bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogenation of Calix[4]pyrrole: From the Formation to the Synthesis of Calix[4]pyrrolidine
Authors: Journot Guillaume , Neier Reinhard , Gualandi Andrea 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCalix[4]pyrroles can be obtained from the efficient preprogrammed condensation between acetone and pyrrole. This reaction forms the attractive macrocycle resembling in its constitution, but not in its oxidation state, to the porphyrin structure, prominently present in the vital “pigments of life”. Calix[2]pyrrolidine[2]pyrrole and calix[4]pyrrolidine, the partially and totally reduced version of the macrocycle, became accessible through the hydrogenation of calix[4]pyrrole, but only under strenuous reaction conditions. The only known hydrogenation, which could give clues for improving the process, was the reduction of the calix[4]furan. To shed light on the process, mixed calix[n]furan[4‐n]pyrroles were prepared, and their hydrogenation was studied. After a laborious optimization process, the best conditions were discovered improving the yield of the hydrogenation process from the level of a formation to the level of a complete conversion. The calix[4]pyrrolidine is now accessible in two high yielding synthetic steps. The efforts to understand and to optimize the factors involved in the hydrogenation process of this perazamacrocycle are here reviewed.
Diffusion tensor imaging brain structural clustering patterns in major depressive disorder
Authors: Xu Dongrong , Xu Guojun , Zhao Zhiyong , Sublette M. Elizabeth , Miller Jeffrey M. , Mann J. John 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUsing magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging data from 45 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 41 healthy controls (HCs), network indices based on a 246‐region Brainnetcome Atlas were investigated in the two groups, and in the MDD subgroups that were subgrouped based on their duration of the disease. Correlation between the network indices and the duration of illness was also examined. Differences were observed between the MDDS subgroup (short disease duration) and the HC group, but not between the MDD and HC groups. Compared with the HCs, the clustering coefficient (CC) values of MDDS were higher in precentral gyrus, and caudal lingual gyrus; the CC of MDDL subgroup (long disease duration) was higher in postcentral gyrus and dorsal granular insula in the right hemisphere. Network resilience analyses showed that the MDDS group was higher than the HC group, representing relatively more randomized networks in the diseased brains. The correlation analyses showed that the caudal lingual gyrus in the right hemisphere and the rostral lingual gyrus in the left hemisphere were particularly correlated with disease duration. The analyses showed that duration of the illness appears to have an impact on the networking patterns. Networking abnormalities in MDD patients could be blurred or hidden by the heterogeneity of the MDD clinical subgroups. Brain plasticity may introduce a recovery effect to the abnormal network patterns seen in patients with a relative short term of the illness, as the abnormalities may disappear in MDDL.
A computational analysis of dissipation effects on the hydromagnetic convective flow of hybrid nanofluids along a vertical wavy surface
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Saleem , Mustafa Irfan , Ghaffari Abuzar , Usman  
Published: July 2021

AbstractHybrid nanofluids (HNFs) are innovative nanofluids produced by adding various types of nanoparticles to the base fluid. A mathematical analysis of flow and heat transfer of hydromagnetic HNF along a vertical wavy texture is performed in this article. The effects of viscous dissipation are also encountered in the present study. The considered HNF was composed of two nanoparticles, copper and titania. The mathematical modeled partial differential equations are transformed into dimensionless nonsimilar forms. The results obtained for the HNF were compared with those for the ‐ and ‐based nanofluid with the help of a well‐known numerical procedure, the Keller‐box scheme. On nonflat (wavy) texture, the Nusselt number is higher as compared with a flat sheet. The Nusselt number is higher for Cu nanoparticles relative to Ti nanoparticles. For increased wavy amplitude and magnetic parameter Mg values, a reduction in the coefficient of skin friction and Nusselt number is expected.
