bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different PEG‐PLGA Matrices Influence In Vivo Optical/Photoacoustic Imaging Performance and Biodistribution of NIR‐Emitting π‐Conjugated Polymer Contrast Agents
Authors: Neumann Paul Robert , Erdmann Frank , Holthof Joost , Hädrich Gabriela , Green Mark , Rao Jianghong , Dailey Lea Ann 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe π‐conjugated polymer poly[2,6‐(4,4‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b0]‐dithiophene)‐alt‐4,7‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT) with deep‐red/near‐infrared (NIR) absorption and emission has been investigated as a contrast agent for in vivo optical and photoacoustic imaging. PCPDTBT is encapsulated within poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐block‐poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PEG2kDa–PLGA4kDa or PEG5kDa–PLGA55kDa) micelles or enveloped by the phospholipid, 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)‐2000] (PEG2kDa‐DPPE), to investigate the formulation effect on imaging performance, biodistribution, and biocompatibility. Nanoparticles that meet the quality requirements for parenteral administration are generated with similar physicochemical properties. Optical phantom imaging reveals that both PEG‐PLGA systems exhibit a 30% higher signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR) than PEG2kDa‐DPPE. This trend cannot be observed in a murine HeLa xenograft model following intravenous administration since dramatic differences in biodistribution are observed. PEG2kDa–PLGA4kDa systems accumulate more rapidly in the liver compared to other formulations and PEG2kDa‐DPPE demonstrates a higher tumor localization. Protein content in the “hard” corona differs between formulations (PEG2kDa‐DPPE < PEG2kDa–PLGA4kDa < PEG5kDa–PLGA55kDa), although this observation alone does not explain biodistribution patterns. PEG2kDa‐PLGA4kDa systems show the highest photoacoustic amplitude in a phantom, but also a lower signal in the tumor due to differences in biodistribution. This study demonstrates that formulations for conjugated polymer contrast agents can have significant impact on both imaging performance and biodistribution.
Engineering Macrophages for Cancer Immunotherapy and Drug Delivery
Authors: Xia Yuqiong , Rao Lang , Yao Huimin , Wang Zhongliang , Ning Pengbo , Chen Xiaoyuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMacrophages play an important role in cancer development and metastasis. Proinflammatory M1 macrophages can phagocytose tumor cells, while anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages such as tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor growth and invasion. Modulating the tumor immune microenvironment through engineering macrophages is efficacious in tumor therapy. M1 macrophages target cancerous cells and, therefore, can be used as drug carriers for tumor therapy. Herein, the strategies to engineer macrophages for cancer immunotherapy, such as inhibition of macrophage recruitment, depletion of TAMs, reprograming of TAMs, and blocking of the CD47‐SIRPα pathway, are discussed. Further, the recent advances in drug delivery using M1 macrophages, macrophage‐derived exosomes, and macrophage‐membrane‐coated nanoparticles are elaborated. Overall, there is still significant room for development in macrophage‐mediated immune modulation and macrophage‐mediated drug delivery, which will further enhance current tumor therapies against various malignant solid tumors, including drug‐resistant tumors and metastatic tumors.
Bacterial Colonization of Low‐Wettable Surfaces is Driven by Culture Conditions and Topography
Authors: Marguier Adeline , Poulin Nicolas , Soraru Charline , Vonna Laurent , Hajjar‐Garreau Samar , Kunemann Philippe , Airoudj Aissam , Mertz Grégory , Bardon Julien , Delmée Maxime , Roucoules Vincent , Ruch David , Ploux Lydie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEffect of surface low‐wettability on bacterial colonization has become a prominent subject for the development of antibacterial coatings. However, bacteria's fate on such surfaces immersed in liquid as well as causal factors is poorly understood. This question is addressed by using a range of coatings with increasing hydrophobicity, to superhydrophobic, obtained by an atmospheric plasma polymer method allowing series production. Chemistry, wettability, and topography are thoroughly described, as well as bacterial colonization by in situ live imaging up to 24 h culture time in different liquid media. In the extreme case of superhydrophobic coating, substrates are significantly less colonized in biomolecule‐poor liquids and for short‐term culture only. Complex statistical analysis demonstrates that bacterial colonization on these low‐wettable substrates is predominantly controlled by the culture conditions and only secondary by topographic coating's properties (variation in surface structuration with almost constant mean height). Wettability is less responsible for bacterial colonization reduction in these conditions, but allows the coatings to preserve colonization‐prevention properties in nutritive media when topography is masked by fouling. Even after long‐term culture in rich medium, many large places of the superhydrophobic coating are completely free of bacteria in relation to their capacity to preserve air trapping.
