bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult‐size interface during non‐invasive ventilation for a child with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: Maintaining principle on a different population
Authors: Alfraij Abdulla , Alajmi Mohsen
Published: January 2023

Acute respiratory failure is a common pediatric condition requiring respiratory support invasively or non‐invasively. Limited access to proper size interface in pediatrics causes a significant drawback from using non‐invasive ventilation. We report a successful use of an adult‐size nasal interface by fitting a child's oro‐nasal area to ventilate him non‐invasively.
Albright hereditary osteodystrophy: Delay in the diagnosis of a rare disorder due to restricted medical services
Authors: Noor Sahar , Hakimzada Nasrin , Safi Nijatullah , Alikozai Sultan Mahmood , Rasooli Abdul Jamil , Jalalzai Tooryalai , Siddiqui Qais , Sestani Ahmad Jalil , Nasir Najla , Noor Sarah , Haidary Ahmed Maseh , Khalid Saifullah
Published: January 2023

A teenage Afghan girl presented with seizure. Clinical features and laboratory investigations revealed elevated serum parathormone, high phosphate levels with low serum calcium. In third‐world countries, diagnosis of rare disorders, such as Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO), can usually be delayed due to scarcity of standard medical and diagnostic services.
Intraosseous lipoma of Calcaneum: A rare incidental finding
Authors: Lamichhane Bishesh , Lamichhane Saral , Shah Roshan , Yadav Mamata , Pant Sujata
Published: January 2023

Intraosseous lipoma is a rare benign lesion of bone. We present a case of an intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneum detected as an incidental finding, as a well‐delineated osteolytic lesion with the central area of calcification, on plain radiography. Diagnosis can be done with a computed tomography scan and/or magnetic resonance imaging.
Left ventricular pseudoaneurysmectomy in patient without hemodynamic instability: A case report
Authors: Bakhutashvili Zviad , Janelidze Lia , Beria Kakhaber , Bakashvili Nana , Kuridze Nika
Published: January 2023

We present a case of a 66‐year‐old male with a history of two previous diagnoses of myocardial infarction, followed by drug‐eluting stent implantation. During the check‐up, he complained of dyspnea, fatigue, and dizziness. Echocardiography revealed a massive left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVP). According to the patient's clinical manifestations and radiologic data, urgent surgical intervention was performed. Postoperatively, several complications appeared, which were managed successfully. The patient was discharged in stable condition. This is an interesting case of massive LVP without hemodynamic instability.
Tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Fukushima Shinnosuke , Ocho Kazuki , Fujita Koji , Hagiya Hideharu , Otsuka Fumio
Published: January 2023

Tuberculous meningitis is possibly complicated with multiple cerebral infarctions and basal meningitis, and the mortality and neurological prognosis is reportedly poor. This case suggested that clinicians should consider tuberculous meningitis as a differential diagnosis of patients with disturbed consciousness in an aging country Japan.
Primary aortoduodenal fistula presenting as a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Rejab Haitham , Fendri Sami , Bouzid Ahmed , Dammak Ayman , Ben Jemaa Hela , Trigui Ayman , Boujelben Salah
Published: January 2023

Primary aortoduodenal fistula (ADF) is a serious life‐threatening condition. Unlike secondary ADF which occurs in patients who had previous aortic prosthetic reconstruction, primary ADF is uncommon. Its diagnosis is often unsuspected until surgery or postmortem. We report a rare case of primary ADF presenting as massive gastrointestinal bleeding.
High‐Content Hydroxyapatite Carbon Composites for the Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metal Cations in Water
Authors: Magni Mirko , Sironi Davide , Ferri Michele , Trasatti Stefano , Campisi Sebastiano , Gervasini Antonella , Papacchini Maddalena , Cristiani Pierangela
Published: January 2023

The great performance of nanostructured hydroxyapatite (Hap) in adsorbing heavy metal cations with the good electrical conductivity of high‐surface carbon materials was here combined for the crafting of high‐content hydroxyapatite electrodes (Hap 84–96 wt.%) endowed with the synergistic capability of detection and adsorption of heavy metal cations by water solutions. To improve the sustainability of the sensor, a mesoporous carbon (derivable by bio‐waste) was selected as scaffold for depositing Hap by simply co‐precipitation. The composite with 92 wt.% of Hap, which exhibited ca. 1 : 1 ratio between the exposed area of Hap and carbon (by Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method), invariably showed an average stripping oxidation peak intensity of ca. 250 μA cm−2 and 150 μA cm−2 for a 50 μM Pb2+ and Cu2+ solution, respectively. Control experiments showed that the above sensor outperformed the sensibility of two low‐content Hap electrodes (4 and 8 wt.%), representative of the best performing Hap‐carbon composites available in literature.
Electrocatalytic Aldehyde Oxidation by a Tungsten Dependent Aldehyde Oxidoreductase from Aromatoleum Aromaticum
Authors: Kalimuthu Palraj , Hege Dominik , Winiarska Agnieszka , Gemmecker Yvonne , Szaleniec Maciej , Heider Johann , Bernhardt Paul V.
Published: January 2023

