Isomerism tunes the diradical character of difluorenopyrroles at constant Hückel-level anti-aromaticity

A new diradical based on diindenocarbazole or difluorenopyrrole was synthesized and experimentally characterized by optical, electrochemical, and magnetic techniques, as well as quantum chemical calculations. The isomerism of these structures tunes the diradical character and the associated properties, representing a unique case of such important modulation. A full study of the electronic structure was carried out considering the perturbative interactions between different canonical forms as well as the anti-aromatic character of the molecular cores. Such a study reveals how we can tune diradical character simply by reorganizing the bonding patterns at constant chemical costs (composition).

A Highly Conductive n-Type Coordination Complex with Thieno[3,2-b]thiophene Units: Facile Synthesis, Orientation, and Thermoelectric Properties

An organometallic nickel complex containing thieno[3,2-b]thiophene units was designed and synthesized. Composite films of the resulting nickel complex and polyvinylidene difluoride, which can be fabricated via a simple solution process under atmospheric conditions, exhibit remarkably high n-type conductivity (>200 S cm^-1). Moreover, the thermoelectric power factor of the n-type composite film was proven to be air stable. A grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a significant impact of introducing the thieno[3,2-b]thiophene core into the backbone of the nickel complex on the orientation within the composite films.

Promoting the Efficiency and Stability of Nonfullerene Organic Photovoltaics by Incorporating Open-Cage [60]Fullerenes in the Nonfullerene Nanocrystallites

The device efficiency of PM6:Y6-based nonfullerene organic solar cells is fast advanced recently. To maintain organic solar cells (OSCs) with high power conversion efficiency over 16% in long-term operation, however, remains a challenge. Here, a novel non-volatile additive, an open-cage [60]fullerene (8OC₆₀Me), is incorporated into PM6:Y6-based OSCs for high-performance with high durability. With optimized addition of 1.0 wt % 8OC₆₀Me, the PCE value of PM6:Y6/8OC₆₀Me OSCs can be promoted to 16.5% from 15.0%. Most strikingly, such a high PCE performance can maintain nearly 100% for over 500 h at room temperature; at an elevated operation temperature of 80 °C, the PCE can be stabilized above 15.0% after 45 h of operation. Grazing incidence small- and wide- angle X-ray scattering studies reveal improved orientation and crystallinity of Y6 in a fractal-like network structure of PM6 in PM6:Y6/8OC₆₀Me films under in situ annealing, parallel to the enhanced electron mobility. Analysis of charge distributions lines up possible van der Waals interaction between the thienyl/carbonyl moiety of 8OC₆₀Me and difluorophenyl-based FIC-end groups of Y6. This result is of great contrast to those devices with the best-selling PC₆₁BM as the additives─8OC₆₀Me might be of interest to be incorporated into future Y6-based OSCs for concomitantly improved PCE and excellent stability.

POS0257 COMPARISON OF SARS-CoV-2 VACCINE RESPONSE IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASE; mRNA-1273 VACCINE INDUCES HIGHER HUMORAL IMMUNOGENICITY THAN BNT162b2

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) have benefitted all countries amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Whereas both of them have shown efficacy in preventing COVID-19 illness in healthy participants, there is paucity of data about immunogenicity and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with autoimmune, inflammatory rheumatic disease. Recent observational studies evaluated mainly BNT162b2, suggesting that glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive agents impair SARS-CoV-2 vaccine responses. However, difference in immune reactions and safety between BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 have not been clarified in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Objectives

To assess humoral and T cell immune responses and safety profiles after two doses of different mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2; BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive, previously uninfected patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases receiving mRNA vaccine including BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. Healthy participants receiving BNT162b2 were also recruited as control. Blood samples were obtained 3weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, and 6 months after second dose of vaccines. We measured titres of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and calculated seroconversion rates to evaluate humoral responses. We also assessed T-cell immunity responses by using interferon releasing assay against SARS-CoV-2 in a part of the patients. Answers to questionnaires about adverse reactions were obtained from participants.

