bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiolated Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: Mimicking the Workhorses of Our Body
Authors: Hock Nathalie , Racaniello Giuseppe Francesco , Aspinall Sam , Denora Nunzio , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V. , Bernkop‐Schnürch Andreas
Published: November 2021

Advances in nanotechnology have generated a broad range of nanoparticles (NPs) for numerous biomedical applications. Among the various properties of NPs are functionalities being related to thiol substructures. Numerous biological processes that are mediated by cysteine or cystine subunits of proteins representing the workhorses of the bodies can be transferred to NPs. This review focuses on the interface between thiol chemistry and NPs. Pros and cons of different techniques for thiolation of NPs are discussed. Furthermore, the various functionalities gained by thiolation are highlighted. These include overall bio‐ and mucoadhesive, cellular uptake enhancing, and permeation enhancing properties. Drugs being either covalently attached to thiolated NPs via disulfide bonds or being entrapped in thiolated polymeric NPs that are stabilized via inter‐ and intrachain crosslinking can be released at the diseased tissue or in target cells under reducing conditions. Moreover, drugs, targeting ligands, biological analytes, and enzymes bearing thiol substructures can be immobilized on noble metal NPs and quantum dots for therapeutic, theranostic, diagnostic, biosensing, and analytical reasons. Within this review a concise summary and analysis of the current knowledge, future directions, and potential clinical use of thiolated NPs are provided.
Surface‐Structured Cocatalyst Foils Unraveling a Pathway to High‐Performance Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Butson Joshua D. , Sharma Astha , Chen Hongjun , Wang Yuan , Lee Yonghwan , Varadhan Purushothaman , Tsampas Mihalis N. , Zhao Chuan , Tricoli Antonio , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Karuturi Siva
Published: November 2021

An ideal catalytic interface for photoelectrodes that enables high efficiency and long‐term stability remains one of the keys to unlocking high‐performance solar water splitting. Here, fully decoupled catalytic interfaces realized using surface‐structured cocatalyst foils are demonstrated, allowing optimized photoabsorbers to be combined with high‐performance earth‐abundant cocatalysts. Since many earth‐abundant cocatalysts are deposited via solution‐based methods, deposition on chemical‐sensitive photoabsorbers is a significant challenge. By synthesizing cocatalyst foils prior to device fabrication, photoabsorbers are completely isolated from corrosive chemical environments and are provided with outstanding protection during operation. Si and GaAs photoelectrodes prepared using Ni‐based cocatalyst foils achieve excellent half‐cell efficiencies and generate stable photocurrents for over 5 days. Furthermore, a GaAs artificial leaf achieves a solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency of 13.6% and maintains an efficiency of over 10% for longer than nine days, an accomplishment that has not been previously reported for an immersed solar water splitting system. These results, together with theoretical calculations of other photoelectrode systems, demonstrate that cocatalyst foils offer a very attractive method for fabricating high‐performance solar water splitting systems.
Enhanced Stability of Tin Halide Perovskite Photovoltaics Using a Bathocuproine—Copper Top Electrode
Authors: Wijesekara Anjana , Walker Marc , Han Yisong , Walker David , Huband Steven , Hatton Ross A.
Published: November 2021

Unencapsulated organo‐tin halide perovskite photovoltaic (PV) devices exhibiting record stability (for organo‐tin perovskite PV devices) when tested under continuous one sun solar illumination in ambient air and under electrical load are reported. This exceptional stability is made possible by the use of a bathocuproine | copper cathode in an inverted device architecture. A series of experiments designed to elucidate the underlying reasons for the high stability show that, compared to conventional silver electrodes, compact copper electrodes are far more resistant to corrosion by I2 gas (evolved when organo‐tin halide decomposes) and toward adverse morphological evolution and ingress of oxygen and water molecules through the top electrode into the device. The findings of these experiments show that copper should be the metal of choice for the reflective cathode in inverted tin perovskite PVs when the material interfacing the metal interacts strongly with it, enabling compact film formation and a stable interface toward copper diffusion into the adjacent charge transport layer.
Blue Energy for Green Hydrogen Fuel: A Self‐Powered Electrochemical Conversion System Driven by Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Feng Yawei , Han Jiajia , Xu Mengjiao , Liang Xi , Jiang Tao , Li Hexing , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2021

Utilizing hydrogen energy produced by water electrolysis is conducive to carbon neutrality from a technological point of view. However, this perspective is restrained by the high electricity cost in commercial development. Powering electrochemical reactions by renewable electricity converted from distributed mechanical energy can lead to commercial electric energy saving and cost reduction. In this work, a self‐powered electrochemical system (SPECS) is proposed for the conversion from blue energy of ocean waves to green energy via hydrogen fuel. This system consists of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) devices and an electrolyzer, where the TENG devices serve as ocean wave energy harvesters for electricity generation, while the seawater‐containing electrolyzer is employed for hydrogen generation. After power management on the output of the TENGs and electrochemical reaction optimization, the system can generate hydrogen at a rate of 814.8 µL m‐2 d‐1 and a Faraday efficiency of 69.1% under ideal operation conditions, demonstrating the practical potential of the constructed system toward carbon neutralization.
Design of the spherical agglomerate size in crystallization by developing a two‐step bridging mechanism and the model
Authors: Yu Changyou , Yao Menghui , Ma Yiming , Liu Yanbo , Guo Shilin , Xu Shijie , Rohani Sohrab , Chen Mingyang , Gong Junbo
Published: November 2021

