bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute noncontrast T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging predicts chronic radiofrequency ablation lesions
Authors: Kholmovski Eugene G. , Silvernagel Josh , Angel Nathan , Vijayakumar Sathya , Thomas Samuel , Dosdall Derek , MacLeod Rob , Marrouche Nassir F. , Ranjan Ravi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to visualize radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions but the relationship between volumes that enhance in acute MRI and the chronic lesion size is unknown.ObjectivesThe main goal was to use noncontrast (native) T1‐weighted (T1w) MRI and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)‐MRI to visualize lesions acutely and chronically and correlate the acute area of enhancement with chronic lesion size in histology.Materials and MethodsIn a canine (n = 9) model RF ablation lesions were created in both ventricles. Native T1w MRI and LGE‐MRI were acquired acutely after the ablation procedure. After 8 weeks, another set of RF ablations was performed, and the MRI study was repeated. Volume and depth of enhancement in native T1w MRI and LGE‐MRI acquired after the initial ablation procedure were correlated with chronic lesion volume and depth in histology.ResultsThirty‐three lesions were analyzed. Native T1w MRI visualized the acute lesions but not the chronic lesions. LGE‐MRI showed both acute and chronic lesions. Acute native T1w MRI volume (average of 102.1 ± 48.5 mm3) and depth (4.9 ± 1.2 mm) correlated well with chronic histological volume (105.9 ± 51.8 mm3) and depth (4.8 ± 1.3 mm) with R2 of 0.881 (P < 0.001) and 0.874 (P < 0.001), respectively. Acute LGE‐MRI had a significantly higher volume of enhancement of 499.7 ± 214.4 mm3 (P < 0.001) and depth of 7.5 ± 1.8 mm (
P < 0.001) when compared with chronic histological lesion volume and depth.ConclusionsNative T1w MRI acquired acutely after RF ablation is a good predictor of chronic lesion size. Acute LGE‐MRI significantly overestimates the chronic lesion size.
Three‐way stopcock suture technique for hemostasis after ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Payne Joshua , Aznaurov Samuel , Gautam Sandeep 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundFigure‐of‐eight sutures (F8S) have emerged as an alternative to the standard practice of manual compression to achieve venous hemostasis after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). In lieu of a knot to secure the sutures in place, a three‐way stopcock can be used, which can be loosened or tightened as needed to achieve hemostasis and is easier to remove. The safety and effectiveness of this technique, when compared to traditional F8S, are unknown. In this case series, we sought to describe this stopcock closure (SC) technique and compare procedural characteristics and outcomes to the traditional F8S.MethodsCharts of consecutive patients who underwent AF radiofrequency at two centers were reviewed for the type of hemostasis (SC or F8S), demographics, periprocedural anticoagulation, groin complications, and procedural duration.ResultsA total of 100 patients were included (50 in the F8S group and 50 in the SC group). The two groups were similar in terms of mean age, gender, weight, renal function, oral anticoagulant use, and procedural heparin dosing. There was one groin bleeding complication in each group. The procedural time was shortened in the SC group (220 ± 8 minutes vs 313 ± 8 minutes), and there was more protamine use (25 vs 3 patients) owing to the differences in preferences among two operators.ConclusionIn this proof‐of‐concept study, a simple stopcock device provided comparable hemostasis to standard F8S after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF.
Prognostic significance of noncardiac syncope in the general population: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ricci Fabrizio , Sutton Richard , Palermi Stefano , Tana Claudio , Renda Giulia , Gallina Sabina , Melander Olle , De Caterina Raffaele , Fedorowski Artur 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionCardiac syncope heralds significantly higher mortality compared with syncope due to noncardiac causes or unknown etiology, commonly considered a benign event. A few epidemiologic studies have examined the outcome of noncardiac/unexplained syncope comparing individuals with and without syncope, but with controversial results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to clarify whether history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope is associated with increased all‐cause mortality in the general population.Methods and ResultsOur systematic review of the literature published between January 1, 1966, and March 31, 2018 sought prospective, observational, cohort studies reporting summary‐level outcome data about all‐cause mortality in subjects with history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope compared with syncope‐free participants. Adjusted hazard ratios were pooled through inverse variance random‐effect meta‐analysis to compute the summary effect size. Meta‐regression models were performed to explore the effect of age, cardiovascular risk factors, or other potential confounders on the measured effect size. We identified four studies including 287 382 individuals (51.6% men; age, 64 ± 12 years): 38 843 with history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope and 248 539 without history of syncope. The average follow‐up was 4.4 years. History of noncardiac/unexplained syncope was associated with higher all‐cause mortality (pooled adjusted hazard ratio = 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.23). Meta‐regression analysis showed a stronger positive relationship proportional to aging and increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.ConclusionsThis study‐level meta‐analysis showed that among older, diabetic and/or hypertensive individuals, history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope, even in the absence of an obvious cardiac etiology, is associated with higher all‐cause mortality.
