bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local impedance guides catheter ablation in patients with ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Münkler Paula , Gunawardene Melanie A. , Jungen Christiane , Klatt Niklas , Schwarzl Jana M. , Akbulak Ruken Ö. , Dinshaw Leon , Hartmann Jens , Jularic Mario , Kahle Ann‐Kathrin , Riedel René , Merbold Lydia , Eickholt Christian , Willems Stephan , Meyer Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsCatheter contact and local tissue characteristics are relevant information for successful radiofrequency current (RFC)‐ablation. Local impedance (LI) has been shown to reflect tissue characteristics and lesion formation during RFC‐ablation. Using a novel ablation catheter incorporating three mini‐electrodes, we investigated LI in relation to generator impedance (GI) in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and its applicability as an indicator of effective RFC‐ablation.Methods and ResultsBaseline impedance, Δimpedance during ablation and drop rate (Δimpedance/time) were analyzed for 625 RFC‐applications in 28 patients with recurrent VT undergoing RFC‐ablation. LI was lower in scarred (87.0 Ω [79.0‐95.0]) compared to healthy myocardium (97.5 Ω ([82.75‐111.50]; P = .03) while GI did not differ between scarred and healthy myocardium. ΔLI was higher (18 Ω [9.4‐26.0]) for VT‐terminating as compared to non‐terminating RFC‐ablation (ΔLI 13 Ω [8.85‐18.0]; P = .03), but did not differ for ΔGI between terminating vs nonterminating RFC‐ablation. Correspondingly, LI drop rate was higher for RFC‐ablation terminating the VT compared with RFC‐ablation not terminating the VT (0.63 Ω/s [0.52‐0.76] vs 0.32 Ω [0.20‐0.58]; P = .008) while there was no difference for GI drop rate. ΔLI was higher in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy vs patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (16 Ω [11.0‐20.0] vs 11.0 Ω [7.85‐17.00]; P = .003).ConclusionOur findings suggest that LI is a sensitive parameter to guide RFC‐ablation in patients with VT. LI indicates differences in tissue characteristics and generally is higher in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Hence, the etiology of the underlying cardiomyopathy needs to be considered when adopting LI for monitoring catheter ablation of VT.
The range of atlanto‐occipital joint motion in cetaceans reflects their feeding behavior
Authors: Okamura Taro , Fujiwara Shin‐ichi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe cetaceans display a wide variety of lifestyles, especially with regard to their feeding behavior. However, the evolutionary process of the feeding behavior in cetaceans is still poorly understood, in part because reconstructing the feeding behavior of extinct taxa remains difficult. In cetaceans, cranium mobility relative to the trunk largely depends on the range of motion permitted by the atlanto‐occipital joint, given the lack of flexibility of the cervical series. In this study, we examined 56 extant cetacean skeletal specimens from 30 species in 25 genera and nine families in order to investigate the relationships between anatomical traits and feeding behavior. Our results suggest that the range of dorso‐ventral motion allowed by the atlanto‐occipital joint (ROM) depends on prey habitat and the feeding technique of cetaceans. Cetaceans feeding on benthic/demersal prey had a relatively large ROM compared with those feeding on pelagic prey. In addition, ROM was largest in raptorial feeders, intermediate in suction feeders, and smallest in ram‐filter feeders. Among raptorial feeders, ROM tended to be larger in taxa that facultatively tear off the prey's flesh compared with taxa that swallow their prey whole. Therefore, we conclude that ROM is a powerful tool to reliably reconstruct the feeding behavior of extinct cetacean taxa.
Assessing the fate of recombinant plant DNA in rabbit’s tissues fed genetically modified cotton
Authors: Shahid Ahmad Ali , Salisu Ibrahim Bala , Yaqoob Amina , Rao Abdul Qayyum , Ullah Inayat , husnain Tayyab 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVarious feeding studies have been conducted with the different species of animals to evaluate the possible transfer of transgenic DNA (tDNA) from genetically modified (GM) feed into the animal tissues. However, the conclusions drawn from most of such studies are sometimes controversial. Thus, in the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the fate of tDNA in rabbits raised on GM cotton‐based diet through PCR analysis of the DNA extracted specifically from blood, liver, kidney, heart and intestine (jejunum). A total of 48 rabbits were fed a mixed diet consisting variable proportions of transgenic cottonseeds meal (i.e. 0% w/w, 20% w/w, 30% w/w and 40% w/w) for 180 days. The presence of transgenic DNA fragments (Cry1Ac, Cry2A and CP4 EPSPS) or plant endogenous gene (Sad1) was traced in those specific tissues and organs. The presence of β‐actin (ACTB) was also monitored as an internal control. Neither the transgenic fragments (459 bp of Cry1Ac gene, 167 bp of Cry2A gene and111 bp of CP4 EPSPS gene) nor cotton endogenous reference gene (155 bp of Sad1) could be detected in any of the DNA samples extracted from the rabbit's tissues in both control and transgenic groups. However, 155 bp fragment of the rabbit's reference gene (ACTB) was recovered in all the DNA samples extracted from rabbit tissues. The results obtained from this study revealed that both plant endogenous and transgenic DNA fragments have same fate in rabbit's tissues and were efficiently degraded in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
Characterization of weeds and rotational crops as alternative hosts of Spongospora subterranea, the causal agent of powdery scab in Israel
Authors: Tsror (Lahkim) L. , Shapira R. , Erlich O. , Hazanovsky M. , Lebiush S. 
Published: November 2019

