bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Amino Acid Functionalized Phenazine Flow Batteries with Long Lifetime at Near‐Neutral pH
Authors: Pang Shuai , Wang Xinyi , Wang Pan , Ji Yunlong
Published: November 2020

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) are a promising electrochemical technology for large‐scale energy storage. We report a biomimetic, ultra‐stable AORFB utilizing an amino acid functionalized phenazine (AFP). A series of AFPs with various commercial amino acids at different substituted positions were synthesized and studied. 1,6‐AFPs display much higher stability during cycling when compared to 2,7‐ and 1,8‐AFPs. Mechanism investigations reveal that the reduced 2,7‐ and 1,8‐AFPs tend to tautomerize and lose their reversible redox activities, while 1,6‐AFPs possess ultra‐high stability both in their oxidized and reduced states. By pairing 3,3′‐(phenazine‐1,6‐diylbis(azanediyl))dipropionic acid (1,6‐DPAP) with ferrocyanide at pH 8 with 1.0 M electron concentration, this flow battery exhibits an OCV of 1.15 V and an extremely low capacity fade rate of 0.5 % per year. These results show the importance of molecular engineering of redox‐active organics for robust redox‐flow batteries.
Solvent‐Driven Supramolecular Wrapping of Self‐Assembled Structures
Authors: Moreno‐Alcántar Guillermo , Aliprandi Alessandro , Rouquette Remi , Pesce Luca , Wurst Klaus , Perego Claudio , Brüggeller Peter , Pavan Giovanni M. , De Cola Luisa
Published: November 2020

Self‐assembly relies on the ability of smaller and discrete entities to spontaneously arrange into more organized systems by means of the structure‐encoded information. Herein, we show that the design of the media can play a role even more important than the chemical design. The media not only determines the self‐assembly pathway at a single‐component level, but in a very narrow solvent composition, a supramolecular homo‐aggregate can be non‐covalently wrapped by a second component that possesses a different crystal lattice. Such a process has been followed in real time by confocal microscopy thanks to the different emission colors of the aggregates formed by two isolated PtII complexes. This coating is reversible and controlled by the media composition. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and molecular simulations based on coarse‐grained (CG) models allowed the understanding of the properties displayed by the different aggregates. Such findings could result in a new method to construct hierarchical supramolecular structures.
Ultra‐low‐dose spinal anaesthesia for elective hip arthroplasty in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Barnwell N. , Padfield K.
Published: November 2020

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex chronic cardiopulmonary disease. The condition is an independent risk‐factor for peri‐operative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgery, with mortality rates of up to 18%. Due to this, patients with pulmonary hypertension are frequently counselled against undergoing all but essential surgery. In this report, we describe the use of ultra‐low‐dose spinal anaesthetic delivered via intrathecal catheter to allow a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension to safely undergo an elective primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis which was causing intolerable pain. The use of an intrathecal catheter avoided general anaesthesia in a patient who may not have tolerated positive pressure ventilation. The technique also allowed the use of ultra‐low doses of spinal anaesthesia, with the option of titrating to effect and duration of surgery. Invasive monitoring allowed proactive management of the haemodynamic effects of neuraxial anaesthesia, specifically the fall in systemic vascular resistance that may be associated with higher doses of spinal anaesthesia. While this report describes a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension, the technique may also be considered for patients with other obstructive cardiac lesions including severe aortic or mitral stenosis.
Facile preparation and flame retardancy mechanism of cyclophosphazene derivatives for highly flame‐retardant silicone rubber composites
Authors: Yang Jiacheng , Ma Wenshi , Hu Dechao , Zhang Dongqiao , Wu Li , Yang Bo , Zhang Shuanghong
Published: November 2020

A novel and efficient flame retardant cyclophosphazene derivative Hexa (p‐acetamidophenoxy) cyclotriphosphazene (HACP) was successfully prepared via a facile one‐step reaction. The chemical structure of HACP was characterized and confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR. Then the as‐prepared HACP was incorporated into addition‐cure liquid silicone rubber (ALSR) matrix to prepare highly flame‐retardant rubber composites. It was found that the incorporation of HACP can significantly enhance the flame resistance of ALSR. Typically, the ALSR composites filled with 30 phr HACP achieved UL‐94 V‐0 rating and meanwhile the total heat release and total smoke release were decreased by 26.9% and 41.5%, respectively. Moreover, the flame‐retardant mechanism of ALSR/HACP composites was investigated by TGA, Py‐GCMS, FT‐IR, SEM and EDX, confirming that HACP plays a significant role in capturing free‐radicals and forming protective layers. This work designed a novel cyclophosphazene‐based flame retardant to significantly enhance the flame retardancy of ALSR, which may offer some valuable inspiration for the fabrication of highly flame‐retardant polymer composites.
WISC‐V Profiles and Their Correlates in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder without Intellectual Developmental Disorder: Report from the ELENA Cohort
Authors: Audras‐Torrent Lee , Miniarikova Ela , Couty Flore , Dellapiazza Florine , Berard Mathilde , Michelon Cécile , Picot Marie‐Christine , Baghdadli Amaria
Published: November 2020

The intellectual functioning of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) has not been widely studied. However, marked heterogeneity in assessment measures, samples, and results has been an obstacle for the generalization of findings. We aimed to (a) describe WISC‐V intellectual functioning in a sample of children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual developmental disorder, (b) identify WISC‐V profiles, and (c) explore whether WISC‐V intellectual functioning is related to ASD symptom severity and adaptive skills. Our sample consisted of 121 children from 6 to 16 years of age with ascertained ASD without an intellectual developmental disorder (IDD). The intellectual functioning of the participants was within the average range. Intra‐individual analysis showed that children with ASD performed better on visual than auditory working‐memory tasks. Moreover, the intellectual functioning of the participants correlated negatively with ASD symptom severity but positively with adaptive communication skills. Overall, we identified six intellectual profiles according to verbal and reasoning skills. These findings highlight the relevance of WISC‐V assessment for children with ASD without an IDD to individualize intervention, especially remediation.

