bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preprocedural restoration of sinus rhythm and left atrial strain predict outcomes of catheter ablation for long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hanaki Yuichi , Machino‐Ohtsuka Tomoko , Aonuma Kazutaka , Komatsu Yuki , Machino Takeshi , Yamasaki Hiro , Igarashi Miyako , Sekiguchi Yukio , Nogami Akihiko , Ieda Masaki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionCatheter ablation (CA) for long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LS‐AF) remains challenging. We aimed to explore whether sinus rhythm (SR) restoration and left atrium (LA) function after pretreatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD's) and electrical cardioversion (ECV) predict procedural outcomes.Methods and ResultsWe included 100 consecutive patients with LS‐AF who were treated with AAD/ECV for at least 3 months before CA. The echocardiographic LA strain during reservoir phase (LASr) was assessed after pretreatment as a marker of LA fibrosis. The recurrence was recorded for ≥1 year after the last procedure. During a 34 ± 16‐month follow‐up period, the single and multiple procedures and pharmaceutically assisted success rates were 40% and 71%, respectively. Patients with preprocedural SR restoration and higher LASr showed a significantly higher recurrence‐free probability after the last CA (logrank P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). Failure of preprocedural SR restoration and LASr ≤8.6% were independently associated with recurrence after the last CA (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42‐6.91, P = .005; HR: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.65‐9.17, P = .002, respectively). These parameters added incrementally to the predictive value of AF duration and LA dilatation (P = .03 and P = .002, respectively) and improved the recurrence‐risk stratification (net reclassification improvement = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.13‐0.65; P = .003).ConclusionIn patients with LS‐AF, the inability to restore SR and lower LASr after AAD/ECV treatment independently and incrementally predicts the recurrence after CA. These findings might be useful for determining LS‐AF ablation candidates.
Gelatin nanocomposite films incorporated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for shelf life extension of grapes
Authors: Mehmood Zaffar , Sadiq Muhammad Bilal , Khan Muhammad Rehan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNanocomposite films were obtained by solution casting method from aqueous solution of bovine gelatin with addition of various concentrations of magnetic iron oxide (MIO) nanoparticles (NPs) (5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w of dry gelatin). The incorporation of MIO NPs improved the mechanical and physical properties of the nanocomposites. The increase in concentration of NPs up to 10% improved barrier and mechanical properties which slightly decreased after increasing the concentration beyond that limit due to particle agglomeration. The scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate the morphology and crystalline structure of gelatin nanocomposite films, respectively. Gelatin nanocomposites with 20% w/w NPs exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (7.1 ± 0.085 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (8.22 ± 1.04 mm). Finally, the potential of gelatin/MIO nanocomposites as packaging material was evaluated to extend the shelf life of grapes. The gelatin/MIO nanocomposites can be used as a replacement to non‐biodegradable packaging.
