bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Refractive Index Dielectric Nanoparticles for Optically‐Enhanced Activity of Water‐Splitting Photoanodes
Authors: Driencourt Luc , Gallinet Benjamin , Housecroft Catherine E. , Fricke Sören , Constable Edwin C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMetal oxide semiconductors have shown considerable potential for photoelectrochemical water‐splitting. However, no ideal material has emerged which benefit from both an attractive sunlight absorption and efficient charge transport properties. In this work, we show that decorating photoanodes with high refractive index nanoparticles such as amorphous titania can result in reduced reflection losses at the electrolyte/photoanode interface, thereby increasing the performances under illumination from the electrolyte side. A proof of concept is obtained for a bismuth vanadate photoanode including a surface catalyst and a hematite photoanode. The photocurrent density and external quantum efficiency are improved by up to 10 % upon nanoparticle decoration, quantitatively matching the decrease in reflectance. Simulations show that a similar enhancement happens when a thick bismuth vanadate photoanode with optimal charge transport properties is considered, thereby suggesting that this strategy can improve photoanodes suffering from high reflection losses regardless of the bare sample performance.
Assembly of Multiple Full‐Size Genes or Genomic DNA Fragments on Human Artificial Chromosomes Using the Iterative Integration System
Authors: Lee Nicholas C. O. , Petrov Nikolai S. , Larionov Vladimir , Kouprina Natalay 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHuman artificial chromosomes (HACs) are gene delivery vectors that have been used for decades for gene functional studies. HACs have several advantages over viral‐based gene transfer systems, including stable episomal maintenance in a single copy in the cell and the ability to carry up to megabase‐sized genomic DNA segments. We have previously developed the alphoidtetO‐HAC, which has a single gene acceptor loxP site that allows insertion of an individual gene of interest using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) hybrid cells. The HAC, along with a DNA segment of interest, can then be transferred from donor CHO cells to various recipient cells of interest via microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). Here, we detail a protocol for loading multiple genomic DNA segments or genes into the alphoidtetO‐HAC vector using an iterative integration system (IIS) that utilizes recombinases Cre, ΦC31, and ΦBT. This IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC can be used for either serially assembling genomic loci or fragments of a large gene, or for inserting multiple genes into the same artificial chromosome. The insertions are executed iteratively, whereby each round results in the insertion of a new DNA segment of interest. This is accompanied by changes of expression of marker fluorescent proteins, which simplifies screening of correct clones, and changes of selection and counterselection markers, which constitutes an error‐proofing mechanism that removes mis‐incorporated DNA segments. In addition, the IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC carrying the genes can be eliminated from the cells, offering the possibility to compare the phenotypes of human cells with and without functional copies of the genes of interest. The resulting HAC molecules may be used to investigate biomedically relevant pathways or the regulation of multiple genes, and to potentially engineer synthetic chromosomes with a specific set of genes of interest. The IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC system is expected to be beneficial in creating multiple‐gene humanized models with the purpose of understanding complex multi‐gene genetic disorders. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Integration of the first DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoidteto‐HACBasic Protocol 2: Integration of a second DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoidteto‐HACBasic Protocol 3: Integration of a third DNA segment of interest into the IIS‐alphoidteto‐HACSupport Protocol: Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for the circular IIS‐alphoidtetO‐HAC
Drug‐releasing Microspheres for Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Benwood Claire , Willerth Stephanie M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe ability of stem cells to differentiate into specialized cells make them a valuable tool for therapeutic applications. 3D bioprinting, a subset of additive manufacturing, uses bioinks composed of cells and biomaterials to create living tissues. The use of bioactive factors like small molecules and proteins can promote stem cell differentiation into the desired cell phenotypes for tissue regeneration. Small molecules can accelerate the process of regeneration in tissue engineering, maintain bioactivity in a biological environment, and minimize the costs associated with this process. Additionally, they can be encapsulated in specialized drug‐delivery devices called microspheres for controlled release. Microspheres are small (1‐1000 μm) spherical particles usually made from biodegradable and biocompatible polymers that can be loaded with drugs and other bioactive components. They can then be integrated into stem‐cell‐laden bioinks used to form bioprinted tissues, where they will release the encapsulated drug and promote differentiation of stem cells into the desired mature cell type. Microspheres can be widely used to encapsulate a broad range of therapeutic agents, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic small molecule drugs, DNA, and proteins. The release of encapsulated molecules occurs through degradation and erosion of the polymer matrix. This article provides detailed protocols for fabricating and sterilizing drug‐releasing microspheres made from poly‐ε‐caprolactone, a promising biodegradable polymer often used for controlled drug delivery due to its biocompatibility and biodegradation kinetics. Additional protocols describe characterization of the loading and size of microspheres as well as incorporation of microspheres into a fibrin‐based bioink for 3D bioprinting. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Fabrication of drug‐releasing PCL microspheresSupport Protocol 1: Preparation of microspheres for determination of encapsulation efficiency by HPLCSupport Protocol 2: Preparation of microspheres for SEM analysisBasic Protocol 2: Incorporation of microspheres into fibrin‐based bioink
Perspectives for the Upgrading of Bio‐Based Vicinal Diols within the Developing European Bioeconomy
Authors: Muzyka Claire , Monbaliu Jean‐Christophe M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe previous decade has witnessed a drastic increase of European incentives aimed at pushing forward the transition from an exclusively petro‐based economy toward a strong and homogeneous bio‐based economy. Since 2012, numerous programs have been developed to stimulate and promote research and innovation relying on sustainable and renewable resources. Terrestrial biomass is a virtually infinite reservoir of biomacromolecules, the biorefining of which provides platform molecules of low complexity yet with tremendous industrial potential. Among such bio‐based platform molecules, polyols and, more specifically, molecules featuring vicinal diols have gained tremendous interest and have stimulated an increasing research effort from the chemistry and chemical engineering communities. This Review revolves around the most promising process conditions and technologies reported since 2012 that specifically target bio‐based vicinal diols and promote their transformation into value‐added molecules of wide industrial interest, such as olefins, epoxides, cyclic carbonates, and ketals.
