bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postprandial effect of gastrointestinal hormones and gastric activity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Furgała Agata , Ciesielczyk Katarzyna , Przybylska-Feluś Magdalena , Jabłoński Konrad , Gil Krzysztof , Zwolińska-Wcisło Małgorzata
Published: June 2023

Altered gut regulation, including motor and secretory mechanisms, is characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The severity of postprandial symptoms in IBS patients is associated with discomfort and pain; gas-related symptoms such as bloating and abdominal distension; and abnormal colonic motility. The aim of this study was to assess the postprandial response, i.e., gut peptide secretion and gastric myoelectric activity, in patients with constipation-predominant IBS. The study was conducted on 42 IBS patients (14 males, 28 females, mean age 45.1 ± 15.3 years) and 42 healthy participants (16 males, 26 females, mean age 41.1 ± 8.7 years). The study assessed plasma gut peptide levels (gastrin, CCK—Cholecystokinin, VIP—Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, ghrelin, insulin) and gastric myoelectric activity obtained from electrogastrography (EGG) in the preprandial and postprandial period (meal–oral nutritional supplement 300 kcal/300 ml). Mean preprandial gastrin and insulin levels were significantly elevated in IBS patients compared to the control group (gastrin: 72.27 ± 26.89 vs. 12.27 ± 4.91 pg/ml; p < 0.00001 and insulin: 15.31 ± 12.92 vs. 8.04 ± 3.21 IU/ml; p = 0.0001), while VIP and ghrelin levels were decreased in IBS patients (VIP: 6.69 ± 4.68 vs. 27.26 ± 21.51 ng/ml; p = 0.0001 and ghrelin: 176.01 ± 88.47 vs. 250.24 ± 84.55 pg/ml; p < 0.0001). A nonsignificant change in the CCK level was observed. IBS patients showed significant changes in postprandial hormone levels compared to the preprandial state—specifically, there were increases in gastrin (p = 0.000), CCK (p < 0.0001), VIP (p < 0.0001), ghrelin (p = 0.000) and insulin (p < 0.0001). Patients with IBS showed reduced preprandial and postprandial normogastria (59.8 ± 22.0 vs. 66.3 ± 20.2%) compared to control values (83.19 ± 16.7%; p < 0.0001 vs. 86.1 ± 9.4%; p < 0.0001). In response to the meal, we did not observe an increase in the percentage of normogastria or the average percentage slow-wave coupling (APSWC) in IBS patients. The postprandial to preprandial power ratio (PR) indicates alterations in gastric contractions; in controls, PR = 2.7, whereas in IBS patients, PR = 1.7, which was significantly lower (p = 0.00009). This ratio reflects a decrease in gastric contractility. Disturbances in the postprandial concentration of gut peptides (gastrin, insulin and ghrelin) in plasma may contribute to abnormal gastric function and consequently intestinal motility, which are manifested in the intensification of clinical symptoms, such as visceral hypersensitivity or irregular bowel movements in IBS patients.
Subsea permafrost organic carbon stocks are large and of dominantly low reactivity
Authors: Miesner F. , Overduin P. P. , Grosse G. , Strauss J. , Langer M. , Westermann S. , Schneider von Deimling T. , Brovkin V. , Arndt S.
Published: June 2023

Subsea permafrost carbon pools below the Arctic shelf seas are a major unknown in the global carbon cycle. We combine a numerical model of sedimentation and permafrost evolution with simplified carbon turnover to estimate accumulation and microbial decomposition of organic matter on the pan-Arctic shelf over the past four glacial cycles. We find that Arctic shelf permafrost is a globally important long-term carbon sink storing 2822 (1518–4982) Pg OC, double the amount stored in lowland permafrost. Although currently thawing, prior microbial decomposition and organic matter aging limit decomposition rates to less than 48 Tg OC/yr (25–85) constraining emissions due to thaw and suggesting that the large permafrost shelf carbon pool is largely insensitive to thaw. We identify an urgent need to reduce uncertainty in rates of microbial decomposition of organic matter in cold and saline subaquatic environments. Large emissions of methane more likely derive from older and deeper sources than from organic matter in thawing permafrost.
High burden of diabetes and prediabetes among cancer patients at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Wolde Haileab Fekadu , Molla Meseret Derbew , Aragie Hailu , Adugna Dagnew Getnet , Teferi Ephrem Tafesse , Melese Endalkachew Belayneh , Assefa Yohannes Awoke , kifle Habtu , Worku Yilkal Belete , Belay Daniel Gashaneh , Kibret Anteneh Ayelign
Published: June 2023

