bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mid- to long-term follow-up of pulmonary valve replacement with BioIntegral injectable valve
Authors: Ghiselli Simone , Carro Cristina , Uricchio Nicola , Annoni Giuseppe , Marianeschi Stefano M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Chronic pulmonary valve (PV) regurgitation is a common late sequela after repair of congenital heart diseases like tetralogy of Fallot or pulmonary stenosis, leading to right ventricular dilatation and failure and increased late morbidity and mortality. Timely reoperation may lead to a complete right ventricular recovery. An injectable PV allows pulmonary valve replacement, with or without cardiopulmonary bypass, under direct observation, thereby minimizing the impact of surgery on cardiac function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and mid- to long-term clinical outcomes with this device.

METHODS
From April 2007 to October 2019, a total of 85 symptomatic patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation or pulmonary stenosis underwent pulmonary valve replacement with an injectable stented pulmonary prosthesis. Data were collected from the international proctoring registry. Mean patient age was 26.7 years. The underlying diagnosis was repaired tetralogy of Fallot in 69.4% patients; moderate or severe pulmonary regurgitation was present in 72.9%. All patients had echocardiographic scans before the operation and during the follow-up period. A total of 54.1% patients also had preoperative/postoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or catheterization; 25.9% had off-pump implants. In 53% patients, pulmonary valve replacement was associated with the repair of other cardiac defects.

RESULTS
Minor postoperative complications were observed in 10.8% patients. The overall mortality rate was 2.3%; mortality after valve replacement was linked to a severe cardiac insufficiency and it was not related to a prosthesis failure; 1 prosthesis was explanted from 1 patient because of endocarditis, and 6% of patients developed PV stenosis; minor complications occurred in 4.8%. The mean follow-up period was 4.8 years (2 months–12.7 years); 42% of the patients were followed for more than 5 years. Follow-up echocardiography and cardiac MRI showed a significant reduction in RV size and low gradients across the PV.

CONCLUSIONS
An injectable PV may be implanted without cardiopulmonary bypass and in a hybrid operating theatre with minimal surgical impact. The bioprosthesis, available up to large sizes, has a low profile, laminar flow and no risk of coronary artery compression. Incidence of endocarditis is rare. The lack of a suture ring permits the implant of a relatively larger prosthesis, thereby avoiding a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This device permits future percutaneous valve-in-valve procedures, if needed. Results concerning durability are encouraging, and mid- to long-term haemodynamic performance is excellent.
European experience with a first totally leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker system
Authors: Carabelli Adrien , Jabeur Mariem , Jacon Peggy , Rinaldi Christopher Aldo , Leclercq Christophe , Rovaris Giovanni , Arnold Martin , Venier Sandrine , Neuzil Petr , Defaye Pascal 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
Totally leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can be delivered with a combination of Micra and WiSE-CRT systems. We describe the technical feasibility and first insights into the safety and efficacy of this combination in European experience.

Methods and results
Patients enrolled had indication for both Micra and WiSE-CRT systems because of heart failure related to high burden of pacing by a Micra necessitating system upgrade or inability to implant a conventional CRT system because of infectious or anatomical conditions. The endpoints of the study were technical success of WiSE-CRT implantation with right ventricle-synchonized CRT delivery, acute QRS duration reduction, and freedom from procedure-related major adverse events. All eight WiSE-CRT devices were able to detect the Micra pacing output and to be trained to deliver synchronous LV endocardial pacing. Acute QRS reduction following WiSE-CRT implantation was observed in all eight patients (mean QRS 204.38 ± 30.26 vs. 137.5 ± 24.75 mS, P = 0.012). Seven patients reached 6 months of follow-up. At 6 months after WiSE-CRT implantation, there was a significant increase in LV ejection fraction (28.43 ± 8.01% vs. 39.71 ± 11.89%; P = 0.018) but no evidence of LV reverse remodelling or improvement in New York Heart Association class.

