bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological Performance of Drug‐Coated Balloons in Small Coronary Arteries PICCOLETO II μFR
Authors: Fezzi Simone , Trevisanello Aurora , Buccheri Dario , Borgi Marco , Orrego Pedro Silva , Zoccai Giuseppe Biondi , Cortese Bernardo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDrug‐coated balloons (DCB) are emerging as an alternative to permanent implants for managing de novo coronary artery disease, particularly in small vessels (SVD). This sub‐analysis of the PICCOLETO II study aimed to compare the performance of DCB and DES in terms of Murray's law‐based quantitative flow ratio (μFR) changes between baseline, post‐percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and follow‐up.MethodsPatients with a clinical indication for PCI were assigned to receive either Xience DES or Elutax SV/Emperor DCB. Coronary angiograms were blindly analyzed by an independent Core Laboratory (Consorzio Futuro in Ricerca, University of Ferrara, Italy).ResultsAmong 232 patients, 59 were included in this analysis. Pre‐PCI μFR was comparable between groups (0.65 ± 0.29 vs. 0.58 ± 0.25; p = 0.20). Post‐PCI, the DCB group had a lower acute functional gain compared to DES (+0.21 vs. +0.31; p = 0.064), with lower μFR values (0.86 ± 0.36 vs. 0.89 ± 0.3; p = 0.074). At 6‐month follow‐up, μFR values were similar between groups (0.84 ± 0.29 vs. 0.84 ± 0.31, p = 0.93), with a comparable late functional loss (−0.02 vs. −0.05; p = 0.93). Angiographic late lumen loss was significantly lower in the DCB group (−0.03 vs. +0.29 mm; p = 0.027).ConclusionsDCB‐based PCI showed a trend toward less favorable immediate post‐PCI functional result but a comparable performance at follow‐up, suggesting its potential in treating de novo SVD.
Head‐to‐Head Comparison of Learning Curves Between QFR and FFRangio Software Users
Authors: Salihu Adil , Zulauff Jade , Gadiri Mehdi Ali , Metzinger Anais , Muller Joanne , Skalidis Ioannis , Meier David , Noirclerc Nathalie , Mauler‐Wittwer Sarah , Zimmerli Aurelia , Muller Olivier , Fournier Stephane 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundQuantitative flow ratio (QFR) and FFRangio are angiography‐based technologies used to perform functional assessment of coronary lesions from angiographic images, validated across multiple clinical studies. There is limited information on the learning curves associated with each technology.AimsThis study aims to compare the learning curves of QFR and FFRangio in evaluating coronary stenoses, focusing on changes in analysis speed and accuracy compared to invasive measurements.MethodsA team of five blinded investigators, including two nurses, one medical student, and one physician in training, underwent identical standardized training on both technologies. The time taken for each analysis and the computed FFR values were documented and compared against the invasive gold standard.ResultsA total of 270 lesions (54 coronary lesions in 44 patients) were retrospectively analyzed. The median invasive FFR value was 0.88 [IQR 0.5, 0.9]. The median time for analysis with QFR and FFRangio was 245 [IQR 62, 319] and 252 [IQR 82, 315] s, respectively (p = 0.171). Both QFR and FFRangio demonstrated a significant reduction in the time required for analysis as experience increased (p < 0.01). Regarding accuracy, the median difference with invasive FFR for QFR and FFRangio was 0.06 [IQR: 0, 0.12] and 0.06 [IQR: 0, 0.12], respectively (p = 0.620). Both technologies reached a performance plateau early on, exhibiting comparable results throughout the study.ConclusionInitial training in QFR and FFRangio enables quick attainment of maximal performance, but further practice primarily enhances analysis speed while maintaining accuracy, for both software.
