bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal associations between atrial fibrillation and breast cancer: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Gong Zhaoting , Hu Mengjin , Yang Yuejin , Yin Chunlin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrevious observational studies indicated that atrial fibrillation may increase the risk of breast cancer. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, the chance of developing atrial fibrillation may increase as well. However, it is uncertain whether the link is causal or just due to confounding factors.ObjectiveUsing bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, we sought to assess the bidirectional causal relationship between atrial fibrillation and breast cancer from a genetic level.MethodsLarge genome‐wide association studies yielded summary‐level data for atrial fibrillation and breast cancer. The preliminary estimate was inverse variance weighted (IVW) under a random model. MR–Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and multivariable MR (adjusting body mass index, smoking, and alcohol drinking) were performed as sensitivity analyses.ResultsGenetically predicted atrial fibrillation presented no statistically significant association with overall breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97–1.04; p = 0.79), estrogen receptor (ER) + (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.96–1.03; p = 0.89) or ER− subtypes (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.97–1.04; p = 0.89). Similarly, genetically predicted overall breast cancer (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.98–1.04; p = 0.37), ER+ (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.99–1.05; p = 0.16) or ER− (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.93–1.02; p = 0.32) subtypes had no causal effect on atrial fibrillation. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Individual single nucleotide polymorphism had little effect on the total estimate. We did not observe any evidence of horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionsOur bidirectional MR studies revealed that there may be no causal links between atrial fibrillation and breast cancer.
Survival of the Hmong population diagnosed with colon and rectal cancers in the United States
Authors: Walker Margaret R. , Lor Kha , Lor Kajua B. , Vidri Roberto J. , Hampton John M. , Maldonado Cinthya , Schiefelbein Andrea M. , LoConte Noelle K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Hmong population constitutes an independent ethnic group historically dispersed throughout Southeast Asia; fallout from the Vietnam War led to their forced migration to the United States as refugees. This study seeks to investigate characteristics of the Hmong population diagnosed with in colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as survival within this population.MethodsCases of colon and rectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Summary statistics of demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and treatment variables were generated with emphasis on age and stage at the time of diagnosis. Cox‐proportional hazard models were constructed for survival analysis.ResultsOf 881,243 total CRC cases within the NCDB, 120 were classified as Hmong. The average age of Hmong individuals at diagnosis was 58.9 years compared 68.7 years for Non‐Hispanic White (NHW) individuals (p < 0.01). The distribution of analytic stage differed between the Hmong population and the reference NHW population, with 61.8% of Hmong individuals compared to 45.8% of NHW individuals with known stage being diagnosed at stage III or IV CRC compared to 0, I, or II (p = 0.001). However, there was no difference in OS when adjusting for potential confounders (HR 1.00 [0.77–1.33]; p = 0.998).ConclusionsHmong individuals are nearly a decade younger at the time of diagnosis of CRC compared to the NHW individuals. However, these data do not suggest an association between Hmong ethnicity and overall survival, when compared to the NHW population.
