bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased Lipid Peroxidation Following Periodontal Therapy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Sonoki Kazuo , Nakashima Sayori , Takata Yutaka , Naito Toru , Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Ootsubo Toshio , Wakisaka Masanori , Iwase Masanori , Iida Mitsuo , Yokota Makoto
Published: October 2006

Background: Although diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease promote atherosclerosis, the relation of oxidative stress with these diseases remains unclear. To investigate the influence of periodontal disease on oxidative stress, we assessed the effects of initial periodontal therapy on lipid peroxide (LPO), an oxidative stress index, in type 2 diabetic and non‐diabetic patients.

Methods: Seventeen subjects with or without type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this intervention study. No patient had a history of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease. Five type 2 diabetic and six non‐diabetic patients, all with moderate to severe periodontal disease, received and completed the initial periodontal therapy and examination. Before and after the therapy, patients underwent medical examinations and blood determinations, including LPO.

Results: Before the therapy, the periodontal probing depth and bleeding on probing (BOP) were similar between groups. LPO, triglyceride, and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in diabetic than non‐diabetic patients. Therapy improved the periodontal parameters in both groups and significantly decreased LPO in diabetic patients. Anti‐malondialdehyde‐modified low‐density lipoprotein (MDA‐LDL) antibody, a marker of oxidized LDL, significantly decreased with treatment in both groups. Overall, Spearman rank correlation showed no significance between periodontal parameters and LPO or anti–MDA‐LDL antibody, but BOP tended to correlate with LPO in diabetic patients (r = 0.585; P = 0.0791).

Conclusion: Although this is a small and preliminary study, and the changes of LPO and anti–MDA‐LDL antibody were within the normal range, the initial periodontal therapy significantly decreased LPO, an oxidative stress index, in type 2 diabetic patients with periodontal disease.
A Marxist Analysis of the World Trade Organisation's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Rikowski Ruth
Published: October 2006

This article examines the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). There are many WTO Agreements, but TRIPS is likely to have significant implications for areas such as information, education and libraries. The article provides an overview of TRIPS in general. Various intellectual property rights (IPRs) are covered in TRIPS, including copyright, patents, trademarks, geographical indications, industrial designs, integrated circuit designs and ‘trade secrets’. It then considers the implications of TRIPS for information provision, focusing in particular on copyright and patents. Finally, it examines the TRIPS within an Open Marxist theoretical perspective. The author argues that TRIPS is fundamentally about transforming IPRs into internationally tradable commodities. Marx began his analysis of capitalism in Capital volume one with ‘the commodity’. We need to get back to basic Marxism and to make it applicable to the global capitalist world that we find ourselves in today. Thus, capitalism is essentially about the commodification of all that surrounds us and the TRIPS assists with this process. Value that is extracted from labour, and largely from intellectual labour, becomes embedded in internationally tradable commodities (such as patents) that are created and socially validated by TRIPS. Profit is derived from this value and through this process global capitalism is extended and intensified.
The solvent extraction and spectrophotometric determination of vanadium (V) with 4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol and tetrazolium salts
Authors: Gavazov Kiril , Lekova Vanya , Dimitrov Atanas , Patronov Georgi
Published: October 2006

The formation and extraction of ion-associate complexes between the vanadium(V)-4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol (TAR) anionic chelate and the cations of some mono-and ditetrazolium salts {3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (Thiazolyl blue, MTT), 3-(2-naphtyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (Tetrazolium violet), 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride), 3,3′-[3,3′-dimetoxy(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diyl]-bis[2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium] chloride (Tetrazolium blue chloride) and 3,3′-(3,3′-dimetoxy-4,4′-biphenylene)bis[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride] (Nitro blue tetrazolium chloride)} have been studied. The optimum extraction conditions have been found. The composition of the V-TAR-monotetrazolium and V-TAR-ditetrazolium complexes extracted into chloroform has been determined to be 1:2:3 and 2:4:3 respectively. The extraction, distribution and association constants, and the recovery factors have been calculated. The relationship between the molecular weight of tetrazolium cations, and the association constants of their complexes has been discussed. The special behavior of the tetrazolium cations, containing-NO2 groups has been noticed. The effects of foreign ions and reagents on the extraction of vanadium with TAR and the best tetrazolium salt-MTT have been studied. A sensitive, selective, simple and fast method for the determination of vanadium has been developed.
Liraglutide for Lower Limb Perfusion in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Caruso Paola , Maiorino Maria Ida , Longo Miriam , Porcellini Chiara , Matrone Rita , Digitale Selvaggio Lucia , Gicchino Maurizio , Carbone Carla , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Bellastella Giuseppe , Giugliano Dario , Esposito Katherine
Published: March 2024

Importance

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) in diabetes may lead to diabetic foot ulcer and lower-extremities amputation. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have proven cardiovascular benefits in trials of people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk.

Objective

To examine the effect of liraglutide on peripheral perfusion measured as peripheral transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPo2) in individuals with type 2 diabetes and PAD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This open-label randomized clinical trial was conducted between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, with a final follow-up on December 30, 2022, at University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy. Fifty-five individuals with type 2 diabetes, PAD, and TcPo2 between 30 and 49 mm Hg were included.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to receive 1.8 mg of subcutaneous liraglutide or conventional treatment of cardiovascular risk factors (control group) for 6 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Coprimary outcomes were the change from baseline of peripheral perfusion between groups and the comparison of the proportion of individuals who reached 10% increase of TcPo2 from baseline in each group.

