bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acridine‐Based Covalent Organic Framework Photosensitizer with Broad‐Spectrum Light Absorption for Antibacterial Photocatalytic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Guo Jiangna , Zou Xiuyang , Guo Siyu , Guo Yu , Shi Rongwei , Yan Feng
Published: June 2021

Antibiotic resistance is considered as one of the serious public health issues. Antibacterial photocatalytic therapy, a clinically proven antibacterial therapy, is gaining increasing attention in recent years owing to its high efficacy. Here, an acridine‐based covalent organic framework (COF) photosensitizer, named TPDA, with multiple active sites is synthesized via Schiff base condensation between 2,4,6‐triformylphloroglucinol (TFP) and 3,6‐diaminoacridine (DAA). Owing to the increased conjugation effect of the COF skeleton and outstanding light harvesting ability of DAA, TPDA exhibits a narrow optical band gap (1.6 eV), enhancing light energy transformation and conferring a wide optical absorption spectrum (intensity arbitrary unit > 0.8) ranging from the UV to near‐infrared region. Moreover, TPDA shows high antibacterial activities against both gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria within a short time (10 min) of light irradiation and is found to efficiently protect fish from skin infections. Molecular dynamics simulation data show that the introduction of DAA and TFP facilitates the interaction between TPDA and bacteria and is conducive to reactive oxygen species migration, which further improves the antimicrobial performance. These findings indicate the potential of TPDA as a novel photosensitive material for photodynamic therapy.
Orthorhombic Cobalt Ditelluride with Te Vacancy Defects Anchoring on Elastic MXene Enables Efficient Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Xu Xiaodan , Zhang Yelong , Sun Hongyang , Zhou Jianwen , Liu Zheng , Qiu Zhenping , Wang Da , Yang Chao , Zeng Qingguang , Peng Zhangquan , Guo Shaojun
Published: June 2021

The fast and reversible potassiation/depotassiation of anode materials remains an elusive yet intriguing goal. Herein, a class of the P‐doping‐induced orthorhombic CoTe2 nanowires with Te vacancy defects supported on MXene (o‐P‐CoTe2/MXene) is designed and prepared, taking advantage of the synergistic effects of the conductive o‐P‐CoTe2 arrays with rich Te vacancy defects and the elastic MXene sheets with self‐autoadjustable function. Consequently, the o‐P‐CoTe2/MXene superstructure exhibits boosted potassium‐storage performance, in terms of high reversible capacity (373.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 200 cycles), remarkable rate capability (168.2 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1), and outstanding long‐term cyclability (0.011% capacity decay per cycle over 2000 cycles at 2 A g−1), representing the best performance in transition‐metal‐dichalcogenides‐based anodes to date. Impressively, the flexible full battery with o‐P‐CoTe2/MXene anode achieves a satisfying energy density of 275 Wh kg−1 and high bending stability. The kinetics analysis and first‐principles calculations reveal superior pseudocapacitive property, high electronic conductivity, and favorable K+ ion adsorption and diffusion capability, corroborating fast K+ ion storage. Especially, ex situ characterizations confirm o‐P‐CoTe2/MXene undergoes reversible evolutions of initially proceeding with the K+ ion insertion, followed by the conversion reaction mechanism.
Photoluminescence of Fully Inorganic Colloidal Gold Nanocluster and Their Manipulation Using Surface Charge Effects
Authors: Ziefuss Anna R. , Steenbock Torben , Benner Dominik , Plech Anton , Göttlicher Jörg , Teubner Melissa , Grimm‐Lebsanft Benjamin , Rehbock Christoph , Comby‐Zerbino Clothilde , Antoine Rodolphe , Amans David , Chakraborty Indranath , Bester Gabriel , Nachev Milen , Sures Bernd , Rübhausen Michael , Parak Wolfgang J. , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: June 2021

Fully inorganic, colloidal gold nanoclusters (NCs) constitute a new class of nanomaterials that are clearly distinguishable from their commonly studied metal–organic ligand‐capped counterparts. As their synthesis by chemical methods is challenging, details about their optical properties remain widely unknown. In this work, laser fragmentation in liquids is performed to produce fully inorganic and size‐controlled colloidal gold NCs with monomodal particle size distributions and an fcc‐like structure. Results reveal that these NCs exhibit highly pronounced photoluminescence with quantum yields of 2%. The emission behavior of small (2–2.5 nm) and ultrasmall (<1 nm) NCs is significantly different and dominated by either core‐ or surface‐based emission states. It is further verified that emission intensities are a function of the surface charge density, which is easily controllable by the pH of the surrounding medium. This experimentally observed correlation between surface charge and photoluminescence emission intensity is confirmed by density functional theoretical simulations, demonstrating that fully inorganic NCs provide an appropriate material to bridge the gap between experimental and computational studies of NCs. The presented study deepens the understanding of electronic structures in fully inorganic colloidal gold NCs and how to systematically tune their optical properties via surface charge density and particle size.
Understanding Nanoscale Topology–Adhesion Relationships Via Support Vector Regression
Authors: Khatri Nava Raj , Ji Xin , Minsky Helen K. , Jiang Yijie
Published: June 2021

