bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Absorption and Emission Properties Leading to Intriguing Applications in Plasmonic–Excitonic Nanostructures
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Nisika Nisika , Kumar Mukesh
Published: November 2020

Hybrid nanostructures composed of metal and semiconducting nanocrystals have drawn tremendous attention owing to their extraordinary absorption and emission properties. The energy transfer in metal–semiconductor hybrids as a result of synergetic plasmon–exciton interactions leads to numerous applications in the field of solar energy harvesting, photocatalytic reactions, imaging, photonics, sensing, and many more. Various breakthroughs in advanced characterization techniques over the past decade have disclosed several factors affecting the energy transfer processes leading to modified absorption and emission properties in metal–semiconductor hybrids. Herein, various theoretical and experimental methodologies are summarized, covering numerous advancements in metal–semiconductor nanostructures with greater emphasis on identifying parameters such as nanostructure size, shape, surface, distance between nanocrystals, and many more, which influence the optical properties of these hybrid nanocrystals. In addition, the impact of these parameters on the performance of various applications is also illuminated. Several challenges and future opportunities in the field are discussed, that will not only increase the performance and practicality of current applications, but also pave the way for future applications.
Engineered Plant‐Based Nanocellulose Hydrogel for Small Intestinal Organoid Growth
Authors: Curvello Rodrigo , Kerr Genevieve , Micati Diana J. , Chan Wing Hei , Raghuwanshi Vikram S. , Rosenbluh Joseph , Abud Helen E. , Garnier Gil
Published: November 2020

Organoids are three‐dimensional self‐renewing and organizing clusters of cells that recapitulate the behavior and functionality of developed organs. Referred to as “organs in a dish,” organoids are invaluable biological models for disease modeling or drug screening. Currently, organoid culture commonly relies on an expensive and undefined tumor‐derived reconstituted basal membrane which hinders its application in high‐throughput screening, regenerative medicine, and diagnostics. Here, we introduce a novel engineered plant‐based nanocellulose hydrogel is introduced as a well‐defined and low‐cost matrix that supports organoid growth. Gels containing 0.1% nanocellulose fibers (99.9% water) are ionically crosslinked and present mechanical properties similar to the standard animal‐based matrix. The regulation of the osmotic pressure is performed by a salt‐free strategy, offering conditions for cell survival and proliferation. Cellulose nanofibers are functionalized with fibronectin‐derived adhesive sites to provide the required microenvironment for small intestinal organoid growth and budding. Comparative transcriptomic profiling reveals a good correlation with transcriptome‐wide gene expression pattern between organoids cultured in both materials, while differences are observed in stem cells‐specific marker genes. These hydrogels are tunable and can be combined with laminin‐1 and supplemented with insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1) to optimize the culture conditions. Nanocellulose hydrogel emerges as a promising matrix for the growth of organoids.
Use of Hand‐motion Analysis to Assess Competence and Skill Decay for Cardiac and Lung Point‐of‐care Ultrasound
Authors: Ackil Daniel J. , Toney Amanda , Good Ryan , Ross David , Germano Rocco , Sabbadini Linda , Thiessen Molly , Bell Colin , Kendall John L.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Assessment of competence in technical skills, including point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS), is required before a novice can safely perform the skill independently. Ongoing assessment of competence is also required because technical skills degrade over time, especially when they are infrequently performed or complex. Hand‐motion analysis (HMA) is an objective assessment tool that has been used to evaluate competency in many technical skills. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of HMA as an assessment tool for competence in both simple and complex technical skills as well as skill degradation over time.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 36 paramedics with no POCUS experience and six physicians who were fellowship trained in POCUS. The novices completed a 4‐hour didactic and hands‐on training program for cardiac and lung POCUS. HMA measurements, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), and written examinations were collected for novices immediately before and after training as well as 2 and 4 months after training. Expert HMA metrics were also recorded.

Results

Expert HMA metrics for cardiac and lung POCUS were significantly better than those of novices. After completion of the training program, the novices improved significantly in all HMA metrics, knowledge test scores, and OSCE scores. Novices showed skill degradation in cardiac POCUS based on HMA metrics and OSCE scores while lung POCUS image acquisition skills were preserved. Novices deemed competent by OSCE score performed significantly better in HMA metrics than those not deemed competent.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that HMA is a feasible and valid tool for assessment of competence in technical skills and can also evaluate skill degradation over time. Skill degradation appears more apparent in complex skills, such as cardiac POCUS. HMA may provide a more efficient and reliable assessment of technical skills, including POCUS, when compared to traditional assessment tools.
Genomic imbalances in craniofacial microsomia
Authors: Spineli‐Silva Samira , Sgardioli Ilária C. , dos Santos Ana P. , Bergamini Luna L. , Monlleó Isabella L. , Fontes Marshall I. B. , Félix Têmis M. , Ribeiro Erlane M. , Xavier Ana C. , Lustosa‐Mendes Elaine , Gil‐da‐Silva‐Lopes Vera L. , Vieira Tarsis P.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to perform 22q11.2 deletion screening and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in individuals clinically diagnosed with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and review previously published cases of CFM with genomic imbalances. It included 54 individuals who were evaluated by a clinical geneticist. Copy number variants (CNVs) in the 22q11.2 region were investigated by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for all individuals. The CMA was performed only for individuals with additional major features. MLPA revealed pathogenic CNVs at the 22q11 region in 3/54 (5.6%) individuals. CMA revealed pathogenic CNVs in 4/17 (23.5%) individuals, including the three CNVs at the 22q11 region also detected by MLPA, and CNVs classified as variants of unknown significance (VOUS) in 4/17 (23.5%) individuals. Pathogenic alterations were found at the 2p12, 5p15, 13q13, and 22q11 regions. VOUS were found at 3q29, 5q22.2, 5q22.1, and 9p22 regions. All individuals with pathogenic alterations presented additional major features, including congenital heart disease (CHD). The literature review revealed pathogenic CNVs in 17/193 (8.8%) individuals and most of them also presented additional major features, such as CHD, renal anomalies, or developmental delay. In conclusion, CNVs should be investigated in patients with CFM and additional major features.
Dual‐Propelled Lanbiotic Based Janus Micromotors for Selective Inactivation of Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Yuan Kaisong , Jurado‐Sánchez Beatriz , Escarpa Alberto
Published: November 2020

