bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrode Design for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Huang Lei , Li Jiaojiao , Liu Bo , Li Yahao , Shen Shenghui , Deng Shengjue , Lu Chengwei , Zhang Wenkui , Xia Yang , Pan Guoxiang , Wang Xiuli , Xiong Qinqin , Xia Xinhui , Tu Jiangping
Published: March 2020

Pursuit of advanced batteries with high‐energy density is one of the eternal goals for electrochemists. Over the past decades, lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have gained world‐wide popularity due to their high theoretical energy density and cost effectiveness. However, their road to the market is still full of thorns. Apart from the poor electronic conductivity of sulfur‐based cathodes, LSBs involve special multielectron reaction mechanisms associated with active soluble lithium polysulfides intermediates. Accordingly, the electrode design and fabrication protocols of LSBs are different from those of traditional lithium ion batteries. This review is aimed at discussing the electrode design/fabrication protocols of LSBs, especially the current problems on various sulfur‐based cathodes (such as S, Li2S, Li2Sx catholyte, organopolysulfides) and corresponding solutions. Different fabrication methods of sulfur‐based cathodes are introduced and their corresponding bullet points to achieve high‐quality cathodes are highlighted. In addition, the challenges and solutions of sulfur‐based cathodes including active material content, mass loading, conductive agent/binder, compaction density, electrolyte/sulfur ratio, and current collector are summarized and rational strategies are refined to address these issues. Finally, the future prospects on sulfur‐based cathodes and LSBs are proposed.
Highly Thermally Conductive Dielectric Nanocomposites with Synergistic Alignments of Graphene and Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Guo Fengmei , Shen Xi , Zhou Jiaming , Liu Dan , Zheng Qingbin , Yang Jinglei , Jia Baohua , Lau Alan K. T. , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: March 2020

Electrically insulating polymer dielectrics with high energy densities and excellent thermal conductivities are showing tremendous potential for dielectric energy storage. However, the practical application of polymer dielectrics often requires mutually exclusive multifunctional properties such as high dielectric constants, high breakdown strengths, and high thermal conductivities. The rational assembly of 2D nanofillers of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into a well‐aligned micro‐sandwich structure in polyimide (PI) composites is reported. The alternating stacking of rGO and BNNS synergistically exploits the large difference in their electrical conductivities to yield a high dielectric constant with a moderate breakdown strength. Moreover, the distinctively separated rGO and BNNS layers give rise to higher thermal conductivities of composites than those containing mixed fillers because of reduced phonon scattering at the interfaces between two identical fillers, as verified by molecular dynamics simulations. Consequently, the micro‐sandwich nanocomposite prevails over the PI film with a simultaneously high dielectric constant of ≈579, a high energy density (43‐fold higher than PI) and an excellent thermal conductivity (11‐fold higher than PI) at a low hybrid filler content of only 2.5 vol%. The multifunctional nanocomposites developed in this work are promising for flexible dielectrics with excellent heat dissipation.
Simultaneous Culturing of Cell Monolayers and Spheroids on a Single Microfluidic Device for Bridging the Gap between 2D and 3D Cell Assays in Drug Research
Authors: Järvinen Päivi , Bonabi Ashkan , Jokinen Ville , Sikanen Tiina
Published: March 2020

Two‐dimensional (2D) cell cultures have been the primary screening tools to predict drug impacts in vitro for decades. However, owing to the lack of tissue‐specific architecture of 2D cultures, secondary screening using three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture models is often necessary. A microfluidic approach that facilitates side‐by‐side 2D and 3D cell culturing in a single microchannel and thus combines the benefits of both set‐ups in drug screening; that is, the uniform spatiotemporal distributions of oxygen, nutrients, and metabolic wastes in 2D, and the tissue‐like architecture, cell–cell, and cell–extracellular matrix interactions only achieved in 3D. The microfluidic platform is made from an organically modified ceramic material, which is inherently biocompatible and supports cell adhesion (2D culture) and metal adhesion (for integration of impedance electrodes to monitor cell proliferation). To induce 3D spheroid formation on another area, a single‐step lithography process is used to fabricate concave microwells, which are made cell‐repellant by nanofunctionalization (i.e., plasma porosification and hydrophobic coating). Thanks to the concave shape of the microwells, the spheroids produced on‐chip can also be released, with the help of microfluidic flow, for further off‐chip characterization after culturing. In this study, the methodology is evaluated for drug cytotoxicity assessment on human hepatocytes.
Sulfur Loading and Speciation Control the Hydrophobicity, Electron Transfer, Reactivity, and Selectivity of Sulfidized Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron
Authors: Xu Jiang , Avellan Astrid , Li Hao , Liu Xitong , Noël Vincent , Lou Zimo , Wang Yan , Kaegi Rälf , Henkelman Graeme , Lowry Gregory V.
Published: March 2020

