bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nano‐Ferric Oxide Embedded in Graphene Oxide: High‐performance Electrocatalyst for Nitrogen Reduction at Ambient Condition
Authors: Wang Fei , Xia Lixue , Li Xin , Yang Weixiang , Zhao Yan , Mao Jian 
Published: June 2020

Nitrogen (N2) fixation at ambient condition by electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is energy‐efficient and eco‐friendly as compared to the traditional Harber–Bosch process, but it is extremely challenging. Development and design of high‐performance NRR electrocatalysts are indispensable to achieve the goal. In this work, a strongly coupled hybrid of nano‐Fe3O4 with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is synthesized via an in situ redox hydrothermal approach, and the synthesized Fe3O4@rGO hybrid has excellent activity, selectivity, and stability as an NRR catalyst. The NH3 yield rate of 28.01 μg h‐1 mg‐1 at −0.3 V and the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 19.12% at −0.1 V are obtained in 0.1 M Na2SO4 solutions at ambient conditions. The superior NRR performance is attributed to the chemical coupling effect between rGO and nano‐Fe3O4 particles, which leads to the enhancement of the binding affinity to N2 molecules, improvement of the conductivity, and lowering the free energy of reaction for the limiting reaction step. This work provides a facile route in fabricating hybrid NRR catalysts with superior performance and shed lights on the reaction mechanism with theoretical mechanistic calculations.
Growth differentiation factor 15 as mortality predictor in heart failure patients with non‐reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Mendez Fernandez Ana Belen , Ferrero‐Gregori Andreu , Garcia‐Osuna Alvaro , Mirabet‐Perez Sonia , Pirla‐Buxo Maria Jose , Cinca‐Cuscullola Juan , Ordonez‐Llanos Jordi , Roig Minguell Eulàlia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsThe prognostic value of biomarkers in patients with heart failure (HF) and mid‐range (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has not been widely addressed. The aim of this study was to assess whether the prognostic value of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) is superior to that of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in patients with HFmrEF or HFpEF.Methods and resultsHeart failure patients with either HFpEF or HFmrEF were included in the study. During their first visit to the HF unit, serum samples were obtained and stored for later assessment of GDF‐15 and NT‐proBNP concentrations. Patients were followed up by the HF unit. The main endpoint was all‐cause mortality. A total of 311 patients, 90 (29%) HFmrEF and 221 (71%) HFpEF, were included. Mean age was 72 ± 13 years, and 136 (44%) were women. No differences were found in GDF‐15 or NT‐proBNP concentrations between both HF groups. During a median follow‐up of 15 months (Q1–Q3: 9–30 months), 98 patients (32%) died, most (71%) of cardiovascular causes. Patients who died had higher median concentrations of GDF‐15 (4085 vs. 2270 ng/L, P < 0.0001) and NT‐proBNP (1984 vs. 1095 ng/L, P < 0.0001). A Cox multivariable model identified New York Heart Association Functional Class III (P = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), left atrial diameter (P = 0.03), age >65 years (P < 0.0001), and GDF‐15 concentrations (P = 0.01) but not NT‐proBNP as independent predictors of all‐cause mortality. The area under the curve was 0.797 for the basic model including NT‐proBNP, and the area under the curve comparing the overall model was 0.819, P = 0.016 (DeLong's test). Integrated discrimination improvement index after the inclusion of GDF‐15 in the model with the mortality risk factors was 0.033; that is, the ability to predict death increased by 3.3% (P = 0.004). Net reclassification improvement was 0.548 (P < 0.001); that is, the capacity to improve the classification of the event (mortality) was 54.8%. GDF‐15 concentrations were divided in tertiles (<1625, 1625–4330, and >4330 ng/L), and survival curves were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier technique. Patients in the highest tertile had the poorest 5 year survival, at 16%, whereas the lowest tertile had the best survival, of 78% (P < 0.001).ConclusionsGrowth differentiation factor 15 was superior to NT‐proBNP for assessing prognosis in patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF. GDF‐15 emerges as a strong, independent biomarker for identifying HFmrEF and HFpEF patients with worse prognosis.
