bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of COVID‐19 in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases Treated With Targeted Immunosuppressive Drugs: What Can We Learn From Observational Data?
Authors: Favalli Ennio Giulio , Monti Sara , Ingegnoli Francesca , Balduzzi Silvia , Caporali Roberto , Montecucco Carlomaurizio 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients with rheumatic diseases treated with targeted synthetic or biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) compared with that in the general population living in the same Italian region.MethodsPatients followed up at 2 rheumatology referral centers in Lombardy from February 25, 2020 to April 10, 2020 were invited to participate in a survey designed to identify patients who had confirmed COVID‐19, close contact with others with confirmed COVID‐19, or symptoms of the infection, and to detect changes in work, behavior, and disease management made in an attempt to prevent infection. The incidence of COVID‐19 in the Lombardy population was obtained from the National Institute of Statistics. COVID‐19 cases were confirmed by nasopharyngeal swab.ResultsThe survey was given to 955 patients (531 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 203 patients with psoriatic arthritis, 181 patients with spondyloarthritis, and 40 patients with connective tissue diseases, vasculitides, or autoinflammatory diseases). These patients had a mean age of 53.7 years, and 67.4% were women. The rate of response to the survey was 98.05%, and the incidence of confirmed COVID‐19 cases was consistent with that in the general population (0.62% versus 0.66%; P = 0.92). None of the patients had severe complications or required intensive care treatment, and all of the patients who tested positive for COVID‐19 temporarily discontinued ongoing targeted synthetic drug or biologic DMARD therapy. Almost all patients took precautions to prevent the COVID‐19 infection (90.6%), and almost all continued treatment with targeted synthetic drugs or biologic DMARDs (93.2%). Disease activity remained stable in 89.5% of patients.ConclusionOur results reflected the attitude of patients with rheumatic diseases regarding the prevention of the infection while maintaining their long‐term treatment regimens. The incidence and severity of COVID‐19 in patients treated with targeted synthetic drugs or biologic DMARDs was not significantly different from that in the general population in the same region.
Fluorobenziodoxole−BF3 Reagent for Iodo(III)etherification of Alkynes in Ethereal Solvent
Authors: Chai Jinkui , Ding Wei , Wu Junliang , Yoshikai Naohiko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA combination of fluorobenziodoxole (FBX) and BF3 ⋅ OEt2 in cyclopentyl methyl ether promotes regio‐ and stereoselective addition of benziodoxole and methoxy groups to alkynes. This difunctionalization reaction tolerates a variety of functionalized internal and terminal alkynes to afford trans‐β‐alkoxyvinylbenziodoxoles, which represent versatile precursors to stereochemically well‐defined multisubstituted vinyl ethers. The reaction is proposed to involve cleavage of the I−F bond of FBX by BF3, followed by electrophilic activation of the alkyne by the resulting cationic IIII species that triggers the nucleophilic addition of the ethereal oxygen.
A Mapping of the Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Composite Lithium‐Ion Batteries Anodes Made from Graphite, Sn, and Si
Authors: Smrekar Sacha , Bracamonte M. Victoria , Primo Emiliano N. , Luque Guillermina L. , Thomas Jorge , Barraco Daniel E. , Leiva Ezequiel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNowadays, there is an evident need to improve the current Li‐ion battery systems, in order to make them more reliable, durable and safe. Regarding this objective, the application of composite materials –based mainly on the combination of Si, Sn and carbon– appears as a very promising alternative for future anode materials. However, despite the great amount of publications dealing with this topic, there is not a systematic study that allows interpreting and understanding how the combination of these materials affects the electrochemical performance of the anodes prepared with them. In light of this need, in this work we propose a straightforward ball‐milling procedure to prepare Sn/Si/graphite composites with different mass proportions of each material. For all compositions, a systematic study was performed in order to determine how each material affects the specific capacity, capacity fading and stability towards a change in loading current. We found that the material prepared with Sn33Si33C33 appears to be the most promising one, delivering a reversible capacity of 906.9 mAh g−1 even after 120 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, thus encouraging the development of new composites based on these materials for industrial applications.
