bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverted South China: A novel configuration for Rodinia and its breakup
Authors: Jing Xianqing , Evans David A.D. , Yang Zhenyu , Tong Yabo , Xu Yingchao , Wang Heng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Disentangling records of Rodinia fragmentation and true polar wander remains a challenge for understanding late Tonian plate tectonics. The ca. 760 Ma lower member of the Liántuó Formation, South China, yields a primary paleomagnetic remanence that passes both the fold and reversal tests. This new result and recently reported ca. 800 Ma data from elsewhere in South China suggest a new interpretation of its apparent polar wander path, whereby pre–770 Ma poles have inverted absolute polarity relative to traditional interpretations. Based on this inversion, and an interpretation of several oscillations of true polar wander documented by global data during 810–760 Ma, we propose a novel reconstruction for Rodinia and its breakup. Our reconstruction places the South China, India, and Kalahari cratons to the southwest of Laurentia, with connections that might have been established as early as ca. 1000 Ma. Our model also suggests that initial rifting of Rodinia occurred at ca. 800 Ma via fast northward motion of the India craton and South China.
Cumulate olivine: A novel host for heavy rare earth element mineralization
Authors: Brandt S. , Fassbender M.L. , Klemd R. , Macauley C. , Felfer P. , Haase K.M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Olivine is one of the most important minerals used to reconstruct magmatic processes, yet the rare earth element (REE) systematics of Fe-rich olivine in igneous rocks and ore deposits is poorly understood. As detected by in situ laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis, cumulate fayalite (Fe2SiO4) in the Paleoproterozoic Vergenoeg F-Fe-REE deposit of the Bushveld large igneous province (LIP) in South Africa contains the highest heavy REE (HREE) contents ever recorded for olivine, with HREE enrichment of as much as 6000× chondritic values. Atom probe tomography maps confirm the incorporation of the HREEs into the fayalite crystal lattice, facilitated by lithium acting as a main charge balancer and by high REE contents in the highly fractionated felsic parental melt that is related to the Bushveld LIP. The high HREE concentrations of fayalite in concert with its high modal abundance (&gt;95 vol%) indicate that the fayalite cumulates are the main host for the HREE mineralization of the Vergenoeg deposit. Fayalites of Vergenoeg demonstrate that Fe-rich olivine may fractionate large amounts of HREEs, and we propose fayalite cumulates as potential future targets for HREE exploration.
Effect of a mobile-based educational app on blood pressure of patients with hypertension
Authors: Falah Fereshteh , Sajadi S A , Pishgooie A H 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundHypertension is known as one of the most important non-communicable pervasive diseases.ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a mobile-based educational app on the blood pressure (BP) of patients with hypertension.MethodsThis clinical trial was conducted on 66 military personnel who were definitively diagnosed with hypertension by a physician, and then assigned randomly into two groups as intervention (receiving mobile-based educational app) and control (receiving standard medical management but no app). Before the intervention, BP levels of both groups were measured with a calibrated sphygmomanometer. After 6 weeks, the BPs of both groups were remeasured using the same sphygmomanometer. Thereafter, descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests, were used. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS-21 software at a significance level of p<0.05.ResultsComparison of the intervention and control groups showed no statistically significant difference between the groups in systolic BP (p=0.479) and diastolic BP (p=0.851) in the pre-intervention phase, but after the intervention, systolic and diastolic BP levels were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p=0.0001).ConclusionThe results suggested that the mobile-based educational app had a significant effect on reducing BP in patients with hypertension. Therefore, using this app is recommended for those military personnel with hypertension.
Associations between multiple positive health behaviors and cardiometabolic risk using 3 alternative measures of physical activity: NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Oftedal Stina , Aguiar Elroy J. , Duncan Mitch J. 
Published: December 2020

