bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between epicardial adipose tissue and cardiac dysfunction in subjects with severe obesity
Authors: Chin Jie Fen , Aga Yaar S. , Abou Kamar S. , Kroon D. , Snelder Sanne M. , van de Poll Sweder W.E. , Kardys Isabella , Brugts Jasper J. , de Boer Rudolf A. , van Dalen Bas M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) plays a role in obesity‐related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, the association of EAT thickness with the development of cardiac dysfunction in subjects with severe obesity without known cardiovascular disease is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between EAT thickness and cardiac dysfunction and describe the potential value of EAT as an early marker of cardiac dysfunction.Methods and resultsSubjects with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 aged 35 to 65 years, who were referred for bariatric surgery, without suspicion of or known cardiac disease, were enrolled. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography and strain analyses were performed. A total of 186 subjects were divided into tertiles based on EAT thickness, of whom 62 were in EAT‐1 (EAT <3.8 mm), 63 in EAT‐2 (EAT 3.8–5.4 mm), and 61 in EAT‐3 (EAT >5.4 mm). Parameters of systolic and diastolic function were comparable between tertiles. Patients in EAT‐3 had the lowest global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left atrial contractile strain (LASct). Linear regression showed that a one‐unit increase in EAT thickness (mm) was independently associated with a decrease in GLS (%) (β coefficient −0.404, p = 0.002), and a decrease in LASct (%) (β coefficient −0.544, p = 0.027). Furthermore, EAT‐3 independently predicted cardiac dysfunction as defined by a GLS <18% (odds ratio 2.8, p = 0.013) and LASct <14% (odds ratio 2.5, p = 0.045).ConclusionsIncreased EAT thickness in subjects with obesity without known cardiac disease was independently associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Our findings suggest that EAT might play a role in the early stages of cardiac dysfunction in obesity before this may progress to overt clinical disease.
Early left atrial venting versus conventional treatment for left ventricular decompression during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: The EVOLVE‐ECMO randomized clinical trial
Authors: Park Hanbit , Yang Jeong Hoon , Ahn Jung‐Min , Kang Do‐Yoon , Lee Pil Hyung , Kim Tae Oh , Choi Ki Hong , Kang Pil Je , Jung Sung‐Ho , Yun Sung‐Cheol , Park Duk‐Woo , Lee Seung‐Whan , Park Seung‐Jung , Kim Min‐Seok 
Published: August 2023

AimsFew studies have reported data on the optimal timing of left ventricular (LV) unloading during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) for cardiac arrest or shock. This study evaluated the feasibility of an early LV unloading strategy compared with a conventional strategy in VA‐ECMO.Methods and resultsBetween December 2018 and August 2022, 60 patients at two institutions were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive early (n = 30) or conventional (n = 30) LV unloading strategies. The early LV unloading strategy was defined as LV unloading performed at the time of VA‐ECMO insertion. LV unloading was performed using a percutaneous transseptal left atrial cannulation via the femoral vein incorporated into the ECMO venous circuit. The early and conventional LV unloading groups included 29 (96.7%) and 23 (76.7%) patients, respectively (median time from VA‐ECMO insertion to LV unloading: 48.4 h, interquartile range 47.8–96.5 h). The groups showed no significant differences in the rate of VA‐ECMO weaning as the primary endpoint (70.0% vs. 76.7%; relative risk 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.67–1.24; p = 0.386) and survival to discharge (53.3% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.796). However, the pulmonary congestion score index at 48 h after LV unloading was significantly improved only in the early LV unloading group (2.0 ± 0.7 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 at baseline vs. at 48 h; p = 0.008).ConclusionsCompared with the conventional approach, early LV unloading did not improve the VA‐ECMO weaning rate, despite the rapid improvement in pulmonary congestion. Therefore, the results of this study do not support the application of this strategy after VA‐ECMO insertion.