Graphene oxide/PtNPs/Fe2O3 “dual‐propelled” catalytic and fuel‐free rotary actuated magnetic Janus micromotors modified with the lanbiotic Nisin are used for highly selective capture/inactivation of gram‐positive bacteria units and biofilms. Specific interaction of Nisin with the Lipid II unit of Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria in connection with the enhanced micromotor movement and generated fluid flow result in a 2‐fold increase of the capture/killing ability (both in bubble and magnetic propulsion modes) as compared with free peptide and static counterparts. The high stability of Nisin along with the high towing force of the micromotors allow for efficient operation in untreated raw media (tap water, juice and serum) and even in blood and in flowing blood in magnetic mode. The high selectivity of the approach is illustrated by the dramatically lower interaction with gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia Coli). The double‐propulsion (catalytic or fuel‐free magnetic) mode of the micromotors and the high biocompatibility holds considerable promise to design micromotors with tailored lanbiotics that can response to the changes that make the bacteria resistant in a myriad of clinical, environmental remediation or food safety applications.
Synthesis, structural investigations, and cytotoxic evaluation of a half‐sandwich Ru(II)‐arene complex
Authors: Yousuf Imtiyaz , Bashir Masrat
Published: November 2020

We report the design, synthesis, and cytotoxic evaluation of a new organoruthenium(II) complex (1). Complex1was characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods including single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Complex1crystallized in an orthorhombic crystal system with Pca21space group with Ru(II) ionp‐cymene arene unit in a usual “piano‐stool” geometry. The DFT and TDFT studies were carried out to provide better insight about the spectral properties of the complex. The Hirshfeld surface analysis plots revealed significant intermolecular interactions within the crystal structure that essentially involve a network of N–H···H, O–H···O, and C–H···O linkages. DNA photocleavage activity revealed oxidative mechanistic pathway with preferential affinity toward minor groove. Cytotoxic studies of complex1via SRB assay revealed moderate but selective activity toward pancreatic and cervical cancer cell lines.
Nowcasting fatal COVID‐19 infections on a regional level in Germany
Authors: Schneble Marc , De Nicola Giacomo , Kauermann Göran , Berger Ursula
Published: November 2020

We analyse the temporal and regional structure in mortality rates related to COVID‐19 infections, making use of the openly available data on registered cases in Germany published by the Robert Koch Institute on a daily basis. Estimates for the number of present‐day infections that will, at a later date, prove to be fatal are derived through a nowcasting model, which relates the day of death of each deceased patient to the corresponding day of registration of the infection. Our district‐level modelling approach for fatal infections disentangles spatial variation into a global pattern for Germany, district‐specific long‐term effects and short‐term dynamics, while also taking the age and gender structure of the regional population into account. This enables to highlight areas with unexpectedly high disease activity. The analysis of death counts contributes to a better understanding of the spread of the disease while being, to some extent, less dependent on testing strategy and capacity in comparison to infection counts. The proposed approach and the presented results thus provide reliable insight into the state and the dynamics of the pandemic during the early phases of the infection wave in spring 2020 in Germany, when little was known about the disease and limited data were available.
The influence of managers' awareness of climate change, perceived climate risk exposure and risk tolerance on the adoption of corporate responses to climate change
Authors: Todaro Niccolò Maria , Testa Francesco , Daddi Tiberio , Iraldo Fabio
Published: November 2020

Uncertainties posed by climate change limit companies' ability to understand implications of global warming on business and society at large, hampering the adoption of tangible organizational responses to climate change. Understanding climate action thus requires to investigate influential factors of decision‐making under uncertainty, which implies acknowledging managerial interpretations and perceptions about climate issues. Drawing insights from the literature on climate inaction and from corporate sustainability literature, the present study examines awareness of climate change and perceived exposure to climate risks as antecedents of corporate responses to climate change, drawing on a survey of managers of Italian manufacturing companies. In addition, the study tests the moderation of risk tolerance on the relation between perceived climate risk exposure and climate action, suggesting that risk attitudes are a significant factor of decision‐making under climate uncertainty. The results support the hypothesis of the model and thus provide several contributions to the literature on business and climate change. Managerial implications and avenues for future research are also discussed.
“V‐Reverse” Suturing Technique for Tunnel Soft Tissue Graft and Flap Stabilization: Technique Illustration
Authors: Chacón Ramírez Gerardo José , Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: November 2020

Introduction

In periodontal and peri‐implant plastic procedures, proper stabilization of the graft and the flap plays a crucial role in the outcomes. While the coronally advanced flap allows for better access with the possibility of suturing the graft to the periosteum and the de‐epithelialized papillae, there is little evidence regarding what is the best approach in stabilizing the graft and the flap when performing the tunnel techniques (TUN). The purpose of this technical note is to describe a new suturing technique “V‐reverse” for stabilization of the graft and the flap during a TUN procedure.

