bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Corticosteroids Alone versus Corticosteroids and Cyclosporine in the Management of Patients with Severe Cutaneous Drug Reaction
Authors: Patel Lav , Shah Samidh , Jangid Neha , Desai Chetna , Shah Bela
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCADRs) are emergency dermatologic manifestations associated with high morbidity and mortality. Their management includes immediate withdrawal of suspected causal agent followed by prompt management with drugs such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of corticosteroids alone versus cyclosporine and corticosteroids in management of SCADRs. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out in Indoor patients of Dermatology Department, Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, from October 2019 to September 2022. Twenty six patients were diagnosed with SCADRs and grouped according to the treatment received in two groups: corticosteroids alone (group B), and corticosteroids along with cyclosporine (group A). The efficacy was assessed based on: the days of disease arrest, days of complete reepithelialisation, duration of hospitalisation and final outcome. To know the prognosis of the patients, Score of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (SCORTEN) score was used. Data was entered and analysed with the help of Microsoft excel ® 2019. Results: There were 14 patients in group A and 12 in group B. In a total 26 cases majority were of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) (50%) followed by SJS-Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) (27%) TEN (15%), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptom (DRESS) (8%). The mean duration of disease arrest was significantly shorter in group A (n=14) when compared to group B (n=12) (p-value <0.001**). Also, the time for complete re-epithelisation was significantly shorter in group A than group B (p-value=0.025*) While no significant difference between the two groups was observed in SCORTEN score. Mortality was 3/12 in group B, nil in group A. Conclusion: Combination therapy with corticosteroids and cyclosporine leads to an early arrest of the disease progression, better prognosis and outcome in patients of SCADRs.
A review of effects of visual environmental factors on interpersonal cognition and behavior: Focusing on brightness, color, and depth
Authors: Ishikawa Atsuo
Published: March 2023

Many interpersonal cognitions and behaviors, such as impression formation, communication, and cooperation, are controlled and performed while surrounded by the built environment. This study reviewed over 20 years of literature on the influence of visual environmental factors, particularly brightness, color, and depth, on interpersonal cognition and behavior. Twelve articles on brightness were extracted, showing that the effects of brightness varied significantly depending on individual characteristics, interpersonal relationships, and interactional situations. Thirteen articles on color revealed that various factors such as age, gender, and interpersonal relationships are involved in the influence process. Eight articles that examined influences from depth (spaciousness and height) indicated that influences from depth are a highly complex process. Finally, the study has shown areas for further research, challenges to be overcome, and prospects.
Nomogram for predicting the risk of postoperative myasthenic crisis in patients with thymectomy
Authors: Ruan Zhe , Su Yue , Tang Yonglan , Lin Jiaji , Lu Qiang , Zhou Yongan , Guo Rongjing , Liu Yu , Li Huanhuan , Sun Chao , Zhao Zhengwei , Li Zhuyi , Chang Ting
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate internally a clinical predictive model, for predicting myasthenic crisis within 30 days after thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Methods

Eligible patients were enrolled between January 2015 and May 2019. The primary outcome measure was postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC). A predictive model was constructed using logistic regression and presented in a nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to examine the performance. The study population was divided into high‐ and low‐risk groups according to Youden index. Calibration curves with 1000 replications bootstrap resampling were plotted to visualize the calibration of the nomogram. Decision curve analyses (DCA) with 1000 replications bootstrap resampling were performed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the model.

Results

A total of 445 patients were enrolled. Five variables were screened including thymus imaging, onset age, MGFA classification, preoperative treatment regimen, and surgical approach. The model exhibited moderate discriminative ability with AUC value 0.771. The threshold probability was 0.113, which was used to differentiate between high‐ and low‐risk groups. The sensitivity and specificity were 72.1% and 77.1%, respectively. The high‐risk group had an 8.70‐fold higher risk of POMC. The calibration plot showed that when the probability was between 0 and 0.5, the deviation calibration curve of the model was consistent with the ideal curve.

Interpretation

This nomogram could assist in identifying patients at higher risk of POMC and determining the optimal surgical time for these patients.
Effect of Aging on Impact Toughness and Fracture Behavior of Three Wrought Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Gong BaiShan , Zhang ZhenJun , Duan QiQiang , Hou JiaPeng , Li RongHua , Wang XueGang , Liu HanZhong , Cong FuGuan , Purcek Gencay , Zhang ZheFeng
Published: March 2023