Lay Summary

This study examined WISC‐V intellectual functioning in 121 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without an intellectual developmental disorder (IDD). We found their intellectual functioning to be within the average, as was that of their peers with typical development (TD), and their verbal and reasoning skills were the most discriminant. In addition, the better their intellectual functioning was, the better their adaptive communication skills and the less severe their ASD symptoms. These findings highlight the relevance of WISC‐V assessment in ASD to individualize early psychological remediation. Autism Res 2021, 14: 997–1006. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, LLC
Assessing bio‐oil co‐processing routes as CO2 mitigation strategies in oil refineries
Authors: Yáñez Édgar , Meerman Hans , Ramírez Andrea , Castillo Édgar , Faaij Andre
Published: November 2020

The oil industry needs to reduce CO2 emissions across the entire lifecycle of fossil fuels to meet environmental regulations and societal requirements and to sustain its business. With this goal in mind, this study aims to evaluate the CO2 mitigation potential of several bio‐oil co‐processing pathways in an oil refinery. Techno‐economic analysis was conducted on different pathways and their greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potentials were compared. Thirteen pathways with different bio‐oils, including vegetable oil (VO), fast pyrolysis oil (FPO), hydro‐deoxygenated oil (HDO), catalytic pyrolysis oil (CPO), hydrothermal liquefaction oil (HTLO), and Fischer–Tropsch fuels, were analyzed. However, no single pathway could be presented as the best option. This would depend on the criteria used and the target of the co‐processing route. The results obtained indicated that up to 15% of the fossil‐fuel output in the refinery could be replaced by biofuel without major changes in the core activities of the refinery. The consequent reduction in CO2 emissions varied from 33% to 84% when compared with pure equivalent fossil fuels replaced (i.e., gasoline and diesel). Meanwhile, the production costs varied from 17 to 31€/GJ (i.e., 118–213$/bbleq). Co‐processing with VO resulted in the lowest overall performance among the options that were evaluated while co‐processing HTLO in the hydrotreatment unit and FPO in the fluid catalytic cracking unit showed the highest potential for CO2 avoidance (69% of refinery CO2 emissions) and reduction in CO2 emissions (84% compared to fossil fuel), respectively. The cost of CO2 emissions avoided for all of the assessed routes was in the range of €99–651 per tCO2. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multi‐institutional randomized controlled trial comparing first‐generation transrectal high‐resolution micro‐ultrasound with conventional frequency transrectal ultrasound for prostate biopsy
Authors: Pavlovich C. P. , Hyndman M. E. , Eure G. , Ghai S. , Caumartin Y. , Herget E. , Young J. D. , Wiseman D. , Caughlin C. , Gray R. , Wason S. , Mettee L. , Lodde M. , Toi A. , Dujardin T. , Lance R. , Schatz S. M. , Fabrizio M. , Malcolm J. B. , Fradet V.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To study high‐frequency 29 MHz transrectal side‐fire micro‐ultrasound (micro‐US) for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) on prostate biopsy, and validate an image interpretation protocol for micro‐US imaging of the prostate.

Materials and methods

A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed where 1676 men with indications for prostate biopsy and without known prostate cancer were randomized 1:1 to micro‐US vs conventional end‐fire ultrasound (conv‐US) transrectal‐guided prostate biopsy across five sites in North America. The trial was split into two phases, before and after training on a micro‐US image interpretation protocol that was developed during the trial using data from the pre‐training micro‐US arm. Investigators received a standardized training program mid‐trial, and the post‐training micro‐US data were used to examine the training effect.

Results

Detection of csPCa (the primary outcome) was no better with the first‐generation micro‐US system than with conv‐US in the overall population (34.6% vs 36.6%, respectively, P = .21). Data from the first portion of the trial were, however, used to develop an image interpretation protocol termed PRI‐MUS in order to address the lack of understanding of the appearance of cancer under micro‐US. Micro‐US sensitivity in the post‐training group improved to 60.8% from 24.6% (P < .01), while specificity decreased (from 84.2% to 63.2%). Detection of csPCa in the micro‐US arm increased by 7% after training (32% to 39%, P < .03), but training instituted mid‐trial did not affect the overall results of the comparison between arms.

