bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarization‐Modulated Multidirectional Photothermal Actuators
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Ye Zuyang , Han Lili , Fan Qingsong , Wu Chaolumen , Ding Deng , Xin Huolin L. , Myung Nosang Vincent , Yin Yadong
Published: December 2020

Photothermal actuators have attracted increasing attention due to their ability to convert light energy into mechanical deformation and locomotion. This work reports a freestanding, multidirectional photothermal robot that can walk along a predesigned pathway by modulating laser polarization and on–off switching. Magnetic–plasmonic hybrid Fe3O4/Ag nanorods are synthesized using an unconventional templating approach. The coupled magnetic and plasmonic anisotropy allows control of the rod orientation, plasmonic excitation, and photothermal conversion by simply applying a magnetic field. Once the rods are fixed with desirable orientations in a bimorph actuator by magnetic‐field‐assisted lithography, the bending of the actuator can be controlled by switching the laser polarization. A bipedal robot is created by coupling the rod orientation with the alternating actuation of its two legs. Irradiating the robot by a laser with alternating or fixed polarization synergistically results in basic movement (backward and forward) and turning (including left‐, right‐, and U‐turn), respectively. A complex walk along predesigned pathways can be potentially programmed by combining the movement and turning modes of the robots. This strategy provides an alternative driving mechanism for preparing functional soft robots, thus breaking through the limitations in the existing systems in terms of light sources and actuation manners.
A study of the usefulness of inspection of radiology reports in the emergency room
Authors: Koyama Toru , Yoshiike Shouichi , Suganuma Kazuki , Shiroto Kosuke , Miyauchi Naoto , Shinchu Sayaka , Aoki Yoshihiro
Published: December 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to better understand the usefulness of retrospective inspection of radiology reports of CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) by emergency doctors in the emergency room.

Methods

Between April 2018 and March 2019, patients who went home after CT or MRI who needed to change their treatment plans and subsequent corresponding procedures after inspection of radiology reports by emergency doctors were reviewed.

Results

Among 7,661 CT or MRIs performed on 5,917 patients, there were 131 patients (133 CT or MRI or 1.7% among 7,661 examinations) who required a change in their treatment plans after inspection of radiology reports. Of the 133 CT or MRI performed, there were 51 (38.3% among 133 CT or MRI, 0.7% among 7,661 examinations) CT or MRI performed, which indicated findings to suspect a tumor (11.8% in the head, 41.2% in the chest, 35.3% in the abdomen, and 11.8% in others). With the need to make important changes in treatment plans, making appointments for outpatient clinics was necessary for 52 CT or MRI findings, and requiring the patients to return to the clinic or be admitted was necessary for 9 (totally 61; 0.8% among 7,661 examinations).

Conclusion

Data from this study suggest that inspection of radiology reports of CT or MRI by emergency doctors after patients went home is useful in finding characteristics suggestive of tumors in 0.7% of all radiology reports and is necessary to identify important changes that should be made in treatment plans in 0.8% of all radiology reports.
Rapidly progressive acute necrotizing encephalopathy associated with influenza A in an elderly adult
Authors: Tsubota Mami , Kato Akihiro , Goshima Takahiro , Imai Kazunori , Yamagishi Yota , Matsushima Asako , Sasano Hiroshi , Hattori Tomonori
Published: December 2020

Background

Among the influenza‐associated encephalopathies, acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) has a particularly poor prognosis. While it usually progresses within 48 h, we encountered a rapidly evolving case with the patient falling into coma from lucidity within 10 min.

Case Presentation

A 71‐year‐old man was found unconscious after taking a 10‐min bath and brought to the emergency room. The head computed tomography (HCT) was normal, and he was diagnosed with heatstroke as a complication of influenza A. Despite effective therapy to correct his temperature, his consciousness did not improve, and within 24 h he progressed to multiple organ injury. Repeat HCT and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed irreparably progressed ANE.

Conclusion

To effectively treat ANE, early recognition and diagnosis are critical. Our case suggests that ANE should be considered and added to the differential diagnosis for adult patients with rapid cognitive deterioration.
Injectable Drug Delivery System Based on In Situ Self‐Assembly of Liquid Star Polyethylene Glycol–Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)
Authors: Eylon Bat-hen , Shagan Alona , Shabtay-Orbach Ayelet , Gross Adi , Mizrahi Boaz
Published: December 2020

