bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in 110 patients with nitrous oxide abuse
Authors: Yu Miao , Qiao Yue , Li Weishuai , Fang Xiuying , Gao Han , Zheng Dongming , Ma Ying
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To review the clinical symptoms, auxiliary examination findings, and outcomes of patients with nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse, and analyze the factors that affect outcomes.

Methods

Patients with N2O abuse treated in the Department of Neurology between January 2018 and December 2020 were included. The clinical data of these patients were collected, and follow‐up was conducted to determine the outcomes.

Results

The average age of the 110 patients with N2O abuse was 21.4 ± 4.2 years (range: 14–33 years). Clinical presentation primarily included neurological symptoms, such as limb numbness and/or weakness (97%), psychiatric symptoms, changes in appetite, and skin hyperpigmentation. Laboratory test results were characterized by vitamin B12deficiency (60%, 34 out of 57 cases) and high homocysteine level (69%, 31 out of 45 cases). Electromyography indicated mixed axonal and demyelination injury (92%, 80 out of 87 cases). Motor and sensory nerves were simultaneously involved, and injury primarily involved the lower limbs. One hundred and seven (97%) patients were clinically diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, of whom 26 (24%) exhibited spinal abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging, supporting a diagnosis of subacute combined degeneration. Treatment included N2O withdrawal and vitamin B12supplementation. Reexamination of six patients indicated that treatment was effective. Follow‐up was completed for 51 patients. Thirty‐four patients (67%) recovered completely, 17 patients (33%) had residual limb numbness, and only one patient experienced relapse. Sex was an independent prognostic factor; the outcomes of female patients were better than that of male patients.

Conclusion

The recreational use of N2O has largely expanded among youth in recent decades, which has become a growing public health concern in China. It highlights the importance of the recognition of various clinical symptoms, particularly limb numbness and/or weakness related to the cases of N2O abuse. The therapeutic administration of vitamin B12supplementation and N2O withdrawal can make the overall prognosis good, especially for female patients.
An all Prussian blue analog‐based aprotic sodium‐ion battery
Authors: Xu Li , Li Hui , Du Ting , Xue Qing , Gao Yuting , Yu Zhuangzhuang , Bai Huitao
Published: March 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries have been regarded as ideal alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries in large‐scale electrochemical energy storage systems because of their low cost and abundant resources. However, the lack of high‐performance electrode materials with high energy density hinders the development of sodium‐ion batteries. Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are especially regarded as superior cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries due to their high capacity and good electrochemical stability. The species and chemical environment of transition metal ions in PBAs greatly affect the electrochemical properties. In this study, we report a sodium cobalt hexacyanoferrate (NaxCo[Fe(CN)6]) and potassium iron hexacyanocobaltate (KxFe[Co(CN)6]) nanoparticles through the coprecipitation method via changing the coordination structures of Co and Fe. With similar morphologies of well‐defined nanocubes and different M1–CN–Mʹ2, the initial discharge capacities of NaxCo[Fe(CN)6] cathode and KxFe[Co(CN)6] anode reach 104.1 and 354.8 mAh g−1, respectively. The sodium‐ion full cell assembled using NaxCo[Fe(CN)6] cathode and KxFe[Co(CN)6] anode achieves a discharge capacity of 141.6 mAh g−1. The outstanding performances of the NaxCo[Fe(CN)6] and KxFe[Co(CN)6] are attributed to their stable structures, and the facile synthesis of NaxCo[Fe(CN)6] and KxFe[Co(CN)6] makes them accessible for large‐scale applications.
Retrospective analysis of adjuvant treatment for localized, operable uterine leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Chantharasamee Jomjit , Wong Karlton , Potivongsajarn Pasathorn , Qorbani Amir , Motamed Neda , Brackert Sandra , Cohen Joshua , Chmielowski Bartosz , Kalbasi Anusha , Rao Jianyu , Nelson Scott , Singh Arun
Published: March 2022

Objective

Currently, there is no standard adjuvant treatment protocol for localized uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) as clinical trials to address this question have been retrospective, underpowered, or undermined by slow accrual rates. The aim of this study is to determine the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for uLMS.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of localized uLMS patients who had underwent adjuvant therapy after upfront surgery between 2000 and 2020. The cases were blinded for review. We evaluated the influence of various clinical characteristics and different types of adjuvant therapies on specific outcomes.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients (median age: 50 years) were included for analysis. Forty of 68 (58.8%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy +/− radiation therapy and 25 patients (38.6%) did not receive any adjuvant therapy. At a median follow‐up time of 43.3 months, 45 patients (66.1%) had relapsed disease. The median disease‐free survival (mDFS) for all patients was 23.1 months. Patients who received any adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiation) trended toward a longer mDFS compared with those who did not receive any adjuvant therapy (29.7 vs. 14.1 months, p = 0.26). Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy alone had a longer, but nonstatistically significant mDFS compared with those who did not receive any adjuvant treatment (22.2 vs. 14.1 months, p = 0.18). Additionally, univariate analysis found that tumor size large than 10 cm, and a mitotic rate >10/10hpf were independent prognostic factors for worse DFS.

