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A visible-light induced selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides or sulfones was reported at ambient temperature in H2O under catalyst-free conditions, using oxygen as a green oxidant. The surfactants play a key role in this oxidation, and sulfoxides or sulfones were obtained in high yields, respectively, promoted by different surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parrot bornavirus (PaBV) is an infectious disease linked with proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) with severe digestive and neurological symptoms affecting psittacine birds. Despite its detection in 2008, PaBV prevalence in Taiwan remains unexplored. Taiwan is one of the leading psittacine bird breeders; hence, understanding the distribution of PaBV aids preventive measures in controlling spread, early disease recognition, epidemiology, and transmission dynamics. Here, we aimed to detect the prevalence rate of PaBV and assess its genetic variation in Taiwan. Among 124 psittacine birds tested, fifty-seven were PaBV-positive, a prevalence rate of 45.97%. Most of the PaBV infections were adult psittacine birds, with five birds surviving the infection, resulting in a low survival rate (8.77%). A year of parrot bornavirus surveillance presented a seasonal pattern, with peak PaBV infection rates occurring in the spring season (68%) and the least in the summer season (25%), indicating the occurrence of PaBV infections linked to seasonal factors. Histopathology reveals severe meningoencephalitis in the cerebellum and dilated cardiomyopathy of the heart in psittacine birds who suffered from PDD. Three brain samples underwent X/P gene sequencing, revealing PaBV-2 and PaBV-4 viral genotypes through phylogenetic analyses. This underscores the necessity for ongoing PaBV surveillance and further investigation into its pathophysiology and transmission routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is an infectious disease associated with chronic hepatitis in cats, which suggests a similarity with hepatitis B virus infections in humans. Since its first identification in Australia in 2018, DCH has been reported in several countries with varying prevalence rates, but its presence in Taiwan has yet to be investigated. In this study, we aimed to identify the presence and genetic diversity of DCH infections in Taiwan. Among the 71 samples tested, eight (11.27%) were positive for DCH. Of these positive cases, three cats had elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), suggesting an association between DCH infection and chronic hepatitis. Four DCH-positive samples were also tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) coinfection. One sample (25%) was positive for FIV, whereas there was no positive sample for FeLV (0%). In addition, we performed whole genome sequencing on six samples to determine the viral genome sequences. Phylogenetic analyses identified a distinct lineage compared with previously reported sequences. This study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance of DCH and further research to elucidate the pathophysiology and transmission route of DCH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of various 3‐alkylated quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones (32 examples, 70%–96% yields) through electron donor‐acceptor complex enabled alkylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with N‐ hydroxyphthalimide esters as the alkyl source and Na2S as the catalytic electron donor under external photocatalyst‐, oxidant‐ and additive‐free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent studies found that exosomes (Exo) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) (MSC‐Exo) accelerated diabetic wound healing. However, the low yield during exosome extraction is still a major barrier to their clinical utility. Methods: We constructed a method to produce umbilical cord MSC‐derived nanovesicles (UCMSC‐NV) by serial extrusion through filters and investigated the effects of UCMSC‐NV on wound healing in vivo and in vitro, as well as the potential mechanisms. Results: We found that the characteristics of UCMSC‐NV were similar to those of exsome (UCMSC‐Exo) but with much higher production yields. Further analysis showed that UCMSC‐NV promoted the migration of fibroblasts and angiogenesis in vitro, and both UCMSC‐NV and UCMSC‐Exo showed similar therapeutic capacities for wound healing in vivo. Sequencing analysis revealed that UCMSC‐NV and UCMSC‐Exo had similar miRNA compositions, and the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs in UCMSC‐NV were enriched in pathways of inflammation and damage‐repair‐related functions. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that UCMSC‐NV encapsulated functional proteins that may achieve therapeutic effect equally as good as UCMSC‐Exo. Conclusions: UCMSC‐NV are more efficacious and can be obtained at a higher yield than UCMSC‐Exo and are a promising therapeutic strategy to improve wound healing in diabetes patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA repair is a primary defense mechanism against damage caused by exogenous and endogenous sources. We examined the associations between bladder cancer and 7 polymorphisms from 5 genes involved in the maintenance of genetic stability (MMR: MLH1-93G>A; BER: XRCC1--77T>C and Arg399Gln; NER:XPC Lys939Gln and PAT +/-; DSBR:ATM G5557A and XRCC7 G6721T) in 302 incident bladder cancer cases and 311 hospital controls. Genotyping was done using a polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The homozygous variant of XRCC7 G6721T (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.36; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.13-4.92) was associated with increased bladder cancer risk. In an analysis of combined genotypes, the combination of XRCC1Arg399Gln (Gln allele) with XRCC1-77 T/T led to an increase in risk (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.10-2.36). Moreover, when the XPCLys939Gln (Gln allele) (nucleotide excision repair [NER]) was present together with XRCC7 (T allele) (double strand break repair [DSBR]), the bladder cancer risk dramatically increased (OR: 4.42; 95% CI: 1.23-15.87). Our results suggest that there are multigenic variations in the DNA repair pathway involved in bladder cancer susceptibility, despite the existence of ethnic group differences.

