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Molten salts-assisted synthesis is widely used in the construction of high efficiency graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysts, and two isotypes of g-C3N4 have been synthesized by such method, namely poly (heptazine imide) (PHI) and poly (triazine imide) (PTI). However, the understanding of the structural changes taking place during the molten salt process and the structure–activity relationship of g-C3N4 polymorphs remain blurred. Herein, by regulating the treatment duration of g-C3N4 nanosheets (melon) in molten salts, we successfully synthesized g-C3N4 with phases of PHI, PHI/PTI and PTI. A continuous structural transformation induced by ions, in which melon transforms to a stable phase PTI via PHI, an intermediate state, was unveiled for the first time. In addition, results reveal that atomic configurations play a vital role in photo absorption, and charge carrier transfer and surface reaction, leading to significant differences in photocatalytic degradation. Among them, PHI with K+ and cyan groups modification, as well as high crystallinity, exhibits remarkable degradation efficiency, with 90% removal of tetracycline in 10 min and 80% removal of phenol in 60 min. This study sheds light on a deeper understanding for the molten salt-assisted synthesis and provides new ideas for preparing efficient organic semiconductor photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of catalytically active nano-sized cobalt-containing structures in multicomponent hydrogenation systems based on Co(acac)2 complex and various cocatalysts, namely, AlEt3, AlEt2(OEt), Li-n-Bu, and (PhCH2)MgCl, has been studied for the first time in detail using dynamic EPR spectroscopy. It is shown that after mixing the initial components, paramagnetic structures are formed, which include a fragment containing Co(0) with the electronic configuration 3d9, as well as a fragment bearing an aluminium, lithium, or magnesium atom, depending on the nature of the used cocatalyst. Such bimetallic paramagnetic sites are stabilized by acetylacetonate ligands. In addition, the paramagnetic complex contains the arene molecule(s), and the cobalt atom is bonded with the atom of the corresponding non-transition through the alkyl group of the co-catalyst, in particular through the carbon atom in the α-position with respect to the atom of the non-transition element. Due to the high reactivity of the described intermediates, they, under the conditions of hydrogenation catalysis, are transformed into nano-sized cobalt-containing structures that act as carriers of the catalytically active sites. Furthermore, because of the high reactivity and paramagnetism, such intermediates can be detected only by the EPR technique. The paper describes the whole experimental way of interpreting the EPR signals corresponding to the intermediates, precursors of catalytically active structures. In addition, a possible mathematical model based on the obtained experimental EPR data is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new generation of enhanced monofocal IOLs has been introduced to slightly increase the depth of focus as compared to standard monofocal IOLs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of pupil size on the through-focus optical performance of three new enhanced monofocal IOLs, designed to improve the range of vision as compared to standard monofocal IOLs. Methods: Optical bench testing in white light was performed for different pupils, using an average cornea eye. Distance image quality was evaluated using Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measurements. Through-focus Visual Acuity (VA) was simulated from these measurements (sVA). Three enhanced monofocal IOLs (ICB00, ISOPure, and RayOne-EMV) and three standard monofocal IOLs: two aspheric (ZCB00 and SN60WF) and one spherical (AAB00) were included. Results: The enhanced monofocal IOLs provided an improvement in the intermediate sVA as compared to standard monofocal IOLs. For ICB00, the improvement was independent of the pupil size, while for the ISOPure and RayOne-EMV, the intermediate sVA improved with increased pupil size. Similar to the spherical monofocal IOL, the ISOPure and RayOne-EMV showed a strong correlation between improvement in intermediate sVA and reduction of distance sVA and MTF, and increasing pupil size. ICB00 provided the same distance sVA as the aspheric monofocal IOLs and the lowest variability in MTF with pupil size. Conclusion: Optical bench results showed that the ISOPure and RayOne-EMV provide similar performance to a spherical monofocal IOL, with a strong pupil dependency for distance and intermediate vision. The other enhanced monofocal IOL, ICB00, provided a sustained improvement in simulated intermediate VA and maintained distance image quality comparable to that of the standard aspheric monofocal IOLs, even for larger pupils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New intraocular lenses (IOLs) have emerged since the originally coined monofocal and multifocal IOLs. The extended depth of focus (EDoF) and enhanced monofocal IOLs (mono-EDoF) that have appeared in the last decade have caused some confusion in their classification. The aim of this review was to summarize the outcomes provided by mono-EDOF IOLs and to determine which of the endpoints, described by the American National Standard (ANSI) for EDoF IOLs, are fulfilled. Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and WEB OF SCIENCE databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened the studies for inclusion and data extraction. The search strategy was limited to studies published between 2020 and 2022, but not by language. The results are presented as a narrative summary accompanied by tables, in alignment with the objectives of this scoping review. Compliance with the endpoints for clinical outcomes described in the American National Standard Z80.35–2018 (ANSI) for EDoF lenses was checked and additional endpoints were defined. Results: Two systematic reviews, 13 laboratory, 21 clinical, and two mixed studies were included. Tecnis Eyhance was the mono-EDOF with the highest volume of evidence to date. Although laboratory studies included other IOLs, clinical evidence for them is still scarce, with only one study of IsoPure compared to a standard monofocal IOL. Evidence in comparison to EDoF lenses is also scarce, even for Tecnis Eyhance, with only three studies including this lens in comparison to an EDoF lens. After evaluation of the ANSI criteria, agreement was found in the failure for the increase in depth of field equal to or greater than 0.5 D for a visual acuity (VA) level of 0.2 logMAR and none of the studies supported that the median monocular VA at intermediate distance was at least 0.2 logMAR. Conclusions: Additional clinical evidence is required for other mono-EDOF IOLs beyond Tecnis Eyhance. Until the arrival of a standard classification, mono-EDOF should be better still classified as monofocal because the ANSI standards were not fully met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The need for an intensive care unit has increased during the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For this reason, intermediate-level intensive care units (IICUs) were established in hospitals worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the data of patients that hospitalized in IICU. Methods: Patients under treatment for COVID-19 were followed up in IICU after the negative polymerized chain reaction test. A total of 52 patients were evaluated retrospectively between August 24, 2020 and March 1, 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to discharge status from IICU (Group 1: exitus, Group 2: transferred to clinic, or discharged home). Demographic data, comorbidities, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), treatments and procedures, and complications were recorded. Results: Seventeen (32.7%) of 52 patients who were followed up in IICU died. Thirty-five patients (67.3%) were transferred to the clinic or discharged home. The APACHE II scores at admission to IICU were higher in Group 1 (26.11 ± 5.86) than in Group 2 (23.43 ± 6.32) but not statistically significant. GCS was statistically significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (7.82 ± 2.42 and 10.25 ± 2.58, respectively, p = 0.002). Mechanical ventilation rate (82.3%) and the need for inotropic agents (76.5%) were higher in Group 1 (p = 0,034 and p < 0.001, respectively). Tracheostomy was applied to 5 of all patients, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed 