bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding tricuspid valve remodelling in atrial fibrillation using three-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Ortiz-Leon Xochitl A , Posada-Martinez Edith L , Trejo-Paredes Maria C , Ivey-Miranda Juan B , Pereira Jason , Crandall Ian , DaSilva Paul , Bouman Eileen , Brooks Alyssa , Gerardi Christine , Ugonabo Ifeoma , Chen Wanwen , Houle Helene , Akar Joseph G , Lin Ben A , McNamara Robert L , Lombo-Lievano Bernardo , Arias-Godinez Jose A , Sugeng Lissa 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with tricuspid annulus (TA) dilation in patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR); however, the impact of AF is less clear in patients without severe TR. Our aim was to characterize TA remodelling in patients with AF in the absence of severe TR using 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE).

Methods and results
Ninety patients underwent clinically indicated transthoracic and TOE: non-structural (NS)-AF (n = 30); AF with left heart disease (LHD) (n = 30), and controls in sinus rhythm (n = 30). Three-dimensional TOE datasets were analysed to measure TA dimensions using novel dedicated tricuspid valve software. The NS-AF group showed biatrial dilatation and normal right ventricular (RV) size with decreased longitudinal function compared to controls, whereas the LHD-AF group showed biatrial dilatation, RV enlargement, decreased biventricular function, and higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure compared with the other groups. Indexed TA area, minimum diameter, maximum diameter, and total perimeter were significantly larger in the NS-AF group than in controls (measurements in end-diastole: 6.4 ± 1.1 vs. 5.0 ± 0.6 cm2/m2, 1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.2 cm/m2, 2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2 cm/m2, and 6.6 ± 0.9 vs. 5.9 ± 0.7 cm/m2, respectively, all P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in any indexed TA parameter between AF groups. TA circularity index (ratio between minimum and maximal diameters) and TA fractional area change between end-diastole and end-systole were no different among the three groups.

Conclusion
AF is associated with right atrial and tricuspid annular remodelling independent of the presence of LHD in patients with intrinsically normal tricuspid leaflets without severe TR.
Is Gorlin–Chaudhry–Moss syndrome associated with aortopathy?
Authors: Legué Juno , François Jules H M , van Rijswijk Carla S P , van Brakel Thomas J 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Gorlin–Chaudhry–Moss syndrome (GCMS) is a rare disorder consisting of craniofacial dysostosis, hypertrichosis, underdeveloped genitalia, and ocular and dental anomalies. Recently, GCMS has been reclassified together with Fontaine syndrome as Fontaine progeroid syndrome (FPS), after a common genetic basis was found. It was previously thought that GCMS/FPS was not associated with aortopathy, but in recent years 3 patients with aortic disease have been described. We describe the fourth case, who is the oldest patient with GCMS/FPS reported in the medical literature: a 45-year-old patient who presented with acute aortic dissection. We therefore recommend screening patients previously diagnosed with GCMS/FPS for aortic pathology to aid early detection and avoid patient presentation in an acute setting.
The Modified Arch Landing Areas Nomenclature predicts proximal endograft failure after thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Marrocco-Trischitta Massimiliano M , de Beaufort Hector W , Piffaretti Gabriele , Bonardelli Stefano , Gargiulo Mauro , Antonello Michele , van Herwaarden Joost A , Boveri Sara , Bellosta Raffaello , Trimarchi Santi ,   MALAN Collaborators, Castelli Patrizio , Gallitto Enrico , Macchi Edoardo , Mazzeo Girolomina , Saviane Gianna , Secchi Francesco , Spampinato Benedetta , Xodo Andrea 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Our goal was to assess the value of the Modified Arch Landing Areas Nomenclature (MALAN) for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), in which each landing area (LA) is identified by a proximal landing zone and the type of arch (e.g. 0/I), as predictors of postoperative proximal endograft performance.