The electronic conductive metal-organic frameworks (EC-MOFs) based on a single ligand are not suitable for the accurate detection of bisphenol A (BPA) due to the limitations of their electron-transfer-based sensing mechanism. To overcome this drawback, we developed EC-MOFs with novel dual-ligands, 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxy-sanya-phenyl (HHTP) and tetrahydroxy 1,4-quinone (THQ), and metal ions. A new class of 2D π-conjugation-based EC-MOFs (M-(HHTP)(THQ)) was synthesized by a self-assemble technique. Its best member (Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)) was selected and combined with reduced graphene (rGO) to form a Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO composite, which was thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction, field scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO was drop-cast onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to obtain a sensor for BPA detection. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance tests were used to evaluate the electrode performance. The oxidation current of BPA on the Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO/GCE was substantially higher than on unmodified GCE, which could be explained by a synergy between Cu-(HHTP)(THQ) (which provided sensing and adsorption) and rGO (which provided fast electron conductivity and high surface area). Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO/GCE exhibited a linear detection range for 0.05–100 μmol·L−1 of BPA with 3.6 nmol·L−1 (S/N = 3) detection limit. We believe that our novel electrode and BPA sensing method extends the application perspectives of EC-MOFs in the electrocatalysis and sensing fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical multicomponent reaction was established under catalyst-, chemical-oxidant-free and mild conditions, which provides an eco-friendly and simple protocol for constructing 4-selanylpyrazoles. A broad range of 4-selanylpyrazole derivatives could be obtained from easily available raw materials in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A safe, practical and eco-friendly method for the switchable synthesis of sulfoxides and sulfones through visible-light-initiated oxygenation of sulfides at ambient temperature under transition-metal-, additives-free and minimal solvent conditions. The synergistic catalytic efforts between CF3SO2Na and 2-butoxyethyl ether represents the key promoting factor for the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone defects or fractures generally heal in the absence of major interventions due to the high regenerative capacity of bone tissue. However, in situations of severe/large bone defects, these orchestrated regeneration mechanisms are impaired. With advances in modern medicine, natural and synthetic bio-scaffolds from bioceramics and polymers that support bone growth have emerged and gained intense research interest. In particular, scaffolds that recapitulate the molecular cues of extracellular signals, particularly growth factors, offer potential as therapeutic bone biomaterials. The current challenges for these therapies include the ability to engineer materials that mimic the biological and mechanical properties of the real bone tissue matrix, whilst simultaneously supporting bone vascularization. In this review, we discuss the very recent innovative strategies in bone biomaterial technology, including those of endogenous biomaterials and cell/drug delivery systems that promote bone regeneration. We present our understanding of their current value and efficacy, and the future perspectives for bone regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of C−N bonds is a central tenet of modern synthetic chemistry as it widely exists in bioactive molecules, natural products, and functional materials. Visible‐light induced strategies can serve as particularly powerful tools for achieving C−N bond formation. This mini review summarizes the recent advancements in the transformation of C(sp3)−H bonds into C−N bonds via photocatalysis under metal catalyst‐free conditions. These reactions generally occur in the presence of abundant and clean visible‐light at ambient temperature without the use of metal catalysts, which undoubtedly represents a future trend in green and sustainable chemistry. The main achievements in this area from 2015 until the present are described according to the type of nitrogen sources and emphasis is placed on the working mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent joint disorders globally. Patients suffering from OA are often obese and adiposity is linked to chronic inflammation. In the present study, the potential of using exosomes isolated from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as a therapeutic tool for reducing chronic inflammation and promoting chondrogenesis was investigated using patient-derived primary cells. First, it was tested whether patient-derived ADSCs could differentiate into chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages. The ADSCs were then used as a source of exosomes. It was found that exosomes isolated from ADSCs, when co-cultured with activated synovial fibroblasts, downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α, while they upregulated the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10; without exosomes, the opposite observations were made. In addition, inflammation-inflicted oxidative stress was induced in vitro by stimulating chondrocytes with H2O2. Treatment with exosomes protected articular chondrocytes from H2O2-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, exosome treatment promoted chondrogenesis in periosteal cells and increased chondrogenic markers, including Collagen type II and β-catenin; inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin, using the antagonist ICG-001, prevented exosome-induced chondrogenesis. Periosteal cells treated with exosomes exhibited higher levels of microRNA (miR)-145 and miR-221. The upregulation of miR-145 and miR-221 was associated with the enhanced proliferation of periosteal cells and chondrogenic potential, respectively. The present study provided evidence in support for the use of patient-derived exosomes, produced from ADSCs, for potential chondrogenic regeneration and subsequent amelioration of osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of iron dust, diaryl disulfides react withα-bromo carbonyl compounds to obtainα-arylthio carbonyl compounds in good yield at 90 °C under an N2atmosphere, using commercial dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent. The possible reaction mechanism is that the disulfide is reduced by iron dust to give ArSFeSAr and then reacted withα-bromo carbonyl compounds to give productα-arylthio carbonyl compounds and FeBr2. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite incorporating ZnO in mesopores has been synthesized with a simple route. The commercial H-ZSM-5 (Si/Al=50) was first treated with NaOH solution to induce a partial desilication, which can introduce a large number of intracrystal mesopores, and the ZnO nanoparticles were successfully incorporated in the mesopores with wet impregnation method. Characterizations of XRD, UV–visible absorption spectra, TEM and N2 adsorption were taken to analyze the locations of ZnO nanoparticles. The mesopores can load more than 15% ZnO with the size of about 20nm, which can only reduce the mesopore surface area and volume, whereas, micropores are remained and cannot be blocked by the loaded ZnO particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, stem cells and their secretomes, notably exosomes, have received considerable attention in biomedical applications. Exosomes are cellular secretomes used for intercellular communication. They perform the function of intercellular messengers by facilitating the transport of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and therapeutic substances. Their biocompatibility, minimal immunogenicity, targetability, stability, and engineerable characteristics have additionally led to their application as drug delivery vehicles. The therapeutic efficacy of exosomes can be improved through surface modification employing functional molecules, including aptamers, antibodies, and peptides. Given their potential as targeted delivery vehicles to enhance the efficiency of treatment while minimizing adverse effects, exosomes exhibit considerable promise. Stem cells are considered advantageous sources of exosomes due to their distinctive characteristics, including regenerative and self-renewal capabilities, which make them well-suited for transplantation into injured tissues, hence promoting tissue regeneration. However, there are notable obstacles that need to be addressed, including immune rejection and ethical problems. Exosomes produced from stem cells have been thoroughly studied as a cell-free strategy that avoids many of the difficulties involved with cell-based therapy for tissue regeneration and cancer treatment. This review provides an in-depth summary and analysis of the existing knowledge regarding exosomes, including their engineering and cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment applications., Competing Interests: Authors Z-WL and J-YC were employed by Zhejiang Healthfuture Biomedicine Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Pang, Shao, Xu, Lin, Chen, Chen, Mou and Hu.)