Activation and Deactivation of Benzylic C−H Bonds Guided by Stereoelectronic Effects in Hydrogen Atom Transfer from Amides and Amines to Alkoxyl Radicals
Authors: Sisti Sergio , Ioele Fabio , Scarchilli Filippo , Galeotti Marco , DiLabio Gino A. , Salamone Michela , Bietti Massimo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractKinetic and product studies on the reactions of tert‐alkoxyl radicals with secondary and tertiary alkanamides bearing benzylic α‐C−H bonds, isoindoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline and the corresponding N‐acetyl derivatives were carried out. Product studies on the reactions with the tert‐butoxyl radical (tBuO⋅) point toward exclusive HAT from the benzylic α‐C−H bonds. Comparison of the kH values measured for reaction with the cumyloxyl radical (CumO⋅) with those obtained previously for the corresponding reactions of N‐alkyl‐ and N,N‐dialkylalkanamides, are indicative of a lack of benzylic activation and the operation of steric and stereoelectronic effects. Compared to N‐methyl and N‐ethyl groups, the presence of N‐benzyl groups increases the barrier required to reach the optimal conformation for HAT, where the α‐C−H bond to be cleaved is perpendicular to the plane of the amide, precluding concurrent overlap with the phenyl π‐system. When the benzylic α‐C−H bonds are in a conformation that allows for optimal overlap with both the phenyl π‐system and the amide π‐system or amine nitrogen lone pair, as in the isoindoline and tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives, increases in kH that exceed 2‐orders of magnitude were observed, highlighting the strong contribution provided by stereoelectronic activation to these HAT processes.
Synthetic Routes to Imidates and Their Applications in Organic Transformation: Recent Progress
Authors: Chaidali Andriani G. , Lykakis Ioannis N. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRecent synthetic approaches and diverse applications of imidates are presented in this review. These motifs are successfully used as intermediates in organic transformations, such as the synthesis of N‐heterocycles, natural products and metal complexes with a potential catalytic effect. Consequently, many attempts have been made for the development of efficient and facile synthetic methods of imidates in the past few years, as a continuum of previous paths. A wide range of organic compounds can be used as starting materials for these syntheses, including nitriles, isocyanides, amides etc. which through simple and flexible processes are converted to the desired imidates. Herein, an exploration of the recent synthetic routes of imidates and their diverse applications in organic transformations has been categorized and summarized.
Optimal tree architecture for high‐yield yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) management
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Wang Qing , Jia Qiang , El‐Kassaby Yousry A. , Ranjitkar Sailesh , Wang Junjie , Xiang Qiuhong , von Kleist Kurt , Guan Wenbin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTree architectural attributes demonstrate a significant association with fruit yield. Yellowhorn is the future bioenergy tree in China; however, the species suffers from high reproductive energy and exceedingly low reproductive output. To optimize yellowhorn management and pinpoint priority trees featuring optimal architecture, we employed machine learning modeling to develop high fruit yielding predictive models using five yield indicators (dependent variables: FrW, SeW, ShW, FrW, and SeN) and five tree characteristics (independent variables: CA, TH, DGL, HLC, and MBN) of yellowhorn. Results showed that trees characterized by a substantial canopy area (>1.70 m2) and a large diameter at ground level (>3.71 cm) have been found to yield a higher fruit production. However, increased tree height does not invariably correlate with an elevated yield. Effective selection of high‐yielding individuals can be accomplished by restricting tree height within the range of 192–232.4 cm. This approach emphasizes the importance of integrating considerations of tree architecture into forestry management practices. Such integration can bolster productivity, thereby contributing to both the sustainability and economic viability of yellowhorn forests.
Study on the antioxidant activity of peptides from soybean meal by fermentation based on the chemical method and AAPH‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Ma JuanJuan , Su Keying , Chen Meimei , Wang Shuo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPreparation and antioxidant activities of soybean peptides using solid fermentation to decrease the content of trypsin inhibitor (TI) and antigen protein were investigated in this study. The results showed the optimal fermentation conditions were as follows: fermentation time 48 h, the ratio of material to solvent 1:2, inoculum size 12%, and the ratio of Lactic acid bacteria and Aspergillus oryzae 2:1. The hydrolysate was were divided into four components of <1, 1–3, 3–5, and >5 kDa by ultrafiltration based on molecular weight, and the <1 kDa peptides expressed the highest antioxidant activities. Meanwhile, the cell antioxidant activity of the <1 kDa soybean peptides was investigated using AAPH‐induced erythrocyte hemolysis, which effectively inhibited erythrocyte hemolysis with the inhibit rate of 85.8% through inhibition of the ROS intracellular generation. In addition, soybean peptides could significantly restore the intracellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH‐Px, and CAT) activities, as well as inhibited intracellular MDA generation and depletion of GSH. The intracellular antioxidant detoxifying mechanism of soybean peptides was associated with both non‐enzymatic and enzymatic defense systems. According to this study, fermentation could effectively improve the antioxidant activities of soybean peptides.
