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In van der Waals magnets, the interplay between magneto‐excitonic coupling and optical phenomena opens avenues for directly probing magnetic ordering structures, manipulating excitonic properties through magnetic fields, and exploring quantum entanglement between electronic and magnetic states. Notably, NiPS3 stands out for its capacity to host spin‐entangled excitons, where the excitonic states are intricately tied with the material's spin configuration. Herein, it is experimentally showcased that the spin‐entangled excitons can be utilized for detecting the magnetic easy axis in Ni1‐xMnxPS3 (x = 0–0.1). The end members of this series exhibit distinct magnetic ordering patterns and easy axes: zigzag ordering with magnetic moments aligned along the a‐axis for NiPS3 versus Néel ordering with the out‐of‐plane easy axis for MnPS3. By combining angle‐resolved exciton photoluminescence with magnetic susceptibility measurements, it is observed that the magnetic easy axis rotates away from the local spin chain direction with increasing Mn content. Moreover, through a comprehensive thermal and substitution study, it is demonstrated that the energy and lifetime of spin‐entangled excitons are governed by two spin‐flip processes and are drastically influenced by disparate electronic states. These findings not only provide optical means to map out magnetic ordering structures but also offer insights into decoherence processes in spin‐exciton entangled states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Biological aspect and clinical research demonstrated that dual‐frequency ultrasound (local dynamic micro‐massage, LDM) waves of very high frequency can significantly modify cellular signaling providing anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic effects. During the recent past, these waves were successfully applied for the treatment of various inflammatory skin conditions, hypertrophic scars, and chronical wounds. Since the main complications after rhinoseptoplasty are caused by excessive inflammatory reactions and development of fibrosis along nasal implants which can lead to a revision rhinoseptoplasty, in this retrospective multicenter blinded study we have evaluated the efficacy of LDM ultrasound for the treatment of the postoperative perilesional ecchymosis and edema in patients after rhinoseptoplasty. Methods: Twenty‐four patients received daily LDM treatment (study group) for 5 days starting from the first day postoperative, whereas 24 patients (control group) were treated with conventional ice packs. Dynamic reduction of the postoperative perilesional ecchymosis and edema was followed up, and the total duration of these side effects was determined within specific paranasal anatomical areas. Results: Post‐rhinoseptoplasty ecchymosis and edema were observed in the areas of anterior cheek, lower eyelids, and upper eyelids. Duration of the postoperative perilesional edema was significantly reduced in the group treated with LDM (1.9 ± 0.9 days) compared with control group (4.5 ± 2.1 days). Duration of the ecchymosis was also significantly reduced in LDM group (2.8 ± 1.4 days) compared with controls (7.4 ± 2.8 days). Postoperative patient satisfaction in LDM‐treated and control groups was 3.1 ± 1.3 and 1.5 ± 0.7, respectively, demonstrating significantly higher satisfaction in LDM‐treated group. Conclusions: This study proved that the post‐rhinoseptoplasty group treated with LDM ultrasound showed a significantly shorter duration of the postsurgical perilesional ecchymosis and edema, with no substantial adverse effects other than those observed in the control group. It can be suggested that ultrasound treatment can serve as an alternative option for the noninvasive management of postoperative perilesional ecchymosis and edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the intrinsic inefficiency of the von Neumann architecture, neuromorphic devices that perform analog vector–matrix multiplication have been highlighted for achieving power‐ and time‐efficient data processing. In particular, artificial synapses, of which conductance should be programmed to represent the synaptic weights of the artificial neural network, have been intensively researched to realize neuromorphic devices. Here, inspired by excitatory and inhibitory synapses, we develop an artificial optoelectronic synapse that shows both potentiation and depression characteristics triggered only by optical inputs. The design of the artificial optoelectronic synapse, in which excitatory and inhibitory synaptic phototransistors are serially connected, enables these characteristics by spatiotemporally irradiating the phototransistor channels with optical pulses. Furthermore, a negative synaptic weight can be realized without the need for electronic components such as comparators. With such attributes, the artificial optoelectronic synapse is demonstrated to classify three digits with a high recognition rate (98.3%) and perform image preprocessing via analog vector–matrix multiplication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crack propagation has been extensively spotlighted as a main reason for the degradation of secondary‐particle‐type active materials, including LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2 (NMC). Numerous experimental analyses and 3D‐modeling‐based investigations have been conducted to unravel this complicated phenomenon, especially for nickel‐rich NMCs, which experience substantial crack propagation during high‐voltage, high‐temperature, or high‐depth‐of‐discharge operations. To fundamentally clarify this unavoidable degradation factor and permit its suppression, a digital‐twin‐guided electro–chemo–mechanical (ECM) model of a single few‐micrometer‐sized LiNi0.7Mn0.15Co0.15O2 (NMC711) particle is developed in this study using a 3D reconstruction technique. Because the digital twin technique replicates