bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in AIEgen‐Based Photodynamic Therapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Zha Menglei , Yang Guang , Li Yaxi , Zhang Chen , Li Bo , Li Kai
Published: September 2021

Cancer, one of the leading causes of death, has seriously threatened public health. However, there is still a lack of effective treatments. Nowadays, photodynamic therapy (PDT), relying on photosensitizers to trigger the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for killing cancer cells, has been emerging as a noninvasive anti‐cancer strategy. To enhance the overall anti‐cancer efficacy of PDT, various approaches including molecular design and combination with other therapeutic techniques have been proposed and implemented. Especially, photodynamic immunotherapy that can effectively evoke the body's immune response has attracted much attention. Recently, a class of photosensitizers with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) character have shown unique promises, taking advantage of their profound fluorescence and ROS‐generating ability in the aggregation state. Despite the promising results demonstrated by several groups, the associated studies are few and the mechanism of such AIEgen‐based photodynamic immunotherapy has not been fully understood. This review discusses the recent advances in the AIEgen‐based enhanced PDT with a special focus on the AIE photosensitizers for photodynamic immunotherapy, aiming to inspire more opportunities for in‐depth investigation of the working principles in this emerging anti‐cancer approach.
One Week Sustained In Vivo Therapeutic Release and Safety of Novel Extended‐Wear Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
Authors: DiPasquale Stephen A. , Wuchte Liana D. , Mosley Robert J. , Demarest Renee M. , Voyles Meredith L. , Byrne Mark E.
Published: September 2021

Since the seminal work of Wichterle in 1965 describing the first soft contact lenses and their potential for ocular drug delivery, the field has yet to realize his vision. Maintaining all lens commercial properties combined with a mechanism for controlled drug release of therapeutically relevant concentrations for duration of wear is a major challenge. Here, successful in vivo week‐long sustained release of a small molecular weight therapeutic in rabbits from extended‐wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses meeting all commercial specifications by utilizing a novel macromolecular memory strategy is reported for the first time. Lens‐treated eyes show a continuous, therapeutically relevant bromfenac tear concentration of 256.4 ± 23.1 µg mL−1 for 8 days. Bromday (bromfenac ophthalmic solution, 0.09%, Bausch+Lomb) topical drops exhibit a quick peak concentration of 269.3 ± 85.7 µg mL−1 and 100 min duration. Bioavailability (AUC0‐8days) and mean residence time of lenses are 26 and 155 times higher than drops, respectively. Lenses are safe, well tolerated, and no corneal histological differences are observed. This work highlights the enormous potential of drug releasing lenses as a platform strategy, and offers a new dropless clinical strategy for post‐cataract, uveitis, post‐LASIK, and corneal abrasion treatment.
Ultrafast Nonlinear Pulse Propagation Dynamics in Metal–Dielectric Periodic Photonic Architectures
Authors: Acharyya Jitendra Nath , Mishra Akhilesh Kumar , Rao Desai Narayana , Kumar Ajit , Prakash Gaddam Vijaya
Published: September 2021

1D metal–dielectric (MD) periodic structures take advantage of large refractive index contrast between metal and dielectrics to invoke extremely high nonlinear ultrafast responses of metal. These structures are also special due to their extremely high laser damage threshold. The Bragg‐like 1D MD structure (Ag/SiO2)4 enables strong optical field confinement with much enhanced nonlinear features as compared to simple metal or single (Ag/SiO2)1 structure. In the present work, the ultrafast nonlinear optical responses of the above structures are investigated via femtosecond broadband optical pump–probe technique. The enhanced nonlinear optical absorption is of reverse saturation of absorption nature, resulted due to free‐carrier absorption and excited‐state absorption processes. The spectral nonlinearities are closely related to the pump‐induced modification of the metal's dielectric functions, which are qualitatively visualized by transfer matrix and two‐temperature models. The ultrafast temporal evolution of nonlinear absorption clearly demonstrates enhanced optical nonlinearity, disentangled by the electron–electron and electron–phonon dynamic interactions at picosecond time scales. A phenomenological pulse propagation model is employed that incorporates the experimentally obtained nonlinear absorption coefficients and different nonlinear effects exhibited by the system. The findings of these new optical materials can possibly pave the way for promising applications in ultrafast photonics.
Synergy between Fermi Level of Graphene and Morphology of Polymer Film Allows Broadband or Wavelength‐Sensitive Photodetection
Authors: Yu Miao , Chen Yu , Chen Yong‐Gang , Yang Zhi‐Yong , Zhang Wei‐Feng , Yu Gui
Published: September 2021

Deliberately tuning the photodetecting performances of polymer/graphene (G) hybrid films through a simple approach and understanding its underlying mechanisms are of significance for developing related devices. Herein, photodetecting features of polymer/G films are successfully tuned from broadband to IR/UV sensitive through a simple thermal treatment, providing optional working modes for varied demands. The morphologies and electronic/photodetecting properties of polymer/G hybrids are characterized in detail through atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, grazing‐incident wide angle X‐ray scattering, field effect transistor devices, and density functional theory calculations. The results suggest that the synergetic effect between Fermi level of G and morphologies of polymer film is responsible for the altered sensitivities to different radiations. The former factor shifts the energy barrier of charge carrier transferring for photocurrent generation, while the latter modifies the absorption capabilities of polymer films to the specific lights. Thus, in this work, besides proposing an in‐principle multimode photodetecting device for different applications, the intrinsic mechanisms behind the performance modifications and the robust capabilities of simple thermal treatments on tuning activities of polymer/G devices are revealed as well, which provide valuable supports for developing efficient photosensing devices in a facile and rational approach.
Recent Advances in Multilayer‐Structure Dielectrics for Energy Storage Application
Authors: Feng Mengjia , Feng Yu , Zhang Tiandong , Li Jinglei , Chen Qingguo , Chi Qingguo , Lei Qingquan
Published: September 2021

