bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Stretchable Metal–Polymer Conductor Electrode Array for Electrophysiology
Authors: Dong Ruihua , Liu Xiaoyan , Cheng Shiyu , Tang Lixue , Chen Mian , Zhong Leni , Chen Zhen , Liu Shaoqin , Jiang Xingyu
Published: September 2020

Narrowing the mechanical mismatch between biological tissues (typically soft) and neural interfaces (hard) is essential for maintaining signal quality for the electrical recording of neural activity. However, only a few materials can satisfy all requirements for such electronics, which need to be both biocompatible and sufficiently soft. Here, a highly stretchable electrode array (SEA) is introduced, based on the liquid metal–polymer conductor (MPC), achieving high mechanical flexibility and good cytocompatability for neural interfaces. By utilizing the MPC, the SEA exhibits high stretchability (≈100%) and excellent cycling stability (>400 cycles). The cytocompatability of the SEA can allow for long‐term culturing of primary neurons and enable signal recording of primary hippocampal neurons. In the future, the SEA could serve as a reliable and robust platform for diagnostics in neuronal tissues and greatly advance brain–machine interfaces.
Attachment of Ultralow Amount of Engineered Plant Viral Nanoparticles to Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances Osteogenesis and Mineralization
Authors: Lin Ying‐Ying , Schuphan Juliane , Dickmeis Christina , Buhl Eva Miriam , Commandeur Ulrich , Fischer Horst
Published: September 2020

Hydrogel‐based materials are widely used to mimic the extracellular matrix in bone tissue engineering, although they often lack biofunctional cues. In the authors' previous work, Potato virus X (PVX), a flexible rod‐shaped biocompatible plant virus nanoparticle (VNP) with 1270 coat protein subunits, is genetically modified to present functional peptides for generating a bone substitute. Here, PVX is engineered to present mineralization‐ and osteogenesis‐associated peptides and laden in hydrogels at a concentration lower by two orders of magnitude. Its competence in mineralization is demonstrated both on 2D surfaces and in hydrogels and the superiority of enriched peptides on VNPs is verified and compared with free peptides and VNPs presenting fewer functional peptides. Alkaline phosphatase activity and Alizarin red staining of human mesenchymal stem cells increase 1.2–1.7 times when stimulate by VNPs. Engineered PVX adheres to cells, exhibiting a stimulation of biomimetic peptides in close proximity to the cells. The retention of VNPs in hydrogels is monitored and more than 80% of VNPs remain inside after several washing steps. The mechanical properties of VNP‐laden hydrogels are investigated, including viscosity, gelling temperature, and compressive tangent modulus. This study demonstrates that recombinant PVX nanoparticles are excellent candidates for hydrogel nanocomposites in bone tissue engineering.
High‐Sensitivity Acoustic Molecular Sensors Based on Large‐Area, Spray‐Coated 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Evans Austin M. , Bradshaw Nathan P. , Litchfield Brian , Strauss Michael J. , Seckman Bethany , Ryder Matthew R. , Castano Ioannina , Gilmore Christopher , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Mulzer Catherine R. , Hersam Mark C. , Dichtel William R.
Published: September 2020

2D covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) are a unique materials platform that combines covalent connectivity, structural regularity, and molecularly precise porosity. However, 2D COFs typically form insoluble aggregates, thus limiting their processing via additive manufacturing techniques. In this work, colloidal suspensions of boronate‐ester‐linked 2D COFs are used as a spray‐coating ink to produce large‐area 2D COF thin films. This method is synthetically general, with five different 2D COFs prepared as colloidal inks and subsequently spray‐coated onto a diverse range of substrates. Moreover, this approach enables the deposition of multiple 2D COF materials simultaneously, which is not possible by polymerizing COFs on substrates directly. When combined with stencil masks, spray‐coated 2D COFs are rapidly deposited as thin films larger than 200 cm2 with line resolutions below 50 µm. To demonstrate that this deposition scheme preserves the desirable attributes of 2D COFs, spray‐coated 2D COF thin films are incorporated as the active material in acoustic sensors. These 2D‐COF‐based sensors have a 10 ppb limit‐of‐quantification for trimethylamine, which places them among the most sensitive sensors for meat and seafood spoilage. Overall, this work establishes a scalable additive manufacturing technique that enables the integration of 2D COFs into thin‐film device architectures.
Precise Control of Perovskite Crystallization Kinetics via Sequential A‐Site Doping
Authors: Qin Minchao , Xue Haibo , Zhang Hengkai , Hu Hanlin , Liu Kuan , Li Yuhao , Qin Zhaotong , Ma Junjie , Zhu Hepeng , Yan Keyou , Fang Guojia , Li Gang , Jeng U‐Ser , Brocks Geert , Tao Shuxia , Lu Xinhui
Published: September 2020

