Abstract
Producing monomeric phenols from lignin biopolymer depolymerization in a detachable and efficient manner comes under the spotlight on the fullest utilization of sustainable lignocellulosic ...biomass. Here, we report a low-loaded and highly dispersed Ru anchored on a chitosan-derived
N
-doped carbon catalyst (RuN/ZnO/C), which exhibits outstanding performance in the reductive catalytic fractionation of lignocellulose. Nearly theoretical maximum yields of phenolic monomers from lignin are achieved, corresponding to TON as 431 mol
phenols
mol
Ru
−1
, 20 times higher than that from commercial Ru/C catalyst; high selectivity toward propyl end-chained guaiacol and syringol allow them to be readily purified. The RCF leave high retention of (hemi)cellulose amenable to enzymatic hydrolysis due to the successful breakdown of biomass recalcitrance. The RuN/ZnO/C catalyst shows good stability in recycling experiments as well as after a harsh hydrothermal treatment, benefiting from the coordination of Ru species with
N
atoms. Characterizations of the RuN/ZnO/C imply a transformation from Ru single atoms to nanoclusters under current reaction conditions. Time-course experiment, as well as reactivity screening of a series of lignin model compounds, offer insight into the mechanism of current RCF over RuN/ZnO/C. This work opens a new opportunity for achieving the valuable aromatic products from lignin and promoting the industrial economic feasibility of lignocellulosic biomass.
We can find numerous international treaties and legal documents that support women’s choice for safe and legal abortion. However, there are constant different, incompatible and even opposing ...discourses around abortion globally. This paper examines a 2016 legal case (Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt) to explore how anti-abortion discourse in the U.S. has found its way into the legal text. I begin by addressing women’s right to abortion as a human rights issue and then I investigate how U.S. abortion law entangles with social and cultural reality in the country; I then offer a close reading of the Supreme Court’s judgement and discuss the implications of such a legal text. Public opinions on reproductive rights in the U.S. are closely related to the dynamics between religious culture and feminist activism, and political manipulation leads to divided opinions over the issue. A close reading of the case shows that the court’s constant emphasis on “right to privacy” sets the stage for the current fragility of the reproductive rights in the U.S. cultural and political context. First, it opens a gate for anti-abortion groups to burden women with moral responsibility; second, under TRAP laws it becomes difficult for the abortion providers to justify their stand. I further argue that the undue burden test, which was central to winning this case, is not a strong test for future lawsuits over abortion rights.
Purpose
Elevated oxidative stress has been proposed as an important factor in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility. Our study was aimed at simultaneously exploring ...local and systemic oxidative stress in PCOS individuals and its relationship with embryo quality.
Methods
We recruited 86 PCOS cases and 60 controls. Five representative oxidative stress markers, namely, total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in both follicular fluid (FF) and serum.
Results
Women with PCOS compared to normal controls had higher levels of TOC in both FF (10.13 ± 2.68 vs.7.03 ± 2.45,
P
< 0.001) and serum (11.76 ± 2.92 vs. 8.82 ± 2.57,
P
< 0.001). The oxidative stress index (OSI, the ratio of TOC to TAC) was also higher in PCOS cases. They were still significant after BMI adjustment (
P
adj<0.01). In addition, the serum OSI level was much higher than the FF OSI level in both groups. Correlation analysis showed that the FF and serum TOC were negatively correlated with the high-quality embryo rate on day 3 and the later blastocyst formation rate in the PCOS group (
P
< 0.05). The correlation coefficient was higher in FF. Moreover, as the regression analysis data showed, the FF MDA level was significantly associated with embryo quality indicators (
P
< 0.05).
Conclusions
PCOS was accompanied by elevated oxidative stress in both serum and FF. Even though serum oxidative stress was severe, the study suggested that FF oxidative stress contributed more to embryo quality, to which we should give more attention in the future.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Objective
Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may induce urinary glucose excretion via the inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption, improve glycemic control, and lower body weight. The ...aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate weight changes in patients who received different dosages of SGLT2 inhibitors.
Methods
Overall, 55 placebo‐controlled trials were included.
