bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability and Validity of Three Clinical Methods to Measure Lower Extremity Muscle Power
Authors: Pontiff Mattie E. , Li Li , Moreau Noelle G.
Published: April 2021

Background: Lower extremity muscle power is critical for daily activities and athletic performance in clinical populations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of 3 clinically feasible methods to measure lower extremity muscle power during a leg press. Methods: Ten of 26 subjects performed 2 sessions of 5 submaximal leg presses separated by 3-7 days in this repeated-measures cross-sectional design; the remaining performed 1 test session. Power was calculated independently for each method [simple video, linear position transducer, and accelerometer] and compared to the reference force plate. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), Bland-Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement (LOA), and mean bias percentages (%) were used to determine relative and absolute validity. Results: Power measures were reliable for all methods (ICC=.97-.99). All were highly correlated with the force plate (r=.96-.98). Mean bias was -0.8% (LOA: -16.57% to 14.98%) (video), -13.21% (LOA: -23.81% to -2.61%) (position transducer) compared to the force plate. Proportional bias was observed for accelerometry. Conclusion: All methods were reliable and highly correlated with the force plate. Only the video and position transducer demonstrated absolute validity. The position transducer was the most feasible method because of its simplicity and accuracy in measuring power.
Desulfatirhabdiaceae
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2021

De.sul.fa.ti.rhab.di.a.ce'ae. N.L. neut. n.
Desulfatirhabdium
, type genus of the family; suff. ‐
aceae
, ending to denote a family; N.L. neut. pl. n.
Desulfatirhabdiaceae
, the family of
Desulfatirhabdium
.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfobacteria / Desulfobacterales / Desulfatirhabdiaceae

Cells are oval to rod shaped and occur singly or in pairs. Gram‐stain‐negative. Endospores are not observed. Motility not reported. Strictly anaerobic, having respiratory and fermentative types of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophic, using formate, C
3
–C
18
straight‐chain fatty acids, some aromatic compounds, alcohols, succinate, fumarate, and pyruvate as carbon sources and electron donors; these are completely oxidized to CO
2
via the anaerobic C
1
‐pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CODH] or Wood–Ljungdahl pathway). For growth on H
2
 + CO
2
, acetate is required (chemolithoheterotrophic growth). Sulfate and thiosulfate serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to H
2
S. Fermentative growth on pyruvate and crotonate. Mesophilic and neutrophilic. Predominant cellular fatty acids are iso‐C
15:0
, anteiso‐C
15:0
, C
16:0
, and C
14:0
. The family currently accommodates a single genus
Desulfatirhabdium
.
Desulfatirhabdium
spp. seem to be present in various freshwater environments and biotechnical reactors.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 54.85 (genome), 55.1 (LC).

Type genus
:
Desulfatirhabdium
Balk et al. 2008
VP
.
Desulfomonilaceae
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2021

De.sul.fo.mo.ni.la.ce'ae. N.L. neut. n.
Desulfomonile
, type genus of the family; suff. ‐
aceae
, ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Desulfomonilaceae
, the family of
Desulfomonile
.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfomonilia / Desulfomonilales / Desulfocapsaceae

Cells are rod shaped and occur singly or in pairs. Stain Gram‐negative. Endospores are not observed. Nonmotile. Strict anaerobes with respiratory and fermentative types of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophic. Simple organic compounds such as lactate, pyruvate, butyrate, and benzoate serve as electron donors and carbon sources. H
2
plus CO
2
and formate are used in the presence of acetate (chemolithoheterotrophic). Substrates might be oxidized to CO
2
via the anaerobic C
1
‐pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CODH] or Wood–Ljungdahl pathway). Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and
m
‐halobenzoates serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to H
2
S and benzoate, respectively. Mesophilic and neutrophilic. The family currently accommodates a single genus
Desulfomonile
. Occurs in sewage sludge and marine sediments.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 50.1 (genome).

Type genus
:
Desulfomonile
DeWeerd et al. 1990, VL41.
Paucidesulfovibrio
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2021

Pau.ci.de.sul.fo.vi'bri.o. L. masc. adj.
paucus
, few, little. N.L. masc. n.
Desulfovibrio,
a bacterial genus; N.L. masc. n.
Paucidesulfovibrio
, a small
Desulfovibrio
.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfovibrionia / Desulfovibrionales / Desulfovibrionaceae / Paucidesulfovibrio

Cells are vibrio‐ to rod‐shaped, 0.2–0.5 × 1.0–10.0 μm. Occur singly, in pairs, or in chains. Spore formation is not observed. Stain Gram‐negative. Cells are motile by a single polar flagellum. Strictly anaerobic, having respiratory or fermentative (only one species) types of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophic and chemolithoheterotrophic. Lactate and pyruvate serve as electron donors and carbon sources and are incompletely oxidized to acetate. H
2
can serve as an electron donor in the presence of acetate as an organic carbon source (chemolithoheterotrophic growth). In the same way, formate is used. Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and sulfur serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to H
2
S. Fumarate might be used as electron acceptor as well (two species). In the absence of an external electron acceptor, growth may occur by fermentation of pyruvate. Mesophilic, the optimum temperature for growth is 35–40°C. Neutrophilic, the optimum pH for growth is 6.8–7.4. Media containing a reductant and 10–60 g/l of NaCl are required for growth; some species require vitamins. All members of the genus contain desulfoviridin and cytochromes of the
c
type. Occur in anoxic marine and terrestrial habitats linked to oil production.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 58.4–63.6 (LC, genome).

