bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncological Outcomes of Robotic Lobectomy and Radical Lymphadenectomy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gallina Filippo Tommaso , Tajè Riccardo , Forcella Daniele , Corzani Felicita , Cerasoli Virna , Visca Paolo , Coccia Cecilia , Pierconti Federico , Sperduti Isabella , Cecere Fabiana Letizia , Cappuzzo Federico , Melis Enrico , Facciolo Francesco
Published: April 2022

Background: While the thoracotomy approach was considered the gold standard until two decades ago, robotic surgery has increasingly strengthened its role in lung cancer treatment, improving patients’ peri-operative outcomes. In this study, we report our experience in robotic lobectomy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, with particular attention to oncological outcomes and nodal upstaging rate. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent lobectomy and radical lymphadenectomy at our Institute between 2016 and 2020. We selected 299 patients who met the inclusion criteria of the study. We analyzed the demographic features of the groups as well as their nodal upstaging rate after pathological examination. Then, we analyzed disease-free and overall survival of the entire enrolled patient population and we compared the same oncological outcomes in the upstaging and the non-upstaging group. Results: A total of 299 patients who underwent robotic lobectomy were enrolled. After surgery, 55 patients reported nodal hilar or mediastinal upstaging. The 3-year overall survival of the entire population was 82.8%. The upstaging group and the non-upstaging group were homogeneous for age, gender, smoking habits, clinical stage, tumor site, tumor histology. The non-upstaging group had better OS (p = 0.004) and DFS (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our results show that robotic surgery is a safe and feasible approach for the treatment of early-stage NSCLC, especially for its accuracy in mediastinal lymphadenectomy. The oncological outcomes were encouraging and consistent with previous findings.
Morpho-Molecular Evidence Reveals Four Novel Species of Gymnopus (Agaricales, Omphalotaceae) from China
Authors: Li Ji-Peng , Pan Mei-Chen , Li Yi , Deng Chun-Ying , Wang Xiao-Min , Zhang Bang-Xi , Li Chang-Tian , Li Yu
Published: April 2022

Nine collections of gymnopoid fungi were studied based on morpho-molecular characteristics. The macromorphology was made according to the photograph of fresh basidiomata and field notes, while the micromorphology was examined via an optical microscope. Simultaneously, the phylogenetic analyses were performed by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods based on a combined dataset of nrITS1-nr5.8S-nrITS2-nrLSU sequences. Integrated analysis of these results was therefore, G. efibulatus belonging to sect. Androsacei, G. iodes and G. sinopolyphyllus belonging to sect. Impudicae and G. strigosipes belonging to sect. Levipedes are proposed as new to science. The detailed descriptions, colour photos of basidiomata and line-drawings of microscopic structures are provided. The comparisons with closely related species and a key to known species of Gymnopus s. str. reported with morpho-molecular evidence in China is also given.
Thermo-Mechanical and Fungi Treatment as an Alternative Lignin Degradation Method for Bambusa oldhamii and Guadua angustifolia Fibers
Authors: Garzón Luis , Fajardo Jorge I. , Rodriguez-Maecker Román , Fernández Ernesto Delgado , Cruz Darío
Published: April 2022

Different strategies have been used to degrade the molecular structure of lignins in natural fibers. Both chemical and biological processes can obtain different types of lignins for industrial use. In this study, a variation of the spectral intensity of the thermo-mechanical and fungi-modified Bambusa oldhamii (giant bamboo) and Guadua angustifolia Kunt fibers were examined via Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy. The giant bamboo and Guadua angustifolia Kunt specimens were modified using a non-chemical alternative steam pressure method for degrading lignins, followed by mechanical sieving to obtain fibers of different lengths. The obtained fibers were treated with the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti MF18MH45591 strain in a 21 d degradation process. The samples were subjected to Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy before and after the strain treatment. The intensity variation was found to be in the spectral range of 1200 cm−1 to 1800 cm−1, in which lignin components are commonly found in most plant species. A multivariate analysis of the principal components of the treated and untreated control samples confirmed the changes in the spectral region of interest, which were associated with the thermo-mechanical and fungal treatment.
Corporate Fraud and Accounting Firm Involvement: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Duo
Published: April 2022

In some cases, accounting firms and individual auditors will be punished by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) for involvement in the violations of their client companies. Taking the enforcement actions against listed companies and accounting firms of the CSRC from 2006 to 2019 as a research sample, this paper manually sorted out the specific characteristics of corporate fraud and empirically examined the regulatory authorities’ supervision tendency to auditors. The results show that accounting firms are more likely to be involved when their client companies’ fraudulent practices affect financial statements, occur during the IPO process, and continue for a longer period of time. Income statement manipulation and higher fraud amounts also increase the probability of accounting firms being sanctioned. Further analyses show that regulators’ supervision intensity is increasing over time, and they impose penalties on auditors based on the severity of corporate fraud; however, the intensity and differentiation of the sanctions are still insufficient. This study expands relevant research on accounting firm sanctions and provides empirical evidence for further improvement of audit industry supervision in an emerging market.
Exploring the Role of Contiguous Farmland Cultivation and Adoption of No-Tillage Technology in Improving Transferees’ Income Structure: Evidence from China
Authors: Si Ruishi , Yao Yumeng , Zhang Xueqian , Lu Qian , Aziz Noshaba
Published: April 2022