Results

Fifty-five participants (mean [SD] age, 67.5 [8.5] years; 43 [78%] male) were randomized (27 to the liraglutide group and 28 to the control group) and analyzed. Participants had a median (IQR) hemoglobin A1c level of 6.9% (6.5%-7.8%) and a mean (SD) TcPo2 of 40.3 (5.7) mm Hg. Transcutaneous Po2 increased over time in both groups, with significant differences favoring the liraglutide group after 6 months (estimated treatment difference, 11.2 mm Hg; 95% CI, 8.0-14.5 mm Hg; P < .001). The 10% increase of TcPo2 occurred in 24 participants (89%) in the liraglutide group and 13 (46%) in the control group (relative risk, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.26-2.90; P < .001). Compared with the control group, individuals in the liraglutide group had a significant reduction of C-reactive protein (−0.4 mg/dL; 95% CI, −0.7 to −0.07 mg/dL; P = .02), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (−119.4 mg/g; 95% CI, −195.0 to −43.8 mg/g; P = .003), and improvement of 6-minute walking distance (25.1 m; 95% CI, 21.8-28.3 m; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial of people with type 2 diabetes and PAD, liraglutide increased peripheral perfusion detected by TcPo2 measurement during 6 months of treatment. These results support the use of liraglutide to prevent the clinical progression of PAD in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04881110
Sex-Specific Association of Alcohol Use Disorder With Suicide Mortality
Authors: Lange Shannon , Kim Kawon V. , Lasserre Aurélie M. , Orpana Heather , Bagge Courtney , Roerecke Michael , Rehm Jürgen
Published: March 2024

Importance

Despite individual studies suggesting that sex differences exist in the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicide, most existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported associations across the sexes.

Objective

To estimate the sex-specific association between AUD and suicide mortality.

Data Sources

Embase, MEDLINE (including MEDLINE In-Process), PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to April 27, 2022.

Study Selection

Inclusion criteria consisted of the following: (1) original, quantitative study, (2) inclusion of a measure of association and its corresponding measure of variability (or sufficient data to calculate these [eg, 95% CI]), and (3) results stratified by sex.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction was completed by one reviewer and then cross-checked by a second reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed by study design. Categorical random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to obtain sex-specific pooled estimates of the association between AUD and suicide mortality risk. Methodological moderators (ie, study design and comparator group) were assessed using sex-stratified meta-regressions.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The association between AUD and suicide mortality.

Results

A total of 16 347 unique records were identified in the systematic search; 24 studies were ultimately included for 37 870 699 participants (59.7% male and 40.3% female) (23 risk estimates for male and 17 for female participants). Participants ranged in age from 15 years to 65 years or older. Sex-specific meta-regression models indicated that study design (ie, longitudinal vs cross-sectional study design) affected the observed association between AUD and suicide mortality for both male participants (log odds ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.08-1.28]; P = .03) and female participants (log odds ratio, 1.41 [95% CI, 0.57-2.24]; P < .001). For males and females, among longitudinal studies, the pooled odds ratios were 2.68 (95% CI, 1.86-3.87; I2 = 99% [n = 14]) and 2.39 (95% CI, 1.50-3.81; I2 = 90% [n = 11]), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis yielded substantive evidence that AUD was associated with suicide mortality and that the association was similar across the sexes. The findings underscore the importance of identifying and treating AUD as part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.
Recent Advances in Transparent Materials Based on Ionic Liquids and Their Applications in Sensors
Authors: Ye Xu , Geng Ziru , Rao Xiao , Wu Yueyue , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Yan , Wang Ping
Published: March 2024

Since the 21st century, transparent flexible sensors (TFSs) have been widely employed in abundant fields, such as smart glasses, intelligent watches, robots, electronic skin, especially biomedicine. Presently, various materials have been developed, such as metal‐based, carbon‐based, conductive polymer‐based, and ionic liquid‐based (IL‐based) materials. Compared with the first three materials, IL, as a novel material, with the tendency of green chemistry development, has a high application prospect in TFSs. Based on this, this paper mainly discusses recent advances in TFSs based on ILs, with special emphasis on the role of ILs and the factors influencing transparency as well as electricity. The current challenges and opportunities for each type of sensors based on IL are also studied.
Person‐specific differences in ubiquitin‐proteasome mediated proteostasis in human neurons
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Chen , Augur Zachary M. , Arbery Mason , Ashour Nancy , Barrett Katharine , Pearse Richard V. , Tio Earvin S. , Duong Duc M. , Felsky Daniel , De Jager Philip L. , Bennett David A. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Young‐Pearse Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Impairment of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) has been implicated in abnormal protein accumulation in Alzheimer's disease. It remains unclear if genetic variation affects the intrinsic properties of neurons that render some individuals more vulnerable to UPS impairment.

METHODS

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived neurons were generated from over 50 genetically variant and highly characterized participants of cohorts of aging. Proteomic profiling, proteasome activity assays, and Western blotting were employed to examine neurons at baseline and in response to UPS perturbation.

