bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of “Fangcang, Huoshenshan, and Leishenshan” hospitals and environmental factors on the mortality of COVID-19
Authors: Cai Yuwen , Huang Tianlun , Liu Xin , Xu Gaosi
Published: July 2020

Background

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) broke out in Wuhan, China; however, the factors affecting the mortality of COVID-19 remain unclear.

Methods

Thirty-two days of data (the growth rate/mortality of COVID-19 cases) that were shared by Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Weather Net were collected by two authors independently. Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the difference in the mortality of confirmed/severe cases before and after the use of “Fangcang, Huoshenshan, and Leishenshan” makeshift hospitals (MSHs). We also studied whether the above outcomes of COVID-19 cases were related to air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), or air quality index (AQI) by performing Pearson’s analysis or Spearman’s analysis.

Results

Eight days after the use of MSHs, the mortality of confirmed cases was significantly decreased both in Wuhan (t = 4.5, P < 0.001) and Hubei (U = 0, P < 0.001), (t and U are the test statistic used to test the significance of the difference). In contrast, the mortality of confirmed cases remained unchanged in non-Hubei regions (U = 76, P = 0.106). While on day 12 and day 16 after the use of MSHs, the reduce in mortality was still significant both in Wuhan and Hubei; but in non-Hubei regions, the reduce also became significant this time (U = 123, P = 0.036; U = 171, P = 0.015, respectively). Mortality of confirmed cases was found to be negatively correlated with AT both in Wuhan (r =  − 0.441, P = 0.012) and Hubei (r =  − 0.440, P = 0.012). Also, both the growth rate and the mortality of COVID-19 cases were found to be significantly correlated with AQI in Wuhan and Hubei. However, no significant correlation between RH and the growth rate/mortality of COVID-19 cases was found in our study.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that both the use of MSHs, the rise of AT, and the improvement of air quality were beneficial to the survival of COVID-19 patients.
Impact of Altitude on the Livelihood of the Tea Garden Workers of North Bengal
Authors: Jairu Dristika , Acharya Sankar Kumar
Published: July 2020

A spectrum of variance has been observed in the dynamics of ecology, economy and sociology, while perceiving the difference in altitude of Himalayan terrains. Every level of elevation and slope, it has got its distinctive narratives and demeanor that shapes its economic progress and social interventions. The tea industry is sensitive to climate and geography, and with every drop in the elevation from the high-altitude Darjeeling district tea garden (2042 m) to the mid-elevation Kalimpong district tea gardens (1247 m) to the foothills of the Dooars tea garden (90 -1750 m), each has a distinctly unique story to unravel. The present study takes a look into the socio-ecological aspects along with climate change to observe the topographical terrains in the 3 distinctive altitudinal zones of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Dooars, beyond its structural aspects thereby offering a cluster interpretation on its pattern of change in livelihoods by selecting the operating variables: Age, Family size, Formal education, Status of home, Nutritional status, Wage, Income, Per capita income, Diet, Mobile use, Interaction with office personnel, among other things, as variable of interest. It is observed that the wages, diet, status of home are the governing factors affecting the livelihood choices at most of the altitudinal zones. Therefore, the study shows the effect of these variables on each of the zones uniquely to understand the grave issues of the tea gardens concerning the livelihood of the garden workers.
Global Warming and Sea Level Rising: Impact on Agriculture and Food Security in Southern Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Awal M. A. , Khan M. A. H.
Published: July 2020

Climatologically, the entire southern coastal belt of Bangladesh is most vulnerable than the other parts of the country due to its spatial geo-morphological settings. Global warming and sea level rise are already observed and predicted to be occurred more with time. These bring real negative consequences on the agricultural production and food security, and livelihood for the people live in the coastal areas. Therefore, the study was conducted to analyze the effect of global warming and sea level rise on the agriculture and food security in southern coastal areas of Bangladesh. Both primary and secondary sources of information were collected. Stakeholder consultation, direct field visits and interview of climate affected people in the coastal region were carried out for collecting information on land-use and cropping patterns and adaptation measures to be taken to boost crop production against global warming and sea level rise. By the middle and end of the twenty first century, global annual mean temperature is predicted to be increased about 1.5oC and 2.5oC, respectively. These projected warming will lead to about 14, 32 and 88 cm sea level rise by 2030, 2050 and 2100, respectively which would cause inundation of about 8, 10 and 16 percent of total land masses in Bangladesh. Most of the coastal parts and associated islands of Khulna and Barisal divisions and western part of Chattagram division lie within one meter from sea level where incursion of saline water is common. It is predicted that these areas will be inundated and unsuitable for crop production due to upcoming sea level rise. The predominant crop in entire coastal belt is transplanted Aman with sporadic occurrences of Aus rice. The land in Boro rice season either loosely occupied by mungbean, grass pea, cowpea, groundnut, soybean, potato, sweet potato, chili etc or remained fallow until the following monsoon. A systemic analysis of all of the cyclones that originated from the Bay of Bengal since 1961 indicated that most devastating cyclones formation occurred from last quarter of April through May and from middle of October to November just prior to the harvest of Boro and Aman crops, respectively. Therefore, Boro and Aman rice harvests are mostly unpredictable every year posing great threat to the food security of the coastal people. These areas are criss-crossed by innumerable water canals or channels especially in Barisal and Khulna divisions which can be utilized for Boro rice cultivation in dry season despite some levels of salinity. Cultivation of salt-tolerant crop varieties could mitigate such hindrances. Introduction of saline tolerant Boro rice in coastal cropping patterns and/or advancing the harvesting times by a fortnight in both Aman and Boro rice seasons to avert cyclonic havoc not only ensure food security but also turn the entire coastal belt into a food surplus region.
Impacts of Change of Supervisors on Effective Conduct of Senior School Certificate Examinations in Central Senatorial District of Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Matthew Ige Akindele , Chika Olofinsao Ogochukwu
Published: July 2020

