bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different degradation patterns and mechanisms of chiral contaminant enantiomers: beta‐cypermethrin as a case study
Authors: Chen Min , Yang Zhong‐Hua
Published: July 2022

Studies often neglect the differences between enantiomers in soil chiral contaminants, and the molecular ecological mechanisms involved in enantiomer selective degradation behaviors remain elusive. In the present study, we used the stepwise regression analysis to establish the quantitative relationships between degradation rates and genes that determine different degradation patterns and mechanisms among enantiomers; and beta‐cypermethrin (BCYM) was chosen as the target analyte. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated the relationships established for different enantiomers varied even under the same conditions, and results from path analysis showed the same functional gene exhibited different direct and indirect contributions to different enantiomer degradation rates. The genome and primary microbial communities during different enantiomer degradation rates were also analyzed based on Illumina MiSeq next‐generation sequencing technology, and the results indicated the soil microbial community structure and abundance varied during different enantiomer degradation rates. Results from this study served to enhance our understanding of the molecular biological mechanisms of chiral contaminant selective degradation behaviors under the context of functional genes and degrading microorganisms.
A new chiral stationary phase based on noscapine: Synthesis, enantioseparation, and docking study
Authors: Mousavimanesh Zohreh , Shahnani Mostafa , Faraji‐Shovey Amirmohammad , Bararjanian Morteza , Sadr Ahmad Shahir , Ghassempour Alireza , Salehi Peyman
Published: July 2022

Noscapine is an isolated compound from the opium poppy, with distinctive chiral structure and chemistry, interacts with other compounds due to having multiple π‐acceptors, hydrogen bond acceptors, and ionic sites. Therefore, it has promising applicability for the enantioselective separation of a wide range of polar, acidic, basic, and neutral compounds. A new noscapine derivative chiral stationary phase (ND‐CSP) has been synthesized by consecutive N‐demethylation, reduction, and N‐propargylation of noscapine followed by attachment of a solid epoxy‐functionalized silica bed through the 1,3‐dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition. The noscapine derivative‐based stationary phase provides a considerable surface coverage, which is greater than some commercial CSPs and can validate better enantioresolution performance. The major advantages inherent to this chiral selector are stability, reproducibility after more than 200 tests, and substantial loading capacity. The characterization by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and elemental analysis indicated successful functionalization of the silica surface. Chromatographic method conditions like flow rate and mobile phase composition for enantioseparation of various compounds such as warfarin, propranolol, mandelic acid, and a sulfanilamide derivative were optimized. Comparing the experimental results with docking data revealed a clear correlation between the calculated binding energy of ND‐CSP and each enantiomer with the resolution of enantiomer peaks.
The COVID‐19 infection control response at a large stand‐alone comprehensive cancer center in Los Angeles County
Authors: Battey Hannah , Doran Brenna , Flood Annemarie , Nussbaum Juliet , Seto Tyler , Srisatidnarakul Suwannee , Tegtmeier Bernard , Dadwal Sanjeet
Published: July 2022

Background

The City of Hope National Medical Center (COH) is the only stand‐alone comprehensive cancer center in Los Angeles, a county that was deemed a COVID‐19 pandemic epicenter at the height of the 2020 winter surge. The immunocompromised patient population frequently experienced delays in infection control guidelines from local and government bodies due to minimal data available in comparison to the general population. This required COH to make swift, informed decisions for the best interest of the patient population.

Aim

Here, we review the comprehensive COVID‐19 infection control response conducted at COH within the context of a high‐risk patient population, predominately comprised of patients with hematologic malignancies.

Methods and Results

This infection control response focused on prevention of COVID‐19 transmission on campus, COVID‐19 testing, and isolation management. These efforts consisted of COVID‐19 screening, limitation of personnel on campus, source control, contact tracing, COVID‐19 vaccination, establishment of in‐house testing and implementation and management of COVID‐19 testing. Between January 2020 and September 2021, COH implemented a robust in‐house testing program, completed well over 1000 contact traces, ensured COVID‐19 vaccinations were distributed to all eligible staff and patients, and established an algorithm for COVID‐19 infection resolution, all without compromising the number of hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HCTs) performed, surgical volume, or healthcare‐associated standardized infection ratios (SIR).

