bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan Mediated FAPbBr3 Nanocrystal Thin‐Films with High Color Purity and Enhanced Hole Mobility
Authors: Sethi Nilesh Monohar , Nayak Amlandeep , Khator Kanha Ram , Preeyanka Naupada , Chakraborty Debabrata , Senanayak Satyaprasad P , Sarkar Moloy
Published: July 2024

Composite materials which combine the advantages of both embedded constituents have been a successful strategy for developing novel multi‐functional materials. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of nanoscale materials of organic‐inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites (OIH‐LHP) with enhanced optoelectronic properties and photostability by utilizing biomimetic ligand, chitosan. Notably, nanocrystals fabricated with chitosan mediated ligands exhibit an increase in photoluminescence quantum yield by 300 % and fluorescence lifetime by 1.5 times. Consequently, the lifetime distribution of the photoluminescence emission decreases to a value as low as 6 ns. More interestingly, even though chitosan is a wide band gap insulating material, its incorporation onto the perovskite NCs enhances the bulk hole mobility by at least an order of magnitude in comparison to the pristine material. With detailed spectroscopic and structural studies, we correlate these enhancements in optoelectronic parameters to the improvement in the crystal quality, phase purity, and minimized poly‐dispersity of the nanocrystals. Development of such composite materials with unprecedented optoelectronic properties and outstanding stability will contribute immensely towards high performance nanocrystal devices.
Label distribution feature selection based on neighborhood rough set
Authors: Wu Yilin , Guo Wenzhong , Lin Yaojin
Published: July 2024

In label distribution learning (LDL), an instance is involved with many labels in different importance degrees, and the feature space of instances is accompanied with thousands of redundant and/or irrelevant features. Therefore, the main characteristic of feature selection in LDL is to evaluate the ability of each feature. Motivated by neighborhood rough set (NRS), which can be used to measure the dependency degree of feature via constructing neighborhood relations on feature space and label space, respectively, this article proposes a novel label distribution feature selection method. In this article, the neighborhood class of instance in label distribution space is defined, which is beneficial to recognize the logical class of target instance. Then, a new NRS model for LDL is proposed. Specially, the dependency degree of feature combining label weight is defined. Finally, a label distribution feature selection based on NRS is presented. Extensive experiments on 12 data sets show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Institutional investors' geographic concentration and environmental, social, and governance performance: An inverted U‐shaped relationship
Authors: Zhong Haiyan , Cheng Bilu
Published: July 2024

Although the rapid development of the Internet has infinitely shortened the distance between economic agents, geographic distance is still an important factor affecting information acquisition and interpersonal interactions between them. Using data on Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2009 to 2020, we explore the relationship between geographic concentration of institutional investors and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Our findings indicate that investors' geographic concentration has an inverted U‐shaped influence on ESG performance, and high‐speed railway and institutional environment weaken the negative influence of geographic concentration of institutional shareholders, leading to a flatter inverted U‐shaped relationship. As high‐speed railway and institutional environment further flatten the curve, the inverted U‐shaped relationship will eventually become U‐shaped, and a “shape‐flip” occurs. Our research offers a new perspective on the factors impacting corporate ESG performance, enriching institutional investor characteristics, and having practical significance for improving ESG performance.
Plasma pTau181 enhances the prediction of future clinical decline in amyloid‐positive mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Devanarayan Viswanath , Llano Daniel A. , Hu Yan Helen , Hampel Harald , Kramer Lynn , Dhadda Shobha , Irizarry Michael
Published: July 2024

Plasma pTau181, a marker of amyloid and tau burden, was evaluated as a prognostic predictor of clinical decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression of amyloid‐positive (Aβ+) patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The training cohort for constructing the Bayesian prediction models comprised 135 Aβ+ MCI clinical trial placebo subjects. Performance was evaluated in two validation cohorts. An 18‐month ≥1 increase in the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes was the clinical decline criterion. Baseline plasma pTau181 concentration matched clinical assessments’ prediction performance. Adding pTau181 to clinical assessments significantly improved the prediction of an 18‐month clinical decline and the 36‐month progression from Aβ+ MCI to AD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the latter increased from 71.8% to 79%, and the hazard ratio for time‐to‐progression improved from 2.26 to 3.11 (p < 0.0001). Baseline plasma pTau181 has the potential for identifying Aβ+ MCI subjects with faster clinical decline over time.

Highlights

This study assessed pTau181 as a prognostic predictor of 18‐month clinical decline and extended progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in amyloid‐positive patients with mild cognitive impairment (Aβ+ MCI).

The research findings underscore the promise of baseline plasma pTau181 as a screening tool for identifying Aβ+ MCI individuals with accelerated clinical decline within a standard 18‐month clinical trial period. The predictive accuracy is notably enhanced when combined with clinical assessments.