Herein, the effect of the aging state on the impact toughness of three typical wrought Al alloys (7075, 2024, and 6A01) is investigated. At room temperature, the fracture mode of the three aluminum alloys at different aging states is a ductile transgranular fracture. At low temperatures, high‐strength aluminum alloys exhibit a mixture fracture of transgranular and intergranular, while medium‐strength aluminum alloys are still dominated by transgranular fractures. The effect of the aging state on the impact toughness of aluminum alloys was analyzed based on the deformation mechanism and morphology near grain boundaries. The underaged state with planar slip dislocations exhibits good plasticity and work‐hardening ability, which reduces the strain localization caused by dislocation plugging and thus improves the impact toughness of the alloy. Furthermore, the fine grain boundary precipitates and the narrow precipitation‐free zone of the underaged increase the uniform deformation capacity near the grain boundaries and inhibit the initiation and propagation of cracks. Compared with high‐strength aluminum alloys, medium‐strength aluminum alloys exhibit higher impact toughness due to the formation of a larger plastic zone and shear lip area during impact.
Quantitative Determination of Charge Transport Interface at Vertically Phase Separated Soluble Acene/Polymer Blends
Authors: Lee Jung Hun , Lyu Jaegeun , Kim Minsong , Ahn Hyungju , Lim Soohwan , Jang Ho Won , Chung Hyun‐Jong , Lee June Hyuk , Koo Jaseung , Lee Wi Hyoung
Published: March 2023

Interfacial structure is critical for optimizing the electrical properties of organic field‐effect transistors. In this study, the interfacial structures of 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS‐pentacene)/polymer blends are nondestructively determined by the complementary neutron and X‐ray reflectivity. The TIPS‐pentacene/deuterated poly(methylmethacrylate) (d‐PMMA) blends exhibit a vertically phase‐separated structure with a molecularly sharp interface (interfacial roughness ≈5 Å), whereas the TIPS‐pentacene/d‐polystyrene (d‐PS) blend intermix near the interface. Ultrahigh molecular weight d‐PMMA leads to the formation of surface‐segregated hexagonal spherulites of TIPS‐pentacene owing to the thermodynamic factors (e.g., surface/interface energy, polarity, and viscosity) of the blending materials. The well‐developed hexagonal spherulites of TIPS‐pentacene on molecularly sharp d‐PMMA interface result in higher field‐effect mobility as compared to the dendritic crystals from d‐PS blends because of the higher perfectness, coverage, and interfacial roughness of the TIPS‐pentacene crystals. The approach used in this study facilitates the understanding of the charge transport mechanism at the phase‐separated interfaces in soluble acene/polymer blends.
Flexible Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Device for Emerging Multifunctional and Smart Applications
Authors: Lin Qinghong , Zhu Yangbin , Wang Yue , Li Deli , Zhao Yi , Liu Yang , Li Fushan , Huang Wei
Published: March 2023

Quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs), owing to their exceptional performances in device efficiency, color purity/tunability in the visible region and solution‐processing ability on various substrates, become a potential candidate for flexible and ultrathin electroluminescent (EL) lighting and display. Moreover, beyond the lighting and display, flexible QLEDs are enabled with endless possibilities in the era of the internet of things and artificial intelligence by acting as input/output ports in wearable integrated systems. Challenges remain in the development of flexible QLEDs with the goals for high performance, excellent flexibility/even stretchability, and emerging applications. In this paper, the recent developments of QLEDs including quantum dot materials, working mechanism, flexible/stretchable strategies and patterning strategies, and highlight its emerging multifunctional integrations and smart applications covering wearable optical medical devices, pressure‐sensing EL devices, and neural smart EL devices, are reviewed. The remaining challenges are also summarized and an outlook on the future development of flexible QLEDs made. The review is expected to offer a systematic understanding and valuable inspiration for flexible QLEDs to simultaneously satisfy optoelectronic and flexible properties for emerging applications.
3D Printed Dry Electrodes for Electrophysiological Signal Monitoring: A Review
Authors: Alsharif Aljawharah A. , Milan Cucuri Nataly S. , Mishra Rishabh B. , El‐Atab Nazek
Published: March 2023

3D printed on‐skin electrodes are of notable interest because, unlike traditional wet silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) on‐skin electrodes, they can be personalized and 3D printed using a variety of materials with distinct properties such as stretchability, conformal interfaces with skin, biocompatibility, wearable comfort, and, finally, low‐cost manufacturing. Dry on‐skin electrodes, in particular, have the additional advantage of replacing electrolyte gel, which dehydrates and coagulates with prolonged use. However, issues arise in performance optimization with the recently discovered dry materials. These challenges become even more critical when the on‐skin electrodes are scaled down to a miniaturized size, making the detection of various biosignals while keeping mechanical resilience under several conditions crucial. This review paper aims to provide researchers interested in the 3D printing and manufacturing field for healthcare applications, specifically dry electrophysiological (EP) on‐skin electrodes and biosignal sensing methodologies, with a reference guide about the various state‐of‐the‐art 3D printing techniques and materials that have been developed with a focus on the main applications of EP electrodes, such as an electrocardiogram, electrooculogram, electromyogram, and electroencephalogram.
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with primary closure is preferred for selected elderly individuals with choledocholithiasis
Authors: Luo Tingyi , Huang Yonggang , Wang Shilin , Yang Tingsong , Gong Jian , Zhou Bo , Song Zhenshun , Meng Hongbo , Xu Bin
Published: March 2023

Background

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with primary closure (LCBDE‐PC) exhibits more benefits than other surgeries for patients with choledocholithiasis. It remains unclear whether it is feasible for and beneficial to elderly individuals. This study aimed to clarify and stratify elderly patients who would benefit from LCBDE‐PC.

