Photocatalytic Enantioselective Radical Cascade Multicomponent Minisci Reaction of ß-Carbolines Using Diazo Compounds as Radical Precursors.

Here, a photocatalytic asymmetric multicomponent cascade Minisci reaction of ß-carbolines with enamides and diazo compounds is reported, enabling an effective enantioselective radical C─H functionalization of ß-carbolines with high yields and enantioselectivity (up to 83% yield and 95% ee). This enantioselective multicomponent Minisci protocol exhibits step economy, high chemo-/enantio-selective control, and good functional group tolerance, allowing access to a variety of valuable chiral ß-carbolines. Notably, diazo compounds are suitable radical precursors in enantioselective cascade radical reactions. Moreover, the efficiency and practicality of this approach are demonstrated by the asymmetric synthesis of bioactive compounds and natural products.

Chiral Cpx Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Enantioselective Aziridination of Unactivated Terminal Alkenes.

Chiral cyclopentadienyl-rhodium(III) Cpx Rh(III) catalysis has been demonstrated to be competent for catalyzing highly enantioselective aziridination of challenging unactivated terminal alkenes and nitrene sources. The chiral Cpx Rh(III) catalysis system exhibited outstanding catalytic performance and wide functional group tolerance, yielding synthetically important and highly valuable chiral aziridines with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % yield, 93 % ee). This protocol presents a novel and effective strategy for synthesizing enantioenriched aziridines from simple alkenes. Various transformations were performed on the aziridine products, illustrating the versatility and synthetic potential of this protocol for constructing highly functionalized compounds.

Crosstalk between alternative splicing and inflammatory bowel disease: Basic mechanisms, biotechnological progresses and future perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Alternative splicing (AS) is an omnipresent regulatory mechanism of gene expression that enables the generation of diverse splice isoforms from a single gene. Recently, AS events have gained considerable momentum in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Our review has summarized the complex process of RNA splicing, and firstly highlighted the potential involved molecules that target aberrant splicing events in IBD. The quantitative transcriptome analyses such as microarrays, next-generation sequencing (NGS) for AS events in IBD have been also discussed. RESULTS: Available evidence suggests that some abnormal splicing RNAs can lead to multiple intestinal disorders during the onset of IBD as well as the progression to colitis-associated cancer (CAC), including gut microbiota perturbations, intestinal barrier dysfunctions, innate/adaptive immune dysregulations, pro-fibrosis activation and some other risk factors. Moreover, current data show that the advanced technologies, including microarrays and NGS, have been pioneeringly employed to screen the AS candidates and elucidate the potential regulatory mechanisms of IBD. Besides, other biotechnological progresses such as the applications of third-generation sequencing (TGS), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST), will be desired with great expectations. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, the current review is the first one to evaluate the potential regulatory mechanisms of AS events in IBD. The expanding list of aberrantly spliced genes in IBD along with the developed technologies provide us new clues to how IBD develops, and how these important AS events can be explored for future treatment.

Significantly improved thermoelectric performance of SnSe originating from collaborative adjustment between valence and conduction bands, mass fluctuations, and local strain.

In this study, environmentally friendly, low cost, and easy to synthesize InSn and VSn co-doped SnSe materials was designed and prepared via vacuum melting and spark plasma sintering technology, which avoids the shortcomings of high-performance Pb, Ge, and Na-doped SnSe samples. InSn and VSn, doping achieved appropriate bandgap (Eg) and energy band degeneracy (NV) from the valence and conduction band, obtaining the highest electrical conductivity of 4726 S m-1 at 773 K. The impurity state controls the carrier transport process below 573 K, while Eg and NV control the process above 573 K. InSn and VSn doping induces quality fluctuation and local strain, which decreases the lattice thermal conductivity. Owing to the higher power factor and low lattice thermal conductivity, the ZT value of the Sn0.985In0.01Se sample was 1.3 at 773 K. Dual regulation of the valence and conduction band provides a new idea for adjusting the transport behavior of semiconductors.