The effect of a self‐management program on renal function control in patients with hemodialysis in Taiwan: A longitudinal randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Mei‐Chen , Wu Shu‐Fang V. , Lu Kuo‐Cheng , Liu Chief‐Yu , Liu Wen‐I , Liu Ju‐Han 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimThis study was designed to investigate the longitudinal effect of participating in a self‐management program (SMP) on renal function control in patients receiving hemodialysis.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled a total of 58 patients at the hemodialysis center of a teaching hospital in Taiwan. The control group (n = 30) received the usual care and the experimental group (n = 28) received a 4‐week SMP intervention. The results of the follow‐up on the longitudinal data at 3, 6, and 9 months showed that the renal function indices, potassium and phosphorus levels, and interdialytic weight gain were significantly better than at the pre‐test for the experimental group.ResultsIn terms of the interaction between group and time, the potassium level dropped significantly below the pre‐test value only after 3 months (B = −0.31, SE = 0.15, p = .044), suggesting that the post‐test potassium level had significantly decreased after 3 months. In terms of the interaction between group and time, the phosphorus level dropped significantly below the pre‐test value only after 6 months (B = −0.53, SE = 0.28, p = .050), suggesting that the post‐test phosphorus level significantly decreased after 6 months. Finally, the intervention could effectively control the weight change between dialysis sessions for up to 9 months (B = −1.34, SE = 0.30, p < .001).ConclusionsThe SMP intervention decreased potassium and phosphorus levels and helped control interdialytic weight gain in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Accuracy in Reporting of Kentucky Certified Nurse‐Midwives as Attendants in Birth Registration Data
Authors: Faucett Kendra , Kennedy Holly Powell 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionBirth certificate data are used nationally to determine health care policy and health care reimbursement and to demonstrate the legitimacy and value of certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in perinatal and neonatal outcomes. However, the validity of birth certificate data is questionable, in part because of the data collection process. These data are particularly crucial for midwife‐attended births because the correct birth attendant is not always accurately identified on the birth certificate. The purpose of this project was to examine the actual number of CNM‐reported births compared with those recorded by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics and to examine the process used by birth registrars to complete the birth certificate.MethodsCNMs attending births in hospitals in Kentucky in 2017 logged their birth statistics. These numbers were compared with the 2017 Kentucky Vital Statistics Birth Certificate data of CNM‐attended births. Kentucky birth registrars (50%) who work in facilities where CNMs attend births completed a 32‐question survey to describe their process of collecting birth certificate data.ResultsThe comparison data revealed that CNM‐attended births in Kentucky are underrepresented in the state vital statistics by as much as 19.2%. Birth registrars identified barriers to collecting accurate data including lack of training, multiple sources of data, incomplete prenatal records, and absence of systems to help ensure accuracy.DiscussionCNMs/CMs should keep personal and practice birth logs and routinely compare these with hospital data kept by the birth registrar. The state office of vital statistics and hospitals should target training to specific facilities that have the most inaccurate data. The Improving Midwifery Birth Numbers Initiative through the American College of Nurse‐Midwives Division of Research Data Management Section should continue to encourage midwifery students to complete this research in all 50 states.
A simple modified surgical technique combined with tissue adhesive for steatocystoma multiplex
Authors: Jiang Long , Yan Jianna , Chen Xiaogang , Chen Yuchong , Tang Yichen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSteatocystoma multiplex (SM) is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit characterized by multiple sebum‐containing dermal cysts. Psychological distress of patients is always derived from these undesirable lesions. Although various treatments have been attempted to improve cosmetic outcomes, no optimal treatment strategy has been established to date..AimsTo provide a facile and practical surgical technique combined with tissue adhesive for the treatment of steatocystoma multiplex.MethodForty patients diagnosed as SM were treated with simple modified surgical technique. After local anesthesia, the surface skin was incised about 1‐2 mm using a No. 11 blade. When the wall was punctured, the cyst should be squeezed to cause the contents to come out first. Then, we used single toothed forceps which were inserted through the narrow incision. When the cyst was exposed, the mosquito forceps grasp the portion of the cyst and pull it out gently. Then, the incisions were pressed locally, and tissue adhesive was employed to align them when there was no bleeding. We just took approximately 1‐2 minutes to excise one cyst completely.ResultWe successfully treated forty SM patients with our simple modified surgical technique. After treatment, excellent clinical outcomes and minimal adverse effects were observed in this study. And more importantly, no recurrence was found 12 months after the surgery.ConclusionOur simple modified surgical technique was proved to be practical and have excellent results in the long run. We highly recommend this treatment technique as the first‐line therapy for SM.