Similar positive outcomes were noted in forecasting the extended progression of Aβ+ MCI subjects to AD.
Caregivers’ Attention Toward, and Response to, Their Child's Interoceptive Hunger and Thirst Cues
Authors: Stevenson Richard J. , Serebro Jonathan , Mruk Alexandra , Martin‐Rivera Daiana , Wyver Shirley , Francis Heather M.
Published: July 2024

People can use their internal state to determine if they are hungry or thirsty. Although the meaning of some interoceptive cues may be innate (e.g., pain), it is possible that others—including those for hunger and thirst—are acquired. There has been little exploration of this idea in humans. Consequently, we conducted a survey among child caregivers to determine if the basic conditions necessary for interoceptive learning were present. Two‐hundred and thirty‐five caregivers of children aged 1–12 years were asked if they had recently noticed stomach rumbling, hunger‐related irritability, and a dry mouth in their child. They were also asked how they would respond. The impact of several moderating variables, especially caregiver beliefs about the causes of hunger, fullness, and thirst, was also explored. Fifteen percent of caregivers had recently noticed stomach rumbling in their child, 28% hunger‐related irritability, and 14% a dry mouth. Forty‐four percent of caregivers had noticed at least one of these three cues. Noticing hunger cues was significantly moderated by caregiver beliefs about their cause, by child age, and in one case by temporal context (around vs. outside mealtimes). Key caregiver responses were providing the need (e.g., offer food) and/or asking the child if they had a need (e.g., hungry?). Each type of response could potentially support a different form of interoceptive learning. In conclusion, we suggest the necessary conditions for children to learn interoceptive hunger and thirst cues, are present in many caregiver–offspring dyads.
Changes in soil bacterial community characteristics in patches of different vegetation types under different stages of restoration in the desert of northern China
Authors: Li Haonian , Liang Yumei , Meng Zhongju , Ren Xiaomen , Meng Ruibing , Zhao Feiyan
Published: July 2024

In desert areas, the process of mobile sandy land changing to semi‐fixed sandy land and eventually to fixed sandy land after undergoing vegetation restoration is inevitable. The presence of shrub patches and herb patches is common in this restoration process. No relevant studies have reported the soil bacterial community characteristics of different vegetation‐type patches (shrub patches and herb patches) under different stages of restoration. Therefore, we utilized long‐established experimental plots to collect soil from 0–20 cm soil layer under shrub patches (dominated by Salix psammophila) and herb patches under different stages of restoration (i.e., mobile sand land, semi‐fixed sand land, and fixed sand land), by determining soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and soil bacterial communities. Our results found that soil bacterial α‐diversity under different restoration stages showed higher shrub patches than herb patches. The dominant bacterial communities (phyla) in shrub patches and herb patches at different recovery stages were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota. When the mobile sandy land returned to fixed sandy land, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidota gradually decreased under shrub patches and herb patches, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased significantly. In addition, herb patches significantly increased the relative abundance of bacteria (genus) relative to shrub patches at different stages of recovery. Soil nutrients, soil fine particles, and soil enzyme activities were significantly higher under shrub patches than under herb patches when fixed sandy land due to differences in life form and architecture between shrub patches and herb patches. Based on this, soil bacterial community composition and diversity under shrub patches were driven by more soil properties during the restoration of sandy land. This study complements the dynamic recovery processes and driving mechanisms of soil bacterial community structure under different vegetation patches in sandy areas, especially in the context of global climate change.
A new method for ecologists to estimate heterozygote excess and deficit for multi‐locus gene families
Authors: O'Reilly Gabe D. , Manlik Oliver , Vardeh Sandra , Sinclair Jennifer , Cannell Belinda , Lawler Zachary P. , Sherwin William B.
Published: July 2024

The fixation index, FIS, has been a staple measure to detect selection, or departures from random mating in populations. However, current Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) cannot easily estimate FIS, in multi‐locus gene families that contain multiple loci having similar or identical arrays of variant sequences of ≥1 kilobase (kb), which differ at multiple positions. In these families, high‐quality short‐read NGS data typically identify variants, but not the genomic location, which is required to calculate FIS (based on locus‐specific observed and expected heterozygosity). Thus, to assess assortative mating, or selection on heterozygotes, from NGS of multi‐locus gene families, we need a method that does not require knowledge of which variants are alleles at which locus in the genome. We developed such a method. Like FIS, our novel measure, 1HIS, is based on the principle that positive assortative mating, or selection against heterozygotes, and some other processes reduce within‐individual variability relative to the population. We demonstrate high accuracy of 1HIS on a wide range of simulated scenarios and two datasets from natural populations of penguins and dolphins. 1HIS is important because multi‐locus gene families are often involved in assortative mating or selection on heterozygotes. 1HIS is particularly useful for multi‐locus gene families, such as toll‐like receptors, the major histocompatibility complex in animals, homeobox genes in fungi and self‐incompatibility genes in plants.
Discriminating woody species assemblages from National Forest Inventory data based on phylogeny in Georgia
Authors: Wellenbeck Alexander , Fehrmann Lutz , Feilhauer Hannes , Schmidtlein Sebastian , Misof Bernhard , Hein Nils
Published: July 2024