Methods

A retrospective study of 1240 patients with choledocholithiasis who underwent laparoscopic procedures between 2011 and 2019 was conducted. Patients were divided into the young group (<65 years old, n = 708) and the elderly group (≥65 years old, n = 532). Perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with primary closure was successfully performed in 90.20% of the elderly and 94.20% of the young. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding reoperation, postoperative bile leakage, residual stones, drainage removal, and postoperative mortality. Compared with the young, the elderly had longer postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.035) and delayed postoperative eating time (p = 0.036) in the matched cohort. Independent risk factors for failed LCBDE‐PC were preoperative pancreatitis (p = 0.018), year of the surgeon's experience (p = 0.008), preoperative C‐reactive protein level (p = 0.034), preoperative total bilirubin (p = 0.021), impacted common bile duct (CBD) stones (p = 0.006), blood loss (p = 0.001), and edema of the CBD (p = 0.001). A novel nomogram for predicting failed LCBDE‐PC in elderly individuals exhibited a sufficient discriminative ability according to the estimated area under the curve (AUC) of 0.869 (95% CI: 0.817–0.921, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with primary closure is safe, feasible, and effective for elderly individuals with choledocholithiasis. Elderly patients with a high risk of failed LCBDE‐PC should be cautious of undergoing LCBDE‐PC.
Conditioning therapy with N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, decitabine and modified BUCY regimen for myeloid malignancies patients prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Tang Yaqiong , Zhang Ziyan , Liu Silu , Yao Yifang , Pan Tingting , Qi Jiaqian , Kang Huizhu , Liu Yuejun , Cai Chengsen , Zhou Meng , He Xuefeng , Hu Xiaohui , Ma Xiao , Wu Depei , Han Yue
Published: March 2023

Conditioning therapy is an essential procedure prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), imposing a great impact on the outcomes of recipients. We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial to assess the outcome of HSCT recipients with myeloid malignancies after receiving the conditioning therapy consisting of modified BUCY (mBUCY), N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), and decitabine. Enrolled patients were randomly allocated to either Arm A (decitabine, day −12 to −10; NAC, day −9 to +30; mBUCY, day −9 to −2), or Arm B (mBUCY regimen followed by stem cells infusion). Seventy‐six patients in Arm A and 78 patients in Arm B were finally evaluated. The results showed platelet recovery accelerate in Arm A, with more patients achieving a platelet count of ≥50 × 109/L than Arm B at day +30 and +60 (p = .004 and .043, respectively). The cumulative incidence of relapse is 11.8% (95% CI 0.06–0.22) in Arm A, and 24.4% (95% CI 0.16–0.35) in Arm B (p = .048). The estimated 3‐year overall survival rate was 86.4% (±4.4%) and 79.9% (±4.7%) in 2 arms, respectively (p = .155). EFS at 3 years was 79.2% (±4.9%) in Arm A and 60.0% (±5.9%) in Arm B (p = .007). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was found to be reversely correlated with platelet recovery, and fewer patients in Arm A displayed excessive ROS within hematopoietic progenitor cells compared to Arm B. In conclusion, the addition of decitabine and NAC to mBUCY is a feasible and promising conditioning therapy for myeloid malignancies patients.
Hematocolpos due to lower vaginal agenesis in an adolescent girl
Authors: Imai Kazunori , Aoyama Kohei , Goto Takato , Kitaori Tamao , Iguchi Toshiyuki , Sasano Hiroshi , Hattori Tomonori , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Saitoh Shinji
Published: March 2023

Background

Hematocolpos due to imperforate hymen is an important differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in early adolescent stage. However, hematocolpos due to lower vaginal agenesis must be considered because the management differs.

Case Presentation

A healthy 11‐year‐old girl presented with a 2‐day left lower abdominal pain history. Her breast development had begun, but she had not reached menarche. Computed tomography showed high absorptive value liquid filling the upper vaginal to uterine cavity, a pale highly absorptive fluid component suggestive of hemorrhagic ascites in the abdominal cavity on both sides of the uterus, and normal bilateral ovaries. Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosed hematocolpos due to lower vaginal agenesis. The blood clot was aspirated with a transabdominal ultrasound‐guided transvaginal puncture.

Conclusion

History‐taking, imaging tests, and appropriate collaboration with obstetrician/gynecologist with awareness of secondary sexual characteristics were crucial in this case.
Construction of Multiform Hollow‐Structured Covalent Organic Frameworks via a Facile and Universal Strategy for Enhanced Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Sainan , Dou Kunkun , Liu Bin , Pang Maolin , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: March 2023

The special structural morphology of hollow covalent organic frameworks (HCOFs) has an important influence on their applications. However, the rapid and precise control of morphology for HCOFs still remains largely challenging. Herein, we present a facile and universal two‐step strategy based on solvent evaporation and oxidation of imine bond for the controllable synthesis of HCOFs. The strategy enables to prepare HCOFs in a greatly shortened reaction time and seven kinds of HCOFs are fabricated by the oxidation of imine bond via hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) generated from Fenton reaction. Importantly, a fascinating library of HCOFs with diverse nanostructures, including bowl‐like, yolk‐shell, capsule‐like and flower‐like morphologies, has been ingeniously constructed. Owing to the large cavities, the obtained HCOFs are ideal candidates for drug delivery, which are employed to load five small molecule drugs, achieving the enhanced sonodynamic cancer therapy in vivo.
Behavioral correlates of fascicular organization: The confluence of muscle architectural anatomy and function
Authors: Dickinson Edwin , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: March 2023