The Direct and Moderating Effects of Endogenous Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Valuation: Theoretical and Empirical Evidence from the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Hannah Sean T. , Sayari Naz , Harris Frederick H. deB. , Cain Carol L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractResearch has produced inconclusive results concerning the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm financial performance, with only 59 percent of studies demonstrating positive effects. Yet, still unaddressed is how CSR impacts the key driver of financial performance – firm growth. We develop new multidisciplinary theory integrating stakeholder and risk management theories with multi‐period capital asset pricing. We test the direct and moderating effects of Social, Institutional, Strategic, and Technical CSR using a simultaneous equations model of endogenous CSR and Tobin’s q ratio. Our 2004–12 sample of S&P 3000 firms show that all CSR dimensions directly bolster firm performance, while select dimensions moderate the relationship between firms’ sales or asset growth and capitalized market value in the periods surrounding the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC). These results deepen understanding of how different forms of CSR influence market value, and refine estimates of CSR’s direct and moderating impacts on the growth‐value relationship.
A novel marine algal oil containing both EPA and DHA is an effective source of omega‐3 fatty acids for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Santigosa Ester , Constant Denis , Prudence Dauphinee , Wahli Thomas , Verlhac‐Trichet Viviane 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNovel sources of omega‐3 fatty acids (FAs) are essential for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. In the present study, we assessed the response of the fish to a novel algal oil as a source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diets. Our results show that the palatability of the diets was maintained with high inclusion levels (up to 10%) of algal oil. The digestibility of omega‐3 FAs was compared among diets containing 10% fish oil (control diet) and diets with no omega‐3 lipid sources (0AO) or increasing levels of algal oil (2.5, 5, and 10% for diets 2.5AO, 5AO, and 10AO, respectively). The digestibility of EPA and DHA was above 99% and was only significantly decreased in the 0AO diet. The FA profile of the muscle was found to reflect that of the diets, suggesting that, when high levels of omega‐3 are included in the diet of rainbow trout, they are deposited in the muscle rather than used for metabolic processes. The growth and the blood parameters of the animals were optimal for all the treatments in the safety trial, with algal oil inclusion levels up to 6%. All these results in combination show that Veramaris® algal oil containing EPA and DHA can be used as an efficient source of omega‐3 FAs for salmonids.
The phylogenetic range of bacterial and viral pathogens of vertebrates
Authors: Shaw Liam P. , Wang Alethea D. , Dylus David , Meier Magda , Pogacnik Grega , Dessimoz Christophe , Balloux François 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMany major human pathogens are multihost pathogens, able to infect other vertebrate species. Describing the general patterns of host–pathogen associations across pathogen taxa is therefore important to understand risk factors for human disease emergence. However, there is a lack of comprehensive curated databases for this purpose, with most previous efforts focusing on viruses. Here, we report the largest manually compiled host–pathogen association database, covering 2,595 bacteria and viruses infecting 2,656 vertebrate hosts. We also build a tree for host species using nine mitochondrial genes, giving a quantitative measure of the phylogenetic similarity of hosts. We find that the majority of bacteria and viruses are specialists infecting only a single host species, with bacteria having a significantly higher proportion of specialists compared to viruses. Conversely, multihost viruses have a more restricted host range than multihost bacteria. We perform multiple analyses of factors associated with pathogen richness per host species and the pathogen traits associated with greater host range and zoonotic potential. We show that factors previously identified as important for zoonotic potential in viruses—such as phylogenetic range, research effort, and being vector‐borne—are also predictive in bacteria. We find that the fraction of pathogens shared between two hosts decreases with the phylogenetic distance between them. Our results suggest that host phylogenetic similarity is the primary factor for host‐switching in pathogens.
It's what's inside that matters: physiological adaptations of high‐latitude marine microalgae to environmental change
Authors: Young Jodi N. , Schmidt Katrin 
Published: May 2020

SummaryMarine microalgae within seawater and sea ice fuel high‐latitude ecosystems and drive biogeochemical cycles through the fixation and export of carbon, uptake of nutrients, and production and release of oxygen and organic compounds. High‐latitude marine environments are characterized by cold temperatures, dark winters and a strong seasonal cycle. Within this environment a number of diverse and dynamic habitats exist, particularly in association with the formation and melt of sea ice, with distinct microalgal communities that transition with the season. Algal physiology is a crucial component, both responding to the dynamic environment and in turn influencing its immediate physicochemical environment. As high‐latitude oceans shift into new climate regimes the analysis of seasonal responses may provide insights into how microalgae will respond to long‐term environmental change. This review discusses recent developments in our understanding of how the physiology of high‐latitude marine microalgae is regulated over a polar seasonal cycle, with a focus on ice‐associated (sympagic) algae. In particular, physiologies that impact larger scale processes will be explored, with an aim to improve our understanding of current and future ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles.