Type species
:
Paucidesulfovibrio longus
Waite et al. 2020
VP
(basonym:
Desulfovibrio longus
Magot et al. 1992
VP
).
Methanotrichales
ord. nov.
Authors: Akinyemi Taiwo S. , Shao Nana , Whitman William B.
Published: March 2021

Me.tha.no.tri.cha'les. N.L. fem. n.
Methanothrix
type genus of the order; suff. ‐
ales
the ending to denote an order; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Methanotrichales
the order of
Methanothrix
.

Halobacterota / Methanosarcinia / Methanotrichales

Cells are nonmotile, sheathed rods with flat ends. Gram‐stain negative. Lipids contain
myo
‐inositol, ethanolamine, and galactose as the polar head groups. Species are oxygen‐tolerant anaerobe. However, growth and methanogenesis can only occur in strictly anaerobic and highly reducing conditions. Energy is obtained by splitting acetate into methane and CO
2
. When cocultured with electrogenic
Geobacter
spp., CO
2
is reduced to methane via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Optimum growth pH range is 7.0–7.8. Mesophilic and thermophilic. Optimum growth temperatures are 34–37°C for mesophilic strains and 55–60°C for thermophilic strains. They occupy a wide range of anoxic habitats including anaerobic river mud, paddy field soil, hot springs, thermal lakes, thermophilic, and mesophilic anaerobic wastewater digesters treating domestic wastes; granular sludge, anaerobic fixed‐bed reactors, and other types of anaerobic systems. Genome sequences have been determined for strains of all three of the described species in the order, and the genome size ranges from 1.9 to 3.0 Mb. The order
Methanotrichales
consists of one family
Methanotrichaceae
. Although all three described species are currently classified in a single genus
Methanothrix
, phylogenomic analyses suggest that two species should be transferred to novel genera.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 51–61 (Genome).

Type genus
:
Methanothrix
Huser et al. 1982, VL10.
A North American Cohort of Anti‐SAE Dermatomyositis: Clinical Phenotype, Testing, and Review of Cases
Authors: Albayda Jemima , Mecoli Christopher , Casciola‐Rosen Livia , Danoff Sonye K. , Lin Cheng Ting , Hines David , Gutierrez‐Alamillo Laura , Paik Julie J. , Tiniakou Eleni , Mammen Andrew L. , Christopher‐Stine Lisa
Published: March 2021

Objective

Antibodies against the small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) activating enzyme (SAE) are one of the rarer specificities associated with dermatomyositis (DM). The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with anti‐SAE autoantibodies in a North American cohort and to ascertain cancer prevalence. We also describe the performance characteristics of the line blotting (Euroimmun) method for antibody detection compared with an immunoprecipitation‐based assay.

Methods

Sera from 2127 patients suspected of having myositis were assayed for myositis‐specific autoantibodies using the Euroimmun platform. Those positive for SAE autoantibodies were assayed by a second method (immunoprecipitation) for confirmation. Only those cases positive by both methods were taken as definite cases of anti‐SAE–positive DM. Chart reviews of these patients were completed to obtain information on clinical characteristics, cancer history, and treatment.

Results

Forty‐three of 2127 sera were anti‐SAE autoantibody positive by Euroimmun (≥15 units, +); of these, only 19 were confirmed positive by immunoprecipitation. All 19 cases had skin involvement and varying presentations of muscle, lung, and joint disease. Cancer occurred coincident with DM in two patients, and cancers were detected more than 5 years from symptom onset in three patients. In a population of suspected inflammatory myositis, a higher cutoff on line blot testing (≥36 units, ++) yielded better agreement with immunoprecipitation methods.

Conclusion

SAE autoantibodies associate with a clinical phenotype of DM, which most commonly presents with a rash first, followed by muscle involvement and varying extramuscular involvement. As coincident cancer was seen in anti‐SAE–positive DM, judicious malignancy screening may be warranted.
A Unique Quenching and Deformation Dilatometer for Combined In Situ Neutron Diffraction Analysis of Engineering Materials
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Hofmann Michael , Landesberger Martin , Reiberg Marius , Zhang Xiao , Huang Yuanding , Wang Lijiu , Werner Ewald , Gan Weimin
Published: March 2021

A modified quenching and deformation dilatometer (TA instruments DIL 805A/D/T) is now in operation at the Heinz Maier‐Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ, Germany) neutron center. It is customized for running neutron scattering measurements during the temperature/deformation treatment of the sample, in particular neutron diffraction (phase, texture, and lattice strain) and neutron small angle scattering. The bulk length change of dilatometer specimens is successfully combined with in situ neutron diffraction patterns for analyzing dynamic processes in metallic materials. A detailed introduction to the unique dilatometer is given and examples of recent experiments highlight the use of the added insight provided by combining diffraction and dilatometry.
A new food chain: Adoption and policy implications to blockchain use in agri‐food industries
Authors: Krzyzanowski Guerra Kathleen , Boys Kathryn A.
Published: March 2021