RESULTS

Neurons with lower basal UPS activity were more vulnerable to tau accumulation following mild UPS inhibition. Chronic reduction in proteasome activity in human neurons induced compensatory elevation of regulatory proteins involved in proteostasis and several proteasome subunits.

DISCUSSION

These findings reveal that genetic variation influences basal UPS activity in human neurons and differentially sensitizes them to external factors perturbing the UPS, leading to the accumulation of aggregation‐prone proteins such as tau.

Highlights

Polygenic risk score for AD is associated with the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) in neurons.

Basal proteasome activity correlates with aggregation‐prone protein levels in neurons.

Genetic variation affects the response to proteasome inhibition in neurons.

Neuronal proteasome perturbation induces an elevation in specific proteins involved in proteostasis.

Low basal proteasome activity leads to enhanced tau accumulation with UPS challenge.
Boosted Second Harmonic Generation of a Chiral Hybrid Lead Halide Resonant to Charge Transfer Exciton from Metal Halide Octahedra to Ligand
Authors: Cheng Puxin , Jia Xiaodi , Chai Siqian , Li Geng , Xin Mingyang , Guan Junjie , Han Xiao , Han Wenqing , Zeng Shuming , Zheng Yongshen , Xu Jialiang , Bu Xian‐He
Published: March 2024

Chiral hybrid organic–inorganic metal halides (HOMHs) offer an ideal platform for the advancement of second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials owing to their inherent noncentrosymmetric structures. The enhancement of optical nonlinearity of chiral HOMHs could be achieved by matching the free exciton and/or self‐trapped exciton energy levels with desired NLO frequencies. However, the current scarcity of resonance modes and low resonance ratio hamper the further improvements of NLO performance. Herein, we propose a new resonant channel of charge transfer (CT) excited states from metal halide polyhedra to organic ligand to boost the second‐order optical nonlinearity of chiral HOMHs. The model lead halide (C7H10N)PbBr3 (C7H10N=1‐ethylpyridinium) exhibits a drastically enhanced second harmonic generation in resonance to the deep CT exciton energy, with intensity of up to 111.0 times that of KDP and 10.9 times that of urea. The effective NLO coefficient has been determined to be as high as ~40.2 pm V−1, balanced with a large polarization ratio and high laser damage threshold. This work highlights the contribution of organic ligands in the construction of a resonant channel for enhancing second‐order NLO coefficients of metal halides, and thus provides guidelines for designing new chiral HOMHs materials for advanced nonlinear photonic applications.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Tricoordinate Organoberyllium Azides
Authors: Czernetzki Corinna , Kunz Tanja , Huynh Silvia , Lamprecht Anna , Sprenger Jan , Finze Maik , Arrowsmith Merle , Braunschweig Holger
Published: March 2024

A series of terminal mono‐ and disubstituted beryllium azides of the form [(CAAC)Be(N3)R] (R=CAACH, Dur; CAACH/CAAC=1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidin‐2‐yl/idene, Dur=2,3,5,6‐tetramethylphenyl) and [L2Be(N3)2] (L=CAACNH=1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidin‐2‐imine, IiPrMe=1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene), respectively, were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Thermolysis and photolysis products of these first examples of tricoordinate azidoberyllium complexes evidence extensive ligand scrambling and the formal insertion of nitrenes into the CAAC−Be bond, generating cyclic alkyl(amino)imine (CAAI) ligands. Furthermore, the reaction with a small N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) leads to unexpected CAAC‐NHC ligand exchange, while the reaction with pentaphenylborole yields the first γ‐azide adduct of a borole, long postulated to be the first step in the synthesis of 1,2‐azaborinines from boroles and azides.
Anatomical study with clinical significance of communicating and visceral branching of the cervical and upper thoracic sympathetic trunk
Authors: Franco‐Riveros Verena B. , Pividori Sofía M. , Martin Tomás I. , Nicora Florencia E. , Lallana María Cecilia , Pontecorvo Agustina A. , Flores Juan Carlos , Tubbs Richard Shane , Boezaart André P. , Reina Miguel A. , Buchholz Bruno
Published: March 2024

Current advances in the management of the autonomic nervous system in various cardiovascular diseases, and in treatments for pain or sympathetic disturbances in the head, neck, or upper limbs, necessitate a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the cervicothoracic sympathetic trunk. Our objective was to enhance our understanding of the origin and distribution of communicating branches and visceral cervicothoracic sympathetic nerves in human fetuses. This was achieved through a comprehensive topographic systematization of the branching patterns observed in the cervical and upper thoracic ganglia, along with the distribution of communicating branches to each cervical spinal nerve. We conducted detailed sub‐macroscopic dissections of the cervical and thoracic regions in 20 human fetuses (40 sides). The superior and cervicothoracic ganglia were identified as the cervical sympathetic ganglia that provided the most communicating branches on both sides. The middle and accessory cervical ganglia contributed the fewest branches, with no significant differences between the right and left sides. The cervicothoracic ganglion supplied sympathetic branches to the greatest number of spinal nerves, spanning from C5 to T2. The distribution of communicating branches to spinal nerves was non‐uniform. Notably, C3, C4, and C5 received the fewest branches, and more than half of the specimens showed no sympathetic connections. C1 and C2 received sympathetic connections exclusively from the superior ganglion. Spinal nerves that received more branches often did so from multiple ganglia. The vertebral nerve provided deep communicating branches primarily to C6, with lesser contributions to C7, C5, and C8. The vagus nerve stood out as the cranial nerve with the most direct sympathetic connections. The autonomic branching pattern and connections of the cervicothoracic sympathetic trunk are significantly variable in the fetus. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the cervical and upper thoracic sympathetic trunk and its branches is valuable during autonomic interventions and neuromodulation. This knowledge is particularly relevant for addressing various autonomic cardiac diseases and for treating pain and vascular dysfunction in the head, neck, and upper limbs.
Use judicial ethics code as a guide for fair grievance processes
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2024