A case of mid‐ureteral stricture with ipsilateral atrophic kidney in a young adult
Authors: Machida Arisa , Abe Masakazu , Ishii Shuhei , Sekiguchi Kie , Takahashi Kenta , Shiomi Ei , Maekawa Shigekatsu , Kato Yoichiro , Uesugi Noriyuki , Obara Wataru 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMost congenital ureteral strictures occur at the ureteropelvic or ureterovesical junction in children. Mid‐ureteral stricture is very rare and can cause congenital hydronephrosis. Only a few studies have reported on coexisting mid‐ureteral stricture with ipsilateral atrophic kidney in young adults.Case presentationA 16‐year‐old girl presented with repeated urinary tract infection. Computed tomography revealed a right atrophic kidney and hydroureter. Retrograde pyelography showed a mid‐ureteral stricture. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was performed, and histological examination revealed mid‐ureteral stricture with hyperplasia of the fibrous connective tissue and an atrophic kidney.ConclusionMid‐ureteral stricture in a young adult is extremely rare. Appropriate imaging studies including retrograde pyelography are necessary for accurate diagnosis of mid‐ureteral stricture.
Up‐regulation of inflammatory reactions by MPT32, a secreted protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Kim Hee‐Do , Choi Hyunju , Abekura Fukushi , Park Junyoung , Cho Seung‐Hak , Lee Young‐Choon , Kim Cheorl‐Ho 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and is still one of the global health burdens. The occurrence of various cases and multidrug resistance confirm that TB has not been completely conquered. For these reasons, the present research has been conducted to explore TB vaccine and drug candidate possibility using Mtb‐secreted proteins. Among these proteins, MPT32 is known to have antigenicity and immunogenicity. There has not been a report on the host immune responses and regulation in macrophage cells. The present study was conducted with MPT32 in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells that control immune responses by sensing pathogen invasion and environmental change. We have found that MPT32 could activate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced gene expression of metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells. After treating cells with MPT32, the increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐6, was observed. In addition, activated macrophages expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) to generate various inflammatory mediator molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO). The increase in iNOS and COX‐2 levels, which are up‐regulators of MMP‐9 expression, was also confirmed. The biochemical events are involved in the downstream of activated MAPK signaling and translocation of NF‐κB transcription factor. The present results prove the immunomodulatory effect of MPT32 in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. it claims the possibility of a TB vaccination and drug candidate using MPT32, contributing to the prevention of TB.
Unveiling the potential of marine compounds as quorum sensing inhibitors targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa's LasI: A computational study using molecular docking and molecular dynamics
Authors: Singothu Siva , Begum Pathan J. , Maddi Dhanashri , Devsani Namrata , Bhandari Vasundhra 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, with multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa being a leading cause of mortality, accounting for 18%–61% of deaths annually. The quorum sensing (QS) systems of P. aeruginosa, particularly the LasI‐LasR system, play a crucial role in promoting biofilm formation and expression of virulent genes, which contribute to the development of AMR. This study focuses on LasI, the mediator of biofilm formation for identifying its inhibitors from a marine compound database comprising of 32 000 compounds using molecular docking and molecular simulation techniques. The virtual screening and docking experiments demonstrated that the top 10 compounds exhibited favorable docking scores of <−7.19 kcal/mol compared to the reported inhibitor 3,5,7‐Trihydroxyflavone with a docking score of −3.098 kcal/mol. Additionally, molecular mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann generalized born surface area (MM‐GBSA) analyses were conducted to assess these compounds' suitability for further investigation. Out of 10 compounds, five compounds demonstrated high MM‐GBSA binding energy (<−35.33 kcal/mol) and were taken up for molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate the stability of the protein‐ligand complex over a 100 ns period. Based on root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration, and hydrogen bond interactions analysis, three marine compounds, namely MC‐2 (CMNPD13419) and MC‐3 (CMNPD1068), exhibited consistent stability throughout the simulation. Therefore, these compounds show potential as promising LasI inhibitors and warrant further validation through in vitro and in vivo experiments. By exploring the inhibitory effects of these marine compounds on P. aeruginosa's QS system, this research aims to contribute to the development of novel strategies to combat AMR.
