bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of change‐of‐venue motions in appellate court transcripts of murder trials (2000–2020): Which factors make a difference?
Authors: Goldschmied Nadav , Ancona Anna , Yap Amanda
Published: October 2024

A court may move the location of the trial to another jurisdiction if the jury pool is deemed biased by the judge, a legal maneuver based on a “Change of Venue” motion (CoVm). We surveyed the frequency and the factors associated with granting the motion at the state level when the defendant was charged with murder. We reviewed court transcripts of appealed murder convictions during the 2000–2020 years from Nexis. We complied a sample of 832 CoVm and conducted a nested regression analysis. We repeated the procedure with a subset of 360 CoVm for which we could identify the race of the defendant and victim. Overall, the success rate of CoVm was 23.5% but varied widely between the states. The motion was more likely to be granted in jurisdictions with smaller populations and a policeman was the victim. It was also found that Black and Latino defendants were less successful than Whites in winning CoVm. The racial disparity in CoVm decisions is especially concerning given past findings that people of color suffer heightened negative local pretrial publicity. In light of the findings, we advocate for a more uniform state legislation.
Study of Hyssop Essential Oil from Southeastern Serbia
Authors: Miladinović Dragoljub L. , Dimitrijević Marija V. , Miladinović Ljiljana C. , Stamenković Jelena G. , Mihajilov‐Krstev Tatjana M.
Published: October 2024

The aim of the present study was a chemical, microbiological and statistics analysis of Hyssopus officinalis L. subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman essential oil during different stages of development from three natural populations of plant collected in southeastern Serbia. In addition, using statistical tools, we also tried to explain the effect of dominant components’ content on antimicrobial activity. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the most abundant compound class in the H. officinalis oil during examined phenological stages (27.32–92.25 %). The four most abundant essential oil components are eucalyptol, cis‐pinocamphone, β‐pinene and β‐ocimene. H. officinalis essential oils demonstrated minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum microbicidal concentrations values from 2.4 to 160 mg/mL. Maximum antimicrobial activity, in total, was recorded in November, after the flowering stage. The percentage of dominant compounds of essential oils, eucalyptol, and cis‐pinocamphone, affects essential oils’ antibacterial activity. The essential oil with most closely matched research criteria was extracted from a plant in Kravlje village.
A Novel Lactam and Two Rare Mycophenolic Acid Derivatives from the Fungus Penicillium Sclerotiorum JBHL321
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhou Xue‐Ming , Du Jin‐feng , Xu Xue‐Feng , Song Xin‐Ming
Published: October 2024

A novel lactam penicillactam (1), two rare mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives penimycophens A and B (2 and 3), together with two known biogenetically related MPA derivatives (4 and 5) and a known alkaloid (6) were isolated from the Penicillium sclerotiorum JBHL321. The structures of these compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 1 represent the rare example of a oxygen bridge‐linked lactam from natural products. Structurally, compounds 2 and 3 were rare MPA derivatives featuring a methoxy group at C‐3. The inhibitory activity of compounds 1–6 against two phytopathogenic fungi, three phytopathogenic bacteria and four cancer cell lines were evaluated. Compounds 2–5 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against HeLa, MCF‐7, A549 and MGC‐803 cells with IC50 values in the low micromolar to nanomolar. Compound 3 exhibited especially cytotoxic activity against four different cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.06–0.14 μM, compared to IC50 values ranging from 0.62–2.51 μM for epirubicin.
Synthesis and Antimycobacterial Evaluation of Novel Pyrazole‐Isoxazolines and Pyrazole‐Isoxazoles
Authors: Moraes Paulo A. , Dill Fussinger Thaise , Fontana Tuyla , Pereira Genilson S. , Marangoni Mário A. , Camargo Adriano F. , Bonacorso Helio G. , Martins Marcos A. P. , Machado Alencar K. , de Campos Marli M. A. , Zanatta Nilo
Published: October 2024

This study reports the synthesis of a new series of pyrazole‐isoxazolines, at very good yields, from the cyclocondensation reaction of pyrazole‐enaminones with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Dehydration of the pyrazole‐isoxazolines furnished another new series of the respective pyrazole‐isoxazoles, at excellent yields. Both series of the obtained compounds were screened for antimycobacterial activity, and compounds 4 f and 5 c showed significant inhibition of bacterial growth with a time‐ and concentration‐dependent bactericidal effect. Cytotoxicity tests in VERO cell line did not indicate toxicity of compounds 4 f and 5 c regarding cellular prediction, NO production or dsDNA release. However, both compounds were associated with an increase in total ROS levels, providing induction of oxidative stress, but without compromising cellular targets. These results highlight compounds 4 f and 5 c as promising candidates for antimycobacterial treatment with a favorable safety profile.
Industrial Process Fault Detection Based on IGA‐Combinatorial Model Decision Mechanism
Authors: Wei Shujuan , Qi Yongsheng , Liu Liqiang , Li Yongting , Gao Xuejin
Published: October 2024