Conclusion

Institutional collaboration and attention to infection control was pivotal to minimizing the burden of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Parallel Controlled, Single‐Dose Phase I Study Comparing the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Immunogenicity of the Infliximab Biosimilar CMAB008 and the Reference Product in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects
Authors: Zhou Ruirui , Chen Qian , Hou Sheng , Guo Huaizu , Li Jing , Qian Weizhu , Wang Hao , Ou Lun , Chen XiaoFei , Jiang Fan , Jia Jingying
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and immunogenicity of the infliximab biosimilar CMAB008 compared to the reference product (Remicade) in healthy Chinese male subjects to provide the basis for the similarity evaluation of the 2 drugs. In this phase I randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled, single‐dose study, a total of 90 subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive CMAB008 or infliximab reference product with single intravenous injections (5 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected at designed time points for PK and immunogenicity assessment. If the 90%CI of the geometric mean ratio of area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to the time of the last observation, maximum observed plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to infinity was completely within the range of 80% to 125%, the PK bioequivalence was established. Other PK parameters including time to maximum plasma concentration, half‐life time, clearance, apparent volume of distribution, and last measurable concentration time point were also assessed. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Serum concentration–time profiles were similar across the 2 groups, and PK parameters were comparable in the 2 groups. The 90%CI of the geometric mean ratio of test to reference was within the predefined bioequivalence range of 80% to 125%. The AEs occurred similarly in 2 groups. One serious AE (rhabdomyolysis, grade 3) occurred in the test group. The total positive rates of antidrug antibody and neutralizing antibodies in the test group (85.7% and 5.6%, respectively) were numerically lower than infliximab reference product group (90.9% and 15%, respectively). The PK profile of the 2 groups is statistically equivalent. The preliminary safety and immunogenicity evaluation of the 2 drugs are comparable.
A Weak Acidic and Strong Coordinated Deep Eutectic Solvent for Recycling of Cathode from Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Yurun , Chen Wenjun , Zhang Baolong , Chen Yu , Shi Ruifen , Liu Shuzi , Zhang Zhenchuan , Mu Tiancheng
Published: July 2022

The leaching and recycling of valuable metals via environmentally benign solvents is important because of the ever‐increasing waste lithium‐ion batteries, but it remains a challenge. Herein, a multi‐functional deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on lactic acid (LA) and guanidine hydrochloride (GHC) was used to extract cobalt and lithium ions from LiCoO2. Due to the strong acidity (protons) and abundant chlorine coordinating ions of LA/GHC, the solubility of LiCoO2 in LA/GHC could reach as high as 19.9 mg g−1 (stirred at 80 °C for 24 h), and a little LiCoO2 powder even could be dissolved at room temperature without stirring. Oxalic acid was used to strip and separate the oxalates of cobalt and lithium. Furthermore, LA/GHC could be recycled with a similar dissolving performance. This work avoided using corrosive acids and could be realized at low temperature (80 °C), making it energy‐saving and cost‐effective. It shows DESs have great potential in extracting strategically important metals from LiCoO2 cathodes and provides an efficient and green alternative for sustainable recycling of spent lithium‐ion batteries.
Analysis and design of wireless power and data synchronous transfer system based on 2FSK modulation using dual‐resonant frequency
Authors: Feng Jing , Zhang Jiantao , Wei Guo , Cui Jian , Zhu Chunbo
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a reconfigurable double‐sided inductor‐capacitor‐capacitor (LCC)‐based data transfer method for wireless power transfer (WPT) system is proposed. The power and the data are, respectively, transferred through the orthogonal decoupled inductive links, and thus, the interference between the power transfer link and the data transfer link can be eliminated. Dual‐resonant frequency is used to exchange data in the binary frequency‐shift keying (2FSK) modulation. The performance of the reconfigurable LCC compensation topology is explored, and the design method is presented to improve the data transfer rate and to guarantee the similar data transfer characteristics under the two different frequencies. Thus, a stable data transfer can be guaranteed irrespective of the data type. The power transfer link and data transfer link are, separately, analyzed. Together with the well‐designed parameters, 512 W power with 115.2 kbps transfer rate half‐duplex communication is obtained, and the direct current–direct current (DC–DC) efficiency reaches 80.44%.
Modular DC‐DC converter with reduced current ripple and low voltage stress suitable for high voltage applications
Authors: Babalou Milad , Dezhbord Morteza , Maalandish Mohammad , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Islam Md. Rabiul , Torkaman Hossein
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a couple inductor‐based dc‐dc boost converter with extensible capability is presented. In the proposed converter, attaching extensions to input section alleviates input current ripple. Furthermore, the current sharing performance between different phases operates beneficially by expanding optimized boost converters, especially when a partial inequality exists among different switches' duty cycles and leakage inductances. The voltage conversion ratio of the proposed converter is also additionally optimized by a series of VMR's output capacitors. Meanwhile, not only the voltage stress upon the main switches is decreased but also the all switches are managed to be turned on with zero current switching technique. The voltage spikes across MOSFETs are eliminated by using the recycling energy of leakage inductances on the clamp capacitor. The topology of the proposed converter, steady‐state analysis, and design procedure is presented to indicate the merits of the suggested converter. A prototype circuit with a three‐phase interleaved boost converter, two number of diode‐capacitor in each VMR, and output power 660 W and 40–800 V conversion ratio is experimented to corroborate the validity of the presented structure.
Efficient routing and performance amelioration using Hybrid Diffusion Clustering Scheme in heterogeneous wireless sensor network
Authors: Manoharan Gurupriya , Sumathi Appranchi
Published: July 2022

Heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs) have a wide range of application in the contemporary world particularly in sensing and hunting of events without human interference. Due to this limitation of network resources and energy of sensor nodes, the contention of available resources for transmission will increase the energy consumption in the network and degrade the performance of Quality of Service. During dense traffic conditions, sensor nodes in close proximity to base station (BS) faces severe bottleneck resulting in congestion and energy hole problem. The efficient utilization of energy and packet loss is due to link break and by traffic analysis attack is a primary threat in HWSN applications. To sustain maximum energy in the network, two important aspects are considered, namely, flawless selection of path and concise clustering. This paper describes about a multi‐objective‐based Hybrid Diffusion Clustering Scheme (HDCS) through Jellyfish routing protocol with Time Division Multiple Access (JRP‐TDMA)‐based routing method in HWSN. Cluster head is elected based on multiple objectives such as residual energy, cost, and distance. Once CH selection is done, JRP‐TDMA based on available timeslot handpicks the best path for transmitting to BS. The proposed protocol is analyzed, simulated, and performance results are correlated with existing protocols namely, diffusion clustered routing protocol (DCRP), efficient unequal clustering (EEUC), Markov chain model‐based optimal cluster head (MOCH), and genetic algorithm (GA). The number of alive sensor nodes of proposed method has increased by 24.4% when compared with other approaches.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels predict weight gain in women with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Kimball Allison , Colling Caitlin , Haines Melanie S. , Meenaghan Erinne , Eddy Kamryn T. , Misra Madhusmita , Miller Karen K.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious condition characterized by undernutrition, complicated by endocrine dysregulation, and with few predictors of recovery. Urinary free cortisol (UFC) is a predictor of weight gain, but 24‐h urine samples are challenging to collect. We hypothesized that serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which like cortisol is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), would predict weight gain and increases in fat mass in women with AN.

Methods

We prospectively studied 34 women with AN and atypical AN, mean age 27.4 ± 7.7 years (mean ± SD), who received placebo in a 6‐month randomized trial. Baseline DHEAS and 24‐h UFC were measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Body composition was assessed at baseline and 6 months by DXA and cross‐sectional abdominal CT at L4.

Results

Mean baseline DHEAS level was 173 ± 70 μg/dl (0.7 ± 0.3 times the mean normal range for age) and mean baseline UFC (n = 15) was 20 ± 18 μg/24 h (normal: 0–50 μg/24 h). Higher DHEAS levels predicted weight gain over 6 months (r = 0.61, p < .001). DHEAS levels also predicted increases in fat mass (r = 0.40, p = .03), appendicular lean mass (r = 0.38, p = .04), and abdominal adipose tissue (r = 0.60, p < .001). All associations remained significant after controlling for age, baseline BMI, OCP use, duration of AN, and SSRI/SNRI use. DHEAS levels correlated with UFC (r = 0.61, p = .02).

Discussion

In women with AN, higher serum DHEAS predicts weight gain and increases in fat and muscle mass. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and further elucidate the association between DHEAS and weight gain.

Public Significance

Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric condition, and predictors of weight recovery are needed to improve prognostication and guide therapeutic decision making. While urinary cortisol is a predictor of weight gain, 24‐h urine collections are challenging to obtain. Like cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. As a readily available blood test, DHEAS holds promise as more practical biomarker of weight gain in anorexia nervosa.
A daily diary study of emotion regulation as a moderator of negative affect‐binge eating associations
Authors: Mikhail Megan E. , Fowler Natasha , Burt S. Alexandra , Neale Michael C. , Keel Pamela K. , Katzman Debra K. , Klump Kelly L.
Published: July 2022

Background

While negative affect (NA) typically increases risk for binge eating, the ultimate impact of NA may depend on a person's ability to regulate their emotions. In this daily, longitudinal study, we examined whether emotion regulation (ER) modified the strength of NA‐dysregulated eating associations.

Methods

Women (N = 311) from the Michigan State University Twin Registry first reported dimensional binge eating symptoms and broad ER difficulties (e.g., limited emotional awareness, difficulty controlling emotional impulses). Participants then rated use of adaptive (cognitive reappraisal, social sharing, situation modification, and acceptance) and maladaptive (rumination, expressive suppression, and self‐criticism) ER strategies, emotional eating (EE), objective binge eating (OBE), and NA once daily for 49 consecutive days.

Results

There were several main effects of ER on binge‐eating pathology in both between‐person (i.e., comparing women who differed on average) and within‐person (i.e., examining fluctuations in variables day‐to‐day) analyses. Between‐person, greater broad ER difficulties, greater maladaptive strategy use, and lower adaptive strategy use were all associated with greater binge‐eating pathology. Within‐person, greater maladaptive strategy use was associated with greater odds of OBE on that day and on the following day. However, neither broad ER difficulties nor use of specific strategies moderated associations between NA and dysregulated eating in between‐ or within‐person analyses.

Conclusions

While ER is independently associated with risk for dysregulated eating, it may not fully mitigate the impact of NA. Additional strategies (e.g., decreasing environmental stressors and increasing social support) may be needed to minimize NA and its impact on dysregulated eating.