Particulate systems are widely used in biomedical applications, yet current systems are limited by their stability, complicated production processes, and the use of toxic excipients and cosolvents. Here, a new concept for an injectable nanocarrier system based on the in situ self‐assembled star polyethylene glycol (PEG)– poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/drug mixture is presented. The new injectable material is based on a neat (solvent‐free) liquid copolymer that self‐assembles after it is injected along with the drug to form a particulate delivery system. The nanocarriers’ formation rate and encapsulation capabilities of hydrophobic drugs can be fine‐tuned by changing the molecular weight of the PLGA segment. Furthermore, the starPEG–PLGA‐based system demonstrates potential as a drug carrier for hydrophobic drugs and shows biocompatibility with cell line culture.
Searching for Monomeric Nickel Tetrafluoride: Unravelling Infrared Matrix Isolation Spectra of Higher Nickel Fluorides
Authors: Li Lin , Sakr Ahmed K. , Schlöder Tobias , Klein Siri , Beckers Helmut , Kitsaras Marios‐Petros , Snelling Howard V. , Young Nigel A. , Andrae Dirk , Riedel Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Binary transition metal fluorides are textbook examples combining complex electronic features with most fundamental molecular structures. High‐valent nickel fluorides are among the strongest known fluorinating and oxidizing agents, but there is a lack of experimental structural and spectroscopic investigations on molecular NiF3 or NiF4. Apart from their demanding synthesis, also their quantum‐chemical description is difficult due to their open shell nature and low‐lying excited electronic states. Distorted tetrahedral NiF4 (D2d) and trigonal planar NiF3 (D3h) molecules were produced by thermal evaporation and laser ablation of nickel atoms in a fluorine/noble gas mixture and spectroscopically identified by a joint matrix‐isolation and quantum‐chemical study. Their vibrational band positions provide detailed insights into their molecular structures.
Single Platinum Atom Doping to Silver Clusters Enables Near‐Infrared‐to‐Blue Photon Upconversion
Authors: Niihori Yoshiki , Wada Yuki , Mitsui Masaaki
Published: December 2020

Photon upconversion (UC) from near‐infrared (NIR) to visible has been realized using singlet‐to‐triplet absorption of sensitizers, which are currently limited to osmium complexes and semiconductor nanocrystals. Motivated by the atomically precise tunability of electronic structure and photophysical properties of noble metal clusters, which often possess absorption bands that extend into the NIR region, we investigated MAg24(SR)18 (M=Ag, Pt; SR=2,4‐dimethylbenzenethiolate) clusters as a new NIR‐absorbing sensitizer for triplet–triplet annihilation UC. Combined with a blue light emitter, the NIR excitation (λex=785 nm) of Ag25(SR)18 results in no UC emission, while PtAg24(SR)18 exhibits strong UC emission. This enhancement is primarily due to a significant increase in the intersystem crossing quantum yield of the cluster associated with the spin–orbit coupling enhancement in the M@Ag12 core.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of CoFe2O4@amino‐2‐naphthol‐4‐sulfonic acid as a novel and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of spirochromene derivatives
Authors: Faroughi Niya Homayoun , Hazeri Nourallah , Fatahpour Maryam
Published: December 2020

In the present work, 1‐amino‐2‐naphthol‐4‐sulfonic acid immobilized on functionalized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles was successfully synthesized as a new, efficient, and recoverable catalyst and tested for the synthesis of spirochromene derivatives by a simple, green, and inexpensive procedure. This magnetically heterogeneous nanocatalyst was characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)/derivative thermogravimetric (DTG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), MAP, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The novel synthesized nanocatalyst can be easily separated and can also be reused several times without appreciable loss in its catalytic activity. Furthermore, in comparison with previous reports, this nanocatalyst showed high thermal stability and acidic properties.
Mechanistic Studies on Photoinduced Catalytic Olefin Migration Reactions at the Pd(II) Centers of a Porous Crystal, Metal‐Macrocycle Framework
Authors: Yonezawa Hirotaka , Shiraogawa Takafumi , Han Mengying , Tashiro Shohei , Ehara Masahiro , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: December 2020

Porous crystals with well‐defined active metal centers on the pore surface have high potential as heterogeneous metal catalysts. We have recently demonstrated that a porous molecular crystal, metal‐macrocycle framework (MMF), catalyzes olefin migration reactions by photoactivation of its PdIICl2 moieties exposed on the crystalline channel surface. Herein we report a mechanistic study of the photoinduced olefin migration reactions at the PdII active centers of MMF. Several experiments, including a deuterium scrambling study, revealed that olefin migration is catalyzed via an alkyl mechanism by in situ generated Pd−H species on the channel surface during photoirradiation. This proposed mechanism was further supported by DFT and ONIOM calculations.
Modelling Bulk Electrolytes and Electrolyte Interfaces with Atomistic Machine Learning
Authors: Shao Yunqi , Knijff Lisanne , Dietrich Florian M. , Hermansson Kersti , Zhang Chao
Published: December 2020

Batteries and supercapacitors are electrochemical energy storage systems which involve multiple time‐scales and length‐scales. In terms of the electrolyte which serves as the ionic conductor, a molecular‐level understanding of the corresponding transport phenomena, electrochemical (thermal) stability and interfacial properties is crucial for optimizing the device performance and achieving safety requirements. To this end, atomistic machine learning is a promising technology for bridging microscopic models and macroscopic phenomena. Here, we provide a timely snapshot of recent advances in this area. This includes technical considerations that are particularly relevant for modelling electrolytes as well as specific examples of both bulk electrolytes and associated interfaces. A perspective on methodological challenges and new applications is also discussed.
Technological development of the bio‐based 2,3‐butanediol process
Authors: Tinôco Daniel , Borschiver Suzana , Coutinho Paulo L. , Freire Denise M. G.
Published: December 2020

