bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of cryoablation for atrial fibrillation in young patients: A multicenter experience in the 1STOP project
Authors: Bertaglia Emanuele , Iacopino Saverio , Verlato Roberto , Arena Giuseppe , Pieragnoli Paolo , Tondo Claudio , Molon Giulio , Manfrin Massimiliano , Perego Giovanni B. , Rovaris Giovanni , Rivezzi Francesco , Mantica Massimo , Startari Umberto , Sciarra Luigi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is an uncommon arrhythmia in young adults without structural heart disease, and cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB‐PVI) is an important therapeutic strategy for rhythm control in patients with drug‐refractory AF. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate efficacy and safety of CB‐PVI in a large cohort of young patients in comparison with middle‐aged adults in a real‐world setting.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2020, a total of 3033 patients with AF underwent CB‐PVI and were followed prospectively in the framework of the 1STOP Clinical Service project, involving 34 Italian centers. Out of 3033 total 1STOP project subjects, a subgroup of 1318 patients were defined which included a YOUNG group (age ≤ 45 years; n = 368) and a MIDDLE‐AGED group (age 60–65 years; n = 950).ResultsThe acute success rate of PVI did not differ between the two cohorts (99.9 ± 1.3% vs. 99.8 ± 3.2%, p = 0.415). There was no difference in procedural characteristics, and periprocedural complication rates were similar among the two cohort (1.9% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.646). The 12‐month freedom from AF recurrence was 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.7–92.0) in the YOUNG cohort and 85.6% (95% CI: 82.9–88.0) in the MIDDLE‐AGED group. At 36‐month follow‐up, freedom from AF recurrence was 72.4% (65.5%–78.2%) and 71.8% (67.7%–75.6%), respectively with no significant difference among groups (p = 0.550).ConclusionCB‐PVI had similar efficacy and safety in YOUNG and MIDDLE‐AGED patients. Younger age did not affect acute procedural results, complication rate, or AF recurrence after a single procedure.
Computational study of fenestration and parallel grafts used in TEVAR of aortic arch aneurysms
Authors: Lu Kai , Qin Wang , Sun Xiaofan , Si Yi , Ding Guanghong , Fu Weiguo , Wang Shengzhang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractTo explore the differences between fenestration technique and parallel grafts technique of thoracic endovascular aortic repair, and evaluate the risk of complications after interventional treatment of aortic arch aneurysms. A three‐dimensional aortic model was established from the follow‐up imaging data of patient who reconstructed the superior arch vessel by the chimney technique, which was called the chimney model. Based on the chimney model, the geometric of the reconstructed vessel was modified by virtual surgery, and the normal model, fenestration model and periscope model were established. The blood flow waveforms measured by 2D phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging were processed as the boundary conditions of the ascending aorta inlet and the superior arch vessels outlets of the normal model. The pressure waveform of descending aorta was obtained using three‐element Windkessel model, and specific pressure boundary conditions were imposed at reconstructed branches for the postoperative models. Through computational fluid dynamics simulations, the hemodynamic parameters of each model were obtained. The reconstructed vessel flow rate of the periscope model and the fenestration model are 33% and 50% of that of the normal model, respectively. The pressure difference between the inner and outer walls of the fenestration stent and periscope stent is 3.15 times and 7.56 times that of the chimney stent. The velocity in the fenestration stent and periscope stent is uneven. The high relative residence time is concentrated in the region around the branch stents, which is prone to thrombosis. The “gutter” part of the chimney model may become larger due to the effect of the stent‐graft DF, increasing the risk of endoleak. For patients with incomplete circle of Willis, the periscope technique to reconstruct the supra‐arch vessels may affect blood perfusion. It is recommended to use balloon‐expandable stent for fenestration stent and periscope stent, and self‐expanding stent for chimney stent. For patients with aortic arch aneurysms, the fenestration technique may be superior to the parallel grafts technique.
