Controlled Study Research Articles

Comparative effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in diabetic patients: a meta-analysis

BackgroundHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), leading to high morbidity and mortality. Managing HFpEF in diabetic patients is challenging with limited treatments. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) have shown potential cardiovascular benefits. This meta-analysis compares the effects of GLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors on HFpEF in T2D patients.MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating GLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors’ impact on HFpEF in T2D patients. Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library up to July 2024. Primary outcomes were changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial fibrosis (extracellular volume fraction, ECV), and functional capacity (6-minute walk test, 6MWT). Secondary outcomes included HbA1c, body weight, and systolic blood pressure (SBP). ResultsTwelve studies with 3,428 patients (GLP1-RA: 1,654; SGLT2 inhibitors: 1,774) were included. Both GLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors significantly improved LVEF compared to placebo (GLP1-RA: mean difference [MD] 2.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5 to 4.1, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD 3.2%, 95% CI 2.0 to 4.4, p < 0.001). SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced myocardial fibrosis (MD -3.5%, 95% CI -4.2 to -2.8, p < 0.001) more than GLP1-RA (MD -2.3%, 95% CI -3.0 to -1.6, p < 0.001). Functional capacity improved significantly with both treatments (GLP1-RA: MD 45 m, 95% CI 30 to 60, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD 50 m, 95% CI 35 to 65, p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed reductions in HbA1c (GLP1-RA: MD -1.1%, 95% CI -1.4 to -0.8, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD -1.0%, 95% CI -1.3 to -0.7, p < 0.001) and body weight (GLP1-RA: MD -2.5 kg, 95% CI -3.1 to -1.9, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD -2.0 kg, 95% CI -2.6 to -1.4, p < 0.001). Both treatments significantly lowered SBP (GLP1-RA: MD -5.2 mmHg, 95% CI -6.5 to -3.9, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD -4.8 mmHg, 95% CI -6.0 to -3.6, p < 0.001).ConclusionsGLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors significantly benefit HFpEF management in T2D patients. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce myocardial fibrosis more effectively, while both improve LVEF, functional capacity, and metabolic parameters. These therapies should be integral to HFpEF management in diabetic patients. Further research is needed on long-term outcomes and potential combined therapy effects.

Childhood trauma types in relation to antipsychotic effectiveness in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A prospective, pragmatic, randomized controlled study

Treatment with antipsychotics (APs) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) is generally effective, however, a significant proportion does not respond favorably. Childhood trauma (CT) subtypes (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, physical and emotional neglect) could influence treatment effectiveness; however, research is scarce. Heterogeneity in AP response could be explained by differentiating by CT subtype. The present study was based on the Bergen-Stavanger-Trondheim-Innsbruck (BeSt InTro) study. CTQ-SF assessed CT subtypes in SSDs (n = 98). CT subtypes were examined in relation to psychosis symptoms measured by PANSS during one year of treatment with APs, by means of linear mixed effects (LME) models. Results were significant for CT subtypes, where increased levels of sexual abuse and physical neglect were associated with increased mean levels of psychosis symptoms throughout the course of treatment from baseline to 52 weeks. AP effectiveness may thus be influenced by CT subtype in SSDs. The results support clinical guidelines recommending a focus on assessment and treatment of trauma in SSDs.

Evaluating The Effect of the Use of Virtual Reality Headset in School Vaccinations on Children’s Fear and Anxiety Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the use of virtual reality during school vaccination and its impact on children’s fears and anxiety. Methods: The study was carried out as a randomized controlled study in primary schools located in a city centre. The study was completed with 169 (experimental group=84, control group=85) students. Child and Parent Information Form, Children’s Fear Scale and Children’s Anxiety Scale-State Scale were used to collect the data. Data were analysed using SPSS version (SPSS 25.0 SPSS, Chicago, IL). Independent samples t-test was used to compare independent data with normal distribution, and dependent samples t-test was used to compare dependent data. Data with normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data, which were presented as frequency (percentage). Results: While the mean score of Children’s Fear Scale post-vaccination was 0.64 in the experimental group, it was 2.16 in the control group. Post-vaccination mean score of Children’s Anxiety Scale-State was 2.14 in the experimental group; however, it was 6.06 in the control group. The Children’s Fear Scale and Children’s Anxiety Scale-State scores were higher in the control group compared to the experimental group. Conclusion: This study is the first study of virtual reality to reduce fear and anxiety during vaccine administration. Study results have demonstrated its effectiveness and will fill a knowledge gap in the literature.

