bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An imidazole functionalized copper(II)‐organic framework for highly selective sensing of picric acid and metal ions in water
Authors: Xin Xuelian , Ai Jin , Li Fugang , Zhao Jiaqi , Zhang Liangliang
Published: June 2020

An imidazole functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF), [Cu(HL)(H2O)]·(H2O)·(DMA) (HBU‐166, H3L = 4,4′,4″‐(1H‐imidazole‐2,4,5‐triyl)tribenzoic acid, DMA = N,N‐dimethylacetamide) was synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. HBU‐166 was observed as a two‐dimensional MOF and showed good stability in water, an acidic solution (pH = 4), and an alkaline solution (pH = 9). HBU‐166 exhibited ligand‐based luminescence with a blue shift, which could be attributed to the coordination effect. Moreover, HBU‐166 could be applied to detect nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) and metal ions in water with preferable selectivity and sensitivity. In particular, HBU‐166 could be used as a promising luminescent sensor for picric acid (PA) with enhancement of emission intensity. The mechanism for PA detection likely involved electron transfer and weak interaction between ligand and electron‐deficient of NACs at the beginning to increase the emission intensity. Additionally, HBU‐166 exhibited excellent selectivity in the sensing of 4‐nitrophenol and Fe3+ through fluorescence quenching.
Optimization of hybrid oil/water‐swelling ethylene/propylene/diene monomer compounds
Authors: Raffa Patrizio , Peixoto Claudia S. P. , da Costa Pedro F. A. , Polgar Lorenzo M. , Machado Ana V. , Hough Philip , van Duin Martin
Published: June 2020

Hybrid swell packers are rubber products capable of swelling in (saline) water and hydrocarbon oils, by exploiting the hydrocarbon diffusion properties of an nonpolar elastomer with the osmotic swelling of a water absorbent (WA). In this study, a variety of modified natural and synthetic WAs and mixtures thereof have been screened in a rubber compound with respect to swelling in decalin, demineralized, and saline water, respectively. We aimed at achieving high and fast swelling in all used media. Mixing of the various WAs in an ethylene/propylene/diene monomer (EPDM)/carbon black masterbatch at an addition level of 75 phr did not pose any problems, although it was found that the WAs did affect the sulfur vulcanization. Decalin swelling of the vulcanizates is very fast, reaching high equilibrium swelling within 1.5 days. Swelling in demineralized or saline water is much slower, with up to 300% swelling in water and up to 100% swelling in saline water. Significant leaching of the organic WA from the EPDM vulcanizates to the water phase occurs. Some combinations of WAs show synergetic effects for swelling in water. To our knowledge, such a systematic study of hybrid swelling elastomers constitutes a novelty in the open literature.
The anatomy of the peridural membrane of the human spine
Authors: Bosscher Hemmo A. , Grozdanov Petar N. , Warraich Irfan I. , MacDonald Clinton C. , Day Miles R.
Published: June 2020

A peridural membranous layer exists between the bony wall of the spinal canal and the dura mater, but reports on the anatomy of this structure have been inconsistent. The objective of this study is to give a precise description of the peridural membrane (PDM) and to define it unambiguously as a distinct and unique anatomical entity. Thirty‐four cadaveric sections of human thoraco‐lumbar spines were dissected. On gross examination, the PDM appears as a smooth hollow tube that covers the bony wall of the spinal canal. An evagination of this tube into the neural foramen contains the exiting spinal nerve. The entire epidural venous plexus, including its extension into the neural foramina, is contained in the body of the PDM. Histological examination of the PDM shows a variable distribution of veins arteries, lymphatics, and nerves embedded in a continuous sheath of fibrous, areolar, and adipose tissue. The posterior longitudinal ligament may be considered a dense condensation of fibrous tissue within the membrane. Thus, the PDM is a unique, continuous, and complete anatomical structure. In the spinal canal, the PDM is adjacent to the periosteum. In the neural foramen, suprapedicular PDM and pedicular periosteum separate anatomically to form a suprapedicular compartment, bounded anteriorly by the intervertebral disc and posteriorly by the facet joint. Trauma or degeneration of the disc or facet joint may lead to inflammation and pain sensitization of PDM. This protective mechanism may be of considerable importance for the functioning of the spine under conditions of strain.
Do Smoking and Socioeconomic Factors Influence Imaging Outcomes in Axial Spondyloarthritis? Five‐Year Data From the DESIR Cohort
Authors: Nikiphorou Elena , Ramiro Sofia , Sepriano Alexandre , Ruyssen‐Witrand Adeline , Landewé Robert B. M. , van der Heijde Désirée
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the relationship between smoking and imaging outcomes over 5 years in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to assess whether socioeconomic factors influence these relationships.

Methods

Axial SpA patients from the Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifferérenciées Récentes cohort were included. The following 4 imaging outcomes were assessed by 3 central readers at baseline, 2 years, and 5 years: spine radiographs (using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score [mSASSS]), sacroiliac (SI) joint radiographs (using the modified New York criteria), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine (using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada [SPARCC] score), and MRI of the SI joint (using the SPARCC score). The explanatory variable of interest was smoking status at baseline. Interactions between smoking and socioeconomic factors (i.e., job type [blue‐collar or manual work versus white‐collar or nonmanual work] and education [low versus high]) were first tested, and if significant, analyses were run using separate strata. Generalized estimating equations models were used, with adjustments for confounders.

