bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activities of daily living status and psychiatric symptoms after discharge from an intensive care unit: a single‐center 12‐month longitudinal prospective study
Authors: Shima Nozomu , Miyamoto Kyohei , Shibata Mami , Nakashima Tsuyoshi , Kaneko Masahiro , Shibata Naoaki , Shima Yukihiro , Kato Seiya ,   W‐PICS investigators
Published: September 2020

Aim

In post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS), long‐term survivors of critical illness present various physical and mental symptoms that can persist for years after discharge. Post‐intensive care syndrome in Japan has not been well described, so this study aims to elucidate its epidemiology.

Methods

We undertook a single‐center prospective longitudinal cohort study in a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) in a Japanese tertiary hospital. Adult patients emergently admitted to the ICU were eligible for inclusion in the study. To assess activity of daily living (ADL) status and psychiatric symptoms, we posted a questionnaire at 3 and 12 months after discharge from the ICU. We evaluated ADL status, anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms using the Barthel index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Impact of Event Scale − Revised, respectively.

Results

Enrolled in this study were 204 patients. We received responses from 117/147 (80%) and 74/98 (76%) patients at 3 and 12 months, respectively. At 3 months, the prevalence of ADL disability, anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms was 32%, 42%, 48%, and 20%, respectively. At 12 months, the prevalence was 22%, 33%, 39%, and 21%, respectively. The prevalence of any symptoms was 66% at 3 months and 55% at 12 months. Barthel index score at 12 months was improved significantly from that at 3 months. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Impact of Event Scale − Revised scores at 12 months showed no improvement.

Conclusions

At 3 and 12 months after ICU discharge, over half of our Japanese patients suffered ADL disability and/or psychiatric symptoms. The ADL disability improved at 1 year, but psychiatric symptoms did not.
The Role of Metal–Organic Frameworks in Electronic Sensors
Authors: Zhang Lin‐Tao , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: September 2020

MOFs have a highly ordered self‐assembled nanostructure, high surface area, nanoporosity with tunable size and shape, reliable host–guest interactions, and responsiveness to physical and chemical stimuli which can be exploited to address critical issues in sensor applications. On the one hand, the nanoscale pore size of MOFs ranging from less than 1 nm to ≈ 10 nm not only allows the diffusion of small molecules into the pores or through the MOF layer, but also excludes other larger molecules depending on the size, shape, and conformation of MOFs. On the other hand, MOFs with flexible structure exhibit a dynamic response to external stimuli, including guest molecules, temperature, pressure, pH, and light. Due to the unsaturated coordination metal sites and active functional groups, the interaction between certain analytes and active sites results in high selectivity. In this review, we summarize the latest studies on MOF‐based electronic sensors in terms of the function of MOFs, discuss challenges, and suggest perspectives.
Solvent‐free synthesis of propargylamines via A3 coupling reaction and organic pollutant degradation in aqueous condition using Cu/C catalyst
Authors: Rathod Pramod V. , Puguan John Marc C. , Kim Hern
Published: September 2020

The present report focuses on the efficient and operationally simple synthesis of biomass‐derived carbon as support to immobilize copper particles as a catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of propargylamines from furfural via the A3 coupling reaction. This new catalyst showed remarkable catalytic performance leading to a 97% yield within 5 h at 80 °C using 5 mg (0.0022 mmol Cu) of Cu/C catalyst under solvent‐free condition. Moreover, nitro‐substituted compounds such as 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) are highly toxic and not easily degradable. Hence, a quick and effective method is required to neutralize these toxic compounds. The synthesized active support Cu/C catalyst having various electron‐donating groups containing small amounts of Cu plays an essential role in the catalytic reduction of 4‐NP (0.1 g). Using only 3 mg (0.0013 mmol Cu) of Cu/C catalyst and NaBH4 (10 mmol), a 99% yield (100% selectivity) in the aqueous condition at 25 °C was achieved. The catalytic reduction follows the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics with reaction rate constant of 0.028 s−1. Moreover, results demonstrate that the Cu/C catalyst has superior catalytic activity due to the presence of electron‐donating molecules such as O, S, and N atoms, which enable synergistic effect in enhancing the overall catalytic performance. Notably, the recoverability and recyclability of the synthesized catalyst were evaluated for up to four cycles, which confirmed its stability in these cycles.
Microinjection molding of polyoxymethylene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites with different matrix viscosities
Authors: Zhou Shengtai , Lei Xue , Mei Junqi , Hrymak Andrew N. , Kamal Musa R. , Zou Huawei
Published: September 2020

This study features the effect of matrix viscosity on the properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced polyoxymethylene (POM/CNT) microparts, which were obtained via melt blending and subsequent microinjection molding (μIM) processes, under a defined set of processing conditions. Results of compression molding and μIM were compared to assess the influence of processing methods (i.e., thermomechanical history) on the electrical and thermal conductivities, melting and crystallization behavior as well as the thermal degradation resistance of POM/CNT composites. Filler orientation in POM/CNT microparts was evaluated using Raman spectral analysis. The electrical conductivity measurements revealed that matrix viscosity plays a significant role in determining the distribution of CNT. Also, the extreme shearing conditions that prevail in μIM are unfavorable for the construction of random conductive pathways within the micromoldings, as corroborated by transmission electron microscopy. Although the thermal degradation resistance of both POM/CNT composites and corresponding microparts deteriorated with increasing filler concentration, samples prepared with higher matrix viscosity showed higher thermal stability when compared with lower matrix viscosity counterparts. This study provides valuable insights into fabricating multifunctional microparts for potential industrial applications in replacement of metallic components for precision electronic instruments.
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer induced shear piezoelectric coefficient enhancement in bismuth sodium titanate – PVDF composite films
Authors: Dai Zexia , Feng Zhixuan , Feng Congcong , Meng Liyan , Li Chunying , Wang Chao , Han Limin , Bai Yijia
Published: September 2020