Spherical agglomeration technology can produce high‐performance spherical particles in a single crystallization unit, although it is still challenging to control the particle size and shape. To solve this issue, a two‐step bridging (TSB) mechanism containing a preconditioning period, size period, and shape period is proposed. The dynamic balance among the forces of adhesion, dispersion, and capillary action in the multi‐liquid phases plays a key role. This is fully considered to establish the TSB‐based thermodynamic size model and particle design framework by weighting the force action regions in multi‐liquid phases with dynamic composition. The spherical agglomerates of benzoic acid, celecoxib, and salicylic acid with narrow particle size distributions and tunable particle size ranges of 2000–5000, 800–3500, and 1500–4500 μm, respectively, were designed and prepared successfully, showing good correlation with the calculation, which is superior to the reported methods and indicates that the mechanism has certain universality and guiding significance.
Ocular findings in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A systematic literature review and results of a Dutch multicenter study
Authors: von Scheibler Emma N. M. M. , van der Valk Bouman Emy S. , Nuijts Myrthe A. , Bauer Noël J. C. , Berendschot Tos T. J. M. , Vermeltfoort Pit , Bok Levinus A. , van Eeghen Agnies M. , Houben Michiel L. , van Amelsvoort Thérèse A. M. J. , Boot Erik , van Egmond‐Ebbeling Michelle B.
Published: November 2021

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a multisystem disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1:3000 live births. Manifestations show a marked variability in expression and include speech‐ and language delay, intellectual disability, and neuropsychiatric disorders. We aim to provide an overview of ocular findings in 22q11.2DS in order to optimize recommendations for ophthalmic screening. We combined results from a systematic literature review with results from a multicenter cross‐sectional study of patients with 22q11.2DS who were assessed by an ophthalmologist. Our systematic literature search yielded four articles, describing 270 patients. We included 132 patients in our cross‐sectional study (median age 8.9 [range 0–56] years). Most reported ocular findings were retinal vascular tortuosity (32%–78%), posterior embryotoxon (22%–50%), eye lid hooding (20%–67%), strabismus (12%–36%), amblyopia (2%–11%), ptosis (4%–6%), and refractive errors, of which hyperopia (6%–48%) and astigmatism (3%–23%) were most common. Visual acuity was (near) normal in most patients (91%–94%). Refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia are treatable conditions that are frequently present in patients with 22q11.2DS and should be corrected at an early stage. Therefore, in 22q11.2DS, we recommend ophthalmic and orthoptic screening at the age of 3 years or at diagnosis, and a low‐threshold referral in adults.
Homozygous microdeletion in the 11p13 region in the patient with isolated form of aniridia: New challenges in the genetic diagnostics of aniridia
Authors: Wawrocka Anna , Walczak‐Sztulpa Joanna , Socha Magdalena , Kuszel Lukasz , Sowinska‐Seidler Anna , Budny Bartlomiej , Bukowska‐Olech Ewelina , Pilas‐Pomykalska Magdalena , Jamsheer Aleksander , Krawczynski Maciej R.
Published: November 2021

Aniridia is usually an autosomal dominant, rare disorder characterized by a variable degree of hypoplasia or the absence of iris tissue, with additional ocular abnormalities. Pathogenic variants in the PAX6 gene are associated with aniridia in most patients. However, in up to 30% of individuals, disease results from 11p13 chromosomal rearrangements. Here we present a patient with a clinical diagnosis of partial aniridia born to consanguineous Polish parents. The parents were asymptomatic and ophthalmologically normal. We performed PAX6 sequencing, array comparative genomic hybridization, quantitative real‐time PCR, and whole genome sequencing. aCGH revealed a homozygous deletion of the DCDC1 gene fragment in the patient. The same, but heterozygous deletion, was detected in each of the patient's asymptomatic parents and brother. In the presented family, the signs and symptoms of aniridia are observed only in the homozygous proband. Whole genome sequencing analysis was performed to determine other possible causes of the disease and did not detect any additional or alternative potentially pathogenic variant. We report a novel homozygous deletion located in the 11p13 region, which does not include the PAX6 gene or any known PAX6 enhancers. To our best knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient presented with isolated aniridia carrying a homozygous microdeletion downstream of the PAX6 gene.
The transition to independence and adult care for women with Turner syndrome: Current status and priorities of 1338 women and parents
Authors: Streur Courtney S. , Floody Emilia A. , Lapham Zoe K. , Sandberg David E.
Published: November 2021

