bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐feature subspace representation network for person re‐identification via bird's‐eye view image
Authors: Zhang Jiwei , Wu Haiyuan , Chen Qian , Hachiya Hirotaka
Published: February 2023

Person re‐identification (Re‐ID) is one of the most remarkable research topics that widely applied in our daily lives. For person Re‐ID in bird's eye scenes, traditional computer vision‐based methods used multiple features, for example, texture and color, of a pedestrian's head and shoulders. Those methods are difficult to cope with environments of variety and the change the appearance of different people due to the instability of feature detection. On the other hand, although recent advanced deep learning‐based methods are powerful to extract discriminative features, the requirement of a large amount of annotated training data restricts the appliable tasks. To overcome this problem, in this article, we propose a novel method fusing multiple heterogeneous features through a multi‐feature subspace representation network (MFSRN) to maximize the classification performance while keeping the disparity among features as small as possible, that is, common‐subspace constraints. We conducted comparative experiments with state‐of‐the‐art models on the bird's‐eye view person dataset, and extensive experimental results demonstrated that our proposed MFSRN could achieve better recognition performance. Furthermore, the validity and stability of the method are confirmed.
Chemical Composition, Toxicity and Repellency ofInula graveolensEssential Oils from Roots and Aerial Parts against Stored‐Product BeetleTribolium castaneum(Herbst)
Authors: Ben Mustapha Mayssa , Algethami Faisal K. , Elamin Mohamed R. , Abdulkhair Babiker Y. , Chaieb Ikbal , Ben Jannet Hichem
Published: February 2023

In this work, essential oils extracted from roots and aerial parts ofInula graveolensby hydrodistillation and their fractions obtained by chromatographic simplification were first investigated for their chemical composition by GC/MS and then evaluated for the first time for their repellency and contact toxicity properties againstTribolium castaneumadults. Twenty‐eight compounds were identified in roots essential oil (REO), which accounted for 97.9 % of the total oil composition, with modhephen‐8‐β‐ol (24.7 %),cis‐arteannuic alcohol (14.8 %), neryl isovalerate (10.6 %) and thymol isobutyrate (8.5 %) as major constituents. Twenty‐two compounds were found in the essential oil from aerial parts (APEO), which accounted for 93.9 % of the total oil, with borneol (28.8 %), caryophylla‐4(14),8(15)‐dien‐6‐ol (11.5 %), caryophyllene oxide (10.9 %), τ‐cadinol (10.5 %) and bornyl acetate (9.4 %) as main compounds.REO and APEO displayed stronger repellency after 2 h of exposure (80.0 and 90.0 %, respectively) againstT. castaneumat the concentration of 0.12 μL/cm2. After fractionation, fractions R4and R5exhibited greater effects (83.3 % and 93.3 %, respectively) than the roots essential oil. Furthermore, the fractions AP2and AP3showed higher repellency (93.3 and 96.6 %, respectively) than the aerial parts oil. The LD50values of oils from roots and aerial parts topically applied were 7.44 % and 4.88 %, respectively. Results from contact toxicity assay showed that fraction R4was more effective than the roots oil with LD50value of 6.65 %. These results suggests that essential oils of roots and aerial parts fromI. graveolensmay be explored as potential natural repellent and contact insecticides againstT. castaneumin stored products.
Determination of the Effects of Bee Venom on Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro
Authors: Sevin Sedat , Deveci Ozkan Asuman , Tutun Hidayet , Kivrak Ibrahim , Turna Ozge , Guney Eskiler Gamze
Published: February 2023

Honeybees provide multiple products such as bee venom (BV) which are used for various nutritional and medicinal purposes. BV has received great attention due to its wide range of bioactive components with potential anti‐cancer effects on different cancers. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as an aggressive type of breast cancer and new therapeutic targets are required for its treatment. In the current literature information is varied about the composition and quantity of BV bioactive compounds as well as the origin of BV and its significance. In this context, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of BV with a higher rate of mellitin from Apis mellifera anatoliaca (Muğla ecotype) on MDA‐MB‐231 cells was evaluated, in vitro. The cytotoxic, apoptotic and morphological effects of BV were determined by WST‐1, Annexin V, cell cycle analysis and Acridine Orange staining. The results showed that BV caused apoptotic cell death in TNBC cells at a lower dose (0.47 μg/mL, p<0.01). This study suggests that BV could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. However, the mechanism of BV‐induced apoptosis death should be clarified at the molecular level.
Monocarbonyl Analogs of Curcumin with Potential to Treat Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Clariano Marta , Marques Vanda , Vaz João , Awam Salma , Afonso Marta B. , Jesus Perry Maria , Rodrigues Cecília M. P.
Published: February 2023

