitochondrial autophagy. Treatments with mitophagy inhibitors and activators were then employed to substantiate our findings.

Results

Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses spotlighted AKT1, TP53, TNF, JUN, VEGFA, IL6, CASP3 and EGFR as focal targets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encylcopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses underscored oxidative stress, mitophagy and cell proliferation as pivotal processes. Our cellular assays ascertained that EXD‐Exos mitigated H2O2‐induced senescence phenotypes in BMSCs. Moreover, EXD‐Exos ameliorated disrupted mitophagy in BMSCs, as evidenced by enhanced cellular membrane potential and diminished reactive oxygen species levels. Intriguingly, EXD‐Exos also preserved the osteogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs while curtailing their adipogenic propensity.

Conclusion

Our findings compellingly suggest that EXD counteracts BMSC senescence by fostering mitophagy.
Empathy‐related differences in the anterior cingulate functional connectivity of regular cannabis users when compared to controls
Authors: Olalde‐Mathieu Víctor E. , Atilano‐Barbosa Daniel , Angulo‐Perkins Arafat , Licea‐Haquet Giovanna L , Dominguez‐Frausto Cesar Arturo , Barrios Fernando A. , Alcauter Sarael
Published: November 2023

It has been reported that cannabis consumption affects the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a structure with a central role in mediating the empathic response. In this study, we compared psychometric scores of empathy subscales, between a group of regular cannabis users (85, users) and a group of non‐consumers (51, controls). We found that users have a greater Emotional Comprehension, a cognitive empathy trait involving the understanding of the “other” emotional state. Resting state functional MRI in a smaller sample (users = 46, controls = 34) allowed to identify greater functional connectivity (FC) of the ACC with the left somatomotor cortex (SMC), in users when compared to controls. These differences were also evident within the empathy core network, where users showed greater within network FC. The greater FC showed by the users is associated with emotional representational areas and empathy‐related regions. In addition, the differences in psychometric scores suggest that users have more empathic comprehension. These findings suggest a potential association between cannabis use, a greater comprehension of the other's affective state and the functional brain organization of the users. However, further research is needed to explore such association, since many other factors may be at play.
We were all in it together: Managing work from home as dual‐earner households with school‐age children
Authors: Beigi Mina , Shirmohammadi Melika , Au Wee Chan , Tochia Chira
Published: November 2023

We examine how professional dual‐earner couples, with school‐age children, who worked from home during the COVID‐19 lockdown, adjusted to the changes it brought to their lives. To do so, we conducted a qualitative study of 28 dual‐earner households that had at least one school‐age child, resided in China, Iran, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, or the United States, and worked from home during their local lockdown period. In each household, we interviewed the parents (56 total), and we asked at least one child to draw their perception of their parents' work‐from‐home experience and narrate the drawing (31 total). Informed by work–home interface and family stress scholarships, we outline the resources and demands generated by working at home as a family, as well as the strategies families employed to manage their collective work from home. We extend work‐from‐home scholarship beyond the individual level by accounting for the roles of all collective members in the work‐from‐home experience. We complement the research that has studied individual‐ and couple‐level work–family strategies by theorizing the supportive, attentive, relational, delegative, and compromising strategies families adopted to generate changes in resource‐demand dynamics. In doing so, we introduce family adaptive capability for the context of adjusting to work from home and define it as a collective ability to initiate strategies to meet remote work demands with resources generated from the new work arrangement. At a practical level, the strategies presented in our work can inform employers of dual‐earner couples and families experiencing similar dynamics.
Sex differences in corticospinal excitability and quadriceps performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Leung Anne , Kantak Shailesh , Hammoud Sommer , Abraham Rebekah , Zarzycki Ryan
Published: November 2023

