bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Models for predicting skin tears: A comparison
Authors: Rayner Robyn , Carville Keryln , Leslie Gavin , Dhaliwal Satvinder S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA recently published model that predicted the risk of skin tears in older adults was compared with seven additional published models. Four models were excluded because of limitations in research design. Four models were compared for their relative predictive performance and accuracy using sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC), which involved using receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. The predictive ability of the skin tear models differed with the AUC ranging between 0.673 and 0.854. Based on the predictive ability, the selection of models could lead to different clinical decisions and health outcomes. The model, which had been adjusted for potential confounders consisted of five variables (male gender, history of skin tears, history of falls, clinical skin manifestations of elastosis, and purpura), was found to be the most parsimonious for predicting skin tears in older adults (AUC 0.854; 81.7% sensitivity; 81.4% specificity). Effective models serve as important clinical tools for identifying older individuals at risk of skin tears and can better direct more timely and targeted prevention strategies that improve health outcomes and reduce health care expenditure.
Performance of a novel active fixation quadripolar left ventricular lead for cardiac resynchronization therapy: Attain Stability Quad Clinical Study results
Authors: Jackson Kevin P. , Faerestrand Svein , Philippon Francois , Yee Raymond , Kong Melissa H. , Kloppe Axel , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Lee Scott F. , Canby Robert C. , Pouliot Erika , van Ginneken Mireille M. E. , Crossley George H. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe Medtronic Attain Stability Quad lead is a quadripolar left ventricular (LV) lead with an active fixation helix assembly designed to fixate the lead within the coronary sinus and pace nonapical regions of the LV. The primary objective of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of this novel active fixation quadripolar LV lead.MethodsPatients with standard indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were enrolled. All patients were followed at 3 and 6 months post‐implant and every 6 months thereafter until study closure. Pacing capture thresholds (PCTs) were measured at implant and each follow‐up and adverse events (AEs) were recorded upon occurrence.ResultsOf the 440 patients who underwent implant procedures, placement of the Attain Stability Quad lead was successful in 426 (96.8%). LV lead‐related complications occurred in 10 patients (2.3%), including LV lead dislodgement in three patients (0.7%). The percentage of patients with at least one LV pacing vector with a PCT ≤2.5 V at a 6‐month follow‐up was 96.3%. The LV lead was successfully fixated to the prespecified pacing location in 97.4% of cases.ConclusionsThis large, multinational study of the Attain Stability Quad lead demonstrated a high rate of implant success with a low complication rate. The active fixation mechanism allowed precise placement of the pacing electrodes at the desired target region with good PCTs and a very low dislodgement rate.
Intracoronary application of nicorandil regulates the inflammatory response induced by percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Hu Keqing , Wang Xiaoqi , Hu Hongyan , Xu Zhongyang , Zhang Jiaxing , An Guipeng , Su Guohai 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntracoronary application of nicorandil can effectively reduce the myocardial no‐reflow (MNR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to investigate the mechanisms of nicorandil in preventing MNR, besides that of dilating the coronary microvasculature. A total of 60 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled and randomly divided into a nicorandil group and a control group. Before PCI, 2 mg of nicorandil or an equal volume of normal saline was injected into the coronary artery. Blood samples were collected before, 24 hours and 1 week after PCI and inflammatory cytokines were tested. In the control group, the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was significantly increased, while the anti‐inflammatory cytokines were decreased 24 hours after PCI. In contrast, these changes were reversed in the nicorandil group, indicating that nicorandil regulated the inflammatory response induced by PCI. Then, proteomic analysis was performed to further elucidate the potential mechanisms. A total of 53 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were found 24 hours after PCI in the control group, and the changes of these relevant genes were reversed in the nicorandil group. These DEPs were significantly enriched in the inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, the intracoronary application of nicorandil before PCI can regulate the inflammatory responses induced by PCI, which might be an important mechanism of nicorandil in preventing MNR.
