bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stromal cells to treat patients with non‐ischaemic heart failure: Results from SCIENCE II pilot study
Authors: Qayyum Abbas Ali , Frljak Sabina , Juhl Morten , Poglajen Gregor , Zemljičl Gregor , Cerar Andraz , Litman Thomas , Ekblond Annette , Haack‐Sørensen Mandana , Højgaard Lisbeth Drozd , Kastrup Jens , Vrtovec Bojan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsAllogeneic stem cell therapy is more logistically suitable compared with autologous cell therapy for large‐scale patient treatment. We aim to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy profile of the allogeneic adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stromal cell product (CSCC_ASC) as an add‐on therapy in patients with chronic non‐ischaemic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) < 40%.Methods and resultsThis is a single‐centre investigator‐initiated randomized phase I/II study with direct intra‐myocardial injections of 100 million allogeneic CSCC_ASC. A total of 30 HFrEF patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥II despite optimal anticongestive heart failure medication and plasma NT‐proBNP > 300 pg/mL (>35 pmol/L) were included and randomized 2:1 to CSCC_ASC or standard care. The primary endpoint left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) and other echo related parameters were analysed by an investigator blinded for treatment allocation. No difference in serious adverse events was observed between groups. LVESV decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months follow‐up in the ASC group (153.7 ± 53.2 mL and 128.7 ± 45.6 mL, P < 0.001) and remained unchanged in the standard care group (180.4 ± 39.4 mL and 186.7 ± 48.9 mL, P = 0.652). There was a significant difference between the groups in LVESV change (31.3 ± 11.0 mL, P = 0.009). The difference from baseline to follow‐up between the two groups in left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) was 18.7 ± 12.4 mL, P = 0.146 and in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) −7.8 ± 2.1%, P = 0.001. Considering the baseline values of LVESV, LVEDV and LVEF as covariates, the difference between groups for change from baseline to follow‐up resulted in a P‐value of 0.056, 0.076, and 0.738, respectively. NYHA class and self‐reported health did also improve significantly in the ASC group compared with the standard care group (0.7 ± 0.2, P = 0.001 and −12.8 ± 5.3, P = 0.025; respectively). There was no difference in NT‐proBNP (−371 ± 455 pmol/L, P = 0.422) or in 6 min walk test (12 ± 31 m, P = 0.695) between groups.ConclusionsIntramyocardial injections of allogeneic CSCC_ASC in patients with chronic non‐ischaemic HFrEF was safe and improved LVESV, LVEF, NYHA class, and self‐reported health compared with standard care group.
Effect of beta‐blockade on mortality in patients with cardiac amyloidosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Choy Chern Hsiang , Pinney Jennifer , Townend Jonathan N. , Whelan Carol , Fontana Marianna , Gillmore Julian D. , Steeds Richard P. , Moody William E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsThe efficacy of beta‐blockers in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is unclear, and concerns persist that neurohormonal blockade could worsen symptoms of heart failure. We aimed to assess whether beta‐blocker therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with CA.Methods and resultsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the impact of beta‐blocker therapy on mortality in patients with CA. A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed in August 2023. Data were extracted from observational studies and synthesized with pooling and random effects meta‐analysis. Thirteen studies including 4215 patients with CA were incorporated in this review (3688 transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM), 502 light chain amyloid cardiomyopathy (AL‐CM), 25 not specified; age 74.8 ± 5.5 years, 76% male). Over half of the cohort (52%) received beta‐blockers and the rate of beta‐blocker withdrawal was 28%. All‐cause mortality was 33% (range: 13–51%) after a median follow‐up ranging from 13 to 36 months. There was an inverse association between the pooled risk of mortality and the use of beta‐blocker therapy at any time point (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29–0.80, I2 = 83%, P = 0.005, seven studies). There was no association between mortality and beta‐blocker use (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.29–1.47, I2 = 88%, P = 0.30) in the three studies that only included patients with ATTR‐CM. The three studies that included patients with both ATTR‐CM and AL demonstrated an association of beta‐blocker use with reduced mortality (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29–0.63, I2 = 4%, P < 0.001). The only study that solely included 53 patients with AL‐CM, demonstrated improved survival among the 53% who were able to tolerate beta‐blocker therapy (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08–0.79, P = 0.02). The absence of information on staging of CA is an important limitation of this study.ConclusionsTreatment with beta‐blockers may be associated with a survival benefit in patients with CA, but these findings are subject to selection and survivor biases. Definitive prospective randomized trials of conventional heart failure therapies are needed in CA.
