Saint Joseph's University

This study addresses critical questions about how current evaluative frameworks for academic research can effectively translate scholarly findings into practical applications and policies to tackle societal ‘grand challenges’. This scoping review analysis was conducted using bibliometric methods and AI tools. Articles were drawn from a wide range of disciplines, with particular emphasis on the business and management fields, focusing on the burgeoning scholarship area of ‘business as a force for good’. The novel integration of generative AI research approaches underscores the transformative potential of AI‐human collaboration in academic research. Metadata from 4051 articles were examined in the scoping review, with only 370 articles (9.1%) explicitly identified as relevant to societal impact. This finding reveals a substantial and concerning gap in research addressing the urgent social and environmental issues of our time. To address this gap, the study identifies six meta‐themes related to enhancing the societal impact of research: business applications; faculty publication pressure; societal impact focus; sustainable development; university and scholarly rankings; and reference to responsible research frameworks. Key findings highlight critical misalignments between research outputs and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a lack of practical business applications of research insights. The results emphasise the urgent need for academic institutions to expand evaluation criteria beyond traditional metrics to prioritise real‐world impacts. Recommendations include developing holistic evaluation frameworks and incentivising research that addresses pressing societal challenges—shifting academia from a ‘scholar‐to‐scholar’ to a ‘scholar‐to‐society’ paradigm. The implications of this shift are applied to business‐related scholarship and its potential to inspire meaningful societal impact through business practice.

The dysregulation of sleep–wake patterns that occurs during aging is well documented and coincides with changes in intracellular signaling pathways that regulate sleep, such as the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII)/cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. However, much less is known about the relationship between other CREB-activating members of the CaMK family, such as calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV), and the regulation of sleep. Using 2- to 4-month-old (young adult) and 22- to 24-month-old (aged) male and female CaMKIV-overexpressing (CaMKIV-OE) mice, we observed that overexpression of CaMKIV in the forebrain decreased wakefulness and increased the amount of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in aged male mice, but not young adult male mice, in comparison to age- and sex-matched controls. Conversely, female mice overexpressing CaMKIV displayed no significant differences in the percentage of time spent in each vigilance state compared to their wild-type counterparts, regardless of age. While CaMKIV overexpression also led to more sleep–wake fragmentation in young adult and aged male mice, aged female mice displayed more consolidated NREM sleep. Overall, our results suggest that CaMKIV overexpression enhances sleep in aged male mice, and differentially affects sleep–wake architecture based on sex and age, providing insights into the potential mechanism by which CaMKIV overexpression enhances memory.

Eliminating latent HIV-1 is a major goal of AIDS research but host factors determining the size of these reservoirs are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of host gene expression on HIV-1 reservoir size during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Peripheral blood cells of fourteen males initiating ART during acute infection and demonstrating effective viral suppression but varying magnitudes of total HIV-1 DNA were characterized by single-cell RNA sequencing. Differential expression analysis demonstrates increased CD14+ monocyte activity in participants having undetectable HIV-1 reservoirs, with IL1B expression inversely associating with reservoir size. This is validated in another cohort of 38 males comprised of different ancestry and HIV-1 subtypes, and with intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA®) measurements. Modeling interactions show monocyte IL1B expression associates inversely with reservoir size at higher frequencies of central memory CD4+ T cells, linking monocyte IL1B expression to cell types known to be reservoirs for persistent HIV-1. Functional analyses reveal that IL1B activates NF-κB, thereby promoting productive HIV-1 infection while simultaneously suppressing viral spread, suggesting a natural latency reversing activity to deplete the reservoir in ART-treated individuals. Altogether, scRNA-seq analyses reveal that monocyte IL1B expression could decrease HIV-1 proviral reservoirs in individuals initiating ART during acute infection.

Rhizorhabdus wittichii RW1 is known for its ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as dibenzo‐ p ‐dioxin (DD) and dibenzofuran (DF). We hypothesized that the R. wittichii RW1 benzoate 1,2‐dioxygenase shares electron transfer components with the DD/DF angular dioxygenase (DxnA1A2), similar to many aromatic hydrocarbon degrading sphingomonads. The genes encoding the benzoate oxygenase component ( benAB ) were identified in the RW1 genome sequence through homology to known benzoate oxygenases. The RW1 benAB genes are upstream from a putative benD gene encoding a cis ‐benzoate dihydrodiol dehydrogenase. Knockout of the benA gene resulted in a strain unable to grow on benzoate. The knockout strain could be complemented with the cloned benABD genes. Expression of benAB in Escherichia coli along with the fdx3 and redA2 genes, which encode the ferredoxin and reductase components utilized by DxnA1A2, produced a functional benzoate dioxygenase enzyme capable of converting benzoate to benzoate cis ‐dihydrodiol. Double knockout mutagenesis of the RW1 redA1 and redA2 reductase genes results in a mutant unable to grow on benzoate as the sole carbon source. Based on the gene knockout and heterologous expression experiments the RW1 benzoate 1,2 dioxygenase was identified and shares electron transfer components with DxnA1A2.