Ternary Interface of Pt|Few‐Layered N‐rGO|TiN for the Boasting Electrocatalytic Activity in Ethylene Glycol Oxidation
Authors: Yang Ting , Zhang Caixia , Wang Zhanzhong , Bai Ping , Wang Xiaojing , Chai Zhanli 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe efficient electrochemical oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) requires the superior synergism of platinum (Pt) based composites, which depends on the formation of effective interface between the components. In this paper, Pt loaded on co‐supporter of TiN and N‐doped reduced graphene oxide (Pt/TiN @ N‐rGO) composite is obtained by an in situ calcination of TiN @ N‐rGO followed with the targeted growth of Pt nanoparticles at the junction of TiN|N‐rGO. As a result, Pt/TiN @ N‐rGO electrode with medium molar ratio of urea to TiCl4 (R =10) and the ideal ternary interface of Pt|few layered N‐rGO|TiN exhibited exceptionally high catalytic mass activity (343.9 mA mg−1 Pt) and long‐term durability (117 mA mg−1 Pt after continuous 1200 min operation) for EG oxidation in acid, compared to other Pt/TiN @ N‐rGO composites and commercial Pt/C (41.1 mA mg−1 Pt). The promoted performance is attributed to the synergies at ternary interface, involving the highest electrochemically active surface areas due to more exposed active sites of Pt nanoparticles, the best electrical conductivity ascribed to the incorporation of few layered N‐rGO, and excellent CO tolerance with the assistance of TiN.
Research and Application Progress Based on the Interfacial Properties of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Li Hanglin , Xue Shaoqing , Shang Yazhuo , Li Jiusheng , Zeng Xiangqiong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO), a novel carbon‐based nanomaterial, has been significantly developed and investigated during the past decade in the fields of material science and chemistry. GO is essentially one‐atom thick, but the lateral dimension can reach to dozens of microns, resulting in a unique 2D layered structure. This allows for oxygen‐containing functional groups to be grafted on the sheets, which give GO a unique amphiphilicity and enables it to self‐assemble at two‐phase interfaces. This characteristic provides significant potential for the development of functional interfacial materials with promising performances, including the synthesis of large area interfacial membranes, GO‐based coating with self‐healing abilities, and functional GO‐based emulsions. In this review, the interfacial assembly behaviors of GO and functionalized‐GO at the air–liquid, liquid–liquid, and liquid–solid interfaces are discussed to further understand the properties and applications of GO. The synthesis of different composites using these interfacial properties is also discussed. The application progress of GO composite materials that are prepared based on their interfacial properties is also illustrated, and possible challenges are proposed.
A Flexible Micro‐Thermoelectric Generator Sticker with Trapezoidal‐Shaped Legs for Large Temperature Gradient and High‐Power Density
Authors: Park Ji Won , Kim Choong Sun , Choi Hyeongdo , Kim Yong Jun , Lee Gyu Soup , Cho Byung Jin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMicro‐thermoelectric generators (m‐TEGs) are considered one of the potential semi‐permanent power sources for portable self‐powered electronic devices. To supply a sufficient amount of power for applications, the m‐TEG needs high‐performance thermoelectric materials as well as a large temperature difference across the device. Here, an m‐TEG with a new device structure, fabricated with a thin polymer‐supporting layer and trapezoidal‐shaped thermoelectric legs is presented. The m‐TEG, in the form of a sticker, is also flexible and can be attached anywhere that requires power. An m‐TEG with a step height of 200 µm is fabricated by sputtering a (Bi, Te)‐based thermoelectric material, and the device structure is completed using various challenging device fabrication techniques. The thermoelectric legs in the resulting structure have a very small cross‐section area, which enables the m‐TEG to have a larger thermal resistance than the conventional structure. This allows creating a larger temperature gradient across the thermoelectric legs. The fabricated m‐TEG exhibits a temperature difference as large as 0.90 °C, and generates an excellent output power density of 14.37 nW cm−2 even under natural convection, when attached to a heat source of 48 °C.