4 of them. Conclusions: We think that IICU created during the pandemic provides effective treatment for patients needing intensive care. We think IICU is beneficial in providing quick patient discharge in tertiary intensive care units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pekar et al. (2022) propose that SARS-CoV-2 was a zoonotic spillover that first infected humans in the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. They propose that there were two separate spillovers of the closely related lineages A and lineage B in a short period of time. The two lineages are differentiated by two SNVs; hence, a single-SNV A-B intermediate must have occurred in an unsampled animal host if the two-spillover hypothesis is correct. Consequently, confirmation of the existence of an intermediate A-B genome from humans would falsify their hypothesis of two spillovers. Pekar et al. identified and excluded 20 A-B intermediate genomes from their analysis. A variety of exclusion criteria were applied, including low read depth and the assertion of repeated erroneous base calls at lineage-defining positions 8782 and 28144. However, data from GISAID show that most of the genomes were sequenced to high average sequencing depth, appearing inconsistent with these criteria. The decision to exclude the majority of genomes was based on personal communications, with raw data unavailable for inspection. Multiple errors, biases, and inconsistencies were observed in the exclusion process. For example, 12 intermediate genomes from one study were excluded; however, 54 other genomes from the same study were included, indicating selection bias. Puzzlingly, two intermediate genomes from Beijing were discarded despite an average sequencing depth of 2175X; however, four genomes from the same sequencing study were included in the analysis. Lastly, we discuss 14 additional possible intermediate genomes not discussed by Pekar et al. and note that genome sequence filtration is inappropriate when considering the presence or absence of a specific SNV pair in an outbreak. Consequently, we find that the exclusion of many of the intermediate genomes is unfounded, leaving the conclusion of two natural zoonoses unsupported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ramus artery contributes to the development of turbulence, which may influence computed tomography (CT) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) even without coronary artery disease (CAD). The relationship between ramus‐induced turbulence and FFRCT is unclear. Method and Results: A total of 120 patients with <20% coronary stenosis assessed by both FFRCT and invasive coronary angiography were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups: absent‐ramus (n = 72), small‐ramus that could not be analyzed by FFRCT (n = 18), and large‐ramus that could be analyzed by FFRCT (n = 30). FFRCT measurements were performed at the proximal and distal segments of the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and ramus artery. With absent‐ramus and small‐absent ramus groups, FFRCT was measured at the distal end of the left main trunk at the same level for the proximal segments of the LAD and LCX. In absent‐ramus group, proximal FFRCT showed no significant differences between three vessels (LAD =.96 ±.02; MID =.97 ±.02; LCX =.97 ±.02). However, in small and large‐ramus groups, proximal FFRCT was significantly higher in the ramus artery than LAD and LCX (small‐ramus, LAD =.95 ±.03, Ramus =.97 ±.02, LCX =.95 ±.03; large‐ramus: LAD =.95 ±.03, Ramus =.98 ±.01; LCX =.96 ±.03; p <.05). A large ramus was associated with a higher prevalence of a distal FFRCT ≤.80 (odds ratio 7.0, 95% CI 1.2–40.1, p =.03). A proximal ramus diameter predicted distal FFRCT ≤.80 (cut‐off 2.1 mm, AUC.76, sensitivity 100%, specificity 52%, 95% CI.61–.90). Conclusions: The presence of a large‐ramus artery may cause an FFRCT decline in no apparent CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of unstable metabolites of ellagitannins having ortho-quinone structures or reactive carbonyl groups is important to clarify the biosynthesis and degradation of ellagitannins. Our previous studies on the degradation of vescalagin, a major ellagitannin of oak young leaves, suggested that the initial step of the degradation is regioselective oxidation to generate a putative quinone intermediate. However, this intermediate has not been identified yet. In this study, young leaves of Quercus dentata were extracted with 80% acetonitrile containing 1,2-phenylenediamine to trap unstable ortho-quinone metabolites, and subsequent chromatographic separation afforded a phenazine derivative of the elusive quinone intermediate of vescalagin. In addition, phenylenediamine adducts of liquidambin and dehydroascorbic acid were obtained, which is significant because liquidambin is a possible biogenetic precursor of C-glycosidic ellagitannins and ascorbic acid participates in the production of another C-glycosidic ellagitannin in matured oak leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have made tremendous breakthroughs in device photovoltaic performance, but the solution chemistry features are poorly understood. Herein, the fundamental processes of perovskite crystal crystallization and several templates for crystal growth are described. Then the solvent systems for preparing perovskite thin films are introduced, including pure, binary, and ternary solvents. The interaction of precursor ligand molecules in solution, which is related to the nature of the intermediate phase, is dependent on distinct ligand molecules, including dimethylformamide (DMF), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile (ACN), urea, etc. The polarity of the solvent determines the degree of binding to Pb2+ and the stability of the complex, which affects the quality of the perovskite films. In solvent engineering research field, strong polar solvents will interact with Pb2+, which leads to the extensive study of perovskite intermediate phases. In this review, several typical intermediate phases are summarized as solvent-induced intermediates, HI intermediates, MA intermediates and MAAc intermediates. The intermediate phases are annealed or antisolvent treated to further form perovskite films, resulting in perovskite films with low defects, high-quality and few pinholes. On this basis, we propose the use of green solvents instead of toxic solvents for the preparation of perovskite thin films by multi-solvent systems, which provides some feasible ideas for further realization of high-performance perovskite solar cells with long-term device stability. Overall, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the most recent advancements in solvent engineering for perovskite film formation, emphasizing its potential to improve the performance and stability of PSCs. In addition, it offers insights into the mechanisms underlying solvent engineering and its influence on film morphology and crystallization.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is initiated by a large ligand-favored conformational change of the extracellular domain (ECD) from a closed, self-inhibited tethered monomer, to an open untethered state, which exposes a loop required for strong dimerization and activation. In glioblastomas (GBMs), structurally heterogeneous missense and deletion mutations concentrate at the ECD for unclear reasons. We explore the conformational impact of GBM missense mutations, combining elastic network models (ENMs) with multiple molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories. Our simulations reveal that the main missense class, located at the I-II interface away from the self-inhibitory tether, can unexpectedly favor spontaneous untethering to a compact intermediate state, here validated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Significantly, such intermediate is characterized by the rotation of a large ECD fragment (N-TR1), deleted in the most common GBM mutation, EGFRvIII, and that makes accessible a cryptic epitope characteristic of cancer cells. This observation suggested potential structural equivalence of missense and deletion ECD changes in GBMs. Corroborating this hypothesis, our FACS, in vitro, and in vivo data demonstrate that entirely different ECD variants all converge to remove N-TR1 steric hindrance from the 806-epitope, which we show is allosterically coupled to an intermediate kinase and hallmarks increased oncogenicity. Finally, the detected extraintracellular coupling allows for synergistic cotargeting of the intermediate with mAb806 and inhibitors, which is proved herein.

