bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of tannic acid concentration on the physicochemical characteristics of saliva of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Ramírez-Torres Carlos Eduardo , Espinosa-Gómez Fabiola Carolina , Morales-Mávil Jorge E. , Reynoso-Cruz J. Eduardo , Laska Matthias , Hernández-Salazar Laura Teresa
Published: November 2022

Tannins are a chemical defense mechanism of plants consumed by herbivores. Variations in salivary physicochemical characteristics such as pH, total protein concentration (TP), and presence of proline-rich proteins (PRPs) in animals have been reported as a mechanism to protect the oral cavity when consuming food with variations in pH and tannins. Variations in salivary physiochemistry as adaptations for consuming tannin-rich foods have been found in omnivorous and folivorous primates, but have not yet been reported in frugivorous species such as spider monkeys. We therefore assessed changes in pH using test strips, TP concentration by measuring absorbance at 595 nm in a spectrophotometer and salivary PRPs using the SDS-PAGE electrophoresis technique in the saliva of nine captive spider monkeys in response to the consumption of solutions with different concentrations of tannic acid. The results showed variations in pH, TP concentration and the presence and variation of possible salivary PRPs associated with tannic acid concentration. These findings suggest that spider monkeys may tailor their salivary physicochemical characteristics in response to the ingestion of potentially toxic compounds.
Ética nas organizações familiares: fatores que impulsionam os conflitos
Authors: Nunes Rodrigues Bruno , Borges Diamantino Nunes Mirele
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo tem por finalidade expor a ética nas organizações familiares, dando ênfase aos fatores que impulsionam os conflitos. O objetivo principal foi determinar como gerenciar os conflitos existentes numa empresa familiar dentro de um ambiente ético. A questão que norteou a pesquisa foi no sentido de responder: o equilíbrio na empresa familiar está em reconhecer a importância de um comportamento ético diante das demandas conflitantes? Para tanto, a metodologia adotada foi uma revisão integrativa e o método escolhido foi o dedutivo, sendo definidas 8 publicações de maior relevância ao tema no período de 2017 a 2021. A conclusão final foi que o conflito sucessório é o principal fator de conflito dentro da organização familiar e, por isso exige um forte ambiente de conotação ética, sendo que conscientizar a empresa familiar da necessidade de profissionalização é determinante para diminuir esse conflito.
Atuação dos Boundary Spanners no âmbito interorganizacional durante a pandemia do COVID-19
Authors: Neuhaus Talita Arendt , Medeiros Haroldo de Sá , Filho Theophilo Alves de Souza , Siena Osmar
Published: November 2022

O trabalho tem como pano de fundo a pandemia ocasionada pelo vírus Covid-19 no Brasil. O objetivo é analisar a atuação dos boundary spanners no âmbito interorganizacional, tendo como modelo um ambiente hospitalar, bem como o impacto que a nova realidade ocasionada pela pandemia trouxe a essas relações. A pesquisa foi realizada à luz do contexto local, no Município de Ariquemes/RO. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso único, com coleta de dados primários, consistentes em entrevistas semiestruturadas, análise documental e pesquisa em ambiente virtual. Os dados foram, então, analisados e interpretados, chegando-se aos resultados, dentre os quais se destaca a identificação de um perfil de boundary spanner, a identificação de classes de boundary spanners no ambiente hospitalar, além do impacto nas relações ocasionado pelo ambiente incerto da pandemia. Contrariamente ao esperado pelos pesquisadores, os resultados apontaram mais aspectos positivos que negativos no relacionamento interorganizacional, apesar da reconhecida dificuldade enfrentada no período pela organização.
Focusing on Uptake: The Evolution of an Evidence-Informed Classroom Resource for Student Mental Health
Authors: Mák Geneviève , Fortier Alexandra , Fowler Heather Smith , Bobadilla Andrea , Rae Jennifer
Published: November 2022

It is widely recognized that the most effective student mental health interventions, tools, and resources are those that are solidly grounded in theory, evidence, and practice. But developing interventions in this way can be a time-consuming, challenging process. This article describes the process of developing a classroom resource to build social emotional learning skills among high school students in Ontario. The resource was informed by the latest research evidence while also being sensitive to the implementation context and needs of educators and students. In creating, evaluating, and revising these resources over several years, lessons have emerged about what it takes to navigate inherent challenges, balance competing needs and priorities, and ultimately develop an intervention that is both evidence-informed and implementation sensitive. Flexible funding, effective partnerships, and a commitment to contextual responsivity are key.
The ALS-IEC Theory and Its Effect on Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Allosa-Saus Anna Liza , Kuan Letty G. , Peña Corazon B. de La , Migallos Samuel F. , Tee Elsie A. , Posadas Flordeliza C.
Published: November 2022