A series of ester‐based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) and bismuth sodium titanate polycrystalline oxide (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, BNT) co‐blended poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite films were prepared. Mechanical test confirms the optimum BNT blending content (25 wt%) and further reveals a linear growth of tensile elongation by increasing TPU content. Microstructure modifications including strengthened hydrogen bond and valence band edge elevation are evidenced to be highly correlated to the dielectric and piezoelectric properties. Significant enhancement (7–13 times) in face shear piezoelectric coefficient (d36) is achieved by adjusting the blending content of TPU. Cross‐section image presents a featuring multilayer structure with improved dispersity of BNT particle under a transverse tensile force which effectively increases the interfacial contact area between BNT and polymer blends. This work reveals the significance of band structure modification and anisotropic texture construction on influencing the transfer of piezoelectric charge in TPU blended BNT‐PVDF composite film.
Innovative preparation of bacterial cellulose/silver nanocomposite hydrogels: In situ green synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial properties
Authors: Fadakar Sarkandi Aida , Montazer Majid , Harifi Tina , Mahmoudi Rad Mahnaz
Published: September 2020

In this study, an innovative in situ green strategy was applied to prepare bacterial cellulose/silver nanocomposites using green tea as a substrate for the fermentation ofAcetobacter xylinumbacteria and a reducing agent for the in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The samples were analyzed by different characterization tests including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and ATR. The results indicated the excellent antibacterial activities with 100% bacterial reduction percentage and inhibition zones of 2.6 and 2.8 cm againstS. aureusandE. coli, respectively. Moreover, water absorption percentage and vertical wicking measurements supported the hydrogel properties of the prepared bio‐cellulose/silver nanocomposites. Finding of this research suggested the potential of the proposed green route for preparing antibacterial BC which can be regarded as a candidate for future wound healing applications.
Effect of hollow glass beads on density and mechanical properties of silicone rubber composites
Authors: Quan Xudong , Han Ruijie , Shao Yuanrui , Niu Kangmin
Published: September 2020

In this work, low density hollow glass beads (HGB)/silicon rubber (SR) composites were prepared by solution method and flocculation process. The prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile test, and friction test. The results show that the densities of SR composites decrease from 1.140 to 0.792 g/cm3 with the addition of HGB. By comparing theoretical density with true density, it can be estimated that the ratio of shattered HGB increase from 8.79% to 24.76%. Especially, the mechanical properties of SR composites were improved by surface modification of HGB. By adding surface‐modified HGB at 5 and 10 wt%, the tensile strengths of SR composites were enhanced by 17.8% and 28.2%, respectively. In addition, tear strength, shore A hardness, compression set, and friction property were significantly ameliorated. Furthermore, the mechanism of surface‐modified HGB in mechanical properties was analyzed.
Does she compensate the victim while he punishes the perpetrator? No gender differences in anonymous economic games across 11 nations
Authors: Dorrough Angela R. , Olsson Maria I.T. , Froehlich Laura , Glöckner Andreas , Martiny Sarah E.
Published: September 2020

Social role theory posits that occupational gender roles give rise to gender differences in behavior, such that men and women engage in qualitatively different prosocial behaviors. Therefore, we expected that women who observed an unfair situation (involving a victim and a perpetrator) would respond by demonstrating communal prosocial behavior (by compensating the victim), whereas men would respond with agentic prosocial behavior (by punishing the perpetrator). Furthermore, on the basis of social role theory, we expected that gender differences would be more pronounced in countries with a more unequal distribution of men and women in communal and agentic occupational roles. The current research tested the predictions using an economic game. Two studies consisting of samples from 10 countries (Study 1, N = 1,791) and a student sample from Germany (Study 2, N = 193) showed no support for the predicted gender differences in prosocial behavior and no systematic relationship between prosocial behavior and gender roles across countries.
Education and psychological distress in adolescence and mid‐life: Do private schools make a difference?
Authors: Sullivan Alice , Parsons Samantha , Ploubidis George , Wiggins Richard D. , Green Francis
Published: September 2020

This article extends the evidence base on childhood circumstances, education and psychological distress. We examine the link between childhood advantage and disadvantage, the type of school attended during adolescence and psychological distress at ages 16 and 42. The analysis uses a large, population‐based birth cohort study, the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70) (n = 17,198) using a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. More advantaged young people were more likely to attend private schools, but we find no evidence for an effect of private schooling on psychological distress for men, and for women there was an association between private schooling and raised psychological distress at age 16. Having a university degree was associated with a modest reduction in psychological distress in mid‐life. We establish that maternal psychological distress at age 10 was a risk factor for the offspring’s psychological distress both in adolescence and in mid‐life, and adolescent psychological distress predicts psychological distress in mid‐life. We conclude that schools which are academically successful do not necessarily provide wider benefits in terms of mental health.
Monitoring Autophagy Flux and Activity: Principles and Applications
Authors: Ueno Takashi , Komatsu Masaaki
Published: September 2020