Administrators and faculty at higher education institutions are often called upon to make disciplinary decisions related to student misconduct. Some disciplinary   investigations/actions require a formal hearing to determine whether a student is responsible for violating the student code of conduct or other institutional policies (e.g., Title IX allegations).
[Gd(HB‐DO3A)]: Equilibrium, Dissociation Kinetic and Structural Differences in a Simple Homolog of [Gd(HP‐DO3A)] (Prohance®)
Authors: Versolatto Silvia , Boccalon Mariangela , Guidolin Nicol , Travagin Fabio , Alessio Enzo , Aime Silvio , Balducci Gabriele , Giovenzana Giovanni B. , Baranyai Zsolt
Published: March 2024

[Gd(HP‐DO3A)] (gadoteridol) as an active compound of ProHance® is a widely employed contrast agent in clinical MRI scans in the last 30 years. Recent concerns about the long‐term retention of gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) led to a deeper investigation of the structural features underlying the integrity of the paramagnetic metal complex. Several human and nonclinical studies have noted marked differences among the macrocyclic GBCAs, with the least retention of Gd traces and most rapid elimination consistently being reported for [Gd(HP‐DO3A)]. It was deemed of interest to assess how minor structural/electronic changes associated to the ligand structure may affect basic properties of the metal complex with several [Gd(HP‐DO3A)] analogues synthesized and characterized in the last years. We recently reported that the closest homolog of [Gd(HP‐DO3A)], i. e.: [Gd(HB‐DO3A)], in which a (±)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propyl pendant arm is replaced by a (±)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐butyl moiety, showed a significantly different retention behaviour in the model interaction with collagen, despite the apparently very minor structural difference. In this paper we report a comprehensive study of the structural, thermodynamic, kinetic and relaxation properties of [Gd(HB‐DO3A)], compared to the parent [Gd(HP‐DO3A)] and to other closely related macrocyclic GBCAs to assess whether very minor structural changes can modulate the physico‐chemical properties of Gd3+ complexes.
Stereoselective Synthesis of β, γ‐Fused Bicyclic γ‐Ureasultams via an Intramolecular Mannich and aza‐Michael Addition Cascade
Authors: Yin Fucheng , Qu Lailiang , Chen Yifan , Luo Zhongwen , Kong Lingyi , Wang Xiaobing
Published: March 2024

A novel approach has been developed for the synthesis of bicyclic β, γ‐fused bicyclic γ‐ureasultams containing two consecutive chiral centers through an intramolecular Mannich and aza‐Michael addition cascade of alkenyl sulfamides. The straightforward practical procedure and readily available starting materials enable the synthesis of variously substituted ureasultams. In addition, bicyclic γ‐ureasultams is a class of potential biotin analogues.
The changing landscape of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cittolin‐Santos Giordano Fabricio , Knapp Brendan , Ganesh Bharath , Gao Feng , Waqar Saiama , Stinchcombe Thomas Eldridge , Govindan Ramaswamy , Morgensztern Daniel
Published: March 2024

Background

Small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by rapid proliferation and early dissemination. The objective of this study was to examine the demographic trends and outcomes in SCLC.

Methods

The authors queried the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to assess the trends in incidence, demographics, staging, and survival for SCLC from 1975 to 2019. Trends were determined using joinpoint analysis according to the year of diagnosis.

Results

Among the 530,198 patients with lung cancer, there were 73,362 (13.8%) with SCLC. The incidence per 100,000 population peaked at 15.3 in 1986 followed by a decline to 6.5 in 2019. The percentage of SCLC among all lung tumors increased from 13.3% in 1975 to a peak of 17.5% in 1986, declining to 11.1% by 2019. There was an increased median age at diagnosis from 63 to 69 years and an increased percentage of women from 31.4% to 51.2%. The percentage of stage IV increased from 58.6% in 1988 to 70.8% in 2010, without further increase. The most common sites of metastasis at diagnosis were mediastinal lymph nodes (75.3%) liver (31.6%), bone (23.7%), and brain (16.4%). The 1‐year and 5‐year overall survival rate increased from 23% and 3.6%, respectively, in 1975–1979 to 30.8% and 6.8%, respectively, in 2010–2019.

