bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Triketone‐Phloroglucinol‐Triketone Adducts fromMyrtus communis
Authors: Wu Yan , Liu Jiao‐Wen , Liu Chao , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Li Ni‐Ping , Ye Wen‐Cai , Wang Lei
Published: September 2020

Myrtucyclitones A–C ((+)‐ and (−)‐1–3), three pairs of new triketone‐phloroglucinol‐triketone hybrids were isolated from the plantMyrtus communis. Their structures with absolute configurations were established by NMR analysis and chemical calculations. Myrtucyclitones B and C exhibited remarkable antibacterial effect.
Bioorthogonal Reactions in Animals
Authors: Porte Karine , Riberaud Maxime , Châtre Rémi , Audisio Davide , Papot Sébastien , Taran Frédéric
Published: September 2020

The advent of bioorthogonal chemistry has led to the development of powerful chemical tools that enable increasingly ambitious applications. In particular, these tools have made it possible to achieve what is considered to be the holy grail of many researchers involved in chemical biology: to perform unnatural chemical reactions within living organisms. In this minireview, we present an update of bioorthogonal reactions that have been carried out in animals for various applications. We outline the advances made in the understanding of fundamental biological processes, and the development of innovative imaging and therapeutic strategies using bioorthogonal chemistry.
The final nail in the coffin for immediate catheterization for refractory cardiac arrest with ongoing chest compressions
Authors: Mercado Nestor , Blankenship James C.
Published: September 2020

Key Points

In a cohort of 219 patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest, survival correlated with age, initial shockable rhythm, recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) before starting catheterization, and initial pH.

Mortality was 98% in patients who underwent catheterization before ROSC.

Early studies of emergency extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation life support combined with hypothermia, and coronary intervention, suggest this “hyper‐invasive” strategy may offer significant improvement in outcomes compared to conventional strategies employed in this study.
Gender disparities in high‐risk angioplasty: Still room for improvement
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Lamelas Pablo M.
Published: September 2020

Key Points

The use of complex medical interventions is frequently underutilized in females.

Female patients undergoing high‐risk angioplasty with ventricular support represent a higher risk subgroup but experienced similar clinical events.

Although promising, these findings still suggest room for improvement in gender disparities related to advanced medical interventions utilization.
Metastatic angiosarcoma of unknown primary site misdiagnosed as tuberculosis
Authors: Issakwisa Mwakyula , Mwakyusa Ngwilo , Torres Liset , Ngatunga Cecilia , Chaula Baraka , Maro Haika , Mboma Lazaro , Nguma Irene , Nqwata Lamla , Mujwahuzi Leodegard
Published: September 2020

Tuberculosis in endemic areas is likely to be overdiagnosed in patients with atypical clinical and imaging findings mimicking tuberculosis, as in our case of angiosarcoma. Detailed history, physical examination, imaging, and histopathology avert diagnosis of tumors as tuberculosis in resource‐limited settings, where countless diseases have common clinical and imaging presentations.
Pyrene‐Terminated Tin Sulfide Clusters: Optical Properties and Deposition on a Metal Surface
Authors: Geringer Eugenie , Gerhard Marina , Koch M. , Krug Claudio K. , Gottfried J. Michael , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: September 2020

Herein, we present the synthesis of two pyrene‐functionalized clusters, [(RpyrSn)4S6]⋅2 CH2Cl2 (4) and [(RpyrSn)4Sn2S10]⋅n CH2Cl2 (n=4, 5 a; n=2, 5 b; Rpyr=CMe2CH2C(Me)N‐NC(H)C16H9), both of which form in reactions of the organotin sulfide cluster [(RNSn)4S6] (C; RN=CMe2CH2C(Me)N‐NH2) with the well‐known fluorescent dye 1‐pyrenecarboxaldehyde (B). In contrast, reactions using an organotin sulfide cluster with another core structure, [(RNSn)3S4Cl] (A), leads to formation of small molecular fragments, [(RpyrCl2Sn)2S] (1), (pyren‐1‐ylmethylene)hydrazine (2), and 1,2‐bis(pyren‐1‐ylmethylene)hydrazine (3). Besides synthesis and structures of the new compounds, we report the influence of the inorganic core on the optical properties of the dye, which was analyzed exemplarily for compound 5 a via absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. This cluster was also used for exploring the potential of such non‐volatile clusters for deposition on a metal surface under vacuum conditions.
Development of latent fingerprints on different surface materials by candle soot coating
Authors: Jonas Albert , Oetken Marco
Published: September 2020

Die Möglichkeit latente Fingerabdrücke mithilfe von Kerzenrußabscheidung zu visualisieren, wird mit Blick auf die Schule vorgestellt. Das Verfahren ermöglicht Fingerabdrücke auf verschiedenen Oberflächen (Glas, Keramik, Metall, Papier) schnell und gefahrlos zu entwickeln, wobei die entwickelten Positivabdrücke sehr kontrastreich sind. Die Grundlage der Methode liegt in der unterschiedlich starken Adhäsion von Rußpartikeln auf den Rückständen des Fingerabdrucks und dem Spurenträgermaterial. Im Kontext der Forensik bildet der Versuch einen motivierenden Einstieg in die Thematik um Van‐der‐Waals‐Wechselwirkungen.
Risk stratification and clinical outcome in the atypia of undetermined significance category in the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology
Authors: Wangsiricharoen Sintawat , Maleki Zahra
Published: September 2020

Background

Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) is a category of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology that refers to salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens that cannot be definitively diagnosed as neoplastic or nonneoplastic.

