bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Gap between Academic Research and Industrial Requirements in Rechargeable Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yingbo , Liu Bin , Ding Jia , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida , Wu Tianpin , Amine Khalil , Hu Wenbin , Zhong Cheng , Lu Jun
Published: August 2020

Rechargeable Zn‐ion batteries (RZIBs) are considered to be promising energy storage systems for large‐scale applications owing to their relatively high energy densities and inherently low costs, environmental benignity, as well as safety. With increasing interest and effort being devoted to this field, RZIBs are being tremendously advanced and are very likely to be commercialized in the near future. However, some challenges remain that need to be addressed. Moreover, reported results are quite often overstated through artificial exaggeration and cannot be translated to industrial applications as they were obtained under ideal testing conditions. Therefore, in this perspective, we discuss key parameters that need to be carefully considered when translating laboratory‐developed RZIBs into commercial reality. We also present a critical mini‐review on RZIBs and devote effort to issues that are overlooked in academic research. We believe that this perspective provides new or seldom‐discussed insight for future work and bridges the gap between academia and industry.
The detrimental effect of microplastics on critical periods of development in the neuroendocrine system
Authors: Solleiro‐Villavicencio Helena , Gomez‐De León Carmen T. , Del Río‐Araiza Víctor H. , Morales‐Montor Jorge
Published: August 2020

As a result of human socio‐economic activity, industrial wastes have increased alarmingly. Plastic pollution is globally distributed across the world due to its properties of buoyancy and durability. Two broad classes of plastic‐related chemicals are of critical concern for human health—bisphenol‐A or BPA, and additives used in the synthesis of plastics, which are known as phthalates. Our exposure to them is ubiquitous because they are used in the production of materials that we use daily such as polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, flooring, automotive parts, medical devices, dental sealants, and children's toys. Since these compounds are not covalently bound to the products, they easily leach from them, leading to high human exposure. Both, BPA and phthalates, are endocrine‐disruptor compounds (EDCs) with steroidogenic activity, and can bind to different receptors, such as estrogen, androgen, PPAR‐γ, and AhR. These pathways are part of the complex regulatory neuroendocrine network, since its cellular components not only express neuroendocrine receptors, but synthesize and respond to several hormones and other endocrine ligands. On the other hand, the effects of BPA and phthalates on neuroendocrine diseases have been poorly studied and the available data are inconclusive. This can be attributed to the enormous variety of animal models and the different doses used in experiments or levels found in humans. However, what is clear is that exposure to both EDCs during critical life stages induces many changes in the neuroendocrine system of exposed humans that are correlated with different reproductive and neurological diseases.
Superiority of continuous over intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring in preventing vocal cord palsy
Authors: Schneider R , Machens A , Sekulla C , Lorenz K , Elwerr M , Dralle H
Published: August 2020

Background

Continuous intraoperative nerve stimulation (IONM) with uninterrupted monitoring is likely better than intermittent IONM in preventing vocal cord palsy after thyroid surgery.

Methods

This was a comparative study of intermittent versus continuous IONM in patients with benign and malignant thyroid disease treated at a tertiary centre over 10 years. Early postoperative and permanent vocal cord palsy rates were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the contributions of clinical and histopathological variables to early postoperative and permanent vocal cord palsy.

Results

A total of 6029 patients were included, of whom 3139 underwent continuous and 2890 intermittent IONM. Based on nerves at risk (5208 versus 5024 nerves), continuous IONM had a 1·7-fold lower early postoperative vocal cord palsy rate than intermittent monitoring (1·5 versus 2·5 per cent). This translated into a 30-fold lower permanent vocal cord palsy rate (0·02 versus 0·6 per cent). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, continuous IONM independently reduced early postoperative vocal cord palsy 1·8-fold (odds ratio (OR) 0·56) and permanent vocal cord palsy 29·4-fold (OR 0·034) compared with intermittent IONM. One permanent vocal cord palsy per 75·0 early vocal cord palsies was observed with continuous IONM, compared with one per 4·2 after intermittent IONM. Early postoperative vocal cord palsies were 17·9-fold less likely to become permanent with continuous than intermittent IONM.

Conclusion

Continuous IONM is superior to intermittent IONM in preventing vocal cord palsy.
Berberine enhances L1 expression and axonal remyelination in rats after brachial plexus root avulsion
Authors: Chen Shuangxi , He Bing , Zhou Guijuan , Xu Yan , Wu Lin , Xie Yangzhi , Li Yihui , Chen Shuangqin , Huang Jianghua , Wu Heng , Xiao Zijian
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose

Enhanced remyelination of the regenerated axons results in functional re‐innervation and improved functional motor recovery after brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA). The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM, L1) regulates myelination and promotes regeneration after acute injury in the nervous system. Berberine (BBR) can exert neuroprotective roles against the lesion. Herein, we investigated whether berberine (BBR) can affect the expression of L1 and enhance the axonal remyelination in rats following BPRA.

