bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering the Atomic Interface with Single Platinum Atoms for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chen Yuanjun , Ji Shufang , Sun Wenming , Lei Yongpeng , Wang Qichen , Li Ang , Chen Wenxing , Zhou Gang , Zhang Zedong , Wang Yu , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Han Xiaodong , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: October 2019

It is highly desirable but challenging to optimize the structure of photocatalysts at the atomic scale to facilitate the separation of electron–hole pairs for enhanced performance. Now, a highly efficient photocatalyst is formed by assembling single Pt atoms on a defective TiO2 support (Pt1/def‐TiO2). Apart from being proton reduction sites, single Pt atoms promote the neighboring TiO2 units to generate surface oxygen vacancies and form a Pt‐O‐Ti3+ atomic interface. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the Pt‐O‐Ti3+ atomic interface effectively facilitates photogenerated electrons to transfer from Ti3+ defective sites to single Pt atoms, thereby enhancing the separation of electron–hole pairs. This unique structure makes Pt1/def‐TiO2 exhibit a record‐level photocatalytic hydrogen production performance with an unexpectedly high turnover frequency of 51423 h−1, exceeding the Pt nanoparticle supported TiO2 catalyst by a factor of 591.
Carbene‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Aromatic N‐Nucleophilic Addition of Heteroarenes to Ketones
Authors: Liu Yonggui , Luo Guoyong , Yang Xing , Jiang Shichun , Xue Wei , Chi Yonggui Robin , Jin Zhichao
Published: October 2019

The aromatic nitrogen atoms of heteroarylaldehydes are activated by carbene catalysts to react with ketone electrophiles. Multi‐functionalized cyclic N,O‐acetal products are afforded in good to excellent yields and optical purities. Our reaction involves the formation of an unprecedented aza‐fulvene‐type acylazolium intermediate. A broad range of N‐heteroaromatic aldehydes and electron‐deficient ketone substrates works effectively in this transformation. Several of the chiral N,O‐acetal products afforded through this protocol exhibit excellent antibacterial activities againstRalstonia solanacearum(Rs) and are valuable in the development of novel agrichemicals for plant protection.
Exploiting Mechanistic Solvation Kinetics for Dual‐Graphite Batteries with High Power Output at Extremely Low Temperature
Authors: Holoubek John , Yin Yijie , Li Mingqian , Yu Mingyu , Meng Ying Shirley , Liu Ping , Chen Zheng
Published: October 2019

Improving the extremely low temperature operation of rechargeable batteries is vital to the operation of electronics in extreme environments, where systems capable of high‐rate discharge are in short supply. Herein, we demonstrate the holistic design of dual‐graphite batteries, which circumvent the sluggish ion‐desolvation process found in typical lithium‐ion batteries during discharge. These batteries were enabled by a novel electrolyte, which simultaneously provides high electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity at low temperature. The dual‐graphite cells, when compared to industry‐type graphite ∥ LiCoO2 full‐cells demonstrated an 11 times increased capacity retention at −60 °C for a 10 C discharge rate, indicative of the superior kinetics of the “dual‐ion” storage mechanism. These trends are further supported by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements at reduced temperature. This work provides a new design strategy for extreme low‐temperature batteries.
Cost‐Effective Biomass Carbon/Calix[4]Quinone Composites for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Zhang Meng , Cui Huamin , Yan Bing , Liu Yang , Zhang Qichun
Published: October 2019

Searching for new cheap encapsulating materials to decrease the solubility of organic small molecules as the cathode materials in electrolytes and improve the performance of organic lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is very important and highly desirable. In this research, we found that a novel cheap biomass carbon (named as PPL), prepared by pyrolyzing calyxes of Physalis Peruviana L, can efficiently encapsulate calix[4]quinone to form composites, which can be used as cathodes in LIBs. The initial discharge capacity of the as‐fabricated battery was 437 mAh g−1 and could maintain 228 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Even at 1 C, the discharge capacity was still 217 mAh g−1.
Children with autism observe social interactions in an idiosyncratic manner
Authors: Avni Inbar , Meiri Gal , Bar‐Sinai Asif , Reboh Doron , Manelis Liora , Flusser Hagit , Michaelovski Analya , Menashe Idan , Dinstein Ilan
Published: October 2019

