bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding H2 Evolution Electrochemistry to Minimize Solvated Water Impact on Zinc‐Anode Performance
Authors: Yang Fuhua , Yuwono Jodie A. , Hao Junnan , Long Jun , Yuan Libei , Wang Yanyan , Liu Sailin , Fan Yameng , Zhao Shiyong , Davey Kenneth , Guo Zaiping
Published: September 2022

H2 evolution is the reason for poor reversibility and limited cycle stability with Zn‐metal anodes, and impedes practical application in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). Here, using a combined gas chromatography experiment and computation, it is demonstrated that H2 evolution primarily originates from solvated water, rather than free water without interaction with Zn2+. Using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) in salt electrolytes, H2 evolution is evidenced to occur at a more negative potential than zinc reduction because of the high overpotential against H2 evolution on Zn metal. The hypothesis is tested and, using a glycine additive to reduce solvated water, it is confirmed that H2 evolution and “parasitic” side reactions are suppressed on the Zn anode. This electrolyte additive is evidenced to suppress H2 evolution, reduce corrosion, and give a uniform Zn deposition in Zn|Zn and Zn|Cu cells. It is demonstrated that Zn|PANI (highly conductive polyaniline) full cells exhibit boosted electrochemical performance in 1 M ZnSO4–3 M glycine electrolyte. It is concluded that this new understanding of electrochemistry of H2 evolution can be used for design of relatively low‐cost and safe AZIBs for practical large‐scale energy storage.
Chemotherapy Mediated by Biomimetic Polymeric Nanoparticles Potentiates Enhanced Tumor Immunotherapy via Amplification of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Guo Yunqi , Fan Yu , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Gaoming , Zhan Mengsi , Gong Junli , Majoral Jean‐Pierre , Shi Xiangyang , Shen Mingwu
Published: September 2022

Construction of multifunctional nanoplatforms to elevate chemotherapeutic efficacy and induce long‐term antitumor immunity still remains to be an extreme challenge. Herein, the design of an advanced redox‐responsive nanomedicine formulation based on phosphorus dendrimer–copper(II) complexes (1G3‐Cu)‐ and toyocamycin (Toy)‐loaded polymeric nanoparticles (GCT NPs) coated with cancer cell membranes (CM) are reported. The designed GCT@CM NPs with a size of 210 nm are stable under physiological conditions but are rapidly dissociated in the reductive tumor microenvironment to deplete glutathione and release drugs. The co‐loading of 1G3‐Cu and Toy within the NPs causes significant tumor cell apoptosis and immunogenic cell death through 1G3‐Cu‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and Toy‐mediated amplification of endoplasmic reticulum stress, respectively, thus effectively suppressing tumor growth, promoting dendritic cell maturation, and increasing tumor‐infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Likewise, the coated CM and the loaded 1G3‐Cu render the GCT@CM NPs with homotypic targeting and T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging of tumors, respectively. With the assistance of programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody, the GCT@CM NP‐mediated chemotherapy can significantly potentiate tumor immunotherapy for effective inhibition of tumor recurrence and metastasis. The developed GCT@CM NPs hold a great potential for chemotherapy‐potentiated immunotherapy of different tumor types through different mechanisms or synergies.
Chinese agriculture in the age of high‐speed rail: Effects on agricultural value added and food output
Authors: Gao Yanyan , Wang Xinping
Published: September 2022

Although evidence shows that roads and conventional railways promote rural development, little is known about the impact of high‐speed rail (HSR) on agricultural output. To bridge this gap, this study explores how the establishment of HSR affects agricultural production. The causal effect was identified by constructing panel data mainly for Chinese counties between 2001 and 2017 using a difference‐in‐differences (DID) framework. The empirical results, after controlling for county‐specific linear trends, reveal that an HSR connection contributes to increasing agricultural value added and food output by approximately 4% and 6%, respectively. Moreover, the effects are mainly driven by increased productivity and adjustments to grain production and economic crops rather than the increased use of observed inputs. These results provide fresh evidence on the effect of transportation improvements on agricultural economies and highlight the need to control nonparallel trends when using the DID method to disentangle the effect. [EconLit Citations: O18, Q13, L92].
Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkenyl C−H Bonds Benzoxylation of Benzofurans by Perester
Authors: He Li , Xu Yongjun
Published: September 2022

A palladium‐catalyzed intermolecular oxidative C−O bond formation for alkenyl C−H benzoxylation of benzofurans has been developed. This catalytic process utilizes perester as both the benzoxylate reagent and the oxidant to form the products in good to excellent yields under room temperature. A plausible mechanism was proposed based on the experimental data and mechanistic studies. It is noteworthy that this transformation performs well when using water as the only solvent.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed [3+3] Annulation/Aldol Condensation in Water: One Pot Synthesis of (E,E)‐4,6‐Bis(styryl)‐Pyrimidines
Authors: Singh Bal Dev , Pandey Jyoti , Khanam Huda , Singh Sameer
Published: September 2022