Conclusion

Micro‐US provided no clear benefit over conv‐US for the detection of csPCa at biopsy. However, it became evident during the trial that training and increasing experience with this novel technology improved the performance of this first‐generation system.
The diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric MRI for detection and localization of prostate cancer depends on the affected region
Authors: Martins Martina , Regusci Stefano , Rohner Stephane , Szalay‐Quinodoz Ildiko , De Boccard Georges‐Antoine , Strom Louise , Hannink Gerjon , Ramos‐Pascual Sonia , Henry Rochat Charles
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of 3T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for detecting and locating prostate cancer (PCa) on Dickinson's 27‐sector map, using histopathology specimens from radical prostatectomy (RP) as the reference standard.

Patients and methods

The authors studied a continuous series of 140 patients who underwent RP over three consecutive years. Prior to RP, all patients had mpMRI for detection and localization of PCa and further assessment by biopsy. To minimize the potential of disease progression, 25 patients were excluded because the interval between mpMRI and RP exceeded 6 months, which left 115 patients eligible for analysis. The mpMRI findings were reported using the Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) v2, considering PI‐RADS ≥ 3 to indicate PCa. The histopathology findings from RP specimens were graded using the Gleason scoring system, considering Gleason ≥ 6 to indicate PCa. The location of the tumors was mapped on Dickinson's 27‐sector map for both mpMRI and histopathology and compared by rigid sector‐by‐sector matching.

Results

The cohort of 115 patients eligible for analysis was aged 66.5 ± 6.0 years at RP. Of the 3105 sectors analyzed, there were 412 true positives (13%), 28 false positives (1%), 68 false negatives (2%), and 2597 true negatives (84%). Across the 27 sectors of the prostate, mpMRI sensitivity ranged from 50% to 100% and specificity from 96% to 100%, while PPV ranged from 50% to 100%, and NPV from 91% to 100%. For the anterior prostate, mpMRI had a sensitivity of 80% (CI, 71%‐86%), specificity of 99% (CI, 99%‐100%), PPV of 91% (CI, 83%‐95%), and NPV of 99% (CI, 98%‐99%). For the posterior prostate, mpMRI had a sensitivity of 88% (CI, 84%‐91%), specificity of 98% (CI, 97%‐99%), PPV of 94% (CI, 92%‐96%), and NPV of 96% (CI, 94%‐97%). Overall, mpMRI had a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 99%, PPV of 94%, and NPV of 97%.

Conclusions

The accuracy of mpMRI in detecting and locating prostate tumors depends on the affected region, but its high NPV across all sectors suggests that negative findings may not need corroboration by other techniques.
Associations between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage: Evidence from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Fenghui , Xu Zhendong , Jiao Haiyan , Wang Aixiang , Jing Youbin
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Previously, a number of genetic epidemiological studies have evaluated associations between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), with controversial results. Accordingly, we carried out this meta‐analysis to more conclusively evaluate associations between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the risk of ICH.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI were searched comprehensively, and thirty‐one genetic association studies were finally selected to be included in this meta‐analysis.

Results

Eight literatures (963 cases and 2,244 controls) assessed relationship between MTHFR rs1801131 (A1298C) polymorphism and the risk of ICH, and thirty‐one literatures (3,679 cases and 9,067 controls) assessed relationship between MTHFR rs1801133 (C677T) polymorphism and the risk of ICH. We found that AA genotype of rs1801131 polymorphism was significantly associated with a decreased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IH) compared with AC/CC genotypes (OR = 0.63; p = .003), AC genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of IH compared with AA/CC genotypes (OR = 1.55; p = .005), and A allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of IH compared with C allele (OR = 0.75; p = .02). Additionally, CC genotype of rs1801133 polymorphism was significantly associated with a decreased risk of cerebral hemorrhage (CH) compared with CT/TT genotypes (OR = 0.75; p = .04), TT genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of CH compared with CC/CT genotypes (OR = 1.27; p = .02), and C allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of CH compared with T allele (OR = 0.85; p = .007).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis shows that rs1801131 polymorphism may influence the risk of IH, while rs1801133 polymorphism may influence the risk of CH.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown on narcolepsy type 1 management
Authors: Postiglione Emanuela , Pizza Fabio , Ingravallo Francesca , Vignatelli Luca , Filardi Marco , Mangiaruga Anastasia , Antelmi Elena , Moresco Monica , Oriolo Claudia , Pagotto Uberto , Plazzi Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Study Objectives

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic rare hypersomnia of central origin requiring a combination of behavioral and pharmacological treatments. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, in Italy the population was forced into a lockdown. With this study, we aimed to describe the lockdown impact on NT1 symptom management, according to different patients' working schedule.

Methods

In the period between 10 April and 15 May 2020, we performed routine follow‐up visits by telephone (as recommended during the COVID‐19 emergency) to 50 patients >18 years old (40% males) under stable long‐term treatment. We divided patients into three groups: unchanged working schedule, forced working/studying at home, and those who lost their job (“lost occupation”). Current sleep–wake habit and symptom severity were compared with prelockdown assessment (six months before) in the three patient groups.

Results

At assessment, 20, 22, and eight patients belonged to the unchanged, working/studying at home, and lost occupation groups, respectively. While in the lost occupation group, there were no significant differences compared with prepandemic assessment, the patients with unchanged schedules reported more nocturnal awakenings, and NT1 patients working/studying at home showed an extension of nocturnal sleep time, more frequent daytime napping, improvement of daytime sleepiness, and a significant increase in their body mass index. Sleep‐related paralysis/hallucinations, automatic behaviors, cataplexy, and disturbed nocturnal sleep did not differ.