Methods

The AUS FNA samples were selected from a large academic institution from 2008 through 2018. The AUS cases were divided into 6 subgroups. The risk of malignancy (ROM), risk of neoplasm (RON), and clinical outcomes for each subgroup were evaluated.

Results

A total of 123 cases were found (76 males and 47 females with a mean age of 62 years [range, 6‐94 years]). The parotid gland was the most common FNA site (103 cases), followed by the submandibular gland (9 cases). The overall RON and ROM were 63% and 47%, respectively. Among the subgroups, salivary gland lymph nodes or lymphoid lesions was the most common diagnosis (42%), whereas mucinous cystic lesions with no or a scant epithelial component was the least common (2%). The specimens with preparation artifacts category had the highest RON and ROM (100% for both), whereas the reactive and reparative atypia indefinite for a neoplasm category had the lowest RON and ROM (7% for both). The salivary gland lymph nodes or lymphoid lesions indefinite for a lymphoproliferative disorder category had the second highest RON and ROM at 77% and 74%, respectively.

Conclusions

The overall RON and ROM for the AUS category were 63% and 47%, respectively. The RON and ROM varied among the different AUS subgroups, being highest in the specimens with preparation artifacts category and lowest in the reactive and reparative atypia category, thereby demonstrating the importance of subgrouping in the AUS specimens.
Sympathetic innervation of inguinal white adipose tissue in the mouse
Authors: Huesing Clara , Qualls‐Creekmore Emily , Lee Nathan , François Marie , Torres Hayden , Zhang Rui , Burk David H. , Yu Sangho , Morrison Christopher D. , Berthoud Hans‐Rudolf , Neuhuber Winfried , Münzberg Heike
Published: September 2020

Adipose tissue plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis and its prominent role as endocrine organ is now well recognized. Adipose tissue is controlled via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). New viral, molecular‐genetic tools will soon allow a more detailed study of adipose tissue innervation in metabolic function, yet, the precise anatomical extent of preganglionic and postganglionic inputs to the inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) is limited. Furthermore, several viral, molecular‐genetic tools will require the use of cre/loxP mouse models, while the available studies on sympathetic iWAT innervation were established in larger species. In this study, we generated a detailed map for the sympathetic innervation of iWAT in male and female mice. We adapted iDISCO tissue clearing to process large, whole‐body specimens for an unprecedented view of the natural abdominal SNS. Combined with pseudorabies virus retrograde tracing from the iWAT, we defined the preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic input to iWAT. We used fluorescence‐guided anatomical dissections of sympathetic nerves in reporter mice to further clarify that postganglionic axons connect to iWAT via lateral cutaneous rami (dorsolumbar iWAT portion) and the lumbar plexus (inguinal iWAT portion). Importantly, these rami carry axons that branch to iWAT, as well as axons that travel further to innervate the skin and vasculature, and their functional impact will require consideration in denervation studies. Our study may serve as a comprehensive map for future experiments that employ virally driven neuromodulation techniques to predict anatomy‐based viral labeling.
Effects of the Dual Endothelin Receptor Antagonist Aprocitentan on Body Weight and Fluid Homeostasis in Healthy Subjects on a High Sodium Diet
Authors: Gueneau de Mussy Pierre , Sidharta Patricia N. , Wuerzner Gregoire , Maillard Marc P. , Guérard Nicolas , Iglarz Marc , Flamion Bruno , Dingemanse Jasper , Burnier Michel
Published: September 2020

Aprocitentan is a novel, oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) in development in difficult‐to‐control hypertension. As fluid retention and edema are concerns with ERAs, we investigated whether aprocitentan causes weight gain in healthy subjects on a high sodium diet and explored potential mechanisms if occurring. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study enrolled 28 subjects. Three doses of aprocitentan (10, 25, or 50 mg/day for 9 days) were compared with placebo. Increases in body weight were observed with aprocitentan (placebo‐corrected mean weight gains [90% confidence interval]) of 0.43 [0.05–0.80], 0.77 [0.03–1.51], and 0.83 [0.33–1.32] kg at 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg, respectively. Decreases in hemoglobin and uric acid were observed. Plasma volume increased at most by 5.5% without dose‐response relationship. Urinary sodium excretion decreased at 10 mg and 25 mg but not at 50 mg. Therefore, aprocitentan produced moderate weight increases in healthy subjects on high sodium diet, without obvious sodium retention.
Minimal irrigation requirements of Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue blends in the northern transition zone
Authors: Powlen Jada S. , Bigelow Cale A. , Patton Aaron J. , Jiang Yiwei , Fraser Melodee L.
Published: September 2020