Using next‐generation sequencing to detect oral microbiome change following periodontal interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Ya , Qi Yinliang , Lo Edward C. M. , McGrath Colman , Mei May Lei , Dai Ruoxi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis systematic review was to evaluate the change of oral microbiome based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐metagenomic analysis following periodontal interventions among systematically healthy subjects.Materials and MethodsA structured search strategy consisting of “metagenomics” and “oral diseases” was applied to PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify effective papers. The included studies were original studies published in English, using metagenomic approach to analyze the effectiveness of periodontal intervention on oral microbiome among systematically healthy human subjects with periodontitis.ResultsA total of 12 papers were included in this review. Due to the heterogeneity of selected study, quantitative analysis was not performed. The findings as to how alpha diversity changed after interventions were not consistent across studies. Six studies illustrated clear separation of microbial composition between dental plaque samples collected before and after intervention using principal coordinates/component analysis. The most commonly detected genera before intervention were Porphyromonas, Treponema, Tannerella, and Prevotella, while Streptococcus and Actinomyces usually increased and became the dominant genera after intervention. Correlation network analysis revealed that after intervention, the topology of network was different compared to the corresponding pre‐interventional samples.ConclusionExisting evidence of metagenomic studies depicts a complex change in oral microbiome after periodontal intervention.
Infection control in dental health care during and after the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak
Authors: Volgenant Catherine M. C. , Persoon Ilona F. , de Ruijter Rolf A. G. , de Soet J. J. (Hans) 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCOVID‐19 is an emerging infectious disease caused by the widespread transmission of the coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2. Some of those infected become seriously ill. Others do not show any symptoms, but can still contribute to transmission of the virus. SARS‐CoV‐2 is excreted in the oral cavity and can be spread via aerosols. Aerosol generating procedures in dental health care can increase the risk of transmission of the virus. Due to the risk of infection of both dental healthcare workers and patients, additional infection control measures for all patients are strongly recommended when providing dental health care. Consideration should be given to which infection control measures are necessary when providing care in both the current situation and in the future.
Potential host range of four Phytophthora interspecific hybrids from Clade 8a
Authors: Jafari Fatemeh , Mostowfizadeh‐Ghalamfarsa Reza , Safaiefarahani Banafsheh , Burgess Treena I. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn recent years several interspecific hybrids have been reported in the plant pathogenic oomycete genus Phytophthora. Due to the large genotypic and phenotypic changes, these hybrids might have broader or more limited host ranges compared with their parental species. It is crucial to understand the host range of Phytophthora hybrids to minimize the economic losses caused by their infection. The potential host range of four hybrids belonging to Clade 8a of the Phytophthora phylogenetic tree was investigated in this study. Thirty species of herbaceous plants as well as eight species of woody plants were inoculated and monitored for any symptom of infection. In addition, the detached twigs of 32 tree species, fruits of six plant species, tubers of potato, and roots of carrot and sugar beet were investigated for susceptibility to these hybrids. Almost all hybrids caused severe rot on all tested fruits, tubers, and roots, although different isolates showed different pathogenicity on detached tree twigs. All hybrids tested had a different host range compared with their parental species: they were able to infect plants outside the host range of their parents, infect hosts of both parental species, although these parents did not have overlapping hosts, or, in some cases, they were not able to infect hosts infected by the parents.
