bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P‐wave indices as predictors of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rasmussen Maria Uggen , Kumarathurai Preman , Fabricius‐Bjerre Andreas , Larsen Bjørn Strøier , Domínguez Helena , Davidsen Ulla , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Kanters Jørgen K. , Sajadieh Ahmad 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundP‐wave duration (PDURATION) and P‐wave area (PAREA) have been linked to risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), but they do not improve the efficacy of Framingham AF risk score. We suggest the incorporation of both variables in one index, the P‐wave area/P‐wave duration (PAREA/DURATION) index, which may be considered an expression of the average amplitude of the P wave that reflects aspects of P‐wave morphology.ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic value of P‐wave area/P‐wave duration index (PAREA/DURATION index) in lead II together with other P‐wave indices (PWIs) in incidence of AF in the Copenhagen Holter Study.MethodsThe study included 632 men and women, between 55 and 75 years with no apparent heart disease or AF. Baseline standard 12‐lead Electrocardiography (ECGs) were analyzed manually.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 14.7 (14.5;14.9) years. A total of 68 cases of AF and 233 cases of death were recorded. The restricted cubic spline method showed a U‐shaped association between PAREA/DURATION and rate of AF. The lowest quintile of PAREA/DURATION index in lead II was associated with increased rate of AF, HR 2.80 (1.64–4.79). The addition of the new index to the Framingham model for AF improved the model in this population. The PAREA in lead II in its lowest quintile was also associated with increased rate of AF, HR 2.16 (1.25–3.75), but did not improve the Framingham model. PDURATION and P‐wave terminal force (PTF) were not significantly associated with AF.ConclusionA flat P wave as expressed by a small PAREA/DURATION index in lead II is associated with increased rate of incident AF beyond known AF risk factors.
Full‐field Electroretinography in Age‐related Macular Degeneration: can retinal electrophysiology predict the subjective visual outcome of cataract surgery?
Authors: Forshaw Thomas Richard Johansen , Ahmed Hassan Javed , Kjær Troels Wesenberg , Andréasson Sten , Sørensen Torben Lykke 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposePredicting the visual gain from cataract surgery when the main cause of vision loss is age‐related macular degeneration may be difficult and warrants the need for an objective predictor of subjective outcome. Full‐field electroretinography is an objective measure of overall retinal function. We therefore wanted to study if full‐field electroretinography can predict subjective visual outcome using visual function questionnaire.MethodsThirty‐one patients with age‐related macular degeneration operated for bilateral cataract underwent full‐field electroretinography preoperatively. Full‐field electroretinography was performed according to International Society for the Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standards using a Ganzfeld bowl (RETI‐port/scan 21, Roland, Berlin) and Dawson–Trick–Litzkow fibre electrodes. Vision‐related quality of life was measured using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire‐39 before first‐eye surgery and 4.12 ± 2.11 months after second‐eye surgery.ResultsMean change in composite visual function questionnaire score after cataract surgery was 9.2 ± 11.9. The patients were divided into three groups: visual function questionnaire composite score increase >10 (n = 17); no change (n = 8); and decrease (n = 6). In the dark‐adapted full‐field electroretinography responses, we found a significant difference between the three groups in the 0.01 b‐wave amplitude (p = 0.05), the 10.0 b‐wave amplitude (p = 0.04) and a near‐significant difference in 3.0 a‐wave amplitude (p = 0.09). Other dark‐adapted responses (the 3.0 b‐wave and 10.0 a‐wave) did not show any significant differences between the three groups, and neither did the light‐adapted responses.ConclusionPatients with low dark‐adapted responses on full‐field electroretinography preoperatively experience a decrease in subjective vision‐related quality of life, suggesting that maintained rod function before cataract surgery may be important.
Mechanobiology of antigen‐induced T cell arrest
Authors: Chabaud Mélanie , Paillon Noémie , Gaus Katharina , Hivroz Claire 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo mount an immune response, T cells must first find rare antigens present at the surface of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). They achieve this by migrating rapidly through the crowded space of tissues and constantly sampling the surface of APCs. Upon antigen recognition, T cells decelerate and polarise towards the APC, ultimately forming a specialised interface known as the immunological synapse. These conjugates form as the result of the interaction between pairs of receptors/ligands that are under mechanical stress due to the continuously reorganising cell cytoskeleton. In this review, we discuss the involvement of mechanical forces during antigen recognition by migrating T cells. We will explore this question from a conceptual and technical perspective, with the aim of providing new insights into the emerging field of mechanobiology.
