bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of posture, exercise, and atrial pacing on atrioventricular conduction in systolic heart failure
Authors: Niu Hongxia , Yu Yinghong , Sturdivant John L. , An Qi , Gold Michael R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundOptimization of atrioventricular (AV) intervals for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) programming is typically performed in supine patients at rest, which may not reflect AV timing in other conditions.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of posture, exercise, and atrial pacing on intrinsic AV intervals in patients with CRT devices.MethodsRate‐dependent A‐V delay by exercise was a multicenter, prospective trial of patients in sinus rhythm following CRT implantation. Intracardiac electrograms were recorded to analyze atrial to right ventricular (ARV), atrial to left ventricular (ALV), and RV to LV (VV) time intervals. Heart rate was increased with incremental atrial pacing in different postures, followed by an exercise treadmill test.ResultsThis study included 36 patients. At rest, AV intervals changed minimally with posture. With atrial pacing, AV interval immediately increased compared with sinus rhythm, with ARV slopes being 8.1 ± 7.7, 8.8 ± 13.4, and 6.8 ± 6.5 milliseconds per beat per minute (ms/bpm) and ALV slopes being 8.2 ± 7.7, 9.1 ± 12.8, and 7.0 ± 6.5 ms/bpm for supine, standing and sitting positions, respectively. As the paced heart rate increased, ARV and ALV intervals increased more gradually with similar trends. Interventricular conduction times changed less than 0.2 ms/bpm with atrial pacing. During exercise, the direction of change of intrinsic ARV intervals, as heart rate increased, was variable between patients with relatively small overall group changes (0.1 ± 1.4 and 0.2 ± 1.2 ms/bpm for ARV and ALV, respectively).ConclusionPosture and exercise have a smaller effect on AV timing compared with atrial pacing. However, individualized optimization and dynamic rate related changes may be needed to maintain optimal fusion with left ventricular (LV) stimulation.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Malaysia
Authors: Chia Yook‐Chin , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for a third of all deaths in Malaysia. The background CV risk of Malaysia is much higher than that of developed countries in the west and in Asia. This high CV mortality is contributed by the high prevalence of CV risk factors especially hypertension which is very prevalent, coupled with low awareness and low control rates. This highlights the importance of home blood pressure measurements (HBPM). HBPM is an important adjunct in the management of hypertension, particularly to identify those unaware as well as white‐coat hypertension which is high in treated hypertensive patients in Malaysia. Ownership of HBPM devices in Malaysia is high, and this is an opportunity as well as timely to encourage more use of HBPM. The Malaysian national guidelines do not require HBPM for the diagnosis of hypertension but do recommend HBPM for specific situations. The most commonly prescribed anti‐hypertensives are calcium channel blockers, followed by renin‐angiotensin system blockers. Despite the wide availability of anti‐hypertensive agents, BP control rates remain low. It is important that strategies are in place to ensure that individuals are aware of the need to have their BP monitored regularly and this can be facilitated by the use of HBPM. Hence, there is a plan to develop a local HBPM consensus document. Strategies to reduce salt intake would also be beneficial. In summary, identification of those unaware and better control of BP with the help of HBPM would help reduce the burden of CV mortality and morbidity in Malaysia.
