bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of ventricular tachycardia in a patient with double‐outlet left ventricle
Authors: Benali Karim , Hammache Nefissa , Guenancia Charles , de Chillou Christian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe report the case of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedure in a patient with history of surgically repaired double‐outlet left ventricle. The electrophysiology procedure revealed a re‐entry pattern between the right‐ventricle to main‐pulmonary‐artery conduit and the tricuspid annulus. The re‐entrant mechanism was most likely promoted by a fibrous remodeling of this area, related to the surgical repair. This case is the first to describe a re‐entry mechanism between fixed anatomical barriers in a repaired right ventricle of a double‐outlet left ventricle. A pace mapping technique was used to highlight the VT isthmus.
Distance between the descending aorta and the left inferior pulmonary vein as a determinant of biophysical parameters during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation cryoablation
Authors: Benali Karim , Da Costa Antoine , Macle Laurent , Hammache Nefissa , Galand Vincent , Romeyer Cécile , Guichard Jean Baptiste , Leclercq Christophe , Pavin Dominique , Martins Raphaël 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe distance from the descending aorta (DA) to the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA) is variable. We aimed to determine whether the proximity between the DA and the left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) ostium has an impact on biophysical parameters and cryoballoon (CB) ablation efficacy during LIPV freezing.MethodsPatients referred for CB‐ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in two high‐volume centers were included. Cryoablation data were collected prospectively for each patient. The anatomical relationships between the LIPV and the DA (distance LIPV ostium‐DA, presence of an aortic imprint on the posterior aspect of the LIPV) were then retrospectively analysed on the LA computed tomography scans realized before AF ablation.ResultsA total of 350 patients were included (70% men, 59.7 ± 11.5 years). The decrease in the Ostium‐DA distance was significantly correlated to the increase in the time‐to‐isolation (TTI) (r = −.31; p = .036), with less negative temperature (r = −.11; p = .045). Similarly, the presence of an aortic imprint on the LIPV was associated with a longer TTI (p < .001). The analysis of redo procedures data shows a trend toward the presence of shorter ostium‐DA distances (15.3 ± 3.29 vs. 18.1 ± 4.99, p = .15) and more frequent aortic imprints (63.6% vs. 47.5%, p = .34) in patients with LIPV reconnection as opposed to patients without reconnection in the LIPV.ConclusionOur findings indicated that the DA seems to have a “radiator” effect influencing LIPV cryoablation parameters during CB‐ablation. Additional studies will be needed to elucidate whether this biophysical influence has a clinical impact in LIPVs reconnections.
The molecular mechanism of GADD153 in apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts exposed to botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Nien Ming‐Shiuan , Cheng Wen‐Pin , Feng Jun , Cui Yong‐Yan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractApoptosis plays a key role in keloids. Growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible gene 153 (GADD153) is regulated by apoptosis. Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) can induce apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts. This research aimed to explore the hypothesis that GADD153 mediates apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts exposed to BTXA. BTXA significantly induced GADD153 protein and mRNA expression in keloid fibroblasts. Treatment with c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, JNK small interfering RNA (siRNA) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) antibodies reversed the BTXA‐induced GADD153 expression. BTXA enhanced the transcriptional activity of GADD153, whereas the GADD153 mutant plasmid, JNK siRNA and anti‐TNF‐α antibody treatment abolished the BTXA‐induced transcriptional activity of GADD153. The addition of TNF‐α to keloid fibroblasts markedly increased GADD153 protein expression. The addition of GADD153 siRNA, SP600125 and anti‐TNF‐α antibodies reversed cell death and caspase 3 and 9 activity induced by BTXA.
