bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐tolerance for drought, heat and salinity stresses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Pushpavalli Raju , Berger Jens D. , Turner Neil C. , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Colmer Timothy D. , Vadez Vincent 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChickpea crops are often exposed to a combination of drought, heat and salinity stresses during the reproductive stage. Previous efforts have largely focused on these stresses in isolation, such that we do not understand whether genotypes tolerant to one stress can withstand other stresses. Around 22–44 chickpea genotypes contrasting for tolerance to drought, salinity or heat in previous studies were exposed to terminal drought (TD, 3 experiments) and to salinity (SAL, 1 experiment). A priori stress tolerance to any of the listed stresses was generally reflected in drought and salinity tolerance in the present study. Thus, the drought‐, heat‐ and salt‐tolerant groups (DT, HT and ST) produced higher seed yield, had earlier phenology, higher harvest indices and seed yield transpiration efficiencies compared with sensitive groups (DS, HS and SS). However, tolerance did not select for prescriptive water use patterns. Despite our efforts to remove the confounding effects of phenology, 4–9 days variation in flowering time made a significant difference in productivity and differentiated tolerant from sensitive counterparts. In TD1, TD2 and SAL, all tolerant groups yielded similarly under stress conditions. This showed the existence of cross‐tolerance in chickpea where tolerant genotype selected for an individual stress can yield well under other stresses too.
Structural and thermal behavior of 45S5 Bioglass®‐based compositions containing alumina and strontium
Authors: Araujo Mariana S. , Silva Antonio C. , Bartolomé José F. , Mello‐Castanho Sonia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe present research exposes the influence of 2 mol% of Al2O3 and 2 mol% SrO in 45S5 Bioglass®‐based compositions. Four compositions were produced to elucidate the difference in how both oxides influence structure and thermal behavior separately and their synergy when together. Thermal properties, crystallization tendency, and sintering behavior was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy, and dilatometry. Changes of medium‐range structures were characterized by Qn distribution of Raman spectroscopy and evaluation of 31P, 27Al, 23Na, and 29Si environment obtained by magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance. Despite Qn distribution was predominantly Q2 in all samples, the composition criteria used enabled improved processing and stabilibity characteristics. The addition of Al2O3 and SrO promoted larger sinterability parameter (Sc) which indicates better sintering behavior, the glass stability against crystallization doubled (KH) compared to 45S5 and the processing window enlarged from 106 to 171.
Left sinus of Valsalva—Electroanatomic basis and outcomes with ablation for outflow tract arrhythmias
Authors: Kapa Suraj , Mehra Nandini , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Friedman Paul A. , Asirvatham Samuel J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe ablation of outflow tract premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is generally safe and effective. In some patients, successful ablation sites may not correlate with the earliest activation. We sought to evaluate mechanistic and anatomic relevance of the region below the left sinus of Valsalva in variable morphology outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias.MethodsPVC cases where ablation was in the region inferior to the left sinus of Valsalva were identified. Procedural and demographic information and long‐term outcomes were obtained. Cadaver dissections to evaluate regional anatomy were done as well.ResultsA total of 51 cases were included (age 53 ± 10; 37 [73%] males). Ablation was done for high PVC burden (>20%; mean 27% ± 8%) and presence of symptoms (73%) or ejection fraction less than 50% (78%). QRS morphology included either R wave (8; 16%), Rs (9; 18%), or rS (67%) in lead I, no precordial transition (40; 78%), V2 transition, (7; 14%), or V3 transition (4; 8%). In 31 (61%), the site just below the left coronary cusp was the earliest site, while the remainder had another site earlier. Ablation was acutely successful in 50 of 51 (98%). After 3 months, success was noted in 48 of 51 (94%). In two patients, repeat ablation in the same region resulted in durable suppression.ConclusionThe cases presented emphasize the importance of a region centered below the left sinus of Valsalva, where multivariable morphology QRS may be successfully ablated. Consideration of mapping and ablation even when signals are late in this region may be warranted in previously failed ablation attempts or first‐line evaluation.