Adhesion is an important property related to interfacial failure and is crucial in nanofabrication, nanodevices, and biomedicine. Nanoscale roughness significantly reduces the adhesion predicted by classical mechanical models. To quantify the adhesion, an intrinsic traction–separation relation is required. Previous investigations establish traction separation laws with pre‐assumed forms and use statistical topological parameters to summarize details of roughness. Here, support vector regression (SVR) is performed on nanoscale topology–adhesion correlated atomic force microscopy (AFM) data to establish a data‐driven traction–separation relation. Instead of using statistical parameters, full details of the roughness are used as input features. Over 200 000 topological data sets are analyzed and an accurate prediction of adhesion with R2 more than 0.98 is achieved. More importantly, a traction–separation relation is derived from an SVR‐based machine learning process, followed by validation via finite element analysis. This work presents an AFM–SVR integrated approach to characterize nanoscale adhesion that can be generalized for different materials and interfaces.
Engineering Dual Active Sites at the Interface between Nanoporous Pt and Nanosized CeO2 to Enhance Photo‐Thermocatalytic CO Oxidation
Authors: Qi Fugong , Zhang Jinfeng , Song Lizhu , Niu Shiyu , Yang Zhenwen , Wang Ying , Qiu Qiwen
Published: June 2021

Effective catalytic oxidation of toxic emissions at low temperatures has great significance on environmental protection. Herein, a novel structure of Pt/CeO2 catalyst, composed of abundant CeO2 clusters captured by nanoporous Pt particles, is designed to enhance the photo‐thermocatalytic CO oxidation by boosting the amount of active sites. The nanosized CeO2 support is fabricated by vacuum thermal decomposition and then the Pt/CeO2 catalyst with a nanoporous structure is synthesized by a one‐pot solution reduction method in a mild condition. The synthesized catalyst exhibits great low‐temperature CO catalytic oxidation activity, and the temperature for 90% CO conversion is 154 °C, achieving comparable catalytic activity with the single‐atom Pt/CeO2 catalyst. Abundant dual active sites, in terms of active oxygen absorbed on the oxygen vacancies and spillover from ceria to Pt, and active Pt sites located near the perimeter of the Pt–CeO2 interface, are formed to improve the photo‐thermocatalytic activity for CO oxidation.
Stable Ultrathin Perovskite/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite Films for Imperceptible Multi‐Color Fluorescent Anti‐Counterfeiting Labels
Authors: Sun Junlu , Hua Qilin , Zhao Mengqi , Dong Lin , Chang Yu , Wu Wenqiang , Li Jing , Chen Qiushuo , Xi Jianguo , Hu Weiguo , Pan Caofeng , Shan Chongxin
Published: June 2021

As an essential part of information security in the Internet of Things (IoT), fluorescent labels possess a principal portion of anti‐counterfeiting due to its easy fabrication, low cost, and high yield. Here an ultrathin, stable, and patterned multi‐color fluorescent label with perovskite/polyvinylidene fluoride composite film is presented, which registers a resolution of 56.4 dpi and almost maintains its original fluorescent intensity after being immersed in water for 120 h. The variable color of fluorescent labels will improve the anti‐counterfeiting dimensions for the information security due to precise halogen constitutions. The imperceptible fluorescent labels are typically with a thickness of 1.2 um and a weight of 1.2 mg. They can be conformally adhered on the arbitrary curved substrate as the intelligent multi‐color fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting labels for IoT applications.
Cyclic Thermal Effects on Devices of Two‐Dimensional Layered Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Kim Yeonsu , Kaczer Ben , Verreck Devin , Grill Alexander , Kim Doyoon , Song Jaeick , Diaz‐Fortuny Javier , Vici Andrea , Park Jongseon , Van Beek Simon , Simicic Marko , Bury Erik , Chasin Adrian , Linten Dimitri , Lee Jaewoo , Chun Jungu , Kim Seongji , Seo Beumgeun , Choi Junhee , Shim Joon Hyung , Lee Kookjin , Kim Gyu‐Tae
Published: June 2021

Field‐effect transistors (FETs), using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) as channels, have various types of interfaces, and their characteristics are sensitively changed in temperature and electrical stress. In this article, the effect of fast cyclic thermal stress on the performance of FETs using TMD as a channel is investigated and introduced. The Al2O3 passivation layer is deposited onto the TMD channel by atomic layer deposition process, and the hysteresis decreases and the direction changes from clockwise to counterclockwise. Applying cyclic thermal stress that rapidly heats and cools by 90 K in a 20 s cycle increases and decreases drain current repeatedly as charges move between the TMD channel and the interface traps. As cyclic thermal stress is applied, permanent interfacial damage occurs, resulting in increased interface trap density at the bottom and decreased hysteresis. These experimental results are also shown through technology computer‐aided design simulations. In addition, series resistance and mobility attenuation factor increase due to the concentration of the conduction paths at the bottom of the channel.
Gut microbiota alterations and health status in aging adults: From correlation to causation
Authors: Wu Yong‐Lin , Xu Jun , Rong Xing‐Yu , Wang Feifei , Wang Hui‐Jing , Zhao Chao
Published: June 2021

