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Publication
Journal: Frontiers in Psychology
August/15/2017
Abstract
Mentoring continues to build momentum among startups and established enterprises due to its positive impact on individuals and organizations. Unlike previous studies, this research focuses on mentoring higher level leadership, such as the CEO, and demonstrates its unique relationship to organizational innovativeness. Our sample included 200 mentored executives and entrepreneurs who personally identify and exploit opportunities. Our findings confirm that mentoring top leaders positively relates to their perceived innovativeness of the organization and that the relationship is mediated by these leaders' perception of psychological safety within the organization. Our findings also confirm that the relationship is negatively moderated by these leaders' cognitive adaptability. The reliability and validity of the results have been proved by using confirmatory factor analysis and advanced regression analytics. As a result, this work demonstrates the value of mentoring top leadership and advocates the importance of establishing a psychologically safe environment to inspire not only top leadership to try new avenues but also for all those within the organization to speak up and speak out. Additionally, our findings encourage organizations to proactively and selectively prioritize mentoring among top leadership, taking into account their differing levels of cognitive adaptability. Finally, further research could focus on how to provide greater support for mentors of higher level leaders.
Publication
Journal: Scientific Reports
August/25/2014
Abstract
The x-ray diffraction study of 12 nm CeO2 was carried out up to ~40 GPa using an angle dispersive synchrotron-radiation in a diamond-anvil cell with different pressure transmitting medium (PTM) (4:1 methanol: ethanol mixture, silicone oil and none) at room temperature. While the cubic fluorite-type structure CeO2 was retained to the highest pressure, there is progressive broadening and intensity reduction of the reflections with increasing pressure. At pressures above 12 GPa, an unusual change in the compression curve was detected in all experiments. Significantly, apparent negative volume compressibility was observed at P = 18-27 GPa with silicone oil as PTM, however it was not detected in other circumstances. The expansion of the unit cell volume of cubic CeO2 was about 1% at pressures of 15-27 GPa. To explain this abnormal phenomenon, a dual structure model (hard amorphous shell and relatively soft crystalline core) has been proposed.
Publication
Journal: Chemosphere
September/28/2019
Abstract
Methylene blue dye is among the toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic pollutants. Hence, its treatment via photocatalytic degradation is an important remediation method for the sake of a healthy environment. Herein, the V2O5-CeO2 nanocomposite catalysts were synthesized via a simple precipitation-thermal decomposition approach and used for the photodegradation of methylene blue in the presence of H2O2 as an effective electron scavenger under visible light illumination. The nanocomposite catalysts were systematically characterized to investigate the effects of V2O5 with the aids of X-ray, morphology, light absorption, catalytic activity, and charge transfer properties of the nanocomposite catalysts. The VC-2 nanocomposite prepared with NH4VO3:CeO2 molar ratios at 0.15:1 was found to be the best efficient catalyst where ≥98% of methylene blue was degraded within 25 min irradiation time. From the kinetics analysis, its rate constant was found to be higher than those of the pure V2O5 and CeO2 catalysts by a factor of 12.0 and 13.5, respectively. The plausibly mechanistic elucidation of charge transfer and utilization of reactive species are conspicuous allegations of the combined effects of the nanocomposite catalyst, H2O2 sacrificial agent, and visible light for the photodegradation of the dye.
Publication
Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
February/8/2021
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are considered as potential agents for agriculture as fertilizers, growth enhancers and pesticides. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that are responsible for their effects is important. Various studies demonstrated that the application of nontoxic concentrations can promote seed germination, enhance plant growth and increase the yield. Moreover, NPs can be used to protect plants from environmental impacts such as salt or drought stress and diminish accumulation and toxicity of heavy metals. NPs can serve as a source of micronutrients (e.g. ZnO, iron- and manganese-based NPs), thus increasing fitness and helps plants to cope with stress conditions. TiO2 and iron-based NPs are able to delay senescence and speed-up cell division via changes in phytohormonal levels. The application of some NPs can promote the activity of enzymes such as amylase, nitrate reductase, phosphatase, phytase and carbonic anhydrases, which are involved in metabolism and nutrient acquisition. E.g. ZnO and TiO2 NPs can stimulate chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthetic activity. Iron-based and CeO2 NPs enhance stomata opening resulting in better gas exchange and CO2 assimilation rate. NPs can also modulate oxidative stress by the stimulation of the antioxidant enzymes such peroxidases and superoxide dismutase. However, the knowledge about the fate, transformation, and accumulation of NPs in the environment and organisms is needed prior to their use in agriculture to avoid negative environmental impacts. Higher or lower toxicity of various NPs was established for microorganisms, plants or animals. In this overview, we focused on the possible mechanisms of Ag, ZnO, TiO2, Fe-based, CeO2, Al2O3, and manganese-based NPs responsible for their positive effects on plants.