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures result in lasting quadriceps dysfunction that contributes to secondary injury risk and development of osteoarthritis. There is evidence of persistent reduced nervous system drive (corticospinal excitability [CSE]) to the quadriceps and sex differences in both quadriceps performance and CSE post‐ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in CSE and quadriceps dysfunction after ACLR between sexes and relative to controls. Twenty subjects 4–9 months post‐ACLR and 20 age, sex, and activity matched controls participated in this study. Quadriceps performance (peak torque, PT; rate of torque development from onset to 100 ms, RTD100; and RTD from 100 to 200ms, RTD200) and CSE (active motor threshold; slope of the stimulus response (SR) curve, SR curve slope) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (HUMAC NORM) and transcranial magnetic stimulation respectively. Significant group differences were found for SR curve slope, PT, RTD100, and RTD200 on the surgical limb. Males after ACLR had higher slopes (higher CSE) than females. Females after ACLR had worse surgical limb quadriceps PT than control males and slower RTD100 and RTD200 than control males and control females. Higher CSE in males after ACLR may point to a potentially adaptive neurological change in males post‐ACLR and indicate greater need for novel interventions to address cortical drive in females after ACLR.
Xylobiose treatment strengthens intestinal barrier function by regulating claudin 2 and heat shock protein 27 expression in human Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Rini Dina Mustika , Nakamichi Yusuke , Morita Tomotake , Inoue Hiroyuki , Mizukami Yoichi , Yamamoto Yoshinari , Suzuki Takuya
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Xylobiose, a non‐digestible disaccharide, largely contributes to the beneficial physiological effects of xylooligosaccharides. However, there is insufficient evidence to assess the direct effect of xylobiose on intestinal barrier function. Here, we investigated the intestinal barrier function in human intestinal Caco‐2 cells treated with xylobiose.

RESULTS

In total, 283 genes were upregulated and 256 genes were downregulated in xylobiose‐treated Caco‐2 cells relative to the controls. We focused on genes related to intestinal barrier function, such as tight junction (TJ) and heat shock protein (HSP). Xylobiose decreased the expression of the TJ gene Claudin 2 (CLDN2) and increased the expression of the cytoprotective HSP genes HSPB1 and HSPA1A, which encode HSP27 and HSP70, respectively. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that xylobiose suppressed CLDN2 expression and enhanced HSP27 and HSP70 expression. A quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and promoter assays indicated that xylobiose post‐transcriptionally regulated CLDN2 and HSPB1 levels. Additionally, selective inhibition of phosphatidyl‐3‐inositol kinase (PI3K) inhibited xylobiose‐mediated CLDN2 expression, whereas HSP27 expression induced by xylobiose was sensitive to the inhibition of PI3K, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase and Src.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study reveal that xylobiose suppresses CLDN2 and increases HSP27 expression in intestinal Caco‐2 cells via post‐transcriptional regulation, potentially strengthening intestinal barrier integrity; however, these effects seem to occur via different signaling pathways. Our findings may help to assess the physiological role of xylobiose. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quality by design‐guided development of a capillary electrophoresis method for the simultaneous chiral purity determination and impurity profiling of tamsulosin
Authors: Modroiu Adriana , Krait Sulaiman , Hancu Gabriel , Scriba Gerhard K. E.
Published: November 2023

Analytical Quality by Design principles using the design of experiments were applied for the development of a capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of enantiomeric purity and chemically related impurities of tamsulosin. From initial scouting experiments, a dual cyclodextrin (CD) system composed of sulfated β‐CD and carboxymethyl‐α‐CD was selected as the chiral selector. A fractional factorial resolution V+ design was used for the identification of the critical process parameters, while a face‐centered central composite design and Monte Carlo simulations were employed for final optimization and defining the design space of the method. The experimental conditions of the working point were: 30 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 3.0, containing 40 mg/mL sulfated β‐CD and 7 mg/mL carboxymethyl‐α‐CD, capillary temperature 18°C, applied voltage ‐23 kV. Following the assessment of robustness by applying a Plackett‐Burman design, the method was validated according to the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guideline Q2(R1). The method allowed the quantification of the chiral impurity and three other related impurities at the 0.1 % level with acceptable accuracy and precision.
Impact of interleukin‐1β single nucleotide polymorphisms and depressive symptoms in individuals with chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Huang Hsin‐Yi , Yu Rwei‐Ling , Tsai Wei‐Fang , Chuang Wan‐Long , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Tan Chun‐Hsiang
Published: November 2023

