bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Severity of COVID‐19 Lung Injury in Rheumatic Diseases Versus the General Population Using Deep Learning–Derived Chest Radiograph Scores
Authors: Patel Naomi J. , D'Silva Kristin M. , Li Matthew D. , Hsu Tiffany Y. T. , DiIorio Michael , Fu Xiaoqing , Cook Claire , Prisco Lauren , Martin Lily , Vanni Kathleen M. M. , Zaccardelli Alessandra , Zhang Yuqing , Kalpathy‐Cramer Jayashree , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Wallace Zachary S.
Published: March 2022

Objective

COVID‐19 patients with rheumatic disease have a higher risk of mechanical ventilation than the general population. The present study was undertaken to assess lung involvement using a validated deep learning algorithm that extracts a quantitative measure of radiographic lung disease severity.

Methods

We performed a comparative cohort study of rheumatic disease patients with COVID‐19 and ≥1 chest radiograph within ±2 weeks of COVID‐19 diagnosis and matched comparators. We used unadjusted and adjusted (for age, Charlson comorbidity index, and interstitial lung disease) quantile regression to compare the maximum pulmonary x‐ray severity (PXS) score at the 10th to 90th percentiles between groups. We evaluated the association of severe PXS score (>9) with mechanical ventilation and death using Cox regression.

Results

We identified 70 patients with rheumatic disease and 463 general population comparators. Maximum PXS scores were similar in the rheumatic disease patients and comparators at the 10th to 60th percentiles but significantly higher among rheumatic disease patients at the 70th to 90th percentiles (90th percentile score of 10.2 versus 9.2; adjusted P = 0.03). Rheumatic disease patients were more likely to have a PXS score of >9 (20% versus 11%; P = 0.02), indicating severe pulmonary disease. Rheumatic disease patients with PXS scores >9 versus ≤9 had higher risk of mechanical ventilation (hazard ratio [HR] 24.1 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 6.7, 86.9]) and death (HR 8.2 [95% CI 0.7, 90.4]).

Conclusion

Rheumatic disease patients with COVID‐19 had more severe radiographic lung involvement than comparators. Higher PXS scores were associated with mechanical ventilation and will be important for future studies leveraging big data to assess COVID‐19 outcomes in rheumatic disease patients.
Molecular Programming of NIR‐IIb‐Emissive Semiconducting Small Molecules for In Vivo High‐Contrast Bioimaging Beyond 1500 nm
Authors: Yuan Yi , Feng Zhe , Li Shengliang , Huang Zhongming , Wan Yingpeng , Cao Chen , Lin Sien , Wu Lan , Zhou Jing , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Qian Jun , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: March 2022

Materials with long‐wavelength second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) emission are highly desired for in vivo dynamic visualizating of microstructures in deep tissues. Herein, by employing an atom‐programming strategy, a series of highly fluorescent semiconducting oligomers (SOMs) with tunable NIR‐IIb emissions are developed for bioimaging applications. After self‐assembly into nanoparticles (NPs), they show good brightness, high photostability, and satisfactory biocompatibility. The SOM NPs are applied as probes for high‐resolution imaging of whole‐body and hind‐limb blood vessels, biliary tract, and bladder with their emissions over 1500 nm. This work demonstrates an atom‐programming strategy for constructing semiconducting small molecules with enhanced NIR‐II fluorescence for deep‐tissue imaging, affording new insight for advancing molecular design of NIR‐II fluorophores.
Emerging Trends in Sustainable CO2‐Management Materials
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zheng Yun , Qian Lanting , Luo Dan , Dou Haozhen , Wen Guobin , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: March 2022

With the rising level of atmospheric CO2 worsening climate change, a promising global movement toward carbon neutrality is forming. Sustainable CO2 management based on carbon capture and utilization (CCU) has garnered considerable interest due to its critical role in resolving emission‐control and energy‐supply challenges. Here, a comprehensive review is presented that summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art progress in developing promising materials for sustainable CO2 management in terms of not only capture, catalytic conversion (thermochemistry, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and possible combinations), and direct utilization, but also emerging integrated capture and in situ conversion as well as artificial‐intelligence‐driven smart material study. In particular, insights that span multiple scopes of material research are offered, ranging from mechanistic comprehension of reactions, rational design and precise manipulation of key materials (e.g., carbon nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, zeolites, ionic liquids), to industrial implementation. This review concludes with a summary and new perspectives, especially from multiple aspects of society, which summarizes major difficulties and future potential for implementing advanced materials and technologies in sustainable CO2 management. This work may serve as a guideline and road map for developing CCU material systems, benefiting both scientists and engineers working in this growing and potentially game‐changing area.
Co‐Anchoring of Engineered Immunogen and Immunostimulatory Cytokines to Alum Promotes Enhanced‐Humoral Immunity
Authors: Chang Jason Y. H. , Agarwal Yash , Rodrigues Kristen A. , Momin Noor , Ni Kaiyuan , Read Benjamin J. , Moyer Tyson J. , Mehta Naveen K. , Silva Murillo , Suh Heikyung , Melo Mariane B. , Wittrup K. Dane , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: March 2022

