bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long term follow‐up after ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Yang Jiandu , Brunnquell Michael , Liang Jackson J. , Callans David J. , Garcia Fermin C. , Lin David , Frankel David S. , Kay Joseph , Marchlinski Francis E. , Tzou Wendy , Sauer William H. , Liu Bolun , Ruckdeschel Emily S. , Collins Kathryn , Santangeli Pasquale , Nguyen Duy T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundVentricular tachycardia (VT) is frequently encountered in patients with repaired and unrepaired congenital heart disease (CHD), causing significant morbidity and sudden cardiac death. Data regarding underlying VT mechanisms and optimal ablation strategies in these patients remain limited.ObjectiveTo describe the electrophysiologic mechanisms, ablation strategies, and long‐term outcomes in patients with CHD undergoing VT ablation.MethodsForty‐eight patients (mean age 41.3 ± 13.3 years, 77.1% male) with CHD underwent a total of 57 VT ablation procedures at two centers from 2000 to 2017. Electrophysiologic and follow‐up data were analyzed.ResultsOf the 77 different VTs induced at initial or repeat ablation, the underlying mechanism in 62 (81.0%) was due to scar‐related re‐entry; the remaining included four His‐Purkinje system–related macrore‐entry VTs and focal VTs mainly originating from the outflow tract region (8 of 11, 72.7%). VT‐free survival after a single procedure was 72.9% (35 of 48) at a median follow‐up of 53 months. VT‐free survival after multiple procedures was 85.4% (41 of 48) at a median follow‐up of 52 months. There were no major complications. Three patients died during the follow‐up period from nonarrhythmic causes, including heart failure and cardiac surgery complication.ConclusionWhile scar‐related re‐entry is the most common VT mechanism in patients with CHD, importantly, nonscar‐related VT may also be present. In experienced tertiary care centers, ablation of both scar‐related and nonscar‐related VT in patients with CHD is safe, feasible, and effective over long‐term follow‐up.
Dihydromyricetin protects HUVECs of oxidative damage induced by sodium nitroprusside through activating PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Lifang , Peng Lizhi , Tian Xiaoying , Qiu Xiaoyuan , Cao Huan , Yang Qiaohong , Liao Rifang , Yan Fengxia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe damage of vascular endothelial cells induced by oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is considered as a natural antioxidant. However, the mechanism of DMY on endothelial cell injury induced by oxidative stress remains unclear. In this study, we found that DMY could reduce the oxidative damage of HUVECs induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), HUVECs pre‐treated with DMY suppressed SNP‐induced apoptosis by reduced ROS overproduction of intracellular, decreased MDA level and elevated the superoxide dismutase activity. Meanwhile, we found that DMY could promote the expression of phosphorylated FoxO3a and Akt, and affect the nuclear localization of FoxO3a, when treated with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, the effect of DMY was blocked. These data suggest that DMY protects HUVECs from oxidative stress by activating PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signalling pathway. Therefore, DMY may have great therapeutic potential as a new drug for atherosclerosis.
Impact of hip fracture on all‐cause mortality in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Fukuoka Diabetes Registry
Authors: Komorita Yuji , Iwase Masanori , Idewaki Yasuhiro , Fujii Hiroki , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Ide Hitoshi , Jodai‐Kitamura Tamaki , Yoshinari Masahito , Murao‐Kimura Ai , Oku Yutaro , Nakamura Udai , Kitazono Takanari 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased hip fracture risk. We investigated the relationship between hip fracture and all‐cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes in comparison with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or end‐stage renal disease (ERSD).Materials and MethodsIn total, 4,923 Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 65 years, 2,790 men, 2,133 women) were followed for a median of 5.3 years (follow‐up rate 99.5%). We evaluated the associations between the presence of hip fracture (n = 110), upper limb fracture (n = 801), CVD (n = 1,344), ESRD (n = 104) and all‐cause death by logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 309 participants died during follow up. Multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for all‐cause mortality were significantly higher in participants with hip fractures than those without hip fractures (OR 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54–4.41), whereas the ORs for upper limb fracture were not significant. The ORs for all‐cause mortality were significantly higher in participants with CVD than those without CVD (OR 1.78, 95% CI, 1.39–2.70) and ESRD (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.32–4.05). The ORs for all‐cause mortality of hip fracture were not affected by further adjustment for CVD and ESRD (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.58–4.54). The cause of death was infection (40.0%), malignant neoplasm (25.0%) and CVD (15.0%) among participants with hip fracture.ConclusionsHip fractures were associated with an increased risk of death among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, independently of CVD and ESRD.
