bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics, correlates of burden and support service use of a help‐seeking carers of loved ones with an eating disorder
Authors: Pehlivan Melissa J. , Rodgers Bethany , Schlage Jasmin , Maguire Sarah , Miskovic‐Wheatley Jane
Published: December 2023

Objective

Carers, vital in the care of individuals with an eating disorder (ED), experience substantial caregiving burden and unmet needs. This study aims to identify factors which contribute to the burden experienced by carers of a loved one with an ED and their support service usage.

Method

Carers (N = 245) completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic, carer‐specific, individual and ED factors. Multivariate relationships with caregiving burden were examined using forwards elimination to produce a parsimonious model of carer burden.

Results

The final model, consisting of caregiving factors (e.g., relationship type, skills), carer mental health) and loved one wellbeing (i.e., purging symptoms, depression/self‐harm/suicidality) explained a large proportion (62%) of the variance in carers' burden. Carer mental health, caregiving skills and relationship type (e.g., parent, spouse, sibling) were key predictors of carers' burden. Nearly a third of carers had not used any carer support services, yet most carers expressed an interest in such services.

Conclusion

Caregiving burden is determined by experiences and skills of the carer as well as the person they are caring for. Carer support services should continue to address the general wellbeing of carers and caregiver skills. Research into the barriers to carer support uptake is needed.
A secure blockchain framework for the internet of medical things
Authors: Sharma Aashima , Kaur Sanmeet , Singh Maninder
Published: December 2023

Technological advancements in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) enable medical services to provide incredibly challenging real‐time functions. The proliferation of health sensors has improved patient monitoring, both for patient care and medical purposes, giving professionals more data for early diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Privacy and security are critical considerations for collecting and transferring data from these heterogeneous sensors across the database and the IoT network. This study leverages blockchain technology to improve Electronic Health Record (EHR) privacy and security. This article proposes a novel decentralized architecture using IoT and Blockchain technology for storing EHR and monitoring real‐time patient data. The proposed patient‐centric framework and architecture offer a straightforward solution that fulfills data integrity and anonymity and meets the data interoperability demands. Self‐contained encryption–decryption and primitive cryptographic techniques enhance the system's security. The proposed study models IoT health sensors such as body temperature, pulse rate, spO2, and Electromyogram (EMG) in a blockchain‐based IoT framework. The proposed system has been evaluated to determine that it can process and store Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) data with encouraging results. The article provides performance, security, and threat analysis to contribute toward a robust, secure, and smart healthcare system using metrics such as latency, throughput, IoT sensor activity, and resource usage. Experimental results present that the proposed method beats the standard healthcare system regarding service quality and patient data monitoring.
A novel nanobody broadly neutralizes SARS‐CoV‐2 via induction of spike trimer dimers conformation
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Junfang , Zhang Shengnan , Zhang Chenhui , Shen Chenguang , Song Shuo , Wang Yanqun , Peng Yun , Gong Xiaohua , Dai Jun , Xie Chongwei , Khrustaleva Tatyana Aleksandrovna , Khrustalev Vladislav Victorovich , Huo Yongting , Lu Di , Yao Da , Zhao Jincun , Liu Yingxia , Lu Hongzhou
Published: December 2023

The ongoing mutations of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pose serious challenges to the efficacy of the available antiviral drugs, and new drugs with fantastic efficacy are always deserved investigation. Here, a nanobody called IBT‐CoV144 is reported, which exhibits broad neutralizing activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 by inducing the conformation of spike trimer dimers. IBT‐CoV144 was isolated from an immunized alpaca using the RBD of wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2, and it showed strong cross‐reactive binding and neutralizing potency against diverse SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, including Omicron subvariants. Moreover, the prophylactically and therapeutically intranasal administration of IBT‐CoV144 confers fantastic protective efficacy against the challenge of Omicron BA.1 variant in BALB/c mice model. The structure analysis of the complex between spike (S) protein, conducted using Cryo‐EM, revealed a special conformation known as the trimer dimers. This conformation is formed by two trimers, with six RBDs in the “up” state and bound by six VHHs. IBT‐CoV144 binds to the lateral region of the RBD on the S protein, facilitating the aggregation of S proteins. This aggregation results in steric hindrance, which disrupts the recognition of the virus by ACE2 on host cells. The discovery of IBT‐CoV144 will provide valuable insights for the development of advanced therapeutics and the design of next‐generation vaccines.
Strategies for Direct, Transition Metal‐Free Addition of Nitrogen Synthons to Alkenes
Authors: Hemric Brett N. , Garcia Thalia A. , Barni Adriana E.
Published: December 2023

The incorporation of nitrogen into small molecules is one of the highest‐demanded transformations in modern synthetic chemistry. Alkene difunctionalization and aziridination offer desirable approaches to the incorporation of these amino synthons from feedstock precursors. Although amino groups can be added to alkenes following alkene reaction with an initiation reagent, the most desirable approach involves direct addition of the nitrogen group to the alkene, allowing for a range of possible secondary functionalization outcomes. Although many of these strategies have been accomplished through the use of transition metals, the utility of a transition metal‐free approach is still at the forefront of synthetic chemistry, both in development and demand. This review aims to present a comprehensive review of the history and current state‐of‐the‐art in the transition metal‐free, direct addition of nitrogen to alkenes.
Hydroalkylation of 1,1‐Diarylalkenes Mediated by Magnesium Hydride in Ethereal Solvents
Authors: Chaisan Nattawadee , Yew Kun Tan Eugene , Chiba Shunsuke
Published: December 2023