An efficient and facile one pot synthesis of (E,E)‐4,6‐bis(styryl)‐pyrimidines has been developed. It involves one pot two step reactions in environmentally benign solvent water, where first step involves pyrimidine ring formation from acetylacetone and urea via [3+3] annulation, followed by aldol condensation with differently substituted aromatic aldehyde to give desired (E,E)‐4,6‐bis(styryl)‐pyrimidines in moderate to good yields.
Nickel‐Hydride‐Catalyzed Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Hydroalkylation of Cyclopropenes
Authors: Huang Qingqin , Chen Ya , Zhou Xueting , Dai Lei , Lu Yixin
Published: September 2022

Cyclopropanes are structural motifs that are widely present in natural products and bioactive molecules, and they are also tremendously useful building blocks in synthetic organic chemistry. Asymmetric synthesis of cyclopropane derivatives has been an intensively researched area over the years, but efficient asymmetric preparation of alkylcyclopropane scaffolds remains a challenging topic. Herein, we report a nickel‐hydride‐catalyzed enantioselective and diastereoselective hydroalkylation of cyclopropenes for facile synthesis of chiral alkylcyclopropane motifs. The reported method is efficient and versatile, taking place under mild reaction conditions, and having broad applicability and excellent functional group tolerance.
Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution by Side‐Group Engineered Benzodiimidazole Oligomers with Strong Built‐in Electric Fields and Short‐Range Crystallinity
Authors: Xu Jingyi , Li Wenlu , Liu Weixu , Jing Jianfang , Zhang Kunfeng , Liu Liping , Yang Jun , Zhu Enwei , Li Junshan , Zhu Yongfa
Published: September 2022

The insufficient charge separation and sluggish exciton transport severely limit the utilization of polymeric photocatalysts. To resolve the above issues, we incorporate bountiful carboxyl substituents within a novel benzodiimidazole oligomer and assemble it into a crystalline semiconductor. The photocatalyst is polar, hydrophilic, short‐range crystalline, and capable of both hydrogen and oxygen evolution. The introduction of carboxyl side‐groups adds asymmetry to the local structure and increases the built‐in electric field. Further, accelerated carrier transfer is enabled via the short‐range crystallinity. The superior hydrogen and oxygen production rates of 18.63 and 2.87 mmol g−1 h−1represent one of the best performances ever reported among dual‐functional polymeric photocatalysts. Our work initiates studies on high‐performance oligomer photocatalysts, opening a new frontier to produce solar fuel.
Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Pyritide A2 through Pyridine Ring Synthesis
Authors: Hooper Annie R. , Oštrek Andraž , Milian‐Lopez Ana , Sarlah David
Published: September 2022

Pyritides belong to the ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptide class of natural products that were recently genome‐predicted and are structurally defined by unique pyridine‐containing macrocycles. Inspired by their biosynthesis, proceeding through peptide modification and cycloaddition to form the heterocyclic core, we report the chemical synthesis of pyritide A2 involving pyridine ring synthesis from an amino acid precursor through aza‐Diels–Alder reaction. This strategy permitted the preparation of the decorated pyridine core with an appended amino acid residue in two steps from a commercially available arginine derivative and secured pyritide A2 in ten steps. Moreover, the synthetic logic enables efficient preparation of different pyridine subunits associated with pyritides, allowing rapid and convergent access to this new class of natural products and analogues thereof.
Biosynthesis of the Plant‐Produced Toxin Strychnine Elucidated
Authors: Kandy Sanath K. , Chekan Jonathan R.
Published: September 2022

While natural products isolated from plants have historically been an important source of bioactive molecules, elucidating their biosynthetic pathways has remained a challenging process. Strychnine is the one such compound known for its neurotoxicity and use as a rodent pesticide. Considerable interest has been shown in the synthesis of strychnine for many decades, yet little was known about its biosynthesis. A recent report from the O'Connor lab has solved this long‐standing puzzle using modern transcriptomics and transient expression approaches to uncover each enzyme responsible for the production of strychnine along with an unexpected final non‐enzymatic step.
Perfectly Isotactic Polypropylene upon In Situ Activation of Ultrarigid meso Hafnocenes
Authors: Stieglitz Lucas , Lenz Tim M. , Saurwein Andreas , Rieger Bernhard
Published: September 2022

For more than 40 years, the synthesis of C2‐symmetric indenyl‐based racemic metallocenes for the isoselective polymerization of propylene relied on a tedious separation of the produced rac and meso isomers. Status quo, latter are considered wasteful as they produce atactic polypropylene (aPP) rather than isotactic polypropylene (iPP) if activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). Unexpectedly, the in situ activation of meso hafnocene I yielded perfectly isotactic polypropylene. We verified an isomerization of the meso compound to the corresponding racemic one upon triisobutylaluminum (TIBA) addition via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and established an easy and convenient polymerization protocol, enabling productivities comparable to pure rac‐I if applied to pure meso‐I or a mixture of both isomers. With this established isomerization protocol, the potential yield of iPP was enhanced by more than 400 %. This protocol was also shown to be applicable to other meso hafnocenes and some initial mechanistic insights were received.
Narrowband Emissive TADF Conjugated Polymers towards Highly Efficient Solution‐Processible OLEDs
Authors: Wang Tao , Zou Yang , Huang Zhongyan , Li Nengquan , Miao Jingsheng , Yang Chuluo
Published: September 2022