Results

In total, 406 axial SpA patients were included (52% male, 40% smokers, and 18% blue collar). Smoking was independently associated with more MRI‐detected SI joint inflammation at each visit over the 5 years, an effect that was seen only in patients with blue‐collar professions (β = 5.41 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.35, 9.48]) and in patients with low education levels (β = 2.65 [95% CI 0.42,4.88]), using separate models. Smoking was also significantly associated with spinal inflammation (β = 1.69 [95% CI 0.45, 2.93]) and SI joint damage (β = 0.57 [95% CI 0.18, 0.96]) across all patients, irrespective of socioeconomic factors and other potential confounders.

Conclusion

Strong associations were found between smoking at baseline and MRI‐detected SI joint inflammation at each visit over a time period of 5 years in axial SpA patients with a blue‐collar job or low education level. These findings suggest a possible role for mechanical stress amplifying the effect of smoking on axial inflammation in axial SpA.
Calcite Deposits Differentiate Cave from House‐Farmed Edible Bird's Nest as shown by SEM‐EDX, ATR‐FTIR and Raman Microspectroscopy
Authors: Shim Eric Kian‐Shiun , Lee Soo‐Ying
Published: June 2020

The difference between the swiftlet white edible bird's nest from limestone caves versus house‐farmed ones, especially in response to high temperature and stewing time in water where the latter type would disintegrate readily, has been a puzzle for a long time. We show that edible bird's nests from the limestone caves have calcite deposits on the surface of the nest cement as compared to the house‐farmed nests which are built by swiftlets on timber planks. The micron and sub‐micron calcite particles are seen in SEM‐EDX and further characterized by ATR‐FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy. The calcite deposits make it possible for the cave nest to retain a gelatinous texture under the harsh retort conditions at 121 °C for 20 mins in commercial bottling. We show that house‐farmed nests can be soaked in CaCl2(aq) followed by rinsing with Na2CO3(aq) to grow the same calcite deposits on the nest cement with the same characteristic as cave nests. Therefore, there should no longer be a need to harvest cave nests, and we can better conserve the dwindling population and natural habitats of cave swiftlets.
How to improve the process of forming biobased R&D collaborations
Authors: Israël‐Hoevelaken Brenda T.P.M. , Wubben Emiel F.M. , Bos Harriëtte L. , Wijffels René H. , Omta Onno S.W.F.
Published: June 2020

The transition towards a biobased economy requires innovations. In addition to the usual challenges of innovation trajectories, the characteristics of biobased innovations cause extra difficulties. To lower the failure rate of innovation trajectories in general, companies tend to form R&D collaborations. Choices made during the formation of such R&D collaborations play a key role in the project's success. Here, one may benefit from the social sciences. This paper presents a perspective on what the social sciences may bring to analyze and improve the formation process of biobased R&D collaborations. The paper also provides an overview of relevant innovation and transition models, and lists the dominant variables in such formation processes (biobased characteristics and general determinants), and the guidelines that seem useful. Although each model has its advantages, none of the innovation and transition models studied addresses both thephases of a formation processof a biobased R&D collaboration and thevariablesinvolved in each phase. Concerning the formation process of biobased R&D collaborations, the literature addresses social, organizational, technological, economic, and environmental variables. The key determinants of multi‐partner R&D collaborations are partner properties, motives to join a consortium, appropriability of a firm, and project properties. The descriptions of their influence on an R&D collaboration presented here can be used as guidelines, as recommendations, in processes for the formation of relatively less complex R&D collaborations. The influence of biobased characteristics – such as type of innovation (drop‐ins versus novel materials), biorefinery, biomass supply and technological challenges – on R&D collaboration have not been studied systematically as yet. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Simultaneous determination and determination of sildenafil and its active metabolite in human plasma using LC–MS/MS method
Authors: Li Lin‐ling , Zhang Xiu‐jin , Zheng Chao , Fan Ming‐xia , Xu Hao‐yun , Yi Jin‐ling , Feng Yan , Luo Xi , Li Wei‐hua , Cheng Ze‐neng
Published: June 2020

A sensitive and selective high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandam mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of sildenafil and its metabolite N‐desmethyl sildenafil in human plasma. Sildenafil‐d8 was used as an internal standard. The analytes were extracted by precipitation extraction and chromatographed on a C18 column using mobile phase A of water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and mobile phase B of acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid) with gradient elution. Quantification was done using multiple reaction monitoring mode to monitor the precursor‐to‐product ion transitions of m/z 475.4 → m/z 283.3 for sildenafil, m/z 461.4 → m/z 283.2 for N‐desmethyl sildenafil and m/z 483.3 → m/z 108.1 for IS in positive ionization mode. The calibration curve was established over the range of 2.00–1,000 ng/ml and the correlation coefficient was >0.99. The intra‐day and inter‐day relative standard deviations were <6.5% for sildenafil and 6.3% for N‐desmethyl sildenafil respectively. Accuracy determinaed at four concentrations was 86.50–105.67% for sildenafil and 96.83–114.40% for N‐desmethyl sildenafil. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic description of sildenafil and the effect of food intake on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil was also demonstrated in healthy Chinese volunteers.
The role of human sustainability in professional service firms. Evidence from Italy
Authors: Massaro Maurizio , Bagnoli Carlo , Dal Mas Francesca
Published: June 2020

