bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Quinazolinone Derivatives as Potential Anti‐HCC Agents
Authors: Qiu Jingying , Zou Yueting , Liu Qingchuan , Jiang Chunyu , Zhou Qingqing , Li Shuqiong , Chen Wang , Li Zheng , Gu Xiaoke
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common malignancy worldwide, has a high mortality rate and limited effective therapeutic options. In this work, a series of quinazolinone compounds (6a–t and 7a–i) were synthesized as potential anti‐HCC agents. Among them, compound 7b more potently inhibited HepG2, HUH7 and SK‐Hep‐1 cells proliferation than classical anti‐HCC drug sorafenib, indicating its potential anti‐HCC effect. Interestingly, 7b could dose‐dependently decrease Cyclin D1 and CDK2 levels, and increase p21 protein expression, thus inducing HepG2 cells cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. In addition, 7b also displayed potent apoptosis‐induced effect on HepG2 cells by interfering Bad, Bax, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl proteins expression. Notably, 7b could efficiently block the activity of PI3K pathway by dose‐dependently reducing the phosphorylation of PI3K (Y607) and AKT (S473). Moreover, predicted ADME properties indicated that 7b possessed a good pharmacokinetic profile. Collectively, compound 7b might be a promising lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents towards HCC.
Novel method for detecting and quantifying residual bran and germ tissues in refined maize grits
Authors: Rocha‐Villarreal Verónica , Serna‐Saldívar Sergio O. , García‐Lara Silverio
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives

Maize is dry‐milled to generate fine grits by separating the germ and bran fractions from the starchy endosperm. The removal without affecting the aleurone layer of these two components, rich in fiber and fat, is critical because their presence impacts the yield, quality, and stability of the final product during storage. However, there is a lack of adequate methods to directly detect or quantify these bran and germ residues. This study developed a fast and effective method to identify and quantify the pericarp, aleurone layer, and germ residues in refined maize grits.

Findings

The heat treatment allowed the clear visualization of germ residues in grits, whereas staining effectively identified bran and aleurone residues. The additional use of a color association algorithm enabled the detection and quantification of bran (0%–0.49%) and germ (1.63%–3.39%) areas in the six grit samples.

Conclusion

The method developed can be used to quickly and accurately determine grit purity and enhance the quality assessment of refined grits; thereby, providing useful insights for decision making, quality control, and optimization of the milling process.

Significance and Novelty

This study developed a quick and inexpensive detection method that uses a combination of heat, dyes, and a scanner to directly identify germ, pericarp, and aleurone residues in refined maize grits.
Safe clinical technique for increasing the occlusal vertical dimension in case of erosive wear and missing teeth
Authors: D’Arcangelo Camillo , Vadini Mirco , Buonvivere Matteo , De Angelis Francesco
Published: December 2021

A safe method to increase the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in patients with mild temporomandibular symptoms (such as tenderness upon palpation) is described. After a temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance (MR), an OVD increase was sought, pursuing pure rotational movement without condyle displacement. Prior to definitive rehabilitation, an additional MR confirmed steady and healthy condyle‐disc‐fossa relationships.
A prenatal case of lissencephaly with cerebellar hypoplasia: New mutation in RELN gene
Authors: Balza Claire , Garofalo Giulia , Cos Teresa , Désir Julie , Kang Xin , Keymolen Kathelijn , Soblet Julie , Van Berkel Kim , Vilain Catheline , Ben Abbou Wafa , Cassart Marie
Published: December 2021

Reelinopathies cause a distinctive lissencephaly type associated with cerebellar hypoplasia. To help further management, we wanted to report here the first prenatal diagnosis due to a homozygous inherited reelinopathy.
Treatment of Morgellons disease with doxycycline
Authors: Zhang Jeff F. , Gopalakrishnan Keerthy , Molloy Daniel J.
Published: December 2021

Morgellons disease (MD) is a rare dermatopathy characterized by nonspecific symptoms and the production of multicolored fibers and granular tissue from diffuse skin ulcerations which are described as being either pruritic or painful. The etiology of MD is currently unknown; previous studies have suggested both psychiatric and infectious causes, with increasing interest over the previous decade in elaborating a possible pathogenesis for the disease secondary to infection by Borrelia species. We report a middle‐aged Caucasian female who developed symptoms of MD in the days following exposure to a tick bite after spending an afternoon hiking through a wooded area. She was subsequently treated with a course of Doxycycline and found on two‐week follow‐up to have complete remission of her symptoms. This case report further supports the theory for an infectious etiology of MD and encourages future studies into its pathophysiology.
Jejunal hemorrhage due to hemolymphangioma successfully detected and controlled by double‐balloon enteroscopy
Authors: Ito Yuki , Osuga Tatsuya , Kawasaki Kentaro , Ikura Yoshihiro
Published: December 2021

Lymphangiomas are benign, often subclinical, neoplasms, which can develop in the digestive tracts. Hemorrhagic jejunal tumors are relatively rare and diagnostic challenge. We report herein a case of hemorrhagic jejunal hemolymphangioma successfully diagnosed and treated by double‐balloon enteroscopy.
Endovascular snare retrieval of an Angio‐Seal causing acute limb ischemia
Authors: Busch Lucas , Stern Manuel , Wolff Georg , Kelm Malte
Published: December 2021

