bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does obesity mediate the relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis in Chinese elderly population?
Authors: He Pei , Zhong Jiao , Zhu Dong‐Cheng , Ge Bing , Lei Shu‐Feng , Deng Fei‐Yan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM), osteoporosis (OP), and obesity (OB) are three complex diseases. OB is associated with both DM and OP, but it is unclear whether OB mediates association between DM and OP. The study aimed to investigate the potential mediation effects of OB on association between DM and bone mineral density (BMD) by the causal inference tests (CIT).

Methods

A total of 5682 Chinese aged over 65 years were enrolled in an ongoing cohort: Osteoporosis Preventive Project (OPP). Obesity‐related indexes, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist circumference‐hip circumference‐ratio (WHR), and BMD at total hip (TH) and femur neck (FN) were measured.

Results

Subjects with DM had significant greater values of age, weight, BMI, waist circumference, WHR, and BMD than non‐DM subjects. BMD at TH and FN was significantly associated with DM (p < 0.05) with adjustment of age both in males and females. Further CIT showed that OB‐related indexes (BMI, waist circumference, and WHR) are significantly mediators in the associations between DM and BMD in females, but not in males. Furthermore, the mediation effects of waist circumference were detected on DM and TH BMD in the females of normal‐weight group.

Conclusions

Obesity‐related indexes, especially waist circumference, serve as significant mediator(s) between DM and OP in Chinese female elderly. Diabetes increases BMD by increasing obesity‐related indexes. The findings established the intermediate role of OB underlying the association between DM and OP in human population.
Severe diarrhea in a 10‐year‐old girl with Aicardi–Goutières syndrome due to IFIH1 gene mutation
Authors: Lu Meiping , Zhu Kun , Zheng Qi , Ma Xiaohui , Zou Lixia
Published: July 2021

Interferon‐induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) is a cytosolic sensor of dsRNA that induces an anti‐viral Type I interferon (IFN) state. A gain‐of‐function mutation in IFIH1 can cause increased Type I IFN activity and is clinically associated with Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS). AGS is a multisystem disease, characterized as an early‐onset progressive encephalopathy with basal ganglia calcification and systemic lupus erythematosus‐like features. Gastrointestinal manifestation is rare in AGS patients. We described a 10‐year‐old female patient with a heterozygous IFIH1 gene mutation who presented with gastrointestinal colitis, cystitis and very severe diarrhea as initial major manifestations of AGS. Proteinuria with high titer of antinuclear antibody and anti‐double‐stranded DNA was found in this patient. She also had growth retardation and a history of seizures (about two episodes each year) but without attacks until 7 years old. Serum cytokines detected by flow cytometry indicated extremely high level of interleukin 6 (1970.1 pg/ml) and IFN‐α (204.1 pg/ml). A contrast‐enhanced CT scan of the whole abdomen and an intestinal hydro‐MRI indicated that the walls of her stomach, small bowel, colon, and bladder were in various degrees of edema and thickened states. Whole exome sequencing analysis indicated that she harbors an IFIH1 heterozygous mutation (c.2336G > A (p.R779H)) in both blood and intestinal samples. Abundant inflammatory cells infiltration into the intestinal epithelium was observed by immunohistochemical staining. Positive staining of caspase 4 and caspase 5 suggested that the signaling pathway of pyroptosis was involved in the mechanism of intestinal inflammation in AGS. Diarrhea was significantly improved after steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin treatments. Gastrointestinal colitis and cystitis can be rare manifestations of AGS with IFIH1 mutation. Caspase and its related inflammasome pathway may involve in the pathogenesis of AGS.
Biased pathogenic assertions of loss of function variants challenge molecular diagnosis of admixed individuals
Authors: Naslavsky Michel S. , Scliar Marília O. , Nunes Kelly , Wang Jaqueline Y. T. , Yamamoto Guilherme L. , Guio Heinner , Tarazona‐Santos Eduardo , Duarte Yeda A. O. , Passos‐Bueno Maria Rita , Meyer Diogo , Zatz Mayana
Published: July 2021

Diagnosis of individuals affected by monogenic disorders was significantly improved by next‐generation sequencing targeting clinically relevant genes. Whole exomes yield a large number of variants that require several filtering steps, prioritization, and pathogenicity classification. Among the criteria recommended by ACMG, those that rely on population databases critically affect analyses of individuals with underrepresented ancestries. Population‐specific allelic frequencies need consideration when characterizing potential deleteriousness of variants. An orthogonal input for classification is annotation of variants previously classified as pathogenic as a criterion that provide supporting evidence widely sourced at ClinVar. We used a whole‐genome dataset from a census‐based cohort of 1,171 elderly individuals from São Paulo, Brazil, highly admixed, and unaffected by severe monogenic disorders, to investigate if pathogenic assertions in ClinVar are enriched with higher proportions of European ancestry, indicating bias. Potential loss of function (pLOF) variants were filtered from 4,250 genes associated with Mendelian disorders and annotated with ClinVar assertions. Over 1,800 single nucleotide pLOF variants were included, 381 had non‐benign assertions. Among carriers (N = 463), average European ancestry was significantly higher than noncarriers (N = 708; p = .011). pLOFs in genomic contexts of non‐European local ancestries were nearly three times less likely to have any ClinVar entry (OR = 0.353; p <.0001). Independent pathogenicity assertions are useful for variant classification in molecular diagnosis. However, European overrepresentation of assertions can promote distortions when classifying variants in non‐European individuals, even in admixed samples with a relatively high proportion of European ancestry. The investigation and deposit of clinically relevant findings of diverse populations is fundamental improve this scenario.
Relative tooth size, Bayesian inference, andHomo naledi
Authors: Irish Joel D. , Grabowski Mark
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Size‐corrected tooth crown measurements were used to estimate phenetic affinities amongHomo naledi(~335–236 ka) and 11 other Plio‐Pleistocene and recent species. To assess further their efficacy, and identify dental evolutionary trends, the data were then quantitatively coded for phylogenetic analyses. Results from both methods contribute additional characterization ofH. naledirelative to other hominins.