A method for the hydroalkylation of 1,1‐diarylalkenes has been developed using magnesium hydride (MgH2) generated in situ by the solvothermal treatment of magnesium iodide (MgI2) with sodium hydride (NaH) in ethereal solvents. The process is initiated by the hydromagnesiation of 1,1‐diarylalkenes with MgH2 to generate 1,1‐diarylethylmagnesium species, which are immediately alkylated with ethereal solvents to construct a diaryl quaternary carbon center in the hydroalkylation products.
Debt restructurings, debt grifting and the limits of contractualism
Authors: McCormack Gerard
Published: December 2023

This article critically examines corporate restructuring plans and schemes in the United Kingdom and United States and third‐party releases in the context of such corporate restructurings. So far, the practice has been more extensively examined in the United States rather than the United Kingdom and the practice has been castigated as ‘debt grifting’, that is, third parties getting the benefit of a bankruptcy discharge without going through the formal bankruptcy process. This article acknowledges some of these criticisms. It also suggests that, if third‐party releases become more widespread in the United Kingdom, this is likely to militate against the success of the United Kingdom as an international corporate restructuring venue. This is particularly the case if the underlying debt is disputed or gives rise to social or political controversy. The article is divided into five parts. After the first introductory part, the second part will examine how debts are restructured in the large corporate context in the United Kingdom and how third‐party releases are important for this endeavour. The third part will examine the equivalent position in the United States. The fourth part explores how the restructuring solutions currently on the table push up against the limits of contractually derived solutions. The final part concludes.
Enhancing resilience and well‐being among low‐SES populations: The mediating effect of community resources
Authors: Zanbar Lea
Published: December 2023

Residents of low‐socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhoods suffer from social, economic, and health problems and high exposure to crime and neglect. Based on the social cure approach, the study aimed to examine whether community resources are associated with resilience and well‐being, and whether they mediate the associations between personal resources and these outcomes. The moderating effect of participating in community activity was also investigated. A total of 400 residents of low‐SES communities, 200 of whom were community activists, completed questionnaires measuring personal resources, community resources, and the outcomes (resilience, well‐being). Structural equation modeling revealed the mediating role of community resources. Moderation analysis indicated that different paths led to the outcomes among activists and nonactivists. The results indicate that personal resources alone do not substantially enhance welfare in low‐SES communities, but should be channeled through community belonging and commitment. Moreover, professionals working with these communities should take into account the distinctions between activists and nonactivists.
A tale of two islands: tectonic and orbital controls on marine terrace reoccupation, Channel Islands National Park, California, USA
Authors: Muhs Daniel R. , Groves Lindsey T. , Simmons Kathleen R. , Schumann R. Randall , DeVogel Stephen B.
Published: December 2023

In areas of low uplift rate on the Pacific Coast of North America, reoccupation of emergent marine terraces by later high sea‐stands has been hypothesised to explain the existence of thermally anomalous fauna (mixtures of warm and cool species) of last interglacial age. If uplift rates have been low for much of the Quaternary, it follows that higher (older) terraces should also show evidence of reoccupation. Strontium isotope analyses of fossils from a high‐elevation marine terrace on Anacapa Island, California, yield ages ranging from ~2.4–2.3 Ma to ~1.4–1.5 Ma. These results indicate that terrace reoccupation and fossil mixing on Anacapa Island could have taken place over several interglacial periods in the early Pleistocene. Terrace reoccupation over this time period is likely a function of both a low uplift rate and the timing of orbital forcing of glacial–interglacial cycles. Climate change in the early Pleistocene was modulated by the 41 ka obliquity cycle, and glacial–interglacial cycles were much shorter than later in the Pleistocene. Nearby San Miguel Island also has evidence of terrace reoccupation, with Sr isotope ages of shells from several high‐elevation terraces ranging from ~1.21–1.25 Ma to ~0.43–0.50 Ma. However, the frequency of terrace reoccupation was lower than on Anacapa Island. The uplift rate of San Miguel Island is higher than that of Anacapa Island and terraces formed when glacial–interglacial cycles were longer. The frequency of marine terrace reoccupation is controlled by the rate of tectonic uplift and the timing of orbital forcing of sea level change during glacial–interglacial cycles.
Moving into the modern era of molecular classification for endometrial cancer
Authors: Dagher Christian , Liu Ying L. , Mueller Jennifer J. , Weigelt Britta
Published: December 2023

The molecular subtypes of endometrial carcinoma (EC) were first described by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) a decade ago. Using surrogate approaches, the molecular classification has been demonstrated to be prognostic across EC patients and to have predictive implications. Starting in 2020, the molecular classification has been incorporated into multiple guidelines as part of the risk assessment and most recently into the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging. This review article discusses the implementation of the EC molecular classification into clinical practice, the therapeutic implications, and the molecular and clinical heterogeneity of the EC molecular subtypes.
Symmetrical placement of bilateral percutaneous bone‐anchored hearing systems via guide‐marker
Authors: Garcia Renata Tadeu Ramirez , dos Santos Antonio Carlos , Danieli Fabiana , Hyppolito Miguel Angelo
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To investigate the use of a novel technique to estimate the symmetrical placement of percutaneous bone‐anchored hearing systems (BAHS) with a guide‐marker in patients undergoing bilateral surgery with this device.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A guide‐marker and anatomical landmarks were used to estimate the implant placement and transferred to the contralateral ear in 12 subjects eligible for bilateral BAHS surgery. To investigate the bilateral symmetry, preoperative tri‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction was used to compare the distances between the mandibular condyle and implant placement estimation (mandible‐implant distance) in both the right and left ears of the subjects.