Classifications of forest vegetation types and characterization of related species assemblages are important analytical tools for mapping and diversity monitoring of forest communities. The discrimination of forest communities is often based on β‐diversity, which can be quantified via numerous indices to derive compositional dissimilarity between samples. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of unsupervised classification for National Forest Inventory data from Georgia by comparing two cluster hierarchies. We calculated the mean basal area per hectare for each woody species across 1059 plot observations and quantified interspecies distances for all 87 species. Following an unspuervised cluster analysis, we compared the results derived from the species‐neutral dissimilarity (Bray‐Curtis) with those based on the Discriminating Avalanche dissimilarity, which incorporates interspecies phylogenetic variation. Incorporating genetic variation in the dissimilarity quantification resulted in a more nuanced discrimination of woody species assemblages and increased cluster coherence. Favorable statistics include the total number of clusters (23 vs. 20), mean distance within clusters (0.773 vs. 0.343), and within sum of squares (344.13 vs. 112.92). Clusters derived from dissimilarities that account for genetic variation showed a more robust alignment with biogeographical units, such as elevation and known habitats. We demonstrate that the applicability of unsupervised classification of species assemblages to large‐scale forest inventory data strongly depends on the underlying quantification of dissimilarity. Our results indicate that by incorporating phylogenetic variation, a more precise classification aligned with biogeographic units is attained. This supports the concept that the genetic signal of species assemblages reflects biogeographical patterns and facilitates more precise analyses for mapping, monitoring, and management of forest diversity.
A rapid inventory of amphibians, squamates, and bats of Mata de Plátano Field Station and Nature Reserve, Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Authors: Bernstein Justin Matthew , Calderón‐Acevedo Camilo Andrés , Mônico Pedro Ivo , Viñola‐Lopez Lázaro Willian , Soto‐Centeno J. Angel
Published: July 2024

Puerto Rico harbors a diverse vertebrate fauna with high levels of endemism. However, while several books for vertebrate diversity and local checklists for birds have been published, checklists of amphibians, reptiles, and bats are lacking or nonexistent at both local and regional scales. In this study, we documented the amphibian, reptile, and bat faunas at Mata de Plátano Field Station and Nature Reserve, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. We document four species of amphibians, seven lizards, three snakes, and nine bats. Despite prior works using samples from this nature reserve, this represents the first vertebrate checklist for the Mata de Plátano Field Station and Nature Reserve. We provide additional natural history observations based on our survey results and highlight the importance of including local and regional checklists of species for downstream research and conservation.
“ClusterApp”: A Shiny R application to guide cluster studies based on GPS data
Authors: Märtz Johanna , Tallian Aimee , Wikenros Camilla , Heeres Rick W.
Published: July 2024

The rapid evolution of GPS devices, and therefore, collection of GPS data can be used to investigate a wide variety of topics in wildlife research. The combination of remotely collected GPS data with on‐the‐ground field investigations is a powerful tool for exploring behavioral ecology. “GPS cluster studies” are aimed at pinpointing and investigating identified clusters in the field. Activity clusters can be based on various parameters (e.g., distance between GPS locations and the number of locations needed to establish a cluster), which are closely related to the set research questions. Variation in methods across years within the same study may result in data collection biases. Therefore, a streamlined method to parametrize, generate interactive maps, and extract activity cluster data using a predefined approach will limit biases, and make field work and data management straightforward for field technicians. We developed the “ClusterApp” Shiny application in the R software to facilitate a step‐by‐step guide to execute cluster analyses and data management of cluster studies on any species using GPS data. We illustrate the use of the “ClusterApp” with two location datasets constructed by data collected on brown bears (Ursus arctos) and gray wolves (Canis lupus).
Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulation for modelling animal territorial behaviour
Authors: Guillermo‐Ferreira Rhainer , Filippov Alexander E. , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: July 2024

We explore the use of movable automata in numerical modelling of male competition for territory. We used territorial dragonflies as our biological inspiration for the model, assuming two types of competing males: (a) faster and larger males that adopt a face‐off strategy and repulse other males; (b) slower and smaller males that adopt a non‐aggressive strategy. The faster and larger males have higher noise intensity, leading to faster motion and longer conservation of motion direction. The velocity distributions resemble the Maxwell distributions of velocity, expected in Brownian dynamics, with two probable velocities and distribution widths for the two animal subpopulations. The fast animals' trajectories move between visually fixed density folds of the slower animal subpopulation. A correlation is found between individual velocity and individual area distribution, with smaller animals concentrated in a region of small velocities and areas. Attraction between animals results in a modification of the system behaviour, with larger animals spending more time being surrounded by smaller animals and being slowed down by their interaction with the surroundings. Overall, the study provides insights into the dynamics of animal competition for territory and the impact of attraction between animals.
Wolbachia impacts microbiome diversity and fitness‐associated traits for Drosophila melanogaster in a seasonally fluctuating environment
Authors: Henry Lucas P. , Fernandez Michael , Wolf Scott , Abhyankar Varada , Ayroles Julien F.
Published: July 2024

