bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐Dynamic Modulation of Thermal Radiation and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding with the Self‐Healing Electrochromic Device
Authors: Xu Gaoping , Wang Bo , Song Shanshan , Ren Zichen , Liu Dongqi , Zhang Leipeng , Li Yao
Published: March 2022

There is a need to develop next generation devices for dual‐dynamic regulation of thermal radiation and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to allow the precise operation of electronic components. Here, a novel, stretchable, and self‐healing electrochromic device with unprecedented dynamic tunability of thermal emittance and electromagnetic interference is developed, which exhibits the thermal emittance modulation (Δε) of 0.37 and 0.43 at 8–14 µm under different voltages and strains, respectively. Additionally, by tuning the strain, the device can achieve the change of EMI shielding efficiency (SE) of 16.1 dB due to the increase of the transmittance for electromagnetic wave between the interleaving of the fibers. Moreover, the device exhibits outstanding mechanical stability (98.7% retention of Δε at 8–14 µm and 97.7% retention of EMI SE after bending for 300 cycles), a remarkable stretching stability (99.2% retention of Δε at 8–14 µm and 98.2% retention of EMI SE after stretching for 50 cycles) and the self‐healing performance (99.8% retention of Δε at 8–14 µm and 99.6% retention of EMI SE after the self‐healing). These results indicate that the device have excellent tunability for EMI shielding and thermal management in communication, military, and smart electronics.
Soft Liquid Metal Infused Conductive Sponges
Authors: Cai Shengxiang , Allioux Francois‐Marie , Tang Jianbo , Han Jialuo , Zhang Jin , He Yilin , Merhebi Salma , Christoe Michael J. , Mayyas Mohannad , Wong Edgar H. H. , Boyer Cyrille , Neff Raymond , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh
Published: March 2022

Liquid metal droplets of gallium (Ga) and Ga‐based alloys are traditionally incorporated as deformable additives into soft elastomers to make them conductive. However, such a strategy has not been implemented to develop conductive sponges with real sponge‐like characteristics. Herein, polyurethane‐based sponges with Ga microdroplets embedded inside the polyurethane walls are developed. The liquid phase (at 45 °C) and solid phase (at room temperature) transition of the Ga fillers shows the temperature‐dependent functional variations in the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties on the prepared composite sponges, which are investigated in detail. Unlike elastomers, the sponge possesses excellent elastic recovery, at ≈90%, and conductivity durability without sacrificing structural integrity. The reversible change of resistivity range is remarkable. When the Ga fillers account for 18% of the total sponge volume, the electrical resistivity varies from infinite values (insulator) under no applied pressure to 39.0 Ω m for the solid phase and 3.8 Ω m for the liquid phase under 386.8 kPa. New opportunities in developing flexible electrically conductive composite sponges with tunable mechanical and electrical properties that can be implemented for a variety of future applications are proposed.
Trimetallic Sulfide Hollow Superstructures with Engineered d‐Band Center for Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Zhang Chaoqi , Lu Ruihu , Liu Chao , Lu Jingyi , Zou Yingying , Yuan Ling , Wang Jing , Wang Guozhong , Zhao Yan , Yu Chengzhong
Published: March 2022

High‐performance transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) as electrocatalysts for two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e‐ORR) in alkaline medium are promising for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, but their synthesis remains challenging. In this work, a titanium‐doped zinc–cobalt sulfide hollow superstructure (Ti–ZnCoS HSS) is rationally designed as an efficient electrocatalyst for H2O2 electrosynthesis. Synthesized by using hybrid metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursors after sulfidation treatment, the resultant Ti–ZnCoS HSS exhibits a hollow‐on‐hollow superstructure with small nanocages assembled around a large cake‐like cavity. Both experimental and simulation results demonstrate that the polymetallic composition tailors the d‐band center and binding energy with oxygen species. Moreover, the hollow superstructure provides abundant active sites and promotes mass and electron transfer. The synergistic d‐band center and superstructure engineering at both atomic and nanoscale levels lead to the remarkable 2e‐ORR performance of Ti–ZnCoS HSS with a high selectivity of 98%, activity (potential at 1 mA cm−2 of 0.774 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), a H2O2 production rate of 675 mmol h–1 gcat–1, and long‐term stability in alkaline condition, among the best 2e‐ORR electrocatalysts reported to date. This strategy paves the way toward the rational design of polymetallic TMCs as advanced 2e‐ORR catalysts.
Vesicle Induced Receptor Sequestration: Mechanisms behind Extracellular Vesicle‐Based Protein Signaling
Authors: Staufer Oskar , Hernandez Bücher Jochen Estebano , Fichtler Julius , Schröter Martin , Platzman Ilia , Spatz Joachim P.
Published: March 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are fundamental for proper physiological functioning of multicellular organisms. By shuttling nucleic acids and proteins between cells, EVs regulate a plethora of cellular processes, especially those involved in immune signalling. However, the mechanistic understanding concerning the biophysical principles underlying EV‐based communication is still incomplete. Towards holistic understanding, particular mechanisms explaining why and when cells apply EV‐based communication and how protein‐based signalling is promoted by EV surfaces are sought. Here, the authors study vesicle‐induced receptor sequestration (VIRS) as a universal mechanism augmenting the signalling potency of proteins presented on EV‐membranes. By bottom‐up reconstitution of synthetic EVs, the authors show that immobilization of the receptor ligands FasL and RANK on EV‐like vesicles, increases their signalling potential by more than 100‐fold compared to their soluble forms. Moreover, the authors perform diffusion simulations within immunological synapses to compare receptor activation between soluble and EV‐presented proteins. By this the authors propose vesicle‐triggered local clustering of membrane receptors as the principle structural mechanism underlying EV‐based protein presentation. The authors conclude that EVs act as extracellular templates promoting the local aggregation of membrane receptors at the EV contact site, thereby fostering inter‐protein interactions. The results uncover a potentially universal mechanism explaining the unique structural profit of EV‐based intercellular signalling.
Nucleobase Polymers Promote Low Work Function Surfaces in Organic Electronics
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Zhihui , Yang Rui , Kwon Namhee , Park Soohyung , Kim Heung‐Sik , Lee Hyunbok , Liu Yao
Published: March 2022