The biotechnological production of 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BDO) has economic and environmental advantages over the chemical route, although its large‐scale implementation has not yet been consolidated. To establish the technological maturity of the bio‐based 2,3‐BDO process, and the factors limiting its industrial use, a technology roadmap was built from patents and scientific articles, in which four drivers were identified: production process, recovery process, product, and application. The production process driver was reported in 53.25% of documents, notably including studies on substrates, engineered microorganisms, efficient production methods, and nutritional supplementation. The recovery process driver was investigated in 23.5% of studies, with conventional distillation and solvent extraction being the main technologies performed on a large scale. Product and application drivers accounted for 9.25% and 14% of studies, respectively, highlighting the chemical intermediates, plastics, food additives, and cosmetics market segments. A limited number of companies like LanzaTech and GS Caltex Corporation already produce industrially bio‐based 2,3‐BDO, while academic centers such as the Yancheng Institute of Technology are focused to the laboratory scale with technologies to be implemented in the long term. This study can therefore help to establish and gain an understanding of the necessary strategies to consolidate the industrial production of bio‐based 2,3‐BDO in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Pyrolytic synthesis of organosilane‐functionalized carbon nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation
Authors: Li Feng , Qin Sining , Jia Sen , Wang Guiyan
Published: December 2020

The use of carbon‐based nanomaterials as effective photocatalysts is an ideal alternative for environmental remediation. Here, (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane‐functionalized carbon nanoparticles (SiCNPs) were prepared using a simple pyrolysis method with sodium citrate and urea as the precursors. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and photo‐electrochemical measures. The obtained SiCNPs‐2.0 showed a better visible light response and more effective photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue (MB) compared with pure CNPs. Under visible light irradiation, 98.8% of the MB was decomposed within 75 min when SiCNPs‐2.0 was used as the photocatalyst. The high photocatalytic activities of SiCNPs‐2.0 could be attributed to enhanced light absorption in the visible region, and improved photogenerated electron–hole separation efficiency. A possible photocatalytic mechanism for removal of MB over SiCNPs‐2.0 was proposed based on active species trapping experiments. Recycling experiments showed that SiCNPs‐2.0 had good stability during photocatalysis. This work provides a new easy method to synthesize carbon‐based nanomaterials and to catalytically degrade organic pollutants in water under visible light irradiation.
Responsive polymer‐assisted 3D cryogel supports Huh7.5 as in vitro hepatitis C virus model and ectopic human hepatic tissue in athymic mice
Authors: Jayal Priyanka , Behera Padmanava , Mullick Ranajoy , Ramachandra Subbaraya G. , Das Saumitra , Kumar Ashok , Karande Anjali
Published: December 2020

The three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture models serve as the interface between conventional two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer culture and animal models. 3D culture offers the best possible model system to understand the pathophysiology of human pathogens such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), which lacks a small animal model, due to narrow host tropism and non‐permissiveness of murine hepatocytes. In this study, functionally robust spheroids of HCV permissive Huh7.5 cells were generated, assisted by the temperature or pH‐responsive polymers PNIPAAm and Eudragit respectively, followed by the long‐term growth of the multilayered 3D aggregates in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–alginate–gelatin (PAG) cryogel. The human serum albumin (HSA), marker of hepatic viability was detected up to 600 ng/ml on 24th day of culture. The 3D spheroid culture exhibited a distinct morphology and transcript levels with the upregulation of hepato‐specific transcripts, nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), transthyretin (TTr), albumin (Alb), phase I and phase II drug‐metabolizing genes. The two most important phase I enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, together responsible for 90% metabolism of drugs exhibited up to 9‐ and 12‐fold increment, respectively in transcripts. The 3D culture was highly permissive to HCV infection and supported higher multiplicity of infection compared to monolayer Huh7.5 culture. Quantitation of high levels of HSA (500–200 ng/ml) in circulation in mice for 32 days asserted integration with host vasculature and in vivo establishment of 3D culture implants as an ectopic human hepatic tissue in mice. The study demonstrates the 3D spheroid Huh7.5 culture as a model for HCV studies and screening potential for anti‐HCV drug candidates.
The epidemiology of primary headaches in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wang Long , Zhang Juan , Deng Zi‐Ru , Zu Mei‐Dan , Wang Yu
Published: December 2020

Objective

Recent studies have shown a pathophysiologic link between headache and multiple sclerosis (MS), but the prevalence of primary headaches among patients with MS differs substantially across studies. This meta‐analysis aimed to comprehensively gather available evidence to estimate the prevalence of primary headaches among patients with MS.

Method

We systematically searched the electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for cohort, case–control, cross‐sectional studies that measured the prevalence of headache among patients with MS. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts to identify the eligible studies and the full texts of the included studies were reviewed. Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias of the included literatures. We then conducted a meta‐analysis using Stata Software 15.0 to calculate the pooled prevalence of headaches among patients with MS and assess the source of heterogeneity.

