bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hypertension on COVID-19 Severity in Togo: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Djagadou Kodjo Agbeko , Djalogue Lihanimpo , Tchala Abou-bakari , Moukaila Aboudou-Razak , Alfa-Tchamana Yasmine , Djibril Mohaman Awalou
Published: December 2024

Background: Few data on this subject are available in Togo, the objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and evolutionary characteristics of coronavirus disease in COVID-19 and hypertensive patients in a Togolese context.
Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical retrospective study carried out at the Regional Hospital Center of Lomé. Hypertension was defined as a patient with a known history of hypertension, on antihypertensive treatment, or with mean arterial pressure ≥140/90 mmHg.The various aspects described have been studied in hospitalized patients with moderate, severe and critical forms of the disease.
Results: A total of 239 patients (64.5%) in our sample, suffering from moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19, were hypertensive. Hypertensive patients were significantly older (mean age: 59 years) compared to non-hypertensive patients (mean age: 49 years, p < 0.001). Oxygen saturation was significantly lower in hypertensive patients (84.4%) compared to non-hypertensive patients (15.6%, p < 0.001), and they also had more severe forms of COVID-19 (47.7% vs. 27.5%, p < 0.001). In thoracic computed tomography made the extent of parenchymal damage and the occurrence of pulmonary embolism were significantly associated with the hypertension profile of COVID-19 patients.
Conclusion: High blood pressure is very common in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, optimal management of hypertension is essential in COVID-19 patients to ensure a better prognosis.
Specific Small‐Molecule NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging of Osteosarcoma and Lung Metastasis
Authors: Zhou Hui , Yi Wanrong , Li Anguo , Wang Bo , Ding Qihang , Xue Liru , Zeng Xiaodong , Feng Yanzhi , Li Qianqian , Wang Tian , Li Yang , Cheng Xiaoding , Tang Lin , Deng Zixin , Wu Mingfu , Xiao Yuling , Hong Xuechuan
Published: December 2019

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive tumor of mesenchymal origin that is more likely to spread to the lung than others, with a major impact on patients' prognosis. The optimal imaging method that can reliably detect or exclude pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma is still scarce. Herein, two homologous types of fluorescent probes CH1055‐PEG‐PT and CH1055‐PEG‐Affibody, which show highly promising results for targeting imaging of osteosarcoma and its lung metastasis, respectively, are designed and synthesized. It is found that the NIR‐II imaging quality of CH1055‐PEG‐PT is far superior to that of computed tomography for the early in vivo 143B tumor imaging, and this probe‐guided surgery for accurate resection of 143B tumor is further performed. The high‐resolution visualization of primary and micrometastatic lung lesions of osteosarcoma by using CH1055‐PEG‐Affibody is also demonstrated. Therefore, the attractive imaging properties of CH1055‐PEG‐PT and CH1055‐PEG‐Affibody, including high levels of uptakes, and high spatial and temporal resolution, open up opportunities for molecular imaging and clinical translation of osteosarcoma and its lung metastasis in the unique second near‐infrared window.
Photoelectric Cardiac Pacing by Flexible and Degradable Amorphous Si Radial Junction Stimulators
Authors: Liu Zongguang , Wen Bin , Cao Luyao , Zhang Shaobo , Lei Yakui , Zhao Guangzhi , Chen Long , Wang Junzhuan , Shi Yi , Xu Jun , Pan Xiangbin , Yu Linwei
Published: December 2019

Implanted pacemakers are usually bulky and rigid electronics that are constraint by limited battery lifetimes, and need to be installed and repaired via surgeries that risk secondary infection and injury. In this work, a flexible self‐powered photoelectric cardiac stimulator is demonstrated based on hydrogenated amorphous Si (a‐Si:H) radial p–i–n junctions (RJs), constructed upon standing Si nanowires grown directly on aluminum thin foils. The flexible RJ stimulators, with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.67 V and short‐circuit current density of 12.7 mA cm−2 under standard AM1.5G illumination, can be conformally attached to the uneven tissue surface to pace heart‐beating under modulated 650 nm laser illumination. In vivo pacing evaluations on porcine hearts show that the heart rate can be effectively controlled by the external photoelectric stimulations, to increase from the normal rate of 101–128 beating min−1. Importantly, the a‐Si:H RJ units are highly biofriendly and biodegradable, with tunable lifetimes in phosphate‐buffered saline environment controlled by surface coating and passivation, catering to the needs of short term or lasting cardiac pacing applications. This implantable a‐Si:H RJ photoelectric stimulation strategy has the potential to establish eventually a self‐powered, biocompatible, and conformable cardiac pacing technology for clinical therapy.
Tunable Fluorophobic Effect Determines Nanoparticle Dispersion in Homopolymers and Block Polymers
Authors: Marsh Zachary M. , Blom Douglas A. , Stefik Morgan
Published: December 2019

