bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syncope and bifascicular block in the absence of structural heart disease
Authors: Rivera-López Ricardo , Cabrera-Ramos Mercedes , Jordán-Martinez Laura , Jimenez-Jaimez Juan , Macias-Ruiz Rosa , Aguilar-Alonso Eduardo , Rivera-Fernandez Ricardo , Sanchez-Cantalejo Emilio , Tercedor Luis , Alvarez Miguel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe treatment of patients with bifascicular block (BFB) and syncope in the absence of structural heart disease (SHD) is not well defined. The objective of our study is to compare pacemaker empirical implantation with the use of electrophysiological studies (EPS). This is a prospective cohort study that included 77 patients with unexplained cardiogenic syncope and BFB without structural heart disease between 1997 and 2012. Two groups: 36 patients received empirical pacemakers (Group A) and 41 underwent EPS (Group B) to guide their treatment. The incidence of syncope recurrence and atrioventricular block was lower in group A. Mortality and complication rates were similar between both groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a higher number of events (combined endpoint) in group B. Our study shows that treatment according to EPS does not improve the results of a treatment strategy based on empirical pacemaker.
Strawberry fatty acyl glycosides enhance disease protection, have antibiotic activity and stimulate plant growth
Authors: Grellet Bournonville Carlos , Filippone María Paula , Di Peto Pía de los Ángeles , Trejo María Fernanda , Couto Alicia Susana , Mamaní de Marchese Alicia , Díaz Ricci Juan Carlos , Welin Björn , Castagnaro Atilio Pedro 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn increasing interest in the development of products of natural origin for crop disease and pest control has emerged in the last decade. Here we introduce a new family of strawberry acyl glycosides (SAGs) formed by a trisaccharide (GalNAc-GalNAc-Glc) and a monounsaturated fatty acid of 6 to 12 carbon atoms linked to the glucose unit. Application of SAGs to Arabidopsis thaliana (hereafter Arabidopsis) plants triggered a transient oxidative burst, callose deposition and defense gene expression, accompanied by increased protection against two phytopathogens, Pseudomonas viridiflava and Botrytis cinerea. SAGs-induced disease protection was also demonstrated in soybean infected with the causal agent of target spot, Corynespora cassiicola. SAGs were shown to exhibit important antimicrobial activity against a wide-range of bacterial and fungal phytopathogens, most probably through membrane destabilization, and the potential use of SAGs as a biofungicide for postharvest disease protection was demonstrated on lemon fruits infected with Penicillium digitatum. Plant growth promotion by application of SAGs was shown by augmented primary root elongation, secondary roots development and increased siliques formation in Arabidopsis, whereas a significant increment in number of seed pods was demonstrated in soybean. Stimulation of radicle development and the induction of an auxin-responsive reporter system (DR5::GUS) in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, suggested that SAGs-stimulated growth at least partly acts through the auxin response pathway. These results indicate that strawberry fatty acid glycosides are promising candidates for the development of environmental-friendly products for disease management in soybean and lemon.
The effect of LTA gene polymorphisms on cancer risk: an updated systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Li Jingdong , Wang Yaxuan , Chang Xueliang , Han Zhenwei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To provide a comprehensive account of the association of five Lymphotoxin-α (LTA) gene polymorphisms (rs1041981, rs2229094, rs2239704, rs746868, rs909253) with susceptibility to cancer.
Methods: A literature search for eligible candidate gene studies published before 28 February 2020 was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The following combinations of main keywords were used: (LTA OR Lymphotoxin alpha OR TNF-β OR tumor necrosis factor-beta) AND (polymorphism OR mutation OR variation OR SNP OR genotype) AND (cancer OR tumor OR neoplasm OR malignancy OR carcinoma OR adenocarcinoma). Potential sources of heterogeneity were sought out via subgroup and sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were estimated.