Human leukocyte antigen‐B27 typing by flow cytometry: Comparison of three CE‐IVD methods
Authors: Waeckel Louis , Kennel Anne , Berger Anne‐Emmanuelle , Lambert Claude 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA‐B27), associated with chronic inflammatory diseases is thus widely performed for diagnostic purposes. Genotyping by molecular biology is the current gold standard for HLA‐B27 typing, but cheaper and faster flow cytometry methods have been developed.MethodsIn this report, we compare analytical performances of three CE‐IVD flow cytometry kits: IOTest™ and DuraClone B27™ from Beckman Coulter and BD HLA‐B27™ from BD Biosciences on a Navios™ cytometer as compared to molecular biology.ResultsRoutine analyses could conclude for HLA‐B27 in197 patients (23.2%) and was not conclusive for 66 patients (7%, 8%). The experience revealed the needs to complete IOTest™ with a lineage marker (like CD3‐APC) and a standardization procedure in detection of fluorescence. Comparative analysis considering 23/44 non‐conclusive samples as negative, pointed out a 100% sensitivity and specificity of IOTest™ in determining genetically proved HLA‐B27. Specificity of the BD HLA‐B27TM kit was 94% (two false positives) sticking to the manufacturer instructions but raised to 100% and 94% sensitivity with a cutoff at 8.5 (225 on FACSdiva's scale).DiscussionThe DuraClone B27™ specificity was poor using the manufacturer cutoff but raised to 100% with a 8.0 cutoff instead of 15.ConclusionThe three flow cytometry kits displayed satisfying performances but need adjustments. The DuraClone B27™ kit seems to be the best while the IOTest™ kit is not conclusive in 8% of cases. In most cases the use of molecular biology can be spared, but genotyping remains essential for patients whose HLA‐B27 status cannot be determined with confidence by flow cytometry.
Contrasted impacts of weather conditions in species sensitive to both survival and fecundity: A montane bird case study
Authors: Canonne Coline , Bernard‐Laurent Ariane , Souchay Guillaume , Perrot Charlotte , Besnard Aurélien 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThere is growing evidence that the Earth's climate is undergoing profound changes that are affecting biodiversity worldwide. This gives rise to the pressing need to develop robust predictions on how species will respond in order to inform conservation strategies and allow managers to adapt mitigation measures accordingly. While predictions have begun to emerge on how species at the extremes of the so‐called slow‐fast continuum might respond to climate change, empirical studies for species for which all demographic traits contribute relatively equally to population dynamics are lacking. Yet, climate change is expected to strongly affect them throughout their entire lifecycle. We built a 21‐year integrated population model to characterize the population dynamics of the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) in France, and tested the influence of nine weather covariates on demographic parameters. As predicted, both annual survival and breeding success were affected by weather covariates. Thick snow cover during winter was associated with low survival and small brood size the following breeding season. Brood size was higher with intermediate winter temperatures and snowmelt timing, positively correlated to breeding period temperature, but negatively correlated to temperature during the coldest fortnight and precipitation during the breeding period. Survival was positively correlated to winter temperature, but negatively to breeding period precipitation. Large‐scale indices indicated that cold and wet winters were associated with small brood size the following breeding season but with high survival. Expected changes of weather conditions due to climate change are likely to impact demographic traits of the rock partridge both positively and negatively depending on the traits and on the affected weather variables. Future population dynamics will thus depend on the magnitude of these different impacts. Our study illustrates the difficulty to make strong predictions about how species with a population dynamic influenced by both survival and fecundity will respond to climate change.