The controlled placement of nanoparticles (NPs) within homopolymers and block polymers is of broad interest for functional nanomaterials. This manuscript focuses on small molecule‐stabilized NPs that bring a large fraction of functionality. For such NP mixtures with block polymers, the overwhelming focus to date has been the use of attractive interactions to localize hydrophilic NPs within the hydrophilic portion of block polymers. Related lipophilic approaches often place NPs at the block polymer interface. Here, a new modality for block polymer–NP control is developed that rather relies upon repulsion via the fluorophobic effect. Fluorinated species strongly associate via repulsion from nonfluorinated media. Here, fluorinated NPs are made with ligand mixtures for granular control over the strength of the fluorophobic effect. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering data reveal that all F‐NPs readily phase separate from polystyrene whereas increasing fluorophobic strength enables dispersions within a fluorinated homopolymer. Next, the F‐NP placement within diblock polymers is investigated as a function of the fluorophobic strength. Weakly fluorophobic F‐NPs are found predominantly near the diblock interface whereas strongly fluorophobic F‐NPs are found to disperse throughout the fluorinated block. The controlled placement of NPs is an emerging way to self‐assemble materials.
Relatively low risk and nonaggressive stage of colorectal cancer in individuals with negative baseline fecal immunochemical test results: A cohort study
Authors: Chen Meng‐Yu , Chang Hung‐Chuen , Chong Lee‐Won , Liu Yuh‐Hwa , Sun Cheuk‐Kay , Yang Kuo‐Ching , Lin Yu‐Min
Published: December 2019

Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is used as a screening tool because of its adequate sensitivity to detect colorectal cancer (CRC). Whether individuals with negative baseline FIT results have a low risk of CRC over a long period of follow‐up remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study investigated the characteristics of CRC in individuals with normal baseline FIT results. We retrospectively evaluated individuals who participated in the Taiwanese biennial FIT‐based CRC screening program at a single hospital between March 2010 and December 2017. Patients who had positive FIT results (≥30 μg Hb/g feces) and then underwent confirmatory colonoscopy were enrolled for further analysis. Patients were divided into two cohorts: target group (consisting of patients with negative FIT results in the baseline round, followed by positive FIT results and confirmatory colonoscopy in any one of the subsequent rounds) and reference group (consisting of patients with positive FIT results in the baseline round and confirmatory colonoscopy). The detection rate and characteristics of CRC were compared between two groups. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 51 789 individuals underwent 80 195 tests in four rounds of biennial FIT based CRC screening. The positivity rate of FIT was 8.2% (n = 6591). The colonoscopy compliance rate was 70.3% (n = 4635). From 4635 individuals, 1650 and 2985 were included in the target and reference groups, respectively. The CRC detection rate in the target and reference groups was 2.3% (38/1650) and 5.0% (149/2985), respectively (odds ratio = 0.45; 95% confidence interval = 0.31‐0.64). The CRC detection rate in the target group increased with screening intervals (P for trend = .001). After excluding patients with unknown stage, 35 patients in the target group and 130 patients in the reference group were included for subsequent analysis. Lesions were located mainly in the distal colon in both groups (82.9% [29/35] vs. 82.3% [107/130]; P = 1). The distribution of the CRC stage according to the seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system in the target vs reference group was as follows: Stage 0: 48.6% vs 20.0%; Stage I: 11.4% vs 30.0%; Stage II: 20.0% vs 18.5%; Stage III: 17.1% vs 22.3%; and Stage IV: 2.9% vs 9.2%; (P = .008). CRC detection rate declined considerably if the baseline FIT result was negative. CRC detected in patients with negative baseline FIT results showed a high proportion of nonaggressive stage. Approximately 80% of CRCs were identified in the left‐sided colon, suggesting the limited ability of repetitive FIT to detect proximal CRC. These results support the benefits and necessity of consecutive FIT screening even when the baseline FIT result is negative.
Occipital hemi‐bun development and shape covariation in a longitudinal extant human growth sample
Authors: Karban Miranda E.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Although the homology of the Neanderthal occipital bun and anatomically modern human “hemi‐bun” has long been debated, little is known about the developmental timing and patterning of these two patterns of prominent occipital squama convexity. In this study, occipital hemi‐bun ontogeny and cranial shape covariation are assessed in a comparative extant human sample.

Materials and Methods

Two‐dimensional geometric morphometric methods were used to investigate hemi‐bun development in a longitudinal sample of growth study cephalograms representing extant human subjects predominantly of European ancestry. Subjects were each measured at three distinct age points, ranging from 3.0 to 20.4 years, and two‐block partial least squares analysis was used to assess patterns of covariation between midsagittal occipital bone morphology and other aspects of craniofacial shape.

Results

Occipital hemi‐bun morphology, when present, was found to develop early in ontogeny, in association with anteroposterior elongation of the frontal and parietal bones. No significant pattern of covariation was found between occipital hemi‐bun shape and cranial/basicranial breadth, basicranial length, basicranial angle, or midfacial prognathism.