To address the challenges of extracting features from complex industrial process data, the reliance of numerous fault detection methodologies on presupposed data distribution types, and the limited generalization capacity of fault detection, this manuscript introduces a sophisticated algorithm for industrial process fault detection. This algorithm harnesses the information gain adaptive (IGA) technique for feature selection and a synergistic model decision mechanism. Initially, the process involves the computation of information gain via decision trees, coupled with the determination of the
value through cross‐validation. This strategy enables the adaptive selection of features, thereby facilitating data dimensionality reduction and effective feature extraction. The subsequent phase introduces a ternary statistical measure monitoring group for the detection of linear faults, while autoencoders and one‐class SVM methodologies are applied for the monitoring of nonlinear faults. The culmination of this approach is the development of an innovative weighted decision mechanism, designed to amalgamate the findings from both linear and nonlinear detection avenues, yielding more dependable detection results. The validation of this algorithm employs datasets from the water chillers process and Tennessee Eastman (TE) process, demonstrating the IGA‐combined model's superior performance over isolated linear or nonlinear detection algorithms in terms of detection accuracy and robustness. Notably, the efficacy of this method is not contingent upon specific assumptions regarding data distribution, rendering it a versatile and efficacious tool for the fault detection in industrial processes.
D‐π‐A Type [7]Helicene‐like Imide Derivatives with Tunable Photophysical Properties and Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Li Linkuo , Xu Kunhan , Qi Ting
Published: October 2024

Helicenes and their derivatives show great application prospects as circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials, but their fluorescence quantum yields (ΦFLs) need a breakthrough urgently. Herein, we reported a series of D‐π‐A type helical luminescent emitters by combining the [7]helicene‐like imide acceptor with five different donors. The obtained five emitters display blue‐to‐orange luminescence and markedly enhanced ΦFL. Notably, TPA‐NiBTI exhibits the maximum ΦFL in solution, while TPE‐NiBTI achieves a maximum ΦFL in the solid state. Their two pairs of enantiomers, (P/M)‐TPA‐NiBTI and (P/M)‐TPE‐NiBTI, exhibit remarkable CPL activities, and their doped PS film both displayed doubled ΦFLs. Among them, [(P/M)‐TPE‐NiBTI]‐doped PS film exhibits the maximum luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) value of 9.0×10−4 and the maximum ΦFL of 22 %. This molecular design strategy presents a promising approach to improving the ΦFL of helicene derivatives, thereby facilitating their potential application into chiral optoelectronic devices.
Facile Access to Terminal Nitroalkanes via Anti‐Markovnikov Hydronitration and Hydronitroalkylation of Alkenes Using Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Patra Subrata , Katayev Dmitry
Published: October 2024

The evolution of catalysis and functional group transfer reagents play a significant role in the development of anti‐Markovnikov alkene hydrofunctionalization reactions, facilitating the access to value‐added molecules. We herein report the first rational design of a modular intermolecular anti‐Markovnikov hydronitration of alkenes, enabling the direct synthesis of terminal nitroalkanes under visible light‐mediated photoredox catalysis. By employing the redox‐active organic nitrating reagent N‐nitrosuccinimide, the produced nitryl radicals, in the presence of an olefin and a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mediator, lead to an anti‐Markovnikov addition with complete regioselectivity. Furthermore, we present results demonstrating the use of this catalytic system for chain expansion via anti‐Markovnikov addition, utilizing substituted bromonitroalkanes as commercially available reagents. These transformations effectively address a gap in synthetic chemistry, enabling the direct synthesis of nitroalkanes from a variety of unactivated olefins in both complex molecules and unfunctionalized commodity chemicals.
N6‐methyladenosine‐mediated upregulation of LNCAROD confers radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through stabilizing PARP1
Authors: Shi Xiaobo , Zhang Xiaozhi , Huang Xinran , Zhang Ruijuan , Pan Shupei , Huang Shan , Wang Yuchen , Ke Yue , Guo Wei , Liu Xiaoxiao , Hao Yu , Li You , Zhao Xu , Sun Yuchen , Li Jing , Ma Hongbing , Zhao Xixi
Published: October 2024

Background

Radiotherapy is a primary therapeutic modality for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but its effectiveness is still restricted due to the resistance of cancer cells to radiation. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) have been shown to play significant roles in tumour radioresistance. However, the precise manifestation and role of m6A‐modified lncRNAs in ESCC radioresistance remain unclear.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify m6A‐modified lncRNAs implicated in the radioresistance of ESCC. A series of functional experiments were performed to investigate the function of LNCAROD in ESCC. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin isolation by RNA purification‐mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, and co‐immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to explore the mechanism of m6A‐mediated upregulation of LNCAROD expression and the downstream mechanism enhancing the radioresistance of ESCC. The efficacy of LNCAROD in vivo was assessed using murine xenograft models.

Results

Herein, we identified LNCAROD as a novel METTL3‐mediated lncRNA that enhanced radioresistance in ESCC cells and was post‐transcriptionally stabilised by YTHDC1. Moreover, we confirmed that LNCAROD prevented ubiquitin‐proteasome degradation of PARP1 protein by facilitating PARP1‐NPM1 interaction, thereby contributing to homologous recombination‐mediated DNA double‐strand breaks repair and enhancing the radiation resistance of ESCC cells. Silencing LNCAROD in a nude mouse model of ESCC in vivo resulted in slower tumour growth and increased radiosensitivity.

