bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence to Room‐Temperature Phosphorescent Emission Channels by Controlling the Excited‐States Dynamics via J‐ and H‐Aggregation
Authors: Li Shuai , Fu Liyuan , Xiao Xiaoxiao , Geng Hua , Liao Qing , Liao Yi , Fu Hongbing
Published: June 2021

Control of excited‐state dynamics is key in tuning room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emissions but is challenging for organic luminescent materials (OLMs). We show the regulation of TADF and RTP emissions of a boron difluoride β‐acetylnaphthalene chelate (βCBF2) by controlling the excited‐state dynamics via its J‐ and H‐aggregation states. Two crystalline polymorphs emitting green and red light have been controllably obtained. Although both monoclinic, the green and red crystals are dominated by J‐ and H‐aggregation, respectively, owing to different molecular packing arrangements. J‐aggregation significantly reduces the energy gap between the lowest singlet and triplet excited states for ultra‐fast reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) and enhances the radiative singlet decay, together leading to TADF. The H‐aggregation accelerates the ISC and suppresses the radiative singlet decay, helping to stabilize the triplet exciton for RTP.
An Alkyne‐Metathesis‐Based Approach to the Synthesis of the Anti‐Malarial Macrodiolide Samroiyotmycin A
Authors: Yiannakas Ektoras , Grimes Mark I. , Whitelegge James T. , Fürstner Alois , Hulme Alison N.
Published: June 2021

We report the first total synthesis of samroiyotmycin A (1), a C2‐symmetric 20‐membered anti‐malarial macrodiolide isolated from Streptomyces sp. The convergent synthetic strategy orchestrates bisalkyne fragment‐assembly using an unprecedented Schöllkopf‐type condensation on a substituted β‐lactone and an ambitious late‐stage one‐pot alkyne cross metathesis–ring‐closing metathesis (ACM–RCAM) reaction. The demanding alkyne metathesis sequence is achieved using the latest generation of molybdenum alkylidynes endowed with a tripodal silanolate ligand framework. Subsequent conversion to the required E‐alkenes uses contemporary hydrometallation chemistry catalysed by tetrameric cluster [{Cp*RuCl}4].
Synthesis of GO and rGO@Fe3O4@Ni as remarkable nanocatalyst systems for solvent‐free and chemoselective coupling reactions of dimedone with aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Esmati Mozhgan , Zeynizadeh Behzad
Published: June 2021

In this work, we synthesized modified GO and rGO@Fe3O4@Ni nanocomposite. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). Furthermore, GO and rGO@Fe3O4@Ni were applied as catalysts in multicomponent coupling reactions (MCRs) of dimedone with structurally diverse aromatic aldehydes. All reactions were fulfilled rapidly and efficiently in solvent‐free conditions at 90°C. The results showed that GO and rGO@Fe3O4@Ni expedited the coupling reactions chemoselectively in such a way that GO directed the MCRs to the production of bisdimedones while rGO@Fe3O4@Ni drove the reactions one more step forward and afforded xanthenediones as the cyclization products. In addition, reusability of the examined nanocatalyst systems was carried out for four consecutive cycles without the significant loss of catalytic activity.
Odd chain fatty acids and odd chain phenolic lipids (alkylresorcinols) are essential for diet
Authors: Dornan Kelly , Gunenc Aynur , Oomah B. Dave , Hosseinian Farah
Published: June 2021

Odd chain fatty acids (15:0 and 17:0) from dairy fat as well as odd chain phenolic lipids (alkylresorcinols) from whole grain are commonly reviewed as candidate biomarkers for dietary analysis and their ingestion are inversely related to chronic disease risks. Therefore, low levels of dietary intake of these odd chain molecules may be related to higher risk of physiological states that cause chronic diseases or mortality. It is a prerequisite to examine and understand their main role in beneficial health effects in disease prevention. We propose odd chain fatty acids (OC‐FA) and most importantly odd chain phenolic lipids (OC‐PL) as potential essential dietary compounds since they play key roles in physiological mechanisms. This review evaluates potential roles of OC‐FA and OC‐PL in mitigating chronic diseases in vitro and in vivo studies to support our hypothesis for odd chain molecules as essential dietary lipids. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between reduced intake of OC‐FA‐ and OC‐PL‐containing foods and susceptibilities to chronic diseases.
Effects of expandable graphite on char morphology and pyrolysis of epoxy based intumescent fire‐retardant coating
Authors: Ullah Sami , Ahmad Faiz , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Raza Muhammad Rafi , Assiri Mohammed Ali , Irfan Ahmad , Oñate Eugenio , Yeoh Guan Heng
Published: June 2021