The change of supervisors is noticeable during the conduct of Senior School Certificate Examinations in Nigeria. This study investigated the impacts of such change on the effective conduct of SSCE in Public Secondary Schools, with a focus on the Central Senatorial District of Ondo State. It adopted a combination of descriptive and survey designs. The 107 Public Secondary Schools in the district, constituted the main population while the government-appointed and full-time teachers in the schools, who were supervisors of SSCE were targets. One question was raised while two hypotheses were formulated for the study. A self-developed questionnaire, validated and tested for reliability (r-0.85) was used to collect data, which were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Hypotheses were tested using a chi-square statistic. It was found among others that a change of supervisor impacted in the areas of transportation of the supervisor, causing additional fund for the conduct of the examinations, as well as stress for the supervisor. No significant difference was found in the perception of male and female teachers (supervisors); highly experienced and less experienced teachers, on the impacts of the change of supervisors on effective conducts of SSCE. Provision of transportation means and adequate security for supervisors, to guarantee their safety; and examination materials, among others, are recommended.
Vicente Coelho de Seabra Silva Teles e a reforma dos cemitérios
Authors: Araújo Ana Cristina
Published: July 2020

Este artigo foca os aspetos práticos e os conceitos teóricos do debate sobre o ar respirável e o impacto que tais ideias tiveram na reforma dos espaços públicos, em particular dos cemitérios. As teorias químicas sobre combustão, oxidação e respiração de organismos vivos foram adotadas por Vicente Coelho de Seabra Silva Teles que as aplicou, de forma radical, à projetada reforma dos cemitérios em Portugal, no final do século XVIII. Vicente Coelho de Seabra Silva Teles foi professor de Química da Universidade de Coimbra e escreveu a Memoria sobre os prejuisos causados pelas sepulturas dos cadaveres nos templos, e methodo de os prevenir, publicada pela Casa Literária do Arco do Cego. Neste livro, discutiu as razões científicas da reforma dos cemitérios e aderiu às ideias do movimento europeu cremacionista, favoráveis à destruição física pelo fogo dos cadáveres. A voz crítica de Vicente Coelhode Seabra Silva Teles integrou-se na campanha internacional em prol da secularização das necrópoles e antecipou, com base nos conhecimentos da Química moderna, os fundamentos práticos do movimento cremacionista do séculos XIX.
Imagens dos mortos da Guerra do Chaco / 1932-1935 / nas construções memoriais em cemitérios bolivianos
Authors: Gawryszewski Alberto
Published: July 2020

Este estudo enfoca as imagens fotográficas, signos e narrativas encontradas em sepulturas e mausoléus de cemitérios da Bolívia com referências à Guerra do Chaco, ocorrida entre esse país e o Paraguai, entre 1932 e 1935. A fotografia é vista como mais um componente na construção da memória familiar e coletiva, pois acompanha outros elementos que formam a sepultura, e, somados, criam uma mensagem sobre o falecido.
Quando a morte ocorre no domicílio
Authors: Sollero-de-Campos Flavia , Braga Rafaela Costa
Published: July 2020

Apesar de a filosofia paliativista defender o direito do doente de escolher o local do óbito, existe uma valorização do óbito em domicílio e uma política de desospitalização nas unidades públicas de saúde brasileiras contemporâneas. Entretanto, óbito no domicílio não é por si só indicativo de qualidade da assistência, seja na saúde pública ou suplementar. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a experiência de acompanhamento do processo de morte no domicílio para o cuidador familiar principal de paciente oncológico adulto em cuidados paliativos, que foi assistido por hospital público especializado neste tipo de abordagem, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro – RJ (Brasil), durante o ano de 2016. Utilizou-se a metodologia qualitativa de pesquisa, submetendo o material discursivo das entrevistas a uma análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se que a abordagem quanto às decisões de fim de vida costuma ser tardia e prevalece a dificuldade de conversar sobre o assunto entre o paciente e a família. Portanto, as escolhas são majoritariamente da família. A experiência foi avaliada de forma positiva pela maioria dos entrevistados, havendo valorização do suporte da equipe de assistência domiciliar e da oportunidade de usufruir do convívio familiar. Contudo, para alguns o domicílio permaneceu impregnado de lembranças do período de adoecimento e do momento da morte.
Evaluation of radixact motion synchrony for 3D respiratory motion: Modeling accuracy and dosimetric fidelity
Authors: Ferris William S. , Kissick Michael W. , Bayouth John E. , Culberson Wesley S. , Smilowitz Jennifer B.
Published: July 2020