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) conjugated polymers usually show broad emission spectra due to the large structure relaxation, which is not desirable for high‐quality organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays. Herein, through attaching multiple resonance (MR) induced emitting moiety as pendant onto the polycarbazole backbone, TADF conjugated polymers with narrowband emission are demonstrated. The obtained conjugated polymers exhibit typical TADF characteristics with narrowband emission with full‐width at half‐maximums (FWHMs) of 33–43 nm. The solution‐processed devices employing these polymers as emissive layers realize excellent performances with maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 17.5 %, emission peak at 496 nm and FWHM of 34 nm.
Strategies in synthetic design and structure–activity relationship studies of novel heterocyclic scaffolds as aldose reductase‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Yahya Shaikh , Haider Kashif , Pathak Ankita , Choudhary Akram , Hooda Pooja , Shafeeq Mohd , Shahar Yar Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Heterocyclic scaffolds of natural as well as synthetic origin provide almost all categories of drugs exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as antibiotics, antidiabetic and anticancer agents, and so on. Under normal homeostasis, aldose reductase 2 (ALR2) regulates vital metabolic functions; however, in pathological conditions like diabetes, ALR2 is unable to function and leads to secondary diabetic complications. ALR2 inhibitors are a novel target for the treatment of retinopathy (cataract) influenced by diabetes. Epalrestat (stat), an ALR2 inhibitor, is the only drug candidate that was approved in the last four decades; the other drugs from the stat class were retracted after clinical trial studies due to untoward iatrogenic effects. The present study summarizes the recent development (2014 and onwards) of this pharmacologically active ALR2 heterocyclic scaffold and illustrates the rationale behind the design, structure–activity relationships, and biological studies performed on these molecules. The aim of the current review is to pave a straight path for medicinal chemists and chemical biologists, and, in general, to the drug discovery scientists to facilitate the synthesis and development of novel ALR2 inhibitors that may serve as lead molecules for the treatment of diseases related to the ALR2 enzyme.
Risk factors and prognostic factors for pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with brain metastasis
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Huang Yedong , Chen Fangrong , She Hui , Chen Xiangqi
Published: September 2022

Background

As the studies regarding the brain metastasis (BM) of pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) are insufficient, the present research aims to describe the risk factors and prognostic factors that are related to cancer‐specific survival (CSS) for LCNEC patients with BM.

Methods

The data of LCNEC patients between January 2010 and October 2018 were obtained from the SEER database. Binary logistic regression analyses were utilized to screen the possible risk factors related to BM. Prognostic factors for LCNEC patients with BM were indentified by Cox regression analyses. Moreover, a nomogram was established to predict the 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month CSS rates. The concordance index (C‐index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves were utilized to assess the discrimination and reliability of the model. Clinical decision curves (DCAs) were used to evaluate the clinical benefits and utility of our model.

Results

Totally, 1875 patients were enrolled, with 294 (15.7%) of them having BM at diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that patients with age < 65 (odds ratio, OR = 1.564) and N2 staging (OR = 1.775) had a greater chance of developing BM. Age (≥ 65 vs. < 65: hazard ratio, HR = 1.409), T staging (T1 vs. T0: HR = 4.580; T2 vs. T0: HR = 6.008; T3 vs. T0: HR = 7.065; T4 vs. T0: HR = 6.821), N staging (N2 vs. N0: HR = 1.592; N3 vs. N0: HR = 1.654), liver metastasis (HR = 1.410), primary site surgery (HR = 0.581) and chemotherapy (HR = 0.452) were independent prognostic factors for LCNEC patients with BM. A nomogram prediction model was constructed by incorporating these factors. Using the C‐index, calibration curves, ROC curves, and DCAs, we found that the clinical prediction model performed well.

Conclusion

We described the risk factors and prognostic factors that were associated with CSS for LCNEC patients with BM. The related nomogram was established and validated to help clinicians formulate more rational and effective treatment strategies.
Solid‐Liquid Mass Transfer of an Array of Separated Parallel Corrugated Plates
Authors: Elsobki Amira M. , Fouad Yasmine O. , Zewail Taghreed M. , Zaatout Ahmed A. , El-Ashtoukhy Elsayed Z. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed H. , Sedahmed Gomaa H.
Published: September 2022

A vertical array of corrugated copper plates was tested for its ability to conduct diffusion‐controlled liquid‐solid reactions. The mass transfer coefficient was investigated in terms of solution velocity, physical parameters of the solution, equivalent diameter of the channel, and array height. It was found that the mass transfer coefficient increases with increasing solution velocity and channel equivalent diameter while decreasing with increasing array height. Compared with flow through flat plates under the same conditions, flow across corrugated‐plate channels enhanced the mass transfer rate by a factor of 2–2.72. Dimensionless analysis was used to correlate the mass transfer data. The present work finds wide practical applications in enhancing mass transfer in many processes, such as membrane separation processes, electrochemical processes, heterogeneous liquid‐solid catalytic and photocatalytic reactions, and biochemical reactors in which enzymes or microorganisms are immobilized on such corrugated surfaces.
Photochemically Enhanced Emission by Introducing Rational Photoactive Subunits into an Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogen
Authors: Zhu Qiaozhi , Zhu Yuqing , Liu Weidong , Ping Xinni , Cai Xuting , Zuo Jiaqi , Qian Zhaosheng , Feng Hui
Published: September 2022

