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A multifaceted Mo:BiVO4 (mf‐BVO) photoanode is grown on F‐doped‐SnO2 substrates via achemical bath deposition, and the crystal reconstruction process of mf‐BVO is found to boost the charge transport efficiency significantly for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The mf‐BVO exhibits columnar grains with an uncommon (121) texture with high‐index facets such as (112), (020), (132), and (204). The texture and high‐index facets facilitate rapid surface melting and grain fusion during thermal annealing, thus leading to crystal reconstructed micron‐sized BVO grains (cr‐BVO). The cr‐BVO has a photocurrent density ≈50 times larger than that of mf‐BVO. The reason is identified as the significantly improved charge transport efficiency resulting from the dopant activation (increased carrier concentration) and bulky grains (fewer defects). Additionally, the cr‐BVO exhibits improved photocorrosion resistance compared to the nanoparticle‐based BVO. After coating the oxygen evolution catalyst, the photocurrent density of cr‐BVO is further increased to 4.4 mA cm−2 for water oxidation reaction at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, maintaining a high and stable faradaic efficiency of over 88% for 24 h. These results demonstrate that crystal reconstruction is a facile and effective pathway to improve the charge transport efficiency, opening a new avenue for developing efficient photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rb3HGa2(OH)2(SeO3)4 (I), Rb3Ga5(SeO3)8 (HSeO3)2·0.5H2O (II), and RbGa(SeO3)2·H2O (III) are synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of appropriate amounts of Rb2CO3, Ga(NO3)3, and SeO2 (autoclave, 230 °C, 4 d, yields of 33%, 38%, and 40%, resp.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na1.4InTe3.6O9.4 is obtained by hydrothermal reaction of Na2CO3, In(NO3)3, and TeO2 (autoclave, 230 °C, 5 d, 75% yield based on TeO2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive research studies have revealed that fungal decolorization of dye wastewater is a promising replacement for the current process of dye wastewater decolorization. The authors isolated an Aspergillus sp. from the effluent of a textile industry area in Korea and assessed the effects of a variety of operational parameters on the decolorization of methyl red (MR) by this strain of Aspergillus sp. This Aspergillus sp. was then immobilized by entrapment in several polymeric matrices and the effects of operational conditions on MR decolorization were investigated again. The optimal decolorization activity of this Aspergillus sp. was observed in 1% glucose at a temperature of 37 °C and pH of 6.0. Furthermore, stable decolorization efficiency was observed when fungal biomass was immobilized into alginate gel during repeated batch experiment. These results suggest that the Aspergillus sp. isolated in Korea could be used to treat industrial wastewaters containing MR dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first description of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) 100 years ago, the concept of this syndrome has changed remarkably. The purpose of our study was to identify and characterize the most-cited articles that have contributed to advancing the understanding of GBS. Based on the database of Journal Citation Reports, we selected 554 journals that were considered as potential sources of reports on studies related to clinical neurology and general medicine. The Web of Science search tools were used to identify the most-cited articles relevant to GBS or other variants in the selected journals. Of the selected articles, 18 were review articles and the remainder were original articles or included only a few case series. Among the original articles, 13 described basic research associated with immunological pathogenesis involving anti-ganglioside antibodies. Most of the original studies (42/64, 66%) published after 1990 evaluated anti-ganglioside antibodies that mediated axonal GBS or Miller Fisher syndrome, with only a small number of the papers involving electrodiagnostic medicine (n = 4). Our bibliometric analysis has yielded a detailed list of the top-100 cited articles in the field of GBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel polar intermetallic compounds have been synthesized by a high-temperature reaction method, and their crystal structures have been characterized by both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffractions. La15Ge9Li1 .50(16) crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63 mc ( Z = 2, Pearson code hP52) with nine crystallographically independent sites in the unit cell, and the lattice parameters are a = 15.516(2) and c = 6.895(2) Å. The overall crystal structure can be described as a √3 × √3 × 1 superstructure of the parent compound La5Ge3 adopting the Mn5Si3-type, and such a superstructure transformation should be attributed to the particular ordering patterns of interstitial Li atoms at the Wyckoff 2 a and 2 b sites with different occupation factors. La7Ge3 also crystallizes in the hexagonal P63 mc space group ( Z = 2, Pearson code hP20) with three La and one Ge non-equivalent sites in the unit cell. The lattice parameters are a = 10.666(1) and c = 6.357(1) Å. The crystal structure of La7Ge3 shares some similarities with La15Ge9Li1.50(16) and its parent compound La5Ge3, such as the one-dimensional (1D) zigzag confacial La6 octahedra chains and the 1D zigzag La atomic chains. Theoretical investigations using tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO) method provide a comprehensive understanding about electronic structures and chemical bonding of two title compounds based upon density of states (DOS) and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analyses. The solid-state 7Li NMR spectrum measurement proves the existence of two independent interstitial Li positions at two distinctive octahedral sites in La15Ge9Li1.50(16). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study reported 11 cases of new‐onset acute uveitis following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination. Methods: This retrospective observational case study included 11 eyes from 11 patients with acute uveitis after COVID‐19 vaccination. We only included patients with new‐onset uveitis. Patients' medical records from January 2021 to January 2022 were reviewed. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.81 years, and all patients demonstrated anterior chamber reaction with keratic precipitates in the affected eye. The mean duration between vaccination and uveitis was 8.27 days. Seven patients developed uveitis after receiving the second vaccination, and four developed uveitis after receiving the third vaccination. Five patients showed posterior synechiae and three patients showed hypopyon. After treatment with topical 1% prednisolone acetate eye drops and systemic prednisolone, inflammation was adequately controlled and quickly resolved. Conclusions: COVID‐19 vaccination with messenger RNA and viral vector vaccines may cause acute anterior uveitis. Although initially severe, the patients' uveitis responded well to steroid therapy, without visual impairment. References 1. Aslam S, Goldstein DR, Vos R, et al. COVID‐19 vaccination in our transplant recipients: The time is now. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 40:169–171. 2. Calina AO, Docea D, Petrakis D, et al. Towards effective COVID19 vaccines: updates, perspectives and challenges (review). Int J Mol Med 2020; 46: 3–16. 