bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Bitter Melon (Mormordica charantia) on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Amini Mohammad Reza , Rasaei Niloufar , Jalalzadeh Moharam , Pourreza Sanaz , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: October 2024

Research indicates that bitter melon could be useful in the management of dyslipidemia. Still, there is disagreement concerning the findings. This systematic study was undertaken to clarify the impact of consuming bitter melon on lipid profile. The databases Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus were queried from inception until February 9, 2023. The study assessed triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels. The effect sizes were calculated using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 423 participants were included. Bitter melon consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of TC (WMD; −9.71 mg/dL; CI: −17.69 to −1.74, p = 0.01) and TG (WMD; −10.24 mg/dL; CI: −19.92 to −0.56, p = 0.03), while bitter melon did not significantly lower blood LDL‐C (WMD; −8.66 mg/dL; CI: −19.83 to 2.50, p = 0.12) and HDL‐C concentrations (WMD; 0.54 mg/dL; CI: −2.38 to 3.45, p = 0.71). Subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in TC and LDL‐C and an increase in HDL‐C at a dose of ≤ 2000 mg/day and an intervention period of ≤ 8 weeks. Also, the greatest impact of LDL‐C and HDL‐C was seen in diabetic and prediabetic people. Bitter melon supplementation positively impacts TC and TG levels. The limitations of this study were short‐term trials (less than 3 months).
In silico Assessment of Phytochemicals from Selected Plants as Prospective TGF‐β1 Inhibitors for Prostate Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ishabiyi Felix Oluwasegun , Omotosho‐Sanni Rukayat Yetunde , Baammi Soukayna , Bourhia Mohammed , Shazly Gamal A. , Ibenmoussa Samir , Umar Haruna Isiyaku
Published: October 2024

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β) is a cytokine with pleiotropic biological functions. Recently, its signaling pathway has been highlighted for its implicative paradoxical roles in prostate cancer (PCa). Suppressing downstream effects of this pathway by interfering with receptor complex formation through inhibition of the TGF‐β1 leads to its antitumor effects, illuminating the TGF‐β1 as a viable therapeutic target for PCa. Our compound library—established by a literature‐based approach that identified phytochemicals with published evidence against the TGF‐β1—was screened by employing molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to identify TGF‐β1 inhibitors. Eight of the 24 phytochemicals docked from our compound library had a good binding affinity (ranging from −11.7 to −10 kcal/mol) to the TGF‐β1 (PDB: 1PY5). The phytochemicals displayed good stability and reactivity as revealed by the DFT analysis and a desirable pharmacokinetic profile. The top four phytochemical complexes with high binding energies maintained stability throughout the 100  ns simulation. Qualitative studies on the drug repurposing attributes of bisindolylmaleimide, flavopiridol, baicalin, and gefitinib as inhibitors of TGF‐β1 are recommended; most importantly, suggest further wet‐lab studies to corroborate these phytochemicals—SB 202190, SB 203580, silymarin, and cryptotanshinone—in TGF‐β1 targeted drug development.
Evaluation of Electrochemical Behavior and Antioxidant Activity of Seleno‐Dihydropyrimidinones and Chloro‐Dihydropyrimidinones
Authors: Eltz da Rosa Luiz Fernando , Oliveira de Sousa Matheus Henrique , Alf da Rosa Mário , Fernandes de Moura Neusa , Peixoto Carlos R. M. , Santos Canto Rômulo Faria , Godoi Marcelo
Published: October 2024

Organic compounds with potential antioxidant activity have attracted special attention of researchers and they have been widely studied in several areas, including pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. In this context, electrochemistry through cyclic voltammetry becomes a fast and efficient tool for the characterization of the antioxidant potential of these compounds. Herein, a study was carried out on the electrochemical behavior of seleno‐dihydropyrimidinones and chloro‐dihydropyrimidinones via cyclic voltammetry in the presence of acetonitrile. By employing this approach, the characterization of the oxidation processes and the determination of antioxidant activities of the target molecules was disclosed. It was also proposed a comparison of the results obtained with the antioxidant activity of the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical. Among the evaluated compounds, four molecules exhibited significant antioxidant capacities which were efficiently detected by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical assay and by cyclic voltammetry when measuring the charges transferred until 0.9 V vs Fc+/Fc.
Ambroxol Hydrochloride: A Comprehensive Review on Industrial‐Scale Synthesis, Pharmacological Aspects & Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Ponugoti Sai Srinivas , Shah Hriday , Chopada Abhinandan , Thakur Vaibhavi P. , Bagwe Pritam V. , Oak Maduvani , Kulkarni Revati , Chavarkar Gauri , Charwekar Yash , Joshi Shreerang V.
Published: October 2024

Ambroxol hydrochloride is a pharmaceutical compound that is primarily used to treat respiratory disorders characterized by excessive mucus production. It is a mucolytic agent used in treating various respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and cystic fibrosis. The standard industrial‐scale synthesis involves Schiff's base formation followed by reduction; this method is widely adopted due to its efficiency and cost‐effectiveness. Apart from this, various patented methodologies have emerged recently, along with novel therapeutic applications, where it is used for treating Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, including anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These findings open new avenues for its use in various medical treatments. The current review aims to assess the industrial scale processes in the current market, examine its pharmacological action, and explore recently evaluated therapeutic applications, offering a comprehensive overview of its potential in modern medicine.
Alkaline ILs Supported onto Mesoporous Polymeric 3D Spheres for Catalytic Synthesizing Dimethyl Carbonate in Transesterification
Authors: Zhang Yafeng , Liu Ying , Yang Zifeng , Pan Zhendong , Qiao Congzhen
Published: October 2024