Protein antigens are often combined with aluminum hydroxide (alum), the most commonly used adjuvant in licensed vaccines; yet the immunogenicity of alum‐adjuvanted vaccines leaves much room for improvement. Here, the authors demonstrate a strategy for codelivering an immunostimulatory cytokine, the interleukin IL‐21, with an engineered outer domain (eOD) human immunodeficiency virus gp120 Env immunogen eOD, bound together to alum to bolster the humoral immune response. In this approach, the immunogen and cytokine are co‐anchored to alum particles via a short phosphoserine (pSer) peptide linker, promoting stable binding to alum and sustained bioavailability following injection. pSer‐modified eOD and IL‐21 promote enhanced lymphatic drainage and lead to accumulation of the vaccine in B cell follicles in the draining lymph nodes. This in turn promotes enhanced T follicular helper cell priming and robust germinal center responses as well as increased antigen‐specific serum IgG titers. This is a general strategy for codelivery of immunostimulatory cytokine with immunogens providing a facile approach to modulate T cell priming and GC reactions toward enhanced protective immunity using the most common clinical vaccine adjuvant.
Profiling of sulforaphane content in forty‐seven Chinese broccoli germplasms
Authors: Liu Shi‐hui , Wu Qiu‐yun , Xu Ting , Wang Hui‐cong , Wang Jun‐wei , Zhang Zhong‐Lin , Liu Ming‐yue , Huang Ke
Published: March 2022

Chinese broccoli [Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra (L. H. Bailey) Musil] is an annual herbaceous healthy vegetable plant mainly cultivated in southern China. Previous studies have been primarily focused on investigating the nutritional ingredients of this plant, little is known about its medicinal potentials. Here we report the profiling of sulforaphane, an active ingredient with potent anticancer activities, in 47 Chinese broccoli germplasms collected from China and some southeast‐Asian countries. High‐performance liquid chromatography technology was used to systemically quantify the sulforaphane content in leaf, stem, and flower bud clusters of all 47 Chinese broccoli germplasms. The results indicated a diverse distribution pattern of sulforaphane among different tissues. Flower bud contained the highest average of sulforaphane, roughly twice as much as in leaf and stem tissues. Interestingly, different germplasms exhibited great differences in terms of sulforaphane abundance. Germplasm BOK15‐20 is extremely rich in sulforaphane in all tissues tested, ∼2,500 times of BOK15‐15 in leaf, 66 times of BOK15‐42 in the stem, and 77 times of BOK15‐40 in flower bud. The tremendous disparity of sulforaphane content among different germplasms suggests considerable variations in germplasms’ medicinal potentials. In addition, we systemically characterized a series of morphological and phenotypic traits of all 47 Chinese broccoli germplasms. Cluster analysis through NTSYSpc v2.2 showed that the 47 germplasms were classified into five different groups, respectively, based on sulforaphane content and qualitative phenotypic traits. Our results not only confirmed the medicinal values of Chinese broccoli but also provided crucial information that will eventually benefit future germplasm development and new variety breeding.
Registry data analysis of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on systemic chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection patients in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Masahide , Sato Maho , Onishi Yasushi , Sasahara Yoji , Sano Hideki , Masuko Masayoshi , Nakamae Hirohisa , Matsuoka Ken‐ichi , Ara Takahide , Washio Kana , Onizuka Makoto , Watanabe Kenichiro , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Hirakawa Tsuneaki , Nishio Miwako , Sakashita Chizuko , Kobayashi Tohru , Sawada Akihisa , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Fukuda Takahiro , Hashii Yoshiko , Atsuta Yoshiko , Arai Ayako
Published: March 2022

The effects of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) on systemic chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection (sCAEBV) are yet to be analyzed in a large number of patients. Using the Japanese registry database, Transplant Registry Unification Management Program, we investigated the outcomes of 102 sCAEBV patients who underwent allo‐HSCT. The median age at HSCT was 21 years, and the three‐year overall survival (3‐year OS) rate was 72.5%. Of the 90 patients whose viral load after allo‐HSCT was evaluated, 56 (62.2%) achieved a virological complete response, defined by the complete resolution of disease activity with a significant decrease in EBV‐DNA in peripheral blood. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model indicated that advanced age, in adolescents and young adults (AYA) (age, 15–39) and adults (age, ≥40 years) was a risk factor of poor OS. The hazard ratios (HRs) of the AYA and adult groups were 10.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98–59.56, p = .006) and 15.93 (95% CI: 2.45–103.8, p = .004), respectively. Disease activity (HR 5.74), elevated soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R) (≥ median, 691 U/mL) at HSCT (HR 6.93), and conditioning without radiotherapy (HR 3.53) were also independently associated with poor survival. Notably, 79% of radiotherapy doses were less than 6 Gy. Regardless of the presence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, the group with a high sIL‐2R level (≥2000 U/mL) showed a poorer prognosis. Although allo‐HSCT is the only curative therapy for sCAEBV, treatment strategies need to be improved for high‐risk patients, especially those with high levels of sIL‐2R.
Systematic analysis of physical examination characteristics of 94 individuals with Joubert syndrome: Keys to suspecting the diagnosis
Authors: Forsyth RaeLynn , Parisi Melissa A. , Altintas Burak , Malicdan May Christine , Vilboux Thierry , Knoll Jasmine , Brooks Brian P. , Zein Wadih M. , Gahl William A. , Toro Camilo , Gunay‐Aygun Meral
Published: March 2022