Conclusions

Though DFS was more favorable among those who received adjuvant therapy, it was not statistically significant, and thus based on this data adjuvant therapy for resected uLMS is still in question.
Effect of systemic therapies or best supportive care after disease progression to both nivolumab and cabozantinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: The Meet‐Uro 19BEYOND study
Authors: Roviello Giandomenico , Gambale Elisabetta , Giorgione Roberta , Santini Daniele , Stellato Marco , Fornarini Giuseppe , Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Basso Umberto , Bimbatti Davide , Doni Laura , Nesi Gabriella , Bersanelli Melissa , Buti Sebastiano , De Giorgi Ugo , Galli Luca , Sbrana Andrea , Conca Raffaele , Carella Claudia , Naglieri Emanuele , Pignata Sandro , Procopio Giuseppe , Antonuzzo Lorenzo
Published: March 2022

Background

Nivolumab and cabozantinib are currently approved agents in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) but there are no data available for patients progressing to both treatments. The aim of this study was to compare active therapeutic options and best supportive care (BSC) after progression to nivolumab and cabozantinib in mRCC.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we selected 50 patients from eight Italian centers. The primary endpoint of the study was the overall survival (OS) of patients on active treatment versus BSC. Secondary endpoints were the progression‐free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). The efficacy of active therapy was also investigated.

Results

After progression to both nivolumab and cabozantinib, 57.1% of patients were given active treatment (mainly everolimus and sorafenib) while 42.9% received BSC. The median OS was 13 months (95% CI: 4‐NR) in actively treated patients and 3 months (95% CI: 2–4) in BSC patients (p = 0.001). Patients treated with sorafenib had better disease control than those treated with everolimus (stable disease: 71.4% vs. 16.7%, progression disease: 14.3% vs. 58.3%; p = 0.03), with no significant differences in PFS (5 and 3 months, 95% CI: 1–6 vs. 2–5; p = 0.6) and OS (12 and 4 months, 95% CI: 3‐NR vs. 2‐NR; p = 0.2).

Conclusion

After treatment with both nivolumab and cabozantinib, the choice of a safe active systemic therapy offered better outcomes than BSC.
Synthesis of Evodileptin B, a Natural Anthranilate Derivative Isolated from Evodia lepta, and Evaluation of Its Therapeutic Potential against Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kim Soobin , Yang Wooin , Cha Dong Seok , Han Young Taek
Published: March 2022

Evodileptin B (1) is a natural anthranilate derivative isolated from the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Evodia lepta (Spreng.) Merr., a traditional medicinal plant of the family Rutaceae. We readily synthesized 1 via the amidation of phloretic with methyl anthranilate and evaluate its neuroprotective activity using a C. elegans Parkinson's disease (PD) model. The results showed that evodilpetin B ameliorated MPP+‐induced dopaminergic (DA) neurodegeneration in a dose‐dependent manner. Evodileptin B treatment also significantly improved the DA neurotransmission‐related behavioral defects such as reduced locomotory and food‐sensing ability of worms under MPP+ exposure conditions, suggesting its potential application for the functional restoration of DA neurons. In addition, we found that 1 has an ability to regulate aggregation of α‐synuclein by increasing proteasome activity in the human α‐synuclein‐expressing mutant worms. These results demonstrate that evodileptin B has strong neuroprotective properties and may be useful in the treatment of PD.
Hypopurolides A – G, Labdane Diterpenoids from Hypoestes purpurea and Their Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Ding Lin‐Fen , Cheng Bin , Lei Tie , Liu Zhen‐Xiang , Zhao Xue‐Yu , Song Liu‐Dong , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: March 2022

Seven new labdane diterpenoids, hypopurolides A–G (1–7) were discovered from the aerial part of Hypoestes purpurea, along with one known analog, hypopurin D (8). The structures of 1–7 were characterized based on 1H‐, 13C‐, and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS spectra. The absolute configurations of 1–7 were defined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Compounds 1–8 were tested for their nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory and cytotoxic effects. Compound 6 displayed moderate inhibitory effect toward LPS‐induced NO release in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 value of 41.50 μM.
Outcomes and feasibility of redo‐TAVR after Sapien 3 Ultra TAVR in extremely‐undersized versus nominally‐sized annuli
Authors: Tang Gilbert H. L. , Hooda Amit , Zaid Syed , Chuang Ming‐Yu , Khera Sahil , Krishnamoorthy Parasuram , Lerakis Stamatios , Anastasius Malcolm , Ahmad Hasan A. , Goldberg Joshua B. , Akodad Mariama , Wood David A. , Leipsic Jonathon A. , Blanke Philipp , Dangas George D. , Sharma Samin K. , Kini Annapoorna S. , Webb John G. , Sathananthan Janarthanan
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To compare outcomes in Sapien 3 Ultra (S3U) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with extreme annular undersizing (EAU) versus nominal annular sizing (NAS).

Background

The Edwards S3U valve has reduced paravalvular leak (PVL) in TAVR but outcomes remain unknown in extremely undersized anatomy. Implanting a smaller S3U valve may facilitate future redo‐TAVR but risk compromising hemodynamics.

Methods

From December 2019 to July 2021, 366 patients with native aortic stenosis underwent S3U TAVR. Patients with EAU (annular areas >430 mm2 for 23 mm or >546 mm2 for 26 mm) were compared to NAS (338–430 mm2 for 23 mm or 430–546 mm2 for 26 mm). In‐hospital and 30‐day outcomes, and redo‐TAVR feasibility were determined.