Sustainability is a central topic for an increasing number of companies, as a part of their business strategies. Human sustainability, that is, preserving and improving the quality of human life, in other words, maintaining and advancing human capital, appears as one relevant issue in that context. Humans and human capital are the foremost resources for professional service firms. Their role in the international economic scenario will most likely depend on how they deal with human sustainability and the wellbeing of their people. In this perspective, the paper investigates the antecedents, and organisational implications, of human sustainability in such firms using a structural equation model (SEM) developed on 4,301 questionnaires filled by Italian Chartered Accountants. Findings shed new lights on some implications of human sustainability. Results show that human sustainability has a direct and significative impact on a firm's ability to innovate, fostering creativity and intellectual capital, thus being significant for corporate performance. As a practical implication, firms should accordingly shape their business strategies towards accounting for human sustainability aspects.
In the LEED: Racing to the Top in Environmental Self‐Regulation
Authors: Flowers Mallory Elise , Matisoff Daniel C. , Noonan Douglas S.
Published: June 2020

Does voluntary participation in eco‐certification become more substantive over time, or less? Although past research on voluntary programs suggests that later participants are more likely to greenwash by only symbolically adopting voluntary standards, theories of regulatory competition suggest a possible “race to the top.” We argue that participation in voluntary programs can facilitate competition that enables a race, and we advance a theory of self‐regulatory competition to explain dynamics of participation in voluntary environmental programs. Under this perspective, environmental self‐regulation may facilitate a race to the top, despite possibilities for purely symbolic adoption. Analyzing data from a voluntary green building certification program in the United States, we introduce a methodology to distinguish propensities for symbolic certification from more substantive environmental performance. Data demonstrate that later adopters invest additional resources to attain higher certification, becoming greener and suggesting a race to the top in a voluntary greenbuilding certification program.
Design science research for learning software engineering and computational thinking: Four cases
Authors: Apiola Mikko , Sutinen Erkki
Published: June 2020

This study proposes design science research (DSR) as a relevant framework for computational thinking, software engineering, and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics integration in higher education. We present four concrete case examples, where DSR has been applied in projects that consist of interdisciplinary teams, which learn by designing solutions for pressing real‐world problems. Our results show that DSR is a potent framework for learning to tackle pressing and wicked problems, and connecting technology projects with research methodology and knowledge from other fields. Our results also show multiple learning gains, including creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration. Based on our case analysis, we recommend more extensive use of DSR in future technology curricula.
AST/ALT ratio as a significant predictor of the incidence risk of prostate cancer
Authors: Zhou Jiatong , He Zhaowei , Ma Shenfei , Liu Ranlu
Published: June 2020

Background

To investigate the effect of serum aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase (AST/ALT) on the risk of prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 404 patients undergoing prostate biopsy from April 2016 to July 2019 were enrolled. One hundred and ninety‐four patients with prostatic cancer (PCa) were diagnosed by pathology. Two hundred and ten patients were diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of AST/ALT ratio and other factors on the incidence of PCa.

Result

AST/ALT ratio was significantly higher in PCa than in BPH patients (OR 2.313, 95%CI 1.337‐4.003, P = .002). ROC curve indicated that the best cutoff was 1.155 in predicting the incidence risk of PCa. The age of PCa patients is higher than BPH patients (OR 1.054, 95%CI 1.027‐1.082, P < .001). We also found that platelets were lower in PCa than in BPH patients. Multivariate analysis showed that AST/ALT ratio could be used as an independent predictor to assess the incident risk of PCa(OR 1.043, 95%CI 1.014‐1.072, P = .003). However, AST/ALT ratio did not predict the incidence in high‐risk or low‐risk PCa.

Conclusion

AST/ALT ratio was an independent factor in predicting the incidence of PCa. When the level of AST/ALT ratio in serum raised, the incidence risk of PCa was significantly increased, which was helpful for the clinical diagnosis of PCa. We still needed a multicenter study to verify the role of AST/ALT ratio in the development of PCa.
Recent Advances on Marine Alkaloids from Sponges
Authors: Bian Changhao , Wang Jiangming , Zhou Xinyi , Wu Wenhui , Guo Ruihua
Published: June 2020

Alkaloids from marine secondary metabolites have received extensive attention from pharmacists in recent years. Miscellaneous alkaloids derived from marine sponges possessed various pharmacological activities including cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and so on. Herein, we summarized 149 marine alkaloids from sponges based on their structures and bioactivities reported from 2015 to 2020 and analyzed the production environment of marine sponges with rich alkaloids. Moreover, we discussed biosynthesis routes of pyrrole and guanidine alkaloids from marine sponges Agelas and Monanchora. This article will be beneficial for future research on drugs from marine natural products.
Resting Pd/Pa correlates with fractional flow reserve but not angiographic severity in calcified coronary arteries
Authors: Sattler Megan , Moscona John , Johnson Paul M. , Madamanchi Chaitanya , Rossi Joseph S. , Stouffer George A.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Study the effect of coronary artery calcium (CAC) on resting coronary physiological indices.