The current study was designed to investigate the effects of expandable graphite (EG) on fire protection properties of intumescent fire‐retardant coating for steel structures. Several formulations of intumescent coating were prepared and tested according to ISO 834 for char expansion. The chars were found without cracks and bonded with the steel substrate. The results showed that the coating slowly degraded during the test and char remained in contact with vertically tested coated substrate. The coated substrates were also tested for weather resistance using humid and ultraviolet environment. The char was characterized by using FESEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, and XPS analysis. FESEM examined char morphology of the coatings after furnace fire test. XRD and FTIR showed the presence of graphite, borophosphate; boron oxide and sassolite in the char. TGA and DTGA results disclosed that EG improved the residual mass of coating. XPS analysis showed the percentages of carbon and oxygen are 48.50 and 43.45 in char of formulation with 12.8% EG. The results of weathering test coatings showed decreased in char expansion because of a humidity and UV light. The formulation with 9.8% EG showed the maximum char expansion and high residual mass among the formulations investigated in this study. The weathering tested coated samples showed their capability of fire protection.
Predicting summer fin whale distribution in the Pelagos Sanctuary (north‐western Mediterranean Sea) to identify dynamic whale–vessel collision risk areas
Authors: Ham Gin Swen , Lahaye Elise , Rosso Massimiliano , Moulins Aurelie , Hines Ellen , Tepsich Paola
Published: June 2021

Mediterranean fin whales aggregating in the Pelagos Sanctuary in summer to feed are exposed to vessel collision risk, particularly from high‐speed ferries.

This study developed models to predict summer fin whale distribution using a generalized additive model (GAM) and MaxEnt, with the aim of providing a tool to identify potential high whale–ferry collision risk areas along ferry routes within the Pelagos Sanctuary during summertime.

Models were trained using sightings data collected in the summer months of 2009–2018 on board ferries crossing the central area of the Pelagos Sanctuary. Environmental predictors were bathymetry and mean sea surface chlorophyll concentration of the annual spring bloom period.

The predictive ability of GAM and MaxEnt was assessed using existing knowledge of summer fin whale distribution in the region. GAM (deviance explained = 20.2%) predictions matched documented distributions more closely than that of MaxEnt, with highest predicted fin whale occurrence in deep offshore waters (>2000 m) encompassing the central north‐western and western regions, and in the south‐eastern region, consistent with known fin whale habitats within the Pelagos Sanctuary. Inter‐annual variability was evident, influencing collision risk areas.

Collision risk was estimated as a function of the overlap between the predicted probability of fin whale occurrence and ferry density estimated from Automated Identification System data. Ferry routes that cross the northern and eastern regions of the Pelagos Sanctuary presented relatively higher collision risk.

Areas with changes in risk intensity between the years were temporally and spatially dynamic: some appeared intermittently throughout the study period while others persisted over consecutive years or recurred in different years.

Due to the vastness of the Pelagos Sanctuary, vessel speed reduction maybe a more practical measure to manage collision risk than re‐routing shipping lanes. A combination of Seasonal Management Areas and Dynamic Management Areas approaches could be adopted for high‐risk areas.
Addressing Risks Across the Organization: Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Sharma Usha , Chapman Ted , Garrison Seth W.
Published: June 2021

Key Takeaways

Enterprise risk management (ERM) examines an organization as a whole to align priorities for cost‐efficient utility success, such as public health, environmental stewardship, and organizational integrity.

In various forms and over various time frames, risk involves not only infrastructure assets but also those associated with knowledge, communities, and organizational trust.

ERM entails buy‐in from senior management, engaging key stakeholders and keeping it simple at the start, and understanding the continuous evolution of emerging threats.

In implementing an ERM culture, successful utilities draw on triple‐bottom‐line (environmental, social, and governance) and Effective Utility Management principles.
Building Compelling Business Cases for Digital Water Metering
Authors: Monks Ian , Stewart Rodney A. , Sahin Oz , Keller Robert
Published: June 2021

Key Takeaways

Business cases often strain to identify enough benefits to cover costs of digital water metering (DWM), consisting of advanced metering infrastructure and data analytics.

An Australian study in 2020 identified 77 benefits of DWM, potentially generating cost savings and customer satisfaction improvements.

Modeling software makes projections of monetary savings over the DWM project life cycle and considers customer satisfaction improvements linked to DWM deployment.

Leasing meters may provide lower entry costs, shifting risks to the supplier and avoiding lock‐in of today's technology for long periods to achieve acceptable returns on investment.
Antiperovskite Ionic Conductor Layer for Stabilizing the Interface of NASICON Solid Electrolyte Against Li Metal in All‐Solid‐State Batteries**
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhao Ruo , Han Songbai , Li Shuai , Zou Ruqiang , Zhao Yusheng
Published: June 2021

The instability of the interface between solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) and Li metal anodes is a critical factor restricting the application of NASICON‐type ionic conductors in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Here, the lithium‐rich antiperovskite (LiRAP) Li2OHBr ionic conductor is introduced as a protective layer for the NASICON‐type solid electrolyte Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP) by a simple way of rapid solidification of molten Li2OHBr, to prevent the adverse reaction caused by direct contact between LAGP and Li metal. The Li/Li symmetric cells with Li2OHBr protective layer exhibit long‐term cycle stability compared with the bare LAGP, and the mechanisms are analyzed by XPS measurements for the interface between SSEs and Li metal. Also, the LiFePO4/Li ASSLBs have been assembled to further demonstrate this advantage. This work shows that LiRAP Li2OHBr can improve the cycling stability of ASSLBs from the perspective of Li metal anode protection.
Cardiovascular events in cancer patients with bone metastases—A Danish population‐based cohort study of 23,113 patients
Authors: Asdahl Peter H. , Sundbøll Jens , Adelborg Kasper , Rasmussen Thomas B. , Seesaghur Anouchka M. , Hernandez Rohini K. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Pedersen Alma B.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The incidence of cardiovascular events among cancer patients with bone metastases is poorly understood. We examined rates of cardiovascular events among cancer patients with bone metastases and mortality following such events.

