bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental incarceration and child physical health outcomes from infancy to adulthood: A critical review and multilevel model of potential pathways
Authors: Austin Makeda K. , White Inez I. , Kim Andrew Wooyoung
Published: October 2021

Background

There are currently 2.2 million people incarcerated in U.S. prisons and jails, representing a 500% increase over the past 40 years. An emerging literature suggests the impact of mass incarceration extends beyond the prison, jail, or detention center to the families of incarcerated individuals. Less scholarship has considered consequences of parental incarceration for their children's physical health.

Methods

We conduct a critical review of the literature investigating an association between parental incarceration and children's physical health outcomes from infancy to adulthood.

Results

Studies varied substantially in study design, sample composition, and methodological approach. Most studies suggest an association between parental incarceration and adverse physical health outcomes. Evidence is more consistent for outcomes such as infant and child mortality, lower healthcare access, and negative health behaviors and more mixed for measures such as self‐reported/general health.

Conclusion

We propose a multilevel model of mechanistic pathways to stimulate future research on the potential pathways through which parental incarceration could influence children's physical health.
The effect of adherence on cognition in a multidomain lifestyle intervention (FINGER)
Authors: Ngandu Tiia , Lehtisalo Jenni , Korkki Saana , Solomon Alina , Coley Nicola , Antikainen Riitta , Bäckman Lars , Hänninen Tuomo , Lindström Jaana , Laatikainen Tiina , Paajanen Teemu , Havulinna Satu , Peltonen Markku , Neely Anna Stigsdotter , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Lifestyle interventions may prevent cognitive decline, but the sufficient dose of intervention activities and lifestyle changes is unknown. We investigated how intervention adherence affects cognition in the FINGER trial (pre‐specified subgroup analyses).

Methods

FINGER is a multicenter randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of multidomain lifestyle intervention (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01041989). A total of 1260 participants aged 60 to 77 with increased dementia risk were randomized to a lifestyle intervention and control groups. Percentage of completed intervention sessions, and change in multidomain lifestyle score (self‐reported diet; physical, cognitive, and social activity; vascular risk) were examined in relation to change in Neuropsychological Test Battery (NTB) scores.

Results

Active participation was associated with better trajectories in NTB total and all cognitive subdomains. Improvement in lifestyle was associated with improvement in NTB total and executive function.

Discussion

Multidomain lifestyle changes are beneficial for cognitive functioning, but future interventions should be intensive enough, and supporting adherence is essential.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Dearomatization by Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation/Claisen Rearrangement: Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirolactams
Authors: Chen Peng‐Fei , Zhou Bo , Wu Peng , Wang Binju , Ye Long‐Wu
Published: October 2021

Described herein is a novel Brønsted acid catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement, allowing the practical and atom‐economic synthesis of a range of valuable spirolactams from readily available ynamides in generally good to excellent yields with excellent diastereoselectivities and broad substrate scope. Importantly, an unexpected dearomatization of nonactivated arenes and heteroaromatic compounds is involved in this tandem sequence. Moreover, an asymmetric version of this tandem cyclization was also achieved by efficient kinetic resolution by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. In addition, the [3,3]‐rearrangement is shown to be kinetically preferred over the related [1,3]‐rearrangement by theoretical calculations.
Tin powder‐promoted oxidation/allylation of glycine esters: Synthesis ofγ,δ‐unsaturatedα‐amino acid esters
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Huang Danfeng , Wang Feng , Han Tongyu , Yang Ming , Wang Ke‐Hu , Hu Yulai
Published: October 2021

An efficient tin powder‐promoted oxidation/allylation reaction of glycine esters with allyl bromides is developed, which affordsγ,δ‐unsaturatedα‐amino acid esters under mild conditions without any other transition metal catalysts. This method avoids the use of unstable imine as starting material, and provides an efficient method for synthesis ofγ,δ‐unsaturatedα‐amino acid esters andα‐methylene‐γ‐lactam derivatives. Additional supporting information may be found in the online version of this article at the publisher's web site.
Biomimics of phenazine oxidase activity of a cobalt (III)‐dipyridylamine complex: Spectroscopic, structural, and computational studies†
Authors: Mahato Rajani Kanta , Das Soumik , Joshi Mayank , Choudhury Angshuman Roy , Misra Anirban , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: October 2021