Results: Overall, a total of 24 articles with 24577 cases and 33351 controls for five polymorphisms of LTA gene were enrolled. We identified that rs2239704 was associated with a reduced risk of cancer. While for other polymorphisms, the results showed no significant association with cancer risk. In the stratified analysis of rs1041981, we found that Asians might have less susceptibility to cancer. At the same time, we found that rs2239704 was negatively correlated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). While, for rs909253, an increased risk of cancer for Caucasians and HCC susceptibility were uncovered in the stratified analysis of by ethnicity and cancer type.
Conclusion: LTA rs2239704 polymorphism is inversely associated with the risk of cancer. LTA rs1041981 polymorphism is negatively associated with cancer risk in Asia. While, LTA rs909253 polymorphism is a risk factor for HCC in Caucasian population.
miR-26a-5p mediates TLR signaling pathway by targeting CTGF in LPS-induced alveolar macrophage
Authors: Li Chunyan , Han Tingfeng , Li Run , Fu Liming , Yue Lei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTo explore the regulation mechanism of miR-26a-5p and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alveolar macrophages, which is a severe pneumonia cell model. MH-S cells were grouped into Normal group, Model group, negative control (NC) group, miR-26a-5p mimic group, oe-CTGF group, miR-26a-5p mimic + oe-CTGF group. The expression level of miR-26a-5p, CTGF and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling related molecules (TLR2, TLR4 and nuclear factor-κB p65) were detected by qRT-PCR and WB, respectively. The cell viability and apoptosis rate were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively. Compared with the Normal group, the expression level of miR-26a-5p was significantly decreased, while CTGF protein level was significantly increased in the Model group. Compared with the Model group, MH-S cells with miR-26a-5p overexpression showed enhanced cell viability, decreased apoptosis rate, declined expression level of TLR signaling related molecules and reduced level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) 6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, while those with CTGF overexpression had an opposite phenotype. In conclusion, miR-26a-5p can inhibit the expression of CTGF and mediate TLR signaling pathway to inhibit the cell apoptosis and reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in alveolar macrophages which is a cell model of severe pneumonia.
Association between SNAP25 and human glioblastoma multiform: a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Yu Cheng , Yin Jianxing , Wang Xiefeng , Chen Lijiu , Wei Yutian , Lu Chenfei , You Yongping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a most common aggressive malignant brain tumor. In recent years, targeted therapy has been increasingly applied in GBM treatment.
Methods: In the present study, GSE22866 was downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO). The genomic and clinical data were obtained from TCGA. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and functional analysis was performed using clusterprofiler. Then, the co-expression network for the DEGs was established using the “WGCNA” package. Next, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) was assessed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Database (STRING) and hub modules in Cytoscape were screened. The Venn diagram was plotted to showcase the overlapped hub DEGs in PPI network and TCGA. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to predict the risk score of each patient. Validations of the hub gene were completed in other databases.
Results: Functional analysis of the DEGs verified the involvement of DEGs in growth factor binding and gated channel activity. Among the 10 GBM-related modules, the red one displayed the strongest tie with GBM. VAMP2 was filtered out as the most intimate protein. The PPI network and TCGA were comprehensively analyzed. Finally, SNAP25 was identified as a real hub gene positively correlated with GBM prognosis. The result was validated by GEPIA, ONCOMINE database and qRT-PCR.
Conclusions: SNAP25 might act as a GBM suppressor and a biomarker in GBM treatment.
Integrated optical digital‐to‐analogue converter for a 2‐bit BPSK‐modulated signal based on a silicon photonics waveguide
Authors: Aikawa Y. 
Published: May 2020

An integrated optical digital‐to‐analogue (DA) converter, which is intended for a phase‐shift keying (PSK) modulation signal, is presented to realise a fully transparent optical communication system. The converter is provided with a silicon‐based optical waveguide structure in a compact size equal to 1/3000 that of the previous study. The device optically performs a conversion of digital data to their equivalent analogue values by generating a quadrature PSK (QPSK) signal from two binary PSK (BPSK) modulated pulses. In the author's experiment, the resulting QPSK signal is converted into four different intensities depending on the pattern of the 2‐bit BPSK signal at 10 GHz. This fact indicates the experimental demonstration of optical DA conversion for PSK modulation using the integrated device.