Background

Prior studies found no correlation between angiographic stenosis and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in heavily calcified arteries.

Methods

Two hundred consecutive patients undergoing whole‐cycle resting Pd/Pa and FFR evaluation of a single lesion of intermediate severity (40–80%) had CAC quantified based upon radiopacities at the site of the stenosis, where 0 = none or mild calcium, 1 = moderate calcium, and 2 = severe calcium.

Results

Mean age was 61 ± 11 years and 34% were female. The mean degree of stenosis, FFR, and resting Pd/Pa were 60 ± 12%, 0.83 ± 0.08, and 0.93 ± 0.05, respectively. Resting Pd/Pa correlated with degree of angiographic diameter stenosis (DS) as determined by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) or visual estimation in arteries with calcium score of 0 or 1, but there was no correlation in severely calcified arteries. The diagnostic accuracy of DS ≥70% by QCA to predict hemodynamic significance was 68% with calcium scores of 0/1, but only 43% with calcium score = 2. Resting Pd/Pa was highly correlated with FFR irrespective of the degree of CAC (R2 = 0.68, p < .001) and the sensitivity of resting Pd/Pa ≤0.91 for predicting an FFR ≤0.80 was 0.67 in arteries with calcium scores of 0 or 1 and 0.69 in arteries with a calcium score of 2.

Conclusions

There was no correlation between angiographic stenosis and either resting Pd/Pa or FFR in heavily calcified coronary artery lesions.
Noninvasive prenatal testing detected acute myeloid leukemia in paucisymptomatic pregnant patient
Authors: Rengifo Laura Yissel , Michaux Lucienne , Maertens Johan , Tousseyn Thomas , Lenaerts Liesbeth , Vermeesch Joris Robert , Vandenberghe Peter , Dewaele Barbara
Published: June 2020

To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) detected by noninvasive prenatal testing. This was an aggressive case that otherwise would have been difficult to characterize due to disadvantages of "gold‐standard" techniques.
Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile‐Derived Co or Fe Containing Nanofibre Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction at the Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell Cathode
Authors: Mooste Marek , Kibena‐Põldsepp Elo , Vassiljeva Viktoria , Kikas Arvo , Käärik Maike , Kozlova Jekaterina , Kisand Vambola , Külaviir Marian , Cavaliere Sara , Leis Jaan , Krumme Andres , Sammelselg Väino , Holdcroft Steven , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: June 2020

Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon nanofibres (CNF) are employed as cathode catalysts in anion‐exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) for the first time. The catalysts are prepared via pyrolysis of Co or Fe salt‐containing PAN fibre with and without the ionic liquid (IL) additive. The catalyst material preparation is optimised by assessing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of different transition metal and nitrogen‐doped CNFs in 0.1 M KOH by rotating disc electrode method followed by testing in real AEMFC configuration. The best performance in the AEMFC is observed in case of Fe and IL containing PAN fibre that was pyrolysed at 1000 °C and additionally treated in an acid solution (Fe/IL‐PAN‐A1000). In the AEMFC, the Fe/IL‐PAN‐A1000 catalyst showed the maximum power density (Pmax) of 289 mW cm−2, which is 82 % of the Pmax obtained with commercial Pt/C cathode catalyst (352 mW cm−2).
3D Printed Palladium Catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐coupling Reactions
Authors: Bulatov Evgeny , Lahtinen Elmeri , Kivijärvi Lauri , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie , Haukka Matti
Published: June 2020

Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3d printing was utilized to manufacture a solid catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions from polypropylene as a base material and palladium nanoparticles on silica (SilicaCat Pd0 R815‐100 by SiliCycle) as the catalytically active additive. The 3d printed catalyst showed similar activity to that of the pristine powdery commercial catalyst, but with improved practical recoverability and reduced leaching of palladium into solution. Recycling of the printed catalyst led to increase of the induction period of the reactions, attributed to the pseudo‐homogeneous catalysis. The reaction is initiated by oxidative addition of aryl iodide to palladium nanoparticles, resulting in formation of soluble molecular species, which then act as the homogeneous catalyst. SLS 3d printing improves handling, overall practicality and recyclability of the catalyst without altering the chemical behaviour of the active component.
High‐Voltage Nickel‐Rich NMC Cathode Material with Ionic‐Liquid‐Based Polymer Electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Gupta Himani , Singh Rajendra Kumar
Published: June 2020

