bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity of patients with heart failure
Authors: Jaarsma Tiny , Perkiö Kato Naoko , Ben Gal Tuvia , Bäck Maria , Chialà Oronzo , Evangelista Lorraine , Mårtensson Jan , Piepoli Massimo F. , Vellone Ercole , Klompstra Leonie , Strömberg Anna ,   HF‐Wii study team
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsImprovement in exercise capacity is the primary goal of physical activity programmes for patients with heart failure (HF). Although activity programmes are effective for some patients, others do not benefit. Identifying factors related to a lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity may help us interpret findings and design new interventions. The aim of this study is to identify factors contributing to a lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity 3 months after physical activity advice or an exergame intervention in patients with HF. Additionally, we aimed to assess differences in lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity of patients whose baseline exercise capacity predicted a worse compared with better prognosis of HF.Methods and resultsThis secondary analysis of the HF‐Wii study analysed baseline and 3 month data of the 6 min walk test (6MWT) from 480 patients (mean age 67 years, 72% male). Data were analysed separately in patients with a pre‐defined 6 min walking distance at baseline of <300 m (n = 79) and ≥300 m (n = 401). Among patients with a baseline 6MWT of ≥300 m, 18% had deteriorated submaximal exercise capacity. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, lower baseline levels of self‐reported physical activity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60–0.97], lower baseline levels of cognitive function (OR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.79–0.96) were significantly associated with lack of improvement in exercise capacity at 3 months. Not randomized to exergaming (OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.37–1.09) was likely (P = 0.097) to be associated with lack of improvement in exercise capacity at 3 months. Among the 79 patients with baseline 6MWT of <300 m, 41% (n = 32) did not improve 6MWT distance at 3 months. Independent predictors for the lack of improvement for 6MWT were New York Heart Association class III/IV (OR = 4.68, 95%CI = 1.08–20.35), higher levels of serum creatinine (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.003–1.03), lower cognitive function (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.75–0.99), and fewer anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.72–0.98).ConclusionsLower self‐reported physical activity and cognitive impairment predict lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity in HF patients. Patients who have a worse prognosis (score <300 m at the 6MWT) are often frail and gain less in exercise capacity. These patients may need a more comprehensive approach to have an effect on exercise capacity, including an individually tailored exercise programme with aerobic exercise (if tolerated) and strength exercises.
Initial experience covering 50 consecutive cases of large Impella implantation at a single heart centre
Authors: Sugimura Yukiharu , Katahira Shintaro , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Mehdiani Arash , Assmann Alexander , Rellecke Philipp , Tudorache Igor , Westenfeld Ralf , Boeken Udo , Aubin Hug , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsPre‐operative or post‐operative heart failure (HF) and cardiogenic shock of various natures frequently remain refractory to conservative treatment and require mechanical circulatory support. We report our clinical experience with large Impella systems (5.0 or 5.5; i.e. Impella 5+) (Abiomed Inc., Boston, USA) and evaluate the parameters that determined patient outcome.Methods and resultsThe initial 50 cases of Impella 5+ implanted for acute HF between November 2018 and August 2020 at a single centre were enrolled in this study. Data, including preoperative characteristics, perioperative clinical course information, and post‐operative outcomes, were retrospectively collected from the hospital data management and quality assurance system. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed. Among the 49 patients in this study, 28 (56.0%) survived in the first 30 days post‐operatively, and 3 died of non‐cardiac reasons later. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with biventricular failure [P < 0.01, odds ratio (OR) 5.63] or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (P = 0.02, OR 15.8), whereas ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) was associated with lower mortality (P = 0.03, OR 0.24). Interestingly, the mortality was comparable between the ‘solo’ Impella group and the veno‐arterial extracorporal membrane oxygenation (va‐ECMO) plus Impella (ECMELLA) group, despite the severity of the patients' profile in the ECMELLA group (‘solo’ vs. ECMELLA; 55.6% vs. 52.6%, P = 1.00). All patients who received an additional temporary right ventricular assist device (tRVAD) were successfully weaned from va‐ECMO.ConclusionsOur results suggest that biventricular failure and DCM are predictors of higher mortality in patients with Impella. Considering the pathophysiology of HF, implantation of a large Impella system seems to be promising, especially for ICM patients. The large Impella system might be more effective for better prognosis of patients under va‐ECMO, and combination therapy with tRVAD seems to be a promising strategy for early weaning from va‐ECMO.