3. Ramasamy MN, Minassian AM, Ewer KJ, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine administered in a prime‐boost regimen in young and old adults (COV002): a single‐blind, randomized, controlled, phase 2/3 trial. Lancet 2021, 396: 1979–93. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We report a case of corneal verticillata in a patient who had been taking raloxifene for a prolonged period. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an ocular side effect of raloxifene. Methods: Case presentation. Results: A 69‐year‐old female patient presented to our clinic for her routine eye check‐up. On slit‐lamp examination, whorl‐like subepithelial deposits were observed in the bilateral corneas. She was diagnosed with corneal verticillata (vortex keratopathy) caused by raloxifene. A follow‐up evaluation was conducted after discontinuation of the drug; however, the corneal opacity did not improve. Conclusions: Patients with corneal verticillata should be asked regarding any intake of raloxifene for osteoporosis, as it may cause corneal verticillata. References 1. Martinkovich S, Shah D, Planey SL, Arnott JA. Selective oestrogen receptor modulators: tissue specificity and clinical utility. Clin Interv Ageing 2014;9:1437–1452. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S66690. 2. Muehlbacher M, Tripal P, Roas F, Kornhuber J. Identification of drugs inducing phospholipidosis by novel in vitro data. ChemMedChem 2012;7(11):1925–1934. doi: 10.1002/cmdc.201200306. 3. Michaud M, Mauhin W, Belmatoug N, et al. When and how to diagnose Fabry disease in clinical pratice. Am J Med Sci 2020;360(6):641–649. doi: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.07.011. 4. Zinchuk O, Watanabe M, Hayashi N, Fukushima A, Ueno H. A case of tamoxifen keratopathy. Arch Ophthalmol 2006;124(7):1046–1048. doi: 10.1001/archopht.124.7.1046. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Postmenopausal women have a higher prevalence of cataract than similar‐aged men. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of menopausal hormone therapy on lens opacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed population‐based health insurance data in South Korea collected from 2002 to 2019. To determine the risk factors associated with cataract, postmenopausal women (N = 2 506 271) were grouped according to postmenopausal hormone therapy use. The treatment group was further divided into the following subgroups: tibolone, combined oestrogen plus progestin by manufacturer, oral oestrogen, combined oestrogen plus progestin by physician, and topical oestrogen groups. The main outcome measure was the prevalence of cataract. Results: The control group comprised 463 151 postmenopausal women who had never used menopausal hormone therapy after menopause, while the treatment group included 228 033 postmenopausal women who had used menopausal hormone therapy continuously for at least 6 months. The treatment group had a higher incidence of cataract than the control group based on Cox proportional hazards ratio analysis. Low socioeconomic status and high parity were identified as risk factors for cataract, and reduced risk of cataract was associated with living in rural areas and drinking. Conclusions: Women undergoing postmenopausal hormone therapy, including tibolone, had a higher incidence of cataract than those who were not. Old age, low socioeconomic status, and high parity were risk factors for cataract. Our findings may help physicians identify postmenopausal women at a greater risk of developing cataract. References 1. Eisner A & Luoh SW. Breast cancer medications and vision: effects of treatments for early‐stage disease. Curr Eye Res 36, 867–885 (2011). 2. Spinelli MG. Depression and hormone therapy. Clin Obstet Gynecol 47, 428–436 (2004). 3. Freedman RR. Physiology of hot flashes. Am J Hum Biol 13, 453–464 (2001). 4. Abraham S, Perz J, Clarkson R & Llewellyn‐Jones D. Australian women's perceptions of hormone replacement therapy over 10 years. Maturitas 21, 91–95 (1995). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Results from previous studies on the relationship between female reproductive hormones, especially oestrogen, and the incidence of cataracts are limited. This study sought to evaluate the effects of hysterectomy on the risk of lens opacity in Korean women. Methods: This retrospective cohort utilized data collected from 2007 to 2020 from the Korean National Health Insurance database. A total of 255 576 postmenopausal women were included. Participants were divided into those who did and did not undergo hysterectomy. The hysterectomy group was further divided into two subgroups according to the adnexal surgery performed. Comparison of the prevalence of cataract between the control group, hysterectomy alone group, and hysterectomy with adnexal surgery group was performed. Results: The control group included 137 999 participants who did not undergo hysterectomy. The treatment group consisted with 93 719 women who underwent hysterectomy alone or hysterectomy with adnexal surgery. The control group showed a higher incidence of cataracts than the treatment group, as analysed by the 1:1 propensity score matching method and adjusted for variables. Conclusions: All participants in the treatment group had a lower incidence of cataract than those in the control group. These findings may help physicians identify the role of female reproductive hormones in cataract development. References 1. Hiller R, Sperduto RD, Ederer F. Epidemiologic associations with nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Am J Epidemiol 1986;124:916–25. 2. Gavin KM, Jankowski C, Kohrt WM, Stauffer BL, Seals DR, Moreau KL. Hysterectomy is associated with large artery stiffening in oestrogen‐deficient postmenopausal women. Menopause 2012;19:1000–7. 3. Chang HJ, Han SH, Lee JR, et al. Impact of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve: serial changes of serum anti‐Müllerian hormone levels. Fertil Steril 2010;94:343–9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HLA‐B*58:01 is a well‐known risk factor for allopurinol‐induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). However, only a minority of HLA‐B*58:01 carriers suffer SCARs after taking allopurinol. The aim of this study was to investigate subsidiary genetic markers that could identify those at further increased risk of developing allopurinol‐induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) in subjects with HLA‐B*58:01. Methods: Subjects with B*58:01 were enrolled (21 allopurinol‐induced DRESS and 52 allopurinol‐tolerant control). HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C and ‐DRB1 alleles were compared. Comparison of risk between HLAs and allopurinol‐induced SCAR in separate populations was performed to support the results. Kruskal‐Wallis test, Pearson's chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the risk of SCAR development. Results: Frequencies of A*24:02 (71.4 vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 12.