Seasonal alternations of extreme weather such as continuous drought and rare rainstorms significantly influence farmers’ adoption of agricultural technologies. Compared with traditional tillage, no-tillage technology has more advantages to cope with extreme weather. It is hypothesized that the cultivation of contiguous farmland is still minimal in spite of the transference of farmland on a large scale in China, which ultimately halts the adoption of no-tillage technology and influences the income of households. The current study used 793 farmland transferees’ data from Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces of China to explore this phenomenon empirically. By employing the endogenous switching regression model, the study revealed that contiguous farmland significantly promotes the adoption of no-tillage technology and positively influences households’ agricultural and non-agricultural income. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of the stability of farmland rental contracts is explored. Further, it was also found that education level, organizational participation, relationship networks, and information acquisition channels influence the income of transferees who opt for no-tillage technology. The study further revealed that if a transferee who opts for no-tillage technology switches to traditional technology, their agricultural and non-agricultural income will decrease by 0.2893 and 1.6979 ten thousand yuan (RMB), respectively. In contrast, if a transferee who opts for traditional technology then switches to adopt no-tillage technology, their agricultural and non-agricultural income will increase by 0.1919 and 1.3044 ten thousand yuan (RMB), respectively. Conclusively, the current study’s empirical findings offer policymakers possible guidelines to devise strategies and encourage transferees to opt for no-tillage applications to increase their families’ income.
First-Principles Calculations of Thermoelectric Transport Properties of Quaternary and Ternary Bulk Chalcogenide Crystals
Authors: Hasan Sahib , San Saro , Baral Khagendra , Li Neng , Rulis Paul , Ching Wai-Yim
Published: April 2022

Chalcogenide crystals have a wide range of applications, especially as thermoelectric materials for energy conversion. Thermoelectric materials can be used to generate an electric current from a temperature gradient based on the Seebeck effect and based on the Peltier effect, and they can be used in cooling applications. Using first-principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann theory, we have computed the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity, power factor, and figure of merit of 30 chalcogenide crystals. A Quantum Espresso package is used to calculate the electronic properties and locate the Fermi level. The transport properties are then calculated using the BoltzTraP code. The 30 crystals are divided into two groups. The first group has four crystals with quaternary composition (A2BCQ4) (A = Tl; B = Cd, Hg; C = Si, Ge, Sn; Q = S, Se, Te). The second group contains 26 crystals with the ternary composition (A’B’Q2) (A’ = Ag, Cu, Au, Na; B’ = B, Al, Ga, In; Q = S, Se, Te). Among these 30 chalcogenide crystals, the results for 11 crystals: Tl2CdGeSe4, Tl2CdSnSe4, Tl2HgSiSe4, Tl2HgSnS4, AuBSe2, AuBTe2, AuAlTe2, AuGaTe2, AuInTe2, AgAlSe2, and AgAlTe2 are revealed for the first time. In addition, temperature-dependent transport properties of pure and doped AgSbSe2 and AgSbTe2 crystals with dopant compositions of AgSb0.94Cd0.06Te2 and AgSbTe1.85Se0.15 were explored. These results provide an excellent database for bulk chalcogenides crucial for a wide range of potential applications in renewable energy fields.
Mixed Finite Element Formulation for Navier–Stokes Equations for Magnetic Effects on Biomagnetic Fluid in a Rectangular Channel
Authors: Kasiman Erwan , Kueh Ahmad , Mohd Yassin Airil , Amin Norsarahaida , Amran Mugahed , Fediuk Roman , Kotov Evgenii , Murali Gunasekaran
Published: April 2022

The article presents the mixed finite element formulation for examining the biomagnetic fluid dynamics as governed by the Navier–Stokes equation, coupled with energy and magnetic expressions. Both ferrohydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics describe the additional magnetic effects. For model discretization, the Galerkin weighted residual method was performed. Departing from a good agreement with existing findings, a biomagnetic flow (blood) in a straight rectangular conduit was then simulated in the presence of a spatially changing magnetic distribution. By virtue of negligible spatial variation influence from the magnetic field, the effects of Lorentz force were not presently considered. It was further found that the model accurately exhibits the formation and distribution of vortices, temperature, and skin friction located adjacent to and remotely from the source of magnetic load following a rise in the magnetic intensity.
Robust Self-Learning PID Control of an Aircraft Anti-Skid Braking System
Authors: Xu Fengrui , Liang Xuelin , Chen Mengqiao , Liu Wensheng
Published: April 2022

In order to deal with strong nonlinearity and external interference in the braking process, this paper proposes a robust self-learning PID algorithm based on particle swarm optimization, which does not depend on a precise mathematical model of the controlled object. The self-learning function is used to adapt to the diversity of the runway road surface friction, the particle swarm algorithm is used to optimize the rate of self-learning, and robust control is used to deal with the modeling uncertainty and external disturbance of the system. The convergence of the control strategy is proved by theoretical analysis and simulation experiments. The superiority and accuracy of the method are verified by NASA ground test results. The simulation results shows that the adverse effect of the external disturbance is suppressed, and the ideal trajectory is tracked.
Experimental Analysis of Quantum Annealers and Hybrid Solvers Using Benchmark Optimization Problems
Authors: Stogiannos Evangelos , Papalitsas Christos , Andronikos Theodore
Published: April 2022