An electrostatic capacitor has been widely used in many fields (such as high pulsed power technology, new energy vehicles, etc.) due to its ultrahigh discharge power density. Remarkable progress has been made over the past 10 years by doping ferroelectric ceramics into polymers because the dielectric constant is positively correlated with the energy storage density. However, this method often leads to an increase in dielectric loss and a decrease in energy storage efficiency. Therefore, the way of using a multilayer structure to improve the energy storage density of the dielectric has attracted the attention of researchers. Although research on energy storage properties using multilayer dielectric is just beginning, it shows the excellent effect and huge potential. In this review, the main physical mechanisms of polarization, breakdown and energy storage in multilayer structure dielectric are introduced, the theoretical simulation and experimental results are systematically summarized, and the preparation methods and design ideas of multilayer structure dielectrics are mainly described. This article covers not only an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art advances of multilayer structure energy storage dielectric but also the prospects that may open another window to tune the electrical performance of the electrostatic capacitor via designing a multilayer structure.
Recent advances in room temperature phosphorescence of crystalline boron containing organic compounds
Authors: Hackney Hannah E. , Perepichka Dmitrii F.
Published: September 2021

In organic compounds, room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is a rare, yet highly desirable, property that is important for a wide variety of applications, including tissue imaging, anticounterfeiting technologies, photodynamic therapy, and organic light‐emitting devices. While most organic RTP molecules rely on heavy atoms or carbonyl functional groups to accelerate singlet‐to‐triplet intersystem crossing, in the past few years there have been several reports of RTP induced by boron‐containing functional groups. This minireview covers the recent literature on RTP of crystalline boroorganic compounds and analyzes the connections between molecular structure, intermolecular interactions, and the resulting phosphorescence.
A rapid review of barriers and enablers of organisational collaboration: Identifying challenges in disability reform in Australia
Authors: Hummell Eloise , Venning Alyssa , Foster Michele , Fisher Karen R. , Kuipers Pim
Published: September 2021

A rapid review of the literature on inter‐organisational collaboration was undertaken to identify and describe key barriers and enablers of relevance to current disability policy developments in Australia. Term searches of four databases resulted in the identification of 433 articles published between 2009 and 2019. After removal of duplicates and refinement, 17 peer‐reviewed articles underwent full review, data extraction and synthesis to distil barriers and enablers of inter‐organisational collaboration at three levels. At the macro‐level, policy instruments, institutional arrangements and resources were salient. At the meso‐level, clarity of organisational purposes and roles, and organisational systems and processes were important, as were factors of leadership, management, power and workforce. At the micro‐level, values, trust, culture and personal relationships could be either barriers or enablers, depending on context. The review indicated that meaningful and sustained collaboration across organisations is unlikely without careful planning, clear actions and significant investment at all three levels, providing important learnings for the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme context.
Halogen‐verbrückte Methylnaphthylpalladium‐Dimere als vielseitig einsetzbare Katalysatorvorstufen in Kreuzkupplungen
Authors: Sivendran Nardana , Pirkl Nico , Hu Zhiyong , Doppiu Angelino , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: September 2021

Halogenverbrückte Methylnaphthyl (MeNAP)‐Palladiumdimere werden als vielseitige‐Pd‐Quellen vorgestellt, die sich ideal für die Entwicklung katalytischer Methoden und präparativer organischer Synthesen eignen. Durch einfaches Mischen mit Phosphin‐ oder Carben‐Liganden werden sie in situ in definierte, monoligierte Komplexe umgewandelt. Ihre katalytische Aktivität wurde in anspruchsvollen Buchwald‐Hartwig‐, Heck‐, Suzuki‐ und Negishi‐Kupplungen sowie bei Keton‐Arylierungen mit den modernsten literaturbekannten Systemen verglichen. Ihr Einsatz zeigte rekordverdächtige Aktivitäten, die über die hinausgehen, die allein durch Optimierung des Liganden erreicht werden können. Die MeNAP‐Katalysatoren ermöglichen die Synthese von tetra‐ortho‐substituierten Arenen und sterisch anspruchsvollen Anilinen in nahezu quantitativen Ausbeuten bei Raumtemperatur, erlauben Mono‐Arylierungen von einfachen Ketonen und ermöglichen die bisher schwer zugängliche Kreuzkupplung von sekundären Alkylboronsäuren mit Arylchloriden.
Halogen‐Bridged Methylnaphthyl Palladium Dimers as Versatile Catalyst Precursors in Coupling Reactions
Authors: Sivendran Nardana , Pirkl Nico , Hu Zhiyong , Doppiu Angelino , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: September 2021