Transitioning to adult health care and functioning is crucial for youth and young adults with special health care needs, such as those with Turner syndrome (TS). The International Turner Syndrome Consensus Group developed clinical practice guidelines to improve this transition. This study sought to evaluate how effectively they have been implemented and whether they align with the priorities of women with TS and families of girls and women with TS. A web‐based survey was offered to those affiliated with major TS support organizations, with 1338 successfully responding (n = 543 women [≥18 years]; n = 232 parents of a woman [≥18 years]; and n = 563 parents of a girl with TS [<18 years]). Findings demonstrated that while most women transitioned to adult primary care providers, follow‐up with key specialists was lacking. Women and families prioritized flexibility in appointments and designating one provider to oversee all their TS‐related care. They identified health care coverage as a barrier to receiving care. The transition process to adult care and independence commonly occurred after girls become legal adults. Together, these findings serve to inform strategies to improve the delivery of transitional care for girls and women with TS.
Total Synthesis of Isorosthin L and Isoadenolin I
Authors: Ao Junli , Sun Chao , Chen Bolin , Yu Na , Liang Guangxin
Published: November 2021

Total syntheses of two Isodon diterpenes, isorosthin L and isoadenolin I, are reported. The synthetic strategy features a quick assembly of two simple building blocks through a diastereoselective intermolecular aldol reaction and a subsequent radical cyclization for efficient construction of a rather complex advanced intermediate bearing a quaternary stereocenter present in all Isodon diterpenes. Oxidative cleavage of the C−C bond in the cyclopentane enabled the conversion to a lactone moiety which is desired for the construction of the molecular skeleton through reductive coupling with an aldehyde carbonyl group.
Surface performance of weft‐knitted fabric composites reinforced with polytetrafluoroethylene fibers
Authors: Dong Tingting , Zhang Yiming , Yu Mingming , Zhang Xulan , Ma Pibo
Published: November 2021

With excellent frictional property, fabric liners are widely employed in automotive, aerospace, and so forth. Weft‐knitted fabric composites with single‐layer and double‐layer fabric structure were prepared by utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Nomex, and polyester multifilament. The weft‐knitted fabric composites are expected to combine PTFE low friction coefficient and Nomex magnificent mechanical property, which has potential in manufacturing fabric liners with low friction, easy adhesion, and high wear resistance. Ball‐on‐disc friction and wear tester, 3D digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were applied to test their tribological performance and surface morphology. Fiber friction coefficient was tested, the average friction coefficient, roughness and wear depth of composites were compared and discussed. Results show that PTFE‐polyester double‐layer structure performs preferable fiction coefficient and good wear resistance. The influence of yarn materials along with their combination form, fabric structure on tribological performance of composites were analyzed. In conclusion, the wear mechanism including resin, fiber, yarn fracture, loop structure damage, PTFE lubricating film formation.
A multilayer transparent wood prepared by laminating two kinds of tree species
Authors: Wang Yajing , Wu Yan , Yang Feng , Wang Jing , Zhou Jichun
Published: November 2021

Transparent wood (TW) is a new material with a certain light transmission performance, which can be widely used as new energy‐saving material. However, the application and development of TW are limited by material and thickness. In this work, the representative species of softwood and hardwood were selected for lamination. After chemical treatment, the lignin in natural wood was removed, and then the epoxy resin with a similar refractive index to the cell wall was impregnated in vacuum. By using the viscosity of epoxy resin itself, the single‐layer materials could be effectively laminated together to prepare a new type of multilayer transparent wood (MLTW). By testing the optical properties, mechanical properties. and surface properties of MLTW materials, we found that the optical transmittance and mechanical properties can be effectively controlled and selected through the selection of materials and assembly methods. Besides, the surface properties of MLTW are mainly related to its surface material. In short, MLTW is a new composite material prepared by simple lamination at the macro level. The properties of the material can be controlled through the selection of single‐layer materials and assembly methods. Compared with the traditional TW, MLTW has better performance regulation ability.
Preparation of PVA/PAM/Ag strain sensor via compound gelation
Authors: Dong Xiaoxu , Tong Song , Dai Kun , Ren Dongdong , Wang Tiantian , Wang Yanxin , Leng Yuting , Li Qian , Wang Shiwei
Published: November 2021

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels as well as silver particles (Ag) composites are prepared by compound gelation. The structure and properties of the composites, which are controlled by the reaction of acrylamide in the hydrogel, are analyzed and the feasibility of their application in strain sensors are explored. The effects of different PVA concentration, content, and particle size of Ag on the mechanical properties, rheological properties of the composites are studied. PVA/PAM/Ag composites are selected as the substrate of the strain sensor, when the concentration of PVA is 0.08 g/ml, the particle size of Ag is 60 nm and the addition amount is 0.15 wt%. The strain sensing performance of the composites under low strain (5%, 20%, and 50%) and high strain (100% and 200%) are tested respectively. The hydrogel composite sensor shows sensitive and stable response to human motion, and it has the ability of distinguish the movement of different human body joints.
Development and investigation of antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics of poly lactic acid films blended with neem oil and curcumin
Authors: Subbuvel Mohan , Kavan Panneerselvam
Published: November 2021

Antibacterial films based on polylactic acid (PLA) were developed by blended with neem oil (NO) and curcumin via solvent casting technique. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results revealed the presence of fillers (NO and curcumin) in the PLA matrix. Without losing much of the PLA film's transparency, the composite film has exceptional ultra violet‐blocking properties. The addition of NO to the PLA matrix increased the elongation of the composite film by reducing tensile strength while not affect their thermal stability. The water vapor transfer rate (WVTR), water contact angle (WCA), and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the film were marginally improved by the introduction of NO and curcumin. The curcumin inclusion prevented the plasticized PLA/NO/curcumin compositions surfaces from porosity according to the morphology studies. Further, the PLA/NO/curcumin composites films exhibited good antibacterial, antioxidant activity and therefore have the possibility to use as an active packaging material for food preservation and safety.
Melt spinning of PLA/PCL blends modified with electron induced reactive processing
Authors: Huang Ying , Brünig Harald , Müller Michael Thomas , Wießner Sven
Published: November 2021

