bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green construction practices and economic performance: The mediating role of social performance and environmental performance
Authors: Ahmed Mukhtar , Khan Noman , Ayub Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Currently, there is a surge in the adoption of green construction practices (GCP) to address and attempt to alleviate the adverse effects of construction activities on the natural environment. The current research surrounding sustainability in the industry has witnessed a notable surge in efforts, primarily driven by a growing consciousness of environmental concerns. In this context, it is worth noting that the focus of assessment schemes in developed countries has predominantly gravitated toward economic and environmental factors, with relatively less emphasis placed on social performance (SP). Many researchers have underscored this disparity, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach encompassing all three sustainability dimensions. Hence, the present research examines the effects of green construction practices on economic performance (ECP) while considering the mediating role of environmental performance (EP) and SP. The results showed no direct impact of GCP on ECP. However, the mediating role of SP and EP in the association between GCP and ECP was found to be statistically significant. The present study provides several implications. This study presents empirical evidence that implementing GCP yields several benefits for contractors, including cost reduction in waste management, legal expenses, and energy consumption. These cost savings effectively offset the initial investment required to implement GCP, enabling construction projects to attain ECP thresholds. This study provides a significant contribution to the expanding corpus of knowledge concerning green building site practices and construction management. It offers novel insights into the influence of a project's EP and SP on its economic feasibility. Furthermore, this research study has effectively showcased the positive impact of GCP on construction projects' environmental construction performance, particularly concerning environmental and social considerations. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1396–1406. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

We examined the effects of green construction practices on economic performance (ECP) while considering the mediating role of environmental performance (EP) and social performance (SP). The results showed no direct impact of green construction practices on ECP; however, a statistically significant mediating role of SP and EP was found in the relationship between green construction practices and ECP. We found that green construction practices improve the ECP of construction projects in the presence of environmental and social aspects, thus helping the contractor reduce costs associated with waste management, legal expenses, energy management, and material management.
Biochemical responses and antioxidant defense mechanisms in Channa Striatus exposed to Bisphenol S
Authors: Mohan Sini , Jacob Jubi , Malini Nair Achuthan , Prabhakar Reshma , Kayalakkakathu Roy George
Published: January 2024

Bisphenol S (BPS), a BPA analog and a safer alternative, is utilized in a diverse range of industrial applications, such as making polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, thermal receipt papers, and currency bills. Recently, the increased use of BPS in containers and packages for daily life has been interrogated due to its identical chemical structure and probable endocrine‐disrupting actions as BPA has. The present study aimed to evaluate the alterations in biochemical indices and antioxidant enzymes as certain indicators of the endocrine‐disrupting effect of BPS in Channa striatus, a freshwater fish. BPS‐exposed fish species were subjected to three sub‐lethal concentrations of BPS (1, 4, and 12 ppm) and observed after an interval of 7 and 21 days. Exposure to BPS caused a reduction in the level of protein in muscle, gonads and the liver due to an impairment of protein synthesis. Levels of cholesterol in the muscle, gonads, and liver of BPS‐exposed fish were found to be decreased after treatment, indicating either an inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver or reduced absorption of dietary cholesterol. The levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase showed remarkable increases, while the activity of glutathione S‐transferase decreased considerably, indicating the antioxidant defense mechanism to counteract the oxidative stress induced by BPS. Moreover, a significant increase was noted in the level of lipid peroxidation products, like malondialdehyde and conjugate diene, which represent biomarkers of oxidative stress. The histoarchitecture changes were also observed in the liver, muscle and gonads of BPS‐treated fish species. The present study showed that sub‐lethal exposure to BPS significantly influenced the activities of these enzymes and peroxidation byproducts. From this study, it is concluded that BPS‐caused toxic effects in fish species lead to an imbalance in the antioxidant defense system. It is clearly indicated that BPS toxicity could lead to susceptible oxidative stress in various tissues and could damage vital organs.
Diagnostic accuracy of a novel point‐of‐care test for simultaneous detection of anti‐transglutaminase IgA and anti‐deamidated gliadin IgG antibodies
Authors: Parrinello Giuseppe , Da Re Mirella , Grizzo Francesca , Camelliti Simone , Cozzi Marzia , Marinoni Francesca , Villalta Danilo
Published: January 2024

Background

Point‐of‐care tests (POCTs) may have a role in detecting undiagnosed cases of Celiac disease (CD). We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a novel POCT, compared with the conventional serological methods, for simultaneous anti‐transglutaminase (tTG) IgA and anti‐deamidated gliadin (DGP) IgG antibody detection. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of different biological matrices (whole blood and serum) on test performance.

Methods

Serum and whole blood from celiac or suspected celiac patients who underwent duodenal biopsy were assayed for the presence of anti‐tTG IgA and anti‐DGP IgG both with the reference standard methods (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Uppsala, Sweden) and with the POCT (PRIMA Lab SA, Balerna, Switzerland).