Muscle is a complex tissue that has been studied on numerous hierarchical levels: from gross descriptions of muscle organization to cellular analyses of fiber profiles. In the middle of this space between organismal and cellular biology lies muscle architecture, the level at which functional correlations between a muscle's internal fiber organization and contractile abilities are explored. In this review, we summarize this relationship, detail recent advances in our understanding of this form‐function paradigm, and highlight the role played byThe Anatomical Recordin advancing our understanding of functional morphology within muscle over the past two decades. In so doing, we honor the legacy of Editor‐in‐Chief Kurt Albertine, whose stewardship of the journal from 2006 through 2020 oversaw the flourishing of myological research, including numerous special issues dedicated to exploring the behavioral correlates of myology across diverse taxa. This legacy has seen theThe Anatomical Recordestablish itself as a preeminent source of myological research, and a true leader within the field of comparative anatomy and functional morphology.
Evaluation of suitable reference genes for expression analysis using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in the parasitoid Exorista sorbillans (Diptera: Tachinidae)
Authors: Yang Jin , Jiang Zhe , Xu Qian , Liu Xinyi , Dai Minli , Li Bing , Wei Jing
Published: March 2023

The parasitoid Exorista sorbillans (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a larval endoparasitoid of the silkworm Bombyx mori, causing severe damage to silkworm cocoon industry. It is also an important natural enemy resource of insect pests in agriculture and forestry. Despite their roles in biocontrol and pest status on sericulture, there has been limited research on the functional studies of dipteran parasitoids. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) is the most commonly used to address gene functions. Using qRT‐PCR, stably expressed reference genes under different experimental conditions are required to normalize the expression of target genes. However, no information regarding suitable qRT‐PCR reference genes in dipteran parasitoids has been reported. In this study, we evaluate the expression stability of nine commonly used reference genes in insects including eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1δ (eEF1δ), elongation factor 2, 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), tubulin 3, actin87, ribosomal protein 49 (RP49), ribosomal protein S15, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and TATA‐box binding protein (TBP) in E. sorbillans under different treatments, including tissues, developmental stages, genders, feeding density and pesticide stress, using ∆Ct, BestKeeper, geNorm, Normfinder and RefFinder, respectively. The results showed that the genes RP49, eEF1δ and 18S rRNA were recommended as the most suitable reference genes in E. sorbillans across all experimental conditions. This finding provides the necessary foundation for future functional studies in E. sorbillans and its effective use in both sericulture and pest control.
Clinical and genetic analysis of Vietnamese patients diagnosed with early‐onset Parkinson's disease
Authors: Do Minh Duc , Tran Tai Ngoc , Luong An Bac , Le Linh Hoang Gia , Van Le Tuan , Le Khuong Thai , Van Vo Niem Thanh , Le Thuc‐Nhi Nguyen , Vu Hoang Anh , Mai Thao Phuong
Published: March 2023

Background

Genetic factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, no comprehensive study has described genetic alterations in Vietnamese patients diagnosed with PD. This study aimed to identify genetic causes and their association with clinical phenotypes in a Vietnamese PD cohort.

Methods

A total of 83 patients with early‐onset PD (disease onset before the age of 50) were recruited for genetic analysis using a combination of multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and next‐generation sequencing for a panel of 20 PD‐associated genes.

Results

It was found that 37 out of 83 patients carried genetic alterations, with 24 pathogenic/likely pathogenic/risk variants and 25 variants of uncertain significance. The pathogenic/likely pathogenic/risk variants were mostly detected in LRRK2, PRKN, and GBA, while the variants of uncertain significance were identified in 12 different genes that were studied. The most common genetic alteration was LRRK2 c.4883G>C (p.Arg1628Pro), and patients with PD carrying this variant were found to have a distinct phenotype. Participants carrying pathogenic/likely pathogenic/risk variants had a significantly higher rate of a family history of PD.