Vascular complications (VCs) remain an important source of morbidity and mortality following percutaneous arterial catheterization. Vascular closure devices are popular and frequently used, but sometimes cause vessel occlusions that may require vascular surgery or complex endovascular procedures. In this case report, we describe the endovascular retrieval of an embolized Angio‐Seal device causing acute limb ischemia in a severely diseased 75‐year‐old female patient. This case highlights the endovascular technique using a snare catheter and adds another example to the growing evidence of an endovascular approach to manage vascular access site complications in comorbid patients at risk.
Portrait of a Family of Highly Stabilizing and Selective Guanine Quadruplex Platinum(II)‐Based Binders
Authors: Miron Caitlin E. , Chen Mickey , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Petitjean Anne
Published: December 2021

The long‐standing history of platinum coordination complexes in nucleic acid recognition attests to the unique suitability of such species for therapeutic applications. Here, we report the synthetic exploration and development of a family of di‐imine ligands, and their platinum(II) complexes, elaborated on a 3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridine platform which, in its unsubstituted form, has recently been shown to display exceptional capabilities for guanine quadruplex (G4) targeting. The identification of facile, high‐yielding synthetic methods for the derivatization of this platform for the incorporation of additional sites of interactions with guanine quadruplex loops and grooves, along with the optimization of platinum(II) complexation methods, are discussed. Gratifyingly, preliminary biophysical screening of this novel family of binders validates all but one family members as robust G4 binders and highlights enhanced selectivity for quadruplex versus duplex DNA compared to the parent compound. These results bear promise for practical developments based on this platform.
Discovery of Kalmane Diterpenoids as Potent Analgesics from the Flowers of Rhododendron dauricum
Authors: Feng Yuanyuan , Zha Suqin , Gao Biao , Zhang Hanqi , Jin Pengfei , Zheng Guijuan , Ma Yilin , Yao Guangmin
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Kalmane diterpenoids, featuring a 5/8/5/5 tetracyclic carbon skeleton, are very rare in nature. The flowers of Rhododendron dauricum L. (Ericaceae) were phytochemically investigated for the first time, leading to the isolation of eight kalmane diterpenoids (1—8) including four new ones, named rhodokalmanols A—D (1—4). The structures of 1—8 were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods and 13C NMR‐DP4+ analysis, and the absolute configurations of 1, 2, 4, and 5 were defined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis with Cu Kα radiation. Rhodokalmanol A (1) represents the first 5,8‐epoxykalmane diterpenoid and also the first kalm‐15(16)‐ene diterpenoid. Rhodokalmanols B—D (2—4) are the first examples of kalm‐7(8)‐ene, kalm‐16(17)‐ene, and 8α‐methoxykalmane diterpenoids, respectively. All the isolated kalmane diterpenoids 1—8 exhibited significant analgesic effects, and rhodokalmanol C (3) and kalmanol (8) expressed more potent analgesic activity than morphine at doses of 0.2 and 0.04 mg/kg. The preliminary structure‐activity relationships of kalmane diterpenoids as potent analgesics are discussed.
Study on fracture behavior of molars based on three‐dimensional high‐precision computerized tomography scanning and numerical simulation
Authors: Feng Xianhui , Kou Wen , Liu Hongyuan , Gong Bin , Tang Chun'an
Published: December 2021

A series of three‐dimensional (3D) numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the gradual failure process of molars in this study. The real morphology and internal mesoscopic structure of a whole tooth are implemented into the numerical simulations through computerized tomography scanning, digital image processing, and 3D matrix mapping. The failure process of the whole tooth subject to compressions including crack initiation, crack propagation, and final failure pattern is reproduced using 3D realistic failure process analysis (RFPA3D) method. It is concluded that a series of microcracks are gradually initiated, nucleated, and subsequently interconnect to form macroscopic cracks when the teeth are under over‐compressions. The propagation of the macroscopic cracks results in the formation of fracture surfaces and penetrating cracks, which are essential signs and manifestations of the tooth failure. Moreover, the simulations reveal that, the material heterogeneity is a critical factor that affects the mechanical properties and fracture modes of the teeth, which vary from crown fractures to crown‐root fractures and root fractures depending on different homogeneity indices.
Visual design elements of product packaging: Implications for consumers' emotions, perceptions of quality, and price
Authors: Chitturi Ravindra , Londoño Juan C. , Henriquez Maria Cecilia
Published: December 2021

This study used three progressive experiments to isolate two dimensions of bottled water packaging: cap color and bottle shape. The objective of the first experiment was to test how the color of the bottle cap can change consumer preference. We evaluated four cylindrical bottles with different color caps (red, black, blue, and white). Results show that using a blue cap generates substantial positive changes in preference. The goal of the second experiment was to isolate the effect of bottle shape. Of the three bottle forms (cylindrical, squared, and anthropomorphic), the anthropomorphic was preferred. Results show that using a blue cap or an anthropomorphic shape improves preference and quality perceptions. A third experiment compared four price gaps (same price, 5%, 10%, and 20%) for the best versus worst shape and/color combination. In general, increasing the price of the bottle with the best color and shape decreases the choice preference. However, a 20% price increase improves the quality perception and inverts this trend. These results give product designers and marketing managers insights on how use color and shape to gain consumer preference.
Anhydrous Silicophosphoric Acid Glass: Thermal Properties and Proton Conductivity
Authors: Omata Takahisa , Sharma Aman , Suzuki Issei , Ishiyama Tomohiro , Kohara Shinji , Ohara Koji , Ono Madoka , Ren Yang , Zagarzusem Khurelbaatar , Fujioka Masaya , Zhao Gaoyang , Nishii Junji
Published: December 2021

