bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of left ventricular ventricular dyssynchrony in left bundle branch block patients
Authors: Cortes C , Aramayo G EN , Barboza PE , Claros EM , Embon MA 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) patterns on the electrocardiogram include a heterogeneous group of patients with different prognosis and some of them with or without left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD). LVMD obtained by gated technetium 99m single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging could be an early tool to detect myocardial damage, identifying a high risk group.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of LVMD in LBBB patients.

Methods
Five hundred and eighty consecutive patients with LBBB were referred for gated SPECT from August 2011 to June 2019. Phase analysis parameters Standard deviation (SD) and histogram bandwidth (HB) were obtained in rest gated SPECT imaging. LVMD was defined as the upper limit of the highest normal for phase analysis results in our control patients mean values plus two standard deviations (SD ≥ 21° or HB ≥ 67°). Follow up was performed by telephone contact or medical history review. Hard endpoint was all-cause death. Event-free survival curves were obtained. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed.

Results
LVMD was observed in 254 (44%) patients. Compared to non LVMD patients had: similar age (67.68 ± 11.01 vs. 67.2 ± 10.3 y; p NS), more male (75.2% vs 39.6%), more hypertension (75.2% vs. 66.8%), more diabetes (22.8% vs. 13%) and more smoking history (31.9% vs. 23.7%) all p &lt;0.05. A total of 495 patients completed the follow up (mean 29.8 ± 25.8 months). Fourteen patients died (2.8%), 12 had LVMD. Fig 1 shows Kaplan-Meier curve of event-free survival in relation to LVMD. Variables associated with all-cause death in the univariate analysis were: Score Rest Summed ≥ 4 (p 0.02), LV ejection fraction ≤ 35% (p &lt; 0.01), diabetes (p 0.03) and LVMD (p &lt;0.01). The absence of LVMD was a predictor of the lower risk of all-cause death in the multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.03- 0.56; p &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion
In our population of patients with LBBB, the absence of LVMD assessed by gated SPECT imaging identifies patients with lower risk of hard adverse events.
Fontan operation at less than 3 years of age is not a risk factor for long-term failure
Authors: Cao Jacob Y , Marathe Supreet P , Zannino Diana , Celermajer David S , Justo Robert N , Alphonso Nelson , d’Udekem Yves , Winlaw David S 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The age at which the Fontan operation is performed varies globally. Over the last decade, the median age of patients having the Fontan in Australia and New Zealand has been 4.6 years, including 6% of patients younger than 3 years. Long-term outcomes of an early Fontan operation are unclear and are described in this study.

METHODS
Patients from the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry were grouped by age at Fontan. A Fontan before 3 years (early Fontan) was compared to the combined second and third quartiles by age at surgery in the Registry (3.6–6.1 years; control). Outcomes included Fontan failure (death, transplant, New York Heart Association functional group III/IV heart failure, Fontan takedown or conversion, protein losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis), arrhythmias, thromboembolism and reinterventions.