The effect of electron induced reactive processing (EIReP) on the properties of biodegradable polylactide/masticated polycaprolactone (PLA/PCL) blends was firstly investigated without introducing any chemical additives. Subsequently, the melt spinnability of EIReP modified PLA/PCL blends was explored by a piston spinning. The EIReP modified PLA/PCL blends showed improved melt strength and elastic behavior. This is due to the formation of long chain branches and the enhanced chain entanglements. The crystallinity of PLA phase increased from 2.4% to 35.7% as the applied dose increased from 0 to 50 kGy. The PLA/PCL blends treated with 12.5 kGy demonstrated 2.4‐fold of impact toughness than that of neat PLA, suggesting a superior interfacial adhesion and chain interactions between two phases. The crystallinity of the PLA/PCL fibers decreased from 33.3% to 17.8% as the applied dose increased from 12.5 kGy to 50 kGy. It is resulted from the hindered chain mobility of branched/grafted structures during fiber formation. The fracture strain of the fibers using a non‐irradiated blend was 232.9% which increased to 311.5% for the 50 kGy irradiated blends. However, the fibers spun from irradiated blends demonstrated similar initial modulus but reduced tenacity compared to fibers spun from non‐irradiated blend material.
Environmental and cost benefits of multi‐purpose buffers in an agricultural watershed for biomass production
Authors: Ha Miae , Wu May
Published: November 2021

The cost‐benefit of riparian buffers to landowners has not been fully understood despite its ecosystem benefits. This study investigates the environmental and economic value of multi‐purpose buffers for biomass production under alternative land‐management scenarios at the watershed scale. The work incorporates the Soil and Water Assessment Tool with a field‐scale tool, the Agriculture Conservation Practice Framework, and cost‐benefit analysis. Our work took place in the agriculturally dominant Raccoon River watershed (RRW) in Iowa. The cost analysis includes implementing and harvesting the switchgrass buffers, the value of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer, and the forgone income of cropland to determine the net return under 12 alternative feedstock scenarios. We estimated that 14 603 Mg of nitrogen and 2563 Mg of phosphorus runoffs can be intercepted by riparian buffers in the RRW, representing a nutrient loss reduction of 11% of nitrogen and 26% of phosphorus. These nutrients are valued at $1.31 million (M) for phosphorus and $1.24 M for nitrogen as fertilizers. The trapped nutrients account for 12% of the riparian buffers’ total cost. We found that net economic returns increase with biomass market price, increase with maintenance fertilizer application, and decrease with the cropland areas that are converted to buffers. Under current land management, a biomass market price at $60 per dry ton of biomass would be economically viable at the sub‐basin level when maintenance fertilizers are applied. At $80 per dry ton, all 108 sub‐basins in the RRW would be profitable up to $517 a year. The results highlight the trade‐offs between water quality and profitability. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is inthe public domain in the USA. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
T‐cell surface generation of dual bivalent, bispecific T‐cell engaging, RNA duplex cross‐linked antibodies (dbBiTERs) for re‐directed tumor cell lysis
Authors: Kujawski Maciej , Li Lin , Li Harry , Yazaki Paul J. , Swiderski Piotr , Shively John E.
Published: November 2021

Background

Genetic engineered Bispecific T‐cell engagers (BiTEs) generate potent cytotoxic effects.

Methods

Alternately, click chemistry engineered, dual specific bivalent Bispecific T‐cell engaging antibodies (dbBiTEs) on T‐cell surfaces can be generated from parent monoclonal antibodies.

Results

We show the formation of dbBiTEs on the surface of T‐cells along with the introduction of complementary 2′‐OMe RNA 32‐mer oligonucleotides allowing duplex formation between antibodies, designated as dbBiTERs. dbBiTERs generated in solution from anti‐CEA and anti‐CD3 OKT3 antibodies retained specific binding to CEA positive versus CEA negative cancer cells and to CD3 positive T‐cells comparable to dbBiTEs. When T‐cells were precoated with dbBiTEs or dbBiTERs and mixed with CEA positive versus CEA negative cancer cells, similar dose dependent and specific cytotoxicity were observed in redirected cell lysis assays. On‐cell generated dbBiTERs exerted potent cytotoxic responses against CEA positive targets and were localized at the cell surface by immuno‐gold EM. In addition, we demonstrate that target and T‐cells, each coated separately with complementary 2′OMe‐RNA‐linked antibodies can be cross‐linked by RNA duplex formation in vitro to generate redirected cell lysis.

