bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of recycling effects on the mechanical properties of short carbon and glass fiber reinforced polyetherimide composites
Authors: Hu Jin‐Ming , Zhou Zhi‐Mao , Guo Fang‐Liang , Sun Zheng , Zhang Li , Wang Zi‐Ming , Yin Peng‐Gang , Li Yuan‐Qing , Fu Shao‐Yun
Published: March 2023

Considering the increasing composite waste accumulation, this work explores the feasibility of replacing virginal carbon fibers (VCFs) and virginal glass fibers (VGFs) with recycled fibers for injection molded polyetherimide (PEI) composites. Extensive characterizations were conducted to reveal effects of sulfuric acid recycling process on mechanical properties of fibers and their composites. It was shown that strength retention rates of recycled carbon fibers (RCFs) and recycled glass fibers (RGFs) were 81.6% and 55.7%. The reinforcing factor of RCFs increased from 0.120 of VCFs to 0.147 due to the enhanced interfacial bonding while the reinforcing factor of RGFs decreased from 0.080 of VGFs to 0.065 owing to the glass fiber strength reduction. As a result, the composite tensile strength (152.8 MPa) of RCF/PEI was comparable to that (155.3 MPa) of VCF/ PEI and RGF/PEI tensile strength (102.5 MPa) was lower than that (112.3 MPa) of VGF/PEI. Moreover, the tensile modulus of RCF/PEI and RGF/PEI were also approximatively comparable to those of VCF/PEI and VGF/PEI since recycling process showed a slight effect on fiber modulus. Although there exists an impact of recycling on fiber mechanical properties, the introduction of recycled fibers (especially RCFs) by injection molding process can promisingly enhance PEI composites.
Introducing sorghum DREB2 gene in maize (Zea mays L.) to improve drought and salinity tolerance
Authors: Izadi‐Darbandi Ali , Alameldin Hussien , Namjoo Nima , Ahmad Khalil
Published: March 2023

Salinity and drought are significant abiotic stresses causing a considerable loss of seed and biomass yield in most commercial crops. Some of the most critical players in the abscisic acid pathway are drought responsive element binding (DREB) proteins that are a part of AP2/ethylene response factor transcription factors that bind to promoters of some family genes needed to be expressed under abiotic stresses. In this study, salt‐ and drought‐tolerant maize plants were produced from immature maize embryos bombarded by the sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) DREB2 gene that is linked to hygromycin resistance (hpt) genes. The putative transgenic calli were transferred to an N6 medium containing 1 mg/L benzylaminopurine and 50 mg/L hygromycin. Regeneration was completed after 4 weeks on selective media under a 16/8 h light/dark condition at 25°C. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription‐PCR approved the existence of upstream promoter (rd29a), hpt gene, and the expression of the DREB2 in transgenes up to the third generation (T2). It was found that the K+/Na+ ratio and the amount of proline as a screening indicator were higher in transgenic plants compared to their wild types. This result is a promising model to enhance maize tolerance to abiotic stressors.
Paradigm constraints on moral decision‐making dynamics
Authors: Gautheron Flora , Quinton Jean‐Charles , Muller Dominique , Smeding Annique
Published: March 2023

Investigating decision making with two‐alternative forced choice (2AFC) tasks may artificially constrain decisions, especially in the moral domain where we may want to express nuance. We aimed at examining whether paradigm constraints—that is, binary (as in 2AFC tasks) versus continuous response mode—constrained early decision‐making dynamics, as traceable in mouse movements. In the moral domain, long sentences are often used, and we therefore developed a new mouse‐tracking design adapted to long‐to‐process stimuli while also introducing mouse‐tracking‐compatible continuous response scales. Two preregistered studies, with adapted (Study 1) and newly designed (Study 2) mouse‐tracking paradigms tested how trajectories differed between response modes from an early stage onwards. Overall, findings provide evidence consistent with hypothesis, ruling out alternative explanations in terms of motor planning, hence questioning the prevalence of 2AFC tasks in decision‐making research. Discussion further focuses on paradigmatic challenges addressed by the present research and basic contributions regarding the bidirectional influences between ongoing actions and decisions.
Benefits of co‐translational complex assembly for cellular fitness
Authors: Khan Krishnendu , Fox Paul L.
Published: March 2023

Complexes of two or more proteins form many, if not most, of the intracellular “machines” that execute physical and chemical work, and transmit information. Complexes can form from stochastic post‐translational interactions of fully formed proteins, but recent attention has shifted to co‐translational interactions in which the most common mechanism involves binding of a mature constituent to an incomplete polypeptide emerging from a translating ribosome. Studies in yeast have revealed co‐translational interactions during formation of multiple major complexes, and together with recent mammalian cell studies, suggest widespread utilization of the mechanism. These translation‐dependent interactions can involve a single or multiple mRNA templates, can be uni‐ or bi‐directional, and can use multi‐protein sub‐complexes as a binding component. Here, we discuss benefits of co‐translational complex assembly including accuracy and efficiency, overcoming hidden interfaces, localized and hierarchical assembly, and reduction of orphan protein degradation, toxicity, and dominant‐negative pathogenesis, all serving to improve cell fitness.
Progressive alterations in white matter microstructure across the timecourse of Huntington's disease
Authors: Estevez‐Fraga Carlos , Elmalem Michael S. , Papoutsi Marina , Durr Alexandra , Rees Elin M. , Hobbs Nicola Z. , Roos Raymund A. C. , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Leavitt Blair R. , Langbehn Douglas R. , Scahill Rachael I. , Rees Geraint , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Gregory Sarah
Published: March 2023

Background

Whole‐brain longitudinal diffusion studies are crucial to examine changes in structural connectivity in neurodegeneration. Here, we investigated the longitudinal alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure across the timecourse of Huntington's disease (HD).

