bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lupus Low Disease Activity State and Reduced Direct Health Care Costs in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yeo Ai Li , Koelmeyer Rachel , Kandane‐Rathnayake Rangi , Golder Vera , Hoi Alberta , Huq Molla , Hammond Edward , Nab Henk , Nikpour Mandana , Morand Eric F.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Treat‐to‐target end points for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been assessed for their impact on damage accrual and flare, but whether they have an impact on the high health care utilization and costs in SLE has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to examine our hypothesis that the recently described lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) would be associated with reduced health care cost.

Methods

Data from a single tertiary hospital longitudinal SLE cohort were assessed. Baseline demographics, disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI‐2K], physician global assessment [PhGA], and flare index), and medication use were evaluated, and direct health care utilization and cost data were obtained from hospital information systems. LLDAS was defined as previously published: briefly, SLEDAI‐2K ≤4 with no new activity, PhGA ≤1, prednisolone ≤7.5 mg/day, and optimal standard immunosuppressive agents. Analysis was performed using multivariable linear regression.

Results

Two hundred SLE patients, contributing 357.8 person‐years of observation, were included. A history of lupus nephritis was present in 42% of patients, and damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index >0) was present at study commencement in 57.3% of patients. The mean ± SD annual direct medical cost per patient was US$7,413 ± 13,133/year. In multivariable analysis, increased cost was associated with the presence of baseline organ damage (41.7% increase; P = 0.009) and corticosteroid use (>7.5–15 mg/day: 55.7% increase; P = 0.02; and >15 mg/day: 202% increase; P < 0.001). In contrast, spending ≥50% of the observation period in LLDAS was associated with a 25.9% reduction in annual direct medical cost (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Greater time spent in LLDAS was associated with significantly reduced direct hospital health care costs among patients with SLE.
Development of Resilience Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shaw Yomei , Bradley Matthew , Zhang Chen , Dominique Alyssa , Michaud Kaleb , McDonald David , Simon Teresa A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Resilience, the ability to recover from and adapt successfully to stressful situations, is a valuable resource for patients who live with chronic conditions. This qualitative study examines the development of resilience among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We aimed to describe the resilience development process and to describe strategies used by patients to cultivate resilience.

Methods

Our approach combined ethnographic data collection and narrative analysis methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adult RA patients in the US. Interviewees were asked to discuss their experiences with diagnosis, living with RA, coping with challenges, treatment, and health care providers. The interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed to describe the stages of resilience development and to identify patients’ strategies for building/maintaining resilience.

Results

Eighteen patients were interviewed, ages 27–80 years and with RA duration of 5–41 years. Patient responses to challenging situations were grouped into 3 stages: 1) lacking capacity to handle the situation, 2) struggling but growing in capacity to handle the situation, and 3) attaining mastery. Patients used 10 strategies to cultivate resilience: perseverance, exchanging social support, pursuing valued activities, flexibility, positive reframing, acceptance, humor, avoiding threatening thoughts, equanimity, and maintaining a sense of control.

Conclusion

RA patients acquire resilience in a dynamic process of learning in response to new challenges. Patients use a combination of behavioral and emotion management strategies to cultivate resilience. Awareness of these strategies may benefit patients, health care providers, and researchers developing behavioral interventions and social support programs in the context of RA and other chronic diseases.
In Vivo Imaging of Composite Hydrogel Scaffold Degradation Using CEST MRI and Two‐Color NIR Imaging
Authors: Zhu Wei , Chu Chengyan , Kuddannaya Shreyas , Yuan Yue , Walczak Piotr , Singh Anirudha , Song Xiaolei , Bulte Jeff W. M.
Published: July 2019

Hydrogel scaffolding of stem cells is a promising strategy to overcome initial cell loss and manipulate cell function post‐transplantation. Matrix degradation is a requirement for downstream cell differentiation and functional tissue integration, which determines therapeutic outcome. Therefore, monitoring of hydrogel degradation is essential for scaffolded cell replacement therapies. It is shown here that chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging (CEST MRI) can be used as a label‐free imaging platform for monitoring the degradation of crosslinked hydrogels containing gelatin (Gel) and hyaluronic acid (HA), of which the stiffness can be fine‐tuned by varying the ratio of the Gel:HA. By labeling Gel and HA with two different near‐infrared (NIR) dyes having distinct emission frequencies, it is shown here that the HA signal remains stable for 42 days, while the Gel signal gradually decreases to <25% of its initial value at this time point. Both imaging modalities are in excellent agreement for both the time course and relative value of CEST MRI and NIR signals (R2= 0.94). These findings support the further use of CEST MRI for monitoring biodegradation and optimizing of gelatin‐containing hydrogels in a label‐free manner.
Significant Role of Al in Ternary Layered Double Hydroxides for Enhancing Electrochemical Performance of Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Gao Xiaorui , Liu Ximeng , Wu Dajun , Qian Bin , Kou Zongkui , Pan Zhenghui , Pang Yajun , Miao Linqing , Wang John
Published: July 2019

