bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of two novel electrical restitution‐based ECG markers of ventricular arrhythmia to patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nicolson William B. , Smith Matthew I. , Vali Zakariyya , Samani Nilesh J. , Ng G. André 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionSudden cardiac death (SCD) risk assessment is limited, particularly in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathies. This is the first application, in patients with cardiomyopathies, of two novel risk markers, regional restitution instability index (R2I2) and peak electrocardiogram restitution slope (PERS), which have been shown to be predictive of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) or death in ischemic heart disease patients.MethodsBlinded retrospective study of 50 patients: 33 dilated cardiomyopathy and 17 other; undergoing electrophysiological study (EPS) for SCD risk stratification, and 29 controls with structurally normal hearts undergoing EPS. R2I2 was calculated from an EPS using electrocardiogram surrogates for action potential duration and diastolic interval. Cut‐offs for high and low R2I2/PERS were predefined.ResultsR2I2 was significantly higher in study than control patients (0.99 ± 0.05 vs. 0.63 ± 0.04, p < .001). PERS showed a trend to higher values in the study group (1.18[0.63] vs. 1.09[0.54], p = .07). During median follow up of 5.6 years [interquartile range 1.9 years], nine study patients reached the endpoint of VA/death. Patients who experienced VA/death showed trends to higher mean R2I2 (1.14 ± 0.07 vs.0.95 ± 0.05, p = .12) and PERS (1.46[0.49] vs. 1.13[0.62], p = .22). A Cox proportional hazards model using grouped markers: R2I2 < 1.03 + PERS < 1.21/either R2I2 ≥ 1.03 or PERS ≥ 1.21/R2I2 ≥ 1.03 + PERS ≥ 1.21; significantly predicted VA/death (p = .02) with a hazard ratio per positive component of 3.2 (95% confidence interval 1.2–8.8).ConclusionR2I2≥ 1.03 + PERS ≥ 1.21 may predict VA/death in patients with cardiomyopathies. R2I2 ≥ 1.03 + PERS ≥ 1.21 have the potential to play an important role in SCD risk stratification in cardiomyopathies but their validity should be confirmed in a larger study.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in children and adolescents in Singapore: A ten‐year retrospective review
Authors: Lee Elis Yuexian , Koh Mark Jean Aan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, severe, cutaneous adverse reaction. Although most commonly caused by drugs, it can also be triggered by infections, especially in children.MethodsThis is a retrospective study involving children and adolescents aged 16 years or younger, diagnosed with AGEP between January 2010 and March 2020 in our tertiary pediatric hospital. Information pertaining to the patient's demographics, clinical presentation and progress, biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological investigations, treatment, and outcomes was analyzed.ResultsEight patients were diagnosed with AGEP with mean age 8.2 years (range: 1.7‐16.0 years). None of the patients had a personal or family history of psoriasis. Almost all patients had fever (n = 7, 87.5%). Although all 8 patients had intercurrent illness, 5 cases were attributed to infection, while the other 3 were likely precipitated by drugs. Abnormal hematological and biochemical parameters included a raised absolute neutrophil count (mean: 11.5 × 109/L, range: 5.0‐30.9 × 109/L), C‐reactive protein (mean: 52.5 mg/L, range: 5.0‐143.7 mg/L), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mean: 38.6 mm/h, range: 6‐64 mm/h). All patients developed post‐pustular desquamation and subsequently recovered. The mean duration from onset to cessation of acute pustulation was 5.6 days (range: 3.0‐10.0 days). One patient developed a recurrent episode of AGEP.ConclusionAGEP is rare and may be more commonly caused by infections in children. The condition is self‐limiting with overall good outcomes in this age‐group. In cases with concomitant infection and drug use, formal allergy testing should be arranged after resolution of the infection to confirm the underlying etiology.