Causes of death and estimated life expectancy among people with diabetes: A retrospective cohort study in a diabetes clinic
Authors: Goto Atsushi , Takao Toshiko , Yoshida Yoko , Kawazu Shoji , Iwamoto Yasuhiko , Terauchi Yasuo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe sought to estimate the exact causes of death, mortality rate and life expectancy of diabetes patients by analyzing death records in a diabetes specialist clinic in Japan. Of the 6,140 participants included in our analysis, the average age was 58.1 years and 77% were men. A total of 261 deaths were recorded during the total follow‐up period of 24,079 total person‐years. The leading causes of death were cancer, heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. Using a life table prepared from the mortality rates estimated with the exponential distribution model, a life expectancy at 40 years was 39.2 years (95% confidence interval 37.9–40.2 years) for men and 43.6 years (95% confidence interval 41.8–45.3 years) for women. Although the present results must be interpreted with caution, compared with populations with diabetes surveyed during similar periods by the Japan Diabetes Society, our diabetes patients had similar ranking of the causes of death.
Impacts of acidification on brown trout Salmo trutta populations and the contribution of stocking to population recovery and genetic diversity
Authors: Prodöhl Paulo A. , Ferguson Andrew , Bradley Caroline R. , Ade Robin , Roberts Colin , Keay E. J. , Costa Artur R. , Hynes Rosaleen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAnthropogenic acidification in SW‐Scotland, from the early 19th Century onwards, led to the extinction of several loch (lake) brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations and substantial reductions in numbers in many others. Higher altitude populations with no stocking influence, which are isolated above natural and artificial barriers and subjected to the greatest effect of acidification, exhibited the least intrapopulation genetic diversity (34% of the allelic richness of the populations accessible to anadromous S. trutta). These, however, were characterised by the greatest interpopulation divergence (highest pairwise DEST 0.61 and FST 0.53 in contemporary samples) based on 16 microsatellite loci and are among the most differentiated S. trutta populations in NW‐Europe. Five lochs above impassable waterfalls, where S. trutta were thought to be extinct, are documented as having been stocked in the late 1980s or 1990s. All five lochs now support self‐sustaining S. trutta populations; three as a direct result of restoration stocking and two adjoining lochs largely arising from a small remnant wild population in one, but with some stocking input. The genetically unique Loch Grannoch S. trutta, which has been shown to have a heritable increased tolerance to acid conditions, was successfully used as a donor stock to restore populations in two acidic lochs. Loch Fleet S. trutta, which were re‐established from four separate donor sources in the late 1980s, showed differential contribution from these ancestors and a higher genetic diversity than all 17 natural loch populations examined in the area. Genetically distinct inlet and outlet spawning S. trutta populations were found in this loch. Three genetically distinct sympatric populations of S. trutta were identified in Loch Grannoch, most likely representing recruitment from the three main spawning rivers. A distinct genetic signature of Loch Leven S. trutta, the progenitor of many Scottish farm strains, facilitated detection of stocking with these strains. One artificially created loch was shown to have a population genetically very similar to Loch Leven S. trutta. In spite of recorded historical supplemental stocking with Loch Leven derived farm strains, much of the indigenous S. trutta genetic diversity in the area remains intact, aside from the effects of acidification induced bottlenecks. Overall genetic diversity and extant populations have been increased by allochthonous stocking.
Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of chronic radiation proctitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McCarty Thomas R , Garg Rajat , Rustagi Tarun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough argon plasma coagulation is the current standard endoscopic treatment for chronic radiation proctitis (CRP), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as an attractive alternative. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA for the treatment of CRP.MethodsSearches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed from 2004 through March 2018. Review and data abstraction were performed independently by two authors. Measured outcomes included hemoglobin, transfusion dependence, number of treatment sessions, RFA settings, and serious adverse events.ResultsSix studies (n = 71; mean age 73.41 ± 1.88 years; 90.14% male) were included. Thirty‐eight percent of patients failed prior treatment with argon plasma coagulation. Patients underwent a mean of 1.71 ± 0.34 RFA sessions with 24.54 ± 16.47 RFA applications per session. Pooled clinical and endoscopic success of RFA was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 90–100; P < 0.001) and 100% (95% CI: 94–100; P < 0.001), respectively. Serious adverse events were reported in one patient—pooled rate of 0% (95% CI: 0–3; P < 0.001). Mean pre‐procedure hemoglobin was 10.38 ± 1.82 g/dL with significant improvement observed post‐RFA [weighted mean difference 2.49 g/dL (95% CI: 2.16–2.82; P < 0.001)]. Among transfusion‐dependent patients, 85% (95% CI: 68–97; P < 0.001) became transfusion‐free post‐RFA. Pooled mean follow‐up was 19.73 ± 9.72 months.ConclusionDespite limited long‐term data on RFA for CRP, available evidence suggests RFA is an effective and safe treatment.
Monetary Policy and the Asset Risk‐Taking Channel
Authors: ABBATE ANGELA , THALER DOMINIK 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHow important is the risk‐taking channel for monetary policy? To answer this question, we develop and estimate a quantitative monetary DSGE model where banks choose excessively risky investments, due to an agency problem that distorts banks' incentives. As the real interest rate declines, these distortions become more important and excessive risk taking increases, lowering the efficiency of investment. We show theoretically that this novel transmission channel generates a new monetary policy trade‐off between inflation and real interest rate stabilization, whereby the central bank may prefer to tolerate greater inflation volatility in order to lower excessive risk taking.
Measuring Inflation Anchoring and Uncertainty: A U.S. and Euro Area Comparison
Authors: GRISHCHENKO OLESYA , MOUABBI SARAH , RENNE JEAN‐PAUL 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe use several U.S. and euro‐area surveys of professional forecasters to estimate a dynamic factor model of inflation featuring time‐varying uncertainty. We obtain survey‐consistent distributions of future inflation at any horizon, both in the U.S. and the euro area. Equipped with this model, we propose a novel measure of the anchoring of inflation expectations that accounts for inflation uncertainty. Our results suggest that following the Great Recession, inflation anchoring improved in the United States, while mild de‐anchoring occurred in the euro area. As of our sample end, both areas appear to be almost equally anchored.
Infarct Pattern, Perfusion Mismatch Thresholds, and Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Grory Brian Mac , Prabhakaran Shyam , Yeatts Sharon D. , Cutting Shawna , Jayaraman Mahesh , Sacchetti Daniel , Furie Karen , Zaidat Osama O. , Liebeskind David S. , Khatri Pooja 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEStudies have shown an association between infarct patterns and recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis (sICAS) but there are limited data on associations with perfusion imaging mismatch profile. We aim to determine the association between infarct pattern, optimal mismatch profile definition, and recurrent cerebrovascular events (RCVE) in patients with anterior circulation sICAS.METHODSThis is a retrospective study of consecutive patients with acutely sICAS admitted to a comprehensive stroke center over 18 month's period. Patients with sICAS underwent magnetic resonance perfusion (MRP) imaging within 24 hours from admission. Infarct patterns (internal BZ [IBZ], cortical BZ [CBZ], and core/perforator [C/P]) and RCVE within 90 days, were independently adjudicated by two reviewers. We compared mismatch profiles and recurrent event rates across infarct patterns.RESULTSTwenty‐five patients met inclusion criteria; 28% had IBZ infarcts and overall RCVE rate was 32.0%. When compared to patients without IBZ infarcts, those with IBZ infarcts were more likely to have a target mismatch profile using Tmax > 6 seconds (60% vs. 6.7%, P = .007) and RCVE (62.5% vs. 11.8%, P = .01). There were no associations between CBZ and C/P infarcts and target mismatch profiles and RCVE.CONCLUSIONIBZ infarcts may be a surrogate marker of distal perfusion status and RCVE risk. Larger multicenter, prospective, core‐lab blindly adjudicated studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Molecular characterization of phytoplasma diseases of pepper in Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz Salih , Caglar Behcet Kemal , Djelouah Khaled 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDuring autumn, an extensive survey was conducted in pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in intensive cultivation areas of four provinces in southeastern Turkey (Adana, Kahramanmaraş, Mersin and Şanlıurfa) in order to identify the causal agent (s) of phytoplasma‐like symptoms (chlorosis, little‐leaf, short internodes and stunting). DNA amplification by PCR and RFLP analysis using EcoRI restriction enzyme confirmed the presence of phytoplasmas in Şanlıurfa and Mersin, and consequently their possible association with the symptoms. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate from Şanlıurfa had 99% sequence identity with “Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii” (16SrVI) and is a member of the clover proliferation group (16SrVI‐A). Additionally, the isolate from Mersin had 96% sequence identity with “Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris” (16SrI). Importantly, gene sequence of the Mersin isolate shared <97.5% similarity to previously discovered “Ca. Phytoplasma” species. Consequently, the phytoplasma detected from Mersin could represent a new “Ca. Phytoplasma” species and to our knowledge, this is the first report of asteris‐like phytoplasmas infecting pepper in Turkey.
Precipitation reduction alters herbaceous community structure and composition in a savanna
Authors: Jin Yanqiang , Li Jing , Liu Chenggang , Liu Yuntong , Zhang Yiping , Song Qinghai , Sha Liqing , Balasubramanian Durairaj , Chen Aiguo , Yang Daxin , Li Peiguang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractQuestionsIn the changing climate scenario, the decline in precipitation is expected to alter water availability for plants, which in turn affects plant community structure and composition. The responses of community composition and structure to declines in precipitation are well documented in other biomes but remain understudied in water‐limited savannas.LocationA savanna ecosystem in southwest China.MethodsWe used a four‐year (2014–2017) precipitation manipulation experiment to examine changes in herbaceous community composition and structure across the species, functional group and community levels under precipitation reduction.ResultsPrecipitation reduction significantly decreased the average height and percentage cover of the herbaceous community, while increasing species richness and the Pielou evenness index. Precipitation reduction significantly decreased average height, percentage cover and relative abundance of graminoids and perennials, but increased those of forbs and annuals. Precipitation reduction prompted a shift in the dominant species of the herbaceous community towards Fimbristylis monostachya.ConclusionsThe results show that precipitation reduction changed the composition and structure of the herbaceous community of this savanna. Furthermore, they provide strong evidence that changes in herbaceous community structure and composition in response to the intensity and duration of precipitation reduction in this savanna exhibited relatively low thresholds, which suggests that the herbaceous community's response to a decline in precipitation was essentially nonlinear. These findings imply that even relatively small declines in precipitation may stimulate shifts in plant community structure and composition and affect the function and stability of savanna ecosystems.
Broad‐headed spiny rats (Clyomys laticeps) as ecosystem engineers in the Brazilian savannah
Authors: Lamberto J. , Leiner N. O. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSoil disturbances promoted by the construction of subterranean systems are a classic example of ecosystem engineering. The broad‐headed spiny rat Clyomys laticeps caches seeds in subterranean systems excavated and occupied by its individuals, thus acting as potential ecosystem engineers in the Brazilian savannah. However, the effects of their activities on soil nutrient content and animal communities are still unknown. Here, we assessed the role of C. laticeps as an allogenic ecosystem engineer in a shrub savannah site. Our results demonstrated that C. laticeps subterranean systems, which contain three to seven burrow openings, provide a stable microclimate with lower temperatures and higher humidity than the outside environment, thus providing suitable habitat for several species. However, we found few animals associated with burrow systems, although previous studies recorded snakes, frogs, lizards and rodents using burrows as shelter. Both burrow architecture and methodological issues might explain the lack of a richer fauna using C. laticeps burrows. Arthropod abundance and diversity were similar between sites close to and away from C. laticeps burrow openings. Finally, mounds of soil accumulated surrounding burrow openings presented higher nutrient content (K, Ca, Mg) than soils collected inside burrow openings and control sites. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that C. laticeps acts as an ecosystem engineer, especially by modulating soil nutrient availability. Soil enrichment provided by C. laticeps burrowing activity may be particularly important in the Cerrado, due to low nutrient availability of soils and the contribution of edaphic factors on plant population dynamics in this biome, although future studies should focus on this issue. Given the accelerated habitat loss in the Cerrado and its effect on population decline of mammals, future studies should uncover the magnitude of engineering effects played by C. laticeps and pinpoint conservation actions to maintain their populations and their functional roles on ecosystems.