Left‐dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy with a nonsense mutation in DSP
Authors: Tsuruta Yuichiro , Sueta Daisuke , Takashio Seiji , Oda Seitaro , Sakamoto Kenij , Kaikita Koichi , Kato Koichi , Ohno Seiko , Horie Minoru , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA 74‐year‐old man had abnormal left ventricular (LV) function according to a perioperative test at a local hospital and was transferred to our institution for further evaluation and treatment. His electrocardiogram demonstrated the presence of premature ventricular contraction with a QRS complex of the right bundle branch block type and superior axis. His echocardiography showed systolic dysfunction of the LV (LV ejection fraction, 44.6%). Cardiac computed tomography imaging revealed banded and patchy densities observed frequently from the middle to epicardial layer of the LV wall. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed fat signals on fat‐selective images and late gadolinium enhancement in the mid‐wall to subepicardial layers in the LV myocardium. Endomyocardial biopsy revealed the histological presence of fibrofatty replacement. A genetic analysis revealed a nonsense mutation in the desmoplakin gene. Thus, he was diagnosed with left‐dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. To prevent fatal ventricular arrhythmias, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was successfully implanted.
How to consider target heart rate in patients with systolic heart failure
Authors: Izumida Toshihide , Imamura Teruhiko , Nakamura Makiko , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Kinugawa Koichiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsHeart rate reduction therapy using ivabradine, a selective inhibitor of the funny current of the sinoatrial node, is widely used in the systolic heart failure cohort. However, the optimal target of heart rate remains controversial. The association between heart rate and ‘overlap’ between E‐wave and A‐wave in the pulse wave transmitral flow Doppler echocardiography might be a key to find the ideal heart rate in each individual.Methods and resultsWe performed transthoracic echocardiography in patients with systolic heart failure, and the association between heart rate, deceleration time, and overlap length between E‐wave and A‐wave was assessed. In total, 368 patients with systolic heart failure (median 76 years old, 190 men, median ejection fraction 40%) were included. The measured overlap length was 35 (−72, 115) ms. Given the results of multiple linear regression analyses, we constructed a formula: estimated overlap length (ms) = −589 + 6.2 × heart rate (bpm) + 0.81 × deceleration time (ms), which had a good agreement with actually measured one (r = 0.62). The ideal heart rate, at which the overlap length is ‘zero’ and probably cardiac output is maximized, is calculated as follows: ideal heart rate (bpm) = 93 – 0.13 × deceleration time (ms).ConclusionsWe proposed a novel formula using deceleration time to estimate ideal heart rate that achieves a zero overlap between E‐wave and A‐wave in patients with systolic heart failure. Prognostic impact of the formula‐guided heart rate optimization should be studied.
In‐hospital and long‐term mortality for acute heart failure: analysis at the time of admission to the emergency department
Authors: Lombardi Carlo , Peveri Giulia , Cani Dario , Latta Federica , Bonelli Andrea , Tomasoni Daniela , Sbolli Marco , Ravera Alice , Carubelli Valentina , Saccani Nicola , Specchia Claudia , Metra Marco 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsAcute heart failure (AHF) leads to a drastic increase in mortality and rehospitalization. The aim of the study was to identify prognostic variables in a real‐life population of AHF patients admitted to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath.Methods and resultsWe evaluated potential predictors of mortality in 728 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department with AHF. Possible predictors of all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality were investigated by Cox and Fine and Gray models at multivariable analysis. Among the 728 patients, 256 died during the entire follow‐up, 142 of these due to CV cause. The 1 year mortality rate was 20%, with the highest risk of death during the index hospitalization (with 8% estimate in‐hospital mortality at 30 days). A higher risk of events during the index hospitalization was more evident for the CV deaths, for which we found a cumulative 1 year incidence of 12% with a cumulative incidence in the first 30 days of hospitalization of about 5%. At multivariable analysis, age (P < 0.001), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV vs. I–II–III (P = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), non‐cardiac co‐morbidities (≥3 vs. 0, P = 0.05), oxygen saturation (P = 0.03), serum creatinine (P < 0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (40–49% vs. <40%, P = 0.004; ≥50% vs. <40%, P = 0.003) were independent predictors of all‐cause mortality during the entire follow‐up. Age (P = 0.03), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), oxygen saturation (P = 0.03), serum creatinine (P = 0.02), and LVEF (40–49% vs. <40%, P = 0.03; ≥50% vs. <40%, P = 0.004) were independent predictors of CV mortality during the entire follow‐up. NYHA class IV vs. I–II–III (P < 0.001), serum creatinine (P = 0.01), and LVEF (40–49% vs. <40%, P = 0.02; ≥50% vs. <40%, P < 0.001) remained independent predictors for in‐hospital death, while only serum creatinine (P = 0.04), LVEF (40–49% vs. <40%: 0.32, P = 0.04; ≥50% vs. <40%, P < 0.001), and NYHA class vs. I–II–III (P = 0.02) remained predictors for in‐hospital CV mortality.ConclusionsIn this real‐life cohort of patients with AHF, the results showed a similar mortality rate comparing with other analysis and with the most important registries. Age, NYHA class IV, systolic blood pressure, creatinine levels, sodium levels, and ejection fraction were independent predictors of 1 year mortality, while LVEF <40% was the only predictor of both all‐cause mortality and CV mortality.