Legislation and regulation proposed to study, fund, and govern blockchain use is emerging among both US federal and state governments. These regulatory requirements, however, are not fully consistent across jurisdictions, which may add further challenge to the adoption of this technology by agri‐food system firms. This study compiles and provides a descriptive overview of legislation and regulations related to blockchain technology. Implications of the current regulatory approach on the adoption of blockchain on the US agri‐food system, and specifically of the wider adoption of distributed ledger technologies on food safety and market access of smaller scale farm operations, are considered.
Regioselective Nitrosocarbonyl Aldol Reaction of Deconjugated Butyrolactams: Synthesis of γ‐Heterosubstituted α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Lactams
Authors: Mallik Sumitava , Bhajammanavar Vinod , Baidya Mahiuddin
Published: March 2021

The nitrosocarbonyl aldol reaction of deconjugated butyrolactams is developed employing quinidine as organocatalyst. The nitrosocarbonyl species generated in situ from hydroxamic acids react with a variety of deconjugated butyrolactams at room temperature, offering valuable α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams bearing heterosubstituted quaternary carbon center in very high yields. This nitrosocarbonyl aldol reaction is O‐selective and proceeds exclusively at the γ‐center of deconjugated butyrolactams. The reaction is scalable, accommodates diverse functional groups, and is also effective with azodicarboxylates.
Advanced Low‐Flammable Electrolytes for Stable Operation of High‐Voltage Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Hao , Xu Yaobin , Zhang Xianhui , Burton Sarah D. , Gao Peiyuan , Matthews Bethany E. , Engelhard Mark H. , Han Kee Sung , Zhong Lirong , Wang Chongmin , Xu Wu
Published: March 2021

Despite being an effective flame retardant, trimethyl phosphate (TMPa) is generally considered as an unqualified solvent for fabricating electrolytes used in graphite (Gr)‐based lithium‐ion batteries as it readily leads to Gr exfoliation and cell failure. In this work, by adopting the unique solvation structure of localized high‐concentration electrolyte (LHCE) to TMPa and tuning the composition of the solvation sheaths via electrolyte additives, excellent electrochemical performance can be achieved with TMPa‐based electrolytes in Gr∥LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cells. After 500 charge/discharge cycles within the voltage range of 2.5–4.4 V, the batteries containing the TMPa‐based LHCE with a proper additive can achieve a capacity retention of 85.4 %, being significantly higher than cells using a LiPF6‐organocarbonates baseline electrolyte (75.2 %). Meanwhile, due to the flame retarding effect of TMPa, TMPa‐based LHCEs exhibit significantly reduced flammability compared with the conventional LiPF6‐organocarbonates electrolyte.
A Protein‐Binding Molecular Photothermal Agent for Tumor Ablation
Authors: Shi Mingwan , Fu Zhongliang , Pan Wei , Chen Yuanyuan , Wang Kaiye , Zhou Ping , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: March 2021

Photothermal therapy usually requires a high power density to activate photothermal agent for effective treatment, which inevitably leads to damage to normal tissues and inflammation in tumor tissues. Herein, we rationally design a protein‐binding strategy to build a molecular photothermal agent for photothermal ablation of tumor. The synthesized photothermal agent can covalently bind to the thiol groups on the intracellular proteins. The heat generated by the photothermal agent directly destroyed the bioactive proteins in the cells, effectively reducing the heat loss and the molecular leakage. Under a low power density of 0.2 W cm−2, the temperature produced by the photothermal agent was sufficient to induce apoptosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the therapeutic effect of photothermal therapy can be efficiently improved with the protein‐binding strategy.
Stereoselective Access to Polyfunctionalized Nine‐Membered Heterocycles by Sequential Gold and Palladium Catalysis
Authors: Yang Guoqiang , Ke Ya‐Ming , Zhao Yu
Published: March 2021

We report herein a gold and palladium sequential catalysis system to access furan‐fused nine‐membered heterocycles in high efficiency and enantioselectivity. In this one‐pot procedure, easily accessible enynamides undergo cyclization to generate azadienes in situ that participate in enantioselective formal [5+4] cycloaddition with vinyl ethylene carbonates. Conformation‐controlled highly diastereoselective derivatizations of these medium‐sized rings, coupled with oxidative furan cleavage, have enabled the access to diverse densely‐functionalized nine‐membered lactams.
Confined Catalysts Application in Environmental Catalysis: Current Research Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Fei Xiaoqi , Wang Penglu , Zhang Dengsong , Wang Haiqiang , Wu Zhongbiao
Published: March 2021

