bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide potentiates interleukin‐6 production by astrocytes infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus by a receptor‐mediated pathway
Authors: Molina-Holgado Francisco , Molina-Holgado Eduardo , Guaza Carmen
Published: July 2002

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection of a susceptible strain of mice results in virus persistence in the brain and chronic primary immune‐mediated demyelination, which resembles multiple sclerosis. Recent attention has focused on the anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties of interleukin‐6, a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of immunological responses, acute phase protein production and hematopoiesis. Anandamide (arachidonoyl ethanolamine) is a natural brain constituent that binds a specific brain cannabinoid receptor. In this study we investigated whether anandamide can modify interleukin‐6 production by primary cultures of murine brain cortical astrocytes infected with TMEV. Astrocytes from susceptible (SJL/J) and resistant (BALB/c) strains of mice infected with TMEV (105 PFU/well) increased IL‐6 release over a period of 24 h. Anandamide caused an enhancement of the release of IL‐6 by TMEV‐infected astrocytes in a concentration‐dependent manner (1–25 μM). Treatment of TMEV‐infected astrocytes with 10 μM arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, a potent inhibitor of the amidase that degrades anandamide, was found to potentiate the effects of anandamide on IL‐6 release. A novel and selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR 141617A, blocked the enhancing effects of anandamide on IL‐6 release by TMEV‐infected astrocytes, suggesting a cannabinoid receptor‐mediated pathway. The physiological implications of these results are unknown, but may be related to the hypothesis of the protective effects of cannabinoids on neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.
The lack of extracellular Na+ exacerbates Ca2+‐dependent damage of cultured cerebellar granule cells
Authors: Isaev Nikolaj K , Stelmashook Elena V , Alexandrova Olga P , Andreeva Nadezhda A , Polyakova Irina A , Victorov Ilya V , Zorov Dmitry B
Published: July 2002

Rhodamine 123 staining, light and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the ultrastructural and functional state of cultured cerebellar granule cells after short treatment with the solution where NaCl was substituted by sucrose (sucrose balance salt medium, SBSM). Cell exposure to SBSM for 20 min resulted in the fact that mitochondria in the neurons lost their ability to sequester rhodamine 123. This effect could be prevented by: (i) non‐competitive N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor channel blocker, 10−5 M MK‐801; (ii) a competitive specific antagonist of NMDA glutamate receptors, 0.25×10−3 M d,l‐2‐amino‐7‐phosphonoheptanoate (APH); (iii) 10−3 M cobalt chloride; (iv) removal of Ca2+ from the medium. Low Na+ in the Ca2+‐containing medium caused considerable mitochondrial swelling in granule cells. However, the same treatment in the absence of calcium ions in the medium abolished the deleterious effect of SBSM on the neuronal mitochondrial structure and functions. It is suggected that (i) the exposure of cultured cerebellar granule cells to SBSM leads to a release of endogenous glutamate from cells; (ii) Ca2+ ions potentially de‐energizing neuronal mitochondria enter the neuron preferentially through the NMDA channels rather than through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger; (iii) mitochondrial swelling in granule cells is highly Ca2+‐dependent; (iv) cellular overload with sodium ions can activate mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and thus prevent permeability transition pore opening in mitochondria.
Production of bioactive amino‐terminal domain of the thyrotropin receptor via insertion in the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor
Authors: Costagliola Sabine , Khoo Daphne , Vassart Gilbert
Published: July 2002

A chimeric cDNA construct encoding the extracellular amino‐terminal domain (ECD) of the thyrotropin receptor fused to the signal for addition of glycosylphosphatidylinositol from the Thy‐1 gene directs efficient expression of the ECD at the plasma membrane of transfected CHO cells. A cell line (GT14) expressing over 106 receptors/cell was isolated, which allows direct detection, by flow cytometry, of autoantibodies from the majority of patients with Graves' disease or autoimmune idiopathic myxedema. Treatment of GT14 cells with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) releases a soluble 80 kDa molecule which neutralizes the autoantibodies from Graves patients. Whereas it does not bind TSH when released from the cells by PI‐PLC in free form, the soluble ECD displays clear TSH binding activity when it is released as a complex with a monoclonal antibody recognizing a conformational epitope of the ECD. Our results allow production of bioactive ECD of the thyrotropin receptor in high yield, with possible applications in structural analyses.
Genomic organisation, alternative splicing and primary structure of human matrilin‐41
Authors: Wagener Raimund , Kobbe Birgit , Paulsson Mats
Published: July 2002

We have recently cloned a cDNA for mouse matrilin‐4. By sequence comparison we identified the 12 kb long human matrilin‐4 gene as a part of a high‐throughput genomic sequence (HS453C12) in the databases. Additionally we found a human matrilin‐4 expressed sequence tag (H54037) in the database that had been mapped to chromosome 20q13.1–2. The gene contains 10 exons and, like the matrilin‐1 gene, the human matrilin‐4 gene contains an AT‐AC intron between the two exons en coding the coiled‐coil domain. The cDNA sequence of human matrilin‐4 was determined by sequencing of RT‐PCR products obtained from mRNA of the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK 293. At the amino acid level it showed an overall sequence identity to the mature mouse matrilin‐4 of 91% with a maximum of 97% in the second vWFA‐like module. Alternative splicing leads to three different mRNAs. They all encode the putative signal peptide, the two vWFA‐like domains and the potential coiled‐coil α‐helical oligomerisation domain but differ in that either one, two or three EGF‐like domains are retained in the mature mRNA. Due to a G to A mutation at the splice donor site of intron C, the third exon encodes an untranslated pseudo‐exon specifying the first EGF‐like domain when compared to mouse matrilin‐4.
Calpain‐induced proteolysis of β‐spectrins
Authors: Löfvenberg Lars , Backman Lars
Published: July 2002