Herein, we propose a rational design strategy by introducing photoactive thienyl and pyridyl groups into an AIE‐active tetraarylethene skeleton to achieve highly efficient photochemistry‐activated fluorescence enhancement from dominantly photo‐physical aggregation‐induced emission behavior, and prove that such photoactivated fluorescence enhancement is perfectly suited for superstable photocontrollable dual‐mode patterning applications in both solution and solid matrix. It is found that the photoactivated fluorescence of designed AIEgen is attributed to the irreversible cyclized‐dehydrogenation reaction under UV irradiation, and the oxidation product has a brighter fluorescence in both solution and solid states owning to its rigid and planar structure. The overall transformation rate of the AIEgen from its opened form to dehydrogenated form is up to nearly 100 % in a short period of UV irradiation, and the fast transformation and the stable product of this photochemical reaction guarantees super stability of photocontrolled patterning, which can be applied in photoactivated dual‐mode patterning and advanced anti‐counterfeiting.
Pnictogen‐Bridged Diphenyl Sulfones as Photoinduced Pnictogen Bond Forming Emission Motifs
Authors: Fujii Toshiki , Kusukawa Takahiro , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: September 2022

In this study, pnictogen (Pn)‐bridged diphenyl sulfones were synthesized as motifs for photoinduced dynamic rearrangement. The newly synthesized sulfones exhibited dual fluorescence at 298 K. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the longer‐wavelength fluorescence was derived from the geometries after structural relaxation through photo‐driven pnictogen bond formation between the O atom lone pair of the sulfonyl moiety and the antibonding orbital of the Pn−C bond. This is the first report on emission dynamics driven by pnictogen bond formation upon photoexcitation.
Single‐Metal‐Encapsulated Double‐Cage [Pt@Sn17]4−: An Exception from Group 14 Endohedral Clusters
Authors: Xu Hong‐Lei , Studvick Chad , Liu Chao , Xue Yuan , Popov Ivan A. , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: September 2022

Group 14 endohedral clusters containing a metal center inside usually possess a single cage topological structure, but here an unexpected single‐metal‐filled double‐cage cluster, [Pt@Sn17]4− (1 a) is reported. It can be seen as a combination of the more extended Pt‐filled [Pt@Sn9] cage and hollow [Sn9] cage sharing a central Sn atom, which is offset from the central position. This double‐cage species represents the largest group 14 intermetalloid cluster encapsulating a single transition metal atom. DFT calculations show that the capsule‐like architecture of [Sn17]4−, similar to that found in [Pt2@Sn17]4−, is unstable if filled with a single Pt atom and collapses to the title cluster 1 a upon geometry optimization. Deviation of the central Sn atom occurs due to the vibronic coupling as a consequence of pseudo‐Jahn‐Teller distortion leading to the bent Cs‐symmetrical structure, in contrast to the more symmetrical D2d cage previously reported in [Ni2@Sn17]4−.
Long‐Term, Single‐Molecule Imaging of Proteins in Live Cells with Photoregulated Fluxional Fluorophores
Authors: Eördögh Ádám , Martin Annabell , Rivera‐Fuentes Pablo
Published: September 2022

Single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) can reveal nanometric details of biological samples, but its high phototoxicity hampers long‐term imaging in live specimens. A significant part of this phototoxicity stems from repeated irradiations that are necessary for controlled switching of fluorophores to maintain the sparse labeling of the sample. Lower phototoxicity can be obtained using fluorophores that blink spontaneously, but controlling the density of single‐molecule emitters is challenging. We recently developed photoregulated fluxional fluorophores (PFFs) that combine the benefits of spontaneously blinking dyes with photocontrol of emitter density. These dyes, however, were limited to imaging acidic organelles in live cells. Herein, we report a systematic study of PFFs that culminates in probes that are functional at physiological pH and operate at longer wavelengths than their predecessors. Moreover, these probes are compatible with HaloTag labeling, thus enabling timelapse, single‐molecule imaging of specific protein targets for exceptionally long times.
Potential‐Dependent Pt(111)/Water Interface: Tackling the Challenge of a Consistent Treatment of Electrochemical Interfaces**
Authors: Braunwarth Laura , Jung Christoph , Jacob Timo
Published: September 2022

The interface between an electrode and an electrolyte is where electrochemical processes take place for countless technologically important applications. Despite its high relevance and intense efforts to elucidate it, a description of the interfacial structure and, in particular, the dynamics of the electric double layer at the atomic level is still lacking. Here we present reactive force‐field molecular dynamics simulations of electrified Pt(111)/water interfaces, shedding light on the orientation of water molecules in the vicinity of the Pt(111) surface, taking into account the influence of potential, adsorbates, and ions simultaneously. We obtain a shift in the preferred orientation of water in the surface oxidation potential region, which breaks with the previously proclaimed strict correlation to the free charge density. Moreover, the characterization is complemented by course of the entropy and the intermolecular ordering in the interfacial region complements the characterization. Our work contributes to the ongoing process of understanding electric double layers and, in particular, the structure of the electrified Pt(111)/water interface, and aims to provide insights into the electrochemical processes occurring there.
Monitoring the Light‐induced Isomerisation of the Prototypical Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons C10H8+ through Ion‐Molecule Reactions
Authors: Jacovella Ugo , Rossi Corentin , Romanzin Claire , Alcaraz Christian , Thissen Roland
Published: September 2022