Discussion

This study suggests that the occipital hemi‐bun, at least in this extant human population, should not be considered an independent trait, as its development is closely linked to shape variation in the frontal and parietal bones. Importantly, these results suggest that occipital hemi‐bun morphology is not significantly influenced by basicranial morphology during development, but instead covaries with changes in midsagittal neurocranial vault shape.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Reductive Relay Cross‐Coupling of Alkyl Halides to Aryl Halides
Authors: Jiao Ke‐Jin , Liu Dong , Ma Hong‐Xing , Qiu Hui , Fang Ping , Mei Tian‐Sheng
Published: December 2019

A highly regioselective Ni‐catalyzed electrochemical reductive relay cross‐coupling between an aryl halide and an alkyl halide has been developed in an undivided cell. Various functional groups are tolerated under these mild reaction conditions, which provides an alternative approach for the synthesis of 1,1‐diarylalkanes.
Reduction of Activated Alkenes by PIII/PV Redox Cycling Catalysis
Authors: Longwitz Lars , Werner Thomas
Published: December 2019

The carbon–carbon double bond of unsaturated carbonyl compounds was readily reduced by using a phosphetane oxide catalyst in the presence of a simple organosilane as the terminal reductant and water as the hydrogen source. Quantitative hydrogenation was observed when 1.0 mol % of a methyl‐substituted phosphetane oxide was employed as the catalyst. The procedure is highly selective towards activated double bonds, tolerating a variety of functional groups that are usually prone to reduction. In total, 25 alkenes and two alkynes were hydrogenated to the corresponding alkanes in excellent yields of up to 99 %. Notably, less active poly(methylhydrosiloxane) could also be utilized as the terminal reductant. Mechanistic investigations revealed the phosphane as the catalyst resting state and a protonation/deprotonation sequence as the crucial step in the catalytic cycle.
Metabolic Labeling of Peptidoglycan with NIR‐II Dye Enables In Vivo Imaging of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Qinglai , Du Yahui , Zhou Xiaobo , Du Xiaochen , Wu Qiuyue , Lin Liyuan , Song Yanling , Li Fuyou , Yang Chaoyong , Tan Weihong
Published: December 2019

Deepening our understanding of mammalian gut microbiota has been greatly hampered by the lack of a facile, real‐time, and in vivo bacterial imaging method. To address this unmet need in microbial visualization, we herein report the development of a second near‐infrared (NIR‐II)‐based method for in vivo imaging of gut bacteria. Using d‐propargylglycine in gavage and then click reaction with an azide‐containing NIR‐II dye, gut microbiota of a donor mouse was strongly labeled with NIR‐II fluorescence on their peptidoglycan. The bacteria could be readily visualized in recipient mouse gut with high spatial resolution and deep tissue penetration under NIR irradiation. The NIR‐II‐based metabolic labeling strategy reported herein, provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first protocol for facile in vivo visualization of gut microbiota within deep tissues, and offers an instrumental tool for deciphering the complex biology of these gut “dark matters”.
Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Unfunctionalized Tetrasubstituted Acyclic Olefins
Authors: Bigler Raphael , Mack Kyle A. , Shen Jeff , Tosatti Paolo , Han Chong , Bachmann Stephan , Zhang Haiming , Scalone Michelangelo , Pfaltz Andreas , Denmark Scott E. , Hildbrand Stefan , Gosselin Francis
Published: December 2019

Asymmetric hydrogenation has evolved as one of the most powerful tools to construct stereocenters. However, the asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized tetrasubstituted acyclic olefins remains the pinnacle of asymmetric synthesis and an unsolved challenge. We report herein the discovery of an iridium catalyst for the first, generally applicable, highly enantio‐ and diastereoselective hydrogenation of such olefins and the mechanistic insights of the reaction. The power of this chemistry is demonstrated by the successful hydrogenation of a wide variety of electronically and sterically diverse olefins in excellent yield and high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity.
Photosensitized Intermolecular Carboimination of Alkenes through the Persistent Radical Effect
Authors: Patra Tuhin , Bellotti Peter , Strieth‐Kalthoff Felix , Glorius Frank
Published: December 2019

An intermolecular, two‐component vicinal carboimination of alkenes has been accomplished by energy transfer catalysis. Oxime esters of alkyl carboxylic acids were used as bifunctional reagents to generate both alkyl and iminyl radicals. Subsequently, addition of the alkyl radical to an alkene generates a transient radical for selective radical–radical cross‐coupling with the persistent iminyl radical. Furthermore, this process provides direct access to aliphatic primary amines and α‐amino acids by simple hydrolysis.
Peptide‐Catalyzed Fragment Couplings that Form Axially Chiral Non‐C2‐Symmetric Biaryls
Authors: Coombs Gavin , Sak Marcus H. , Miller Scott J.
Published: December 2019

We have demonstrated that small, modular, tetrameric peptides featuring the Lewis‐basic residue β‐dimethylaminoalanine (Dmaa) are capable of atroposelectively coupling naphthols and ester‐bearing quinones to yield non‐C2‐symmetric BINOL‐type scaffolds with good yields and enantioselectivity. The study culminates in the asymmetric synthesis of backbone‐substituted scaffolds similar to 3,3′‐disubstituted BINOLs, such as (R)‐TRIP, with good (94:6 e.r.) to excellent (>99.9:0.1 e.r.) enantioselectivity after recrystallization, and a diastereoselective net arylation of the minimally modified nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen.
Catalytic Selective Dihydrosilylation of Internal Alkynes Enabled by Rare‐Earth Ate Complex
Authors: Chen Wufeng , Song Haibin , Li Jianfeng , Cui Chunming
Published: December 2019