Methods

The surgical procedures were performed to build the rat brachial plexus avulsion and re‐implantation model, and then, the rats were treated with BBR. After the rehabilitation for 12 weeks, the musculocutaneous nerves were collected for quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot analysis, and histochemical and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

We observed that, BBR treatment ameliorated the abnormal musculocutaneous nerve fibers morphology, up‐regulated the L1 expression, increased the myelination‐related genes, decreased the differentiated‐associated genes, and up‐regulated the phosphorylation of ERK.

Conclusion

These results suggest that BBR may enhance L1 expression and promote axonal remyelination after spinal root avulsion.
Managing the aftermath: Scapegoating as crisis communication strategy
Authors: Moisio Risto , Capelli Sonia , Sabadie William
Published: August 2020

Should firms struggling with a brand crisis use scapegoating, the assignment of blame to another entity? Across three studies, we offer evidence of the value of scapegoating. We show that when firms use scapegoating, they reduce consumers' attributions of a firm's crisis responsibility, controllability, and stability. Compared to other strategies, including no response, denial, apology, and justification, scapegoating is most effective at reducing these attributions. However, attributions of crisis controllability seem more influential in reducing a firm's crisis responsibility. Scapegoating also increases consumers' word‐of‐mouth (WOM) intentions more than the no response strategy, but not more than denial, apology, and justification. The effect of scapegoating, however, depends on the scapegoat type. Whereas using an underdog scapegoat such as a regular company employee or a small partner firm can backfire and result in negative WOM intentions, the use of topdog scapegoats seems to have more positive effects. When firms use topdog scapegoats, such as the top management of a large firm, negative WOM intentions likely decrease. This type of effect seems to occur due to a reduction in the firm's crisis responsibility that scapegoating engenders.
Prebiotic Origin of Pre‐RNA Building Blocks in a Urea “Warm Little Pond” Scenario
Authors: Menor Salván C. , Bouza Marcos , Fialho David M. , Burcar Bradley T. , Fernández Facundo M. , Hud Nicholas V.
Published: August 2020

Urea appears to be a key intermediate of important prebiotic synthetic pathways. Concentrated pools of urea likely existed on the surface of the early Earth, as urea is synthesized in significant quantities from hydrogen cyanide or cyanamide (widely accepted prebiotic molecules), it has extremely high water solubility, and it can concentrate to form eutectics from aqueous solutions. We propose a model for the origin of a variety of canonical and non‐canonical nucleobases, including some known to form supramolecular assemblies that contain Watson‐Crick‐like base pairs.The dual nucleophilic‐electrophilic character of urea makes it an ideal precursor for the formation of nitrogenous heterocycles. We propose a model for the origin of a variety of canonical and noncanonical nucleobases, including some known to form supramolecular assemblies that contain Watson‐Crick‐like base pairs. These reactions involve urea condensation with other prebiotic molecules (e. g., malonic acid) that could be driven by environmental cycles (e. g., freezing/thawing, drying/wetting). The resulting heterocycle assemblies are compatible with the formation of nucleosides and, possibly, the chemical evolution of molecular precursors to RNA. We show that urea eutectics at moderate temperature represent a robust prebiotic source of nitrogenous heterocycles. The simplicity of these pathways, and their independence from specific or rare geological events, support the idea of urea being of fundamental importance to the prebiotic chemistry that gave rise to life on Earth.
Design Strategies of Photoacoustic Molecular Probes
Authors: Wang Shichao , Zhang Xuanjun
Published: August 2020

Photoacoustic (PA) probes have been developed very quickly and applied in broad areas in recent years. Most of them are constructed based on organic dyes with intrinsic near‐infrared (NIR) absorption properties. To increase PA contrast and improve imaging resolution and the sensitivity of detection, various methods for the design of PA probes have been developed. This minireview mainly focuses on the development and design strategies of activatable small‐molecule PA probes in four aspects: reaction‐cleavage, metal ion chelation, photoswitch, and protonation‐deprotonation. It highlights some key points of designing PA probes corresponding to their properties and applications. The challenges and perspectives for small‐molecule PA probes are also discussed.
Incidence and short‐term outcomes of surgical bailout after transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system
Authors: Isogai Toshiaki , Saad Anas M. , Shekhar Shashank , Ahuja Keerat Rai , Abdelfattah Omar M. , Gad Mohamed M. , Burns Daniel J.P. , Yun James J. , Krishnaswamy Amar , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the incidence and outcomes of surgical bailout (SB) after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip.

Background

TMVr poses a risk of serious procedural complications, possibly requiring urgent open surgery for SB. However, little is known about the risk of SB cases after TMVr.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients who underwent TMVr using the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2014–2017. SB was defined as open thoracotomy for heart and aorta during the same hospitalization. Annual hospital volume was defined as the annual number of TMVr cases in each hospital in each year.