A facile synthesis of bio‐inspired hierarchical microstructure TiO2: Characterization and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Turkten Nazli , Karatas Betul , Karatas Yunus , Cinar Zekiye , Bekbolet Miray 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHierarchical photocatalysts have attracted notable concern due to their excellent features such as lower density, higher specific surface area, higher light‐harvesting efficiency, and good surface permeability. Generally, such particular properties are achieved via the use of templates, preferentially focusing on natural biological materials. In this respect, rice husk (RH), an environmental waste containing elements C, N, S, and Si was used as a biotemplate to prepare TiO2 hierarchical microstructure photocatalyst (TiO2‐HMP) along with TiO2 nanoparticle photocatalyst (TiO2‐NP) by a facile sol–gel method. RH and the prepared TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), environmental scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (ESEM‐EDAX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐DRS), photoluminescence (PL), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods. The combination of RH and TiO2 via biotemplate strategy not only altered the band gap (Ebg = 2.74 eV) also slightly increased the surface area (~10%). The photocatalytic activities of TiO2‐NP and TiO2‐HMP specimens were determined by degradation of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NPh) under UV‐A light irradiation. TiO2‐HMP exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity (≥10%) compared to TiO2‐NP most probably due to RH originated in‐situ self‐codoping by the presence of multidopant ions (C, N, S, and Si ions) as verified by EDAX elemental weight distribution profiles. These results demonstrated a beneficial use of an environmental waste in photocatalytic applications.
Remediation of a clay soil contaminated with phenanthrene by using mixture of bentonite and cement
Authors: Estabragh A. R. , Amini Mohadeseh , Javadi A. A. , Noguera C. Lull 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the remediation of a clay soil contaminated with phenanthrene, through a series of experimental tests. Mixtures of bentonite‐cement (with bentonite to cement ratios of 1:1 and 3:1) at 20% and 30% were used as agents. Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests were performed on samples with different percentages of agents and curing times. Leaching tests were also conducted on contaminated samples at different curing times by using spectrophotometer apparatus. The results indicated that using the mixtures of bentonite‐cement as an agent for natural and contaminated soil leads to an increase in the strength of the soils. The results of leaching tests showed that, for a given percentage of bentonite‐cement mixture with different bentonite to cement ratios, the concentration of phenanthrene decreased with increasing the curing time. The bentonite‐cement ratio of 1:1 was found to be more effective than the 3:1 ratio in reducing the concentration of phenanthrene. Sensitivity analysis showed that the percentage of bentonite and curing time are more effective in the reduction of phenanthrene than the percentage of cement.
Piezo1 channel‐mediated Ca2+ signaling inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced activation of the NF‐κB inflammatory signaling pathway and generation of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in microglial cells
Authors: Malko Philippa , Jia Xiaoling , Wood Ian , Jiang Lin‐Hua 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMicroglial cells are crucial in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and mediating CNS disease pathogenesis. Increasing evidence supports that alterations in the mechanical properties of CNS microenvironments influence glial cell phenotypes, but the mechanisms regulating microglial cell function remain elusive. Here, we examined the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel in microglial cells, particularly, how Piezo1 channel activation regulates pro‐inflammatory activation and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, using BV2 and primary microglial cells. Piezo1 expression in microglial cells was detected both at mRNA and protein levels. Application of Piezo1 channel activator Yoda1 induced Ca2+ flux to increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration that was reduced by treatment with ruthenium red, a Piezo1 inhibitor, or Piezo1‐specific siRNA, supporting that Piezo1 functions as a cell surface Ca2+‐permeable channel. Priming with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced microglial cell activation and production of TNF‐α and IL‐6, which were inhibited by treatment with Yoda1. Furthermore, LPS priming induced the activation of ERK, p38 MAPKs, and NF‐κB. LPS‐induced activation of NF‐κB, but not ERK and p38, was inhibited by treatment with Yoda1. Yoda1‐induced inhibition was blunted by siRNA‐mediated depletion of Piezo1 expression and, furthermore, treatment with BAPTA‐AM to prevent intracellular Ca2+ increase. Collectively, our results support that Piezo1 channel activation downregulates the pro‐inflammatory function of microglial cells, especially production of TNF‐α and IL‐6, by initiating intracellular Ca2+ signaling to inhibit the NF‐κB inflammatory signaling pathway. These findings reveal Piezo1 channel activation as a previously unrecognized mechanism regulating microglial cell function, raising an interesting perspective on targeting this molecular mechanism to alleviate neuroinflammation and associated CNS pathologies.