Macroautophagy is a major degradation mechanism of cell components via the lysosome. Macroautophagy greatly contributes to not only cell homeostasis but also the prevention of various diseases. Because macroautophagy proceeds through multi‐step reactions, researchers often face a persistent question of how macroautophagic activity can be measured correctly. To make a straightforward determination of macroautophagic activity, diverse monitoring assays have been developed. Direct measurement of lysosome‐dependent degradation of radioisotopically labeled cell proteins has long been applied. Meanwhile, indirect monitoring procedures have been developed. In these assays, autophagosome marker proteins, microtubule‐associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B‐II (LC3B‐II) and gamma‐aminobutyric acid receptor‐associated protein‐II (GABARAP‐II) have been analyzed and the validity of the assays strongly depends on appropriate assessment of the fluctuation of LC3‐II and/or GABARAP‐II levels in the presence or absence of lysosomal inhibitors. This article describes these monitoring methods, paying special attention to the principles and characteristics of each procedure.
Online laboratory exercise on computational biology: Phylogenetic analyses and protein modeling based on SARS‐CoV‐2 data during COVID‐19 remote instruction
Authors: Lorusso Nicholas S. , Shumskaya Maria
Published: September 2020

Suspended on‐site instruction during the COVID‐19 created an exceptional challenge for teaching hands‐on laboratory classes. We designed an online laboratory activity using computational biology techniques to overcome this issue. This set of online exercises introduces bioinformatics skills into existing curricula in the form of guided tutorials based on molecular data on SARS‐CoV‐2 virus.
Relationship between SDB and short‐term outcome in Finnish ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Haula Tuuli‐Maria , Puustinen Juha , Takala Mari , Holm Anu
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Presence of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) affects negatively recovery from stroke. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and outcome measures in Finnish stroke unit cohort: mRS, need of rehabilitation and hospitalization time.

Material and Methods

An observational longitudinal study consisted of 95 patients referred to the Stroke Unit of Satakunta Hospital District over a period of November 2013 to March 2016. Patients were tested for SDB within 72 hr from the hospital admission because of ischemic stroke or TIA. The patients underwent polysomnography with NOX T3 wireless recorder.

Results

There are 37% (n = 35) non‐OSA patients, 20% (n = 19) of patients have mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 39% (n = 37) have moderate/severe OSA and 4% (n = 4) have CSA. Patients with OSA have higher proportion of disability scores of mRS 3–5 (38%) compared to non‐OSA (11%) and mild OSA (5%) patients on registration day (mRS0), and the same trend is seen at hospital discharge 35% versus 9% and 5%. (p = .009). Proportion of patients with OSA who needed rehabilitation is 65% (n = 19) versus non‐OSA patients 17.5% (n = 4) and mild OSA patients 17.5% (n = 4; p = .039). We observed longer duration of hospitalization (5–15 days) in 29% of OSA patients compared to mild OSA patients 47% and OSA patients 54%. (p = .045).

Conclusion

Ischemic stroke patients with OSA have higher disability, higher need of rehabilitation, and longer hospitalization length. Prescreening tools for recognizing these stroke patients in acute phase could be valuable. That could result in earlier initiation of treatment and might prevent worse recovery from stroke.
Clinical characteristics and survival of 5283 esophageal cancer patients: A multicenter study from eighteen hospitals across six regions in China
Authors: He Yutong , Liang Di , Du Lingbin , Guo Tiantian , Liu Yanyu , Sun Xibin , Wang Ning , Zhang Min , Wei Kuangrong , Shan Baoen , Chen Wanqing
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the potential determining epidemiological and clinical risk factors affecting the survival of esophageal cancer (EC) patients across multiple hospitals in China.

Methods

This was a multicenter study comprising of newly diagnosed EC cases from Beijing, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Zhejiang, and Guangdong Province of China. Their baseline characteristics and treatment methods data were collected from their medical records. The EpiData software was used for data quality control. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate their overall survival (OS), and the Cox's proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The 3‐ and 5‐year OS rates of the 5283 investigated EC patients were 49.98% and 39.07%, respectively. Their median survival was 36.00 months. The median survival time of females was longer than that of males (females vs. males: 45.00 vs. 33.00, P < 0.001). The 5‐year OS rate of patients who never‐smoked was higher than that of smokers (never‐smokers vs smokers: 40.73% vs. 37.84%, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the 5‐year OS rate between drinkers and never‐drinkers (drinkers vs never‐drinkers: 34.22% vs. 29.65%, P = 0.330). In multivariate analysis, pathological stage (stage II: HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.40‐2.31; stage III: HR = 2.62, 95% CI = 2.06‐3.34; stage IV: HR = 3.90, 95% CI = 2.98‐5.09), poor differentiation/undifferentiated (HR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.11‐1.63), not married status (HR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.49‐4.04), production and service personnel (HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.83) and farming/fishing (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.12‐1.76) were independent prognostic risk factors for poor EC survival. Tumors in the thoracic or abdominal part of the esophagus, female and family history of any cancer were independent factors predictive of a good EC OS.