Structural rearrangements in ions are essential for understanding the composition and evolution of energetic and chemically active environments. This study explores the interconversion routes for simple polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, namely naphthalene and azulene radical cations (C10H8+), by combining mass spectrometry and vacuum ultraviolet tunable synchrotron radiation through the chemical monitoring technique. Products of ion‐molecule reactions are used to probe C10H8+ structures that are formed as a function of their internal energies. Isomerisation from azulene radical cation towards naphthalene radical cation in a timescale faster than 80 μs was monitored, whereas no reverse isomerisation was observed in the same time window. When energising C10H8+ with more than 6 eV, the reactivity of C10H8+ unveils the formation of a new isomeric group with a contrasted reactivity compared with naphthalene and azulene cations. We tentatively assigned these structures to phenylvinylacetylene cations.
Therapeutic potential and research progress of diosgenin for lipid metabolism diseases
Authors: Zhang Shi‐Zhao , Liang Peng‐Peng , Feng Ya‐Nan , Yin Guo‐Liang , Sun Feng‐Cui , Ma Chao‐Qun , Zhang Feng‐Xia
Published: September 2022

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, is a natural product found in many plants. Diosgenin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and has been used to treat cancer, nervous system diseases, inflammation, and infections. Numerous studies have shown that diosgenin has potential therapeutic value for lipid metabolism diseases via various pathways and mechanisms, such as controlling lipid synthesis, absorption, and inhibition of oxidative stress. These mechanisms and pathways have provided ideas for researchers to develop related drugs. In this review, we focus on data from animal and clinical studies, summarizing the toxicity of diosgenin, its pharmacological mechanism, recent research advances, and the related mechanisms of diosgenin as a drug for the treatment of lipid metabolism, especially in obesity, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. This systematic review will briefly describe the advantages of diosgenin as a potential therapeutic drug and seek to enhance our understanding of the pharmacological mechanism, recipe‐construction, and the development of novel therapeutics against lipid metabolism diseases.
Therapeutic potential of cranberry for kidney health and diseases
Authors: Amin Ruhul , Thalluri Chandrashekar , Docea Anca Oana , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Calina Daniela
Published: September 2022

A higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in persons with chronic renal failure (CRF) is linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular aging, and gut dysbiosis, to name a few contributing factors. According to a growing body of evidence, some dietary choices may reduce the severity of certain adverse effects. Specialized databases such as PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and UpToDate were searched to find published studies that focus on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of cranberries’ bioactive compounds on CRF and human health. Cranberry supplementation has been demonstrated in clinical research to offer health advantages for humans, such as reducing urinary tract infections. Recently, it has been reported that cranberry polyphenols possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects and are also known to have the capacity to affect gut flora. Scientific studies on the beneficial pharmacological effects of cranberries on human health may provide an understanding of traditional cranberry therapy in chronic kidney disease and other chronic conditions. However, translational studies are needed to determine the exact dose that can be administered to humans as well as the validation of nutritional supplements that contain cranberry extract.
Rational Synthesis of an Unsymmetric Pt Complex Unit Having Two Kinds of Pyrazolate Ligands: Elucidating Steric and Electronic Effects of Pyrazolate Ligands in Pt‐Ag Sandwich Complexes
Authors: Horiuchi Shinnosuke , Yang Yiming , Ueda Misa , Sakuda Eri , Arikawa Yasuhiro , Umakoshi Keisuke
Published: September 2022

Herein we report the rational synthesis of an unsymmetric Pt complex containing two different pyrazole ligands and a selective formation of Z‐shaped Pt2Ag2 complex using the unsymmetric Pt complex unit, whose structures were undoubtedly revealed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis in the solid state and NMR analysis in the solution state. The selective formation of the unsymmetric Pt and Pt2Ag2 complexes enable us to reveal that the steric effect from the pyrazole ligands determine the orientation of the Pt complex units but hardly influence on the photophysical properties of the complexes. The TD‐DFT calculations of the Pt and Pt2Ag2 complexes supported the small electronic contributions of pyrazole moieties. This synthetic route will build up a new strategy to obtain new types of precious metal sandwich complexes.
Electrochemical Immunosensors: The Evolution from Elisa to EμPADs
Authors: Ochoa‐Ruiz Andrea Gabriela , Parra Guillermo , López‐Espinoza Diego , Astudillo Pablo , Galyamin Dmitry , Sabaté Neus , Esquivel Juan Pablo , Vallejo‐Cardona Alba Adriana
Published: September 2022

