bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis reveals some common proteins in the kidney stone matrix
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Hong Senyuan , Li Cong , Zhang Jiaqiao , Hu Henglong , Chen Xiaolong , Jiang Kehua , Sun Fa , Wang Qing , Wang Shaogang
Published: July 2021

Background

Proteins are the most abundant component of kidney stone matrices and their presence may reflect the process of the stone’s formation. Many studies have explored the proteomics of urinary stones and crystals. We sought to comprehensively identify the proteins found in kidney stones and to identify new, reliable biomolecules for use in nephrolithiasis research.

Methods

We conducted bioinformatics research in November 2020 on the proteomics of urinary stones and crystals. We used the ClusterProfiler R package to transform proteins into their corresponding genes and Ensembl IDs. In each study we located where proteomic results intersected to determine the 20 most frequently identified stone matrix proteins. We used the Human Protein Atlas to obtain the biological information of the 20 proteins and conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analysis to explore their biological functions. We also performed immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of the top five stone matrix proteins in renal tissue.

Results

We included 19 relevant studies for analysis. We then identified 1,409 proteins in the stone matrix after the duplicates were removed. The 20 most-commonly identified stone matrix proteins were: S100A8, S100A9, uromodulin, albumin, osteopontin, lactotransferrin, vitamin K-dependent protein Z, prothrombin, hemoglobin subunit beta, myeloperoxidase, mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2, lysozyme C, complement C3, serum amyloid P-component, cathepsin G, vitronectin, apolipoprotein A-1, eosinophil cationic protein, fibrinogen alpha chain, and apolipoprotein D. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that these proteins were typically engaged in inflammation and immune response.Immunohistochemistry of the top five stone matrix proteins in renal tissue showed that the expression of S100A8, S100A9, and osteopontin increased, while uromodulin decreased in kidney stone patients. Albumin was rarely expressed in the kidney with no significant difference between healthy controls and kidney stone patients.

Conclusion

Proteomic analysis revealed some common inflammation-related proteins in the kidney stone matrix. The role of these proteins in stone formation should be explored for their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for urolithiasis.
Pharmacy Impact on Covid-19 Vaccination Progress Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Dutta Shawni , Mukherjee Upasana , Bandyopadhyay Samir Kumar
Published: July 2021

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created immense threats to public health on various levels around the globe. The unpredictable outbreak of this disease and the pandemic situation are causing severe depression, anxiety and other mental as physical health related problems among the human beings. This deadly disease has put social, economic condition of the entire world into an enormous challenge. To combat against this disease, vaccination is essential as it will boost the immune system of human beings while being in the contact with the infected people. The vaccination process is thus necessary to confront the outbreak of COVID-19. The worldwide vaccination progress should be tracked to identify how fast the entire economic as well as social life will be stabilized. The monitor of the vaccination progress, a machine learning based Regressor model is approached in this study. This vaccination tracking process has been applied on the data starting from 14th December, 2020 to 24th April, 2021. A couple of ensemble based machine learning Regressor models such as Random Forest, Extra Trees, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost and Extreme Gradient Boosting are implemented and their predictive performance are compared. The comparative study reveals that the Extra trees Regressor outperforms with minimized mean absolute error (MAE) of 6.465 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 8.127. The uniqueness of this study relies on assessing as well as predicting vaccination intake progress by utilizing automated process offered by machine learning techniques. The innovative idea of the method is that the vaccination process and their priority are considered in the paper. Among several existing machine learning approaches, the ensemble based learning paradigms are employed in this study so that improved prediction efficiency can be delivered.
Evaluating the Influence of Reminder Text Messages to Wear the Removable Retainers in Orthodontic Patients- A Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Sharma Manoj Kumar , Mohan Stuti , Tandon Sunny , Ashutosh . , Bhatnagar Sushant
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence and cooperation of Orthodontic patients to wear removable retainer by sending reminder text messages. 54 orthodontic patients (24 males and 30 females) aged between 18 to 25 year were enrolled for the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: an Experimental group (27 patients) who received timely reminder text messages and a Control group (27 patients) who did not receive any messages. Text Messages were sent thrice a week for a period of 6 months. Two measurements were calculated on plaster models i.e. Inter canine width and extraction spaces at three time intervals during the observation period. The plaster models were made at the time of insertion of retainer (T0) after 3 month of wearing the retainer (T2) and then after 6 months (T3). A statistically significant differences were observed in the intra- and intergroup comparisons. Group 1(Control) showed increase in both inter canine width and extraction spaces. Whereas Group 2 showed non-significant differences for both parameters. It was concluded from the results that reminder text messages had a positive influence on patient compliance regarding wearing the removable retainer after completion of fixed orthodontic treatment.
THE EFFECT OF AGENCY COSTS, OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE, SIGNALING, INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, SIZE, FINANCIAL LEVERAGE, AND PROFITABILITY ON DIVIDEND POLICY OF COMPANIES LISTED IN INDONESIAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Authors: Nusaputra Ferdi , Basana Sautma Ronni
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of agency cost, ownership structure, signaling, investment opportunities, size, financial leverage, and profitability on dividend policies on public companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) period 2014 - 2019. This research sample uses the entire list of companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange period 2014 - 2019. The data analysis method used is tobit regression. The results of this research analysis suggest that agency cost, ownership, investment opportunities, size, financial leverage, and profitability have a significant effect on dividend policy on companies listed in IDX period 2014 - 2019.
Distinct progression patterns across Parkinson disease clinical subtypes
Authors: Myers Peter S. , Jackson Joshua J. , Clover Amber K. , Lessov‐Schlaggar Christina N. , Foster Erin R. , Maiti Baijayanta , Perlmutter Joel S. , Campbell Meghan C.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To examine specific symptom progression patterns and possible disease staging in Parkinson disease clinical subtypes.