Keywords: Beneficial effects; Fertilizer; Growth promotors; Metal; Nanoparticles; Plants.
Publication
Journal: Food Science and Nutrition
May/23/2021
Abstract
In this study, chicory essential oil (CEO) was obtained by hydrodistillation-based extraction method and it was rich in camphor (31.3%) and phenolic compounds with outstanding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The CEO was then incorporated into Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage (LPSM) based aqueous solution to prepare an active CEO-loaded LPSM edible coating. The effect of the edible coating was then investigated on the quality and shelf life of beef slices during 7 days storage at 4°C. The results revealed that beef slice coated with CEO-loaded LPSM edible coating had a significant inhibitory effect on its lipid oxidation and microbial growth. The CEO-LPSM coating also inhibited the weight and texture losses of beef slices during display more efficiently compared with the control and CEO-free LPSM coating. Besides, the beef slices coated with CEO-LPSM were the preferred samples in terms of sensory scores throughout the storage. Thus, using CEO-rich LPSM edible coating might inhibit decay and significantly improve the shelf life of fresh beef.
Keywords: Lepidium perfoliatum mucilage; chicory essential oil; edible coating; fresh beef; shelf life.
Publication
Journal: Analytical Chemistry
November/11/2013
Abstract
An optical plasmonic-based sensing array has been developed and tested for the selective and sensitive detection of H(2), CO, and NO(2) at a temperature of 500 °C in an oxygen-containing background. The three-element sensing array used Au nanoparticles embedded in separate thin films of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), CeO(2), and TiO(2). A peak in the absorbance spectrum due to a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on the Au nanoparticles was monitored for each film during gas exposures and showed a blue shift in the peak positions for the reducing gases, H(2) and CO, and a red shift for the oxidizing gas, NO(2). A more in-depth look at the sensing response was performed using the multivariate methods of principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) on data from across the entire absorbance spectrum range. Qualitative results from both methods showed good separation between the three analytes for both the full array and the Au-TiO(2) sample. Quantification of LDA cluster separation using the Mahalanobis distance showed better cluster separation for the array, but there were some instances with the lowest concentrations where the single Au-TiO(2) film had separation better than that of the array. A second method to quantify cluster separation in LDA space was developed using multidimensional volume analysis of the individual cluster volume, overlapped cluster volume, and empty volume between clusters. Compared to the individual sensing elements, the array showed less cluster overlap, smaller cluster volumes, and more space between clusters, all of which were expected for improved separability between the analytes.
Publication
Journal: Population Health Management
May/11/2014
Abstract
As evidence accumulates on the risk factors for cancer, it is becoming clearer that employers can play a significant role in the fight against the disease by creating a workplace conducive to lowering health risks. The CEO Roundtable on Cancer's CEO Cancer Gold Standard Program defines what companies can do to prevent cancer, detect it early, and ensure access to the best available treatments for those who are afflicted with the disease. This article describes how Johnson & Johnson incorporated the Cancer Gold Standard Program into its existing health promotion initiatives. Then, a framework is proposed that employers can use to monitor progress in cancer prevention and treatment enhancement efforts. Finally, health care eligibility, claims, and health risk assessment data are analyzed to quantify Johnson & Johnson's progress since implementation of the Cancer Gold Standard Program. Companies interested in initiating or furthering their health promotion efforts should consider joining groups such as the CEO Cancer Gold Standard. Collectively, companies have the ability to influence policy makers, payers, and the industry at large in changing behaviors and creating a culture of health and wellness in the fight against cancer.
Publication
Journal: Acta Neurochirurgica
October/11/2007
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In the present report we describe the cerebral haemodynamics and the neuroradiological findings observed in six consecutive children, three males and three females aged 4-15.6 yrs (mean age 8.95) displaying a neuroradiological pattern consistent with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) along with slit ventricles.
