bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merestinib monotherapy or in combination for japanese patients with advanced and/or metastatic cancer: A phase 1 study
Authors: Doi Toshihiko , Yamamoto Noboru , Naito Yoichi , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Koyama Takafumi , Piao Yongzhe , Tsujimoto Naoto , Asou Hiroya , Inoue Koichi , Kondo Shunsuke
Published: September 2021

This phase 1, multi‐center, nonrandomized, open‐label, dose‐escalation study consisted of Part A wherein merestinib 80 or 120 mg (40‐mg tablets) was administered orally QD during a 28‐day cycle to patients diagnosed with solid tumors and Part B wherein merestinib 80 mg (40‐mg tablets) was administered orally QD, and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 + gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 administered IV on Day 1 and Day 8 of a 21‐day cycle (for a maximum of eight cycles) to patients diagnosed with biliary tract carcinoma (BTC). Nineteen patients were screened and 18 patients were (Part A, n = 10; Part B, n = 8) enrolled in the trial and received treatment. All patients in Parts A and B were from Japan and were within an age range of 43–73 years, with an ECOG PS of 0.1. No dose‐limiting toxicity or deaths were experienced in the study. Dose‐limiting toxicity equivalent toxicity of Grade 4 platelet count decreased (n = 1) and was observed in Part B. In Part A, treatment‐related Grade ≥3 TEAEs were reported in one patient (PT: ALT increased and AST increased), while in Part B, five patients reported treatment‐related Grade ≥3 TEAEs with four of the five patients reporting an event of neutrophil count decreased. No complete response was reported in either Part. One patient in Part B reported partial response while four patients in each part reported stable disease. Merestinib monotherapy was concluded to be tolerable in Japanese patients, and its combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine is a tolerable regimen for Japanese patients with BTC.

Trial registration: NCT03027284 (ClinicalTrials.gov) registered on 23 January 2017.
TET‐Like Oxidation in 5‐Methylcytosine and Derivatives: A Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Jonasson Niko S. W. , Janßen Rachel , Menke Annika , Zott Fabian L. , Zipse Hendrik , Daumann Lena J.
Published: September 2021

The epigenetic marker 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) is an important factor in DNA modification and epigenetics. It can be modified through a three‐step oxidation performed by ten‐eleven‐translocation (TET) enzymes and we have previously reported that the iron(IV)‐oxo complex [Fe(O)(Py5Me2H)]2+ (1) can oxidize 5mC. Here, we report the reactivity of this iron(IV)‐oxo complex towards a wider scope of methylated cytosine and uracil derivatives relevant for synthetic DNA applications, such as 1‐methylcytosine (1mC), 5‐methyl‐iso‐cytosine (5miC) and thymine (T/5mU). The observed kinetic parameters are corroborated by calculation of the C−H bond energies at the reactive sites which was found to be an efficient tool for reaction rate prediction of 1 towards methylated DNA bases. We identified oxidation products of methylated cytosine derivatives using HPLC‐MS and GC‐MS. Thereby, we shed light on the impact of the methyl group position and resulting C−H bond dissociation energies on reactivity towards TET‐like oxidation.
Knockdown of YKL‐40 inhibits angiogenesis through regulation of VEGF/VEGFR2 and ERK1/2 signaling in endometrial cancer
Authors: Chen Hong‐Yan , Zhou Zhao‐Yu , Luo Yan‐Lu , Luo Qin , Fan Jiang‐Tao
Published: September 2021

Studies have demonstrated that small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting YKL‐40 (siYKL‐40) inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and induces antiapoptotic abilities of endometrial cancer (EC) HEC‐1A cells. However, its effect on angiogenesis is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of YKL‐40 in endometrial cancer and the related molecular mechanisms. YKL‐40 was knocked down by transfection with siYKL‐40 and the effects on angiogenesis, cell viability, and signaling pathways were investigated. The results showed that siYKL‐40 inhibited VEGFA levels and tube formation in endothelial cells. Additionally, inhibition of YKL‐40 decreased the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphorylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (pVEGFR2), and phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (pERK1/2). Furthermore, a nude mice xenograft model of EC showed that siYKL‐40 inhibited tumor growth. Inhibition of YKL‐40 led to suppression of angiogenesis and reduction of microvessel density through VEGF/VEGFR2 and ERK1/2 signaling in endometrial cancer cells. Taken together, this study demonstrated novel molecular mechanisms for role of YKL‐40 in EC.
This is the best generation, for now
Authors: Butman Samuel M.
Published: September 2021

Key Points

In coronary bifurcation stenting, second‐generation stents appear equal in safety and efficacy.

The above statement is written with some trepidation given that only retrospective registry data are available.