Public Significance

Negative affect (NA; e.g., sadness, guilt) increases dysregulated eating risk. Because NA is sometimes unavoidable, we examined whether emotion regulation (ER; i.e., how a person responds to their emotions) might impact whether NA leads to dysregulated eating. Although more effective ER was associated with less dysregulated eating overall, ER did not impact the association between NA and dysregulated eating. Other approaches may therefore be needed to mitigate NA‐dysregulated eating associations.
Greater sage‐grouse habitat selection varies across the marginal habitat of its lagging range margin
Authors: Beers Aidan T. , Frey Shandra N.
Published: July 2022

Studying wildlife–habitat relationships at the edges of their range can provide valuable insights into the environmental factors limiting wildlife distributions and most likely to drive extirpations and range shifts in response to landscape change. Yet the relative impact of those factors is likely different along the range margin, so it is important to identify the limitations to suitable habitat at both regional and local scales. Some of the most drastic impacts of large‐scale landscape changes in North America have occurred and are forecasted in the sagebrush steppe ecosystems, where species unable to seek new habitat in the fragmented landscape will be vulnerable to climatic extremes, vegetation community shifts, and anthropogenic land use change. One of the species likely under major threat from landscape changes is the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush obligate with habitat constraints that make it susceptible to habitat loss impacts as sagebrush systems contract and fragment at their southern range margin, already naturally fragmented. In this study, we evaluated factors of topography and land cover directly impacting habitat selection by sage‐grouse in four study areas along their lagging range edge. We used >116,000 GPS locations from >90 grouse across four study areas in southern Utah and Nevada from 2014 to 2020 in habitat selection analyses using random forest models. Our results showed that sage‐grouse exploit topography and sagebrush cover, possibly to break predator sight lines and moderate the risk posed by avian predators using tree perches, complicating the effects of tree cover and conifer encroachment into sagebrush habitat. We found similar trends across all four study areas, suggesting sage‐grouse along the southern range margin face similar limitations. However, the effects were nonlinear and varied—models trained in one study area were only moderately successful at predicting selection in others. The local idiosyncrasies along this southern range margin indicate a need for place‐based conservation for sage‐grouse and other potentially imperiled species. Incorporating new understandings of local impacts will refine regional and range‐wide models and support efforts to effectively create habitat and plan for range shifts by vulnerable species in response to environmental change.
Vertebrate and invertebrate competition for carrion in human‐impacted environments depends on abiotic factors
Authors: Sawyer Samantha J. , Eubanks Micky D. , Beasley James C. , Barton Brandon T. , Puckett Robert T. , Tomeček John M. , Tomberlin Jeffery K.
Published: July 2022

Human altered landscapes have caused declines in the diversity of wildlife where behaviorally plastic species (i.e., mesocarnivores and invasive species) tend to monopolize these areas and consume predictable and readily accessible food resources, such as human food waste and carrion. Increased consumption of carrion by vertebrates and invasive invertebrate species can alter population dynamics of native necrophagous insects relying on these resources. We tested the hypothesis that vertebrate scavengers and invasive species reduce blow fly (1) ability to use carrion and (2) reproduction in human‐impacted environments in central Texas, USA, with season, habitat (field and wooded landscapes), and carrion type (species of carrion and coat color) acting synergistically. Vertebrate scavengers in this habitat, of which 75% of the documented species were mesocarnivores and obligate scavengers, consumed 100% of carrion during the winter and 62% during summer despite having low species richness (2–5 species). Of the remaining carcasses available for arthropod activity during summer, the invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), monopolized 34%, and blow flies (e.g., Lucilia eximia and Chrysomya rufifacies [Diptera: Calliphoridae]) were only able to colonize 25%. Approximately 90% of carrion that was utilized by blow flies was co‐colonized by fire ants, and subsequent production of adult blow flies experienced up to a ninefold reduction in production compared with carcasses that were not scavenged by vertebrates or fire ants. Our results demonstrate oviposition resources used by blow flies in environments altered by human activity are reduced significantly by vertebrate scavengers and an invasive ant species. Future research should determine whether competitive interactions between vertebrate and invasive ant competitors for access to carrion resources have population‐level impacts to blow flies in human‐mediated ecosystems, or whether blow flies are able to shift to other resources to maintain sustainable populations and continue providing ecosystem services, such as pollination.
Centres of excellence in heart failure: results of an accreditation programme in Spain (2017–2021)
Authors: Anguita‐Sánchez Manuel , González‐Costello José , Recio‐Mayoral Alejandro , Rodríguez‐Lambert José L. , Iñiguez‐Romo Andrés , Ruiz‐Mateas Francisco , Elola‐Somoza Javier ,   the Board of the Spanish Society of Cardiology
Published: July 2022

Aims

To describe logistics and outcomes of the accreditation program of centres of excellence in heart failure (HF) developed in Spain by the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) between 2016 and 2021.

