bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the protonation state of a phosphorylated amino acid governs molecular recognition: insights from classical molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kawade Raiji , Kuroda Daisuke , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: November 2019

Physicochemical properties of proteins are controlled mainly by post‐translational modifications such as amino acid phosphorylation. Although molecular dynamics simulations have been shown to be a valuable tool for studying the effects of phosphorylation on protein structure and dynamics, most of the previous studies assumed that the phosphate group was in the unprotonated () state, even though the protonation state could in fact vary at physiological pH. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of four different protein‐phosphorylated peptide complexes both in the and PO3H− states. Our simulations delineate different dynamics and energetics between the two states, suggesting importance of the protonation state of a phosphorylated amino acid in molecular recognition.
Next‐generation disease modeling with direct conversion: a new path to old neurons
Authors: Traxler Larissa , Edenhofer Frank , Mertens Jerome
Published: November 2019

Within just over a decade, human reprogramming‐based disease modeling has developed from a rather outlandish idea into an essential part of disease research. While iPSCs are a valuable tool for modeling developmental and monogenetic disorders, their rejuvenated identity poses limitations for modeling age‐associated diseases. Direct cell‐type conversion of fibroblasts into induced neurons (iNs) circumvents rejuvenation and preserves hallmarks of cellular aging. iNs are thus advantageous for modeling diseases that possess strong age‐related and epigenetic contributions and can complement iPSC‐based strategies for disease modeling. In this review, we provide an overview of the state of the art of direct iN conversion and describe the key epigenetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic changes that occur in converting fibroblasts. Furthermore, we summarize new insights into this fascinating process, particularly focusing on the rapidly changing criteria used to define and characterize in vitro‐born human neurons. Finally, we discuss the unique features that distinguish iNs from other reprogramming‐based neuronal cell models and how iNs are relevant to disease modeling.
Cell‐SELEX, an Effective Way to the Discovery of Biomarkers and Unexpected Molecular Events
Authors: Bing Tao , Zhang Nan , Shangguan Dihua
Published: November 2019

Cell‐SELEX can not only generate aptamers for specific cell isolation/detection, diagnosis, and therapy, but also lead to the discovery of biomarkers and unexpected molecular events. However, most cell‐SELEX research is concentrated on aptamer generation and applications. In this progress report, recent research progress with cell‐SELEX in terms of the discovery of biomarkers and unexpected molecular events is highlighted. In particular, the key technical challenges for cell‐SELEX‐based biomarker discovery, namely, the methods for identification and validation of target proteins of aptamers, are discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects of the applications of cell‐SELEX in this field now and in the near future are described. It is expected that this report will attract attention to the benefit of cell‐SELEX and provide a practical reference for biomedical researchers.
Merging Top‐Down and Bottom‐Up Approaches to Fabricate Artificial Photonic Nanomaterials with a Deterministic Electric and Magnetic Response
Authors: Dietrich Kay , Zilk Matthias , Steglich Martin , Siefke Thomas , Hübner Uwe , Pertsch Thomas , Rockstuhl Carsten , Tünnermann Andreas , Kley Ernst‐Bernhard
Published: November 2019

Artificial photonic nanomaterials made from densely packed scatterers are frequently realized either by top‐down or bottom‐up techniques. While top‐down techniques offer unprecedented control over achievable geometries for the scatterers, by trend they suffer from being limited to planar and periodic structures. In contrast, materials fabricated with bottom‐up techniques do not suffer from such disadvantages but, unfortunately, they offer only little control on achievable geometries for the scatterers. To overcome these limitations, a nanofabrication strategy is introduced that merges both approaches. A large number of scatterers are fabricated with a tailored optical response by fast character projection electron‐beam lithography and are embedded into a membrane. By peeling‐off this membrane from the substrate, scrambling, and densifying it, a bulk material comprising densely packed and randomly arranged scatterers is obtained. The fabrication of an isotropic material from these scatterers with a strong electric and magnetic response is demonstrated. The approach of this study unlocks novel opportunities to fabricate nanomaterials with a complex optical response in the bulk but also on top of arbitrarily shaped surfaces.
Vascular Pedicle and Microchannels: Simple Methods Toward Effective In Vivo Vascularization of 3D Scaffolds
Authors: Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena , Gerrand Yi‐wen , Wray Lindsay S. , Tan Beryl , Joukhdar Habib , Kaplan David L. , Morrison Wayne A. , Mitchell Geraldine M.
Published: November 2019

