bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Profiling of Antimalarial Plasmodione Using 3‐Benz(o)ylmenadione Affinity‐Based Probes
Authors: Iacobucci Ilaria , Monaco Vittoria , Hovasse Agnès , Dupouy Baptiste , Keumoe Rodrigue , Cichocki Bogdan , Elhabiri Mourad , Meunier Brigitte , Strub Jean‐Marc , Monti Maria , Cianférani Sarah , Blandin Stéphanie A. , Schaeffer‐Reiss Christine , Davioud‐Charvet Elisabeth
Published: April 2024

Understanding the mechanisms of drug action in malarial parasites is crucial for the development of new drugs to combat infection and to counteract drug resistance. Proteomics is a widely used approach to study host‐pathogen systems and to identify drug protein targets. Plasmodione is an antiplasmodial early‐lead drug exerting potent activities against young asexual and sexual blood stages in vitro with low toxicity to host cells. To elucidate its molecular mechanisms, an affinity‐based protein profiling (AfBPP) approach was applied to yeast and P. falciparum proteomes. New (pro‐) AfBPP probes based on the 3‐benz(o)yl‐6‐fluoro‐menadione scaffold were synthesized. With optimized conditions of both photoaffinity labeling and click reaction steps, the AfBPP protocol was then applied to a yeast proteome, yielding 11 putative drug‐protein targets. Among these, we found four proteins associated with oxidoreductase activities, the hypothesized type of targets for plasmodione and its metabolites, and other proteins associated with the mitochondria. In Plasmodium parasites, the MS analysis revealed 44 potential plasmodione targets that need to be validated in further studies. Finally, the localization of a 3‐benzyl‐6‐fluoromenadione AfBPP probe was studied in the subcellular structures of the parasite at the trophozoite stage.
Safety and efficacy of drug‐eluting stents for patients at high risk of bleedings: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Giacobbe Federico , Valente Eduardo , Morena Arianna , Nebiolo Marco , Giannino Giuseppe , De Filippo Ovidio , Bruno Francesco , Isaevska Elena , Richiardi Lorenzo , Iannaccone Mario , Zoccai Giuseppe Biondi , Burzotta Francesco , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Ferrari Gaetano Maria De
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Among different coronary stents implanted in High Bleeding Risk (HBR) patients with an indication for short antiplatelet therapy, no comparisons in terms of efficacy have been provided.

Methods

A Network Meta Analysis was performed including all randomized controlled trials comparing different coronary stents evaluated in HBR patients. Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACEs) as defined by each included trial were the primary end point, whereas TLR (target lesion revascularization), TVR (target vessel revascularization), stent thrombosis and total and major (BARC3‐5) bleedings were the secondary ones.

Results

A total of four studies (ONYX ONE, LEADERS FREE, SENIOR and HBR in BIO‐RESORT) including 6637 patients were analyzed with different kind of stents and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) length (1 or 6 months) on 12 months follow‐up. About one‐third of these patients were defined HBR due to indication for oral anticoagulation. All drug eluting stents (DESs) reduced risk of MACE compared to Bare Metal Stents (BMSs) when followed by a 1‐month DAPT. At SUCRA analysis, Orsiro was the device with the highest probability of performing best. Rates of TLR and TVR were significantly lower when using Resolute Onyx, Synergy and BioFreedom stents in comparison to BMS when followed by 1‐month DAPT, with Synergy ranking best. Synergy also showed a significantly lower number of stent thrombosis compared to BMS (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.06−0.93), while Orsiro and Resolute Integrity showed the highest probability of performing best.

Conclusion

In HBRs patients, all DESs were superior to BMSs in terms of efficacy and safety. Among DESs, Orsiro was the one with the highest ranking in terms of MACE, mainly driven by a reduced incidence of repeated revascularization and stent thrombosis
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of alcohol septal ablation in the era of transcatheter valve interventions
Authors: Engel Gonzalez Pedro , Gregerson Samuel , Mahmood Shazil , Brooks Collin , Villablanca Pedro A. , Frisoli Tiberio M. , Lee James , Wyman Janet F. , Wang Dee Dee , O'Neill William W. , O'Neill Brian P.
Published: April 2024

Background

The clinical efficacy and safety of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have been well‐established; however, less is known about outcomes in patients undergoing preemptive ASA before transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR).

Aims

The goal of this study is to characterize the procedural characteristics and examine the clinical outcomes of ASA in both HCM and pre‐TMVR.

Methods

This retrospective study compared procedural characteristics and outcomes in patient who underwent ASA for HCM and TMVR.

Results

In total, 137 patients were included, 86 in the HCM group and 51 in the TMVR group. The intraventricular septal thickness (mean 1.8 vs. 1.2 cm; p < 0.0001) and the pre‐ASA LVOT gradient (73.6 vs. 33.8 mmHg; p ≤ 0.001) were higher in the HCM group vs the TMVR group. The mean volume of ethanol injected was higher (mean 2.4 vs. 1.7 cc; p < 0.0001). The average neo‐left ventricular outflow tract area increased significantly after ASA in the patients undergoing TMVR (99.2 ± 83.37 mm2 vs. 196.5 ± 114.55 mm2; p = <0.0001). The HCM group had a greater reduction in the LVOT gradient after ASA vs the TMVR group (49.3 vs. 18 mmHg; p = 0.0040). The primary composite endpoint was higher in the TMVR group versus the HCM group (50.9% vs. 25.6%; p = 0.0404) and had a higher incidence of new permanent pacemaker (PPM) (25.5% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.3402). The TMVR group had a higher rate of all‐cause mortality (9.8% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.0268).