Conclusion

Our findings enhance the understanding of m6A‐modified lncRNA‐driven machinery in ESCC radioresistance and underscore the significance of LNCAROD in this context, thereby contributing to the development of a potential therapeutic target for ESCC patients.
High Performance of the Metal Organic Framework CPO‐27 for Toxic Gas Capture (NO2)
Authors: Beihsner Jannes , Hausdorf Steffen , Friedrich Jens , Kaskel Stefan
Published: October 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks of the CPO‐27 (MOF‐74) series are known for their high adsorption capacities for nitrogen oxides. On the other hand, significantly varying and partly contradictory results were reported regarding their stability to moisture. This aspect has hampered the use of these MOFs in air filtration applications. Here, we show that the stability of CPO‐27 materials towards moisture and CO2 crucially depends on the synthesis parameters. By precisely adjusting the synthetic parameter‐property relationship, it is possible to prepare a highly stable CPO‐27(Ni) MOF by a simple precipitation in water. To demonstrate the capacity for NO2, breakthrough experiments were performed under dry and wet conditions (55% relative humidity). Extremely high values of nearly 0.74 g/g in dry conditions and 1.23 g/g under wet conditions were achieved. These results pave the way for the toxicologically safe and cost‐effective preparation of a moisture‐stable CPO‐27(Ni), bridging the gap to a potential industrial application of the material for the selective adsorption of toxic gases, such as NO2.
Nature of Cation‐π Interaction in Mono‐ and Inverted Sandwich Ga(I) Complexes. Insights Into the Ga(I)‐π Features and NMR Patterns from GaCp, GaCp*, [Ga2Cp]+, and [Ga2Cp*]+
Authors: Guajardo‐Maturana Raul , Rodríguez‐Kessler Peter L. , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro
Published: October 2024

Cation‐π interactions involve different metallic cations, where the bonding characteristics depend on the involved species. Here, we unravel the interaction nature features for Ga(I)‐π interactions, where different contributing terms ensure an efficient coordination of one and two Ga(I)‐atoms towards a common aromatic ring. Our results show a more balanced contribution of about ~70 % from electrostatic character and of ~30 % from orbital interaction for the prototypical GaCp, GaCp*, [Ga2Cp]+ and [Ga2Cp*]+ species. Such description strongly contrasts with the highly electrostatic character in alkali and alkaline‐earth metals counterparts. The variation from mono to inverted sandwich complexes leads to a decrease in the interaction energy from −180.9 to −148.1 kcal/mol for Cp based species, and from −184.4 to −155.5 kcal/mol in Cp* counterparts, owing to a decrease in both electrostatic and orbital stabilizing contributions. Thus, the aromatic rings exhibit coordination versatility towards one or two Ga(I) cations, retaining a sizable stabilization of the Ga(I)‐π interaction. Thus, cation‐π interactions are able to exhibit different types according to the involved metal cation, which relies on a more electrostatic/orbital balanced interaction, which serves to evaluate further mono and inverted sandwich complexes sharing a common aromatic ring.
One step beyond for CNSL‐based plasticizers for PVC: Use of cardol
Authors: Gartili Adélaïde , Caillol Sylvain , Briou Benoît , Lapinte Vincent
Published: October 2024

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a widely employed plastic across diverse industries and is often associated with plasticizers, additives that decrease the inherent rigidity and brittleness of the material. Conventional phthalate‐based plasticizers raise substantial toxicity concerns, encouraging the exploration of bio‐based alternatives. One such alternative is the inedible oil, cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), mainly composed of cardanol and cardol. Recent efforts have focused on developing a cardanol‐based PVC plasticizers but the isolation of cardanol involves time‐consuming, energy‐intensive, and costly steps, limiting its market competitiveness. This study aims to assess for the first time, the efficiency of cardol esters, synthesized using acetic acid and different fatty acids (octanoic acid and myristic acid), in order to evaluate the influence of the alkyl chain on plasticizer properties. The chemical structures of these plasticizers were fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties and thermal behavior of PVC films plasticized with these additives were investigated. Finally, the endocrine activity was evaluated for cardol and cardanol acetates.
‘Side‐hustling’ in commercial agriculture among young university graduates in Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Thomas , Boafo James
Published: October 2024