Conclusion

Gender, marital status, occupation, family history of any cancer, tumor topographical site, differentiation status, and pathological stage were associated with the survival rate of EC. This study reveals important clinical characteristics of esophageal cancer patients in China and provides helpful information for their clinical management and surveillance.
Study and analysis of antitumor resistance mechanism of PD1/PD‐L1 immune checkpoint blocker
Authors: Wang Zhengyi , Wu Xiaoying
Published: September 2020

Immunocheckpoint proteins of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes play an important role in tumor prognosis in the course of tumor clinicopathology. PD‐1 (Programmed cell death protein 1) is an important immunosuppressive molecule. By binding to PD‐L1 (programmed cell death‐ligand 1), it blocks TCR and its costimulus signal transduction, inhibits the activation and proliferation of T cells, depletes the function of effector T cells, and enables tumor cells to achieve immune escape. In recent years, immunocheckpoint blocking therapy targeting the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis has achieved good results in a variety of malignant tumors, pushing tumor immunotherapy to a new milestone, such as anti‐PD‐1 monoclonal antibody Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, and anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody Atezolizumab, which are considered as potential antitumor drugs. It was found in clinical use that some patients obtained long‐term efficacy, but most of them developed drug resistance recurrence in the later stage. The high incidence of drug resistance (including primary and acquired drug resistance) still cannot be ignored, which limited its clinical application and became a new problem in this field. Due to tumor heterogeneity, current limited research shows that PD‐1 or PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody drug resistance may be related to the following factors: mutation of tumor antigen and antigen presentation process, multiple immune checkpoint interactions, immune microenvironment changes dynamically, activation of oncogenic pathways, gene mutation and epigenetic changes of key proteins in tumors, tumor competitive metabolism, and accumulation of metabolites, etc, mechanisms of resistance are complex. Therefore, it is the most urgent task to further elucidate the mechanism of immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance, discover multitumor universal biomarkers, and develop new target agents to improve the response rate of immunotherapy in patients. In this study, the mechanism of anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 drug resistance in tumors, the potential biomarkers for predicting PD‐1 acquired resistance, and the recent development of combination therapy were reviewed one by one. It is believed that, based on the complex mechanism of drug resistance, it is of no clinical significance to simply search for and regulate drug resistance targets, and it may even produce drug resistance again soon. It is speculated that according to the possible tumor characteristics, three types of treatment methods should be combined to change the tumor microenvironment ecology and eliminate various heterogeneous tumor subsets, so as to reduce tumor drug resistance and improve long‐term clinical efficacy.
Pleasant hostility: Disidentified consumers' emotional and behavioral reactions to a brand crisis
Authors: Ruppel Christopher , Einwiller Sabine
Published: September 2020

This research explores how consumers react in a crisis situation that happens to a brand with which they disidentify. Consumer–brand disidentification (CBD) is a state of self‐categorization regarding the separation from and rejection of a brand. It predestines individuals to move away from and go against the misbehaving company because the failure of the object of disidentification provides a perfect opportunity for them to validate their identity. We argue that disidentification is closely related not only to a person's propensity to behave but also to feel in a specific way. Surveys data were collected in the United States and Germany to answer the research question regarding the role of emotions in the relationship between CBD and consumers' intention to demonstrate brand‐opposition behavior. Volkswagen, which experienced a crisis related to its manipulation of emission tests, served as the brand stimulus. The results show that CBD can stimulate hostile emotions and schadenfreude, which can function as mediators of the influence of disidentification on brand opposition (negative word‐of‐mouth, brand avoidance, punishing the brand). This research contributes to the growing body of research on the “dark side” of consumer‐brand relationships and its perils for brands. It also enhances understanding of the role of emotions in (dis)identification and social identity research and widens the scholarship on emotions in crises. Managerial implications include to thoroughly consider trade‐offs of creating a strong and unique brand that may give rise to disidentification; monitoring negative voices, especially online; and differentiating disidentified consumers from other types of opposing stakeholders.
Artificial Enzymes for Diels‐Alder Reactions
Authors: Ghattas Wadih , Mahy Jean‐Pierre , Réglier Marius , Simaan A. Jalila
Published: September 2020

The Diels‐Alder (DA) reaction is a cycloaddition of a conjugated diene and an alkene (dienophile) leading to the formation of a cyclohexene derivative through a concerted mechanism. As DA reactions generally proceed with a high degree of regio‐ and stereoselectivity, they are widely used in synthetic organic chemistry. Considering eco‐conscious public and governmental movements, efforts are now directed towards the development of synthetic processes that meet environmental concerns. Artificial enzymes, which can be developed to catalyze abiotic reactions, appear to be important synthetic tools in the synthetic biology field. This review describes the different strategies used to develop protein‐based artificial enzymes for DA reactions, including for in cellulo approaches.
Probing the Conformation States of Neurotensin Receptor 1 Variants by NMR Site‐Directed Methyl Labeling
Authors: Goba Inguna , Goricanec David , Schum Dominik , Hillenbrand Matthias , Plückthun Andreas , Hagn Franz
Published: September 2020