Low work function surfaces are crucial to electron extraction and injection in organic electronic devices. One of the challenges is developing general surface modifiers compatible with various organic semiconductors and device structures. Two novel nucleobase polymers are synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The nucleobase polymers show strong molecular dipole moments and superior film‐forming property as surface modifiers, which universally reduce work functions of common conductive electrodes. The integration of these nucleobase polymers into conventional or inverted organic solar cells (OSCs) boosts efficiencies of the devices to 17.25%, which is the highest in OSCs containing biomass‐derived interlayer materials. These nucleobase polymers are efficient and stable surface modifiers to remove energy barriers of diodes and transistors, improving electron transport between metal electrodes and organic semiconductors, which provide a new material platform for introducing biomass‐derivatives to produce low work function surfaces for high‐performance organic electronics.
Role of chronic neuroinflammation in neuroplasticity and cognitive function: A hypothesis
Authors: Lecca Daniela , Jung Yoo Jin , Scerba Michael T. , Hwang Inho , Kim Yu Kyung , Kim Sun , Modrow Sydney , Tweedie David , Hsueh Shih‐Chang , Liu Dong , Luo Weiming , Glotfelty Elliot , Li Yazhou , Wang Jia‐Yi , Luo Yu , Hoffer Barry J. , Kim Dong Seok , McDevitt Ross A. , Greig Nigel H.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Evaluating the efficacy of 3,6’‐dithioPomalidomide in 5xFAD Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice to test the hypothesis that neuroinflammation is directly involved in the development of synaptic/neuronal loss and cognitive decline.

Background

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) or tau‐focused clinical trials have proved unsuccessful in mitigating AD‐associated cognitive impairment. Identification of new drug targets is needed. Neuroinflammation is a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative disorders, and TNF‐α a pivotal neuroinflammatory driver.

New hypothesis

AD‐associated chronic neuroinflammation directly drives progressive synaptic/neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Pharmacologically mitigating microglial/astrocyte activation without altering Aβ generation will define the role of neuroinflammation in AD progression.

Major challenges

Difficulty of TNF‐α‐lowering compounds reaching brain, and identification of a therapeutic‐time window to preserve the beneficial role of neuroinflammatory processes.

Linkage to other major theories

Microglia/astroglia are heavily implicated in maintenance of synaptic plasticity/function in healthy brain and are disrupted by Aβ. Mitigation of chronic gliosis can restore synaptic homeostasis/cognitive function.
Potential role of chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1/YKL‐40) in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Connolly Kevin , Lehoux Mikael , O'Rourke Ryan , Assetta Benedetta , Erdemir Guzide Ayse , Elias Jack A , Lee Chun Geun , Huang Yu‐Wen Alvin
Published: March 2022

Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1/YKL‐40) has long been known as a biomarker for early detection of neuroinflammation and disease diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the brain, CHI3L1 is primarily provided by astrocytes and heralds the reactive, neurotoxic state triggered by inflammation and other stress signals. However, how CHI3L1 acts in neuroinflammation or how it contributes to AD and relevant neurodegenerative conditions remains unknown. In peripheral tissues, our group and others have uncovered that CHI3L1 is a master regulator for a wide range of injury and repair events, including the innate immunity pathway that resembles the neuroinflammation process governed by microglia and astrocytes. Based on assessment of current knowledge regarding CHI3L1 biology, we hypothesize that CHI3L1 functions as a signaling molecule mediating distinct neuroinflammatory responses in brain cells and misfunctions to precipitate neurodegeneration. We also recommend future research directions to validate such assertions for better understanding of disease mechanisms.
Klein Tunneling through Double Barrier in ABC‐Trilayer Graphene
Authors: Mouhafid Abderrahim El , Jellal Ahmed , Mekkaoui Miloud
Published: March 2022

Klein tunneling and conductance for Dirac fermions in ABC‐stacked trilayer graphene through symmetric and asymmetric double potential barrier are investigated. This was done by using the continuum model of two and six‐bands. The numerical results show that the transport is sensitive to the height, the width, and the distance between the two barriers. It is found that the Klein paradox at normal incidence () and resonant features at in the transmission result from resonant electron states in the wells or hole states in the barriers. It is shown that such features strongly influence the ballistic conductance of the structures.
Nonlocal Correlation and Entanglement of Ultracold Bosons in the 2D Bose–Hubbard Lattice at Finite Temperature
Authors: Pohl Ulli , Ray Sayak , Kroha Johann
Published: March 2022