Halogen‐bridged methylnaphthyl (MeNAP) palladium dimers are presented as multipurpose Pd‐precursors, ideally suited for catalytic method development and preparative organic synthesis. By simply mixing with phosphine or carbene ligands, they are in situ converted into well‐defined monoligated complexes. Their catalytic performance was benchmarked against state‐of‐the‐art systems in challenging Buchwald–Hartwig, Heck, Suzuki and Negishi couplings, and ketone arylations. Their use enabled record‐setting activities, beyond those achievable by optimization of the ligand alone. The MeNAP catalysts permit syntheses of tetra‐ortho‐substituted arenes and bulky anilines in near‐quantitative yields at room temperature, allow mono‐arylations of small ketones, and enable so far elusive cross‐couplings of secondary alkyl boronic acids with aryl chlorides.
Profiling Carbohydrate Metabolism in Liver and Hepatocellular Carcinoma with [13C]‐Glycerate Probes
Authors: Chen Jun , LaGue Evan , Li Junjie , Yang Chendong , Hackett Edward P. , Mendoza Manuel , Alger Jeffry R. , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Corbin Ian R. , Billingsley Kelvin L. , Park Jae Mo
Published: September 2021

The interplay between glycolysis and gluconeogenesis is central to carbohydrate metabolism. Here, we describe novel methods to assess carbohydrate metabolism using [13C]‐probes derived from glycerate, a molecule whose metabolic fate in mammals remains underexplored. Isotope‐based studies were conducted via NMR and mass spectrometry analyses of freeze‐clamped liver tissue extracts after [2,3‐13C2]glycerate infusion. The ex vivo investigations were correlated with in vivo measurements using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]glycerate. Application of [13C]glycerate to N‐nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)‐treated rats provided further assessments of intermediary carbohydrate metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. This method afforded direct analyses of control versus DEN tissues, and altered ratios of 13C metabolic products as well as unique glycolysis intermediates were observed in the DEN liver/tumor. Isotopomer studies showed increased glycerate uptake and altered carbohydrate metabolism in the DEN rats.
Physicochemical characteristics of polysulfone nanofiber membranes with iron oxide nanoparticles via electrospinning
Authors: Rosid Sarina Mat , Ajji Abdellah , Hasbullah Hasrinah , Rosid Salmiah Jamal Mat , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Goh Pei Sean
Published: September 2021

Hydrophilicity is one of the ideal properties for water treatment membrane. In addition, higher surface area with a porous structure results in extraordinary permeability and selectivity, thus making it a good candidate for water permeability. This study used iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) as polysulfone (PSf) membrane nanofillers to enhance the physicochemical properties. Nanofiber membranes were characterized in terms of morphology, wettability, and pure water permeability (PWP). The concentration of IONPs was varied from 0.5% to 2.0% (w/v). From the scanning electron microscope images, all produced membranes were smooth and contain bead‐free nanofibers. The produced nanofiber membrane with 1% (w/v) of IONPs concentration was found to be optimum since it had the highest porosity, lower contact angle, and desirable fiber thickness and diameter. In order to find the best PSf solution concentration, the loadings of PSf were varied from 18% to 27% (w/v). The PSf/IONPs with 25% (w/v) provided the best results in terms of fiber thickness and diameter, porosity and morphology. The contact angle also confirmed that in the presence of IONPs, the nanofiber structure produced with 25% PSf was less hydrophobic and had the highest PWP (70.27 L/m2 h bar).
Synthesis of PVDF‐B4C mixed matrix membrane for ultrafiltration of protein and photocatalytic dye removal
Authors: Ouyang Yuanyuan , Otitoju Tunmise Ayode , Jiang Dafu , Li Sanxi , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Wang Song , Zhang Ailing
Published: September 2021

In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride‐boron carbide mixed matrix membranes were synthesized via phase inversion method. The synthesized membranes were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, porosity, and contact angle. The mixed matrix membranes (0–5 wt.% of boron carbide) were tested for ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin solution and photodegradation property using rhodamine B and methylene blue dyes. The morphological images reveal the existence of boron carbide particles on the surface of the membranes. Upon introduction of B4C particles, the performance of the membranes was improved: permeate flux increases from 163.13 to 351.15 L/m2 h; bovine serum albumin rejection increased from 77.1% to 99.1%; relative flux reduction decreased from 45.58% to 16.06%; flux recovery ratio increased from 61.71% to 98.42%. Furthermore, maximum photodegradation yield was observed for membranes with 4 wt.% boron carbide particles with degradation efficiency of 96.7% and 96% for rhodamine B and methylene blue dyes, respectively. Furthermore, the rate constant of the optimum membrane was higher than the pristine membrane (about 2.05 and 2.26 times higher for rhodamine B and methylene blue dyes, respectively). Indeed, the mixed matrix membranes present a great prospect for the photodegradation of organic dyes.
Oxygen Vacancies Enhance Lithium‐Ion Storage Properties of TiO2 Hierarchical Spheres
Authors: Li Zhaoqian , Peng Yuqi , Zhang Xianxi , Ren Yingke , Chen Wangchao , Xu Feng , Wang Ning , Liu Chaofeng , Mo Lie , Ding Yanwei , Hu Linhua , Ji Denghui , Cao Guozhong
Published: September 2021