Further improvements in bifurcation interventions are yet to come and should only make interventions easier, safer, with even better long‐term outcomes.
Ru0.05Ce0.95O2 Solid Solution Derived Ru Catalyst Enables Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of m‐Cresol to Toluene
Authors: Fu Desen , Wu Xiaoxia , Cui Beilei , Guo Yonghua , Wang Hua , Han Jinyu , Ge Qingfeng , Zhu Xinli
Published: September 2021

Selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of biomass lignin‐derived phenolic compounds to aromatics is a demanding reaction. Oxophilic Ru based catalysts can catalyze direct deoxygenation but suffer from competing C−C hydrogenolysis to CH4 at 350 °C and hydrogenation of phenyl ring at 250 °C under atmospheric pressure. In this work, a solid solution Ru0.05Ce0.95O2 catalyst was hydrothermally synthesized, characterized and tested for HDO of m‐cresol. The Ru species is highly dispersed in the solid solution as isolated atoms and/or subnanometer clusters as a result of strong Ru−O−Ce interaction, and the catalyst shows high concentration of oxygen vacancies. In contrast to nonselective Ru/SiO2, Ru0.05Ce0.95O2 selectively catalyzes deoxygenation to toluene while significantly inhibits C−C hydrogenolysis and hydrogenation. Moreover, the overall intrinsic HDO rate on Ru0.05Ce0.95O2 is 2.2 and 8.8 times higher than those on Ru/CeO2 and Ru/SiO2, respectively. The Ru−OV−Ce sites were proposed to be the active sites for deoxygenation. Inhibition of C−C hydrogenolysis and phenyl hydrogenation can be ascribed to the reduced size of the Ru ensembles due to the strong interaction in the solid solution.
A Synergistic Magnetically Retrievable Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Metal Oxide Catalyst for Scalable Selective Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes and Ketones
Authors: Mittal Rupali , Awasthi Satish Kumar
Published: September 2021

Herein, we report a synergistic silica coated magnetic Fe3O4 catalyst functionalized with nitrogen rich organic moieties and immobilized with cobalt metal ion (FNP‐5) for selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. The catalyst was rigorously characterized via several techniques which delineate its core‐shell structure, magnetic behavior, phase and crystal structure. The Co(III) acts as the active catalytic center for selective oxidation reaction. The control reactions revealed radical mechanistic pathway assisted by the synergism induced by the inorganic‐organic hybrid nature of FNP‐5. The other features of current protocol involve neat reaction conditions, high TOF values, scalability of product and low E‐factor value (1.92). Moreover, FNP‐5 could be effortlessly separated via an external magnet, displays recyclability over eight catalytic cycles and exhibits structural integrity even after rigorous use. Overall, these results manifest the understanding of synergistic architectures as sustainable surrogates for selective oxidation reactions.
Electrostatic Self‐Assembly of CoSe2 HBs/Ti3C2Tx Composites for Long‐cycle‐life Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Weizhe , Ma Quanhu , Xu Yongtai , Liu Ziqiang , Wang Gaowei
Published: September 2021

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as one of the most promising energy storage devices owing to lower cost and higher energy/power density. However, limited cycling life and poor rate capability of selectable materials restrict their worldwide application. To regulate the material's structure at the nanoscale, reducing volume expansion and increasing the intrinsic conductivity are two positive strategies to deal with these issues. Herein, CoSe2 Hollow Boxes/Ti3C2Tx flakes composites (CoSe2 HBs/Ti3C2Tx) is designed and fabricated based on electrostatic self‐assembly. Benefitting from the structural and compositional advantages, synergistic effects between the high conductivity and large layer spacing structure of Ti3C2Tx and the high capacity CoSe2 is observed. The CoSe2 HBs/Ti3C2Tx composites exhibit excellent rate capability (Average specific capacities of CoSe2 HBs/Ti3C2Tx are 225.8, 210.5, 194.6, 169.9, 153.2, and 135.8 mAh g−1 at current densities of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 mA g−1, respectively, and it could rapidly assume a reversible capacity when the current density changed back to small value, 199.1 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1), exceptional cycling life (3000 cycles), and ∼100 % high coulombic efficiency. Such composites can be considered as another promising candidate for high performance energy storage devices.
The Introduction of a Cysteine Residue Modulates The Mechanical Properties of Aromatic‐Based Solid Aggregates and Self‐Supporting Hydrogels
Authors: Diaferia Carlo , Rosa Elisabetta , Balasco Nicole , Sibillano Teresa , Morelli Giancarlo , Giannini Cinzia , Vitagliano Luigi , Accardo Antonella
Published: September 2021