Previous eye‐tracking studies have reported that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) fixate less on faces in comparison to controls. To properly understand social interactions, however, children must gaze not only at faces but also at actions, gestures, body movements, contextual details, and objects, thereby creating specific gaze patterns when observing specific social interactions. We presented three different movies with social interactions to 111 children (71 with ASD) who watched each of the movies twice. Typically developing children viewed the movies in a remarkably predictable and reproducible manner, exhibiting gaze patterns that were similar to the mean gaze pattern of other controls, with strong correlations across individuals (intersubject correlations) and across movie presentations (intra‐subject correlations). In contrast, children with ASD exhibited significantly more variable/idiosyncratic gaze patterns that differed from the mean gaze pattern of controls and were weakly correlated across individuals and presentations. Most importantly, quantification of gaze idiosyncrasy in individual children enabled separation of ASD and control children with higher sensitivity and specificity than traditional measures such as time gazing at faces. Individual magnitudes of gaze idiosyncrasy were also significantly correlated with ASD severity and cognitive scores and were significantly correlated across movies and movie presentations, demonstrating clinical sensitivity and reliability. These results suggest that gaze idiosyncrasy is a potent behavioral abnormality that characterizes a considerable number of children with ASD and may contribute to their impaired development. Quantification of gaze idiosyncrasy in individual children may aid in assessing symptom severity and their change in response to treatments. Autism Res 2020, 13: 935‐946. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Typically, developing children watch movies of social interactions in a reliable and predictable manner, attending faces, gestures, actions, body movements, and objects that are relevant to the social interaction and its narrative. Here, we demonstrate that children with ASD watch such movies with significantly more variable/idiosyncratic gaze patterns that differ across individuals and across movie presentations. We demonstrate that quantifying this gaze variability may aid in identifying children with ASD and in determining the severity of their symptoms.
Synergetic engineering of central carbon and nitrogen metabolism for the production of N‐acetylglucosamine in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Niu Tengfei , Lv Xueqin , Liu Zhenmin , Li Jianghua , Du Guocheng , Liu Long
Published: October 2019

N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is a nitrogen‐containing compound, which is widely used as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical. In our previous work, we constructed a recombinant Bacillus subtilis strain for the biosynthesis of GlcNAc by engineering the central carbon metabolism. However, nitrogen is also required for the synthesis of GlcNAc. Hence, it is necessary to simultaneously coordinate the carbon and nitrogen metabolism to improve production of GlcNAc. In this work, we attempted to enhance GlcNAc production in B. subtilis by increasing supply of precursors N‐acetylglucosamine 6‐phosphate (GlcNAc6P) and glutamate. The expression of a key enzyme, GlcNAc6P N‐acetyltransferase (GNA1), was enhanced by engineering the promoter and ribosome binding site to enhance the production of GlcNAc6P. Next, we examined the effect of different nitrogen sources on GlcNAc synthesis. We observed that urea can promote nitrogen assimilation for GlcNAc synthesis. The glutamate synthesis was improved by deleting the two endogenous glutamate dehydrogenase genes (rocG and gudB) and by integrating one exogenous glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh). This strategy enhanced the intracellular glutamate and glutamine by 69.8% and 46.9%, respectively. The synergetic engineering of central carbon and nitrogen metabolisms increased the GlcNAc titer from 14.0 to 22.2 g/L in the shaker flask. Hence, our study demonstrated the importance of carbon and nitrogen metabolism coordination in the production of nitrogen‐containing compounds.
Genome‐wide association studies of structural birth defects: A review and commentary
Authors: Lupo Philip J. , Mitchell Laura E. , Jenkins Mary M.
Published: October 2019

Background

While there is strong evidence that genetic risk factors play an important role in the etiologies of structural birth defects, compared to other diseases, there have been relatively few genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of these conditions. We reviewed the current landscape of GWAS conducted for birth defects, noting novel insights, and future directions.

Methods

This article reviews the literature with regard to GWAS of structural birth defects. Key defects included in this review include oral clefts, congenital heart defects (CHDs), biliary atresia, pyloric stenosis, hypospadias, craniosynostosis, and clubfoot. Additionally, other issues related to GWAS are considered, including the assessment of polygenic risk scores and issues related to genetic ancestry, as well as utilizing genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism array data to evaluate gene–environment interactions and Mendelian randomization.

Results

For some birth defects, including oral clefts and CHDs, several novel susceptibility loci have been identified and replicated through GWAS, including 8q24 for oral clefts, DGKK for hypospadias, and 4p16 for CHDs. Relatively common birth defects for which there are currently no published GWAS include neural tube defects, anotia/microtia, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, gastroschisis, and omphalocele.

Conclusions

Overall, GWAS have been successful in identifying several novel susceptibility genes and genomic regions for structural birth defects. These findings have provided new insights into the etiologies of these phenotypes. However, GWAS have been underutilized for understanding the genetic etiologies of several birth defects.
A CRISPR–Cas9 system for multiple genome editing and pathway assembly in Candida tropicalis
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Zhang Haibing , Liu Yufei , Zhou Jingyu , Shen Wei , Liu Liming , Li Qi , Chen Xianzhong
Published: October 2019

Genetic manipulation is among the most important tools for synthetic biology; however, modifying multiple genes is extremely time‐consuming and can sometimes be impossible when dealing with gene families. Here, we present a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system for use in the diploid yeast Candida tropicalis that is vastly superior to traditional techniques. This system enables the rapid and reliable introduction of multiple genetic deletions or mutations, as well as a stable expression using an integrated CRISPR–Cas9 cassette or a transient CRISPR–Cas9 cassette, together with a short donor DNA. We further show that the system can be used to promote the in vivo assembly of multiple DNA fragments and their stable integration into a target locus (or loci) in C. tropicalis. Based on this system, we present a platform for the biosynthesis of β‐carotene and its derivatives. These results enable the practical application of C. tropicalis and the application of the system to other organisms.
Substrate stiffness affects the morphology and gene expression of epidermal neural crest stem cells in a short term culture
Authors: Pandamooz Sareh , Jafari Arman , Salehi Mohammad S. , Jurek Benjamin , Ahmadiani Abolhassan , Safari Anahid , Hassanajili Shadi , Borhani‐Haghighi Afshin , Dianatpour Mehdi , Niknejad Hassan , Azarpira Negar , Dargahi Leila
Published: October 2019