Curcumin has a plethora of biological properties, making this compound potentially effective in the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. However, curcumin clinical use is compromised by its poor pharmacokinetics, being crucial to find novel analogs with better pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties. Here, we aimed to evaluate the stability, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles of monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin. A small library of monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin 1a–q was synthesized. Lipophilicity and stability in physiological conditions were both assessed by HPLC‐UV, while two different methods assessed the electrophilic character of each compound monitored by NMR and by UV‐spectroscopy. The potential therapeutic effect of the analogs 1a–q was evaluated in human colon carcinoma cells and toxicity in immortalized hepatocytes. Our results showed that the curcumin analog 1e is a promising agent against colorectal cancer, with improved stability and efficacy/safety profile.
Orbital emphysema as a result of chest tube placement for recurrent pneumothorax
Authors: Land Matthew Reese , Shin Eunice Hah‐eun , Kim Dooho Brian
Published: February 2023

Orbital emphysema refers to the presence of air or gas within the orbital soft tissue space. Although orbital fracture due to trauma is the most common cause, iatrogenic orbital emphysema from chest tube insertion is a rare but potentially serious complication from the treatment of pneumothorax. Symptoms can range from mild crepitus of the periorbital region to permanent vision loss secondary to central retinal artery occlusion or optic neuropathy, a result of orbital compartment syndrome. Management is dependent on the presence of orbital signs and vision loss. Herein, we present a rare case of orbital emphysema in the setting of pneumothorax and chest tube insertion in a 62 year‐old patient admitted to the hospital floor. Presenting symptoms included vision loss and bilateral orbital edema, while physical exam revealed complete ptosis of the right eye with diffuse periorbital emphysema and crepitus. Diagnosis was confirmed clinically and with CT head and orbits. The patient's vision loss was felt to be secondary to ptosis; thus, interventions were not necessary and his condition resolved with observation. The present case and associated literature review highlights orbital emphysema as a complication of chest tube insertion and pneumothorax, as well as the drastic complications of the condition if left untreated.
Aqueous‐Phase Partial Oxidation of Methane over Pd−Fe/ZSM‐5 with O2 in the Presence of H2
Authors: Yang Gun Sik , Kang Jongkyu , Park Eun Duck
Published: February 2023

The selective oxidation of methane into methane oxygenates such as CH3OH and HCOOH with O2 is a promising technology for direct methane conversion. This study successfully demonstrates the partial oxidation of methane over Pd−Fe/ZSM‐5 catalysts in water, where H2O2 was generated in situ from H2 and O2. A low Pd content is essential for preventing agglomeration of Pd nanoparticles, and intimate contact between Pd and Fe species is beneficial for achieving high yields of methane oxygenates. This one‐body catalyst showed better catalytic performance than that of previously reported ones, especially at low temperatures. 0.28 %Pd–0.56 %Fe/ZSM‐5 exhibited a stable catalytic performance in a continuous flow reactor.
Construction of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Functionalized Ni(OH)2 for Selective CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Yang Zhidong , Zhang Hongxia , Zhao Jianghong , Shi Hu , Yang Pengju
Published: February 2023

Photoreduction of CO2 is a sustainable way of producing carbon‐neutral fuels. However, the development of robust catalyst for the selective reduction of CO2 to value‐added chemicals remains a challenge. Using a photochemical approach, encapsulation of nitrogen‐doped carbon and Ni(OH)2 is to form a hybrid (Ni(OH)2/NC) for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The as‐synthesized Ni(OH)2/NC catalyst exhibits enhanced selectivity and activity for CO production under visible light. A CO evolution rate of 14.93 μmol h−1 with 84 % selectivity is achieved, outperforming the bare Ni(OH)2 (8.51 μmol h−1 evolution rate and 45 % selectivity for CO). The structures and physicochemical properties of the Ni(OH)2/NC were carefully analyzed by various characterization techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results suggest that the NC modification can modulate the electronic structures of Ni(OH)2, and thus consolidate the adsorption and activation of CO2. Furthermore, the interface charge transfer between photosensitizer and Ni(OH)2 can also be promoted after NC modification. As a result, the Ni(OH)2/NC catalyst exhibits superior activity for CO2‐to‐CO photoreduction. Moreover, NC‐encapsulated NiO (NiO/NC) was successfully prepared under the same conditions. This NiO/NC catalyst also exhibits enhanced selectivity and activity for CO2 reduction with visible light, suggesting the effectiveness of carbon‐modification for managing CO2 reduction. This work provides a new avenue to modulate the selectivity and activity of CO2 reduction over transition metal hydroxides or oxide catalysts.
Ambivalence to action: Addressing systemic racism in counselor education
Authors: Hannon Michael D. , White Ebony E. , Fleming Halston
Published: February 2023

Citing the ongoing and urgent need within counselor education to confront and disrupt systemic racism within the profession, we present how professional counseling has been both ambivalent to racism and enacted systematically racist policies against Black and other racially marginalized people. We share selected milestones in the profession's evolution to illustrate ambivalence in the pursuit of racial justice and close with recommendations to create a more inclusive, affirming, and antiracist profession for members and clients.
Stability of Catalytic Centres in Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution by Di‐ and Oligonuclear Photocatalysts
Authors: Lämmle Martin , Mengele Alexander K. , Shillito Georgina E. , Kupfer Stephan , Rau Sven
Published: February 2023