Nickel-catalyzed, silyl-directed, ortho-borylation of arenes via an unusual Ni(II)/Ni(IV) catalytic cycle

Nickel-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization reactions provide an impressive alternative to those with noble metal catalysts due to their unique reactivity and low cost. However, the regioselective C(sp2)–H borylation reaction of arenes accomplished by nickel catalyst remains limited. We herein disclose a silyl-directed ortho C(sp2)–H borylation of substituted arenes with a Ni(cod)2/PMe3/KHMDS catalyst system. Using readily available starting materials, this protocol provides easy access to ortho-borylated benzylic hydrosilanes bearing flexible substitution patterns. These products can serve as versatile building blocks for the synthesis of sila or sila/borine heterocycles under mild conditions. Control experiments and DFT calculations suggest that a catalytic amount of base prompts the formation of Ni(II)-Bpin-ate complex, likely related to the C(sp2)–H bond activation. This borylation reaction might follow an unusual Ni(II)/Ni(IV) catalytic cycle.

Late-Stage Glycosylation of Peptides by Methionine-Directed β-C(sp3)-H Functionalization with 1-Iodoglycals.

Using l-methionine (Met) as the endogenous directing group, we developed Pd-catalyzed β-C(sp3)-H glycosylation of peptides with 1-iodoglycals. A wide range of tri- to hexapeptides containing the Ala-Met motifs underwent Ala C-H glycosylation under the standard conditions to give the glycopeptides smoothly. 15 proteinogenic amino acids (with easily removable protecting groups) were well tolerated. Control experiments indicated that Met acted as a N,S-bidentate directing group and exhibited an effect superior to other amino acid residues such as l-aspartic acid (Asp), l-asparagine (Asn), and S-protected l-cysteine (Cys). In addition, further transformation by HFIP-promoted 1,4-elimination furnished another type of glycopeptide with the 1,3-diene motif, which provides a handle for further derivatization.

Land surface processes response to warming and wetting trend in Northwest China

Abstract The climate in Northwest China (NWC) has undergone a warming and wetting trend (WWT) since the 1980s, which has attracted considerable attention from the scientific and policy communities. However, the majority of previous studies have focused on overall effects of WWT, and very few have examined how land surface system responds to climate warming or wetting trend, respectively. For this purpose, this study uses the Community Land Model (CLM5) driven by the Chinese Meteorological Forcing Dataset (CMFD) to conduct four modelling experiments: a control experiment (CTRL) and three sensitivity experiments, in which the annual trend of air temperature (NonWarm), precipitation (NonWet), and both (NonWWT) are removed from the CMFD from 1979 to 2018. Compared to CTRL, the land hydrological variables (i.e., soil moisture, runoff and evapotranspiration) show a visible reduction in magnitude, interannual variability, as well as annual trend in NonWet, while they are enhanced in NonWarm. In both NonWarm and NonWet, the magnitude and trend of both net radiation and sensible heat fluxes increase, with a more pronounced change in NonWWT. Further analysis indicates that the land surface processes are more sensitive to wetting trend than to warming trend. Among all land surface hydrological variables and energy variables, runoff and snow cover fraction are the most susceptible to climate change. Overall, the effects of climate change in Ta and Pr on surface hydrological variables are non-linearly offsetting, while the effects on surface energy budgets are non-linearly superimposed. Compared to warming trend, wetting trend plays a larger impact in the variability of land surface processes in NWC.

