bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of standardized phase angle in adults with acute leukemia: A prospective study
Authors: Yates Samuel J. , Lyerly Susan , Manuel Megan , Tooze Janet A. , Klepin Heidi D. , Powell Bayard L. , Dralle Sarah , Uprety Alok , Pardee Timothy S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStandardized phase angle (SPhA) is a tool used to estimate body composition and cell membrane integrity. Standardized phase angle has been shown to predict survival in solid malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. We investigated the predictive value of SPhA on 60‐day mortality, overall survival (OS), and length of hospital stay (LHS) for adults with acute myelogenous and lymphoblastic leukemia (AML and ALL). Consecutive patients ≥18 years with newly diagnosed acute leukemia receiving intensive chemotherapy were enrolled. Phase angle measurements were taken on day 1 of therapy for all patients and on the day of nadir marrow for AML patients. Measurements were standardized by BMI, gender, and age to calculate the SPhA. The difference between SPhA at nadir bone marrow compared to day 1 of induction was used to calculate change in SPhA. A cutoff of 25th percentile was used to dichotomize baseline SPhA. Among 100 patients, 88% were AML, 56% were female, and mean age was 59 years. Though not statistically significant, OS by Kaplan‐Meier analysis was shorter for those below the 25th percentile SPhA compared to those above (median OS: 11.0 months vs 19.5 months; P = .09). Lower baseline SPhA was associated with increased incidence of 60‐day mortality in univariable (odds ratio [OR] = 5.25; 1.35, 20.44; P = .02) but not multivariable analysis (OR = 3.12; 0.67, 14.48; P = .15) adjusted for age, creatinine, and cytogenetics. Increased change in SPhA was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio = 1.15; 1.00,1.33; P = .05) in multivariable analysis. Standardized phase angle is a rapid, noninvasive, and objective measure that may be used to inform risk stratification.
Extended half‐life rFIX in major surgery—How to improve clinical practice: An intraindividual comparison
Authors: Valeri Federica , Agnelli Giacchello Jacopo , Dainese Cristina , Valpreda Alessandra , Montaruli Barbara , Dosio Enrico , Boccadoro Mario , Borchiellini Alessandra 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPractical, safe, and effective hemostatic approach to orthopedic surgery using Extended Half‐Life factor IX in hemophilia B. By intraindividual comparison, we found a lower FIX consumption, number of infusions, and cost compared to plasma‐derived FIX.
Conjugated Random Terpolymer Donors towards High‐Efficiency Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Xuyu , Wu Yijing , Tao Youtian , Huang Wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOver the past decades, polymer solar cells (PSCs) which contain conjugated polymers as electron donor and/or acceptor materials in active layers have achieved the power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 17%. Among them, tremendous alternative donor‐acceptor (D‐A) type conjugated copolymers have been reported as donor materials. Nevertheless, plenty of rooms still exist to further improve the photovoltaic performance for practical applications. Besides the exploration of the increasingly challenging novel D and/or A monomers to construct new D‐A copolymer donors, conjugated random terpolymer donors which involve a third existing monomer (D or A) provide an extra simple promising strategy to promote the photovoltaic performance to a higher level. Herein, recent progress on random terpolymer donors for efficient PSCs was reviewed. Firstly, random terpolymer donors were classified by several typical molecular building blocks. Then, the influences of the third monomer on various random terpolymers were highlighted according to the enhancement of light‐harvesting ability, modification of energy levels and optimization of the bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) morphology. Finally, several issues which might be concerned in future research on random terpolymer donors were proposed. This review may be helpful for providing guidelines to design efficient random terpolymer donors as well as better‐understanding of the structure‐property‐performance correlations towards high performance PSCs via random terpolymer approach.