Cancer and diabetes mellitus (DM) are diagnosed within the same individual more frequently and share common risk factors. Although diabetes among cancer patients may result in more aggressive clinical courses of cancer, there is limited evidence about its burden and associated factors. Hence, this study aimed to assess the burden of diabetes and prediabetes among cancer patients and its associated factors. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital from 10 January to 10 March 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 423 cancer patients. The data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Prediabetes and diabetes diagnosis was made based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with the outcome. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was estimated to show the direction and strength of associations. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered significantly associated with the outcome. The final analysis was based on 384 patients with cancer. The proportion of prediabetes and diabetes was 56.8% (95% CI 51.7, 61.7) and 16.7% (95% CI 13.3, 20.8), respectively. Alcohol consumption was found to increase the odds of elevated blood sugar among cancer patients (AOR: 1.96; 95%CI: 1.11, 3.46). The burden of prediabetes and diabetes is alarmingly high among cancer patients. Besides, alcohol consumption was found to increase the odds of having elevated blood sugar among cancer patients. Hence, it is essential to recognize cancer patients are at high risk of having elevated blood sugar and design strategies to integrate diabetes and cancer care.
Host-adaptive traits in the plant-colonizing Pseudomonas donghuensis P482 revealed by transcriptomic responses to exudates of tomato and maize
Authors: Krzyżanowska Dorota M. , Jabłońska Magdalena , Kaczyński Zbigniew , Czerwicka-Pach Małgorzata , Macur Katarzyna , Jafra Sylwia
Published: June 2023

Pseudomonads are metabolically flexible and can thrive on different plant hosts. However, the metabolic adaptations required for host promiscuity are unknown. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap by employing RNAseq and comparing transcriptomic responses of Pseudomonas donghuensis P482 to root exudates of two plant hosts: tomato and maize. Our main goal was to identify the differences and the common points between these two responses. Pathways upregulated only by tomato exudates included nitric oxide detoxification, repair of iron-sulfur clusters, respiration through the cyanide-insensitive cytochrome bd, and catabolism of amino and/or fatty acids. The first two indicate the presence of NO donors in the exudates of the test plants. Maize specifically induced the activity of MexE RND-type efflux pump and copper tolerance. Genes associated with motility were induced by maize but repressed by tomato. The shared response to exudates seemed to be affected both by compounds originating from the plants and those from their growth environment: arsenic resistance and bacterioferritin synthesis were upregulated, while sulfur assimilation, sensing of ferric citrate and/or other iron carriers, heme acquisition, and transport of polar amino acids were downregulated. Our results provide directions to explore mechanisms of host adaptation in plant-associated microorganisms.
Immunoglobulin directly enhances differentiation of oligodendrocyte-precursor cells and remyelination
Authors: Li Yaguang , Noto Daisuke , Hoshino Yasunobu , Mizuno Miho , Yoshikawa Soichiro , Miyake Sachiko
Published: June 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease characterized by multiple lesions in the central nervous system. Although the role of B cells in MS pathogenesis has attracted much attention, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate the effects of B cells on demyelination, we analyzed a cuprizone-induced demyelination model, and found that demyelination was significantly exacerbated in B cell-deficient mice. We next investigated whether immunoglobulin affected the myelin formation process using organotypic brain slice cultures and revealed that remyelination was improved in immunoglobulin-treated groups compared with the control group. Analysis of oligodendrocyte-precursor cell (OPC) monocultures showed that immunoglobulins directly affected on OPCs and promoted their differentiation and myelination. Furthermore, OPCs expressed FcγRI and FcγRIII, two receptors that were revealed to mediate the effects of IgG. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that B cells act in an inhibitory manner against cuprizone-induced demyelination, while immunoglobulins enhance remyelination following demyelination. Analysis of the culture system revealed that immunoglobulins directly act on OPCs to promote their differentiation and myelination. Future studies to elucidate the effects of immunoglobulins on OPCs in vivo and the detailed mechanisms of these effects may lead to new treatments for demyelinating diseases.
Exogenously delivered iPSCs disrupt the natural repair response of endogenous MPCs after bone injury
Authors: Ferrie Leah , Premnath Priyatha , Olsen Alexandra , Larijani Leila , Besler Bryce A. , Rancourt Derrick E. , Duncan Neil A. , Underhill T. Michael , Krawetz Roman J.
Published: June 2023

Promoting bone healing including fracture non-unions are promising targets for bone tissue engineering due to the limited success of current clinical treatment methods. There has been significant research on the use of stem cells with and without biomaterial scaffolds to treat bone fractures due to their promising regenerative capabilities. However, the relative roles of exogenous vs. endogenous stem cells and their overall contribution to in vivo fracture repair is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction between exogenous and endogenous stem cells during bone healing. This study was conducted using a standardized burr-hole bone injury model in a mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC) lineage-tracing mouse under normal homeostatic and osteoporotic conditions. Burr-hole injuries were treated with a collagen-I biomaterial loaded with and without labelled induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Using lineage-tracing, the roles of exogenous and endogenous stem cells during bone healing were examined. It was observed that treatment with iPSCs resulted in muted healing compared to untreated controls in intact mice post-injury. When the cell populations were examined histologically, iPSC-treated burr-hole defects presented with a dramatic reduction in endogenous MPCs and cell proliferation throughout the injury site. However, when the ovaries were removed and an osteoporotic-like phenotype induced in the mice, iPSCs treatment resulted in increased bone formation relative to untreated controls. In the absence of iPSCs, endogenous MPCs demonstrated robust proliferative and osteogenic capacity to undertake repair and this behaviour was disrupted in the presence of iPSCs which instead took on an osteoblast fate but with little proliferation. This study clearly demonstrates that exogenously delivered cell populations can impact the normal function of endogenous stem/progenitor populations during the normal healing cascade. These interactions need to be better understood to inform cell and biomaterial therapies to treat fractures.
Blood viscosity associated with stroke mechanism and early neurological deterioration in middle cerebral artery atherosclerosis
Authors: Woo Ho Geol , Kim Hyug-Gi , Lee Kyung Mi , Ha Sang Hee , Jo HangJin , Heo Sung Hyuk , Chang Dae-il , Kim Bum Joon
Published: June 2023