Poor vascularization remains a key limiting factor in translating advances in tissue engineering to clinical applications. Vascular pedicles (large arteries and veins) isolated in plastic chambers are known to sprout an extensive capillary network. This study examined the effect vascular pedicles and scaffold architecture have on vascularization and tissue integration of implanted silk scaffolds. Porous silk scaffolds with or without microchannels are manufactured to support implantation of a central vascular pedicle, without a chamber, implanted in the groin of Sprague Dawley rats, and assessed morphologically and morphometrically at 2 and 6 weeks. At both time points, blood vessels, connective tissue, and an inflammatory response infiltrate all scaffold pores externally, and centrally when a vascular pedicle is implanted. At week 2, vascular pedicles significantly increase the degree of scaffold tissue infiltration, and both the pedicle and the scaffold microchannels significantly increase vascular volume and vascular density. Interestingly, microchannels contribute to increased scaffold vascularity without affecting overall tissue infiltration, suggesting a direct effect of biomaterial architecture on vascularization. The inclusion of pedicles and microchannels are simple and effective proangiogenic techniques for engineering thick tissue constructs as both increase the speed of construct vascularization in the early weeks post in vivo implantation.
Wearable Organic Electrochemical Transistor Patch for Multiplexed Sensing of Calcium and Ammonium Ions from Human Perspiration
Authors: Keene Scott T. , Fogarty Daragh , Cooke Ross , Casadevall Carlos D. , Salleo Alberto , Parlak Onur
Published: November 2019

Wearable health monitoring has garnered considerable interest from the healthcare industry as an evolutionary alternative to standard practices with the ability to provide rapid, off‐site diagnosis and patient‐monitoring. In particular, sweat‐based wearable biosensors offer a noninvasive route to continuously monitor a variety of biomarkers for a range of physiological conditions. Both the accessibility and wealth of information of sweat make it an ideal target for noninvasive devices that can aid in early diagnosis of disease or to monitor athletic performance. Here, the integration of ammonium (NH4+) and calcium (Ca2+) ion‐selective membranes with a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)‐based (PEDOT:PSS) organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) for multiplexed sensing of NH4+ and Ca2+ in sweat with high sensitivity and selectivity is reported for the first time. The presented wearable sweat sensor is designed by combining a flexible and stretchable styrene‐ethylene‐butene‐styrene substrate with a laser‐patterned microcapillary channel array for direct sweat acquisition and delivery to the ion‐selective OECT. The resulting dermal sensor exhibits a wide working range between 0.01 × 10−3 and 100 × 10−3 m, well within the physiological levels of NH4+ and Ca2+ in sweat. The integrated devices are successfully implemented with both ex situ measurements and on human subjects with real‐time analysis using a wearable sensor assembly.
δ‐MnO2/KMnF3 Composite with Mixed Valence as Cathode for Potassium Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Shuya , Cui Yongli , Cui Bin , Zhuang Quanchao , Li Bo , Zheng Hong , Ju Zhicheng
Published: November 2019

Potassium ion batteries (PIBs) are regarded as potentially promising large‐scale energy storage systems. δ‐MnO2/KMnF3‐30 (mass percentage of KMnF3: 30%) with mixed valence of manganese is constructed by homogeneous precipitation method, as cathode for PIBs. As a buffer and chelating agent for the reaction, disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA‐2Na) is helpful to form composites with good mixing and uniform dispersion. δ‐MnO2 nanowires with different lengths can fully utilize the cross‐linking of long nanowires and short‐range filling of short nanowires, resulting in more stable network connectivity. Additionally, the uniform embedding of the KMnF3 nanoparticles among δ‐MnO2 nanowires can effectively accommodate the volume expansion associated with ion intercalation during cycling process. δ‐MnO2/KMnF3 combines the advantages of Mn‐based fluoride and Mn‐based oxide as cathode materials, and has high capacity, good cycle performance and rate performance. The capacity at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 200 cycles can still be as high as 90 mAh g−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to study the reaction process of the δ‐MnO2/KMnF3 cathode at the electrode/electrolyte interface and to explain some electrochemical phenomena.
A Review of Composite Lithium Metal Anode for Practical Applications
Authors: Shi Peng , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Shen Xin , Zhang Rui , Liu He , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2019

Lithium (Li) metal is considered as a promising anode candidate for next‐generation batteries owing to its extremely high specific capacity and low reduction potential. However, Li metal anode is still hindered by uncontrolled Li dendrites and extreme volume fluctuation. Composite Li metal anode emerges as an attractive strategy to suppress Li dendrites and relieve volume fluctuation by regulating the behaviors of Li plating/stripping. Although progresses are visible in composite Li anode with much excess Li (>50 mAh cm−2), high negative/positive capacity ratio (>50), and low current density (<1 mA cm−2), yet the suppression of Li dendrites and long lifespan of practical Li batteries are still challenged with limited Li (<10 mAh cm−2), low negative/positive capacity ratio (<3), and high current density (>3 mA cm−2). Here, the progresses of composite Li anode are reviewed in terms of the material types, structures, and fabrications of composite Li anode in order to promote the substantial developments of practical Li batteries. Furthermore, the perspectives of current challenges and further rational designs of composite Li anode are presented aiming to bring new avenues for high‐energy‐density practical Li batteries.
Preparation and Characterization of Hybrid Structured MWCNT/UHMWPE Fiber Sensors for Strain Sensing and Load Bearing of Composite Structures
Authors: On Seung Yoon , Park Steve , Kim Seong Su
Published: November 2019