Effect of an individualized versus standard pneumoperitoneum pressure strategy on postoperative recovery: a randomized clinical trial in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Díaz-Cambronero O , Mazzinari G , Flor Lorente B , García Gregorio N , Robles-Hernandez D , Olmedilla Arnal L E , Martin de Pablos A , Schultz M J , Errando C L , Argente Navarro M P 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
It remains uncertain whether individualization of pneumoperitoneum pressures during laparoscopic surgery improves postoperative recovery. This study compared an individualized pneumoperitoneum pressure (IPP) strategy with a standard pneumoperitoneum pressure (SPP) strategy with respect to postoperative recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Methods
This was a multicentre RCT. The IPP strategy comprised modified patient positioning, deep neuromuscular blockade, and abdominal wall prestretching targeting the lowest intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) that maintained acceptable workspace. The SPP strategy comprised patient positioning according to the surgeon's preference, moderate neuromuscular blockade and a fixed IAP of 12 mmHg. The primary endpoint was physiological postoperative recovery, assessed by means of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale. Secondary endpoints included recovery in other domains and overall recovery, the occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and plasma markers of inflammation up to postoperative day 3.

Results
Of 166 patients, 85 received an IPP strategy and 81 an SPP strategy. The IPP strategy was associated with a higher probability of physiological recovery (odds ratio (OR) 2·77, 95 per cent c.i. 1·19 to 6·40, P = 0·017; risk ratio (RR) 1·82, 1·79 to 1·87, P = 0·049). The IPP strategy was also associated with a higher probability of emotional (P = 0·013) and overall (P = 0·011) recovery. Intraoperative adverse events were less frequent with the IPP strategy (P &lt; 0·001) and the plasma neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio was lower (P = 0·029). Other endpoints were not affected.

Conclusion
In this cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery, an IPP strategy was associated with faster recovery, fewer intraoperative complications and less inflammation than an SPP strategy. Registration number: NCT02773173 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
How do firms achieve sustainability through green innovation under external pressures of environmental regulation and market turbulence?
Authors: Qiu Lu , Hu Die , Wang Yu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAnalyses in the fields of environmental and innovation research have hindered our understanding of the real effects of external drivers of firms' green innovation and sustainability behaviors on financial performance. This study compares the ways in which two different external factors drive firms to be green innovative: environmental regulation and market turbulence. By dividing green innovation into green process innovation and green product innovation, we propose that environmental regulation increases financial performance mainly through green process innovation rather than through green product innovation, and market turbulence affects financial performance mainly through green product innovation rather than through green process innovation. The results of an empirical analysis based on a mediation model and panel data on 472 Chinese listed firms for 2006–2017 lend support to our hypotheses. Our study contributes to the green innovation management and sustainability literature by offering a holistic framework for examining how firms pursue green innovation and sustainability in response to two different forms of external pressure.
Absorption of sulphur dioxide by electrosprayed droplets
Authors: Di Natale Francesco , Carotenuto Claudia , Parisi Arianna , Lancia Amedeo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper describes and discusses experimental results on the absorption of sulphur dioxide in electrified water sprays, either when the polluted gas is treated as is or when the gas is exposed to a corona source to ionize the sulphur dioxide. The experiments revealed that an electrified spray with a charge‐to‐mass ratio of 50 μC · kg−1 enabled the absorption rate of droplets to double, regardless of their polarities. Corona charging gave rise to an increase in the SO2 depletion rate over the scrubber wall, while negligible effects appeared on the actual droplets absorption rate. These findings suggested that faster absorption rates mostly, though not uniquely, depend on the modifications on the morphological and interfacial properties of the sprayed droplets induced by the free electric charge imposed on their surface. Conversely, the absorption rates were negligibly affected by the electrical interactions between droplets (either charged or uncharged) and the sulphur dioxide ions/radicals originating from the corona source.