METHODS
All the patients were admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with GCS scores less than 8 after a severe brain injury. Serial head computed to mography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scans demonstrated a radiological pattern of DAI. Transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD) of the middle cerebral arteries was performed through the temporal bone window in all the patients. All patients but one underwent a continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral extraction of O(2) (CEO(2)). Treatment with barbiturates and hyperventilation was necessary in all the cases. In one patient, a bilateral decompressive cran iectomy was performed in order to decrease severe in tracranial hypertension.
RESULTS
Hyperflow along with intracranial hyper tension, variably responsive to barbiturate medication, was observed in all the patients by means of TCD and CEO(2).
CONCLUSIONS
Intracranial hypertension can be elevated in pediatric posttraumatic hyperflow syndromes associated with DAI. The observation of the time course of the parameters studied allowed us to modify the pharmacological treatment and/or perform surgical decompression (external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in five cases; decompressive craniectomy in one case). Compartmental hyperflow TCD pattern was evident in only one patient. Although the limited number of pa tients in our series does not allow definite conclusions, we strongly believe that TCD, with ICP and CEO(2) monitoring, are useful tools in planning surgical strategy in children with neuroradiological signs of DAI.
Publication
Journal: Langmuir
May/29/2006
Abstract
Pure ceria powders, CeO(2), were synthesized in heptane-microemulsified aqueous solutions of CeCl(3) or Ce(NO(3))(3) stabilized by AOT (sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate), DDAB (di-n-didodecyldimethylammonium bromide), or DDAB + Brij 35 surfactant mixtures. Micellar DTAB (n-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide) and vesicular DDAB systems were also used as media for generating CeO(2). Characterization of the powders by X-ray powder diffractometry, laser-Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that in the presence of surfactants almost-agglomerate-free nanosized crystallites (6-13 nm) of anionic vacancy-free cubic CeO(2) were produced. In the absence of surfactants 21-nm-sized crystallites were formed, comparing with the 85-nm-sized crystallites when cubic CeO(2) was created via thermal decomposition of cerium oxalate. Surface characterization, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N(2) sorptiometry, and high-resolution electron microscopy showed AOT- or (DDAB + Brij 35)-stabilized microemulsions to assist in formation of crystallites exposing surfaces of large specific areas (up to ca. 250 m(2)/g) but of low stability to high-temperature calcination (28-13 m(2)/g at 800 degrees C). In contrast, the double-chained DDAB was found to generate cubic CeO(2) crystallites of lower initial surface areas (144 (microemulsion) to 125 (vesicles) m(2)/g)) but of higher thermal stability (55-45 m(2)/g at 800 degrees C). Hence, the latter cerias could be considered as appropriate components for total oxidation (combustion) catalysts.
Publication
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
March/27/2012
Abstract
A fluorescent molecular probe, 6-carboxy fluorescein, was used in conjunction with in situ fluorescence spectroscopy to facilitate real-time monitoring of degradation inducing reactive oxygen species within the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) of an operating PEM fuel cell. The key requirements of suitable molecular probes for in situ monitoring of ROS are presented. The utility of using free radical scavengers such as CeO(2) nanoparticles to mitigate reactive oxygen species induced PEM degradation was demonstrated. The addition of CeO(2) to uncatalyzed membranes resulted in close to 100% capture of ROS generated in situ within the PEM for a period of about 7 h and the incorporation of CeO(2) into the catalyzed membrane provided an eightfold reduction in ROS generation rate.
Publication
Journal: Nanotoxicology
May/5/2014
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the interaction of a series of well characterised nano-objects with the Gram negative bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, and how such an interaction may relate to the potential mutagenicity of nano-objects. Transmission electron microscopy showed that nano-objects (Au-PMA-ATTO NPs, CeO₂ NPs, SWCNTs and MWCNTs), as well as CAFs entered S. typhimurium. Only DEPs did not penetrate/enter the bacteria, however, were the only particle stimulus to induce any significant mutagenicity through the Ames test. Comparison with a sophisticated 3D in vitro cell model showed CAFs, DEPs, SWCNTs and MWCNTs to cause a significant increase in mammalian cell proliferation, whilst both the Au-PMA-ATTO NPs and CeO₂ NPs had not significant adverse effects. In conclusion, these results indicate that various of different nano-objects are able to penetrate the double-lipid bilayer of Gram negative bacteria, although the Ames test may not be a good indicator for nano-object mutagenicity.
