bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Egg production in relation to paternal weight in a freshwater caridean shrimp (Decapoda)
Authors: Tropea C. , Sganga D. E. , López Greco L. S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn diverse invertebrate species, sperm quantity and quality are positively correlated with male size, egg fertilization rates being consequently affected by paternal weight. This factor may also have an indirect effect on egg quality, because females could adjust the quantity of yolk stored in oocytes before spawning according to their partner attractiveness. The objective of this study was to determine whether paternal weight influences egg production in a freshwater crustacean with external egg fertilization, the caridean shrimp Neocaridina davidi. Virgin females weighing 60–100 mg were paired with virgin males weighing 20–50 mg. The number (total and fertilized), size (volume, wet and dry weight) and carotenoid content of eggs were recorded for each pair. Paternal weight was not associated to any of the evaluated egg variables, while maternal weight showed a positive correlation with egg number and a negative correlation with egg carotenoid content. The percentage of fertilized eggs was similar and near 100% for all paternal sizes, which indicates that small mature males provided enough good‐quality sperm to fertilize almost all the oocytes laid by females, similarly to larger males. The relatively low fecundity of N. davidi females may explain, at least in part, the absence of sperm limitation even under a hypothetical decrease in sperm supply by smaller males. In addition, paternal weight had no effect on egg volume, weight and carotenoid content, which suggests that females do not modulate the total amount of biochemical reserves allocated to the maturing ovary as a function of their partner size. Present results are the starting point for a future evaluation of sperm production, in terms of quantity and quality, in males of different size and physiological condition.
Accounting for complexity in medical education: a model of adaptive behaviour in medicine
Authors: Woodruff James N 
Published: May 2019

ContextMedicine is practised in complex systems. Physicians engage in clinical and operational problems that are dynamic and lack full transparency. As a consequence, the behaviour of medical systems and diseases is often unpredictable. Medical science has equipped physicians with powerful tools to favourably impact health, but a reductionist approach alone is insufficient to optimally address the complex challenges posed by illness and public health. Concepts from complexity science, such as continuous quality improvement and teamwork, strive to fill the gap between biomedical knowledge and the realities of practice. However, the superficial treatment of these systems‐thinking concepts in medical education has distorted their implementation and undermined their impact. ‘Systems thinking’ has been conflated with ‘systematic thinking’; concepts which are adaptive in nature are being taught as standardised, reductionist tools.MethodsUsing concepts from complexity science, the history of science and psychology, this problem is outlined and a theoretical model of professional development is proposed.ResultsThis model proposes that complex problem solving and adaptive behaviour, not technical expertise, are distinguishing features of professionalism.DiscussionThe impact of this model on our understanding of physician autonomy, professionalism, teamwork and continuous quality improvement is discussed. This model has significant implications for the structure and content of medical education. Strategies for enhancing medical training, including interventions in recruitment, the curriculum and evaluation, are reviewed. Such adjustments would prepare trainees to more effectively utilise biomedical knowledge and tools in the complex high‐stakes reality of medical practice.
Multiple layers of regulation determine the cellular levels of the Pup ligase PafA in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Korman Maayan , Schlussel Shai , Vishkautzan Marina , Gur Eyal 
Published: May 2019

SummaryDespite being a destructive process, regulated protein degradation is fundamental for proper cell function. While regulated proteolysis in eukaryotes largely involves the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), most bacterial species rely on multiple ATP‐dependent proteases, such as the Clp proteases. Mycobacteria and related actinobacterial species also possess a degradation system analogous in its function to the UPS. In this system, a prokaryotic ubiquitin‐like protein (Pup) is conjugated to proteins, thereby marking them for proteasomal degradation. A single ligase, PafA, is responsible for Pup conjugation to many protein targets, thus playing a central role in the Pup‐proteasome system (PPS). In Mycobacterium smegmatis, a model mycobacterial organism where the PPS is essential under starvation conditions, cellular PafA levels change in response to nutrient availability. Indeed, increased PafA levels are observed upon nutrient limitation. We found that a multi‐layered network involving transcriptional, translational and post‐translational regulation determines cellular PafA levels. Induced expression is observed at stationary phase, whereas PafA degradation by the proteasome and ClpCP occurs in exponentially growing cells, as opposed to starved cells. In both growth stages, translation attenuation maintains low PafA expression levels. Altogether, these mechanisms establish the dynamics in PafA levels during bacterial growth.