Sulfidized nanoscale zerovalent iron (SNZVI) is a promising material for groundwater remediation. However, the relationships between sulfur content and speciation and the properties of SNZVI materials are unknown, preventing rational design. Here, the effects of sulfur on the crystalline structure, hydrophobicity, sulfur speciation, corrosion potential, and electron transfer resistance are determined. Sulfur incorporation extended the nano‐Fe0 BCC lattice parameter, reduced the Fe local vacancies, and lowered the resistance to electron transfer. Impacts of the main sulfur species (FeS and FeS2) on hydrophobicity (water contact angles) are consistent with density functional theory calculations for these FeSx phases. These properties well explain the reactivity and selectivity of SNZVI during the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE), a hydrophobic groundwater contaminant. Controlling the amount and speciation of sulfur in the SNZVI made it highly reactive (up to 0.41 L m−2 d−1) and selective for TCE degradation over water (up to 240 moles TCE per mole H2O), with an electron efficiency of up to 70%, and these values are 54‐fold, 98‐fold, and 160‐fold higher than for NZVI, respectively. These findings can guide the rational design of robust SNZVI with properties tailored for specific application scenarios.
Freeze Casting: From Low‐Dimensional Building Blocks to Aligned Porous Structures—A Review of Novel Materials, Methods, and Applications
Authors: Shao Gaofeng , Hanaor Dorian A. H. , Shen Xiaodong , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: March 2020

Freeze casting, also known as ice templating, is a particularly versatile technique that has been applied extensively for the fabrication of well‐controlled biomimetic porous materials based on ceramics, metals, polymers, biomacromolecules, and carbon nanomaterials, endowing them with novel properties and broadening their applicability. The principles of different directional freeze‐casting processes are described and the relationships between processing and structure are examined. Recent progress in freeze‐casting assisted assembly of low dimensional building blocks, including graphene and carbon nanotubes, into tailored micro‐ and macrostructures is then summarized. Emerging trends relating to novel materials as building blocks and novel freeze‐cast geometries—beads, fibers, films, complex macrostructures, and nacre‐mimetic composites—are presented. Thereafter, the means by which aligned porous structures and nacre mimetic materials obtainable through recently developed freeze‐casting techniques and low‐dimensional building blocks can facilitate material functionality across multiple fields of application, including energy storage and conversion, environmental remediation, thermal management, and smart materials, are discussed.
Shape‐Dependent CeO2@BiOI for Degradation of Aqueous Cr(VI)
Authors: Peng Shuaishuai , Yang Jingxia , Guo Lei , Wang Jinjie , Zhao Jiachang , Xu Jingli , Li Zhiquan
Published: March 2020

CeO2 with different morphologies (nanoparticles/NP, nanorods/NR, nanocubes/NC, nano‐octahedra/NO) are synthesized and decorated on BiOI nanoplates substrates to form CeO2@BiOI composites, which are used for aqueous Cr(VI) degradation. The intersurface states between BiOI and diverse CeO2 nanoparticles exhibit distinct behaviors when checked by XPS and photoluminescence intensity. The Cr(VI) degradation results show that the synthesized CeO2@BiOI nanocomposites possess higher photocatalytic activity than pure CeO2 or BiOI, and the CeO2‐NP@BiOI nanocomposite (molar ratio of CeO2: BiOI = 1:2) is the best one among them, with which the Cr(VI) is degraded up to 95.0% after 30 min irradiation using it as the photocatalyst. The superior catalytic performance of CeO2‐NP@BiOI can be attributed to a higher Ce3+ ratio of CeO2‐NP, a larger specific surface area, relatively low OH/CO32− content on the composite surface, and especially the good interaction between the CeO2 (111) facet and the BiOI surface.
Organic–Rare Earth Hybrid Anode with Superior Cyclability for Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Sun Xiaolei , Xu Lingling , Xia Jiale , Yang Yaodong , Yin Zongyou , Luo Feng , Du Yaping
Published: March 2020

Organic compounds with electroactive sites are considered as a new generation of green electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. However, exploring effective approaches to design high‐capacity molecules and suppressing their solubilization remain big challenges. Herein, a functional anode architecture is first designed by using chemical bonds between organic compound and rare earth hollow structure, which enables active materials to be efficiently utilized, accelerates reaction kinetics, and mitigates undesired dissolution in electrolyte. Compared with pure organic sodium naphthyl‐based tetrathiocarboxylate (SNBT) compound and CeO2@Carbon, the hybrid electrode (CeO2@Carbon/SNBT) exhibits the best long‐term cyclability and its capacity retention has significantly increased. The current strategy would trigger more investigations into the development of organic materials for commercialized applications.
Advances in the Knowledge of the Molecular Biology of Glioblastoma and Its Impact in Patient Diagnosis, Stratification, and Treatment
Authors: Delgado‐Martín Belén , Medina Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2020