Results

The guide‐marker could be used to estimate the bilateral implant placement in all subjects included in this study, simply and easily, including one subject with craniofacial malformation. The mean mandible‐implant distances were 5.37 and 5.38 cm, in the right and left ears of the subjects, respectively, and no differences were observed between them, thereby indicating optimal bilateral symmetry.

Conclusion

The use of the guide‐marker proved to be an effective tool to provide symmetrical placement of bilateral BAHS. We propose a novel method employing a simple guide‐marker and tracing based on symmetrical anatomical landmarks to achieve precise placement and optimal symmetry and which may be easily adopted in the surgical routine of BAHS.

Level of Evidence

3.
Uncertainty sources for measurable ocean carbonate chemistry variables
Authors: Carter Brendan R. , Sharp Jonathan D. , Dickson Andrew G. , Álvarez Marta , Fong Michael B. , García‐Ibáñez Maribel I. , Woosley Ryan J. , Takeshita Yuichiro , Barbero Leticia , Byrne Robert H. , Cai Wei‐Jun , Chierici Melissa , Clegg Simon L. , Easley Regina A. , Fassbender Andrea J. , Fleger Kalla L. , Li Xinyu , Martín‐Mayor Macarena , Schockman Katelyn M. , Wang Zhaohui Aleck
Published: December 2023

The ocean carbonate system is critical to monitor because it plays a major role in regulating Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. It is monitored using a variety of measurements, and it is commonly understood that all components of seawater carbonate chemistry can be calculated when at least two carbonate system variables are measured. However, several recent studies have highlighted systematic discrepancies between calculated and directly measured carbonate chemistry variables and these discrepancies have large implications for efforts to measure and quantify the changing ocean carbon cycle. Given this, the Ocean Carbonate System Intercomparison Forum (OCSIF) was formed as a working group through the Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry program to coordinate and recommend research to quantify and/or reduce uncertainties and disagreements in measurable seawater carbonate system measurements and calculations, identify unknown or overlooked sources of these uncertainties, and provide recommendations for making progress on community efforts despite these uncertainties. With this paper we aim to (1) summarize recent progress toward quantifying and reducing carbonate system uncertainties; (2) advocate for research to further reduce and better quantify carbonate system measurement uncertainties; (3) present a small amount of new data, metadata, and analysis related to uncertainties in carbonate system measurements; and (4) restate and explain the rationales behind several OCSIF recommendations. We focus on open ocean carbonate chemistry, and caution that the considerations we discuss become further complicated in coastal, estuarine, and sedimentary environments.
Global solutions to the rotating Navier–Stokes equations with large data in the critical Fourier–Besov spaces
Authors: Fujii Mikihiro
Published: December 2023

We consider the initial value problem for the 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with the Coriolis force. The aim of this paper is to prove the existence of a unique global solution with arbitrarily large initial data in the scaling critical Fourier–Besov spaces (, ), provided that the size of the Coriolis parameter is sufficiently large. Moreover, if the initial data additionally belong to the scaling sub‐critical spaces, we obtain an explicit relationship between the initial data and the Coriolis force, which ensures the existence of a unique global solution.
Gut microbiota in the short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus) shows stability across gestation
Authors: Buthgamuwa Isini , Fenelon Jane C. , Roser Alice , Meer Haley , Johnston Stephen D. , Dungan Ashley M.
Published: December 2023

Indigenous gut microbial communities (microbiota) play critical roles in health and may be especially important for the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Monotremes, such as the short‐beaked echidna, have evolved to lay and incubate an egg, which hatches in their pouch where the young feeds. Since both feces and eggs pass through the cloaca, the fecal microbiota of female echidnas provides an opportunity for vertical transmission of microbes to their offspring. Here, we characterize the gut/fecal microbiome of female short‐beaked echidnas and gain a better understanding of the changes that may occur in their microbiome as they go through pregnancy. Fecal samples from four female and five male echidnas were obtained from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland and sequenced to evaluate bacterial community structure. We identified 25 core bacteria, most of which were present in male and female samples. Genera such as Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Escherichia‐Shigella, and Lactobacillus were consistently abundant, regardless of sex or gestation stage, accounting for 58.00% and 56.14% of reads in male and female samples, respectively. The echidna microbiome remained stable across the different gestation stages, though there was a significant difference in microbiota composition between male and female echidnas. This study is the first to describe the microbiome composition of short‐beaked echidnas across reproductive phases and allows the opportunity for this novel information to be used as a metric of health to aid in the detection of diseases triggered by microbiota dysbiosis.
Guidance offers standardized, best practice approach for planning MH care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2023

Taking into account the everyday decisions medical professionals have to make about patient care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorder challenges, a white paper has been published that offers much needed guidance to help key stakeholders throughout the behavioral health field.
Stevioside Ameliorates Prenatal Obesity Induced Postpartum Depression: The Potential Role of Gut Barrier Homeostasis
Authors: Ye Jin , Shi Renjie , Fan Hua , Wang Danna , Xiao Chunxia , Yang Tianyingzi , Ye Peng , Xia Bing , Zhao Beita , Wang Yutang , Liu Xuebo
Published: December 2023

Scope

Postpartum depression and cognitive impairment are the common complications of prenatal obesity. Stevioside is a non‐nutritive natural sweetener with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory. However, its effects on depression behaviors and cognitive impairment induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD) remain unclear.