The calcium‐activated neutral protease calpain is activated in several pathological conditions. Calpain usually hydrolyses one or only a few peptide bonds in its substrate. One prominent substrate for calpain is spectrin and it has been shown that α‐spectrin is the preferred substrate. We now show that the β‐chain of spectrin is also a substrate for calpain proteolysis, and that the cleavage site in each β‐subunit is located at the very C‐terminal part of the molecule. Surprisingly, βIΣ1‐spectrin is cleaved at a different site than βIΣ2‐ and βIIΣ1‐spectrins despite their high degree of sequence identity.
Structure of the human VIPR2 gene for vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 2
Authors: Lutz E.M. , Shen S. , Mackay M. , West K. , Harmar A.J.
Published: July 2002

The VPAC2 (vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)2) receptor is a seven‐transmembrane spanning G protein‐coupled receptor which responds similarly to VIP and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in stimulating cAMP production. Recently, we reported the localisation of the human VPAC2 receptor gene (VIPR2) to chromosome 7q36.3 (Mackay, M. et al. (1996) Genomics 37, 345–353). Here, we describe the characterisation of the VIPR2 gene structure and promoter region. The VIPR2 gene is encoded by 13 exons, the initiator codon of the 438 amino acid open reading frame is located in exon 1 and the termination signal and a poly‐adenylation signal sequence are located in exon 13. The 5′ untranslated region extends 187 bp upstream of the initiator codon and is extremely GC‐rich (80%). The poly‐adenylation signal is located 2416 bp downstream of the stop codon. Intron sizes range from 68 bp (intron 11) to 45 kb (intron 4) and the human gene spans 117 kb.
Apoptosis induced by denied adhesion to extracellular matrix (anoikis) in thyroid epithelial cells is p53 dependent but fails to correlate with modulation of p53 expression
Authors: Vitale Mario , Di Matola Tiziana , Bifulco Maurizio , Casamassima Adele , Fenzi Gianfranco , Rossi Guido
Published: July 2002

In normal epithelial cells, impaired cell‐matrix contact leads to induction of programmed cell death, a process that has been termed ‘anoikis’. We investigated the role of p53 and other apoptotic proteins in anoikis in thyroid epithelial cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that neither p53 nor Bcl‐2, Bcl‐XL and Bax protein expression changed during anoikis. However, loss of endogenous p53 activity in cells transfected with a dominant‐negative mutated p53 inhibited anoikis demonstrating the involvement of p53‐dependent processes. The phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate opposed anoikis when added to the cells within 6 h, suggesting a role for phosphorylated proteins.
Human rhinovirus HRV14 uncoats from early endosomes in the presence of bafilomycin
Authors: Bayer Nora , Prchla Elisabeth , Schwab Martin , Blaas Dieter , Fuchs Renate
Published: July 2002

Determination of infectious progeny virus and in vivo labelling with [35S]methionine followed by immunoprecipitation demonstrates that the major receptor group human rhinovirus HRV14 is able to infect HeLa cells in the presence of the V‐ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1. However, host cell shut off is delayed and viral yield is decreased in the presence of the drug. Uncoating can thus take place under conditions that prevent endosomal acidification indicating that it is catalysed by the viral receptor alone. Since transport is arrested in early endosomes upon inhibition of vesicle acidification, the data also suggest that productive uncoating takes place from early endocytic compartments.
Isolation and characterisation of the human rab18 gene after stimulation of endothelial cells with histamine
Authors: Schäfer Ute , Seibold Stefan , Schneider Annette , Neugebauer Edmund
Published: July 2002

Here we report the isolation of a cDNA encoding the complete human rab18 protein from histamine‐stimulated endothelial cells using differential display. The amino acid sequence showed 98% homology with the previously isolated mouse rab18 protein, which is implicated in apical/basolateral endocytosis. Northern blot analysis revealed two transcripts (2.5 kb and 1 kb) ubiquitously expressed in all examined organs, as well as in human umbilical vein endothelial and aortic cells. In blood cells rab18 transcripts were hardly detectable. The histamine‐induced time‐dependent increase of rab18 mRNA expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicates for the first time a link between receptor‐mediated signal transduction and the regulation of rab gene expression. This finding might also imply a role for rab proteins in inflammation.
The chondrogenic potential of periosteum decreases with age
Authors: O'Driscoll Shawn W. M. , Saris Daniel B. F. , Ito Yoichi , Fitzimmons James S.
Published: July 2002