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising electrode material for reversible lithium storage. However, the poor electronic conductivity, sluggish diffusivity, and intrinsic kinetics limit hinder its fast lithium storage capability. Here we present that the oxygen‐deficient TiO2 hierarchical spheres can address the issues for high capacity, long‐term lithium‐ion battery anode. First‐principles calculations show that introducing oxygen vacancies to anatase TiO2 can reduce the bandgap, thus improving the electronic conductivity and further the lithium storage properties of TiO2. By annealing TiO2/H2Ti5O11⋅3H2O hierarchical spheres precursor in nitrogen, accompanying with the phase transfer process, the growth of TiO2 crystallites is restricted due to the generation of residual carbon species, resulting in a well maintained hierarchical spherical structure. Rich oxygen vacancies are generated in the oxygen‐deficient environment and evidenced by EPR, XPS, and UV‐Vis spectra, which enable the TiO2 hierarchical spheres reduced bandgap. The oxygen vacancies in the as‐obtained TiO2 hierarchical spheres together with the high structural integrity of the hierarchical spheres gives rise to superior lithium storage properties including a high specific capacity of 282 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1, and long‐term cycling stability with a capacity retention of 85.2 % at 4 A g−1 over 10000 cycles.
Synthesis of the proposed structure of sibiriaester B and evaluation of its immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Sim Myeonghyeon , Yoon Jeong Min , Kim Soobin , Kim Kwangmi , Han Young Taek
Published: September 2021

Herein, we report a concise synthesis of the proposed structure of sibiriaester B, a novel antioxidant phenyl caffeate derivative isolated from the leaves of Armeniaca sibirica. Proposed sibiriaester B was obtained via simple esterification between the known TBS‐protected caffeic acid and the commercially available methyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate, and subsequent deprotection. However, the NMR spectral data of the synthesized sibiriaester B were not consistent with those in previous reports. The structure of the synthesized sibiriaester B was confirmed using combined 2D‐NMR analysis, including COSY, HSQC, and HMBC. The synthesized sibiriaester B was observed to exhibit more potent immunomodulatory activity in murine epidermal T cells than p‐hydroxyphenyl caffeate, an immunomodulatory natural caffeate derivative, as treatment with sibiriaester B significantly reduced the production of interleukin 13 by murine epidermal T cells at lower concentrations than p‐hydroxyphenyl caffeate.
Facile and large‐scale production of Ag nanoparticles for selective electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Abbas Syed Asad , Ma Ahyeon , Seo Dongho , Lim Yun Ji , Park Joon Yong , Lee Gaehang , Nam Ki Min
Published: September 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to carbon monoxide (CO) is immensely important for sustainable CO2 recycling. In this study, we established a facile synthetic method for large‐scale production of Ag nanoparticles, which can be used for the selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO. Thermal decomposition and reduction of AgNO3 produced Ag nanoparticles on a gram‐scale in high yield (over 90%) with a homogeneous size distribution. The oleylamine‐capped Ag nanoparticles were quasi‐spherical with diameters of 9 ± 2 nm. Ag nanoparticles are capable of electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO with high activity and stability. The CO selectivity of the catalyst was in the vicinity of 90% over a wide potential range and reached 94.2% at −1.4 V vs. RHE. The Ag nanoparticles showed good stability over 24 h. Different surface functional groups, for example, thiol and citrate were investigated to understand their influence on the variation in CO selectivity.
Application of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist in ventilator weaning of infants ventilator weaning
Authors: Xiao Shuna , Huang Chengjiao , Cheng Ying , Xia Zhi , Li Yong , Tang Wen , Shi Buyun , Wang Lijun , Shu Xiaolan , Jiang Ying , Qin Chenguang , Xu Hui
Published: September 2021

Background

To analyze the application of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist in ventilator weaning of infants.

Methods

A total of 25 infants (15 boys and 10 girls) who were mechanically ventilated by PICU in Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital were selected as the study subjects. After the improvement of the basic disease, regular spontaneous breathing, and the withdrawal of the ventilator, all the children obtained the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) signal. Then, each child was given CPAP and NAVA mode mechanical ventilation 1 h before the withdrawal of the ventilator. Each detection index was recorded 30 min after each mode of ventilation.

Results

Two of the 25 children were tracheotomized because of respiratory muscle weakness and could not be converted to NAVA mode without the EAdi signal. Hemodynamic indexes were not statistically different between the two groups of CPAP and NAVA. PaCO2 is not significantly different in the two modes, and both were at normal levels. The PIP in NAVA mode is lower than that in CPAP mode (p < .05), and its EAdi signal was correspondingly low. There were significant differences in the peak pressure (Ppeak), mean pressure (Pmean), and compliance and mean arterial pressure (p < .01) between the CPAP and NAVA model ventilation in 23 patients.

Conclusion

NAVA can significantly improve the coordination of patients. The therapeutic effect of NAVA was better, which was beneficial to the prognosis of patients and had positive application value in the withdrawal of ventilators in patients.
A meta‐analysis of comparisons of various surgical treatments for moyamoya diseases
Authors: Lin Kai , Sui Shaohua , Zhao Jing , Zhang Liyong , Chen Kun
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Ischemia is one of the most familiar complications in the different procedures for moyamoya disease (MMD), but the optimal surgical approaches for MMD remain unknown. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various surgical treatments.