RESULTS
A total of 191 patients who had early Fontan operations were compared to 781 controls. Profound or progressive cyanosis was noted more frequently in the early than in the control group (63% vs 23%; P &lt; 0.001). The early group was followed up for a median 22.1 years. The incidence of long-term failure was similar between the 2 groups (early, 1.08 failures per 100 patient-years of follow-up vs control, 0.99; log-rank P = 0.79). Adjusted for risk factors, early age at Fontan was not a risk factor for long-term failure [hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–1.76; P = 0.48], new-onset arrhythmia (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.63–1.39; P = 0.73), thromboembolism (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.91; P = 0.024) or reintervention (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.80–1.45; P = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS
Having the Fontan operation at an early age was not a risk factor for short- or long-term adverse outcomes in our cohort.
Harvest strategies for climate-resilient fisheries
Authors: Collie Jeremy S , Bell Richard J , Collie Samuel B , Minto Cóilín 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A pressing challenge for climate-vulnerable fisheries is how to manage now for present and future climate change. In contrast to climate forecasting approaches, we track integrated signals of change for example populations in a climatically forced region and use stochastic dynamic programming to compare the performance of a range of management-ready policies over all possible future states. Our main results highlight: (i) that biomass-linked harvest control rules (HCRs) can partially compensate for changing production, even if the HCR is time invariant; and (ii) that the form of utility (e.g. risk neutral or risk averse) can result in remarkably different optimal decision paths. Performance over future horizons degrades marginally from dynamic HCRs to static HCRs (except at low productivity where differences are more pronounced) but markedly when the biomass level is ignored altogether, as is the case in many managed fish populations globally. Understanding the processes whereby climate affects productivity is important for interpreting past data, but forecasts are not needed for tactical decision making now. Instead, we argue that the priorities for managing fish stocks influenced by climate change are to: measure the current productivity, assess the current abundance of the stock, and respond with a dynamic HCR.
Surgical treatment of a 36-year-old patient with asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia
Authors: Wang Wenlin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia is a rare and dangerous genetic disease. Many children with this disease die early in life of severe hypoxia, and it is extremely rare that they survive to adulthood. We recently treated a 36-year-old patient who had asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia with a special surgical method and achieved satisfactory results. A review of the literature showed that this patient is the oldest surviving person with this condition.
Finite element approximation of fractional Neumann problems
Authors: Bersetche Francisco M , Borthagaray Juan Pablo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we consider approximations of Neumann problems for the integral fractional Laplacian by continuous, piecewise linear finite elements. We analyze the weak formulation of such problems, including their well-posedness and asymptotic behavior of solutions. We address the convergence of the finite element discretizations and discuss the implementation of the method. Finally, we present several numerical experiments in one- and two-dimensional domains that illustrate the method’s performance as well as certain properties of solutions.
Home before Hospital: a whole of system re-design project to improve rates of home-based dialysis therapy: Experience and outcomes over 8 years
Authors: Tombocon Omar , Tregaskis Peter , Reid Catherine , Chiappetta Daniella , Fallon Kethly , Jackson Susannah , Frawley Fiona , Peart Dianne , Weston Ann , Wong Kim , Palaster Leanne , Flanc Robert , Macdonald Sandra , Wilson Scott , Walker Rowan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Despite evidence that clinical outcomes for patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home haemodialysis are better than for patients treated with conventional satellite or hospital-based haemodialysis, rates of home-based dialysis therapies world-wide remain low. Home-based dialysis care is also cost-effective and indeed the favoured dialysis option for many patients.

Methods & Objectives
Using a lean-thinking framework and established change management methodology, a project embracing a system-wide approach at making a change where a ‘Home before Hospital’ philosophy underpinned all approaches to dialysis care was undertaken. Three multidisciplinary working groups (pathway, outreach and hybrid) were established for re-design and implementation. The primary aim was to improve home-based dialysis therapy prevalence rates from a baseline of 14.8% by ≥2.5%/year to meet a target of 35%, whilst not only maintaining but improving the quality of care provided to patients requiring maintenance dialysis. A ‘future’ state pathway was developed after review of the ‘current’ state (Pathway Working Group) and formed the basis on which a nurse-led outreach service (Outreach Working Group) was established. With the support of the multidisciplinary team, the outreach service model focussed on early, consistent, and frequent education, patient support in decision-making, and clinician engagement.

Results
A target prevalence of &gt;30% for home-based therapies (mainly achieved with PD) was achieved within 2 years. This prevalence rate reached 35% within 3 years and was maintained at 8 years. In addition, selected patients already on maintenance satellite-based haemodialysis (Hybrid Working Group) were educated to achieve high levels of proficiencies in self-care.