Space‐confined catalysis can help create unique nanoscale chemical environments partitioned from the surrounding bulk space and has become a feasible strategy for designing high‐efficiency catalysts for various reactions. Confinement effects can affect both the reacting molecules and confined metal/metal‐oxide nanoparticles. This review mainly documents the progress in the design and applications of confined catalysts used in environmental catalysis (selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with ammonia, catalytic oxidation of CO and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs, and photocatalytic CO2 reduction). Throughout the review, the impact of confinement effects on the activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts is emphasised. Materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), titanate nanotubes (TNTs), zeolites, mesoporous TiO2, and metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are common confined hosts. In the NH3‐SCR reaction, confined catalysts, which are non‐noble metals confined in titanate/carbon nanotubes catalysts, have been widely studied. The protection offered by the confined space can shield metal/metal‐oxide nanoparticles from toxic components (e. g., SO2, alkali metals, and heavy metals), while improving the activity of the catalysts. In the field of catalytic oxidation of CO and VOCs, noble metals are always confined in the host without aggregating, sintering, or poisoning and show enhanced activity. In the photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs and photocatalytic reduction of CO2, the application of confined catalysts can prolong the contact time of reactants and improve visible‐light absorption and electron transfer, leading to better catalytic performance.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Low Pressure Carbonylation of Allylic Alcohols by Catalytic Anhydride Activation
Authors: Schelwies Mathias , Paciello Rocco , Pelzer Ralf , Siegel Wolfgang , Breuer Michael
Published: March 2021

A direct carbonylation of allylic alcohols has been realized for the first time with high catalyst activity at low pressure of CO (10 bar). The procedure is described in detail for the carbonylation of E‐nerolidol, an important step in a new BASF‐route to (−)‐ambrox. Key to high activities in the allylic alcohol carbonylation is the finding that catalytic amounts of carboxylic anhydride activate the substrate and are constantly regenerated with carbon monoxide under the reaction conditions. The identified reaction conditions are transferrable to other substrates as well.
A Protecting‐Group‐Free Synthesis of (−)‐Salvinorin A
Authors: Zimdars Patrick , Wang Yuzhou , Metz Peter
Published: March 2021

A concise enantioselective total synthesis of the neoclerodane diterpene (−)‐salvinorin A is reported. The stereogenic center at C‐12 was installed by catalytic asymmetric propargylation with excellent enantioselectivity, and the remaining six stereogenic centers were set up highly diastereoselectively under substrate control. As for our previous synthesis of racemic salvinorin A, two intramolecular Diels‐Alder reactions were applied to generate the tricyclic core. A chemoselective Mitsunobu inversion of asyn1,2‐diol allowed for further streamlining of the original reaction sequence by two steps. Overall, (−)‐salvinorin A was synthesized in only 16 steps starting from 3‐furaldehyde with 1.4 % total yield. Furthermore, an alternative intramolecular Diels‐Alder strategy employing a 2‐bromo‐1,3‐diene moiety was investigated.
Sodium recovery from crystallization waste of Bayer liquor in alumina beneficiation
Authors: Moreno Rodrigo Aparecido , Falconi Isabela Brandolis Alves , Gonçalves Thamiris Auxiliadora Martins , Seno Júnior Roberto , Espinosa Denise Crocce Romano , Tenório Jorge Alberto Soares
Published: March 2021

The residue generated in the crystallization stage of the Bayer process to obtain alumina may be used for sodium recovery. The addition of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) to the residues of the Bayer process may become an alternative study for recovering the caustic soda (NaOH) inserted in the process, so the objective of this work is to utilize the causticization technique in a real residue obtained from the crystallization step of the Bayer liquor. The residue characterized presented 13% Al, so this indicated that there were losses of this element in the Bayer process. Also, the presence of Na2C2O4, Na2CO3, and NaAlO2 were observed. The total sodium recovery was 87%, and the best condition for causticization to occur was in the use of a 1:1 molar ratio (Na2C2O4 and Ca(OH)2), during 6 h of reaction, and at 80°C, with the conversion of 96% of the organic carbons present in the solution. The causticization was effective in separating sodium from residue in the removal of oxalates, organics, and aluminium, and it provided a reaction that separated oxalates and carbonates that are harmful to the aluminium obtaining process.
Well‐Posedness in Gevrey Function Space for 3D Prandtl Equations without Structural Assumption
Authors: Li Wei‐Xi , Masmoudi Nader , Yang Tong
Published: March 2021

We establish the well‐posedness in Gevrey function space with optimal class of regularity 2 for the three‐dimensional Prandtl system without any structural assumption. The proof combines in a novel way a new cancellation in the system with some of the old ideas to overcome the difficulty of the loss of derivatives in the system. This shows that the three‐dimensional instabilities in the system leading to ill‐posedness are not worse than the two‐dimensional ones. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Do plant ploidy and pollinator tongue length interact to cause low seed yield in red clover?
Authors: Hederström Veronica , Rundlöf Maj , Birgersson Göran , Larsson Mattias C. , Balkenius Anna , Lankinen Åsa
Published: March 2021