Anhydrous silicophosphoric acid glass with an approximate composition of H5Si2P9O29 was synthesized and its thermal and proton‐conducting properties were characterized. Despite exhibiting a glass transition at 192 °C, the supercooled liquid could be handled as a solid up to 280 °C owing to its high viscosity. The glass and its melt exhibited proton conduction with a proton transport number of ∼1. Although covalent O−H bonds were weakened by relatively strong hydrogen bonding, the proton conductivity (4×10−4 S cm−1 at 276 °C) was considerably lower than that of phosphoric acid. The high viscosity of the melt was due to the tight cross‐linking of phosphate ion chains by six‐fold‐coordinated Si atoms. The low proton conductivity was attributed to the trapping of positively charged proton carriers around anionic SiO6 units (expressed as (SiO6/2)2−) to compensate for the negative charges.
Interfacial Engineering of Metal/Metal Oxide Heterojunctions toward Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jiang Ruibin
Published: December 2021

Oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) are two very important electrochemical processes for renewable energy conversion and storage devices. Electrocatalysts are needed to accelerate their sluggish kinetics to improve energy conversion efficiencies. Hence, extensive efforts have been devoted to the development of OER and ORR electrocatalysts with high activity and stability as well as low cost. Among these developed electrocatalysts, metal/metal oxide heterostructures attract a great deal of research interest because their catalytic performances can be tuned by interface engineering. In this Review, the latest achievements in interface engineering of metal/metal oxides heterostructures toward ORR and OER are described. The effects of the metal/metal oxide interface on catalysis are first discussed. Then, the approaches for interface engineering are illustrated. The developments of interface engineering in OER and ORR catalysis as well as bifunctional electrocatalysis are further introduced. Lastly, a perspective for future development of interface engineering in metal/metal oxide for OER and ORR is discussed.
ACOMAR: ACO‐based MAC‐aware routing protocol
Authors: Mechta Djamila , Mahgoun Oussama , Harous Saad
Published: December 2021

In this work, we present a new nature‐inspired cross‐layer routing protocol named ACO‐based MAC‐aware routing protocol (ACOMAR). An enhancement of time division multiple access (TDMA) algorithm is proposed where slots allocation algorithm considers the geographical distance between nodes and the sink. The nodes that are far away from the sink have better chance to be scheduled first. This strategy will result in more efficiency than a usual random TDMA schedule. This algorithm uses a metric based on the pheromone's value of Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) to choose the best next hop with the aim of reducing latency and energy and extending the network lifetime. Comparisons are made between ACOMAR, MAC‐aware routing (MAR) and the latest cross‐layer protocol latency and energy MAC‐aware routing (LEMAR). The experimental results show that ACOMAR outperforms considerably LEMAR by 80%, 20%, 81%, and 54% in latency, energy, hop count, and throughput, respectively. Consequently, ACOMAR is a suitable solution for healthcare applications where WSN‐based critical IoT devices interact quickly in emergence cases (high rate in latency optimization 80%).
A four port circularly polarized printed multiple‐input multiple‐output antenna with enhanced isolation
Authors: Reddy Mekala Harinath , Sheela Divakaran , Swaminath Amgoth
Published: December 2021

In this article, a four‐port circularly polarized printed multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna is designed to cover Wi‐Fi/WLAN (5 GHz), Wi‐MAX (3.4–3.6), and C band applications, which consists of four trapezoidal shaped patches with microstrip feed. To achieve high isolation between the ports, the antenna elements are located orthogonally to each other. The antenna elements are separated by placing diagonal lines to further enhance the port isolation. Circular polarization is achieved by modifying the ground plane and trimming the edges of the trapezoidal patch. The proposed MIMO antenna works between 3.2 and 6.2 GHz and has a 63.83% impedance bandwidth (IBW) for S11 ≤ −10 dB. It also offers a good diversity performance with envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) < 0.04 and diversity gain of ≈10 dB. The antenna is fabricated on a low‐cost FR4 material with 1.6 mm thickness and has dimensions of 50 mm × 50 mm. This article also clarifies some of the prior literature's misconceptions about MIMO antenna metrics. The measured results show that the proposed MIMO antenna is circularly polarized, has a similar IBW, and axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) to the simulated results, and has >25‐dB isolation.
Acute heart failure and iron deficiency: a prospective, multicentre, observational study
Authors: van Dalen Dirk H. , Kragten Johannes A. , Emans Mireille E. , van Ofwegen‐Hanekamp Clara E.E. , Klaarwater Claudia C.R. , Spanjers Mireille H.A. , Hendrick Rémond , van Deursen Cees Th.B.M. , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter
Published: December 2021

Aims

The prevalence and the natural course of iron deficiency (ID) in acute heart failure (AHF) are still unclear. We investigated the prevalence of ID in unselected patients admitted with AHF on admission, at discharge and up to 3 months thereafter.