In lithium batteries, high‐nickel‐content layered oxide cathode materials are gaining much attention due to their high capacity and energy density. Therefore, in the present study, a LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode material is synthesized successfully. But, these Ni‐rich cathode materials cannot be operated at high voltage with liquid electrolytes, as they give rise to some problems such as structural instability, high reactivity with electrolyte, electrochemical and thermal instability, and so forth. To suppress these problems, the synthesized ionic‐liquid‐based polymer electrolyte is used over liquid electrolyte as it reduces surface reactivity, enhances cyclic stability and, since it is sufficiently mechanically stable, helps to suppress lithium dendrites growth. Owing to the high electrochemical stability of polymer electrolytes, the performance of the Li battery is also tested at high voltage (4.8 V) and the electrochemical performances are compared at higher and lower cut‐off voltages. The Li battery provides a good capacity (164 mAh.g−1 at C/10) and energy density (611 mWh.g−1) at 4.8 V. In addition, the cyclability of the polymer‐based Li battery is higher, as compared to the liquid‐electrolyte‐based battery. Using the optimized polymer electrolyte, an enhanced structural and interfacial stability of the Li anode and the NMC cathode can be achieved.
Cardiovascular manifestations in severe and critical patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Chen Qingxing , Xu Lili , Dai Yongbin , Ling Yunlong , Mao Jiahao , Qian Juying , Zhu Wenqing , Di Wencheng , Ge Junbo
Published: June 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) could cause virulent infection leading to Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related pneumonia as well as multiple organ injuries.

Hypothesis

COVID‐19 infection may result in cardiovascular manifestations leading to worse clinical outcome.

Methods

Fifty four severe and critical patients with confirmed COVID‐19 were enrolled. Risk factors predicting the severity of COVID‐19 were analyzed.

Results

Of the 54 patients (56.1 ± 13.5 years old, 66.7% male) with COVID‐19, 39 were diagnosed as severe and 15 as critical cases. The occurrence of diabetes, the level of D‐dimer, inflammatory and cardiac markers in critical cases were significantly higher. Troponin I (TnI) elevation occurred in 42.6% of all the severe and critical patients. Three patients experienced hypotension at admission and were all diagnosed as critical cases consequently. Hypotension was found in one severe case and seven critical cases during hospitalization. Sinus tachycardia is the most common type of arrythmia and was observed in 23 severe patients and all the critical patients. Atrioventricular block and ventricular tachycardia were observed in critical patients at end stage while bradycardia and atrial fibrillation were less common. Mild pericardial effusion was observed in one severe case and five critical cases. Three critical cases suffered new onset of heart failure. Hypotension during treatment, severe myocardial injury and pericardial effusion were independent risk factors predicting the critical status of COVID‐19 infection.

Conclusion

This study has systemically observed the impact of COVID‐19 on cardiovascular system, including myocardial injury, blood pressure, arrythmia and cardiac function in severe and critical cases. Monitoring of vital signs and cardiac function of COVID‐19 patients and applying potential interventions especially for those with hypotension during treatment, severe myocardial injury or pericardial effusion, is of vital importance.
Ethnic differences in quality of life and its association with survival in patients with heart failure
Authors: Stein Gillian , Teng Tiew‐Hwa K. , Tay Wan T. , Richards A. Mark , Doughty Robert , Dong YanHong , Sim David , Yeo Poh S. D. , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Leong Gerard , Soon Dinna , Ling Lieng H. , Lam Carolyn S. P.
Published: June 2020

Background

Optimizing quality of life (QoL) is a key priority in the management of heart failure (HF).

Hypothesis

To investigate ethnic differences in QoL and its association with 1‐year survival among patients with HF.

Methods

A prospective nationwide cohort (n = 1070, mean age: 62 years, 24.5% women) of Chinese (62.3%), Malay (26.7%) and Indian (10.9%) ethnicities from Singapore, QoL was assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire (MLHFQ) at baseline and 6 months. Patients were followed for all‐cause mortality.

Results

At baseline, Chinese had a lower (better) mean MLHFQ total score (29.1 ± 21.6) vs Malays (38.5 ± 23.9) and Indians (41.7 ± 24.5); P < .001. NYHA class was the strongest independent predictor of MLHFQ scores (12.7 increment for class III/IV vs I/II; P < .001). After multivariable adjustment (including NT‐proBNP levels, medications), ethnicity remained an independent predictor of QoL (P < .001). Crude 1‐year mortality in the overall cohort was 16.5%. A 10‐point increase of the physical component (of MLHFQ) was associated with a hazard (HR 1.22, 95% 1.03‐1.43) of 1‐year mortality (P = .018) in the overall cohort. An interaction between MLHFQ and ethnicity was found (P = .019), where poor MLHFQ score (per 10‐point increase) predicted higher adjusted mortality only in Chinese (total score: HR 1.18 [95% CI 1.07‐1.30]; physical: HR 1.44 [95% CI 1.17‐1.75]; emotional score: HR 1.45 [95% CI 1.05‐2.00]).