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6–39.2) were significantly higher in B*58:01 (+) DRESS than B*58:01 (+) tolerant controls. In addition, DRB1*13:02 further increased the risk of DRESS. The phenotype frequency of A*24:02/DRB1*13:02 was significantly higher in the B*58:01 (+) DRESS group than in the B*58:01 (+) tolerant controls (52.4% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001, OR, 66.0; 95% CI, 6.1–716.2). In 2782 allopurinol user cohort, the overall prevalence of DRESS was 0.22%, which increased to 1.62% and 2.86% in the presence of B*58:01 and B*58:01/A*24:02, respectively. Conclusion: The additional secondary screening with A*24:02 and DRB1*13:02 alleles may identify those at further increased risk of allopurinol‐induced DRESS in B*58:01 carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate alterations in whole‐brain functional connectivity after a concussion using graph‐theory analysis from global and local perspectives and explore the association between changes in the functional network properties and cognitive performance. Methods: Individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, n = 29) within a month after injury, and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (n = 29) were included. Graph‐theory measures on functional connectivity assessed using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from each participant. These included betweenness centrality, strength, clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and global efficiency. Multi‐domain cognitive functions were correlated with the graph‐theory measures. Results: In comparison to the controls, the mTBI group showed preserved network characteristics at a global level. However, in the local network, we observed decreased betweenness centrality, clustering coefficient, and local efficiency in several brain areas, including the fronto‐parietal attention network. Network strength at the local level showed mixed‐results in different areas. The betweenness centrality of the right parahippocampus showed a significant positive correlation with the cognitive scores of the verbal learning test only in the mTBI group. Conclusion: The intrinsic functional connectivity after mTBI is preserved globally, but is suboptimally organized locally in several areas. This possibly reflects the neurophysiological sequelae of a concussion. The present results may imply that the network property could be used as a potential indicator for clinical outcomes after mTBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structures of (IVa) (tetragonal, space group I $\bar 4$2d, Z = 8), (IVb,c) (orthorhombic, Pnma, Z = 4) and (IVb) (monoclinic, C2/m, Z = 8) are determined by single-crystal XRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Dehydroabietic acid, a diterpene, improves diabetes and hyperlipidemia in obese diabetic KK-Ay mice," published in the September/October 2009 issue is presented.

This study provides comprehensive mechanistic evidence for the role of clusterin, a stress‐response secretory chaperone protein, in the modulation of intraocular pressure (IOP) by regulating the trabecular meshwork (TM) actin cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The pathological stressors on TM known to elevate IOP significantly lowered clusterin protein levels indicating stress‐related clusterin function loss. Small interfering RNA‐mediated clusterin loss in human TM cells in vitro induced actin polymerization and stabilization via protein kinase D1, serine/threonine‐protein kinase N2 (PRK2), and LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1), and the recruitment and activation of adhesome proteins including paxillin, vinculin, and integrin αV and β5. A complete loss of clusterin as seen in clusterin knockout mice (Clu‐/‐) led to significant IOP elevation at postnatal Day 70. Contrarily, constitutive clusterin expression using adenovirus (AdCLU) in HTM cells resulted in the loss of actin polymerization via decreased PRK2, and LIMK1 and negative regulation of integrin αV and β5. Furthermore, we found that AdCLU treatment in HTM cells significantly decreased the ECM protein expression and distribution by significantly increasing matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) activity and lowering the levels of pro‐fibrotic proteins such as transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGFβ2), thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1). Finally, we found that HTM cells supplemented with recombinant human clusterin attenuated the pro‐fibrotic effects of TGFβ2. For the first time this study demonstrates the importance of clusterin in the regulation of TM actin cytoskeleton ‐ ECM interactions and the maintenance of IOP, thus making clusterin an interesting target to reverse elevated IOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate alterations of the glymphatic system function in patients with cluster headache. Methods: We enrolled patients with cluster headache and healthy controls, and they underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We used the MRIcron and DSI studio programs for DTI preprocessing and DTI analysis with perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) index calculation. Results: Fourteen patients with cluster headache and 23 healthy controls were enrolled. The DTI‐ALPS indexes of the groups were significantly different. The DTI‐ALPS index for the patients with cluster headache was lower than that for the healthy controls (1.586 vs. 1.786, p = 0.044). There was a significant negative correlation between the DTI‐ALPS index and age in the patients with cluster headache (r = −0.549, p = 0.042). However, the DTI‐ALPS index was not associated with other clinical characteristics, including disease duration and headache intensity (r = −0.405, p = 0.150; r = −0.048, p = 0.869, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with cluster headache had a lower DTI‐ALPS index than the healthy controls; this might indicate glymphatic system dysfunction in the patients with cluster headache. Further research is required to determine whether glymphatic system dysfunction is related to the pathophysiology of cluster headache. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood‐based phosphorylated tau (Ptau) 181 and 217 biomarkers are sensitive and specific for Alzheimer's disease. In this racial/ethnically diverse cohort study, participants were classified as biomarker positive (Ptau+) or negative (Ptau‐) based on Ptau 181 and 217 concentrations and as cognitively impaired (Sym) or unimpaired (Asym). The four groups, Ptau‐/Asym, Ptau+/Asym, Ptau‐/Sym, and Ptau+/Sym, differed by age, APOE‐4 allele frequency, total tau, neurofilament light chain, and cortical thickness measured by MRI. Our results add to increasing evidence that plasma Ptau 181 and 217 concentrations are valid Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of two bifunctional chelates, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (DO3A) conjugates of benzothiazoles (H3L3a and H3L3b), and the corresponding gadolinium complexes (GdL3a and GdL3b) was achieved. The intracellular and tumor-specific nature of GdL3a and GdL3b were confirmed by magnetic resonance images of the cytosols and nuclei of various cell lines. The two complexes displayed antitumor activities with varying degrees of growth-inhibition and total-growth-inhibition values depending on the types of tumor cells. They caused morphological changes in tumor cell lines at much lower concentrations of gadolinium ([Gd] ≥ 50 μ M) than their predecessors, DO3A-( p-aniline benzothiazole) conjugates (H3L1), and its GdIII complex (GdL1) required concentrations that were almost four times as high ([Gd] ≥ 200 μ M). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Less morbidity is the major advantage to a one-stage crestal approach to maxillary sinus elevation. However, the ability to ensure high primary implant stability in a severely atrophied ridge is of chief concern. The purpose of this study is to measure and compare the success rate of implants placed at the time of crestal approach sinus lift in patients with ≤4 mm of residual alveolar bone ( RAB) and >4 mm of RAB. Materials and Methods In this three-site multicenter study, one hundred two patients, 53 males and 49 females, (23-89 years old; mean = 56.2) were evaluated. Three experienced surgeons (>15 years) performed the crestal approach sinus lift microsurgeries with simultaneous implant placement. At baseline and at the follow-up appointments, calibrated examiners measured radiographic interproximal bone level using ImageJ for Windows after calibration of the radiographs. References for the bone level measurements were the platform, first and second threads of the implants. Statistical analyses, using STATA version 12, stratified patients according to RAB height (group 1: RAB of ≤4 mm; n = 35 and group 2: RAB > 4 mm; n = 67), age, gender, and treatment center. Results The success rate was 100% for group 1 and 98.51% for group 2 at 6 to 100 months postprosthetic loading (mean = 29.7 months). The peri-implant bone loss averaged 0.55 mm (interquartile range [ IQR] = 0.5 [0-1]) in group 1 and 0.07 mm ( IQR = 0 [0-0]) in group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Clinical outcomes were independent of age, gender, and treatment center. Conclusions The RAB height did not increase crestal bone loss or reduce the success rate of the implants and associated prostheses. The crestal approach should be considered a viable technique for use in patients with residual bone height of ≤4 mm and merits further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life stress related to child bearing has been suggested to increase the risk of maternal depression in vulnerable women who have an insecure relationship. This study examined the relationship between adult attachment security and maternal depression in postpartum women as compared to nonpostpartum women. A total of 254 Korean women were recruited from pediatric hospitals, of whom 119 were in the postpartum period. Participants completed the Relationship Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Both preoccupied and fearful attachment styles were associated with low self-esteem and higher levels of depressive symptoms, but a dismissing attachment style was not related to self-esteem and depression severity. Low self-esteem was found to mediate the relation between insecure attachment and depression severity; however, this mediating effect differed depending on the insecure attachment style. For preoccupied attachment, the role of self-esteem as a mediator was observed only in postpartum women, not in nonpostpartum women (moderated mediation). In contrast, for fearful attachment, the mediating effects emerged in both groups. The results highlight the fact that there is a complex mechanism behind the link between interpersonal relationships and risk of maternal depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual tumor after surgery is the most significant prognostic factor of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence‐guided surgery is actively utilized for tumor localization and complete resection during surgery. However, currently available contrast‐enhancing agents display low on‐target binding, unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and toxicity, thus not ideal for clinical use. Here we report ultrabright and stable squaraine fluorophores with optimal pharmacokinetics by introducing an asymmetric molecular conformation and surface charges for rapid transporter‐mediated cellular uptake. Among the tested, OCTL14 shows low serum binding and rapid distribution into cancer tissue via organic cation transporters (OCTs). Additionally, the charged squaraine fluorophores are retained in lysosomes, providing durable intraoperative imaging in a preclinical murine model of ovarian cancer up to 24 h post‐injection. OCTL14 represents a significant departure from the current bioconjugation approach of using a non‐targeted fluorophore and would provide surgeons with an indispensable tool to achieve optimal resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual tumor after surgery is the most significant prognostic factor of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence‐guided surgery is actively utilized for tumor localization and complete resection during surgery. However, currently available contrast‐enhancing agents display low on‐target binding, unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and toxicity, thus not ideal for clinical use. Here we report ultrabright and stable squaraine fluorophores with optimal pharmacokinetics by introducing an asymmetric molecular conformation and surface charges for rapid transporter‐mediated cellular uptake. Among the tested, OCTL14 shows low serum binding and rapid distribution into cancer tissue via organic cation transporters (OCTs). Additionally, the charged squaraine fluorophores are retained in lysosomes, providing durable intraoperative imaging in a preclinical murine model of ovarian cancer up to 24 h post‐injection. OCTL14 represents a significant departure from the current bioconjugation approach of using a non‐targeted fluorophore and would provide surgeons with an indispensable tool to achieve optimal resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Retrodiscal transforaminal (RdTF) epidural steroid injection (ESI) is clinically comparable to conventional transforaminal ESI and can avoid catastrophic complications. However, it poses a risk of inadvertent intradiscal, intravascular, and intrathecal injections. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis (PEA) using the contralateral (Contra)‐RdTF approach. Methods: The electronic medical records of 332 patients with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy due to foraminal disk pathology were reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group A (ESI using the RdTF approach) and Group B (PEA using the Contra‐RdTF approach). Effective pain relief (EPR; ≥50% pain relief from baseline) in patients was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 4 and 12 weeks after the procedure. The presence of unintended fluoroscopic findings and complications was recorded. Results: A total of 119 patients were enrolled in the final analysis: 81 in Group A and 38 in Group B. Both groups showed lesser VAS scores after 4 and 12 weeks than at baseline (p < 0.05). However, the proportion of patients with EPR was significantly greater in Group B after 12 weeks (p = 0.015). No complications, including intrathecal injection, infectious discitis, and neurologic deterioration, were reported. However, inadvertent intradiscal and intravascular injections were reported to be significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (14.8% and 0%, respectively; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Although applications of this study are limited by its retrospective design, the results suggest that PEA using the Contra‐RdTF approach is feasible because it can achieve EPR and avoid unintended fluoroscopic findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovering novel sulfate optical materials with strong second‐harmonic generation (SHG) and large birefringence is confronted by a great challenge attributed to the intrinsically weak polarizability and optical anisotropy of tetrahedral