bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence, persistence, and clinical relevance of iatrogenic atrial septal defects after percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Nelles Dominik , Vij Vivian , Al‐Kassou Baravan , Weber Marcel , Vogelhuber Johanna , Beiert Thomas , Nickenig Georg , Schrickel Jan Wilko , Sedaghat Alexander 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the rate and clinical impact of a persisting iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) after percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).BackgroundPercutaneous LAAO is an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for the prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Data regarding incidence and persistence of iASD after LAAO procedures and its clinical relevance is scarce.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 144 patients that underwent LAAO at our center between 2009 and 2020 who had at least one follow‐up including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Baseline clinical, procedural data and echocardiographic characteristics in patients with and without evidence of an iASD were compared. We furthermore determined the rate of iASD persistence over time and evaluated outcomes of patients with and without spontaneous iASD closure.ResultsAfter a median of 92 days (IQR 75–108 days) after LAAO, 50 patients (50/144, 34.7%) showed evidence of an iASD. Patients with iASD had higher CHADS‐VASc‐scores (4.9±1.5 vs 4.2±1.2, p = 0.03), larger left atrial volumes (80.5±30.5 ml vs 67.1±19.7 ml, p = 0.01) and were more likely to have relevant mitral regurgitation (≥° II) (46.0% vs 12.3%, p = 0.001). LAAO procedures took longer (50.1±24.3 vs 41.1±17.8 min, p = 0.06) in patients with a persisting iASD. Furthermore, larger device sizes were implanted (24.3±3.4 mm vs 22.1±2.8 mm, p = 0.03). The presence of an iASD had no impact on RV dysfunction, thromboembolism or mortality. Spontaneous closure of an iASD was documented in 52.0% (26/50). Hereby, similar risk factors were identified for the persistence of an iASD in follow‐up.
Plasticity to ocean warming is influenced by transgenerational, reproductive, and developmental exposure in a coral reef fish
Authors: Bernal Moisés A. , Ravasi Timothy , Rodgers Giverny G. , Munday Philip L. , Donelson Jennifer M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractGlobal warming is expected to drive some ectothermic species beyond their thermal tolerance in upcoming decades. Phenotypic plasticity, via developmental or transgenerational acclimation, is a critical mechanism for compensation in the face of environmental change. Yet, it remains to be determined if the activation of beneficial phenotypes requires direct exposure throughout development, or if compensation can be obtained just through the experience of previous generations. In this study, we exposed three generations of a tropical damselfish to combinations of current‐day (Control) and projected future (+1.5°C) water temperatures. Acclimation was evaluated with phenotypic (oxygen consumption, hepatosomatic index, physical condition) and molecular (liver gene expression) measurements of third‐generation juveniles. Exposure of grandparents/parents to warm conditions improved the aerobic capacity of fish regardless of thermal conditions experienced afterwards, representing a true transgenerational effect. This coincided with patterns of gene expression related to inflammation and immunity seen in the third generation. Parental effects due to reproductive temperature significantly affected the physical condition and routine metabolic rate (oxygen consumption) of offspring, but had little impact on gene expression of the F3. Developmental temperature of juveniles, and whether they matched conditions during parental reproduction, had the largest influence on the liver transcriptional program. Using a combination of both phenotypic and molecular approaches, this study highlights how the conditions experienced by both previous and current generations can influence plasticity to global warming in upcoming decades.
