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The study aims to evaluate whether rhythm control by catheter ablation is superior to medical therapy for the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). The literatures were searched by using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to 12 October 2023. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rhythm control using catheter ablation vs. medical therapy in AF patients with HF were pooled. The primary outcomes included all‐cause mortality, HF re‐hospitalization, and stroke, and the secondary outcomes included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), atrial tachyarrythmia recurrence, quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score, MLHFQ score), 6 min walking distance (6MWD), the level of N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide precursor (NT‐proBNP), and adverse events. Nine RCTs involving in 2293 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with medical therapy, catheter ablation reduced all‐cause mortality [10.07% (121/1201) vs. 15.26% (175/1147), risk ratio (RR):0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.74, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and the rate of HF re‐hospitalization (RR: 0.65, P = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.94, I2 = 74%), but had no obvious difference in incidence of stroke (RR: 0.67, P = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.38, I2 = 0%). Catheter ablation enhanced LVEF [mean difference (MD), 6.26%, P < 0.00001, I2 = 89%], reduced AT recurrence (RR: 0.37, P < 0.00001, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.52, I2 = 89%), improved the quality of life (MLHFQ score) (MD: −6.83, P = 0.003, I2 = 67%), elevated 6MWD (MD: 15.92, P = 0.006, I2 = 76%), and diminished the level NT‐proBNP (MD: −44.19, P < 0.00001, I2 = 75%), but had no significant difference in adverse events [25.81% (310/1201) vs. 30.25% (347/1147), RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.65–1.01, P = 0.06, I2 = 55%]. Catheter ablation as rhythm control strategy substantially enhances the survival rate, reduces HF re‐hospitalization, increases the rate of sinus rhythm maintenance, improves the left ventricular function and the quality of life for AF patients with HF, and has similar safety, compared with medical therapy. The rhythm control by catheter ablation may be a better strategy for the AF patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination‐driven self‐assembly has been extensively employed for the bottom‐up construction of discrete metallo‐macrocycles. However, the prevalent use of benzene rings as the backbone limits the formation of large metallo‐macrocycles with more than six edges. Herein, by embedding metal nodes into the ligand backbone, we successfully regulated the ligand arm angle and assembled two giant heptagonal metallo‐macrocycles with precise control. The angle between two arms at position 4 of the central terpyridine (tpy) extended after complexation with metal ions, leading to ring expansion of the metallo‐macrocycle. The assembled structures were straightforwardly identified through multi‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy (1H, COSY, NOESY), multidimensional mass spectrometry analysis (ESI‐MS and TWIM‐MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In addition, the catalytic performances of metallo‐macrocycles in the oxidation of thioanisole were studied, with both supramolecules exhibiting good conversion rates. Furthermore, fiber‐like nanostructures were observed from single‐molecule heptagons by hierarchical self‐assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise control over hierarchical self‐assembly of superstructures relying on the elaboration of multiple noncovalent interactions between basic building blocks is both elusive and highly desirable. We herein report a terpyridine‐based metallo‐cage T with a tetrahedral motif and utilized it as an efficient building block for the controlled hierarchical self‐assembly of superstructures in response to different halide ions. Initially, the hierarchical superstructure of metallo‐cage T adopted a hexagonal close‐packed structure. By adding Cl−/Br− or I−, drastically different hierarchical superstructures with highly‐tight hexagonal packing or graphite‐like packing arrangements, respectively, have been achieved. These unusual halide‐ion‐triggered hierarchical structural changes resulted in quite distinct intermolecular channels, which provided new insights into the mechanism of three‐dimensional supramolecular aggregation and crystal growth based on macromolecular construction. In addition, the chiral induction of the metallo‐cage T can be realized with the addition of chiral anions, which stereoselectively generated either PPPP‐ or MMMM‐type enantiomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ki‐67 expression has been shown to be an important risk factor associated with prognosis in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). Its assessment requires fine‐needle biopsy and its accuracy can be influenced by tumor heterogeneity. Purpose: To develop and test an MRI‐based radiomics nomogram for identifying the Ki‐67 status of STSs. Study type: Retrospective. Population: A total of 149 patients at two independent institutions (training cohort [high Ki‐67/low ki‐67]: 