Tumor Cell Membrane‐Coated Liquid Metal Nanovaccine for Tumor Preventionǂ
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Miao‐Deng , Li Chu‐Xin , Li Bin , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: February 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionHerein, we report on a tumor nanovaccine LMNP@CM that enhances the process of antigen‐presenting by stimulating the immune system to uptake tumor antigens actively. The nanovaccine is comprised of polyethylene glycol modified liquid metal nanoparticles (LMNP) and tumor cell membranes (CM) as antigens. Under 808 nm irradiation, the photothermal conversion effect of injected LMNP can cause mild local inflammation, and subsequently induces antigen‐presenting cells active recruitment and facilitates cellular uptake of tumor antigens. Meanwhile, because of the immune adjuvant effect of metal materials, the nanovaccine LMNP@CM promotes the maturation and activation of antigen‐presenting cells and induces anti‐tumor immune response effectively. By priming the host immune recognition of tumor antigens, this nanovaccine displays prophylactic effects and significantly suppresses tumor growth in a mouse breast tumor model. The nanovaccine LMNP@CM represents a novel strategy of utilizing light‐controlled means to actively induce anti‐tumor immune processes, showing advanced therapeutic potentials and robust adaptability for treating multiple tumors by changing the loaded antigens.
Vortex Fluidic Mediated Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticle/MXene Composites
Authors: Al‐antaki Ahmed Hussein Mohammed , Alharbi Thaar M. D. , Kellici Suela , Power Nicholas P. , Lawrance Warren , Raston Colin L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOxidation of MXene in a vortex fluidic device (VFD) operating under continuous flow results in exfoliation and fragmentation into nanoparticles of surface oxidised 2D material with further oxidation of the nanoparticles into anatase (TiO2). These MXene and anatase nanoparticles co‐assemble into stable micron sized spheres which are topologically smooth, decorating the surface of exfoliated MXene. The formation of this composite material in the dynamic thin film in the VFD was optimised by systematically exploring the operating parameters of the microfluidic platform, determined at 45° tilt angle for the 20 mm diameter glass tube spinning at 5k rpm, with a flow rate of a colloidal dispersion of MXene in aqueous H2O2 (30%) at 0.75 mL/min at a concentration of MXene of 0.5 mg/mL.
Insights into brain metastasis: Recent advances in circulating tumor cell research
Authors: Klotz Remi , Yu Min 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundHow tumor cells disseminate to brain and establish brain metastasis remains partly an unsolved problem. This devastating complication of many cancers is initiated by a rare subset of the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) shed into the blood stream. Thus, the profiling of the molecular properties in these brain metastasis‐initiating CTCs is essential to uncover the mechanisms underlying brain metastasis.Recent FindingsImportant efforts to improve the enrichment and detection of CTCs enabled the detailed molecular and functional analysis of CTCs that drive brain metastasis. In this review, we highlight key findings on existing preclinical studies that provide insights toward a comprehensive picture of brain metastasis‐precursors in CTCs and the potential clinical implications.ConclusionA deeper understanding of the brain metastasis precursors should help to stratify high‐risk patients and improve preventive therapeutic strategies. Although all these preclinical evidences have yet to be translated into patients, they provide considerable hope to benefit patients with brain metastases in the future.
Metal Catalyst‐Free Oxidative C−C Bond Cleavage of a Lignin Model Compound by H2O2 in Formic acid
Authors: Li Xiukai , Zhang Yugen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSelective cleavage of the β‐O‐4 ether bond of lignin to produce aromatics is one of the most important topics for the sustainable production of chemicals from biomass. A simple system has been developed for Cα−Cβ bond cleavage of a β‐O‐4 ketone‐structured lignin model compound (LMC) by H2O2 in formic acid under metal catalyst‐free conditions. By using this simple system, with H2O2, formic acid, and mineral acid catalyst, over 90 % product yield is achieved in 6 h at room temperature. The reaction proceeds through the classic Baeyer–Villiger oxidation and in situ‐generated performic acid serves as the key oxidant. The cleavage of alcoholic LMCs by using the presented method in a two‐step process is also demonstrated.