Results

There were 79 (21.6%) EAU patients, with more bicuspid (p = 0.0014) and ≥moderate annular/left ventricular outflow tract calcification (p < 0.001). The EAU group had less annular oversizing than NAS group (23 mm: −8.2 ± 2.6% vs. 4.0 ± 7.0%, p < 0.001; 26 mm: −8.9 ± 2.2% vs. 6.7 ± 6.9%, p < 0.001), more balloon overfilling (71.3% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001), and postdilatation (15.0% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.016). No differences were found in in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality and stroke (p > 0.05). Mild PVL (13.4% EAU vs. 11.5% NAS, p = 0.56) and mean gradients (23 mm: 13.0 ± 4.5 vs. 14.1 ± 5.4 mmHg, p = 0.40; 26 mm: 11.4 ± 4.1 vs. 11.5 ± 3.9 mmHg, p = 1.0) were similar at 30 days. Had the EAU group undergone NAS with the larger Sapien 3/S3U, by computed tomography analysis simulating 80:20 or 90:10 target implant depth, 33.3%–60.9% (vs. 4.3%–23.2%) would not be feasible for redo‐TAVR due to high risk of coronary obstruction.

Conclusions

In this first report of EAU with S3U TAVR, similar excellent short‐term outcomes can be achieved compared to NAS, and may preserve future redo‐TAVR option.
Coronary orbital atherectomy treatment of Hispanic and Latino patients: A real‐world comparative analysis
Authors: Beohar Nirat , Stone Gregg W. , Martinsen Brad J. , Parise Helen , Vinardell Juan M. , Heimowitz Todd , Koelbl Christian , Leon Martin B. , Kirtane Ajay J.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To assess coronary orbital atherectomy (OA) use in Hispanic or Latino (HL) patients compared to non‐HL patients.

Background

HL patients are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared with Whites with similar coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores. The safety and efficacy of coronary atherectomy in the HL patient population is unknown due to the under‐representation of minorities in clinical trial research.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing coronary OA treatment of severely calcified lesions at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida (MSMCMB) was completed. From January 2014 to September 2020, a total of 609 patients from MSMCMB who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with OA were identified in the electronic health records.

Results

Of those identified, 350 (57.5%) had an ethnicity classification of HL. The overall mean age was 74 years and there was a high prevalence of diabetes in the HL group compared to the non‐HL group (49.7% vs. 34.7%; p = 0.0003). Severe angiographic complications were uncommon and in‐hospital freedom from major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, MI, and stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents), was 98.5% overall, with no significant difference between the HL and non‐HL groups, despite the higher prevalence of diabetes in the HL group.

Conclusions

This study represents the largest real‐world experience of OA use in HL versus non‐HL patients. The main finding in this retrospective analysis is that OA can be performed safely and effectively in a high‐risk population of HL patients.
Early and late outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement with sutureless and rapid‐deployment valves versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Meta‐analysis with reconstructed time‐to‐event data of matched studies
Authors: Sá Michel Pompeu , Jabagi Habib , Dokollari Aleksander , Awad Ahmed K. , Van den Eynde Jef , Malin John H. , Sicouri Serge , Torregrossa Gianluca , Ruhparwar Arjang , Weymann Alexander , Ramlawi Basel
Published: March 2022

Sutureless/rapid‐deployment (SURD) valves are options different from the stented prostheses included in the pivotal trials comparing surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We performed a meta‐analysis with reconstructed time‐to‐event data of matched studies published by November 2021 to compare SURD‐AVR and TAVI. Primary endpoints were 30‐day mortality and overall survival in the follow‐up. Secondary endpoints included: 30‐day stroke, acute kidney injury (AKI), major bleeding, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI), paravalvular leak (PVL), prosthesis‐patient mismatch (PPM), postoperative aortic valve area (AVA), and mean gradients. Ten studies met our eligibility criteria, including a total of 5134 patients (2567 underwent SURD‐AVR and 2567 underwent TAVI). Pooled risk of 30‐day mortality did not favor any group (odds ratio [OR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31–1.53; p = 0.360). Patients undergoing SURD‐AVR had lower risk of PVL (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.05–0.17; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed for 30‐day stroke, AKI, major bleeding, PPI, PPM, and postoperative AVA. In the follow‐up, we observed a higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.26–2.40; p < 0.001) with TAVI. Patients who underwent SURD‐AVR experienced better survival, however, the interpretation of these results warrant caution due to the fact that SURD‐AVR patients tended to be younger than TAVI patients. Structural heart surgeons and interventional cardiologists should consider initial risk and life expectancy when referring patients for one approach over the other.
Effect of high‐pressure CO2 injection on the physicochemical properties and lipoxygenase activity of extruded rice bran
Authors: Gao Yuxuan , Zhang Yu , Jin Tie
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

Rice bran is rich in nutrients but not very stable and available, so extrusion of it broadens its utilization value. The objective was to investigate the effects of extrusion parameter variables on the physicochemical properties and lipoxygenase activity of extruded rice bran. The extrusion parameter variables were set as extrusion temperature (80, 90, 110, 140°C); CO2 injection, and no CO2 injection; screw speed (200, 300 rpm).

Findings

CO2 injection significantly affected the expansion characteristics and lipoxygenase activity of extruded rice bran. It better inhibits lipoxygenase activity and at a fixed screw speed of 200 rpm, the bulk density of extruded rice bran with CO2 injection was higher than that of conventional extrusion. After extrusion, the soluble dietary fiber content was significantly increased in the extruded samples compared with the raw material. In contrast, the content of dietary fiber was not significantly affected by CO2 injection.