Case Presentation

The V‐reverse suturing technique was used to enhance the stabilization of the graft and the flap during root coverage procedures, papilla augmentation, and immediate implant placement. Other advantages of this technique include reduced flap and graft micromotion; simple, easy, and fast procedure; and high patient compliance.

Conclusions

The present article describes three main clinical scenarios in which V‐reverse suturing technique is used to stabilize TUN + connective tissue graft for root coverage procedures, papilla augmentation, and immediate implant placement.
A Novel Modified‐Vista Technique With Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Case Report
Authors: Chowdary P. Charishma , Pavan Kumar Y. Sandhya , Murthy K. Raja V. , Kishore D. Trinath
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The increasing esthetic demands from patients have required that clinicians sharpen their skills and adopt newer and more novel techniques to satisfy these demands. In periodontal therapy, periodontal plastic surgery poses a substantial challenge to the clinician, both because it is technique sensitive and also because it includes a wide array of procedures and their variations. Conventional plastic procedures have provided satisfactory results in the treatment of gingival recession but there is, presently, a greater need for more advanced procedures that cause less surgical morbidity as also provide improved results. Minimally invasive surgery has been harnessed in periodontics for this purpose and has been extensively used in multiple indications, including root coverage. Modified‐Vestibular Incision Supra‐periosteal Tunnel Access (M‐VISTA) applies the principles of minimally invasive surgery to provide satisfactory results in root coverage.

Case Presentation

A 28‐year‐old male patient presented with multiple Miller Class I/II buccal recession defects and associated high labial frenum on right maxillary anterior teeth. M‐VISTA technique allowed coronal repositioning of gingival margin, which was then stabilized by orthodontics bracket assisted suturing technique. The V‐shaped incision in the region of the frenal attachment allowed for conducting both the M‐VISTA and frenectomy techniques simultaneously. Connective tissue graft was inserted in the supra‐periosteal tunnel and vertical incision was sutured. Complete root coverage was achieved and maintained at 9 months with excellent esthetic outcomes.

Conclusions

The use of connective tissue graft along with M‐VISTA technique allows the clinician to successfully treat multiple recession defects.
Catalytic Performance of MIL‐88B(V) and MIL‐101(V) MOFs for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Li Shengchen , Zhai Ying , Wei Xiaxia , Zhang Zhe , Kong Xiangfei , Tang Fushun
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the SCR properties of MIL‐88B(V) and MIL‐101(V) MOFs materials by hydrothermal synthesis were investigated, and the effect of the coordination and spatial topology of MOFs materials on the coordination state, chemical state and surface properties of V ions, as well as the relationship with SCR catalysis, were discussed. The results showed that the NO conversion of MIL‐88B(V) can be as high as 80 %, while those of MIL‐101(V) can only reach to 20 %, but the SCR reaction selectivity of both were excellent. The coordination structure and spatial topological structure of MOFs materials had a great influence on the coordination state, chemical state and surface properties of V ions, resulting in different SCR catalytic performance. The reaction performance of SCR was related to the structural properties of V3Ox units and followed the E‐R mechanism. The staggered and layer upon layer close‐packed structure of MIL‐88B(V) made the density of V3Ox unit cluster higher and the distance of adjacent V3Ox unit cluster smaller. More V5+ ions and V−O−V bonds can form more Brønsted acid sites, also was conducive to the progress of the SCR reaction. Although MIL‐88B(V) has insufficient high temperature stability, but its good SCR reaction selectivity and SCR catalytic performance at medium and low temperature can still have the application prospect of medium and low temperature industrial denitration in non‐electric industries.
Chiral Phosphoric Acid: A Powerful Organocatalyst for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Heterocycles with Chiral Atropisomerism
Authors: Shao You‐Dong , Cheng Dao‐Juan
Published: November 2020

The past two decades have witnessed unprecedented development and advancement of chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. Therefore, it is not surprising that the attempts to synthesize enantioenriched axially chiral compounds via chiral phosphoric acid catalysis have achieved fruitful results in recent years although this area of research is still in its infancy. A number of structurally important heterocycles with chiral atropisomerism have been successfully designed and prepared by chiral phosphoric acid promoted transformations involving diverse strategies: including direct coupling, de novo formation of a heterocyclic ring and functionalization of prochiral or racemic substrates. In this minireview, we would like to highlight the advances in the field of atropisomeric heterocycles construction enabled by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. In addition, this Minireview is organized based on the different types of atropisomeric heterocyclic frameworks generated covering quinoline, pyrrole, indole, benzimidazole, quinazolinone, isoindolinone, urazole, pyrazole and so on. We hope that this Minireview will motivate continuous interest on chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed atroposelective reactions.
N‐BANDS: A new algorithm for estimating the extension of feasible bands in multivariate curve resolution of multicomponent systems in the presence of noise and rotational ambiguity
Authors: Olivieri Alejandro C. , Tauler Romà
Published: November 2020