Lawns in the cool‐humid region typically consist of mixtures or blends of cool‐season turfgrass species and cultivars. To maintain a desirable aesthetic appearance and maximize seasonal greenness, many lawns receive supplemental irrigation. Turfgrass breeders have developed superior cultivars with reduced water needs, but the exact proportion of these grasses to include in lawn seed blends to reduce irrigation needs has not been well documented. A field study was conducted to determine the irrigation requirements of various blend ratios (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, w/w) of drought‐tolerant (DT) and drought‐susceptible (DS) Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KBG) and turf‐type tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Durmort., syn. Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; TF] cultivars at two mowing heights (5.1 or 8.9 cm). Supplemental irrigation requirements were determined over a 74‐d deficit irrigation period using a 70% green coverage threshold (GCT70) approach, where 12.7 mm of supplemental irrigation was applied if an individual plot fell below GCT70 using digital image analysis. Total irrigation needs ranged from 66.7 to 176.9 mm, and TF generally required the least irrigation. For KBG, a blend containing ≥75% DT cultivar required the longest time to reach GCT70 (25–33 d), the least irrigation (94–110 mm), and provided the highest overall visual quality. The TF responses were more variable, and the magnitude of differences among cultivar blends was less compared with KBG. These results indicate that where blending of cultivars is desired, the inclusion of cultivars with demonstrated drought tolerance in blends is important for reducing lawn irrigation needs.
Agronomic and seed traits of high‐oleic soybean lines containing the DP‐305423‐1 transgene in four backcross populations
Authors: Hemingway Joel , Schnebly Steve R. , Rajcan Istvan
Published: September 2020

The DP‐305423‐1 transgene elevates oleic acid concentration and reduces polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] oil, resulting in increased oxidative stability. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of the DP‐305423‐1 transgene on agronomic and seed traits using four backcross derived soybean populations to provide further understanding of the transgene's influence across varying genetic backgrounds and environments. An equal number of high‐oleic, low‐linolenic (HOLL) and normal‐oleic, low‐linolenic (NOLL) progeny from four BC1F4:F6 populations—B (n = 30), C (n = 22), D (n = 56), and E (n = 34)—were grown across six locations in 2015. Across all locations, the high‐oleic (HO) progeny had a mean yield 77 kg ha−1 less in Population B, and 382 kg ha−1 greater in Population C compared with the normal‐oleic (NO) class. There was no significant difference in yield between HO and NO in Populations D and E. The HO progeny had a significantly lower mean oil concentration and greater protein concentration than the NO class in all populations, whereas 100‐seed weight of the HO class was, on average, greater than in the NO class. The results provide evidence that the reduction in oil concentration is associated with the HO phenotype in the progeny carrying the DP‐3054231‐1 transgene and demonstrate no consistent effect of the transgene on seed yield, suggesting that differences may be due to the genetic background of the population studied.
Pathologist‐performed palpation‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology of lingual actinomycosis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Özcan Zühal , Aker Fügen Vardar , Gölcük Veysel Alparslan
Published: September 2020

“Lingual actinomycosis” is an uncommon, suppurative inflammation of lingual mucosa, caused by Actinomyces. Infectious oral lesions can mimic benign or malignant neoplasms and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, minimally invasive procedure for the assessment of patients with such lesions. Here, we describe the case of a 28‐year old patient presented with an asymptomatic, submucosal nodular mass of the tongue. Then, FNAC was performed by an experienced fine needle aspiration (FNA) pathologist (*) in our pathology department and the lesion diagnosed with actinomycosis. We also report a detailed review of cases in the literature, with clinical findings.
Atomic Layer Deposition of High‐Capacity Anodes for Next‐Generation Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Beyond
Authors: Cao Yanqiang , Meng Xiangbo , Li Aidong
Published: September 2020

Electrification has great impacts on our modern society. To electrify future transportation, state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are still not sufficient in multiple aspects including cost, energy density, lifespan, and safety. To this end, next‐generation high‐energy LIBs and beyond are highly regarded. In this regard, high‐capacity anodes are undergoing intensive investigation, such as silicon, SnO2, and lithium metal. However, such anode materials are commonly experiencing large volume changes and related issues, which are reflected on mechanical degradation, capacity fading, low efficiency, and unsatisfactory lifetime. To address these challenges, many technical strategies have been investigated. In the past decade, atomic layer deposition (ALD) has emerged as a new promising technique enabling atomic‐scale surface modification and nanoscale design of high‐capacity anodes for high performance. In this review, recent ALD studies on developing high‐capacity anodes for LIBs and beyond are thoroughly summarized. In addition, ALD strategies and their effectiveness in pursing high‐energy LIBs and beyond are discussed. Particularly, we highlighted the latest advances of ALD for addressing the notorious issues associated with Li metal anodes. It is expected that this work will promote the applications of ALD in new battery systems.
Major bleeding risk with non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant vs. aspirin in heart failure: network meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Wen‐Yi , Saver Jeffrey L. , Wu Yi‐Ling , Lin Chun‐Jen , Lee Meng , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: September 2020

Aims

Relative bleeding risks of different antithrombotic agents in heart failure (HF) patients is an important consideration in treatment decision making, making detailed comparative analysis desirable. The aim of this study was to conduct a network meta‐analysis to investigate the major bleeding risk for individual novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) vs. aspirin among patients with HF.