a real pore‐containing NMC711 secondary particle, this digital‐twin electrochemical model simulates voltage profiles even at 8C‐rate within an error of 0.48% by fitting two key parameters: diffusion coefficient and exchange current density. The digital‐twin‐based ECM model is developed based on the verified electrochemical parameters and mechanical properties such as lithium‐induced strain from axis lattice parameters and stress–strain curve measured by nanoindentation. Using this model, the electrochemical‐reaction‐induced mechanical properties including strain, stress, and strain energy density are also visualized in operando in a single NMC711 particle. Finally, the advanced operando ECM analysis allows for the diagnosis of crack formation, highlighting the effectiveness of this platform in elucidating crack formation in active materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbon is considered an attractive host material for high‐energy sulfur electrodes. This study concerns the design of a porous carbon‐based sulfur electrode for the formulation of high‐energy Li−S batteries. The porous carbon is impregnated with up to 80 vol.% of sulfur and a reduction in both the conductive agent and binder content. Therefore, less solvent can be used during slurry casting to inhibit crack formation following electrode drying. In addition, the utilization of two distinct electrically conducting networks enables reduced battery polarization, resulting in a battery with a capacity of 690 mAh g−1 (even after 100 cycles). Finally, pouch cells are prepared to characterize the practical performance of the optimized cathode. This yields a capacity of 741 mAh and a cathode energy density of 1001 Wh kg−1. These findings are expected to guide the further development of high‐energy‐density cathode materials for Li−S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate poor contact issues between electrolyte/electrode materials interfaces of all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSB), we newly introduce a novel solution‐processed synthesis that exploits the differences in the boiling point and polarity of the two solvents (i. e., methanol, and toluene), with a cavitation effect by bubbling inert gas. Through this process, called solvent exchange with bubbles (SEB), the Li6PS5Cl solid electrolyte is synthesized with a particle size below 800 nm and sufficient ionic conductivity of 1.54 mS/cm at 25 °C. In addition, the ASSB cell consisting of the cathode electrode with Li6PS5Cl synthesized by the SEB exhibited a high capacity of 176 mAh/g at 0.1 C (55 °C) owing to the improved contact between the electrode and solid electrolyte. In particular, the rate capability of the cell is superior to that of a cell with Li6PS5Cl prepared by ball milling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In a prospective, explorative study, the donor‐source difference of haploidentical family (HF), matched sibling (MS), and unrelated donors (UD) was evaluated for the outcome of haematopoietic cell transplantations (HCT) in 101 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in complete remission (CR). To eliminate compounding effects, a uniform conditioning regimen containing antithymocyte globulin (ATG) was used. After transplantation, there was a significantly higher cumulative incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in HF‐HCT patients (49%, 7%, and 16% for HF‐, MS‐ and UD‐HCT respectively; p < 0.001). A quarter of acute GVHD cases observed in HF‐HCT patients occurred within three days of engraftment and were characterized by diffuse skin rash, fever, weight gain, and hypoalbuminaemia. This peri‐engraftment acute GVHD was not observed in MS‐HCT or UD‐HCT patients. Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of HF‐HCT patients achieved complete donor chimaerism in the peripheral mononuclear cells at one month (88%, 46%, and 69% for HF‐, MS‐ and UD‐HCT respectively; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in engraftment, chronic GVHD, leukaemia recurrence, non‐relapse mortality, and patient survival. In patients with AML in CR who received HCT using ATG‐containing conditioning, stronger donor–patient alloreactivity was observed in HF‐HCT, in terms of increased acute GVHD and higher likelihood of complete donor chimaerism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the level of neuroscience research is rapidly developing with the introduction of new technologies, the method of neuroanatomy education remains at the traditional level and requires improvement to meet the needs of educators and trainees. We developed a new three‐dimensional (3D) printed device (human brain‐cutting mold, HBCM) for creating human brain slices; moreover, we demonstrated a simple method for creating semi‐permanent ultraviolet (UV) resin‐mounted brain slice specimens for neuroanatomy education. We obtained brain slices of uniform thickness (3 mm) through the HBCM; the resultant brain slices were optimal for assessing morphological details of the human brain. Furthermore, we used an agar‐embedding method for brain‐slicing with the HBCM, which minimized geometrical distortions of the brain slices. Also, we prepared semi‐permanent brain serial specimens using an acrylic brain slice frame and UV‐curable resin, which was highly compatible with moist bio‐specimens. During UV resin curing, neither air bubble formation nor color change occurred. The resultant UV resin‐mounted brain slices produced definite coronal sections with high transparency and morphological accuracy. We also performed 3D modeling by stacking brain slice images that differentiated the cortical area and nine subcortical regions via manual segmentation. This method could be a reliable alternative for displaying high‐quality human brain slices and would be helpful for students and trainee to understand anatomical orientation from 2D images to 3D structures. Also, this may present an innovative