This manuscript demonstrates the synthesis, structural characterization, computational studies, and biomimics of the phenazine oxidase activity of a newly designed cobalt (III) complex, [Co (dpa)(dpa‐H+)(N3)2]Cl2 (1) [dpa = 2,2′‐dipyridylamine] under an aerobic condition. The crystal structure analysis reveals that the cobalt (III) center adopts an octahedral geometry, and the complex forms a beautiful supramolecular framework through noncovalent interactions. The cobalt (III) catalyst turns out to be a promising catalyst for the oxidative coupling of o‐phenylenediamine (OPD) in oxygen‐saturated methanol with an excellent turnover number, kcat = 7.85 × 103 h−1. Spectrophotometric, electrochemical, mass spectrometry, and computational analysis ensure that the course of catalysis undergoes through a catalyst‐substrate complexation, facilitating the development of cobalt‐iminobenzoquinone species in the solution. The computational calculations employing the density functional theory (DFT) throw a light to the mechanistic insights of the phenazine oxidase mimics. ETS‐NOCV (extended transition state‐natural orbitals for chemical valence) plots of the reactive intermediates portray the coordination‐driven depletion of electron density from the nitrogens of OPD to cobalt center leading to the enhancement of electrophilic character on para‐positioned C‐atoms with respect to N‐atoms of OPD, therby catalyzing the nucleophilic attack by second OPD to produce the oxidation product, 2,3‐diaminophenazine (DAP). Interestingly, we are able to isolate the oxidation product of the OPD oxidation reaction as a hydrated chloride salt, DAPH+Cl− ·3H2O (2). The crystal engineering perspectives of 2 attribute the intriguing fate of the secondary chlorides for the stabilization of the oxidation product in crystalline phase.
Rheological kinetics of ferrocenylsilane functionalized polyurethanes based on 4,4'‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate for advanced energetic materials
Authors: Lucio Beatriz , de la Fuente José Luis
Published: October 2021

4,4′‐Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (4,4'‐MDI) is a symmetric aromatic isocyanate commonly used as a curing agent in the production of polyurethanes (PUs). The chemorheology and kinetics of its reaction with a metallocenic‐prepolymer derivative from hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is studied in bulk and under isothermal conditions at 50–80°C by means of rheological measurements. The viscosity of the initial part of the PU formation, the pregel stage governed by viscous behavior, is modeled through the Arrhenius rheokinetic model. This thermoplastic elastomer undergoes gelation, a transition that is analyzed in depth together with predictions according to percolation theory. The gel point (tgel) is determined from the intersection in tan δ versus curing time for different shear frequencies. From the viscoelastic properties, like the elastic storage modulus (G'), the conversion degree is determined, and the entire polymerization process is modeled through the Kamal‐Sourour and Sato kinetic expressions. Significant variation in the reaction orders and the activation energies might reveal a change in the process mechanism, depending on the temperature. This work demonstrates that an indirect method makes it possible to gain relevant knowledge about the chemistry of these thermoplastic PUs during curing, which is essential for their manufacturing. This study merits attention for the development of a new generation of high‐performance binders with great potential in aerospace propulsion.
Residual stress and thermal properties of rubber‐modified epoxy systems for semiconductor package
Authors: Qu Chunyan , Zhang Xiao , Wang Dezhi , Fan Xupeng , Li Hongfeng , Liu Changwei , Feng Hao , Wang Ruikun , Guo Ke , Tian Yanan , Liu Yang
Published: October 2021

The thermal and mechanical breakage of epoxy coating due to easy cracking, poor toughness, and large residual stress, occurring during curing and thermal aging process, is the key factor responsible for damage of silicon device on semiconductor elements. In this study, modified epoxy resins containing an imide ring and polybutadiene rubber‐modified epoxy resin used as the toughening agents were prepared to investigate the residual stress generated during the curing and thermal aging process. The curing process and the thermal properties of the modified epoxy systems were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry and rotational rheometry, dynamic thermomechanical analysis, thermomechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. A thin film stress analyzer was used to analyze the changes in thermal stress of the modified epoxy systems during curing and cyclic stress and compared with the data from theoretical calculation. The results show that, with the increase in content of the toughening agent, the toughness of the modified epoxy systems was significantly improved, and the curing and thermal cycle stresses could be simultaneously reduced. Besides, we also envision the extension of the comprehensive evaluation method for residual stress described in this study to enable the modification of epoxy coatings prepared using a toughening agent, in the near future.
Hybrids from silazane and allyl‐containing benzoxazine for low‐curing temperature and high‐flame retardance
Authors: Ai Tao , Zhang Yao , Zhong Danni , Yang Zecheng , Zong Jingshan , Niu Yanhui
Published: October 2021

Silicon hybrid benzoxazine has good flame retardance, but generally these hybrid polymer' curing temperature is higher than 220°C, limiting its application in the field of electronics. In this study, under Nickel acetylacetonate catalyzed, a new hybrid benzoxazine was synthesized using the copolymerization of polysilazane and allyl containing benzoxazine. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studied the curing behavior of this hybrid benzoxazine. The results of DSC and FTIR indicated that the curing temperature of this hybrid benzoxazine can decrease from 269 to 182°C, the main reaction with this hybrid benzoxazine is amine‐catalyzed oxazine ring‐ opening and the hydrosilylation reaction. The thermal stability of hybrid benzoxazine after cured was studied by a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results of thermogravimetric experiments demonstrated that this hybrid benzoxazine's char yield can increase from 25.57% to 66.11% (159% increase). The flame retardancy of glass fiber reinforced hybrid benzoxazine was studied by the UL‐94 flame test. The glass fiber reinforced hybrid benzoxazine composite show a V‐0 result in the UL‐94 test. This work provides a new hybrid benzoxazine with low‐curing temperature, ultrahigh char yield, and great flame retardance.
Resveratrol ameliorates toxic effects of cadmium on placental development in mouse placenta and human trophoblast cells
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Liu Guiying , Jiang Xuelian , Wu Guimei
Published: October 2021

Background

Cadmium (Cd) is a common heavy metal pollutant. Prenatal exposure to Cd results in adverse effects on fetal development. Placental apoptosis, inflammation, and epigenetic disruption have been implicated in Cd‐induced placental toxicity. Resveratrol (Res) is a naturally occurring polyphenol with anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and epigenetic regulatory activities. In present study, the effects of Res on placental toxicity induced by Cd were evaluated.