Electrochemical immunosensors comprise the merging of two different disciplines: molecular biology and electrochemistry. This review explains in depth the main parts of electrochemical immunosensors and how the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been integrated into sophisticated “lab‐on‐a‐chip” and “point‐of‐care” devices. It also reviews how nanotechnology has been a powerful tool for achieving lower detection limits, more signal amplification, and constructing label‐free devices. It finally explores the new perspectives on electrochemical immunosensors to integrate them in novel paper microfluidic devices called EμPADs. Colleagues introducing themselves to the topic for the first time will find in this review a comprehensive revision of how the basics of the technology have given rise to the emerging topic of EμPADs.
Validierung des anisotropen visko ISA Modells (AVISA) für bindige Böden
Authors: Tafili Merita , Triantafyllidis Theodoros , Wichtmann Torsten
Published: September 2022

Das Bauen auf bindigen Böden stellt trotz fortgeschrittener Ausführungstechnologien immer noch eine Herausforderung dar. Vor allem sind die Werkzeuge zur Prognostizierung der Langzeitverformungen des feinkörnigen Bodens beschränkt, wenn es um zyklische Belastungszustände in Verbindung mit dem zeitabhängigen Verhalten bindiger Böden geht. Solche Fragestellungen ergeben sich z. B. bei Offshore‐Konstruktionen oder auch bei Staumauern oder Widerlagern von Brückenkonstruktionen. Aufgrund des komplexen Einflusses der Belastungsrate, der Vorbelastung und der Struktur des Bodens ist es notwendig, die Auswirkungen dieser Einflüsse auf bindige Materialien durch Laborversuche zu verstehen und durch akkurate und physikalisch basierte konstitutive Gleichungen numerisch zu beschreiben.

In diesem Aufsatz soll ein neues Modell, entwickelt in der Promotion der Erstautorin, validiert werden. Die Leistung des anisotropen visko ISA Modells (AVISA) wurde bisher an Experimenten verschiedener feinkörniger Böden unter Beweis gestellt. Hier wird eine neue experimentelle Studie an Malaysia Kaolin für die Validierung des Modells benutzt. Außerdem wird die Reproduzierbarkeit der sog. Krey‐und‐Tiedemann‐Parameter
, c′ und φ′ durch Simulationen von einfachen Rahmenscherversuchen untersucht.
Braille literacy as a human right: A challenge to the “inefficiency” argument against braille instruction
Authors: Harris Lindsay N. , Gladfelter Allison , Santuzzi Alecia M. , Lech Iwona B. , Rodriguez Rocío , Lopez Luis E. , Soto Dawn , Li Ailing
Published: September 2022

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) affirms a right to education for disabled persons and aims to ensure braille instruction for blind individuals. However, there is evidence that braille instruction is often circumvented or abandoned early in CRPD nations because it is perceived as an inefficient learning medium for blind students. This perception persists despite insufficient empirical evidence and a lack of understanding of the efficiency of reading versus listening for learning in sighted individuals. We therefore investigated the efficiency of learning written versus spoken words in blind and sighted samples. Participants (23 blind, 20 sighted) studied the written definitions of 70 rare English words in successive rounds, presented in conjunction with written or spoken wordforms. Blind participants learned with equal efficiency across modalities, whereas sighted participants learned spoken words more efficiently. The findings indicate the inefficiency argument against teaching braille is groundless, both because braille word learning is not less efficient than auditory word learning for blind individuals, and because reading is valued in the education of sighted individuals despite its apparent inefficiency in that population.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma presenting as microangiopathic hemolytic anemia: A rare case report
Authors: Candar Omer , Ekinci Omer , Merter Mustafa , Aslan Mehmet , Aras Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) defines a group of disorders characterized by the formation of microthrombi in capillaries and arterioles and the fragmentation of erythrocytes that pass through. Cancer‐related MAHA is a rare but serious condition that is encountered in patients diagnosed with a malignancy. This clinical picture is thought to be linked to certain tumor characteristics; particularly, adenocarcinoma histology, vascular invasion, and bone marrow infiltration. MAHA is most commonly associated with tumors of gastric, prostate, and breast origin. The optimal treatment is not clear; however, there is evidence for the importance of promptly starting an effective antineoplastic regimen and it was also reported that administering therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) therapy for immunocomplex removal could be beneficial for patients with symptoms of bleeding and thrombosis. Here, we present a case that presented a picture of MAHA secondary to gastric signet‐ring cell adenocarcinoma (SRCC). The clinical picture was initially evaluated as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the patient benefited significantly from the TPE treatment administered before the adenocarcinoma diagnosis was confirmed. In this period, epistaxis stopped, platelet count increased from 25 × 109/L to 162 × 109/L, fragmented erythrocyte rate in the peripheral smear decreased by more than 75% and other laboratory findings of hemolysis (LDH, bilirubin, etc.) significantly improved.
Readiness to implement screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment in school‐based health centers
Authors: Sebastian Rachel A. , Gunderson Lara M. , Ramos Mary M. , Willging Cathleen E.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the readiness of a university‐based school‐based health center (SBHC) program to implement the screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) model. We completed preimplementation surveys and interviews with providers, staff, and administrators at participating SBHCs (N = 19) to measure current protocols for and barriers to addressing adolescent substance use and barriers and facilitators to implementing SBIRT. We used the R = MC2 heuristic (readiness equals motivation, general organizational capacity, and innovation‐specific capacity) to interpret findings from the data. Using the R = MC2 heuristic, we identified factors that may aid implementation, including the prioritization of substance use and a supportive organizational culture, as well as potential barriers, including competing high‐priority health issues and a lack of resources for innovation. This study contributes to the emerging literature on the implementation of the SBIRT model with adolescents and in SBHCs and demonstrates the practical applicability of the R = MC2 heuristic for assessing implementation readiness. SBHCs are ideal locations for addressing substance use but SBHC providers also face unique challenges when implementing the SBIRT model.
Conflicts in the framing of conflicts: The case of community investment in a mining company in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mària Josep F. , Goodman Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Conflict in firm–community relations is widespread and persistent. Diverse cultures and mindsets, particularly among extractives companies and local communities, pose a particularly challenging environment. Previous research offers insights into how to categorise and resolve conflicts. However, this paper addresses conflicts where the actors involved disagree on the frame of the conflict, thereby rendering the associated solutions inappropriate for one or both of the parties involved. We use examples from the Social Community Fund of a mining firm in the DRC to nuance previous work on conflict frames and develop a revised model that has implications for theory and practice.
Circulating rotavirus P[8]‐lineage IV, unlike P[8]‐lineage III, significantly related to nonsecretors status in Iranian children
Authors: Farahmand Mohammad , Latifi Tayebeh , Kachooei Atefeh , Jalilvand Somayeh , Shoja Zabihollah
Published: September 2022