According to the intrinsic plasticity of stem cells, controlling their fate is a critical issue in cell‐based therapies. Recently, a growing body of evidence has suggested that substrate stiffness can affect the fate decisions of various stem cells. Epidermal neural crest stem cells as one of the main neural crest cell derivatives hold great promise for cell therapies due to presenting a high level of plasticity. This study was conducted to define the influence of substrate stiffness on the lineage commitment of these cells. Here, four different polyacrylamide hydrogels with elastic modulus in the range of 0.7–30 kPa were synthesized and coated with collagen and stem cells were seeded on them for 24 hr. The obtained data showed that cells can attach faster to hydrogels compared with culture plate and cells on <1 kPa stiffness show more neuronal‐like morphology as they presented several branches and extended longer neurites over time. Moreover, the transcription of actin downregulated on all hydrogels, while the expression of Nestin, Tubulin, and PDGFR‐α increased on all of them and SOX‐10 and doublecortin gene expression were higher only on <1 kPa. Also, it was revealed that soft hydrogels can enhance the expression of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin‐3, and vascular endothelial growth factor in these stem cells. On the basis of the results, these cells can respond to the substrate stiffness in the short term culture and soft hydrogels can alter their morphology and gene expression. These findings suggested that employing proper substrate stiffness might result in cells with more natural profiles similar to the nervous system and superior usefulness in therapeutic applications.
Comparative genome‐scale analysis of Pichia pastoris variants informs selection of an optimal base strain
Authors: Brady Joseph R. , Whittaker Charles A. , Tan Melody C. , Kristensen D. Lee , Ma Duanduan , Dalvie Neil C. , Love Kerry Routenberg , Love J. Christopher
Published: October 2019

Komagataella phaffii, also known as Pichia pastoris, is a common host for the production of biologics and enzymes, due to fast growth, high productivity, and advancements in host engineering. Several K. phaffii variants are commonly used as interchangeable base strains, which confounds efforts to improve this host. In this study, genomic and transcriptomic analyses of Y‐11430 (CBS7435), GS115, X‐33, and eight other variants enabled a comparative assessment of the relative fitness of these hosts for recombinant protein expression. Cell wall integrity explained the majority of the variation among strains, impacting transformation efficiency, growth, methanol metabolism, and secretion of heterologous proteins. Y‐11430 exhibited the highest activity of genes involved in methanol utilization, up to two‐fold higher transcription of heterologous genes, and robust growth. With a more permeable cell wall, X‐33 displayed a six‐fold higher transformation efficiency and up to 1.2‐fold higher titers than Y‐11430. X‐33 also shared nearly all mutations, and a defective variant of HIS4, with GS115, precluding robust growth. Transferring two beneficial mutations identified in X‐33 into Y‐11430 resulted in an optimized base strain that provided up to four‐fold higher transformation efficiency and three‐fold higher protein titers, while retaining robust growth. The approach employed here to assess unique banked variants in a species and then transfer key beneficial variants into a base strain should also facilitate rational assessment of a broad set of other recombinant hosts.
Physiological responses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to industrially relevant conditions: Slow growth, low pH, and high CO2 levels
Authors: Hakkaart Xavier , Liu Yaya , Hulst Mandy , el Masoudi Anissa , Peuscher Eveline , Pronk Jack , van Gulik Walter , Daran‐Lapujade Pascale
Published: October 2019

Engineered strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are used for industrial production of succinic acid. Optimal process conditions for dicarboxylic‐acid yield and recovery include slow growth, low pH, and high CO2. To quantify and understand how these process parameters affect yeast physiology, this study investigates individual and combined impacts of low pH (3.0) and high CO2 (50%) on slow‐growing chemostat and retentostat cultures of the reference strain S. cerevisiae CEN.PK113‐7D. Combined exposure to low pH and high CO2 led to increased maintenance‐energy requirements and death rates in aerobic, glucose‐limited cultures. Further experiments showed that these effects were predominantly caused by low pH. Growth under ammonium‐limited, energy‐excess conditions did not aggravate or ameliorate these adverse impacts. Despite the absence of a synergistic effect of low pH and high CO2 on physiology, high CO2 strongly affected genome‐wide transcriptional responses to low pH. Interference of high CO2 with low‐pH signaling is consistent with low‐pH and high‐CO2 signals being relayed via common (MAPK) signaling pathways, notably the cell wall integrity, high‐osmolarity glycerol, and calcineurin pathways. This study highlights the need to further increase robustness of cell factories to low pH for carboxylic‐acid production, even in organisms that are already applied at industrial scale.
Manipulation of micro‐ and nanoparticles in viscoelastic fluid flows within microfluid systems
Authors: Manshadi Mohammad K. D. , Mohammadi Mehdi , Monfared Leila Karami , Sanati‐Nezhad Amir
Published: October 2019

