bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Highest Oxidation State of Rhodium: Rhodium(VII) in [RhO3]+
Authors: da Silva Santos Mayara , Stüker Tony , Flach Max , Ablyasova Olesya S. , Timm Martin , von Issendorff Bernd , Hirsch Konstantin , Zamudio‐Bayer Vicente , Riedel Sebastian , Lau J. Tobias
Published: July 2022

Although the highest possible oxidation states of all transition elements are rare, they are not only of fundamental interest but also relevant as potentially strong oxidizing agents. In general, the highest oxidation states are found in the electron‐rich late transition elements of groups 7–9 of the periodic table. Rhodium is the first element of the 4d transition metal series for which the highest known oxidation state does not equal its group number of 9, but reaches only a significantly lower value of +6 in exceptional cases. Higher oxidation states of rhodium have remained elusive so far. In a combined mass spectrometry, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and quantum‐chemical study of gas‐phase
(n=1–4), we identify
as the
trioxidorhodium(VII) cation, the first chemical species to contain rhodium in the +7 oxidation state, which is the third‐highest oxidation state experimentally verified among all elements in the periodic table.
Self‐assembly of unexpected [Mn(2‐(1‐hydrazonoethyl)pyridine)Cl2]n 1D coordination polymer: Synthesis, structural elucidation, and biological studies
Authors: Khalil Tarek E. , Soliman Saied M. , Khalil Nessma A. , El‐Dissouky Ali , Foro Sabine , Ali M. , Barakat Assem
Published: July 2022

Self‐assembly of (((1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethylidene)hydrazono)methyl)phenol ligand (L1) and MnCl2 proceeded with the hydrolysis of the ligand affording the new [Mn(L2)Cl2]n 1D coordination polymer where L2 is 2‐(1‐hydrazonoethyl)pyridine. The structure of [Mn(L2)Cl2]n was confirmed using FTIR, CHN, and X‐ray diffraction of single crystal. It crystallized in the triclinic P‐1 crystal system with a = 7.0697(9) Å, b = 8.878(1) Å, c = 9.402(2) Å, α = 113.99(2)°, β = 95.48(1)°, γ = 111.77(1)°, and V = 479.13(15) Å3. The Mn(II) is octahedrally coordinated with two nitrogen atoms from L2 and four chloride ions. The chloride anions act as bridging ligand that connect the Mn(II) centers leading to the formation of the 1D polymer. Based on continuous shape (CShM) measure tool, the coordination configuration is closer to the octahedron rather than a trigonal prism. Using Hirshfeld analysis, the Cl … H (29.2%), H … C (13.6%), and C … C (3.7%) contacts are the most important in the molecular packing of [Mn(L2)Cl2]n complex. The ligand L2 has better antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities than the Mn(II) complex. The [Mn(L2)Cl2]n complex has higher cytotoxic effect than L2 against both lung carcinoma A‐549 and lung fibroblast MRC‐5 cell lines. The IC50 and CC50 values of the Mn(II) complex are 26.09 ± 1.76 and 60.40 ± 3.74 μg ml−1, respectively, while 121.23 ± 5.91 and 241.13 ± 13.29 μg ml−1, respectively, for L2.
Design, spectral, thermal decomposition, antimicrobial, docking simulation and DNA binding tendency of sulfisoxazole azo dye derivative and its metal chelates with Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+
Authors: El‐ghamry Hoda A. , Takroni Khadiga M. , AL‐Rashidi Dalal O. , Alfear Elaf S. , Alsaedi Reem A.
Published: July 2022

The present work discusses the synthesis and structure elucidation of azo ligand named 3,4‐dimethylisoxazol‐5‐yl‐4‐((3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl) benzenesulfonamide (abbreviated as MIBS). MIBS ligand has been employed for the synthesis of a series of transition metal chelates in which the transition metal incorporated are Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II). The isolated metal chelates have been demonstrated to be formed in 1:1 (M:L) ratio for all complexes excluding the Cd(II) chelate which have 1:2 (M:L) composition. The mode of bonding of the ligand towards the metal centre has been concluded from inspection of the FTIR spectra of both ligand and complexes, providing that the ligand attached to the meal centres through the carbonyl and deprotonated hydroxyl oxygen atoms. The geometry of the formed complexes has been proved to be tetrahedral for Mn(II), Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) compounds and octahedral for the remaining chelates. Bioassay investigation of the synthesized compounds against Gram‐negative and Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi has been performed in comparison with familiar standard drugs. Among the tested compounds, Cd(II) and Co(II) complexes showed the highest activity against the tested microorganisms, which is in good matching with docking studies. The interaction manner of the isolated compounds with SS‐DNA has been inspected by means of electronic absorption titration and viscosity studies.
Smartphone‐Assisted Patient‐Initiated Care Versus Usual Care in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Low Disease Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Seppen Bart , Wiegel Jimmy , ter Wee Marieke M. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Roorda Leo D. , Nurmohamed Michael T. , Boers Maarten , Bos Wouter H.
Published: July 2022

Objective

We developed a smartphone application for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that allows them to self‐monitor their disease activity in between clinic visits by answering a weekly Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3. This study was undertaken to assess the safety (noninferiority in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate [DAS28‐ESR]) and efficacy (reduction in number of visits) of patient‐initiated care assisted using a smartphone app, compared to usual care.