Results

Among 15,032 eligible patients, SB was required in 214 (1.42%), of whom 134 (62.6%) underwent mitral valve surgery (113 replacements; 21 repairs). The incidence of SB was decreasing significantly over the 4 years (5.26% in 2014; 0.43% in 2017; ptrend < .001). There was a significant nonlinear, inverse association of annual hospital volume with the incidence of SB. In‐hospital death (15.0 vs. 2.1%; p < .001) and other in‐hospital adverse events were significantly more frequent in patients with than without SB, whereas the 30‐day readmission rate was similar (13.2 vs. 15.1%; p = .572). After adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics, SB was significantly associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio = 6.67, 95% confidence interval = 4.35, 10.23, p < .001).

Conclusions

This study suggests that although the incidence of SB after TMVr is decreasing, SB is required more frequently in lower‐volume hospitals and carries high in‐hospital mortality. Further efforts are needed to understand the reasons for SB and improve outcomes in patients needing SB.
Transcatheter mitral valve repair in patients with chronic liver disease: Insights from the national inpatient sample
Authors: Khan Muhammad U. , Khan Muhammad Z. , Khan Safi U. , Kaluski Edo
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate contemporary national trends of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and co‐existing chronic liver disease (CLD) undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR).

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to assess trends in patients undergoing TMVR between January 2012 and December 2017. Propensity match analysis was done to compare it to subjects without underlying CLD. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Of 15,270 patients undergoing TMVR, 569 (3.7%) had coexisting CLD. Patients with CLD had a higher proportion of males (61.3 vs 52.6%; p < .01), congestive heart failure (6.9 vs 1.0%; p < .01), renal failure (42.2 vs 36.7%; p < .01), and peripheral vascular disease (19.3 vs 12.5%; p < .01). After propensity matching subjects with CLD had significantly higher hospital mortality (19.8 vs 4.6%; p < .01), acute kidney injury (46.1 vs 37.8%; p < .01), cardiogenic shock (25.4 vs 12.1%; p < .01), mechanical ventilation (26.3 vs 14.0; p < .01), pneumothorax (6.6 vs <2%.; p < .01), length of stay (5 vs 9 days), and average cost of hospitalization (209,573 vs 250,587 $; p < .01). Over the years, in‐hospital mortality in patients receiving TMVR has improved in both patients with (from 33.3 in 2013 to 22.2% in 2017) and without CLD (from 2.7 in 2011 to 1.6% in 2017).

Conclusion

Patients with MR undergoing TMVR, with coexisting CLD bear substantially higher comorbidities, complication rates, and inpatient mortality compared with those without CLD. A favorable temporal trend of in‐hospital mortality among these subjects is noteworthy.
The “lend a hand” external bypass technique: External radial to femoral bypass for antegrade perfusion of an ischemic limb with occlusive large bore sheath ‐ A novel and favorable approach
Authors: Lichaa Hady
Published: August 2020

An occlusive large bore sheath is a frequently encountered situation in cases of cardiogenic shock (CS) requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Resultant acute limb ischemia could be a catastrophic complication which significantly affects the prognosis of an already sick patient population. A novel, yet simple, technique using the radial artery, instead of the ipsilateral or contralateral common femoral artery (CFA), as a donor vessel of an external bypass which provides antegrade perfusion to a limb with an occlusive large bore sheath is hereby described. Radial access (RA) has been shown to improve mortality in acute coronary syndrome; however, it is sometimes avoided by some operators in CS cases due to the possible appropriate need for MCS. This technique offers a substitution of a second CFA access for a RA in order to provide adequate ipsilateral limb perfusion. Hence, one can start a CS case with a default RA and perform peripheral angiography after diagnostic cardiac catheterization. If the peripheral vasculature is inappropriate for MCS, the patient would have already benefited from the mortality advantage of RA. If obstructive PAD is absent, then an occlusive Impella sheath can be placed in a CFA after antegrade ipsilateral superficial femoral artery (SFA) access is obtained for an external radial to femoral bypass, while the PCI is performed through the Impella sheath according to the single access PCI technique. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach are described and compared with each of the traditionally known external and internal femoral bypass techniques.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on interventional cardiology training in the United States
Authors: Shah Samit , Castro‐Dominguez Yulanka , Gupta Tanush , Attaran Robert , Byrum Graham Vance , Taleb Adam , Pettyjohn Amanda , Bartel Robert C , Szerlip Molly , Henry Timothy D. , Mahmud Ehtisham , Applegate Robert J
Published: August 2020

Objectives

We sought to determine the effect of COVID‐19 related reduction in elective cardiac procedures and acute coronary syndrome presentations on interventional cardiology (IC) training.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare in the United States, including cardiovascular services. The impact of COVID‐19 on IC fellow training in the United States has not been assessed.

Methods

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) surveyed IC fellows training in both accredited and advanced non‐accredited programs, as well as their program directors (PD).