The Radixact® linear accelerator contains the motion Synchrony system, which tracks and compensates for intrafraction patient motion. For respiratory motion, the system models the motion of the target and synchronizes the delivery of radiation with this motion using the jaws and multi‐leaf collimators (MLCs). It was the purpose of this work to determine the ability of the Synchrony system to track and compensate for different phantom motions using a delivery quality assurance (DQA) workflow. Thirteen helical plans were created on static datasets from liver, lung, and pancreas subjects. Dose distributions were measured using a Delta4® Phantom+ mounted on a Hexamotion® stage for the following three case scenarios for each plan: (a) no phantom motion and no Synchrony (M0S0), (b) phantom motion and no Synchrony (M1S0), and (c) phantom motion with Synchrony (M1S1). The LEDs were placed on the Phantom+ for the 13 patient cases and were placed on a separate one‐dimensional surrogate stage for additional studies to investigate the effect of separate target and surrogate motion. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) error between the Synchrony‐modeled positions and the programmed phantom positions was <1.5 mm for all Synchrony deliveries with the LEDs on the Phantom+. The tracking errors increased slightly when the LEDs were placed on the surrogate stage but were similar to tracking errors observed for other motion tracking systems such as CyberKnife Synchrony. One‐dimensional profiles indicate the effects of motion interplay and dose blurring present in several of the M1S0 plans that are not present in the M1S1 plans. All 13 of the M1S1 measured doses had gamma pass rates (3%/2 mm/10%T) compared to the planned dose > 90%. Only two of the M1S0 measured doses had gamma pass rates > 90%. Motion Synchrony offers a potential alternative to the current, ITV‐based motion management strategy for helical tomotherapy deliveries.
42 CFR Part 2 final rule: OTP input into PDMP, more enforcement and easier
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2020

The final rule “modernizing” the country's confidentiality regulation, which originally required treatment providers to obtain patients' consent in writing to the release of their substance use disorder (SUD) treatment information, was published last week. Consent for release of information would apply to a broad category of health care operations, care coordination and case management. And methadone patients could have their treatment information put into state data systems; since 2011, that has not been allowed. Finally, the freedom of law enforcement to place and use confidential informants inside treatment programs has been expanded.
pH‐Responsive Polymer–Drug Conjugate: An Effective Strategy to Combat the Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Ye Mingzhou , Zhao Yi , Wang Yuyuan , Yodsanit Nisakorn , Xie Ruosen , Gong Shaoqin
Published: July 2020

An urgent need for developing new antimicrobial approaches has emerged due to the imminent threat of antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) pathogens. Bacterial infection can induce a unique microenvironment with low pH, which can be employed to trigger drug release and activation. Here, a pH‐responsive polymer–drug conjugate (PDC) capable of combating severe infectious diseases and overcoming AMR is reported. The PDC is made of a unique biodegradable and biocompatible cationic polymer Hex‐Cys‐DET and streptomycin, a model antibiotic. The two components show strong antimicrobial synergy since the polymer can induce pores on the bacterial wall/membrane, thus significantly enhancing the transport of antibiotics into the bacteria and bypassing the efflux pump. The PDC is neutralized for enhanced biocompatibility under physiological conditions but becomes positively charged while releasing the antibiotic in infected tissues due to the low pH. Additionally, the polymer contains disulfide bonds in its main chain, which makes it biodegradable in mammalian cells and thus reducing the cytotoxicity. The PDC can effectively penetrate bacterial biofilms and be taken up by mammalian cells, thereby minimizing biofilm‐induced AMR and intracellular infections. The PDC exhibits remarkable antimicrobial activity in three in vivo infection models, demonstrating its broad‐spectrum antimicrobial capability and great potency in eliminating AMR infections.
Recent Progress in the Development of Screening Methods to Identify Electrode Materials for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Exner Kai S.
Published: July 2020

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limits the performance of proton‐exchange membrane electrolyzers since substantial overpotentials of several hundred millivolts are required for the formation of gaseous oxygen at the anode to reach satisfying current densities. Theoreticians trace this to the occurrence of a linear scaling relationship between the OH and OOH adsorbates within the electrocatalytic OER cycle, which thermodynamically restrains this four‐electron process. While commonly the breaking of this particular scaling relation is pursued as a promising strategy to enhance catalytic turnover, the present progress report summarizes recent trends in the screening of electrode materials for the OER aside this notion. This contains an extension of thermodynamic‐based screening methods by including the kinetics, applied overpotential, and the electrochemical‐step symmetry index into the analysis, enabling material screening within a unifying methodology, or material screening by molecular orbital principles and band theories. The combination of activity‐based screening methods with a proper assessment of catalyst stability may aid the further search of electrode materials for the OER in the future.
Internally Responsive Nanomaterials for Activatable Multimodal Imaging of Cancer
Authors: Rosenkrans Zachary T. , Ferreira Carolina A. , Ni Dalong , Cai Weibo
Published: July 2020