Results

266 sera (101 negative and 165 positive) and 60 whole blood samples (34 positive and 26 negative) were included in the study. POCT for anti‐DGP IgG showed a sensitivity of 84.3% and a specificity of 90.1%, with positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of 91.07% and 82.73%. POCT for anti‐tTG IgA showed a sensitivity of 98.31% and a specificity of 98.02%, with a PPV and NPV of 98.31% and 98.02%. Test accuracies were 86.94% and 98.17%, respectively. The agreement of the results between the two different matrices showed a strong correlation rate: 95% for anti‐DGP IgG and 100% for anti‐tTG IgA.

Conclusion

The anti‐tTG IgA/anti‐DGP IgG‐based POCT showed good diagnostic accuracy with comparable sensitivities and specificities to reference standard methods in detecting CD in symptomatic patients and could be considered as a mass screening test before referring to conventional serology.
Lifetime adversity predicts depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States
Authors: Ahn SangNam , Kim Seonghoon , Zhang Hongmei , Dobalian Aram , Slavich George M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Although life stress and adversity are well‐known risk factors for mental health problems and cognitive impairment among older adults, limited research has comprehensively examined the impact of both childhood and adulthood adversity on psychiatric and cognitive impairment symptoms over a prolonged period. To address this issue, we investigated how lifetime adversity exposure is related to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in a nationally representative, longitudinal sample of older adults in the United States.

Method

We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (1992–2016). The sample included 3496 individuals (59.9% female), aged ≥64 years old (Mage = 76.0 ± 7.6 years in 2016). We used the individual‐level panel data and ordinary least squares regressions to estimate associations between childhood and adulthood adversities, and later‐life depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.

Results

Many participants experienced a significant early life (38%) or adulthood (79%) stressor. Moreover, experiencing one childhood adversity (vs. none) was associated with a 17.4% increased risk of adulthood adversity. Finally, as hypothesized, childhood adversity exposure was related to experiencing more depression and anxiety symptoms in later life, whereas adulthood stressor exposure predicted more cognitive impairment as well as more depression and anxiety symptoms.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate significant associations between lifetime adversity and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in older adults. Screening for lifetime stressors may thus help healthcare professionals and policymakers identify individuals who could potentially benefit from interventions designed to reduce stress and enhance resilience.
Myocardial proteome changes in aortic stenosis rats subjected to long‐term aerobic exercise
Authors: Mota Gustavo Augusto Ferreira , de Souza Sérgio Luiz Borges , Vileigas Danielle Fernandes , da Silva Vitor Loureiro , Sant'Ana Paula Grippa , Costa Licia Carla da Silva , Padovani Carlos Roberto , Zanatti Bazan Silméia Garcia , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Santos Lucilene Delazari dos , Okoshi Marina Politi , Gatto Mariana , Cicogna Antonio Carlos
Published: January 2024

The effects of exercise training (ET) on the heart of aortic stenosis (AS) rats are controversial and the mechanisms involved in alterations induced by ET have been poorly clarified. In this study, we analyzed the myocardial proteome to identify proteins modulated by moderate‐intensity aerobic ET in rats with chronic supravalvular AS. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary control (C‐Sed), exercised control (C‐Ex), sedentary aortic stenosis (AS‐Sed), and exercised AS (AS‐Ex). ET consisted of five treadmill running sessions per week for 16 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis and Goodman tests. Results were discussed at a significance level of 5%. At the end of the experiment, AS‐Ex rats had higher functional capacity, lower blood lactate concentration, and better cardiac structural and left ventricular (LV) functional parameters than the AS‐Sed. Myocardial proteome analysis showed that AS‐Sed had higher relative protein abundance related to the glycolytic pathway, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and lower relative protein abundance related to beta‐oxidation than C‐Sed. AS‐Ex had higher abundance of one protein related to mitochondrial biogenesis and lower relative protein abundance associated with oxidative stress and inflammation than AS‐Sed. Proteomic data were validated for proteins related to lipid and glycolytic metabolism. Chronic pressure overload changes the abundance of myocardial proteins that are mainly involved in lipid and glycolytic energy metabolism in rats. Moderate‐intensity aerobic training attenuates changes in proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation and increases the COX4I1 protein, related to mitochondrial biogenesis. Protein changes are combined with improved functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and LV function in AS rats.
Regulation of spermatogonial stem cell differentiation by Sertoli cells‐derived exosomes through paracrine and autocrine signaling
Authors: Tian Hairui , Wang Xingju , Li Xiaoxiao , Song Weixiang , Mi Jiaqi , Zou Kang
Published: January 2024