Impact of fractional excretion of sodium on a single morning void urine collection as an estimate of 24‐hour urine sodium
Authors: Nowson Caryl A. , Lim Karen , Campbell Norm R. C. , O'Connell Stella L. , He Feng J. , Daly Robin M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe standard for assessing dietary sodium intake is to measure 24‐hour urine sodium. On average, 93% of daily sodium intake is excreted over 24‐hours. Expense and difficulties in obtaining complete 24‐hour collections have led to the measurement of sodium concentration in spot and single‐void urine samples, using predictive equations to estimate 24‐hour urine sodium. Although multiple predictive equations have been developed, in addition to having an average bias, all the equations overestimate 24‐hour sodium at lower levels of 24‐hour sodium and underestimate 24‐hour urine sodium at higher levels of 24‐hour sodium. One of the least biased estimating equations is the INTERSALT equation, which incorporates a spot urine creatinine concentration. The authors hypothesized that differential fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa)(derived from a morning void collection) relative to creatinine would impact on the accuracy of the INTERSALT equation in estimating 24‐hour urine sodium. In a prospective study of 139 adults aged 65 years and over, three sequential morning void and 24‐hour urine samples were examined. There was a significant correlation between increasing FENa and the difference between estimated and measured 24‐hours urine sodium (r = 0.358, P < .01). In the lowest quartile of FENa, the INTERSALT equation overestimated 24‐hour urine sodium, but underestimated 24‐hour urine sodium with greater magnitude in each of the subsequent quartiles of FENa. Differential excretion of sodium relative to creatinine, potentially impacted by renal blood flow and hydration, among other factors, affected the accuracy of the INTERSALT equation. Additional research may refine the INTERSALT and other predictive equations to increase their accuracy.
Severe diabetes complications among patients with diabetes with regular follow‐up: Does care setting matter?
Authors: Tsai Tzu‐Ho , Huang Nicole , Lin I‐Feng , Chou Yiing‐Jenq 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate diabetes outcomes by long‐term trajectories of patients' care settings among diabetes patients with regular follow‐up.Research design and methodsThis longitudinal population‐based cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. The trajectories of diabetes care‐seeking behaviours among newly diagnosed diabetes patients with regular follow‐up were identified using a group‐based trajectory model from 2000 to 2004. Severe diabetes complications were assessed for the period 2005–2010. Cox‐proportional hazard method with a cumulative incidence function was applied.ResultsAmong the diabetes patients with regular follow‐up during the first 5 years since diagnosis, 44.5% and 40.6% were persistently cared for in generalized care settings and specialized settings, respectively. Only 14.9% of them had shifted between different levels of care setting during the first 5 years. No significant difference in adverse outcomes was observed between patients who were persistently treated in generalized and specialized care settings. Significantly worse outcomes were observed among patients who shifted from generalized care settings to specialized settings (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5, 6.8). In contrast, among the elderly, regular users of generalized care providers had a higher hazard of adverse outcomes than those of specialized care providers (aHR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 10.7).ConclusionsDiabetes patients who were persistently treated in generalized care settings had health outcomes comparable to those who were persistently treated in specialized care settings. However, for elderly and less stable patients, regular diabetes care in specialized care settings was preferable.
Coagulation abnormalities, bleeding, thrombosis, and management of patients with acute liver failure in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Warrillow Stephen , Fisher Caleb , Tibballs Heath , Bailey Michael , McArthur Colin , Lawson‐Smith Pia , Prasad Bheemasenachar , Anstey Matthew , Venkatesh Bala , Dashwood Gemma , Walsham James , Holt Andrew , Wiersema Ubbo , Gattas David , Zoeller Matthew , Garcia Alvarez Mercedes , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackground and AimTo study the management of coagulation and hematological derangements among severe acute liver failure (ALF) patients in Australia and New Zealand liver transplant intensive care units (ICUs).MethodsAnalysis of key baseline characteristics, etiology, coagulation and hematological tests, use of blood products, thrombotic complications, and clinical outcomes during the first ICU week.ResultsWe studied 62 ALF patients. The first day median peak international normalized ratio was 5.5 (inter‐quartile range [IQR] 3.8–8.7), median longest activated partial thromboplastin time was 62 s (IQR 44–87), and median lowest fibrinogen was 1.1 (IQR 0.8–1.6) g/L. Fibrinogen was only measured in 85% of patients, which was less than other tests (P < 0.0001). Median initial lowest platelet count was 83 (IQR 41–122) × 109/L. Overall, 58% of patients received fresh frozen plasma, 40% cryoprecipitate, 35% platelets, and 15% prothrombin complex concentrate. Patients with bleeding complications (19%) had more severe overall hypofibrinogenemia and thrombocytopenia. Thrombotic complications were less common (10% of patients), were not associated with consistent patterns of abnormal hemostasis, and were not immediately preceded by clotting factor administration and half occurred only after liver transplantation surgery.ConclusionIn ALF patients admitted to dedicated Australia and New Zealand ICUs, fibrinogen was measured less frequently than other coagulation parameters but, together with platelets, appeared more relevant to bleeding risk. Blood products and procoagulant factors were administered to most patients at variable levels of hemostatic derangement, and bleeding complications were more common than thrombotic complications. This epidemiologic information and practice variability provide baseline data for the design and powering of interventional studies.