Methods

Using Danish health registries, we identified all Danish cancer patients diagnosed with bone metastases (1994–2013) and followed them from bone metastasis diagnosis. We computed incidence rates (IR) per 100 person‐years and cumulative incidence for first‐time inpatient hospitalization or outpatient clinic visit for cardiovascular events, defined as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or venous thromboembolism (VTE). We also analyzed all‐cause mortality rates including cardiovascular events as time‐varying exposure with adjustment for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. All analyses were performed overall and stratified by cancer type (prostate, breast, lung, and other).

Results

We included 23,113 cancer patients with bone metastases. The cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events was 1.3% at 30 days, 3.7% at 1 year, and 5.2% at 5 years of follow‐up. The highest IR was observed for VTE, followed by ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction, both overall and by cancer types. Lung cancer patients with bone metastases had the highest incidence of cardiovascular events followed by prostate and breast cancer. Occurrence of any cardiovascular event was a strong predictor of death (5 years following the event, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.8 [95% confidence interval: 1.7–1.9]).

Conclusion

Cancer patients with bone metastases had a substantial risk of developing cardiovascular events, and these events were associated with a subsequent increased mortality. Our findings underscore the importance of continuous optimized prevention of and care for cardiovascular disease among cancer patients with bone metastases.
Serial evaluation of vascular responses after implantation of everolimus‐eluting coronary stent by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kaul Upendra , Abhyankar Atul , K. Abhaichand Rajpal , Bhagwat Ajit , Sengottuvelu Gunasekaran , Gopalan Bahuleyan Charantharayil , Arambam Priyadarshini , Yumnam Diana
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate healing response at strut‐level and cross‐section level after implanting an ultra‐thin strut, everolimus‐eluting stent with biodegradable polymer (Tetrilimus) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 3 and 6 months.

Methods

This was prospective, multi‐centre, single‐arm, and investigator‐initiated study performed at seven Indian sites between January, 2017 and September, 2018. OCT evaluations were performed in 57 patients who underwent Tetrilimus stent implantation. Follow‐up OCT was scheduled at 3 months for first 16 patients and at 6 months for 41 patients. Primary outcomes included degree of strut coverage, malapposition and thickness of neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) over covered struts.

Results

Sixty one Tetrilimus stents were implanted to treat 59 lesions in 57 patients. Paired (baseline and follow‐up) OCT data was available for 12 patients and 30 patients at 3 and 6 months, respectively. At 3 months, rapid early healing was indicated by 95.48% covered struts per lesion with very low (0.11 ± 0.06 mm) NIH. At 6 months, NIH accumulation was greater (0.21 ± 0.07 mm) as compared to 3 months. 99.77% of struts per lesion were covered at 6 months. There was a very symmetrical healing as shown by very low eccentricity index. There was no difference in vascular healing between stents with small to moderate size vessels (≤3.00 mm) and large size vessels (>3.00 mm).

Conclusion

Present study demonstrated nearly complete endothelization and low NIH accumulation at 3 and 6 months following implantation of ultra‐thin strut everolimus‐eluting biodegradable polymer‐coated Tetrilimus stent. Moreover, though being an ultra‐thin strut stent, there was no difference in vascular healing and eccentricity after implantation of the Tetrilimus stents with smaller and larger diameters.
Developmental Pathways of Cultural Immersion: Motivations, Processes, and Outcomes
Authors: King Kelly M. , Borders L. DiAnne , Jones Connie
Published: June 2021

Cultural immersion is a critical educational activity for developing greater cultural responsiveness. Analyzing journal entries written by students throughout their cultural immersion, we identified students' motivations, learning processes, and outcomes. Findings suggested developmental pathways that may assist counselor educators in stimulating meaningful student reflection across their immersion experiences.
A New Fluorinated Sultone as Multifunctional Electrolyte Additive for High‐Performance LiCoO2/Graphite Cell
Authors: Zhang Lengdan , Zuo Xiaoxi , Zhu Tianming , Lei Wenping , Xie Dongming , Liu Jiansheng , Xiao Xin , Chen Xinli , Nan Junmin
Published: June 2021

The energy density of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2)‐based cells can be increased by charging at voltages above 4.2 V. However, the poor interface stability of the cathode/electrolyte deriving from the continuous severe decomposition of the electrolyte on the cathode/electrolyte surface and the instability of the structure of the cathode at high‐voltage operation limits their wider commercial application. Herein, a new fluoro‐functionalized electrolyte additive, tetrafluoroethane beta‐sultone (TFBS), is used for promoting the electrochemical performance of LiCoO2‐based cells. Upon cycling between 3.0 and 4.5 V (vs. Li/Li+) with 0.5 C (1 C=274.4 mAh/g), it is shown that the capacity retention of the LiCoO2/graphite pouch‐cell with TFBS‐controlled electrolyte reaches 96.8 % (183.9 mAh g−1), yet it is 66.5 % (126.3 mAh g−1) for the pouch‐cell without TFBS in baseline electrolyte at the 100th cycle. All the results indicate that TFBS can be decomposed prior to the solvents in the electrolyte and can then form low‐resistance, high‐conductivity interface layers on the surfaces of the cathode‐electrolyte and the anode‐electrolyte, respectively, thus improving the cycling stability of the cells at a high charging cutoff voltage (4.5 V).
Theoretical Understanding of the Penetration of O2 in Enzymatic Redox Polymer Films: The Case of Unidirectional Catalysis and Irreversible Inactivation in a Film of Arbitrary Thickness
Authors: Fourmond Vincent , Léger Christophe
Published: June 2021