A Nanoparticle Platform for Accelerated In Vivo Oral Delivery Screening of Nucleic Acids
Authors: El‐Mayta Rakan , Zhang Rui , Shepherd Sarah J. , Wang Feng , Billingsley Margaret M. , Dudkin Vadim , Klein Donna , Lu Hoang D. , Mitchell Michael J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOral administration of nucleic acids, such as small interfering RNAs and antisense oligonucleotides, represents a potent modality for treating many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. However, their use is limited due to a lack of carriers that can effectively mediate their delivery through GI barriers, including gastric enzymes and mucus membranes. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are an emerging delivery system that can protect nucleic acids from degradation and mediate their intracellular delivery, but few studies have evaluated their ability to overcome oral delivery barriers. Here, a high‐throughput in vivo screening platform is developed to accelerate the design of LNPs for oral delivery of nucleic acids. A library of LNPs that encapsulate DNA barcodes (b‐DNAs) was pooled and orally administered to mice, and their delivery was quantified by deep sequencing. Sequencing results indicated that increases in the molar ratio of cholesterol to lipid‐anchored polyethylene glycol conjugate in LNPs enhanced their GI content retention and that the presence of an LNP carrier improved b‐DNA delivery to GI tissues, relative to the delivery of naked b‐DNA. Collectively, these results suggest that high‐throughput in vivo screening can accelerate the discovery of LNPs for GI tract nucleic acid delivery upon oral administration.
Nanomedicines as Multifunctional Modulators of Melanoma Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Carreira Barbara , Acúrcio Rita C. , Matos Ana I. , Peres Carina , Pozzi Sabina , Vaskovich‐Koubi Daniella , Kleiner Ron , Bento Mariana , Satchi‐Fainaro Ronit , Florindo Helena F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMelanoma is the most destructive and deadly among skin cancers. Patients presenting the most disseminated form of this disease have very low survival rates (≈15%) and highly restricted therapeutic alternatives. In recent years, the area of cancer immunotherapy has witnessed remarkable developments in the management of many cancers, including melanoma. In fact, immunotherapy unveiled as a feasible therapeutic alternative for late‐stage melanoma patients, specifically using immune checkpoint therapies. However, despite the exciting outcomes, only a small percentage of patients respond to these therapies, and severe immune‐related adverse reactions have been often reported. As such, most of preclinical and clinical studies currently explore melanoma tumor biology and immunology to guide the development of combinational immunotherapies aiming at relevant clinical efficacy and minimal toxicity. Herein, the current knowledge on melanoma biology and immunology is discussed, focusing on nanotechnology as a crucial strategy for the development of combinatorial approaches able to specifically modulate the function of key players responsible for melanoma evolution and evasion of host immune‐mediated attacks. Finally, the major challenges toward the clinical implementation of these emergent targeted nanomedicines for immunotherapy are further discussed, with particular focus on melanoma genomics, predictive biomarkers, clinical trial design, and clinical regulation of nanomedicines.
High‐Performance Daytime Radiative Cooler and Near‐Ideal Selective Emitter Enabled by Transparent Sapphire Substrate
Authors: Chae Dongwoo , Son Soomin , Liu Yuting , Lim Hangyu , Lee Heon 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDaytime radiative cooling serving as a method to pump heat from objects on Earth to cold outer space is an attractive cooling option that does not require any energy input. Among radiative cooler structures, the multilayer‐ or photonic‐structured radiative cooler, composed of inorganic materials, remains one of the most complicated structures to fabricate. In this study, transparent sapphire‐substrate‐based radiative coolers comprising a simple structure and selective emitter‐like optical characteristics are proposed. Utilizing the intrinsic optical properties of the sapphire substrate and adopting additional IR emissive layers, such as those composed of silicon nitride thin film or aluminum oxide nanoparticles, high‐performance radiative coolers can be fabricated with a low mean absorptivity (3–4%) at 0.3–2.5 µm and a high mean emissivity of over 90% at 8–13 µm. Experiments show that the fabricated radiative coolers reach temperature drops of ≈10 °C in the daytime. From the theoretical calculations of radiative cooling performance, the sapphire‐substrate‐based radiative coolers demonstrate a net cooling power as high as 100 Wm−2.