Methods

We recently identified Parkinson disease clinical subtypes based on comprehensive behavioral evaluations, “Motor Only,” “Psychiatric & Motor,” and “Cognitive & Motor,” which differed in dementia and mortality rates. Parkinson disease participants (“Motor Only”: n = 61, “Psychiatric & Motor”: n = 17, “Cognitive & Motor”: n = 70) and controls (n = 55) completed longitudinal, comprehensive motor, cognitive, and psychiatric evaluations (average follow‐up = 4.6 years). Hierarchical linear modeling examined group differences in symptom progression. A three‐way interaction among time, group, and symptom duration (or baseline age, separately) was incorporated to examine disease stages.

Results

All three subtypes increased in motor dysfunction compared to controls. The “Motor Only” subtype did not show significant cognitive or psychiatric changes compared to the other two subtypes. The “Cognitive & Motor” subtype’s cognitive dysfunction at baseline further declined compared to the other two subtypes, while also increasing in psychiatric symptoms. The “Psychiatric & Motor” subtype’s elevated psychiatric symptoms at baseline remained steady or improved over time, with mild, steady decline in cognition. The pattern of behavioral changes and analyses for disease staging yielded no evidence for sequential disease stages.

Interpretation

Parkinson disease clinical subtypes progress in clear, temporally distinct patterns from one another, particularly in cognitive and psychiatric features. This highlights the importance of comprehensive clinical examinations as the order of symptom presentation impacts clinical prognosis.
Engineering Synergistic Edge‐N Dipole in Metal‐Free Carbon Nanoflakes toward Intensified Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Linjie , Gu Tengteng , Lu KangLong , Zhou Liujiang , Li Dong‐Sheng , Wang Ruihu
Published: July 2021

Nitrogen doping represents an effective way to induce charge/spin polarization in nanocarbons for promoting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. However, it remains elusive to define the dominant active sites with respect to two critical N‐configurations of pyridinic‐N and graphitic‐N. Herein, a tandem catalytic graphitization and nitrogen modification strategy for the synthesis of metal‐free nitrogen‐doped carbon nanoflakes (NCF) featuring the edge‐suffused and graphite‐analogous structure is presented. NCF exhibits superb Pt‐like ORR activity (0.85 V for half‐wave potential and 5.9 mA cm−2 for diffusion‐limited current density) but much stronger robustness in the alkaline medium. The experimental and theoretical studies suggest the key role of graphitic‐N in ORR. Furthermore, it unveils that the high activity of NCF should be traced to a synergistic polarization of the edge‐type pyridinic‐N/graphitic‐N dipole spaced by one edge peak carbon atom on the armchair edges. This study sheds light on the understanding of ORR active sites in the nitrogen‐doped nanocarbons for ORR.
3D Bioprinted Multicellular Vascular Models
Authors: Gold Karli A. , Saha Biswajit , Rajeeva Pandian Navaneeth Krishna , Walther Brandon K. , Palma Jorge A. , Jo Javier , Cooke John P. , Jain Abhishek , Gaharwar Akhilesh K.
Published: July 2021

3D bioprinting is an emerging additive manufacturing technique to fabricate constructs for human disease modeling. However, current cell‐laden bioinks lack sufficient biocompatibility, printability, and structural stability needed to translate this technology to preclinical and clinical trials. Here, a new class of nanoengineered hydrogel‐based cell‐laden bioinks is introduced, that can be printed into 3D, anatomically accurate, multicellular blood vessels to recapitulate both the physical and chemical microenvironments of native human vasculature. A remarkably unique characteristic of this bioink is that regardless of cell density, it demonstrates a high printability and ability to protect encapsulated cells against high shear forces in the bioprinting process. 3D bioprinted cells maintain a healthy phenotype and remain viable for nearly one‐month post‐fabrication. Leveraging these properties, the nanoengineered bioink is printed into 3D cylindrical blood vessels, consisting of living co‐culture of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, providing the opportunity to model vascular function and pathophysiology. Upon cytokine stimulation and blood perfusion, this 3D bioprinted vessel is able to recapitulate thromboinflammatory responses observed only in advanced in vitro preclinical models or in vivo. Therefore, this 3D bioprinted vessel provides a potential tool to understand vascular disease pathophysiology and assess therapeutics, toxins, or other chemicals.
Rapid Capture of Cancer Extracellular Vesicles by Lipid Patch Microarrays
Authors: Liu Hui‐Yu , Kumar Ravi , Zhong Chunting , Gorji Saleh , Paniushkina Liliia , Masood Ramsha , Wittel Uwe A. , Fuchs Harald , Nazarenko Irina , Hirtz Michael
Published: July 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain various bioactive molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, and play a key role in the regulation of cancer progression. Furthermore, cancer‐associated EVs carry specific biomarkers and can be used in liquid biopsy for cancer detection. However, it is still technically challenging and time consuming to detect or isolate cancer‐associated EVs from complex biofluids (e.g., blood). Here, a novel EV‐capture strategy based on dip‐pen nanolithography generated microarrays of supported lipid membranes is presented. These arrays carry specific antibodies recognizing EV‐ and cancer‐specific surface biomarkers, enabling highly selective and efficient capture. Importantly, it is shown that the nucleic acid cargo of captured EVs is retained on the lipid array, providing the potential for downstream analysis. Finally, the feasibility of EV capture from patient sera is demonstrated. The demonstrated platform offers rapid capture, high specificity, and sensitivity, with only a small need in analyte volume and without additional purification steps. The platform is applied in context of cancer‐associated EVs, but it can easily be adapted to other diagnostic EV targets by use of corresponding antibodies.
Dynamic Bifunctional Metasurfaces for Holography and Color Display
Authors: Yang Wenhong , Qu Geyang , Lai Fangxing , Liu Yilin , Ji Ziheng , Xu Yi , Song Qinghai , Han Jiecai , Xiao Shumin
Published: July 2021