Conclusions

The incidence of SCLC peaked in 1988 followed by a gradual decline. Other notable changes include increased median age at diagnosis, the percentage of women, and the percentage of stage IV at diagnosis. The improvement in 5‐year overall survival has been statistically significant but clinically modest.
Photoelectrocatalytic Conversion of Nitrates to Ammonia: Effect of Proton Donor
Authors: Silveira Vitor R. , Bericat‐Vadell Robert , Sá Jacinto
Published: March 2024

Changes in farming techniques have facilitated the movement of nitrogen‐containing species, making converting nitrate into ammonia (fertilizer) highly desirable. Recently, we introduced a photosystem comprising NiO/Au plasmon/TiO2 that can selectively convert nitrate to ammonia at neutral pH and room temperature using visible light in a photo‐electrochemical approach. The study evaluated the role of adding alcohol to the overall process activity and selectivity. Adding small quantities of alcohol to the electrolyte leads to changes in the catalytic behaviour, which cannot be attributed exclusively to improvement in counter‐electrode reaction kinetics. Analysis of product Faradaic efficiency and photo‐current measurements revealed that alcohols act as proton donors in nitrate/nitrite reduction, possibly through a concerted proton‐couple electron transfer mechanism. These initial findings offer new handles for nitrate reduction to ammonia efficacy at neutral pH. Ultimately, this opens up avenues for agricultural practices that recycle nutrients, improve process circularity, and reduce fertilizer costs, thus contributing to economic sustainability.
Amorphous ZnSnOx Hollow Spheres Enable Highly Efficient CO2 Reduction
Authors: Li Hanjun , Chen Yao , Huang Honggang , Cheng Zijing , Bai Shuxing , Lai Feili , Zhang Nan , Liu Tianxi
Published: March 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption and electron transport play an important role in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Herein, we have demonstrated a new class of diverse hollow ZnSnOx (ZSO) through the amorphization of hydroxides to enhance CO2 adsorption and accelerate electron transport. The amorphization is occurred by calcination process, as indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectra. In particular, the ZnSnOx hollow spheres (ZSO HSs) achieve a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of HCOOH up to 92.7 % at best, outperforming the commercial ZSO (Comm. ZSO, 85.7 %). ZSO HSs also exhibit durable stability with negligible activity decay after 10 h of successive electrolysis. In‐situ attenuated total reflectance infrared absorption spectroscopy further reveals strong adsorption of CO2 and rapid intermediate configuration transformation in amorphous ZSO HSs. This work demonstrates the practical application of ZSO for CO2RR and provides a new insight to create efficient CO2RR electrocatalysts.
Enhancing Efficiency and High‐Value Chemicals Generation through Coupling Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Propane Oxidation
Authors: Duan Zitao , Lv Ruiqi , Huang Zongyi , Li Jiwei , Xiao Xiaohong , Zhang Zhaoxia , Wan Shaolong , Wang Shuai , Xiong Haifeng , Yi Xiaodong , Wang Yong , Lin Jingdong
Published: March 2024

Conversion of CO2 into high‐value chemicals using solar energy is one of promising approaches to achieve carbon neutrality. However, the oxidation of water in the photocatalytic CO2 reduction is kinetically unfavorable due to multi‐electron and proton transfer processes, along with the difficulty in generating O−O bonds. To tackle these challenges, this study investigated the coupling reaction of photocatalytic CO2 reduction and selective propane oxidation using the Pd/P25 (1 wt%) catalyst. Our findings reveal a significant improvement in CO2 reduction, nearly fivefold higher, achieved by substituting water oxidation with selective propane oxidation. This substitution not only accelerates the process of CO2 reduction but also yields valuable propylene. The relative ease of propane oxidation, compared to water, appears to increase the density of photogenerated electrons, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of CO2 reduction. We further found that hydroxyl radicals and reduced intermediate (carboxylate species) played important roles in the photocatalytic reaction. These findings not only propose a potential approach for the efficient utilization of CO2 through the coupling of selective propane oxidation into propylene, but also provide insights into the mechanistic understanding of the coupling reaction.
NSUN2 promotes colorectal cancer progression by enhancing SKIL mRNA stabilization
Authors: Zou Shaomin , Huang Yizhi , Yang Ziqing , Zhang Jieping , Meng Manqi , Zhang Yijing , Feng Junyan , Sun Rui , Li Weiyao , Wang Wencong , López Jesús García‐Foncillas , Fang Lekun
Published: March 2024

Background

NOP2/Sun domain 2 (NSUN2) is one of the important RNA methyltransferases catalyzing 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) formation and participates in many critical bioprocesses. However, the roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of NSUN2‐mediated m5C modification in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear.

Methods

To explore the NSUN2 expression in CRC, fresh tissue samples were collected and Nsun2 knockout mouse was constructed. In vitro and in vivo functional assays were conducted to assess the role of NSUN2. RNA array and bisulfite sequencing were used to investigate the potential targets. The mechanisms of NSUN2 function on SKIL were identified by m5C‐methylated‐RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA stability assays. Additionally, tissue microarray analysis was conducted and patient‐derived tumour xenograft mouse (PDX) models were used to define the potential therapeutic targets.