Hydrosilylation of alkynes generally yield vinylsilanes, which are inert to the further hydrosilylation because of the steric effects. Reported here is the first successful dihydrosilylation of aryl‐ and silyl‐substituted internal alkynes enabled by a rare‐earth ate complex to yield geminal bis‐ and tris(silanes), respectively. The lanthanum bis(amido) ate complex supported by an ene‐diamido ligand proved to be the ideal catalyst for this unprecedented transformation, while the same series of yttrium and samarium alkyl and samarium bis(amido) ate complexes exhibited poor activity and selectivity, indicating significant effects of the ionic size and ate structure of the rare‐earth catalysts.
Retracted: Circular RNA ANKRD36 attends to lipopolysaccharide‐aroused MRC‐5 cell injury via regulating microRNA‐31‐3p
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhang Lijuan , Meng Jingjing
Published: December 2019

Background

Some circular RNAs (circRNAs) are reported to attend to the pathogenesis of pneumonia. This study tested the impact of circRNA ankyrin repeat domain 36 (circANKRD36) on human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC‐5 cell injury irritated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

After LPS irritation, viability, apoptosis, ROS, protein, and cytokines, along with circANKRD36 were tested by CCK‐8, Annexin V‐FITC, DCFH‐DA, and ELISA or Western blot. si‐circANKRD36 and microRNA‐31‐3p/5p (miR‐31‐3p/5p) inhibitor were applied to silence circANKRD36 and miR‐31‐3p/5p. miR‐31‐3p/5p mimic was utilized to upregulate miR‐31‐3p/5p. RT‐qPCR was used to detect miRNAs. The relationship between miRNAs and MyD88 or IL‐34 was analyzed by luciferase activity reporter assay.

Results

LPS aroused a decrease in viability, increases in apoptosis, ROS, and IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α, along with circANKRD36, and activation of NF‐κB pathway. Silencing circANKRD36 weakened the above‐mentioned influences of LPS. Moreover, silencing circANKRD36 hoisted miR‐31‐3p expression. Silencing miR‐31‐3p mitigated the impacts of circANKRD36 silence on LPS‐irritated MRC‐5 cells. Besides, MyD88 was a downstream target of miR‐31‐3p, and 3′UTR of IL‐34 mRNA was targeted by miR‐31‐5p. LPS induced the accumulation of MyD88. Silencing MyD88 was constructive to maintain cell viability, retard apoptosis and inhibit adverse oxidation and inflammation.

Conclusion

This research verified that silencing circANKRD36 could weaken LPS‐irritated MRC‐5 cell injury via regulating miR‐31/MyD88‐mediated repression of NF‐κB pathway.
Effect of the concentration of protein and nanoparticles on the structure of biohybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Majorošová Jozefína , Schroer Martin A. , Tomašovičová Natália , Batková Marianna , Hu Po‐Sheng , Kubovčíková Martina , Svergun Dmitri I. , Kopčanský Peter
Published: December 2019

We present colloidal nanocomposites formed by incorporating magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs) with lysozyme amyloid fibrils (LAFs). Preparation of two types of solutions, with and without addition of salt, was carried out to elucidate the structure of MNPs‐incorporated fibrillary nanocomposites and to study the effect of the presence of salt on the stability of the nanocomposites. The structural morphology of the LAFs and their interaction with MNPs were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and small‐angle x‐ray scattering measurements. The results indicate that conformational properties of the fibrils are dependent on the concentration of protein, and the precise ratio of the concentration of the protein and MNPs is crucially important for the stability of the fibrillary nanocomposites. Our results confirm that despite the change in fibrillary morphology induced by the varying concentration of the protein, the adsorption of MNPs on the surface of LAF is morphologically independent. Moreover, most importantly, the samples containing salt have excellent stability for up to 1 year of shelf‐life.
Effect of radiotherapy for rectal cancer on female sexual function: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Svanström Röjvall A , Buchli C , Bottai M , Ahlberg M , Flöter-Rådestad A , Martling A , Segelman J
Published: December 2019

Background

Clinical experience and limited data show that female sexual function is influenced negatively by preoperative radiotherapy (RT) for rectal cancer. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the impact of RT on sexual function and ovarian reserve measured by levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH).

Methods

Women with stage I–III rectal cancer scheduled for surgery with or without preoperative (chemo)RT were included and followed for 2 years. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire responses and blood samples for hormone analyses, including AMH in women aged 45 years or less, were collected at baseline and during follow-up.

Results

In the group of 109 women who received preoperative RT, median scores in all FSFI domains decreased over time, as did the total FSFI score (from 18·5 (range 2·0–36·0) at baseline to 10·8 (2·0–34·8) at 2 years; P < 0·001). In the group of 30 women who did not receive preoperative RT, only satisfaction declined over time (from 3·2 (0·8–6·0) to 1·8 (0·8–6·0); P = 0·012). In longitudinal regression analysis, the mean decline in FSFI total score was –9·33 (95 per cent c.i. –16·66 to –1·99; P = 0·013) for women who had preoperative RT compared with those who did not, with adjustment for age, Psychological General Well-being Index score and relationship with partner. A corresponding association was seen for arousal, lubrication, orgasm and pain. Five of six women aged 45 years or less with detectable serum levels of AMH at baseline had undetectable levels after RT.