Conclusion
The Micra and the WiSE-CRT systems can successfully operate together to deliver total leadless CRT to a patient. Moreover, the WiSE-CRT system provides the only means to upgrade the large population of Micra patients to CRT capability without replacing the Micra. The range of application of this combination could broaden in the future with the upcoming developments of leadless cardiac pacing.
Phylogenomic Analysis of Wolbachia Strains Reveals Patterns of Genome Evolution and Recombination
Authors: Wang Xiaozhu , Xiong Xiao , Cao Wenqi , Zhang Chao , Werren John H , Wang Xu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Wolbachia are widespread intracellular bacteria that mediate many important biological processes in arthropod species. In this study, we identified 210 conserved single-copy genes in 33 genome-sequenced Wolbachia strains in the A–F supergroups. Phylogenomic analyses with these core genes indicate that all 33 Wolbachia strains maintain the supergroup relationship, which was classified previously based on the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) genes. Using an interclade recombination screening method, 14 inter-supergroup recombination events were discovered in six genes (2.9%) among 210 single-copy orthologs. This finding suggests a relatively low frequency of intergroup recombination. Interestingly, they have occurred not only between A and B supergroups (nine events) but also between A and E supergroups (five events). Maintenance of such transfers suggests possible roles in Wolbachia infection-related functions. Comparisons of strain divergence using the five genes of the MLST system show a high correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.98) between MLST and whole-genome divergences, indicating that MLST is a reliable method for identifying related strains when whole-genome data are not available. The phylogenomic analysis and the identified core gene set in our study will serve as a valuable foundation for strain identification and the investigation of recombination and genome evolution in Wolbachia.
Symbiotic and Nonsymbiotic Members of the Genus Ensifer (syn. Sinorhizobium) Are Separated into Two Clades Based on Comparative Genomics and High-Throughput Phenotyping
Authors: Fagorzi Camilla , Ilie Alexandru , Decorosi Francesca , Cangioli Lisa , Viti Carlo , Mengoni Alessio , diCenzo George C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Rhizobium–legume symbioses serve as paradigmatic examples for the study of mutualism evolution. The genus Ensifer (syn. Sinorhizobium) contains diverse plant-associated bacteria, a subset of which can fix nitrogen in symbiosis with legumes. To gain insights into the evolution of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), and interkingdom mutualisms more generally, we performed extensive phenotypic, genomic, and phylogenetic analyses of the genus Ensifer. The data suggest that SNF likely emerged several times within the genus Ensifer through independent horizontal gene transfer events. Yet, the majority (105 of 106) of the Ensifer strains with the nodABC and nifHDK nodulation and nitrogen fixation genes were found within a single, monophyletic clade. Comparative genomics highlighted several differences between the “symbiotic” and “nonsymbiotic” clades, including divergences in their pangenome content. Additionally, strains of the symbiotic clade carried 325 fewer genes, on average, and appeared to have fewer rRNA operons than strains of the nonsymbiotic clade. Initial characterization of a subset of ten Ensifer strains identified several putative phenotypic differences between the clades. Tested strains of the nonsymbiotic clade could catabolize 25% more carbon sources, on average, than strains of the symbiotic clade, and they were better able to grow in LB medium and tolerate alkaline conditions. On the other hand, the tested strains of the symbiotic clade were better able to tolerate heat stress and acidic conditions. We suggest that these data support the division of the genus Ensifer into two main subgroups, as well as the hypothesis that pre-existing genetic features are required to facilitate the evolution of SNF in bacteria.
Does Chronic Stress Moderate Age Differences in Emotional Well-Being? Testing Predictions of Strength and Vulnerability Integration
Authors: Sliwinski Martin J , Freed Sara , Scott Stacey B , Pasquini Giancarlo , Smyth Joshua M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) theory posits boundary conditions, such as chronic stress, which place constraints on positive emotional aging. We examine SAVI’s prediction that higher levels of chronic stress will attenuate favorable age gradients for multiple indices of well-being.

