bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncovalent self‐assembled supramolecular aggregate decorated nickel‐aluminum layered double hydroxides nanosheets for reinforcing the flame retardancy of PLA
Authors: Wang Kunyan , Jiang Yuqi , Lv Changjin , Chi Qianhui , Guo Yuhua , Tang Peisong , Pan Guoxiang , Guo Qipeng
Published: February 2023

In this work, an environmentally friendly and energy‐saving strategy to decorate Ni‐Al layered double hydroxides nanosheets (LDHs@PN) has been utilized to boost their flame retardancy and dispersion in the polymer. This proposed strategy was implemented through noncovalent self‐assembly supramolecular aggregate of phytic acid (PA) and 1,4‐bis(3‐aminoethyl) piperazine (AEP) onto NiAl‐LDHs surface in water without any organic solvent. The target product LDHs@PN was investigated by different characterization techniques. It was found that LDHs@PN was successfully fabricated possessing hydrophobic surfaces. In contrast, the surface of LDHs@PN became rough and exhibited a fluffy structure. Meanwhile, Ni, Al, P and N were homogeneously distributed on the surface of LDHs@PN. Significantly, after introducing LDHs@PN into biobased polylactic acid (PLA) via melting‐blending, the thermal stability of composites was improved compared to that of pure PLA and LDHs@PN promotes the formation of composite residual carbon. In addition, the PLA/LDHs@PN composite with 20 wt% loadings reached V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 test and achieved 30.1% limiting oxygen index value, indicating LDHs@PN significantly increased the flame retardant performance of the PLA. The flame retardant mechanism of LDHs@PN in the PLA matrix was analyzed. This facile, low‐cost and eco‐friendly decorating strategy is promising for industrial production.
Rate‐dependent mechanical response of polypropylene nonwovens
Authors: Elamin Mohammed , Pankow Mark
Published: February 2023

Most nonwoven products are subjected to a variety of loading rates ranging from low‐speed quasi‐static loads to high‐speed dynamic loads during their life cycles. Understanding their response to a wide range of loading rates is critical to proper usage and effects how rapidly one can process them. In this work quasi‐static to high strain rate experiments (10−3 to 100 to 400 strain/s) are investigated. The results from analyzing the rate‐dependent properties show an increase in the strength and modulus accompanied by a reduced strain to failure in nonwovens as the strain rate increases. Higher basis weight samples showed more prominent rate‐dependent properties across all loading rates and fiber orientations. Ductile to brittle transition in the material failure mechanisms were observed. The specimens with rectangular and circular bonding patterns show higher strain localization than the specimens with the diamond bonding pattern due to the higher fiber reorientation. The rate dependent response at higher loading rates does not follow the typical rate dependent models of Johnson–Cook and Cowper–Symonds. This is a vital understanding as the material greatly stiffens up at higher rates and has a much lower strain to failure than one would expect.
Elevated Levels of Interferon‐α Act Directly on B Cells to Breach Multiple Tolerance Mechanisms Promoting Autoantibody Production
Authors: Ferri Dario M. , Nassar Carol , Manion Kieran P. , Kim Michael , Baglaenko Yuriy , Muñoz‐Grajales Carolina , Wither Joan E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Elevated levels of serum interferon‐α (IFNα) and the disruption of B cell tolerance are central to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) immunopathogenesis; however, the relationship between these 2 processes remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of elevated IFNα levels on B cell tolerance mechanisms in vivo and determine whether any changes observed were due to the direct effect of IFNα on B cells.

Methods

Two classical mouse models of B cell tolerance were used in conjunction with an adenoviral vector encoding IFNα to mimic the sustained elevations of IFNα seen in SLE. The role of B cell IFNα signaling, T cells, and Myd88 signaling was determined using B cell–specific IFNα receptor–knockout, CD4+ T cell–depleted, or Myd88‐knockout mice, respectively. Flow cytometry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and cell cultures were used to study the effects of elevated IFNα on the immunologic phenotype.

Results

Elevation of serum IFNα disrupts multiple B cell tolerance mechanisms and leads to autoantibody production. This disruption was dependent upon B cell expression of IFNα receptor. Many of the IFNα‐mediated alterations also required the presence of CD4+ T cells as well as Myd88, suggesting that IFNα acts directly on B cells to modify their response to Myd88 signaling and their ability to interact with T cells.