The Al effect on the electrochemical properties of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is not properly probed, although it is demonstrated to notably promote the capacitive behavior of LDHs. Herein, ternary NiCo2Alx layered double hydroxides with varying levels of Al stoichiometry are purposely developed, grown directly on mechanically flexible and electrically conducting carbon cloth (CC@NiCo2Alx‐LDH). Al plays a significant role in determining the structure, morphology, and electrochemical behavior of NiCo2Alx‐LDHs. At an increasing level of Al in NiCo2Alx‐LDHs, there is a steady evolution from 1D nanowire to 2D nanosheets. The CC@NiCo2Al‐LDH at an appropriate level of Al and with the nanowire–nanosheet mixed morphology exhibits both significantly enhanced electrochemical performance and excellent structural stability, with about a 2.3‐fold capacitance of NiCo2‐OH. When applied as the anode in a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), the CC@NiCo2Al‐LDH gives rise to a remarkable energy density of 44 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 462 W kg−1, together with remarkable cyclic stability with 91.2% capacitance retention over 15 000 charge–discharge cycles. The present study demonstrates a new pathway to significantly improve the electrochemical performance and stability of transition metal LDHs, which are otherwise unstable in structure and poorly performing in both rate and cycling capability.
A Long Lifetime Aqueous Organic Solar Flow Battery
Authors: Li Wenjie , Kerr Emily , Goulet Marc‐Antoni , Fu Hui‐Chun , Zhao Yuzhou , Yang Ying , Veyssal Atilla , He Jr‐Hau , Gordon Roy G. , Aziz Michael J. , Jin Song
Published: July 2019

Monolithically integrated solar flow batteries (SFBs) hold promise as compact stand‐alone energy systems for off‐grid solar electrification. Although considerable research is devoted to studying and improving the round‐trip efficiency of SFBs, little attention is paid to the device lifetime. Herein, a neutral pH aqueous electrolyte SFB with robust organic redox couples and inexpensive silicon‐based photoelectrodes is demonstrated. Enabled by the excellent stability of both electrolytes and protected photoelectrodes, this SFB device exhibits not only unprecedented stable continuous cycling performance over 200 h but also a capacity utilization rate higher than 80%. Moreover, through comprehensive study on the working mechanisms of SFBs, a new theory based on instantaneous solar‐to‐output electricity efficiency toward more optimized device design is developed and a significantly improved solar‐to‐output electricity efficiency of 5.4% from single‐junction silicon photoelectrodes is realized. The design principles presented in this work for extending device lifetime and boosting round trip energy efficiency will make SFBs more competitive for off‐grid applications.
Rational Core–Shell Design of Open Air Low Temperature In Situ Processable CsPbI3 Quasi‐Nanocrystals for Stabilized p‐i‐n Solar Cells
Authors: Xi Jun , Piao Chengcheng , Byeon Junseop , Yoon Jungjin , Wu Zhaoxin , Choi Mansoo
Published: July 2019

As a promising alternative, inorganic perovskite nanocrystals allow reinforced stability of photovoltaic device. Unfortunately, directly assembling these nanocrystals into film is uncontrollable. Instead, in situ assembling technology under low temperature in open air is attractive but limited due to the tendency of nonperovskite transition. The adverse shell ligands and unstable core lattices are known as the fundamental problems. In order to address this issue, here proposed is a rational core–shell design: 1) with respect to ligands, a new one, 4‐fluorophenethylammonium iodide, is used to enhance bonding force and charge coupling between ligands and nanocrystals; 2) with respect to lattices, a novel compound H2PbI4 is employed to assist divalent ion (Mn2+) doping into perovskite lattices. By low temperature in situ processing CsPbI3 quasi‐nanocrystal film, the highest power conversion efficiency of 13.4% for p‐i‐n solar cells is achieved, which retains 92% after 500 h in ambient air. The current study underlines the significance of rational hierarchical design of inorganic perovskite nanocrystals, especially for low temperature in situ processable electronic devices.
Elevation of Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer after hepatectomy is associated with post‐hepatectomy liver failure, total Pringle time, and renal dysfunction
Authors: Imai Daisuke , Maeda Takashi , Wang Huanlin , Sanefuji Kensaku , Kayashima Hiroto , Yoshiya Shohei , Takeishi Kazuki , Itoh Shinji , Harada Noboru , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Mori Masaki
Published: July 2019

Background

Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel serum glycomarker used to assess liver fibrosis. However, it has been reported that M2BPGi is likely to reflect other factors not limited to liver fibrosis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 79 patients with liver tumors who underwent liver resection. M2BPGi was measured within 1 week before operation and almost 1 month after operation. We introduced a value termed the “ΔM2BPGi ratio” (=M2BPGiafter operation/M2BPGibefore operation), and analyzed factors that influenced the ΔM2BPGi ratio.

Results

The median value of the ΔM2BPGi ratio was 1.28 (range, 0.36‐5.68). In 64 patients (81.0%), the cutoff index values of M2BPGi were elevated approximately 1 month after operation, especially in patients who experienced post‐hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Multiple linear regression showed total Pringle time, PHLF grade ≥B, and preoperative value of creatinine were significant predictors of the ΔM2BPGi ratio. The mean values of the ΔM2BPGi ratio were 1.37 ± 0.07, 1.52 ± 0.22, and 2.94 ± 0.30 for PHLF grade 0, grade A, and grade B, respectively, resulting in statistically significant differences by the Kruskal‐Wallis test (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Total Pringle time, PHLF grade ≥B, and preoperative creatinine significantly influenced the elevation of M2BPGi almost 1 month after liver resection. This study strongly affirms the previous suggestion that M2BPGi is likely to reflect other factors not limited to liver fibrosis.
Impacts of soil nitrogen and phosphorus levels on cytotype performance of the circumboreal herbChamerion angustifolium: implications for polyploid establishment
Authors: Walczyk Angela M. , Hersch‐Green Erika I.
Published: July 2019

Premise

Although polyploidy commonly occurs in angiosperms, not all polyploidization events lead to successful lineages, and environmental conditions could influence cytotype dynamics and polyploid success. Low soil nitrogen and/or phosphorus concentrations often limit ecosystem primary productivity, and changes in these nutrients might differentially favor some cytotypes over others, thereby influencing polyploid establishment.