The deterioration of tissue structure and decline in physiological function during aging are accompanied by alterations to the gut microbiota. The elderly has higher risks of various diseases and chronic diseases. However, inter‐individual differences are more apparent in elderly than younger, and a proportion of individuals have a delayed onset or even avoid developing chronic diseases. This difference in health status is influenced by both heredity and Lifestyle and environmental factors. During the process of aging, the gut microbiota is also affected by the external environment, and provides a buffer to external challenge, and thus the gut microbiota reflects an individual's personal experience. Moreover, the immune system undergoes a series of changes with age, which are related to chronic inflammation in the elderly. The formation, maturation and senescence of the intestinal immune system is closely related to the gut microbiota. Additionally, changes in the gut microbiota of elderly individuals may modulate the immune system, which may in turn affect health status. Herein, we summarize the correlations between the gut microbiota with individual health status in the elderly and explore the related mechanisms, which may provide a basis to maintain or enhance the health of the elderly though interventions targeting the gut microbiota.
Rational design for thermochromic luminescence in amorphous polystyrene films with bis‐o‐carborane‐substituted enhanced conjugated molecule having aggregation‐induced luminochromism
Authors: Wada Keisuke , Hashimoto Kazushi , Ochi Junki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: June 2021

We designed the triad molecule, bis‐o‐carborane‐substituted bis(thienylethynyl)benzene, as a filler for realizing thermochromic luminescent behaviors based on conventional polymer films, such as polystyrene. From the optical measurements, it was found that the triad can show solid‐state emission and dual‐luminescent properties with variable intensity ratios depending on media. From the mechanistic studies including the experiments with the methyl‐substituted model compound, it was revealed that dual emission should be originated from the locally excited and twisted intramolecular charge transfer states, and the latter emission band is significantly enhanced in the solid states. We prepared amorphous films containing variable concentrations of the triad with the spin‐coating method and investigated optical properties. It was found that intensity ratios were drastically changed by altering the concentration of the triad. By increasing the proportion of the triad, aggregation occurred, and emission color was apparently varied through the changes in intensity ratios of the dual emission property. Based on the aggregation‐induced luminochromic property of the triad, thermochromic luminescence was finally realized by heating the amorphous films. The rational design for obtaining thermochromic luminescent amorphous films is illustrated in this paper.
Metallacycles, metallacages, and their aggregate/optical behavior
Authors: Sun Yan , Stang Peter J.
Published: June 2021

Since the first metallacycle was prepared by Verkade in 1983, various metallacycles and metallacages with controllable nanoscale shapes and sizes have been created by modular design and synthesis, showing unique properties that enable applications in catalysis, sensors, and biomedicine. Everything from their photophysical properties to their antitumor activities and catalysis was found to be influenced by their suprastructures. Thus, it is necessary and helpful to develop a systematic understanding of the relationships among the micro/nanostructures, the resultant photophysical/chemical properties, and the corresponding applications. In this review, we summarized the latest progress in this area in approximately the past 5 years.
Milestones in treatments for inborn errors of metabolism: Reflections on Where chemistry and medicine meet
Authors: Vernon Hilary J. , Manoli Irini
Published: June 2021

From Sir Archibald Garrod's initial description of the tetrad of albinism, alkaptonuria, cystinuria, and pentosuria to today, the field of medicine dedicated to inborn errors of metabolism has evolved from disease identification and mechanistic discovery to the development of therapies designed to subvert biochemical defects. In this review, we highlight major milestones in the treatment and diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism, starting with dietary therapy for phenylketonuria in the 1950s and 1960s, and ending with current approaches in genetic manipulation.
Chalcogen‐Bonding Catalysis with Telluronium Cations
Authors: Weiss Robin , Aubert Emmanuel , Pale Patrick , Mamane Victor
Published: June 2021

Chalcogen bonding results from non‐covalent interactions occurring between electrodeficient chalcogen atoms and Lewis bases. Among the chalcogens, tellurium is the strongest Lewis acid, but Te‐based compounds are scarcely used as organocatalysts. For the first time, telluronium cations demonstrated impressive catalytic properties at low loadings in three benchmark reactions: the Friedel–Crafts bromination of anisole, the bromolactonization of ω‐unsaturated carboxylic acids and the aza‐Diels–Alder between Danishefsky's diene and imines. The ability of telluronium cations to interact with a Lewis base through chalcogen bonding was demonstrated on the basis of multi‐nuclear (17O, 31P, and 125Te) NMR analysis and DFT calculations.
Post‐Translational Formation of Aminomalonate by a Promiscuous Peptide‐Modifying Radical SAM Enzyme
Authors: Ma Suze , Chen Heng , Li He , Ji Xinjian , Deng Zixin , Ding Wei , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2021

Aminomalonate (Ama) is a widespread structural motif in Nature, whereas its biosynthetic route is only partially understood. In this study, we show that a radical S‐adenosylmethionine (rSAM) enzyme involved in cyclophane biosynthesis exhibits remarkable catalytic promiscuity. This enzyme, named three‐residue cyclophane forming enzyme (3‐CyFE), mainly produces cyclophane in vivo, whereas it produces formylglycine (FGly) as a major product and barely produce cyclophane in vitro. Importantly, the enzyme can further oxidize FGly to produce Ama. Bioinformatic study revealed that 3‐CyFEs have evolved from a common ancestor with anaerobic sulfatase maturases (anSMEs), and possess a similar set of catalytic residues with anSMEs. Remarkably, the enzyme does not need leader peptide for activity and is fully active on a truncated peptide containing only 5 amino acids of the core sequence. Our work discloses the first ribosomal path towards Ama formation, providing a possible hint for the rich occurrence of Ama in Nature.
Physical and mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin matrix from recycled PET (based PG) with corn straw fiber
Authors: Wilson García Nora Abigail , Almaral Sánchez Jorge Luis , Vargas Ortiz Ramón Álvaro , Hurtado Macías Abel , Flores Ramírez Nelly , Aguilar Palazuelos Ernesto , Flores Valenzuela Joaquín , Castro Beltrán Andrés , Alvarado Beltrán Clemente Guadalupe
Published: June 2021