Long‐term outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation using second‐generation cryoballoon during atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Canpolat Ugur , Kocyigit Duygu , Yalcin Muhammed Ulvi , Coteli Cem , Sener Yusuf Ziya , Oksul Metin , Gürses Kadri Murat , Evranos Banu , Yorgun Hikmet , Aytemir Kudret 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundCurrently available second‐generation cryoballoon (CB2) is accepted as an effective and safe tool for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Although much more data exist about 1‐year outcomes of CB2 ablation, data on long‐term outcomes are scarce.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the long‐term outcomes of PVI using CB2 in a large‐scale symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) population at our tertiary referral center.MethodsIn this nonrandomized prospective observational study, a total of 486 patients with paroxysmal (71%) or persistent (29%) AF who underwent index PVI using CB2 at our hospital between January 2013 and June 2017 were enrolled. Atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa)‐free survival was defined as the absence of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia recurrence ≥30 s following a 3 months blanking period. Predictors of recurrence were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.ResultsAcute procedural success rate was 99.8% (1898/1902 PVs). Mean procedural and fluoroscopy time were 64.9 ± 9.2 and 12.1 ± 2.6, respectively. At median 39 (interquartile range: 26‐56) months follow‐up, ATa‐free survival was 78.6% after a single procedure (280/345 [81.2%] for paroxysmal AF vs. 102/141 [72.3%] for persistent AF, P = .019) and 84.4% after a mean 1.48 ± 0.42 ablations. Cox regression analysis showed that left atrium diameter, duration of AF history, and early ATa recurrence were found as the independent predictors of late recurrence. Phrenic nerve palsy was observed in 17 (3.5%) patients.ConclusionsCB2‐based PVI is effective to maintain sinus rhythm in a significant proportion of paroxysmal and persistent AF patients with an acceptable complication rate at long‐term follow‐up.
Improvement of peripheral microcirculation after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Quast Daniel Robert , Hummel Thomas , Wutzler Alexander , Meier Juris Jendrik 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundNear‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive method to measure regional tissue oxygenation (rSO2). In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiac output and endothelial function are altered. Peripheral tissue oxygenation may therefore be reduced. This study aims to describe the peripheral tissue oxygenation of the feet before and after synchronized electrical cardioversion (CV) of patients with AF using NIRS.MethodsPatients with AF undergoing CV were included and screened for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and peripheral neuropathy (PN). NIRS was performed before and after CV under continuous ECG and monitoring of peripheral oxygen saturation. NIRS was registered on the dorsoplantar and plantar area of both feet. Capillary blood gas analysis was performed and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined.ResultsTwelve patients (five women, seven men, age 70.8 ± 10.8 years) participated. None had history of PAD. DM was present in three (25%) patients. Two patients (16.7%) had PN. CV was successful in 11 patients. Overall, rSO2 improved significantly in all patients after CV (P = .0003). Mean improvement was 7.17%. There were no significant changes in body temperature, ankle‐brachial index, sO2, pO2, pCO2, pH, or lactate after CV. Heart rate was significantly lower (P < .0001) and LVEF significantly higher (P = .0123) after CV.ConclusionsIn patients with AF, peripheral tissue oxygen saturation improves significantly after successful CV. This suggests that patients with PAD may not only benefit from interventional or surgical improvement of arterial vascularization, but also from CV in case of AF.