In the present study, the trend of divergence and fragmentation of different sections of Astragalus in the Old World has been investigated. Based on previous studies, Astragalus species are divided into three groups: primitive, intermediate, and advanced. The distribution maps of each of these groups in the Old World were presented in the study. The primitive group consists mainly of herbaceous sections with simple hairs and an old drought-tolerant section with woody stems and bifurcating hairs that are densely distributed in Asia and Africa and scattered in Europe. The intermediate group, with thorny cushion shapes, is often scattered in the Zagros and Alborz mountains, mountainous regions of Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, and extend from the east to Afghanistan, the Hindu Kush, and the southern parts of the Himalayas. The results of the study show that the distribution pattern of the advanced group is very heterogeneous and its pattern is consistent with the primitive group. The simple hair sections are often scattered below 35 degrees north latitude and the bifurcated hairs sections are more frequently distributed above 35 degrees north latitude. Annual Astragalus species are heterogeneously distributed in all three main groups. In all three groups, parallel evolution has taken place at the level of sections and species. At each point of distribution, their number has a limited distribution. In addition, some species have achieved non-genetic diversity by functional or regulatory genetic, hereditary or structural mechanisms and created distinct species that have adapted in nature to the ecological conditions of the same areas and continue to regenerate with even more distributions.

Specific data transitions and evaluations are part of a scientific workflow, these are a standard process for integrating them, based on the data correlations in the corresponding repositories. To complete a scientific computing task, a massive amount of transitional (intermediate) data and sub-processes must be constructed, each one of which may be developed by separate Virtual Machines (VMs) in the cloud. Complex scientific computations can be automated by using scientific workflows. Confidentiality demands that once an intruder amasses the intermediate data, the secrecy content cannot be accessed. Thus, this research proposes a novel method for storing and preserving the Intermediate Data (ID) relied on multi-tenant architecture that ensures data confidentiality and overall operational effectiveness. The core work is focused on ensuring confidentiality through the incorporation of Block-chain techniques. The suggested work features mechanisms for data secrecy, authentication (verification), data preservation, and information sharing in managing confidential data. We use smart contracts and the principles of Block-chain to provide safe data distribution and storage, ensuring the prevention of data breaches during sharing processes without the owner's consent. A Decentralized Confidentiality Scheme (DCS) is proposed to secure intermediate data on distributed Multi-tenant Cloud Infra. In DCS, the smart consensus is duplicated across several nodes in the Block-chain network, providing integrity, confidentiality, and longevity. Infection Monkey simulation platform is used for the experimentations. Simulated findings show that the suggested procedure is helpful in enhancing intermediate data confidentiality in scientific workflows and it ensured above 98.13% protection against potential breach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds are the most commonly used source of storage material to preserve the genetic diversity of plants. However, prior to the deposition of seeds in gene banks, several questions need to be addressed. Here, we illustrate the scheme that can be used to ensure that the most optimal conditions are identified to enable the long-term storage of seeds. The main questions that need to be answered pertain to the production of viable seeds by plants, the availability of proper protocols for dormancy alleviation and germination, seed tolerance to desiccation and cold storage at −20 °C. Finally, it is very important to fully understand the capability or lack thereof for seeds or their explants to tolerate cryogenic conditions. The proper storage regimes for orthodox, intermediate and recalcitrant seeds are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the photocatalytic degradation of the 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid herbicide and its primary intermediate (4-chloro-2-methyl phenol) using the coupled catalyst TiO2 modified with the iron oxide species, FeOOH and Fe2O3 (FeOx, 0.5 wt.%), under UV–Vis radiation assisted with persulfate or peroxymonosulfate. The FeOx–TiO2 composite prepared by microwave-assisted sol–gel method was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Nitrogen Physisorption, UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Photoluminescence, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The anatase phase was conserved in the FeOx–TiO2 material. The coupling of FeOx in TiO2 decreased the crystallite size and enhanced the specific surface area and visible light response. A response surface methodology based on Central Composite Design was used to obtain the optimal oxidant agent (persulfate or peroxymonosulfate), oxidant dosage, and solution pH conditions to enhance the 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid mineralization. The 87.04% of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid mineralization was achieved by FeOx–TiO2 composite with persulfate (5 mM) under UV–Vis radiation at pH 7 in 150 min showing a synergic effect. This result allowed the complete elimination of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid and the by-product 4-chloro-2-methyl phenol generated during the reaction compared to 61.6 and 27.9% mineralization obtained with FeOx–TiO2 + hυ and persulfate oxidation + hυ, respectively. The photogenerated electrons in FeOx–TiO2 improved mineralization efficiency that allows the persulfate activation. Besides, the coupling between FeOx and TiO2 suppresses the electron/hole (e−/h+) pair recombination of FeOx–TiO2 photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Distinguishing between competing pathways of folding of a protein, on the basis of how they differ in their progress of structure acquisition, remains an important challenge in protein folding studies. A previous study had shown that the heterodimeric protein, double chain monellin (dcMN) switches between alternative folding pathways upon a change in guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) concentration. In the current study, the folding of dcMN has been characterized by the pulsed hydrogen exchange (HX) labeling methodology used in conjunction with mass spectrometry. Quantification of the extent to which folding intermediates accumulate and then disappear with time of folding at both low and high GdnHCl concentrations, where the folding pathways are known to be different, shows that the folding mechanism is describable by a triangular three‐state mechanism. Structural characterization of the productive folding intermediates populated on the alternative pathways has enabled the pathways to be differentiated on the basis of the progress of structure acquisition that occurs on them. The intermediates on the two pathways differ in the extent to which the α‐helix and the rest of the β‐sheet have acquired structure that is protective against HX. The major difference is, however, that β2 has not acquired any protective structure in the intermediate formed on one pathway, but it has acquired significant protective structure in the intermediate formed on the alternative pathway. Hence, the sequence of structural events is different on the two alternative pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale tungsten bronze can convert near-infrared light into thermal energy. For a chemical