Single‐Molecule Dye Organics with Multielectron Redox Processes as Cathode Materials for Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Men Fang , Liu Ning , Lan Qing , Zhao Yali , Qin Jian , Song Zhiping , Zhan Hui 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDissolution loss is the biggest issue for an organic electrode material, and nowadays the most popular strategy to avoid it is to synthesize a polymer or add a large amount of conductive carbon. In this study, the issue is addressed by using monomolecular organics with a relatively long chain and large size. A dye composed of quinones and a carbazole is proposed as the cathode material for a Li secondary battery. The unique structure of more than three quinones joined by a carbazole bridge improves the cycling stability significantly. In addition to the widely known enolization reaction of the quinone moiety, extra anion‐doping capacity is supplied by the carbazole moiety. As a result of the multiple active sites, multielectron redox transfer and remarkable capacity enhancement are realized by using Vet Yellow 3RT dye material. It shows a stable capacity up to 340 mAh g−1 within 300 cycles. XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements were used to confirm the reactivity of the carbonyl group and the N‐heterocycle toward Li+ and PF6−, respectively. In this work, a new application of this dye material is revealed, providing a new avenue to address the dissolution loss and capacity breakthrough of organic batteries.
Effusion cytology of malignant mesothelioma enables earlier diagnosis and recognizes patients with better prognosis
Authors: Abd Own Sulaf , Höijer Jonas , Hillerdahl Gunnar , Dobra Katalin , Hjerpe Anders 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA conclusive diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM) can be based on effusion cytology using the guidelines for the cytopathologic diagnosis of epithelioid and mixed‐type MM. Briefly, the diagnosis is obtained when the mesothelial phenotype of malignant cells is established by ancillary techniques. This study is based on the comparison of the overall survival rates of patients with MM when diagnosed by effusion cytology, histopathology, or a combination of both. A total of 144 patients were diagnosed with epithelioid and mixed‐type pleural MM at Karolinska University Hospital between 2004 and 2013. The diagnosis was obtained by histopathology in 74 cases and by cytological examination of pleural effusion in 70 cases. In 29 of the latter cases, a diagnostic biopsy was obtained simultaneously. A total of 104 patients received chemotherapy. All diagnoses were supported by clinical findings, including computer tomography scans. The median time between first symptoms and diagnosis was similar for cytology and histopathology. However, a delay of more than 6 months after first symptoms was seen in many patients in the histopathology group, resulting in late onset of treatment. The overall survival and proportion of long‐term survival were significantly better for cases diagnosed by cytology. Similarly, a better survival, following a cytological diagnosis, was also seen in patients who were only provided the best supportive care. Accurate cytological diagnosis enables conclusive diagnosis of MM. Our finding enables the initiation of treatment as soon as the cytological diagnosis is established, avoiding further delay and deterioration of patient survival and possibilities for treatment.
Targeting neutrophils using novel drug delivery systems in chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Chellappan Dinesh K. , Yee Lim W. , Xuan Kong Y. , Kunalan Kishen , Rou Lim C. , Jean Leong S. , Ying Lee Y. , Wie Lee X. , Chellian Jestin , Mehta Meenu , Satija Saurabh , Singh Sachin K. , Gulati Monica , Dureja Harish , Da Silva Mateus Webba , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Gupta Gaurav , Paudel Keshav R. , Wadhwa Ridhima , Hansbro Philip M. , Dua Kamal 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNeutrophils are essential effector cells of immune system for clearing the extracellular pathogens during inflammation and immune reactions. Neutrophils play a major role in chronic respiratory diseases. In respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and others, there occurs extreme infiltration and activation of neutrophils followed by a cascade of events like oxidative stress and dysregulated cellular proteins that eventually result in apoptosis and tissue damage. Dysregulation of neutrophil effector functions including delayed neutropil apoptosis, increased neutrophil extracellular traps in the pathogenesis of asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enable neutrophils as a potential therapeutic target. Accounting to their role in pathogenesis, neutrophils present as an excellent therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. This review highlights the current status and the emerging trends in novel drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, and other newer nanosystems that can target neutrophils and their molecular pathways, in the airways against infections, inflammation, and cancer. These drug delivery systems are promising in providing sustained drug delivery, reduced therapeutic dose, improved patient compliance, and reduced drug toxicity. In addition, the review also discusses emerging strategies and the future perspectives in neutrophil‐based therapy.