Follow the Leader? Leader Succession and Staff Attitudes in Public Sector Organizations
Authors: Geys Benny , Connolly Sara , Kassim Hussein , Murdoch Zuzana 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPublic sector organizations face regular turnover in top leadership positions. Yet little is known about how such changes affect staff attitudes. The authors argue that top leader succession may influence staff attitudes, particularly when new leaders are “outsiders” and/or subordinates interact regularly with their leaders. Using a unique two‐wave survey conducted within the European Commission in 2008 and 2014, this analysis tests these propositions by studying the same individuals before and after shifts in top political (commissioner) and administrative (director‐general) positions. The study shows that leadership succession can trigger meaningful shifts in subordinates' stated attitudes regarding the European Commission's supranational identity. These findings are important because staff attitudes about organizational values and aims represent a key driver of individual and organizational performance.
Multiple ER‐to‐nucleus stress signaling pathways are activated during Plantago asiatica mosaic virus and Turnip mosaic virus infection in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gayral Mathieu , Arias Gaguancela Omar , Vasquez Evelyn , Herath Venura , Flores Francisco J. , Dickman Martin B. , Verchot Jeanmarie 
Published: May 2020

SUMMARYPathogens and other adverse environmental conditions can trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress signaling increases the expression of cytoprotective ER‐chaperones. The inositol‐requiring enzyme (IRE1) is one ER stress sensor that is activated to splice the bZIP60 mRNA that produces a truncated transcription factor that activates gene expression in the nucleus. The IRE1/bZIP60 pathway is associated with restricting potyvirus and potexvirus infection. This study shows that the Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) triple gene block 3 (TGB3) and the Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) 6K2 proteins activate alternative transcription pathways involving the bZIP17, bZIP28, BAG7, NAC089 and NAC103 factors in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using the corresponding knockout mutant lines, we show that bZIP17, bZIP60, BAG7 and NAC089 are factors in reducing PlAMV infection, whereas bZIP28 and bZIP60 are factors in reducing TuMV infection. We propose a model in which bZIP60 and bZIP17 synergistically induce genes restricting PlAMV infection, while bZIP60 and bZIP28 independently induce genes supporting PlAMV infection. Regarding TuMV‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) infection, bZIP60 and bZIP28 serve to repress local and systemic infection. Finally, tauroursodeoxycholic acid treatments were used to demonstrate that the protein folding capacity significantly influences PlAMV accumulation.
CpARF2 and CpEIL1 interact to mediate auxin–ethylene interaction and regulate fruit ripening in papaya
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Weijin , Xie Ruxiu , Xu Ling , Zhou Yan , Li Haili , Yuan Changchun , Zheng Xiaolin , Xiao Langtao , Liu Kaidong 
Published: May 2020

SummaryPapaya (Carica papaya L.) is a commercially important fruit crop. Various phytohormones, particularly ethylene and auxin, control papaya fruit ripening. However, little is known about the interaction between auxin and ethylene signaling during the fruit ripening process. In the present study, we determined that the interaction between the CpARF2 and CpEIL1 mediates the interaction between auxin and ethylene signaling to regulate fruit ripening in papaya. We identified the ethylene‐induced auxin response factor CpARF2 and demonstrated that it is essential for fruit ripening in papaya. CpARF2 interacts with an important ethylene signal transcription factor CpEIL1, thus increasing the CpEIL1‐mediated transcription of the fruit ripening‐associated genes CpACS1, CpACO1, CpXTH12 and CpPE51. Moreover, CpEIL1 is ubiquitinated by CpEBF1 and is degraded through the 26S proteasome pathway. However, CpARF2 weakens the CpEBF1–CpEIL1 interaction and interferes with CpEBF1‐mediated degradation of CpEIL1, promoting fruit ripening. Therefore, CpARF2 functions as an integrator in the auxin–ethylene interaction and regulates fruit ripening by stabilizing CpEIL1 protein and promoting the transcriptional activity of CpEIL1. To our knowledge, we have revealed a novel module of CpARF2/CpEIL1/CpEBF1 that fine‐tune fruit ripening in papaya. Manipulating this mechanism could help growers tightly control papaya fruit ripening and prolong shelf life.