approach for preparing and preserving coronal sections of the normal or pathological human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low‐dose azacitidine (AZA) regimens, primarily 5‐day AZA, have been used in lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LrMDS) but they have yet to be directly compared to the standard 7‐day, uninterrupted dosing schedule. Method: In this phase 2, multicenter, randomized trial, 55 patients with adult LrMDS (low and intermediate‐1 risk by international prognostic scoring system [IPSS]) were randomly assigned and received either 5‐day (n = 26) or 7‐day (n = 29) AZA between March 2012 and August 2020. The trial was stopped prematurely because of the slow accrual of patients. The primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR) of the 5‐day AZA as compared to that of the 7‐day regimen. Results: Median patient age was 59 years, and IPSS intermediate‐1 risk comprised the majority (81.8%). The median number of cycles in both arms was six. In the ITT subset (n = 53), in each of the 5‐day and 7‐day arms, the ORR of 48.0% and 39.3%, hematologic improvement of 44.0% and 39.3%, and RBC transfusion independence of 35.3% and 40.0% were observed respectively, and none of these findings were significantly different between the two arms. A cytogenetic response rate was significantly higher in the 7‐day arm (8.3% and 53.8%, p =.027). Survival and adverse events were similar between the groups, although gastrointestinal toxicities, grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, and febrile neutropenia were less frequent in the 5‐day arm. Conclusion: The 5‐day AZA in LrMDS showed comparable efficacy to a 7‐day regimen in terms of similar overall response and other outcomes, despite significantly higher rates of cytogenetic responses in the 7‐day regimen. Lay summary: Azacitidine (75 mg/m2/day for 7 consecutive days per 28‐day cycle) has shown survival benefit in patients with higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).Although the use of azacitidine is less‐well studied for lower risk MDS, it is generally accepted as a feasible option for lower risk MDS (LrMDS). Low‐dose regimens, primarily 5‐day regimens, have been used in lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LrMDS) but have yet to be directly compared to the 7‐day standard schedule. This study prospectively compared the efficacy of 5‐day versus 7‐day azacitidine in LrMDS and found the 5‐day azacitidine showed similar overall response compared to a 7‐day regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) is characterized by persistent cytopenias with genetic aberrations, which do not meet the diagnostic criteria for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We aimed to compare the clinical and genetic characteristics of CCUS with lower‐risk MDS and identify patients with CCUS with a high risk of progression. We performed targeted sequencing of bone marrow (BM) samples from patients with idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS) (n = 139) and MDS (n = 226). Overall survival (OS) of patients with CCUS (n = 78) was worse than non‐clonal ICUS (n = 61) and superior to lower‐risk MDS (n = 99). Patients with CCUS showed similar characteristics to those with lower‐risk MDS, except for higher haemoglobin, lower BM cellularity, and less frequent SF3B1 mutations. Lower haemoglobin, DDX41 (biallelic germline and somatic), ETV6, and RUNX1 mutations were independent prognostic factors for worse OS. Lower haemoglobin and DDX41 mutations were also associated with lower progression‐free survival. Patients with CCUS with high‐risk features showed similar or worse OS than patients with lower‐risk MDS. Our findings suggest that patients with CCUS having certain clinical or genetic features should be regarded and treated as lower‐risk MDS despite lacking significant dysplasia or MDS‐associated chromosomal abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This retrospective chart review examined real‐world healthcare resource utilization (HRU) in patients with AML ineligible for intensive therapy who received first‐line systemic therapy or best supportive care (BSC). Methods: Data were collected anonymously on patients with AML who initiated first‐line hypomethylating agents (HMA), low‐dose cytarabine (LDAC), other systemic therapy, or BSC. HRU endpoints included hospitalizations, outpatient consultations, transfusions, and supportive care. Results: Of 1762 patients included, 46% received HMA, 11% received LDAC, 17% received other systemic therapy, 26% received BSC; median treatment durations were 118, 35, 33, and 57 days, respectively. Most patients were hospitalized, most commonly for treatment administration, transfusion, or infection (HMA 82%, LDAC 93%, other systemic therapy 83%, BSC 83%). A median number of hospitalizations were 2–6 across systemic groups and two for BSC, with median durations of 8–18 days. Transfusion rates and outpatient consultations were highest for HMA (80% and 79%) versus LDAC (57% and 53%), other systemic therapy (57% and 63%), and BSC (71% and 66%). Antivirals/antibiotics and antifungals were used more frequently than growth factors (72–92%, 34–63%, and 7–27%, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with AML ineligible for intensive therapy have high HRU; novel therapies are needed to alleviate this burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