Manipulation of micro‐ and nanoparticles in complex biofluids is highly demanded in most biological and biomedical applications. A significant number of microfluidic platforms have been developed for inexpensive, rapid, accurate, and efficient particle manipulation. Due to the enormous potential of viscoelastic fluids (VEFs) for particle manipulation, various emerging microfluidic‐based VEFs techniques have been presented over the last decade. This review provides an intuitive understanding of VEF physics for particle separation in different microchannel geometries. Besides, active and passive VEF methods are critically reviewed, highlighting the potential and practical challenges of each technique for particle/cell focusing, sorting, and separation. The outcome of this study could enable recognizing deliverable VEF technology with the promising prospect in the manipulation of submicron biological samples (e.g., exosomes, DNA, and proteins).
Targeted capture of Chinese hamster ovary host cell proteins: Peptide ligand binding by proteomic analysis
Authors: Lavoie R. Ashton , di Fazio Alice , Williams Taufika Islam , Carbonell Ruben , Menegatti Stefano
Published: October 2019

The clearance of host cell proteins (HCPs) is of crucial importance in biomanufacturing, given their diversity in composition, structure, abundance, and occasional structural homology with the product. The current approach to HCP clearance in the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) relies on product capture with Protein A followed by removal of residual HCPs in flow‐through mode using ion exchange or mixed‐mode chromatography. Recent studies have highlighted the presence of “problematic HCP” species, which are either difficult to remove (Group I), can degrade the mAb product (Group II), or trigger immunogenic reactions (Group III). To improve the clearance of these species, we developed a family of synthetic peptides that target HCPs and exhibit low binding to IgG product. In this study, these peptides were conjugated onto chromatographic resins and evaluated in terms of HCP clearance and mAb yield, using an industrial mAb‐producing CHO harvest as model supernatant. To gather detailed knowledge on the binding of individual HCPs, the unbound fractions were subjected to shotgun proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry. It was found that these peptide ligands exhibit superior HCP binding capability compared to those of the benchmark commercial resins commonly used in mAb purification. In addition, some peptide‐based resins resulted in much lower losses of product yield compared to these commercial supports. The proteomic analysis showed effective capture of many “problematic HCPs” by the peptide ligands, especially some that are weakly bound by commercial media. Collectively, these results indicate that these peptides show great promise toward the development of next‐generation adsorbents for safer and cost‐effective manufacturing of biologics.
Predicting return to work among patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: den Bakker C M , Anema J R , Huirne J A F , Twisk J , Bonjer H J , Schaafsma F G
Published: October 2019

Background

The increase in prevalence of colorectal cancer among young patients coupled with an older retirement age in developed countries means that more patients are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer while still at work. The aim of this study was to develop prediction models for return to work by 1 and 2 years after the start of sick leave.

Methods

This was a retrospective registry-based cohort study of data from a nationwide occupational health service in the Netherlands. Only employed patients with colonic or rectal cancer treated with curative intent were included. Two predictor variable models were developed using multivariable logistic regression with backward selection. Calibration, discrimination and explained variance were used to assess model performance, and internal validation by bootstrapping was performed.

Results

Median time to return to work for 317 included patients was 423 (95 per cent c.i. 379 to 467) days. Two-thirds of patients had returned to work by 2 years after the start of the sick leave. Presence of metastases, adjuvant treatment, stoma, emotional distress and postoperative complications were predictors of not returning to work in the 1-year model. In the 2-year model, presence of metastases, emotional distress, postoperative complications, company size and the trajectory of the return-to-work process were predictors.

Conclusion

Almost 70 per cent of patients with colorectal cancer in this population returned to work within 2 years after the start of sick leave. The models can be used to guide patients early in colorectal cancer treatment about the likelihood of returning to work, and to identify and modify barriers that could facilitate this.
Significance of the surgical hepatic resection margin in patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Aoki T , Kubota K , Hasegawa K , Kubo S , Izumi N , Kokudo N , Sakamoto M , Shiina S , Takayama T , Nakashima O , Matsuyama Y , Murakami T , Kudo M
Published: October 2019

Background

The impact of a wide surgical margin on the outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been evaluated in relation to the type of liver resection performed, anatomical or non-anatomical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical margin status on outcomes in patients undergoing anatomical or non-anatomical resection for solitary HCC.

Methods

Data from patients with solitary HCC who had undergone non-anatomical partial resection (Hr0 group) or anatomical resection of one Couinaud segment (HrS group) between 2000 and 2007 were extracted from a nationwide survey database in Japan. Overall and recurrence-free survival associated with the surgical margin status and width were evaluated in the two groups.

Results

A total of 4457 patients were included in the Hr0 group and 3507 in the HrS group. A microscopically positive surgical margin was associated with poor overall survival in both groups. A negative but 0-mm surgical margin was associated with poorer overall and recurrence-free survival than a wider margin only in the Hr0 group. In the HrS group, the width of the surgical margin was not associated with patient outcome.