In this study, composites of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), synthesized from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with 10 to 40% in volume of corn straw fiber (CSF), were elaborated and studied the effect of fiber content on their physical and mechanical properties. The content of cellulose (48.97%), hemicellulose (24.06%), and lignin (6.59%) were determined by chemical characterization of CSF. The characteristic bonds of the UPR were identified as a cross‐linking network between the styrene monomer (ST) and the unsaturated polyester (UP) through FTIR. Two decomposition stages were observed by TGA–DTG. The results of physical and mechanical properties showed that as the fiber content increased in the UPR, the water absorption increased (0.6% to 2.56%), on the other hand, the density (1218.23 to 1150.28 kg/m3), flexural strength (50.58 to 26.98 MPa), flexural modulus (2.66 to 2.29 GPa), tensile strength (8.62 to 3.65 MPa), tensile modulus (1.18 to 0.43 GPa), and hardness (81.67 to 65.67 Shore D), they decreased. SEM analysis showed some defects in the fiber distribution in the UPR, which affected the mechanical properties of the composites. This research contributes to the development of new material from use of two waste materials for the benefit of the environment.
The nasal region of the ~417 ka Sima de los Huesos (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain) Hominin: New terminology and implications for later human evolution
Authors: Schwartz Jeffrey H. , Pantoja‐Pérez Ana , Arsuaga Juan Luis
Published: June 2021

Circum‐nasal and nasal cavity morphology add to the picture of the Sima de los Huesos specimens as, at one level, representing a distinct morph and, at another, displaying individual variation. They developed a robust, midline‐grooved, three‐dimensional spinal ridge lying anteriorly in the nasal cavity floor that was distended posteriorly over the nasal cavity floor, and, typically, an expansive, three‐dimensional patch of rugose bone on the nasal cavity wall where a conchal crest would otherwise lie. They vary, for example, in degree of topographic relief of the nasal cavity wall, expression of the spinal ridge, and development of nasal crests and fossae. Lacking an anterior nasal spine, Sima specimens differ from extant and most fossil Homo sapiens, some specimens attributed to H. heidelbergensis, and the Gran Dolina partial face, whose anterior nasal spine is a superoanterior distention of the nasoalveolar clivus, and also from Neanderthals, whose anterior nasal spine projects anteriorly away from the nasoalveolar clivus. Comparison of Neanderthals, the Sima hominin, and specimens regarded as H. heidelbergensis calls for re‐evaluating the integrity of “heidelbergensis” and rethinking the phylogenetic relationships of them all. To precisely describe the numerous features and combinations thereof of the nasal region in Sima specimens, and compare them with Neandertals and “H. heidelbergensis”, we developed terminology that is applicable not only to hominins, but to mammals in general.
Phase III/IV, Randomized, Fifty‐Two–Week Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Belimumab in Patients of Black African Ancestry With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ginzler Ellen , Guedes Barbosa Luiz Sergio , D'Cruz David , Furie Richard , Maksimowicz‐McKinnon Kathleen , Oates James , Santiago Mittermayer Barreto , Saxena Amit , Sheikh Saira , Bass Damon L. , Burriss Susan W. , Gilbride Jennifer A. , Groark James G. , Miller Michelle , Pierce Amy , Roth David A. , Ji Beulah
Published: June 2021

Objective

Enrollment of patients of Black African ancestry with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in phase II and phase III of the belimumab trials was not reflective of the racial distribution observed in the lupus population. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) belimumab plus standard therapy in patients of self‐identified Black race.

Methods

EMBRACE (GSK Study BEL115471; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01632241) was a 52‐week multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in adults of self‐identified Black race with active SLE who received monthly belimumab 10 mg/kg IV, or placebo, plus standard therapy. The optional 26‐week open‐label extension phase included patients who completed the double‐blind phase. The primary end point of the study was SLE Responder Index (SRI) response rate at week 52 with modified proteinuria scoring adapted from the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) (SRI–SLEDAI‐2K). Key secondary end points included SRI response rate at week 52, time to first severe SLE flare, and reductions in prednisone dose.

Results

The modified intent‐to‐treat population comprised 448 patients, of whom 96.9% were women and the mean ± SD age was 38.8 ± 11.42 years. The primary end point (improvement in the SRI–SLEDAI‐2K response rate at week 52) was not achieved (belimumab 48.7%, placebo 41.6%; odds ratio 1.40 [95% confidence interval 0.93, 2.11], P = 0.1068); however, numerical improvements favoring belimumab were observed, in which the SRI–SLEDAI‐2K response rates were higher in those who received belimumab compared with those who received placebo, especially in patients with SLE who had high disease activity or renal manifestations at baseline. The safety profile of belimumab was generally consistent with that observed in previous SLE trials. Adverse events were the primary reasons for double‐blind phase withdrawals (belimumab 5.4%, placebo 6.7%).

