Prior COVID-19 vaccination and reduced risk of cerebrovascular diseases among COVID-19 survivors.

The effects of COVID-19 vaccination on short-term and long-term cerebrovascular risks among COVID-19 survivors remained unknown. We conducted a national multi-center retrospective cohort study with 151 597 vaccinated and 151 597 unvaccinated COVID-19 patients using the TriNetX database, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023. Patients baseline characteristics were balanced with propensity score matching (PSM). The outcomes were incident cerebrovascular diseases occurred between 1st and 30th days (short-term) after COVID-19 diagnosis. Nine subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential effect modifications. We performed six sensitivity analyses, including evaluation of outcomes between 1st to 180th days, accounting for competing risk, and incorporating different variant timeline to test the robustness of our results. Kaplan-Meier curves and Log-Rank tests were performed to evaluate survival difference. Cox proportional hazards regressions were adopted to estimate the PSM-adjusted hazard ratios (HR). The overall short-term cerebrovascular risks were lower in the vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.56-0.77), specifically cerebral infarction (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48-0.79), occlusion and stenosis of precerebral arteries (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.53-0.98), other cerebrovascular diseases (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42-0.77), and sequelae of cerebrovascular disease (HR: 0.39, 95% CI:0.23-0.68). Similarly, the overall cerebrovascular risks were lower in those vaccinated among most subgroups. The long-term outcomes, though slightly attenuated, were consistent (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.87). Full 2-dose vaccination was associated with a further reduced risk of cerebrovascular diseases (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.50-0.80) compared to unvaccinated patients. Unvaccinated COVID-19 survivors have significantly higher cerebrovascular risks than their vaccinated counterparts. Thus, clinicians are recommended to monitor this population closely for stroke events during postinfection follow-up.

Three-Component Assembly of Dihydropyrrolo[3,4-e][1,3]thiazines from Elemental Sulfur, Maleimides, and 1,3,5-Triazinanes.

A three-component reaction for the synthesis of dihydropyrrolo[3,4-e][1,3]thiazines has been developed. Elemental sulfur, maleimides, and 1,3,5-triazinanes are assembled together through sulfuration/nucleophilic attack in N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one (NMP) under mild conditions. A small amount of NaHCO3 is important for the activation of the reaction. In this method, sulfur plays a dual role in thiazine ring formation, while triazinanes are utilized as three-atom synthons in the annulation reaction.

Gene-gene interaction network analysis indicates CNTN2 is a candidate gene for idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Twin and family studies have established the genetic contribution to idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). The genetic architecture of IGE is generally complex and heterogeneous, and the majority of the genetic burden in IGE remains unsolved. We hypothesize that gene-gene interactions contribute to the complex inheritance of IGE. CNTN2 (OMIM* 615,400) variants have been identified in cases with familial adult myoclonic epilepsy and other epilepsies. To explore the gene-gene interaction network in IGE, we took the CNTN2 gene as an example and investigated its co-occurrent genetic variants in IGE cases. We performed whole-exome sequencing in 114 unrelated IGE cases and 296 healthy controls. Variants were qualified with sequencing quality, minor allele frequency, in silico prediction, genetic phenotype, and recurrent case numbers. The STRING_TOP25 gene interaction network analysis was introduced with the bait gene CNTN2 (denoted as A). The gene-gene interaction pair mode was presumed to be A + c, A + d, A + e, with a leading gene A, or A + B + f, A + B + g, A + B + h, with a double-gene A + B, or other combinations. We compared the number of gene interaction pairs between the case and control groups. We identified three pairs in the case group, CNTN2 + PTPN18, CNTN2 + CNTN1 + ANK2 + ANK3 + SNTG2, and CNTN2 + PTPRZ1, while we did not discover any pairs in the control group. The number of gene interaction pairs in the case group was much more than in the control group (p = 0.021). Taking together the genetic bioinformatics, reported epilepsy cases, and statistical evidence in the study, we supposed CNTN2 as a candidate pathogenic gene for IGE. The gene interaction network analysis might help screen candidate genes for IGE or other complex genetic disorders.