Results

A total of 974 patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and healthy 630 control participants were enrolled. Among them, 796 patients received BNT162b2, 178 patients received mRNA-1273, and all control participants received BNT162b2. Seroconversion rates and neutralizing antibody titres 3 weeks after vaccination were significantly higher in patients with mRNA-1273 and healthy participants with BNT162b2 compared with patients with BNT162b2; seroconversion rates, 97.2% vs 99.5% vs 83.3%, p<0.001; titers of neutralizing antibodies, 29.4±33.9 IU/mL vs 23.9±14.2 IU/mL vs 10.8±16.5 IU/mL, p<0.001, respectively. On another front, T cell reaction against SARS-CoV-2 was similar in both patients with mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2; interferon gamma levels for antigen 1, 1.2±2.1 IU/mL vs 0.8±2.5 IU/mL, p=0.23; and for antigen 2, 1.4±1.9 IU/mL vs 1.0±2.1 IU/mL, p=0.11, respectively. Regarding adverse reaction of each mRNA vaccine, the frequency of systemic adverse reactions including fever and general fatigue are also significantly higher in patients with mRNA-1273 and healthy controls than patients with BNT162b2; fever, 48.0% vs 44.9% vs 10.2%, p<0.001; general fatigue, 70.4% vs 61.8% vs 31.2%, p<0.001, respectively). In longitudinal measurement, neutralizing antibody titres in patients with BNT162b2 were decreased more rapidly than those in healthy controls; 3.3±3.2 IU/mL in patients with BNT162b2 at 4 months and 3.2±4.7 IU/mL in healthy controls with BNT162b2 at 6 months. We identified age, glucocorticoid dose (prednisolone > 7.5mg), use of immunosuppressants including methotrexate, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and tacrolimus are associated with rapid attenuation of humoral responses in patients with BNT162b2.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated a significant higher humoral immunogenicity and frequency of systemic adverse reaction of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 (Moderna) compared with the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) in inflammatory rheumatic disease patients. Glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents impaired induction and sustention of neutralizing antibody, and earlier third booster vaccination may be required within 4 months, especially for those receiving BNT162b2.

References

[1]Steensels D, Pierlet N, Penders J et al. JAMA. 2021;326(15):1533–1535.

[2]Friedman MA, Curtis JR and Winthrop KL. Ann Rheum Dis 2021;80:1255–1265.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

p-Tetrafluorophenylene Divinylene-Bridged Nonfullerene Acceptors as Binary Components or Additives for High-Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

In this study, we designed, synthesized, and characterized an A-D-A'-D-A-type indacenodithienothiophene (IDTT)-based molecular acceptor that exhibited a broader absorption range and higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level with a nearly comparable band gap compared to a well-known electron acceptor IT-M. The designed electron-deficient molecular acceptor FB-2IDTT-4Cl with a fluorinated benzene tether (FB), that is, p-tetrafluorophenylene divinylene, demonstrated long-wavelength absorption and high hole and electron charge mobility in the thin films blended with the electron donor PBDB-T for an inverted organic photovoltaic (OPV) binary device, resulting in a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.4%. Such a performance is comparably as high as that of the device with PBDB-T:IT-M, and particularly, it was 18.8% higher than that of the devices with ITIC-4Cl as the acceptor (PCE 9.1% ± 0.5%) and 24.9% higher than that of the devices with the thiophene-flanked benzothiadiazole-bridged acceptor CNDTBT-IDTT-FINCN (PCE 9.01% ± 0.13%). Furthermore, varying the illumination intensity from 200 to 2000 lux increased the J_sc and V_oc values as well as the FF values, thus leading to increased PCE levels. In addition, the best PCE of the PM6:Y6 device with 1% FB-2IDTT-4Cl as additives was 16.9%. Our stability test showed that the PM6:Y6 standard device efficiency downgraded very soon either at room temperature or under thermal-annealing conditions. However, with the addition of 1% FB-2IDTT-4Cl as additives, the device efficiency still can be maintained at 90-95% in 500 h at room temperature and 95% at 20 h and 85-95% in 45 h at an annealing temperature of 80 °C. These findings demonstrate FB-2IDTT-4Cl to be a promising candidate as an electron acceptor with a fluorinated π-bridging fused-ring design for OPV applications.