Conclusion

Anatomical resection with a negative 0-mm surgical margin may be acceptable. Non-anatomical resection with a negative 0-mm margin was associated with a less favourable survival outcome.
Evaluation of Phytochemical Compositions and Biological Properties of Achillea gypsicola at Different Phenological Stages
Authors: Akif Açıkgöz Muhammed
Published: October 2019

Phytochemicals, which are commonly found at different levels in many medicinal plants, are natural strong antioxidants used in traditional medicine. In this research, determination of differences of phytochemical compositions and biological properties were aimed as periodically (pre‐, full and post flowering) and daily (6 am, 1 pm and 8 pm) in Achillea gypsicola Hub.‐Mor. The volatile oils belonging to A. gypsicola were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antimicrobial activities of the volatile oils were determined with disc diffusion method. The microdilution method was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods and antioxidant capacities were evaluated by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, reducing power (RP) and metal chelating activity (MCA) assay. In addition, the phenolic acid and flavonoid compositions were evaluated by reversed phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). This study presented a comprehensive report for the first time on evaluation of the phytochemical composition and the biological properties of A. gypsicola at different phenological stages. Thirty‐two compounds, containing the major component as camphor, 1,8‐cineole and borneol, were detected. Designated harvest time for the highest yield of volatile oils was found to be at full flowering stage‐1 pm. It has been observed that the volatile oil composition changes periodically and even daily. Also, in this research, menthol and menthone were found as the composition of volatile oil in Achillea species for the first time. Full flowering stage was found as the richest period in terms of phenolic acid and flavonoid compositions of A. gypsicola for the first time. The species examined in this research showed a high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in comparison to other studies with Achillea species. The volatile oils exhibited high performances with range of inhibition zones (8.3–42.3 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration values (2.25—144 μg/ml). Besides, a high correlation between antioxidant activity and phenolic content of A. gypsicola was found. These results suggest that A. gypsicola can be used as a safe source in the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries.
Comparison of residual shunt rate and complications across 6 different closure devices for patent foramen ovale
Authors: Gevorgyan Fleming Rubine , Kumar Preetham , West Brian , Noureddin Nabil , Rusheen Joshua , Aboulhosn Jamil , Tobis Jonathan M.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To compare residual shunt rate and complications associated with six different devices used for PFO closure.

Background

Transcutaneous PFO closure is an effective treatment for preventing recurrent stroke in patients with a history of cryptogenic stroke. The rate of residual shunt is one metric by which the technical success of PFO closure can be measured.

Methods

Patients who underwent PFO closure at a single center between February 2001 and July 2019 were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Right‐to‐left shunt at baseline and during follow‐up was assessed using transcranial Doppler (TCD) or transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Periprocedural and device‐related complications, including atrial fibrillation, were also assessed.

Results

Of 467 PFO closures performed during this period, 320 patients received quantitative assessment of right‐to‐left shunting both before and after percutaneous closure. The highest effective closure was achieved with the Cardioform device (100%, n = 104), followed by the Amplatzer Cribriform (93%, n = 14), Helex (90%, n = 137), Amplatzer ASO (88%, n = 17), CardioSEAL (86%, n = 14), and Amplatzer PFO (85%, n = 33) devices. The most common significant adverse event was atrial fibrillation, which was more common with the Cardioform device (13%) than the Helex (4%) or the Amplatzer PFO (4%) devices.

Conclusions

The Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder provides more robust closure of a PFO when compared to other devices but its effectiveness is offset by the higher prevalence of transient atrial fibrillation.
The Single‐access for Hi‐risk PCI (SHiP) technique
Authors: Wollmuth Jason , Korngold Ethan , Croce Kevin , Pinto Duane S.
Published: October 2019

Currently, the Impella CP (Abiomed, Danvers, Massachusetts) percutaneous ventricular assist catheter requires implantation through a 14 French sheath. Additional arterial access is commonly obtained to perform therapeutic or diagnostic procedures. Multiple arterial access requires time and results in increased risk for vascular complications. Some patients may have limited arterial access. We describe the Single‐access for Hi‐risk PCI (SHiP) technique to allow for rapid and safer single access utilizing only the Impella access site. After the Impella catheter is placed in the standard fashion, a micropuncture needle is used to pierce the hemostasis valve of the Impella insertion sheath. After dilating the hemostasis valve and exchanging for a 0.035″ wire, up to a 7 French sheath can be inserted for PCI within the 14 French access sheath and alongside the 9 French portion of the Impella catheter. After PCI, the sheath is removed. We report on a case series of 17 patients using this technique. There were no instances of bleeding during the procedure or after removal of the PCI sheath, and no evidence of disruption of the Impella sheath.
Association of periprocedural intravenous morphine use on clinical outcomes in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Batchelor Riley , Liu David Hongwei , Bloom Jason , Noaman Samer , Chan William
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies examining the impact of periprocedural intravenous morphine on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background

Morphine analgesia may reduce the absorption of co‐prescribed P2Y12 antagonists attenuating platelet inhibition. The impact of periprocedural intravenous morphine on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PCI for STEMI is not well defined.