m6A RNA methyltransferase (METTL3‐14) catalyzes the methylation of adenosine in mRNA and plays important roles in mRNA functions, and it has been implicated in the progression of multiple cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we describe the discovery of the first allosteric inhibitor of the METTL3‐14 complex based on structure–activity relationship (SAR) and optimization studies of the hit compound, 4‐[2‐[5‐chloro‐1‐(diphenylmethyl)‐2‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl]‐ethoxy]benzoic acid (CDIBA). Compound 43n was optimized throughout the modifications of 4 different regions of the structure, and it displayed potent enzyme inhibitory activity of the METTL3‐14 complex (IC50 = 2.81 μM) and an antiproliferative effect in the AML cell lines by suppressing the m6A level of mRNA. The inhibition mechanism and binding mode of 43n were based on the interaction of the reversible and noncompetitive inhibitory profile at the allosteric site along with selectivity for the METTL3‐14 complex relative to each subunit enzyme or truncated complex enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: clinical trial; survival; multiple myeloma EN clinical trial survival multiple myeloma 1117 1120 4 02/14/22 20220215 NES 220215 Over recent decades, several new agents with distinct mechanism of action, such as immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, have been developed in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM).1 In addition, cellular immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells or natural killer cells was recently developed for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM).2 Clinical trials are necessary to demonstrate the efficacies of these new drugs, thus creating increased opportunities for patient participation. In patients with ISS III, participants in clinical trials had significantly better OS, compared with patients who did not participate in clinical trials (119-5 vs. 41-7 months, I P i = 0-010, Fig 1D). [Extracted from the article]

Background and objectives: There are limited data in real clinical practice on the diagnostic value of a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid galactomannan (GM) assay in patients with suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) who had negative serum GM results. Thus, we investigated the diagnostic performance of a BAL GM assay in patients with negative serum GM assay results who were suspected to have IPA. Methods: This retrospective study was performed between May 2008 and April 2019 at a tertiary‐care hospital in Seoul, South Korea. All patients with suspected IPA whose serum GM assays revealed negative results who sequentially underwent BAL were enrolled in this study. Results: A total of 341 patients with suspected IPA including four cases of proven IPA, 38 cases of probable IPA, 107 cases of possible IPA and 192 patients without IPA were enrolled. Of these 341 patients, 107 (31%) with possible IPA were excluded from the final analysis. Of 42 patients with proven and probable IPA who had initial negative serum GM results, 24 (57%) had positive BAL GM results (n = 24) or BAL fungal culture results (n = 8). In addition, BAL revealed evidence of other opportunistic infections including Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (14% [26/190]), cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia (5% [9/188]) and respiratory viral pneumonia (6% [12/193]). Conclusion: Sequential BAL in patients with suspected IPA who had initial negative serum GM results provided additional diagnostic yield in approximately half of patients with evidence of another co‐infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) treatment involves the haemostatic treatment for acute haemorrhage and immunosuppressive therapy (IST) to eradicate FVIII inhibitory antibodies. Aim: We assessed the clinical features of AHA and analysed treatment outcomes in Korea. We further identified prognostic factors affecting treatment outcomes. Methods: Medical records of 55 patients with AHA from 18 institutions were reviewed retrospectively. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to elucidate clinical factors affecting the achievement of complete remission (CR). The primary endpoint was time to CR after IST, and secondary endpoints were time to haemostasis, the achievement of CR, and overall survival (OS). Results: Among the 55 patients, 50 (91%) had bleeding symptoms. Bleeding was severe in 74% of patients. Thirty‐six (72%) patients received haemostatic therapy. Of the 42 patients who received IST, 23 (52%) received steroid alone, with a 52% response rate, and 10 (25%) received a combination of steroid and cyclophosphamide, with an 83% response rate. Five (16%) patients relapsed after a median duration of 220 days. There were eight deaths. In the Cox regression analysis, the FVIII inhibitor titre ≥ 20 BU/mL was the only significant prognostic factor affecting time to CR and haemostasis. No significant difference was observed in OS based on the inhibitor titre. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the demographic data of AHA in Korea and showed that FVIII inhibitory antibody titre was a predictor of time to achieve CR after IST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolithic integration is a promising way to realize full‐color high‐resolution displays. However, it is still a challenge to realize a highly efficient full‐color light‐emitting diode (LED) adopting color conversion layer. In this work, red, green, and blue inorganic LED thin films grown on respective substrates for high‐quality epitaxial layers are integrated on a single substrate using a multiple adhesive bonding technique. It is verified that the stacked thin films are structurally stable. After the multiple bonding, respective subpixels are formed by using standard photolithography only without a mass transfer process, showing the possibility of applying them to a high‐resolution micro‐LED display. Even after the bonding, the device still maintains high efficiency without deteriorating performance. The integrated subpixels are not only independently operated by controlling input power, but the light emission can also cover a wide range of the color space, about 83% compared to Rec.2020 color space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Real‐world outcomes of daratumumab monotherapy (DM) for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) have