Redox catalysts, including hydrogenases, can be embedded into films made of redox polymers, whose side chains mediate electrons between the catalyst and an electrode. These films can be used as bioanodes in H2‐based biofuel cells, because they protect the catalyst from O2‐induced inactivation: self‐protection occurs because a fraction of the incoming H2 is used in the outer region of the film to catalytically produce electrons that reduce the O2 molecules that penetrate the film. Here, we focus on the case of unidirectional catalysis (e. g. H2 oxidation) by an enzyme that is irreversibly inactivated by O2, embedded in a film of arbitrary thickness. We analytically solve the reaction/diffusion system to fully describe the time evolution of the penetration of O2 and we discuss the amount of H2 consumed by the protection mechanism. We establish the relations between film thickness, electron conduction, catalyst use and life time. This provides the theoretical framework required to optimize the design of these systems.
Value of nitroglycerin test in the diagnosis of heart failure in emergency department patients with undifferentiated dyspnea
Authors: Sekma Adel , Bel Haj Ali Khaoula , Jeddi Camilia , Ben Brahim Nadia , Bzeouich Nasri , Gannoun Imen , Trabelssi Imen , Laouiti Kamel , Grissa Mohamed Habib , Beltaief Kaouthar , Zohra Dridi , Asma Zorgati , Lotfi Boukadida , Rym Youssef , Ben Soltane Houda , Zied Mezgar , Mariem Khrouf , Msolli Mohamed Amine , Riadh Boukef , Bouida Wahid , Boubaker Hamdi , Nouira Semir
Published: June 2021

Background

Rapid diagnosis of heart failure (HF) in acutely dyspneic patients can be challenging for emergency department (ED) physicians.

Hypothesis

Cardiac output (CO) change with sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) could be helpful in the diagnosis of HF in patients with acute undifferentiated dyspnea.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study of patients >18 years admitted to the ED for acute dyspnea. Using thoracic bioimpedance, we measured CO change at baseline and after sublingual administration of 0.6 mg of NTG. HF was defined on the basis of clinical examination, pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels, and echocardiographic findings. Diagnostic performance of delta CO was calculated by sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

This study included 184 patients with mean age of 64 years. Baseline CO was comparable between the HF group and the non‐HF group. At its best cutoff (29%), delta CO showed good accuracy in the diagnosis of HF with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios of 80%, 44%, 57%, and 66% respectively. Area under ROC curve was 0.701 [95% CI 0.636–0.760]. The decrease of CO with sublingual NTG was significantly higher in patients with HFpEF compared with those with HFrEF. Multivariate analysis, showed that delta CO was an independent factor associated with HF diagnosis [OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.11–0.29); p < .001].

Conclusions

Our study showed that CO change with sublingual nitroglycerin is a simple tool that may be helpful for the diagnosis of HF in ED patients with undifferentiated dyspnea.
The immediate trends in atrial electrical remodeling for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation across different modes of catheter ablation
Authors: Hou Qian , Feng Liang , Yang Jing , Liu Yue , You Ling , Wang Lianxia , Zhang Yan , Liu Qian , Zhao Yuliang , Xie Ruiqin
Published: June 2021

Background

Catheter ablation has emerged as a major strategy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Atrial electrical remodeling (AER) plays a critical role in the recurrence of PAF after ablation.

Hypothesis

To characterize the immediate trends of AER during ablations in patients with PAF, and assess the relationship between immediate trends and recurrence.

Methods

We performed this prospective observational study of 135 patients to investigate AER following three ablation modes: radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation (CA) and 3D mapping‐guided cryoablation (3D‐CA). The atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and atrial conduction time (ACT) were measured via electrophysiology before and immediately after ablation, and P‐wave indices were measured via electrocardiography before and within 24 h after ablation. Follow‐up visits were conducted for at least 1 year or until relapse.

Results

Different approaches of ablation caused a fairly significant increase in the shortest P‐wave duration and AERP in both the proximal coronary sinus (PCS) and distal coronary sinus (DCS) but caused a shortened P‐wave dispersion. No different effect was found at the AERP among the three modes. Compared to patients who received CA, among patients who received RFA, a significant reduction in total ACT and right ACT was seen. Statistically, there was a weakly positive association between changes in total ACT and early recurrence.