De Novo Design of Lipopeptide‐Based β‐Sheet‐Like Self‐Assemblies: A Strategy to Develop Fusion Inhibitors as Broad‐Spectrum Antivirals
Authors: Sardar Avijit , Bhowmick Sucharita , Kamble Mithila , Dewangan Nikesh , Hazra Bibhas , Mallick Amirul I. , Tarafdar Pradip K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe recent surge in emerging viral infections warrants the design of broad‐spectrum antivirals. We aim to develop a lead molecule that targets a common biochemical feature of many enveloped viruses, membrane fusion. To achieve the broad‐spectrum ability, instead of targeting the fusion machinery, we plan to modulate the physicochemical properties of the host and viral membranes to block fusion. The approach is based on the Coronin‐1 protein of Mycobacterium, which presumably inhibits the phagosome‐lysosome fusion, and a unique Trp–Asp (WD) sequence is placed at the distorted β‐meander motif. We designed a WD‐based branched lipopeptide (Myr‐D(WD)2) that supported the intermolecular interactions to create a β‐sheet‐like supramolecular assembly at the membrane surface. TEM and confocal fluorescence experiments also suggest that the lipopeptide self‐assembled at the bilayer interface and modulated the interfacial order and the water penetration. We demonstrated that the supramolecular organization of Myr‐D(WD)2 could block artificial membrane fusion completely and restrict pH‐dependent influenza virus (H1N1, H9N2), and pH‐independent mouse hepatitis virus, human coronavirus (HCoV‐OC43) infections. The present study provided an evidence‐based broad‐spectrum antiviral potential of a designed self‐assembled lipopeptide.
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay of cTnI with Ruthenium‐Based Metal Covalent Organic Framework and Dual DNAzymes Cascade Amplification Strategy
Authors: Tang Sheng‐Han , Qin Ling , Yang Wei‐Guo , Yuan Ruo , Yang Jun , Li Yan , Hu Shan‐Shan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCurrently, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with tunability and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high stability are promising nanomaterials for electrochemiluminescence (ECL), while Ru‐based metal covalent organic frameworks (Ru‐MCOFs) have rarely been reported. Herein, an ECL immunosensor based on a strong ECL‐emitting Ru‐MCOF was proposed for the sensitive detection of the cardiac troponin‐I (cTnI). Imine‐linked Ru‐MCOF was prepared as an ECL emitter via solvothermal method using tris (4,4′ ‐diamino‐2,2′ ‐bipyridine) ruthenium (II) (Ru(dbpy)32+) as a precursor. Compared with monomers, the imine‐linked Ru‐MCOF achieved structural extension through covalent bonds, which not only effectively facilitated the electrochemical activation of the luminophores, but also shortened the transmission distance between electrons and co‐reactants, generating significant ECL emission. In addition, the porous Ru‐MCOF provided a microreactor with nanoconfinement effect, which could accelerate the diffusion of co‐reactants into the framework and promote the excitation of internal and external ECL emitters, significantly enhancing the ECL intensity. Considering the excellent ECL performance of Ru‐MCOF, combined with dual DNAzymes‐driven catalytic hairpin amplification, the ECL immunosensor achieved sensitive detection of cTnI with a detection limit as low as 0.42 fg/mL. The proposed highly stable Ru‐MCOF raises a new approach for exploring MCOF‐based luminophores, highlighting the potential of MCOFs in advanced ECL emitters.
A preclinical study of allogeneic CD19 chimeric antigen receptor double‐negative T cells as an off‐the‐shelf immunotherapy drug against B‐cell malignancies
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Liuyang , Liu Shuai , Tong Jianjun , Zhu Honglin , Xu Man , Li Xiancai , Xiang Zhiqiang , Sun Qinghua , Wang Hengcai , Wang Yuli , Wang Shuyang , Yang Liming 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the manufacturability, efficacy and safety of allogeneic CD19 chimeric antigen receptor double‐negative T cells (CD19‐CAR‐DNTs) as an off‐the‐shelf therapeutic cell product.MethodsA membrane proteome array was used to assess the off‐target binding of CD19‐CAR. DNTs derived from healthy donors were transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding the CD19‐CAR. The manufacture of the CD19‐CAR‐DNTs was under GMP conditions, and their surface molecule expression patterns were characterised using flow cytometry. We investigated the off‐the‐shelf potential of CD19‐CAR‐DNTs by evaluating the cryopreserved CD19‐CAR‐DNTs in terms of cell viability as well as their cytotoxicity against various CD19+ target cell lines and primary patient blasts in vitro. We evaluated the persistence and safety of the cryopreserved CD19‐CAR‐DNTs in xenograft models in vivo.ResultsGMP‐grade CD19‐CAR‐DNTs were manufactured and cryopreserved for use in advance. The cryopreserved CD19‐CAR‐DNTs maintain their viability and antitumor activity against various CD19+ target cell lines and primary patient blasts. These cells significantly prolonged the survival in Raji‐Luc‐xenografted NOG mice. Multiple infusions of the cells can further augment their efficacy. Remarkably, following a single infusion in mice, CD19‐CAR‐DNTs rapidly got distributed among well‐perfused organs initially, and progressively spread to most tissues, peaking at Day 43. In toxicity studies, CD19‐CAR‐DNTs significantly reduced tumor burden and ameliorated tissue damage in tumor‐bearing NOG mice. Critically, no immunotoxicity or graft versus host disease was observed in non‐tumor‐bearing NOG mice.ConclusionsThe allogeneic CD19‐CAR‐DNTs fulfil the requirements of an off‐the‐shelf therapeutic cell product, offering a promising new approach to the treatment of haematological malignancies.