TBCRC 057: Survey about willingness to participate in cancer clinical trials during the pandemic
Authors: Smith Karen Lisa , Mead‐Harvey Carolyn , Mazza Gina L. , Shinn Eileen H. , Frank Elizabeth S. , Melisko Michelle E. , Eaton Cyd , Liu Yisi , Salamone Jeannine M. , Pollastro Teri , Spears Patricia A. , Caston Nicole E. , Wolff Antonio C. , Rocque Gabrielle Betty 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer patients experienced heightened anxiety during the pandemic. Also, modifications to clinical trial activities allowing for virtual platforms, local assessments, and greater flexibility were introduced to facilitate participation. We sought to evaluate the association between pandemic‐related anxiety and willingness to participate in trials and how pandemic‐era modifications to trial activities affect the decision to participate.MethodsWe conducted an online survey from August to September, 2021 of patients with breast cancer assessing pandemic‐related anxiety; clinical trials knowledge and attitudes; willingness to participate during and before the pandemic; and how each modification affects the decision to participate. Fisher's exact tests evaluated differences in proportions and two‐sample t‐tests evaluated differences in means. The association of pandemic‐related anxiety with a decline in willingness to participate during compared to prior to the pandemic was modeled using logistic regression.ResultsAmong 385 respondents who completed the survey, 81% reported moderate–severe pandemic‐related anxiety. Mean willingness to participate in a trial was lower during the pandemic than prior [2.97 (SD 1.17) vs. 3.10 (SD 1.09), (p < 0.001)]. Severe anxiety was associated with higher odds of diminished willingness to participate during the pandemic compared to prior (OR 5.07). Each of the modifications, with the exception of opting out of research‐only blood tests, were endorsed by >50% of respondents as strategies that would increase their likelihood of deciding to participate.ConclusionsWhile pandemic‐related anxiety was associated with diminished willingness to participate in trials, the leading reasons for reluctance to consider trial participation were unrelated to the pandemic but included worries about not getting the best treatment, side effects, and delaying care. Patients view trial modifications favorably, supporting continuation of these modifications, as endorsed by the National Cancer Institute and others.
Endowing Metal‐Organic Coordination Materials with Chiroptical Activity by a Chiral Anion Strategy
Authors: Zhao Yuan‐Yuan , Li Zhong‐Qiu , Gong Zhong‐Liang , Bernhard Stefan , Zhong Yu‐Wu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecently, chiral metal‐organic coordination materials have emerged as promising candidates for a wide range of applications in chiroptoelectronics, chiral catalysis, and information encryption, etc. Notably, the chiroptical effect of coordination chromophores makes them appealing for applications such as photodetectors, OLEDs, 3D displays, and bioimaging. The direct synthesis of chiral coordination materials using chiral organic ligands or complexes with metal‐centered chirality is very often tedious and costly. In the case of ionic coordination materials, the combination of chiral anions with cationic, achiral coordination compounds through noncovalent interactions may endow molecular materials with desirable chiroptical properties. The use of such a simple chiral strategy has been proven effective in inducing promising circular dichroism and/or circularly polarized luminescence signals. This concept article mainly delves into the latest advances in exploring the efficacy of such a chiral anion strategy for transforming achiral coordination materials into chromophores with superb photo‐ or electro‐chiroptical properties. In particular, ionic small‐molecular metal complexes, metal clusters, coordination supramolecular assemblies, and metal‐organic frameworks containing chiral anions are discussed. A perspective on the future opportunities on the preparation of chiroptical materials with the chiral anion strategy is also presented.
Response surface methodology for the green obtention of polyphenols from yerba mate
Authors: Arencibia Nicolás , Gomez‐Osuna Florencia Emilia , Arencibia Valeria , Litter Marta I. , Marco‐Brown Jose Luis 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOptimal conditions for polyphenols extraction from plants are moderate conditions and being water‐based is mandatory. In this work, a response surface methodology (RSM) was used to attain optimal conditions for polyphenols extraction from yerba mate (YM, South‐America infusion) using water as solvent under ultrasound (US). The following parameters were varied: mass of YM/volume of water (YM/W), pH, temperature, and time. The optimal conditions were 90°C with a YM/W of 150 g L−1 for 5 min, at which the highest total polyphenol content (TPC) concentration (11,300 mg GAE L−1) was found, together with an antioxidant activity of 132 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE) L−1 of extract. The conditions obtained from the RSM method were applied to other methods as follows: extraction without stirring, magnetic stirring assisted extraction and US with magnetic stirring assisted extraction. Results indicated that the US‐assisted extraction was the most efficient for extracting polyphenols under these conditions. This study helps to developing an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective experimental design, reducing the production of wastes, and using a very fast water‐based method.