Periosteum contains undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells that possess the potential for chondrogenesis during cartilage repair and in fracture healing. With aging, the chondrogenic potential of periosteum declines significantly. An organ‐culture model was used to investigate the relationship between the chondrogenic potential of periosteum and aging. A total of 736 periosteal explants from the proximal medial tibiae of 82 rabbits, aged 2 weeks to 2 years, were cultured in agarose suspension conditions conductive for chondrogenesis, and analyzed using histomorphometry, collagen typing, wet weight measurement, 3H‐thymidine and 35S‐sulfate uptake, autoradiography, and PCNA immunostaining. The rabbits were skeletally mature by 6 months and stopped increasing in weight by 12 months. Chondrogenesis declined significantly with age (P < 0.0001) and was maximal in the 1.5–2 month‐old rabbits. Explants from the 6 month‐old rabbits formed 50% less cartilage, and by 12 months chondrogenesis reached a steady state minimal level. In parallel with this decrease in chondrogenic potential similar decreases were measured in 3H‐thymidine uptake (P < 0.0001), 35S‐sulfate uptake (P = 0.0117), as well as the thickness (P < 0.0001) and the total number of cells in the cambium layer of the periosteum (P < 0.0001). Autoradiography with 3H‐thymidine and PCNA immunostaining confirmed the measured decrease in proliferative activity in the cambium layer where the chondrocyte precursors reside, although the percentage of proliferating cells did not change significantly with age. The most dramatic change was the marked decrease (87%) in the thickness and total cell number in the cambium layer of the perisoteum between the 2 and 12 month‐old rabbits (P < 0.05). These data confirm a decline in the chondrogenic potential of periosteum with aging. Thus, one possibility for improving cartilage formation by periosteal transplantation after skeletal maturity would be to stimulate an increase in the total number of cells in the chondrocyte precursor pool early during chondrogenesis. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Research with incompetent demented patients. A current problem in light of German history
Authors: Helmchen H
Published: July 2002

Medical research with incompetent patients which is expected to yield only questionable or no individual benefit (and which is often wrongly equated with non-therapeutic research) remains a difficult and controversial problem. This is reflected in the fact that such research is legally admissible in some countries such as France and England, but is questionable or prohibited in other countries, eg, Germany. Such research can only be justified ethically if the need for it is set forth according to defined criteria, and if defined protective criteria are fulfilled, particularly to ensure that the research-related instrumentalisation of the patient is held in check by observing respect for the patient's dignity, to ensure that research does not involve more than minimal risks and negligible stress for the individual participant, and that the patient's refusal to participate is accepted. A broad international consensus exists with regard to these criteria [9, 21, 26, 41]. But concepts and definitions as to what constitutes benefits and risks, as well as criteria and procedures in weighing benefits against risks, and, not least of all, the weighing of individual benefit against societal benefit, require clarification. The question must also be satisfactorily answered: who is to do the weighing? But above all, it must be ensured by professional education that this process of checks and controls is effectively carried out in day-to-day medical-scientific life.
CDC: 93,000 deaths from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2020
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that about 93,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2020. This is an increase of 29.4% from the 72,151 deaths predicted for 2019, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, which released the data July 14.
Additive Manufacturing of Sandwich–Structured Conductors for Applications in Flexible and Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Yu Xiaowei , Gong Xiangtao , Podder Chinmoy , Ludwig Brandon , Chen I-Meng , Shou Wan , Alvidrez Alexis , Chen Genda , Huang Xian , Pan Heng
Published: July 2021

Additive manufacturing methods have shown great potentials to substitute the costly and time‐consuming conventional subtractive methods in the processing of electronically conductive materials for applications in flexible and stretchable electronics. Herein, additive manufacturing of highly conductive, sandwich‐structured conductors with high‐temperature processibility and versatility in applicable substrates is reported. The sandwich‐structured conductors with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as electronic conductors and polyimide (PI) as encapsulation are layer‐by‐layer deposited by aerosol printing into PI/Ag/PI composites. A high annealing temperature of 250 °C contributes to the high electronic conductivity of the Ag layer at 1.14 × 107 S m−1, which is in the same order of magnitude to the conductivity of bulk Ag at 6.3 × 107 S m−1. The high annealing temperature also significantly improves the interfacial bonding between the Ag and PI layers. For applications in flexible and stretchable electronics, the sandwich‐structured conductors are transferrable to various substrates through a thiol−epoxy bonding process, including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Kapton, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin films. The sandwich‐structured conductors transferred to flexible and stretchable substrates exhibit highly retained electronic conductivity under deformations such as bending and stretching.
Antimicrobial Ionic Liquid‐Based Materials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Nikfarjam Nasser , Ghomi Matineh , Agarwal Tarun , Hassanpour Mahnaz , Sharifi Esmaeel , Khorsandi Danial , Ali Khan Moonis , Rossi Filippo , Rossetti Arianna , Nazarzadeh Zare Ehsan , Rabiee Navid , Afshar Davoud , Vosough Massoud , Kumar Maiti Tapas , Mattoli Virgilio , Lichtfouse Eric , Tay Franklin R. , Makvandi Pooyan
Published: July 2021

