bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecularly Controlled Catalysis – Targeting Synergies Between Local and Non‐local Environments
Authors: Chatterjee Basujit , Chang Wei‐Chieh , Werlé Christophe
Published: December 2020

Future chemicals should preserve the efficiency of their function while reducing hazards and waste. In this context, catalysis – a fundamental pillar of Green Chemistry – is still the most effective technique capable of meeting societal requirements while offering sustainability. To further push the boundaries of catalysis and respond to these challenges, a clear understanding of the molecular level interactions is essential. To succeed, we believe it is necessary to consider the transition metal catalyst as a molecular system encompassing a local and non‐local environment. The synergistic effects that are taking place between the ligand, the metal center, and their surrounding environments primarily determine the efficiency of the bond making and breaking processes. This Concept provides tools for identifying, implementing, and combining these effects to control catalysis directly at a molecular level.
Towards Catalytically Active Porous Graphene Membranes with Pulsed Laser Deposited Ceria Nanoparticles
Authors: Plšek Jan , Drogowska‐Horná Karolina Anna , Guerra Valentino L. P. , Mikšátko Jiří , Valeš Václav , Kalbáč Martin
Published: December 2020

Porous graphene with catalytically active ceria nanometre‐size particles were prepared using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on graphene produced through chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The reported process provided porous graphene containing ceria nanoparticles as confirmed by HR TEM and XPS. Isotopically labelled 13C graphene was employed to study desorption of the species containing carbon. Methanol adsorption was utilised to probe the nature of the catalytic activity of prepared ceria decorated graphene. The important role of graphene support for the stabilization of reduced ceria nanoparticles was finally confirmed. Increased dehydrogenation activity of graphene with ceria nanoparticles leading to CO and H2 formation was demonstrated.
Metal Sulfide Nanoparticles: Precursor Chemistry
Authors: Balakrishnan Adithya , Groeneveld Jan Derk , Pokhrel Suman , Mädler Lutz
Published: December 2020

Fascination with and the need for evermore increasing efficiency, power, or strength have been the cornerstones for developing new materials and methods for their creation. Higher solar cell conversion efficiencies, increased battery storage power, and lightweight strong materials are some that have been at the forefront of attention for these efforts. Materials created for most applications start as simple chemical compounds. A study of how these chemicals have been used in the past can be used to create new materials and new methods of production. Herein, a class of materials that are valuable in a multitude of applications, metal sulfide nanoparticles, are examined, along with how they are being produced and how new methods can be established that will help to standardize and increase production capabilities. Precursor–solvent combinations that can be used to create metal sulfide nanoparticles in the gas phase are also explored.
Triggering G‐Quadruplex Conformation Switching with [7]Helicenes
Authors: Lousen Bodil , Pedersen Stephan K. , Răsădean Dora M. , Pantoş G. Dan , Pittelkow Michael
Published: December 2020

The dynamic interplay between two types of chiral structures; fully conjugated racemic hetero[7]helicenes and DNA strands prone to fold into G‐quadruplex structures is described. Both the [7]helicenes and the G‐quadruplex DNA structures exist in more than one conformation in solution. We show that the structures interact with and stabilise each other, mutually amplifying and stabilising certain conformations at increased temperatures. The [7]helicene ligands L1 and L2 stabilise the parallel conformation of k‐ras significantly, whereas hybrid (K+) and antiparallel (Na+) h‐telo G‐quadruplexes are stabilised upon conformational switching into altered G‐quadruplex conformations. Both L1 and L2 induce parallel G‐quadruplexes from hybrid structures (K+) and L1 induces hybrid G‐quadruplexes from antiparallel conformations (Na+). Enantioselective binding of one helicene enantiomer is observed for helicene ligand L2, and VTCD melting experiments are used to estimate the racemisation barrier of the helicene.
Heparan sulfate fine‐tunes stromal‐epithelial communication in the prostate gland
Authors: Barbosa Guilherme O. , Biancardi Manoel F. , Carvalho Hernandes F.
Published: December 2020

Several studies reported the concerted and mutual communication between the prostate epithelium and stroma, which determines the final organ architecture and function, but gets awry in cancer. Deciphering the mechanisms involved in this communication is crucial to find new therapeutic strategies. HS sequesters a number of secreted growth factors and cytokines, controlling their bioavailability to the target cells, suggesting that HS is an important regulator of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and a key player in the cell‐cell and cell‐microenvironment communication during prostate morphogenesis and physiology. We propose that by controlling HS biosynthesis and sulfation pattern, as well as the cleavage of the HS chain and/or the shedding of proteoglycans, epithelial and stromal cells are able to precisely tune the availability of signaling molecules and modulate ligand‐receptor interaction and intracellular signal transduction.
Retrotransposon‐based genetic diversity of Deschampsia antarctica Desv. from King George Island (Maritime Antarctic)
Authors: Androsiuk Piotr , Chwedorzewska Katarzyna J. , Dulska Justyna , Milarska Sylwia , Giełwanowska Irena
Published: December 2020

