bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymph node ratio predicts efficacy of postoperative radiation therapy in nonmetastatic Merkel cell carcinoma: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Lamberti Giuseppe , Andrini Elisa , Siepe Giambattista , Mosconi Cristina , Ambrosini Valentina , Ricci Claudio , Marchese Paola Valeria , Ricco Gianluca , Casadei Riccardo , Campana Davide 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAfter radical resection of a nonmetastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (M0 MCC), postoperative radiation therapy (RT) is recommended as it improves survival. However, the role of RT in specific subgroups of M0 MCC is unclear. We sought to identify whether there is a differential survival benefit from RT in specific M0 MCC patient subgroups.MethodsM0 MCC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database registry were collected. The best prognostic age, tumor size, and lymph node ratio (LNR, ratio between positive lymph nodes and resected lymph nodes) cutoffs were calculated. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 5644 M0 MCC patients (median age 77 years, 62% male) were included: 4022 (71%) node‐negative (N0) and 1551 (28%) node‐positive (N+). Overall, 2682 patients (48%) received RT. Age > 76.5 years, tumor size >13.5 mm, and LNR >0.215 were associated with worse OS. RT was associated with longer OS in the M0 MCC, N0, and N+ group and independently associated with a 25%, 27%, and 26% reduction in the risk for death, respectively. RT benefit on survival was increased in tumor size >13.5 mm in the N0 group and LNR >0.215 in the N+ group. No OS benefit from RT was observed in T4 tumors (N0 and N+ groups).ConclusionsRT was associated with improved survival in M0 MCC, irrespective of the nodal status. LNR >0.215 is a useful prognostic factor for clinical decision‐making and for stratification and interpretation of clinical trials.
Isolation, Structural Analysis and Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of a Polysaccharide from Ilex cornuta Fruits
Authors: Cui Mingxiao , Tian Junya , Sun Jun , Li Xinyuan , Xu Qiaohong , Ma Jian , Liu Kehai , Liu Kewu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the present study, a polysaccharide from Ilex cornuta fruits (LCFP‐3) was obtained by hot water extraction, Diethyaminoethyl cellulose‐52 (DEAE‐52) chromatography column and Sephadex G‐100 gel column purification. Its structural characteristics were further explored using high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC), gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed LCFP‐3 contained mainly Galactose (31.92 %), Arabinose (25.87 %) and Galacturonic acid (23.35 %) while small percentage of Rhamnose, Glucose, Mannose and Xylose. Chemical composition analysis showed that the total sugar content of LCFP‐3 was 90.31 % and the protein content was 0.246 %. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis showed that its average molecular weight was 41.199 kDa. Structural analysis showed that LCFP‐3 may be composed of residues, T‐α‐Arap, T‐α‐Rhap, 1,3‐α‐Arap, 1,4‐α‐Arap, T‐β‐Galp, 1,4‐α‐GalpA(OMe), 1,4‐β‐Glcp, 1,3‐β‐Galp, 1,3,6‐β‐Manp, 1,6‐β‐Galp, 1,3,4‐β‐GalpA, 1,4,6‐β‐Manp, 1,3,6‐β‐Glcp, 1,2,3,4‐α‐Xylp. The anti‐inflammatory activity of LCFP‐3 was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW246.7 macrophages. The results showed that 1–200 μg/mL LCFP‐3 could dose‐dependently protect against LPS‐induced toxicity and 1 μg/mL LCFP‐3 could significantly inhibit LPS‐induced NO production. Therefore, LCFP‐3 exerted an anti‐inflammatory activity and has great potential as a functional ingredient.