Case Report: ECMO-assisted tracheal reconstruction in a 30-week-gestation preterm infant with tracheal stenosis.

Tracheal stenosis is a rare but life-threatening disease in preterm infants. Misdiagnosis as congenital tracheal stenosis is common, making surgical management challenging. This report presents a case of a preterm infant with tracheal stenosis and congenital heart malformation treated with ECMO-assisted tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. A male infant was born at 30 weeks of gestation with severe asphyxia, cardiac insufficiency, and pneumonia. Following failed medical treatment, fiberoptic bronchoscopy confirmed mid-tracheal to carinal stenosis. After a 2-week treatment course, ECMO-assisted tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed successfully. This case confirms the feasibility of tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis in low-weight, preterm infants with tracheal stenosis born at 30 weeks gestation. The utilization of ECMO for oxygenation during surgery provides a clear surgical field and shorter operating time. Surgical intervention may be necessary for neonatal tracheal stenosis depending on the clinical presentation.

Association between amiodarone use and risk of cataract: a population-based active-comparator study.

BACKGROUND: Despite previous concerns about ocular side effects related to amiodarone, the relationship between amiodarone and cataract remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential association between amiodarone use and the subsequent risk of cataract, taking into account potential confounders. METHODS: This population-based, active comparator-controlled cohort study utilized the data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance program and involved adults over 40 years old between 2001 and 2013. We analyzed 12 055 new amiodarone users and contrasted them with a propafenone user cohort. The primary outcome was the incidence of cataract. Inverse-probability treatment-weighting (IPTW) was further used to eliminate the potential confounding effects, and Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses were performed to calculate the risk of cataract. Serial subgroup analyses were also performed. RESULTS: In the main analysis, amiodarone users did not exhibit a significant causal relationship in both full cohort [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.994, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.913-1.082] and IPTW cohort (IPTW-aHR 0.977, 95% CI: 0.900-1.060). Furthermore, it is important to highlight a significantly reduced risk of cataract among patients with heart failure (IPTW-aHR 0.708, 95% CI: 0.554-0.905) and during the 2-year follow-up period (IPTW-aHR 0.889, 95% CI: 0.794-0.996), implying potential advantages linked to the use of amiodarone. CONCLUSIONS: The study found no increased risk of cataract with amiodarone, one of the most frequently used antiarrhythmic medications, compared to the use of propafenone. Future research is recommended to explore potential mechanisms and their implications for clinical practice.

3D-Printed Porous Supramolecular Sorbents for Cobalt Recycling.

Electronic waste recycling is a recognized global challenge that requires new strategies to bind and release critical materials selectively, such as cobalt present in lithium-ion batteries. To address this challenge, hierarchical 3D-printed porous polymer scaffolds bearing supramolecular receptors were prepared using vat photopolymerization and their cobalt binding profiles were examined as a function of matrix polarity. By combining high-resolution digital light processing (DLP) with polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS), functional acrylic copolymer networks with micrometer-level precision of geometry and nanometer-level pores were generated. Covalent integration of a methacrylate-functionalized bisdicyclohexyl acetamide (BDCA-MA) receptor enabled binding and release of cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl2) via a solvent polarity switch mechanism involving a change in solvent from ethanol to water. The present structures proved reusable as shown by sustained high binding efficiency over five bind and release cycles. This platform represents a "green" and energy conscious method for future electronic waste recycling.

Anderson-type polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation of benzylic C-H bonds.

Oxidative transformation of benzylic C-H bonds into functional carbonyl groups under mild conditions represents an efficient method for the synthesis of aromatic carboxylic acids and ketones. Here we report a high-efficiency catalyst system constructed from an Anderson-type polyoxometalate-based metal-Organic framework (POMOF-1) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) for selective oxidation of methylarenes and alkylarenes under 1 atm O2 atmosphere. POMOF-1 exerted a synergistic effect originating from the well-aligned Anderson {CrMo6} clusters and Cu centers within the framework, and this entailed good cooperation with NHPI to catalyze the selective oxidation. Accordingly, the reactions exhibit good tolerance and chemical selectivity for a wide range of substrates bearing diverse substituent groups, and the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones were harvested in good yields under mild conditions. Mechanism study reveals that POMOF-1 worked synergistically with NPHI to activate the benzylic C-H bonds of substrates, which are sequentially oxidized by oxygen and HOO˙ to give rise to the products. This work may pave a way to design high-efficiency catalysts by integration of polyoxometalate-based materials with NPHI for challenging C-H activation.