Conclusion
Having the system-wide approach to a Quality Improvement Process and using established principles and change management processes, the successful implementation of a new sustainable model of care focussed on home-based dialysis therapy was achieved. A key feature of the model (through outreach) was early nurse-led education and support of patients in decision-making and ongoing support through multidisciplinary care.
Deciphering the PTM codes of the tumor suppressor p53
Authors: Wen Jia , Wang Donglai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The genome guardian p53 functions as a transcription factor that senses numerous cellular stresses and orchestrates the corresponding transcriptional events involved in determining various cellular outcomes, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, DNA repair, and metabolic regulation. In response to diverse stresses, p53 undergoes multiple posttranslational modifications (PTMs) that coordinate with intimate interdependencies to precisely modulate its diverse properties in given biological contexts. Notably, PTMs can recruit ‘reader’ proteins that exclusively recognize specific modifications and facilitate the functional readout of p53. Targeting PTM–reader interplay has been developing into a promising cancer therapeutic strategy. In this review, we summarize the advances in deciphering the ‘PTM codes’ of p53, focusing particularly on the mechanisms by which the specific reader proteins functionally decipher the information harbored within these PTMs of p53. We also highlight the potential applications of intervention with p53 PTM–reader interactions in cancer therapy and discuss perspectives on the ‘PTMomic’ study of p53 and other proteins.
Miniature microscopes for manipulating and recording in vivo brain activity
Authors: Stamatakis Alice M , Resendez Shanna L , Chen Kai-Siang , Favero Morgana , Liang-Guallpa Jing , Nassi Jonathan J , Neufeld Shay Q , Visscher Koen , Ghosh Kunal K 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Here we describe the development and application of miniature integrated microscopes (miniscopes) paired with microendoscopes that allow for the visualization and manipulation of neural circuits in superficial and subcortical brain regions in freely behaving animals. Over the past decade the miniscope platform has expanded to include simultaneous optogenetic capabilities, electrically-tunable lenses that enable multi-plane imaging, color-corrected optics, and an integrated data acquisition platform that streamlines multimodal experiments. Miniscopes have given researchers an unprecedented ability to monitor hundreds to thousands of genetically-defined neurons from weeks to months in both healthy and diseased animal brains. Sophisticated algorithms that take advantage of constrained matrix factorization allow for background estimation and reliable cell identification, greatly improving the reliability and scalability of source extraction for large imaging datasets. Data generated from miniscopes have empowered researchers to investigate the neural circuit underpinnings of a wide array of behaviors that cannot be studied under head-fixed conditions, such as sleep, reward seeking, learning and memory, social behaviors, and feeding. Importantly, the miniscope has broadened our understanding of how neural circuits can go awry in animal models of progressive neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Continued miniscope development, including the ability to record from multiple populations of cells simultaneously, along with continued multimodal integration of techniques such as electrophysiology, will allow for deeper understanding into the neural circuits that underlie complex and naturalistic behavior.
ELISA Evaluation of Tau Accumulation in the Brains of Patients with Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Shinohara Mitsuru , Hirokawa Junko , Shimodaira Akemi , Tashiro Yoshitaka , Suzuki Kaoru , Gheni Ghupurjan , Fukumori Akio , Matsubara Tomoyasu , Morishima Maho , Saito Yuko , Murayama Shigeo , Sato Naoyuki 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Despite the routine use of sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for quantifying tau levels in CSF and plasma, tau accumulations in the brains of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) have rarely been evaluated by this method. Thus, by introducing several tau ELISAs that target different epitopes, we evaluated accumulated tau levels in postmortem brains depending on disease stage, brain areas, and other AD-related changes. Notably, tau levels in insoluble fraction determined by each ELISAs differ depending on the epitopes of antibodies: non-AD control samples yield relatively high signals when an antibody against the N-terminal region of tau is used. On the other hand, ELISAs combining antibodies against the later-middle to C-terminal regions of tau produced substantially increased signals from AD samples, compared to those from non-AD controls. Such ELISAs better distinguish AD and non-AD controls, and the results are more closely associated with Braak neurofibrillary tangles stage, Aβ accumulation, and glial markers. Moreover, these ELISAs can reflect the pattern of tau spread across brain regions. In conclusion, Tau ELISAs that combine antibodies against the later-middle to C-terminal regions of tau can better reflect neuropathological tau accumulation, which would enable to evaluate tau accumulation in the brain at a biochemical level.
First Case of Bloodstream Infection Caused by Ruminococcus gnavus in an 85 Year Old Man in China
Authors: Fan Xin , Chen Yejin , Liu Yanqing , Hu Liqing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Ruminococcus gnavus (R. gnavus) is a gram positive anaerobe and a member of the normal intestinal flora of humans. Here, we present a case study of bloodstream infection caused by R. gnavus in an 85 year old man. We identified R. gnavus using target DNA sequencing. The patient was treated with intravenous meropenem and ceftriaxone based on antimicrobial susceptibility tests. He recovered well and was discharged.
The “Organic” Descriptor and Its Association With Commercial Cigarette Health Risk Expectancies, Subjective Effects, and Smoking Topography: A Pilot Human Laboratory Study
Authors: Pearson Jennifer L , Watanabe Mika , Sanchez Jennifer , Mann Suman , Drake Cara , Mercincavage Melissa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this mixed-method pilot study was to: (1) examine whether the “organic” descriptor affects smokers’ health risk expectancies, subjective ratings of smoking, and topography, and (2) describe how smokers interpret the “organic” descriptor and relate it to their subjective smoking experience.MethodsTwenty-two daily smokers (45.5% men, 81.8% non-Hispanic White, M (SD) age = 47.3 [12.7], M (SD) cigarettes/day = 14.5 [5.1]) completed a within-person laboratory study. Following a baseline session, smokers attended 2 experimental sessions where they smoked a study-provided cigarette (identical across conditions) paired with either an “organic” or conventional (e.g., no “organic”) descriptor condition and completed subjective and behavioral measures. Participants completed a semi-structured interview at the last visit.ResultsRelative to the conventional cigarette, more participants rated the “organic” cigarette as healthier, having fewer chemicals, and having a more favorable burn rate (P’s &lt; 0.05). There were no differences in total puff volume by condition (P = 0.42). Stratifying by gender, men inhaled 225 ml (SE = 82.7) more in the conventional condition (P = 0.02); women inhaled 408 ml (SE = 233.3) more in the organic condition (P = 0.11). A common understanding of “organic” was that the product was “…less processed... like less chemicals and it’s more natural.” Some believed that “organic” cigarettes contained fewer chemicals, which in turn produced a “much cleaner and healthier smoking cigarette” and that they could “taste the difference.”ConclusionsFindings support that smokers associate the “organic” descriptor with health and reduced harm. This descriptor may differentially impact puffing behavior by gender.ImplicationsThis study provides qualitative and quantitative data regarding how the “organic” descriptor influences adult daily smokers’ perceptions and use of cigarettes. After smoking two identical cigarettes described as “organic” and conventional (e.g., no “organic”), smokers expressed more problematic health expectancies about the “organic” cigarette condition, providing further empirical support that the “organic” descriptor is associated with expectancies of reduced harm. The source of reduced harm was understood to be fewer chemicals in the organic cigarette. Though preliminary, findings suggest that “organic” may differentially affect puffing behavior by gender.
Survey of public library use in the Ambulatory Clinic in the Children’s Hospital Winnipeg
Authors: Burns Jessy , Sharma Atul Kumar , Borland Karin , Rodd Celia J 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Recent studies highlight synergies for families receiving early childhood literacy support from their health care provider and public library, with more reading at home and higher quality book-sharing interactions. Our primary objective was to determine the percentage of Children’s Hospital Winnipeg Ambulatory Clinic’s patients who had ever used a public library. The clinic has a longstanding early-childhood literacy program and serves remote communities and low-income Winnipeg families.