Advances in technology and nanomedicine have led to the development of nanoparticles that can be activated for multimodal imaging of cancer, where a stimulus induces a material modification that enhances image contrast. Multimodal imaging using nanomaterials with this capability can combine the advantages and overcome the limitations of any single imaging modality. When designed with stimuli‐responsive abilities, the target‐to‐background ratio of multimodal imaging nanoprobes increases because specific stimuli in the tumor enhance the signal. Several aspects of the tumor microenvironment can be exploited as an internal stimulus response for multimodal imaging applications, such as the pH gradient, redox processes, overproduction of various enzymes, or combinations of these. In this review, design strategies are discussed and an overview of the recent developments of internally responsive multimodal nanomaterials is provided. Properly implementing this approach improves noninvasive cancer diagnosis and staging as well as provides a method to monitor drug delivery and treatment response.
Radioiodinated Persistent Luminescence Nanoplatform for Radiation‐Induced Photodynamic Therapy and Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liu Nian , Hou Zhenyu , Shi Junpeng , Su Xinhui , Sun Xiaolian
Published: July 2020

Radionuclide with Cerenkov radiation (CR) can serve as an internal excitation source to activate photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in deep tumor. However, the low efficiency of CR limits its therapeutic efficacy. A 131I labeled zinc tetra(4‐carboxyphenoxy) phthalocyaninate (ZnPcC4) conjugated Cr3+‐doped zinc gallate (ZnGa2O4:Cr3+, ZGCs) nanoplatform (131I‐ZGCs‐ZnPcC4) is developed for radiotherapy (RT) and radiation‐induced PDT. 131I can not only activate ZGCs for long‐lasting luminescence via both Cerenkov luminescence (CL) and ionizing radiation, which further continuously activate photosensitizer ZnPcC4 for PDT, but also can directly kill cancerous cells. This 131I‐ZGCs‐ZnPcC4 exhibits excellent tumor inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Combining self‐activated PDT and RT, it is believed that the 131I‐ZGCs‐ZnPcC4 can greatly benefit the deep tumor therapy.
Gold Nanomaterial Engineering for Macrophage‐Mediated Inflammation and Tumor Treatment
Authors: Chen Wanting , Zhang Fenfen , Ju Yanmin , Hong Jin , Ding Ya
Published: July 2020

Macrophages play an important role in the body's immune defense process. Phenotype imbalance between M1 and M2 macrophages induced by inflammation‐related disorders and tumor can also be reversibly converted to treat these diseases. As exogenous substances, a large part of gold‐based nanomaterials interact with macrophages once they enter the body, which provides gold nanomaterials a huge advantage to act as imaging contrasts, active substance carriers, and therapeutic agents for macrophage modulation. By cutting off macrophage recruitment, inhibiting macrophage activities, and modulating M1/M2 polarization, gold nanomaterial engineering exerts therapeutic effects on inflammation‐related diseases at target sites. In this review, biological functions of macrophages in inflammation‐related diseases are introduced, the effect of physicochemical factors of gold nanomaterials including size, shape, and surface chemistry is focused on the interaction between macrophages and gold nanomaterials, and the applications of gold nanomaterials are elaborated for tracking and treating these diseases by macrophages. The rational and smart engineering of gold nanomaterials allows a promising platform for macrophage‐mediated inflammation and tumor imaging and treatment.
Functional CT Contrast Nanoagents for the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Meng Xianfu , Wu Yelin , Bu Wenbo
Published: July 2020

Understanding the detailed tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential to achieve effective treatment of tumor, because TME has an extremely profound influence on the occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis of tumor. It is of great significance to realize accurate diagnosis of the TME by using functional computed tomography (CT) contrast nanoagents (FCTNAs). Here, an overview of FCTNAs that respond to the overexpressed receptors, acidic microenvironment, overexpressed glutathione and enzymes, and hypoxia in tumor is provided, and also prospects the advance of novel spectral CT technique to detect the TME precisely. Utilizing FCTNAs is expected to achieve accurate monitoring of the TME and further provide guidance for the effective personalized tumor treatment in clinic.
Rh(II)‐Catalyzed Denitrogenative Reaction of 1,2,3‐Triazolyl Esters with Indoles or Arenes: Efficient Synthesis of Homotryptamines or Allylamines
Authors: Pal Kuntal , Sontakke Geetanjali S. , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: July 2020

An efficient strategy for the synthesis of structurally diverse homotryptamines and allyl amines via a Rh(II)‐catalyzed tandem reaction of 1,2,3‐triazolyl esters with either indoles or 1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene has been developed. The reaction proceeds via Rh(II)‐catalyzed intramolecular rearrangement of triazoles into 1‐azadienes followed by regioselective nucleophilic addition. The efficiency of the current protocol was illustrated by broad substrate scope, gram scale synthesis and further functionalization of homotryptamines into other biologically relevant heterocycles.