Methods

We grew diploid, established tetraploid, and neotetraploidChamerion angustifolium(fireweed) in a greenhouse under low and high soil nitrogen and phosphorus conditions and different competition treatments and measured plant performance (height, biomass, flower production, and root bud production) and insect damage responses. By comparing neotetraploids to established tetraploids, we were able to examine traits and responses that might directly arise from polyploidization before they are modified by natural selection and/or genetic drift.

Results

We found that (1) neopolyploids were the least likely to survive and flower and experienced the most herbivore damage, regardless of nutrient conditions; (2) both neo‐ and established tetraploids had greater biomass and root bud production under nutrient‐enriched conditions, whereas diploid biomass and root bud production was not significantly affected by nutrients; and (3) intra‐cytotype competition more negatively affected diploids and established tetraploids than it did neotetraploids.

Conclusions

Following polyploidization, biomass and clonal growth might be more immediately affected by environmental nutrient availabilities than plant survival, flowering, and/or responses to herbivory, which could influence competitive dynamics. Specifically, polyploids might have competitive and colonizing advantages over diploids under nutrient‐enriched conditions favoring their establishment, although establishment may also depend upon the density and occurrences of other related cytotypes in a population.
International multidisciplinary collaboration toward an annotated definition of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
Authors: Dahan‐Oliel Noémi , Cachecho Sarah , Barnes Douglas , Bedard Tanya , Davison Ann M. , Dieterich Klaus , Donohoe Maureen , Fąfara Alicja , Hamdy Reggie , Hjartarson Helgi T. , S. Hoffman Naimisha , Kimber Eva , Komolkin Igor , Lester Ruth , Pontén Eva , van Bosse Harold J. P. , Hall Judith G.
Published: July 2019

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) has been described and defined in thousands of articles, but the terminology used has been inconsistent in clinical and research communities. A definition of AMC was recently developed using a modified Delphi consensus method involving 25 experts in the field of AMC from 8 countries. Participants included health care professionals, researchers, and individuals with AMC. An annotation of the definition provides more in‐depth explanations of the different sentences of the AMC definition and is useful to complement the proposed definition. The aim of this study was to provide an annotation of the proposed consensus‐based AMC definition. For the annotation process, 17 experts in AMC representing 10 disciplines across 7 countries participated. A paragraph was developed for each sentence of the definition using an iterative process involving multiple authors with varied and complementary expertise, ensuring all points of view were taken into consideration. The annotated definition provides an overview of the different topics related to AMC and is intended for all stakeholders, including youth and adults with AMC, their families, and clinicians and researchers, with the hopes of unifying the understanding of AMC in the international community.
Nutritional status of Ugandan school‐children: The effect of age imprecision
Authors: Comandini Ornella , Cabras Stefano , Ssensamba Jude T. , Bukenya Justine N. , Cipriano Alessandro , Carmignani Giovanni , Carmignani Gabriele , Marini Elisabetta
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To analyze the nutritional status of Ugandan school‐children in a cross‐sectional and longitudinal perspective, considering the effect of age imprecision.

Materials and methods

Anthropometric measurements of 831 school‐children (381 males and 450 females) were analyzed. A subsample of 246 children was measured in July 2014 and 2015. Stunting (based on height‐for‐age Z‐scores), underweight (weight‐for‐age), and thinness (body mass index‐for‐age) prevalence were calculated. Three different ages were used: declared (from schools registers), attributed (based on multiple information sources), and bootstrap (from 10,000 replicates). Significant differences among malnutrition prevalence calculated with different ages and in different groups were assessed by means of bootstrap analysis. Longitudinal analysis was conducted using a paired t test.

Results

The mean prevalence of malnutrition calculated with declared, attributed, or bootstrap ages were very similar: stunting (11.9–12.7); underweight (5.4–5.9); thinness (3.3–3.7); and obesity (0.7). Undernutrition was more prevalent among older children, while obesity was mostly associated with young age. Obesity was equally distributed among sexes, while undernutrition was more prevalent among females of up to 10 years of age and males above 10 years.

The longitudinal analysis indicated a reduction in underweight and thinness, and an increase in stunting, especially among older children.