In contrast to their molybdenum dependent relatives, tungsten enzymes operate at significantly lower redox potentials, and in some cases they can carry out reversible redox transformations of their substrates and products. Still, the electrochemical properties of W enzymes have received much less attention than their Mo relatives. Herein we analyse the tungsten enzyme aldehyde oxidoreductase (AOR) from the mesophilic bacterium Aromatoleum aromaticum which has been immobilised on a glassy carbon working electrode. This generates a functional system that electrochemically oxidises a wide variety of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes in the presence of the electron transfer mediators benzyl viologen, methylene blue or dichlorophenol indophenol. Simulation of the cyclic voltammetry has enabled a thorough kinetic analysis of the system, which reveals that methylene blue acts as a two‐electron acceptor. In contrast, the other two mediators act as single electron oxidants. The different electrochemical driving forces imparted by these mediators also lead to significantly different outer sphere electron transfer rates with AOR. This work shows that electrocatalytic aldehyde oxidation can be achieved at a low applied electrochemical potential leading to an extremely energy efficient catalytic process.
Syntheses and Biofilm Reducing Effects of l‐Dopa‐Derived Analogues of the Fungal Macrocidins A and Z
Authors: Pezolt Christine , Karau Annika , Schobert Rainer , Schrey Hedda
Published: January 2023

Four analogues of the fungal metabolites macrocidin A and Z, featuring [13]para‐ or [13]metacyclophanes, were synthesised from fully and orthogonally protected l‐dopa instead of l‐tyrosine. They were tested for antibiotic activities and for effects on the growth and persistence of microbial biofilms. Tentative structure‐activity relationships and distinct differences when compared with the natural lead compounds were identified.
Catalyst‐Free Thia‐Michael Addition to α‐Trifluoromethylacrylates for 3D Network Synthesis
Authors: Berne Dimitri , Lemouzy Sébastien , Guiffrey Pascale , Caillol Sylvain , Ladmiral Vincent , Manoury Eric , Poli Rinaldo , Leclerc Eric
Published: January 2023

Thia‐Michael additions (1,4‐additions of a thiol to a Michael acceptor) are generally catalyzed by an external Brønsted or Lewis base. A spontaneous (uncatalyzed) Michael addition of thiols to α‐trifluoromethyl acrylates is described, as well as its application to the very efficient preparation of a thermoset. A thorough mechanistic investigation, based on an experimental kinetic study and on DFT calculations, is presented for the addition of arene‐ and alkanethiols to tert‐butyl trifluoromethyl acrylate in polar aprotic solvents, unveiling a probable solvent‐assisted proton transfer in the rate‐determining step and a considerable lowering of the energy barrier induced by the CF3 group.
The Prominence of Facilitator π‐Holes: The Classic N←N Pnictogen Bonding in Nitrobenzene‐Ammonia Dimer with its Structural Elucidation and Experimental Characterization at Low Temperatures
Authors: Chandra Swaroop , Mahapatra Nandalal , Ramanathan N. , Sundararajan K.
Published: January 2023

The nitrogen of nitro group is a paradigmatic pnictogen due the presence of a π‐hole and a number of studies have been performed recently on prototypical nitromethane (NM). Homodimers and heterodimers of NM are sustained by π‐hole driven pnictogen bonds hosted by nitrogen. To understand the effect of substitution on this π‐hole and thus the pnictogen bond, heterodimers of nitrobenzene (NB; phenyl substitution in place of methyl) with ammonia (AM) have been probed, as a test case, using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy and ab initio computations. Of the four structures optimized on the potential energy surface the energetically dominant global minimum, stabilized by π‐hole driven O=N←N pnictogen bonding with co‐operative N−H←O hydrogen bonding, was experimentally identified at low temperatures. A comparison of the pnictogen bonding of NB‐AM dimers with NM counterpart (NM‐AM dimers) divulged the dominance of electrostatic origin of pnictogen bonding in both the class of dimers. The reduced strength of pnictogen bonding in NB‐AM dimers in comparison to NM‐AM dimers was discerned, which has been established to be a consequence of the reduced electrostatic potential at the π‐hole of NB relative to that in NM. The strength of π‐hole driven pnictogen bond was directly correlated with the binding energy and the infrared shifts in the signature vibrational bands of the NB, NM and AM submolecules due to dimerization under matrix isolated conditions at low temperatures.
A Single‐dose, Two‐Period Crossover Bioequivalence Study Comparing Two Liraglutide Formulations in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Feng Shiyin , Cai Linrui , Wang Xiaoyan , Yu Qin , Cai Junjie , Hao Wenjing , Chen Zhuo , Su Xu , Du Chunfeng , Zou Qin , Guo Weiyi , Du Dan , Hu Feng , Li Fengshan , Liu Yan
Published: January 2023

Liraglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist, is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The original liraglutide products are costly, which limits patient access to this therapeutic treatment. Herein, a biosimilar was developed that is highly similar to the reference drug in molecular structure and bioactivity, and is expected to have similar pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety profiles in clinical studies. This study aimed to primarily evaluate the bioequivalence of 2 liraglutide formulations and secondarily assess their safety in healthy Chinese subjects following a single‐dose subcutaneous injection. Thirty‐two healthy volunteers were recruited in this randomized, open‐label, single‐dose, 2‐period crossover bioequivalence study (ChiCTR2100043348). The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of the test drug to the reference drug (T/R) and corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for maximum concentration (Cmax) and the area under the concentration–time curve from time 0 to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–t) were estimated using a mixed‐effects model, and bioequivalence was determined to have been achieved if the 2‐sided 90%CI fell within the predefined range of 80%–125%. PK parameters were comparable between T and R, with GMRs of T/R for Cmax and AUC0–t being 105.7% and 107.7%, respectively, the 90%CI of which met the acceptance criteria for bioequivalence. We also observed a similar and favorable safety profile in the T and R arms, with adverse events being predominantly mild in severity and of gastrointestinal origin. Our findings indicate that the test drug is safe and well tolerated, bioequivalent to the reference drug, and warrants further testing in a phase III clinical trial.
First‐principles Density Functional Theory Elucidation of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on TM‐promoted TiC2 (TM=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Os, Ir, Pt, and Au)
Authors: Guo Hengquan , Gu Kang Sung , Geol Lee Seung
Published: January 2023