Youth unemployment and under‐employment in Ghana represent a major concern for policymakers and young people themselves. While the agriculture sector has been touted as having the potential to offer employment to the teaming youth, there is little research focusing on the steps and pathways with which young university graduates navigate to engage in commercial cashew production to build their livelihood. Drawing on qualitative research conducted with young university graduates in Nkoranza, a community in the Bono East Region of Ghana, we explore the steps and pathways with which they navigate engagement in commercial cashew production for the export market. A key finding of the study is that young university graduates engage in cashew production as a ‘side‐hustle’ to supplement their income from their primary occupations, with some important gender and generational dimensions. We also found that young university graduates rely on social relations and existing land market to access the needed resources including land, credit and labour to engage in cashew production. The findings also indicate that young university graduates view cashew farms as long‐term investments and have no plans to return to the city in future. Based on these findings, we argue that youth employment is not about a single job and that social relations continue to be a key resource in youth livelihood building. We further argue that despite the popular and existing policy narratives that young people are not interested in agriculture and/or rural areas, and that migration from rural to urban areas is the de facto option, investment and engagement in commercial agriculture as a side‐hustle in addition to family concerns, rising cost of living in the cities and children's education motivate young university graduates to remain in the rural economy.
Bidirectional Relationship Between Long Sleep Duration and Cardiac Autonomic Control in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: The Yilan Study, Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ruei‐An , Liao Chia‐Ling , Pan Po‐Jung , Hsu Nai‐Wei , Chen Hsi‐Chung
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Long sleep duration predicts adverse health outcomes in older adults. Impaired cardiac autonomic control (CAC) is a potential pathomechanism that links this relationship; however, the causal relationship between long sleep duration and CAC remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the temporal relationship between long sleep duration and poor CAC.

Methods

This is a community‐based, fixed‐cohort, follow‐up study that recruited community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Self‐reported sleep duration was categorized as short (≤ 5 h), mid‐range (6–7 h), and long (≥ 8 h). Participants with short or long sleep duration were defined as cases. CAC was measured using heart rate variability (HRV), and cases were classified using cutoffs defined by the lowest quintiles of four HRV parameters. Non‐case participants for sleep duration or CAC at baseline were followed. Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine baseline variables that predicted incident CAC decline and changes in sleep duration, respectively.

Results

A total of 772 individuals were recruited, with a mean follow‐up period of 5.8 ± 1.7 years. In multivariable analyses, long sleep duration at baseline predicted a higher risk of cardiac vagal control decline in the follow‐up visit (odds ratio: 1.86, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–3.44). Conversely, all HRV parameters at baseline failed to predict changes in sleep duration at the follow‐up visit.

Conclusions

Long sleep duration seems to precede the decline in CAC in community‐dwelling older adults.
Reporting ethical approval in case reports and case series in 12 consecutive years: A systematic review
Authors: Tran Linh , Thanh Huan Vuong , Tai Luu Lam Thang , Safi Adnan , Ahmed Moustafa ElBadry , Algazar Mohamed Osman , Karimzadeh Sedighe , Khang Nguyen Vinh , Hai Nam Nguyen , Qureshi Zaheer Ahmad , Vuong Nguyen Lam , Huu Nhat Minh Le , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: October 2024

Our study describes the reported rate of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, declaration of Helsinki (DoH), and informed consent in the case reports and case series and investigates factors associated with the ethical approval report. We searched PubMed for case reports and case series from 2006 to 2017. Annually, we obtained the first 20 articles of a case report cluster from 20 distinct publications. This analysis initially contained at least 2400 papers, with 100 papers each study design and year. Only 26 (5.4%) of 480 included studies reported IRB approval, DoH approval, and participant informed consent; 58 (12.1%) reported two out of three ethical statements (DoH, informed consent, IRB); and 151 (31.5%) reported only one, leading to nearly 245 studies (51.0%) did not report any ethical approval item. Both clusters mentioned the DoH the least. Only years, ages, ethical item types, and cluster types were associated with ethical reporting practices. This study found the serious under‐reporting of ethical practices in both case reports and case series.
Scope of practice and opioid prescribing behavior of nurse practitioners serving Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Shakya Shishir , Plemmons Alicia
Published: October 2024

Policymakers aiming to increase access to health care while simultaneously keeping costs low and quality high are considering expanding the practice authority and prescriptive authority of nurse practitioners in order to address primary care shortages. While we know this increases access, some researchers argue that the expansion of job autonomy of nurse practitioners can compromise the quality and safety of rendered medical services. This paper investigates quality and safety outcomes in prescribing behaviors of nurse practitioners who have prescribed opioids for Medicare Part D beneficiaries using a unique source of policy variation, nurse practitioners with the ability to prescribe medication who move to either states with or without physician supervision. We find that scope of practice expansions do not compromise quality and safety in terms of potential abuse or misuse of prescriptive authority.
Intraoperative Real‐Time Image‐Guided Fibular Harvest and Mandibular Reconstruction: A Feasibility Study on Cadaveric Specimens
Authors: Grzybowski Georgia , Stewart Molly Murray , Milner Thomas D. , Dinur Anat Bahat , McGee Orla M. , Pakdel Amir , Tran Khanh Linh , Fels Sidney S. , Hodgson Antony J. , Prisman Eitan
Published: October 2024

Background

This study assesses the feasibility of real‐time surgical navigation to plan and guide sequential steps during mandible reconstruction on a series of cadaveric specimens.

Methods

An image‐guided surgical (IGS) system was designed including customized mandible and fibula fixation devices with navigation reference frames and an accompanied image‐guided software. The mandibular and fibular segmental osteotomies were performed using the IGS in all five cadaveric patients. Procedural time and cephalometric measurements were recorded.