Methods

We examined changes in WM microstructure from premanifest to early manifest disease, using data from two cohorts with different disease burden. The TrackOn‐HD study included 67 controls, 67 premanifest, and 10 early manifest HD (baseline and 24‐month data); the PADDINGTON study included 33 controls and 49 early manifest HD (baseline and 15‐month data). Longitudinal changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity from baseline to last study visit were investigated for each cohort using tract‐based spatial statistics. An optimized pipeline was employed to generate participant‐specific templates to which diffusion tensor imaging maps were registered and change maps were calculated. We examined longitudinal differences between HD expansion‐carriers and controls, and correlations with clinical scores, including the composite UHDRS (cUHDRS).

Results

HD expansion‐carriers from TrackOn‐HD, with lower disease burden, showed a significant longitudinal decline in FA in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus and an increase in MD across subcortical WM tracts compared to controls, while in manifest HD participants from PADDINGTON, there were significant widespread longitudinal increases in diffusivity compared to controls. Baseline scores in clinical scales including the cUHDRS predicted WM microstructural change in HD expansion‐carriers.

Conclusion

The present study showed significant longitudinal changes in WM microstructure across the HD timecourse. Changes were evident in larger WM areas and across more metrics as the disease advanced, suggesting a progressive alteration of WM microstructure with disease evolution.
Assessing the impact of corporate environmental performance on efficiency improvement in labor investment
Authors: Li Weiping , Chen Sihan , Gao Zhuxin , Chen Xiaoqi
Published: March 2023

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have become increasingly important to employees and companies alike. It is important to integrate ESG considerations into labor investment decisions. We examine the impact of ESG performance on firms' labor investment efficiency. Using data from A‐share listed firms from 2015 to 2020, we find that ESG performance improves labor investment efficiency. Such positive effect is robust after using alternative measures for labor investment efficiency and ESG performance, alternative regression specifications, and a bunch of endogeneity tests. The mechanism tests show that a strong ESG record can reduce financial constraints and improve the information environment, thus subsequently boosting the efficiency of labor investment. The findings of the study shed light on efficiency improvement in labor investment for management, regulatory authority, and environmental activists.
Pyrazolopyrimidinone Based Selective Inhibitors of PDE5 for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hudwekar Abhinandan D. , Kotwal Pankul , Dar Mohd. Ishaq , Balgotra Shilpi , Dogra Ashish , Kour Jaspreet , Chobe Santosh S. , Nandi Utpal , Hussain Syed Sajad , Sawant Sanghapal D.
Published: March 2023

Continuing research with our earlier finding of sildenafil based analogs in the search of new inhibitors of PDE5 for erectile dysfunction suggested that there is a scope of modifications at N‐methylpiperazine ring with hydrophobic region followed by hydrogen bond donor or acceptor region. However, the leads identified earlier had some limitations like poor pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability. In this direction, a new series of sildenafil based analogs were designed, synthesized and screened for their PDE5 inhibitory activity. In this series compound 18 was found to have excellent in vitro activity with selectivity towards PDE5 isozyme, also the in vivo activity and pharmacokinetic profile was excellent. The cyp inhibition and CaCO2 permeability was also excellent for compound 18.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Lutidinium Ionic Liquid‐Supported Vanadylsalicylaldoxime Complex for Catalytic Application in Epoxidation Reaction
Authors: Elshaarawy Reda F. M. , Abdel Gawad Hamad H. , Hassan Hassan M. A. , Abd Alaal Reda M. , Hassan Eman M. , Yahya Rana O. , Ismail Lamia A.
Published: March 2023

A new chelating task‐specific ionic liquid (TSIL), lutidinium‐based salicylaldoxime (LSOH), and its square pyramidal vanadyl(II) complex (VO(LSO)2) have been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized using elemental (CHN), spectral, and thermal analyses. The catalytic activity of the lutidinium‐salicylaldoxime complex (VO(LSO)2) in the alkene epoxidation reactions was studied under various reaction conditions, such as solvent effect, alkene/oxidant molar ratio, pH, reaction temperature, reaction time, and the catalyst dose. The results demonstrated that the CHCl3 solvent, 1 : 3 of the cyclohexene/H2O2 ratio, pH 8, temperature of 340 K, and catalyst dose of 0.012 mmol are assigned as the optimum conditions for achieving maximum catalytic activity for VO(LSO)2. Moreover, the VO(LSO)2 complex has the potential for application in the effective and selective epoxidation of alkenes. Notably, under optimal VO(LSO)2 conditions, cyclic alkenes convert more efficiently to their corresponding epoxides than linear alkenes.
Two‐Step Validation Approach for Tools To Study the DNA Repair Enzyme SNM1A
Authors: Fay Ellen M. , Newton Ailish , Berney Mark , El‐Sagheer Afaf H. , Brown Tom , McGouran Joanna F.
Published: March 2023