This paper studies the Hamiltonian cycle problem (HCP) and the traveling salesman problem (TSP) on D-Wave quantum systems. Motivated by the fact that most libraries present their benchmark instances in terms of adjacency matrices, we develop a novel matrix formulation for the HCP and TSP Hamiltonians, which enables the seamless and automatic integration of benchmark instances in quantum platforms. We also present a thorough mathematical analysis of the precise number of constraints required to express the HCP and TSP Hamiltonians. This analysis explains quantitatively why, almost always, running incomplete graph instances requires more qubits than complete instances. It turns out that QUBO models for incomplete graphs require more quadratic constraints than complete graphs, a fact that has been corroborated by a series of experiments. Moreover, we introduce a technique for the min-max normalization for the coefficients of the TSP Hamiltonian to address the problem of invalid solutions produced by the quantum annealer, a trend often observed. Our extensive experimental tests have demonstrated that the D-Wave Advantage_system4.1 is more efficient than the Advantage_system1.1, both in terms of qubit utilization and the quality of solutions. Finally, we experimentally establish that the D-Wave hybrid solvers always provide valid solutions, without violating the given constraints, even for arbitrarily big problems up to 120 nodes.
Evaluation of the Potential of Lipid-Extracted Chlorella vulgaris Residue for Yarrowia lipolytica Growth at Different pH Levels
Authors: Delfau-Bonnet Guillaume , Imatoukene Nabila , Clément Tiphaine , Lopez Michel , Allais Florent , Hantson Anne-Lise
Published: April 2022

Projections show that the cultivation of microalgae will extend to the production of bio-based compounds, such as biofuels, cosmetics, and medicines. This will generate co-products or residues that will need to be valorized to reduce the environmental impact and the cost of the process. This study explored the ability of lipid-extracted Chlorella vulgaris residue as a sole carbon and nitrogen source for growing oleaginous yeasts without any pretreatment. Both wild-type Yarrowia lipolytica W29 and mutant JMY3501 (which was designed to accumulate more lipids without their remobilization or degradation) showed a similar growth rate of 0.28 h−1 at different pH levels (3.5, 5.5, and 7.5). However, the W29 cell growth had the best cell number on microalgal residue at a pH of 7.5, while three times fewer cells were produced at all pH levels when JMY3501 was grown on microalgal residue. The JMY3501 growth curves were similar at pH 3.5, 5.5, and 7.5, while the fatty-acid composition differed significantly, with an accumulation of α-linolenic acid on microalgal residue at a pH of 7.5. Our results demonstrate the potential valorization of Chlorella vulgaris residue for Yarrowia lipolytica growth and the positive effect of a pH of 7.5 on the fatty acid profile.
The Dental-BIOfilm Detection TECHnique (D-BioTECH): A Proof of Concept of a Patient-Based Oral Hygiene
Authors: Grassi Roberta , Nardi Gianna , Mazur Marta , Di Giorgio Roberto , Ottolenghi Livia , Guerra Fabrizio
Published: April 2022

To date, no strong long-term data have been reported about new innovative clinical protocols to manage oral hygiene. An improper management of oral hygiene may lead to an increase in dental implant failure, and to an increase in infective complications in prosthetic rehabilitation. Personalized techniques are strongly required in dentistry and dental hygiene. A customized and personalized approach to oral hygiene is crucial in ensuring not only effective treatment, but also a careful analysis of the general health status of the patient involved in the therapeutic process. D-BioTECH is an acronym for Dental BIOfilm Detection Technique: it is based on a tailored approach to patients, ensuring that the operator actively interacts with the patient and their specific needs, especially during the domiciliary therapy. D-BioTECH is an approach to preventive care: in D-BioTECH, both dental hygienists and dentists play a central role. The use of a personalized approach to oral hygiene is the first step towards increasing implant and prosthesis survival rate; moreover, personalized medicine is strategic for managing and preventing the biological complications associated with several dental risk factors.
Effect of Micro-Structural Dispersity of SiMo Ductile Iron on High Temperature Performance during Static Oxidation
Authors: Lekakh Simon N. , Bofah Asebi , Godlewski Larry A. , Li Mei
Published: April 2022

High silicon and molybdenum (SiMo) ductile iron is commonly used for car exhaust systems, and its micro-structural dispersity depends on intrinsic parameters, which include alloy composition and inoculation efficiency, as well as extrinsic factors, such as casting wall thickness and molding material, which define cooling rate during solidification. Micro-structural dispersity is referred to as the degree of heterogeneity of sizes of structural constituencies within the microstructure. A variation in the micro-structural dispersity could impact the high temperature performance of SiMo ductile iron during static oxidation and transient thermo-mechanical loading conditions. In this study, static high temperature tests were performed on SiMo ductile iron solidified in a casting with varying wall thicknesses from 5 mm to 100 mm. The faster solidified specimens (taken from near chilled casting surfaces) had extremely high micro-structural dispersity as compared to the thicker section samples. After thermal exposure, each of the samples were characterized using 2D sections and 3D µCT images, and the results indicated an order of magnitude difference in graphite phase dispersity. The surface degradation was quantified after static oxidation experiments were implemented at temperature intervals between 650 °C and 800 °C. Non-destructive µCT 3D analysis and SEM/EDS were performed on cross sections and used to quantify the scale topology and structure. Carbon analysis was used to decouple the scale formation and decarburization phenomena that occurred within the samples. These methods enabled the quantification of the oxidation of the SiMo cast iron with different micro-structural dispersity levels after being exposed to high temperature static oxidation. Additionally, the complex material behavior during oxidation-assisted transient thermo-mechanical loading will be presented in a separate article.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Phosphorus Migration in Σ3(111) and Σ5(0-13) Grain Boundaries of α-Iron
Authors: Ebihara Ken-ichi , Suzudo Tomoaki
Published: April 2022