Results

Five real‐time IGS mandibulectomy and fibular reconstruction were successfully performed. The mean Dice score and Hausdorff‐95 distance between the planned and actual mandible reconstructions was 0.8 ± 0.08 and 7.29 ± 4.81 mm, respectively. Intercoronoid width, interangle width, and mandible projection differences were 1.15 ± 1.17 mm, 0.9 ± 0.56 mm, and 1.47 ± 1.62 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

This study presents the first demonstration of a comprehensive image‐guided workflow for mandibulectomy and fibular flap reconstruction on cadaveric specimens and resulted in adequate cephalometric accuracy.
Acceptability of innovative department community‐based health insurance in central Mali: A mixed methods study
Authors: Boivin Pauline , Ravalihasy Andrainolo , Diarra Dansiné , Sissoko Fodé , Diabaté Seydou , Diarra Yacouba , Touré Laurence , Ridde Valéry
Published: October 2024

As the Universal Health Insurance Plan (RAMU) is gradually being implemented in Mali, community‐based health insurance (CBHI) —considered one of the pillars of this programme— must innovate to meet the challenge of universal health coverage. An experimental CBHI was tested in central Mali between 2017 and 2021. This innovative CBHI professionalizes and organizes risk sharing on a larger scale than before, moving from municipalities to circles (departments). A mixed‐method study was carried out in the Mopti region to assess the acceptability of this innovation among CBHI elected representatives. In April 2021, 118 questionnaires were administered to CBHI elected representatives, followed by 43 qualitative interviews from the same sample in October 2021. Sekhon et al. (2017) developed an approach outlining seven dimensions of acceptability (attitude, burden, values, coherence, opportunity costs, perceived efficiency, and personal effectiveness), which was used as a conceptual model for data analysis. The results obtained by factor analysis indicate that more than half of individuals (58%) reported above‐average acceptability. Elected representatives feel well supported in their activities by the Technical Union of Malian Mutuality (TUM), the umbrella organisation of CBHI. They show some confidence in their ability to perform their duties effectively despite varying levels of commitment that often fall short of expectations and needs, which they justify by their volunteer status. Elected representatives note that the system is very effective despite the nonoptimal conditions linked to the prevailing insecurity. The new CBHI is highly advantageous for the population in terms of content, financial, and geographical access. Professionalisation is an unavoidable condition for the performance of the innovation, as well as the new community assembly. However, elected representatives are concerned about the sustainability of this CBHI and rely on the State and its partners to assume responsibility. The TUM will play an essential role in continuing its support and fulfiling its functions as a delegated management organisation within the framework of the RAMU.
Retail company voluntary arrangements: A dubious remedy?
Authors: Wiejak‐Roy Grazyna Aleksandra , Lamond Jessica
Published: October 2024

Despite much debate on Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVA) among UK retailers, understanding of retail CVAs remains limited. There is continuing uncertainty about the uptake of CVAs, what aspects lead to successful outcomes and whether CVAs can be viewed as a remedy for struggling UK retailers. To address these questions, we developed and analysed a novel and detailed dataset of Companies House records for the population of retailers' CVAs between mid‐2012 and early 2021. We find that CVAs, despite detrimental impacts on other actors (landlords and suppliers), can be a useful tool for some retailers in adjusting to the new market conditions. The uptake of CVAs among retailers is stable, though not among large retailers. Retail CVAs help to avoid immediate business failure, but we found limited evidence of the success and efficient longer term outcome of the procedure, suggesting that alternative methods could be considered. The success and efficiency of CVA do not seem to depend on the size of the business, but there are variations in both the uptake and efficiency of CVAs across retail sub‐sectors. This suggests that a range of mechanisms are required to cater to the different needs across retail categories. Despite the market challenges, CVAs are not prolonged on average. However, longer duration CVAs seem to have a lower chance of succeeding and of being efficient implying that CVA cannot remedy fundamental business issues. Finally, we observed differences related to who oversees the procedure, suggesting that greater emphasis should be put on upskilling and selection of insolvency practitioners.
Tensions between sanctions and insolvency law: Searching for a model solution with a focus on the European Union and Poland
Authors: Paulus Christoph , Hrycaj Anna , Filipiak Patryk , Sierakowski Bartosz
Published: October 2024

