bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative importance of clinical outcomes and safety risks of antiseizure medication monotherapy for patients and physicians: Discrete choice experiment eliciting preferences in real‐world study "VOTE"
Authors: Rosenow Felix , Winter Yaroslav , Leunikava Iryna , Brunnert Marcus , Joeres Lars , Sutphin Jessie , Boeri Marco , Smith Jasmine , Villani Flavio , Brandt Christian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to elicit patients' preferences for attributes characterizing antiseizure medication (ASM) monotherapy options before treatment consultation, and to explore the trade‐offs patients consider between treatment efficacy and risks of side effects. Further objectives were to explore how treatment consultation may affect patient preferences, to elicit physicians' preferences in selecting treatment, and to compare patient and physician preferences for treatment.MethodsThis prospective, observational study (EP0076; VOTE) included adults with focal seizures requiring a change in their ASM monotherapy. Patients completed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey before and after treatment consultation. Physicians completed a similar survey after the consultation. The DCE comprised 12 choices between two hypothetical treatments defined by seven attributes. The conditional relative importance of each attribute was calculated.ResultsThree hundred ten patients (mean [SD] age = 46.8 [18.3] years, 52.3% female) were enrolled from eight European countries, of whom 305 completed the survey before consultation and 273 completed the survey before and after consultation. Overall, this preference study in patients who intended to receive a new ASM monotherapy suggests that patient preferences were ordered as expected, with better outcomes being preferred to worse outcomes; patients preferred a higher chance of seizure freedom, lower risk of developing clinical depression, and fewer severe adverse events; avoiding moderate‐to‐severe “trouble thinking clearly” was more important than avoiding any other side effect. There were qualitative differences in what patients and physicians considered to be the most important aspects of treatment for patients; compared with patients, physicians had a qualitatively stronger preference for greater chance of seizure freedom and avoiding personality changes. Patients' preference weights were qualitatively similar before and after treatment consultation.SignificanceFor patients, seizure freedom and avoiding trouble thinking clearly were the most important treatment attributes. Physicians and patients may differ in the emphasis they place on specific attributes.
Factors determining selective predation of the common carp on quagga versus zebra mussels
Authors: Balogh Csilla , Serfőző Zoltán , Kobak Jarosław 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Selective predation may affect interspecific competition between coexisting prey species. Ponto‐Caspian zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) have become common components of benthic communities in invaded ecosystems in Europe and North America, where they are exposed to predation by molluscivorous fish.

In a pairwise food selection experiment, we examined whether an efficient predator of dreissenids, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), selects between the two mussel species and, if so, which mussel traits (attachment, shell strength, nutritional value) are responsible for the discrimination. The fish were offered simultaneously the two mussel species in three separate treatments: (1) attached individuals; (2) unattached individuals; and (3) freshly removed soft tissue, as well as in three mussel size classes.

The fish consistently selected quagga over zebra mussels, irrespective of mussel size and attachment status, including even soft tissues of both species. The success rate of fish attacks did not differ between the prey species. Smaller mussels were easier to crush and swallow, but more difficult to detach from the substratum.

Thus, although interspecific differences in attachment and shell strength existed (small and medium zebra mussels had stronger shells and were more strongly attached than corresponding quagga mussels), these traits did not affect fish preferences. However, the differences in chemical composition of the body—the glycogen content (higher in large quagga vs. zebra mussels) and the caloric content (higher in small and medium quagga vs. zebra mussels)—were responsible for fish selection.

The higher predatory pressure on the quagga versus zebra mussel suggests that differential predation is not a likely reason for the displacement of zebra by quagga mussels, currently occurring in many European and North American ecosystems. Thus, this phenomenon must be driven by other traits making the quagga mussel more competitive.
Reduced ecosystem resilience quantifies fine‐scale heterogeneity in tropical forest mortality responses to drought
Authors: Wu Donghai , Vargas G. German , Powers Jennifer S. , McDowell Nate G. , Becknell Justin M. , Pérez‐Aviles Daniel , Medvigy David , Liu Yanlan , Katul Gabriel G. , Calvo‐Alvarado Julio César , Calvo‐Obando Ana , Sanchez‐Azofeifa Arturo , Xu Xiangtao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSensitivity of forest mortality to drought in carbon‐dense tropical forests remains fraught with uncertainty, while extreme droughts are predicted to be more frequent and intense. Here, the potential of temporal autocorrelation of high‐frequency variability in Landsat Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), an indicator of ecosystem resilience, to predict spatial and temporal variations of forest biomass mortality is evaluated against in situ census observations for 64 site‐year combinations in Costa Rican tropical dry forests during the 2015 ENSO drought. Temporal autocorrelation, within the optimal moving window of 24 months, demonstrated robust predictive power for in situ mortality (leave‐one‐out cross‐validation R2 = 0.54), which allows for estimates of annual biomass mortality patterns at 30 m resolution. Subsequent spatial analysis showed substantial fine‐scale heterogeneity of forest mortality patterns, largely driven by drought intensity and ecosystem properties related to plant water use such as forest deciduousness and topography. Highly deciduous forest patches demonstrated much lower mortality sensitivity to drought stress than less deciduous forest patches after elevation was controlled. Our results highlight the potential of high‐resolution remote sensing to “fingerprint” forest mortality and the significant role of ecosystem heterogeneity in forest biomass resistance to drought.