Uncertainty Processing and Risk Monitoring in Construction Projects Using Hierarchical Probabilistic Relational Models
Authors: Baudrit Cédric , Taillandier Franck , Tran Thi Thuy Phuong , Breysse Denys 
Published: August 2018

AbstractConstruction projects do not often reach their expected results regarding time, cost, and quality, due to the internal and external environment variations. Despite a substantial literature about risk management, no generic approach is proposed to represent construction project considering together technical and human dimensions or sustainability with their uncertainties. Modeling complex dynamical systems from heterogeneous pieces of knowledge varying in precision and reliability is a challenging task. This article proposes an innovative generic and versatile approach, based on the formalism of hierarchical probabilistic relational models to analyze and to propagate uncertainty in construction project regarding different levels of knowledge. The aim is to obtain a flexible, portable, and versatile model able to simulate the behavior of complex system's entities involved in any construction project at different levels of detail while taking uncertainty into account. To illustrate and highlight this approach, an academic example and a real case are proposed.
Ward culture and staff relationships at hospital mealtimes in Australia: An ethnographic account
Authors: Ottrey Ella , Porter Judi , Huggins Catherine E. , Palermo Claire 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNutrition care is a fundamental component of quality health care provided to patients in hospital, yet little is known about the staff who deliver this care and their interrelationships, and how this impacts nutrition care. In this ethnographic study on two subacute wards, 67 h of fieldwork was conducted over 3 months to explore the relationships, roles, and responsibilities of those involved at mealtimes, and the influence on meal provision. Data were analyzed inductively and thematically. Three themes describing ward culture and staff relationships emerged: (i) defining mealtime roles and maintaining boundaries; (ii) balancing the need for teamwork and having time and space; and (iii) effective communication supports role completion and problem solving. Lack of appreciation of workflow enablers and barriers degraded working relationships between staff with and without central roles at mealtimes. The present study informs health‐care organizations on building a culture that supports interprofessional collaboration in nutrition care in the subacute setting. All staff need to be aware of their and others' mealtime roles and responsibilities to support a coordinated approach.
Testosterone in ancient hair from an extinct species
Authors: Koren Lee , Matas Devorah , Pečnerová Patrícia , Dalén Love , Tikhonov Alexei , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Wynne‐Edwards Katherine E. , Geffen Eli 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTestosterone is a key regulator in vertebrate development, physiology and behaviour. Whereas technology allows extraction of a wealth of genetic information from extant as well as extinct species, complementary information on steroid hormone levels may add a social, sexual and environmental context. Hair shafts have been previously used to sequenceDNAfrom >50 00014C years old Siberian woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius). Hair‐testing has also been used to measure endogenous steroids in multiple extant species. Here we use small quantities of woolly mammoth hair samples to measure testosterone, and a genomics‐based approach to determine sex, in permafrost‐preserved mammoths dated toc. 10 000–60 00014C years. Our validated method opens up exciting opportunities to measure multiple steroids in keratinized tissues from extinct populations of mammals. This may be specifically applied to investigating life histories, including the extinct Quaternary megafauna populations whose remains are preserved in the permafrost throughout the northern hemisphere.