Rotavirus (RV) P[8] strains are responsible for the most of the RV infections globally and are significantly associated with the secretor and Lewis positive status. Among the distinct P[8] lineages, different ligand affinities have been detected which can be linked to differences in secretor status associated histo‐blood group antigens (HBGAs). Herein, we report the lineages of P[8] strains and their associated secretor and Lewis antigen phenotypes in Iranian children. The phylogenetic tree and sequence analyses showed that the most common detected RV P[8] strain belonged to P[8]‐lineage III (92%) and were significantly associated with secretor and Lewis positive status. In contrast, 8% of P[8] strains clustered into the P[8]‐lineage IV and were significantly associated with nonsecretor status, implying that lineage IV tends to infect nonsecretor individuals. Furthermore, protein modeling and amino acid analyses of the VP8* glycan binding site of Iranian P[8]‐lineage IV strains indicated two residual substitutions (T184V and N216V/I) compared to the P[8]‐lineage III strains that might have affected the glycan affinity among P[8]‐lineages IV strains. The corresponding residual changes might permit their continued transmission in nonsecretor children in competition with other P[8]‐lineages. Although nonsecretors show natural resistant to P[8] strains, but such residual changes might overcome this natural resistance which in turn might indirectly contribute to the decline in the vaccine efficacy in populations where HBGA polymorphism allows their circulation at high frequency.
Global scenario of Plasmodium vivax occurrence and resistance pattern
Authors: Kaur Davinder , Sinha Shweta , Sehgal Rakesh
Published: September 2022

Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax is comparatively less virulent than Plasmodium falciparum, which can also lead to severe disease and death. It shows a wide geographical distribution. Chloroquine serves as a drug of choice, with primaquine as a radical cure. However, with the appearance of resistance to chloroquine and treatment has been shifted to artemisinin combination therapy followed by primaquine as a radical cure. Sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine, mefloquine, and atovaquone‐proguanil are other drugs of choice in chloroquine‐resistant areas, and later resistance was soon reported for these drugs also. The emergence of drug resistance serves as a major hurdle to controlling and eliminating malaria. The discovery of robust molecular markers and regular surveillance for the presence of mutations in malaria‐endemic areas would serve as a helpful tool to combat drug resistance. Here, in this review, we will discuss the endemicity of P. vivax, a historical overview of antimalarial drugs, the appearance of drug resistance and molecular markers with their global distribution along with different measures taken to reduce malaria burden due to P. vivax infection and their resistance.
WHO SHOULD LEAD DIVERSITY & INCLUSION EFFORTS? NOT WHO YOU THINK
Authors: Rodgers James O.
Published: September 2022

Rodgers says that the most important elements of effective leadership are clarity and vulnerability. He further says that he defines leadership as “selling an idea, concept, or vision so that people willingly follow. When it comes to Diversity & Inclusion/D&I, leaders must be clear about what they see as possible and what they want for their followers. The problem seems to be that too few leaders have a clear concept of diversity and inclusion.” He purposely does not use the term inclusion in this construct: “Notice that I use the term D&I (diversity and inclusion). I introduced the term diversity management in the early 2000s as an indication that D&I has the capacity to improve enterprise performance. I now encourage others to stick with the term D&I and avoid the perpetual language roulette (changing terms without changing outcomes) and word salad (equity [E], belonging [B], justice [J], acceptance [A], empathy [E], etc.). The temptation to change the language when progress is elusive must be resisted.” In his words, D&I is a change effort that includes the following competencies, which in his words are Change management, Conceptual clarity, Relationship building, Leadership skills, Strategy and execution, Trust building, and Language skills.
THE SHARED SISTERHOOD PHILOSOPHY FOR EQUITY IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Authors: Opie Tina , Livingston Beth A.
Published: September 2022