Conclusions

Narcolepsy type 1 patients working/studying at home intensified behavioral interventions (increased nocturnal sleep time and daytime napping) and ameliorated daytime sleepiness despite presenting with a slight, but significant, increase of weight.
Do firm characteristics affect environmental sustainability? A literature review‐based assessment
Authors: Balasubramanian Sreejith , Shukla Vinaya , Mangla Sachin , Chanchaichujit Janya
Published: November 2020

Combating environmental pollution and climate change mandates strong commitment and participation of all firms across sectors. However, the environmental conduct of firms is seen to vary as per their characteristics, especially their size, ownership, and age. Current understanding of these characteristics' influence on environmental sustainability is limited, fragmented, and scattered across the literature, which this study seeks to improve and contribute to. Based on a rigorous screening of the last 25 years' literature (1996–2020), the study develops a comprehensive understanding of firm characteristics' implications for environmental sustainability, namely, environmental practices implementation, environmental drivers, environmental barriers, and associated (environmental, cost/economic, operational, and organizational) performance implications. Several meaningful and generalizable trends, conflicts, and consensus, or lack thereof, are revealed. For instance, the extent of environmental practices' implementation can be seen to be greater at large firms' (vis‐à‐vis small ones) and at foreign firms' (vis‐à‐vis local ones), though not much difference is seen between old and new firms. Also, several metafactors such as resources availability, innovation propensity, and bureaucracy and organizational inertia are identified that explain the differential influence of firm characteristics on environmental sustainability and dispel erroneous stereotypes. Finally, gaps in the literature offering avenues for future research are highlighted along with implications for research, theory, and practice. Results are expected to help policymakers and practitioners develop policies/interventions that ensure all firms, irrespective of their characteristics contribute to environmental sustainability. A comprehensive review of this kind has not been previously undertaken and constitutes the novelty of this work.
Environmental policies and financial performance: stock market reaction to firms for their proactive environmental practices recognized by governmental programs
Authors: Chen Yuan , Singhal Vinod , Zhu Qinghua
Published: November 2020

Firms implement proactive environmental practices (PEPs), and governments in developing countries such as China implement environmental policies such as pilot and demonstration programs to promote these PEPs. However, it remains unclear whether and when firms recognized by such governmental programs improve financial performance. Using a sample of 233 firms recognized by a national Chinese government environmental program, event study is employed to estimate stock market reaction of recognized firms. The Heckman two‐stage procedure is followed to examine the moderating effects. We find that the average stock market reaction is not significant. Cross‐sectional analyses indicate that firms with earlier recognitions, recognized for demonstration projects (compared with pilot ones), and operating in more‐polluting industries have greater market reactions, while types of PEPs (internal versus external), export intensity and government ownership (state‐owned or not) do not moderate the market reaction. This paper provides implications for firms about whether and when they should participate in a government environmental program.
Risk of breast cancer in women after a salivary gland carcinoma or pleomorphic adenoma in the Netherlands
Authors: Valstar Matthijs H. , Schaapveld Michael , van den Broek Esther C. , van Velthuysen Marie‐Louise F. , de Ridder Mischa , Schmidt Marjanka K. , van Dijk Boukje A.C. , Balm Alfons J.M. , Smeele Ludi E.
Published: November 2020

Salivary and mammary gland tumors show morphological similarities and share various characteristics, including frequent overexpression of hormone receptors and female preponderance. Although this may suggest a common etiology, it remains unclear whether patients with a salivary gland tumor carry an increased risk of breast cancer (BC). Our purpose was to determine the risk of BC in women diagnosed with salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) or pleomorphic adenoma (SGPA). BC incidence (invasive and in situ) was assessed in two nationwide cohorts: one comprising 1567 women diagnosed with SGC and one with 2083 women with SGPA. BC incidence was compared with general population rates using standardized incidence ratio (SIR). BC risk was assessed according to age at SGC/SGPA diagnosis, follow‐up time and (for SGC patients) histological subtype. The mean follow‐up was 7.0 years after SGC and 9.9 after SGPA diagnosis. During follow‐up, 52 patients with SGC and 74 patients with SGPA developed BC. The median time to BC was 6 years after SGC and 7 after SGPA. The cumulative risk at 10 years of follow‐up was 3.1% after SGC and 3.5% after SGPA (95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) 2.1%–4.7% and 2.6%–4.6%, respectively). BC incidence was 1.59 times (95%CI 1.19–2.09) higher in the SGC‐cohort than expected based on incidence rates in the general population. SGPA‐patients showed a 1.48 times (95%CI 1.16–1.86) higher incidence. Women with SGC or SGPA have a slightly increased risk of BC. The magnitude of risk justifies raising awareness, but is no reason for BC screening.
miR‐139‐5p upregulation alleviated spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharge‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat hippocampal neurons via regulating the Notch pathway
Authors: Zhao Chensheng , Yang Fan , Wei Xiaona , Zhang Jingwen
Published: November 2020