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key players in mediating signal transduction across the cell membrane. However, due to their intrinsic instability, many GPCRs are not suitable for structural investigations. Various approaches have been developed in recent years to remedy this situation, ranging from the use of more native membrane mimetics to protein‐stabilization methods. The latter approach typically results in GPCRs that contain various numbers of mutations. However, probing the functionality of such variants by in vitro and in vivo assays is often time consuming. In addition, to validate the suitability of such GPCRs for structural investigations, an assessment of their conformation state is required. NMR spectroscopy has been proven to be suitable to probe the conformation state of GPCRs in solution. Here, by using chemical labeling with an isotope‐labeled methyl probe, we show that the activity and the conformation state of stabilized neurotensin receptor 1 variants obtained from directed evolution can be efficiently assayed in 2D NMR experiments. This strategy enables the quantification of the active and inactive conformation states and the derivation of an estimation of the basal as well as agonist‐induced activity of the receptor. Furthermore, this assay can be used as a readout when re‐introducing agonist‐dependent signaling into a highly stabilized, and thus rigidified, receptor by mutagenesis. This approach will be useful in cases where low production yields do not permit the addition of labeled compounds to the growth medium and where 1D NMR spectra of selectively 19F‐labeled receptors are not sufficient to resolve signal overlap for a more detailed analysis.
Outcomes of retrograde chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: A report from the OPEN‐CTO registry
Authors: Kalra Sanjog , Doshi Darshan , Sapontis James , Kosmidou Ioanna , Kirtane Ajay J. , Moses Jeffrey W. , Riley Robert F. , Jones Philip , Nicholson William J. , Salisbury Adam C. , Lombardi William L. , McCabe James M. , Pershad Ashish , Hirai Taishi , Hakemi Emad , Russo Juan J. , Prasad Megha , Ahmad Yousif , Hatem Raja , Gkargkoulas Fotis , Spertus John A. , Wyman R. Michael , Jaffer Farouc , Spaedy Anthony , Cook Stephen , Marso Steven P. , Nugent Karen , Federici Robert , Yeh Robert W. , Leon Martin B. , Stone Gregg W. , Ali Ziad A. , Parikh Manish A. , Maehara Akiko , Cohen David J. , Batres Candido , Grantham J. Aaron , Karmpaliotis Dimitri
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We sought to assess in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes of retrograde compared with antegrade‐only percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion (CTO PCI).

Background

Procedural and clinical outcomes following retrograde compared with antegrade‐only CTO PCI remain unknown.

Methods

Using the core‐lab adjudicated OPEN‐CTO registry, we compared the outcomes of retrograde to antegrade‐only CTO PCI. Primary endpoints included were in‐hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (all‐cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], emergency cardiac surgery, or clinically significant perforation) and MACCE at 1‐year (all‐cause death, MI, stroke, target lesion revascularization, or target vessel reocclusion).

Results

Among 885 single CTO procedures from the OPEN‐CTO registry, 454 were retrograde and 431 were antegrade‐only. Lesion complexity was higher (J‐CTO score: 2.7 vs. 1.9; p < .001) and technical success lower (82.4 vs. 94.2%; p < .001) in retrograde compared with antegrade‐only procedures. All‐cause death was higher in the retrograde group in‐hospital (2 vs. 0%; p = .003), but not at 1‐year (4.9 vs. 3.3%; p = .29). Compared with antegrade‐only procedures, in‐hospital MACCE rates (composite of all‐cause death, stroke, MI, emergency cardiac surgery, and clinically significant perforation) were higher in the retrograde group (10.8 vs. 3.3%; p < .001) and at 1‐year (19.5 vs. 13.9%; p = .03). In sensitivity analyses landmarked at discharge, there was no difference in MACCE rates at 1 year following retrograde versus antegrade‐only CTO PCI. Improvements in Seattle Angina Questionnaire Quality of Life scores at 1‐year were similar between the retrograde and antegrade‐only groups (29.9 vs 30.4; p = .58).

Conclusions

In the OPEN‐CTO registry, retrograde CTO procedures were associated with higher rates of in‐hospital MACCE compared with antegrade‐only; however, post‐discharge outcomes, including quality of life improvements, were similar between technical modalities.
Distal ureteral stone in an ileal conduit: A case treated by antegrade flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy
Authors: Chang Hao‐Han , Jhan Jhen‐Hao , Huang Tsung‐Yi
Published: September 2020

Antegrade flexible URSL is a minimal invasive option for treating distal ureteral stones in patient after urinary diversion.
Rosai Dorfman Disease —A rare case of cervical lymphadenopathy
Authors: Amiji Insiyah , Mohammed Ummulkheir , Salum Hajaj , Karugaba Emilia , Mkeni Luka , Mumburi Livin , Msafiri Anna , Massawe Higgins
Published: September 2020

Rosai Dorfman disease is a rare cause of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy. In developing countries, it often mimics some infectious diseases and malignancies and is often mismanaged. A high index of suspicion is necessary for its diagnosis. It is seldom life threatening therefore observation is currently the best advocated approach for its management.
Multidisciplinary Preclinical Investigations on Three Oxamniquine Analogues as New Drug Candidates for Schistosomiasis**
Authors: Buchter Valentin , Ong Yih Ching , Mouvet François , Ladaycia Abdallah , Lepeltier Elise , Rothlisberger Ursula , Keiser Jennifer , Gasser Gilles
Published: September 2020

