bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss
Authors: Drake Lara , Reyes-Hadsall Sophia , Martinez Jeremy , Heinrich Christina , Huang Kathie , Mostaghimi Arash
Published: November 2022

Importance

Despite the widespread use of nutritional supplements and dietary interventions for treating hair loss, the safety and effectiveness of available products remain unclear.

Objective

To evaluate and compile the findings of all dietary and nutritional interventions for treatment of hair loss among individuals without a known baseline nutritional deficiency.

Evidence Review

The MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception through October 20, 2021, to identify articles written in English with original findings from investigations of dietary and nutritional interventions in individuals with alopecia or hair loss without a known baseline nutritional deficiency. Quality was assessed with Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine criteria. Outcomes of interest were disease course, both objectively and subjectively measured. Data were evaluated from January 3 to 11, 2022.

Findings

The database searches yielded 6347 citations to which 11 articles from reference lists were added. Of this total, 30 articles were included: 17 randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 11 clinical studies (non-RCT), and 2 case series studies. No diet-based interventional studies met inclusion criteria. Studies of nutritional interventions with the highest-quality evidence showed the potential benefit of Viviscal, Nourkrin, Nutrafol, Lamdapil, Pantogar, capsaicin and isoflavone, omegas 3 and 6 with antioxidants, apple nutraceutical, total glucosides of paeony and compound glycyrrhizin tablets, zinc, tocotrienol, and pumpkin seed oil. Kimchi and cheonggukjang, vitamin D3, and Forti5 had low-quality evidence for disease course improvement. Adverse effects were rare and mild for all the therapies evaluated.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review should be interpreted in the context of each study’s design; however, this work suggests a potential role for nutritional supplements in the treatment of hair loss. Physicians should engage in shared decision-making by covering the potential risks and benefits of these treatments with patients experiencing hair loss. Future research should focus on larger RCTs with active comparators.
Tocilizumab for Corticosteroid-Refractory Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Induced Generalized Morphea
Authors: Blaise Manon , Cardot-Leccia Nathalie , Seitz-Polski Barbara , Picard-Gauci Alexandra , Bertold Clémence , Passeron Thierry , Montaudié Henri
Published: November 2022

This case report describes a 78-year old woman with a stage IIA BRAF wild-type melanoma on the left leg who experienced a grade 2 vitiligo, a marked skin thickening, and painful swelling of the limbs.
Association of Rituximab With Risk of Long-term Cardiovascular and Metabolic Outcomes in Patients With Pemphigus
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Mruwat Noor , Ludwig Ralf J.
Published: November 2022

Importance

The association of different therapeutic approaches with long-term cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in patients with pemphigus remains to be precisely evaluated.

Objective

To assess the risk of long-term cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with pemphigus managed by rituximab compared with those receiving treatment with first-line corticosteroid-sparing agents (azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil [MMF]).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A global population–based retrospective cohort study compared 961 patients with pemphigus that was managed with rituximab with those treated with azathioprine or MMF (n = 961) regarding the risk of several cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. Propensity score matching was performed to optimize comparability. Patients were enrolled from the Global Collaborative Network of TriNetX platform.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary embolism, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and avascular bone necrosis.

Results

Of 1602 participants, 855 (53.4%) were women and 747 (46.6%) were men; the mean (SD) age was 54.8 (16.6) years for those treated with rituximab and 54.4 (18.2) years for those treated with azathioprine or MMF. Compared with those treated by azathioprine/MMF, patients treated with rituximab experienced a lower risk of myocardial infarction (relative risk [RR], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.86;P = .01), stroke (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26-0.69;P < .001), peripheral vascular disease (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28-0.79;P = .003), hypertension (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.38-0.63;P < .001), hyperlipidemia (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.32-0.64;P < .001), type 2 diabetes (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51-0.77;P < .001), obesity (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34-0.72;P < .001), and osteoporosis (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30-0.71;P < .001). The all-cause mortality was comparable between patients in both groups (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.62-1.43; log-rankP = .77).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that rituximab was associated with protection against long-term cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes compared with conventional immunosuppressants. This agent might be particularly preferred in individuals with preexisting cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.
Accuracy in Patient Understanding of Common Medical Phrases
Authors: Gotlieb Rachael , Praska Corinne , Hendrickson Marissa A. , Marmet Jordan , Charpentier Victoria , Hause Emily , Allen Katherine A. , Lunos Scott , Pitt Michael B.
Published: November 2022

Importance

Despite acknowledging that medical jargon should be avoided, health care practitioners frequently use it when communicating with patients.

Objective

To characterize the understanding of common medical jargon terms by surveying a cross section of the general public and studying phrases that have established meanings in regular usage but different meanings in a medical context (eg, negative and positive test results).

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study, participants indicated their understanding of phrases that may have different meanings in medicine than in colloquial English via a mix of short answer and multiple choice questions. Several questions included paired phrases to assess for differences in understanding with or without jargon. Volunteers were recruited at the 2021 Minnesota State Fair near St Paul, Minnesota. An electronic survey was given to a volunteer sample of 215 adults (>18 years) who did not work or train to work in the medical field and spoke and read English.