Blood viscosity may affect the mechanisms of stroke and early neurological deterioration (END). We aimed to investigate the relationship between blood viscosity, stroke mechanisms, and END in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. Patients with symptomatic MCA atherosclerosis (≥ 50% stenosis) were recruited. Blood viscosity was compared across patients with different mechanisms of symptomatic MCA disease: in situ thrombo-occlusion (sMCA-IST), artery-to-artery embolism (sMCA-AAE), and local branch occlusion (sMCA-LBO). END was defined as four points increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score from baseline during the first week. The association between blood viscosity and END was also evaluated. A total of 360 patients (76 with sMCA-IST, 216 with sMCA-AAE, and 68 with sMCA-LBO) were investigated. Blood viscosity was highest in patients with sMCA-IST, followed by sMCA-AAE and sMCA-LBO (P < 0.001). Blood viscosity was associated with END in patients with MCA disease. Low shear viscosity was associated with END in patients with sMCA- LBO (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.524; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.035–2.246), sMCA- IST (aOR 1.365; 95% CI 1.013–1.839), and sMCA- AAE (aOR 1.285; 95% CI 1.010–1.634). Blood viscosity was related to END in patients with stroke caused by MCA disease.
Super-enhancer-associated gene CAPG promotes AML progression
Authors: Ma Qian , Zhao Minyi , Long Bing , Li Haixia
Published: June 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia is the most common acute leukemia in adults, the barrier of refractory and drug resistance has yet to be conquered in the clinical. Abnormal gene expression and epigenetic changes play an important role in pathogenesis and treatment. A super-enhancer is an epigenetic modifier that promotes pro-tumor genes and drug resistance by activating oncogene transcription. Multi-omics integrative analysis identifies the super-enhancer-associated gene CAPG and its high expression level was correlated with poor prognosis in AML. CAPG is a cytoskeleton protein but has an unclear function in AML. Here we show the molecular function of CAPG in regulating NF-κB signaling pathway by proteomic and epigenomic analysis. Knockdown of Capg in the AML murine model resulted in exhausted AML cells and prolonged survival of AML mice. In conclusion, SEs-associated gene CAPG can contributes to AML progression through NF-κB.
Y chromosome sequence and epigenomic reconstruction across human populations
Authors: Esteller-Cucala Paula , Palmada-Flores Marc , Kuderna Lukas F. K. , Fontsere Claudia , Serres-Armero Aitor , Dabad Marc , Torralvo María , Faella Armida , Ferrández-Peral Luis , Llovera Laia , Fornas Oscar , Julià Eva , Ramírez Erika , González Irene , Hecht Jochen , Lizano Esther , Juan David , Marquès-Bonet Tomàs
Published: June 2023

Recent advances in long-read sequencing technologies have allowed the generation and curation of more complete genome assemblies, enabling the analysis of traditionally neglected chromosomes, such as the human Y chromosome (chrY). Native DNA was sequenced on a MinION Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing device to generate genome assemblies for seven major chrY human haplogroups. We analyzed and compared the chrY enrichment of sequencing data obtained using two different selective sequencing approaches: adaptive sampling and flow cytometry chromosome sorting. We show that adaptive sampling can produce data to create assemblies comparable to chromosome sorting while being a less expensive and time-consuming technique. We also assessed haplogroup-specific structural variants, which would be otherwise difficult to study using short-read sequencing data only. Finally, we took advantage of this technology to detect and profile epigenetic modifications among the considered haplogroups. Altogether, we provide a framework to study complex genomic regions with a simple, fast, and affordable methodology that could be applied to larger population genomics datasets.
Disentangling the relationships among abundance, invasiveness and invasibility in trait space
Authors: Hui Cang , Pyšek Petr , Richardson David M.
Published: June 2023

Identifying conditions and traits that allow an introduced species to grow and spread, from being initially rare to becoming abundant (defined as invasiveness), is the crux of invasion ecology. Invasiveness and abundance are related but not the same, and we need to differentiate these concepts. Predicting both species abundance and invasiveness and their relationship in an invaded community is highly contextual, being contingent on the community trait profile and its invasibility. We operationalised a three-pronged invasion framework that considers traits, environmental context, and propagule pressure. Specifically, we measure the invasiveness of an alien species by combining three components (performance reflecting environmental suitability, product of species richness and the covariance between interaction strength and species abundance, and community-level interaction pressure); the expected population growth rate of alien species simply reflects the total effect of propagule pressure and the product of their population size and invasiveness. The invasibility of a community reflects the size of opportunity niches (the integral of positive invasiveness in the trait space) under the given abiotic conditions of the environment. Both species abundance and the surface of invasiveness over the trait space can be dynamic and variable. Whether an introduced species with functional traits similar to those of an abundant species in the community exhibits high or low invasiveness depends largely on the kernel functions of performance and interaction strength with respect to traits and environmental conditions. Knowledge of the covariance between interaction strength and species abundance and these kernel functions, thus, holds the key to accurate prediction of invasion dynamics.
Mechanism of the Anti-cancer Action of Natural Dietary Compounds
Authors: Lai Ching-Shu , Choirul Anwar
Published: June 2023