The study aimed to investigate the association between clustered cardiometabolic risk (CCMR) and health-behavior indices comprising 3 different measures of physical activity, screen time, diet and sleep in NHANES 2005–2006. CCMR was calculated by standardizing and summarizing measures of blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, insulin, high-density lipoprotein and waist circumference to create a z score. Three health behavior indices were constructed with a single point allocated to each of the following lower risk behaviors: muscle strengthening activity, healthy eating score, sleep disorder/disruption, sleep duration, screen time and physical activity (self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] (Index Score-SR), accelerometer-measured MVPA (Index Score-MVPA) or accelerometer-measured steps Index Score-Steps). Linear regression models explored associations between index scores and CCMR. In the sample (n = 1537, 52% male, aged 45.5 [SE: 0.9] years), reporting 0–5 vs. 6 health behaviors using Index Score-SR and Index Score-MVPA, and 0–4 vs. 6 health behaviors using Index Score-Steps, were associated with a significantly higher CCMR. The beta (β [95% CI]) for zero vs. 6 behaviors were Index Score-SR (2.86 [2.02, 3.69], Index Score-MVPA (2.41 [1.49, 3.33] and Index Score-Steps (2.41 [1.68, 3.15]). Irrespective of the measure of physical activity, engaging in fewer positive health behaviors was associated with greater CCMR. Novelty: Physical activity, screen time, diet and sleep may exert synergistic/cumulative effects on clustered cardiometabolic risk. A greater number of positive health behaviors was associated with a lower clustered cardiometabolic risk factor score. The reduction in cardiometabolic risk was similar irrespective of which physical activity measure was used.
Retinal Structural and Microvascular Alterations in Different Acute Ischemic Stroke Subtypes
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shi Ce , Chen Yihong , Wang Weicheng , Huang Shenghai , Han Zhao , Lin Xianda , Lu Fan , Shen Meixiao 
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Retinal structural and microvascular damages reflect damage to cerebral microvasculature and neurons. We aimed to investigate neovascular unit abnormalities among patients with large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) or small-vessel occlusion (SAA) and control subjects. Methods. Twenty-eight LAA patients, forty-one SAA patients, and sixty-five age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Based on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), retinal capillary vessel density was assessed in the general and local sectors, and the thickness of individual retinal layer was extracted from retinal structural images. The differences between structural and microvascular were analyzed. Results. The superior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness was significantly different among the three groups, and the LAA group had the thinnest thickness. Compared to the control group, the deep retinal capillary vessel density in other two stroke subgroups were significantly reduced in all regions except in the inferior region (

P

< 0.05), and the fractal dimension in C2 and C4 regions of deep retina was significantly lower in the LAA group (

P

< 0.05). Discussion. Compared with superficial microvascular network, deep microvascular network is more sensitive to ischemic stroke. In addition, we have demonstrated quadrant-specific pRNFL abnormalities in LAA and SAA patients. Superior quadrant pRNFL thickness differences between stroke subgroups may suggest that changes in retinal nerve fiber layer are more sensitive to subtype identification than changes in retinal microvascular structure. All in all, the alteration in retinal structural and microvascular may further elucidate the role of the neovascular unit in ischemic stroke, suggesting that the combination of these two indicators could be used for subtype identification to guide prognosis and establish a risk prediction model.
Understanding Racial Disparities in Gastrointestinal Cancer Outcomes: Lack of Surgery Contributes to Lower Survival in African American Patients
Authors: Bliton John N. , Parides Michael , Muscarella Peter , Papalezova Katia T. , In Haejin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background:
Race/ethnicity-related differences in rates of cancer surgery and cancer mortality have been observed for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. This study aims to estimate the extent to which differences in receipt of surgery explain racial/ethnic disparities in cancer survival.

Methods:
The National Cancer Database was used to obtain data for patients diagnosed with stage I–III mid-esophageal, distal esophagus/gastric cardia (DEGC), noncardia gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer in years 2004–2015. Mediation analysis was used to identify variables influencing the relationship between race/ethnicity and mortality, including surgery.