The visible problems among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus are insufficiency of HIV information about the impact it will bring into their lives and non-compliance to treatment due to fear of disclosure. The need to enhance information about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through extensive health teaching and exemplary education modeling may help persons living with HIV live with dignity and hope as children of God. The purpose of the study is to discover what substantive theory can be used to unearth variables such as active involvement in the society, life change advocacy, life promotion and dignity, one finds oneself, sensitivity to one’s knowledge needs, and accountability and commitment to be safe which led to the development of “all loving support-information, education, and counselling theory. A mixed method embedded experimental design was used in testing the theory through a double-blind approach that quantified the grounded explored experiences of the participants. The qualitative participants were 20 in focus group discussion and the quantitative participants were 30 college students living with HIV, 18-24 years old, male, Christian, and currently enrolled in a college or university in the Davao region excluding those who are sick and admitted to the hospital. Pretest findings revealed that the participants were moderately informed about facts on HIV and moderately followed the course of treatment but after a series of tests (post-test after two weeks, after one month, and after two months), reported that they were totally informed about the facts on HIV and will strictly adhere to the therapy. The pretest and post-test scores on the level of awareness and medical compliance showed significant differences after a series of tests. Thus, the application of ALS-IEC theory is effective among persons living with HIV in assessing HIV awareness and drug adherence encompassing bio-psycho-sexual-social-cultural-spiritual domains. Continued use of the personalized health assessment will also offer a learning opportunity (information) through reading (education) and nurse-delivered counselling as extended care after HIV screening counseling will address the immediate needs of clients.
A Systematic Review of Terpenoids in Azadirachta indica: Classes, Structures and Medicinal Uses
Authors: Awadh M. M. , Kahindo J. M. , Swaleh M. M. , Kiti H. M.
Published: November 2022

Azadirachta indica (neem) can be considered as “Nature’s Chemist” due to its therapeutic, pharmaceutical, agro and medicinal properties. Neem tree is the most researched tree so far and has proven to be the most prospect target for the future drug discoveries. Its bioactivity has been associated with vast richness in phytochemicals whereas the terpenoids are the major medicinal components. Terpenoids are classified into different categories which display a wide range of biological activities. This article reviews the terpenoids reported in different parts of neem tree, classes, structures, their usage and application in modern medicine.
Examining the Impact of Perinatal Deaths on the Mothers in the Tamale Metropolis, Northern Ghana
Authors: Abubakari Abdulai , Daborikuu Bridget
Published: November 2022

Perinatal loss has serious implications on the lives of the affected women and sometimes on the family. However, not much is known in the empirical literature, especially in the Tamale Metropolitan area. This paper sets out to examine the impact of neonatal deaths on women. The study was conducted in three major hospitals in Tamale and involved 384 women and 10 medical officers. The study employed mainly interviews, questionnaires and a review of secondary data including hospital records. The study found that, apart from the emotional trauma, affected women sometimes suffer stigma and are subjected to traditional rituals in order to ‘cleans’ them. The women also entertained the fear of getting a miscarriage or suffering from perinatal death in the future, the study recommends counseling and sensitization for pregnant women to avoid future perinatal deaths.
Review on Reinforcement-concrete Bonded Anchorage
Authors: Huang Peng , Cheng Yuanbing
Published: November 2022

In order to obtain the study of the bonding properties between the reinforcement-concrete and give full play to the material properties, a lot of research has been carried out on reinforcement-concrete. Existing reinforcement-concrete studies contain mainly reinforcement-concrete bonds, reinforcement lap, and anchorage of reinforcement. The reinforcement-concrete bond test mainly measures the bond-slip curve between the two to determine the bond strength between reinforcement and concrete. The reinforcement lap test is mainly used for the performance study of the anchorage length of reinforcement in concrete, whether the lap bars are in contact with each other, which can be divided into two forms: contact lap and indirect lap. The anchorage test of reinforcement is conducted to study the reduction of the connection length between reinforcement and concrete while meeting the force requirements. According to a large number of tests, the bond strength of the reinforcement is affected by the shape of the mixed reinforcement, the thickness of the protective layer of the diameter concrete, the spacing of the reinforcement, the transverse reinforcement restraint, and the material properties of the reinforcement and concrete. This paper discusses the test methods, influencing factors, and the lack of existing research in the study of the performance of reinforcement-concrete bonding, and lap and anchorage properties.
Susceptibility and Resistance Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Infected Wounds, Burn, Medical Device Tips and Blood to Doxycycline and Septrin from Patients in the City of Benghazi
Authors: Yousef Ahmed A. Ben , Alawkally Noor Alhooda M. , Elasmer Aisha O. , Tahir Mabroka Faraj Al , Abouserwel Ahmed , Fakron Abdlmanam , El-Warred Sara , Ali Maree Al Douakali
Published: November 2022