Two‐step‐fabricated FAPbI3‐based perovskites have attracted increasing attention because of their excellent film quality and reproducibility. However, the underlying film formation mechanism remains mysterious. Here, the crystallization kinetics of a benchmark FAPbI3‐based perovskite film with sequential A‐site doping of Cs+ and GA+ is revealed by in situ X‐ray scattering and first‐principles calculations. Incorporating Cs+ in the first step induces an alternative pathway from δ‐CsPbI3 to perovskite α‐phase, which is energetically more favorable than the conventional pathways from PbI2. However, pinholes are formed due to the nonuniform nucleation with sparse δ‐CsPbI3 crystals. Fortunately, incorporating GA+ in the second step can not only promote the phase transition from δ‐CsPbI3 to the perovskite α‐phase, but also eliminate pinholes via Ostwald ripening and enhanced grain boundary migration, thus boosting efficiencies of perovskite solar cells over 23%. This work demonstrates the unprecedented advantage of the two‐step process over the one‐step process, allowing a precise control of the perovskite crystallization kinetics by decoupling the crystal nucleation and growth process.
Monolithic Organic/Colloidal Quantum Dot Hybrid Tandem Solar Cells via Buffer Engineering
Authors: Kim Hong Il , Baek Se‐Woong , Choi Min‐Jae , Chen Bin , Ouellette Olivier , Choi Kyoungwon , Scheffel Benjamin , Choi Hyuntae , Biondi Margherita , Hoogland Sjoerd , García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Park Taiho , Sargent Edward H.
Published: September 2020

Monolithically integrated hybrid tandem solar cells (TSCs) that combine solution‐processed colloidal quantum dot (CQD) and organic molecules are a promising device architecture, able to complement the absorption across the visible to the infrared. However, the performance of organic/CQD hybrid TSCs has not yet surpassed that of single‐junction CQD solar cells. Here, a strategic optical structure is devised to overcome the prior performance limit of hybrid TSCs by employing a multibuffer layer and a dual near‐infrared (NIR) absorber. In particular, a multibuffer layer is introduced to solve the problem of the CQD solvent penetrating the underlying organic layer. In addition, the matching current of monolithic TSCs is significantly improved to 15.2 mA cm−2 by using a dual NIR organic absorber that complements the absorption of CQD. The hybrid TSCs reach a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.7%, higher than that of the corresponding individual single‐junction cells, representing the highest efficiency reported to date for CQD‐based hybrid TSCs.
Spiropyran‐Functionalized Polymer–Carbon Nanotube Hybrids for Dynamic Optical Memory Devices and UV Sensors
Authors: Balcı Leinen Merve , Klein Patrick , Sebastian Finn L. , Zorn Nicolas F. , Adamczyk Sylwia , Allard Sybille , Scherf Ullrich , Zaumseil Jana
Published: September 2020

Nanohybrids of purified semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes and conjugated polymers with attached spiropyran moieties are created as photoresponsive materials for optical memory devices and ultraviolet (UV) light sensors. The hybrids respond to UV light exposure in air with photoisomerization of the spiropyran groups to merocyanine, resulting in significant and persistent p‐doping of the nanotubes, as confirmed by photoluminescence quenching and trion emission. The increased carrier concentration after illumination and the inherently high mobility of carbon nanotubes enable an up to two orders of magnitude increased conductivity of the nanotube/polymer hybrid networks in simple two‐terminal devices operated at very low bias. The photodoping decays very slowly in the dark and increases further with every illumination dose. However, it can be completely reversed by heating for a few seconds. Thin film devices based on these photoresponsive polymer/nanotube hybrids show great potential as simple and resettable UV dosimeters and optical memory elements.
Headaches in hypermobility syndromes: A pain in the neck?
Authors: Malhotra Anuj , Pace Anna , Ruiz Maya Tania , Colman Rachel , Gelb Bruce D. , Mehta Lakshmi , Kontorovich Amy R.
Published: September 2020

Headache and neck pain (cervicalgia) are frequently reported among patients with joint hypermobility but the prevalence and scope of these symptoms has not been studied in the era of contemporary Ehlers‐Danlos and hypermobility disorder nosology. We performed a single‐center retrospective study on the incidence of head and neck symptoms in 140 patients with hypermobility disorders over a 2‐year period. Overall, 93 patients (66%) reported either headache or neck pain with 49 of those (53%) reporting both. Migraine (83%) was the most common headache type among those with headache disorders and cervical spondylosis (61%) the most common pathology among those with neck symptoms. Fifty‐nine percent of spondylosis patients who underwent cervical facet procedures reported significant improvement in neck and head symptoms. Of patients with both head and neck complaints, 82% had both migraine and spondylosis, which, when combined with the high response rate to injections raises the possibility of cervicogenic headache. In this large multidisciplinary retrospective study of patients with hypermobility disorders, head and neck symptoms were highly prevalent, with migraine and cervical spondylosis common, often coexisting, and frequently responsive to targeted therapy for the cervical spine suggesting that degenerative spinal pathology may cause or contribute to headache symptoms in some patients with hypermobility disorders.
Investigating genetic correlation and causality between nicotine dependence and ADHD in a broader psychiatric context
Authors: Vink Jacqueline M. , Treur Jorien L. , Pasman Joëlle A. , Schellekens Arnt
Published: September 2020

People with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other psychiatric disorders show high rates of nicotine dependence (ND). This comorbidity might be (partly) explained by shared genetic factors. Genetic correlations between ND and ADHD (or other psychiatric disorders) have not yet been estimated. A significant genetic correlation might indicate genetic overlap, but could also reflect a causal relationship. In the present study we investigated the genetic correlation (with LD score regression analyses) between ND and ADHD, as well as between ND and other major psychiatric conditions (major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum, anorexia nervosa, and antisocial behavior) based on the summary statistics of large Genome Wide Association studies. We explored the causal nature of the relationship between ND and ADHD using two‐sample Mendelian randomization. We found a high genetic correlation between ND and ADHD (rg = .53, p = 1.85 × 10−13), and to a lesser extent also between ND‐major depressive disorder (rg = .42, p = 3.6 × 10−11) and ND‐schizophrenia (rg = .18, p = 1.1 × 10−3). We did not find evidence for a causal relationship from liability for ADHD to ND (which could be due to a lack of power). The strong genetic correlations might reflect different phenotypic manifestations of (partly) shared underlying genetic vulnerabilities. Combined with the lack of evidence for a causal relationship from liability for ADHD to ND, these findings stress the importance to further investigate the underlying genetic vulnerability explaining co‐morbidity in psychiatric disorders.
A text mining analysis of perceptions of the COVID‐19 pandemic among final‐year medical students
Authors: Komasawa Nobuyasu , Terasaki Fumio , Nakano Takashi , Saura Ryuichi , Kawata Ryo
Published: September 2020

Aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has presented various challenges to medical schools. We performed a text mining analysis via essay task to clarify perceptions among final‐year medical students toward the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We posed the following essay question to 124 final‐year medical students: “What should medical staff do during the COVID‐19 pandemic; what should you do?” Responses were subjected to quantitative analysis using a text mining approach. Frequently occurring key words were extracted, followed by multidimensional scaling and co‐occurrence network calculations.

Results

Of the 124 students, 123 (99.2%) responded to the essay question. The following seven key words were identified as high‐frequency words: medical, infection, patient, human, myself, doctor, and information. Co‐occurrence network calculations revealed that the word “medical” had a high degree of correlation with most key words, except for “doctor.” The word “myself” was correlated with not only “medical” but also “infection,” “human,” and “doctor.”

Conclusion

Our analysis of perceptions among final‐year medical students toward the COVID‐19 pandemic revealed that most medical students are strongly affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and are motivated to work as physicians among health care professionals.
Mechanische Verstärkung von Coiled Coils mit Lactam und Histidin‐Metall‐Klammern
Authors: López‐García Patricia , de Araujo Aline D. , Bergues‐Pupo Ana E. , Tunn Isabell , Fairlie David P. , Blank Kerstin G.
Published: September 2020

Coiled Coils (CCs) sind vielversprechende Proteinbausteine für biomimetische Materialien, die aufgrund ihrer mechanischen Eigenschaften vermehrt genutzt werden. In dieser Arbeit wurden Helix‐induzierende makrozyklische Klammern in ein CC‐Heterodimer eingefügt, um die thermodynamische und mechanische Stabilität dieses CCs zu erhöhen. Die thermodynamische Stabilisierung des CCs wird durch die Anzahl der Klammern bestimmt, während die mechanische Stabilisierung gegen Helixentfaltung primär von der Position der Klammer abhängt. Wird an einem Kraftangriffspunkt eine kovalente Lactam‐Klammer eingefügt, erhöht dies die Energiebarriere der Entfaltung und führt zu einer verringerten Deformierbarkeit der Helix. Eine reversible His‐Ni2+‐His Koordinationsklammer hingegen erhöht zwar die Energiebarriere, bricht jedoch bei hoher mechanischer Belastung und erlaubt so die Entfaltung der Helix vom Kraftangriffspunkt aus. Dies verdeutlicht, dass sowohl die Art der Klammer als auch ihre Position und Anzahl wichtige Schlüsselfaktoren für die Entwicklung von mechanisch stabilen CC‐Bausteinen für biomimetische Materialen darstellen.
Synthesis and characterization of dicyclic silicon‐/phosphorus‐grafted alumina and its application in improving flame retardancy of epoxy resin
Authors: Luo Xia , Hu Huan , Ma Jiajun , Huang Yawen , Yang Junxiao
Published: September 2020

A new phosphorous/silicon/aluminum hybrid flame retardant (SAlu) was prepared by a surface grafting modification of alumina with a polymer (SDPS). The polymer was prepared by a condensation reaction between 3,9‐dichloro‐2,4,8,10‐tetrahydroxy‐3,9‐diphosphate heterocyclic‐3,9‐dioxide [5.5] undecane (SPDPC) and diphenyldisiloxol. The structure of the SAlu was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis absorption, and particle size analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that SPDS was grafted over 40% of the alumina surface. When introduced into epoxy resin, SAlu effectively improved the thermal stability and carbonization rate of the epoxy composites at high temperature. Carbonization studies showed that SAlu promoted formation of a ceramic‐carbon coking structure with a porous morphology of aggregates, which isolate combustible materials, heat, and oxygen. These features improved the flame retardant performance of the composite. The solidified materials were evenly dispersed in the network structure to improve the elastic deformation ability and glass transition temperature of the solidified resin.
Motion control for uniaxial rotational molding
Authors: Adams Jonathan , Jin Yan , Barnes David , Butterfield Joseph , Kearnes Mark
Published: September 2020

Motion control parameters of rotational molding can affect process efficiency and product quality. Different motion control schemes will lead to varied powder flow regimes exhibiting different levels of mixing and temperature uniformity. The change in nature of powder flow during a molding cycle suggests that varying the rotational speed could improve the powder mixing and temperature uniformity, therefore potentially reducing processing time and energy consumption. Experiments completed investigating powder flow under uniaxial rotation show that savings of up to 2.5% of the heating cycle time can be achieved. This validates the hypothesis that altering the rotational speed to maintain the ideal powder flow throughout the heating cycle can be utilized to reduce the time taken for all the polymer powder to adhere to the mold wall. The effect of rotational speed on wall thickness uniformity and impact strength were investigated and discussed. Results show a strong influence of rotational speed (and powder flow) on the wall thickness uniformity of the moldings with wall thickness uniformity deviations of up to 50% found (within the 2–35 RPM speed range tested).
Modulation of Cardiometabolic Disease Markers by Type I Interferon Inhibition in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Casey Kerry A. , Smith Michael A. , Sinibaldi Dominic , Seto Nickie L. , Playford Martin P. , Wang Xinghao , Carlucci Philip M. , Wang Liangwei , Illei Gabor , Yu Binbing , Wang Shiliang , Remaley Alan T. , Mehta Nehal N. , Kaplan Mariana J. , White Wendy I.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Neutrophil dysregulation and the type I interferon (IFN) axis have been proposed to contribute to premature cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the present study, we evaluated the ability of anifrolumab, a type I IFN receptor–blocking antibody, to reduce neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and modulate cardiometabolic disease markers in comparison to placebo.