Publication
Journal: Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine and Biotechnology
January/21/2019
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a heterogeneous disease with multiple genotypic origins. Despite treatment protocols such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for patients remains poor. This study investigates the cytotoxic and radiation dose-enhancing and radiosensitizing ability of five rare earth oxide nanoparticles, in two different immortalized mammalian cell lines; U-87 MG and Mo59K. Significant cytotoxicity was observed in U-87 MG cells when exposed to Nd2O3 and La2O3. Autophagy was also detected in cells after incubation with Nd2O3. Radiosensitization was observed in U-87 MG when incubated with Gd2O3, CeO2-Gd and Nd2O3:Si. Importantly, these elements did not cause any intrinsic toxicity in the absence of irradiation and so could be considered biocompatible. The Gd2O3 and CeO2-Gd nanoparticles were also seen to generate ROS in U-87 MG cells after irradiation. Furthermore, the Mo59K and U-87 MG cells responded very differently to exposure to the rare earth nanoparticles. This may indicate the importance of the genotype of cells in the successful use of rare earth oxides for treatment.
Publication
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
March/11/2019
Abstract
A sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor for detecting amyloid-beta protein was fabricated based on Au NP-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (Au@rGO) as an effective sensing platform and AuCu xO-embedded mesoporous CeO2 (AuCu xO@m-CeO2) nanocomposites as the catalytic matrix. The AuCu xO@m-CeO2 composites were obtained by adjusting the amount of m-CeO2 in the reaction to expose enormous active sites. Also, AuCu xO@m-CeO2 was applied as a matrix to immobilize antibodies by forming bridged bonds between m-CeO2 and carboxyl functional groups of antibodies without additional agents. Furthermore, AuCu xO with prominent catalytic activities dramatically improved the performance of the fabricated immunosensor. Also, the morphology, structure, and electronic state of the surface were characterized by SEM, XRD, TEM, and XPS. In addition, the immunosensor demonstrated a wide linear range of 100 fg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1. This study may provide a way for sensitively detecting various biomarkers.
Publication
Journal: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
February/6/2019
Abstract
The role of the anconeus in elbow stability has been a long-standing debate. Anatomic and electromyographic studies have suggested a potential role as a stabilizer. However, to our knowledge, no clinical or biomechanical studies have investigated its role in improving the stability of a combined lateral collateral ligament and common extensor origin (LCL + CEO)-deficient elbow.Seven cadaveric upper extremities were mounted in an elbow motion simulator in the varus position. An injured model was created by sectioning of the CEO and the LCL. The anconeus tendon and its aponeurosis were sutured in a Krackow fashion and tensioned to 10 N and 20 N using a transosseous tunnel. Varus-valgus angles and ulnohumeral rotations were recorded using an electromagnetic tracking system during simulated active elbow flexion with the forearm pronated and supinated.During active motion, the injured model resulted in a significant increase in varus angulation (P = .0001 for pronation; P = .001 for supination) and external rotation (P = .001 for pronation; P = .003 for supination) of the ulnohumeral articulation compared with the intact state. Tensioning of the anconeus significantly decreased the varus angulation (P = .006 for 10 N pronation; P = .0001 for 20 N pronation; P = .0001 for 10 N supination; P = .0001 for 20 N supination) and external rotation angle (P = .008 for 10 N pronation; P = .0001 for 20 N pronation; P = .0001 for 10 N supination; P = .0001 for 20 N supination) of the injured elbow.In the highly unstable varus elbow orientation, anconeus tensioning restores the in vitro stability of a combined LCL + CEO-deficient elbow during simulated active motion with the forearm in both pronation and supination. These results may have several clinical implications in managing symptomatic lateral elbow instability.
Publication
Journal: African Journal of Laboratory Medicine
October/21/2017
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) is a competency-based management training programme. Assessing health professionals' views of SLMTA provides feedback to inform program planning, implementation and evaluation of SLMTA's training, communication and mentorship components.
OBJECTIVE
To assess laboratory professionals' and hospital chief executive officers' (CEOs) perceptions and attitudes toward the SLMTA programme in Ethiopia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in March 2013 using a structured questionnaire to collect qualitative data from 72 laboratory professionals and hospital CEOs from 17 health facilities, representing all regions and two city administrations in Ethiopia. Focus groups were conducted with laboratory professionals and hospital administration to gain insight into the strengths and challenges of the SLMTA programme so as to guide future planning and implementation.