Single‐atom‐catalyst‐based systems have been attractive by virtue of their desirable catalytic performance. Herein, the possibility of the 15 transition‐metal (TM)‐promoted (TM=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, and Hg) and their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance were investigated on two‐dimensional titanium carbides (TiC2). It is found that the adsorption strength of TMs on TiC2 is stronger than that of TMs on γ‐graphyne and weaker than that of TMs on Ti3C2. Among the fifteen investigated catalysts, Ru−TiC2, Ag−TiC2, Ir−TiC2, Au−TiC2, and Fe−TiC2 exhibits overpotential of −0.18, −0.15, −0.18, −0.17, and −0.04 V, respectively. In addition, the Volmer‐Tafel step was preferred to the Volmer‐Heyrovsky step on Fe−TiC2. This work suggests that Fe−TiC2 is possibly a superior HER electrocatalyst.
Sustainable Polythioesters via Thio(no)lactones: Monomer Synthesis, Ring‐Opening Polymerization, End‐of‐Life Considerations, and Industrial Perspectives
Authors: Narmon An Sofie , van Slagmaat Christian A. M. R. , De Wildeman Stefaan M. A. , Dusselier Michiel
Published: January 2023

As the environmental effects of plastics are of ever greater concern, the industry is driven towards more sustainable polymers. Besides sustainability, our fast‐developing society imposes the need for highly versatile materials. Whereas aliphatic polyesters (PEs) are widely adopted and studied as next‐generation biobased and (bio)degradable materials, their sulfur‐containing analogs, polythioesters (PTEs), only recently gained attention. Nevertheless, the introduction of S atoms is known to often enhance thermal, mechanical, electrochemical, and optical properties, offering prospects for broad applicability. Furthermore, thanks to their thioester‐based backbone, PTEs are inherently susceptible to degradation, giving them a high sustainability potential. The key route to PTEs is through ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of thio(no)lactones. This Review critically discusses the (potential) sustainability of the most relevant state‐of‐the‐art in every step from sulfur source to end‐of‐life treatment options of PTEs, obtained through ROP of thio(no)lactones. The benefits and drawbacks of PTEs versus PEs are highlighted, including their industrial perspective.
Single‐immittance‐network‐based inductive‐power‐transfer systems for driving multistring lighting‐emmiting diodes with current balance
Authors: Huang Zhenwei , Huang Zhicong
Published: January 2023

Multistring arrays of LED in parallel connection are widely applied in lighting fields. Active control and passive methods are utilized to guarantee equal current sharing between different strings with a common voltage source. Compared with active control, the passive methods that adopt purely passive components without real power dissipation are good candidates. Currently, an inductive power transfer (IPT) converter providing a constant voltage (CV) line, followed by some immittance networks that convert the CV line to constant current (CC) outputs, is commonly used to drive multiple LED strings. However, in such a two‐conversion‐stage scheme, the component count is as many as
, where
is the number of LED strings, which deviates from compact, low‐cost, and simple design ideas. To address it, this paper aims to develop a single‐immittance‐network‐based IPT system to drive multistring LEDs with the current balance. The proposed IPT system can directly provide a CV to CC conversion to drive multistring LEDs with the benefits of simplifying the circuit design, size, and cost. The proposed IPT system also features programmable luminous power, zero‐phase‐angle (ZPA) input, IPT technology, and load‐independent‐current (LIC) output. Detailed analysis, implementation, and experiment are presented in this paper.
An improved robust coupled sliding mode control strategy for solar photovoltaic‐based single‐phase inverters
Authors: S Sanal Kumar , S Palanivel , MS Kamalesh
Published: January 2023

Solar photovoltaic (SPV)‐based single‐phase inverters are universally accepted and commercially utilized renewable power converter system. Generally, the magnitude of the inverter output is perturbed on load variations, and the intermediate DC‐DC boost converter output is perturbed because of the solar availability. The main intermediary component is the DC‐Link capacitor. The regulation of DC‐Link voltage is the key factor in maintaining the stability of the system with bilateral power converters. In the existing methods, individual Sliding Mode Control (SMC) are used to maintain the stability of the converters independently. However, the individual SMC's do not have any corelated control to address the common problem of DC‐Link voltage regulation. This paper proposes an alternative solution with Coupled SMC (CSMC) to address the problem of regulating the DC‐Link voltage. Both the Boost‐SMC and Inverter‐SMC are individually developed and controlled in a unified approach by having mutual adjustments in the converter and inverter switching pulses. The CSMC strategy is developed in Matlab and experimented using dSPACE‐MicrolabBox. The validation tests are compared with conventional SMC, which shows the betterment of CSMC in robustness and waveshape tracking.
Microbial degradation products of lurasidone and their significance in postmortem toxicology
Authors: Castle Jared W. , Butzbach Danielle M. , Walker G. Stewart , Lenehan Claire E. , Reith Frank , Costello Samuel P. , Kirkbride K. Paul
Published: January 2023