The temperature‐dependent behavior emerging in the vicinity of the superfluid (SF) to Mott‐insulator (MI) transition of interacting bosons in a 2D optical lattice, described by the Bose–Hubbard model is investigated. The equilibrium phase diagram at finite‐temperature is computed using the cluster mean‐field (CMF) theory including a finite‐cluster‐size‐scaling. The SF, MI, and normal fluid (NF) phases are characterized as well as the transition or crossover temperatures between them are estimated by computing physical quantities such as the superfluid fraction, compressibility and sound velocity using the CMF method. It is found that the nonlocal correlations included in a finite cluster, when extrapolated to infinite size, leads to quantitative agreement of the phase boundaries with quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) results as well as with experiments. Moreover, it is shown that the von Neumann entanglement entropy within a cluster corresponds to the system's entropy density and that it is enhanced near the SF–MI quantum critical point (QCP) and at the SF–NF boundary. The behavior of the transition lines near this QCP, at and away from the particle‐hole (p–h) symmetric point located at the Mott‐tip, is also discussed. The results obtained by using the CMF theory can be tested experimentally using the quantum gas microscopy method.
Calix[4]pyrrolato Aluminate Catalyzes the Dehydrocoupling of Phenylphosphine Borane to High Molar Weight Polymers
Authors: Schön Florian , Sigmund Lukas M. , Schneider Friederike , Hartmann Deborah , Wiebe Matthew A. , Manners Ian , Greb Lutz
Published: March 2022

High molar weight polyphosphinoboranes represent materials with auspicious properties, but their preparation requires transition metal‐based catalysts. Here, calix[4]pyrrolato aluminate is shown to induce the dehydropolymerization of phosphine boranes to high molar mass polyphosphinoboranes (up to Mn=43 000 Da). Combined GPC and 31P DOSY NMR spectroscopic analyses, quantum chemical computations, and stoichiometric reactions disclose a P−H bond activation by the cooperative action of the square‐planar aluminate and the electron‐rich ligand framework. This first transition metal‐free catalyst for P−B dehydrocoupling overcomes the problem of residual d‐block metal impurities in the resulting polymers that might interfere with the reproducibility of the properties for this emerging class of inorganic materials.
Synthesis, Structure and Electronic Properties of a Stable π‐Type 3‐Electron‐2‐Center‐Bonded Species: A Silicon Analogue of a Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane Radical Anion
Authors: Koike Taichi , Osawa Raiki , Ishida Shintaro , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: March 2022

σ‐Type 3‐electron‐2‐center (3e‐2c) bonds have been extensively studied as one of the key bonding motifs in radical chemistry and some biological systems. “π‐Type 3e‐2c‐bonded species” that contain a 3e‐2c π‐bond without an underlying σ‐bond framework, however, have been unexplored so far both theoretically and experimentally. Herein, we report the synthesis of the first stable π‐type 3e‐2c‐bonded species, a silicon analogue of a bicyclo[1.1.0]butane radical anion. This compound exhibits an extremely long bridgehead Si−Si bond (3.0638(8) Å) and a strong near‐IR absorption at 922 nm in solution which arises from a HOMO→SOMO [π(Si−Si)→π*(Si−Si)] transition. DFT calculations revealed a π‐type bonding interaction between the two bridgehead silicon atoms with an unpaired electron mainly delocalized across the corresponding π*‐type orbital, which introduces a novel bonding motif for constructing π‐electron systems.
Mesoporous Mn‐Se/Al2O3: A recyclable and reusable catalyst for selective oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Zeng Yan , Chen Tian , Zhang Xu , Chen Ying , Zhou Hongwei , Yu Lei
Published: March 2022

Mesoporous Mn‐Se/Al2O3 could be easily fabricated by calcining the selenium sources with the manganese and aluminum hydroxides. It was an efficient catalyst for alcohol oxidation using H2O2 as the clean oxidant, affording carbonyls in 58%–83% yields. The reaction of primary alcohols could produce aldehydes specifically, while no carboxylic acids were generated. The easily accessible features and low cost of Mn‐Se/Al2O3 may endow the material great potential in the industrial‐scale applications.
Prevalence Trends of Site‐Specific Osteoarthritis From 1990 to 2019: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Long Huibin , Liu Qiang , Yin Heyong , Wang Kai , Diao Naicheng , Zhang Yuqing , Lin Jianhao , Guo Ai
Published: March 2022

Objective

To estimate systematic and anatomic site–specific age‐standardized prevalence rates (ASRs) and analyze the secular trends of osteoarthritis (OA) at global, regional, and national levels.

Methods

Data were derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. ASRs and their estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were used to describe the secular trends of OA according to age group, sex, region, country, and territory, as well as the joints involved.

Results

Globally, prevalent cases of OA increased by 113.25%, from 247.51 million in 1990 to 527.81 million in 2019. ASRs were 6,173.38 per 100,000 in 1990 and 6,348.25 per 100,000 in 2019, with an average annual increase of 0.12% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.11%, 0.14%). The ASR of OA increased for the knee, hip, and other joints, but decreased for the hand, with EAPCs of 0.32 (95% CI 0.29, 0.34), 0.28 (95% CI 0.26, 0.31), 0.18 (95% CI 0.18, 0.19), and −0.36 (95% CI −0.38, −0.33), respectively. OA prevalence increased with age and revealed female preponderance, geographic diversity, and disparity with regard to anatomic site. OA of the knee contributed the most to the overall burden, while OA of the hip had the highest EAPC in most regions.