Methods and results

A scientific committee created by the SEC defined three types of HF units (community, specialized, and advanced), depending on the characteristics of the hospital and their portfolio of services and equipment, as well as the quality standards required for the accreditation of excellence. The units were required to submit to the SEC a document certifying compliance with the requirements and quality standards. Once verified these, the unit received accreditation of excellence from the SEC. Between 2017 and October 2021, 78 HF units spread throughout Spain applied for accreditation. This represents 50.6% of all Spanish national health system centres with cardiology departments. Accreditation was definitive in 56.4% of the applicant centres and provisional in the remaining 43.6%. Of the 78 units, 19 were community units, 44 specialized, and 15 advanced. Of the 34 units that received provisional accreditation for failure to meet any of the required quality standards, all resolved these deficits within 6 months of the initial evaluation, subsequently receiving definitive accreditation.

Conclusions

Our experience indicates that implementation of an accreditation programme for excellence and quality of care of HF units at the national level by a scientific society is feasible and sustainable over time, leading the majority of HF units in the country to apply for accreditation and to meet the required quality standards.
A global perspective on the management and outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoevelmann Julian , Engel Mark E. , Muller Elani , Hohlfeld Ameer , Böhm Michael , Sliwa Karen , Viljoen Charle
Published: July 2022

Aims

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) remains a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease is associated with various complications occurring mainly early during its course. Reported adverse outcomes include decompensated heart failure, thromboembolic complications, arrhythmias and death. We sought to systematically and comprehensively review published literature on the management and outcome of women with PPCM across different geographical regions and to identify possible predictors of adverse outcomes.

Methods and results

We performed a comprehensive search of relevant literature (2000 to June 2021) across a number of electronic databases. Cohort, case‐control and cross‐sectional studies, as well as control arms of randomized controlled trials reporting on 6‐ and/or 12‐month outcomes of PPCM were considered eligible (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021255654). Forty‐seven studies (4875 patients across 60 countries) met the inclusion criteria. Haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were similar across all continents. All‐cause mortality was 8.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5–10.8, I2 = 79.1%) at 6 months and 9.8% (95% CI 6.2–14.0, I2 = 80.5%) at 12 months. All‐cause mortality was highest in Africa and Asia/Pacific. Overall, 44.1% (95% CI 36.1–52.2, I2 = 91.7%) of patients recovered their left ventricular (LV) function within 6 months and 58.7% (95% CI 48.1–68.9, I2 = 75.8%) within 12 months. Europe and North America reported the highest prevalence of LV recovery. Frequent prescription of beta‐blocker, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and bromocriptine/cabergoline were associated with significantly lower all‐cause mortality and better LV recovery.

Conclusion

We identified significant global differences in 6‐ and 12‐month outcomes in women with PPCM. Frequent prescription of guideline‐directed heart failure therapy was associated with better LV recovery and lower all‐cause mortality. Timely initiation and up‐titration of heart failure therapy should therefore be strongly encouraged to improve outcome in PPCM.
Catheter ablation for patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure: insights from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: von Olshausen Gesa , Benson Lina , Dahlström Ulf , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi , Braunschweig Frieder
Published: July 2022

Aims

To investigate the association between catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and mortality as well as hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in patients with HF across the ejection fraction (EF) spectrum.

Methods and results

Patients with first‐time catheter ablation for AF (ablation group) compared to only medical treated AF patients (no ablation group) were identified from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry between 2005 and 2019. The primary outcome (all‐cause mortality/first HF hospitalization) was assessed by Cox regression models in a 1:2 propensity score (PS) matched cohort and pre‐specified EF subgroups (preserved EF [≥50%], mildly reduced EF [40–49%], reduced EF [<40%]) of this cohort. A total of 452 patients in the ablation group and 43 766 patients in the no ablation group were identified. After PS matching, 434 patients in the ablation group were compared to 868 patients in the no ablation group. Over a median follow‐up of 2.6 years (0.0–14.1 years), catheter ablation was associated with a lower risk of the primary outcome (all‐cause mortality/first HF hospitalization) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–0.94). Results were consistent across all EF subgroups. In HF with preserved EF (HFpEF), catheter ablation was also associated with a lower risk of recurrent HF hospitalization (incidence rate ratio 0.17, 95% CI 0.07–0.42).

Conclusion

In HF patients across the EF spectrum, catheter ablation for AF was associated with lower risk of the primary outcome (all‐cause mortality/first HF hospitalization). This study supports catheter ablation as a treatment option for AF in HF patients, including those with HFpEF.
Progression of echocardiographic parameters and prognosis in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Chacko Liza , Karia Nina , Venneri Lucia , Bandera Francesco , Passo Beatrice Dal , Buonamici Lodovico , Lazari Jonathan , Ioannou Adam , Porcari Aldostefano , Patel Rishi , Razvi Yousuf , Brown James , Knight Daniel , Martinez‐Naharro Ana , Whelan Carol , Quarta Candida C. , Manisty Charlotte , Moon James , Rowczenio Dorota , Gilbertson Janet A. , Lachmann Helen , Wechelakar Ashutosh , Petrie Aviva , Moody William E. , Steeds Richard P. , Potena Luciano , Riefolo Mattia , Leone Ornella , Rapezzi Claudio , Hawkins Philip N. , Gillmore Julian D. , Fontana Marianna
Published: July 2022

Aims

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) is an increasingly diagnosed disease. Echocardiography is widely utilized, but studies to confirm the value of echocardiography for tracking changes over time are not available. We sought to describe (i) changes in multiple echocardiographic parameters; (ii) differences in rate of progression of three predominant genotypes; and (iii) the ability of changes in echocardiographic parameters to predict prognosis.