Recent research reported that lurasidone degrades in unpreserved ante‐mortem human whole blood inoculated with microorganisms known to dominate postmortem blood specimens. In vitro degradation occurred at a similar rate to risperidone, known to degrade in authentic postmortem specimens until below analytical detection limits. To identify the lurasidone degradation products formed, an Agilent 6520 liquid chromatograph quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (LC‐QTOF‐MS) operating in auto‐MS/MS mode was used. Numerous degradation products not previously reported in prior in vitro or in vivo pharmacokinetic studies or forced degradation studies were detected. Accurate mass data, mass fragmentation data, acetylation experiments, and a proposed mechanism of degradation analogous to risperidone supports initial identification of the major degradation product as N‐debenzisothiazole‐lurasidone (calculated m/z [M + H]+ = 360.2646). A standard was unavailable to conclusively confirm this identification. Retrospective data analysis of postmortem cases involving lurasidone identified the presence of the major degradation product in four of six cases where lurasidone was also detected. This finding is significant for toxicology laboratories screening for this drug in postmortem casework. The major postmortem lurasidone degradation product has consequently been added to the LC‐QTOF‐MS drug screen at Forensic Science SA (FSSA) to indicate postmortem lurasidone degradation in authentic postmortem blood specimens and as a marker of lurasidone administration in the event lurasidone is degraded to concentrations below detection limits.
Determinants of departure to natal dispersal across an elevational gradient in a long‐lived raptor species
Authors: Scherler Patrick , Witczak Stephanie , Aebischer Adrian , van Bergen Valentijn , Catitti Benedetta , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: January 2023

Attributes of natal habitat often affect early stages of natal dispersal. Thus, environmental gradients at mountain slopes are expected to result in gradients of dispersal behavior and to drive elevational differences in dispersal distances and settlement behavior. However, covariation of environmental factors across elevational gradients complicates the identification of mechanisms underlying the elevational patterns in dispersal behavior. Assuming a decreasing food availability with elevation, we conducted a food supplementation experiment of red kite (Milvus milvus) broods across an elevational gradient toward the upper range margin and we GPS‐tagged nestlings to assess their start of dispersal. While considering timing of breeding and breeding density across elevation, this allowed disentangling effects of elevational food gradients from co‐varying environmental gradients on the age at departure from the natal home range. We found an effect of food supplementation on age at departure, but no elevational gradient in the effect of food supplementation. Similarly, we found an effect of breeding density on departure age without an underlying elevational gradient. Supplementary‐fed juveniles and females in high breeding densities departed at younger age than control juveniles and males in low breeding densities. We only found an elevational gradient in the timing of breeding. Late hatched juveniles, and thus individuals at high elevation, departed at earlier age compared to early hatched juveniles. We conclude that favorable natal food conditions, allow for a young departure age of juvenile red kites. We show that the elevational delay in breeding is compensated by premature departure resulting in an elevational gradient in departure age. Thus, elevational differences in dispersal behaviour likely arise due to climatic factors affecting timing of breeding. However, the results also suggest that spatial differences in food availability and breeding density affect dispersal behavior and that their large‐scale gradients within the distributional range might result in differential natal dispersal patterns.
Reading the signs: Camera‐trapping provides new insights on scent marking in the large‐antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis)
Authors: Tilker Andrew , Sinovas Pablo
Published: January 2023

We present evidence of scent marking in the large‐antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis). Given the importance of scent marking in individual recognition among ungulates, this behavior may serve to communicate the fitness cost of antagonistic interactions among rival males and could serve as a mechanism for mate assessment among females.
Domestication provides durum wheat with protection from locust herbivory
Authors: Chapuis Marie‐Pierre , Leménager Nicolas , Piou Cyril , Roumet Pierre , Marche Héloïse , Centanni Julia , Estienne Christophe , Ecarnot Martin , Vasseur François , Violle Cyrille , Kazakou Elena
Published: January 2023