Nephrologist follow-up care for the acute kidney injury-chronic kidney disease continuum and clinical outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) continuum will increase patients' risk of mortality and long-term dialysis. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to explore the effectiveness of nephrologist care and focus on the follow-up in patients with AKI. METHODS: A systematic search of studies on nephrologist care for the AKI to CKD continuum has been conducted from PubMed and other different databases. Briefly, the primary outcome is the odds ratio of mortality as well as the secondary outcome is de novo renal replacement therapy. RESULTS: This research includes one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and four cohort studies comprised of 15 541 participants in total. The quantitative analysis displays a lower mortality rate with nephrologist care versus non-nephrologist care in patients' discharge after a hospitalization complicated by AKI (odds ratio: 0.768; 95% CI, 0.616-0.956). By means of Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA), we conclude that nephrologist care after an AKI episode declines 30% relative risks of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Nephrologist care for AKI patients after a hospitalization significantly has reduced mortality compared to those followed up by non-nephrologists. There is a trend toward a potentially superior survival rate with nephrologist care has been going well in the recent years.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting on a B4C3/CxNy Z-Scheme Heterojunction: Role of Ultrafast Carrier Recombination-Transfer Kinetics.

Herein, combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD), we built a computational framework to rationally screen from a series of 2D conjugated carbon nitrides (CNs) to match with B4C3, resulting in the excellent direct Z-scheme photocatalyst (B4C3/C6N6) for overall water splitting (OWS). Studies on interface engineering and ultrafast dynamics of carrier recombination-transfer show that in the B4C3/C6N6 system, compared with the slower interlayer migration process of carriers, strong nonadiabatic coupling and longer quantum decoherence time accelerates weak carrier interlayer recombination on a subpicosecond time scale, enabling simultaneous triggering of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with ΔG = -0.23 eV and spontaneous oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the absence of sacrificial or cocatalysts. In general, our work will promote the design of efficient direct Z-scheme photocatalysts from an ultrafast dynamics perspective.

Borrowing Hydrogen ß-Phosphinomethylation of Alcohols Using Methanol as C1 Source by Pincer Manganese Complex.

Herein, we report a manganese-catalyzed three-component coupling of ß-H containing alcohols, methanol, and phosphines for the synthesis of γ-hydroxy phosphines via a borrowing hydrogen strategy. In this development, methanol serves as a sustainable C1 source. A variety of aromatic and aliphatic substituted alcohols and phosphines could undergo the dehydrogenative cross-coupling process efficiently and deliver the corresponding ß-phosphinomethylated alcohol products in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic studies suggest that this transformation proceeds in a sequential manner including catalytic dehydrogenation, aldol condensation, Michael addition, and catalytic hydrogenation.

A porous Anderson-type polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework as a multifunctional platform for selective oxidative coupling with amines.