Marker‐trait association analysis for postharvest needle retention/abscission in balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
Authors: Jose Sherin , Lada Rajasekaran R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBalsam fir the principal tree species of the Christmas tree industry, is a major export commodity of Atlantic Canada region. However, postharvest needle abscission poses a main concern leading to low consumer satisfaction and a shift in preference towards artificial trees. The search for diverse balsam fir lines with high needle retention is very crucial for quality improvement programmes. In this regard, a panel of 75 balsam fir genotypes exhibiting diversity for needle retention traits were randomly selected from a set of 220 genotypes evaluated for needle retention characteristics for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013) and genotyped with 41 bi‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)/insertion/deletion markers. The cluster analysis and population structure identified four and seven subpopulations. We observed an SNP marker with significant association (p < 0.05) with the needle retention/abscission trait by using general linear model and mixed linear model approaches. The present study lays the foundation for analysing the genetic mechanisms underlying needle retention/abscission, as well as the use of molecular markers to target specific traits in balsam fir.
Quantification of laminarialean zoospores in seawater by real‐time PCR
Authors: Nagasato Chikako , Kawamoto Hiroki , Tomioka Teruo , Tsuyuzaki Shiro , Kosugi Chika , Kato Toshiaki , Motomura Taizo 
Published: May 2019

SUMMARYLaminarialean plants undergo heteromorphic alternation of generations between the macroscopic diploid sporophyte and the microscopic haploid gametophyte. The generations change through the formation and release of asexual or sexual reproductive cells. It is difficult to monitor the release and diffusion of zoospores into the environment. Furthermore, even if zoospores can be detected, species identification remains difficult. This study attempted to develop a sensitive and fast identification method for laminarialean zoospores using quantitative PCR. In addition, we aimed to estimate the density of zoospores in natural seawater. Specific primers for Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida were designed and used to estimate the quantity of zoospores in seawater. DNA samples (environmental DNA) were collected from seawater once or twice each month for 2 years at the same area, and seasonal variations in the release of zoospores was monitored. The estimated maturation period based on the number of released zoospores in this study was comparable with those of the previously reported maturation periods of S. japonica and U. pinnatifida sporophytes. This supports the validity of our method in estimating zoospore release from laminarialean plants. The method will be a useful tool for ecological studies on these commercially relevant species.
Identification of the JY‐1 in sika deer and its effects on granulosa cells cultured in vitro
Authors: Chen Xiumin , Xing Mingjie , Yang Yifeng , Chen Min , Chang Tong , Xu Baozeng , Wei Haijun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe oocyte‐specific protein JY‐1 was reported as an important regulator of both function of ovarian granulosa cells and early embryogenesis in cattle. Here, we found that the transcripts of JY‐1 were also present in sika deer granulosa cells (GCs) through in situ hybridization and qRT‐PCR. The complete sika deer JY‐1 coding sequence was identified, which had three exons separated by two introns. It was detected that JY‐1 knockdown caused apoptosis and abnormal cell cycle progression in GCs of sika deer cultured in vitro. Taken together, these data suggest that JY‐1 is involved in the regulation of proliferation in sika deer ovarian GCs.
The role of AI classifiers in skin cancer images
Authors: Magalhaes Carolina , Mendes Joaquim , Vardasca Ricardo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe use of different imaging modalities to assist in skin cancer diagnosis is a common practice in clinical scenarios. Different features representative of the lesion under evaluation can be retrieved from image analysis and processing. However, the integration and understanding of these additional parameters can be a challenging task for physicians, so artificial intelligence (AI) methods can be implemented to assist in this process. This bibliographic research was performed with the goal of assessing the current applications of AI algorithms as an assistive tool in skin cancer diagnosis, based on information retrieved from different imaging modalities.Materials and methodsThe bibliography databases ISI Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus were used for the literature search, with the combination of keywords: skin cancer, skin neoplasm, imaging and classification methods.ResultsThe search resulted in 526 publications, which underwent a screening process, considering the established eligibility criteria. After screening, only 65 were qualified for revision.ConclusionDifferent imaging modalities have already been coupled with AI methods, particularly dermoscopy for melanoma recognition. Learners based on support vector machines seem to be the preferred option. Future work should focus on image analysis, processing stages and image fusion assuring the best possible classification outcome.