Values of different biochemical indices and clinical scoring systems for the assessment of acute biliary pancreatitis in a Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate values of biochemical indices and clinical scoring systems for the assessment of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). METHODS: Clinical characteristics, laboratory values including procalcitonin (PCT), and radiologic examinations of all ABP patients with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP), moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP), or severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) were recorded within 48 hours after the onset of acute pancreatitis. Scores of the Accuracy of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI), Ranson, Japanese Severity Score (JSS), Pancreatitis Outcome Prediction (POP) Score and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) score were then calculated. The area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive values of biochemical indexes and scoring systems for ABP severity and organ failure. RESULTS: The percentage of patients over 60 in the SAP group was higher than in the MAP and MSAP groups. PCT had the highest value for predicting SAP (AUC = 0.84, P < 0.001) and organ failure (AUC = 0.87, P < 0.001). The AUCs of APACHE II, BISAP, JSS and SIRS for predicting severity were 0.87, 0.83, 0.82, and 0.81, respectively (all P < 0.001). As for organ failure, the AUCs were 0.87, 0.85, 0.84, and 0.82, respectively (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PCT has a high value for predicting ABP severity and organ failure. Among the clinical scoring systems, BISAP and SIRS are more suitable for early assessment of AP; while APACHE II and JSS are more suitable for monitoring disease progression after thorough examination.

Non-coding RNAs and colitis-associated cancer: Mechanisms and clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is one of the most severe complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which has caused a worse survival rate in IBD patients. Although the exact aetiology and pathogenesis of CAC are not completely elucidated, evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs are closely involved and play a key role. METHODS: This review aims to summarise the major findings of non-coding RNAs in the development of CAC and present the potential mechanistic links between non-coding RNAs and CAC pathogenesis. The results show that non-coding RNAs can hinder DNA mismatch repair proteins and obstruct chromosome passenger complexes to increase microsatellite instability and accumulate chromosomal instability, respectively. The data also suggest that DNA promoter methylation or RNA methylation modifications of non-coding RNA are the main mechanisms to regulate oncogene or tumour suppressor expression during the CAC progression. Other factors, including gut microbiota perturbations, immune dysregulation and barrier dysfunction, are also regulated and influenced by non-coding RNAs. Besides, non-coding RNAs as molecular managers are associated with multiple critical signalling pathways governing the initiation, progression and metastasis of CAC, including the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Wnt/ß-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways. In addition, non-coding RNAs can be detected in colon tissues or blood, and their aberrant expressions and diagnostic and prognostic roles are also discussed and confirmed in CAC patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is believed that a deepening understanding of non-coding RNAs in CAC pathogenesis may prevent the progression to carcinogenesis, and will offer new effective therapies for CAC patients.

Nanostructured TiO2 Arrays for Energy Storage.

Because of their extensive specific surface area, excellent charge transfer rate, superior chemical stability, low cost, and Earth abundance, nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) arrays have been thoroughly explored during the past few decades. The synthesis methods for TiO2 nanoarrays, which mainly include hydrothermal/solvothermal processes, vapor-based approaches, templated growth, and top-down fabrication techniques, are summarized, and the mechanisms are also discussed. In order to improve their electrochemical performance, several attempts have been conducted to produce TiO2 nanoarrays with morphologies and sizes that show tremendous promise for energy storage. This paper provides an overview of current developments in the research of TiO2 nanostructured arrays. Initially, the morphological engineering of TiO2 materials is discussed, with an emphasis on the various synthetic techniques and associated chemical and physical characteristics. We then give a brief overview of the most recent uses of TiO2 nanoarrays in the manufacture of batteries and supercapacitors. This paper also highlights the emerging tendencies and difficulties of TiO2 nanoarrays in different applications.

Photocatalytic enantioselective Minisci reaction of ß-carbolines and application to natural product synthesis.