Incorporating catalytic units into a crystalline porous matrix represents a facile way to build high-efficiency heterogeneous catalysts, and by rational design of the porous skeleton with appropriate building blocks the catalytic performance can be significantly enhanced for a series of organic transformations owing to the synergistic effect from the multicomponent and confined porous microenvironment around catalytically active sites. Herein, we demonstrate that the design and synthesis of a porous polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework YL2(H2O)2[CrMo6O18(PET)2]·4H2O (POMOF-1) constructed from Anderson-type [CrMo6O18(PET)2] (PET = pentaerythritol), which can be employed as a multifunctional platform for synthesis of N-containing compounds via selective oxidative coupling with amines. POMOF-1 features microporous 1D channels defined by Y3+ and L, with [CrMo6O18(PET)2] arranged orderly between adjacent Lvia electrostatic interactions. Upon using POMOF-1 as a catalyst and H2O2 as an oxidant, a variety of amines could be effectively converted to value-added amides, imines and azobenzenes via the oxidative cross-coupling with alcohols or homo-coupling. In particular, POMOF-1 showed dramatically improved activity for the N-formylation reaction owing to the synergistic and confinement effect, with the yield of amides up to 95% and 4 times higher than that of homogeneous [CrMo6O18(PET)2]. Meanwhile, the oxidative homo-coupling of arylmethylamines and arylamines can be facilely tuned by adjustment of the amount of oxidant, solvent and additive, affording imines and azobenzenes in high selectivity and yield, respectively. POMOF-1 is robust and can be reused for 5 cycles with little loss of catalytic activity and structural integrity. The work demonstrates that the combination of catalytically active POMs with crystalline porous MOFs holds great potential to build robust and recyclable heterogeneous systems with enhanced activity and selectivity for multifunctional catalysis.

Case report: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy in a 6-year-old patient with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT).

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare neoplasm that can occur in various organs, including the lung. Surgical resection is usually the preferred treatment for localized IMT.A 6-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with complaints of "coughing and vomiting for 6 days". A chest CT scan revealed occlusion of the left main bronchus, segmental atelectasis of the left lower lung, and cystic low-density shadows along the bronchial pathway. Subsequent fiberoptic bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of IMT through pathological biopsy. After excluding surgical contraindications, the patient underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy for treatment. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged four days after surgery. After one month, the patient received a follow-up examination and reported no significant discomfort. A chest CT scan revealed no postoperative complications.Our experience suggests that uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may be a safe and effective approach for the treatment of pediatric patients with IMT requiring complex surgical procedures such as sleeve lobectomy and tracheoplasty.

Associations of Dietary Inflammatory Potential with Esophageal Precancerous Lesions and Esophageal Squamous-Cell Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic inflammation plays a central role in the progression from esophageal precancerous lesions (EPLs) to esophageal squamous-cell cancer (ESCC). However, few studies have investigated the relationship between the overall inflammatory potential of diets and EPLs and ESCC. We aimed to study the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and EPLs and ESCC. As part of the National Cohort of Esophageal Cancer (NCEC) in China, 3967 residents (1993 men and 1974 women) aged from 40 to 69 years living in Yanting County received free gastroscopy screenings from 2017 to 2019. Dietary intake during the past year was assessed at enrollment of the cohort before screening and DII scores were calculated based on 28 food parameters. EPLs (classified into mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia) and ESCC were histologically confirmed by biopsy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations of DII scores with EPLs and ESCC. A total of 312 participants were diagnosed with EPLs (226 with mild dysplasia, 40 with moderate dysplasia, and 46 with severe dysplasia) and 72 were diagnosed with ESCC. A statistically significant positive association was observed between DII scores and overall EPLs (ORT3 vs. T1 = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.01-2.09); the association was similar but not statistically significant for mild dysplasia (ORone-unit-increment = 1.11, 95%CI = 0.95-1.34) and for moderate and severe dysplasia combined (ORone-unit-increment = 1.15, 95%CI = 0.87-1.51). The association with ESCC was similar in magnitude but not significant, likely due to the small number of cases. In this cross-sectional study of a population in China at high risk of ESCC, DII scores were positively associated with odds of EPLs and ESCC. Consumption of anti-inflammatory foods may be beneficial to prevent EPLs and ESCC.

Direct Extraction of Sodium Hydroxide by Calix[4]pyrrole-Based Ion-Pair Receptors.