Methods

A 12‐month, randomized, noninferiority clinical trial was conducted in RA patients with low disease activity and without treatment changes in the past 6 months. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either app‐supported patient‐initiated care with a scheduled follow‐up consultation after a year (app intervention group) or usual care. The coprimary outcome measures were noninferiority in terms of change in DAS28‐ESR score after 12 months and the ratio of the mean number of consultations with rheumatologists between the groups. The noninferiority limit was 0.5 difference in DAS28‐ESR between the groups.

Results

Of the 103 randomized patients, 102 completed the study. After a year, noninferiority in terms of the DAS28‐ESR score was established, as the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the mean ΔDAS28‐ESR between the groups was within the noninferiority limit: −0.04 in favor of the app intervention group (95% CI −0.39, 0.30). The number of rheumatologist consultations was significantly lower in the app intervention group compared to the usual care group (mean ± SD 1.7 ± 1.8 versus 2.8 ± 1.4; visit ratio 0.62 [95% CI 0.47, 0.81]).

Conclusion

Patient‐initiated care supported by smartphone self‐monitoring was noninferior to usual care in terms of the ΔDAS28‐ESR and led to a 38% reduction in rheumatologist consultations in RA patients with stable low disease activity.
Influence of mercury amalgamation on three‐dimensional orientation of single gold nanorods coated with mesoporous silica shell
Authors: Kim Geun Wan , Ha Ji Won
Published: July 2022

Herein, we performed single‐particle studies to reveal three‐dimensional spatial orientational changes in the AuNR cores coated with mesoporous silica shell (AuNRs@mSiO2) following mercury (Hg) amalgamation. Defocused orientation imaging technique was used to determine the tilting angle of single AuNR cores after Au–Hg amalgam formation. Single amalgamated AuNR cores inside the silica shell were randomly tilted between 0° and 20° with respect to the glass slide on which they were deposited; no orientational changes were observed for AuNRs@mSiO2 following Hg amalgamation. This study will help in better understanding the effect of silica shell on the morphological and orientation alterations of single AuNRs@mSiO2 induced by Hg amalgamation.
Chloramine Trihydrate‐Mediated Tandem Synthesis of New Pyrrole and/or Arene‐Linked Mono‐ and Bis(1,3,4‐Oxadiazole) Hybrids as Potential Bacterial Biofilm and MRSA Inhibitors
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , El‐Idreesy Tamer T. , Sanad Sherif M. H.
Published: July 2022

A two‐step tandem protocol was used to prepare new pyrrole and/or arene‐linked bis(1,3,4‐oxadiazoles) as well as their mono‐analogs. The appropriate aldehydes and benzohydrazides were first condensed in ethanol at 80 °C to yield the corresponding N‐benzoylhydrazones. Without isolation, the previous intermediates were subjected to a chloramine trihydrate‐mediated oxidative cyclization in DMSO at 180 °C to yield the target molecules. The antibacterial potency of the (pyrrole‐arene)‐linked hybrids exceeded the arene‐linked hybrids, and the bis(1,3,4‐oxadiazoles) exceeded their mono‐analogs against six different ATCC strains. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy of bis(1,3,4‐oxadiazoles) 11c, and 11f, which are linked to pyrrole, and (p‐tolylthio)methyl units, was highest against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa strains. Their MIC ranged between 3.8 and 3.9 μM, while their MBC values ranged between 7.7 and 15.8 μM. Additionally, they showed promising bacterial biofilm inhibitory activity against the same strains tested, with IC50 values ranging from 4.7 to 5.3 μM. They were also effective against MRSA ATCC : 33591, and ATCC : 43300 strains, with MIC, and MBC values ranging from 3.8–7.9 and 7.7–15.8 μM, respectively. When tested against the MCF‐10A cell lines, hybrids 11c, and 11f are cytotoxic at concEntrations that are more than 6 and 13‐fold higher than their MIC values against the S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa strains, respectively. This lends support to both hybrids′ potential as safe antibacterial agents.
YAP1 controls degeneration of human cartilage chondrocytes in response to mechanical tension
Authors: Ding Baiyang , Xiao Liang , Xu Hongguang
Published: July 2022

Disc herniation is a kind of disease caused by degenerative discs, which is common in the elderly, bringing substantial financial burden to families and society. Mechanical tension has a vital effect on the maintenance of cartilage function, however, the molecular mechanism by which mechanical tension causes degenerative discs to remain unclear. This study was the first to reveal Yes‐associated protein 1(YAP1) is a key regulator in mechanical tension‐mediated degenerative discs. Activation of YAP1 may be a valuable strategy to delays the degeneration of human cartilage chondrocytes. We found that YAP1 expression was significantly decreased in degenerative human endplate cartilage and tissue with the strength and time of mechanical stimulation, but the cell cycle distribution was significantly changed under the 10% cyclic mechanical tension(CMT). Besides, the degeneration of endplate cartilage can be delayed by activating the expression level of YAP1 in vitro and it has also been verified in the cartilage endplate tissue in vitro. Furthermore, We found that YAP1 and TEAD1 overexpression increased the activity of the ACAN or COL2A1 promoter to enhance the transcriptional activity of human chondrocyte collagen. The CMT activates the classic Hippo signaling pathway of YAP1, and piezo1 may regulate YAP1 expression through the Hippo signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest the novel mechanism of YAP contributes to delaying the degeneration of endplate cartilage and targeting YAP in combination with Piezo1 is a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of endplate cartilage degeneration.
Suture connection of overlapping covered CP stents for transcatheter treatment of sinus venosus atrial septal defect with anomalous pulmonary venous connection
Authors: Tan Weiyi , Levi Daniel , Perens Gregory , Aboulhosn Jamil
Published: July 2022