Exposures

Completing a written or verbal survey.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was an accurate understanding of the medical terminology. Free-text responses were coded by 2 researchers for comprehension. Secondary outcomes looked for associations between volunteer demographics and understanding.

Results

The 215 respondents (135 [63%] female; mean [SD] age, 42 [17] years) demonstrated a varied ability to interpret medical jargon phrases. For example, most participants (207 [96%]) knew that negative cancer screening results meant they did not have cancer, but fewer participants (143 [79%]) knew that the phrase “your tumor is progressing” was bad news, or that positive lymph nodes meant the cancer had spread (170 [67%]). While most (171 [80%]) recognized that an unremarkable chest radiography was good news, only 44 participants (21%) correctly understood that a clinician saying their radiography was impressive was generally bad news. In each of the paired phrases comparing jargon vs nonjargon approaches, the nonjargon phrase was understood significantly better (P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that several common phrases are misunderstood when used in a medical setting, with the interpreted meaning frequently the exact opposite of what is intended.
Appraising the Quality of Development and Reporting in Surgical Prediction Models
Authors: Marwaha Jayson S. , Chen Hao Wei , Habashy Karl , Choi Jeff , Spain David A. , Brat Gabriel A.
Published: November 2022

This cross-sectional study uses the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis reporting guideline to assess 120 published studies about surgical prediction models.
Evaluation of patient doses for routine digital radiography procedures toward establishing an institutional diagnostic reference levels: A case study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Welarathna Sachith , Velautham Sivakumar , Wanninayake Mihira , Sarasanandarajah Sivananthan
Published: November 2022

The present study was conducted as part of a comprehensive work to establish National Diagnostic Reference Levels (NDRLs) in Sri Lanka for the first time. DRLs can be used as an effective optimization tool for identifying unusually high or low patient doses during X‐ray examinations. This study aims to propose institutional DRLs (IDRLs) by measuring the kerma‐area product (KAP) of adult patients undergoing routine projection X‐ray examinations. The median and the 75th percentile KAP values obtained were compared with that of the single institution KAP values reported from India and Greece. This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted in a public hospital in Uva province, Sri Lanka, with 400 adult patients aged 18–87 years and weighing 58 ± 20 kg. The patient‐specific information (age, sex, weight, and height) and corresponding exposure parameters (tube voltage and current‐exposure time product) were obtained. The KAP values were measured, and descriptive statistics were utilized for data analysis. The median KAP values obtained were proposed as IDRLs. The IDRLs in Gy.cm2 were 0.23 for cervical spine anterior–posterior (AP), 0.19 for cervical spine lateral (LAT), 0.10 for chest posterior–anterior (PA), 0.06 for knee joint AP, 0.05 for knee joint LAT, 1.47 for KUB AP, 0.85 for lumbar spine AP, 1.97 for lumbar spine LAT, 0.29 for shoulder joint AP, 0.61 for skull PA, and 0.60 for skull LAT examinations. The maximum to minimum ratio of KAP values ranged from 2.4 for KUB AP to 6.3 for the cervical spine AP examinations. The median and the 75th percentile of most of the examinations were comparable to corresponding KAP values reported by the countries mentioned above, except for the skull PA and LAT examinations. Accordingly, interquartile ranges of exposure parameters are recommended for skull examinations to improve the optimization of patient doses.
Grain Refinement, Texture Evolution, and Tensile Performance Improvement of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy Processed by Multi‐Cycle Accumulative Back Extrusion
Authors: Xu Yan , Meng Dawei , Jing Lingfang , Cheng Yuanyuan , Jia Jianbo , Li Wei
Published: November 2022

Accumulative back extrusion (ABE) process is performed on an AZ91D Mg alloy at 310 °C. Microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties affected by the ABE cycles are elucidated in detail. Results reveal that the initial as‐cast grain structure (≈190 μm) is significantly refined (≈2.98 μm) after being imposed by six ABE cycles. The β‐Mg17Al12 phases undergo fragmentation and spheroidization. The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) process is accelerated through the particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism during initial deformation. Meanwhile, twins are inclined to occur in barren areas of the second phases and play a role of twinning‐induced dynamic recrystallization (TDRX). Grain refinement is governed by the combined function of PSN, TDRX, continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX), and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX). Basal textures with low intensities are developed due to the fully developed recrystallized grains. Schmid factor analysis indicates that the {0001} <11–20> basal slip and the {11–22} <11–23> pyramidal slip contribute to ABE deformation. Finally, excellent ultimate tensile strength and fracture elongation are obtained after a three‐cycle ABE process, which are estimated to be 296 MPa and 21.43%, respectively. The resulting tensile performance is attributed to the refined grains, fragmented β‐Mg17Al12 particles, and the weakened basal texture.
Impact Resistance of 3D Cellular Structures for Protective Clothing
Authors: Channa Saadullah , Sun Danmei , Stylios George K.
Published: November 2022