Methods

Pregnant CD‐1 mice were fed with base diet containing 0.2% Res started on gestational day 0 (GD0), and intraperitoneally injected with 4.5 mg/kg CdCl2 or saline once on GD9. JEG‐3 cells were treated with 20 μM Res for 24 hr in the absence or presence of 20 μM CdCl2 for the second 12 hr. The fetal outcomes, the apoptosis in placenta and JEG‐3 cells, the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand 1 (KC), and expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were evaluated. The expression and activities of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), and the activation of Akt signaling pathway were detected.

Results

Cd exposure resulted in decreased fetal weight and crown‐rump length while Res ameliorated these outcomes. Res suppressed Cd‐induced apoptosis in placenta and JEG‐3 cells, and decreased Cd‐induced expression of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, MCP‐1, MIP‐2, and KC in placenta. Cd greatly increased ER stress in placenta in mice, which was partially ameliorated by Res treatment. Res decreased Cd‐induced upregulation of DNMT activity and suppressed Cd‐induced expression of DNMT3B. Res restored estradiol secretion, enhances activity and protein levels of SIRT1 and inhibited Cd‐induced activation of Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Res ameliorated Cd‐induced placental toxicity and regulated DNMT3 expression and PI3K/Akt pathway activation.
Overview on immobilization of enzymes on synthetic polymeric nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning
Authors: Rather Anjum Hamid , Khan Rumysa Saleem , Wani Taha Umair , Beigh Mushtaq A. , Sheikh Faheem A.
Published: October 2021

The arrangement and type of support has a significant impact on the efficiency of immobilized enzymes. 1‐dimensional fibrous materials can be one of the most desirable supports for enzyme immobilization. This is due to their high surface area to volume ratio, internal porosity, ease of handling, and high mechanical stability, all of which allow a higher enzyme loading, release and finally lead to better catalytic efficiency. Fortunately, the enzymes can reside inside individual nanofibers to remain encapsulated and retain their three‐dimensional structure. These properties can protect the enzyme's tolerance against harsh conditions such as pH variations and high temperature, and this can probably enhance the enzyme's stability. This review article will discuss the immobilization of enzymes on synthetic polymers, which are fabricated into nanofibers by electrospinning. This technique is rapidly gaining popularity as one of the most practical ways to fibricate polymer, metal oxide, and composite micro or nanofibers. As a result, there is interest in using nanofibers to immobilize enzymes. Furthermore, present research on electrospun nanofibers for enzyme immobilization is primarily limited to the lab scale and industrial scale is still challanging. The primary future research objectives of this paper is to investigate the use of electrospun nanofibers for enzyme immobilization, which includes increasing yield to transfer biological products into commercial applications.
Cross‐cultural prevalence of sleep quality and psychological distress in healthcare workers during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Khan Hamza Rafique , Ashraf Farzana , Ullah Irfan , Tahir Muhammad Junaid , Dominari Asimina , Shoib Sheikh , Naeem Hamna , Reddy Gowry , Mukherjee Pramit , Akram Ifrah , Kamada Sudha , Memon Roshni Riaz , Khan M. Muzzamil Yasin , Raut Sumit , Shalaby Mahmoud Mohamed Mohamed , Anwar Rana Usman , Farooq Maheen , Soparia Krupa Ketankumar , Ramalho Rodrigo , Lin Chung‐Ying , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: October 2021

Background

Poor quality sleep and emotional disturbances are expected in times of crisis. COVID‐19 has severely impacted healthcare worldwide and with that comes the concern about its effects on healthcare workers. The purpose of the present study was to assess sleep quality and psychological distress in healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The present work is a multi‐centric cross‐sectional study targeting healthcare workers from India, Pakistan, and Nepal. It used an online version of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and the General Health Questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS V.24.

Results

A total of 1790 participants completed the questionnaire. Of the 1790 participants, 57% reported poor sleep quality, and 10% reported a high level of psychological distress. A cross‐cultural comparison found some differences between the different groups of participants. The details of the differences were further explored in the article.