Materials and Methods

After division by their geometric mean, scaled mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions were used in tooth size apportionment analysis to compareH. nalediwithAustralopithecus africanus,A. afarensis,Paranthropus robustus,P. boisei,H. habilis,H. ergaster,H. erectus,H. heidelbergensis,H. neanderthalensis,H. sapiens, andPan troglodytes. These data produce equivalently scaled samples unaffected by interspecific size differences. The data were then gap‐weighted for Bayesian inference.

Results

Congruence in interspecific relationships is evident between methods, and with many inferred from earlier systematic studies. However, the present results placeH. naledias a sister taxon toH. habilis,based on a symplesiomorphic pattern of relative tooth size. In the preferred Bayesian phylogram,H. nalediis nested within a clade comprising allHomospecies, but it shares some characteristics with australopiths and, particularly, earlyHomo.

Discussion

Phylogenetic analyses of relative tooth size yield information about evolutionary dental trends not previously reported inH. nalediand the other hominins. Moreover, with an appropriate model these data recovered plausible evolutionary relationships. Together, the findings support recent study suggestingH. naledioriginated long before the geological date of the Dinaledi Chamber, from which the specimens under study were recovered.
Discovery of Neuritogenic Securinega Alkaloids from Flueggea suffruticosa by a Building Blocks‐Based Molecular Network Strategy
Authors: He Qi‐Fang , Wu Zhen‐Long , Li Liuren , Sun Wan‐Yang , Wang Gui‐Yang , Jiang Ren‐Wang , Hu Li‐Jun , Shi Lei , He Rong‐Rong , Wang Ying , Ye Wen‐Cai
Published: July 2021

A combined strategy of building blocks recognition and molecular network construction, termed the building blocks‐based molecular network (BBMN), was first presented to facilitate the efficient discovery of novel natural products. By mapping the BBMN of the total alkaloid fraction of Flueggea suffruticosa, three Securinega alkaloids (SEAs) with unusual chemical architectures, suffranidines A–C (1–3), were discovered and isolated. Compound 1 characterizes an unprecedented 8/5/6/5/6/6/6/6‐fused octacyclic scaffold with a unique cage‐shaped 3‐azatricyclo[6.4.0.03,11]dodecane core. Compounds 2 and 3 are highly modified SEA dimers that incorporate additional C6 motifs. A hypothetical biosynthetic pathway for 1–3 was proposed. In addition, 1 significantly induced neuronal differentiation and neurite extension by upregulating eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2)‐mediated protein synthesis.
Phosphorus and Arsenic Atom Transfer to Isocyanides to Form π‐Backbonding Cyanophosphide and Cyanoarsenide Titanium Complexes
Authors: Reinholdt Anders , Jafari Mehrafshan G. , Sandoval‐Pauker Christian , Ballestero‐Martínez Ernesto , Gau Michael R. , Driess Matthias , Pinter Balazs , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: July 2021

Decarbonylation along with E atom transfer from Na(OCE) (E=P, As) to an isocyanide coordinated to the tetrahedral TiIIcomplex [(TptBu,Me)TiCl], yielded the [(TptBu,Me)Ti(η3‐ECNAd)] species (Ad=1‐adamantyl, TptBu,Me−=hydrotris(3‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate). In the case of E=P, the cyanophosphide ligand displays nucleophilic reactivity toward Al(CH3)3; moreover, its bent geometry hints to a reduced Ad−NCP3−resonance contributor. The analogous and rarer mono‐substituted cyanoarsenide ligand, Ad−NCAs3−, shows the same unprecedented coordination mode but with shortening of the N=C bond. As opposed to TiII, VIIfails to promote P atom transfer to AdNC, yielding instead [(TptBu,Me)V(OCP)(CNAd)]. Theoretical studies revealed the rare ECNAd moieties to be stabilized by π‐backbonding interactions with the former TiIIion, and their assembly to most likely involve a concerted E atom transfer between Ti‐bound OCE−to AdNC ligands when studying the reaction coordinate for E=P.
Silver‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Dearomatization of Electron‐Deficient Heteroarenes via Interrupted Barton–Zard Reaction
Authors: Wan Qian , Xie Jia‐Hao , Zheng Chao , Yuan Yao‐Feng , You Shu‐Li
Published: July 2021