3D‐printed cellular structures have attracted increased attention in recent years due to the many advantages of additive manufacturing technology. However, much of the current research is focused on the use of rigid or combined rigid and soft materials. Herein, the impact resistance of 3D cellular structures manufactured by stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing technique using flexible photopolymer resin is investigated. Six different types of cellular structures are designed and manufactured by a photo‐polymerizing 3D printer using two different types of flexible photo‐curable resin materials. The resistance capacity of these structures against impact force is examined experimentally using a customized free fall “impact drop test”, where impact forces transmitted through the impacted structures are captured using a capacitive force sensor underneath the structure, in the form of a real‐time impact force versus time plot. The results indicate that the reentrant honeycomb (AU) cellular structure experienced the lowest peak impact force 2.73 and 2.64 N made from Liqcreate and Prusa flexible materials, respectively, and it has the best impact resistance performance among all developed 3D structures.
A Diode‐like Scalable Asymmetric Solar Evaporator with Ultra‐high Salt Resistance
Authors: Yang Yawei , Feng Haixiang , Que Wenxiu , Qiu Yu , Li Yunqi , Guo Lin , Li Qing
Published: November 2022

Passive solar‐driven interfacial evaporation is an environmental‐friendly approach for seawater desalination. However, non‐volatile salts usually precipitate on the evaporator surface during evaporation, significantly reducing the evaporation rate and blocking the evaporator. Although several strategies have been proposed for this issue, they are usually only effective under low salinity conditions and natural solar irradiation. In this study, a scalable solar evaporator is proposed, which is expediently fabricated by carbonizing the commercially available coconut fiber cloth, through designing and optimizing an asymmetric bi‐layer structure with a trapezoidal evaporation surface and a wide leg‐strengthened water supply pathway. Both experimental and simulation results indicate that the evaporator presents ultra‐high salt tolerance, which keeps running steadily for consecutive 14 days under the high salinity of 14 wt% NaCl and high irradiation of 4 suns. This excellent salt resistance arises from a diode‐like ion migration introduced by its asymmetric structure. Meanwhile, a remarkable evaporation rate of 7.28 kg m−2 h−1 is also achieved under the harsh condition, resulting from the high solar absorbance and the reduced evaporation enthalpy of the evaporator. Such an evaporator is confirmed as a simple, low‐cost, scalable, efficient, and long‐term stable device for producing freshwater under harsh desalination conditions.
Dimethyl Oxalylglycine Activates Tendon‐Derived Stem Cells to Promote Regeneration of Achilles Tendon Rupture in Rats via HIF‐1α
Authors: Wang Yanmao , Li Minyao , Lin Yiwei , Yin Fuli , Shan Haojie , Wu Tianyi
Published: November 2022

Tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) are stem cells found in tendons that may become ideal seed cells for tendon repair. This study aims to investigate whether dimethyl oxalylglycine (DMOG) treatment could effectively improve the regeneration ability of TDSCs to repair Achilles tendon injury. Stem cells of rat Achilles tendon are isolated and treated with DMOG or Lificiguat (YC‐1). The treated TDSCs are transplanted into rats with Achilles tendon injury. A batch of animals is sacrificed every week for biomechanical and historical analyses. The recovery of Achilles tendon is tested by biomechanics and histology. DMOG could activate TDSCs in vitro and improve their differentiation ability by regulating the expression levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and early growth response 1 (EGR1). As an inhibitor of HIF‐1α, YC‐1 could weaken the effect of DMOG. TDSCs pre‐treated with either DMOG or YC‐1 are transplanted into rats with Achilles tendon injury, and DMOG pre‐treatment could effectively improve the regeneration of Achilles tendon. In summary, DMOG improves TDSC differentiation ability, and transplanting TDSCs pre‐treated with DMOG into rats with Achilles tendon injury can effectively improve tendon regeneration, which may serve as a novel approach for the treatment of Achilles tendon injury.
Control over Molecular Orbital Gating and Marcus Inverted Charge Transport in Molecular Junctions with Conjugated Molecular Wires
Authors: Nijhuis Christian A. , Zhang Ziyu , Adoah Francis , Nickle Cameron , Karuppannan Senthil Kumar , Wang Lejia , Jiang Li , Tadich Anton , Cowie Bruce , Salim Teddy , Qi Dong‐Chen , Thompson Damien , Barco Enrique Del
Published: November 2022

Recently it is discovered that molecular junctions can be pushed into the Marcus Inverted region of charge transport, but it is unclear which factors are important. This paper shows that the mechanism of charge transport across molecular wires can be switched between the normal and Marcus Inverted regions by fine‐tuning the molecule–electrode coupling strength and the tunneling distance across oligophenylene ethynylene (OPE) wire terminated with ferrocene (Fc) abbreviated as S‐OPEnFc (n = 1–3). Coherent tunneling dominates the mechanism of charge transport in junctions with short molecules (n = 1), but for n = 2 or 3 redox reactions become important. By weakening the molecule—electrode interaction by interrupted conjugation, S‐CH2‐OPEnFc, intramolecular orbital gating can occur pushing the junctions completely into the Marcus Inverted region. These results indicated that weak molecule—electrode coupling is important to push junctions into the Marcus Inverted Region.
Growth, survival and fatty acid profile of hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, juveniles fed live microalgae diets
Authors: Hassan Md Mahbubul , Perri Edward , Parks Victoria , Laramore Susan
Published: November 2022