synthesis, intermediate products and processes are potentially positive or negative to an end product. In this study, (NH4)2SO4 was added into the hydrothermal system of WO3, CsCl, CH3CH2CHO, and NH3·H2O to increase the Cs/W ratio in solution. An intermediate, Cs1.1W1.65O5.5, was isolated. Subsequently, it was confirmed via a kinetics experiment conducted for different times. The results of the NH3·H2O and NH4COOCH3 system indicate there are two influence factors that influence the formation of Cs1.1W1.65O5.5: the leaching out of W and imine reactions. A low leaching out rate induces a high Cs/W ratio and low-concentration W in solution, leading to the formation of Cs1.1W1.65O5.5. The imine reaction decreasing CH3CH2CHO restrains the reduction in Cs1.1W1.65O5.5. The increase in CH3CH2COO− with the reduction reaction results in both the micron-size sticks and nano-size equiaxial particles in powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) has been widely used as an organocatalyst for both umpolung and non-umpolung chemistry. Previous works mainly focus on species including Breslow intermediate, azolium enolate intermediate, homoenolate intermediate, alkenyl acyl azolium intermediate, etc. Notably, the NHC-bound alkynyl acyl azolium has emerged as an effective intermediate to access functionalized cyclic molecular skeleton until very recently. In this review, we summarized the generation and reactivity of the NHC-bound alkynyl acyl azolium intermediates, which covers the efforts and advances in the synthesis of achiral and axially chiral cyclic scaffolds via the NHC-bound alkynyl acyl azolium intermediates. In particular, the mechanism related to this intermediate is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2RR) is a sustainable way of producing carbon‐neutral fuels. Product selectivity in CO2RR is regulated by the adsorption energy of reaction‐intermediates. Here, we employ differential phase contrast‐scanning transmission electron microscopy (DPC‐STEM) to demonstrate that Sn heteroatoms on a Ag catalyst generate very strong and atomically localized electric fields. In situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR) results verified that the localized electric field enhances the adsorption of *COOH, thus favoring the production of CO during CO2RR. The Ag/Sn catalyst exhibits an approximately 100 % CO selectivity at a very wide range of potentials (from −0.5 to −1.1 V, versus reversible hydrogen electrode), and with a remarkably high energy efficiency (EE) of 76.1 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soft tissue tumors (STTs) are heterogeneous group of tumor and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has assumed an increasingly important role in their diagnosis. Objectives: To estimate the relative frequency of various STTs with age, gender and site wise distribution, study their histomorphological spectrum, grade the soft tissue sarcomas and evaluate the role of IHC. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in tertiary care hospital and cases diagnosed as STTs from January 2018 to December 2020 were included in the study. Clinical findings were obtained from patients’ case files. Histological findings were evaluated and grading was done in soft tissue sarcomas. IHC was performed wherever required. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was performed. Results: STTs were encountered more in female than male. Benign STTs were more common than malignant. Incidence of malignancy increased with age, malignant tumors being most common in fifth decade. Adipocytic tumors (n=162, 63.8 %) formed major bulk of benign tumors. Most common malignant STTs were smooth muscle tumors (n=6, 23.1 %). IHC was very important in diagnosis of STTs because of frequent difficulty of diagnosis on morphological basis alone. Conclusions: Adipocytic tumors were most common benign STTs and most common malignant STTs were smooth muscle tumors.

The enhancing effect of hydrazine (N 2 H 4) on anammox has been extensively studied; however, its long-term inhibitory effect remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the susceptibility and resistance of the anammox bacteria to N 2 H 4 and to follow the dynamic changes in functional microorganisms under two different N 2 H 4 application strategies (L1–136 days; L2–344 days). In the first strategy (L1), ≥ 88 % of NH 4 +-N and NO 2 --N were removed during the N 2 H 4 applications at ≤ 150 mg/L dosages. Above 150 mg/L, nitrogen treatment performance deteriorated. When 150 mg/L of N 2 H 4 was continuously fed to the bioreactor in L2, anammox bacteria performed their activity with ≥ 70 % removal efficiency for both NH 4 +-N and NO 2 --N up to 2.74 g/L cumulative N 2 H 4 loading. During these periods in both strategies, Candidatus Kuenenia , a sole anammox genus identified in the bioreactors, was found to adapt to higher N 2 H 4 concentrations than those reported in the literature. Although nitrogen removal capacity deteriorated towards the end of the operation periods, N 2 H 4 was still utilized in the bioreactors. Therefore, this study makes an important contribution to the utilization of anammox bacteria as a potential candidate for the treatment of N 2 H 4 -containing wastewaters, in addition to their current widespread applications. [Display omitted] • The response of anammox process to N 2 H 4 was mainly investigated. • 150 mg/L of N 2 H 4 was found to be the maximum safe dosage in a long-term period. • Anammox process showed great tolerance to N 2 H 4 up to 2.74 cumulative N 2 H 4 loading. • Candidatus Kuenenia initially adapted to external N 2 H 4. • This study provides new insights into anammox applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatization of light alkanes is pivotal for producing benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). However, achieving selective BTX production necessitates advancements in catalytic strategies. This study outlines a methodology to precisely control BTX species selectivity and distribution. The choice of active metal profoundly influences BTX product distribution over ZSM-5 catalysts. Mo/HZSM-5 facilitates n-butane dissociation to hydrocarbon intermediates, favoring benzene-rich products. In contrast, Ga/HZSM-5 enhances toluene and xylene production rates compared to Mo/HZSM-5. Intermediate composition on Mo/HZSM-5 significantly influences final selectivity, with paraffin-rich conditions and high methane conversion yielding benzene-rich products. Adjusting reaction conditions, such as methane recycle and temperature, further fine-tunes product distribution. [Display omitted] • Parameters affecting the selectivity of BTX were examined in n-butane aromatization. • Individual selectivity of BTX depends largely on the metal species. • In the case of Mo/HZSM-5, intermediate composition affects final BTX distribution. • The presence of methane and the reaction temperature also decides the BTX selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nitrogen-rich pyrolysis effectively converts biomass into value-added products. • Theoretical computational modeling confirms the biomass three-component interactions. • Quantifying bio-oil component conversion to nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs). • Unveils NCCs generation paths via intermediate chemical structures evolution analysis. • Machine learning is proven to be effective in handling interacting component systems. To optimize the targeted production efficiency of high-value nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs: pyrrole, pyridine, nitriles, amides), this study extensively analyzed the interactions among cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin under K and Ca presence during nitrogen-rich pyrolysis. By establishing a theoretical model, it confirmed how the three components interact during the pyrolysis process. The highest yield of biochar was observed with Ca. The proportion of NCCs in bio-oil increased by 4.45% with the addition of Ca and decreased by 