In this study, a hybrid (soft and strong) coaxial structured fiber sensor that has high load carrying capacity and high sensing performance for measuring mechanical strain is prepared by using a dry‐jet wet spinning system and simple dip‐coating method. The strong core of the fiber sensor is made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene that has highly oriented molecular structure due to a hot‐stretching process to increase the tensile strength. The soft sheath of the fiber sensor is an electrically conductive layer composed of a multilayer structure with varying concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyurethane layers to enhance the sensing performance. A scanning electron microscope is used to investigate the surface morphology of the fiber sensors. Single filament tensile tests are performed to measure the mechanical properties of the fiber sensors. The signal‐to‐noise ratio, strain sensitivity, repeatability, and degree of hysteresis of the fiber sensors are measured during static and dynamic tensile tests to determine the sensing performance. Experimental results confirm that the hybrid structured fiber sensor shows significantly enhanced mechanical properties due to the control of the hot‐stretching process and significantly enhances sensing performances due to the control of the structural configuration of the conductive layers.
MXene Quantum Dot/Polymer Hybrid Structures with Tunable Electrical Conductance and Resistive Switching for Nonvolatile Memory Devices
Authors: Mao Huiwu , Gu Chen , Yan Shiqi , Xin Qian , Cheng Shuai , Tan Peng , Wang Xiangjing , Xiu Fei , Liu Xiaoqin , Liu Juqing , Huang Wei , Sun Linbing
Published: November 2019

Low‐dimensional MXene materials including MXene quantum dots (MQDs) and nanosheets have attracted extensive attention owing to their unique structures and novel properties, but their most attractive features are still less explored than expected. A systematic study of the memory effects of MQD‐based electronics is reported. Monodisperse MQDs are prepared by using a one‐step facile hydrothermal synthetic method. By varying the MQD content in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) hybrid composite films, the electrical conductance of an indium tin oxide (ITO)/MQD‐PVP/gold (Au) sandwich structure can be tuned precisely from insulator behavior to irreversible resistive switching, reversible resistive switching, and conductor behavior. These irreversible and reversible resistive switches are capable of exhibiting write‐once‐read‐many times (WORM) and flash memory effects, respectively. Both types of devices operate stably under retention testing, with a high on/off current ratio up to 100. The tunable memory and transient features of these hybrid films are likely due to MQD charge trapping due to their quantum confinement and dissolvability of memristive components. The results suggest that MXene nanomaterials are promising as resistive switching trigger for emerging nonvolatile memories for data storage, specially data storage security.
Lattice Strain Enhances Thermoelectric Properties in Sb2Te3/Te Heterostructure
Authors: Wu Zhenhua , Chen Xiang , Mu Erzhen , Liu Yang , Che Zhanxun , Dun Chaochao , Sun Fangyuan , Wang Xinwei , Zhang Yanliang , Hu Zhiyu
Published: November 2019

An efficient way to improve thermoelectric (TE) performance of a system by adjusting the lattice strain (e.g., dislocation and nano‐interface) without changing its composition is reported in this study. By controlling the crystallization and growth of Te nanoparticles, a Sb2Te3/Te heterostructure with enhanced TE properties is obtained. The growth of Te nanoparticles as well as the introduced lattice strain is characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy in details. In addition to the low thermal conductivity (κ ) caused by lattice strain, the resulting stress on the heterostructure may lead to a state near electronic topological transition that enhances the power factor (PF ). As a result, the optimized figure‐of‐merit of the Sb2Te3/Te heterojunction reaches up to 0.61 at 300 K with PF and κ of 11.2 µW cm−1 K−2 and 0.55 W m−1 K−1, respectively. This method can also be applied in other heterojunction systems to improve TE properties.
Exchange rate exposure of agricultural cooperatives
Authors: Piccoli Pedro
Published: November 2019

Despite the growth of exchange risk literature in the field of agricultural economics, little attention has been paid to firm‐level currency exposure in emerging countries. In this context, this paper investigates the exchange rate exposure faced by a unique data set of 66 Brazilian agricultural cooperatives from 2000 to 2015, and finds that around one‐third of the sampled firms exhibited significant exposure during this period, even after controlling for crises. The paper also documents that the proportion of exposed firms doubles during periods in which the local central bank intervenes more in the currency regime, lending support to the moral hazard hypothesis: when the exchange rate is less flexible, local companies tend to adopt unhedged positions in response to implicit government guarantees. Finally, firms with more debt, better asset management, lower inventory levels, and higher product differentiation tend to be less exposed to currency swings [EconLit Citations: F31, G15, G23].
Selective N‐Monomethylation of Anilines with Methanol Catalyzed by Commercial Pd/C as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Jiang Lei , Guo Fang , Wang Yinran , Jiang Jialin , Duan Yangzhi , Hou Zhaomin
Published: November 2019

N‐methylation of amines is one of the most important C−N bond‐forming reactions and is widely utilized for the synthesis of numerous agrochemicals, drugs, natural products, and dyes. In this paper, the N‐monomethylation of aniline derivatives using Pd/C catalyst and methanol as the methylation reagent was investigated. The N‐monomethylation of various anilines was achieved with high activity and selectivity under relatively mild reaction conditions, and the yield of N‐monomethyl anilines was over 90 %. Notably, the commercial, readily available, and inexpensive heterogeneous catalyst, Pd/C, could be easily recovered and reused more than five times with only a slight decrease in activity; gram‐scale experiments were also successfully performed.
Keeping cool in the heat: Behavioral thermoregulation and body temperature patterns in wild vervet monkeys
Authors: McFarland Richard , Barrett Louise , Costello Mary‐Ann , Fuller Andrea , Hetem Robyn S. , Maloney Shane K. , Mitchell Duncan , Henzi Peter S.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Climate change is having a significant impact on biodiversity and increasing attention is therefore being devoted to identifying the behavioral strategies that a species uses to cope with climatic stress. We explore how wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) respond to heat stress, and how behavioral adaptations are used to regulate body temperature.

