bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography‐derived left atrial volume index, sex, and age to predict the presence and the extent of left atrial low‐voltage zones in patients with atrial fibrillation: The ZAQ score
Authors: D'Ambrosio Gabriele , Romano Silvio , Alothman Obaida , Frommhold Markus , Borisov Georgi , El Garhy Mohammad , Issa Karam , Penco Maria , Raffa Santi , Geller J. Christoph 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, with advanced left atrial (LA) structural changes, additional targeted catheter ablation of low‐voltage zones (LVZs) has produced favorable results. Therefore, with the advent of single‐shot techniques, it would be helpful to predict the presence of LVZs before an ablation procedure.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that computed tomography (CT)‐derived left atrial volume index (LAVI), in combination with other objective parameters, could be used to develop a score able to predict the presence of LVZs.MethodsIn a large cohort of patients undergoing their first AF ablations, comprehensive echocardiographic evaluations and cardiac CT were performed. During the electrophysiological studies, LA geometry and electroanatomic voltage maps were created. LVZs were defined as areas ≥1 cm2 with bipolar peak‐to‐peak voltage amplitudes ≤0.5 mV.ResultsIn a derivation cohort of 374 patients, predictors of LVZs were identified by regression analysis and used to build the Zentralklinik Bad Berka and University of L'Aquila (ZAQ) score (age ≥65 years; female sex; and CT‐LAVI ≥57 mL/m2). The ZAQ score of 2 points accurately identified the presence and the extent of LVZs (area under the curve [AUC], 0.809; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.758‐0.861; P < .001 and 3 [interquartile range, IQR, 1.5‐4.5] vs 7 cm2 [IQR 4‐9]; P = .001). In a validation cohort of 103 patients, the predictive value of the score was confirmed (AUC, 0.793; 95% CI, 0.709‐0.878; P < .001 and 4 [IQR, 2‐7] vs 11.5 cm2 [IQR, 8‐16.5]; P = .001).ConclusionsThe ZAQ score identifies LVZs and may be useful for planning the ablation strategy ahead of time.
P53/PANK1/miR‐107 signalling pathway spans the gap between metabolic reprogramming and insulin resistance induced by high‐fat diet
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhang Bin , Wang Xinju , Liu Zhenhua , Li Juan , Zhang Shumiao , Gu Xiaoming , Jia Min , Guo Haitao , Feng Na , Fan Rong , Xie Manjiang , Pei Jianming , Chen Li 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHigh‐fat diet (HFD) leads to obesity, type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and increases the coincidence of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Insulin resistance (IR) is considered as the ‘common soil’ of those diseases. Furthermore, people on HFD showed restrained glycolysis and enhanced fatty acid oxidation, which is the so‐called metabolic reprogramming. However, the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and IR induced by HFD is still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that PANK1 and miR‐107 were up‐regulated in the liver tissue of mice on HFD for 16 weeks and involved in metabolic reprogramming induced by palmitate acid (PA) incubation. Importantly, miR‐107 within an intron of PANK1 gene facilitated IR by targeting caveolin‐1 in AML12 cells upon PA incubation. Moreover, we identify that HFD enhanced P53 expression, and activation of P53 with nutlin‐3a induced PANK1 and miR‐107 expression simultaneously in transcriptional level, leading to metabolic reprogramming and IR, respectively. Consistently, inhibition of P53 with pifithrin‐α hydrobromide ameliorated PA‐induced metabolic reprogramming and IR. Thus, our results revealing a new mechanism by which P53 regulate metabolism. In addition, the results distinguished the different roles of PANK1 and its intron miR‐107 in metabolic regulation, which will provide more accurate intervention targets for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Self‐managed work teams: An efficiency‐rationale for pay compression
Authors: Adrian Nana , Möller Marc 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper uncovers a novel mechanism through which pay dispersion can have a negative effect on firm performance, even in the absence of equity or fairness considerations. We use a stylized model of a self‐managed work team to show that, when team‐work involves heterogeneous tasks, the provision of incentives to exert effort conflicts with the provision of incentives to share information relevant for decision‐making. Pay dispersion deteriorates information sharing as it induces workers to conceal “bad news” to maintain their coworkers motivation. The practical implications of our theory are that team empowerment should go hand in hand with pay compression and that empowerment should be avoided when team production involves strongly heterogeneous tasks.