Lower plant resistance to herbivores following domestication has been suggested as the main cause for higher feeding damage in crops than in wild progenitors. While herbivore compensatory feeding has also been proposed as a possible mechanism for raised damage in crops with low nutritional quality, predictions regarding the effects of plant domestication on nutritional quality for herbivores remain unclear. In particular, data on primary metabolites, even major macronutrients, measured in the organs consumed by herbivores, are scarce. In this study, we used a collection of 10 accessions of wild ancestors and 10 accessions of modern progenies of Triticum turgidum to examine whether feeding damage and selectivity by nymphs of Locusta migratoria primarily depended on five leaf traits related to structural resistance or nutrient profiles. Our results unexpectedly showed that locusts favored wild ancestors over domesticated accessions and that leaf toughness and nitrogen and soluble protein contents increased with the domestication process. Furthermore, the quantitative relationship between soluble protein and digestible carbohydrates was found to poorly meet the specific requirements of the herbivore, in all wheat accessions, both wild and modern. The increase in leaf structural resistance to herbivores in domesticated tetraploid wheat accessions suggested that resource allocation trade‐offs between growth and herbivory resistance may have been disrupted by domestication in the vegetative organs of this species. Since domestication did not result in a loss of nutritional quality in the leaves of the tetraploid wheat, our results rather provides evidence for a role of the content of plants in nonnutritive nitrogenous secondary compounds, possibly deterrent or toxic, at least for grasshopper herbivores.
TPN10466 ameliorates Concanavalin A‐induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice via inhibiting ERK/JNK/p38 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Zhang Yan , Han Sansheng , Zhuang Wei , Lv Jie , Han Mengyao , Xie Ling , Jiang Xiangrui , Wang Chun , Saimaier Kaidireya , Shen Jingshan , Du Changsheng
Published: January 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) eventually progresses to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, causing irreversible damage to the liver. Concanavalin A‐induced hepatitis in mice is a well‐established model with pathophysiology similar to that of immune‐mediated liver injury in human viral and autoimmune hepatitis, and it has been widely used to explore the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of human immune hepatitis. Artemisinin has been shown to exhibit anti‐inflammatory effects through unclear mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of the artemisinin derivative TPN10466 on AIH. In vitro studies showed that TPN10466 dose dependently inhibited the percentage of IFN‐γ‐producing T cells. Further studies showed that TPN10466 attenuated the disease severity of AIH by downregulating the ability of lymphocytes to secrete IFN‐γ and by reducing lymphocyte number in the liver. In addition, we found that TPN10466 treatment reduced T‐cell responses by inhibiting JNK, ERK, and p38 pathways. In conclusion, our work suggests that TPN10466 provides protection against the autoimmune disease AIH by suppressing the inflammatory response of T cells, suggesting that TPN10466 may be a promising potential agent for the treatment of AIH.
Investigation of Cobalt(III) Cage Complexes as Inhibitors of the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter
Authors: Bigham Nicholas P. , Wilson Justin J.
Published: January 2023

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) mediates uptake of calcium ions (Ca2+) into the mitochondria, a process that is vital for maintaining normal cellular function. Inhibitors of the MCU, the most promising of which are dinuclear ruthenium coordination compounds, have found use as both therapeutic agents and tools for studying the importance of this ion channel. In this study, six Co3+ cage compounds with sarcophagine‐like ligands were assessed for their abilities to inhibit MCU‐mediated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. These complexes were synthesized and characterized according to literature procedures and then investigated in cellular systems for their MCU‐inhibitory activities. Among these six compounds, [Co(sen)]3+ (3, sen=5‐(4‐amino‐2‐azabutyl)‐5‐methyl‐3,7‐diaza‐1,9‐nonanediamine) was identified to be a potent MCU inhibitor, with IC50 values of inhibition of 160 and 180 nM in permeabilized HeLa and HEK293T cells, respectively. Furthermore, the cellular uptake of compound 3 was determined, revealing moderate accumulation in cells. Most notably, 3 was demonstrated to operate in intact cells as an MCU inhibitor. Collectively, this work presents the viability of using cobalt coordination complexes as MCU inhibitors, providing a new direction for researchers to investigate.
O‐Acylative Vinylation of Cyclodextrin‐Based [3]Rotaxane Towards Rotaxane Crosslinkers
Authors: Akae Yosuke , Takata Toshikazu
Published: January 2023

The acylation of a cyclodextrin‐based [3]rotaxane was implemented with anhydride reagents following a facile procedure. Methacrylic anhydride facilitated the introduction of a vinyl‐group into the rotaxane structure toward achieving a crosslinker. Interestingly, only a few methacrylic units were attached to the cyclodextrin at reaction temperatures of up to 60 °C even with an excess amount of the reagent, probably due to steric hindrance. Therefore, the number of vinyl groups on the [3]rotaxane framework was easily controlled to be approximately two units via a simple random acylation, which worked effectively as a facile synthesis route for the rotaxane crosslinker. The acylation behavior was investigated in detail by NMR and MALDI‐TOF‐MS analyses. Such a proposed approach will help overcome the trade‐off between convenience and utility associated with the mono‐modification of cyclodextrins.
An electrochemical sensor based on octahedral composite modified glassy carbon electrode for voltammetric detection of cocaine
Authors: Oveili Elham , Jahani Shohreh , Tayari Omid , Jahanara Abbas , Fazli Zohreh , Aramesh‐Boroujeni Zahra , Rashidi Soroush , Baravati Nadia Rezaei Zade , Foroughi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2023

The current work aimed to fabricate a new cocaine sensor of octahedral palladium‐doped cobaltite composite (Oh‐Pd2+ : Co3O4‐C) using a simple hydrothermal protocol. As‐fabricated cocaine sensing approach was validated by various methods. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were recruited to characterize our charged modified composite. The electrode could sensitively detect cocaine, with a lengthy linear range (0.01 μM–900.0 μM) and a limit of detection (1.3 nM). The quantitative cocaine determination was achieved in the biological specimens using our modified electrode, the results of which displayed admirable outcomes.
Controlled Growth of Hybrid Halide Perovskites by Crown Ether Complexation for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Sun-Ju , Kumar Chitumalla Ramesh , Kim Jong‐Min , Jang Joonkyung , Oh Jin‐Woo , Milić Jovana V. , Seo Ji‐Youn
Published: January 2023