This article explores the conflict between insolvency law and sanctions law, particularly in the context of European responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Historically, conflicts between legal systems have shaped laws, and modern insolvency law continues this struggle by determining creditor priorities in cases where debtors cannot fully satisfy them. The article highlights how recent sanctions, which freeze assets to restrict the economic activities of sanctioned individuals and entities, complicate insolvency proceedings. The European Union, along with Poland, has imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, including bans on transactions, asset freezes, and trade restrictions. These sanctions, while aimed at political objectives, often push businesses into insolvency by preventing access to resources. Case studies such as GoSport in Poland, Amsterdam Trade Bank in the Netherlands, and Fortenova in Croatia demonstrate the complexities that arise when businesses linked to sanctioned entities become insolvent. Key issues include the legal treatment of frozen assets, creditor satisfaction, and the potential for sanctioned entities to benefit from bankruptcy proceedings. Poland has revised its sanctions law, introducing provisions for the appointment of independent managers to oversee sanctioned companies, ensuring continued operations without benefiting sanctioned owners. However, uncertainty remains over the management and distribution of frozen assets, with no clear framework in place. The article concludes that insolvency and sanctions law, though often in conflict, must be applied flexibly to address individual cases. A balanced approach is needed to protect creditors while adhering to the political and legal objectives of sanctions.
Strategic facet engineering of bismuth‐based photocatalysts for the applications in solar‐to‐chemical conversion
Authors: Foo Joel Jie , Chiah Zi‐Jing , Ng Sue‐Faye , Ong Wee‐Jun
Published: October 2024

Semiconductor photocatalysis is a promising tactic to simultaneously overcome global warming and the energy crisis as it can directly convert inexhaustible solar energy into clean fuels and valuable chemicals, hence being employed in various energy applications. However, the current performance of photocatalysis is largely impeded by the fast recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and insufficient light absorption. Among various materials, bismuth‐based photocatalysts have stood out as excellent candidates for efficient photocatalysis due to their unique controllable crystal structures and relatively narrow band gap. These features endow the selective exposure of active facets (facet engineering) and wide light absorption range, resulting in tunable photocatalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. Therefore, it is of great potential to use facet‐engineered bismuth‐based photocatalysts for efficient energy applications (e.g., water splitting, CO2 reduction, N2 fixation, and H2O2 production) to achieve sustainable development. Herein, the introduction provides the overview of this research, while the synthesis, modification strategy, and the latest progress of facet‐engineered bismuth‐based photocatalysts in energy application were summarized and highlighted in this review paper. Lastly, the conclusion and outlooks of this topic were concluded to give some insights into the direction and focus of future research.
Toxic Effects of 4‐Bromodiphenyl Ether (BDE‐3) on Antioxidant Enzymes, Cell Viability, Histology and Biomolecules in Zebrafish Embryo‐Larvae
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Chadha Pooja
Published: October 2024

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants that are being used widely in industrial and consumers products such as plastics, electronics, furniture, textiles and so forth. They can undergo debromination process to form less brominated diphenyl ethers, which are bioaccumulative, more volatile and more toxic in nature. The current study was conducted to reveal the biochemical, apoptotic, histopathological, ultrastructural and biomolecular (ATR‐FTIR) toxicity of 4‐bromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐3) in zebrafish larvae. After the 96‐h LC50 determination, the zebrafish embryos were exposed to sublethal concentrations of BDE‐3, that is, 0.79 and 1.59 mg/L. The MDA content was found to be significantly increased in BDE‐3 exposed larvae whereas the FRAP activity was found to be decreased. The catalase (CAT), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were observed to be significantly increased, and a decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reported after the BDE‐3 exposure in zebrafish larvae. The cell viability was reported to be decreased in zebrafish larvae after BDE‐3 exposure. Histopathological and ultrastructural alterations were also observed in the BDE‐3 exposed zebrafish larvae. The changes in the biomolecules such as DNA and protein were also revealed via ATR‐FTIR analysis. The present investigation will help to understand the toxic nature of less brominated diphenyl ethers and could be utilised to assess environmental risk.
Solvent screening for the purification of monoterpenoids by countercurrent and centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Vilas‐Boas Sérgio M , Coutinho João AP , Pinho Simão P , Ferreira Olga
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Countercurrent chromatography (CCC) and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) are efficient techniques to purify terpenoids from essential oils. These methods require suitable solvent systems for the partition between the two immiscible liquid phases. In this study, using the analytical shake‐flask method, we measured the partition coefficients of three model monoterpenoids, namely carvone, eucalyptol and thymol, in 11 biphasic solvent systems, at 298.2 K. Moreover, the predictive COSMO‐RS model was applied to represent the partition coefficients of data measured in this work and retrieved from the literature, the liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data of three solvent families suitable for CCC/CPC separations (i.e., Arizona, Modified Arizona and Green Arizona) and the solute's partition coefficients in the three solvent families.

RESULTS

The partition coefficients obtained for thymol and eucalyptol are the first partition data available in the literature. The obtained root mean square deviations (RMSDs) between the experimental and predicted partition coefficients (log basis) varied between 0.28 and 0.49. For LLE, RMSDs of 0.040 and 0.048 were achieved for the Arizona and Green Arizona families, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The predictive COSMO‐RS model describes the monoterpenoid partition coefficients and the LLE data of the solvent families well. The most favorable solvent systems to perform the separations were identified, showing that systems with low and intermediate‐to‐low polarities are the most promising options for separating the selected monoterpenoids from their natural matrices by CCC/CPC techniques. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Neonatal birthweight prediction using two‐ and three‐dimensional estimated fetal weight among borderline small fetuses
Authors: LeMoine Felicia V. , Hill Hannah , Imbroane Marisa R. , Gautam Aishwarya A. , Van Dorn Chloe H. , Ranzini Angela C.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aimed (1) to determine the degree of correlation between 2D and 3D estimated fetal weight (EFW) and neonatal birth weight (BW) among borderline small fetuses and (2) to compare the accuracy and precision of 2D and 3D EFW in BW prediction.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study evaluated fetuses who had an ultrasound performed between January 2017 and September 2021 at a tertiary maternal center. All singleton pregnancies with 3D EFW within 4 weeks of delivery were included. Fetuses with known structural or genetic abnormalities were excluded. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined for both 2D and 3D EFW to BW then compared using Williams' test and Fisher r to z transformation, where applicable. Mean percent difference and standard deviation were used to assess the accuracy and precision, respectively, of 2D and 3D EFWs in BW prediction.