Conclusion

The results provide evidence that elevated IFNα levels act directly on B cells to facilitate autoantibody production and further highlight the importance of IFN signaling as a potential therapeutic target in SLE.

image
The environment and climate change as a primary stakeholder for accommodation suppliers: Stakeholder engagement for Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Authors: Hess Janto S. , Kelman Ilan , Dodds Rachel
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the potential recognition and engagement of the natural environment as an important factor in strategic investment decisions by accommodation suppliers in a small island context. The investigation, based on empirical data from two Thai islands, Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi, contributes to the debate if the environment, by focusing on climate change, can be identified as a primary stakeholder for accommodation suppliers. The findings show that strategic investment decisions are influenced by impacts commonly associated with climate change, although a conscious recognition of climate change as a strategic stakeholder or important factor in strategic investment decisions could not be confirmed. Conversely, the element of unconsciousness in the process of recognising climate change in investment decisions sparks questions regarding the degree to which the recognition of business stakeholders requires being a conscious process and if the focus on investments could be another element for stakeholder identification frameworks for businesses.
Polystyrene Resins: Versatile and Economical Support for Heterogeneous Nanocatalysts in Sustainable Organic Reactions**
Authors: Sharma Anuj S. , Sharma Vinay S. , Yadav Priyanka , Kaur Harjinder , Varma Rajender S.
Published: February 2023

Recent developments in heterogeneous nanocatalysis have illustrated the great strides metal nanoparticles (NPs) have made due to their several significant features. However, the major lingering challenge has been their deactivation in organic reactions by migration‐coalescence largely due to their high surface energy. In this context, various supports materials have been designed to overcome the stability issues for metal NPs. Furthermore, the activity and selectivity could be simultaneously enhanced by taking advantage of the synergy between the metal NPs and the support material, like abundantly available inexpensive polystyrene resins (PSR). Herein, the recent developments on PSR‐supported catalysts are deliberated for assorted organic reactions conducted under sustainable conditions. The salient advantageous attributes of nanocatalyst‐adorned PSR are discussed in terms of their activity, recyclability, stability and selectivity for various organic transformations. Further, the enduring challenges associated with the PSR‐supported nanocatalysts and future perspectives for further developments are explicated.
Mitochondria‐Targeted Gene Silencing Facilitated by Mito‐CPDs
Authors: Lang Wenjie , Tan Wei , Zhou Bizhong , Zhuang Yuli , Zhang Bei , Jiang Linye , Yao Shao Q. , Ge Jingyan
Published: February 2023

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays an essential role in maintaining normal cellular activities. Its heteroplasmic mutations are known to cause various genetic diseases. Current genetic engineering strategies, such as those based on RNA interference (RNAi) and antisense technology, are difficult to genetically alter mtDNA, however, due to the inability of highly negatively charged oligonucleotides to translocate across the double‐membrane mitochondria. We report herein a universal mitochondria‐targeted gene‐delivery approach by using cell‐penetrating poly(disulfide)s (CPDs). Novel CPD‐based mitochondrial transporters, named Mito‐CPDs, were synthesized by using triphenylphosphonium (TPP)‐fused propagating monomers containing either disulfide or diselenide backbones. Upon spontaneous complex formation with an oligonucleotide (single‐ or double‐stranded), the resulting nanoscale Mito‐CPD@Oligo exhibited excellent properties in common biological media. While the intracellular gene‐delivery efficiency of these Mito‐CPDs was comparable to that of commercial transfection agents, their unique mitochondria‐localized properties enabled effective release of the loaded cargo inside these organelles. Subsequent mitochondrial delivery of siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides against suitable mtDNA‐encoded proteins showed successful down‐regulation of target protein expression, leading to profound effects on mitochondrial functions. Mito‐CPDs thus provide a useful tool for future investigations of mitochondrial biology and treatment of mitochondria‐related diseases.
Water‐Induced Single‐Crystal to Single‐Crystal Transformation of Ionic Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks with Enhanced Proton Conductivity
Authors: Chen Xu‐Yong , Cao Li‐Hui , Yang Yan , Bai Xiang‐Tian , Zhao Fang , Cao Xiao‐Jie , Huang Ming‐Feng , Gao Yi‐Da , Yang Dan
Published: February 2023

Two ionic hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (iHOF‐10, iHOF‐11) were prepared using 1,1′‐diamino‐4,4′‐bipyridine diiodide (Dbpy ⋅ 2I) and tetrakis(4‐sulfophenyl)ethylene (H4TPE). With increasing RH and temperature, water molecules induce single crystal to single crystal (SCSC) transformation of iHOF‐10, resulting in the formation of iHOF‐11. At 90 °C, 98 % RH, the proton conductivity of iHOF‐11 (7.03×10−3 S cm−1) is 2.09 times higher than iHOF‐10 (3.37×10−3 S cm−1). At 50 °C, 98 % RH, iHOF‐11 (9.49×10−4 S cm−1) is 19.06 times higher than iHOF‐10 (4.98×10−5 S cm−1). The proton conductivity shows water molecules enter the crystal and induce crystal transformation and reorganization of the hydrogen bonding structure, thus increasing the proton conductivity and stability.
Tyrosine‐Conjugation Method for Evaluating BACE1 Activity Based on Silver Nanoparticles/Metal–Organic Framework Composites as Electrochemical Tags
Authors: Zhou Yanli , Huang Zihan , Liu Jiaxiang , Dong Hui , Zhang Yintang , Xu Maotian , Bi Yanfeng
Published: February 2023