Concomitant leadless pacemaker implantation and lead extraction during an active infection
Authors: Chang David , Gabriels James K. , Soo Kim Beom , Ismail Haisam , Willner Jonathan , Beldner Stuart J. , John Roy M. , Epstein Laurence M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe need for transvenous lead extractions due to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)‐related infections continues to rise. Current guidelines recommend complete device removal in the setting of an active infection, which can be challenging in pacemaker‐dependent patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all leadless pacemaker implants between January 2018 and November 2019 and identified a subset of patients who had undergone a concomitant CIED extraction in the setting of an active infection. Baseline characteristics, procedural details, and clinical follow‐ups were recorded.ResultsSeventeen patients received a leadless pacemaker during the same procedure as the CIED extraction. There were no procedural complications. All patients were being treated for an active CIED infection at the time of the procedure. Fourteen patients (82.4%) were completely pacemaker‐dependent and four patients (23.5%) had positive blood cultures at the time of the leadless pacemaker implantation. During a median follow‐up of 143 days (interquartile range: 57, 181 days), there were no recurrent infections.ConclusionSimultaneous leadless pacemaker implantation and CIED extraction are safe and feasible in the setting of an active infection. This strategy may be particularly useful in patients that are pacemaker‐dependent.
Association of impaired arterial wall properties with the presence of coronary artery disease in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Rafouli‐Stergiou Pinelopi , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Katsiki Niki , Kadoglou Nikolaos P. E. , Vlachos Stefanos , Thymis John , Parissis John , Moulakakis Konstantinos G. , Kakisis John D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPulse wave velocity (PWV) is a valid, clinically feasible marker of arterial stiffening, and a strong predictor of outcomes. The present study aimed to compare aortic elastic properties in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), with or without coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as healthy individuals. A total of 130 patients with AAA, eligible for interventional repair, and 30 healthy individuals, comprising the control group (HC), were enrolled. Presence of CAD was identified by coronary angiography. Aortic PWV (aPWV) was measured using the Arteriograph. aPWV was found considerably higher in AAA patients compared with HC group (11.5 ± 2.9 vs 7.3 ± 1.6 m/s, P < .001). Importantly, among patients with AAA, those with concomitant CAD (n = 41) had greater aPWV than those without CAD (12.5 ± 2.9 vs 11.0 ± 3.0 m/s, P = .03). In receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis, a value of aPWV above 12.8 m/s was identified to correlate with the presence of CAD in the AAA patient population. After adjustment for confounders, including hypertension which is one of the major risk factors for abdominal aneurysms, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that this aPWV cutoff remained independently associated with presence of CAD [odds ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence interval =1.19‐4.08, P = .03]. The coexistence of CAD and AAA is characterized by a greater arterial stiffness. This finding should be taken into consideration when selecting endovascular stents with more favorable elastic properties. Moreover, AAA patients with high aPWV (>12.8 m/s) are more likely to also have CAD, and this may be considered by vascular surgeons when evaluating patients' cardiovascular risk.
Aortic blood pressure and arterial stiffness in patients with controlled resistant and non‐resistant hypertension
Authors: Cai Anping , Siddiqui Mohammed , Judd Eric K. , Oparil Suzanne , Calhoun David A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the current study was to determine whether aortic blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness are greater in patients with controlled resistant hypertension (RHTN) than controlled non‐resistant hypertension (non‐RHTN) despite similar clinic BP level. Participants were recruited from University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hypertension Clinic. Controlled hypertension was defined as automated office BP measurement with BP < 135/85 mm Hg. A total of 141 participants were evaluated by pulse wave analysis (PWA) and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV). Among them, 75 patients had controlled RHTN with use of 4 or more antihypertensive medications and 56 patients had controlled non‐RHTN with use of 3 or less antihypertensive medications. Compared to patients with controlled non‐RHTN, those with controlled RHTN were more likely to be African American and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure. The mean number of antihypertensive medications was greater in patients with controlled RHTN (4.4 ± 0.8 vs 2.3 ± 0.7,P < .001). Clinic brachial BP, aortic BP, augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index normalized for heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx@75) and cf‐PWV were similar in both groups. In summary, there was no significant difference in central BP or arterial stiffness between patients with controlled RHTN and controlled non‐RHTN. These findings suggest that the higher residual cardiovascular risk observed in patients with RHTN after achieving BP control compared to patients with more easily controlled hypertension is not likely attributable to persistent differences in central BP and arterial stiffness.
PCAT‐1 promotes cell growth by sponging miR‐129 via MAP3K7/NF‐κB pathway in multiple myeloma
Authors: Shen Xianjuan , Kong Shan , Yang Qian , Yin Qingqing , Cong Hui , Wang Xudong , Ju Shaoqing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLoss of one or some specific miRNA‐mediated regulation is closely associated with malignant progression of multiple myeloma (MM). But how these miRNAs work and what role the specific miRNA plays in this process of malignant progression remain unclear. It was found in this study that the expression of miR‐129 was decreased in both MM cell lines and newly diagnosed MM patients. Further clinicopathological statistics showed that miR‐129 was correlated with the isotype of MM patients. MiR‐129 overexpression disturbed cell proliferation, cell cycle evolution and spurred apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. MAP3K7, a kinase able to activate NF‐κB circuit, was found to be up‐regulated in MM and contain a binding target of miR‐129. In addition, lncRNA PCAT‐1 functioned to sponge miR‐129 and thereby lowered its expression. PCAT‐1 knockdown eliminated the tumour‐promoting effect caused by miR‐129 inhibition, probably through repressing MAP3K7 and subsequent NF‐κB activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to have discovered that increased expression of PCAT‐1 could augment cell proliferation and cycle procession and inhibit apoptosis by down‐regulating miR‐129 via the MAP3K7/NF‐κB pathway in MM.