Methods and results

We prospectively studied 877 ATTR‐CM patients attending our centre between 2000 and 2020. Serial echocardiography findings at baseline, 12 months and 24 months were compared with survival. Overall, 565 patients had wild‐type ATTR‐CM and 312 hereditary ATTR‐CM (201 with V122I; 90 with T60A). There was progressive worsening of structural and functional parameters over time, patients with V122I ATTR‐CM showing more rapid worsening of left and right ventricular structural and functional parameters compared to both wild‐type and T60A ATTR‐CM. Among a wide range of echocardiographic analyses, including deformation‐based parameters, only worsening in the degree of mitral (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at 12‐ and 24‐month assessments was associated with worse prognosis (change at 12 months: MR, hazard ratio 1.43 [95% confidence interval 1.14–1.80], p = 0.002; TR, hazard ratio 1.38 [95% confidence interval 1.10–1.75], p = 0.006). Worsening in MR remained independently associated with poor prognosis after adjusting for known predictors.

Conclusion

In ATTR‐CM, echocardiographic parameters progressively worsen over time. Patients with V122I ATTR‐CM demonstrate the most rapid deterioration. Worsening of MR and TR were the only parameters associated with mortality, MR remaining independent after adjusting for known predictors.
Synthesis of 2,3‐Disubstituted Quinoline‐4‐carbonitriles through Truce–Smiles Rearrangement of Phenacyl‐4‐nitrobenzenesulfonamides
Authors: Králová Petra , Žáková Kateřina , Pospíšilová Lenka , Soural Miroslav
Published: July 2022

2‐Aminobenzyl cyanide was sulfonylated with 4‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride and reacted with 2‐haloketones and N,N‐diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA). 2,3‐Disubstituted quinoline‐4‐carbonitriles were obtained as the main products originating from subsequent N‐alkylation, base‐catalysed intramolecular C‐arylation, aldol condensation and aromatization. A single‐step protocol was successfully tested for various starting materials. Nevertheless, 3‐substituted quinoline‐4‐carbonitriles were received as the separable by‐products resulting from competitive denosylation. Some of the prepared compounds showed medium activity against E. coli.
Effects of different iron treatments on wine grape berry quality and peel flavonoid contents
Authors: Zhang Shu , Chen Heting , Gao Ming , Gu Chaofeng , Wang Rui
Published: July 2022

In this study, eight‐year‐old wine grape plants (Cabernet Sauvignon) were subjected to five different iron treatments: ferrous sulfate, ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA‐Fe), ferric citrate, ferric gluconate, and ferric sugar alcohol, and conventional fertilization. Foliar spraying with clear water was used as the control treatment. The effects of different iron treatments on berry quality and flavonoid accumulation in grape peels were explored. All five iron treatments affected the sugar, acid, and peel flavonoid contents of grape berries, but the contents varied greatly among the different iron treatments. Foliar spraying with iron increased berry sugar content and reduced acid content. In addition, foliar spraying with ferrous sulfate, EDTA‐Fe, ferric gluconate, and ferric sugar alcohol reduced the total anthocyanin, flavanol, and flavonol contents in the peel. The unique flavonoid monomer content of the peel was significantly higher under ferric citrate treatment than under the control and other iron treatments. Moreover, the results showed that foliar spraying with ferric citrate balanced the berry sugar–acid ratio and also increased the anthocyanin, flavanol, and flavonol contents of the grape peel, thereby improving the overall nutritional status of the berries and the final wine quality. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that different iron treatments could improve grape berry quality and clarify the effects of different exogenous iron treatments.
Middle to Late Holocene palaeoenvironmental evolution of the western Great Rann of Kachchh, India: Insights from ichnology, geochemistry, and sedimentology
Authors: Padia Darshit , Desai Bhawanisingh , Chauhan Suruchi , Prizomwala Siddharth , Chauhan Gaurav , Thakkar M. G.
Published: July 2022