Conclusions

Compared with the conventional extrusion method, the CO2‐injected extrusion has significant effects on the expansion characteristics and nutritional composition. Extrusion with CO2 injection can reduce lipoxygenase activity more effectively.

Significance and Novelty

The results prove that CO2 extrusion can inhibit the lipoxygenase activity, and change the physicochemical properties of rice bran compared with conventional extrusion. It provides a basis for the application of CO2 as a medium in extruded rice bran food and a new process for processing rice bran by‐products.
Effect of pulsed light treatment on the physicochemical properties of wheat flour and quality of fresh wet noodles
Authors: Li Xuejie , Zhang Jian , Liu Xingli , Zhang Jie , Qu Niannian , Wen Yaqing
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

Pulsed light (PL) was first applied to the production of low bacterial wheat flour—treating wheat kernels with PL. The effect of PL on the physicochemical properties of wheat flour and the quality of fresh wet noodles (FWN) were investigated.

Findings

After treatment, the total plate count (TPC), yeast and mold count (YMC) in wheat flour decreased significantly. Wet gluten content and the stability time reached their maximums when the pulsed flash frequency was 10 c. Starch viscosity increased slightly, mainly due to an increase in damaged starch content. Secondary structures altered remarkably, which were consistent with changes in gluten protein microstructures. Moreover, the textural properties of FWN were improved greatly. Browning of FWN was significantly inhibited because of low polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in wheat flour.

Conclusion

PL was effective in decreasing the initial microorganisms in wheat flour as well as improving the quality of dough and FWN, and the optimum treatment was pulsed energy of 500 J, pulsed flash distance of 9 cm, and pulsed frequency of 10 c.

Significance and Novelty

These results showed that PL treatment could decrease TPC and YMC in wheat flour significantly, improve farinograph and pasting properties, change gluten protein microstructures and secondary structures, as well as improve textural properties of FWN and inhibit its darkening greatly, which provided a new method for low bacterial wheat flour production and promoted PL's industrialization.
Well‐defined Nickel P3C Complexes as Hydrogenation Catalysts of N‐Heteroarenes Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Michaliszyn Klaudia , Smirnova Ekaterina S. , Bucci Alberto , Martin‐Diaconescu Vlad , Lloret Fillol Julio
Published: March 2022

The reactivity of metal complexes can be primarily controlled by their coordinating ligands. Electronic effects and geometric restrictions imposed by ligands, prototypically modify their reactivity, but are not always straightforward accessible. In the course of the study, we explored new C3‐symmetric organometallic nickel (II) complexes ((P3C)Ni)) with the particularity of having a metalated apical carbon trans to a labile coordination site readily available as a catalytic site. The synthetic methodology allowed to tune the electronic properties by introducing substituents on the phosphines. We studied the nature of the C−Ni bond by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and DFT and applied them to the catalytic hydrogenation of quinolines with a good chemical scope and group tolerance. 1H‐NMR monitoring, isotopic labelling, and computational studies are consistent with a heterolytic activation of the dihydrogen molecule after forming a σ‐H2 adduct trans to the metalated carbon.
Reuse Potential of Refinery Wastewater Treated Using a Two‐Stage Submerged Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Paul Tanushree , Janakiraman Iyyappan , Manikandan N. Arul , Pakshirajan Kannan , Pugazhenthi Gopal , Girisa Sosmitha , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B.
Published: March 2022

Refinery wastewater treatment was performed using a novel submerged tubular ceramic membrane bioreactor (STMBR) with the oleaginous hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium Rhodococcus opacus. A membrane‐based flux study with the STMBR was carried out to assess the performance of the tubular ceramic membrane. Continuous experiments with the STMBR achieved a maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 84 %, with an average flux of 0.4 × 10−3 m3m−2s−1. To further enhance the COD removal efficiency, two STMBR were operated under the optimum conditions. Complete COD removal along with 2.98 g L−1 biomass growth was achieved during two‐stage STMBR operation. Furthermore, a toxicity assessment of the permeate water established its reuse potential.
Deciphering the lithium storage chemistry in flexible carbon fiber‐based self‐supportive electrodes
Authors: Yang Hao , Xiong Tuzhi , Zhu Zhixiao , Xiao Ran , Yao Xincheng , Huang Yongchao , Balogun M.‐Sadeeq
Published: March 2022

Flexible carbon fiber cloth (CFC) is an important scaffold and/or current collector for active materials in the development of flexible self‐supportive electrode materials (SSEMs), especially in lithium‐ion batteries. However, during the intercalation of Li ions into the matrix of CFC (below 0.5 V vs. Li/Li+), the incompatibility in the capacity of the CFC, when used directly as an anode material or as a current collector for active materials, leads to difficulty in the estimation of its actual contribution. To address this issue, we prepared Ni5P4 nanosheets on CFC (denoted CFC@Ni5P4) and investigated the contribution of CFC in the CFC@Ni5P4 by comparing to the powder Ni5P4 nanosheets traditionally coated on a copper foil (CuF) (denoted P‐Ni5P4). At a current density of 0.4 mA cm−2, the as‐prepared CFC@Ni5P4 showed an areal capacity of 7.38 mAh cm−2, which is significantly higher than that of the P‐Ni5P4 electrode. More importantly, theoretical studies revealed that the CFC has a high Li adsorption energy that contributes to the low Li‐ion diffusion energy barrier of the Ni5P4 due to the strong interaction between the CFC and Ni5P4, leading to the superior Li‐ion storage performance of the CFC@Ni5P4 over the pristine Ni5P4 sample. This present work unveils the underlying mechanism leading to the achievement of high performance in SSEMs.
Acenaphthenoannulation Induced by the Dual Lewis Acidity of Alumina
Authors: Akhmetov Vladimir , Feofanov Mikhail , Ruppenstein Cordula , Lange Josefine , Sharapa Dmitry , Krstić Marjan , Hampel Frank , Kataev Evgeny A. , Amsharov Konstantin
Published: March 2022