Methods and results

An 8‐week HFD is used to establish a prenatal obesity model in female C57BL/6J mice to explore the improvement effects of stevioside (0.5 mg mL−1 in drinking water) on maternal depression and cognitive dysfunction after weaning. The results demonstrated that stevioside improves behavioral performance of obese maternal mice, and inhibits neuronal damage and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) abnormality induced by HFD. In addition, stevioside inhibits oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities in the brains of obese maternal mice. Additionally, stevioside improves gut barrier integrity and prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extravasation, and alleviates neuroinflammation. Correlation analysis shows that gut barrier and serum LPS are closely related to behavioral performance and brain biochemical indicators.

Conclusion

Stevioside is capable to prevent prenatal obesity‐induced cognitive and mood disorders by restoring intestinal barrier damage and inhibiting inflammation.
Deep image prior cine MR fingerprinting with B1+ spin history correction
Authors: Hamilton Jesse I. , da Cruz Gastão Lima , Rashid Imran , Walker Jonathan , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Seiberlich Nicole
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To develop a deep image prior (DIP) reconstruction for B1+‐corrected 2D cine MR fingerprinting (MRF).

Methods

The proposed method combines low‐rank (LR) modeling with a DIP to generate cardiac phase‐resolved parameter maps without motion correction, employing self‐supervised training to enforce consistency with undersampled spiral k‐space data. Two implementations were tested: one approach (DIP) for cine T1, T2, and M0 mapping, and a second approach (DIP with effective B1+ estimation [DIP‐B1]) that also generated an effective B1+ map to correct for errors due to RF transmit inhomogeneities, through‐plane motion, and blood flow. Cine MRF data were acquired in 14 healthy subjects and four reconstructions were compared: LR, low‐rank motion‐corrected (LRMC), DIP, and DIP‐B1. Results were compared to diastolic ECG‐triggered MRF, MOLLI, and T2‐prep bSSFP. Additionally, bright‐blood and dark‐blood images calculated from cine MRF maps were used to quantify ventricular function and compared to reference cine measurements.

Results

DIP and DIP‐B1 outperformed other cine MRF reconstructions with improved noise suppression and delineation of high‐resolution details. Within‐segment variability in the myocardium (reported as the coefficient of variation for T1/T2) was lowest for DIP‐B1 (2.3/8.3%) followed by DIP (2.7/8.7%), LRMC (3.5/10.5%), and LR (15.3/39.6%). Spatial homogeneity improved with DIP‐B1 having the lowest intersegment variability (2.6/4.1%). The mean bias in ejection fraction was −1.1% compared to reference cine scans.

Conclusion

A DIP reconstruction for 2D cine MRF enabled cardiac phase‐resolved mapping of T1, T2, M0, and the effective B1+ with improved noise suppression and precision compared to LR and LRMC.
Gender differences in cycling motions: On objective functions for urban cycling
Authors: Hoffmann Ramona , Schwöbel Clemens , Kelkel Daniel , Leyendecker Sigrid
Published: December 2023

Societal challenges such as climate change and the energy crisis are putting bicycles at the centre of many people's mobility considerations ‐ but not all. In addition to the need for improved infrastructure, stability and comfort when cycling also play a major role. Simulations offer the possibility to investigate the influence of biometric differences on comfort and stability more cost‐effectively than the measurement methods currently used for bike fitting. Bicycle dynamics and multibody simulation of cycling motions have been the subject of research for a long time. Often data‐driven models are used that follow pre‐established measurement data. Moreover, optimal control simulations for competitive sports are available, where for example, the travel distance during a given time is maximised. However, such models are usually based on the biometric data of an average 18–25 year old male, while the influence of gender differences on cycling motions are rarely explored. Yielding towards closing this gender data gap, we use a discrete mechanics and optimal control framework (DMOCC), which benefits from its structure preserving formulation and has been successfully used for biomechanical applications before. The implemented multibody model of a leg performing a cycling motion can be adapted to individual 3D scans via the geometry parameters and the bounds on the joint angles and torques, providing the possibility to investigate the influence of biometric diversity on the resulting motions. In this first approach, we discuss several possibilities to formulate appropriate objective functions for cycling. The final aim of this study is to supplement a given bike frame by software chosen adaptations so that it optimally fits to individual biometric conditions, thus increasing comfort, the sense of safety and performance, which ultimately enables greater participation in the mobility transition for women, children, and seniors.
Looking inside: Analysis of keto‐enol equilibrium using agent‐based models
Authors: Bowers Gregory A. , Baldasare Corey A. , Seybold Paul G.
Published: December 2023