Quantifying rapidly declining abundance of insects in Europe using a paired experimental design
Authors: Møller Anders Pape 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe abundance of insects has decreased for the last decades in many parts of the world although so far few studies have quantified this reduction because there have only been few baseline studies dating back decades that have allowed comparison of ancient and recent population estimates. Such a paired design is particularly powerful because it reduces or eliminates bias caused by differences in identity and experience of observers, identity of study sites, years, time of season, and time of day, and it ensures identity of sampling procedures. Here, I compiled information on the reduction in abundance of insects in Europe and Algeria by the same persons compiling the abundance of insects from the same 21 study sites during 1951–1997 and again a second time in 1998–2018. There was a reduction by 47% in the abundance of insects. The difference in abundance in old compared to new samples declined with latitude, with a significant variance among taxa. This reduction in abundance of insects was of such a magnitude that it must have consequences for insectivores and the role that insects play in ecosystems.
Reinforcement in the banded darter Etheostoma zonale: The effect of sex and sympatry on preferences
Authors: Roberts Natalie S. , Mendelson Tamra C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractReinforcement occurs when selection against hybrid offspring strengthens behavioral isolation between parental species and may be an important factor in speciation. Theoretical models and experimental evidence indicate that both female and male preferences can be strengthened upon secondary contact via reinforcement. However, the question remains whether this process is more likely to affect the preferences of one sex or the other. Males of polygynous species are often predicted to exhibit weaker preferences than females, potentially limiting the ability for reinforcement to shape male preferences. Yet, in darters (Percidae: Etheostoma), male preference for conspecific mates appears to arise before female preferences during the early stages of allopatric speciation, and research suggests that male, but not female, preferences become reinforced upon secondary contact. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether the geographically widespread darter species Etheostoma zonale exhibits a signature of reinforcement, by comparing the strength of preference for conspecific mates between populations that are sympatric and allopatric with respect to a close congener, E. barrenense. We examined the strength of preference for conspecifics for males and females separately to determine whether the preferences of one or both sexes have been strengthened by reinforcement. Our results show that both sexes of E. zonale from sympatric populations exhibit stronger conspecific preferences than E. zonale from allopatric populations, but that female preferences appear to be more strongly reinforced than male preferences. Results therefore suggest that reinforcement of female preferences may promote behavioral isolation upon secondary contact, even in a genus that is characterized by pervasive male mate choice.
Azorella compacta: survival champions in extreme, high‐elevation environments
Authors: Pugnaire Francisco I. , Morillo José A. , Armas Cristina , Rodríguez‐Echeverría Susana , Gaxiola Aurora 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCushion plants are life forms with a hemispherical or mat‐like, prostrate canopy well adapted to the extreme conditions of cold regions that have appealed to scientists for their ability to cope with extreme environments in most mountains, arctic, and subantarctic regions of the world. They can buffer the effects of low temperature and drought and improve soil conditions, which makes them notable facilitator species. Living at the edge in the Atacama Desert is one such species, Azorella compacta (yareta or llareta), in the Apiaceae family that can reach much over 6 m (~20 ft) in diameter with a mat‐like shape that tends to hemispherical growth form. Azorella compacta can be found in the dry Puna system, which spreads from northern Chile and Argentina to southern Peru and western Bolivia, between 3800 and 5200 m elevation, making it one of the woody plant species occurring at highest elevations in the world. In this deserted edge of the Atacama, nutrient limitation adds to other stressors such as water scarcity and high UV radiation. A compact canopy and the fact that they are embedded in resin prevent beneficiary species from growing within the cushion and condition how senesced leaves decompose inside the canopy. They can reach 3000 yr old and have to deal with episodic disturbance and herbivory events. Plants in such environments may potentially act as microbial refuges, and it could be expected that bacterial endophytes and mycorrhizal fungi have a main role in the functioning of these survival champions.