Cancer is a complicated disease with many puzzles of tumorigenesis remaining unsolved; however, there is strong evidence regarding the link between oxidative stress and cancer. The malignant transformation of cells requires the integration of many factors, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are dynamically implicated in each step of tumorigenesis. Moreover, ROS are involved in tumorigenesis not only within cancer cells, but also in the interplay between malignant and nonmalignant cells. Therefore, targeting oxidative stress could be a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of human malignancies. Numerous dietary natural compounds have long been recognized as attractive candidates for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals because of their antioxidative properties. Natural dietary compounds exert their anticancer potential through ROS scavenging, metal chelation, inhibition of ROS production, and upregulation of antioxidants, which block oxidative damage, abnormal proliferation, inflammatory response, malignant progression, and metabolic reprogramming. Although the clinical efficacy and oral bioavailability are still being challenged, natural dietary compounds offer attractive promise for cancer treatment. Some dietary natural compounds, namely resveratrol, curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate which exhibit anticancer potential through their antioxidative effects, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their actions, are summarized and discussed in this chapter.
Vaccine delivery by zwitterionic polysaccharide-based hydrogel microparticles showing enhanced immunogenicity and suppressed foreign body responses
Authors: Chung Jin Teng , Lau Chi Ming Laurence , Chung Casper H. Y. , Rafiei Mehrnoosh , Yao Shuhuai , Chau Ying
Published: June 2023

The controlled release of antigens from zwitterionic-modified polysaccharide hydrogel microparticles has been actively pursued to achieve long-lasting immune responses in vaccine development.
Pyroglutamate-modified amyloid β(3–42) monomer has more β-sheet content than the amyloid β(1–42) monomer
Authors: Nath Soumav , Buell Alexander K. , Barz Bogdan
Published: June 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal key differences between Aβ(1–42) and pE-Aβ(3–42) monomers. Among these are the higher β-sheet propensity for C-terminal residues as well as increased solvent exposure of hydrophobic amino acids of pE-Aβ(3–42).
Self-assembly of hydrazide-linked porous organic polymers rich in titanium for efficient enrichment of glycopeptides and phosphopeptides from human serum
Authors: Wang Danni , Feng Quanshou , Luo Yiting , Wang Weimin , Yan Yinghua , Ding Chuan-Fan
Published: June 2023

The mechanism of selective enrichment by hydrazide-POPs-Ti4+.
Silver nanoparticles – laser induced graphene (Ag NPs – LIG) hybrid electrodes for sensitive electrochemical-surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) detection
Authors: Mu Yunyun , Islam Jahidul , Murray Richard , Larrigy Cathal , Russo Alida , Zhang Xinping , Quinn Aidan J. , Iacopino Daniela
Published: June 2023

Direct Laser Writing was used for fabrication of Hybrid Ag NPs-LIG electrodes. Dual EC-SERS analysis allowed detection of food and environmental contaminants in relevant matrices.
Stability and spectroscopic analysis of CsPbBr3quantum dots modified with 2-n-octyl-1-dodecanol
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Liu Mingshuo , Wang Jianing , Wang Yunfei , Wang Yajuan , Liu Wenyan
Published: June 2023

This manuscript utilizes 2-n-octyl-1-dodecanol as a surface ligand to passivate surface defects of perovskite quantum dots, ultimately improving the performance and stability of the perovskite quantum dots.
Iminium and azonium-activated metal and oxidant-free C–H functionalization of aliphatic amines
Authors: Ray Nandini , Jana Chandan K
Published: June 2023

Iminium or azonium ions formed via classical condensation of amines with carbonyls or nitrosoarenes mediate C–H functionalizations of aliphatic amines under metal and oxidant free conditions.
The effect of S-alkylation on organocatalytic enamine activation through imidazolidine-4-thiones
Authors: Hensinger Magenta J. , Closs Anna C. , Trapp Oliver , Ofial Armin R.
Published: June 2023

Enamine intermediates in the organocatalytic α-cyanomethylation of enolisable aldehydes were identified and their reactivities on the Mayr nucleophilicity scale determined.
Long-term sciatic nerve block led by a supramolecular arrangement of self-delivery local anesthetic nano systems
Authors: Tang Lei , Qin Feng , Gong Deying , Dong Yu , Pan LiLi , Zhou Changcui , Yin Qinqin , Song Xinghai , Ling Rui , Huang Junlong , Fan Qin , Yi Wenhao , Wu Fengbo , Wu Xiaoai , Zhang Weiyi , Yang Jun , Wang Ji-Yu
Published: June 2023

1e can self-assemble into vesicles in water and achieve a 43.2 h sensory block based on self-release and counter ion exchange inside nerve cells, which were affected by the gemini surfactant structure, pKa of the counter ions and π–π stacking.
Critical fluctuations in liquid–liquid extraction organic phases controlled by extractant and diluent molecular structure
Authors: Bonnett Brittany L. , Sheyfer Dina , Wimalasiri Pubudu N. , Nayak Srikanth , Lal Jyotsana , Zhang Qingteng , Seifert Soenke , Stephenson G. Brian , Servis Michael J.
Published: June 2023