Discussion

Age imprecision did not significantly affect malnutrition estimates. Despite the decline in the prevalence of thinness and underweight observed over a 1‐year period, undernutrition persists, with an observed rise in stunting. On the other hand, obesity is starting to appear. Public health efforts are required to eliminate stunting and address the emerging burden of obesity.
Strigolactone: Pflanzenhormone mit vielversprechenden Eigenschaften
Authors: Bouwmeester Harro J. , Fonne‐Pfister Raymonde , Screpanti Claudio , De Mesmaeker Alain
Published: July 2019

Vor einigen Jahren, und damit fast 80 Jahre nach der Entdeckung des ersten Pflanzenhormons Auxin, wurde eine neue Klasse von Pflanzenhormonen – die Strigolactone – entdeckt. Diese Moleküle zeigen eine einzigartige biologische Aktivität in zahlreichen wichtigen biologischen Prozessen der Pflanzen, aber auch außerhalb von Pflanzen, nämlich in der Rhizosphäre, einer Erdschicht, die die Wurzeln umgibt und von Lebewesen wimmelt. Die Nutzung dieser erstaunlichen biologischen Aktivität ist nicht ohne Herausforderungen: Die Biosynthese von Strigolactonen ist kompliziert, und es ist schwierig, die erwünschte Aktivität zu konzipieren. Dieser Kurzaufsatz beschreibt den heutigen Stand der Wissenschaft im Bereich der Strigolactone und diskutiert, wie funktionelle Analoga entwickelt werden können, die möglicherweise zu einer nachhaltigen Landwirtschaft beitragen.
Regioselektive Funktionalisierung von [2.2]Paracyclophanen: aktuelle Synthesefortschritte und Perspektiven
Authors: Hassan Zahid , Spuling Eduard , Knoll Daniel M. , Bräse Stefan
Published: July 2019

[2.2]Paracyclophan (PCP) ist ein häufig genutztes Grundgerüst in der asymmetrischen Synthese, in π‐gestapelten Polymeren, in Energiematerialien sowie in funktionellen Parylenbeschichtungen, die breite Anwendung in der Biologie und den Materialwissenschaften finden. Die [2.2]Paracyclophanchemie hat in den letzten Jahren enorme Fortschritte gemacht, sodass nun eine genaue präparative Abstimmung der strukturellen und funktionellen Eigenschaften möglich ist. Dieser Kurzaufsatz zeigt die wichtigsten aktuellen Syntheseentwicklungen bei der selektiven Funktionalisierung von PCP auf, die die besonderen Merkmale der planaren Chiralität sowie der chiroptischen und optoelektronischen Eigenschaften bestimmen. Besonderes Augenmerk gilt dabei dem funktionsorientierten Design von [2.2]Paracyclophan‐basierten, π‐gestapelten, konjugierten Materialien mithilfe übergangsmetallkatalysierter Kreuzkupplungen. Zudem werden aktuelle präparative Herausforderungen, Grenzen und zukünftige Forschungsfelder sowie neue Wege zur Weiterentwicklung der Cyclophanchemie zusammengefasst.
Switching on the Photocatalysis of Metal–Organic Frameworks by Engineering Structural Defects
Authors: Ma Xing , Wang Li , Zhang Qun , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: July 2019

Defect engineering is a versatile approach to modulate band and electronic structures as well as materials performance. Herein, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) featuring controlled structural defects, namely UiO‐66‐NH2‐X (X represents the molar equivalents of the modulator, acetic acid, with respect to the linker in synthesis), were synthesized to systematically investigate the effect of structural defects on photocatalytic properties. Remarkably, structural defects in MOFs are able to switch on the photocatalysis. The photocatalytic H2 production rate presents a volcano‐type trend with increasing structural defects, where Pt@UiO‐66‐NH2‐100 exhibits the highest activity. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy unveils that UiO‐66‐NH2‐100 with moderate structural defects possesses the fastest relaxation kinetics and the highest charge separation efficiency, while excessive defects retard the relaxation and reduce charge separation efficiency.
Strigolactones: Plant Hormones with Promising Features
Authors: Bouwmeester Harro J. , Fonne‐Pfister Raymonde , Screpanti Claudio , De Mesmaeker Alain
Published: July 2019

Almost 80 years after the discovery of the first plant hormone, auxin, a few years ago a new class of plant hormones, the strigolactones, was discovered. These molecules have unprecedented biological activity in a number of highly important biological processes in plants but also outside the plant in the rhizosphere, the layer of soil surrounding the roots of plants and teeming with life. The exploitation of this amazing biological activity is not without challenges: the synthesis of strigolactones is complicated and designing the desired activity a difficult task. This minireview describes the current state of knowledge about the strigolactones and how synthetic analogs can be developed that can potentially contribute to the development of a sustainable agriculture.
Regioselective Functionalization of [2.2]Paracyclophanes: Recent Synthetic Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Hassan Zahid , Spuling Eduard , Knoll Daniel M. , Bräse Stefan
Published: July 2019

[2.2]Paracyclophane (PCP) is a prevalent scaffold that is widely utilized in asymmetric synthesis, π‐stacked polymers, energy materials, and functional parylene coatings that finds broad applications in bio‐ and materials science. In the last few years, [2.2]paracyclophane chemistry has progressed tremendously, enabling the fine‐tuning of its structural and functional properties. This Minireview highlights the most important recent synthetic developments in the selective functionalization of PCP that govern distinct features of planar chirality as well as chiroptical and optoelectronic properties. Special focus is given to the function‐inspired design of [2.2]paracyclophane‐based π‐stacked conjugated materials by transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. Current synthetic challenges, limitations, as well as future research directions and new avenues for advancing cyclophane chemistry are also summarized.
Quantification of Active Sites and Elucidation of the Reaction Mechanism of the Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction on Vanadium Nitride
Authors: Yang Xuan , Kattel Shyam , Nash Jared , Chang Xiaoxia , Lee Ji Hoon , Yan Yushan , Chen Jingguang G. , Xu Bingjun
Published: July 2019