Peptide‐based hydrogels, originated by multiscale self‐assembling phenomenon, have been proposed as multivalent tools in different technological areas. Structural studies and molecular dynamics simulations pointed out the capability of completely aromatic peptides to gelificate if hydrophilic and hydrophobic forces are opportunely balanced. Here, the effect produced by the introduction of a Cys residue in the heteroaromatic sequence of (FY)3 and in its PEGylated variant was evaluated. The physicochemical characterization indicates that both FYFCFYF and PEG8‐FYFCFYF are able to self‐assemble in supramolecular nanostructures whose basic cross‐β motif resembles the one detected in the ancestor (FY)3 assemblies. However, gelification occurs only for FYFCFYF at a concentration of 1.5 wt%. After cross‐linking of cysteine residues, the hydrogel undergoes to an improvement of the rigidity compared to the parent (FY)3 assemblies as suggested by the storage modulus (G’) that increases from 970 to 3360 Pa. The mechanical properties of FYFCFYF are compatible with its potential application in bone tissue regeneration. Moreover, the avalaibility of a Cys residue in the middle of the peptide sequence could allow the hydrogel derivatization with targeting moieties or with biologically relevant molecules.
Composing NLO Chromophore as a Puzzle: Electrochemistry‐based Approach to Design and Effectiveness
Authors: Dudkina Yulia B. , Kalinin Alexey A. , Fazleeva Guzel M. , Sharipova Sirina M. , Islamova Liliya N. , Dobrynin Alexey B. , Islamov Daut R. , Levitskaya Alina I. , Balakina Marina Yu. , Budnikova Yulia H.
Published: September 2021

A series of D‐π‐A, D‐π‐D′‐π‐A, D‐π‐A′‐π‐A nonlinear optical chromophores with vinylene π‐electron bridges or bridges with π‐deficient/π‐excessive heterocyclic moieties along with the corresponding precursors D‐vinylene, D‐π‐D′, D′‐π‐A, D‐π‐A′ and A′‐π‐A are synthesized and studied both experimentally and computationally. The effect of the heterocycle in the π‐electron bridge on the oxidation/reduction potentials and the energy gap (ΔEel) is investigated in detail. The properties of the D‐π‐A′(D′)‐π‐A chromophores are shown to correlate with those of building blocks: the oxidation potential is determined by the D‐vinylene, and the reduction potential is determined by A′(D′)‐π‐A truncated compounds. The contribution of the acceptor to the oxidation potential of chromophores in comparison with those of the precursors was estimated and analyzed in terms of electronic communication between the end groups. A good correlation between the ΔEel and the chromophores’ first hyperpolarizability is revealed.
Mirror‐Image Cofacial Coronene Dimers Characterized by CD and CPL Spectroscopy: A Twisted Bilayer Nanographene
Authors: Uehara Keiji , Kano Haruka , Matsuo Kyohei , Hayashi Hironobu , Fujiki Michiya , Yamada Hiroko , Aratani Naoki
Published: September 2021

Bilayer graphene (BLG), which changes its electronic properties significantly depending on the interplanar distance and rotation angle, is a hot research topic. We successfully synthesized discrete BLG models by bridging two coronenes with a 1,8‐naphthalene linkage (C2). Owing to the large rotational energy, the syn‐ and anti‐atropisomers of C2 could be isolated. X‐ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the syn‐form (C2S) is an AB stacking type and the anti‐form (C2A) is a chiral twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) type. Therefore, the anti‐form of C2 was optically resolved and characterized by circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectroscopy. The Cotton effect was observed in the CD spectra at the longest absorption wavelength, and the corresponding bisignate CPL spectra were observed. The dissymmetry factors |glum| of C2A were found to be 2.0×10−3 at 435 nm and 1.2×10−3 at 450 nm.
Determining the Phase Separation Characteristics of Plant Proteins
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Yang , Li Qi , Qian Weiqiang , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: September 2021

Eukaryotic cells contain numerous membrane‐bound and membraneless organelles that provide spatiotemporal control for diverse biological processes. The liquid–liquid phase separation of proteins has been proposed as the driving force behind the formation of membraneless organelles. Here, we describe a method to determine the phase separation activities of proteins in plants. This basic method includes protocols for an in vivo fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay in Nicotiana benthamiana using transient expression, an in vitro liquid droplet reconstitution assay using purified recombinant proteins, and an in vivo fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay in Arabidopsis thaliana using stable transgenic plants. With these assays, the phase separation characteristics of a protein can be determined. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Detection of protein phase separation activities in N. benthamiana

Support Protocol: Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay

Basic Protocol 2: Detection of protein phase separation in vitro

Basic Protocol 3: Detection of protein phase separation in stable transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants
Enhanced vibrational resonance by an amplitude modulated signal in a nonlinear dissipative two‐fluid plasma model
Authors: Bhuvaneshwari B. , Amutha K. , Chinnathambi V. , Rajasekar S.
Published: September 2021

The phenomenon of vibrational resonance is studied in a nonlinear dissipative two‐fluid plasma model with an asymmetric single‐well and double‐well potentials driven by an amplitude modulated (AM) signal. The external signal consisting of a low‐frequency () component and two high‐frequencies () and () components with . First, the approximate analytical expression for the response amplitude Q at the low frequency is obtained by means of direct separation of the slow and fast motions. We verified the theoretical results by numerical simulation using fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method and found it is in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. We show the enhanced response amplitude at the low frequency , showing more number of resonance peaks, a non‐decay of the response amplitude and hysteresis, and a jump phenomenon on the response amplitude curve due to the AM signal. In addition, we studied the effect of nonlinear dissipation on the response amplitude curve. By exploring the phase portrait and the bifurcation diagram, we explain the resonance mechanism and account for the other features of the resonance curve.
Cytologic diagnosis of “atypical” in serous fluid cytopathology. Approach of the international system for reporting serous fluid cytopathology
Authors: Chandra Ashish , Schmitt Fernando
Published: September 2021