Methods and results

In this prospective, multicentre, observational study, 742 patients admitted with AHF were enrolled. The main study outcome was the percentage of patients with ID (ferritin <100 μg/L = absolute ID or ferritin 100–299 μg/L and transferrin saturation <20% = functional ID) at admission (T0), after clinical stabilization prior to discharge (T1), and 10 ± 6 weeks after discharge (T2). At T0, ID was present in 71.8% of the patients (44.1% absolute and 27.7% functional ID). At T1 and T2, ID was present in 56.4% (32.4% absolute and 24% functional ID) and 50.3% (36.8% absolute and 13.5% functional ID), respectively. Absolute ID persisted from T0 to T2 in 66% of the patients, while functional ID resolved in 56% of the patients. Ferritin (median [interquartile range] 124 μg/L [56–247] to 150 μg/L [73–277]), transferrin saturation (15% [10–20] to 18% [12–27]), and iron levels (9 μmol/L [6–13] to 11 μmol/L [8–16]) increased significantly (all P < 0.001) from T0 to T1. Transferrin saturation (to 21% [15–29]) and iron levels (to 13 μmol/L [9–17]) also increased significantly (both P < 0.01) from T1 to T2 without iron supplementation.

Conclusions

Iron deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with AHF, but resolves during treatment in some patients, even without iron supplementation. Absolute ID is more likely to persist over time, whereas functional ID often resolves during treatment of AHF, representing probably a reduced iron availability rather than a true deficiency.
Ruthenium Complex Bearing a Hydroxy Group Functionalised N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand – A Universal Platform for Synthesis of Tagged and Immobilised Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Monsigny Louis , Czarnocki Stefan , Sienkiewicz Michał , Kopcha William , Frankfurter René , Vogt Carla , Solodenko Wladimir , Kajetanowicz Anna , Kirschning Andreas , Grela Karol
Published: December 2021

Six olefin metathesis catalysts, based on a common ruthenium precursor featuring a hydroxy‐substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand, were successfully prepared and fully characterised. As proof‐of‐concept, two of them ([Ru]isonico and [Ru]dmab) were directly immobilised on a solid support. These non‐covalently heterogenised catalysts are efficient in different metathesis reactions and sufficiently stable to be used for repeated runs under batch and continuous flow conditions. In nonpolar media such as n‐hexane, the catalytic character of the metathesis reactions is truly heterogeneous, and the contamination of the products with ruthenium is very low.
Organocatalytic Regio‐ and Enantioselective N‐Alkylation of Isoxazol‐5‐ones
Authors: Liu Meiwen , Qian Chenxiao , Li Pengfei
Published: December 2021

A chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed regio‐ and enantioselective reaction between 1‐acylamino‐3‐arylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐ols and isoxazol‐5‐ones has been developed for the first time. With the established protocol, N‐alkylation of isoxazol‐5‐ones was achieved, affording enantioenriched N,N‐acetals in 74–99 % yield with 72–88 % ee.
High‐Performance Charging Method for Cold Energy Storage Using Foam Freezing
Authors: Ding Zhaolei , Jiang Zhaoliang , Zhou Yu , Jiang Zongxiang
Published: December 2021

Phase change cold energy storage can effectively stabilize the peak value of the power grid, but the cold energy charging rate of phase change material decreases seriously which will reduce the energy efficiency of the system. The cold energy charging performance can be effectively improved by foam freezing, and the foam freezing model is proposed to explore the influence factors and the advantages of this method. Foam freezing is compared with other methods based on the novel concept of cold energy charging coefficient which is carried on the analogy to heat transfer coefficient. It is found that the cold energy charging rate of foam freezing are exponential functions of the height based on e. The foam cold energy charging coefficient is affected by the superposition of convective heat transfer intensity and bubble terminal velocity. The technical path of increasing the cold energy charging coefficient by continuously reducing the bubble size is not feasible. When foam freezing at the radius of 0.6 mm, the cold energy charging coefficient is 237.1 W m−2 K−1, the water equivalent height is 18 mm, and it is the most economical. Foam freezing has advantages over the ice ball and ice‐on‐coil in cold energy charging performance.
Removal Performance of Biomass Tar Utilizing Olivine Catalytic Decomposition and Oily Materials Absorption
Authors: Meng Junguang , Zhao Zengli , Zhang Jubing , Wang Xinye
Published: December 2021

Tar is one of the biggest bottlenecks hindering the development of biomass gasification. Herein, Ni−Fe/olivine catalysts prepared by thermal fusion (TF‐olivine) and wetness impregnation (WI‐olivine) are selected as the tar in situ cracking catalyst, and four oily materials (waste cooking oil [WCO], waste cooking oil‐based biodiesel [WCB], palm oil [PO], palm oil‐based biodiesel [PB]) are selected as subsequent tar absorbents. The results show that the tar efficiency increases with the increase in oil absorbent temperature. The absorption efficiency of PO and PB is higher than that of WCO and WCB. The absorption efficiency of tar can reach up to 92.96%. After adding TF‐olivine as the in situ catalyst, the removal efficiency of tar in the biomass catalytic decomposition oil absorbent purification system is further improved. In the fixed‐bed experimental device with a biomass feed rate of 30 g h−1, the tar removal rate reaches 99.96%. In the biomass‐circulating fluidized bed gasification device with a feed rate of 3.9 kg h−1, the tar content is reduced to 8.6 mg Nm−3, and the tar removal rate is up to 99.89%. The in situ catalytic oil absorption purification system provides a promising approach for efficient removal of biomass tar.
Adrenal function during long‐term ACTH therapy for patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Ueda Yuki , Fujishige Shuta , Goto Takeru , Kimura Shuhei , Namatame Noriko , Narugami Masashi , Nakakubo Sachiko , Nakajima Midori , Egawa Kiyoshi , Kaneko Naoya , Nakayama Kanako , Hishimura Nozomi , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Nakamura Akie , Shiraishi Hideaki
Published: December 2021