Despite recent intense interest in the development of catalysts for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR), mechanistic understanding and catalyst design principles remain lacking. In this work, we develop a strategy to determine the density of initial and steady‐state active sites on ENRR catalysts that follow the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism via quantitative isotope‐exchange experiments. This method allows the comparison of intrinsic activities of active sites and facilitates the identification and improvement of active‐site structures for ENRR. Combined with detailed density functional theory calculations, we show that the rate‐limiting step in the ENRR is likely the initial N≡N bond activation via the addition of a proton and an electron to the adsorbed N2 on the N vacancies to form N2H. The methodology developed and mechanistic insights gained in this work could guide the rational catalyst design in the ENRR.
Stabilization of [WF5]+ by Bidentate N‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Turnbull Douglas , Wetmore Stacey D. , Gerken Michael
Published: July 2019

Transition‐metal hexafluorides do not exhibit fluoride‐ion donor properties in the absence of donor ligands. We report the first synthesis of donor‐stabilized [MF5]+ derived from a transition‐metal hexafluoride via fluoride‐ion abstraction using WF6(L) (L=2,2′‐bipy, 1,10‐phen) and SbF5(OSO) in SO2. The [WF5(L)][Sb2F11] salts and [WF5(1,10‐phen)][SbF6]⋅SO2 have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography, Raman spectroscopy, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The reaction of WF6(2,2′‐bipy) with an equimolar amount of SbF5(OSO) reveals an equilibrium between [WF5(2,2′‐bipy)]+ and the [WF4(2,2′‐bipy)2]2+ dication, as determined by 19F NMR spectroscopy. The geometries of the cations in the solid state are reproduced by gas‐phase geometry optimizations (DFT‐B3LYP), and NBO analyses reveal that the positive charges of the cations are stabilized primarily by compensatory σ‐electron donation from the N‐donor ligands.
Macroscale Chemotaxis from a Swarm of Bacteria‐Mimicking Nanoswimmers
Authors: Ji Yuxing , Lin Xiankun , Wu Zhiguang , Wu Yingjie , Gao Wei , He Qiang
Published: July 2019

Inspired by the dynamics of bacterial swarming, we report a swarm of polymer‐brush‐grafted, glucose‐oxidase‐powered Janus gold nanoswimmers with a positive, macroscale chemotactic behavior. These nanoswimmers are prepared through the grafting of polymer brushes onto one side of gold nanoparticles, followed by functionalization with glucose oxidase on the other side. The resulting polymer‐brush‐functionalized Janus gold nanoswimmers exhibit efficient propulsion with a velocity of up to approximately 120 body lengths s−1 in the presence of glucose. The comparative analysis of their kinematic behavior reveals that the grafted polymer brushes significantly improve the translational diffusion of Janus gold nanoswimmers. Particularly, these bacteria‐mimicking Janus gold nanoswimmers display a collectively chemotactic motion along the concentration gradient of a glucose resource, which could be observed at the macroscale.
Reliable phase‐change polyurethane crosslinked by dynamic ionic‐bond crosslinking for thermal energy storage
Authors: Yuan Anqian , Wang Yi , Zhao Yuanyang , Liu Qingfeng , Lei Jingxin
Published: July 2019

The fabrication of phase‐change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage is of great significance, since they combine the sustainable development of energy and human comfortable. Herein, a dynamically crosslinked PCM was successfully fabricated by the blending of complementary polyurethanes bearing carboxylic acid and tertiary amine through reversible ionic bonds via the acid–base reaction. The resultant PCM exhibited good crystalline property, which was confirmed by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and polarizing optical microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry characterizations suggested that the prepared PCMs could reversibly store and release latent heat during heating and cooling process. The presence of physical crosslinks in PCM could maintain shape stable and had no deteriorate effect on the value of latent heat. Therefore, a high latent heat of 70 J/g was obtained within the temperature range of 13.2–45.4 °C. This good thermal storage ability remained constant even after 100 consecutive heating/cooling cycles. Thermogravimetric analysis results provided distinct evidence that the prepared PCM has an outstanding thermal stability with the onset decomposition temperature higher than 250 °C. The combined thermal storage ability and thermal reliability endow the PCM promising application as solar energy storage, waste heat utilization, and thermal protection coatings or adhesives. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48213.
Sequence characteristics responsible for protein‐protein interactions in the intrinsically disordered regions of caseins, amelogenins, and small heat‐shock proteins
Authors: Holt Carl , Raynes Jared K. , Carver John A.
Published: July 2019