In the orchestrated environment of the testicular niche, the equilibrium between self‐renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is meticulously maintained, ensuring a stable stem cell reserve and robust spermatogenesis. Within this milieu, extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, have emerged as critical conveyors of intercellular communication. Despite their recognized significance, the implications of testicular exosomes in modulating SSC fate remain incompletely characterized. Given the fundamental support and regulatory influence of Sertoli cells (SCs) on SSCs, we were compelled to explore the role of SC‐derived exosomes (SC‐EXOs) in the SSC‐testicular niche. Our investigation hinged on the hypothesis that SC‐EXOs, secreted by SCs from the testes of 5‐day‐old mice—a developmental juncture marking the onset of SSC differentiation—participate in the regulation of this process. We discovered that exposure to SC‐EXOs resulted in an upsurge of PLZF, MVH, and STRA8 expression in SSC cultures, concomitant with a diminution of ID4 and GFRA1 levels. Intriguingly, obstructing exosomal communication in a SC‐SSC coculture system with the exosome inhibitor GW4869 attenuated SSC differentiation, suggesting that SC‐EXOs may modulate this process via paracrine signaling. Further scrutiny revealed the presence of miR‐493‐5p within SC‐EXOs, which suppresses Gdnf mRNA in SCs to indirectly restrain SSC differentiation through the modulation of GDNF expression—an indication of autocrine regulation. Collectively, our findings illuminate the complex regulatory schema by which SC‐EXOs affect SSC differentiation, offering novel perspectives and laying the groundwork for future preclinical and clinical investigations.
Food‐Drug Effects and Pediatric Drug Development Studies Submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration, 2012‐2022
Authors: Tunehag Kayla R. , George Blessy , Samuels Sherbet , Vo Karen , Arya Vikram , Abulwerdi Gelareh , Burckart Gilbert J.
Published: January 2024

Food effect (FE) studies characterize food‐drug interactions that may alter the efficacy or safety of a drug, but these studies are not conducted in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients have substantial physiologic, anatomic, and dietary differences from adults, which may result in differences in their FE considerations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify oral drug products approved for use in pediatric patients aged <6 years with an FE observed in adults. Additional objectives were to summarize the therapeutic areas, pharmacokinetic effects, and labeling instructions that resulted from these studies. Publicly available data were searched for products studied in pediatric patients and approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2012 to 2022. Of the 102 oral drug products approved for use in patients aged <6 years, 43 recommended the consideration of food intake in the drug labeling. These included drug products recommended to be taken with food (n = 21, 49%) or without food (n = 14, 33%). Each of the 14 drug products recommended to be taken without food are approved for use in pediatric patients aged <2 years. The products approved for use in pediatric patients aged <2 years comprised the highest proportion with area under the plasma concentration‐time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf, n = 35, 75%) and maximum serum concentration (Cmax, n = 45, 80%) affected by food. Close monitoring is warranted during the postapproval period for products identified as having a significant FE in adults and that are approved for use in pediatric patients aged <6 years. Promising tools for predicting pediatric FE may include physiologically based pharmacokinetic absorption modeling.
Prevalence and heritability of parental‐reported speech and/or language difficulties in a Swedish population‐based twin sample
Authors: Keijser Rebecka , Åsberg Johnels Jakob , Habbe Marika , Lichtenstein Paul , Larsson Henrik , Lundström Sebastian , Taylor Mark J. , Tammimies Kristiina
Published: January 2024

Background

Research on genetic and environmental influences on speech and/or language difficulties (SaLD) is sparse, with inconsistent heritability estimates. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of parental reported SaLD and the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors for the phenotype using a Swedish population‐based twin sample. We hypothesized that there would be a stronger genetic than environmental effect on SaLD.

Methods

Data were collected from The Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden. The study sample included 16,774 twin pairs (16,946 males, 16,602 females), of which 5141 were monozygotic, 5861 dizygotic (DZ), and 5772 opposite‐sex DZ pairs. The language items in the Autism–Tics, Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and other Comorbidities inventory were used to categorize individuals as having parental‐reported SaLD. A classical twin design was used to estimate the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the liability of SaLD.

Results

The prevalence of SaLD was 7.85% (95% confidence interval (CI) [7.57%–8.15%]) and 7.27% (95% CI [6.99%–7.55%]) when excluding individuals with autism and intellectual disability (ID). We also found that SaLD were significantly more prevalent in males than females with a ratio of 2:1. The heritability was estimated to be 75% (95% CI [67%–83%]) for SaLD. Shared environment played a significant role with an estimated contribution of 22% (95% CI [14%–30%]). The heritability estimate was reduced to 70% but with overlapping CI when excluding individuals with autism and ID.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that SaLD is common in the population and under strong genetic influence. Future studies should focus on mapping the genetic architecture of SaLD and related disorders.
Acclimation of intertidally reproducing sea‐snails protects embryos from lethal effects of transient hyperthermia
Authors: Goulding Morgan Q.
Published: January 2024