The loss of long‐tongued pollinator species and dominance of a few short‐tongued generalist species, related to agricultural intensification in recent decades, may have consequences for the quality, quantity, and stability of yields in insect‐pollinated crops. Interestingly, the changes in pollinator community coincide with an increase in poor and variable seed yield in red clover, an important crop for green manure and forage production. However, to date we lack a holistic understanding of the factors that drive seed yield in red clover crops. To remedy this, we related plant and pollinator traits to pollinator visitation, behavior, and pollination efficiency in four diploid and five tetraploid red clover cultivars during three years in a common garden setting. Tetraploid cultivars produced 52% fewer seeds and 41% lower seed weight per flower head compared with diploid cultivars. They also had fewer flower heads per plant, larger florets, and lower pollen viability than diploids. Pollinator species with shorter tongues visited diploid cultivars more frequently than tetraploid cultivars. Pollinator species with longer tongues deposited more pollen and showed higher pollination efficiency in terms of seeds produced after single visits. Our results suggest that while both diploid and tetraploid red clover cultivars benefit from the presence of longer‐tongued pollinator species, seed yield in tetraploid cultivars may be more sensitive to the loss of these bumble bee species in intensively cultivated agricultural landscapes.
Metabolomics and cardiovascular imaging: a combined approach for cardiovascular ageing
Authors: Koh Angela S. , Kovalik Jean‐Paul
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this review is to explore how metabolomics can help uncover new biomarkers and mechanisms for cardiovascular ageing. Cardiovascular ageing refers to cardiovascular structural and functional alterations that occur with chronological ageing and that can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. These alterations, which were previously only detectable on tissue histology or corroborated on blood samples, are now detectable with modern imaging techniques. Despite the emergence of powerful new imaging tools, clinical investigation into cardiovascular ageing is challenging because ageing is a life course phenomenon involving known and unknown risk factors that play out in a dynamic fashion. Metabolomic profiling measures large numbers of metabolites with diverse chemical properties. Metabolomics has the potential to capture changes in biochemistry brought about by pathophysiologic processes as well as by normal ageing. When combined with non‐invasive cardiovascular imaging tools, metabolomics can be used to understand pathological consequences of cardiovascular ageing. This review will summarize previous metabolomics and imaging studies in cardiovascular ageing. These methods may be a clinically relevant and novel approach to identify mechanisms of cardiovascular ageing and formulate or personalize treatment strategies.
Effect of Carillon Mitral Contour System on patient‐reported outcomes in functional mitral regurgitation: an individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Friede Tim , Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed
Published: March 2021

Aims

The Carillon Mitral Contour System has been shown to reduce mitral regurgitation and left ventricular volumes in symptomatic heart failure patients with functional mitral regurgitation. We sought to evaluate the effects of the Carillon device on quality of life and functional capacity in these patients.

Methods and results

An individual participant data meta‐analysis was conducted utilizing data from REDUCE‐FMR, TITAN, and TITAN II studies. The main outcomes assessed were changes from baseline in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary scores (KCCQ‐OSS), 6 min walk test (6MWT) distance, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification at Months 1 and 12 after device implantation. Subgroup analyses were conducted for patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (Grade 3 or 4). Pooled estimates were calculated using a random‐effects model and are presented as weighted proportions or weighted mean differences along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among 139 patients included in the analysis, Carillon device significantly improved the 6MWT distance (63.0 m; 95% CI 18.8–107.2, P = 0.0056) and KCCQ‐OSS score (15.1; 95% CI 5.6–24.7, P = 0.0022) at 1 month from baseline. These benefits were sustained at 12 months (64.1 m; 95% CI 13.2–115.0, P = 0.0141, for 6MWT distance, and 12.3; 95% CI 4.7–19.8, P = 0.0019, for KCCQ‐OSS score). More than 50% of the patients had improvements in KCCQ‐OSS by ≥5 (60.4%; 95% CI 47.4–72.1) and 10 points (50.5%; 95% CI 34.9–66.0) at 12 months. Almost half of the patients experienced a ≥1 class improvement in NYHA class after implantation of the device at 1 month (67.9%; 95% CI 37.3–88.3) and at 12 months (48.8%; 95% CI 31.8–66.2). Results remained similar for KCCQ‐OSS, 6MWT distance, and NYHA classification when only patients with Grade 3 or 4 mitral regurgitation were analysed. The pooled estimates of 30 day and 1 year all‐cause mortality were 2.2% (95% CI 0.7–6.5) and 17.3% (95% CI 11.8–24.5), respectively.

Conclusions

The Carillon Mitral Contour System significantly improved patient‐reported quality‐of‐life outcomes in heart failure patients with functional mitral regurgitation.
Streamlined One‐Pot Synthesis of Nitro Fatty Acids
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Krieg Sara‐Cathrin , Ndefo Nde Cedric , Roos Jessica , Maier Thorsten J. , El Rady Eman A. , Raslan Mohamed A. , Sadek Kamal U. , Manolikakes Georg
Published: March 2021

A novel method for the synthesis of nitro fatty acids (NFAs), an intriguing class of endogenously occurring lipid mediators, is reported. This one‐pot procedure enables the controlled and stereoselective construction of nitro fatty acids from a simple set of common building blocks in a highly facile manner. Thereby, this methodology offers a streamlined, highly modular access to naturally occurring nitro fatty acids as well as non‐natural NFA derivatives.
Exploiting the Versatility of Palladium Catalysis: A Modern Toolbox for Cascade Reactions
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Ballav Tamal , Biswas Krishna , Ghosh Suman , Ganesh Venkataraman
Published: March 2021