Alternative hosts of Spongospora subterranea may allow multiplication and survival of the pathogen over time; thus, host range is important from an epidemiological aspect. Weeds and rotational crops, such as wheat and barley, were sampled from potato fields with a history of powdery scab (PS) and examined for the presence of S. subterranea by root staining followed by microscopic observations and by qPCR analysis after DNA extraction. The pathogen was detected in plants of 16 weed species from eight families and in volunteer plants of potato and wheat. The ability of the pathogen to infect weeds and rotational crops was further examined by artificial inoculations with sporosori in pot experiments. Successful inoculations occurred with 13 weed species from eight families and with 12 rotational crops from five families. The findings of this study indicate a wide host range in Israel; the families Malvaceae and Zygophyllaceae and the following species are reported for the first time as S. subterranea hosts: Solanum elaeagnifolium, Triticum aestivum, Cynodon dactylon, Phalaris paradoxa, Phalaris minor, Setaria verticillata, Rostaria cristata, Sinapis nigra, Arachis hypogaea, Medicago sativa, Astragalus hauraensis, Amaranthus albus, Chenopodium murale, Chenopodium opulifolium, Salsola soda, Malva nicaeensis, Chrysanthemum segetum, Verbesina encelioides, Ammi majus and Tribulus terrestris. Controlling weeds and avoiding the relevant rotational crops observed to be S. subterranea‐positive and thus potential hosts, should be taken into consideration in the management of PS, to reduce pathogen inoculum build‐up.
Effects of L‐carnitine on the erythrocytes of stored human blood
Authors: Ravikumar Soumya , Prabhu Srinivasa , Vani Rajashekaraiah 
Published: November 2019

SUMMARYObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effects of L‐carnitine on oxidative stress in human erythrocytes during storage.BackgroundUsing antioxidants as components of blood storage solutions may combat the effects of storage‐induced oxidative stress on erythrocytes.MethodsBlood from male adults was stored at 4 °C for 55 days in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine solution, without L‐carnitine (Control) and with L‐carnitine as an additive (at concentrations of 10, 30 and 60 mM – Experiments). Every fifth day, erythrocyte markers (morphology, count, haemoglobin, haemolysis and osmotic fragility), antioxidant defences (antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity) and oxidative stress markers (superoxides, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation products) were analysed.ResultsOxidative damage was observed in controls (day 25 onwards) and in experiments (day 35 onwards). L‐carnitine (10 and 30 mM) protected erythrocytes from damage up to day 35 by maintaining haemoglobin and lipid peroxidation, assisting antioxidant enzymes and increasing antioxidant capacity by elevating sulfhydryls and ascorbic acid. L‐carnitine was beneficial in prolonging storage up to 55 days but could not prevent oxidative damage completely in terms of haemolysis and osmotic fragility.ConclusionsL‐carnitine ameliorated oxidative stress, but combinations with other antioxidants may provide comprehensive protection to erythrocytes during storage.
Lumbar Spine Response of Computational Finite Element Models in Multidirectional Spaceflight Landing Conditions
Authors: Ye Xin , Jones Derek A. , Gaewsky James P. , Koya Bharath , McNamara Kyle P. , Saffarzadeh Mona , Putnam Jacob B. , Somers Jeffrey T. , Gayzik F. Scott , Stitzel Joel D. , Weaver Ashley A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The goals of this study are to compare the lumbar spine response variance between the hybrid III, test device for human occupant restraint (THOR), and global human body models consortium simplified 50th percentile (GHBMC M50-OS) finite element models and evaluate the sensitivity of lumbar spine injury metrics to multidirectional acceleration pulses for spaceflight landing conditions. The hybrid III, THOR, and GHBMC models were positioned in a baseline posture within a generic seat with side guards and a five-point restraint system. Thirteen boundary conditions, which were categorized as loading condition variables and environmental variables, were included in the parametric study using a Latin hypercube design of experiments. Each of the three models underwent 455 simulations for a total of 1365 simulations. The hybrid III and THOR models exhibited similar lumbar compression forces. The average lumbar compression force was 45% higher for hybrid III (2.2 ± 1.5 kN) and 51% higher for THOR (2.0 ± 1.6 kN) compared to GHBMC (1.3 ± 0.9 kN). Compared to hybrid III, THOR sustained an average 64% higher lumbar flexion moment and an average 436% higher lumbar extension moment. The GHBMC model sustained much lower bending moments compared to hybrid III and THOR. Regressions revealed that lumbar spine responses were more sensitive to loading condition variables than environmental variables across all models. This study quantified the intermodel lumbar spine response variations and sensitivity between hybrid III, THOR, and GHBMC. Results improve the understanding of lumbar spine response in spaceflight landings.
Early transient intraocular pressure spike after cataract surgery in highly myopic cataract eyes and associated risk factors
Authors: Zhu Xiangjia , Qi Jiao , He Wenwen , Zhang Shaohua , Zhang Keke , Lu Qiang , Lu Yi 
Published: November 2019

PurposeTo investigate the incidence of the early transient intraocular pressure (IOP) spike after cataract surgery in eyes with highly myopic cataract (HMC) and associated risk factors.MethodsConsecutive patients treated with phacoemulsification were recruited. IOP was measured before and 1 day, 3 days, 1 week and 3 months after surgery. Axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were recorded, and optic disc tilt, rotation and beta-zone peripapillary atrophy (β-PPA) were measured from fundus photographs taken 1 week after surgery. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression was used to investigate the risk factors for early transient IOP spike in the HMC group.ResultsFinally, 94 eyes of 94 HMC patients and 67 eyes of 67 age-related cataract (ARC) controls were included in analysis. The incidence of early IOP spike was 10% in the ARC group and 28% in the HMC group (OR=3.277, p<0.05) at 1 day after surgery. In the HMC group with IOP spikes, more males were seen and affected eyes showed longer AL, shallower ACD, greater optic disc tilt, and larger β-PPA than those without (all p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that sex, AL, ACD, and area of β-PPA were significantly associated with an early transient IOP spike in HMC eyes (all p<0.05).ConclusionsHighly myopic eyes are more susceptible to early transient IOP spike after cataract surgery, and male sex, longer AL, shallower ACD, and greater β-PPA are associated risk factors.Clinical trial registration numberNCT02182921.
Quadriceps tendon grafts does not cause patients to have inferior subjective outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction than do hamstring grafts: a 2-year prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lind Martin , Nielsen Torsten Grønbech , Soerensen Ole Gade , Mygind-Klavsen Bjarne , Faunø Peter 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveWe performed a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using either quadriceps tendon graft (QT) or semitendinosus/gracilis hamstring (STG) graft. We compared subjective outcome (primary outcome) and knee stability, donor site morbidity and function (secondary outcomes).MethodsFrom 2013 to 2015, we included 99 adults with isolated ACL injuries in the RCT. Fifty patients were randomised to QT grafts and 49 to STG grafts and followed for 2 years. Patient evaluated outcomes were performed by subjective International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Kujala and Tegner activity scores. Knee laxity was measured with a KT-1000 arthrometer. Donor site morbidity was evaluated by the ‘donor site-related functional problems following ACLR score’. One-leg hop test tested limp strength symmetry.ResultsAt 2-year follow-up, there was no difference between the two graft groups regarding subjective patient outcome, knee stability and reoperations. Also, at 2 years, donor site symptoms were present in 27% of patients in the QT group and 50% of patients in the STG group. The donor site morbidity score was 14 and 22 for the QT and STG, respectively. Hop test demonstrated lower limp symmetry for QT graft than STG graft of 91% and 97% respectively.ConclusionQT graft for ACLR did not result in inferior subjective outcome compared with STG graft. However, QT graft was associated with lower donor site morbidity than STG grafts but resulted in more quadriceps muscle strength deficiency than hamstring grafts. Both graft types had similar knee stability outcome.Trial registration numberNCT02173483.
Routine use of progesterone does not prevent miscarriage
Authors: Cook Rob , Thomas Vaughan , Taft Rachel 
Published: November 2019