METHODS
A multicentre retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated with arch TEVAR (i.e. proximal landing zone 0–3) for various indications between 2007 and 2017. Patients were stratified by the MALAN classification into hostile LAs (i.e. 2/III and 3/III) and favourable LAs (i.e. 0/I–III, 1/I–III, 2/I–II and 3/I–II). Outcome criteria included composite proximal endograft failure (including type Ia endoleak, persistent false lumen perfusion at the level of the most proximal communication between the lumina in aortic dissections, endograft migration and retrograde dissection) and deaths from all causes. Competing risk analyses were performed.

RESULTS
A total of 359 patients (hostile LAs 133; favourable LAs 226) were identified. The median age was 71.0 (62.0–77.0); 78.3% were men. Proximal endograft failure occurred in 28/133 patients (21.1%) in the hostile LA group and in 12/226 (5.3%) in the favourable LA group. On multivariate analysis, hostile LAs were independently associated with proximal endograft failure (P &lt; 0.0001). There was no other independent risk factor. Favourable LAs were associated with an increased mortality rate (P = 0.006), which could be attributed to the proximal LA subgroup (i.e. 0/I–III and 1/I–III) (P &lt; 0.0001), in addition to age (P &lt; 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS
The MALAN classification identifies hostile proximal landing zones for TEVAR, namely 2/III and 3/III LAs, which are associated with dismal proximal endograft performance. The MALAN appears to be an intuitive and valuable tool to improve the preoperative decision-making process.
Remote Supervision to Decrease Hospitalization Rate (RESULT) study in patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillator
Authors: Tajstra Mateusz , Sokal Adam , Gadula-Gacek Elżbieta , Kurek Anna , Wozniak Aleksandra , Niedziela Jacek , Adamowicz-Czoch Elżbieta , Rozentryt Piotr , Milewski Krzysztof , Jachec Wojciech , Kalarus Zbigniew , Poloński Lech , Gasior Mariusz 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Aims
The number of patients with heart failure (HF) and implantable cardiac electronic devices has been growing steadily. Remote monitoring care (RC) of cardiac implantable electronic devices can facilitate patient-healthcare clinical interactions and prompt preventive activities to improve HF outcomes. However, studies that have investigated the efficacy of remote monitoring have shown mixed findings, with better results for the system including daily verification of transmission. The purpose of the RESULT study was to analyse the impact of remote monitoring on clinical outcomes in HF patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICD/cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D)] in real-life conditions.

Methods and results
The RESULT is a prospective, single-centre, randomized trial. Patients with HF and de novo ICD or CRT-D implantation were randomized to undergo RC vs. in-office follow-ups (SC, standard care). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death and hospitalization due to cardiovascular reasons within 12 months after randomization. We randomly assigned 600 eligible patients (299 in RC vs. 301 in SC). Baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were well-balanced and similar in both arms. The incidence of the primary endpoint differed significantly between RC and SC and involved 39.5% and 48.5% of patients, respectively, (P = 0.048) within the 12-month follow-up. The rate of all-cause mortality was similar between the studied groups (6% vs. 6%, P = 0.9), whereas hospitalization rate due to cardiovascular reasons was higher in SC (37.1% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.045).