SO4 groups. Herein, two superior‐performing sulfate optical materials, namely, noncentrosymmetric Hg3O2SO4 and centrosymmetric CsHgClSO4 ⋅ H2O, have been successfully synthesized through the introduction of a highly polarizable d10 metal cation, Hg2+. The unique component layers in the reported compounds, [Hg3O2SO4]∞ layers in Hg3O2SO4 and [HgClSO4(H2O)]∞- layers in CsHgClSO4 ⋅ H2O, induce enlarged birefringence in each sulfate. Remarkably, Hg3O2SO4 exhibits a very large SHG response (14 times that of KH2PO4), which is the strongest efficiency among all the reported nonlinear optical sulfates. Detailed theoretical calculations confirm that the employment of highly polarizable Hg2+ is an effective strategy to design superior optical materials with large birefringence and strong SHG response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovering novel sulfate optical materials with strong second‐harmonic generation (SHG) and large birefringence is confronted by a great challenge attributed to the intrinsically weak polarizability and optical anisotropy of tetrahedral SO4 groups. Herein, two superior‐performing sulfate optical materials, namely, noncentrosymmetric Hg3O2SO4 and centrosymmetric CsHgClSO4 ⋅ H2O, have been successfully synthesized through the introduction of a highly polarizable d10 metal cation, Hg2+. The unique component layers in the reported compounds, [Hg3O2SO4]∞ layers in Hg3O2SO4 and [HgClSO4(H2O)]∞- layers in CsHgClSO4 ⋅ H2O, induce enlarged birefringence in each sulfate. Remarkably, Hg3O2SO4 exhibits a very large SHG response (14 times that of KH2PO4), which is the strongest efficiency among all the reported nonlinear optical sulfates. Detailed theoretical calculations confirm that the employment of highly polarizable Hg2+ is an effective strategy to design superior optical materials with large birefringence and strong SHG response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the glymphatic system function and its relationship with clinical characteristics, global diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters, and global structural connectivity in treatment‐naïve patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Methods: This retrospective single‐center study investigated patients with focal epilepsy and healthy controls. All participants underwent routine brain magnetic resonance imaging and DTI. DTI analysis along the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) was used to evaluate glymphatic system function. We also calculated the measures of global DTI parameters, including whole‐brain fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD), and performed a graph theoretical network analysis to measure global structural connectivity. Results: A total of 109 patients with focal epilepsy and 88 healthy controls were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the DTI‐ALPS index (1.67 vs. 1.68, p = 0.861) between the groups. However, statistically significant associations were found between the DTI‐ALPS index and age (r = ‐0.242, p = 0.01), FA (r = 0.257, p = 0.007), MD (r = −0.469, p < 0.001), AD (r = −0.303, p = 0.001), RD (r = −0.434, p < 0.001), and the assortative coefficient (r = 0.230, p = 0.016) in patients with focal epilepsy. Conclusion: The main finding of this study is that DTI‐ALPS index is significantly correlated with global DTI parameters and structural connectivity measures of the brain in patients with focal epilepsy. In addition, DTI‐ALPS index decreases with age in these patients. We conclude that the DTI‐ALPS index can be used to investigate glymphatic system function in patients with focal epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral, coordination polymers, hyperpolarizability, non-centrosymmetric, second-harmonic generation Keywords: chiral; coordination polymers; hyperpolarizability; non-centrosymmetric; second-harmonic generation EN chiral coordination polymers hyperpolarizability non-centrosymmetric second-harmonic generation 1 1 1 04/05/22 20220401 NES 220401 B A series of systematically discovered b non-centrosymmetric coordination polymers derived by carefully designed chiral ligands reveal strong second-harmonic generation efficiencies attributable to the synergistically increased hyperpolarizability achieved by well-ordered hydrogen bonds. Frontispiece: Chiral Ligand-Driven Systematic Synthesis of Coordination Polymers with Non-centrosymmetric Structures. [Extracted from the article]

RATIONALE In matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), analyte molecules are known to be ionized by mixing with organic matrix molecules. As the organic matrix molecules are ionized, they generate unreproducible mass peaks such that MALDI-TOF MS is nearly impossible in the low mass-to-charge ( m/z) range (<1000). In this work, we aimed to develop a parylene-matrix chip for the detection of small molecules in the low m/z range by using MALDI-TOF MS. METHODS The parylene-matrix chip was fabricated by the deposition of a partially porous parylene-N thin film on a dried organic matrix array. The properties of the parylene thin film were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Mass spectrometry was performed by using a parylene-matrix chip with eight amino acids as model analytes. RESULTS The surface roughness and the electric conductivity of the parylene-N film were analyzed by AFM and CV analysis to determine its suitability for a parylene-matrix chip. The ionization of samples on the parylene-matrix chip was optimized by adjusting the laser intensity. The feasibility of applying a parylene-matrix chip for small molecule analysis was tested by using eight kinds of amino acids as model analytes and the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes from the amino acid mixture was also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS The parylene-matrix chip can be applied for the detection of multiple analytes in the m/z ratio range of small molecules (<1000) using MALDI-TOF MS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncoding RNAs include small transcripts, such as micro RNAs and piwi-interacting RNAs, and a wide range of long noncoding RNAs (lnc RNAs). Although many lnc RNAs have been identified, only a small number of lnc RNAs have been characterized functionally. Here, we sought to identify lnc RNAs differentially expressed during replicative senescence. We compared lnc RNAs expressed in proliferating, early-passage, 'young' human diploid WI-38 fibroblasts [population doubling ( PDL) 20] with those expressed in senescent, late-passage, 'old' fibroblasts ( PDL 52) by RNA sequencing ( RNA-Seq). Numerous transcripts in all lnc RNA groups (antisense lnc RNAs, pseudogene-encoded lnc RNAs, previously described lnc RNAs and novel lnc RNAs) were validated using reverse transcription ( RT) and real-time, quantitative (q) PCR. Among the novel senescence-associated lnc RNAs ( SAL- RNAs) showing lower abundance in senescent cells, SAL- RNA1 ( XLOC_023166) was found to delay senescence, because reducing SAL- RNA1 levels enhanced the appearance of phenotypic traits of senescence, including an enlarged morphology, positive β-galactosidase activity, and heightened p53 levels. Our results reveal that the expression of known and novel lnc RNAs changes with senescence and suggests that SAL- RNAs play direct regulatory roles in this important cellular process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐coordinated frameworks derived from small peptidic ligands have received