A novel type of alkyl amine‐based ILs [Et3N]+[OH]− (triethylammonium hydroxide) behaving strong alkali property have been chemically immobilized onto the polymeric 3D spheres with mesoporous structures, spherical morphology and more uniformed active species onto them to form alkali ILs supported 3D polymeric catalysts(3DPs‐ILsOH), which was synthesized via a combined method of substitution with its subsequent anion unites’ exchanging process. The supported 3DPs‐ILsOH catalyzed the transesterification of ethylene carbonate (EC) with methanol, which preferred to exhibit the excellent, efficient activities. At milder reaction temperature of 70 °C within 4.0 h, the conversion of EC achieved to 83.3 % with 99.5 % selectivity of dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Under the same reaction conditions, this type of catalysts could be recovered by a simple filtration and was reused eight times without obvious losing catalytic activities and hardly without any leaching of catalytic species. Its’ catalytic process for generating the chemical of DMC from the CO2 fixation material of EC was studied by using the in‐situ FTIR, and was further verified that the synergetic function roles of triethyl amino cations units with OH− anion units onto the supported catalysts might be one of the important reasons for progressing DMC's yields and its’ catalytic efficiency in transesterification reaction.
Synthetic Approaches to Gliclazide: An Antidiabetic Medication
Authors: Kapadiya Yashraj M. , Maru Jayesh J.
Published: October 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a global health concern, causing a significant threat to world health. Oral anti‐diabetic drugs play a crucial role in effective management of diabetes. Numerous anti‐diabetic medications have been known for a long period, classified according to their chemical groups but because of their low pharmaceutical cost and long‐term efficacy, sulphonylurea (SU) continues to be a well‐positioned medication with a long history of clinical use in treating type 2 diabetes. Among various available SU, Gliclazide stands out due to its significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and extremely low rate of severe hypoglycaemia. Numerous synthetic methodologies have been developed to create more efficient pathways resulting in less waste and cheaper manufacturing. The present review aims to summarise some recently reported literature for the synthesis of Gliclazide. We have made an effort to highlight their drawbacks and advantages in this comparative analysis. Here we tried to compile different synthetic routes via various methods to synthesise Gliclazide which will serve as a valuable foundation to make potential modifications to the present inventions. This effort ultimately aims to contribute to the enhancement of the society's health and welfare.
Multidimensional Engineering to Construct Ru/TiO2 Catalysts Enriched with Pores and Ti3+ Defects for Highly Efficient Selective Hydrogenation of Benzene
Authors: Chen Xianrui , Wang Shuo , Xiong Shuangsheng , Hou Li , Zhang Qian , Wang Yatao , Gao Faming
Published: October 2024

Structural engineering, coupled with crystalline phase engineering and surface engineering, serves as a practical and effective strategy for enhancing catalytic performance through the fine design of catalysts in terms of their structure, physical phases and surface defects. In this work, a set of strategies were employed for structural transformation and crystalline phase transition of Ru/TiO2 catalysts, utilizing multidimensional regulation. Ru nanoparticles loaded on a unique TiO2 nanosheet flowers (Ru/TSFs) enriched with pores and Ti3+ defects were prepared by solvothermal and impregnation‐chemical reduction methods. The Ru/TSFs exhibited an outstanding catalytic performance in the reaction of selective hydrogenation of benzene for the preparation of cyclohexene, with a selectivity of 79 % and a maximum yield of 52.8 % along with a benzene conversion of 45.9 % and a good stability. The excellent catalytic performance attributes to the distinctive structure of three‐dimensional nanosheet flowers, which offers a high specific surface area and improvs the effective contact between the catalyst and the reaction substrate. Meanwhile, the porous Ru/TSFs exhibit exceptional hydrophilicity and abundant Ti3+ defects on their surface, which is quite favorable for the desorption of cyclohexene from the reaction system, thus improving the selectivity of cyclohexene. The multidimensional engineering may provide an efficient approach for constructing high‐performance loaded catalysts for potential industrial applications.
Antiquorum Sensing Effect, Theoretical, and X‐Ray Studies of a Schiff Base Molecule Containing Pyrimidine Nucleus
Authors: Karatas Halis , Onem Ebru , Akkoc Senem , Tuğrul Zeyrek Celal , Sibel Sahin Zarife , Kokbudak Zülbiye
Published: October 2024

Compound 4, a Schiff base‐containing pyrimidine moiety, was synthesized from the reaction of N‐amino pyrimidine derivative with 4‐fluorobenzaldehyde. The molecular and crystallographic structure of 4 was determined by the SC‐XRD method. According to these results, compound 4 crystallized in the triclinic P‐1 space group, and the stability of its crystal structure was ensured through intermolecular C−H⋅⋅⋅π and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions. In addition to the antibacterial effects of the molecule on some Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, the inhibition of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and the production of violacein pigment in Chromobacterium violaceum (C. violaceum) 12472 were studied. The results demonstrated that compound 4 had strong effectiveness in preventing the formation of biofilms produced by PAO1 with an inhibition rate of 69 %. Extensive theoretical calculation studies of molecule have been conducted and the molecular structure of 4 has been optimized in the ground state using density functional theory (DFT). The investigated compound's frontier molecular orbitals, chemical parameters, and molecular electrostatic potential surfaces were examined. Molecular docking studies were performed to explain the binding interaction 4 with the high inhibitory effect against C. violaceum phenylalanine hydroxylase D139A (PDB ID: 4Q3Y), D139E (PDB ID: 4Q3W), D139K (PDB ID: 4Q3Z), and D139N (PDB ID: 4Q3X) mutations.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, DFT Calculations, Bioactivity Study, and Docking Results of Bis‐Hydrazone Based on 1,2,4‐Triazol‐3‐Thione
Authors: Abdel‐Wahab Bakr F. , Sharaf Mohamed H. , Fettinger James C. , Farahat Abdelbasset A. , Mabied Ahmed F.
Published: October 2024