Darier sign in a teenager with primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Leonard Nicholas , Lal Karan , Luffman Christina , O'Donnell Patrick , Jolley Lindsey , Belazarian Leah 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPrimary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) is a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma that arises in the skin. An adolescent male presented with dermal nodules on the arms, legs, and back with a positive Darier sign, ultimately diagnosed as PCMZL. The nodules demonstrated a partial response to doxycycline in the setting of prior Lyme disease followed by a complete response to rituximab.
Expression of IFN‐induced transmembrane protein 1 in glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Hashimoto Shun , Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Watanabe Shojiro , Aizawa Tomomi , Tsugawa Koji , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Matsumiya Tomoh , Tanaka Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlomerular endothelial cells (GECs) are directly exposed to circulating viral particles in the glomerulus. Although viral infections may trigger the development of acute kidney injury or the worsening of pre‐existing chronic kidney disease, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying antiviral reactions via the activation of endothelial Toll‐like receptor 3 signaling in the kidney remain to be determined. Interferon (IFN)‐induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1), a member of interferon‐stimulated gene protein family, is involved in the prevention of viral entry into cerebral vascular endothelial cells, respiratory epithelial cells, and endometrium. However, as far as we are aware, the implication of IFITM1 associated with viral infections in GECs has not been investigated to date.MethodsCultured, normal human GECs were treated with polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (poly IC), a synthesized viral double‐stranded RNA, then the expression of IFITM1 was examined by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. To further elucidate the poly IC‐induced signaling pathway, the cells were applied to RNA interference against IFN‐β, nuclear factor‐κB p65, and IFN regulatory factor 3. We also conducted an immunofluorescence study to examine endothelial IFITM1 expression in biopsy specimens from patients with chronic kidney disease.ResultsWe found that the activation of Toll‐like receptor 3 induced endothelial expression of IFITM1, and that this involved IFN regulatory factor 3 and IFN‐β, but not nuclear factor‐κB. Intense endothelial IFITM1 immunoreactivity was observed in biopsy specimens from patients with lupus nephritis.ConclusionsAntiviral reaction‐related endothelial expression of IFITM1 may be involved, at least in part, in the development of particularly in lupus nephritis. Further detailed studies of the implication of interferon stimulated genes, including IFITM1 in GECs are needed.
Is Food Irrigated with Oilfield‐Produced Water in the California Central Valley Safe to Eat? A Probabilistic Human Health Risk Assessment Evaluating Trace Metals Exposure
Authors: Redmon Jennifer Hoponick , Kondash Andrew John , Womack Donna , Lillys Ted , Feinstein Laura , Cabrales Luis , Weinthal Erika , Vengosh Avner 
Published: December 2020

AbstractReuse of oilfield‐produced water (OPW) for crop irrigation has the potential to make a critical difference in the water budgets of highly productive but drought‐stressed agricultural watersheds. This is the first peer‐reviewed study to evaluate how trace metals in OPW used to irrigate California crops may affect human health. We modeled and quantified risks associated with consuming foods irrigated with OPW using available concentration data. The probabilistic risk assessment simulated OPW metal concentrations, crop uptake, human exposures, and potential noncancer and carcinogenic health effects. Overall, our findings indicate that there is a low risk of ingesting toxic amounts of metals from the consumption of tree nuts, citrus, grapes, and root vegetables irrigated with low‐saline OPW. Results show increased arsenic cancer risk (at 10−6) for adult vegetarians, assuming higher consumption of multiple foods irrigated with OPW that contain high arsenic concentrations. All other cancer risks are below levels of concern and all noncancer hazards are far below levels of concern. Arsenic risk concerns could be mitigated by practices such as blending high‐arsenic OPW. Future risk assessment research should model the risks of organic compounds in OPW, as our study focused on inorganic compounds. Nevertheless, our findings indicate that low‐saline OPW may provide a safe and sustainable alternative irrigation water source if water quality is adequately monitored and blended as needed prior to irrigation.