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hypotonia and developmental delay, as well as the obligatory molar tooth sign on brain imaging. Since hypotonia and developmental delay are nonspecific features, there must be a high level of clinical suspicion of JS so that the diagnostic brain imaging and/or molecular testing for the >38 genes associated with JS is/are obtained. The goal of this study was to analyze clinical photographs of a cohort of patients with JS to define a list of physical examination features that should prompt investigation for JS. Analysis of photographs from 94 individuals with JS revealed that there is a recognizable pattern of facial features in JS that changes over time as individuals age. Macrocephaly, head tilting even when looking straight ahead, eye movement abnormalities (oculomotor apraxia, nystagmus, strabismus), and ptosis are common in those with JS. Distinctive features in younger children include triangular‐shaped open mouth with tongue protrusion; in older children and adults, mandibular prognathia and prominent nasal bridge are common.
Effects of Alzheimer and Lewy Body Disease Pathologies on Brain Metabolism
Authors: Lee Young‐gun , Jeon Seun , Park Mincheol , Kang Sung Woo , Yoon So Hoon , Baik Kyoungwon , Lee Phil Hyu , Sohn Young Ho , Ye Byoung Seok ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine the pattern of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) related to postmortem Lewy body disease (LBD) pathology in clinical Alzheimer disease (AD).

Methods

FDG‐PET scans were analyzed in 62 autopsy‐confirmed patients and 110 controls in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Based on neuropathologic evaluations on Braak stage for neurofibrillary tangle, Consortium to Establish a Registry for AD score for neuritic plaque, and Lewy‐related pathology, subjects were classified into AD(−)/LBD(−), AD(−)/LBD(+), AD(+)/LBD(−), and AD(+)/LBD(+) groups. The association between postmortem LBD and AD pathologies and antemortem brain metabolism was evaluated.

Results

AD and LBD pathologies had significant interaction effects to decrease metabolism in the cerebellar vermis, bilateral caudate, putamen, basal frontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex in addition to the left side of the entorhinal cortex and amygdala, and significant interaction effects to increase metabolism in the bilateral parietal and occipital cortices. LBD pathology was associated with hypermetabolism in the cerebellar vermis, bilateral putamen, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal frontal cortex, corresponding to the Lewy body‐related hypermetabolic patterns. AD pathology was associated with hypometabolism in the bilateral hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex regardless of LBD pathology, whereas LBD pathology was associated with hypermetabolism in the bilateral putamen and anterior cingulate cortex regardless of AD pathology.

Interpretation

Postmortem LBD and AD pathologies had significant interaction effects on the antemortem brain metabolism in clinical AD patients. Specific metabolic patterns related to AD and LBD pathologies could be elucidated when simultaneously considering the two pathologies. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:853–863
EPDM‐g‐MAH toughened bio‐based polyamide 56 to prepare thermoplastic polyamide elastomer and the performance characterization
Authors: Xu Yuhan , Zhao Chenyu , Guo Zhiyuan , Dong Wenjie , Liu Xiucai , Guo Weihong
Published: March 2022

Polyamide is an engineering plastic, which has been widely used in industry and life. Polyamide 56, as a green and environmentally friendly bio‐based product, is gradually replacing traditional petroleum‐based products. However, in terms of auto parts, communication equipment, and mechanical products, a single polyamide monomer is difficult to meet the end‐use standard. EPDM‐g‐MAH (ethylene propylene diene monomer grafted with maleic anhydride) is melt blended with bio‐based polyamide 56 (PA56) in a twin‐screw extruder to obtain polyamide elastomers with different formulations. Subsequently, its morphology and structure, thermodynamic properties, crystallinity, and mechanical properties were analyzed. The test results show that the composites containing 10% EPDM‐g‐MAH have better impact resistance and thermal properties in the range of adding 0‑20 wt% EPDM‐g‐MAH. In the fracture morphology analysis, it is found that the interface between the rubber phase and the polyamide phase fused well, and the elastomer showed the ductile fracture.
The first complete mitochondrial genome of Dufouriellini (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and implications for its phylogenetic position
Authors: Zhang Danli , Xu Le , Wang Shujing , Liang Jingyu , Li Min , Zhang Haiguang
Published: March 2022