Conclusion

The facile generation of dbBiTERs with specific cytolytic activity from intact antibodies and their generation on‐cell offers a new avenue for antigen specific T‐cell therapy.
Graphene quantum dots‐based targeted nanoprobes detecting drug delivery, imaging, and enhanced chemotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yu Chaosheng , Long Zhen , Qiu Qianhui , Liu Fang , Xu Yiming , Zhang Tao , Guo Rui , Zhong Wen , Huang Shuixian , Chen Shuaijun
Published: November 2021

One of the main clinical treatments for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma is chemotherapy, but systemic administration can cause serious adverse reactions. New type of nanomaterial which can actively targeting, imaging, and treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the same time to enhance the effect of chemotherapy, meanwhile monitoring the intracellular drug release process at the level of single cancer cell was urgently needed. GE11, an EGFR antagonist peptide, was used to target nasopharyngeal carcinoma which has positive expression of EGFR on its nucleus. GE11‐modified graphene quantum dots (GQDs@GE11) were used as drug carriers for clinical chemotherapeutics cisplatin (CDDP) and doxorubicin (DOX). The emission spectrum of GQDs (460 nm) and the excitation spectrum of DOX (470 nm) have a good overlap, thus the transfer and release process of DOX can be sensitively detected by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). CDDP was used to enhance the chemotherapy effect of nanoprobe, and the loading amount of DOX and CDDP on GQDs@GE11 nanoprobe were up to 67 and 50 mg/g, respectively. In vivo experiments have confirmed that GQDs@GE11/CDDP/DOX nanoprobe can be enriched to tumor site through specific targeting effect, and significantly inhibit tumor cell proliferation. This new type of targeted therapy fluorescent probe provides new ideas for the study of drug release process and the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Longitudinal impact of bladder cancer diagnosis on common psychiatric disorders
Authors: Cooke Ian J. , Patil Dattatraya , Bobrek Katherine , Narayan Vikram , Master Viraj , Rapaport Mark , Filson Christopher P. , Joshi Shreyas S.
Published: November 2021

Background

The presence of psychiatric disorders in patients with cancer is associated with increased morbidity and poorer outcomes. We sought to determine the impact of a new bladder cancer diagnosis on the incidence of depression and anxiety.

Methods

We used a database of billing claims (MarketScan®) to identify patients newly diagnosed with bladder cancer between 2009 and 2018. Patients with preexisting psychiatric disorders or use of anxiolytics/antidepressants were excluded. We matched cases to patients without a bladder cancer or psychiatric diagnosis. Our primary outcome was a new diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or use of anxiolytics/antidepressants. Other exposures of interest included gender and treatment received. We used multivariable regression to estimate odds ratios for these exposures.

Results

We identified 65,846 cases with a new diagnosis of bladder cancer (31,367 privately insured; 34,479 Medicare‐eligible). Compared to controls, bladder cancer patients were more likely to develop new‐onset depression/anxiety at 6 months (privately insured: 6.9% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001; Medicare‐eligible: 5.7% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001) and 36 months (privately insured: 19.2% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001; Medicare‐eligible: 19.3% vs. 16.0%, p < 0.001). Women (vs. men, privately insured: OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.53–1.78; Medicare‐eligible: OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.50–1.76) and those receiving cystectomy and chemotherapy (vs. no treatment, privately insured: OR 4.94, 95%CI 4.13–5.90; Medicare‐eligible: OR 2.35, 95%CI 1.88–2.94) were more likely to develop significant depression/anxiety.

Conclusion

A new diagnosis of bladder cancer was associated with increased burden of significant depression/anxiety compared with matched controls. Women and patients receiving more radical treatments had higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the ovary: Management and outcomes
Authors: Pang Li , Guo Zhiqiang
Published: November 2021

Background

There is currently no recognized first‐line treatment strategy for ovarian neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Furthermore, because of the low incidence of ovarian NETs, no studies have reported prognostic statistics derived from large samples. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical behavior of ovarian NETs.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify women diagnosed with ovarian NETs from 2004 to 2015. Overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and independent prognostic factors for ovarian NETs were evaluated. The effects of different treatments on prognosis were also compared, as were OS and CSS rates for histological subtypes.

Results

The 5‐year OS rates were 83.3%, 30.0%, 20.3%, and 9.8% for patients in stages I (n = 159), II (n = 23), III (n = 101), and IV (n = 148), respectively. The 5‐year CSS rates were 85.6%, 41.7%, 21.2%, and 9.8% for patients in stages I–IV, respectively. Age, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, lymph node metastasis, treatment, and histological type were related to poor OS and CSS. In the early stage, the 5‐year OS and CSS rates were 97.03% and 96.90%, respectively. For patients in the advanced stage receiving comprehensive treatment (surgery + chemotherapy + radiotherapy), the 5‐year OS and CSS rates were 72.9% and 70.00%, respectively. When comparing low‐ and high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, 5‐year OS rates were 93.96% and 7.01%, 5‐year CSS rates were 97.44% and 7.31%, 10‐year OS rates were 93.56% and 2.34%, and 10‐year CSS rates were 97.44% and 4.88%, respectively.