Conclusions

Injury during ablation for PAF was associated with an increase in the AERP but not in the ACT. Total ACT and right ACT were shorter after RFA than after CA. The increase in total ACT were slightly predictive of early recurrence.
Risk factors for an advanced breast cancer diagnosis within 2 years of a negative mammogram
Authors: McCarthy Anne Marie , Ehsan Sarah , Appel Scott , Welch Michaela , He Wei , Bahl Manisha , Chen Jinbo , Lehman Constance D. , Armstrong Katrina
Published: June 2021

Background

Identifying women at risk for advanced interval cancers would allow better targeting of mammography and supplemental screening. The authors assessed risk factors for advanced breast cancer within 2 years of a negative mammogram.

Methods

The authors included 293,520 negative mammograms performed from 2006 to 2015 among 74,736 women. Breast cancers were defined as advanced if they were >2 cm, were >1 cm and triple‐negative or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive, had positive lymph nodes, or were metastatic. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate associations of age, breast density, menopause, mammogram type, prior breast biopsy, body mass index (BMI), and a family history of breast cancer with a cancer diagnosis within 2 years of a negative mammogram. Models were stratified by year since a negative mammogram.

Results

Among 1345 breast cancers, 357 were advanced (26.5%), and 988 (73.5%) were at an early stage. Breast density, prior biopsy, and family history were associated with an increased risk of both advanced and early‐stage cancers. Overweight and obese women had a 40% higher risk of early‐stage cancer only in year 2 (overweight hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19‐1.67; P < .001; obese HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.70; P < .001). Obese women had a 90% increased risk of advanced cancer in year 1 (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.14‐3.18; P = .014), and both overweight and obese women had a 40% or greater increased risk in year 2 (overweight HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.14‐2.07; P = .005; obese HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.00‐2.01; P = .051).

Conclusions

A higher BMI was associated with an advanced breast cancer diagnosis within 2 years of a negative mammogram. These results have important implications for risk assessment, screening intervals, and use of supplemental screening.
The value of new drugs for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Howard David H. , Quek Ruben G. W. , Fox Kathleen M. , Arondekar Bhakti , Filson Christopher P.
Published: June 2021

Background

The US Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a number of new cancer drugs. The clinical trials that serve as the basis for new cancer drug approvals may not reflect how the drugs will perform in routine practice and do not measure the impact of the drugs on spending. The authors sought to evaluate the real‐world effectiveness and value of drugs recently approved for advanced prostate cancer.

Methods

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data, the authors identified fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older who began treatment with a drug approved for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer in 2007‐2009, when only 1 drug was approved for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer, and in 2014‐2016, when 5 additional drugs were approved. They calculated life expectancy and lifetime medical costs (ie, Medicare reimbursements) for each group.

Results

Between 2007‐2009 and 2014‐2016, life expectancy increased by 12.6 months. Lifetime medical costs increased by $87,000. The incremental cost per life‐year gained was $83,000.

Conclusion

The release of 5 new drugs coincided with increases in survival rates and spending. This study's estimates indicate that the new drugs collectively were cost‐effective.
Keratin 17 testing in pancreatic cancer needle aspiration biopsies predicts survival
Authors: Roa‐Peña Lucia , Babu Sruthi , Leiton Cindy V. , Wu Maoxin , Taboada Sofia , Akalin Ali , Buscaglia Jonathan , Escobar‐Hoyos Luisa F. , Shroyer Kenneth R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Although pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the lowest 5‐year survival rates of all cancers, differences in survival exist between patients with clinically identical characteristics. The authors previously demonstrated that keratin 17 (K17) expression in PDAC, measured by RNA sequencing or immunohistochemistry (IHC), is an independent negative prognostic biomarker. Only 20% of cases are candidates for surgical resection, but most patients are diagnosed by needle aspiration biopsy (NAB). The aims of this study were to determine whether there was a correlation in K17 scores detected in matched NABs and surgical resection tissue sections and whether K17 IHC in NAB cell block specimens could be used as a negative prognostic biomarker in PDAC.

Methods

K17 IHC was performed for a cohort of 70 patients who had matched NAB cell block and surgical resection samples to analyze the correlation of K17 expression levels. K17 IHC was also performed in cell blocks from discovery and validation cohorts. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression models were analyzed to determine survival differences in cases with different levels of K17 IHC expression.

Results

K17 IHC expression correlated in matched NABs and resection tissues. NAB samples were classified as high for K17 when ≥80% of tumor cells showed strong (2+) staining. High‐K17 cases, including stage‐matched cases, had shorter survival.

Conclusions

K17 has been identified as a robust and independent prognostic biomarker that stratifies clinical outcomes for cases that are diagnosed by NAB. Testing for K17 also has the potential to inform clinical decisions for optimization of chemotherapeutic interventions.
Phenylpyridine Dicarboxylate as Highly Efficient Organic Anode for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Kangkang , Zhu Linna , Wu Fei
Published: June 2021

The sodium‐ion battery (SIB) has the potential to be the next‐generation rechargeable system, utilizing cheap and abundant sodium material. One of the key obstacles to sodium batteries is the lack of efficient and stable anode materials. Compared with traditional inorganic electrode materials, organic materials are more attractive because of their easier sodium transport accessibility and the diversities of organic frameworks and functional groups. In this work, two molecules (Na‐CPN and Na‐CPP) were synthesized and used as anode materials for SIBs. Structurally, the two compounds are isomers, and they are distinguished by the position of N atoms in phenylpyridine. Na‐CPP showed a high reversible capacity of 197 mAh g−1, and its capacity could maintain 99.1 % of its initial value even after 350 cycles of 100 mA g−1. Moreover, after going through 1200 cycles at a current density of 5 C, the Na‐CPP electrode still retained a capacity rate of 89.9 %. In contrast, Na‐CPN exhibited inferior capacity and rate performance because of its larger polarization, particle size, and charge transport resistance.
Subcortical brain volume and cortical thickness in adolescent girls and women with binge eating
Authors: Hagan Kelsey E. , Bohon Cara
Published: June 2021

Objective

Alterations in brain structure have been implicated in the onset and acute phases of several forms of psychopathology. However, there is a dearth of research investigating brain structure in persons with binge eating, contributing to poor understanding of mechanisms associated with binge eating.