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is extensively used to better understand the phylogenetic relationships within the family level, but there are still limited representations at the tribe level of Anthocoridae. Here we describe the first complete mitogenome of Dufouriellini. The mitogenome of Cardiastethus sp. is 15,209 bp in size, containing 13 typical protein‐coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and a control region. All genes are arranged in the same gene order as the most other known cimicomorphan mitogenomes. The phylogenetic relationships based on mitogenomes using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods show that Dufouriellini is sister to Anthocorini, and then both of them together form sister group with Oriini. The monophyly of each superfamily of Cimicomorpha is generally well supported. Reduvioidea is basal within Cimicomorpha. The topology of the remaining superfamily is as follows: (Miroidea + (Cimicoidea + (Velocipedoidea + Nabioidea))). This study will help to enhance our understanding of mitochondrial genomic evolution and phylogenetic relationships in the tribe level of Anthocoridae and also superfamily level of Cimicomorpha.
Attenuation of glutamine synthetase selection marker improves product titer and reduces glutamine overflow in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Sacco Sarah A. , Tuckowski Angela M. , Trenary Irina , Kraft Lauren , Betenbaugh Michael J. , Young Jamey D. , Smith Kevin D.
Published: March 2022

The glutamine synthetase (GS) expression system is commonly used to ensure stable transgene integration and amplification in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host lines. Transfected cell populations are typically grown in the presence of the GS inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSX), to further select for increased transgene copy number. However, high levels of GS activity produce excess glutamine. We hypothesized that attenuating the GS promoter while keeping the strong IgG promoter on the GS‐IgG expression vector would result in a more efficient cellular metabolic phenotype. Herein, we characterized CHO cell lines expressing GS from either an attenuated promoter or an SV40 promoter and selected with/without MSX. CHO cells with the attenuated GS promoter had higher IgG specific productivity and lower glutamine production compared to cells with SV40‐driven GS expression. Selection with MSX increased both specific productivity and glutamine production, regardless of GS promoter strength. 13C metabolic flux analysis (MFA) was performed to further assess metabolic differences between these cell lines. Interestingly, central carbon metabolism was unaltered by the attenuated GS promoter while the fate of glutamate and glutamine varied depending on promoter strength and selection conditions. This study highlights the ability to optimize the GS expression system to improve IgG production and reduce wasteful glutamine overflow, without significantly altering central metabolism. Additionally, a detailed supplementary analysis of two “lactate runaway” reactors provides insight into the poorly understood phenomenon of excess lactate production by some CHO cell cultures.
Pursuing sustainability advantage: The dynamic capabilities of born sustainable firms
Authors: Knoppen Desirée , Knight Louise
Published: March 2022

‘Born sustainable firms’ (BSFs) — firms founded with an explicit strategic intent to operate in a sustainable manner play an important role in the sustainability transition and represent a significant but underutilized research site. Adopting the dynamic capabilities (DC) perspective, this paper explores BSFs' pursuit of their environmental and social goals. Having first assessed and confirmed its relevance to the BSF context, a high level framework of DC processes is operationalized. Through a dialogic approach, comparing the literature and empirical material from 12 BSFs from a wide range of sectors and locations, an in‐depth picture of 28 processes underlying sensing, seizing and transforming meta‐capabilities emerges. All but one of the detailed processes can be linked to prior research and are specific, though not unique, to BSF. Whilst the operationalized framework of DC processes in the BSF context extends prior research, the established notion of competitive advantage — framing organizational goals and impact in terms of financial outcomes and strategic performance relative to rivals — is problematic in this context. We therefore reconceptualize BSF's organizational goals and impact in terms of ‘sustainability advantage’, that is, maximization of environmental and social performance within the constraint of economic viability. In addition, we identify two key dimensions of advantage: time horizon, which ranges from immediate to longer term impact, and scope, which ranges from organization‐centred to system‐wide impact. The findings have clear implications not only for sustainable entrepreneurship but also for incumbent firms moving towards genuine sustainability.
A review study on the investigation of the effects of using robots in education on metacognitive behaviors
Authors: Özkan Sibel B. , Toz Metin
Published: March 2022

In today's technology, robots are now involved in all aspects of life. Therefore, it is inconceivable that robots will not affect the field of education either. In this study, the use of robots in education has been explicitly discussed in terms of the development of metacognitive abilities. For this purpose, literature studies have been conducted both on the development of metacognitive skills and on how robots are used in education. According to the results obtained, although robots have been used in many fields of education, they have not been used primarily in the field of developing metacognitive skills. From this point of view, in this study, some research questions and suggestions for the application of metacognitive models through robots and, therefore, the use of robots to improve metacognitive skills are presented to the researchers. It is expected that it will benefit researchers related to this question and the proposed topic to direct their research and help close the lack of research in this area.
Prostate cancer incidence and survival in relation to prostate cancer as second cancer in relatives
Authors: Zheng Guoqiao , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Ji Jianguang
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate if the risk of prostate cancer (PC) differs based on the order of primary PC diagnosed in first‐degree relatives (FDRs) given possibly different risk factors for PC as first primary cancer (PCa‐1) and second primary cancer (PCa‐2).