Conclusions

Preemptive ASA before TMVR was performed in patients with higher degree of clinical comorbidities, and correspondingly is associated with worse short‐term clinical outcomes in comparison to ASA for HCM patients. ASA before TMVR enabled percutaneous mitral interventions in a small but significant minority of patients that would have otherwise been excluded. The degree of LVOT and neoLVOT area increase is significant and predictable.
Device regulation and surveillance in vascular care: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Pyun Alyssa J. , Goodney Philip P. , Eldrup‐Jorgensen Jens , Wadzinski James , Secemsky Eric A. , Cigarroa Joaquin E.
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular devices are essential for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases including cerebrovascular, coronary, valvular, congenital, peripheral vascular and arrhythmic diseases. The regulation and surveillance of vascular devices in real‐world practice, however, presents challenges during each individual product's life cycle. Four examples illustrate recent challenges and questions regarding safety, appropriate use and efficacy arising from FDA approved devices used in real‐world practice. We outline potential pathways wherein providers, regulators and payors could potentially provide high‐quality cardiovascular care, identify safety signals, ensure equitable device access, and study potential issues with devices in real‐world practice.
Successful treatment of severe primary mitral regurgitation due to rheumatic aetiology using a novel‐designed transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair system
Authors: Xie Chun‐Mei , Zhu Da , Wang Shou‐Zheng , Pan Xiang‐Bin
Published: April 2024

The transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (TEER) has been recommended as a reliable treatment option for selected patients with severe degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation (MR). Although MR patients with rheumatic etiology were excluded from two significant trials (EVEREST II and COAPT) that established a role for the TEER in degenerative and functional MR. However, it has been reported that the TEER procedure could be safely and effectively performed in carefully selected rheumatic MR patients. Therefore, we share a case report of successfully treating severe rheumatic MR using a novel‐designed TEER system (JensClipTM).
A short note on deep contextual spatial and spectral information fusion for hyperspectral image processing: Case of pork belly properties prediction
Authors: Mishra Puneet , Albano‐Gaglio Michela , Font‐i‐Furnols Maria
Published: April 2024

This study demonstrates a new approach to process hyperspectral images where both the contextual spatial information as well as the spectral information are used to predict sample properties. The deep contextual spatial information is extracted using the deep feature extraction from pretrained resnet‐18 deep learning architecture, while the spectral information was readily available as the average pixel values. To fuse the information in a complementary way, a multiblock modeling approach called sequential orthogonalized partial least squares was used. The sequential model guarantees that the information learned is complementary from spatial and spectral domains. The potential of the approach is demonstrated to predict several physical and chemical properties in pork bellies.
Hollow UiO‐66‐NH2 Encapsulated Pd Catalysts for Highly Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol
Authors: Zhao Bo , Yao Yao , Huang Kexin , Li Jiaxin , Chen Minjie , Liu Chao , Xu Hongjian , Zhao Xinyu , Chang Ganggang
Published: April 2024

The selective hydrogenation of furfural (FFA) to furfuryl alcohol (FA) is regarded as attractive transformation to achieve the sustainable synthesis of value‐added chemicals from biomass resources. However, the conventional supported catalysts are significantly restricted by their narrow pore size, ununiform dispersion and easy leaching or aggregation of catalytic sites. Herein, we designed hollow UiO‐66‐NH2 as the support to encapsulate Pd nanoparticles (Pd@H‐UiO‐66‐NH2) to achieve the highly active and selective conversion of FFA to FA. Benefiting from the void‐confinement effect and substrate enrichment of hollow structure, as well as the surface wrinkles, the as‐prepared catalyst Pd@H‐UiO‐66‐NH2 exhibited 96.8 % conversion of FFA with satisfactory selectivity reaching up to 92.4 % at 80 °C, 0.5 MPa H2 in isopropanol solvent within 6 h. More importantly, as‐prepared Pd@H‐UiO‐66‐NH2 catalyst exhibited excellent long‐term stability, as well as good universality toward a series of hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons.
The recycling of sulphur in waste and conversion to manganese sulphate: Process optimization, kinetic study, mechanistic insights
Authors: Yan Hao , Tong Wenhua , Wang Jiepeng , Li Panyu , Wang Xuqian , Zhang Yongkui
Published: April 2024

Waste sulphur produced in industrial processes is often exposed to the air, and its diffusion and combustion in the environment can produce harmful substances, posing a significant risk to ecological safety and human health. Herein, a novel method for the direct treatment of solid sulphur with manganese dioxide based on a simple sealed reactor is proposed. Significantly, the developed sulphur treatment technology could prepare high purity manganese sulphate at the same time. Under the optimum conditions of the reaction temperature of 187.2°C, reaction time of 21.6 h, sulphuric acid loading of 1.00 mol ∙ L−1, and manganese dioxide dosage of 4.00 mol ∙ mol‐S−1 derived by the response surface method (RSM), the removal efficiency of sulphur could reach near 100%, and the purity of the manganese sulphate product obtained was more than 98%. Kinetic model fitting analysis and several characterization methods were adopted to confirm that the reaction process between sulphur and manganese dioxide follows the unreacted nuclear model controlled by surface chemical reaction, and the transformation paths of Mn and S elements were proposed. This study provides a novel method for the resource treatment of waste sulphur and the preparation of high purity manganese sulphate.
Developing Low Molecular Weight PET and SPECT Imaging Agents
Authors: Xue Lian , Jie Caitlin V. M. L. , Desrayaud Sandrine , Auberson Yves P.
Published: April 2024

Imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and single‐photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) have shown their utility in many situations, answering clinical questions related to drug development and medical considerations. The discovery and development of imaging agents follow a well‐understood process, with variations related to available starting points and to the envisaged imaging application. This article describes the general development path leading from the expression of an imaging need and project initiation to a clinically usable imaging agent. The definition of the project rationale, the design and optimization of early leads, and the assessment of the imaging potential of an imaging agent candidate are followed by preclinical and clinical development activities that differ from those required for therapeutic agents. These include radiolabeling with a positron emitter and first‐in‐human clinical studies, to rapidly evaluate the ability of a new imaging agent to address the questions it was designed to answer.
Synthesis of Silver Nanostructures on Different Supports: From Nanoparticle Decoration to a Complete Shell Growth
Authors: Macchione Micaela A. , Moiraghi Raquel , Passarelli Nicolas , Coronado Eduardo A. , Pérez Manuel A.
Published: April 2024

In this work, we investigate a complete strategy to obtain supported silver nanostructures (AgNSs) which can be used for different applications such as catalysis, optoelectronics, and biomedical devices. Given the poor wetting of silver on many support materials, the anchorage of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the substrate (decoration) is achieved by employing an oxide precipitation‐decomposition method. This protocol is optimized to obtain rapid and homogeneous decoration of AgNPs on different substrates such as silica, titania, and hydroxyapatite with a negligible production of free‐standing silver nanoparticles. Going a step further, we have also studied the growth of AgNPs attached to silica spheres (SiO2NPs) using a seed‐mediated growth strategy. The interplay of different processes like growth, corrosion, coalescence, and sintering determines the morphological features of the grown nanoparticles. Therefore, the substrate coverage and nanoparticle morphology can be qualitatively modified by varying the composition of the growth bath. The observed growth is consistent with a radial growth mechanism which, in most experimental conditions, allows for the production of anisotropic AgNSs onto silica surface. In addition, if the corrosion effects are minimized, the coalescence process of neighboring particles can lead to high surface coverages.
What are the drivers of female success in food‐deceptive orchids?
Authors: Wróblewska Ada , Ostrowiecka Beata , Kotowicz Jarosław , Jermakowicz Edyta , Tałałaj Izabela , Szefer Piotr
Published: April 2024

A large suite of floral signals, and environmental and biotic characteristics influence the behavior of pollinators, affecting the female success of food‐deceptive orchids. In this study, we examined the many factors shaping the reproductive output of three orchid taxa: Dactylorhiza majalis, D. incarnata var. incarnata, and D. fuchsii. We applied a statistical model to correlate female success (number of fruit sets) with individual characteristics (plant and inflorescence height, number of flowers, and spur length), number of pollinaria removed, flowering time, and density of floral units of co‐flowering rewarding plants. Our findings suggested that the broad spectrum of variations in Dactylorhiza's morphological traits, floral display, and flowering phenology within different environmental contexts has a significant impact on their reproductive success. The number of fruits increased with an increase in the number of pollinaria removed in the studied Dactylorhiza taxa. In contrast, a higher number of flowers per inflorescence and higher inflorescences in relation to individual height always decreased fruit set. We observed that low number of co‐flowering rewarding plants in populations could affect the Dactylorhiza reproductive output as magnets and competitor plants. The synchronization of flowering, or lack thereof, between Dactylorhiza and rewarding plants can limit reproductive success. This demonstrates that the food deception strategy is multidirectional, and reproductive output can vary considerably both spatially and temporally within the context of this strategy.
Representativeness of the PIONEER‐HF and PARAGLIDE‐HF in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure
Authors: Chen Dong‐Yi , Chen Chun‐Chi , Lee Cheng‐Hung , Tseng Chi‐Nan , Chen Shao‐Wei , Chang Shang‐Hung , Chen Tien‐Hsing , Chu Pao‐Hsien , Hsieh I‐Chang , Wen Ming‐Shien , Tsai Ming‐Lung , Hsieh Ming‐Jer
Published: April 2024

Aims

The PIONEER‐HF and PARAGLIDE‐HF trials aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of the in‐hospital initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in patients hospitalized for AHF. However, whether the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the trials apply to patients encountered in real‐world routine care is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the PIONEER‐HF and PARAGLIDE‐HF trials to real‐world AHF patients.

Methods and results

We identified 28 293 AHF hospitalized patients between August 2008 to August 2017 from the Chang Gung Research Database and classified them into four groups based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and trial criteria. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of HF hospitalization and cardiovascular (CV) death. We defined PIONEER‐HF eligible (n = 3683) and non‐eligible (n = 3502) patients with an LVEF ≤40%, and PARAGLIDE‐HF eligible (n = 5191) and non‐eligible (n = 5832) patients with an LVEF >40%. Over a mean follow‐up of 3.5 years, the PIONEER‐HF non‐eligible and eligible groups exhibited similar rates of HF hospitalization and CV death (41.1% vs. 41.8%, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.88–1.04). No significant difference was found in the composite outcome between PARAGLIDE‐HF non‐eligible and eligible groups (36.7% vs. 38.6%; aHR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.90–1.04).