RESULTS
Ethiopian laboratory professionals at all levels had a supportive attitude toward the SLMTA programme. They believed that SLMTA substantially improved laboratory services and acted as a catalyst for total healthcare reform and improvement. They also noted that the SLMTA programme achieved marked progress in laboratory supply chain, sample referral, instrument maintenance and data management systems. In contrast, nearly half of the participating hospital CEOs, especially those associated with low-scoring laboratories, were sceptical about the SLMTA programme, believing that the benefits of SLMTA were outweighed by the level of human resources and time commitment required. They also voiced concerns about the cost and sustainability of SLMTA.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the need for stronger engagement and advocacy with hospital administration and the importance of addressing concerns about the cost and sustainability of the SLMTA programme.
Publication
Journal: Advanced Materials
April/8/2019
Abstract
The rational design of atomic-scale interfaces in multiphase nanohybrids is an alluring and challenging approach to develop advanced electrocatalysts. Herein, through the selection of two different metal oxides with particular intrinsic features, advanced Co3 O4 /CeO2 nanohybrids (NHs) with CeO2 nanocubes anchored on Co3 O4 nanosheets are developed, which show not only high oxygen vacancy concentration but also remarkable 2D electron gas (2DEG) behavior with ≈0.79 ± 0.1 excess e- /u.c. on the Ce3+ sites at the Co3 O4 -CeO2 interface. Such a 2DEG transport channel leads to a high carrier density of 3.8 × 1014 cm-2 and good conductivity. Consequently, the Co3 O4 /CeO2 NHs demonstrate dramatically enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances with a low overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a high turnover frequency of 0.25 s-1 when compared to those of pure Co3 O4 and CeO2 counterparts, outperforming commercial IrO2 and some recently reported representative OER catalysts. These results demonstrate the validity of tailoring the electrocatalytic properties of metal oxides by 2DEG engineering, offering a step forward in the design of advanced hybrid nanostructures.
Publication
Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
March/13/2019
Abstract
Insulin resistance is associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and a chronic low-grade inflammatory status. In this sense, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are promising nanomaterials with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of CeO2 NPs in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes, RAW 264.7 macrophages, and C2C12 myotubes under control or proinflammatory conditions. Macrophages were treated with LPS, and both adipocytes and myotubes with conditioned medium (25% LPS-activated macrophages medium) to promote inflammation. CeO2 NPs showed a mean size of ≤25.3 nm (96.7%) and a zeta potential of 30.57 ± 0.58 mV, suitable for cell internalization. CeO2 NPs reduced extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in adipocytes with inflammation while increased in myotubes with control medium. The CeO2 NPs increased mitochondrial content was observed in adipocytes under proinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the expression of Adipoq and Il10 increased in adipocytes treated with CeO2 NPs. In myotubes, both Il1b and Adipoq were downregulated while Irs1 was upregulated. Overall, our results suggest that CeO2 NPs could potentially have an insulin-sensitizing effect specifically on adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Publication
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
November/13/2018
Abstract
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are fungal metabolites that frequently co-occur in foodstuffs and are responsible for mycotoxicosis and several primary cancers. Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has a spacious range of benefit effects but also has some limitations owing to its strong taste or its interaction with some drugs. This study aimed to use the cinnamon oil emulsion droplets (COED) for the protection against oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats sub-chronically exposed to FB1 and/or AFB1. The composition of CEO was identified using GC-MS then was encapsulated using whey protein as wall material. Male rats were divided into eight groups and treated orally for 8 weeks as follows: control group, AFB1-trreated group (80 μg/kg b.w), FB1-treated group (100 mg/kg b.w), FB1 plus AFB1-treated group, and the groups treated with COED plus FB1 and/or AFB1. Blood and samples of the kidney, liver, and testis were collected for different analysis and histopathological examination. The GC-MS analysis revealed that cinnamaldehyde, α-copaene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, caryophyllene, and delta-cadinene were the main compounds in COE. The average size of COED was 235 ± 1.4 nm and the zeta potential was - 6.24 ± 0.56. Treatment with FB1 and/or AFB1 induced significant disturbances in the serum biochemical analysis, oxidative stress parameters, DNA fragmentation, gene expression, and testosterone and severe pathological changes in the tested organs. Moreover, treatment with both mycotoxins induced synergistic toxic effects. COED did not induce toxic effects and could normalize the majority of the tested parameters and improve the histological picture in rats treated with FB1 and/or AFB1. It could be concluded that COED induce potential protective effects against the single or combined exposure to FB1 and AFB1.