The microbiome contributes to many different host traits, but its role in host adaptation remains enigmatic. The fitness benefits of the microbiome often depend on ecological conditions, but theory suggests that fluctuations in both the microbiome and environment modulate these fitness benefits. Moreover, vertically transmitted bacteria might constrain the ability of both the microbiome and host to respond to changing environments. Drosophila melanogaster provides an excellent system to investigate the impacts of interactions between the microbiome and the environment. To address this question, we created field mesocosms of D. melanogaster undergoing seasonal environmental change with and without the vertically transmitted bacteria, Wolbachia pipientis. Sampling temporal patterns in the microbiome revealed that Wolbachia constrained microbial diversity. Furthermore, Wolbachia and a dominant member of the microbiome, Commensalibacter, were associated with differences in two higher‐order fitness traits, starvation resistance and lifespan. Our work here suggests that the interplay between the abiotic context and microbe–microbe interactions may shape key host phenotypes that underlie adaptation to changing environments. We conclude by exploring the consequences of complex interactions between Wolbachia and the microbiome for our understanding of eco‐evolutionary processes that shape host‐microbiome interactions.
Urban sports fields support higher levels of soil butyrate and butyrate‐producing bacteria than urban nature parks
Authors: Brame Joel E. , Liddicoat Craig , Abbott Catherine A. , Cando‐Dumancela Christian , Fickling Nicole W. , Robinson Jake M. , Breed Martin F.
Published: July 2024

Butyrate‐producing bacteria colonise the gut of humans and non‐human animals, where they produce butyrate, a short‐chain fatty acid with known health benefits. Butyrate‐producing bacteria also reside in soils and soil bacteria can drive the assembly of airborne bacterial communities (the aerobiome). Aerobiomes in urban greenspaces are important reservoirs of butyrate‐producing bacteria as they supplement the human microbiome, but soil butyrate producer communities have rarely been examined in detail. Here, we studied soil metagenome taxonomic and functional profiles and soil physicochemical data from two urban greenspace types: sports fields (n = 11) and nature parks (n = 22). We also developed a novel method to quantify soil butyrate and characterised the in situ activity of butyrate‐producing bacteria. We show that soil butyrate was higher in sports fields than nature parks and that sports fields also had significantly higher relative abundances of the terminal butyrate production genes buk and butCoAT than nature parks. Soil butyrate positively correlated with buk gene abundance (but not butCoAT). Soil moisture (r = .50), calcium (r = −.62), iron (ρ = .54), ammonium nitrogen (ρ = .58) and organic carbon (r = .45) had the strongest soil abiotic effects on soil butyrate concentrations and iron (ρ = .56) and calcium (ρ = −.57) had the strongest soil abiotic effects on buk read abundances. Overall, our findings contribute important new insights into the role of sports fields as key exposure reservoirs of butyrate producing bacteria, with important implications for the provision of microbiome‐mediated human health benefits via butyrate.
Vegetative growth drives the negative effects of an invasive species on resident community diversity and is not limited by plant–soil feedbacks: A temporal assessment
Authors: Holden Emily M. , Salimbayeva Karina , Brown Charlotte , Stotz Gisela C. , Cahill James F.
Published: July 2024

Many pathways of invasion have been posited, but ecologists lack an experimental framework to identify which mechanisms are dominant in a given invasion scenario. Plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) are one such mechanism that tend to initially facilitate, but over time attenuate, invasive species' impacts on plant diversity and ecosystem function. PSFs are typically measured under greenhouse conditions and are often assumed to have significant effects under field conditions that change over time. However, direct tests of PSFs effects in natural settings and their change over time are rare. Here we compare the role of PSFs with the effects of biomass in limiting the dominance of an invasive species and impacts on resident species diversity. We characterized the effects of the invader Bromus inermis (Leyss.) on native plant communities over time and measured changes in its conspecific PSFs and vegetative growth to understand their integrated effects on community diversity. To do so, we combined data from a 6‐year field study documenting the rate and impacts of invasion with a short‐term greenhouse experiment quantifying PSF as a function of time since invasion in the field. We found that the nature and strength of B. inermis PSFs did not change over time and were not mediated by soil microbial communities. Though PSFs impacted B. inermis reproduction, they did not sufficiently limit vegetative growth to diminish the negative impacts of B. inermis biomass on native species. B. inermis experienced the full strength of its negative PSFs immediately upon invasion, but they were ineffective at reducing B. inermis vigor to facilitate the recovery of the native plant community. We recommend that conservation efforts focus on limiting B. inermis vegetative growth to facilitate community recovery.
Testing spatial transferability of species distribution models reveals differing habitat preferences for an endangered delphinid (Cephalorhynchus hectori) in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Authors: Bennington Steph , Dillingham Peter W. , Bourke Scott D. , Dawson Stephen M. , Slooten Elisabeth , Rayment William J.
Published: July 2024