Herein we report a catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reaction of electron‐deficient heteroarenes with α‐substituted isocyanoacetates through an interrupted Barton–Zard reaction. A range of optically active pyrrolo[3,4‐b]indole derivatives was obtained in good yields (up to 97 %) with high stereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr and 97 % ee), using a catalytic system consisting of a cinchona‐derived amino‐phosphine and silver oxide. This reaction features wide substrate scope and mild conditions, and provides a new strategy for developing asymmetric dearomatization reactions.
Few‐Unit‐Cell MFI Zeolite Synthesized using a Simple Di‐quaternary Ammonium Structure‐Directing Agent
Authors: Lu Peng , Ghosh Supriya , Dorneles de Mello Matheus , Kamaluddin Huda Sharbini , Li Xinyu , Kumar Gaurav , Duan Xuekui , Abeykoon Milinda , Boscoboinik J. Anibal , Qi Liang , Dai Heng , Luo Tianyi , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel , Narasimharao Katabathini , Khan Zaheer , Rimer Jeffrey D. , Bell Alexis T. , Dauenhauer Paul , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Tsapatsis Michael
Published: July 2021

Synthesis of a pentasil‐type zeolite with ultra‐small few‐unit‐cell crystalline domains, which we call FDP (few‐unit‐cell crystalline domain pentasil), is reported. FDP is made using bis‐1,5(tributyl ammonium) pentamethylene cations as structure directing agent (SDA). This di‐quaternary ammonium SDA combines butyl ammonium, in place of the one commonly used for MFI synthesis, propyl ammonium, and a five‐carbon nitrogen‐connecting chain, in place of the six‐carbon connecting chain SDAs that are known to fit well within the MFI pores. X‐ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy imaging of FDP indicate ca. 10 nm crystalline domains organized in hierarchical micro‐/meso‐porous aggregates exhibiting mesoscopic order with an aggregate particle size up to ca. 5 μm. Al and Sn can be incorporated into the FDP zeolite framework to produce active and selective methanol‐to‐hydrocarbon and glucose isomerization catalysts, respectively.
CuSO4 nanoparticles loaded on carboxymethylcellulose/polyaniline composites: A highly efficient catalyst with enhanced catalytic activity in the synthesis of propargylamines, benzofurans, and 1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Xu Zhian , Xu Jinxi , Li Yiqun
Published: July 2021

A novel and efficient heterogeneous CuSO4 nanoparticles (CuSO4 NPs) immobilized on carboxymethylcellulose/polyaniline (CuSO4NPs@CMC/PANI) composites were prepared via one‐pot and one‐step interfacial oxidative polymerization of aniline with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as soft template and CuSO4 as catalyst. The in situ formed CuSO4 NPs were dispersed uniformly and firmly on the resultant composites and stabilized by complexation with hydroxyl groups (─OH), carboxylate groups (─COO−), nitrogen atoms, and delocalized π‐π conjugate benzenoid and quinoid moieties of CMC/PANI composites. The morphology, composition, and structure of the as‐fabricated composites were systematically characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) techniques. The CuSO4NPs@CMC/PANI composites were successfully applied as catalysts in aldehyde‐alkyne‐amine (A3) coupling reactions, A3‐cycloisomerization tandem reactions, and Cu‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. All reactions proceeded smoothly and afforded the desired products in excellent yields. Moreover, no significant decrease in catalytic ability was observed in A3 model reaction after 15 recycles, indicating CuSO4NPs@CMC/PANI composites exhibited easy separability and high reusability. Tolerance of wide scope of substrate, excellent catalytic activity, easy operation, recycling of catalyst, and environmental benign are the salient features of these catalytic process.
Pervaporation of dichloromethane‐cyclopentane and methylal‐cyclopentane mixtures through membranes from chloroprene rubber
Authors: Polena Jan , Hrdlička Zdeněk , Hovorka Štěpán , Švecová Marie , Parchaňská Alžběta , Durďáková Tereza‐Markéta , Vopička Ondřej
Published: July 2021

Chloroprene rubber (CR) has been commonly applied in various branches of the industry but its application in selective layers of pervaporation membranes remains overseen. To survey its applicability, we report on the pervaporation of two close‐boiling azeotrope‐forming systems of common solvents, blowing agents, adjuvants, and refrigerants, namely, dichloromethane‐cyclopentane (DCM‐CP) and methylal‐cyclopentane (ML‐CP). Vulcanizates having the form of thin films (66 ± 5 μm) have been prepared from the crystallization‐resistant (WRT) polychloroprene by using nanoparticles of ZnO and MgO. Mechanical and thermal properties have been characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetry analysis, spectral properties using ATR‐FTIR. Plasticization has been assessed by measuring DMA characteristics for the CR films exposed to vapors of the studied compounds. The CR films are preferentially permeable to DCM and ML over CP, break the respective azeotropes, and show comparable selectivity ranging from 1.1 to 1.7 for DCM‐CP and from 1.0 to 1.8 for ML‐CP. Importantly, plasticization of the CR membranes by DCM and ML enhances the selectivity and, simultaneously, the transmembrane flux. Overall, we show that membranes from CR enable selective and intensive pervaporative recovery of halogenated hydrocarbons from their mixtures with hydrocarbons, which is relevant, for instance, for the recycling of blowing agents.
Polydimethylsiloxane‐functionalized polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous aerogels for efficient oil absorption and oil/water separation
Authors: Ge Junyan , Jia Yuxin , Cheng Chuang , Sun Ke , Peng Yuying , Tu Yingfang , Qiang Yingying , Hua Zheyi , Zheng Zhong , Ye Xiangyu , Xue Lixin , Jiang Guojun
Published: July 2021