Beta‐site secretase (BACE1) catalyzes the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), which process ultimately lead to plaque deposition in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, accurate monitor of BACE1 activity is essential to screen inhibitors for AD treatment. This study develops a sensitive electrochemical assay for probing BACE1 activity based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and tyrosine conjugation as tags and a marking method, respectively. An APP segment is firstly immobilized on aminated microplate reactor. Cytosine (C) rich sequence‐templated AgNPs/Zr‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) composite is modified by phenol groups, and then the prepared tag (ph‐AgNPs@MOF) is captured in microplate surface by the conjugation reaction of phenolic groups between tyrosine and tag. After cleavage by BACE1, the solution containing ph‐AgNPs@MOF tags is transferred to the screen‐printed graphene electrode (SPGE) surface for voltammetric detection of AgNP signal. This sensitive detection for BACE1 provided an excellent linear relationship between 1 to 200 pM with a detection limit of 0.8 pM. Furthermore, this electrochemical assay is successfully applied for screening of BACE1 inhibitors. This strategy is also verified to be used for evaluation of BACE1 in serum samples.
PROTOCOL: An evidence and gap map of studies of implementation issues for interventions for those affected by and at risk of homelessness in high‐income countries
Authors: Singh Sabina , Fitzpatrick Suzanne , Lakshminarayanan Monisha , Saran Ashrita , Wood Jenny , Yang Ting , White Howard
Published: February 2023

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows. The proposed evidence and gap map will present relevant process evaluations and other studies of barriers and facilitators, both qualitative and quantitative, for eligible homelessness interventions to highlight the issues arising in the implementation of these interventions. Specifically, the objectives of the map are to: (i) develop a clear taxonomy of interventions and implementation issues (e.g., barriers and facilitators—factors which works as barriers to hinder successful implementation of policies and programmes and factors which facilitate the intervention and therefore support its implementation) related to homelessness in high‐income countries; (ii) map available systematic reviews and primary studies of the implementation issues of interventions for those experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness, with an overview provided in a summary report; (iii) provide a searchable database of included studies accessible to research users via CHI website.
The predictive value of Tp−Te interval, Tp−Te/QT ratio, and QRS‐T angle of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in patients with ventricular premature beats
Authors: Zhu Wei , Huang Xingmei , Mei Lili , Zhi Liting , Jiang Shili , Jin Jianling , Zou Cao
Published: February 2023

Background

Identify idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in patients with ventricular premature beats was required to have effectively treatment.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of Tp−Te interval, Tp−Te/QT ratio, and QRS‐T angle of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in patients with idiopathic ventricular premature beats.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐eight patients who had undergone premature ventricular complex/ventricular tachycardia (PVC/VT) ablation between January 1, 2020 and August 30, 2022 constituted our study population as ventricular arrhythmia group. Seventy‐five healthy people were selected as control group. Patients with no episode of VT were classified as PVC group, while with any episode of VT that has the same morphology with PVC were classified as PVC with VT group. Patients in PVC with VT group were divided into two groups: nonsustained VT group (duration of any episode of VT below 30 s) and sustained VT group (duration of any episode of VT over 30 s). Tp–Te interval, Tp–Te/QT ratio and QRS‐T angle were compared in groups.

Results

Tp–Te interval, Tp–Te/QT ratio and patients with increased QRS‐T angle in PVC with VT group were higher or more than those in PVC group (p < .001). The value of combined diagnosis of these indexes was higher. Tp–Te interval was longer in the sustained VT group compared to the nonsustained VT group (p = .009).

Conclusion

Tp–Te interval, Tp–Te/QT ratio, and QRS‐T angle may have a predictive value of presence of idiopathic VT in patients with premature beats and the combined prediction of these indexes is more valuable. Tp–Te interval maybe helpful for prediction of sustained idiopathic VT.
Ethnic disparities in childhood leukemia survival by border residence: A Texas population‐based analysis
Authors: Castellanos Maria I. , Oluyomi Abiodun O. , Chambers Tiffany M. , Gramatges Maria M. , Winestone Lena E. , Lupo Philip J. , Scheurer Michael E.
Published: February 2023

Background

The US–Mexico border is a medically underserved region where survival disparities have been observed in adults diagnosed and treated for various malignancies. Studies examining survival disparities among children living in this region and diagnosed with cancer are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of border residence on survival among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and living near the Texas–Mexico border at the time of their diagnosis. The authors hypothesized that this group experiences inferior survival compared with patients with childhood leukemia living in nonborder areas.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective survival analysis leveraging data from the Texas Cancer Registry. The study included patients aged birth to 19 years who were diagnosed with ALL or AML between 1995 and 2017. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the factors associated with the risk of death. Overall survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier methods.

Results

During the study period, there were 6002 children diagnosed with ALL and 1279 diagnosed with AML. Inferior 5‐year overall survival was observed among children with ALL living along the border region compared with those living in nonborder areas (77.5% vs. 85.8%). In adjusted models, children with ALL living along the border experienced a 30% increased hazard of death versus children living in nonborder areas. In contrast, for children with AML, survival estimates did not vary by border versus nonborder residence.