Species distribution models (SDMs) can be used to predict distributions in novel times or space (termed transferability) and fill knowledge gaps for areas that are data poor. In conservation, this can be used to determine the extent of spatial protection required. To understand how well a model transfers spatially, it needs to be independently tested, using data from novel habitats. Here, we test the transferability of SDMs for Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), a culturally important (taonga) and endangered, coastal delphinid, endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. We collected summer distribution data from three populations from 2021 to 2023. Using Generalised Additive Models, we built presence/absence SDMs for each population and validated the predictive ability of the top models (with TSS and AUC). Then, we tested the transferability of each top model by predicting the distribution of the remaining two populations. SDMs for two populations showed useful performance within their respective areas (Banks Peninsula and Otago), but when used to predict the two areas outside the models' source data, performance declined markedly. SDMs from the third area (Timaru) performed poorly, both for prediction within the source area and when transferred spatially. When data for model building were combined from two areas, results were mixed. Model interpolation was better when presence/absence data from Otago, an area of low density, were combined with data from areas of higher density, but was otherwise poor. The overall poor transferability of SDMs suggests that habitat preferences of Hector's dolphins vary between areas. For these dolphins, population‐specific distribution data should be used for conservation planning. More generally, we demonstrate that a one model fits all approach is not always suitable. When SDMs are used to predict distribution in data‐poor areas an assessment of performance in the new habitat is required, and results should be interpreted with caution.
Enhancing metabarcoding of freshwater biotic communities: A new online tool for primer selection and exploring data from 14 primer pairs
Authors: Tournayre Orianne , Tian Haolun , Lougheed David R. , Windle Matthew J. S. , Lambert Sheldon , Carter Jennipher , Sun Zhengxin , Ridal Jeff , Wang Yuxiang , Cumming Brian F. , Arnott Shelley E. , Lougheed Stephen C.
Published: July 2024

Freshwater ecosystems are complex, diverse, and face multiple imminent threats that have led to changes in both structure and function. It is urgent that we develop and standardize monitoring tools that allow for rapid and comprehensive assessment of freshwater communities to understand their changing dynamics and inform conservation. Environmental DNA surveys offer a means to inventory and monitor aquatic diversity, yet most studies focus on one or a few taxonomic groups because of technical challenges. In this study, we (1) create an eDNA metabarcoding dataset (natural water bodies) with 14 validated primer pairs; (2) create a free online, user‐friendly tool for primer selection that can be used for any metabarcoding data (SNIPe); and (3) using SNIPe, explore our dataset to derive subsets of informative, cost‐effective primer pairs that maximize detection of freshwater diversity. We first evaluated the completeness of public reference sequence databases and the efficiency of 14 primer pairs in silico, in vitro on five mock communities (mix of DNA from tissues of select taxa), in vivo on water samples from aquarium samples with known taxonomic composition, and finally in vivo on water samples from freshwater systems in Eastern Canada. Results from analyses using SNIPe revealed that 13 or 14 primer pairs are necessary to recover 100% of the species in water samples (natural systems), but that four primer pairs are sufficient to recover almost 75% of taxa with little overlap. Our work highlights the power of eDNA metabarcoding for reconstructing freshwater communities, including prey, parasite, pathogen, invasive, and declining species. It also emphasizes the importance of marker choice on species resolution, and primer characteristics and filtering parameters on detection success and accuracy of biodiversity estimates. Together, these results highlight the usefulness of eDNA for freshwater monitoring and should prompt more studies of tools to survey all communities.
Mesenchymal stromal cells to treat patients with non‐ischaemic heart failure: Results from SCIENCE II pilot study
Authors: Qayyum Abbas Ali , Frljak Sabina , Juhl Morten , Poglajen Gregor , Zemljičl Gregor , Cerar Andraz , Litman Thomas , Ekblond Annette , Haack‐Sørensen Mandana , Højgaard Lisbeth Drozd , Kastrup Jens , Vrtovec Bojan
Published: July 2024

Aims

Allogeneic stem cell therapy is more logistically suitable compared with autologous cell therapy for large‐scale patient treatment. We aim to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy profile of the allogeneic adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stromal cell product (CSCC_ASC) as an add‐on therapy in patients with chronic non‐ischaemic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) < 40%.