Conclusion

These results provide a further understanding of genetic alterations associated with PD in a South‐East Asian population.
Combining regulated and constitutive protein expression significantly boosts protein expression by increasing productivity without affecting CHO cell growth
Authors: Lam Cynthia , Carver Joseph , Ng Domingos , Zhan Dejin , Tang Danming , Kandamkalam Thara , Snedecor Brad , Barnard Gavin , Shen Amy , Misaghi Shahram
Published: March 2023

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are commonly used for the expression of therapeutic proteins. To increase the titer output of CHO production cultures either specific productivity (Qp), growth, or both need to be increased. Generally, Qp and growth are inversely correlated and cell lines with high Qp have slower growth and vice versa. During the cell line development (CLD) process, the faster‐growing cells tend to take over the culture and represent the majority of the isolated clones post single cell cloning. In this study, combinations of regulated and constitutive expression systems were used to supertransfect targeted integration (TI) cell lines expressing the same antibody either constitutively or under‐regulated expression. Clone screening with a hybrid expression system (inducible + constitutive) allowed identification and selection of higher titer clones under uninduced conditions, without a negative impact on cell growth during clone selection and expansion. Induction of the regulated promoter(s) during the production phase increased the Qp without negatively affecting growth, resulting in approximately twofold higher titers (from 3.5 to 6–7 g/L). This was also confirmed using a 2‐site TI host where the gene of interest was expressed inducibly from Site 1 and constitutively from Site 2. Our findings suggest that such a hybrid expression CLD system can be used to increase production titers, providing a novel approach for expression of therapeutic proteins with high titer market demands.
A systematic review of cognitive interventions for adult patients with brain tumours
Authors: Kirkman Matthew A. , Ekert Justyna O. , Hunn Benjamin H. M. , Thomas Michael S. C. , Tolmie Andrew K.
Published: March 2023

Background

Neurocognitive impairments are common in patients with current or previously treated brain tumours, and such impairments can negatively affect patient outcomes including quality of life and survival. This systematic review aimed to identify and describe interventions used to ameliorate (improve) or prevent cognitive impairments in adults with brain tumours.

Methods

We performed a literature search of the Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO and PsycTESTS databases from commencement until September 2021.

Results

In total, 9998 articles were identified by the search strategy; an additional 14 articles were identified through other sources. Of these, 35 randomised and nonrandomised studies were deemed to meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria of our review and were subsequently included for evaluation. A range of interventions were associated with positive effects on cognition, including pharmacological agents such as memantine, donepezil, methylphenidate, modafinil, ginkgo biloba and shenqi fuzheng, and nonpharmacological interventions such as general and cognitive rehabilitation, working memory training, Goal Management Training, aerobic exercise, virtual reality training combined with computer‐assisted cognitive rehabilitation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and semantic strategy training. However, most identified studies had a number of methodological limitations and were judged to be at moderate‐to‐high risk of bias. In addition, it remains unclear whether and to what extent the identified interventions lead to durable cognitive benefits after cessation of the intervention.

Conclusion

The 35 studies identified in this systematic review have indicated potential cognitive benefits for a number of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions in patients with brain tumours. Study limitations were identified and further studies should focus on improved study reporting, methods to reduce bias and minimise participant drop‐out and withdrawal where possible, and consider standardisation of methods and interventions across studies. Greater collaboration between centres could result in larger studies with standardised methods and outcome measures, and should be a focus of future research in the field.
Elemane‐Type Sesquiterpene, Acetonide Derived Polyacetylene and Other Constituents from the Whole Plant of Gymnanthemum theophrastifolium (Schweinf. ex Oliv. & Hiern) H.Rob. and Their Chemophenetic Significance
Authors: Tafouo Tsakou Armelle , Laure Ndontsa Blanche , Carly Nono Nono Eric , Tseme Wandji Nadine , Thierry Mbahbou Bitchagno Gabin , Jules Kezetas Bankeu Jean , Azefack Tapondjou Leon , Sewald Norbert , Ndjakou Lenta Bruno
Published: March 2023

The chemical investigation of the methanol extract of the whole plant of Gymnanthemum theophrastifolium (Schweinf. ex Oliv. & Hiern) H.Rob. (Asteraceae) led to the isolation of a new elemane‐type sesquiterpene (1), a new acetonide derived polyacetylene (2) and a naturally occurring compound (3) from the plant kingdom along with sixteen known compounds (4–19). Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR and MS analysis. This is the first report on the chemical constituents of G. theophrastifolium. Furthermore, compounds 12, 13, and 14 are reported for the first time from the family Asteraceae, while compound 9 is reported for the first time from the genus Gymnanthemum. Thus, the present results provide valuable insights to the chemophenetic knowledge of G. theophrastifolium, which is also discussed in this work.
Bioorthogonal Peptide Enrichment from Complex Samples Using a Rink‐Amide‐Based Catch‐and‐Release Strategy
Authors: van Leeuwen Tyrza , Doelman Ward , van den Kieboom Robin W. R. , Florea Bogdan I. , van Kasteren Sander I.
Published: March 2023

Uptake and processing of antigens by antigen presenting cells (APCs) is a key step in the initiation of the adaptive immune response. Studying these processes is complex as the identification of low abundant exogenous antigens from complex cell extracts is difficult. Mass‐spectrometry based proteomics – the ideal analysis tool in this case – requires methods to retrieve such molecules with high efficiency and low background. Here, we present a method for the selective and sensitive enrichment of antigenic peptides from APCs using click‐antigens; antigenic proteins expressed with azidohomoalanine (Aha) in place of methionine residues. We here describe the capture of such antigens using a new covalent method namely, alkynyl functionalized PEG‐based Rink amide resin, that enables capture of click‐antigens via copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne [2 + 3] cycloaddition (CuAAC). The covalent nature of the thus formed linkage allows stringent washing to remove a‐specific background material, prior to retrieval peptides by acid‐mediated release. We successfully identified peptides from a tryptic digest of the full APC proteome containing femtomole amounts of Aha‐labelled antigen, making this a promising approach for clean and selective enrichment of rare bioorthogonally modified peptides from complex mixtures.
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Pithecellobium dulce Leaf Extract and Its Biological Activities
Authors: Vincent Jacob , Lekha N. Chandra
Published: March 2023