1.81% with K. GC–MS characterization compared the evolution of intermediate chemical structures during the reaction with the formation of final products, specifically tracing NCCs generation pathways in bio-oil. First-time definition of bio-oil component conversion rates during nitrogen-rich pyrolysis. Aldehydes, ketones (with minimum conversion rates of 92.62% and 71.37%, respectively), and furans were identified as the most easily converted components into NCCs. Correlation analysis of bio-oil components supported this finding. Possible reaction pathways for NCCs generation during nitrogen-rich pyrolysis of ternary mixtures under mixed Ca or K addition conditions were identified. Additionally, the introduced machine learning model exhibited a high R2 value of 0.95 in predicting the product yields of ternary mixtures nitrogen-rich pyrolysis. This validates its effectiveness in handling interacting component systems. These results reveal interaction mechanisms among biomass three components in nitrogen-rich pyrolysis under K and Ca presence, offering new insights for optimizing NCCs production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing the inherent mechanism of multi-component VOCs paves the way for the development of new efficient catalysts applicable to the practical elimination of VOCs. For two primary co-existing industry VOCs of toluene and methanol, their synergetic and efficient oxidation are investigated based on two Co 3 O 4 catalysts with exposed {111} and {110} faces. The promoting effect of methanol on toluene oxidation, with a significant decrease in conversion temperature compared to that of toluene alone, has experimentally and theoretically identified for the first time. The formaldehyde produced by methanol oxidation reacts with toluene to form 2-methylbenzaldehyde as a key intermediate, leading to a lower energy barrier in the aromatic-ring-opening of toluene during the oxidation path. The intrinsically higher conversion temperature of toluene than methanol synchronously guarantees the full decomposition of methanol. This work sheds light on a new insight into the reaction mechanism of the mutual-effect produced by multi-component VOC oxidation. [Display omitted] • Methanol accelerating toluene decomposition over Co3O4 catalysts with exposed {110} faces. • The synergetic-effect between methanol and toluene conversion facilitated significant decrease in conversion temperature of toluene. • Reaction mechanism of co-oxidation was revealed based on key intermediate identification and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surf zones, regions of breaking waves, are at the interface between the shore and coastal ocean. Surf zone hydrodynamics may affect delivery of phytoplankton subsidies to the intertidal zone. Over a month of daily sampling at an intermediate surf zone with bathymetric rip currents and a reflective surf zone, we measured surf zone hydrodynamics and compared concentrations of coastal phytoplankton taxa in the surf zones to concentrations offshore. At the intermediate surf zone, ~80% of the variability in the concentration of coastal phytoplankton taxa within the surf zone was explained by their variation offshore; however, concentrations were much higher and lower than those offshore in samples from a bathymetric rip current and over the adjacent shoal, respectively. Hydrodynamics at this intermediate surf zone did not hinder the delivery of coastal phytoplankton to the surf zone, but the bathymetric rip current system appeared to redistribute phytoplankton concentrating them within eddies. At the reflective shore, we sampled surf zones at a beach and two adjacent rocky intertidal sites. Concentrations of typical coastal phytoplankton taxa were usually an order of magnitude or more lower than those offshore, even when offshore samples were collected just 20 m beyond the breakers. The phytoplankton assemblages inside and outside the surf zone often appeared to be disconnected. Surf zone hydrodynamics at the steep, reflective shore coupled with low phytoplankton concentrations in near-surface water appeared to limit delivery of phytoplankton subsidies to the surf zone. Surf zone hydrodynamics may be a key factor in the alongshore variation in phytoplankton subsidies to coastal communities.

The low (90 K) and room (298 K) temperature crystal structures of topiramate azidosulfate [systematic name 2,3:4,5-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-ß-D-fructopyranose azidosulfate], C12H19N3O8S, an intermediate in the synthesis of the anti-convulsant drug topiramate, are described. Topiramate azidosulfate (I) finds use as a reference impurity standard for topiramate. A modified synthesis and some spectroscopic details are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Regarding the cost-effective photo-degradation of ofloxacin (OFL), present study investigates UV/sulfite /ZnO (USZ) in reactor conventional (without baffles) and baffled photocatalytic reactor (BPCR). The optimal condition was 0.77:2:50 sulfite/ZnO/OFL molar ratio, pH 7, and 30 min reaction time for 100% degradation of 200 mg L−1 concentration of OFL. As information obtained, the UZI process reduces the BOD and COD level about 66% to 86.29% within 80 min reaction, respectively. Also, BOD/COD ratio initial from 0.26 reaches 0.6 after 30 min of reaction time. Kinetic investigation increasing OFL concentration, kobs and robs increase, and, secondly, in the conventional and BPCR reactor, kobs increase is about 17% and 50% with increasing OFL concentration from 50 to 200 mgL−1. Also, figure-of-merit EEo varies from 12.66 to 17.41 and 7.26 to 10.15 kWhm3 for conventional reactor and 8.66–13.61 to 5.24–8.12 kWhm3, respectively. Also, kinetic model EEo declines from 15.23 to 8.61 and from 13.31 to 5.37 kWh m−3 in conventional and BPCR, respectively. Total cost of the system (TCS) decreases from 7.31 to 2.16 $ in conventional reactor and 4.57 to 0.55 $ in PCBR reactor. Total cost of the system (TCS) was investigated at different concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Th17 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Th17/Treg homeostasis is critically involved in maintaining the immune balance. Disturbed Th17/Treg homeostasis contributes to the progression of autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a new vital factor in the regulation of disturbed Th17/Treg homeostasis. To better understand the epigenetic mechanisms of miRNAs in regulating Treg/Th17 homeostasis, we included and evaluated 97 articles about autoimmune diseases and found that miRNAs were involved in the regulation of Treg/Th17 homeostasis from several aspects positively or negatively, including Treg differentiation and development, Treg induction, Treg stability, Th17 differentiation, and Treg function. Uveitis is one of the ocular autoimmune diseases, which is also characterized with Th17/Treg imbalance. However, our understanding of the miRNAs in the pathogenesis of uveitis is elusive and not well-studied. In this review, we further summarized miRNAs found to be involved in autoimmune uveitis and their potential role in the regulation of Th17/Treg homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO preferential oxidation reaction (CO-PROX) can effectively eliminate CO in H 2 rich atmosphere to avoid CO poison the Pt anode of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). To match the operation temperature window for PEMFC, PtCo nanoparticles supported on K modified Al 2 O 3 (PtCo/K–Al 2 O 3) were prepared to promote CO-PROX activity. The addition of K species weakened the interaction between PtCo nanoparticle and support, which improved the dispersion of Pt particles and redox property of PtCo/Al 2 O 3. It also facilitated the formation of Pt 3 Co species and active surface −OH groups, which were involved in CO-PROX reaction. According to in situ DRIFTS spectra, HCO 3 − and HCOO− were intermediates of PtCo/K–Al 2 O 3 catalyzed CO-PROX at low temperature and high