Subjects and Methods

In this Swedish nationwide cohort, PC diagnosis was followed for among 149,985 men with one FDR affected by PCa‐1, 10,972 with one FDR affected by PCa‐2 and 2,896,561 without any FDRs affected by cancer in a maximum of 57 years. PC patients were further followed for death due to PC since diagnosis. Relative risk (RR) of PC was estimated with Poisson regression and hazard ratio (HR) with Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Compared to men without any FDRs affected by cancer, the RRs of PC in men with one FDR affected by PCa‐1 and PCa‐2 were 2.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07–2.17) and 1.69 (1.54–1.85), respectively. The risk in men with one FDR affected by PCa‐2 was significantly lower than those with one FDR affected by PCa‐1 after additionally adjusting for family relationship (father‐son and brothers) and age at diagnosis of PC in FDR (RR PCa‐2 vs PCa‐1, 0.85, 95% CI, 0.78–0.94). PC patients with a family history of PCa‐2 were more likely to be detected at late‐stage and less likely to be diagnosed by screening, compared to those with a family history of PCa‐1. Patients whose PC was diagnosed after the diagnosis of PCa‐1 in FDRs had a better survival than those without a family history of cancer (HR, 0.88, 95% CI, 0.80–0.97), but no such association was observed among patients with a family history of PCa‐2.

Conclusion

Our study indicates a discrepancy between PC risks associated with a family history of PCa‐1 and PC‐2 and the reason behind it may be multifactorial.
BRCA1/2 testing among young women with breast cancer in Massachusetts, 2010–2013: An observational study using state cancer registry and All‐Payer claims data
Authors: Pace Lydia E. , Ayanian John Z. , Wolf Robert E. , Knowlton Richard , Gershman Susan T. , Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Keating Nancy L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Testing for BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants is recommended for women aged ≤45 years with breast cancer. Some studies have found racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in testing. We linked Massachusetts' All‐Payer Claims Database with Massachusetts Cancer Registry data to assess factors associated with BRCA1/2 testing among young women with breast cancer in Massachusetts, a state with high levels of access to care and equitable insurance coverage of breast cancer gene (BRCA) testing.

Methods

We identified breast cancer diagnoses in the Massachusetts Cancer Registry from 2010 to 2013 and linked registry data with Massachusetts All‐Payer Claims Data from 2010 to 2014 among women aged ≤45 years with private insurance or Medicaid. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with BRCA1/2 testing within 6 months of diagnosis.

Results

The study population included 2424 women; 80.3% were identified as non‐Hispanic White, 6.4% non‐Hispanic Black, and 6.3% Hispanic. Overall, 54.9% received BRCA1/2 testing within 6 months of breast cancer diagnosis. In adjusted analyses, non‐Hispanic Black women had less than half the odds of testing compared with non‐Hispanic White women (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.64). Medicaid‐insured women had half the odds of testing compared with privately‐insured women (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.41, 0.63). Living in lower‐income areas was also associated with lower odds of testing. Having an academically‐affiliated oncology clinician was not associated with testing.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities exist in BRCA1/2 testing among women with breast cancer in Massachusetts, despite equitable insurance coverage of testing. Further research should examine whether disparities have persisted with growing testing awareness and availability over time.
Stroke after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A severe complication with low predictability
Authors: Eschenbach Lena K. , Erlebach Magdalena , Deutsch Marcus‐André , Ruge Hendrik , Bleiziffer Sabine , Holzer Lisa , Krane Markus , Voss Stephanie , Lange Ruediger , Burri Melchior
Published: March 2022

Objectives

We aimed to describe stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to identify associated risk factors.

Background

Stroke/TIA after TAVR is a major complication.

Methods

A total of 1919 concomitant patients underwent TAVR in a single center from 2007 to 2017. Pre‐, intra‐, and postprocedural data were collected prospectively in a database and analyzed retrospectively. Stroke and TIA were documented according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐II criteria. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for stroke after TAVR.

Results

Mean age was 79.5 ± 6.8 years, mean logistic EuroScore was 17.6% ± 12.8%, and 51.8% (n = 994) of the patients were female. Stroke/TIA occurred in 76 patients (3.9%), 1.9% were disabling, and 1.6% nondisabling. The predominant type of stroke were territorial ischemic lesions (82.4%), with primary bleeding in 4.4% and border zone infarctions in 4.4%. Left‐sided lesions were more common (45.6% left sided vs. 25% right sided) and 13.2% of the lesions were bilateral (4.4% no finding and 11.8% missing data). In multivariate logistic regression, prior stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, p = 0.046) and initial experience (first 300 TAVR implanted at our center) were identified as independent risk factors for stroke/TIA during the first 30 days (OR = 1.95, p = 0.045). Overall, the occurrence of stroke had a highly significant impact on a 30‐day mortality (13.2% vs. 4.9% in patients without stroke (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Stroke within the first 30 days after TAVR severely impairs 30‐day survival. We identified prior stroke and initial experience as significant independent risk factors for the occurrence of stroke after TAVR.
Volume of contrast to creatinine clearance ratio predicts early mortality and AKI after TAVI
Authors: Venturi Gabriele , Scarsini Roberto , Pighi Michele , Kotronias Rafail A. , Piccoli Anna , Lunardi Mattia , Del Sole Paolo , Mainardi Andrea , Gambaro Alessia , Tavella Domenico , De Maria Giovanni L. , Kharbanda Rajesh , Pesarini Gabriele , Banning Adrian , Ribichini Flavio
Published: March 2022