Conclusion

Preoperative RT was associated with impairment in sexual function in women with rectal cancer. This needs to be considered when discussing choice of treatment and rehabilitation. In younger women, undetectable AMH levels after RT indicate an irreversible loss of ovarian follicles.
Integrated analysis of genomic and transcriptomic profiles identified a prognostic immunohistochemistry panel for esophageal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Yu Yue , Li Zhihua , Huang Chenjun , Fang Haisheng , Zhao Fei , Zhou Yue , Pan Xianglong , Li Qifan , Zhuang Yu , Chen Liang , Xu Jing , Wang Wei
Published: December 2019

Background

The poor outcome of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) highlights the importance of the identification of novel effective prognostic biomarkers. We aimed to identify a clinically applicable prognostic immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel for ESCC.

Methods

An integrated analysis was performed to screen and establish a prognostic panel using exome sequencing profile from 81 pairs of ESCC samples and RNA expression microarray data from 119 ESCC subjects. Two independent ESCC cohorts were recruited as training and validation groups to test the prognostic value.

Results

Three genes were selected, namely, ANO1, GAL, and MMP3, which were aberrantly expressed in ESCC tumor tissues (P < .001). Among them, ANO1 and MMP3 were reserved for the construction of the prognostic panel due to their significant association with the prognosis of ESCC patients (P = .015 and P < .001). Patients with both ANO1+ and MMP3+ had a poorer prognosis than that with ANO1−/MMP3+, ANO1+/MMP3−, or ANO1−/MMP3 − in both the training set and validation set (P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the combination of IHC panel and eighth American Joint Commission on Cancer staging yielded a better prognostic predictive efficacy compared with the two indexes alone (P < .001, area under curve: 0.752). Finally, a nomogram was created by integrating the IHC markers and clinicopathological risk factors to predict prognosis with a C‐index of 0.695 (95% confidence interval: 0.657‐0.734).

Conclusion

Using an integrated multistage screening strategy, we identified and validated a valuable prognostic IHC panel for ESCC.
Reversed‐phase HPLC enantioseparation of pantoprazole using a teicoplanin aglycone stationary phase—Determination of the enantiomer elution order using HPLC‐CD analyses
Authors: Papp Lajos Attila , Foroughbakhshfasaei Mohammadhassan , Fiser Béla , Horváth Péter , Kiss Eszter , Sekkoum Khaled , Gyéresi Árpád , Hancu Gabriel , Noszál Béla , Szabó Zoltán‐István , Tóth Gergő
Published: December 2019

A direct HPLC method was developed for the enantioseparation of pantoprazole using macrocyclic glycopeptide‐based chiral stationary phases, along with various methods to determine the elution order without isolation of the individual enantiomers. In the preliminary screening, four macrocyclic glycopeptide‐based chiral stationary phases containing vancomycin (Chirobiotic V), ristocetin A (Chirobiotic R), teicoplanin (Chirobiotic T), and teicoplanin‐aglycone (Chirobiotic TAG) were screened in polar organic and reversed‐phase mode. Best results were achieved by using Chirobiotic TAG column and a methanol‐water mixture as mobile phase. Further method optimization was performed using a face‐centered central composite design to achieve the highest chiral resolution. Optimized parameters, offering baseline separation (resolution = 1.91 ± 0.03) were as follows: Chirobiotic TAG stationary phase, thermostated at 10°C, mobile phase consisting of methanol/20mM ammonium acetate 60:40 v/v, and 0.6 mL/min flow rate. Enantiomer elution order was determined using HPLC hyphenated with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy detection. The online CD signals of the separated pantoprazole enantiomers at selected wavelengths were compared with the structurally analogous esomeprazole enantiomer. For further verification, the inline rapid, multiscan CD signals were compared with the quantum chemically calculated CD spectra. Furthermore, docking calculations were used to investigate the enantiorecognition at molecular level. The molecular docking shows that the R‐enantiomer binds stronger to the chiral selector than its antipode, which is in accordance with the determined elution order on the column—S‐ followed by the R‐isomer. Thus, combined methods, HPLC‐CD and theoretical calculations, are highly efficient in predicting the elution order of enantiomers.
Do all patients with recurrent ovarian cancer need systemic therapy?
Authors: Friedlander Michael L.
Published: December 2019

The scientific organizing committee of the 12th International Symposium on Advanced Ovarian Cancer: Optimal Therapy. Update proposed the question regarding whether all patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) need systemic therapy. This article has addressed this question and focused on the clinical scenarios in which the benefits of systemic therapy in patients with ROC are limited, including the frail elderly and patients with multiple medical comorbidities, as well as a subset of patients with platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer who have a particularly poor prognosis with a short survival. The challenges of identifying and selecting which patients are unlikely to benefit from systemic therapy were addressed. The benefit of systemic therapy also can be questioned in specific histological subtypes of ROC such as low‐grade serous cancers as well as clear cell and mucinous cancers in view of low response rates. Finally, the contentious question regarding the timing of chemotherapy in asymptomatic patients with CA 125 disease progression after response to first‐line chemotherapy was addressed and an argument made challenging the current treatment paradigm. Clearly, not all patients with ROC need or should be offered systemic therapy, and ultimately the recommendations need to be based on evidence and communicated in a clear and sensitive manner to patients and their families.
Surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Sehouli Jalid , Grabowski Jacek P.
Published: December 2019