We have discovered a dual (i. e., soft and hard) Lewis acidity of alumina that enables rapid one‐pot π‐extension through the activation of terminal alkynes followed by C−F activation. The tandem reaction introduces an acenaphthene fragment – an essential moiety of geodesic polyarenes. This reaction provides quick access to elusive non‐alternant polyarenes such as π‐extended buckybowls and helicenes through three‐point annulation of the 1‐(2‐ethynyl‐6‐fluorophenyl)naphthalene moiety. The versatility of the developed method was demonstrated by the synthesis of unprecedented structural fragments of elusive geodesic graphene nanoribbons.
Post‐PCI quantitative flow ratio predicts 3‐year outcome after rotational atherectomy in patients with heavily calcified lesions
Authors: You Wei , Zhou Yuhe , Wu Zhiming , Meng Peina , Pan Defeng , Yin Delu , Yang Song , Wu Xiangqi , Ye Fei
Published: March 2022

Background

The study sought to investigate the clinical predictive value of quantitative flow ratio (QFR) for the long‐term outcome in patients with heavily calcified lesions who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following rotational atherectomy (RA).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 393 consecutive patients from 2009 to 2017 were enrolled. The QFR of the entire target vessel (QFRv) and the QFR of the stent plus 5 mm proximally and distally (in‐segment) (QFRi) were measured. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), including target lesion‐cardiac death (TL‐CD), target lesion‐myocardial infarction (TL‐MI), and clinically driven‐target lesion revascularization (CD‐TLR).

Results

A total of 224 patients with 224 calcified lesions completed the clinical follow‐up, and 52 patients had TLF. There was no significant difference in QFRv post‐PCI between non‐TLF and TLF groups (p > .05). However, QFRi post PCI was significantly higher in the non‐TLF group than in the TLF group. Multivariate Cox regression showed that QFRi post‐PCI was an excellent predictor of TLF after a 3‐year follow‐up (HR 1.7E−8 [5.3E−11–5.6E‐6]; p < .01). Furthermore, receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the optimal cutoff value of QFRi for predicting the long‐term TLF was 0.94 (area under the curve: 0.826, 95% confidence interval: 0.756–0.895; sensitivity: 89.5%, specificity: 69.2%; p < .01). The QFRi ≤ 0.94 post‐PCI was negatively associated with TLF, including TL‐CD, TL‐MI, and CD‐TLR (p < .01).

Conclusions

QFRi post‐PCI showed a high predictive value for TLF for during a 3‐year follow‐up in patients who underwent PCI following RA; specifically, lower QFRi values post‐PCI were associated with worse TLF.
A Green Synthesis of Carbene‐Metal‐Amides (CMAs) and Carboline‐Derived CMAs with Potentin vitroandex vivoAnticancer Activity
Authors: Tzouras Nikolaos V. , Scattolin Thomas , Gobbo Alberto , Bhandary Subhrajyoti , Rizzolio Flavio , Cavarzerani Enrico , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Van Hecke Kristof , Vougioukalakis Georgios C. , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: March 2022

The modularity and ease of synthesis of carbene‐metal‐amide (CMA) complexes based on the coinage metals (Au, Ag, Cu) and N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as ancillary ligands pave the way for the expansion of their applications beyond photochemistry and catalysis. Herein, we further improve the synthesis of such compounds by circumventing the use of toxic organic solvents which were previously required for their purification, and we expand their scope to include complexes incorporating carbolines as the amido fragments. The novel complexes are screened bothin vitroandex vivo, against several cancer cell lines and high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) tumoroids, respectively. Excellent cytotoxicity values are obtained for most complexes, while the structural variety of the CMA library screened thus far, provides promising leads for future developments. Variations of all three components (NHC, metal, amido ligand), enable the establishment of trends regarding cytotoxicity and selectivity towards cancerous over normal cells.
Uniqueness of Two‐Bubble Wave Maps in High Equivariance Classes
Authors: Jendrej Jacek , Lawrie Andrew
Published: March 2022

This is the second part of a two‐paper series that establishes the uniqueness and regularity of a threshold energy wave map that does not scatter in both time directions.

Consider the ‐valued equivariant energy critical wave maps equation on , with equivariance class . It is known that every topologically trivial wave map with energy less than twice that of the unique k‐equivariant harmonic map scatters in both time directions. We study maps with precisely the threshold energy .