Some patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) respond to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy but relapse soon after. While long‐term ACTH therapy (LT‐ACTH) has been attempted for these patients, no previous studies have carefully assessed adrenal function during LT‐ACTH. We evaluated the effectiveness of LT‐ACTH, as well as adverse effects (AE), including their adrenal function in three DEE patients. Patients underwent a corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test during LT‐ACTH, and those with peak serum cortisol below 15 μg/dL were considered to be at high risk of adrenal insufficiency (AI). Two of three responded, and their life‐threatening seizures with postgeneralized electroencephalogram (EEG) suppression decreased. Although no individuals had serious AE, CRH stimulation test revealed relatively weak responses, without reaching normal cortisol peak level (18 μg/dL). Hydrocortisone replacement during stress was prepared in a case with lower cortisol peak than our cutoff level. LT‐ACTH could be a promising treatment option for cases of DEE that relapse soon after effective ACTH treatment. The longer duration and larger cumulative dosage in LT‐ACTH than in conventional ACTH could increase the relative risk of AI. Careful evaluation with pediatric endocrinologists, including hormonal stimulation tests, might be useful for continuing this treatment safely.
Biodegradable nanoparticles for the treatment of epilepsy: From current advances to future challenges
Authors: Bonilla Lorena , Esteruelas Gerard , Ettcheto Miren , Espina Marta , García María Luisa , Camins Antoni , Souto Eliana B. , Cano Amanda , Sánchez‐López Elena
Published: December 2021

Epilepsy is the second most prevalent neurological disease worldwide. It is mainly characterized by an electrical abnormal activity in different brain regions. The massive entrance of Ca2+ into neurons is the main neurotoxic process that lead to cell death and finally to neurodegeneration. Although there are a huge number of antiseizure medications, there are many patients who do not respond to the treatments and present refractory epilepsy. In this context, nanomedicine constitutes a promising alternative to enhance the central nervous system bioavailability of antiseizure medications. The encapsulation of different chemical compounds at once in a variety of controlled drug delivery systems gives rise to an enhanced drug effectiveness mainly due to their targeting and penetration into the deepest brain region and the protection of the drug chemical structure. Thus, in this review we will explore the recent advances in the development of drugs associated with polymeric and lipid‐based nanocarriers as novel tools for the management of epilepsy disorders.
Recurrent PTBP1::MAML2 fusions in composite hemangioendothelioma with neuroendocrine differentiation: A report of two cases involving neck lymph nodes
Authors: Dermawan Josephine K. , Westra William H. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: December 2021

Composite hemangioendothelioma (CHE) displaying neuroendocrine differentiation is a rare histologic variant that is often mistaken for angiosarcoma, having a predilection for visceral locations and being associated with an aggressive clinical course. Their pathogenesis is still evolving, with only two cases to date from separate studies reporting a recurrent PTBP1‐MAML2 fusion. Herein, we report two new cases of neuroendocrine CHE harboring PTBP1‐MAML2 fusions occurring in two elderly patients (70‐year‐old male and 71‐year‐old female), both involving neck lymph nodes. The first case presented with multifocal cervical lymphadenopathy, while the second case occurred unifocally in an enlarged neck lymph node. Histologically, the tumors displayed heterogenous architectural patterns with areas reminiscent of benign cavernous hemangioma, retiform hemangioendothelioma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and angiosarcoma. Cytologically, the cells were monotonous with round to ovoid nuclei, open to fine chromatin, scant to moderate cytoplasm, and frequent vacuolization. In addition, the first case showed focal solid areas of large epithelioid cells with severe nuclear atypia, enlarged nuclei and prominent nucleoli, resembling epithelioid angiosarcoma. Tumor cells were diffusely positive for vascular markers and focally positive for synaptophysin. In both cases, a next‐generation sequencing fusion panel confirmed an in‐frame fusion between PTBP1 exon 10 and MAML2 exon 2. One case with clinical follow‐up showed stable recurrent disease and metastatic lung deposits following treatment. Both patients were alive at 3 months and 1 year following initial diagnosis. Our findings lend further support to classifying CHE with PTBP1‐MAML2 fusions as a distinct variant of CHE with unique clinicopathologic features, including neuroendocrine features.
Das Emerald‐Book – Ein Meilenstein auf dem Weg in die Zukunft
Authors: Ertl Hannes , Hechenblaickner Kurt
Published: December 2021

The Emerald Book as a joint work of ITA and FIDIC is the first international standard for contracts in tunnelling and shows the necessity and the need for such regulations. The Geotechnical Baseline Report is the key element and can be combined with Austrian regulations such as ÖN B2203 and the guidelines of the Austrian Society for Geomechanics. Characterised by a balanced risk sharing and embedded in the FIDIC suite, the Emerald Book is an attractive alternative to Central European contracts.
Lithium inhibits tryptophan catabolism via the inflammation‐induced kynurenine pathway in human microglia
Authors: Göttert Ria , Fidzinski Pawel , Kraus Larissa , Schneider Ulf Christoph , Holtkamp Martin , Endres Matthias , Gertz Karen , Kronenberg Golo
Published: December 2021