Results

We identified 16 eligible studies covering a total of 3,560 patients with MS. The pooled estimated prevalence of primary headaches among patients with MS was 56%. The statistical heterogeneity was moderate with I2 of 82.1% (p < .001). Both a visual inspection of the funnel plot and Egger’ regression tests revealed no significant publication bias (p = .44). The pooled estimated prevalence of migraine (55%) was higher in comparison with that of tension‐type headache (20%). The prevalence of migraine subtype was 16% and 10% for migraine without aura and migraine with aura, respectively. The pooled prevalence of primary headache in case–control group (57%) was approximately in line with the cross‐sectional group (56%).

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of primary headaches among patients with MS was considerably high. Clinical screening of headache among patients with MS will be helpful to formulate an individualized treatment plans and alleviate the physical and mental impact of the disease.
Increased frequency of canine distemper virus‐specific antibodies in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rohowsky‐Kochan Christine , Davidow Amy , Dowling Peter , Cook Stuart D.
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a candidate agent in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Elevated anti‐CDV levels were previously found in the sera from MS patients compared with controls. We now investigated whether there was an age‐related association with the presence of antibodies specific to CDV‐hemagglutinin (H) protein in MS.

Methods

Sera from patients with MS, other neurological diseases, and inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases, and healthy individuals were screened for anti‐CDV in an ELISA using linear peptides of the CDV‐H protein as antigen. Antibody levels to measles and varicella‐zoster virus were measured and served as controls.

Results

Analysis of the new cohort of MS patients and controls confirmed our initial finding of elevated anti‐CDV‐H levels in MS patients. An increase in measles but not varicella‐zoster virus antibody levels was found in MS patients compared with healthy controls. Data from the new cohort of patients and controls were combined with data from the original study and analyzed with respect to age distribution of anti‐CDV IgG. Mean CDV antibody levels were significantly elevated in each decade from 20 to 50 years of age in MS compared with healthy and disease controls. Antibody levels to measles virus were not consistently elevated during this age span. A striking relationship (p < .0001, odds ratio = 5.0) was observed between elevated anti‐CDV‐H levels and diagnosis of MS.

Conclusions

The finding that anti‐CDV levels are elevated in MS patients of all ages provides substantial evidence of a strong association between elevated anti‐CDV and MS.
Effect of virtual reality technology on the teaching of urban railway vehicle engineering
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Liu Fu , Wang Jinhai , Kou Ziming , Zhu Aihua , Yao Dechen
Published: December 2020

The real key structures of urban railway vehicle are costly and dangerous, but students majoring in relevant fields have to acquire skills needed to operate the key structures to get good jobs or do academic research easily. The virtual reality (VR) technology, which has been used in many fields, can provide students with a unique learning experience. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of VR on the operational skills and cognitive load in students studying urban railway vehicle engineering. A virtual reality learning environment (VRLE) was designed to help students understand how a bogie is dismantled or assembled, thus enabling them to dismantle or assemble bogie. The experimental subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, and each group contained 31 male and 9 female freshmen majoring in urban railway vehicle engineering. Corresponding pretests, teaching activities, and posttests were carried out according to the proposed teaching and experimental designs. The VRLE was used to teach the students in the experimental group, whereas the other group was taught by traditional teaching methods. The experimental results show that VR played a positive part in the students' acquisition of operational skills and the VRLE was helpful in reducing the cognitive load in the students when they were performing experiments. The results reveal that VR technology has a positive impact on the education in urban railway vehicle engineering.
Unfavorable impact of decreased muscle quality on the efficacy of immunotherapy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nishioka Naoya , Naito Tateaki , Notsu Akifumi , Mori Keita , Kodama Hiroaki , Miyawaki Eriko , Miyawaki Taichi , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Wakuda Kazushige , Ono Akira , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Murakami Haruyasu , Takayama Koichi , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: December 2020

Background

Quantitative skeletal muscle mass loss has the potential to predict the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This study aimed to assess the impact of muscular quality on the abovementioned outcomes.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had received PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor monotherapy between March 2016 and February 2018. High muscle quality was stipulated as a skeletal muscle density ≥41 and ≥33 Hounsfield units in patients with a body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 and ≥25 kg/m2, respectively, as assessed using lumbar computed tomography images. High muscle quantity was stipulated as a lumbar skeletal muscle index ≥41 cm2/m2 in women, ≥43 cm2/m2 in men with a BMI <25 kg/m2, and ≥53 cm2/m2 in men with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. We evaluated the associations of these muscular parameters with the overall response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Out of 156 patients, 80 (51.3%) and 47 (30.1%) showed low muscle quality and quantity, respectively. Patients with high muscle quality showed higher ORR (35.0 vs. 15.8 %, p<0.05) and longer PFS durations (median, 4.5 vs. 2.0 months, p<0.05) than those with low muscle quality. There were no noted differences in the ORR or PFS between patients with high and those with low muscle quantities. On the contrary, regardless of muscle quality and quantity, there were no differences in OS between patients with high and those with low muscle status.