Method

Adolescent girls and women (aged 14–35 years) with binge eating (n = 56) and group age‐matched girls and women without binge eating (n = 26) completed structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and interview‐based and self‐report assessments of eating disorder and general psychopathology. MRI data were processed using FreeSurfer. Analysis of covariance tested mean differences in subcortical volume and cortical thickness of a priori selected regions of interest between binge‐eating and non‐binge‐eating groups, controlling for age, body mass index, purging frequency, depression, and medication use. Exploratory partial correlations tested associations between brain structure and eating disorder symptoms within participants with binge eating.

Results

We did not observe differences in regional subcortical volume and cortical thickness between girls and women with and without binge eating. Within participants with binge eating, severity of attitudinal eating disorder symptoms was inversely associated with caudal middle frontal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, superior parietal, left inferior parietal thickness, and left accumbens volume; however, these associations would not survive multiple‐comparison corrections.

Discussion

Correlations between attitudinal eating disorder symptoms and frontoparietal thinning may represent a state marker of binge eating. Future research could investigate whether frontoparietal thinning worsens with illness duration or persists beyond binge eating cessation.
Predicting the Structural Transition in Medium‐Sized Boron Nanoclusters: From Bilayer B64, B66, B68, B70, and B72 to Core‐Shell B74
Authors: Pei Ling , Yan Qiao‐Qiao , Li Si‐Dian
Published: June 2021

Recent experimental observation of the first bilayer clusters B48−/0 reveals a new structural domain in boron nanostructures. Inspired by the previously reported bilayer B48, B54, B60, and B62 and based on extensive global‐minimum searches and density‐functional theory calculations, we predict herein a new series of medium‐sized bilayer boron nanoclusters C2 B64 (I), D2 B66 (II), D2 B68 (III), C1 B70 (IV), and Ci B72 (V) which all contain an elongated B46 bilayer hexagonal prism at the center with four effective interlayer 2c–2e B−B σ bonds formed between the top and bottom layers and the bilayer to core‐shell structural transition at B74 where core‐shell species start to dominate in thermodynamics, defining the up‐limit of the bilayer boron nanoclusters at B72. The newly obtained bilayer C2 B64 (I), D2 B68 (III), and C1 B70 (IV) appear to be systematically more stable than the previously reported cage‐like D4d B64, core‐shell C1 B68, and quasi‐planar C3v B70, respectively. Detailed bonding analyses indicate that these bilayer species follow the universal bonding pattern of σ+π double delocalization, rendering three‐dimensional aromaticity to the systems. The IR, Raman, and UV‐vis spectra of the concerned bilayer species are computationally simulated to facilitate their future characterizations.
Advances in Catalytic Electrooxidation of Urea: A Review
Authors: Singh Ramesh K. , Rajavelu Kalaiyarasi , Montag Michael , Schechter Alex
Published: June 2021

The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is technologically important for the development of a renewable energy infrastructure. Urea electrolysis (UE) can be used to produce hydrogen much more cost‐effectively than water electrolysis, as it theoretically requires 93% less energy. Urea can also be used as fuel in direct urea fuel cells (DUFCs), instead of H2, and thus serve as an efficient hydrogen carrier. This review addresses the UOR in neutral, acidic, and alkaline electrolytes, with special emphasis on the latter. Recent developments in Ni‐based catalysts for urea oxidation (UO) in alkaline electrolytes are discussed in detail, highlighting proposed reaction mechanisms and intermediates, based on experimental and computational results. Various catalytic designs used to mitigate the UO kinetic barriers, including the use of transition metal oxides and alloys, as well as tailored surface support materials, and discuss their application in UE and DUFCs are presented. The significant challenges impeding advances in urea electrocatalysis, in addition to emerging research areas in this field, are also discussed.
Comparison of physicochemical properties, amino acids, mineral elements, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of Cuban fruit and rice wines
Authors: Núñez Lázaro , Serratosa María P. , Godoy Ana , Fariña Laura , Dellacassa Eduardo , Moyano Lourdes
Published: June 2021