Despite its decades' long therapeutic use in psychiatry, the biological mechanisms underlying lithium's mood‐stabilizing effects have remained largely elusive. Here, we investigated the effect of lithium on tryptophan breakdown via the kynurenine pathway using immortalized human microglia cells, primary human microglia isolated from surgical specimens, and microglia‐like cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Interferon (IFN)‐γ, but not lipopolysaccharide, was able to activate immortalized human microglia, inducing a robust increase in indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO1) mRNA transcription, IDO1 protein expression, and activity. Further, chromatin immunoprecipitation verified enriched binding of both STAT1 and STAT3 to the IDO1 promoter. Lithium counteracted these effects, increasing inhibitory GSK3βS9 phosphorylation and reducing STAT1S727 and STAT3Y705 phosphorylation levels in IFN‐γ treated cells. Studies in primary human microglia and hiPSC‐derived microglia confirmed the anti‐inflammatory effects of lithium, highlighting that IDO activity is reduced by GSK3 inhibitor SB‐216763 and STAT inhibitor nifuroxazide via downregulation of P‐STAT1S727 and P‐STAT3Y705. Primary human microglia differed from immortalized human microglia and hiPSC derived microglia‐like cells in their strong sensitivity to LPS, resulting in robust upregulation of IDO1 and anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. While lithium again decreased IDO1 activity in primary cells, it further increased release of IL‐10 in response to LPS. Taken together, our study demonstrates that lithium inhibits the inflammatory kynurenine pathway in the microglia compartment of the human brain.
Elective neck dissection in salivary gland malignancies: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Flora , Lao Wilson P. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Sharma Anand K. , Day Terry A.
Published: December 2021

We defined the occult nodal metastasis (ONM) rate of clinical node‐negative salivary gland malignancies and examined the role of elective neck dissection (END). Meta‐analysis querying four databases, from inception of databases to March 25th, 2020. Fifty‐one studies with 11 698 patients were included. ONM rates were 64% for salivary ductal carcinoma (SDC), 51% for undifferentiated carcinoma, 34% for carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA), 32% for adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (ANOS), 31% for lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LE), 20% for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 17% for acinic cell carcinoma, and 17% for adenoid cystic carcinoma. T3/T4 tumors had a 2.3 times increased risk of ONM than T1/T2 tumors. High‐grade tumors had a 3.8 times increased risk of ONM than low/intermediate‐grade tumors. ONM rates were exceedingly high for T3/T4, high‐grade, and undifferentiated, SDC, ANOS, CXPA, and LE tumors, indicating the potential role of END.
A novel method to reconstruct right recurrent laryngeal nerve by transforming into nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve: The end‐to‐free vagal laryngeal branch end anastomosis
Authors: Hu Jia‐Qian , Yu Peng‐Cheng , Tan Li‐Cheng , Wei Wen‐Jun , Lu Zhong‐Wu , Wang Yu , Ji Qing‐Hai , Wang Yu‐Long
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study is to demonstrate a novel method for the reconstruction of right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) by transforming into nonrecurrent RLN: the end‐to‐free vagal laryngeal branch end anastomosis. Here we report a case of locally advanced thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent radical thyroid surgery with inevitably partial RLN resection and immediate right RLN reconstruction at our institution. With the guidance of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOMN), we completed a novel end‐to‐free vagal laryngeal branch end anastomosis. The whole procedure was deliberately monitored by IOMN. Surgeons can procure adequate free nerve for tension‐free anastomosis by transforming the right RLN into nonrecurrent nerve. Follow‐up laryngoscope showed improved adductory movement of the right arytenoid. The end‐to‐free vagal end anastomosis is an effective way to reconstruct segmental nerve resection of right RLN. Its long‐term postoperative result needs to be further warranted.
Frailty, mortality, and health care utilization after liver transplantation: From the Multicenter Functional Assessment in Liver Transplantation (FrAILT) Study
Authors: Lai Jennifer C. , Shui Amy M. , Duarte‐Rojo Andres , Ganger Daniel R. , Rahimi Robert S. , Huang Chiung‐Yu , Yao Frederick , Kappus Matthew , Boyarsky Brian , McAdams‐Demarco Mara , Volk Michael L. , Dunn Michael A. , Ladner Daniela P. , Segev Dorry L. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Feng Sandy ,   from the Multi‐Center Functional Assessment in Liver Transplantation (FrAILT) Study
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Frailty is a well‐established risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation (LT), but whether it predicts outcomes among those who have undergone LT is unknown.

Approach and Results

Adult LT recipients from 8 US centers (2012–2019) were included. Pre‐LT frailty was assessed in the ambulatory setting using the Liver Frailty Index (LFI). “Frail” was defined by an optimal cut point of LFI ≥ 4.5. We used the 75th percentile to define “prolonged” post‐LT length of stay (LOS; ≥12 days), intensive care unit (ICU) days (≥4 days), and inpatient days within 90 post‐LT days (≥17 days). Of 1166 LT recipients, 21% were frail pre‐LT. Cumulative incidence of death at 1 and 5 years was 6% and 16% for frail and 4% and 10% for nonfrail patients (overall log‐rank p = 0.02). Pre‐LT frailty was associated with an unadjusted 62% increased risk of post‐LT mortality (95% CI, 1.08–2.44); after adjustment for body mass index, HCC, donor age, and donation after cardiac death status, the HR was 2.13 (95% CI, 1.39–3.26). Patients who were frail versus nonfrail experienced a higher adjusted odds of prolonged LT LOS (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.47–2.73), ICU stay (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12–2.14), inpatient days within 90 post‐LT days (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.25–2.37), and nonhome discharge (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.58–3.97).