Results

NSUN2 was highly expressed in CRC and correlated with poor CRC patient survival. Moreover, silencing NSUN2 suppressed CRC tumourigenesis and progression in Nsun2 knockout mouse models. In vitro and in vivo studies suggested that NSUN2 promoted colorectal cancer cell growth. Mechanistically, SKI‐like proto‐oncogene (SKIL) is positively regulated by NSUN2, and the NSUN2‐SKIL axis is clinically relevant to CRC. NSUN2 induced m5C modification of SKIL and stabilized its mRNA, which was mediated by Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX1). Elevated SKIL levels increased transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) activation.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of NSUN2 in the initiation and progression of CRC via m5C‐YBX1‐dependent stabilization of the SKIL transcript, providing a promising targeted therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Simulation of reservoir dynamic damage and influencing factors of horizontal wells in heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Xu Shijing , Wang Guoqing , Gao Bin , Tian Jiaxin
Published: March 2024

As the development of well types for low permeability reservoirs shifts from vertical to highly inclined/horizontal wells, targeted studies of oil and gas reservoir damage must be conducted for such well types to improve the science and effectiveness of acidification conversion. Taking into account the formation of mud cake and the dynamic damage factors caused by drilling fluid on the reservoir during horizontal well drilling, a refined dynamic description model for nonuniform damage in horizontal wells was established. The coupled simulation accounts for the dynamical destruction of the skin factor of the reservoir and the dynamical generation of the slurry. The coupled model consists of a radial mud cake dynamic formation model, a reservoir damage radius model, a permeability distribution model, and a horizontal well inhomogeneous skin factor model. It captures the dynamic evolution of reservoir damage due to drilling fluid contamination during horizontal well drilling and provides a real‐time representation of changes in the reservoir skin factor of horizontal wells, measuring the depth and extent of radial reservoir damage. Clarifying the extent of reservoir damage and its impact in horizontal well sections can help select appropriate acidification methods, improve acid distribution processes, and ultimately improve the effectiveness of mitigating reservoir damage and increasing oil and gas well productivity.
A rare case of spontaneous rupture of the uterine artery
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ming Min
Published: March 2024

Synopsis

Spontaneous rupture of the uterine artery is extremely rare in nonpregnant women, and bleeding can be rapidly controlled by laparoscopy.
IGF2BP2 and IGFBP3 Genotypes, Haplotypes, and Genetic Models Studies in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Govahi Kakhki Fatemeh , Sargazi Saman , Montazerifar Farzaneh , Majidpour Mahdi , Karajibani Atena , Karajibani Mansour , Ghasemi Marzieh
Published: March 2024

Background

Insulin resistance has been correlated with the genetic diversity within the insulin‐like binding proteins genes. Moreover, insulin resistance is one of the key characteristics of the widespread reproductive endocrine condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Hence, this study is aimed to determine the association between IGFBP3 and IGF2BP2 gene variants and PCOS risk.

Methods

A total of 300 subjects (150 PCOS cases diagnosed based on Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM consensus criteria and 150 healthy subjects) were recruited in this case–control cross‐sectional study. Tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS‐PCR) was used for genotyping rs11705701, whereas genotyping of rs1470579 and rs2854744 was done employing PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique.

Results

The CC and AA+AC genotypes of rs1470579 conferred an increased risk of PCOS in our population. Regarding the rs2854744, an increased risk of PCOS was observed under the codominant homozygous (TT vs. GG) model by 2.54 fold. The C allele of rs1470579 and T allele of rs2854744 enhanced PCOS risk by 1.97 and 1.46 folds, respectively. Haplotype analysis showed that the Ars1470579Ars11705701 haplotype conferred a decreased risk of PCOS (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.34–0.83, p = 0.006). The AC/GG/GT, AA/GA/GT, AC/GA/GG, and AC/GA/GT genotype combinations of rs1470579/rs11705701/rs2854744 were associated with a decreased risk of the disease.

Conclusions

IGF2BP2 rs1470579 and IGFBP3 rs2854744 enhanced PCOS susceptibility in a Southeastern Iranian population. Further investigation involving larger cohorts representing diverse ethnic backgrounds is needed to confirm the current findings.
Safety of intracranial electrodes in an MRI environment: a technical report
Authors: Bezchlibnyk Yarema B. , Quiles Rolando , Barber Jeremy , Osa Benjamin , Clifford Keven , Murtaugh Ryan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) involves placing intracranial electrodes to localise seizures in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables visualisation of electrodes within patient‐specific anatomy, the safety of these electrodes must be confirmed prior to routine clinical utilisation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of iEEG electrodes from a particular manufacturer in a 3.0‐Tesla (3.0T) MRI environment.

Methods

Measurements of magnetically induced displacement force and torque were determined for each of the 10 test articles using standardised techniques. Test articles were subsequently evaluated for radiofrequency‐induced heating using a Perspex phantom in both open and ‘fault’ conditions. Additionally, we assessed radiofrequency (RF)‐induced heating with all test articles placed into the phantom simultaneously to simulate an implantation, again in both open and ‘fault’ conditions. Finally, each test article was evaluated for MRI artefacts.

Results

The magnetically induced displacement force was found to be less than the force on the article due to gravity for all test articles. Similarly, the maximum magnetically induced torque was less than the worst‐case torque due to gravity for all test articles apart from the 8‐contact strip – for which it was 11% greater – and the depthalon cap. The maximum temperature change for any portion of any test article assessed individually was 1.7°C, or 1.2°C for any device component meant to be implanted intracranially. In the implantation configuration, the maximum recorded temperature change was 0.7°C.

