bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can the cardiovascular risk reductions observed with empagliflozin in the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial be explained by concomitant changes seen in conventional cardiovascular risk factor levels?
Authors: Coleman Ruth L. , Gray Alastair M. , Broedl MD Uli C. , Fitchett David , George Jyothis T. , Woerle Hans J. , Zinman Bernard , Holman Rury R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimTo performpost‐hocanalyses of the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial examining the degree to which empagliflozin‐induced changes in conventional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors might explain the observed CV benefits.Materials and methodsWe estimated 3‐year EMPA‐REG OUTCOME CV event rates using a type 2 diabetes‐specific clinical outcomes simulation model applied to annual patient‐level data. Variables included were atrial fibrillation, smoking, albuminuria, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, heart rate, white cell count, haemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and histories of ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, amputation, blindness, renal failure, stroke, myocardial infarction or diabetic ulcer. Multiple simulations were performed for each participant to minimize uncertainty and optimize confidence interval precision around CV risk point estimates. Observed and simulated cardiovascular relative risk reductions were compared.ResultsModel‐predicted relative risk reductions were smaller than those observed in the trial, with empagliflozin‐associated changes in conventional CV risk factor values appearing to explain only 12% of the observed relative risk reduction for all‐cause death (4% of 32%), 7% for CV death (3% of 39%) and 15% for heart failure (4% of 29%).ConclusionsEmpagliflozin‐associated changes in conventional CV risk factors in EMPA‐REG OUTCOME appear to explain only a small proportion of the CV and all‐cause death reductions observed. Alternative risk‐reduction mechanisms need to be explored to determine if the observed CV risk changes can be explained by other factors, or possibly by a direct drug‐specific effect.
Evaluating the probability of CRISPR‐based gene drive contaminating another species
Authors: Courtier‐Orgogozo Virginie , Danchin Antoine , Gouyon Pierre‐Henri , Boëte Christophe 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe probability D that a given clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐based gene drive element contaminates another, nontarget species can be estimated by the following Drive Risk Assessment Quantitative Estimate (DRAQUE) Equation: with hyb = probability of hybridization between the target species and a nontarget species; transf = probability of horizontal transfer of a piece of DNA containing the gene drive cassette from the target species to a nontarget species (with no hybridization); express = probability that the Cas9 and guide RNA genes are expressed; cut = probability that the CRISPR‐guide RNA recognizes and cuts at a DNA site in the new host; flank = probability that the gene drive cassette inserts at the cut site; immune = probability that the immune system does not reject Cas9‐expressing cells; nonextinct = probability of invasion of the drive within the population. We discuss and estimate each of the seven parameters of the equation, with particular emphasis on possible transfers within insects, and between rodents and humans. We conclude from current data that the probability of a gene drive cassette to contaminate another species is not insignificant. We propose strategies to reduce this risk and call for more work on estimating all the parameters of the formula.
Modelling patterns of coexistence of three congeneric headwater fishes
Authors: Hubbell Joshua P. , Schaefer Jacob F. , Warren Melvin L. , Sterling Kenneth A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMechanisms driving patterns of occurrence and co‐occurrence among North American freshwater fishes are poorly understood. In particular, the influence of biotic interactions on coexistence among stream reaches and their effects on regional species distribution patterns is not well understood for congeneric headwater fishes.Occupancy models provide a useful framework for examining patterns of co‐occurrence while also accounting for imperfect detection. Occupancy models may be extended to test for evidence that a dominant species influences the occurrence of a subordinate species and thus evaluate support for the hypothesis that species interactions drive patterns of coexistence.We examined patterns of occurrence and co‐occurrence at the stream‐reach scale among three species of darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) that occupy headwater streams within a Gulf Coastal Plain drainage in the south‐eastern U.S.A. We assessed species occurrences at 97 sites in first‐ to third‐order streams on one occasion each and used data from four sub‐reaches sampled with equal effort at each site to estimate species‐specific detection probabilities. Following sampling, a suite of habitat variables was collected at three equidistant points along each of the three transects established within a sub‐reach. Coarse (stream‐segment, catchment, network) scale variables were also incorporated using geospatial data. Single‐species and two‐species occupancy models were used to examine patterns of occupancy and coexistence.The occupancy of each species was influenced by distinct habitat variables. Goldstripe darters (Etheostoma parvipinne) were constrained by a stream size gradient, groundwater input appeared to influence the occurrence of Yazoo darters (Etheostoma raneyi), and local habitat heterogeneity (e.g. variation in depth and current velocity) appeared to influence the occupancy of redspot darters (Etheostoma artesiae).We found no evidence that the presence of one species influenced the occurrence of another within a stream‐reach based on two‐species occupancy models. Rather, species co‐occurrences were best explained as independent occurrences within a stream‐reach according to species‐specific habitat associations.Occupancy modelling may provide a suitable framework for evaluating the influence of biotic interactions among congeneric stream fishes along species‐specific habitat gradients at the stream reach scale. Our study offers insight into how habitat variation can influence coexistence of potential competitors across a large river system.
Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of pristine and cerium‐doped WO3 nanoparticles for photodegradation of methylene blue via solar irradiation
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Nawaz Ahmad , Islam Bilal , Hussain Iftikhar 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this study, an effective photodegrading properties of WO3 nanoparticles has been enhanced by doping with cerium. To achieve our goal pristine and Ce‐doped WO3 nanoparticles were prepared by a simple and cost effective co‐precipitation route. Characterization of all the specimens were conducted which showed that there were no noticeable structural changes. WO3 retained its monoclinic structure even after doping with (3%, 5%, 8%, 10%) cerium which was also confirmed with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, XRD and Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy also confirm that no new phases were formed in doped specimens. XRD also depicts that minimum crystallite size is achieved at 3% cerium doping. Scanning electron microscope images show decrease in particle size initially at 3% cerium doping, that is, ~80 ± 2.5 nm. In contrast, further increase in doping percentage increases crystallite and particle sizes. Additionally, defect generation increased at lower doping percentage ~3%. In contrast, further increase in dopant (5%, 8%, 10%) caused defect annihilation process to dominate over defect generation. C/Co ratio and rate constant (KMB) values suggest that maximum degradation of methylene blue will occur at 3% cerium doping due to increase in crystalline defects. Ultraviolet visible Spectroscopy further validates C/Co ratio and degradation rate constant values by showing drastic decline in peak intensity at 3% cerium doping. Therefore, 3% cerium‐doped WO3 is more effective photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue in comparison to most of the previously used photocatalysts. The prepared cerium‐doped WO3 nanoparticles as a sun light driven photocatalyst, may be utilized for industrial wastewater purification.
Evaluation of innovative technological approaches to replace palm fat with physically modified Swiss rapeseed oil in bakery products
Authors: Schmid Tamara , Baumer Beatrice , Rüegg Ramona , Näf Patrick , Kinner Mathias , Müller Nadina 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPalm fat is often used in baked goods because of its relatively low cost, and its positive impact on texture and shelf life. Demand for alternatives has risen in recent years due to concerns about the ecological and social sustainability. This is a challenge for the bakery industry since palm fat possesses unique properties. In this study, unhydrogenated rapeseed oil was processed using novel physical technologies, such as wax crystallisation, stabilised foaming and Pickering emulsions, in order to simulate palm fat properties. Analysis showed that while the initial viscosity of the fat substitute products was low compared to palm fat, the fat replacement products behaved very similarly to palm fat in the baking experiments. The resulting biscuits baked with emulsified rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil complemented with wax crystals were judged to be suitable replacements for palm fat in terms of processability, as well as analytical and sensory assessment.
The association between nutritional status and dental caries in low‐income children: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Rego Iana Nogueira , Cohen‐Carneiro Flávia , Vettore Mario Vianna , Herkrath Fernando José , Herkrath Ana Paula Corrêa de Queiroz , Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe possible association between obesity, underweight, and dental caries remains in debate. In addition, the role of sugar consumption on the abovementioned relationship was little explored.AimThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and dental caries in 12‐year‐old low‐income children.DesignThis cross‐sectional school‐based study involved 406 12‐year‐old children living with limited economic resources. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed component of DMFT and PUFA/pufa index. Children were weighed and measured to assess nutritional status according toz‐score/body mass index. Data on socio‐economic and demographic characteristics, sugar consumption, sedentary behaviour, and psychosocial factors were collected through validated questionnaires. Multivariable multilevel Poisson regression was performed.ResultsUnderweight children had 60% (RR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.13‐2.57) higher mean of decayed teeth and had mean PUFA/pufa 2.8 times higher than children with normal nutritional status. Underweight children with high annual sugar intake had a greater mean of decayed teeth (RR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.46‐5.06) than underweight children with low sugar intake.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that malnutrition is associated with dental caries among children from low‐income families.
Unmanned aerial vehicles/drones in vehicle routing problems: a literature review
Authors: Rojas Viloria Daniela , Solano‐Charris Elyn L. , Muñoz‐Villamizar Andrés , Montoya‐Torres Jairo R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDuring recent years, advances in drone technologies have made them applicable in various fields of industry, and their popularity continues to grow. In this paper, the academic contributions on drones routing problems are analyzed between 2005 and 2019 to identify the main characteristics of these types of problems, as well as the research trends and recent improvements. The literature is classified according to the objectives optimized, solution methods, applications, constraints, and whether they use a complementary vehicle or not. Finally, a discussion for trends and future research is presented.