remained unclear. We conducted a multicentre retrospective study of 107 patients receiving DM for RRMM. The cohort included 64 trial‐unfit patients whose characteristics could not meet inclusion criteria in two previous clinical trials (GEN501 and SIRIUS). The overall response rate (ORR), and median first and second progression‐free survival (PFS1 and PFS2) and overall survival were 42·1%, and 3·6, 8·1 and 11·9 months, respectively. Refractoriness to carfilzomib and/or lenalidomide, and neutropenia (<1.0 × 109/l) resulted in poorer ORRs. An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of ≥3, neutropenia (<1.0 × 109/l), thrombocytopenia (<75 × 109/l), and renal failure (glomerular filtration rate of <20 ml/min/1·73 m2) were associated with poor PFS1 and PFS2 in respective univariate analysis. The modified trial‐unfit group, based on the above factors, showed significantly negative impacts on PFS1 and PFS2 (hazard ratio 2·823 and 3·677, all P < 0·001) in multivariate analysis despite having a 34% ORR. Fatal infections occurred more often in the modified trial‐unfit group than in the others (16·1% vs. 4·3%; P = 0·099). Despite failure of DM, subsequent therapy with pomalidomide‐based therapy or carfilzomib‐dexamethasone provided a 66·6% ORR. Real‐world DM showed favourable efficacies for RRMM and, potentially, additional benefits with subsequent therapies. However, characteristics corresponding with trial‐unfitness might offset the efficacy of DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual‐logic‐in‐memory device is demonstrated through a single bidirectional polarization‐integrated 2D ferroelectric field‐effect transistor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognosis of patients with acute leukemia relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is dismal. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes and prognostic factors of the second HSCT (HSCT2) in acute leukemia patients relapsed after the first HSCT (HSCT1). We analyzed 80 patients who received HSCT2 for relapsed acute leukemia in two Korean institutes. All but four patients received HSCT2 from a donor other than matched sibling donor: an unrelated donor (URD) in 30 and a familial haploidentical donor (FHD) in 46. Forty‐four patients (55.0%) were in complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi) at HSCT2, and the median time from HSCT1 to relapse was 9 months. The 2‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) were 21.0% and 17.5%, respectively. The outcomes were similar between URD and FHD. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that disease status (active disease vs. CR/CRi) at HSCT2 and remission duration after HSCT1 were independent prognostic factors for OS and EFS after HSCT2. HSCT2 from URD or FHD was feasible in patients with acute leukemia relapsed after allogeneic HSCT. Also, our study confirmed two critical prognostic factors; disease status at HSCT2 and remission duration after HSCT1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of high‐performance thermal insulation materials is rapidly emerging due to energy conservation and the management of temperature‐sensitive device perspectives. Recent thermal insulation materials including complex structures have been developed either by reducing the structural connectivity to mitigate thermal transport through solid conduction or forming directionally aligned confined inner pores to suppress the internal gas convection. In this study, to create a highly efficient thermal insulating material that suppresses thermal transport in all directions, graphene‐based anisotropic closed‐cellular structures (CCS) are devised with a highly ordered assembly of hollow compartments with extremely thin walls (≈50 nm). This uniquely designed CCS made from microfluidically synthesized graphene solid bubbles exhibited a remarkably low thermal conductivity of 5.75 mW m−1 K−1 thanks to effective suppression of both solid conduction and gas conduction/convection. Therefore, the proposed strategy in this work offers a novel toolkit for implementing next‐generation high‐performance insulation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of high‐performance thermal insulation materials is rapidly emerging due to energy conservation and the management of temperature‐sensitive device perspectives. Recent thermal insulation materials including complex structures have been developed either by reducing the structural connectivity to mitigate thermal transport through solid conduction or forming directionally aligned confined inner pores to suppress the internal gas convection. In this study, to create a highly efficient thermal insulating material that suppresses thermal transport in all directions, graphene‐based anisotropic closed‐cellular structures (CCS) are devised with a highly ordered assembly of hollow compartments with extremely thin walls (≈50 nm). This uniquely designed CCS made from microfluidically synthesized graphene solid bubbles exhibited a remarkably low thermal conductivity of 5.75 mW m−1 K−1 thanks to effective suppression of both solid conduction and gas conduction/convection. Therefore, the proposed strategy in this work offers a novel toolkit for implementing next‐generation high‐performance insulation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term hearing loss in postlingually deaf (PD) adults may lead to brain structural changes that affect the outcomes of cochlear implantation. We studied 94 PD patients who underwent cochlear implantation and 37 patients who were MRI‐scanned within 2 weeks after the onset of sudden hearing loss and expected with minimal brain structural changes in relation to deafness. Compared with those with sudden hearing loss, we found lower gray matter (GM) probabilities in bilateral thalami, superior, middle, inferior temporal cortices as well as the central cortical regions corresponding to the movement and sensation of the