Selective Formation of Epoxylimonene Catalyzed by Phosphonyl/Arsoníyl Derivatives of Trivacant Polyoxotungstates at Low Temperature
Authors: Makrygenni Ourania , Vanmairis Louise , Taourit Sabrina , Launay Franck , Shum Cheong Sing Alain , Proust Anna , Gérard Hélène , Villanneau Richard 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue are Richard Villanneau, Sorbonne Université, Paris, Alain ShumàCheongàSing, Université de la Réunion, Saint‐Denis, France, and co‐workers. The cover image shows the oxidation of limonene to epoxylimonene against a background of orange trees typical of Réunion Island.
Three‐dimensional Lattice Boltzmann simulation of gas‐water transport in tight sandstone porous media: Influence of microscopic surface forces
Authors: Hu Chaoyang , Wang Fengjiao , Liu Yikun , Zhi Jiqiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA three‐dimensional two‐phase Lattice Boltzmann model was developed and validated for the fundamental phenomena of gas‐water transport in tight porous media considering microscopic forces, namely, the electrostatic and solid‐liquid intermolecular forces. The thickness of the water film adhering to the porous media surface was calculated based on the principle of thermodynamic equilibrium and the gas‐water electrostatic potential energy. The Lattice Boltzmann model simulations focused on the effects of the microscopic forces and water film thickness on the gas‐water transport in tight porous media. The fluid flow in the porous media was simulated under different conditions for the characteristic length, interfacial tension, and displacement pressure gradient. The results confirmed that the gas‐water transport is strongly affected by the microscopic forces in tight porous media and that the transport process is accompanied by a high seepage resistance. The seepage resistance is more pronounced in the case of smaller pores because the adhering water film is thicker and more stable. During the transport process, the water film may disintegrate under certain conditions, which would enhance the gas flow in the porous media. However, it is difficult to effectively improve the gas flow by increasing the displacement pressure gradient under microscopic forces; this can be attributed to the accumulation of water or increased seepage resistance dictated by the interfacial tension, which occurs more frequently with smaller pores. This paper provides a promising new perspective for efficiently improving the Lattice Boltzmann model for transport trends considering microscopic forces.
Dried Blood Spot Sampling of Landlocked Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) for Estimating Mercury Exposure and Stable Carbon Isotope Fingerprinting of Essential Amino Acids
Authors: Barst Benjamin D. , Wooller Matthew J. , O'Brien Diane M. , Santa-Rios Andrea , Basu Niladri , Köck Günter , Johnson Jessica J. , Muir Derek C.G. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Dried blood spots (DBS), created by applying and drying a whole blood sample onto filter paper, provide a simple and minimally invasive procedure for collecting, transporting, and storing blood. Because DBS are ideal for use in field and resource-limited settings, we aimed to develop a simple and accurate DBS-based approach for assessing mercury (Hg) exposure and dietary carbon sources for landlocked Arctic char, a sentinel fish species in the Arctic. We collected liquid whole blood (from the caudal vein), muscle, liver, and brains of Arctic char (n = 36) from 8 lakes spanning a Hg gradient in the Canadian High Arctic. We measured total Hg concentrations ([THg]) of field-prepared DBS and Arctic char tissues. Across a considerable range, [THg] of DBS (0.04–3.38 μg/g wet wt) were highly correlated with [THg] of all tissues (r2 range = 0.928–0.996). We also analyzed the compound-specific carbon isotope ratios (expressed as δ13C values) of essential amino acids (EAAs) isolated from DBS, liquid whole blood, and muscle. The δ13C values of 5 EAAs (δ13CEAAs; isoleucine [Ile], leucine [Leu], phenylalanine [Phe], valine [Val], and threonine [Thr]) from DBS were highly correlated with δ13CEAAs of liquid whole blood (r2 range = 0.693–0.895) and muscle (r2 range = 0.642–0.881). The patterns of δ13CEAAs of landlocked Arctic char were remarkably consistent across sample types and indicate that EAAs are most likely of algal origin. Because a small volume of blood (~50 µL) dried on filter paper can be used to determine Hg exposure levels of various tissues and to fingerprint carbon sources, DBS sampling may decrease the burdens of research and may be developed as a nonlethal sampling technique. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:893–903. © 2020 SETAC