Conclusions

Compared with nonfrail patients, frail LT recipients had a higher risk of post‐LT death and greater post‐LT health care utilization, although overall post‐LT survival was acceptable. These data lay the foundation to investigate whether targeting pre‐LT frailty will improve post‐LT outcomes and reduce resource utilization.
Reasons reported by women for choosing the levonorgestrel intrauterine system as a contraceptive method
Authors: Laporte Montas , Charles Charles M. , Metelus Sherly , Peloggia Alessandra , Paez Gabriela de O. , Juliato Cassia T. , Bahamondes Luis
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess the reasons provided by women for choosing the use of the 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) as a contraceptive method.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional study from January 2021 to August 2021 at the University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. Women who had never used the 52 mg LNG‐IUS and were requesting it for contraception answered a questionnaire asking for their sociodemographic characteristics, the last contraceptive method in use, how they received information about the device, and their main reasons for choosing the method.

Results

We enrolled 516 women, 365 (70.7%) of whom were under the age of 35 and 352 (68.2%) of whom were parous. The last contraceptive method in use was a short‐acting reversible method among 387 (80.8%) women, 454 (88%) reported that they wanted to use the IUS only for contraception, and the main source of information was their health care providers. The main reported reasons for choosing the method were because it is safe, has high contraceptive efficacy, and reduces menstrual bleeding.

Conclusion

Health care providers should continue their efforts to provide guidance about the LNG‐IUS, including the non‐contraceptive benefits, which may contribute to a reduction in the number of unplanned pregnancies.
Sparking Learning through Remix Journaling: Authenticating Participatory Ways of Knowing
Authors: Redmond Theresa
Published: December 2021

This study examined the impact of remix journaling as a new media literacy practice on undergraduate students’ engagement and ownership of learning. Using arts‐based pedagogy combined with new media literacies, this study chronicles students’ perspectives on knowledge‐building, expression, and social agency through remix journaling. Findings suggest remix as a contemporary literacy practice that expands and enhances students’ critical thinking while cultivating authentic classroom cultures that bridge digital worlds by supporting reader engagement and the development of media literacies. Findings have implications for educational professionals, administrators, librarians, and media specialists seeking low‐tech, high impact strategies for cultivating new media literacy practices in their classrooms and school communities.
XGBoost‐basedintelligence yield prediction and reaction factors analysis of amination reaction
Authors: Dong Jing , Peng Lichao , Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Zelin , Zhang Puyu
Published: December 2021

Buchwald‐Hartwig amination reaction catalyzed by palladium plays an important role in drug synthesis. In the last few years, machine learning‐assisted strategies emerged and quickly gained attention. In this article, an importance and relevance‐based integrated feature screening method is proposed to effectively filter high‐dimensional feature descriptor data. Then, a regularized machine learning boosting tree model, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, is introduced to intelligently predict reaction performance in multidimensional chemistry space. Furthermore, convergence, interpretability, generalization, and the internal association between reaction conditions and yields are excavated, which provides intelligent assistance for the optimal design of coupling reaction system and evaluating the reaction conditions. Compared with recently published results, the proposed method requires fewer feature descriptors, takes less time, and achieves more accurate prediction accuracy.
Highly sensitive carbon paste electrode modified with a synthesized ferrocenyl Schiff base for trace determination of Ce(III) in real samples
Authors: Arabhalvaei Nastaran , Soleymanpour Ahmad , Shafaatian Bita
Published: December 2021

A recently new synthesized Schiff base was investigated to determine its capability as a modifier in carbon paste matrix to construct a potentiometric cation sensor. The developed modified carbon paste sensor under the optimized conditions reveals a Nernstian slope of 19.4 mV/decade to cerium(III) from 7.5 × 10−9 to 1.5 × 10−3 M and a low detection limit of 5.4 × 10−9 M. The specifications of the sensor were investigated according to the carbon paste composition, appropriate temperature and pH range, selectivity, and applicability. The sensor possesses a stable and short response time of 5 s. It represents many advantages such as feasible construction, renewability, wide determination range, high selectivity to Ce(III) ion, low limit of detection. The sensor was successfully carried out as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration and determination of cerium(III) ion in mineral and spring water samples. The temperature dependence of the sensor potential was tested, and it was concluded that the sensor has a very low thermal coefficient in the temperature range of 15–55°C.
A measure of functioning in adults With ADHD: Psychometric properties of the general life functioning scale‐parent version
Authors: Zhao Xin , Kennedy Traci M. , Hayes Timothy , Gnagy Elizabeth M. , Pelham William E. , Molina Brooke S. G.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The General Life Functioning Scale (GLF) was developed to provide a complementary alternative to existing measures of impairment. We examined the psychometric properties of the GLF‐Parent version (GLF‐P), given the known value of informant ratings.