The effective removal of oils and organic solvents from water is of great importance for environmental protection. Three‐dimensional nanofibrous aerogels (NFAs) with superabsorbent properties promise a huge potential applicability in oil spills and chemical leaks. However, the production of such NFAs through a facile and economical method is still a great challenge. Here, a very simple solution immersion process is presented to fabricate polydimethylsiloxane‐functionalized polyacrylonitrile NFAs. The obtained NFAs exhibit a superior chemical stability, a high hydrophobicity and an excellent absorption capacity for various oils and organic solvents. More importantly, these NFAs show an outstanding reversible elasticity and could potentially be employed for continuously collecting oils and organic pollutants from water with the assistance of a pump. It is believed that the obtained absorbents could be promising candidate materials for oil and organic solvent spill cleanups under harsh conditions.
A closer look at the bycatch of medium‐sized and large sharks in the northern Catalan coast (north‐western Mediterranean Sea): Evidence of an ongoing decline?
Authors: Nuez Ignasi , Gazo Manel , Cardona Luis
Published: July 2021

Historically, the Mediterranean Sea supported a rich shark fauna. Presently, however, populations of most shark species have significantly declined, largely due to intense fishing pressure.

Interviews with crew members of bottom trawlers, drifting longliners and bottom longliners operating off the Costa Brava (Catalonia, NE Spain) were conducted between October 2016 and July 2017 in order to gather information on the current bycatch rate of several shark species.

Interviews covered 41.2% of the fleet and respondents were asked for the bycatch of selected shark species—Alopias vulpinus, Cetorhinus maximus, Galeorhinus galeus, Hexanchus griseus, Isurus oxyrinchus, Mustelus spp., Prionace glauca, and Squalus acanthias—in two distinct time periods.

Bottom trawlers captured the highest diversity of species (eight) followed by bottom longliners (seven), and drifting longliners (three). Most respondents (89.7%) declared having captured at least one shark from 2006 to 2016 but only 56.4% declared having captured at least one shark from 2016 to 2017.

From 2016 to 2017, the whole fleet captured 89 specimens of H. griseus (95% confidence interval (CI) = 145, 34), 14 of G. galeus (95% CI = 30, 0), 3 of A. vulpinus (95% CI = 8, 0), 3 of I. oxyrinchus (95% CI = 8, 0), 3 of C. maximus (95% CI = 6, 0), and no Mustelus spp. The total bycatch of P. glauca and S. acanthias was uncertain due to extremely loose confidence intervals.

A significant decline was perceived by fishermen in the bycatch of C. maximus and S. acanthias, whereas the bycatch of H. griseus was considered to have remained stable.

This study suggests a dramatic reduction in the abundance of most of the medium‐sized and large sharks of the Costa Brava and the likely disappearance of Mustelus spp. from the area. Only H. griseus, S. acanthias, and P. glauca are still being bycaught frequently.
Robust practical tracking control of an underactuated hovercraft
Authors: Yan Lixia , Ma Baoli , Xie Wenjing
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the robust practical tracking control problem of an underactuated hovercraft with unknown external disturbances. Controlling such a system is difficult and challenging due to inherent modeling properties such as underactuated nature and nonholonomic constraint. State transformation technique and cascade method, combined with a transverse function, are used to develop a novel control law that globally practically stabilizes the hovercraft to any smooth reference trajectory, either feasible or non‐feasible. The Lyapunov theory is applied to the analysis of overall closed‐loop stability. Simulation results illustrate the control design.
Neural iterative learning identifier‐based iterative learning controller for time‐varying nonlinear systems
Authors: Afsharnia Fateme , Madady Ali , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher
Published: July 2021

In this paper, two iterative learning control (ILC) approaches based on a neural iterative learning identifier (NILI) are proposed for a class of unknown time‐varying nonlinear systems. Since both control and identification processes are done at the common iteration domain, so both tracking performance and identification performance are improved at each iteration simultaneously. A class of neural networks is proposed as iterative learning identifier. The proposed NILI is time varying because the system is time varying. An auxiliary error function is used in new iterative updating laws of the proposed NILI. First, P‐type ILC with iteration‐varying learning gain based on the NILI is proposed and applied to the system. Then, a new ILC based on the NILI is proposed and applied to the system. In comparison with other ILC algorithms proposed for similar systems, the proposed algorithm in this paper has more accurate performance and takes less amount of time and memory. Also, the new proposed NILI‐based ILC can be successfully applied to the system with iteration‐varying initial condition. Theoretical analysis of the trajectory convergence both tracking and identification errors is fully done. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is verified through some simulation case studies.
Children in care in education: Who is entered for exams and who reaches critical thresholds of success at age 16?
Authors: O’Higgins Aoife , Luke Nikki , Strand Steve
Published: July 2021