A review. In recent decades, mimicking natural photosynthesis by artificial photocatalysis represented a major research direction with the ultimate goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption through efficient solar energy harvesting. To transfer molecular photocatalysis from the lab scale to an industrially relevant process, it is important to overcome instability problems of the catalysts during light‐driven operation. As it is well‐known that many of the typically utilized noble metal‐based catalytic centres (e. g. Pt and Pd) undergo particle formation during (photo)catalysis and thus switch the whole process from a homogeneous into a heterogeneous one, an understanding of the factors governing particle formation is crucially needed. The review therefore focuses on di‐ and oligonuclear photocatalysts bearing a range of different bridging ligand architectures for drawing structure‐catalyst‐stability relationships in light‐driven intramolecular reductive catalysis. In addition, ligand effects at the catalytic centre and their implications for catalytic activity in intermolecular systems will be discussed, as will important insights into the future design of operationally stable catalysts.
3D‐Printed Organic Conjugated Trimer for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Yuan Xiaojiao , Sunyer‐Pons Neus , Terrado Aleix , León José Luis , Hadziioannou Georges , Cloutet Eric , Villa Katherine
Published: February 2023

Small molecule organic semiconductors (SMOSs) have emerged as a new class of photocatalysts that exhibit visible light absorption, tunable bandgap, good dispersion, and solubility. However, the recovery and reusability of such SMOSs in consecutive photocatalytic reactions is challenging. This work concerns a 3D‐printed hierarchical porous structure based on an organic conjugated trimer, named EBE. Upon manufacturing, the photophysical and chemical properties of the organic semiconductor are maintained. The 3D‐printed EBE photocatalyst shows a longer lifetime (11.7 ns) compared to the powder‐state EBE (1.4 ns). This result indicates a microenvironment effect of the solvent (acetone), a better dispersion of the catalyst in the sample, and reduced intermolecular π−π stacking, which results in improved separation of the photogenerated charge carriers. As a proof‐of‐concept, the photocatalytic activity of the 3D‐printed EBE catalyst is evaluated for water treatment and hydrogen production under sun‐like irradiation. The resulting degradation efficiencies and hydrogen generation rates are higher than those reported for the state‐of‐the‐art 3D‐printed photocatalytic structures based on inorganic semiconductors. The photocatalytic mechanism is further investigated, and the results suggest that hydroxyl radicals (HO⋅) are the main reactive radicals responsible for the degradation of organic pollutants. Moreover, the recyclability of the EBE‐3D photocatalyst is demonstrated in up to 5 uses. Overall, these results indicate the great potential of this 3D‐printed organic conjugated trimer for photocatalytic applications.
Don't Let Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: February 2023

I received a text recently from a former colleague. She said, “I need a pep talk. My imposter syndrome is flaring up.” Dictionary.com defines imposter syndrome as “anxiety or self‐doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one's competence and active role in achieving success.”
Accommodations
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2023

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
An Indonesian slimming drug with undeclared ingredients causing harm
Authors: van de Koppel Sonja , Ekhart Corine , Roelen Chantal , Ohana Dana , Kooijman Martin , van Hunsel Florence
Published: February 2023

This paper reports the presence of undeclared drugs in the herbal slimming supplement Sulami®. The four cases of the adverse drug reactions related to Sulami® were reported to the Dutch Pharmacovigilance Centre (Lareb) or the Dutch Poisons Information Centre (DPIC). The analysis of all four collected samples revealed adulteration with sibutramine and canrenone. Both drugs can cause serious adverse drug reactions. From a legal point of view, it is clear that Sulami® does not meet the legal requirement for safety. As defined in the European General Food Law Regulation, food business operators are responsible for food safety. This also applies to online store owners who sell herbal preparations. Thus, it is clear that it is forbidden to sell Sulami® on the European and Dutch market. Collaboration between involved national authorities makes it possible to identify risky products. This allows the nationally responsible regulators to take targeted action. They can call on users to report sell points what makes it possible to arrest the sellers and confiscate the dangerous products. Beyond the national, also, the European enforcement organizations should take legal measures where possible, to protect public health. The Heads of Food Safety Agencies Working Group on Food Supplements “an Initiative on European level” is a good example of efforts to improve consumer safety.
Synthesis and Characterization of Impurity‐Free Li6/16Sr7/16Ta3/4Hf1/4O3 Perovskite as a Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Conductor
Authors: Sun Danyi , Wu Nan , Qin Changyong , White Ralph , Huang Kevin
Published: February 2023