Extractant aggregation in liquid–liquid extraction organic phases impacts extraction energetics and is related to the deleterious efficiency-limiting liquid–liquid phase transition known as third phase formation.
GFP-related chromophores: photoisomerization, thermal reversion, and DNA labelling
Authors: Faillace Martin S. , Dolgopolova Ekaterina A. , Ceballos Noelia M. , Ruiz Pereyra E. Nahir , Lanfri Lucia , Argüello Gustavo A. , Burgos Paci Maximiliano , Shustova Natalia B. , Peláez Walter J.
Published: June 2023

Thermal isomerization reaction pathways through biradical species.
A linker conformation induced metal–organic framework with high stability and efficient upgrading of natural gas
Authors: Li Shi-Ming , Jiang Hong-Chan , Ni Qing-Ling , Gui Liu-Cheng , Wang Xiu-Jian
Published: June 2023

Natural gas plays an important role in daily life and the petrochemical industry, but there are often large amounts of impurities which prevent the full use of methane in natural gas.
Dealcoholized muscadine wine was partially effective in preventing and treating dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and restoring gut dysbiosis in mice
Authors: Li Hao , Christman Lindsey M. , Yagiz Yavuz , Washington Taylor L. , Wang Gary P. , Gu Liwei
Published: June 2023

The combination of prevention and treatment of dealcoholized muscadine wine was more effective in alleviating DSS-induced colitis and restoring gut dysbiosis in mice than either of them.
Highly efficient biosynthesis of isonicotinamide through a substrate access tunnel engineered nitrile hydratase from Carbonactinospora thermoautotrophicus
Authors: Guo Junling , Cheng Zhongyi , Peplowski Lukasz , Zhou Zhemin
Published: June 2023

Isonicotinamide has important roles and application prospects in pharmaceutical, medical, and materials sciences.
Macroscale preparation of nanosized calcium carbonate by exploiting biogas slurry synchronous metathesis encapsulation method
Authors: Pan Fanghui , Xiao Han , Huang Fei , Lei Jingjing , Zhu Hongguang , Ma Jie
Published: June 2023

NCC was obtained through HA-NCC using biogas slurry.
Recent advances in Mo-based electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction and the hydrogen oxidation reaction
Authors: Wan Ning , Fan Guangyin
Published: June 2023

Mo-based materials (MoS2, Mo2C, MoP, MoO2et.al) have been considered as promising, cost effective and ideal electrocatalysts for hydrogen production due to the merits of high HER/HOR activities.
A computational study of Di-substituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as potential drug candidates against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and ADMETox
Authors: Koubi Yassine , Moukhliss Youness , Hajji Halima , Alaqarbeh Marwa , Ajana Mohammed Aziz , Maghat Hamid , Lakhlifi Tahar , Bouachrine Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) strains have become a severe issue, motivating researchers to find new TB drugs effective against these MDR strains.
Synthesis of optically active SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor drug nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid): an approved treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Ghosh Arun K. , Yadav Monika
Published: June 2023

Synthesis of nirmatrelvir (paxlovid), an FDA approved SARS-COV-2 MPro inhibitor drug is described. The present optically active synthesis avoids a critical epimerization step.
Synthesis of purine derivatives of Me-TaNA and properties of Me-TaNA-modified oligonucleotides
Authors: Fuchi Yasufumi , Watanabe Kouki , Shoji Misa , Ito Yuta , Hari Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2023

Purine derivatives of Me-TaNA (methylated three-acetal-containing nucleic acid) were synthesized and incorporated into oligonucleotides. The modified oligonucleotides exhibited high duplex stability with single-stranded RNA.
Iodine-influenced morphological evolution of micrometer-sized poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(vinyl acetate) particles upon hydrolysis
Authors: Huang Chujuan , Suzuki Toyoko , Minami Hideto
Published: June 2023

Iodine transfer polymerization was used to synthesize micrometer-sized block copolymer particles using methyl methacrylate (MMA) and vinyl acetate (VAc) in a microsuspension system. Three morphologies were obtained after hydrolysis, depending on the block ratio.
Recent advances in the chemistry of α-oxylboronate reagents
Authors: Jiang Nanquan , Chen Du , Liu Chao
Published: June 2023

The synthesis and transformation of α-oxylboronates including their C–B bond and C–O bond functionalizations are reviewed.
Photo-induced cyclization of olefinic amides towards sulfonamidylated iminoisobenzofurans and benzoxazines
Authors: Pan Changduo , Luo Shipeng , Wu Yechun , Yu Jin-Tao , Zhu Chengjian
Published: June 2023

A visible-light induced radical cyclization of olefinic amides with easily available N-sulfonylaminopyridinium salts towards iminoisobenzofurans and benzoxazines has been developed.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of modified black phosphorus-incorporated PANi/PAN nanofibers
Authors: Asgari Shadi , Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , Badiei Alireza , Varma Rajender S. , Iravani Siavash , Mohajer Fatemeh
Published: June 2023

Enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of black phosphorus (BP) has been demonstrated.
Expanded vermiculite supported capric–palmitic acid composites for thermal energy storage
Authors: Bai Ruixue , Liu Songyang , Han Jie , Wang Mengqing , Gao Wei , Wu Dapeng , Zhou Meng
Published: June 2023