Deschampsia antarctica Desv. can be found in diverse Antarctic habitats which may vary considerably in terms of environmental conditions and soil properties. As a result, the species is characterized by wide ecotypic variation in terms of both morphological and anatomical traits. The species is a unique example of an organism that can successfully colonize inhospitable regions due to its phenomenal ability to adapt to both the local mosaic of microhabitats and to general climatic fluctuations. For this reason, D. antarctica has been widely investigated in studies analyzing morphophysiological and biochemical responses to various abiotic stresses (frost, drought, salinity, increased UV radiation). However, there is little evidence to indicate whether the observed polymorphism is accompanied by the corresponding genetic variation. In the present study, retrotransposon‐based iPBS markers were used to trace the genetic variation of D. antarctica collected in nine sites of the Arctowski oasis on King George Island (Western Antarctic). The genotyping of 165 individuals from nine populations with seven iPBS primers revealed 125 amplification products, 15 of which (12%) were polymorphic, with an average of 5.6% polymorphic fragments per population. Only one of the polymorphic fragments, observed in population 6, was represented as a private band. The analyzed specimens were characterized by low genetic diversity (uHe = 0.021, I = 0.030) and high population differentiation (FST = 0.4874). An analysis of Fu's FS statistics and mismatch distribution in most populations (excluding population 2, 6 and 9) revealed demographic/spatial expansion, whereas significant traces of reduction in effective population size were found in three populations (1, 3 and 5). The iPBS markers revealed genetic polymorphism of D. antarctica, which could be attributed to the mobilization of random transposable elements, unique features of reproductive biology, and/or geographic location of the examined populations.
Naringenin suppresses Toll‐like receptor 2‐mediated inflammatory responses through inhibition of receptor clustering on lipid rafts
Authors: Kataoka Hideo , Saeki Ayumi , Hasebe Akira , Shibata Ken‐ichiro , Into Takeshi
Published: December 2020

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are important innate immune receptors that sometimes cause excessive inflammatory responses and a perpetuated inflammatory loop that can be involved in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. TLR2 recognizes bacterial lipoproteins in association with TLR1 or TLR6, and triggers inflammatory responses through activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB. Naringenin, a type of citrus flavonoid, has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory properties, but its detailed action against TLR2 remains to be fully elucidated. The present study was designed to determine whether naringenin affects the inflammatory responses triggered by TLR2. Naringenin inhibited proinflammatory cytokine production and attenuated NF‐κB activation in cells stimulated with a synthetic triacylated‐type lipopeptide known as a TLR2/TLR1 ligand, as well as a synthetic diacylated‐type lipopeptide known as a TLR2/TLR6 ligand. Moreover, a similar inhibitory effect was observed in cells stimulated with a crude lipophilic fraction extracted from Staphylococcus aureus cell walls and in cells stimulated with S. aureus cells. Furthermore, we showed that such an effect is caused by inhibition of TLR2 clustering in lipid rafts on the cell membrane. These results suggest that naringenin suppresses the inflammatory responses induced by TLR2 signal transduction. Our findings indicate a novel anti‐inflammatory property of naringenin, mediated through the regulation of cell surface TLR2 functioning.
Mind‐mindedness versus mentalistic interpretations of behavior: Is mind‐mindedness a relational construct?
Authors: Larkin Fionnuala , Schacht Robin , Oostenbroek Janine , Hayward Emily , Fernyhough Charles , Muñoz Centifanti Luna C. , Meins Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Mind‐mindedness is a measure of the tendency to represent significant others in internal state terms and is central to supportive parent–infant relationships. The two studies reported here explored whether mind‐mindedness generalizes to representations of unknown individuals, using a novel task that assessed individual differences in adults’ tendency to interpret others’ behavior with reference to their internal states: the Unknown Mother–Infant Interaction Task (UMIIT). We compared UMIIT performance with measures of mind‐mindedness from (a) adults’ descriptions of close friends and partners (Study 1, N = 96) and (b) mothers’ appropriate versus nonattuned comments on their infants’ internal states (Study 2, N = 56). In line with the proposal that mind‐mindedness is a relational construct, UMIIT performance was unrelated to mind‐mindedness in both studies.
Vicenin‐2 inhibits the Helicobacterium pylori infection associated gastric carcinogenic events through modulation of PI3K/AKT and Nrf2 signaling in GES‐1 cells
Authors: Zhang Yifeng , Sun Jing , Dong Yu , Shen Xiaoran , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: December 2020