Results:
A total of 600,063 patients were included in the study: 3.5% mid-esophageal, 12.4% DEGC, 4.9% noncardia gastric, 17.0% pancreatic, 40.1% colon, and 22.0% rectal cancers. The operative rates for Black patients were low relative to White patients, with absolute differences of 21.0%, 19.9%, 2.3%, 8.3%, 1.6%, and 7.7%. Adjustment for age, stage, and comorbidities revealed even lower odds of receiving surgery for Black patients compared with White patients. The observed HRs for Black patients compared with White patients ranged from 1.01 to 1.42. Mediation analysis showed that receipt of surgery and socioeconomic factors had greatest influence on the survival disparity.

Conclusions:
The results of this study indicate that Black patients appear to be undertreated compared with White patients for GI cancers. The disproportionately low operative rates contribute to the known survival disparity between Black and White patients.

Impact:
Interventions to reduce barriers to surgery for Black patients should be promoted to reduce disparities in GI cancer outcomes.
See related commentary by Hébert, p. 438
Nutlin-3a Enhances Natural Killer Cell–Mediated Killing of Neuroblastoma by Restoring p53-Dependent Expression of Ligands for NKG2D and DNAM-1 Receptors
Authors: Veneziani Irene , Infante Paola , Ferretti Elisa , Melaiu Ombretta , Battistelli Cecilia , Lucarini Valeria , Compagnone Mirco , Nicoletti Carmine , Castellano Aurora , Petrini Stefania , Ognibene Marzia , Pezzolo Annalisa , Di Marcotullio Lucia , Bei Roberto , Moretta Lorenzo , Pistoia Vito , Fruci Doriana , Barnaba Vincenzo , Locatelli Franco , Cifaldi Loredana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this study, we explored whether Nutlin-3a, a well-known, nontoxic small-molecule compound antagonizing the inhibitory interaction of MDM2 with the tumor suppressor p53, may restore ligands for natural killer (NK) cell–activating receptors (NK-AR) on neuroblastoma cells to enhance the NK cell–mediated killing. Neuroblastoma cell lines were treated with Nutlin-3a, and the expression of ligands for NKG2D and DNAM-1 NK-ARs and the neuroblastoma susceptibility to NK cells were evaluated. Adoptive transfer of human NK cells in a xenograft neuroblastoma-bearing NSG murine model was assessed. Two data sets of neuroblastoma patients were explored to correlate p53 expression with ligand expression. Luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of p53 functional binding on PVR promoter were performed. Primary neuroblastoma cells were also treated with Nutlin-3a, and neuroblastoma spheroids obtained from one high-risk patient were assayed for NK-cell cytotoxicity. We provide evidence showing that the Nutlin-3a–dependent rescue of p53 function in neuroblastoma cells resulted in (i) increased surface expression of ligands for NK-ARs, thus rendering neuroblastoma cell lines significantly more susceptible to NK cell–mediated killing; (ii) shrinkage of human neuroblastoma tumor masses that correlated with overall survival upon adoptive transfer of NK cells in neuroblastoma-bearing mice; (iii) and increased expression of ligands in primary neuroblastoma cells and boosting of NK cell–mediated disaggregation of neuroblastoma spheroids. We also found that p53 was a direct transcription factor regulating the expression of PVR ligand recognized by DNAM-1. Our findings demonstrated an immunomodulatory role of Nutlin-3a, which might be prospectively used for a novel NK cell–based immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.
Single Mutation in the
NFU1
Gene Metabolically Reprograms Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: James Joel , Zemskova Marina , Eccles Cody A. , Varghese Mathews V. , Niihori Maki , Barker Natalie K. , Luo Moulun , Mandarino Lawrence J. , Langlais Paul R. , Rafikova Olga , Rafikov Ruslan 
Published: December 2020

Objective:

NFU1 is a mitochondrial iron-sulfur scaffold protein, involved in iron-sulfur assembly and transfer to complex II and LAS (lipoic acid synthase). Patients with the point mutation NFU1
G208C
and CRISPR/CAS9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–associated 9)-generated rats develop mitochondrial dysfunction leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the mechanistic understanding of pulmonary vascular proliferation due to a single mutation in NFU1 remains unresolved.