The new, unexpected bioactive bis‐hydrazone derivative (4) was obtained, in 74 % yield, by reacting two molar equivalents of pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde (1) with one molar equivalent of 2,5‐dihydrazineyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (2). The compound was comprehensively characterized, including X‐ray single crystal, DFT calculations, and bioactivity assessments. Hirschfeld surface analysis confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonding interactions, particularly N−H⋅⋅⋅N and C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions, which influence the overall crystal packing. The target bis‐hydrazone exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against multi‐drug‐resistant bacterial strains, with the largest activity against S.typhimurium with an inhibition zone of 17.1±0.6 mm and MIC 31.25 μg/mL. The compound also demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, with a higher IC50 ratio of 134.43 μg/mL against the normal cell line Wi38 and the lowest IC50 value of 45.88 μg/mL against the cancer cell line Caco2. Molecular docking was carried out with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and sodium‐glucose transporter SGLT1, which are relevant to Mcf7 and Caco2 cancer cell lines, respectively. Docking suggests the presence of specific amino acids that may influence the binding affinity between the ligand and receptor active sites through residue overlaps in chains A for SGLT1 and B for Erα, offering the ligand as a promising anticancer consistent with the IC50 outcomes.
Tannic Acid Carbon Dots with Both Antimicrobial Activity and Selectivity for Fe3+ Detection
Authors: Dang Jinning , Li Yanni , Han Yujia , Li Hongxia , Niu Xiaohui , Zhang Deyi , Wang Kunjie
Published: October 2024

In the field of antimicrobial nanomaterials, biomass‐derived carbon quantum dots have attracted great attention from contemporary researchers due to their unique physicochemical properties and favorable biosafety. In this study, novel carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from tannic acid by a one‐step hydrothermal method. The polymeric CQDs have good surface functionality and hydrophilicity with a large number of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino functional groups. Antimicrobial experiments showed that CQDs had a good inhibitory effect on Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus, as well as the drug‐resistant bacterium methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the morphology of S.aureus cells treated with CQDs became shrivelled and irregular, the surface of E.coli cells protruded to form irregular vesicles, and the whole became shriveled up, whereas MRSA cells appeared to be depressed in the middle, and there was a residue of adherent CQDs on the cell surface. In addition, CQDs exhibit selective fluorescence bursting behavior for ferric ions and can be used as fluorescent probes for rapid, sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+. Therefore, CQDs not only possess good bacteriostatic properties, but also serve as fluorescent sensors for the detection of Fe3+. It can be used as a potential sensing array for selective detection of iron ions and bacterial abatement from contaminated water.
Random Forest‐Based Prediction of Enantioselectivity in Thiol Addition to Imines Catalyzed by Chiral Phosphoric Acids
Authors: Yu Xinliang , Zhang Zekai
Published: October 2024

This paper, for the first time, reports calculating molecular descripts from the combinations of catalysts and substrates, for enantioselectivity predictions in chiral phosphoric acid–catalyzed thiol addition to N‐acylimines. Ten molecular descriptors, together with random forest (RF) algorithm, were used to establish the quantitative structure–selectivity relationship (QSSR) model (RF Model I), yielding correlation coefficient of R=0.982, root mean square (rms) error of 0.604 kJ/mol (for 800 enantioselectivity ΔΔG from 32 catalysts in the training set), R=0.922, rms=1.075 kJ/mol (for 275 enantioselectivity ΔΔG from 11 new catalysts in the test set). The RF Model I was proved to be more accurate in enantioselectivity predictions, compared with the QSSR models reported in the literature and with the RF Model II and RF Model III in this work. Moreover, the RF Model I was based on simple Dragon descriptors and capable of extrapolative prediction for new catalysts. Therefore, it is reasonable deriving molecular descriptors from the combinations of catalysts and substrates (thiols and imines). This work provides a new method for the predictions of enantioselectivity ΔΔG.
Semistable Half‐Sandwich Cp*Co(II)(P‐X) (X=N, O) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Zhuang Xuewen , Weng Xingshang , Zhang Xiaochun
Published: October 2024

Three Cp*Co(II)(P−X) (X=N, O) complexes were synthesized using cyclopentadienyl anionic and [P N]/[P O] bidentate ligands. Crystallographic analysis revealed five‐coordinate, 17‐electron unsaturated structures with low‐spin d⁷ Co(II) configurations. Electrochemical studies showed reversible Co(II)/Co(III) redox couples and an irreversible Co(II)/Co(I) process of Cp*Co(II)(P−O) complexes, while complex Cp*Co(II)(P−N) exhibited irreversible Co(II)/Co(III) process due to the pyridine imine ligand. Oxidation with AgBF4 produced stable Co(III) complexes, confirmed by crystallographic data and NMR data. These complexes exhibit significant electrochemical properties and stability, indicating potential for catalytic and organic molecule binding applications.
Mesostructured Bifunctional ZnBr2/g‐C3N4 Catalysts Towards Efficient Cocatalyst‐Free Cycloaddition of CO2 to Propylene Carbonate
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Xue‐Wen , Wang Fei , Xu Jie , Xue Bing
Published: October 2024