Co‐Precipitation of Fe−Cu Bimetal Oxalates in an Aqueous Solution and Their Thermally Induced Decomposition
Authors: Kopp Josef , Novák Petr , Lisníková Soňa , Vrba Vlastimil , Procházka Vít 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis work focuses on the preparation of bimetal Fe−Cu oxalates by a co‐precipitation reaction in an aqueous solution and subsequently on their thermally induced decomposition. The formation of solid solutions of Fe−Cu oxalates with various Fe/Cu ratios was studied by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that the bimetal Fe−Cu oxalate precipitated in a structure similar to β‐FeC2O4 ⋅ 2H2O. The maximum relative amount of Cu obtained within the bimetal oxalate was approximately 40 %. However, the single bimetal phase composition was obtained only for a limited range of Fe/Cu ratios. The Fe‐rich samples contained also β‐FeC2O4 ⋅ 2H2O, while the Cu‐rich samples were predominantly composed of CuC2O4 ⋅ nH2O and contained much lower amounts of Fe than expected. The thermal decomposition of the prepared oxalate with the nominal Fe/Cu ratio of 65/35 was studied by in‐situ X‐ray powder diffraction in combination with ex‐situ Mössbauer spectroscopy. The mixing of both metals at the molecular level allowed the preparation of copper ferrite particles at a relatively low temperature of 470 °C.
Decatungstate‐Photocatalyzed Radical Addition of 9‐Substituted Fluorenes to [60]Fullerene: A Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Malliaros Nikitas G. , Orfanopoulos Michael 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAn innovative, efficient, regioselective functionalization of C60 with 9H‐fluorenes has been disclosed. This efficient photochemical approach uses certain fluorenyl radicals in 9‐position deriving from fluorenes through a hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) process mediated by tetrabutylammoniumdecatungstate [(n‐Bu4N)4W10O32]. The single addition of these fluorenyl radicals to C60 proceeded to produce [60]fullerene‐fluorene dyads in a single step. The scope and mechanism of this new reaction have been examined. The primary kinetic isotope effect measurements signify the presence of a stepwise mechanism in which the C−H (D) bond scission is the rate‐limiting step of the reaction.
A novel advanced 3D‐IPS based on mmWaves and SOM‐MLP neural network
Authors: Tamazirt Lotfi , Alilat Farid , Agoulmine Nazim 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis article proposes a new approach for intelligent indoor 3D positioning that works in the millimeter waves (that constitutes a cornerstone of 5G networks). The solution is based on a combination of a multilayer perceptron network and a self‐organizing map. The solution relies on a precise model of the millimeter frequency channel at 60 GHz and the building of a database of fingerprinting of localization data. The solution approach is based on two parts. In the first part, we specified the target environment for positioning as well as the set of millimeter wave (mmWave) access points (APs) to be deployed in predefined positions. Then, we built a reference database of received signal strengths, azimuths of arrival, and elevations of arrival at each 3D position of the target environment (with a predefined step). The second part of the approach consists of designing a novel neural network architecture that is first trained using the database data and then used to estimate any position in the environment based on the information of the received mmWave signals sent by the different mmWave installed APs. In a normal scenario (without loss of data), the obtained results indicate a millimeter level of the generalization error of the estimated 3D positions. In the case of missing data that may due to potential failures in the system, the obtained accuracy is of the order of 34 cm.