We report a two‐step validation approach to evaluate the suitability of metal‐binding groups for targeting DNA damage‐repair metalloenzymes using model enzyme SNM1A. A fragment‐based screening approach was first used to identify metal‐binding fragments suitable for targeting the enzyme. Effective fragments were then incorporated into oligonucleotides using the copper‐catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. These modified oligonucleotides were recognised by SNM1A at >1000‐fold lower concentrations than their fragment counterparts. The exonuclease SNM1A is a key enzyme involved in the repair of interstrand crosslinks, a highly cytotoxic form of DNA damage. However, SNM1A and other enzymes of this class are poorly understood, as there is a lack of tools available to facilitate their study. Our novel approach of incorporating functional fragments into oligonucleotides is broadly applicable to generating modified oligonucleotide structures with high affinity for DNA damage‐repair enzymes.
A step‐growth strategy to grow vertical porous aromatic framework nanosheets on graphene oxide: Hybrid material‐confined Co for ammonia borane methanolysis
Authors: Li Xiugang , Yao Qilu , Shi Rongwei , Huang Minsong , Lu Zhang‐Hui
Published: March 2023

The rational synthesis of a two‐dimensional (2D) porous aromatic framework (PAF) with a controllable growth direction remains a challenge to overcome the limitation of traditional stacked 2D materials. Herein, a step‐growth strategy is developed to fabricate a vertically oriented nitrogen‐rich porous aromatic framework on graphene oxide (V‐PAF‐GO) using monolayer benzidine‐functionalized GO (BZ‐GO) as a molecular pillar. Then, the confined Co nanoparticle (NP) catalysts are synthesized by encapsulating ultra‐small Co into the slit pores of V‐PAF‐GO. Due to the high nitrogen content, large specific surface area, and adequate slit pores, the optimized vertical nanocomposites V‐PAF‐GO provide abundant anchoring sites for metal NPs, leading to ultrafine Co NPs (1.4 nm). The resultant Co/V‐PAF‐GO catalyst shows an extraordinary catalytic activity for ammonia borane (AB) methanolysis, yielding a turnover frequency value of 47.6 min−1 at 25°C, comparable to the most effective non‐noble‐metal catalysts ever reported for AB methanolysis. Experimental and density functional theory studies demonstrate that the electron‐donating effect of N species of PAF positively corresponds to the low barrier in methanol molecule activation, and the cleavage of the O–H bond in CH3OH has been proven to be the rate‐determining step for AB methanolysis. This work presents a versatile step‐growth strategy to prepare a vertically oriented PAF on GO to solve the stacking problem of 2D materials, which will be used to fabricate other novel 2D or 2D–2D materials with controllable orientation for various applications.
HAV‐Peptides Attached to Colloidal Probes Faithfully Detect E‐Cadherins Displayed on Living Cells
Authors: Toy Silan , Dietz Jörn , Naumann Peter , Trothe Janina , Thomas Franziska , Diederichsen Ulf , Steinem Claudia , Janshoff Andreas
Published: March 2023

Cell adhesion molecules are crucial for a variety of biological processes, including wound healing, barrier formation and tissue homeostasis. One of them is E‐cadherin which is generally found at adherent junctions between epithelial cells. To identify this molecule on the surface of cells, E‐cadherin mimetic peptides with a critical amino acid sequence of HAV (histidine‐alanine‐valine) were synthesized and attached to solid‐supported membranes covering colloidal probes. Two different functionalization strategies were established, one based on the complexation of DOGS‐NTA(Ni) with a polyhistidine‐tagged HAV‐peptide and the other one relying on the formation of a HAV‐lipopeptide using in situ maleimide‐thiol coupling. Binding studies were performed to verify the ability of the peptides to attach to the membrane surface. Compared to the non‐covalent attachment via the His‐tag, we achieved a higher yield by lipopeptide formation. Colloidal probes functionalized with HAV‐peptides were employed to measure the presence of E‐cadherins on living cells either using video particle tracking or force spectroscopy. Here, human HaCaT cells were examined confirming the specific interaction of the HAV‐peptide with the E‐cadherin of the cells. Statistical methods were also used to determine the number of single‐bond ruptures and the force of a single bond. These findings may be essential for the development of novel biosynthetic materials given their potential to become increasingly relevant in medical applications.
Hydrogen Bonding Parameters by Rapid Colorimetric Assessment: Evaluation of Structural Components Found in Biological Ligands and Organocatalysts
Authors: Roenfanz Hanna F. , Paniak Thomas J. , Berlin Cameron B. , Tran Van , Francisco Karol R. , Lassalas Pierrik , Devas Anisha , Landes Olivia , Rosenberger Avalon , Rotella Madeline E. , Ballatore Carlo , Kozlowski Marisa C.
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen bonding is a key molecular interaction in biological processes, drug delivery, and catalysis. This report describes a high throughput UV‐Vis spectroscopic method to measure hydrogen bonding capacity using a pyrazinone sensor. This colormetric sensor reversibly binds to a hydrogen bond donor, resulting in a blue shift as additional equivalents of donor are added. Titration with excess equivalents of donor is used to determine the binding coefficient, ln(Keq). Over 100 titrations were performed for a variety of biologically relevant compounds. This data enabled development a multiple linear regression model that is capable of predicting 95 % of ln(Keq) values within 1 unit, allowing for the estimation of hydrogen bonding affinity from a single measurement. To show the effectiveness of the single point measurements, hydrogen bond strengths were obtained for a set of carboxylic acid bioisosteres. The values from the single point measurements were validated with full titrations.
Traceless N‐Polyfluoroalkylation of Weakly Nucleophilic Nitrogen Containing Compounds
Authors: Santos Laura , Audet Florian , Donnard Morgan , Panossian Armen , Vors Jean‐Pierre , Bernier David , Pazenok Sergii , Leroux Frédéric R.
Published: March 2023