Methods and results

We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov from 1966 to November 2019 to identify relevant randomized clinical trials. Studies comparing individual NOACs vs. aspirin were analysed using direct study‐level meta‐analysis. Studies comparing aspirin to warfarin and NOACs to warfarin were then additionally added using network (direct and indirect) study‐level meta‐analysis. Primary endpoint was major bleeding. Final analysis included nine trials with 34 367 participants, including one direct comparison trial (apixaban vs. aspirin) and eight indirect comparison trials against the shared warfarin comparator (four aspirin trials and one trial each of apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban). For apixaban, network meta‐analysis combing direct and indirect comparison showed that major bleeding risk might not be different between apixaban and aspirin (odds ratio, 1.18 [95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 3.65]) in HF patients. In contrast, indirect‐comparison meta‐analysis showed dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban compared with aspirin might be associated with a higher risk of major bleeding in HF patients.

Conclusions

In network meta‐analysis, apixaban might be associated with a comparable risk of major bleeding compared with aspirin in patients with HF, while other NOACs might be associated with a higher risk. However, such results were not strongly convincing because of lack of direct comparison in an original trial and small sample size of trials and participants. A clinical trial directly comparing apixaban vs. aspirin in patients with HF and sinus rhythm may be worth undertaking.
Sheathless CE‐MS as a tool for monitoring exchange efficiency and stability of bispecific antibodies
Authors: Gstöttner Christoph , Vergoossen Dana L. E. , Wuhrer Manfred , Huijbers Maartje G. M. , Domínguez‐Vega Elena
Published: September 2020

Bispecific monoclonal antibodies (BsAbs) are receiving great attention due to their extensive benefits as biopharmaceuticals and their involvement in IgG4 mediated autoimmune diseases. While the production of BsAbs is getting more accessible, their analytical characterization remains challenging. We explored the potential of sheathless CE‐MS for monitoring exchange efficiency and stability of in‐house produced bispecific antibodies. Two IgG4 bispecific antibodies with different molecular characteristics were prepared using controlled Fragment antigen binding (Fab)‐arm exchange. Separation of BsAbs from their parent monospecific antibodies was achieved using a polyethyleniimine (PEI)‐coated capillary and acidic background electrolytes permitting reliable assessment of the exchange efficiency. This was especially valuable for a Fab‐glycosylated BsAb where the high glycan heterogeneity resulted in an overlap of masses with the monospecific parent antibody, hindering their discrimination by MS only. The method showed also good capabilities to monitor the stability of the generated BsAbs under different storage conditions. The levels of degradation products were different for the studied antibodies indicating pronounced differences in stability. Overall, the proposed method represents a useful analytical tool for exchange efficiency and stability studies of bispecific antibodies.
Joule heating‐enabled electrothermal enrichment of nanoparticles in insulator‐based dielectrophoretic microdevices
Authors: Malekanfard Amirreza , Liu Zhijian , Song Le , Kale Akshay , Zhang Cheng , Yu Liandong , Song Yongxin , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: September 2020

Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) exploits the electric field gradients formed around insulating structures to manipulate particles for diverse microfluidic applications. Compared to the traditional electrode‐based dielectrophoresis, iDEP microdevices have the advantages of easy fabrication, free of water electrolysis, and robust structure, etc. However, the presence of in‐channel insulators may cause thermal effects because of the locally amplified Joule heating of the fluid. The resulting electrothermal flow circulations are exploited in this work to trap and concentrate nanoscale particles (of 100 nm diameter and less) in a ratchet‐based iDEP microdevice. Such Joule heating‐enabled electrothermal enrichment of nanoparticles are found to grow with the increase of alternating current or direct current electric field. It also becomes more effective for larger particles and in a microchannel with symmetric ratchets. Moreover, a depth‐averaged numerical model is developed to understand and simulate the various parametric effects, which is found to predict the experimental observations with a good agreement.
Structural analysis and design of irregular shaped footings subjected to eccentric loading
Authors: Al‐Ansari Mohammed S. , Afzal Muhammad S.
Published: September 2020

This article presents a simplified analytical model for designing irregular shaped reinforced concrete (RC) footings supporting square column and subjected to eccentric loading, that is, axial load P and biaxial moments, Mx in (x‐x) axis and My in (y‐y) axis, respectively. In this study, four design variations of footing sections are considered, namely, square, triangular, circular, and trapezoidal. Seven different footings (F‐1 to F‐7), each with a different loading condition, are used to analyze and design each of the selected irregular footings with the goal of getting the optimum footing section. The required reinforcing area of steel (As) is obtained using the SDM method in each selected footing which is then compared using finite element software (SAFE). The percentage difference of area of steel (As) for simplified method with the finite element software ranges within 1% to 13%. Moreover, the concrete volume results show that the circular and triangular footings prove to be the most economical footings followed by square and trapezoidal shaped footing sections. However, the results show that triangular shaped footings under heavy loads require a larger steel area (As) as in footing F‐7, which is not economical for heavy loads.
Continuous phase modulation with chaotic interleaving for visible light communication systems based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
Authors: Eldeeb Hossien B. , Al‐Nahhal Mohamed , Selmy Hossam A. I. , Abd El‐Samie Fathi E.
Published: September 2020