Optical modulation using digital image symbol patterns and grating light valve technology in a hybrid multiplexed superchannel
Authors: Khan Muhammed F. , Swart Theo G. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe latest research exploits to increase optical channel bandwidth are termed polarization division multiplexing (PDM) and few mode fiber (FMF), which rely upon a complex multiplexed architecture together with customized electro‐optic modulated hardware elements, inhibited by cost implications and technical limitations thereof. The research pursued herein presents an alternate digital image pattern modulated (DIPM) approach to achieve higher bandwidth gains, spectral efficiency (SE), and transmission reach improvement. The solution focuses on reducing implementation cost with a scalable software approach and simplified conceptual hardware design using grating light valve (GLV) technology to address the drawbacks of PDM, FMF, and other conventional optical transmission technologies. Simulation test results for a DIPM‐GLV‐based fiber optic (FO) transmission system and comparisons against conventional and other novel techniques are graphically shown and interpreted, suggesting that DIPM using GLV is a viable high performance and cost efficient solution.
Monitoring of frying process in canola oil blend using fourier transform infrared and chemometrics techniques
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Haseeb , Shahbaz Zainab , Imran Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Kamran , Muhammad Niaz , Iqbal Sanaullah , Ahmed Waqas , Ahmad Tanvir 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe production of trans‐fats and chemical changes during the process of frying are serious public health concerns and must be monitored efficiently. For this purpose, the canola oil was formulated with different ratio of extra virgin olive oil and palm olein using D‐optimal mixture design, and the best formulation (67:22:11) based on free fatty acid (FFA) content, peroxide value (PV), and iodine value (IV) as responses was selected for multiple frying process. The data on FFA, PV, and IV along with Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectra were taken after each frying up to ten frying. The spectral data were preprocessed with standard normal variate followed by principal component analysis which is clearly showing the differentiation for various frying. Similarly, partial least square regression was applied to predict the FFA (0.37%–1.63%), PV (4.47–13.85 meqO2/kg), and IV (111.51–51.39 I2/100 g) which demonstrated high coefficient of determination (R2) 0.84, 0.83, and 0.81, respectively. It can be summarized that FT‐IR can be used as a novel tool for fast and noninvasive quality determination of frying oils.
Intraoral radiation stents—Primer for clinical use in head and neck cancer therapy
Authors: Singh Annu , Rosen Evan B. , Randazzo Joseph D. , Estilo Cherry L. , Gelblum Daphna Y. , Huryn Joseph M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntraoral radiation stents (IRS) are prosthetic devices that assist in the effective delivery of radiation to tumor tissues and aim to avoid unnecessary radiation to adjacent healthy tissues, thus limiting postradiotherapy toxicities. They are used to protect or displace vital structures, assist in positioning of the treatment beam for effective administration of radiotherapy, carry a radioactive material, shield healthy tissues of the oral cavity, and/or maintain the desired mouth opening during radiotherapy. With close collaboration between radiation oncologist and oral health care provider, several IRS can be fabricated by the latter for appropriate targeting and delivery of planned radiation dose and optimized treatment results. Modification of these IRS based on individual patient need is recommended to maximize prosthesis utility. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various types of IRS and highlight their clinical utility and benefits in patients receiving radiation therapy in the head and neck cancers.