Clinical and pathogenic aspects of the severe cutaneous adverse reaction epidermal necrolysis (EN)
Authors: Kuijper E.C. , French L.E. , Tensen C.P. , Vermeer M.H. , Bouwes Bavinck J.N. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe severe cutaneous adverse reaction epidermal necrolysis (EN) which includes toxic epidermal necrolysis and the milder Stevens‐Johnson syndrome is characterized by epidermal loss due to massive keratinocyte apoptosis and/or necroptosis. EN is often caused by a drug mediating a specific TCR‐HLA interaction via the (pro)hapten, pharmacological interaction or altered peptide loading mechanism involving a self‐peptide presented by keratinocytes. (Memory) CD8 + T cells are activated and exhibit cytotoxicity against keratinocytes via the perforin/granzyme B and granulysin pathway and Fas/FasL interaction. Alternatively drug‐induced annexin release by CD14 + monocytes can induce formyl peptide receptor 1 death of keratinocytes by necroptosis. Subsequent keratinocyte death stimulates local inflammation, activating other immune cells producing pro‐inflammatory molecules and downregulating regulatory T cells. Widespread epidermal necrolysis and inflammation can induce life‐threatening systemic effects, leading to high mortality rates. Research into genetic susceptibility aims to identify risk factors for eventual prevention of EN. Specific HLA class I alleles show the strongest association with EN, but risk variants have also been identified in genes involved in drug metabolism, cellular drug uptake, peptide presentation and function of CD8 + T cells and other immune cells involved in cytotoxic responses. After the acute phase of EN, long‐term symptoms can remain or arise mainly affecting the skin and eyes. Mucosal sequelae are characterized by occlusions and strictures due to adherence of denuded surfaces and fibrosis following mucosal inflammation. In addition, systemic pathology can cause acute and chronic hepatic and renal symptoms. EN has a large psychological impact and strongly affects health‐related quality of life among EN survivors.
RSK3 mediates necroptosis by regulating phosphorylation of RIP3 in rat retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Wang Mi , Wan Hao , Wang Shuchao , Liao Lvshuang , Huang Yanxia , Guo Limin , Liu Fengxia , Shang Lei , Huang Jufang , Ji Dan , Xia Xiaobo , Jiang Bin , Chen Dan , Xiong Kun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractReceptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP3) plays an important role in the necroptosis signaling pathway. Our previous studies have shown that the RIP3/mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL)‐mediated necroptosis occurs in retinal ganglion cell line 5 (RGC‐5) following oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD). However, upstream regulatory pathways of RIP3 are yet to be uncovered. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of p90 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 3 (RSK3) in the phosphorylation of RIP3 in RGC‐5 cell necroptosis following OGD. Our results showed that expression of RSK3, RIP3, and MLKL was upregulated in necroptosis of RGC‐5 after OGD. A computer simulation based on our preliminary results indicated that RSK3 might interact with RIP3, which was subsequently confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation. Further, we found that the application of a specific RSK inhibitor, LJH685, or rsk3 small interfering RNA (siRNA), downregulated the phosphorylation of RIP3. However, the overexpression of rip3 did not affect the expression of RSK3, thereby indicating that RSK3 could be a possible upstream regulator of RIP3 phosphorylation in OGD‐induced necroptosis of RGC‐5 cells. Moreover, our in vivo results showed that pretreatment with LJH685 before acute high intraocular pressure episodes could reduce the necroptosis of retinal neurons and improve recovery of impaired visual function. Taken together, our findings suggested that RSK3 might work as an upstream regulator of RIP3 phosphorylation during RGC‐5 necroptosis.
The E‐cigarette ban in India—A step in the right direction?
Authors: Vishal Rao Uchilla S. , Arakeri Gururaj , Ravishankar Sambhavi , Kar Ankita , Thakur Shalini , Li Ryan J. , Dhananjay KV , Surya Tejaswi , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Gomez Ricardo S. , Brennan Peter A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElectronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) are a popular method to help quit tobacco smoking. However, there is a paucity of data in the literature on their safety and efficacy. Recently, the Indian Government has called for a ban on all e‐cigarettes and taken steps to restrict access to vaping products from the market. This major decision was an attempt to safeguard the younger population from using e‐cigarette and their possible longer‐term addiction together with its promotions by domestic industries. In this article, we evaluate the role of e‐cigarettes to help stop smoking tobacco cessation and consider the factors that have facilitated the ban on e‐cigarettes in India.
Nurse plants promote taxonomic and functional diversity in an arid Mediterranean annual plant community
Authors: Madrigal‐González Jaime , Cano‐Barbacil Carlos , Kigel Jaime , Ferrandis Pablo , Luzuriaga Arantzazu L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsResearch in the last decades supports the idea that certain species, namely ‘nurse species’, can enhance ecosystem function and species diversity in their vicinity through amelioration of the abiotic environment. However, few studies have explored whether nurse plants can promote functional diversity at the microhabitat level. Here, we evaluated the hypothesis that nurse plants can increase functional diversity in the beneficiary annual plant assemblage at the microhabitat level.LocationSayeret Shaked Park, the Negev desert (Israel).ResultsThe nurse species examined, two shrubs and one large annual, had a negligible or even negative influence on annual above‐ground biomass production. Nonetheless, they increased functional diversity in terms of specific leaf area (SLA), maximum plant height (MPH), seed weight (SW), and reproductive ratio (RR) at the microhabitat level.ConclusionsThese findings reinforce the idea that, even if there is not a typical nurse syndrome related to enhanced plant performance, nurse plants might induce a portfolio effect on annual plant assemblages by promoting functional diversity in key functional traits associated to plant survival and reproduction under a set of different microhabitat conditions.