A characteristic of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the epigenetic regulation of tumor suppressor genes, leading to TNBC heterogeneity and treatment resistance in patients. TNBC exhibits high methylation rates, leading to the silencing of numerous tumor suppressor genes. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) have shown limited clinical efficacy in TNBC treatment. This study aims to uncover a target that could be used to reverse the epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes in TNBC. The Western blot analysis demonstrated that ROR1 knockdown, an oncofetal gene, reduced DNMT3A and DNMT3B protein expression in the TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and HCC1806, as well as a non-malignant breast cell line, MCF10A. The reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analysis identified differential methylation of CREB3L1 when ROR1 is knocked down in TNBC cell lines. CREB3L1 is a transcription factor that plays tumor-suppressive roles in TNBC and is commonly epigenetically silenced in patients. This study shows that ROR1 requires pSTAT3 activation to upregulate DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression to induce CREB3L1 epigenetic silencing in TNBC. ROR1 knockdown resulted in the re-expression of CREB3L1 in TNBC cells. The data provide evidence that ROR1 inhibition, in combination with DNMTis, could enhance patient outcomes as a therapeutic approach for TNBC.

Drawing on 65 in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with community members and local leaders, this research examines and categorizes social distance between local leaders and low‐income community members in “Green Glen,” a rural Indiana community. We operationalize this distance as high, medium, and low based on leaders' connection to low‐income residents, knowledge of their livelihood strategies, and belief in culture of poverty rhetoric. High social distance leaders tend not to know any low‐income residents personally, know little about how they make ends meet, and rely upon culture of poverty explanations in discussions about them. Medium social distance leaders may have occasional interactions with low‐income residents or may have close personal ties with someone who does, tend to have some knowledge of how low‐income residents make ends meet, and use a combination of cultural and structural explanations when discussing poverty in Green Glen. Low social distance leaders have frequent interactions with low‐income residents, know a great deal about how they make ends meet, and point to local and national economic conditions that negatively impact the low‐income residents of the community. The amount of social distance may directly and indirectly impact low‐income community members' available resources and ability to make ends meet.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is ubiquitous in marine ecosystems, presenting significant concerns to organisms and fisheries. Suspension-feeding invertebrates are particularly susceptible to encountering and consuming these particles due to their feeding strategy. This meta-analysis assessed MP contamination in selective suspension-feeding (SSF) and non-selective suspension-feeding (NSSF) benthic marine invertebrate species globally. Data reported from 144 peer-reviewed articles, covering as wide of a geographic scope as possible, were extracted and analyzed. In total, 518 independent batches of organisms (i.e. rows in the spreadsheet) were compiled, representing seven Phyla, 12 Classes, 53 Families, and 131 species. In both SSFs and NSSFs, microfibers and fragments were the most common MP shapes found, with polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene being the predominant polymer types. While the mean detection frequencies of MPs within individuals of each independent sample batch were similar between SSFs (63% ±18 95%CI) and NSSFs (73% ±5 95%CI), NSSFs had significantly greater MP concentrations than SSFs (i.e. 9.13 MPs ind-1 ±8.87 95%CI; 138.52.74 MPs g ww-1 ±114.6 95%CI vs. 6.33 MPs ind-1 ±1.53 95%CI; 3.45 MPs g ww-1 ±1.19 95%CI, respectively). Significant differences in the relative abundance of MPs were also found based on taxonomy. Collectively, these results highlight important differences in MP concentrations in suspension-feeding benthic invertebrates globally and may help inform future efforts in determining appropriate sentinel species for future MP surveys.