Iodine‐Modified Pd Catalysts Promote the Bifunctional Catalytic Synthesis of 2,5‐Hexanedione from C6 Furan Aldehydes
Authors: Tong Zhikun , Li Xiang , Zhu Jiawei , Chen Shixia , Dai Guiping , Deng Qiang , Wang Jun , Yang Weiran , Zeng Zheling , Zou Ji‐Jun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCurrently, low intimacy between hydrogenation sites and acidic sites causes unsatisfactory catalytic activity and selectivity for the synthesis of 2,5‐hexanedione from C6 furan aldehydes (5‐methylfurfural, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural). Herein, iodine(I) modification of Pd‐supported catalysts (such as PdI/Al2O3 and PdI/SiO2) was investigated to modulate the hydrogenation sites and acidic sites. Unlike Pd catalysts that produced 71.4 % yield of 2‐hydroxymethyl‐5‐methyl tetrahydrofuran via an overhydrogenation route of 5‐methylfurfural, PdI catalysts showed a high efficiency for 2,5‐hexanedione with 93.7 % yield by a hydrogenative ring‐opening route. More importantly, the selective synthesis of 2,5‐hexanedione from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural with a high yield of 50.2 % by the hydrogenolysis and subsequent ring‐opening route was reported for the first time. I‐modified Pd nanoparticles produced in‐situ hydrogen spillover, which promoted the selective C=O hydrogenation and ring‐opening steps by regulating the adsorption configuration of the reactants and the transformation of Lewis to Brønsted acidity, respectively.
A year in heart failure: an update of recent findings
Authors: Stretti Lorenzo , Zippo Dauphine , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Markus S. , von Haehling Stephan , Metra Marco , Tomasoni Daniela 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMajor changes have occurred in these last years in heart failure (HF) management. Landmark trials and the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HF have established four classes of drugs for treatment of HF with reduced ejection fraction: angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or an angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor, beta‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors, namely, dapagliflozin or empagliflozin. These drugs consistently showed benefits on mortality, HF hospitalizations, and quality of life. Correction of iron deficiency is indicated to improve symptoms and reduce HF hospitalizations. AFFIRM‐AHF showed 26% reduction in total HF hospitalizations with ferric carboxymaltose vs. placebo in patients hospitalized for acute HF (P = 0.013). The guanylate cyclase activator vericiguat and the myosin activator omecamtiv mecarbil improved outcomes in randomized placebo‐controlled trials, and vericiguat is now approved for clinical practice. Treatment of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) was a major unmet clinical need until this year when the results of EMPEROR‐Preserved (EMPagliflozin outcomE tRial in Patients With chrOnic HFpEF) were issued. Compared with placebo, empagliflozin reduced by 21% (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.69 to 0.90; P < 0.001), the primary outcome of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization. Advances in the treatment of specific phenotypes of HF, including atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, cardiac amyloidosis, and cancer‐related HF, also occurred. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic still plays a major role in HF epidemiology and management. All these aspects are highlighted in this review.
Ferrocene Rotary Switches Featuring 2‐Pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazole “Click” Chelates
Authors: Findlay James A. , Ross Daniel A. W. , Crowley James D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThree ferrocene‐based rotary switches featuring 2‐pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazole (pytri) “click” chelates have been developed. The rotors can be switched from a folded (syn) to extended (anti) conformation by the addition of [Cu(CH3CN)4](PF6) and 6,6′‐dimesityl‐2,2′‐bipyridine. This extension process could be reversed by the addition of 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) to sequester the Cu(I) ions. Disappointingly, the weakness of the pytri chelates prevented the development of an electrochemically switchable system.