Palladium‐catalyzed cascade cyclization received much attention in organic synthesis due to its efficiency and rapid transformation of simple starting materials into complex molecular skeletons. Celebrating the 10th year of the prestigious Nobel prize for palladium chemistry, we witness it still proceeds strong over other transition metals for its versatility. Cascade reactions in contemporary organic synthesis reduced cost and time through careful design. It has emerged as the first choice, a powerful tool for multiple bond formations in one step with a wide range of functional group tolerance due to the deep understanding of various pathways. A variety of compounds with biological relevance with complex molecular scaffolds have been achieved using these cascade coupling reactions. This review outlines Pd‐catalyzed cascade reactions from the post‐Nobel era. Nevertheless, more discoveries and endless possibilities for new transformations are underway.
Electrochemical Oxidative C−H Cyanation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with TMSCN
Authors: Zhan Yanling , Li Yifan , Tong Jinwen , Liu Ping , Sun Peipei
Published: March 2021

Both quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and nitriles are valuable organic compounds, and it is an interesting task to introduce cyano into quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones. Herein a regioselective C−H cyanation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones was developed with a nucleophilic cyano source TMSCN under electrochemical oxidative conditions. This process allowed the synthesis of C3 cyanated quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones in moderate to excellent yields in the absence of transition‐metal catalysts and organic hydroperoxides.
Intracranial monitoring contributes to seizure freedom for temporal lobectomy patients with nonconcordant preoperative data
Authors: Sokolov Elisaveta , Sisterson Nathaniel D. , Hussein Helweh , Plummer Cheryl , Corson Danielle , Antony Arun R. , Mettenburg Joseph M. , Ghearing Gena R. , Pan Jullie W. , Urban Alexandra , Bagić Anto , Richardson R. Mark , Kokkinos Vasileios
Published: March 2021

Objective

The question of whether a patient with presumed temporal lobe seizures should proceed directly to temporal lobectomy surgery versus undergo intracranial monitoring arises commonly. We evaluate the effect of intracranial monitoring on seizure outcome in a retrospective cohort of consecutive subjects who specifically underwent an anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 85 patients with focal refractory TLE who underwent ATL following: (a) intracranial monitoring via craniotomy and subdural/depth electrodes (SDE/DE), (b) intracranial monitoring via stereotactic electroencephalography (sEEG), or (c) no intracranial monitoring (direct ATL—dATL). For each subject, the presurgical primary hypothesis for epileptogenic zone localization was characterized as unilateral TLE, unilateral TLE plus (TLE+), or TLE with bilateral/poor lateralization.

Results

At one‐year and most recent follow‐up, Engel Class I and combined I/II outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups. Outcomes were better in the dATL group compared to the intracranial monitoring groups for lesional cases but were similar in nonlesional cases. Those requiring intracranial monitoring for a hypothesis of TLE+had similar outcomes with either intracranial monitoring approach. sEEG was the only approach used in patients with bilateral or poorly lateralized TLE, resulting in 77.8% of patients seizure‐free at last follow‐up. Importantly, for 85% of patients undergoing SEEG, recommendation for ATL resulted from modifying the primary hypothesis based on iEEG data.

Significance

Our study highlights the value of intracranial monitoring in equalizing seizure outcomes in difficult‐to‐treat TLE patients undergoing ATL.
The magnetohydrodynamic flow of a nanofluid over a curved exponentially stretching surface
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Saeed Anwar , Gul Taza , Khan Arshad
Published: March 2021

The magnetohydrodynamics flow of a nanofluid over an exponentially curved stretching surface is deeply focused in the current study. By using the assumption on the curved stretching surface, the governing equations are established. We obtain nonlinear partial differential equations by utilizing the boundary layer estimation on the Navier–Stokes condition. These equations are converted into nondimensional system ordinary differential equations, using a suitable similarity transformation. The governing system of equations is tackled through an analytical method. The impacts of different pertinent parameters involved in the governing equations are illustrated graphically, whereas the numerical values of , and are also tabulated. The velocity profile declines with an increase in values of magnetic parameter and porosity parameter. The temperature profile is increasing, when the value of a thermophoretic parameter and Brownian motion parameter increases. A higher activation energy displays a stronger concentration profile. The concentration profile decreases for increasing values of the Schmidt number. The concentration profile shows the inverse impact for increasing values of the thermophoretic parameter and Brownian motion parameter. The focus of this study was to examine the heat transfer rate of nanoparticles.
Associations of vitamin D status with colorectal cancer risk and survival
Authors: Zhou Jian , Ge Xianxiu , Fan Xikang , Wang Jiayu , Miao Lin , Hang Dong
Published: March 2021

Biological evidence suggests that vitamin D has numerous anticancer functions, but the associations between vitamin D status and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and survival remain inconclusive. Based on UK Biobank, we prospectively evaluated the associations of season‐standardized 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations with CRC risk among 360 061 participants, and with survival among 2509 CRC cases. We observed an inverse linear relationship between 25(OH)D concentrations and CRC risk (P for linearity = .01; HR per 1‐SD increment, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91‐0.99). Compared to the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D, the highest quartile was associated with a 13% (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77‐0.98) lower risk of CRC. For CRC survival, compared to those in the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D, cases in the highest quartile had a 20% (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65‐0.99) lower risk for overall death. Our findings indicate that higher concentrations of serum 25(OH)D are associated with lower incidence and improved survival of CRC, suggesting a role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of CRC.
Correlates of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in Kenya: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kemper Kathryn E. , McGrath Christine J. , Eckert Linda O. , Kinuthia John , Singa Benson , Langat Agnes , Drake Alison L.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death among Kenyan women. It is important to identify how demographics and knowledge of cervical cancer are associated with screening to determine best practices for targeted screening efforts.