Longitudinal impact of caregiver transition and family caregiving on psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial functioning among persons with schizophrenia in rural China
Authors: Peng Man‐Man , Ma Zhiying , Luo Wei , Hu Shi‐Hui , Yang Xin , Liu Bo , Lai‐Wan Chan Cecilia , Ran Mao‐Sheng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study examines the 21‐year longitudinal impacts and predictive effects of family caregiver transition and the presence of family caregiving on the clinical status of persons with schizophrenia (PwSs) in a rural area of China. Using panel data derived from the Chengdu Mental Health Project (CMHP), 250 dyads of PwSs and their family caregivers were investigated in 1994 and 2015. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) were utilized. The generalized linear model (GLM) approach was used. The results of this study showed that more severe symptoms in PwSs were found to be significantly predicted by older age and nonmarried status at baseline. Compared with “spousal caregiving in two waves,” the PANSS score was significantly higher in the “transition into sibling caregiving” group. A higher degree of psychosocial functioning was found to be significantly predicted by marital status, shorter duration of illness, and better mental status. Compared with “spousal caregiving in two waves,” the GAF score was significantly lower in the “transition into parental caregiving” group. The presence of family caregiving was not a significant predictor of the severity of symptoms or psychosocial functioning in the PwSs. In conclusion, this study shows the 21‐year predictive effects of family caregiver transition on the mental status of PwSs but not the presence of family caregiving. Psychosocial interventions and specific guidance should be provided to family caregivers to enhance their quality of caregiving and improve the prognosis of PwSs during long periods of home care.
Commercial fishery disturbance of the global ocean biological carbon sink
Authors: Cavan Emma L. , Hill Simeon L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPlankton drive a major sink of carbon across the global oceans. Dead plankton, their faeces and the faeces of plankton feeders, form a huge rain of carbon sinking to the seabed and deep ocean, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and thus helping to regulate the climate. Any change in plankton communities, ecosystems or habitats will perturb this carbon sink, potentially increasing atmospheric CO2. Fishing is a major cause of ocean ecosystem disturbance affecting all trophic levels including plankton, but its potential impact on the carbon sink is unknown. As both fisheries and the carbon sink depend on plankton, there is spatial overlap of these fundamental ecosystem services. Here, we provide the first global maps of this spatial overlap. Using an upper quartile analysis, we show that 21% of the total upper ocean carbon sink (export) and 39% of fishing effort globally are concentrated in zones of intensive overlap, representing 9% of the ocean surface area. This overlap is particularly evident in the Northeast Atlantic suggesting this region should be prioritized in terms of research and conservation measures to preserve the high levels of sinking carbon. Small pelagic fish dominate catches here and globally, and their exploitation could reduce important faecal pellet carbon sinks and cause trophic cascades affecting plankton communities. There is an urgent need to recognize that, alongside climate change, fishing might be a critical influence on the ability of the ocean to sequester atmospheric CO2. Improved understanding of this influence, and how it will change with the climate, will be important for realizing a sustainable balance of the twin needs for productive fisheries and strong carbon sinks.
My home is your home: Nest boxes for birds and mammals provide habitats for diverse insect communities
Authors: Jaworski Tomasz , Gryz Jakub , Krauze‐Gryz Dagny , Plewa Radosław , Bystrowski Cezary , Dobosz Roland , Horák Jakub 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cavity‐bearing trees are important nesting sites for many birds and mammals but have become rare due to anthropogenic modification of natural environments. Nest boxes are often used to compensate for the loss of these microhabitats.
Nest boxes contain amounts of organic debris exploited by a variety of organisms, mainly insects. We studied the largely unexplored group of nest‐dwelling insects by rearing them from plant detritus and animal remains accumulated in nest boxes of six bird and two mammal species, distributed in forest, farmland and urban environments in Poland.
We recorded 119 species representing eight insect orders. Nest substrates composed of plant detritus and animal remains supported similar insect species richness but differed significantly in terms of the insect community composition. Nests of Falco tinnunculus and Tyto alba and also Parus spp. and Strix aluco had very similar insect communities. The structural compositions of insect communities were also similar in nests of Parus spp. and Sturnus vulgaris, and of F. tinnunculus and S. aluco. Flies and earwigs were associated with nests of Parus spp. and Sciurus vulgaris and were more abundant in forests and urban environments, whereas wasps preferred S. aluco nests in forests.