Schistosomiasis is a disease of poverty affecting millions of people. Praziquantel (PZQ), with its strengths and weaknesses, is the only treatment available. We previously reported findings on three lead compounds derived from oxamniquine (OXA), an old antischistosomal drug: ferrocene‐containing (Fc‐CH2‐OXA), ruthenocene‐containing (Rc‐CH2‐OXA) and benzene‐containing (Ph‐CH2‐OXA) OXA derivatives. These derivatives showed excellent in vitro activity against both Schistosoma mansoni larvae and adult worms and S. haematobium adult worms, and were also active in vivo against adult S. mansoni. Encouraged by these promising results, we conducted additional in‐depth preclinical studies and report in this investigation on metabolic stability studies, in vivo studies on S. haematobium and juvenile S. mansoni, computational simulations, and formulation development. Molecular dynamics simulations supported the in vitro results on the target protein. Though all three compounds were poorly stable within an acidic environment, they were only slightly cleared in the in vitro liver model. This is likely the reason why the promising in vitro activity did not translate into in vivo activity on S. haematobium. This limitation could not be overcome by the formulation of lipid nanocapsules as a way to improve the in vivo activity. Further studies should focus on increasing the compound's bioavailability, to reach an active concentration in the microenvironment of the parasite.
Solid‐State Properties of Hexaazatriphenylenehexacarbonitrile HAT(CN)6.− Radical Anions in Crystalline Salts Containing Cryptand(M+) and Crystal Violet Cations
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Mikhailenko Maxim V. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: September 2020

Crystalline {Cryptand[2.2.2](Na+)}{HAT(CN)6.−}⋅0.5C6H4Cl2 (1), {Cryptand[2.2.2](K+)}{HAT(CN)6.−} (2), (CV+){HAT(CN)6.−} (3), and (CV+){HAT(CN)6.−}⋅2C6H4Cl2 (4) salts (where CV+ is the crystal violet cation) containing hexaazatriphenylenehexacarbonitrile radical anions have been obtained. The solid‐state molecular structure as well as the optical and magnetic properties of HAT(CN)6.− are studied. The formation of HAT(CN)6.− in 1–4 leads to the appearance of new bands in the visible range, at 694 and 740 nm. The HAT(CN)6.− radical anions have spin state S=1/2 and are packed in one‐dimensional stacks containing the {HAT(CN)6.−}2 dimers alternated with weaker interacting pairs of HAT(CN)6.− in 1 and nearly isolated {HAT(CN)6.−}2 dimers in 2. The {HAT(CN)6.−}2 dimers are diamagnetic in 1 but they effectively mediate one‐dimensional antiferromagnetic coupling of spins within the stacks with moderate exchange interaction of J/kB = −80 K. The behaviour of salt 2 is described by a singlet–triplet model for the {HAT(CN)6.−}2 dimers with an energy gap of 434(±7) K. Magnetic behaviour of both salts agree well with the data of extended Hückel calculations. Salts 3 and 4 contain isolated stacks of alternated HAT(CN)6.− and CV+ ions, and in this case, nearly paramagnetic behaviour is observed with Weiss temperatures of −1 and −7 K, respectively. Narrow Lorentzian EPR signals with g = 2.0033–2.0039 were found for the HAT(CN)6.− radical anions in 1 and 4 but in solution g‐factor shifts to 1.9964. The electronic structure of HAT(CN)6.− is analysed based on X‐ray diffraction data for 2, showing a Jahn–Teller distortion of the radical anion that reduces the symmetry from D3h to Cs and splits the initially degenerated LUMOs.
Catalytic Processes for the Neutralization of Sulfur Mustard
Authors: Oheix Emmanuel , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric
Published: September 2020

Research on the decontamination of the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard pursues several objectives that include the neutralization of spared ammunition, the cleaning of affected areas, and also the development of protective equipment or tools. Neutralization of vesicant sulfur mustard involves different chemical routes such as hydrolysis, dehydrochlorination, oxidation, or complete mineralization. This review weighs the pros and cons associated with the different systems reported in the literature, with an emphasis on catalytic procedures, to selectively convert sulfur mustard or its simulants into harmless products.
20 Jahre Chemie – die stimmt Ein Schülerwettbewerb im Wandel der Zeit
Authors: Geue Niklas , Bandemer Jan , Strieth‐Kalthoff Felix , Rossa Jan
Published: September 2020

Was vor zwanzig Jahren als spontane Idee im Kopf eines Zwölftklässlers begann, ist heute einer der größten Schülerwettbewerbe Deutschlands im Fachbereich Chemie: „Chemie – die stimmt“ hat sich in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten von einem kleinen Regionalwettbewerb zu einer etablierten Größe im Bereich der Talentförderung an deutschen Schulen entwickelt. Von der Hausaufgabenrunde bis zum Bundesfinale laden theoretische Probleme und praktische Aufgaben jährlich tausende Teilnehmer zum Nachdenken, Knobeln und Experimentieren ein. Wir nehmen das 20‐jährige Jubiläum zum Anlass, zurückzublicken und die Herausforderungen zu beschreiben, vor denen der Wettbewerb heute steht.
PROTOCOL: Psychosocial, pharmacological and legal interventions for improving the psychosocial outcomes of children with substance misusing parents
Authors: Eggins Elizabeth , Dawe Sharon , Wilson David B. , Chandler‐Mather Ned , Betts Joseph
Published: September 2020