A cautionary tale of multiple‐dose drug products: Fluticasone and salmeterol combination inhaler waste
Authors: Aeng Elissa S. Y. , Dhaliwal Maninder M. , Tejani Aaron M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRationaleSome drugs can only be dispensed in multiple‐dose containers. Multiple‐dose packaging may pose a problem for hospitals in terms of drug wastage and cost. Oral inhalers, such as fluticasone propionate and salmeterol combination inhalers, are only available as multiple‐dose formats in Canada.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are to quantify the amount of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol combination inhaler waste and to assess possible factors that could be contributing to waste.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 189 patients was conducted. Patients were included if they had received an order for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol combination inhaler at one of the 12 acute hospital sites of Fraser Health Authority. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who were dispensed one or more inhalers unnecessarily. The number of inhalers dispensed was compared with the number of inhalers needed to complete a patient's order duration. The chart was also reviewed for possible factors that could have contributed to extra inhalers being dispensed unnecessarily.ResultsThirty‐seven patients (19.6%) had at least one inhaler dispensed unnecessarily and thus wasted. About 17.4% of the total amount of inhalers dispensed were dispensed unnecessarily, and 76.3% of doses dispensed were wasted. The cost of inhalers wasted for our sample was $5151.12 (CAD). The most common factors that contributed to inhaler waste appeared to be loss of medication during patient transfers and storage of inhalers as wardstock.ConclusionsThe use of drugs that are only available in multiple‐dose formats results in significant drug wastage and unnecessary health care expenditure. To minimize wastage of drug product, procedures could be implemented to ensure that drugs are properly transferred with the patient when a patient transfers locations in the hospital. As well, a review of wardstock inventory may minimize waste. Further assessment of multiple‐dose drug product waste and evaluations of methods to mitigate waste are encouraged.
The environmental impacts of operating an Antarctic research station
Authors: Crossin Enda , Verghese Karli , Lockrey Simon , Ha Hieu , Young Gordon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe present a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the operation of Casey Station in Antarctica. The LCA included quantifying material and energy flows, modeling of elementary flows, and subsequent environmental impacts. Environmental impacts were dominated by emissions associated with freight operations and electricity cogeneration. A participatory design approach was used to identify options to reduce environmental impacts, which included improving freight efficiency, reducing the temperature setpoint of the living quarters, and installing alternative energy systems. These options were then assessed using LCA, and have the potential to reduce environmental impacts by between 2% and 19.1%, depending on the environmental indicator.
Comparison of three reversible injectable chemical restraint protocols in Spix´s Owl monkeys (Aotus vociferans) using ketamine, xylazine and midazolam
Authors: Alfonso Jessy , Lescano Jesús , Quevedo Miryam , Fernández Víctor 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is scarce information detailing clinical and physiological effects of reversible injectable protocols of chemical restraint on Neotropical primates.MethodsNineteen captive Spix´s Owl monkeys (Aotus vociferans) were assessed in a double‐blind randomized crossover study using the following: ketamine/xylazine [KX], ketamine/midazolam [KM] and ketamine/xylazine/midazolam [KXM]. During immobilization, respiratory and pulse rates, rectal temperature, haemoglobin oxygen saturation and arterial blood pressure were recorded at 5‐minute intervals during a 20‐minute period; afterwards, antagonist drugs (yohimbine for xylazine and flumazenil for midazolam) were, respectively, administered. Quality and duration of induction, immobilization and recovery periods were recorded.ResultsKetamine/xylazine increased manipulation sensitivity and produced poor muscle relaxation. KM maintained all assessed parameters within physiological ranges. KXM produced depressant cardiorespiratory effects and hypotension. All protocols produced hypothermia.ConclusionsBased on its adequate anaesthetic depth and minimum effects on physiological parameters, KM is suitable for immobilizing A vociferans and performing short‐term procedures lasting around 20 minutes.