much attention thanks to peptides' vast structural and functional diversity. Various peptides with partial conformational preferences have been used to build metal–peptide frameworks, however, the use of conformationally constrained β‐peptide foldamers has not been explored yet. Herein we report the first metal‐coordination‐mediated assembly of β‐peptide foldamers with 12‐helical folding propensity. The coordination of Ag+ to the terminal pyridyl moieties afforded a set of metal–peptide frameworks with unique entangled topologies. Interestingly, formation of the network structures was accompanied by notable conformational distortions of the foldamer ligands. As the first demonstration of new metal–peptide frameworks built from modular β‐peptide foldamers, we anticipate that this work will be an important benchmark for further structural evolution and mechanistic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐coordinated frameworks derived from small peptidic ligands have received much attention thanks to peptides' vast structural and functional diversity. Various peptides with partial conformational preferences have been used to build metal–peptide frameworks, however, the use of conformationally constrained β‐peptide foldamers has not been explored yet. Herein we report the first metal‐coordination‐mediated assembly of β‐peptide foldamers with 12‐helical folding propensity. The coordination of Ag+ to the terminal pyridyl moieties afforded a set of metal–peptide frameworks with unique entangled topologies. Interestingly, formation of the network structures was accompanied by notable conformational distortions of the foldamer ligands. As the first demonstration of new metal–peptide frameworks built from modular β‐peptide foldamers, we anticipate that this work will be an important benchmark for further structural evolution and mechanistic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has continued to rise for decades. However, drug resistance to chemotherapeutics and relapse, mediated by cancer stem cells (CSCs), remains a significant impediment in clinical oncology to achieve successful treatment. Therefore, we focused on analyzing CSCs in HNSCC and demonstrated the effect of melatonin (Mel) and verteporfin (VP) on SCC‐25 cells. HNSCC CSCs were enriched in the reactive oxygen species‐low state and in sphere‐forming cultures. Combination treatment with Mel and VP decreased HNSCC viability and increased apoptosis without causing significant damage to normal cells. Sphere‐forming ability and stem cell population were reduced by co‐treatment with Mel and VP, while mitochondrial ROS level was increased by the treatment. Furthermore, the expression of mitophagy markers, parkin and PINK1, was significantly decreased in the co‐treated cells. Mel and VP induced mitochondrial depolarization and inhibited mitochondrial function. Parkin/TOM20 was localized near the nucleus and formed clusters of mitochondria in the cells after treatment. Moreover, Mel and VP downregulated the expression of markers involved in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis. The migration capacity of cells was significantly decreased by co‐treatment with Mel and VP, accompanied by the down‐regulation of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression. Taken together, these results indicate that co‐treatment with Mel and VP induces mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in the apoptosis of CSCs. Mel and VP could thus be further investigated as potential therapies for HNSCC through their action on CSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the biological significance of I Selenomonas i in asthma, we adopted a murine asthma model. Airway microbiota in severe asthma and relationship to asthma severity and phenotypes. The purpose of this study is to understand the characteristics of the asthmatic airway by analyzing the airway bacteriome, to identify the microbial genera associated with asthma clinical indices, and to investigate the polymicrobial interactions based on the asthma severity grouping. [Extracted from the article]

A series of silicate materials with noncentrosymmetric structures, namely, Na3ScSi3O9 (NSSO), NSSO:Ce3+, NSSO:Eu2+, and NSSO:Tb3+, have been successfully synthesized by a microwave‐assisted solid‐state reaction. The materials reveal interesting second‐ and third‐harmonic generation and two‐photon absorption (2PA) properties attributable to the unusual connectivity and unique coordination environments around the cations, as evidenced by detailed structural analysis and maximum entropy method calculations. Upon irradiation with 980 nm laser light, the activator‐doped NSSO materials show an unusual upconversion emission property without using Yb3+ sensitizer ions, because of nonlinear absorption processes, as evidenced from 2PA spectroscopy results. The materials also show good chemical stability compared to NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+. The findings of this work can stimulate the creation of a new scientific field devoted to upconversion luminescence in solid‐state materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in structural connectivity based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional connectivity based on arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI between temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with and without hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Methods: We enrolled 50 patients with TLE, including 25 patients with HS and 25 patients without HS, who underwent brain MRI, including DTI and ASL. We calculated the network parameters of structural connectivity based on DTI and functional connectivity based on ASL using a graph theoretical analysis. The parameters included global network measures (radius, diameter, characteristic path length, global efficiency, local efficiency, mean clustering coefficient, transitivity, assortative coefficient, and small‐worldness index) and a local network measure (betweenness centrality). Results: The global and local network measures of structural connectivity were not different between TLE patients with and without HS. However, significant differences in functional connectivity existed between the two groups. The radius and diameter of the global network measures in the TLE patients with HS were significantly increased compared with those without HS (4.140 vs. 3.140, p = 0.045; 6.812 vs. 5.132, p = 0.049; respectively). No differences were detected between other global network measures of functional connectivity and local network measure. Conclusions: Significant differences in global network measures of functional connectivity based on ASL existed between TLE patients with and without HS. These findings suggest that TLE patients with HS exhibit a more disconnected functional brain network than those without HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While biglycan (BGN) is suggested to direct diverse signaling cascades, the effects of soluble BGN as a ligand on metabolic traits have not been studied. Herein, we tested the effects of BGN on obesity in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese animals and glucose metabolism, with the underlying mechanism responsible for observed effects in vitro. Our results showed that BGN administration (1 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) significantly prevented HFD‐induced obesity, and this was mainly attributed to reduced food intake. Also, intracerebroventricular