The volume of contrast to creatinine clearance ratio (CV/CrCl) is a useful indicator of the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing percutaneous interventional procedures. Association between CV/CrCl and adverse outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was suggested but it is not well established. A large retrospective multicenter cohort of 1381 patients treated with TAVI was analyzed to assess the association between CV/CrCl and the risk of AKI and mortality at 90 days and 1 year after TAVI. Patients receiving renal replacement therapy at the time of TAVI were excluded. CV/CrCl ≥ 2.2 was associated with the risk of AKI and 90 days mortality after TAVI after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, baseline left ventricular function, baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD), previous myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.22, p < 0.0001). Importantly, CV/CrCl was associated with the adverse outcome independently from the presence of baseline CKD (p for interaction = 0.22). CV/CrCl was independently associated with the individual components of the composite primary outcome including AKI (odds ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.28, p < 0.0001) and 90 days mortality (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.01–3.60, p = 0.047) after TAVI. AKI (HR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.21–3.11, p = 0.006) but not CV/CrCl was associated with the risk of 1‐year mortality after TAVI. CV/CrCl is associated with excess renal damage and early mortality after TAVI. Procedural strategies to minimize the CV/CrCl during TAVI may improve early clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.
Device entrapment during percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Sanz‐Sánchez Jorge , Mashayekhi Kambis , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Egred Mohaned , Avran Alexandre , Kalyanasundaram Arun , Garbo Roberto , Colombo Antonio , Regazzoli Damiano , Reimers Bernhard , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Gasparini Gabriele L.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Device entrapment is a life‐threatening complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the success for its management is predominantly based on operator experience with limited available guidance in the published literature.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on December 2021; we searched PubMed for articles on device entrapment during PCI. In addition, backward snowballing (i.e., review of references from identified articles and pertinent reviews) was employed.

Results

A total of 4209 articles were retrieved, of which 150 studies were included in the synthesis of the data. A methodical algorithmic approach to prevention and management of device entrapment can help to optimize outcomes. The recommended sequence of steps are as follows: (a) pulling, (b) trapping, (c) snaring, (d) plaque modification, (e) telescoping, and (f) surgery.

Conclusions

In‐depth knowledge of the techniques and necessary tools can help optimize the likelihood of successful equipment retrieval and minimization of complications.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as a therapy for rape victims: A case series
Authors: Rostaminejad Akbar , Alishapour Maryam , Jahanfar Abdolhadi , Fereidouni Zhila , Behnammoghadam Mohammad
Published: March 2022

A case series was conducted on three rape victims who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was employed to reduce their risk of suicide or suicidal ideations. EMDR can be an effective treatment to reduce the level of suicidal ideation in rape victims.
A case report of a teenager with hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma in a noncirrhotic liver
Authors: Danso Kwadwo Apeadu , Akuaku Rosemary Sefakor , Taylor Rebekah Ruth , Amoako Emmanuella , Ulzen‐Appiah Kofi , Jimah Bashiru Babatunde , Tagoe Lily Gloria
Published: March 2022

Hepatitis B virus is a known carcinogen for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is rare in the pediatric population. We report a 13‐year‐old patient with hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma in a noncirrhotic liver. Her APRI score was 0.24. Her BCLC stage was C, and her caregiver opted for palliative care.
Acquired double pylorus presenting as a gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Laabidi Sarra , Ben Mohamed Asma , Khsiba Amal , Yakoubi Manel , Mahmoudi Moufida , Medhioub Mouna , Hamzaoui Lamine , Azouz Mohamed Mssadak
Published: March 2022

We present the case of a 65‐year‐old man without a past medical history who was admitted for gastrointestinal bleeding. The case shows an acquired double pylorus due to probable pre pyloric ulcer.
Designing Nanosheet Heterostructures of CuO Grown on Bi2MoO6 as a Photoelectrochemical Biosensor for Detecting Alpha‐Fetoprotein
Authors: Zhao Mingxia , Yang Liqin , Zhao Jun , Jiang Junbing , Wang Zheng , Wang Yuman , Cai Zhenyu , Zhao Zhiju
Published: March 2022

Bi2MoO6 (BM) was modified with various amounts of CuO. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) tests of the resulting CuO‐doped BM materials showed improved PEC performance. The best PEC performance was obtained for BM containing 5 wt % of CuO. CuO/BM‐5 % was then used as an active material for an Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) PEC biosensor. A PEC biosensor‐based CuO/BM‐5 % detected AFP linearly from 0.01–1200 ng ⋅ L−1 with a detection limit of 0.005 ng ⋅ L−1. The photoelectron potential of the CuO/BM‐5 % heterojunction reduced the electron/hole recombination, which explains the excellent PEC performance of this material.
Experimental design optimization and isotherm modeling for removal of copper(II) by calcium‐terephthalate MOF synthesized from recycled PET waste
Authors: Zolgharnein Javad , Dermanaki Farahani Saeideh
Published: March 2022