Conclusion

The present study highlights that a significant proportion of healthcare workers are affected by poor sleep quality and psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It also emphasizes the imperative to provide them with psychosocial support to avoid potential short‐ and long‐term psychological consequences of these troubling times.
Analysis of the predictive variables of socially responsible consumption
Authors: Palacios‐González María Manuela , Chamorro‐Mera Antonio
Published: October 2021

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the UN for 2030 implies designing strategies that promote socially responsible consumption. The effectiveness of these strategies will depend on understanding the variables that influence socially responsible behaviour. We must also bear in mind that these variables and this behaviour are of a dynamic, multidimensional and non‐universal nature. The objective of this work is to identify how three attitudinal variables (emotional engagement, perceived consumer effectiveness and perception of personal gain) influence socially responsible consumption, through a model of structural equations. To do this, a survey was conducted of 415 Spanish consumers. The results reflect that socially responsible consumption is mainly explained by emotional engagement and to a lesser extent by perceived consumer effectiveness. In contrast, it is not influenced by perception of personal gain.
Beyond ethics: The transformational power of overlapping motivations in implementing strategic sustainability actions
Authors: Bonilla‐Priego Maria Jesus , Nájera‐Sánchez Juan‐José , Font Xavier
Published: October 2021

We develop a methodology to identify patterns between sustainability motivations, actions and engagement. We apply this methodology to analyse a 3 1/2‐year intervention that yielded 151 sustainability actions undertaken by 46 outbound tour operators. We find three aspects that can be explained by the tour operators' motivations to act sustainably, namely, a connection between: (i) the actions taken in the context of the organisation's business model, (ii) the intensity of the approach, measured by the resources invested in it and the operator's commitment level and (iii) the evolution of the response. These patterns demonstrate how ethical motivations are common and a precondition to acting sustainably, but, in themselves, these motivations are not sufficient to integrate sustainability practices into the core business or to maintain commitment over time. It is the combination of a high ethical commitment with clear strategic intent, materialised in commercial and operational motivations, that increases the connectedness, and intensity, of sustainability actions amongst ethically committed firms.
Executive compensation and sustainable business practices: The moderating role of sustainability‐based compensation
Authors: Adu Douglas A. , Flynn Antoinette , Grey Colette
Published: October 2021

This study seeks to contribute to the extant business strategy and the environment literature by investigating the effect of CEO pay and executive compensation (EC) on sustainable business practice (SBPs). It also distinctively ascertains whether the pay‐for‐sustainability sensitivity (PSS) is reinforced in firms with sustainability‐based compensation (SBC) policy. Using a sample of 262 UK listed firms from 2009 to 2018, our findings are threefold. First, the findings reveal that both CEO pay and EC variables have positive effect on all SBP measures, except CO2 reduction performance where the link is negative. Second, the study shows that the PSS is reinforced for firms that implement SBC policy. Finally, we detect that both the PSS and the moderation effect of SBC on the PSS are higher in the symbolic construct of SBPs than the actual measures. The results support insights drawn from neo‐institutional theory. The findings have key implications for regulators and policy makers.
Environmental labeling certification and firm environmental and financial performance: A resource management perspective
Authors: He Duojun , Ren Shenggang , Zeng Huixiang
Published: October 2021

Environmental labeling certification (ELC) is a new type of voluntary environmental regulation for firm environmental governance. This study examines the impacts of ELC on firm environmental performance (EP) and financial performance (FP) from the resource management perspective. Based on a sample of 1325 Chinese A‐share listed manufacturing firms from 2008 to 2016 with 9972 firm‐year observations, it is found that ELC improves firm EP, but has a limited impact on firm FP. Specifically, ELC is found to have a significant impact on firm annual operating income (AOI) and Tobin's q, but has no impact on return on assets (ROA). Therefore, ELC has not yet promoted firms to achieve a win‐win situation between EP and FP. Further analysis reveals that ELC can trigger environmental innovation offsets, but the effect of environmental innovation offsets is weak at present. Moreover, the impact of ELC on firm FP reflects the heterogeneity of the ownership structure. This study not only contributes to the existing literature, but also makes extensive practical contributions.
A novel upregulated LncRNA‐AC026150.8 promotes chemo‐resistance and predicts poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Henan , Zhao Yue , Liu Xuan , Liu Yusi , Wang Xiaohui , Fu Yu , Fu Shuang , Zhang Jihong
Published: October 2021

Background

AML is a common hematological malignancy with poor prognosis, the pathogenesis is still unclear. lncRNA takes part in occurrence and development of AML. This research aims to explore new differentially expressed lncRNAs and their effects on AML.

Methods

Database‐based bioinformatics analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed lncRNA in AML, real‐time PCR was used to analyze gene expression. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to determine prognostic effect of AC026150.8 in AML. The cell drug resistance experiment was performed to test effect of AC026150.8 on chemo‐resistance of AML cells. Catrapid online software and RNA pull‐down, mass spectrometry, western‐blot were used to predict and verify the combination of AC026150.8 and RNA splicing factors.

Results

AC026150.8 was upregulated in AML patients and related to poor prognosis. High leukocyte counts, FAB classification, MLL‐AF9 expression and NPM1 mutations were associated with high AC026150.8 expression. Upregulated of AC026150.8 increased the drug resistance of AML cells. AC026150.8 could be combined with splicing factor PCBP1.