Epilepsy was characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs) in neurons. Previous studies suggested that microRNA (miR)−139‐5p and the Notch pathway were implicated in epilepsy; however, their interaction remained vague. Rat primary hippocampal neurons were isolated and identified by immunofluorescence staining. The cells were then used for SREDs model construction and further subjected to flow cytometry for apoptosis detection. Contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxidase dismutase (SOD) contents, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were determined using commercial kits. Target gene and potential binding sites of miR‐139‐5p were predicted with TargetScan and confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Expressions of miR‐139‐5p, Notch pathway‐related proteins and apoptosis‐related proteins were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot as needed. The results showed that the hippocampal neurons were microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2)‐positive. miR‐139‐5p was downregulated in SREDs model cells. SREDs promoted apoptosis and increased the contents of LDH, MDA, and ROS and the level of MMP while reducing miR‐139‐5p expression and SOD content in cells, which was reversed by miR‐139‐5p overexpression. Notch‐1 was recognized as the target gene of miR‐139‐5p, and its expression was negatively regulated by miR‐139‐5p. Besides, Notch‐1 overexpression reversed the effects of miR‐139‐5p upregulation on the expressions of Notch pathway‐related proteins and apoptosis‐related proteins, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and MMP in SREDs‐treated cells. Our results indicated that miR‐139‐5p upregulation alleviated SREDs‐induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis via regulating the Notch pathway, which provides new insights into the role of miRNA in the occurrence and development of epilepsy.
Carbon tetrachloride suppresses ER‐Golgi transport by inhibiting COPII vesicle formation on the ER membrane in the RLC‐16 hepatocyte cell line
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroshi , Komori Masayuki , Nishimura Kazuhiko
Published: November 2020

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes hepatotoxicity in mammals, with its hepatocytic metabolism producing radicals that attack the intracellular membrane system and destabilize intracellular vesicle transport. Inhibition of intracellular transport causes lipid droplet retention and abnormal protein distribution. The intracellular transport of synthesized lipids and proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus is performed by coat complex II (COPII) vesicle transport, but how CCl4 inhibits COPII vesicle transport has not been elucidated. COPII vesicle formation on the ER membrane is initiated by the recruitment of Sar1 protein from the cytoplasm to the ER membrane, followed by that of the COPII coat constituent proteins (Sec23, Sec24, Sec13, and Sec31). In this study, we evaluated the effect of CCl4 on COPII vesicle formation using the RLC‐16 rat hepatocyte cell line. Our results showed that CCl4 suppressed ER‐Golgi transport in RLC‐16 cells. Using a reconstituted system of rat liver tissue‐derived cytoplasm and RLC‐16 cell‐derived ER membranes, CCl4 treatment inhibited the recruitment of Sar1 and Sec13 from the cytosolic fraction to ER membranes. CCl4‐induced changes in the ER membrane accordingly inhibited the accumulation of COPII vesicle‐coated constituent proteins on the ER membrane, as well as the formation of COPII vesicles, which suppressed lipid and protein transport between the ER and Golgi apparatus. Our data suggest that CCl4 inhibits ER‐Golgi intracellular transport by inhibiting COPII vesicle formation on the ER membrane in hepatocytes.
Impact of preexisting coronary arterial disease in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair (MitraClip)
Authors: Gifft Kristina , Omran Jad , Ghrair Fadi , Allaham Haytham , Eniezat Mohammad , Abdullah Obai , Enezate Tariq
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with Mitraclip device has been approved for the treatment of symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation in patients deemed high surgical risk. It's unclear whether the presence of preexisting coronary arterial disease (CAD) affects the postprocedural outcomes of Mitraclip.

Methods

The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data (NRD) using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modifications/Procedure Coding System (ICD‐10‐CM/PCS) for Mitraclip, preexisting CAD, and postprocedural complications. Study primary endpoints included in‐hospital all‐cause mortality, cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, acute respiratory failure, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 30‐day readmission rate.

Results

A total of 2,539 discharges that had Mitraclip during the index hospitalization, 62.3% had history of preexisting CAD. Mean age was 78.5 years and 46.6% were female. Overall, the presence of preexisting CAD was associated with higher AMI (1.6 vs. 0.4%, p < .01), however, there was no significant differences in terms of in‐hospital all‐cause mortality (2.2 vs. 2.6%, p = .52), cardiogenic shock (3.4 vs. 4.1%, p = .39), AKI (14.7 vs. 13.6%, p = .43), stroke (0.9 vs. 0.5%, p = .31), acute respiratory failure (9.7 vs. 8.8%, p = .43), LOS (5.3 vs. 5.3 days, p = .85) or 30‐day readmission rate (14.6 vs. 14.4%, p = .92). These results persisted after adjustment for baseline characteristics. The subgroup of CAD patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (22.5 vs. 2.0%, p < .01), cardiogenic shock (25.0 vs. 3.3%, p < .01), AMI (22.5 vs. 0.8%, p < .01), AKI (55.0 vs. 13.7%, p < .01), stroke (10.0 vs. 0.6%, p < .01), acute respiratory failure (45.0 vs. 8.8%, p < .01), and longer LOS (21.5 vs. 5.1 days, p < .01), however there was no significant difference in 30‐day readmission rate (15.0 vs. 14.5%, p = .95).