Being entered for exams and reaching key educational thresholds, for example 5 A* to C grades (including English and Mathematics) at GCSE, are important markers of participation and success in secondary education. However, little is known about the prevalence and make‐up of children in care reaching these thresholds. Using secondary data analysis, we compared the proportions of children in care, children ‘in need’ and children in the general population who achieved four key thresholds, including exam entry and 5 A* to C grades, including English and Mathematics. We then focused on children in care and examined factors that predicted exam entry and achieving 5 A* to C grades, including English and Mathematics. Children receiving social care interventions were less likely than children in the general population to be entered for exams or to reach important educational thresholds. For children in care, several socio‐demographic, care and educational factors predicted their likelihood of success. No children with an autistic spectrum disorder or who had ever been permanently excluded were recorded to have achieved 5 A* to C grades, including English and Mathematics. Children with poor attainment at Key Stage 2 were also at significant risk of not achieving this threshold. Practitioners and policymakers should consider the modifiable risk factors for poor educational performance and be aware of groups of children in care who are at significant risk of not achieving a minimum standard which could open doors for their future.
Hampered PdO Redox Dynamics by Water Suppresses Lean Methane Oxidation over Realistic Palladium Catalysts
Authors: Velin Peter , Hemmingsson Felix , Schaefer Andreas , Skoglundh Magnus , Lomachenko Kirill A. , Raj Agnes , Thompsett David , Smedler Gudmund , Carlsson Per‐Anders
Published: July 2021

By use of operando spectroscopies under cycling reaction conditions, water is shown to hamper the redox dynamics of realistic palladium oxide nanoparticles dispersed onto alumina and hydrophobic zeolite supports thereby lowering the activity for total oxidation of methane. Water adsorption forms hydroxyl ad‐species that block the methane and oxygen dissociation and seem to prevent lattice oxygen to take part in the methane oxidation. The main catalytic action is thus proposed to shift from the Mars‐van Krevelen mechanism in dry conditions to a slower route that relies on Langmuir‐Hinshelwood type of steps in wet conditions. This key finding has clear implications on catalyst design for low‐temperature gas combustion emission control.
Stability of AgIII towards Halides in Organosilver(III) Complexes
Authors: Joven‐Sancho Daniel , Baya Miguel , Falvello Larry R. , Martín Antonio , Orduna Jesús , Menjón Babil
Published: July 2021

The involvement of silver in two‐electron AgI/AgIII processes is currently emerging. However, the range of stability of the required and uncommon AgIII species is virtually unknown. Here, the stability of AgIII towards the whole set of halide ligands in the organosilver(III) complex frame [(CF3)3AgX]− (X=F, Cl, Br, I, At) is theoretically analyzed. The results obtained depend on a single factor: the nature of X. Even the softest and least electronegative halides (I and At) are found to form reasonably stable AgIII−X bonds. Our estimates were confirmed by experiment. The whole series of nonradiative halide complexes [PPh4][(CF3)3AgX] (X=F, Cl, Br, I) has been experimentally prepared and all its constituents have been isolated in pure form. The pseudohalides [PPh4][(CF3)3AgCN] and [PPh4][(CF3)3Ag(N3)] have also been isolated, the latter being the first silver(III) azido complex. Except for the iodo compound, all the crystal and molecular structures have been established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. The decomposition paths of the [(CF3)3AgX]− entities at the unimolecular level have been examined in the gas phase by multistage mass spectrometry (MSn). The experimental detection of the two series of mixed complexes [CF3AgX]− and [FAgX]− arising from the corresponding parent species [(CF3)3AgX]− demonstrate that the Ag−X bond is particularly robust. Our experimental observations are rationalized with the aid of theoretical methods. Smooth variation with the electronegativity of X is also observed in the thermolyses of bulk samples. The thermal stability in the solid state gradually decreases from X=F (145 °C, dec.) to X=I (78 °C, dec.) The experimentally established compatibility of AgIII with the heaviest halides is of particular relevance to silver‐mediated or silver‐catalyzed processes.
Ni(II) Precatalysts Enable Thioetherification of (Hetero)Aryl Halides and Tosylates and Tandem C−S/C−N Couplings
Authors: Martín M. Trinidad , Marín Mario , Maya Celia , Prieto Auxiliadora , Nicasio M. Carmen
Published: July 2021