Transcatheter correction of a superior sinus venosus defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with covered stents is a feasible alternative to surgical repair in select patients. Commercially available balloon‐expandable covered stents may be of inadequate length to treat some patients. This may require multiple stents to be placed, which increases the risk of stent migration or embolization. A modification of this technique utilizing two interdigitating covered stents secured together with sutures is described, allowing for increased stability of a long stent complex. One failed case and a second successful case are presented.
The active sealing cuff revolution
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Annibali Gianmarco
Published: July 2022

Key Points

Among the different transcatheter heart valves available Portico with its dedicated delivery system has demonstrated good results in terms of safety and efficacy.

The Navitor valve is designed with the addition of an active sealing cuff to reduce the degree of PVL and optimize its radial force.

The indication could also expand to low‐ and intermediate‐risk patients and in valve‐in‐valve procedures if these preliminary data are confirmed in subsequent studies
Directional coronary atherectomy revisited
Authors: Grines Cindy L. , Marshall J. Jeffrey
Published: July 2022

Key Points

Historically, DCA was able to achieve large lumen diameter and reduction in restenosis but at a cost of higher peri‐procedural MI.

Use of a new DCA device in a Japanese registry demonstrated superior acute success and similar in‐hospital complications to PCI without DCA.

DCA may be useful as a niche application in some coronary lesions, but the exact role will need to be defined by additional studies.
Dual guidewire balloon antegrade fenestration and re‐entry technique for coronary chronic total occlusions percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Galassi Alfredo R. , Vadalà Giuseppe , Testa Gabriella , Puglisi Sebastiano , Sucato Vincenzo , Diana Davide , Giunta Rocco , Novo Giuseppina
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To describe the experience of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) using antegrade fenestration and re‐entry (AFR) technique with a dedicated dual guidewire balloon (DGB).

Background

Antegrade dissection and re‐entry (ADR) techniques has been emphasized in recent worldwide CTO consensus documents. We investigated the feasibility and safety of DGB as a dedicated device to perform guidewire‐based AFR.

Methods and Results

Fourteen consecutive patients with complex CTO (J‐CTO score: 3.1 ± 0.9) underwent DGB‐AFR in the years 2020–2021. DGB‐AFR consists in advancing the DGB over a guidewire that reached the vessel distal to the CTO in an extra plaque fashion, inflating/deflating the DGB to create fenestration between subintimal space and the true lumen and advancing a proximal re‐entry guidewire through fenestration in the true lumen. DGB‐AFR alone was successful in 10 of 14 (71%) cases, a rescue wire‐based ADR was needed in two cases for re‐entry into the true lumen with a total success rate in 12 of 14 (86%) cases. Among all DGB‐AFR cases, four (28%) were performed as a first‐line strategy while the remaining 10 (71%) cases were performed as a bail‐out strategy after failure of other antegrade crossings for 30 min of procedural time. No DGB‐related complications were observed.

Conclusions

DGB‐AFR is a user‐friendly reliable strategy for the treatment of many CTO lesions. It can be used as bail‐out after failure of conventional antegrade wiring techniques, achieving high procedural success rate and low occurrence of procedural adverse events.
Hydrogen Peroxide‐Responsive Triggers Based on Borinic Acids: Molecular Insights into the Control of Oxidative Rearrangement
Authors: Gatin‐Fraudet Blaise , Pucher Mathilde , Le Saux Thomas , Doisneau Gilles , Bourdreux Yann , Jullien Ludovic , Vauzeilles Boris , Guianvarc'h Dominique , Urban Dominique
Published: July 2022

Arylborinic acids represent new, efficient, and underexplored hydrogen peroxide‐responsive triggers. In contrast to boronic acids, two concomitant oxidative rearrangements are involved in the complete oxidation of these species, which might represent a major limitation for an efficient effector (drug or fluorophore) release. Herein, a comprehensive study of H2O2‐mediated unsymmetrical arylborinic acid oxidation to investigate the factors that could selectively guide their oxidative rearrangement is described. The o‐CF3 substituent was found to be an excellent directing group allowing a complete regioselectivity on borinic acid models. This result was successfully applied to synthesizing new borinic acid‐based fluorogenic probes, which exclusively release the fluorescent moiety upon H2O2 treatment. These compounds maintained their superior kinetic properties compared to boronic acids, thus further enhancing the potential of arylborinic acids as valuable new H2O2‐sensitive triggers.
Phosphine‐Functionalized Syndiotactic Polystyrenes: Synthesis and Application to Immobilization of Transition Metal Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Jiang Lei , Wang Yinran , Sun Hanyang , Fu Tingting , Hou Zhaomin , Guo Fang
Published: July 2022