Ovarian cancer is one of the most challenging diseases in gynecologic oncology. The presentation of frequent recurrences requires the establishment and further development of therapy standards for this patient group. Surgery is crucial in the therapy of patients with primary ovarian cancer, and the postoperative residual tumor mass is the most relevant clinical prognostic factor. The surgical management of recurrent disease is still subject to an emotional international discussion. Only a few prospective clinical trials focused on the effects of surgery in relapsed ovarian cancer have been published. The available data show improvements in the prognosis due to complete cytoreduction in the setting of recurrence. However, the selection of eligible patients is the essential issue. Therefore, the establishment of reliable predictive factors for complete tumor resection as well as a definition of the group of patients who might profit from this approach remains a field for research. Further randomized trials designed to develop and incorporate operative standards for recurrent ovarian cancer should follow.
Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors in patients with ovarian cancer: Still promising?
Authors: González‐Martín Antonio , Sánchez‐Lorenzo Luisa
Published: December 2019

Despite advances in surgery and chemotherapy and the integration of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy as well as poly(adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase inhibitors into daily clinical practice, epithelial ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death from gynecological cancer. The incorporation of new therapies with the potential to achieve long‐term disease remission is a clear need for patients with ovarian cancer. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) (antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 [anti‐PD‐1] or antiprogrammed death‐ligand 1 [anti‐PD‐L1]) has been adopted in several malignancies based on improvements shown with regard to progression‐free survival and in particular overall survival. Although there is a solid rationale for the use of CPIs in patients with ovarian cancer, to our knowledge the clinical data presented to date are not very convincing. This article reviews the current data regarding CPIs in patients with ovarian cancer along with the future directions and designs of clinical trials aiming to overcome the low efficacy of CPIs in these individuals.
Optimizing the use of the hyperCVAD regimen: Clinical vignettes and practical management
Authors: Rausch Caitlin R. , Jabbour Elias J. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Kadia Tapan M.
Published: December 2019

Optimal administration of the hyperCVAD regimen requires awareness of its appropriate administration and supportive care practices. Practical management of anticipated toxicities and treatment of special patient populations with this regimen is reviewed.
PBCF‐Graphene: A 2D Sp2 Hybridized Honeycomb Carbon Allotrope with a Direct Band Gap
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chai Changchun , Fan Qingyang , Song Yanxing , Yang Yintang
Published: December 2019

Inspired by the synthesis of graphene with benzene as the precursor, a novel all‐sp2 hybridized two‐dimensional (2D) carbon allotrope is proposed in this work. This 2D carbon allotrope is a poly‐butadiene‐cyclooctatetraene‐framework and displays a P6/mmm space group with 24 carbon atoms in a hexagonal unit cell (denoted as PBCF‐graphene). First‐principles calculations show the presence of a honeycomb structure along the c‐axis that possesses two kinds of holes with diameters of 4.88 and 2.39 Å. PBCF‐graphene has a direct band gap of 1.355 eV at the Γ point as determined using the HSE06 hybrid functional. This structure is energetically preferable over E‐graphene, C33‐carbon sheets, cyclo[18]carbon and C20 fullerenes and is the same to PCF‐graphene. Its dynamical, thermal and mechanical stabilities are proven from the phonon dispersion, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD simulations and elastic constants, respectively. It can not only withstand equi‐biaxial tensile strains as high as 17.6% but can also withstand temperatures at least 1000 K. PBCF‐graphene exhibits a high, room temperature, in‐plane, electron mobility, which is higher than the electron mobility of monolayer black phosphorus and 5.9 times higher than the hole mobility of monolayer MoS2. In addition, PBCF‐graphene can absorb photons from the visible to near‐ultraviolet regimes, giving it potential value in applications for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.
On the Interplay between Charge‐Shift Bonding and Halogen Bonding
Authors: Sarr Serigne , Graton Jérôme , Montavon Gilles , Pilmé Julien , Galland Nicolas
Published: December 2019

The nature of halogen‐bond interactions has been analysed from the perspective of the astatine element, which is potentially the strongest halogen‐bond donor. Relativistic quantum calculations on complexes formed between halide anions and a series of Y3C−X (Y=F to X, X=I, At) halogen‐bond donors disclosed unexpected trends, e. g., At3C−At revealing a weaker donating ability than I3C−I despite a stronger polarizability. All the observed peculiarities have their origin in a specific component of C−Y bonds: the charge‐shift bonding. Descriptors of the Quantum Chemical Topology show that the halogen‐bond strength can be quantitatively anticipated from the magnitude of charge‐shift bonding operating in Y3C−X. The charge‐shift mechanism weakens the ability of the halogen atom X to engage in halogen bonds. This outcome provides rationales for outlier halogen‐bond complexes, which are at variance with the consensus that the halogen‐bond strength scales with the polarizability of the halogen atom.
Piano Stool Aminoalkylidene‐Ferracyclopentenone Complexes from Bimetallic Precursors: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Data
Authors: Rocco Dalila , Batchelor Lucinda K. , Ferretti Eleonora , Zacchini Stefano , Pampaloni Guido , Dyson Paul J. , Marchetti Fabio
Published: December 2019