Herein, an all organic nanocomposite has been developed by combining self‐assembled conjugated oligomer 2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴‐Quaterthiophene and carboxylic acid functionalized single‐walled CNTs. Efficient charge transport properties of single‐walled CNTs facilitate the overall charge separation process between the two counterparts of the composites which further boost up the photocatalytic solar H2 production. The optimized rate of H2 production efficiency reaches up to ∼20 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ by using 4‐methoxy benzyl alcohol as specific hole scavenger. The production efficiency for the final composite has been reported to be a few folds higher than the bare self‐assembled 2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴‐Quaterthiophene nanoparticles and carboxylic acid functionalized single‐walled CNTs. Later the final composite has been utilized for the photoreformation of the plastic wastes to value added chemicals along with simultaneous solar H2 production by controlling the complete redox cycle for photocatalysis. The photo reformed products are further identified by NMR spectroscopy. The overall photocatalysis process has been further validated by in‐depth transient photocurrent study and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Overall, the present work will open up new possibility regarding the developments of metal free sustainable nanomaterials to combat the two major challenges simultaneously, i.e.‐ i) plastic waste valorization and ii) green H2 production with the cost of only sunlight.

Coronary embolism (CE) is a rare yet significant contributor to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly in younger patients. We report a 42‐year‐old male who experienced an AMI following recent cocaine use. Investigations revealed a left ventricular apical thrombus, identified as the source of a distal embolus occluding the right coronary artery (RCA). Cocaine is known for its thrombogenic effects, promoting thrombus formation through mechanisms such as vasoconstriction and increased platelet aggregation. This unique situation highlights the critical interplay between cocaine use, left ventricular thrombus formation, and the resultant coronary artery embolism, contributing to myocardial ischemia. The patient underwent successful aspiration thrombectomy, restoring coronary blood flow without the need for stenting. This case underscores the importance of recognizing CE as a potential etiology of AMI, particularly in the context of substance abuse, advocating for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding the complexities of managing thromboembolic events.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder typically diagnosed in early childhood, caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, leading to thick mucus accumulation in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. While most diagnoses occur in childhood, a growing number of cases are being identified in adulthood, presenting unique challenges for recognition and management. This case highlights a 37-year-old patient diagnosed with CF after presenting with chronic respiratory symptoms, and weight loss. Late diagnosis of CF remains rare but can delay appropriate treatment, potentially impacting long-term outcomes.

The inferior vena cava is a crucial venous structure that originates during the first trimester of gestation. Anomalies in its development can lead to rare conditions, including duplication of the inferior vena cava (DIVC). This case report describes a 26‐year‐old male with no significant medical history who presented with acute dysphagia after consuming a large piece of chicken. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed food impaction, which was successfully managed. However, an incidental finding during a computed tomography scan revealed a DIVC, a rare anatomical variation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing such vascular anomalies, as they can have significant clinical implications, particularly in surgical and interventional procedures. While the patient remained asymptomatic concerning the DIVC, the condition requires careful monitoring to prevent potential complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and misdiagnosis during imaging studies. This report contributes to the growing body of literature on DIVC, emphasizing the need for awareness of this condition among clinicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

The linear and weakly nonlinear study addresses the impact of a suction–injection–combination (SIC) on magnetoconvection in a couple‐stress fluid. Linear stability analysis uses the normal‐mode technique to obtain the critical Rayleigh number expression. The autonomous fifth‐order Lorenz model is derived for weakly nonlinear analysis using the minimal representation of truncated Fourier series. The heat transport rate is discussed by arriving at a Nusselt number expression by solving the fifth‐order autonomous Lorenz model. This study reveals that the couple stress enhances the system's stability and transport of heat under the combined influence of the magnetic field and the SIC. The study concludes that the stability of the system and heat transfer can be controlled by fine‐tuning the Peclet number.

Sleep loss dysregulates cellular metabolism and energy homeostasis. Highly metabolically active cells, such as neurons, enter a catabolic state during periods of sleep loss, which consequently disrupts physiological functioning. Specific to the central nervous system, sleep loss results in impaired synaptogenesis and long-term memory, effects that are also characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe how sleep deprivation increases resting energy expenditure, leading to the development of a negative energy balance—a state with insufficient metabolic resources to support energy expenditure—in highly active cells like neurons. This disruption of energetic homeostasis alters the balance of metabolites, including adenosine, lactate, and lipid peroxides, such that energetically costly processes, such as synapse formation, are attenuated. During sleep loss, metabolically active cells shunt energetic resources away from those processes that are not acutely essential, like memory formation, to support cell survival. Ultimately, these findings characterize sleep loss as a metabolic disorder.