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a microbial carcinogen of Gram‐negative bacteria, has been recognized to be the highest risk factor for the growth of human gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, the inhibition of the growth rate of H. pylori has been considered an effective vital strategy to prevent GC development. This study highlights the inhibitory effect of vicenin‐2 against H. pylori‐induced gastric carcinogen signaling in human gastric epithelial cells (GES‐1). In vitro cytotoxicity studies reported that 40 µM of vicenin‐2  remarkably protects the gastric cells and this concentration shows 85% cell viability also does not produce toxicity. In addition, vicenin‐2 prevents H. pylori‐infected increased depletion of antioxidants mediated by reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage, malondialdehyde, and nuclear fragmentation. Here, we noticed that vicenin‐2 remarkably suppressed the expression range of the phosphorylated form of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B, phosphorylated p38 kinases, phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1, phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, cyclooxygenase‐2 in GES‐1 infected with H. pylori. Moreover, we observed that vicenin‐2 enhanced the antioxidants protein nuclear factor erythroid factor‐2 and phosphatase and tensin homolog expression in H. pylori‐infected cells. Thus, vicenin‐2 prevents the H. pylori‐associated infection, and its resistance might be a potential strategy in preventing GC induced by H. pylori.
Clinical effect and safety profile of pegzilarginase in patients with arginase 1 deficiency
Authors: Diaz George A. , Schulze Andreas , McNutt Markey C. , Leão‐Teles Elisa , Merritt J. Lawrence , Enns Gregory M. , Batzios Spyros , Bannick Allison , Zori Roberto T. , Sloan Leslie S. , Potts Susan L. , Bubb Gillian , Quinn Anthony G.
Published: December 2020

Hyperargininemia in patients with arginase 1 deficiency (ARG1‐D) is considered a key driver of disease manifestations, including spasticity, developmental delay, and seizures. Pegzilarginase (AEB1102) is an investigational enzyme therapy which is being developed as a novel arginine lowering approach. We report the safety and efficacy of intravenously (IV) administered pegzilarginase in pediatric and adult ARG1‐D patients (n = 16) from a Phase 1/2 study (101A) and the first 12 weeks of an open‐label extension study (102A). Substantial disease burden at baseline included lower‐limb spasticity, developmental delay, and previous hyperammonemic episodes in 75%, 56%, and 44% of patients, respectively. Baseline plasma arginine (pArg) was elevated (median 389 μM, range 238‐566) on standard disease management. Once weekly repeat dosing resulted in a median decrease of pArg of 277 μM after 20 cumulative doses (n = 14) with pArg in the normal range (40 to 115 μM) in 50% of patients at 168 hours post dose (mean pegzilarginase dose 0.10 mg/kg). Lowering pArg was accompanied by improvements in one or more key mobility assessments (6MWT, GMFM‐D & E) in 79% of patients. In 101A, seven hypersensitivity reactions occurred in four patients (out of 162 infusions administered). Other common treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) included vomiting, hyperammonemia, pruritus, and abdominal pain. Treatment‐related serious AEs that occurred in five patients were all observed in 101A. Pegzilarginase was effective in lowering pArg levels with an accompanying clinical response in patients with ARG1‐D. The improvements with pegzilarginase occurred in patients receiving standard treatment approaches, which suggests that pegzilarginase could offer benefit over existing disease management.
Follicular helper T cells and follicular regulatory T cells in the immunopathology of primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Chen Weiqian , Yang Fan , Xu Guanhua , Ma Jilin , Lin Jin
Published: December 2020

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, characterized by lymphocytic infiltration into exocrine glands, which causes dry eyes, dry mouth, and systemic damage. Although the precise etiology of pSS is not clear yet, highly activated B cells, abundant anti-SSA/Ro, and anti-SSB/La autoantibodies are the hallmarks of this disease. Follicular helper T cells (Tfh), a subset of CD4+T cells, with cell surface receptors PD-1 and CXCR5, express ICOS, transcription factor Bcl-6, and a cytokine IL-21. These cells help in the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells and stimulate the formation of germinal center (GC). Previous studies have demonstrated abundant Tfh cells in the peripheral blood and salivary glands (SGs) of the patients with pSS, correlated with extensive lymphocytic infiltration of the SGs and high disease activity scores. Patients with pSS who are treated with abatacept (CTLA-4 Ig) show fewer circulating Tfh cells, reduced expression of ICOS, and lower disease activity scores. Recently identified follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells, a subset of regulatory T cells, control the function of Tfh cells and the GC reactions. Here, we summarize the observed alterations in Tfh and Tfr cell numbers, activation state, and circulating subset distribution in pSS. Our goal is to improve the understanding of the roles of Tfh and Tfr cells (surface marker expression, cytokine production, and transcription factors) in the pathogenesis of pSS, thus contributing to the identification of candidate therapeutic agents for this disease.
East–West differences in clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 patients: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xiucheng , Li Xiang , Sun Teng , Qin Hao , Zhou Yeqing , Zou Chenghang , Cao Junli , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is currently not under control. We aimed to assess whether there are differences in clinical manifestations between COVID‐19 patients from the East (East and South‐East Asian countries including China, South Korea, and Thailand) and the West (North American, European, and Middle East countries, including the United States, Italy, France, and Iran). For this meta‐analysis, we searched for eligible studies about COVID‐19 in three databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were divided into two cohorts for analysis: the East and the West. Stata 13.1 software was used for the meta‐analysis. Of the 1527 studies initially identified by the literature search, 169 full‐text articles were retrieved and screened for eligibility. Fifty‐seven of these, describing 19,353 patients, were deemed eligible for inclusion. Of these, 45 studies with 8416 patients were from the East while 12 studies with 10,937 patients were from the West. The results indicated that the incidences of cough, headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, and digestive symptoms in COVID‐19 patients from the East were lower than those in the West. The laboratory data showed that there were no significant differences in the levels of lymphocytes, leukocytes, C‐reactive protein, and platelet counts between the two groups. In addition, our results also showed that the incidence of cardiac and kidney injury, as well as increased levels of creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase, were significantly higher in patients from the West than from the East. Our meta‐analysis indicated that there are differences in the clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 in patients from the East and the West. COVID‐19 patients from the West appear to suffer more severe liver, kidney, and heart damage due to SARS‐CoV‐2.
Controversy over smoking in COVID‐19—A real world experience in New York city
Authors: Ho Kam Sing , Narasimhan Bharat , Sheehan Jacqueline , Wu LingLing , Fung Jennifer Y.
Published: December 2020