Phthalazine Derivatives as VEGFR‐2 Inhibitors: Docking, ADMET, Synthesis, Design, Anticancer Evaluations, and Apoptosis Inducers
Authors: Bayoumi Hatem Hussein , Ibrahim Mohamed‐Kamal , Dahab Mohammed A. , Khedr Fathalla , El‐Adl Khaled 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTNew phthalazine‐derived inhibitors for VEGFR‐2 were synthesized for anticancer evaluations. Also, docking studies were performed to explore the suggested binding orientations of the novel derivatives inside the binding site of VEGFR‐2. The achieved biological data were extremely interrelated to that of docking study. In specific, derivative 3f was the greatest effective compound against HepG2 and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines with IC50 = 0.17 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.01 µM individually. The six highly active derivatives 3b, 3e, 3f, 3g, 6a, and 6b were estimated for their VEGFR‐2 inhibitory effects. Derivative 3f was the greatest effective compound which inhibited VEGFR‐2 at IC50 = 0.0557 ± 0.002 µM. The activities of 3f were assessed against MCF‐7 cancer cells for apoptosis induction, cell cycle distribution, and growth inhibition. Compound 3f induced early apoptosis (21.44%) by more than 36 folds over the control (0.59%). The obtained results showed that compound 3f induced necrotic effect (6.03%) by more than threefolds over the control (1.75%). On the other hand, compound 3f improved the level of the pro‐apoptotic protein; Bax by approximately fivefolds. Moreover, compound 3f noticeably decreased the levels of the anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2 by nearly fourfolds in comparison to the control. In addition, derivative 3f remarkably enhanced the Bax/Bcl2 ratio by nearly 18 folds, as compared to the control. Finally, our derivatives 3f, 3g, and 6b revealed good in silico considered ADMET profile in comparing to sorafenib.
From banks to burrows: Habitat preferences and nesting behaviours of platypuses in the Snowy River
Authors: Crane Joseph , Bino Gilad , Jordan Neil R. , Hawke Tahneal , O'Brien Justine K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPlatypuses are a unique freshwater mammal native to eastern Australia. They are semi‐aquatic, predominantly nocturnal, and nest in burrows dug into the banks of waterbodies. Quantifying nesting burrow characteristics is challenging due to the species' cryptic nature. We radio‐tagged 11 female platypuses during their breeding season (September to November) on the Snowy River, located their resting and nesting burrows by radiotracking, and assessed plasma triglyceride concentration as a biomarker of egg production. We quantified and tested for differences in height and distance from water of resting and nesting burrows, as well as for differences in both canopy and ground cover in the vicinity of resting and nesting burrows in comparison with background control sites in the area. Female platypuses displayed a strong selection for trees and shrubs, placing both their resting and nesting burrows within 5 m of these features. Compared with resting females, nesting females selected to dig nesting burrows higher above the river (nesting 1.98 m ± 0.27 SE vs. resting 1.15 m ± 0.10 SE) that were also further away from water (9.10 m ± 1.08 SE vs. 4.77 m ± 0.53 SE). Camera trap footage captured mice (Mus musculus) and black rats (Rattus rattus) entering two confirmed nesting tunnels on numerous occasions. During the first 3 weeks following the onset of nesting behaviour in two platypuses, rats entered the nesting tunnel a total of eight times and 31 times. Whether this is a previously unconsidered predator by invasive species remains to be evaluated. Synthesis: Riparian vegetation is a critical component of platypus habitat, providing stability for burrows, protection from predators, retaining high bank necessary to avoid inundation of burrows, and providing organic matter for nesting material and for abundant macroinvertebrate communities. Given ongoing declines and habitat degradation across their range, riparian habitat must be conserved and restored to promote breeding and population persistence.