Cross‐border insolvency law in Hong Kong: Recognition of foreign schemes of arrangement
Authors: Godwin Andrew , Qu Charles Zhen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHong Kong has no statutory cross‐border insolvency regime. Hong Kong courts have to resort to common law principles in circumstances where they are requested to recognise foreign insolvency proceedings and grant assistance. The nature and scope of these principles have been the subject of extensive debate in common law jurisdictions. In Re CW Advanced Technologies Ltd [2018] HKCFI 1705, Harris J identified the uncertainties associated with the common law position in Hong Kong. These uncertainties include whether a Hong Kong court may recognise a Singapore moratorium granted to facilitate a scheme of arrangement and, if so, whether the court may grant recognition where Singapore (i.e., the foreign jurisdiction) is not the country of incorporation. Harris J also noted the ‘urgent need to enact a statutory cross‐border insolvency regime’. This article examines the scope of the common law powers in Hong Kong and seeks to clarify the possibility for members within a corporate group located outside Singapore, where the holding company has its centre of main interests in Singapore or is otherwise eligible to use the Singapore scheme regime, to obtain recognition and assistance in Hong Kong.
Functionalized polyanhydride nanoparticles for improved treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Schlichtmann Benjamin W. , Kalyanaraman Balaraman , Schlichtmann Rainie L. , Panthani Matthew G. , Anantharam Vellareddy , Kanthasamy Anumantha G. , Mallapragada Surya K. , Narasimhan Balaji 
Published: July 2021

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting a large proportion of older adults. Exposure to pesticides like rotenone is a leading cause for PD. To reduce disease progression and prolong life expectancy, it is important to target disease mechanisms that contribute to dopaminergic neuronal atrophy, including mitochondrial dysfunction. Achieving targeted mitochondrial delivery is difficult for many therapeutics by themselves, necessitating higher therapeutic doses that could lead to toxicity. To minimize this adverse effect, targeted nano‐carriers such as polyanhydride nanoparticles (NPs) can protect therapeutics from degradation and provide sustained release, enabling fewer administrations and lower therapeutic dose. This work expands upon the use of the polyanhydride NP platform for targeted drug delivery by functionalizing the polymer with a derivative of triphenylphosphonium called (3‐carboxypropyl) triphenylphosphonium (CPTP) using a novel method that enables longer CPTP persistence on the NPs. The extent to which neurons internalized both nonfunctionalized and functionalized NPs was tested. Next, the efficacy of these nanoformulations in treating rotenone‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the same cell line was evaluated using a novel neuroprotective drug, mito‐metformin. CPTP functionalization significantly improved NP internalization by neuronal cells. This was correlated with significant protection by CPTP‐functionalized, mito‐metformin encapsulated NPs against rotenone‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. However, nonfunctionalized, mito‐metformin encapsulated NPs and soluble mito‐metformin administered at the same dose did not significantly protect cells from rotenone‐induced toxicity. These results indicate that the targeted NP platform can provide enhanced dose‐sparing and potentially reduce the occurrence of systemic side‐effects for PD therapeutics.
A study of 3013 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma: Etiology and therapy before and during the current decade
Authors: Lim Miao‐Shan , Goh George B‐B , Chang Jason P‐E , Low Jee‐Keem , Shelat Vishalkumar G , Huey Terence C‐W , Dan Yock‐Young , Kow Alfred , Shridhar Iyer , Tan Poh‐Seng , Junnarkar Sameer P , Tan Chee‐Kiat 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and AimHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global problem. With advances in HCC diagnosis and therapy, our hypothesis is that there are significant differences in the clinical characteristics and treatment of HCC over the years.MethodsPatients with HCC between 1980 and 2018 from three major tertiary hospitals in Singapore were enrolled into a Research Electronic Data Capture database. Clinical characteristics and treatment of HCC were compared between those diagnosed before 2008 (cohort A) and during the current decade (ie from 2008 onwards) (cohort B).ResultsThere were 3013 patients. Mean age of HCC diagnosis was significantly older in cohort B (68.6 vs 61.2 years, P < 0.001). The most common etiology remained as chronic hepatitis B infection but the proportion due to hepatitis B was significantly lower in cohort B (46.6% vs 57.2%, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of cryptogenic/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis was significantly higher in cohort B than cohort A (27.1% vs 18.6%, P < 0.0001). More patients received curative therapy in cohort B (43.7% vs 27.1%, P < 0.0001.ConclusionIn this largest collection of HCC patients in Singapore, patients are diagnosed with HCC at an older age and cryptogenic/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis is becoming more important as an etiology of HCC in the current decade. More patients also received curative therapy in the current decade.