A new algorithm named N‐BANDS has been developed for the estimation of the combined effect of noise and rotational ambiguity in the bilinear decomposition of data matrices using the popular multivariate curve resolution–alternating least‐squares model. It is based on a nonlinear maximization and minimization of a component‐wise signal contribution function (SCF), with a single‐objective function and a separate module for applying a variety of constraints. The algorithm can be applied to multicomponent systems and efficiently estimates the extreme component profiles corresponding to maximum and minimum SCF in the presence of varying amounts of instrumental noise. Simulated systems mimicking multicomponent and multisample analytical calibration protocols have been studied, having uncalibrated interferents in the test samples. Different noise structures (independent and identically distributed, proportional and correlated) were added to the data matrices, with results that indicate an increase in the extension of feasible bands as the noise level increases.
Aldosterone Glucuronide, an Important Biomarker: Synthesis and Structure Elucidation of Novel Isomers
Authors: Guha Somraj , Senthilkumar Soundararasu , Voß Edgar , Tietze Lutz F.
Published: November 2020

Aldosterone 1 is a mineralocorticoid, it has great influence on the blood pressure and its glucuronide is an important marker for the detection of several diseases. Here, we describe the chemical synthesis of different aldosterone‐18‐ and 20‐glucuronides. Reaction of trimethylsilyl 2,3,4‐tri‐ acetyl‐1‐β‐glucuronic acid methyl ester 5 b and aldosterone diacetate 11 in the presence of TMSOTf gave the 18‐α‐glucuronide 9 a. The 18‐β‐glucuronide 15 b and the 20‐β‐glucuronide 16 b could be obtained by reaction of methyl 2,3,4‐tri‐O‐isobutyryl‐1α‐glucuronate trichloroacetimidate 14 and aldosterone 21‐acetate 8 in the presence of TMSOTf or BF3⋅OEt2. Finally, reaction of aldosterone 21‐acetate 8 and methyl 2,3,4‐triacetyl‐1α‐glucuronate trichloroacetimidate 19 in the presence of TMSOTf gave the corresponding methyl 18‐β‐triacetylglucuronate 9 b, which was transformed into the desired aldosterone‐18‐β‐glucuronide 3 by two enzyma‐ tic transformations.
Discovery of a Pyrimidinedione Derivative with Potent Inhibitory Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ketol–Acid Reductoisomerase
Authors: Lin Xin , Kurz Julia L. , Patel Khushboo M. , Wun Shun Jie , Hussein Waleed M. , Lonhienne Thierry , West Nicholas P. , McGeary Ross P. , Schenk Gerhard , Guddat Luke W.
Published: November 2020

New drugs aimed at novel targets are urgently needed to combat the increasing rate of drug‐resistant tuberculosis (TB). Herein, the National Cancer Institute Developmental Therapeutic Program (NCI‐DTP) chemical library was screened against a promising new target, ketol–acid reductoisomerase (KARI), the second enzyme in the branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis pathway. From this library, 6‐hydroxy‐2‐methylthiazolo[4,5‐d]pyrimidine‐5,7(4H,6H)‐dione (NSC116565) was identified as a potent time‐dependent inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt) KARI with a Ki of 95.4 nm. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies showed that this inhibitor bound to MtKARI in the presence and absence of the cofactor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which was confirmed by crystal structures of the compound in complex with closely related Staphylococcus aureus KARI. It is also shown that NSC116565 inhibits the growth of H37Ra and H37Rv strains of Mt with MIC50 values of 2.93 and 6.06 μm, respectively. These results further validate KARI as a TB drug target and show that NSC116565 is a promising lead for anti‐TB drug development.
Activation of CS2 and CO2 by Silylium Cations
Authors: Jenne Carsten , Nierstenhöfer Marc C. , van Lessen Valentin
Published: November 2020

The hydride‐bridged silylium cation [Et3Si−H−SiEt3]+, stabilized by the weakly coordinating [Me3NB12Cl11]− anion, undergoes, in the presence of excess silane, a series of unexpected consecutive reactions with the valence‐isoelectronic molecules CS2 and CO2. The final products of the reaction with CS2 are methane and the previously unknown [(Et3Si)3S]+ cation. To gain insight into the entire reaction cascade, numerous experiments with varying conditions were performed, intermediate products were intercepted, and their structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Besides the [(Et3Si)3S]+ cation as the final product, crystal structures of [(Et3Si)2SMe]+, [Et3SiS(H)Me]+, and [Et3SiOC(H)OSiEt3]+ were obtained. Experimental results combined with supporting quantum‐chemical calculations in the gas phase and solution allow a detailed understanding of the reaction cascade.
Sensory evaluation: making it possible to experience basic chemical concepts with nose and tongue
Authors: Muche Stephanie , Pietzner Verena
Published: November 2020