Maternal SMC2 is essential for embryonic development via participating chromosome condensation in mice
Authors: Xu Ke , Qiao Jing‐Yi , Zhao Bin‐Wang , Dong Ming‐Zhe , Lei Wen‐Long , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Ju Zhenyu , Schatten Heide , Wang Zhen‐Bo , Liu Kui , Sun Qing‐Yuan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDuring the oocyte growth, maturation and zygote development, chromatin structure keeps changing to regulate different nuclear activities. Here, we reported the role of SMC2, a core component of condensin complex, in oocyte and embryo development. Oocyte‐specific conditional knockout of SMC2 caused female infertility. In the absence of SMC2, oocyte meiotic maturation and ovulation occurred normally, but chromosome condensation showed defects and DNA damages were accumulated in oocytes. The pronuclei were abnormally organized and micronuclei were frequently observed in fertilized eggs, their activity was impaired, and embryo development was arrested at the one‐cell stage, suggesting that maternal SMC2 is essential for embryonic development.
Estrogen increases the expression of BKCa and impairs the contraction of colon smooth muscle via upregulation of sphingosine kinase 1
Authors: Wang Yan , Jiang Ya , Jiang Ling , Xiong Wenjie , Wang Yanjuan , Gao Xiangyue , Chen Qi , Lin Lin , Yu Ting , Tang Yurong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEstrogen (E2) may impair the contraction of colonic smooth muscle (SM) leading to constipation. Large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (BKCa) are widely expressed in the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contributing to hyperpolarization and relaxation of SMCs. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is known to influence the expression of BKCa. We aimed to elucidate the potential underlying molecular mechanism of BKCa and SphK1 that may influence E2‐induced colonic dysmotility.In ovariectomized rats, SM contraction and expression of BKCa, SphK1, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor (S1PR) were analyzed after the treatment with vehicle, BSA‐E2, E2, and E2 receptor antagonist. The role of BKCa, SphK1, and S1PR in E2‐induced SM dysmotility was investigated in rat colonic SMCs. The effect of SphK1 on SM contraction as well as on the expression of BKCa and S1PR was analyzed in SphK1 knock‐out mutant mice and wild‐type (WT) mice treated with or without E2.The E2‐treated group exhibited a weak contraction of colonic SM and a delayed colonic transit. The treatment with E2 significantly upregulated the expression of BKCa, SphK1, S1PR1, and S1PR2, but not S1PR3, in colon SM and SMCs. Inhibition of BKCa, SphK1, S1PR1, and S1PR2 expression attenuated the effect of E2 on Ca2+ mobilization in rat colon SMCs. WT mice treated with E2 showed impaired gastrointestinal motility and enhanced expression of BKCa, S1PR1, and S1PR2 compared with those without E2 treatment. Conversely, in SphK1 knock‐out mice treated with E2, these effects were partially reversed. E2 increased the release of S1P which in turn could have activated S1PR1 and S1PR2. Loss of SphK1 attenuated the effect of E2 on the upregulation of S1PR1 and S1PR2 expression. These findings indicated that E2 impaired the contraction of colon SM through activation of BKCa via the upregulation of SphK1 and the release of S1P. In the E2‐induced BKCa upregulation, S1PR1 and S1PR2 might also be involved. These results may provide further insights into a therapeutic target and optional treatment approaches for patients with constipation.
Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of primary central nervous system lymphoma by experimental animal models
Authors: Wu Di , Liu Dahai , Tateishi Kensuke , Qi Fei , Yang Fang , Ke Chao , You Hua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPrimary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and invasive diffuse large B cell lymphoma confined in central nervous system (CNS). The effort to press forward the translational progress has been frustrated by the insufficient understanding of immunophenotype of CNS and tumor genetic alterations of PCNSL, and the lack of validated diagnostic biomarkers. Researchers now have a variety of PCNSL animal models at their disposal that resemble the morphology and immunophenotype of PCNSL, however, a careful and detailed re‐examination of these animal models is needed to clarify the differences in genetic alterations, migration capability, and immune status. In this review, we present the knowledge about the phenotypic and genotypic features of PCNSL tumor cells, and compile the preclinical animal models of PCNSL with regard to various injection sites, cell origins, recipient animals, and immune status, and elaborate on the tropism and migration of tumor cells and novel therapeutic strategies for PCNSL. We envisage that the selection of suitable animal models will serve as a well‐defined preclinical system to understand the molecular pathogenesis of PCNSL, thereby galvanizing the development of novel and potent therapeutic approaches.
Discovery of the ((diaryl)methyl)phosphonic acid derivatives as novel CD73 inhibitors
Authors: Yang Wenyu , Chen Xi , Ning Xiangli , Deng Jianlin , Li Rong , Lei Pengcheng , Wang Yanjun , Liu Jiayu , Zhang Weifeng , Jiang Yingying , Wang Zhouyu , Yang Lingling 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEcto‐nucleotidase CD73 inhibits immune function by overproducing adenosine. A series of important studies have shown that CD73 is over‐expressed in many cancers, and CD73 inhibitors are promising drugs for cancer (immunotherapy). Here, we describe the structure optimization of a hit compound obtained through screening an in‐house chemical library, (3‐(4‐(3‐aminophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)phenyl‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)methyl)phosphonic acid (1). A series of ((diphenylmethyl) phosphonic acid) derivatives were synthesized, and all target compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Then structure–activity relationship analysis using the in vitro enzymatic inhibition assay was performed, which led to the discovery of a number of compounds (11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, and 27) that exhibited greater inhibitory activity than the lead compound 1. Among them, the compounds 14 and 23, with p‐Cl and p‐ethyl substitution on the terminal phenyl ring respectively, showed the strongest inhibitory activity against CD73, with IC50 values of 2.35 and 2.55 μM respectively. And we believe that compounds 14 and 23 can serve as lead compounds for further research on specific CD73 inhibitors.
Optimal timing of re‐excision in synovial sarcoma patients: Immediate intervention versus waiting for local recurrence
Authors: Zhang Hongqiang , Sun Wei , Huang Wending , Yan Wangjun , Wang Hongbo , Qu Guolun , Wang Kangwei , Qu Xinglong , Wang Chunmeng , Chen Yong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the difference in efficacy of re‐excision in synovial sarcoma patients with and without residual tumor following unplanned excision, and to compare the prognostic outcomes of immediate re‐excision versus waiting for local recurrence.MethodThis study included synovial sarcoma patients who underwent re‐excision at our center between 2009 and 2019, categorized into groups based on unplanned excision and local recurrence. Analyzed endpoints included overall survival (OS), local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), and distant relapse‐free survival (DRFS). Prognostic factors associated with these three different survival outcomes were analyzed through the use of Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression approaches.ResultIn total, this study incorporated 109 synovial sarcoma patients, including 32 (29.4%) with no residual tumor tissue identified after re‐excision, 31 (28.4%) with residual tumor tissue after re‐excision, and 46 (42.2%) with local recurrence after initial excision. Patients were assessed over a median 52‐month follow‐up period. The respective 5‐year OS, 5‐year LRFS, and 5‐year DRFS rates were 82.4%, 76.7%, and 74.2% for the nonresidual group, 80.6%, 80.4%, and 77.3% for the residual tumor tissue group, and 63.5%, 50.7%, and 46.3% for the local recurrence group. There was no significant difference in OS of nonresidual group and residual group patients after re‐excision (p = 0.471). Concurrent or sequential treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy significantly reduced the risk of metastasis and mortality when compared with noncombined chemoradiotherapy, and was more effective in the local recurrence group (p < 0.05).ConclusionPrompt and adequate re‐excision is crucial for patients with synovial sarcoma who undergo initial inadequate tumor excision, and their prognosis is significantly better compared with patients who delay re‐excision until local recurrence.