Conclusions

Lumbar skeletal muscle quality has the potential to predict the therapeutic effect of anti‐programed cell death 1/programed cell death ligand 1 inhibitor monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Nerve allograft histology after banking following complicated reconstruction
Authors: Foley David P. , Cox Cameron , Suryavanshi Joash , Osemwengie Bradley , MacKay Brendan J.
Published: December 2020

Burial of nerve allografts in muscle tissue for later use is a novel technique with no prior literature discussions. This may be a safe and effective technique for short‐term preservation of nerve allograft removed from a prior reconstruction.
COVID‐19 in a child with primary antibody deficiency
Authors: Ahanchian Hamid , Moazzen Nasrin , Sezavar Majid , Khalighi Negar , Khoshkhui Maryam , Aelami Mohammad Hassan , Motevalli Haghi Nasrin Sadat , Rezaei Nima
Published: December 2020

Although presentation of COVID‐19 in patients with immunodeficiency could be mild, it should not be missed, while early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can survive infected patients. Because even severe infections in PID patients may be presented with few symptoms and signs, this diagnosis should be considered in those immunocompromised patients who have exacerbating preexisting symptoms.
Predicting molecular activity on nuclear receptors by multitask neural networks
Authors: Valsecchi Cecile , Collarile Magda , Grisoni Francesca , Todeschini Roberto , Ballabio Davide , Consonni Viviana
Published: December 2020

The interest in multitask and deep learning strategies has been increasing in the last few years, in application to large and complex dataset for quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. Multitask approaches allow the simultaneous prediction of molecular properties that are related, through information sharing, whereas deep learning strategies increase the potential of capturing nonlinear relationships. In this work, we compare the binary classification capability of multitask deep and shallow neural networks to single‐task strategies used as benchmark (i.e., as k‐nearest neighbours, N‐nearest neighbours, random forest and Naïve Bayes), as well as multitask supervised self‐organizing maps.

Comparison was carried out with an extended QSAR dataset containing annotations of molecular binding, agonism and antagonism activity on 11 nuclear receptors, for a total of 14,963 molecules, divided into training and test sets and labelled for their bioactivity on at least one of 30 binary tasks. Additional 304 chemicals were used as external evaluation set to further validate models.

Although no approach systematically overperformed the others, task‐specific differences were found, suggesting the benefit of multitask learning for tasks that are less represented. On average, some of the single‐task approaches and multitask deep learning strategies had similar performances. However, the latter can have advantages, such as a simpler management of predictions and applicability domain assessment for future samples. On the other hand, the parameter tuning required by neural networks are generally time expensive suggesting that the modelling strategy should be evaluated case by case.
Boron–Ligand Cooperation: The Concept and Applications
Authors: Hasenbeck Max , Gellrich Urs
Published: December 2020

The term boron–ligand cooperation was introduced to describe a specific mode of action by which certain metal‐free systems activate chemical bonds. The main characteristic of this mode of action is that one covalently bound substituent at the boron is actively involved in the bond activation process and changes to a datively bound ligand in the course of the bond activation. Within this review, how the term boron–ligand cooperation evolved is reflected on and examples of bond activation by boron–ligand cooperation are discussed. It is furthermore shown that systems that operate via boron–ligand cooperation can complement the reactivity of classic intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs and applications of this new concept for metal‐free catalysis are summarized.
Modelling and Phenotypic Screening of NAP‐6 and 10‐Cl‐BBQ, AhR Ligands Displaying Selective Breast Cancer Cytotoxicity in Vitro
Authors: Baker Jennifer R. , Pollard Brett L. , Lin Andrew J. S. , Gilbert Jayne , Paula Stefan , Zhu Xiao , Sakoff Jennette A. , McCluskey Adam
Published: December 2020

To exploit the interaction of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway in developing breast‐cancer‐specific cytotoxic compounds, we examined the breast cancer selectivity and the docking pose of the AhR ligands (Z)‐2‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione (NAP‐6; 5) and 10‐chloro‐7H‐benzo[de]benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐7‐one (10‐Cl‐BBQ; 6). While the breast cancer selectivity of 5 in vitro is known, we discuss the SAR around this lead and, by using phenotypic cell‐line screening and the MTT assay, show for the first time that 6 also presents with breast cancer selectivity, notably in the triple‐negative (TN) receptor breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐468, the ER+ breast cancer cell lines T47D, ZR‐75‐1 and the HER2+ breast cancer cell line SKBR3 (GI50 values of 0.098, 0.97, 0.13 and 0.21 μM, respectively). Indeed, 6 is 55 times more potent in MDA‐MB‐468 cells than normal MCF10A breast cells (GI50 of 0.098 vs 5.4 μM) and more than 130 times more potent than in cell lines derived from pancreas, brain and prostate (GI50 of 0.098 vs 10–13 μM). Molecular docking poses of 5 and 6 together with analogue synthesis and phenotypic screening show the importance of the naphthalene moiety, and an ortho‐disposed substituent on the N‐phenyl moiety for biological activity.
Vascular co‐option and vasculogenic mimicry mediate resistance to antiangiogenic strategies
Authors: Pezzella Francesco , Ribatti Domenico
Published: December 2020

Background

The concept that all the tumors need the formation of new vessels to grow inspired the hypothesis that inhibition of angiogenesis would have led to “cure” cancer. The expectancy that this type of therapy would have avoided the insurgence of resistance was based on the concept that targeting normal vessels, instead of the cancer cells which easily develop new mutations, would have allowed evasion of drug caused selection is, however, more complex as it was made apparent by the discovery of nonangiogenic tumors. At the same time an increasing number of trials with antiangiogenic drugs were coming out as not as successful as expected, mostly because of the appearance of unexpected resistance.