Non-thermal line broadening due to braiding-induced turbulence in solar coronal loops
Authors: Pontin D. I. , Peter H. , Chitta L. P. 
Published: May 2020

Aims.Emission line profiles from solar coronal loops exhibit properties that are unexplained by current models. We investigate the non-thermal broadening associated with plasma heating in coronal loops that is induced by magnetic field line braiding.Methods.We describe the coronal loop by a 3D magnetohydrodynamic model of the turbulent decay of an initially-braided magnetic field. From this, we synthesised the Fe XIIline at 193 Å that forms around 1.5 MK.Results.The key features of current observations of extreme ultraviolet (UV) lines from the corona are reproduced in the synthesised spectra: (i) Typical non-thermal widths range from 15 to 20 km s−1. (ii) The widths are approximately independent of the size of the field of view. (iii) There is a correlation between the line intensity and non-thermal broadening. (iv) Spectra are found to be non-Gaussian, with enhanced power in the wings of the order of 10–20%.Conclusions.Our model provides an explanation that self-consistently connects the heating process to the observed non-thermal line broadening. The non-Gaussian nature of the spectra is a consequence of the non-Gaussian nature of the underlying velocity fluctuations, which is interpreted as a signature of intermittency in the turbulence.
Short-period effects of the planetary perturbations on the Sun–Earth Lagrangian point L3
Authors: Scantamburlo E. , Guzzo M. 
Published: May 2020

Context. The Lagrangian point L3 of the Sun–Earth system, and its Lyapunov orbits, have been proposed to perform station-keeping, although L3 is only rigorously defined for the extremely simplified model represented by the reduced Sun–Earth–spacecraft system. As in L3 the planetary perturbations (mainly from Jupiter and Venus) are stronger than Earth’s attraction, it is necessary to understand whether or not the dynamics close to L3 persist under such a strong perturbation, allowing for a definition of dynamical substitutes for models that are more realistic than the circular restricted three-body problem.
Aims. In this paper we address the problem of the existence of motions that remain close to L3 for a time-span which is relevant for space missions in a model of the Solar System compatible with the precision of JPL digital ephemerides.
Methods. First, we computed analytically the main short-period effects of planetary perturbations in a simplified model of the Solar System with the orbits of all the planets co-planar and circular. We then applied the Fast Lyapunov Indicator method in order to find dynamical substitutes that exist for time-spans of hundreds of years in the model of the Solar System that is used to produce the modern ephemerides.
Results. We find that the original system is conjugate by a canonical transformation to an averaged system that has an equilibrium close to L3: even if Venus and Jupiter each move the position of this equilibrium by about 218 and 176 km, respectively, in opposite directions, in the model where both the planets are included, their effects almost perfectly compensate for one another, leaving a displacement of about 40 km only. This equilibrium is then mapped in the original system to a quasi-periodic dynamical substitute; the contributions of each planet to the amplitude of this quasi-periodic libration around L3 do not compensate for one another, and sum to about 10 000 km. The Fast Lyapunov Indicator method allowed us to find orbits of any amplitude bigger than this one (up to 0.03 AU) for time-spans of hundreds of years in the model of the Solar System that is used to produce the modern ephemerides.
Conclusions. Using a combination of the Hamiltonian averaging method with a new implementation of the Fast Lyapunov Indicator method we find orbits useful for astrodynamics originating at the Sun–Earth Lagrangian point L3 for a realistic model of the Solar System. In particular, this usage of the chaos indicator provides an innovative application of dynamical systems theory to astrodynamics, where the short-period perturbations represent a relevant part of the model.
Vector speckle grid: instantaneous incoherent speckle grid for high-precision astrometry and photometry in high-contrast imaging
Authors: Bos S. P. 