Embryos of Ilyanassa obsoleta (from Massachusetts and Florida) and Phrontis vibex (from Florida) were exposed to temperatures from 33 to 37°C. In both species, very young embryos are especially sensitive to thermal stress. Brief early heat shock did not disturb spiral cleavage geometry but led to variable, typically severe defects in larval morphogenesis and tissue differentiation. In Ilyanassa but not P. vibex, early heat shock resulted in immediate slowing or arrest of interphase progression during early cleavage. This reversible arrest was correlated with improved prognosis for larval development and (in Massachusetts snails, at least) depended on parental acclimation to warm temperature (~25.5°C). Embryos from Massachusetts snails housed at lower temperature (16°C) exhibited cytokinesis failure when briefly incubated at 33°C during early cleavage, and tissue differentiation failure during incubation at 33°C begun at later stages. This preliminary study reveals a case in which stress‐conditioned parents may endow embryos with protection against potentially lethal thermal stress during the most vulnerable stages of life.
Comparison of effectiveness and cost of different HCV testing strategies in high‐risk populations in China
Authors: Chen Bing , Xu Bing , Cui Hai‐yan , Ma Zhong‐hui , Guo Wen‐hui , Pei Li‐jian , Xing Wen‐ge
Published: January 2024

High‐risk populations are the predominant populations affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and there is an urgent need for efficient and cost‐effective HCV testing strategies for high‐risk populations to identify potential undiagnosed HCV‐infected individuals. This study compared several commonly used testing strategies and conducted effectiveness and cost analysis to select the appropriate testing strategy for diagnosing HCV infection in high‐risk populations. Among the 2093 samples from high‐risk populations in this study, 1716 were HCV negative, 237 were current HCV infection, 137 were past HCV infection, and three were acute early HCV infection. It was found that out of 237 patients with HCV current infection, Strategy A could detect 225 cases, with a missed detection rate of 5.06%, and the total cost was 33 299 RMB. In addition, Strategy B could detect 237 cases of current HCV infection, and the HCV missed detection rate was 0.00%, and the total cost was 147 221 RMB. While 137 cases of past HCV infection could be distinguished by strategy C, but 14 cases with current HCV infection were missed, with an HCV‐positive missed detection rate of 5.91%, and the total cost for Strategy C was 43 059 RMB. In conclusion, in high‐risk populations, the HCV positivity rate is typically higher. If feasible, the preferred approach is to directly conduct HCV RNA testing, which effectively minimizes the risk of missing cases. However, in situations with limited resources, it is advisable to initially choose a highly sensitive method for anti‐HCV screening, followed by HCV RNA testing on reactive samples.
Supercritical and homogenous transmission of monkeypox in the capital of China
Authors: Zhang Yunjun , Zhou Xiaohua
Published: January 2024

Starting from May 31, 2023, the local transmission of monkeypox (Mpox) in mainland China began in Beijing. Till now, the transmission characteristics have not been explored. Based on the daily Mpox incidence data in the first 3 weeks of Beijing (from May 31 to June 21, 2023), we employed the instant‐individual heterogeneity transmission model to simultaneously calculate the effective reproduction number (Re) and the degree of heterogeneity (k) of the Beijing epidemic. We additionally simulated the monthly infection size in Beijing from July to November and compared with the reported data to project subsequent transmission dynamics. We estimated Re to be 1.68 (95% highest posterior density [HPD]: 1.12−2.41), and k to be 2.57 [95% HPD: 0.54−83.88], suggesting the transmission of Mpox in Beijing was supercritical and didn't have considerable transmission heterogeneity. We projected that Re fell in the range of 0.95−1.0 from July to November, highlighting more efforts needed to further reduce the Mpox transmissibility. Our findings revealed supercritical and homogeneous transmission of the Mpox epidemic in Beijing. Our results could serve as a reference for understanding and predicting the ongoing Mpox transmission in other regions of China and evaluating the effect of control measures.
Association between cytomegalovirus seropositivity and all‐cause mortality: An original cohort study
Authors: Huang Xiaoping , Meng Yaxian , Hu Xinyi , Zhang Aijie , Ji Qianqian , Liang Zhirou , Fang Fang , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: January 2024

To examine the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity and all‐cause mortality in a nationwide cohort of US adults. We obtained data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988‐1994), including 16,547 participants aged 18‐90 years old with CMV serology assessments. Mortality status was ascertained until December 2019 using the National Death Index linkage data. The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to estimate the association between CMV seropositivity and mortality. During a median follow‐up of 26.3 years, 6,930 deaths were recorded. CMV seropositivity was associated with a higher hazard of all‐cause mortality after adjusting for attained age, sex, and ethnicity (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.36, p < 0.001). The magnitude of the association attenuated slightly after adjusting further for body mass index, family income, smoking status, diabetes, and self‐reported cancer history (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.23, p = 0.04). While the association was observed for both men and women, it was only statistically significant among non‐Hispanic white people (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.26, p = 0.001) but not among other ethnic populations. CMV seropositivity might be an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality among US adults. If the findings are validated in an independent population, further research is needed to unveil the biological mechanisms driving the increased mortality with CMV seropositivity.
An observational study on the prevalence of choledochal cyst with pancreatitis: Geographical implications and management
Authors: Hegde Shalini G. , Venkatesh Prassanna , Mathew Elaine A. , Patil Mallikarjun , Kumar Prasanna
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence, risk factors and need for intervention in a sample of Indian children with choledochal cyst (CDC) complicated by pancreatitis with a special focus on chronic pancreatitis. A retrospective review of medical records of children admitted with CDC over 11 years was done and pancreatitis identified using INSPPIRE guidelines. Children were divided into two groups—one having choledochal cyst alone and the other choledochal cyst along with pancreatitis to determine associated risk factors. 40.2% of children with CDC had pancreatitis based on elevation of enzymes or radiological imaging. Age, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin, requirement of intervention was significantly higher in the group with pancreatitis. 47% of those with radiological features of pancreatitis had imaging features of chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis has not been reported previously in children with CDC and maybe peculiar to the Indian subcontinent.
Pharmacist impact on pneumococcal vaccination rates through incorporation of pharmacist‐led opportunistic inpatient vaccination intervention
Authors: Nguyen Tinh , Lam Patrick
Published: January 2024