Conclusions

For the first time, our study found that the upregulated AC026150.8 in AML is related to poor prognosis, overexpression of AC026150.8 could increase drug resistance of AML cells, and confirmed its scaffolding effect in combination with splicing factors. It is necessary to further study AC026150.8 and its downstream target genes to clarify the mechanism of AC026150.8 in AML.
Using rich data to inform student mental health practice and policy
Authors: Broglia Emma , Bewick Bridgette , Barkham Michael
Published: October 2021

The collection and use of rich data on student mental health are necessary to inform practice and policy, and ultimately lead to improved outcomes. Here, rich data refers to the combination of large and representative data sets, as well as detailed accounts of lived experiences and perspectives. We argue that such data are necessary to respond to the diverse and ever‐changing needs of students while building an evidence base for current and emerging services and staff roles. We provide suggestions for moving towards these goals, argue for adopting diverse research methods to yield data‐informed practice and policy, and introduce a special section in Counselling and Psychotherapy Research to reflect this agenda.
Tasty for everyone: Using horizontal metaphor in food evaluations
Authors: Cho Yoon‐Na
Published: October 2021

This article examines the effects of embodied cognition related to a spatial horizontal metaphor, whereby consumers seem to associate horizontal space with the “left being bad” and “right being good.” Across four studies, we extend prior research on embodied cognition by theorizing how the physical location of products, the usage of the left or right hand, and the product valence interact to influence consumer evaluations. The findings reveal a complex nature of effects associated with the horizontal metaphor, valence of food, as well as approach‐avoidance orientation. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications.
Pulmonary percutaneous valve implantation in large native right ventricular outflow tract with 32 mm Myval transcatheter heart valve
Authors: Rodríguez Ogando Alejandro , Ballesteros Fernando , Martínez Jose Luis Zunzunegui
Published: October 2021

Pulmonary percutaneous valve implantation (PPVI) is feasible with satisfactory mid‐term results in patients with native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and has been increasingly used instead of surgically implantable pulmonary valves. Creating a stable landing zone with a diameter less than the largest commercially available valve (previously available 29 mm and currently available 32 mm) is crucial for technical success of the procedure, limiting the number of suitable candidates for PPVI. We report the case of PPVI with a 32 mm Myval transcatheter heart valve in a patient with a large native RVOT (pre‐stented with AndraStent XXL mounted on a 35 × 60 mm valve balloon catheter) lesion who had Tetralogy of Fallot surgically corrected. The post‐procedural outcomes of this case were satisfactory with no complications reported during the hospital stay.
Rationale and design of a multi‐center, prospective randomized controlled trial on the effects of sacubitril–valsartan versus enalapril on left ventricular remodeling in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: The PERI‐STEMI study
Authors: Diao Kaiyue , Wang Duolao , Chen Zhongxiu , Wu Xi , Ma Min , Zhu Ye , Zhang Li , Wang Hua , Wang Mian , He Sen , Li Chen , Deng Qiao , Yan Ting , Wu Tao , Tang Lu , Huang Baotao , Sun Jiayu , He Yong
Published: October 2021

Background

Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril‐valsartan has been recommended as one of the first‐line therapies in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, whether ARNI could benefit patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by improving left ventricular (LV) remodeling remains unknown. The primary objective of the PERI‐STEMI trial is to assess whether sacubitril‐valsartan is more effective in preventing adverse LV remodeling for patients with STEMI than enalapril.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize that sacubitril/valsartan is superior to enalapril in preventing adverse LV remodeling evaluated by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Methods

PERI‐STEMI is an investigator‐initiated, prospective, multi‐center, randomized, open‐label, superiority trial with blinded evaluation of outcomes. A total of 376 first‐time STEMI patients with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within 12 h after symptom onset will be randomized to sacubitril‐valsartan or enalapril treatment. All the patients will receive a baseline cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination at 4–7 days post‐PPCI. The primary endpoint is the change of indexed LV mass at the 6‐month follow‐up CMR.

Results

Enrollment of the first patient is planned in November 2021. Recruitment is anticipated to last for 12–18 months and patients will be followed for 5 years after randomization. The study is expected to complete in June 2027.

Conclusions

The results of the PERI‐STEMI trial are expected to provide CMR evidence on whether ARNI could benefit patients with STEMI, so as to facilitate the strategy of CMR‐based risk stratification and therapy selection for these patients. PERI‐STEMI is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04912167).
JASPER: Phase 2 trial of first‐line niraparib plus pembrolizumab in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ramalingam Suresh S. , Thara Eddie , Awad Mark M. , Dowlati Afshin , Haque Basir , Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Dy Grace K. , Spigel David R. , Lu Sharon , Iyer Singh Nithya , Tang Yongqiang , Teslenko Iryna , Iannotti Nicholas
Published: October 2021

Background

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors may synergize with programmed cell death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitors to enhance adaptive and innate antitumor immune responses. In the phase 2 JASPER study (NCT03308942), the PARP inhibitor niraparib was evaluated in combination with the PD‐1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic and/or locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Patients whose tumors had programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) tumor proportion scores (TPS) ≥50% (cohort 1) or 1%‐49% (cohort 2) received first‐line niraparib (200 mg once daily) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg every 3 weeks). The primary end point was investigator‐assessed objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end points included duration of response (DoR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and pharmacokinetics.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were enrolled in cohorts 1 and 2. In cohort 1, ORR (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 56.3% (9 of 16 patients; 29.9%‐80.2%); 2 of 16 patients had complete responses and 7 of 16 had partial responses (PRs). In cohort 2, ORR was 20.0% (5.7%‐43.7%) with 4 of 20 PRs. In cohorts 1 and 2, the median DoR was 19.7 months (95% CI, 4.2 months to not estimable [NE]) and 9.4 months (95% CI, 4.2 months to NE), the median PFS was 8.4 months (95% CI, 3.9‐22.1 months) and 4.2 months (95% CI, 2.0‐6.2 months), and the median OS was NE (95% CI, 6.0 months to NE) and 7.7 months (95% CI, 4.0‐12.5 months), respectively. Grade ≥3 treatment‐emergent adverse events occurred in 88.2% and 85.7% of patients in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Safety was consistent with known profiles of single‐agent niraparib and pembrolizumab.