Host‐guest complexation has demonstrated potential for controlling hybrid organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskite materials. In particular, crown ethers have been used due to their capacity to interact with metal cations (e. g., Pb2+) and small organic cations (e. g., methylammonium (MA)), which can affect hybrid perovskite materials and their solar cells. However, this strategy has been underexploited in perovskite photovoltaics, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we investigate the influence of 15‐crown‐5 (15C5) and its benzannulated derivative (benzo‐15‐crown‐5, B15C5), as well as amino‐functionalized analogues (15‐crown‐5)‐2‐methylamine, 2A‐15C5, and 4′‐aminobenzo‐15‐crown‐5, 4A‐B15C5, on MAPbI3 perovskite crystallization and inverted solar cell performance. We demonstrate the propensity of crown ether modulators to interact with Pb2+ cations at the perovskite interface by density functional theory calculations. This has been shown to facilitate oriented crystal growth and homogeneous film formation, as revealed by X‐ray diffraction analysis complemented by scanning electron microscopy. As a result, we demonstrate an increase in the power conversion efficiency of the solar cells of interest to advancing hybrid photovoltaics.
From ancient Egypt to the dermatologic office: An overview of skin substitutes and modern‐day applications in dermatologic surgery
Authors: Tran Alison , Desai Sahira , Mraz Robinson Deanne
Published: January 2023

Skin grafting (specifically xenografting) dates back to as early as 1500 before Christ (BC) in the Ebers papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus. In 1503, the use of human skin allograft was described in the manuscript of Branca of Sicily, and among the Hindu Tilemaker Caste approximately 2500–3000 years ago, surgeons repaired defects secondary to nose amputations of those who committed adultery and thievery. Over the years, many advancements in skin grafts/substitutes and their applications have propelled the field to focus on better graft survival, contracture prevention, cosmesis, and quality of life. We provide a general overview of skin substitutes (SS) with a particular focus on placental SS and their current applications in dermatologic surgery.
Effect of N‐Acetylsphingosine (C2) and the Ceramidase Inhibitor (1S,2R)‐D‐erythro‐2‐(N‐myristoylamino)‐1‐phenyl‐1‐propanol on the Regulation of Sertoli Cell Function
Authors: MERONI SILVINA B. , CÁNEPA DANIELA F. , PELLIZZARI ELIANA H. , SCHTEINGART HELENA F. , CIGORRAGA SELVA B.
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT: In the present study, a possible role of ceramide in the regulation of Sertoli cell function was investigated. Intracellular ceramide levels were increased by adding N‐acetylsphingosine (C2) or by inhibiting ceramidase with (1S,2R)‐D‐eiythro‐2‐(Aknyristoylamino)‐1‐phenyl‐1‐propanol (MAPP). Cultured Sertoli cells were stimulated for 3 days with different doses of C2, MAPP, and their corresponding inactive analogs. The effect of these drugs was evaluated along four well‐known Sertoli cell parameters: lactate and transferrin secretion, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTP) activity, and estradiol production. C2 and MAPP increased lactate production and decreased transferrin secretion. The inactive analogs did not produce any effect. In FSH (follicle‐stimulating hormone)‐stimulated cultures, C2 and MAPP produced a further increment in lactate production and decreased FSH‐stimulated transferrin secretion. No effect was observed under basal or FSH‐stimulated γ‐GTP activity, and both treatments decreased estradiol production in response to FSH. Results obtained in dbcAMP (dibutyryladenosine 3′:5′‐cyclic monophosphate)‐stimulated cultures suggest that the observed effects of ceramide on transferrin secretion are secondary to a decrease in cAMP production, whereas the effects of ceramide on lactate and estradiol productions are post‐cAMP formation regulatory events. In summary, our results show that ceramide can regulate Sertoli cell function. Similar to what has been observed for other signaling molecules, ceramide can interact with the FSH‐dependent pathway, but the precise steps involved in this interaction are still unknown.
The epigenetic regulator BRD4 is required for myofibroblast differentiation of knee fibroblasts
Authors: Dudakovic Amel , Bayram Banu , Bettencourt Jacob W. , Limberg Afton K. , Galvan M. Lizeth , Carrasco Margarita E. , Stans Britta , Thaler Roman , Morrey Mark E. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin , Berry Daniel J. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Abdel Matthew P.
Published: January 2023

Arthrofibrosis, which is characterized by excessive scar tissue and limited motion, can complicate the daily functioning of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Molecular hallmarks of arthrofibrosis include pathologic accumulation of myofibroblasts and disproportionate collagen deposition. Epigenetic mechanisms, including posttranslation modification of histones, control gene expression and may regulate fibrotic events. This study assessed the role of the bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) proteins on myofibroblast differentiation. This group of epigenetic regulators recognize acetylated lysines and are targeted by a class of drugs known as BET inhibitors. RNA‐seq analysis revealed robust mRNA expression of three BET members (BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4) while the fourth member (BRDT) is not expressed in primary TKA knee outgrowth fibroblasts. RT‐qPCR and western blot analyses revealed that BET inhibition with the small molecule JQ1 impairs TGFβ1‐induced expression of ACTA2, a key myofibroblast marker, in primary outgrowth knee fibroblasts. Similarly, JQ1 administration also reduced COL3A1 mRNA levels and collagen deposition as monitored by picrosirius red staining. Interestingly, the inhibitory effects of JQ1 on ACTA2 mRNA and protein expression, as well as COL3A1 expression and collagen deposition, were paralleled by siRNA‐mediated depletion of BRD4. Together, these data reveal that BRD4‐mediated epigenetic events support TGFβ1‐mediated myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition as seen in arthrofibrosis. To our knowledge, these are the first studies that assess epigenetic regulators and their downstream events in the context of arthrofibrosis. Future studies may reveal clinical utility for drugs that target epigenetic pathways, specifically BET proteins, in the prevention and treatment of arthrofibrosis.
Esterase D interacts with metallothionein 2A and inhibits the migration of A549 lung cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Yao Wen , Chen Xinpeng , Cui Xiaoling , Zhou Bangzhao , Zhao Baoxiang , Lin ZhaoMin , Miao Junying
Published: January 2023