Conclusions

Using trial criteria, only 31.3% of AHF patients were eligible for sacubitril–valsartan. Yet, non‐eligible patients demonstrated similar outcomes to eligible patients, indicating a need for further evaluation of sacubitril–valsartan benefits in non‐eligible AHF patients.
Circulating miRNA in functional tricuspid regurgitation. Unveiling novel links to heart failure: A pilot study
Authors: Hinojar Rocio , Moreno‐Gómez‐Toledano Rafael , Conde Elisa , Gonzalez‐Gomez Ariana , García‐Martin Ana , González‐Portilla Paz , Fernández‐Golfín Covadonga , García‐Bermejo Maria Laura , Zaragoza Carlos , Zamorano Jose Luis
Published: April 2024

Aim

Severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is associated with high risk of cardiovascular events, particularly heart failure (HF) and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently identified as novel biomarkers in different cardiovascular conditions, but no studies have focused on FTR. We sought to (1) to identify and validate circulating miRNAs as regulators of FTR and (2) to test association of miRNA with heart failure and mortality in FTR.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients with isolated severe FTR (n = 100) evaluated in the outpatient Heart Valve Clinic and age‐ and gender‐matched subjects with no TR (controls, n = 50) were prospectively recruited. The experimental design included (1) a screening phase to identify candidate miRNA differentially expressed in FTR (n = 8) compared with controls (n = 8) through miRNA array profiling of 192 miRNAs using quantitative reverse transcription PCR arrays [qRT‐PCR]) and (2) a validation phase in which candidate miRNAs identified in the initial screening were selected for further validation by qRT‐PCR in a prospectively recruited cohort of FTR (n = 92) and controls (n = 42). Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict their potential target genes and functional pathways elicited. A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to heart failure (HF) and all‐cause mortality was defined. Initial screening identified 16 differentially expressed miRNAs in FTR compared with controls, subsequently confirmed in the validation phase (n = 16 were excluded due to significant haemolysis). miR‐186‐5p, miR‐30e‐5p, and miR‐152‐3p identified FTR with high predictive value [AUC of 0.93 (0.88–0.97), 0.83 (0.75–0.91) and 0.84 (0.76–0.92), respectively]. During a median follow‐up of 20.4 months (IQR 8–35 months), 32% of FTR patients reached the combined endpoint. Patients with low relative expression of miR‐15a‐5p, miR‐92a‐3p, miR101‐3p, and miR‐363‐3p, miR‐324‐3p, and miR‐22‐3p showed significantly higher rates of events (log‐rank test for all P < 0.01). Both miR‐15a‐5p [hazard ratio: 0.21 (0.06–0.649, P = 0.007) and miR‐92a‐3p (0.27 (0.09–0.76), P = 0.01] were associated with outcomes after adjusting for age, gender, and New York Heart Association functional class.

Conclusions

Circulating miRNAs are novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in severe FTR. The quantification of miR‐186‐5p, miR‐30e‐5p, and miR‐152‐3p held strong diagnostic value, and the quantification of miR‐15a‐5p and miR‐92a‐3p are independently associated with outcomes. The recognition of specific miRNAs offers a novel perspective for TR evaluation.
Exercise limitation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: combined stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test
Authors: Erez Yonatan , Ghantous Eihab , Shetrit Aviel , Zamanzadeh Ryan S. , Zahler David , Granot Yoav , Sapir Orly Ran , Laufer Perl Michal , Banai Shmuel , Topilsky Yan , Havakuk Ofer
Published: April 2024

Aims

The study aims to investigate exercise‐limiting factors in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using combined stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test.

Methods and results

A symptom‐limited ramp bicycle exercise test was performed in the semi‐supine position on a tilting dedicated ergometer. Echocardiographic images were obtained concurrently with gas exchange measurements along predefined stages of exercise. Oxygen extraction was calculated using the Fick equation at each activity level. Thirty‐six HCM patients (mean age 67 ± 6 years, 72% men, 18 obstructive HCM) were compared with age and sex‐matched 29 controls. At rest, compared with controls, E/E′ ratio (6.26 ± 2.3 vs. 14 ± 2.5, P < 0.001) and systolic pulmonary artery pressures (SPAP) (22.6 ± 3.4 vs. 34 ± 6.2 mmHg, P = 0.023) were increased. Along with the stages of exercise (unloaded; anaerobic threshold; peak), diastolic function worsened (E/e′ 8.9 ± 2.6 vs. 13.8 ± 3.6 P = 0.011; 9.4 ± 2.3 vs. 18.6 ± 3.3 P = 0.001; 8.7 ± 1.9 vs. 21.5 ± 4, P < 0.001), SPAP increased (23 ± 2.7 vs. 33 ± 4.4, P = 0.013; 26 ± 3.2 vs. 40 ± 2.9, P < 0.001; 26 ± 3.5 vs. 45 ± 7 mmHg, P < 0.001), and oxygen consumption (6.6 ± 1.7 vs. 6.8 ± 1.6, P = 0.86; 18.1 ± 2.2 vs. 14.6 ± 1.5, P = 0.008; 20.3 ± 3 vs. 15.1 ± 2.1 mL/kg/min, P = 0.01) was reduced. Oxygen pulse was blunted (6.3 ± 1.8 vs. 6.2 ± 1.9, P = 0.79; 10 ± 2.1 vs. 8.8 ± 1.6, P = 0.063; 12.2 ± 2 vs. 8.2 ± 2.3 mL/beat, P = 0.002) due to an insufficient increase in both stroke volume (92.3 ± 17 vs. 77.3 ± 14.5 P = 0.021; 101 ± 19.1 vs. 87.3 ± 15.7 P = 0.06; 96.5 ± 12.2 vs. 83.6 ± 16.1 mL, P = 0.034) and oxygen extraction (0.07 ± 0.03 vs. 0.07 ± 0.02, P = 0.47; 0.13 ± 0.02 vs. 0.10 ± 0.03, P = 0.013; 0.13 ± 0.03 vs. 0.11 ± 0.03, P = 0.03). Diastolic dysfunction, elevated SPAP, and the presence of atrial fibrillation were associated with reduced exercise capacity.