Elevated levels of interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) have been identified in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and have been associated with depressive symptoms. Given the high prevalence of depression in this patient population, this study sought to explore the potential influence of IL‐1β genetic variations on the severity of depressive symptoms. In a cohort of 181 Taiwanese patients with chronic viral hepatitis, we investigated the impact of five common IL‐1β single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs16944, rs1143627, rs1143630, rs1143643, and rs3136558, on depressive symptoms using the Beck's Depression Inventory‐II. Additionally, we analyzed the primary domains of IL‐1β‐related depressive symptoms according to Beck's six symptom categories of depression. Our analysis revealed significant associations between depressive symptoms and three intronic IL‐1β SNPs. After controlling for age, sex, marital status, and education level, patients with the rs1143630 GG, rs1143643 CC, and rs3136558 AA genotypes demonstrated higher severity of depressive symptoms in the domains of indecision (p = 0.004), agitation (p = 0.001), and feelings of punishment (p = 0.005), respectively, compared to rs1143630 GA+AA, rs1143643 CT, and rs3136558 AG+GG genotypes. According to Beck's categorization, these symptoms can be classified into three dimensions: disturbances in emotion regulation, energy, and cognition. Our findings demonstrate the association between IL‐1β polymorphisms and depressive symptoms and suggest a potential underlying mechanism for specific depressive symptoms within the chronic viral hepatitis population. These insights could improve our understanding and treatment of depressive symptoms in individuals with viral hepatitis.
Does business strategy of the state‐owned enterprise affect the participation of non‐state‐owned capital?: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyang , Yu Su
Published: November 2023

How to improve the operational efficiency of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) is an important issue facing emerging economies or developing countries. This study investigates whether and how business strategies of SOEs affect the participation of non‐state‐owned capital using Chinese enterprises from 2008 to 2019. The study finds that there is a positive effect of aggressive corporate strategy on the motivation of private capital to participate in mixed ownership reform. Mechanism tests have shown that prospector strategy increases the reform motivation of SOEs by boosting investment in technological and knowledge capital and financing demand and also increase the willingness of private enterprises to participate by increasing SOEs' value. Further research is found that when the SOEs are more politically connected, in commercial competition industries, and located in regions with cleaner governments, the effect of business strategy on the participation of non‐state‐owned capital is more significant. This study not only enriches relevant research on the factors influencing mixed ownership reform at the micro level but also provides valuable experience and reference for economic reforms in emerging markets and developing countries.
6aH‐Benzo[α]fluorene: NMR evidence of the unexpected product of the reaction of butyryl chloride with 1,2‐diphenylacetylene
Authors: Zinchenko Sergey V. , Kobelevskaya Valentina A. , Popov Alexander V.
Published: November 2023

The reaction of butyryl chloride with ethynylbenzene in the presence of AlCl3 afforded a mixture of the Z/E‐isomers of 1‐chloro‐2‐phenylhex‐1‐en‐3‐one. 1,2‐Diphenylethyne under these conditions gave a novel polycarbocycle core, 6aH‐benzo[a]fluorene. The chemical structure of 11‐chloro‐5,6‐diphenyl‐6a‐propyl‐6aH‐benzo[a]fluorene was established by means of IE‐MS, 1H, 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and 2D INADEQUATE technique.
Benefits of Immunoglobulin (Ig) Replacement Therapy for Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiency in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Garvey Emily A. , Arielle Best Keisha , Naimi Bita , Duffy Alexander , Hannikainen Paavali , Kahn Chase , Farquhar Douglas , Rosen Marc , Rabinowitz Mindy , Fung Shirley , Toskala Elina , Nyquist Gurston
Published: November 2023