Results
The results indicated that treatment with 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of dapagliflozin led to significant decreases in body weight compared with a placebo (weighted mean difference WMD, −1.30 kg, −1.51 kg, −1.79 kg, −2.24 kg, respectively; P < 0.001). Treatment with 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg of canagliflozin also led to significant decreases in weight (WMD, −1.20 kg, −1.82 kg, −1.83 kg, −2.37 kg, respectively; P < 0.001). In the treatment with empagliflozin, ipragliflozin, tofogliflozin, and luseogliflozin, body weight also significantly decreased. The decrease in weight was associated with the dosage of dapagliflozin (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Body weight significantly decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes who received different dosages of SGLT2 inhibitors compared with patients who received a placebo. Moreover, in patients treated with dapagliflozin, there was a statistically significant dosage‐dependent trend in body weight reduction.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Glass fiber sphere (GFS), used as support of MIL-100(Fe) to treat dye wastewater, was successfully synthesized using glass fibers from waste printed circuit board. Structural and textural features of ...MIL-100(Fe) supported by GFS (GFS/MIL-100(Fe)) were characterized by different techniques. GFS/MIL-100(Fe) showed higher specific surface area and better rhodamine B (RHB) removal performance as well as reusability. RHB removal percentage by GFS/MIL-100(Fe) reached 92% in 11 h, compared with 79% in 7 h of MIL-100(Fe). The highest RHB removal rate was obtained with the GFS/MIL-100(Fe) concentration of 20 g/L. Increasing RHB concentration over 100 mg/L reduced the time needed for saturated adsorption from 11 to 7 h. The best RHB removal performance of GFS/MIL-100(Fe) was obtained at pH = 3, and the removal percentage was almost the same in the pH range 5–11. The adsorption data fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetics better than the pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the adsorption isotherm data fitted Langmuir model better than Freundlich model. MIL-100(Fe) synthesized in organic solvents showed higher loading rate than that obtained in water. GFS/MIL-100(Fe) also showed promising removal performances for methylene blue, acid orange 7, and malachite green in water. The removal percentage of RHB was still 80% even after being used for 3 times. The results of this study indicate the prospect of synthesizing GFS with glass fibers from waste printed circuit boards and its use as the support of MIL-100(Fe).
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CEKLJ, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Aims/Introduction
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors (AGI) in Asian and non‐Asian type 2 diabetes patients.
Materials and Methods
Studies were identified through a ...literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and other databases until December 2016. All statistical analyses were carried out in Review Manager statistical software by computing the weighted mean difference or odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.
Results
A total of 67 studies were included. AGI vs placebo: compared with the placebo, AGI treatment led to a greater decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose. No significant difference was observed in HbA1c change, fasting plasma glucose change, postprandial plasma glucose change or incidence of hypoglycemia between Asian and non‐Asian patients. AGI vs active controls: in Asian patients, AGI treatment showed a lower reduction in HbA1c compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and sulfonylurea. In non‐Asian patients, AGI treatment showed a lower reduction in HbA1c compared with thiazolidinedione. No significant difference was observed in HbA1c change and bodyweight change when comparing AGI with other oral hypoglycemic agents between Asian and non‐Asian patients.
Conclusions
The effects of AGI treatment on glycemic control and bodyweight reduction were superior to the placebo without an increased incidence of hypoglycemia, but with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal discomforts. The hypoglycemic effects of AGI were comparable between Asian and non‐Asian patients.
Our meta‐analysis evaluated the hypoglycemic effects and safety of AGI treatment compared with placebo or other oral hypoglycemic agents, and compared the differences between Asian and non‐Asian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Spin-gapless semiconductor (SGS), a class of zero-gap materials with fully spin-polarized electrons and holes, offers significant potential for high-speed, low-energy consumption applications in ...spintronics, electronics, and optoelectronics. Our first-principles calculations revealed that the Pca21 C4N3 monolayer exhibits a ferromagnetic ground state. Its band structure displays SGS-like characteristics, with the energy gap between the valence and conduction bands near the Fermi level in the spin-down channel much smaller than the one in the other spin channel. To enhance its SGS properties, we introduced electrons into the Pca21 C4N3 monolayer by adsorbing the CO gas molecule on its surface. Stable gas adsorption (CO@C4N3) effectively narrowed the band gap in the spin-down channel without changing the band gap in the spin-up channel obviously. Moreover, injecting holes into the CO@C4N3 system could increase the net magnetic moments and induce an SGS-to-metallic phase transition, while injecting electrons into the CO@C4N3 system is able to lower the net magnetic moments and cause an SGS-to-half-metallic phase transition. Our findings not only underscore a new promising material for practical metal-free spintronics applications but also illustrate a viable pathway for designing SGSs.