Phosphorus atoms in steels accumulate at grain boundaries via thermal and irradiation effects and induce grain boundary embrittlement, which is experimentally confirmed by an increase in the ductile-brittle transition temperature. Quantitative prediction of phosphorus segregation at grain boundaries under various temperature and irradiation conditions is essential for preventing embrittlement. To develop a model of grain boundary phosphorus segregation in α-iron, we studied the migration of a phosphorus atom in two types of symmetrical tilt grain boundaries (Σ3[1-10](111) and Σ5[100](0-13) grain boundaries) using molecular dynamics simulations with an embedded atom method potential. The results revealed that, in the Σ3 grain boundary, phosphorus atoms migrate three-dimensionally mainly in the form of interstitial atoms, whereas in the Σ5 grain boundary, these atoms migrate one-dimensionally mainly via vacancy-atom exchanges. Moreover, de-trapping of phosphorus atoms and vacancies was investigated.
Simulation and Experiment of the Trapping Trajectory for Janus Particles in Linearly Polarized Optical Traps
Authors: Gao Xiaoqing , Zhai Cong , Lin Zuzeng , Chen Yulu , Li Hongbin , Hu Chunguang
Published: April 2022

The highly focused laser beam is capable of confining micro-sized particle in its focus. This is widely known as optical trapping. The Janus particle is composed of two hemispheres with different refractive indexes. In a linearly polarized optical trap, the Janus particle tends to align itself to an orientation where the interface of the two hemispheres is parallel to the laser propagation as well as the polarization direction. This enables a controllable approach that rotates the trapped particle with fine accuracy and could be used in partial measurement. However, due to the complexity of the interaction of the optical field and refractive index distribution, the trapping trajectory of the Janus particle in the linearly polarized optical trap is still uncovered. In this paper, we focus on the dynamic trapping process and the steady position and orientation of the Janus particle in the optical trap from both simulation and experimental aspects. The trapping process recorded by a high speed camera coincides with the simulation result calculated using the T-matrix model, which not only reveals the trapping trajectory, but also provides a practical simulation solution for more complicated structures and trapping motions.
Bacillus subtilis Inoculation Improves Nutrient Uptake and Physiological Activity in Sugarcane under Drought Stress
Authors: Fonseca Mariley de Cássia da , Bossolani João William , de Oliveira Sirlene Lopes , Moretti Luiz Gustavo , Portugal José Roberto , Scudeletti Daniele , de Oliveira Elisa Fidêncio , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa
Published: April 2022

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Throughout the sugarcane’s growth stages, periods of drought are common, causing detrimental effects on plant growth. Therefore, the search for strategies for minimizing the impact of drought on sugarcane development is of great interest. Plant growth-promoting bacteria hold the potential for improving tolerance to drought in agricultural systems. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate whether inoculation with Bacillus subtilis can reduce the negative effects of drought on the nutritional, physiological, and morphological characteristics of sugarcane plants. For this, sugarcane was cultivated in a greenhouse, under controlled conditions of water and temperature, with the aid of four treatments: without and with inoculation of B. subtilis, in normal conditions of water availability, and in conditions of water restriction (2 × 2 factorial), with four replications. In treatments with inoculation, the pre-emerged seedlings were immersed in a B. subtilis solution and transplanted into experimental pots. Our results showed that inoculation with B. subtilis improved plant nutrition and chlorophyll concentrations. As a result, the gas exchange parameters (especially net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency) were also improved, even under drought conditions. In addition, stress parameters (antioxidant metabolism activity) were reduced in inoculated plants. The sum of these beneficial effects resulted in increased root growth, tillering, stalk weight, and higher sucrose concentration in the stalks.
Thermal Migration Behavior of Na+, Cu2+ and Li+ in Montmorillonite
Authors: Wu Zhenxiao , Zhao Hao , Zhou Xuanping , Wang Yang , Zuo Kesheng , Cheng Hongfei
Published: April 2022