Excessive and unwarranted administration of antibiotics has invigorated the evolution of multidrug‐resistant microbes. There is, therefore, an urgent need for advanced active compounds. Ionic liquids with short‐lived ion‐pair structures are highly tunable and have diverse applications. Apart from their unique physicochemical features, the newly discovered biological activities of ionic liquids have fascinated biochemists, microbiologists, and medical scientists. In particular, their antimicrobial properties have opened new vistas in overcoming the current challenges associated with combating antibiotic‐resistant pathogens. Discussions regarding ionic liquid derivatives in monomeric and polymeric forms with antimicrobial activities are presented here. The antimicrobial mechanism of ionic liquids and parameters that affect their antimicrobial activities, such as chain length, cation/anion type, cation density, and polymerization, are considered. The potential applications of ionic liquids in the biomedical arena, including regenerative medicine, biosensing, and drug/biomolecule delivery, are presented to stimulate the scientific community to further improve the antimicrobial efficacy of ionic liquids.
Controllable p‐Type Doping of 2D WSe2 via Vanadium Substitution
Authors: Kozhakhmetov Azimkhan , Stolz Samuel , Tan Anne Marie Z. , Pendurthi Rahul , Bachu Saiphaneendra , Turker Furkan , Alem Nasim , Kachian Jessica , Das Saptarshi , Hennig Richard G. , Gröning Oliver , Schuler Bruno , Robinson Joshua A.
Published: July 2021

Scalable substitutional doping of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides is a prerequisite to developing next‐generation logic and memory devices based on 2D materials. To date, doping efforts are still nascent. Here, scalable growth and vanadium (V) doping of 2D WSe2 at front‐end‐of‐line and back‐end‐of‐line compatible temperatures of 800 and 400 °C, respectively, is reported. A combination of experimental and theoretical studies confirm that vanadium atoms substitutionally replace tungsten in WSe2, which results in p‐type doping via the introduction of discrete defect levels that lie close to the valence band maxima. The p‐type nature of the V dopants is further verified by constructed field‐effect transistors, where hole conduction becomes dominant with increasing vanadium concentration. Hence, this study presents a method to precisely control the density of intentionally introduced impurities, which is indispensable in the production of electronic‐grade wafer‐scale extrinsic 2D semiconductors.
A Microfluidic Model Artery for Studying the Mechanobiology of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yu Hyeonji , Kang Dongwon , Whang Minji , Kim Taeyoung , Kim Jungwook
Published: July 2021

Recent vascular mechanobiology studies find that endothelial cells (ECs) convert multiple mechanical forces into functional responses in a nonadditive way, suggesting that signaling pathways such as those regulating cytoskeleton may be shared among the processes of converting individual forces. However, previous in vitro EC‐culture platforms are inherent with extraneous mechanical components, which may saturate or insufficiently activate the shared signaling pathways and accordingly, may misguide EC mechanobiological responses being investigated. Here, a more physiologically relevant model artery is reported that accurately reproduces most of the mechanical forces found in vivo, which can be individually varied in any combination to pathological levels to achieve diseased states. Arterial geometries of normal and diseased states are also realized. By mimicking mechanical microenvironments of early‐stage atherosclerosis, it is demonstrated that the elevated levels of the different types of stress experienced by ECs strongly correlate with the disruption of barrier integrity, suggesting that boundaries of an initial lesion could be sites for efficient disease progression.
Extracellular Vesicles as an Emerging Treatment Option for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Therapeutic Potential, Translational Pathways, and Regulatory Considerations
Authors: DiStefano Tyler J. , Vaso Keti , Danias George , Chionuma Henry N. , Weiser Jennifer R. , Iatridis James C.
Published: July 2021

Emergent approaches in regenerative medicine look toward the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a next‐generation treatment strategy for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) because of their ability to attenuate chronic inflammation, reduce apoptosis, and stimulate proliferation in a number of tissue systems. Yet, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved EV therapeutics in the market with an indication for IVDD, which motivates this article to review the current state of the field and provide an IVD‐specific framework to assess its efficacy. In this systematic review, 29 preclinical studies that investigate EVs in relation to the IVD are identified, and additionally, the regulatory approval process is reviewed in an effort to accelerate emerging EV‐based therapeutics toward FDA submission and timeline‐to‐market. The majority of studies focus on nucleus pulposus responses to EV treatment, where the main findings show that stem cell‐derived EVs can decelerate the progression of IVDD on the molecular, cellular, and organ level. The findings also highlight the importance of the EV parent cell's pathophysiological and differentiation state, which affects downstream treatment responses and therapeutic outcomes. This systematic review substantiates the use of EVs as a promising cell‐free strategy to treat IVDD and enhance endogenous repair.
Second Near‐Infrared Light‐Activatable Polymeric Nanoantagonist for Photothermal Immunometabolic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Xu Cheng , Jiang Yuyan , Huang Jingsheng , Huang Jiaguo , Pu Kanyi
Published: July 2021

Immunometabolic modulation offers new opportunities to treat cancers as it is highly associated with cancer progression and immunosuppressive microenvironment. However, traditional regimens using nonselective small‐molecule immunomodulators lead to the off‐target adverse effects and insufficient therapeutic outcomes. Herein a second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) photothermally activatable semiconducting polymeric nanoantagonist (ASPA) for synergistic photothermal immunometabolic therapy of cancer is reported. ASPA backbone is obtained by conjugating vipadenant, an antagonist to adenosine A2A receptor, onto NIR‐II light‐absorbing semiconducting polymer via an azo‐based thermolabile linker. Under deep‐penetrating NIR‐II photoirradiation, ASPA induces tumor thermal ablation and subsequently immunogenic cell death, triggers the cleavage of thermolabile linker, and releases the antagonist to block the immunosuppressive adenosinergic pathway. Such a remotely controlled immunometabolic regulation potentiates cytotoxic T cell functions while suppresses regulatory T cell activities, leading to efficient primary tumor inhibition, pulmonary metastasis prevention, and long‐term immunological memory. Thereby, this work provides a generic polymeric approach for precise spatiotemporal regulation of cancer immunometabolism.
Sulfoxide‐Controlled Stereoselective Aza‐Piancatelli Reaction
Authors: Marin Lucile , Jerhaoui Soufyan , Kolodziej Emilie , Guillot Régis , Gandon Vincent , Colobert Françoise , Schulz Emmanuelle , Wencel‐Delord Joanna , Lebœuf David
Published: July 2021