Conclusions

Living along the border was associated with inferior survival among children with ALL, but not among children with AML. Additional studies are urgently needed to identify the factors driving these disparities to effectively design multilevel interventions and influence state and national cancer control programs.
Use of surveillance colonoscopy among individuals with removal of high‐risk polyps according to the US Multi‐Society Task Force recommendations
Authors: Knudsen Markus D. , Wang Kai , Berstad Paula , Polychronidis Georgios , Vithayathil Mathew , Song Mingyang
Published: February 2023

Background

Individuals with colorectal polypectomy are recommended to undergo surveillance colonoscopies at certain intervals to prevent subsequent colorectal cancer. Use of postpolypectomy surveillance according to the 2006 US Multi‐Society Task Force (USMSTF) recommendations in an integrated health care system was investigated.

Methods

Use of surveillance colonoscopies was prospectively assessed among 3691 patients with removal of high‐risk polyps at a screening colonoscopy during 2007–2012 in the Mass General Brigham Colonoscopy Cohort. With the follow‐up up to 2017, the compliance with, overuse, and underuse of postpolypectomy surveillance according to the 2006 USMSTF recommendations was assessed. Surveillance use according to demographic factors was also investigated.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 4.4 years (5th percentile, 95th percentile, 1.0, 9.9) 2360 (64%) patients had undergone a surveillance colonoscopy, among whom 758 (21%) were considered compliant with the USMSTF recommendations. A substantial underuse of surveillance colonoscopies of 62% was observed. Older age and lower income were associated with a higher incidence of underuse, whereas having a family history of colorectal cancer were associated with lower incidence of underuse. Overuse of surveillance colonoscopies was present in 17% of patients but showed no significant associations with demographic factors.

Conclusion

Substantial underuse of surveillance in patients with high‐risk polyps was observed, particularly those with low income and older age. Efforts are needed to improve delivery and use of surveillance colonoscopy.

Plain Language Summary

The US Multi‐Society Task Force recommends follow‐up surveillance colonoscopy after polyp removal in the bowel, with intervals depending on the most severe findings.

Adherence to surveillance recommendations in a large study with up to 10 years of follow‐up among patients with high‐risk polyps was investigated. Only 21% of patients adhered to the surveillance recommendations, whereas 62% showed delayed or no use of surveillance.

Findings highlight the need for improved use of surveillance colonoscopy among patients at high risk of colorectal cancer.
Ru−Ni Alloy Nanoparticles Loaded on N‐Doped Amphiphilic Mesoporous Hollow Carbon@silica Spheres as Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of α‐Pinene to cis‐Pinane
Authors: Liu Shu‐Kun , Yu Feng‐Li , Yuan Bing , Xie Cong‐Xia , Yu Shi‐Tao
Published: February 2023

N‐doped mesoporous carbon spheres (NHMC@mSiO2) encapsulated in silica shells were prepared by emulsion polymerization and domain‐limited carbonization using ethylenediamine as the nitrogen source, and Ru−Ni alloy catalysts were prepared for the hydrogenation of α‐pinene in the aqueous phase. The internal cavities of this nanomaterial are lipophilic, enhancing mass transfer and enrichment of the reactants, and the hydrophilic silica shell enhances the dispersion of the catalyst in water. N‐doping allows more catalytically active metal particles to be anchored to the amphiphilic carrier, enhancing its catalytic activity and stability. In addition, a synergistic effect between Ru and Ni significantly enhances the catalytic activity. The factors influencing the hydrogenation of α‐pinene were investigated, and the optimum reaction conditions were determined to be as follows: 100 °C, 1.0 MPa H2, 3 h. The high stability and recyclability of the Ru−Ni alloy catalyst were demonstrated through cycling experiments.
Clustering Highly Divergent Homologous Proteins: An Alignment‐Free Method
Authors: Muñoz‐Baena Laura , Poon Art F. Y.
Published: February 2023

The comparative analysis of amino acid sequences is an important tool in molecular biology that often requires multiple sequence alignments. In comparisons between less closely related genomes, however, it becomes more difficult to accurately align protein‐coding sequences, or even to identify homologous regions in different genomes. In this article, we describe an alignment‐free method for the classification of homologous protein‐coding regions from different genomes. This methodology was originally developed for comparing genomes within virus families, but may be adapted for other organisms. We quantify sequence homology from the overlap (intersection distance) of the k‐mer (word) frequency distributions for different protein sequences. Next, we extract groups of homologous sequences from the resulting distance matrix using a combination of dimensionality reduction and hierarchical clustering methods. Finally, we demonstrate how to generate visualizations of the composition of clusters with respect to protein annotations, and by coloring protein‐coding regions of genomes by cluster assignments. These provide a useful means to quickly assess the reliability of the clustering results based on the distribution of homologous genes among genomes. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Data collection and processing

Basic Protocol 2: Calculating k‐mer distances

Basic Protocol 3: Extracting clusters of homology

Support Protocol: Genome plot based on clustering results
Synthesis of Chlorophosphoramidate Monomer Morpholinos and PMOs
Authors: Kundu Jayanta , Ghosh Ujjwal , Ghosh Atanu , Pattanayak Sankha , Das Arnab , Sinha Surajit
Published: February 2023

Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOs) are a successful class of antisense reagents that efficiently modulate gene expression. Because PMOs do not follow standard phosphoramidite chemistry, optimized synthetic protocols for these compounds are relatively scarce in the literature. This paper presents detailed protocols for synthesizing full‐length PMOs using chlorophosphoramidate chemistry by manual solid‐phase synthesis. We first describe the synthesis of Fmoc‐protected morpholino hydroxyl monomers, and the corresponding chlorophosphoramidate monomers, from commercially available protected ribonucleosides. The new Fmoc chemistry necessitates the use of a milder base, such as N‐ethylmorpholine (NEM), and coupling reagent, such as 5‐(ethylthio)‐1H‐tetrazole (ETT), which are also tolerated for acid‐sensitive trityl chemistry. These chlorophosphoramidate monomers are then employed for PMO synthesis in a manual solid‐phase procedure using four sequential steps. The synthetic cycle for each nucleotide incorporation consists of (a) deblocking of the 3′‐N protecting group using an acidic deblocking cocktail for trityl and base deblocking for Fmoc, (b) neutralization, (c) coupling in the presence of ETT and NEM, and (d) capping of the unreacted morpholine ring‐amine. The method uses safe, stable, and inexpensive reagents, and the process is expected to be scalable. After full‐length PMO synthesis and ammonia‐mediated cleavage from the solid support and deprotection, a range of PMOs with different lengths can be obtained conveniently and efficiently with reproducible good yields. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of the novel Fmoc‐protected morpholino monomers

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of the phosphorylating reagent (N,N‐dimethylphosphoramic dichloride) required for chlorophosphoramidate monomer synthesis

Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of chlorophosphoramidate monomers of Fmoc‐protected morpholino monomers

Basic Protocol 4: Solution‐phase standardization of dimer and trimer PMO synthesis using Fmoc chemistry

Basic Protocol 5: Solid‐phase synthesis, purification, and characterization of full‐length (25‐mer) no‐tail PMO using both trityl and Fmoc chemistry
Multiplex Quantification of Plasma Biomarkers for Patients with Gaucher Disease Type 1
Authors: Menkovic Iskren , Boutin Michel , Lavoie Pamela , Auray‐Blais Christiane
Published: February 2023

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme beta‐glucocerebrosidase. This leads to the accumulation of glycolipids in macrophages and ultimately results in tissue damage. Recent metabolomic studies highlighted several potential biomarkers in plasma specimens. In hopes of better understanding the distribution, importance, and clinical significance of these potential markers, a UPLC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify lyso‐Gb1 and six related analogs (with the following modifications on the sphingosine moiety: ‐C2H4 (‐28 Da), ‐C2H4+O (‐12 Da), ‐H2 (‐2 Da), ‐H2+O (+14 Da), +O (+16 Da), and +H2O (+18 Da)), sphingosylphosphorylcholine, and N‐palmitoyl‐O‐phosphocholineserine in plasma specimens of treated and untreated patients. This 12‐min UPLC‐MS/MS method involves a purification step via solid‐phase extraction followed by evaporation under nitrogen flow and resuspension in an organic mix compatible with HILIC chromatography. This method is currently used for research purposes and might be used for monitoring, prognostics, and follow‐up. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Keeping up with the Joneses: The role of investee peers corporate environmental responsibility
Authors: Dong Yusen , Chen Senhua , Wu Yixue
Published: February 2023

Scholars have investigated the industry peer effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Borrowing from the awareness–motivation–capability (AMC) framework from competitive dynamics literature, we shift attention to focus on an important but neglected peer—investee peers—and argue that the corporate environmental responsibility (CER) of investee peers positively affects a focal firm's CER. Using data from Chinese listed firms from 2008 to 2018, we find that firms invest more on CER in response to increasing CER investment by investee peer firms (more awareness). This relationship is further affected by the firm's motivation (when the common shareholder is a foreign investor) and ability (when the focal firm's financial performance is high) to respond to competitive threats and tensions from investee peers. Our study contributes to the literature on CSR (specifically CER) by introducing the role of investee peers and extending the AMC framework to the CER literature.
The policy and practice of mathematics mastery: The effects of neoliberalism and neoconservatism on curriculum reform
Authors: Pratt Nick , Alderton Julie
Published: February 2023

This paper explores how the twin processes of neoliberalism and neoconservatism work together on, and through, curricula and their associated pedagogies. It bridges the gap between policy and classroom practice, focusing on the particular example of the school subject of mathematics and the notion of mastery, operationalised in the English education system as Teaching for Mastery (TfM). From this context, it develops a theoretical argument using Dean's analytics of government as part of a broader Foucauldian frame, to analyse how TfM is constructed as a particular policy truth. It then shifts the analysis from a wide, social one to the individual classroom level using a psychological argument to critique TfM in its own terms, examining the onto‐epistemological nature of mathematics as a subject. In doing so, it explores ways in which mastery might be problematic in classrooms, even whilst appearing to offer a solution at policy level to long‐standing problems in English schooling. The aim is not to suggest that TfM has nothing to offer, but to point to ways in which it draws on the psychology of teaching and learning in a very particular manner, inscribing pupils with very specific mathematical subjectivities. By providing this insight into how neoliberal policy positions play out at practitioner level via curricula and pedagogies, the paper raises questions which are philosophical, political, and ethical, regarding the potential effect of TfM on teachers' and pupils' experiences of mathematics in schools, including implications for equity of this experience amongst the latter.
Assisted reproductive technology, risk of gestational diabetes, and perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies
Authors: Bianchi Cristina , Brocchi Alex , Baronti Walter , Nicolì Francesca , Citro Fabrizia , Aragona Michele , Cela Vito , Del Prato Stefano , Bertolotto Alessandra
Published: February 2023