Sensorik ist das Prüfen und Messen von Lebensmitteleigenschaften mithilfe der menschlichen Sinne. Dabei können die menschlichen Sinnesorgane zum einen dazu eingesetzt werden, um zu überprüfen, ob Lebensmittel genusstauglich oder verdorben sind. Zum anderen können sie für sensorische Analysen eingesetzt werden, um Eigenschaften von Lebensmitteln zu identifizieren und zu quantifizieren. Demnach kann die Sensorik sowohl zur Überprüfung der Qualität als auch zur Akzeptanz von Lebensmitteln eingesetzt werden. Die verschiedenen sensorischen Untersuchungsmöglichkeiten können in hedonische und analytische Methoden unterschieden werden. In diesem Artikel werden zunächst der Geruchs‐ und Geschmackssinn sowohl anatomisch als auch unter chemischen Gesichtspunkten betrachtet. Im Anschluss werden mögliche Bezüge zu den Kerncurricula Chemie beider Sekundarstufen hergestellt. In der Online‐Ergänzung werden Experimente vorgestellt, die geeignet sind, um die Hintergründe des Riechens und Schmeckens experimentell zu erschließen.
MedChemTrain e‐School 2020: Event Highlights and Insights into Virtual Symposium Organization
Authors: Ramilo‐Gomes Filipa , António João P. M. , Mendes Maria Inês P. , Gomes Rafael F. A.
Published: November 2020

Virtual events are flourishing with the world lockdown due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. As a result of the cancelation or postponement of scheduled physical meetings, a revolution in medicinal chemistry scientific meetings occurred, leading to an increase in new strategies to share science. One example are online events, namely e‐schools or webinars. Taking this into consideration, we decided to promote the MedChemTrain e‐School 2020, a virtual event aiming to bring together the scientific community and share some updates in the medicinal chemistry field. After organizing this free event, with more than 1.4 thousand participants worldwide, we decided to share some insights about the logistics behind organizing a virtual symposium to help scientists with this new challenge in science communication.
Results of a multicenter, phase 2 study of nivolumab and ipilimumab for patients with advanced rare genitourinary malignancies
Authors: McGregor Bradley Alexander , Campbell Matthew T. , Xie Wanling , Farah Subrina , Bilen Mehmet A. , Schmidt Andrew L. , Sonpavde Guru P. , Kilbridge Kerry L. , Choudhury Atish D. , Mortazavi Amir , Shah Amishi Y. , Venkatesan Aradhana M. , Bubley Glenn J. , Siefker‐Radtke Arlene O. , McKay Rana R. , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: November 2020

Background

In this multicenter, single‐arm, multicohort, phase 2 trial, the efficacy of nivolumab and ipilimumab was evaluated in patients with advanced rare genitourinary cancers, including bladder and upper tract carcinoma of variant histology (BUTCVH), adrenal tumors, platinum‐refractory germ cell tumors, penile carcinoma, and prostate cancer of variant histology (NCT03333616).

Methods

Patients with rare genitourinary malignancies and no prior immune checkpoint inhibitor exposure were enrolled. Patients received nivolumab at 3 mg/kg and ipilimumab at 1 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses, and this was followed by 480 mg of nivolumab intravenously every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1).

Results

Fifty‐five patients were enrolled at 6 institutions between April 2018 and July 2019 in 3 cohorts: BUTCVH (n = 19), adrenal tumors (n = 18), and other tumors (n = 18). The median follow‐up was 9.9 months (range, 1 to 21 months). Twenty‐eight patients (51%) received 4 doses of nivolumab and ipilimumab; 25 patients received nivolumab maintenance for a median of 4 cycles (range, 1‐18 cycles). The ORR for the entire study was 16% (80% confidence interval, 10%‐25%); the ORR in the BUTCVH cohort, including 2 complete responses, was 37%, and it was 6% in the other 2 cohorts. Twenty‐two patients (40%) developed treatment‐related grade 3 or higher toxicities; 24% (n = 13) required high‐dose steroids (≥40 mg of prednisone or the equivalent). Grade 5 events occurred in 3 patients; 1 death was treatment related.

Conclusions

Nivolumab and ipilimumab resulted in objective responses in a subset of patients with rare genitourinary malignancies, especially those with BUTCVH. An additional cohort exploring their activity in genitourinary tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation is ongoing.

Lay Summary

Patients with rare cancers are often excluded from studies and have limited treatment options.

Fifty‐five patients with rare tumors of the genitourinary system were enrolled from multiple sites and were treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab, a regimen used for kidney cancer.

The regimen showed activity in some patients, particularly those with bladder or upper tract cancers of unusual or variant histology; 37% of those patients responded to therapy.

Additional studies are ongoing to better determine who benefits the most from this combination.
Patient‐reported symptom severity, interference with daily activities, and adverse events in older and younger women receiving chemotherapy for early breast cancer
Authors: Nyrop Kirsten A. , Deal Allison M. , Chen Yi Tang , Reeve Bryce B. , Basch Ethan M. , Wood William A. , Shachar Shlomit S. , Carey Lisa A. , Reeder‐Hayes Katherine E. , Dees E. Claire , Jolly Trevor A. , Kimmick Gretchen G. , Karuturi Meghan S. , Reinbolt Raquel E. , Speca JoEllen C. , Lee Jordan T. , Brenizer Addison , Muss Hyman B.
Published: November 2020

Background

To the authors' knowledge, it is unknown whether patient‐reported symptom severity and symptom interference with daily activities differ between younger (aged <65 years) and older (aged ≥65 years) women receiving similar chemotherapy regimens for early breast cancer (EBC).

Methods

Study participants rated 17 side effects of chemotherapy regimens currently in use in clinical practice (2014‐2019).