Systemic innate immune response induces death of olfactory receptor neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Takeuchi Ken‐ichi , Honda Daichi , Okumura Misako , Miura Masayuki , Chihara Takahiro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNeural functions are known to decline during normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms of functional impairment owing to the normal aging of the brain are poorly understood. Previously, we reported that caspase‐3‐like protease, the protease responsible for inducing apoptosis, is activated in a subset of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), especially in Drosophila Or42b neurons, during normal aging. Herein, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying age‐related caspase‐3‐like protease activation and cell death in Or42b neurons. Gene expression profiling of young and aged fly antenna showed that the expression of antimicrobial peptides was significantly upregulated, suggesting an activated innate immune response. Consistent with this observation, inhibition or activation of the innate immune pathway caused delayed or precocious cell death, respectively, in Or42b neurons. Accordingly, autonomous cell activation of the innate immune pathway in Or42b neurons is not likely required for their age‐related death, whereas the systemic innate immune response induces caspase‐3‐like protease activation in Or42b neurons; this indicated that the death of these neurons is regulated non‐cell autonomously. We propose a possible link between the innate immune response and the death of olfactory neurons during normal aging.
A feasible strategy for tailoring stable spray‐coated electrolyte layer in micro‐tubular solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Abarzua Gonzalo , Udayabhaskar Rednam , Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan , Durango‐Petro Jorge , Usuba Jonathan , Flies Host 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBy this work, the viability of the spray coating as a cost‐effective and reliable technique for the coating of Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (GDC) electrolyte layer on the mini‐tubular NiO–GDC anodes based a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fabrication was assessed. The compatibility of the anode and electrolyte was analyzed by using XRD. The variation in thickness and morphology of the electrolyte film as a function of the coating cycles was discussed with optical and scanning electron microscopes. By similar formulation, the coating of La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Co0.2O3 –Ce0.9Gd0.1O2–δ (LSCF–GDC) was performed to achieve porous cathode. An individual micro‐tubular anode supported cell with configuration NiO–GDC/GDC/LSCF–GDC as anode/electrolyte/cathode was tested in the SOFC mode with humidified hydrogen as fuel and stationary air as oxidant. The fabricated mini‐SOFC prototype that generated a maximum power density of 0.510 W/cm2 at 600°C signifies the potential of this industrially scalable low‐cost coating technique.
Effect of nonthermal plasma treatment on surface roughness and bond strength between veneer ceramic and zirconia core
Authors: Yılmaz Savaş Tuba , Akın Ceyda 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis in vitro study evaluated the effect of nonthermal plasma (NTP) treatment on the surface roughness (Ra) of the zirconia and the shear bond strength (SBS) between the veneer ceramic and the zirconia. Ninety zirconia specimens were divided into six groups according to the surface treatments applied: control with no treatment; sandblasting with 50‐μm Al2O3 particles; oxygen plasma treated for 5 min; oxygen plasma treated for 10 min; argon plasma treated for 5 min; and argon plasma treated for 10 min. Ra values were measured using a profilometer. Specimens (n = 12) were then veneered with a nano‐fluorapatite ceramic, and the SBS test was performed. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analyses were performed. The sandblasting procedure significantly increased the surface roughness; however, the plasma groups showed similar Ra values compared to the control group. NTP and sandblasting treatment significantly increased the bond strength and led to higher SBS values than the control. Plasma application did not induce phase transformation; however, sandblasting caused monoclinic phase transformation of the zirconia. NTP application (either oxygen or argon) can enhance the bond strength between the veneer ceramic and the zirconia core without altering the surface morphology or causing zirconia phase transformation.
The distributed practice effects of speaking task repetition
Authors: Kobayashi Manami 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study examined the distributed practice effects on L2 speaking task repetition (TR). Previous research indicated that speaking TR has beneficial effects on learners’ later speech. To examine the distributed practice effects on learners’ second repetition and post‐repetition speech, 38 university students were engaged in cartoon narrations. The procedure included: a pre‐test, two repetition tasks with a 1‐week intersession interval (spaced practice group) or without an interval (massed practice group), and a post‐test. The grammatical complexity, grammatical accuracy, fluency, and lexical variety of learners’ performances were examined using ANCOVA. The lexical variety scores increased more in the spaced practice group than the massed practice group in the pre‐ and post‐test comparisons, indicating that spaced TR may induce lexical variety in post‐repetition speech.
