bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized study defining the optimum target interlesion distance in ablation index-guided atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Hoffmann Philipp , Diaz Ramirez Ivan , Baldenhofer Gerd , Stangl Karl , Mont Lluís , Althoff Till F 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Aims
While the CLOSE protocol proposes a maximally tolerable interlesion distance (ILD) of 6 mm for ablation index ablation index-guided atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, a target ILD has never been defined. This randomized study sought to establish a target ILD for ablation index-guided AF ablation.

Methods and results
Consecutive patients scheduled for first-time pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) were randomly assigned to ablation protocols with a target ILD of 5.0–6.0 mm or 3.0–4.0 mm, with the primary endpoint of first-pass PVI. In compliance with the CLOSE protocol, the maximum tolerated ILD was 6.0 mm in both study protocols. A target ablation index of ≥550 (anterior) or ≥400 (posterior) was defined for the ‘5–6 mm’ protocol and ≥500 (anterior) or ≥350 (posterior) for the ‘3–4 mm’ protocol. The study was terminated early for superiority of the ‘3–4 mm’ protocol. Forty-two consecutive patients were randomized and 84 ipsilateral PV pairs encircled according to the study protocol. First-pass PVI was accomplished in 35.0% of the ‘5–6 mm’ group and 90.9% of the ‘3–4 mm’ group (P &lt; 0.0001). Median ILD was 5.2 mm in the ‘5–6 mm’ group and 3.6 mm in the ‘3–4 mm’ group (P &lt; 0.0001). In line with the distinct ablation index targets, median ablation index was lower in the ‘3–4 mm’ group (416 vs. 452, P &lt; 0.0001). While mean procedure time was shorter in the ‘3–4 mm’ group (149 ± 27 vs. 167 ± 33min, P = 0.004), fluoroscopy times did not differ significantly (4.7 ± 2.2 vs. 5.1 ± 1.8 min, P = 0.565).