Methods

A literature search word was performed through four databases such as Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE for the literature published until May 2021. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. A random/fixed‐effects model was used to pool.

Results

There are a total of 18 studies including three surgical treatments such as including indirect, direct, and combined bypass in this study. The result revealed that indirect bypass was related to a higher incidence of recurrence stroke compared to the direct and combined bypass treatment (p = .001). Furthermore, the cases undergoing direct bypass were associated with a better angiographic change than the indirect bypass (OR = 3.254, p = .013).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis demonstrated a positive effect of using the direct and combined bypass to treat MMD compared to indirect bypass due to their lower rates of recurrence stroke.
Radiation nanosensitizers in cancer therapy—From preclinical discoveries to the outcomes of early clinical trials
Authors: Bilynsky Colette , Millot Nadine , Papa Anne‐Laure
Published: September 2021

Improving the efficacy and spatial targeting of radiation therapy while sparing surrounding normal tissues has been a guiding principle for its use in cancer therapy. Nanotechnologies have shown considerable growth in terms of innovation and the development of new therapeutic approaches, particularly as radiosensitizers. The aim of this study was to systematically review how nanoparticles (NPs) are used to enhance the radiotherapeutic effect, including preclinical and clinical studies. Clinicaltrials.gov was used to perform the search using the following terms: radiation, cancer, and NPs. In this review, we describe the various designs of nano‐radioenhancers, the rationale for using such technology, as well as their chemical and biological effects. Human trials are then discussed with an emphasis on their design and detailed clinical outcomes.
Effect of lymphadenectomy on the prognosis for N0 gallbladder carcinoma patients: A study based on SEER database
Authors: Wu Bin , Shen Yiyu , Chen Xujian , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhong Zhengxiang
Published: September 2021

Background

It remains unclear whether lymph node dissection is necessary for patients with N0 gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lymphadenectomy on the prognosis for N0 GBC patients. The secondary objective was to establish a prognostic model of survival for N0 GBC patients being founded on the large samples.

Methods

Patient data were obtained from the database named SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database) between 2010 and 2014. Analyses of Kaplan–Meier survival and multivariate Cox regression were performed in subgroups based on regional lymph nodes removal (LNR) to calculate the excess risk of cause‐specific death. A prognosis nomogram was constructed build on the results of a multivariate analysis to predict the specific survival time (CSS) rates of N0 GBC patients.

Result

A total of 1406 N0 GBC patients were included in this research. The majority of N0 GBC patients undergoing cancer‐directed surgery did not undergo LNR (64.5%). The results showed that LNR can improve the survival of N0 GBC patients, including those at the T1a and T1b stages, and a wider range of lymph node dissection (LNR2) compared to LNR1 was more conducive to the prognosis. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis showed that LNR was an independent favorable prognostic factor of N0 GBC. Finally, a nomogram was constructed to accurately predict the prognosis of N0 gallbladder cancer patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a significant survival benefit for extended lymph nodes removed in N0 GBC patients. These results recommend that an extended lymph node dissection strategy is needed for N0 GBC patients.
N‐Terminal Modification of Gly‐His‐Tagged Proteins with Azidogluconolactone
Authors: Brune Karl D. , Liekniņa Ilva , Sutov Grigorij , Morris Alexander R. , Jovicevic Dejana , Kalniņš Gints , Kazāks Andris , Kluga Rihards , Kastaljana Sabine , Zajakina Anna , Jansons Juris , Skrastiņa Dace , Spunde Karīna , Cohen Alexander A. , Bjorkman Pamela J. , Morris Howard R. , Suna Edgars , Tārs Kaspars
Published: September 2021

Site‐specific protein modifications are vital for biopharmaceutical drug development. Gluconoylation is a non‐enzymatic, post‐translational modification of N‐terminal HisTags. We report high‐yield, site‐selective in vitro α‐aminoacylation of peptides, glycoproteins, antibodies, and virus‐like particles (VLPs) with azidogluconolactone at pH 7.5 in 1 h. Conjugates slowly hydrolyse, but diol‐masking with borate esters inhibits reversibility. In an example, we multimerise azidogluconoylated SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD) onto VLPs via click‐chemistry, to give a COVID‐19 vaccine. Compared to yeast antigen, HEK‐derived RBD was immunologically superior, likely due to observed differences in glycosylation. We show the benefits of ordered over randomly oriented multimeric antigen display, by demonstrating single‐shot seroconversion and best virus‐neutralizing antibodies. Azidogluconoylation is simple, fast and robust chemistry, and should accelerate research and development.
ITGB6 inhibits the proliferation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells
Authors: Qiao Jiaxin , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Jian , Tan Baohua , Li Zicong , Zheng Enqin , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Hong Linjun , Gu Ting
Published: September 2021