Wound infections and septicemia with drug-resistant bacteria lead to higher mortality and morbidity and increased healthcare costs. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence rate of nosocomial bacterial agents with antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Samples are collected from the wound pus, burn; medical device tip and blood of male and female patients and are sent for culture and sensitivity to the Microbiology Department of Al Saleem medical laboratory, Benghazi, Libya, from October 2021 to January 2022. Collected blood samples were directly inoculated into brain heart infusion (BHI) broth, while various swabs were collected by Transport medium and both are cultured on Blood agar, Chocolate agar, MacConkey - aerobic and anaerobic blood agar at 35°C, with CO2. The wound pus was the most samples from which bacteria were isolated, followed by medical device tip swabs, and the least isolation was from a blood specimen. 47 of the specimens were culture-positive. Of these Staph aureus, Strep pneumonia and E. coli were the most abundant bacterial identified in clinical samples. According to susceptibility testing results, antibiotic resistance patterns of Gram-negative bacteria showed that the highest resistance rate was against Septrin (74.4%) and the lowest rate, 17.8%, was related to Doxycycline (44.6%) respectively. The isolates from the nosocomial infection in these patients are resistant to Septrin and Doxycycline antibiotics. We recommend that whenever the diagnosis of nosocomial infection is made, a more effective antibiotic treatment be instituted until the susceptibility of the strain is identified.
Hardness Predicting of Additively Manufactured High‐Entropy Alloys Based on Fabrication Parameter‐Dependent Machine Learning
Authors: Zhou Chao , Zhang Youzhi , Stasic Jelena , Liang Yu , Chen Xizhang , Trtica Milan
Published: November 2022

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have received much attention since presented in 2004. Machine learning (ML) can accelerate the research of new HEAs. At present, among the ML research methods used to predict the properties of HEAs, alloys are manufactured mainly by the melt‐casting method. The existing ML methods do not use the process parameters of the manufacturing process as input features. Unlike the melt‐casting method, additive manufacturing (AM) has promising applications with its ability to prototype and manufacture complex‐shaped parts rapidly. The AM process parameters can significantly affect the performance of HEAs. The process parameters are a critical factor that must be considered for ML. Therefore, an ML method dependent on AM process parameters is proposed to predict the hardness of HEAs. The prediction results of six commonly used ML models are compared. The dependence of ML on process parameters is investigated. Four new HEAs are manufactured based on AM to verify the reliability of ML prediction results. The experimental results show that adding process parameters to ML improves the prediction accuracy by 4%. The prediction accuracy of ML reaches 89%, and the average prediction error for new HEAs is 3.83%.
2D Nanomaterial Supported Single‐Metal Atoms for Heterogeneous Photo/Electrocatalysis
Authors: Yan Cheng , Liu Yi‐Lin , Zeng Qingyi , Wang Gui‐Gen , Han Jie‐Cai
Published: November 2022

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) attract intensive attention owing to their unmatched catalytic activities and high atom utilization. Besides metal species themselves, the substrates play a key role for the improvement of their catalytic performance by optimizing metal–support interactions and coordination structures. In the past years, various 2D nanomaterials have been employed to anchor single metal atoms for renewable energy technologies and other important industrial processes. Tremendous progress has been achieved in the development of 2D supported SACs for advanced energy conversion reactions. This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of up‐to‐date advances in the field of 2D supported SACs. The state‐of‐the‐art characterizations including ex/in situ microscopic and spectroscopic techniques are summarized with the emphasis on their specific superiorities in identifying the reactive sites and reaction mechanisms, combined with theoretical calculations and experimental results. A brief overview of various reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e‐ORR), carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under the framework of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, is presented on basis of versatile 2D nanomaterial supports. Last, the key challenges and opportunities in this rising field are highlighted.
Synthesis of 3‐Aryl Oxindoles having Trifluoromethylated Quaternary Stereocenters via Catalyst Free Arylation
Authors: Nagababu Chavakula , Prudhviraj Jaggaraju , Punna Nagender
Published: November 2022

Herein we report the synthesis of 3‐aryl oxindoles having trifluoromethylated quaternary stereocenters through the catalyst free arylation of 3‐trifluoromethyl,3‐tosyloxy oxindoles with anisoles. The transformation proceeds via electrophilic 3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2H‐indolium intermediate (Michael acceptor), which is generated by the heterolytic cleavage of C‐OTs bond under metal‐free conditions in PEG‐400. The developed strategy offers broad substrate scope, extending to N,N‐dimethyl‐anilines, and thio‐anisole to afford the range of 3‐trifluoromethyl,3‐aryl oxindoles in 62–91% yields.