Reasons for (non‐)adherence to self‐care in people with a diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: van Netten Jaap J. , Seng Leonard , Lazzarini Peter A. , Warnock Jason , Ploderer Bernd 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe aimed to explore reasons for (non‐)adherence to self‐care among people with diabetic foot ulcers, as well as barriers and solutions to improving their self‐care adherence. We performed a qualitative study, recruiting people with a diabetic foot ulcer from a community diabetic foot clinic. Semistructured interviews were held with participants. Data saturation occurred after 9 and was confirmed after 11 participant interviews. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the framework approach. Findings were mapped and the World Health Organization's (WHO) adherence dimensions were applied to themes identified. The key themes identified were (1) participants performed recommended practices in self‐care; (2) participants relied heavily on care support; (3) motivations for self‐care came from “staying well”; and (4) there was a disparity between self‐care knowledge and understanding. Barriers identified included poor mobility and visibility, difficulty wearing offloading devices or using wound dressings, and frustration with lack of progress. Solutions to improve adherence included integrating self‐care as routine, improved education, more external help and improving visibility. All five WHO adherence dimensions played a role in (non‐)adherence to diabetic foot ulcer self‐care. We conclude that adherence to recommended diabetic foot ulcer self‐care was limited at best, and reasons for nonadherence were multidimensional. Based on the factors related to (non‐)adherence and the barriers and solutions described, we suggest clinicians obtain a broad view of a person's situation when aiming to improve self‐care adherence.
Leukemia inhibitory factor promotes the regeneration of rat uterine horns with full‐thickness injury
Authors: Xue Bai , Liu Dan , Song Minmin , Zhao Guangfeng , Cao Yun , Yan Guijun , Dai Jianwu , Hu Yali 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSevere uterine injuries may lead to infertility or pregnancy complications. There is a lack of effective methods to restore the structure and function of seriously injured uteri. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), which plays a crucial role in blastocyst implantation, promotes the process of regeneration after injury in several different tissues. In this study, we explored the effect of LIF on the regeneration of rat uterine horns following full‐thickness injury. One hundred and twenty four female Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to three groups, including a sham‐operated group (n = 34 uterine horns), a PBS/collagen group (n = 90 uterine horns), and a LIF/collagen group (n = 124 uterine horns). The regenerated uterine horns were collected at 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks after the surgery. The results showed that LIF/collagen scaffolds increased the number of endometrial cells and neovascularization 2 weeks after uterine full‐thickness defect in excision sites (p < 0.001 vs PBS/collagen). Eight weeks after the surgery, the number of endometrial glands was dramatically higher in the LIF/collagen scaffolds group (35.2 ± 4.1/field) than in the PBS/collagen scaffolds (15.1 ± 1.4/field). The percentage of a‐smooth muscle actin (a‐SMA)‐positive areas in the LIF/collagen scaffolds (88.8% ± 9.8%) was also significantly higher than that in the PBS/collagen group (52.9% ± 3.7%). Moreover, LIF improved the pregnancy rate and fetus number. We also found that LIF inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells and down‐regulated the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐12 expression while up‐regulating the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 expression in the injured part of the uterine horns. Our results indicate that LIF promotes regeneration of the uterus after injury, and this is at least partially due to its immunomodulatory properties. In addition, it is worth to explore further the possibility for LIF/collagen to be an alternative therapeutic approach for uterine damage in the clinic in near future.
Blunted sympathetic neurovascular transduction during normotensive pregnancy
Authors: Steinback Craig D. , Fraser Graham M. , Usselman Charlotte W. , Reyes Laura M. , Julian Colleen G. , Stickland Michael K. , Chari Radha S. , Khurana Rshmi , Davidge Sandra T. , Davenport Margie H. 
Published: May 2019

Key points
Normotensive pregnancy is associated with elevated sympathetic nervous system activity yet normal or reduced blood pressure. It represents a unique period of apparent healthy sympathetic hyperactivity.
The present study models the blood pressure and heart rate (ECG R–R interval) responses to fluctuations in sympathetic nervous system activity aiming to understand neurocardiovascular transduction.