Exposure of Definite Palladium Facets Boosts Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation at Low Overpotential
Authors: Zhao Huan , Zhang Dan , Li Hongdong , Qi Wenjing , Wu Xueke , Han Yi , Cai Wenwen , Wang Zuochao , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVarious electrocatalyst adjustment methods have been reported with the efforts of plenty of researchers, such as element doping, defect, control crystalline phase, surface modification, etc. However, systematic studies on the relationship between the facets of electrocatalysts and the activity of NRR have not been reported. Pd nanocrystals are systematically studied herein, which selectively expose the (100) facet, (111) facet, and (110) facet (each of which behaves as a cube, octahedron, and rhombic dodecahedron) for NRR at mild conditions. Experimental data show that the NH3 yield of Pd cubes is 24.3 μg mg‐1cat h‐1 at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode and the Faradaic efficiency is 36.6% in 0.1 m Li2SO4 electrolyte, which are 2.7 and 5.3 times higher than Pd octahedrons and Pd rhombic dodecahedrons. Meanwhile, it is also one of the best catalytic materials to realize high activity at low overpotentials ever reported. Furthermore, Pd cubes show extraordinary stability for NRR after a long‐time stability test. Density functional theory calculations reveal the remarkable NRR performance of Pd (100) can be attributed to the lower energy barrier of *NNH generation and the lower energy barrier for producing NH3 from *NH3 (the rate determining step).
Sunlit, controlled‐environment chambers are essential for comparing plant responses to various climates
Authors: Allen L.H. , Boote K.J. , Jones J.W. , Jones P.H. , Pickering N.B. , Baker J.T. , Vu J.C.V. , Gesch R.W. , Thomas J.M.G. , Prasad P.V.V. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUnique capabilities of various systems for studying the impacts of rising atmospheric CO2 concentration and other environmental factors on growth and yield of plants are presented. These systems include soil–plant–atmosphere research (SPAR) chambers, free‐air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) facilities, temperature‐gradient greenhouses (TGG), and open top chambers (OTC). The SPAR chambers have several advantages compared to FACE and other facilities, including: (a) constant CO2 concentration and stabile setpoints; (b) CO2 concentration controlled to any range of sub‐ambient through supra‐ambient levels, providing comparison of plant responses to past and future climates; (c) precise air and dewpoint temperature setpoints; (d) calculation of whole‐canopy photosynthesis and evapotranspiration rates at short time intervals; (e) calculation of whole‐canopy respiration rates during the night; (f) determination of plant responses to temperature alone or including other factors; (g) multiple chambers for simultaneous comparison of plant responses to varying environments, providing data for plant growth modeling; (h) low operating expense for CO2 concentration; and (i) capability of measuring N2 fixation rates in the rooting zone of legumes or methane emissions from rice (Oryza sativa L.). SPAR systems were better suited than FACE systems for more than half of the attributes of enrichment systems identified in this paper. Limitations of plant responses due to fluctuating elevated CO2 concentration and limitations of range of elevated CO2 concentration exist for FACE systems. Controlled environments are needed for developing mathematical growth response functions under a wide range of conditions. Finally, we identified a use of portable SPAR chambers within FACE experiments for confirmation of diminished plant photosynthesis in fluctuating CO2 concentration.
Follicular Lymphoma Evaluation Index (FLEX): A new clinical prognostic model that is superior to existing risk scores for predicting progression‐free survival and early treatment failure after frontline immunochemotherapy
Authors: Mir Farheen , Mattiello Federico , Grigg Andrew , Herold Michael , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Marcus Robert , Seymour John F. , Bolen Christopher R. , Knapp Andrea , Nielsen Tina , Casulo Carla 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPatients with advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma (FL) who progress early after receiving first‐line therapy have poor overall survival (OS). Currently applied clinical prognostic models such as FL International Prognostic Index [FLIPI], FLIPI‐2 and PRIMA‐Prognostic Index [PRIMA‐PI] have suboptimal sensitivity and specificity to predict this poor prognosis subgroup. The primary objective was to develop a novel prognostic model, the FL Evaluation Index (FLEX) score, to identify high‐risk patients and compare its performance with FLIPI, FLIPI‐2 and PRIMA‐PI. Progression‐free survival (PFS) after first‐line immunochemotherapy was the key endpoint, while OS and progression of disease within 24 months (POD24) were also assessed. The model, which includes nine clinical variables, was developed using a cohort of patients with previously untreated advanced‐stage FL from the phase 3 GALLIUM trial (NCT01332968). The performance of the model was validated using data from the SABRINA trial (NCT01200758). In GALLIUM (n = 1004; 127 with and 877 without POD24), FLEX increased the intergroup (low‐risk/high‐risk) difference in 2‐year and 3‐year PFS rates and demonstrated superior intergroup differences in 2‐year and 3‐year OS rates compared with FLIPI, FLIPI‐2 and PRIMA‐PI. Sensitivity for a high‐risk score to predict POD24 was 60% using FLEX compared with 53% for FLIPI and FLIPI‐2, and 69% for PRIMA‐PI, while specificity was 68% for FLEX compared with 58% for FLIPI, 59% for FLIPI‐2 and 48% for PRIMA‐PI. The prognostic value of FLEX in SABRINA was similar to FLIPI. Therefore, FLEX appears to perform better than existing prognostic models in previously untreated FL, in particular for the newer treatment regimens.