Choice of microalgae diet affects production outcomes in bivalve hatcheries. This study aimed to identify an optimal microalgae diet to improve hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, juvenile production. Four microalgae species (Tisochrysis lutea, Pavlova lutheri, Chaetoceros gracilis and Cyclotella nana) in six dietary combinations were fed for 6 weeks; then, growth, survival and fatty acid profiles of juveniles were evaluated. The highest numerical growth and survival of juveniles were attained by feeding a tetra‐species microalgae diet, but no statistical difference was found by feeding bi‐ or tri‐species diets that consisted of a mix of flagellate and diatom microalgae. Significant differences in fatty acid profiles were found among clams fed different microalgae diets. A contrasting polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profile was found in juveniles fed flagellate‐ or diatom‐only diets. Clams fed flagellate‐only diets contained a higher percentage of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) but a lower percentage of (n‐6) PUFAs, whereas those fed diatom‐only diets had a higher percentage of arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but a lower percentage of DHA. In contrast, the percentage of EPA, DHA and ARA was neither very high nor very low in juveniles fed the tetra‐species diet. The complementary nutritional profile of the tetra‐species microalgae diet resulted in enhanced production and exhibited a more balanced fatty acid profile in clam tissue. The tetra‐species microalgae diet should be a preferable choice for feeding hard clam juveniles, but the cost of producing multiple microalgae species for hatchery/nursery operations should be taken into consideration as bi‐ and tri‐species diets provided statistically similar growth and survival. Results of this study can be used to improve productivity and profitability in M. mercenaria hatcheries.
Scaling genetic resources: New paradigms for diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disease
Authors: Vockley Jerry , Defay Thomas , Goldenberg Aaron J. , Gaviglio Amy M.
Published: November 2022

Development of genetic tests for rare genetic diseases has traditionally focused on individual diseases. Similarly, development of new therapies occurred one disease at a time. With >10,000 rare genetic diseases, this approach is not feasible. Diagnosis of genetic disorders has already transcended old paradigms as whole exome and genome sequencing have allowed expedient interrogation of all relevant genes in a single test. The growth of newborn screening has allowed identification of diseases in presymptomatic babies. Similarly, the ability to develop therapies is rapidly expanding due to technologies that leverage platform technology that address multiple diseases. However, movement from the basic science laboratory to clinical trials is still hampered by a regulatory system rooted in traditional trial design, requiring a fresh assessment of safe ways to obtain approval for new drugs. Ultimately, the number of nucleic acid‐based therapies will challenge the ability of clinics focused on rare diseases to deliver them safely with appropriate evaluation and long‐term follow‐up. This manuscript summarizes discussions arising from a recent National Institutes of Health conference on nucleic acid therapy, with a focus on scaling technologies for diagnosis of rare disorders and provision of therapies across the age and disease spectrum.
Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome in children with cardiofaciocutanous syndrome: Clinical presentation and associations with genotype
Authors: Kenney‐Jung Daniel L. , Rogers Dante J. , Kroening Samuel J. , Zatkalik Abigail L. , Whitmarsh Ashley E. , Roberts Amy E. , Zenker Martin , Gambardella Maria Luigia , Contaldo Ilaria , Leoni Chiara , Onesimo Roberta , Zampino Giuseppe , Tartaglia Marco , Battaglia Domenica I. , Pierpont Elizabeth I.
Published: November 2022

Gene variants that dysregulate signaling through the RAS‐MAPK pathway cause cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFCS), a rare multi‐system disorder. Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) and other forms of epilepsy are among the most serious complications. To investigate clinical presentation, treatment outcomes, and genotype–phenotype associations in CFCS patients with IESS, molecular genetics and clinical neurological history were reviewed across two large clinical research cohorts (n = 180). IESS presented in 18/180 (10%) cases, including 16 patients with BRAF variants and 2 with MAP2K1 variants. Among IESS patients with BRAF variants, 16/16 (100%) had sequence changes affecting the protein kinase domain (exons 11–16), although only 57% of total BRAF variants occurred in this domain. Clinical onset of spasms occurred at a median age of 5.4 months (range: 1–24 months). Among 13/18 patients whose IESS resolved with anti‐seizure medications, 10 were treated with ACTH and/or vigabatrin. A substantial majority of CFCS patients with IESS subsequently developed other epilepsy types (16/18; 89%). In terms of neurodevelopmental outcomes, gross motor function and verbal communication were more limited in patients with a history of IESS compared to those without IESS. These findings can inform clinical neurological care guidelines for CFCS and development of relevant pre‐clinical models for severe epilepsy phenotypes.
Co‐La‐Based Hole‐Transporting Layers for Binary Organic Solar Cells with 18.82 % Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Guangcong , Chen Qiaomei , Zhang Zhou , Fang Jie , Zhao Chaowei , Wei Yen , Li Weiwei
Published: November 2022

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a widely used hole transporting layer (HTL) in organic solar cells (OSCs), but its acidity severely reduces the stability of devices. Until now, very few HTLs were developed to replace PEDOT:PSS toward stable and high‐performance OSCs. Herein, a new cobalt‐lanthanum (Co‐La) inorganic system was reported as HTL to show a high conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.82 %, which is among the top PCEs in binary OSCs. Since electron‐rich outer shell of La atom can interact with Co atom to form charge transfer complex, the work function and conductivity of the Co‐La system could be simultaneously enhanced compared to Co or La‐based HTLs. This Co‐La system could also be applied into other OSCs to show high performance. All these results demonstrate that binary Co‐La systems as HTL can efficiently tackle the issue in hole transporting and show powerful application in OSCs to replace PEDOT:PSS.
3D printable and stretchable PVA‐PAAm dual network hydrogel with conductivities for wearable sensors
Authors: Wei Fanan , Duan Tuanjie , Yao Ligang , Yang Wenguang
Published: November 2022