Results

Responses were received from 135 IC fellows and 152 PD. All respondents noted reductions in procedural volumes beginning in March 2020. At that time, only 43% of IC fellows had performed >250 PCI. If restrictions were lifted by May 15, 2020 78% of IC fellows believed they would perform >250 PCI, but fell to only 70% if restrictions persisted until the end of the academic year. 49% of IC fellows felt that their procedural competency was impaired by COVID‐19, while 97% of PD believed that IC fellows would be procedurally competent at the end of their training. Most IC fellows (65%) noted increased stress at work and at home, and many felt that job searches and/or existing offers were adversely affected by the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic has substantially affected IC training in the United States, with many fellows at risk of not satisfying current program procedural requirements. These observations support a move to review current IC program requirements and develop mitigation strategies to supplement gaps in education related to reduced procedural volume.
High‐Pressure Operando UV‐Vis Micro‐Spectroscopy of Coke Formation in Zeolite‐based Catalyst Extrudates during the Transalkylation of Aromatics
Authors: Verkleij Suzanna P. , Whiting Gareth T. , Parres Esclapez Sonia , Li Shiwen , Mertens Machteld M. , Janssen Marcel , Bons Anton‐Jan , Burgers Martijn , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: August 2020

The performance of zeolite‐based catalyst extrudates can be largely influenced by the choice of binder material. To investigate these binder effects in zeolite‐based catalyst extrudates in more detail, high spatiotemporal resolution techniques need to be further developed and employed. In this work, we present a new methodology to investigate binder effects in catalyst extrudates at different reaction pressures using operando UV‐vis diffuse reflectance (DR) micro‐spectroscopy coupled with on‐line gas chromatography. We have studied mm‐sized zeolite H‐ZSM‐5‐containing extrudates with either Al2O3 or SiO2 binder material, during the transalkylation of toluene with 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene at 450 °C and at a pressure of either 1 or 5 bar. Using this technique, it was revealed that the binder material significantly influenced catalyst deactivation at different reaction pressures. By subsequent mapping of the cross sections of the cylindrical catalyst extrudates using UV‐vis micro‐spectroscopy, it was shown that the SiO2‐bound extrudate formed poly‐aromatic coke molecules homogeneously throughout the entire extrudate, whereas for the Al2O3‐bound extrudate a coke ring formed that moved inwards with increasing reaction time. Notably, the developed methodology is not limited to the transalkylation reaction, and can also be used to gain more insight into binder effects during a variety of important catalytic reactions.
Effects of Non‐Ionic Surfactants on the Rheological, Electrical and Electrochemical Properties of Highly Loaded Silicon Suspension Electrodes for Semi‐Solid Flow Batteries
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Cao Defu , Bai Xiaojie , Liu Hao , Hao Huiying , Xing Jie , Dong Jingjing , Liao Libing
Published: August 2020

Silicon‐based suspension electrodes represent one of the most promising candidates as negolyte to replace lithium metal for high energy density semi‐solid flow batteries (SSFBs). Nevertheless, it remains a critical challenge to obtain Si‐based negolyte with highly loaded active material and low viscosity, which are essential for its practical application. Here, the effects of two common non‐ionic surfactants – polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Triton X‐100 (TX‐100) – on rheological, electrical and electrochemical properties of highly loaded Si (30 vol % Si) negolyte were systemically studied. It was found that the viscosity is effectively decreased by introducing steric and/or depletion interactions when adding a certain amount of non‐ionic surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), while good electrochemical performance of the Si negolyte was maintained. An optimal Si negolyte (adding 0.4 wt % PVP) with a low viscosity of 240 mPa s at a shear rate of 40 s−1 (i. e. about five times lower than the PVP‐free suspension) exhibits a high reversible capacity (ca. 1300 mAh/g) and stable cycling performance (>100 cycles) with a high coulombic efficiency (>98 %). In contrast, TX‐100 can react with lithium salt in the electrolyte and is not suitable to decrease the viscosity of Si negolyte. The highly loaded Si negolyte with low viscosity reported in the present work is promising for practical high energy density lithium‐free SSFBs.
Tailoring a Dress to Single Protein Molecules: Proteins Can Do It Themselves through Localized Photo‐Polymerization and Molecular Imprinting
Authors: Bossi Alessandra Maria , Haupt Karsten
Published: August 2020

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP NPs) are antibody‐like recognition materials prepared by a template‐assisted synthesis. MIP NPs able to target biomolecules, like proteins, are under the spotlight for their great potential in medicine, but efficiently imprinting biological templates is still very challenging. Here we propose generating a molecular imprint in single NPs, by photochemically initiating the polymerization from individual protein templates. In this way, each protein molecule tailors itself its own “polymeric dress”. For this, the template protein is covalently coupled with a photoinitiator, Eosin Y. Irradiated with light at 533 nm, the Eosin moiety acts as an antenna and transfers energy to a co‐initiator (an amine), which generates a radical and initiates polymerization. As a result, a polymer network is forming only around the very template molecule, producing cross‐linked NPs of 50 nm, with single binding sites showing high affinity (KD 10−9 m) for their biological target, and selectivity over other proteins.
Melamine–Barbiturate Supramolecular Assembly as a pH‐Dependent Organic Radical Trap Material
Authors: Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Timralieva Alexandra A. , Nesterov Pavel V. , Novikov Alexander S. , Sitnikov Petr A. , Konstantinova Elizaveta A. , Kokorin Alexander I. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: August 2020