Influence of gastroesophageal flap valve on esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Koya Yudai , Shibata Michihiko , Watanabe Tatsuyuki , Kumei Shinsuke , Miyagawa Koichiro , Oe Shinji , Honma Yuichi , Kume Keiichiro , Yoshikawa Ichiro , Harada Masaru 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesEsophageal variceal bleeding can be fatal in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) and esophageal variceal bleeding.MethodsSubjects were cirrhotic patients with endoscopically diagnosed esophageal varices treated at our hospital between 2005 and 2019, excluding those with F3 form and red color (RC) signs at first endoscopy. Sixty‐five patients with normal GEFV (Hill grade I or II) and 42 with abnormal GEFV (Hill grade III or IV) were enrolled. Propensity score matching eliminated the baseline differences, resulting in a sample size of 30 patients per cohort. The primary endpoint was esophageal variceal bleeding, and the secondary endpoint was variceal bleeding or appearance of RC sign. We analyzed the cumulative incidences and predictors of each endpoint.ResultsThe 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year cumulative incidences of the primary endpoints were all 3.4% in the normal GEFV group, and 19.0%, 24.6% and 34.0% in the abnormal GEFV group, respectively (log‐rank P = 0.011). Cumulative incidence of the secondary endpoint was 13.8%, 33.1% and 39.2% in the normal GEFV group, and 42.2%, 54.6% and 84.9% in the abnormal GEFV group, respectively (log‐rank P = 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, hazard ratios of abnormal GEFV of the primary and secondary endpoints were 12.79 (95% confidence interval 1.331–122.8) and 3.600 (1.653–7.840), respectively.ConclusionsAbnormal GEFV was an independent risk factor for esophageal variceal bleeding and appearance of RC sign.
Point mutagenesis in mouse reveals contrasting pathogenetic effects between MEN2B‐ and Hirschsprung disease‐associated missense mutations of the RET gene
Authors: Nakatani Taichi , Iwasaki Mitsuhiro , Yamamichi Atsuhiro , Yoshioka Yuta , Uesaka Toshihiro , Bitoh Yuko , Maeda Kosaku , Fukumoto Takumi , Takemoto Tatsuya , Enomoto Hideki 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMissense mutations of the RET gene have been identified in both multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A/B and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR: congenital absence of the enteric nervous system, ENS). Current consensus holds that MEN2A/B and HSCR are caused by activating and inactivating RET mutations, respectively. However, the biological significance of RET missense mutations in vivo has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we introduced one MEN2B‐associated (M918T) and two HSCR‐associated (N394K and Y791F) RET missense mutations into the corresponding regions of the mouse Ret gene by genome editing (RetM919T, RetN396K and RetY792F) and performed histological examinations of Ret‐expressing tissues to understand the pathogenetic impact of each mutant in vivo. RetM919T/+ mice displayed MEN2B‐related phenotypes, including C‐cell hyperplasia and abnormal enlargement of the primary sympathetic ganglia. Similar sympathetic phenotype was observed in RetM919T/‐ mice, demonstrating a strong pathogenetic effect of the Ret M918T by a single‐allele expression. In contrast, no abnormality was found in the ENS of mice harboring the Ret N394K or Y791F mutation. Most surprisingly, single‐allele expression of RET N394K or Y791F was sufficient for normal ENS development, indicating that these RET mutants exert largely physiological function in vivo. This study reveals contrasting pathogenetic effects between MEN2B‐ and HSCR‐associated RET missense mutations, and suggests that some of HSCR‐associated RET missense mutations are by themselves neither inactivating nor pathogenetic and require involvement of other gene mutations for disease expressivity.
Association of glycaemic variables with trabecular bone score in post‐menopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Depczynski B. , Liew P. Y. , White C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo determine the relationship between bone microarchitecture, as measured by trabecular bone score, and advanced glycation end‐product accumulation, as assessed by skin autofluorescence.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study. Participants were 64 post‐menopausal women with type 2 diabetes and 175 post‐menopausal women without diabetes. Trabecular bone score and skin autofluorescence data were obtained at time of bone density measurement.ResultsTrabecular bone score and skin autofluorescence were inversely correlated in women with type 2 diabetes (r = –0.34, P = 0.006); no correlation was seen in post‐menopausal women without diabetes (r = –0.029, P = 0.707). After adjustment, neither skin autofluorescence nor a diagnosis of diabetes were associated with trabecular bone score, but HbA1c and waist circumference were independently associated with trabecular bone score.ConclusionSkin autofluorescence did not predict trabecular bone score. In contrast, glycaemia, as reflected by HbA1c, and visceral adiposity, as reflected by waist circumference, were independently associated with trabecular bone score.