The development of a stereoselective aza‐Piancatelli reaction to access 4‐aminocyclopentenones is reported. This transformation relies on the use of chiral o‐sulfinyl anilines as chiral inductors to afford the targeted products in good to excellent yields. Remarkably, the high value‐added cyclopentenones could be obtained in drs up to >95:5, depending upon the furan substitution pattern.

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Visible‐Light‐Mediated Nitrogen‐Centered Radical Strategy: Preparation of 3‐Acylated Spiro[4,5]trienones
Authors: Chen Pu , Xie Jun , Chen Zan , Xiong Bi‐Quan , Liu Yu , Yang Chang‐An , Tang Ke‐Wen
Published: July 2021

A nitrogen‐centered radical strategy for the preparation of 3‐acylated spiro[4,5]trienones via visible‐light‐mediated acylation/ipso‐cyclization of alkynes with acyl oxime esters is reported. The alkyl‐ and aryl‐substituted acyl radicals, which generate from the cleavage of carbon‐carbon σ‐bonds in acyl oxime esters via nitrogen‐centered radical pathway, attack the carbon‐carbon triple bonds in propiolamides and then undergo ipso‐cyclization. This method provides a way for the construction of 3‐acyl‐substituted spiro[4,5]trienones, which can introduce aryl‐ or alkyl‐substituted acyl into spiro[4,5]trienone skeletons.

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Photothermal Therapy Combined with Neoantigen Cancer Vaccination for Effective Immunotherapy against Large Established Tumors and Distant Metastasis
Authors: Nam Jutaek , Son Sejin , Park Kyung Soo , Moon James J.
Published: July 2021

Photothermal therapy (PTT) and neoantigen cancer vaccine each offer minimally invasive and highly specific cancer therapy; however, they are not effective against large established tumors due to physical and biological barriers that attenuate thermal ablation and abolish antitumor immunity. Here, comparative study is designed and performed using small (≈50 mm3) and large (>100 mm3) tumors to examine how tumor size affects the therapeutic efficiency of PTT and neoantigen cancer vaccine. It is shown that spiky gold nanoparticle (SGNP)‐based PTT and synergistic dual adjuvant‐based neoantigen cancer vaccine can efficiently regress small tumors as a single agent, but not large tumors due to limited internal heating and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). It is reported that PTT sensitizes tumors to neoantigen cancer vaccination by destroying and compromising the TME via thermally induced cellular and molecular damage, while neoantigen cancer vaccine reverts local immune suppression induced by PTT and shapes residual TME in favor of antitumor immunity. The combination therapy efficiently eradicates large local tumors and also exerts strong abscopal effect against pre‐established distant tumors with robust systemic antitumor immunity. Thus, PTT combined with neoantigen cancer vaccine is a promising nano‐immunotherapy for personalized therapy of advanced cancer.
Concentrated Electrolytes Widen the Operating Temperature Range of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jianhui , Zheng Qifeng , Fang Mingming , Ko Seongjae , Yamada Yuki , Yamada Atsuo
Published: July 2021

The operating temperatures of commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are generally restricted to a narrow range of −20 to 55 °C because the electrolyte is composed of highly volatile and flammable organic solvents and thermally unstable salts. Herein, the use of concentrated electrolytes is proposed to widen the operating temperature to −20 to 100 °C. It is demonstrated that a 4.0 mol L−1 LiN(SO2F)2/dimethyl carbonate electrolyte enables the stable charge–discharge cycling of a graphite anode and a high‐capacity LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode and the corresponding full cell in a wide temperature range from −20 to 100 °C owing to the highly thermal stable solvation structure of the concentrated electrolyte together with the robust and Li+‐conductive passivation interphase it offered that alleviate various challenges at high temperatures. This work demonstrates the potential for the development of safe LIBs without the need for bulky and heavy thermal management systems, thus significantly increasing the overall energy density.
Inkjet Printing of Perovskite Nanosheets for Microcapacitors
Authors: Fu Yushui , Zhang Pengxiang , Li Bao‐Wen , Zhang Binbin , Yu Yimeng , Shen Zhonghui , Zhang Xin , Wu Jinsong , Nan Ce‐Wen , Zhang Shujun
Published: July 2021

Dielectric capacitors are an essential passive component widely used in integrated circuits. Recently, inkjet printing of 2D nanosheets into highly insulating layers has been developed for capacitor applications. However, the relatively low dielectric constant inherently associated with 2D nanosheets will hinder the rational design of high‐performance capacitor devices. In this work, the inks of high‐k Ca2NaNb4O13 perovskite nanosheets are formulated, and all‐printed dielectric capacitor consisting of Ca2NaNb4O13 films with commercial Ag electrodes is demonstrated. An average areal capacitance of ≈21 nF cm−2, together with low current density (<10−7 A cm−2) and low dielectric loss (≈2%), is achieved for the dielectric layer with thickness of ≈2 µm. The research shows that high‐k perovskite nanosheets have a great potential for applications in ink‐based additive manufacturing of flexible electronic devices.
Photoresponsive Biomimetic Soft Robots Enabled by Near‐Infrared‐Driven and Ultrarobust Sandwich‐Structured Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Yu Yi , Peng Ran , Chen Zihe , Yu Li , Li Jinhua , Wang Jianying , Liu Xinyu , Wang Qian , Wang Xianbao
Published: July 2021