The precise control of monomer sequence and stereochemistry in copolymerization is of much interest and importance for the synthesis of high performance materials, but studies toward this goal have met with only limited success to date. The coordination polymerization of diphenylphosphinostyrene (p‐StPPh2 and o‐StPPh2) and its copolymerization with styrene (St) by (C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(CH2C6H4NMe2‐o)2 have been achieved for the first time to afford a new series of phosphine functionalized syndiotactic polystyrene. By the design of the polymer structure, the copolymer of o‐StPPh2 and St (poly(o‐StPPh2‐alt‐St)‐b‐sPS) containing o‐StPPh2 and St atactic alternating copolymer block and syndiotactic polystyrene block (sPS) showed excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance. The simple combination of the triphenylphosphine and syndiotactic polystyrene realized the stable immobilization of metal nanoparticles to afford highly robust metal@poly(o‐StPPh2‐alt‐St)‐b‐sPS nanocatalysts at high temperature and various atmospheres. The Cu@poly(o‐StPPh2‐alt‐St)‐b‐sPS catalyst can serve as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives by acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of o‐aminobenzylalcohol with ketones.
Mechanochemical Bromination of Naphthalene Catalyzed by Zeolites: From Small Scale to Continuous Synthesis
Authors: Ardila‐Fierro Karen J. , Vugrin Leonarda , Halasz Ivan , Palčić Ana , Hernández José G.
Published: July 2022

Catalyzed reactions of organic substrates that operate continuously by extrusion techniques are rare. In this study, we developed a mechanochemical bromination of unactivated naphthalene (1) with 1,3‐dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH), catalyzed by zeolites in a ball mill. The use ofDBDMHenabled the atom economy of the reaction to be superior compared to the other brominating agents evaluated. Among the zeolites tested, a FAU‐type zeolite demonstrated high catalytic activity and recyclability. The success of the bromination route on a small scale enabled the development of a continuous catalyzed bromination of1by twin‐screw extrusion.
Hydroxide Ion Mechanism for Long‐Range Proton Pumping in the Third Proton Transfer of Bacteriorhodopsin
Authors: Ono Junichi , Okada Chika , Nakai Hiromi
Published: July 2022

In bacteriorhodopsin, representative light‐driven proton pump, five proton transfers yield vectorial active proton translocation, resulting in a proton gradient in microbes. Third proton transfer occurs from Asp96 to the Schiff base on the photocycle, which is expected to be a long‐range proton transfer via the Grotthuss mechanism through internal water molecules. Here, large‐scale quantum molecular dynamics simulations are performed for the third proton transfer, where all the atoms (∼50000 atoms) are treated quantum‐mechanically. The simulations demonstrate that two reaction paths exist along the water wire, namely, via hydronium and via hydroxide ions. The free energy analysis confirms that the path via hydroxide ions is considerably favorable and consistent with the observed lifetime of the transient water wire. Therefore, the proposed hydroxide ion mechanism, as in the first proton transfer, is responsible for the third long‐range proton transfer.
Using Full‐Spectrum Flow Cytometry to Phenotype Memory T and NKT Cell Subsets with Optimized Tissue‐Specific Preparation Protocols
Authors: Farrand Kathryn , Holz Lauren E. , Ferrer‐Font Laura , Wilson Michael D. , Ganley Mitch , Minnell Jordan J. , Tang Ching‐Wen , Painter Gavin F. , Heath William R. , Hermans Ian F. , Burn Olivia K.
Published: July 2022

Full‐spectrum flow cytometry is now routinely used in many laboratories internationally, and the demand for this technology is rapidly increasing. With capacity to use larger and more complex staining panels, standardized protocols are required for optimal panel design and analysis. Importantly, for ex vivo analysis, tissue preparation methods also need to be optimized to ensure samples are truly representative of tissues in situ. This is particularly relevant given the recent interest in adaptive immune cells that form residency in specific organs. Here we provide optimized protocols for tissue processing and phenotyping of memory T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cell subsets from liver, lung, spleen, and lymph node using full‐spectrum flow cytometry. We provide a 21‐color antibody panel for identification of different memory subsets, including tissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells, which are increasingly regarded as important effectors in adaptive immunity. We show that processing procedures can affect outcomes, with liver TRM cells particularly sensitive to heat, such that accurate evaluation requires fast processing at defined temperatures. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Processing mouse liver for flow cytometric analysis of memory T and NKT cell subsets

Basic Protocol 2: Processing mouse spleen for flow cytometric analysis of memory T and NKT cell subsets

Basic Protocol 3: Processing mouse lungs for flow cytometric analysis of memory T and NKT cell subsets

Basic Protocol 4: Processing mouse lymph nodes for flow cytometric analysis of memory T and NKT cell subsets

Basic Protocol 5: Staining and flow cytometric analysis of samples for memory T and NKT cell subsets

Support Protocol: Obtaining cell counts from flow cytometry data
Development of the CogDrisk tool to assess risk factors for dementia
Authors: Anstey Kaarin J. , Kootar Scherazad , Huque Md Hamidul , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Peters Ruth
Published: July 2022

Introduction

We aimed to develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool for Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and any dementia, that will be applicable in high and low resource settings.