The reaction of pyrrolidine with a series of cationic diiron cyclopentadienyl complexes containing a bridging vinyliminium ligand gives access to piano stool monoiron complexes based on a five‐membered metallacycle that includes a vinyl‐aminoalkylidene moiety, in moderate to high yields. The resulting metallacyclic motif (aminoalkylidene‐ferracyclopentenone) is unique in organometallic chemistry and is partially pre‐constructed on the dinuclear frame. The monoiron products were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and in a number of cases by X‐ray diffraction and cyclic voltammetry. They are robust in aqueous solutions and generally unreactive towards alkylating agents in organic solvents. However, a cationic derivative was prepared in high yield by methylation of a 2‐pyridyl group. The cytotoxicity of both neutral and ionic complexes was assessed on cancerous (A2780 and A280cisR) and non‐cancerous (HEK293) cell lines, revealing the influence of local structural modifications on the antiproliferative activity and the selectivity of the compounds.
Structural and Non‐Covalent Interactions Study of 2‐Pyridone Based Flexible Unsymmetrical Dimer
Authors: Singh Ved P. , Dowarah Jayanta , Lalhruaizela  , Geiger David K.
Published: December 2019

Non‐covalent weak interactions play a vital role in the stabilization of solid‐state structures. This manuscript describes the X‐ray crystallographic study of 4,6‐dimethyl‐2‐oxo‐1‐(3‐(p‐tolyloxy)propyl)‐1,2‐dihydropyridine‐3‐carbonitrile, an unsymmetrical fleximer. One aromatic ring and a heterocyclic ring (pyridone) are linked through trimethylene linker in this compound. The non‐covalent interactions observed in the solid state are studied using Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint analyses. The molecular solid is stabilized by C─H─O, C─H…N, C─H─л, and л─л interactions. Interaction energies for the most significant nonbonded contacts were calculated using CrystalExplorer17.
Investigation of lightning ignition characteristics based on an impulse current generator
Authors: Feng Junwei , Shen Hao , Liang Dong
Published: December 2019

Lightning strike is an important ignition source of forest fires. Artificial lightning discharge is a method for studying lightning fires. However, there is not enough data on the ignition of combustible materials caused by artificial lightning discharge. Previous studies on lightning ignition have focused on the heating and ignition effects of long continuing current (LCC), but the function of the impulse current that occurs before the LCC has not been taken into account. In this paper, an impulse current generator of 8/20 μs was used to simulate the ignition effect of impulse current on conifer needle beds. Different current waveforms have different ignition characteristics. We compared five kinds of conifer needle beds. The average of the current needed to ignite the needle bed of Larix gmelinii (Ruprecht) Kuzeneva was the smallest, and the average of the breakdown voltage was the smallest for the needle bed of Pinus massoniana Lamb. The total energy input to the conifer needle beds was fitted as a multiple log‐linear regression model. The heating energy proportion value varies with different bulk densities, current amplitudes, and moisture contents. Based on this data, the heating energy of the impulse current transferred to the needles can be predicted. This information in conjunction with previous research on LCC was used to derive a lightning ignition prediction model of the full waveform for conifer needle beds.
VARIATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH) CONTENTS IN THE VADOSE ZONE AND GROUNDWATER UNDER LONG‐TERM IRRIGATION USING RECLAIMED WATER
Authors: Hu Yaqi , Wu Wenyong , Xu Di , Liu Honglu
Published: December 2019

Using reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is one of the most important measures for alleviating the global water crisis. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) vertical distribution characteristics in the vadose zone under long‐term reclaimed water irrigation and the corresponding impact on groundwater were studied by conducting a simulation experiment in the south‐east suburb of Beijing. The simulation experiment designed two different long‐term reclaimed water irrigation years, which were 98 and 236 years, respectively. The results showed that both treatments had a total PAH contents close to the background values (245–253 μg kg‾¹) and the long‐term reclaimed water irrigation did not result in a considerable PAH accumulation in soil profiles, which was supposed to be largely associated with the low PAH content of reclaimed water. The sources of PAH contamination in the vadose zone were mainly the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass by analysis of PAH isomer ratios. The total PAH contents in groundwater after percolation through the reclaimed water irrigation area was no more than 0.16 μg l‾¹ and the PAH removal rate of the vadose zone reached 97.7%. We stated that the vadose zone in the study area has excellent pollution prevention properties for PAHs under long‐term high‐quality reclaimed water irrigation. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring the phase evolution in LiCoO2 electrodes during battery cycles using in‐situ neutron diffraction technique
Authors: Jena Anirudha , Lee Po‐Han , Pang Wei Kong , Hsiao Kuang‐Che , Peterson Vanessa K. , Darwish Tamim , Yepuri Nageshwar , Wu She‐Huang , Chang Ho , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: December 2019