A predictive model on the hospital nurses' psychological well‐being
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Han Jeong‐Won 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to test a structural model that analyzes and comprehensively identifies the factors that affect the psychological well‐being of hospital nurses, and to reveal the direct and indirect relationships among the factors.MethodThe subjects of this study were 217 nurses working in four advanced general hospitals in Metropolitan City B and Province G with at least one experience of job rotation. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. The characteristics of subjects and the reliability of the research tools were analyzed through descriptive statistics, a t‐test, an analysis of variance, and correlation analyses on the research variables. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed using AMOS 21.0 to verify the fitness of the hypothetical model and hypothesis.ResultsThe test of fitness of the hypothetical model yielded χ2 = 152.14, df = 72, χ2/df = 2.11, goodness of fit index = .97, adjusted goodness of fit index = .91, normed fit index = .95, comparative fit index = .98, root mean square = .02, and root mean square error of approximation = .01, which showed that the model had a good fit and explained 63.0% of the variance in psychological well‐being. The hypothesis of the study was verified: Nurses' job rotation stress has indirect effect on psychological well‐being through self‐efficacy, social support, optimism, and coping strategies.ConclusionA practical method that can promote self‐efficacy, social support, optimism, and stress‐coping strategies must be established to improve the psychological well‐being of hospital nurses based on this research.
A proposed technique for one‐step preputial reconstruction in the dog
Authors: Milgram J. , Yas‐Natan E. , Benzioni‐Bar H. , Shipov A. 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo describe a reverse axial pattern flap based on the superficial branch of the dorsal penile artery and describe its use in preputial reconstruction.Materials and MethodsTen penises were harvested from canine cadavers; five were used to describe the dermatome supplied by the superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis and five to show perfusion of the skin flap. The superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis was identified fluoroscopically by injecting contrast material into the dorsal artery of the penis. This artery was then catheterised and injected with methylene blue to identify the perfused area. A skin flap was created by making a full thickness skin incision at the level of the fornix, along the circumference of the penis. The flap was developed by pulling the cut end toward the tip of the penis while undermining the skin. The flap was considered long enough when the cut end of the flap reached the level of the urethral opening. We also describe a case of preputial resection and reconstruction using this flap.ResultsInjection of methylene blue demonstrated the arterial supply to the skin flap. This flap was successful in treating the clinical case following resection of a mast cell tumour on the prepuce, although a small area of full thickness flap necrosis, which healed by second intention, developed postoperatively.Clinical ImportanceThis technique may be useful for single step preputial reconstruction.
Increased alertness behavior in Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) at a high vessel traffic haul‐out site
Authors: Speakman Cassie N. , Johnstone Christopher P. , Robb Kate 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVessel impacts on marine mammals are of growing concern, and marine mammals in urbanized marine environments are at particular risk of exposure. Port Phillip Bay (Victoria, Australia) is one such environment, in which Australian fur seals (AUFS; Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) haul‐out to rest, yet little is known about the impacts of vessels on resting seals. We used remote camera traps to investigate the influence of vessel traffic on AUFS behavior at a nonbreeding haul‐out site. Environmental, temporal, and vessel‐related variables were all associated with changes in AUFS alertness at this site. All vessel types elicited increased alertness above base‐line levels (25%), with recreational and commercial motorized vessels associated with a 5.7%–10.8% increase in alertness. Unidentified vessels, the government vessel, and kayaks were associated with significantly increased alertness of 21.7%, 46.4%, and 60.7%, respectively, though accounted for only 6.2% of vessel observations. Vessels breaching current approach regulations (<5 m) showed a 32% increase in alertness, significantly higher than nonbreach approaches. Partial and complete flushing of the platform was rare, occurring in 1.0% of images analyzed. These results suggest that vessels do elicit a response from AUFS at this haul‐out site, and that further monitoring of vessel activity and compliance is required.