The as-prepared CA–PA/EVM might be a promising candidate for thermal energy storage system due to its excellent thermal characteristics.
A general catalytic synthetic strategy for highly strained methylenecyclobutanes and spiromethylenecyclobutanes
Authors: Zhao Haotian , Lin Yu , Jiang Mingyu , Su Bo
Published: June 2023

We developed a copper-catalyzed stereoselective strategy for the unified synthesis of borylated methylenecyclobutanes. The versatile boromethylene unit greatly expands their structural diversity and potential in future drug discovery.
Scrutinizing formally NiIVcenters through the lenses of core spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory, and valence bond theory
Authors: DiMucci Ida M. , Titus Charles J. , Nordlund Dennis , Bour James R. , Chong Eugene , Grigas Dylan P. , Hu Chi-Herng , Kosobokov Mikhail D. , Martin Caleb D. , Mirica Liviu M. , Nebra Noel , Vicic David A. , Yorks Lydia L. , Yruegas Sam , MacMillan Samantha N. , Shearer Jason , Lancaster Kyle M.
Published: June 2023

Nickel K- and L2,3-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) are discussed for coordinated nickel centers spanning formal oxidation states from II to IV. The ensuing analysis indicates that a physical “+4” oxidation state is untenable for coordinated Ni.
Catalytic conversion of polyethylene into aromatics with Pt/ZSM-5: insights into reaction pathways and rate-controlling step regulation
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Yao Chang , Ge Xiaohu , Pu Xin , Yuan Jiangchun , Sun Weixiao , Chen Wenyao , Feng Xiang , Qian Gang , Duan Xuezhi , Cao Yueqiang , Yang Zhirong , Zhou Xinggui , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2023

Pt enhanced aromatization rates of alkenes formed by polyethylene cracking over ZSM-5 acid sites, which contributed to high BTX yield.
Multi-functional photocatalytic systems for solar fuel production
Authors: Hong Young Hyun , Lee Yong-Min , Nam Wonwoo , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: June 2023

This review focuses on multi-functional photocatalytic systems for solar fuel production by combining photocatalytic water oxidation and proton or CO2reduction to pave a new way to produce solar fuels more effectively than natural photosynthesis.
An artificial viral capsid decorated with a DNA aptamer internalizing into lymphoma cells
Authors: Sakamoto Kentarou , Uchiyama Kohsuke , Iwasaki Takashi , Inaba Hiroshi , Matsuura Kazunori
Published: June 2023

Tumor-specific drug-delivering nanocarriers could be a promising modality for next-generation tumor therapy.
A perfect conical nanoshape meets large magnetocrystalline anisotropy: unusual magnetic configurations
Authors: Jiang Jianzhuang , Wang Wentao , Fu Xiaochan , Wang Xinyan , Hu Yuhui , He Kaizhou , Wang Xiangqian , Ni Xia
Published: June 2023

The unusual magnetic configurations are modulated in cobalt nanocones with a near-perfect conical shape and large magnetocrystalline anisotropy.
Density functional theory study of hydrophobic zeolites for the removal of triclosan from aqueous solution
Authors: Fischer Michael
Published: June 2023

The adsorption of triclosan in highly siliceous zeolites was studied with electronic structure calculations, delivering insights into the impact of pore size, shape, and hydrophobicity on the affinity towards this emerging organic contaminant.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin antagonizes COVID-19: a review of the epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, and clinical evidence
Authors: Bai Xiyuan , Schountz Tony , Buckle Ashley M. , Talbert Janet L. , Sandhaus Robert A. , Chan Edward D.
Published: June 2023

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), a serine protease inhibitor (serpin), is increasingly recognized to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and counter many of the pathogenic mechanisms of COVID-19. Herein, we reviewed the epidemiologic evidence, the molecular mechanisms, and the clinical evidence that support this paradigm. As background to our discussion, we first examined the basic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and contend that despite the availability of vaccines and anti-viral agents, COVID-19 remains problematic due to viral evolution. We next underscored that measures to prevent severe COVID-19 currently exists but teeters on a balance and that current treatment for severe COVID-19 remains grossly suboptimal. We then reviewed the epidemiologic and clinical evidence that AAT deficiency increases risk of COVID-19 infection and of more severe disease, and the experimental evidence that AAT inhibits cell surface transmembrane protease 2 (TMPRSS2) — a host serine protease required for SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells — and that this inhibition may be augmented by heparin. We also elaborated on the panoply of other activities of AAT (and heparin) that could mitigate severity of COVID-19. Finally, we evaluated the available clinical evidence for AAT treatment of COVID-19.
Multispectral Optical camera communication links based on spectral signature multiplexing
Authors: Moreno Daniel , Guerra Victor , Rufo Julio , Rabadan Jose , Perez‐Jimenez Rafael
Published: June 2023