Domino Cross-Scholl Reaction of Tetracene with Molecular Benzene: Synthesis, Structure, and Mechanism

A domino-type multiple C-H functionalization of tetracene with molecular benzene is reported. Under the typical conditions of the Scholl reaction, a domino reaction occurs between tetracene and six molecules of benzene in one pot to furnish an aromatic compound with a curved π-system. This reaction sequence involves oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling/annulation and Friedel-Crafts-type reactions. Eight C-C bonds are formed via this intermolecular domino reaction without mediation by a metal or the assistance of a specific substituent.

Efficacy and outcomes of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in elderly vs non-elderly chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients

Introduction

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been reported as an effective and safe treatment for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, its safety and efficacy in elderly patients remains unknown.

Purpose

We investigated the effect of BPA on hemodynamics and respiratory parameters, functional capacity, and short- and long-term outcome in elderly patients.

Methods

From November 2012 to May 2018, 141 consecutive CTEPH patients who underwent BPA in a single university hospital were enrolled (age: 65 [54.5–74] years old, WHO functional class [WHO-FC] II/III/IV; 35/96/10). Patients were divided into two groups according to the age; elderly (≥75 years, N=32) and young groups (&lt;75 years, N=109). Hemodynamics (right-sided heart catheterization), biomarkers (brain natriuretic peptide), respiratory function (spirometry and diffusion capacity measurement), and functional capacity (6-minute walk distance [6MWD] and WHO-FC) were evaluated at baseline and 1-year post BPA. Procedure-related complications (in hospital death, use of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support [PCPS], and pulmonary injury) and all cause death during the follow up period were also assessed.

Results

At baseline, although elderly group had less severe hemodynamics (mPAP: 33.1±6.7 vs 39.0±11.8 mmHg, p&lt;0.05), they had poor exercise capacity and reduced pulmonary diffusion capacity, compared with young group (6MWD: 264.6±101.3 vs 369.7±105.2 m, %DLco: 42.0±12.0 vs 50.2±12.7%, all p&lt;0.05). BPA improved hemodynamics, biomarkers, exercise capacity, and pulmonary diffusion capacity in both elderly and young groups (all p&lt;0.05). There was no in-hospital death or use of PCPS in both groups, although the incidence of pulmonary injury was higher in elderly group (14.3% vs 5.3%, p&lt;0.01). Under the normalized hemodynamics 1-year after BPA in both groups, exercise capacity and pulmonary diffusion capacity were worse in the elderly group than young groups (p&lt;0.01). The incidence of all-cause death in the follow up period was higher in elderly group, all of which were due to non-pulmonary hypertension (PH)-related death (p&lt;0.01).

Conclusion

BPA was effective in improving hemodynamics and respiratory parameters and functional capacity, in associated with no critical complication, regardless of the age. Elderly patients who were treated with BPA were associated with higher incidence of non-PH-related death.

Changes of mean PAP in the two groups

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Outcome of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in monochorionic monoamniotic twin pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To explore the outcome of monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twin pregnancies affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting the outcome of MCMA twin pregnancies complicated by TTTS. The primary outcome was intrauterine death (IUD); secondary outcomes were miscarriage, single IUD, double IUD, neonatal death (NND), perinatal death (PND), survival of at least one twin, survival of both twins and preterm birth (PTB) before 32 weeks' gestation. Outcomes were assessed in MCMA twins affected by TTTS not undergoing intervention and in those treated with amniodrainage, laser therapy or cord occlusion. Subgroup analysis was performed including cases diagnosed before 24 weeks. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Fifteen cohort studies, including 888 MCMA twin pregnancies, of which 44 were affected by TTTS, were included in the review. There was no randomized trial comparing the different management options in MCMA twin pregnancies complicated by TTTS. In cases not undergoing intervention, miscarriage occurred in 11.0% of fetuses, while the incidence of IUD, NND and PND was 25.2%, 12.2% and 31.2%, respectively. PTB complicated 50.5% of these pregnancies. In cases treated by laser surgery, the incidence of miscarriage, IUD, NND and PND was 19.6%, 27.4%, 7.4% and 35.9%, respectively, and the incidence of PTB before 32 weeks' gestation was 64.9%. In cases treated with amniodrainage, the incidence of IUD, NND and PND was 31.3%, 13.5% and 45.7% respectively, and PTB complicated 76.2% of these pregnancies. Analysis of cases undergoing cord occlusion was affected by the very small number of included cases. Miscarriage occurred in 19.2%, while there was no case of IUD or NND of the surviving twin. PTB before 32 weeks occurred in 50.0% of these cases.