Effects of extracellular proteases and its inhibitors on the gel characteristics of soy protein induced by lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Ren Yiming , Li Liang 
Published: December 2021

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between extracellular protease activity and gel characteristics of soybean protein gel induced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), the influence of protease inhibition on the gel characteristics was discussed through SDS‐PAGE, rheological properties and microstructure. The results showed that the pH value of Lactobacillus casei decreased slowly, but the gel could be formed at 2 h, maybe its higher extracellular protease activity improved the gel characteristics. The addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (10 mmol L−1) reduced the gel quality, when the protease activity was inhibited, the gel quality would decrease, even if there were macromolecular crosslinkers in the system. This study showed that extracellular protease had an important influence on gel characteristics and provided a theoretical basis for the application of protease producing LAB in fermentation‐induced soybean gel foods.
Gelation behaviour of fish skin gelatin in the presence of methanol‐water and ethanol‐water solvent system
Authors: Lu Jinpei , Fang Qi , Ma Nao , Yang Wenge , Zhang Lingyue , Huang Tao 
Published: December 2021

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the different concentrations of methanol and ethanol (5%‐40%, v/v) on the gel, rheological and structural properties of fish skin gelatin (FG). The results showed that lower contents of both methanol and ethanol (5%‐15%, v/v) increased gel strength, hardness and chewiness of FG gels. Rheological results showed that the viscosity of methanol‐water‐induced FG increased from 0.32 to 5.20 Pa·s with increased concentration of methanol, whereas an opposite trend was found for the ethanol‐water‐induced ones. Compared with ethanol‐water‐indued FG gels, methanol‐water‐induced gels present lower gelation times, and higher gel properties, because of the formation of more hydrogen bonds during gelation. Lower contents of methanol significantly unfold gelatin with the increase in β‐sheets. Finally, the mechanism of methanol‐ and ethanol‐induced FG gelation was updated. This research can serve as a guide for semi‐solid food which contains alcohol and medicinal products.
The influence of the fortification of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) powder on the in vitro digestion, physical parameters, nutritional profile, polyphenols and antioxidant activity in the oat‐wheat bread
Authors: Huang Yanyi , He Mengya , Kasapis Stefan , Brennan Margaret , Brennan Charles 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study evaluated the physical parameters, polyphenol profile and antioxidant activity before and after the in vitro digestion of red pitaya powder‐enriched oat‐wheat bread compared to plain wheat bread, oat‐wheat bread and red pitaya powder. The enrichment of red pitaya powder significantly increased the polyphenol, mineral contents, insoluble dietary fibre, firmness and moisture content of oat‐wheat bread compared to wheat bread, while contributed to a minor reduction in bread volume and dough extensibility due to gluten dilution. The oat‐wheat bread was found to have the lowest predicted glycaemic response, but 5%, 10% and 15% red pitaya powder formulated oat‐wheat bread showed a significantly lower glycaemic response than plain wheat bread as well as red pitaya powder.
Experiences of nurses diagnosed with COVID‐19 in Turkey: A qualitative study
Authors: Aydin Ruveyde , Bulut Enes 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsThis study examined the experiences of nurses diagnosed with COVID‐19 under the guidance of Meleis’ Transitions Theory.BackgroundNurses, who make up the majority of healthcare professionals, are struggling with COVID‐19, a silent war, on the front lines at the cost of their lives. The pandemic has deeply affected nurses’ lives, and hundreds of nurses around the world have been diagnosed with COVID‐19 and died.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected from 18 nurses who experienced COVID‐19 symptoms, with a semistructured interview form prepared based on Meleis’ Transitions Theory concepts. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis technique. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used in the study.ResultsThe six themes that emerged in the data analysis were emotions experienced when nurses tested positive for COVID‐19, emotions experienced during the quarantine process, posttraumatic growth, methods of coping with COVID‐19, nursing care after COVID‐19 treatment, and metaphors about COVID‐19.ConclusionThis study showed that being diagnosed with COVID‐19 caused nurses to have both positive (posttraumatic growth, empathic and psychosocial nursing care) and negative experiences (fear of death, stigma, etc.). They tried to cope with adverse situations due to COVID‐19 by obtaining social support, thinking positively, and engaging in domestic activities.Implications for nursing and health policyTo reduce COVID‐19‐related physical and psychological symptoms, appropriate policies should be developed for effective and rapid nursing workforce planning, extending the time allocated for postdiagnosis treatment, updating infection control and prevention guides, training nurses, and providing ongoing psychosocial counseling services that nurses can access.