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. They arise in the glial tissue and primarily occur in the brain. Low‐grade tumors of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II tend to progress to high‐grade gliomas of WHO grade III and, eventually, glioblastoma of WHO grade IV, which is the most common and deadly glioma, with a median survival of 12–15 months after final diagnosis. Knowledge of the molecular biology and genetics of glioblastoma has increased significantly in the past few years, giving rise to classification methods that can help in management and stratification of glioblastoma patients. However, glioblastoma remains an incurable disease. Glioblastoma cells have acquired genetic and metabolic adaptations in order to sustain tumor growth and progression, including changes in energetic metabolism, invasive capacity, migration, and angiogenesis, that make it very difficult to find suitable therapeutic targets and to develop effective drugs. The current standard of care for glioblastoma patients is surgery followed by radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide. Although progress in glioblastoma therapies in recent years has been more limited than in other tumors, numerous drugs and targets are being proposed and many clinical trials are underway to develop effective subtype‐specific treatments.
Martsolf syndrome with novel mutation in the TBC1D20 gene in a family from Iran
Authors: Hozhabri Hossein , Talebi Mehrdad , Mehrjardi Mohammad Y. V. , De Luca Alessandro , Dehghani Mohammadreza
Published: March 2020

Warburg Micro syndrome and Martsolf syndrome are phenotypically overlapping autosomal recessive conditions characterized by multiple organ abnormalities involving the ocular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Warburg Micro syndrome, the more severe of the two conditions, is caused by loss of function mutations in RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2, RAB18, and TBC1D20 genes, whereas Martsolf syndrome has been attributed to less damaging mutations in RAB3GAP1 and RAB3GAP2 genes. We report the clinical description and molecular characterization of a consanguineous Iranian family with two siblings, a male and a female, with dysmorphic features, bilateral congenital cataracts, optic nerve atrophy, congenital glaucoma, mild to moderate intellectual disability, seizures, hypogonadism, and mild osteoporosis. Spastic quadriplegia with contractures was observed in the male patient, while the female patient showed only mild hyperreflexia. Magnetic resonance imaging scans performed in the male patient showed a normal brain structure. Both siblings had neither microcephaly nor postnatal growth retardation. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation [c.1060C>T; p.(Arg354Ter)] in the TBC1D20 gene in both siblings and confirmed the heterozygous carrier status of both parents. This report describes a novel mutation in the TBC1D20 gene in two Iranian patients with Martsolf syndrome, further extending the allelic heterogeneity and phenotypic spectrum of this rare condition. The genotype and phenotype of the patients are compared with those of Martsolf syndrome and Warburg Micro syndrome patients reported in the literature.
Landornamides: Antiviral Ornithine‐Containing Ribosomal Peptides Discovered through Genome Mining
Authors: Bösch Nina M. , Borsa Mariana , Greczmiel Ute , Morinaka Brandon I. , Gugger Muriel , Oxenius Annette , Vagstad Anna L. , Piel Jörn
Published: March 2020

Proteusins are a family of bacterial ribosomal peptides that largely remain hypothetical genome‐predicted metabolites. The only known members are the polytheonamide‐type cytotoxins, which have complex structures due to numerous unusual posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Cyanobacteria contain large numbers of putative proteusin loci. To investigate their chemical and pharmacological potential beyond polytheonamide‐type compounds, we characterized landornamide A, the product of the silent osp gene cluster from Kamptonema sp. PCC 6506. Pathway reconstruction in E. coli revealed a peptide combining lanthionines, d‐residues, and, unusually, two ornithines introduced by the arginase‐like enzyme OspR. Landornamide A inhibited lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in mouse cells, thus making it one of the few known anti‐arenaviral compounds. These data support proteusins as a rich resource of chemical scaffolds, new maturation enzymes, and bioactivities.
2D sp2Carbon‐Conjugated Porphyrin Covalent Organic Framework for Cooperative Photocatalysis with TEMPO
Authors: Shi Ji‐Long , Chen Rufan , Hao Huimin , Wang Cheng , Lang Xianjun
Published: March 2020

2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are receiving ongoing attention in semiconductor photocatalysis. Herein, we present a photocatalytic selective chemical transformation by combining sp2carbon‐conjugated porphyrin‐based covalent organic framework (Por‐sp2c‐COF) photocatalysis with TEMPO catalysis illuminated by 623 nm red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Highly selective conversion of amines into imines was swiftly afforded in minutes. Specifically, the π‐conjugation of porphyrin linker leads to extensive absorption of red light; the sp2−C=C− double bonds linkage ensures the stability of Por‐sp2c‐COF under high concentrations of amine. Most importantly, we found that crystalline framework of Por‐sp2c‐COF is pivotal for cooperative photocatalysis with (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO). This work foreshadows that the outstanding hallmarks of COFs, particularly crystallinity, could be exploited to address energy and environmental challenges by cooperative photocatalysis.
Repurposing Antiviral Drugs for Orthogonal RNA‐Catalyzed Labeling of RNA
Authors: Ghaem Maghami Mohammad , Dey Surjendu , Lenz Ann‐Kathrin , Höbartner Claudia
Published: March 2020

In vitro selected ribozymes are promising tools for site‐specific labeling of RNA. Previously known nucleic acid catalysts attached fluorescently labeled adenosine or guanosine derivatives through 2′,5′‐branched phosphodiester bonds to the RNA of interest. Herein, we report new ribozymes that use orthogonal substrates, derived from the antiviral drug tenofovir, and attach bioorthogonal functional groups, as well as affinity handles and fluorescent reporter units through a hydrolytically more stable phosphonate ester linkage. The tenofovir transferase ribozymes were identified by in vitro selection and are orthogonal to nucleotide transferase ribozymes. As genetically encodable functional RNAs, these ribozymes may be developed for potential cellular applications. The orthogonal ribozymes addressed desired target sites in large RNAs in vitro, as shown by fluorescent labeling of E. coli 16S and 23S rRNAs in total cellular RNA.
Reduced graphene oxide/iron oxide hybrid composite material as an efficient magnetically separable heterogeneous catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of ketones
Authors: Sultana Samim , Bordoloi Shreemoyee , Konwer Surajit , Borah Geetika , Gogoi Pradip K.
Published: March 2020