Esterase D (ESD) is a nonspecific esterase widely distributed in various organisms. ESD plays an important role in regulating cholesterol efflux, inhibiting viral replication and lung cancer growth. MT2A (metallothionein 2A) is the most important isoform of metallothionein (MTs) in human and high expression of MT2A in tumors represents poor prognosis and metastatic behavior. However, there are no reports about the molecular mechanism of ESD in the regulation of tumor metastasis. In this study, we found for the first time that activation ESD promoted its interaction with MT2A and decreased the protein level of MT2A, which resulting in the concentration of free zinc ions up‐regulated, and inhibited the migration of A549 lung cancer cells in vitro.
Machine‐learning assisted scheduling optimization and its application in quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Ma Yingjin , Li ZhiYing , Chen Xin , Ding Bowen , Li Ning , Lu Teng , Zhang Baohua , Suo BingBing , Jin Zhong
Published: January 2023

Easy and effective usage of computational resources is crucial for scientific calculations, both from the perspectives of timeliness and economic efficiency. This work proposes a bi‐level optimization framework to optimize the computational sequences. Machine‐learning (ML) assisted static load‐balancing, and different dynamic load‐balancing algorithms can be integrated. Consequently, the computational and scheduling engine of the ParaEngineis developed to invoke optimized quantum chemical (QC) calculations. Illustrated benchmark calculations include high‐throughput drug suit, solvent model, P38 protein, and SARS‐CoV‐2 systems. The results show that the usage rate of given computational resources for high throughput and large‐scale fragmentation QC calculations can primarily profit, and faster accomplishing computational tasks can be expected when employing high‐performance computing (HPC) clusters.
Detection of Hg2+ with NBD‐based colorimetric chemosensor: Practical application to water samples and test strips
Authors: Jung Sumin , Moon Sungjin , Kim Cheal
Published: January 2023

A new nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)‐based chemosensor N′‐(7‐nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol‐4‐yl)thiophene‐2‐carbohydrazide (NTCH) was synthesized for detecting Hg2+. NTCH could sense Hg2+ through a color change method from pale yellow to pink. Binding ratio of NTCH and Hg2+ was determined to be 1:1 with the analysis of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and Job plot. Detection limit turned out to be 0.69 μM. In addition, NTCH could be successfully utilized for detecting Hg2+ in real water samples and visible color test strips. The probing mechanism of NTCH to Hg2+ was explained with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titration, Job plot, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and theoretical calculations.
Banter in psychotherapy: Relationship to treatment type, therapeutic alliance, and therapy outcome
Authors: Brooks Adrian B. J. , Baumann Andre W. , Huber Dorothea , Rabung Sven , Andreas Sylke
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The use of humor in psychotherapy is widely considered to improve therapy outcomes and typically depends on context, patient sensitivity, and the therapist's humor style. Different types of humor may impact treatment type, therapeutic alliance, and therapy outcome; however, evidence from psychotherapy sessions on the role of banter has been sparse to date. Therefore, the study aims to examine banter in a secondary analysis of psychotherapy sessions.

Method

The sample consisted of 68 depressed outpatients treated with one of three treatment types: psychoanalytic therapy (PA), psychodynamic therapy (PD), and cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT). Banter and therapeutic alliance were rated for therapy sessions taken from the middle phase of treatment, outcome was assessed at the end of treatment.

Results

The main findings were (1) clinical examples of banter in psychotherapy were found in 62 from 68 sessions, (2) significantly more bantering in the main bantering category of facilitation for CBT sessions as compared to other treatment types, (3) facilitative banter as a significant predictor for the positive introject, (4) a significant correlation between bantering and bond between therapist and client. Furthermore, based on these results, psychometric properties of the Klagenfurt Bantering Instrument (KBI) are reported.

Conclusion

From a bantering perspective, this study emphasizes the need to consider session context, client response, and sarcastic markers when categorizing negative banter using the KBI.
Potential roles of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Shahi Abbas , Afzali Shima , Firoozi Zahra , Mohaghegh Poopak , Moravej Ali , Hosseinipour Ali , Bahmanyar Maryam , Mansoori Yaser
Published: January 2023

There is a heterogeneous group of rare illnesses that fall into the vasculitis category and are characterized mostly by blood vessel inflammation. Ischemia and disrupted blood flow will cause harm to the organs whose blood arteries become inflamed. Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most prevalent kind of vasculitis in children aged 5 years or younger. Because KD's cardiovascular problems might persist into adulthood, it is no longer thought of as a self‐limiting disease. KD is a systemic vasculitis with unknown initiating factors. Numerous factors, such as genetic predisposition and infectious pathogens, are implicated in the etiology of KD. As endothelial cell damage and inflammation can lead to coronary endothelial dysfunction in KD, some studies hypothesized the crucial role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of KD. Additionally, pyroptosis‐related proteins like caspase‐1, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC), proinflammatory cytokines like IL‐1 and IL‐18, lactic dehydrogenase, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) have been found to be overexpressed in KD patients when compared to healthy controls. These occurrences may point to an involvement of inflammasomes and pyroptotic cell death in the etiology of KD and suggest potential treatment targets. Based on these shreds of evidence, in this review, we aim to focus on one of the well‐defined inflammasomes, NLRP3, and its role in the pathophysiology of KD.
Mobility of arsenic and vanadium in waterlogged calcareous soils due to addition of zeolite and manganese oxide amendments
Authors: Indraratne Srimathie P. , Attanayake Chammi P. , Kumaragamage Darshani , Amarawansha Geethani , Goltz Douglas M. , Applin Daniel M.
Published: January 2023