Conclusions

Niraparib plus pembrolizumab showed clinical activity in patients with advanced and/or metastatic NSCLC.

Lay Summary

The JASPER clinical trial studied a new combination treatment for advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Pembrolizumab, a drug approved for NSCLC, was given with niraparib.

Previous research showed that these 2 drugs together might work better than either drug alone.

This study found that more than half of patients with high levels of a tumor marker responded to the combination, and one‐fifth of patients with lower levels of the marker responded.

The types of side effects from the combination were similar to side effects from both drugs alone.

These results support more research on this combination.
Exposed bone in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy: An analysis of the Observational Study of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad)
Authors: Treister Nathaniel S. , Brennan Michael T. , Sollecito Thomas P. , Schmidt Brian L. , Patton Lauren L. , Mitchell Rebecca , Haddad Robert I. , Tishler Roy B. , Lin Alexander , Shadick Ryann , Hodges James S. , Lalla Rajesh V.
Published: October 2021

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiation therapy (RT) are at risk for jaw osteoradionecrosis (ORN), which is largely characterized by the presence of exposed necrotic bone. This report describes the incidence and clinical course of and risk factors for exposed intraoral bone in the multicenter Observational Study of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad) cohort.

Methods

Participants were evaluated before RT and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after RT. Exposed bone was characterized by location, sequestrum formation, and other associated features. The radiation dose to the affected area was determined, and the history of treatment for exposed bone was recorded.

Results

The study enrolled 572 participants; 35 (6.1%) were diagnosed with incident exposed bone at 6 (47% of reports), 12 (24%), 18 (20%), and 24 months (8%), with 60% being sequestrum and with 7 cases (20%) persisting for >6 months. The average maximum RT dose to the affected area of exposed bone was 5456 cGy (SD, 1768 cGy); the most frequent associated primary RT sites were the oropharynx (42.9%) and oral cavity (31.4%), and 76% of episodes occurred in the mandible. The diagnosis of ORN was confirmed in 18 participants for an incidence rate of 3.1% (18 of 572). Risk factors included pre‐RT extractions (P = .008), a higher RT dose (P = .039), and tobacco use (P = .048).

Conclusions

The 2‐year incidence of exposed bone in the OraRad cohort was 6.1%; the incidence of confirmed ORN was 3.1%. Exposed bone after RT for HNC is relatively uncommon and, in most cases, is a short‐term complication, not a recurring or persistent one.
Selective Mild Oxidation of Anilines into Nitroarenes by Catalytic Activation of Mesoporous Frameworks Linked with Gold‐Loaded Mn3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Daikopoulou Vassiliki , Skliri Euaggelia , Koutsouroubi Eirini D. , Armatas Gerasimos S. , Lykakis Ioannis N.
Published: October 2021

This work reports the synthesis and catalytic application of mesoporous Au‐loaded Mn3O4 nanoparticle assemblies (MNAs) with different Au contents, i. e., 0.2, 0.5 and 1 wt %, towards the selective oxidation of anilines into the corresponding nitroarenes. Among common oxidants, as well as several supported gold nanoparticle platforms, Au/Mn3O4 MNAs containing 0.5 wt % Au with an average particle size of 3–4 nm show the best catalytic performance in the presence of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as a mild oxidant. In all cases, the corresponding nitroarenes were isolated in high to excellent yields (85–97 %) and selectivity (>98 %) from acetonitrile or greener solvents, such as ethyl acetate, after simple flash chromatography purification. The 0.5 % Au/Mn3O4 catalyst can be isolated and reused four times without a significant loss of its activity and can be applied successfully to a lab‐scale reaction of p‐toluidine (1 mmol) leading to the p‐nitrotulene in 83 % yield. The presence of AuNPs on the Mn3O4 surface enhances the catalytic activity for the formation of the desired nitroarene. A reasonable mechanism was proposed including the plausible formation of two intermediates, the corresponding N‐aryl hydroxylamine and the nitrosoarene.
Exposure–Response Analyses of Letermovir Following Oral and Intravenous Administration in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Prohn Marita , Cho Carolyn R. , Viberg Anders , Dykstra Kevin , Davis Casey , Sabato Philip , Stone Julie , Badshah Cyrus , Murata Yoshihiko , Leavitt Randi , Fancourt Craig , Macha Sreeraj
Published: October 2021