Reduced graphene oxide was synthesized and functionalized with FeSO4⋅7H2O to form a reduced graphene oxide/iron oxide hybrid composite. The hybrid composite was extensively characterized using various techniques. Its application for transfer hydrogenation of various ketones was studied. The investigation showed that it serves as a good catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of aromatic and some aliphatic ketones resulting in excellent isolated yields (97–99%) of products. It is magnetically separable showing good reusability. The products were characterized and compared with authentic ones.
Reduced graphene oxide supported copper oxide nanocomposites: An efficient heterogeneous and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of ynones, 1,3‐diynes and 1,5‐benzodiazepines in one‐pot under sustainable reaction conditions
Authors: Sarkar Rajib , Gupta Ajay , Jamatia Ramen , Pal Amarta Kumar
Published: March 2020

A greener and efficient method for the synthesis of ynones and 1,3‐diynes using copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) doped reduced graphene oxide (CuO@rGO) catalyst under palladium, ligand and solvent free conditions have been developed. The catalyst was subsequently utilized for the synthesis of biologically active 1,5‐benzodiazepines in one pot via sequential addition of acyl chlorides, terminal alkynes and o‐phenylenediamines. The methodology initially involves in situ formation of ynones which react with o‐phenylenediamines in presence of ethanol to afford a wide variety of benzodiazepines. Mild reaction conditions, good to an excellent yield of the products, cheap and recyclable catalyst make this methodology environmentally benign and sustainable.
Conductive multichannel PCL/gelatin conduit with tunable mechanical and structural properties for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Ramazani SaadatAbadi Ahmad , Mashayekhan Shohreh , Sanaei Reza
Published: March 2020

Peripheral nerve injuries remain among the most challenging medical issues despite numerous efforts to devise methods in fabrication of nerve conduits to functionally regenerate axonal defects. In this regard, the current study offers a holistic perspective in design by considering the mechanical, topographical and structural aspects which are crucial for a successful nerve guide conduit. Poly(e‐caprolactone) and gelatin were employed to serve this purpose in the form of dual‐electrospun films which were rolled and later shaped the assembly of a multichannel conduit. Polyaniline/graphene (PAG) nanocomposite was incorporated to endow the conduit with conductive properties. FTIR analysis, water contact angle measurements, and SEM observations as well as mechanical and conductivity tests were used to evaluate the properties of the conduits. In addition, MTT assay was conducted to assess the proliferation of rat bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the films. Incorporating 2% PAG proved to have superior cell support and proliferation, while guaranteeing electrical conductivity of 10.8 × 10−5 S/cm and remarkable tensile strength of 3.52 ± 1.3 MPa and 14.12 ± 3.1 MPa for wet and dry conditions, respectively. Overall, the observed results highlight the great potential of the fabricated conduit to be used as a candidate for peripheral nerve defects.
Spatial distribution modelling of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) at different geographical scales within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, central‐eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Azzolin Marta , Arcangeli Antonella , Cipriano Giulia , Crosti Roberto , Maglietta Rosalia , Pietroluongo Guido , Saintingan Sébastien , Zampollo Arianna , Fanizza Carmelo , Carlucci Roberto
Published: March 2020

The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is one of the most abundant cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, it is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN Red List experts.

To implement conservation strategies within the Mediterranean Sea, it is crucial to understand how striped dolphins are distributed at different geographical scales. The present study investigates its distribution within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region.

To model striped dolphin distribution, topographic (distance from shore, depth and slope) and oceanographic variables (sea surface temperature and phytoplankton concentration) were employed, and species distribution models (SDMs) were developed using Maxent software. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to improve the information supplied by the SDMs, allowing the description of response curves to striped dolphin occurrences.

Statistical analysis shows that striped dolphins are not evenly distributed within the investigated area. The higher encounter rates observed in the Gulf of Taranto and the Gulf of Corinth confirm that both sub‐regions are crucial for its conservation. Furthermore, SDMs also indicate suitable areas in the offshore waters of the Adriatic Sea, along the continental slope of the north‐eastern Ionian Sea and over its continental shelf. Within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, striped dolphins prefer areas at a greater distance from shore, with steeper slopes, deeper waters, and higher sea surface temperature. The topographic variables are the most explicative factors for both modelling approaches.