injection of BGN reduced food intake and body weight. The underlying mechanism includes modulation of neuropeptides gene expression involved in appetite in the hypothalamus in vitro and in vivo. In addition, BGN regulates glucose metabolism as shown by improved glucose tolerance in mice as well as AMPK/AKT dual pathway‐driven enhanced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in L6 myoblast cells. In conclusion, our results suggest BGN as a potential therapeutic target to treat risk factors for metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several lines of evidence suggest that the amygdala–hippocampus is involved in the epileptogenic network of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in the individual nuclei of the amygdala and hippocampal subfields, and the intrinsic amygdala‐hippocampal network of patients with JME compared to healthy controls. Methods: This retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary hospital involved 35 patients with newly diagnosed JME, and 34 healthy subjects. We calculated the individual structural volumes of 18 nuclei in the amygdala, and 38 hippocampal subfields using three‐dimensional volumetric T1‐weighted imaging and FreeSurfer program. We also performed an analysis of the intrinsic amygdala‐hippocampal global and local network based on these volumes using a graph theory and Brain Analysis using Graph Theory (BRAPH) program. We investigated the differences in these volumes and network measures between patients with JME and healthy controls. Results: There were no significant volume differences in the nuclei of the amygdala and hippocampal subfields between patients with JME and healthy controls. However, we found significant differences in the global network between patients with JME and healthy controls. The mean clustering coefficient was significantly decreased in patients with JME compared to healthy controls (0.473 vs. 0.653, p =.047). In addition, specific regions in the hippocampal subfields showed significant differences in the local network between the two groups. The betweenness centrality of the right CA1‐head, right hippocampus–amygdala‐transition area, left hippocampal fissure, left fimbria, and left CA3‐head, was increased in patients with JME compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: The intrinsic amygdala‐hippocampal global and local networks differed in patients with JME compared to healthy controls, which may be related to the pathogenesis of JME, and memory dysfunction in patients with JME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI-5482 harbors a gene encoding a putative cycloisomaltooligosaccharide glucanotransferase ( BT3087) belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 66. The goal of the present study was to characterize the catalytic properties of this enzyme. Therefore, we expressed BT3087 (recombinant endo-dextranase from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI-5482) in Escherichia coli and determined that recombinant endo-dextranase from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI-5482 preferentially synthesized isomaltotetraose and isomaltooligosaccharides (degree of polymerization > 4) from dextran. The enzyme also generated large cyclic isomaltooligosaccharides early in the reaction. We conclude that members of the glycoside hydrolase 66 family may be classified into three types: (a) endo-dextranases, (b) dextranases possessing weak cycloisomaltooligosaccharide glucanotransferase activity, and (c) cycloisomaltooligosaccharide glucanotransferases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydroabietic acid (DAA) is a food-derived terpenoid with various bioactivities. Our previous study has revealed that DAA activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in luciferase assay and suppresses chronic inflammation in obese adipose tissues. In this study, we examined the effects of DAA on adipocyte differentiation. DAA treatment stimulated the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The DAA treatment increased the mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation marker genes such as aP2, lipoprotein lipase ( LPL), and PPARγ. In particular, the expression level of adiponectin, which is an adipocytokine with stimulatory effects on insulin sensitivity, was increased at both the mRNA and protein levels by the DAA treatment. Moreover, the DAA treatment stimulated insulin-dependent glucose uptake into differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These findings indicate that DAA stimulates adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 cells, suggesting that DAA is a valuable food-derived compound for the management of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new lycopodine alkaloids, 12β12hydroxyhuperzine G 1 and 5β,6β,15α15methyllycopodane5,6diol 2, were isolated from the whole plants of Huperzia serrata, together with six known compounds, huperzines A, B, and G, phlegmariurine B, 8β8hydroxyphlegmariurine B, and lycoposerramine D. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including HRESIMS, 1H and 13CNMR, DEPT, 1H,1HCOSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Clusterin is a multifunctional protein that is up-regulated during many different pathophysiological states. Clusterin may be related to a compensation mechanism involving aggregation of soluble proteins, inhibition of complement-mediated cell damage, adaptive regeneration or apoptosis. Clusterin may increase in response to cell damage that results from hypoxic stress in the preeclamptic placenta. The goal of this study was to measure clusterin expression and localization in normal and preeclamptic placental tissues. Methods: Immnunohistochemical and double immunofluorescent staining for clusterin was performed on eight normal and eight preeclamptic placental tissues, and clusterin expression was quantified by Western blotting. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of clusterin in placental tissues obtained from normal pregnancies and those with preeclampsia showed localization of clusterin mainly in the syncytiotrophoblasts and villous endothelial cells. In the double immunofluorescent staining, clusterin was detected in the cytoplasm. The Western blot analysis showed that clusterin expression in the placental tissues of the preeclampsia group was significantly higher than in the normal pregnancy group. Conclusions: Increased expression of clusterin in placental tissues might play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical properties of nanostructured substrates significantly impact laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI‐MS) performance. Fundamental understanding of the substrate properties can provide insights into the design and development of an efficient LDI matrix. Herein, a hybrid matrix of nanoporous Au‐modified TiO2 nanowires (npAu‐TNW) is developed to achieve enhanced LDI‐MS performance. Its origin is investigated based on hybrid matrix properties including photo–thermal conversion and electronic band structure. Notably, further improvement is obtained in the npAu‐TNW than in the pristine TNW and non‐porous Au nanoisland‐modified TNW (Au‐TNW) hybrid, which is attributed to the laser‐induced surface restructuring/melting phenomenon. Noticeable surface restructuring/melting occurs in the npAu by laser exposure through efficient photo–thermal conversion of the highly porous npAu. At this instant of npAu structural changes, internal