A pilot trial of vaccination with Carcinoembryonic antigen and Her2/neu peptides in advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Lynch Kevin T. , Squeo Gabriella C. , Kane William J. , Meneveau Max O. , Petroni Gina , Olson Walter C. , Chianese‐Bullock Kimberly A. , Slingluff Craig L. , Foley Eugene F. , Friel Charles M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCheckpoint‐blockade therapy (CBT) is approved for select colorectal cancer (CRC) patents, but additional immunotherapeutic options are needed. We hypothesized that vaccination with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Her2/neu (Her2) peptides would be immunogenic and well tolerated by participants with advanced CRC. A pilot clinical trial (NCT00091286) was conducted in HLA‐A2+ or ‐A3+ Stage IIIC‐IV CRC patients. Participants were vaccinated weekly with CEA and Her2 peptides plus tetanus peptide and GM‐CSF emulsified in Montanide ISA‐51 adjuvant for 3 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded per NIH Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3. Immunogenicity was evaluated by interferon‐gamma ELISpot assay of in vitro sensitized peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphocytes from the sentinel immunized node. Eleven participants were enrolled and treated; one was retrospectively found to be ineligible due to HLA type. All 11 participants were included in AEs and survival analyses, and the 10 eligible participants were evaluated for immunogenicity. All participants reported AEs: 82% were Grade 1‐2, most commonly fatigue or injection site reactions. Two participants (18%) experienced treatment‐related dose‐limiting Grade 3 AEs; both were self‐limiting. Immune responses to Her2 or CEA peptides were detected in 70% of participants. Median overall survival (OS) was 16 months; among those enrolled with no evidence of disease (n = 3), median OS was not reached after 10 years of follow‐up. These data demonstrate that vaccination with CEA or Her2 peptides is well tolerated and immunogenic. Further study is warranted to assess potential clinical benefits of vaccination in advanced CRC either alone or in combination with CBT.
Mechanical properties andin vitrobioactivity of silicon nitride ceramics withSiO2,CaO, andMgOadditions
Authors: Sona Filho Celso Ricardo , Machado de Souza Carvalho Flávio , Chaves Guedes‐Silva Cecilia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSilicon nitride ceramics with SiO2, CaO, and MgO as sintering aids were investigated in view of biomedical applications. In the current study, samples with four different compositions were pressureless sintered at 1750°Cfor 1 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. The samples were evaluated concerning densification, microstructure, mechanical properties, andin vitrobioactivity. Microstructures with elongated β‐Si3N4grains dispersed in an intergranular phase and with densities from 78.77 to 97.14% of the theoretical density were obtained. Higher contents of SiO2resulted in the best densification and mechanical properties. Besides, replacements of CaO by MgO in the initial compositions affected Young's modulus andin vitrobioactivity. Considering the samples with relative density higher than 94.14%, those with lower values of Young's modulus had lower SiO2/MgO ratios. After immersion in SBF (Simulated Body Fluid), the samples with high porosity and/or partial replacements of CaO by MgO had their surfaces coated with a layer rich in calcium and phosphorus, morphologically similar to hydroxyapatite. Hence, producing silicon nitride ceramics with the potential to be used as orthopedic implants must consider ideal amounts of additives. In this article, the best combination of mechanical properties and mineralization capability was reached by the composition with low content of MgO, and high content of SiO2and CaO.
Percutaneous closure of a paravalvular prosthetic mitral leak complicated by need for acute hemodialysis
Authors: Sozzi Fabiola , Hugues Nicolas , Schiavone Marco , Levy Frank , Civaia Filippo , Iacuzio Laura , Rossi Philippe , Carugo Stefano , Bourlon Francois , Eker Armand 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA case of a severe paravalvular mechanical mitral prosthesis leak (PVL) in a high‐risk surgical patient, complicated with acute heart failure at presentation is described. Considering the high surgical risk and the specific echocardiographic features that would prevent the interventional cardiologist to have a direct access to the PVL with a traditional vascular plug or duct occluder, a percutaneous PVL closure with an Amplatzer‐Amulet (Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois, United States) LAA device (28 mm) was chosen for the contiguity of the PVL to the left atrial appendage (LAA). A new‐onset hemolysis post‐PVL closure and severe renal failure requiring hemodialysis occurred after the procedure, treated with surgical device removal and leak suture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that describes the attempt to close a PVL, contiguous to the LAA, using the Amulet device. The attempt to close a PVL with these features with an Amplatzer‐Amulet device, although promising, does not appear completely safe to reach the goal, as in our case. In our opinion, the most important reasons are that specific technical recommendations and broad experiences are lacking. Indeed, specific outcomes of this kind of approach are, to date, still unknown.