Diagnostic uncertainty may occur with almost any entity on cytological evaluation, depending on the quality and quantity of the provided sample. In serous fluid cytopathology, until recently, there had been no defined or agreed criteria for atypia and suspicious categories. Historically, the two descriptive terms appear to have been used almost interchangeably. The international system for serous fluid cytopathology is the first attempt by an expert international authorship to suggest the scenarios in which these terms are used and propose some diagnostic criteria and clinical management strategies.
Adult facilitation becomes competition as juvenile soapberry bugs age
Authors: Cenzer Meredith
Published: September 2021

Intraspecific interactions can change from facilitative to competitive depending on the organism's ontogeny. In plant‐feeding insects, host plant defenses can be strengthened or weakened by insect feeding and can therefore be important for determining whether two insects feeding on the same plant help or harm each other's fitness. Here, I conducted two experiments looking at the direct effect of a physical seed defense and the role of intraspecific facilitation in reducing the effects of that defense for juveniles of the red‐shouldered soapberry bug. I demonstrate that juveniles are severely inhibited by the tough seed coat of their host plant, leading to high mortality early in development. Adults, in contrast, can create holes through which younger individuals could potentially feed. I manipulated whether or not seeds were fed on by adults on two host plant species: a well‐defended native host and a poorly defended introduced host. Survival in the first week of development was dramatically improved by prior adult feeding, and this facilitation was stronger on the well‐defended host plant. However, the benefits of prior adult feeding ceased after the first week of development and shifted to having a negative effect on survival, development time, and body size. These results indicate that ontogeny is a key factor determining the effects of plant defenses and the strength and direction of intraspecific interactions across multiple host plant species.
Manduca sexta experience high parasitoid pressures in the field but minor fitness costs of consuming plant secondary compounds
Authors: Jacobsen Deidra J.
Published: September 2021

Plant‐herbivore coevolutionary interactions have led to a range of plant defenses that minimize insect damage and a suite of counter adaptations that allow herbivores to feed on defended plants. Consuming plant secondary compounds results in herbivore growth and developmental costs but can have beneficial effects such as deterrence or harm of parasitoid enemies. Therefore, the role of secondary compounds on herbivore fitness must be considered in the context of the abundance and level of harm from natural enemies and the costs herbivores incur feeding on plant secondary compounds.

In this study, I combined field measurements of Cotesia congregata wasp parasitism pressure with detailed measurements of the costs of plant secondary compounds across developmental stages in the herbivore host, Manduca sexta.

I show that C. congregata parasitoids exert large negative selective pressures, killing 31%–57% of M. sexta larvae in the field. Manduca sexta developed fastest during instars most at risk for parasitoid oviposition but growth was slowed by consumption of plant secondary compounds. The negative effects of consuming plant secondary compounds as larvae influenced adult size traits but there were no immune, survival, or fecundity costs.

These results suggest that developmental costs experienced by M. sexta herbivores consuming defensive compounds are minor in comparison to the strong negative survival pressures from abundant parasitoid enemies.
Phylogeography of a widely distributed plant species reveals cryptic genetic lineages with parallel phenotypic responses to warming and drought conditions
Authors: Kahl Sandra M. , Kappel Christian , Joshi Jasmin , Lenhard Michael
Published: September 2021

To predict how widely distributed species will perform under future climate change, it is crucial to understand and reveal their underlying phylogenetics. However, detailed information about plant adaptation and its genetic basis and history remains scarce and especially widely distributed species receive little attention despite their putatively high adaptability.

To examine the adaptation potential of a widely distributed species, we sampled the model plant Silene vulgaris across Europe. In a greenhouse experiment, we exposed the offspring of these populations to a climate change scenario for central Europe and revealed the population structure through whole‐genome sequencing. Plants were grown under two temperatures (18°C and 21°C) and three precipitation regimes (65, 75, and 90 mm) to measure their response in biomass and fecundity‐related traits. To reveal the population genetic structure, ddRAD sequencing was employed for a whole‐genome approach. We found three major genetic clusters in S. vulgaris from Europe: one cluster comprising Southern European populations, one cluster of Western European populations, and another cluster containing central European populations. Population genetic diversity decreased with increasing latitude, and a Mantel test revealed significant correlations between FST and geographic distances as well as between genetic and environmental distances. Our trait analysis showed that the genetic clusters significantly differed in biomass‐related traits and in the days to flowering. However, half of the traits showed parallel response patterns to the experimental climate change scenario. Due to the differentiated but parallel response patterns, we assume that phenotypic plasticity plays an important role for the adaptation of the widely distributed species S. vulgaris and its intraspecific genetic lineages.
Anticoagulation in cardiomyopathy: unravelling the hidden threat and challenging the threat individually
Authors: Zhu Xiaogang , Wang Zhenhua , Ferrari Markus W. , Ferrari‐Kuehne Katharina , Bulter Javed , Xu Xiuying , Zhou Quanzhong , Zhang Yuhui , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2021