Conclusion
In ablation index-guided AF ablation, an ILD of 3.0–4.0 mm should be targeted rather than 5.0–6.0 mm. Moreover, the lower target ILD may allow for less extensive ablation at each given point.
Habitat diversity and type govern potential nitrogen loss by denitrification in coastal sediments and differences in ecosystem-level diversities of disparate N2O reducing communities
Authors: Wittorf Lea , Roger Fabian , Alsterberg Christian , Gamfeldt Lars , Hulth Stefan , Sundbäck Kristina , Jones Christopher M , Hallin Sara 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTIn coastal sediments, excess nitrogen is removed primarily by denitrification. However, losses in habitat diversity may reduce the functional diversity of microbial communities that drive this important filter function. We examined how habitat type and habitat diversity affects denitrification and the abundance and diversity of denitrifying and N2O reducing communities in illuminated shallow-water sediments. In a mesocosm experiment, cores from four habitats were incubated in different combinations, representing ecosystems with different habitat diversities. We hypothesized that habitat diversity promotes the diversity of N2O reducing communities and genetic potential for denitrification, thereby influencing denitrification rates. We also hypothesized that this will depend on the identity of the habitats. Habitat diversity positively affected ecosystem-level diversity of clade II N2O reducing communities, however neither clade I nosZ communities nor denitrification activity were affected. The composition of N2O reducing communities was determined by habitat type, and functional gene abundances indicated that silty mud and sandy sediments had higher genetic potentials for denitrification and N2O reduction than cyanobacterial mat and Ruppia maritima meadow sediments. These results indicate that loss of habitat diversity and specific habitats could have negative impacts on denitrification and N2O reduction, which underpin the capacity for nitrogen removal in coastal ecosystems.
Heterogeneity–disease relationship in the human microbiome-associated diseases
Authors: Ma Zhanshan (Sam) 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTSpace is a critical and also challenging frontier in human microbiome research. It has been found that lack of consideration of scales beyond individual and ignoring of microbe dispersal are two crucial roadblocks in preventing deep understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of human microbiome. Assessing and interpreting the heterogeneity and dispersal in microbiomes explicitly are particularly challenging, but implicit approaches such as Taylor's power law (TPL) can be rather effective. Based on TPL, which achieved a rare status of ecological laws, we introduce a general methodology for characterizing the spatial heterogeneity of microbiome (i.e. characterization of microbial spatial distribution) and further apply it for investigating the heterogeneity–disease relationship (HDR) via analyzing a big dataset of 26 MAD (microbiome-associated disease) studies covering nearly all high-profile MADs including obesity, diabetes and gout. It was found that in majority of the MAD cases, the microbiome was sufficiently resilient to endure the disease disturbances. Specifically, in ∼10–16% cases, disease effects were significant—the healthy and diseased cohorts exhibited statistically significant differences in the TPL heterogeneity parameters. We further compared HDR with classic diversity–disease relationship (DDR) and explained their mechanistic differences. Both HDR and DDR cross-verified remarkable resilience of the human microbiomes against MADs.
Exploration and profiling of hidden endophytic mycota of marine macroalgae with potential drug leads
Authors: Sarasan Manomi , Job Neema , Puthumana Jayesh , R Ravinesh , M P Prabhakaran , Thomas Lathika Cicily , Philip Rosamma 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTDiversity studies of endophytic assemblages are emerging challenges, which unveil novel phenotypes producing interesting chemical entities and a better understanding of their ecological significance. In the present investigation, we selected an extremely complex and unique environment supporting unexplored endophytes, ‘Macroalgae of Kerala coast, India’. Unlike terrestrial flora and mangroves, reports displaying endophytic assemblages of marine flora remain limited, especially from India. The main goal of this study was to expose hidden endophytic fungi from macroalgae and examination of their bioactive potential. An ecological investigation of four red, four green and three brown algae resulted in 133 fungal taxa with 29 distinct morphospecies. Aspergillus and Penicillium were found to be the dominant genera. Penicillium chrysogenum was the sole fungi that contributed 11% of the entire endophytic community. Antimicrobial activity against various aquaculture/human pathogens revealed that around 59% of endophytes inhibited at least one of the pathogens screened. The maximum number of isolates (37%) inhibited Escherichia coli tailed by Aspergillus fumigatus (27%). Antimicrobial profile of fungal endophytes endorses them as a potential source of bioactive molecules that can be explored to find a solution for drug resistance in microbial pathogens.
Diversity ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains associated to racemes of Grillo grape variety
Authors: Alfonzo Antonio , Francesca Nicola , Matraxia Michele , Craparo Valentina , Naselli Vincenzo , Mercurio Vincenzo , Moschetti Giancarlo 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe most important oenological characteristics of high-quality sparkling wines are high content of acidity and low pH. Racemes are late-maturing grapes of Grillo variety characterized by low pH and high content of tartaric and malic acids and, due to their intrinsic characteristics, might represent an interesting technological solution to increase acid quality of base sparkling wine. To this purpose, the use of yeasts able to ferment grape must at very low pH is mandatory for the success of the process. In this work, 261 Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from spontaneous vinifications of Grillo grape racemes were subject to intraspecific characterization by interdelta analysis which evidenced a total population consisting of 82 strains which were screened for their basis of technological traits including SO2 and alcohol tolerance, flocculence, growth at low temperatures and qualitative features such as H2S production. A total of 11 strains with interesting technological performance in vitro were inoculated into musts obtained from racemes of Grillo grape variety and microfermentation were monitored. For the first time an ecological investigation of yeast associated to raceme grapes has been carried out and provided an innovative strategy to improve the acidity of a Sicilian sparkling base wine from Grillo grape variety.
High-added value products from microalgae and prospects of aquaculture wastewaters as microalgae growth media
Authors: Dourou Marianna , Dritsas Panagiotis , Baeshen Mohamed N , Elazzazy Ahmed , Al-Farga Ammar , Aggelis George 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Aquaculture plays an important role in human nutrition and economic development but is often expanded to the detriment of the natural environment. Several research projects, aimed at cultivating microalgae in aquaculture wastewaters (AWWs) to reduce organic loads and minerals, along with the production of microalgal cell mass and metabolic products, are underway. Microalgal cell mass is of high nutritional value and is regarded as a candidate to replace, partially at least, the fish meal in the fish feed. Also, microalgal cell mass is considered as a feedstock in the bio-fuel manufacture, as well as a source of high-added value metabolic products. The production of these valuable products can be combined with the reuse of AWWs in the light of environmental concerns related with the aquaculture sector. Many research papers published in the last decade demonstrate that plenty of microalgae species are able to efficiently grow in AWWs, mainly derived from fish and shrimp farms, and produce valuable metabolites reducing the AWW pollutant load. We conclude that bio-remediation of AWWs combining with the production of microalgae cell mass and specific metabolites is probably the most convenient and economical solution for AWWs management and can contribute to the sustainable growth of the aquaculture.
Kuijieling, a Chinese medicine alleviates DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6Jmouse by improving the diversity and function of gut microbiota
Authors: Pan Guihua , Liu Bingdong , Li Sixing , Han Mulan , Gao Liang , Xu Guohuan , Du Qun , Xie Liwei 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a gastrointestinal disease. The link between gut microbiota and the inflammatory response in the gut has been recently established. Restoration of gut microbiota suppresses inflammatory signaling. Kuijieling (KJL) decoction, an experimental Chinese medicine formula could ameliorate the symptom of colitis. However, the involvement of gut microbiota in its curative effect remains known. Here, we would like to assess the therapeutic effect of KJL in DSS-induced UC model. Mouse feces were collected, followed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Kuijieling decoction improved gut microbial homeostasis and suppressed inflammation in the UC model. A 5-fold cross-validation and random forest analysis identified seven signature bacterial taxa representing the DSS-mediated pathogenic condition and recovery stage upon KJL decoction treatment. Overall, the findings support the notion of KJL decoction-mediated restoration of gut microbiota as a critical step of inducing remission and alleviating UC symptoms. In the present investigation, we aimed to address the question of whether KJL decoction alleviates the UC symptoms by manipulating the gut microbial structure and function.
Pinostrobin suppresses the Ca2+-signal-dependent growth arrest in yeast by inhibiting the Swe1-mediated G2 cell-cycle regulation
Authors: Sopanaporn Jumpol , Suksawatamnuay Sirinporn , Sardikin Amanulia , Lengwittaya Rittirat , Chavasiri Warinthorn , Miyakawa Tokichi , Yompakdee Chulee 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTPinostrobin, a flavonoid compound known for its diverse pharmacological actions, including anti-leukemic and anti-inflammatory activities, has been repeatedly isolated by various screenings, but its action mechanism is still obscure. Previously, pinostrobin was rediscovered in our laboratory using a yeast-based assay procedure devised specifically for the inhibitory effect on the activated Ca2+ signaling that leads the cells to severe growth retardation in the G2 phase. Here, we attempted to identify target of pinostrobin employing the genetic techniques available in the yeast. Using various genetically engineered yeast strains in which the Ca2+-signaling cascade can be activated by the controlled expression of the various signaling molecules of the cascade, its target was narrowed down to Swe1, the cell-cycle regulatory protein kinase. The Swe1 kinase is situated at the downstream of the Ca2+-signaling cascade and downregulates the Cdc28/Clb complex by phosphorylating the Cdc28 moiety of the complex in the G2 phase. We further demonstrated that pinostrobin inhibits the protein kinase activity of Swe1 in vivo as estimated by the decreased level of Cdc28 phosphorylation at Tyr-19. Since the yeast SWE1 gene is an ortholog for the human WEE1 gene, our finding implied a potentiality of pinostrobin as the G2 checkpoint abrogator in cancer chemotherapy.
APOE ε4 and the Influence of Sex, Age, Vascular Risk Factors, and Ethnicity on Cognitive Decline
Authors: Makkar Steve R , Lipnicki Darren M , Crawford John D , Kochan Nicole A , Castro-Costa Erico , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Diniz Breno Satler , Brayne Carol , Stephan Blossom , Matthews Fiona , Llibre-Rodriguez Juan J , Llibre-Guerra Jorge J , Valhuerdi-Cepero Adolfo J , Lipton Richard B , Katz Mindy J , Wang Cuiling , Ritchie Karen , Carles Sophie , Carriere Isabelle , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Yannakoulia Mary , Kosmidis Mary , Lam Linda , Chan Wai Chi , Fung Ada , Guaita Antonio , Vaccaro Roberta , Davin Annalisa , Kim Ki Woong , Han Ji Won , Suh Seung Wan , Riedel-Heller Steffi G , Roehr Susanne , Pabst Alexander , Ganguli Mary , Hughes Tiffany F , Snitz Beth , Anstey Kaarin J , Cherbuin Nicolas , Easteal Simon , Haan Mary N , Aiello Allison E , Dang Kristina , Pin Ng Tze , Gao Qi , Zin Nyunt Ma Shwe , Brodaty Henry , Trollor Julian N , Leung Yvonne , Lo Jessica W , Sachdev Perminder 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We aimed to examine the relationship between Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE*4) carriage on cognitive decline, and whether these associations were moderated by sex, baseline age, ethnicity, and vascular risk factors. Participants were 19,225 individuals aged 54–103 years from 15 longitudinal cohort studies with a mean follow-up duration ranging between 1.2 and 10.7 years. Two-step individual participant data meta-analysis was used to pool results of study-wise analyses predicting memory and general cognitive decline from carriage of one or two APOE*4 alleles, and moderation of these associations by age, sex, vascular risk factors, and ethnicity. Separate pooled estimates were calculated in both men and women who were younger (ie, 62 years) and older (ie, 80 years) at baseline. Results showed that APOE*4 carriage was related to faster general cognitive decline in women, and faster memory decline in men. A stronger dose-dependent effect was observed in older men, with faster general cognitive and memory decline in those carrying two versus one APOE*4 allele. Vascular risk factors were related to an increased effect of APOE*4 on memory decline in younger women, but a weaker effect of APOE*4 on general cognitive decline in older men. The relationship between APOE*4 carriage and memory decline was larger in older-aged Asians than Whites. In sum, APOE*4 is related to cognitive decline in men and women, although these effects are enhanced by age and carriage of two APOE*4 alleles in men, a higher numbers of vascular risk factors during the early stages of late adulthood in women, and Asian ethnicity.
Improving cross-correlations of ambient noise using an rms-ratio selection stacking method
Authors: Xie Jinyun , Yang Yingjie , Luo Yinhe 
Published: May 2020

