bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implantation of leadless pacing systems in patients early after tricuspid valve surgery: A feasible option
Authors: Theis Cathrin , Huber Carola , Kaesemann Philipp , Kaiser Bastian , Heinrich Hannah , Albert Marc , Nagib Ragi , Franke Ulrich F. W. , Bekeredjian Raffi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundAfter tricuspid valve (TV) surgery due to tricuspid regurgitation (TR), patients needing a permanent pacemaker often receive an epicardial lead implantation. This may result in delayed recovery from open‐chest surgery and increased postoperative risk. Leadless pacemaker (LPM) implantation may represent a valuable option.Methods and ResultsA total of 14 consecutive patients underwent LPM implantation (Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) early after TV surgery. The pacing indication in those patients was atrial fibrillation with a slow atrio‐ventricular (AV) conduction or atrial fibrillation and a concomitant AV block III. Three patients already had a pacemaker prior to surgery, which was explanted during TV repair. Three patients received a valve replacement with a bioprosthesis, while the remaining eight patients received a TV repair. All procedural data and device measurements during and after LPM implantation were recorded. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed prior and post LPM implantation, showing no changes in TV or bioprosthesis performance. The device measurements were within an adequate range: threshold: 0.83 ± 0.34 V @ 0.24 ± 0 ms, impedance: 480 ± 58.88 ohm, and R‐wave: 10.10 ± 3.60 mV. LPM implantation was successful in all patients with a mean procedural time of 32 ± 11.8 minutes, fluoroscopy time of 3.71 ± 3.15 minutes, and dose‐area product of 536.67 ± 811.26 cGy/m2.ConclusionsImplantation of an LPM early after TV surgery is a feasible option. LPM implantation does not affect TV or bioprosthesis performance in transthoracic echocardiography.
The genome of Cleistogenes songorica provides a blueprint for functional dissection of dimorphic flower differentiation and drought adaptability
Authors: Zhang Jiyu , Wu Fan , Yan Qi , John Ulrik P , Cao Mingshu , Xu Pan , Zhang Zhengshe , Ma Tiantian , Zong Xifang , Li Jie , Liu Ruijuan , Zhang Yufei , Zhao Yufeng , Kanzana Gisele , Lv Yanyan , Nan Zhibiao , Spangenberg German , Wang Yanrong 
Published: September 2020

SummaryCleistogenes songorica (2n = 4x = 40) is a desert grass with a unique dimorphic flowering mechanism and an ability to survive extreme drought. Little is known about the genetics underlying drought tolerance and its reproductive adaptability. Here, we sequenced and assembled a high‐quality chromosome‐level C. songorica genome (contig N50 = 21.28 Mb). Complete assemblies of all telomeres, and of ten chromosomes were derived. C. songorica underwent a recent tetraploidization (~19 million years ago) and four major chromosomal rearrangements. Expanded genes were significantly enriched in fatty acid elongation, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and circadian rhythm pathways. By comparative transcriptomic analysis we found that conserved drought tolerance related genes were expanded. Transcription of CsMYB genes was associated with differential development of chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers, as well as drought tolerance. Furthermore, we found that regulation modules encompassing miRNA, transcription factors and target genes are involved in dimorphic flower development, validated by overexpression of CsAP2_9 and its targeted miR172 in rice. Our findings enable further understanding of the mechanisms of drought tolerance and flowering in C. songorica, and provide new insights into the adaptability of native grass species in evolution, along with potential resources for trait improvement in agronomically important species.
Cutaneous granulomas as the presenting manifestation of Griscelli syndrome type 2
Authors: Gotesman Ryan , Ramien Michele , Armour Christine M. , Pham‐Huy Anne , Kirshen Carly 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGriscelli syndrome type 2 is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypopigmentation, silvery hair, and immunological dysfunction with no primary neurological impairment. We report an 18‐month‐old girl with Griscelli syndrome type 2 who presented to the dermatology department for cutaneous granulomas that developed following live‐attenuated vaccination. Two compound heterozygous variants in the RAB27A gene were subsequently identified. She developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, the key immunological concern, at age 5 years.