Religious observance and perceptions of end‐of‐life care
Authors: Tarabeih Mahdi , Bokek‐Cohen Ya'arit , Abu Rakia Riad , Nir Tshura , Coolidge Natalie E. , Azuri Pazit 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study examines the impact of the level of religious observance on the attitudes toward end‐of‐life (EOL) decisions and euthanasia of Jews in Israel—where euthanasia is illegal—as compared to Jews living in the USA, in the states where euthanasia is legal. A self‐reporting questionnaire on religiosity and personal beliefs and attitudes regarding EOL care and euthanasia was distributed, using a convenience sample of 271 participants from Israel and the USA. Findings show that significant differences were found in attitudes between Jews of different levels of religious observance with respect to patient autonomy, right to die with dignity, and dying in familiar and supportive surroundings. The USA and Israeli Jews have similar knowledge regarding EOL care and expressed similar attitudes and perceptions toward the issues of authority of medical staff and religious figures and patient's autonomy. Findings indicate that the level of religious observance has more potency in shaping their attitudes and perceptions of EOL decisions than the state law. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings with regard to multicultural health systems and providing practical recommendations.
Trans‐esophagogastric junction pressure gradients during straight leg raise maneuver on high‐resolution manometry associate with large hiatus hernias
Authors: Rogers Benjamin , Hasak Stephen , Hansalia Vivek , Gyawali C. Prakash 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundStraight leg raise (SLR) while supine increases intra‐abdominal pressure. We hypothesized that elevations in intra‐abdominal pressure would transmit into the thoracic cavity if the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) was disrupted.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing esophageal HRM were included if they had adequate SLR (hip flexion with knees extended for ≥ 5 seconds while supine). EGJ morphology was subtyped based on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm (CD) location (type 1: LES and CD overlap; type 2: separation of < 3 cm; type 3: separation of ≥ 3 cm). EGJ tone was assessed using EGJ contractile integral (EGJ‐CI). HRM studies were analyzed according to Chicago Classification v3.0. Mean and peak intra‐thoracic and abdominal pressures were measured at baseline and during SLR using on‐screen software tools. Trans‐EGJ gradients were compared, and pressure gradient < 1 mmHg denoted the equalization of pressures.Key ResultsOf 430 patients, 248 (57.5 ± 0.9 years, 69.4% F) completed SLR. EGJ morphology was type 1 in 122 (49.2%), type 2 in 56 (22.6%) and type 3 in 40 (16.1%). In types 1 and 2 EGJ, neither the mean nor peak trans‐EGJ pressure gradient changed with SLR (P ≥ .17 for each). In contrast, in type 3 EGJ, peak pressure gradient decreased significantly following SLR (3.5 ± 1.8 mmHg vs. −8.6 ± 4.8 mmHg, P = .01). More type 3 EGJ patients equalized peak (65%) pressures across EGJ compared with types 1 and 2 (27%, P < .001).Conclusions and InferencesThe evaluation of intra‐abdominal and intra‐thoracic pressures with SLR during esophageal HRM can provide evidence of physiological disruption of the EGJ barrier.
Soil carbon change across ten New South Wales farms under different farm management regimes in Australia
Authors: Singh Kanika , Whelan Brett 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the potential influence of soil management and land use on soil carbon on cropping farms in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Soil organic carbon (SOC) data from ten farms spatially distributed across NSW were examined on two occasions. Soil cores to a depth 0–30 cm were measured for SOC and, as expected, SOC in the A horizon (1.16%) was significantly (p < .001) greater than in the B horizon (0.74%) of all profiles. Analysis of the 2013 and 2015 SOC data indicated that in many ways, the results runs counter to other SOC studies in Australia. Importantly, the mean SOC concentration in these agricultural soils was significantly (p < .001) less under cropping (2013‐1.05%, 2015‐0.97%) than in native sites (2013‐1.20%, 2015‐1.16%). Out of the total of 35 sites sampled from 10 farms, SOC in 49% of sites did not change significantly over 2 years, in 17% it increased significantly, whereas in 34% it decreased. Further, a clear implication of drought on SOC was seen on sites that were uncropped based on a critical value for a 95% confidence interval (p < .05) and complemented by the significant correlation (p < .05) between average annual precipitation deficit (ANPD) and SOC across the state with R2 = 0.39. The mean SOC was found to be directly proportional to standard deviation and standard error. In terms of spatial variability, the C0 (nugget) value was greatest for farms with a large mean SOC and the average variogram in this study has a range of approximately 200 m which is potentially useful in determining sampling spacing for soil carbon auditing purpose. Similar empirical data over more years are required to better estimate SOC levels and to determine whether at a farm scale, factors such as land management, land use and climate can be related to soil carbon change and variability.