Methods

Analysis of the electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov for association of peri‐PCI intravenous morphine use with in‐hospital or 30‐day myocardial infarction (MI) (primary outcome) and in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality.

Results

A total of 11 studies were included for systematic review. One study was a randomized controlled trial, 10 were observational studies. Five studies including 3,748 patients were included in meta‐analysis of in‐hospital or 30‐day MI. Within this group, patients were treated concurrently with ticagrelor (n = 2,239), clopidogrel (n = 1,256) and prasugrel (n = 253). There was no significant association of in‐hospital or 30‐day MI with intravenous morphine (odds ratio 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–4.09; I2 0%). Across seven studies and 5,800 patients, no increased risk of mortality at the same composite time endpoint was evident (odds ratio 0.70; 95% CI 0.40–1.23; I2 19%).

Conclusions

Periprocedural intravenous morphine administration was not associated with adverse short‐term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI. Further randomized trial data are needed to evaluate the pharmacologic interaction between morphine and P2Y12 antagonists with clinical outcomes.
Convergent in situ Generation of Both Transketolase Substrates via Transaminase and Aldolase Reactions for Sequential One‐Pot, Three‐Step Cascade Synthesis of Ketoses
Authors: Lorillière Marion , Guérard‐Hélaine Christine , Gefflaut Thierry , Fessner Wolf‐Dieter , Clapés Pere , Charmantray Franck , Hecquet Laurence
Published: October 2019

We describe an efficient three‐enzyme, sequential one‐pot cascade reaction where both transketolase substrates are generated in situ in a convergent fashion. The nucleophilic donor substrate hydroxypyruvate was obtained from l‐serine and pyruvate by a transaminase‐catalyzed reaction. In parallel, three different (2S)‐α‐hydroxylated aldehydes, l‐glyceraldehyde, d‐threose, and l‐erythrose, were generated as electrophilic acceptors from simple achiral compounds glycolaldehyde and formaldehyde by d‐fructose‐6‐phosphate aldolase catalysis. The compatibility of the three enzymes was studied in terms of temperature, enzyme ratio and substrate concentration. The efficiency of the process relied on the irreversibility of the transketolase reaction, driving a shift of the reversible transamination reaction and securing the complete conversion of all substrates. Three valuable (3S,4S)‐ketoses, l‐ribulose, d‐tagatose, and l‐psicose were obtained in good yields with high diastereoselectivity.
Platinum‐Supported Zirconia Nanotube Arrays Supported on Graphene Aerogels Modified with Metal–Organic Frameworks: Adsorption and Oxidation of Formaldehyde at Room Temperature
Authors: Tan Haocun , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei
Published: October 2019

Precious‐metal catalysts (e.g., Au, Rh, Ag, Ru, Pt, and Pd) supported on transition‐metal oxides (e.g., Al2O3, Fe2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, Co3O4, MnO2, TiO2, and NiO) can effectively oxidize volatile organic compounds. In this study, porous platinum‐supported zirconia materials have been prepared by a “surface‐casting” method. The synthesized catalysts present an ordered nanotube structure and exhibited excellent performance toward the catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde. A facile method, utilizing a boiling water bath, was used to fabricate graphene aerogel (GA), and the macroscopic 3D Pt/ZrO2‐GA was modified by introducing an adjustable MOF coating by a surface step‐by‐step method. The unblocked mesoporous structure of the graphene aerogel facilitates the ingress and egress of reactants and product molecules. The selected 7 wt.% Pt/ZrO2‐GA‐MOF‐5 composite demonstrated excellent performance for HCHO adsorption. Additionally, this catalyst achieved around 90 % conversion when subjected to a reaction temperature of 70 °C (T90 %=70 °C). The Pt/ZrO2‐GA‐MOF‐5 composite induces a catalytic cycle, increasing the conversion by simultaneously adsorbing and oxidizing HCHO. This work provides a simple approach to increasing reactant concentration on the catalyst to increase the rate of reaction.
Recent Advances and Perspectives in Transition Metal‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Functionalizations of Unactivated 1,3‐Enynes for the Synthesis of Allenes
Authors: Fu Liang , Greßies Steffen , Chen Pinhong , Liu Guosheng
Published: October 2019

Classic methods for the synthesis of allenes usually introduce only one functional group into products. In this review, we highlight the recent advances and perspectives in the synthesis of allenes by transition metal‐catalyzed 1,4‐functionalization of unactivated 1,3‐enynes.
Setting the Foundations of Aqueous Three‐Phase Systems (A3PS) in the Quest for a Rational Design
Authors: Morandeira Lois , Sanromán M. Ángeles , Rodríguez Ana , Deive Francisco J.
Published: October 2019