The formation of embryonic muscle fibers determines the amount of postnatal muscles and is regulated by a variety of signaling pathways and transcription factors. Previously, by using chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing and RNA‐Seq techniques, we identified a large number of genes that are regulated by H3K27me3 in porcine embryonic skeletal muscles. Among these genes, we found that ITGB6 is regulated by H3K27me3. However, its function in muscle development is unknown. In this study, we first verified that ITGB6 was differentially regulated by H3K27me3 and that its expression levels were upregulated in porcine skeletal muscles at embryonic Days 33, 65, and 90. Then, we performed gain‐ or loss‐of‐function studies on porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells to study the role of ITGB6 in porcine skeletal muscle development. The proliferation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells was studied through real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Cell Counting Kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine staining, Western blot, and flow cytometry analyses. We found that the ITGB6 gene was regulated by H3K27me3 during muscle development and had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells.
The importance of proximal optimization technique with intravascular imaging guided for stenting unprotected left main distal bifurcation lesions: The Milan and New‐Tokyo registry
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Mitomo Satoru , Naganuma Toru , Chieffo Alaide , Montorfano Matteo , Nakamura Sunao , Colombo Antonio
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study evaluated the 5‐years outcomes of intracoronary imaging‐guided proximal optimization technique (POT) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with unprotected left main distal bifurcation lesions (ULMD).

Background

The long‐term effects of POT with intracoronary imaging guide in PCI for ULMD have been unclear.

Methods

Between January 2005 and December 2015, we identified 1832 consecutive patients who underwent DES implantation for ULM distal bifurcation lesions. Of them, 780 (56.1%) patients underwent POT with intravascular imaging guidance (optimal expansion group). Residual 611 (43.9%) patients did not undergo either POT or intravascular imaging or both (suboptimal expansion group). Analysis using propensity score adjustment was performed. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF) defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and myocardial infarction.

Results

TLF rate at 5 years was significantly lower in optimal expansion group than that in suboptimal expansion group [adjusted HR 0.65, 95% CI (0.48–0.87), p = 0.004]. Cardiac mortality was significantly lower in optimal expansion group than that in suboptimal expansion group [adjusted HR 0.46, 95% CI (0.27–0.79), p = 0.004]. The multivariable analysis identified POT with intravascular imaging guide [adjusted HR 0.65, 95% CI (0.48–0.87), p = 0.004] as an independent predictor of TLF.

Conclusions

Intravascular imaging guided POT was strongly associated with the reduced risk of TLF at 5 years after PCI for ULMD, mainly driven by reducing cardiac mortality.
Fe−Ni Nanoparticles on N‐doped Carbon as Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Tune CO/H2 Ratio
Authors: Yue Tingting , Chang Ying , Liu Jiamin , Jia Jingchun , Jia Meilin
Published: September 2021

The electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to generate syngas (a mixture of CO and H2) is considered as one of the most effective routes to peak C and C neutrality. However, it is challenging to regulate the CO/H2 ratio by adjusting the activity of CO2RR. To address this problem, transition metals were designed to be encapsulated in C shells and loaded onto N‐doped C (NG) substrate catalysts for CO2RR generation of syngas. Comparative electrochemical tests revealed that Fe and Ni nanoparticles supported on N‐doped C matrix (denoted as Fe/NG and Ni/NG) produce CO/H2 in a wide range of relative ratios, thereby limiting their application in real industrial production. In contrast, Fe−Ni alloy nanoparticle supported on NG matrix (denoted as Fe2Ni/NG, where the subscript represents the molar ratio of the Fe source to Ni source) catalysts containing both Fe and Ni with a molar ratio of 2 : 1 exhibit high syngas evolution (1.2–2.9), suitable for typical downstream thermochemical reactions. The results provide a useful case for nonprecious metals to retain CO2RR, maintaining high activity while flexibly regulating the CO/H2 ratio.
Synthesis and Transformations of NH‐Sulfoximines
Authors: Andresini Michael , Tota Arianna , Degennaro Leonardo , Bull James A. , Luisi Renzo
Published: September 2021

Recent years have seen a marked increase in the occurrence of sulfoximines in the chemical sciences, often presented as valuable motifs for medicinal chemistry. This has been prompted by both pioneering works taking sulfoximine containing compounds into clinical trials and the concurrent development of powerful synthetic methods. This review covers recent developments in the synthesis of sulfoximines concentrating on developments since 2015. This includes extensive developments in both S−N and S−C bond formations. Flow chemistry processes for sulfoximine synthesis are also covered. Finally, subsequent transformations of sulfoximines, particularly in N‐functionalization are reviewed, including N−S, N−P, N−C bond forming processes and cyclization reactions.
Synthesis of Branched Au‐PdAg Hybrid Nanosheets by Controlled Reduction in a Galvanic Replacement Reaction
Authors: Zheng Yiqun , Zhang Gongguo , Ma Yanyun , Zhao Na , Liu Feng , Liu Maochang
Published: September 2021

We report a niche strategy to fabricate planar trimetallic nanocrystals with in‐plane branches and a unique hybrid structure. The success of current work relies on the use of seeded growth to produce Au@Ag core‐shell nanocubes, followed by the reaction with an excessive third metal precursor (i. e., Pd) via galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) in the presence of controlled reduction. The morphology of resulting products varied in the order of cube, concave cube, hollow cage, yolk‐shell frame, and finally branched nanoplates with Au‐PdAg hybrid structure. The controlled reduction involved in the GRR process, together with the use of Au seed at appropriate amounts and docosyltrimethylammonium chloride as the capping agent, is demonstrated to be crucial for the formation of such unique structure. When loaded on carbon black and working as electrocatalysts for electroxidation of ethanol in alkaline media, the current products exhibit satisfying electrocatalytic activity (e. g., 591 mA mgPd−1 in mass activity and 10.01 A m−2 in specific activity), improved kinetics, and long‐term durability, as compared to commercial Pt/C. The present study offers a feasible route to applying precise spatial control over elemental metals for two‐dimensional dendritic noble metal nanocrystals and could be potentially extended to other metals or alloy.
Associations between patient personality, symptomatic change and therapy dropout
Authors: Immel Nina , Dagnino Paula , Hunger‐Schoppe Christina
Published: September 2021