Methods

Study subjects comprised patients with moderate‐to‐severe SLE who were enrolled in phase IIb of the MUSE trial (A Phase II, Randomized Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of MEDI‐546 in Subjects with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), with healthy individuals as controls. Blood samples were collected from SLE patients (n = 305) and healthy controls (n = 10–20) before the initiation of treatment (baseline) and from SLE patients after they had been treated with 300 mg of anifrolumab (n = 99) or placebo (n = 102). Baseline IFN gene signature test status was determined, and the IFN gene signature (21‐gene panel) was monitored over time. Serum proteins were measured by multiplex immunoassay or ultrasensitive Simoa assay. NET complexes, cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), and glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA) and other lipid parameters were assessed in plasma.

Results

Formation of NET complexes and levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) were correlated with extent of type I IFN pathway activity. NET complexes and IL‐10 levels were up‐regulated in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.008). The cardiometabolic disease markers CEC and GlycA were also found to be dysregulated in patients with SLE (P < 0.001 versus healthy controls). Type I IFN receptor inhibition with anifrolumab significantly reduced NET complexes and GlycA and improved CEC compared to baseline (P < 0.05) whereas no improvements were seen with placebo. Levels of TNF and IL‐10 were reduced with anifrolumab compared to placebo (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These data support a key role for type I IFNs in modulating factors contributing to SLE vasculopathy and suggest that inhibition of this pathway could decrease cardiovascular risk in individuals with SLE.
Instandsetzung von gefugten Betonflächen mit einer dünnen Schicht aus Carbonbeton
Authors: Farwig Kristina , Neumann Julia , Schneider Robert , Breitenbücher Rolf , Curbach Manfred
Published: September 2020

Ein typisches Anwendungsfeld für gefugte Betonflächen sind Betonfahrbahnen. Diese sind hohen Beanspruchungen aus dem Verkehrsaufkommen und extremen Witterungsbedingungen ausgesetzt. Um wilde Risse aus daraus entstehenden Zwangsspannungen zu verhindern, werden in der Regel Querscheinfugen eingebracht. Diese stellen jedoch zugleich eine Schwachstelle im Beton dar, sodass eine kontinuierliche Instandhaltung und Wartung notwendig werden. Eine ökologisch und ökonomisch sinnvolle Alternative zur Erneuerung der gesamten Betondecke ist die Sanierung der Betonfahrbahn mithilfe einer fugenlosen und zugleich dünnen Deckschicht aus Carbonbeton. Eine Trennung des Verbunds zwischen Alt‐ und Carbonbeton im Bereich der Querscheinfuge gewährleistet die Verteilung entstehender Risse und die Reduzierung der Einzelrissbreiten durch multiple Rissbildung. Flüssigkeiten können so weniger tief in den Beton eindringen und schaden weder dem Altbeton noch der korrosionsresistenten Carbonbewehrung.
Nesting and fate of transplanted stem cells in hypoxic/ischemic injured tissues: The role ofHIF1α/sirtuins and downstream molecular interactions
Authors: Barzegari Abolfazl , Omidi Yadollah , Gueguen Virginie , Meddahi‐Pellé Anne , Letourneur Didier , Pavon‐Djavid Graciela
Published: September 2020

The nesting mechanisms and programming for the fate of implanted stem cells in the damaged tissue have been critical issues in designing and achieving cell therapies. The fracture site can induce senescence or apoptosis based on the surrounding harsh conditions, hypoxia, and oxidative stress (OS). Respiration deficiency, disruption in energy metabolism, and consequently OS induction change the biophysical, biochemical, and cellular components of the native tissue. Additionally, the homeostatic molecular players and cell signaling might be changed. Despite all aforementioned issues, in the native stem cell niche, physiological hypoxia is not toxic; rather, it is vitally required for homing, self‐renewal, and differentiation. Hence, the key macromolecular players involved in the support of stem cell survival and re‐adaptation to a new dysfunctional niche must be understood for managing the cell therapy outcome. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha is the master transcriptional regulator, involved in the cell response to hypoxia and the adaptation of stem cells to a new niche. This protein is regulated by interaction with sirtuins. Sirtuins are highly conserved NAD+‐dependent enzymes that monitor the cellular energy status and modulate gene transcription, genome stability, and energy metabolism in response to environmental signals to modulate the homing and fate of stem cells. Herein, new insights into the nesting of stem cells in hypoxic–ischemic injured tissues were provided and their programming in a new dysfunctional niche along with the involved complex macromolecular players were critically discussed.
Circulating miR‐155, let‐7c, miR‐21, and PTEN levels in differential diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis and breast cancer
Authors: Aksan Hulya , Kundaktepe Berrin Papila , Sayili Ugurcan , Velidedeoglu Mehmet , Simsek Gonul , Koksal Selcuk , Gelisgen Remise , Yaylim Ilhan , Uzun Hafize
Published: September 2020