Data are conflicting regarding the impact of tobacco smoking in people with pneumonia due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (COVID‐19). We performed a retrospective multicentre cohort study of 9991 consecutive patients hospitalized in a major New York academic center between March 7th and June 5th, 2020 with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19. The clinical outcomes assessed included risk of hospitalization, in‐hospital mortality, risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and need for mechanical ventilation among smokers (current and former). Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score models were built to adjust for potential confounders. Among 9991 consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID‐19, 2212 (22.1%) patients were self‐reported smokers (406 current and 1806 former). Current smoking was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization (propensity score [PS]‐adjusted OR 0.91; p = .46), in‐hospital mortality (PS‐OR 0.77; p = .12), ICU admission (PS‐OR 1.18; p = .37), or intubation (PS‐OR 1.04; p = .85). Similarly, former smoking was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization (PS‐OR 0.88; p = .11), in‐hospital mortality (PS‐OR 1.03; p = .78), ICU admission (PS‐OR 1.03; p = .95), or intubation (PS‐OR 0.93; p = .57). Furthermore, smoking (current or former) was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization (PS‐OR 0.85; p = .05), in‐hospital mortality (PS‐OR 0.94; p = .49), ICU admission (PS‐OR 0.86; p = .17), or intubation (PS‐OR 0.79; p = .06). Smoking is a well‐known risk factor associated with greater susceptibility and subsequent increased severity of respiratory infections. In the current COVID‐19 pandemic, smokers may have increased risk and severe pneumonia. In the current COVID‐19 pandemic, smokers are believed to have an increased risk of mortality as well as severe pneumonia. However, in our analysis of real‐world clinical data, smoking was not associated with increased in‐patient mortality in COVID‐19 pneumonia, in accordance with prior reports.
Meniscus cell regional phenotypes: Dedifferentiation and reversal by biomaterial embedding
Authors: Andress Benjamin , Kim Jason H. , Cutcliffe Hattie C. , Amendola Annunziato , Goode Adam P. , Varghese Shyni , DeFrate Louis E. , McNulty Amy L.
Published: December 2020

Meniscus injuries are common and a major cause of long‐term joint degeneration and disability. Current treatment options are limited, so novel regenerative therapies or tissue engineering strategies are urgently needed. The development of new therapies is hindered by a lack of knowledge regarding the cellular biology of the meniscus and a lack of well‐established methods for studying meniscus cells in vitro. The goals of this study were to (1) establish baseline expression profiles and dedifferentiation patterns of inner and outer zone primary meniscus cells, and (2) evaluate the utility of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) polymer hydrogels to reverse dedifferentiation trends for long‐term meniscus cell culture. Using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we measured expression levels of putative meniscus phenotype marker genes in freshly isolated meniscus tissue, tissue explant culture, and monolayer culture of inner and outer zone meniscus cells from porcine knees to establish baseline dedifferentiation characteristics, and then compared these expression levels to PEGDA/GelMA embedded passaged meniscus cells.COL1A1showed robust upregulation, whileCHAD, CILP, andCOMPshowed downregulation with monolayer culture. Expression levels ofCOL2A1, ACAN, andSOX9were surprisingly similar between inner and outer zone tissue and were found to be less sensitive as markers of dedifferentiation. When embedded in PEGDA/GelMA hydrogels, expression levels of meniscus cell phenotype genes were significantly modulated by varying the ratio of polymer components, allowing these materials to be tuned for phenotype restoration, meniscus cell culture, and tissue engineering applications.
The limitations of mono‐ and combination antibiotic therapies on immature biofilms in a murine model of implant‐associated osteomyelitis
Authors: Tomizawa Takuya , Nishitani Kohei , Ito Hiromu , Okae Yu , Morita Yugo , Doi Kohei , Saito Motoo , Ishie Shinichiro , Yoshida Shigeo , Murata Koichi , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Kuroda Yutaka , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: December 2020