Perovskite‐type lithium‐ion conductors are a potential class of solid‐state electrolytes for solid‐state batteries due to their excellent environmental stability, good mechanical strength, reasonably wide electrochemical stability window, and high ionic conductivity. A‐site deficient Li6/16Sr7/16Ta3/4Hf1/4O3 is a promising perovskite composition identified, but it is prone to form impurity phases during synthesis, which introduces high grain bounary resistance to the total ionic conductivity. A systematic investigation is reported on the effect of the synthesis conditions (e.g., excess Li, sintering temperature, and mother powder protection) on the phase composition and properties of this perovskite. The results show that the mother powder bed protection and 1450 °C sintering temperature without Li compensation are the best conditions to achieve single phase. The single‐phase sample exhibits 96% theoretical density, a bulk ionic conductivity of 0.408 mS cm−1, and an electronic conductivity of 3.6 × 10−9 S cm−1 at 25 °C with an activation energy of 0.352 eV, Young's modulus of 63.91 GPa, and shear modulus of 26.16 GPa. However, Li6/16Sr7/16Ta3/4Hf1/4O3 is unstable against lithium metal and can be reduced readily. Alternative anode materials or surface protection layers are needed if it is considered as an electrolyte for lithium‐metal based solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries.
Relationship between right‐to‐left shunt, hypoxia, and epilepsy
Authors: Dong Bosi , Li Yajiao , Ji Shuming , He Shixu , Lai Qi , Yang Ximeng , Wang Hui , Tang Yusha , Peng Anjiao , Wu Min , Zhang Yunwu , Chen Lei
Published: February 2023

Objective

A right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) can mediate the hypoxic state, and hypoxemia is relevant for the development of drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between RLS and DRE and further investigate the contribution of RLS to the oxygenation state in patients with epilepsy (PWEs).

Methods

We performed a prospective observational clinical study of PWEs who underwent contrast medium transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE) between January 2018 and December 2021 at West China Hospital. The collected data included demographics, clinical features of epilepsy, antiseizure medications (ASMs), RLS identified by cTTE, electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Arterial blood gas was also assessed in PWEs with or without RLS. The association between DRE and RLS was quantified using multiple logistic regression, and the parameters of oxygen levels were furtherly analyzed in PWEs with or without RLS.

Results

A total of 604 PWEs who completed cTTE were included in the analysis, of which 265 were diagnosed with RLS. The proportion of RLS was 47.2% in the group of DRE, and the proportion of RLS was 40.3% in the group of non‐DRE. Having RLS was associated with DRE in multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusted OR = 1.53, P = 0.045). In the analysis of blood gas, the partial oxygen pressure in PWEs with RLS was lower than those without RLS (88.74 mmHg versus 91.84 mmHg, P = 0.044).

Significance

Right‐to‐left shunt could be an independent risk factor of DRE, and low oxygenation might be a possible reason.
Internet gaming disorder and tobacco use disorder share neural connectivity patterns between the subcortical and the motor network
Authors: Chen Hui , Zha Rujing , Lai Xin , Liu Yan , Wei Zhengde , Wang Min , Zuo Huilin , Hong Wei , Fan Chuan , Jin Chen , Cui Guanbao , Tao Ran , Liang Peipeng , Zhang Xiaochu
Published: February 2023

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and tobacco use disorder (TUD) are globally common, non‐substance‐related disorders and substance‐related disorders worldwide, respectively. Recognizing the commonalities between IGD and TUD will deepen understanding of the underlying mechanisms of addictive behavior and excessive online gaming. Using node strength, 141 resting‐state data were collected in this study to compute network homogeneity. The participants included participants with IGD (PIGD: n = 34, male = 29, age: 15–25 years), participants with TUD (PTUD: n = 33, male = 33, age: 19–42 years), and matched healthy controls (control‐for‐IGD: n = 41, male = 38, age: 17–32 years; control‐for‐TUD: n = 33, age: 21–27 years). PIGD and PTUD exhibited common enhanced node strength between the subcortical and motor networks. Additionally, a common enhanced resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) was found between the right thalamus and right postcentral gyrus in PIGD and PTUD. Node strength and RSFC were used to distinguish PIGD and PTUD from their respective healthy controls. Interestingly, models trained on PIGD versus controls could classify PTUD versus controls and vice versa, suggesting that these disorders share common neurological patterns. Enhanced connectivity may indicate a greater association between rewards and behaviors, inducing addiction behaviors without flexible and complex regulation. This study discovered that the connectivity between the subcortical and motor networks is a potential biological target for developing addiction treatment in the future.
Comparison of real‐world outcomes following immunotherapy in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with outcomes of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yalamanchali Anirudh , Yang Kailin , Roof Logan , Lopetegui‐Lia Nerea , Schwartzman Larisa M. , Campbell Shauna R. , Woody Neil M. , Silver Natalie , Koyfman Shlomo , Geiger Jessica L. , Yilmaz Emrullah
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Evaluate outcomes of patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with immunotherapy (IO).

Methods

Among patients with R/M HNSCC treated with IO in this retrospective single‐institution cohort, Cox regression was used to compare overall survival (OS) for those with platinum‐refractory disease and those treated in the first‐line setting with OS from KEYNOTE‐040/048, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify predictors of OS.