Ni‐catalyzed C−S cross‐coupling reactions have received less attention compared with other C‐heteroatom couplings. Most reported examples comprise the thioetherification of most reactive aryl iodides with aromatic thiols. The use of C−O electrophiles in this context is almost uncharted. Here, we describe that preformed Ni(II) precatalysts of the type NiCl(allyl)(PMe2Ar’) (Ar’=terphenyl group) efficiently couple a wide range of (hetero)aryl halides, including challenging aryl chlorides, with a variety of aromatic and aliphatic thiols. Aryl and alkenyl tosylates are also well tolerated, demonstrating, for the first time, to be competent electrophilic partners in Ni‐catalyzed C−S bond formation. The chemoselective functionalization of the C−I bond in the presence of a C−Cl bond allows for designing site‐selective tandem C−S/C−N couplings. The formation of the two C‐heteroatom bonds takes place in a single operation and represents a rare example of dual electrophile/nucleophile chemoselective process.
Studies on 2‐Formylphenylboronic Acid‐Based Ser/Thr Ligation and Cys/Pen Ligation†
Authors: Sun Zhenquan , Li Xuechen
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Developing an effective chemoselective ligation strategy for assembling unprotected peptide segments is important to peptide/protein synthesis. The ligation efficiency and selectivity depend on the chemistry between the C‐terminal active ester of the peptide (e.g., the thioester in Native Chemical Ligation or the salicylaldehyde ester in Ser/Thr Ligation and Cys/Pen Ligation) and N‐terminal functional groups of the second peptide (Cys or Ser/Thr). Increasing the reactivity of the ligation and decreasing the hydrolysis of the active ester are more like the opposite sites in balance. We investigated the potential application of the peptide acyl ester of 2‐formylphenylboronic acid (2‐FPBA) in the Ser/Thr ligation and Cys/Pen ligation. With the assistance of boronic acid group, the peptidyl FPBA ester showed remarkable stability in aqueous buffer and its reactivity towards Ser/Thr and Cys/Pen also improved. However, the strong coordination of the amine at the N‐terminus and boronic acid suppressed the acyl transfer process when the peptide acyl group was used. More effects should be made to enhance the ligation chemistry.
An ecological approach to printing industry: Development of ecofriendly offset printing inks using vegetable oils and pine resin as renewable raw materials and evaluation of printability
Authors: Hayta Pelin , Oktav Mehmet , Ateş Duru Özlem
Published: July 2021

Petroleum‐based solvents and synthetic resins are used as raw materials for the production of varnish, which is one of the main components of offset printing inks. These petrochemical compounds that are released to the surrounding in printing process demonstrates harmful effects on environment and human health. In the light of these facts, this study was carried out to investigate the use of renewable natural resources for offset printing inks production to lower environmental impacts and protect human health. In this study, different vegetable‐based offset printing inks were developed with safflower oil (SO); grape seed oil (GSO) and Pinus pinaster resin (PPR) and printability analysis were performed. To understand the effect of pine resin in the ink formulation an ink sample with mineral oil (MO) was also produced. Printing tests were carried out with coated papers and the IGT C1 offset printability tester. Color, gloss, rub resistance, viscosity and tack values were measured on the test prints. Comparison of results with standard values figured out the suitability of using the newly developed offset printing inks for printing industry. The color difference values of color differences were in range of tolerance value. The density value of SO‐PPR ink was found as same with standard values while the density value GSO‐PPR and MO‐PPR inks were measured close to standards as 1.45, 1.42, and 1.46, respectively. The results of printability analysis demonstrated appropriate utilization of the renewable sources for ecological development of offset printing inks.
No evidence that plasmablasts transdifferentiate into developing neutrophils in severe COVID‐19 disease
Authors: Alquicira‐Hernandez José , Powell Joseph E , Phan Tri Giang
Published: July 2021

Objectives

A recent single‐cell RNA sequencing study by Wilk et al. suggested that plasmablasts can transdifferentiate into ‘developing neutrophils’ in patients with severe COVID‐19 disease. We explore the evidence for this.

Methods

We downloaded the original data and code used by the authors in their study to replicate their findings and explore the possibility that regressing out variables may have led the authors to overfit their data.

Results

The lineage relationship between plasmablasts and developing neutrophils breaks down when key features are not regressed out, and the data are not overfitted during the analysis.

Conclusion

Plasmablasts do not transdifferentiate into developing neutrophils. The single‐cell RNA sequencing is a powerful technique for biological discovery and hypothesis generation. However, caution should be exercised in the bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of the data and findings cross‐validated by orthogonal techniques.
Semi‐automated background removal limits data loss and normalizes imaging mass cytometry data
Authors: Ijsselsteijn Marieke E. , Somarakis Antonios , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P. F. , Höllt Thomas , de Miranda Noel F. C. C.
Published: July 2021

Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) allows the detection of multiple antigens (approximately 40 markers) combined with spatial information, making it a unique tool for the evaluation of complex biological systems. Due to its widespread availability and retained tissue morphology, formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues are often a material of choice for IMC studies. However, antibody performance and signal to noise ratios can differ considerably between FFPE tissues as a consequence of variations in tissue processing, including fixation. In contrast to batch effects caused by differences in the immunodetection procedure, variations in tissue processing are difficult to control. We investigated the effect of immunodetection‐related signal intensity fluctuations on IMC analysis and phenotype identification, in a cohort of 12 colorectal cancer tissues. Furthermore, we explored different normalization strategies and propose a workflow to normalize IMC data by semi‐automated background removal, using publicly available tools. This workflow can be directly applied to previously acquired datasets and considerably improves the quality of IMC data, thereby supporting the analysis and comparison of multiple samples.
An improved public transportation system for effective usage of vehicles in intelligent transportation system
Authors: Rajkumar S.C. , Deborah L. Jegatha
Published: July 2021