Impact of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation on mortality, stroke, and heart failure hospitalizations: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , De Ponti Roberto , Di Biase Luigi , Matta Mario , Gaita Fiorenzo , Romero Jorge , De Ferrari Gaetano M. , Anselmino Matteo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) on hard clinical endpoints remains controversial.ObjectiveOur aim was to conduct a random‐effect model meta‐analysis on efficacy data from high‐quality large matched database/registry studies and randomized clinical trials. We compared long‐term all‐cause mortality, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure in patients undergoing AFCA vs patients treated with medical therapy alone (rhythm and/or rate control medications) in a general AF population.Methods and ResultsPubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases were screened and a total of nine studies were selected (one randomized clinical trial—CABANA—and eight large matched population studies). A total of 241 372 patients (27 711 in the ablation group, 213 661 in the nonablation group) were included. After a median follow‐up of 3.5 years, AFCA decreased the risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54‐0.72; I2 = 54%; number needed to treat [NNT] = 28), stroke (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.70; I2 = 23%; NNT = 59) and hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51‐0.80; I2 = 28%; NNT = 33) compared with AF patients treated with medical therapy alone.ConclusionBased on the currently available efficacy and effectiveness evidence, AFCA significantly reduces the risk of death, stroke, and hospitalization compared with medical therapy alone.
C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 aggravates renal fibrosis through activating JAK/STAT/GSK3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Yahong , Feng Qijian , Miao Jinhua , Wu Qinyu , Zhou Shan , Shen Weiwei , Feng Yanqiu , Hou Fan Fan , Liu Youhua , Zhou Lili 
Published: March 2020

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence worldwide. Renal fibrosis is the common pathological feature in various types of CKD. However, the underlying mechanisms are not determined. Here, we adopted different CKD mouse models and cultured human proximal tubular cell line (HKC‐8) to examine the expression of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and β‐catenin signalling, as well as their relationship in renal fibrosis. In CKD mice and humans with a variety of nephropathies, CXCR4 was dramatically up‐regulated in tubules, with a concomitant activation of β‐catenin. CXCR4 expression level was positively correlated with the expression of β‐catenin target MMP‐7. AMD3100, a CXCR4 receptor blocker, and gene knockdown of CXCR4 significantly inhibited the activation of JAK/STAT and β‐catenin signalling, protected against tubular injury and renal fibrosis. CXCR4‐induced renal fibrosis was inhibited by treatment with ICG‐001, an inhibitor of β‐catenin signalling. In HKC‐8 cells, overexpression of CXCR4 induced activation of β‐catenin and deteriorated cell injury. These effects were inhibited by ICG‐001. Stromal cell–derived factor (SDF)‐1α, the ligand of CXCR4, stimulated the activation of JAK2/STAT3 and JAK3/STAT6 signalling in HKC‐8 cells. Overexpression of STAT3 or STAT6 decreased the abundance of GSK3β mRNA. Silencing of STAT3 or STAT6 significantly blocked SDF‐1α‐induced activation of β‐catenin and fibrotic lesions. These results uncover a novel mechanistic linkage between CXCR4 and β‐catenin activation in renal fibrosis in association with JAK/STAT/GSK3β pathway. Our studies also suggest that targeted inhibition of CXCR4 may provide better therapeutic effects on renal fibrosis by inhibiting multiple downstream signalling cascades.
The mysterious life of the plant trans‐Golgi network: advances and tools to understand it better
Authors: RENNA L. , BRANDIZZI F. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryBy being at the interface of the exocytic and endocytic pathways, the plant trans‐Golgi network (TGN) is a multitasking and highly diversified organelle. Despite governing vital cellular processes, the TGN remains one of the most uncharacterized organelle of plant cells. In this review, we highlight recent studies that have contributed new insights and to the generation of markers needed to answer several important questions on the plant TGN. Several drugs specifically affecting proteins critical for the TGN functions have been extremely useful for the identification of mutants of the TGN in the pursuit to understand how the morphology and the function of this organelle are controlled. In addition to these chemical tools, we review emerging microscopy techniques that help visualize the TGN at an unpreceded resolution and appreciate the heterogeneity and dynamics of this organelle in plant cells.
Impact of community-based educational intervention on antibiotic use and resistance awareness among the people living in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Rabbani Syed Arman , Sridhar Sathvik B , Abazer Dania , Ahmed Halima Shuaibu , Usman Hauwa Aminu , Mahtab Asiya , El-Dahiyat Faris 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Antibiotic resistance is a major global public health concern today. We explored the usefulness of an educational intervention in increasing antibiotic-related awareness of the public.