Conclusions

MRI may be safely performed for localising iEEG electrodes at 3.0T under certain conditions.
The Chess Match of Union Avoidance
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: March 2024

For managers considering union avoidance strategies, it is easy to lose the forest for the trees. Excessive focus on the tactics of union prevention can lead to a loss of strategy. Without a proper understanding and application of strategy, such tactics can become shallow and ineffective. Therefore, in this issue of Management Report we are taking a few minutes to discuss strategy. And what better way to have that discussion than by drawing an analogy to one of the world's most strategic endeavors: playing chess. There are many similarities—and one compelling difference—between modern‐day union prevention and this centuries‐old game.
Kulla‐RIV: A composing model with integrity verification for efficient and reliable data processing services
Authors: Reyes‐Anastacio Hugo G. , Gonzalez‐Compeán Jose L. , Sosa‐Sosa Victor J. , Marcelín‐Jiménez Ricardo , Morales‐Sandoval Miguel
Published: March 2024

This article presents the design and implementation of a reliable computing virtual container‐based model with integrity verification for data processing strategies named the reliability and integrity verification (RIV) scheme. It has been integrated into a system construction model as well as existing workflow engines (e.g., Kulla and Makeflow) for composing in‐memory systems. In the RIV scheme, the reliability (R) component is in charge of providing an implicit fault tolerance mechanism for the processes of data acquisition and storage that take place in a data processing system. The integrity verification (IV) component is in charge of ensuring that data transmitted/received between two processing stages are correct and are not modified during the transmission process. To show the feasibility of using the RIV scheme, real‐world applications were created by using different distributed and parallel systems to solve use cases of satellite and medical imagery processing. This evaluation revealed encouraging results as some solutions that assumed the cost (overhead) of using the RIV scheme, for example, Kulla (the Kulla‐RIV solution), achieve better response times than others without the RIV scheme (e.g., Makeflow) that remain exposed to the risks caused by to the lack of RIV strategies.
Protective effect of crocin on peroxidation‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in IPEC‐J2 cells
Authors: Wang Jing , Song Hongbing , Huang Yongjie , Yang Chu , Wu Yanling , Lin Ruiyi , Xiao Tianfang , Lin Weimin
Published: March 2024

The antioxidant properties of crocin are attracting interest, yet the underlying mechanisms by which crocin mitigates oxidative stress‐induced intestinal damage have not been determined. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of crocin on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and intestinal epithelial injury in intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC‐J2). Using an H2O2‐induced oxidative stress model in IPEC‐J2 cells, crocin was added to assess its effects. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays and flow cytometry. Additionally, oxidative stress markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were quantified. We investigated, in which cell oxidation and apoptosis were measured at the gene and protein levels and employed transcriptome analysis to probe the mechanism of action and validate relevant pathways. The results showed that crocin ameliorates H2O2‐induced oxidative stress by reducing ROS and MDA levels and by countering the reductions in CAT, total antioxidant capacity, and SOD. Crocin also attenuates the upregulation of key targets in the Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, it effectively mitigated IPEC‐J2 cell apoptosis caused by oxidative stress, as evidenced by changes in cell cycle factor expression, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis pathway activity. In addition, crocin preserves the integrity of the intestinal barrier by protecting tight junction proteins against oxidative stress. Transcriptome sequencing analysis suggested that the mitochondrial pathway may be a crucial mechanism through which crocin exerts its protective effects. In summary, crocin decreases oxidative stress molecule formation, inhibits Nrf2 pathway activity, prevents apoptosis‐induced damage, enhances oxidative stress resistance in IPEC‐J2 cells, and maintains redox balance in the pig intestine.
Thermal polymerization induced phase separation of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) blend for soft optical materials
Authors: Van‐Pham Dan‐Thuy , Bui‐Thi Ngoc‐Han , Tran‐Cong‐Miyata Qui
Published: March 2024

In this study, phase separation induced by free radical polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with various compositions in term of weight percentage was investigated. Particularly, experiments were carried out at different temperatures from 70 to 110 °C and weight content of PMMA from 1 to 15 wt.%. The effects of these parameters on morphology and properties of the polymer blends were observed and analyzed. Optical microscopy, X‐ray CT scanning were employed to observe the structure of the obtained blends. Based on the images of the obtained blends, the characteristic length and contrast value of the morphology were determined. In addition, optical transmittance characterization and thermal stability analysis of the products were performed by using UV‐Vis spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. It was found that the optimum blend that possessed 12 wt.% PMMA content and conducted at 100 °C allowed visual light transmittance of larger than 95 %. The results showed promising applicability of the polymer blend as an alternative for soft optically transparent materials.
Influence of palm oil modified epoxy resin/biscycloaliphatic diepoxide weight ratio on photoinitiated cationic crosslinking and properties of UV‐cured coatings
Authors: Thanh Do Minh , Hien Le Xuan , Thuong Nguyen Thi , Hung Trieu Quy , Son Lam Hung
Published: March 2024