Treatment of implant‐associated orthopedic infections remains challenging, partly because antimicrobial treatment is ineffective after a mature biofilm covers the implant surface. Currently, the relative efficacy of systemic mono‐ and combination standard‐of‐care (SOC) antibiotic therapies over the course of mature biofilm formation is unknown. Thus, we assessed the effects of cefazoline (CEZ), gentamicin (GM), and vancomycin, with or without rifampin (RFP), on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation during the establishment of implant‐associated osteomyelitis in a murine tibia model. Quantitative scanning electron microscopy of the implants harvested on Days 0, 3, and 7 revealed that all treatments except CEZ monotherapy significantly reduced biofilm formation when antibiotics started at Day 0 (0.46‐ to 0.25‐fold; p < 0.05). When antibiotics commenced 3 days after the infection, only GM monotherapy significantly inhibited biofilm growth (0.63‐fold; p < 0.05), while all antibiotics inhibited biofilm formation in combination with RFP (0.56‐ to 0.44‐fold; p < 0.05). However, no treatment was effective when antibiotics commenced on Day 7. To confirm these findings, we assessed bacterial load via colony‐forming unit and histology. The results showed that GM monotherapy and all combination therapies reduced the colony‐forming unit in the implant (0.41‐ to 0.23‐fold; p < 0.05); all treatments except CEZ monotherapy reduced the colony‐forming unit and staphylococcus abscess communities in the tibiae (0.40‐ to 0.10‐fold; p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that systemic SOC antibiotics can inhibit biofilm formation within 3 days but not after 7 days of infection. The efficacy of SOC monotherapies, CEZ particularly, is very limited. Thus, combination treatment with RFP may be necessary to inhibit implant‐associated osteomyelitis.
Prognostic significance of regression and mitotic rate in head and neck cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Kim Elizabeth , Obermeyer Isaac , Rubin Nathan , Khariwala Samir S.
Published: December 2020

Importance

While regression is a commonly reported microscopic feature of melanoma, its prognostic significance is unclear.

Objective

To examine the impact of regression on sentinel node status and the likelihood of recurrence in primary cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.

Design

Retrospective analysis of 191 adults who underwent surgical management for primary cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck between May 2002 and March 2019.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Participants

Patients appropriate for the study were identified by the Academic Health Center Information Exchange using a list of current procedural terminology codes. One hundred and ninety‐one cases of invasive melanoma of the head and neck were included from 830 patients identified. Clinical features assessed for each patient included age, sex, location of primary lesion, date of diagnosis, and current disease status (alive with or without disease). Histologic features assessed were histological melanoma subtype (nodular vs non‐nodular), Breslow thickness, Clark level, presence/absence of ulceration, mitotic rate per square millimeter, and regression. If applicable, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) status, date of recurrence, interval treatments, and date of death related to melanoma were recorded. Exclusion criteria included melanoma outside the anatomic parameters of head and neck, ocular or choroidal melanoma, mucosal melanoma, metastatic melanoma to the head or neck with no known primary tumor, melanoma of the head or neck with no surgical intervention, and non‐melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck.

Intervention/Exposure

Surgery for cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)

The association between presence of regression and Breslow thickness, sentinel node status, and recurrence.

Results

Of the 191 patients identified, 30.9% were female and 69.1% were male with a mean age at diagnosis of 62.6 (range 20‐97) years. Mean Breslow thickness was 1.2 mm in those with regression and 2.0 mm in those without regression. In patients with regression, 17.6% had a positive sentinel node, and 13.0% experienced a recurrence. In patients without regression, 26.5% had a positive sentinel node, and 31.4% experienced a recurrence. When adjusted for other factors above, regression was not associated with positive sentinel node (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13‐2.00) or recurrence (OR = 0.33, CI = 0.07‐1.01). Mitotic rate >2 was associated with recurrence (OR = 2.71, CI = 1.11‐6.75, P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

Patients with presence of regression had thinner melanomas and trended toward decreased rates of sentinel node positivity and recurrence, suggesting regression may not be a negative prognostic indicator in patients with cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.
Synthesis of Poly(ether‐ester‐urethane) with a Controlled Molar Mass Based on Poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Poly(ethylene glycol) Segments
Authors: Staffa Lucas H. , Bettini Sílvia H. P. , Chinelatto Marcelo A.
Published: December 2020