Capping proteins regulate fungal development, DON‐toxisome formation and virulence in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Tang Guangfei , Chen Ahai , Dawood Dawood H. , Liang Jingting , Chen Yun , Ma Zhonghua 
Published: November 2019

SummaryDeoxynivalenol (DON) is an important trichothecene mycotoxin produced by the cereal pathogen Fusarium graminearum. DON is synthesized in organized endoplasmic reticulum structures called toxisomes. However, the mechanism for toxisome formation and the components of toxisomes are not yet fully understood. In a previous study, we found that myosin I (FgMyo1)‐actin cytoskeleton participated in toxisome formation. In the current study, we identified two new components of toxisomes, the actin capping proteins (CAPs) FgCapA and FgCapB. These two CAPs form a heterodimer in F. graminearum, and physically interact with FgMyo1 and Tri1. The deletion mutants ΔFgcapA and ΔFgcapB and the double deletion mutant ΔΔFgcapA/B dramatically reduced hyphal growth, asexual and sexual reproduction and endocytosis. More importantly, the deletion mutants markedly disrupted toxisome formation and DON production, and attenuated virulence in planta. Collectively, these results suggest that the actin CAPs are associated with toxisome formation and contribute to the virulence and development of F. graminearum.
Occurrence of land‐plant‐specific glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferases is essential for cuticle formation and gametophore development in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Lee Saet Buyl , Yang Sun Ui , Pandey Garima , Kim Myung‐Shin , Hyoung Sujin , Choi Doil , Shin Jeong Sheop , Suh Mi Chung 
Published: November 2019

Summary

During the evolution of land plants from aquatic to terrestrial environments, their aerial surfaces were surrounded by cuticle composed of cutin and cuticular waxes to protect them from environmental stresses. Glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) harboring bifunctional sn‐2 acyltransferase/phosphatase activity produces 2‐monoacylglycerol, a precursor for cutin synthesis.

Here, we report that bifunctional sn‐2 GPATs play roles in cuticle biosynthesis and gametophore development of Physcomitrella patens.

Land plant‐type cuticle was observed in gametophores but not in protonema. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum‐localized PpGPATs was significantly upregulated in gametophores compared with protonema. Floral organ fusion and permeable cuticle phenotypes of Arabidopsis gpat6‐2 petals were rescued to the wild type (WT) by the expression of PpGPAT2 or PpGPAT4. Disruption of PpGPAT2 and PpGPAT4 caused a significant reduction of total cutin loads, and a prominent decrease in the levels of palmitic and 10,16‐dihydroxydecanoic acids, which are major cutin monomers in gametophores. Δppgpat2 mutants displayed growth retardation, delayed gametophore development, increased cuticular permeability, and reduced tolerance to drought, osmotic and salt stresses compared to the WT.

Genome‐wide analysis of genes encoding acyltransferase or phosphatase domains suggested that the occurrence of sn‐2 GPATs with both domains may be a key event in cuticle biogenesis of land plants.