Conclusions

Ethnicity is an independent determinant of QoL in HF. Despite better baseline QoL in Chinese, QoL was more strongly related to survival in Chinese vs Malays and Indians. These findings have implications for HF trials that use patient‐reported outcomes as endpoints.
Genetic Variation in PEAR1, Cardiovascular Outcomes and Effects of Aspirin in a Healthy Elderly Population
Authors: Lewis Joshua P. , Riaz Moeen , Xie Sophia , Polekhina Galina , Wolfe Rory , Nelson Mark , Tonkin Andrew M. , Reid Christopher M. , Murray Anne M. , McNeil John J. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Lacaze Paul
Published: June 2020

The platelet endothelial aggregation receptor‐1 (PEAR1) rs12041331 variant has been identified as a genetic determinant of platelet aggregation in response to antiplatelet therapies, including aspirin. However, association with atherothrombotic cardiovascular events is less clear, with limited evidence from large trials. Here, we tested association of rs12041331 with cardiovascular events and aspirin use in a randomized trial population of healthy older individuals. We undertook post hoc analysis of 13,547 participants of the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, median age 74 years. Participants had no previous diagnosis of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease at enrollment, and were randomized to either 100 mg daily low‐dose aspirin or placebo for median 4.7 years follow‐up. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to model the relationship between rs12041331 and the ASPREE primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) end point, and composites of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and ischemic stroke (STROKE); and bleeding events; major hemorrhage (MHEM) and intracranial bleeding (ICB). We performed whole‐population analysis using additive and dominant inheritance models, then stratified by treatment group. Interaction effects between genotypes and treatment group were examined. We observed no statistically significant association (P < 0.05) in the population, or by treatment group, between rs12041331 and cardiovascular or bleeding events in either model. We also found no significant interaction effects between rs12041331‐A and treatment group, for CVD (P = 0.65), MACE (P = 0.32), STROKE (P = 0.56), MHEM (P = 0.59), or ICB (P = 0.56). The genetic variant PEAR1 rs12041331 is not associated with cardiovascular events in response to low‐dose aspirin in a healthy elderly population.
Electrostatic solitary waves associated with relativistic nonextensive electrons in magnetized fusion plasma
Authors: Motevalli S. Mohammad , Dashtban Noushin
Published: June 2020

Properties of nonlinear electrostatic solitary waves in a magnetized multicomponent system of plasma containing of warm fluid ions, weakly relativistic warm fluid electrons and q‐nonextensive distributed electrons using reductive perturbation method, have been surveyed. For this purpose, a KdV soliton type solution has been employed. The dependence of solitary wave structure, solitary wave maximum amplitude, and phase velocity of soliton on the plasma parameters is defined numerically.
Chinese visceral adiposity index: A reliable indicator of visceral fat function associated with risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Han Minghui , Qin Pei , Li Quanman , Qie Ranran , Liu Leilei , Zhao Yang , Liu Dechen , Zhang Dongdong , Guo Chunmei , Zhou Qionggui , Tian Gang , Huang Shengbing , Wu Xiaoyan , Li Yang , Yang Xingjin , Zhao Yang , Feng Yifei , Liu Yu , Li Honghui , Sun Xizhuo , Chen Qing , Wang Tieqiang , Chen Xiaoliang , Hu Dongsheng , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2020

Background

The evidence of the association between Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is limited. We explored the association of CVAI with T2DM and directly compared with the predictive power of CVAI with other visceral obesity indices (visceral adiposity index, waist to height ratio, waist circumference and body mass index) based on a large prospective study.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based study of 12 237 Chinese participants. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between CVAI and T2DM.

Results

During follow‐up (median: 6.01 years), the incidence of T2DM was 3.29, 7.34, 12.37 and 23.72 per 1000 person‐years for quartiles 1, 2, 3 and 4 of CVAI, respectively. The risk of T2DM was increased with quartiles 2, 3 and 4 vs quartile 1 of CVAI (HR 2.12 [95% CI 1.50‐3.00], 2.94 [2.10‐4.13] and 5.01 [3.57‐7.04], Ptrend < 0.001). Per‐SD increase in CVAI was associated with a 72% increased risk of T2DM (HR 1.72 [95% CI 1.56‐1.88]). Sensitivity analyses did not alter the association. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was significantly higher for CVAI than other visceral obesity indices (all P <.001). Similar results were observed in stratified analyses by sex.

Conclusions

Our findings show a positive association between CVAI and risk of T2DM. CVAI has the best performance in predicting incident T2DM, so the index might be a reliable and applicable indicator identifying people at high risk of T2DM.
Obesity and impairment of pancreatic β‐cell function in early adulthood, independent of obesity age of onset: The Santiago Longitudinal Study
Authors: Burrows Raquel , Correa‐Burrows Paulina , Bunout Daniel , Barrera Gladys , Rogan José , Kim Elissa , Blanco Estela , Gahagan Sheila
Published: June 2020

Aim

We investigated the relation of time of onset and length of obesity with biomarkers of β‐cell function in early adulthood in an infancy cohort.

Material and methods

In 1039 23‐year‐olds, body‐mass index (BMI) was measured at multiple time‐points from enrollment. BMI trajectories were interpolated with cubic polynomials. Fasting glucose, insulin and adiponectin were measured at 23 years. Homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), HOMA‐S, HOMA‐β, HOMA‐adiponectin (AD) and disposition index (DI) were estimated. IR and non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) were diagnosed. According to the BMI trajectory, five groups were defined: participants who were never obese (NOB); participants with obesity starting in adolescence and remained obese into adulthood (recent‐onset obesity, ROB); participants who were obese in early childhood but transitioned to non‐obesity as preadolescents (former obesity, FOB); participants who were obese in early childhood and remained obese into adulthood (persistent obesity, POB); participants with obesity starting in preadolescence and transitioned to non‐obesity as adolescents (transient obesity; TOB).