Background

Pneumococcal disease continues to be a large source of morbidity and mortality despite the availability of effective prevention via immunisation and treatment measures.

Aim

To assess the impact of a pharmacist‐led opportunistic inpatient pneumococcal vaccination intervention on overall 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (13vPCV) rates in eligible hospitalised subacute patients, aged 70 years and above.

Method

This study was a pre‐ and post‐intervention study conducted across two study sites at Monash Health, a large metropolitan health service in Victoria, Australia. Phase 1 (pre‐intervention, August–October 2022) involved auditing the vaccine‐eligibility of patients on admission and subsequent administration during inpatient stay. Phase 2 (intervention phase, October–December 2022) implemented the pharmacist‐led opportunistic inpatient pneumococcal vaccine intervention. Following screening, identified vaccine‐eligible patients were recommended to the treating physician via verbal discussion and Microsoft Teams for consideration of vaccination administration in hospital. The proportion of eligible patients vaccinated was compared between the pre‐intervention and intervention groups. This project was exempt for ethics approval due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Monash Health Human and Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: RES‐22‐0000‐454Q). The justification for this ethics exemption was as follows: the project complies with the National Health and Medical Research Council's Ethical considerations in quality assurance and evaluation activities; auditing the percentage of vaccine‐eligible and non‐vaccinated patients did not require written consent per local requirements; and it is standard practice to obtain verbal consent, followed by documentation on electronic medical records, for inpatient vaccinations. Informed consent was obtained from participants via verbal consent after the distribution of written medical information on the 13vPCV, as well as verbal information provided by the medical team.

Results

A total of 360 patients were included in the study. Overall, 139 (77.2%) patients in the pre‐intervention and 143 (79.4%) patients in the intervention phase were eligible for vaccination (non‐vaccinated with age indication). The proportion of patients receiving inpatient 13vPCV was higher in the intervention group compared to the pre‐intervention group (43.4 vs 2.2%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results indicate that incorporating a pharmacist‐led opportunistic inpatient pneumococcal vaccination intervention can significantly increase pneumococcal vaccination in hospital.
Provision of vaccination service in a community pharmacy: impact on pharmacists' job satisfaction and well‐being
Authors: Shahin Wejdan , Jnoub Sandra , Al Khaqane Ghufran , Matti Evet , Dunkley M. Kay , Thrimawithana Thilini
Published: January 2024

Background

The expanding scope of practice for pharmacists in Australia now includes the provision of vaccination services. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the perceptions of pharmacists regarding vaccination services and the impact of providing this service on their job satisfaction and well‐being.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the job satisfaction and well‐being of pharmacists in Australia regarding the provision of vaccination services. Additionally, it aims to determine the barriers to administering vaccines by pharmacists.

Method

A mixed‐methods study was conducted among pharmacists in Australia. An anonymous survey was distributed to pharmacies via email and advertised on social media sites. Ethics approval was granted by the RMIT Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: 24747) and the study conforms to the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Informed consent was obtained for all participants via a project information sheet and voluntary completion of an anonymous survey.

Results

The study found that community pharmacists experienced moderate job satisfaction levels, with mean job satisfaction and well‐being scores of 17.6 (±6.2) and 17.0 (±6.50) respectively. A correlation was identified between job satisfaction and well‐being, indicating that lower job satisfaction corresponded to lower well‐being. Factors such as years of experience (p = 0.001), work‐related stress (p = 0.001), willingness to vaccinate (p = 0.001), workload (p = 0.001) and lack of support and reimbursement for vaccinating pharmacists influenced job satisfaction and well‐being levels.