Conclusion

The primary end point of this study was not achieved, but improvement with belimumab versus placebo was observed, suggesting that belimumab remains a suitable treatment option for SLE management in patients of Black African ancestry.
What factors motivate male and female Generation Z students to become engaged as peer teachers? A mixed‐method study among medical and dental students in the gross anatomy course
Authors: Messerer David A. C. , Kraft Sophie F. , Horneffer Astrid , Messerer Laura A. S. , Böckers Tobias M. , Böckers Anja
Published: June 2021

Peer‐teaching is widely established in anatomy teaching and offers well‐described advantages. Nevertheless, at Ulm University, Germany, a reduction in the number of peer teacher applicants for the dissection course was observed. This study examined factors related to the attractiveness of a position as a peer teacher for Generation Z students. Participants of the gross anatomy course were asked to evaluate factors influencing the attractiveness of a peer teacher position using a six‐point Likert scale. Additionally, open‐ended questions were analyzed qualitatively. Sex‐specific subgroup analysis was performed comparing students of low and high motivation to apply for a tutorship. Of the 374 students who participated in this study (response rate 53%), 38% stated that they were intending to apply as peer teachers. Data indicated that students displayed intrinsic motivation to apply for a tutorship because of the opportunity to improve their anatomy knowledge and/or their pleasure in teaching. In contrast, extrinsic factors like remuneration of the tutorship and its relevance for their curriculum vitae were least important. Anatomy educators underestimated the demotivating factor of the workload associated with the tutorship and encouraged students less frequently to apply than peer teachers. Only minor sex‐specific differences could be identified. Nevertheless, female students were encouraged less frequently to apply than their male peers. In summary, Generation Z students apply as peer teachers because they are enthusiastic about the task. To motivate students to commit to extracurricular activities like a tutorship, anatomy educators should actively encourage students—particularly females—more frequently to apply.
Biological insights into the rapid tissue regeneration of freshwater crayfish and crustaceans
Authors: Feleke Mesalie , Bennett Samuel , Chen Jiazhi , Chandler David , Hu Xiaoyong , Xu Jiake
Published: June 2021

The freshwater crayfish is capable of regenerating limbs, following autotomy, injury and predation. In arthropod species, regeneration and moulting are two processes linked and strongly regulated by ecdysone. The regeneration of crayfish limbs is divided into wound healing, blastema formation, cellular reprogramming and tissue patterning. Limb blastema cells undergo proliferation, dedifferentiation and redifferentiation. A limb bud, containing folded segments of the regenerating limb, is encased within a cuticular sheath. The functional limb regenerates, in proecdysis, in two to three consecutive moults. Rapid tissue growth is regulated by hormones, limb nerves and local cells. The TGF‐β/activin signalling pathway has been determined in the crayfish,P. fallax f. virginalis, and is suggested as a potential regulator of tissue regeneration. In this review article, we discuss current understanding of tissue regeneration in the crayfish and various crustaceans. A thorough understanding of the cellular, genetic and molecular pathways of these biological processes is promising for the development of therapeutic applications for a wide array of diseases in regenerative medicine.
Plasmapheresis for the management of acute cyanide poisoning: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Namakizadeh Esfahani Navid , Zoofaghari Shafeajafar , Akhavan Sigari Amirhossein , Dorooshi Gholamali
Published: June 2021

In case of mild to moderate cyanide poisoning, especially when standard antidote kits are not readily available, plasmapheresis can be utilized as an alternative option alongside supportive measures.
Erectile dysfunction and reduced libido in a myasthenia gravis patient treated with methotrexate
Authors: Papadopoulos Constantinos , Papadimas George Konstantinos
Published: June 2021

Patients with myasthenia gravis treated with methotrexate are usually young and sexually active. Therefore, sexual dysfunction associated with MTX treatment should be considered and specifically searched in them as it can be an under‐recognized cause of treatment failure or poor compliance
Cardiac sarcoidosis: Two case reports
Authors: Afriyie‐Mensah Jane Sandra , Awindaogo Felix Razak , Tagoe Emmanuella Naa Deeidei , Ayetey Harold
Published: June 2021

The clinical presentation of cardiac sarcoidosis is variable. We report two cases of cardiac sarcoidosis to highlight the varied clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges in our setting, and encourage the consideration of sarcoidosis as a differential in unexplained arrhythmias and heart failure.
Cobalamin deficiency in pregnancy
Authors: Konings Heleen , Jacquemyn Yves
Published: June 2021

Hydroxycobolamine supplementation in hereditary cobolamine deficiency and serial biochemical follow‐up allow uncomplicated pregnancy outcome.
A case of langerhans cell histiocytosis of the mandible that spontaneously regressed after biopsy in a child
Authors: Ono Kisho , Okui Tatsuo , Kunisada Yuki , Obata Kyoichi , Masui Masanori , Ryumon Shoji , Ibaragi Soichiro , Nakamura Tomoya , Sasaki Akira
Published: June 2021