The subject of keto‐enol equilibrium has a long history and well‐established position within physical organic chemistry. Nonetheless, one still finds numerous reports of confusing findings and questions of accuracy when dealing with its practical application. In this report, some apparently anomalous recent observations are reviewed and then reexamined using density functional theory computations and agent‐based (cellular automata) models of the keto‐enol‐anion equilibrium system. It becomes apparent that a resolution of many of the results can be achieved by taking into account the fact that although the ketone form is often present in overwhelmingly greater concentration, the enol can still contribute significantly to formation of the anion through its much greater acidity. Thus, in these cases, dissociation data assigned solely to the ketone form should in fact be recognized as representing a mixture of contributions from both the keto and the (neglected) enol form.
Structure‐based insights into the mechanism of [4Fe‐4S]‐dependent sulfur insertase LarE
Authors: Zecchin Paolo , Pecqueur Ludovic , Oltmanns Jonathan , Velours Christophe , Schünemann Volker , Fontecave Marc , Golinelli‐Pimpaneau Béatrice
Published: December 2023

Several essential cellular metabolites, such as enzyme cofactors, contain sulfur atoms and their biosynthesis requires specific thiolation enzymes. LarE is an ATP‐dependent sulfur insertase, which catalyzes the sequential conversion of the two carboxylate groups of the precursor of the lactate racemase cofactor into thiocarboxylates. Two types of LarE enzymes are known, one that uses a catalytic cysteine as a sacrificial sulfur donor, and the other one that uses a [4Fe‐4S] cluster as a cofactor. Only the crystal structure of LarE from Lactobacillus plantarum (LpLarE) from the first class has been solved. We report here the crystal structure of LarE from Methanococcus maripaludis (MmLarE), belonging to the second class, in the cluster‐free (apo‐) and cluster‐bound (holo‐) forms. The structure of holo‐MmLarE shows that the [4Fe‐4S] cluster is chelated by three cysteines only, leaving an open coordination site on one Fe atom. Moreover, the fourth nonprotein‐bonded iron atom was able to bind an anionic ligand such as a phosphate group or a chloride ion. Together with the spectroscopic analysis of holo‐MmLarE and the previously reported biochemical investigations of holo‐LarE from Thermotoga maritima, these crystal structures support the hypothesis of a reaction mechanism, in which the [4Fe‐4S] cluster binds a hydrogenosulfide ligand in place of the chloride anion, thus generating a [4Fe‐5S] intermediate, and transfers it to the substrate, as in the case of [4Fe‐4S]‐dependent tRNA thiolation enzymes.
Development and application of a multiple reaction monitoring method for the simultaneous quantification of sodium channels Nav1.1, Nav1.2, and Nav1.6 in solubilized membrane proteins from stable HEK293 cell lines, rodents, and human brain tissues
Authors: Kwan Rainbow , Das Prerna , Gerrebos Neelan , Li Jenny , Wang Xin Yin , DeBoer Gina , Emnacen‐Pankhurst Vanessa , Lin Sophia , Feng Raymond , Goodchild Sam , Sojo Luis E.
Published: December 2023

Rationale

Nav1.1, 1.2, and 1.6 are transmembrane proteins acting as voltage‐gated sodium channels implicated in various forms of epilepsy. There is a need for knowing their actual concentration in target tissues during drug development.

Methods

Unique peptides for Nav1.1, Nav1.2, and Nav1.6 were selected as quantotropic peptides for each protein and used for their quantification in membranes from stably transfected HEK293 cells and rodent and human brain samples using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Nav 1.1, 1.2, and 1.6 protein expressions in three stably individually transfected HEK293 cell lines were found to be 2.1 ± 0.2, 6.4 ± 1.2, and 4.0 ± 0.6 fmol/μg membrane protein, respectively. In brains, Nav1.2 showed the highest expression, with approximately three times higher (P < 0.003) in rodents than in humans at 3.05 ± 0.57, with 3.35 ± 0.56 in mouse and rat brains and 1.09 ± 0.27 fmol/μg in human brain. Both Nav1.1 and 1.6 expressions were much lower in the brains, with approximately 40% less expression in human Nav1.1 than rodent Nav1.1 at 0.49 ± 0.1 (mouse), 0.43 ± 0.3 (rat), and 0.28 ± 0.04 (humans); whereas Nav1.6 had approximately 60% less expression in humans than rodents at 0.27 ± 0.09 (mouse), 0.26 ± 0.06 (rat), and 0.11 ± 0.02 (humans) fmol/μg membrane proteins.

Conclusions

Multiple reaction monitoring was used to quantify sodium channels Nav1.1, 1.2, and 1.6 expressed in stably transfected HEK293 cells and brain tissues from mice, rats, and humans. We found significant differences in the expression of these channels in mouse, rat, and human brains. Nav expression ranking among the three species was Nav1.2 ≫ Nav1.1 > Nav1.6, with the human brain expressing much lower concentrations overall compared to rodent brain.
Mediastinal epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma with the EML4‐ALK fusion: A case report and literature review
Authors: Pan Tingyu , Sun Xinyu , Wu Xiao , Tang Futing , Zhou Xianmei , Wang Qian , Chen Shi
Published: December 2023

Epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS) is an aggressive subtype of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour which rarely affects the chest cavity. We, for the first time, report a case of mediastinal EIMS with the EML4‐ALK fusion. A young woman presented to our hospital with cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Computed tomography (CT) showed a mixed attenuation soft‐tissue mass in the right middle and upper mediastinum. Negative results were obtained from bronchoscopy forceps biopsy and endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial fine needle aspiration. CT‐guided percutaneous biopsy was finally performed. However, due to the rapidly progressed EIMS that compressed the trachea and right main bronchus, the patient died of respiratory failure 1 day before diagnosis. EIMS progresses rapidly, and an early diagnosis is important. For mediastinal EIMS, CT‐guided percutaneous biopsy may be useful. Next‐generation sequencing of blood may be instructive to EIMS patients who are intolerant to invasive biopsy.
Observer‐based distributed average tracking of second‐order multi‐agent systems with disturbances
Authors: Liu Boning , Wei Bo , Yin Huan
Published: December 2023

This article addresses the problem of distributed average tracking for second‐order multi‐agent systems with disturbances. The unknown disturbances inject into the velocity dynamics, resulting in the degradation of system stability. An extended state observer is designed to estimate the velocities and disturbances. Then, an observer‐based average tracking protocol is proposed, which does not require velocity measurements, and the unknown disturbances are compensated by the estimations. The protocol is implemented in a distributed fashion, without requiring any global information, and is robust to initialization errors. Through Lyapunov analysis, it is verified that the second‐order multi‐agent system can achieve distributed average tracking under the proposed protocol. Finally, the effectiveness of the control method is demonstrated by simulations.
PbS/p‐Si NW Heterojunction Thin Film Device for Room Temperature NH3 Detection
Authors: Aggarwal Rinki , Kumar Vivek , Jain Vinod K. , Sengupta Sucheta
Published: December 2023

One dimensional heterostructures with a definite interface where the host particle is decorated with the secondary material have been widely exploited for photocatalysis because of increased efficiency. Herein we report the synthesis of PbS−Si NW heterojunction using low temperature chemical bath deposition (CBD) techniques. Temperature, time, and the complexing agents of the growth solution were optimized to control the morphology and the resultant properties of the heterojunction thin films. These synthesized thin films exhibit high sensor responses in the presence of ammonia (NH3) due to an increase in the surface area and efficient p‐n junction formation. Additionally, there is a vast improvement in the detection limit of the sensors as our device was found to respond at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm. Growth conditions are found to have significant influence on the sensor response.
Highly Efficient Catalytic Soot Combustion Over Potassium‐Promoted Pine Needles‐Like CoMnO Nanoarray Monolithic Catalysts
Authors: Xu Dawei , Zhang Jialin , Gao Yue , Ding Tong , Tian Ye , Song Song , Cao Chunmei , Li Xingang
Published: December 2023

Herein, we report the high catalytic activity of the potassium‐promoted pine needles‐like Co2.7Mn0.3O4 nanoarray catalysts supported on the monolithic three‐dimensional macroporous (3‐DM) Ni foam substrate (xK/Co2.7Mn0.3O4−NF) by hydrothermal process and wet impregnation method for soot combustion. The 3‐DM structure of Ni foam and the macroporous nanostructure created by Co2.7Mn0.3O4 nano‐composites greatly improve the contact opportunities between soot particulates and catalysts. Our characterization results show that the addition of potassium promotes the mobility of oxygen species due to the low melting point of K‐containing compounds, and the strong interaction between potassium species and Co2.7Mn0.3O4 nano‐composites not only increases the number of active oxygen species but also improves the oxidizability of the xK/Co2.7Mn0.3O4−NF catalysts for soot oxidation. The impact of the K loadings on the catalysts displays a volcano‐type on the performance of soot oxidation and the catalyst loaded with 8 wt.% potassium species shows the highest activity with T50 at 314 °C in 600 ppm NO/O2/N2 flow, as well as high stability and water resistance. Simultaneously, the electron transfer and oxygen transfer mechanisms for soot combustion are discussed in detail. The strategy employed in this work has potential application prospects in other catalytic oxidation systems.
Fabrication and Characterization of Zein/PDADMAC Nanoparticles to Encapsulate Tebuconazole by Antisolvent Precipitation Method**
Authors: Liu Hui , Shi Wenhui , Li Shiqing , Lei Bin , Li Shujing , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the sustained release effect and antifungal activity of tebuconazole (TEB), zein /poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDADMAC) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in this study. The hollow zein NPs were made by anti‐solvent precipitation method in which sodium carbonate was chosen as sacrificial template, and PDADMAC was combined with zein NPs via electrostatic self‐assembly after loading TEB. The NPs were characterized through particle size, Zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), sustained release effect, contact angle, encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading efficiency (LE) and antifungal activity. In this study, TEB/zein/PDADMAC NPs were stable for at least 28 days at room temperature. The release of TEB showed lower release in NPs compared with technical concentrate (TEB TC, 98 %). In addition, NPs also significantly influenced performance such as wetting performance and antifungal activity. The developed functional TEB/zein/PDADMAC NPs with excellent properties can be promising for antifungal pesticide applications.
Improving the Fracture Toughness and Strength of Epoxy Resin Using NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus Nanosheets
Authors: Liu Nan , Zhu Binglian , Zhang Rutong , Zhong Weiqiao , Chen Qibin
Published: December 2023