Conclusion

OA has remained a major public health concern worldwide over the past decades. The prevalence of OA has increased and diversified by geographic location and affected joint. Prevention and early treatment are pivotal to mitigating the growing burden of OA.
One‐Dimensional Organic Conjugated Polymers as Recyclable Heterogeneous Photocatalysts
Authors: Lei Zhexuan , Liu Yiming , Tong Yujie , Mo Yitian , Ma Yuguo
Published: March 2022

Organic conjugated polymers with long‐range conjugation generally have strong light absorption capacity in the visible light region and impressive performance in charge transfer, which endows them great application potential in the field of opto‐electronic materials. However, there are few reports on their use in photocatalytic reactions. At present, it has been reported that a variety of donor‐acceptor (D−A) type organic dyes can be used in efficient organic photocatalytic transformations. We designed and synthesized one‐dimensional organic conjugated polymers pPhCzBP‐Th and pPhCzBP‐DTh with D−A structure, and proved that they are good heterogeneous photo‐redox catalysts, which can photocatalyze hydrodehalogenation reduction of α‐bromoacetophenone and its derivatives. Due to the strong reducibility of the excited state, pPhCzBP‐Th can also efficiently reduce α‐chloroacetophenone. Furthermore, by simply wrapping the catalyst powder, high‐efficient separation of products and catalysts recycling can be achieved.
Efficient Synthesis of Yellow‐Green Carbon Quantum Dots as a Sensitive Fluorescent Probe of Folic Acid
Authors: Jia Xin , Yin Chang‐Ling , Li Jing , Li Juan‐Rong , An Bao‐Li , Xu Jiaqiang
Published: March 2022

Bright yellow‐green carbon quantum dots (YGCDs) have been successfully synthesized by a simple and efficient hydrothermal method. Their luminescent absolute quantum yield reached 30.0% in 4 h. Compared with commonly reported solvothermal methods, the synthesis time was reduced by more than 70% by using tin oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst. Moreover, the fluorescence of YGCDs could be selectively quenched by folic acid (FA) molecules, and the relative fluorescence intensities of F/F0 was fitted perfectly in line decay curve versus the concentration of FA in the range of 2.0×10−8 mol/l to 1.0×10−5 mol/l (R2=0.9988). The detection limit of FA was below 2.0×10−8 mol/l, suggesting a promising fluorescent probe of folic acid.
Differential effects of COVID‐related lockdown on sleep–wake rhythms in adults with autism spectrum disorder compared to the general population
Authors: Reynaud Eve , Pottelette Julien , Rabot Juliette , Rolling Julie , Royant‐Parola Sylvie , Hartley Sarah , Coutelle Romain , Schröder Carmen M.
Published: March 2022

COVID‐related lockdown led to a radical modification of daily activities and routines which are known to affect sleep. Compared to the general population, participants with autism may be particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of lockdown on sleep, given their intrinsic inflexible adherence to routines and the high overall prevalence of sleep disturbances in this population. The study is a French nation‐wide online survey assessing sleep–wake rhythms and behaviors known to affect sleep (daily screen time, daylight exposure, and physical activity), before and during COVID‐related lockdown. Respondents were 207 adults with autism (56% female) and 1652 adults of the general population (77% female), with a mean age 35.3 years (SD 11.3). Before lockdown, the adults with autism displayed on average later bedtime and waking hours, lower sleep quality, more evening screen time, less exposure to daylight, and less exercise (all p < 0.01). Lockdown affected all studied measures of sleep and related exposures in a similar way in both groups: poorer self‐rated sleep quality as well as a less regular and delayed sleep–wake rhythm, longer screen time in the evening and less exposure to daylight (all p < 0.001). Adults with autism displayed significantly higher levels of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances and less favorable daily routines known to regulate sleep. While the effect of confinement on sleep and sleep related behaviors was similar in both groups, the results highlight that the pre‐existing shift in circadian rhythms and lifestyles in adults with ASD further deteriorated during lockdown.

Lay abstract

COVID‐related lockdown led to a radical modification of daily activities and routines known to affect sleep. In a sample of 1800 adults, we observed that, before lockdown, participants with autism displayed significantly higher levels of sleep disturbances and less favorable daily routines known to regulate sleep, compared to the general population. While the deleterious effect of lockdown on sleep was similar in both groups, pre‐existing difficulties in adults with autism reached worrying levels during lockdown.
Enzymatic synthesis of novel aromatic‐aliphatic polyesters with increased hydroxyl group density
Authors: Seithümmer Julia , Öztürk Melda , Wunschik Dennis S. , Prießen Joscha , Schultz Heyko J. , Dornbusch Michael , Gutmann Jochen S. , Hoffmann‐Jacobsen Kerstin
Published: March 2022

Background

Polyesters with pendant hydroxyl groups are attractive materials which offer additional functionalization points in the polymer chain. In contrast to chemical polycondensation, lipase regioselectivity enables the synthesis of these materials as certain hydroxyl groups remain unaffected during the enzymatic process.