The main aim of this paper is to study the cation fixation sites in montmorillonite after heating at different temperatures. Montmorillonite was used to adsorb cations (Na+, Cu2+ and Li+) in the solution, and the montmorillonite-adsorbed cations were heated at different temperatures (unheated, 100 °C, 200 °C and 300 °C) for 25 h. Subsequently, the basal spacing of montmorillonite treated at different temperatures was monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The exchangeable cationic content (Na+, Cu2+ and Li+) in montmorillonite was determined based on an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). In addition, the stretching and bending vibration changes in the OH group and the Si-O bond in montmorillonite were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The vibration changes were related to the cation fixation sites. The XRD data showed that when the heating temperature reached 200 °C, the structure of montmorillonite adsorbing Li+ and Cu2+ ions completely collapsed, but the layer spacing of montmorillonite adsorbing Na+ decreased slightly, which indicated that Li+ and Cu2+ were more easily able to enter the crystal structure. The ICP-OES results showed that the contents of exchangeable Na+, Cu2+ and Li+ in montmorillonite decreased with the increase in heating temperature, and Li+ was more easily fixed by montmorillonite than Na+ and Cu2+. The FTIR data showed that when montmorillonite adsorbed with Li+ was heated at more than 200 °C, a new OH stretching vibration band appeared at 3971 cm−1, which may be caused by the migration of Li+ into the octahedral vacancy to form a local trioctahedral structure. Na+ has a large radius; it can only be fixed near the OH group and may not enter the tetrahedron/octahedron of montmorillonite. The number of charges carried by Cu2+ is high and the dehydration enthalpy of hydrated Cu2+ is high. When the heating temperature was greater than 200 °C, Cu2+ mainly entered the hexagonal cavity of the tetrahedron and caused slight changes in the OH bending vibration. The vibration of the Si-O bond hardly changed after montmorillonite adsorbed Na+, but the stretching vibration peak of the Si-O bond moved to the high value region after adsorbing Cu2+ and Li+, which was speculated to be related to the migration of Cu2+ and Li+ into the crystal structure.
Health Benefits of Quercetin in Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Deepika  , Maurya Pawan Kumar
Published: April 2022

Polyphenols are the known group of phytochemicals that essentially consists of phenolic rings. These are the plant product present in varied fruits and vegetables. These secondary metabolites perform a protective function in plants from environmental and biological stress. When consumed as a human diet these are also known to prevent various age-associated diseases. Polyphenols are known to possess antioxidant properties and protect against oxidative stress. The literature survey was carried out using databases such as PubMed, Science direct and Springer. The research articles from last 10–12 years were selected for this review based on its relevancy with the topic. The articles selected was mainly focused on quercetin and its health benefits. The present review highlights the main functions of a flavonoid, quercetin. Quercetin is among the widely occurring polyphenol, found abundantly in nature. It is commonly present in different plant products. Onion is known to have the highest quantity of quercetin. This plant compound is possessed antioxidant properties and is considered to have a protective function against aging. It is known to be present in both free and conjugated forms. Quercetin has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-viral properties. The molecule is lipophilic and can easily cross the BBB (Blood-Brain Barrier) and hence protects from neurodegenerative diseases. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the role of quercetin and here a detailed review of quercetin as a curative agent in neurodegeneration, diabetes, cancer, and inflammation has been carried out. Studies have proved that quercetin plays a crucial role in the prevention of age-related disorders. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant which is currently being used in various pharmaceuticals. Properties of quercetin can be further explored in various other disorders. Nanoformulations and liposomal formulations of quercetin can be made to treat other age associated diseases.
H-Bond Mediated Phase-Transfer Catalysis: Enantioselective Generating of Quaternary Stereogenic Centers in β-Keto Esters
Authors: Niedbała Patryk , Majdecki Maciej , Grodek Piotr , Jurczak Janusz
Published: April 2022

In this work, we would like to present the development of a highly optimized method for generating the quaternary stereogenic centers in β-keto esters. This enantioselective phase-transfer alkylation catalyzed by hybrid Cinchona catalysts allows for the efficient generation of the optically active products with excellent enantioselectivity, using only 1 mol% of the catalyst. The vast majority of phase-transfer catalysts in asymmetric synthesis work by creating ionic pairs with the nucleophile-attacking anionic substrate. Therefore, it is a sensible approach to search for new methodologies capable of introducing functional groups into the precursor’s structure, maintaining high yields and enantiomeric purity.
Structural Elucidation of an Atropisomeric Entcassiflavan-(4β→8)-Epicatechin Isolated from Dalbergia monetaria L.f. Based on NMR and ECD Calculations in Comparison to Experimental Data
Authors: de Moura Patrícia Homobono Brito , Brandt Wolfgang , Porzel Andrea , Martins Roberto Carlos Campos , Leal Ivana Correa Ramos , Wessjohann Ludger A.
Published: April 2022

A rare dihydoxyflavan-epicatechin proanthocyanidin, entcassiflavan-(4β→8)-epicatechin, was isolated from Dalbergia monetaria, a plant widely used by traditional people from the Amazon to treat urinary tract infections. The constitution and relative configuration of the compound were elucidated by HR-MS and detailed 1D- and 2D-NMR measurements. By comparing the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum with the calculated ECD spectra of all 16 possible isomers, the absolute configuration, the interflavan linkage, and the atropisomers could be determined.
Binding Interaction of Betulinic Acid to α-Glucosidase and Its Alleviation on Postprandial Hyperglycemia
Authors: Chen Shaodan , Lin Bing , Gu Jiangyong , Yong Tianqiao , Gao Xiong , Xie Yizhen , Xiao Chun , Zhan Janis Yaxian , Wu Qingping
Published: April 2022

