bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supportive Movement: Tackling Barriers to Physical Activity for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals who have Experienced Trauma
Authors: Darroch Francine , Varcoe Colleen , Hillsburg Heather , Neville Cleo , Webb Jessica , Roberts Candace
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to understand physical activity experiences of pregnant and/or parenting individuals (PPI) who have histories of trauma. Utilizing feminist participatory action research, we conducted five focus groups (n = 37) with PPI and semi-structured interviews (n = 10) with service providers. Three themes were generated: (1) poverty and impoverished neighbourhoods limit availability of/ access to physical activity programs; (2) existing physical activity programs are not appropriate/appealing to PPI in this community; and (3) PPI live with multiple fears and judgment that impedes their physical activity. To adequately tackle health inequities, we propose a shift towards trauma- and violence-informed physical activity programming.
Structure Based Drug Discovery, Docking, Modelling, Synthesis and Anticancer Screening of Some Novel Quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Honde Bharat Shivaji , Rajendra Kunkulol Rahul
Published: February 2022

A new series of (2-(substituted-phenyl) quinoline-4-yl) (3-(substituted phenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) methanone derivatives was carried out docking modelling and synthesized. Purity was checked by TLC and chemical structures of synthesized compounds were elucidated by their IR, 1HNMR, MS analysis data. The synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activity by using cell line MCF-7 (Human breast cancer cell line) correlate with docking modelling.
The Choquet Integral
Authors: Mesiar Radko , Mesiarová‐Zemánková Andrea
Published: February 2022

The history of integration stretches back to the nineteenth century BC where first attempts to determine areas and volumes appeared. Reflecting the genuine properties of the related objects, the classical integral theory is based on the‐additivity of the measure. Coming from the statistical mechanics and the potential theory, Gustave Choquet has introduced in 1953 an integral which was based on the capacity (nonadditive in general), rather than on the (‐additive), measure. The Choquet integral provides a powerful tool, especially in the decision theory, where it is able to model interaction between the criteria, which is not possible in the additive approach. In this chapter, we discuss the concept of the Choquet integral. We recall the history and basic properties of the Choquet integral and show several distinct approaches in the perception of the Choquet integral. Recent developments of the theory of the Choquet integral, especially of its discrete form, are also mentioned.
Revisiting the X:BOT trial comparing ER naltrexone and buprenorphine
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2022

More than four years after the X:BOT study showing that buprenorphine and extended‐release (ER) naltrexone (Vivitrol) were even in a head‐to‐head randomized trial, a new analysis “revisiting” the study data shows that the risk of overdose is greater with Vivitrol than with buprenorpine. The drugs performed equally at treatment retention at six months.
$10 million from SAMHSA for pregnant women, family, children
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2022

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on Feb. 3 announced that it is accepting applications for a $10 million grant program to provide women and their children with substance use treatment and recovery support services across residential and outpatient settings. Applications are due April 4.
Moms still risk punitive state action over NAS/NOWS
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2022

Despite the insistence by the federal government, the American Academy of Pediatrics and others that neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) not be used by child welfare authorities or others in a punitive manner (see HHS releases standard definition for opioid withdrawal in infants, ADAW Feb. 7; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33338), that is happening in some areas anyway. In Ohio, in the midst of the Health and Human Services Department's release of the new definition of NAS/NOWS, Ohio lawmakers were planning legislation that would require drug testing of mother and infant if there was any report of a substance exposure. Among other things, the bill would require a court to issue both of these orders if a child is considered “abused” (by definition, substance exposure is abuse and neglect) as a result of substance exposure
Super‐Assembled Hierarchical Cellulose Aerogel‐Gelatin Solid Electrolyte for Implantable and Biodegradable Zinc Ion Battery
Authors: Zhou Junjie , Zhang Runhao , Xu Ran , Li Yong , Tian Wei , Gao Meng , Wang Meng , Li Dongwei , Liang Xiu , Xie Lei , Liang Kang , Chen Pu , Kong Biao
Published: February 2022

Transient devices represent an emerging type of electronics whose main characteristic is the constituent materials that could fully or partially dissolute or disintegrate by chemical or physical processes after completing the mission, and are considered as new research directions for implantable devices. However, research on transient devices is still in its infancy and there are many challenges to overcome, especially the development of transient energy devices is relatively slow. Here, an implantable, biodegradable transient zinc ion battery (TZIB) that assembles a carefully designed cellulose aerogel‐gelatin (CAG) solid electrolyte. The new fully degradable CAG solid electrolyte allows TZIB to achieve controlled degradation and stable electrochemical performance, at the same time maintaining excellent mechanical properties. The entire battery device can be completely degraded within 30 days in the buffered proteinase K solution. More importantly, TZIB has excellent electrochemical performance while meeting controlled degradation, providing a specific capacity of 211.5 mAh g−1 at a current of 61.6 mA g−1 and a wide voltage range (0.85–1.9 V). These results demonstrate the potential of TZIB in future clinical applications and provide a new platform for transient electronic technology.
Phase‐Change‐Enabled, Rapid, High‐Resolution Direct Ink Writing of Soft Silicone
Authors: Wang Yiliang , Willenbacher Norbert
Published: February 2022