Use of heart failure medical therapy before and after a cancer diagnosis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ju Chengsheng , Lau Wallis C.Y. , Manisty Charlotte , Chambers Pinkie , Brauer Ruth , Forster Martin D. , Mackenzie Isla S. , Wei Li 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsWe aim to evaluate change in the use of prognostic guideline‐directed medical therapies (GDMTs) for heart failure (HF) before and after a cancer diagnosis as well as the matched non‐cancer controls, including renin‐angiotensin‐system inhibitors (RASIs), beta‐blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).Methods and resultsWe conducted a longitudinal study in patients with HF in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 2005 and 2021. We selected patients with probable HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) based on diagnostic and prescription records. We described the longitudinal trends in the use and dosing of GDMTs before and after receiving an incident cancer diagnosis. HF patients with cancer were matched with a 1:1 ratio to HF patients without cancer to investigate the association between cancer diagnosis and treatment adherence, persistence, initiation, and dose titration as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multivariable logistic regression models. Of 8504 eligible HFrEF patients with incident cancer, 4890 were matched to controls without cancer. The mean age was 75.7 (±8.4) years and 73.9% were male. In the 12 months following a cancer diagnosis, patients experienced reductions in the use and dosing of GDMT. Compared with the non‐cancer controls, patients with cancer had higher risks for poor adherence for all three medication classes (RASIs: OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.35–1.68; beta‐blockers: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.37; MRAs: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.08–1.59) and poor persistence (RASIs: OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.75–2.37; beta‐blockers: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.12–1.63; MRAs: OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.16–1.93), and higher risks for dose down‐titration for RASIs (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.40–2.04) and beta‐blockers (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.05–1.62). Cancer diagnosis was not associated with treatment initiation or dose up‐titration. Event rates for HF hospitalization and mortality were higher in patients with poor adherence or persistence to GDMTs.ConclusionsFollowing a cancer diagnosis, patients with HFrEF were more likely to have reduced use of GDMTs for HF.
The D‐HCM score, a new diagnostic tool for distinguishing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from hypertensive cardiopathy
Authors: Domain G. , Biscond M. , Dognin N. , Strube C. , Mondoly P. , Réant P. , Sarrazin J.F. , Galinier M. , Champagne J. , Rollin A. , Carrié D. , Cochet H. , Lairez O. , Philippon F. , Ferrières J. , Maury P. , Steinberg C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimThe diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with moderate hypertrophy is challenging. Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is the most common differential diagnosis that mimics the LVH of HCM. The aim of this study was to compare the QRS duration in HCM and HHD to create a novel diagnostic tool to identify primary HCM.Methods and resultsWe conducted an international retrospective multicentre study enrolling patients with true HCM and HHD. A total of 547 individuals with HCM and 139 with HHD were included. The median QRS duration was significantly shorter in HCM than in HHD (88 ms [80–94] vs. 98 ms [88–108]; P < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression identified for the novel diagnostic HCM (D‐HCM) score: absence of antihypertensive drugs (+2); family history of unexplained sudden death (+2); QRS duration [<95 ms] = +1; maximum wall thickness (mm) [≥17] = +1. A cumulative QRS‐HCM score ≥2 supports the diagnostic certainty of true HCM with a sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 99%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 55%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 99%.ConclusionThe QRS duration in patient with HCM is significantly shorter compared with patients with HHD‐related LVH. QRS duration can be used as a diagnosis marker to distinguish between HCM and HHD. The D‐HCM score is a novel, simple, and accurate diagnosis tool for HCM patients with mild to moderate phenotypes.