Altered type 1 interferon responses in alloimmunized and nonalloimmunized patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Madany Emaan , Lee June , Halprin Chelsea , Seo Jina , Baca Nicole , Majlessipour Fataneh , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Pepkowitz Samuel H. , Hayes Chelsea , Klapper Ellen , Gibb David R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPatients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have a high prevalence of RBC alloimmunization. However, underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Given that proinflammatory type 1 interferons (IFNα/β) and interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) promote alloimmunization in mice, we hypothesized that IFNα/β may contribute to the increased frequency of alloimmunization in patients with SCD. To investigate this, expression of ISGs in blood leukocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of previously transfused SCD patients with or without alloimmunization and race‐matched healthy controls were quantified, and IFNα/β gene scores were calculated. IFNα/β gene scores of SCD leukocytes and plasma cytokines were elevated, compared to controls (gene score, p < 0.01). Upon stimulation with IFNβ, isolated PBMCs from patients with SCD had elevated ISGs and IFNα/β gene scores (p < 0.05), compared to stimulated PBMCs from controls. However, IFNβ‐stimulated and unstimulated ISG expression did not significantly differ between alloimmunized and non‐alloimmunized patients. These findings indicate that patients with SCD express an IFNα/β gene signature, and larger studies are needed to fully determine its role in alloimmunization. Further, illustration of altered IFNα/β responses in SCD has potential implications for IFNα/β‐mediated viral immunity, responses to IFNα/β‐based therapies, and other sequelae of SCD.
The interaction between iNKT cells and B cells
Authors: Zhu Tong , Wang Rongli , Miller Heather , Westerberg Lisa S , Yang Lu , Guan Fei , Lee Pamela , Gong Quan , Chen Yan , Liu Chaohong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInvariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) bridge the innate immunity with the adaptive immunity and their interaction with B cells has been extensively studied. Here, we give a complete overview of these two cells, from their mechanism of interaction to clinical prospects and existing problems. In our introduction, we describe the relationship between iNKTs and B cells and explore the current research hotspots and future directions. We begin with how B cells interact and benefit from the innate and adaptive help of iNKTs. Next, we describe the multiple roles of these cells in infections, autoimmunity, and cancers. Lastly, we look into the potential immunotherapies that can be based on iNKTs and the possible treatments for infectious, autoimmune, and other diseases.
Impact of clinical pharmacist‐led antibiotic stewardship program on clinical outcomes in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Tabarsi Payam , Jamaati Hamidreza , Yousefian Sahar , Marjani Majid , Moniri Afshin , Langari Zahra Mirshafiei , Haghgoo Roodabeh , Eskandari Raha , Toutkaboni Mihan Pourabdollah , Dastan Farzaneh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of a clinical pharmacist‐led antibiotic stewardship program (ASP).Methods and ResultsA prospective study of the ASP implementation, consisting of four broad‐spectrum antibiotics (meropenem, imipenem, vancomycin and colistin) was performed in a tertiary referral, university‐affiliated hospital in Tehran, Iran. Four hundred patients were included in the study via a simple randomisation method, over two six‐month periods before (n = 200) and after (n = 200) ASP implementation. Clinical outcome, inappropriate antibiotic use, expenditure, and antibiotic resistance were assessed between two periods. A total of 349 patients were assessed after exclusion of patients who fulfilled exclusion criteria, of which 171 patients (49%) were included in the intervention period. Baseline characteristics between the two periods were similar except for mean severity score (3.64 ± 2.80 pre vs. 4.29 ± 2.88 post P < 0.03). There was a 17.67% decrease in inappropriate antibiotic use (P = 0.17). Length of stay (LOS) was shortened by 3.50 days (P = 0.93). Total cost was reduced by 21.58% and inappropriate cost was significantly declined from US$20 853.93 to US$14 482.76 (P = 0.04). Indeed, US$32.50 was saved per patient in six months. Mean days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient‐days and defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 patient‐days were reduced by 6.90% and 12.77%, respectively (P > 0.05). Furthermore, antibiotic resistance was decreased by 33.62% over this short period.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the potential role of the clinical pharmacist in implementing an ASP, and the resultant rational use of antibiotics, can provide considerable clinical and economic benefits.