Metasurfaces have shown their unprecedented ability in wavefront shaping and triggered various applications with state‐of‐the‐art performances, e.g., color nanoprinting and metaholograms. Recently, these two functions have been combined into a single metasurface to further expand its capabilities. Despite the progress, the current dual‐mode metasurfaces are mostly static and strongly hinder their practical applications. Herein, the realization of dynamic bifunctional metasurfaces is reported. Five metaholograms at two different wavelengths are multiplexed with structural colors by controlling the spectral and phase response of metasurface. Owing to the destructive interference and the resonance on external environment, the light diffraction at particular wavelengths can be switched between “ON” and “OFF” states, or remain unchanged with the change of surrounding refractive index. Consequently, the encoded metaholograms are selectively turned on and off, making the overall holographic image dynamically switchable. This concept paves a solid step toward practical applications of all‐dielectric metasurfaces.
Response to Comment on “Eppur si Muove: Proton Diffusion in Halide Perovskite Single Crystals”: Measure What is Measurable, and Make Measurable What is Not So: Discrepancies between Proton Diffusion in Halide Perovskite Single Crystals and Thin Films
Authors: Ceratti Davide Raffaele , Zohar Arava , Hodes Gary , Cahen David
Published: July 2021

Buffeteau et al. note that the proton diffusion coefficient in MAPbI3 that is deduced (by the authors) from results, obtained by a suite of complementary techniques, on a large number of single crystals (Adv. Mater. 2020, 32, 2002467) is 5 orders of magnitude higher than what is estimated (by them) in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 10431, from infrared spectroscopy on ultrathin MAPbI3 films; use of (deuterium/hydrogen) D/H isotope substitution is common to both studies. Buffeteau et al. speculated that proton diffusion in halide perovskite single crystals is dominated by 1D defects, which will somehow not be present in thin films, as those are made up of small‐sized crystallites. It is shown here that the idea of a 1D defect is not supported by the body of experimental data gathered on these crystals, that the statistical analysis employed in to Buffeteau et al. to support the criticism is problematic, and it is concluded that the source of the difference must lie elsewhere. Constructive suggestions for this difference are provided and experiments to discern between possible reasons for it are proposed.
Advances in Magnetic‐Field Assisted Photoelectrochemical Systems for Highly Efficient Conversion of Renewable Energy
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Li Gang , Yu Zhichao , Liu Guohua , Yang Changping , Hu Jifan , Wang Kaiying
Published: July 2021

Industry‐scaled water splitting is one of the achievements in the application chains of sustainable hydrogen energy. Numerous strategies have been used to increase the efficiency in photoelectricity (PE)/photoelectrochemistry (PEC) systems, involving enhancing charge transfers and active surface area. However, the efficiency of PE/PEC water splitting is still confined by the high overpotential of the PE/PEC reactions, unexpected loss of electron migration, and low stability of photocatalytic electrodes. Recently, various magnetically‐enhanced techniques have emerged as promising strategies to improve the conversion efficiency of renewable energy. Herein, this work summarizes recent progress on magnetically‐enhanced methods for promoting PEC water splitting performance. Then magnetism in the PE applications is discussed, such as magnetic sensors, modulators, and isolators. As a summary, future research directions and challenges of magnetic PEC with different magnetic effects and conditions are discussed for enhancing the PEC reactions.
Investigating the Electrical Properties of Monolayer and Bilayer h‐BNs via Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Wang Nan , Song Yiding , Wang Li , Liu Kaihui , Yang Ya
Published: July 2021