To understand the palaeoenvironmental changes during the Middle to Late Holocene period, we have carried out multiproxy analysis integrating ichnology, geochemistry, and sedimentology in the Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK). The exposed cliff sections of Rann sediments and overlying Bet sediments are explored and analysed for the characteristics of the sedimentary sequences and ichnological assemblages. Seven recurring ichnotaxa are documented, which comprise of Arenicolites, Paleophycus, Planolites, Psilonichnus, Skolithos, Teichichnus, and Thalassinoides. The ichnological and sedimentological findings were supported by obtained geochemical results, which were then compared with the existing chronological data. The trace fossils associated with the bottom of the Bet Zone and the top surface of the Great Rann sediment units (Middle Holocene) suggest the shallow marine depositional environment. Further, the monospecific occurrence of Teichichnus in the middle units (Middle to Late Holocene period) of the Bet Zone sediments suggests the brackish water environmental conditions associated with the high discharge of fluvial system leading to lowering of salinity. The topmost unit of the Bet Zone sediments shows the disappearance of trace fossils suggesting a terrestrial depositional condition. The present work suggests that the area of the western GRK has witnessed a gradual shifting of shallow marine to the fluvial environment during the Middle to Late Holocene period.
Political polarization and cooperation during a pandemic
Authors: Cornelson Kirsten , Miloucheva Boriana
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we examine the relationship between political polarization and individuals' willingness to contribute to the public good by engaging in preventative behaviors against COVID‐19. Using a sample of individuals from close‐election states, we first show that individuals engage in fewer preventative behaviors when the governor of their state is from the opposite party. We also show that this effect is concentrated among moderate individuals who live in polarized states, and that it is strongest when the state has been relatively forceful in combating COVID‐19. We estimate that the opposite‐party effect increased COVID‐19 cases by around 1%.
Parental decisions to divorce and have additional children among families with children with cerebral palsy: Evidence from Swedish longitudinal and administrative data
Authors: Müller Vibeke , Gerdtham Ulf , Alriksson‐Schmidt Ann , Jarl Johan
Published: July 2022

This study analyzes the relationship of having a child with the early‐onset disability cerebral palsy (CP) and the parental decision to divorce and to have additional children. We use longitudinal matched case‐control data from multiple linked Swedish National Population Registers between 2001 and 2015 and perform Cox proportional hazards regressions with interval‐censoring. Although we do not find a general excess parental divorce risk on CP relative to the comparison group without CP, we find that having a child with CP increases the risk of divorce for parents with low education. We also find that having a child with CP reduces the likelihood of having additional children, especially for mothers in the older age range (maternal age at delivery >33 years) and parents with low education. The severity level of the disability, as indicated by gross motor function, is not related to the results. These findings should be understood in the Swedish context, which provides extensive welfare support (e.g., personal assistance). If future studies would find adverse results in countries with less social care and benefits, our results may indicate that it is possible to mitigate negative consequences for the family of a child with disability.
Incidence and survival of benign, borderline, and malignant meningioma patients in the United States from 2004 to 2018
Authors: Cao Junguo , Yan Weijia , Li Guihong , Zhan Zhixin , Hong Xinyu , Yan Hong
Published: July 2022

Meningioma is the most common primary central nervous system tumor, and its incidence is increasing. A systematic epidemiological and clinical analysis is required to better estimate its public health impact and understand its prognostic factors. Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2018 for all types of meningiomas without an age restriction. Age‐adjusted incidence rates (IRs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated according to sex, age, race, ethnicity, and tumor location. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the overall survival (OS). The competing risk regression model of Fine‐Gray was used to analyze cause‐specific survival. Data from a total of 109 660 meningioma patients were analyzed. A majority of patients were older than 60 years, and only 0.41% of patients were 0‐19 years. The meningioma IRs were higher in females, Black, and non‐Hispanic patients than in males, White, and Hispanic patients, respectively, and IRs increased with age. The ratio of IRs for females to males was 2.1 and also increased with age, peaking at 3.6 in the 45‐49‐year‐old group. Older and male patients with all types of meningiomas, Black patients with benign and borderline meningiomas, and patients with larger borderline and malignant meningiomas showed poorer prognosis. For all meningioma types, surgical resection improved survival. The reported incidence rates and survival trends covered all demographics and subtypes of meningiomas. Older age, male sex, Black race, and tumor size may be important prognostic factors for meningioma cases, and tumor resection can substantially improve survival among meningioma patients.
The influence of corporate governance and shareholding structure on corporate social responsibility: The key role of executive compensation
Authors: Sarhan Ahmed A. , Al‐Najjar Basil
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to contribute to the extant literature on corporate social responsibility and corporate governance by empirically examining the effect of firm governance and shareholding structure (and their interaction) on corporate social responsibility performance. Our study is conducted within a unique context of improving social responsibility policies, regulations, and management. In particular, we examine how corporate governance practices and both outside (institutional and pension) and inside (managerial) shareholdings impact corporate social responsibility activities. Using one of the largest UK data sets to date, consisting of FTSE 350 nonfinancial listed firms for the period from 2002 to 2016, our results provide evidence that corporate governance has a positive impact on corporate social responsibility. Institutional (indicating strong monitoring role) and managerial (proxy for alignment of interests between insiders and outsiders) shareholdings are negatively associated with corporate social responsibility performance. Our additional analyses provide empirical evidence that compensation structure, as a corporate governance tool, aligns management decisions toward engaging in corporate social responsibility activities and corporate strategic sustainable objectives. Additionally, our results suggest a substitutive relationship of institutional shareholding with corporate governance practices. There is a complementary relationship of managerial shareholding with corporate governance practices in influencing corporate social responsibility. Our evidence is robust after controlling for entrenched managerial shareholding, 2SLS and alternative measures of corporate social responsibility performance. The findings provide empirical support for the UK Corporate Governance Code's emphasis on designing effective remuneration policies and practices.
A collagen/PLA hybrid scaffold supports tendon‐derived cell growth for tendon repair and regeneration
Authors: Xie Yu , Zhang Fan , Akkus Ozan , King Martin W.
Published: July 2022