Pithecellobium dulce leaf extract was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the first time. This bio‐synthesized novel material was investigated by UV‐visible spectra, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive analysis by X‐ray. Excellent antibacterial activity was revealed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Significant antifungal activities by the AuNPs were also demonstrated. The analysis of AuNPs by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay proved 100 % toxic effect and the minimum value of half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) indicates that it is safe to be used as drug in the medical field.
Correlation of Experimental and Calculated Reaction Enthalpies with Ligand Donor Strengths
Authors: Löffler Julian , Vanden Broeck Sofie M. P. , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven P. , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: March 2023

Ylide‐functionalized phosphines (YPhos) have recently proven to be strongly donating ligands that enable high catalyst activities in gold(I)‐mediated transformations. We now report on a calorimetric study dealing with the [Au(YPhos)Cl] system and assess YPhos‐Au bond dissociation enthalpies (BDE). Comparison with other commonly used phosphines confirmed the high binding strengths of the YPhos ligands. Furthermore, the values of the reaction enthalpies were shown to correlate with the electronic properties of the ligands measured via the Tolman electronic parameter or the calculated molecular electrostatic potential at phosphorus. Notably, the reaction enthalpies can conveniently be derived by computational methods, thus making these easy‐to‐obtain descriptors for ligand donor property quantification.
Pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy: Current perspectives and questions for future research
Authors: Coughlin Curtis R. , Gospe Sidney M.
Published: March 2023

Pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy (PDE) was historically defined by a dramatic clinical response to a trial of pyridoxine and the re‐emergence of seizures after withdrawal of pyridoxine. Research conducted over the last seven decades has revealed that the phenotype of PDE results from multiple genetic disorders, and the most common disorder, PDE‐ALDH7A1, is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme involved in lysine metabolism. PDE‐ALDH7A1 is characterized by more than epilepsy, as many patients have abnormalities of brain development, and most patients have intellectual and developmental disability. Treatment aimed at the underlying metabolic defect, in addition to pyridoxine supplementation, has improved clinical outcomes. Recently discovered biomarkers and genetic testing allow for the diagnosis of PDE‐ALDH7A1 without the need of a pyridoxine trial and hold the promise for newborn screening. Despite these many advances, PDE‐ALDH7A1 remains a clinical and biochemical conundrum. The increasing use of model systems and an international collaboration of clinician‐scientists are among the reasons to be optimistic that these questions will be answered in the near future and that the clinical outcomes and quality of life will continue to improve for patients with PDE‐ALDH7A1.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization Through Electrocatalysis
Authors: Baroliya Prabhat Kumar , Dhaker Mukesh , Panja Subir , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel Ahmed , Albukhari Soha M. , Alsulami Qana A. , Dutta Arnab , Maiti Debabrata
Published: March 2023

Electrochemically promoted transition metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization has emerged as a promising area of research over the last few decades. However, development in this field is still at an early stage compared to traditional functionalization reactions using chemical‐based oxidizing agents. Recent reports have shown increased attention on electrochemically promoted metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization. From the standpoint of sustainability, environmental friendliness, and cost effectiveness, electrochemically promoted oxidation of a metal catalyst offers a mild, efficient, and atom‐economical alternative to traditional chemical oxidants. This Review discusses advances in the field of transition metal‐electrocatalyzed C−H functionalization over the past decade and describes how the unique features of electricity enable metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization in an economic and sustainable way.
Biomass to Aromatic Amine Module: Alkali Catalytic Conversion of N‐Acetylglucosamine into Unsubstituted 3‐Acetamidofuran by Retro‐Aldol Condensation
Authors: Lin Changqu , Yang Hao , Gao Xin , Zhuang Yue , Feng Caojian , Wu Hongli , Gan Haifeng , Cao Fei , Wei Ping , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: March 2023