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Large‐Area Virus Coated Ultrathin Colorimetric Sensors with a Highly Lossy Resonant Promoter for Enhanced Chromaticity
Authors: Yoo Young Jin , Kim Won‐Geun , Ko Joo Hwan , Kim Yeong Jae , Lee Yujin , Stanciu Stefan G. , Lee Jong‐Min , Kim Seungchul , Oh Jin‐Woo , Song Young Min
Published: July 2020

Acclimatable colors in response to environmental stimuli, which are naturally endowed with some living things, can provide an opportunity for humans to recognize hazardous substances without taking empirical risks. Despite efforts to create artificial responsive colors, realistic applications in everyday life require an immediate/distinct colorimetric realization with wide chromatic selectivity. A dynamically responsive virus (M‐13 phage)‐based changeable coloring strategy is presented with a highly lossy resonant promoter (HLRP). An ultrathin M‐13 phage layer for rapid response to external stimuli displays colorimetric behavior, even in its subtle swelling with strong resonances on HLRP, which is modeled using the complex effective refractive index. Optimal designs of HLRP for several material combinations allow selective chromatic responsivity from the corresponding wide color palette without modification of the dynamic responsive layer. As a practical demonstration, the spatially designed colorimetric indicator, which is insensitive/sensitive to external stimuli, provides an intuitive perception of environmental changes with hidden/revealed patterns. Furthermore, the proposed colorimetric sensor is tested by exposure to various volatile organic chemicals and endocrine disrupting chemicals for versatile detectability, and is fabricated in a wafer‐scale sample for large‐area scalability.
Bioretrosynthesis of Functionalized N‐Heterocycles from Glucose via One‐Pot Tandem Collaborations of Designed Microbes
Authors: Feng Jing , Li Ruifeng , Zhang Shasha , Bu Yifan , Chen Yanchun , Cui Yinglu , Lin Baixue , Chen Yihua , Tao Yong , Wu Bian
Published: July 2020

The design of multistrain systems has markedly expanded the prospects of using long biosynthetic pathways to produce natural compounds. However, the cooperative use of artificially engineered microbes to synthesize xenobiotic chemicals from renewable carbohydrates is still in its infancy. Here, a microbial system is developed for the production of high‐added‐value N‐heterocycles directly from glucose. Based on a retrosynthetic analysis, eleven genes are selected, systematically modulated, and overexpressed in three Escherichia coli strains to construct an artificial pathway to produce 5‐methyl‐2‐pyrazinecarboxylic acid, a key intermediate in the production of the important pharmaceuticals Glipizide and Acipimox. Via one‐pot tandem collaborations, the designed microbes remarkably realize high‐level production of 5‐methyl‐2‐pyrazinecarboxylic acid (6.2 ± 0.1 g L−1) and its precursor 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine (7.9 ± 0.7 g L−1). This study is the first application of cooperative microbes for the total biosynthesis of functionalized N‐heterocycles and provides new insight into integrating bioretrosynthetic principles with synthetic biology to perform complex syntheses.
Impact of using a perioperative artificial endocrine pancreas in pancreatic resection
Authors: Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Saito Yu , Yamada Shinichiro , Miyazaki Katsuki , Takehara Yukako , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: July 2020

Aim

Pancreatectomy causes both hyperglycemia, secondary to surgical stress, and pancreatic diabetes, which leads to difficult‐to‐control postoperative blood glucose levels. We investigated whether using an artificial pancreas perioperatively to provide appropriate blood glucose control could reduce postoperative complications following pancreatectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 52 patients who underwent pancreatectomy at Tokushima University Hospital from 2015 to 2019. The most recent 26/52 patients received perioperative blood glucose control using an artificial pancreas. Postoperative blood glucose control with manual insulin injections based on a sliding scale was performed in the earlier 26 patients (controls). We compared surgical outcomes between the artificial pancreas group and the control group.

Results

There was no significant difference in patients' white blood cell or neutrophil counts, prognostic nutritional index, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio, and C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio on postoperative day 1; however, lymphocyte counts were higher in the artificial pancreas group. The number of serious complications of Clavien‐Dindo grade >IIIa was significantly lower in the artificial pancreas group (P < .05).

Conclusions

Using an artificial pancreas for perioperative blood glucose control in patients undergoing pancreatectomy decreased the number of serious complications through proper management of blood glucose levels without hypoglycemia, and may influence peripheral lymphocytes.
Phase I/II study of dasatinib in combination with decitabine in patients with accelerated or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Abaza Yasmin , Kantarjian Hagop , Alwash Yasmin , Borthakur Gautam , Champlin Richard , Kadia Tapan , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Daver Naval , Ravandi Farhad , Verstovsek Srdan , Burger Jan , Estrov Zeev , Ohanian Maro , Lim Miranda , Pemmaraju Naveen , Jabbour Elias , Cortes Jorge
Published: July 2020

Treatment of advanced‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) remains unsatisfactory. Single‐agent tyrosine kinase inhibitors have modest and short‐lived activity in this setting. We conducted a phase I/II study to determine safety and efficacy of the combination of dasatinib and decitabine in patients with advanced CML. Two different dose schedules were investigated with a starting decitabine dose of either 10 mg/m2 or 20 mg/m2 daily for 10 days plus dasatinib 100 mg daily. The target dose level was decitabine 10 mg/m2 or 20 mg/m2 daily for 10 days plus dasatinib 140 mg daily. Thirty patients were enrolled, including seven with accelerated‐phase CML, 19 with blast‐phase CML, and four with Philadelphia‐chromosome positive acute myeloid leukemia. No dose‐limiting toxicity was observed at the starting dose level with either schedule. Grade ≥3 treatment emergent hematological adverse events were reported in 28 patients. Thirteen patients (48%) achieved a major hematologic response and six (22%) achieved a minor hematologic response, with 44% of these patients achieving a major cytogenetic response and 33% achieving a major molecular response. Median overall survival (OS) was 13.8 months, with significantly higher OS among patients who achieved a hematologic response compared to non‐responders (not reached vs 4.65 months; P < .001). Decitabine plus dasatinib is a safe and active regimen in advanced CML. Further studies using this combination are warranted.
Refining amyloid complete hematological response: Quantitative serum free light chains superior to ratio
Authors: Muchtar Eli , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Leung Nelson , Buadi Francis K. , Dingli David , Hayman Suzanne R. , Go Ronald S. , Kapoor Prashant , Gonsalves Wilson , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Warsame Rahma , Hwa Yi Lisa , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Russell Stephen , Lust John A. , Siddiqui Mustaqeem , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji K. , Dispenzieri Angela
Published: July 2020