Background

Studies show that 16% to 77% of psychotherapy patients abandon therapy within the first sessions. The aim of this study is to examine how patient personality variables, specifically the patients' structural integration and the personality traits dependency and self‐criticism, are associated with symptomatic change and therapy dropout.

Method

We analysed data from 96 patients (age: M = 30.56, SD = 11.39; 78.5% women; 44.6% students, 28.3% employees). A hierarchical logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine whether patients' structural integration (assessed via the OPD‐SQ) and their level of dependency and self‐criticism (DEQ) can predict therapy dropout. In addition, a multiple regression was used to analyse how these variables affect symptomatic change (OQ‐45.2 symptom subscale).

Results

The interaction of structural integration level and dependency best predicts therapy dropout. For the prediction of symptomatic change, both structural integration and dependency were significant. However, their interaction showed no significant results.

Discussion

The patient's structural integration was associated to both symptomatic change and dropout. Therapists' training should include techniques addressing patients' structural integration and degree of dependency to prevent patient dropout from therapy.
Prenatal mother–father cortisol linkage predicts infant executive functions at 24 months
Authors: Braren Stephen H. , Perry Rosemarie E. , Ribner Andrew , Brandes‐Aitken Annie , Brito Natalie , Blair Clancy ,   the New Fathers and Mothers Study (NewFAMS) Team
Published: September 2021

The present study investigated associations between prenatal mother–father cortisol linkage and infant executive functions. Data come from an international sample (N = 358) of predominantly white and middle‐ to upper‐class first‐time parents. During late pregnancy, parents collected diurnal salivary cortisol samples and reported on levels of psychological stress. At 24 months, children completed a battery of executive function tasks. Parent cortisol linkage was operationalized as the time‐dependent, within‐dyad association between maternal and paternal diurnal cortisol. Results indicated that prenatal linkage was positively related to infant executive functions, suggesting that stronger mother–father cortisol linkage was associated with higher executive function scores. Additionally, this relation was moderated by paternal average cortisol levels such that executive function scores were lower when fathers had higher average cortisol levels and linkage was weak. This association suggests that elevated paternal cortisol amplifies the negative relation between lower cortisol linkage and lower infant executive function scores. Importantly, these findings were observed while controlling for observational measures of caregiving and self‐report measures of psychosocial functioning and infant social‐emotional behavior. These results suggest that prenatal linkage of mother's and father's stress physiology plays a potentially important part in programming and regulating infant neurocognitive development.
Conducting EEG research in clinically anxious preschoolers: A pilot study and preliminary recommendations
Authors: Horbatch Faith , Hruschak Jessica , Hall Melissa , Mannella Kristin A. , Synger Ashley , Ip Ka I. , Liu Yanni , Sadlier Raleigh , Gillett Carrie B. , Moser Jason S. , Muzik Maria , Rosenblum Katherine L. , Fitzgerald Kate D.
Published: September 2021

Electroencephalography (EEG) data collection can be challenging in preschoolers with anxiety who are often debilitated by fear of the unknown. Thus, we iteratively refined techniques for EEG collection in three cohorts of children with anxiety enrolled in our study of a novel intervention. Techniques involved directing child attention away from the EEG setup (Cohort 1, N = 18), open discussion of equipment and processes during setup (Cohort 2, N = 21), and a preparatory EEG‐exposure session prior to data collection (Cohort 3, N = 6). Children (N = 45, 4–7 years) attempted a Time 1 EEG before intervention, and those who completed intervention (N = 28) were invited to a Time 2 EEG. The percentages who provided analyzable EEGs were assessed by cohort. Cohort 3 provided more Time 1 EEGs (83.3%) than Cohorts 1 or 2 (66.7% each), suggesting that the preparatory session supported first‐time EEG collection. More children provided Time 2 EEG data across successive cohorts (Cohort 1: 66.7%, Cohort 2: 82%, Cohort 3: 100%), suggesting that more open communication facilitated repeat EEG collection. Ultimately, increased EEG exposure and child‐friendly communication about procedures improved data acquisition in this sample of clinically anxious preschoolers. Detailed study procedures are shared to support future EEG research in young children with anxiety.
The interplay among interparental conflict, children's emotional insecurity, neurophysiological correlates of processing interparental conflict cues, and externalizing symptoms
Authors: Schermerhorn Alice C. , Nguyen Phuong (Kelly) , Davies Patrick T.
Published: September 2021