Relationship between foot and ankle tendinopathies and dyslipidemia: a literature review

Objectives: Dyslipidemia is a multifactorial condition related to genetic factors, dietary patterns, sedentary habits, and socioeconomic conditions. Foot and ankle tendinopathies are a common problem in orthopedic consultations and can represent up to 30%, highlighting some risk factors, such as metabolic disorders. Methods: This study is an integrative review of the literature addressing the correlation between foot and ankle tendinopathy and dyslipidemia. The keywords used were: “tendinopathy,” “foot and ankle,” and “dyslipidemia,” with the operators “AND” and “OR” for the search. The following inclusion criteria were established: case reports, cohort studies, case and control studies, clinical trials, and biomechanical studies published between 2013 and 2024, indexed in the following databases: Pubmed (Medline), Scielo, Lilacs, and Scopus, published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.Results: Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the correlation between tendinopathies and dyslipidemia, although there is still no absolute clarity; it was shown that the Achilles tendon is the main tendon affected in the foot and ankle, especially by xanthomas, which lead to an increase in the area size, causing pain, edema, difficulty in movement and changes in gait. Conclusion: It is believed that females with dyslipidemia, elderly patients, and individuals with a body mass index below 18.5kg/m2 are more prone to tendinopathies. Level of evidence II; Diagnostic studies.

Role of WT1 in Measurable Residual Disease Follow-Up in the Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Setting.

Objectives: The Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) plays a critical role in cell development and the regulation of essential genes involved in cell growth and metabolism. In the context of hematopoietic tumors, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), WT1 has been identified as a potential marker for measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment. Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) remains a significant challenge in AML treatment, highlighting the importance of MRD monitoring for risk stratification and treatment decisions. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of WT1 as a molecular marker for MRD and its correlation with chimerism in AML patients post-allo-SCT setting. Methods: We have included 58 patients with WT1-expression-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received allo-SCT in our center between 2016-2022. The exclusion criteria are as follows: not having WT1 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) measurement at diagnosis, not receiving allo-SCT, and not having a serial measurement of WT1 post-transplant. Pre- and post-transplant assessments were made with flow cytometry, WT1 PCR, and bone marrow morphological evaluations. Statistical analyses were carried out to explore correlations between WT1 levels, MRD markers, and chimerism post-transplantation. Results: We found that WT1 had a significant correlation with flow cytometry and bone marrow morphological evaluation, but not with chimerism. Interestingly, high WT1 expressors exhibited a more robust correlation with chimerism compared to the general cohort. The negative predictive value for post-allo-SCT relapse was 91.8% for the whole WT1 cohort; for high WT1 expressors, it was similar, at 87.5%. The negative predictive value for post-allo-SCT relapse was high for the whole WT1 cohort; for high WT1 expressors, it was similar. The WT1 MRD assay showed a high negative predictive value for post-allo-SCT relapse, consistent across both the entire cohort (91.8%) and high WT1 expressors (87.5%). Conclusions: WT1 expression levels may serve as a valuable ancillary marker in MRD assessment and relapse prediction post-allo-SCT in AML patients, particularly for those lacking specific fusion genes or mutations. However, further large-scale, controlled studies are needed to standardize WT1 MRD assays and establish clear guidelines for their clinical application.

Methods and experiments for automatic control of surface back pressure based on dung beetle optimizer-PID controller