Genetic and behavioral modification of hemoglobin and iron status among first‐time and high‐intensity blood donors
Authors: Mast Alan E. , Langer John C. , Guo Yuelong , Bialkowski Walter , Spencer Bryan R. , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Kiss Joseph , Cable Ritchard G. , Brambilla Donald , Busch Michael P. , Page Grier P. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS)‐III
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSome people rapidly develop iron deficiency anemia following blood donation, while others can repeatedly donate without becoming anemic.METHODSTwo cohorts of blood donors were studied. Participants (775) selected from a 2‐year longitudinal study were classified into six analysis groups based on sex, donation intensity, and low hemoglobin deferral. Associations with iron supplement use, cigarette smoking, and four genetic variants of iron metabolism were examined at enrollment and with longitudinal regression models. An unbiased assessment of genetic variability and ability to repeatedly donate blood without experiencing low hemoglobin deferral was conducted on participants (13,403) in a cross‐sectional study who were examined by genome wide association (GWA).RESULTSBehaviors and genetic variants were associated with differences in hemoglobin and ferritin change following repeated donation. At least weekly iron supplement use was associated with improved status in first‐time donors, while daily use was associated with improved status in high‐intensity donors. Cigarette smoking was associated with 0.5 g/dL increased hemoglobin in high‐intensity donors. A736V in TMPRSS6 was associated with a rapid drop in hemoglobin and ferritin in first‐time females following repeated donation. Conversely, the protective TMPRSS6 genotype was not enriched among high‐intensity donors. H63D in HFE was associated with increased hemoglobin in female high‐intensity donors. However, no differences in genotype between first‐time and high‐intensity donors were found in GWA analyses.CONCLUSIONBehavioral and genetic modifiers contributed to first‐time donor hemoglobin and iron status, while iron supplement use was more important than underlying genetics in high‐intensity donors.
The number of replicates, and pooling versus individual measurements for analytical imprecision calculations: Does it matter?
Authors: Tecles Fernando , Muñoz Alberto , Cerón José J , Freeman Kathleen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecommendations from the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) are to calculate the between‐run coefficient of variation (CV) based on measuring one replicate per day on quality control materials (QCMs) or pooled patient samples over a minimum of 20 days. However, this recommendation is not always followed by researchers.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine if a reduction in the number of replicates using QCM or individual or pooled samples would provide CV results similar to those obtained based on ASVCP recommendations.MethodsCVs were calculated for three measurands, namely urea, creatinine, and C‐reactive protein based on the analytic results of the following groups: (a) QCM measured once daily for 20 days (considered as the reference for comparison), b) QCM measured once daily for 5 days, (c) five different canine serum samples measured once daily for 5 days, and (d) a pooled canine serum measured once daily for 5 days. CVs were calculated for two different measurand concentrations.ResultsCompared with the reference method, significantly different CVs were obtained with all methods except for when the QCM was measured once daily for 5 days. The use of the five different individual samples also provided significantly different CVs compared with the use of a pooled sample.ConclusionsThe results indicate that different protocols for determining between‐run imprecision calculations can give different results compared with the reference procedure and that this should be taken into consideration when evaluating the total error associated with a test.
Comparison of vector competence of Aedes vexans Green River and Culex pipiens biotype pipiens for West Nile virus lineages 1 and 2
Authors: Wöhnke Elisabeth , Vasic Ana , Raileanu Cristian , Holicki Cora Marielle , Tews Birke Andrea , Silaghi Cornelia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWest Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic arbovirus, has recently established an autochthonous transmission cycle in Germany. In dead‐end hosts like humans and horses the WNV infection may cause severe symptoms in the central nervous system. In nature, WNV is maintained in an enzootic transmission cycle between birds and ornithophilic mosquitoes. Bridge vector species, such as members of the Culex pipiens complex and Aedes spp., also widely distributed in Germany, might transmit WNV to other vertebrate host species. This study determined and compared the vector competence of field‐collected northern‐German Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and laboratory‐reared Ae. vexans Green River (GR) for WNV lineage 1 (strain: Magpie/Italy/203204) and WNV lineage 2 (strain: “Austria”) under temperatures typical for northern Germany in spring/summer and autumn. For assessment of vector competence, 7‐ to 14‐day‐old female mosquitoes were offered a WNV containing blood meal via Hemotek membrane feeding system or cotton‐stick feeding. After incubation at 18°C respectively 24°C for 14 days engorged female mosquitoes were salivated and dissected for determination of infection, dissemination and transmission rates by reverse transcriptase quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). Both Ae. vexans GR and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens were infected with both tested WNV strains and tested 14 days post‐inoculation. Disseminated infections were detected only in Ae. vexans GR incubated at 18°C and in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C after infection with WNV lineage 1. Transmission of WNV lineage 1 was detected in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C. These results indicate that Cx. pipiens pipiens from Northern Germany may be involved in the transmission of WNV, also to dead‐end hosts like humans and horses.