Publication
Journal: Microscopy Research and Technique
February/8/2021
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens has increased drastically and it has become prevalent in clinical infections. In last few decades, there is a large gap in the discovery of new antibiotics with novel mode of action. The situation of antimicrobial resistance has become so alarming that if not action is taken, infectious diseases will become major cause of global mortality and morbidity by 2050. The growing interest of researchers in nanotechnology and their possible application in healthcare is being seen as a new hope in discovery of novel antimicrobial agents. Among various approaches employed for the nanoparticle synthesis, biological methods are considered more advantageous and environment friendly. Biofilms are considered as novel target for the development of new antimicrobial entities. In this study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 -NPs) were synthesized using Acorus calamus aqueous extract and tested for the antibiofilm activity both against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria. The average size of synthesized CeO2 -NPs was found to be 22.03 nm. The biofilms of the test bacteria were inhibited by more than 75% by the treatment with CeO2 -NPs. The quantitative biofilm data were further verified by light microscopy, electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy. The confocal and electron microscopic analysis confirmed that treatment with CeOCeO2 -NPs in culture media. The findings of this study highlight the efficacy of cerium oxide nanoparticles against bacterial pathogens that may be exploited for the development of new alternative antimicrobial agent.
Keywords: biofilm; cerium oxide nanoparticles; exopolysaccharides; green synthesis.
Publication
Journal: Journal of Applied Psychology
July/23/2017
Abstract
[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 102(4) of Journal of Applied Psychology (see record 2017-10684-001). The wrong figure files were used. All versions of this article have been corrected.] We investigate a particular aspect of CEO successor trustworthiness that may be critically important after a firm has engaged in financial misconduct. Specifically, drawing on prior research that suggests that facial appearance is one critical way in which trustworthiness is signaled, we argue that leaders who convey integrity, a component of trustworthiness, will be more likely to be selected as successors after financial restatement. We predict that such appointments garner more positive reactions by external observers such as investment analysts and the media because these CEOs are perceived as having greater integrity. In an archival study of firms that have announced financial restatements, we find support for our predictions. These findings have implications for research on CEO succession, leadership selection, facial appearance, and firm misconduct. (PsycINFO Database Record
Publication
Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
November/13/2018
Abstract
PM2.5 is well known as a major environmental pollutant; it has been proved to be associated with kidney diseases. The kidney damage involves oxidative stress and/or inflammatory response. NOX4 is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the kidney, and the excessive generation of ROS is recognized to be responsible for oxidative stress. To elucidate whether short-term PM2.5 exposure could induce kidney damage, we exposed BALB/c mice to PM2.5 intratracheally and measured the biomarkers of kidney injury (KIM-1, cystatin C), oxidative stress (MDA, SOD-1, and HO-1), and inflammatory response (NF-κB, TNF-α). Acute kidney damage and excessive oxidative stress as well as transient inflammatory response were observed after PM2.5 installation. The overexpression of some components of the angiotensin system (RAS) after PM2.5 exposure illustrated that RAS may be involved in PM2.5-induced acute kidney injury. CEOs (compound essential oils) have been widely used because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. Treatment with CEOs substantially attenuated PM2.5-induced acute kidney injury. The suppression of RAS activation was significant and earlier than the decrease of oxidative stress and inflammatory response after CEOs treatment. We hypothesized that CEOs could attenuate the acute kidney injury by suppressing the RAS activation and subsequently inhibit the oxidative stress and inflammatory response.
Publication
Journal: Academic Medicine
November/25/2020
Abstract
Problem: Academic health centers (AHCs) face cybersecurity vulnerabilities that have potential costs to an institution's finances, reputation, and ability to deliver care. Yet many AHC executives may not have sufficient knowledge of the potential impact of cyberattacks on institutional missions such as clinical care, research, and education. Improved cybersecurity awareness and education are areas of opportunity for many AHCs.
Approach: The authors developed and facilitated a tabletop cybersecurity simulation at an international conference for AHC leaders in September 2019 to raise awareness of cybersecurity issues and threats and to provide a forum for discussions of concerns specific to CEOs and C-suite-level executives. The 3.5-hour interactive simulation utilized an evolving, 3-phase case study describing a hypothetical cyberattack on an AHC with a ransomware demand. The approximately 70 participants, from AHCs spanning 25 states and 11 countries, worked in teams and discussed how they would react if they held roles similar to their real-life positions. The authors provide the full scenario as a resource.