To ensure safer drilling and to prevent kicks and blowouts, Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology has been proposed. However, conventional MPD necessitates manual operation of the choke within the choke manifolds by engineers, a task heavily reliant on their experience. This paper proposes a PID controller tuned using the Dung Beetle Optimizer (DBO) and details several laboratory experiments on automatic choke control utilising DBO-PID alongside a modified hydraulic control box. The experimental results demonstrate that DBO-PID can quickly and stably control the surface back pressure (SBP) to the desired level. Following extensive laboratory experiments validation, a field experiment implementing DBO-PID with a hydraulic control box was conducted on an offshore platform. The field experiment results indicate that DBO-PID is 29 % faster than manual control by an engineer in stabilising the SBP, with an overshoot of less than 4 % when nearing the target SBP. Additionally, during the control processes for both constant and variably targeted SBP, pressure fluctuation was 72 % and 63 % less, respectively, compared to manual operation. Both laboratory and field experiments have conclusively demonstrated that the automatic choke control system, comprising DBO-PID and a hydraulic control box, can efficiently manage SBP, thereby preventing kicks and blowouts. Furthermore, this system could replace manual operations in MPD, enhancing the safety of oil and gas resource development, protecting engineers' lives, and safeguarding the natural environment.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Off-Label Underdosed Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Asian Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Off-label underdosed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are commonly utilised in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) since they are prone to bleeding with OACs. However, the efficacy and safety of off-label underdosing DOACs are controversial. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of off-label underdosed DOACs in Asian patients with AF. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from 2010 to July 5, 2024, for randomised controlled trials or observational studies that compared off-label DOACs and on-label/warfarin in Asian patients with AF. The primary outcomes included ischaemic stroke or systemic embolism (ISSE) and major bleeding (MB), while secondary outcomes included all-cause death, gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), and myocardial infarction (MI). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random-effects models. Twenty observational studies were included. Seventeen studies compared off-label underdosed DOACs versus on-label DOACs, whereas five studies compared off-label underdosed DOACs versus warfarin. Off-label underdosed DOACs were associated with higher risk of ISSE (pooled HR [pHR] = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.00-1.38, p = 0.048) and ICH (pHR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.06-1.52, p = 0.010) versus on-label. Subgroup analysis demonstrated increased ISSE risk with off-label underdosed rivaroxaban compared to on-label (pHR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07-2.08). Compared to warfarin, off-label underdosed DOACs were associated with decreased risk of MB (pHR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.32-0.65, p < 0.001), GIB (pHR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.93, p = 0.028), ICH (pHR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42-0.86, p = 0.005), and all-cause death (pHR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56-0.87, p = 0.001), while illustrating similar ISSE risk. Off-label underdosed DOACs, particularly rivaroxaban, was associated with increased ISSE risk but did not decrease bleeding compared to on-label. Adherence to appropriate DOAC doses should be emphasised to achieve the best clinical outcomes for Asian patients with AF.

Health Impact Due to Prolonged Water Only Fast by Jain Monk: A Case Report

Background: Fasting consists of abstaining from all or part of food and drink for a given period of time. Fasting people have a therapeutic advantage, as fasting can promote weight loss, improve glycemic control, reduce the risk of heart disease, etc. The current investigation of a case was conducted on Jain monk to understand the health impact and generate myriad hypotheses based on prolonged fasting on water alone. Methods: Data were collected from a 46-years aged Tapasavi (Monk) who had started fasting on ‘water only’ for 170 days commencing from 14th January 2023 after taking consent. Blood investigations and Magnetic resonance imaging were also conducted. He was drinking only warm water of around 500 ml in the morning and 500 ml in the evening. Findings: The weight of the person in this case has been reduced from 46 KG at the time of initiation of the fasting to 40.3 KG at the end of fasting. It seems that his biological age corresponds to 18 years old person. Haemoglobin and white blood cells were in normal limit from baseline till last day of fasting. However, lymphocytes decreased. Serum urea increased to 64.88 mg/dl while uric acid increased three times from the baseline level. Serum bilirubin was elevated even during baseline and was also very high on the last day of fasting. Vitamin B12 level was in normal range even after 170 days of water only fast. Serum ketone bodies were raised. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal. Conclusion: In this case, blood levels for several indicators have fluctuated, which may mean that a lot of bodily organs aren't functioning properly. More so, this case study generated a number of hypotheses, and in order to create strong support for each hypothesis and long term health impact, the targeted longitudinal, case control, and cohort studies are required for generating robust evidence.

Beneficial effects of alternative methods, with an emphasis on yoga, for patients affected by pain associated with endometriosis

Aim of the study The aim of this systematic review is to compare studies published since 2017 to evaluate whether yoga and other alternative methods should be recommended to patients with endometriosis and associated pain. As alternative methods, particularly yoga, have gained popularity in recent years, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure that these approaches are scientifically valid. This systematic review examines the effects of practicing different types of yoga and possible advantages of other alternative methods that could be potentially beneficial on pain management for patients suffering form endometriosis. Methods This review synthesizes findings from twenty studies, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. ConclusionThe results consistently indicate significant improvements in the quality of life for patients with endometriosis. Yoga, as both a physical and mental practice, appears to be beneficial in managing pain. Although there are some limitations related to study design and variability, the evidence strongly supports the benefits of yoga in managing pelvic pain. Future research should focus on identifying which specific types of yoga practices offer the greatest benefits.