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is one of the most important 2D materials which attracts tremendous attention for the demonstrated great potential applications in optical and electronic devices. However, whether there are significant differences in the electrical properties of h‐BN with different layers and its mechanism is not revealed clearly. Based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology, the electrical properties of monolayer h‐BN and bilayer h‐BN are investigated. It is found that bilayer h‐BN shows quite different electrical characteristics from monolayer h‐BN. It is proposed that the difference of work functions between monolayer h‐BN and bilayer h‐BN contributes to the different electrical characteristics. Meanwhile, the interlayer coupling resistance due to coupling between the layers of h‐BN also plays a vital role in electron transport. Besides, the effect of load force on electrical characteristics of h‐BN with different layers is also investigated. This work provides a new insight to understand the effect of the different layers on electrical properties of h‐BN. It is hoped that this valuable experimental data can offer meaningful suggestions for future studies and applications on h‐BN and other 2D nanomaterials in general.
Chemical and Structural Degradation of CH3NH3PbI3 Propagate from PEDOT:PSS Interface in the Presence of Humidity
Authors: Thomas Sara A. , Hamill Jr J. Clay , White Sarah Jane O. , Loo Yueh‐Lin
Published: July 2021

Understanding interfacial reactions that occur between the active layer and charge‐transport layers can extend the stability of perovskite solar cells. In this study, the exposure of methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) thin films prepared on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐coated glass to 70% relative humidity (R.H.) leads to a perovskite crystal structure change from tetragonal to cubic within 2 days. Interface‐sensitive photoluminescence measurements indicate that the structural change originates at the PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interface. During exposure to 30% R.H., the same structural change occurs over a much longer time scale (>200 days), and a reflection consistent with the presence of (CH3)2NH2PbI3 is detected to coexist with the cubic phase by X‐ray diffraction pattern. The authors propose that chemical interactions at the PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interface, facilitated by humidity, promote the formation of dimethylammonium, (CH3)2NH2+. The partial A‐site substitution of CH3NH3+ for (CH3)2NH2+ to produce a cubic (CH3NH3)1−x[(CH3)2NH2]xPbI3 phase explains the structural change from tetragonal to cubic during short‐term humidity exposure. When (CH3)2NH2+ content exceeds its solubility limit in the perovskite during longer humidity exposures, a (CH3)2NH2+‐rich, hexagonal phase of (CH3NH3)1−x[(CH3)2NH2]xPbI3 emerges. These interfacial interactions may have consequences for device stability and performance beyond CH3NH3PbI3 model systems and merit close attention from the perovskite research community.
Electrically Induced Wire‐Forming 3D Printing Technology of Gallium‐Based Low Melting Point Metals
Authors: Wang Xinpeng , Li Liangtao , Yang Xiawei , Wang Hongzhang , Guo Jiarui , Wang Yang , Chen Xuanqi , Hu Liang
Published: July 2021

Low‐melting point metals and alloys, as emerging 3D printing ink, have attracted more and more attention especially for flexible or intelligent conductors and electronics. However, achieving 3D continuity of liquid metal structures or patterns using a common method is still challenging and worth pursuing. In this study, a generalized method is proposed for 3D printing structures made of low melting gallium‐based alloys with diverse melting points, which should greatly expand their applications. The mechanism for shaping liquid metal inks relies on the combination actions between electrocapillarity and oxidation, which significantly reduces the high surface tension as well provides solid frame for the inner liquid metals. Taken galinstan as an example, the printing conditions, including the viscosity of hydrogel, positive voltage (0–15 V), calcium chloride concentration, and velocity (the movement speed of the printing head) are explored to optimize the process. The printed galinstan is characterized to observe the morphology and elemental analysis of the surface oxide layer. During the process, the chemical reagents are all safe and non‐toxic, which is in line with the green product requirements. This printing method shall have broad application prospect in flexible electronics, biosensors, biomedical engineering, contrast agent in vivo, and other fields.
Metal‐Enhanced Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Self‐Assembled Au@SiO2 Triangular Nanoprisms and Fluorophores in Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystal Films
Authors: Zhao Sixiang , Yu Yingying , Zhang Boyu , Feng Pu , Dang Congcong , Li Ming , Zhao Liancheng , Gao Liming
Published: July 2021

Amplification of the intensity and dissymmetry factors (glum) of circularly polarized light is desired to broaden the range of applications of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) because of the small glum values commonly observed for CPL materials and the loss of intensity resulting from circular polarization. In this study, enhanced CPL produced by metal‐enhanced fluorescence is successfully achieved by the self‐assembly of Au@SiO2 triangular nanoprisms (Au@SiO2TNPs) and fluorophores (sulforhodamine 101 and methylene blue) in chiral cellulose nanocrystal films. By overlapping the plasmon bands of Au@SiO2TNPs and the excitation–emission spectra of fluorophores, both the fluorescence intensity and glum value of CPL are significantly enhanced. For sulforhodamine 101 in the metal‐enhanced CPL system, a 52‐fold fluorescence enhancement is achieved, and the glum value increased from −0.038 to −0.126. For methylene blue in the metal‐enhanced CPL system, a 201‐fold enhancement of fluorescence is obtained, and the glum value is enhanced from −0.055 to −0.085. This metal‐enhanced CPL film is expected to generate superior circularly polarized light for extensive CPL applications because of its outstanding enhanced CPL, fluorescence amplification, and feasibility for different fluorophores.
Optically Active CdSe/CdS Nanoplatelets Exhibiting Both Circular Dichroism and Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Hao Junjie , Zhao Fenghuan , Wang Qiushi , Lin Jiaying , Chen Peixian , Li Junzi , Zhang Dongxiang , Chen Meijuan , Liu Peizhao , Delville Marie‐Helene , He Tingchao , Cheng Jiaji , Li Yiwen
Published: July 2021