Physicochemical characterization, amino acids contents, minerals composition, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of Cuban wines from different raw materials were studied. The wines studied were grape wines, tropical fruit wines, and rice wines. Twenty‐one amino acids were identified and quantified, being Asp and Glu detected in all wines. The highest concentration of total amino acid content was found in wines elaborated from Cimarrona grape subjected to maceration with grape skins, while the raisined mixture grape wine presented the lowest values, probably caused by the amino acid degradation during the dehydration process by sun exposure. Minerals quantified were range amount limits of acceptable according to the OIV recommendation. Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity showed the greatest values in wine from roasting rice. No statistical separation could be clearly observed by multivariate principal component analysis; however, 3 wine groups could be defined taking account the scores on the PC1.
Baby bonus in Switzerland: Effects on fertility, newborn health, and birth‐scheduling
Authors: Chuard Caroline , Chuard‐Keller Patrick
Published: June 2021

This paper studies the effect of birth allowances (so‐called baby bonus) on fertility, newborn health, and birth‐scheduling in Switzerland. Switzerland provides an optimal quasi‐experiment: 11 out of 26 cantons introduced a baby bonus during the last 50 years at different points in time. To identify the effect of changes in the baby bonus, we employ an event study with control groups using several administrative data sets on births, stillbirths, and infant deaths in Switzerland from 1969 to 2017. While there is no evidence for birth‐scheduling, we find, however, a sizable but only temporary increase in the fertility rate of 5.5% and a permanent but diminishing increase in the birth weight of 2.8%. The latter effect is particularly strong at the lower end of the birth weight distribution. Furthermore, we document substantial heterogeneity by citizenship of mothers.
Hepatic Adenosine Triphosphate Reduction Through the Short‐Chain Fatty Acids–Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor γ–Uncoupling Protein 2 Axis Alleviates Immune‐Mediated Acute Hepatitis in Inulin‐Supplemented Mice
Authors: Yamaguchi Akihiro , Teratani Toshiaki , Chu Po‐sung , Suzuki Takahiro , Taniki Nobuhito , Mikami Yohei , Shiba Shunsuke , Morikawa Rei , Amiya Takeru , Aoki Ryo , Kanai Takanori , Nakamoto Nobuhiro
Published: June 2021

How liver tolerance is disrupted in immune‐mediated liver injury is currently unclear. There is also insufficient information available regarding susceptibility, precipitation, escalation, and perpetuation of autoimmune hepatitis. To explore how dietary fiber influences hepatic damage, we applied the concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced acute immune‐mediated liver injury model in mice fed a diet supplemented with 6.8% inulin, a water‐soluble fermentable fiber. Twelve hours after ConA administration, inulin‐supplemented diet‐fed mice demonstrated significantly alleviated hepatic damage histologically and serologically, with down‐regulation of hepatic interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor and reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐producing neutrophil infiltration. Preconditioning with an inulin‐supplemented diet for 2 weeks significantly reduced hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content; suramin, a purinergic P2 receptor antagonist, abolished the protective effect. Of note, the portal plasma derived from mice fed the inulin‐supplemented diet significantly alleviated ConA‐induced immune‐mediated liver injury. Mechanistically, increased portal short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, such as those of acetate and butyrate, by inulin supplementation leads to up‐regulation of hepatic γ‐type peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (Pparg) and uncoupling protein 2 (Ucp2), which uncouples mitochondrial ATP synthesis downstream of PPARγ. Pparg down‐regulating small interfering RNA cancelled the protective effect of inulin supplementation against MPO‐producing neutrophil infiltration and the subsequent immune‐mediated liver injury, suggesting that the SCFA–PPARγ–UCP2 axis plays a key role in the protective effect by inulin supplementation. Moreover, significant changes in the gut microbiota, including increased operational taxonomic units in genera Akkermansia and Allobaculum, also characterized the protective effect of the inulin‐supplemented diet. Conclusion: There is a possible unraveled etiopathophysiological link between the maintenance of liver tolerance and dietary fiber. The SCFA–PPARγ–UCP2 axis may provide therapeutic targets for immune‐mediated liver injury in the future.
Global health and health workforce development: what to learn from COVID‐19 on health workforce preparedness and resilience
Authors: Kuhlmann Ellen , Dussault Gilles , Correia Tiago
Published: June 2021

This Special Issue is dedicated to the healthcare workers across the globe. It draws together studies from different disciplines and regions to identify important lessons learned on weaknesses as well as on opportunities for health workforce innovation through a global health lens. Beginning with strategic reflections on the role of the health workforce and public health competences in responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis, major themes include the protection and experiences of frontline healthcare workers, the role of health systems and policy, planning and management issues, and education and health labour markets. Developed in collaboration with European Public Health Association ‘Health Workforce Research’ section, the Special Issue contributes to the WHO International Year of Health and Care Workers (YHCW) in 2021 in recognition of their dedication to providing care during the COVID‐19 pandemic, even risking their own health and life.
Circ_HECW2 regulates LPS‐induced apoptosis of chondrocytes via miR‐93 methylation
Authors: Zuo Jianwei , Chen Chen , Zhang Xintao , Wu Jiangyi , Li Canfeng , Huang Shuai , He Peiheng , Wa Qingde , Zhang Wentao
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Circ_HECW2 plays a key role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced signal transduction, which is critical in osteoarthritis (OA). Thus, we analyzed the role of Circ_HECW2 in osteoarthritis.

Methods

The expression of Circ_HECW2 and miR‐93 was examined using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V‐FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit.