In the first part of the series [15] we gave a refined construction of a threshold wave map that asymptotically decouples into a superposition of two harmonic maps (bubbles), one of which is concentrating in scale. In this paper, we show that this solution is the unique (up to the natural invariances of the equation) two‐bubble wave map. Combined with our earlier work [14] we obtain an exact description of every threshold wave map. © 2022 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Comparison of porcelain veneer fracture in implant‐supported fixed full‐arch prostheses with a framework of either titanium, cobalt–chromium, or zirconia: An in vitro study
Authors: Vahnström Märta , Johansson Petra H. , Svanborg Per , Stenport Victoria F.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare porcelain veneer strength on screw‐retained implant‐supported fixed full‐arch prostheses with a framework of either milled titanium (Ti), cobalt–chromium (CoCr), and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Y‐TZP) in an in vitro loading model.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen screw‐retained maxillary implant‐supported full‐arch prostheses (FDP), five each of Ti, CoCr, and Y‐TZP frameworks with porcelain veneers were included. All FDPs were subjected to thermocycling before loading until fracture of the veneer. The load was applied at the distal fossa of the occlusal area of the pontic replacing 24. Fracture loads were analyzed, and the fracture quality was assessed. Statistical analysis on the fracture load was performed using Kruskal–Wallis test. The statistical significance was set at p < .05.

Results

There was no statistical significance found between the groups regarding fracture load. The highest and lowest load was seen within the CoCr FDP, varying between 340 and 1484 N. Different types of fracture appearances were seen. The Y‐TZP FDPs had a higher number of fractures locally in the loaded area while CoCr and Ti more often showed cracks in the anterior region, at a distance from the loaded area.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the conclusion was that framework material may affect the fracture behavior of maxillary full‐arch bridges; however, there were no differences in veneer fracture strength when frameworks of Ti, CoCr, or Y‐TZP were compared.
Specificity of California mouse pup vocalizations in response to olfactory stimuli
Authors: Wilson Kerianne M. , Wagner Victoria A. , Saltzman Wendy
Published: March 2022

To investigate flexibility in vocal signaling by rodent pups, we examined whether olfactory stimuli influence characteristics of pup calls and how these calls may be affected by sex and litter size in California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Pups were isolated and recorded during a 3‐min baseline period followed by a 5‐min exposure to bedding containing scent from their home cage, scent from the home cage of an unfamiliar family, coyote urine, or no scent (control). Latency to call, call rate, and call characteristics (duration, frequency, and amplitude) were compared between the baseline and scent‐exposure periods and among olfactory conditions. Compared with the control condition, pups from two‐pup litters called more quietly when exposed to odor from a predator, whereas pups from three‐pup litters called more loudly. Additionally, pups showed nonsignificant tendencies to reduce call rates in response to odors from their home cage and to increase call rates when exposed to predator urine. Last, males produced higher‐frequency calls and more ultrasonic vocalizations than females. These results indicate that pup calling behavior in this species can be influenced by acute olfactory stimuli as well as litter size and sex. The flexibility of pup calling in response to these three variables potentially increases the communication value of pup calls and helps shape the parents’ responses.
Disturbance alters relationships between soil carbon pools and aboveground vegetation attributes in an anthropogenic peatland in Patagonia
Authors: Lopatin Javier , Araya‐López Rocío , Galleguillos Mauricio , Perez‐Quezada Jorge F.
Published: March 2022

Anthropogenic‐based disturbances may alter peatland soil–plant causal associations and their ability to sequester carbon. Likewise, it is unclear how the vegetation attributes are linked with different soil C decomposition‐based pools (i.e., live moss, debris, and poorly‐ to highly‐decomposed peat) under grassing and harvesting conditions. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationships between aboveground vegetation attributes and belowground C pools in a Northern Patagonian peatland of Sphagnum magellanicum with disturbed and undisturbed areas. We used ordination to depict the main C pool and floristic gradients and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the direct and indirect relationships among these variables. In addition, we evaluated whether attributes derived from plant functional types (PFTs) are better suited to predict soil C pools than attributes derived from species gradients. We found that the floristic composition of the peatland can be classified into three categories that follow the C pool gradient. These categories correspond to (1) woody species, such as Baccharis patagonica, (2) water‐logged species like Juncus procerus, and (3) grasslands. We depicted that these classes are reliable indicators of soil C decomposition stages. However, the relationships change between management. We found a clear statistical trend showing a decrease of live moss, debris, and poorly‐decomposed C pools in the disturbed area. We also depicted that plant diversity, plant height, and PFT composition were reliable indicators of C decomposition only under undisturbed conditions, while the species‐based attributes consistently yielded better overall results predicting soil C pools than PFT‐based attributes. Our results imply that managed peatlands of Northern Patagonia with active grassing and harvesting activities, even if small‐scaled, will significantly alter their future C sequestration capacities by decreasing their live and poorly‐decomposed components. Finally, aboveground vegetation attributes cannot be used as proxies of soil C decomposition in disturbed peatlands as they no longer relate to decomposition stages.
Effect of internal exhaust gas recirculation on performance, combustion, and emissions in a PFI camless engine
Authors: Tripathy Srinibas , Srivastava Dhananjay Kumar
Published: March 2022

The internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) into the intake manifold has a significant impact on fuel economy and emissions in the spark ignition (SI) engine. In this study, an in‐house developed novel electro‐pneumatic variable valve actuation (VVA) system was integrated on a PFI conventional engine and modified into PFI camless engine to vary the valve events independently. The potential of the developed VVA system in achieving the internal EGR by varying the intake valve opening (IVO) timings was widely investigated. The IVO timing was varied from 30° CA (crank angle) bITDC (before intake top dead center) to 40° CA aITDC (after intake top dead center). The spark timing was varied from 10° to 30° CA bCTDC (before compression top dead center). A 41% pumping mean effective pressure reduction was achieved with varying the IVO from 40° to −30° CA aITDC. It is due to the internal exhaust gas recirculation into the intake manifold that reduces the differential pressure between the manifold and combustion chamber. The entrapment of exhaust gas in the intake manifold dilutes the fresh charge, which deteriorates the combustion. However, advancing the spark timing from 10° to 30° CA bCTDC at IVO −30° CA aITDC, an 18% gas excahnge efficiency improvement was obtained. The fresh charge dilution forms an inhomogeneous mixture inside the cylinder that results in lower NOx emission. It is concluded that the developed VVA system has the potential to improve part loads efficiency by utilizing the internal EGR in a PFI camless engine.
Contribution of edible flowers to the Mediterranean diet: Phytonutrients, bioactivity evaluation and applications
Authors: Amrouche Thanina Amel , Yang Xuan , Capanoglu Esra , Huang Weisu , Chen Qi , Wu Lipeng , Zhu Yuhang , Liu Yuqi , Wang Yixuan , Lu Baiyi
Published: March 2022

The Mediterranean diet is acknowledged to be the healthiest dietary pattern around the world, mainly based on plant foods from the rich Mediterranean flora. It is also known to increase longevity and have positive effects on chronic diseases. This review aimed to investigate the knowledge about the use and consumption of edible flowers as part of the Mediterranean cuisine, based on ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies especially from the last 10 years, and highlight their uses as a nutritious and functional food. In this review, a total of 32 edible flower species used in the Mediterranean diet were listed with their phytochemical composition, edible applications, bioactive properties, and dose, highlighting their nutritional contribution to the Mediterranean diet as well as their health effects. Edible flowers are consumed and widely contribute to the health‐promoting properties of the Mediterranean diet through being good sources of macro and micronutrients that enhance the nutritive value of Mediterranean dishes and foods, as well as providing more phytonutrients. Based on this, Mediterranean dishes have the remarkable characteristics of being conducive to mitochondrial health and anti‐metabolic diseases. The functional components in edible flowers are clarified here, which might be considered as a new factor for rational diet, natural product development, and medical improvement.
Influence of substrate formulation on some morphometric characters and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus EM‐1 (Ex. Fr) Kummer grown on rice wastes and “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) sawdust in Ghana
Authors: Wiafe‐Kwagyan Michael , Odamtten George Tawia , Kortei Nii Korley
Published: March 2022

A study was conducted to correlate the stipe length, cap diameter, and growth yield (fresh weight) of the fruiting body of Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM‐1 using different rice lignocellulosic wastes and “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) compost: raw unamended rice straw; rice straw amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% CaCO3; rice straw amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% CaCO3 supplemented with 5, 10, and 15% rice bran prior to bagging; rice straw and rice husk mixture (1:1 w/w) amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% CaCO3 supplemented with 5%–15% rice bran prior to bagging; and wawa sawdust amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% rice bran. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design in a well‐ventilated semi‐dark room at 26–28°C and 60%–65% ERH. The fresh weight, length of the stipe, and cap diameter increased differentially in each treatment with an increasing period of composting in the substrates. There was a good coefficient of determination (R2) among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency (%). The R2 among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency for the different formulated substrates ranged between R2 = 0.6346–0.9454 and R2 = 0.570–0.9624, respectively. The highest R2 was obtained on raw unamended rice straw substrates (stipe length and cap diameter were R2 = 0.9454 and R2 = 0.9444, respectively), whereas the lowest correlation coefficient among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency (%) (R2 = 0.6346; R2 = 0.0570), respectively, was recorded on the rice straw and rice husk mixture substrates. The results show a positive correlation in morphometric growth parameters studied on the different formulated substrates.
Optimization of germination and ultrasonic‐assisted extraction for the enhancement of γ‐aminobutyric acid in pumpkin seed
Authors: Liang Li , Chen Lin , Liu Guimei , Zhang Fuming , Linhardt Robert J. , Sun Baoguo , Li Quanhong , Zhang Yuyu
Published: March 2022

Germination and ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE) are economical and effective methods to enhance bioactive compounds in plant seeds. We optimized the germination parameters and UAE parameters by using response surface methodology to maximize the recovery of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in pumpkin seeds. The optimal germination conditions were as follows: soaking the seeds at 28°C for 6 h with 0.2% CaCl2, 3.8 mg/ml monosodium glutamate, and 4.0 mg/ml vitamin B6, then germination at 30°C for 61.6 h. The optimal conditions for UAE were as follows: 1:75 (w/v) material‐to‐solvent ratio, 220 W ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic treatment at 50°C for 14.4 min, which afforded an extraction yield of 2679 ± 10 mg/100 g. Moreover, the GABA‐enhanced extract showed the potential of hypolipidemic effect in type 2 diabetes rats. These results confirmed that a combination of germination and UAE increased the GABA yield from pumpkin seeds and provided a basis for GABA‐enhanced production to improve lifestyle‐associated diseases.
An improved whole‐cell biotransformation system for (S)‐equol production
Authors: Li Bing‐Juan , Xiao Meng‐Ying , Dong Xin‐Yu , Huang Zhao‐Xiang
Published: March 2022