Methods
This community-based interventional study was conducted among 100 people living in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Preintervention awareness regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was assessed using the World Health Organization antibiotic resistance: multicountry public awareness survey. After the baseline assessment of the knowledge, educational intervention was given to the study participants. The same questionnaire was used to assess the impact of this intervention after 4 weeks.

Key findings
The study participants had low baseline knowledge of antibiotics and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. A high proportion of study participants (54%) took antibiotics in the past 6 months. Our intervention significantly improved antibiotic-related knowledge and behaviours. Postintervention majority of study participants realized that full course of antibiotics should be taken (% change: 50.0, P &lt; 0.001), leftover antibiotics from family and friends should not be used (% change: 40.0%, P = 0.004), antibiotics are of no use in viral infections (% change: 72.0%, P &lt; 0.001), infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics (% change: 37%, P &lt; 0.001), bacteria resistant to antibiotics can be spread from person to person (% change: 73%, P &lt; 0.001) and infections from resistant bacteria are difficult to treat (% change: 38%, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Following the intervention, antibiotic-related awareness was significantly improved among study participants. Further efforts should be made to ensure that this improved awareness is converted to necessary health behaviour changes in the long term.
Ultrastructure and Systematics of Two New Species of Dinoflagellate, Paragymnodinium Asymmetricum sp. nov. and Paragymnodinium Inerme sp. nov. (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae)1
Authors: Yokouchi Koh , Takahashi Kazuya , Nguyen Van Nguyen , Iwataki Mitsunori , Horiguchi Takeo 
Published: March 2020

The genus Paragymnodinium currently includes two species, P. shiwhaense and P. stigmaticum, that are characterized by mixotrophic nutrition and the possession of nematocysts. In this study, two new dinoflagellates belonging to this genus were described based on observations using LM, SEM, and TEM together with a molecular analysis. Cells of P. asymmetricum sp. nov., isolated from Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam, were 7.9–12.6 μm long and 4.7–9.0 μm wide. The species showed no evidence of feeding behavior and was able to sustain itself phototrophically. Paragymnodinium asymmetricum shared many features with P. shiwhaense, including presence of nematocysts, absence of an eyespot, and a planktonic lifestyle, but was clearly distinguished by the asymmetric shape of the hyposome, possession of a single chloroplast, and its nutritional mode. Cells of P. inerme sp. nov., isolated from Jogashima, Kanagawa Pref, Japan, were 15.3–23.7 μm long and 10.9–19.6 μm wide. This species also showed no evidence of feeding behavior. Paragymnodinium inerme was similar to cells of P. shiwhaense in shape and planktonic lifestyle, but its nutritional mode was different. The presence of incomplete nematocysts was also a unique feature. A phylogenetic analysis inferred from concatenated SSU and LSU rDNA sequences recovered the two dinoflagellates in a robust clade with Paragymnodinium spp., within the clade of Gymnodinium sensu stricto. This evidence, together with their morphological similarities, made it reasonable to conclude that these two dinoflagellates are new species of Paragymnodinium.
Elucidating system‐level interdependence in electronic health record data: What are the ramifications for trainee assessment?
Authors: Sebok‐Syer Stefanie S. , Pack Rachael , Shepherd Lisa , McConnell Allison , Dukelow Adam M. , Sedran Robert , Lingard Lorelei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractContextThe electronic health record (EHR) has been identified as a potential site for gathering data about trainees' clinical performance, but these data are not collected or organised for this purpose. Therefore, a careful and rigorous approach is required to explore how EHR data could be meaningfully used for assessment purposes. The purpose of this study was to identify EHR performance metrics that represent both the independent and interdependent clinical performance of emergency medicine (EM) trainees and explore how they might be meaningfully used for assessment and feedback.MethodsUsing constructivist grounded theory, we conducted 21 semi‐structured interviews with EM faculty members and residents. Participants were asked to identify the clinical actions of trainees that would be valuable for assessment and feedback and describe how those activities are represented in the EHR. Data collection and analysis, which consisted of three stages of coding, occurred iteratively.ResultsWhen faculty members and trainees in EM were asked to reflect on the usefulness of using EHR performance metrics for resident assessment and feedback they expressed both widespread support for the idea in principle and hesitation that aspects of clinical performance captured in the data would not be representative of residents’ individual performance, but would rather reflect their interdependence with other team members and the systems in which they work. We highlight three categorisations of system‐level interdependence ‐ medical directives, technological systems and organisational systems ‐ identified by our participants, and discuss strategies participants employed to navigate these forms of interdependence within the health care system.ConclusionsSystem‐level interdependence shapes physicians’ performances, and yet, this impact is rarely corrected for or noted within clinical performance data. Educators have a responsibility to recognise system‐level interdependence when teaching and consider system‐level interdependence when assessing the performance of trainees in order to most effectively and fairly utilise the EHR as a source of assessment data.