A highly efficient enantioselective direct C-H functionalization of ß-carbolines via a Minisci-type radical process under a photo-redox and chiral phosphoric acid cooperative catalytic system has been disclosed. Through this protocol, a wide range of C1 aminoalkylated ß-carbolines were constructed directly with high levels of enantioselectivities from readily available ß-carbolines and alanine-derived redox-active esters. This transformation allows straightforward access to highly valuable enantioenriched ß-carbolines, which are an intriguing structural motif in valuable natural products and synthetic bio-active compounds. This protocol has been utilized as a highly efficient synthetic strategy for the concise asymmetric total synthesis of marine alkaloids eudistomin X, (+)-eudistomidin B and (+)-eudistomidin I.

What Is the Efficacy of Short Length of Biliopancreatic Limb in One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Short-Term Results.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the efficacy of short length of biliopancreatic limb (BPL) in laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). METHODS: By thoroughly investigating in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, each research containing the comparison between short BPL and 200-cm BPL was included, inception in July 2021. The research followed the guidance of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) recommendations. RESULT: A total of 1288 patients were included for meta-analysis. Results showed that in the short term, compared with 200-cm BPL, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) did not show significant reduction (p = 0.91), neither did the incidence of vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.87) nor hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.06), while percentage total weight loss (%TWL) was significantly higher in the 200-cm BPL group (p = 0.0005). At 1, 2, and 8 years postoperatively, patients with short BPL still obtained significantly reduced body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: Short BPL shows significant effect of weight loss; however, it seems no significantly lower rates of adverse events in the short term are found. More research with randomized controlled design is encouraged to further address the incidence of adverse events in the long term.

Diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy in small bowel diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in small bowel diseases. METHODS: The clinical data of 134 cases of CE and 109 cases of DBE examined in our gastroscopy room from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The two groups of patients were compared as to disease diagnostic rate, examination time, examination tolerance, and incidence of adverse reactions. RESULTS: The two groups showed no significant difference in general data (all P>0.05). The DBE group showed a higher disease diagnostic rate than the CE group (P<0.05). Significantly higher rates of suspected intestinal bleeding were observed in the DBE group than those of the CE group (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found in the diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and others (all P>0.05). The DBE group required a longer examination time, and had a higher incidence of adverse reactions, and a lower examination tolerance than the CE group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both DBE and CE are effective in small bowel diseases diagnoses, but DBE demonstrated greater potential in diagnosing small bowel bleeding.

Limonin ameliorates acute pancreatitis by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common acute abdomen of digestive system and has the characteristics of dangerous condition and rapid development. Limonin has been confirmed to hold anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various diseases. However, its potential beneficial effect on AP and the concrete mechanisms have never been revealed. Here, two mouse models were used to investigate the protective effects of limonin on AP, the caerulein-induced mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) model and L-arginine-induced severe AP (SAP) model. Firstly, it was found that limonin administration attenuated lipase and serum amylase levels and ameliorated the histopathological manifestations of pancreatic tissue in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the amelioration of AP by limonin was associated with reduced levels of inflammation initiators (IL-6, IL-1ß, CCL2, and TNF-α). Mechanistically, we found that limonin suppressed the Janus Activating Kinase 2 (JAK2)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, as evident by the decreased levels of JAK2 and p-STAT3. And activation of JAK2 using JAK2 activator rescued the protective effects of limonin on AP. Thus, our results demonstrate that limonin can ameliorate AP in two mice models via suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Surface-Induced Desolvation of Hydronium Ion Enables Anatase TiO2 as an Efficient Anode for Proton Batteries.

Hydrogen ion is an attractive charge carrier for energy storage due to its smallest radius. However, hydrogen ions usually exist in the form of hydronium ion (H3O+) because of its high dehydration energy; the choice of electrode materials is thus greatly limited to open frameworks and layered structures with large ionic channels. Here, the desolvation of H3O+ is achieved by using anatase TiO2 as anodes, enabling the H+ intercalation with a strain-free characteristic. Density functional theory calculations show that the desolvation effects are dependent on the facets of anatase TiO2. Anatase TiO2 (001) surface, a highly reactive surface, impels the desolvation of H3O+ into H+. When coupled with a MnO2 cathode, the proton battery delivers a high specific energy of 143.2 Wh/kg at an ultrahigh specific power of 47.9 kW/kg. The modulation of the interactions between ions and electrodes opens new perspectives for battery optimizations.