CONCLUSIONS

MCMA twin pregnancies complicated by TTTS are at high risk of perinatal mortality and PTB. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the optimal type of prenatal treatment in these pregnancies. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Open-shell singlet diradicaloid difluoreno[4,3-b:3′,4′-d]furan and its radical cation and dianion

We report difluoreno[4,3-b:3′,4′-d]furan derivative as a stable open-shell singlet diradicaloid.

Near- and Mid-IR Gas-Phase Absorption Spectra of H2@C60+-He

Near- and mid-IR absorption spectra of endohedral H₂@C₆₀⁺ have been measured using He-tagging. The samples have been prepared using a "molecular surgery" synthetic approach and were ionized and spectroscopically characterized in the gas phase. In contrast to neutral C₆₀ and H₂@C₆₀, the corresponding He-tagged cationic species show distinct spectral differences. Shifts and line splittings in the near- and mid-IR regions indicate the influence of the caged hydrogen molecule on both the electronic ground and excited states. Possible relevance to astronomy is discussed.

Effects of paraprobiotic Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849 supplementation on symptoms of the common cold and mood states in healthy adults

We investigated the effects of paraprobiotic Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849 (LAC-Shield™) on symptoms of the common cold and mood states in healthy young adults. A total of 241 participants were randomised to receive 1×10¹⁰ heat-killed L. paracasei MCC1849 cell powder (10LP), 3×10¹⁰ heat-killed L. paracasei MCC1849 cell powder (30LP), or placebo powder without any L. paracasei cells once daily for 12 weeks based on the incidence of the common cold in the previous year, so that the risk of the incidence was equal among the groups. The incidence and severity of common cold symptoms were rated daily in a subject diary. Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations and saliva flow rates were analysed at 0 and 6 weeks. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) was assessed using POMS 2 0, 6, and 12 weeks after the intervention. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of the common cold among the groups. In a prespecified subgroup of subjects who had the common cold in the previous year, the incidence, total number of days of symptoms, and symptom scores of the common cold significantly improved in the 10LP-intake group, and were slightly lower in the 30LP-intake group than in the placebo group. The level of deterioration in the positive mood state caused by stress was less in the MCC1849-intake group than in the placebo group. These results indicate that L. paracasei MCC1849 has the potential to improve resistance to common cold infections in susceptible subjects and maintain a desirable mood state, even under mental stress conditions. Further randomised controlled trials are needed in order to investigate the possible beneficial effects of paraprobiotic L. paracasei MCC1849 on the common cold in susceptible populations.

Effect of Te substitution on crystal structure and transport properties of AgBiSe2thermoelectric material

Reduced lattice thermal conductivity of Te-substituted AgBiSe₂was qualitatively described using the point defect scattering model.