Ligand‐induced chirality in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals attracts attention because of their tunable chiroptical properties. Here, the induced chirality and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) are investigated as a function of the CdS shell growth in a range of 2D CdSe/CdS nanoplatelets (NPLs) capped with chiral ligands. Five samples of CdSe/CdS NPLs are synthesized by a one‐pot approach to vary the island‐like shell on a four‐monolayer (4 ML) CdSe NPLs core, which effectively reduces the interfacial strain energy. The successful preparation of L‐/D‐Cysteine‐capped CdSe/CdS NPLs with both tunable circular dichroism (CD) and CPL behaviors and a maximum anisotropic luminance factor (glum) of 5.29 × 10−4 is described. The induced chiroptical response shows a direct relationship with the formation of island‐like shell in the first and second stages and shows a clear signal evolution. In the third stage with a full coating shell, the CD and CPL signals are inversely proportional to the CdS shell thickness. The island‐like shell gives birth to the CPL signal, while the formation of full coating shell decreases the induced chirality. Such chiral and emissive NPLs provide an ideal platform for the rational design of semiconductor nanocrystals with chiroptical properties in areas of biomedicine, polarizers, and new generation of display devices.
Recent Advances in Flexible Organic Synaptic Transistors
Authors: Xu Yunchao , Liu Wanrong , Huang Yulong , Jin Chenxing , Zhou Bosheng , Sun Jia , Yang Junliang
Published: July 2021

In recent years, flexible organic synaptic transistors have attracted considerable attention due to their flexibility, biocompatibility, easy processability, and reduced complexity. Flexible organic synaptic transistors have functions and structures similar to biological synapses but have lower energy consumption. Therefore, they are widely used in mimicking neuromorphic functions. Such devices show significant prospects in the fields of electronic skin, artificial vision system, human brain interface, and wearable consumer electronics. This review summarizes the latest research progress of flexible organic synaptic transistor devices and discusses the selection of flexible substrates, device preparation technology, working mechanisms, and functions. Furthermore, the problems faced by flexible organic synaptic transistor devices and their potential applications are analyzed. This review provides a reference for the design and preparation of flexible organic synaptic transistor devices.
Efficacy and safety of CD19‐directed CAR‐T cell therapies in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B‐cell lymphomas: Observations from the JULIET, ZUMA‐1, and TRANSCEND trials
Authors: Westin Jason R. , Kersten Marie José , Salles Gilles , Abramson Jeremy S. , Schuster Stephen J. , Locke Frederick L. , Andreadis Charalambos
Published: July 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapies have improved the outcome for many patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive B‐cell lymphomas. In 2017, axicabtagene ciloleucel and soon after tisagenlecleucel became the first approved CAR‐T cell products for patients with high‐grade B‐cell lymphomas or diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are relapsed or refractory to ≥ 2 prior lines of therapy; lisocabtagene maraleucel was approved in 2021. Safety and efficacy outcomes from the pivotal trials of each CAR‐T cell therapy have been reported. Despite addressing a common unmet need in the large B‐cell lymphoma population and utilizing similar CAR technologies, there are differences between CAR‐T cell products in manufacturing, pivotal clinical trial designs, and data reporting. Early reports of commercial use of axicabtagene ciloleucel and tisagenlecleucel provide the first opportunities to validate the impact of patient characteristics on the efficacy and safety of these CAR‐T cell therapies in the real world. Going forward, caring for patients after CAR‐T cell therapy will require strategies to monitor patients for sustained responses and potential long‐term side effects. In this review, product attributes, protocol designs, and clinical outcomes of the key clinical trials are presented. We discuss recent data on patient characteristics, efficacy, and safety of patients treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel or tisagenlecleucel in the real world. Finally, we discuss postinfusion management and preview upcoming clinical trials of CAR‐T cell therapies.
Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Peptidomimetics with Peptide Backbone Modifications
Authors: Abdildinova Aizhan , Kurth Mark J. , Gong Young‐Dae
Published: July 2021

Peptidomimetics are a class of compounds with promising pharmacological properties. Peptidomimetics reduce limitations of peptides including low bioavailability, poor stability, and poor cell‐permeability. Peptide backbone modifications are a frequently used manipulation to reach desirable properties of the peptide molecules. The development of accessible synthetic methodologies plays an important role in peptidomimetic progress. Synthesis of peptidomimetics proceeds via solution and solid‐phase synthesis strategies. Solid‐phase organic synthesis serves as a powerful tool for the preparation of peptidomimetic molecules, thus, numerous strategies have been developed over the years. In this review, we discuss solid‐phase synthetic approaches for peptide backbone modifications that were presented in the last two decades.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing dupilumab and aspirin desensitization therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Yong Michael , Wu Yu Qi , Howlett Joel , Ballreich Jeromie , Walgama Evan , Thamboo Andrew
Published: July 2021

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) in the setting of aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a disease that is difficult to treat and prone to recurrence. Dupilumab is a promising treatment for these patients, but its cost‐effectiveness has not yet been compared with aspirin (acetylsalicyclic acid, or ASA) desensitization, a known and effective treatment. We aimed to compare the cost‐effectiveness of ASA desensitization with dupilumab therapy for the treatment of CRSwNP in AERD.