Method

Risk factors which can easily be assessed in most settings, and their effect sizes, were identified from an umbrella review, or estimated using meta‐analysis where new data were available.

Results

Seventeen risk/protective factors met criteria for the algorithm to estimate risk for any dementia including age, sex, education, hypertension, midlife obesity, midlife high cholesterol, diabetes, insufficient physical activity, depression, traumatic brain injury, atrial fibrillation, smoking, social engagement, cognitive engagement, fish consumption (diet), stroke, and insomnia. A version for AD excluded atrial fibrillation and insomnia due to insufficient evidence and included pesticide exposure. There was insufficient evidence for a VaD risk score.

Discussion

Validation of the tool on external datasets is planned. The assessment tool will assist with implementing risk reduction guidelines.
Mid‐aortic syndrome: a rare cause of heart failure in infants
Authors: Zhao Lu , Zhu Li , Zhao Qu‐ming , He Lan , Liang Xue‐cun , Wang Lai‐Shuan , Wu Lin
Published: July 2022

This case reports describe a rare disease, mid‐aortic syndrome (MAS), that can cause severe heart failure and hypertension in infancy. The typical images, key points of diagnosis, and therapy methods of the disease have also been presented. We report two critical thoracoabdominal aortic coarctation cases in infants aged 2 and 11 months with severe heart failure. The patients were initially misdiagnosed as dilated myocardiopathy, with the correct diagnosis confirmed through imaging. Both patients underwent balloon angioplasty; one patient also had bare‐metal stents implanted. The patient treated with balloon angioplasty alone died after the procedure, whereas the other patient recovered well. In conclusion, careful physical examinations, especially upper and lower extremity blood pressure differences and palpation of upper and lower limb pulses, are critical in unexplained infant heart failure cases. Stent implantation may be a safer and more effective treatment than simple balloon angioplasty in infants with MAS.
Host‐Guest Properties of a Trigonal Iminoboronate Ester Cage Self‐Assembled from Hexahydroxytriphenylene
Authors: Herrera‐España Angel D. , Höpfl Herbert , Morales‐Rojas Hugo
Published: July 2022

The self‐assembly of 1,3‐diaminopropane (DAP), 2‐formylphenylboronic acid (FPBA) and 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) into a trigonal‐prismatic molecular cage through reversible iminoboronate ester motifs is reported. The organic cage generates solvates with acetonitrile and nitrobenzene, exhibiting vapochromic behavior. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis evidenced the inclusion of nitrobenzene within the cage cavity. The resulting host‐guest complex is stabilized by donor‐acceptor‐donor interactions between the nitrobenzene guest and the π electron‐rich HHTP units of the cage.
Novel Chlorination of Imidazo‐Fused Heterocycles via Dichloro(aryl)‐λ3‐iodanes
Authors: Dai Peng‐Fei , Xu Huiqin
Published: July 2022

A novel, safe, convenient and efficient protocol has been developed for regioselective chlorination of imidazo‐fused heterocycles with dichloro(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐λ3‐iodanes under mild conditions. The present approach avoids the need of toxic chlorinating reagents, strong stoichiometric oxidants, metal catalysts or harsh reaction conditions. 36 examples of imidazo‐fused heterocycle substrates were investigated, and the chlorinated products were obtained with moderate to excellent yields. Control experiments indicated that the chlorinated reaction proceeded through an electrophilic aromatic substitution.
Flexible biofilm monitoring device
Authors: Reiferth Viktoria Maria , Holtmann Dirk , Müller Daniela
Published: July 2022

Biofilms and their analysis are increasingly attracting the attention of the scientific community due to the immense importance and impact of biofilms in various natural, technical and medical fields. For these purposes, an optimized and extended antibiofilm assay system based on the Calgary Biofilm Device (MBEC Assay® system) consisting of microtiter plate and PCR tubes was established. Its implementation was used to study the growth characteristics of the sessile phenotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens exposed to antimicrobial peptides. Inhibitory effects of an antimicrobial peptide on P. fluorescens biofilm formation could be determined at a concentration of 250 μg/ml (biofilm prevention concentration (BPC)) using the modified biofilm assay. Similarly, the biofilm bactericidal concentration (BBC) at 125 μg/ml and the minimum biofilm elimination concentration to remove 90% of the total biofilm mass (MBEC90) were measured at a concentration range of 15.625–1.95 μg/ml. In conclusion, this optimized system provides a highly variable, simple, and cost‐effective alternative to high‐throughput screening based on the Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD).
BER analysis of tightly packed planar RIS system using the level of spatial correlation and discrete phase shifter
Authors: Thirumavalavan Vetrivel Chelian , Ruppa Hariharan Ajay Babu , Thiruvengadam Sundarrajan Jayaraman
Published: July 2022