Conclusion
Remote monitoring of HF patients with implanted ICD or CRT-D significantly reduced the primary endpoint rate, mostly as a result of a lower hospitalization rate in the RC arm (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02409225).
The driving factors of nematode gut microbiota under long-term fertilization
Authors: Zheng Fei , Zhu Dong , Chen Qing-Lin , Bi Qing-Fang , Yang Xiao-Ru , O'Connor Patrick , Zhu Yong-Guan 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTAnimal bodies are colonized by many microorganisms which can provide indispensable services to their hosts. Although nematode gut microbiota has been extensively studied in recent years, the driving factors of gut microbiome of soil nematodes from a long-term fertilization field are unclear. Here, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we explored the nematode gut microbiota under different fertilization patterns (control, inorganic fertilizers and mixed fertilizers) and fertilization durations (5 y, 8 y and 10 y). Our results revealed that nematode gut microbiota was dominated by core bacterial taxa AF502208 (anaerobic bacteria), Enterobacter (plant litter decomposition) and Ancylobacter (organic matter decomposition and nitrogen cycling), significantly distinct from soil microbiome, and the assembly of that was a non-random process, which suggested host conditions contributed to maintaining the gut microbiota. Moreover, fertilization pattern had a greater influence on nematode gut microbiome than fertilization duration. Inorganic fertilization (5.19) significantly reduced the diversity of the nematode gut microbiota (6.68) shown by Shannon index (P &lt; 0.05). Canonical correspondence analysis demonstrates that soil properties such as pH, organic matter, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, moisture content, nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen have significant effects on the nematode microbiome. Structured equation models further revealed that fertilization could obviously affect the nematode gut microbiota, and the effects were maintained even when accounting simultaneously for the drivers of soil bacteria and soil properties. This study provides a solid evidence that the shifting of nematode gut microbiota under long-term fertilization was resulted from environmental factors and host conditions, and advance the insights into host-microbiome in the agricultural ecosystems.
Globalizing the Thirty Years War: Early German Newspapers and their Geopolitical Perspective on the Atlantic World*
Authors: Müller Johannes 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
At the height of the Thirty Years War, news from South America, West Africa and the Caribbean was widespread and quickly distributed in the central European peripheries of the early modern Atlantic world. Despite the German retreat from sixteenth-century colonial experiments, overseas reports sometimes appeared in remote southern German towns before they were printed in Spain or the Low Countries. This article explains the vivid German interest in Atlantic news and examines how correspondents designed their overseas reports for a specifically German news market by connecting them to the European political and military situation, using a rhetorical frame of global conflict. While the domestic importance of American news was sometimes overstated by German newsmakers, its dissemination helps us understand how a sense of global connectedness emerged in a new print genre and created a discourse that supported the spatial and temporal integration of events around the globe.
The importance of mediation in reproductive health studies
Authors: Farland Leslie V , Correia Katharine F B , Dodge Laura E , Modest Anna M , Williams Paige L , Smith Louisa H , Toth Thomas L , Hacker Michele R , Missmer Stacey A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A mediator is a factor that occurs after the exposure of interest, precedes the outcome of interest (i.e. between the exposure and the outcome) and is associated with both the exposure and the outcome of interest (i.e. is on the pathway between exposure and outcome). Mediation analyses can be valuable in many reproductive health contexts, as mediation analysis can help researchers to better identify, quantify and understand the underlying pathways of the association they are studying. The purpose of this commentary is to introduce the concept of mediation and provide examples that solidify understanding of mediation for valid discovery and interpretation in the field of reproductive medicine.
Generic IllPosedness for Wave Equation of Power Type on Three-Dimensional Torus
Authors: Xia Bo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In the present work, we show that the wave equation in three-dimensional torus of power-type nonlinearity is ill posed around any (relatively) regular dynamics in the super-critical regime. In the cubic case, we can even choose the regular dynamics to be the smooth one. This result can serve as one motivation to consider initial datum as an “ensemble” to measure the size of the set of these “bad” datum in the sense of probability. This work also indicates that the probabilistic solutions constructed, for instance, in Burq–Tzvetkov [ 4] can only be well approximated by smooth solutions issued from certain regularized datum.
Molecular and functional analysis of the novel cfr(D) linezolid resistance gene identified in Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Guerin François , Sassi Mohamed , Dejoies Loren , Zouari Asma , Schutz Sacha , Potrel Sophie , Auzou Michel , Collet Anaïs , Lecointe Didier , Auger Gabriel , Cattoir Vincent 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To characterize the novel cfr(D) gene identified in an Enterococcus faecium clinical isolate (15-307.1) collected from France.