Here we report an efficient access to high‐value N‐polyfluoroalkyl anilines, primary polyfluoroalkylamines and N,N‐bis(polyfluoroalkyl)amines, via N‐polyfluoroalkylation of sulfonamides and phthalimide derivatives using sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2). The in situ formation of polyfluoroalkyl fluorosulfonates from commercially available fluorinated alcohols and economical sulfuryl fluoride is highly advantageous given that some polyfluoroalkyl halides are ozone‐depleting substances (ODS) regulated by the Montreal protocol. This general method is applied to the polyfluoroalkylation of a variety of sulfonamides, N‐sulfonyl carbamates and phthalimide with a wide tolerance of functional groups. The process thus provides viable access for industry to N‐(polyfluoroalkyl)anilines as well as primary and secondary N‐(polyfluoroalkyl)amines, which are very valuable but not easily accessible building blocks for life science applications.
Tamoxifen use and risk of endometrial cancer in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghanavati Matin , Khorshidi Yasaman , Shadnoush Mahdi , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Ardehali Seyed Hossein , Chavarri‐Guerra Yanin , Akbari Atieh , Barragan‐Carrillo Regina , Amin Amlashi Manoochehr , Javid Zeinab , Rahmani Jamal
Published: March 2023

Background

Worse prognosis of endometrial cancers (EC) in tamoxifen‐treated women compared to non‐tamoxifen‐treated women been proposed. The relationship between tamoxifen treatment of breast cancer (BC) and the risk of EC is controversial and there is no agreement between publication results on this issue (the answer to all comments provided in the page 2 of manuscript). The aim of this study is investigation the association between tamoxifen treatment and the risk of EC in patients with BC.

Methods and Results

We conducted a comprehensive search with related keywords in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases until April 16, 2022. Random‐effects model (DerSimonian and Laird) was used to pool risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of EC. Dose, cumulative dose, and duration‐response analysis were performed in linear and non‐linear states. Twenty‐six studies reported a relation between tamoxifen treatment and risk of EC in patients with BC. Results showed a direct relationship between tamoxifen use and EC (RR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.68–2.45; I2:76%). By increase the age of participants, the risk of EC was decrease (coef = −.0206), although this was not statistically significant (p = .37). Linear dose–response model indicated a direct significant association between dose and duration use of tamoxifen and EC (dose: exe(b) = 1.019, p = .001; duration: exe(b) = 1.014, p = .001). Non‐linear dose–response analysis confirmed linear analysis.

Conclusion

This study highlights that tamoxifen use is a significant risk factor related to the incidence of EC in patients with BC.
Attachment in individuals with eating disorders compared to community controls: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jewell Tom , Apostolidou Eleni , Sadikovic Kevser , Tahta‐Wraith Kirsty , Liston Sarah , Simic Mima , Eisler Ivan , Fonagy Peter , Yorke Isabel
Published: March 2023

Objective

Individuals with eating disorders are known to have higher rates of insecure attachment compared to community controls, but the factors underlying this finding are poorly understood. We conducted the first meta‐analysis comparing attachment in eating disorder samples compared to community controls that included quality assessment, publication bias and moderation analysis.

Method

We pre‐registered our meta‐analysis (CRD42019146799) and followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched PsychINFO, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus for publications. Attachment scores were extracted, and Cohen's d calculated for each study using a random effects model.

Results

In total, 35 studies were included in the meta‐analysis and six studies were summarized in a narrative review. Eating disorder samples showed higher rates of insecure attachment compared to community controls, with a large effect size, across measurement methods and different attachment dimensions. Blinding of assessors moderated effect sizes for attachment interview studies, but no other moderators were significant.

Discussion

Risk of insecure attachment is elevated in individuals with eating disorders, albeit heterogeneity is high and largely unexplained. Clinicians may need to take this into account in their work, particularly given the association between attachment insecurity and challenges to therapeutic alliance. Future studies comparing eating disorder samples with community samples should control for general psychopathology.