Methods
We used cross-sectional data from a diverse systematic probability sample of adults (n = 260, ages 25–65). Multiple regression analysis was used to examine age gradients and test age × chronic stress interactions on 5 measures of well-being relevant for SAVI’s prediction: positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, emotional distress, and rumination.

Results
Age was unrelated to well-being unless individual differences in health limitations were statistically controlled, in which case older age was associated with more favorable levels of well-being. Chronic stress significantly interacted with age for negative affect, emotional distress, rumination, and life satisfaction; examination of the interactions indicated that age was no longer associated with more favorable levels of well-being at higher levels of chronic stress.

Discussion
Our findings support a key prediction of SAVI by demonstrating that high levels of chronic stress present a boundary condition for favorable age gradients on well-being. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the “paradox” of well-being.
Salmon lice-induced mortality of Atlantic salmon during post-smolt migration in Norway
Authors: Johnsen Ingrid A , Harvey Alison , Sævik Pål Næverlid , Sandvik Anne D , Ugedal Ola , Ådlandsvik Bjørn , Wennevik Vidar , Glover Kevin A , Karlsen Ørjan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The expansion of salmonid aquaculture has resulted in environmental challenges, including salmon lice that may infest both farmed and wild fish. For wild Atlantic salmon post-smolts that migrate from their rivers to the ocean, the first phase of their journey in the coastal zone, where aquaculture occurs, is critical when considering lice exposure. To evaluate the lice influence during the post-smot migration we have developed a migration model. An archive with spatiotemporal concentrations of lice larvae in Norwegian coastal waters has been established using a combination of state-of-the-art hydrodynamic and lice biology models. To estimate lice-induced mortality of wild salmon from Norwegian rivers, the infestation level on the virtual post-smolts was calibrated to match that observed on wild post-smolts genetically assigned their rivers of origin. The lice infestation pressure was modelled on post-smolts from 401 rivers covering all of Norway. Based on this, aquaculture-produced salmon lice-induced mortality of wild salmon post-smolts was estimated as &lt;10% for 179 rivers, 10–30% for 140 rivers, and &gt;30% for 82 rivers in 2019. Estimated mortalities were used together with other data sets to evaluate aquaculture sustainability in Norway. The aquaculture regulatory system represents a globally leading example of science-based management that considers the environmental impact.
Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve the HIV Continuum of Care and HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in Kenya: A Model-Based Analysis
Authors: Luong Nguyen Liem B , Freedberg Kenneth A , Wanjala Sitima , Maman David , Szumilin Elisabeth , Mendiharat Pierre , Yazdanpanah Yazdan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
In Western Kenya up to one-quarter of the adult population was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected in 2012. The Ministry of Health, Médecins Sans Frontières, and partners implemented an HIV program that surpassed the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets. In this generalized epidemic, we compared the effectiveness of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with improving continuum of care.

Methods
We developed a dynamic microsimulation model to project HIV incidence and infections averted to 2030. We modeled 3 strategies compared to a 90-90-90 continuum of care base case: (1) scaling up the continuum of care to 95-95-95, (2) PrEP targeting young adults with 10% coverage, and (3) scaling up to 95-95-95 and PrEP combined.

Results
In the base case, by 2030 HIV incidence was 0.37/100 person-years. Improving continuum levels to 95-95-95 averted 21.5% of infections, PrEP averted 8.0%, and combining 95-95-95 and PrEP averted 31.8%. Sensitivity analysis showed that PrEP coverage had to exceed 20% to avert as many infections as reaching 95-95-95.

Conclusions
In a generalized HIV epidemic with continuum of care levels at 90-90-90, improving the continuum to 95-95-95 is more effective than providing PrEP. Continued improvement in the continuum of care will have the greatest impact on decreasing new HIV infections.
Harmonization and Standardization: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Miller W Greg , Greenberg Neil 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The purpose of a medical laboratory test is to provide information on the pathophysiologic condition of an individual patient as an aid in diagnosis, therapy, or assessment of risk for a disease. For optimal laboratory service, results from different measurement procedures (MPs) for the same measurand should be equivalent (harmonized) within stated specifications, enabling the results to be used reliably for medical decisions. The term “harmonization” refers to any process that enables establishing equivalence of reported values among different end-user MPs. The term “standardization” refers to achieving harmonization by metrological traceability of patients’ results to higher order reference materials and/or reference measurement procedures.