In the surf zone: Reproductive strategy of the calico surfperch (Amphistichus koelzi) in a comparative context
Authors: Izumiyama Michael , Westphal Michael F. , Crow Karen D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe examined the reproductive life history of calico surfperch (Amphistichus koelzi), including mating season, pregnancy, gestation and multiple paternity utilizing restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing. Furthermore, we compared the mating season of calico with barred (Amphistichus argenteus), walleye (Hyperprosopon argenteum) and silver (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) surfperches to determine if the timing of reproduction is divergent within and between the genera. In calico surfperch, the mating season occurs from October to November, and females gestate from December to May. All broods exhibit multiple paternity with a range of four to seven sires per brood. The mating season of calico overlaps completely with barred surfperch; however, barred surfperches have a protracted mating season which extends until the beginning of December, which may be due to differences in reproductive strategy such as size at first reproduction. In the genus, the Hyperprosopon mating season begins earlier than Amphistichus, with divergence in the onset of mating between Hyperprosopon congeners of approximately 1 month.
A new Amazonian species of Brachychalcinus (Characiformes: Characidae) from the Trombetas River basin, Brazil
Authors: Garcia‐Ayala James R. , Benine Ricardo C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA new species of Brachychalcinus is described from the Rio Trombetas basin, Brazil. It differs from congeners by possessing a conspicuous rounded second humeral spot. Additionally, our new species differs from Brachychalcinus nummus, B. orbicularis and B. reisi by having a higher number of branched dorsal‐fin rays, and from Brachychalcinus parnaibae by having a lower head depth.
A new troglomorphic species of Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from north‐eastern Colombia, with proposal of a new Trichomycterus subclade and remarks on some nominal species from Colombia
Authors: DoNascimiento Carlos , Prada‐Pedreros Saúl 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTrichomycterus spectrum is described as a new species from the Alejo cave, drained by the Ranchería River basin, in La Guajira department, north‐eastern Colombia, and is the first troglomorphic species described from this region. The new species shows an advanced degree of troglomorphisms expressed as eyes absent, long barbels and body depigmented. Trichomycterus spectrum is diagnosed by the putatively autapomorphic presence of a posterior process at the anterolateral corner of the epioccipital, and is also recognized by the derived presence of a circular foramen on the neural spine of the complex vertebra and the following posterior vertebra, and by the apomorphic presence of a well‐developed coracoid bridge, distally expanded, and contacting or almost reaching the lateral margin of the cleithrum. The new species also shows the derived origin of the levator internus 4 on the dorsal surface of the posttemporo‐supracleithrum that supports Trichomycterinae monophyly. We also propose a monophyletic subgroup provisionally within Trichomycterus, here named the Trichomycterus taenia species group, which includes species distributed in cis‐ and trans‐Andean drainages in northern South America. The taxonomic status of several recently described nominal species from Colombia is discussed, with several synonymy proposals.ResumenTrichomycterus spectrum es descrito como una especie nueva de la cueva de Alejo, drenada por la cuenca del río Ranchería, en el departamento de La Guajira, noreste de Colombia, y es la primera especie troglomórfica descrita para esta región. La especie nueva exhibe un grado avanzado de troglomorfismos expresado como ojos ausentes, barbillas largas y cuerpo depigmentado. Trichomycterus spectrum es diagnósticado por la presencia putativamente autapomórfica de un proceso posterior en la esquina anterolateral del epióticoy es reconocido también por la presencia derivada de un foramen circular en la espina neural de la vértebra compleja y de la vértebra posterior siguiente, y por la presencia apomórfica de un puente coracoideo bien desarrollado, expandido distalmente y contactando o muy próximo al margen lateral del cleitro. La especie nueva también posee el origen derivado del levator internus 4 sobre la superficie dorsal del posttemporo‐supracleitro que soporta la monofilia de Trichomycterinae. También proponemos un subgrupo monofilético provisionalmente dentro de Trichomycterus, denominado aquí como el grupo de especies Trichomycterus taenia, el cual incluye especies distribuidas en cuencas cis y transandinas en el norte de Sudamérica. El estatus taxonómico de varias especies nominales recientemente descritas de Colombia es discutido, con varias propuestas de sinonimia.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease burden: Australia, 2019–2030