Folded microstrip antenna with isotropic radiation pattern
Authors: Choi Dong‐Su , Choi Yoon‐Seon , Ju Dae‐Keun , Jung Bang Chul , Woo Jong‐Myung 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn contrast to existing antennas with polarization and directional characteristics, we propose a novel isotropic antenna that provides equivalent vertical and horizontal polarization in all directions. The final design was guided by simulations, with the performance characteristics of the fabricated antenna verified experimentally. In the proposed antenna, two λ/4 folded microstrip antennas were integrated into one antenna in a “+” shape to generate the isotropic radiation pattern, with the input impedance matched to the feeding position. The resonant frequency, horizontal width, radiation pattern, and axis ratio were adjusted by changing the length of the microstrip line. Both simulations and experiments confirmed that the radiation patterns of vertical and horizontal polarization on each plane show the characteristics of an isotropic antenna with nondirectional radiation pattern.
Multiband spatial angular filtering transmissions through cascade asymmetrical metasurfaces
Authors: Zhu Jinbiao , Liu Yuquan , Tang Hongbiao , Guo Lili 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a cascade asymmetrical metasurface (CAM) is proposed to generate the functionality of multiband spatial angular filtering transmissions. More specifically, dual‐asymmetrical‐C‐slits printed on the CAM can readily tune the transmission frequencies by controlling the incident angles of electromagnetic waves. In the meanwhile, the CAM with multiple hierarchical structures would be capable of realizing the multiband operative mode with the performance of spatial angular filtering. The proposed method, by using multilayer CAM structures to realize multiband spatial angular filtering transmissions, can offer an efficient way to fulfill reconfigurable radiations of the antennas by tuning the emission frequencies.
Gaussian fitting algorithm with multi‐geometric parameters for rotated elliptical beam profiling using pixel ion chamber
Authors: Lei Hao , Tan Ping , Hu Delin , Yu Yecheng , Lin Yinjie , Zhang Zhongqi , Li Jiadong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeA high‐precision rotated elliptical beam profiling method based on pixel ion chamber is proposed in this paper. This method aims to improve the accuracy by modeling the transverse profile of rotated beam as an ellipse with additional correlation coefficient and eliminating the fitting error due to the volume averaging effect of pixel ion chamber.MethodsIn pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy systems, the transverse beam profile model is generally represented as a standard Gaussian distribution. Considering the elliptical spots, two‐dimensional (2D) joint Gaussian distribution characterized with the correlation coefficient ρ is adopted in this study. Gaussian‐type particle distribution with white noise was generated and processed in MATLAB to simulate the secondary particle collection in the pixel ion chamber. The simulated pixel ion chamber is a commercially available ion chamber which consists of 12 × 12 small square pixels (3.75 × 3.75 mm2) with a 0.05 mm interval. The simulated signals were preprocessed by filtering with the noise threshold and extracting the maximum simply connected domain (MSCD) of the signal. Then, five geometric parameters that identify the transverse beam profiles were fitted under different signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) conditions: the center of the beam (x0, y0), the spot size (σmajor, σminor), and the rotation angle θ formed between the major axes of elliptical spot and the x axes of the ion chamber. First, the simulated signals were preprocessed by filtering with the noise threshold and extracting the MSCD of the signal. Second, a rectification curve of systematic error in fitted spot size versus the prescribed spot size was used to predict the systematic error due to the volume averaging