Soft silicone is an ideal flexible material for application, e.g., in soft robotics, flexible electronics, bionics, or implantable biomedical devices. However, gravity‐driven sagging, filament stretching, and deformation can cause inevitable defects during rapid manufacturing, making it hard to obtain complex, high‐resolution 3D silicone structures with direct ink writing (DIW) technology. Here, rapid DIW of soft silicone enabled by a phase‐change‐induced, reversible change of the ink's hierarchical microstructure is presented. During printing, the silicone‐based ink, containing silica nanoparticles and wax microparticles, is extruded from a heated nozzle into a cold environment under controlled stress. The wax phase change (solid–liquid–solid) during printing rapidly destroys and rebuilds the particle networks, realizing fast control of the ink flow behavior and printability. This high‐operating‐temperature DIW method is fast (maximum speed ≈3100 mm min−1) and extends the DIW scale range of soft silicone. The extruded filaments have small diameters (50 ± 5 µm), and allow for large spans (≈13‐fold filament diameter) and high aspect ratios (≈1), setting a new benchmark in the DIW of soft silicone. Printed silicone structures exhibit excellent performance as flexible sensors, superhydrophobic surfaces, and shape‐memory bionic devices, illustrating the potential of the new 3D printing strategy.
Noble Metal‐Free Heterojunction of Ultrathin Ti3C2 MXene/WO3 for Boosted Visible‐Light‐Driven Photoreactivity
Authors: Pang Xin , Xue Shixiang , Zhou Tong , Qiao Mingtao , Li Huaxing , Liu Xue , Xu Quanlong , Liu Gang , Lei Wanying
Published: February 2022

Developing highly efficient, robust, and noble metal‐free photocatalytic systems is essential for the large‐scale implementation of solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. Herein, a novel sandwich‐like hierarchical heterostructure of Ti3C2 MXene/WO3 is created by in situ growth of ultrathin WO3 nanosheets onto the surface of few‐layer Ti3C2 nanosheets via a one‐pot solvothermal synthesis strategy. The resultant Ti3C2/WO3 heterostructure holds a large interface contact area, an intimate electronic interaction, and a short carrier migration distance, which is beneficial for bulk‐to‐surface and interfacial charge transfer. Meanwhile, the excellent electrical conductivity of Ti3C2 and the Schottky junction at the interface of WO3 and Ti3C2 expedites the spatial charge separation and transportation. As expected, the as‐prepared Ti3C2/WO3 nanohybrids exhibit a superior visible‐light‐driven photoactivity and stability toward tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) decomposition. Across a range of Ti3C2 concentrations, 3 wt% Ti3C2/WO3 achieves the greatest photodegradation rate of 16.08 × 10−3 min−1 that is approximately ninefold larger than that of pristine WO3. In addition to the underlying photocatalytic mechanism, three TC degradation pathways are identified, highlighting the important roles of ·O2− and h+. This study shows the potential of earth‐abundant MXene family materials in the fabrication of high‐performance and low‐cost photocatalysts applicable for environment purification.
Naphthalimide‐Fused Dipyrrins: Tunable Halochromic Switches and Photothermal NIR‐II Dyes
Authors: Maurya Yogesh Kumar , Chmielewski Piotr J. , Cybińska Joanna , Prajapati Bibek , Lis Tadeusz , Kang Seongsoo , Lee Seokwon , Kim Dongho , Stępień Marcin
Published: February 2022

A family of tunable halochromic switches is developed using a naphthalimide‐fused dipyrrin as the core π‐conjugated motif. Electronic properties of these dipyrrins are tuned by substitution of their alpha and meso positions with aryl groups of variable donor–acceptor strength. The first protonation results in a conformational change that enhances electronic coupling between the dipyrrin chromophore and the meso substituent, leading to halochromic effects that occasionally exceed 200 nm and switch the absorption between the near‐infrared (NIR)‐I and NIR‐II ranges. A NIR‐II photothermal effect, switchable by acid–base chemistry is demonstrated for selected dipyrrins. Further protonation is possible for derivatives bearing additional amino groups, leading to up to four halochromic switching step. The most electron‐rich dipyrrins are also susceptible to chemical oxidation, yielding NIR‐absorbing radical cations and closed‐shell dications.
Copper‐Catalyzed Substrate‐Controlled Carbonylative Synthesis of α‐Keto Amides and Amides from Alkyl Halides
Authors: Zhao Fengqian , Ai Han‐Jun , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2022

Controllable production of α‐keto amides and amides from the same substrates is an attractive goal in the field of transition‐metal‐catalyzed (double‐)carbonylation. Herein, a novel copper‐catalyzed highly selective double carbonylation of alkyl bromides has been developed. Moderate to good yields of α‐keto amides were obtained as the only products. In the case of alkyl iodides, double‐ and mono‐carbonylation can be achieved controllably under different conditions.
Atroposelective Synthesis of 1,1′‐Bipyrroles Bearing a Chiral N−N Axis: Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalysis with Lewis Acid Induced Enantiodivergence
Authors: Gao Yaru , Wang Luo‐Yu , Zhang Tao , Yang Bin‐Miao , Zhao Yu
Published: February 2022

We present herein a highly efficient atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral 1,1′‐bipyrroles bearing an N−N linkage from simple hydrazine and 1,4‐diones. Further product derivatizations led to axially chiral bifunctional compounds with high potential in asymmetric catalysis. For this chrial phosphoric acid (CPA)‐catalyzed double Paal–Knorr reaction, an intriguing Fe(OTf)3‐induced enantiodivergence was also observed.
Aromaticity and Extrusion of Benzenoids Linked to [o‐COSAN]−: Clar Has the Answer
Authors: Poater Jordi , Viñas Clara , Olid David , Solà Miquel , Teixidor Francesc
Published: February 2022