Recent Findings

Among the several different mechanisms of resistance to antiangiogenic treatment by now described, we review the evidences that vascular co‐option and vasculogenic mimicry by nonangiogenic tumors are effectively two of such mechanisms. We focused on reviewing exclusively the study, both clinical and preclinical, that offer a demonstration that vascular co‐option and vasculogenic mimicry are effectively two mechanisms of both intrinsic and acquired resistance.

Conclusion

The discovery that vascular co‐opting and vasculogenic mimicry are two ways of escaping antiangiogenic treatment, prompts the need for a better understanding of this phenomenon in order to improve cancer treatment.
Digestive tract neoplasms in young individuals: Demographics, staging and risk factors
Authors: Tasneem Abbas Ali , Luck Nasir Hassan
Published: December 2020

Background

Digestive tract neoplasms (DTN) have become increasingly common worldwide among young individuals (YIs) over the last few decades.

Aim

Aim of this research was to study the types, demographics, stage at presentation and risk factors of digestive tract neoplasms in young individuals.

Methods and results

In this cross‐sectional study, YI (ie, ≤40 years) presenting with any DTN including gastrointestinal neoplasms (GIN), hepatobiliary neoplasms (HBN), periampullary neoplasms (PAN) and others from June 2016 to May 2020 were included. Baseline laboratory tests, tissue diagnosis and staging were performed while risk factors were documented. A total of 163 patients were included in the study, of whom 82 (50.3%) were males. Mean age was 29.9 (±9.57) (range: 8 months‐40 years). Most DTN (93.3%; n = 152) were malignant. The commonest neoplasms were lower GIN (LGIN) 52 (31.9%), followed by HBN 46 (28.2%), upper GIN (UGIN) 44 (27%) and PAN 18 (11%). Commonest among LGIN were rectal 37; among HBN: hepatocellular cancer (HCC) 9, cholangiocarcinoma (CC) 9; and among UGIN: esophageal 25 and stomach 14. Rectal cancers were mostly sporadic (82.7%) with frequent signet ring cell histology (40.5%), and affected relatively younger ages compared to upper GIN and PAN. GIN were mostly locally advanced with higher resectability (LGIN 90.4%; UGIN 79.5%) while HBN were more advanced with lower resectability (HCC [44.4%]; CC [33.3%]). Poor dietary habits and poor socioeconomic status were common with UGIN (63.6%, 50%) and HBN (56.5%, 54.3%), respectively.

Conclusion

The commonest DTN among YI were LGIN followed by HBN, UGIN and PAN. Rectal cancers affected relatively younger ages and were mostly sporadic. HBN were more advanced in stage and unresectable compared to GIN. Poor dietary habits and poor socioeconomic status may be important contributors in carcinogenesis.
Genetic characterization of flour quality and bread‐making traits in a spring wheat nested association mapping population
Authors: Bajgain Prabin , Sallam Ahmad H. , Annor George , Conley Emily , Steffenson Brian J. , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Anderson James A.
Published: December 2020

Improving grain protein content and flour quality is an important goal for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programs. Identification of genomic regions and markers associated with quality traits can help enrich wheat breeding germplasm with favorable alleles. This study was carried out to identify genetic loci controlling bread‐making quality traits in a nested association mapping population of 230 lines. Lines were evaluated for grain protein content and three gluten aggregation traits from the Brabender GlutoPeak instrument: peak maximum time (PMT), maximum torque (MT), and aggregation energy (AE). The strongest positive correlation was observed between AE and MT (r = .87), whereas the strongest negative correlation was between PMT and MT (r = −.46). We identified 25 quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with these traits on 14 chromosomes, of which three QTL were common between MT and AE. Quantitative trait loci explaining the largest variations were observed for grain protein content and AE, with QTL that explained 13% of the observed variation for each trait. Nearly 62% of the discovered QTL were of medium effect, as the median percentage of observed phenotypic variation explained by the detected QTL was 7% (range of 4–13%). Based on QTL analysis and marker screening results, the populations discussed in this study are segregating for the known alleles of the high‐molecular‐weight glutenin gene Glu‐D1. As some lines have better phenotypic performance relative to the elite common parent RB07, crossing these lines with elite breeding lines can help increase the frequency of alleles contributing to improve flour quality traits.
Mechanisms of interactions between lung‐origin telocytes and mesenchymal stem cells to treat experimental acute lung injury
Authors: Zhang Ding , Song Dongli , Shi Lin , Sun Xiaoru , Zheng Yonghua , Zeng Yiming , Wang Xiangdong
Published: December 2020