Published: May 2020

Context. Photometric and astrometric monitoring of directly imaged exoplanets will deliver unique insights into their rotational periods, the distribution of cloud structures, weather, and orbital parameters. As the host star is occulted by the coronagraph, a speckle grid (SG) is introduced to serve as astrometric and photometric reference. Speckle grids are implemented as diffractive pupil-plane optics that generate artificial speckles at known location and brightness. Their performance is limited by the underlying speckle halo caused by evolving uncorrected wavefront errors. The speckle halo will interfere with the coherent SGs, affecting their photometric and astrometric precision.
Aims. Our aim is to show that by imposing opposite amplitude or phase modulation on the opposite polarization states, a SG can be instantaneously incoherent with the underlying halo, greatly increasing the precision. We refer to these as vector speckle grids (VSGs).
Methods. We derive analytically the mechanism by which the incoherency arises and explore the performance gain in idealised simulations under various atmospheric conditions.
Results. We show that the VSG is completely incoherent for unpolarized light and that the fundamental limiting factor is the cross-talk between the speckles in the grid. In simulation, we find that for short-exposure images the VSG reaches a ∼0.3–0.8% photometric error and ∼3−10 × 10−3λ/D astrometric error, which is a performance increase of a factor ∼20 and ∼5, respectively. Furthermore, we outline how VSGs could be implemented using liquid-crystal technology to impose the geometric phase on the circular polarization states.
Conclusions. The VSG is a promising new method for generating a photometric and astrometric reference SG that has a greatly increased astrometric and photometric precision.
INCREASED VANCOMYCIN MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION (MIC) AMONG MRSA ISOLATES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: B. Asha Pai K. , N. Sweetha N. , H. Sanjeev , R. Rekha , K. Vimal K. , R. Ganesh H. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction:Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not only an important nosocomial pathogen but also an incipient community pathogen in many geographical areas. Recommended therapeutic agent for treatment of MRSA infections are glycopeptides, in particular vancomycin. The distribution of vancomycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values among MRSA isolates in our hospital is unknown. We conducted this study to Determine the distribution of vancomycin MIC values among MRSA isolates from clinical samples in our hospital.
Material and Methods:Fifty six MRSA isolates were included in the study. These isolates were obtained from different clinical samples received in the department of Microbiology over a period of six months from august 2012 to January 2013. Screening for MRSA was done by disc diffusion method using Cefoxitin disc. Determination of vancomycin MIC of all the isolates was done by macro broth dilution method.
Results:All 56 isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. Out of the 56 isolates tested, 25 (44.64%) and 12 (21.4%) had Vancomycin MIC of 1μg/ml and 2 μg/ml respectively.
Conclusion:The high vancomycin MIC values observed among our strains are a cause of concern, as this may have an impact on the success of treatment with vancomycin.
EFFECTIVENESS OF TWIN THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES ON PAIN AND ANXIETY AMONG PATIENTS FOLLOWING CARDIAC SURGERY
Authors: C. Ramesh , Priya Gayathri , K. Jyothi , L. Eilean Victoria 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of twin therapeutic approaches on pain and anxiety among patients following cardiac surgery. An evaluative approach with quasi experimental design was used for the study. 40 samples were selected by non probability convenience sampling technique. Intervention of Naadichudhi Pranayams and Instrumental music was given as twin therapeutic approaches for the samples in the study group. The present study was conducted in Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai, India. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A significant difference was found between pre test and post test in level of pain and anxiety (P&lt;0.001). The study findings showed that the twin therapeutic approaches were very effective in reducing the pain and anxiety. There was no association found between level of pain and anxiety with demographic variables.