Risk of supranormal left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Inoue Naoya , Ohtani Hayato , Morikawa Shuji , Takayama Yohei , Ogane Takashi , Hiramatsu Takehiro , Kumihashi Hiroki , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular events are increasing in patients with supranormal left ventricular ejection fraction (snLVEF). However, the effect of snLVEF in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) remains unclear, especially in patients with moderate AS.HypothesisThis study aimed to evaluate the prognosis of mortality and heart failure (HF) in patients with LVEF ≥ 50% and moderate or severe AS.MethodsThis retrospective study targeted patients with moderate or severe AS and LVEF > 50%. LVEF of 50%–65% was classified as normal LVEF (nLVEF, nEF group) and >65% as snLVEF (snEF group). AS severity was stratified based on the aortic valve area into moderate (1.0–1.5 cm²) and severe (<1.0 cm²). Primary outcomes included all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization.ResultsA total of 226 participants were included in this study. There were 67 and 65 participants with moderate AS in snEF (m‐snEF) and nEF groups (m‐nEF), respectively, and 41 and 53 participants with severe AS in the snEF (s‐snEF) and nEF groups (s‐nEF), respectively. During the observation period (median: 554 days), the primary composite outcome occurred in 108 individuals. Cox hazard analysis revealed no significant differences among the four groups in primary composite outcomes. With respect to HF hospitalization, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) with m‐snEF as the reference were as follows: m‐nEF, 0.41 (0.19–0.89); s‐nEF, 1.43 (0.76–2.67); and s‐snEF, 1.83 (1.00–3.35).ConclusionsThe risk of HF hospitalization for m‐snLVEF was higher than m‐nLVEF and not significantly different from s‐nLVEF.
Size‐Dependent Carbon Dioxide Reduction Activity of Copper Nanoparticle and Nanocluster Electrocatalysts
Authors: Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Okada Tomoshige , Takemae Kana , Tomihari Shiho , Negishi Yuichi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CRR, which can convert CO2 into useful compounds at room temperature and ambient pressure by using electricity derived from renewable energy source), has been attracting attention in recent years. This is because it can convert CO2 into useful compounds, which is pertinent to establishing a next‐generation recycling‐oriented energy society. However, further improvement of the electrocatalyst is required to improve its activity, selectivity, and durability. Among these, copper (Cu) can synthesize various hydrocarbons from CO2 and has been the most studied electrocatalyst for the CRR over many years. In particular, regarding ligand‐protected Cu particles for the CRR, the size, shape, and ligands of Cu particles prepared by chemical reduction can be precisely controlled. In this review, we summarize previous research on the size‐dependence of the CRR by using ligand‐protected Cu particles (nanoparticles and nanoclusters) prepared by liquid‐phase reduction, and discuss the current status of these studies for researchers on the electrochemical CRR.
Connecting the new to the past: The Color‐Material‐Finish design approach applied to the Fortezza da Basso
Authors: Valan Francesca , Paglierani Pietro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article presents the Color‐Material‐Finish (CMF) project developed for the renovation of Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Italy. Fortezza da Basso—a large, fortified complex consisting of old and new buildings—is the main venue in Tuscany for international exhibitions and cultural activities. In 2010, the Municipality of Florence started its restoration, which is still ongoing. The goal is to renovate the Renaissance parts of the fortress and replace the 20th‐century pavilions with environmentally sustainable buildings, harmonically integrated in the context. The renovation started with a project aimed at assessing the preservation status of the fortress. In 2016, the Municipality of Florence developed a body of design rules, the “Fortezza System,” dedicated to the design of new buildings within the fortress. A key role was assigned to CMF design: at first, to identify the fortress CMF identity; then, to develop CMF prescriptions to harmonically integrate the new constructions with the historic parts. The CMF approach required for such an ambitious plan also had to be flexible and with wide design margins to allow architects experiment innovative CMF languages. Such conflicting needs were met by designing a CMF approach based on Chromatic Areas, that is, usable continuous areas in the color space rather than on color charts based on lists of allowed historical colors. The article shows how the developed CMF approach can contribute to the full preservation of the Fortezza historical identity and at the same time increase the autonomy of architects in their material and color choices.