Within‐individual repeatability in telomere length: A meta‐analysis in nonmammalian vertebrates
Authors: Kärkkäinen Tiia , Briga Michael , Laaksonen Toni , Stier Antoine 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTelomere length is increasingly used as a biomarker of long‐term somatic state and future survival prospects. While most studies have overlooked this aspect, biological interpretations based on a given telomere length will benefit from considering the level of within‐individual repeatability of telomere length through time. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis on 74 longitudinal studies in nonmammalian vertebrates, with the aim to establish the current pattern of within‐individual repeatability in telomere length and to identify the methodological (e.g., qPCR/TRF) and biological factors (e.g., age class, phylogeny) that may affect it. While the median within‐individual repeatability of telomere length was moderate to high (R = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.05–0.95; N = 82), marked heterogeneity between studies was evident. Measurement method affected the repeatability estimate strongly, with TRF‐based studies exhibiting high repeatability (R = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.34–0.96; N = 25), while repeatability of qPCR‐based studies was markedly lower and more variable (R = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.04–0.82; N = 57). While phylogeny explained some variance in repeatability, phylogenetic signal was not significant (λ = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.00–0.83). None of the biological factors investigated here significantly explained variation in the repeatability of telomere length, being potentially obscured by methodological differences. Our meta‐analysis highlights the high variability in within‐individual repeatability estimates between studies and the need to put more effort into separating technical and biological explanations. This is important to better understand to what extent biological factors can affect the repeatability of telomere length and thus the interpretation of telomere length data.
Testing the potential contribution ofWolbachiato speciation when cytoplasmic incompatibility becomes associated with host‐related reproductive isolation
Authors: Bruzzese Daniel J. , Schuler Hannes , Wolfe Thomas M. , Glover Mary M. , Mastroni Joseph V. , Doellman Meredith M. , Tait Cheyenne , Yee Wee L. , Rull Juan , Aluja Martin , Hood Glen Ray , Goughnour Robert B. , Stauffer Christian , Nosil Patrik , Feder Jeffery L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEndosymbiont‐induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) may play an important role in arthropod speciation. However, whether CI consistently becomes associated or coupled with other host‐related forms of reproductive isolation (RI) to impede the transfer of endosymbionts between hybridizing populations and further the divergence process remains an open question. Here, we show that varying degrees of pre‐ and postmating RI exist among allopatric populations of two interbreeding cherry‐infesting tephritid fruit flies (Rhagoletis cingulataandR.indifferens) across North America. These flies display allochronic and sexual isolation among populations, as well as unidirectional reductions in egg hatch in hybrid crosses involving southwestern USA males. All populations are infected by aWolbachiastrain,wCin2, whereas a second strain,wCin3, only co‐infects flies from the southwest USA and Mexico. StrainwCin3 is associated with a unique mitochondrial DNA haplotype and unidirectional postmating RI, implicating the strain as the cause of CI. When coupled with nonendosymbiont RI barriers, we estimate the strength of CI associated withwCin3 would not prevent the strain from introgressing from infected southwestern to uninfected populations elsewhere in the USA if populations were to come into secondary contact and hybridize. In contrast, cytoplasmic–nuclear coupling may impede the transfer ofwCin3 if Mexican and USA populations were to come into contact. We discuss our results in the context of the general paucity of examples demonstrating stableWolbachiahybrid zones and whether the spread ofWolbachiaamong taxa can be constrained in natural hybrid zones long enough for the endosymbiont to participate in speciation.
Bacterial glycocalyx integrity drives multicellular swarm biofilm dynamism
Authors: Saïdi Fares , Jolivet Nicolas Y. , Lemon David J. , Nakamura Arnaldo , Belgrave Akeisha M. , Garza Anthony G. , Veyrier Frédéric J. , Islam Salim T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractExopolysaccharide (EPS) layers on the bacterial cell surface are key determinants of biofilm establishment and maintenance, leading to the formation of higher‐order 3D structures that confer numerous survival benefits to a cell community. In addition to a specific cell‐associated EPS glycocalyx, we recently revealed that the social δ‐proteobacterium Myxococcus xanthus secretes a novel biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS) to the extracellular milieu. Together, secretion of the two polymers (EPS and BPS) is required for type IV pilus (T4P)‐dependent swarm expansion via spatio‐specific biofilm expression profiles. Thus the synergy between EPS and BPS secretion somehow modulates the multicellular lifecycle of M. xanthus. Herein, we demonstrate that BPS secretion functionally alters the EPS glycocalyx via destabilization of the latter, fundamentally changing the characteristics of the cell surface. This impacts motility behaviors at the single‐cell level and the aggregative capacity of cells in groups via cell‐surface EPS fibril formation as well as T4P production, stability, and positioning. These changes modulate the structure of swarm biofilms via cell layering, likely contributing to the formation of internal swarm polysaccharide architecture. Together, these data reveal the manner by which the combined secretion of two distinct polymers induces single‐cell changes that modulate swarm biofilm communities.