In this article, the bit error rate (BER) performance of a tightly packed reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) assisted communication system is analyzed in terms of the level of spatial correlation. In conventional models, channels are assumed to be independent and identically distributed and continuous phase shifts are available for phase compensation. However, in practice, as RIS reflecting units are arranged in more compact form (less than 0.5) due to space constraints, correlation effects among the reflecting elements are to be considered. Further, discrete phase shifters are widely used to meet practical deployment limitations. These practical constraints severely affect the error performance of the system. It necessitates that the impact of spatial correlation and discrete phase shifts on the BER performance of the system is to be analyzed. The instantaneous signal to noise ratio is the square of the sum of correlated random variables. In order to analyze the BER performance accurately, the exact statistical distribution for the sum of spatially correlated random variables is to be chosen. In this work, appropriate distribution fitting is chosen based on the level of spatial correlation. Numerical BER expressions are derived with the chosen statistical distributions. The analysis on the impact of spatial correlation and discrete phase shifter on BER performance would be more beneficial for design and practicing engineers in the field of 6G wireless communications.
Taxonomic notes onApostasia nipponicaandCrepidium cordilabium(Orchidaceae), two species newly recorded from Hong Kong
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Gale Stephan
Published: July 2022

Apostasia nipponicaandCrepidium cordilabiumare newly added to the orchid flora of Hong Kong and their taxonomy is reviewed. A detailed description and line drawing are provided for both species, as are notes on flowering phenology and conservation status. Following careful examination of type material and other authentic specimens from throughout their range, as well as of photographs of plants in the wild,A. nipponicais removed from the synonymy ofA. wallichiiand reinstated as a valid species, under whichA. ramiferaandA. shenzhenicaare newly synonymized. Additionally,Crepidium cordilabium, which was originally described from Taiwan as a natural hybrid betweenC. matsudaeandDienia ophrydis, is treated here as a distinct species belonging to the sectionHololobusand sub‐sectionMaximowiczianae.
Controls on the occurrence of beach‐bar sandstone in a Neogene saline lake basin, southwestern Qaidam Basin, China
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Song Guangyong , Zhu Chao , Liu Zhanguo , Li Senming , Wu Yanxiong , Xia Zhiyuan , Shi Qi , Wei Xuebin , Anderson J. Lawford , Shi Yuruo
Published: July 2022

To identify the developmental characteristics and controlling factors of the beach‐bar sandstone in saline lake basins in the Qaidam Basin, China, the lithology and bedding structure of some representative outcrops of the Neogene saline lake basins were comprehensively investigated by means of experimental test data of local drilling cores, casting thin sections, and grain size, together with field outcrops in the basin and the modern salt lake deposition record of Qinghai Lake. Two types of sand bodies in the saline lake basins, that is, delta sand bodies and shore‐shallow lake beach‐bar facies were revealed. Neogene saline lake basins were found to host widespread beach‐bar sand bodies. Lithologically, the sand bodies were composed of fine‐grained sandstone and siltstone, with wavy bedding, low‐angle cross‐bedding, and bimodal cross‐bedding. The beach‐bar sandstone was characterized by multi‐layer superimposition, lateral migration, and NW–SE wide‐coverage continuation. Drilling data showed that beach‐bar sand bodies extended from 10 to 35 km in width and most of them occurred 3–15 km away from braided river delta front. It has been predicted that the total area of beach‐bar sand bodies of 14 sand groups in the Neogene spread across 5,000 km2. Four factors, that is, lake water salinity, terrigenous input, palaeogeomorphology, and monsoons, controlled the construction of the beach‐bar sand bodies developed in the Neogene saline lake of the Qaidam Basin. We can conclude that the settling velocity and transport distance of the sand bodies were affected by the water body salinity in such saline lake basins. Also, the distribution range of the beach‐bar sand bodies was affected by the clastic input from a terrigenous provenance. Furthermore, the wide‐coverage distribution and local enrichment of the beach‐bar sandstone were affected by palaeogeomorphology, and the distribution direction of the beach‐bar sandstone was affected by the driving effect of NW monsoons. We propose a deposition model of the beach‐bar sandstone in saline lake basins that can predict favourable beach‐bar sand body regions, to support the major discoveries of lithologic traps in southwestern Qaidam, China.
Multi‐stage metamorphism of ultrahigh‐temperature Mg‐Al granulites during Gondwana assembly: Evidence from southern India
Authors: Yu Bing , Santosh M. , Tsunogae Toshiaki , Yang Cheng‐Xue , Kim Sung Won
Published: July 2022

The Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT) in India hosts granulite facies rocks metamorphosed at ultra‐high temperature (UHT) conditions in the various crustal blocks, as well as within the Palghat‐Cauvery Suture Zone (PCSZ), that is considered as a trace of the Late Neoproterozoic—Cambrian Gondwana suture. Here we investigate UHT granulites from the northern margin of the Madurai Block adjacent to the PCSZ where Mg‐Al‐rich granulites are exposed. We identify sodic gedrite + kyanite in these rocks as the high‐pressure prograde stage assemblage, followed by sillimanite‐garnet‐orthopyroxene that formed during pressure decrease and temperature increase. The rare remnant gedrite is also stable at the near‐peak UHT metamorphism until it was replaced by sapphirine. The rocks subsequently underwent decompression that formed sapphirine + cordierite and sapphirine + plagioclase symplectite around sillimanite. Dehydration during decompression generated orthopyroxene‐sillimanite‐quartz assemblage with the appearance of sapphirine, defining the diagnostic mineral assemblage indicative of peak UHT metamorphism (T > 900°C) at relatively high‐pressure (P > 9 kbar). The UHT peak metamorphism in this region is consistent with the results of P–T calculations using conventional geothermometers and phase equilibrium modelling (T up to 1,050°C, P over12 kbar). Zircon and monazite geochronology on the UHT metapelites indicate distinct stages. Detrital zircon grains in the metasediments indicate protolith from ca. 2.5 Ga igneous source and the metamorphic overgrowths yield 206Pb/238U mean ages concentrated at ca. 550–520 Ma. Monazite ages define another younger group 206Pb/238U mean ages at ca. 450 Ma. The prograde high‐pressure granulite‐facies metamorphism and following UHT event correlate with the subduction‐collision tectonics at 550–500 Ma associated with the final stage of amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent, while the 420–460 Ma monazite age records a later hydration at the post‐orogenic stage, possibly associated with deep shearing and fluid influx.
A public‐private partnership based model for regulating out‐of‐pocket expenditures to strengthen primary care system
Authors: Kumar Kaushal
Published: July 2022

In developing countries like India, the cost of health care is largely borne by patient out‐of‐pocket payments. Recent studies have reported that patients skip public‐funded clinics providing free consultation for distant private care providers. Some of the reasons identified for such behaviour include longer waiting times, perception regarding quality of care, etc. Therefore, optimal allocation of existing and new capacity is critical for a greater public interest. This article presents a decision‐making framework towards this intent for strengthening the existing government primary healthcare network. In this article, a mixed‐integer linear programing (MILP) model is developed for optimal reconfiguration of the existing government primary healthcare network to minimise patient out‐of‐pocket expenditures (OOPE). The model involves three types of facilities: Primary Health Centre (PHC), Community Health Centre (CHC), and Private OPD (outpatient department). Implementation of the proposed model can help in reducing out‐of‐pocket expenditures. The optimization model proposed in the article is unique as it incorporates for the first time, patient out‐of‐pocket expenditure, capacity reconfiguration, and public‐private partnership decisions in the primary healthcare system. A solution algorithm is also proposed for the optimization model. The model would be useful for theory development and also in policy‐making.
Perceptions toward the use of over‐the‐counter dietary supplements during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cross sectional study of the general public in Jordan
Authors: Khasawneh Rawand A. , Al‐Shatnawi Samah F. , Alhamad Hamza , Kheirallah Khalid A.
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Over‐the‐counter (OTC) dietary supplements gained popularity during the COVID‐19 pandemic as a preventive measure. Lack of complete understanding among the general population of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the severity and progression of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has further encouraged the use of supplements. The present study aimed to assess the perceptions of the general public toward the efficacy and safety of the use of OTC dietary supplements as immune enhancers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The factors impacting these perceptions were also explored.

Methods

This was an online survey‐based, cross‐sectional study conducted in Jordan over 4 months. A validated survey which comprised 28 questions covering aspects related to the respondents’ demographic characteristics, their perceptions toward the efficacy of OTC dietary supplements and their awareness regarding the safety of popular OTC supplements and healthy dietary habits was used to collect responses. Associations between patient characteristics with perception and awareness were explored.

Results

A total of 1487 responses were included in the analysis. Ascorbic acid, zinc, and vitamin D were the most popular OTC supplements, as indicated by the percentages of users (48.8%, 38.6%, and 34.6%, respectively). Perceptions toward OTC supplement use were suboptimal, with a reported mean perception score of 27.82 ± 8.56 (range 0–45). The multivariate analysis showed that participants who were of older age (>65 years) (AOR = 6.29, 95% CI = 2.2–17.9), had an income level >1500 (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.80–3.56), and used chronic medications had better perceptions than did younger participants, those with no income, and non‐users of chronic medications, respectively. The mean safety awareness score was 5.36 ± 1.58 (maximum 7), with a significant direct relationship identified between perceptions and safety awareness scores (Spearman's correlation = 0.136, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlighted the needs to organize educational campaigns that promote general public perceptions toward the safe use of OTC supplements to enhance immunity during COVID‐19.
Beyond treatment modalities: Clinical decisions and relational dynamics that facilitate change in group treatments
Authors: Aafjes‐van Doorn Katie , Horne Sarah
Published: July 2022

This commentary on six articles comprising this Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session issue on the therapeutic process in group psychotherapy brings together relevant clinical challenges and opportunities concerning the unique processes of change in group treatments. As illustrated by these six inspiring group therapy cases, therapy groups may vary widely in content and context. To balance the rich clinical illustrations of successful group treatments and the different theoretical formulations offered in these case studies, we highlight the processes that these treatments appear to have in common. Specifically, we describe the clinical considerations about the group format and the group members. We also reflect on the relational dynamics as they play out within the complex interplay between group leaders and group members; the facilitation of the corrective emotional experience as a change mechanism in group therapy, as well as the relational challenges and opportunities inherent in group treatments more generally. It is hoped that in this issue, clinicians will not only be inspired by the clinical description of successful change processes in group treatments but will also be reminded of the therapeutic nuances and opportunities of this multilayered treatment format.
Long‐term psychodynamic psychotherapy in a face‐to‐face versus videoconferencing setting: A single case study
Authors: Andreas Sylke , Gablonski Thorsten‐Christian , Tschacher Wolfgang , Gebhardt Albrecht , Rabung Sven , Schulz Holger , Kadur Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Objective