102 [52/50], external validation cohort [high Ki‐67/low ki‐67]: 47 [28/19]) with STSs. Field Strength/Sequence: Fat‐saturated T2‐weighted imaging (FS‐T2WI) with a fat‐suppressed fast spin/turbo spin echo sequence at 1.5 T or 3 T. Assessment: After radiomics feature extraction, logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and k‐nearest neighbor (KNN) were used to construct radiomics models to distinguish between high and low Ki‐67 status. Clinical‐MRI characteristics included age, gender, location, size, margin, and MRI morphological features (size, margin, signal intensity, and peritumoral hyperintensity) were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied for screening significant risk factors. Radiomics nomogram was constructed by radiomics signature and risk factors. Statistical Tests: Model performances (discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness) were validated in the validation cohort. The nomogram was assessed using the Harrell index of concordance (C‐index), calibration curve analysis. The clinical utility of the model was assessed by decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: LR, RF, SVM, and KNN models represented AUCs of 0.789, 0.755, 0.726, and 0.701 in the validation cohort (P > 0.05). The nomogram had a C‐index of 0.895 (95% CI: 0.837–0.953) in the training cohort and 0.852 (95% CI: 0.796–0.957) in the validation cohort and it demonstrated good calibration and clinical utility (P = 0.972 for the training cohort and P = 0.727 for the validation cohort). Data Conclusion: This MRI‐based radiomics nomogram developed showed good performance in identifying Ki‐67 expression status in STSs. Level of Evidence: 3. Technical Efficacy Stage: 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous metals and alloys are promising candidates for superior catalysts in many catalytic and electrocatalytic reactions. It is of great urgency to develop a general method to construct amorphous alloys and further clarify the growth mechanism in a wet‐chemical system. Herein, inspired by the conservation of energy during the crystallization process, amorphous PdCu nanoalloys have been successfully synthesized by promoting the chemical potential of the building blocks in solution. Benefiting from the abundant active sites and enhanced corrosion resistance, the synthesized amorphous PdCu nanostructures exhibit superior catalytic activity and durability over the face‐centered cubic one in formic acid decomposition reaction. More importantly, the successful fabrications of amorphous PdFe, PdCo, and PdNi further demonstrate the universality of the above strategy. This proposed strategy is promising to diversify the amorphous family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whey protein isolate (WPI) and chitosan (CS) complexes were prepared by complex coacervation method. The effects of different WPI/CS ratios and pH values on the formation of complexes were investigated. And then the protective effect of the WPI/CS complexes on allicin was further analyzed. The turbidity, particle size and zeta potential data showed that optimum soluble complex coacervation occurred at pH 5.0 when the WPI/CS ratio was 4:1. Electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding were the main driving forces involved in the coacervation. Changes in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves indicated that WPI/CS complexes exhibited higher thermal denaturation temperature than WPI. The retention ratio of encapsulated allicin was 71.4% after stored at 4°C for 14 weeks, which was increased by 51.6% as compared with that of free allicin. Due to the denaturation of protein, a high‐temperature (90°C) and long‐time (7 h) treatment would result in a decrease of stability for encapsulated allicin. Results of this study would be helpful for designing food particles, which can be used for encapsulation and protection of bioactive molecules under certain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination‐driven self‐assembly has led to the formation of various aesthetical polyhedrons and compounds with advanced functions. Whereas two‐dimensional supramolecules with complex and giant skeletons are plentiful, the constructions of polyhedrons are limited by using basic polygons as the panels. Herein, we report the modular synthesis of a tessellated triangle and tessellated octahedron with metal‐organic modules as the panels and formed via template‐driven self‐assembly. These architectures have diameters on the order of 10.9 nm and molecular weights greater than 84 kDa. Interestingly, fiber and spherical‐like nanostructures could be formed from the tessellated triangles and octahedrons, respectively, through hierarchical self‐assembly. In addition, after hybridization with carbon nanotubes, the supramolecules exhibit electrochemical reduction activity for CO2 to CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforcing poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is of great interest for harsh environment applications, such as seals for oil and gas recovery because of its expected superior thermal and mechanical properties and environmental stability. In this research, a PEEK nanocomposite containing 10 wt% of well‐dispersed MWCNT was successfully prepared using a solution mixing approach. Compared to a commercial PEEK/PBI (polybenzimidazole) blend