The authors, in trying for better approaches to racial and gender equity, discuss what they call the “Shared Sisterhood” philosophy and approach on “how to achieve equity across genders and racioethnicity (i.e., race + culture combined) grounded in deep introspection and authentic interpersonal connection. In the workplace, equity is achieved via collective action, which means that you work with your coworkers to attain a common goal of equity.” They also note problems that the DEI/diversity, equity, and inclusion industry has had in organizations, even in today’s landscape where we have greater overall awareness of these topics. “With Shared Sisterhood,” they write, “we ask whether the power to change lies in growing and connecting with others and using those connections to foment the dismantling of systemic inequities.” They outline various steps individuals can take, each of which is described in more detail in the article. Some are, in their words: Keep reading; Follow people from different racioethnic groups on social media; and engage with different news sources. These are followed by interpersonal steps, such as Create book clubs or discussion circles to practice Shared Sisterhood exercises, and Create partnerships with other people to hold each other accountable for working toward equity.
ROS‐Responsive Glycopolymeric Nanoparticles for Enhanced Drug Delivery to Macrophages
Authors: Shofolawe‐Bakare Oluwaseyi T. , de Mel Judith U. , Mishra Sushil K. , Hossain Mehjabeen , Hamadani Christine M. , Pride Mercedes C. , Dasanayake Gaya S. , Monroe Wake , Roth Eric W. , Tanner Eden E. L. , Doerksen Robert J. , Smith Adam E. , Werfel Thomas A.
Published: September 2022

Macrophages play a diverse, key role in many pathologies, including inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. However, many therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages suffer from systemic off‐target toxicity resulting in notoriously narrow therapeutic windows. To address this shortcoming, the development of poly(propylene sulfide)‐b‐poly(methacrylamidoglucopyranose) [PPS‐b‐PMAG] diblock copolymer‐based nanoparticles (PMAG NPs) capable of targeting macrophages and releasing drug in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is reported. PMAG NPs have desirable physicochemical properties for systemic drug delivery, including slightly negative surface charge, ≈100 nm diameter, and hemo‐compatibility. Additionally, due to the presence of PPS in the NP core, PMAG NPs release drug cargo preferentially in the presence of ROS. Importantly, PMAG NPs display high cytocompatibility and are taken up by macrophages in cell culture at a rate ≈18‐fold higher than PEGMA NPs—NPs composed of PPS‐b‐poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate). Computational studies indicate that PMAG NPs likely bind with glucose transporters such as GLUT 1/3 on the macrophage cell surface to facilitate high levels of internalization. Collectively, this study introduces glycopolymeric NPs that are uniquely capable of both receptor‐ligand targeting to macrophages and ROS‐dependent drug release and that can be useful in many immunotherapeutic settings.
Foreign firms in the industry frontier and productivity convergence: Importance of proximity and firm attributes
Authors: Sarker Bibhuti
Published: September 2022

This study examines how size and other firm attributes explain establishment‐level productivity catch‐up using an establishment‐level panel dataset from Chile. Results suggest overall productivity convergence with comparatively slower rate to the foreign‐owned component in the frontier. Firms that are small in size, non‐exporter, non‐importer, and low technology‐concentrated demonstrate greater catch‐up rate. Additionally, foreign‐invested firms (FIFs) exhibit faster catch‐up rate to the industry frontier than their domestic counterparts. Finally, geographic proximity to the frontier significantly boosts the catch‐up rate. Results are robust to the inclusion of firm‐level control variables and sample selection bias, and the estimated catch‐up rate is not sensitive to sample size.
Diagnosis and treatment of MN1 C‐terminal truncation syndrome
Authors: Yu Jingjia , Li Chen , Chen Jialin , Ran Qiuchi , Zhao Yingya , Cao Qingxin , Chen Ximeng , Yu Linnan , Li Wenyang , Zhao Zhenjin
Published: September 2022

Background

MN1 C‐terminal truncation (MCTT) is a rare syndrome; only 27 cases have been reported. We report the first case of an 8‐year‐old girl with MCTT syndrome complicated with moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

MCTT syndrome was diagnosed by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and validated by Sanger sequencing. The patient received 2 years of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to relieve sleep apnea and hypoxia, and a reverse sector fan‐shaped expander for maxillary expansion.

Results

WES revealed a de novo MN1 variant, c.3760C>T (p.[Q1254*]). An arachnoid cyst was found in the right occipital brain. The patient presented mild symptoms of classic MCTT syndrome. The patient did not experience hearing loss and only mild intellectual disability. Radiological examinations showed cleft secondary palate, narrow upper arch, narrow upper airway, and mandibular skeletal retrusion. Polysomnography indicated moderate OSA, with an apnea/hypopnea index of 6.8, which decreased to 1 after CPAP during the night. Two‐year maxillary expansion widened the upper arch, and the cleft secondary palate became visible. The mandible moved forward spontaneously, resulting in the improvement of profile and upper airway widening. General physical conditions, such as motor delay, muscle weakness, and developmental delay, were significantly improved two years later.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we discovered a MN1 variant [NM_002430.2: c.3760C>T, p.Q1254*] that causes mild MCTT symptoms compared to other MN1 variants. For patients with MCTT complicated with OSA, multidisciplinary combination therapy can improve maxillofacial development, widen the upper airway and relieve sleep apnea, improving the general physical condition.