(S)‐equol, the most active metabolite of the soybean isoflavones in vivo, has exhibited various biological activities and clinical benefits. Existing studies on the heterologous biosynthesis of (S)‐equol via the engineered E. coli constructed have been significantly progressed. In the present study, the engineered E. coli was further improved to be more suitable for (S)‐equol production. The four enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of (S)‐equol and another GDH for NADPH regeneration were combined to construct the recombinant E. coli BL21(DE3). The optimal conditions for (S)‐equol production were explored, respectively. The yield of equol reached 98.05% with 1 mM substrate daidzein and 4% (wt/vol) glucose. Even when the substrate concentration increased to 1.5 mM, (S)‐equol could maintain a high yield of 90.25%. Based on the 100 ml one‐pot reaction system, (S)‐equol was produced with 223.6 mg/L in 1.5 h. The study presented a more suitable engineered E. coli for the production of (S)‐equol.
Sourcing of chalkstone used in medieval buildings in the Eastern Duchy of Normandy (10th−14th centuries) through geological and geochemistry analyses
Authors: Ballesteros Daniel , Painchault Aude , Puente‐Berdasco Beatriz , Nehme Carol , Todisco Dominique , García‐Alonso José Ignacio , Varano M. , Mouralis D.
Published: March 2022

The provenance of medieval building stones links historic constructions with their quarrying areas, thereby revealing medieval trade routes and the spatial organization of past societies. In northern France, the Duchy of Normandy played a significant role in the medieval history of Europe, situated at the centre of the disputes between the English and French kingdoms. However, the historical documentation from this period is scarce, particularly in terms of the quarrying industry. Our study aims to define the quarrying areas and their diffusion zones and map the territorial organization of Eastern Normandy during the 10th–14th centuries. A multidisciplinary procedure using archaeological, geological and geochemical techniques was designed to establish the provenance of Normandy Chalkstone. First, we obtained a representative assembly of building stones by the selection and strategic sampling of 22 buildings. Second, we determined areas of chalk bedrock from a geological map rendered through GIS and sampled chalkstones from natural outcrops and quarries. In total, 118 samples from buildings, quarries and natural outcrops were characterized via optical microscopy and geochemical analyses for major, minor and trace elements (XRF, ICP‐MS and ICP‐OES), as well as for87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios (MC‐ICP‐MS). The application in situ of pXRF analysis allows for the identification of Normandy Chalkstone sources preserved in archaeological sites. The results indicate that all chalkstones came from five local varieties of Normandy Chalkstone and one of Shelly Limestone imported from nearby regions. The suitability of chalkstone as construction material was evaluated in situ using a sclerometer, which revealed that the singular and local geological features of the chalkstone make it suitable for walling. Our study demonstrates the development of a prominent and relatively continued quarrying industry over the 10th to 14th centuries in Eastern Normandy. The main quarrying areas were constituted of three chalkstone diffusion zones that run coevally with smaller and apparently sporadic quarries. The chalkstone diffusion was strongly related to the occurrence of singular and local geological resources and the stone transport system, which favoured the use of effective fluvial and maritime navigation for transport over 50 km from the quarrying areas.
A pan‐genotype hepatitis C virus viral vector vaccine generates T cells and neutralizing antibodies in mice
Authors: Donnison Timothy , McGregor Joey , Chinnakannan Senthil , Hutchings Claire , Center Rob J. , Poumbourios Pantelis , Klenerman Paul , Drummer Heidi E. , Barnes Eleanor
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

A prophylactic vaccine targeting multiple HCV genotypes (gt) is urgently required to meet World Health Organization elimination targets. Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV, and each may contribute to protective immunity. However, current vaccine candidates generate either nAbs or T cells targeting genetically variable epitopes and have failed to show efficacy in human trials. We have previously shown that a simian adenovirus vector (ChAdOx1) encoding conserved sequences across gt1‐6 (ChAd‐Gt1‐6), and separately gt‐1a E2 protein with variable regions deleted (E2Δ123HMW), generates pan‐genotypic T cells and nAbs, respectively. We now aim to develop a vaccine to generate both viral‐specific B‐ and T‐cell responses concurrently.

Approach and Results

We show that vaccinating with ChAd‐Gt1‐6 and E2Δ123HMW sequentially in mice generates T‐cell and antibody (Ab) responses comparable to either vaccine given alone. We encoded E2Δ123 in ChAdOx1 (ChAd‐E2Δ123) and show that this, given with an E2Δ123HMW protein boost, induces greater CD81‐E2 inhibitory and HCV‐pseudoparticle nAb titers compared to the E2Δ123HMW prime boost. We developed bivalent viral vector vaccines (ChAdOx1 and modified vaccinia Ankara [MVA]) encoding both Gt1‐6 and E2Δ123 immunogens (Gt1‐6‐E2Δ123) generating polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and nAb titers in prime/boost strategies. This approach generated nAb responses comparable to monovalent E2Δ123 ChAd/MVA vaccines and superior to three doses of recombinant E2Δ123HMW protein, while also generating high‐magnitude T‐cell responses.

Conclusions

These data are an important step forward for the development of a pan‐genotype HCV vaccine to elicit T cells and nAbs for future assessment in humans.