Soft robots, intelligent structures built up of smart soft materials, are capable of being programmed to perform delicate work. Recently, plenty of biomimetic soft robots with functionalities of grasping, sensing, searching, and transporting have been exploited by emulating activities of living creatures adapting to ecological environments. However, mass production of biomimetic soft robots has remained a grand challenge while maintaining stable pre‐engineered functionalities under distinct circumstances, which significantly constrains their practical applications. To this end, a facile and scalable approach that can be utilized for mass‐producing sandwich‐structured photoresponsive polyimide (PI)/Au/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposite films is reported. Attributed to the remote and precise‐driven mode, reversible and stable actuation behavior, and the ultrarobust mechanical properties of the sandwich‐structured PI/Au/LDPE nanocomposite films, it was possible to devise a variety of photoresponsive biomimetic soft robots such as artificial flytrap, directionally moveable caterpillar‐inspired walker, and dolphin‐like cruisable and loadable swimmer via simply tailoring them into predesigned geometries.
A nuclear phylogenomic study of the angiosperm order Myrtales, exploring the potential and limitations of the universal Angiosperms353 probe set
Authors: Maurin Olivier , Anest Artemis , Bellot Sidonie , Biffin Edward , Brewer Grace , Charles‐Dominique Tristan , Cowan Robyn S. , Dodsworth Steven , Epitawalage Niroshini , Gallego Berta , Giaretta Augusto , Goldenberg Renato , Gonçalves Deise J.P. , Graham Shirley , Hoch Peter , Mazine Fiorella , Low Yee Wen , McGinnie Catherine , Michelangeli Fabián A. , Morris Sarah , Penneys Darin S. , Pérez Escobar Oscar Alejandro , Pillon Yohan , Pokorny Lisa , Shimizu Gustavo , Staggemeier Vanessa G. , Thornhill Andrew H. , Tomlinson Kyle W. , Turner Ian M. , Vasconcelos Thais , Wilson Peter G. , Zuntini Alexandre R. , Baker William J. , Forest Félix , Lucas Eve
Published: July 2021

Premise

To further advance the understanding of the species‐rich, economically and ecologically important angiosperm order Myrtales in the rosid clade, comprising nine families, approximately 400 genera and almost 14,000 species occurring on all continents (except Antarctica), we tested the Angiosperms353 probe kit.

Methods

We combined high‐throughput sequencing and target enrichment with the Angiosperms353 probe kit to evaluate a sample of 485 species across 305 genera (76% of all genera in the order).

Results

Results provide the most comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for the order to date. Relationships at all ranks, such as the relationship of the early‐diverging families, often reflect previous studies, but gene conflict is evident, and relationships previously found to be uncertain often remain so. Technical considerations for processing HTS data are also discussed.

Conclusions

High‐throughput sequencing and the Angiosperms353 probe kit are powerful tools for phylogenomic analysis, but better understanding of the genetic data available is required to identify genes and gene trees that account for likely incomplete lineage sorting and/or hybridization events.
Cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas: 2021 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management
Authors: Hristov Alexandra C. , Tejasvi Trilokraj , A. Wilcox Ryan
Published: July 2021

Disease overview

Cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas are a heterogenous group of T‐cell neoplasms involving the skin, the majority of which may be classified as Mycosis Fungoides (MF) or Sézary Syndrome (SS).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MF or SS requires the integration of clinical and histopathologic data.

Risk‐adapted therapy

TNMB (tumor, node, metastasis, blood) staging remains the most important prognostic factor in MF/SS and forms the basis for a “risk‐adapted,” multi‐disciplinary approach to treatment. For patients with disease limited to the skin, expectant management or skin‐directed therapies is preferred, as both disease‐specific and overall survival for these patients is favorable. In contrast, patients with advanced‐stage disease with significant nodal, visceral or blood involvement are generally approached with systemic therapies, including biologic‐response modifiers, histone deacetylase inhibitors, or antibody‐based strategies, in an escalating fashion. In highly‐selected patients, allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation may be considered, as this may be curative in some patients.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanogels for Protein Recognition: Direct Proof of Specific Binding Sites by Solution STD and WaterLOGSY NMR Spectroscopies
Authors: Mier Alejandra , Maffucci Irene , Merlier Franck , Prost Elise , Montagna Valentina , Ruiz‐Esparza Guillermo U. , Bonventre Joseph V. , Dhal Pradeep K. , Tse Sum Bui Bernadette , Sakhaii Peyman , Haupt Karsten
Published: July 2021