This study investigates whether the circulating miR‐155, let‐7c, miR‐21, and PTEN levels to be used in the differential diagnosis of patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and breast cancer (BC). Forty‐five patients with BC, 50 patients with IGM, and 48 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum miR‐21 expression was significantly higher in BC (fold change = 2.42) and IGM group (fold change = 1.33) compared to control (p < .001). Serum miR‐155 and let‐7c expression levels were significantly lower in both groups compared to the control group (p < .001). miR‐21 expression in BC was significantly higher than IGM (fold change = 1.976; p < .001). PTEN levels in BC were significantly higher than IGM (p < .001) and significantly lower than the control group (p < .001); the IGM group was significantly lower than the control group (p < .001). In addition to radiological data, serum miR‐21 and PTEN levels may be noninvasive biomarkers that can help differentiate IGM from BC. The results of the study will lead to future studies in the differential diagnosis of IGM and BC.
Dynamic co‐culture metabolic models reveal the fermentation dynamics, metabolic capacities and interplays of cheese starter cultures
Authors: Özcan Emrah , Seven Merve , Şirin Burcu , Çakır Tunahan , Nikerel Emrah , Teusink Bas , Toksoy Öner Ebru
Published: September 2020

In this study, we have investigated the cheese starter culture as a microbial community through a question: can the metabolic behaviour of a co‐culture be explained by the characterized individual organism that constituted the co‐culture? To address this question, the dairy‐origin lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, commonly used in cheese starter cultures, were grown in pure and four different co‐cultures. We used a dynamic metabolic modelling approach based on the integration of the genome‐scale metabolic networks of the involved organisms to simulate the co‐cultures. The strain‐specific kinetic parameters of dynamic models were estimated using the pure culture experiments and they were subsequently applied to co‐culture models. Biomass, carbon source, lactic acid and most of the amino acid concentration profiles simulated by the co‐culture models fit closely to the experimental results and the co‐culture models explained the mechanisms behind the dynamic microbial abundance. We then applied the co‐culture models to estimate further information on the co‐cultures that could not be obtained by the experimental method used. This includes estimation of the profile of various metabolites in the co‐culture medium such as flavour compounds produced and the individual organism level metabolic exchange flux profiles, which revealed the potential metabolic interactions between organisms in the co‐cultures.
Development and validation of prognostic nomogram in patients with nonmetastatic malignant melanoma: a SEER population‐based study
Authors: Xiao Yu , Peng Shanshan , Hu Youhong , Zhang Jie , Cao Xianwei
Published: September 2020

Background

The condition of tumor recurrence and overall death can be worried in the progress of nonmetastatic malignant melanoma (NMMM). Our goal was to construct and validate a prognostic nomogram from a large population database, which is vital for physicians to predict the 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates of patients with NMMM.

Methods

According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, patients were collected and randomly assigned into the training and validation cohorts. Several independent risk factors were identified based on the methods of univariable and multivariable cox hazards regression and were incorporated to develop a nomogram. The concordance index (C‐index), the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUC) curve and calibration plot were confirmed to assess predictive power of the nomogram. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to measure nomogram for the clinical practice.

Results

A total of 66192 eligible patients, randomly assigned into 70% of training (n = 46 336) and 30% of validation cohorts (n = 19 856), were selected in this study. The selected independent factors were applied to develop a nomogram, and validated indexes indicated nomogram had a good discrimination ability. The C‐index for OS rates was 0.817 (95% CI: 0.811‐0.823) in training cohort and 0.817 (95% CI: 0.809‐0.825) in validation cohort, respectively. The AUCs of 3‐ and 5‐year OS rates were more than 0.79, and the calibration plots also showed a good power for the nomogram. DCA demonstrated that constructed nomogram can provide clinical net benefit.

Conclusion

We constructed a novel nomogram that more accurately and comprehensively predict OS with nonmetastatic malignant melanoma patients, which is vital for clinician to improve individual treatment, make reasonable clinical decisions, and set appropriate follow‐up strategies.
Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Severe COVID‐19 Infection in Cancer Patients
Authors: Tremblay Douglas , Seah Carina , Schneider Thomas , Bhalla Sheena , Feld Jonathan , Naymagon Leonard , Wang Bo , Patel Vaibhav , Jun Tomi , Jandl Thomas , Rahman Farah , Liu Sean T. H. , Aberg Judith A. , Bouvier Nicole ,   The Mount Sinai Health System Convalescent Plasma Team
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with malignancy are particularly vulnerable to infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Disease‐Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) given their immunodeficiency secondary to their underlying disease and cancer‐directed therapy. We report a case series of patients with cancer who received convalescent plasma, an investigational therapy for severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

Patients with cancer were identified who received convalescent plasma. Enrolled patients had confirmed COVID‐19 with severe or life‐threatening disease and were transfused with convalescent plasma from donors with a SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐spike antibody titer of ≥ 1:320 dilution. Oxygen requirements and clinical outcomes of interests were captured as well as laboratory parameters at baseline and 3 days after treatment.