Pharmacokinetic and Safety Comparison of Fixed‐Dose Combination of Cilostazol/Rosuvastatin (200 + 20 mg) Versus Concurrent Administration of the Separate Components in Healthy Adults
Authors: Kim Jae Hoon , Hong Jang Hee , Jung Jin‐Gyu , Jung Won Tae , Nam Kyu‐Yeol , Roh Jae Seok , Choi Youn Woong , Bang Junbae , Huh Hyunwook , Lee Hye J. , Moon JungHa , Kim Jaehee , Sunwoo Jung 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe combined cilostazol and rosuvastatin therapy is frequently used for coronary artery disease treatment. This open‐label, 3 × 3 crossover clinical trial evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of a fixed‐dose combination (FDC) of cilostazol/rosuvastatin (200 + 20 mg) versus a concurrent administration of the separate components (SCs) under both fasted and fed conditions. Among 48 enrolled healthy adults, 38 completed the study. Participants were administered a single oral dose of cilostazol/rosuvastatin (200 + 20 mg), either as an FDC or SCs in a fasted state, or FDC in a fed state, in each period of the trial. Blood samples were taken up to 48 hours after dosing, and plasma concentrations were analyzed using validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The geometric mean ratios of FDC to SCs for area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) were 0.94/1.05 and 1.06/1.15 for cilostazol and rosuvastatin, respectively (AUClast/Cmax). Compared with that during fasting, fed‐state administration increased the AUClast and Cmax for cilostazol by approximately 72% and 160% and decreased these parameters for rosuvastatin by approximately 39% and 43%, respectively. To conclude, the FDC is bioequivalent to the SCs, with notable differences in pharmacokinetics when administered in a fed state. No significant safety differences were observed between the treatments.
Influence of ZnSb2O6 Doping on Phase, Electrical and Dielectric Properties of ZnO Varistors
Authors: Li Hui , Li Zhen‐Yuan , Chen Yong , Wang Mao‐Hua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present investigation reports the variations of the microstructure and electrical properties due to a change in the ZnSb2O6 content of ZnO varistors. The impact of the ZnSb2O6 additive on both microstructure and electrical properties in ZnO varistors is studied via the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and an impedance analyzer. Zn7Sb2O12 spinel phase and single hexagonal ZnO phase are detected in ZnO varistors with the addition of ZnSb2O6. The ZnO varistors with 5 mol% ZnSb2O6 have the highest nonlinear coefficient (43.2) and the lowest leakage current density (3.96 A cm−2). The resistivity of grain boundary ρgb increases continuously with the increasing content of ZnSb2O6 as demonstrated by impedance measurements. Additionally, low values of dielectric loss at high frequencies suggest a ZnO varistor doped with ZnSb2O6 is suitable for high frequency device applications.
Effect of plant architecture on the responses of canopy temperature and water use to population density in winter wheat
Authors: Huang Guirong , Zhang Xinying , Wang Zhenzhao , Liu Xiaoying , Guo Rui , Gu Fengxue , Liu Enke , Li Shuying , Zhong Xiuli , Mei Xurong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRevealing how plant architecture affects the responses of canopy temperature depression (CTD), water use (WU), and grain yield to population density (PD) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) would help explore a water‐saving pathway related to managing population. This study was conducted over three consecutive years under rainfed and supplemental irrigation conditions. The flat‐leafed Jinmai 47 and upright‐leafed Jing 411 genotypes were grown at high population density (HD), medium population density (MD), and low population density (LD); seeding rates were 450, 675, and 900 seeds m−2, respectively). CTD peaked at MD in Jinmai 47 but reached the highest at HD in Jing 411. WU generally increased with increasing PD but remained unchanged from LD to MD in Jinmai 47 under the two water conditions, while it remained unchanged from MD to HD under supplemental irrigation condition in Jing 411. Yield increased with increasing density in both genotypes under the two water conditions. It is thus clear that Jinmai 47 gained higher yield but did not consume more water at MD than at LD under the two water conditions; Jing 411 obtained higher yield at the expense of similar amount of water at HD than at MD under supplemental irrigation condition. The grain yield and WU responses of wheat crops to PD implied that through appropriately adjusting PD in combination with plant architecture and water condition, the dual goals of optimizing yield and effectively saving irrigation water could be realized synchronously.