Tracking disease resistance deployment in potato breeding by enrichment sequencing
Authors: Armstrong Miles R. , Vossen Jack , Lim Tze Yin , Hutten Ronald C. B. , Xu Jianfei , Strachan Shona M. , Harrower Brian , Champouret Nicolas , Gilroy Eleanor M. , Hein Ingo 
Published: August 2018

SummaryFollowing the molecular characterisation of functional disease resistance genes in recent years, methods to track and verify the integrity of multiple genes in varieties are needed for crop improvement through resistance stacking. Diagnostic resistance gene enrichment sequencing (dRenSeq) enables the high‐confidence identification and complete sequence validation of known functional resistance genes in crops. As demonstrated for tetraploid potato varieties, the methodology is more robust and cost‐effective in monitoring resistances than whole‐genome sequencing and can be used to appraise (trans) gene integrity efficiently. All currently known NB‐LRRs effective against viruses, nematodes and the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans can be tracked with dRenSeq in potato and hitherto unknown polymorphisms have been identified. The methodology provides a means to improve the speed and efficiency of future disease resistance breeding in crops by directing parental and progeny selection towards effective combinations of resistance genes.
Seeing the Stove as World: Significance (Bedeutung) in the Early Wittgenstein
Authors: Balaska Maria 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhat is it to see a stove as world (als Welt) and why does the early Wittgenstein use such a curious example to describe what it means to see something as significant (bedeutend)? I argue that Wittgenstein's odd choice can be best understood in the light of a conceptual relation between value and semantic meaning. To that purpose, I draw attention to his use of the word Bedeutung to denote value, and to the direct connection he draws between seeing as world and seeing with the whole logical space. To see a stove as bedeutend, I conclude, is to see it against the background of the propositional contexts in which a stove figures meaningfully.
Cytotoxic and Photocytotoxic Effects of Cercosporin on Human Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Mastrangelopoulou Maria , Grigalavicius Mantas , Berg Kristian , Ménard Mathilde , Theodossiou Theodossis A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCercosporin is a naturally occurring perylenequinone. Although other perylenequinones have been extensively studied as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy of cancer (PDT), cercosporin has been studied in this light only within the remits of phytopathology. Herein, we investigated the photocytotoxicity of cercosporin against two glioblastoma multiforme (T98G and U87) and one breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) human cell lines. Cercosporin was found to be a potent singlet oxygen producer upon 532 nm excitation, while its cell loading was similar for MCF7 and U87, but approximately threefold higher for T98G cells. The subcellular localization of cercosporin was in all cases in both mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Light irradiation of cercosporin‐incubated cells around 450 nm showed that T98G cells were more susceptible to cercosporin PDT, mainly due to their higher cercosporin uptake. Metabolic studies before and 1 h following cercosporin PDT showed that cercosporin PDT instigated a bioenergetic collapse in both the respiratory and glycolytic activities of all cell lines. In the dark, cercosporin exhibited a synergistic cytotoxicity with copper only in the most respiratory cell lines (MCF7 and T98G). Cercosporin is a potent photosensitizer, but with a short activation wavelength, mostly suitable for superficial PDT treatments, especially when it is necessary to avoid perforations.
Chromosome evolution and phylogeny in Ronderosia (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae): clues of survivors to the challenge of sympatry?
Authors: Castillo Elio R.D. , Martí Dardo A. , Maronna Maximiliano M. , Scattolini María C. , Cabral‐de‐Mello Diogo C. , Cigliano María M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn an attempt to unveil the origin of neo‐sex chromosomes in Ronderosia Cigliano grasshoppers, we performed a combined phylogenetic analysis based on morphological (external morphology and male genitalia) and molecular data (COI, COII, 16S and ITS2) to explore the chromosome evolution within the genus. We also analysed the distributional patterns of the various Ronderosia species and considered the possible role of chromosome rearrangements (CRs) in speciation processes within the genus in the light of ‘suppressed‐recombination’ models. We mapped the states of three chromosomal characters on the combined tree topology. The combined evidence supported Ronderosia as a monophyletic group. The cytogenetic analyses of the genus demonstrated the importance of rearranged karyotypes with single, complex and multiples neo‐sex chromosome determination systems in all species. The chromosome character optimisation suggests X‐autosome centric fusion as the mechanism responsible for neo‐sex chromosome formation in most Ronderosia species, except in R. dubia and R. bergii. Similar autosomes were involved in fusions with the ancestral X chromosome in Ronderosia, supporting previous hypotheses on the unique origin of X‐autosome fusion for the sex chromosome in the genus. As a source of chromosome variation, autosome‐autosome centric fusion played a secondary role in Ronderosia compared with other Dichroplini. Given the homogeneity in the morphological features, the sympatric distribution of closely related species and the intrinsic property of centric fusion as suppressors of the crossing over, we suggest that CRs may have played a key role during the speciation process within Ronderosia.