Methods and Major Results

In this study, a combination of synthesis development and reactor design was used for the enzymatic synthesis of an aliphatic‐aromatic polyester with two different classes of pendant hydroxyl groups. Using 2,6‐bishydroxy(methyl)‐p‐cresol as diol in lipase catalyzed polycondensation with adipic acid required the addition of hexane diol as third monomer for polycondensation to take place. Reaction conditions were explored in order to identify the preferred reaction conditions for the incorporation of the aromatic diol and the enhancement of the hydroxyl group density. Post‐polymerization with glycerol at low temperature integrated additional aliphatic hydroxyl groups, reduced the polydispersity and increased the end group functionality.

Conclusion

A new material with aromatic building blocks and boosted polymer chain reactivity was obtained, which is suggested to find application in various areas of material development from coatings to adhesives.
Closing the loop through eco‐innovation by European firms: Circular economy for sustainable development
Authors: Triguero Ángela , Cuerva María C. , Sáez‐Martínez Francisco J.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of environmental innovations towards a circular economy (CE) by the EU firms, with special focus on technological capabilities and external support. A multivariate probit model is specified to allow the distinction between three types of eco‐innovative practices: Reduce, Recycle, and Redesign technological processes. Using a novel taxonomy based upon the distinction between narrowing, closing, and slowing loops in the use of resources, we find that financial and technological capabilities are essential drivers for all types of CE actions in the European firms. Similar findings are found for the public funding support but only when the firms are recycling (closing resource loops) and redesigning (slowing resource loops). Knowledge from private companies (pecuniary mode) is relevant to Reduce and Recycle strategies. These two eco‐innovative practices are also shown in firms with a wide external knowledge network. Results also show that there is an inverted U‐shaped relation between the diversity of collaboration and the circular Redesign of products. The paper ends up with some implications for practitioners and policy makers.
Porphyrin in Prebiotic Catalysis: Ascertaining a Route for the Emergence of Early Metalloporphyrins**
Authors: Dagar Shikha , Sarkar Susovan , Rajamani Sudha
Published: March 2022

Metal ions are known to catalyze certain prebiotic reactions. However, the transition from metal ions to extant metalloenzymes remains unclear. Porphyrins are found ubiquitously in the catalytic core of many ancient metalloenzymes. In this study, we evaluated the influence of porphyrin‐based organic scaffold, on the catalysis, emergence and putative molecular evolution of prebiotic metalloporphyrins. We studied the effect of porphyrins on the transition metal ion‐mediated oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ). We report a change in the catalytic activity of the metal ions in the presence of porphyrin. This was observed to be facilitated by the coordination between metal ions and porphyrins or by the formation of non‐coordinated complexes. The metal‐porphyrin complexes also oxidized NADH, underscoring its versatility at oxidizing more than one substrate. Our study highlights the selective advantage that some of the metal ions would have had in the presence of porphyrin, underscoring their role in shaping the evolution of protometalloenzymes.
Case of traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts coinciding with vertebral fracture
Authors: Tanaka Motoki , Touten Yoriko , Otani Yuichiro , Ito Masanori
Published: March 2022

Here, we report a case of traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPPs) coinciding with vertebral fracture. Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPPs) are rare complications of blunt chest trauma. These clinical images of CT, presenting here, seemed to be valuable because they show the process of pseudocyst formation.
Implant‐supported bar overdentures in patients treated surgically for head and neck cancer: Two case reports
Authors: Omeish Nadine , Pomes Benjamin , Citterio Hélène
Published: March 2022

Prosthetic rehabilitation of patients who have undergone head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery could be very challenging. The aim of this article is to present two HNC clinical cases rehabilitated with implant‐supported removable complete dental prosthesis with different types of CB.
Tuberculous pleuroperitonitis
Authors: Minamikawa Maki , Okazaki Akihito , Yoshida Naruo
Published: March 2022

An 83‐year‐old man was diagnosed with tuberculous pleuroperitonitis on a thoracoscopic pleural biopsy. It may be due to endogenous reactivation of the foci in the pleura and peritoneum. Thoracoscopy, which can be performed under local anesthesia, should be considered when both pleural effusion and ascites are present.
Advanced Self‐Standing Electrodes for Water Electrolysis: A Review on Strategies for Further Performance Enhancement
Authors: Xiang Rui , Wang Xingyu
Published: March 2022

The large‐scale application of water electrolysis to produce high purity H2 greatly relies on the development of highly efficient and stable catalysts. In this field, substantial progress has been witnessed during the past years, and self‐standing electrode represents a remarkable milestone. A series of problems associated with common powder catalysts, including insufficient active sites exposure, limited mass transfer, easily peeling off, etc., can be solved by the construction of self‐standing electrode. However, there is still room for further performance enhancement. Therefore, the latest achievements and challenges on the design of advanced self‐standing electrodes for water electrolysis is summarized in this review. Firstly, we outline the methods for controllable synthesis of self‐standing electrodes. Then, particular attention is paid to the adopted strategies for tuning the structure and surface electron configuration of the electrodes, as well as the related performance enhancement mechanisms. Finally, remaining challenges and future perspectives for development of advanced self‐standing electrodes for water electrolysis are concluded.
Quantum Chemistry‐based Molecular Dynamics Simulations as a Tool for the Assignment of ESI‐MS/MS Spectra of Drug Molecules
Authors: Schnegotzki Romina , Koopman Jeroen , Grimme Stefan , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: March 2022