Results

There was no significant OS difference for those treated in the platinum‐refractory setting when compared to patients on KEYNOTE‐040 (HR = 1.22, p = 0.27), nor for the first‐line setting compared to KEYNOTE‐048 (HR = 1.23, p = 0.19). ECOG‐PS 1 (HR = 2.00, p = 0.02) and ECOG‐PS 2 (HR = 3.13, p < 0.01) were associated with worse OS. Higher absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.93 per 100 cells/μL, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Real‐world outcomes of IO in R/M HNSCC are similar to outcomes in randomized control trials, with performance status and ALC correlating with OS.
Interactive association of chronic illness and food insecurity with emergency department utilization among school‐age children in the United States: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ghani Farheen , Wang Hao , Manning Sydney E. , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Food insecurity combined with chronic disease conditions is a risk factor for Emergency Department (ED) utilization, an indicator of poor quality of care. However, such an association is not certain among school‐age children with chronic conditions. Therefore, we aim to determine the association of food insecurity, chronic conditions, and ED utilization among school‐age children in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed the data from the 2017 Medical expenditure panel survey (MEPS) among children aged 6–17 years (N = 5518). MEPS data was released electronically by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). We identified four groups of school‐age children based on the presence of food security and chronic conditions: 1) with food insecurity and chronic conditions; 2) no food insecurity and chronic conditions; 3) with food insecurity and no chronic conditions; and 4) no food insecurity and no chronic conditions. We compared ED utilization among these four groups using incidence rate ratios (IRR) after adjusting children's age, sex, race and ethnicity, household income, insurance coverage, obesity, and geographic region using count data model, specifically multivariable Poison regression. We used SAS 9.4 and STATA 14.2 for all the data analyses.

Results

There were unweighted 5518 school‐age children who represented weighted 50,479,419 school‐age children in the final analysis. Overall, 6.0% had food insecurity with chronic conditions. These children had higher ED utilization (19.7%) than the other three groups (13.3%, 8.8%, and 7.2%, p < 0.001). The adjusted IRR of ED utilization among school‐age children with food insecurity and chronic conditions was 1.90 (95% confidence interval 1.20–3.01, p = 0.007) compared with those with food security and chronic conditions.

Conclusion

One in 16 school‐age children has both food insecurity and chronic conditions. Food insecurity was positively associated with frequent ED visits in the presence of chronic conditions. Therefore, addressing food insecurity may reduce the risk of ED visits.
TNF‐α interference ameliorates brain damage in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy rats by regulating the expression of NT‐3 and TRKC
Authors: Niu Yong‐Min , Du Steven Z. , He Rong
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to explore the effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) inhibition in rats with neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and ascertain the relevant signaling pathways. The Zea–Longa score was used to evaluate the neurological function of the rats. ImageJ was used for quantification of the brain edema volume. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining of brain tissue was performed 24 h after hypoxic–ischemic (HI) to detect right brain infarction. The expression of TNF‐α was detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the localization of TNF‐α; Then, the effective shRNA fragment of TNF‐α was used to validate the role of TNF‐α in HIE rats, and the change of neurotrofin‐3 (NT‐3) and tyrosine kinase receptor‐C (TRKC) was examined after TNF‐α‐shRNA lentivirus transfection to determine downstream signaling associated with TNF‐α. Protein interaction analysis was carried out to predict the links among TNF‐α, NT‐3, and TRKC. Cerebral edema volume and infarction increased in the right brain after the HI operation. The Zea–Longa score significantly increased within 24 h after the HI operation. The relative expression of TNF‐α was upregulated after the HI operation. TNF‐α was highly expressed in the right hippocampus post HI through immunofluorescence staining. Bioinformatics analysis found a direct or an indirect link among TNF‐α, NT‐3, and TRKC. Moreover, the interference of TNF‐α increased the expression of NT‐3 and TRKC. TNF‐α interference might alleviate brain injury in HIE by upregulating NT‐3 and TRKC.
Who cares about corruption in Africa? China or the USA?
Authors: Tawiah Vincent , Ayivor Raymond , Oyewo Babajide Michael
Published: February 2023

Considering the growing criticism by the USA of the bribery and corruption surrounding China's trade with Africa, this study uses panel data on 48 African countries over 17 years to examine whether the relationship between corruption and China's trade in Africa differs from that of USA–Africa trade relations. Contrary to expectations, we find that the relationship between corruption and trade with Africa is the same for both countries. Africa's trade with China and the USA increases as corruption increases. Our results imply that both countries have a similar trend of trading with African countries, and they might not care about corruption in Africa. Ultimately, both countries engage with Africa for their parochial economic and political interest. The results are robust to an alternative measure of corruption and endogeneity test using a two‐stage least‐square estimation technique.
Integrating nutrition and mental health screening, risk identification and management in prenatal health programs in India
Authors: Choedon Tashi , Sethi Vani , Killeen Sarah Louise , Ganjekar Sundarnag , Satyanarayana Veena , Ghosh Sebanti , Jacob Chandni Maria , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Hanson Mark A. , Chandra Prabha
Published: February 2023