Exposure to destructive interparental conflict consistently predicts children's externalizing symptoms. Research has identified children's emotional security as an explanatory mechanism underpinning this association, but little is known about the role of children's neurophysiology in this pathway. We aimed to address that gap using event‐related potential (ERP) data from a sample of 86 children, ages 9–11 years. The P3 ERP was measured during an emotion categorization task involving photographs of a couple exhibiting facial expressions of emotion toward one another. Angry images were target stimuli, and happy and neutral images were nontarget stimuli. Children reported interparental conflict, and their mothers reported children's emotional security. Mothers also reported children's externalizing symptoms at two time points 1 year apart. Results indicated elevated interparental conflict predicted more behavioral dysregulation (an aspect of emotional insecurity), which predicted a smaller P3 on angry trials, which, in turn, predicted greater externalizing symptoms 1 year later, controlling for initial externalizing. Greater involvement in interparental conflict, another aspect of emotional insecurity, predicted a larger P3 on neutral trials. Further, both greater involvement and a larger P3 on happy trials predicted increases in externalizing. The results suggest differing associations between different elements of emotional insecurity and the P3.
A single‐session behavioral protocol for successful event‐related potential recording in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Guy Maggie W. , Black Conner J. , Hogan Abigail L. , Coyle Ramsey E. , Richards John E. , Roberts Jane E.
Published: September 2021

Event‐related potentials (ERPs) are an ideal tool for measuring neural responses in a wide range of participants, including children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). However, due to perceived barriers regarding participant compliance, much of this work has excluded children with low IQ and/or reduced adaptive functioning, significant anxiety symptoms, and/or sensory processing difficulties, including heterogeneous samples of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). We have developed a behavioral support protocol designed to obtain high‐quality ERP data from children in a single session. Using this approach, ERP data were successfully collected from participants with ASD, FXS, and typical development (TD). Higher success rates were observed for children with ASD and TD than children with FXS. Unique clinical–behavioral characteristics were associated with successful data collection across these groups. Higher chronological age, nonverbal mental age, and receptive language skills were associated with a greater number of valid trials completed in children with ASD. In contrast, higher language ability, lower autism severity, increased anxiety, and increased sensory hyperresponsivity were associated with a greater number of valid trials completed in children with FXS. This work indicates that a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach cannot be taken to ERP research on children with NDDs, but that a single‐session paradigm is feasible and is intended to promote increased representation of children with NDDs in neuroscience research through development of ERP methods that support inclusion of diverse and representative samples.
Inconsistent responses of conservation biocontrol to landscape structure: new insights from a network‐based review
Authors: Ratsimba Nirina , Therond Olivier , Parry Hazel , Monteil Claude , Vialatte Aude
Published: September 2021

Conservation biological control (CBC) has been an active research topic for the last two decades and is now one of the key ways being explored to develop agroecological production systems. Using broad concepts and indicators, recent reviews and meta‐analyses have highlighted major inconsistencies in the responses of CBC to landscape structure, revealing their context‐dependent nature. To decipher these relations, we reviewed the scientific literature (50 articles) using (1) an original ontology allowing us to navigate across the different terms and concepts used in this literature and (2) a network‐based methodology to describe the scattering, completeness, and generalizability of scientific knowledge on CBC. An interactive version of this network is available online. Our results highlight the strong information scattering caused by the variety of indicators used to describe both landscape structure and CBC. We observe trade‐offs between the use of coarse concepts classically used in meta‐analysis (e.g., landscape complexity) and the non‐convergence of results (ambiguity). The network analysis points out consistently less information ambiguity when considering sub‐networks focused on trophic chains than in the full information network, without losing connectance. We suggest that effects of landscape structure may be different between trophic chains because of specific selection pressures associated with cropping systems. Our novel review procedure offers a relatively simple but powerful complementary approach to classical meta‐analysis to explore ecological patterns. It highlights that crop trophic chain probably represents the adequate ecological unit to investigate the landscape–CBC relationship. Designing pest suppressive landscapes while favoring farmland biodiversity will imply considering multiple crop trophic chains responding differently to landscape structure. Therefore, we recommend assessing the level of CBC at both crop field and landscape scales to inform decisions on the best individual or collective strategy to adopt.
Large brain size is associated with low extra‐pair paternity across bird species
Authors: Chen Min , Li Guopan , Liu Jinlong , Li Shaobin
Published: September 2021

Background

Gaining extrapair copulations (EPCs) is a complicated behavior process. The interaction between males and females to procure EPCs may be involved in brain function evolution and lead to a larger brain. Thus, we hypothesized that extrapair paternity (EPP) rate can be predicted by relative brain size in birds. Past work has implied that the EPP rate is associated with brain size, but empirical evidence is rare.

Methods

We collated data from published references on EPP levels and brain size of 215 bird species to examine whether the evolution of EPP rate can be predicted by brain size using phylogenetically generalized least square (PGLS) models and phylogenetic path analyses.

Results

We found that EPP rates (both the percentage EP offspring and percentage of broods with EP offspring) are negatively associated with relative brain size. We applied phylogenetic path analysis to test the causal relationship between relative brain size and EPP rate. Best‐supported models (ΔCICc < 2) suggested that large brain lead to reduced EPP rate, which failed to support the hypothesis that high rates of EPP cause the evolution of larger brains.

Conclusion

This study indicates that pursuing EPCs may be a natural instinct in birds and the interaction between males and females for EPCs may lead to large brains, which in turn may restrict their EPC level for both sexes across bird species.