Inhibiting the intestinal α-glucosidase can effectively control postprandial hyperglycemia for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. In the present study, we reported the binding interaction of betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene widely distributed in nature, on α-glucosidase and its alleviation on postprandial hyperglycemia. BA was verified to exhibit a strong inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 16.83 ± 1.16 μM. More importantly, it showed a synergistically inhibitory effect with acarbose. The underlying inhibitory mechanism was investigated by kinetics analysis, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculation. BA showed a non-competitive inhibition on α-glucosidase. SPR revealed that it had a strong and fast affinity to α-glucosidase with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) value of 5.529 × 10−5 M and a slow dissociation. Molecular docking and MD simulation revealed that BA bound to the active site of α-glucosidase mainly due to the van der Waals force and hydrogen bond, and then changed the micro-environment and secondary structure of α-glucosidase. Free energy decomposition indicated amino acid residues such as PHE155, PHE175, HIE277, PHE298, GLU302, TRY311 and ASP347 of α-glucosidase at the binding pocket had strong interactions with BA, while LYS153, ARG210, ARG310, ARG354 and ARG437 showed a negative contribution to binding affinity between BA and α-glucosidase. Significantly, oral administration of BA alleviated the postprandial blood glucose fluctuations in mice. This work may provide new insights into the utilization of BA as a functional food and natural medicine for the control of postprandial hyperglycemia.
[2+2] Cyclo-Addition Reactions for Efficient Polymerization on a HOPG Surface at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Guan Lihao , Palmino Frank , Lacroix Jean-Christophe , Chérioux Frédéric , Sun Xiaonan
Published: April 2022

Polymers obtained by on-surface chemistry have emerged as a class of promising materials. Here, we propose a new strategy to obtain self-assembled 1D polymers by using photochemical [2+2] cyclo-addition or by using a mild thermal annealing. All nanostructures are fully characterized by using scanning tunneling microscopy at ambient conditions on a graphite surface. We demonstrated that nature of the stimulus strongly alters the overall quality of the resulting polymers in terms of length and number of defects. This new way is an efficient method to elaborate on-surface self-assembled 1D polymers.
Remote Plasma-Induced Synthesis of Self-Assembled MoS2/Carbon Nanowall Nanocomposites and Their Application as High-Performance Active Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Shin Jin-Ha , Choi Yong-Sup , Park Hyun-Jae
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study is to investigate the synthesis and influence of MoS2 on carbon nanowalls (CNWs) as supercapacitor electrodes. The synthesis of MoS2 on CNW was achieved by the introduction of hydrogen remote plasma from ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM) without deterioration of the CNWs. The topographical surface structures and electrochemical characteristics of the MoS2–CNW composite electrodes were explored using two ATTM-dispersed organic solvents—acetonitrile and dimethylformamide (DMF). In this study, CNW and MoS2 were synthesized using an electron cyclotron resonance plasma. However, hydrogen radicals, which transform ATTM into MoS2, were provided in the form of a remote plasma source. The electrochemical performances of MoS2–CNW hybrid electrodes with various morphologies—depending on the solvent and ATTM concentration—were evaluated using a three-electrode system. The results revealed that the morphology of the synthesized MoS2 was influenced by the organic solvent used and affected both the electrochemical performance and topographical characteristics. Notably, considerable enhancement of the specific capacitance was observed for the MoS2 with open top edges synthesized from DMF. These encouraging results may motivate additional research on hybrid supercapacitor electrodes and the rapid synthesis of MoS2 and other transition metal dichalcogenides.
Stability Trends in Mono-Metallic 3d Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Mohammadi Saeedeh , Esmailpour Ayoub , Doustkhah Esmail , Assadi Mohammad Hussein Naseef
Published: April 2022

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) constitute a unique group of 2D materials that can deliver exceptional catalytic, optical, and electronic performance. However, they usually suffer from low stability compared to their oxide counterparts. Using density functional calculations, we quantitatively demonstrate the crucial impact of the intercalants (i.e., water, lactate, and carbonate) on the stability of a series of common LDHs based on Mn, Fe, and Co. We found that intercalation with the singly charged lactate results in higher stability in all these LDH compounds, compared to neutral water and doubly charged carbonate. Furthermore, we show that the dispersion effect aids the stability of these LDH compounds. This investigation reveals that certain intercalants enhance LDH stability and alter the bandgap favourably.
New Insights into the Roles of lncRNAs as Modulators of Cytoskeleton Architecture and Their Implications in Cellular Homeostasis and in Tumorigenesis
Authors: García-Padilla Carlos , Muñoz-Gallardo María del Mar , Lozano-Velasco Estefanía , Castillo-Casas Juan Manuel , Caño-Carrillo Sheila , García-López Virginio , Aránega Amelia , Franco Diego , García-Martínez Virginio , López-Sánchez Carmen
Published: April 2022