Genotype–phenotype correlation of 33 patients with maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Khalifa Ola A. , Imtiaz Faiqa , Ramzan Khushnooda , Zaki Osama , Gamal Radwa , Elbaik Lina , Rihan Shaimaa , Salam Ehab , Abdul‐Mawgoud Rehab , Hassan Magdy , Hassan Nahla , Saleh Eman , Seoudi Dina , Moustafa Amr S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMaple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder due to defects in the branched‐chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC). MSUD varies in severity and its clinical spectrum is quite broad, ranging from mild to severe phenotypes. Thirty‐three MSUD patients were recruited into this study for molecular genetic variant profiling and genotype–phenotype correlation. Except for one patient, all other patients presented with the classic neonatal form of the disease. Seventeen different variants were detected where nine were novel. The detected variants spanned across the entire BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT genes. All variants were in homozygous forms. The commonest alterations were nonsense and frameshift variants, followed by missense variants. For the prediction of variant's pathogenicity, we used molecular modeling and several in silico tools including SIFT, Polyphen2, Condel, and Provean. In addition, six other tools were used for the prediction of the conservation of the variants' sites including Eigen‐PC, GERP++, SiPhy, PhastCons vertebrates and primates, and PhyloP100 rank scores. Herein, we presented a comprehensive characterization of a large cohort of patients with MSUD. The clinical severity of the variants' phenotypes was well correlated with the genotypes. The study underscores the importance of the use of in silico analysis of MSUD genotypes for the prediction of the clinical outcomes in patients with MSUD.
Clinical and molecular findings in a cohort of 152 Brazilian severe early onset inherited retinal dystrophy patients
Authors: Sallum Juliana Maria Ferraz , Motta Fabiana Louise , Arno Gavin , Porto Fernanda Belga Ottoni , Resende Rosane Guazi , Belfort Rubens 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLeber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early‐onset retinal dystrophy (EORD) are severe inherited retinal dystrophy that can cause deep blindness childhood. They represent 5% of all retinal dystrophies in the world population and about 10% in Brazil. Clinical findings and molecular basis of syndromic and nonsyndromic LCA/EORD in a Brazilian sample (152 patients/137 families) were studied. In this population, 15 genes were found to be related to the phenotype, 38 new variants were detected and four new complex alleles were discovered. Among 123 variants found, the most common were CEP290: c.2991+1655A>G, CRB1: p.Cys948Tyr, and RPGRIP1: exon10‐18 deletion.
Genetic testing for inherited retinal degenerations: Triumphs and tribulations
Authors: Branham Kari , Schlegel Dana , Fahim Abigail T. , Jayasundera K. Thiran 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a genotypically and phenotypically diverse group of conditions. Great strides have been made toward identifying the genetic basis for these conditions over the last 30 years—more than 270 different genes involved in syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of retinal dystrophies have now been identified. The identification of these genes and the improvement of clinical laboratory techniques have led to the identification of the genetic basis of disease in 56–76% of patients with IRDs through next generation sequencing and copy number variant analysis. Genetic testing is an essential part of clinical care for patients affected with IRDs and is required to confirm the diagnosis, understand the inheritance of the condition, and determine eligibility for gene‐specific treatments or clinical trials. Despite the success achieved in determining the genetic cause of these conditions, several challenges remain, which must be considered when providing genetic testing and genetic counseling to patients. For this reason, an integrated team of ophthalmic and genetic clinicians who are familiar with these challenges is necessary to provide optimal comprehensive care to these patients.