Conclusion

The study highlights the median to minimal job satisfaction levels among pharmacists in Australia and the correlation between pharmacists' willingness to administer vaccines and their job satisfaction and well‐being. Additionally, the study underscores the need for additional support and reimbursement for vaccinating pharmacists. To enhance the pharmacy profession's role in the healthcare system, new strategies are required to support pharmacists in providing vaccination services.
Unveiling the potential of red koji polysaccharides: biosynthesis, extraction, and multifaceted biological activities
Authors: Zhang Mengyao , Chen Wei , Wang Chengtao
Published: January 2024

Red koji polysaccharides, derived from the fermentation of Monascus, have been recognized for their health‐enhancing properties. This article reviews their structural characteristics, biosynthesis pathways, and biological activities. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in fermentation and the optimization of extraction methods for scalable production. The significance of exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in their biosynthesis is also highlighted to enhance yield and efficiency. Research indicates that red koji polysaccharides possess diverse biological functions, beneficial for pharmaceutical applications due to their health benefits and minimal toxicity. The review points out the necessity for more detailed studies on key enzymes and genes in biosynthesis to improve production methods. It also identifies the current challenges in production scalability and extraction efficiency. Furthermore, while these polysaccharides show potential in pharmaceuticals, their clinical efficacy and mechanism of action in human subjects require further investigation. The review briefly explores potential structural modifications to improve their biological activities. The review concludes that red koji polysaccharides hold significant untapped potential, particularly in drug formulation. Future research should focus on overcoming current production and application challenges, including conducting clinical trials to validate their efficacy and exploring structural modifications for enhanced therapeutic benefits. This comprehensive understanding of red koji polysaccharides paves the way for their expanded application in the pharmaceutical industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Bear deterrence with scare devices, a non‐lethal tool in the use‐of‐force continuum
Authors: Sarmento Wesley M.
Published: January 2024

Wild animals eating agricultural products and coming close to people's residences are primary causes of human–wildlife conflict worldwide. When carnivores eat anthropogenic foods and cause human safety concerns, it often results in the removal of the animals and public demand for reduced wildlife populations. The use of remote methods, such as scare devices, to deter carnivores has been touted in the literature; however, efficacy evidence remains thin. I test the efficacy of a widely available motion‐activated solar alarm lamp to deter grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) from farms in Montana, USA. When scare devices were activated, there was a 46% reduction in the odds bears would access an attractant. For every additional scare device, there was an additional 44% reduction in the odds of a bear getting the food. Additionally, scare devices caused bears to be more vigilant and increase movement behavior. More bears in a group led to loss of deterrence efficacy, and there was no evidence for habituation to the aversive stimuli. This deterrence method was most effective in August and for fungicide‐treated wheat. Out of 21 farms, scare devices stopped bears from returning to 11 sites. Overall, scare devices can be a cheap and easy first step to preventing, or resolving, some grizzly bear issues in the use‐of‐force continuum, which hierarchically organizes conflict responses from non‐lethal to more severe.
Selective neural inhibition via photobiomodulation alleviates behavioral hypersensitivity associated with small sensory fiber activation
Authors: Buzza Andrew , Tapas Kalista , Zhuo Junqi , Anders Juanita J. , Lewis Stephen J. , Jenkins Michael W. , Moffitt Michael
Published: January 2024

Objective

Photobiomodulation at higher irradiances has great potential as a pain‐alleviating method that selectively inhibits small diameter nerve fibers and corresponding sensory experiences, such as nociception and heat sensation. The longevity and magnitude of these effects as a function of laser irradiation parameters at the nerve was explored.

Methods

In a rodent chronic pain model (spared nerve injury—SNI), light was applied directly at the sural nerve with four delivery schemes: two irradiance levels (7.64 and 2.55 W/cm2) for two durations each, corresponding to either 4.8 or 14.4 J total energy, and the effect on sensory hypersensitivities was evaluated.

Results

At emitter irradiances of 7.64 W/cm2 (for 240 s), 2.55 W/cm2 (for 720 s), and 7.64 W/cm2 (for 80 s) the heat hypersensitivity was relieved the day following photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment by 37 ± 8.1% (statistically significant, p < 0.001), 26% ± 6% (p = 0.072), and 28 ± 6.1% (statistically significant, p = 0.032), respectively, and all three treatments reduced the hypersensitivity over the course of the experiment (13 days) at a statistically significant level (mixed‐design analysis of variance, p < 0.05). The increases in tissue temperature (5.3 ± 1.0 and 1.3 ± 0.4°C from 33.3°C for the higher and lower power densities, respectively) at the neural target were well below those typically associated with permanent action potential disruption.

Conclusions

The data from this study support the use of direct PBM on nerves of interest to reduce sensitivities associated with small‐diameter fiber activity.
Nonlinear stability of viscous shock profiles for a hyperbolic system with Cattaneo's law in one‐dimensional half space
Authors: Bai Yinsong , Fan Lili , Zhao Huijiang
Published: January 2024

We consider the asymptotic nonlinear stability of viscous shock profiles for an initial‐boundary value problem of the scalar conservation laws with an artificial heat flux satisfying Cattaneo's law in the negative half line
with Dirichlet boundary condition. When the nonlinear flux function is assumed to be strictly convex and the unique global entropy solution of the corresponding Riemann problem of the resulting scalar conservation laws consists of shock wave with negative speed, it is shown in this paper that the large time behavior of its global smooth solutions can be precisely described by the suitably shifted viscous shock profiles, where the time‐dependent shift function is uniquely determined by both the boundary value and the initial data. We also show that the shift function converge to a constant time asymptotically. Our analysis is based on weighted
energy method.
Trendbericht Anorganik 2024: Hauptgruppen‐ und Molekülchemie
Authors: Fischer Malte , Heift Dominikus
Published: January 2024