Results

Of 284 women with EBC (stage I‐III), approximately 57% were aged <65 years and 43% were aged ≥65 years. For anthracycline‐based regimens, a higher percentage of younger women reported moderate, severe, or very severe (MSVS) hot flashes (49% vs 18%) (P < .001). For nonanthracycline regimens, a higher percentage of younger women reported MSVS hot flashes (38% vs 19%) (P = .009) and a lower percentage reported MSVS arthralgia (28% vs 49%) (P = .005). With regard to symptom interference with daily activities, a higher percentage of younger women being treated with anthracycline‐based regimens reported MSVS hot flashes (32% vs 7%) (P = .001) and myalgia (38% vs 18%) (P = .02). For nonanthracycline chemotherapy, a higher percentage of younger women reported MSVS interference for hot flashes (26% vs 9%) (P = .006) and lower percentages reported abdominal pain (13% vs 28%) (P = .02). Overall, there were no significant differences noted among younger versus older patients with regard to hospitalizations (19% vs 12%; P = .19), dose reductions (34% vs 31%; P = .50), dose delays (22% vs 25%; P = .59), or early treatment discontinuation (16% vs 16%; P = .9546).

Conclusions

Older and younger women with EBC who were treated with identical chemotherapy regimens generally experienced similar levels of symptom severity, symptom‐related interference with daily activities, and adverse events.

Lay Summary

In this study, women receiving chemotherapy for early breast cancer rated the severity of 17 symptoms and symptom interference with their activities of daily living.

Older (aged ≥65 years) and younger (aged <65 years) women who received identical chemotherapy regimens generally experienced similar levels of symptom severity, symptom‐related interference with daily activities, and adverse events.
Survival outcomes of patients with localized FOXO1 fusion‐positive rhabdomyosarcoma treated on recent clinical trials: A report from the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Heske Christine M. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Li Minjie , Arnold Michael A. , Dasgupta Roshni , Hiniker Susan M. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Mascarenhas Leo
Published: November 2020

Background

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the clinical factors influencing survival outcomes in patients with localized (clinical group I‐III), FOXO1 fusion‐positive rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

Methods

Patients with confirmed FOXO1 fusion‐positive RMS who were enrolled on 3 completed clinical trials for localized RMS were included in the analytic cohort. Outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method to estimate event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), and the curves were compared using the log‐rank test. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to perform multivariate analysis of prognostic factors that were significant in the univariate analysis.

Results

The estimated 4‐year EFS and OS of 269 patients with localized, FOXO1 fusion‐positive RMS was 53% (95% CI, 47%‐59%) and 69% (95% CI, 63%‐74%), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that several known favorable clinical characteristics, including age at diagnosis between 1 and 9 years, complete surgical resection, tumor size ≤5 cm, favorable tumor site, absence of lymph node involvement, confinement to the anatomic site of origin, and PAX7‐FOXO1 fusion, were associated with improved outcomes. Multivariate analysis identified older age (≥10 years) and large tumor size (>5 cm) as independent, adverse prognostic factors for EFS within this population, and patients who had both adverse features experienced substantially inferior outcomes.

Conclusions

Patients with localized, FOXO1 fusion‐positive RMS can be further risk stratified based on clinical features at diagnosis, and older patients with large primary tumors have the poorest prognosis.
Development of a Rapid Focus Reduction Neutralization Test Assay for Measuring SARS‐CoV‐2 Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Vanderheiden Abigail , Edara Venkata Viswanadh , Floyd Katharine , Kauffman Robert C. , Mantus Grace , Anderson Evan , Rouphael Nadine , Edupuganti Sri , Shi Pei‐Yong , Menachery Vineet D. , Wrammert Jens , Suthar Mehul S.
Published: November 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 is a recently emerged human coronavirus that has escalated to a pandemic. There are currently no approved vaccines for SARS‐CoV‐2, which causes severe respiratory illness or death. Defining the antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 will be essential for understanding disease progression, long‐term immunity, and vaccine efficacy. Here we describe two methods for evaluating the neutralization capacity of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. The basic protocol is a focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT), which involves immunostaining infected cells with a chromogen deposit readout. The alternate protocol is a modification of the FRNT that uses an infectious clone−derived SARS‐CoV‐2 virus expressing a fluorescent reporter. These protocols are adapted for use in a high‐throughput setting, and are compatible with large‐scale vaccine studies or clinical testing. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Basic Protocol: Focus reduction neutralization test

Alternate Protocol: mNeonGreen‐based focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT‐mNG)
Assessing drought resistance in seashore paspalum genotypes using leaf gas exchange, osmotic adjustment, and rooting characteristics
Authors: Katuwal Krishna B , Tishchenko Viktor , Jespersen David
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to compare drought resistance in a range of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) genotypes and identify associated morphological and physiological traits. Fifteen genotypes were grown in growth chamber conditions and exposed to well‐watered and drought‐stress treatments. Genotypes ‘Seaisle1’ and PI647891 were consistent top performers, whereas ‘Seastar’ and PI614680 performed poorly as measured by turf quality, percentage green cover, and relative water content when exposed to drought stress. Observed levels of drought resistance had no significant relation with morphological traits such as leaf width and internode length but were found to be associated with various physiological traits. Drought resistant genotypes were able to better maintain membrane stability, photosynthesis, and had greater water use efficiency compared with sensitive genotypes. Earlier osmotic adjustment at 7 d via faster osmolyte accumulation was a significant contributor to performance during drought. Drought‐resistant Seaisle1 and PI647891 had deeper roots and greater root length density than drought sensitive ‘Seastar’ and PI614680. Results showing variability in the level of drought resistance and associated mechanisms in understudied seashore paspalum genotypes could facilitate future breeding efforts for developing drought‐resistant turfgrass cultivars.
Non‐reef habitats in a tropical seascape affect density and biomass of fishes on coral reefs
Authors: Sievers Katie T. , McClure Eva C. , Abesamis Rene A. , Russ Garry R.
Published: November 2020