Results

Circ_HECW2 and miR‐93 were inversely correlated, with Circ_HECW2 upregulated and miR‐93 downregulated in OA and LPS‐induced chondrocytes. Circ_HECW2 overexpression inhibited miR‐93 expression and increased methylation of miR‐93 coding gene. Cell apoptosis analysis showed that Circ_HECW2 overexpression increased LPS‐induced chondrocyte apoptosis, while MiR‐93 overexpression reversed the effects of Circ_HECW2 on chondrocyte apoptosis.

Conclusion

In summary, our data revealed that the Circ_HECW2 is highly expressed in OA and might inhibit miR‐93 expression through methylation to affect LPS‐induced chondrocyte apoptosis.
Rigosertib inhibits MEK1–ERK pathway and alleviates lipopolysaccharide‐induced sepsis
Authors: Wang Yin , Du Pengfei , Jiang Donghui
Published: June 2021

Background

Here, by using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mice sepsis model, we treated septic wild‐type (WT) mice or MEK1DD mice with rigosertib to evaluate its prospective effects on sepsis.

Methods

We also generated macrophages derived from bone marrow from WT or MEK1DD mice. These macrophages were pretreated with rigosertib and then induced with LPS or poly I:C.

Results

Rigosertib suppressed LPS or poly I:C‐induced expression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α] and interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], and IL‐23) in WT bone marrow–derived macrophages while failed to affect the upregulation of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in LPS‐treated bone marrow–derived macrophages from MEK1DD mice. Rigosertib promoted survival rate, ameliorated lung injury, and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels in serum of WT septic mice.

Conclusion

In contrast, the effects of rigosertib on sepsis were abrogated in septic MEK1DD mice, which had inducible constitutive activation of MEK1 signaling. Rigosertib alleviated LPS‐induced sepsis inhibits MEK1/ERK signaling pathway.
Time‐related variation in IgG subclass concentrations in a group of healthy Danish adults
Authors: Rasmussen Kristina Fruerlund , Sprogøe Ulrik , Nielsen Christian , Shalom Dana‐Bar , Assing Kristian
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Immunoglobulin G subclass measurements are important for the diagnostic work‐up of immunodeficiencies and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related diseases. It is currently unknown whether a single sampling is truly representative for an individual's IgG subclass concentrations. This study aimed to investigate whether IgG and IgG subclass concentrations in healthy individuals are stable over time.

Method

With a span of median 42 weeks, four samples from each of 54 (34M, 20F) healthy adult volunteers (24–66 years) were analyzed for IgG and IgG1–4 using turbidimetry. Concentrations were compared within and between individuals.

Results

IgG and IgG subclass concentrations followed either a normal (IgG, IgG1, and IgG3) or log normal (IgG2 and IgG4) distribution. Immunoglobulin 4 demonstrated by far the widest range of concentrations between individuals (670‐fold: 0.004–2.68 g/L). Immunoglobulin G subclass variations within individuals were expressed as pooled standard deviations (PSD). These ranged from 0.056 (IgG4) to 0.955 g/L (IgG) and correlated with mean concentration of IgG or the particular IgG subclass. As a consequence, the relative PSDs (i.e., PSD divided by mean IgG or IgG subclass concentration) fell within a narrow range: 5.82%–10.1%. Based on these numbers, the 95%‐upper one‐sided confidence limits for intraindividual IgG and IgG subclass variation was calculated to range from 9.82% (IgG2) to 16.9% (IgG4).

Conclusion

The study documents that IgG or IgG subclass concentrations within healthy individuals are very stable over at least 42 weeks. The expected variation for IgG4 concentrations at a 95% confidence level does not exceed ±16.9%.
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Authors: Gu Zhen‐Yi , Guo Jin‐Zhi , Zhao Xin‐Xin , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Xie Dan , Sun Zhong‐Hui , Zhao Chen‐De , Liang Hao‐Jie , Li Wen‐Hao , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: June 2021

Phosphate cathodes of sodium‐ion batteries usually exhibit low conductivity, seriously hinders their electrochemical properties. The authors (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12184) of this manuscript regulate the fluorophosphate lattice with increased ionicity via aliovalent substitution, achieving the higher structural stability, improved electron/ion‐transport kinetics, and superior energy‐storage performances in advanced Na3.14V1.93Na0.07(PO4)2F3 cathode.

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Oxidative stress responses of a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita, to a xenobiotic, bisphenol S
Authors: Shehna Mahim S. , Anjali V. R. , Remya V. S. , Reshmi S. , Aruna Devi C.
Published: June 2021

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an organic chemical that has been used as a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA) in making polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, thermal receipt papers, and currency bills, as BPA has been reported to have dreadful effects on the living system. From this view point, the present study investigates whether BPS has the same or rather more toxic effects like BPA or not. Limited studies were carried out on the effect of BPS on fish. The hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S‐transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), along with the nonenzymatic antioxidant, glutathione, in a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita, were selected as biomarkers. The results revealed that the sublethal exposure of BPS significantly influenced the activities of these biomarkers. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) products such as malondialdehyde and conjugate diene levels were also altered by the exposure. The alteration in the levels of antioxidants and LPO products after BPS exposure clearly showed that the fish experienced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the current study showed that BPS is a pollutant with oxidative potential by disrupting the antioxidant enzymes.