Conductive hydrogel has broad potential applications in wearable sensors and flexible electronic devices. However, due to the complicated and restrictive mold‐casting process, the manufacture of hydrogel‐based sensors is still facing great challenges. In this paper, we adopt direct inkjet printing (DIW) technology to fabricate three‐dimensional structures of chemically and physically cross‐linked hydrogels by integrating fumed silica as a rheological modifier into crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylamide) (PVA/PAAm) network. Fumed silica not only enables hydrogels with excellent rheological properties, but also provides more hydrogen bond crosslinking sites, further improving mechanical properties. Meanwhile, calcium chloride (CaCl2) is supplemented to construct conductive channels in the hydrogel, which powers the hydrogel with good conductivity and strain sensitivity. The sensor assembled from 3D printed hydrogel shows cycle stability and accurate recognition ability in detecting mechanical deformation and various human movements (for example knee bending and frown). This work extends the application of 3D printing hydrogel in the field of wearable devices.
Kinetics of poly(vinyl chloride) thermal and thermo‐mechanical degradation in the presence of epoxidized plasticizer. Induction effect
Authors: Krongauz Vadim V. , DePolo Wade
Published: November 2022

Kinetics of thermal and thermo‐mechanical degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plasticized with di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate and epoxidized linseed oil were monitored using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry‐mass spectrometry and viscosity and temperature change during high shear mastication. Linear dependence of induction period prior to PVC chain‐degradation on epoxidized plasticizer concentration was observed using each method (not reported previously). Zero‐order degradation kinetics controlled by the rate of hydrochloric acid elimination from saturated PVC molecules and consequent fast 2nd order scavenging of HCl by oxirane groups were consistent with experimental data. Apparent activation energies of 128.6, 146.3 kJ mol−1 for thermal degradation and 164.4 kJ mol−1 for thermo‐mechanical degradation were deduced from the temperature dependence of the degradation induction time detected using thermogravimetry‐mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry and mastication, respectively. Change of activation energy with degradation mechanism is examined.
Coumarin‐Ensembled Vanadium(V) Compounds and Their Affinity Studies Toward Biological Thiols Probed by Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Debnath Snehasish , Navadiya Sumit V. , Ghosh Riya , Pradhan Debjani , Chatterjee Pabitra B.
Published: November 2022

Fluorescence spectroscopic studies of a pair of new oxido‐vanadium(V) compounds with biological thiols, such as homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), and glutathione (GSH), have been investigated in this article. Despite notable progress in vanadium‐thiol chemistry, no attention has been paid to exploring vanadium‐based optical probes to study their interaction with biothiols. For this purpose, two oxido‐vanadium(V) compounds, 1 and 2, have been prepared involving a tridentate ONO donor‐based luminescent coumarin‐derived ligand. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, NMR (1H, 13C, and 51V) spectroscopy, XPS, and DFT calculations have been used to establish their identities. The vanadium center in these compounds has a distorted octahedral environment. In compound 2, a methanol molecule is coordinated to the vanadium(V) center in the trans position of the terminal oxido moiety. The latter exerts a strong trans‐labilizing influence on the coordinating methanol. Both 1 and 2 are weakly fluorescent. Photophysical investigations of the vanadium complexes in aqueous media at physiological pH (7.4) in the presence of various biothiols and amino acids showed significant fluorescence enhancement (83‐fold) of the vanadium complexes, specifically with Hcy. The specific affinity of the complexes for Hcy remained unchanged even in the presence of other biothiols and amino acids. Kinetic investigation reveals pseudo‐first order behavior of the compound with Hcy. Mechanistic studies have manifested that Hcy‐induced reduction triggers the decomplexation of the vanadium compound, followed by hydrolysis and subsequent cyclization. Time‐correlated single photon counting suggested that the radiative rate constant (kr) of 1 and 2 in the presence of Hcy serves as the prime factor for the fluorescence enhancement of the medium. Compound 1 has been tested efficiently for Hcy measurement in blood plasma rendering it suitable for practical applications.
Optimization of the Extraction Process and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharide Extracted from Centipeda minima
Authors: Yang Gan , Su Fan , Hu Datong , Ruan Chen , Che Ping , Zhang Yingying , Wang Jing
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to optimize the extraction process and study antioxidant activity of Polysaccharide extracted from Centipeda minima. The Box‐Behnken design‐response surface methodology was adopted to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Centipeda minima. We purified the crude polysaccharides from Centipeda minima, as well as determined the purity, monosaccharide composition, and molecular weight of the purified fraction. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT‐IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the structural features of the polysaccharides. Further, we investigated the antioxidant activities of different fractions of polysaccharides. Consequently, the results showed that the optimum extraction conditions for polysaccharides were: a liquid‐solid ratio of 26 mL/g, extraction temperature of 85.5 °C, and extraction time of 2.4 h. Moreover, the yield of polysaccharides measured under these conditions was close to the predicted value. After purification, we obtained four components of Centipeda minima polysaccharides (CMP). The purity, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and structural characteristics of CMP were different, but with similar infrared absorption spectra. CMP exhibited a typical infrared absorption characteristic of a polysaccharide. Besides, CMP displayed good antioxidant activity, with potential to scavenge DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical. Therefore, this study provides a reference for future research on the structure and biological activity of CMP, and lays a theoretical foundation for food processing and medicinal development of CMP.
Biochemical and Structural Insights into FIH‐Catalysed Hydroxylation of Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin Repeat Domains
Authors: Saward Benjamin G. , Leissing Thomas M. , Clifton Ian J. , Tumber Anthony , Timperley Christopher M. , Hopkinson Richard J. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: November 2022