Public Significance

Attachment is a broad concept referring to a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors in relation to close others. This systematic review and meta‐analysis found that individuals with eating disorders are lower in attachment security than community controls, regardless of attachment construct or measurement approach. Attachment may be relevant in influencing eating disorder recovery, the development of therapeutic alliance, and potentially clinical outcomes, although more research is needed.
The Inhibitory Effect of Gallic Acid Alkyl Esters on Lipid Oxidation of Intactly Soaked Oyster Meats and Oyster Meat Homogenates during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Luo Ying , Zhao Guan‐Hua , Pei Xue‐Chen , Yin Fa‐Wen , Liu Hui‐Lin , Qin Lei , Zhou Da‐Yong
Published: March 2023

In this study, the antioxidant effects of gallic acid (GA) and its alkyl esters including methyl gallate (MG), butyl gallate (BG), octyl gallate (OG), and lauryl gallate (LG) in whole oyster meats and oyster meat homogenates during cold storage are investigated. The oxidation degree of lipid is measured by peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid active substances (TBARS), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) percentage. The results show that the lipid oxidation in the two types of samples is inhibited by GA alkyl esters, and the antioxidant effects first increase and then decrease along with the extension of the chain length, among the esters, BG and OG are relatively more effective. Therefore, it is speculated that the antioxidant capacity of GA alkyl esters may be influenced by hydrophobicity and follows a “cut‐off effect” in whole oyster meats and oyster meat homogenates.

Practical application: Seafood is easily oxidized even under cold storage because it contains more PUFA. Antioxidants are widely used to inhibit lipid oxidation. In this study, the antioxidant capacity of GA alkyl esters in whole oyster meats and oyster meat homogenates is investigated, which improves the selection of suitable antioxidants to strengthen the oxidation stability of oyster samples for cold storage.
The Oxidation of Organo‐Boron Compounds Using Electrochemically Generated Peroxodicarbonate
Authors: Kohlpaintner Philipp J. , Marquart Lucas , Gooßen Lukas J. , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: March 2023

Peroxodicarbonate represents a green and largely underexplored oxidizer generated electrochemically from aqueous carbonate solutions. Through state‐of‐the‐art electrolyzer technology, highly concentrated solutions have now become accessible. These were successfully employed as green oxidizer in deborolative hydroxylations. A plethora of phenols and alcohols have thus been synthesized in up to 99 % from organoboron compounds using only green and non‐toxic solvents. This transformation was successfully scaled‐up to multi‐gram batch sizes.
SDN and application layer DDoS attacks detection in IoT devices by attention‐based Bi‐LSTM‐CNN
Authors: Priyadarshini Ishaani , Mohanty Pinaki , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Sharma Rohit , Kumar Sachin
Published: March 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting more devices every day. Security is critical to ensure that the devices operate in a trusted environment. The lack of proper IoT security encourages cybercriminals to target many smart devices across the network and gain sensitive information. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are common in the IoT infrastructure and involve hijacking IoT devices to consume resources and interrupt services. This may specifically vandalize the application running the service that the end users are trying to access (application layer DDoS attacks) or flood the network bandwidth leading to network failure (software defined network DDoS attacks). This article proposes a hybrid attention‐based bidirectional long short term memory (LSTM) with convolutional neural networks (CNN) to identify DDoS attacks in the application layer and SDN. We deploy several other machine learning models like logistic regression, decision trees, random forests, support vector machines, K‐nearest neighbors, extreme gradient boosting, artificial neural networks, CNN, LSTM, CNN‐LSTM to evaluate the performance of our proposed model. The evaluation metrics considered for the study are accuracy, precision, recall, and F‐1 score. The experimental analysis on multiple datasets exhibits that the proposed model performs the classification efficiently with an accuracy of 99.74% and 99.98%.
Comparison of the effect of saffron, crocin, and safranal on serum levels of oxidants and antioxidants in diabetic rats: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of animal studies
Authors: Mohammadi Yaser , Rezaei Farimani Azam , Beydokhti Hossein , Riahi Seyed Mohammad
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of saffron, crocin, and safranal on serum levels of oxidants and antioxidants in diabetic rats. The authors searched the databases with standard keywords until June 8, 2021. The random‐effects model was used to pool standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals to assess the effects of saffron and its active component. To investigate heterogeneity, subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were utilized. Begg and Egger's tests were used to measure publication bias. Our results showed that saffron, crocin, and safranal were able to significantly reduce the serum levels of oxidants with strong efficacy so that saffron had the highest effectiveness on serum malondialdehyde (SMD, −2.84 (μmol/L) [95% confidence interval (CI), −4.32 to −1.36]; p < .001, I2 = 83.5%). In addition, saffron and its effective compounds were highly effective by increasing the serum level of antioxidants. In addition, saffron and its effective compounds were able to significantly increase the serum level of antioxidants with strong efficacy, while saffron had the highest effect on the serum level of total antioxidant capacity (SMD, 3.90 (μmol/L) [95% CI, 0.78–7.03]; p = .014, I2 = 86.9%). The findings of this study show that treatment with saffron, crocin, and safranal by strengthening the antioxidant defense system and modulating oxidative stress shows antidiabetic effects in the diabetic model of rats, also these findings support the potential effect of saffron and its effective compounds for the management of diabetes and its complications. However, more human studies are needed.
RETRACTED: Systematic review on gully erosion measurement, modelling and management: Mitigation alternatives and policy recommendations
Authors: Chakrabortty Rabin , Pal Subodh Chandra
Published: March 2023