Pregnancy is a period of major physiologic, hormonal, and psychological change, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and mental disorders. Mental disorders and malnutrition are associated with adverse pregnancy and child outcomes, with potential long‐standing impact. Common mental disorders during pregnancy are more prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). In India, studies suggest the prevalence of depression is 9.8%–36.7% and of anxiety is 55.7%. India has seen some promising developments in recent years such as increased coverage of the District Mental Health Program; integration of maternal mental health into the Reproductive and Child Health Program in Kerala; and the Mental Health Care Act 2017. However, mental health screening and management protocols have not yet been established and integrated into routine prenatal care in India. A five‐action maternal nutrition algorithm was developed and tested for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aiming to strengthen nutrition services for pregnant women in routine prenatal care facilities. In this paper, we present opportunities and challenges for integration of maternal nutrition and mental health screening and a management protocol at routine prenatal care in India, discuss evidence‐based interventions in other LMICs including India, and make recommendations for public healthcare providers.
The potential effect of Schisandrin‐B combination with panitumumab in wild‐type and mutant colorectal cancer cell lines: Role of apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Sana‐Eldine Asmaa O. , Abdelgawad Hanan M. , Kotb Nahla S. , Shehata Nagwa I.
Published: February 2023

Panitumumab is an approved monoclonal antibody for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, mutations in EGFR signaling pathway resulted in poor response. Schisandrin‐B (Sch‐B) is a phytochemical that was suggested to protect against inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of Sch‐B on panitumumab‐induced cytotoxicity in wild‐type Caco‐2, and mutant HCT‐116 and HT‐29 CRC cell lines, and the possible underlying mechanisms. CRC cell lines were treated with panitumumab, Sch‐B, and their combination. The cytotoxic effect of drugs was determined by MTT assay. The apoptotic potential was assessed in‐vitro by DNA fragmentation and caspase‐3 activity. Additionally, autophagy was investigated via microscopic detection of autophagosomes and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) measurement of Beclin‐1, Rubicon, LC3‐II, and Bcl‐2 expression. The drug pair enhanced panitumumab cytotoxicity in all CRC cell lines where IC50 of panitumumab was decreased in Caco‐2 cell line. Apoptosis was induced through caspase‐3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and Bcl‐2 downregulation. Caco‐2 cell line treated with panitumumab showed stained acidic vesicular organelles, contrariwise, all cell lines treated with Sch‐B or the drug pair displayed green fluorescence indicating the lack of autophagosomes. qRT‐PCR revealed the downregulation of LC3‐II in all CRC cell lines, Rubicon in mutant cell lines, and Beclin‐1 in HT‐29 cell line only. Sch‐B at 6.5 µM promoted panitumumab‐induced apoptotic cell death, in‐vitro, via caspase‐3 activation and Bcl‐2 downregulation, rather than autophagic cell death. This novel combination therapy against CRC, allows the reduction of panitumumab dose to guard against its adverse effects.
Alliance negotiation as a predictor of early treatment outcome
Authors: Manubens Rocío Tamara , Babl Anna , Doran Jennifer , Roussos Andrés , Alalu Nicolás , Gómez Penedo Juan Martín
Published: February 2023

Aim

The therapeutic alliance is a robust predictor of treatment outcome. However, little is known about the way alliance negotiation contributes to psychotherapy outcome. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of alliance negotiation on treatment outcome in the first four sessions of psychotherapy.

Methods

Ninety‐six patients diagnosed with emotional disorders received weekly Solution‐Focused Brief Therapy. Each patient completed both the Alliance Negotiation Scale (ANS) and the Outcome Questionnaire 45 (OQ.45) after each of the first four sessions. Both between‐ and within‐patients effects of alliance negotiation on symptom severity were analyzed using Hierarchical Linear Models.

Results

Results showed significant between and within patient effects of alliance negotiation on symptom severity. Patients with higher levels of alliance negotiation across treatment showed lower levels of symptom severity (between‐patient effect). Also, in a session with higher alliance negotiation compared to the average session of this patient, symptom severity was lower than in the average session (within‐patient effect).

Discussion

The results indicate that therapies characterized by higher alliance negotiation and sessions with higher alliance negotiation are beneficial for early outcome.

Conclusion

From a clinical point of view, the results suggest that alliance negotiation is a meaningful factor for therapy outcome and that therapists may benefit from training and monitoring alliance negotiation during the early stages of treatment.
Students’ knowledge, comfort, attitudes, and training on oral health of transgender individuals: A pilot study
Authors: Hanson Callie J. , Reibel Yvette G. , Christianson Drew , Evans Michael D. , Arnett Michelle C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate students’ knowledge, comfort, attitudes, and formal training on oral health of transgender individuals.