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have important roles in environmental sensing in animals. Human TRP subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1) is responsible for sensing allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and other electrophilic sensory irritants. TRP subfamily vanilloid member 3 (TRPV3) is involved in skin maintenance. TRPV3 is a reported substrate of the 2‐oxoglutarate oxygenase factor inhibiting hypoxia‐inducible factor (FIH). We report biochemical and structural studies concerning asparaginyl hydroxylation of the ankyrin repeat domains (ARDs) of TRPA1 and TRPV3 catalysed by FIH. The results with ARD peptides support a previous report on FIH‐catalysed TRPV3 hydroxylation and show that, of the 12 potential TRPA1 sequences investigated, one sequence (TRPA1 residues 322–348) undergoes hydroxylation at Asn336. Structural studies reveal that the TRPA1 and TRPV3 ARDs bind to FIH with a similar overall geometry to most other reported FIH substrates. However, the binding mode of TRPV3 to FIH is distinct from that of other substrates.
Three‐Dimensional Holey Graphene Modified Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7)/C as a High‐Performance Cathode for Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Meng Yan , Xiao Dan
Published: November 2022

Polyanion‐type Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) (NFPP) is a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries due to its low cost and high safety. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) holey graphene (HG) modified NFPP/C material (NFPPCHG) has been successfully prepared by a simple and scalable ball milling strategy with sodium phytate and ferrous oxalate as precursors. The introduction of HG can obviously improve the specific surface area, electronic conductivity, and ions transport performance of NFPPCHG and largely enhance its electrochemical properties. The prepared NFPPCHG delivers a high reversible capacity of 118 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and keeps a considerable capacity of 53 mAh g−1 even at an ultrahigh rate of 100 C. NFPPCHG also shows excellent performance at 55 °C and −20 °C. Moreover, in situ distribution of relaxation time analysis further demonstrates NFPPCHG has superior electrochemical kinetics. In addition, the HC//NFPPCHG full cell displays good performance, suggesting great potential of the prepared material for practical applications.
How Canada can supply Europe with critical energy by creating a Trans‐Atlantic energy bridge
Authors: Adams Thomas A.
Published: November 2022

Public policy decisions made over the past 10–15 years have significantly impacted the resiliency of Canadian and European energy systems. Rightly or wrongly, these decisions have included shifts away from coal and nuclear energy for electricity in favour of wind and solar, scuttling oil pipeline developments in all directions in Canada, how world governments responded to the pandemic, and increased reliance on Russian and US energy networks. The pandemic and subsequent Russian invasion of Ukraine have significantly tested the resiliency of these systems and caused major impacts on prices and everyday life. It has revealed weaknesses in Western energy security, and Europe is scrambling to adjust to sudden and drastic reductions in imports of Russian energy. In this perspective, I review the challenges to our energy systems. Then, I propose the creation of a Trans‐Atlantic energy bridge to Europe and highlight some technologies and strategies Canada can use to create it.
The velocity field characteristics of high‐viscosity fluids falling film flow down clamped channels
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Su Chen , Chen Shichang , Zhang Xianming , Chen Wenxing
Published: November 2022

The complexity of falling film flow has been studied in many industrial applications. In this work, the velocity field of high‐viscosity fluids falling film flow down clamped channels was investigated numerically and experimentally. The results show that the numerical simulation results are consistent with the experimental results, and the characteristics of the velocity field are related to the fluid properties, operating conditions, and structure of the clamped channels. When the fluid viscosity is greater than or equal to 10 Pa ⋅ s, the type of velocity field changes into I shape, U shape, and V shape. While the fluid viscosity drops to 0.89 Pa ⋅ s, the viscous force cannot resist the inertial force and gravity, resulting in a cardioid velocity field. By adjusting the structure of the clamped channels and operating conditions, the tension of the liquid film can be changed, and the velocity distribution of the liquid film can be manipulated. Significantly, under the fluctuating curtain flow, the liquid film coalesces and breaks frequently, which enlarges the surface area of the liquid film and strengthens the surface renewal frequency. Hence, this form of falling film flow can be applied to process intensification of high‐viscosity materials.
Prognostic value of the dynamic hepatorenal function on intermediate‐term mortality in TAVI patients with survival to discharge
Authors: Yao Yijun , He Jingjing , Xiong Tianyuan , Chen Fei , Ou Yuanweixiang , Li Yiming , Liu Qi , Zhu Zhongkai , Zhang Yi , Yang Haoran , Liang Yujia , Wei Xin , Li Xi , Peng Yong , Wei Jiafu , He Sen , Li Qiao , Chen Yong , Meng Wei , Chen Guo , Zhou Wenxia , Zheng Mingxia , Zhou Xuan , Chen Mao , Feng Yuan
Published: November 2022

Background

Renal and liver dysfunctions are risk factors for mortality in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has the potential to break the vicious cycle between AS and hepatorenal dysfunction by relieving aortic valve obstruction.