Materials and methods

We implanted wild vervet monkeys with temperature‐sensitive data loggers and related the body temperature rhythms of these animals to their use of thermoregulatory behaviors.

Results

Environmental temperature had a positive effect on the mean, minima and maxima of daily body temperatures. Environmental temperature had a positive effect on the amount of time that vervet monkeys spent in the shade, and animals that spent more time in the shade had lower body temperature maxima. Drinking water did not have a proximate effect on body temperature, most likely a consequence of their regular access to drinking water. Body temperatures were observed to decrease after swimming events, but tended to return to pre‐swim temperatures within 1 hr, suggesting a limited thermal benefit of this behavior.

Conclusions

Our data support the view that vervet monkeys cope well in the heat, and use behavior as a means to aid thermoregulation. The ability of primates to be flexible in their use of thermoregulatory behaviors can contribute positively to their capacity to cope with environmental variability. However, given its broad effect on plant productivity and habitat loss, climate change is a major threat to species' biogeographical distribution and survival.
Fabrication of high mechanical performance UHMWPE nanocomposites with high‐loading multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wang Rui , Zheng Yanyu , Chen Lihao , Chen Shaoyun , Zhuo Dongxian , Wu Lixin
Published: November 2019

Using conventional mixing techniques, the mechanical properties of prepared carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composites are not impressive enough, because of their aggregation problem at a high loading of CNTs. In this article, high mechanical performance ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposites with high loading of multiwalled CNTs were successfully fabricated by a new manufacturing technique. Specifically, the tensile strength and storage modulus at 25 °C of UHMWPE nanocomposites with 32 wt % of nanotubes prepared by the novel technique reaches 107.6 MPa and 6.0 GPa, respectively, about 4.7 times and 5.0 times of that of pure UHMWPE resin, which are also very high experimental results compared with polyethylene nanocomposite prepared by traditional hot‐compression techniques. These attractive results suggest that the high‐loading CNTs without sacrificing their dispersion and the impregnation quality of polymer‐impregnated buckypapers are essential for fabricating CNTs/polymer composites with superior mechanical properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48667.
Comparing structured mix and random rotation procedures to teach receptive labeling to children with autism
Authors: DiSanti Brittany M. , Eikeseth Svein , Eldevik Sigmund , Conrad Jenna M. , Cotter‐Fisher Kortnie L.
Published: November 2019

We compared two procedures using an alternating treatments design to teach receptive labeling to children with autism. The structured mix procedure followed seven steps entailing mass trials, intermixing, and random rotation. In the random rotation procedure, we trained all stimuli from the start. Study 1 included four children with a repertoire of four to 50 receptive labels and who primarily communicated with an alternative communication device. Results showed that the two conditions were comparable for one participant, structured mix was effective and random rotation was not effective for one participant, and that both conditions were ineffective for two participants. Study 2 included five children with over 200 receptive labels in their repertoire and with vocal speech as the primary form of communication. Four participants acquired the labels in both procedures, but random rotation was more effective. Results indicate that structured mix may be more effective for participants with a limited language repertoire and random rotation is more effective for participants with a larger language repertoire.
Varying effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on platelet function—A need for individualized CML treatment to minimize the risk for hemostatic and thrombotic complications?
Authors: Deb Suryyani , Boknäs Niklas , Sjöström Clara , Tharmakulanathan Anjana , Lotfi Kourosh , Ramström Sofia
Published: November 2019

Since their introduction, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs, eg, imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, ponatinib) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, long‐term treatment with TKIs is associated with serious adverse events including both bleeding and thromboembolism. Experimental studies have shown that TKIs can cause platelet dysfunction. Herein, we present the first side‐by‐side investigation comparing the effects of currently used TKIs on platelet function and thrombin generation when used in clinically relevant concentrations. A flow cytometry multiparameter protocol was used to study a range of significant platelet activation events (fibrinogen receptor activation, alpha granule, and lysosomal exocytosis, procoagulant membrane exposure, and mitochondrial permeability changes). In addition, thrombin generation was measured in the presence of TKIs to assess the effects on global hemostasis. Results show that dasatinib generally inhibited platelet function, while bosutinib, nilotinib, and ponatinib showed less consistent effects. In addition to these general trends for each TKI, we observed a large degree of interindividual variability in the effects of the different TKIs. Interindividual variation was also observed when blood from CML patients was studied ex vivo with whole blood platelet aggregometry, free oscillation rheometry (FOR), and flow cytometry. Based on the donor responses in the side‐by‐side TKI study, a TKI sensitivity map was developed. We propose that such a sensitivity map could potentially become a valuable tool to help in decision‐making regarding the choice of suitable TKIs for a CML patient with a history of bleeding or atherothrombotic disease.
Intensive Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (ITAP): A case series study
Authors: Messina Irene , Scottà Francesco , Benelli Enrico , Marchi Arianna , Sambin Marco
Published: November 2019