Aims

To evaluate the impact of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in single pregnancies.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical and anthropometric data of 219ART‐ and 256 age‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched women with spontaneous conception screened for GDM. The primary outcome was to evaluate GDM prevalence in ART women.

Results

There were no differences in age, BMI, and family history of diabetes in the two groups of women. ART‐women were more frequently primiparous, whereas the prevalence of previous GDM was higher in SC‐women. The prevalence of GDM in the whole cohort was 36.1% and was higher in ART‐women (52.3% vs. 23.4%; p < 0.0001). In the whole cohort, on multivariate analysis, family history of diabetes (OR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.03–2.69), previous GDM (OR 7.05; 95% CI: 2.92–17.04), pre‐pregnancy obesity (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.21–6.13), and ART (OR 4.14; 95% CI 2.65–6.48) were independent risk factors for GDM. Among ART‐women, age over 40 years was associated with GDM. Preterm delivery was more common in ART‐women; gestational week at delivery, birth weight, ponderal index, and Apgar score were lower in ART‐women than in SC‐women, both in the whole cohort and in GDM women.

Conclusions

Among women undergoing ART treatment, at least one in two develops GDM. ART appears to be an independent risk factor for GDM in single pregnancies, particularly above the age of 40. ART treatment seems to be associated with an increased rate of preterm delivery and lower neonatal birth weight and Apgar score, especially in GDM women.

Clinical Trial Registration

The study was not registered as it is an observational retrospective evaluation.
Overcoming Thermodynamically Driven Retro‐Diels–Alder Reaction through a Cascade One‐Pot Process Exemplified for a Bio‐Based Platform Chemical
Authors: Altemeier Bastian , Gröger Harald
Published: February 2023

In this contribution, we describe a new approach to apply thermodynamically unfavored reactions in synthetic chemistry and to integrate them in cascade processes. By means of a new developed procedure for multi‐step one‐pot syntheses, we succeeded in nearly completely converting a thermodynamically labile Diels–Alder adduct, which strongly tends to react back, to the target product with high conversion of >99 % and in excellent yield by coupling with a rapid subsequent hydrogenation reaction. In detail, the process is based on the use of a rotating reaction vessel to form a thin product film of the thermodynamically labile Diels–Alder product from 2‐methylfuran and maleic acid anhydride (as two bio‐based raw materials), which then slowly dissolves into solution and is immediately converted by hydrogenation to the target product. Such a combination of Diels–Alder reaction and hydrogenation in a sequential one‐pot process without by‐product formation enables the efficient production of the product, which represents a valuable bio‐based platform chemical. In addition, this process concept generally opens a perspective for the integration of thermodynamically unfavorable reaction steps in multi‐step one‐pot cascade processes while obtaining the desired target products in high yields.
Vortex‐assisted electroosmotic mixing of Carreau fluid in a microchannel
Authors: Mehta Sumit Kumar , Mondal Pranab Kumar
Published: February 2023

Pertaining to the mixing of the non‐Newtonian Carreau fluid under electrokinetic actuation inside a plane microchannel, we propose a new design of micromixer that involves inserting a two‐part cylinder bearing zeta potential of the same sign but different magnitude in the upstream and downstream directions. We numerically solve the transport equations to predict the underlying mixing characteristics. We demonstrate that a substantial momentum difference between the microchannel's plane wall and cylinder leads to the development of a vortex in the flow pathway, which in turn, enhances mixing substantially. As shown, for a fluid having a highly shear‐thinning nature, the vortex‐assisted convection mixing strength increases with diffusivity of the candidate fluids. Moreover, it is shown that for the higher shear‐thinning nature of the candidate fluid, an increase in cylinder radius enhances mixing efficiency and flow rate simultaneously, resulting in a “quick and efficient” mixing condition. Additionally, the fluid rheology significantly alters the kinetics of shear‐induced binary aggregation. Our findings show that the shear‐induced aggregation characteristic time sharply increases with increasing shear‐thinning behavior of the fluid.
Effects of types and levels of social capital on emotional well‐being for older people in Indonesia: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ekadinata Nopryan , Hsu Hui‐Chuan , Chuang Ying‐Chih , Chao Shiau‐Fang
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different types and levels of social capital and emotional well‐being in older adults in Indonesia by a longitudinal data.