Hypothesis

A part of patients can derive hepatorenal function improvement from TAVI, and this noncardiac benefit improves the intermediate‐term outcomes.

Methods

We developed this retrospective cohort study in 439 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI and described the dynamic hepatorenal function assessed by model for end‐stage liver disease model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD)‐XI score in subgroups. The endpoint was 2‐year all‐cause mortality.

Results

Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis showed that the baseline MELD‐XI score of 10.71 was the cutoff point. A high MELD‐XI score (>10.71) at baseline was an independent predictor of the 2‐year mortality hazard ratio (HR: 2.65 [1.29–5.47], p = .008). After TAVI, patients with irreversible high MELD‐XI scores had a higher risk of 2‐year mortality than patients who improved from high to low MELD‐XI scores (HR: 2.50 [1.06–5.91], p = .03). Factors associated with reversible MELD‐XI scores improvement were low baseline MELD‐XI scores (≤12.00, odds ratio [OR]: 2.02 [1.04–3.94], p = .04), high aortic valve peak velocity (≥5 m/s, OR: 2.17 [1.11–4.24], p = .02), and low body mass index (≤25 kg/m2, OR: 2.73 [1.25–5.98], p = .01).

Conclusion

High MELD‐XI score at baseline is an independent predictor for 2‐year mortality. Patients with hepatorenal function improvement after TAVI have better outcomes. For patients with irreversible hepatorenal dysfunction after TAVI, further optimization of the subsequent treatment after TAVI is needed to improve the outcomes.
Knowledge of HbA1c and LDL‐C treatment goals, subjective level of disease‐related information and information needs in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Brockmeyer Maximilian , Wies Emilia , Joerges Jamuna , Sommer Jana , Borgmann Sandra Olivia , Chernyak Nadja , Lin Yingfeng , Parco Claudio , Schulze Volker , Heinen Yvonne , Kelm Malte , Icks Andrea , Perings Stefan , Wolff Georg
Published: November 2022

Background/Hypothesis

Risk factor control of diabetes mellitus (DM) and especially dyslipidemia remains unsatisfactory in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to analyze the knowledge of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) treatment goals, subjective level of information, and information needs in very high‐risk patients with ASCVD.

Methods

ASCVD patients (n = 210; 75 ± 9 years; 71.4% male; 89.5% coronary disease) with DM (96.7% type 2) completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge of HbA1c and LDL‐C treatment goals and subjective level of information and information needs on disease‐related topics of DM and ASCVD. Serum LDL‐C and HbA1c were measured.

Results

HbA1c goal (<7.0% in 60.6%) was attained more frequently than LDL‐C goal (<70 mg/dl in 39.9%; p < .01). Significantly more participants named the correct goal for HbA1c compared to LDL‐C (52.9% vs. 2.4%; p < .01). Subjective levels of information were higher and information needs were lower for DM than for ASCVD (p < .01 for all topics). No associations of knowledge of treatment goals and level of information with the attainment of treatment goals for HbA1c and LDL‐C were found. However, in multivariate regression, higher levels of education were associated with knowledge of treatment goals (HbA1c: odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.72, p = .04; LDL‐C: OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.07–5.03; p = .03).

Conclusion

In very high‐risk patients with ASCVD, a deficit of knowledge of treatment goals to control dyslipidemia exists when compared to DM, patients felt significantly better informed for topics of DM than for ASCVD and display higher information needs for topics of ASCVD.
Predictive values of coronary artery calcium and arterial stiffness for long‐term cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Limpijankit Thosaphol , Jongjirasiri Sutipong , Meemook Krissada , Unwanatham Nattawut , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Laothamatas Jiraporn
Published: November 2022

Background

Subclinical atherosclerosis detected by increased coronary artery calcium (CAC) or arterial stiffness as reflected by cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). However, comparative data from these two assessments in the same population are still limited.

Methods

From 2005 to 2013, patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), both asymptomatic and symptomatic who underwent both coronary computed tomography and CAVI were enrolled and followed for occurrence of MACEs (cardiovascular [CV] death, nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], and nonfatal stroke) until December 2019. A cause‐specific hazard model was applied to assess the associations of CAC score, and CAVI with long‐term MACEs.