Methods

Analyses of cost‐effectiveness, as measured in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), and cost‐utility, as measured in number of required revision endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESSs), were conducted.

Results

ASA desensitization after ESS was cost‐effective and dominated appropriate medical management. Adding salvage dupilumab was also cost‐effective (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio [ICER] $135,517.33), and upfront dupilumab therapy was not cost‐effective in any scenario (ICER $273,181.32). The cost‐utility analysis demonstrated that, over a 10‐year period per patient, appropriate medical management after ESS cost $54,125.31 and resulted in 2.25 revision ESSs, ASA desensitization after ESS cost $53,775.15 and resulted in 2.02 revision ESSs, ASA desensitization with salvage dupilumab cost $121,176.25 and resulted in 1.68 revision ESSs, and upfront dupilumab cost $185,950.34 and resulted in 1.51 revision ESSs.

Conclusion

Dupilumab for the treatment of severe CRSwNP was found to be cost‐effective as salvage therapy under the willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $150,000. Further analysis highlighted that the cost‐effectiveness of dupilumab was most sensitive to drug price and expected gains in quality of life. This suggests that additional investigation into improving patient population selection and tailoring treatment algorithms may improve the cost‐effectiveness of dupilumab in specific scenarios.
Association of cardiovascular risk burden with risk of dementia and brain pathologies: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Song Ruixue , Pan Kuan‐Yu , Xu Hui , Qi Xiuying , Buchman Aron S. , Bennett David A. , Xu Weili
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The impact of cardiovascular risk burden on brain pathologies remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association of the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS) with dementia risk, and brain pathologies.

Methods

Within the Rush Memory and Aging Project, 1588 dementia‐free participants were assessed on FGCRS at baseline and followed up to 21 years. During the follow‐up, 621 participants died and underwent autopsies.

Results

The multi‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of FGCRS were 1.03 (1.00–1.07) for dementia and 1.04 (1.01–1.07) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. Further, a higher FGCRS was associated with higher gross chronic cerebral infarctions (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14), cerebral atherosclerosis (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.17), and global AD pathology (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.12).

Conclusions

A higher FGCRS is associated with an increased risk of dementia and AD dementia. Both vascular and AD pathologies in the brain may underlie this association.
A Wireframe DNA Cube: Antibody Conjugate for Targeted Delivery of Multiple Copies of Monomethyl Auristatin E
Authors: Märcher Anders , Nijenhuis Minke A. D. , Gothelf Kurt V.
Published: July 2021

In recent years, several antibody drug conjugates (ADC) have been accepted by the FDA as therapeutics against cancer. It is well‐known that control of drug‐to‐antibody ratio (DAR) is vital for the success of an ADC, which inspires the advancement of better and simpler methods for tight control of DAR. We present the development of an antibody DNA wireframe cube conjugate for precise control of DAR. The DNA wireframe cube consists of four single strands, which when folded present eight single stranded domains. One domain is bound to a monofunctionalized antibody DNA conjugate, and the seven others are attached to DNA functionalized with the potent tubulin inhibitor MMAE, thereby preparing an ADC with a DAR of precisely seven. The formation of the ADC is investigated by gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy. Lastly, the developed MMAE loaded ADC was used for targeted drug delivery in vitro.
Photocatalytic Conversion of Methane: Recent Advancements and Prospects
Authors: Li Qi , Ouyang Yuxing , Li Hongliang , Wang Liangbing , Zeng Jie
Published: July 2021

Abundant and affordable methane is not only a high‐quality fossil fuel, it is also a raw material for the synthesis of value‐added chemicals. Solar‐energy‐driven conversion of methane offers a promising approach to directly transform methane to valuable energy sources under mild conditions, but remains a great challenge at present. In this Review, recent advances in the photocatalytic conversion of methane are systematically summarized. Insights into the construction of effective semiconductor‐based photocatalysts from the perspective of light‐absorption units and active centers are highlighted and discussed in detail. The performance of various photocatalysts in the conversion of methane is presented, with the photooxidation classified according to the oxidant systems. Lastly, challenges and future perspectives in the photocatalytic oxidation of methane are described.
Boosting Photoacoustic Effect via Intramolecular Motions Amplifying Thermal‐to‐Acoustic Conversion Efficiency for Adaptive Image‐Guided Cancer Surgery
Authors: Gao Heqi , Duan Xingchen , Jiao Di , Zeng Yi , Zheng Xiaoyan , Zhang Jingtian , Ou Hanlin , Qi Ji , Ding Dan
Published: July 2021

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging emerges as a promising technique for biomedical applications. The development of new strategies to boost PA conversion without depressing other properties (e.g., fluorescence) is highly desirable for multifunctional imaging but difficult to realize. Here, we report a new phenomenon that active intramolecular motions could promote PA signal by specifically increasing thermal‐to‐acoustic conversion efficiency. The compound with intense intramolecular motion exhibits amplified PA signal by elevating thermal‐to‐acoustic conversion, and the fluorescence also increases due to aggregation‐induced emission signature. The simultaneously high PA and fluorescence brightness of TPA‐TQ3 NPs enable precise image‐guided surgery. The preoperative fluorescence and PA imaging are capable of locating orthotopic breast tumor in a high‐contrast manner, and the intraoperative fluorescence imaging delineates tiny residual tumors. This study highlights a new design guideline of intramolecular motion amplifying PA effect.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Fluorinated Allenes by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Alkylation/Defluorination of Propargyl Difluorides with Alkylzincs
Authors: Ng Jia Sheng , Hayashi Tamio
Published: July 2021