Intensive Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (ITAP) is a new therapeutic approach based on the integration of Transactional Analysis and brief psychodynamic approaches. ITAP is based on two key therapeutic tools—the intrapsychic triangle and the interpersonal triangle—which the therapist uses to focus patients’ attention on moment‐by‐moment therapy processes. The aim of the present study was to provide early empirical documentation of ITAP effectiveness. To this aim, six patients (four females, two males) were longitudinally evaluated using an A‐B‐A mixed quantitative and qualitative design, with evaluations at Baseline, Treatment and Follow‐up phases. Each patient received 16 50‐min weekly sessions of ITAP therapy over 4 months. For quantitative evaluations, patients filled out the Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) at each evaluation. Effects size values were estimated to evaluate quantitative changes comparing mean scores of Baseline, Treatment and Follow‐up phases. At the first follow‐up, the Change Interview was used to qualitatively evaluate patients’ perceived changes. In the quantitative data, four of the six patients reported a very good outcome, with large to very large effect sizes in Baseline versus Treatment and/or Baseline versus Follow‐up scores comparisons, whereas two patients reported variable fluctuations within the non‐clinical range of outcome scores. In the qualitative evaluations, all patients reported several moderately to extremely important perceived changes attributed to psychotherapy.
When motivation is not enough: Effects of prosociality and organizational socialization in volunteers’ intention to continue volunteering
Authors: Livi Stefano , De Cristofaro Valeria , Theodorou Annalisa , Rullo Marika , Piccioli Valerio , Pozzi Maura
Published: November 2019

Retention of volunteers is a main issue for no‐profit organizations. In the present study, using a cross‐sectional design, determinants of volunteers’ intentions to continue their service were investigated in a sample of 116 volunteers at different Italian organizations (Mage = 42.32, SDage = 15.91). Guided by the conceptual model of the volunteer process, we hypothesized that organizational socialization should mediate the link between prosocial personality and intention to continue volunteering. Results confirmed our prediction. Findings provide suggestions for organizations concerned about volunteers’ dropout that focus on ameliorating the socialization process of less prosocial volunteers in order to support their intention to remain in the organization.
Chemical Composition and in Vitro Cytotoxic Screening of Sixteen Commercial Essential Oils on Five Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Najar Basma , Shortrede Jorge Eduardo , Pistelli Luisa , Buhagiar Joseph
Published: November 2019

The in vitro cytotoxic activity on human cancer cell lines of sixteen commercial EOs such as Aloysia citriodora, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia serrata, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cistus ladanifer, Citrus × aurantium, Citrus limon, Citrus sinensis, Cymbopogon citratus, Foeniculum vulgare, Illicium verum, Litsea cubeba, Satureja montana, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus capitatus and Thymus vulgaris was performed using the MTT reduction assay. The screening was carried out on human cancer cells of breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7, T47D and MDA‐MB‐231), chronic myelogenous erythroleukemia (K562) and neuroblastoma cell lines (SH‐SY5Y). C. zeylanicum and L. cubeba EOs were the most active on almost all the cell lines studied and thus could be promising as an anticancer agent. These two species showed a difference in their composition even though they belong to the Lauraceae family. Almost 57 % of the true cinnamon composition was made of (E)‐cinnamaldehyde, while L. cubeba showed citral as the major compound (68.9 %). The K562 cells were the most sensitive to these oils with an IC50 ranging from 5.2 parts‐per million (ppm) (C. zeylanicum) to 11.1 ppm (L. cubeba). The latter oil also showed an important cytotoxicity on MDA‐MB‐231 (13.4 ppm).
Initial experience of a self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valve with an outer pericardial wrap: The United Kingdom and Ireland Implanters' registry
Authors: Dowling Cameron , Firoozi Sami , Panoulas Vasileios , Dalby Miles , Kashyap Mavin N. , Kabir Tito , Kalogeras Konstantinos , Buch Mamta H. , Levy Richard , Chowdhary Saqib , Saraf Smriti , Roberts David , More Ranjit , Wiper Andrew , Abdelaziz Hesham K. , Neylon Antoinette , Mylotte Darren , Pisaniello Anthony D. , Fraser Douglas G. W. , Anderson Richard , Cunnington Michael S. , Malkin Christopher J. , Blackman Daniel J. , Brennan Paul F. , Owens Colum G. , Manoharan Ganesh , Spence Mark S. , Brecker Stephen J.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The United Kingdom and Ireland Implanters' registry is a multicenter registry which reports on real‐world experience with new transcatheter heart valves.

Background

The Evolut PRO (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) transcatheter aortic valve is a self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valve with an outer pericardial wrap, designed to minimize paravalvular regurgitation.

Methods

Between July 2017 and December 2018, clinical, procedural, and 30‐day outcome data were prospectively collected from all patients receiving the Evolut PRO valve across nine participating centers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The primary efficacy outcome was the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 (VARC‐2)‐defined endpoint of device success. The primary safety outcome was the VARC‐2‐defined composite endpoint of early safety at 30 days.