Customer concentration of targets in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Cheng Mei , Jaggi Jacob , Young Spencer 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe study how the customer concentration of targets impacts the occurrence and structure of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We hypothesize and find that acquirers respond to customer concentration‐related risk by placing fewer bids for targets with greater customer concentration and by using more stock payment in their offers. These relations vary predictably with major customer‐related uncertainty. Our findings extend the literature by documenting an important risk factor in M&A and by quantifying the economic consequences of customer concentration.
Zero‐fluoroscopy ablation in patients with cardiac electronic implantable devices
Authors: Shimamoto Keiko , Yamagata Kenichiro , Wakamiya Akinori , Ueda Nobuhiko , Kamakura Tsukasa , Wada Mitsuru , Inoue‐Yamada Yuko , Miyamoto Koji , Nagase Satoshi , Kusano Kengo F. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionUtilizing a three‐dimensional (3‐D) mapping system and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has allowed ablation procedures with less or without fluoroscopy; however, there is limited data for patients with cardiac electronic implantable device (CIED) leads regarding the suspected risk of lead injury. Therefore, we sought to explore technics to perform safe trans‐septal approach and catheter manipulation technique in patients with CIED leads.Methods and ResultsThis study comprised 49 consecutive patients (59% males, median 73 years old) with CIED who underwent catheter ablation for supraventricular tachycardia requiring the trans‐septal approach, 15 without fluoroscopy (zero‐fluoro group), and 34 with fluoroscopy (conventional‐fluoro group), between July 2019 and April 2021. All procedures were performed under a 3‐D mapping system and ICE guidance. We compared the differences in treatment and development of complications between the two groups. The procedures were for atrial fibrillation (82%) and atrial tachycardia (76%). Coronary sinus catheter insertion and the trans‐septal procedure were successfully performed in all patients. The median time from venipuncture to trans‐septal procedure (zero‐fluoro vs. conventional‐fluoro group: 28 [18–37] min vs. 24 [21–31] min, p = .70), total procedure time (231 [142–274] min vs. 175 [163–225] min, p = .63), and the acute procedural success rate (100% vs. 97%, p = 1.00) did not differ between both groups. No patient showed lead‐related complications in both groups.ConclusionThis is the first study to show zero‐fluoro ablation for supraventricular arrhythmia using 3‐D mapping and ICE in patients with CIED leads was feasible under careful catheter manipulation.
Axis deviation in nonischemic cardiomyopathy with left bundle branch block: Insights from left bundle branch pacing
Authors: Ponnusamy Shunmuga Sundaram , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionBiventricular pacing has shown excellent results in patients with heart failure and left bundle branch block (LBBB). Studies have shown that the patients with abnormal axis deviation may benefit less from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as compared to those with the normal axis. The exact reason for left axis deviation (LAD) in LBBB is not known but could be due to diseased left anterior fascicle, left ventricular enlargement, or due to advanced electrical remodeling.MethodsThe aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of LAD in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) with LBBB and the clinical outcomes following left bundle branch pacing (LBBP).ResultsWe have included 64 consecutive patients with NICM and LBBB, who underwent successful LBBP. Patients were divided into two groups—Group I with baseline normal axis (n = 40; 63%) and Group II with LAD (n = 24; 37%). The mean axis changed from +23.6 ± 28.8° at baseline to +16.5 ± 35.1° and from −40.4 ± 10.3° at baseline to 7.08 ± 41.1° after LBBP in Group I and Group II, respectively. LBBP retained the normal axis in 93% of Group I patients and normalized the axis in 75% of Group II patients. The percentage changes in QRS duration, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter were similar in both the groups (+40% vs. +32%; p = .52, +64% vs. +50%; p = 0.34, −8% vs. −6%; p = .76, respectively). Capturing the proximal LBB would correct the LAD by recruitment of left anterior fascicles and pacing proximal to the site of the septal breakthrough of the right bundle branch activation wavefront during LBBB.ConclusionLBBP as an alternative strategy for CRT could result in similar improvement in LBBB patients with LAD as in those with the normal axis.
Local impedance for the optimization of radiofrequency lesion delivery: A review of bench and clinical data
Authors: Chu Gavin S. , Calvert Peter , Futyma Piotr , Ding Wern Yew , Snowdon Richard , Gupta Dhiraj 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionRadiofrequency catheter ablation is a cornerstone of treatment for many cardiac arrhythmias. Progression in three‐dimensional mapping and contact‐force sensing technologies have improved our capability to achieve success, but challenges still remain.MethodsIn this article, we discuss the importance of overall circuit impedance in radiofrequency lesion formation. This is followed by a review of the literature regarding recently developed “local impedance” technology and its current and future potential applications and limitations, in the context of established surrogate markers currently used to infer effective ablation.ResultsWe discuss the role of local impedance in assessing myocardial substrate, as well as its role in clinical studies of ablation. We also discuss safety considerations, limitations and ongoing research.ConclusionLocal impedance is a novel tool which has the potential to tailor ablation in a manner distinct from other established metrics.