Conclusion

Age, AJCC stage, treatment, and histological type are independent prognostic factors of ovarian NETs. OS and CSS are relatively good for early‐stage cases treated with surgery alone, whereas more comprehensive treatment is required to improve OS and CSS in the advanced stage.
Cultural humility in psychotherapy and clinical supervision: A research review
Authors: Zhang Hansong , Watkins C. Edward , Hook Joshua N. , Hodge Adam S. , Davis Cameron W. , Norton Jolene , Wilcox Melanie M. , Davis Don E. , DeBlaere Cirleen , Owen Jesse
Published: November 2021

Cultural humility, first introduced a quarter century ago, has increasingly emerged over the last decade as a concept of considerable importance: it has been touted as playing a crucial role in potentially enhancing the relationship in both psychotherapy and supervision, its practice being heartily embraced and roundly recommended. But are those recommendations and that hearty embrace justified? What do the empirical data say? We address those questions subsequently, taking a granular look at studies in which cultural humility vis‐à‐vis psychotherapy and supervision have been examined. Based on our review of 21 psychotherapy/cultural humility studies and seven supervision/cultural humility studies, we offer critique of the research work done thus far (e.g., it being decade delimited and landlocked) and propose recommendations for future treatment and supervision investigations (e.g., internationalising cultural humility research). Because cultural humility appears to be a durable and enduring concept, appears practically beneficial for both the therapy and supervision situations and is increasingly being pursued empirically, such a research report would seem particularly timely and potentially helpful in advancing research.
Methyl and Isopropyl N‐Methylanthranilates Affect Primary Macrophage Function – An Insight into the Possible Immunomodulatory Mode of Action
Authors: Miltojević Ana B. , Mitić Katarina V. , Stojanović Nikola M. , Randjelović Pavle J. , Radulović Niko S.
Published: November 2021

To complement the knowledge on the anti‐inflammatory activity of methyl and isopropyl N‐methylanthranilates, two natural products with panacea‐like properties, we investigated their effects on thioglycolate‐elicited macrophages by evaluating macrophage ability to metabolize MTT, macrophage membrane function, and macrophage myeloperoxidase and phagocytic activities. Moreover, two additional aspects of the inflammatory response of these compounds, their inhibitory activity on xanthine oxidase and catalase, were studied. It was found that these two compounds regulate elicited macrophage functions, most probably by interfering with the function of cell membranes and changing the reducing cellular capacity or enzyme activity of macrophages. Nonetheless, no significant inhibitory action either towards xanthine oxidase or catalase was found, suggesting that the inhibition of these enzymes is not involved in the anti‐inflammatory mode of action of these two esters.
Outcomes during the first year following spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A systematic timeframe pooled analysis
Authors: Bocchino Pier Paolo , Franchin Luca , Angelini Filippo , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Alfonso Fernando
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We aimed to compare the incidence and timing of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within the first year after spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) according to the management strategy: conservative versus invasive.

Background

Treatment of SCAD remains controversial.

Methods

A pooled analysis of studies providing separate individual clinical outcomes for conservative and invasive treatment strategies within 1 year after SCAD was performed. The primary outcome measure was MACE incidence within three predefined study periods after SCAD, namely “in‐hospital”, “discharge‐to‐6‐months” and “6‐to‐12‐months”. MACE was defined as a composite of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, heart failure and SCAD recurrence.

Results

A total of 16 studies (444 patients) were included; 277 (62%) patients were treated conservatively and 167 (38%) invasively. Within 1‐year follow‐up, 39 (67%) MACE occurred during the in‐hospital period compared to 10 (17%) in the “discharge‐to‐6 months” period and 9 (16%) in the “6‐to‐12‐months” period (p < 0.0001 for the overall comparison). MACE incidence was also significantly different between the three study periods in the conservatively‐treated group (23 [78%] vs. 7 [23%] vs. 0 [0%], respectively; p < 0.0001) and the invasively‐treated group (12 [66%] vs. 3 [17%] vs. 3 [17%], respectively; p < 0.0001), although no significant difference was found regarding MACE incidence in the intra‐period comparisons between conservative and invasive treatment strategies.

Conclusions

This pooled analysis showed that most MACE following SCAD occurred during the in‐hospital period compared to the following two semesters, regardless of the treatment strategy. No difference regarding MACE incidence was found between conservative and invasive strategies in each study period.
Hair regrowth and maintenance in alopecia universalis patient treated with nonablative Er:YAG laser
Authors: McCarthy Madison , Day Doris , Talaber Iva
Published: November 2021

Hair regrowth with no adverse effects following nonablative 2940‐nm Er:YAG laser treatment in alopecia universalis patient resulted in high patient satisfaction and compliance. As the main challenge in alopecia universalis is maintenance of regrown hair, patient compliance associated with this treatment might represent an advantage over traditional treatment modalities.
Use of B‐complex vitamins and olfactory training for treating COVID‐19–related anosmia
Authors: Vityala Yethindra , Kadyrova Aliya , Zhumabaeva Shirin , Bazarbaeva Aizhan , Mamatov Sagynali
Published: November 2021

A 42‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019. His symptoms improved 2 weeks after lopinavir therapy (800 mg/day). However, he was subsequently diagnosed with complete anosmia. Magnetic resonance brain imaging showed no abnormalities. We prescribed B‐complex vitamins and olfactory training. Forty days later, he recovered.
Flue‐cured tobacco response to sublethal rates of glufosinate
Authors: Vann Matthew , Johnson Virginia Alice , Jordan David , Fisher Loren , Edmisten Keith
Published: November 2021