Hauptgruppen‐ und Molekülchemie: Die leichteste Metall‐Metall‐Bindung im Bisberyllocen; ein doppeltes Highlight in der Carbenchemie: C zweifach oxidiert mit formal vier Valenzelektronen und Bor‐Flanken für extreme Lewis‐Azidität; außergewöhnliche Liganden ermöglichen, ungewöhnlich reaktive Spezies zu isolieren: ein kristallines Triplett‐Bismutiniden. Nebengruppen, Bioanorganik und Koordinationschemie: Rhodiumnitren, zweifach koordiniertes Ytterbium und lumineszierendes Chrom sowie quadratisch‐planares Cu4S.
Impfstoffkonzepte: Tot oder lebendig
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: January 2024

Neue Ansätze gegen Sars‐CoV‐2 berücksichtigen künftige Virusvarianten und besondere Patientengruppen, etwa Immunsupprimierte. Zu Entwicklungsstrategien gehören Computersimulationen sowie die Beobachtung realer Viren und ihrer Evolution im Hochsicherheitslabor.
Proteine nach Maß
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: January 2024

Wie lassen sich Proteinen gewünschte Eigenschaften verleihen? Was für Industriechemiker:innen klar ist, lernen nun Studierende der Hochschule Darmstadt in einem Wahlpflichtpraktikum.
It‘s all about chemistry: Iupac 2023 in The Hague
Authors: Schilling Monja
Published: January 2024

Several GDCh and JCF members attended the programme of the Iupac World Chemistry Congress 2023 in The Hague in August 2023.
Weltklimakonferenz: Drei Krisen gemeinsam lösen
Authors: Große Ophoff Markus
Published: January 2024

Die deutsche Chemie‐, Metall‐ und Baustoffindustrie bekannte sich in Dubai zu Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen. Nachhaltige Chemikalien, Schadstofffreiheit und Überdüngung wurden eher wissenschaftlich erörtert.
Do live-well additives influence the physiological and behavioral recovery of Largemouth Bass?
Authors: LaRochelle Luc , Haniford Laura , Burton Declan , Bieber John F. , Robichaud Jessica A. , Suski Cory D. , Danylchuk Andy J. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

There is an ongoing effort to enhance the welfare and survival of black bass Micropterus spp. released after angling tournaments. Live-well additives are substances added to live-well water that are intended to help fish recover during retention. Aside from claims made by manufacturers, little information is available on the additives' effectiveness for recovery or their potential welfare consequences. Thus, our objective was to test whether live-well additives influence fish physiology and postrelease behavior.

Methods

Two techniques were used to test the influence of live-well additives on the welfare of angled Largemouth Bass M. nigricans (LMB) held in a live well with lake water (control) or one of three additive products. Prior to fish release, pop-off biologging packages were fastened to a subset of LMB to monitor behavior (locomotor activity, depth, and water temperature use) for 5 min (n = 61) and blood samples were taken from another subset of LMB to assess their physiology (n = 47). We obtained baseline (n = 9) blood samples from LMB immediately upon capture.

Result

Regardless of treatment, postrelease locomotor activity increased with increasing time spent in the live wells. Live-well additive type alone did not have an influence on the postrelease locomotor activity. Further, LMB retained in the live wells had greater blood glucose and lactate concentrations relative to baseline LMB, suggesting that fish did not recover from angling during retention in live wells. Other than elevated plasma chloride levels of LMB held in one of the live-well additives, plasma chloride and sodium concentrations for LMB in live wells with additives and for those in the control live well did not differ, suggesting that the LMB had not recovered while retained.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the live-well additives tested did not enhance recovery or reduce confinement stress of LMB retained in live wells under the tested circumstances. Additional research on live-well additives is needed given that our findings did not align with the claims made by the manufacturers of these products. We suggest that anglers intending to retain fish in live wells should use fresh, well-oxygenated lake water.
Analyzing nonlinear dynamics of dengue epidemics: A fractional order model with alert state and optimal control strategies
Authors: Balakumar Abilasha , Muthukumar Sumathi , Chinnadurai Veeramani
Published: January 2024