Conclusions

Preexisting CAD was associated with higher in‐hospital AMI post‐Mitraclip but with comparable mortality and other morbidities. Patients who received PCI during the same index hospitalization had higher in‐hospital mortality and morbidity.
A large asymptomatic portal vein aneurysm in an old man
Authors: Schilardi Andrea , Ciavarella Alessandro , Carbone Mariangela , Antonica Gianfranco , Berardi Elsa , Sabbà Carlo
Published: November 2020

Ultrasound (US) is a useful tool in diagnosis and follow‐up of portal vein aneurysms (PVA). In the absence of international surgical guidelines on PVAs, US can be effectively used in follow‐up of asymptomatic patients not suitable for surgery.
Early surgical aortic bioprosthesis failure caused by cusp tear: A word of caution
Authors: Schaeffer Thibault , Berdajs Denis , Reuthebuch Oliver
Published: November 2020

Cusp tear is an increasingly described mode of failure of the Trifecta aortic bioprosthesis. Acute aortic regurgitation after implantation of a Trifecta in absence of endocarditis should suggest a cusp tear and be promptly treated with redo surgery.
Prolonged 59‐day course of COVID‐19: The case of a SARS‐CoV‐2 shedding persistency in a healthcare provider
Authors: Penchenat Adeline , Alavi Zarrin , Payan Christopher , Pers Jacques‐Olivier
Published: November 2020

For health professionals, repeated SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection through PCR combined with properly validated serologic assays for the presence of anti‐IgM and anti‐IgG antibodies should be mandatory.
(Fe,Co)/N‐Doped Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Qi Yugang , Yuan Shan , Cui Lili , Wang Zizhun , He Xingquan , Zhang Wei , Asefa Tewodros
Published: November 2020

The design and fabrication of efficient, less costly, and stable bifunctional oxygen electrode electrocatalysts is crucial for large‐scale production of rechargeable zinc‐air batteries. Herein, electrocatalytically active, hybrid materials composed of Fe−Co alloy nanoparticles‐embedded N‐doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are synthesized from Fe/Co‐polyporphyrin‐CNTs via pyrolysis. The materials serve as highly effective bifunctional oxygen electrode catalysts for zinc‐air batteries. In particular, the one synthesized at 700 °C, named CNTs@(Fe,Co)PP‐700, shows a very good activity for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline solution. This material catalyzes ORR with a limiting current density of 5.11 mA cm−2 and a half‐wave potential of 0.86 V vs RHE. It also catalyzes OER with 10 mA cm−2 at a small overpotential of 360 mV. Besides, it operates well as an air cathode in a home‐made rechargeable zinc‐air battery, with a small voltage gap of 0.71 V at 2 mA cm−2, while remaining stable in hundreds of charge‐discharge cycles for >83 h. Its performance in a zinc‐air battery is better than that of a benchmark air‐electrode containing noble metals, Pt/C+RuO2.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Co‐doped Nanoporous Carbons from Phosphoprotein/Silica Self‐Assemblies for Energy Storage in Supercapacitors
Authors: Fragal Vanessa H. , Fragal Elizângela H. , da Silva Elisangela P. , Acerce Muharrem , Chhowalla Manish , Rubira Adley F. , Tambourgi Elias B. , Asefa Tewodros , Silva Rafael
Published: November 2020

In this work, nanoporous, heteroatom‐doped carbon materials with tailorable structures and excellent charge/energy storage properties are synthesized using casein (a phosphoprotein) as a precursor and silica gel as a template via a facile synthetic route. The synthesis involves carbonization and etching. In the synthesis, an appreciable amount of the N and P atoms in casein make it as dopants into the nanoporous carbons, enabling the materials to efficiently store charge. The structures and compositions as well as the overall charge storage properties of the materials are easily tuned by varying the relative amount of silica gel template used with casein in the precursors. By using an optimal amount of silica in the casein/silica self‐assemblies, a nanoporous carbon with low resistance to Faradaic processes and good capacitance and pseudocapacitance is obtained. This material gives a capacitance of ca. 261 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is higher than those of many recently reported carbon materials in the literature. Moreover, the material retains 95 % of the initial capacitance with ca. 100 % of coulombic efficiency after 10,000 charge‐discharge cycles.
One‐Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ni3S2/MoS2/FeOOH Hierarchical Microspheres on Ni Foam as a High‐Efficiency and Durable Dual‐Function Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Fan Chen , Yue Xiaoyang , Shen Xiaoping , Cheng Jia , Ke Wentao , Ji Zhenyuan , Yuan Aihua , Zhu Guoxing
Published: November 2020

Electrochemical water splitting is a valid way for production of the pollution‐free, cost‐effective and sustainable hydrogen energy. Herein, Ni3S2/MoS2/FeOOH hierarchical microspheres constructed by nanobelt building blocks were directly grown on Ni foam via a simple one‐pot hydrothermal approach. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of these components as well as the unique hierarchical microsphere structure, Ni3S2/MoS2/FeOOH exhibits superior dual‐function electrocatalytic activity for water splitting in 1.0 M KOH, with low overpotentials of 219 mV for OER at 100 mA cm−2 and 76 mV for HER at 10 mA cm−2. The electrolyzer based on the Ni3S2/MoS2/FeOOH electrodes only needs a low cell voltage of 1.52 V to drive water splitting at 10 mA cm−2, which is comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art Pt−C||IrO2 couple (1.50 V). The cost‐efficient and high‐performance Ni3S2/MoS2/FeOOH bifunctional electrocatalyst developed in this work exhibits a potential application prospect in industrial hydrogen production.
Ferrite production with fluidized bed calcination
Authors: Adachi Yoshiro , Horio Masayuki
Published: November 2020