Benzene and pyrene can be synthetically linked to [o‐COSAN]− keeping their aromaticity. In contrast, naphthalene and anthracene are extruded in the same reaction. We have proven that extrusion is only favorable if the number of Clar's π‐sextets remains constant. Thus, Clar has the answer to whether an attached polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon to [o‐COSAN]− is extruded or not.
Critical Role of Removing Impurities in Nickel Oxide on High‐Efficiency and Long‐Term Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Shuangjie , Li Yuke , Yang Jiabao , Wang Tong , Yang Bowen , Cao Qi , Pu Xingyu , Etgar Lioz , Han Jian , Zhao Junsong , Li Xuanhua , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: February 2022

The performance enhancement of inverted perovskite solar cells applying nickel oxide (NiOx) as the hole transport layer (HTL) has been limited by impurity ions (such as nitrate ions). Herein, we have proposed a strategy to obtain high‐quality NiOx nanoparticles via an ionic liquid‐assisted synthesis method (NiOx‐IL). Experimental and theoretical results illustrate that the cation of the ionic liquid can inhibit the adsorption of impurity ions on nickel hydroxide through a strong hydrogen bond and low adsorption energy, thereby obtaining NiOx‐IL HTL with high conductivity and strong hole‐extraction ability. Importantly, the removal of impurity ions can effectively suppress the redox reaction between the NiOx film and the perovskite film, thus slowing down the deterioration of device performance. Consequently, the modified inverted device shows a striking efficiency exceeding 22.62 %, and superior stability maintaining 92 % efficiency at a maximum power point tracking under one sun illumination for 1000 h.
Design and Synthesis of Tunable Chiral 2,2′‐Bipyridine Ligands: Application to the Enantioselective Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Arylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Perveen Saima , Ouyang Yizhao , Xu Liang , Yu Tao , Zhao Min , Wang Linghua , Song Peidong , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2022

A new class of chiral 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands, SBpy, featuring minimized short‐range steric hindrance and structural tunability was rationally designed and developed, and the effectiveness was demonstrated in the first highly enantioselective Ni‐catalyzed addition of aryl halides to aldehydes. In comparison with known approaches using preformed aryl metallic reagents, this reaction is more step‐economical and functional group tolerant. The reaction mechanism and a model of stereocontrol were proposed based on experimental and computational results.
Soft Alloys Constructed with Distinct Mesoatoms via Self‐Sorting Assembly of Giant Shape Amphiphiles
Authors: Wang Yicong , Huang Jiahao , Yan Xiao‐Yun , Lei Huanyu , Liu Xian‐You , Guo Qing‐Yun , Liu Yuchu , Liu Tong , Huang Mingjun , Bian Fenggang , Su Zebin , Cheng Stephen Z. D.
Published: February 2022

The packing structures of spherical motifs affect the properties of resultant condensed materials such as in metal alloys. Inspired by the classic metallurgy, developing complex alloy‐like packing phases in soft matter (also called “soft alloys”) is promising for the next‐generation superlattice engineering. Nevertheless, the formation of many alloy‐like phases in single‐component soft matter is usually thermodynamically unfavourable and technically challenging. Here, we utilize a novel self‐sorting assembly approach to tackle this challenge in binary blends of soft matter. Two types of giant shape amphiphiles self‐sort to form their discrete spherical motifs, which further simultaneously pack into alloy‐like phases. Three unconventional spherical packing phases have been observed in these binary systems, including MgZn2, NaZn13, and CaCu5 phases. It's the first time that the CaCu5 phase is experimentally observed in soft matter. This work demonstrates a general approach to constructing unconventional spherical packing phases and other complex superlattices in soft matter.
Comparative Study of the Performance of Two Different Luciferases for the Analysis of Fumonisin B1 in Wheat Samples
Authors: Luque‐Uría Álvaro , Peltomaa Riikka , Navarro‐Duro Marina , Fikacek Sabrina , Head Trajen , Deo Sapna , Daunert Sylvia , Benito‐Peña Elena , Moreno‐Bondi María C.
Published: February 2022

The development of two different immunoassays for the determination of fumonisin B1 in wheat samples is reported. A previously described mimopeptide for fumonisin B1 (FB1) was used to produce fusion proteins in combination with two different luciferases: Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) and NanoLuc luciferase (NLuc). The production, expression and the development of two immunoassays based on these fusion proteins (A2‐GLuc and A2‐NLuc) is detailed. The assay showing the best performance, A2‐NLuc, with a limit of detection of 0.61 ng mL−1 and a dynamic range from 1.9 to 95 ng mL−1, was employed for the analysis of spiked wheat samples, a reference matrix material, as well as naturally contaminated wheat samples. The recoveries obtained in the spiked samples were acceptable, between 81.5 and 109 %, with relative standard deviations lower than 14 %. The analysis of naturally contaminated wheat was validated by a liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass detection method.
Double layer PVDF blends PVDF‐HFP membrane with modified ZnO nanoparticles for direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD)
Authors: Mat Radzi Nurul Hafifah , Ahmad Abdul Latif
Published: February 2022