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral terminase inhibitor letermovir is approved for prophylaxis of CMV infection and disease in adult CMV‐seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. In a phase III trial (NCT02137772), letermovir significantly reduced clinically significant CMV infection (CS‐CMVi) rate vs. placebo through Week 24 (primary end point) and Week 14 (secondary end point) post transplantation. Here, exposure–response relationships were investigated using efficacy and selected safety end points from the phase III trial to inform the proposed clinical dose. Post hoc exposure estimates were derived from a population pharmacokinetic model. No significant exposure dependencies were found for CS‐CMVi through Week 24 or Week 14 among letermovir‐treated participants. Evaluated covariates had no impact on exposure–efficacy relationships and letermovir plasma exposure did not affect time of CS‐CMVi onset. There was no dependence between adverse event incidence and letermovir exposure. These results support current dosing recommendations in several countries and regions, including the United States and European Union.
Controlling Metal Halide Perovskite Crystal Growth via Microcontact Printed Hydrophobic‐Hydrophilic Templates
Authors: Gebremichael Zekarias Teklu , Alam Shahidul , Cefarin Nicola , Pozzato Alessandro , Yohannes Teketel , Schubert Ulrich S. , Hoppe Harald , Tormen Massimo
Published: October 2021

Herein, a simple, low‐cost, solution‐processed, and parallel fabrication method to form metal halide perovskite (MHP) poly and single‐crystalline films confined in ordered micrometer‐sized domains is reported. A cross‐linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp featuring 25 µm side squares is used to pattern their substrates. The substrate is microcontact printed on the PDMS inked with self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiol to form a molecular template, resulting in hydrophilic (gold) and hydrophobic (alkanethiol) domains. The subsequent deposition of lead bromide (PbBr2) and methylammonium bromide (MABr) precursor solutions on the pre‐patterned substrate resulted in poly and single‐crystalline films of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) confined to the hydrophilic domains. Two deposition methods: drop‐casting and two‐step spin‐coating are systematically investigated to find well confined and large‐sized single‐crystal MAPbBr3. Casting proves to be more effective than two‐step spin‐coating to achieve better confinement of MAPbBr3. The patterning process is monitored in dependence of the a) deposition methods used to b) precisely control the MAPbBr3 crystal growth in a pre‐defined site which leads to c) grow poly and single‐crystals in a periodic arrangement. Their nondestructive and less energy processable fabrication method will have its own contribution in transferring patterns to desired substrates that enables them to fabricate different types of MHP optoelectronic devices and integrated electronic systems with more complex architectures.
A high step‐up DC–DC converter with active switched LC‐network and voltage‐lift circuit: Topology, operating principle, and implementation
Authors: Dastgiri Armineh , Hosseinpour Majid , Sedaghati Farzad , Mousavi‐Aghdam Seyed Reza
Published: October 2021

To meet the higher DC link voltage requirement in distributed energy resources (DERs) such as fuel cells (FCs), wind turbines (WTs), and photovoltaic (PV) systems, DC–DC converters are applied. A voltage‐lift (VL) circuit‐based transformer‐less active switched LC‐network (ASLC) converter with a high‐voltage gain is proposed in this paper. Compared to a similar reference converter, the voltage gain of the proposed converter increases efficiently by adding one extra capacitor and diode. The operation of the converter in continuous current mode (CCM) and discontinuous current mode (DCM), the analysis of the steady‐state condition, and comparative analysis with some similar converters are discussed. Moreover, the parasitic elements are assumed to calculate the DC‐voltage gain and the efficiency of the converter accurately. The performance of the proposed step‐up converter is simulated in the PSIM software. A prototype circuit rating of about 20/280 V, 200 W of converter model is designed, and its performance is validated. The experimental outcomes clarify the feasibility of the proposed converter.
TIGIT blockade enhances NK cell activity against autologous HIV‐1‐infected CD4+ T cells
Authors: Holder Kayla A , Burt Kimberley , Grant Michael D
Published: October 2021

Objectives

During chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infection, inhibitory molecules upregulated on lymphocytes contribute to effector cell dysfunction and immune exhaustion. People living with HIV (PLWH) are at greater risk for age‐related morbidities, an issue magnified by human cytomegalovirus (CMV) coinfection. As CMV infection modifies natural killer (NK) cell properties and NK cells contribute to protection against HIV‐1 infection, we considered the role of T‐cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and intracellular tyrosine inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) in NK cell‐based HIV‐1 immunotherapy and elimination strategies.

Methods

We measured TIGIT expression on immune cell subsets of 95 PLWH and assessed its impact on NK cell function, including elimination of autologous CD4+ T cells infected through reactivation of endogenous HIV‐1.

Results

TIGIT was expressed on CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and NK cells from PLWH. Although TIGIT levels on T cells correlated with HIV‐1 disease progression, the extent of TIGIT expression on NK cells more closely paralleled adaptation to CMV. TIGIT interacts with its predominant ligand, poliovirus receptor (PVR), to inhibit effector cell functions. Circulating CD4+ T cells from PLWH more frequently expressed PVR than HIV‐seronegative controls, and PVR expression was enriched in CD4+ T cells replicating HIV‐1 ex vivo. Treatment with anti‐TIGIT monoclonal antibodies increased NK cell HIV‐1‐specific antibody‐dependent cytotoxicity in vitro and ex vivo.