Effects of dapagliflozin on congestion assessed by remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring
Authors: Mullens Wilfried , Martens Pieter , Forouzan Omid , Dauw Jeroen , Vercammen Jan , Luwel Evert , Ceyssens Wendy , Kockaerts Veerle , Ameloot Koen , Dupont Matthias 
Published: June 2020

AimsTo explore the effects of dapagliflozin on congestion through CardioMEMS (Abbott Inc., Atlanta, USA) and Cordella™ pulmonary artery Sensor (Endotronix Inc., Lisle, Il, USA) devices, which are implantable systems that provide real‐time remote monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP).Methods and resultsSingle‐centre open label observational pilot trial, to investigate the short‐term effects of dapagliflozin in consecutive heart failure and reduced ejection fraction patients with elevated PAP between October and December 2019, previously implanted with CardioMEMS or Cordella™ Sensor. Changes in PAP were evaluated with an area under the curve methodology to estimate the total sum increase or decrease in pressures (mmHg/day) for 7 days before and after starting dapagliflozin relative to the first day of each period. Nine patients (72 ± 10 years, N‐terminal pro b‐type natriuretic peptide 1027 ± 510 pg/mL, estimated glomerular filtration rate 45 ± 15 mL/kg/m2, left ventricular ejection fraction 35 ± 10%), all on optimal guideline‐directed therapy was included. The mean PAP was reduced from 42 ± 9.16 to 38 ± 9.95 mmHg with dapagliflozin therapy (P < 0.05). The average area under the curve for the week leading to dapagliflozin therapy remained unchanged compared to the drop observed for the week after therapy (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the drop in PAP occurred within the first 2 days of dapagliflozin and remained stable for the week following the start of the therapy.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate a direct effect of dapagliflozin on achieving effective hemodynamic decongestion, providing further mechanistic data regarding the potential mechanisms of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor benefits on heart failure.
Prognostic impact of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Suzuki Sho , Motoki Hirohiko , Kanzaki Yusuke , Maruyama Takuya , Hashizume Naoto , Kozuka Ayako , Yahikozawa Kumiko , Kuwahara Koichiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsThis study aims to investigate the prognostic impact of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) on cardiovascular events in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%).Methods and resultsA prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted in Nagano prefecture, Japan, between July 2014 and December 2018 that contained 518 consecutive HFpEF patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (HF). The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and HF readmission. We compared the incidence of cardiovascular events between patients who were prescribed with MRAs and those who were not in a propensity score matched cohort using a Cox proportional hazards regression model with a propensity score derived from 23 baseline variables. For sensitivity analysis, we conducted Cox proportional hazards regression models for the primary outcome adjusting for 16 clinically relevant variables in the crude cohort. The median age was 83 years, and 53% were female. The median left ventricular ejection fraction was 61%. During a median follow‐up of 553 days, the primary outcome occurred in 192 (37%) patients. MRAs were used in 255 (49%) patients. After analysis, a matched cohort consisting of 370 patients was created. After propensity score matching, the baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. The incidence of the primary outcome was significantly lower in MRA users than in non‐users [32% (59/185) vs. 49% (90/185); hazard ratio (HR) 0.669, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.482–0.929, P = 0.016]. The incidence of cardiovascular death was also significantly lower in the MRA users [11% (21/185) vs. 22% (41/185); HR, 0.563; 95% CI, 0.333–0.953; P = 0.032]. The risk of HF readmission tended to be lower in the MRA users [29% (54/185) vs. 41% (75/185); HR, 0.738; 95% CI, 0.520–1.048; P = 0.089]. MRA use was also associated with a lower risk of the primary outcome after Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusting for 16 clinically relevant variables in the crude cohort (HR, 0.710; 95% CI 0.507–0.995; P = 0.047).ConclusionsMineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use was significantly associated with a lower risk of the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death and HF readmission in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HFpEF. The incidence of cardiovascular mortality was also significantly lower in these patients.