Visible light communication (VLC) is one of the most promising technologies which offers high data rates and flexible cost‐effective networking solutions for indoor applications. In VLC systems, the optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is considered as an efficient technique to avoid VLC channel selectivity. However, OFDM suffers from the high peak‐to‐average‐power‐ratio (PAPR) problem, which degrades the VLC system performance. In this article, we consider the use of a chaotic‐interleaver‐based continuous‐phase‐modulation (CI‐CPM) scheme together with frequency domain equalization (FDE) at the receiver end of the VLC system. A direct current bias is added to the signal to provide real‐valued non‐negative signals for intensity modulation. The proposed scheme outperforms the conventional ones in terms of PAPR. Additionally, it takes the advantages of CPM power efficiency and frequency diversity. Furthermore, three types of FDE techniques are considered and compared including the zero‐forcing (ZF) equalizer, the minimum mean square error equalizer and the regularized ZF equalizer.
Salience and default‐mode network connectivity during threat and safety processing in older adults
Authors: Marstaller Lars , Fynes‐Clinton Samuel , Burianová Hana , Reutens David C.
Published: September 2020

The appropriate assessment of threat and safety is important for decision‐making but might be altered in old age due to neurobiological changes. The literature on threat and safety processing in older adults is sparse and it is unclear how healthy ageing affects the brain's functional networks associated with affective processing. We measured skin conductance responses as an indicator of sympathetic arousal and used functional magnetic resonance imaging and independent component analysis to compare young and older adults' functional connectivity in the default mode (DMN) and salience networks (SN) during a threat conditioning and extinction task. While our results provided evidence for differential threat processing in both groups, they also showed that functional connectivity within the SN – but not the DMN – was weaker during threat processing in older compared to young adults. This reduction of within‐network connectivity was accompanied by an age‐related decrease in low frequency spectral power in the SN and a reduction in inter‐network connectivity between the SN and DMN during threat and safety processing. Similarly, we found that skin conductance responses were generally lower in older compared to young adults. Our results are the first to demonstrate age‐related changes in brain activation during aversive conditioning and suggest that the ability to adaptively filter affective information is reduced in older adults.
Exercise Training Decreases Hepatic Injury and Metastases Through Changes in Immune Response to Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion in Mice
Authors: Yazdani Hamza O. , Kaltenmeier Christof , Morder Kristin , Moon Juik , Traczek Madelyn , Loughran Patricia , Zamora Ruben , Vodovotz Yoram , Li Feng , Wang James H‐C. , Geller David A. , Simmons Richard L. , Tohme Samer
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) induces local and systemic inflammation in which neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are major drivers. IRI markedly augments metastatic growth, which is consistent with the notion that the liver IRI can serve as a premetastatic niche. Exercise training (ExT) confers a sustainable protection, reducing IRI in some animal models, and has been associated with improved survival in patients with cancer; however, the impact of ExT on liver IRI or development of hepatic metastases is unknown.

Approach and Results

Mice were randomized into exercise (ExT) and sedentary groups before liver IRI and tumor injection. Computerized dynamic network analysis of 20 inflammatory mediators was used to dissect the sequence of mediator interactions after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) that induce injury. ExT mice showed a significant decrease in hepatic IRI and tissue necrosis. This coincided with disassembly of complex networks among inflammatory mediators seen in sedentary mice. Neutrophil infiltration and NET formation were decreased in the ExT group, which suppressed the expression of liver endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Concurrently, ExT mice revealed a distinct population of infiltrating macrophages expressing M2 phenotypic genes. In a metastatic model, fewer metastases were present 3 weeks after I/R in the ExT mice, a finding that correlated with a marked increase in tumor‐suppressing T cells within the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions

ExT preconditioning mitigates the inflammatory response to liver IRI, protecting the liver from injury and metastases. In light of these findings, potential may exist for the reduction of liver premetastatic niches induced by liver IRI through the use of ExT as a nonpharmacologic therapy before curative surgical approaches.
Nintedanib plus mFOLFOX6 as second‐line treatment of metastatic, chemorefractory colorectal cancer: The randomised, placebo‐controlled, phase II TRICC‐C study (AIO‐KRK‐0111)
Authors: Ettrich Thomas J. , Perkhofer Lukas , Decker Thomas , Hofheinz Ralf‐Dieter , Heinemann Volker , Hoffmann Thomas , Hebart Holger F. , Herrmann Thomas , Hannig Carla V. , Büchner‐Steudel Petra , Güthle Melanie , Hermann Patrick C. , Berger Andreas W. , Seufferlein Thomas
Published: September 2020