Content
New procedures for harmonization and standardization were published in 2020 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and by the IFCC. ISO 17511:2020 provides revised requirements for establishing metrologically traceable calibration hierarchies for end-user MPs used in clinical laboratories. ISO 21151:2020 provides new requirements to implement a harmonization protocol to address the situation when there are no fit-for-purpose certified reference materials or reference MPs available for a measurand. The IFCC Working Group on Commutability published recommendations for applying a correction for noncommutability of a certified reference material to enable using that material in a metrologically traceable calibration hierarchy for an end-user MP.

Summary
We review metrological traceability and how these new approaches will improve the capability to achieve harmonized results for clinical samples.
Effects of processing, moisture, and storage length on the fermentation profile, particle size, and ruminal disappearance of reconstituted corn grain
Authors: Gomes Ana L M , Bueno Antonio V I , Jacovaci Fernando A , Donadel Guilherme , Ferraretto Luiz F , Nussio Luiz G , Jobim Clóves C , Daniel João L P 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOur objective was to examine the effects of processing, moisture, and anaerobic storage length of reconstituted corn grain (RCG) on the fermentation profile, geometric mean particle size (GMPS), and ruminal dry matter disappearance (DMD). Dry corn kernels were ground (hammer mill, 5-mm screen) or rolled, then rehydrated to 30%, 35%, or 40% moisture, and stored for 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 d in laboratory silos. Rolled corn had an increased GMPS compared with ground corn (2.24 and 1.13 mm, respectively, at ensiling). However, there was a trend for an interaction between processing and moisture concentration to affect particle size, with GMPS increasing with increased moisture concentration, especially in ground corn. Longer storage periods also slightly increased GMPS. Processing, moisture, and storage length interacted to affect the fermentation pattern (two- or three-way interactions). Overall, pH decreased, whereas lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, and NH3-N increased with storage length. RCG with 30% moisture had less lactic acid than corn with 35% and 40% moisture, indicating that fermentation might have been curtailed and also due to the clostridial fermentation that converts lactic acid to butyric acid. Ensiling reconstituted ground corn with 30% of moisture led to greater concentrations of ethanol and butyric acid, resulting in greater DM loss than grain rehydrated to 35% or 40% of moisture. Ammonia-N and in situ ruminal DMD were highest for reconstituted ground corn with 35% or 40% of moisture, mainly after 60 d of storage. Therefore, longer storage periods and greater moisture contents did not offset the negative effect of greater particle size on the in situ ruminal DMD of rolled RCG. Nonetheless, RCG should be ensiled with more than 30% moisture and stored for at least 2 mo to improve the ruminal DMD and reduce the formation of ethanol and butyric acid.
Crystalline amino acids do not influence calculated values for standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in feed ingredients included in diets for pigs
Authors: Oliveira Maryane S F , Abelilla Jerubella J , Jaworski Neil W , Htoo John K , Stein Hans H 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that addition of crystalline amino acids (AA) to diets during the adaptation or collection periods will not influence calculated values for apparent ileal digestibility (AID) or standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in corn and soybean meal (SBM). Seven ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight: 77.9 ± 2.6 kg) were allotted to a 7 × 7 Latin Square design with 7 dietary treatments and 7 periods. Dietary treatments included feeding diets based on corn or SBM without or with crystalline AA for the entire 7-d period or with crystalline AA during the adaptation period, but without crystalline AA during the collection period. An N-free diet was also used. Each experimental period consisted of 5 d of adaptation to the diets followed by 2 d of ileal digesta collection, with digesta being collected for 9 hr/d starting after feeding the morning meal. Thus, the entire experiment lasted 49 d. The AID and SID of crude protein (CP) and AA were calculated using values determined in corn or in SBM without or with crystalline AA to determine if crystalline AA influenced calculated values for AID or SID of CP and AA. Results indicated that addition of crystalline AA to diets fed during the entire 7-d period increased (P &lt; 0.05) AID of some AA in corn and SBM. However, no differences in SID of CP and AA were observed between pigs fed the diets without crystalline AA and pigs fed the diets with crystalline AA if dietary crystalline AA were ignored in calculations of SID values. This indicates that crystalline AA were 100% absorbed before the distal ileum and did not affect calculated values for SID of AA if calculations were based only on the AA in corn or SBM. Therefore, it is concluded that crystalline AA may be added to experimental diets in digestibility experiments before and during collection periods without affecting results, if crystalline AA are disregarded in the calculation of AID or SID of AA in ingredients.