Methods
A structured survey was administered to parents or legal guardians by the first author. It explored library barriers and covariates that might affect library use. Analysis included descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model for predictors of library use.

Results
Ninety-seven nearly consecutive surveys were administered, half prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most respondents were female, from Winnipeg, and in the two lowest neighbourhood income quintiles. Roughly half (46.4%) of children had used a library. Most respondents wanted health care providers to promote literacy and provide information about public libraries, and more supported in-clinic distribution of books. The number of children per household positively predicted library use, possibly a proxy for experience with community resources. About 2/3 of respondents believed that library fines should be abolished. Most identified other barriers, for example, inconvenient hours, distance, or concerns about COVID-19.

Conclusion
Less than half of surveyed families used public libraries, citing multiple barriers, including fines. Moreover, not all health care providers can offer new books and anticipatory guidance. Clinics that promote use of public libraries may therefore represent a low-cost, stand-alone alternative.
Advances and prospects of rhodopsin-based optogenetics in plant research
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ding Meiqi , Nagel Georg , Konrad Kai R. , Gao Shiqiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Microbial rhodopsins have advanced optogenetics since the discovery of channelrhodopsins almost two decades ago. During this time an abundance of microbial rhodopsins has been discovered, engineered, and improved for studies in neuroscience and other animal research fields. Optogenetic applications in plant research, however, lagged largely behind. Starting with light-regulated gene expression, optogenetics has slowly expanded into plant research. The recently established all-trans retinal production in plants now enables the use of many microbial opsins, bringing extra opportunities to plant research. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of rhodopsin-based plant optogenetics and provide a perspective for future use, combined with fluorescent sensors to monitor physiological parameters.
Engineering stable carbonic anhydrases for CO2 capture: a critical review
Authors: Mesbahuddin Mirfath Sultana , Ganesan Aravindhan , Kalyaanamoorthy Subha 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the search for green CO2-capture technology to combat global warming, bioengineering of carbonic anhydrases (CAs) is being sought for with target adaptabilities of extreme temperatures and alkaline pH conditions. The modern in silico screening of protein engineering complements the conventional in vitro high-throughput via generation of iteratively cumulating e-library of diverse beneficial mutations. As identified through various studies of randomized and rationalized mutagenesis, different features have been explored to engineer stability in CAs, including improving structural contacts in the protein quaternary architecture with disulfide bonds and salt-bridge networks, as well as enhancing the protein surface electrostatics. Advanced molecular dynamic simulation techniques and progressive training of machine learning-assisted databases are now being used to unravel wild-type CA properties and predict stable variants thereof with greater accuracy than ever before. The best fit CA achieved so forth demonstrates tolerances of up to 107°C at pH &gt;10 with 25-fold enhancement in CO2 mass transfer. This review will provide an overview of different approaches that have been utilized for engineering CAs and will highlight potential challenges and strategies for developing CA-based CO2-capture and sequestration.