Cardiomyopathy comprises a heterogeneous group of myocardial abnormalities, structural or functional in nature, in the absence of coronary artery disease and other abnormal loading conditions. These myocardial pathologies can result in premature death or disability from progressive heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, or other embolic events. The European Cardiomyopathy Registry reports a high stroke risk in cardiomyopathy patients ranging from 2.1% to 4.5%, as well as high prevalence of atrial fibrillation ranging from 14.0% to 48.5%. There is a growing interest in evaluating the risk of thromboembolism depending on the type of cardiomyopathy, as well as if anticoagulation is indicated in patients with cardiomyopathy without atrial fibrillation. Data available do not unequivocally support anticoagulation therapy in all of these patients; the management of these patients remains challenging. Many published reports pertaining to the risk of thromboembolism and consecutive treatment strategies mainly focus on single cardiomyopathy subtype. We summarize essential pathophysiological knowledge and review current literature associated with thromboembolism in various cardiomyopathy subtypes, providing recommendations for the diagnostic evaluation as well as clinical management strategies in this field. Certain cardiomyopathy subtypes require anticoagulation independent of atrial fibrillation or CHA2DS2‐VASc score. Despite the scarcity of evidence regarding the choice of anticoagulation regimen (vitamin K antagonist vs. non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulants) in cardiomyopathy, it is discussed and reviewed in this article. Each patient should receive a tailored strategy based on thorough clinical evaluation, published evidence, and clinical experience, due to the current recommendations mostly developed on small‐sample studies or empirical evidence. The future research priorities in this area are also addressed in this article.
Echocardiographic risk factors of left ventricular thrombus in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Mengjia , Liu Dan , Weidemann Frank , Lengenfelder Björn Daniel , Ertl Georg , Hu Kai , Frantz Stefan , Nordbeck Peter
Published: September 2021

Aims

This study aimed to identify echocardiographic determinants of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation after acute anterior myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and results

This case–control study comprised 55 acute anterior MI patients with LVT as cases and 55 acute anterior MI patients without LVT as controls, who were selected from a cohort of consecutive patients with ischemic heart failure in our hospital. The cases and controls were matched for age, sex, and left ventricular ejection fraction. LVT was detected by routine/contrast echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during the first 3 months following MI. Formation of apical aneurysm after MI was independently associated with LVT formation [72.0% vs. 43.5%, odds ratio (OR) = 5.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65–15.48, P = 0.005]. Echocardiographic risk factors associated with LVT formation included reduced mitral annular plane systolic excursion (<7 mm, OR = 4.69, 95% CI 1.84–11.95, P = 0.001), moderate–severe diastolic dysfunction (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.11–6.57, P = 0.028), and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction [reduced tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion < 17 mm (OR = 5.48, 95% CI 2.12–14.13, P < 0.001), reduced RV fractional area change < 0.35 (OR = 3.32, 95% CI 1.20–9.18, P = 0.021), and enlarged RV mid diameter (per 5 mm increase OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.12–2.34, P = 0.010)]. Reduced tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (<17 mm) significantly associated with increased risk of LVT in anterior MI patients (OR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.37–10.75, P = 0.010), especially in those patients without apical aneurysm (OR = 5.12, 95% CI 1.45–18.08, P = 0.011), independent of body mass index, hypertension, anaemia, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, and moderate–severe diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions

Right ventricular dysfunction as determined by reduced TAPSE or RV fractional area change is independently associated with LVT formation in acute anterior MI patients, especially in the setting of MI patients without the formation of an apical aneurysm. This study suggests that besides assessment of left ventricular abnormalities, assessment of concomitant RV dysfunction is of importance on risk stratification of LVT formation in patients with acute anterior MI.
Circulating heart failure biomarkers beyond natriuretic peptides: review from the Biomarker Study Group of the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Authors: Meijers Wouter C. , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Mebazaa Alexandre , Bauersachs Johann , Cleland John G.F. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Januzzi James L. , Maisel Alan S. , McDonald Kenneth , Mueller Thomas , Richards A. Mark , Seferovic Petar , Mueller Christian , de Boer Rudolf A.
Published: September 2021

New biomarkers are being evaluated for their ability to advance the management of patients with heart failure. Despite a large pool of interesting candidate biomarkers, besides natriuretic peptides virtually none have succeeded in being applied into the clinical setting. In this review, we examine the most promising emerging candidates for clinical assessment and management of patients with heart failure. We discuss high‐sensitivity cardiac troponins (Tn), procalcitonin, novel kidney markers, soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), galectin‐3, growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15), cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146), neprilysin, adrenomedullin (ADM), and also discuss proteomics and genetic‐based risk scores. We focused on guidance and assistance with daily clinical care decision‐making. For each biomarker, analytical considerations are discussed, as well as performance regarding diagnosis and prognosis. Furthermore, we discuss potential implementation in clinical algorithms and in ongoing clinical trials.
Para‐C60(CF2)(CF3)R: a family of chiral electron accepting compounds accessible through a facile one‐pot synthesis
Authors: Bogdanov Viktor P. , Dmitrieva Veronika A. , Rybalchenko Alexey V. , Yankova Tatiana S. , Kosaya Maria P. , Romanova Natalia A. , Belov Nikita M. , Borisova Nataliya E. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Goryunkov Alexey A.
Published: September 2021