Effect of an impaired oral stage on swallowing in patients with Parkinson's disease

We investigated the swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using deteriorated tongue control because patients with PD frequently exhibit an impaired oral stage of swallowing and the tongue movement affects oral and pharyngeal stage. In total, 201 patients with PD (106 men, 95 women; mean age 70·6 ± 8·0 years; median Hoehn-Yahr Stage III) were studied. The patients swallowed 10 mL of liquid barium under videofluorography, and their oral transit time (OTT) was measured. Based on 20 healthy controls (mean age 70·3 ± 7·8 years) with an OTT + 2 standard deviation (0·89 + 2 × 0·46) of 1·81 s, the patients with PD were divided into 167 patients with an OTT < 1·81 s and 34 patients with an OTT ≥ 1·81 s. Swallowing function was compared between the groups and assessed using logistic regression analysis. The following factors were significantly associated with oral stage impairment in both groups: tongue-to-palate contact, tongue root-to-posterior pharyngeal wall contact, premature spillage into the pharynx, aspiration and onset of swallowing reflex. Logistic regression analysis showed that tongue root-to-posterior pharyngeal wall contact, onset of swallowing reflex and aspiration were independent factors. PD patients with prolonged OTT displayed poor lingual control and decreased range of motion of the tongue due to bradykinesia and rigidity. Such problems in the oral stage affected the subsequent pharyngeal stage of swallowing with aspiration. Lingual movement in the oral stage thus appears to play an important role in the sequential movement of swallowing in PD.

Impact of the presence of HLA 1-locus mismatch and the use of low-dose antithymocyte globulin in unrelated bone marrow transplantation

HLA 1-locus-mismatched unrelated donors (1MMUD) have been used in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for patients who lack an HLA-matched donor. We retrospectively analyzed 3313 patients with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent bone marrow transplantation from an HLA allele-matched unrelated donor (MUD) or 1MMUD between 2009 and 2014. We compared the outcomes of MUD (n=2089) and 1MMUD with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) (1MM-ATG(+); n=109) with those of 1MMUD without ATG (1MM-ATG(-); n=1115). The median total dose of ATG (thymoglobulin) was 2.5 mg/kg (range 1.0-11.0 mg/kg) in the 1MM-ATG(+) group. The rates of grade III-IV acute GvHD, non-relapse mortality (NRM) and overall mortality were significantly lower in the MUD group than in the 1MM-ATG(-) group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, P=0.016; HR 0.74; P<0.001; and HR 0.87, P=0.020, respectively). Likewise, the rates of grade III-IV acute GVHD, NRM and overall mortality were significantly lower in the 1MM-ATG(+) group than in the 1MM-ATG(-) group (HR 0.42, P=0.035; HR 0.35, P<0.001; and HR 0.71, P=0.042, respectively). The outcome of allo-HCT from 1MM-ATG(-) was inferior to that of allo-HCT from MUD even in the recent cohort. However, the negative impact of 1MMUD disappeared with the use of low-dose ATG without increasing the risk of relapse.

Orientation of a Water Molecule: Effects on Electronic Nature of the C59N Cage

A hydrogen-bonding network is a key impelling force for an assembly in bulk water. The fullerene cage can incarcerate a water molecule without hydrogen-bonding. Herein, we focused on spin system H₂O@C₅₉N^·. The ¹H NMR relaxation time of entrapped H₂O was significantly reduced by the paramagnetic effect. Interestingly, the electron affinity and ionization energy were suggested to vary depending on the orientation of entrapped H₂O owing to the degree of the partial charge transfer from entrapped H₂O to C₅₉N^·.

Isolation of the simplest hydrated acid

Dissociation of an acid molecule in aqueous media is one of the most fundamental solvation processes but its details remain poorly understood at the distinct molecular level. Conducting high-pressure treatments of an open-cage fullerene C₇₀ derivative with hydrogen fluoride (HF) in the presence of H₂O, we achieved an unprecedented encapsulation of H₂O·HF and H₂O. Restoration of the opening yielded the endohedral C₇₀s, that is, (H₂O·HF)@C₇₀, H₂O@C₇₀, and HF@C₇₀ in macroscopic scales. Putting an H₂O·HF complex into the fullerene cage was a crucial step, and it would proceed by the synergistic effects of "pushing from outside" and "pulling from inside." The structure of the H₂O·HF was unambiguously determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction analysis. The nuclear magnetic resonance measurements revealed the formation of a hydrogen bond between the H₂O and HF molecules without proton transfer even at 140°C.