Results

Two hundred forty‐eight pregnancies were included. Ultrasound studies were performed with a median interval of 2 weeks (IQR 1, 3) between ultrasound and delivery. Both 2D and 3D estimated fetal weights showed a significant correlation with birth weight (r = 0.74 and r = 0.73, respectively), indicating similar accuracy between the two techniques.

Conclusion

Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional EFWs performed similarly in the prediction of BW in borderline small fetuses.
Evaluating the potential effects of apigenin on memory, anxiety, and social interaction amelioration after social isolation stress
Authors: Mohammadkhanizadeh Ali , Hosseini Yasaman , Nikbakht Farnaz , Parvizi Mohammadreza , Khodabandehloo Fatemeh
Published: October 2024

Vigorous research confirmed the anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidementia effects of apigenin (Api). The present study evaluated the beneficial impacts of Api administration on behaviour, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Interleukin 6 (IL‐6), oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by social isolation (SI) stress in rats. For this purpose, rats underwent a 28‐day SI period followed by a 4‐week oral Api treatment (50 mg/kg/day, PO). On Day 56, behaviour tests were performed, including an elevated plus maze (EPM), Morris water maze (MWM), and three‐chamber social tests. The oxidative stress markers, IL‐6, and BDNF levels were measured in the hippocampus. Our results showed that SI stress caused an increase in anxiety and a decrease in spatial memory, sociability, and social preference index. In addition, SI stress increased hippocampal levels of IL‐6 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, whereas it reduced the hippocampal BDNF level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Our study indicated that Api attenuates anxiety and causes improvements in spatial memory and social interaction. These desirable effects of Api might be related to amelioration in the BDNF level, IL‐6, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the hippocampus.
Biogenic synthesis of AgNPs via polyherbal formulation: Mechanistic neutralization and toxicological impact on acetylcholinesterase from Bungarus sindanus venom
Authors: Afshin Noshaba , Mushtaq Nadia , Ahmed Mushtaq , Sher Naila , Alhag Sadeq K. , Khalil Fatma Mohamed Ameen , Al‐Shuraym Laila A. , Hameed Hajra , Badshah Farhad , Hussain Riaz
Published: October 2024

This study aims to examine the biogenic production, characterization, and anti‐acetylcholinesterase (AAChE) properties of polyherbal formulation PHF‐extract‐synthesized silver nanoparticles (PHF‐AgNPs). The Elapidae snake Bungarus sindanus has extremely dangerous venom for humans and contains a high amount of AChE (acetylcholinesterase). Inhibiting AChE leads to acetylcholine buildup, affecting neurotransmission. The study tested silver nanoparticles as AChE inhibitors using kinetics. Their production was confirmed through ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry at 425 nm (SPR peak of 1.94), and stabilizing functional groups were identified via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The average length of 20 nm was confirmed by analyzing the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) identified silver as the primary component of PHF‐AgNPs (26%). Statistical analysis showed that the activity of AChE in krait venom decreased by up to 45% and 37% at a given dose of ACh (0.5 mM) by PHF and AgNPs, respectively. Utilizing the Lineweaver‐Burk plot for kinetic analysis, a competitive type of inhibition is found.

Research Highlights

Successfully synthesized PHF‐extract‐induced silver nanoparticles (PHF‐AgNPs) demonstrated through UV spectrometry and characterized as crystalline with an average size of 45 nm by X‐ray diffraction.

PHF‐AgNPs effectively inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme critical in neurotransmission, reducing its activity in krait venom by up to 45% at certain concentrations.

Kinetic analysis revealed that the inhibition mechanism of AChE by PHF‐AgNPs is competitive, offering potential for therapeutic applications in neurologically related conditions.
1,5‐Diazocine‐Based Diaryl Ketones: Design, Synthesis, and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Sebastian Anjitha , Darshan Vibhu , Nharangatt Bijoy , Maka Vijay Kumar , Linet Amrutham , Achankunju Simi , Nagaoka Masaki , Yagi Shigeyuki , Unni K. N. Narayanan , Neogi Ishita
Published: October 2024