Acute lung injury is a serious form and major cause of patient death and still needs efficient therapies. The present study evidenced that co‐transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and telocytes (TCs) improved the severity of experimental lung tissue inflammation, edema, and injury, where TCs increased MSCs migration into the lung and the capacity of MSCs proliferation and movement. Of molecular mechanisms, Osteopontin‐dominant networks were active in MSCs and TCs, and might play supportive and nutrimental roles in the interaction between MSCs and TCs, especially activated TCs by lipopolysaccharide. The interaction between epidermal growth factor and its receptor from MSCs and TCs could play critical roles in communications between MSCs and TCs, responsible for MSCs proliferation and movement, especially after inflammatory activation. Our studies provide the evidence that TCs possess nutrimental and supportive roles in implanted MSCs, and co‐transplantation of MSCs and TCs can be a new alternative in the therapy of acute lung injury.
Decades of dietary data demonstrate regional food web structures in the Southern Ocean
Authors: McCormack Stacey A. , Melbourne‐Thomas Jessica , Trebilco Rowan , Blanchard Julia L. , Raymond Ben , Constable Andrew
Published: December 2020

Understanding regional‐scale food web structure in the Southern Ocean is critical to informing fisheries management and assessments of climate change impacts on Southern Ocean ecosystems and ecosystem services. Historically, a large component of Southern Ocean ecosystem research has focused on Antarctic krill, which provide a short, highly efficient food chain, linking primary producers to higher trophic levels. Over the last 15 years, the presence of alternative energy pathways has been identified and hypotheses on their relative importance in different regions raised. Using the largest circumpolar dietary database ever compiled, we tested these hypotheses using an empirical circumpolar comparison of food webs across the four major regions/sectors of the Southern Ocean (defined as south of 40°S) within the austral summer period. We used network analyses and generalizations of taxonomic food web structure to confirm that while Antarctic krill are dominant as the mid‐trophic level for the Atlantic and East Pacific food webs (including the Scotia Arc and Western Antarctic Peninsula), mesopelagic fish and other krill species are dominant contributors to predator diets in the Indian and West Pacific regions (East Antarctica and the Ross Sea). We also highlight how tracking data and habitat modeling for mobile top predators in the Southern Ocean show that these species integrate food webs over large regional scales. Our study provides a quantitative assessment, based on field observations, of the degree of regional differentiation in Southern Ocean food webs and the relative importance of alternative energy pathways between regions.
Ontogenetic shifts in social aggregation and habitat use in a temperate reef fish
Authors: Fobert Emily K. , Reeves Simon E. , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: December 2020

Cover, both from physical structure or association with social groups, can reduce predation risk and increase foraging, leading to enhanced growth and survival, and is therefore a critical aspect of the niche for many organisms. However, the need for cover, or the need for a specific type of cover, may change as an individual grows in size, leading to niche shifts throughout development to meet these changing needs. In this study, we examine ontogenetic shifts in cover use by wild populations of a temperate reef fish, the southern hulafish,Trachinops caudimaculatus, a small, abundant planktivorous social aggregator found on temperate reefs in southern Australia. Through repeated in situ surveys, we found clear evidence of ontogenetic shifts in both microhabitat use and aggregation patterns byT. caudimaculatusjuveniles in the first three months on the reef. The microhabitat associations of juvenileT. caudimaculatusbecame more similar to those of adult conspecifics over the study period, and over the same time frame, juveniles increasingly aggregated with adult shoals. Our findings also suggest that trade‐offs between structural and social cover are context‐dependent, with juveniles relying on structural cover longer when adult conspecific density (and thus intra‐specific competition) and/or habitat complexity (and thus the availability of shelter) is high. These findings provide rare and important observations into the complex interplay of social aggregations, habitat use, and ontogeny in wild fish populations.
Impaired cerebral oxygenation in heart failure patients at rest and during head‐up tilt testing
Authors: Kharraziha Isabella , Holm Hannes , Magnusson Martin , Wollmer Per , Molvin John , Jujic Amra , Fedorowski Artur , Bachus Erasmus , Hamrefors Viktor
Published: December 2020

Aims

Heart failure (HF) confers potentially negative effects on the brain and autonomic nervous system. The measurement cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) may aid in understanding such effects. We aimed to investigate if compensated HF affects SctO2 at rest and during orthostatic challenge.

Methods and results

Non‐invasive haemodynamic monitoring and near‐infrared spectroscopy were applied during head‐up tilt (HUT) in 61 HF patients [mean (SD) 71 (11) years, 82% male, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I–III] and 60 controls [60 (12) years, 42% male). Group differences in continuous variables were compared using Student's t‐test. Associations between HF and SctO2 were studied using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate in supine position and after 10 min of HUT.

Mean SctO2 was lower in HF patients compared with controls both in the supine position (67 vs. 71%; P < 0.001) and after 10 min of HUT (64 vs. 69%; P < 0.001). The HUT‐induced SctO2 decrease was greater in HF patients compared with controls (P = 0.026). SBP did not change in neither HF patients nor controls during HUT, whereas diastolic blood pressure and heart rate increased in both groups. HF was associated with lower SctO2 in supine (B = −2.5%, P = 0.023) and after 10 min of HUT (B = −2.6%, P = 0.007) after multivariable adjustments.