Results

Obesity was present in 47% of participants during at least one time‐point. ROBs and POBs had higher insulin, HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β, lower HOMA‐S and DI, and higher prevalence of IR and NAFL at 23 years than NOBs, TOBs and FOBs. No differences were found in the β‐cell functionality of NOBs, TOBs and FOBs.

Conclusions

Persistent and recent obesity are both related to IR, NAFL and a decline of β‐cell function in emerging adulthood. Defeating obesity in childhood or adolescence allows reaching emerging adulthood with β‐cell functioning similar to that of subjects who were NOB.
Characterization of embryonic surface ectoderm cell protrusions
Authors: Magalhães Cecília G. , de Oliveira‐Melo Maraysa , Cruz Mario C. , Srinivas Shankar , Yan C. Y. Irene
Published: June 2020

Background

During embryonic development, complex changes in cell behavior generate the final form of the tissues. Extension of cell protrusions have been described as an important component in this process. Cellular protrusions have been associated with generation of traction, intercellular communication or establishment of signaling gradients. Here, we describe and compare in detail from live imaging data the dynamics of protrusions in the surface ectoderm of chick and mouse embryos. In particular, we explore the differences between cells surrounding the lens placode and other regions of the head.

Results

Our results showed that protrusions from the eye region in mouse embryos are longer than those in chick embryos. In addition, protrusions from regions where there are no significant changes in tissue shape are longer and more stable than protrusions that surround the invaginating lens placode. We did not find a clear directionality to the protrusions in any region. Finally, we observed intercellular trafficking of membrane puncta in the protrusions of both embryos in all the regions analyzed.

Conclusions

In summary, the results presented here suggest that the dynamics of these protrusions adapt to their surroundings and possibly contribute to intercellular communication in embryonic cephalic epithelia.
Has a river dam affected the life‐history traits of a freshwater prawn?
Authors: Silva Gicelle M. F. , Andrade Marcelo C. , Silva Breno R. M. , Palheta Ingrid S. , Gonçalves Liziane B. , Rocha Rossineide M. , Ferreira Maria A. P.
Published: June 2020

In recent years, species richness and diversity in aquatic ecosystems has declined as environments are increasingly impacted by anthropic actions. Freshwater prawns are well adapted to survive in a disturbed and heterogeneous environment. For instance, Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum) populations vary in migratory behavior between rivers and estuaries, depending on factors such as dams. However, there is limited information on the influence of environmental conditions on life‐history traits of this species, which we investigate here using two distinct and unconnected aquatic systems, a dammed river and an estuary, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The biological characteristics of M. amazonicum populations in the two environments were compared and related to environmental parameters, which differed significant differences between the two environments and between seasons. Dissolved oxygen, precipitation, and temperature varied most significantly with the seasons in both the estuary and river. M. amazonicum prawns in the estuary were larger and heavier than those in the river during rainy periods. The mass–length ratios and condition factor varied significantly between the M. amazonicum populations in the estuary and river, with negative allometric growth (grows faster in length than in weight) predominating in both populations, and condition factor was better in the estuary for males and in the river for females. The relative frequencies of occurrence of the different female maturation stages and the male morphotypes were related to precipitation and turbidity in both environments and also to salinity in the estuary. In these two distinct aquatic systems, the abiotic parameters determined by the seasonal precipitation cycle profoundly influenced the development of this crustacean, despite its ecological plasticity. Overall, the study showed that river damming triggered environmental changes in the freshwater river ecosystem and played a key role in determining the life‐history characteristics of M. amazonicum in these contrasting aquatic systems.
Quantifying the relative importance of stock level, river temperature and discharge on the abundance of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Glover Ross S. , Soulsby Chris , Fryer Robert J. , Birkel Christian , Malcolm Iain A.
Published: June 2020

Fisheries scientists need to understand the relationships between river temperature, discharge and production of juvenile salmonids to inform evidence‐based management and regulation of rivers and to understand the potential effects of climate change. These relationships can be determined by characterising interannual variability in abundance and environmental conditions from long‐term monitoring data and assessing their inter‐relationships. Two major challenges are (1) the requirement to separate the relative effects of stock level and environment which both affect interannual variability in abundance and (2) obtaining long‐term environmental time‐series that do not suffer from temporal biases. This study built on recent advances in hydrological, river‐temperature and juvenile salmonid modelling to investigate the influence of temperature and discharge on interannual variability in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fry (age: 0 years) and parr (age: 1 year) production. The study used a unique long‐term dataset (>50 years) with detailed age‐differentiated census data collected for multiple life‐stages. The study shows that most of the interannual variability in recruitment was explained by stock level. Discharge had a comparatively small effect on fry recruitment, but a greater effect than artificial stocking. Discharge had no discernible effect on parr recruitment. Temperature had no effect on recruitment of either life‐stage. This study suggests that salmon are well adapted to current environmental variability in natural upland rivers in Scotland, but reductions in discharge during spawning and emergence could negatively affect fry recruitment with consequences for regulation of river flows. The study highlights the importance of high‐quality census data for accurately determining the effects of environmental variability on recruitment.
QRS fragmentation as a possible electrocardiographic diagnostic marker in patients with acute myocarditis: preliminary histopathological validation
Authors: Ferrero Paolo , Piazza Isabelle , Kühl Uwe , Grosu Aurelia , Tschöpe Carsten , Senni Michele
Published: June 2020