Authors: Adams Leon A , Roberts Stuart K , Strasser Simone I , Mahady Suzanne E , Powell Elizabeth , Estes Chris , Razavi Homie , George Jacob 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and AimNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) account for a large and growing proportion of liver disease burden globally. The burden of NAFLD/NASH manifests in increasing levels of advanced liver disease and primary liver cancer in Australia. A Markov model was used to forecast NAFLD burden in Australia through 2030.MethodsA model was used to estimate fibrosis progression, primary liver cancer, and liver deaths among the Australian NAFLD population, with changes in incident NAFLD cases based on long‐term trends for changes in the prevalence of obesity. Published estimates and surveillance data were applied to build and validate the model projections, including surveillance data for the incidence of liver cancer.ResultsPrevalent NAFLD cases were projected to increase 25% from the current burden (5 551 000 [4 748 000–6 306 000] cases in 2019) to 7 024 000 [5 838 000–7 886 000] cases in 2030. The projected increase in the number of NASH cases (40%) was greater than that of NAFLD cases. Incident cases of advanced liver disease are projected to increase up to 85% by 2030, and incident NAFLD liver deaths are estimated to increase 85% from 1900 (1100–3300) deaths in 2019 to 3500 (2100–6100) deaths in 2030.ConclusionsRestraining growth of the obese and diabetic populations, along with potential therapeutic options, will be essential for mitigating disease burden.
Nutritional adequacy and content of food bank parcels in Oxfordshire, UK: a comparative analysis of independent and organisational provision
Authors: Fallaize R. , Newlove J. , White A. , Lovegrove J. A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundFood bank use has increased significantly in the UK. With the rise in demand, it is imperative that users are receiving food parcels that meet their requirements. The present study aimed to explore whether typical food parcels, supplied by The Trussell Trust and independent food banks, were meeting the daily nutrient and energy requirements of an adult user.MethodsThe Trussell Trust (n = 2) and independent food banks (n = 9) were surveyed in Oxfordshire, UK. Data were collected on food bank use, resources, donations and parcel content. The energy and nutrient contents of a representative parcel were compared with the average dietary reference values (DRVs) for an adult. Additional comparisons were made between The Trussell Trust and independent provision.ResultsParcels provided energy, carbohydrate, sugar, protein and fibre contents that significantly exceeded the DRVs. In total, 62.2% of energy was provided as carbohydrate and 569% of the DRV was provided by sugars. The vitamin D and retinol content of the parcels was significantly lower than the DRVs, meeting 25% and 27% of users' needs respectively; provision of all other micronutrients exceeded the DRVs. The Trussell Trust's parcels provided significantly less vitamin D and copper than independent parcels.ConclusionsFood bank parcels distributed in Oxfordshire, UK, exceeded energy requirements and provided disproportionately high sugar and carbohydrate and inadequate vitamin A and vitamin D compared to the UK guidelines. Improved links with distributors and access to cold food storage facilities would help to address these issues, via increased fresh food provision.
Development of an environmental impact reduction strategy for Australia's Antarctic infrastructure
Authors: Lockrey Simon , Verghese Karli , Crossin Enda , Young Gordon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this article, we first describe aspects of the environmental impact reduction strategy that was developed in conjunction with a life cycle assessment undertaken for the operations necessary to support Australia's largest Antarctic research station, Casey Station. The article then identifies future research and operational improvement opportunities for the Australian Antarctic Division, who is responsible for Australia's presence in Antarctica. These insights are mapped against knowledge, treaties, plans, and policies framing how the Australian Antarctic Division operates on the southern continent, making operational planning from the strategy relevant and actionable. The article concludes by posing recommendations, for future environmental management practice, that cover making improvements to data quality collection, undertaking a strategic approach, utilizing a new ice breaker, and facilitating behavior change via engagement and active support of staff.