The studyCoomarasamy A, Devall AJ, Cheed V, et al. A randomised trial of progesterone in women with bleeding in early pregnancy N Engl J Med 2019;380:1815-24.This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number 12/167/26).To read the full NIHR Signal, go to https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000792/miscarriage-not-prevented-by-routine-use-of-progesterone
Homozygous mutations in REC114 cause female infertility characterised by multiple pronuclei formation and early embryonic arrest
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Dong Jie , Chen Biaobang , Du Jing , Kuang Yanping , Sun Xiaoxi , Fu Jing , Li Bin , Mu Jian , Zhang Zhihua , Zhou Zhou , Lin Zhao , Wu Ling , Yan Zheng , Mao Xiaoyan , Li Qiaoli , He Lin , Wang Lei , Sang Qing 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundAbnormal pronuclear formation during fertilisation and subsequent early embryonic arrest results in female infertility. In recent years, with the prevalence of assisted reproductive technology, a few genes have been identified that are involved in female infertility caused by abnormalities in oocyte development, fertilisation and embryonic development. However, the genetic factors responsible for multiple pronuclei formation during fertilisation and early embryonic arrest remain largely unknown.ObjectiveWe aim to identify genetic factors responsible for multiple pronuclei formation during fertilisation or early embryonic arrest.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing was performed in a cohort of 580 patients with abnormal fertilisation and early embryonic arrest. Effects of mutations were investigated in HEK293T cells by western blotting and immunoprecipitation, as well as minigene assay.ResultsWe identified a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.397T>G, p.C133G) and a novel homozygous donor splice-site mutation (c.546+5G>A) in the meiotic gene REC114. REC114 is involved in the formation of double strand breaks (DSBs), which initiate homologous chromosome recombination. We demonstrated that the splice-site mutation affected the normal alternative splicing of REC114, while the missense mutation reduced the protein level of REC114 in vitro and resulted in the loss of its function to protect its partner protein MEI4 from degradation.ConclusionsOur study has identified mutations in REC114 responsible for human multiple pronuclei formation and early embryonic arrest, and these findings expand our knowledge of genetic factors that are responsible for normal human female meiosis and fertility.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block and thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia after video-assisted thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: Taketa Yasuko , Irisawa Yumi , Fujitani Taro 
Published: November 2019