Conclusion

Blocking TIGIT may be an effective strategy to invigorate antibody‐dependent NK cell activity against HIV‐1 activated in cellular reservoirs for cure or treatment strategies.
Community modeling reveals the importance of elevation and land cover in shaping migratory bird abundance in the Andes
Authors: Céspedes Arias Laura N. , Wilson Scott , Bayly Nicholas J.
Published: October 2021

The tropical Andes are characterized by extreme topographic and climatic complexity, which has likely contributed to their outstanding current species diversity, composed of many range‐restricted species. However, little is known about how the distribution and abundance of highly mobile organisms, like long‐distance migratory birds, varies across different land covers, elevations, and climatic conditions within the Andes. We conducted 1,606 distance‐sampling point counts across the Colombian Andes, spanning elevations from 253 to 3,708 m, a range of precipitation regimes and representative land covers. We then employed a novel application of a multispecies hierarchical modeling approach to evaluate how elevation, local land cover, aboveground woody biomass, cloud cover, precipitation, and seasonality in precipitation shape the abundance of the migratory land bird community in the Andes. We detected 1,824 individuals of 29 species of migratory land birds, six of which were considered incidental in our study region. We modeled the abundance of the remaining 23 species, while considering observer and time of day effects on detectability. We found that both elevation and land cover had an overriding influence on the abundance of migratory species across the Andes, with strong evidence for a mid‐elevation peak in abundance, and species‐specific responses to both variables. As a community, migratory birds had the highest mean abundance in shade coffee plantations, secondary forest, and mature forest. Aboveground woody biomass did not affect the abundance of all species as a group, but a few showed strong responses to this variable. Contrary to predictions of a positive correlation between abundance and precipitation, we found no evidence for community‐level responses to precipitation, aside for a weak tendency for birds to select areas with intermediate levels of precipitation. This novel use of a multispecies model sheds new light on the mechanisms shaping the winter distribution of migratory birds and highlights the importance of elevation and land cover types over climatic variables in the context of the Colombian Andes.
Diving deeper into the underlying white shark behaviors at Guadalupe Island, Mexico
Authors: Aquino‐Baleytó Marc , Leos‐Barajas Vianey , Adam Timo , Hoyos‐Padilla Mauricio , Santana‐Morales Omar , Galván‐Magaña Felipe , González‐Armas Rogelio , Lowe Christopher G. , Ketchum James T. , Villalobos Héctor
Published: October 2021

Fine‐scale movement patterns are driven by both biotic (hunting, physiological needs) and abiotic (environmental conditions) factors. The energy balance governs all movement‐related strategic decisions.

Marine environments can be better understood by considering the vertical component. From 24 acoustic trackings of 10 white sharks in Guadalupe Island, this study linked, for the first time, horizontal and vertical movement data and inferred six different behavioral states along with movement states, through the use of hidden Markov models, which allowed to draw a comprehensive picture of white shark behavior.

Traveling was the most frequent state of behavior for white sharks, carried out mainly at night and twilight. In contrast, area‐restricted searching was the least used, occurring primarily in daylight hours.

Time of day, distance to shore, total shark length, and, to a lesser extent, tide phase affected behavioral states. Chumming activity reversed, in the short term and in a nonpermanent way, the behavioral pattern to a general diel vertical pattern.
Different responses of soil respiration to environmental factors across forest stages in a Southeast Asian forest
Authors: Rodtassana Chadtip , Unawong Weerapong , Yaemphum Siriphong , Chanthorn Wirong , Chawchai Sakonvan , Nathalang Anuttara , Brockelman Warren Y. , Tor‐ngern Pantana
Published: October 2021

Soil respiration (SR) in forests contributes significant carbon dioxide emissions from terrestrial ecosystems and is highly sensitive to environmental changes, including soil temperature, soil moisture, microbial community, surface litter, and vegetation type. Indeed, a small change in SR may have large impacts on the global carbon balance, further influencing feedbacks to climate change. Thus, detailed characterization of SR responses to changes in environmental conditions is needed to accurately estimate carbon dioxide emissions from forest ecosystems. However, data for such analyses are still limited, especially in tropical forests of Southeast Asia where various stages of forest succession exist due to previous land‐use changes. In this study, we measured SR and some environmental factors including soil temperature (ST), soil moisture (SM), and organic matter content (OM) in three successional tropical forests in both wet and dry periods. We also analyzed the relationships between SR and these environmental variables. Results showed that SR was higher in the wet period and in older forests. Although no response of SR to ST was found in younger forest stages, SR of the old‐growth forest significantly responded to ST, plausibly due to the nonuniform forest structure, including gaps, that resulted in a wide range of ST. Across forest stages, SM was the limiting factor for SR in the wet period, whereas SR significantly varied with OM in the dry period. Overall, our results indicated that the responses of SR to environmental factors varied temporally and across forest succession. Nevertheless, these findings are still preliminary and call for detailed investigations on SR and its variations with environmental factors in Southeast Asian tropical forests where patches of successional stages dominate.