A simple and practical electron donor-acceptor (EDA) strategy to synthesize various 3-alkylated coumarins from easily available coumarins and naturally abundant carboxylic acids under photocatalyst-, oxidant-, and additive-free and mild conditions is reported. Using Na 2 S as the catalytic electron donor, a series of primary, secondary, and tertiary carbon radicals can be efficiently generated, and the EDA complex can be regenerated without an alkaline additive.

Purpose: The Westlake BioBank for Chinese (WBBC) pilot cohort is a population-based prospective study with its major purpose to better understand the effect of genetic and environmental factors on growth and development from adolescents to adults., Participants: A total of 14 726 participants (4751 males and 9975 females) aged 14-25 years were recruited and the baseline survey was carried out from 2017 to 2019. The pilot cohort contains rich range of information regarding of demographics and anthropometric measurements, lifestyle and sleep patterns, clinical and health outcomes. Visit the WBBC website for more information (https://wbbc.westlake.edu.cn/index.html)., Findings to Date: The mean age of the study samples were 18.6 years for males and 18.5 years for females, respectively. The mean height and weight were 172.9 cm and 65.81 kg for males, and 160.1 cm and 52.85 kg for females. Results indicated that the prevalence of underweight in female was much higher than male, but the prevalence of overweight and obesity in female was lower than male. The mean serum 25(OH)D level in the 14 726 young participants was 22.4±5.3 ng/mL, and male had a higher level of serum 25(OH)D than female, overall, 33.5% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency and even more participants suffered from vitamin D insufficiency (58.2%). The proportion of deficiency in females was much higher than that in males (41.8 vs 16.4%). The issue of underweight and vitamin D deficiency in young people should be paid attention, especially in females. These results reflected the fact that thinness and paler skin are preferred in modern aesthetics of Chinese culture., Future Plans: WBBC pilot is designed as a prospective cohort study and provides a unique and rich data set analysing health trajectories from adolescents to young adults. WBBC will continue to collect samples with old age., Competing Interests: Competing interests: Jun-Quan Liu and Yi Sun are employees of Hangzhou Kingmed Diagnostics Co. The other authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

A catalyst-, oxidant-, electrolyte-free method for the preparation of α-ketoamides through the direct electrochemical amidation of α-ketoaldehydes and amines with innocuous hydrogen as the sole byproduct at ambient temperature was developed. The present reaction features clean and mild conditions, excellent functional-group tolerance, and high atom economy and scalability, enabling facile applications in pharmaceutical chemistry.

An efficient oxidative aminooxyarylation of alkenes under a transition-metal-free condition was described. Under the reaction conditions, N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) reacted readily with N-arylacrylamides to produce cyclic products via a radical C-H functionalization process, achieving both C-O and C-C bonds formation in one pot. This reaction provided a facile access to the valuable aminooxylated oxindoles. The benzylic and α-methylene C(sp 3 )-H bonds were also aminooxylated under the reaction conditions.