Prognostic impacts of dynamic cardiac structural changes in heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Yamanaka Shinsuke , Sakata Yasuhiko , Nochioka Kotaro , Miura Masanobu , Kasahara Shintaro , Sato Masayuki , Aoyanagi Hajime , Fujihashi Takahide , Hayashi Hideka , Shiroto Takashi , Sugimura Koichiro , Takahashi Jun , Miyata Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki ,   CHART‐2 Investigators
Published: June 2020

AimsWe aimed to examine temporal changes in left ventricular (LV) structures and their prognostic impacts in patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods and resultsIn the Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District‐2 (CHART‐2) study (n = 10 219), we divided 2698 consecutive HFpEF patients (68.9 ± 12.2 years, 32.1% female) into three groups by LV hypertrophy (LVH) and enlargement (LVE) at baseline: (−)LVH/(−)LVE (n = 989), (+)LVH/(−)LVE (n = 1448), and (+)LVH/(+)LVE (n = 261). We examined temporal changes in LV structures and their prognostic impacts during a median 8.7‐year follow‐up. From (−)LVH/(−)LVE, (+)LVH/(−)LVE to (+)LVH/(+)LVE at baseline, the incidence of the primary outcome, a composite of cardiovascular death or HF admission, significantly increased. Among 1808 patients who underwent echocardiography at both baseline and 1 year, we noted substantial group transitions from baseline to 1 year; the transition rates from (−)LVH/(−)LVE to (+)LVH/(−)LVE, from (+)LVH/(−)LVE to (−)LVH/(−)LVE, from (+)LVH/(−)LVE to (+)LVH/(+)LVE, and from (+)LVH/(+)LVE to (+)LVH/(−)LVE were 27% (182/671), 22% (213/967), 6% (59/967), and 26% (44/170), respectively. In the univariable Cox proportional hazard model, patients who transitioned from (+)LVH/(−)LVE to (+)LVH/(+)LVE or remained in (+)LVH/(+)LVE had the worst subsequent prognosis [hazard ratio (HR) 4.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.09–6.99, P < 0.001; HR 4.01, 95% CI 2.85–5.65, P < 0.001, respectively], as compared with those who remained in (−)LVH/(−)LVE. These results were unchanged after adjustment for the covariates including baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and 1‐year LVEF change.ConclusionIn HFpEF patients, LV structures dynamically change over time with significant prognostic impacts, where patients who develop LVE with LVH have the worst prognosis.
Transcriptomic profiling of bovine blood dendritic cells and monocytes following TLR stimulation
Authors: Barut G. Tuba , Lischer Heidi E. L. , Bruggmann Rémy , Summerfield Artur , Talker Stephanie C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) and monocytes are vital for the initiation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Recently, we identified bona fide DC subsets in blood of cattle, revealing subset‐ and species‐specific transcription of toll‐like receptors (TLR). In the present study, we analyzed phenotypic and transcriptional responses of bovine DC subsets and monocytes to in vitro stimulation with four to six different TLR ligands. Bovine DC subsets, especially plasmacytoid DC (pDC), showed a clear increase of CCR7, CD25, CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC‐II expression both on mRNA and protein level. Flow cytometric detection of p38 MAPK phosphorylation 15 min after stimulation confirmed activation of DC subsets and monocytes in accordance with TLR gene expression. Whole‐transcriptome sequencing of sorted and TLR‐stimulated subsets revealed potential ligand‐ and subset‐specific regulation of genes associated with inflammation, T‐cell co‐stimulation, migration, metabolic reprogramming, and antiviral activity. Gardiquimod was found to evoke strong responses both in DC subsets and monocytes, while Poly(I:C) and CpG preferentially triggered responses in cDC1 and pDC, respectively. This in‐depth analysis of ligand responsiveness is essential for the rational design of vaccine adjuvants in cattle, and provides a solid basis for comparative studies on DC and monocyte biology across species.