In this work, a NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus nanosheet with short n‐octyl chains on one side and aminopropyl groups on the opposite side was prepared by the sol‐gel method. This nanosheet was used to improve the toughness and strength of epoxy resin. The morphologies and structures of Janus nanosheets and the properties of NH2‐silica‐C8H17/epoxy nanocomposites were characterized. Results show that the addition of Janus nanosheets not only increases the storage modulus and glass transition temperature of nanocomposites, but also improves their mechanical performance and thermal stability. The tensile strength, elongation at break, fracture toughness and impact strength of nanocomposites are increased by ca. 57, 80, 74 and 63 %, respectively, at the 0.5 wt.% loading of Janus nanosheets. These findings suggest that NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus nanosheets exert an effective influence on the toughness and strength of ultimate nanocomposites, which is attributed to the fact that NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus nanosheet simultaneously contains n‐octyl and aminopropyl groups on both sides, thus improving the nanosheet/matrix interface adhesion.
Diversification Via Coupling Reactions and Biological Activities of Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Ullah Arif , Shah Bukhari Kareem , Khan Shahab , Farooq Faiza , Wahab Abdul , Hussain Tanveer , Saleem Sania , Babar Natasha
Published: December 2023

Pyrimidine derivatives have attracted much attention in medicinal chemistry because of their diversified biological properties and potential therapeutic applications. The Suzuki‐Miyaura, Sonogashira, and Buchwald‐Hartwig coupling reactions provide flexible methods for synthesizing structurally diverse pyrimidine derivatives. These reactions can modify the pyrimidine structure to incorporate different functional groups and substitution patterns, improving the pharmacological activities and maximizing the drug‐like properties. Using other coupling partners, such as aryl and heteroaryl moieties, has produced novel pyrimidine‐based scaffolds with enhanced bioactivity profiles. This comprehensive review examines the biological activities of pyrimidine derivatives, concentrating on how their diversification via coupling reactions utilizing synthetic techniques has affected their pharmacological properties. Investigating various biological effects and exploring novel artificial techniques present great opportunities for creating next‐generation medicines with improved efficacy and selectivity.
Direct Synthesis of 8‐Fluorocaffeine and Its Transformation to 8‐Substituted Caffeine
Authors: Rachmadhaningtiyas Dyah Ayu , Hermawati Elvira , Juliawaty Lia Dewi , Wahyuningrum Deana
Published: December 2023

Caffeine is a naturally occurring central nervous system (CNS) stimulant found in many drinks and foods. Many interesting biological activities of caffeine, and some of its derivatives, have been reported. Therefore, this study aims to conduct chemical transformations of caffeine. The method used is direct fluorination of caffeine using Selectfluor® in acetonitrile at room temperature, followed by purification to obtain 8‐fluorocaffeine. This reaction can be done on a multigram scale. Subsequently, 8‐fluorocaffeine was further modified by a nucleophilic substitution reaction with amines and alcohols as the nucleophiles under reflux conditions in an appropriate solvent to form fifteen 8‐substituted caffeine derivatives, with yields ranging from moderate to high. Of these derivatives, four are novel compounds, which are 8‐(3‐chloro‐4‐fluorophenyl)aminocaffeine, 8‐(3‐aminophenyl)amino‐caffeine, 8‐(azetidin‐1‐yl)‐caffeine, and 8‐(tetrahydrofuran‐3‐yl)oxycaffeine.
Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Cinnamonitrile Derivatives: In vitro Evaluation and Molecular Docking
Authors: Faghih‐Mirzaei Ehsan , Kavousi Hanie , Langarizadeh Mohammad Amin , Asadipour Ali , Sabouri Salehe , Pourshojaei Yaghoub
Published: December 2023

Cancer remains a formidable global healthcare challenge, driving relentless research efforts. Among the diverse compounds explored for their potential in combating cancer, α,β‐unsaturated compounds have exhibited intriguing biological activities, including anticancer properties. In this study, we embarked on synthesizing novel α,β‐unsaturated compounds anchored by a phenylacrylonitrile base using the Knoevenagel reaction. Our investigation delved into the cytotoxicity of these compounds, where two standouts, 3 f and 3 g, demonstrated remarkable antiproliferative efficacy comparable to the established chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, when tested against various cancer cell lines. Additionally, the influence of these compounds was evident as DNA fragmentation became apparent after a mere 24‐hour exposure. Molecular docking analysis unveiled a compelling interaction between our synthesized compounds and the P38‐α receptor, a pivotal player in the Mitogen‐Activated Protein (MAP) kinase 14 pathway. This revelation suggests the potential of our compounds to target this receptor, opening new avenues for further exploration. Our research not only underscores the promising anticancer potential of these α,β‐unsaturated compounds but also identifies a specific molecular target, P38‐α, paving the way for future investigations in cancer therapeutics. In an ever‐evolving quest to combat cancer, this study contributes valuable insights that may hold the key to innovative treatment strategies.
Unsymmetrical Bis‐Coumarin Based on o‐Hydroxy Aldehydes and 4‐Hydroxy Coumarin: Expedient Synthesis, Single Crystal X‐rays and DFT Studies
Authors: Das Barnali , Paul Abhijit Rudra , De Utpal C. , Paul Bhaswati , Natarajan Ramalingam , Chakraborty Sourav , Majumdar Swapan
Published: December 2023