effect. Finally, the effects of fitting errors on therapeutic dose were evaluated in terms of gamma index and relative dose difference.ResultsWhen the SNR is not less than 20 dB, the relative fitting error of spot size and the absolute fitting error of angle θ are less than 1% and 6.1°, respectively. The fitting error of beam center increases with spot size and will not exceed 0.22 mm when spot size reaches up to 12 mm. At a SNR equal to 20 dB, neither cold nor hot spots were presented in dose distribution calculated with the fitted spot parameters.ConclusionThe improved Gaussian fitting algorithm performs well when SNR is not less than 20 dB. This method can effectively distinguish the nominal beam and rotated elliptical beam. An ideal systematic error curve can be predicted and used to correct the fitted spot size, thus eliminating the systematic error due to the volume averaging effect of the pixel ion chamber. The fitting error of spot size cannot be fully corrected, but it is negligible and shows little effect on the overall therapeutic dose.
Daptomycin exerts bactericidal effect through induction of excessive ROS production and blocking the function of stress response protein Usp2
Authors: Po Kathy Hiu Laam , Chow Hoi Yee , Cheng Qipeng , Chan Bill Kwan‐wai , Deng Xin , Wang Shuping , Chan Edward Wai Chi , Kong Hang‐Kin , Chan Kin Fai , Li Xuechen , Chen Sheng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDaptomycin, as a lipopeptide antibiotic, exhibits high potency in the treatment of infections caused by clinically relevant drug‐resistant Gram‐positive pathogens, such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococci. However, its bactericidal mechanism of action remains controversial. In this study, we report that daptomycin kills bacteria through triggering overproduction of deleterious reactive oxygen species (ROS). This outcome is attributed to daptomycin binding to the universal stress response protein (Usp2) and subsequent blocking its function, triggering stress, and anti‐ROS response. Based on these findings, we conclude that daptomycin causes bacterial cell death by simultaneously triggering ROS production through inflicting cell membrane damages and inhibiting antioxidant defense by blocking Usp2 function. This study depicts molecular mechanisms underlying the bactericidal effect of daptomycin, a combination of triggering ROS production and inhibiting anti‐ROS response.Key points
Novel bactericidal mechanism of daptomycin by ROS
Identification of first bacterial protein target, Usp2, for daptomycin
Deciphering the dual role of Usp2 on daptomycin mediated bacterial killing
Defective interferon amplification and impaired host responses against influenza virus in obese mice
Authors: Gaur Pratibha , Riehn Mathias , Zha Lisha , Köster Mario , Hauser Hansjörg , Wirth Dagmar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveObesity is a major risk factor that increases morbidity and mortality upon infection. Although type I and type III interferon (IFN)‐induced innate immune responses represent the first line of defense against viral infections, their functionality in the context of metabolic disorders remains largely obscure. This study aimed to investigate IFN responses upon respiratory viral infection in obese mice.MethodsThe activation of IFNs as well as IFN regulatory factors (IRFs) upon H3N2 influenza infection in mice upon high‐fat‐diet feeding was investigated.ResultsInfluenza infection of obese mice was characterized by higher mortalities. In‐depth analysis revealed impaired induction of both type I and type III IFNs as well as markedly reduced IFN responses. Notably, it was found that IRF7 gene expression in obese animals was reduced in homeostasis, and its induction by the virus was strongly attenuated.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the attenuated IRF7 expression and induction are responsible for the reduced expression levels of type I and III IFNs and, thus, for the higher susceptibility and severity of respiratory infections in obese mice.