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Organism‐Generated Biological Vesicles In Situ: An Emerging Drug Delivery Strategy
Authors: Kong Li , Yang Conglian , Zhang Zhiping
Published: November 2022

Biological vesicles, containing genetic materials and proteins of the original cells, are usually used for local or systemic communications among cells. Currently, studies on biological vesicles as therapeutic strategies or drug delivery carriers mainly focus on exogenously generated biological vesicles. However, the limitations of yield and purity caused by the complex purification process still hinder their clinical transformation. Recently, it has been reported that living organisms, including cells and bacteria, can produce functional/therapeutic biological vesicles within body automatically. Therefore, using organisms to produce endogenous biological vesicles in body as drug/bio‐information delivery carriers has become a potential therapeutic strategy. In this review, the current development status and application prospects of in situ organism‐produced biological vesicles are introduced. The advantages and effects of this endogenous biological vesicles‐based strategy in drug delivery and disease treatments are analyzed. According to the type of endogenous biological vesicles, they are divided into four categories: exosomes, platelet‐derived microparticles, apoptotic bodies, and bacteria‐released outer membrane vesicles. And finally, the shortcomings of current research and future development are analyzed. This review is believed to open up the application of endogenous biological vesicles in the field of biomedicine and shed light on current research.
Enlarging the Stokes Shift by Weakening the π‐Conjugation of Cyanines for High Signal‐to‐Noise Ratiometric Imaging
Authors: Yue Yongkang , Zhao Tingting , Xu Zhou , Chi Weijie , Chai Xiaojun , Ai Jiahong , Zhang Jiawei , Huo Fangjun , Strongin Robert M. , Yin Caixia
Published: November 2022

The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is one of the key features of a fluorescent probe and one that often defines its potential utility for in vivo labeling and analyte detection applications. Here, it is reported that introducing a pyridine group into traditional cyanine‐7 dyes in an asymmetric manner provides a series of tunable NIR fluorescent dyes (Cy‐Mu‐7) characterized by enhanced Stokes shifts (≈230 nm) compared to the parent cyanine 7 dye (<25 nm). The observed Stokes shift increase is ascribed to symmetry breaking of the Cy‐Mu‐7 core and a reduction in the extent of conjugation. The fluorescence signals of the Cy‐Mu‐7 dyes are enhanced upon confinement within the hydrophobic cavity of albumin or via spontaneous encapsulation within micelles in aqueous media. Utilizing the Cy‐Mu‐7, ultra‐fast in vivo kidney labeling in mice is realized, and it is found that the liver injury will aggravate the burden of kidney by monitoring the fluorescence intensity ratio of kidney to liver. In addition, Cy‐Mu‐7 could be used as efficient chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer acceptor for the reaction between H2O2 and bisoxalate. The potential utility of Cy‐Mu‐7 is illustrated via direct monitoring fluctuations in endogenous H2O2 levels in a mouse model to mimic emergency room trauma.
Rationally Tailoring Superstructured Hexahedron Composed of Defective Graphitic Nanosheets and Macropores: Realizing Durable and Fast Potassium Storage
Authors: Yuan Fei , Shi Conghao , Li Yanan , Wang Jian , Zhang Di , Wang Wei , Wang Qiujun , Wang Huan , Li Zhaojin , Wang Bo
Published: November 2022

Multipores engineering composed of micro/mesopores is an effective strategy to improve potassium storage performance via providing enormous adsorption sites and shortened ions diffusion distance. However, a detailed exploration of the role played by macropores in potassium storage is still lacking and has been barely reported until now. Herein, a superstructure carbon hexahedron (DGN‐900) is synthesized using poly tannic acid (PTA) as precursor. Due to the spatially confined two‐step local contraction of PTA along different directions and dimensions during pyrolysis, defective nanosheets with macropores are formed, while realizing a balance between defects content and graphitization degree by regulating temperature. The presence of macropores is conducive to accelerating electrolyte ions rapid infiltration within electrode, and its pore volume can accommodate electrode structure fluctuation upon cycling, while the most suitable ratio of defects to graphitic provides rich ions adsorption sites and sufficient electrons transfer channels, simultaneously. These advantages enable a prominent electrochemical performance in DGN‐900 electrode, including high rate (202.9 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) and long cycling stability over 2000 cycles. This unique fabrication strategy, that is, defects engineering coupled with macropores structure, makes fast and durable potassium storage possible.
The pregnancy outcome and drug usage during pregnancy among Taiwanese inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Chang Chen‐Wang , Wei Shu‐Chen , Chou Jen‐Wei , Huang Tien‐Yu , Kuo Chia‐Jung , Hsu Wen‐Hung , Chung Chen‐Shuan , Hsu Tzu‐Chi , Lin Wei‐Chen , Chen Ming‐Jen , Wang Horng‐Yuan
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by relapsing inflammation and severe mucosal damage in the intestine. Young IBD women are often worried about their fertility, the disease activity during pregnancy, the heritability of the disease to their unborn child, and also the effect of their disease on the pregnancy itself. The pregnancy outcome and drug usage during pregnancy are rarely discussed in an area of low IBD prevalence. To evaluate (a) decision‐making around drug therapy during pregnancy and (b) the prognosis for pregnant IBD patients in an area of low IBD prevalence. We conducted a retrospective analysis across seven medical centers in Taiwan from February 2009 to February 2019. Maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes were analyzed. A total of 17 patients (21 pregnancies) were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 35.9 ± 4.6 years. Six patients (35.3%) had fertility worries and two (11.8%) had infertility. Five patients had Crohn's disease (CD), of whom 60% had undergone prior abdominal surgery. The remaining 12 patients had ulcerative colitis (UC), of whom 8.3% had undergone prior abdominal surgery (significantly lower than CD patients [P = .02]). There were no significant differences between the CD and UC groups in terms of age, age of primigravida, height, weight, fertility worries, or infertility. Abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth was seen in 23.8% of patients, and 14.3% of patients needed treatment to prevent miscarriage. Low birth weight (<2500 g) was seen in 14.3% of births, and 14.3% had associated complications. There was no significant difference between CD and UC patients in terms of pregnancy outcome. During pregnancy, 33.3% of patients changed their drug regimens, stopping the use of 5‐ASA (9.5%), immunosuppressants (4.8%), corticosteroids (4.8%), or biologics (9.5%). However, if IBD progressed during pregnancy, corticosteroids were considered (19.4%) for disease control. These are real‐world experiences of IBD during pregnancy in Taiwan. High rates of abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth and treatment to prevent miscarriage were noted. Among all subjects, 33.3% of patients changed their drug regimen during pregnancy. Corticosteroids were also considered if IBD progressed during pregnancy in this study.
Iodine‐Catalyzed α‐Hydroxylation of β‐Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Yang Zhongkang , Wang Manman , Liu Ruiqi , Yu Wenquan , Chang Junbiao
Published: November 2022