temperature, respectively. Thus, the addition of 1 wt% K to PtCo/Al 2 O 3 (PtCo/1K–Al 2 O 3) could completely oxidize CO in the temperature range of 127–230 °C with O 2 selectivity at 50%. The 100% CO conversion temperature window of PtCo/1K–Al 2 O 3 is expanded by 100 °C in comparison of PtCo/Al 2 O 3. [Display omitted] • Compared with PtCo/Al 2 O 3 , CO-PROX temperature window of PtCo/K–Al 2 O 3 expanded 100 °C. • Adding K promoted the formation of Pt 3 Co and surface −OH groups. • The surface −OH groups involved and changed the reaction pathway of CO oxidation. • HCO 3 − and HCOO− were intermediates over PtCo/K–Al 2 O 3 at different temperature zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of HClO4 on the reactivity and selectivity of the catalyst systems 1,2/H2O2/AcOH, based on nonheme iron complexes of the PDP families, [(Me2OMePDP)FeIII(μ-OH)2FeIII(MeOMe2PDP)](OTf)4 (1) and [(NMe2PDP)FeIII(μ-OH)2FeIII(NMe2PDP](OTf)4 (2), toward oxidation of benzylideneacetone (bna), adamantane (ada), and (3aR)-(+)-sclareolide (S) has been studied. Adding HClO4 (2–10 equiv. vs. Fe) has been found to result in the simultaneous improvement of the observed catalytic efficiency (i.e., product yields) and the oxidation regio- or enantioselectivity. At the same time, HClO4 causes a threefold increase of the second-order rate constant for the reaction of the key oxygen-transferring intermediate [(Me2OMePDP)FeV=O(OAc)]2+ (1a), with cyclohexane at −70 °C. The effect of strong Brønsted acid on the catalytic reactivity is discussed in terms of the reversible protonation of the Fe=O moiety of the parent perferryl intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding the cost-effective degradation of diazinon (DIZ), the present study was conducted to develop and UV/iodide process in a photo catalyst reactor. CCD modeling applied and the results shows that the highest R-squared value (adjusted R-squared: 0.9987), the lowest P-value (2.842 e − 10), the lowest AIC (14.54), and the most insignificant lack-of-fit (0.73) belonged to the second-order model. Based on second-order model, the stationary points for time, iodide: DIZ (molar ratio %), DIZ concentration, and pH were 6.99 min, 80.15% iodide: DIZ (molar ratio %), 3.34, mg L−1, and pH 7.34 (− log10[H+]), respectively. The maximum reduction efficiency of 97.22% was obtained at the experimental conditions. The LC–MS analyses from optimal condition implied that all the DIZ molecules and its intermediates breaking to simple compounds during 15 min of processing. The data shown UI process reduced the BOD and COD levels by about 66% and 86.29% within 80 min of photoreaction, respectively. Furthermore, in kinetic investigation, with the increase in DIZ concentration, kobs and robs increased and secondly, the conventional and PCBR reactor kobs increased by about respectively 17% and 50% with an increase in DIZ concentration from 5 to 15 mgL−1. Additionally, when the DIZ concentration increase from 5 to 15 mg L−1, robs increased in the conventional and PCBR reactors respectively about 4.9 and 6 times. Figure-of-merit EEo changed from 12.66–17.41 to 7.26–10.15 kWhm3 for the conventional reactor, and 8.66–13.61 to 5.24–8.12 kWhm3 in PCBR, when the DIZ concentration increasing from 5 to 15 mg L−1. Consequently, in the PCBR reactor, the energy consumption reduced by 14% at 5 mg L−1 DIZ concentration and by 60% at 15 mg L−1 DIZ concentration. Also, total cost of the system (TCS) decreases from 4.52 to 1.46 $ in conventional reactor and 1.47 to 0.42 $ in PCBR reactor when the DIZ concentration increase from 5 to 15 mg L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to investigate the impact of learning lexical chunks on the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Saudi learners’ (aged 13 to 17) speaking fluency. The study uses an intervention with intermediate Saudi learners comprising lexical chunks based upon the books Collocation in Use and Common Idioms in English. Findings obtained from the post-test show that the experimental groups scored significantly better when compared to their performance in the pre-test of speaking fluency. On the contrary, the difference in the performance of the control group between the pre and posttests is not significant as far as speaking fluency is concerned. The findings also show that the experimental group participants had favorable sentiments regarding explicit lexical chunk training. The research has theoretical and practical consequences in teaching and learning a foreign/second language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Silicon is important for both plant growth and the soil biogeochemical cycle. Si uptake and accumulation ability varies in plants, which are defined as Si accumulators, intermediates, or non-accumulators. However, the processes governing Si uptake and translocation are not fully understood. Stable Si isotopic signatures may offer new perspectives on the processes involved in the Si biogeochemical cycle. Methods: Si isotopic fractionation between different Si pools was analyzed in Si accumulators (rice, maize), intermediates (cucumber), and non-accumulators (tomato) grown in yellow, black, and cinnamon soils using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Plants grown in all soil types exhibited 28Si enrichment relative to the soil solution. The degree of fractionation was negatively correlated with silt, clay, free iron oxide (Fed), and crystalline Fe oxide (Fed-Feo) contents, and positively correlated with sand content. The degree of isotope fractionation was species-specific during uptake, in order of rice > maize > cucumber > tomato, while the reverse was true for root–shoot translocation. In addition, isotope fractionation was absent in tomato shoots, contrasting with the Rayleigh-like behavior of the other species. Conclusion: Fed and Fed-Feo contents affected the H4SiO4 adsorption–desorption process, thereby influencing isotope fractionation between the plants and soil. Species-specific fractionation was attributed to the varying contributions of water flow uptake and the transporter-mediated uptake process. Moreover, the Si transport mechanism within shoots in Si non-accumulators varied from those in accumulators and intermediates. These findings provide insight into Si isotope fractionation dynamics during uptake and translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), have caused major environmental concerns worldwide. The electroreduction of CO2 into valuable chemicals using renewable energy is an ecofriendly approach to achieve carbon neutrality. In this regard, copper (Cu) has attracted considerable attention as the only known metallic catalyst available for converting CO2 to high-value multicarbon (C2+) products. The production of C2+ involves complicated C–C coupling steps and thus imposes high demands on intermediate regulation. In this review, we discuss multiple strategies for modulating intermediates to facilitate C2+ formation on Cu-based catalysts. Furthermore, several sophisticated in situ characterization techniques are outlined for elucidating the mechanism of C–C coupling. Lastly, the challenges and future directions of CO2 electroreduction to C2+ are envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isomerization, the process by which a molecule is coherently transformed into another molecule with the same molecular formula but a different atomic structure, is an important and well-known phenomenon of organic chemistry, but has only recently been observed for inorganic nanoclusters. Previously, CdS nanoclusters were found to isomerize between two end point structures rapidly and reversibly (the α-phase and β-phase), mediated by hydroxyl groups on the surface. This observation raised many significant structural and pathway questions. One critical question is why no intermediate states were observed during the isomerization; it is not obvious why an atomic cluster should only have two stable end points rather than multiple intermediate arrangements. In this