Milk caseins and dental amelogenins are intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that associate with themselves and others. Paradoxically, they are also described as hydrophobic proteins, which is difficult to reconcile with a solvent‐exposed conformation. We attempt to resolve this paradox. We show that caseins and amelogenins are not hydrophobic proteins but they are more hydrophobic than most IDPs. Remarkably, uncharged residues from different regions of these mature proteins have a nearly constant average hydropathy but these regions exhibit different charged residue frequencies. A novel sequence analysis method was developed to identify hydrophobic and order‐promoting regions that would favor conformational collapse. We found that such regions were uncommon; most hydrophobic and order‐promoting residues were adjacent to hydrophilic or disorder‐promoting residues. A further reason why caseins and amelogenins do not collapse is their high proportion of disorder‐promoting proline residues. We conclude that in these proteins the hydrophobic effect is not large enough to cause conformational collapse but it can contribute, along with polar interactions, to protein‐protein interactions. This behaviour is similar to the interaction of the disordered N‐terminal region of small heat‐shock proteins with either themselves during oligomer formation or other, unfolding, proteins during chaperone action.
Optical clearing methods: An overview of the techniques used for the imaging of 3D spheroids
Authors: Costa Elisabete C. , Silva Daniel N. , Moreira André F. , Correia Ilídio J.
Published: July 2019

Spheroids have emerged as in vitro models that reproduce in a great extent the architectural microenvironment found in human tissues. However, the imaging of 3D cell cultures is highly challenging due to its high thickness, which results in a light‐scattering phenomenon that limits light penetration. Therefore, several optical clearing methods, widely used in the imaging of animal tissues, have been recently explored to render spheroids with enhanced transparency. These methods are aimed to homogenize the microtissue refractive index (RI) and can be grouped into four different categories, namely (a) simple immersion in an aqueous solution with high RI; (b) delipidation and dehydration followed by RI matching; (c) delipidation and hyperhydration followed by RI matching; and (d) hydrogel embedding followed by delipidation and RI matching. In this review, the main optical clearing methods, their mechanism of action, advantages, and disadvantages are described. Furthermore, the practical examples of the optical clearing methods application for the imaging of 3D spheroids are highlighted.
Paper‐based point‐of‐care test with xeno nucleic acid probes
Authors: Hu Jie , Xiao Kang , Jin Birui , Zheng Xuyang , Ji Fanpu , Bai Dan
Published: July 2019

Bridging the unmet need of efficient point‐of‐care testing (POCT) in biomedical engineering research and practice with the emerging development in artificial synthetic xeno nucleic acids (XNAs), this review summarized the recent development in paper‐based POCT using XNAs as sensing probes. Alongside the signal transducing mode and immobilization methods of XNA probes, a detailed evaluation of probe performance was disclosed. With these new aspects, both researchers in synthetic chemistry / biomedical engineering and physicians in clinical practice could gain new insights in designing, manufacturing and choosing suitable reagents and techniques for POCT.
“A definite feel‐it moment”: Embodiment, externalisation and emotion during chair‐work in compassion‐focused therapy
Authors: Bell Tobyn , Montague Jane , Elander James , Gilbert Paul
Published: July 2019

Chair‐work is an experiential method used within compassion‐focused therapy (CFT) to apply compassion to various aspects of the self. This is the first study of CFT chair‐work and is focused on clients' lived experiences of a chair‐work intervention for self‐criticism. Twelve participants with depression were interviewed following the chair‐work intervention and the resulting data were examined using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified: “embodiment and enactment,” “externalising the self in physical form” and “emotional intensity.” The findings suggest the importance of accessing and expressing various emotions connected with self‐criticism, whilst highlighting the potential for client distress and avoidance during the intervention. The role of embodying, enacting and physically situating aspects of the self in different chairs is also suggested to be an important mechanism of change in CFT chair‐work. The findings are discussed in terms of clinical implications, emphasising how core CFT concepts and practices are facilitated by the chair‐work process.
The Trafficking of Children in the Greater Mekong Region: A Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Tsai Carmelle , Dichter Melissa E.
Published: July 2019

This review focuses on the literature on child trafficking in the Greater Mekong Region (GMR) in the last decade, as an update to Rafferty's (2007) review. The research is primarily organised into several main themes: public health implications, the trafficking of boys, cross‐border trafficking, the changing context and venues in which trafficking occurs, and trafficking in lesser‐studied regions of the GMR. The research reveals that children who are trafficked experience physical symptoms of abuse, sexually transmitted infections, mental health sequelae and substance abuse. Emerging research on the trafficking of boys elucidates relevant cultural issues, describing exploitation in street‐based and establishment‐based venues. Recent work describing children who are exploited in the Thai‐Cambodian border region reveals economic depression as a driver for migration into the area and high rates of violence. The literature also describes a shift in trafficking venues in Cambodia from brothels to entertainment venues. Much of the research to date has been conducted in Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, and there is preliminary research from the Lao People's Democratic Republic, but much remains unknown about trafficking in other GMR countries. Further research is required to identify the interactions of trafficked children in the GMR with healthcare settings, and, more specifically, to understand the medical implications of trafficking.

‘This review focuses on the literature on child trafficking in the Greater Mekong Region in the last decade, as an update to Rafferty's (2007) review’

Key Practitioner Messages

Children trafficked in the GMR experience health consequences as a result of exploitation.

Venues for trafficking in the GMR are shifting from brothels to off‐site and entertainment venues as a consequence of governments and local authorities increasing legal enforcement.

Boys in the GMR are vulnerable to trafficking.

Children who migrate for work in the GMR are vulnerable to trafficking.