Response assessment in light chain (AL) amyloidosis is based on serum and urine monoclonal protein studies. Newly diagnosed patients (n = 373) who achieved very good partial response or complete response (CR) to first line therapy were assessed for the survival impact of each of the monoclonal protein studies. At end of therapy (EOT), negative serum/urine immunofixation (IFE) was achieved in 61% of patients, 72% achieved normal serum free light chain ratio (sFLCR), and the median involved free light chain (iFLC) and difference between involved to uninvolved light chain (dFLC) were 17 mg/L and 5 mg/L, respectively. Overall, 46% of patients achieved a CR at EOT. At EOT, iFLC ≤20 mg/L and dFLC ≤10 mg/L were additive in survival discrimination to negative serum/urine IFE and were independent predictors of overall survival. In contrast, normalization of sFLCR did not add survival discrimination to serum/urine IFE and was not independent predictor of survival. We propose a new definition for hematological CR to include serum/urine IFE negativity plus iFLC ≤20 mg/L or dFLC ≤10 mg/L, instead of the current definition of serum/urine IFE negativity and normal sFLCR. Complete response using dFLC ≤10 mg/L had the best performance in those with significant renal dysfunction and by light chain isotype, making it the preferred partner to IFE. Validation of these results in a multicenter cohort is warranted.
Schimke XLID syndrome results from a deletion in BCAP31
Authors: Louie Raymond J. , Collins Debra L. , Friez Michael J. , Skinner Cindy , Schwartz Charles E. , Stevenson Roger E.
Published: July 2020

A family with three affected males and a second family with a single affected male with intellectual disability, microcephaly, ophthalmoplegia, deafness, and Involuntary limb movements were reported by Schimke and Associates in 1984. The affected males with Schimke X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) syndrome (OMIM# 312840) had a similar facial appearance with deep‐set eyes, downslanting palpebral fissures, hypotelorism, narrow nose and alae nasi, cupped ears and spacing of the teeth. Two mothers had mild hearing loss but no other manifestations of the disorder. The authors considered the disorder to be distinctive and likely X‐linked. Whole genome sequencing in the single affected male available and the three carrier females from one of the families with Schimke XLID syndrome identified a 2 bp deletion in the BCAP31 gene. During the past decade, pathogenic alterations of the BCAP31 gene have been associated with deafness, dystonia, and central hypomyelination, an XLID condition given the eponym DDCH syndrome. A comparison of clinical findings in Schimke XLID syndrome and DDCH syndrome shows them to be the same clinical entity. The BCAP31 protein functions in endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation to promote ubiquitination and destruction of misfolded proteins.
Rest‐Activity Pattern Alterations in Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Feng Hongliang , Chen Lauren , Liu Yaping , Chen Xinru , Wang Jing , Yu Mandy Wai Man , Huang Bei , Li Shirley Xin , Chau Steven Wai Ho , Chan Joey Wing Yan , Chen Jie , Mok Vincent Chung Tong , Wing Yun Kwok , Zhang Jihui
Published: July 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in actigraphy‐measured rest‐activity patterns (eg, sleep–wake cycle, circadian rest‐activity rhythm, and physical activity) across different stages of α‐synucleinopathy.

Methods

We compared alterations in 7‐day actigraphy‐measured rest‐activity patterns among patients with clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies (n = 44), and their age‐, sex‐, and body mass index (BMI)‐matched patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD, n = 88), and non‐rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) controls (n = 44) in a case–control study (study 1) and between convertors (n = 22) and their age‐, sex‐, BMI‐, iRBD‐duration, and follow‐up duration‐matched non‐convertors (n = 66) in a prospective nested case–control study (study 2).

Results

In study 1, there were significant increases (all p values were adjusted by false discovery rate < 0.01) in probable napping behaviors (percentage, duration, and episodes), activity fragmentation (estimated by kAR), and physical inactivity during active periods across controls, and iRBD, to clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies. In study 2, higher levels (all p values were adjusted by false discovery rate < 0.05) of baseline objective probable napping, activity fragmentation, and physical inactivity during active periods were associated with the conversion of patients with iRBD into clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies at 2 years of follow‐up with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.56 to 0.80). These findings were further supported by functional linear modeling analyses.