Aims

We aim to assess the reproducibility of QRS fragmentation (fQRS) on a multi‐centre dataset of patients with acute myocarditis (AM), including a histopathological validation in a subgroup with biopsy‐proven disease. Electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with myocarditis is usually considered aspecific. ST changes and conduction anomalies have been commonly reported so far. We have previously described fQRS in patients with AM.

Methods and results

Patients admitted between 2008 and 2019 in two centres with a diagnosis of AM were included. Standard ECG, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings were recorded at baseline and at follow‐up (FU). Eighty patients were analysed, 66 men (82%), with median age of 34 (26–43) years. Twenty‐two patients had biopsy‐proven AM. At presentation, 61 patients (76%) displayed fQRS. Median ejection fraction (EF) was 55% (43–60). Seventy‐two patients (90%) underwent CMR and displayed late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). ECG leads showed that fQRS correlated with distribution of LGE. In patients with positive biopsy, fQRS was present in 18 (81%). Median FU was 419 days (224–956). Complete FU was available for 64 patients (80%), and 33 patients (52%) displayed persistence of fQRS. Median EF was 60% (57–64). Eleven patients underwent a repeated biopsy at FU, eight of whom had persistent inflammation and fQRS. Fifteen patients (23%) had ventricular tachycardia, 14 of whom still showed fQRS.

Conclusions

In this cohort fQRS was confirmed as an additional useful ECG sign. Persistence of fQRS was associated with ongoing inflammation and with a poorer outcome in terms of ventricular function and occurrence of arrhythmias.
Emission reduction process for dechlorinating flue‐gas desulfurization gypsum and reducing wastewater effluents: Application prospects from laboratory‐scale studies
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Jiang Tianqi , Zhang Huawei , Kong Kai , Bie Longshuai
Published: June 2020

The treatment of flue‐gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a common solid waste material that is often affected by chloride ions, typically occupies large amounts of land, causes resource waste, and results in environmental pollution. An emission reduction process involving the dechlorination of FGD gypsum and reducing its emissions has been proposed to solve these problems. Laboratory experiments were conducted to verify the feasibility of the emission reduction process and study any differences from the conventional process. The test results indicated that the average dechlorination rate of the emission reduction process was 80.4%, which is equivalent to 97.5% of the conventional process. The average dechlorination wastewater volume of the emission reduction process was 0.22 L, which is equivalent to 4.9% of the conventional process. The results show that the emission reduction process can effectively reduce the chlorine content of FGD gypsum and its related wastewater discharge. This novel gypsum dechlorination process effectively reduces the chlorine content of FGD gypsum and related wastewater. In addition, the emission reduction process can lead to greater recovery of renewable resources and can result in a cleaner energy conversion process. This process is an alternative method for recovering residues and resources without secondary pollution. Therefore, if this technology is integrated into existing FGD facilities, costly chemical processes could be replaced by those that recover a renewable resource and incorporate a clean energy conversion process.
Post‐collision fires in road vehicles between 2002 and 2015
Authors: Otxoterena Paul , Björnstig Ulf , Lindkvist Mats
Published: June 2020

The loss of human lives and body injuries due to post‐crash fires, either by smoke inhalation or due to burn injuries, are unfortunately not uncommon. The literature indicates that fire events related to crashes are still a significant problem. The increased combustible load in newer vehicles is an important factor to be taken into account for the fire safety, as well as their potential to release toxic fumes while burning. Trends indicate that the survivable collision energy will continue to increase, and, at the same time, the probability of post‐crash fires rises with the collision energy. This means that the occupants of a vehicle may probably survive a high‐energy collision but might sustain severe injuries or death due to a post‐collision fire. This work reports a literature and interview study about post‐crash fires including statistics on the causes and dynamics of post‐crash fires in road vehicles based on the literature, crash and incident reports, as well as on interviews with medicine specialists. Results from this study indicate that fires in vehicles which originated by a collision event are a problem that remains to be solved.
Estimating the volatility of asset pricing factors
Authors: Becker Janis , Leschinski Christian
Published: June 2020

Models based on factors such as size or value are ubiquitous in asset pricing. Therefore, portfolio allocation and risk management require estimates of the volatility of these factors. While realized volatility has become a standard tool for liquid assets, this measure is difficult to obtain for asset pricing factors such as size and value that include smaller illiquid stocks that are not traded at a high frequency. Here, we provide a simple approach to estimate the volatility of these factors. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated using Monte Carlo simulations and forecasts of the market volatility.