The reaction of propargyl difluorides R1CF2C≡CR2with alkylzincs R3ZnCl giving axially chiral fluorinated allenes R1FC=C=CR2R3with high enantioselectivity (up to 99 %ee) was found to be catalyzed by a chiral diene/rhodium complex. A key step in the catalytic cycle is selective elimination of one of the enantiotopic fluorides at the β‐position of an alkenyl‐Rh intermediate, which is generated by regioselective addition of R3‐Rh onto the triple bond of the starting difluorides.
Mechanistic Study of the Aqueous Reaction of Organic Peroxides with HSO3− on the Surface of a Water Droplet
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Xiao , Zhong Jie , Chu Biwu , Ma Qingxin , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Francisco Joseph S. , He Hong
Published: July 2021

Aqueous reactions between organic peroxides and SO2 are of intense interest in atmospheric science because of their ubiquitous implications for sulfate formation in secondary aerosols. However, the relative yields of the reaction products (inorganic vs. organic sulfates) remain controversial (i.e., 90 % vs. 40–70 % for inorganic sulfate) due in part to the lack of understanding of the underlying reaction mechanisms. Here, our computational results suggest that the reactions of HSO3− (dissolved SO2) with organic peroxides are initiated on the surface of water nanodroplets and then proceed under two reaction pathways, in which the S atom of HSO3− attacks either the O1 or O2 atom of the peroxide group ‐O(O2)O(O1)H, leading to the formation of inorganic and organic sulfates, respectively. Notably, we find that thse reaction initiated by O1 atom exhibits a relatively low energy barrier and high reaction rate, which favours the formation of inorganic sulfate.
Logic‐Gated Proximity Aptasensing for Cell‐Surface Real‐Time Monitoring of Apoptosis
Authors: Zheng Jiao , Wang Qiwei , Shi Lin , Peng Pai , Shi Lili , Li Tao
Published: July 2021

In nature, intact apoptotic cells release ATP as a signaling molecule to trigger prompt phagocytic clearance, even at the earliest stage of apoptosis. Inspired by this, here we introduce a straightforward strategy for real‐time monitoring ATP exocytosis and drug‐stimulated apoptosis in the cancer cell surroundings. Triplex‐boosted G‐quadruplexes (tb‐G4s) responding to cell environmental factors (H+ and K+) are engineered to construct a DNA logic‐gated nanoplatform for proximity ATP aptasensing on the cell surface. It enables the real‐time monitoring of cell apoptosis by capturing released endogenous ATP during chemotherapy drug stimulation, providing a sensitive approach for dynamically evaluating drug‐induced apoptosis and therapeutic efficacy.
HPM‐16, a Stable Interrupted Zeolite with a Multidimensional Mixed Medium–Large Pore System Containing Supercages
Authors: Gao Zihao Rei , Balestra Salvador R. G. , Li Jian , Camblor Miguel A.
Published: July 2021

HPM‐16 is a highly porous germanosilicate zeolite with an interrupted framework that contains a three‐dimensional system of 12+10×10(12)×12+10‐membered ring (MR) pores. The 10(12) MR pore in the b direction is a 10 MR pore with long 12 MR stretches forming 30 Å long tubular supercages. Along one direction the 10 MR pores are fused, meaning that the separation between adjacent pores consists of a single tetrahedron that is, additionally, connected to only three additional tetrahedra (a Q3). These fused pores are thus decorated by T‐OH groups along the whole diffusion path, creating a hydrophilic region embedded in an otherwise essentially hydrophobic environment. The structure is built from highly porous 12×12×12 MR uninterrupted layers that are connected to each other through Q3 producing a second system of 10×10×10 MR pores. This zeolite can be extensively degermanated yielding a material with high thermal stability, despite its interrupted nature.
Intrinsic ORR Activity Enhancement of Pt Atomic Sites by Engineering the d‐Band Center via Local Coordination Tuning
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Tan Xin , Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Haw Shu‐Chih , Pao Chih‐Wen , Su Bing‐Jian , Jiang Junjie , Smith Sean C. , Chen Jin‐Ming , Amal Rose , Lu Xunyu
Published: July 2021

A considerable amount of platinum (Pt) is required to ensure an adequate rate for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries. Thus, the implementation of atomic Pt catalysts holds promise for minimizing the Pt content. In this contribution, atomic Pt sites with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) co‐coordination on a carbon matrix (PtNPC) are conceptually predicted and experimentally developed to alter the d‐band center of Pt, thereby promoting the intrinsic ORR activity. PtNPC with a record‐low Pt content (≈0.026 wt %) consequently shows a benchmark‐comparable activity for ORR with an onset of 1.0 VRHE and half‐wave potential of 0.85 VRHE. It also features a high stability in 15 000‐cycle tests and a superior turnover frequency of 6.80 s−1 at 0.9 VRHE. Damjanovic kinetics analysis reveals a tuned ORR kinetics of PtNPC from a mixed 2/4‐electron to a predominately 4‐electron route. It is discovered that coordinated P species significantly shifts d‐band center of Pt atoms, accounting for the exceptional performance of PtNPC.
Mo2C/C Hierarchical Double‐Shelled Hollow Spheres as Sulfur Host for Advanced Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Li Wanli , Chen Kai , Xu Qingchi , Li Xingyun , Zhang Qian , Weng Jian , Xu Jun
Published: July 2021