Platelet regulates neuroinflammation and restores blood–brain barrier integrity in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Gao Cheng , Wang Haochen , Wang Tao , Luo Chengliang , Wang Zufeng , Zhang Mingyang , Chen Xiping , Tao Luyang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNeuroinflammation accompanied by microglial activation triggers multiple cell death after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The secondary injury caused by inflammation may persist for a long time. Recently, platelet C‐type lectin‐like 2 receptor (CLEC‐2) has been shown to regulate inflammation in certain diseases. However, its possible effects on TBI remain poorly understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of platelet CLEC‐2 in the pathological process of neuroinflammation after TBI. In this study, mice were subjected to sham or controlled cortical impact injury, and arbitrarily received recombinant platelet CLEC‐2. In parallel, BV2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic microglial activation after TBI. Primary endothelial cells were also subjected to LPS in order to replicate the inflammatory damage caused by TBI. We used western blot analysis, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and immunostaining to evaluate the role of platelet CLEC‐2 in TBI. In conditional knock out platelet CLEC‐2 mice, trauma worsened the integrity of the blood–brain barrier and amplified the release of inflammatory cytokines. In wild type mice subjected to controlled cortical impact injury, recombinant platelet CLEC‐2 administration altered the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, reduced brain edema, and improved neurological function. In vitro, the polarization phenotype of microglia induced by LPS was transformed by recombinant platelet CLEC‐2, and this conversion depended on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Endothelial cell injury by LPS was ameliorated when microglia expressed mostly M2 phenotype markers. In conclusion, platelet CLEC‐2 regulates trauma‐induced neuroinflammation and restores blood–brain barrier integrity.
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Hypnotic prescription by GPs is associated with their personal drug consumption but not by their insomnia status
Authors: Chambe Juliette , Kobayashi Frisk Mio , Charton Lea , Lefebvre François , Will Sandrine , Rat Cédric , Bourgin Patrice 
Published: February 2020

SummaryFrench general practitioners (GPs) are known to widely prescribe medications to treat insomnia despite their negative effects. GPs’ easy access to self‐medication may affect their mental representation of sleep and hypnotics, and subsequently their professional behaviour. Our aim was to examine the association between GPs’ personal hypnotic drug consumption habits and their management of patients with sleep disturbances. A randomized sample of Alsatian GPs participated in a survey based on questionnaires including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Dysfunctional Beliefs About Sleep in 10 questions to characterize sleep, and an evaluation of their management strategies regarding sleep for both patients and themselves. Two‐hundred and forty‐nine GPs were included (response rate of 51%). Demographics of the GPs’ samples were representative of those of the Alsatian GP population. Fifteen percent of the survey respondents met insomnia criteria. For the management of their own sleep disturbances, 14.3% of GPs were taking hypnotic drugs and 8.7% were taking anxiolytics, with greater drug consumption in the insomnia group. In a multivariate analysis, GPs who personally consumed these medications prescribed significantly more of them to patients, whereas their insomnia status had less impact. Other factors such as gender and type of practice were not associated with a higher prescription rate. Our results indicate that GPs’ personal drug consumption can have a significant impact on the management of their patients, therefore suggesting that actions towards GPs’ health improvement may also benefit their patients and the public.
Optimal drug administration manner would rescue partial virological response in chronic hepatitis B patients with entecavir or tenofovir treatment
Authors: Tao Ya‐Chao , Wang Meng‐Lan , Zhang Dong‐Mei , Wu Dong‐Bo , Wang Yong‐Hong , Liao Juan , Tang Hong , Chen En‐Qiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNot all treatment‐naïve patients receiving entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy can achieve complete virological response, and many factors may be related with the outcome of partial virological response. This study aimed to determine whether the manner of drug administration affects the antiviral efficacy of ETV/TDF monotherapy. All eligible patients were divided into complete or partial response cohorts based on their virological response following 24‐week therapy. Factors related with partial response were evaluated. Patients with partial response were further grouped depending on whether they later adjusted the manner of drug administration, and the antiviral efficacy was compared between the two groups during prolonged treatment. A total of 518 patients were enrolled. Suboptimal drug administration (OR 77.511, P = .000), positive‐HBeAg (OR 3.191, P = .000) and ETV treatment (OR 2.537, P = .001) were identified as independent risk factors for partial response. Among patients with partial response, 213 were in the adjusted group and 76 were in the unadjusted group. The percentages of patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA (78.9% vs 31.6%, P < .001) and with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (88.7% vs 68.4%, P < .001) were both higher in the adjusted group than that in unadjusted group following a further 6‐month therapy. In conclusion, the manner of drug administration is an important factor influencing the efficacy of ETV/TDF therapy, and optimal drug administration manner can help to increase antiviral efficacy and rescue patients with partial response.