The problem of “gully erosion” is one of the severe “natural hazards” associated with large‐scale land degradation in various parts of the world. Therefore, accurate modelling is one of the crucial responsibilities in this study on gully erosion. But there are still a lot of gaps in our knowledge of gully erosion and its consequences. Particularly at the regional to continental scale, this is true. Gullying is hence often forgotten about in regulation and watershed management plans. The scientific community is becoming increasingly interested in gully erosion, yet many information gaps still need to be filled. In this research, we are trying to fill the mentioned gap with the help of the existing literature. Most gully erosion research has been done to estimate the susceptible zones and ultimately select the best model. In this research, a test application has been made by considering some important models. Then the “vulnerability assessment” was done with the help of “gully erosion, climate‐induced chemical weathering and socio‐economic variables” at the village level. The village‐level information has been used to determine the vulnerability in this region. This information is beneficial for future researchers to conduct gully erosion research in various parts of the world.
Late Cretaceous‐Palaeocene arc magmatism in Bumeicun, Gangdese, southern Tibet: Products of slab rollback of Neo‐Tethyan Ocean?
Authors: Liu Biao , Zhou Qiushi , Jarquín Esteban , Sha Hao , Wang Rui
Published: March 2023

The most intense arc magmatism in the Gangdese arc occurred during the Palaeocene–Eocene, which is widespread across the entire southern Lhasa subterrane with Palaeocene–Eocene I‐type intrusive rocks and Linzizong volcanic successions. What drives the voluminous magmatism remains enigmatic. New geochronological and geochemical data on Late Cretaceous‐Palaeocene magmatic activity from Bumeicun, southern Tibet enables recognition of this distinct magmatic flare‐up event that we ascribe to Neo‐Tethyan Oceanic slab rollback. Bumeicun, located in the southern margin of Gangdese magmatic arc, exposes volcanic and plutonic rocks with close spatial–temporal links, and a wide range of silica content (53.0–74.7 wt.%). Zircon U–Pb dating result shows that the rocks form at 65.24 ± 0.77–67.65 ± 0.31 Ma. The Bumeicun igneous rocks are characterized by relative enrichment of large‐ion lithophile elements, depletion of high field‐strength elements (HFSEs) and enrichment of light rare earth elements, showing typical arc features. These rocks also show positive zircon εHf(t) value (+8.70 to+19.68), which are ascribed to the partial melting of arc mantle wedges. Followed by a succession of melt extraction and fractional crystallization, the coeval intermediate‐felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks in Bumeicun are formed. Previous researches note that Gangdese magmatic arc had a period of magmatic quiescence in the Late Cretaceous, and a subsequent burst of magmatism occurred in the P‐E. Our proposal of slab rollback model is consistent with the distinctly high zircon saturation temperatures (Tzr: 730–827°C) of Bumeicun magmatism. In addition, the slab rollback led to the Gangdese arc magmatism migration from north to south from the Cretaceous to the Eocene.
Subsidiary capability and charter change: Making Birkinshaw and Hood's framework actionable
Authors: Dzikowska Marlena , Gammelgaard Jens , Andersson Ulf
Published: March 2023

Research Summary

We provide a more granular and comprehensive approach to subsidiary evolution and enhance the understanding of the complexity of the subsidiary's evolution in the era of value chain fine‐slicing. We extend Birkinshaw and Hood's model of general processes of subsidiary evolution into a model of functional evolutionary paths that represents nine configurations of charter and capability changes. We examine initiative, autonomy, and track record as determinants of 1455 functional evolutionary paths identified in 266 subsidiaries operating in the Polish and Swiss manufacturing sectors. Through a two‐level multinomial logistic regression model, we learn that subsidiary initiative and track record are positively related to an increase in subsidiaries' charter and capability enhancement, respectively. Subsidiary autonomy though, is negatively related to charter increase and capability enhancement.

Managerial Summary

We consider subsidiaries' initiative, autonomy, and track record as factors shaping the changes in functional responsibilities and corresponding capabilities. Our results show that frequent and successful initiatives support a functional charter increase but do not necessarily enhance corresponding functional capabilities. Furthermore, a lower level of decision‐making autonomy in efficiency‐driven organizations does not translate into difficulties with a functional charter increase. A subsidiary can benefit from lower autonomy by focusing subsidiary‐development efforts on areas aligned with the headquarters' interests. A proven track record does not translate into a functional charter increase; in some cases, it even increases the likelihood of charter depletion. Nonetheless, it increases the likelihood of enhancing functional capability.
Authoring a different story about advocacy and public intellectualism
Authors: Gonzales Leslie D.
Published: March 2023

Dominant stories about public intellectualism tend to erase academics of racially minoritized and marginalized backgrounds as well as academics appointed outside of research universities. This chapter makes sense of these erasures and considers their associated costs by applying the lenses of critical race theory (CRT) and epistemic injustice. Ultimately, this chapter attempts to broaden the academy's view about public intellectualism, making visible the work that so many have been doing for so long which includes fierce acts of advocacy and community uplift.
What makes an action plan “100% me”? Think aloud interviews about CVD prevention tools for varying health literacy needs
Authors: Batcup Carys , Bonner Carissa , Ayre Julie
Published: March 2023

Issue Addressed

Health behaviour change can be difficult to maintain. Action plans can address this issue, however, there has been little qualitative research to understand how to optimise action plan interventions. This study explored how people engage with a specific type of action plan intervention, the “volitional help sheet,” in a cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention context.