Outcomes: The exercise was well-received by the participants. In the post-session debrief, many participants noted that cybersecurity preparedness had not received the level of institutional attention given to threats such as epidemics or natural disasters. Significant variance in teams' courses of action during the simulation highlighted a lack of consensus with regard to foundational decisions. Participants identified this as an area that could be remedied by the development of guidelines or protocols.
Next steps: As health care cybersecurity challenges persist or grow in magnitude, AHCs will have increased opportunities to lead in the development of best practices for preparedness and response. AHCs are well positioned to work with clinicians, security professionals, regulators, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to develop tools and protocols to improve health care cybersecurity and better protect patients.
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Publication
Journal: Oncologist
March/17/2020
Abstract
Preclinical evidence has demonstrated that common intratumor bacteria metabolize the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine. The significance of this bacterial metabolism pathway, relative to the known metabolic pathways by host enzymes, is not known. We hypothesized that bacterial metabolism is clinically significant and that "knockdown" by antibacterial therapy has the unintended effect of increasing the effective dose of gemcitabine, thereby increasing the risk for gemcitabine-associated toxicities.We reanalyzed the comparator arm of the MPACT trial (NCT01442974), made available through Project Data Sphere, LLC (CEO Roundtable on Cancer's Life Sciences Consortium, Cary, NC; www.projectdatasphere.org). In this arm, 430 patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma were treated with gemcitabine. We used the Anderson-Gill survival model to compare the risk of developing an adverse event after antibacterial prescription with time unexposed to antibacterials. Adverse events of grade 3 and greater were considered at three levels of granularity: all aggregated into one endpoint, aggregated by class, and taken individually. Antibiotic exposures were analyzed in aggregate as well as by class.Antibacterial exposure was associated with an increased risk of adverse events (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.77; confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-2.14), any hematologic adverse event (HR: 1.64; CI: 1.26-2.13), and any gastrointestinal adverse event (HR: 2.14; CI: 1.12-4.10) but not a constitutional (HR: 1.33; CI: 0.611-2.90) or hepatologic adverse event (HR: 0.99; CI: 0.363-2.71). Among specific adverse events, antibacterial exposure was associated with an increased risk of anemia (HR: 3.16; CI: 1.59-6.27), thrombocytopenia (HR: 2.52; CI: 1.31-4.85), leukopenia (HR: 3.91; CI: 1.46-10.5), and neutropenia (HR: 1.53; CI: 1.07-2.17) but not any other specific adverse events.Antibacterial exposure was associated with an increased risk of gemcitabine-associated, dose-limiting adverse events, including aggregate hematologic and gastrointestinal events, as well as four specific hematologic adverse events, suggesting that intratumor bacteria may be responsible for a clinically significant portion of gemcitabine metabolism. Alternative avenues of evidence will be necessary to confirm this preliminary finding and assess its generalizability. There is plentiful opportunity for similar analyses on other clinical trial data sets, where gemcitabine or other biomimetic small molecules were used.Patients treated with gemcitabine for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have an increased rate of gemcitabine-associated toxicity during and after antibiotic therapy. This observation is consistent with preclinical evidence that intratumor bacteria metabolize gemcitabine to an inactive form. Further research is needed to determine whether this observation merits any changes in clinical practice.
Publication
Journal: Nanomaterials
April/1/2020
Abstract
Relevant in vitro assays that can simulate exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) via inhalation are urgently needed. Presently, the most common method employed is to expose lung cells under submerged conditions, but the cellular responses to NPs under such conditions might differ from those observed at the more physiological air-liquid interface (ALI). The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and inflammatory potential of CeO2 NPs (NM-212) in a co-culture of A549 lung epithelial cells and differentiated THP-1 cells in both ALI and submerged conditions. Cellular dose was examined quantitatively using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The role of serum and LPS-priming for IL-1β release was further tested in THP-1 cells in submerged exposure. An aerosol of CeO2 NPs was generated by using the PreciseInhale® system, and NPs were deposited on the co-culture using XposeALI®. No or minor cytotoxicity and no increased release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, MCP-1) were observed after exposure of the co-culture in ALI (max 5 µg/cm2) or submerged (max 22 µg/cm2) conditions. In contrast, CeO2 NPs cause clear IL-1β release in monocultures of macrophage-like THP-1, independent of the presence of serum and LPS-priming. This study demonstrates a useful approach for comparing effects at various in-vitro conditions.
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