Genotype and clinical outcomes in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Yoon Ju Young , Cheon Chong Kun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe study aimed to delineate the genotypic features and endocrine / metabolic profiles in patients with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency.MethodsSubjects were diagnosed with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency by direct Sanger sequencing or multiple ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis and followed up in Pusan National University Children's Hospital from July 2008 to April 2019. The genotype, phenotype, and endocrine and metabolic profiles in children and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia were investigated.ResultsOf a total of 33 patients, 16 (48.5%) were males. Median age was 7.4 years (range, 0.1–23.8 years). Thirty (90.9%) had salt‐wasting phenotypes. Eleven (33.3%) initially presented with abnormality in a neonatal screening test without other symptoms. Among the 17 girls, seven received genital surgery. Sixty‐five alleles from the 33 patients were evaluated. The distribution of CYP21A2 gene mutations revealed an intron 2 splice site (c.293‐13A>G or c.293‐13C>G) mutation as the most common one (22, 33.8%), followed by c.518T>A (10, 15.4%) and a large deletion / conversion (7, 10.8%), in order. One novel mutation was detected, c.332del(p.G111fs). Among the 27 patients aged >2 years, fifteen (55.6%) were obese / overweight, and ten (37.0%) needed growth hormone therapy due to short stature. Among the seven subjects aged >2 years and having high‐risk genotype, five had impaired fasting glucose, three had precocious puberty, and four used growth hormone. A greater proportion of the high current corticosteroid dose group had impaired fasting glucose than in the low‐dose group (64.3 vs 23.1%, P = 0.031).ConclusionsEarly monitoring of endocrine and metabolic complications from childhood might benefit patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Recent Advances in Probabilistic Dose–Response Assessment to Inform Risk‐Based Decision Making
Authors: Chiu Weihsueh A. , Paoli Greg M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractParadoxically, risk assessments for the majority of chemicals lack any quantitative characterization as to the likelihood, incidence, or severity of the risks involved. The relatively few cases where “risk” is truly quantified are based on either epidemiologic data or extrapolation of experimental animal cancer bioassay data. The paucity of chemicals and health endpoints for which such data are available severely limits the ability of decisionmakers to account for the impacts of chemical exposures on human health. The development by the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety (WHO/IPCS) in 2014 of a comprehensive framework for probabilistic dose–response assessment has opened the door to a myriad of potential advances to better support decision making. Building on the pioneering work of Evans, Hattis, and Slob from the 1990s, the WHO/IPCS framework provides both a firm conceptual foundation as well as practical implementation tools to simultaneously assess uncertainty, variability, and severity of effect as a function of exposure. Moreover, such approaches do not depend on the availability of epidemiologic data, nor are they limited to cancer endpoints. Recent work has demonstrated the broad feasibility of such approaches in order to estimate the functional relationship between exposure level and the incidence or severity of health effects. While challenges remain, such as better characterization of the relationship between endpoints observed in experimental animal or in vitro studies and human health effects, the WHO/IPCS framework provides a strong basis for expanding the breadth of risk management decision contexts supported by chemical risk assessment.
The regularity of the multiple higher‐order poles solitons of the NLS equation
Authors: Zhang Yongshuai , Tao Xiangxing , Yao Tengteng , He Jingsong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBased on the inverse scattering method, the formulae of one higher‐order pole solitons and multiple higher‐order poles solitons of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) equation are obtained. Their denominators are expressed as , where is a matrix frequently constructed for solving the Riemann‐Hilbert problem, and the asterisk denotes complex conjugate. We take two methods for proving is invertible. The first one shows matrix is equivalent to a self‐adjoint Hankel matrix , proving . The second one considers the block‐matrix form of , proving . In addition, we prove that the dimension of is equivalent to the sum of the orders of pole points of the transmission coefficient and its diagonal entries compose a set of basis.
Working Time Accounts and Turnover*
Authors: Launov Andrey 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWorking time accounts are essentially bookkeeping tools that allow firms to smooth their demand for hours employed. Descriptive literature suggests that working time accounts can reduce layoffs and inhibit increases in unemployment during recessions. In a model of optimal labor demand, I show that working time accounts do not necessarily guarantee fewer layoffs at the firm level. Layoffs can fall or rise depending on whether a firm meets an economic downturn with a surplus or a deficit of hours, and on how productive the firm is. On aggregate and in expected terms, however, working time accounts reduce job destruction.
‘You have to call the right name' – Operation Joshua meets Cosmology and Catholicism at Lake Chambri in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Falck Christiane 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the Sepik, names feature centrally in political and religious contexts. Esoteric knowledge about totemic names enables Nyaura men to achieve status and power and can set them in contact with spirits. A recently arrived Pentecostal/evangelical movement—Operation Joshua—claims to have found the true name of God, whom it presents as being radically different to the beings people's ancestors have known. At Lake Chambri, however, the Nyaura (West Iatmul) community Timbunmeli had accommodated Catholicism to their culture long before Operation Joshua came to their village. While Operation Joshua demonizes Nyaura spirits, the Catholic community understands God to be an ancestral being for whom different clans know different names. Taking a political ontology perspective, I analyze the encounter of Operation Joshua and Nyaura Catholicism in Timbunmeli in relation to cosmo‐ontological politics pursued by ambitious Nyaura men and different denominations. I suggest that denominational pluralism creates ontological pluralism in Timbunmeli, where different actors engage different truth claims concerning the being and reality of central Christian figures in their world‐making practices.