Determinants of transcultural self‐efficacy among nurses in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tong Ling , Tong Tong , Wang Jingping , Li Yao , Noji Ariko 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this cross‐sectional study, we explored the current status and the correlates of self‐perceived transcultural self‐efficacy among nurses working in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China. A total of 336 nurses (age range, 24–50 years) completed the Chinese version of the Transcultural Self‐Efficacy Tool. The majority of respondents were female (94.64%), and 67.26% were government employees. Between group differences were assessed using the rank sum test. Most nurses had a below‐moderate level of self‐perceived transcultural self‐efficacy in all subscales (Cognitive [67.69%]; Practical [71.65%], Affective [66.75%]). Age, professional title, employment type, and income level had a significant influence on all three subscale scores of the survey instrument. Our findings highlight the need for inclusion of transcultural nursing in the continuing education curricula for nurses. Nursing managers should target continuing education based on the demographic characteristics of nurses. Hospital managers should consider minimizing the pay disparity between government‐employed and temporary nurses. These initiatives can help improve the quality of nursing care in a cross‐cultural milieu.
Epigenetics: a catalyst of plant immunity against pathogens
Authors: Hannan Parker Adam , Wilkinson Samuel W. , Ton Jurriaan 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThe plant immune system protects against pests and diseases. The recognition of stress‐related molecular patterns triggers localised immune responses, which are often followed by longer‐lasting systemic priming and/or up‐regulation of defences. In some cases, this induced resistance (IR) can be transmitted to following generations. Such transgenerational IR is gradually reversed in the absence of stress at a rate that is proportional to the severity of disease experienced in previous generations. This review outlines the mechanisms by which epigenetic responses to pathogen infection shape the plant immune system across expanding time scales. We review the cis‐ and trans‐acting mechanisms by which stress‐inducible epigenetic changes at transposable elements (TEs) regulate genome‐wide defence gene expression and draw particular attention to one regulatory model that is supported by recent evidence about the function of AGO1 and H2A.Z in transcriptional control of defence genes. Additionally, we explore how stress‐induced mobilisation of epigenetically controlled TEs acts as a catalyst of Darwinian evolution by generating (epi)genetic diversity at environmentally responsive genes. This raises questions about the long‐term evolutionary consequences of stress‐induced diversification of the plant immune system in relation to the long‐held dichotomy between Darwinian and Lamarckian evolution.
Tumour‐stroma ratio is a valuable prognostic factor for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kang Jia , Su Ming , Xu Qiaoshi , Wang Chong , Yuan Xiaohong , Han Zhengxue 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to estimate the prognostic value of the tumour‐stroma ratio (TSR) and tumour budding (TB) in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) and to establish a reliable model to predict the outcome of OTSCC patients.MethodsA total of 103 patients surgically treated at our hospital were enrolled in this study. Chi‐square tests, Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed for statistical analysis.ResultsFifty‐six patients were categorized as stroma‐rich, and 47 patients were categorized as stroma‐poor. Only pathological grade was associated with the TSR (p = 0.017). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that stroma‐rich, high‐intensity budding and high risk groups were associated with worse prognosis. The Cox regression model showed that the TSR was an independent risk factor for OTSCC patients prognosis, and the high risk group was also related to poor prognosis (p < 0.05). TB was significantly associated with poor prognosis but was not an independent risk factor.ConclusionsWe found that patients in the stroma‐rich group had a worse long‐term prognosis. The TSR is an independent risk factor for OTSCC patients’ outcome. In addition, a risk model that combined the TSR and TB proved to be valuable for predicting OTSCC patients’ outcome.