This work presents the first in‐depth study of Aqueous Three‐Phase Systems (A3PS) with the main purpose of unveiling their behaviour, hence contributing to the development of this new field. Thus, a complete definition of a quaternary system was carried through by describing all the regions in detail to represent them later on in a regular‐tetrahedral diagram. The three aqueous faces of the tetrahedron demonstrated an undeviating influence in the segregation capacity. Furthermore, a method for comparing Aqueous Biphasis Systems (ABS) immiscibilities was set up in order to allow the evaluation and detection of the “limiting ABS” for the three‐phase region. Finally, all this information was compiled and utilised to obtain a new strategy for an A3PS rational design, which can be applied with ABS libraries or in an experimental approach. In this sense, this strategy represents an undoubted advance towards future studies and development of A3PS, as this sequential application of the constructed knowledge is assumed to save time and resources.
Hypoglycaemic episodes increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac arrest in patients with type 2 diabetes—A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Cheng , Liao Ying‐Chieh , Li Cheng‐Hung , Lin Jiunn‐Cherng , Weng Chi‐Jen , Lin Che‐Chen , Lo Chu‐Pin , Huang Kuo‐Ching , Huang Jin‐Long , Lin Ching‐Heng , Wang Jun‐Sing , Wu Tsu‐Juey , Sheu Wayne H.‐H.
Published: October 2019

Background

The impact of hypoglycaemic episode (HE) on the risk of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains unclear. We hypothesized that HE increases the risk of both VA and SCA and that glucose‐lowering agents causing HE also increase the risk of VA/SCA in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Patients aged 20 years or older with newly diagnosed T2D were identified using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. HE was defined as the presentation of hypoglycaemic coma or specified/unspecified hypoglycaemia. The control group consisted of T2D patients without HE. The primary outcome was the occurrence of VA (including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation) and SCA during the defined follow‐up periods. A multivariate Cox hazards regression model was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for VA or SCA.

Results

A total of 54 303 patients were screened, with 1037 patients with HE assigned to the HE group and 4148 frequency‐matched patients without HE constituting the control group. During a mean follow‐up period of 3.3 ± 2.5 years, 29 VA/SCA events occurred. Compared with the control group, HE group had a higher incidence of VA/SCA (adjusted HR: 2.42, P = .04). Patients who had used insulin for glycaemic control showed an increased risk of VA/SCA compared with patients who did not receive insulin (adjusted HR: 3.05, P = .01).

Conclusions

The HEs in patients with T2D increased the risk of VA/SCA, compared with those who did not experience HEs. Use of insulin also independently increased the risk of VA/SCA.
Weighting approaches for a genetic risk score and an oxidative stress score for predicting the incidence of obesity
Authors: Park Seonmin , Yoo Hye Jin , Jee Sun Ha , Lee Jong Ho , Kim Minjoo
Published: October 2019

Background

We aimed to predict the incidence of obesity in a Korean population using a genetic risk score (GRS) constructed with obesity‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) along with an oxidative stress score (OSS).

Methods

A total of 9460 Korean subjects and 356 974 SNPs were included. The GRS was constructed using three significant obesity‐related SNP loci, and the OSS was calculated with three reliable oxidative stress biomarkers.

Results

The GRS showed a more significant association with increased obesity (OR = 2.879) than did individual SNPs after adjusting for age and sex. Three oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, and 8‐epi‐prostaglandin F2α, showed significantly high levels in the obese group. The OSS, which was the sum of each oxidative stress biomarker score, showed a markedly high association with the incidence of obesity, with an OR of 3.213. Based on the results of the regression tests and a receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, we found that HOMA‐IR, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), the GRS, and the OSS were the most relevant factors for the increased risk of obesity and were significantly associated with the incidence of obesity. The area under the ROC curve was improved when the GRS was added to the model (from 74.2% to 75.1%).

Conclusions

We first identified that subjects with an obesity GRS and a high OSS might have a higher risk of obesity. Our findings and weighting approaches were effective in predicting the incidence of obesity; furthermore, the GRS is a relevant factor that significantly predicts the risk of obesity.
Bioformation of boldenone and related precursors/metabolites in equine feces and urine, with relevance to doping control
Authors: Viljanto Marjaana , Kicman Andrew T. , Walker Christopher J. , Wolff Kim , Muir Tessa , Hincks Pamela , Biddle Simon , Scarth James
Published: October 2019

Boldenone (1‐dehydrotestosterone) is an exogenous anabolic‐androgenic steroid (AAS) but is also known to be endogenous in the entire male horse and potentially formed by microbes in voided urine, the gastrointestinal tract, or feed resulting in its detection in urine samples. In this study, equine fecal and urine samples were incubated in the presence of selected stable isotope labeled AAS precursors to investigate whether microbial activity could result in 1‐dehydrogenation, in particular the formation of boldenone. Fecal matter was initially selected for investigation because of its high microbial activity, which could help to identify potential 1‐dehydrogenated biomarkers that might also be present in low quantities in urine. Fecal incubations displayed Δ1‐dehydrogenase activity, as evidenced by the use of isotope labeled precursors to show the formation of boldenone and boldione from testosterone and androstenedione, as well as the formation of Δ1‐progesterone and boldione from progesterone. Unlabeled forms were also produced in unspiked fecal samples with Δ1‐progesterone being identified for the first time. Subsequent incubation of urine samples with the labeled AAS precursors demonstrated that Δ1‐dehydrogenase activity can also occur in this matrix. In all urine samples where labeled boldenone or boldione were detected, labeled Δ1‐progesterone was also detected. Δ1‐progesterone was not detected any non‐incubated urine samples or following an administration of boldenone undecylenate to one mare/filly. Δ1‐progesterone appears to be a candidate for further investigation as a suitable biomarker to help evaluate whether boldenone present in a urine sample may have arisen due to microbial activity rather than by its exogenous administration.
Fuels treatment and wildfire effects on runoff from Sierra Nevada mixed‐conifer forests
Authors: Saksa Philip C. , Bales Roger C. , Tague Christina L. , Battles John J. , Tobin Benjamin W. , Conklin M.H.
Published: October 2019