Nintedanib is a triple angiokinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1‐3, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1‐3 and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐a/‐b. Thereby, it targets angiogenic escape mechanisms. The trial TyRosine kinase Inhibitor for the treatment of Chemorefractory Colorectal Cancer (TRICC‐C) trial evaluates the addition of nintedanib to mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). TRICC‐C is a randomised controlled, double‐blinded, phase II trial in mCRC patients that received a first‐line non‐oxaliplatin containing chemotherapy. Patients received mFOLFOX6 + nintedanib (F + N) (2 × 200 mg p.o./d, d1‐d14) or mFOLFOX6 + placebo (F + P), in a 1:1 ratio. Primary endpoint was median progression free survival (mPFS) and secondary overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and safety. Fifty‐three patients (27 F + N; 26 F + P) were randomised between 12/2012 and 5/2016 (scheduled n = 180). The trial was terminated prematurely due to slow accrual. The trial did not reach its primary endpoint but mPFS, median overall survival (mOS) and disease control rate (DCR) were numerically higher in the F + N arm compared to the F + P arm; however, the difference was not significant (mPFS: F + P: 4.6 months vs F + N: 8.1 months; HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.32‐1.30; P = .2156; mOS: F + P: 9.9 months vs F + N: 17.1 months; HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.48‐2.23; P = .9387; DCR: F + P: 50% vs F + N: 66,7%; P = .2709). Toxicity was moderate and only different for neutropenia (F + P: 11.5%, F + N: 19.2%) and gastrointestinal disorders (F + P: 65.4%, F + N: 84.6%). Final results show safety and a nonsignificant trend towards improved PFS and DCR for the combination of mFOLFOX6 + nintedanib in the second‐line therapy of mCRC.
Does board structure affect stock price overshooting informativeness measured by stochastic oscillator indicators?
Authors: Ni Yensen , Cheng Yirung , Liao Yulu , Huang Paoyu
Published: September 2020

We explore whether our proposed proxies for stock price overshooting informativeness and the days falling into overbought (oversold) zones defined by the SOI over the total number of trading days in a year (hereafter referred to as OB‐ratio [OS‐ratio]) would be affected by the function of the board structure and by financial performance. Results show that firms with high OS‐ratio (OB‐ratio) are those with ill‐functioning (well‐functioning) board structures and inferior (superior) financial performance. Thus, we argue that our new proxies could be employed to gauge board structure function and even financial performance.
Enhancing light‐matter interaction in 2D materials by optical micro/nano architectures for high‐performance optoelectronic devices
Authors: Tao Li , Chen Zefeng , Li Zhiyong , Wang Jiaqi , Xu Xin , Xu Jian‐Bin
Published: September 2020

Two‐dimensional materials are a promising solution for next‐generation electronic and optoelectronic devices due to their unique properties. Owing to the atomic thickness of 2D materials, the light‐matter interaction length in 2D materials is much shorter than that in bulk materials, which limits the performance of optoelectronic devices composed of 2D materials. To improve the light‐matter interactions, optical micro/nano architectures have been introduced into 2D material optoelectronic devices. In this review, we present a concise introduction and discussion of various strategies for the enhancement of light‐matter interaction in 2D materials, namely, the plasmonic effect, waveguide, optical cavity, and reflection architecture. We have outlined the current advances in high‐performance 2D material optoelectronic devices (eg, photodetectors, electro‐optic modulators, light‐emitting diodes, and molecular sensors) assisted by these enhancement strategies. Finally, we have discussed the future challenges and opportunities of micro/nano photonic structure designs in 2D material devices.

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SARS‐CoV‐2 multifaceted interaction with the human host. Part II: Innate immunity response, immunopathology, and epigenetics
Authors: Beacon Tasnim H. , Su Ruey‐Chyi , Lakowski Ted M. , Delcuve Geneviève P. , Davie James R.
Published: September 2020

The SARS‐CoV‐2 makes its way into the cell via the ACE2 receptor and the proteolytic action of TMPRSS2. In response to the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the innate immune response is the first line of defense, triggering multiple signaling pathways to produce interferons, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and initiating the adaptive immune response against the virus. Unsurprisingly, the virus has developed strategies to evade detection, which can result in delayed, excessive activation of the innate immune system. The response elicited by the host depends on multiple factors, including health status, age, and sex. An overactive innate immune response can lead to a cytokine storm, inflammation, and vascular disruption, leading to the vast array of symptoms exhibited by COVID‐19 patients. What is known about the expression and epigenetic regulation of the ACE2 gene and the various players in the host response are explored in this review.
Polycaprolactone fibrous electrospun scaffolds reinforced with copper doped wollastonite for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Abudhahir Mohamed , Saleem Azeena , Paramita Pragyan , Kumar Sukumar Dinesh , Tze‐Wen Chung , Selvamurugan Nagarajan , Moorthi Ambigapathi
Published: September 2020