Survey of student attitudes toward digital technology in practical technical dental education using the AR‐Demonstrator‐App
Authors: Gredes Tomasz , Pricop‐Jeckstadt Mihaela , Mereti Eleni , Botzenhart Ute 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurpose/objectivesMore and more creative applications are used in the field of dentistry for clinical practice, patient orientation, teaching, and learning, in order to awake the students’ interest and to enable a deep learning and its retention. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact and the effectiveness of the current simulation laboratories on the practical dental education. For this purpose, a survey on a new developed “AR‐Demonstrator‐App” was conducted during the orthodontic technical courses in 2017, 2018, and 2020 in the Department of Orthodontics (C.G. Carus, TU Dresden, Germany).MethodsWith this application, the students had the opportunity to see every single step with instructions on how to manufacture a removable orthodontic device in a compulsory technical course. At the end of these courses, the students were asked to anonymously fill out a printed questionnaire with 12 questions regarding the learning progress related to the app.ResultsThe yearly mean Likert scores and their bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals as well as the yearly median Likert scores suggest a very positive feedback about the use of the new application as an educational instrument. Despite the recognized predominant benefits of this app, the students concluded that they do not prefer the total replacement of the physical plaster casts and that a combination of conventional and computer‐based education provided the optimum approach to acquisition of dental practical skills.ConclusionsThis survey indicates a generally positive attitude toward computer‐assisted simulation systems, providing the facility for acquisition of knowledge and practical skills in a multimedia environment.
Mechanical test and friction‐mapping on recycled polypropylene beads using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Koç Mert Muhammed , Caglayan Mustafa Oguzhan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMechanical tests at sub‐micron scales using force microscopy are often used for the characterization of materials. Here we report the mechanical, tribologic, and morphological characterization of recycled polypropylene beads using force spectroscopy and lateral‐force microscopy. The compression‐elastic moduli calculated using the Hertzian model for polypropylene beads was between 0.448 ± 0.010 and 1.044 ± 0.057 GPa. The grain size analysis revealed a significant correlation between the grain size and measured compression‐elastic moduli. Friction‐maps of recycled polypropylene beads obtained using lateral‐force microscopy were also reported for 25 μm2 scanning areas.
Adherence to treatment, a challenge even in treatable metabolic rare diseases: A cross sectional study of Wilson's disease
Authors: Jacquelet Elodie , Poujois Aurelia , Pheulpin Marie‐Christine , Demain Adèle , Tinant Nadège , Gastellier Nathalie , Woimant France 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWilson's disease (WD), a rare genetic disorder responsible for copper accumulation in the body, is fatal if left untreated. Although there are effective treatments, adherence to treatment tends to be low. We evaluated the medication adherence of 139 patients using the Morisky scale. Adherence was correlated with age at diagnosis and at inclusion in the study, the form of the disease, the treatment, the duration of treatment, delivery and storage problems, depression, anxiety, the level of education, and the biological data. 32.4% of the patients had low adherence; their levels of exchangeable copper were significantly higher than those of the patients with high or medium adherence (P = .049). The average age of the patients at the time of the study was significantly higher in those with high adherence than in those with medium or low adherence (P = .043). 75.9% of the patients with high adherence had a neurological form and 26.7% of the patients with low adherence were asymptomatic (P = .0090). The duration of treatment was significantly longer in the patients with high adherence than in those with medium or low adherence (P = .0192). The type of treatment (chelators or zinc) had no impact on the level of adherence. Forty‐four percent of the patients experienced problems dispensing and storing medications. Despite the availability of effective treatments for this rare disease, adherence problems occur with Wilson's disease in particular in asymptomatic patients. Although different factors are involved, sustained multidisciplinary management on a case‐by‐case basis is necessary.