‘Not anymore, not yet’: Australian–Hungarians rediscover the ‘old‐new’ Hungary
Authors: Petra Andits 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article examines the return visits of Australian‐Hungarians to their homeland after 1989 and the different types of homecoming experiences after an extended period of separation. The focus of the paper is returnees’ perceptions of changes to Hungary or lack thereof. I analyse the distinction between the ‘desired/nostalgic past’, which Hungarian returnees nurtured during the decades of separation and expected to rediscover upon return, and the ‘disdained past’ of the Communist dictatorship, which they had fled and hoped never to encounter again. The findings demonstrate that people interpret both past and present in relation to hopes, expectations and disappointments situated within particular nationalist imaginaries, political projects and ideological prisms. This allows us to analyse the nexus between local, national and diasporic belonging through post‐socialist identities, orientations toward democracy and understandings of ‘nation’.
Changes in antimicrobial resistance patterns of ocular surface bacteria isolated from horses in the UK: An eight‐year surveillance study (2012‐2019)
Authors: Chalder Ria H. , Knott Tim , Rushton James O. , Nikolic‐Pollard Danica 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeTo identify temporal changes in antimicrobial resistance of ocular surface bacteria isolated from clinically symptomatic equine eyes in the South West of the UK.Study designRetrospective.MethodsClinical and laboratory records of horses treated for suspected bacterial ocular surface disease (ulcerative and non‐ulcerative) at a single facility between January 2011 and December 2019 were reviewed. Cases were included if they underwent ocular surface sampling, aerobic bacterial culture, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Cases were split into two time periods based on when sampling occurred: “early” (2012‐2015) and “late” (2016‐2019) to enable identification of temporal trends in resistance to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, fusidic acid, neomycin, cloxacillin, ofloxacin, and polymyxin B.ResultsA total of 125 samples from 110 horses were included in analyses. Culture‐positive isolates were identified in 76/110 (60.8%) samples. Principal isolates includedStaphylococcispp. (n = 45; 64.3%),Streptococci spp. (n = 14; 20%), andEnterobacter spp. (n = 11; 15.7%). There was a significant increase in resistance to chloramphenicol over time (P = .007) and a decrease in resistance to ofloxacin that approached significance (P = .059). Chloramphenicol (100%) and gentamicin (85.7%) had the highest overall in‐vitro efficacy during the early and late periods, respectively. There was no significant difference in the type of bacteria isolated across the two time periods.ConclusionsThese results suggest a potential increase in resistance to chloramphenicol among bacteria isolated from the ocular surface of horses in the South West UK, reinforcing the value of surveillance to guide the empirical use of antimicrobials.
Automated RBC Exchange has a greater effect on whole blood viscosity than manual whole blood exchange in adult patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ait Abdallah Nassim , Connes Philippe , Di Liberto Gaetana , Offredo Lucile , Beaumont Jean Louis , Menouche Dehbia , Debbache Karima , Jebali Amna , Habibi Anoosha , Pirenne France , Galacteros Frédéric , Ranque Brigitte , Bartolucci Pablo 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBlood transfusion is the cornerstone treatment to reduce the clinical severity of sickle cell disease (SCD), but we need to maintain the haematocrit (Hct) within an acceptable range to avoid a deleterious increase in blood viscosity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of manual versus automated red blood cell (RBC) Exchange on haematological parameters and blood viscosity.Study design and methodsThis prospective, single‐centre, open nonrandomized observational study included forty‐three sickle cell patients: 12 had automated RBC Exchange and 31 manual RBC Exchange. Samples were collected in EDTA tubes just before and within one hour after the end of the RBC Exchange to measure the haematological parameters and blood viscosity.ResultsBoth automated and manual RBC Exchange decreased haemoglobin S levels and leucocyte and platelet counts, but the decrease was greater for automated RBC Exchange. Manual RBC Exchange caused a significant rise in haematocrit and haemoglobin levels and did not change blood viscosity. In contrast, automated RBC Exchange decreased blood viscosity without any significant change in haematocrit and only a very slight increase in haemoglobin levels. The change in blood viscosity correlated with the modifications of haematocrit and haemoglobin levels, irrespective of the RBC Exchange procedure. When adjusted for the volume of RBC Exchange, the magnitude of change in each biological parameter was not different between the two procedures.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the automated RBC Exchange provided greater haematological and haemorheological benefits than manual RBC Exchange, mainly because of the higher volume exchanged, suggesting that automated RBC Exchange should be favoured over manual RBC Exchange when possible and indicated.