In the last two decades, a large number of self‐assembled materials were synthesized and they have already found their way into large‐scale industry and science. Hydrogen‐bond‐based supramolecular adducts are found to have unique properties and to be perfect host structures for trapping target molecules or ions. Such chemical systems are believed to resemble living matter and can substitute a living cell in a number of cases. Herein, a report on an organic material based on supramolecular assembly of barbituric acid and melamine is presented. Surprisingly, the structure is found to host and stabilize radicals under mild conditions allowing its use for biological applications. The number of free radicals is found to be easily tuned by changing the pH of the environment and it increases when exposed to light up to a saturation level. We describe a preparation method as well as stability properties of melamine–barbiturate self‐assembly, potentiometric titration, and hydrogen ions adsorption data and EPR spectra concerning the composite.
Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio predicts in‐hospital complications in Takotsubo syndrome. Results from a prospective multi‐center registry
Authors: Santoro Francesco , Guastafierro Francesca , Zimotti Tecla , Mallardi Adriana , Leopizzi Alessandra , Cannone Michele , Di Biase Matteo , Brunetti Natale Daniele
Published: August 2020

Background

Several hematological indices including subtypes of leukocytes populations have been associated with cardiovascular outcome. Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a form of acute heart failure syndrome featured by several in‐hospital complications (IHCs).

Hypothesis

Hematological indices at admission may predict IHCs in TTS patients.

Methods

One hundred and sixty consecutive patients with TTS were enrolled in a multicenter prospective registry. Clinical data, admission hemogram, and IHCs were recorded.

Results

Incidence of IHCs was 37%, including pulmonary edema 9%, cardiogenic shock 9%, need of invasive ventilation 10%, death 8%, stroke 2.5%, and left ventricular thrombi 6%.

Patients with IHCs were older, more frequently male, with physical stressor‐induced TTS, lower left ventricular ejection fraction at admission. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLr) (12 ± 12 vs 7 ± 8, P = .002) and white blood cells/mean platelet volume ratio (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.0 ± 0.5, P = .03) at admission were significantly higher in patients with IHCs.

NLr values were predictor of IHCs (Odds ratios [OR] 1.07, 95% CI 1.03‐1.11, P < .01). When stratified according to NLr into tertiles, the rate of IHCs was from first to third tertile was, respectively, 22%, 31%, and 58%. NLr values in the higher tertile were independent predictors of IHCs even at multivariate analysis (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5‐9.4, P < .01).

NLr values higher than 5 were able to predict IHCs with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 58%; negative predictive power was 84% (area under the ROC curve 0.73).

Conclusions

NLr is an independent predictor of IHCs in patients admitted with TTS. Admission hemogram may represent a potential tool for prediction of IHCs in TTS.
Cationic Amphiphilic Peptides: Synthetic Antimicrobial Agents Inspired by Nature
Authors: Kundu Rajen
Published: August 2020

Antimicrobial peptides are ubiquitous in multicellular organisms and have served as defense mechanisms for their successful evolution and throughout their life cycle. These peptides are short cationic amphiphilic polypeptides of fewer than 50 amino acids containing either a few disulfide‐linked cysteine residues with a characteristic β‐sheet‐rich structure or linear α‐helical conformations with hydrophilic side chains at one side of the helix and hydrophobic side chains on the other side. Antimicrobial peptides cause bacterial cell lysis either by direct cell‐surface damage via electrostatic interactions between the cationic side chains of the peptide and the negatively charged cell surface, or by indirect modulation of the host defense systems. Electrostatic interactions lead to bacterial cell membrane disruption followed by leakage of cellular components and finally bacterial cell death. Because of their unusual mechanism of cell damage, antimicrobial peptides are effective against drug‐resistant bacteria and may therefore prove more effective than classical antibiotics in certain cases. Currently, around 3000 natural antimicrobial peptides from six kingdoms (bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants, and animals) have been isolated and sequenced. However, only a few of them are under clinical trials and/or in the commercial development stage for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Moreover, high structural complexity, poor pharmacokinetic properties, and low antibacterial activity of natural antimicrobial peptides hinder their progress in drug development. To overcome these hurdles, researchers have become increasingly interested in modification and nature‐inspired synthetic antimicrobial peptides. This review discusses some of the recent studies reported on antimicrobial peptides.
Treating acute myeloid leukemia in the modern era: A primer
Authors: Blum William G. , Mims Alice S.
Published: August 2020