Circular RNA PVT1 enhances cell proliferation but inhibits apoptosis through sponging microRNA‐149 in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaofeng , Luo Ling , Gao Yuqiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate the influence of circular RNA PVT1 (circ‐PVT1) on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell proliferation and apoptosis, more importantly, to identify the target microRNAs (miRNA) of circ‐PVT1 in EOC.MethodsCirc‐PVT1 expression in EOC cell lines and nonmalignant control cells was detected. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and candidate target miRNA (miR‐149, miR‐183 and miR‐194) expressions were detected in circ‐PVT1 overexpression treated CAOV3 cells and circ‐PVT1 knock‐down treated SKOV3 cells. Furthermore, miR‐149 overexpression and miR‐149 knock‐down plasmids were transfected into circ‐PVT1 dysregulated CAOV3 cells and SKOV3 cells, respectively, and cell proliferation as well as apoptosis were detected.ResultsCirc‐PVT1 expression was increased in human EOC cell lines (CAOV3, SKOV3, SNU119 and OVCAR3) compared to human normal ovary surface epithelial cell line (HOSEpiC). In SKOV3 cells, cell proliferation was reduced at 48 and 72 h but cell apoptosis rate was increased at 48 h by circ‐PVT1 knock‐down. In CAOV3 cells, cell proliferation was increased at 48 and 72 h but cell apoptosis rate was decreased at 48 h by circ‐PVT1 overexpression. Besides, circ‐PVT1 negatively regulated miR‐149 but not miR‐183 or miR‐194 in SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells. Rescue experiments showed that miR‐149 knock‐down increased cell proliferation but decreased apoptosis in circ‐PVT1 knock‐down treated SKOV3 cells, while miR‐149 overexpression reduced cell proliferation but enhanced apoptosis in circ‐PVT1 overexpression treated CAOV3 cells.ConclusionCirc‐PVT1 enhances cell proliferation but inhibits cell apoptosis through sponging miR‐149 in EOC cells, which suggests that circ‐PVT1 may serve as a treatment target in EOC.
Effect of periodontal disease on electromyographic activity of muscles of mastication: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lamba Arundeep Kaur , Tandon Shruti , Faraz Farrukh , Garg Vibhuti , Aggarwal Kamal , Gaba Varun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimThis study aims to compare surface electromyographic activities (EMG) of four muscles, that is anterior temporalis (AT), masseter (MST), sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and anterior belly of digastric (ABD), between chronic periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy individuals as well as to correlate these EMG findings with periodontal parameters.MethodsThirty chronic periodontitis patients were recruited in Group I and 30 periodontally healthy individuals in Group II. Clenching and resting EMG for 4 muscles (AT, MST, SCM and ABD) were recorded for each participant. These EMG values were compared between the groups and correlated with periodontal parameters (plaque index, modified sulcular bleeding index, probing depth and clinical attachment loss).ResultsResting EMG (rEMG) showed no significant difference between the groups for any muscle. Clenching EMG (cEMG) values were significantly lower in Group I than Group II for AT and MST (P = .001), but not so for SCM and ABD. Within Group I, AT and MST showed a significant negative correlation of cEMG with probing depth and clinical attachment loss (P < .05).ConclusionElectrical muscle activities of AT and MST are lower in chronic periodontitis than periodontally healthy individuals.
The influence of a simulated digest of an equine dietary feed additive G's formula on contractile activity of gastric smooth muscle in vitro
Authors: MacNicol Jennifer L. , Murrant Coral , Pearson Wendy 
Published: February 2020

AbstractG's Formula is a novel equine feed additive formulated to promote optimal GI function. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of a simulated digest of the composite feed additive G's Formula (FA) would alter the contractile response of gastric smooth muscle to acetylcholine (Ach). Smooth muscle strips from porcine stomachs were excised and attached to an isometric force transducer. An experiment was run to compare tissue contraction between tissue exposed to FA (FA; n = 8, simulated digest of FA was added to the bath) and control tissue (CO; n = 8, no additions made). Increasing concentrations of Ach were added into the bath such that the concentration increased from 10–8–10−3 M. Based on the analysis of these data, a difference between FA and CO was observed. Therefore, another trial was run which included a blank group (BL n = 6) in which the tissue was exposed to the simulated digest without FA. More CO (n = 5) and FA (n = 4) tissue was also run. Force was compared to baseline and between groups. In FA group, mean force for 1‐min following all Ach additions was higher than baseline (p < .05) and by 2‐min the integral‐under‐force/time curve (AUC) was higher than baseline from 10–7–10−3 M compared to lower concentrations of Ach in both CO (10−6 M for both) and BL (10−5 M and 10−6 M, respectively). By 8‐min AUC of all Ach concentrations were higher than baseline in FA compared to an Ach of 10−6 M in both CO and BL. A simulated digest of FA appears to sensitize gastric smooth muscle to Ach in vitro. FA may increase GI contractility, and the functional effect of this should be studied further in vivo.