A rotator cuff tendon tear is a common shoulder injury with a relatively high rate of recurrence after surgical repair. In order to reinforce the repair and reduce the risk of clinical complications, a patch scaffold is typically sutured over the tendon tear to provide post‐surgical mechanical support. However, despite considerable research effort in this area, a patch scaffold that provides both superior initial mechanical properties and supports cell proliferation at the same time has not yet been achieved. In this study, we engineered a collagen/poly(lactic acid) (COL/PLA) hybrid yarn to leverage mechanical strength of PLA yarn and the bioactivity of collagen. The COL/PLA yarns were used to fabricate a tissue engineering scaffold using textile weaving technology. This hybrid scaffold had a tensile strength of 354.0 ± 36.0 N under dry conditions and 267.2 ± 15.9 N under wet conditions, which was satisfactory to maintain normal tendon function. By introducing COL yarns into the hybrid scaffold, the proliferation of tendon‐derived cells was significantly improved on the scaffold. Cell coverage after 28‐days of in vitro cell culture was noticeably higher on the COL yarns compared to the PLA yarns as a result of a larger number of cells and more spread cell morphology on collagen. Cells spread in multiple directions on COL yarns, which resembled a more natural cell attachment on extracellular matrix. On the contrary, the cells attached to the PLA filaments presented an elongated morphology along the fiber's axial direction. Combining the mechanical robustness of PLA and the biological activity of collagen, the woven COL/PLA hybrid scaffold has shown its potential to be a promising candidate for tendon repair applications.
Automation of AMOEBA polarizable force field for small molecules: Poltype 2
Authors: Walker Brandon , Liu Chengwen , Wait Elizabeth , Ren Pengyu
Published: July 2022

A next‐generation protocol (Poltype 2) has been developed which automatically generates AMOEBA polarizable force field parameters for small molecules. Both features and computational efficiency have been drastically improved. Notable advances include improved database transferability using SMILES, robust torsion fitting, non‐aromatic ring torsion parameterization, coupled torsion‐torsion parameterization, Van der Waals parameter refinement using ab initio dimer data and an intelligent fragmentation scheme that produces parameters with dramatically reduced ab initio computational cost. Additional improvements include better local frame assignment for atomic multipoles, automated formal charge assignment, Zwitterion detection, smart memory resource defaults, parallelized fragment job submission, incorporation of Psi4 quantum package, ab initio error handling, ionization state enumeration, hydration free energy prediction and binding free energy prediction. For validation, we have applied Poltype 2 to ~1000 FDA approved drug molecules from DrugBank. The ab initio molecular dipole moments and electrostatic potential values were compared with Poltype 2 derived AMOEBA counterparts. Parameters were further substantiated by calculating hydration free energy (HFE) on 40 small organic molecules and were compared with experimental data, resulting in an RMSE error of 0.59 kcal/mol. The torsion database has expanded to include 3543 fragments derived from FDA approved drugs. Poltype 2 provides a convenient utility for applications including binding free energy prediction for computational drug discovery. Further improvement will focus on automated parameter refinement by experimental liquid properties, expansion of the Van der Waals parameter database and automated parametrization of modified bio‐fragments such as amino and nucleic acids.
Molecular properties and tautomeric equilibria of isolated flavins
Authors: Curtolo Felipe , Arantes Guilherme M.
Published: July 2022

Flavins are employed as redox cofactors and chromophores in a plethora of flavoenzymes. Their versatility is an outcome of intrinsic molecular properties of the isoalloxazine ring modulated by the protein scaffold and surrounding solvent. Thus, an investigation of isolated flavins with high‐level electronic‐structure methods and with error assessment of the calculated properties will contribute to building better models of flavin reactivity. Here, we benchmarked ground‐state properties such as electron affinity, gas‐phase basicity, dipole moment, torsion energy, and tautomer stability for lumiflavins in all biologically relevant oxidation and charge states. Overall, multiconfigurational effects are small and chemical accuracy is achieved by coupled‐cluster treatments of energetic properties. Augmented basis sets and extrapolations to the complete basis‐set limit are necessary for consistent agreement with experimental energetics. Among DFT functionals tested, M06‐2X shows the best performance for most properties, except gas‐phase basicity, in which M06 and CAM‐B3LYP perform better. Moreover, dipole moments of radical flavins show large deviations for all functionals studied. Tautomers with noncanonical protonation states are significantly populated at normal temperatures, adding to the complexity of modeling flavins. These results will guide future computational studies of flavoproteins and flavin chemistry by indicating the limitations of electronic‐structure methodologies and the contributions of multiple tautomeric states.