benchmark, PEEK/MWCNT exhibits significantly increased Young's modulus, much lower water absorption, and better modulus retention under hot‐wet conditions. Based on a physics‐based Ngai's Coupling model and calculation of activation energy on stress relaxation, PEEK/MWCNT system shows stronger intermolecular interaction and higher energy barrier for chain mobility than PEEK/PBI system under hot‐wet environment. These enhanced properties of PEEK/MWCNT nanocomposite are suitable for many high performance, harsh environment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of reinforcing nanoparticles, like multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), in a polymer matrix is an effective way to enhance mechanical properties and expand structural applications of engineering polymers such as poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK). Good dispersion of MWCNTs is critical for achieving optimal properties. In this work, a simple solution mixing approach was utilized to prepare PEEK nanocomposites reinforced with MWCNTs. By direct mixing of PEEK/dichloroacetic acid solution and MWCNT/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution, PEEK nanocomposites with individually dispersed MWCNTs were prepared. A PEEK wrapping of MWCNT mechanism is proposed to explain why this simple solution mixing approach resulted in such a good dispersion. Thermal stability of PEEK is not affected but crystallization is impeded due to the confinement effect of well‐dispersed MWCNTs. Young's modulus is increased by ca 20% while coefficient of thermal expansion above the glass transition temperature is decreased by ca 30% with only 1.5 wt% MWCNT loading in PEEK, which is critical for a variety of high‐temperature applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Many post‐bariatric patients have impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) due to excess skin following weight loss; however, it is inconclusive whether body contouring surgery (BCS) improves this impairment. We aimed to comprehensively summarize existing evidence of the effect of BCS on the HRQoL (primary outcome) and determine the prevalence of, the desire for, and barriers to BCS (secondary outcomes). Randomized controlled trials, cohort, cross‐sectional, case–control, and longitudinal studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central, and Web of Science. After screening 1923 potential records, 24 studies (representing 6867 participants) were deemed eligible. Only 18.5% of respondents from cross‐sectional studies underwent BCS, with abdominal BCS as the most common procedure. Most participants desired BCS but listed "cost" and "lacking reimbursement" as the main barriers. Results suggest that most post‐bariatric patients who underwent BCS experienced improvements in their HRQoL, which could be seen in almost every dimension evaluated, including body image and physical and psychosocial functions. Therefore, both bariatric and plastic surgeons should regard BCS not only as an aesthetic supplement but also as a vital part of functional recovery in the surgery‐mediated weight loss journey and, thus, provide it to more post‐bariatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic factors affecting the bulk structures of nanocrystallites are not well explored during crystallization. In this study, it is demonstrated that the chemical potential of growth units plays decisive role in governing the final structure of nanocrystals. It is found that the types of reaction vessels are able to vary the chemical potential of growth units, and make the Pt and Pd nanocrystals (NCs) unexpectedly evolve from the cyclic penta‐twinned to the single‐crystal nanostructures. In turn, it is concluded that the crystal growth units with lower chemical potential favor the formation of crystal nuclei with lower chemical potential during the nucleation. This new approach in tuning the bulk structures of NCs enriches the understanding of the crystallization process under supersaturated (nonequilibrium) condition, and would provide a general guidance for controlling nanocrystals with various thermodynamic forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in developing high‐performance blends for niche applications has grown significantly in efforts to meet ever‐increasing harsh environment demands. In this work, four model poly(aryl‐ether‐ketone)/polybenzimidazole (PAEK/PBI) blends were chosen to study the influence of premixing methods, processing, and matrix polymers, on their mechanical properties. Among the model poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and PBI blends, mechanical properties are greatly enhanced by melt premixing. The molding process mainly affects the matrix crystallinity, which in turn greatly influences fracture toughness of the blend. Poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) and PBI blend exhibits a slightly lower tensile strength and fracture toughness than PEEK/PBI due to the differences in inherent properties of PEEK and PEKK matrices and their interfacial interaction with PBI. The processing−structure–property relationship of PAEK/PBI blends is established to help guide optimal design of high‐performance polymer blends for structural applications. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48966. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]