A trauma‐informed approach and a heightened level of awareness for a history of trafficking are important for practitioners caring for patients from the GMR.
NMR Assessment of Therapeutic Peptides and Proteins: Correlations That Reveal Interactions and Motions
Authors: Falk Bradley T. , Liang Yingkai , Bailly Marc , Raoufi Fahimeh , Kekec Ahmet , Pissarnitski Dmitri , Feng Dennis , Yan Lin , Lin Songnian , Fayadat‐Dilman Laurence , McCoy Mark A.
Published: July 2019

NMR measurements of rotational and translational diffusion are used to characterize the solution behavior of a wide variety of therapeutic proteins and peptides. The timescales of motions sampled in these experiments reveal complicated intrinsic solution behavior such as flexibility, that is central to function, as well as self‐interactions, stress‐induced conformational changes and other critical attributes that can be discovery and development liabilities. Trends from proton transverse relaxation (R2) and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) are correlated and used to identify and differentiate intermolecular from intramolecular interactions. In this study, peptide behavior is consistent with complicated multimer self‐assembly, while multi‐domain protein behavior is dominated by intramolecular interactions. These observations are supplemented by simulations that include effects from slow transient interactions and rapid internal motions. R2–Rh correlations provide a means to profile protein motions as well as interactions. The approach is completely general and can be applied to therapeutic and target protein characterization.
Renal insufficiency following contrast media administration trial III: Urine flow rate‐guided versus left‐ventricular end‐diastolic pressure‐guided hydration in high‐risk patients for contrast‐induced acute kidney injury. Rationale and design
Authors: Briguori Carlo , D'Amore Carmen , De Micco Francesca , Signore Nicola , Esposito Giovanni , Napolitano Giovanni , Focaccio Amelia ,   the REMEDIAL III Investigators
Published: July 2019

Background

Urine flow rate (UFR)‐guided and left‐ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP)‐guided hydration regimens have been proposed to prevent contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI). The REnal Insufficiency Following Contrast MEDIA Administration triaL III (REMEDIAL III) is a randomized, multicenter, investigator‐sponsored trial aiming to compare these two hydration strategies.

Methods

Patients at high risk for CIAKI (that is, those with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or with Mehran's score ≥11 and/or Gurm's score >7) will be enrolled. Patients will be randomly assigned to (a) LVEDP‐guided hydration with normal saline (LVEDP‐guided group) and (b) UFR‐guided hydration carried out by the RenalGuard system (RenalGuard group). Seven‐hundred patients (350 in each arm) will be enrolled. In the LVEDP‐guided group the fluid infusion rate will be adjusted according to the LVEDP as follows: 5 mL kg−1hr−1 for LVEDP ≤12 mmHg, 3 mL kg−1hr−1 for LVEDP 13–18 mmHg, and 1.5 mL kg−1hr−1 for LVEDP >18 mmHg. In the RenalGuard group hydration with normal saline plus low‐dose of furosemide is controlled by the RenalGuard system, in order to reach and maintain a high (>300 mL/hr) UFR. In all cases, iobitridol (a low‐osmolar, nonionic contrast agent) will be administered.

Results

The primary endpoint is the composite of CIAKI (i.e., serum creatinine increase ≥25% and/or ≥0.5 mg/dL from the baseline to 48 hr after contrast media exposure) and/or acute pulmonary edema.

Conclusion

The REMEDIAL III will test the hypothesis that the UFR‐guided hydration is superior to the LVEDP‐guided hydration to prevent the composite of CIAKI and/or acute pulmonary edema.
Sulfidation of Hierarchical NiAl−LDH/Ni−MOF Composite for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Zheng Wenwen , Sun Shiguo , Xu Yongqian , Yu Ruijin , Li Hongjuan
Published: July 2019

Designing nanocomposites with good electrochemical properties is the key to studying electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this paper, we report a well‐defined composite (NiAl‐LDH/Ni−MOF/S) prepared in three steps. After the synthesis of LDH nanoplates through a hydrothermal method, the MOF nanosheets were grown on its surface by in situ nucleation. In this procedure, the synergistic effect of MOF and LDH will improve the specific capacitance. Afterwards, the composite was subjected to a sulfidation treatment to enhance its electrical conductivity. Consequently, the NiAl‐LDH/Ni−MOF/S has an excellent specific capacitance (1670 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and rate capability (65 % from 1 to 30 A g−1). Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled with NiAl‐LDH/Ni−MOF/S as cathode and activated carbon as anode. The ASC displays a maximum energy density (35.4 Wh kg−1) and outstanding cycle stability (retention of 96.4 % after 10000 cycles at 10 A g−1), demonstrating the potential of the electrode for use in high‐efficiency electrochemical capacitors.
Realization of Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Electrocatalysis by In Situ Stabilization of Co Nanoparticles in a Redox‐Active Donor‐Acceptor Porous Organic Polymer
Authors: Singh Ashish , Samanta Debabrata , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: July 2019