Methods and results

This is a single‐centre investigator‐initiated randomized phase I/II study with direct intra‐myocardial injections of 100 million allogeneic CSCC_ASC. A total of 30 HFrEF patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥II despite optimal anticongestive heart failure medication and plasma NT‐proBNP > 300 pg/mL (>35 pmol/L) were included and randomized 2:1 to CSCC_ASC or standard care. The primary endpoint left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) and other echo related parameters were analysed by an investigator blinded for treatment allocation. No difference in serious adverse events was observed between groups. LVESV decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months follow‐up in the ASC group (153.7 ± 53.2 mL and 128.7 ± 45.6 mL, P < 0.001) and remained unchanged in the standard care group (180.4 ± 39.4 mL and 186.7 ± 48.9 mL, P = 0.652). There was a significant difference between the groups in LVESV change (31.3 ± 11.0 mL, P = 0.009). The difference from baseline to follow‐up between the two groups in left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) was 18.7 ± 12.4 mL, P = 0.146 and in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) −7.8 ± 2.1%, P = 0.001. Considering the baseline values of LVESV, LVEDV and LVEF as covariates, the difference between groups for change from baseline to follow‐up resulted in a P‐value of 0.056, 0.076, and 0.738, respectively. NYHA class and self‐reported health did also improve significantly in the ASC group compared with the standard care group (0.7 ± 0.2, P = 0.001 and −12.8 ± 5.3, P = 0.025; respectively). There was no difference in NT‐proBNP (−371 ± 455 pmol/L, P = 0.422) or in 6 min walk test (12 ± 31 m, P = 0.695) between groups.

Conclusions

Intramyocardial injections of allogeneic CSCC_ASC in patients with chronic non‐ischaemic HFrEF was safe and improved LVESV, LVEF, NYHA class, and self‐reported health compared with standard care group.
Effect of beta‐blockade on mortality in patients with cardiac amyloidosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Choy Chern Hsiang , Pinney Jennifer , Townend Jonathan N. , Whelan Carol , Fontana Marianna , Gillmore Julian D. , Steeds Richard P. , Moody William E.
Published: July 2024

Aims

The efficacy of beta‐blockers in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is unclear, and concerns persist that neurohormonal blockade could worsen symptoms of heart failure. We aimed to assess whether beta‐blocker therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with CA.

Methods and results

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the impact of beta‐blocker therapy on mortality in patients with CA. A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed in August 2023. Data were extracted from observational studies and synthesized with pooling and random effects meta‐analysis. Thirteen studies including 4215 patients with CA were incorporated in this review (3688 transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM), 502 light chain amyloid cardiomyopathy (AL‐CM), 25 not specified; age 74.8 ± 5.5 years, 76% male). Over half of the cohort (52%) received beta‐blockers and the rate of beta‐blocker withdrawal was 28%. All‐cause mortality was 33% (range: 13–51%) after a median follow‐up ranging from 13 to 36 months. There was an inverse association between the pooled risk of mortality and the use of beta‐blocker therapy at any time point (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29–0.80, I2 = 83%, P = 0.005, seven studies). There was no association between mortality and beta‐blocker use (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.29–1.47, I2 = 88%, P = 0.30) in the three studies that only included patients with ATTR‐CM. The three studies that included patients with both ATTR‐CM and AL demonstrated an association of beta‐blocker use with reduced mortality (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29–0.63, I2 = 4%, P < 0.001). The only study that solely included 53 patients with AL‐CM, demonstrated improved survival among the 53% who were able to tolerate beta‐blocker therapy (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08–0.79, P = 0.02). The absence of information on staging of CA is an important limitation of this study.

Conclusions

Treatment with beta‐blockers may be associated with a survival benefit in patients with CA, but these findings are subject to selection and survivor biases. Definitive prospective randomized trials of conventional heart failure therapies are needed in CA.
Use of heart failure medical therapy before and after a cancer diagnosis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ju Chengsheng , Lau Wallis C.Y. , Manisty Charlotte , Chambers Pinkie , Brauer Ruth , Forster Martin D. , Mackenzie Isla S. , Wei Li
Published: July 2024

Aims

We aim to evaluate change in the use of prognostic guideline‐directed medical therapies (GDMTs) for heart failure (HF) before and after a cancer diagnosis as well as the matched non‐cancer controls, including renin‐angiotensin‐system inhibitors (RASIs), beta‐blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).

Methods and results

We conducted a longitudinal study in patients with HF in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 2005 and 2021. We selected patients with probable HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) based on diagnostic and prescription records. We described the longitudinal trends in the use and dosing of GDMTs before and after receiving an incident cancer diagnosis. HF patients with cancer were matched with a 1:1 ratio to HF patients without cancer to investigate the association between cancer diagnosis and treatment adherence, persistence, initiation, and dose titration as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multivariable logistic regression models. Of 8504 eligible HFrEF patients with incident cancer, 4890 were matched to controls without cancer. The mean age was 75.7 (±8.4) years and 73.9% were male. In the 12 months following a cancer diagnosis, patients experienced reductions in the use and dosing of GDMT. Compared with the non‐cancer controls, patients with cancer had higher risks for poor adherence for all three medication classes (RASIs: OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.35–1.68; beta‐blockers: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.37; MRAs: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.08–1.59) and poor persistence (RASIs: OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.75–2.37; beta‐blockers: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.12–1.63; MRAs: OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.16–1.93), and higher risks for dose down‐titration for RASIs (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.40–2.04) and beta‐blockers (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.05–1.62). Cancer diagnosis was not associated with treatment initiation or dose up‐titration. Event rates for HF hospitalization and mortality were higher in patients with poor adherence or persistence to GDMTs.