Aminofurans are widely used in drug synthesis as aromatic modules analogous to aniline. However, unsubstituted aminofuran compounds are difficult to prepare. In this study, a process for the selective conversion of N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine (NAG) into unsubstituted 3‐acetamidofuran (3AF) is developed. The yield of 3AF from NAG catalyzed by a ternary Ba(OH)2−H3BO3−NaCl catalytic system in N‐methylpyrrolidone at 180 °C for 20 min can reach 73.9 %. Mechanistic studies reveal that the pathway to 3AF starts with a base‐promoted retro‐aldol condensation of the ring‐opened NAG, affording the key intermediate N‐acetylerythrosamine. Judicious selection of the catalyst system and conditions enables the selective conversion of biomass‐derived NAG into 3AF or 3‐acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran.
Novel insights in the pathomechanism of Brugada syndrome and fever‐related type 1 ECG changes in a preclinical study using human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Yingrui , Dinkel Hendrik , Pakalniskyte Dalia , Busley Alexandra Viktoria , Cyganek Lukas , Zhong Rujia , Zhang Feng , Xu Qiang , Maywald Lasse , Aweimer Assem , Huang Mengying , Liao Zhenxing , Meng Zenghui , Yan Chen , Prädel Timo , Rose Lena , Moscu‐Gregor Alexander , Hohn Alyssa , Yang Zhen , Qiao Lin , Mügge Andreas , Zhou Xiaobo , Akin Ibrahim , El‐Battrawy Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is causing sudden cardiac death (SCD) mainly at young age. Studying the underlying mechanisms associated with BrS type I electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in the presence of fever and roles of autophagy for BrS remains lacking.

Objectives

We sought to study the pathogenic role of an SCN5A gene variant for BrS with fever‐induced type 1 ECG phenotype. In addition, we studied the role of inflammation and autophagy in the pathomechanism of BrS.

Methods

Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from a BrS patient harboring a pathogenic variant (c.3148G>A/p. Ala1050Thr) in SCN5A and two healthy donors (non‐BrS) and a CRISPR/Cas9 site‐corrected cell line (BrS‐corr) were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) for the study.

Results

Reductions of Nav1.5 expression, peak sodium channel current (INa) and upstroke velocity (Vmax) of action potentials with an increase in arrhythmic events were detected in BrS compared to non‐BrS and BrS‐corr cells. Increasing the cell culture temperature from 37 to 40°C (fever‐like state) exacerbated the phenotypic changes in BrS cells. The fever‐effects were enhanced by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor but reversed by PKA activator. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) but not increased temperature up to 40°C enhanced the autophagy level in BrS‐hiPSC‐CMs by increasing reactive oxidative species and inhibiting PI3K/AKT signalling, and hence exacerbated the phenotypic changes. LPS enhanced high temperature‐related effect on peak INa shown in BrS hiPSC‐CMs. Effects of LPS and high temperature were not detected in non‐BrS cells.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that the SCN5A variant (c.3148G>A/p.Ala1050Thr) caused loss‐of‐function of sodium channels and increased the channel sensitivity to high temperature and LPS challenge in hiPSC‐CMs from a BrS cell line with this variant but not in two non‐BrS hiPSC‐CM lines. The results suggest that LPS may exacerbate BrS phenotype via enhancing autophagy, whereas fever may exacerbate BrS phenotype via inhibiting PKA‐signalling in BrS cardiomyocytes with but probably not limited to this variant.
Association of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin with cardiovascular disease and retinopathy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Maddaloni Ernesto , Coraggio Lucia , Amendolara Rocco , Baroni Marco G. , Cavallo Maria G. , Copetti Massimiliano , Cossu Efisio , D’Angelo Paola , D’Onofrio Luca , Cosmo Salvatore De , Leonetti Frida , Morano Susanna , Morviducci Lelio , Napoli Nicola , Prudente Sabrina , Pugliese Giuseppe , Park Kyoungmin , Holman Rury R. , Trischitta Vincenzo , Buzzetti Raffaella ,   for the SUMMER Study in Diabetes Group
Published: March 2023

Background

Novel biomarkers of vascular disease in diabetes could help identify new mechanistic pathways. Osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin are key molecules involved in bone and vascular calcification processes, both of which are compromised in diabetes. We aimed to evaluate possible associations of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

Osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin concentrations were measured at enrolment in 848 participants with T2D from the Sapienza University Mortality and Morbidity Event Rate (SUMMER) Study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02311244). Logistic regression models and propensity score matching were used to assess possible associations of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin with a history of CVD and with evidence of any grade of DR adjusting for confounders.

Results

Previous CVD was reported in 139 (16.4%) participants, while 144 (17.0%) had DR. After adjusting for possible confounders, osteocalcin but not osteoprotegerin or osteopontin concentrations were associated with a history of CVD (Odds Ratio [OR] and 95% CI for one standard deviation (SD) increase in osteocalcin concentrations (natural log): 1.35 (1.06–1.72), p = 0.014). Associations with prevalent DR were seen for osteoprotegerin (OR for one SD increase in osteoprotegerin concentrations (natural log): 1.25 (1.01–1.55), p = 0.047) and osteopontin (OR for one SD increase in osteopontin concentrations (natural log): 1.25 (1.02–1.53), p = 0.022), but not osteocalcin.