Evaluation of safety and feasibility of leadless pacemaker implantation following the removal of an infected pacemaker
Authors: Zhang Jianghua , He Long , Xing Qiang , Zhou Xianhui , Li Yaodong , Zhang Ling , Lu Yanmei , Tuerhong Zukela , Yang Xu , Tang Baopeng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundLeadless pacemakers provide safe and effective pacing options for patients with device‐related infections. This study was aimed at observing and evaluating the safety and feasibility of extracting an infected pacemaker device followed by the implantation of a leadless pacemaker in the same location for patients without systemic infection.MethodsBetween December 2019 and September 2020, following a well‐planned re‐implantation strategy, pacemaker electrodes were removed from patients with device infection and leadless pacemakers were immediately implanted at our center. The patients were then followed up for up to 10 months to assess the safety and practicality of the procedure.ResultsPacemaker electrode removal and immediate leadless pacemaker implantation were successfully achieved in eight patients with pocket infection. After a minimum follow‐up period of 1 month and a maximum follow‐up of 10 months, the pacing parameters for the patients remained stable and there was no infection at the original capsular bag or in the leadless pacemaker.ConclusionDirect implantation of a leadless pacemaker is safe and feasible for patients with local infection of the pacing system after removal of the electrode as an alternative to a bridge period with a temporary pacemaker. This strategy may be a better option for pacing‐dependent patients.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling in childhood asthma development and environment‐mediated protection
Authors: Theodorou Johanna , Nowak Elisabeth , Böck Andreas , Salvermoser Michael , Beerweiler Claudia , Zeber Kathrin , Kulig Paulina , Tsang Miranda S. , Wong Chun‐Kwok , Wong Gary W. K. , Roponen Marjut , Kumbrink Jörg , Alhamdan Fahd , Michel Florian , Garn Holger , Tosevski Vinko , Schaub Bianca 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile childhood asthma prevalence is rising in Westernized countries, farm children are protected. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway with its negative regulator dual‐specificity phosphatase‐1 (DUSP1) is presumably associated with asthma development.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the role of MAPK signaling in childhood asthma and its environment‐mediated protection, including a representative selection of 232 out of 1062 children from two cross‐sectional cohorts and one birth cohort study.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from asthmatic and healthy children were cultured upon stimulation with farm‐dust extracts or lipopolysaccharide. In subgroups, gene expression was analyzed by qPCR (PBMCs, cord blood) and NanoString technology (dendritic cells). Protein expression of phosphorylated MAPKs was measured by mass cytometry. Histone acetylation was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation.ResultsAsthmatic children expressed significantly less DUSP1 (p = .006) with reduced acetylation at histone H4 (p = .012) compared with healthy controls. Farm‐dust stimulation upregulated DUSP1 expression reaching healthy levels and downregulated inflammatory MAPKs on gene and protein levels (PBMCs; p ≤ .01). Single‐cell protein analysis revealed downregulated pMAPKs upon farm‐dust stimulation in B cells, NK cells, monocytes, and T‐cell subpopulations.ConclusionLower DUSP1 baseline levels in asthmatic children and anti‐inflammatory regulation of MAPK in several immune cell types by farm‐dust stimulation indicate a regulatory function for DUSP1 for future therapy contributing to anti‐inflammatory characteristics of farming environments.
Regulation of germination by targeted mutagenesis of grain dormancy genes in barley
Authors: Hisano Hiroshi , Hoffie Robert E. , Abe Fumitaka , Munemori Hiromi , Matsuura Takakazu , Endo Masaki , Mikami Masafumi , Nakamura Shingo , Kumlehn Jochen , Sato Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2021

SummaryHigh humidity during harvest season often causes pre‐harvest sprouting in barley (Hordeum vulgare). Prolonged grain dormancy prevents pre‐harvest sprouting; however, extended dormancy can interfere with malt production and uniform germination upon sowing. In this study, we used Cas9‐induced targeted mutagenesis to create single and double mutants in QTL FOR SEED DORMANCY 1 (Qsd1) and Qsd2 in the same genetic background. We performed germination assays in independent qsd1 and qsd2 single mutants, as well as in two double mutants, which revealed a strong repression of germination in the mutants. These results demonstrated that normal early grain germination requires both Qsd1 and Qsd2 function. However, germination of qsd1 was promoted by treatment with 3% hydrogen peroxide, supporting the notion that the mutants exhibit delayed germination. Likewise, exposure to cold temperatures largely alleviated the block of germination in the single and double mutants. Notably, qsd1 mutants partially suppress the long dormancy phenotype of qsd2, while qsd2 mutant grains failed to germinate in the light, but not in the dark. Consistent with the delay in germination, abscisic acid accumulated in all mutants relative to the wild type, but abscisic acid levels cannot maintain long‐term dormancy and only delay germination. Elucidation of mutant allele interactions, such as those shown in this study, are important for fine‐tuning traits that will lead to the design of grain dormancy through combinations of mutant alleles. Thus, these mutants will provide the necessary germplasm to study grain dormancy and germination in barley.