Results

We identified 24 patients with cancer, 14 of whom had a hematological malignancy, who were treated with convalescent plasma. Fifteen patients (62.5%) were on cancer‐directed treatment at the time of COVID‐19 infection. After a median of hospital duration of 9 days, 13 patients (54.2%) had been discharged home, 1 patient (4.2%) was still hospitalized, and 10 patients had died (41.7%). Non‐intubated patients, particularly those on nasal cannula alone, had favorable outcomes. Three mild febrile non‐hemolytic transfusion reactions were observed. C‐reactive protein significantly decreased after 3 days of treatment, while other laboratory parameters including ferritin and D‐dimer remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Convalescent plasma may be a promising therapy in cancer patients with COVID‐19.
Differences and Correlations of Morphological Characteristics and Fatty Acid Profiles of Seeds of Toona sinensis
Authors: Su Shang , Wang Li‐Jin , Ni Jian‐Wei , Geng Yong‐Hang , Xu Xin‐Qiao
Published: September 2020

Toona sinensis (A.Juss.) M.Roem., a multi‐purpose tree of Meliaceae, is widely distributed and intensively cultivated in Asia, yet its high yielding, lipid‐rich seeds are rarely exploited. The present study systematically analyzed the differences and correlations of seed morphological characteristics and fatty acid (FA) profiles of 62 representative T. sinensis germplasms distributed across northern to southern China. T. sinensis seeds were rich in total FAs (TFA, 107.03–176.18 mg/g). Additionally, linoleic acid (54.69–100.59 mg/g), α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 22.47–45.02 mg/g), oleic acid (OA, 5.12–23.94 mg/g), palmitic acid (6.87–14.14 mg/g), stearic acid (SA, 3.13–6.57 mg/g) and elaidic acid (1.70–2.88 mg/g) were the major FAs measured by GC/MS analysis. Size (average width of 3.94±0.01 mm and length of 5.79±0.02 mm) and mass (average thousand‐seed weight of 10.52±0.17 g) were greater in T. sinensis seeds collected south than north of 30° latitude. These traits were also positively correlated with unsaturated FA content and negatively related to SA and saturated FA contents (P<0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between seed length and polyunsaturated FA (R2=0.370) and ALA levels (R2=0.296), as well as between thousand‐seed weight and monounsaturated FAs (R2=0.309) and OA levels (R2=0.297) (P<0.05). Seventeen T. sinensis germplasms gathered by cluster analysis as cluster IV were determined as desirable for oil processing due to their higher TFA and ALA contents and greater seed size and mass than others. Generally, the wider, heavier, and especially longer seeds of T. sinensis contain much higher levels of FAs, especially ALA, and are the more promising sources for breeding and the oil processing industry.
Management of cracked tooth using simvastatin as intracanal medicament
Authors: Fawzy Mohamed , Alhadainy Hatem A. , Salah‐Uddin Muhammad , Abdulrab Saleem
Published: September 2020

Cracked tooth syndrome is presented as pain associated with biting and sensitivity. Intracanal medication with simvastatin stimulates hard tissue formation at crack line, and the tooth was functioning on the follow‐ups.
Osteochondroma of the distal tibia in an 8‐year‐old child: Do we need to excise a benign tumor?
Authors: Galanis Nikiforos , Delniotis Ioannis , Noussios George , Katsourakis Anastasios , Kitridis Dimitrios , Leidinger Benedikt , Givissis Panagiotis
Published: September 2020

Osteochondromas are benign tumors that can be responsible for angular deformities, limb‐length discrepancy, and impending fractures of the neighboring bones. The risk of future fractures and joint malalignment is an indication for surgical intervention.
Chemo‐Enzymatic Synthesis of S. mansoni O‐Glycans and Their Evaluation as Ligands for C‐Type Lectin Receptors MGL, DC‐SIGN, and DC‐SIGNR
Authors: Pham Julie , Hernandez Alvaro , Cioce Anna , Achilli Silvia , Goti Giulio , Vivès Corinne , Thepaut Michel , Bernardi Anna , Fieschi Franck , Reichardt Niels‐Christian
Published: September 2020

Due to their interactions with C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs), glycans from the helminth Schistosoma mansoni represent promising leads for treatment of autoimmune diseases, allergies or cancer. We chemo‐enzymatically synthesized nine O‐glycans based on the two predominant O‐glycan cores observed in the infectious stages of schistosomiasis, the mucin core 2 and the S. mansoni core. The O‐glycans were fucosylated next to a selection of N‐glycans directly on a microarray slide using a recombinant fucosyltransferase and GDP‐fucose or GDP‐6‐azidofucose as donor. Binding assays with fluorescently labelled human CLRs DC‐SIGN, DC‐SIGNR and MGL revealed the novel O‐glycan O8 as the best ligand for MGL from our panel. Significant binding to DC‐SIGN was also found for azido‐fucosylated glycans. Contrasting binding specificities were observed between the monovalent carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) and the tetravalent extracellular domain (ECD) of DC‐SIGNR.
Utilization of CO2 Feedstock for Organic Synthesis by Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Pradhan Suman , Roy Sourav , Sahoo Basudev , Chatterjee Indranil
Published: September 2020

CO2 is a highly abundant, green, and sustainable carbon feedstock. Despite its kinetic inertness and thermodynamic stability, the development of various catalytic techniques has enabled the conversion of CO2 to value‐added products such as carboxylic acids, amino acids, and heterocyclic compounds, where visible‐light photocatalysis has emerged to be an efficient promoter of these processes. This Minireview covers the progress in the areas of CO2 incorporation onto organic matters based on the combined venture of renewable resources of CO2 and light energy with significant emphasis on the last three years’ developments.
Directing Group‐Promoted Inert C−O Bond Activation Using Versatile Boronic Acid as a Coupling Agent
Authors: Ambre Ram , Wang Ting‐Hsuan , Xian Anmei , Chen Yu‐Shiuan , Liang Yu‐Fu , Jurca Titel , Zhao Lili , Ong Tiow‐Gan
Published: September 2020