Does Eumelanin Oxidation Play a Role on the Photostability of Ethyl Glucuronide in Hair Exposed to Simulated Solar Radiation?
Authors: Miolo Giorgia , Vicario Benedetta , Stocchero Giulia , Causin Valerio , Vogliardi Susanna , Favretto Donata 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The action of solar radiation on the concentration of the ethanol metabolite ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in 40 hair samples of nonabstinent subjects was investigated. Hair samples of different colors were analyzed before and after irradiation with artificial sunlight under a light dose corresponding to 3 months of sun exposure. After irradiation, an increase of EtG concentration was detected in 55% of the samples ranging from 5% to 141%. In 16 cases, a concentration reduction ranging from −2% to −74% was observed. The measure of the level of pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), a marker of eumelanin oxidation, demonstrated the largest increase in oxidation in light brown hair where the greatest degradation of EtG was observed after irradiation. However, the rise of PTCA in all hair tested was accompanied by increase in EtG concentration in 8/10 samples and by decrease in 2/10, suggesting no correlation between the two markers. To verify if hair structure was modified by light, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed on irradiated hair of different colors and compared with the dark samples. SEM revealed modification of hair structure in all samples showing partial shaft exfoliation and reduction of hair thickness under the treatment with solar radiation.
From the Ancient Myth of the Caesars to the Medieval and Renaissance Tradition: The Practice of Caesarean Section in De universa mulierum medicina by Rodrigo de Castro
Authors: Foscati Alessandra 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The caesarean section performed on a living woman to save both mother and baby is first considered in gynaecological texts in the late sixteenth century after the treatise by the French physician François Rousset. It is included alongside descriptions of the post-mortem caesarean section, already practised in the Middle Ages in order to save the baby. The early seventeenth-century work by the Lusitanian physician Rodrigo de Castro is often referenced on this subject, seen as critical of Rousset's theory. Castro is cited above all for formulating a new suggestion – operating on a woman in the throes of death – because he was convinced that the post-mortem caesarean section was pointless. This article provides thorough analysis of Castro's work, comparing it to Rousset’s treatise and medical texts by other authors to reveal its originality and its real contribution to the interpretation of the two different caesarean sections.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening and Recent Increases in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nyame Yaw A , Gulati Roman , Tsodikov Alex , Gore John L , Etzioni Ruth 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Recent studies show decreasing prostate-specific antigen utilization and increasing incidence of metastatic prostate cancer in the United States after national recommendations against screening in 2012. Yet, whether the increasing incidence of metastatic prostate cancer is consistent in magnitude with the expected impact of decreased screening is unknown. We compared observed incidence of metastatic prostate cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and published effects of continued historical screening and discontinued screening starting in 2013 projected by 2 models of disease natural history, screening, and diagnosis. The observed rate of new metastatic prostate cancer cases in 2017 was 44%-60% of the projected increase under discontinued screening relative to continued screening. Thus, the observed increase in incident metastatic prostate cancer is consistent with the expected impact of reduced screening. Although this comparison does not establish a causal relationship, it highlights the plausible role of decreased screening in the observed trend.