SUMMARY
Stacking of ambient noise correlations is a crucial step to extract empirical Green's functions (EGFs) between station pairs. The traditional method is to linearly stack all short-duration cross-correlation functions (CCFs) over a long period of time to obtain final stacks. It requires at least several months of ambient noise data to obtain reliable phase velocities at periods of several to tens of seconds from CCFs. In this study, we develop a new stacking method named root-mean-square ratio selection stacking (RMSR_SS) to reduce the time duration required for the recovery of EGFs from ambient noise. In our RMSR_SS method, rather than stacking all short-duration CCFs, we first judge if each of the short-duration CCF constructively contributes to the recovery of EGFs or not. Then, we only stack those CCFs which constructively contribute to the convergence of EGFs. By applying our method to synthetic noise data, we demonstrate how our method works in enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of CCFs by rejecting noise sources which do not positively contribute to the recovery of EGFs. Then, we apply our method to real noise data recorded in western USA. We show that reliable and accurate phase velocities can be measured from 15-d long ambient noise data using our RMSR_SS method. By applying our method to ambient noise tomography (ANT), we can reduce the deployment duration of seismic stations from several months or years to a few tens of days, significantly improving the efficiency of ANT in imaging crust and upper-mantle structures.
Centroid moment tensor inversions of offshore earthquakes using a three-dimensional velocity structure model: slip distributions on the plate boundary along the Nankai Trough
Authors: Takemura Shunsuke , Okuwaki Ryo , Kubota Tatsuya , Shiomi Katsuhiko , Kimura Takeshi , Noda Akemi 
Published: May 2020