Rigorous design and control of thermally integrated pressure‐swing reactive distillation process for isobutyl acetate production considering the effect of column pressures
Authors: Zhang Qingrui , Liu Yan , Xu Pengfei , Wang Yujun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBy studying the effect of pressure on relative volatility, azeotrope composition, and net reaction rate, a rigorous pressure‐swing thermally integrated reactive distillation (PST‐RD) process for isobutyl acetate synthesis is proposed. The steady‐state and dynamic characteristics of the PST‐RD process are evaluated based on Aspen and Aspen Dynamic. Steady‐state optimization results show that the energy consumption and the total annual cost (TAC) reduced by 42.32% and 34.20% compared with the conventional two‐column process, respectively. Subsequently, two control structures of the PST‐RD process under a rigorous model are developed and evaluated by large disturbances in throughput and feed composition. Dynamic simulation results show that peak dynamic transients can be effectively reduced by adding a Q/F feedforward control structure. Furthermore, the effective heat integration of high‐pressure (HP) and low‐pressure (LP) columns can be realized by implementing composition/pressure cascade control when the capacity of the LP column increases.
CeO2‐CrOy/γ‐Al2O3 redox catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene
Authors: Zuo Cheng , Wu Man , Zhang Xiuli , Guo Qingjie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCeO2‐CrOy loaded on γ‐Al2O3 was investigated in this work for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of propane under oxygen‐free conditions. The ODH experiments of propane were conducted in a fluidized bed at 500°C‐600°C under 0.1 Mpa. The prepared catalyst was characterized by N2 adsorption‐desorption measurements, H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction, O2‐temperature‐programmed desorption, NH3‐temperature‐programmed desorption, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and x‐ray diffraction. The change in the selectivity of propylene resulted from the thermal cracking of the propane and the competition for lattice oxygen in the catalyst between propylene formation and propane and propylene combustion. Therefore, to achieve higher propylene yield in the industry, the reaction temperature should be 550°C‐575°C for the 17.5Cr‐2Ce/Al catalyst. The results of H2‐TPR (from 0.2218 mmol/g‐0.3208 mmol/g) revealed that the addition of CeO2 can enhance the oxygen capacity of CrOy. Compared with that for 17.5Cr/Al, the conversion can be enhanced from 22.4% to 28.5% and the selectivity of propylene can be improved from 72.2% to 75.9% for the 17.5Cr‐2Ce/Al catalyst. In addition, CeO2 can inhibit the evolution of lattice oxygen (O2−) to electrophilic oxygen species (O2−), causing the average COx (CO and CO2) selectivity to decrease from 9.64% to 6.31%.
Sustainable management and design of the energy‐water‐food nexus using a mathematical programming approach
Authors: Saif Yousef , Almansoori Ali , Bilici Ibrahim , Elkamel Ali 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGlobal primary and secondary resources are important for economic growth. Resource management and environment conservation are currently frequently discussed topics worldwide. In this study, a discrete optimization model formulation is presented for an integrated energy, water, and food (EWF) supply chain problem. The optimization model examines the temporal and spatial integration of the EWF supply chain elements to provide optimal infrastructure capacity expansion of essential commodities within the EWF system, and their corresponding periodic optimal supply for a given region. Furthermore, the model considers endogenous demand between the EWF elements that reflect the interdependency of nexus elements. A mixed integer linear programming model is developed to assist in the process of optimal infrastructure capacity expansion and operation of the EWF system. A case study is given to show the application of the proposed mathematical programming model. Several scenarios are assumed for the case study under different commodity prices and climate change conditions. In addition, diversification in the energy and agriculture sectors is examined by shifting from international refined sugar trading to bioethanol production. The results show economic gains of ~10% under the emergence of bioethanol production compared with the business‐as‐usual scenario. Production dynamic exits for the production of refined sugar, bioethanol, and power from sugarcane and bagasse resources over time in the considered sale price range for the refined sugar and bioethanol products.
Exercise: The ultimate treatment to all ailments?
Authors: Kasiakogias Alexandros , Sharma Sanjay 
Published: June 2020

AbstractExtensive clinical research has provided robust evidence that exercise is a cost‐effective measure to substantially alleviate the burden of a large number of diseases, many of which belong to the cardiovascular (CV) spectrum. In terms of cardiac benefit, the positive effects of exercise are attributed to improvements in standard risk factors for atherosclerosis, as well as to its positive impact on several pathophysiological mechanisms for CV diseases. For secondary prevention, exercise, optimally in the context of a cardiac rehabilitation program, has been shown to improve functional capacity and survival. Clinicians should encourage physical activity and provide exercise recommendations for all patients, taking into consideration any underlying pathology. In the present review, the benefits of exercise for the prevention and treatment of major CV risk factors and heart conditions are analyzed.