In this work, the double layer (DL) polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blends polyvinylidene hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) membrane is prepared via the double casting phase inversion (DCPI) method. The PVDF blended PVDF‐HFP incorporation with ZnO nanoparticles is cast on the top layer of the membrane. The morphology of the fabricated membrane displays two layers of the membrane with different morphology, where the top layer is dense and no macrovoid form. Furthermore, the water contact angle increase due to the increment of perfluorinated polymer content in the top layer, which is 147°. Besides, the liquid entry pressure of water (LEPw) is 0.76 bar with average pore size of the top surface is 0.24 μm, while the bottom surface is 8 μm. The porosity of the DL PVDF blends PVDF‐HFP membrane do not have significant changes compared to the single layer (SL) membrane, with 87%. A stable flux of 6.14 L/m2h was achieved over the 6 h of operation of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) lab‐scale unit. The DL membrane removes almost 99% salt.
A green and biodegradable plasticizer from copolymers of poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Chen Haiying , Oveissi Farshad , Daly Sean , Shahrbabaki Zahra , Naficy Sina , Dehghani Fariba
Published: February 2022

Biodegradable polymers such as poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blends are considered as potential replacements for non‐degradable polymers, however, their brittleness is an obstacle for their full realization in biomedicine and food packaging. Here, new biodegradable plasticizers are developed to improve the physicochemical properties of PHB and PCL blends. These plasticizers are synthesized through a one‐step random copolymerization process using different mass ratios (1:1, 2:1, 1:2) of β‐butyrolactone (HB) and ε‐caprolactone (CL) monomers. Plasticizer with larger content of CL segments (1:2) shows a thermal stability higher than other ratios. The addition of plasticizers to PHB/PCL blends enhances the elongation at the break of PHB50/PCL50 blend at least 4 to 6‐fold compared to pure PHB. This process also decreases the melting point and crystallization of PHB/PCL blends which are pivotal for thermal processing, such as extrusion, while no adverse impact on the tensile strength and elastic modulus of blends was observed.
Effect of mixing on the sequence structure of molecular chain and properties of copolyurea
Authors: Gao Zhangcheng , Feng Lianfang , Gu Xueping , Duan Jintang , Zhang Cailiang
Published: February 2022

Copolyureas have a variety of sequence structures because of the diversity of monomer types and quantities, which directly determine their properties. 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), m‐phenylenediamine (MPD), and polyoxypropylenediamine (D2000) are used as monomers to study the influence of mixing on the sequence structure of as‐prepared copolyurea. D2000 as a macromolecular aliphatic diamine has an extremely high reactivity with MDI, which is two to three orders of magnitude higher than that of MPD with MDI. While the molecular chain of D2000 is much longer than that of MPD, resulting in that the reaction between D2000 and MDI is much easier to change from reaction control to diffusion control than that between MPD and MDI. It is verified that the enhanced mixing can dramatically reduce the hindered effect of diffusion, and promote the reaction of MDI and D2000 to change the sequence structure of as‐synthesized copolyurea. Specifically, as the stirring speed increased from 100 to 800 rpm, the content of MPD‐MDI‐MPD segment decreased from 57 to 15 mol%, while that of MPD‐MDI‐D2000 and D2000‐MDI‐D2000 segments increased from 39 and 4 mol% to 64 and 21 mol%, respectively. As a result, the as‐synthesized copolyureas become more ductile from the high tensile strength and hardness. More specifically, the Shore A hardness, tensile strength, and the broken elongation of the as‐synthesized copolyureas were changed from 81, 56 MPa and 65% to 68, 40 MPa and 188%, respectively.
Upregulation of BAX and caspase‐3, as well as downregulation of Bcl‐2 during treatment with indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalin derivatives, mediated apoptosis in human cancer cells
Authors: Fayed Eman A. , Gohar Nirvana A. , Farrag Amel M. , Ammar Yousry A.
Published: February 2022

Cancer is the world's foremost cause of death. There are over 100 different forms of cancer. Cancers are frequently named after the organs or tissues in which they develop. As a part of our aim to develop promising anticancer agents, a series of new indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxaline derivatives were synthesized. All of the synthesized compounds were tested for anticancer activity in vitro in three human cancer cell lines: the HCT‐116 colon cancer cell line, the HepG‐2 liver cancer cell line, and the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. Among the tested derivatives, 2, 3, 5, 12, 21, and 22 showed exceptional antiproliferative activities against the three tested cell lines compared to the reference standard imatinib. These compounds were, therefore, selected for further investigations. Evaluation of their cytotoxicity against a normal human cell line (WI‐38) was performed, to ensure their safety and selectivity (IC50 > 92 μM). Then, induction of apoptosis by the most active compounds was found to be accomplished by downregulation of Bcl‐2 and upregulation of BAX and caspase‐3. After that, the most promising apoptotic compound that increases the caspase‐3 and BAX expression and downregulates Bcl‐2 activity (3) was assessed for its impact on the cell cycle distribution in HepG‐2 cells: The most potent derivative (3) induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Finally, in silico evaluation of the ADME properties indicated that compound 3 is orally bioavailable and can be readily synthesized on a large scale.
C5‐Iminosugar modification of casein kinase 1δ lead 3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐5‐isopropyl‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)isoxazole promotes enhanced inhibitor affinity and selectivity
Authors: von Drathen Thorsten , Ure Elizabeth M. , Kirschner Stefan , Roth Aileen , Meier Laura , Woolhouse Anthony D. , Cameron Scott A. , Knippschild Uwe , Peifer Christian , Luxenburger Andreas
Published: February 2022