Our study shows that nest boxes may serve as replacement habitats for a variety of nest‐associated insects. Therefore, we suggest a more flexible approach to nest boxes maintenance and management, for example, less frequent cleaning or providing more than one nest box in a given place to enhance conservation of nest‐associated insects.
Using polystyrene spheres to produce thin, porous interlayers in alumina laminates
Authors: Daniel Barros Marcelo , Hotza Dachamir , Jelitto Hans , Janßen Rolf 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPorous alumina layers were produced by colloidal processing of alumina with the addition of 15, 30, and 45 vol% polystyrene spheres (PS) as pore formers. Alumina laminates were designed with dense layers alternated with porous interlayers using 45 vol% of PS spheres and sintered at 1350°C. The layers’ thickness ranged from 2 to 15 μm, with a random distribution of pores. The higher volume fraction of pores tends to decrease the alumina average grain size, but does not influence the final size of bulk and surface pores. The obtained values of hardness and Young's modulus for the porous interlayer are ∼30% of the values obtained for the dense layer. Vickers indentations suggested that crack propagation can be opposed by the porous interlayers. However, values of mechanical strength, fracture toughness (KIC), and work of fracture presented no relevant difference compared to a monolithic reference. R‐curves presented a slight increase and KIC a decrease due to crack propagation through the porous interlayers. Although no macrodeviations of the crack path were observed in the fractured surfaces, microdeviations were detected in the interlayer regions.
Effect of isomaltodextrin on dough rheology and bread quality
Authors: Fang Fang , Diatta Aminata , Simsek Senay , Torres‐Aguilar Pablo , Watanabe Hikaru , Higashiyama Takanobu , Campanella Osvaldo H. , Hamaker Bruce R. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryIsomaltodextrin (IMD) is a novel highly branched α‐glucan ingredient that has potential applications in foods as a promising source of dietary fibre. In this study, we assessed the incorporation of IMD in baked products and its effect on dough rheology and physico‐textural characteristics of wheat breads. IMD was added to wheat flour to reach the US FDA level of ‘good’ source of fibre (10% IMD). Use of the straight‐dough method with IMD and regular dough mixing time (8 min) resulted in less elastic doughs and resulting breads displayed lower cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness compared to the control bread. A modified straight‐dough method, with longer mixing time (36 min) and adjusted water level (70%), and a sponge‐and‐dough method were used to allow gluten structure to more fully hydrate and develop. With IMD addition, the modified straight‐dough (36 min dough mixing time) and sponge‐and‐dough methods yielded enhanced dough elasticity compared to the original straight‐dough method. Breadmaking methods were identified (improved straight‐dough and sponge‐and‐dough) whereby IMD could be added at a 'good source' of fibre level with loaf appearance and texture similar to breads without IMD.
Construction, stability and photodynamic germicidal efficacy of curcumin nanoemulsion stabilised with Maillard conjugate of Wpi‐Rha
Authors: Zhuang Hong , Jiang Xinyu , Wu Sijia , Li Xueqian , Yan Haiyang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCurcumin has excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The poor solubility and easy degradation limit its application. The present investigation was aimed to prepare curcumin nanoemulsions (Cur‐Ne), employing homogeneous and ultrasonication for the encapsulation of curcumin to overcome these problems. Cur‐Ne stabilised using whey protein isolate and rhamnose conjugate (Wpi‐Rha) was prepared by Maillard reaction. Furthermore, the processing (i.e. ionic strength, heat and freeze‐thaw) and storage stability of Cur‐Ne were evaluated. Moreover, the bactericidal capacity of Cur‐Ne combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) technology was estimated. Cur‐Ne was prepared successfully with the droplet size of 185.97 ± 6.65 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.21 ± 0.01, zeta potential of −35.17 ± 0.15mV and entrapment efficiency of 97.0 ± 0.07%. Meanwhile, Cur‐Ne was stable at different storage and processing conditions. In addition, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates of Cur‐Ne were 84.86 ± 0.24% and 99.63 ± 0.48%, respectively. At the adding amount of 5 μL of Cur‐Ne, the Cur‐Ne could deactivate the Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with the antibacterial rate of 99.05 ± 0.13% and 99.11 ± 0.18%, respectively. Curcumin loaded in nanoemulsion and combined with PDT provide new ideas for food storage and sterilisation.