Optical camera communication is foreseen to have an essential role in future systems requiring wireless communication capability. In this regard, high‐spectral‐resolution cameras, such as multispectral (MS) cameras, present specific characteristics that can be exploited to provide new features to optical camera communication links. Using the MS cameras' features to take advantage of the light‐emitting diode (LED) behaviour in a novel communication scheme is focussed. Notably, LED spectral response curves are different when their temperature changes. Therefore, these differences can be detected based on the MS cameras' spectral resolution. Thus, more than one communication channel can be attained using the same LED device since the camera can distinguish the different LED spectral signatures. This new approach is analysed in this work, including some equalisation techniques applied to the channel matrix in the receiver to improve the extraction of the transmitted signal reducing the inter‐channel interference. For the specific MS camera employed in the experiments, up to two distinct channels could be obtained with the same transmitter at different temperatures, getting a bit error rate below the forward error correction limit. However, obtaining satisfactory results is highly dependent on the variation that temperature causes in the spectral signatures of the LEDs, so further experiments are recommended in future work with different devices.
Real‐time electro‐thermal modelling and predictive control design of resonant power converter in full electric vehicle applications
Authors: Dini Pierpaolo , Ariaudo Giorgio , Botto Gianluca , Greca Francesco La , Saponara Sergio
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a resonant converter model is proposed that takes into account the thermal and electrical dynamics of the main components. With respect to state‐of‐art, where model‐based design approaches are often implemented off‐line, the proposed model has a low computational complexity such that it can be simulated in real‐time. This real‐time electro‐thermal model enables also the design of a predictive control algorithm, that is proposed to optimize the current control of a SiC‐based resonant converter by handling both thermal and electrical operating limits of its components. To validate the interaction between the converter model and the predictive control algorithm, validation is proposed via real‐time processor‐in‐the‐loop, with application to the on‐board charger for high‐voltage Li‐ion battery pack, typical of modern fully electrified vehicles.
Climate change impact assessment on groundwater level changes: A study of hybrid model techniques
Authors: Afrifa Stephen , Zhang Tao , Zhao Xin , Appiahene Peter , Yaw Mensah Samuel
Published: June 2023

One of the most important sources of water supply is groundwater. However, the groundwater level (GWL) is significantly impacted by the global climate change. Therefore, under these more severe climate change conditions, the accurate and simple forecast of farmland GWL is a crucial component of agricultural water management. A hybrid model (HM) of Bayesian random forest (BRF), Bayesian support vector machine (BSVM), and Bayesian artificial neural network (BANN) is built in this study. The HM is made up of a Bayesian model averaging (BMA) and three machine learning models: random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network. These three HMs are employed to help automate logical inference and decision‐making in business intelligence for groundwater management. For this purpose, data on 8 separate climatic factors that impact GWL changes in the study area were acquired. Nine distinct farming communities' GWL change data were utilised as the dependent variables for each model fit (community data). The effectiveness of the HM techniques was assessed using the evaluation metrics of mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The model fit in Suhum had the greatest performance with the highest accuracy (R2 varied from 0.9051 to 0.9679) and the lowest error scores (RMSE ranged from 0.0653 to 0.0727, and MAE ranged from 0.0121 to 0.0541), according to the models' evaluation results. The BRF delivered the greatest results when compared to the two independent HMs, the BSVM and BANN. Future GWL and climatic variable data may be trained using the trained HM techniques to determine the effects of climate change. Farmers, businesses, and civil society organisations might benefit from continuous monitoring of GWL data and education on climate change to help control and prevent excessive deteriorations of global climate change on GWL.
Optimal control problems of nonlocal interaction equations
Authors: Fagioli Simone , Kaufmann Alic , Radici Emanuela
Published: June 2023

In the present work we deal with the existence of solutions for optimal control problems associated to transport equations. The behaviour of a population of individuals will be influenced by the presence of a population of control agents whose role is to lead the dynamics of the individuals towards a specific goal. The dynamics of the population of individuals is described by a suitable nonlocal transport equation, while the role of the population of agents is designed by the optimal control problem. This model has been first studied in [12] for a class of continuous nonlocal potentials, while in the present project we consider the case of mildly singular potentials in a gradient flow formulation of the target transport equation.
Stability of inverse source problem for a transmission wave equation with multiple interfaces of discontinuity
Authors: Jiang Zifan , Zhang Wensheng
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider a transmission wave equation in N embedded domains with multiple interfaces of discontinuous coefficients in ℝ2. We study the global stability in determining the source term from a one-measurement data of wavefield velocity in a subboundary over a time interval. We prove the stability estimate for this inverse source problem by a combination of the local hyperbolic/elliptic Carleman estimates and the Fourier-Bros-Iagolniter transformation. Our method could be generalized to general dimensions since the weight functions and Carleman estimates are independent of the dimensions.
Predictors of Delayed Hyponatraemia After Surgery for Pituitary
Tumour
Authors: Rajan Remya , Chacko Ari George , Verma Shivendra , Kapoor Nitin , Paul Thomas , Thomas Nihal , Jebasingh Felix , Cherian Kripa Elizabeth , Sahu Shalini , Shyamasunder Asha Hesarghatta
Published: June 2023