Electrocardiographic predictors of pacemaker battery depletion: Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and clinical risk
Authors: Carlson Daniel , Marine Joseph E. , Love Charles J. , Chrispin Jonathan , Barth Andreas S. , Rickard John “Jack” , Spragg David D. , Berger Ronald , Calkins Hugh , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Sinha Sunil K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPacemaker battery depletion triggers alert for replacement notification and results in automatic reprogramming, which has been shown to be associated with relevant cardiorespiratory symptoms and adverse clinical events.ObjectiveDetermine if electrocardiogram (ECG) pacing features may be predictive of pacemaker battery depletion and clinical risk.MethodsThis is an ECG substudy of a cohort analysis of 298 subjects referred for pacemaker generator replacement from 2006 to 2017. Electronic medical record review was performed; clinical, ECG, and pacemaker characteristics were abstracted. We applied two ECG prediction rules for pacemaker battery depletion that are relevant to all major pacemaker manufacturers except Boston Scientific and MicroPort: (1) atrial pacing not at a multiple of 10 and (2) nonsynchronous ventricular pacing not at a multiple of 10, to determine diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and risk in applicable ECG subjects.ResultsWe excluded 32 subjects not at replacement notification or duplicate surgeries. Overall, 176 of 266 subjects (66.2%) demonstrated atrial pacing or nonsynchronous ventricular pacing on preoperative ECG. When utilizing both rules, 139 of 176 preoperative ECGs and 12 of 163 postoperative ECGs met criteria for battery depletion yielding reasonable sensitivity (79.0%), high specificity (92.6%), and a positive likelihood ratio of 11.6:1. These rules were associated with significant increase in cardiorespiratory symptoms (P < .001) and adverse clinical events (P < .025).ConclusionsThe “Rules of Ten” provided reasonable sensitivity and specificity for detecting replacement notification in pacemaker subjects with an applicable ECG. This ECG tool may help clinicians identify most patients with pacemaker battery depletion at significant clinical risk.
Control of water‐use efficiency by florigen
Authors: Robledo Jessenia M. , Medeiros David , Vicente Mateus H. , Azevedo Aristéa A. , Thompson Andrew J. , Peres Lázaro E.P. , Ribeiro Dimas M. , Araújo Wagner L. , Zsögön Agustin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA major issue in modern agriculture is water loss through stomata during photosynthetic carbon assimilation. In water‐limited ecosystems, annual plants have strategies to synchronize their growth and reproduction to the availability of water. Some species or ecotypes of flowers are early to ensure that their life cycles are completed before the onset of late season terminal drought (“drought escape”). This accelerated flowering correlates with low water‐use efficiency (WUE). The molecular players and physiological mechanisms involved in this coordination are not fully understood. We analyzed WUE using gravimetry, gas exchange, and carbon isotope discrimination in florigen deficient (sft mutant), wild‐type (Micro‐Tom), and florigen over‐expressing (SFT‐ox) tomato lines. Increased florigen expression led to accelerated flowering time and reduced WUE. The low WUE of SFT‐ox was driven by higher stomatal conductance and thinner leaf blades. This florigen‐driven effect on WUE appears be independent of abscisic acid (ABA). Our results open a new avenue to increase WUE in crops in an ABA‐independent manner. Manipulation of florigen levels could allow us to produce crops with a life cycle synchronized to water availability.
Baby's first bath: Changes in skin barrier function after bathing full‐term newborns with water vs liquid baby cleanser
Authors: Lund Carolyn , Kuller Joanne , Durand David J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of the newborn's first bath, whether given with water alone or water with skin cleansing products, on skin barrier function is unknown.MethodsWe evaluated skin barrier function, measured by skin surface pH (primary outcome), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and hydration of the stratum corneum (SCH) in 100 newborns before and after their first bath, randomizing this cohort to bathing with water alone or with water and a liquid baby cleanser. Two consecutive measurements of each parameter were obtained at two anatomic locations, the volar forearm, and below the sternum. Randomization was by mode of delivery, with 50 vaginal and 50 cesarean section (C/S) delivered newborns.ResultsSkin pH decreased significantly following the first bath at both anatomic sites regardless of whether the bath was performed with water or with cleanser, and there was no significant effect on the change in pH in these two groups. Baseline TEWL and SCH measurements were significantly lower in the sternum area compared to the volar forearm. TEWL decreased significantly after the first bath except when the bath was given with water alone on the sternum site. SCH also decreased significantly after the first bath except in the forearm when the bath was given with water alone.ConclusionsWe conclude that skin surface pH, TEWL, and SCH all decrease significantly following the first bath, an indication of the development of skin barrier function in the newly born infant. In addition, bathing with water alone or water and a liquid baby cleanser does not impact the developing skin barrier.