SUMMARYDue to complex 3-D heterogeneous structures, conventional 1-D analysis techniques using onshore seismograms can yield incorrect estimation of earthquake source parameters, especially dip angles and centroid depths of offshore earthquakes. Combining long-term onshore seismic observations and numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation in a 3-D model, we conducted centroid moment tensor (CMT) inversions of earthquakes along the Nankai Trough between April 2004 and August 2019 to evaluate decade-scale seismicity. Green's functions for CMT inversions of earthquakes with moment magnitudes of 4.3–6.5 were evaluated using finite-difference method simulations of seismic wave propagation in the regional 3-D velocity structure model. Significant differences of focal mechanisms and centroid depths between previous 1-D and our 3-D catalogues were found in the solutions of offshore earthquakes. By introducing the 3-D structures of the low-velocity accretionary prism and the Philippine Sea Plate, dip angles and centroid depths for offshore earthquakes were well-constrained. Teleseismic CMT also provides robust solutions, but our regional 3-D CMT could provide better constraints of dip angles. Our 3-D CMT catalogue and published slow earthquake catalogues depicted spatial distributions of slip behaviours on the plate boundary along the Nankai Trough. The regular and slow interplate earthquakes were separately distributed, with these distributions reflecting the heterogeneous distribution of effective strengths along the Nankai Trough plate boundary. By comparing the spatial distribution of seismic slip on the plate boundary with the slip-deficit rate distribution, regions with strong coupling were clearly identified.
Can social accountability mechanisms using community scorecards improve quality of pediatric care in rural Cambodia?
Authors: Edward Anbrasi , Jung Younghee , Chhorvann Chea , Ghee Annette E , Chege Jane 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objective
To determine the effect of social accountability strategies on pediatric quality of care.