Is Bariatric Surgery Effective for Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Body Mass Index < 35 kg/m2? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has been applied for weight loss and comorbidity control in China since 2000. Recent studies have shown positive results for bariatric surgery in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35 kg/m2. However, the effect of surgery on Chinese patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not yet been systematically investigated. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science from January 2014 to March 2020. All studies examined bariatric surgery outcomes on Chinese patients at 12-, 36-, and 60-month follow-up. The research followed the guidance of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) recommendations. RESULTS: Eleven studies containing 611 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Clinical indices at 12-, 36-, and 60-month follow-up were analyzed. Significant decreases were identified in body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) postoperatively. An increasing trend in the T2DM remission rate was discovered. The remission group was observed to have significantly lower HbA1c and C-peptide level, a shorter duration of T2DM, and a higher BMI than the nonremission group at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery successfully provided significant BMI control as well as a reduction and normalization of glucose- and lipid-related metabolism at 12, 36, and 60 months postoperatively in Chinese patients with T2DM with a preoperative BMI of less than 35 kg/m2. An increasing trend in the T2DM remission rate suggested promising future applications in this population.

Symmetric and asymmetric overgrowth of a Ag shell onto gold nanorods assisted by Pt pre-deposition.

The plasmonic properties of noble metallic nanoparticles could be tuned by morphology and composition, enabling opportunities for applications in sensors, photocatalysis, biomedicine, and energy conversion. Here, we report a method of the symmetric and asymmetric overgrowth of a Ag shell onto gold nanorods assisted by Pt pre-deposition via a 2-step approach. Firstly, gold nanorods (AuNRs), synthesized via a seed-mediated method, were used as seeds to form a AuNR-Pt structure, by using K2PtCl4 as the precursor. In this step, most of the Pt material was selectively deposited on the tips of the AuNR. Secondly, by using AgNO3 as the precursor, a Ag shell was overgrown on the surface of the AuNRs-Pt nanoparticles, resulting in a (AuNR-Pt)-Ag core-shell tri-metallic nanostructure. Due to the surface energy and lattice matching between Au and Ag, the Ag shell preferred to be epitaxially overgrown on the side of AuNR. The Ag shell thickness and symmetry of the (AuNR-Pt)-Ag could be tuned by changing the amounts of AgNO3 precursor. With the increase of the Ag shell thickness, the (AuNR-Pt)-Ag nanostructures changed from symmetric to asymmetric. The obtained (AuNR-Pt)-Ag nanostructures were studied using UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, EDS mapping, DLS, and ICP-MS. The growth mechanism was discussed.

Large modulation capacity in graphene-based slot modulators by enhanced hybrid plasmonic effects.

We present an effective scheme to improve the modulation capacity in graphene-based silicon modulator by employing the double slots configuration with hybrid plasmonic effects. Two modulators, i.e., metal-insulator-metal and insulator-metal-insulator configurations have been demonstrated, showing that the double slots design can significantly improve the modulation efficiency. The obtained modulation efficiency is up to 0.525 dB/µm per graphene layer, far exceeding previous studies. It can be found that the light-graphene interaction plays a pivotal role in the modulation efficiency, whereas the height of metal has profound influence on the modulation. Our results may promote various future modulation devices based on graphene.

Balsam-pear-like rutile/anatase core/shell titania nanorod arrays for photoelectrochemical water splitting.

In this work, a solution combustion followed by dissolution in hydrogen peroxide is adopted to achieve a precursor for decorating anatase TiO2 nanosheets along single-crystalline rutile TiO2 nanorods, which achieves balsam-pear-like core/shell nanorod arrays with enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting. The enhanced photoelectrochemical performance is attributed to the novel nanoarchitecture, which can simultaneously offer a high surface area, enhanced light-harvesting, a rutile/anatase junction for charge carrier separation and a conductive pathway for charge carrier collection. The photoanode design can also give hints to other functional materials.