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor‐made synthetic antibodies possessing specific binding cavities designed for a target molecule. Currently, MIPs for protein targets are synthesized by imprinting a short surface‐exposed fragment of the protein, called epitope or antigenic determinant. However, finding the epitope par excellence that will yield a peptide “synthetic antibody” cross‐reacting exclusively with the protein from which it is derived, is not easy. We propose a computer‐based rational approach to unambiguously identify the “best” epitope candidate. Then, using Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) and WaterLOGSY NMR spectroscopies, we prove the existence of specific binding sites created by the imprinting of this peptide epitope in the MIP nanogel. The optimized MIP nanogel could bind the epitope and cognate protein with a high affinity and selectivity. The study was performed on Hepatitis A Virus Cell Receptor‐1 protein, also known as KIM‐1 and TIM‐1, for its ubiquitous implication in numerous pathologies.
Conductive and antibacterial cellulose nanofibers decorated with copper nanoparticles for potential application in wearable devices
Authors: Hussain Nadir , Mehdi Mujahid , Siyal Sajid Hussain , Wassan Rano Khan , Hashemikia Samaneh , Sarwar Muhammad Nauman , Yamaguchi Takumi , Kim Ick Soo
Published: July 2021

One of the contributions of nanotechnology to our daily life is the preparation of a large variety of polymer‐based nanofibers, which could be the basis of future wearable devices. Wearable electronics are a great part of smart textiles research. Herein, we have reported an easy method to fabricate electrically conductive cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). To fabricate CNFs, we first prepared cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers by using the electrospinning technique and later, the deacetylation process was done to obtain the CNFs. The electroless deposition (ELD) technique was then used to create the conductive nanofibers. Copper (Cu) was used to coat the CNFs because of their high conductivity and low cost. The ELD process parameters including time, temperature, volume, and pH were optimized to obtain a nanofiber with higher conductivity. The optimized condition was temperature: 40 °C, time: 10 min, volume: 600 ml, and pH: 13 to obtain a nanofiber web with 983.5 S/cm conductivity. Cu‐coated CNFs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, antibacterial activity, tensile, and electrical conductivity. The bending cycle test was performed to quantitatively demonstrate the durability and flexibility of the Cu‐coated nanofibers. Cu‐coated CNFs exhibited great performance to be used as a conductive layer with antibacterial activity.
Petroglyphs and place: complex histories at four sites in New Britain
Authors: SPECHT JIM , TORRENCE ROBIN , MULVANEY KEN
Published: July 2021

The analysis of cultural practices at four sites near Cape Gloucester and on Uneapa and Garua Islands in West New Britain, Papua New Guinea shows how rock markings and boulder arrangements create special places within physical and social landscapes. Four kinds of rock markings are documented: cupules, abraded surfaces, geometric curvilinear and rectilinear (i.e., composed of straight lines) petroglyphs, and figurative forms including anthropomorphic heads and introduced animals. The placement of the art, together with the arrangement of boulders, implies that both restricted and open forms of ceremony were conducted. The similarities between these sites suggest the existence of a precursor to the well‐documented recent interaction zone in this part of West New Britain. We speculate that these cultural practices have a much longer history than previously proposed for Island Melanesia.
Acceptorless Photocatalytic Dehydrogenation of Furfuryl Alcohol (FOL) to Furfural (FAL) and Furoic Acid (FA) over Ti3C2Tx/CdS under Visible Light
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Liu Xinyu , Li Zhaohui
Published: July 2021

Acceptorless photocatalytic dehydrogenation is not only a promising alternative to photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen generation but also provides a green and sustainable strategy for the synthesis of value‐added organic compounds. In this work, Ti3C2Tx/CdS nanocomposites were obtained by self‐assembly of hexagonal CdS in the presence of preformed Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, which serves as a photocatalyst for acceptorless dehydrogenation of biomass‐derived furfuryl alcohol (FOL) to furfural (FAL) and furoic acid (FA) in neutral and alkaline medium respectively, with simultaneous generation of stoichiometric hydrogen under visible light. Ti3C2Tx MXene acts as an efficient cocatalyst for the photocatalytic dehydrogenation of FOL over CdS, with an optimum performance achieved over 0.50 wt% Ti3C2Tx/CdS nanocomposite. This study provides an economic and sustainable strategy for the simultaneous valorization of biomass‐derived FOL to produce FAL and FA as well as the production of clean energy hydrogen under mild condition based on noble metal‐free semiconductor‐based photocatalysts.
Examining the role of risk in waiting preference and dynamic preference reversal: An experience intertemporal choice study
Authors: Xu Ping , Vincent Benjamin T. , Sang Hui , Li Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

Short waits are pervasive in modern life. This study addressed how risk impacts intertemporal decisions that involve short waits (of 72 s or less) and how those decisions change while waiting. We used an experience time‐discounting task sensitive to the impact of risk and which can measure intratrial preference reversals. Three experiments showed that (1) adding uncertainty to outcomes does not change participants' preferences in waiting for a reward, but it reduces their willingness in waiting for a reduction of losses; (2) adding uncertainty to outcomes increases participants' tendency to switch their decisions during the course of waiting; and (3) participants showed no gain–loss asymmetry for risky intertemporal choices.
Maternal exposure to hydroxychloroquine and birth defects
Authors: Howley Meredith M. , Werler Martha M , Fisher Sarah C , Van Zutphen Alissa R , Carmichael Suzan L , Broussard Cheryl S , Heinke Dominique , Ailes Elizabeth C , Pruitt Shannon M , Reefhuis Jennita , Mitchell Allen A. , Browne Marilyn L. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: July 2021

Background

Hydroxychloroquine is a treatment for rheumatic disease and considered safe during pregnancy. Interest in hydroxychloroquine has increased as it is being examined as a potential treatment and prophylaxis for coronavirus disease 2019. Data on the risks of specific birth defects associated with hydroxychloroquine use are sparse.