In organic mass spectrometry, fragment ions provide important information on the analyte as a central part of its structure elucidation. With increasing molecular size and possible protonation sites, the potential energy surface (PES) of the analyte can become very complex, which results in a large number of possible fragmentation patterns. Quantum chemical (QC) calculations can help here, enabling the fast calculation of the PES and thus enhancing the mass spectrometry‐based structure elucidation processes. In this work, the previously unknown fragmentation pathways of the two drug molecules Nateglinide (45 atoms) and Zopiclone (51 atoms) were investigated using a combination of generic formalisms and calculations conducted with the Quantum Chemical Mass Spectrometry (QCxMS) program. The computations of the de novo fragment spectra were conducted with the semi‐empirical GFNn‐xTB (n=1, 2) methods and compared against Orbitrap measured electrospray ionization (ESI) spectra in positive ion mode. It was found that the unbiased QC calculations are particularly suitable to predict non‐evident fragment ion structures, sometimes contrasting the accepted generic formulation of fragment ion structures from electron migration rules, where the “true” ion fragment structures are approximated. For the first time, all fragment and intermediate structures of these large‐sized molecules could be elucidated completely and routinely using this merger of methods, finding new undocumented mechanisms, that are not considered in common rules published so far. Given the importance of ESI for medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and metabolomics, this approach can significantly enhance the mass spectrometry‐based structure elucidation processes and contribute to the understanding of previously unknown fragmentation pathways.
Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Generated In Situ from Molybdenum(VI)‐Oxo Complexes by Tuning Pendant Ligands
Authors: Nater Darryl F. , Kaul Christoph J. , Lätsch Lukas , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi , Copéret Christophe
Published: March 2022

Tailored molybdenum(VI)‐oxo complexes of the form MoOCl2(OR)2(OEt2) catalyse olefin metathesis upon reaction with an organosilicon reducing agent at 70 °C, in the presence of olefins. While this reactivity parallels what has recently been observed for the corresponding classical heterogeneous catalysts based on supported metal oxide under similar conditions, the well‐defined nature of our starting molecular systems allows us to understand the influence of structural, spectroscopic and electronic characteristics of the catalytic precursor on the initiation and catalytic proficiency of the final species. The catalytic performances of the pre‐catalysts are determined by the highly electron withdrawing (σ‐donation) character of alkoxide ligands, OtBuF9 being the best. This activity correlates with both the 95Mo chemical shift and the reduction potential that follows the same trend: OtBuF9>OtBuF6>OtBuF3.
C‐reactive protein, delirium, and other psychological symptoms among patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Amano Koji , Hatano Yutaka , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Maeda Isseki , Ishiki Hiroto , Miura Tomofumi , Imai Kengo , Hori Tetsuo , Matsuda Yosuke , Funaki Hiromi , Suzuki Kozue , Mori Masanori , Morita Tatsuya ,   the East‐Asian collaborative cross‐cultural Study to Elucidate the Dying process (EASED) investigator
Published: March 2022

Background

It remains unclear whether a relationship exists between elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and delirium. The primary aim was to investigate the relationship between CRP and delirium in advanced cancer.

Methods

This study was a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in palliative care units. At baseline, the physicians diagnosed delirium. On the seventh day, they evaluated whether new delirium had occurred. Subjects were divided into four groups according to CRP levels. We assessed the associations between CRP levels and proportions of delirium. To evaluate the relationship between CRP and delirium, adjusted odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in the logistic models.

Results

Among 1896 patients, 1354 patients were eligible for analyses. We classified them into four groups: low (CRP < 1 mg/dl) (n = 170), moderate (1 ≤ CRP < 5 mg/dl) (n = 453), high (5 ≤ CRP < 10 mg/dl) (n = 334), and very high (10 mg/dl ≤ CRP) (n = 397). The incidence of delirium significantly increased with increasing CRP levels (P = 0.02). In model 1, significantly higher adjusted ORs than in the low CRP group were observed in the high CRP and very high CRP groups (1.63 [95% CI 1.06–2.50], P = 0.03; 1.72 [95% CI 1.13–2.62], P = 0.01, respectively). In model 2, a significantly higher adjusted OR than in the low CRP group was observed in the very high CRP group (1.61 [95% CI 1.05–2.45], P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Relationships existed between elevated CRP levels and delirium.
Sex and body composition influences the Quilombolas strength
Authors: Pereira Leonardo Costa , de Santana Frederico Santos , Lamarca Fernando , Garcia Kerolyn Ramos , Karnikowski Mauro , Neto Luiz Sinésio Silva , Oliveira Hildeamo Bonifacio , Osório Neila Barbosa , da Silva Izabel Cristina Rodrigues , de Oliveira Karnikowski Margo Gomes
Published: March 2022

Background

Studies in ethnic minority communities with social isolation have low genetic variability. Furthermore, assuming that any attempt to determine ageing by chronological cuts is misleading, it is recommended that functional capacity assessments be performed especially during and at the end of adulthood. Specifically, muscle strength performance is an interesting screening measure of functional capacity because of its association with functional level. However, the behaviour of the muscle strength manifestation between sexes and its association with body composition (BC) parameters in a low genetic variability community are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the influence of BC and sex on the handgrip strength of mature remaining Quilombolas.