Poly(ether‐ester‐urethanes) (PEEUs) derived from poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL‐b‐PEG) have a high potential for use in biomedical applications or as compatibilizers of immiscible poly(acid lactic) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PLA/PCL) blends. This study focused on the synthesis of PEEUs with same molar mass by one‐step bulk polycondensation of PCL and PEG macrodiols and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The copolymers, distinguished by the size of hydrophilic PEG and hydrophobic PCL segments and symmetry of the blocks, are characterized by SEC, FTIR, H1‐NMR, TGA, DSC, and water absorption testing. FTIR and H1‐NMR results demonstrated the formation of a hydroxy‐terminated multiblock copolymer with urethane bonds. Additionally, the PEG:PCL compositions measured by H1‐NMR are close to the theoretical compositions. Molar mass distribution curves revealed that copolymers with molar mass around 45 000 Da are synthesized by varying extents of ratio, given by NCO/OH molar ratio, between 0.9 and 1.0 depending on the initial macrodiols molar masses. The block size ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks is an important parameter in water absorption behavior, which can generate a water‐uptake of 50% or even 350% depending on the symmetry of the segments.
Influence of Gamma Radiation on the Properties of Biodegradable PBAT – Poly (butylene Adipate co‐terephthalate) Active Films with Orange Essential Oil
Authors: de Andrade Michelle Félix , Filho Luiz Emílio Pessoa Timeni de Moraes , Silva Ivo Diego de Lima , Lima Jéssica Camilla da Costa , de Carvalho Laura Hecker , de Almeida Yeda Medeiros Bastos , Vinhas Glória Maria
Published: December 2020

Different methods of sterilization are used in food packaging for the packaging of raw or processed foods. The use of gamma radiation as a sterilizing source of packaging does not alter several fundamental aspects of food, besides increasing the shelf life and freshness of food. The application doses are in the range between 10 and 50 kGy, with the dose of 25 kGy being the most used. Thus, this work aims to analyze the influence of the dose of 25 kGy on the properties of the film of PBAT – poly (butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) additivated with orange essential oil. In the results, it is identified, by FTIR and PCA, that the irradiation alters PBAT's vibrational modes. Films additivated with 10% oil show minor changes in the mechanical properties of tensile strength. But, in general, from the results obtained, all films are still fit for application as active packaging.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyester Derived from Renewable Source and its Application as Tackifiers Resins in Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (HMPSA)
Authors: Velloso Isadora , Bastos João Bruno Valetim , Luz Rinaldo , Candido Luiz Fernando , Mello Bernardo , Cazumbá Anderson
Published: December 2020

Glycerol esters are synthesized from rosin of Elliottii type by different methodologies and characterized in relation to the most relevant properties that define their quality for use in adhesive formulations. The produced esters have different properties due to the different synthesis recipes, mainly in relation to the percentage of glycerol and the type of additive used in the esterification. However, all cases showed great potential to be used as tackifiers resins in hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives (HMPSA).
Characterization of Properties of Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) Using Instrumented Microindentation Test
Authors: dos Santos Bianca B. , Pita Victor J. R. R. , da Costa Marysilvia F.
Published: December 2020

The microhardness evaluation of materials allows a quick prediction of their mechanical properties and the identification of morphological changes, making it an excellent tool for the characterization of parts with microstructural variations over time or that have geometric variations. In this work, instrumented microindentation test is performed on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) specimens with different degrees of crystallinity and crystalline structures. The microstructural differences are generated by changing the cooling temperature and the annealing duration. α‐phase and β‐phase are detected by FTIR analysis in all samples, which presented the same spectra. The mathematical relation between the microhardness and the crystallinity degree of PVDF is found, and the theoretical microhardness values of the crystalline and amorphous phases are determined. Microhardness is also related to the melting temperature of the polymer, which varies as a function of crystals perfection. This relationship is expressed through a linear equation.
Effects of Different Stabilizers on Miniemulsion Methyl Methacrylate Polymerizations
Authors: Alves Jéssica Bentes , Mangia Lys Hamond Regua , Sousa‐Batista Ariane de Jesus , Ferraz Helen Conceição , Pinto José Carlos
Published: December 2020

The present work evaluated the effects of different ionic and nonionic stabilizers and respective concentrations on methyl methacrylate (MMA) miniemulsion polymerizations. The stabilities of the prepared miniemulsions are characterized through sedimentation and phase separation analyses and afterwards polymerizations are performed at the most stable conditions for each analyzed stabilizer. Monomer conversion profiles and final product properties are determined for comparative purposes. Obtained results indicated that the performances of the stabilizers during the polymerizations are not necessarily related to the stabilizing performances observed during preparation of the miniemulsions and that polymer latexes produced with the nonionic surfactant Tween80 presented the most suitable properties for applications in the biomedical field, as this stabilizer presented good stabilizing performances both during miniemulsion preparation and miniemulsion polymerization.
Survival Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board for Breast Cancer in Mozambique, Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Brandão Mariana , Guisseve Assucena , Bata Genoveva , Firmino-Machado João , Alberto Matos , Ferro Josefo , Garcia Carlos , Zaqueu Clésio , Jamisse Astrilde , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Piccart-Gebhart Martine , Leitão Dina , Come Jotamo , Soares Otília , Gudo-Morais Alberto , Schmitt Fernando , Tulsidás Satish , Carrilho Carla , Lunet Nuno
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite the international endorsement of multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) for breast cancer care, implementation is suboptimal worldwide, and evidence regarding their effectiveness in developing countries is lacking. We assessed the impact on survival and the cost-effectiveness of implementing an MTB in Mozambique, sub-Saharan Africa.