Recent years have seen tremendous advances in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), largely because of progress in understanding the genetic basis of the disease. The US Food and Drug Administration approved 7 agents for AML in the last 2 years: the first new drugs in decades. In this review, the authors discuss these new approvals in the backdrop of an overall strategy for treating AML today. Treating AML in the modern era requires: 1) access to and use of upfront genetic and cytogenetic testing, not only to describe prognosis but also to help identify the best available therapy; 2) effectively working new therapies into a conventional backbone of treatment, including transplantation; and 3) continued commitment to clinical trials designed to capitalize on advances in genetics and immunology to foster the next wave of drug approvals.
Emerging cancer incidence trends in Canada: The growing burden of young adult cancers
Authors: Heer Emily V. , Harper Andrew S. , Sung Hyuna , Jemal Ahmedin , Fidler‐Benaoudia Miranda M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent studies have identified increases in cancer incidence among younger adults for some cancers. This study examined incidence trends for 28 cancers in Canada by age and birth cohort from 1983 to 2012.

Methods

Canadian incidence data for 20 to 84 year‐olds were obtained from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus database. Age‐period‐cohort modeling was used to estimate the average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for 10‐year birth cohorts (reference cohort, 1943) for 28 cancer types.

Results

Incidence increased for 13 cancer sites among adults younger than 50 years (1983‐2012), with the largest increase occurring for rectal cancer (AAPC20‐24, 5.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.77‐7.51) and colon cancer (AAPC20‐24, 4.08; 95% CI, 2.89‐5.29). Compared with the 1943 birth cohort, persons born circa 1988 had approximately 5‐ and 2‐fold greater risks of rectal cancer (IRR, 4.98; 95% CI, 2.87‐8.63) and colon cancer (IRR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.62‐3.30), respectively. Incidence decreased among younger adults for 9 sites (1983‐2012), with the largest decreases observed for lung cancer (AAPC25‐29,−2.29; 95% CI, −3.57 to −0.98), cervical cancer (AAPC25‐29, −1.29; 95% CI, −1.67 to −0.90), and melanoma (AAPC25‐29, −0.61; 95% CI, −0.97 to −0.24). Decreased risks in recent birth cohorts were observed for all sites with decreasing trends in younger adults. For example, the risk of lung cancer was 60% lower in the 1988 birth cohort than the 1943 birth cohort (IRR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23‐0.78).

Conclusions

Incidence among young adults is increasing for some cancers associated with obesity but decreasing for many cancers associated with infections or smoking. Although further studies are needed to replicate these findings and understand the etiology of early‐onset cancers, measures to promote healthy behaviors in young adults warranted.
Choice of local therapy for young women with early‐stage breast cancer who have young‐aged children
Authors: Pan I‐Wen , Yen Tina W. F. , Huo Jinhai , Chen Cheng , Smith Benjamin D. , Shih Ya‐Chen Tina
Published: August 2020

Background

Decision making regarding the initial treatment of women with breast cancer is complicated. In the current study, the authors examined the relationship between treatment choices and their children's ages among young women with early‐stage breast cancer.

Methods

Using the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, the authors identified women aged 20 to 50 years who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy for early‐stage breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. Predictors of compliance with radiotherapy after undergoing lumpectomy and of undergoing mastectomy were determined using multinomial logistic regression. The authors conducted sensitivity analyses to explore the impact of the number of young‐aged children and a reduction in the sample size in 2014 due to the attrition of health plans contributing to MarketScan.

Results

A total of 21,052 women were included in the current analysis. Among women with at least 1 child aged <7 years, the adjusted rate of lumpectomy was 59.9%; approximately 22% of these women did not receive radiotherapy. Compared with women undergoing lumpectomy plus radiotherapy, women with at least 1 child aged <7 years or aged 7 to 12 years were 25% and 16%, respectively, more likely to undergo lumpectomy alone compared with women with no children aged <18 years (P = .002 andP = .012, respectively) and 64% and 37%, respectively, more likely to undergo mastectomy (P < .001).

Conclusions

Among privately insured women with breast cancer, having young children was found to be strongly associated with the omission of postlumpectomy radiotherapy or undergoing mastectomy. Having >1 young‐aged child further amplified these associations. The findings of the current study suggested that caring for young children may present unique challenges to young women with breast cancer.
Good but not good enough: Clinical trial participation of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , Zeidan Amer M.
Published: August 2020

Clinical trial participation among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes is low even for those treated at large academic centers. Efforts to enhance clinical trial enrollment are warranted and include changes to ensure the generalizability of results and to advance patient safety and outcomes.
Mammographic breast density, its changes, and breast cancer risk in premenopausal and postmenopausal women
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Chang Yoosoo , Ahn Jiin , Yun Ji‐Sup , Park Yong Lai , Park Chan Heun , Shin Hocheol , Ryu Seungho
Published: August 2020

Background

The risk of breast cancer related to changes in breast density over time, including its regression and persistence, remains controversial. The authors investigated the relationship between breast density and its changes over time with the development of breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