Results

A total of 317 patients underwent implantation. Mean age was 81.8 ± 6.4 years and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality Score 5.5 ± 1.8%. Iliofemoral access was used in 99.1% of patients. Device success was 91.2%. Mean gradient was 7.6 ± 4.7 mmHg and effective orifice area 1.9 ± 0.7 cm2. The incidence of moderate paravalvular regurgitation was 1.7% and there was no severe paravalvular regurgitation. A new permanent pacemaker was implanted in 17.8% of patients without a pacemaker at baseline. Early safety was demonstrated in 92.7%. At 30 days, all‐cause mortality was 0.6%, stroke 3.8%, and major vascular complication 2.8%.

Conclusions

Real‐world experience of the Evolut PRO transcatheter aortic valve demonstrated favorable procedural success, safety, valve function, and incidence of new permanent pacemaker implantation.
The utilization of single versus double Perclose devices for transfemoral aortic valve replacement access site closure: Insights from Cleveland Clinic Aortic Valve Center
Authors: Bazarbashi Najdat , Ahuja Keerat , Gad Mohamed M. , Sammour Yasser M. , Kaur Manpreet , Karrthik Antonette , Saad Anas M. , Khubber Shameer , Dhaliwal Kamalpreet , Mick Stephanie L. , Navia Jose L. , Puri Rishi , Reed Grant W. , Krishnaswamy Amar , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Percutaneous femoral access is the preferred access route for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The majority of experienced TAVR centers use two 6F Perclose ProGlide™ devices to close the primary vascular access site, deployed prior to upsizing sheath size with closure completed at the end of the case (the “preclose” approach). A strategy of utilizing a single Perclose device to preclose may have advantages including fewer complications, complexity, and cost, but the safety of this is unknown. This study examines in the safety and efficacy of using a single Perclose versus double Perclose for perclosure of large bore access during TAVR.

Methods

Patients undergoing Transfemoral (TF) TAVR from January 2014 to December 2017 within the Cleveland Clinic Aortic Valve Center were identified. A retrospective review of medical charts was conducted. Vascular complications were defined according to the VARC‐2 criteria.

Results

A total of 740 patients were included; 487 (65.8%) received a single Perclose device while 253 (34.2%) received double Perclose devices. Baseline characteristics were similar with no differences between the single versus double Perclose groups, respectively. The access sheath size was similar in both groups with (14, 16, and 18 F) being the most common sizes utilized. Of the total 487 patients with single Perclose, 75.6% needed additional closure device (AngioSeal). With double Perclose strategy, additional closure device (AngioSeal) was used in 40.3% patients with 470 (63.5%) patients being successfully perclosed. Vascular complication rates including hematoma, stenosis requiring stenting, pseudoaneurysm, and other major vascular complications were similar between both groups.

Conclusion

Single 6F ProGlide use for preclosure is a safe strategy for TF TAVR using the S3 valve. Additional closure device was not needed in almost one‐quarter of the patients. When necessary, residual bleeding can be controlled with the AngioSeal Device at the end of the procedure. This single device preclose strategy can help to reduce the cost of TAVR procedure without increasing risk.
Evaluation of a novel mesh‐covered stent for treatment of carotid stenosis in patients at high risk for endarterectomy: 1‐year results of the SCAFFOLD trial
Authors: Gray William A. , Levy Elad , Bacharach J. Michael , Metzger David Christopher , Randall Bryan , Siddiqui Adnan , Schonholz Claudio , Alani Firas , Schneider Peter A.
Published: November 2019

Objective

The SCAFFOLD trial evaluated the GORE® Carotid Stent (GCS), a novel, mesh‐covered device and evaluated outcomes at 1 year.

Background

SCAFFOLD was a prospective, multicenter, single‐arm clinical trial in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis (angiographically defined as symptomatic ≥50% or asymptomatic ≥80%) at increased risk for adverse events from carotid endarterectomy. Interim 30‐day analysis demonstrated low rates of death/stroke/myocardial infarction (DSMI; 3.0%) and stroke (1.1%) in a high surgical risk population.

Methods

The rate of DSMI within 30 days plus ipsilateral stroke between 31 days and 1 year (primary endpoint) was compared to a predetermined performance goal. Secondary outcomes of freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD‐TLR; diameter stenosis ≥80% by core lab angiography, or ≥50% with clinical symptoms) and restenosis (≥80% diameter stenosis by core lab angiography) are reported as Kaplan–Meier (KM) estimates.

Results

Of the 312 patients enrolled and treated, 264 were eligible per protocol and evaluable for major adverse events at 30 days, and 244 (92%) of these were evaluable at 1 year. The proportion of patients with DSMI at 1 year was 4.5% and was significantly lower than the prespecified performance goal of 16.9% (p < .00001). The proportion with ipsilateral stroke from 31 to 365 days was 1.2%. The KM estimates of 1‐year event probability were 1.6% for CD‐TLR and 1.2% for restenosis.