Gastric perforation is a serious yet rare complication in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and GI prophylaxis. This report highlights an unexpected gastric perforation in a patient with a negative barium swallow study while receiving GI prophylaxis during intubation. A 65‐year‐old male with COPD and tobacco use disorder was treated with Oseltamivir for Influenza A infection, intubated for acute respiratory failure, and received IV pantoprazole for GI prophylaxis. After extubation and an unremarkable barium swallow study, he developed abdominal pain and tachycardia. Imaging showed free air under the diaphragm, and a CT scan indicated gastrointestinal perforation. Emergency surgery confirmed an anterior gastric ulcer perforation with purulent peritonitis. He was successfully treated with a washout and antibiotics and was discharged in stable condition. This case underscores the necessity of vigilance for abdominal symptoms and the potential for gastric perforation in critically ill patients despite GI prophylaxis, highlighting the importance of recognizing early signs of pneumoperitoneum.

Bullying, a type of power abuse, deserves to be addressed, and this study examines bullying-related discussions on Reddit before and after the pandemic to better understand its dynamics during this time. We analyzed 8,720 posts and 21,607 comments from the r/Bullying subreddit using static and dynamic topic modeling (DTM) to understand the major topics discussed in the subreddit. Based on static topic modeling, we discovered that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the topics surrounding bullying focused on bullying in the school context, cyberbullying, and help-seeking, but changed to bullying against minority groups, workplace bullying, relationships and communication, and coping strategies. The long-term impact of bullying has emerged for both periods, implying that more efforts to prevent and combat bullying are needed to reduce the negative impacts throughout an individual's lifecycle. We also discovered that the proportion of cyberbullying/antibullying, negative emotions, and self-esteem increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to DTM. Our findings suggest that following the pandemic, victims and places of bullying became more distinct. In addition to the widely studied and disseminated bullying research and policies concerning children at school, more assistance is needed to prevent and assist bullying victims who are racial and religious minorities in various settings.

Importance Multisite pain disproportionately affects females starting in adolescence and is associated with central nervous system dysregulation. Understanding the heterogeneity of underlying neural networks and behavioral symptoms is essential. Objective To characterize sex-related resting-state neural networks and co-occurring symptoms, including sleep and behavioral problems, in youth with multisite pain. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional analysis leverages the 2-year follow-up data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. A total of 684 youth aged 11 to 12 years with multisite pain were compared with 1368 youth with no pain or with regional pain, matched by pubertal status, handedness, and race and ethnicity. Data were collected from July 2018 to February 2021 and released October 2021. Data were analyzed from June 2023 to July 2024. Exposure Youth-reported number of painful regions during the last month classified into multisite (≥3), regional (1-2), and no pain groups. Main Outcomes and Measures Sex-stratified group iterative multiple model estimation was used for sparse network estimation of regions from the salience network (SLN), sensorimotor network (SMN), and default mode network (DMN). Individual within-network and between-network densities were calculated. Symptoms were behavioral problems and sleep disturbances. Sex-stratified differences in network densities and symptoms were examined between groups. Associations between brain networks and co-occurring symptoms were explored. Results Of 2052 participants (1044 [50.88%] female), mean (SD) pubertal status was 2.23 (0.65) and mean (SD) age was 12.02 (0.66) years; 25 (1.22%) were Asian, 149 (7.26%) were Black, 361 (17.59%) were Hispanic, 1307 (63.69%) were White, and 210 (10.23%) were other race or ethnicity. A total of 1646 participants (80.21%) were right-handed, 100 (4.87%) were left-handed, and 306 (14.91%) were ambidextrous. Multisite pain was associated with lower within-SMN connectivity in male ( F 2,1005 = 61.40; η ² = 0.11; false discovery rate [FDR] P < .001) and female ( F 2,1041 = 13.38; η ² = 0.03; FDR P < .001) participants and was associated with greater behavioral problems in male ( F 2,918 = 28.12; η ² = 0.04; FDR P < .001) and female ( F 2,945 = 9.12; η ² = 0.02; FDR P < .001) participants compared with the subgroup with no pain. Male participants with multisite pain had heightened DMN-SMN connectivity ( F 2,1005 = 3.55; η ² = 0.007; FDR P = .04). Female participants with multisite pain had heightened sleep disturbances ( F 2,1039 = 10.64; η ² = 0.02; FDR P = .002), partially explained by reduced within-SMN connectivity (indirect effect estimate, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03-0.34). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of 2052 adolescents, sex-related neurophysiological mechanisms were associated with multisite pain. Brain connectivity partially explained the sleep-pain association in female participants only. On replication and evidence of persistence, these findings suggest that female adolescents with pain may especially benefit from interventions targeting sleep disturbances.