Systemic Risks from Different Perspectives
Authors: Renn Ortwin , Laubichler Manfred , Lucas Klaus , Kröger Wolfgang , Schanze Jochen , Scholz Roland W. , Schweizer Pia‐Johanna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSystemic risks are characterized by high complexity, multiple uncertainties, major ambiguities, and transgressive effects on other systems outside of the system of origin. Due to these characteristics, systemic risks are overextending established risk management and create new, unsolved challenges for policymaking in risk assessment and risk governance. Their negative effects are often pervasive, impacting fields beyond the obvious primary areas of harm. This article addresses these challenges of systemic risks from different disciplinary and sectorial perspectives. It highlights the special contributions of these perspectives and approaches and provides a synthesis for an interdisciplinary understanding of systemic risks and effective governance. The main argument is that understanding systemic risks and providing good governance advice relies on an approach that integrates novel modeling tools from complexity sciences with empirical data from observations, experiments, or simulations and evidence‐based insights about social and cultural response patterns revealed by quantitative (e.g., surveys) or qualitative (e.g., participatory appraisals) investigations. Systemic risks cannot be easily characterized by single numerical estimations but can be assessed by using multiple indicators and including several dynamic gradients that can be aggregated into diverse but coherent scenarios. Lastly, governance of systemic risks requires interdisciplinary and cross‐sectoral cooperation, a close monitoring system, and the engagement of scientists, regulators, and stakeholders to be effective as well as socially acceptable.
Risk Factors for 100‐Year Flood Events in the Mid‐Atlantic Region of the United States
Authors: Tonn Gina , Guikema Seth 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAnecdotal information indicates that streams in the Mid‐Atlantic region of the United States experience more extreme flood events than might be expected. This leads to the question of whether this is an unfounded perception or if these extreme events are actually occurring more than should be expected. If the latter is true, is this due solely to randomness, or alternately to characteristics that make certain watersheds more prone to repeated events that may be defined as 100‐year or greater floods? These questions are investigated through analysis of flood events based on standard flood frequency analysis. 100‐year streamflow rates for stream gages were estimated using Bulletin 17B flood frequency analysis methods, and the probability of the annual peak flow record for each gage was calculated. These probabilities were compared to a set of synthetic probabilities to evaluate their distribution. This comparison indicates that for the Mid‐Atlantic region as a whole, the Bulletin 17B method does not systematically over or underestimate flood frequency. A Random Forest model of probability of actual flood record (PAFR) versus watershed and stream gage characteristics was developed and used to understand if certain characteristics are associated with PAFR. This analysis indicated that unexpected numbers of large flood events in a stream gage period of record can be attributed primarily to randomness, but there is some correlation with watershed and gage characteristics including weighted skew, drainage area, and mean annual peak discharge. The results indicate that watersheds with high values of these characteristics may warrant advanced flood frequency methods.
Origin food schemes and the paradox of reducing diversity to defend it
Authors: Mariani Mariagiulia , Cerdan Claire , Peri Iuri 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOrigin food schemes (OFS) aim to protect and promote a unique product resulting from a specific place and know‐how whose qualities are objectified in the product specifications. This paper explores the standardisation effects of OFS on the diversity of local practices and knowledge by analysing the emergence of the specifications of four origin cheeses recognised as Geographical Indications and Slow Food Presidia (Chefchaouen goat cheese in Morocco, Piacentinu Ennese in Italy, and Béarn mountain cheese and Ossau‐Iraty in France). Results confirm that specifications directly preserve some genetic resources, taste, and know‐how, whilst they also show that traditional production practices are taken into account differently, depending on negotiations among stakeholders during which opposing motives, strategies, and forms of knowledge may emerge. We argue that paradoxically this process results in adapting and reducing existing diversity, including in OFS that are more oriented towards localising practices and promoting a diversity of tastes.