Methods

A single‐site cross‐sectional study of 223 students from four educational programs were invited to participate in this study. A 17‐item survey was modified from two previous instruments with permission. The electronic survey was disseminated via Google Forms two times 6 weeks a part. Analyses were conducted using R version 4.1.1. Survey responses were summarized as means and standard deviations. Comparisons of survey responses by program type, age group, prior degree, and gender were performed using the chi‐square test for association and analysis of variance.

Results

A total of118 completed the survey for a 53% response rate. Students disagreed (26.3%) they had knowledge on hormone treatments or non‐hormonal treatment (40.7%) and strongly disagreed (40.7%) they had knowledge on oral manifestations of hormonal or non‐hormonal therapies. Students strongly agreed they are comfortable treating transgender patients (63.6%) and believe it is the responsibility of all healthcare providers to care for transgender patients (83.1%). Students disagreed they are prepared to care for transgender patients (40.7%) or that their faculty demonstrate competency caring for transgender patients undergoing hormonal treatment (21.4%).

Conclusion

Students are comfortable providing oral health care to transgender individuals and feel a responsibility to care for them. Formal training on hormonal and non‐hormonal therapy for transgender individuals is needed in dental education programs to enhance students’ knowledge and faculty competence.
Long non‐coding RNA LGALS8‐AS1 facilitates PLAGL2‐mediated malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Shen Kuan , Xiao Jian , Fan Hao , Wang Yuanhang , Liu Kanghui , Zhou Xinyi , Cheng Quan , Miao Yongchang , Xu Zekuan , Yang Li
Published: February 2023

Background

Great progress has been made in studying the function of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) in various tumors, including gastric cancer (GC). However, there are still numerous lncRNAs that have not yet been studied and explored for their roles in GC, and their important functions need to be further revealed.

Methods

Through analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database combined with bioinformatics survival tools, a novel GC‐related lncRNA LGALS8‐AS1 was identified. A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and a series of in vitro or in vivo cell functional experiments were performed to determine the expression and the role of LGALS8‐AS1/miR‐138‐5p/PLAGL2 in GC.

Results

LGALS8‐AS1 was remarkably upregulated and correlated with the unfavorable prognosis in GC. Higher expression of LGALS8‐AS1 was positively associated with higher lymph node metastasis rate, as well as larger tumor size. In addition, a series of cell functional experiments revealed that LGALS8‐AS1 could facilitate GC cell proliferation, migration and metastasis in vitro or in vivo. A deeper mechanism exploration revealed that LGALS8‐AS1 could function as the miR‐138‐5p molecular sponge and upregulate the PLAGL2 expression, thereby promoting the cell proliferation, migration and metastasis in GC.

Conclusions

In brief, we revealed the tumor promoting role of the LGALS8‐AS1/miR‐138‐5p/PLAGL2 molecular signaling axis in GC, and our findings provide enlightenment for further understanding of the mechanism of tumorigenesis and development of GC, making LGALS8‐AS1 a possible new diagnostic or therapeutic target for GC.
Contractible edges in longest cycles
Authors: Chan Tsz Lung , Kriesell Matthias , Schmidt Jens M.
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the number of contractible edges in a longest cycle of a ‐connected graph that is triangle‐free or has minimum degree at least . We prove that, except for two graphs, contains at least contractible edges. For triangle‐free 3‐connected graphs, we show that contains at least contractible edges, and characterize all graphs having a longest cycle containing exactly six/seven contractible edges. Both results are tight. Lastly, we prove that every longest cycle of a 3‐connected graph of girth at least 5 contains at least contractible edges.
4H‐Pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐one, biologically important fused heterocyclic scaffold: Synthesis and functionalization
Authors: Bhawale Rajesh T. , Chillal Abhinay S. , Kshirsagar Umesh A.
Published: February 2023

4H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐one and their derivatives are highly bioactive and multipurpose heterocyclic motifs, having application in drugs, natural products, agrochemical, material science, and organic synthesis. The C‐H functionalization of basic core structure of heterocycles have become indispensable tools that have continually increased the importance in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of various useful heterocyclic molecules and their derivatives. In this review, we have provided a summary of various routes to synthesize 4H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐one derivatives along with various derivatization methods such as via cross‐coupling, C‐H functionalization through arylation, alkenylation, sulfenylation, selenylation, phosphonation etc. taking into account the synthetic potentiality and significant influence of this scaffold in drug discovery.
Baculum shape complexity correlates to metrics of post‐copulatory sexual selection in Musteloidea
Authors: Clear Emma , Grant Robyn , Gardiner James , Brassey Charlotte
Published: February 2023