Experimental study of different dehydration methods in the process of preparing frozen brain sections
Authors: Zhou Hong‐Su , Li Jing , Guan Yi‐Huan , He Hua , Huang Fu Li‐Ren 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to provide a recommendable protocol for the preparation of brain cryosections of rats to reduce and avoid ice crystals. We have designed five different dewatering solutions (Scheme 1: dehydrate with 15%, 20%, and 30% sucrose–phosphate‐buffered saline solution; Scheme 2: 20% sucrose and 30% sucrose; Scheme 3: 30% sucrose; Scheme 4: 10%, 20%, and 30% sucrose; and Scheme 5: the tissue was dehydrated with 15% and 30% sucrose polyacetate I until it sank to the bottom, followed by placement in 30% sucrose polyacetate II) to minimize the formation of ice crystals. Cryosections from different protocols were stained with Nissl staining and compared with each other by density between cells and the distance of intertissue spaces. The time required for the dehydration process from Scheme 1 to Scheme 5 was 24, 23, 24, 24, and 33 h, respectively. Density between cells gradually decreased from Scheme 1 to Scheme 5, and the distance of intertissue spaces was differentiated and irregular in different schemes according to the images of Nissl staining. We recommend the dewatering method of Scheme 4 (the brain tissues were dehydrated in 10%, 20% and 30% sucrose solution in turn until the tissue samples were completely immersed in the solution and then immersed in the next concentration solution for dehydration).
Circulating microbiota and metabolites: Insights into cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Khan Ikram , Khan Imran , Usman Muhammad , Xiao Wei Zhang , Ping Xie , Khan Sarmir , Khan Feroz , Jianye Zhou , Zhiqiang Li , Lizhe An 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn almost every country, cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death, which are responsible for 17.7 million deaths worldwide, or 54% of all deaths. However, the latest evidence has shown that non‐communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular events are significantly influenced by the blood microbiota and circulating metabolites.MethodsWe searched online databases for the most recent related papers through the comprehensive international databases of the Institute of PubMed/ MEDLINE, ISI/WOS, and Scopus up to August 2022, using MESH terms and the related keywords in the English language. Considering the titles and abstracts, unrelated studies were excluded. The full texts of the remained studies were evaluated by authors, independently. Then, the studies' findings were assessed and reported.ResultsThe study demonstrated that the bacterial profiles of patients with cardiovascular diseases and healthy individuals are significantly different. The diseased patients showed a significantly high abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, an important Proteobacterial component known as lipopolysaccharides that has been linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, while phylum Firmicutes were found in healthy individuals. It suggests that Proteobacteria has a direct role in the onset of cardiovascular disease.ConclusionWe focused on the blood bacterial composition and circulating microbial metabolites in their relationship with the etiology and onset of cardiovascular disease. However, the various genera and species in the results reported were not always identical. Therefore, the microbial community structure of blood was more complicated and thus required a more in‐depth exploration.
An MRI‐Based Radiomics Nomogram to Assess Recurrence Risk in Sinonasal Malignant Tumors
Authors: Wang Tongyu , Hao Jingwei , Gao Aixin , Zhang Peng , Wang Hexiang , Nie Pei , Jiang Yan , Bi Shucheng , Liu Shunli , Hao Dapeng 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundSinonasal malignant tumors (SNMTs) have a high recurrence risk, which is responsible for the poor prognosis of patients. Assessing recurrence risk in SNMT patients is a current problem.PurposeTo establish an MRI‐based radiomics nomogram for assessing relapse risk in patients with SNMT.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationA total of 143 patients with 68.5% females (development/validation set, 98/45 patients).Field Strength/SequenceA 1.5‐T and 3‐T, fat‐suppressed fast spin echo (FSE) T2‐weighted imaging (FS‐T2WI), FSE T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), and FSE contrast‐enhanced T1WI (T1WI + C).AssessmentThree MRI sequences were used to manually delineate the region of interest. Three radiomics signatures (T1WI and FS‐T2WI sequences, T1WI + C sequence, and three sequences combined) were built through dimensional reduction of high‐dimensional features. The clinical model was built based on clinical and MRI features. The Ki‐67‐based and tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) model were established for comparison. The radiomics nomogram was built by combining the clinical model and best radiomics signature. The relapse‐free survival analysis was used among 143 patients.Statistical TestsThe intraclass/interclass correlation coefficients, univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression algorithm, concordance index (C index), area under the curve (AUC), integrated Brier score (IBS), DeLong test, Kaplan–Meier curve, log‐rank test, optimal cutoff values. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe T1 + C‐based radiomics signature had best prognostic ability than the other two signatures (T1WI and FS‐T2WI sequences, and three sequences combined). The radiomics nomogram had better prognostic ability and less error than the clinical model, Ki‐67‐based model, and TNM model (C index, 0.732; AUC, 0.765; IBS, 0.185 in the validation set). The cutoff values were 0.2 and 0.7 and then the cumulative risk rates were calculated.Data ConclusionA radiomics nomogram for assessing relapse risk in patients with SNMT may provide better prognostic ability than the clinical model, Ki‐67‐based model, and TNM model.Evidence Level3.Technical EfficacyStage 5.