Methods

Twenty adults in the target age for CVD risk assessment (45 to 74 years) with varying health literacy participated in interviews and created an action plan to change their behaviour. Transcripts were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

Participants described how engagement with plans was related to how personally relevant the target behaviour and the options within the plan were. Also important was participants visualising themselves enacting the plan when deciding which option to choose. Amongst participants who already engaged in a target behaviour, some did not perceive the plan was useful; others perceived the plan as a helpful prompt or a formalisation of existing plans. For some, the barriers to behaviour change were out of the scope of an action plan, highlighting the need for alternative supports.

Conclusion

This study provides qualitative insights into unanticipated ways that people with varying health literacy use action plans, providing new guidance for future developers.

So What?

Not all action plans are created equal. Careful selection of behavioural targets and plan options and encouraging users to imagine the plan may enhance user engagement. Alternative behaviour change strategies should be available if key barriers cannot be addressed by the plan.
What works for whom? Mother's psychological distress as a moderator of the effectiveness of a home visiting intervention
Authors: Oxford Monica L. , Hash Jonika B. , Lohr Mary Jane , Fleming Charles B. , Dow‐Smith Carrie , Spieker Susan J.
Published: March 2023

Attachment‐based home visiting programs that serve new mothers experiencing psychological distress may advance health equity by helping families systemically exposed to adversity. This study examined whether one such program (Promoting First Relationships/PFR) had particularly beneficial effects on maternal and child relationship outcomes for mothers reporting the greatest psychological distress. A randomized controlled trial of the PFR program included a low‐income sample of 252 Spanish‐ and English‐speaking mother‐child dyads referred prenatally for mental health concerns. The sample of mothers was 65.5% White, 17.5% Black, and 17.1% multiracial or other racial groups; 47.2% reported Hispanic ethnicity. The moderating variable of psychological distress was measured using maternal‐reported screening tools for symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, post‐traumatic stress, and interpersonal sensitivity. Outcomes included observed parenting sensitivity and self‐reported understanding of infants/toddlers, caregiving confidence, and child externalizing behavior. Results showed a significant treatment condition by baseline psychological distress interaction for observed parenting sensitivity such that differences in outcomes favoring the PFR condition were greatest among those with high baseline psychological distress (baseline child age 6–12 weeks). In a low‐income sample of new mothers, those with the greatest need, as indicated by high psychological distress, showed greater improvements in their sensitive and responsive caregiving if they were randomized to the PFR treatment condition.
Ethylene oxide‐type hypersensitivity reactions in G‐CSF mobilized, peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cell donors and review
Authors: Cooling Laura , Sherbeck John
Published: March 2023

Background

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a volatile, ringed toxic ether used to sterilize heat‐labile plastics including apheresis sets. In the 1980s, EtO‐associated severe hypersensitivity reactions during hemodialysis led to widespread adoption of alternative sterilization for dialysis kits but not apheresis tubing sets. We now report several cases of EtO‐type hypersensitivity reactions in autologous donors undergoing hematopoietic progenitor cell collection (HPCC).

Materials and Methods

A 10‐year retrospective review of allergic EtO‐type reactions in adults undergoing HPCC on the COBE Spectra and SPECTRA Optia was performed. Donor medical history and absolute eosinophil counts were compared between cases and 34 HPCC controls. Published EtO reactions during extracorporeal procedures were reviewed with statistical analysis. Graphics and statistics were performed using commercial software.

Results

Three autologous HPCC donors experienced EtO‐type reactions within 15 min of initiating HPCC, for a 10‐year incident rate of 0.08% per procedure and 0.18% per donor. All three reactions occurred using the Spectra Optia and IDL tubing set, for an Optia/IDL specific rate of 0.2% per procedure and 0.5% per donor. There was no correlation between EtO reactions, eosinophil counts, or saline prime dwell times. No patient had classic predisposing risk factors for EtO hypersensitivity. Two patients required medical intervention whereas the third responded by pausing the procedure and slowing the inlet rate.