Dengue fever is a viral disease that results in numerous fatalities and considerable financial burden. Although vaccines have been developed to treat it, some countries still have endemic cases of the disease. To manage the transmission of the disease in these areas, we create a new model that includes an alert compartment to analyze the dynamics of dengue using a fractional‐order approach. We conduct a qualitative analysis of the model and use the Pontryagin principle to develop and study an optimal control problem. Since there is no definitive treatment for dengue, it is essential to prioritize measures that control or prevent the transmission of the disease. We consider control measures, including prevention efforts, insecticides, educational campaigns, and treatment for humans. We can analyze their impact on the transmission dynamics through numerical simulations. We compare our model to an existing one in two ways: with alert and without alert. We analyze the memory effect and validate the results by interpreting parameters on the reproduction number. Our results indicate that individual control measures are insufficient to eliminate the disease, and a combination of all control measures with timely alerts to the population is necessary.
Calibration and uncertainty quantification for Davis Equation of State models for the High Explosive PBX 9501 products
Authors: Andrews Stephen A. , Leiding Jeffery A. , Thrussell Jasper , Ticknor Christopher
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the uncertainty in the parameters used in the calibration of an Davis Equation Of State (EOS) for the detonation products of the High Explosive PBX 9501. The procedure sought to make use of all available information about this HE to inform the best set of calibration parameters as well as the uncertainty in these parameters. The procedure made use of historical experimental data, the results from thermo‐chemical modeling as well as data on the best isentrope function fit to cylinder test experimental data. Combining all these heterogeneous data sources together in a Bayesian calibration, yielded a posterior mean and covariance. Sampling from the posterior distribution and evaluating an important Quantity Of Interest (QOI) in the EOS model, the detonation speed of a one‐inch rate stick, produced a distribution which showed variations which were in agreement with experiments. The uncertainty in the EOS was reported as eleven sets of model calibrations which spanned the range of this QOI.
Pollen provisioning attenuates pesticide side‐effects on a phytoseiid predator
Authors: Samaras Konstantinos , Pappas Maria L , Pozzebon Alberto , Broufas George D
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Biological control with predatory mites is applied against pests in greenhouse crops. Chemical control with the use of selective, reduced‐risk pesticides, is an important component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, that often needs to be combined with biological control. Here, we evaluated the effect of plant pollen when used as supplementary food on the survival, reproduction and predation of the predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) after exposing young larvae and adults to flonicamid, an insecticide of moderate toxicity to phytoseiids. Pollen is an important alternative food for generalist phytoseiids ensuring survival and supporting populations build‐up during periods of prey scarcity. Two regimes of cattail (Typha angustifolia L.) pollen differing in application frequency were used. In the first, the total amount of pollen was supplied once, within 30 min after insecticide application, whereas in the second regime, the same amount of pollen was supplied gradually, i.e., every 48 h.

RESULTS

Regardless of the frequency of application, pollen provisioning results in a reduction in prey (thrips) consumption relative to the control (no pollen provisioning). Nevertheless, when adult mites were directly exposed to flonicamid residues, pollen provisioning attenuated the reduction in prey consumption as compared to the control. In addition, the gradual (every 48 h) provisioning of pollen to adult predators exposed to flonicamid residues impacted positively the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) of A. limonicus as compared to when feeding on prey.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal an unexpected role of pollen provisioning in alleviating pesticides side‐effects on phytoseiids. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Crystallization of Amorphous N‐Doped Ge‐Rich GST Layers Deposited on a Polycrystalline GST Template
Authors: Luong Minh‐Anh , Rahier Eloïse , Ran Sijia , Claverie Alain
Published: January 2024

Herein, a detailed experimental study of the crystallization of amorphous N‐doped Ge‐rich GeSbTe layers (GGSTN) when in contact with a polycrystalline GeSbTe (GST template is reported on. By combining in situ annealing in the transmission electron microscope and ex situ chemical analysis, it is shown that, as observed in many materials, the layer in contact with the crystalline template crystallizes at a lower temperature than needed for bulk crystallization. At surprise, this characteristic is not due to the solid‐phase epitaxy of the GGSTN on the crystalline GST template but to a decrease of the Ge content in the GGSTN layer. Indeed, during annealing, Ge diffuses from the amorphous layer into the crystalline GST layer where it gets trapped and forms grains which grow, eventually leading to the formation of a pure crystalline Ge layer. As a result of this Ge depletion, the thermal budget necessary to drive the phase separation limiting the crystallization of the remaining GGSTN alloy is smaller.
Sparse Bayesian variable selection in high‐dimensional logistic regression models with correlated priors
Authors: Ma Zhuanzhuan , Han Zifei , Ghosh Souparno , Wu Liucang , Wang Min
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose a sparse Bayesian procedure with global and local (GL) shrinkage priors for the problems of variable selection and classification in high‐dimensional logistic regression models. In particular, we consider two types of GL shrinkage priors for the regression coefficients, the horseshoe (HS) prior and the normal‐gamma (NG) prior, and then specify a correlated prior for the binary vector to distinguish models with the same size. The GL priors are then combined with mixture representations of logistic distribution to construct a hierarchical Bayes model that allows efficient implementation of a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to generate samples from posterior distribution. We carry out simulations to compare the finite sample performances of the proposed Bayesian method with the existing Bayesian methods in terms of the accuracy of variable selection and prediction. Finally, two real‐data applications are provided for illustrative purposes.