Small versus large-bore thoracostomy for traumatic hemothorax: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Traumatic hemothorax (HTX) is common, and while it is recommended to drain it with a tube thoracostomy, there is no consensus on the optimal catheter size. We performed a systematic review to test the hypothesis that small bore tube thoracostomy (SBTT) (≤14 F) is as effective as large-bore tube thoracostomy (LBTT) (≥20F) for the treatment of HTX. Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane review were searched from inception to November 2022 for randomized controlled trials or cohort studies that included adult trauma patients with HTX who received a tube thoracostomy. Data was extracted and Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklists were used for study appraisal. The primary outcome was failure rate, defined as incompletely drained or retained HTX requiring a second intervention. Cumulative analysis was performed with χ2 test for dichotomous variables and an unpaired t-test for continuous variables. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. There were 2,008 articles screened, of which nine were included in the analysis. The studies included 1,847 patients (714 SBTT and 1,233 LBTT). The mean age of patients was 46 years, 75% were male, average ISS was 20, and 81% had blunt trauma. Failure rate was not significantly different between SBTT (17.8%) and LBTT (21.5%) (p = 0.166). Additionally, there were no significant differences between SBTT vs. LBTT in mortality (2.9% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.062) or complication rate (12.3% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.941), however SBTT had significantly higher initial drainage volumes (753 vs. 398 mL, p < 0.001) and fewer tube days (4.3 vs. 6.2, p < 0.001). There are several limitations. Some studies did not report all the outcomes of interest, and many of the studies are subject to selection bias. SBTT may be as effective as LBTT for the treatment of traumatic HTX. SR/MA with more than two negative criteria; Level IV.

Intermittent fasting-induced improving insulin resistance in healthy obese adults

Background: Obesity is a severe global public health problem linked to chronic noncommunicable disease and increased mortality. It has harmful effects on metabolic disorders via the insulin resistance pathway. Available guidelines recommend caloric reduction via intermittent fasting for obesity management. However, the available literature is less focused on the benefits of intermittent fasting on improved insulin resistance in healthy obese adults, especially related to an accumulation of free fatty acids. Therefore, a scoping review is necessary. Objective: This review aims to collect evidence on the benefits of intermittent fasting on improved insulin resistance in healthy obese adults. Methods: This scoping review followed the 5-step Arksey and O'Malley framework and was submitted following PRISMA ScR. Five electronic databases were thoroughly searched. Papers are included if they are eligible. The result was a synthesis of descriptive and narrative elements. Results: 1117 papers were collected in total. Nine randomized controlled trial studies met the review's inclusion criteria. The papers included are sourced from reputable, relevant sources. As a whole, intermittent fasting appears to benefit improved insulin resistance in healthy obese adults. Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce insulin levels while increasing insulin sensitivity, therefore improving insulin resistance. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can help improve insulin resistance in healthy obese adults.

Transforming High School Education with Digital Tools: A Systematic Review

This systematic review comprehensively examines the impact of digital tools on high school education, drawing from 23 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2023. The study explores a wide range of research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and experimental studies, to assess the effectiveness of digital technologies in enhancing education outcomes. The findings indicate that digital tools, particularly those integrated using the substitution augmentation modification and redefinition model, significantly improve student autonomy, engagement, and academic performance across diverse geographic and demographic contexts. However, the review also identifies challenges, such as the complexity of content, technological disparities, and the necessity for well-planned and context-sensitive implementation strategies. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of professional development for educators and the need for infrastructural support to ensure equitable access to technology. The study underscores the critical role of collaboration among educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to maximize the benefits of digital education. The review calls for ongoing research into innovative educational technologies and their long-term effects, and advocates for a strategic and well-supported approach to integrating these tools into high school settings.

Effectiveness of stannous fluoride in treating gingivitis: a literature review

The purpose of the study was to investigate and evaluate the existing research studies on stannous fluoride (SnF2) dentifrices to answer the question of whether they are effective in enhancing oral health and reducing gingival inflammation. The study utilized a systematic approach, including a comprehensive literature search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) and cohort studies. Inclusion criteria focused on SnF2 dentifrices' effects on periodontal health in individuals with gingivitis. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrated that dentifrices containing SnF2 were more effective than both negative and positive controls in improving periodontal health. The findings support the potential of SnF2 dentifrices as a promising option for enhancing oral health and reducing gingival inflammation. Further well-designed randomized trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base and provide comprehensive support for the efficacy of SnF2 dentifrices in improving oral health.