Conclusion

EtO‐type hypersensitivity reactions can be observed during HPCC, especially with the Optia IDL tubing set. EtO reactions may be missed due to their rarity and staff unfamiliarity with this clinical entity.
Copper‐catalyzed synthesis of α‐ketothioamides from ketones
Authors: Abdollahi Fatemeh , Ghaderi Arash
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the conversion of acetophenone to α‐ketothioamide was reported in the presence of CuI as the catalyst and S8/DMF as the coupling partners. The presence of both KF and NaOH was found to be necessary to achieve the high yield of the product. Propiophenone and butyrophenone also reacted in the presence of phenylboronic acid as an additive. Willgerodt‐Kindler products were not observed in these reactions.
One‐pot synthesis of CuO/TiO2 nanocomposites for improved photocatalytic hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol under direct sunlight
Authors: Tian Xiqiang , Dong Yanping , Zahid Muhammad
Published: March 2023

The excellent photocatalytic hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) with NaBH4 in the aqueous medium is still a big challenge. Herein, we report a facile one‐pot evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) method to synthesize a series of CuO/TiO2 nanocomposites. The as‐synthesized CuO/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibit remarkable catalytic activity under direct sunlight in selective hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) due to the synergistic interaction of guest copper nanoparticles with host titanium dioxide (TiO2) species. Especially, 5 wt% CuO/TiO2 nanocomposite revealed superior reaction rate constant (k) value (0.306 min−1) when compared to 3 wt% CuO/TiO2 (0.192 min−1) and 7 wt% CuO/TiO2 (0.240 min−1). Moreover, several characterization techniques (XRD, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, DRS, and XPS) were executed to deeply investigate the effect of copper content on the bulk and interfacial properties of the catalysts. The characterization results proved that the superior photocatalytic hydrogenation over 5 wt% CuO/TiO2 catalyst can be ascribed to moderate CuO loading as well as even dispersion of CuO species on the surface of active TiO2 host, which can largely improve the light absorption ability within visible light region. Besides, the 5 wt% CuO/TiO2 catalyst exhibits remarkable recyclability and durability, retaining its superior activity (above 95%) up to several repeating cycles, proving its practical applicability for hydrogenation reactions at domestic and industrial levels.
A retrospective analysis of preemptive pharmacogenomic testing in 22,918 individuals from China
Authors: Huang Quanfei , Liao Yuwei , Yu Tao , Lei Wei , Liang Hongfeng , Wen Jianxin , Liu Qing , Chen Yu , Huang Kaisheng , Jing Lifang , Huang Xiaoyan , Liu Yuanru , Yu Xiaokang , Su Kaichan , Liu Tengfei , Yang Liye , Huang Min
Published: March 2023

Background

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) examines the influence of genetic variation on drug responses. With more and more Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines published, PGx is gradually shifting from the reactive testing of single gene toward the preemptive testing of multiple genes. But the profile of PGx genes, especially for the intra‐country diversity, is not well understood in China.

Methods

We retrospectively collected preemptive PGx testing data of 22,918 participants from 20 provinces of China, analyzed frequencies of alleles, genotypes and phenotypes of pharmacogenes, predicted drug responses for each participant, and performed comparisons between different provinces.

Results and Conclusion

After analyzing 15 pharmacogenes from CPIC guidelines of 31 drugs, we found that 99.97% of individuals may have an atypical response to at least one drug; the participants carry actionable genotypes leading to atypical dosage recommendation for a median of eight drugs. Over 99% of the participants were recommended a decreased warfarin dose based on genetic factors. There were 20 drugs with high‐risk ratios from 0.18% to 58.25%, in which clopidogrel showed the highest high‐risk ratio. In addition, the high‐risk ratio of rasburicase in GUANGDONG (risk ratio (RR) = 13.17, 95%CI:4.06–33.22, p < 0.001) and GUANGXI (RR = 23.44, 95%CI:8.83–52.85, p < 0.001) were significantly higher than that in all provinces. Furthermore, the diversity we observed among 20 provinces suggests that preemptive PGx testing in different geographical regions in China may need to pay more attention to specific genes. These results emphasize the importance of preemptive PGx testing and provide essential evidence for promoting clinical implementation in China.
Significant elevations of serum amylase caused by macroamylase: Case reports and detection possibilities
Authors: Čásenská Jitka , Franeková Janka , Mačinga Peter , Jabor Antonín
Published: March 2023

Background

The presence of isolated elevated serum amylase levels can be caused by high molecular mass complexes. We describe 13 cases of hyperamylasemia detected in adult patients without clinical symptoms of a pancreatic disorder. Five of them were thoroughly examined using different tools for the detection of macrocomplexes.

Methods

We performed both screening and more advanced methods of macroamylase detection, including polyethylene glycol precipitation, sample storage at 4°C and separation by gel filtration.

Results

The presence of macroamylase in the suspected samples was confirmed by the methods described, except for the sample storage at 4°C. In this method, the enzyme activity did not decrease. The polyethylene glycol precipitation activity (% PPA) averaged 89.1% for amylase, whereas the control samples averaged 30.7%. Gel filtration chromatography confirmed an IgA macroamylase peak in three samples and an IgG macroamylase peak in two samples.

Conclusion

The presence of macroamylase should be suspected whenever the clinical history and condition of the patient do not match the measured enzyme value to avoid diagnostic errors and unnecessary invasive examinations. The presence of macrocomplexes is considered a benign process that may occur in apparently healthy individuals. Cooperation between clinicians and laboratory staff is necessary.