Methods

The fourth and the fifth waves of Indonesian Family Life Survey data were used for this study. The participants aged 60 years or older who participated in both waves were included for analysis (n = 1374). Depressive symptoms and happiness were used to assess emotional well‐being. Cognitive social capital (neighborhood trust) and structural social capital (participating in arisan, community meetings, volunteers, village improvement programs, and religious activities) were the main independent variables. The generalized estimating equations model was used for analysis.

Results

Participation in arisan (B = −0.534) and attending religious activities (B = −0.591) were related to lower depressive symptoms, but the effect of religious activities would offset over time. Both a low or high social participation showed protective effects on depressive symptoms at the intercept and the time slope. Having higher neighborhood trust was related to more chance of feeling very happy (OR = 1.518).

Conclusion

Structural social capital is protective from depressive symptoms, while cognitive social capital contributes to happiness. Facilitating social participation and improving neighborhood trust through policies and programs is suggested to promote emotional well‐being for older people.
Incidence, prescription patterns and risk factors of antipsychotic initiation in elderly stroke survivors
Authors: Su Chien‐Chou , Yang Yea‐Huei Kao , Cheng Ching‐Lan , Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng , Hsieh Cheng‐Yang , Chen Chih‐Hung , Lin Huey‐Juan , Sung Sheng‐Feng , Chen Yu‐Wei
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Epidemiological data regarding antipsychotic initiation in elderly patients with stroke are limited. We aimed to investigate the incidence, prescription patterns and determinants of antipsychotic initiation in elderly patients with stroke.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to identify patients aged above 65 years who had been admitted for stroke from the National Health Insurance Database (NHID). The index date was defined as the discharge date. The incidence and prescription pattern of antipsychotics were estimated using the NHID. To evaluate the determinants of antipsychotic initiation, the cohort identified from the NHID was linked to the Multicenter Stroke Registry (MSR). Demographics, comorbidities and concomitant medications were obtained from the NHID. Information including smoking status, body mass index, stroke severity and disability was retrieved by linking to the MSR. The outcome was antipsychotic initiation after the index date. Hazard ratios for antipsychotic initiation were estimated using the multivariable Cox model.

Results

In terms of prognosis, the first 2 months after a stroke was the highest‐risk period for antipsychotic use. A high burden of coexisting diseases carried an increased risk of antipsychotic use; in particular, chronic kidney disease (CKD) had the highest adjusted hazard ratio (aHR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.29–2.31) as compared with other risk factors. Furthermore, stroke severity and disability were significant risk factors for antipsychotic initiation.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that elderly stroke patients with chronic medical conditions, particularly CKD, and a higher stroke severity and disability were at greater risk of psychiatric disorders during the first 2 months after a stroke.

Clinical trial registration: NA.
Selective referral or learning by doing? An analysis of hospital volume‐outcome relationship of vascular procedures
Authors: Červený Jakub
Published: February 2023

This paper analyzes the effects of hospital volume on outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with stent implant in Slovakia between 2014 and 2019. The volume‐outcome relationship is estimated jointly using a discrete factor approach, where choice of hospital is correlated with durations until readmission or death, accounting for observed and unobserved characteristics. The results reveal the importance of controlling for between‐hospital differences and selectivity in patient referral. Estimates without hospital fixed effects overstate the positive effect of volume on outcomes, but the results remain statistically significant. Once selectivity is accounted for in the joint correlated model, the positive volume‐outcome relationship is not different from zero. Overall, the main driver of the volume‐outcome relationship for PTA procedures appears to be related to selective referral and differences in quality of health care providers.
Health care administration and drug policy
Authors: Duncan David F. , Ellis‐Griffith Gregory , Nicholson Thomas , Nimkar Swateja
Published: February 2023

The American healthcare system faces a potential reorganization of the way in which services are provided and financed. We argue that healthcare administrators need to be increasingly aware of the ways in which our nation's illicit drug policy, commonly referred to as the ‘War on Drugs’, affects the provision of health services. A large and growing portion of the US population uses one or more of the currently illegal drugs and some of these persons suffer from an addiction or other substance use disorder. This is clearly demonstrated by the current opioid epidemic which is not yet being adequately controlled. Providing specialty treatment for drug abuse disorders will be increasingly important for healthcare administrators thanks to recent mental health parity legislation. At the same time, drug users and abusers will be increasingly encountered while providing care not specifically tied to drug use or abuse. The character of our current national drug policy has an important impact on how drug abuse disorders are treated and how the health delivery system responds to drug users who are increasingly often encountered in primary care, emergency care, specialty care, and long‐term care settings.
A commentary on cancer prevention and control in India: Priorities for realizing SDGs
Authors: Ramani Vinod K. , Jayanna Krishnamurthy , Naik Radheshyam
Published: February 2023