A simple Ni(cod)2 and carbene mediated strategy facilitates the efficient catalytic cross‐coupling of methoxyarenes with a variety of organoboron reagents. Directing groups facilitate the activation of inert C−O bonds in under‐utilized aryl methyl ethers enabling their adaptation for C−C cross‐coupling reactions as less toxic surrogates to the ubiquitous haloarenes. The method reported enables C−C cross‐coupling with readily available and economical arylboronic acid reagents, which is unprecedented, and compares well with other organoboron reagents with similarly high reactivity. Extension to directing group assisted chemo‐selective C−O bond cleavage, and further application towards the synthesis of novel bifunctionalized biaryls is reported. Key to the success of this protocol is the use of directing groups proximal to the reaction center to facilitate the activation of the inert C−OMe bond.
Schneller zum Digitalen Zwilling
Authors:   Codewerk GmbH, Karsruhe
Published: September 2020

Plattformen für das Industrial Internet of Things gibt es inzwischen mehrere ‐ doch brauchbare, schnell einführbare Lösungen in Form von Apps mit direktem Praxisnutzen, noch eher wenige. Eine davon stellen nun die Entwickler von Codewerk vor: Den Visual Hierarchy Modeler.
Hochflexibel filtern
Authors: Süß Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

Unbeständige Märkte, häufigere Produktwechsel: In der feinchemischen und pharmazeutischen Industrie steigt der Bedarf an flexiblen Anlagen. Modular aufgebaute Produktionssysteme ermöglichen kürzere Markteinführungszeiten und beschleunigte Engineering‐PhasUnbeständige Märkte, häufigere Produktwechsel: In der feinchemischen und pharmazeutischen Industrie steigt der Bedarf an flexiblen Anlagen. Modular aufgebaute Produktionssysteme ermöglichen kürzere Markteinführungszeiten und beschleunigte Engineering‐Phasen. Für die Fest‐Flüssig‐Trennung hat BHS‐Sonthofen nun ein neues Anlagenkonzept umgesetzt. Das Ergebnis: eine modulare Versuchsanlage inklusive Druckdrehfilter.
Aufbereitung ist alles
Authors: Gerl Stefan
Published: September 2020

Bei der Verhüttung von Erzen fallen Stäube an, die noch geringe Mengen an Metallen enthalten. In der Vergangenheit wurden die Stäube in oberirdischen Lagern deponiert. Lange Zeit war es – auch wegen relativ niedriger Metallpreise – wirtschaftlich nicht interessant, Metalle aus diesen Abfallstoffen zurückzugewinnen. In vielen Ländern erlauben neue gesetzliche Vorgaben zukünftig keine oberirdische Deponierung mehr. In Verbindung mit den heute deutlich höheren Metallpreisen stellt eine Verwertung der fortlaufend anfallenden aber auch der deponierten Stäube eine wirtschaftlich interessante Alternative zur Deponierung unter Tage dar. Die Dispergier‐ und Trocknungstechnik von EIRICH ermöglicht eine wirtschaftliche Aufbereitung.
Development and Assembly of a Flow Cell for Single‐Pass Continuous Electroorganic Synthesis Using Laser‐Cut Components
Authors: Jud Wolfgang , Kappe C. Oliver , Cantillo David
Published: September 2020

Flow electrolysis cells are essential for the scale up of synthetic organic electrochemistry. We have developed a simple and inexpensive parallel plate flow cell that can be easily assembled using a stack of laser‐cut Mylar foils, which act as gaskets, insulating material, interelectrode gap and flow channel. The ease with which the laser‐cutting pattern can be customized has enabled the development of interelectrode separators with mixing geometries, which improve the mass transfer and thus the current efficiency. The performance of the flow electrolysis cell has been evaluated using the anodic decarboxylative methoxylation of diphenylacetic acid as model transformation. Very high conversions and selectivities have been achieved with single‐pass processing, with nearly quantitative current efficiency in some cases.
Quality reporting in postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
Authors: Daneshmand Siamak
Published: September 2020

Surgical resection of residual masses after chemotherapy remains a critical component of the management of patients with metastatic germ cell tumors. There are clear indications for postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC‐RPLND), which remains one of the most challenging procedures urologists perform. In their article in this issue of Cancer, Umbreit et al report their institutional intraoperative and postoperative complications during PC‐RPLND using a validated tool.
Exploring consumer participation in environment management: Findings from two‐staged structural equation modelling‐artificial neural network approach
Authors: Najmi Arsalan , Kanapathy Kanagi , Aziz Azmin A.
Published: September 2020

A manufacturer's extended producer responsibility for environment management cannot be fulfilled without the participation of end consumers. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the role of consumers in recycling programs of end of life mobile phones. Based on the theory of planned behavior, hypotheses were developed for which data was collected from 746 respondents and a two staged structural equation modelling‐artificial neural network was applied. Both techniques generated similar results which provides validation of the hypothesized relationships. Based on the findings, results are discussed and accordingly policy implications are recommended.
Diversification of the Renewable Furanic Platform via 5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural‐Based Carbon Nucleophiles
Authors: Miao Haoqian , Shevchenko Nikolay , Otsuki Andrew L. , Mascal Mark
Published: September 2020