Materials and Methods

This prospective cohort study included 205 patients with breast cancer diagnosed between January 2015 and August 2017 (98 before and 107 after MTB implementation), followed to November 2019. Pre- and post-MTB implementation subcohorts were compared for clinical characteristics, treatments, and overall survival. We used hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI), computed by Cox proportional hazards regression. The impact of MTB implementation on the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was estimated from the provider perspective.

Results

We found no significant differences between pre- and post-MTB subcohorts regarding clinical characteristics or treatments received. Among patients with early breast cancer (stage 0–III; n = 163), the 3-year overall survival was 48.0% (95% CI, 35.9–59.1) in the pre-MTB and 73.0% (95% CI, 61.3–81.6) in the post-MTB subcohort; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.47 (95% CI, 0.27–0.81). The absolute 3-year mean cost increase was $119.83 per patient, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $802.96 per QALY, corresponding to 1.6 times the gross domestic product of Mozambique.

Conclusion

The implementation of a MTB in Mozambique led to a 53% mortality decrease among patients with early breast cancer, and it was cost-effective. These findings highlight the feasibility of implementing this strategy and the need for scaling-up MTBs in developing countries, as a way to improve patient outcomes.

Implications for Practice

Currently, more than half of the deaths from breast cancer in the world occur in developing countries. Strategies that optimize care and that are adjusted for available resources are needed to improve the outcomes of patients with breast cancer in these regions. The discussion of cases at multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) may improve survival outcomes, but implementation is suboptimal worldwide, and evidence regarding their effectiveness in developing countries is lacking. This study evaluated the impact of implementing an MTB on the care and survival of patients with breast cancer in Mozambique, sub-Saharan Africa and its cost-effectiveness in this low-income setting.
Volatility of molten salts [Ph4P][NTf2] and Cs[NTf2]
Authors: Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Gantman Mikhail , Schulz Peter , Wasserscheid Peter , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: December 2020

The two ionic compounds [Ph4P][NTf2] and Cs[NTf2] were qualified to be suitable liquid materials for different high temperature applications. Development and optimization of these application techniques require knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of vaporization. Vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies have been measured by using quartz‐crystal microbalance. Solubility parameters and miscibility of ionic liquids in practically relevant solvents were assessed.
Poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene)‐tosylate—Its synthesis, properties and various applications
Authors: Maity Shilpa , Datta Salini , Mishra Megha , Banerjee Shiladitya , Das Sukhen , Chatterjee Krishanu
Published: December 2020

The discovery of conducting polymers (CPs) opens up a new path for the researchers to design them accordingly to some specific applications. Poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene)‐tosylate (PEDOT‐Tos) being one of the bicyclic polythiophene derivatives has been drawing much attention in the recent years. PEDOT is a well‐known CP with high electrical conductivity and balanced with small counter ion Tos seems to be a material capable in various applications. The improved structural order with the semi‐metallic character as supported by the electronic band structure activates the scientific community to employ PEDOT‐Tos in various applications. Reports show that for the last decade categorically PEDOT‐Tos has been synthesized, which finds applications not only in thermoelectrics, different type of sensors including mechanical and optical, as electrodes in organic electronics but also in biomedical applications specifically in tissue culture. The present work aims at implementing a comprehensive update on the synthesis of PEDOT‐Tos with the structure and properties and also a state‐of‐art review as a promising material in various applications with anticipation that the present work motivate the researchers to bring out PEDOT‐Tos as a multifunctional material.
Immunosuppression considerations in simultaneous organ transplant
Authors: Kovac Danielle , Choe Jason , Liu Esther , Scheffert Jenna , Hedvat Jessica , Anamisis Anastasia , Salerno David , Lange Nicholas , Jennings Douglas L.
Published: December 2020

Solid organ transplantation is a life‐saving procedure for patients in the end stage of heart, lung, kidney, and liver failure. For patients with more than one failing organ, simultaneous organ transplantation has emerged as a viable treatment option. Immunosuppression strategies and outcomes for simultaneous organ transplant recipients have been reported, but often involve limited populations. Transplanting dual organs poses challenges in terms of balancing immunosuppression with immunologic risk and allograft damage from surgical complications. Furthermore, transplanting certain organs can impose considerations on the management of immunosuppression. For example, liver allografts may confer immunologic privilege and lower rates of rejection of other allografts. This review article evaluates immunosuppression strategies for simultaneous kidney‐pancreas, liver‐kidney, heart‐kidney, heart‐liver, heart‐lung, lung‐liver, and lung‐kidney transplants. To date, no comprehensive review exists to address immunosuppressive strategies in simultaneous organ transplant populations. Our review summarizes the available literature and provides evidence‐based recommendations regarding immunosuppression strategies in simultaneous organ transplant recipients.
Large‐scale dynamic, heat and moisture structures of monsoon‐influenced precipitation in the East Asian monsoon rainy area
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Wang Donghai , Pang Zihao , Zhang Yu , Jiang Xiaoling , Zeng Zhilin , Wu Zhenzhen
Published: December 2020