Essential Oils from Different Myrtaceae Species from Brazilian Atlantic Forest Biome – Chemical Dereplication and Evaluation of Antitrypanosomal Activity
Authors: Silva Maiolini Tatiane Cristina , Rosa Welton , de Oliveira Miranda Daniel , Costa‐Silva Thais A. , Tempone Andre G. , Pires Bueno Paula Carolina , Ferreira Dias Danielle , Aparecida Chagas de Paula Daniela , Sartorelli Patricia , Lago João Henrique G. , Gomes Soares Marisi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractChagas Disease (CD), caused by flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) that affect approximately seven million people worldwide with a restrict therapeutical arsenal. In the present study, the essential oils from 18 Myrtaceae species were extracted, chemically dereplicated, and evaluated in vitro against T. cruzi. From these, eight essential oils were considered promising (IC50<10 μg/mL and SI>10) against the protozoan: Eugenia florida, E. acutata, E. widgrenii, Calyptranthes brasilienses, C. widgreniana, Plinia cauliflora, Campomanesia xanthocarpa, and Psidium guajava. Multivariate data analysis pointed out (E)‐caryophyllene, α‐humulene, limonene, caryophyllene oxide, and α‐copaene playing an important role in the anti‐T. cruzi activity. The obtained results demonstrated the potential of essential oils of Myrtaceae species as valuable sources of bioactive compounds against T. cruzi.
Simultaneous proteasome and autophagy inhibition synergistically enhances cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in breast cancer cells
Authors: Loh Jian Sheng , Rahim Nusaibah Abdul , Tor Yin Sim , Foo Jhi Biau 
Published: April 2022

AbstractUbiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are interconnected proteolysis pathways implicated in doxorubicin resistance of breast cancer cells. Following anticancer treatments, autophagy either plays a cytoprotective role or augments treatment‐induced cytotoxicity. However, the role of autophagy in breast cancer cells cotreated with doxorubicin and ixazomib remains unclear. The expression of autophagy proteins (LC3A/B and Beclin‐1) and UPS protein (ubiquitin) in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells following doxorubicin, ixazomib, and/or hydroxychloroquine were determined by western blot. The combinatorial effects and combination index (CI) of triple‐combination were determined by cell viability assay and CompuSyn software, respectively. Doxorubicin and ixazomib cotreatment increased Beclin‐1 (3.8‐ and 3.5‐fold) and LC3‐II expression (13.5‐ and 1.9‐fold) in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells, respectively. Adding lysosomal inhibitor hydroxychloroquine to doxorubicin and ixazomib further increased LC3‐II expression to 45.0‐ and 16.5‐fold in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells, respectively, confirming autophagy induction. The triple‐combination synergistically inhibited cell growth, achieving CI 0.672 and 0.157 in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells, respectively. The triple‐combination also induced ubiquitinated proteins accumulation (2.5‐fold and 3.0‐fold) in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells, respectively. These results suggest that the autophagy induced by doxorubicin and ixazomib cotreatment serves cytoprotective role in breast cancer cells. Simultaneous UPS and autophagy inhibition synergistically enhanced doxorubicin‐mediated cytotoxicity.
Case series of closure devices complications
Authors: Chami Tarek , Janus Scott E. , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Li Jun 
Published: April 2022

AbstractVascular closure devices (VCD) are effective at achieving hemostasis. VCD failure is attributed to underlying arterial disease, leading to a hazardous situation for obtaining contralateral femoral access. Radial‐to‐peripheral (R2P) access has emerged as a safe option to rescue these procedural complications. Here, we present two cases of VCD failure rescue utilizing R2P and outline this approach step‐by‐step.
Novel Fe‐modified CeO2 Nanorod Catalyst for the Dimethyl Carbonate Formation from CO2 and Methanol
Authors: Luo Mingsheng , Qin Tong , Liu Qinglong , Yang Zhi , Wang Fengli , Li Hong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA series of Fe‐modified CeO2 catalysts with nanoparticle, nanorod, nanocube and nano‐octahedron morphologies were synthesized and applied for direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and methanol. The Fe‐modification shows a remarkably promoting effect on the formation of DMC over Fe‐modified CeO2 nanorod. The DMC yield was improved from 0.202 to 2.568 mmol DMC per gcat by 2 %Fe‐modification of CeO2 nanorod. A synergistic effect among the moderate acid‐basic sites, specific surface area and surface composition resulted from Fe‐modification was proposed to be crucial to obtaining the high reactivity of DMC formation.