The analysis of striped dolphin SDMs allows the identification of important areas for conservation and highlights zones where appropriate mitigation strategies could reduce the impact of human activities on this Vulnerable species. Further analysis of SDMs for different periods of the year, as well as a genetic study, could highlight seasonal movements across and within sub‐regions.
Development and validation of a novel multivariate risk score to guide biopsy decision for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Klocker Helmut , Golding Bruno , Weber Stephan , Steiner Eberhard , Tennstedt Pierre , Keller Thomas , Schiess Ralph , Gillessen Silke , Horninger Wolfgang , Steuber Thomas
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Selecting patients suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa) for a prostate biopsy remains a challenge. Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐based testing is hampered by its low specificity that often leads to negative biopsy results or detection of clinically insignificant cancers, especially in the 2‐10 ng/mL range. The objective was to evaluate a novel diagnostic test called Proclarix incorporating thrombospondin‐1 and cathepsin D alongside total and free PSA as well as age for predicting clinically significant PCa.

Patients and methods

The test was developed following a retrospective study design using biobanked samples of 955 men from two reference centres. A multivariate approach was used for model development followed by validation to discriminate significant (grade group ≥2) from insignificant or no cancer at biopsy. The test specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) at a fixed sensitivity of 90% were compared to percent free PSA (%fPSA) alone. The number of avoidable prostate biopsies deemed to be representative of clinical utility was also assessed.

Results

In the targeted patient population, the test displayed increased diagnostic accuracy compared to %fPSA alone. Application of the established model on 955 patients at a fixed sensitivity of 90% for significant disease resulted in a specificity of 43%, NPV of 95% and a PPV of 25%. This is in comparison to a specificity of 17%, NPV of 89% and PPV of 19% for %fPSA alone and had the potential to reduce the total number of biopsies needed to identify clinically significant cancer. Further, the test score correlated with significance of cancer assessed on prostate biopsy.

Conclusions

The Proclarix test can be used as an aid in the decision‐making process if to biopsy men in this challenging patient population. The use of the test could reduce the number of biopsies performed avoiding invasive procedures, anxiety, discomfort, pain and complications.
Socioeconomic status, mental wellbeing and transition to secondary school: Analysis of the School Health Research Network/Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children survey in Wales
Authors: Moore Graham F. , Anthony Rebecca E. , Hawkins Jemma , Van Godwin Jordan , Murphy Simon , Hewitt Gillian , Melendez‐Torres G. J.
Published: March 2020

Young people's wellbeing is often lowest where they assume a relatively low position within their school's socioeconomic hierarchy, for example, among poorer children attending more affluent schools. Transition to secondary school is a period during which young people typically enter an environment which is more socioeconomically diverse than their primary school. Young people joining a school with a higher socioeconomic status intake relative to their primary school may assume a relatively lowered position within their school’s socioeconomic hierarchy, experiencing a detriment to their wellbeing as a consequence. This article draws on data from 45,055 pupils in Years 7 and 8, from 193 secondary schools in Wales, who completed the 2017 Student Health Research Network (SHRN) Student Health and Wellbeing (SHW) survey. Pupils reported which primary school they previously attended, and survey data on wellbeing were linked to publicly available data on the free school meal entitlement of schools attended. In cross‐classified linear mixed‐effects models, with primary and secondary school as levels, mental wellbeing varied significantly according to both primary and secondary school attended. A higher school‐level deprivation was associated with worse mental wellbeing in both cases. Mental wellbeing was significantly predicted by the relative affluence of a child's primary and secondary school, with movement to a secondary school of higher overall socioeconomic status associated with lowered wellbeing. These findings highlight transition to secondary school as a key point in which socioeconomic inequality in wellbeing may widen, and thus as an important focal point for intervention to reduce health inequalities.
Cold shock proteins improve E. coli cell‐free synthesis in terms of soluble yields of aggregation‐prone proteins
Authors: Higuchi Kae , Yabuki Takashi , Ito Masahiro , Kigawa Takanori
Published: March 2020

Protein folding is usually slowed‐down at low temperatures, and thus low‐temperature expression is an effective strategy to improve the soluble yield of aggregation‐prone proteins. In this study, we investigated the effects of a variety of cold shock proteins and domains (Csps) on an Escherichia coli cell extract‐based cell‐free protein synthesis system (CF). Most of the 12 Csps that were successfully prepared dramatically improved the protein yields, by factors of more than 5 at 16°C and 2 at 23°C, to levels comparable to those obtained at 30°C. Their stimulatory effects were complementary to each other, while CspD and CspH were inhibitory. The Csps’ effects correlated well with their Pfam CSD family scores (PF00313.22). All of the investigated Csps, except CspH, similarly possessed RNA binding and chaperon activities and increased the messenger RNA amount irrespective of their effect, suggesting that the proper balance between these activities was required for the enhancement. Unexpectedly, the 5′‐untranslated region of cspA was less effective as the leader sequence. Our results demonstrated that the use of the Csps presented in this study will provide a simple and highly effective strategy for the CF, to improve the soluble yields of aggregation‐prone proteins.
High‐throughput single‐molecule imaging system using nanofabricated trenches and fluorescent DNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Kang Yujin , Cheon Na Young , Cha Jongjin , Kim Ayoung , Kim Hyung‐il , Lee Luda , Kim Kang O. , Jo Kyubong , Lee Ja Yil
Published: March 2020