Methods

We conducted a sub‐analysis of women who were asked about cervical cancer from a cross‐sectional study of women attending large HIV care and treatment programs across Kenya between June and September 2016.

Results

1671 of 3007 (56%) women reported ever being screened, 804 (48%) of whom were screened within the last 12 months. Prevalence of screening was highest among women who were older (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] age 35–49 vs. 18–24: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.68–3.05, P < 0.001), employed (APR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.24–1.93, P < 0.001), married (APR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.59, P = 0.047), had at least secondary education (APR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.19–1.77, P < 0.001), with longer time since HIV diagnosis (APR: 1.09/year average increase, 95% CI: 1.04–1.13, P < 0.001). 36% knew cervical cancer is treatable.

Conclusion

Characteristics linked to social or economic capital are correlated with cervical cancer screening. Integrating cervical cancer screening into HIV care and educating patients on the need for annual screening and potential treatment are important strategies for increasing screening uptake.
Three‐dimensional printing of high‐mass loading electrodes for energy storage applications
Authors: Yang Hao , Feng Zhaoxuan , Teng Xiaoling , Guan Lu , Hu Han , Wu Mingbo
Published: March 2021

Nanostructured materials afford a promising potential for many energy storage applications because of their extraordinary electrochemical properties. However, the remarkable electrochemical energy storage performance could only be harvested at a relatively low mass‐loading via the traditional electrode fabrication process, and the scale of these materials into commercial‐level mass‐loading remains a daunting challenge because the ion diffusion kinetics deteriorates rapidly along with the increased thickness of the electrodes. Very recently, three‐dimensional (3D) printing, a promising additive manufacturing technology, has been considered as an emerging method to address the aforementioned issues where the 3D printed electrodes could possess elaborately regulated architectures and rationally organized porosity. As a result, the outstanding electrochemical performance has been widely observed in energy storage devices made of 3D printed electrodes of high‐mass loading. In this review, we systemically introduce the basic working principles of various 3D printing technologies and their practical applications to manufacture high‐mass loading electrodes for energy storage devices. Challenges and perspectives in 3D printing technologies for the construction of electrodes at the current stage are also outlined, aiming to offer some useful opinions for further development for this prosperous field.

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Fibrinogen reconstitution after therapeutic apheresis: Comparison of double‐filtration plasmapheresis, plasma exchange, and immunoadsorption
Authors: Jouve Thomas , Marlu Raphaël , Naciri Bennani Hamza , Noble Johan , Chevallier Eloi , Motte Lionel , Imerzoukene Farida , Malvezzi Paolo , Rostaing Lionel
Published: March 2021

Background

Fibrinogen reconstitution after therapeutic apheresis has been poorly studied. Apheresis modalities, for example, plasma exchange (PE), double‐filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), or selective immunoadsorption (IA), may have different impacts.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated therapeutic apheresis sessions performed at our center across four modalities (PE, DFPP, and IA with or without plasma filtration). Fibrinogen levels were assessed at the beginning and end of each apheresis session, and immediately before the subsequent session. We adjusted measurements on hematocrit values to account for hemoconcentration.

Results

Between January 10, 2016 and March 2, 2020, we included 90 patients for a total of 754 apheresis sessions (PE: 35; DFPP: 351; IA only: 109; IA + plasma filtration: 259). Each patient received a median of five sessions (1Q 3; 3Q 9); median plasma volume treated was 5.5 L (1Q 4.3 L; 3Q 7.0 L). Within a session, DFPP and PE induced a significantly greater depletion of fibrinogen than both IA modalities, even after adjustment for the treated plasma volume. Median fibrinogen reconstitution was 0.8 (0.4‐1.2) g/L (median time between sessions: 38 hours). In multivariate analysis, fibrinogen reconstitution was significantly associated with intersession time (+0.66 g/L/log‐hour P < .001), apheresis modality (ANOVA; P < .001), initial fibrinogen concentration (+0.15 g/L per gram of fibrinogen; P < .001), and the last fibrinogen concentration from the previous apheresis session (−0.14 g/L per gram of fibrinogen; P < .001). In a model that considered hemoconcentration, the results were unchanged.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that fibrinogen reconstitution was highly variable between patients and apheresis sessions. Apheresis modalities had a significant impact on fibrinogen reconstitution, regardless of hemoconcentration.
γ‐Al2O3/triflic acid as cooperative catalysts for the tandem Michael addition/carbocyclization: An easy access to 2‐substituted pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines and 3‐substituted pyrrolidine‐2,5‐diones
Authors: Rao Ramana Sreenivasa , Sahani Anita , Ali Sheikh Haider , Pradhan Sumanta , Ramanathan Chinnasamy Ramaraj
Published: March 2021