This is the first study to examine chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) outcomes after starting immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy for patients with primary (PID) and secondary immunodeficiency (SID). This is a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with CRS from 2018 to 2022 prior to initiating Ig therapy for the treatment of PID or SID. Outcomes included medication use and Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores. Ten patients met the inclusion criteria. PID and SID patients had a decrease in antibiotics (PID: 9.40 to 3.20, P = .05, SID: 8.20 to 2.00, P = .04) and steroids (PID: (5.40 to 0.60; P = .06; SID: 2.20 to 0.20, P = .047) prescribed in the year after Ig compared to the year prior. Patients with SID had a decrease in mean SNOT‐22 scores by 12 months after Ig (47.50 to 20.50, P = 0.03). Patients receiving Ig for PID and SID showed decreased medication use and SID patients experienced subjective improvement in CRS symptoms in year‐over‐year comparison.
Comparing Feedback Techniques in Bilobe Flap Simulation Using 3D‐Printed Facial Models
Authors: Shay Aryan , Zaniletti Isabella , Coffman Hannah , Mehta Sagar , Richter Gresham
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare live versus delayed feedback on trainee performance of bilobe flaps using 3‐dimensional (3D)‐printed facial simulators and determine whether these effects are sustained on repeat performance.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Setting

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Methods

3D‐printed facial models with a nasal ala defect were provided to 18 subjects. Subjects were stratified and randomized based on their training level into 1 of 3 groups corresponding to live feedback (Group 1), delayed feedback (Group 2), and no feedback (Group 3). Subjects performed a bilobe flap following a structured lecture. Four weeks later, subjects independently repeated the exercise on the contralateral ala. Likert surveys were used to assess subjective parameters. Objective grading was performed by a plastic surgeon, which included a point system and score for the overall appearance.

Results

Following exercise 1, Group 1 reported a significant improvement in knowledge (P < .001), which was sustained after exercise 2 (P < .001); Group 2 reported a significant improvement after exercise 1 (P = .03) but was not sustained (P = .435). After the second exercise, Group 1 and Group 2 improved their confidence in bilobed repair (P = .001 and P = .003, respectively), but this was greater for Group 1. Group 1 showed a significant improvement in their design time following exercise 2 (P = .007). There were no significant differences between groups on total time for repair, total score, and appearance.

Conclusion

3D‐printed models are valuable in teaching the bilobe flap for nasal defects, with live feedback providing the greatest level of improvement in self‐reported knowledge and confidence.
Preparation of modified zeolite/chitosan composites and study on the adsorption performance of Pb2+
Authors: Du Jingyu , Sun Junzhuo , Zhang Daohai
Published: November 2023

As one of the most common pollutants in wastewater, heavy metals seriously threaten human health and survival, and among the current removal methods, the adsorption method has attracted the most attention because of its simple and safe operation. Zeolite is a substance with a unique spatial structure, cheap cost, and environmental friendliness. Zeolite is a substance with a unique spatial structure, cheap cost, and environmental friendliness. Due to its size and high surface area‐to‐volume ratio, zeolite exhibits excellent adsorption and ion exchange properties and is a promising adsorbent. In this paper, the modified zeolite chitosan composite film was prepared by solution method by dissolving chitosan in acetic acid solution as the solvent, and the effects of zeolite content, modifier type, initial pH, pore‐making agent, adsorption time, adsorption temperature, initial concentration, and feeding amount were studied. The optimal conditions for Pb2+ adsorption were 40% modified zeolite content, 293 K in 100 mg/L solution, a feeding amount of 1 g/L, pH = 5.5, and a removal rate of 96.6% in 24 h. The isotherm is consistent with the Langmuir adsorption model, which is manifested as single‐molecule chemical adsorption, and the highest saturated adsorption capacity is 139.6 mg/g. After five cycles, it still has a greater than 90% initial adsorption effect.

Highlights

Chitosan‐modified zeolite composite membranes are inexpensive.

After adsorption, the sorbent is easy to recover.