In India, cancers along with cardiovascular diseases contribute to significant mortality and morbidity. With less than 10 years remaining towards achieving Sustainable development Goals (SDGs), public health systems in India need to be critically assessed and strengthened, for addressing non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) in general and cancers in particular. Our Commentary address the public health response to cancer prevention and control, with specific pointers based on emerging evidence. The relevant issues are stratified as: emphasis on the critical appraisal of national programs, strengthening primary health care (PHC) systems, enhancing focus on client and community centricity, exploring integrative approaches to cancer management and stepping up implementation and multidisciplinary research. Ongoing surveillance is essential to assess the current and future trends of cancer as well as the outcomes of prevention and treatment measures. For revitalizing comprehensive PHC, much depends on our epidemiological capacity and surveillance systems which impart information for local planning. It is imperative to address the cultural barriers and societal norms, which limit the acceptability and participation in screening programs. SDG 3 has ushered the wellbeing agenda at an opportune time. There is a compelling need to conduct research on an integrated approach (ayurveda complimenting allopathic medication) for the treatment of cancer. The unique challenges posed by the rise in NCD morbidity in LMIC, requires horizontal integration of the health systems with new services focused on cancer control.
Ketamine as a therapeutic agent in major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Potential medicinal and deleterious effects
Authors: Sachdeva Bhuvi , Sachdeva Punya , Ghosh Shampa , Ahmad Faizan , Sinha Jitendra Kumar
Published: February 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the most common causes of emotional distress that impair an individual's quality of life. MDD is a chronic mental illness that affects 300 million people across the world. Clinical manifestations of MDD include fatigue, loss of interest in routine tasks, psychomotor agitation, impaired ability to focus, suicidal ideation, hypersomnolence, altered psychosocial functioning, and appetite loss. Individuals with depression also demonstrate a reduced behavioral response while experiencing pleasure, a symptom known as anhedonia. Like MDD, PTSD is a prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disorder resulting from a traumatic incident such as sexual assault, war, severe accident, or natural disaster. Symptoms such as recalling event phases, hypervigilance, irritability, and anhedonia are common in PTSD. Both MDD and PTSD pose enormous socioeconomic burdens across the globe. The search for effective treatment with minimal side effects is still ongoing. Ketamine is known for its anesthetic and analgesic properties. Psychedelic and psychotropic effects of ketamine have been found on the nervous system, which highlights its toxicity. In this article, the effectiveness of ketamine as a potential therapeutic for PTSD and MDD along with its mechanisms of action, clinical trials, and possible side effects have been discussed.
Naringenin alleviate reproductive toxicity evoked by lead acetate via attenuation of sperm profile and biochemical alterations in male Wistar rat: Involvement of TGFβ/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Elhemiely Alzahraa A. , Yahia Rania , Gad Amany M.
Published: February 2023

Exposure to Lead ‐causes testicular dysfunction through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis; however, naringenin (NGN) therapeutic impact against lead‐evoked testicular dysfunction remains elusive. Herein, the point of the study was to examine the defensive impact of NGN on testicular dysfunction initiated by lead. Seventy‐Two male Wistar rats were allotted into nine groups; control group, drug control groups, lead acetate group, as well as NGN treated groups (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) respectively, given 5 days before lead acetate treatment. The result showed clearly the impact of lead on reduced sperm count, sperm motility as well as serum testosterone and LH levels. Additionally, it caused a significant rise in testicular inflammatory markers TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and TGFβ, effects that were accompanied by a reduction of AKT and mTOR levels. Lead acetate also caused degenerative changes in the testis, atrophy, and loss of spermatogenic series. Our findings revealed that NGN in a dose‐dependent manner improved spermiotoxicity induced by lead acetate via restoration of the testicular function, preservation of spermatogenesis, halting inflammatory cytokines along with the enhancement of germ cell survival using upregulation of AKT/mTOR expressions. The present study discloses that NGN suppresses lead acetate toxicity that is involved in the antioxidant effect in a dose‐dependent manner, besides its anti‐inflammatory property.
Long non‐coding RNA ATB expedites non‐small cell lung cancer progression by the miR‐200b/fibronectin 1 axis
Authors: Sun Shifang , Zou Yifan , Xu Ningjie , Wang Kaiyue , Rong Shanshan , Lv Jiarong , Hu Bin , Mai Yifeng , Zhu Decai , Ding Liren
Published: February 2023

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) ATB belongs to an active modulator in multiple cancers, but its expression along with potential underlying non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is obscure. Our study aimed to investigate the role and potential mechanism of LncRNA ATB in NSCLC.

Methods

LncRNA ATB expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT‐PCR. Effects of LncRNA ATB on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by MTS, colony formation and transwell assays. The connection among LncRNA ATB, miR‐200b and fibronectin 1 (FN1) was determined by bioformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

In this research, upregulation of LncRNA ATB was discovered in NSCLC tissue samples and cell lines. LncRNA ATB was positively related to advanced tumor phase as well as lymph node metastasis. Cell function assays reflected LncRNA ATB expedited NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. LncRNA ATB promoted fibronectin 1 (FN1) expression via inhibiting miR‐200b. Furthermore, LncRNA ATB depletion suppressed NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion, while miR‐200b inhibitor or pcDNA‐FN1 rescued these effects.

Conclusion

In summary, our outcomes elucidated that LncRNA ATB/miR‐200b axis expedited NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion by up‐regulating FN1.