Cytokinin‐promoted secondary growth and nutrient storage in the perennial stem zone of Arabis alpina
Authors: Sergeeva Anna , Liu Hongjiu , Mai Hans‐Jörg , Mettler‐Altmann Tabea , Kiefer Christiane , Coupland George , Bauer Petra 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYPerennial plants maintain their lifespan through several growth seasons. Arabis alpina serves as a model Brassicaceae species to study perennial traits. Lateral stems of A. alpina have a proximal vegetative zone with a dormant bud zone and a distal senescing seed‐producing inflorescence zone. We addressed how this zonation is distinguished at the anatomical level, whether it is related to nutrient storage and which signals affect the zonation. We found that the vegetative zone exhibits secondary growth, which we termed the perennial growth zone (PZ). High‐molecular‐weight carbon compounds accumulate there in cambium and cambium derivatives. Neither vernalization nor flowering were requirements for secondary growth and the sequestration of storage compounds. The inflorescence zone with only primary growth, termed the annual growth zone (AZ), or roots exhibited different storage characteristics. Following cytokinin application cambium activity was enhanced and secondary phloem parenchyma was formed in the PZ and also in the AZ. In transcriptome analysis, cytokinin‐related genes represented enriched gene ontology terms and were expressed at a higher level in the PZ than in the AZ. Thus, A. alpina primarily uses the vegetative PZ for nutrient storage, coupled to cytokinin‐promoted secondary growth. This finding lays a foundation for future studies addressing signals for perennial growth.
Hormones as go‐betweens in plant microbiome assembly
Authors: Eichmann Ruth , Richards Luke , Schäfer Patrick 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThe interaction of plants with complex microbial communities is the result of co‐evolution over millions of years and contributed to plant transition and adaptation to land. The ability of plants to be an essential part of complex and highly dynamic ecosystems is dependent on their interaction with diverse microbial communities. Plant microbiota can support, and even enable, the diverse functions of plants and are crucial in sustaining plant fitness under often rapidly changing environments. The composition and diversity of microbiota differs between plant and soil compartments. It indicates that microbial communities in these compartments are not static but are adjusted by the environment as well as inter‐microbial and plant–microbe communication. Hormones take a crucial role in contributing to the assembly of plant microbiomes, and plants and microbes often employ the same hormones with completely different intentions. Here, the function of hormones as go‐betweens between plants and microbes to influence the shape of plant microbial communities is discussed. The versatility of plant and microbe‐derived hormones essentially contributes to the creation of habitats that are the origin of diversity and, thus, multifunctionality of plants, their microbiota and ultimately ecosystems.
In utero exposure to alloantigens primes alloimmunization to platelet transfusion in mice
Authors: Poston Jacqueline N. , Jash Arijita , Hannan Lindsay M. , Hay Ariel M. , Usaneerungrueng Chomkan , Howie Heather L. , Kapp Linda M. , Zimring James C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPlatelet transfusions remain a mainstay of treatment for many patients with thrombocytopenia, but can lead to alloantibodies to Human Leukocyte Antigens (anti‐HLA) resulting in inadequate responses to subsequent platelet transfusions (refractoriness), as well as complicate transplantation. Despite substantial decreases in alloimmunization with the implementation of leukoreduction, a significant percentage of patients still become alloimmunized following platelet transfusions. It remains unclear why some patients make anti‐HLA antibodies, but others do not make anti‐HLA antibodies even with chronic transfusion. Antecedent pregnancy correlates with risk of alloimmunization due to platelet transfusion in humans ‐ however, isolation of pregnancy as a single variable is not possible in human populations.Study Design and MethodsA tractable murine model of pregnancy and transfusion was engineered by breeding C57BL/6 (H‐2b) dames with BALB/c (H‐2d) sires. After pregnancy, female mice were transfused with leukoreduced platelets from F1 (H‐2b/d) donors that expressed the same paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) H‐2d alloantigens as the sires. Control groups allowed isolation of pregnancy or transfusion alone as independent variables. Alloimmunization was determined by testing serum for antibodies to H‐2d MHC alloantigens.ResultsNo alloantibodies were detected after pregnancy alone, or in response to transfusion of platelets alone; however, significant levels of alloantibodies were detected when pregnancy was followed by transfusion.ConclusionsThese findings isolate antecedent pregnancy as a causal contribution to increased frequencies of alloimmunization by subsequent platelet transfusion in mice and provide a platform for ongoing mechanistic investigation.