lips, tongue, and larynx in the PD group. Among these brain areas, the GM in the middle temporal cortex showed negative correlation with disease duration, whereas the other areas displayed positive correlations. Left superior, middle temporal cortical, and bilateral thalamic GMs were the most accurate predictors of post‐cochlear implantation word recognition scores (mean absolute error [MAE] = 10.1, r =.82), which was superior to clinical variables used (MAE: 12.1, p <.05). Using the combined brain morphological and clinical features, we achieved the best prediction of the outcome (MAE: 8.51, r =.90). Our findings suggest that the cross‐modal plasticity allowing the superior temporal cortex and thalamus to process other modal sensory inputs reverses the initially lower volume when deafness becomes persistent. The middle temporal cortex processing higher‐level language comprehension shows persistent negative correlations with disease duration, suggesting this area's association with degraded speech comprehensions due to long‐term deafness. Morphological features combined with clinical variables might play a key role in predicting outcomes of cochlear implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seminal vesicles are the glands of male reproductive organs that produce the fluid and nutrient constituents of semen. It has been believed for a long time that the lumen of a seminal vesicle was a single‐coiled tubular structure with irregular diverticula. There are several previous reports on the symmetry, differences in morphological sizes and classification of the seminal vesicles. However, a three‐dimensional‐coiled tubular structure is difficult to understand using a classical anatomical methodology, and hence, three‐dimensional reconstruction is needed to understand the structure of the lumen. Thirty‐one seminal vesicles harvested from 21 formalin‐embalmed cadavers were investigated. The seminal vesicle along with the ampulla of the ductus deferens was separated, and the length and width of each seminal vesicle were measured. The vesicles were then embedded in coloured paraffin, and the resulting paraffin block was sectioned transversely and photographed at an interval of 500 μm, with the sectioned surfaces then utilized in three‐dimensional reconstruction performed by 'Reconstruct' software. The mean length and width of the seminal vesicles were 39.4 mm and 13.4 mm, respectively, and the right seminal vesicle was a little larger than the one on the left. The size differed from previous reports, while the luminal structure was similar to the classification of Aboul‐azm (Archives of Andrology, 3, 1979, 287–292) but differed from that of Pereira (AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology, 69, 1953, 361–379). The seminal vesicles typically comprised about 9 curls and had about 12 diverticula. The seminal vesicles resembled a skein of coral rather than comprising a single strand. These findings will help in improving the understanding of pathophysiologies of the seminal vesicles, such as recurrent inflammation of the gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well‐known that the alkali doping of polycrystalline Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) and Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 has a beneficial influence on the device performance and there are various hypotheses about the principles of performance improvement. This work clearly explains the effect of Na doping on the fill factor (FF) rather than on all of the solar cell parameters (open‐circuit voltage, FF, and sometimes short circuit current) for overall performance improvement. When doping is optimized, the fabricated device shows sufficient built‐in potential and selects a better carrier transport path by the high potential difference between the intragrains and the grain boundaries. On the other hand, when doping is excessive, the device shows low contact potential difference and FF and selects a worse carrier transport path even though the built‐in potential becomes stronger. The fabricated CZTSSe solar cell on a flexible metal foil optimized with a 25 nm thick NaF doping layer achieves an FF of 62.63%, thereby clearly showing the enhancing effect of Na doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We evaluated the prognostic impact of MK on postremission outcomes of AML patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the first complete remission (CR1). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 465 adult patients with AML who had received HSCT in the first CR between 2000 and 2016. Results: In MK + AML, the median leukocyte count was significantly lower (P <.001) and no NPM1 mutation was found (P =.042). Multivariate analysis revealed that MK was the most powerful prognostic factors for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.6; P =.001), EFS (HR, 3.8; P <.001), and cumulative incidence of relapse (HR, 6.1; P <.001), compared to any other poor risk factors such as complex karyotype, FLT3‐ITD mutations, old age, and higher leukocyte count. The adverse prognostic impact of MK tended to be more prominent in the younger age group (<40 years) (HR, 6.3, P <.001) than in the older age group (≥40 years) (HR, 3.4, P <.001). Conclusion: Novel treatment modalities for MK + AML need to be investigated to reduce the risk of relapse after HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of preoperative ultrasound parameters for post‐pyeloplasty outcomes in pediatric patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Methods: The medical records of 187 pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent pyeloplasty as a result of ureteropelvic junction obstruction between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The severity of hydronephrosis was measured by the Society for Fetal Urology grade, anteroposterior pelvic diameter, urinary tract dilation, hydronephrosis index, and the hydronephrosis area to renal parenchyma ratio at 3, 6 and 12 months. Adverse renal function outcome was defined as ≥10% decrease in postoperative differential renal function compared with preoperative values. Results: Of the 187 patients, preoperative hydronephrosis was categorized as Society for Fetal Urology grade 3 in 26 patients (13.9%) and grade 4 in 161 patients (86.1%). No surgical failures, defined as requirement of repeat surgery or deterioration of hydronephrosis grade, were noted. The mean changes in Society for Fetal Urology grade, anteroposterior pelvic diameter, urinary tract dilation and hydronephrosis area to renal parenchyma ratio showed similar trends of recovery during the follow‐up period. In total, 19 patients (10.2%) showed >10% decrease in differential renal function during follow up (mean 42 months). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the hydronephrosis area‐to‐renal parenchyma ratio was the only significant prognostic factor for adverse renal function outcome (hazard ratio 1.806, 95% confidence interval 1.210–2.859, P = 0.005). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the hydronephrosis area‐to‐renal parenchyma ratio was the most significant predictive value (area under the curve 0.711, 95% confidence interval 0.618–0.804, P = 0.006). Conclusions: Pediatric patients with high hydronephrosis area‐to‐renal parenchyma ratio values before surgery are more likely to show renal function decline after pyeloplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To synthesize nitrogen‐remained activated carbon (AC) following KOH activation, nitrile‐functionalized ionic liquid (IL) that immobilizes nitrogen atoms in the form of aromatic amines, such as graphitic, pyridinic, or pyrrolic nitrogen, was synthesized and used as a carbon precursor. Aromatic amines are more robust in adverse conditions than aliphatic amines. The nitrogen‐doped (N‐doped) AC was prepared by activating the carbon derived from the nitrile‐functionalized IL that acts as both a carbon precursor and a nitrogen‐doping source. The N‐doped AC had an optimized doped nitrogen and porous structure, and was prepared by controlling the activation conditions. The nitrogen residue in the N‐doped AC after KOH activation enhanced electrochemical properties of the N‐doped AC. Thus, it is important to use a carbon precursor that includes immobilized nitrogen to effectively prepare the AC after the KOH activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The duration between androgen therapy and the time at which 90% of patients achieved the response was 8-4, 9-8, 6-3 and 19-4 months for any HI, HI-E, HI-P and HI-N, respectively (Fig). Of the 38 patients who experienced disease progression, 25 (65-8%) and 13 (34-2%) had multi- and single-lineage cytopenia before treatment, and 16 (42-1%) had shown initial HI after androgen treatment. In univariate analysis, a higher pre-treatment haemoglobin level (>90 g/l), RBC and platelet transfusion-independency, and lower revised IPSS (IPSS-R) (<=3-5) at androgen therapy were associated with higher HI rates. [Extracted from the article]

The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris has been reported to possess anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. We investigated the immunostimulatory effects of culture supernatant of C. militaris (WIB-801CE) by examining its in vitro enhancing effects on cell proliferation and cytokine releases in splenocytes and its in vivo effects on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. WIB-801CE enhanced normal and methotrexate-induced cell proliferation. WIB-801CE significantly ameliorated interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α secretion in methotrexate-induced splenocytes. Oral administration of WIB-801CE effectively increased the cyclophosphamide-suppressed splenocyte proliferation and natural killer cytotoxic activity. WIB-801CE effectively recovered cyclophosphamide-induced decreases in IL-2, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-10 level. The collective data implicate WIB-801CE as a therapeutic candidate in ameliorating the immunosuppression through immunostimulatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of lenalidomide for non-5q deletion myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients showed that the transfusion independency rate was 26%, which was relatively acceptable and suggested that lenalidomide could be used for non-5q deletion MDS patients (List I et al i , [2]; Raza I et al i , [3]). Of the total 38 patients included in this analysis (Figure S2), 25 (65-8%) patients were male (Table SI) and one patient did not receive any study drug. Among the 19 patients who completed 4 cycles, 11 (57-9%) had their lenalidomide dose reduced to 5 mg; 14 (36-8%) patients had their dose reduced and 16 (42-1%) patients stopped lenalidomide before 4 cycles. [Extracted from the article]

Carboxylation reactions of diamines were found to proceed rapidly and non‐catalytically, producing corresponding cyclic ureas in excellent yields and selectivities when 2‐pyrrolidone (2‐PY) was used as a solvent. A similar promoting effect with 2‐PY was also observed for the carboxylation of monoamines by carbon dioxide (CO2). Most notably, the carboxylation reactions of mono‐ and diamines conducted in 2‐PY afforded 2–4 times higher yields of corresponding dialkyl ureas and cyclic ureas compared with those in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP). Such a dramatic promoting effect using 2‐PY is believed to be associated with the multiple hydrogen bonding interactions between 2‐PY and the CO2‐containing species of amines. Due to such favorable interactions, carboxylation reactions seem to be more facilitated in 2‐PY than in NMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V(acac)3, one of the most promising candidates for the active material of non‐aqueous RFB, has various drawbacks such as the change