Prevalence and Transmission Cycle of Avian Pathogens in the Isolated Oceanic Islands of Japan
Authors: Inumaru Mizue , Kimura Rui , Suzuki Naoko , Suzuki Hajime , Horikoshi Kazuo , Nishiumi Isao , Kawakami Kazuto , Tsuda Yoshio , Murata Koichi , Sato Yukita 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAvian haemosporidian parasites and avian pox virus (APV) are well‐known pathogens for their impact on avian populations, especially in oceanic islands where introduced pathogens show strong virulence for endemic and naïve birds. The Bonin Islands are a group of oceanic islands 1000 km south of Tokyo. Like the Hawaiian Islands, there are many endemic and endangered species as well as introduced species, which have greatly affected the native avian fauna. However, pathogens in wild birds of this archipelago had not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites and APV among birds and mosquitoes in this unique ecosystem of the Bonin Islands. From 2014 to 2020, 524 birds of 39 species either rescued, deceased, or caught by mist‐netting were sampled. APV‐like lesions were sampled from nine birds. 262 mosquitoes were collected by sweeping nets or CDC traps. All samples were tested via PCR for haemosporidian infection, and lesions were tested for APV.209 birds (39.9%) of 11 species were positive for haemosporidian parasite DNA, and all three parasite genera were detected. Prevalence was particularly high for Plasmodium elongatum (pGRW06) and Prelictum relictum (pGRW04). The former was detected from both resident birds and mosquitoes, suggesting local transmission. An introduced species, the warbling white‐eye (Zosterops japonicus), had a particularly high prevalence of pGRW06 (68.3%) and may be a reservoir of this lineage. Both APV and Plasmodium spp. were detected from all APV‐tested birds, suggesting that these two pathogens may be transmitted simultaneously via mosquitoes. The presence of avian haemosporidian parasites and APV was confirmed in the Bonin Islands for the first time. However, the virulence and origin of these pathogens remain unknown, and many bird species are still understudied. Further investigations are required to contribute to the conservation of this unique avifauna.
Unveiling the Threat to Vulture Diversity: A Comprehensive Ethno‐Ornithological Study Uncovers Regional Trade Effects in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Asso Asso Armel , Salewski Volker , Koné N'golo Abdoulaye 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn recent decades, African vulture populations have experienced a distressing decline, with certain species plummeting by over 90%. This decline can largely be attributed to various human‐induced pressures. In West Africa, the trade of vultures for magico‐traditional medicine stands out as a significant threat. However, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding the extent and economic ramifications of poaching and its associated trade on the biodiversity of these raptors in Côte d'Ivoire. This study sets out to gauge the scope of vulture trade and trafficking in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as its national and subregional repercussions, while also scrutinizing the potential constraints such activity imposes on the biodiversity of these raptors. Ethno‐ornithological investigations were conducted across 24 cities in Côte d'Ivoire, delving into the markets where various animals are showcased. The aim was to analyze the challenges stemming from the demand for vultures for magico‐traditional medicinal purposes and to examine the economic values entwined with poaching and trading these vultures. The findings illuminate the existence of a network dedicated to poaching and trading vultures in Côte d'Ivoire, driven by robust demand and regularly supplied by local and regional sources from neighboring countries. Predominantly, the Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) emerges as the most frequently encountered species on the market. In response to this imminent threat, it is advocated that national and regional awareness campaigns be undertaken to bolster enforcement of pertinent wildlife protection laws, particularly concerning vultures. Furthermore, fostering enhanced cooperation among West African governments is advised to avert the extinction of these species.
Effect of the change of foundation stiffness on the dynamic characteristics of base‐isolated structure
Authors: Zhuang Haiyang , Chen Pan , Liu Ying , Yu Xu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe safety of an isolated structure built on the soft soil ground under the action of earthquakes is of major concern because the current seismic design of isolated structures has not considered the motions of the foundations caused by the effects of the soil‐isolated structure dynamic interaction (SISI). On this basis, a shaking‐table test method for base‐isolated structures on change of soil foundation stiffness was proposed and implemented. The foundation stiffness was controlled by the duration compression ratio and intensity of the input ground motion based on the influence of the increase in the excess pore water pressure ratio on the stiffness of the saturated sandy foundation. Meanwhile, the influence laws of foundation stiffness on the dynamic characteristics of base‐isolated structures were summarized and analyzed. The results showed that the first‐order natural frequency of base‐isolated structures on change of foundation stiffness decreased with an increase in the relative stiffness ratio of the structure–soil foundation (Rs), while its damping ratio increased significantly. The seismic isolation efficiency of the seismic isolation layer and the amplification effect on the rotational angular acceleration of the pile cap were significantly weakened. Meanwhile, under the same conditions, for the soil foundation with relatively small stiffness, the amplitudes of the bending moment and horizontal lateral displacement in the middle and upper parts of the pile remarkably increase because of the effects of the ISI. The research results of this test provide a certain scientific basis and reference for the seismic design of base‐isolated structures considering the SISI effects.