The quest for isoform‐selective and specific ATP‐competitive protein kinase inhibitors is of great interest, as inhibitors with these qualities will come with reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. However, creating such inhibitors is very challenging due to the high molecular similarity of kinases ATP active sites. To achieve selectivity for our casein kinase (CK) 1 inhibitor series, we elected to endow our previous CK1δ‐hit, 3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐5‐isopropyl‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)isoxazole (1), with chiral iminosugar scaffolds. These scaffolds were attached to C5 of the isoxazole ring, a position deemed favorable to facilitate binding interactions with the ribose pocket/solvent‐open area of the ATP binding pocket of CK1δ. Here, we describe the synthesis of analogs of 1 ((−)‐/(+)‐34, (−)‐/(+)‐48), which were prepared in 13 steps from enantiomerically pure ethyl (3R,4S)‐ and ethyl (3S,4R)‐1‐benzyl‐4‐[(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]‐5‐oxopyrrolidine‐3‐carboxylate ((–)‐11 and (+)‐11), respectively. The synthesis involved the coupling of Weinreb amide‐activated chiral pyrrolidine scaffolds with 4‐ and 2‐fluoro‐4‐picoline and reaction of the resulting 4‐picolyl ketone intermediates ((–)‐/(+)‐40 and (–)‐/(+)‐44) with 4‐fluoro‐N‐hydroxybenzenecarboximidoyl chloride to form the desired isoxazole ring. The activity of the compounds against human CK1δ, ‐ε, and ‐α was assessed in recently optimized in vitro assays. Compound (–)‐34 was the most active compound with IC50 values (CK1δ/ε) of 1/8 µM and displayed enhanced selectivity toward CK1δ.
Endothelial Cell–Activating Antibodies in COVID‐19
Authors: Shi Hui , Zuo Yu , Navaz Sherwin , Harbaugh Alyssa , Hoy Claire K. , Gandhi Alex A. , Sule Gautam , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Gockman Kelsey , Madison Jacqueline A. , Wang Jintao , Zuo Melanie , Shi Yue , Maile Michael D. , Knight Jason S. , Kanthi Yogendra
Published: February 2022

Objective

While endothelial dysfunction has been implicated in the widespread thromboinflammatory complications of COVID‐19, the upstream mediators of endotheliopathy remain, for the most part, unknown. This study was undertaken to identify circulating factors contributing to endothelial cell activation and dysfunction in COVID‐19.

Methods

Human endothelial cells were cultured in the presence of serum or plasma from 244 patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 and plasma from 100 patients with non–COVID‐19–related sepsis. Cell adhesion molecules (E‐selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM‐1]) were quantified using in‐cell enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum and plasma from COVID‐19 patients increased surface expression of cell adhesion molecules. Furthermore, levels of soluble ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin were elevated in patient serum and correlated with disease severity. The presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies was a strong marker of the ability of COVID‐19 serum to activate endothelium. Depletion of total IgG from antiphospholipid antibody–positive serum markedly reduced the up‐regulation of cell adhesion molecules. Conversely, supplementation of control serum with patient IgG was sufficient to trigger endothelial activation.

Conclusion

These data are the first to indicate that some COVID‐19 patients have potentially diverse antibodies that drive endotheliopathy, providing important context regarding thromboinflammatory effects of autoantibodies in severe COVID‐19.
Introducing immunohistochemistry to the molecular biology laboratory
Authors: Chen Audrey , Tarapore Eric , To Allisen G. , Catolico Davis M. , Nguyen Kelly C. , Coleman Melissa J. , Spence Rory D.
Published: February 2022

Widely used in research laboratories, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a transferable skill that prepares undergraduate students for a variety of careers in the biomedical field. We have developed an inquiry‐based learning IHC laboratory exercise, which introduces students to the theory, procedure, and data interpretation of antibody staining. Students are tasked with performing IHC using an “unknown” antibody and then asked to identify the cells or molecular structures within the nervous systems specific for that unknown antibody. In two lab sessions, students are exposed to handling of delicate brain slices, fluorescent microscopy, and data analysis using the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA), an online freely accessible database of mRNA transcript expression patterns in the brain. Here, we present guidelines for easy implementation in the classroom and assess learning gains achieved by the students upon completion of the IHC laboratory module. Students clearly displayed an increase in knowledge in data interpretation, procedural knowledge, and theory surrounding IHC. Thus, this module works as an inquiry‐based learning based method to introduce IHC principles to undergraduate students.
Clinical significance and outcomes of bilateral and unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A large‐scale retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Shuishen , Liu Qianwen , Li Bin , Jia Minghan , Cai Xiaoli , Yang Weixiong , Liao Shufen , Wu Zhongkai , Cheng Chao , Fu Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Background

The survival benefits of recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection (RLNLD) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still under debate, and the prognostic value of unilateral RLNLD has been rarely studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance and outcomes of RLNLD in ESCC in a large‐scale cohort study, to shed light on the outcomes of unilateral RLNLD, and to identify the factors that affect the prognostic outcome of RLNLD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1153 patients with thoracic ESCC who underwent right thoracotomy with lymphadenectomy. The impact of RLNLD on disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to adjust for differences in baseline variables in pairwise comparisons. Subgroup analysis of survival and postoperative complications was conducted for selective RLNLD.

Results

RLN lymph node (LN) metastasis was independently associated with tumor location and most other LN station metastases. RLNLD was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS. Both patients who underwent unilateral and bilateral RLNLD had significantly better DFS and OS than the non‐RLNLD patients. Furthermore, pairwise comparisons with IPTW confirmed these results, and we found that patients who underwent bilateral RLNLD had better survival than those who underwent unilateral RLNLD. However, subgroup analysis showed that there was no survival benefit and higher morbidity after bilateral RLNLD for patients with cancer in the lower thoracic esophagus, and elderly and female patients.