Approach and Results:

Quantitative proteomics of isolated mitochondria showed the entire phenotypic transformation of NFU1
G206C
rats with a disturbed mitochondrial proteomic landscape, involving significant changes in the expression of 208 mitochondrial proteins. The NFU1 mutation deranged the expression pattern of electron transport proteins, resulting in a significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration. Reduced reliance on mitochondrial respiration amplified glycolysis in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) and activated GPD (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), linking glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation and lipid metabolism. Decreased PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) activity due to the lipoic acid shortage is compensated by increased fatty acid metabolism and oxidation. PASMC became dependent on extracellular fatty acid sources due to upregulated transporters such as CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36) and CPT (carnitine palmitoyltransferase)-1. Finally, the NFU1 mutation produced a dysregulated antioxidant system in the mitochondria, leading to increased reactive oxygen species levels. PASMC from NFU1 rats showed apoptosis resistance, increased anaplerosis, and attained a highly proliferative phenotype. Attenuation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species by mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant significantly decreased PASMC proliferation.

Conclusions:
The alteration in iron-sulfur metabolism completely transforms the proteomic landscape of the mitochondria, leading toward metabolic plasticity and redistribution of energy sources to the acquisition of a proliferative phenotype by the PASMC.
PRECAF Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kuo Ling , Frankel David S. , Lin Aung , Arkles Jeffrey , Hyman Matthew , Santangeli Pasquale , Marchlinski Francis E. , Nazarian Saman 
Published: December 2020

Background:
We have previously shown that the presence of dual muscular coronary sinus (CS) to left atrial (LA) connections, coupled with rate-dependent unidirectional block in one limb, is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) induction. This study sought to examine whether ablation of distal CS to LA connections at a first AF ablation reduces arrhythmia recurrence during follow-up.

Methods:
In this single-center, randomized, controlled trial, 35 consecutive patients with drug-refractory AF undergoing first-time ablation between August 2018 and August 2019, were randomly assigned to (1) standard ablation (pulmonary vein isolation and nonpulmonary vein trigger ablation) versus (2) standard ablation plus elimination of distal CS to LA connections targeting the earliest LA activation during distal CS pacing with a deca-polar catheter placed with its proximal electrode at the ostium. Change of the local CS atrial electrogram and LA activation sequence to early activation of the LA septum or roof during distal CS pacing were the end point for CS-LA connection elimination.

Results:

Thirty patients completed 6 months study follow-up (15 patients in each group). Demographic characteristics including age and AF persistence were similar in both groups. After a mean follow-up of 170±22 days, there were 7 atrial arrhythmia recurrences in the standard group and 1 recurrence in the CS-LA connection elimination group (46.7% versus 6.7%, hazard ratio, 0.12,
P
=0.047).

Conclusions:
Elimination of distal CS to LA connections reduced atrial arrhythmia recurrences compared with standard pulmonary vein isolation and nonpulmonary vein trigger ablation in patients undergoing a first AF ablation procedure in a small randomized study. This strategy warrants further evaluation in a multicenter randomized trial.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03646643.
Prospective Randomized Evaluation of High Power During CLOSE-Guided Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: Wielandts Jean-Yves , Kyriakopoulou Maria , Almorad Alexandre , Hilfiker Gabriela , Strisciuglio Teresa , Phlips Thomas , El Haddad Milad , Lycke Michelle , Unger Philippe , Le Polain de Waroux Jean-Benoît , Vandekerckhove Yves , Tavernier Rene , Duytschaever Mattias , Knecht Sebastien 
Published: December 2020

Background:
CLOSE-guided atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is based on contiguous (intertag distance ≤6 mm), optimized (Ablation Index >550 anteriorly and >400 posteriorly) point-by-point radiofrequency lesions. The optimal radiofrequency power remains unknown.