Fluorinated Ether‐Based Electrolyte for Supercapacitors with Increased Working Voltage and Suppressed Self‐discharge
Authors: Yao Jing , Shi Mingwei , Li Wenshi , Han Qiankun , Wu Maosheng , Yang Wei , Wang Engui , Lu Xianmao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe application of supercapacitors for long‐term energy storage is largely limited by their low energy density and self‐discharge behavior. Finding a way to effectively increase the voltage window (and thus the energy density) and suppress the self‐discharge of supercapacitors is a huge research challenge. Herein, by introducing a fluorinated ether, 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE), in triethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate/acetonitrile solution as the electrolyte of supercapacitors, improved electrolyte stability could be achieved. As a result, a working voltage of 3.6 V was obtained, much higher than the typical working voltage of 2.7 V for acetonitrile‐based electrolytes without TTE. In addition, reduced self‐discharge was attained after adding TTE in the electrolyte. When charged to 3.6 V, the supercapacitors using TTE‐based electrolyte exhibited an open circuit voltage (OCV) decay of 2.03 V after 24 h, lower than that of the supercapacitors without TTE (2.60 V). Mechanistic analysis indicated that the slower self‐discharge could be attributed to the suppressed activation‐controlled faradaic reaction process caused by electrolyte decomposition.
Unravelling Temperature Ramping Rates in Fabricating NaCl‐Induced Porous Co/N‐C Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Sun Junting , Jin Jiaxiang , Chang Yatao , Wang Jing , Zhang Qindong , Guo Junjie 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPyrolysis is a necessary procedure for synthesizing carbon‐based nonprecious metal electrocatalysts via stimulating interaction and carbonization of precursors. In this work, ramping rates that correlated with thermal gradient has been investigated to reveal the configuration evolution of the precursors. Spectra characterizations demonstrated that ramping rates affected decomposition and aromatization of precursors. Increasing ramping rates improved the percentage of doped nitrogen and defects, promoting dispersion of Co atoms in the carbonaceous matrix and increasing density of active sties. In addition, the size variation of NaCl template under different ramping rates modifies the porous structure of Co/N−C electrocatalysts, greatly increasing the percentage of macropores and micropores at rapid ramping rates. As a result, electrocatalysts obtained at 5 °C min−1 exhibit comparable catalytic activity to that of Pt/C due to highly dispersed active sites and rational percentage of porosity, facilitating the sufficient reaction of oxygen along the catalysts. These results shed lights on regulating physical properties of carbonaceous electrocatalysts.
Progress and perspectives on electrospinning techniques for solid‐state lithium batteries
Authors: Lei Wen , Li Heng , Tang Yuxin , Shao Huaiyu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes (SSEs), being the key component of solid‐state lithium batteries, have a significant impact on battery performance. Rational materials structure and composition engineering on SSEs are promising to improve their Li+ conductivity, interfacial contact, and mechanical integrity. Among the fabrication approaches, the electrospinning technique has attracted tremendous attention due to its own merits in constructing a three‐dimensional framework of SSEs with precise porosity structure, tunable materials composition, easy operation, and superior physicochemical properties. To this end, in this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent development of electrospinning techniques for high‐performance SSEs. Firstly, we introduce the historical development of SSEs and summarize the fundamentals, including the Li+ transport mechanism and materials selection principle. Then, the versatility of electrospinning technologies in the construction of the three main types of SSEs and stabilization of lithium metal anodes is comprehensively discussed. Finally, a perspective on future research directions based on previous work is highlighted for developing high‐performance solid‐state lithium batteries based on electrospinning techniques.