Design and Setting
A non-randomized quasi experimental study was conducted in four districts in Cambodia and all operational public health facilities were included.

Participants
Five patients under 5 years and their caretakers were randomly selected in each facility.

Interventions
To determine the effect of maternal and child health interventions integrating citizen voice and action using community scorecards on quality of pediatric care.

Outcome Measures
Patient observations were conducted to determine quality of screening and counseling, followed by exit interviews with caretakers.

Results
Results indicated significant differences between intervention and comparison facilities; screening by Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) trained providers (100% vs 67%, P &lt; 0.019), screening for danger signs; ability to drink/breastfeed (100% vs 86.7%, P &lt; 0.041), lethargy (86.7% vs 40%, P &lt; 0.004) and convulsions (83.3 vs 46.7%, P &lt; 0.023). Screening was significantly higher for patients in the intervention facilities for edema (56.7% vs 6.7%, P &lt; 0.000), immunization card (90% vs 40%, P &lt; 0.002), child weight (100 vs 86.7, P &lt; 0.041) and checking growth chart (96.7% vs 66.7%, P &lt; 0.035). The IMCI index, constructed from key performance indicators, was significantly higher for patients in the intervention facilities than comparison facilities (screening index 8.8 vs 7.0, P &lt; 0.018, counseling index 2.7 vs 1.5, P &lt; 0.001). Predictors of screening quality were child age, screening by IMCI trained provider, wealthier quintiles and intervention facilities.

Conclusion
The institution of social accountability mechanisms to engage communities and facility providers showed some improvements in quality of care for common pediatric conditions, but socioeconomic disparities were evident.
Determination of Curcuminoids in Turmeric Dietary Supplements by HPLC-DAD: Multi-laboratory Study Through the NIH-ODS/NIST Quality Assurance Program
Authors: Mudge Elizabeth M , Brown Paula N , Rimmer Catherine A , Phillips Melissa M 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Turmeric is a medicinal herb containing curcuminoids, used as quality markers in dietary supplements. In 2016, an AOAC First Action Official MethodSM was adopted for quantitation of curcuminoids and requires multi-laboratory reproducibility data for Final Action status.

Objective
To collect reproducibility data for the quantitation of curcuminoids in dietary supplements through the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements/National Institute of Standards and Technology Quality Assurance Program (QAP).

Method
Laboratories that participated in the QAP by following the Official Methods of AnalysisSM Method 2016.16, submitted data for ten turmeric products. The data were analyzed for mean, repeatability, and reproducibility standard deviations, repeatability, and reproducibility.

Results
The initial data collection resulted in insufficient replicates (five) for each test sample to determine reproducibility, therefore laboratories were provided additional materials resulting in an incremental data approach. For homogenous products, reproducibility for curcumin ranged from 3.4 to 10.3%, bisdemethoxycurcumin with reproducibility ranging from 6.4 to 14.8%, and demethoxycurcumin ranging from 5.6 to 9.9%. The method was unsuitable for the quantitation of curcuminoids in complex smoothie products, products containing microbeads, or tinctures based on interlaboratory variances. Recommendations were provided for future multi-laboratory studies performed through QAPs and incremental approaches.

Conclusions
Method 2016.16 is suitable for the quantitation of curcuminoids and should be adopted for Final Action status for single and multi-ingredient dietary supplements containing dried roots, dried powders/extracts in bulk material, capsules, and softgels.

Highlights
Reproducibility for Method 2016.16 was collected through a non-traditional incremental data multi-laboratory study. The method is suitable for quantitation of curcuminoids in most common dietary supplements.