We applied an eco‐hydrologic model (Regional Hydro‐Ecologic Simulation System [RHESSys]), constrained with spatially distributed field measurements, to assess the impacts of forest‐fuel treatments and wildfire on hydrologic fluxes in two Sierra Nevada firesheds. Strategically placed fuels treatments were implemented during 2011–2012 in the upper American River in the central Sierra Nevada (43 km2) and in the upper Fresno River in the southern Sierra Nevada (24 km2). This study used the measured vegetation changes from mechanical treatments and modelled vegetation change from wildfire to determine impacts on the water balance. The well‐constrained headwater model was transferred to larger catchments based on geologic and hydrologic similarities. Fuels treatments covered 18% of the American and 29% of the Lewis catchment. Averaged over the entire catchment, treatments in the wetter central Sierra Nevada resulted in a relatively light vegetation decrease (8%), leading to a 12% runoff increase, averaged over wet and dry years. Wildfire with and without forest treatments reduced vegetation by 38% and 50% and increased runoff by 55% and 67%, respectively. Treatments in the drier southern Sierra Nevada also reduced the spatially averaged vegetation by 8%, but the runoff response was limited to an increase of less than 3% compared with no treatment. Wildfire following treatments reduced vegetation by 40%, increasing runoff by 13%. Changes to catchment‐scale water‐balance simulations were more sensitive to canopy cover than to leaf area index, indicating that the pattern as well as amount of vegetation treatment is important to hydrologic response.
Discrimination of hydrologic variations for spatial distribution of fish assemblage in a large subtropical temperate river
Authors: Espínola Luis A. , Abrial Elie , Rabuffetti Ana P. , Simōes Nadson R. , Amsler Mario L. , Blettler Martin C.M. , Eurich Maria F. , Paira Aldo R.
Published: October 2019

This study examines the effects of the flow and flood pulses on spatial dispersion of fish assemblages in the floodplain of the Paraná River in Argentina. We tested the hypothesis that high water levels and greater lateral connectivity promote fish dispersal and spatial homogenization of assemblage structure. We sampled four sites during different phases of the annual hydrologic cycle from 2010 to 2016. Water surface in the area was estimated during each phase. We computed multivariate statistics and estimates of ß‐diversity to analyse assemblage variations in relation to hydrological phases. Three hydrological phases were defined: low flow pulses (water levels between 2.3 and 3.2, approximately 10% of the floodplain covered by water), high flow pulses (between 3.2 and 4.5, from 11 to 84%), and floods (> 4.5 m, more than 84%). Although difference between high flow pulses and flood was not significant, ß‐diversity values for these stages were higher than for low flow pulses. This suggests that floods and high flow pulses increase the spatial variability of fish assemblages, whereas homogenization processes occur later during low flow periods. This work provides further knowledge about the flood homogenization effect in a large unregulated floodplain where lateral connectivity still plays a significant role on ecological structuring processes.
Next‐generation serology: integrating cross‐sectional and capture–recapture approaches to infer disease dynamics
Authors: Gamble Amandine , Garnier Romain , Chambert Thierry , Gimenez Olivier , Boulinier Thierry
Published: October 2019

Two approaches have been classically used in disease ecology to estimate epidemiological parameters from field studies: cross‐sectional sampling from unmarked individuals and longitudinal capture–recapture setups, which generally involve more limited numbers of marked individuals due to cost and logistical constraints. Although the benefits of longitudinal setups are increasingly acknowledged in the disease ecology community, cross‐sectional data remain largely overrepresented in the literature, probably because of the inherent costs of longitudinal surveys. In this context, we used simulated data to compare the performances of cross‐sectional and longitudinal designs to estimate the force of infection (i.e., the rate at which susceptible individuals become infected). Then, inspired from recent method developments in quantitative ecology, we explore the benefits of integrating both cross‐sectional (seroprevalences) and longitudinal (individuals histories) data sets. In doing so, we investigate the effects of host species life history, antibody persistence, and degree of a priori knowledge and uncertainty on demographic and epidemiological parameters, as those are expected to affect in different ways the level of inference possible from the data. Our results highlight how those elements are important to consider in determining optimal sampling designs. In the case of long‐lived species exposed to infectious agents resulting in persistent antibody responses, integrated designs are especially valuable as they benefit from the performances of longitudinal designs even with relatively small longitudinal sample sizes. As an illustration, we apply this approach to a combination of empirical and simulated data inspired from a case of bats exposed to a rabies virus. Overall, this work highlights that serology field studies could greatly benefit from the opportunity of integrating cross‐sectional and longitudinal designs.