Synthesis of 2,4,6‐Triaryl‐1,3,5‐triazines via the Cyclotrimerization of Benzonitriles with Catalytic Systems Composed of Titanium Chlorido Complexes and Magnesium
Authors: Ohta Shun , Saitoh Keiichiro , Oikawa Karin , Konari Sohta , Toda Tomoyuki , Kawakami Jun , Okazaki Masaaki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe catalytic activity of low‐valent transition metals for the cyclotrimerization of nitriles has rarely been investigated to date. Here, we report on the cyclotrimerization of benzonitrile (PhCN) and its derivatives using catalytic systems composed of magnesium and bis(indolyl)TiCl2 (bis(indolyl)=di(3‐methylindol‐2‐yl)phenylmethane), Cp2TiCl2 (Cp=η5‐C5H5), (CGC)TiCl2 (CGC=Me2Si(Me4C5)(tBuN)), TiCl4(thf)2 (thf=tetrahydrofuran), Cp*TiCl3 (Cp*=η5‐Me5C5), or CpTiCl3, which can be expected to generate coordinatively unsaturated Ti(II) complexes as the catalytically active species. All the investigated catalytic systems were active for the cyclotrimerization of PhCN. Notably, even the simple catalytic precursor (TiCl4(thf)2) mediated the cyclotrimerization of PhCN as well as p‐ and m‐tolunitriles. Moreover, these reactions can be carried out on the gram scale and the cyclotrimerized products can be isolated via recrystallization of the reaction mixture from hot toluene. The findings of this study suggest that low‐valent titanium species have the potential to serve as catalysts for the cyclotrimerization of PhCN and its derivatives. During this study, we also found that 2,4,6‐tri(p‐tolyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine, which is obtained from the cyclotrimerization of p‐tolunitrile, exhibits fluorescent properties in both the solid state and in solution.
Quantification of the association constant of caffeic acid‐cyclodextrin complex using a novel micro‐conductometric sensor for bitter taste masking of caffeic acid
Authors: Kallel Jihen , Aina Oluwatoyin , Marote Pedro , Bordes Claire , Chevalier Yves , Hbaieb Souhaira , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCaffeic acid (CA), a member of the hydroxycinnamic acid family, has garnered attention in the medical community for its wide‐ranging health benefits. However, its application in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products has been hampered by its distinctly bitter taste, which deters many consumers. This study investigates the taste‐masking of caffeic acid (CA) using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD). A CA micro‐conductometric sensor was developed. This advanced technology demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, capable of detecting CA at concentrations as low as 10−5 M, with a rapid response time between 10 and 50 seconds. The binding constant of the CA‐HP‐β‐CD complex was determined to be 240±24. 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis provided concrete evidence of the formation of a 1 : 1 inclusion complex between CA and HP‐β‐CD. These findings collectively suggest that HP‐β‐CD is highly effective in masking CA's bitterness, thereby significantly enhancing its palatability.
Functional Oil Price Expectations Shocks and Inflation
Authors: Anderl Christina , Caporale Guglielmo Maria 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the inflation effects of oil price expectations shocks constructed as functional shocks, that is, as shifts in the entire oil futures term structure (both standard and risk‐adjusted). The latter are then included in a vector autoregressive model with exogenous variables (VARX) to examine the US case. Counterfactual analysis is also carried out to investigate second‐round effects on inflation through the inflation expectations channel. These are found to be significant, in contrast to earlier studies based on standard oil price shocks. Additional nonlinear local projections including a shock decomposition exercise show that inflation and inflation expectations are primarily driven by changes in the curvature (level and slope) factor when the latter are anchored (unanchored). These findings provide useful information to policymakers concerning the impact of oil price expectations on inflation and inflation expectations.
Commodity Futures Market Conditions and Climate Policy Risk: Evidence From Energy and Metals Markets
Authors: Dogah Kingsley E. , Wu Yingying , Rognone Lavinia 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) on energy and metal commodity futures markets by employing quantile regression, which accounts for various (bearish, normal, and bullish) markets. Our results reveal that the impact of CPU shocks is heterogeneous and market condition‐specific. Particularly, CPU exerts a significantly negative effect on all commodities, except natural gas, in a bearish market. Under a normal market, the impact of CPU on energy returns varies across commodities whereas for a bullish market, the CPU effect is mixed. The results also reveal natural gas to be a good hedge instrument for climate policy risk. We further conducted channel analysis using the theory of storage and hedging pressure hypothesis. The key finding reveals inventory level as the transmission channel of climate policy risk. Our findings have implications for the inventory management strategies of producers and suggest that regulators should consider market‐based policies in their decarbonization efforts.