For the process intensification of ferrite production, fluidized bed calcination of raw‐mix (RM) particles for strontium ferrite was tested in a laboratory scale fluidized bed. In cases when the bed was made only of RM particles, agglomeration took place above 900 K, and above 1350 K rapid defluidization was unavoidable. However, successful calcination with no defluidization was achieved by calcining RM particles in the bed of coarse spherical alumina particles. One kilogram of calcined product was produced by repeated batch calcination at 1423 K and with retention time of 60 minutes. The products were made into magnets and their magnetic properties were evaluated. The magnetic properties of fluidized bed product were compatible with rotary kiln products, although residue of unreacted Fe2O3 seemed to have detracted the former somewhat. The presence of unreacted Fe2O3 was found to be caused by the selective adhesion of SrCO3 on the bed material. A slight adjustment of Fe/Sr ratio in the RM was found to be effective in the elimination of such residuals.
A Top‐Down Approach towards Cu(I) Alkynyl Clusters with Unusual Geometry
Authors: Li Huan , Li Ting , Liu Shuimiao , Qu Mei , Liang Linfeng , Zhang Fengwei , Zhang Xian‐Ming
Published: November 2020

Main observation and conclusion

To search for novel Cu(I) complexes, traditional approaches focus on designing and screening ligands, metal precursors and reaction parameters. In this report, we propose a top‐down approach, in which Cu precursor is first reduced to nanoparticles in the presence of alkynyl and phosphine ligands. The nanoparticles then undergo an auto‐oxidation step in open air to give CuO powder. During this process, a new tetranuclear Cu(I) cluster with an unprecedented centered triangular configuration, [Cu4(PhC≡C)3(dppp)3]NO3, is isolated in the supernatant. To demonstrate the feasibility of such strategy, it is applied to synthesize another two new Cu(I) clusters, [Cu6 (PhC≡C)5(dppe)3]NO3 and Cu4(PhC≡C)4(dpph)2. The latter has shown a photoluminescence at 511 nm with a quantum yield of as high as 69.84%.
S‐Doped Magnetic Mesoporous Carbon for Efficient Adsorption of Methyl Orange from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xu Jiangyan , Zhai Shiman , Zhu Bo , Liu Jingxin , Lu Aimin , Jiang Hongmei
Published: November 2020

A simple and rapid soft‐templating coupled with one‐pot solvent thermal method is developed to synthesize S‐doped magnetic mesoporous carbon (S‐doped MMC). In this method, phenolic resin is used as a carbon precursor and Pluronic copolymer P123 is used as a template and 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole is used as sulfur source. Prepared S‐doped MMC processes a high specific surface area, the Fe3O4 particles are well embedded in the mesoporous carbon walls that exhibit a strong magnetic response, and the hydrated iron nitrate loading amount of 0.808 g is the best. Batch adsorption experiments are carried out at different pH, initial concentration, temperature, and contact time on the adsorption of methyl orange (MO) by S‐doped MMC. The kinetic data of the adsorption process are better fitted with pseudo‐second‐order model than the pseudo‐first‐order model. Langmuir model is more suitable for the equilibrium data than Freundlich model. The thermodynamic parameters including ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 indicate that the adsorption is a feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic process. Finally, it is found that the coexistence of PO43−, NO3−, SO42−, Cl−, and CO32− does not influence the adsorption process. These results illustrate S‐doped MMC can be an efficient adsorbent for the removal of MO from wastewater.
Artificial Intelligence Applied to the Rapid Identification of New Antimalarial Candidates with Dual‐Stage Activity
Authors: Lima Marilia N. N. , Borba Joyce V. B. , Cassiano Gustavo C. , Mottin Melina , Mendonça Sabrina S. , Silva Arthur C. , Tomaz Kaira C. P. , Calit Juliana , Bargieri Daniel Y. , Costa Fabio T. M. , Andrade Carolina H.
Published: November 2020

Increasing reports of multidrug‐resistant malaria parasites urge the discovery of new effective drugs with different chemical scaffolds. Protein kinases play a key role in many cellular processes such as signal transduction and cell division, making them interesting targets in many diseases. Protein kinase 7 (PK7) is an orphan kinase from thePlasmodiumgenus, essential for the sporogonic cycle of these parasites. Here, we applied a robust and integrative artificial intelligence‐assisted virtual‐screening (VS) approach using shape‐based and machine learning models to identify new potential PK7 inhibitors within vitroantiplasmodial activity. Eight virtual hits were experimentally evaluated, and compound LabMol‐167 inhibited ookinete conversion ofPlasmodium bergheiand blood stages ofPlasmodium falciparumat nanomolar concentrations with low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. As PK7 does not have an essential role in thePlasmodiumblood stage and our virtual screening strategy aimed for both PK7 and blood‐stage inhibition, we conducted anin silicotarget fishing approach and propose that this compound might also inhibitP. falciparumPK5, acting as a possible dual‐target inhibitor. Finally, docking studies of LabMol‐167 withP. falciparumPK7 and PK5 proteins highlighted key interactions for further hit‐to lead optimization.
Quantitative assessment of amygdala in Macaca fascicularis monkeys
Authors: Delgado‐González José‐Carlos , de la Rosa Prieto Carlos , Vallejo‐Calcerrada Nuria , Tarruela‐Hernández Diana‐Lucía , Cebada‐Sánchez Sandra , Insausti Ricardo , Artacho‐Pérula Emilio
Published: November 2020