Here we report a facile one‐pot regioselective synthesis of the family of chiral 1,7‐C60(CF2)(CF3)R compounds via CF2 carbene addition to in situ generated C60CF3− anion. The simplest representative of the family, C60(CF2)(CF3)Me, is unequivocally characterized and shown to feature 0.1 eV lower LUMO level than C60, that makes it a prospective electron accepting electron‐transport material.
A novel active‐input cascode current mirror with high precision and low power dissipation
Authors: Xie Haiqing , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Gang , Lu Junlin , Yi Xinbo
Published: September 2021

In this article, a novel active‐input cascode current mirror (CM) with high precision and low power consumption is proposed. First, the cascode input structure is employed upon the active‐input CM to reduce the requirement of high‐gain op‐amp. In addition, the extra branch to the ground is designed. Subsequently, the resistance adaptive loop is separated from the current replication loop to eliminate the matching obstacle between two op‐amps. The proposed CM fulfilled in 0.18 μm CMOS technology, is able to operate with a supply voltage of 1.0 V, wide input range of 100 nA–1 mA, low power dissipation of 40 μW, and lower replication error (below 1.4%) than the same configuration using the conventional active‐input mechanism.
A Concise Review on Productivity and Economic Analysis of Auxiliary‐Component‐Assisted Solar Stills
Authors: Dhivagar Ramasamy
Published: September 2021

The supply of potable water is insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population and daily life. Due to high salt concentrations, ocean water cannot be used directly. Furthermore, the water in rivers and lakes is contaminated with industrial wastes, making it unsafe to drink. A solar still is a simple device that uses solar energy to purify saline water via evaporation and condensation. Solar stills have undergone various modifications to improve the daily productivity. Herein, an attempt is made to categorize the various types of auxiliary components, such as biomass heat sources, gravel bed sensible heat storage, heat pipes, heat pumps, solar collectors, and ponds, assisting in solar stills to improve the daily productivity and energy efficiency. The review outcome shows that the improved daily productivity and energy efficiencies are about 231% and 65% higher than for conventional solar still. Furthermore, in economic analysis, the maximum annual productivity and cost per liter of distillate are about 5845.3 kg m−2 and 1.93 USD, respectively. The maximum payback period is estimated to be 23.9 years. The review also suggests the vision to identify the future scope for additional implementations.
The Effects of Dietary Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Exposure and Rearing Temperature on Tadpole Growth, Development, and Their Underlying Processes
Authors: Yahn Jeremiah M. , Karasov William H.
Published: September 2021

Depression of growth rate due to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been documented in birds, mammals, amphibians, and fish at single temperatures. However, the underlying energetic mechanism for this effect and how it might change in relation to changing environmental temperature remain unstudied. We used a simple energy budget to address hypotheses regarding effects of PBDEs on tadpole (Lithobates pipiens) growth: that reductions in growth are linked to increased respiratory costs, reductions in digestive performance, differences in body composition, reductions in food intake, or a combination of these factors. From 18 days postfertilization (dpf) until 42 dpf, tadpoles were exposed dietarily to a pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture (DE-71TM) at a concentration of 100 ng DE-71/g wet mass under a rearing temperature of either 22 or 27 °C. After 20 days of PBDE exposure, total PBDEs in tadpoles averaged 148.4 ng/g wet mass, with no differences by rearing temperature and approximately 50% higher than in their diet; controls not fed PBDE had levels <1 ng/g. Exposure to PBDE resulted in reductions in body length, mass, and development compared to controls, independent of rearing temperature; PBDE had no effect on measures of body composition, dry matter digestibility, or oxygen consumption. A simple energy budget using data from the present study revealed that a 10% decrease in feeding rate could explain the lower mass gain of tadpoles exposed to PBDE. Growth depression by PBDE could be due to (1) direct inhibition of growth processes by PBDE that indirectly decreases total energy demand and food intake, and (2) direct inhibition of food intake. Future studies to disentangle these possible pathways of PBDE effects are warranted. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3181–3192. © 2021 SETAC
Longitudinal differences in everyday preferences: Comparisons between people with cognitive impairment and their care partners
Authors: Wilkins James M. , Locascio Joseph J. , Gunther Jeanette M. , Gomez‐Isla Teresa , Hyman Bradley T. , Blacker Deborah , Forester Brent P. , Okereke Olivia I.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Persons with progressive cognitive impairment (CI) increasingly rely on surrogate decision‐makers for everyday activities. Yet, little is known about changes in everyday preferences over time or about concordance between persons with CI and their care partners regarding longitudinal changes.