Catalytic cycloaddition of CO2 with propylene oxide (PO) is a sustainable pathway for the synthesis of propylene carbonate (PC), and the design of efficient heterogeneous catalysts is a hot research topic in both C1 chemistry and functional materials. In this work, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) materials were prepared using urea (U) and melamine (M) as precursors through one‐step thermal condensation and then applied as catalyst supports for ZnBr2. As heterogeneous catalysts, the synthesized composites (ZnBr2/g‐C3N4‐MU) exhibited higher activity in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to PC than ZnBr2/g‐C3N4‐M and ZnBr2/g‐C3N4‐U. The preparation temperature of ZnBr2/g‐C3N4‐MU could affect the distributions of nitrogen species and acidic strength, which thus determined the final catalytic activity. More importantly, the loading of ZnBr2 not only introduced acidic sites but also enhanced the strength of alkaline sites of g‐C3N4‐MU, enabling ZnBr2/g‐C3N4‐MU materials as acid–base bifunctional catalysts in cycloaddition of CO2 with PO.
A Novel Synthesis of Substituted Benzo[1,2,4]Oxadiazine Derivatives Via Copper‐Catalyzed Intermolecular O‐Arylation of 2‐Iodoaniline and N‐Hydroxyimidoyl Chloride
Authors: Nematpour Manijeh
Published: October 2024

In this work, a rapid and direct route for the synthesis of benzo[1,2,4]oxadiazine derivatives through a copper iodide‐catalyzed intermolecular O‐arylation of 2‐iodoaniline and N‐hydroxyimidoyl chloride has been investigated. The reaction is fast and simple at room temperature and takes place in a reasonable amount of time. No complex ligands or special equipment are required. The use of cheap and available raw materials and catalysts, without column chromatography, performing the reaction in 4 hours, and good efficiency (72–86 %) are notable features of this protocol. The synthesized product is often found in drugs and other bioactive molecules.
Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of New Ibuprofen Derivatives as AChE, BChE, and COX‐2 Inhibitors
Authors: Hizliates Cevher Gundogdu , Aydin Ebru , Noma Samir Abbas Ali , Kaya Yunus , Osman Bilgen , Demir Nalan
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common age‐related neurodegenerative condition, is named after Alois Alzheimer and is marked by a progressive deterioration in memory, cognitive function, and behavior. Research has highlighted the importance of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ), a key feature of AD pathology. Ibuprofen, an NSAID from the propionic acid class, is widely used to manage osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, exhibiting strong anti‐inflammatory and antipyretic effects. However, the drug's acidic group limits its selectivity for cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and contributes to several adverse effects. This study aimed to modify the acidic moiety of ibuprofen into lactone (IBU‐O 1–4) and lactam (IBU‐I 1–3) derivatives to mitigate these side effects. The structural properties of the synthesized imidazolone (IBU‐I 1–3) and oxazolone (IBU‐O 1–4) derivatives were characterized through Q‐TOF LC‐MS, ¹H‐NMR, ¹3C‐NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Molecular docking studies followed by Ellman's method assessed the inhibitory effects of these compounds on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), while an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit was used to evaluate their inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2).
Preparation of Carbon Quantum Dot with Copper Nanoparticles Using Mugwort Leaves as Carbon Source to Construct FRET Fluorescent Sensor for Melamine Detection
Authors: Lu Ping , Ou Rile , Ga Lu , Aodeng Gerile , Ai Jun
Published: October 2024

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have gained extensive attention due to their excellent properties and wide applications. In this study, we selected the common Chinese herb mugwort as the carbon source and employed the microwave heating method to synthesize CQDs with a quantum yield of 13.54 %. These CQDs exhibited blue fluorescence under UV light irradiation. Furthermore, we constructed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism by combining CQDs with copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) for the detection of melamine. The detection limit for melamine was determined to be 0.83 nmol/L, with a linear range of 1–100 nmol/L. The results demonstrated the potential of this sensing system for the sensitive and selective detection of melamine.
Heteropoly Acid‐Based Ionic Liquid Catalyzes Cellulose into Levulinic Acid in a Bi‐Phase Solvent System
Authors: Liao Haifeng , Guo Jianwei
Published: October 2024

Levulinic acid is an important chemical intermediate, which has many applications in organic synthesis, industry, agriculture, and medicine. In this word, three kinds of heteropoly acid based ionic liquids ([IMPS]H2PW12O40、[PyPS] H2PW12O40 [TEAPS] H2PW12O40) were used to catalyze the one‐pot conversion of cellulose to levulinic acid. [IMPS]H2PW12O40 has the highest catalytic activity due to its strong Hammett acidity (H0). In addition, the effect of biphasic solvent systems on the conversion of cellulose to levulinic acid was also studied. The results showed that the GVL/H2O system could effectively promote the conversion of cellulose and increase the yield of levulinic acid. The yield of levulinic acid could reach 52.6% and the conversion rate of cellulose was 91.2% at 180 °C for 180 min under the GVL/H2O volume ratio of 1:1 with [IMPS]H2PW12O40 as a catalyst at 1 Mpa N2 and cellulose as raw material. And [IMPS]H2PW12O40 can be recycled up to five times without significant performance loss. This study provides a promising method for efficiently converting cellulose and other biomass resources to levulinic acid extraction.
Minting Progress: Multifunctional Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles via Mentha arvensis extract for Biomedical Advancements
Authors: Dandge Prafull , Gade Ravina , Nerlekar Nisha , Dandge Padma , Nandre Vinod , Pore Dattaprasad , Rashinkar Gajanan
Published: October 2024