The bone defects healing are always associated with post implantation infections; hence biomaterials rules significant role for orchestration of defective bone. In this study, we synthesized biocomposite scaffold by combining polycaprolactone (PCL), wollastonite (Ws) and metal ions (Cu) by electrospinning technique. The manufactured scaffolds (PCL/Ws andPCL/Cu–Ws) were subjected to physio‐chemical characterization by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRD. The surface topography of the scaffolds was found to be micro‐fibrous in nature and each fiber was cylindrical in structure. The exogenous biomineralization and protein adsorption capacity of these scaffolds were studied. Enhanced amount of protein was adsorbed on PCL/Cu‐Ws than PCL/Ws scaffold after incubating for 48 hr in foetal bovine serum (FBS) also the biomineralization shown to be promoted the apatite formation in vitro. The synthesized PCL/Cu–Ws scaffold was biocompatible to mouse mesenchymal stem cells and enhanced the mRNA expressionof osteoblastic specific marker genes including alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen and major transcription factor Runx2 in the presence of osteogenic medium indicates the osteoconductive nature of the scaffolds. The amount of calcium deposition and promotion of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization on human osteoblast cells was confirmed by alizarin red staining. The fabricated scaffolds possess potent antibacterial effect against Staphylococcu aureus and Escherichia coli. Hence, our outcomes confirmed that the PCL/Ws and PCL/Cu–Ws scaffolds promote bonesynthesis by cell proliferation and differentiation suitable for applications in bone regeneration orbone defects.
A nomogram based on pretreatment clinical parameters for the prediction of inadequate biochemical response in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Tian Siyuan , Liu Yansheng , Sun Keshuai , Zhou Xia , Ma Shuoyi , Zhang Miao , Zhou Xinmin , Wang Lu , Han Ying
Published: September 2020

Background

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been widely recommended as the first‐line drug for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in the current guidelines. However, its therapeutic effects are poor in nearly one‐third of patients. The early identification and intervention of these patients is crucial for delaying disease progression. Therefore, we explored risk factors for inadequate biochemical response and constructed a nomogram to predict the potential risk.

Methods

We enrolled 356 patients and randomly divided them into training (70%) and validation groups (30%). We defined inadequate biochemical response as the study endpoint. Logistic analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of poor biochemical response. Based on these factors, a predictive nomogram was finally constructed. Then, discrimination and calibration were evaluated by internal validation. Additionally, the association between the model predictions and prognosis was further analyzed.

Results

Female sex, and albumin and bilirubin concentrations were identified as risk factors, and a nomogram was built based on these factors. The areas under the ROC curves of the training and validation groups were 0.809 and 0.791, respectively. Moreover, calibration curves showed that predictions of the nomogram had good concordance with the actual outcomes. The correlation analysis demonstrated that PBC patients with a high probability of a suboptimal biochemical response were more likely to have adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

We constructed a nomogram, which can accurately predict the risk of inadequate biochemical response to UDCA, facilitating the early screening of high‐risk patients with PBC who should be prioritized for additional therapy.
Undercarboxylated osteocalcin has no adverse effect on endothelial function in rabbit aorta or human vascular cells
Authors: Tacey Alexander , Millar Sophie , Qaradakhi Tawar , Smith Cassandra , Hayes Alan , Anderson Susan , Zulli Anthony , O'Sullivan Saoirse , Levinger Itamar
Published: September 2020

Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) improves glucose metabolism; however, its effects on endothelial cell function are unclear. We examined the biological effect of ucOC on endothelial function in animal models ex vivo and human cells in vitro. Isometric tension and immunohistochemistry techniques were used on the aorta of male New Zealand white rabbits and cell culture techniques were used on human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to assess the effect of ucOC in normal and high‐glucose environments. Overall, ucOC, both 10 and 30 ng/ml, did not significantly alter acetylcholine‐induced blood vessel relaxation in rabbits (p > .05). UcOC treatment did not cause any significant changes in the immunoreactivity of cellular signalling markers (p > .05). In HAEC, ucOC did not change any of the assessed outcomes (p > .05). UcOC has no negative effects on endothelial function which is important to reduce the risks of off target adverse effects if it will be used as a therapeutic option for metabolic disease in the future.
Muscle density discriminates hip fracture better than computed tomography X‐ray absorptiometry hip areal bone mineral density
Authors: Wang Ling , Yin Lu , Zhao Yue , Su Yongbin , Sun Wei , Liu Yandong , Yang Minghui , Yu Aihong , Blake Glen Mervyn , Cheng Xiaoguang , Wu Xinbao , Veldhuis Annegreet , Engelke Klaus
Published: September 2020

Background

Muscle weakness is a key factor in the increase risk of falls and might also play a significant role in the increase of risk of hip fracture. Computed tomography‐measured muscle size and muscle density are well‐established imaging biomarkers used in studies of physical function, frailty or cancer, but limited to hip fracture. In particular, it is warranted to have a better understanding of the performance of muscle size and density in the discrimination of acute hip fractures. We also aim to determine age‐related differences of muscle size and density in healthy controls and hip fracture patients.

Methods

Four hundred thirty‐eight low‐energy acute hip fracture cases and 316 healthy controls from the China Action on Spine and Hip Status study were included in the study. Muscle cross‐sectional area and density were measured for the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius and minimus. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of the femoral neck and total hip was measured. Using propensity score matching, we generated three samples with cases and controls matched for age, body mass index, and gender: femoral neck fracture (FNF), intertrochanteric fracture (ITF), and any hip fracture vs. controls, respectively.