In this research, a calcium‐terephthalate metal–organic framework ([Ca(BDC)(H2O)3]) was synthesized by a new high yield solvothermal method as an efficient adsorbent. Terephthalate ligand recovered from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste was used as a precursor in the synthesis process. The adsorption ability of this compound to remove copper(II) from aqueous solutions was investigated. Experimental designs involving Plackett–Burman and Doehlert designs were used for the optimization of the adsorption process. Plackett–Burman design was used for screening the effective factors such as pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of Cu(II). Running Doehlert design (DD) as an optimization approach led to find a model for relation between response and effective factors and maximized uptake capacity (q) of Cu(II) (q = 351.3 mg˖g−1) under optimum conditions (pH = 5, adsorbent dosage = 1.50 mg and initial concentration of Cu(II) = 150 mgL−1). Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses were applied to investigate the chemical and crystal structure of [Ca(BDC)(H2O)3]. Furthermore, kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, and desorption studies are complementary divisions of this research.
Tailoring structural properties of carbon via implanting optimal co nanoparticles in n‐rich carbon cages toward high‐efficiency oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable zn‐air batteries
Authors: Yu Jie , Dai Yawen , Zhang Zhenbao , Liu Tong , Zhao Siyuan , Cheng Chun , Tan Peng , Shao Zongping , Ni Meng
Published: March 2022

Rational construction of carbon‐based materials with high‐efficiency bifunctionality and low cost as the substitute of precious metal catalyst shows a highly practical value for rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs) yet it still remains challenging. Herein, this study employs a simple mixing‐calcination strategy to fabricate a high‐performance bifunctional composite catalyst composed of N‐doped graphitic carbon encapsulating Co nanoparticles (Co@NrC). Benefiting from the core‐shell architectural and compositional advantages of favorable electronic configuration, more exposed active sites, sufficient electric conductivity, rich defects, and excellent charge transport, the optimal Co@NrC hybrid (Co@NrC‐0.3) presents outstanding catalytic activity and stability toward oxygen‐related electrochemical reactions (oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, i.e., ORR and OER), with a low potential gap of 0.766 V. Besides, the rechargeable liquid ZAB assembled with this hybrid electrocatalyst delivers a high peak power density of 168 mW cm−2, a small initial discharge‐charge potential gap of 0.45 V at 10 mA cm−2, and a good rate performance. Furthermore, a relatively large power density of 108 mW cm−2 is also obtained with the Co@NrC‐0.3‐based flexible solid‐state ZAB, which can well power LED lights. Such work offers insights in developing excellent bifunctional electrocatalysts for both OER and ORR and highlights their potential applications in metal‐air batteries and other energy‐conversion/storage devices.
Effect of Intercropping Soybean on the Diversity of the Rhizosphere Soil Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Communities in Wheat Fields
Authors: Lu Xingli
Published: March 2022

The variations of rhizosphere soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their impact mechanism are still unclear under different intercropping systems in the Yellow River Irrigation District of Ningxia, China. A field experiment to study variations in rhizosphere soil AMF diversity and its effects under different planting systems in this area. Three intercropping systems consisting of six rows of spring wheat intercropped with two rows of soybean (RSW), wheat monoculture (RW), and soybean monoculture (RS) were applied. The results showed that the RSW treatment has a 5.6% and 10.0% higher soil organic carbon (SOC) content than the RW and RS plots, respectively. The dominant genera in this study are Glomus and Paraglomus. The Shannon index, Simpson index, Chao1 value, and abundance‐based coverage estimator in the RSW treatment are higher than in the RS plots. Additionally, the multiple linear regression equation suggests that invertase activity is the main impact factor for the Shannon index of AMF. Moreover, the wheat yield in the RSW plot is 11.4% higher than the RW plot. The results suggest that the RSW treatment has great potential for improving soil nutrients, AMF diversity, and wheat yield to sustain soil health and crop production.
Interleaved high conversion ratio DC–DC converter with output self‐balancing and current auto‐sharing for DC nanogrid application
Authors: Chen Zhangyong , Feng Chenchen , Chen Yong , Chen Gen
Published: March 2022

In the application of bipolar DC bus configuration in the DC nanogrid, the unbalanced voltage of two outputs in bipolar DC bus, due to the unbalanced conditions of loads and/or energy sources, will cause deterioration of the power quality of the bus and may damage the switch, affecting the stability and safety of the system. In order to solve the problem of unbalanced voltage of two outputs, interleaved series capacitor based dual‐output converter with a high conversion ratio is presented in this paper. By applying negative current mode (NCM) to the main inductor, the character of two‐output self‐balancing and zero voltage switching (ZVS) of all switches for such this topology configuration is achieved. In the NCM mode, the parallel diodes of main switches are not conducted during dead time and guarantee the flowing path to load side. Thus, based on this condition, volt‐second balance of main inductor is obtained to get the character of two‐output self‐balancing. Furthermore, by adopting series capacitor in the proposed topology and based on the charge‐balance of the intermediate block capacitor, inductor current existed in the two phase could be auto‐sharing. Comprehensive operational principle analysis, loss analysis, and efficiency of the proposed converter under different load conditions have been given, and the comparison analysis of three operation modes and selection of negative current mode is clarified. Small signal model of the proposed converter is described to convenient for the controller design. Finally, simulation results and a 20–220 V prototype are built to verify the character analysis of the proposed converter.
Numerical estimations of surface temperature evolution during multiple edge localized modes on EAST
Authors: Chen Jiayang , Dai Shuyu , Shi Quan , Liu Donghong , Yang Kunru , Liu Yiliang , Wang Dezhen
Published: March 2022