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and crisis, psychotherapists around the world were forced to switch to video‐ or tele‐based treatments overnight. To date, only a few studies on the effectiveness of video‐based psychodynamic psychotherapy via the Internet exist. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine symptom improvement, therapeutic relationship, nonverbal synchrony processes, and intersession processes within a systematic single case design and compare face‐to‐face to video‐based approaches in long‐term psychodynamic‐oriented psychotherapy.

Methods

We examined 85 sessions of a client with major depression whose psychodynamic psychotherapy changed from a face‐to‐face setting to a video‐based setting. Video recordings were analyzed using motion energy analysis, and nonverbal synchrony was computed using a surrogate synchrony approach. Time series analyses were performed to analyze changes in symptom severity, therapeutic relationship, and intersession processes.

Results

The results showed that symptom severity improved descriptively, but not significantly, across the entire course of psychotherapy. There were significant differences, however, in the therapeutic relationship, intersession experiences, and synchronous behavior between the face‐to‐face and video‐based settings.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the presented methodology is well situated to investigate the question whether psychodynamic psychotherapy in video‐based setting works in the sameway as in a face‐to‐face setting.
Multigenerational patterns of parenting‐at‐risk: A test of interpersonal specificity using copy process theory
Authors: Woehrle Petra L. , Critchfield Kenneth L. , Anolik Sarah , Bobal Carly , Pempek Tiffany A. , Skowron Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study tests ways in which the perception of intergenerational continuity in parenting behaviors among child‐maltreatment (CM) and non‐CM families conform to Benjamin's (2006) Copy Process Theory, which considers three copy processes: Identification (be like him/her), Recapitulation (behave as if he/she is still present and in charge), and Introjection (treat myself as he/she treated me).

Method

Across two home visits and a laboratory session, 171 mothers of preschoolers (M = 3.7 years) completed the SASB Intrex Questionnaire relative to herself, her history with her parents, and her present relationship with her child.

Results

Mothers' retrospective reports of her interactions with caregivers were correlated with the quality of self‐reported parenting processes in interactions with her preschooler. Analyses indicated high rates of intergenerational copying in both samples for each copy process. While copying in general was observed in nearly all mothers (roughly 80%−90%) and emphasized warm, securely attached patterns, the copying of hostility and/or lack of affiliation occurred in copied profiles for about one‐third of mothers. About the more problematic profiles, CM mothers tended to rate themselves as being in the child‐like position they experienced in their own childhood, with themes involving hostile control perceived from their child. By contrast, non‐CM mothers copied disaffiliative themes primarily in relation to themselves.

Conclusion

Findings verify that interpersonal patterns and internalized relational histories are important keys for understanding CM risk. The use of a method that offers interpersonal specificity at the level of individual profiles has application to clinical practice with at‐risk parents.
An umbrella review of systematic reviews of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methyl butyrate supplementation in ageing and clinical practice
Authors: Phillips Stuart M. , Lau Kyle J. , D'Souza Alysha C. , Nunes Everson A.
Published: July 2022

The compound β‐hydroxy‐β‐methyl butyrate (HMB) is proposed to increase or mitigate the loss of skeletal muscle and improve muscle function. We undertook a review of systematic reviews of HMB supplementation to promote gains or mitigate muscle loss in ageing and clinical populations. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for systematic reviews reporting the effect of HMB in our target populations. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured lean soft‐tissue mass (LSTM) was accepted as a proxy for muscle. We identified 15 systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria, which were independently evaluated. The methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), and standardized effectiveness statements were generated. Five of 15 studies found some evidence that HMB augmented LSTM; the remaining 10 studies reported some evidence favouring no difference (6/10 studies) or insufficient evidence to determine an effect (4/10 studies). Of the 12 studies that evaluated strength, 4/12 found some evidence, 5/12 found some evidence of no effect with one article finding some evidence in favour of patients in peri‐hospitalized and no evidence for those that are community‐dwelling, 4/12 had insufficient evidence to determine an effect, and 1/12 had insufficient evidence. No]study reported a positive effect of HMB on physical function; however, 2/10 studies found some evidence favouring no effect, and 7/10 studies reported insufficient evidence to determine an effect. The effectiveness of HMB supplementation in augmenting LSTM was heterogeneous, with most reviews finding no effect or inconclusive evidence to determine an effect. Most reviews concluded that HMB supplementation did not affect strength outcome measures or studies were inconclusive. The current evidence is insufficient to assess the impact of HMB supplementation on functional outcome measures. Our analysis shows minor, inconsistent support for HMB as part of an oral nutritional supplement or as a stand‐alone supplement (or combined with other amino acids) to increase or promote retention of LSTM, improve strength, and no evidence that it improves physical function in older persons or clinical populations.