Conclusion

RLN LN metastasis is very frequent in ESCC, and both unilateral and bilateral RLNLD have considerable survival benefits. Selective RLNLD with better survival and lower morbidity was recommend for some defined subgroups.
Germline pathogenic variants in cancer risk genes among patients with thyroid cancer and suspected predisposition
Authors: Kamihara Junne , Zhou Jing , LaDuca Holly , Wassner Ari J. , Dalton Emily , Garber Judy E. , Black Mary Helen
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Multigene panels allow simultaneous testing of genes involved in cancer predisposition. Thyroid cancer (TCa) is a component tumor of several cancer predisposition syndromes, but the complete landscape of germline variants predisposing to TCa remains to be determined.

Methods

Clinical information and genetic test results were reviewed from over 170,000 individuals who had multigene panel testing for hereditary cancer at a single diagnostic laboratory. Germline pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants (“pathogenic variants”) were examined among individuals with TCa. A cohort with breast cancer (BCa) was examined to serve as a comparison group and to determine the added contribution of TCa to the ascertainment of genetic risk.

Results

Of 3134 individuals with TCa, 291 (9.3%) were found to have one or more pathogenic variant(s). Among 904 individuals with TCa alone, 7.5% had one or more pathogenic variant(s), similar to those with BCa alone (8.4%). In all groups, CHEK2 was the gene with the highest number of pathogenic variants identified, with a significantly increased frequency among individuals with a history of both thyroid and BCa compared to BCa alone.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of germline pathogenic variants was observed among individuals with TCa referred for hereditary cancer genetic testing, even in the absence of other cancer diagnoses. These data suggest that TCa may be an under‐recognized component of cancer predisposition syndromes.
Hepatocellular carcinoma after a sustained virological response by direct‐acting antivirals harborsTP53inactivation
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ohshima Keiichi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Sugiura Teiichi , Ito Takaaki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Otsuka Shimpei , Ohnami Sumiko , Nagashima Takeshi , Hatakeyama Keiichi , Kakuda Yuko , Sugino Takashi , Urakami Kenichi , Akiyama Yasuto , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The genomic characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after a sustained virological response (SVR) and its differences according to whether an SVR was achieved by treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) or interferon (IFN) are still not fully understood.

Methods

Sixty‐nine surgically resected HCCs from patients with hepatitis C virus infection were analyzed by gene expression profiling and whole‐exome sequencing.

Results

Among the 69 HCC patients, 34 HCCs in which an SVR was not achieved at the time of surgery were classified as HCV‐positive, and 35 HCCs in which an SVR was achieved at the time of surgery were classified as HCV‐SVR. According to the HCV treatment, 35 HCV‐SVR HCCs were classified into two groups: eight tumors with DAA (HCV‐SVR‐DAA) and 24 tumors with interferon (HCV‐SVR‐IFN). The frequency of samples withARID2mutations was significantly lower in HCV‐SVR than in HCV‐positive tumors (p = 0.048). In contrast, the frequency of samples withPREX2mutations was significantly higher in HCV‐SVR samples than in HCV‐positive samples (p = 0.048). Among the patients with HCV‐SVR, the frequency of samples withTP53mutations was significantly higher in HCV‐SVR‐DAA tumors than in HCV‐SVR‐IFN tumors (p = 0.030).TP53inactivation scores in HCV‐SVR‐DAA tumors were found to be significantly enhanced in comparison to HCV‐SVR‐IFN tumors (p = 0.022). In addition, chromosomal instability and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway signatures were enhanced in HCV‐SVR‐DAA tumors. HCV‐SVR‐DAA was significantly associated with portal vein invasion (p = 0.003) in comparison to HCV‐SVR‐IFN.

Conclusion

Our dataset potentially serves as a fundamental resource for the genomic characteristics of HCV‐SVR‐DAA tumors. Our comprehensive genetic profiling by WES revealed significant differences in the mutation rate of several driver genes between HCV‐positive tumors and HCV‐SVR tumors. Furthermore, it was revealed that the frequency of samples with mutations inTP53was significantly higher in HCV‐SVR‐DAA tumors than in HCV‐SVR‐IFN tumors.
Mixed hemangioma of the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane in a young woman: A case report
Authors: Lygeros Spyridon , Athanasopoulos Michael , Daniilidi Alexandra , Danielides Gerasimos , Grigoriadis Kyriakos D. , Danielides Vasileios
Published: February 2022

Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors frequently located in the head and neck area, but rarely encountered in the ear, often originally misdiagnosed due to their rarity and absence of specific clinical manifestations. We report the second case of a mixed hemangioma involving the external auditory canal in literature to date.
Awake tracheal intubation: Videolaryngoscopy in a pediatric institution: Use of guidelines and multidisciplinary team preparation to facilitate performance of an unfamiliar technique in a pediatric setting
Authors: Skelly James Richard , Wauchope Jessica , Collreavey Michael , Walsh Bill
Published: February 2022

Formal guidelines for awake tracheal intubation have recently been published providing a streamlined process for the first time. We present a case of awake videolaryngoscopy in the pediatric setting, not previously reported. Application of guidelines and careful team preparation facilitated performance of a novel technique in our pediatric institution. A multidisciplinary approach with ENT colleagues provided a patient‐specific airway management plan for a rare airway pathology.
Maternal mirror syndrome with foetal hydrops due to isoimunization by anti‐KPa antibodies: A case report and narrative literature review
Authors: Pina Moreno Juan , Ortega Abad Virginia , Perez Corral Ana , Garcia‐Tizon Larroca Santiago
Published: February 2022