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on aortic stiffness in patients with resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cardoso Claudia R. L. , Roderjan Christian N. , Cavalcanti Aline H. , Cortez Arthur F. , Muxfeldt Elizabeth S. , Salles Gil F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractResistant hypertension (RHT) is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and increased aortic stiffness, measured by carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV). We aimed to evaluate in a randomized controlled trial, the effect of Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on cf‐PWV in comparison with a control group in patients with RHT and moderate‐severe OSA. One‐hundred and sixteen patients were randomized to 6‐month CPAP treatment (56 patients) or no therapy (60 patients), while keeping their antihypertensive treatment unchanged. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity was performed at the beginning and end of the 6‐month period. Intention‐to‐treat intergroup differences in cf‐PWV changes were assessed by a generalized mixed‐effects model with the allocation group as a fixed factor and adjusted for age, sex, changes in mean arterial pressure and the baseline cf‐PWV values. Subgroup sensitivity analyses were performed, excluding patients with low CPAP adherence and low cf‐PWV at baseline. CPAP and control groups had similar clinic‐laboratorial characteristics. Patients had a mean cf‐PWV of 9.4 ± 1.6 m/s and 33% presented cf‐PWV > 10 m/s. During treatment, the control group had a mean increase in cf‐PWV of +0.43 m/s (95% confidence interval [CI], +0.14 to +0.73 m/s; p = .005), whereas the CPAP group had a mean increase of +0.03 m/s (95% CI, −0.33 to +0.39 m/s; p = .87), resulting in a mean difference in changes between CPAP and control of −0.40 m/s (95% CI, −0.82 to +0.02 m/s; p = .059). Subgroup analyses did not change the results. In conclusion, a 6‐month CPAP treatment did not reduce aortic stiffness, measured by cf‐PWV, in patients with RHT and moderate/severe OSA, but treatment may prevent its progression, in contrast to no‐CPAP therapy.
Prevalence of HCV resistance‐associated substitutions among treatment‐failure patients receiving direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Liu Zhenqiu , Mao Xianhua , Yu Kangkang , Suo Chen , Jin Li , Zhang Tiejun , Chen Xingdong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDirect‐acting antiviral (DAA) failure, which is mainly associated with the selection of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs), is not rare in HCV treatment. RAS data collected from published literature and RAS prevalence were integrated using meta‐analysis. DAA‐failure‐associated RASs were identified by comparing their prevalence between DAA‐failure and DAA‐naïve patients. Prevalences of emerging RASs that occurred during treatment were also estimated. A total of 2932 DAA‐naïve patients and 1466 DAA‐failure patients were included. Significant differences in the prevalence of RASs were found in 76 scenarios that involved 34 RASs (11 in NS3, 18 in NS5A and 5 in NS5B), 4 genotypes (GTs) (GT1a, GT1b and GT3‐4) and 14 DAAs (6 NS3 protease inhibitors [PIs], 6 NS5A inhibitors and 2 NS5B inhibitors). For NS3, the DAA‐failure‐associated RASs included V36L, Y56H, Q80K/R, R155K, A156T and D168A/E/L/T/V/Y. Substitutions at R155 and D168 were dominant for most NS3 PIs. For NS5A, DAA‐failure‐associated RASs included K24R, Q30R, L31M, and P32L in GT1a; R30Q/H, L31F/I/M/V, P58S, and Y93H in GT1b; A30K, L31M and Y93H in GT3; and M31V and Y93H in GT4. Y93H was the most prevalent RAS for NS5A inhibitors. DAA‐failure‐associated RASs were found at only five positions in NS5B. The majority of DAA‐failure patients relapsed. A significant difference was detected for only four RAS sites between relapse patients and nonresponse/breakthrough patients. The RAS prevalence in DAA‐failure patients varied among the HCV GTs and DAA regimens. The identified treatment‐selected resistance patterns for broadly used DAA regimens will enable the selection of optimized retreatment options.