The unravelled Enterococcus faecalis zoonotic superbugs: Emerging multiple resistant and virulent lineages isolated from poultry environment
Authors: Hasan Khwaja A. , Ali Syed A. , Rehman Marium , Bin‐Asif Hassaan , Zahid Sindhu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the zoonotic potential by virtue of phylogenetic analysis, virulence and resistance gene profiles of Enterococcus faecalis originating from poultry environment. The ERIC, BOX and RAPD PCR analysis showed the clustering of E. faecalis strains (n = 74) into five groups (G1‐G5) and fifteen sub‐clusters (B1‐B15), which share 50%–80% similarities with ATCC E. faecalis and clinical strains of human infection. E. faecalis strains harboured seven enterocins genes including ent1097 (85%), entB (84%), enterolysinA (51%), entSEK4 (51%), entL50 (31%), entA (25.7%) and ent1071 (14.9%). The highest prevalence of gelE‐sprE (90%), lip‐fl (90%) followed by cylL (62%), hyl (60%), katA (16%) and cylA (5.4%) was observed in poultry isolates. The fsr operon and gelE‐sprE was co‐associated in 66.2% strains. E. faecalis also harboured biofilm and endocarditis‐associated genes, including efaAfs (97%), ebp‐pilli (ebpABC and srtC 69.9%–80%), asa1 (71%), agg (55%), ace (54%) and esp‐Tim (3%). Despite all found sensitive to vancomycin, 98.6% strains were multi‐drug resistant to five to twelve tested antimicrobials. An increased‐level of resistance (≥32 μg/ml) was observed to ampicillin (8.1%), meropenem (21.6%), chloramphenicol (73.4%), erythromycin (90.5%), tetracycline (100%) and high‐level resistance to kanamycin (79.7%) and gentamicin (52.7%). The multi‐drug resistant E. faecalis (MDRe.f) were carried pbp4 (90%), tetL (90%), tetM (70%), ermB (81%), cat (52.7%), acc6‐aph2 (58.1%), aaph(3)‐III (49.9%), gyrA (97%) and parC (98%) genes. Moreover, these MDRe.f were also harboured, hospital‐associated marker IS16 (58%) and pheromone responsive genes, that is ccf (88%), cpd (74%), cob (62%) and eep (66%). Thus, regardless of the distinct phylogenetic background of E. faecalis of poultry origin, ATCC E. faecalis and clinical strains of human origin, we found major similarities in virulence, resistance gene profiles and mobile genetic elements (IS16 and pheromone responsive plasmids), supporting the zoonotic/reverse zoonotic risk associated with this organism.
Influence of food texture on energy metabolism and adiposity in male rats
Authors: Han Wanxin , Utoyoma Maiko , Akieda‐Asai Sayaka , Hidaka Ayano , Yamada Chihiro , Hasegawa Kazuya , Nunoi Hiroyuki , Date Yukari 
Published: August 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this manuscript?
What is the effect of food texture on fat accumulation, lipogenesis and proinflammatory factors in the adipose tissue and on energy balance in male rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Calorie intake and fat accumulation in rats fed soft pellets ad libitum increased, but their body weight did not. The data suggest that, even when BMI is normal, frequent consumption of soft food may contribute to the development of lifestyle‐related diseases.