study, we report that the use of amide functional groups can stabilize intermediate phases during the transformation of CdS magic-size clusters between the α-phase and the β-phase. When treated with amides in organic solvents, the amides not only facilitate the α-phase to β-phase isomerization but also exhibit three distinct excitonic features, which we call the β 340 -phase, β 350 -phase, and β 367 -phase. Based on pair distribution function analysis, these intermediates strongly resemble the β-phase structure but deviate greatly from the α-phase structure. All phases (β 340 -phase, β 350 -phase, and β 367 -phase) have nearly identical structures to the β-phase, with the β 340 -phase having the largest deviation. Despite these intermediates having similar atomic structures, they have up to a 583 meV difference in band gap compared to the β-phase. Kinetic studies show that the isomers and intermediates follow a traditional progression in the thermodynamic stability of β 340 -phase/β 350 -phase < α-phase < β 367 -phase < β-phase. The solvent identity and polarity play a crucial role in kinetically arresting these intermediates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies paired with simple density functional theory calculations reveal that the likely mechanism is due to the multifunctional nature of the amides that form an amphoteric surface binding bond motif, which promotes a change in the carboxylic acid binding mode. This change from chelating binding modes to bridging binding modes initiates the isomerization. We propose that the carbonyl group is responsible for the direct interaction with the surface, acting as an L-type ligand which then pulls electron density away from the electron-poor nitrogen site, enabling them to interact with the carboxylate ligands and initiate the change in the binding mode. The isomerization of CdS nanoclusters continues to be a topic of interest, giving insight into fundamental nanoscale chemistry and physics.

This research aims to investigate the impact of learning lexical chunks on the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Saudi learners’ (aged 13 to 17) speaking fluency. The study uses an intervention with intermediate Saudi learners comprising lexical chunks based upon the books Collocation in Use and Common Idioms in English. Findings obtained from the post-test show that the experimental groups scored significantly better when compared to their performance in the pre-test of speaking fluency. On the contrary, the difference in the performance of the control group between the pre and post-tests is not significant as far as speaking fluency is concerned. The findings also show that the experimental group participants had favorable sentiments regarding explicit lexical chunk training. The research has theoretical and practical consequences in teaching and learning a foreign/second language.

Ester hydrates, as the intermediates of the esterification between acid and alcohol, are very short-lived and challenging to be trapped. Therefore, the crystal structures of ester hydrates have rarely been characterized. Herein, we present that the mono-deprotonated ester hydrates [CH3OSO2(OH)2]−, serving as the template for the self-assembly of a π-stacked boat-shaped macrocycle (CH3OSO2(OH)2)0.67(CH3OSO3)1.33@{[ClLCoII]6}·Cl4·13CH3OH·9H2O (1) (L = tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl) amine), can be trapped in the host by multiple NH···O hydrogen bonds. In the solution of CoCl2, L, and H2SO4 in MeOH, HSO4− reacts with MeOH, producing [CH3OSO3]− via the ester hydrate intermediate of [CH3OSO3(OH)2]−. Both the product and the intermediate serve as the template directing the self-assembly of the π-stacked macrocycle, in which the short-lived ester hydrate is firmly trapped and stabilized, as revealed by single-crystal analysis.

The compound (±)-12aR-12-[(11S)-7,8-difluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin-11-yl]-7-hydroxy-3,4,12,12a-tetrahydro-1H-[1,4]oxazino[3,4-c]pyrido[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine-6,8-dione is the intermediate of baloxavir marboxil. In the literature, traditional heating methods and common acid catalysts are used, which result in long reaction times and a low yield. Therefore, finding an efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic route is necessary. In this study, (±)-12aR-12-[(11S)-7,8-difluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin-11-yl]-7-benzyloxy-3,4,12,12a-tetrahydro-1h-[1,4]oxazino[3,4-c]pyrido[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine-6,8-dione (compound 3) was synthesized using a sulfonate resin solid acid catalyst (HND-580) under microwave conditions. The benzyl group was removed without further purification, and an intermediate, racemic baloxavir, was obtained under microwave irradiation. The total yield of the two steps was 78%. This method greatly reduces the reaction time and improves production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water‐splitting has emerged as a promising alternative strategy to produce clean hydrogen fuel. However, current electrocatalytic water splitting suffers from sluggish kinetics, thus developing efficient electrocatalysts is crucial. Identifying reaction centers discloses the reaction mechanism and will undoubtedly facilitate the design and optimization of efficient water splitting electrocatalysts. This review summarizes several advances involving the identification of the actual active sites and intermediates capture on the catalytic surface. The morphology and valence states change on 2D materials are chose to illustrate how structural evolution affect catalytic activity. Specifically, in situ/ex situ electron microscopy techniques that used for the characterization of catalytic sites, and spectroscopy techniques that used to detect active intermediates at the molecular level are highlighted. In addition, several perspectives, such as the development of new in situ techniques and electrokinetic analysis methods, are emphasized to shed light on future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of bacterial degradation of 1-octylpyrrolidin-2-one (NOP) by river water and soil bacteria was the main aim of the research. Although the compound demonstrated bacteriostatic as well as bactericidal effects against Gram-positive and certain Gram-negative bacteria at concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000 mg L−1, its concentration of 100 mg L−1 was successfully degraded by microbial communities of both river water and alluvial soil; removal efficiencies reached 87.2 and 88.4% of dissolved organic carbon, respectively. Isolation of the strains responsible for the process showed that bacterial degradation was initiated by the octane-utilising bacteria of the genus Phenylobacterium, which used four carbon atoms of the NOP octyl chain and oxidised terminal carbon atom of the remaining chain. The structure of the intermediate produced by phenylobacteria was elucidated following the results obtained from the detailed electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) analysis; these experiments showed that it is a 4-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanoic acid. This intermediate was further degraded by other bacterial members of appropriate microbial communities, namely Bordetella petrii and Arthrobacter sp. Further tests proved that these bacteria were able to assimilate the nitrogen atom of the lactam ring and thus complete the degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many research methods applied in molecular neuroscience require the collection of hippocampal samples, but a still poorly recognized problem is contamination with the choroid plexus during brain dissection. Because of a distinct pattern of gene expression, its inclusion in brain samples can obscure or even confound conclusions drawn from molecular studies. Therefore, we tested our dissection method designed for removal of tissue contamination using expression of the