Methods

Seventy Quilombola volunteers of both sexes (♀ = 39; ♂ = 31) were recruited. BC and muscle strength were tested by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and handgrip equipment (Jamar), respectively. Correlations between muscle strength and age and BC parameters were determined by Spearman equation. In addition, it has executed comparisons of BC and age between strongest and weakest men and women from the interquartile analysis by Mann–Whitney U test. The significance level was adopted: P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Of the 70 remaining Quilombolas, with a mean age 64.6 ± 7.07 years, 55.7% were women with a mean age of 63.77 ± 7.56 years and 44.3% men with 65.65 ± 7.87 years. Statistical differences were identified for all parameters of BC and performance evaluated between men and women, except for the ratio of appendicular and axial fat‐free mass (P = 0.183). The evaluation of the influence of BC on strength identified that Quilombola men and women have different processes in the decline of strength, considering both the correlation's tests and the comparisons between groups of different degrees of strength.

Conclusions

For Quilombola individuals, strength is a variable that can be modulated due to the influence of gender and BC.
Changes in muscle measures during chemoradiotherapy in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Valan Christine Damgaard , Halvorsen Tarje Onsøien , Slaaen Marit , Grønberg Bjørn Henning
Published: March 2022

Background

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the recommended treatment for limited stage small cell lung cancer. Severe side‐effects, which might cause loss of muscle mass, are frequent. Low skeletal muscle index (SMI) and radiodensity (SMD) are associated with inferior survival and more toxicity in cancer patients, but few have investigated this in small cell lung cancer, and none have investigated whether these muscle measures change during chemoradiotherapy. Patients from a trial comparing two schedules of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) were analysed (n = 157). We investigated if SMI and SMD changed during treatment; whether changes are negative prognostic factors; or associated with severe toxicity.

Methods

Skeletal muscle index and SMD were assessed from computerized tomography scans taken before and after chemoradiotherapy. Patients with analysable computerized tomography scans who completed TRT were eligible.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients (43.3%) were analysed. Median age was 63 (range 40–85), 16% had performance status 2 and 92% stage III. Mean SMI decreased from 46.25 to 42.13 cm2/m2 and mean SMD from 38.40 to 37.46 Hounsfield units. Loss of SMD was significantly associated with less Grades 3–4 toxicity (P = 0.027) and less Grades 3–4 esophagitis (P = 0.029). Loss of SMI was significantly associated with shorter survival in multivariable (P = 0.037) but not in univariable analysis (P = 0.094). Loss of SMD was significantly associated with better survival in both univariable (P = 0.006) and multivariable analyses (P = 0.013).

Conclusions

There were large individual variations in changes in muscle measures during chemoradiotherapy, but the majority experienced a loss of both SMI and SMD. There was no consistent prognostic value of changes in muscle measures or consistent associations with severe treatment toxicity.
Association between mitochondrial function measured by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and physical performance in older people with functional impairment
Authors: Chungath Rebecca R. , Witham Miles D. , Clarke Clare L. , Hutcheon Anita , Gandy Stephen , Gingles Christopher , Priba Lukasz , Nicholas S. Richard , Cavin Ian , Sumukadas Deepa , Struthers Allan D. , George Jacob
Published: March 2022

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential therapeutic target to improve skeletal muscle function, but the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to impaired skeletal muscle performance in older people remains unclear. The aim of this analysis was to test the association between measures of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and physical performance in older people.

Methods

We analysed data from the Allopurinol in Functional Impairment trial. Participants aged 65 and over, who were unable to walk 400 m in 6 min, underwent 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the calf after exercise at baseline and at 20 weeks follow up. The phosphocreatine recovery half‐life time (t1/2) was derived as a measure of mitochondrial function. Participants undertook the 6‐min walk test and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Muscle mass measured using the Akern 101 bio‐impedance analysis system. Bivariate correlations and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between t1/2 and baseline factors.

Results

One hundred and seventeen participants underwent baseline 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mean age 80.4 years (SD 6.0); 56 (48%) were female. Mean 6‐min walk was 291 m (SD 80), mean SPPB score was 8.4 (SD 1.9); t1/2 correlated significantly with Short Physical Performance Battery score (r = 0.22, P = 0.02) but not with 6‐min walk distance (r = 0.10, P = 0.29). In multivariable linear regression, muscle mass and total body weight, but not t1/2, were independently associated with Short Physical Performance Battery score and with 6‐min walk distance. Change in t1/2 was not significantly associated with change in Short Physical Performance Battery score (r = 0.03, P = 0.79) or with change in 6‐min walk distance (r = −0.11, P = 0.28).

Conclusions

Muscle mass, but not phosphocreatine recovery time, was consistently associated with Short Physical Performance Battery score and 6‐min walk distance in older people with functional impairment.
The relationship between evolving sarcopenia and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Makiguchi Tomonori , Tanaka Hisashi , Taima Kageaki , Tatsuo Soichiro , Iida Saya , Kakeda Shingo , Tasaka Sadatomo
Published: March 2022

Background

Sarcopenia has been receiving attention in the cancer field. We investigated whether evolving sarcopenia is associated with the outcome of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 46 NSCLC patients who received ICIs were subjected. Skeletal muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3‐SMA) was measured from CT images taken before and 90 days after the ICI treatment. The efficacy‐related factors were determined by logistic regression analysis. The prognostic cut‐off value was estimated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Area under curve (AUC) was evaluated. Covariate factors included age, gender, smoking history, histology, performance status, PD‐L1 tumour proportion score, status of driver mutations, body mass index, serum total protein, albumin levels, and peripheral lymphocyte count. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) analysis were conducted by Kaplan–Meier method. Data cut off was determined to be 700 days.