AbstractDietary factors such as food texture are known to affect feeding behaviour and energy metabolism. We recently found that rats fed soft pellets (SPs) on a 3 h restricted feeding schedule showed glucose intolerance, insulin resistance with disruption of insulin signalling, and hyperplasia of pancreatic β‐cells, even though there were no differences in energy intake and body weight between rats fed control pellets (CPs) and rats fed SPs. We investigated the effect of food texture on fat accumulation, lipogenesis and proinflammatory factors in the mesenteric fat, as well as on energy balance in male rats fed CPs or SPs. We used 7‐week‐old Wistar rats that were randomly divided into two groups, ad libitum fed either CPs or SPs for 27 weeks. Body weight and calorie intake were monitored once a week throughout the experiment. The calorie intake, lipogenesis and fat accumulation of the rats fed SPs increased, whereas their body weight did not. Additionally, SP rats used their fat mainly as a source of energy and increased their energy expenditure. Our data suggest that the habit of frequently eating soft food causes visceral fat accumulation without an increase in body weight. Further investigations using soft‐textured foods could lead to the development of appropriate interventions for non‐overweight patients with lifestyle‐related diseases.
Aminoglycoside Heteroresistance in Acinetobacter baumannii AB5075
Authors: Anderson Sarah E. , Sherman Edgar X. , Weiss David S. , Rather Philip N. 
Published: August 2018

Acinetobacter baumannii
has become an important pathogen in hospitals worldwide, where the incidence of these infections has been increasing.
A. baumannii
infections have become exceedingly difficult to treat due to a rapid increase in the frequency of multidrug- and pan-resistant isolates. This has prompted the World Health Organization to list
A. baumannii
as the top priority for the research and development of new antibiotics. This study reports for the first time a detailed analysis of aminoglycoside heteroresistance in
A. baumannii
. We define the mechanistic basis for heteroresistance, where the
aadB(ant2″)Ia
gene encoding an aminoglycoside adenylyltransferase becomes highly amplified in a RecA-dependent manner. Remarkably, this amplification of 20 to 40 copies occurs stochastically in 1/200 cells in the absence of antibiotic selection. In addition, we provide evidence for a second RecA-independent mechanism for aminoglycoside heteroresistance. This study reveals that aminoglycoside resistance in
A. baumannii
is far more complex than previously realized and has important implications for the use of aminoglycosides in treating
A. baumannii
infections.
Comparative effectiveness of transverse oscillatory pressure and cervical traction in the management of cervical radiculopathy: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Ojoawo Adesola Ojo , Olabode Ayodele Damilare 
Published: August 2018

Background: Radiating neck pain is one of the major symptoms of cervical radiculopathy (CR).Objective: This study compared the effects of cervical traction (CT) and transverse oscillatory pressure (TOP) in management of CR.Methods: Seventy-five participants with unilateral radiating neck pain were randomly allocated into three groups, 25 (14 males, 11 females) for CT, 25 (15 males and 10 females) for TOP and 25 (11 males and 14 females) control (Cnt) group. All participants received massage, cryotherapy and active exercises three times in a week for six weeks. CT was administered to CT group, TOP to TOP group while the third group served as control. Pain intensity (PI) and neck functional disability (NFD) were assessed pretreatment, 3rd and 6th week of intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: There was a significant reduction in PI and NFD between pretreatment and 6th week in all the groups ([Formula: see text]). The effect size of PI ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and disability index ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) in CT group were significantly lower than that of TOP group at 3rd week. PI of TOP was significantly ([Formula: see text]) lower than that of CT and Cnt groups at the 6th week.Conclusion: TOP reduces the PI and disability of patients with CR faster compared to CT.
Initial Phase of Replication of Plus-Stranded RNA Viruses
Authors: Zhdanov Vladimir P. 
Published: August 2018

The author presents theoretical mean-field analysis of the initial phase of the kinetics of intracellular replication of plus-stranded RNA viruses, which are abundant and include, e.g., the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The treatment is based on the conventional concept that the replication process of such viruses takes place at the membrane complexes formed with participation of viral proteins, e.g., NS5A in the HCV case. The key novel prediction supported by Monte Carlo calculations is that this scheme may be insufficient in order to describe the very initial phase of the process, because the initial intracellular viral RNA and protein populations may in this case go extinct rather than overcome the kinetic barrier for transition to the full-scale infection of a host cell. Practically, this means that in such situations, the conventional replication scenario should be complemented by another pathway, e.g., by replication outside the membrane without viral proteins, which operates in the very beginning.