Methods
The genome of 15-307.1 was entirely sequenced using a hybrid approach combining short-read (MiSeq, Illumina) and long-read (GridION, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) technologies in order to analyse in detail the genetic support and environment of cfr(D). Transfer of linezolid resistance from 15-307.1 to E. faecium BM4107 was attempted by filter-mating experiments. The recombinant plasmid pAT29Ωcfr(D), containing cfr(D) and its own promoter, was transferred to E. faecium HM1070, Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2 and Escherichia coli AG100A.

Results
As previously reported, 15-307.1 belonged to ST17 and was phenotypically resistant to linezolid (MIC, 16 mg/L), vancomycin and teicoplanin. A hybrid sequencing approach confirmed the presence of several resistance genes including vanA, optrA and cfr(D). Located on a 103 kb plasmid, cfr(D) encoded a 357 amino acid protein, which shared 64%, 64%, 48% and 51% amino acid identity with Cfr, Cfr(B), Cfr(C) and Cfr(E), respectively. Both optrA and cfr(D) were successfully co-transferred to E. faecium BM4107. When expressed in E. faecium HM1070 and E. faecalis JH2-2, pAT29Ωcfr(D) did not confer any resistance, whereas it was responsible for an expected PhLOPSA resistance phenotype in E. coli AG100A. Analysis of the genetic environment of cfr(D) showed multiple IS1216 elements, putatively involved in its mobilization.

Conclusions
Cfr(D) is a novel member of the family of 23S rRNA methyltransferases. While only conferring a PhLOPSA resistance phenotype when expressed in E. coli, enterococci could constitute an unknown reservoir of cfr(D).
Fully Automated Identification of Coffee Species and Simultaneous Quantification of Furfuryl Alcohol Using NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W , Teipel Jan , Scharinger Andreas , Kuballa Thomas , Walch Stephan G , Grosch Franziska , Bunzel Mirko , Okaru Alex O , Schwarz Steffen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Coffee is a popular beverage with two species, Coffea canephora and C. arabica, being commercially exploited. The quality and commercial value of coffee is dependent on species and processing. C. arabica typically obtains a higher price on the market compared to C. canephora. Coffee beans undergo roasting during processing, resulting in the formation of flavor compounds including furfuryl alcohol which has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

Objective
The aim of this study was to identify coffee species and other properties using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, specifically to conduct quantification of the roasting process contaminant furfuryl alcohol.

Method
The quantification of furfuryl alcohol was performed from the NMR spectra using the pulse length-based concentration (PULCON) methodology. Prior to NMR analysis, samples were extracted using deuterated chloroform.

Results
Roasting experiments identified the maximum roasting temperature to be the most significant factor in the formation of furfuryl alcohol. Among the coffee species, C. canephora was found to contain a relatively lower amount of furfuryl alcohol compared to C. arabica. The roasting of wet processed coffee resulted in higher contents of furfuryl alcohol. Geographical origin and variety within species had no influence on the furfuryl alcohol content.

Conclusion
Validation results show that NMR spectroscopy is fit-for-purpose to obtain targeted information of coffee samples.