LiCoO2 (LCO) with average particle distribution of 8 μm (LCO‐A) and 11 μm (LCO‐B) exhibit substantial differences in cycle performance. The half‐cells have similar first‐cycle discharge capacities of 173 and 175 mAh/g at 0.25 C, but after 100 cycles, the discharge capacities are substantially different, that is, 114 and 141 mAh/g for LCO‐A and LCO‐B, respectively. Operando neutron powder diffraction of full LCO||Li4Ti5O12 batteries show differences in the LCO reaction mechanism underpinning the electrochemical behavior. LCO‐A follows a purely solid solution reaction during cycling compared to the solid solution and two‐phase reaction mechanism in LCO‐B. The absence of the two‐phase reaction in LCO‐A is consistent with a homogeneous distribution of Li throughout the particle. The two‐phase reaction in LCO‐B reflects two distinguishable distributions of Li within the particles. The faster capacity decay in LCO‐A is correlated to an increase in electrode cracking during battery cycles.
The role of temperature, pH and nutrition in process development of the unique oleaginous yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima
Authors: Abeln Felix , Chuck Christopher J
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Lipids produced from oleaginous yeasts are a promising alternative to terrestrial oils. Despite promising cellular yields of lipid however, an industrial process remains elusive. One key processing bottleneck is the need to provide nutrient‐rich conditions for cellular growth and then extended nutrient‐depleted conditions for lipid accumulation. Surprisingly, investigations detailing process development, particularly with a focus on kinetics, are rare in this field.

RESULTS

In this investigation we report on the unique oleaginous yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima, where lipid accumulation ≥ 29.8% (w/w) was achieved without apparent nutrient limitation. The process was developed in stirred tank reactors through determining the influence of temperature, pH and nutrition on lipid production. A temperature of up to 25 °C and initial pH 5 could be applied to enhance initial reaction kinetics. Through the increased supply of yeast extract of up to 5% (w/w) of glucose, a maximum lipid production rate of 0.60 g L−1 h−1 (4 h‐average), productivity of 0.29 g L−1 h−1, and yield of 0.17 g g−1 glucose were achieved – the highest yet recorded with this yeast. Suitable to combat the excessive secretion of polyols of up to 0.11 g g−1 glucose was an excess nutrient supply as well as a low cultivation temperature of 15 °C and moderate pH 5.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the lack of a starvation stage, coupled with effective process development is required for oleaginous yeasts to achieve the yields and productivities required for commercial lipid production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Design thinking among first‐year and senior engineering students: A cross‐sectional, national study measuring perceived ability
Authors: Coleman Emma , Shealy Tripp , Grohs Jacob , Godwin Allison
Published: December 2019

Background

Prior researchers developed an instrument to measure perceived design thinking ability of first‐year students interested in engineering, and they validated the instrument through exploratory factor analysis.

Purpose/Hypothesis

Our study uses the previously developed instrument to evaluate perceived design thinking ability of senior engineering students. We make a cross‐sectional comparison of this measure on a national scale.

Design/Method

We surveyed a national sample of senior engineering students in 2018 and conducted a cross‐sectional comparison with results from a 2012 national sample of first‐year students who were interested in declaring an engineering major. Two‐way analysis of variance tests compared average design thinking scores across sample groups. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to improve the design thinking instrument.

Results

First‐year students who intended to declare an engineering major score significantly higher (2.80) on the design thinking scale than senior engineering students (2.59) with a medium effect size of 0.4. The senior engineering sample performs significantly worse on the feedback seeking and experimentalism instrument items, but significantly better on the integrative thinking and collaboration items. We found no significant differences in perceived design thinking ability among engineering disciplines among senior students.

Conclusions

Feedback seeking and experimentalism are traits that engineering educators should develop in their students to improve perceived design thinking ability. Incorporation of user‐centered design and divergent thinking in the engineering classroom are recommended as avenues to foster feedback seeking and experimentalism. We also offer recommendations to improve the design thinking instrument for future research.
Effects of elevated carbon dioxide on the hematological parameters of a temperate catshark
Authors: Pegado Maria Rita , Santos Catarina P. , Pimentel Marta , Cyrne Ricardo , Paulo Maria , Maulvaut Ana Luísa , Raffoul Dayanne , Diniz Mário , Bispo Regina , Rosa Rui
Published: December 2019

Atmospheric CO2 levels have been rising due to an increase in anthropic activities and its implications over marine ecosystems are unprecedented. The present study focused on the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on key hematological parameters of the juvenile small‐spotted catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula). Eggs were reared throughout the entire embryogenesis (~4 months) plus 5 additional months, in two experimental treatments (control: pCO2 ~ 400 μatm; and high CO2: pCO2 ~ 900 μatm, Δ −0.3 pH units). After blood collection, the following hematological parameters were evaluated: (a) normal blood cells count (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes), (b) presence of erythrocytes with nuclear abnormalities, and (c) erythrocyte nucleus to cytoplasmic ratio. Concomitantly, to determine the cardiac and hematopoietic conditions, the spleen and heart to body ratios were also assessed. The present findings indicate that the measured variables may not be affected by elevated pCO2 in this temperate species, as no significant differences were observed between treatments across all the endpoints tested. Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning a decreasing trend observed in a number of thrombocytes associated with OA, which should foster further investigation, regarding other aspects of their coagulation response. Along with OA, other stressors are expected to impact marine life, such as warming and hypoxia. Thus, future research should aim to investigate the cumulative effect of these stressors on hematological parameters in sharks.