Results

Patient characteristics in age (mean ± SD) and gender (male, %) were 65.5 ± 9.2 years old and 80.4%. In the multivariate analysis, only reduction rate of L3‐SMA was significant (odds ratio 1.14, P = 0.02). The cut‐off value was estimated to be 6% (AUC 0.84, P < 0.0001). Median PFS of patients with L3‐SMA over 6% and those with less was 2.4 and 15.7 months, respectively (P < 0.0001). As for OS, the median time was 10.0 months versus not reached (P = 0.012).

Conclusions

Evolving sarcopenia assessed with CT images could be a promising prognostic factor in NSCLC patients receiving ICIs.
Skeletal muscle myostatin gene expression and sarcopenia in overweight and obese middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Ryan Alice S. , Li Guoyan
Published: March 2022

Background

Myostatin (MSTN) is a key negative regulator of muscle mass in humans and animals, having direct and indirect influences on molecular regulators of atrophy and hypertrophy, thus potentially impacting fitness and physical function. We have shown that myostatin is elevated in conditions of chronic disability (e.g. paretic limb of stroke). Our hypothesis is that myostatin would be elevated in older adults with sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of skeletal muscle myostatin in sarcopenia.

Methods

Sixty‐four overweight to obese aged 45–81 years underwent a maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) test, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan to determine appendicular lean tissue (ALM), and vastus lateralis muscle biopsy to determine myostatin mRNA expression by quantitative real time PCR (Q‐RT‐PCR). Rates of sarcopenia were determined using (ALM/BMI), and sarcopenia was defined as <0.789 in men and <0.512 in women. Subjects had low fitness (VO2max: 22.7 ± 0.7 mL/kg/min) and on average 40.9 ± 1% body fat.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia in this cohort was 16%. BMI, % body fat, and fat mass were higher in adults with sarcopenia than those without sarcopenia (all P < 0.001). Myostatin mRNA expression was lower in those without sarcopenia than those with sarcopenia (P < 0.05) and higher in men than women (P < 0.001). Myostatin expression was associated with BMI (r = 0.36, P < 0.01) and mid‐thigh intramuscular fat (r = 0.29, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Given that myostatin is important in muscle atrophy, fat accumulation, and sarcopenia, further work could address its implication in other aging cohorts of disability and chronic disease.
Magnetic resonance imaging vs. computed tomography image concordance for linear measurements and the quantification of abdominal skeletal muscle
Authors: Medline Alexandra , Nabavizadeh Reza , Le Thien‐Linh , Patil Dattatraya , Evans Sean , Sandberg Alex , Psutka Sarah P. , Master Viraj A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Linear measurement analysis using computed tomography (CT) scans to quantify abdominal muscle mass has been validated as a clinically practical approach for screening individuals with low muscle mass. However, there is still a need to validate such analysis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging. The aim of this study is to assess the reproducibility and concordance of CT and MRI imaging for linear measurement analyses of skeletal muscle at mid‐L3.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 66 patients with available CT and MRI images within 30 days of one other to evaluate linear measurement CT and MRI concordance. Linear measurement analysis for abdominal/pelvic CT and MRI scans for eight patients was conducted independently three times by the same person separated by at least 1 week to assess intra‐rater variability. The intra‐observer variability for both CT and MRI was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The concordance and correlation of CT and MRI mid‐L3 for linear measurements were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

The intra‐rater reliability of linear measurements for both CT and MRI was high, as measured by the ICC (CT range: 0.788–0.992; MRI range: 0.766–0.984). CT and MRI linear measurements were found to be significantly positively correlated for all psoas (total psoas r = 0.98; P < 0.0001) and paraspinal muscle measurements (total paraspinal r = 0.99; P < 0.0001). Bland–Altman analysis revealed a mean bias of 0.83 (range: 0.03–5.56) for MRI over CT linear measurements.

Conclusions

CT and MRI images were shown to be concordant for linear measurement analysis of abdominal muscle mass. T2‐weighted MRI sequences can be used interchangeably with CT in the assessment of sarcopenia using linear measurement analysis.
Employee green behavior: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Katz Ian M. , Rauvola Rachel S. , Rudolph Cort W. , Zacher Hannes
Published: March 2022

Due to climate change, the need to protect biodiversity and reduce pollution, and governmental regulations, many organizations are aiming to become more environmentally sustainable. In this context, researchers and practitioners are increasingly interested in the construct of employee green behavior (EGB). EGB has been considered by numerous empirical studies over the last two decades and its associations with demographic characteristics, individual differences, work‐related perceptions, and job attitudes. To systematically synthesize the rapidly growing literature on EGB, we conducted a meta‐analysis (k = 135 independent samples; total N = 47,442 employees). Results showed positive associations between EGB and, for example, pro‐environmental attitudes, corporate social responsibility, and green psychological climate. We further report the results of a meta‐analytic path model based on the theory of planned behavior, which showed that pro‐environmental attitude, norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions positively predicted EGB.