To surpass the constraints associated with conventional therapeutic methods in clinical therapy, nanoparticles have been rapidly prepared and developed as a separate treatment method for diseases. In this study, we have synthesized bismuth oxide nanoparticles (BiNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Mentha arvensis (M. arvensis) as a biogenic approach. The formation of BiNPs was confirmed by the characteristic peak observed at 276 nm in the UV–vis spectrum and PXRD analysis exhibited the crystalline nature with monoclinic phase. The TEM images revealed the quasi‐spherical shape of BiNPs with an average particle size of 12 nm. For biomedical studies, BiNPs exhibited significant cytotoxicity against A431 cell line (lung cancer) with IC50 value of 92.45 µg/mL. Further studies revealed significantly higher apoptosis, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities of the biosynthesized BiNPs. The collective results from the study suggest that the M. arvensis mediated synthesis of multifunctional BiNPs enhances their biological potential, positioning it as a potential candidate for the multimodal therapeutic applications.
Molecular Engineering Chemical Pre‐lithiation Reagent with Low Redox Potential for Graphite Anode Enables High Coulombic Efficiency
Authors: Li Shuang , Jiang Jiangmin , Feng Qilin , Zheng Yun , Chen Yaxin , Ju Zhicheng , Zhuang Quanchao , Wu Kai , Shao Huaiyu , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: October 2024

Graphite (Gr) is a low‐cost and high‐stability anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, Gr anode exhibits an obstinate drawback of low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), owing to the active lithium loss for the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Herein, a straightforward and effective chemical pre‐lithiation strategy is proposed to compensate for the lithium loss. A molecular engineering phenanthrene‐based lithium‐arene complex (Ph‐based LAC) reagent is designed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The engineering Ph‐based reagent enhances the stability of the π‐electron system and the electron‐donating capacity, resulting in a reduced redox potential to facilitate lithium transfer. The electrochemical distinct of the Ph‐based reagent is illustrated, the prelithiation process in a low Li‐insertion platform, and the lithiation degree is controllable with the dipping time (ICE = 102%, 3 min). Notably, a denser and homogeneous SEI layer has pre‐formed to enhance the Li+ transport and interface stability. Moreover, the lithium‐ion full batteries assemble with LiFePO4 and NCM811 cathode, which exhibits high ICE (96.5% and 90.3%) and energy density (310 and 333 Wh kg−1). These findings present a facile and controllable pre‐lithiation strategy to compensate for the lithium of LIBs, providing new valuable insights into the design and optimization of battery manufacture.
Sabatier Principle Driving Interface Defect Engineering on 3D Graphene‐Like Encapsulated Cobalt Structure for Hydrogenation Reaction
Authors: Yin Chunyu , Xiang Zhenli , Ma Chaofan , Zhou Yebin , Wan Dongchuang , Yu Jiaxin , Yao Yongyue , Gao Xianfu , Huang Heng , He Wei , Liu Yi , Zhang Qunfeng , Lyu Jinghui , Feng Feng , Lu Chunshan , Li Xiaonian
Published: October 2024

Establishing structural defects is a perspective way to increase the catalytic hydrogenation reaction. Toward Sabatier optimization for hydrogenation reaction with defect density offers guidance for designing optimal catalysts with the highest performance. A controllable synthesis strategy is reported for Co@NC‐x catalyst induced by defect density. A series of N‐doped carbon‐based defective Co@NC‐x catalysts with different defect densities ranging from 1.5 × 1011 to 1.9 × 1011 cm−2 via high‐temperature sublimation strategy is obtained. The results show that the volcano curves are observed between defect density and catalytic hydrogenation performance with a summit at a moderate defect density of 1.7 × 1011 cm−2, matched well with Sabatier phenomenon. Remarkably, the defect density on the graphene‐like shell serves as descriptor to the adsorbate state and consequently the catalytic activity. However, to the best of knowledge, the Sabatier phenomenon in hydrogenation reactions at the defect scale in 3D graphene‐like encapsulated metal (3D‐GEM) catalysts has not been reported. This work highlights the meaning of defect‐density effect on catalytic hydrogenation reaction, supplying meaningful guidance for the rational design of more efficient and durable defective 3D‐GEM catalyst.
Construction of Asymmetric Orthogonal Arrays With High Strength
Authors: Lin Xiao , Pang Shanqi , Wang Jing
Published: October 2024

Orthogonal arrays (OAs) are a key research focus in combinatorial design theory and experimental design theory. They play a very important role in an increasing number of interdisciplinary fields, such as computer science, cryptography, multipartite quantum states and quantum information. And the open problems in many fields are closely related to the construction of orthogonal arrays with high strength and large size. At present, some open problems have been solved by using orthogonal arrays. There is an urgent need for developing such orthogonal arrays. This article introduces a general method for obtaining asymmetric orthogonal arrays with high strength. The proposed method is straightforward and constructive. The constructed OAs can be utilized to generate more OAs. Some selective OAs are tabulated for practical applications.
Biparietal diameter vs crown–rump length as standard parameter for late first‐trimester pregnancy dating
Authors: Gjessing H. K. , Grøttum P. , Dreier J. M. , Eik‐Nes S. H.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To compare the precision of biparietal diameter (BPD) and crown–rump length (CRL) as predictors of gestational age in the human fetus in the late first and early second trimesters, using a population‐based approach.