An iodine‐catalyzed aerobic α‐hydroxylation reaction of β‐dicarbonyl compounds is established under transition‐metal‐free conditions. This synthetic approach is applicable to a broad variety of readily accessible acyclic and cyclic substrates bearing amide, ester, and/or ketone groups, and can be conveniently conducted on a gram scale.
Multimorbidity burden and developmental trajectory in relation to later‐life dementia: A prospective study
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhou Yaguan , Huang Liyan , Xu Xiaolin , Yuan Changzheng
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study assessed the associations of multimorbidity burden and its developmental trajectory with later‐life dementia.

Methods

Among 5923 Health and Retirement Study participants, major chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, lung diseases, heart disease, stroke, psychological disorders, and arthritis were self‐ or proxy‐reported in 1994‐2008. Dementia diagnosis was self‐ or proxy‐reported in 2008‐2018. We used Cox regression to assess the associations of multimorbidity with incident dementia.

Results

During follow‐up (median = 8 years), 701 participants developed dementia. Each additional chronic condition in 2008 was related to 15% (confidence interval: 9% to 22%) higher hazard of dementia. Multimorbidity trajectories in 1994‐2008 were classified as “rapid growth”, “steady growth”, “slow growth”, and “no new condition” by the group‐based trajectory modelling methods. Compared to “no new condition”, the “rapid growth” trajectory was related to 32% (3% to 69%) higher dementia risk.

Conclusions

Both multimorbidity burden and its developmental trajectory were prospectively associated with risk of dementia.
Transpositions of the great arteries versus aortic dextropositions. A review of some embryogenetic and morphological aspects
Authors: Restivo Angelo , di Gioia Cira , Marino Bruno , Putotto Carolina
Published: November 2022

This review examines and discusses the morphology and embryology of two main groups of conotruncal cardiac malformations: (a) transposition of the great arteries (complete transposition and incomplete/partial transposition namely double outlet right ventricle), and (b) aortic dextroposition defects (tetralogy of Fallot and Eisenmenger malformation). In both groups, persistent truncus arteriosus was included because maldevelopment of the neural crest cell supply to the outflow tract, contributing to the production of the persistent truncus arteriosus, is shared by both groups of malformations. The potentially important role of the proximal conal cushions in the rotatory sequence of the conotruncus is emphasized. Most importantly, this study emphasizes the differentiation between the double‐outlet right ventricle, which is a partial or incomplete transposition of the great arteries, and the Eisenmenger malformation, which is an aortic dextroposition. Special emphasis is also given to the leftward shift of the conoventricular junction, which covers an important morphogenetic role in both aortic dextropositions and transposition defects as well as in normal development, and whose molecular genetic regulation seems to remain unclear at present. Emphasis is placed on the distinct and overlapping roles of Tbx1 and Pitx2 transcription factors in modulating the development of the cardiac outflow tract.
Dynamic inventory system with pricing adjustment for price‐comparison shoppers
Authors: Chen Wen , Katehakis Michael , Tang Qian
Published: November 2022

With numerous price‐comparison websites and applications, consumers today are frequently conducting price‐comparison shopping. As a result, retailers face an increasing challenge in predicting consumer demand and determining the optimal product price and inventory level accordingly. To address this issue, this paper proposes an inventory model with joint decisions of price and inventory to optimize the retailer's long‐run average profit under price‐comparison consumer shopping. We first formulate the demand arrival process for a retailer under price‐comparison shopping to be affected by not only its own price but also its competitors'. Based on this demand arrival process, we then formulate the retailer's long‐run average profit and derive properties of its optimal solution. Our model focuses on capturing the impact of price‐comparison consumers on a retailer's optimal price and inventory decisions. In particular, we allow competitors' prices to affect the retailer's demand via two key factors: the manufacturer's suggested price and the variability of the outside lowest price. According to our results, when the suggested price increases, the retailer should lower its price to obtain more price‐comparison customers from competitors, whereas when the variability of outside lowest price increases, the retailer should raise its price to increase per unit profit from nonprice‐comparison customers.
Methods for addressing host cell protein impurities in biopharmaceutical product development
Authors: Tuameh Abdulrahman , Harding Stephen E. , Darton Nicholas J.
Published: November 2022