This review aims to first enhance and update existing reviews by comprehensively synthesising the full array of psychosocial, pharmacological and legal interventions that aim to improve the psychosocial outcomes of children with substance misusing parents. Second, the review aims to use network meta‐analysis to integrate and examine the comparative impact of these interventions. Specifically, the review will address the following research questions: (1) What is the comparative impact of psychosocial, pharmacological, and legal interventions for improving the psychosocial outcomes of children with substance misusing parents? (2) Does the impact of interventions vary according to the child developmental period (e.g., infancy, early childhood, adolescence) or the type of (a) outcome measure; (b) substance misuse; (c) practitioner implementing the intervention; or (d) intervention setting? (3) Does the impact of interventions vary by the country of implementation?
Luminescent Sulfur Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Properties and Potential Applications
Authors: Gao Pengxiang , Wang Guan , Zhou Li
Published: September 2020

Sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) represent a new class of luminescent nanomaterials. They have shown great potential in numerous application fields including sensing, cell imaging, photocatalysis, light emitting diodes and polymer nanocomposites, due to their unique composition, favorable optical properties, low toxicity, fine processability and low cost. This Minireview summarizes the recent research progress on the synthesis, characterization, properties and applications of SQDs, especially those synthesized from elemental sulfur. Critical yet unsolved issues in the synthesis and applications of SQDs are also discussed. In addition, an outlook for future research trends of SQDs is presented.
A Protocol to Study Mitochondrial Function in Human Neural Progenitors and iPSC‐Derived Astrocytes
Authors: Assis‐de‐Lemos Gabriela , Ledur Pítia Flores , Karmirian Karina , Rehen Stevens Kastrup , Galina Antonio
Published: September 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central component in the pathophysiology of multiple neuropsychiatric and degenerative disorders. Evaluating mitochondrial function in human‐derived neural cells can help characterize dysregulation in oxidative metabolism associated with the onset of brain disorders, and may also help define targeted therapies. Astrocytes play a number of different key roles in the brain, being implicated in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, blood‐brain‐barrier permeability, and homeostasis, and, consequently, the malfunctioning of astrocytes is related to many neuropathologies. Here we describe protocols for generating induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)−derived astrocytes and evaluating multiple aspects of mitochondrial function. We use a high‐resolution respirometry assay that measures real‐time variations in mitochondrial oxygen flow, allowing the evaluation of cellular respiration in the context of an intact intracellular microenvironment, something not possible with permeabilized cells or isolated mitochondria, where the cellular microenvironment is disrupted. Given that an impairment in the mitochondrial regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis is involved in many pathologic stresses, we also describe a protocol to evaluate mitochondrial calcium dynamics in human neural cells, by fluorimetry. Lastly, we outline a mitochondrial function assay that allows for the measurement of the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial hexokinase (mt‐HK), an enzyme that is functionally coupled to oxidative phosphorylation and is involved in redox homeostasis, particularly in the brain. In all, these protocols allow a detailed characterization of mitochondrial function in human neural cells. High‐resolution respirometry, calcium dynamics, and mt‐HK activity assays provide data regarding the functional status of mitochondria, which may reflect mitochondrial stress or dysfunction. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Generation of iPSC‐derived human astrocytes

Basic Protocol 2: Measuring real‐time oxygen flux in human iPSC‐derived astrocytes using a high‐resolution OROBOROS Oxygraph 2k (O2k)

Basic Protocol 3: Measuring mitochondrial calcium dynamics fluorometrically in permeabilized human neural cells

Basic Protocol 4: Measuring OXPHOS‐dependent activity of mitochondrial hexokinase in permeabilized human neural cells using a spectrophotometer
Lignin Intermediates on Palladium: Insights into Keto‐Enol Tautomerization from Theoretical Modelling
Authors: de Andrade Ageo Meier , Srifa Pemikar , Broqvist Peter , Hermansson Kersti
Published: September 2020

It has been suggested in the literature that keto‐to‐enol tautomerization plays a vital role for lignin fragmentation under mild conditions. On the other hand, previous modelling has shown that the adsorbed keto form is more stable than enol on the Pd(111) catalyst. The current density functional theory study of lignin model molecules shows that, in the gas‐phase, keto is more stable than enol, but on the Pd surface, we find enol conformers that are at least as stable as keto. This supports the experimental result that the favourable reaction pathway for lignin depolymerization involves keto‐enol tautomerization. An energy decomposition analysis gives insights concerning the origin of the fine energy balance between the keto and enol forms, where the molecule–surface interaction (−7 eV) and the molecular strain energy (+3 eV) are the main contributors to the adsorption energy.
NbOPO4Supported Rh Nanoparticles with Strong Metal−Support Interactions for Selective CO2Hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Lingxiang , Fang Wei , Wang Liang , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: September 2020