Glufosinate is a broad‐spectrum, contact herbicide that is currently applied to genetically engineered row crops that tolerate exposure to the compound. Flue‐cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is susceptible to glufosinate, yet it is commonly grown in close proximity to tolerant crops in North Carolina. The impact of glufosinate drift on flue‐cured tobacco is not known. Research was conducted in North Carolina to test the effects of sublethal rates of glufosinate (0.270, 0.135, 0.067, 0.034, 0.017 lb a.i. acre–1) on flue‐cured tobacco injury, yield, visual quality, financial value, and leaf chemistry. Simulated drift was imposed approximately 5 wk after transplanting. Visual injury increased with exposure rate and ranged from 15 to 83% and from 10 to 83% 1 and 2 wk after treatment, respectively. Cured leaf yield was reduced by 45% at the highest sublethal exposure rate and exhibited a linear decline of 47 lb acre–1 for every 0.01 lb glufosinate acre–1. Visual quality and per acre financial value were not affected by glufosinate, most likely due to the loss of necrotic tissue and late‐season plant growth compensation. Residues of glufosinate in green and cured leaves were likewise not detected. Producers and commercial applicators should exercise caution when applying glufosinate around flue‐cured tobacco because of the injury and yield loss that can result from physical spray drift, as well as the inability to sell tobacco that has been exposed to a pesticide that is not labeled for application.
“Four‐in‐One” Nanozyme and Natural Enzyme Symbiotic System of Cu2‐xSe−GOx for Cervical Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hu Yubo , Wang Ke , Ye Cong
Published: November 2021

Cervical cancer, as a common malignant tumor of the reproductive system, seriously threatens women‘s life and health, and is difficult to be cured by traditional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Fortunately, tumor microenvironment (TME)‐activated catalytic therapy with high efficiency and reduced off‐target toxicity has emerged as a novel treatment model. Herein, we designed a “four‐in‐one” nanozyme and natural enzyme symbiotic system of Cu2‐xSe−GOx for TME‐triggered cascaded catalytic enhanced cancer treatment. In response to unique TME, Cu2‐xSe with catalase activity could effectively catalyze over‐expressed H2O2 in cancer cells into O2. Subsequently, the glucose oxidase (GOx) could deplete intracellular glucose with the assistance of O2; this not only achieves starvation therapy, but also regenerates H2O2 to boost the generation of highly cytotoxic .OH due to the peroxidase activity of Cu2‐xSe. Moreover, although the free‐radical scavenger glutathione (GSH) is overexpressed in tumor cells, Cu2‐xSe with glutathione oxidase activity could effectively consume GSH for enhanced ROS production. Thus, the “four‐in‐one” nanozyme@natural enzyme symbiotic system of Cu2‐xSe−GOx could induce significant ROS accumulation at the tumor regions, thus providing a potential approach for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Buchwald‐Hartwig Amination of Coordinating Heterocycles Enabled by Large‐but‐Flexible Pd‐BIAN‐NHC Catalysts**
Authors: Li Dong‐Hui , Lan Xiao‐Bing , Song A‐Xiang , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Xu Chang , Huang Fei‐Dong , Szostak Roman , Szostak Michal , Liu Feng‐Shou
Published: November 2021

A new class of large‐but‐flexible Pd‐BIAN‐NHC catalysts (BIAN=acenaphthoimidazolylidene, NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) has been rationally designed to enable the challenging Buchwald‐Hartwig amination of coordinating heterocycles. This robust class of BIAN‐NHC catalysts permits cross‐coupling under practical aerobic conditions of a variety of heterocycles with aryl, alkyl, and heteroarylamines, including historically challenging oxazoles and thiazoles as well as electron‐deficient heterocycles containing multiple heteroatoms with BIAN‐INon (N,N′‐bis(2,6‐di(4‐heptyl)phenyl)‐7H‐acenaphtho[1,2‐d]imidazol‐8‐ylidene) as the most effective ligand. Studies on the ligand structure and electronic properties of the carbene center are reported. The study should facilitate the discovery of even more active catalyst systems based on the unique BIAN‐NHC scaffold.
Explaining the relational mechanisms and outcomes of multi‐modal leader–member‐exchange differentiation
Authors: Bruning Patrick F. , Alge Bradley J. , Jackson Christine L.
Published: November 2021

Research suggests that multi‐modal leader–member‐exchange (LMX) differentiation could be the most problematic pattern of differentiation. Therefore, we outline a conceptual model to explain how multi‐modal LMX differentiation can manifest as an LMX faultline—a special type of group faultline representing leader‐sourced social divides between a leader's preferred subgroup and nonpreferred subgroup(s) within a specified collective. LMX faultlines have dimensions of perceived multi‐modal LMX differentiation as well as faultline potency components of compositional diversity, unfairness of differentiation, and faultline agreement. We use LMX faultlines to explain how group members coalesce into subgroups based on concurrent forces of intra‐subgroup cohesion and inter‐subgroup polarization. Cohesion and polarization explain group‐level outcomes (coordination, performance, and viability), subgroup‐level insulation, and individual‐level outcomes (performance, well‐being, and conformity to the subgroup).
Fullerene Wires Assembled Inside Carbon Nanohoops
Authors: Yang Yong , Juríček Michal
Published: November 2021