The penis bone, or baculum, is present in many orders of mammals, although its function is still relatively unknown, mainly due to the challenges with studying the baculum in vivo. Suggested functions include increasing vaginal friction, prolonging intromission and inducing ovulation. Since it is difficult to study baculum function directly, functional morphology can give important insights. Shape complexity techniques, in particular, are likely to offer a useful metric of baculum morphology, especially since finding homologous landmarks on such a structure is challenging. This study focuses on measuring baculum shape complexity in the Musteloidea—a large superfamily spanning a range of body sizes with well‐developed, qualitatively diverse bacula. We compared two shape complexity metrics—alpha shapes and ariaDNE and conducted analyses over a range of six different coefficients, or bandwidths, in 32 species of Musteloidea. Overall, we found that shape complexity, especially at the baculum distal tip, is associated with intromission duration using both metrics. These complexities can include hooks, bifurcations and other additional projections. In addition, alpha shapes complexity was also associated with relative testes mass. These results suggest that post‐copulatory mechanisms of sexual selection are probably driving the evolution of more complex‐shaped bacula tips in Musteloidea and are likely to be especially involved in increasing intromission duration during copulation.
Digestion profile, antioxidant, and antidiabetic capacity of Morchella esculenta exopolysaccharide: in vitro, in vivo and microbiota analysis
Authors: Wu Haishan , Chen Jing , Liu Yuting , Cheng Haoran , Nan Jian , Park Hyun Jin , Yang Liu , Li Jinglei
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Novel functional polysaccharides from fungi are important nutraceuticals. An exopolysaccharide, Morchella esculenta exopolysaccharide (MEP 2), was extracted and purified from the fermentation liquor of M. esculenta. The aim of this study was to investigate its digestion profile, antioxidant capacity, and effect on the microbiota composition in diabetic mice.

RESULTS

The study found that MEP 2 was stable during in vitro saliva digestion but was partially degraded during gastric digestion. The digest enzymes exerted a negligible effect on the chemical structure of MEP 2. Molecular weight and atomic force microscope (AFM) images suggest that both smaller chains and larger aggregations were produced. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal that the surface morphology was much altered after intestinal digestion. After digestion, the antioxidant ability increased as revealed by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Both MEP 2 and its digested components showed strong α‐amylase and moderate α‐glucosidase inhibition activity, leading us to further investigate its ability to modulate the diabetic symptoms. The MEP 2 treatment ameliorated the inflammatory cell infiltration and increased the size of pancreas inlets. Serum concentration of HbA1c was significantly reduced. Blood glucose level during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also slightly lower. The MEP 2 increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and modulated the abundance of several important bacteria including Alcaligenaceae, Caulobacteraceae, Prevotella, Brevundimonas, Demequina, and several Lachnospiraceae species.

CONCLUSION

It was found that MEP 2 was partially degraded during in vitro digestion. Its potential antidiabetic bioactivity may be associated with its α‐amylase inhibition and gut microbiome modulation ability. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Value creation paths of organizations undergoing digital transformation
Authors: Holopainen Mira , Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani
Published: February 2023

This study examined the emergence of value creation during digital transformation. We used case studies to gather empirical evidence of the phenomenon from an organizational perspective. The study tried to closely link theory and practice by identifying the mechanisms that determined the paths of value creation in 11 companies that had taken concrete steps toward digital transformation. It contributed to knowledge management research by building a research framework according to previous literature and outlining three different value creation paths based on the objectives and motivations of the organizations. The conclusions of the study were that (1) the strategic orientation of transformation must exceed a certain level to constitute an actual value creation mechanism; (2) digital transformation paths are driven by changes in the competitive environment; (3) pressure from customers impacts the value creation mechanism in digital transformation, but depends on the value creation path essence; as well as (4) value creation in digital transformation is determined by the extent to which a company manages to balance the existing business with digital transformation. The results also had managerial implications because they assisted managers in considering the key mechanisms of digital transformation.
Spectral light quality on the seabed matters for macroalgal community composition at the extremities of light limitation
Authors: Thoral François , Pinkerton Matthew H. , Tait Leigh W. , Schiel David R.
Published: February 2023

Compromised light quantity on the seabed affects the composition and resilience of marine forests and the maintenance of ecosystem services. However, the response of macroalgal assemblages to changes in the quality (spectral composition) of light as compared to the quantity alone is poorly understood. Here, we bridge radiative transfer modeling and algal physiology to simulate the underwater light environment and explore macroalgal responses to spectral attenuation by various coastal water constituents. We considered three groups of macroalgal taxa (class Phaeophyceae and, phyla Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta) for which we developed a “synthetic envelope” of spectrally resolved action spectra using 1 million radiative simulations. We found that brown algae were more efficient at harvesting light across the whole spectrum at low attenuation (< 0.2 m−1) when depths were greater than 10 m, whereas green algae dominated shallower depths than 10 m for low to high attenuation values. Finally, red algae made best use of the available light at relatively higher attenuation values (> 0.2 m−1) and deeper depths. We also demonstrated that the brown and green algal taxa showed higher photosynthetic efficiencies when attenuation was dominated by particulate matter rather than by phytoplankton or detrital matter. Our results shed new light on the “Complementary Chromatic Adaptation” hypothesis by confirming that algal pigmentation matters under a subset of scenarios, particularly at the limits of light availability in coastal waters. This study paves the way for identifying competitive thresholds in macroalgal communities by using satellite‐derived ocean color products to identify regions and depths of potential optical transitions.