Norepinephrine stabilizes translation‐dependent, homosynaptic long‐term potentiation through mechanisms requiring the cAMP sensor Epac, mTOR and MAPK
Authors: Maity Sabyasachi , Chandanathil Merin , Millis Richard M. , Connor Steven A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNeuromodulators regulate higher‐order cognitive processes including learning and memory through modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Norepinephrine is a neuromodulator that is secreted throughout the brain in response to novelty or increased arousal, which alters neural circuits by increasing the modifiability of CNS synapses. Norepinephrine activates metabotropic receptors, initiating complex intracellular signalling cascades that can promote enduring changes in synaptic strength including long‐term potentiation (LTP). In particular, activation of beta‐adrenergic receptors (β‐ARs) by norepinephrine enhances LTP through downstream engagement of signalling cascades which upregulate protein synthesis at synapses. Here, we sought to determine the select signalling pathways recruited by norepinephrine to promote homosynaptic LTP at hippocampal synapses in mice. Application of norepinephrine initiated a long‐lasting form of homosynaptic LTP that requires protein synthesis. Norepinephrine‐mediated enhancement of LTP was reduced by inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) but not cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A, suggesting that the endogenous β‐AR ligand norepinephrine may preferentially recruit Epac signalling to promote enduring changes in synaptic strength. These findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms through which norepinephrine regulates synaptic plasticity associated with formation of new memories.
Integrating genetic and nongenetic drivers of somatic evolution during carcinogenesis: The biplane model
Authors: Gatenby Robert A. , Avdieiev Stanislav , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Brown Joel S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe multistep transition from a normal to a malignant cellular phenotype is often termed “somatic evolution” caused by accumulating random mutations. Here, we propose an alternative model in which the initial genetic state of a cancer cell is the result of mutations that occurred throughout the lifetime of the host. However, these mutations are not carcinogenic because normal cells in multicellular organism cannot ordinarily evolve. That is, proliferation and death of normal cells are controlled by local tissue constraints typically governed by nongenomic information dynamics in the cell membrane. As a result, the cells of a multicellular organism have a fitness that is identical to the host, which is then the unit of natural selection. Somatic evolution of a cell can occur only when its fate becomes independent of host constraints. Now, survival, proliferation, and death of individual cells are dependent on Darwinian dynamics. This cellular transition from host‐defined fitness to self‐defined fitness may, consistent with the conventional view of carcinogenesis, result from mutations that render the cell insensitive to host controls. However, an identical state will result when surrounding tissue cannot exert control because of injury, inflammation, aging, or infection. Here, all surviving cells within the site of tissue damage default to self‐defined fitness functions allowing them to evolve so that the mutations accumulated over the lifetime of the host now serve as the genetic heritage of an evolutionary unit of selection. Furthermore, tissue injury generates a new ecology cytokines and growth factors that might promote proliferation in cells with prior receptor mutations. This model integrates genetic and nongenetic dynamics into cancer development and is consistent with both clinical observations and prior experiments that divided carcinogenesis to initiation, promotion, and progression steps.
Heuristics for the capacitated dispersion problem
Authors: Peiró Juanjo , Jiménez Iris , Laguardia José , Martí Rafael 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the adaptation of the greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) and variable neighborhood descent (VND) methodologies to the capacitated dispersion problem. Dispersion and diversity problems arise in the placement of undesirable facilities, workforce management, and social media, among others. Maximizing diversity deals with selecting a subset of elements from a given set in such a way that the distance among the selected elements is maximized. We target here a realistic variant with capacity constraints for which a heuristic with a performance guarantee was previously introduced. In particular, we propose a hybridization of GRASP and VND implementing within the strategic oscillation framework. To evaluate the performance of our heuristic, we perform extensive experimentation to first set key search parameters, and then compare the final method with the previous heuristic. Additionally, we propose a mathematical model to obtain optimal solutions for small‐sized instances, and compare our solutions with the well‐known LocalSolver software.
Increases in repolarization heterogeneity predict left ventricular systolic dysfunction and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with left bundle branch block
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chun , Chien Kuo‐Liong , Chang Yi‐Chung , Lin Lian‐Yu , Wang Jui , Liu Yen‐Bin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the association between T‐wave morphology and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with complete left bundle branch block (cLBBB), and the predictive value of T‐wave morphology for response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods and ResultsWe enrolled 189 patients with cLBBB on electrocardiogram performed between January 2007 and December 2011 who underwent standard echocardiography. Repolarization parameters, including the QRS‐to‐T angle (TCRT), T‐wave morphology dispersion (TMD), T‐wave loop area (PL), and T‐wave residuum (TWR), were reconstructed from digital standard 12‐lead electrocardiograms by T‐wave morphology analysis. CRT response was defined as ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume at 12 months after CRT implantation. The clinical outcome endpoint was a composite of heart failure hospitalization, heart transplantation, or death during follow up (mean, 5.8 years). On logistic regression, a higher heart rate, longer QRS duration, increased TMD, and larger TWR were all independently associated with LVEF < 40%. Among 40 patients who underwent CRT, those with a larger TMD (P = .007), larger PL (P = .025), and more negative TCRT (P = .015) had better response to CRT. A large TMD (P = .018) and large PL (P = .003) were also independent predictors of the clinical outcome endpoint.ConclusionsIncreases in repolarization heterogeneity in patients with cLBBB are associated with impaired LVEF. A large TMD and large PL may be useful as additional predictors of response to CRT, improving patient selection for CRT.