The reported data clearly demonstrate that transduction of sympathetic nervous system signalling to systemic cardiovascular outcomes is reduced in normotensive pregnancy.
These data are important for understanding how blood pressure regulation adapts during normotensive pregnancy and set the foundation for exploring similar mechanisms in hypertensive pregnancies.
AbstractPreviously, we described sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity yet decreased blood pressure responses to stress in normotensive pregnancy. To address the hypothesis that pregnant women have blunted neurocardiovascular transduction we assessed the relationship between spontaneous bursts of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and fluctuations in mean arterial blood pressure and R–R interval. Resting SNA, blood pressure and ECG were obtained in pregnant (third trimester, n = 18) and non‐pregnant (n = 18) women matched for age and pre‐/non‐pregnant body mass index. Custom software modelled beat‐by‐beat pressure (photoplethysmography) and R–R interval in relation to sequences of SNA bursts and non‐bursts (peroneal microneurography). Sequences were grouped by the number of bursts and non‐bursts [singlets, doublets, triplets and quadruplet (four or more)] and mean blood pressure and R–R interval were tracked for 15 subsequent cardiac cycles. Similar sequences were overlaid and averaged. Peak mean pressure in relation to sequences of SNA was reduced in pregnant vs. non‐pregnant women (doublets: 1.6 ± 1.1 mmHg vs. 3.6 ± 3.1 mmHg, P < 0.05; triplets: 2.4 ± 1.2 mmHg vs. 3.4 ± 2.1 mmHg, P < 0.05; quadruplets: 3.0 ± 1.0 mmHg vs. 5.5 ± 3.7 mmHg, P < 0.05). The nadir R–R interval following burst sequences was also smaller in pregnant vs. non‐pregnant women (singlets: −0.01 ± 0.01 s vs. −0.04 ± 0.04 s, P < 0.05; doublets: −0.02 ± 0.03 s vs. −0.05 ± 0.04 s, P < 0.05; triplets: −0.02 ± 0.01 s vs. −0.07 ± 0.04 s, P < 0.05; quadruplets: −0.01 ± 0.01 s vs. −0.09 ± 0.09 s, P < 0.05). There were no differences between groups in the mean arterial pressure and R–R interval responses to non‐burst sequences. Our data clearly indicate blunted systemic neurocardiovascular transduction during normotensive pregnancy. We propose that blunted transduction is a positive adaptation protecting pregnant women from the cardiovascular consequences of sympathetic hyperactivity.
Factors associated with renal dysfunction in hepatitis C-related cirrhosis and its correlation with Child-Pugh score
Authors: Bhatti Hamza Waqar , Tahir Umama , Chaudhary Noman Ahmed , Bhatti Sania , Hafeez Muhammad , Rizvi Zuhair Ali 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo assess factors associated with renal dysfunction (RD) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis, correlate renal parameters with Child-Pugh score (CPS) and find a cut-off value of CPS to determine RD.Materials and methodsIt was a cross-sectional study that included 70 cases of liver cirrhosis secondary to HCV from a period of 6 months at Combined Military Hospital, Multan. Diagnosis of HCV was confirmed by serological assay and liver cirrhosis by ultrasonography. CPS was determined and lab reports were taken. Patients were divided into two groups as not having RD (serum creatinine≤1.5 mg/dL) and having RD (serum creatinine≥1.5 mg/dL). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.23.0. χ2, Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson coefficient of correlation were applied. ROC curve was drawn to evaluate cut-off value of CPS for the presence of RD. Level of significance was set at p<0.05.ResultsPatients with CP grade B or C develop RD as compared to patients with CP grade A (p=0.000). Mean age, urea, creatinine and eGFR varies significantly among patients who develop RD and patients who do not (p=0.02, p=0.000, p=0.000 and p=0.000, respectively). eGFR negatively correlates with CPS (r=−0.359, p=0.002). Creatinine, urea and ALBI score positively correlates with CPS (r=+0.417, p=0.000; r=+0.757, p=0.000; r=+0.362, p=0.002, respectively).ConclusionAscites and encephalopathy are associated with RD in HCV cirrhosis.