Methods

We constructed term and gestational‐age prediction curves for first‐trimester dating, based on 11 041 pregnancies with 12 260 measurements of CRL and/or BPD from a population‐based Norwegian clinical database. We used a population‐based approach with local linear quantile regression, combined with a time‐to‐event strategy that compensates for induced births. Term prediction precision was assessed by estimating and comparing the prediction residual curves using a time‐to‐event analysis. Individual differences in gestational‐age predictions from CRL and BPD were assessed using measurements performed on the same fetus on the same day. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of not distinguishing between non‐spontaneous and spontaneous births.

Results

CRL and BPD provided almost identical term prediction precision judged from the residual distribution. In about 51% of examinations, the difference in predicted gestational age was 1 day or less; 24% of examinations had a difference of 2 days, 14% had a difference of 3 days, 7% had a difference of 4 days and only 5% of all examinations had a difference of 5 days or more. Incorrectly removing induced births from the analysis, or treating them as spontaneous, would cause a substantial systematic prediction bias of about 2 days.

Conclusions

Based on population data, using comparisons at an individual level, our study found that BPD is as precise as CRL when used for first‐trimester dating. BPD has advantages from a clinical point of view, since it is technically less challenging and less time‐consuming to measure compared with CRL, and can be measured and assessed throughout the entire pregnancy. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
China and Russia as service providers for illiberal governance
Authors: Marat Erica , Laruelle Marlene , Atreya Gagan
Published: October 2024

Illiberal governance is on the rise across the globe. At the same time, China and Russia are expanding their investment and political presence in many countries. Most studies link these two trends—the rise of domestic illiberalism and China's and Russia's growing geopolitical influence—often assuming that both Beijing and Moscow are responsible for the spread of autocratic values across the globe. Instead, we find that China and Russia are leveraging existing illiberal trends to expand their global reach. In this article, we analyze media coverage between 2015 and 2022 in Hungary, Türkiye, and Kyrgyzstan of these countries' respective bilateral relations with China and Russia, and we show that countries pursue their own interests by collaborating with China and Russia, often framing external engagement as a positive political and economic development. Our analysis shows that China's foreign messaging is consolidated around a set of ideals, while Russian engagement is mostly driven by anti‐Western sentiments.
Transforming care: Optimizing ERAS pathway in breast cancer surgery with latissimus dorsi flap
Authors: Lai Lee‐Lee , Teh Mei‐Sze , Beh Zhi‐Yuen , Lim Woon‐Lai , Lim Siu‐Min , Soh Wei‐Qi , Tan Qing‐Yi , Chan Lucy , See Mee‐Hoong
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study aims to establish, execute, and assess the effectiveness of a perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical care pathway in breast reconstruction patients with LD flap breast cancer treatment. The goal is to improve early recovery outcomes, reduce hospitalization time, and enhance patient satisfaction by implementing a standardized approach to postoperative care.

Methods

This study was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Center. The outcomes of 21 breast cancer patients who underwent autologous reconstructive breast surgery with the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap within six months before the implementation of the ERAS pathway (pre‐ERAS) were compared with 26 patients who underwent the same surgery with the ultrasound‐guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block for the (ERAS protocol implementation) cohort. The study was conducted from November 2019 to October 2020. The length of hospital stay, amount of analgesic usage, and incidence of postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV) were recorded.

Results

The implementation of the ERAS clinical care pathway resulted in shorter hospital stays compared with the preceding care. On average, ERAS patients were mostly discharged on Day 2 post‐surgery, whereas pre‐ERAS patients were mostly discharged on Day 7. ERAS patients had a lower incidence of PONV from Days 1 to 5, starting with 88.5% not experiencing the condition on Days 1 and 2 and increasing to 100% on Day 5. All pre‐ERAS patients experienced PONV in the first 5 days post‐surgery. Fewer ERAS patients required antiemetics post‐surgery (88.5%) compared with pre‐ERAS patients (42.9%).