We present a rare case of mirror syndrome due to anti‐Kpa antibodies, which can be difficult to identify with routine screening tests.
Collaboration of perioperative management in an adult patient with 22 q 11.2 deletion syndrome: A case report
Authors: Ito Mikiko , Tokura Tatsuya , Miyauchi Tomoya , Sato (Boku) Aiji , Kimura Hiroyuki , Tsuchihashi Hayami , Katayama Yoshiko
Published: February 2022

A 24‐year‐old woman diagnosed with 22 q 11.2 deletion syndrome was referred for multiple extractions. Due to the syndrome, the patient had schizophrenia, cardiac anomalies, and maxillofacial complications. This case report suggested that a multidisciplinary team approach is important for perioperative management of patients with 22 q 11.2 deletion syndrome.
Cinchona Alkaloid‐Derived Zwitterions Catalyzed Enantioselective Steglich Rearrangement and Aldol Reaction of O‐Acylated Oxindoles
Authors: Lam Ying‐Pong , Huang Jingxian , Jiang Xiaojian , Yeung Ying‐Yeung
Published: February 2022

A class of cinchona alkaloid‐derived zwitterions has been successfully applied to achieve highly enantioselective Steglich rearrangement. A series of O‐acylated oxindoles afforded C‐acylated oxindoles possessing a quaternary stereocenter. These products were obtained in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivity. The same catalytic protocol was also found to be applicable in the asymmetric aldol reaction of oxindoles. Studies were conducted to elucidate a clearer mechanism. These findings will advance the development of new reaction protocols that exploit cinchona alkaloid‐derived zwitterions as asymmetric nucleophilic catalysts.
Electrolyte Modification for Long‐Life Zn Ion Batteries: Achieved by Methanol Additive
Authors: Lin Xian‐Sen , Wang Zi‐Rui , Ge Lin‐Heng , Xu Jun‐Wei , Ma Wen‐Qing , Ren Man‐Man , Liu Wei‐Liang , Yao Jin‐Shui , Zhang Chang‐Bin
Published: February 2022

Although zinc‐ion batteries are regarded as important alternatives for Li‐ion batteries, the dendrite issues and side reactions are major obstacles for their development. Here, inspired by the idea of electrolyte modification, a simple and low‐cost approach, that methanol is used as additive into Zn2+‐containing electrolyte for long‐life Zn ion batteries, was developed. Methanol can mix with water in any ratio through the formation of hydrogen bonds, which participates in the solvation shell of Zn2+ion in a manner of forming the [Zn(OH2)x(CH3OH)y]2+cations. The interaction between Zn2+, methanol and water can effectively suppress the side reactions. As a result, Zn/Zn symmetric cell shows a long‐term stability for over 480 h at 1 mA cm−2with 1 mAh cm−2. In addition, full battery based on the MnO2cathode exhibits an improved capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1and an excellent electrochemical performance at low temperature.
Characterization of Asx Turn Types and Their Connate Relationship with β‐Turns
Authors: D'mello Viola C. , Goldsztejn Gildas , Rao Mundlapati Venkateswara , Brenner Valérie , Gloaguen Eric , Charnay‐Pouget Florence , Aitken David J. , Mons Michel
Published: February 2022

Models of asparagine‐containing dipeptides specifically designed to favor intrinsic folding into an Asx turn were characterized both theoretically, by using quantum chemistry, and experimentally, by using laser spectroscopy in the gas phase. Both approaches provided evidence for the spontaneous folding of both the Asn‐Ala and Asn‐Gly dipeptide models into the most stable Asx turn, a conformation stabilized by a C10 H‐bond that was very similar to a type II’ β‐turn. In parallel, analysis of Asx turns implicating asparagine in crystallized protein structures in the Protein Data Bank revealed a sequence‐dependent behavior. In Asn‐Ala sequences, the Asx turn was found in conjunction with a type I β‐turn for which the first of the four defining residues was Asn. The observation that the Asx turn in these structures is mostly of type II’ (i. e., its most stable innate structure) suggests that this motif might foster the formation and/or enhance the stability of the backbone β‐turn. In contrast, the Asx turns observed in Asn‐Gly sequences extensively adopted a type II Asx‐turn structure, thus suggesting that their formation should be ascribed to other factors, such as hydration. The fact that the Asx turn in a Asn‐Gly sequence is also often found in combination with a hydrated β‐bulge supports the premise that a Asn‐Gly sequence might efficiently promote the formation of the β‐bulge secondary structure.
Skeletal Transformation Triggered by C−F Bond Activation after Photochemical Rearrangement of Fluorinated [7]Helicenes
Authors: Matsuda Chikako , Igarashi Ryo , Katagiri Hiroshi , Murase Takashi
Published: February 2022

Tri‐ and tetra‐fluorinated [7]helicenes are photolabile and undergo a double fluorine atom transfer. Herein, we show that the transferred product further undergoes a skeletal transformation on silica gel. The transformation begins with activation of the allylic C−F bond on the silanol surface. Then, the resulting carbocation readily undergoes a regioselective nucleophilic aromatic substitution with water, depending on the position of the fluorine substituents. Hexafluoro‐2‐propanol also activated the allylic C−F bond and acted as a nucleophile. These findings support the generation of a highly reactive cationic electrophilic intermediate in the successive transformations involving fluorine atoms.
Intra‐ and extra‐cranial BCOR‐ITD tumours are separate entities within the BCOR‐rearranged family
Authors: Bouchoucha Yassine , Tauziède‐Espariat Arnault , Gauthier Arnaud , Guillemot Delphine , Bochaton Dorian , Vibert Julien , Carton Matthieu , Watson Sarah , Grossetête Sandrine , Quignot Chloé , Orbach Daniel , Corradini Nadège , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Bourdeaut Franck , Simbozel Marie , Dufour Christelle , Minard‐Colin Véronique , Brahmi Mehdi , Tirode Franck , Pissaloux Daniel , Karanian Marie , Machet Marie‐Christine , Masliah‐Planchon Julien , Delattre Olivier , Cardoen Liesbeth , Pierron Gaëlle , Doz François
Published: February 2022