Described in this work are calix[4]pyrrole-based ion-pair receptors, cis/trans-1 and cis/trans-2, designed for the extraction of sodium hydroxide. An X-ray diffraction analysis of a single crystal of the cis-1·NaOH isomer isolated from a mixture of cis/trans-1 revealed a unique dimeric supramolecular structure. An average dimer in toluene-d8 solution was inferred on the basis of diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY). Support for the proposed stoichiometry came from density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The structural stability of the dimeric cis-1·NaOH complex in toluene solution was further confirmed by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation with explicit representation of solvent. Under conditions of liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), purified receptors cis- and trans-2 were both found to remove NaOH from a pH 11.01 aqueous source phase into toluene with extraction efficiencies (E%) of 50-60% when used equimolar to NaOH. However, in all cases, precipitation was observed. Complexities associated with precipitation could be avoided by immobilization of the receptors onto a chemically inert poly(styrene) resin by means of solvent impregnation. The use of solvent-impregnated resins (SIRs) eliminated precipitation in solution while retaining the extraction efficiency toward NaOH. This allowed both the pH and salinity of the alkaline source phase to be lowered.

Repetitive administration of cultured human CD34+ cells improve adenine-induced kidney injury in mice.

BACKGROUND: There is no established treatment to impede the progression or restore kidney function in human chronic kidney disease (CKD). AIM: To examine the efficacy of cultured human CD34+ cells with enhanced proliferating potential in kidney injury in mice. METHODS: Human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived CD34+ cells were incubated for one week in vasculogenic conditioning medium. Vasculogenic culture significantly increased the number of CD34+ cells and their ability to form endothelial progenitor cell colony-forming units. Adenine-induced tubulointerstitial injury of the kidney was induced in immunodeficient non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice, and cultured human UCB-CD34+ cells were administered at a dose of 1 × 106/mouse on days 7, 14, and 21 after the start of adenine diet. RESULTS: Repetitive administration of cultured UCB-CD34+ cells significantly improved the time-course of kidney dysfunction in the cell therapy group compared with that in the control group. Both interstitial fibrosis and tubular damage were significantly reduced in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.01). Microvasculature integrity was significantly preserved (P < 0.01) and macrophage infiltration into kidney tissue was dramatically decreased in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Early intervention using human cultured CD34+ cells significantly improved the progression of tubulointerstitial kidney injury. Repetitive administration of cultured human UCB-CD34+ cells significantly improved tubulointerstitial damage in adenine-induced kidney injury in mice via vasculoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

Access to 3-Aminomethylated Maleimides via a Phosphine-Catalyzed Aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman Type Coupling.

A designed method for the preparation of 3-aminomethylated maleimides via Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction was developed. This phosphine-catalyzed coupling adopted maleimides and 1,3,5-triazinanes as the substrate, giving a series of 3-aminomethylated maleimide derivatives with a double bond retained on the maleimide ring in 41-90% yield. Acylation, isomerization, and Michael addition of the obtained products demonstrated the synthetic application of the present protocol. The results of control experiments indicated that phosphorus ylide formation and elimination take place during the reaction pathway.

Sub-region analysis of DMD gene in cases with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Gene sub-region encoded protein domain is the basic unit for protein structure and function. The DMD gene is the largest coding gene in humans, with its phenotype relevant to idiopathic generalized epilepsy. We hypothesized variants clustered in sub-regions of idiopathic generalized epilepsy genes and investigated the relationship between the DMD gene and idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Whole exome sequencing was performed in 106 idiopathic generalized epilepsy individuals. DMD variants were filtered with variant type, allele frequency, in silico prediction, hemizygous or homozygous status in the population, inheritance mode, and domain location. Variants located at the sub-regions were selected by the subRVIS software. The pathogenicity of variants was evaluated by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. Articles on functional studies related to epilepsy for variants clustered protein domains were reviewed. In sub-regions of the DMD gene, two variants were identified in two unrelated cases with juvenile absence epilepsy or juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The pathogenicity of both variants was uncertain significance. Allele frequency of both variants in probands with idiopathic generalized epilepsy reached statistical significance compared with the population (Fisher's test, p = 2.02 × 10-6, adjusted α = 4.52 × 10-6). The variants clustered in the spectrin domain of dystrophin, which binds to glycoprotein complexes and indirectly affects ion channels contributing to epileptogenesis. Gene sub-region analysis suggests a weak association between the DMD gene and idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Functional analysis of gene sub-region helps infer the pathogenesis of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.