Procuring usage of the public transportation system enhances the promising effect of limiting the number of own vehicles usage in the contemporary world. The present research advocates a new paradigm of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) in the near future, to rescue fossil fuel and to maintain a healthy environment for the current generation. To provide this facility, Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) based intelligent learner has been proposed. This intelligent learner is mainly used to predict high vehicle demand requests in order to utilize a public transport system effectively. In this way, excess usages of vehicles are reduced from low vehicle demand request locations to the locations where high vehicles demand requests are generated. Moreover, a new enhanced approach has also been designed to establish communication between the onboard vehicles and the passengers for instant reservation of their seats based on real‐time sensors. To achieve the effective usage of the public transportation system, an effective dynamic scheduling algorithm that dedicates more convenient travel in the complex transportation system, has been proposed. The proposed system results are evaluated using real‐time transport data, which are collected from major cities and they are implemented to predict the exact vehicles demand. The performance results are compared with various existing methods and the proposed system has proved its efficiency than the existing methods. When the proposed system is implemented, it improves 87% usage of public transportation as well as the usage of taxis and own vehicles would be reduced drastically in the city.
PMEPA1 interference activates PTEN/PI3K/AKT, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells and enhancing the sensitivity to gemcitabine and cisplatin
Authors: Yang Yang , Cheng Tao , Xie Peng , Wang Lishan , Chen Hong , Cheng Zhangjun , Zhou Jiahua
Published: July 2021

To explore the biological activity of transmembrane prostateandrogen induced RNA (PMEPA1) in human pancreatic cancer (hPAC) cells and its drug sensitivity to gemcitabine (GEM) and cisplatin (DDP). Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) were consulted to indicate the expression of PMEPA1 in hPAC tissues and cells. Quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) and western blot were performed to verify the indication. RT‐qPCR and western blot also detected the expressions of PTEN/PI3K/AKT before and after transfection of PMEPA1 siRNA plasmids. Cell counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and EdU staining were performed to examine cell proliferation before and after transfection of phosphatase and tensin homologue delet2ed on chromosome ten (PTEN) siRNA plasmids. Transwell and wound healing detected the invasion and migration of hPAC cells. The expressions of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were detected by western blot. After GEM or DDP treatment, cell viability was observed by commercial kits and cell apoptosis by flow cytometry. GEPIA and CCLE predicted increased expression of PMEPA1 in hPAC tissues and cells, which was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot. PMEPA1 was also shown to be associated with disease‐free survival. Transfection of PMEPA1 siRNA plasmids affected the expressions of PTEN/PI3K/AKT. PMEPA1 interference inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of hPAC cells. Furthermore, PMEPA1 interference also enhanced the sensitivity of hPAC cells to GEM and DDP via PTEN interference. PMEPA1 interference inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells and enhances the sensitivity to GEM and cisplatin by activating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling.
Loganin exerts a protective effect on ischemia–reperfusion‐induced acute kidney injury by regulating JAK2/STAT3 and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways
Authors: Huang Fei , Wang Xiang , Xiao Guifang , Xiao Juan
Published: July 2021

To investigate the role of loganin in hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R)‐induced renal tubular epithelial cells and ischemia/reperfusion‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Cells were received H/R treatment and cultured with different concentrations of loganin. The cell activity and apoptosis were detected. The expressions of apoptosis‐related proteins, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress related molecules, and related molecules of JAK2/STAT3 and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways were measured. AKI model of mice was established by I/R procedure, and the kidney was collected for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. H/R treatment inhibited cell activity and apoptosis, but loganin attenuated the effect of H/R. Moreover, loganin inhibited H/R‐induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in tubular epithelial cells. Loganin down‐regulated the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins, suppressed JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and activated Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. In animal experiment, loganin reduced tubular injury in AKI mice.Loganin had anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐oxidative stress effects on H/R‐induced tubular epithelial cells, and could improve AKI in mice induced by I/R. This effect might be achieved by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 and activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.
Investigations in carbon isotope ratios of seized testosterone and boldenone preparations
Authors: Piper Thomas , Thevis Mario
Published: July 2021

In order to detect the misuse of testosterone (T) or boldenone (Bo) in doping control analysis, the confirmation of atypical findings employing the determination of carbon isotope ratios (CIR) is mandatory for issuing adverse analytical findings. Elevated concentrations of T (or elevated T/epitestosterone ratios) may result from confounding factors such as ethanol intake, and the presence of low urinary concentrations of Bo can originate from endogenous or urinary in situ production of small amounts of the steroid. As pharmaceutical preparations of Bo and T are generally depleted in13C, their CIR differ significantly from the13C‐enriched endogenous steroids. Some rare cases have been reported on pharmaceutical preparations showing13C‐enriched isotope ratios that complicate the current application of CIR in sports drug testing. Therefore, the CIR of a subset ofn = 157 T preparations andn = 39 Bo preparations seized in Switzerland and Germany between 2013 and 2018 was analyzed in order to estimate the possible impact of steroid preparations showing13C‐enriched isotope ratios on the current approach to detect their misuse. All investigated Bo preparations showed CIR in the expected range between – 26.7 and −30.3‰. Within the T samples, 95% showed the expected values below −26‰ while six samples fall between −25 and −26‰ and one sample was indistinguishable from endogenously produced T with a CIR of −23.3‰.
Biocrusts and its disturbance controls on soil infiltrability in a semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Guan Hongjie , Cao Rongjiang
Published: July 2021