The amygdaloid complex (AC) is involved in very relevant cognitive and emotional pathways and exhibits changes in aging and in some neurological and psychiatric disorders. The quantitative estimators of AC could be useful to understand the impact of amygdaloid pathology in these processes, both globally and for each nucleus in particular, and their neurons. The present study analyzes morphometric and stereological estimators in the whole AC and its three main nuclei (lateral [La], basal [Ba], and accessory basal [AB]) in six Macaca fascicularis monkeys. All the brains were fixed and sectioned in the coronal plane; Nissl‐stained sections were used for estimation of size and form parameters in both, the AC, and the La, Ba, and AB nuclei separately. The study includes stereological estimates of the volume and surface area of the AC; also, volume of the neurons in the amygdaloid nuclei was estimated using the point‐sampled intercepts method. Our results show that the AB nucleus is smaller than both the La and Ba nuclei in both morphometric and stereological estimators. Brain hemispheric side had not significant influence on any of quantitative estimates. The neuron volume was higher in the AB nucleus relative to LA and Ba of the nuclei. These data describe some quantitative parameters of the amygdaloid complex and their main nuclei that could help us to detect small changes in neurodegenerative and other pathological processes.
ThH5: An Actinide‐Containing Superhalogen Molecule
Authors: Marshall Mary , Zhu Zhaoguo , Harris Rachel , Bowen Kit H. , Wang Wei , Wang Jie , Gong Chu , Zhang Xinxing
Published: November 2020

Thorium and its compounds have been widely investigated as important nuclear materials. Previous research focused on the potential use of thorium hydrides, such as ThH2, ThH4, and Th4H15, as nuclear fuels. Here, we report studies of the anion, ThH5−, by anion photoelectron spectroscopy and computations. The resulting experimental and theoretical vertical detachment energies (VDE) for ThH5− are 4.09 eV and 4.11 eV, respectively. These values and the agreement between theory and experiment facilitated the characterization of the structure of the ThH5− anion and showed its neutral counterpart, ThH5 to be a superhalogen. ThH5−, which exhibits a C4v structure with five Th−H single bonds, possesses the largest known H/M ratio among the actinide elements, M. The adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) method was used to further analyze the chemical bonding of ThH5− and to confirm the existence of five Th−H single bonds in the ThH5− molecular anion.
Biocompatible Multifunctional Theranostic Nanoprobe for Imaging and Chemotherapy in Solid‐Tumor‐Bearing Mice
Authors: Rajalekshmi Dhanya Chandrasekharan , Jeyaraman Jaishree , Sainulabdeen Sherin , Soumya Mohanannair S. , Abraham Annie , Sivakumar Sri
Published: November 2020

Theranostic carriers are widely studied as they can be exploited for both imaging and drug delivery. However, although there are reports suggesting their in vitro level imaging and drug release, there is necessity to display the application (drug delivery/bioimaging/toxicity) at an in vivo level, which is a pre‐requisite for clinical use. Herein, we demonstrate targeted in vivo imaging and biodistribution in Swiss Albino mice solid tumor model using PEGylated polymer capsules encapsulating LaVO4 : Tb3+nanoparticles (concentration of nanoparticles ∼3.4 μM LaVO4/kg body weight). The capsules were further loaded with doxorubicin for drug delivery which shows tumor regression at different time intervals in tumor mice model. We have further investigated the tumor marker enzymes including β‐glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase which clearly suggest the reversion to near normal levels after treating with doxorubicin‐loaded polymer capsules for 30 days. comet assay shows DNA damage in tumor cells induced by doxorubicin. Histology studies performed in tumor tissue and liver show obliteration of tumor cells after treating with doxorubicin‐loaded PEGylated polymer capsules encapsulating LaVO4 : Tb3+nanoparticles. It has also been observed that the weight of the spleen which was enlarged in solid‐tumor‐bearing mice is significantly lower in animals treated with drug‐loaded capsules.
Learnification and the outcomes‐focused curriculum: The case of secondary school English in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Hughson Taylor A.
Published: November 2020

The last 30 years have witnessed a global ‘curricular turn’, with curricula increasingly moving from specifying particular content to specifying broad, skill‐based ‘learning objectives’. This paper explores the implications of this curricular turn through a critical assessment of the current state of secondary school English in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is achieved through a critical discourse analysis of key curricular and assessment documents and a series of semi‐structured interviews with English teachers. Biesta's concept of ‘learnification’, which captures how contemporary schooling can focus on learning in a way which can obscure important questions of what students are learning and why, is used as a lens through which to analyse this data. The paper argues that secondary school English in New Zealand is highly ‘learnified’, that is, both official documents and teachers are concerned above all else with ensuring ‘learning’ is happening and ‘learning objectives’ are being met, rather than with bigger questions of purpose. This problematically decreases the opportunity for what Biesta calls a ‘pedagogy of interruption’: the opportunity for curricular encounters to challenge and extend students’ horizons.