Addition of manganese(IV) oxides (MnO2) and zeolite can affect the mobility of As and V in soils due to geochemical changes that have not been studied well in calcareous, flooded soils. This study evaluated the mobility of As and V in flooded soils surface‐amended with MnO2 or zeolite. A simulated summer flooding study was conducted for 8 weeks using intact soil columns from four calcareous soils. Redox potential was measured in soils, whereas pH, major cations, and As and V concentrations were measured biweekly in pore water and floodwater. Aqueous As and V species were modeled at 0, 4, and 8 weeks after flooding (WAF) using Visual MINTEQ modeling software with input parameters of redox potential, temperature, pH, total alkalinity, and concentrations of major cations and anions. Aqueous As concentrations were below the critical thresholds (<100 μg L−1), whereas aqueous V concentrations exceeded the threshold for sensitive aquatic species (2–80 μg L−1). MnO2‐amended soils were reduced to sub‐oxic levels, whereas zeolite‐amended and unamended soils were reduced to anoxic levels by 8 WAF. MnO2 decreased As and V mobilities, whereas zeolite had no effect on As but increased V mobility, compared to unamended soils. Arsenic mobility increased under anoxic conditions, and V mobility increased under oxic and alkaline pH conditions. Conversion of As(V) to As(III) and V(V) to V(IV) was regulated by MnO2 in flooded soils. MnO2 can be used as an amendment in immobilizing As and V, whereas the use of zeolite in flooded calcareous soils should be done cautiously.
Procoagulant factors and future risk of arterial cardiovascular disease in patients with prior venous thrombosis: A cohort study
Authors: Yap Eng Soo , Lijfering Willem M. , Timp Jasmijn F. , Rosendaal Frits R. , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , Scheres Luuk J. J.
Published: January 2023

Patients with venous thrombosis (VT) are at increased risk of future arterial cardiovascular disease (CVD) (i.e., myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or peripheral artery disease). We investigated whether shared risk factors for VT and CVD are associated with the levels of procoagulant factors (fibrinogen, factor VIII, and von Willebrand factor), and whether the relationship between these risk factors and subsequent CVD was mediated through these procoagulant factors in patients with VT. In a follow‐up study consisting of 4956 patients with VT, 2176 patients (44%) provided blood samples and were linked to the Dutch Hospital registry of Statistics Netherlands to identify hospital admissions or procedures for subsequent CVD. In total, 52 CVD events occurred over a follow‐up of 11,124 years, with an incidence rate of 4.7 per 1000 patient years (95% confidence intervals 3.5–6.1). Increasing age, male sex, smoking history, major illnesses, dyslipidemia, and impaired fasting glucose levels were associated with increased CVD risk. Procoagulant factor levels were also associated with CVD risk. When adjusted for these procoagulant factors, the association between the risk factors and CVD attenuated partially. This study provides evidence that procoagulant factors can partially explain the association between increased risks of subsequent CVD in patients with previous VT.
Antifungal activities of Bacillus velezensis FJAT‐52631 and its lipopeptides against anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: Deng Ying‐Jie , Chen Zheng , Ruan Chuan‐Qing , Xiao Rong‐Feng , Lian Heng‐Ping , Liu Bo , Chen Mei‐Chun , Wang Jie‐Ping
Published: January 2023

This study was aim at investigating antifungal activities of Bacillus velezensis FJAT‐52631 and its lipopeptides against Colletotrichum acutatum ex situ and in situ. The results showed that the strain FJAT‐52631 and its crude lipopeptides (10 mg/ml) exhibited strong inhibitory effects on growth of C. acutatum FJAT‐30256 with an inhibition rate of 75.3% and an inhibition zone diameter of 17.66 mm, respectively. Both the viable bacterial cultures and lipopeptides of FJAT‐52631 could delay the onset of loquat anthracnose by 1 day and lower the incidence of loquat anthracnose in situ. The whole cultures of B. velezensis FJAT‐52631 displayed a 50% biocontrol efficacy on loquat anthracnose at the fourth day after inoculation, but the crude lipopeptides not. The average lesion diameter of the whole‐culture treated group was 5.62 mm, which was smaller than that of control group (6.81 mm). All the three types of lipopeptides including iturin A, fengycin, and surfactin A secreted from the strain FJAT‐52631 exhibited antifungal activities. Among them, surfactin A displayed higher antifungal activity at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL than other two lipopeptides even if at a concentration of 60 mg/mL. Thus, the results indicated that surfactin A produced by FJAT‐52631 played a major role in the biocontrol of the loquat anthracnose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed the structural deformities in the mycelia of C. acutatum. The above results suggested that the antifungal lipopeptides from B. velezensis FJAT‐52631 would be potential in biocontrol against anthracnose disease of loquat caused by C. acutatum.