Delayed hyponatraemia(DH) is a common complication following trans-sphenoidal
surgery(TSS) for pituitary tumour. We evaluated the prevalence of DH following
TSS, and assessed the factors associated with DH, including early post-operative
diabetes insipidus(EPDI). This retrospective study included 100 TSS for
pituitary tumours in 98 patients, over a period of 26 months. Subjects were
divided into two groups: those who developed hyponatraemia and those who did not
develop hyponatraemia, during post-operative days 4 to 14. The clinical
characteristics and peri-operative parameters were compared between the two
groups, to identify factors predicting DH. The mean age of the patients was
42.0±13.6 years, 58 (59%) were females and 61 (61%) had
functional tumours. Thirty-six patients(36%) developed DH following TSS
of whom majority(58%) were diagnosed on post-operative days 7 and 8;
only 8/36 (22%) were symptomatic. Syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone secretion(SIADH) was found to be the most common aetiology
of DH. On logistic regression analysis, intra-operative cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)
leak (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.9–13.8; p=0.002), EPDI (OR 3.4;
95% CI 1.3–9.2; p=0.015) and peri-operative steroid use
(OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.3–9.8; p=0.014) were found to be
significantly associated with DH. In conclusion, EPDI, intra-operative CSF leak
and peri-operative steroid use were significant predictors of DH. EPDI predicts
moderate to severe hyponatraemia with 80% specificity but has low
sensitivity(47%). As most patients have asymptomatic hyponatraemia,
serum sodium measurement on POD 7 to 10 would be helpful to identify DH in
patients at increased risk.
Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: PS Veena , A. Sajeed , MH Geethi , Krishna K. M. Jagathnath , CD Sivananadan , S. Arun Sankar , S. Roshni , AL Lijeesh
Published: June 2023

Introduction Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents about 15% of all lung cancers. Extensive stage (ES) SCLC represents around 60% of diagnosed SCLC cancers. The median survival in untreated ES SCLC is 2 to 4 months and that of treated cases is 8 to 13 months.

Aim and Objectives This retrospective analysis aims to find out the clinical outcome of patients with ES SCLC and the prognostic factors affecting their survival.

Methods Details of patients registered in the department of radiation oncology from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2019 were retrieved from the hospital records. This includes the demographic characteristics, treatment received, toxicity, and follow-up details.

Results Two-hundred eighty-three patients were included. Median age of presentation was 62 years. Around 97.5% of patients were men. Smokers constitute 94% of all cases. About 86.9% (246 patients) of cases were not alive at the end of the study period. The median estimated overall survival (OS) was 7 months ± 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.026–7.974) and progression-free survival (PFS) was 5 months ± 0.535 (95% CI: 3.952–6.048). Multivariate analysis showed that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), hyponatremia, number of chemotherapy cycles, consolidative radiotherapy (RT) and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) were found to have prognostic effect on OS. Smoking, ECOG PS, number of chemotherapy cycles, consolidative RT, and PCI were found to have prognostic effects on PFS.

Conclusion There is a difference in OS and PFS patterns of ES SCLC patients among various Indian studies even though the available data is scarce. Our study shows that the OS and PFS of our study population are comparable to other South Indian studies available. PS, serum sodium level, number of chemotherapy cycles, consolidative RT, and PCI were found to be independent prognostic factors for survival of ES SCLC. The identification of these factors will help physicians to tailor treatment.
Effect of Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure on HIF-1α, VEGF, and Angiogenesis in the Healing Process of Post-Tooth Extraction Sockets in Rats
Authors: Linawati Linawati , Sitam Suhardjo , Mulyawan Wawan , Purba Ambrosius , Syawqie Achmad , Handharyani Ekowati , Subiakto Yuli , Amaliya Amaliya
Published: June 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) exposure on the expression of hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) messenger RNA (mRNA), vascular endothelial growth factor-a (VEGF-a) mRNA, and angiogenesis after tooth extraction in rats.

Materials and Methods On 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats were performed the removal of the maxillary left first molar, and then they were randomly divided into 9 groups, namely: 4 groups that were exposed to IHH for 30 minutes every day in the Hypobaric Chamber at an altitude of 18,000 feet, with 1 time hypobaric hypoxia (HH), 3 times HH, 5 times HH, and 7 times HH; 4 normoxia groups that were terminated on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after tooth extraction; and the 1 control group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction measured the molecular changes in the socket tissue after tooth extraction in rats to evaluate the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and VEGF mRNA. Histological changes with hematoxylin and eosin staining were noted to evaluate the amount of angiogenesis in the socket after tooth extraction. Molecular and histological parameters were calculated at the end of each experiment on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 after tooth extraction, which exhibited the improvement phase of the wound-healing process.

Results Increases in the expression of HIF-1α mRNA, VEGF mRNA, and angiogenesis were found in the IHH group compared with the normoxia group and the control group. The expression of HIF-1α mRNA increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the group after one time HH exposure on day 1, then decreased in the IHH group (three times HH exposure, five times HH exposure, and seven times HH exposure) approaching the control group. The expression of VEGF mRNA and angiogenesis began to increase after one time HH exposure on day 1, and increased again after three times HH exposure on day 3, then increased even more after five times HH exposure on day 5, and increased very significantly (**p < 0.05) after seven times HH exposure on day 7. It showed that repeated or intermittent exposure to HH conditions induced a protective response that made cells adapt under hypoxia conditions.

Conclusion IHH exposure accelerates the socket healing of post-tooth extraction, which is proven by changes in HIF-1α mRNA expression and increase in VEGF mRNA expression as stimuli for angiogenesis in post-tooth extraction sockets under hypobaric hypoxic condition, which also stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, thereby increasing blood supply and accelerating wound healing.