Background and objectivesThe anesthetic characteristics of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) remain unclear. We compared the analgesic efficacies of ESPB and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) for analgesia after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).MethodIn this prospective randomized non-inferiority trial, 88 patients undergoing VATS randomly received ESPB or TPVB. All patients received continuous infusion of 0.2% levobupivacaine (8 mL/hour) after injection of a 20 mL 0.2% levobupivacaine bolus. The primary outcome was median differences between the groups in postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest, 24 hours postoperatively.ResultsEighty-one patients completed the study. The median difference in NRS scores at rest 24 hours postoperatively was 1 (range 0–1), demonstrating the non-inferiority of ESPB to TPVB. NRS scores at rest were significantly lower in the TPVB group at 1, 2 and 24 hours postoperatively (p=0.02, 0.01 and 0.006, respectively). NRS scores on movement were similar. More dermatomes in parasternal regions were anaesthetized in the TPVB group (p<0.0001). Total plasma levobupivacaine concentrations were significantly lower in the ESPB group within 20 hours postoperatively (p=0.036).ConclusionsThe analgesic effect of ESPB after VATS was non-inferior to that of TPVB 24 hours postoperatively.Trial registration numberUMIN000030658.
Healthcare system encounters before COPD diagnosis: a registry-based longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Johnson Kate M , Khakban Amir , Bryan Stirling , Sin Don D , Sadatsafavi Mohsen 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundThere is high interest in strategies for improving early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These strategies often rely on opportunistic encounters between patients with undiagnosed COPD and the healthcare system; however, the frequency of these encounters is currently unknown.MethodsWe used administrative health data for the province of British Columbia, Canada, from 1996 to 2015. We identified patients with COPD using a validated case definition, and assessed their visits to pharmacists, primary care and specialist physicians in the 5 years prior to the initial diagnosis of COPD. We used generalised linear models to compare the rate of outpatient visits between COPD and non-COPD comparator subjects matched on age, sex and socioeconomic status.ResultsWe assessed 112 635 COPD and non-COPD pairs (mean 68.6 years, 51.0% male). Patients with COPD interacted with pharmacists most frequently in the 5 years before diagnosis (mean 14.09, IQR 4–17 visits/year), followed by primary care (10.29, IQR 4–13 visits/year) and specialist (8.11, IQR 2–11 visits/year) physicians. In the 2 years prior to diagnosis, 72.1% of patients with COPD had a respiratory-related primary care visit that did not result in a COPD diagnosis. Compared with non-COPD subjects, patients with COPD had higher rates of primary care (rate ratio (RR) 1.40, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.41), specialist (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.37) and pharmacist (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.60 to 1.63) encounters.ConclusionsPatients with COPD used higher rates of outpatient services before diagnosis than non-COPD subjects. Case detection technologies implemented in pharmacy or primary care settings have opportunities to diagnose COPD earlier.
Gravity, entanglement and CPT-symmetry violation in particle mixing
Authors: Simonov K. , Capolupo A. , Giampaolo S. M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We study the probability oscillations of mixed particles in the presence of self gravitational interaction. We show that the presence of the parity leads to the violation of the time-reversal symmetry while the CP-symmetry is preserved hence inducing a CPT-symmetry violation. This violation is directly associated to the rising of the entanglement among the elements of the system that can be seen as a pure many-body effect scaling with the number of the elements in the system. This effect could have played a relevant role in the first stages of the universe or in core of very dense systems. Experiments based on Rydberg atoms confined in microtraps can simulate the mixing and the mutual interaction, and could allow to test the mechanism here presented.
Pathophysiologic and Prognostic Implications of Right Atrial Hypertension in Adults With Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Bonnichsen Crystal , Reddy Yogesh N. V. , Anderson Jason H. , Borlaug Barry A. 
Published: November 2019

Background

Right atrial pressure (
RAP
), a composite metric of right ventricular diastolic function, volume status, and right heart compliance, is a predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure due to acquired heart disease. Because patients with tetralogy of Fallot (
TOF
) might have abnormal right atrial and ventricular mechanics caused by myocardial injury and remodeling, we hypothesized that
RAP
would be associated with disease severity and cardiovascular adverse events in this population.

Methods and Results

We performed a cohort study of adults with
TOF
who underwent right heart catheterization at the Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1990 and 2017. The objective was to determine the association between
RAP
and multiple domains of disease severity in
TOF
(percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption, atrial or ventricular arrhythmia, and heart failure hospitalization), as well as cardiovascular adverse events, defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia, resuscitated or aborted sudden death, heart transplantation, or death. Among 225 patients (113 male; mean age: 39±14 years), mean RAP was 10.7±5.2 mm Hg and median was 10 mm Hg (interquartile range: 7–13 mm Hg). Increasing
RAP
was associated with atrial or ventricular arrhythmias (odds ratio: 5.01; 95% CI, 1.22–23.49;
P
<0.001), heart failure hospitalization (odds ratio: 1.47; 95% CI, 1.10–2.39;
P
=0.033) per 5 mm Hg, and worsening exercise capacity (peak oxygen consumption;
R
2
=0.74,
r
=−0.86,
P
<0.001).
RAP
was a predictor of cardiovascular adverse events (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI, 1.10–1.47;
P
=0.028) per 5 mm Hg.

Conclusions

In symptomatic patients with
TOF
, increasing
RAP
correlates with multiple domains of disease severity (risk stratification) and predicts future cardiovascular events (prognostication). These data have potential clinical implications in the target population of symptomatic
TOF
patients.