Update in Pediatric Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Authors: Beres Shannon J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is a rare condition in children presenting with headache and papilledema from increased intracranial pressure that can cause significant morbidity. This can be idiopathic, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension or primary intracranial hypertension, or can be secondary to medications and associated medical conditions. Given the threat to vision, early detection and treatment is needed in all age groups. However, identifying papilledema or pseudopapilledema in children presents unique challenges sometimes as a result of differences between prepubertal and postpubertal children, further elucidating the complex pathophysiology. Management requires brain imaging, lumbar puncture, and frequent eye exams with medical and rarely surgical treatment. Visual outcomes in children are favorable if caught early and management can be prolonged over years. Pediatric PTCS is different from adult PTCS in many ways, and this review will focus on the most updated definitions of the disease, theories of pathophysiology, management, and treatment in the pediatric population.
Treatment of Congenital Microgastria
Authors: Ruczynski Larissa I. A. , Botden Sanne M. B. I. , Daniels-Scharbatke Horst E. , Schurink Maarten , de Blaauw Ivo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroduction Congenital microgastria is an extremely rare birth defect. The aim of this study was to present an overview of existing literature on the treatment of microgastria.Materials and Methods The term “microgastria” was used in a PubMed and Medline search. Since merely case reports were found, only a narrative synthesis with limited statistical analysis can be given. Data of different treatment modalities were collected and divided into two groups: conservative or less invasive treatment (C/LT, i.e., modified diet or a gastrostomy/jejunostomy) and extensive gastric surgery (EGS, i.e., Hunt–Lawrence pouch or total esophageal gastric dissociation). Clinical outcome parameters (nutrition, growth pattern, and mortality) were compared.Results Out of 73 articles published from 1973 to 2019, 38 articles describing 51 cases were included. In four patients, microgastria was an isolated anomaly (8%). Type of treatment was described in only 46 patients, 19 were treated by C/LT. Mortality was 9/19 (47%) in the C/LT group versus 4/27 (15%) in the EGS group (chi-square = 5.829, p = 0.016, Fisher = 0.022). There was a negative correlation between the invasiveness of the treatment and both mortality (r = −0.356, p = 0.015) and comorbidity (r = −0.506, p <0.001). Patients in the C/LT group had significantly more comorbidity than in the EGS group (mean = 4.32 vs. 2.26, p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between comorbidity and mortality (r = 0.400, p = 0.006). Median follow-up was 42 months (range: 1–240). Type and way of nutrition were poorly described. In at least 9 of the 33 surviving patients, oral feeding was reported as normal, of whom 8 belonged to the EGS group. In all patients, growth could be acknowledged, but in comparison to peers, final body length was less. There was no difference in final body length between the two treatment groups.Conclusion In patients with congenital microgastria, only minimal differences in clinical outcome in terms of type of nutrition and body growth were found when C/LT was compared with treatment by EGS. Mortality was significantly higher in the first group as well as the amount of comorbidities.
Epidemiology of COVID-19
Authors: Dhar Chowdhury Sudipta , Oommen Anu Mary 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCOVID-19, an infectious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome–corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2), has now spread to multiple countries including India. The pace at which the disease spread in the last 4 months, since it was first recognized from China, is unprecedented. This review of the epidemiology of COVID-19 summarizes the burden of infection, transmission dynamics, and other related epidemiological features. While countries such as China, Italy, and the United States have particularly high-rates of infection, the disease is gradually spreading in India as well, threatening the health and economy of the country. Transmission in asymptomatic cases, early symptomatic phase, as well as limited access to testing in different settings are factors that have led to the rapid spread of infection. A large case series from China revealed that 81% of cases had mild symptoms, 14% had severe disease, and 5% were afflicted with critical illness. While the mortality in China was reported as 2.3%, Italy, with a high-proportion of elderly, reported a case fatality report of 7.2% due to higher infection and mortality rates among the elderly. Being a highly infectious disease, with a basic reproduction number between 2 to 3, COVID-19 is affecting a large number of healthcare workers, as evidenced by the fact that a sizeable portion of reported infections in the US included healthcare workers. Delivering health care for both COVID-19 affected individuals, as well those with other acute and chronic conditions, with limited access to healthcare facilities and services, are challenges for the health systems in low- and middle-income countries, which require immediate measures for health system strengthening across sectors.