Robustness analysis of chemical process systems based on complex network non‐linear load capacity model
Authors: Dong Ran , Wang Zheng , Liu Ruijie , Li Huapeng , Jia Xiaoping , Wang Fang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the complex network of chemical process systems, if a node fails, it may trigger cascading failures and affect normal operation. To enhance the ability of chemical process systems to maintain normal operation after the cascading failure, this paper presents cascading failure modelling and robustness analysis of chemical process systems based on the complex network non‐linear load capacity model. First, based on complex network theory, a complex network model of the chemical process is constructed; then, three cascading failure models are constructed using a combination of linear and non‐linear load capacity models and initial load and initial residual capacity redistribution strategies; and finally, the nodes with the maximum node degree are deliberately attacked to analyze the robustness of the chemical process system in response to cascading failure. The case study shows that the proposed models are valid and feasible, and the robustness of the chemical process system is enhanced as the load and capacity parameters are increased. By reasonably setting the initial load and adjusting the model parameters, the robustness can be effectively improved, providing a theoretical reference for improving the robustness of the actual chemical process system in response to cascading failure.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Synthesis of Vinylene Linked Two Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Bin Bai , Ren Xiao‐Rui , Wang Dong , Wan Li‐Jun 
Published: April 2022

Comprehensive SummaryVinylene linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have drawn extensive attention due to their desirable stability, carbon conjugation and opto‐electronic properties. Suitable catalyst is a key factor in the synthesis of vinylene linked COFs, and proton acids and bases are widely reported as catalysts so far. Herein, we report the synthesis of vinylene linked COFs using Lewis acid ZnCl2 as catalyst for the first time. Four COFs with hexagonal pores of different sizes are synthesized by the reaction of 2,4,6‐trimethyl triazine and a series of aromatic aldehydes.
Spatial analysis of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in histological sections using deep learning techniques predicts survival in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Xu Hongming , Cha Yoon Jin , Clemenceau Jean R , Choi Jinhwan , Lee Sung Hak , Kang Jeonghyun , Hwang Tae Hyun 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the prognostic impact of spatial distribution of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) quantified by deep learning (DL) approaches based on digitalized whole‐slide images stained with hematoxylin and eosin in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The prognostic impact of spatial distributions of TILs in patients with CRC was explored in the Yonsei cohort (n = 180) and validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 268). Two experienced pathologists manually measured TILs at the most invasive margin (IM) as 0–3 by the Klintrup–Mäkinen (KM) grading method and this was compared to DL approaches. Inter‐rater agreement for TILs was measured using Cohen's kappa coefficient. On multivariate analysis of spatial TIL features derived by DL approaches and clinicopathological variables including tumor stage, microsatellite instability, and KRAS mutation, TIL densities within 200 μm of the IM (f_im200) remained the most significant prognostic factor for progression‐free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.004 [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.0001–0.15], p = 0.0028) in the Yonsei cohort. On multivariate analysis using the TCGA dataset, f_im200 retained prognostic significance for PFS (HR 0.031 [95% CI 0.001–0.645], p = 0.024). Inter‐rater agreement of manual KM grading was insignificant in the Yonsei (κ = 0.109) and the TCGA (κ = 0.121) cohorts. The survival analysis based on KM grading showed statistically significant different PFS in the TCGA cohort, but not the Yonsei cohort. Automatic quantification of TILs at the IM based on DL approaches shows prognostic utility to predict PFS, and could provide robust and reproducible TIL density measurement in patients with CRC.
A coupled computational framework for bone fracture healing and long‐term remodelling: Investigating the role of internal fixation on bone fractures
Authors: Quinn Conall , Kopp Alexander , Vaughan Ted J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this study, a coupled computational modelling framework for bone fracture repair is presented that enables predictions of both healing and remodelling phases of the fracture region and is used to investigate the role of an internal fixation plate on the long‐term healing performance of a fracture tibia under a range of different conditions. It was found that introduction of a titanium plate allowed the tibia to undergo successful healing at higher loading conditions and fracture gaps, compared with the non‐plated versions. While these plated cases showed faster rates of repair in the healing phase, their performance was substantially different once they entered the remodelling phase, with substantial regions of stress shielding predicted. This framework is one of the few implementations of both fracture healing and remodelling phases of bone repair and includes several innovative approaches to smoothing, time‐averaging and time incrementation in its implementation, thereby avoiding any unwanted abrupt changes between tissue phenotypes. This provides a better representation of tissue development in the fracture site when compared with fracture healing models alone and provides a suitable platform to investigate the long‐term performance of orthopaedic fixation devices. This would enable the more effective design of permanent fixation devices and optimisation of the spatial and temporal performance of bioabsorbable implants.