One of the major challenges regarding the sulfur cathode of Li‐S batteries is to achieve high sulfur loading, fast Li ions transfer, and the suppression of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttling. This issue can be solved by the development of molybdenum carbide decorated N‐doped carbon hierarchical double‐shelled hollow spheres (Mo2C/C HDS‐HSs). The mesoporous thick inner shell and the central void of the HDS‐HSs achieve high sulfur loading, facilitate the ion/electrolyte penetration, and accelerate charge transfer. The microporous thin outer shell suppresses LiPSs shuttling and reduces the charge/mass diffusion distance. The double‐shelled hollow structure accommodates the volume expansion during lithiation. Furthermore, Mo2C/C composition renders the HDS‐HSs cathode with improved conductivity, enhanced affinity to LiPSs, and accelerated kinetics of LiPSs conversion. The structural and compositional advantages render the Mo2C/C/S HDS‐HSs electrode with high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and ultra‐long cycling stability in the composed Li‐S batteries.
Influence of grease formulation parameters on the tribological property of rice bran oil based lubricating grease
Authors: Thampi Ananthan D. , Alokkan Deepkant , Biju Gokul , Sasidharan Baiju , Rani Santhakumari
Published: July 2021

The negative environmental impacts and depletion of resources caused due to the excess usage of petroleum based products made researchers to think about an alternative biodegradable product. In the present study, rice bran oil (RBO) was used as a base oil for formulating 16 different grease samples. The thickener used was generated in situ by mixing 12‐hydroxy stearic acid (12 HSA) to calcium hydroxide at a different ratio from 1.25 to 2. The formulation parameters such as weight % of thickener, saponification time, and maximum temperature spanned the ranges 5–11 wt.%, 1–2.5 h, and 150–180°C, respectively. The tribological properties such as wear scar diameter (WSD) and friction of 16 different grease samples formulated by varying these parameters were evaluated using a standard four‐ball tester as per ASTM standards. The grease samples were characterized by evaluating the penetration value using a standard cone penetrometer. The influence of these formulation parameters on the experimentally evaluated properties was also examined in this work. The results indicated that the variation of these parameters during grease formulation has a significant influence on the evaluated properties.
Active packaging gelatin films based on chitosan/Arabic gum/coconut oil Pickering nano emulsions
Authors: Sultan Maha , Elsayed Hamed , Abdelhakim Abou El Fettouh , Taha Ghada
Published: July 2021

This investigation intended at fabricating gelatin active packaging films based on nano‐sized droplets of coconut oil emulsified by Pickering emulsion (PE) using chitosan/Arabic gum (CH/AG) nanoparticles (NPs) as a stabilizer and in the presence of titanium dioxide NP (TiO2NPs) as an extra antimicrobial agent. The developed films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transmittanceinfrared, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, water vapor sorption isotherm, and mechanical properties of the prepared films were assessed. The (CH/AG) NPs weight ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) impact on particle size (PS), zeta potential, wettability, morphology, and in vitro cumulative release was investigated. The (CH/AG) NPs (1:2) exhibits the small PS (246.4 nm). (CH/AG) NPs and PE exhibit spherical and oval morphologies. The CH/AG (1:2) exhibits the higher water contact angle (85.7o). At the oil volume fraction (α) = 1.0, nearly 81% of the entrapped oil released from the NPs. Gelatin films enriched with P atα = 1.0 exhibits two‐fold increasing scavenging activity % (35.69 ± 0.56) compared with control film (14.8 ± 0.25). The films have a considerable antibacterial and antifungal activity for all test microorganism. However, control sample did not show antimicrobial activity againstBacillus cereusandCandida albicans.
Spatial distribution of silica fillers in phase‐separated rubber blends investigated by three‐dimensional elemental mapping
Authors: Lyu Lingyun , Hanada Takeshi , Yamahira Naohiro , Morita Jun , Yamamoto Ryota , Itomi Ken , Adachi Takumi , Kubouchi Sho , Horiuchi Shin
Published: July 2021

The distribution of nano‐sized silica in binary rubber blends is characterized by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) tomography combined with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDX). 3D distribution of silica is visualized by STEM‐EDX tomography with the tilt‐series of silicon elemental maps, while the phase‐separated morphologies of polyisoprene rubber (IR) and styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) are visualized by STEM‐tomography in high‐angle‐annular‐dark field (HAADF) mode. The combination of STEM‐EDX and STEM‐HAADF tomography enables us to determine the distribution of silica between the two rubber phases quantitatively even with high contents of silica up to 70 phr (weight parts per hundred rubber). It is found that silica is preferentially distributed in the SBR phase, but it is also distributed in the IR phase when the IR fraction in the total rubber components is higher than 40 wt%. The preferential distribution of silica in the SBR phase improves the dispersion of the IR domains. This is the first use of this technique for a multicomponent polymer system, showing the advantage to characterize the complicated multicomponent polymer composite morphologies.