A retrospective review of changes and challenges in the use of antiseizure medicines in Dravet syndrome in Norway
Authors: Heger Katrine , Lund Caroline , Larsen Burns Margrete , Bjørnvold Marit , Sætre Erik , Johannessen Svein I. , Johannessen Landmark Cecilie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveDravet syndrome is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by severe and drug‐resistant seizures in early childhood, followed by developmental delay. The purpose of this study was to investigate aspects of pharmacological treatment of Norwegian patients with Dravet syndrome, focusing on the use of antiseizure medicines (ASMs) and identifying treatment challenges.MethodsPatients were identified through medical registries at the National Center for Epilepsy in Norway and National Center for Rare Epilepsy Related Disorders during 2008‐2018. Additional clinical data were obtained from medical records and laboratory request forms.ResultsWe identified 53 patients with Dravet syndrome, 30/23 males/females, aged 2‐50 years. The majority of patients with known seizure frequency experienced frequent seizures, 80% (n = 35/44). Only two patients were seizure‐free. Valproate (n = 48), clobazam (n = 45), levetiracetam (n = 30), and stiripentol (n = 38) were most commonly used, previous or current use. More than one‐third (n = 20) had tried sodium channel blockers (including lamotrigine), but these drugs were used less during the last decade. Polytherapy was common, 81% (n = 43) used two or more ASMs, and eight of these patients used 4‐5 drugs (15%). Several challenges were identified: high seizure frequency, comorbidities, treatment changes with a wide range of ASMs, common use of oral gastro‐tubes, extensive polypharmacy, and drug interactions.SignificanceThe use of ASMs has changed over the last decade, in accordance with updated international recommendations. Various treatment challenges were identified. This vulnerable group of patients needs close follow‐up for an optimal treatment outcome.
Application of open tools and datasets to probabilistic modeling of road traffic disruptions due to earthquake damage
Authors: Costa Catarina , Figueiredo Rui , Silva Vitor , Bazzurro Paolo 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThe disruption of a transportation network can have a high social and economic impact on the welfare of a society, as it can significantly affect the daily routines of a community. Although many studies have focused on the estimation of physical risk in the components that compose these networks, only a limited number have analyzed their interconnections and impact in the traffic flow. The present study analyzes how earthquake damage can disrupt the road network in an urban environment, and how this will influence the ability of the population to travel. Traffic due to daily commutes is modeled for different layouts of the network, corresponding to possible disruptions caused by earthquake damage. The duration and length of each trip were calculated both for the undamaged network conditions and for the disrupted network. The increase in the median duration and length of each trip allows estimating the economic loss for each event due to drivers' delay. By combining the probability of a specific road being blocked with its number of users, the average number of affected vehicles was estimated, and the most critical segments identified. The methodology was applied to a case study concerning the road network of the area around the Italian city of Messina in Sicily. The results were calculated for both a repetition of the well‐known historical event of 1908 and a set of simulated earthquakes consistent with the national probabilistic seismic hazard model of Italy.
Waste Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil as a potential source for biodiesel production in the presence of a novel mixed metallic oxide catalyst
Authors: Jamil Farrukh , Al‐Riyami Mohammed , Al‐Haj Lamya , Al‐Muhtaseb Ala'a H. , Myint Myo T. Z. , Baawain Mahad , Al‐Abri Mohammed 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThe current research work reports the synthesis of highly efficient heterogeneous barium oxide with molybdenum oxide (BaO‐MoO2) catalysts for transesterification of Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil for biodiesel production. The synthesized catalysts are being characterized through several analytical techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) to examine its suitability for biodiesel production. The biodiesel production process was optimized and optimum yield obtained was 97.8% using a set of optimum conditions such as methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio of 12, the processing time of 120 minutes, process temperature of 65°C and with catalyst loading of 4.5 wt%. Moreover, catalyst reusability was determined and it was found to be highly suitable for reuse with minimum loss of its activity. Further on, quality of the produced biodiesel was evaluated to show its suitability as fuel and its potential as an alternative to fossil diesel.