The importance of the cytoskeleton not only in cell architecture but also as a pivotal element in the transduction of signals that mediate multiple biological processes has recently been highlighted. Broadly, the cytoskeleton consists of three types of structural proteins: (1) actin filaments, involved in establishing and maintaining cell shape and movement; (2) microtubules, necessary to support the different organelles and distribution of chromosomes during cell cycle; and (3) intermediate filaments, which have a mainly structural function showing specificity for the cell type where they are expressed. Interaction between these protein structures is essential for the cytoskeletal mesh to be functional. Furthermore, the cytoskeleton is subject to intense spatio-temporal regulation mediated by the assembly and disassembly of its components. Loss of cytoskeleton homeostasis and integrity of cell focal adhesion are hallmarks of several cancer types. Recently, many reports have pointed out that lncRNAs could be critical mediators in cellular homeostasis controlling dynamic structure and stability of the network formed by cytoskeletal structures, specifically in different types of carcinomas. In this review, we summarize current information available about the roles of lncRNAs as modulators of actin dependent cytoskeleton and their impact on cancer pathogenesis. Finally, we explore other examples of cytoskeletal lncRNAs currently unrelated to tumorigenesis, to illustrate knowledge about them.
Influence of Obesity on Bone Turnover Markers and Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: López-Gómez Juan J. , Pérez-Castrillón José L. , García de Santos Isabel , Pérez-Alonso María , Izaola-Jauregui Olatz , Primo-Martín David , De Luis-Román Daniel A.
Published: April 2022

Background and aims: The relationship between obesity and bone metabolism is controversial. In recent decades, the protective role of obesity in the development of osteoporosis is questioned. The aims of this study are the following: to evaluate the differences in bone turnover markers between postmenopausal women with and without obesity and to compare the risk of fracture at five years between these groups. Methods: An observational longitudinal prospective cohort study of postmenopausal women with obesity (O) (body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2) and non-obesity (NoO) (BMI < 30 kg/m2) is designed. 250 postmenopausal women are included in the study (NoO: 124 (49.6%) and O: 126 (50.4%)). It measures epidemiological variables, dietary variables (calcium intake, vitamin D intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity), biochemicals (β-crosslap, type I procollagen amino-terminal peptide (P1NP), 25OH-vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH)), anthropometric variables, and fracture data five years after the start of the study. The mean age is 56.17 (3.91) years. Women with obesity showed lower levels of vitamin D (O: 17.27 (7.85) ng/mL, NoO: 24.51 (9.60) ng/mL; p < 0.01), and higher levels of PTH (O: 53.24 (38.44–65.96) pg/mL, NoO: 35.24 (25.36–42.40) pg/mL; p < 0.01). Regarding the bone formation marker (P1NP), it was found to be high in women without obesity, O: 45.46 (34.39–55.16) ng/mL, NoO: 56.74 (45.34–70.74) ng/mL; p < 0.01; the bone resorption marker (β-crosslap) was found to be high in women with obesity, being significant in those older than 59 years (O: 0.39 (0.14) ng/mL, NoO 0.24 (0.09) ng/mL; p < 0.05). No differences are observed in the risk of fracture at 5 years based on BMI (OR = 0.90 (95%CI 0.30–2.72); p = 0.85). Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with obesity showed lower levels of bone formation markers; older women with obesity showed higher markers of bone resorption.
Blueberry Supplementation in Midlife for Dementia Risk Reduction
Authors: Krikorian Robert , Skelton Matthew R. , Summer Suzanne S. , Shidler Marcelle D. , Sullivan Patrick G.
Published: April 2022

Late-life dementia typically develops over a period of many years beginning in midlife. Prevalence of metabolic disturbance also accelerates in middle age and is a prominent risk factor for dementia. Preliminary studies indicate that blueberry supplementation can improve cognitive performance and influence metabolism and brain function and therefore may have a role in early intervention to prevent neurodegeneration. In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of daily blueberry supplementation in a middle-aged sample of insulin-resistant participants with elevated risk for future dementia. We enrolled overweight men and women, aged 50 to 65 years, with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and performed pre- and post-intervention assessments of cognition and metabolism and exploratory measures of peripheral mitochondrial function. We observed improved performances for the blueberry group on measures of lexical access, p = 0.003, and memory interference, p = 0.04, and blueberry-treated participants reported reduced memory encoding difficulty in daily life activities, p = 0.03. The blueberry-treated group also exhibited correction of peripheral hyperinsulinemia, p = 0.04, and a modest trend for increased mitochondrial uncoupling, p = 0.11. The cognitive findings indicated improved executive ability in this middle-aged sample. In addition, the changes in metabolic and bioenergetic measures imply potential mechanistic factors associated with anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin actions. The demonstration of these benefits in middle-aged individuals with insulin resistance and SCD suggests that ongoing blueberry supplementation may contribute to protection against cognitive decline when implemented early in at-risk individuals.
Neither Incretin or Amino Acid Responses, nor Casein Content, Account for the Equal Insulin Response Following Iso-Lactose Loads of Natural Human and Cow Milk in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Tessari Paolo , Toffolon Alessandro , Vettore Monica , Iori Elisabetta , Lante Anna , Feller Emiliano , Rocco Elisabetta Alma , Vedovato Monica , Verlato Giovanna , Bellettato Massimo
Published: April 2022