Zero‐fluoroscopy transseptal puncture guided by right atrial electroanatomical mapping combined with intracardiac echocardiography: A single‐center experience
Authors: Zhang Guangping , Cheng Liting , Liang Zhuo , Zhang Junmeng , Dong Ruiqing , Hang Fei , Wang Xinlu , Wang Ziyu , Zhao Lin , Wang Zefeng , Wu Yongquan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundRight atrial electroanatomical mapping may be combined with SoundStar 3D diagnostic ultrasound catheter (EAM‐ICE) as a zero‐fluoroscopy procedure for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). We aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of zero‐fluoroscopy transseptal puncture guided by EAM‐ICE and fluoroscopy combined with intracardiac echocardiography (F‐ICE) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).HypothesisZero‐fluoroscopy transseptal puncture is an effective and safe procedure.MethodsThis study had a prospective design. A total of 57 patients with PAF were enrolled and assigned to two groups. Twenty‐seven patients were enrolled in the EAM‐ICE group, and 30 patients were enrolled in the F‐ICE group.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in baseline patient characteristics between groups. Transseptal puncture was successful in all patients (57/57, 100%). Total procedure time and duration of transseptal puncture were lower in the F‐ICE group (199.4 ± 26.0 minutes vs 150.7 ± 22.1 minutes, P = 0.000; 118.4 ± 19.7 vs 70.5 ± 13.5 minutes, P = 0.000). There was no use of fluoroscopy in the EAM‐ICE group (0 mGy vs 70.5 ± 13.5 mGy); the duration of fluoroscopy in the EAM‐ICE group was negligible (0 minutes vs 5.4 ± 1.9 minutes). No procedural complication occurred in either group.ConclusionsEAM‐ICE guided zero‐fluoroscopy transseptal puncture is an effective and safe procedure.
Non‐conventional Hydrogen Bonding and Aromaticity: A Systematic Study on Model Nucleobases and Their Solvated Clusters
Authors: Jena Subhrakant , Tulsiyan Kiran Devi , Rana Abhijit , Choudhury Shubhranshu S. , Biswal Himansu S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe conceptual development of aromaticity is essential to rationalize and understand the structure and behavior of aromatic heterocycles. This work addresses for the first time, the interconnection between aromaticity and sulfur/selenium centered hydrogen bonds (S/SeCHBs) involved in representative heterocycle models of canonical nucleobases (2‐Pyridone; 2PY) and its sulfur (2‐Thiopyridone; 2TPY) and selenium (2‐Selenopyridone; 2SePY) analogs. The nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) and gauge induced magnetic current density (GIMIC) values suggested significant reduction of aromaticity upon replacement of exocyclic carbonyl oxygen with sulfur and selenium. However, we observed two‐fold (57 %) and three‐fold (80 %) enhancement in the aromaticity for 2TPY dimer, and 2SePY dimer, respectively which are connected through S/SeCHBs. Aromaticity enhancement was also noticed in 1 : 1 H‐bonded complexes (heterodimers), micro hydrated clusters and for bulk hydration. It is expected that exocyclic S and Se incorporation into heterocycles without compromising aromatic loss would definitely reinforce to design new supramolecular building blocks via S/SeCH‐bonded complexes.