Advanced microfluidic devices for fabricating multi‐structural hydrogel microsphere
Authors: Chen Zehao , Lv Zhendong , Zhang Zhen , Weitz David A. , Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Yuhui , Cui Wenguo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHydrogel microspheres are a novel functional material, arousing much attention in various fields. Microfluidics, a technology that controls and manipulates fluids at the micron scale, has emerged as a promising method for fabricating hydrogel microspheres due to its ability to generate uniform microspheres with controlled geometry. With the development of microfluidic devices, more complicated hydrogel microspheres with multiple structures can be constructed. This review presents an overview of advances in microfluidics for designing and engineering hydrogel microspheres. It starts with an introduction to the features of hydrogel microspheres and microfluidic techniques, followed by a discussion of material selection for fabricating microfluidic devices. Then the progress of microfluidic devices for single‐component and composite hydrogel microspheres is described, and the method for optimizing microfluidic devices is also given. Finally, this review discusses the key research directions and applications of microfluidics for hydrogel microsphere in the future.
Polycaprolactone usage in additive manufacturing strategies for tissue engineering applications: A review
Authors: Backes Eduardo Henrique , Harb Samarah Vargas , Beatrice Cesar Augusto Gonçalves , Shimomura Kawany Munique Boriolo , Passador Fabio Roberto , Costa Lidiane Cristina , Pessan Luiz Antonio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPolycaprolactone (PCL) has been extensively applied on tissue engineering because of its low‐melting temperature, good processability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, mechanical resistance, and relatively low cost. The advance of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in the past decade have boosted the fabrication of customized PCL products, with shorter processing time and absence of material waste. In this context, this review focuses on the use of AM techniques to produce PCL scaffolds for various tissue engineering applications, including bone, muscle, cartilage, skin, and cardiovascular tissue regeneration. The search for optimized geometry, porosity, interconnectivity, controlled degradation rate, and tailored mechanical properties are explored as a tool for enhancing PCL biocompatibility and bioactivity. In addition, rheological and thermal behavior is discussed in terms of filament and scaffold production. Finally, a roadmap for future research is outlined, including the combination of PCL struts with cell‐laden hydrogels and 4D printing.
Rhenium(VII) extraction from sulfuric aqueous solutions using ionic liquids as diluent and extractant: insights on the extraction stoichiometry and process parameters
Authors: Quijada‐Maldonado Esteban , Román Rodrigo , Merlet Gastón , Pérez Bárbara , Cabezas René , Tapia Ricardo , Olea Felipe , Villarroel Eduardo , Araya‐López Claudio , Romero Julio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDRhenium(Re) is a highly valuable metal recovered from molybdenite leach liquors by solvent extraction (SX) using toxic organic solvents. This work proposes an extracting phase free of volatile organics composed by the ionic liquid (IL) trioctylmethylammonium benzoate [TOMA][BA] as the extractant, due to its ability to extract Re(VII), and the IL 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [omim][Tf2N] as the diluent, due to its high hydrophobicity where the extraction stoichiometry and process parameters such as the initial pH, the extractant concentration in the diluent and stripping using ammonium hydroxide () and sodium hydroxide () were assessed.RESULTSThis extracting phase yielded high extraction percentages: 95% with only 3% (v/v) of [TOMA][BA] in [omim][Tf2N]. A detailed study of the SX stoichiometry was carried out through slope analysis, showing that the SX occurs in two steps: first, the extraction of acid; then, the extraction of the metal ion via anion exchange with the transfer of IL‐diluent anion to the aqueous phase. Additionally, the extracting phase was tested in a synthetic molybdenite leached pregnant leach solution, showing selectivity towards Re(VII) over Cu(II) and Fe(III) at very low extractant concentration. The stripping of Re(VII) from the loaded phase was also studied achieving 60% stripping in only one equilibrium step when using .CONCLUSIONThis novel extracting phase, free of volatile organic, shows promising Re(VII) extraction for future industrial applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A brief history of nearly EV‐erything – The rise and rise of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Couch Yvonne , Buzàs Edit I. , Di Vizio Dolores , Gho Yong Song , Harrison Paul , Hill Andrew F. , Lötvall Jan , Raposo Graça , Stahl Philip D. , Théry Clotilde , Witwer Kenneth W. , Carter David R. F. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are small cargo‐bearing vesicles released by cells into the extracellular space. The field of EVs has grown exponentially over the past two decades; this growth follows the realisation that EVs are not simply a waste disposal system as had originally been suggested by some, but also a complex cell‐to‐cell communication mechanism. Indeed, EVs have been shown to transfer functional cargo between cells and can influence several biological processes. These small biological particles are also deregulated in disease. As we approach the 75th anniversary of the first experiments in which EVs were unknowingly isolated, it seems right to take stock and look back on how the field started, and has since exploded into its current state. Here we review the early experiments, summarise key findings that have propelled the field, describe the growth of an organised EV community, discuss the current state of the field, and identify key challenges that need to be addressed.