Tandem Electrochemical Redox/Condensation Reaction between 2‐Amino Nitrobenzenes and Aliphatic Alcohols: An Approach to Benzimidazoles

Tandem reactions via electrocatalytic annulations have emerged as an effective strategy for the construction of heterocycles. Herein, a two‐component electrochemical annulation via sequential reduction, oxidation, and condensation steps to synthesize valuable benzimidazoles motifs is reported. This reaction, which utilizes electricity as both the oxidants and reductants, tolerates a broad range of functional groups. Detailed mechanistic studies including control experiments, cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis, and key reaction intermediate characterization, reveals an intermolecular electrochemical redox/cyclization pathway.

Enhanced CO2 conversion through confinement of cross-linked ionic polymer within the pores of porous carbon materials

It is crucial to employ an integrated catalyst to avoid the complications of the recovery process. This work reports the fabrication of porous carbon@ionic liquid (PC@IL) composites with readily accessible active ion sites, achieved by confining cross-linked ionic liquid (IL) within the channels of porous carbon (PC). The incorporation of porous carbon not only confines the IL within its framework, creating microsites for CO2 adsorption and conversion, but also simplifies catalyst recovery. The results indicate that PC@IL composites exhibit excellent cycloaddition activity towards CO2 in a co-catalyst- and solvent-free environment. Notably, PC@IL(C)-24 demonstrates remarkable catalytic performance across various epoxides under 1 bar of CO2, with yields above 90 % at 90 °C for 12 h, and achieving a remarkable styrene carbonate yield of up to 92.8 % under a CO2 pressure of 1 bar (at 100 °C for 12 h). Control experiments confirm that the confinement effect exerted by N,S co-doped carbon on cross-linked IL plays a pivotal role in enhancing both stability and activity of PC@IL composites, thereby providing novel insights for designing functionalized porous carbon catalysts for CO2 cycloaddition conversion.

Bridged Biaryl Atropisomers by Organocatalyzed Kinetic Asymmetric Alcoholysis.

We disclose herein an asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral oxazepine-containing bridged biaryls via CPA-catalyzed kinetic asymmetric alcoholysis. Control experiments showed that this CPA-catalyzed alcoholysis was reversible, and lowering the reaction temperature could almost suppress the reversible reaction, thus providing a series of axially chiral oxazepine-containing bridged biaryl compounds in good to excellent enantioselectivities. The gram-scale reactions and facile derivatizations of the enantioenriched products demonstrate the practical utility of this reaction.

The solar/chlorine system degradation of iopamidol: Roles of reactive species, degradation pathway, and toxicity

The study systematically examined the changing trends of the percentage contributions of reactive species to the degradation of Iopamidol (IPM) under various conditions in the solar/chlorine system. Results showed that compared with chlorine alone and solar radiation system, the solar/chlorine system had an obvious effect on the degradation of IPM under control experiment conditions. HO• and reactive chlorine species played major roles in the apparent pseudo-first-order rate constants of IPM degradation (kobs). The increase of oxidant dosage significantly promoted the steady-state concentration of RCS and the contributions of those to kobs. The concentrations of various radicals at pH 9 were lower than those of at pH 5, while only the percentage contribution of ClO• on kobs was increased. The presence of Cl- could increase the steady-state concentration of Cl•, which further promoted the kobs. NOM would significantly reduce the steady-state concentration of ClO• and Cl•, which leads to a significant increase in the percentage contribution of Cl2−• to kobs, indicating the important role of Cl2−• on organic removal in real water. HCO3-/CO32- had almost no effect on kobs. The degradation products of IPM were identified through HPLC-MS, and the Fukui function was employed to ascertain the sites of degradation, which were formulated by deiodination reactions and the production of organic radicals. According to structure Activity Relationships Program v.2.2 and acute toxicological tests, byproducts did not exhibit significant toxicity. The findings illustrate that the solar/chlorine system is effective in decomposing IPM into non-toxic and non-hazardous small molecules, with potential applications.