Conclusions

Both central and peripheral cardiovascular limitations are involved in exercise intolerance in HCM. Diastolic dysfunction seems to be the main driver for this limitation.
Magnetic Single‐Ion Anisotropy and Curie‐Weiss Behaviour of Mg3V4(PO4)6
Authors: Schwarz Björn , Fu Qiang
Published: April 2024

Direct current (DC) magnetometry data obtained for polycrystalline Mg3V4(PO4)6 were fitted by various magnetic models based on angular momentum basis states. As a result, single‐ion anisotropy of the magnetic V 3+ ions could be identified to decisively determine the magnetic properties of Mg3V4(PO4)6 and not antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between V ions as supposed in literature. It could be demonstrated analytically, by utilization of the Van Vleck equation, that also single‐ion anisotropy can lead to a linear and origin shifted inverse susceptibility curve in the high temperature region. The Weiss constant obtained from a Curie‐Weiss fit to such a susceptibility curve might falsely be ascribed to antiferromagnetic exchange interactions if additional low temperature magnetic properties are not considered for verification.
An experimental comparison of thermal energy storage in directly and indirectly radiated adsorbent beds integrated with solar thermal collectors
Authors: Narwal Kapil , Massah Fatemeh , Kempers Roger , O'Brien Paul G.
Published: April 2024

Adsorbents heated using solar energy can be used to achieve thermal energy storage and sorption refrigeration with low environmental impacts. This research compares two different methods of heating adsorbents with solar energy to store thermal energy: (1) by exposing the adsorbents to incident light transmitted through a solar collector window, and (2) by heating a highly absorbing solar collector cover, and then transferring the heat from this solar absorber to adsorbents located beneath it. To carry out this comparison experiments are conducted for three cases of adsorbent beds using zeolite 13X and water as the adsorbent‐adsorbate pair. In the first case, the top of the adsorbent bed is a polycarbonate sheet, and the zeolites are heated directly by solar‐simulated light transmitted through this sheet. In the second case, a blackened aluminum sheet is placed beneath the polycarbonate sheet to generate heat by absorbing incident light. For the third case, the blackened aluminum absorber is placed directly on top of the zeolite beads and the absorber is isolated from the walls of the reactor to avoid heat losses. The outcomes reveal an energy storage density (ESD) of 43.6 kWh/m3 (63.4 Wh/kg) when light is directly incident onto the zeolite 13X and an ESD of 33.3 kWh/m3 (48.4 Wh/kg) when light is incident onto a blackened absorber plate that transfers heat to Zeolite beads residing beneath it. However, ESD values were improved to 48.9 kWh/m3 (71.0 Wh/kg) when the blackened absorber plate was thermally insulated from the walls of the adsorbent bed. These results demonstrate the importance of an optimal absorber arrangement in enhancing the adsorption process for the purpose of elevating energy storage densities.
Lactucopicrin promotes fatty acid β‐oxidation and attenuates lipid accumulation through adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase activation in free fatty acid‐induced human hepatoblastoma cancer cells
Authors: Tan Huiwen , Mi Na , Tong Fenglian , Zhang Rui , Abudurexiti Adalaiti , Lei Yi , Zhong Yewei , Yan Junlin , Yang Jian , Ma Xiaoli
Published: April 2024

With its annually increasing prevalence, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a serious threat to people's life and health. After a preliminary research, we found that Lactucopicrin has pharmacological effects, such as lowering blood lipids and protecting the liver. Further research showed its significant activation for fatty acid β‐oxidase hydroxyacyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex subunit alpha (HADHA), so we hypothesized that Lactucopicrin could ameliorate lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by promoting fatty acid β‐oxidation. In this study, free fatty acid (FFA)‐induced human hepatoblastoma cancer cells (HepG2) were used to establish an in vitro NAFLD model to investigate the molecular basis of Lactucopicrin in regulating lipid metabolism. Staining with Oil red O and measurements of triglyceride (TG) content, fatty acid β‐oxidase (FaβO) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content were used to assess the extent to which Lactucopicrin ameliorates lipid accumulation and promotes fatty acid β‐oxidation. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot methods were used to explore the regulatory effects of Lactucopicrin on factors related to fatty acid β‐oxidation. Results showed that Lactucopicrin downregulated phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (P‐mTOR) by activating the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and upregulated the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels of coactivators (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PGC1α)), transcription factors (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ)), and oxidative factors (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and HADHA). This phenomenon resulted in a significant increase in FaβO activity, ATP content, and JC‐1 and a significant decrease in ROS level, TG content, and intracellular lipid droplets. With the addition of Dorsomorphin, all the effects of Lactucopicrin intervention were suppressed. In summary, Lactucopicrin promotes fatty acid β‐oxidation by activating the AMPK pathway, thereby ameliorating FFA‐induced intracellular lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells.
The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on pediatric traumatic injury and demographic presentations to a university emergency department
Authors: Arikan Mehmet , Oktay Cem
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The objective of this study is to investigate how lifestyle changes affect the emergency department (ED) presentations of pediatric patients with acute traumatic injuries during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the ED of Akdeniz University Hospital. We analyzed the medical records of pediatric patients who presented to our ED with acute traumatic injury during the 52‐week period after March 16, 2020, which marks the official date when in‐person education was suspended in Turkey due to COVID‐19. These records were compared with those from the 52‐week period prior to March 16, 2020 (pre‐COVID). Patients with nontraumatic presentations or follow‐up visits (e.g., dressing, suture removal, injection, etc.) were excluded from the study. The data was obtained through the Hospital Information System.