Effect of the weight proportion between epoxy resin modified by palm oil (EPO) and a biscycloaliphatic diepoxide (BCDE) on photoinitiated cationic crosslinking of the system containing EPO, BCDE, triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salts (TAS) as well as performance of formed coatings have been investigated. The change of TAS and functional groups of the system upon UV‐irradiation time was determined quantitatively by IR‐spectrometric analysis, using internal standard method. Formation of tridimensional polymer network in the coatings upon UV‐exposure was proved directly by evaluation of their gel fraction. It was demonstrated that epoxy group conversion and EPO/BCDE weight ratio relationship had optimal characteristic with the best consumptions of epoxy groups 5.94 and 6.13 mol/kg at 1.2 and 14.4 s of UV‐exposure, correspondingly, when EPO/BCDE weight ratio was 20/80. Augmentation of the EPO/BCDE ratio from 20/80 to 60/40 increased flexibility of UV‐cured coatings from 10 to 1 mm but decreased their gel fraction from 81 to 59 %; the relative hardness of the cured coatings diminished from 0.95 to 0.43 when the EPO/BCDE ratio varied from 10/80 to 40/60.
Chemical constituents of Albizia myriophylla wood and the HPLC determination of some high yield compounds as markers
Authors: Tam Pham Thi , Van Trung Phung , Nga Vo Thi , Tuyet Nguyen Thi Anh , Phung Nguyen Kim Phi , Duong Ngo Thi Thuy , Thu Nguyen Thi Hoai
Published: March 2024

Spinasterol (1) and four flavonoids (2‐5) were isolated from Albizia myriophylla wood collected at Phu Yen province, Vietnam. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy as well as compared with data in the literature. The contents of some high yield isolated compounds (2‐4) in the ethanol extract of A. myriophylla were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography. These HPLC chromatograms could be used to reveal the presence of isolated compounds as markers of the sample.
Removal efficiency of Fe, Zn and Ni from wastewater of academic campus using hybrid constructed wetlands
Authors: Huong Mai , Van Hoi Bui , Hue Nguyen Thi , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of hybrid constructed wetland for removal of Fe, Zin and Ni from wastewater in Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Vietnam. Wastewater samples were collected from the in‐let, out‐let and two filters of the hybrid constructed wetland (HCW) and analyzed for iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) using standard methods. The results indicated that the performance of the HCWs was efficient enough to remove those heavy metals from the wastewater fed to it. HCW‐1 with filter 1 was able to remove average of 41.6 % for Ni, 55.1 % for Fe, and 80.1 % for Zn. Similarly, HCW‐2 with filter 2 removed 51.7 % of Ni, 62.6 % of Fe and 79.3 % of Zn from wastewater. Thus, no significant difference in removing Fe, Zn and Ni from wastewater was observed between HCW‐1 and HCW‐2.
Phenolic compounds from Trigonostemon honbaensis and their cytotoxic activity
Authors: Ban Ninh Khac , Truong Luu Hong , Linh Tran My , Mai Nguyen Chi , Yen Duong Thi Hai , Van Doan Vu , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Tai Bui Huu , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2024

Seven phenolic compounds including (±)‐erythro‐1‐(3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxyphenyl)propane‐1,2‐diol (1), (±)‐threo‐1‐(3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxyphenyl)propane‐1,2‐diol (2), (R)‐3‐3‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxyphenyl)propane‐1,2‐diol (3), (±)‐3‐(3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxyphenyl)propane‐1,2‐diol (4), (+)‐syringaresinol (5), (7S,8R,8′R)‐5,5′‐dimethoxylariciresinol (6), juniperoside (7) were isolated from the leaves of Trigonostemon honbaensis. Their chemical structures were determined using ESI‐MS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR spectra and in comparison with the reported literature. Compounds1‐ 7 were reported from Trigonostemongenus for the first time. At concentration of 30 μM, compounds 1‐7 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity with cell viability percentages as low as 73.3±0.87 % and 79.5±0.23 % on CAL‐27 and MDA‐MB231 cell lines, respectively.
Chemical composition of pyrolysis oil through thermal decomposition of sugarcane biomass
Authors: Van Nam Huynh , Viet Dinh Quoc , Tam Truong Thanh , Tho Van Dinh Son
Published: March 2024

The process of thermal decomposition of sugarcane biomass consists of 4 stages. On that basis, the research conducted the pyrolysis of sugarcane biomass to collect liquid products at different temperature stages and they were analyzed by GC‐MS method to determine the chemical composition. Chemical composition of pyrolysis oil through thermal decomposition of sugarcane biomass was elucidated in this paper. It can be divided into 6 main groups, including: acids/esters, alcohols, aldehydes/ketones, furanic compounds (furans), phenolic compounds (phenols) and fragments of lignin containing methoxy groups (guaiacols). Acids are obtained mainly at 170 oC, followed by ketones and aldehydes, furans and alcohols, without phenols and guaiacols. At 318 oC, the content of acids decreases, the content of furans, phenols and guaiacols increase, the content of alcohols varies not much and this product segment doesn't contain aldehydes and ketones. The composition of the resulting liquid product varies significantly from 318 to 400 oC with the phenols and guaiacols content account for the majority in liquid products, the rest are furans, alcohols, acids, ketones and aldehydes. The content of phenols and guaiacols in liquid products still accounts for the majority at the temperature stage of 400‐500 oC and 500‐600 oC while the furans content decreases compared to the previous temperature segments. The ring 6 edges compounds of phenols and guaiacols still account for the majority, followed by ring 5 edges compounds of furans, acids, ketones/aldehydes and alcohols in the product mixture of sugarcane pyrolysis at 600 oC.