Strong metal−support interactions (SMSI) could improve the performance of nanoparticle catalysts through the electronic and geometric modulation of the reducible metal oxide supports. Here, SMSI is demonstrated to occur for catalysts with non‐oxide carrier, such as NbOPO4‐supported Rh nanoparticles, under reduction treatment at low temperature. During CO2hydrogenation, this Rh/NbOPO4catalyst with SMSI exhibits impressive CO selectivity at high CO2conversion in a wide temperature range with hindered methanation. For example, over 98.9 % CO selectivity was obtained with 39.9 % CO2conversion at 500 °C. Mechanism investigations demonstrate that the SMSI results in the formation of a metal−support interface with weaker CO adsorption than the metallic Rh sites, thus accelerating the CO desorption, which hinders deep hydrogenation. Rh nanoparticles with small diameter of about 1.1 nm is sinter‐resistant with unchanged performance during a long‐period test. This work might extend the investigation of SMSI from oxides to phosphate supports, which helps optimizing the selectivity and stability of metal nanoparticle catalysts.
Natural HDAC‐1/8 inhibitor baicalein exerts therapeutic effect in CBF‐AML
Authors: Yu Xiaoxuan , Li Hui , Hu Po , Qing Yingjie , Wang Xiangyuan , Zhu Mengyuan , Wang Hongzheng , Wang Zhanyu , Xu Jingyan , Guo Qinglong , Hui Hui
Published: September 2020

Background

Although targeting histone deacetylases (HDACs) may be an effective strategy for core binding factor‐acute myeloid leukemia (CBF‐AML) harboring t(8;21) or inv(16), HDAC inhibitors are reported to be limited by drug‐resistant characteristic. Our purpose is to evaluate the anti‐leukemia effects of Baicalein on CBF‐AML and clarify its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Enzyme activity assay was used to measure the activity inhibition of HDACs. Rhodamine123 and RT‐qPCR were employed to evaluate the distribution of drugs and the change of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes. CCK8, Annexin V/PI, and FACS staining certified the effects of Baicalein on cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. Duolink and IP assay assessed the interaction between HDAC‐1 and ubiquitin, HSP90 and AML1‐ETO, and Ac‐p53 and CBFβ‐MYH11. AML cell lines and primary AML cells‐bearing NOD/SCID mice models were used to evaluate the anti‐leukemic efficiency and potential mechanism of Baicalein in vivo.

Results

Baicalein showed HDAC‐1/8 inhibition to trigger growth suppression and differentiation induction of AML cell lines and primary AML cells. Although the inhibitory action on HDAC‐1 was mild, Baicalein could induce the degradation of HDAC‐1 via ubiquitin proteasome pathway, thereby upregulating the acetylation of Histone H3 without promoting ABC transporter genes expression. Meanwhile, Baicalein increased the acetylation of HSP90 and lessened its connection to AML1/ETO, consequently leading to degradation of AML1‐ETO in t(8;21)q(22;22) AML cells. In inv(16) AML cells, Baicalein possessed the capacity of apoptosis induction accompanied with p53‐mediated apoptosis genes expression. Moreover, CBFβ‐MYH11‐bound p53 acetylation was restored via HDAC‐8 inhibition induced by Baicalein contributing the diminishing of survival of CD34+ inv(16) AML cells.

Conclusions

These findings improved the understanding of the epigenetic regulation of Baicalein, and warrant therapeutic potential of Baicalein for CBF‐AML.
A three‐lncRNA signature of pretreatment biopsies predicts pathological response and outcome in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Chaoqi , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Guochao , Xue Liyan , Yang Haijun , Luo Yuejun , Zheng Xiaoli , Zhang Yonglei , Yuan Yufen , Lei Ruixue , Yang Zhaoyang , Zheng Bo , Zhang Zhen , Wang Le , Che Yun , Wang Sihui , Wang Feng , Fang Lingling , Zeng Qingpeng , Li Jiagen , Gao Shugeng , Xue Qi , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: September 2020

Background

Current strategies are insufficient to predict pathologically complete response (pCR) for esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) before treatment. Here, we aim to develop a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature for pCR and outcome prediction of ESCCs through a multicenter analysis for a Chinese population.

Methods

Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) between pCRs and less than pCR (<pCR) in the pretreated cancer biopsies were identified from 28 cases in Guangzhou cohort and verified from 30 cases in Beijing discovery cohort. Then a prediction model was built through Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (FLDA) of 67 cases in Beijing training cohort. Then an internal cohort and an integrated external cohort (Zhengzhou and Anyang cohorts) were used to validate the predictive accuracy. The prognostic value of this signature was also evaluated.

Results

Twelve DELs were identified from Guangzhou cohort and six lncRNAs were verified. Then, a classifier of three lncRNAs (SCAT1, PRKAG2‐AS1, and FLG‐AS1) was established and achieved a high accuracy with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.952 in the training cohort, which was well validated in the internal validation cohort and external cohort with the AUCs of 0.856 and 0.817, respectively. Furthermore, the predictive score was identified as the only independent predictor for pCR. Patients with high discriminant score showed a significantly longer overall and relapse‐free survival (P < .05).

Conclusions

We developed the first and applicable three‐lncRNA signature of pCR and outcome prediction, which is robust and reproducible in multicenter cohorts for ESCCs with nCRT.