Synthesis and Application of Low Molecular Weight PEI‐Based Copolymers for siRNA Delivery with Smart Polymer Blends
Authors: Jin Yao , Adams Friederike , Möller Judith , Isert Lorenz , Zimmermann Christoph M. , Keul David , Merkel Olivia M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPolyethylenimine (PEI) is a commonly used cationic polymer for small‐interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery due to its high transfection efficiency at low commercial cost. However, high molecular weight PEI is cytotoxic and thus, its practical application is limited. In this study, different formulations of low molecular weight PEI (LMW‐PEI) based copolymers polyethylenimine‐g‐polycaprolactone (PEI–PCL) (800 Da–40 kDa) and PEI–PCL–PEI (5–5–5 kDa) blended with or without polyethylene glycol‐b‐polycaprolactone (PEG–PCL) (5 kDa‐4 kDa) are investigated to prepare nanoparticles via nanoprecipitation using a solvent displacement method with sizes ≈100 nm. PEG–PCL can stabilize the nanoparticles, improve their biocompatibility, and extend their circulation time in vivo. The nanoparticles composed of PEI–PCL–PEI and PEG–PCL show higher siRNA encapsulation efficiency than PEI–PCL/PEG–PCL based nanoparticles at low N/P ratios, higher cellular uptake, and a gene silencing efficiency of ≈40% as a result of the higher molecular weight PEI blocks. These results suggest that the PEI–PCL–PEI/PEG–PCL nanoparticle system could be a promising vehicle for siRNA delivery at minimal synthetic effort.
Multi‐Scale Characterization Techniques for Polymer‐Based Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhou Qian , Lv Zhaolin , Zhai Fangfang , Li Zulei , Li Suli , Zhang Botao , Cui Guanglei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe interface compatibility and ionic conductivity of polymer electrolytes play crucial roles in electrochemical behaviors of polymer‐based solid‐state batteries. Advanced characterization techniques are essential to explore interface compatibility and ion transport mechanisms. In this review, the recent application of multi‐scale characterization techniques in polymer‐based solid‐state lithium batteries (PSSLBs) is summarized, in terms of microscopy techniques, X‐ray techniques, spectroscopy techniques, and neutron techniques. These characterization technologies span the atomic scale, micro scale, mesoscale, and macroscopic scale. In particular, the in situ characterization with high time resolution is highlighted in each of the techniques, in order to promote the exploration of dynamic interface evolution in operating batteries. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the development of multi‐scale in situ characterization techniques, thus promoting the improvement of energy density for PSSLBs.
Regularity of transition densities and ergodicity for affine jump‐diffusions
Authors: Friesen Martin , Jin Peng , Kremer Jonas , Rüdiger Barbara 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper studies the transition density and exponential ergodicity for affine processes on the canonical state space . Under a Hörmander‐type condition for diffusion components as well as a boundary nonattainment condition, we derive the existence and regularity of the transition densities and then prove the strong Feller property of the associated semigroup. Moreover, we also show that, under an additional subcriticality condition on the drift, the corresponding affine process is exponentially ergodic in the total variation distance.