The utility of flow cytometry in the diagnostic work up of malignant effusions due to nonhematopoietic neoplasms
Authors: Wong‐Arteta Jhonatan , Rey Mercedes , Aragón Larraitz , Gil‐Rodríguez Eva , Bujanda Luis 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMalignant pleural effusion and peritoneal carcinomatosis are frequent causes of effusion. Cytological evaluation (PAP‐stained slides followed by immunocytochemistry, IHC, if applicable) is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of malignant effusions, but its sensitivity varies between 40 and 80%, being a time‐consuming technique. Although flow cytometry (FC) is not routinely used in the diagnosis or follow‐up of nonhematopoietic neoplasms, it has the advantage of being rapidly applicable to fresh samples, potentially decreasing the time for the diagnosis. The main objective of this study was to assess the utility of FC as a confirmatory tool in the diagnosis of neoplastic effusions, based on the expression of EpCAM antibody in tumor cells versus the cytological evaluation. In this work 1,535 serous fluids were collected, of which 101 (68 pleural, 33 ascites) were selected through a screening algorithm and sent to the FC and cytological evaluation. Seventy‐three of these samples (46 pleural, 27 ascites) were considered malignant as determined by clinical, cytological and radiological criteria. According to our data, 75% (55/73) of these samples were positive by Cytology/IHC and 74% (54/73) by FC. We noticed that, although the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were similar, the turn‐around time was shorter when using FC. Moreover, these results clearly improved by combining both techniques. We conclude that FC provides information about malignant effusions faster than immunohistochemical staining, and we believe that performing both techniques in parallel would improve diagnostic performance.
The Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology: Single center experience with cell blocks
Authors: Behaeghe Marie , Vander Poorten Vincent , Hermans Robert , Politis Constantinus , Weynand Birgit , Hauben Esther 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSalivary gland fine needle aspiration (FNA) has a well‐established role in the evaluation of salivary gland lesions. The Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology (MSRSGC) was developed in 2018 to accomplish a standardized reporting across institutions. This classification is predominantly based on the use of direct smears. This single center study aims to evaluate and further validate the MSRSGC based on the sole use of cell blocks and carry out a risk assessment based on follow up histopathology.MethodsA total of 359 FNA specimens from 343 patients processed as cell blocks between 2012 and 2018 were retrieved, with histologic follow‐up available in 235 cases. The cytological diagnosis were reclassified according to the MSRSGC categories: non‐diagnostic, non‐neoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), benign neoplasm, salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP), suspicious for malignancy (SFM), and malignant. The use of ancillary immunohistochemistry or molecular testing was recorded. The risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated for each diagnostic category.ResultsOverall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 92.9%, 75.9%, 97.9%, 91.7%, and 95%, respectively. The ROM for the non‐diagnostic, non‐neoplastic, AUS benign neoplasms, SUMP, SFM and malignant categories were 13.8%, 14.2%, 30%, 6.3%, 20.8%, 60%, and 100%, respectively.ConclusionThis large single center retrospective series further validates the MSRSGC. The proposed diagnostic classification is reproducible with use of cell blocks. Discrepancies in number of cases per category and ROM are based on cross‐institution variabilities, pre‐FNA diagnostics (imaging) and ancillary tests.
Diagnostic role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the evaluation of gall bladder lesions: an institutional experience
Authors: Selhi Pavneet Kaur , Singh Yasmeen , Jain Sonia , Kaur Harpreet , Sood Neena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundCarcinoma of the gall bladder is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. Ultrasonography guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) plays a crucial role in early detection of gall bladder (GB) lesions. Early diagnosis of GB lesions is a necessity in view of rising trend in GB carcinoma related mortality in India. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of pre‐operative ultrasonography guided FNAC in the diagnosis of GB masses.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study performed at a tertiary care university hospital over a period of one and a half years. A total of 47 patients with clinico‐radiological suspicion of GB malignancy were subjected to USG guided FNA. 20 of these patients underwent diagnostic Trucut biopsy in addition to FNA.ResultsForty‐one out of 47 patients analyzed were positive for malignancy with female preponderance; MF ratio of 0.6:1. There were 29 females (61.8%) and 18 males (38.2%) in the range of 34 to 85 years. Cytomorphology was inconclusive for malignancy in two patients and unsatisfactory in one case. Two were labeled as chronic cholecystitis and one as acute cholecystitis. Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignancy found in 36 patients (76.6%).ConclusionUSG guided FNAC is a rapid, safe and successful diagnostic procedure with high sensitivity for diagnosis of GB lesions. In the present scenario of increasing incidence of GB malignancy, FNAC has proved to be a useful first choice of investigation in the detection of GB lesions.