DNA curtain is a high‐throughput system, integrating a lipid bilayer, fluorescence imaging, and microfluidics to probe protein–DNA interactions in real‐time and has provided in‐depth understanding of DNA metabolism. Especially, the microfluidic platform of a DNA curtain is highly suitable for a biochip. In the DNA curtain, DNA molecules are aligned along chromium nanobarriers, which are fabricated on a slide surface, and visualized using an intercalating dye, YOYO‐1. Although the chromium barriers confer precise geometric alignment of DNA, reuse of the slides is limited by wear of the barriers during cleaning. YOYO‐1 is rapidly photobleached and causes photocleavage of DNA under continuous laser illumination, restricting DNA observation to a brief time window. To address these challenges, we developed a new nanopatterned slide, upon which carved nanotrenches serve as diffusion barriers. The nanotrenches were robust under harsh cleaning conditions, facilitating the maintenance of surface cleanliness that is essential to slide reuse. We also stained DNA with a fluorescent protein with a DNA‐binding motif, fluorescent protein–DNA binding peptide (FP–DBP). FP–DBP was slowly photobleached and did not cause DNA photocleavage. This new DNA curtain system enables a more stable and repeatable investigation of real‐time protein–DNA interactions and will serve as a good platform for lab‐on‐a‐chip.
The effect of mindfulness‐based stress reduction on maternal anxiety and self‐efficacy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zarenejad Masoomeh , Yazdkhasti Mansooreh , Rahimzadeh Mitra , Mehdizadeh Tourzani Zahra , Esmaelzadeh‐Saeieh Sara
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) on anxiety and self‐efficacy in coping with childbirth.

Material and Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 pregnant women in Abyek city of Qazvin province in Iran. The convenient sampling method was recruited. Samples were assigned to control and intervention groups using random blocks. In addition to routine care, individuals in the intervention group received 6 MBSR training sessions. The data gathering questionnaire in this study included mindfulness, Pregnancy‐Related Anxiety Questionnaire, and self‐efficacy in coping with childbirth questionnaire.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic characteristics in the control and intervention groups. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures indicated the effect of time on the change in the total score of anxiety in the intervention group (p = .001). There was a significant difference between the two groups (p = .001). Also, the results of ANOVA with repeated measures showed that time had no impact on the score of self‐efficacy in delivery coping (p = 0/1) and that there was no significant difference between the two groups in this respect (p = .6).

Conclusion

The result of this study showed that mindfulness reduces anxiety of pregnant mothers, and it is suggested that mindfulness programs be educated for healthcare providers and pregnant mothers to reduce maternal anxiety and improve pregnancy outcomes and delivery.
A twelve‐week, four‐arm, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 prospective clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an anthroposophic multimodal treatment on chronic pain in outpatients with postpolio syndrome
Authors: Ghelman Ricardo , Akiyama Ivete Y. , de Souza Valeria T. , Falcão Jussara , Orgolini Vera , Hosomi Jorge K. , Quadros Abrahão A. J. , Oliveira Acary S. B.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Chronic pain and fatigue are the main symptoms of postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an anthroposophic multimodal treatment for chronic pain in PPS outpatients.

Methods

A twelve‐week, four‐arm, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 prospective clinical trial was designed to compare four groups (n = 48): groups A and B received daily active experimental transdermal gel (ETG) or placebo gel (PTG), respectively; groups C and D received weekly external therapies, art therapies, and neurofunctional reorganization, plus either daily ETG or PTG, respectively. The pain symptoms were evaluated through a visual analogue scale (VAS), the McGill questionnaire, and thermography. Quality of life and resilience were evaluated by the WHOQOL‐BREF and Antonovsky sense of coherence questionnaires applied at baseline and after the interventions.

Results

No related adverse events occurred, and 10% of the patients reports dysphagia improvement. In the groups C and D, pain reduction was statistically significant in both the placebo group (p = .02, d = 1.315) and in the ETG (p = .005, d = 2.035). However, following the week‐to‐week evolution of pain with the concomitant use of the ETG, this significant pain reduction occurred earlier from the 4th week and continued to decrease (p = .016, d = 1.369). In the group that received the complete multimodal treatment, the greatest significant benefit in increasing quality of life occurred in the physical domain and elevation in resilience with an emphasis on meaning and comprehension domains.

Conclusions

The anthroposophic multimodal treatment group presented both safety and efficacy as an analgesic in the groups that received the nonpharmacological therapies, much earlier when associated with the ETG. The multimodal approach corresponded to the pattern of better efficacy for both pain reduction and improvement in quality of life and resilience.
Tumor deposit serves as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer: A propensity score‐matched analysis comparing survival outcomes
Authors: Wenquan Liang , Yuhua Liu , Jianxin Cui , Hongqing Xi , Kecheng Zhang , Jiyang Li , Yunhe Gao , Yi Liu , Wang Zhang , Shaoqing Li , Yixun Lu , Shen Qiao , Wanguo Xue , Zhi Qiao , Lin Chen
Published: March 2020

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) treatment is determined by accurate tumor staging. The value of tumor deposit (TD) in prognostic prediction staging system is not yet determined.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical information on GC patients who underwent gastrectomy at the Department of General Surgery of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from July 2014 to June 2016. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the possibility of selection bias according to the presence of TD.