Carbon‐nanohoop structures featuring one or more round‐shaped cavities represent ideal supramolecular hosts for spherical fullerenes, with potential to form host‐guest complexes that perform as organic semiconductors in the solid state. Due to the tight complexation between the shape‐complementary hosts and guests, carbon nanohoops have the potential to shield fullerenes from water and oxygen, known to perturb the electron‐transport process. Many nanohoop receptors have been found to form host‐guest complexes with fullerenes. However, there is only a little or no control over the long‐range order of encapsulated fullerenes in the solid state. Consequently, the potential of these complexes to perform as organic semiconductors is rarely evaluated. Herein, we present a survey of all known nanohoop‐fullerene complexes, for which the solid‐state structures were obtained. We discuss and propose instances where the inclusion fullerene guests form discrete supramolecular wires, which might open up possibilities for their use in electronic devices.
High summer macrophyte cover increases abundance, growth, and feeding of juvenile Atlantic salmon
Authors: Marsh Jessica E. , Lauridsen Rasmus B. , Gregory Stephen D. , Kratina Pavel , Scott Luke J. , Cooling Dave , Jones John Iwan
Published: November 2021

Aquatic habitats are severely threatened by human activities. For anadromous species, managing freshwater habitats to maximize production of more, larger juveniles could improve resilience to threats in marine habitats and enhance population viability. In some juvenile salmonid habitats, complexity created by large substrates provides resources and reduces competitive interactions, thereby promoting juvenile production. In lowland rivers, which lack large substrates, aquatic plants might provide similar complexity and enhance fish productivity. To test the influence of aquatic plants on juvenile Atlantic salmon and sympatric brown trout in a lowland river, we directly manipulated the cover of the dominant macrophyte, Ranunculus, in nine sites during summer and autumn for two years. We quantified the abundance, site retention and growth of salmon and trout under high, medium or low Ranunculus cover. To investigate the effects of Ranunculus cover on feeding opportunities and interspecific competition, we quantified available prey biomass and body size, fish diet composition and compared dietary niche overlap. Experimentally increased Ranunculus cover supported higher salmon abundance in summer and autumn, and higher site retention and growth of salmon in summer. Trout abundance and growth were not influenced by Ranunculus cover, but trout site retention doubled in high, relative to low, cover sites. Despite the weak effects of Ranunculus cover on prey availability, salmon and trout inhabiting high cover sites consumed larger prey and a higher biomass of prey. Furthermore, dietary niche overlap was lower in high, relative to low, cover sites, suggesting that abundant Ranunculus reduced interspecific competition. This field experiment shows that high Ranunculus cover can support more and better growing juvenile salmon, and facilitate foraging and co‐existence of sympatric salmonid species. Maintaining or enhancing natural macrophyte cover can be achieved through sympathetic in‐river and riparian vegetation management and mitigating pressures on them, such as sediment inputs and low flows, or through planting. Further research should test whether macrophyte cover benefits propagate to subsequent life stages, particularly juvenile overwintering associated with high mortality. This knowledge, in combination with our findings, would further clarify whether beneficial juvenile habitat can improve the viability of at‐risk salmonid populations. Overall, our findings suggest that the aims of river restoration might be achieved through promotion of in‐stream aquatic vegetation.
Wetland hydropattern and vegetation greenness predict avian populations in Palo Verde, Costa Rica
Authors: Barchiesi Stefano , Alonso Alice , Pazmiño‐Hernandez Marco , Serrano‐Sandí Juan M. , Muñoz‐Carpena Rafael , Angelini Christine
Published: November 2021

Many wetlands around the world that occur at the base of watersheds are under threat from land‐use change, hydrological alteration, nutrient pollution, and invasive species. A relevant measure of whether the ecological character of these ecosystems has changed is the species diversity of wetland‐dependent waterbirds, especially those of conservation value. Here, we evaluate the potential mechanisms controlling variability over time and space in avian species diversity of the wetlands in the Palo Verde National Park, a Ramsar Site of international importance in Costa Rica. To do so, we assessed the relative importance of several key wetland condition metrics (i.e., surface water depth, wetland extent, and vegetation greenness), and temporal fluctuations in these metrics, in predicting the abundance of five waterbirds of high conservation value as well as overall waterbird diversity over a 9‐yr period. Generalized additive models revealed that mean NDVI, an indicator of vegetation greenness, combined with a metric used to evaluate temporal fluctuations in the wetland extent best predicted four of the five waterbird species of high conservation value as well as overall waterbird species richness and diversity. Black‐bellied Whistling‐ducks, which account for over one‐half of all waterbird individuals, and all waterbird species together were better predicted by including surface water depth along with wetland extent and its fluctuations. Our calibrated species distribution model confidently quantified monthly averages of the predicted total waterbird abundances in seven of the 10 sub‐wetlands making up the Ramsar Site and confirmed that the biophysical diversity of this entire wetland system is important to supporting waterbird populations both as a seasonal refuge and more permanently. This work further suggests that optimizing the timing and location of ongoing efforts to reduce invasive vegetation cover may be key to avian conservation by increasing waterbird habitat.