The biocrust occurrence and its disturbance alters infiltration in the Mu Us Desert. Knowledge of the hydrological properties of biocrusts and parameterization of soil hydraulic properties are crucial to improve simulation of infiltration and soil water dynamics in vegetation–soil–water models. Infiltration experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biocrusts and its disturbance on soil infiltrability in the Mu Us Desert, northwest of China. A combined Wooding inverse approach was used for the estimation of soil hydraulic parameters. The results showed that both lichen‐ and moss‐covered biocrusts had a negative influence on infiltration in comparison with the bare soil. Biocrust disturbance alters infiltration, but its effect differs depending on the biocrust and disturbance types. For high‐pressure heads, water retention on the moss‐covered soils was higher than on the lichen‐covered soils. Moreover, trampling caused a higher water retention at high‐pressure heads. However, opposite was observed at low‐pressure heads. In addition, moss‐covered soils had lower hydraulic conductivity than the lichen‐covered soils. Additionally, for each biocrust‐covered soil, both trampling and scraping resulted in a higher hydraulic conductivity when compared with the undisturbed soils. The occurrence of biocrusts and its disturbance influenced van Genuchten parameters and subsequently affected the water retention curve and thus altered water condition in the biocrust layer. The findings about the parameterization of soil hydraulic properties are crucial for the simulation of eco‐hydrological processes in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems.
Reaching consensus for unified medical language in Fontan care
Authors: Alsaied Tarek , Rathod Rahul H. , Aboulhosn Jamil A. , Budts Werner , Anderson Jeffrey B. , Baumgartner Helmut , Brown David W. , Cordina Rachael , D'udekem Yves , Ginde Salil , Goldberg David J. , Goldstein Bryan H. , Lubert Adam M. , Oechslin Erwin , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Rychik Jack , Schumacher Kurt R. , Valente Anne Marie , Wright Gail , Veldtman Gruschen R.
Published: July 2021

Aims

The Fontan operation has resulted in improved survival in patients with single‐ventricle congenital heart disease. As a result, there is a growing population of teenagers and adults with a Fontan circulation. Many co‐morbidities have been increasingly recognized in this population due to the unique features of the Fontan circulation. Standardization of how Fontan co‐morbid conditions are defined will help facilitate understanding, consistency and interpretability of research and clinical experience. Unifying common language usage in Fontan is a critical precursor step for data comparison of research findings and clinical outcomes and ultimately accelerating improvements in management for this growing group of patients. This manuscript aimed to create unified definitions for morbidities seen after the Fontan palliation.

Methods

In association of many congenital heart disease organizations, this work used Delphi methodology to reach a broad consensus among recognized experts regarding commonly used terms in Fontan care and research. Each definition underwent at least three rounds of revisions to reach a final definition through surveys sent to experts in the field of single‐ventricle care.

Results

The process of reaching a consensus on multiple morbidities associated with the Fontan procedure is summarized in this manuscript. The different versions that preceded reaching the consensus are also presented in the . Table 1 represents the final definitions according to the consensus.

Conclusions

We propose the use of these definitions for clinical care, future research studies, registry development and clinical trials.
Long‐term administration of intravenous inotropes in advanced heart failure
Authors: Gentile Piero , Marini Claudia , Ammirati Enrico , Perna Enrico , Saponara Gianluigi , Garascia Andrea , D'Angelo Luciana , Verde Alessandro , Foti Grazia , Masciocco Gabriella , Frigerio Maria , Cipriani Manlio
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients in heart transplantation (HTx) waiting list for advanced heart failure (HF) are susceptible to acute deterioration refractory to standard HF medical therapies. Limited data are available on long‐term in‐hospital continuous intravenous (IV) inotropic therapy as bridge to definite therapies.

Methods and results

We reviewed medical records of all heart transplant recipients treated in the pre‐HTx phase with in‐hospital continuous IV inotropes at our institution between 2012 and 2018. We analysed data before the beginning of continuous IV therapy and at the moment of HTx. We report data of 24 patients (mean age of 43.5 ± 15.7 years) treated with IV inotropes as bridge to HTx (median follow‐up of 28 months after HTx). The main length of IV inotropic therapy was 84 ± 66 days (min 22; max 264 days). At the beginning, the most frequently used inotrope was dopamine (median dosage of 3 mcg/kg/min, interquartile range 2.5–3.75), alone (n = 11, 46%) or in combination with other inotropes (n = 13, 54%). In 18 patients, the class of inotropes was changed during the hospitalization. We registered a progressive improvement of perfusion markers and neuro‐hormonal activation.

Conclusion

In‐hospital continuous parenteral inotropic therapy may serve as a temporary pharmacological bridge to HTx in patients with advanced HF that are actively listed to HTx with good reply in terms of prognosis and perfusion markers.