Interpretation

Rest‐activity pattern alterations, mainly objective probable napping behaviors, activity fragmentation, and physical inactivity during active period, emerge as early as at the stage of iRBD, which serves as early and robust prodromal markers of the conversion of iRBD into clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:817–829
N6‐Isopentenyladenosine in RNA Determines the Cleavage Site of Endonuclease Deoxyribozymes
Authors: Liaqat Anam , Stiller Carina , Michel Manuela , Sednev Maksim V. , Höbartner Claudia
Published: July 2020

RNA‐cleaving deoxyribozymes can serve as selective sensors and catalysts to examine the modification state of RNA. However, site‐specific endonuclease deoxyribozymes that selectively cleave post‐transcriptionally modified RNA are extremely rare and their specificity over unmodified RNA is low. We report that the native tRNA modification N6‐isopentenyladenosine (i6A) strongly enhances the specificity and has the power to reconfigure the active site of an RNA‐cleaving deoxyribozyme. Using in vitro selection, we identified a DNA enzyme that cleaves i6A‐modified RNA at least 2500‐fold faster than unmodified RNA. Another deoxyribozyme shows unique and unprecedented behaviour by shifting its cleavage site in the presence of the i6A RNA modification. Together with deoxyribozymes that are strongly inhibited by i6A, these results highlight that post‐transcriptional RNA modifications modulate the catalytic activity of DNA in various intricate ways.
Novel Strategy for the Synthesis of Ultra‐Stable Single‐Site Mo‐ZSM‐5 Zeolite Nanocrystals
Authors: Konnov Stanislav V. , Dubray Florent , Clatworthy Edwin B. , Kouvatas Cassandre , Gilson Jean‐Pierre , Dath Jean‐Pierre , Minoux Delphine , Aquino Cindy , Valtchev Valentin , Moldovan Simona , Koneti Siddardha , Nesterenko Nikolai , Mintova Svetlana
Published: July 2020

The current energy transition presents many technological challenges, such as the development of highly stable catalysts. Herein, we report a novel “top‐down” synthesis approach for preparation of a single‐site Mo‐containing nanosized ZSM‐5 zeolite which has atomically dispersed framework‐molybdenum homogenously distributed through the zeolite crystals. The introduction of Mo heals most of the native point defects in the zeolite structure resulting in an extremely stable material. The important features of this single‐site Mo‐containing ZSM‐5 zeolite are provided by an in‐depth spectroscopic and microscopic analysis. The material demonstrates superior thermal (up to 1000 °C), hydrothermal (steaming), and catalytic (converting methane to hydrogen and higher hydrocarbons) stability, maintaining the atomically disperse Mo, structural integrity of the zeolite, and preventing the formation of silanols.
Cross‐Link‐Functionalized Nanoparticles for Rapid Excretion in Nanotheranostic Applications
Authors: Ma Zhuoran , Wang Feifei , Zhong Yeteng , Salazar Felix , Li Jiachen , Zhang Mingxi , Ren Fuqiang , Wu Anna M. , Dai Hongjie
Published: July 2020

Most NIR‐IIb fluorophores are nanoparticle‐based probes with long retention (≈1 month or longer) in the body. Here, we applied a novel cross‐linked coating to functionalize core/shell lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide quantum dots (PbS/CdS QDs) emitting at ≈1600 nm. The coating was comprised of an amphiphilic polymer followed by three crosslinked amphiphilic polymeric layers (P3 coating), imparting high biocompatibility and >90 % excretion of QDs within 2 weeks of intravenous administration. The P3‐QDs were conjugated to an engineered anti‐CD8 diabody (Cys‐diabody) for in vivo molecular imaging of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in response to anti‐PD‐L1 therapy. Two‐plex molecular imaging in combination with down‐conversion Er nanoparticles (ErNPs) was performed for real‐time in vivo monitoring of PD‐L1 positive tumor cells and CTLs with cellular resolution by non‐invasive NIR‐IIb light sheet microscopy. Imaging of angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment and of lymph nodes deep in the body with a signal‐to‐background ratio of up to ≈170 was also achieved using P3‐QDs.
Postsynthetic Functionalization of DNA‐Nanocomposites with Proteins Yields Bioinstructive Matrices for Cell Culture Applications
Authors: Hu Yong , Domínguez Carmen M. , Christ Sophina , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: July 2020

We report on the directed postsynthetic functionalization of soft DNA nanocomposite materials with proteins. Using the example of the functionalization of silica nanoparticle‐modified DNA polymer materials with agonists or antagonists of the epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR cell membrane receptor, we demonstrate that hierarchically structured interfaces to living cells can be established. Owing to the modular design principle, even complex DNA nanostructures can be integrated into the materials, thereby enabling the high‐precision arrangement of ligands on the lower nanometer length scale. We believe that such complex biohybrid material systems can be used for new applications in biotechnology.
Electrochromic properties of WO3 thin films: The role of film thickness
Authors: Zhen Yingpeng , Jelle Bjørn Petter , Gao Tao
Published: July 2020

Tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films with various thicknesses of approximately 36, 72, 108, and 180 nm were prepared using radio frequency sputtering method. Film thickness can be controlled at nanoscale. In addition, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were utilized for investigating morphologies and microstructures of as‐prepared WO3 thin films. Moreover, optical properties of the WO3 nanofilms were characterized using ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared spectroscopy. Transmittance of WO3 films changed during the electrochemical cycles. WO3 films with various thicknesses give various transmittance modulation between colored and bleached states. WO3 films with a thickness of approximately 108 nm had the largest transmittance modulation among various film thicknesses, about 66% measured at 550 nm. Results showed that the value of transmittance of colored samples decreased with increasing film thickness. However, transmittance of bleached samples was not influenced significantly by their thickness.
Ligand directed synthesis of a unprecedented tetragonalbipyramidal copper (II) complex and its antibacterial activity and catalytic role in oxidative dimerisation of 2‐aminophenol
Authors: Mahato Shreya , Meheta Nishith , Kotakonda Muddukrishnaiah , Joshi Mayank , Ghosh Prasanta , Shit Madhusudan , Choudhury Angshuman Roy , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: July 2020

In pursuit of the significant contribution of copper ion in different biological processes, this research work describes the synthesis, X‐ray structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, oxidative dimerization of 2‐aminophenol and antibacterial activity of a newly designed copper (II)‐Schiff base complex, [Cu(L)2] (1), [Schiff base (HL) = 2‐(2‐methoxybenzylideneamino)phenol]. X‐ray structural analysis of 1 reveals that the Cu (II) complex crystallizes in a cubic crystal system with Ia‐3d space group. The Cu (II) centre adopts an unprecedented tetragonal bipyramidal geometry in its crystalline phase. The Schiff base behaves as a tridentate chelator and forms an innermetallic chelate of first order with Cu (II) ion. The copper (II) complex has been tested in the bio‐mimics of phenaxozinone synthase activity in acetonitrile and exhibits good catalytic activity as evident from high turnover number, 536.4 h−1. Electrochemical analysis exhibits the appearance of two additional peaks at −0.15 and 0.46 V for Cu (II) complex in presence of 2‐AP and suggests the development of AP−/AP•− and AP•−/IQ redox couples in solution, respectively. The presence of iminobenzosemiquinone radical at g = 2.057 in the reaction mixture was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance and may be considered the driving force for the oxidative dimerisation of 2‐AP. The existence of a peak at m/z 624.81 for Cu (II) complex in presence of 2‐AP in electrospray ionization mass spectrum ensures that the catalytic oxidation proceeds through enzyme‐substrate adduct formation. The copper (II) complex exhibits potential antibacterial properties against few pathogenic bacterial species like Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus and Klebsiella pneumonia and scanning electron microscope studies consolidates that destruction of bacterial cell membrane accounts on the development of antibacterial activity.
Preparation of Janus‐type superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles modified with functionalized PCL/PHEMA via photopolymerization for dual drug delivery
Authors: Khoee Sepideh , Jalaeian Bashirzadeh Monireh
Published: July 2020

In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized by the coprecipitation of FeCl2˙4H2O and FeCl3˙6H2O and applied as a core for preparation of Janus nanoparticles. Accordingly, freshly modified methacrylated iron oxide nanoparticles were reacted with two functionalized polymers. Acrylated poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and acrylated poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) were synthesized via ring‐opening and free‐radical polymerization, respectively, and subsequent modification with acryloyl chloride. Acrylated PCL as the hydrophobic part and acrylated PHEMA as the hydrophilic domain were grafted on the surface of methacrylated iron oxide nanoparticles with two morphologies. Pickering emulsion and solution photopolymerization reactions were used to prepare nanoparticles with “Janus” and “mixed” morphologies, respectively. The products were characterized in each step using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scaterring (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis). Quercetin and 5‐FU (as two anticancer drugs) were loaded in the mentioned nanoparticles, and the drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of these nanoparticles were calculated. in vitro release behavior at two pH values (5.8 and 7.4) and at 37°C demonstrated that morphology can affect the release profile. Finally, rat C6 cell viability was determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay for drug‐free and drug‐loaded nanoparticles.
Physicochemical characterization of low sulfonated polyether ether ketone/Smectite clay composite for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Ahmed Zakarya , Charradi Khaled , Alsulami Qana A. , Keshk Sherif M. A. S. , Chtourou Radhouane
Published: July 2020

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) with a low sulfonation degree was blended using different proportions of sodium rich Smectite clay (3 and 6 wt%) to use as an electrolyte membrane for fuel cell application. The structural functionalities, surface morphologies, and the thermal stability of the resultant composite membranes were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, atom force microscopy, and thermo‐gravimetric analysis. FT‐IR showed that no chemical reactions take place between the sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) and the clay with different ratios. XRD diffractograms illustrated a lower degree of crystallinity of the blended SPEEK than pristine SPEEK. The elaborated composite membranes proved to have a higher thermal stability than SPEEK. Furthermore, the SPEEK/clay composite membranes with 3 and 6 wt% in clay loading had higher water uptake and lower methanol uptake than those in pristine SPEEK It was also shown that, the incorporation of sodium ions rich Smectite clay layers between the clusters in SPEEK improved the conductivity to 2 × 10−2 S/cm at 140°C (for 6 wt% in clay) without compromising the dimensional stability of the composite membranes. These results propose the composite membranes as a potential candidate for methanol fuel cells at temperatures above 120°C making SPEEK composite membrane competitive to that of Nafion membrane.