Nonreef habitats such as mangroves, seagrass, and macroalgal beds are important for foraging, spawning, and as nursery habitat for some coral reef fishes. The spatial configuration of nonreef habitats adjacent to coral reefs can therefore have a substantial influence on the distribution and composition of reef fish. We investigate how different habitats in a tropical seascape in the Philippines influence the presence, density, and biomass of coral reef fishes to understand the relative importance of different habitats across various spatial scales. A detailed seascape map generated from satellite imagery was combined with field surveys of fish and benthic habitat on coral reefs. We then compared the relative importance of local reef (within coral reef) and adjacent habitat (habitats in the surrounding seascape) variables for coral reef fishes. Overall, adjacent habitat variables were as important as local reef variables in explaining reef fish density and biomass, despite being fewer in number in final models. For adult and juvenile wrasses (Labridae), and juveniles of some parrotfish taxa (Chlorurus), adjacent habitat was more important in explaining fish density and biomass. Notably, wrasses were positively influenced by the amount of sand and macroalgae in the adjacent seascape. Adjacent habitat metrics with the highest relative importance were sand (positive), macroalgae (positive), and mangrove habitats (negative), and fish responses to these metrics were consistent across fish groups evaluated. The 500‐m spatial scale was selected most often in models for seascape variables. Local coral reef variables with the greatest importance were percent cover of live coral (positive), sand (negative), and macroalgae (mixed). Incorporating spatial metrics that describe the surrounding seascape will capture more holistic patterns of fish–habitat relationships on reefs. This is important in regions where protection of reef fish habitat is an integral part of fisheries management but where protection of nonreef habitats is often overlooked.
Tunable Electronic and Optical Properties of 2D Monoelemental Materials Beyond Graphene for Promising Applications
Authors: Qiao Hui , Liu Huating , Huang Zongyu , Hu Rong , Ma Qian , Zhong Jianxin , Qi Xiang
Published: November 2020

As a new type of two‐dimensional (2D) materials, monoelemental 2D materials have the atomic structure similar to graphene, and their excellent optical and electronic properties have potential applications in many fields. To date, many studies based on monoelemental 2D materials have been reported, and excellent performance has been demonstrated in various fields. The monoelemental 2D materials that have been reported so far are mainly distributed in the group IIIA, IVA, VA, and VIA. Because of their structural similarities to graphene, they are commonly referred to as "Xenes." Here, we have comprehensively reviewed the research progress of monoelemental 2D materials. In this review, we explore the structure, properties, and practical applications of these monoelemental 2D materials. First, the classification, structural features, optical properties, electronic characteristics, and regulating mechanism of these monoelemental 2D materials are introduced. Then, the practical application and research progress of monoelemental 2D materials in various fields are reviewed comprehensively, especially including photoelectric catalysis, solar cells, and other energy fields. This review will give readers a more all‐sided understanding of monoelemental 2D materials and have some guiding significance for their further development.
Decreased GLUT1/NHE1 RNA expression in whole blood predicts disease severity in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Mustroph Julian , Hupf Julian , Hanses Frank , Evert Katja , Baier Maria J. , Evert Matthias , Meindl Christine , Wagner Stefan , Hubauer Ute , Pietrzyk Gabriela , Leininger Simon , Staudner Stephan , Vogel Manuel , Wallner Stefan , Zimmermann Markus , Sossalla Samuel , Maier Lars S. , Jungbauer Carsten
Published: November 2020

Aims

We aimed to assess whether expression of whole‐blood RNA of sodium proton exchanger 1 (NHE1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is associated with COVID‐19 infection and outcome in patients presenting to the emergency department with respiratory infections. Furthermore, we investigated NHE1 and GLUT1 expression in the myocardium of deceased COVID‐19 patients.

Methods and results

Whole‐blood quantitative assessment of NHE1 and GLUT1 RNA was performed using quantitative PCR in patients with respiratory infection upon first contact in the emergency department and subsequently stratified by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status. Assessment of NHE1 and GLUT1 RNA using PCR was also performed in left ventricular myocardium of deceased COVID‐19 patients.

NHE1 expression is up‐regulated in whole blood of patients with COVID‐19 compared with other respiratory infections at first medical contact in the emergency department (control: 0.0021 ± 0.0002, COVID‐19: 0.0031 ± 0.0003, P = 0.01). The ratio of GLUT1 to NHE1 is significantly decreased in the blood of COVID‐19 patients who are subsequently intubated and/or die (severe disease) compared with patients with moderate disease (moderate disease: 0.497 ± 0.083 vs. severe disease: 0.294 ± 0.0336, P = 0.036). This ratio is even further decreased in the myocardium of patients who deceased from COVID‐19 in comparison with the myocardium of non‐infected donors.