Cryopreserved platelets and their suitability in being re‐suspended in additive solution
Authors: McLean Colin , McMillan Loraine , Petrik Juraj , Fraser Alasdair R. , Morrison Alex 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundCryopreserved platelets are generally produced and stored in plasma. With the advent of additive solutions being routinely used it would be prudent to examine producing and storing these units in a platelet additive solution (SSP+).Study design and methodsPlatelet concentrates were prepared from twenty overnight held whole blood units with 10 being re‐suspended in 100% plasma and 10 in approximately 70% SSP + and 30% plasma. All had 6% v/v DMSO added prior to storage at −80°C. On thawing plasma stored platelets were re‐constituted in fresh plasma with additive prepared platelets being subsequently suspended in 100% SSP+. Sample analysis was assessed pre cryopreservation, post thaw and 4 h.ResultsWe noted a significant increase in our annexin V levels along with a decrease in GP1bα Von Willebrand binding sites post thaw. The platelets ability to change shape was also significantly reduced as observed with our HSR and ESC values. However, despite this there was still sufficient material within the platelet to allow them to be viable as observed with our thromboelasticity results which, were still observed to be within normal parameters post thaw We also observed an increase in Extracellular vesicles post thaw, suggesting platelet damage which was supported by the reduction in platelet counts. Although there were still sufficient numbers to meet the minimum requirements of the UK guidelines.
Gone, but haven't forgotten: insights on plasmapheresis donation from lapsed donors
Authors: Thorpe Rachel , Nguyen Lilly , Masser Barbara M. , Van Dyke Nina , Davison Tanya E. 
Published: September 2020

Background and ObjectivesBlood Collection Agencies in several countries have implemented strategies to increase the number of plasmapheresis collections. Despite this, a sizable minority of plasma donors lapse from donation each year, with little research conducted on this topic. An understanding of the plasma donation experience from the perspective of lapsed donors, insights into why they stopped donating and their views on returning to donate may provide opportunities to intervene to increase the retention and reactivation of plasma donors.Materials and MethodsA qualitative approach was used in this study, with 17 lapsed plasma donors (no plasma donation for at least 13 months) interviewed. A purposive recruitment strategy was used to obtain a sample with diversity in gender (47% men), age (M = 36·2 years, SD = 13·6) and donation experience (M = 9·2 years, SD = 9·6). Semi‐structured, narrative interviews were conducted, with participants describing their plasma donation careers chronologically from first donation to most recent.ResultsThe majority of participants described at least some aspect of the plasma donation procedure as unpleasant. However, adverse experiences were only attributed to lapsing in a minority of cases, with other participants reporting significant life events, perceived ineligibility and concerns about the safety of the procedure as the reason why they lapsed.ConclusionIt is common for lapsed plasma donors to intend to donate again in the future. Recommendations are given for strategies to address barriers to returning, noting the potential role of tailored education and support.
Effect of waste activated sludge pretreatment methods to mitigate Gordonia foaming potential in anaerobic digestion
Authors: Garg Aparna , Stensel H. David , Bucher Bob , Sukapanpotharam Pardi , Winkler Mari K. H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, waste activated sludge obtained from two full‐scale treatment plants with foaming issues was pretreated with acid/alkali treatment, acid‐phase fermentation, thermal treatment, ultrasonic treatment and metal salt treatment to investigate their effect on foam mitigation. Waste activated sludge was characterized for foaming index prior and after each pretreatment method. Among all pretreatment methods investigated, acid/alkali treatment and acid phase fermentation showed highest reduction of 53% in foaming and in inactivation of Gordonia amarae filaments. Pretreatment methods that resulted in sharp decrease in the foaming index concurred with higher amounts of dead foam formers as confirmed using live/dead staining and the PMA‐qPCR technique. Pretreating with iron(III)chloride gave good foaming reductions with 54% decrease in foaming potential at a concentration of 260 mg/L but did not result in a decline of foam formers as confirmed by live/dead staining. Ultrasonic treatment did not prove effective in lowering the foaming index or killing the G. amarae filaments.
Curing of Glass Fiber/Epoxy Resin Composites Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Buckypaper as a Resistive Element
Authors: Rojas J. A. , Ribeiro B. , Rezende M. C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGlass fiber/epoxy resin composites (GF/EP) were prepared using one and three multiwalled carbon nanotube buckypapers (BPs) as a resistive element. Compared to the conventional hot compression molding process that demanded 4200 W to fabricate the GF/EP laminate, the proposed curing process consumed only 63 W, representing a saving power of 98.5%. The thermal distribution of the BP and their composites were recorded using an infrared thermometer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves have not shown a residual cure, suggesting the curing process using the BP as a resistive element was effective. The cross section views of the laminates were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mechanical characterizations were performed by impulse excitation technique (IET), compression shear test (CST), and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The results demonstrated that the BP composites showed a good consolidation between the prepregs layers, and presented no significant variations in the mechanical tests compared to the traditional hot compression molding process. Nevertheless, dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) showed a slight decrease in the BP composites’ storage moduli compared to GF/EP laminate.