Methods

The sample included 48 dyads of persons with CI (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score ≥0.5) and their care partners. The Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory was used to assess importance of preferences among persons with CI at baseline and follow‐up (mean 486 days). Care partners separately completed concurrent proxy assessments. Mixed random and fixed effects longitudinal models were used to evaluate changes in ratings and concordance levels between persons with CI and care partners.

Results

There were significant gender differences regarding importance ratings of “autonomous choice” and “social engagement” preferences over time: women with CI rated these preferences as more important across time as a whole. Higher levels of neuropsychiatric symptoms were associated with less importance of “social engagement” preferences across time as a whole for persons with CI and a more negative discrepancy between persons with CI and care partner proxy assessments as time went on.

Conclusion

This study yields new insights into predictors of longitudinal change in everyday preferences among persons with CI and their care partners. Although preferences were largely stable over time, there is increasing support for the relationship between differences in “social engagement” preferences and neuropsychiatric symptoms, which may have implications for monitoring and/or treatment in the context of cognitive impairment.
Community‐level health programs and child labor: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Posso Alberto , De Silva Perera Udeni , Mishra Ankita
Published: September 2021

Many developing countries have adopted community‐based primary health‐care programs. A vital component of these programs is health literacy, which teaches households to avoid physical harm. Child labor can often result in physical harm through injury. Our hypothesis is that health literacy programs make households aware of previously unknown costs of child labor (i.e., risks of injury), resulting in a reallocation of labor away from children. Using Ethiopian data, we investigate if exposure to a community‐level health program delivered by Health Extension Workers (HEWs) lowers child labor. We use panel data comprising 5587 observations from 2255 children over four waves of the Young Lives Project. These data are combined with administrative regional‐level data on HEWs over the 2006–2016 period. Our identification strategy exploits variations in the deployment of HEWs across regions and time to investigate a plausibly exogenous effect on child labor. We provide evidence that supports our hypothesis. We posit that the mechanism behind our result is likely behavioral change, and rule out several other potential channels, including public safety net programs and the effect of HEWs on education. Our results point to the role that health programs can play in the fight against child labor.
Study of special types of boundary layer natural convection flow problems through the clique polynomial method
Authors: Kumbinarasaiah S. , Raghunatha K. R.
Published: September 2021

This study proposed a new novel approach called the clique polynomial method (CPM) and applied it to the system of highly nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) associated with different cases of boundary layer natural convection fluid flow problems. Here, three specific problems are considered: (1) laminar film condensation of a fluid‐saturated flow with isothermal vertical plate; (2) natural convection boundary layer fluid flow; and (3) heat transfer boundary layer flow due to a stretching sheet. CPM results, which do not need small parameters, are compared with numerical results, and the outcomes are established to be in good agreement. The CPM is hugely proficient and a sensible choice for finding outcomes to this type of coupled nonlinear ODEs. The work is in outstanding accord for coupled nonlinear ODEs in engineering applications.
Assisting/opposing/forced convection flow on entropy‐optimized MHD nanofluids with variable viscosity: Interfacial layer and shape effects
Authors: Shaw Sachin , Patra Arun , Misra Ashok , Nayak M. K.
Published: September 2021

This paper aims at investigating the variable viscosity, shape, and interfacial layer effects on entropy‐optimized assisting/opposing/forced convection flow of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanofluids past a thin needle. The nanoparticles such as SWCNT/MWCNT are used to enhance the heat transfer rate (HTR). Revised Hamilton–Crosser model is implemented in imparting significant augmentation in the thermal conductivity of SWCNT/MWCNT nanoparticles. The energy equation is modeled by including thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and Newtonian heating mechanisms. Transformed governing equations have been worked out with the help of the bvp4c method along with the shooting technique. The numerical results of velocity, temperature, surface viscous drag (SVD), HTR, entropy generation (EG) rate, and Bejan number are discussed. The flow velocity attains maximum value for a rise in interfacial layer parameter and size of the thin needle, while exhibits declining trend due to hike in shape factor. Surface viscous drag, heat transfer rate, and entropy generation rate enhance in the order opposing, forced convection, and assisting the flow of magnetic fluids while Bejan number shows reverse effect. Interestingly, at lower magnetic parameter , HT enhancement for MWCNT–water nanofluid is 60% higher than that of SWCNT–water nanofluid.
Evaluation of an interactive online information service to improve patient care in the field of anticoagulation and antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Bussey Henry I. , Beavers Craig J.
Published: September 2021

Background

The ClotCare Online Information Resource (“ClotCare”) was established in 2000 as an interactive patient education service. In 2003, its scope of service was expanded to include clinicians and the general public, and an editorial board was added to facilitate dissemination of new information. By 2008, the site had achieved national and international recognition.

Methods

Website use statistics and an online survey were used to assess geographic reach and clinical impact in 2010.