The high demand for monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics in recent years has resulted in significant efforts to improve their costly manufacturing process. The high cost of manufacturing mAbs derives mainly from the purification process, which contributes to 50%–80% of the total manufacturing cost. One of the main challenges facing industry at the purification stage is the clearance of host cell proteins (HCPs) that are produced and often co‐purified with the desired mAb product. One of the issues HCPs can cause is the degradation of the final mAb protein product. In this review, techniques are considered that can be used at different stages (upstream and downstream) of mAb manufacture to improve HCP clearance. In addition to established techniques, many new approaches for HCP removal are discussed that have the potential to replace current methods for improving HCP reduction and thereby the quality and stability of the final mAb product.
Survival outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer with hepatitis B virus infection: An analysis from an endemic tertiary center
Authors: Lai Cheng‐Lun , Lin Cheng‐Hsien , Su Yu‐Chen , Shih Yu‐Hsuan , Wang Chen‐Chi , Teng Chieh‐Lin Jerry , Chou Cheng‐Wei
Published: November 2022

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects the occurrence and survival outcome of various malignant disorders. The study aimed to evaluate the survival outcome of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) patients with or without HBV infection.

Methods

This study included patients with HNSCC who visited Taichung Veterans General Hospital from 2007 to 2015. HBV infection was defined by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity. By propensity score matching, we compared survival outcomes, including progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), among patients with or without HBV infection.

Results

The prevalence of HBV infection in our cohort was 12.3%. Among the 1,015 patients included in the matched analysis, a higher risk of baseline liver cirrhosis (11.3% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001) and initial hepatic dysfunction (10.8% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.005) rates were observed than those without HBV infection at baseline. The 5‐year OS was 43.1% and 53.2% (p < 0.001) and the 5‐year PFS was 37.4% and 42.3% (p = 0.007) in patients with and without HBV infection, respectively. The incidence of subsequent hepatic dysfunction showed no difference between patients with and without HBV infection (29.6% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.439).

Conclusions

Patients with HNSCC and HBV infection were younger and had a higher risk of cirrhosis compared to those without HBV infection. Moreover, HBV infection significantly influenced the OS and PFS outcomes but not subsequent hepatic dysfunction in patients with HNSCC.
Bioactive Attributes and Analysis of Electronic Nose Feature Signals of Colombian Stingless Bees Propolis
Authors: Zuluaga‐Domínguez Carlos Mario , Fuenmayor Carlos Alberto , Quicazán Marta Cecilia
Published: November 2022

The volatile and non‐volatile chemical composition and bioactivity of propolis from the species Apis mellifera has been widely studied, but there is very little knowledge regarding propolis of other bee species, which ultimately hinders their differentiation and potential use. In this work, 53 propolis samples of A. mellifera and four stingless bee species (Frieseomielitta sp., Melipona eburnea, Melipona sp., and Trigona sp.) were collected in Colombia. An electronic nose with 10 metal oxide semiconductor sensors (MOS) was used to generate a pattern of the representative volatile compounds of the samples. Ethanolic extracts were obtained to assess their antioxidant activity towards DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, total phenolics, and color (CIELAB space). The results showed an overall similarity of the aromatic profiles between species. The antioxidant activity of Frieseomielitta sp. propolis was higher than that of A. mellifera and the other species, in correspondence with a higher phenolic content. CIELAB color parameter b* was the most differentiating variable among samples, indicating a variation of propolis colors between red and yellow. By combining the data from physico‐chemical analysis and aromatic profile, it was possible to differentiate the propolis from each bee species, with the exception of those from Melipona sp. and Trigona sp., indicating their similarity. These results have practical significance since they are a starting point to recognizing and valuing native stingless bee propolis and their bioactive potential, which, in addition to geographical differentiation and further quality parameters evaluation, will enhance their commercial exploitation.
Modeling and Control Strategies of an Intensified System (Microreactor) with Time Delay Compensation
Authors: Lee Cheong Sheng , Shukor Syamsul Rizal Abd
Published: November 2022