Human milk contains <50% less protein (casein) than cow milk, but is equally effective in insulin secretion despite lower postingestion hyperaminoacidemia. Such potency of human milk might be modulated either by incretins (glucagon-like polypeptide-1,GLP-1); glucose-inhibitory-polypeptide, GIP), and/or by milk casein content. Healthy volunteers of both sexes were fed iso-lactose loads of two low-protein milks, i.e., human [Hum] (n = 8) and casein-deprived cow milk (Cow [↓Cas]) (n = 10), as well as loads of two high-protein milks, i.e., cow (n = 7), and casein-added human-milk (Hum [↑Cas]) (n = 7). Plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, incretins and amino acid concentrations were measured for 240′. All milks induced the same transient hyperglycemia. The early [20′–30′] insulin and C-peptide responses were comparable among all milk types apart from the low-protein (Cow [↓Cas]) milk, where they were reduced by <50% (p < 0.05 vs. others). When comparing the two high-protein milks, GLP-1 and GIP [5’–20’] responses with the (Hum [↑Cas]) milk were lower (by ≈2–3 fold, p < 0.007 and p < 0.03 respectively) than those with cow milk, whereas incretin secretion was substantially similar. Plasma amino acid increments largely reflected the milk protein content. Thus, neither casein milk content, nor incretin or amino acid concentrations, can account for the specific potency of human milk on insulin secretion, which remains as yet unresolved.
Dietary Intake of Toxic Heavy Metals with Major Groups of Food Products—Results of Analytical Determinations
Authors: Koch Wojciech , Czop Marcin , Iłowiecka Katarzyna , Nawrocka Agnieszka , Wiącek Dariusz
Published: April 2022

Food contains a complex matrix of various substances, including essential nutrients, non-nutritive substances, and toxins, including metals. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the contribution of major groups of food products to an overall intake of toxic heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, and Ni) using a combination of the 24-dietary recall technique, the ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) method, and chemometric tools. The obtained results reveal that there is a high potential risk of developing nephrotoxicity through the dietary intake of Pb in the case of both genders. The dietary intake determined for other elements (Cd, Hg, and Ni) was far below the limits established by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) supported analytical determinations and revealed that cereals and vegetables were major contributors to a total intake of Cd (39.6 and 17.4% of the total exposure, respectively), Ni (40.4 and 19.3%), and Hg (16.8 and 19.6%), while water and beverages were major dietary sources of Pb (31% of the total daily intake). In contrast, eggs, fats and oils, and milk and dairy products provided the smallest amounts of Cd, Pb, and Ni. Despite containing high amounts of Hg, considering very low consumption, fish were not found to be an important source of this element.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Version of a Weight-Related Eating Questionnaire Using an Item Response Theory Approach
Authors: Ho Mandy , Smith Robert , Chau Pui-Hing , Chung Cheuk-Yan , Schembre Susan M. , Fong Daniel Y. T.
Published: April 2022

Valid and reliable measures are needed to identify individuals at risk of dietary restraint, emotional and external eating, and to customize weight loss education for more effective weight management. This study aimed to develop and validate a Chinese version of the Weight-Related Eating Behavior Questionnaire (WREQ-C) for assessing dietary restraint, emotional eating, and external eating. In stage one, the linguistic validation of the original English version of the WREQ (WREQ-E) was conducted. In stage two, the psychometric properties of the WREQ-C were first evaluated by item response theory-based (IRT) analyses. The reduced scale was then examined for convergent validity, structural validity (using a confirmatory factor analysis), population invariance, and test–retest reliability. The study included 1007 adults aged between 18 and 71 years. The IRT analysis optimally shortened the original WREQ-E from 16 to 13 items. A convergent validity analysis showed significant correlations between the WREQ-C subscales and the Chinese version of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire subscales (r = 0.63–0.82). The 13-item WREQ-C demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.74–0.89) and validity for assessing the psychological aspects of eating behavior, including routine restraint, compensatory restraint, susceptibility to external cues, and emotional eating in Chinese adults.
Lewis Acids and Heteropoly Acids in the Synthesis of Organic Peroxides
Authors: Yaremenko Ivan A. , Radulov Peter S. , Belyakova Yulia Yu. , Fomenkov Dmitriy I. , Tsogoeva Svetlana B. , Terent’ev Alexander O.
Published: April 2022

Organic peroxides are an important class of compounds for organic synthesis, pharmacological chemistry, materials science, and the polymer industry. Here, for the first time, we summarize the main achievements in the synthesis of organic peroxides by the action of Lewis acids and heteropoly acids. This review consists of three parts: (1) metal-based Lewis acids in the synthesis of organic peroxides; (2) the synthesis of organic peroxides promoted by non-metal-based Lewis acids; and (3) the application of heteropoly acids in the synthesis of organic peroxides. The information covered in this review will be useful for specialists in the field of organic synthesis, reactions and processes of oxygen-containing compounds, catalysis, pharmaceuticals, and materials engineering.
A New Pyrroloquinoline-Derivative-Based Fluorescent Probe for the Selective Detection and Cell Imaging of Lysine
Authors: Yang Bing , Zhou Jiahua , Huang Xu , Chen Zhongping , Tian Shu , Shi Yujun
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a new pyrroloquinoline-derivative-based fluorescent probe, PQP-1, was prepared for the selective detection of Lys in living cells and natural mineral water for drinking. PQP-1 exhibited high selectivity, low limit of detection, and a wide pH range. PQP-1 could be successfully applied for imaging Lys in living cells and in natural mineral water for drinking. We expect that PQP-1 will expand the detection reaction mechanism and the practical biological applications of Lys.