Conclusions

Following a cancer diagnosis, patients with HFrEF were more likely to have reduced use of GDMTs for HF.
The D‐HCM score, a new diagnostic tool for distinguishing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from hypertensive cardiopathy
Authors: Domain G. , Biscond M. , Dognin N. , Strube C. , Mondoly P. , Réant P. , Sarrazin J.F. , Galinier M. , Champagne J. , Rollin A. , Carrié D. , Cochet H. , Lairez O. , Philippon F. , Ferrières J. , Maury P. , Steinberg C.
Published: July 2024

Aim

The diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with moderate hypertrophy is challenging. Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is the most common differential diagnosis that mimics the LVH of HCM. The aim of this study was to compare the QRS duration in HCM and HHD to create a novel diagnostic tool to identify primary HCM.

Methods and results

We conducted an international retrospective multicentre study enrolling patients with true HCM and HHD. A total of 547 individuals with HCM and 139 with HHD were included. The median QRS duration was significantly shorter in HCM than in HHD (88 ms [80–94] vs. 98 ms [88–108]; P < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression identified for the novel diagnostic HCM (D‐HCM) score: absence of antihypertensive drugs (+2); family history of unexplained sudden death (+2); QRS duration [<95 ms] = +1; maximum wall thickness (mm) [≥17] = +1. A cumulative QRS‐HCM score ≥2 supports the diagnostic certainty of true HCM with a sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 99%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 55%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 99%.

Conclusion

The QRS duration in patient with HCM is significantly shorter compared with patients with HHD‐related LVH. QRS duration can be used as a diagnosis marker to distinguish between HCM and HHD. The D‐HCM score is a novel, simple, and accurate diagnosis tool for HCM patients with mild to moderate phenotypes.
Synthesis of 2,4,6‐Triaryl‐1,3,5‐triazines via the Cyclotrimerization of Benzonitriles with Catalytic Systems Composed of Titanium Chlorido Complexes and Magnesium
Authors: Ohta Shun , Saitoh Keiichiro , Oikawa Karin , Konari Sohta , Toda Tomoyuki , Kawakami Jun , Okazaki Masaaki
Published: July 2024

The catalytic activity of low‐valent transition metals for the cyclotrimerization of nitriles has rarely been investigated to date. Here, we report on the cyclotrimerization of benzonitrile (PhCN) and its derivatives using catalytic systems composed of magnesium and bis(indolyl)TiCl2 (bis(indolyl)=di(3‐methylindol‐2‐yl)phenylmethane), Cp2TiCl2 (Cp=η5‐C5H5), (CGC)TiCl2 (CGC=Me2Si(Me4C5)(tBuN)), TiCl4(thf)2 (thf=tetrahydrofuran), Cp*TiCl3 (Cp*=η5‐Me5C5), or CpTiCl3, which can be expected to generate coordinatively unsaturated Ti(II) complexes as the catalytically active species. All the investigated catalytic systems were active for the cyclotrimerization of PhCN. Notably, even the simple catalytic precursor (TiCl4(thf)2) mediated the cyclotrimerization of PhCN as well as p‐ and m‐tolunitriles. Moreover, these reactions can be carried out on the gram scale and the cyclotrimerized products can be isolated via recrystallization of the reaction mixture from hot toluene. The findings of this study suggest that low‐valent titanium species have the potential to serve as catalysts for the cyclotrimerization of PhCN and its derivatives. During this study, we also found that 2,4,6‐tri(p‐tolyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine, which is obtained from the cyclotrimerization of p‐tolunitrile, exhibits fluorescent properties in both the solid state and in solution.
Quantification of the association constant of caffeic acid‐cyclodextrin complex using a novel micro‐conductometric sensor for bitter taste masking of caffeic acid
Authors: Kallel Jihen , Aina Oluwatoyin , Marote Pedro , Bordes Claire , Chevalier Yves , Hbaieb Souhaira , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole
Published: July 2024