The Laccase Catalysed Tandem Lignin Depolymerisation/Polymerisation
Authors: Pajer Nicolò , Gigli Matteo , Crestini Claudia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe development of strategies allowing either the production of high value phenolics, or the isolation of properties‐enhanced materials from technical lignins represents a fundamental step in the industrial upcycling of technical lignins. Both aims are met by the strategy presented in the present work, relying on the coupling of solvent‐based fractionation with the oxidative action of a new type of alkaline‐stable genetically modified bacterial laccase. The described approach succeeded in the tandem, high‐yield and selective isolation of valuable lignin‐monomeric compounds (MCs) and high molecular weight and hydrophobicity‐tailored polymerised materials (PMs) from two technical lignins, namely softwood kraft lignin (SKL), and wheat straw organosolv lignin (WSL). With respect to MCs, higher yields as compared to similar studies (up to 17.2 mg/g) were achieved. PMs from SKL samples where characterised by an almost quadrupled Mw, while in the case of WSL the Mw was approximately doubled. Noteworthy, the reaction conditions were optimized in terms of reaction temperature, time, enzymatic loading, and alkalinity for the selective production of single MCs. Most interestingly, technical lignins as well as their fractions and the PMs deriving from their laccase‐catalysed oxidation showed increased hydrophobicity.
Ni‐Based Catalysts for CO2 Methanation: Exploring the Support Role in Structure‐Activity Relationships
Authors: Musab Ahmed Syed , Ren Jie , Ullah Inam , Lou Hao , Xu Nuo , Abbasi Zeeshan , Wang Zhandong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methane is one of the highly researched areas for the production of chemical fuels. The activity of catalyst is largely affected by support type and metal‐support interaction deriving from the special method during catalyst preparation. Hence, we employed a simple solvothermal technique to synthesize Ni‐based catalysts with different supports and studied the support role (CeO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, and La2O3) on structure‐activity relationships in CO2 methanation. It is found that catalyst morphology can be altered by only changing the support precursors during synthesis, and therefore their catalytic behaviours were significantly affected. The Ni/Al2O3 with a core‐shell morphology prepared herein exhibited a higher activity than the catalyst prepared with a common wet impregnation method. To have a comprehensive understanding for structure‐activity relationships, advanced characterization (e. g., synchrotron radiation‐based XAS and photoionization mass spectrometry) and in‐situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy experiments were conducted. This research opens an avenue to further delve into the role of support on morphologies that can greatly enhance catalytic activity during CO2 methanation.
Roles of telocytes dominated cell–cell communication in fibroproliferative acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Zheng Yonghua , Cai Songshan , Zhao Zongfeng , Wang Xiangdong , Dai Lihua , Song Dongli 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) are a new type of interstitial cell identified in multiple tissues of mammals, including the human lung, and mediate homocellular or heterocellular cell‐cell communication. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by acute hypoxemia respiratory failure and combined with direct and indirect lung injury, which is induced by pneumonia, sepsis, burns, etc. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that occurs due to increased fibrosis of lung tissue in response to chronic injury of the epithelium and gets more and more attention as a well‐recognized sequela of ARDS or mechanical ventilation. However, the existing intervention measures could not prevent the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Although the protective effect of TCs in acute lung injury had been demonstrated in both cellular and animal models in previous studies by our or other researchers, the roles of TCs mediated cell‐cell communication in fibroproliferative ARDS is unclear. This review is aimed at integrating our understanding of TC‐mediated cell–cell communication in lung diseases with pulmonary fibrosis after ARDS.