Experimental study on mechanical behavior of bolted steel‐neosinocalamus affinis‐based bamboo scrimber and steel connections
Authors: Fan Haodong , Ma Lintao , Li Hui , Zhang Ming , Yu Zhixiang , Zhao Shixing , Zhou Qiaoling , Chen Shuwei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBamboo materials are known for their excellent toughness and seismic performance, which makes them a promising option for advancing their application in the field of structural engineering to enhance the seismic resilience of engineering structures. This study focused on mechanical behavior of bolted steel‐neosinocalamus affinis‐based bamboo scrimber and steel connections, and conducted shear test research and analysis on 54 specimens divided into 18 groups, aiming to promote the application of bamboo scrimber in the field of structural engineering. The study indicates that connections with thin steel plates (t = 0.5d, t = 1d) predominantly exhibit a single‐hinge yield mode, while those with thick steel plates (t = 2d) are inclined towards a double‐hinged yield mode. The yield and ultimate load‐carrying capacities of a connection are enhanced with the increase in bolt diameter. However, the influence of the steel plate's strength grade on these capacities is minimal. The yield load‐carrying capacity of connections with thick steel plates has a significant increase compared with the connection with thin steel plates. The thickness of the steel plate does not significantly affect the connection ultimate load‐carrying capacity. The initial stiffness of a connection is positively correlated with the bolt diameter, yet it remains unaffected by variations in the steel plate's thickness. The stiffness of a connection is categorized into two distinct types based on the steel plate strength grade. Connections using steel plates with a strength grade above Q235 exhibit similar stiffness levels, which are consistently higher than those using Q235‐grade steel plates. The angle between the load direction and the grain direction has an effect on the connection ductility. The ductility coefficient across various connections predominantly centers around 2.5. The research also validates that the Foschi theoretical model, traditionally applied to wood structures with bolted, nailed, and similar dowel‐type connections, accurately delineates the nonlinear load–displacement behavior of bolted steel–bamboo scrimber and steel connections for the entire duration of the process. When comparing the same configurations, connections utilizing neosinocalamus affinis‐based bamboo scrimber demonstrate a higher load‐carrying capacity than those using phyllostachys pubescens‐based bamboo scrimber, with a maximum enhancement in load‐carrying capacity of 18%. The design carrying capacity meets the test load requirements for the given end distances of 7d. This research can provide theoretical support for the engineering application of neosinocalamus affinis‐based bamboo scrimber.
Seismic fragility and life‐cycle loss analyses of high‐speed railway bridges supported by segmentally assembled round‐end hollow piers
Authors: Li Hao , Hu Zhiyuan , Zhong Tieyi , Qin Hongyu , Ji Xinlin , Zhou Lianxu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe shortcomings of segmentally assembled round‐end hollow‐section piers (SRHPs), such as weak segment joints and poor energy‐dissipation capacity, have limited their application in high‐intensity earthquake regions. Therefore, this article particularly focuses on the seismic performance of SRHPs. Three high‐speed railway bridges are designed, which are equipped with three different types of round‐end hollow‐section piers (RHPs): cast‐in situ RHP (CRHP), segmentally assembled RHP with energy‐dissipation bar (E‐SRHP), and segmentally assembled RHP with low‐yield point steel connection buckles (L‐SRHP). Subsequently, three nonlinear finite element models of the corresponding bridges were established and validated by quasi‐static test results. Furthermore, compared to CRHP, the seismic performance of E‐SRHP and L‐SRHP was evaluated from the perspectives of seismic fragility and life‐cycle seismic loss. Research results revealed that the seismic fragility performance of the bridge with L‐SRHP is the best among all three bridges, followed by the bridge with E‐SRHP. Notably, the life‐cycle cost considering seismic loss for E‐SRHP is 83% of that for CRHP, whereas L‐SRHP is only 65% of that for CRHP. In general, the high‐speed railway bridge supported by L‐SRHP possesses the best seismic performance and economic benefits among the three bridges, which shows promising application prospects in high‐intensity earthquake‐prone regions.