Caffeic acid (CA), a member of the hydroxycinnamic acid family, has garnered attention in the medical community for its wide‐ranging health benefits. However, its application in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products has been hampered by its distinctly bitter taste, which deters many consumers. This study investigates the taste‐masking of caffeic acid (CA) using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD). A CA micro‐conductometric sensor was developed. This advanced technology demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, capable of detecting CA at concentrations as low as 10−5 M, with a rapid response time between 10 and 50 seconds. The binding constant of the CA‐HP‐β‐CD complex was determined to be 240±24. 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis provided concrete evidence of the formation of a 1 : 1 inclusion complex between CA and HP‐β‐CD. These findings collectively suggest that HP‐β‐CD is highly effective in masking CA's bitterness, thereby significantly enhancing its palatability.
Functional Oil Price Expectations Shocks and Inflation
Authors: Anderl Christina , Caporale Guglielmo Maria
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the inflation effects of oil price expectations shocks constructed as functional shocks, that is, as shifts in the entire oil futures term structure (both standard and risk‐adjusted). The latter are then included in a vector autoregressive model with exogenous variables (VARX) to examine the US case. Counterfactual analysis is also carried out to investigate second‐round effects on inflation through the inflation expectations channel. These are found to be significant, in contrast to earlier studies based on standard oil price shocks. Additional nonlinear local projections including a shock decomposition exercise show that inflation and inflation expectations are primarily driven by changes in the curvature (level and slope) factor when the latter are anchored (unanchored). These findings provide useful information to policymakers concerning the impact of oil price expectations on inflation and inflation expectations.
Commodity Futures Market Conditions and Climate Policy Risk: Evidence From Energy and Metals Markets
Authors: Dogah Kingsley E. , Wu Yingying , Rognone Lavinia
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) on energy and metal commodity futures markets by employing quantile regression, which accounts for various (bearish, normal, and bullish) markets. Our results reveal that the impact of CPU shocks is heterogeneous and market condition‐specific. Particularly, CPU exerts a significantly negative effect on all commodities, except natural gas, in a bearish market. Under a normal market, the impact of CPU on energy returns varies across commodities whereas for a bullish market, the CPU effect is mixed. The results also reveal natural gas to be a good hedge instrument for climate policy risk. We further conducted channel analysis using the theory of storage and hedging pressure hypothesis. The key finding reveals inventory level as the transmission channel of climate policy risk. Our findings have implications for the inventory management strategies of producers and suggest that regulators should consider market‐based policies in their decarbonization efforts.
Osteoprotegerin (OPG): A potential biomarker for adverse cardiovascular events in stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Akhtar Syed Muhammad Muneeb , Ali Azzam , Fareed Areeba , Hasan Jina
Published: July 2024

Background

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secretory glycoprotein known for its involvement in bone metabolism and immune regulation. Research has extended OPG's significance in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Elevated OPG levels have been associated with increased cardiovascular risks, prompting interest in its role as a potential biomarker.

Main Body

This study summarizes several studies that investigated the relationship between OPG levels and the incidence of CVD. The studies indicate that higher plasma levels of OPG are associated with an increased incidence of all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, and heart failure, even after adjusting for clinical confounders. Moreover, the findings suggest that OPG has the potential to serve as a predictive biomarker for adverse cardiovascular events in the patient population studied. The findings suggest that OPG could aid in risk stratification, allowing clinicians to identify high‐risk patients who might benefit from intensified preventive measures or tailored therapeutic interventions. Therefore, early identification of individuals at risk for adverse cardiovascular events could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced disease burden.

Conclusions

OPG's role in bone health and immune regulation has expanded to potential use as a biomarker for adverse cardiovascular events in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Despite limitations, its association with cardiovascular risks highlights its importance in risk assessment and personalized interventions.
How can policy advocacy be effective? The impact of guiding environmental regulations on the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs—based on the empirical test of 141 villages in 7 provinces
Authors: Pan Zichun , Zhu Yuchun
Published: July 2024

Guiding environmental regulation plays a crucial role in the implementation of village‐level river chief policies, and it is important to explore how guiding environmental regulations affect the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs. This study focuses on village‐level river chiefs as the research subjects and aims to measure the intensity of environmental regulation guidance from their own perspective. By combining theoretical analysis and empirical research, we delve into the effects of guiding environmental regulations on the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs. Our findings demonstrate a significant positive impact of guiding environmental regulations on the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs. Mechanism analysis reveals that environmental cognition, technical cognition and institutional trust play mediating roles in the relationship between guiding environmental regulations and policy implementation capacity. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis at the village level indicates that the impact of guiding environmental regulations on policy implementation capacity is more pronounced in the western region, where villages have a shorter establishment time of the river chief system and have a greater number of non‐governmental river chiefs. At the individual level, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of guiding environmental regulations on policy implementation capacity is more significant among individuals in lower education groups and those serving as representatives in the people's congress. Based on our research findings, this paper proposes countermeasures and suggestions to enhance the effectiveness of guiding environmental regulations. These include formulating scientific and reasonable guiding environmental regulation requirements, providing village‐level river chiefs with enhanced governance resources, and emphasizing the mediating roles of environmental cognition, technical understanding and institutional trust. Additionally, we highlight the importance of enhancing the pertinence and universality of the specific content of guiding environmental regulations.