The effects of thermal loads of multiple edge localized modes (ELMs) on the evolution of tungsten surface temperature on EAST have been performed by solving the one‐dimensional (1D) heat conduction equation. First, the fundamental properties of tungsten surface temperature evolution are investigated under stationary heat loads by a 1D heat conduction program. The exposure time for the steady‐state surface temperature and the corresponding surface temperature increase with the irradiated constant power density. When the power density is around 33 MW/m2, the steady‐state surface temperature comes up to the melting point of tungsten material. For the cases of ELMs, evolutions of irradiation power density at different ELM released energies (ΔWELMs) are calculated by particle‐in‐cell code SDPIC, which are used as input for the heat conduction program to simulate the impacts of multi‐ELMs on the tungsten surface temperature evolution. The tungsten surface temperature periodically oscillates accompanied by the burst and shutoff of ELMs under multi‐ELMs. The overall tendency of tungsten surface temperature rises first and then stabilizes within a certain temperature range. Parameter scans of different combinations of ΔWELMs and ELM frequency (fELMs) have been performed according to plasma conditions on EAST. The simulation results show that the tungsten surface will not suffer from melting under multi‐ELMs for EAST tokamak.
Divertor leg control of a quasi‐symmetry stellarator with external coils and its consequences for transport
Authors: Kawamura Gakushi , Nakata Motoki , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Hayashi Yuki , Sakamoto Ryuichi
Published: March 2022

A control method of the divertor configuration using external saddle loop coils is investigated for a quasi‐symmetry stellarator device. Multiple coils are used to modify the divertor configuration while keeping the rotational transform distribution in the core region the same. The external coils successfully shrink the core plasma region and extend the divertor legs. From the transport analysis with the EMC3‐EIRENE code, it is confirmed that the dependence of the electron temperature of the core plasma on the position of the plasma‐facing walls is weakened by the extension of the divertor legs. The increase of the divertor particle flux and the increase of energy loss due to radiation and charge exchange processes are also confirmed.
Estimation as a post‐processing step for random walk approximations of the Boltzmann‐BGK model
Authors: Mortier Bert , Maes Vince , Samaey Giovanni
Published: March 2022

Recently, asymptotic‐preserving Monte Carlo simulation methods have been developed to simulate the Boltzmann‐BGK equation with advective–diffusive limiting behaviour over a broad range of regimes. These simulation methods hybridize a particle tracing Monte Carlo scheme for the kinetic equation and a random walk (RW) Monte Carlo simulation for the advection–diffusion limit, combining the precision of the former with the efficiency of the latter. In the RW part of the simulation, details of the travelled path are absent. This complicates the extraction of integral quantities of interest such as mass, momentum, and energy sources. Here, we present a new estimation strategy that couples the RW parts of the particle trajectories with a deterministic simulation of the corresponding fluid model. The contributions of the RW parts to quantities of interest are then computed from a single time step of this fluid model in a post‐processing step. We illustrate this new estimation strategy for a fusion‐relevant test‐case and focus on the bias and variance present when using this estimator.
Accounting for temporal change in multiple biodiversity patterns improves the inference of metacommunity processes
Authors: Guzman Laura Melissa , Thompson Patrick L. , Viana Duarte S. , Vanschoenwinkel Bram , Horváth Zsófia , Ptacnik Robert , Jeliazkov Alienor , Gascón Stéphanie , Lemmens Pieter , Anton‐Pardo Maria , Langenheder Silke , De Meester Luc , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: March 2022

In metacommunity ecology, a major focus has been on combining observational and analytical approaches to identify the role of critical assembly processes, such as dispersal limitation and environmental filtering, but this work has largely ignored temporal community dynamics. Here, we develop a “virtual ecologist” approach to evaluate assembly processes by simulating metacommunities varying in three main processes: density‐independent responses to abiotic conditions, density‐dependent biotic interactions, and dispersal. We then calculate a number of commonly used summary statistics of community structure in space and time and use random forests to evaluate their utility for inferring the strength of these three processes. We find that (i) both spatial and temporal data are necessary to disentangle metacommunity processes based on the summary statistics we test, and including statistics that are measured through time increases the explanatory power of random forests by up to 59% compared to cases where only spatial variation is considered; (ii) the three studied processes can be distinguished with different descriptors; and (iii) each summary statistic is differently sensitive to temporal and spatial sampling effort. Including repeated observations of metacommunities over time was essential for inferring the metacommunity processes, particularly dispersal. Some of the most useful statistics include the coefficient of variation of species abundances through time and metrics that incorporate variation in the relative abundances (evenness) of species. We conclude that a combination of methods and summary statistics is probably necessary to understand the processes that underlie metacommunity assembly through space and time, but we recognize that these results will be modified when other processes or summary statistics are used.