A novel EHD1/CD44/Hippo/SP1 positive feedback loop potentiates stemness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yuechao , Song Yang , Cao Mengru , Fan Weina , Cui Yaowen , Cui Yimeng , Zhan Yuning , Gu Ruixue , Tian Fanglin , Zhang Shuai , Cai Li , Xing Ying 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing evidence that endocytosis plays a pivotal role in cancer metastasis. In this study, we first identified endocytic and metastasis‐associated genes (EMGs) and then investigated the biological functions and mechanisms of EMGs.MethodsCancer stem cells (CSCs)‐like characteristics were evaluated by tumour limiting dilution assays, three‐dimensional (3D) spheroid cancer models. Microarray analysis was used to identify the pathways significantly regulated by mammalian Eps15 homology domain protein 1 (EHD1) knockdown. Mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify EHD1‐interacting proteins. The function of EHD1 as a regulator of cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) endocytic recycling and lysosomal degradation was determined by CD44 biotinylation and recycling assays.ResultsEHD1 was identified as a significant EMG. Knockdown of EHD1 suppressed CSCs‐like characteristics, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells by increasing Hippo kinase cascade activation. Conversely, EHD1 overexpression inhibited the Hippo pathway to promote cancer stemness and metastasis. Notably, utilising MS analysis, the CD44 protein was identified as a potential binding partner of EHD1. Furthermore, EHD1 enhanced CD44 recycling and stability. Indeed, silencing of CD44 or disruption of the EHD1/CD44 interaction enhanced Hippo pathway activity and reduced CSCs‐like traits, EMT and metastasis. Interestingly, specificity protein 1 (SP1), a known downstream target gene of the Hippo‐TEA‐domain family members 1 (TEAD1) pathway, was found to directly bind to the EHD1 promoter region and induce its expression. Among clinical specimens, the EHD1 expression level in LUAD tissues of metastatic patients was higher than that of non‐metastatic patients.ConclusionsOur findings emphasise that EHD1 might be a potent anti‐metastatic target and present a novel regulatory mechanism by which the EHD1/CD44/Hippo/SP1 positive feedback circuit plays pivotal roles in coupling modules of CSCs‐like properties and EMT in LUAD. Targeting this loop may serve as a remedy for patients with advanced metastatic LUAD.
Cutaneous cancers in the Africans: Systematic review
Authors: Ayanlowo Olusola O. , Adegbulu Abigail A. , Cole‐Adeife Olufolakemi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionSkin cancers are uncommon in Africans and dark‐skinned people but when diagnosed they often have a poor prognosis. Darker skin has increased photoprotection against the high‐intensity ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of the tropics and the subtropics due to high eumelanin content. While UVR has been found to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous malignancies in Caucasians, it is of less significance in Africans.AimThis study aims to highlight the burden of cutaneous cancers in Africans, the predisposing factors, clinical features, and management challenges.MethodologyThis is a systematic review of literature on skin cancers in Africans. The search included PubMed, African Journal online, Medline, and Google scholar on articles published between January 1968 and December 2017 (a 50‐year period). Reports from institutions, pathology departments, skin clinics, cancer registries, and databases were reviewed. Articles were excluded if they do not specify types of skin cancers and frequencies of occurrence.ResultSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most documented skin cancer in Sub‐Saharan African countries with darker skin color; and BCC in North African countries with lighter skin color. The highest frequency of cutaneous melanoma was documented in Tanzania. Cancer registries in Uganda and Zimbabwe reported very high prevalence of KS. Albinism is the most common genetic predisposition for cutaneous cancers in Africans. There has been a general increase in the prevalence of skin cancers with the advent of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Africans with albinism present mostly with aggressive, invasive, and multiple SCC. Pigmented BCC and acral lentiginous melanoma were mostly documented in the dark skinned Africans. Management is mostly hindered by high cost and poor infrastructures.ConclusionSquamous cell carcinoma, BCC, and cutaneous melanoma were the most documented skin cancers. Oculocutaneous albinism, immune suppression (HIV), and oncogenic viruses were important risk factors for skin cancers in Africans. Public health strategies such as skin cancer screening programs for susceptible groups; training of health care workers and infrastructure development will help reduce severity.