Results

The total number of ED pediatric trauma visits declined by 46%. The overall presentation rates of patients between the ages of 1 and 4 years, home injuries, falls, burns, hospitalizations, and costs per patient increased during COVID‐19. In contrast, the rate of motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and injuries that occurred at schools and playgrounds decreased.

Conclusions

It should be expected that the decrease in the number of acute trauma presentations due to the implementation of distance education and lockdown restrictions will increase after the pandemic. As a result, it is necessary to pay attention to the safety of children in streets, playgrounds, and schools as the pandemic ends, as much as it will continue to be important to create safe environments for children at home. In order to reduce mortality and morbidity due to pediatric traumatic injuries, all authorized people, including the relevant ministries, should take precautions to protect children from injuries, and pediatric trauma should be addressed as a preventable public health problem.
Atorvastatin‐induced intracerebral hemorrhage is inhibited by berberine in zebrafish
Authors: Liu Xin‐Yan , Chen Bo , Zhang Rui , Zhang Miao‐Qing , Ma Yuan‐Yuan , Han Ying , Jiang Jian‐Dong , Zhang Jing‐Pu
Published: April 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), for which there are currently no effective preventive or treatment methods, has a very high fatality rate. Statins, such as atorvastatin (ATV), are the first‐line drugs for regulating blood lipids and treating hyperlipidemia‐related cardiovascular diseases. However, ATV‐associated ICH has been reported, although its incidence is rare. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective action and mechanisms of berberine (BBR) against ATV‐induced brain hemorrhage. We established an ICH model in zebrafish induced by ATV (2 μM) and demonstrated the effects of BBR (10, 50, and 100 μM) on ICH via protecting the vascular network using hemocyte staining and three transgenic zebrafish. BBR was found to reduce brain inflammation and locomotion injury in ICH‐zebrafish. Mechanism research showed that ATV increased the levels of VE‐cadherin and occludin proteins but disturbed their localization at the cell membrane by abnormal phosphorylation, which decreased the number of intercellular junctions between vascular endothelial cells (VECs), disrupting the integrity of vascular walls. BBR reversed the effects of ATV by promoting autophagic degradation of phosphorylated VE‐cadherin and occludin in ATV‐induced VECs examined by co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP). These findings provide crucial insights into understanding the BBR mechanisms involved in the maintenance of vascular integrity and in mitigating adverse reactions to ATV.
Quantitative Assessment of Drug Efficacy and Emergence of Resistance in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Using a Longitudinal Exposure‐Tumor Growth Inhibition Model: Apitolisib (Dual PI3K/mTORC1/2 Inhibitor) Versus Everolimus (mTORC1 Inhibitor)
Authors: Moein Anita , Jin Jin Y. , Wright Matthew R. , Wong Harvey
Published: April 2024

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, and despite remarkable advancements in therapeutic strategies, poor tolerability of drugs (causing dose reduction/interruptions) and/or the emergence of drug resistance are major obstacles to successful treatment outcomes. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) accounts for 2% of global cancer diagnoses and deaths. Despite the initial success of targeted therapies in mRCC, challenges remain to overcome drug resistance that limits the long‐term efficacy of these treatments. Our analysis aim was to develop a semi‐mechanistic longitudinal exposure‐tumor growth inhibition model for patients with mRCC to characterize and compare everolimus (mTORC1) and apitolisib's (dual PI3K/mTORC1/2) ability to inhibit tumor growth, and quantitate each drug's efficacy decay caused by emergence of tumor resistance over time. Model‐estimated on‐treatment tumor growth rate constant was 1.7‐fold higher for apitolisib compared to everolimus. Estimated half‐life for loss of treatment effect over time for everolimus was 16.1 weeks compared to 7.72 weeks for apitolisib, suggesting a faster rate of tumor re‐growth for apitolisib patients likely due to the emergence of resistance. Goodness‐of‐fit plots including visual predictive check indicated a good model fit and the model was able to capture individual tumor size–time profiles. Based on our knowledge, this is the first clinical report to quantitatively assess everolimus (mTORC1) and apitolisib (PI3K/mTORC1/2) efficacy decay in patients with mRCC. These results highlight the difference in overall efficacy of 2 drugs due to the quantified efficacy decay caused by emergence of resistance, and emphasize the importance of model‐informed drug development for targeted cancer therapy.
Cross‐sectional interactive associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with physical capacity across adulthood
Authors: Raffin Jérémy , Rolland Yves , Aubertin‐Leheudre Mylène , Aragoni da Silva Jaqueline , Guyonnet Sophie , Pillard Fabien , Vellas Bruno , de Souto Barreto Philipe ,   for the INSPIRE group
Published: April 2024

Background

The way physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) independently and interactively modify the age‐related decline in physical capacity remains poorly understood. This cross‐sectional study investigated the independent and interactive associations of PA and SB with physical function and performance throughout the adult life course.