Particle Placement in Learner Language
Authors: Wulff Stefanie , Gries Stefan Th. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study presents the first multifactorial corpus‐based analysis of verb–particle constructions in a data sample comprising spoken and written productions by intermediate‐level learners of English as a second language from 17 language backgrounds. We annotated 4,911 attestations retrieved from native speaker and language learner corpora for 14 predictors, including syntactic complexity, rhythmic and segment alternation, and the verb framing of the speaker's native language. A multifactorial prediction and deviation analysis using regression (Gries & Deshors, 2014), which stacks multiple regression analyses to compare native speaker and learner productions in identical contexts, revealed a complex picture in which processing demands, input effects, and native language typology jointly shape the degree to which learners’ choices of constructions are nativelike or not.
Flux towers in the sky: global ecology from space
Authors: Schimel David , Schneider Fabian D. ,   JPL Carbon and Ecosystem Participants
Published: May 2019

SummaryGlobal ecology – the study of the interactions among the Earth's ecosystems, land, atmosphere and oceans – depends crucially on global observations: this paper focuses on space‐based observations of global terrestrial ecosystems. Early global ecology relied on an extrapolation of detailed site‐level observations, using models of increasing complexity. Modern global ecology has been enabled largely by vegetation indices (greenness) from operational space‐based imagery but current capabilities greatly expand scientific possibilities. New observations from spacecraft in orbit allowed an estimation of gross carbon fluxes, photosynthesis, biomass burning, evapotranspiration and biomass, to create virtual eddy covariance sites in the sky. Planned missions will reveal the dimensions of the diversity of life itself. These observations will improve our understanding of the global productivity and carbon storage, land use, carbon cycle−climate feedback, diversity−productivity relationships and enable improved climate forecasts. Advances in remote sensing challenge ecologists to relate information organised by biome and species to new data arrayed by pixels and develop theory to address previously unobserved scales.
Updates on molecular mechanisms in the development of branched trichome in Arabidopsis and nonbranched in cotton
Authors: Wang Zhi , Yang Zuoren , Li Fuguang 
Published: May 2019

SummaryTrichomes are specialized epidermal cells and a vital plant organ that protect plants from various harms and provide valuable resources for plant development and use. Some key genes related to trichomes have been identified in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana through glabrous mutants and gene cloning, and the hub MYB‐bHLH‐WD40, consisting of several factors including GLABRA1 (GL1), GL3, TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1), and ENHANCER OF GLABRA3 (EGL3), has been established. Subsequently, some upstream transcription factors, phytohormones and epigenetic modification factors have also been studied in depth. In cotton, a very important fibre and oil crop globally, in addition to the key MYB‐like factors, more important regulators and potential molecular mechanisms (e.g. epigenetic modifiers, distinct metabolic pathways) are being exploited during different fibre developmental stages. This occurs due to increased cotton research, resulting in the discovery of more complex regulation mechanisms from the allotetraploid genome of cotton. In addition, some conservative as well as specific mediators are involved in trichome development in other species. This study summarizes molecular mechanisms in trichome development and provides a detailed comparison of the similarities and differences between Arabidopsis and cotton, analyses the possible reasons for the discrepancy in identification of regulators, and raises future questions and foci for understanding trichome development in more detail.