Ocular porcupine quilling in dogs: Gross, clinical and histopathologic findings in 17 cases (1986‐2018)
Authors: Shank Alba Maria M. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Dubielzig Richard R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe objectives of this retrospective study were to evaluate the histopathologic changes associated with porcupine ocular quill injuries in dogs, to discuss the various methods of quill detection when quills are not grossly visible, and to discuss the pathogenesis of delayed ocular quill injuries in dogs. Seventeen globes sustaining ocular quilling injuries from 17 dogs (1986‐2018) were identified in the COPLOW archives and the gross and histologic changes tabulated and compared. All cases were dogs, with one whole globe submitted from each patient. Sixteen of 17 cases had known or suspected porcupine encounters in the weeks or years preceding enucleation. Histopathologic findings included retinal detachment, hyphema, cataract, granulomatous to pyogranulomatous inflammation (uveitis, endophthalmitis, panophthalmitis), lens capsule rupture, suppurative phakitis, scleral perforation, stromal keratitis, breaks in Descemet's membrane, preiridal fibrovascular membrane, anterior and posterior synechia, Schnabel's cavernous atrophy, and periorbital fibrosis. Quill‐associated ocular trauma can have a significant deleterious effect on vision and result in enucleation. The time from initial quilling to the manifestation of ocular signs may be prolonged (weeks to years). Any dog presenting for ocular signs with a history of a previous porcupine encounter should be carefully checked for quill migration into the globe as the source of ocular disease. Quills may not be visible grossly, and ancillary imaging techniques can be utilized with various rates of success.
Influence of two rumen cannulation techniques on postoperative recovery in sheep
Authors: Schramm Hollie H. , Gleason Claire B. , White Robin R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of two methods of rumen cannulation on postoperative animal welfare.Study designExperimental study.AnimalsTwelve commercial wethers (n = 6 per group).MethodsGroup 1 wethers underwent a one‐step procedure to place a cannula immediately after fistulation of the rumen to the skin. Group 2 wethers underwent a two‐step procedure in which a portion of the rumen was externalized and held with a clamp for 9 days, after which the cannula was placed into the fistula created by removal of the clamped rumen tissue. Feed intake and vital signs were monitored daily for 24 days postoperatively. Plasma fibrinogen and serum cortisol were measured daily for 14 days postoperatively to estimate inflammatory and stress responses, respectively. Change in body weight was also assessed.ResultsCannulation method did not affect (P > .05) body weight, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, fibrinogen level, or cumulative cortisol level. Feed intake was lower (0.82 vs 1.2 kg/d; P < .0001), and mean cortisol level was greater (124.2 vs 121.5 ng/mL; P = .038) in group 2 compared with group 1.ConclusionAlthough both cannulation methods mostly elicited similar physiological responses, animals seemed to experience more discomfort and stress when undergoing the two‐step procedure.Clinical significanceRumen cannulation performed in one step is recommended to improve postoperative welfare.
Crimped monofilament nylon leader for median sternotomy closure in 10 dogs
Authors: Rossanese Matteo , Tomlinson Andrew 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and report the outcomes after closure of median sternotomies with crimped monofilament nylon leader (MNL) in dogs.Study designRetrospective observational study.AnimalsDogs (n = 10) that underwent intrathoracic surgery through a median sternotomy approach.MethodsThe median sternotomy was closed in a peristernal figure eight pattern with crimped MNL. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and histopathological findings and complications. Owners or veterinarians were contacted to collect long‐term follow‐up information.ResultsThe technique was simple, with no intraoperative complications. Postoperative infection was documented in one dog, requiring removal of a single MNL and associated crimp clamp. Delayed healing of the surgical incision in one dog was managed conservatively. No other complications were documented throughout long‐term follow‐up at a median of 488 days (range, 199‐608).ConclusionMedian sternotomies were successfully closed with crimped MNL and were associated with a low complication rate.Clinical significance: Crimped MNL represents an alternative method to close median sternotomies in dogs.