of color, precipitation, and lowering capacity during RFB operation due to the sensitiveness of V(acac)3 to oxygen. The stability of V(acac)3 under air was studied using electrochemical analysis, FT‐IR, UV–Vis, and XPS spectroscopic methods. The 0.01 M solution of V(acac)3 turns to VO(acac)2 in 3 days under air implying that V(acac)3 is sensitive to the O2 (g) in the air. The ionic liquid (IL) containing functional group was added to V(acac)3 solution as the supporting electrolyte. Although the addition of IL, bearing the electron withdrawing group(s) on the cation, almost did not affect the stability of V(acac)3, the stability of V(acac)3 was significantly increased up to 7 days in the presence of IL containing an electron donating group on the cation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diglycerol (DG) and triglycerol (TG) were synthesized via dehydrative etherification reaction of glycerol without solvent. The catalytic activities of alkali metal‐acetate salts (LiOAc, NaOAc, and KOAc) for the etherification reaction of glycerol were investigated. Compared to the stronger basic catalysts, the less basic catalysts showed higher selectivity of DG and TG. A half mol % of LiOAc exhibited excellent selectivities of DG and TG as 52.5 and 30.4%, at 260 °C and 6 h. The dependence of reaction on the relative basicity and loading amount of catalyst, reaction time, and reaction temperature were investigated to elucidate the characteristics of etherification reaction of glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a retrospective study which analysed survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients in South Korea with multiple myeloma classified as stage II with the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) between September 2002 and February 2014. The patients were initially treated with regimens that contained a novel agent and regimens containing immunomodulatory drugs. The study affirmed the prognostic value of R-ISS.

Abstract: Aim: To investigate the clinicopathologic and genetic correlations between double primary endometrial and colorectal cancer related to Lynch syndrome and to analyze germline mutations in mismatch repair genes in endometrial cancer patients in Korea. Methods: Thirteen patients diagnosed with pathologically endometrial and colorectal cancer between January 2005 and November 2016 in a single institution were enrolled in the study. The medical records were retrospectively analyzed. The genetic mutational information of endometrial cancer in Korea was retrieved from the literature review. Results: Endometrial cancer was diagnosed first in eight (62%) patients, and one patient was diagnosed with colorectal cancer first. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma was reported in 10 of 13 (77%) endometrial cancer patients. Endometrial cancer was found at the low uterine segment in three patients. Three of four patients had high microsatellite instability. The loss of mismatch repair proteins was confirmed in 7 of 11 cases using immunohistochemistry. Four patients fulfilled clinical criteria based on a family history of cancer. Overall, the incidence of suspected Lynch syndrome was 77% (10/13). Four of them underwent genetic testing and three were found to have a pathogenic germline mutation. A possible founder mutation, c.1757_1758insC in MLH1, was observed in 21 germline mutation information from literature review. Conclusion: The present study describes the clinicopathologic data of double primary endometrial and colorectal cancer patients and supports that these patients should undergo closed approach for Lynch syndrome. Moreover, a possible founder mutation in Korean endometrial cancer patients was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The C‐type lectin‐like domain of CLEC14a (CLEC14a‐C‐type lectin‐like domain [CTLD]) is a key domain that mediates endothelial cell–cell contacts in angiogenesis. However, the role of CLEC14a‐CTLD in pathological angiogenesis has not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, through complementarity‐determining region grafting, consecutive deglycosylation, and functional isolation, we generated a novel anti‐angiogenic human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets CLEC14a‐CTLD and that shows improved stability and homogeneity relative to the parental antibody. We found that this antibody directly inhibits CLEC14a‐CTLD‐mediated endothelial cell–cell contact and simultaneously downregulates expression of CLEC14a on the surface of endothelial cells. Using various in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we demonstrated that this antibody effectively suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐dependent angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis of SNU182 human hepatocellular carcinoma, CFPAC‐1 human pancreatic cancer, and U87 human glioma cells. Furthermore, we also found that this antibody significantly inhibits tumor angiogenesis of HCT116 and bevacizumab‐adapted HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells. These findings suggest that antibody targeting of CLEC14a‐CTLD has the potential to suppress VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis and that CLEC14a‐CTLD may be a novel anti‐angiogenic target for VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: carbon; electrode materials; energy storage; lithium-sulfur batteries; mesoporous materials EN carbon electrode materials energy storage lithium-sulfur batteries mesoporous materials 1 1 1 05/23/23 20230519 NES 230519 B The Cover Feature b shows the design of a high-energy sulfur electrode of a lithium-sulfur battery made of porous carbon. Cover Feature: Novel Strategy for the Formulation of High-Energy-Density Cathodes via Porous Carbon for Li-S Batteries (ChemSusChem 10/2023) Carbon, electrode materials, energy storage, lithium-sulfur batteries, mesoporous materials. [Extracted from the article]