Influence of bioprocessing treatments on phytochemical and functional properties, in vitro digestibility, protein secondary structure and morphological characteristics of Indian barnyard millet flour
Authors: Sharma Savita , Sharma Rajan , Singh Baljit 
Published: December 2021

SummaryThe objective of the present investigation was to assess the effects of different bioprocessing treatments on Indian barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) at preliminary optimised conditions including soaking (12 h at 25 °C), germination (48 h at 25 °C), lactic acid fermentation (20 h at 38 °C) and combination of aforesaid treatments. Anti‐nutritional factors were significantly (P < 0.05) lowered (5–70% reduction) during different treatments. Enhanced enzymatic activity further resulted in liberation of bound phytochemical compounds (phenolic acid and flavonoids) in addition to their synthesis, which enhanced the antioxidant potential by several folds. Variation in the hydrophobic‐hydrophilic characteristics of barnyard millet flour during given treatments modified the techno‐functionality in terms of hydration properties, surface characteristics, gelation and tristimulus colour parameters. In vitro starch and protein digestibility were significantly (P < 0.05) improved from 6.49 to 23.65 mg maltose released per 100 g and 72.21 to 80.48 g hydrolysed protein per 100 g, respectively. Morphological changes as revealed by scanning electron microscopy showed that bioprocessing of barnyard millet flour disrupted the starch‐protein matrix, cell wall constituents and starch‐fibre association which made the protein and starch molecules susceptible to in vitro digestibility conditions. Further, Pearson’s correlation matrix was employed to determine the relationship among different observations.
Nurses’ perceptions of nursing education transformation and its impact on care delivery in Singapore
Authors: Leong Felice Fangie , He Hong‐Gu , Premarani Kannusamy , Lim Siew Hoon 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsTo explore nurses’ perceptions of the transformation in Singapore's nursing education and its impact on the delivery of nursing care.BackgroundNursing education in Singapore has sailed through a sea of changes, from the apprenticeship model of training in hospitals to institutions of higher learning. Limited primary studies have explored the evolution of nursing education, and none have explored its impact on the delivery of nursing care, based on nurses’ perceptions.MethodsA descriptive qualitative design with purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit 18 experienced nurses from local teaching institutions and healthcare clusters. Semistructured individual face‐to‐face interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research reporting guideline was used to report the study.FindingsFive themes emerged: ‘evolution of the nursing education approach’, ‘clinical learning environments’, ‘evaluation of changes in the nursing education approach’, ‘attitudes toward the provision of various levels of education’ and ‘influences of various competencies on the delivery of nursing care’.ConclusionChanges in teaching pedagogies, learning, assessment, curriculum structure, content and clinical learning environment were commonly reported, which provided insights into understanding nursing education transformation and its impact on nursing practice.Implications for nursing educationThe findings could better prepare nurses for the demanding needs of the contemporary healthcare landscape. Nurse educators and leaders should evaluate gaps in nursing education and implement strategies to improve students’ learning experiences and outcomes.Implications for nursing policyPolicy‐makers can draw on our findings to revise the core competencies guidelines and improve future training by supporting the healthcare needs of society.