Conclusions

In T2D, higher serum osteocalcin concentrations are associated with macrovascular complications and higher osteoprotegerin and osteopontin concentrations with microvascular complications, suggesting that these osteokines might be involved in pathways directly related to vascular disease.
Seasonality of pollinators in montane habitats: Cool‐blooded bees for early‐blooming plants
Authors: Herrera Carlos M. , Núñez Alejandro , Aguado Luis O. , Alonso Conchita
Published: March 2023

Understanding the factors that drive community‐wide assembly of plant‐pollinator systems along environmental gradients has considerable evolutionary, ecological, and applied significance. Variation in thermal environments combined with intrinsic differences among pollinators in thermal biology have been proposed as drivers of community‐wide pollinator gradients, but this suggestion remains largely speculative. We test the hypothesis that seasonality in bee pollinator composition in Mediterranean montane habitats of southeastern Spain, which largely reflects the prevalence during the early flowering season of mining bees (Andrena), is a consequence of the latter's thermal biology. Quantitative information on seasonality of Andrena bees in the whole plant community (275 plant species) and their thermal microenvironment was combined with field and laboratory data on key aspects of the thermal biology of 30 species of Andrena (endothermic ability, warming constant, relationships of body temperature with ambient and operative temperatures). Andrena bees were a conspicuous, albeit strongly seasonal component of the pollinator assemblage of the regional plant community, visiting flowers of 153 different plant species (57% of total). The proportion of Andrena relative to all bees reached a maximum among plant species which flowered in late winter and early spring, and declined precipitously from May onward. Andrena were recorded only during the cooler segment of the annual range of air temperatures experienced at flowers by the whole bee assemblage. These patterns can be explained by features of Andrena's thermal biology: null to weak endothermy; ability to forage at much lower body temperature than strongly endothermic bees (difference ~ 10°C); low upper tolerable limit of body temperature, beyond which thermal stress presumably precluded foraging at the warmest period of year; weak thermoregulatory capacity; and high warming constant enhancing ectothermic warming. Our results demonstrate the importance of lineage‐specific pollinator traits as drivers of seasonality in community‐wide pollinator composition; show that exploitation of cooler microclimates by bees does not require strong endothermy; and suggest that intense endothermy and precise thermoregulation probably apply to a minority of bees. Medium‐ and large‐sized bees with low upper thermal limits and weak thermoregulatory ability can actually be more adversely affected by climate warming than large, hot‐blooded, extremely endothermic species.
Moss and underlying soil bacterial community structures are linked to moss functional traits
Authors: Klarenberg Ingeborg J. , Keuschnig Christoph , Salazar Alejandro , Benning Liane G. , Vilhelmsson Oddur
Published: March 2023

Mosses are among the first colonizing organisms after glacier retreat and can develop into thick moss mats during later successional stages. They are key players in N2 fixation through their microbiome, which is an important process for nutrient buildup during primary succession. How these moss–microbe interactions develop during succession is not well studied and is relevant in the light of climate change and increased glacier retreat. We examined how the bacterial communities associated with two moss species of the genus Racomitrium and the underlying soil, as well as moss traits and nitrogen fixation, develop along a successional gradient in the glacier forefield of Fláajökull in southeast Iceland. In addition, we tested whether moss functional traits, such as total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents, moss moisture content, and moss shoot length are drivers of moss and underlying soil bacterial communities. Although time since deglaciation did not affect TN and moss moisture contents, TC and shoot length increased with time since deglaciation. Moss and underlying soil bacterial communities were distinct. While the soil bacterial community structure was driven by moss C/N ratios, the moss bacterial community structure was linked to time since deglaciation, moss C/N ratio, and moss moisture content. Moss N2‐fixation rates were linked to bacterial community composition and nifH gene abundance rather than moss TN or time since deglaciation. This was accompanied by a shift from autotrophic to heterotrophic diazotrophs. Overall, our results suggest that there is little lateral transfer between moss and soil bacterial communities and that moss traits affect moss and soil bacterial community structure. Only moss bacterial community changed with time since deglaciation. In addition, moss N2‐fixation rates are determined by bacterial community structure, rather than moss traits or time since deglaciation. This study on the interplay between succession, mosses, soils, and their bacterial communities will inform future work on the fate of newly exposed areas as a result of glacier retreat.
Machine‐learning‐based optimization framework to support recovery‐based design
Authors: Issa Omar , Silva‐Lopez Rodrigo , Baker Jack W. , Burton Henry V.
Published: March 2023

Recovery‐based design links building‐level engineering and broader community resilience objectives. However, the relationship between above‐code engineering improvements and recovery performance is highly nonlinear and varies on a building‐ and site‐specific basis, presenting a challenge to both individual owners and code developers. In addition, downtime simulations are computationally expensive and hinder exploration of the full design space. In this paper, we present an optimization framework to identify optimal above‐code design improvements to achieve building‐specific recovery objectives. We supplement the optimization with a workflow to develop surrogate models that (i) rapidly estimate recovery performance under a range of user‐defined improvements, and (ii) enable complex and informative optimization techniques that can be repeated for different stakeholder priorities. We explore the implementation of the framework using a case study office building, with a 50th percentile baseline functional recovery time of 155 days at the 475‐year ground‐motion return period. To optimally achieve a target recovery time of 21 days, we find that nonstructural component enhancements are required, and that increasing structural strength (through increase of the importance factor) can be detrimental. However, for less ambitious target recovery times, we find that the use of larger importance factors eliminates the need for nonstructural component improvements. Such results demonstrate that the relative efficacy of a given recovery‐based design strategy will depend strongly on the design criteria set by the user.