energy transfer from the npAu to the adsorbed analyte is promoted, which facilitates desorption. Moreover, strain is developed in situ in the TNW adjacent to the restructuring npAu, which distorts the TNW lattice. The strain development reduces recombination rates of charge carriers by introducing shallow trap levels in the bandgap, which enhances the ionization process. Ultimately, the high LDI‐MS performance based on the npAu‐TNW hybrid matrix is demonstrated by analyzing neurotransmitter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated to have a causative role in organismal aging. A mitochondrial molecule, nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich‐repeat‐containing protein X1 (NLRX1), represents the only NLR family member that targets this cellular location, implying that NLRX1 probably establishes a fundamental link between mitochondrial functions and cellular physiology. However, the significance of NLRX1 function in cellular senescence, a key conceptual constituent in aging biology, is yet to be defined. Here, we demonstrate that molecular hallmarks involved in aging biology including NAD+ decline, and activation of mTOR, p53, and p16INK4A are significantly enhanced in NLRX1 deficiency in vitro. Mechanistic studies of replicative cellular senescence in the presence or absence of NLRX1 in vitro reveal that NLRX1‐deficient fibroblasts fail to maintain optimal NAD+/NADH ratio, which instigates the decline of SIRT1 and the activation of mTOR, p16INK4A, and p53, leading to the increase in senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal)‐positive cells. Importantly, the enhanced cellular senescence response in NLRX1 deficiency is significantly attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of mTOR signaling in vitro. Finally, our in vivo murine studies reveal that NLRX1 decreases with age in murine lungs and NLRX1 deficiency in vivo accelerates pulmonary functional and structural changes that recapitulate the findings observed in human aging lungs. In conclusion, the current study provides evidence for NLRX1 as a crucial regulator of cellular senescence and in vivo lung aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented example of a chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed atroposelective Pictet–Spengler reaction of N‐arylindoles is reported. Highly enantioenriched N‐aryl‐tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines with C−N bond axial chirality are obtained via dynamic kinetic resolution. The hydrogen bond donor introduced on the bottom aromatic ring, forming a secondary interaction with the phosphoryl oxygen, is essential to achieving high enantioselectivity. A wide variety of substituents are tolerable with this transformation to provide up to 98 % ee. The application of electron‐withdrawing group‐substituted benzaldehydes enables the control of both axial and point stereogenicity. Biological evaluation of this new and unique scaffold shows promising antiproliferative activity and emphasizes the significance of atroposelective synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented example of a chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed atroposelective Pictet–Spengler reaction of N‐arylindoles is reported. Highly enantioenriched N‐aryl‐tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines with C−N bond axial chirality are obtained via dynamic kinetic resolution. The hydrogen bond donor introduced on the bottom aromatic ring, forming a secondary interaction with the phosphoryl oxygen, is essential to achieving high enantioselectivity. A wide variety of substituents are tolerable with this transformation to provide up to 98 % ee. The application of electron‐withdrawing group‐substituted benzaldehydes enables the control of both axial and point stereogenicity. Biological evaluation of this new and unique scaffold shows promising antiproliferative activity and emphasizes the significance of atroposelective synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a reliable non‐invasive alternative to liver biopsy for assessing liver fibrosis. There are limited data regarding an association between liver fibrosis by MRE and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: To investigate the association of high‐risk CVD phenotype determined by coronary artery calcification (CAC) with liver fibrosis by MRE in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Method: This was a cross‐sectional analysis of well‐characterised, prospective cohorts including 105 patients with NAFLD (MR imaging‐derived proton density fat fraction ≥ 5%) with contemporaneous cardiac computed tomography (CT) and MRE. Patients were assessed using MRE for liver stiffness, and cardiac CT for the presence of CAC (defined as coronary artery calcium score > 0). Odds of presence of CAC were analysed using logistic regression analysis. Results: The average age and body mass index were 54.9 years and 32.9 kg/m2 respectively. In this cohort, 49.5% of patients had CAC and 35.2% had significant liver fibrosis (defined as MRE ≥2.97 kPa). Compared to patients without CAC, those with CAC were older (50.0 [39.0‐59.0] vs 63.0 [55.5‐67.5], P < 0.001) and had higher Framingham risk score (FRS, 1.0 [0.5‐3.5] vs 6.0 [2.0‐12.0], P < 0.001). In multivariable‐adjusted analysis, liver stiffness as a continuous trait on MRE was independently associated with the presence of CAC in a sex and age‐adjusted model (adjusted odd ratios [aOR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31‐4.34, P = 0.007) as well as in a FRS‐adjusted model (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.29‐4.09, P = 0.008). When analysed as a dichotomous trait, significant fibrosis (MRE‐stiffness ≥2.97 kPa) remained independently associated with the presence of CAC in both FRS‐adjusted model and sex and age‐adjusted model (aOR = 3.21‐3.53, P = 0.013‐0.017). In addition, CAC was more prevalent in patients with significant fibrosis than those without as determined by MRE (67.6% vs 39.7%, P = 0.012). Conclusion: Liver stiffness determined by MRE is an independent predictor for the presence of CAC in patients with NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD and significant fibrosis by MRE should be considered for further cardiovascular risk assessment, regardless of their FRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chirality is one of the most important topics in chemistry attributable to the peculiar stereochemical properties. Since the chirality belongs to one of the noncentrosymmetric (NCS) crystal classes, chiral materials may reveal second‐harmonic generation (SHG) properties, one of the unique structure‐related properties. The high efficiency of SHG can be achieved by the well‐controlled alignment of NCS chromophores such as d0 transition metal cations in distorted octahedra, lone pair cations, highly polarizable d10 cations, π‐delocalized anionic groups, etc. Chiral organic structure‐directing agents can also serve as chiral templates by aligning inorganic units in hybrid solid‐state materials. In this Minireview, recently reported ten chiral materials containing both chiral templates and SHG active unsymmetrical metal cations are introduced. The relationship between the asymmetric arrangement of the NCS chromophores achieved by the interaction with chiral templates and the resulting SHG properties are investigated, which might provide further insight for designing novel chiral materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]