Conclusions

Cerebral tissue oxygenation is lower in HF patients both at rest and during orthostasis compared with subjects without HF. Future studies should test if the lower cerebral oxygenation associates with negative prognosis and with impaired cognitive function.
Time‐sensitive approach in the management of acute heart failure
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Kawana Masataka , Nakata Jun , Sato Naoki , Fukuda Keiichi , Kohsaka Shun
Published: December 2020

Acute heart failure (AHF) has become a global public health burden largely because of the associated high morbidity, mortality, and cost. The treatment options for AHF have remained relatively unchanged over the past decades. Historically, clinical congestion alone has been considered the main target for treatment of acute decompensation in patients with AHF; however, this is an oversimplification of the complex pathophysiology. Within the similar clinical presentation of congestion, significant differences in pathophysiological mechanisms exist between the fluid accumulation and redistribution. Tissue hypoperfusion is another vital characteristic of AHF and should be promptly treated with appropriate interventions. In addition, recent clinical trials of novel therapeutic strategies have shown that heart failure management is ‘time sensitive’ and suggested that treatment selection based on individual aetiologies, triggers, and risk factor profiles could lead to better outcomes. In this review, we aim to describe the specifics of the ‘time‐sensitive’ approach by the clinical phenotypes, for example, pulmonary/systemic congestion and tissue hypoperfusion, wherein patients are classified based on pathophysiological conditions. This mechanistic classification, in parallel with the comprehensive risk assessment, has become a cornerstone in the management of patients with AHF and thus supports effective decision making by clinicians. We will also highlight how therapeutic modalities should be individualized according to each clinical phenotype.
Identification of human cytotoxic ILC3s
Authors: Krabbendam Lisette , Heesters Balthasar A , Kradolfer Chantal M.A , Spits Hergen , Bernink Jochem H
Published: December 2020

Human ILCs are classically categorized into five subsets; cytotoxic CD127−CD94+ NK cells and non‐cytotoxic CD127+CD94−, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and LTi cells. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized subset within the CD127+ ILC population, characterized by the expression of the cytotoxic marker CD94. These CD94+ ILCs resemble conventional ILC3s in terms of phenotype, transcriptome, and cytokine production, but are highly cytotoxic. IL‐15 was unable to induce differentiation of CD94+ ILCs toward mature NK cells. Instead, CD94+ ILCs retained RORγt, CD127 and CD200R1 expression and produced IL‐22 in response to IL‐15. Culturing non‐cytotoxic ILC3s with IL‐12 induced upregulation of CD94 and cytotoxic activity, effects that were not observed with IL‐15 stimulation. Thus, human helper ILCs can acquire a cytotoxic program without differentiating into NK cells.
Pilot scale isolation of exopolysaccharides from Streptococcus thermophilus DGCC7710: Impact of methodical details on macromolecular properties and technofunctionality
Authors: Nachtigall Carsten , Surber Georg , Bulla Jannis , Rohm Harald , Jaros Doris
Published: December 2020

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Streptococcus thermophilus provide similar technofunctionality such as water binding, viscosity enhancing and emulsifying effects as commercial thickeners at a significant lower concentration. Despite their high technofunctional potential, hetero polysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria are still not commercially used in unfermented foods, as the small amount of synthesised EPS calls for a high isolation effort. This study aims to analyse the macromolecular properties of EPS and cell containing isolates from S. thermophilus DGCC7710 obtained by different isolation protocols, and to link these data to the technofunctionality in model food systems. The EPS content of the isolates was affected by the microfiltration/ultrafiltration membranes used for cell removal/dialysis, respectively, and was 89% at maximum. There was no link between purity of the isolates, molecular mass (3 × 106 Da) and intrinsic viscosity (0.53 – 0.59 mL/mg) of the EPS. After adding EPS containing isolates to milk, gel stiffness after acidification increased by 25% at maximum, depending on the type and concentration of the specific isolate. Partly purified, cell containing isolates were effective at low absolute EPS concentration (approx. 0.1 g/kg) and therefore represent, together with their simple isolation protocol, an interesting approach to introduce microbial EPS into non‐fermented products.
Li‐containing alloys beneficial for stabilizing lithium anode: A review
Authors: Gu Xingxing , Dong Jing , Lai Chao
Published: December 2020

Due to the soaring growth of electric vehicles and grid‐scale energy storage, high‐safety and high‐energy density battery storage systems are urgently needed. Lithium metal anodes, which possess the highest theoretical specific capacity (3860 mA h g−1) and the lowest electrochemical potential (−3.04 V vs standard hydrogen electrode) among anode materials, are regarded as the ultimate choice for high‐energy density batteries. However, its safety problems as well as the low Coulombic efficiency during the Li plating and stripping process significantly limit the commercialization of lithium metal batteries. Recently, Li‐containing alloys have demonstrated vital roles in inhibiting lithium dendrite growth, controlling interfacial reactions and enhancing the Coulombic efficiency (CE) as well as cycle life. Accordingly, in this perspective, the progresses of lithium alloys for robust, stable, and dendrite free anodes for rechargeable lithium metal batteries are summarized. The challenges and future research focus of lithium‐containing alloys in lithium metal batteries are also discussed.