Results

Of the 1034 GC patients, 240 (23.21%) presented with TD, which was associated with younger age and larger tumor size (all P < .05). TD‐positive patients had a worse survival than TD‐negative patients before (P < .001) and after (P = .017) matching. Multivariable analysis showed that mortality risk of patients with TD increased by 58%, 62%, 37%, and 40% in the crude (HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.32‐1.89, P < .001), adjusted I (HR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.35‐1.94, P < .001), adjusted II (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.13‐1.66, P = .001), and adjusted III (HR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.16‐1.68, P < .001) models before matching. Similarly, in the PSM cohort patients with TD had worse prognosis in the crude (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.07‐1.63, P = .011), adjusted I (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09‐1.67, P = .005), adjusted II (HR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.00‐1.58, P = .049), and adjusted III (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.07‐1.65, P = .010) models. TD had a similar value range between N1 and N2 stages among different models.

Conclusions

Among GC patients, TD is associated with survival and may have a role in the staging of patients.
Preliminary results of targeted prostate‐specific membrane antigen imaging in evaluating the efficacy of a novel hormone agent in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhu Yao , Su Hengchuan , Xu Xiaoping , Zhang Yingjian , Song Shaoli , Wang Beihe , Ye Dingwei , Hu Silong
Published: March 2020

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging to make response assessment regarding novel hormone treatment and to predict the outcomes for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. This retrospective study enrolled 68 mCRPC patients who had daily received a novel hormone agent named abiraterone. Tc‐99m PSMA single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) was performed at the baseline (SPECT/CT1) and after 3‐6 months of treatment (SPECT/CT2). The treatment response was determined by visual analysis based on molecular imaging PSMA (miPSMA) scores framework and was compared with conventional biochemical analysis. We chose either the hottest lesion (target A) or five of the hottest lesions (target B) to calculate the tumor/background ratio (TBR) and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and compared their performances in predicting progression‐free survival (PFS). Changes in PSMA expression between SPECT/CT1 and SPECT/CT2 were well associated with the results of the visual analysis. The TBR and the SUVmax of both targets were significantly associated with the baseline serum PSA level (P < .0001). The biochemical and radiological responses were concordant in 56 of the 68 patients (P < .001). The median PFS of the nonresponse group patients was significantly shorter than that of the patients in the response group (6.8 vs 12.1 months, P = .012). For predicting PFS, most of the indexes tested were significant on SPECT/CT2, with %ΔTBR being the most significant prognostic factor. Our preliminary results suggest that molecular imaging‐targeted PSMA is of great value for treatment response assessment and clinical outcome prediction in mCRPC patients with long‐term abiraterone treatment.
ASCT2 overexpression is associated with poor survival of OSCC patients and ASCT2 knockdown inhibited growth of glutamine‐addicted OSCC cells
Authors: Luo Yijun , Li Wei , Ling Zihang , Hu Qinchao , Fan Zhen , Cheng Bin , Tao Xiaoan
Published: March 2020

Background

Alanine‐serine‐cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2), a major glutamine transporter, is essential for cell growth and tumor development in a variety of cancers. However, the clinicopathological significance and pathological role of ASCT2 in OSCC (oral squamous cell carcinoma) lesions remain unclear.

Methods

Sections from 89 OSCC patients and 10 paracancerous tissue controls were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the expression of ASCT2, glutaminase, and Ki‐67. Survival analysis was carried out to determine the predictive value of ASCT2 expression using the log‐rank test. Moreover, the critical role of ASCT2 in tumor growth was determined by a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8), Western Blotting (WB), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Glutathione (GSH) detection were applied to explore the molecular mechanism of ASCT2 involvement in tumor development.

Results

In OSCC lesions, ASCT2 expression was significantly increased and associated with cell proliferation index (Ki‐67) and GLS expression. Moreover, survival analysis showed that OSCC patients with high ASCT2 expression had lower overall survival (P = 0.0365). In OSCC cell lines, the high level of ASCT2 was inherent and related to the glutamine addiction of tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments revealed that targeted silencing of ASCT2 can effectively inhibit OSCC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mechanistically, targeting ASCT2 knockdown reduced glutamine uptake and intracellular GSH levels, which contribute to the accumulation of ROS and induce apoptosis in OSCC cells.

Conclusion

ASCT2 is a significant factor for predicting overall survival in patients with OSCC, and targeting ASCT2 to inhibit glutamine metabolism may be a promising strategy for OSCC treatment.
Address students’ self‐perception of online invincibility when creating disciplinary code
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2020

Advances in technology and changes in risk‐taking behavior have created a sense of online invincibility for today's students who often struggle to differentiate their online actions from the physical world.
Impact of insulin treated and non‐insulin‐treated diabetes compared to patients without diabetes on 1‐year outcomes following contemporary PCI
Authors: Chandrasekhar Jaya , Dangas George , Baber Usman , Sartori Samantha , Qadeer Abdul , Aquino Melissa , Vogel Birgit , Faggioni Michela , Vijay Pooja , Claessen Bimmer E. , Goel Ridhima , Moreno Pedro , Krishnan Prakash , Kovacic Jason C. , Kini Annapoorna , Mehran Roxana , Sharma Samin
Published: March 2020

Objective

We compared 1‐year outcomes in insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) and non‐ITDM patients compared to nondiabetic (DM) patients following contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

ITDM is associated with extensive atherosclerotic disease and worse cardiovascular prognosis compared to non‐ITDM patients.