Conclusions

Use of the mesh‐covered GCS in the SCAFFOLD trial demonstrated 100% technical success and low rates of both periprocedural and late stroke, with durable patency at 1 year.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01901874 (redacted).
Antegrade transcatheter closure of a dehiscence of pulmonary bioprosthesis after pulmonary valve replacement with the Occlutech paravalvular leak device
Authors: Godart François , Baudelet Jean‐Benoit , Soquet Jerome , Onorato Eustaquio
Published: November 2019

We report a case of antegrade transcatheter occlusion of a paravalvular leak (PVL) after bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement in a 31‐year‐old patient with tetralogy of Fallot. The leak resulted in severe pulmonary regurgitation with right ventricle volume overload. This case is the first‐ever report of a successful percutaneous closure of PVL using the Occlutech paravalvular leak device.
Temporal trends in the utilization and outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Alqahtani Fahad , Balla Sudarashan , AlHajji Mohamed , Chaudhary Fahad , Albeiruti Ridwaan , Kawsara Akram , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: November 2019

Objectives

We sought to assess the national trends in the utilization and outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with cirrhosis.

Background

Contemporary data on PCI in patients with liver cirrhosis are limited.

Methods

The National‐Inpatient‐Sample was used to identify patients who underwent PCI between 2003 and 2016. We examined the annual PCI rate, and compared the in‐hospital morbidity, mortality, resource utilization, and cost following PCI in patients with and without cirrhosis.

Results

A total of 8,860,178 PCI hospitalizations were identified, of those, 20,339 (0.2%) were performed in patients with cirrhosis. Annual PCI rates decreased overtime in patients without liver cirrhosis but increased in those with cirrhosis (Ptrend < .001). Patients with cirrhosis had a characteristic clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic profile compared with those without cirrhosis. The use of bare‐metal stents decreased from 69.1 to 11.4% in the noncirrhosis group, and from 81.9 to 21.3% in the cirrhosis group. Compared with propensity‐matched patients without cirrhosis, PCI in cirrhotic patients was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality across all indications (STEMI 19.1 vs. 11.5%, p = .002; NSTEMI 8.7 vs. 5.6%, p = .002; and UA/SIHD 7.7 vs. 4.3%, p < .001). Cirrhotic patients also had significantly higher rates of acute kidney injury, but similar rates of vascular complications and stroke. Additionally, cirrhotic patients had longer hospitalizations, were less likely to be discharged home, and accrued higher cost across all PCI indications.

Conclusions

Patients with cirrhosis who are deemed “suitable PCI candidates” in current practice remain at high‐risk for worse short‐term morbidity and mortality, and higher cost of care.
Descriptors to Predict Dye‐Sensitized Semiconductor Based Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Sappati Subrahmanyam , George Leena , Swamy Vincent Paul , Devi R. Nandini , Ghosh Prasenjit
Published: November 2019

Discovering efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting is highly desirable. Computational studies can help in rational designing of such catalysts through high throughput screening of materials. However, for that purpose one needs to identify descriptors that not only connects material properties with their functionality but are easy and inexpensive to compute. Using a combination of density functional theory based calculations and experiments we show two descriptors, namely, charge injection efficiency and electron hole separation, that can be used for in silico design of new and efficient dye‐sensitized‐semiconductor composites as catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Mechanism of Methanol‐to‐hydrocarbon Reaction over Zeolites: A solid‐state NMR Perspective
Authors: Wang Chao , Xu Jun , Deng Feng
Published: November 2019

The versatile methanol‐to‐hydrocarbon (MTH) process on acidic zeolites allows for a production of olefins, aromatics and gasoline from a wide range of non‐fossil resources. Elucidation of the MTH reaction mechanism is helpful to improve product selectivity as well as develop high performance catalysts. The application of solid‐state NMR in the investigation of MTH reaction has significantly contributed to get insight into the MTH chemistry. In this review, we summarize mechanistic insight that has been gained into the MTH reaction by using solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Special emphasis is given to the observation and determination of C1 species and active intermediates particularly cyclic carbocations to uncover the exact reaction route for the initial C−C bond formation and the hydrocarbon pool mechanism. The detection of host‐guest interactions involved in the MTH reaction with the advanced 13C‐27Al double‐resonance NMR is discussed for a better understanding of the active sites and the reactivity of hydrocarbon pool species.
Luminescent Gold Nanorods To Enhance the Near‐Infrared Emission of a Photosensitizer for Targeted Cancer Imaging and Dual Therapy: Experimental and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Nair Resmi V. , Nair Lakshmi V. , Govindachar Divya Maldepalli , Santhakumar Hema , Nazeer Shaiju S. , Rekha Charuvil Radhakrishnapillai , Shenoy Sachin J. , Periyasamy Ganga , Jayasree Ramapurath S.
Published: November 2019