The current cohort study included 74,249 middle‐aged Korean women (aged ≥35 years) who were free of breast cancer at baseline and who underwent repeated screening mammograms. Mammographic breast density was categorized according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS). A dense breast was defined as heterogeneously dense or extremely dense, and changes in dense breasts between baseline and subsequent follow‐up were classified as none, developed, regressed, or persistent dense breast.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 6.1 years (interquartile range, 4.1‐8.8 years), a total of 803 incident breast cancers were identified. Baseline breast density was found to be positively associated with incident breast cancer in a dose‐response manner, and this association did not significantly differ by menopausal status. The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for breast cancer comparing “heterogeneously dense” and “extremely dense” categories with the nondense category were 1.96 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.40‐2.75) and 2.86 (95% CI, 2.04‐4.01), respectively. With respect to changes in dense breasts over time, multivariable‐adjusted HRs for breast cancer comparing persistent dense breast with none were 2.37 (95% CI, 1.34‐4.21) in premenopausal women and 3.61 (95% CI, 1.78‐7.30) in postmenopausal women.

Conclusions

Both baseline dense breasts and their persistence over time were found to be strongly associated with an increased risk of incident breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Lay Summary

Both baseline breast density and its changes over time were found to be independently associated with the risk of breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

The risk of incident breast cancer increased in women with persistent dense breasts, whereas the breast cancer risk decreased as dense breasts regressed.

The findings of the current study support that both dense breasts at baseline and their persistence over time are independent risk factors for developing breast cancer.
Nanolithographic Top‐Down Patterning of Polyoxovanadate‐Based Nanostructures with Switchable Electrical Resistivity
Authors: Rösner Benedikt , Fallica Roberto , Johnson Manuel , Späth Andreas , Fink Rainer , Ekinci Yasin , David Christian , Anjass Montaha H. , Streb Carsten
Published: August 2020

The top‐down lithographic fabrication of functional metal oxide nanostructures enables technologically important applications such as catalysis and electronics. Here, we report the use of molecular vanadium oxides, polyoxovanadates, as molecular precursors for electron beam lithography to obtain functional vanadium oxide nanostructures. The new resist class described gives access to nanostructures with minimum dimensions close to 10 nm. The lithographically prepared structures exhibit temperature‐dependent switching behaviour of their electrical resistivity. The work could lay the foundation for accessing functional vanadium oxide nanostructures in the sub‐10‐nm domain using industrially established nanolithographic methods.
A Driven Tagged Particle in Symmetric Exclusion Processes with Removals
Authors: Wang Zhe
Published: August 2020

We consider a driven tagged particle in a symmetric exclusion process on ℤ with a removal rule. In this process, untagged particles are removed once they jump to the left of the tagged particle. We investigate the behavior of the displacement of the tagged particle and prove limit theorems of it: an (annealed) law of large numbers, a central limit theorem, and a large deviation principle. We also characterize a class of ergodic measures for the environment process. Our approach is based on analyzing two auxiliary processes with associated martingales and a regenerative structure. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Dioxygen Binding to all 3d, 4d, and 5d Transition Metals from Coupled‐Cluster Theory
Authors: Moltved Klaus A. , Kepp Kasper P.
Published: August 2020

Understanding how transition metals bind and activate dioxygen (O2) is limited by experimental and theoretical uncertainties, making accurate quantum mechanical descriptors of interest. Here we report coupled‐cluster CCSD(T) energies with large basis sets and vibrational and relativistic corrections for 160 3d, 4d, and 5d metal‐O2 systems. We define four reaction energies (120 in total for the 30 metals) that quantify O−O activation and reveal linear relationships between metal‐oxygen and O−O binding energies. The CCSD(T) data can be combined with thermochemical cycles to estimate chemisorption and physisorption energies for each metal from metal oxide embedding energies, in good correlation with atomization enthalpies (R2=0.75). Spin‐geometry variations can break the linearities, of interest to circumventing the Sabatier principle. Pt, Pd, Co, and Fe form a distinct group with the weakest O2 binding. R2 up to 0.84 between surface adsorption energies and our energies for MO2 systems indicate relevance also to real catalytic systems.
Reactions of Criegee Intermediates are Enhanced by Hydrogen‐Atom Relay Through Molecular Design
Authors: Kuo Mei‐Tsan , Takahashi Kaito , Lin Jim Jr‐Min
Published: August 2020

We report a type of highly efficient double hydrogen atom transfer (DHAT) reaction. The reactivities of 3‐aminopropanol and 2‐aminoethanol towards Criegee intermediates (syn‐ and anti‐CH3CHOO) were found to be much higher than those of n‐propanol and propylamine. Quantum chemistry calculation has confirmed that the main mechanism of these very rapid reactions is DHAT, in which the nucleophilic attack of the NH2 group is catalyzed by the OH group which acts as a bridge of HAT. Typical gas‐phase DHAT reactions are termolecular reactions involving two hydrogen bonding molecules; these reactions are typically slow due to the substantial entropy reduction of bringing three molecules together. Putting the reactive and catalytic groups in one molecule circumvents the problem of entropy reduction and allows us to observe the DHAT reactions even at low reactant concentrations. This idea can be applied to improve theoretical predictions for atmospherically relevant DHAT reactions.
Use of Real‐World Data to Emulate a Clinical Trial and Support Regulatory Decision Making: Assessing the Impact of Temporality, Comparator Choice, and Method of Adjustment
Authors: Abrahami Devin , Pradhan Richeek , Yin Hui , Honig Peter , Baumfeld Andre Elodie , Azoulay Laurent
Published: August 2020