Bis‐coumarins are distinguished derivatives of coumarin which bear numerous pharmaceutical and other applications. In continuation of our ongoing research towards the development of benign protocols for various heterocyclic systems, herein we report an Amberlyst 15 mediated synthesis of unsymmetrical bis‐coumarins via in situ generation and cyclization of symmetrical bis‐coumarinyl methanes derived from o‐hydroxy aromatic aldehydes and 4‐hydroxy coumarin. Aldehydes of both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing units underwent smooth conversion to their respective unsymmetrical bis‐coumarins (76–98 % yield) without leaving any side products or intermediates. The catalyst used in the present protocol is cost‐effective, eco‐friendly, and readily available which could be recovered and reused several times. This methodology offers operational simplicity, low catalyst loading, and avoids the use of toxic solvents/reagents and the product can be isolated without chromatography. DFT study indicated that the driving force for the cyclisation of symmetrical bis‐coumarin is the minimization of the tetrahedral bond angle deviations along with other small non‐covalent interactions. Some DFT data was also verified with the data obtained from the X‐rays crystallographic study.
Fabrication of Carbon‐Based ZnBi2S4 and ZnBi2Se4 Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Jasmine Jeyakumar , Muruganandam Ponvel Kanagasabai
Published: December 2023

Metal chalcogenide nanoparticles are widely used to degrade environmental pollutants. Zinc‐Bismuth Chalcogenide/Carbon (ZnBi2S4/Carbon and ZnBi2Se4/Carbon) nanocomposites were synthesized and the surface was covered with sucrose before carbonization to yield carbon nanocomposites. The solar irradiation is used to convert sucrose into carbon nanocomposites. The as‐synthesized nanocomposites were well characterized in detail in terms of their structural, morphological, functional, and optical properties. Nanocomposites are well‐known and frequently show excellent characteristics in all domains, including photocatalysis and electrochemical applications. The superior electron transfer capability, improved light harvesting, and increased catalytic active sites were said to play a crucial role in the bandgap contribution to the improved photocatalytic activity. The degradation of dyes like Methylene Blue (MB), Methyl Orange (MO), and Rhodamine B (RhB) in solution under sunlight irradiation was used to investigate the photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites. Pseudo‐first‐order kinetic theory was followed. Specific capacitances of nanocomposites are 659.479 F/g and 871.198 F/g at 25 mV/s for ZnBi2S4/Carbon and ZnBi2Se4/Carbon nanocomposites, respectively.
Synthesis and Metal‐Complexation of a Trimer of Dendrimers with Bipyridine Cores in the Center of Conjugated Chains
Authors: Sawada Ayaka , Tachi Yoshimitsu , Kozaki Masatoshi
Published: December 2023

Two types of dendrimers with a bipyridine unit in the center of their rigid backbones were prepared. One dendrimer has two azide groups and the other has one ethynyl terminal. These dendrimers were coupled by the copper‐mediated Hüisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of the ethynyl and azide terminals to afford a trimer with three bipyridine cores. The addition of Fe(II) to a solution of the trimer resulted in an absorption change characteristic of the formation of tris(bipyridine)Fe(II) complexes. The structural properties of the tris(bipyridine)Fe(II) core are likely reflected in the conformation of the timer because the bipyridine units are attached to the rigid backbones.
Acid‐Catalyzed Tandem Ritter and Mannich Reactions for Direct Access to 3‐Aryl 3‐amidooxindoles from Isatin
Authors: Karu Sudheer Kumar , Pilli Navyasree , Malapaka Chandrasekharam
Published: December 2023

Three‐component tandem Ritter and Mannich reactions were developed for one‐pot arylation and acyl protected amination of isatin. The acid catalyzed reaction produced wide variety of 3‐aryl‐3‐amidooxindoles directly from commercially available isatin. The C3 functionalization of isatin is affected by condensation with electron rich arenes and nitriles or amides with concomitant C−C and C−N bonds formation. Substituted isatins, different nucleophiles (cyclic and acyclic N, N‐disubstituted arylamines), aliphatic nitriles, and amides expanded the scope of the reaction. The reaction is simple, general, efficient and can switch the amidation substrate from nitriles in Ritter reaction to amides in Mannich reaction.
Distal Functional Group Migration of Unactivated Alkenes with IMDN‐Tf Reagents
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wang Ying , Zou Zhenlei , Yan Liang , Wang Yi
Published: December 2023

The difunctionalization of alkenes involving 1,5‐functional group migration strategies for the conversion of versatile and readily available olefins into more structurally complex molecules has been greatly studied. However, the vast majority of the reported reactions rely on strongly oxidizing conditions and oxidizing fluoroalkyl radical reagents. In contrast, few reactions with reduced radical reagents have been reported. This work describes a photo / electroredox catalytic condition for difunctional modification of unactivated olefins via a radical process using IMDN‐Tf reagents with broad substrate scope and excellent tolerance.
Pd(OAc)2/Xantphos Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Sulfonyl Chlorides: Synthesis of Thioethers by Sulphur Dioxide Extrusion
Authors: Zhang Guofu , Sang ZhiMin , Wang QingHai , Chen JingAo , Ding Chengrong
Published: December 2023

Herein, we reported a successful cross coupling of aryl sulfonyl chlorides to forge thioether skeleton via Pd catalysis. This transformation proceeded in the presence of Xantphos. Preliminary mechanism studies demonstrated dual roles of Xantphos: (i) a reductant that reduced sulfonyl radical to thio radical; (ii) a ligand that promotes coupling reactions.