A theoretical process model was developed for microreactors where the conservation of mass and energy balance is treated as plug‐flow reactor to study the control strategies and closed‐loop performance of an intensified system. The resulting second‐order plus time delay and numerator dynamic process model produced a high order of controller formulation, i.e., a proportional‐integral‐derivative‐derivative‐derivative (PID3). Lower time delay and smaller closed‐loop time constant yield a better set‐point tracking and disturbance rejection. Classical PID controllers could also be achieved by truncating the high‐order term in the higher‐order dominant system of controller formulation into the desired form whilst maintaining its stability. The simulation result reveals that the classical PID in series with second‐order filter incorporated with time delay compensation demonstrates acceptable closed‐loop performance with low IAE compare to standard direct synthesis method.
Lipase Immobilized onto Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Enantioselective Resolution of Mandelic Acid
Authors: Fan Jian-Hong , Ou Jian , Tang Kewen
Published: November 2022

An immobilized lipase with metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) was first used for the kinetic resolution of mandelic acid enantiomers by transesterification reaction using vinyl acetate as acyl donor in organic medium. Notably, the biocompatibility of the carrier and catalytic performance of lipase could be significantly improved via modification of NH2‐Ni‐MOF with polyvinylpyrrolidone. After extensively screening the enzymatic process, the optimal enantioselective resolution conditions and excellent outcomes were obtained for the enzyme‐catalyzed transesterification reaction. In addition, the recovered immobilized lipase displayed outstanding reusability after immobilization.
TEMPO‐Modified Polymethacrylates as Mediators in Electrosynthesis: Influence of the Molecular Weight on Redox Properties and Electrocatalytic Activity
Authors: Prudlik Adrian , Mohebbati Nayereh , Hildebrandt Laura , Heck Alina , Nuhn Lutz , Francke Robert
Published: November 2022

Homogeneous catalysts (“mediators”) are frequently employed in organic electrosynthesis to control selectivity. Despite their advantages, they can have a negative influence on the overall energy and mass balance if used only once or recycled inefficiently. Polymediators are soluble redox‐active polymers applicable as electrocatalysts, enabling recovery by dialysis or membrane filtration. Using anodic alcohol oxidation as an example, we have demonstrated that TEMPO‐modified polymethacrylates (TPMA) can act as efficient and recyclable catalysts. In the present work, the influence of the molecular size on the redox properties and the catalytic activity was carefully elaborated using a series of TPMAs with well‐defined molecular weight distributions. Cyclic voltammetry studies show that the polymer chain length has a pronounced impact on the key‐properties. Together with preparative‐scale electrolysis experiments, an optimum size range was identified for polymediator‐guided sustainable reaction control.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Chlorosilanes
Authors: Pang Xiaobo , Shu Xing‐Zhong
Published: November 2022

Organosilanes play essential roles in many important research areas. The use of readily available chlorosilanes to catalytically access these compounds is synthetically appealing but remains a long‐standing challenge. Nickel‐catalyzed reductive cross‐coupling reaction has recently emerged as a promising protocol to arrive at this goal. This strategy allows the chlorosilanes to be coupled with various carbon electrophiles under mild conditions. These reactions afford organosilanes with improved molecular diversity, structural complexity, and functional group compatibility. This Concept article summarizes the recent advance on nickel‐catalyzed reductive C−Si couplings of chlorosilanes.
A novel multi‐objective immune optimization algorithm for under sampling software defect prediction problem
Authors: Ye Tao , Li Wenting , Zhang Jiangjiang , Cui Zhihua
Published: November 2022

Data imbalance and parameter selection have always been two important factors affecting the accuracy of software defect prediction. However, the existing methods have been poor in balancing these two factors. To address this challenge, a multi‐objective software defect prediction model is employed to describe the under sampled software defect prediction problem. And in this model, defect detection rate and defect false alarm rate are deemed as two objectives which should be optimized. Simultaneously, we design a novel multi‐objective immune optimization algorithm based on the comprehensive fitness of evaluation mechanism to effectively address the employed model. In the algorithm, the original mechanism based on neighborhood individual selection is replaced based on comprehensive fitness evaluation,which have better selection ability to attaining the predicted effect of software to improving in the process of selection solution of population evolution and further effectively help decision makers choose better scheme that meets requirements. In addition, in order to verify the effectiveness of the designed algorithm, the proposed algorithm is compared on eight different public data sets. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has better performance in handling with the multi‐objective under sampling software defect prediction problem.
Highly Efficient CRISPR/Cas9‐Mediated Genome Editing in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Maguire Jean Ann , Gadue Paul , French Deborah L.
Published: November 2022

Human pluripotent stem cells hold tremendous potential for both basic biology and cell‐based therapies for a wide variety of diseases. The ability to manipulate the genome of these cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology has expanded this potential by providing a valuable tool to engineer or correct disease‐associated mutations. Because of the high efficiency with which CRISPR/Cas9 creates targeted double‐strand breaks, a major challenge has been the introduction of precise genetic modifications on one allele without indel formation on the non‐targeted allele. To overcome this obstacle, we describe use of two oligonucleotide repair templates: one expressing the sequence change and the other maintaining the normal sequence. In addition, we have streamlined both the transfection and screening methodologies to make the protocols efficient, with small numbers of cells and a limited amount of labor‐intensive clone passaging. This article provides a technically simple approach for generating valuable tools to model human disease in stem cells. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Application and optimization of CRISPR‐based genome editing in human pluripotent stem cells