transthyretin gene (Ttr) as a marker of the choroid plexus. Additionally, we also validated dissection of the entire hippocampus into its dorsal, intermediate and ventral subdivisions using the expression of Trhr and Lct genes as molecular markers of anatomical subdivisions. The PCR analysis showed that Ttr is expressed at a residual level in hippocampal samples that display an mRNA level several hundred lower than the adjacent control tissue colocalized with the choroid plexus. This indicates that the applied method for dissecting the hippocampus from a fresh brain allows for replicable removal of the majority of choroid plexus from hippocampal samples. In turn, differences in expression of Lct and Trhr confirmed the proper dissection of dorsal, intermediate and ventral subdivisions from fresh brain tissue. Therefore, a special emphasis on the removal of tissue contamination and avoidance of tissue distortions makes our protocol especially suitable for molecular experiments performed either on the entire hippocampus or its subdivisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to study whether pre-eclampsia is associated with childhood asthma, allergic and non-allergic asthma, accounting for family factors and intermediate variables.Methods: The study population comprised 779 711 children born in 2005-2012, identified from Swedish national health registers (n = 14 823/7410 exposed to mild/moderate and severe pre-eclampsia, respectively). We used Cox regression to estimate the associations of mild/moderate and severe pre-eclampsia with incident asthma, before and after age 2 years. Cox regressions were controlled for familial factors using sibling comparisons, then stratified on high and low risk for intermediate variables: caesarean section, prematurity and small for gestational age. We used logistic regression for allergic and non-allergic prevalent asthma at 6 years as a measure of more established asthma.Results: The incidence of asthma in children was 7.7% (n = 60 239). The associations varied from adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.24 for mild/moderate pre-eclampsia and asthma at >2 years age, to adjHR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.64, 1.95 for severe pre-eclampsia and asthma at <2 years age. Sibling comparisons attenuated most estimates except for the association between severe pre-eclampsia and asthma at <2 years age (adjHR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.90), which also remained when stratifying for the risk of intermediates. Mild/moderate and severe pre-eclampsia were associated with prevalent non-allergic (but not allergic) asthma at 6 years, with adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.36 and adjOR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.84, respectively.Conclusions: We found evidence that severe, but not mild/moderate, pre-eclampsia is associated with asthma regardless of familial factors and confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper-dioxygen (O2) interactions are of great importance in biological and chemical transformations involving reversible dioxygen binding, activation, or reduction. In this report, we describe O2-reactions with the mononuclear copper(I) complexes containing two new analogues of the known nitrogen-containing tetradentate tripodal chelate, tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine (TMPA). In both derivatives, one electron-rich and one electron-deficient, fluorine atoms are attached to the ligand framework, allowing for the use of 19F-NMR spectroscopy to probe the oxygenation process. Variations of ligand electronic properties are manifested in the electrochemical behavior of copper complexes and their reactivities toward O2. Our NMR spectroscopic studies, along with variable-temperature electronic absorption measurements, revealed that the copper(I) complexes reversibly react with O2 to form the corresponding 1:1 copper-O2 (i.e., end-on superoxo) intermediates which can further react reversibly with second equivalents of copper(I) complexes to form the related dinuclear 2:1 copper-O2 (i.e., trans-peroxo) adducts. However, considerable differences exist in detail at various temperatures, depending on the chelate. All three end-on superoxo and trans-peroxo species described here possess similar spectroscopic features, although small but significant shifts in the energy of their signature bands were observed, suggesting that the variation in the chelates directly affects the electronic properties of the copper-O2 cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albeit SH2 domains are abundant protein–protein interaction modules with fundamental roles in the regulation of several physiological and molecular pathways in the cell, the available information about the determinants of their thermodynamic stability and folding properties are still very limited. In this work, we provide a quantitative characterization of the folding pathway of the C‐terminal SH2 domain of SHP2, conducted through a combination of site‐directed mutagenesis and kinetic (un)folding experiments (Φ‐value analysis). The energetic profile of the folding reaction of the C‐SH2 domain is described by a three‐state mechanism characterized by the presence of two transition states and a high‐energy intermediate. The production of 29 site‐directed variants allowed us to calculate the degree of native‐like interactions occurring in the early and late events of the folding reaction. Data analysis highlights the presence of a hydrophobic folding nucleus surrounded by a lower degree of structure in the early events of folding, further consolidated as the reaction proceeds towards the native state. Interestingly, residues physically located in the functional region of the domain reported unusual Φ‐values, a hallmark of the presence of transient misfolding. We compared our results with previous ones obtained for the N‐terminal SH2 domain of SHP2. Notably, a conserved complex folding mechanism implying the presence of a folding intermediate arise from comparison, and the relative stability of such intermediate appears to be highly sequence dependent. Data are discussed under the light of previous works on SH2 domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental prevalence and potential toxicity of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) motivate the attempt to develop feasible strategies to deal with DBP contamination. In this study, a strain of endphytic bacteria HB-T2 was isolated from sorrel roots and identified as Bacillus sp. by analysing its morphology, physiology, biochemistry and 16S rDNA sequence. The degradation efficiency of DBP by HB-T2 was almost identical under the temperature of 30∼40°C, but was significantly enhanced as the culture pH and inoculum size increases from 6.0 to 8.0, and 1% to 5% respectively. The degradation kinetics of DBP could be well described by the first-order kinetic model, with the degradation half-life ranging from 1.59 to 7.61 h when the initial concentrations of DBP were in the range of 5–20 mg/L. LC-MS analysis of the culture samples taken at varying intervals revealed monobutyl phthalate, phthalic acid and protocatechuic acid as the major metabolic intermediates during the degradation process. HB-T2 exhibited an excellent capability to degrade a wide range of phthalate esters (PAEs), especially butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dipentyl phthalate (DPP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). Inoculation of HB-T2 into Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) growing in DBP-contaminated soils could significantly reduce the DBP levels in plant tissues and relieve the phytotoxic effects of DBP. Results of this study highlighted the great potential of this novel endophytic Bacillus subtilis strain HB-T2 for bioremediation of PAEs contamination and improvement of agricultural product safety by reducing PAEs accumulation in edible crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]