Biobased 5‐(chloromethyl)furoate and 5‐methylfuroate esters can be deprotonated to function as furylogous lithium enolates, and the former can also undergo zinc insertion to access Reformatsky‐type chemistry. Carbon nucleophilicity represents hitherto little‐explored reactivity in these key carbohydrate‐derived platform molecules, expanding their synthetic utility and potentially opening up new sustainable product markets (e. g., in epoxy resins or biobased dyes).
Catalytic Hydrogenation/Hydrogenolysis of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Dimethylfuran
Authors: Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Ruiz Doris , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: September 2020

Recent developments in transformations of biobased 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐dimethylfuran, a potential liquid fuel, are critically summarized. The highest yield of 2,5‐dimethylfuran (more than 98 %) from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural are obtained over bimetallic Cu−Co supported on carbon at 180 °C under 5 bar hydrogen in 2‐propanol and over Ni supported on mesoporous carbon at 200 °C under 30 bar hydrogen in water in a batch reactor. The desired catalyst should have relatively high metal dispersion and some acidity to facilitate both hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis. However, overhydrogenation and overhydrogenolysis forming 2,5‐dimethyltetrahydrofuran and methylfuran, respectively, should be suppressed. Furthermore, a hydrophobic support is more selective than oxide‐based support. After a careful adjustment of the residence time in a continuous reactor it is also possible to produce high yields of 2,5‐dimethylfuran even over Pt/C. The main challenges limiting the industrial feasibility of these reactions are relatively low initial reactant concentration, catalyst deactivation by sintering, leaching and coking. In addition to selection of optimum reaction conditions and catalyst properties, kinetic modelling was also summarized.
Retracted: CD248 as a novel therapeutic target in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Xu Tao , Shao Lei , Wang Aimei , Liang Rui , Lin Yuhan , Wang Guan , Zhao Yan , Hu Jing , Liu Shuangyue
Published: September 2020

Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the most important pathological characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). No effective treatment for PAH is currently available because the mechanism underlying vascular remodeling is not completely clear. CD248, also known as endosialin, is a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in pericytes and fibroblasts. Here, we evaluated the role of CD248 in pulmonary vascular remodeling and the processes of PAH pathogenesis. Activation of CD248 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) was found to be proportional to the severity of PAH. CD248 contributed to platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB)‐induced PASMC proliferation and migration along with the shift to more synthetic phenotypes. In contrast, treatment with Cd248 siRNA or the anti‐CD248 therapeutic antibody (ontuxizumab) significantly inhibited the PDGF signaling pathway, obstructed NF‐κB p65‐mediated transcription of Nox4, and decreased reactive oxygen species production induced by PDGF‐BB in PAMSCs. In addition, knockdown of CD248 alleviated pulmonary vascular remodeling in rat PAH models. This study provides novel insights into the dysfunction of PASMCs leading to pulmonary vascular remodeling, and provides evidence for anti‐remodeling treatment for PAH via the immediate targeting of CD248.
Modified congener analysis: Quantification of cyanide in whole blood, other body fluids, and diverse beverages
Authors: Sundermann Tom R. , Schmitt Georg , Bartel Marc
Published: September 2020

The congener analysis is routinely used for the determination of volatile compounds in body fluids and beverages for forensic investigations. Although intoxications with cyanide via smoke inhalation or ingestion of cyanide salts are frequently encountered in forensic medicine, the inclusion of hydrogen cyanide in this analysis was never studied in detail. In this work, a very simple, fast, and sensitive quantification method with headspace gas chromatography and flame ionization detection for the analysis of cyanide in whole blood—was developed and validated. In contrast to the standard sample preparation of the congener analysis, an acidification step with tartaric acid was added. A limit of detection of 50 ng/ml, good linearity (coefficient of correlation > 0.9997), high accuracy (101.5%–106.4%), and precision (relative standard deviation 1.8%–3.7%) were achieved. Authentic blood samples of 10 forensic cases were investigated with the new method. Furthermore, the method was used for the quantification of cyanide in other body fluids (serum and urine) and diverse beverages. Interferences were investigated, and the addition of aldehydes produced a clear concentration‐dependent decrease of the cyanide signal. Besides, the method offers an economical use of limited sample material by the simultaneous determination of cyanide, ethanol, and congener alcohols.
Hypoxia inducible factor‐2α importance for migration, proliferation, and self‐renewal of trunk neural crest cells
Authors: Niklasson Camilla U. , Fredlund Elina , Monni Emanuela , Lindvall Jessica M. , Kokaia Zaal , Hammarlund Emma U. , Bronner Marianne E. , Mohlin Sofie
Published: September 2020

Background

The neural crest is a transient embryonic stem cell population. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐2α is associated with neural crest stem cell appearance and aggressiveness in tumors. However, little is known about its role in normal neural crest development.

Results

Here, we show that HIF‐2α is expressed in trunk neural crest cells of human, murine, and avian embryos. Knockdown as well as overexpression of HIF‐2α in vivo causes developmental delays, induces proliferation, and self‐renewal capacity of neural crest cells while decreasing the proportion of neural crest cells that migrate ventrally to sympathoadrenal sites. Reflecting the in vivo phenotype, transcriptome changes after loss of HIF‐2α reveal enrichment of genes associated with cancer, invasion, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, and growth arrest.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that expression levels of HIF‐2α must be strictly controlled during normal trunk neural crest development and that dysregulated levels affects several important features connected to stemness, migration, and development.