In younger patients of LCH, we should consider that the effectiveness of follow‐up without aggressive treatment for SS‐type LCH in the oral and maxillofacial bone. However, there are very rare case in which an SS‐type LCH recurred after showing a healing tendency. Regular follow‐up must be performed even after healing.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as a potential triggering factor for urticarial vasculitis during pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Shahidi Dadras Mohammad , Rakhshan Azadeh , Diab Reem , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh
Published: June 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID‐19 in cases of urticarial vasculitis or other forms of urticaria. This is particularly important for acute presentations in otherwise asymptomatic individuals and pregnant women, where a prompt approach to the patient can prevent undesirable complications.
Emphysematous cholecystitis: A deadly disguise of a common culprit
Authors: Mechineni Ashesha , Manickam Rajapriya , Singh Balraj
Published: June 2021

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a critical differential diagnosis for physicians to consider when evaluating patients with acute abdomen. Patients who are unable to undergo emergency surgery can benefit from percutaneous cholecystostomy.
Zinc Electrodeposition in Acetate‐based Water‐in‐Salt Electrolyte: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Amiri Mona , Bélanger Daniel
Published: June 2021

Zinc electroplating has found applications in many fields. The chemical composition of the electrodeposition bath can have a great impact on the final coating quality and the economics of the process. In traditional aqueous electrolytes, zinc deposition competes with the hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions, which can lead to hydrogen embrittlement of the substrate as well as decrease in efficiency. Highly concentrated water‐in‐salt electrolytes can suppress these reactions significantly. Here, we show that electrodeposition of zinc with high efficiencies can be achieved using an acetate‐based water‐in‐salt electrolyte at room temperature. Nucleation studies confirm that at potentials more negative than −1.30 V vs. Ag/AgCl, the three‐dimensional (3D) nucleation process becomes instantaneous, while at more positive potentials it is progressive. Using two of the most common nucleation and growth models, Scharifker‐Mostany and Mirkin‐Nilov‐Heerman‐Tarallo, nucleation parameters such as the nucleation rate constant and nuclei density are found, showing a good agreement between the two models.
Infrared Responsive Choline Phosphate Lipids for Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jiang Sangni , Wang Wenliang , Dong Lihua , Yan Xinxin , Li Shengran , Mei Weikang , Xie Xintao , Zhang Yuanhua , Liu Sanrong , Yu Xifei
Published: June 2021

Choline phosphate lipids have been designed and developed as new‐generation zwitterionic nanocarriers with excellent biocompatibility and bioorthogonality to provide a more programmable performance for cancer therapy. However, there is a lack of spatiotemporal and reversible control for drug release at target tumor cells, which can lead to severe adverse effects to normal tissue and discounted treatment outcome. Here, light‐inducible Lip‐cRGDfk/ICG/Dox liposomes were developed for synergistic cancer therapy. ICG can effectively convert light energy into selective heating in a local environment upon laser irradiation, thus inducing thermal ablation of tumor cells, and further reversibly trigger the spatiotemporal release of anticancer drugs (Dox) at tumor cells due to the conformation transformation of CP lipids to synergistically kill tumor cells. That Lip‐cRGDfk/ICG/Dox exhibited a significant improvement for breast cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo is also demonstrated, thus it can serve as an efficient platform to noninvasively and spatiotemporally control the activation of cytotoxicity at tumor cells for precision cancer therapy.
Purification of rutin by supercritical fluid simulated moving bed chromatography
Authors: Geng Zhongfeng , Yang Yuzhu , Yang Shuyuan , Zhou Jinyi , Lyu Huisheng
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have shown that rutin (Quercetin‐3‐O‐rhamnosylglucoside) may have an inhibitory effect on COVID‐19. Rutin can be extracted from Tartary buckwheat as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Nevertheless, its purification is mainly hindered by Kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside (K3R) due to their similar molecular structures. This study intends to propose a simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography process of rutin and K3R to achieve continuous production. True moving bed (TMB) and SMB models were established to numerically analyze and optimize this process. The system consists of a four‐zone SMB with two columns in each zone. The effects of the switch interval, feed flowrate, desorbent flowrate, extract flowrate, raffinate flowrate, and recycle flowrate on the purity and yield of rutin and K3R were investigated and the optimized conditions were chosen as 5 min, 3.5, 40, 34, 9.5, and 24.5 L/min, respectively. Consequently, the purities of 99.64% and 99.25%, and the yields of 99.81% and 99.37% for rutin and K3R were obtained, respectively. The simulation results can provide a guidance for the future industrial application of SF‐SMB to separate rutin and K3R.
Effect of ash composition on adsorption and agglomeration characteristics in low‐low‐temperature electrostatic precipitator systems
Authors: Jiang Jiahao , Fan Gaofeng , Deng Lei , Che Defu
Published: June 2021