Methods

We evaluated PCI patients at a large tertiary center from 2010 to 2016, grouped according to diabetes and treatment status at baseline. One‐year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or target vessel revascularization. Outcomes were adjusted using multivariable Cox regression methods.

Results

During the study period, 16,889 patients underwent PCI including 13.7% ITDM, 34.0% non‐ITDM, and 52.3% non‐DM patients. Patients with DM were younger, including more females and non‐white patients, with higher body mass index and greater prevalence of prior revascularization and chronic kidney disease. Compared to others, ITDM patients more often presented with acute coronary syndrome, in‐stent restenosis, or severe lesion calcification. There were no differences in discharge rates of dual antiplatelet therapy and statins, whereas beta‐blockers were more commonly prescribed in DM patients. At 1‐year, both ITDM and non‐ITDM patients had greater risk of MACE compared with non‐DM patients, and ITDM conferred greater adjusted risk than non‐ITDM (ITDM = HR: 2.11, 95% CI [1.79,2.50]; non‐ITDM = HR: 1.27, 95%CI [1.09,1.47]).

Conclusions

The negative prognostic effect of DM following contemporary PCI is heightened in the presence of insulin treatment, compared to non‐DM patients. Focus on secondary prevention, prescription of and adherence to optimal medical therapy is necessary for post‐PCI risk reduction.
Sigmoid volvulus after CABG surgery
Authors: Pooria Ali , Azadbakht Morteza , Khoshdani‐farahani Parham , Pourya Afsoun
Published: March 2020

We report a case of a geriatric patient who underwent CABG and developed sigmoid volvulus (SV) with recurrence. SV is a rarely reported complication of CABG. Timely diagnosis, management, and follow‐up are strictly advised, particularly in geriatric patients. Immediate surgical measures are required to prevent volvulus‐associated ischemia.
Contact Behavior of Microcrystalline Cellulose Pellets Depending on their Water Content
Authors: Grohn Philipp , Weis Dominik , Thommes Markus , Heinrich Stefan , Antonyuk Sergiy
Published: March 2020

Microcrystalline cellulose pellets for oral drug delivery are often produced by a combined wet extrusion‐spheronization process. During the entire process, the cylindrical as well as the spherical pellets are exposed to various stresses resulting in a change of their shape and size due to plastic deformation and breakage. In this work, the effect of moisture content of pellets on their mechanical behavior is studied. In static compression tests, the strong influence of water content on deformation behavior of pellets is confirmed. Moreover, impact tests are performed using a setup consisting of three high‐speed cameras to record pellet‐wall collisions. Material properties, such as stiffness, restitution coefficient, breakage force, and displacement, were analyzed depending on the water content.
Recent Advances in Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Their Derived Materials for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Heng , Su Jianwei , Zhao Kunyu , Chen Liang
Published: March 2020

Highly efficient electrocatalysts play important roles in electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials, exhibiting strong potential as precursors for obtaining outstanding electrocatalysts. MOF‐based electrocatalysts, including MOFs and MOF‐derived electrocatalysts, have become an increasingly important part of catalysts in the field of electrochemical water splitting, but their catalytic performance, especially their activity and stability, still have a lot of room for improvement. In this paper, the preparation strategy of MOF‐based electrocatalysts and improvement methods of catalytic properties were reviewed, including morphology‐controlled methods and composition‐controlled methods. We also focused on the structure–property relationships, which determine the electrocatalytic activity for water splitting reactions. Finally, the challenges and development prospects were discussed for the MOF‐based electrocatalysts, which might provide some insight for future applications in electrochemical water splitting.
Human Hair Keratin Direct Electrochemistry and In Situ Interaction with p‐Toluenediamine and p‐Aminophenol Hair Dye Precursors using a Keratin Electrochemical Biosensor
Authors: Souza João C. , Machini Wesley B. S. , Zanoni Maria Valnice B. , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria
Published: March 2020

Keratin is the main protein in hair strands. The process of dyeing hair with permanent dyes is quite complex and involves oxidative reactions between precursors, such as p‐toluenediamine (PTD) and p‐aminophenol (PAP), and coupler agents, in alkaline and oxidative medium, inside the hair. The electrochemical behaviour of native and denatured human hair keratin, assessed by using a keratin multilayer film adsorbed on glassy carbon electrode, and its interaction with hair dye precursors, PTD and PAP, by using electrochemical techniques, was investigated. Native and denatured keratin electrochemical oxidation showed two oxidation peaks; the first was first attributed to the cysteine amino acid residues, and the second to the cysteine and methionine amino acids residues. The PTD‐ and PAP‐keratin‐hair dye interactions induced damage, causing the unfolding of the keratin morphological structure, and new additional peaks of the cysteine and tyrosine amino acid residues were revealed.