External controls have been primarily used in the setting of single‐arm trials of rare diseases; their use in common diseases has not been readily investigated, nor is there guidance on how to best select comparators. Thus, the objective of this study was to emulate a large cardiovascular outcome trial of type 2 diabetes to compare associations of effectiveness with different comparator groups to those reported in the trial. Using the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) trial, we investigated six comparator groups using three calendar time periods (Early: 1999–2003; Later: 2004–2008, and Contemporaneous: 2009–2013) and two comparators (sulfonylureas and other second‐to‐third‐line antidiabetic drugs). Hazard ratios (HRs) of the three‐point composite cardiovascular outcome were estimated using four variations of the propensity score (adjustment, stratification, fine stratification, and matching) and compared with the LEADER trial (HR, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.97). When comparing users of liraglutide with users of sulfonylureas, the HRs ranged from 0.57 to 1.03, with estimates in the early period most closely reflecting the LEADER trial (HR, 0.57–0.88). In contrast, the HRs ranged from 0.73 to 0.97 when comparing liraglutide users with users of any second‐to‐third‐line antidiabetic drugs, although the later period generated estimates closest to the LEADER trial (HR, 0.77–0.84). Different methods of adjustment led to generally consistent HRs, aside from the fine stratification in the early period. This study highlights the complex interplay between comparator, temporality, and method of adjustment when selecting comparators using real‐word data. These design choices must be considered in the design of trial emulation studies.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland metastasizing to the pericardium and diaphragm: Report of a rare case
Authors: Nasir Nadia , Monroe Cara E. , Hagerty Brendan L. , Quezado Martha M. , Roth Mark J. , Schrump David S. , Filie Armando C. , Agrawal Tanupriya
Published: August 2020

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is an uncommon malignancy of the salivary gland characterized by slow growth, increased risk of recurrence and poor prognosis. The annual incidence in the United States is approximately 1200 cases per year and rarely involves the body cavities.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 48‐year‐old male diagnosed with AdCC of the left submandibular gland. He received his last chemotherapy in 2006 and presented with pleural metastasis. After undergoing pleurectomy and decortication procedure, pericardial fluid and biopsies from the chest wall, sixth rib, diaphragm, pleural cavity and pericardium were sent for pathologic evaluation. A diagnosis of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma was confirmed, including in the pericardium, pericardial fluid and diaphragm.

Conclusion

AdCC of the submandibular gland is a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. It is very rare for AdCC to metastasize to the pericardium and diaphragm. Metastasis to uncommon sites such as seen in our case with metastases to the pericardium and diaphragm shows the aggressive and unpredictable nature of this tumor, requiring close follow up, and indicating the need for molecular profile analysis and biomarker‐stratified clinical trials.
Visual perception of light organ patterns in deep‐sea shrimps and implications for conspecific recognition
Authors: Schweikert Lorian E. , Davis Alexander L. , Johnsen Sönke , Bracken‐Grissom Heather D.
Published: August 2020

Darkness and low biomass make it challenging for animals to find and identify one another in the deep sea. While spatiotemporal variation in bioluminescence is thought to underlie mate recognition for some species, its role in conspecific recognition remains unclear. The deep‐sea shrimp genus, Sergestes sensu lato (s.l.), is one group that is characterized by species‐specific variation in light organ arrangement, providing us the opportunity to test whether organ variation permits recognition to the species level. To test this, we analyzed the visual capabilities of three species of Sergestes s.l. in order to (a) test for sexual dimorphism in eye‐to‐body size scaling relationships, (b) model the visual ranges (i.e., sighting distances) over which these shrimps can detect intraspecific bioluminescence, and (c) assess the maximum possible spatial resolution of the eyes of these shrimps to estimate their capacity to distinguish the light organs of each species. Our results showed that relative eye size scaled negatively with body length across species and without sexual dimorphism. Though the three species appear capable of detecting one another's bioluminescence over distances ranging from < 1 to ~6 m, their limited spatial resolution suggests they cannot resolve light organ variation for the purpose of conspecific recognition. Our findings point to factors other than conspecific recognition (e.g., neutral drift, phenotypic constraint) that have led to the extensive diversification of light organs in Sergestes s.l and impart caution about interpreting ecological significance of visual characters based on the resolution of human vision. This work provides new insight into deep‐sea animal interaction, supporting the idea that—at least for these mesopelagic shrimps—nonvisual signals may be required for conspecific recognition.