Conclusions

NHE1 and GLUT1 may be critically involved in the disease progression of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We show here that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection critically disturbs ion channel expression in the heart. A decreased ratio of GLUT1/NHE1 could potentially serve as a biomarker for disease severity in patients with COVID‐19.
Potts anastomosis in children with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and atrial septal defect
Authors: Capel Alice , Lévy Marilyne , Szezepanski Isabelle , Malekzadeh‐Milani Sophie , Vouhé Pascal , Bonnet Damien
Published: November 2020

Aims

Potts shunt has been proposed as a bridge or alternative to lung transplantation for children with severe and drug‐refractory suprasystemic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We describe the management of the atrial shunt when a Potts shunt is planned in refractory PAH.

Methods and results

We report a case series of children in whom a Potts shunt was done for severe PAH associated with an atrial septal defect to illustrate the different clinical and haemodynamic scenarios. Five children (2 to 13 years) underwent a Potts shunt: three surgical, one percutaneous Potts shunt, and one percutaneous stenting of a restrictive arterial duct. All had associated atrial septal defect. Those who had generalized cyanosis before the procedure had a complicated postoperative course and required longer ventilatory and inotropic support, except the one who had atrial septal defect closure before the Potts shunt. One of the three cyanotic patients died. Two patients with left‐to‐right shunt before the Potts shunt had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Conclusions

Shunt physiology is only partially predictable after the Potts shunt in children with PAH and atrial septal defect. Abrupt drop in left ventricle preload while the right ventricle is decompressed can potentially be prevented by atrial septal defect closure prior to the Potts shunt.
Thymol-Loaded Biogenic Silica Nanoparticles in an Aquatic Environment: The Impact of Particle Aggregation on Ecotoxicity
Authors: Pereira Iúri Barbosa , Carvalho Endrew Henrique de Sousa , Rodrigues Laís de Brito , Mattos Bruno Dufau , Magalhães Washington Luiz Esteves , Leme Daniela Morais , Krawczyk-Santos Anna Paula , Taveira Stephânia Fleury , de Oliveira Gisele Augusto Rodrigues
Published: November 2020

Thymol, a monoterpene phenol, is used as a natural biocide. To circumvent its chemical instability, we propose use of thymol-loaded biogenic silica nanoparticles (BSiO2#THY NPs); however, the toxicity of this system for aquatic organisms is unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the toxicogenetic effects induced by thymol, BSiO2 NP, and BSiO2#THY on Artemia salina and zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages. We also investigated the impact of BSiO2 aggregation in different exposure media (saline and freshwater). Based on the median lethal concentration at 48 h (LC5048h), BSiO2#THY (LC5048h = 1.06 mg/L) presented similar toxic potential as thymol (LC5048h = 1.03 mg/L) for A. salina, showing that BSiO2 had no influence on BSiO2#THY toxicity. Because BSiO2 aggregated and sedimented faster in A. salina aqueous medium than in the other medium, this NP had lower interaction with this microcrustacean. Thus, BSiO2#THY toxicity for A. salina is probably due to the intrinsic toxicity of thymol. For zebrafish early life stages, BSiO2#THY (LC5096h = 13.13 mg/L) was more toxic than free thymol (LC5096h = 25.60 mg/L); however, BSiO2 NP has no toxicity for zebrafish early life stages. The lower aggregation of BSiO2 in the freshwater medium compared to the saline medium may have enhanced thymol's availability for this aquatic organism. Also, BSiO2#THY significantly induced sublethal effects as thymol, and both were genotoxic for zebrafish. In conclusion, although BSiO2#THY still needs improvements to ensure its safety for freshwater ecosystems, BSiO2 NP seems to be a safe nanocarrier for agriculture. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:333–341. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Toxicity of BSiO2#THY to Artemia salina and zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages and the aggregation impacts on different exposure media of the BSiO2 nanocarrier. BSiO2 = biogenic silica nanoparticles; BSiO2#THY = THY-loaded BSiO2; THY = thymol.
Effect of water bath‐assisted water extraction on physical and chemical properties of soybean oil body emulsion
Authors: Han Haotian , Zhao Luping , Liu Xiaonan , Guo Anmin , Li Xiangyang
Published: November 2020

Soybean oil body (SOB), rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and biologically active substances, is used as a natural emulsifier in food processing. In addition, SOB is healthier than synthetic emulsifiers. However, the physical and chemical properties of the SOB emulsion directly affect its application in food processing. In order to study the effect of water bath extraction (WBAE) on SOBs, the effects of WBAE method on the composition of SOBs, the zeta potential, average particle size, oxidation stability, and viscosity characteristics of SOB emulsions were researched. It was found that both protein and moisture contents of SOB decreased with increasing WBAE temperature; however, lipid content increased. These results were attributed to the exogenous proteins gradually denatured and dissociated with extraction temperature from 60°C to 100°C. Increasing the extraction temperature, the average particle size of the SOB emulsions increased, the oxidative stability was improved, the Zeta potential and viscosity decreased, and the fluidity of emulsions was improved. The SOB extracted at 100°C has broad application prospects in food, and this research is meaningful for supplying fundamental information for selecting proper extraction temperature of SOBs.