Highlights
The PULCON NMR methodology allows a simple, rapid and accurate determination of constituents of coffee.
Effects of quality grade and intramuscular location on beef semitendinosus muscle fiber characteristics, NADH content, and color stability
Authors: Van Bibber-Krueger Cadra L , Collins Ashley M , Phelps Kelsey J , O’Quinn Travis G , Houser Terry A , Turner Kari K , Gonzalez John M 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the impact of quality grade and steak location on color stability of semitendinosus (ST) steaks during a 9-d refrigerated study. Twenty-one ST muscles (12 Choice and 9 Select) were purchased from a commercial beef packing plant and fabricated into twelve 2.54-cm thick steaks per muscle. Steaks 1, 6, and 12 were designated for immunohistochemistry while remaining steak locations of proximal (steaks 2 to 4), middle (5 to 8), and distal (9 to 11) were randomly assigned to 0, 4, or 9 d of simulated retail display. Surface color attributes of day-9 steaks were recorded daily by a visual color panel and spectrophotometer. On days 0, 4, and 9 of display, steaks were analyzed for metmyoglobin reducing ability (MRA) and oxygen consumption (OC). Grade × day of display (DOD) interactions were detected for L*, a*, surface oxymyoglobin (OMb) and metmyoglobin (MMb) percentages, and visual panel surface redness and discoloration scores (P ≤ 0.02); however, no Grade × DOD interactions were observed for MRA or OC (P &gt; 0.17). There were location main effect (LOC) × DOD interactions for L*, a*, surface MMb, visual panel surface redness and discoloration, and MRA (P ≤ 0.02). Distal steaks had lower L* values compared with the other locations (P &lt; 0.01), which coincided with steaks being rated visually darker red (P &lt; 0.01). Proximal steaks had greater a* values and had less surface discoloration than middle steaks (P &lt; 0.05), which had an increased percentage of surface MMb (P ≤ 0.04). Distal and proximal steaks had increased MRA compared with middle steaks on days 0 and 4 (P &lt; 0.05), and distal steaks had greater OC than the other locations throughout display (P &lt; 0.01). There were fewer type I fibers at the proximal end with a greater percentage located at the middle and distal ends, and an increased percentage of type IIX fibers at the middle and proximal locations (P ≤ 0.01). Less type IIA fibers were detected at the middle LOC compared with the other two locations (P &lt; 0.10). Larger type I, IIA, and IIX fibers were located at the proximal and middle locations compared with the distal LOC (P &lt; 0.01). ST color and color-stability characteristics were influenced by DOD and LOC, which may partially be explained by differences in fiber types among locations.
Shape disparity in the blade-like premolars of multituberculate mammals: functional constraints and the evolution of herbivory
Authors: Weaver Lucas N , Wilson Gregory P 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCimolodontan multituberculates were a diverse and long-lived group of mammals characterized by large, blade-like lower fourth premolars (p4). Blade-like (plagiaulacoid) dentitions have evolved numerous times in distantly related mammalian lineages. Here we investigate how p4-shape disparity changed through time in the Cimolodonta. We address two hypotheses: (H1) blade-like dentitions constrain the ability of plagiaulacoid mammals to evolve novel dental morphologies, (H2) cimolodontan dental evolution proceeded gradually along a morphocline during the Late Cretaceous. We quantify functionally important aspects of p4 shape, including ratios reflecting height (H:L), symmetry (L1:L), and mesial-face height (H1:H), in a large sample of cimolodontans spanning the mid-Cretaceous through early Paleogene of North America (ca. 100–35 Mya). Our results do not support the morphocline hypothesis (H2) and, instead, show that cimolodontans evolved a wide range of p4 shapes by the mid-Cretaceous, and that p4-shape disparity remained stable through the Late Cretaceous. We hypothesize that the two-stage cimolodontan chewing cycle (slicing-crushing then grinding) imposed functional constraints on p4 morphology. After the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, p4-shape disparity increased sharply, driven by the appearance of the Taeniolabidoidea, Microcosmodontidae, and Eucosmodontidae, in the early Paleocene. We contend that the slicing-crushing functions of the p4 became less important in those taxa, relaxing functional constraints on p4 morphology. Cimolodontans that retained both the slicing-crushing and grinding function of the p4 had a more limited range of p4 morphologies, and probably were largely restricted to animal-dominated omnivory. Taxa that shifted the initial slicing-crushing function from the p4 to the incisors had fewer functional constraints on p4 morphology, and were able to increase their molar grinding capacity to exploit plant-dominated omnivory and herbivory. That the p4 was reduced in herbivorous taxa rather than modified into a broader, multi-cusped tooth lends support to the morphological constraint hypothesis (H1), and this relationship between p4 morphology and function suggests that retaining a large, blade-like p4 might have limited the range of herbivorous diets cimolodontans could exploit. These findings highlight the ecological and evolutionary limitations that specialized dentitions can impose on mammals by restricting their morphological and, in turn, functional diversification.