The low‐low temperature electrostatic precipitator (LLT‐ESP) has been applied in many power plants to improve the emission performance. In this study, a number of fix‐bed experiments were conducted, which simulated the operation condition of LLT‐ESP. The effect of chemical composition on the adsorption characteristics of ash samples and the agglomeration after adsorption were studied. The results show that the agglomeration of ash particles occurs in three forms, including agglomeration among small particles, adhesion of loose pellets to large particles, and agglomeration among large particles. The capacity of ash particles to adsorb sulphuric acid is less affected by the increase of added amounts of NaCl or KCl. At the same time, the added amount of NaCl or KCl also has little effect on the agglomeration degree of ash particles. The addition of MgO, CaO, Fe2O3, Na2CO3, or K2CO3 from 0% to 13.3%, 22.4%, 23.9%, 18.4%, or 14.2%, promotes the adsorption of sulphuric acid by ash particles from 1.95 mg g−1 to 7.33, 7.71, 6.72, 5.1, or 5.44 mg g−1 (based on sulphur content), respectively, thereby promoting the agglomeration between ash particles. As the addition amount increases, the agglomeration phenomenon among particles becomes more conspicuous. The form of agglomeration changes from agglomeration among small particles to agglomeration among large particles. In addition, the addition of MgO or CaO has great influence on the adsorption and agglomeration.
Reversible Low Temperature Li‐Storage in Liquid Metal Based Anodes via a Co‐Solvent Strategy†
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Lei Xiaofeng , Lv Yang , Liu Xizheng , Ding Yi
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The application of lithium‐ion batteries in cold climates has been hindered due to the decline in performance at low temperatures. The increased de‐solvation energy and formation of Li dendrites at the anode surface emerge as the major challenges, which rely on the development of stable anode and compatible electrolytes. Herein, a self‐healing GaInSn liquid metal (LM) based electrode coupled with a multi‐solvent electrolyte is proposed toward reversible Li‐storage at low temperatures. By using methyl butyrate (MB) as a co‐solvent in 1 mol·L–1 LiTFSI of ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate, the electrolyte viscosity decreases from 52.07 to 13.75 mPa·s, while the ionic conductivity increases from 1.38 to 3.44 mS·cm–1 at –20 °C. Moreover, the Li/MXene@LM cells can display a discharge capacity of 500 mAh·g–1, with capacity retention of 78% at –20 °C after 120 cycles. It is disclosed that a uniform LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on the anode is formed upon the addition of MB, which promotes the desolvation of Li ions at the interface of electrode/electrolyte especially at low temperatures. These results prove that MB as the co‐solvent is well compatible with LM based anodes and holds great potential for the exploration of low‐temperature energy devices.
High‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer: Rationale, current applications, and clinical outcome
Authors: Strouthos Iosif , Karagiannis Efstratios , Zamboglou Nikolaos , Ferentinos Konstantinos
Published: June 2021

Background

High‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR BRT) has been enjoying rapid acceptance as a treatment modality offered to selected prostate cancer patients devoid of risk group, employed either in monotherapy setting or combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and is currently one of the most active clinical research areas.

Recent findings

This review encompasses all the current evidence to support the use of HDR BRT in various clinical scenario and shines light to the HDR BRT rationale, as an ultimately conformal dose delivery method enabling safe dose escalation to the prostate.

Conclusion

Valid long‐term data, both in regard to the oncologic outcomes and toxicity profile, support the current clinical indication spectrum of HDR BRT. At the same time, this serves as solid, rigid ground for emerging therapeutic applications, allowing the technique to remain in the spotlight alongside stereotactic radiosurgery.
Uncontrolled Extensions of Clinical Trials and the Use of External Controls—Scoping Opportunities and Methods
Authors: Wang Ching‐Yu , Berlin Jesse A. , Gertz Barry , Davis Kourtney , Li Jie , Dreyer Nancy A. , Zhou Wei , Seeger John D. , Santanello Nancy , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: June 2021

Increased interest in real‐world evidence (RWE) for clinical and regulatory decision making and the need to evaluate long‐term benefits and risks of pharmaceutical products raise the importance of understanding the use of external controls (ECs) for uncontrolled extensions of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched clinicaltrials.gov from 2009 to 2019 for uncontrolled extensions and assessed the use of ECs in the trial protocol registry and PubMed. We present characteristics of identified uncontrolled extensions, their adoption of ECs, and a qualitative appraisal of published uncontrolled extensions with ECs according to good pharmacoepidemiologic practice. The number of uncontrolled extensions increased slightly across the study period, resulting in a total of 1,115 studies. Most originated from phase III RCTs (62.2%) and specified safety outcomes (61.9% among those with specified outcomes). Most uncontrolled extensions incorporated no control group with only 7 out of 1,115 (0.6%) employing ECs. For those studies with ECs, all involved treatments for rare conditions and assessment of effectiveness. Attempts to balance comparison groups varied from none mentioned to propensity score matching. We noted consistent deficiencies in outcome ascertainment methods and approaches to address attrition bias. The contrast of the large and growing number of uncontrolled extensions with the small number of studies that utilized ECs showed clear opportunities for enhancement in design, measurement, and analysis of uncontrolled extensions to allow causal inferences on long‐term treatment effects. As extensions continue to expand within RWE regulatory frameworks, development of guidelines for use of EC with uncontrolled extensions is needed.
High‐Dimensional Image Analysis using Histocytometry
Authors: Munoz‐Erazo Luis , Schmidt Alfonso J. , Price Kylie M.
Published: June 2021

Histocytometry is a technique for processing multiparameter microscopy images using computational approaches to identify and quantify cellular phenotypes. It allows for spatial analyses of cellular phenotypes in relation to each other and within defined spatial regions. The benefit of this technique over manual annotation and characterization of cells is a high degree of automation/throughput, significantly decreased user bias, and increased reproducibility. Recently, an increase in freely available software amenable to or deliberately designed for histocytometry has resulted in these complex analyses being available to a broader base of users who have amassed multi‐component microscopic imaging data. This article provides an overview of a histocytometry pipeline, focusing on the strategic planning and software requirements to allow readers to perform cell segmentation, phenotyping, and spatial analyses to advance their research outputs. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of a myxoid adrenocortical adenoma. A case report
Authors: Freih‐Fraih Alwalid , Gordillo Carlos H. , Mingo Alberto , Serrano‐Pardo Rosario , Jiménez‐Heffernan José A.
Published: June 2021