Guest Editorial: Clarifications on the use of the new classification of periodontitis
Authors: Sanz Mariano , Papapanou Panos N. , Tonetti Maurizio S. , Greenwell Henry , Kornman Kenneth 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis editorial provides clarifications on the application of the Stage and Grade classification of periodontitis. In particular it describes: (1) how to apply the extent criterion to the defined Stage of the disease; and (2) how to calculate tooth loss because of periodontitis in Stage III and IV cases presenting with evidently hopeless (irrational to treat) teeth with a clinical definition of such teeth.
Adult blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) use shallow water as a refuge from great hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran)
Authors: Doan Melanie D. , Kajiura Stephen M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA refuge can be any space that keeps an organism safe from danger. Prey usually seek protection in the closest refuge available to minimize cost while maximizing survival. Aerial drone footage of blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, along the coast of southeast Florida, USA, shows adult blacktips fleeing to the shallow water adjacent to the beach when confronted with or chased by a predatory great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran. To authors’ knowledge, this is the first evidence of adult C. limbatus using shallow waters as a refuge.
Shati/Nat8l deficiency disrupts adult neurogenesis and causes attentional impairment through dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Wulaer Bolati , Kunisawa Kazuo , Hada Kazuhiro , Jaya Suento Willy , Kubota Hisayoshi , Iida Tsubasa , Kosuge Aika , Nagai Taku , Yamada Kiyofumi , Nitta Atsumi , Yamamoto Yasuko , Saito Kuniaki , Mouri Akihiro , Nabeshima Toshitaka 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSuccessful completion of daily activities relies on the ability to select the relevant features of the environment for memory and recall. Disruption to these processes can lead to various disorders, such as attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dopamine is a neurotransmitter implicated in the regulation of several processes, including attention. In addition to the higher‐order brain function, dopamine is implicated in the regulation of adult neurogenesis. Previously, we generated mice lacking Shati, an N‐acetyltransferase‐8‐like protein on a C57BL/6J genetic background (Shati/Nat8l−/−). These mice showed a series of changes in the dopamine system and ADHD‐like behavioral phenotypes. Therefore, we hypothesized that deficiency of Shati/Nat8l would affect neurogenesis and attentional behavior in mice. We found aberrant morphology of neurons and impaired neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of Shati/Nat8l−/− mice. Additionally, research has suggested that impaired neurogenesis might be because of the reduction of dopamine in the hippocampus. Galantamine (GAL) attenuated the attentional impairment observed in the object‐based attention test via increasing the dopamine release in the hippocampus of Shati/Nat8l−/− mice. The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, methyllycaconitine, and dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390, blocked the ameliorating effect of GAL on attentional impairment in Shati/Nat8l−/− mice. These results suggest that the ameliorating effect of GAL on Shati/Nat8l−/− attentional impairment is associated with activation of D1 receptors following increased dopamine release in the hippocampus via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In summary, Shati/Nat8l is important in both morphogenesis and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and attention, possible via modulation of dopaminergic transmission.
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Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15061.
Reliability and comparability of methods for assessing oral function: Chewing, tongue pressure and lip force
Authors: Arakawa Itsuka , Abou‐Ayash Samir , Genton Laurence , Tsuga Kazuhiro , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Schimmel Martin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundQuantitative clinical assessment tests for oral function have become popular in patient assessment; however, their comparability remains unclear.ObjectiveTo assess the reliability and comparability of pairs of different instruments for measuring maximum tongue pressure (MTP), chewing function (CF) and maximum lip force (MLF), and to analyse the influence of subjects’ characteristics on the applied instruments.MethodsEach pair of instruments, as well as a single device measuring the maximum voluntary bite force (MBF), was assessed across 26 healthy volunteers. The respective pairs of devices were compared using Bland‐Altman plots and linear regression analysis. Furthermore, the influence of age, occlusal support zones, number of functional occlusal units, MBF, MTP and MLF were investigated as predictors on CF using a generalised estimating equation model.ResultsNeither the two assessments of CF, nor of MLF were correlated to each other, but there was a significant correlation between the assessments of MTP. Hue‐Check Gum was able to demonstrate a significantly higher CF in younger compared to older individuals (P = .004) and individuals with high numbers compared to low numbers of occlusal units (P < .001). Those differences could not be demonstrated with the Vivident chewing gum.ConclusionThe absolute values of MTP assessed by the two applied devices cannot directly be compared, although normalised values may be directly comparable. Moreover, our observations suggest that the Hue‐Check Gum was able to discriminate the effects of age and the number of occlusal units on CF. Our observations suggest that the two gums cannot be used interchangeably.