Three novel heterocyclic host based on diaryl ketone‐tethered 1,5‐diazocines were designed and synthesized for applications in phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs). The hosts were derived by anchoring the naphthyl ketone (TBN), anthryl ketone (TBA), and phenanthryl ketone (TBP) to the 1,5‐diazocine core. The materials were successfully characterized using spectroscopic techniques. TBN and TBP exhibited low external quantum efficiency of 1.5% and 1.9% when explored as hosts in PhOLED devices. Among the series, TBP exhibited the highest luminance of 4160 cd/m2, maximum luminance efficiency of 6.3 cd/A, and power efficiency of 3.21 lm/w, when doped with Ir(ppy)3 in PhOLED. Nevertheless to our surprise, TBA manifested the lowest device performance than other TBs as a host due to low carrier mobility caused by a highly twisted structure as deciphered from the comparative analysis of single‐crystal structure that could impede carrier transport crucial for efficient electroluminescence. The outcomes of electroluminescence were validated and explained with analysis of single‐crystal structure, and also with the aid of density functional theory.
Short bowel syndrome related intestinal failure outcomes in Latin America: Insights from the RESTORE Registry
Authors: Rumbo Carolina , Solar Hector , Ortega Mariana , Busoni Verónica , de Barrio Silvia , Martinuzzi Andrés , Martínez María Ines , Plata Clara , Donnadio Luciana , Aurora Serralde‐Zuñiga , Saure Carola , Perez Claudia , Tanzi María Noel , Consuelo Alejandra , Becerra Andrés , Manzur Alejandra , Moya Diego Arenas , Rudi Lorena , Moreira Eduardo , Buncuga Martín , Hodgson María Isabel , Clariá Rodrigo Sánchez , Fernandez Adriana , Gondolesi Gabriel
Published: October 2024

Background

Short bowel syndrome is considered a low prevalence disease. The scant information available about intestinal failure in Latin America was the driving force to expand this registry.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter observational registry was created for patients with chronic intestinal failure short bowel at specialized centers in Latin America. Demographics, clinical characteristics, nutrition assessment, parenteral nutrition management, intestinal rehabilitation, related complications, clinical outcome, and survival were analyzed.

Results

From May 2020 to July 2023, 167 patients (115 adults, 52 children) from 20 centers were enrolled. For the adults, the mean age was 37.2 ± 18 years, 48% were female, and the mean follow‐up was 22.6 ± 18.3 months. The main etiology was surgical resections (postsurgical complications: 37%; ischemia: 25%); the mean intestinal length was 73 ± 55 cm. The complications were as follows: infections: 0.4/1000 catheter‐days; thrombosis: 0.24/1000 catheter‐days; liver disease: 2.6%. The outcomes were as follows: 28% were rehabilitated, 15% died, 9.6% were lost to follow‐up, 0.9% underwent transplant, and 45.6% continued follow‐up. For the children, the mean age 48 ± 52 months, 48% were female, 52% were premature. The mean follow‐up was 17.2 ± 5.6 months; the mean remaining intestinal length was 38 ± 45 cm. The leading etiologies were atresia (25%), NEC (23%), and gastroschisis (21%). The complication were as follows: infections: 2/1000 catheter‐days; thrombosis: 2.22/1000 catheter‐day; 25% developed liver disease. The outcomes were as follows: 7.7% died, 3.8% were rehabilitated, and 88.5% continued follow‐up.

Conclusion

The RESTORE amendment served as a registry and educational tool for the participating teams. The aspiration is to objectively show current aspects of intestinal failure in the region and carry them to international standards. Including all Latin American countries and etiologies of chronic intestinal failure besides short gut would serve to complete this registry.
A retrospective study of duloxetine for phantom limb pain post lower‐limb amputation
Authors: Long Duncan , Beck Jonathon , Falconer Nazanin , Salih Salih
Published: October 2024

Background

Phantom limb pain (PLP) refers to the painful sensory perception of a missing limb after amputation, which can have physical and psychological impacts.

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of duloxetine for pain management in PLP by the reduction of opioid doses and other neuropathic analgesics when introduced into multimodal pain management strategies in the subacute rehabilitation setting.

Method

This was a retrospective observational case‐matched cohort study of patients who were admitted to a geriatric and rehabilitation unit at a tertiary Australian hospital from January 2005–December 2017 with PLP after lower‐limb amputation. Patients were included if they had a new amputation and experienced PLP. The primary outcome was a difference in oxycodone dose equivalents at discharge between the two cohorts. Univariable analysis was used to compare groups. Ethical approval was granted by the Metro South Low Negligible Risk Ethics Committee (Reference no: LNR/2018/QMS/47370) and the study conforms with the National statement on ethical conduct in human research.

Results

Thirty patients from the duloxetine treatment cohort and 57 patients from the non‐duloxetine cohort were identified. Participants were predominantly male (81%) and had a median age of 63 years (interquartile range = 10.7). Both populations showed a similar rate of opioid dose reduction comparing doses at admission with those at discharge. There were no significant differences in absolute oxycodone equivalent doses at the two observed check points: admission and discharge.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that opioid consumption in post‐surgical lower‐limb amputees reporting PLP was not significantly different between populations that used and did not use duloxetine. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of duloxetine in PLP pain management using a multisite prospective study design.