Strong plasmon absorption in the near‐infrared (NIR) region renders gold nanorods (GNRs) amenable for biomedical applications, particularly for photothermal therapy. However, these nanostructures have not been explored for their imaging potential because of their weak emission profile. In this study, the weak fluorescence emission of GNRs is tuned to match that of the absorption of a photosensitizer (PS) molecule, and energy transfer from the GNR to PS enhances the emission profile of the GNR–PS combination. GNR complexes generally quench the fluorescence emission of nearby chromophores. However, herein, the complex retains or rather enhances the fluorescence through competition in energy transfer. Excitation‐dependent energy transfer has been explained experimentally and theoretically by using DFT calculations, the CIE chromaticity diagram, and power spectrum. The final GNR–PS complex modified for tumor specificity serves as an excellent organ‐specific theranostic probe for bioimaging and dual therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Principal component analysis designates photodynamic therapy a better candidate than that of photothermal therapy for long‐term efficacy in vivo.
The efficacy of a technology‐based information and coaching/support program on pain and symptoms in Asian American survivors of breast cancer
Authors: Im Eun‐Ok , Kim Sangmi , Yang You Lee , Chee Wonshik
Published: November 2019

Background

Pain is a common problem, especially in the first few years of breast cancer survivorship. Asian American survivors of breast cancer reportedly have inadequate cancer pain management, and subsequently report a lower quality of life compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Technology‐based programs could improve the cancer pain management process. The purpose of the current study was to examine the efficacy of a technology‐based information and coaching/support program on cancer pain and its accompanying symptoms among Asian American survivors of breast cancer.

Methods

The current study adopted a randomized pretest/posttest group design. The sample included 115 Asian American survivors of breast cancer (49 in the control group and 66 in the intervention group). The participants' background features, pain (frequency and distress), accompanying symptom distress (global, physical, and psychological), and 4 theory‐based mediators (attitude, self‐efficacy, perceived barriers, and social influence) were measured using multiple instruments at 3 time points (pretest, after 1 month, and after 3 months). The current study used an intent‐to‐treat approach and conducted linear mixed model growth curve analyses.

Results

There were significant decreases noted in all outcome variables, including pain and symptoms over time in both groups. There were greater decreases in physical symptom distress scores among the intervention group compared with the control group (P = .0229). The mediators as a whole significantly explained overall decreases in general, physical, and psychological symptom distress scores after 3 months in both groups and the intervention group's greater decreases in general, physical, and psychological symptom distress scores after 1 month.

Conclusions

The technology‐based program described herein could help to reduce cancer pain and its accompanying symptoms among Asian American survivors of breast cancer.
Final report of a prospective randomized study on thoracic radiotherapy target volume for limited‐stage small cell lung cancer with radiation dosimetric analyses
Authors: Hu Xiao , Bao Yong , Xu Yu‐jin , Zhu Hui‐neng , Liu Jin‐shi , Zhang Li , Guo Ying , Jin Ying , Wang Jin , Ma Hong‐lian , Xu Xiao‐ling , Song Zheng‐bo , Tang Hua‐rong , Peng Fang , Fang Min , Kong Yue , Chen Meng‐yuan , Dong Bai‐qiang , Zhu Liang , Yu Chang , Yu Xin‐min , Hong Wei , Fan Yun , Zhang Yi‐ping , Chen Peng‐cheng , Zhao Qiang , Jiang You‐hua , Zhou Xin‐ming , Chen Qi‐xun , Sun Wen‐yong , Mao Wei‐min , Chen Ming
Published: November 2019

Background

The thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) target volume for limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been controversial for decades. In this report, the final results of a prospective randomized trial on the TRT target volume before and after induction chemotherapy are presented.

Methods

After 2 cycles of etoposide and cisplatin, patients arm were randomized to receive TRT to the postchemotherapy or prechemotherapy tumor volume in a study arm and a control arm. Involved‐field radiotherapy was received in both arms. TRT consisted of 1.5 grays (Gy) twice daily in 30 fractions to up to a total dose of 45 Gy. Lymph node regions were contoured, and intentional and incidental radiation doses were recorded.

Results

The study was halted early because of slow accrual. Between 2002 and 2017, 159 and 150 patients were randomized to the study arm or the control arm, respectively; and 21.4% and 19.1% of patients, respectively, were staged using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (P = .31). With a median follow‐up of 54.1 months (range, 19.9‐165.0 months) in survivors, the 3‐year local/regional progression‐free probability was 58.2% and 65.5% in the study and control arms, respectively (P = .44), and the absolute difference was −7.3% (95% CI, −18.2%, 3.7%). In the study and control arms, the median overall survival was 21.9 months and 26.6 months, respectively, and the 5‐year overall survival rate was 22.8% and 28.1%, respectively (P = .26). Grade 3 esophagitis was observed in 5.9% of patients in the study arm versus 15.5% of those in the control arm (P = .01). The isolated out‐of‐field failure rate was 2.6% in the study arm versus 4.1% in the control arm (P = .46), and all such failures were located in the supraclavicular fossa or contralateral hilum. The regions 7, 3P, 4L, 6, 4R, 5, and 2L received incidental radiation doses >30 Gy.

Conclusions

TRT could be limited to the postchemotherapy tumor volume, and involved‐field radiotherapy could be routinely applied for limited‐stage SCLC.
Replacing chemotherapy with arsenic trioxide for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia in the frontline setting: Is it cost‐effective?
Authors: Yilmaz Umut , Eskazan Ahmet Emre
Published: November 2019

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is highly effective for the treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In their study, Chen et al analyze the financial impact of the use of ATO in the upfront treatment setting for patients with APL in China and report it to be cost‐effective, a finding that is consistent with previous studies conducted in the United States and Canada.