Results

The site experienced an annual growth of over 40% (with the use doubling every 2 years). ClotCare answered over 1000 questions per year, web traffic exceeded 500 000 “hits” per month and more than 5000 individuals subscribed to the email list serve. Of the 826 individuals who responded to the survey, 55% subscribed to the email list serve, 58% were health care professionals, 31% were patients, and 11% were “individuals seeking information on blood clots and related issues”. United States residents comprised 87% of respondents; the others resided in 20 different countries. Data from completed surveys revealed that 367 of 412 health care professionals (89%) and 259 of 298 patients (87%) could identify a specific change in practice that they had made due to information from ClotCare. Among the 295 “frequent users,” 94% to 98% agreed or strongly agreed that ClotCare increased their knowledge, provided valuable information, provided trusted information, provided a valuable service, and is among the top five resources utilized for information on blood clots and related treatments.

Conclusions

ClotCare substantially altered the actions of both health care professionals and patients. These outcomes have been achieved through web‐based education and information sharing as well as “on demand” responses to questions. ClotCare is a widely used resource that is highly valued.
Pharmacists leadership in a medication shortage response: Illustrative examples from a health system response to the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Ammar Mahmoud A. , Tran Lydia J. , McGill Bryan , Ammar Abdalla A. , Huynh Phu , Amin Nilesh , Guerra Michael , Rouse Ginger E. , Lemieux Diana , McManus Dayna , Topal Jeffrey E. , Davis Matthew W. , Miller LeeAnn , Yazdi Marina , Leber Molly Billstein , Pulk Rebecca A.
Published: September 2021

As medication experts, clinical pharmacists play an active and dynamic role in a medication shortage response. Supplementing existing guidelines with an actionable framework of discrete activities to support effective medication shortage responses can expand the scope of pharmacy practice and improve patient care. Dissemination of best practices and illustrative, networked examples from health systems can support the adoption of innovative solutions. In this descriptive report, we document the translation of published shortage mitigation guidelines into system success through broad pharmacist engagement and the adaption and implementation of targeted strategies. The profound, wide‐reaching medication shortages that accompanied the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic are used to highlight coordinated but distinct practices and how they have been combined to expand the influence of the pharmacy enterprise.
Development and validation of a systematic process for expansion of clinical pharmacy activities for comprehensive medication management in primary care within the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: McFarland M. Shawn , Ourth Heather , Frank Dana , Mambourg Scott , Tran Michael , Morreale Anthony
Published: September 2021

Medication misadventures can be considered either misuse, underuse, or overuse of medication therapy. With over 80% of Americans taking at least one medication per week and an increased percentage of hospital readmissions associated with a medication‐related problem, a strategy must be integrated that can ensure medications are optimized. Comprehensive medication management (CMM) is a patient‐centered process for ensuring medication optimization and improving patient health outcomes that is delivered by a clinical pharmacist working in collaboration with the patient and other health care providers. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States and has strong clinical pharmacy practice in primary care. In an effort to increase the practice of the clinical pharmacy specialist delivering CMM, we outline a national implementation program conducted by the VA Pharmacy Benefits Management Services Clinical Pharmacy Practice Office to evaluate individual facility quality care needs, matched clinical pharmacist training needs, and the overall impact achieved with clinical pharmacist expansion of CMM.
Drive‐up INR testing and phone‐based consultations service during COVID‐19 pandemic in a pharmacist‐lead anticoagulation clinic in Qatar: Monitoring, clinical, resource utilization, and patient‐ oriented outcomes
Authors: Alhmoud Eman N. , Abd El Samad Osama Badry , Elewa Hazem , Alkhozondar Ola , Soaly Ezeldin , El Anany Rasha
Published: September 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems and led to widespread utilization of telemedicine or telehealth services. Combined with teleclinics, using drive‐up fingerstick International normalized ratio (INR) testing was recommended to decrease exposure risk of anticoagulation patients.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of transitioning from clinic‐based anticoagulation management services to drive‐up and phone‐based services during COVID‐19 pandemic in Qatar.

Methods

The study comprised of two components: a retrospective cohort study of all eligible patients who attended anticoagulation clinic over 1‐year period (6 months before and 6 months after service transition) and a cross‐sectional survey of eligible patients who agreed to provide data about their satisfaction with the new service. Monitoring parameters, clinical outcomes, and resource utilization related to warfarin therapy were compared before and after service transition. Patients' experience was explored through a structured survey.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between clinic‐based and phone‐based anticoagulation services in mean time and number of visits within therapeutic range (P = .67; P = .06 respectively); mean number of extreme subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic INR values (P = .32 and P = .34, respectively); incidence of thromboembolic complications and warfarin related hospitalization. There was one reported bleeding and one emergency visit (0.9%) in the phone‐based group vs none in the clinic‐based group. Frequency of INR testing and compliance to attending clinics appointments declined significantly (P = .002; P = .001, respectively). Overall, patients were highly satisfied with the new service. The majority of patients found it better (51.6%) or just as good as the traditional service (44.5%). Patients who preferred the new service were significantly younger than their counterparts (P = .005).

Conclusion

The service of drive‐up INR testing and phone‐based consultations was shown to be comparable to traditional anticoagulation service, a finding that supports maintaining such services as part of the new normal after the pandemic is over.