Osteoprotegerin (OPG): A potential biomarker for adverse cardiovascular events in stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Akhtar Syed Muhammad Muneeb , Ali Azzam , Fareed Areeba , Hasan Jina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOsteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secretory glycoprotein known for its involvement in bone metabolism and immune regulation. Research has extended OPG's significance in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Elevated OPG levels have been associated with increased cardiovascular risks, prompting interest in its role as a potential biomarker.Main BodyThis study summarizes several studies that investigated the relationship between OPG levels and the incidence of CVD. The studies indicate that higher plasma levels of OPG are associated with an increased incidence of all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, and heart failure, even after adjusting for clinical confounders. Moreover, the findings suggest that OPG has the potential to serve as a predictive biomarker for adverse cardiovascular events in the patient population studied. The findings suggest that OPG could aid in risk stratification, allowing clinicians to identify high‐risk patients who might benefit from intensified preventive measures or tailored therapeutic interventions. Therefore, early identification of individuals at risk for adverse cardiovascular events could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced disease burden.ConclusionsOPG's role in bone health and immune regulation has expanded to potential use as a biomarker for adverse cardiovascular events in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Despite limitations, its association with cardiovascular risks highlights its importance in risk assessment and personalized interventions.
How can policy advocacy be effective? The impact of guiding environmental regulations on the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs—based on the empirical test of 141 villages in 7 provinces
Authors: Pan Zichun , Zhu Yuchun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGuiding environmental regulation plays a crucial role in the implementation of village‐level river chief policies, and it is important to explore how guiding environmental regulations affect the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs. This study focuses on village‐level river chiefs as the research subjects and aims to measure the intensity of environmental regulation guidance from their own perspective. By combining theoretical analysis and empirical research, we delve into the effects of guiding environmental regulations on the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs. Our findings demonstrate a significant positive impact of guiding environmental regulations on the policy implementation capacity of village‐level river chiefs. Mechanism analysis reveals that environmental cognition, technical cognition and institutional trust play mediating roles in the relationship between guiding environmental regulations and policy implementation capacity. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis at the village level indicates that the impact of guiding environmental regulations on policy implementation capacity is more pronounced in the western region, where villages have a shorter establishment time of the river chief system and have a greater number of non‐governmental river chiefs. At the individual level, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of guiding environmental regulations on policy implementation capacity is more significant among individuals in lower education groups and those serving as representatives in the people's congress. Based on our research findings, this paper proposes countermeasures and suggestions to enhance the effectiveness of guiding environmental regulations. These include formulating scientific and reasonable guiding environmental regulation requirements, providing village‐level river chiefs with enhanced governance resources, and emphasizing the mediating roles of environmental cognition, technical understanding and institutional trust. Additionally, we highlight the importance of enhancing the pertinence and universality of the specific content of guiding environmental regulations.
Elite career expectations of adolescents: Popularity, gender differences, and social divides
Authors: Guo Luyang , Hau Kit‐Tai 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe supply of elite professionals is crucial for economic development, yet little is understood about the appeal and influencing factors of these careers among young people across different economies. It remains unclear whether adolescents in academically high‐performing economies growingly expect emerging technological jobs in response to evolving workforce demands.MethodsThis research used the Programme for International Student Assessment 2000–2018 data in 24 high‐performing educational systems to examine the two‐decade trends in adolescents' expectations for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), medicine, law, business, and teaching careers. The popularity trend of these careers and the major impacts of gender, socioeconomic status, and academic ability were examined with multilevel logistic regression models.ResultsThe findings indicated that developed economies such as Singapore, Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom have successfully attracted a greater proportion of students to elite careers. In contrast, many high‐performing Asian economies, such as Korea, Japan, and Taipei, have not. STEM and medical fields primarily drew students with high math abilities, whereas legal professions attracted those with superior reading skills. Although girls generally expected teaching and legal careers and boys expected STEM fields, social and gender differences have narrowed over the past decades.ConclusionsMany Western developed economies effectively attract a larger share of adolescents to STEM careers than their Asian counterparts. Although gender and social disparities persist, their impact has diminished. Effective human resource planning should be based on each country's unique trends and influencing factors to promote greater equality and inclusion in the workforce.
Non‐negligible ultrasonographic findings in sarcoid myositis: A case series and literature review
Authors: Lv Pan‐Pan , Xu Xia‐Yan , Han Yong‐Mei , Ma Yan , Li Shi‐Yan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSarcoid myositis is a rare and often debilitating extrapulmonary manifestation of sarcoidosis that can be difficult to recognize without a prior sarcoidosis diagnosis. Sarcoidosis with muscle nodules or masses as the first symptom is the least common form, occurring in approximately 0.5%–2.3% of cases. This article presents four middle‐aged female patients who initially sought medical attention for a lower limb mass. Ultrasound examinations revealed consistent characteristic changes indicative of myositis. All patients underwent ultrasound‐guided muscle biopsy and were diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Therefore, ultrasonography plays a pivotal role as the primary diagnostic tool for the early detection of sarcoid myositis.