Functional characterization of late embryogenesis abundant genes and promoters in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) for abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Divya Kummari , Palakolanu Sudhakar Reddy , Kavi Kishor Polavarapu , Rajesh Aishwarya Shankhapal , Vadez Vincent , Sharma Kiran K. , Mathur Pooja Bhatnagar 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLate embryogenesis abundant (LEA) genes display distinct functions in response to abiotic stresses in plants. In pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), a total of 21 PgLEA genes were identified and classified into six groups including LEA1, LEA2, LEA3, LEA5, LEA7, and dehydrins (DHN). Open reading frames (ORFs) of PgLEAs range from 291 bp (PgLEA1‐1) to 945 bp (PgLEA2‐11) and distributed randomly among the seven chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all PgLEA proteins are closely related to sorghum LEA proteins. The PgLEAs were found to be expressed differentially under high progressive vapor pressure deficit (VPD), PgLEA7 was significantly expressed under high VPD and was selected for functional validation. In silico analysis of the PgLEA promoter regions revealed abiotic stress‐specific cis‐acting elements such as ABRE, CCAAT, MYBS, and LTRE. Based on the type of motifs, PgLEAPC promoter (758 bp), its deletion 1 (PgLpd1, 349 bp) and deletion 2 (PgLpd2, 125 bp) were cloned into the plant expression vector pMDC164 having the promoter‐less uidA gene. All the three plant expression vectors were introduced into tobacco through Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation to obtain T1 and T2 generations of transgenic plants. Based on expression of the uidA gene, tissue‐specific expression was observed in mature stems, roots and seedlings of PgLEAPC and PgLpd1 carrying transgenics only. While the transgenic PgLEAPC plants displayed significantly higher uidA expression in the stem and root tissues under salt, drought, heat, and cold stresses, very low or no expression was observed in PgLpd1 and PgLpd2 transgenics under the tested stress conditions. The results of this study indicate that the complete promoter of PgLEAPC plays a role in developing abiotic stress tolerance in plants.
Characteristic and Necessary Minutiae in Fingerprints
Authors: Wieditz Johannes , Pokern Yvo , Schuhmacher Dominic , Huckemann Stephan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFingerprints feature a ridge pattern with moderately varying ridge frequency (RF), following an orientation field (OF), which usually features some singularities. Additionally at some points, called minutiae, ridge lines end or fork and this point pattern is usually used for fingerprint identification and authentication. Whenever the OF features divergent ridge lines (e.g., near singularities), a nearly constant RF necessitates the generation of more ridge lines, originating at minutiae. We call these the necessary minutiae. It turns out that fingerprints feature additional minutiae which occur at rather arbitrary locations. We call these the random minutiae or, since they may convey fingerprint individuality beyond the OF, the characteristic minutiae. In consequence, the minutiae point pattern is assumed to be a realization of the superposition of two stochastic point processes: a Strauss point process (whose activity function is given by the divergence field) with an additional hard core, and a homogeneous Poisson point process, modelling the necessary and the characteristic minutiae, respectively. We perform Bayesian inference using an Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo (MCMC)-based minutiae separating algorithm (MiSeal). In simulations, it provides good mixing and good estimation of underlying parameters. In application to fingerprints, we can separate the two minutiae patterns and verify by example of two different prints with similar OF that characteristic minutiae convey fingerprint individuality.