Conclusion

The implementation of the ERAS protocol as part of clinical care in autologous reconstructive breast surgery with the LD flap can improve recovery by shortening hospital stay, decreasing the use of analgesia, and alleviating PONV.
Einleitung
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Die Missstände in der Tierhaltung führen auch in der Schweiz immer wieder zu Schlagzeilen: So wurden etwa im Frühling 2023 die Urteile in einem der grössten Tierschutzfälle der Schweiz, dem «Fall Hefenhofen» breit diskutiert, im Herbst 2022 machten vestörende Videos aus der Geflügelzucht Schlagzeilen und im Sommer 2019 erschien in verschiedenen Medien der TA-Gruppe eine ganze Artikelserie zu den «skandalösen Zuständen auf Schweizer Bauernhöfen», zur Problematik der Direktzahlungen des Bundes an Tierhalter, die wegen Tierquälerei verurteilt wurden, und zu den fehlenden Kontrollen und damit auch der mangelhaften Durchsetzung des schweizerischen Tierschutzgesetzes aufgrund von Personalmangel.
Der Schutz des Tieres um seiner selbst willen: Der sog. ethische Tierschutz
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Mit dem auf den ersten Blick etwas irreführenden Begriff des «ethischen Tierschutzes» wird dasjenige Konzept des rechtlichen Tierschutzes bezeichnet, bei dem das Tier um seiner selbst willen geschützt wird. Es geht hier also trotz des Namens um rechtlichen Tierschutz, der sich aber auf ethische Erwägungen, auf ausserrechtliche Wertvorstellungen, stützt. Schutzzweck und Referenzpunkt des Rechts ist im ethischen Tierschutz das Tier an sich und nicht etwa ökonomische Interessen am Tier oder die gefühlsmässige Verbindung des Menschen mit dem Tier.
Tierschutzkonzepte
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Stellt man die Frage nach dem Grund der Berücksichtigung von Tieren im geltenden Recht, lassen sich zwei Konzepte unterscheiden, welche die europäische Tierschutzgesetzgebung prägen. Dies ist zum einen das pathozentrische Tierschutzkonzept, das hier in einem weiten Sinne verstanden wird. Es knüpft an die Leidens- bzw. Empfindungsfähigkeit von Tieren an (Pathozentrismus bzw. Sentientismus). Zum anderen lässt sich in der Tierschutzgesetzgebung der deutschsprachigen Länder eine Hinwendung zum (eingeschränkten) Biozentrismus beobachten, d. h. zum Gedanken, dass Tiere als Lebewesen zu schützen sind, ohne hierfür begründend auf ihre Leidens- oder Empfindungsfähigkeit abzustellen.
Gegenwärtige Konzeption, Wertungswidersprüche und Inkonsistenzen
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Die Analyse der tierschutzrechtlichen Bestimmungen zeigt: Tiere zählen etwas im Recht, ihr Eigenwert wird anerkannt, ihre Interessen werden geschützt. Sie gehören damit mindestens in einem weiten Sinne zur Rechtsgemeinschaft, wenngleich in keiner Weise als gleichberechtigte Mitglieder: Wie viel oder zum Teil auch wie wenig sie zählen, wie weit ihr Schutz reicht oder wie eng er begrenzt bleibt, bestimmt sich nämlich nach wie vor fast ausschliesslich nach menschlichen Interessen. In den geltenden Normen zum Tier spiegelt sich überdeutlich der bereits eingangs der Untersuchung thematisierte Konflikt zwischen dem rechtsethischen Anspruch, Normen an übergeordneten Prinzipien der Gerechtigkeit auszurichten, und der Funktion bzw. Rolle des Rechts, bestehende Herrschaftsverhältnisse abzusichern, rechtlich zu legitimieren und zu perpetuieren.
Menschliche und tierliche Körper: (K)eine Sache?
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Im schweizerischen Zivilgesetzbuch findet sich keine Legaldefinition der «Sache». Die Lehre geht allerdings davon aus, dass der schweizerischen Dogmatik der Sachbegriff zugrunde liegt, der von Friedrich Carl von Savigny (1779–1861) entwickelt wurde. Danach bildet die Körperlichkeit einer Entität grundsätzlich das zentrale Kriterium des Sachbegriffs – dies im Unterschied zu den meisten romanischen Rechtsordnungen sowie dem österreichischen Recht, welche den Sachbegriff nicht mit der Körperlichkeit verknüpfen. Nach der schweizerischen Auffassung ist eine Sache demgegenüber «ein körperlicher, von anderen abgegrenzter Gegenstand, der tatsächlicher und rechtlicher Beherrschung zugänglich ist».
Zählen alle Interessen gleich viel?
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Selbst wenn man anerkennt, dass Rechte wichtige bzw. grundlegende Interessen oder Bedürfnisse schützen, als Rechtsträger damit alle diejenigen Wesen in Frage kommen, die solche Interessen haben, ist damit noch nicht entschieden, ob alle Interessen auch gleich viel zählen sollen. Sowohl hierarchische als auch egalitaristische Konzepte sind denkbar. Sie können entweder an den Rechtsträger selbst anknüpfen oder aber an das im konkreten Fall betroffene Interesse.
Maker-Breaker resolving game played on corona products of graphs
Authors: James Tijo , Klavžar Sandi , Kuziak Dorota , S Savitha K. , Vijayakumar Ambat
Published: October 2024

The Maker-Breaker resolving game is a game played on a graph G by Resolver and Spoiler. The players taking turns alternately in which each player selects a not yet played vertex of G. The goal of Resolver is to select all the vertices in a resolving set of G, while that of Spoiler is to prevent this from happening. The outcome o(G) of the game played is one of $$\mathcal {R}$$
R
, $$\mathcal {S}$$
S
, and $$\mathcal {N}$$
N
, where $$o(G)=\mathcal {R}$$

o
(
G
)
=
R

(resp. $$o(G)=\mathcal {S}$$

o
(
G
)
=
S

), if Resolver (resp. Spoiler) has a winning strategy no matter who starts the game, and $$o(G)=\mathcal {N}$$

o
(
G
)
=
N

, if the first player has a winning strategy. In this paper, the game is investigated on corona products $$G\odot H$$

G
⊙
H

of graphs G and H. It is proved that if $$o(H)\in \{\mathcal {N}, \mathcal {S}\}$$

o
(
H
)
∈
{
N
,
S
}

, then $$o(G\odot H) = \mathcal {S}$$

o
(
G
⊙
H
)
=
S

. No such result is possible under the assumption $$o(H) = \mathcal {R}$$

o
(
H
)
=
R

. It is proved that $$o(G\odot P_k) = \mathcal {S}$$

o
(
G
⊙

P
k

)
=
S

if $$k=5$$

k
=
5

, otherwise $$o(G\odot P_k) = \mathcal {R}$$

o
(
G
⊙

P
k

)
=
R

, and that $$o(G\odot C_k) = \mathcal {S}$$

o
(
G
⊙

C
k

)
=
S

if $$k=3$$

k
=
3

, otherwise $$o(G\odot C_k) = \mathcal {R}$$

o
(
G
⊙

C
k

)
=
R

. Several results are also given on corona products in which the second factor is of diameter at most 2.
Akute Bauchschmerzen mit überraschender Ursache – eine seltene Komplikation einer häufigen Erkrankung
Authors: Grotemeyer Katharina , Motronea Roxana , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: October 2024