Results

Handgrip strength, gluteus muscle area and density, and bone parameters of the matched hip fracture groups were lower than those of the correspondence control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The univariate analysis showed that associations of aBMD with FNF and with ITF were significantly weaker than associations between fracture and muscle parameters. Gluteus medius and minimus muscle density showed the highest areas under the curve (AUC) with FNF (0.88, 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.92) and trochanteric fracture (0.95, 95% confidence interval, 0.92–0.97). The model including all muscle and bone parameters provided the highest AUC (FNF: AUC 0.912; ITF: AUC 0.958), and AUC results of another selected model without muscle density showed that association with fracture significantly dropped (FNF: AUC 0.755; ITF: AUC 0.858). Separate results for the two age groups younger and older than 70 years showed no age‐related significant differences in discriminate models.

Conclusions

Muscle density performs better than aBMD from hip computed tomography X‐ray absorptiometry and muscle size in discrimination of hip fracture. Combination of aBMD and muscle density provided the best discrimination. The integration of muscle assessments may trigger a paradigm shift in hip fracture prediction. Gluteus muscle density should also be evaluated as treatment outcome.
German Bight storm activity, 1897–2018
Authors: Krieger Daniel , Krueger Oliver , Feser Frauke , Weisse Ralf , Tinz Birger , von Storch Hans
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the evolution of German Bight (southeastern North Sea) storminess from 1897 to 2018 through analysing upper quantiles of geostrophic wind speeds, which act as a proxy for past storm activity. Here, geostrophic wind speeds are calculated from triplets of mean sea level pressure observations that form triangles over the German Bight. The data used in the manuscript are provided by the International Surface Pressure Databank and the national meteorological services of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The derivation of storm activity is achieved by enhancing the established triangle proxy method via combining and merging storminess time series from numerous partially overlapping triangles in an ensemble‐like manner. The utilized approach allows for the construction of robust, long‐term and subdaily German Bight storminess time series. Further, the method provides insights into the underlying uncertainty of the time series. The results show that storm activity over the German Bight is subject to multidecadal variability. The latest decades are characterized by an increase in activity from the 1960s to the 1990s, followed by a decline lasting into the 2000s and below‐average activity up until present. The results are backed through a comparison with reanalysis products from four datasets, which provide high‐resolution wind and pressure data starting in 1979 and offshore wind speed measurements taken from the FINO‐WIND project. This study also finds that German Bight storminess positively correlates with storminess in the NE Atlantic in general. In certain years, however, notably different levels of storm activity in the two regions can be found, which likely result from shifted large‐scale circulation patterns.
Pedigree analysis of lumbar developmental spinal stenosis: Determination of potential inheritance patterns
Authors: Lai Marcus K. L. , Cheung Prudence W. H. , Song You‐Qiang , Samartzis Dino , Cheung Jason P. Y.
Published: September 2020

Lumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) refers to multilevel pre‐existing narrowed spinal canals, which predispose to neural compromise. The objective of this study is to identify any inheritance pattern of DSS by utilizing pedigree charts. This was a case series of 13 families with a total of 80 subjects having magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from L1 to S1. Cases (subjects with DSS) or controls (subjects without DSS) were identified by measuring their anteroposterior (AP) vertebral canal diameters. Multilevel model analyses were also performed to evaluate whether there is substantial clustering of observations within the families, and the effect of multilevel DSS. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Akaike information criteria (AIC) were compared between models. Correlations between subject demographics and AP vertebral canal diameter were statistically insignificant at all levels. Only vertebral canal cross‐sectional area, and axial and sagittal vertebral canal diameter were found to be statistically different between cases and controls at all levels (all p < .05). Both males and females were affected by DSS and there was no skipping of generation, which highly suggested DSS followed an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. After accounting for multilevel DSS, there was a drop of more than 10 in AIC and some variances were also explained within families. This is the first study that suggests multilevel lumbar DSS to have an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Within families with a background of DSS, subjects had a smaller canal size, contributed by shortened axial and sagittal AP vertebral canal diameter, and smaller canal cross‐sectional area.
Detection challenges in quantitative polymer analysis by liquid chromatography
Authors: Knol Wouter C. , Pirok Bob W. J. , Peters Ron A. H.
Published: September 2020

Accurate quantification of polymer distributions is one of the main challenges in polymer analysis by liquid chromatography. The response of contemporary detectors is typically influenced by compositional features such as molecular weight, chain composition, end groups, and branching. This renders the accurate quantification of complex polymers of which there are no standards available, extremely challenging. Moreover, any (programmed) change in mobile‐phase composition may further limit the applicability of detection techniques. Current methods often rely on refractive index detection, which is not accurate when dealing with complex samples as the refractive‐index increment is often unknown. We review current and emerging detection methods in liquid chromatography with the aim of identifying detectors, which can be applied to the quantitative analysis of complex polymers.
Use of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Ablation Therapy of HCC
Authors: Meloni Maria Franca , Francica Giampiero , Chiang Jason , Coltorti Andrea , Danzi Roberta , Laeseke Paul F.
Published: September 2020

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) plays an important role in the management of patients treated with ablation therapies, in the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring phases.

Compared to contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, CEUS presents several advantages in imaging HCC, including real time imaging capability, high sensitivity for tumor vascularity, absence of renal toxicity, no ionizing radiation, repeatability of injections, good compliance by the patient and low cost.

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the role of CEUS in the management of the patients with HCC treated with ablation therapies and describe how in our protocol CEUS is integrated with the other imaging modalities such as contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.