Methods:
The POWER-AF study is a prospective, randomized controlled monocentric study including patients with paroxysmal AF, planned for first CLOSE-guided pulmonary vein isolation using a contact force radiofrequency catheter (Thermocool SmartTouch, Biosense Webster, Inc, Irvine, CA). A total of 100 patients were randomized into 2 groups (1:1). The control group received AF ablation using the standard CLOSE protocol (35 W), whereas in the experimental group, pulmonary vein isolation was performed using high power (45 W). Endoscopic evaluation was performed in patients with intraesophageal temperature rise >38.5 °C.

Results:

The resulting sample size was 96 (48+48) patients. In the high power group, shorter procedure time (80 versus 102 minutes,
P
<0.001), shorter total radiofrequency application time (16 versus 26 minutes,
P
<0.001), and radiofrequency time per application (26 versus 37 s anteriorly,
P
<0.001 and 13 versus 17 s posteriorly,
P
<0.001) were observed. Endoscopic evaluation (performed in 19/48 versus 25/48 patients respectively,
P
=0.31) showed an ulcerative perforation in a high power group patient (treated by endoscopic stenting and normalization after ≈4 months) and a superficial ulcerative lesion in a control group patient (conservative treatment). Both occurred following excessive Ablation Index applications (up to 460 and 480, respectively) with excessive contact force (30 g on average, with peaks up to 50 g). Six-months AF recurrence was not significantly different (10% in high power versus 8% in control,
P
=0.74).

Conclusions:
This randomized controlled study shows that a 45 W radiofrequency power CLOSE protocol in patients with paroxysmal AF significantly increases the global procedural efficiency with similar midterm efficacy. However, our study showed a narrower safety margin and a limited increased efficiency at the posterior wall using high power. This advocates against the use of high power in the region neighboring the esophagus.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Antidepressant Use, and Hemorrhagic Stroke in Young Men and Women
Authors: Gaffey Allison E. , Rosman Lindsey , Burg Matthew M. , Haskell Sally G. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Skanderson Melissa , Dziura James , Sico Jason J. 
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose:
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may increase the risk of bleeding, including hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods:
We prospectively examined independent effects of PTSD, selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRI and SNRI) on the risk of incident hemorrhagic stroke in a nationwide sample of 1.1 million young and middle-aged veterans. Time-varying multivariate Cox models were used to examine hemorrhagic stroke risk by PTSD status and use of SSRI or SNRI while adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors, stroke, and psychiatric comorbidities. Sensitivity analyses controlled for health care utilization.

Results:
During 13 years of follow-up (2.14 years on average), 507 patients (12% women) suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. The overall incidence rate was 1.70 events per 10 000-person years. In unadjusted models, PTSD was associated with an 82% greater risk of new-onset hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.82 [95% CI, 1.48–2.24]), SSRI use was associated with a >2-fold risk (HR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.66–2.57]), and SNRI use was associated with a 52% greater risk (HR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.08–2.16]). In fully adjusted models, effects of PTSD and SNRI were attenuated (adjusted HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.81–1.34]; adjusted HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.83–1.71]), but SSRI use remained associated with a 45% greater risk of hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.13–1.85]). Hypertension, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse were also associated with increased stroke risk. Nonobesity and being non-Hispanic were protective factors. In sensitivity analyses, health care utilization was a small but significant predictor of stroke.

Conclusions:
In the largest known investigation of PTSD and antidepressant-associated risk for hemorrhagic stroke in young adults, use of SSRIs, but neither PTSD nor SNRIs were independently associated with incident stroke. SNRIs may be preferable for treating PTSD and comorbid conditions, although pursuing other modifiable risk factors and non-pharmacological treatments for PTSD also remains essential.