Methods

Data from 499 community‐dwelling adults (63% female) aged 20–92 years, involved in the INSPIRE Human Translational Cohort, were used in this cross‐sectional study. Daily time spent on moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA, min/day) and SB (h/day) was measured with activPAL triaxial accelerometers. Physical function and performance were assessed through the measurement of the 4‐m usual gait speed (m/s), handgrip strength (kg), lower‐limb strength (isokinetic knee extension torque, N·m), estimated lower‐limb power (five‐time chair‐rise test performance, s) and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2max, mL/kg/min). Confounder‐adjusted multiple linear and curvilinear regressions were performed to investigate how MVPA, SB and their interactions were associated with the physical outcomes (all square root‐transformed except gait speed) throughout the adulthood spectrum.

Results

Interaction analyses revealed that the combination of higher levels of MVPA with lower levels of SB favourably reshaped the negative relationship between handgrip strength and age (age2 × SB × MVPA: B = −7E‐08, SE = 3E‐08, P < 0.05). In addition, higher levels of MVPA were independently associated with an improved age‐related profile in gait speed (age2 × MVPA: B = 3E‐06, SE = 1E‐06, P < 0.05), chair‐rise performance (age × MVPA: B = −9E‐05, SE = 4E‐05, P < 0.05) and V̇O2max (MVPA at 21 years: B = 3E‐02, SE = 7E‐03, P < 0.05; age × MVPA: B = −5E‐04, SE = 2E‐04, P < 0.05). Conversely, the detrimental association of age with lower‐limb muscle strength (age × SB: B = −1E‐04, SE = 6E‐05, P < 0.05) and chair‐rise performance (age × SB: B = 1E‐05, SE = 7E‐06, P < 0.05) was exacerbated with increasing duration of SB, independently of MVPA. Supplementary analyses further revealed that some of these associations were age and sex specific.

Conclusions

This cross‐sectional study demonstrated that reduced sedentary time and increased activity duration were independently and synergistically associated with an attenuated age‐related loss in physical capacity. These findings need to be confirmed with longitudinal data but encourage both adopting an active lifestyle and reducing sedentary time as preventive measures against physical aging.
Health resilience and the global pandemic: The effect of social conditions on the COVID‐19 mortality rate
Authors: Elkomy Shimaa , Jackson Tim
Published: April 2024

Can ‘health resilience’ explain international differences in COVID‐19 mortality? This paper aims to understand the significant diversity in mortality rates between countries in terms of their degree of preparedness for the crisis and the underlying health conditions of the population. We integrate COVID‐19 data from the first year of the pandemic with panel data from 2009 to 2017 for 188 countries around the world in order to investigate international variation in COVID‐19 mortality rates. Country‐level data on health, medical, social and policy variables are compared with COVID‐19 mortality rates, with further controls imposed to adjust for infection rate, population and health spending. The results show that prior health conditions, social deprivation and the demography of the country all have significant effects on the mortality rates associated with the virus. The evidence also suggests that countries with higher levels of health‐related policy targets demonstrated lower levels of mortality during the crisis. Finally, we confirm that social habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and over‐eating create a highly vulnerable group of individuals who were exposed to a greater risk of mortality during the outbreak.
Genetic characterization of pediatric SARI‐associated human adenoviruses in eight Chinese provinces during 2017–2021
Authors: Cai Jianlin , Liu Ying , Qian Cheng , Gao Yixuan , Zhao Sheng , Ma Yingwei , Xiang Xingyu , Xu Jing , Zhang Feng , Li Maozhong , Xu Hongmei , Li Qi , Li Chongyang , Lin Yitong , Xia Baicheng , Cui Aili , Zhang Yan , Zhu Zhen , Mao Naiying
Published: April 2024

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a significant viral pathogen causing severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) in children. To improve the understanding of type distribution and viral genetic characterization of HAdV in severe cases, this study enrolled 3404 pediatric SARI cases from eight provinces of China spanning 2017–2021, resulting in the acquisition of 112 HAdV strains. HAdV‐type identification, based on three target genes (penton base, hexon, and fiber), confirmed the diversity of HAdV types in SARI cases. Twelve types were identified, including species B (HAdV‐3, 7, 55), species C (HAdV‐1, 2, 6, 89, 108, P89H5F5, Px1/Ps3H1F1, Px1/Ps3H5F5), and E (HAdV‐4). Among these, HAdV‐3 exhibited the highest detection rate (44.6%), followed by HAdV‐7 (19.6%), HAdV‐1 (12.5%), and HAdV‐108 (9.8%). All HAdV‐3, 7, 55, 4 in this study belonged to dominant lineages circulating worldwide, and the sequences of the three genes demonstrated significant conservation and stability. Concerning HAdV‐C, excluding the novel type Px1/Ps3H1F1 found in this study, the other seven types were detected both in China and abroad, with HAdV‐1 and HAdV‐108 considered the two main types of HAdV‐C prevalent in China. Two recombinant strains, including P89H5F5 and Px1/Ps3H1F1, could cause SARI as a single pathogen, warranting close monitoring and investigation for potential public health implications. In conclusion, 5 years of SARI surveillance in China provided crucial insights into HAdV‐associated respiratory infections among hospitalized pediatric patients.
An improved small‐signal model for GaN HEMTs devices
Authors: Bai Jing , Zhang Ao , Cheng Jiali , Gao Jianjun
Published: April 2024