Tissue‐derived extracellular vesicles in cancers and non‐cancer diseases: Present and future
Authors: Li Su‐Ran , Man Qi‐Wen , Gao Xin , Lin Hao , Wang Jing , Su Fu‐Chuan , Wang Han‐Qi , Bu Lin‐Lin , Liu Bing , Chen Gang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid‐bilayer membrane structures secreted by most cell types. EVs act as messengers via the horizontal transfer of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and influence various pathophysiological processes in both parent and recipient cells. Compared to EVs obtained from body fluids or cell culture supernatants, EVs isolated directly from tissues possess a number of advantages, including tissue specificity, accurate reflection of tissue microenvironment, etc., thus, attention should be paid to tissue‐derived EVs (Ti‐EVs). Ti‐EVs are present in the interstitium of tissues and play pivotal roles in intercellular communication. Moreover, Ti‐EVs provide an excellent snapshot of interactions among various cell types with a common histological background. Thus, Ti‐EVs may be used to gain insights into the development and progression of diseases. To date, extensive investigations have focused on the role of body fluid‐derived EVs or cell culture‐derived EVs; however, the number of studies on Ti‐EVs remains insufficient. Herein, we summarize the latest advances in Ti‐EVs for cancers and non‐cancer diseases. We propose the future application of Ti‐EVs in basic research and clinical practice. Workflows for Ti‐EV isolation and characterization between cancers and non‐cancer diseases are reviewed and compared. Moreover, we discuss current issues associated with Ti‐EVs and provide potential directions.
Comparative study between sorafenib and lenvatinib as the first‐line therapy in the sequential treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in a real‐world setting
Authors: Fukushima Taito , Morimoto Manabu , Ueno Makoto , Kubota Kousuke , Uojima Haruki , Hidaka Hisashi , Chuma Makoto , Numata Kazushi , Tsuruya Kota , Hirose Shunji , Kagawa Tatehiro , Hattori Nobuhiro , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Matsunaga Kotaro , Yamamoto Kouji , Tanaka Katsuaki , Maeda Shin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsThere is a paucity of comparative data on the use of sorafenib and lenvatinib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. We assessed the real‐world treatment outcomes between using sorafenib and lenvatinib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in the multiple molecular‐targeted therapy era.Methods and ResultsWe enrolled 386 patients treated with sorafenib or lenvatinib as the first‐line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma at multiple centers. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline and tumor characteristics between the two groups. Propensity score matching identified 110 patients in each treatment group. The median overall survival was similar between lenvatinib and sorafenib (14.8 and 13.0 months, respectively; P = 0.352). The median progression‐free survival was longer with lenvatinib than with sorafenib (7.6 and 3.9 months, respectively; P < 0.001). The overall response rate (P < 0.001) and disease control rate (P = 0.015), as defined by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, were significantly better with lenvatinib than with sorafenib. The median overall survival was longer in patients who received subsequent treatment than in those who did not in the sorafenib group (23.1 and 5.7 months, respectively; P < 0.001), whereas the median overall survival with or without subsequent treatment did not differ significantly in the lenvatinib group (17.8 and 14.7 months, respectively; P = 0.439).ConclusionOverall survival with sorafenib and lenvatinib was not significantly different. However, patients who received subsequent treatments had longer overall survival than those who received only first‐line treatment with sorafenib, whereas lenvatinib did not show this effect.
Compressed Sensing in Sodium Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Techniques, Applications, and Future Prospects
Authors: Chen Qingping , Shah N. Jon , Worthoff Wieland A. 
Published: December 2021

Sodium (23Na) yields the second strongest nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal in biological tissues and plays a vital role in cell physiology. Sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide insights into cell integrity and tissue viability relative to pathologies without significant anatomical alternations, and thus it is considered to be a potential surrogate biomarker that provides complementary information for standard hydrogen (1H) MRI in a noninvasive and quantitative manner. However, sodium MRI suffers from a relatively low signal‐to‐noise ratio and long acquisition times due to its relatively low NMR sensitivity. Compressed sensing‐based (CS‐based) methods have been shown to accelerate sodium imaging and/or improve sodium image quality significantly. In this manuscript, the basic concepts of CS and how CS might be applied to improve sodium MRI are described, and the historical milestones of CS‐based sodium MRI are briefly presented. Representative advanced techniques and evaluation methods are discussed in detail, followed by an expose of clinical applications in multiple anatomical regions and diseases as well as thoughts and suggestions on potential future research prospects of CS in sodium MRI.Evidence Level5Technical EfficacyStage 1