Methods

The GLF‐P was administered to parents of adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosed in childhood and a nonADHD comparison group in the Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study. GLF‐P ratings described 334 participants (ADHD = 186; comparison = 148) rated at age 25 (Mage = 24.80 years, SDage = 0.46, range = 24–26) and 401 participants (ADHD = 237; comparison = 164) rated at age 30 (Mage = 29.30, SDage = 0.64, range = 28–33). Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses were used.

Results

EFAs suggested and CFAs confirmed a five‐factor solution. We found measurement invariance across diagnostic and age groups, satisfactory internal consistency, construct validity, and known‐group validity.

Conclusion

Psychometric results suggest the GLF‐P as a helpful adjunctive measure of functioning. Further research is needed to determine the utility of the GLF across diverse settings.
Virtual dental teaching and its effect on test success – A cross‐over study
Authors: Liebermann Anja , Seefelder Julia , Nold Ephraim , Huth Karin Christine , Erdelt Kurt
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The aim of this cross‐over investigation was to analyze the effect of virtual teaching using virtual reality (VR) within a dental learning environment by preclinical students with or without dental professional experience on test performance.

Methods

Preclinical students (N = 82) were randomly divided into two groups for cross‐over testing of tooth morphology knowledge: (a) anterior VR‐group (group 1) using the VR‐glasses as an additional learning tool for the anterior tooth morphologies and (b) posterior VR‐group (group 2) using it for the posterior tooth morphologies also in addition to conventional learning. All students used the VR‐glasses for 1 week independent of time and location depending on group. The students had to recognize teeth (anterior or posterior within two separate tests after three [anterior test] and 6 weeks [posterior test] of practical course) and note the tooth number and characteristics in written form. Former dental experience (dental technician/assistance) was noted. Test results were analyzed to quantify the effect of virtual teaching on test scores. Data were analyzed with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Mann–Whitney U test (p = 0.05).

Results

By differentiating the two student groups (use of VR glasses for anterior/posterior teeth) within the dental experience group, significantly better test results (p = 0.040) were shown for group 1 in the total posterior teeth test score. Furthermore, no other significant differences, but a possible tendency, in the test results and thus no effect of the use of the VR glasses on both VR groups could be analyzed (p ≥ 0.051).

Conclusions

Using the VR tooth learning environment predominantly did not lead to a significant improvement of test results. Anterior teeth test scores predominantly showed significantly better results than posterior teeth test scores.
Microscopic techniques for fabrication of polyethersulfone thin‐film nanocomposite membranes intercalated with UiO‐66‐SO3H for heavy metal ions removal from water
Authors: Gul Seema , Latafat Kanwar Rehan , Asma Maliha , Ahmad Mushtaq , Kilic Zeyneb , Zafar Muhammad , Ding Yifu , Malik Aamir
Published: December 2021

Environmental remediation of heavy metals from wastewater is becoming popular area in the field of membrane technology. Heavy metals are toxic in nature and have ability to bioaccumulate in water bodies. In current study, zirconium‐based metal organic frameworks (MOFs), that is, UiO‐66 and UiO‐66‐SO3H with a mean diameter of 200 nm were synthesized and intercalated into polyethersulfone (PES) substrate to fabricate thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes via an interfacial polymerization (IP) method. TFN membranes exhibit higher selectivity and permeability as compared to thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes for heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). Zirconium‐based MOFs are highly stable in water and due to smaller pore size enhanced hydrophilicity of TFN membranes. In addition, TFN membrane with functionalized MOF (UiO‐66‐SO3H) performed best as compared to TFC and TFN with UiO‐66 MOF. The effect of loading of different weight percentages (wt%) of both MOFs for TFN membranes was also investigated. The TFN membranes with loading (0.2 wt%) of UiO‐66‐SO3H displayed highest permeability of 9.57 LMH/bar and notable rejections of 90% and 87.7% toward Cd and Hg, respectively. To our best understanding, it is the first study of intercalating functionalized UiO‐66‐SO3H in TFC membranes by IP and their application on heavy metals especially Cd and Hg.
Synthesis and antitumor evaluation of some new thiazolopyridine, nicotinonitrile, pyrazolopyridine, and polyhydroquinoline derivatives using ceric ammonium nitrate as a green catalyst
Authors: Raslan Reham R. , Hessein Sadia A. , Fouad Sawsan A. , Shmiess Nadia A. M.
Published: December 2021

A novel series of thiazolo[5,4‐b]pyridine, polysubstituted pyridines, pyrazolo [3,4‐b] pyridine‐5‐carbonitriles, and polyhydroquinoline were synthesized via one‐pot reaction of 2‐iminothiazolidin‐5‐one, acetyl pyridine, pyrazolone, and/or cyclohexanone with various aldehydes, some active methylene and ammonium acetate in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN). The resulting compounds were generated in high yields in a short amount of time, and the structures of the novel compounds were confirmed using IR, 1H NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectra. The cytotoxic activity of 15 substances was tested in vitro against HePG‐2 and Caco‐2 cell lines. The results of antitumor assay confirmed that quinoline 12d compounds possess higher cytotoxic activity against two cell lines closed to doxorubicin, which is used as a standard anticancer drug. Also, 12c compounds are more efficient antitumor against the 2‐cell lines. While compounds 1 showed moderate activity toward Caco‐2. On the other hand, most of the tested compounds exhibited moderate to low cytotoxic activity toward the two cell lines. Based on the results, some of the newly synthesized derivatives showed excellent antitumor activity that qualified them for biomedical applications.