An improved small‐signal model applied to GaN‐based devices is presented in this article. The extrinsic elements of the equivalent circuit topology are extracted using the test structures and the cut‐off method. In order to obtain a good agreement between model simulations and measurements, distributed capacitive effects are taken into account. In addition, an inductance Lds is introduced based on the conventional intrinsic equivalent circuit topology. Good agreement between the modeled and measured S‐parameters is obtained for GaN HEMTs with a gate width of 2 × 100 μm (number of gate fingers × unit gate width) in the frequency range of 0.5–40 GHz.
Analyzing mastectomy and reconstruction weight in immediate autologous breast reconstruction: A preliminary study
Authors: Kim Minji , Ali Barkat , Graziano Francis D. , Colvin Kate , Boe Lillian A. , Allen Robert J. , Nelson Jonas A. , Disa Joseph
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aims to explore the ideal breast size by assessing the relationship between mastectomy to free flap weight ratio and complications as well as patient‐reported outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction (ABR).

Method

A retrospective review of patients undergoing bilateral immediate ABR with mastectomy and flap weights available was completed. Patients were divided into three groups based on the ratio of mastectomy to flap weights. The patients were grouped as “maintained” if the flap weight was within 10% of the mastectomy weight. Patients with a weight difference greater than 10% were used to declare “downsized” or “upsized.” Outcomes included complications and four domains of the BREAST‐Q at 1‐year postoperatively.

Results

Three hundred and fifty‐nine patients were included in the analysis, of which 112 were downsized, 91 maintained, and 156 upsized, respectively. Presence of complications did not significantly differ among the groups. At 1‐year postoperatively, Sexual Well‐being significantly differed (p = 0.033). Between preoperative and 1 year, patients who upsized experienced an improvement in Satisfaction with Breasts by 16 points (p < 0.001), while patients who downsized experienced a decline in Physical Well‐being of the Chest by 7 points (p = 0.016). Multivariable linear regression model showed that Sexual Well‐being was 13 points lower in the downsized cohort than in the maintained cohort (β = −13, 95% confidence interval: −21 to −5.4; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Although complication rates do not significantly differ between the three cohorts, patients who downsize may have lower Sexual Well‐being postoperatively. Surgeons should consider our preliminary findings to counsel patients preoperatively about the predicted breast size and the impact of downsizing on sexual health.
Evaluating clinical practice guidelines for the management of rectal cancer: Did they get it RIGHT?
Authors: Cai Ming , Cotter Robin R. , Wong Sandra L. , Mayo Sara W.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are crucial tools for clinicians seeking to deliver evidence‐based patient care. We utilized the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) checklist to assess the reporting quality of CPGs addressing the management of rectal cancer.

Methods

Four multidisciplinary rectal cancer CPGs published 2017–2022 were evaluated: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). We quantitatively assessed each CPG using the RIGHT checklist and qualitative analysis was performed to generate common themes.

Results

RIGHT checklist items fulfilled by each CPG ranged from 12 to 17 (out of 22). Each guideline demonstrated unique categories of weakness: ASCRS in Basic Information (1 of 4 items), ESMO in Evidence (1 of 3), NCCN in Recommendations (1 of 3), and NICE in Review and Quality Assurance (0 of 2). Common themes that emerged included sprase discussion on the financial aspects of rectal cancer management and lack of transparency in formulating recommendations.

Conclusions

Despite their variability, each of the 22 checklist elements are present in contemporary CPGs. Utilizing the RIGHT checklist would allow experts to create guidelines adhering to high‐quality reporting standards.
On varieties whose general surface section has negative Kodaira dimension
Authors: Ciliberto Ciro , Fontanari Claudio
Published: April 2024

In this paper, inspired by work of Fano, Morin, and Campana–Flenner, we give a projective classification of varieties of dimension 3 whose general hyperplane sections have negative Kodaira dimension, and we partly extend such a classification to varieties of dimension whose general surface sections have negative Kodaira dimension. In particular, we prove that a variety of dimension whose general surface sections have negative Kodaira dimension is birationally equivalent to the product of a general surface section times unless (possibly) if the variety is a cubic hypersurface.
Core–Shell Double Gyroids Directed by Selective Solvation for ABC Triblock Terpolymers
Authors: Miyamori Yuta , Tong Liang , Nabae Yuta , Hatakeyama‐Sato Kan , Hayakawa Teruaki
Published: April 2024

The formation of ABC triblock terpolymers through solution casting is still challenging. In this study, core–shell double gyroid network structures are fabricated via solution casting using poly(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PTFEMA) (F)‐b‐[poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) (P)]‐b‐[polystyrene (PS) (S)] (FPS) triblock terpolymers in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). Upon heat treatment, the polymer tends to form a sphere‐in‐lamellar structure at the F/S interface. Given the solubility properties of each component in DMF, it is anticipated that the effective volume fraction of F relative to P would increase in concentrated solutions and the effective volume fraction of S would decrease. The microphase‐separated structure derived from the DMF solution consistently results in the formation of a network structure composed of a core–shell double gyroid, with F as the matrix, P as the shell, and S as the core, and their periodic lengths gradually increase to 110.8, 131.8, and 162.7 nm as increase molecular weights of PS blocks to 13.8, 20.7, and 28.8 kg mol−1. Based on the solubility properties of the polymer components highlighted in this study, the solvent selection strategy is broadly applicable to ABC triblock terpolymers featuring various polymer components, offering a more efficient avenue for fabricating core–shell double gyroid structures.