The myxoid variant of adrenocortical (AC) tumors is characterized by peculiar histologic features that differ from conventional ones. It shows a prominent myxoid stromal component and is composed of small cells with mild atypia arranged in cords, pseudoglandular structures and microcysts. Reflecting the rarity of this variant, very few cytologic descriptions are available. We describe one case in a 41‐year‐old woman with a previous diagnosis of breast carcinoma and BRCA1 mutation. During follow‐up controls, an adrenal tumor was discovered. Fine needle aspiration cytology and Tru‐Cut biopsies were performed simultaneously. Smears showed numerous groups of cohesive cells of intermediate to small size. Within the largest groups, aggregates of myxoid metachromatic material were evident. This myxoid material could also be observed as isolated acellular fragments. While the cytoplasm of most tumoral cells was homogenously stained some showed small vacuoles. Histologically, the tumor grew, forming anastomosing cords, separated by myxoid material that determined microcystic spaces. Immunohistochemistry was characteristic of AC myxoid tumor. After surgery, pathologic analysis confirmed this diagnosis. The tumor showed no necrosis or invasion, had a low mitotic index (3/50 high power fields) and Ki‐67 proliferative index of 15%. According to the different diagnostic systems the tumor was classified as an adenoma. In conclusion, the myxoid variant of AC tumors shows peculiar cytologic features. If unaware of the existence of this variant, it can easily be misinterpreted as a metastatic tumor.
Application of the Bethesda system of reporting for cervical cytology to evaluate human papilloma virus induced changes in oral leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A cytomorphological and genetic study
Authors: Sivakumar N. , Narwal Anjali , Kumar Sanjay , Kamboj Mala , Devi Anju , Pandiar Deepak , Bhardwaj Rashmi
Published: June 2021

Background

Human papilloma virus (HPV) has a well‐established carcinogenic role in certain head and neck cancers. These HPV associated cancers possess unique clinicopathological behavior and exhibits better prognosis than their negative counterparts. Detection through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been considered as the “gold standard” but imposes burden in low resource settings. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed the validity of cytomorphological features for the detection of HPV in oral leukoplakia (OL), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methodology

This study included 63 subjects comprising of 25 OL, 26 OSCC, and 12 OPSCC cases. Exfoliated cells were collected and processed for PCR followed by Papanicolaou staining and subsequent grading. Additionally the non‐classical signs were evaluated and statistical analysis included Chi‐square and Spearman's test.

Result

23/63 (36.5%) cases showed PCR positivity for HPV16. Most of the cytomorphological features showed significant correlation for the presence of HPV. A greater sensitivity and specificity was observed in the Bethesda system for reporting cervical cytology (TBS) than the Papanicolaou grading system.

Conclusion

We conclude that the non‐classic cytological features could be employed in the detection of HPV in low resource settings with improved sensitivity. Liquid based cytology graded using TBS could be suitable for oral cytology in the detection of early atypical changes.
Submarine lobe deposits of the Point Loma Formation, California: Quantifying event‐bed architecture and lateral heterogeneity
Authors: Fryer Rosemarie C. , Jobe Zane R. , Laugier Fabien , Pettinga Luke A. , Gilbert J. Clark , Shumaker Lauren E. , Smith James E. , Sullivan Morgan
Published: June 2021

Over the last several years, numerous outcrop localities have been revisited to add quantitative detail to submarine lobe facies models that previously focussed on facies relationships in a qualitative sense. This study utilises well‐exposed submarine lobe deposits of the Point Loma Formation in Cabrillo National Monument (San Diego, CA) to provide quantitative and statistical insights into the lateral variability of event‐bed (i.e. turbidite) architecture within and between lobe elements. Within a lobe element (defined as a surface‐bounded, genetically related package), event beds compensationally stack, thinning over subtle sea floor topography created by the previous event bed. Between lobe elements, larger‐scale compensation is observed, with clearly defined stratal surfaces and facies architecture distinguishing the four lobe elements. A lateral facies transition is observed for one lobe element, where sandstone beds pinch out and the element thickness halves over a distance of 100 m. However, architectural parameters of event beds (e.g. bed thickness, thinning rate, fining rate) are not appreciably different between these elements, suggesting that the observed stratal architecture does not readily translate into vertical bed thickness (i.e. stacking) patterns that could be easily recognised in common subsurface data types like borehole‐derived core. While the data derived from this outcrop study are valuable for improving the construction of realistic geological and reservoir models, caution is necessary when interpreting lobe element boundaries from borehole data. The lobe deposits measured in this study have event‐bed thicknesses and thinning rates most similar to semi‐confined proximal lobes, suggesting a more proximal position and more confined than previously interpreted. Based on the relationships between sandstone and mudstone thicknesses and thinning rates, bed and lobe‐element compensation and minimal evidence of erosion, the Point Loma Formation at Cabrillo National Monument is reinterpreted as a medial lobe environment with some degree of lateral and/or frontal confinement.