This study investigated large‐scale dynamic structures along with heat and moisture budgets associated with monsoon‐influenced precipitation over a typical rainy domain in the East Asian monsoon region. Large‐scale dynamically and thermodynamically consistent forcing data based on multiple measurements were produced by a one‐dimensional constrained variational analysis method. Using the forcing data, distinct characteristics of large‐scale states were documented for cases of notable pre‐monsoon rainfall before the South China Sea monsoon onset (SCSMO), extreme rainfall during SCSMO, and persistent strong rainfall after SCSMO. The pre‐monsoon period mainly resulted from weak and discrete cloud regimes. The extreme‐rain period was associated with a severe deep convective system moving from the west, and the persistent‐rain period was related to moderate convective cells separated from the strong convective system over the northern South China Sea. Large‐scale features including vertical velocity, wind convergence, and diabatic heating and drying were the strongest (weakest) during the extreme‐rain (pre‐monsoon) period. For the pre‐monsoon and persistent‐rain periods, the period‐averaged profiles of vertical velocity and diabatic heating and drying showed a one‐peak structure. However, during the extreme‐rain period, a leap‐forward mutation was seen in the vertical structure and magnitude of these large‐scale states. The multiple peaks shown in the vertical profiles of vertical velocity and diabatic heating during the extreme‐rain period may indicate various convective cloud systems co‐existed. The diabatic heating profiles of extreme rainfall indicated that the first rainfall peak was related to the successive occurrence of stratiform anvils and convective clouds, while the second rainfall peak, which was most intense, was associated with shallow convective clouds, severe deep convective clouds, and detraining stratiform anvils.
Secondary production of macroinvertebrates as indicators of success in stream rehabilitation
Authors: Al‐Zankana Ahmed Faraj Ali , Matheson Tom , Harper David Malcolm
Published: December 2020

Hydromorphological rehabilitation is increasingly being used to reverse degradation of stream and river ecosystems. River rehabilitation projects have nevertheless been criticised for not meeting their goals or for not being monitored sufficiently well to assess whether their goals were met. There is therefore an urgent need to develop robust approaches to assessing treatment efficacy and to thus guide the increasing investment in rehabilitation. A headwater tributary of the River Welland in Leicestershire, UK was rehabilitated in summer 2014. Rehabilitation included removal of weirs and the creation of a distinct and meandered low‐flow channel with pool‐riffle sequences. Macroinvertebrates were collected in random sampling protocols stratified at in‐stream biotope level. The rehabilitated reach was compared with a semi‐natural upstream reach as a reference, and a similarly degraded reach as a control. This study demonstrated that rehabilitation of the River Welland had clear beneficial effects on ecological processes. It demonstrated that active re‐creation of lost biotope heterogeneity improved macroinvertebrate biodiversity and secondary production, which is the formation of heterotrophic biomass through time. The rehabilitated reach yielded higher production estimates for Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Malacostraca, Odonata, Arachnida and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera, and a lower estimate for Chironomidae relative to the control reach. The rehabilitated reach also had higher estimates of production for Shredder, Scraper, Filter‐feeder and Predator feeding groups relative to the control reach. Rehabilitation works transformed the reach from a condition more akin to the degraded reach to being more similar to the semi‐natural reach. These outcomes demonstrate recovery of the reach's entire macroinvertebrate community structure and function after rehabilitation. The results provide a clear message to river rehabilitation practitioners: rehabilitation of the function of a physically degraded river ecosystem is possible if the rehabilitation is planned to actively restore the lost in‐stream biotope diversity.
Materials Engineering in Perovskite for Optimized Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Condition
Authors: Dong Feifei , Li Lu , Kong Ziqi , Xu Xiaomin , Zhang Yaping , Gao Zhenghui , Dongyang Biaokui , Ni Meng , Liu Quanbing , Lin Zhan
Published: December 2020

Developing robust and highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for renewable, secure, and emission‐free energy technologies. Perovskite Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (BSCF) has emerged as a promising OER electrocatalyst with desirable intrinsic activity. Inspired by the factor that substituting in transition‐metal sublattice of the perovskite can further optimize the OER activity, herein, nickel‐substituted BSCF is adopted, that is, Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8‐xFe0.2NixO3‐δ (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, denoted as BSCFNx, x = 5, 10, 20, respectively), as efficient and stable OER catalysts in alkaline solution. The phase structure, microchemistry, oxygen vacancy, and electrochemical activity of such samples are well‐investigated. Endowed with an overpotential of only 278 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of merely 47.98 mV dec−1, BSCFN20 exhibits the optimum OER activity. When constructing a two‐electrode cell with BSCFN20 as anode and Pt/C as cathode (BSCFN20||Pt/C) for water splitting, it only requires a voltage of 1.63 V to achieve 50 mA cm−2, and the BSCFN20||Pt/C remains stable within 80 h at 10 mA cm−2, superior to the state‐of‐the‐art RuO2||Pt/C counterpart. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing stable and highly active perovskite electrocatalysts for future energy storage and conversion.