Respiratory syncytial virus in pediatric influenza‐like illness cases in Lombardy, Northern Italy, during seven consecutive winter seasons (from 2014–2015 to 2020–2021)
Authors: Pellegrinelli Laura , Galli Cristina , Bubba Laura , Seiti Arlinda , Anselmi Giovanni , Primache Valeria , Signorini Lucia , Delbue Serena , Binda Sandro , Pariani Elena 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract illness in young children and can also cause influenza‐like illness (ILI). Here we investigated the epidemiological features of RSV infection in pediatric ILI cases in Lombardy (a region in Northern Italy accounting nearly 10 million inhabitants) from 2014–2015 to 2020–2021 winter seasons.Material and MethodsData for this study were retrieved and statistically analyzed from the database of virological influenza surveillance of the regional reference laboratory for Lombardy within the Italian influenza surveillance network (InfluNet).ResultsRSV accounted for nearly 19% of pediatric ILI with a risk of infection nearly two‐fold greater than that of individuals ≥15 years. RSV positivity rate increased to 28% considering 0–5 years old children. Although in children ≤5 years the risk of infection from influenza viruses resulted nearly two‐fold higher than the risk of RSV infection, the age group 4–6 months and 7–12 months showed a five‐fold greater risk of infection from RSV than from influenza. Children ≤5 years of age with pre‐existing underlying health conditions had a nearly five‐fold greater risk of getting RSV infection than otherwise healthy 0–5 years old children. RSV was identified in ILI cases <15 years of age in all considered winter seasons except in the 2020–2021 season.DiscussionSentinel surveillance of ILI allowed us to identify groups at higher risk of RSV and influenza infection and to define the start, duration, timing, and intensity of the RSV and influenza community circulation. This surveillance approach can be implemented to assess the RSV circulation and impact in a real‐time manner.
Inhibition of TRIM32 by ibr‐7 treatment sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine via mTOR/p70S6K pathway
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yan You‐you , Gu Yang‐qin , Teng Fei , Lin Xu , Zhou Xing‐lu , Che Jin‐xin , Dong Xiao‐wu , Zhou Li‐xin , Lin Neng‐ming 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPancreatic cancer is one of the most notorious diseases for being asymptomatic at early stage and high mortality rate thereafter. However, either chemotherapy or targeted therapy has rarely achieved success in recent clinical trials for pancreatic cancer. Novel therapeutic regimens or agents are urgently in need. Ibr‐7 is a novel derivative of ibrutinib, displaying superior antitumour activity in pancreatic cancer cells than ibrutinib. In vitro studies showed that ibr‐7 greatly inhibited the proliferation of BxPC‐3, SW1990, CFPAC‐1 and AsPC‐1 cells via the induction of mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis and substantial suppression of mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Moreover, ibr‐7 was able to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine through the efficient repression of TRIM32, which was positively correlated with the proliferation and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, knockdown of TRIM32 diminished mTOR/p70S6K activity in pancreatic cancer cells, indicating a positive feedback loop between TRIM32 and mTOR/p70S6K pathway. To conclude, this work preliminarily explored the role of TRIM32 in the malignant properties of pancreatic cancer cells and evaluated the possibility of targeting TRIM32 to enhance effectiveness of gemcitabine, thereby providing a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Effects of a short‐term cold exposure on circulating microRNAs and metabolic parameters in healthy adult subjects
Authors: Thibonnier Marc , Ghosh Sujoy , Blanchard Anne 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis discovery study investigated in healthy subjects whether a short‐term cold exposure may alter circulating microRNAs and metabolic parameters and if co‐expression networks between these factors could be identified. This open randomized crossover (cold vs no cold exposure) study with blind end‐ point evaluation was conducted at 1 center with 10 healthy adult male volunteers. Wearing a cooling vest perfused at 14°C for 2 h reduced the local skin temperature without triggering shivering, increased norepinephrine and blood pressure while decreasing copeptin, C‐peptide and heart rate. Circulating microRNAs measured before and after wearing the cooling vest twice (4 time points) identified 196 mature microRNAs with excellent reproducibility over 72 h. Significant correlations of microRNA expression with copeptin, norepinephrine and C‐peptide were found. A co‐expression‐based microRNA‐microRNA network, as well as microRNA pairs displaying differential correlation as a function of temperature were also detected. This study demonstrates that circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed and coregulated upon cold exposure in humans, supporting their use as predictive and dynamic biomarkers of cardio‐metabolic disorders.