Methods

Using data from two case–control studies (National Birth Defects Prevention Study and Slone Epidemiology Center Birth Defects Study), we described women who reported hydroxychloroquine use in pregnancy and the presence of specific major birth defects in their offspring. Cases had at least one major birth defect and controls were live‐born healthy infants. Women self‐reported medication use information in the few months before pregnancy through delivery.

Results

In total, 0.06% (19/31,468) of case and 0.04% (5/11,614) of control mothers in National Birth Defects Prevention Study, and 0.04% (11/29,838) of case and 0.05% (7/12,868) of control mothers in Birth Defects Study reported hydroxychloroquine use. Hydroxychloroquine users had complicated medical histories and frequent medication use for a variety of conditions. The observed birth defects among women taking hydroxychloroquine were varied and included nine oral cleft cases; the elevated observed:expected ratios for specific oral cleft phenotypes and for oral clefts overall had 95% confidence intervals that included 1.0.

Conclusion

While teratogens typically produce a specific pattern of birth defects, the observed birth defects among the hydroxychloroquine‐exposed women did not present a clear pattern, suggesting no meaningful evidence for the risk of specific birth defects. The number of exposed cases is small; results should be interpreted cautiously.
Full‐length G glycoprotein directly extracted from rabies virus with detergent and then stabilized by amphipols in liquid and freeze‐dried forms
Authors: Clénet Didier , Clavier Léna , Strobbe Benoît , Le Bon Christel , Zoonens Manuela , Saulnier Aure
Published: July 2021

Pathogen surface antigens are at the forefront of the viral strategy when invading host organisms. These antigens, including membrane proteins (MPs), are broadly targeted by the host immune response. Obtaining these MPs in a soluble and stable form constitutes a real challenge, regardless of the application purposes (e.g. quantification/characterization assays, diagnosis, and preventive and curative strategies). A rapid process to obtain a native‐like antigen by solubilization of a full‐length MP directly from a pathogen is reported herein. Rabies virus (RABV) was used as a model for this demonstration and its full‐length G glycoprotein (RABV‐G) was stabilized with amphipathic polymers, named amphipols (APols). The stability of RABV‐G trapped in APol A8‐35 (RABV‐G/A8‐35) was evaluated under different stress conditions (temperature, agitation, and light exposure). RABV‐G/A8‐35 in liquid form exhibited higher unfolding temperature (+6°C) than in detergent and was demonstrated to be antigenically stable over 1 month at 5°C and 25°C. Kinetic modeling of antigenicity data predicted antigenic stability of RABV‐G/A8‐35 in a solution of up to 1 year at 5°C. The RABV‐G/A8‐35 complex formulated in an optimized buffer composition and subsequently freeze‐dried displayed long‐term stability for 2‐years at 5, 25, and 37°C. This study reports for the first time that a natural full‐length MP extracted from a virus, complexed to APols and subsequently freeze‐dried, displayed long‐term antigenic stability, without requiring storage under refrigerated conditions.
Circular economy in corporate sustainability reporting: A review of organisational approaches
Authors: Opferkuch Katelin , Caeiro Sandra , Salomone Roberta , Ramos Tomás B.
Published: July 2021

A growing commitment from companies to implement circular economy (CE) strategies demands the development of guidelines for consistent related external communication. The fields of non‐financial reporting and sustainability are well established with numerous available international reporting frameworks and approaches; however, there is still an absence of standardised reporting principles and procedures for publishing progress on circularity. In this context, this article aims to explore how companies could include CE within their corporate sustainability reports, through an academic literature review and content analysis of existent reporting approaches. Results showed a clear disconnection between CE and sustainability reporting literature. Overall, only a few of the revised reporting approaches explicitly mention CE, and the guidance given to companies is very general, inconsistent and places the responsibility of selecting performance assessment approaches on the companies. The analysis contributes to identifying opportunities for transparent external communication of CE issues, as well as exploring the challenges and limitations.
“Give me perfection or nothing!”: The impact of perfectionism on product evaluation as moderated by secrecy effect and name volatility
Authors: Ker Wen‐Ying , Kao Danny Tengti
Published: July 2021

While perfectionism has been extensively explored in psychiatric and clinical psychology literature, theoretical understanding of the effects of perfectionism on consumers' evaluations of the advocated product is promising but underexplored. Therefore, this research aims to employ cases of perfectionism and secrecy effect to examine whether name volatility can moderate consumers' product evaluations. The experiment was designed to examine the effect of perfectionism on product evaluation by presenting a variety of advertisements that differed in name volatility and secrecy context manipulation. In the experiment, a total of 217 participants were randomly assigned to a 2 (secrecy context: secret vs. non‐secret) × 2 (name volatility: volatile vs. calm) × 2 (perfectionism: self‐oriented vs. socially prescribed) between‐subjects factorial design. Results demonstrated that for consumers who showed variances in the type of perfectionism, advertisements characterized by different secrecy (secret context vs. non‐secret context) and name volatility (volatile vs. calm) will lead to differential product evaluations. This research takes up the call to extend the limited attention given to perfectionism in the domain of marketing. Specifically, this research aims to explore how consumers' perfectionism affects their product evaluations and the moderating effects of secrecy and name volatility.