BCOR‐ITD tumours form an emerging family of aggressive entities with an internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the last exon of the BCOR gene. The family includes cerebral tumours, termed central nervous system BCOR‐ITD (CNS BCOR‐ITD), and sarcomatous types described in the kidney as clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), in the endometrium as high‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma, and in the bone and soft tissue as undifferentiated round cell sarcoma or primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumour of infancy. Based on a series of 33 retrospective cases, including 10 CNS BCOR‐ITD and 23 BCOR‐ITD sarcomas, we interrogated the homogeneity of the entity regarding clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings, and molecular signatures. Whole‐transcriptomic sequencing and DNA methylation profiling were used for unsupervised clustering. BCOR‐ITD tumours mostly affected young children with a median age at diagnosis of 2.1 years (range 0–62.4). Median overall survival was 3.9 years and progression‐free survival was 1.4 years. This dismal prognosis is shared among tumours in all locations except CCSK. Histopathological review revealed marked differences between CNS BCOR‐ITD and BCOR‐ITD sarcomas. These two groups were consistently segregated by unsupervised clustering of expression (n = 22) and DNA methylation (n = 21) data. Proximity between the two groups may result from common somatic changes within key pathways directly related to the novel activity of the ITD itself. Conversely, comparison of gene signatures with single‐cell RNA‐Seq atlases suggests that the distinction between BCOR‐ITD sarcomas and CNS BCOR‐ITD may result from differences in cells of origin.
Quinoline‐Dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one Hybrids: Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Parth  , Kaur Hardeep , Persoons Leentje , Andrei Graciela , Singh Kamaljit
Published: February 2022

A novel class of quinoline‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one (DHPM) hybrids was synthesized and in vitro antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against chloroquine sensitive (D10) and chloroquine resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the human malaria parasite. The antiplasmodial activity was compared to previously reported DHPM based molecular hybrids. Dual mode of antiplasmodial action of the most active member has been evaluated through heme binding study and in silico docking in the active site of dihydrofolate enzymes (wild‐type as well as mutant). Favourable pharmacokinetic parameters were predicted in the ADMET evaluation. The new hybrids were also tested against a number of DNA and RNA viruses. No antiviral activity was found, except for one hybrid that showed mild inhibitory activity against two strains of cytomegalovirus (AD‐169 and Davis), The most active hybrid was found to be a selective inhibitor of the growth of P. falciparum as well as a modest inhibitor of varicella zoster virus in HEL cells. Cytotoxicity of all hybrids was assessed in HEL, HeLa, Vero, MDCK, and CRFK cell cultures.
Variation of Local Structure and Reactivity of Pt/C Catalyst for Accelerated Degradation Test of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Visualized by Operando 3D CT‐XAFS Imaging
Authors: Matsui Hirosuke , Ishiguro Nozomu , Tan Yuanyuan , Maejima Naoyuki , Muramoto Yuta , Uruga Tomoya , Higashi Kotaro , Nguyen Duong‐Nguyen , Dam Hieu‐Chi , Samjeské Gabor , Tada Mizuki
Published: February 2022

In practical applications of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC), the wide variations of local structures and environment of electrocatalysts bring about complex reaction behaviours inside a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The variations of local coordination structure and redox response of a Pt/C cathode catalyst in an MEA before and after a typical accelerated degradation test (ADT) were three‐dimensionally visualized by operando Pt LIII‐edge computed‐tomography X‐ray absorption fine structure (CT‐XAFS) imaging under PEFC operating conditions for the first time. The set of operando CT‐XANES and CT‐EXAFS analyses visualized changes in the local coordination structure and redox reactivity of the Pt catalyst by a typical ADT process.
Organometallic Magnesium Complex with Aggregation Induced Emission Properties: Synthesis, Characterization, and Fluorescent Fibers Applications
Authors: Song Li , Yu Junke , Fang Kuanjun , Shi Furui , Wan Wenming , Hao Longyun , Zhao Zhihui , Chen Weichao , Xia Yanzhi
Published: February 2022

In this work, a novel organomagnesium complex with outstanding aggregation induced emission (AIE) properties is synthesized using dibenzoylmethane (DBM) as the ligand. The structure of the complex is confirmed to be one magnesium ion coordinated to the dione groups of two DBM molecules, and the magnesium ion adopts a distorted octahedrally geometry. The obvious emission is found for Mg(DBM)2 powder and not in the solution, making this the first reported organomagnesium complex with AIE property. The properties of the complex were investigated by using UV‐vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory calculations. Moreover, the Mg(DBM)2 solution dispersed in filter paper was is colorless, which may be made into a convenient anti‐counterfeiting and encryption tool. Mg(DBM)2/alginate fibers were prepared by wet‐spinning process and further processed into paper, which can be used in the fields of sensors, anti‐counterfeiting, and encryption. Sweat contains a wealth of chemical information that could potentially indicate the body's deeper biomolecular state. The prepared fluorescent fibers were used to detect sweat due to its non‐toxic, low‐cost efficient and fast response to analytes.