Die Ausbildung einer cholezystokolischen Fistel als Komplikation der chronischen Cholezystitis und/oder Cholangitis ist sehr selten und lässt sich ohne moderne Bildgebung kaum nachweisen. Dennoch sind akute abdominelle Beschwerden eine häufige Ursache einer Vorstellung von Patienten in einer stationären Notaufnahme. Der vorliegende Fall demonstriert, dass auch ohne Vorliegen einer Cholestase und Infektkonstellation eine chronische Cholezystitis mit entsprechenden Komplikationen vorliegen kann.
Severity and Temporality in Healthcare Priority Setting – A Case for A Condition-specific Affectable Time-neutral Approach
Authors: Sandman Lars , Juth Niklas
Published: October 2024

Priority setting of scarce resources in healthcare is high on the agenda of most healthcare systems implying a need to develop robust foundations for making fair allocation decisions. One central factor for such decisions in needs-based systems, following both empirical studies and theoretical analyses, is severity. However, it has been noted that severity is an under-theorized concept. One such aspect is how severity should relate to temporality. There is a rich discussion on temporality and distributive justice, however, this discussion needs to be adapted to the practical and ethical requirements of healthcare priority setting principles at mid-level. In this article, we analyze how temporal aspects should be taken into account when assessing severity as a modifier for cost-effectiveness. We argue that when assessing the severity of a condition, we have reason to look at complete conditions from a time-neutral perspective, meaning that we take the full affectable stretch of the condition into account without modifying severity as patients move through the temporal stretch and without discounting the future. We do not find support for taking the ‘shape’ of a condition into account per se, e.g. whether the severity has a declining or inclining curve, or that severity is intermittent rather than continuous. In order to take severity seriously, we argue that we have reason to apply a quantified approach where every difference in severity should impact on priority setting. In conclusion, we find that this approach is practically useful in actual priority setting.
A tale of two (Florida) cities: perceptions of flooding risk and adaptation in Tampa’s Hyde Park and Saint Augustine
Authors: Grant Ezekiel , Iliopoulos Nikolaos , Esteban Miguel , Onuki Motoharu
Published: October 2024

Sea level rise is not a problem for the future alone. It is already affecting many small to medium cities on the East Coast of the USA. These cities are adapting to their problems without sufficient help from the federal or state government. To escape the perils of short-term reactionary ad hoc measures to deal with such problems, there is a need to utilize longer-term visions and frameworks. One such approach, Adaptation Pathway Planning, requires the involvement of locally affected people. This study looks at the perceptions and preferred adaptation solutions of the residents of St. Augustine and the Hyde Park neighborhood in Tampa, FL, two cities that are already experiencing the worsening flooding effects caused by rising seas. The results show that those living in areas at higher risk, and which are already experiencing frequent tidal flooding, had a greater knowledge of this risk and a higher desire for increased action from multiple levels of government. Also, such people were more aware of what their municipalities were already doing to adapt. Finally, when faced with two different scenarios of the possible rise in sea levels by 2050, those presented with the higher scenarios were more likely to choose a wider range of adaptation countermeasures. All this indicates the need to carefully consider the awareness of residents regarding the effects of sea level rise and how long-term adaptation should be discussed with them.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in a Squamous Odontogenic Tumor of the Maxilla: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alotaibi Fawaz , Alshamrani Yousef , Tummala Harish , Hesham Abdulrahman , Cabido Leticia Ferreira , Tahmasbi Mehrnaz , Wright John M.
Published: October 2024

Squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) is an exceedingly rare, benign epithelial odontogenic tumor showing squamous differentiation. It is composed of variably sized and shaped islands of cytologically bland, mature squamous epithelium within a fibrous stroma. In this report, we present a rare transformation of a squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) of the maxilla into a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with involvement of the pterygoid plates. To the best of our knowledge, only two cases of malignant transformation of SOT has been reported in the literature. Herein, we seek to report this extremely rare occurrence to raise awareness of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and pathologists of this unusual, but serious event and perform a literature review of squamous odontogenic tumors.
Machine learning and rule-based embedding techniques for classifying text documents
Authors: Aubaid Asmaa M. , Mishra Alok , Mishra Atul
Published: October 2024

Rapid expansion of electronic document archives and the proliferation of online information have made it incredibly difficult to categorize text documents. Classification helps in information retrieval from a conceptual framework. This study addresses the challenge of efficiently categorizing text documents amidst the vast electronic document landscape. Employing machine learning models and a novel document categorization method, W2vRule, we compare its performance with traditional methods. Emphasizing the importance of tuning hyperparameters for optimal performance, the research recommends the W2vRule, a word-to-vector rule-based framework, for improved association-based text classification. The study used the Reuters Newswire dataset. Findings show that W2vRule and machine learning can effectively tell apart important categories. Rule-based approaches perform better than Naive Bayes, BayesNet, Decision Tables, and others in terms of performance metrics.