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrine metabolic disorders. The lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) reportedly can ...regulate the reproductive system. Despite studies, the alteration of MALAT1 expression in granulosa cells (GCs) from PCOS patients was inconsistent. To evaluate MALAT1 expression in GCs in different PCOS subgroups and its association with PCOS phenotypes, we collected GCs from 110 PCOS cases and 71 controls, and examined MALAT1 expression by quantitative PCR. The results showed MALAT1 expression was upregulated in PCOS cases, especially in insulin resistant (IR) PCOS subgroup, obese PCOS subgroup and non-hyperandrogenic (NHA) PCOS subgroup. MALAT1 expression was positively correlated with BMI and several metabolic parameters in controls. Interestingly, MALAT1 expression was notably associated with some critical endocrine indexes for PCOS, including E2, FSH, LH and LH/FSH ratio. In different PCOS subgroups, we found significant positive correlations with LH/FSH ratio in IR-PCOS and PCOS with normal weight, and with serum T and LH level in NHA-PCOS subgroup. Integrated analysis with lncRNA target databases and PCOS-related databases revealed MALAT1 could participate in PCOS by influencing immune response and lipids metabolism in GCs. In conclusion, MALAT1 was differently expressed in GCs in PCOS, especially in IR, obese and NHA PCOS subgroups. MALAT1 was likely involved in metabolism and immune response in GCs in PCOS. However, more studies are necessary to establish this concept.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective. Research evidence suggests a link between periodontitis (PD) and atrial fibrillation, but the nature of this link is unclear. This study aimed to systematically review and evaluate the ...association between PD, other oral diseases, and atrial fibrillation and the role of oral hygiene in preventing atrial fibrillation. Methods. We searched the Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for the clinical study of oral health and atrial fibrillation from inception to November 2022. Oral health conditions included PD and other oral inflammatory diseases, regular oral hygiene, and tooth brushing. The primary outcomes were the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with oral disease, the effect of regular oral care on preventing atrial fibrillation, the effect of frequent tooth brushing on preventing atrial fibrillation, and the incidence of atrial fibrillation in PD patients. Results. Eight clinical trials with a total of 4,328,355 patients were included. The result of the research showed that PD and other impaired oral health may be associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation, and its severity was dose-responsive to the risk of atrial fibrillation. The incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with severe PD was about 16.3%. Moreover, PD may increase the risk of long-term arrhythmia in patients with atrial fibrillation. Regular oral care and frequent tooth brushing can reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation. Conclusion. Regular and moderate oral hygiene, frequent tooth brushing, and prevention of PD and other oral inflammatory diseases could reduce the occurrence of atrial fibrillation. It is recommended to strengthen the popularization of oral health knowledge in the publicity related to atrial fibrillation.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The aim of this study is to compare the effects of hypoglycemic treatments in groups of patients categorized according to the mean baseline body mass indexes (BMIs).
Studies were identified by a ...literature search and all the studies were double blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials in type 2 diabetes patients; study length of ≥12 weeks with the efficacy evaluated by changes in HbA1c from baseline in groups. The electronic search was first conducted in January 2015 and repeated in June 2015.
227 studies were included. Treatment with sulfonylureas was compared with placebo in overweight patients and resulted in a significantly greater change in the HbA1c levels (weighted mean difference (WMD), -1.39%) compared to obese patients (WMD, -0.77%)(p<0.05). Treatment with metformin in overweight patients resulted in a comparable change in the HbA1c levels (WMD, -0.99%) compared to obese patients (WMD, -1.06%)(p>0.05). Treatment with alpha glucosidase inhibitors in normal weight patients was associated with a HbA1c change (WMD, -0.94%) that was comparable that in overweight (WMD, -0.72%) and obese patients (WMD, -0.56%)(p>0.05). Treatment with thiazolidinediones in normal weight patients was associated with a HbA1c change (WMD, -1.04%) that was comparable with that in overweight (WMD, -1.02%) and obese patients (WMD, -0.88%)(p>0.05). Treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors in normal weight patients was associated with a HbA1c change (WMD, -0.93%) that was comparable with that in overweight (WMD, -0.66%) and obese patients (WMD, -0.61%)(p>0.05). In total, of the seven hypoglycemic agents, regression analysis indicated that the mean baseline BMI was not associated with the mean HbA1c changes from baseline.
In each kind of hypoglycemic therapy in type 2 diabetes, the baseline BMI was not associated with the efficacy of HbA1c changes from baseline.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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