Basic Protocol 2: Genetic modification of human pluripotent stem cells using a double‐oligonucleotide CRISPR/Cas9 recombination system
Rice and food security: Climate change implications and the future prospects for nutritional security
Authors: Rezvi Hridoy Ul Awall , Tahjib‐Ul‐Arif Md. , Azim Md. Abdul , Tumpa Toufica Ahmed , Tipu Mohammad Monirul Hasan , Najnine Farhana , Dawood Mona F. A. , Skalicky Milan , Brestič Marián
Published: November 2022

Environmental stresses including salinity, drought, cold, warmer temperatures, alterations in precipitation patterns, fluctuations of weather events, and increasing insect and disease infestations negatively affect crop production and nutritional values. This situation becomes further complicated due to the changing climatic conditions, thus raising concern about food security worldwide. Some worst‐case projections indicated that by 2100, CO2 concentrations will reach 950 parts per million, temperatures will climb by 3.5 to more than 8°C, sea level will rise by more than 2.4 meters, and the average farmland drought risk index will increase from 52.45 to 129. In addition, average precipitation will increase by 1%–3% in some areas and atmospheric water vapor will increase by 6%–7% for every degree of temperature rise. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple crop in many parts of the world. The main objective of this review is to highlight the prospects of rice for future climatic conditions. The present review depicts the advantages and prospects of rice and addresses why rice is a better option as a cereal crop for the future situations for food and nutritional sustainability. The impact of climate change on food and nutritional security can be mitigated by developing biotic and abiotic stress‐tolerant and biofortified rice varieties. These rice cultivars can withstand the negative effects of climate change while also meeting the nutritional needs of future generations. Furthermore, this review underlines the forthcoming issues and measures that should be addressed to assure a sustainable food and nutritional supply in the era of global climate change.
The effect of a contact‐based intervention on attitudes and intended behaviors of nursing students toward people with mental illness: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Al Ma'ani Mohammad A. Q. M. , Hamaideh Shaher H. , Hamdan‐Mansour Ayman M.
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

Although nursing students are professionally and ethically trained and educated to respect patients with a variety of medical and mental problems, they continue to exhibit negative attitudes and behaviors toward mental disease and patients with mental illness. The accumulated evidence indicates that contact‐based intervention (CBI) is helpful in enhancing nursing students' attitudes and behaviors toward patients with mental illness. Although evidence found to support the CBI, culture and settings might play a significant role to decide its effectiveness. This would call for testing further the effectiveness of CBI across cultures and healthcare settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a CBI on the attitudes and intended behaviors of nursing students in Jordan toward people with mental illness.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental, pre–post, design was used. Data were collected from 81 nursing students from two nursing schools implementing the CBI using self‐reported questionnaires to measure students' attitudes and intended behaviors toward people with mental illness. Data were collected during the first semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The paired‐samples and independent‐samples t tests were used to test the study's hypotheses.

Results

At baseline, the results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of their attitudes and intended behaviors toward people with mental illness. At posttest, statistically significant improvements in the attitudes and intended behaviors of nursing students found in the experimental group and between control and experimental groups toward people with mental illness compared with baseline pretest measures (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The CBI did improve the attitudes and intended behaviors of Jordanian nursing students toward people with mental illness. Significant implications for nurses were discussed.
Heat shock protein 40 of Streptococcus pneumoniae induces immune response of human dendritic cells via TLR4‐dependent p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways
Authors: Liu Jing‐jing , Lin Jian‐cheng , Chen Li‐na
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Heat shock protein 40 (HSP40) is a vaccine adjuvant candidate for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The mechanism by which HSP40 activates the human dendritic cells (DCs) is unclear.

Methods

DCs were isolated from human peripheral blood and their markers (HLA‐DR, CD86, CD83, and CD80) were detected by flow cytometry. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and secretion levels of inflammary cytokines were measured after DCs were stimulated with recombinant HSP40 (rHSP40). Short hairpin RNAs were used to knock down toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4. The TLR2‐ or TLR4‐deficient DCs were treated with lipopolysaccharides, rHSP40, or peptidoglycan, and then the secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were measured. Moreover, the secretion levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 were measured after DCs were treated with mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors including SB203580, SP600125, and U0126. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in DC cells were determined using western blot analysis after treatment with rHSP40 for different times.

Results

DCs were successfully isolated and cultured. rHSP40 treatment significantly increased cytokine levels in a concentration‐dependent manner. TLR4 deficiency, but not TLR2 deficiency, significantly suppressed the rHSP40‐induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α  (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). SB203580 and SP600125 significantly inhibited the rHSP40‐induced secretion of TNF‐α and IL‐6. rHSP40 significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK.

Conclusion

HPS40 stimulates the immune response of DCs via the p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways, which depend on TLR4.