Bifunctional electrocatalysts that can catalyze both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions have high significance in the development of energy storage materials such as fuel cells and metal‐air batteries. Here, we have designed and synthesized a redox active porous organic polymer (TAPA‐PG) by the Schiff base condensation reaction between 4,4′,4′′‐triaminotriphenylamine (TAPA, donor) and 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol (PG, acceptor). The TAPA‐PG possesses permanent microporosity and shows spherical nano‐morphologies with diameter of 400–500 nm. TAPA‐PG shows electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with an overpotential of 190 mV. Interestingly, TAPA‐PG is found to be efficient for in situ reduction of the Co(II) to Co(0) under ambient conditions, and results in a cobalt nanoparticles‐stabilized polymer matrix (Co@TAPA‐PG). Co@TAPA‐PG displays bifunctional electrocatalytic activity for ORR as well as oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Co@TAPA‐PG shows improved ORR catalysis as the overpotential dropped down significantly to 120 mV. The OER catalytic performance results in the maximum current density of 15.8 mA/cm2.The overpotential for OER is found to be 560 mV at the current density of 10 mA/cm2.
Glycine Substitution Effects on the Supramolecular Morphology and Rigidity of Cell‐Adhesive Amphiphilic Peptides
Authors: Ishida Atsuya , Watanabe Go , Oshikawa Mio , Ajioka Itsuki , Muraoka Takahiro
Published: July 2019

Self‐assembling peptides that are capable of adopting β‐sheet structures can generate nanofibers that lead to hydrogel formation. Herein, to tune the supramolecular morphologies, mechanical properties, and stimuli responses of the hydrogels, we investigated glycine substitution in a β‐sheet‐forming amphiphilic peptide. Glycine substitution generally enhances conformational flexibility. Indeed, glycine substitution in an amphiphilic peptide weakened the hydrogels or even inhibited the gelation. However, unexpectedly, glycine substitution at the center of the peptide molecule significantly enhanced the hydrogel stiffness. The central glycine substitution affected the molecular packing and led to twisted β‐sheet structures and to nanofiber bundling, which likely led to the stiffened hydrogel. Importantly, the supramolecular structures were accurately predicted by molecular dynamics simulations, demonstrating the helpfulness of these techniques for the identification of self‐assembling peptides. The hydrogel formed by the amphiphilic peptide with the central glycine substitution had cell adhesive function, and showed a reversible thermal gel‐to‐sol transition. Thus, glycine substitution is effective in modulating self‐assembling structures, rheological properties, and dynamics of biofunctional self‐assembling peptides.
Ring‐Opening 1,3‐Aminochalcogenation of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes: A Three‐Component Approach
Authors: Augustin André U. , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: July 2019

A 1,3‐aminothiolation was realized by reacting 2‐substituted cyclopropane 1,1‐dicarboxylates with sulfonamides and N‐(arylthio)succinimides. Under Sn(OTf)2 catalysis the transformation proceeded smoothly to the corresponding ring‐opened products bearing the sulfonamide in the 1‐position next to the donor and the arylthio residue in the 3‐position next to the acceptor. The procedure was extended to the corresponding selenium analogues by employing N‐(phenylseleno)succinimides as an electrophilic selenium source.
A Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Cascade Reaction for the Conversion of Indoles to α‐(3‐Indolyl) Ketones by Using 2‐Benzyloxy Aldehydes
Authors: Banerjee Ankush , Maji Modhu Sudan
Published: July 2019

A Brønsted acid catalyzed, operationally simple, scalable route to several functionalized α‐(3‐indolyl) ketones has been developed and the long‐standing regioisomeric issue has been eliminated by choosing appropriate carbonyls. A readily available and cheap bottle reagent was used as the catalyst. This protocol was also applicable to the synthesis of densely functionalized α‐(3‐pyrrolyl) ketones. A detailed mechanistic study confirmed the involvement of enolether as a reaction intermediate. Several postsynthetic modifications along with easy access to β‐carboline, tryptamines, tryptophols, and spiro‐indolenine proclaim the synthetic utility of this powerful building block. On the basis of this concept, functionalized carbazoles were constructed by a cascade annulation strategy.
Synthesis of 1,4‐Thiazepane‐Based Curcuminoids with Promising Anticancer Activity
Authors: Theppawong Atiruj , Van de Walle Tim , Van Hecke Kristof , Grootaert Charlotte , Van Camp John , D'hooghe Matthias
Published: July 2019

Curcumin, the main component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) is known to display an interesting bioactivity profile, including pronounced anticancer properties. However, its low bioavailability, metabolic instability and nonspecific activity are concerns that have to be addressed before curcuminoids can be considered for therapeutic applications. Within that framework, intensive research has been carried out in the last decades to develop new curcumin derivatives, generally centered on standard modifications of the sp2 curcumin framework, with the aim to augment its bioavailability while maintaining or improving its anticancer properties. To find potential hit molecules by moving away from the classical flat curcumin framework, we investigated an unexplored modification to produce novel, out‐of‐plane 1,4‐thiazepane‐based curcuminoids and assessed the impact of this modification on the biological activity. In this way, 21 new, structurally diverse thiazepane scaffolds (4‐aryl‐1‐(7‐aryl‐1,4‐thiazepan‐5‐ylidene)but‐3‐en‐2‐ones) were synthesized, as well as some biologically interesting unexpected reaction products (such as 5‐aryl‐6‐arylmethylene‐3‐ethoxycyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ones and 4‐acetyl‐5‐aryl‐2‐(3‐arylacryloyl)‐3‐methylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ones). All these analogues were subsequently tested on their antioxidant capacity, their cytotoxicity properties and their ROS (reactive oxygen species) production. Many compounds demonstrated interesting activities, with ten curcuminoids, whereof eight 1,4‐thiazepane‐based, showing better antiproliferative properties compared to their mother compounds, as well as an increased ROS production. This unprecedented 3D curcumin modification has thus delivered promising new hit compounds with good activity profiles eligible for further exploration.