A tandem Michael addition/carbocyclization of 3,4‐dimethoxyphenethyl maleimide with carbon and sulfur nucleophiles is accomplished via a relay catalysis using γ‐Al2O3/TfOH binary system. The X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of binary system indicates the presence of AlF3, AlO(OH) species. This approach provides an easy access to 2‐aryl or 2‐thio aryl pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines in good yields in a tandem fashion. With suitable ratio of γ‐Al2O3/TfOH binary system, the Michael addition of N/C/S nucleophiles to N‐benzyl maleimide is also achieved. A key to the success of these reactions would be the generation of AlF3, AlO(OH) species from γ‐Al2O3 and TfOH, which might have delineated the disadvantageous background reactions usually displayed by a strong Brønsted acid such as TfOH.
Classifying molecular phenotypes of G6PC variants for pathogenic properties and to guide therapeutic development
Authors: Plona Kathleen L. , Eastman Jean F. , Drumm Mitchell L.
Published: March 2021

Due to advances in sequencing technologies, identification of genetic variants is rapid. However, the functional consequences of most genomic variants remain unknown. Consequently, variants of uncertain significance (VUS) that appear in clinical DNA diagnostic reports lack sufficient data for interpretation. Algorithms exist to aid prediction of a variant's likelihood of pathogenicity, but these predictions usually lack empiric evidence. To examine the feasibility of generating functional evidence in vitro for a given variant's role in disease, a panel of 29 coding sequence variants in the G6PC gene was assessed. G6PC encodes glucose‐6 phosphatase enzyme, and reduction in its function causes the rare metabolic disease glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD1a). Variants were heterologously expressed as fusion proteins in a hepatocyte‐derived cell line and examined for effects on steady‐state protein levels, biosynthetic processing, and intracellular distribution. The screen revealed variant effects on protein levels, N‐linked glycosylation status, and cellular distribution. Of the eight VUS tested, seven behaved similar to wild‐type protein while one VUS, p.Cys109Tyr, exhibited features consistent with pathogenicity for all molecular phenotypes assayed, including significantly reduced protein levels, alteration in protein glycosylation status, and abnormally diffuse protein localization pattern, and has recently been reported in a patient with GSD1a. Our results show that such a screen can add empiric evidence to existing databases to aid in diagnostics, and also provides further classification for molecular phenotypes that could be used in future therapeutic screening approaches for small molecule or gene editing strategies directed at specific variants.
Discovery and validation of quality markers of Fructus Aurantii against acetylcholinesterase using metabolomics and bioactivity assays
Authors: Wang Yi‐Kun , Zhou Zi‐Meng , Dai Man‐Yun , Ma Xiao‐Fang , Xiao Xue‐Rong , Zhang Shou‐Wen , Liu Hong‐Ning , Li Fei
Published: March 2021

Fructus Aurantii is a traditional medicated diet in East Asia. To determine the underlying chemical markers responsible for the quality and efficacy of Fructus Aurantii, a sensitive metabolomic method was applied to distinguish Fructus Aurantii in Jiangxi Province from other two geographical locations (Hunan Province and Chongqing City) in China. In the present study, multivariate analyses were adopted to compare chemical compositions in 21 batches of Fructus Aurantii samples. Among three geographical origins, 23 differential compounds were structurally identified. Serum pharmacochemistry exhibited that 22 components could be detected in rat serum. Six differential and absorbed components were selected as six potential markers. Statistical analysis revealed that the content of six markers varied widely in three origins of Fructus Aurantii. Six differential and absorbed components were evaluated further by biological activity. Neohesperidin, naringin, and meranzin showed inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase that regulates gastrointestinal motility in vitro and in silico, suggesting that these three components may be determined as the active biomarkers of Fructus Aurantii. These findings demonstrate the potential of biomarkers for identification and quality control of Fructus Aurantii.
The role of root‐associated microbes in growth stimulation of plants under saline conditions
Authors: Liu Han‐Qing , Lu Xiang‐Bin , Li Zi‐Han , Tian Chang‐Yan , Song Jie
Published: March 2021

Soil salinization has adverse effects on plant growth due to direct ion toxicity or secondary damage, such as mineral nutrition imbalance and the water stress caused by low osmotic potential. The rhizosphere processes of plants are likely to play an important role in the biological improvement of saline soil. However, the understanding of this remains limited. This review summarizes the progress made recently in exploring the effects of root‐associated microbes especially from halophytic species on the growth stimulation of plants under salinity. For example, halophytes attract and absorb beneficial rhizosphere growth‐promoting bacteria by producing rhizosphere exudates such as organic acids and enzymes, which is conducive to plant growth under salt stress. The plant growth‐promoting exogenous rhizobacteria (PGPR), attached to the roots of halophytes, can promote the growth of plants mainly through the improved absorption of nutrients by the host plants or through producing plant growth regulators. In addition, the colonization of endophytes can regulate plant ion balance and produce secondary metabolites such as growth‐promoting hormone and extracellular enzymes, activating antioxidant systems, and inducing plant system resistance against pathogenic microorganisms, thus promoting the growth of plants under salt stress. The inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under salt stress can facilitate plants to change the ion balance or obtain water from the soil, and that the formation of other hyphae may promote the transfer of water and nutrients to plants. Therefore, understanding the effects of root‐associated microbes on the growth stimulation of plants under salinity is of great significance to improving their salt tolerance, so as to improve saline‐alkali land for the construction of a more effective biological improvement model.