Results

A total of 8687 patients participated. Of them, CAC scores were 0, 1–99, 100–399, and ≥400 in 49.7%, 31.9%, 12.3%, and 6.1%, respectively. Arterial stiffness (CAVI ≥ 9.0) was associated with the magnitude of CAC in 23.8%, 36.3%, 44.5%, and 56.2%, respectively. During an average of 9.9 ± 2.4 years follow‐up, MACEs occurred in 8.0% (95% CI: 7.4%, 8.6%) of subjects. After adjusting for covariables, CAC scores of 100–399 and ≥400, and CAVIs of ≥9.0 were found to independently predict the occurrence of MACEs with the hazard ratios (95% CI) of 1.70 (1.13, 1.98), 1.87 (1.33, 2.63), and 1.27 (1.06, 1.52), respectively. Other risk predictors were hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), aspirin, and statin therapy.

Conclusions

A CAC score ≥100 or a CAVI ≥ 9.0 predicts the long‐term occurrence of MACEs in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with stable CAD. These two noninvasive tests can be used as screening tools to guide treatment for the prevention of future CV events.
Habitat quality influences pollinator pathogen prevalence through both habitat–disease and biodiversity–disease pathways
Authors: Fearon Michelle L. , Wood Chelsea L. , Tibbetts Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2022

The dilution effect hypothesis posits that increasing biodiversity reduces infectious disease transmission. Here, we propose that habitat quality might modulate this negative biodiversity–disease relationship. Habitat may influence pathogen prevalence directly by affecting host traits like nutrition and immune response (we coined the term “habitat–disease relationship” to describe this phenomenon) or indirectly by changing host biodiversity (biodiversity–disease relationship). We used a path model to test the relative strength of links between habitat, biodiversity, and pathogen prevalence in a pollinator–virus system. High‐quality habitat metrics were directly associated with viral prevalence, providing evidence for a habitat–disease relationship. However, the strength and direction of specific habitat effects on viral prevalence varied based on the characteristics of the habitat, host, and pathogen. In general, more natural area and richness of land‐cover types were directly associated with increased viral prevalence, whereas greater floral density was associated with reduced viral prevalence. More natural habitat was also indirectly associated with reduced prevalence of two key viruses (black queen cell virus and deformed wing virus) via increased pollinator species richness, providing evidence for a habitat‐mediated dilution effect on viral prevalence. Biodiversity–disease relationships varied across viruses, with the prevalence of sacbrood virus not being associated with any habitat quality or pollinator community metrics. Across all viruses and hosts, habitat–disease and biodiversity–disease paths had effects of similar magnitude on viral prevalence. Therefore, habitat quality is a key driver of variation in pathogen prevalence among communities via both direct habitat–disease and indirect biodiversity–disease pathways, though the specific patterns varied among different viruses and host species. Critically, habitat–disease relationships could either contribute to or obscure dilution effects in natural systems depending on the relative strength and direction of the habitat–disease and biodiversity–disease pathways in that host–pathogen system. Therefore, habitat may be an important driver in the complex interactions between hosts and pathogens.
Deformation Imaging by Strain in Chronic Heart Failure Over Sacubitril‐Valsartan: A Multicenter Echocardiographic Registry
Authors: Mandoli Giulia Elena , Pastore Maria Concetta , Giannoni Alberto , Benfari Giovanni , Dini Frank Lloyd , Rosa Gianmarco , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Taddei Claudia , Correale Michele , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Mazzeo Pietro , Carluccio Erberto , Mengoni Anna , Guaricci Andrea Igoren , Piscitelli Laura , Citro Rodolfo , Ciccarelli Michele , Novo Giuseppina , Corrado Egle , Pasquini Annalisa , Loria Valentina , De Carli Giuseppe , Degiovanni Anna , Patti Giuseppe , Santoro Ciro , Moderato Luca , Cicoira Mariantonietta , Canepa Marco , Malagoli Alessandro , Emdin Michele , Cameli Matteo
Published: November 2022

Aims

Sacubitril/valsartan has changed the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), due to the positive effects on morbidity and mortality, partly mediated by left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling (LVRR). The aim of this multicenter study was to identify echocardiographic predictors of LVRR after sacubitril/valsartan administration.

Methods and results

Patients with HFrEF requiring therapy with sacubitril/valsartan from 13 Italian centres were included. Echocardiographic parameters including LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global peak atrial longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography were measured to find the predictors of LVRR [= LV end‐systolic volume reduction ≥10% and ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement ≥10% at follow‐up] at 6 month follow‐up as the primary endpoint. Changes in symptoms [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class] and neurohormonal activations [N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP)] were also evaluated as secondary endpoints; 341 patients (excluding patients with poor acoustic windows and missing data) were analysed (mean age: 65 ± 10 years; 18% female, median LVEF 30% [inter‐quartile range: 25−34]). At 6 month follow‐up, 82 (24%) patients showed early complete response (LVRR and LVEF ≥ 35%), 55 (16%) early incomplete response (LVRR and LVEF < 35%), and 204 (60%) no response (no LVRR and LVEF < 35%). Non‐ischaemic aetiology, a lower left atrial volume index, and a higher GLS were all independent predictors of LVRR at multivariable logistic analysis (all P < 0.01). A baseline GLS < −9.3% was significantly associated with early response (area under the curve 0.75, P < 0.0001). Left atrial strain was the best predictor of positive changes in NYHA class and NT‐proBNP (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Speckle tracking echocardiography parameters at baseline could be useful to predict LVRR and clinical response to sacubitril–valsartan and could be used as a guide for treatment in patients with HFrEF.