bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryoballoon ablation in Chinese patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Ling Tian‐You , Jin Qi , Pan Wen‐Qi , Zhang Ning , Lin Chang‐Jian , Lee Hon‐Chi , Wu Li‐Qun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesWe assessed the effectiveness and safety of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in the Chinese population with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) with a 1‐year follow‐up and determined the association of early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ERAT) with late recurrence (LR).MethodsA total of 114 patients (age 61 ± 10 years, 78 males) with paroxysmal AF who underwent CBA were consecutively enrolled. After procedures, patients were observed for 3 days with continuous electrocardiogram monitoring in the hospital with routine follow‐up visits at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Documented atrial tachyarrhythmia >30 seconds was defined as recurrence. ERAT was defined as any recurrence during the first 3 months, and LR was recurrence between 3 and 12 months.ResultsWith the first 3 months as blanking period, 76% of patients were free of LR at 12 months. Five patients (4%) experienced complications, including phrenic nerve palsy, stroke, and groin complications. Forty‐five percent of patients had ERAT in the first 3 months and 31% of patients had ERAT in the first 3 days. Patients with ERAT had higher LR rate (LRR) than those without ERAT (43% vs 8%, P < 0.001). The LRR of patients with ERAT only in the first 3 days was lower than those with ERAT both in the first 3 days and in 4–90 days (29% vs 64%, P = 0.036).ConclusionsCBA was an effective and safe treatment option for paroxysmal AF. Patients with ERAT had higher LRR after CBA of AF. The time when ERAT occurred had an impact on LRR.
AtPDS overexpression in tomato: exposing unique patterns of carotenoid self‐regulation and an alternative strategy for the enhancement of fruit carotenoid content
Authors: McQuinn Ryan P. , Wong Breanna , Giovannoni James J. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe regulation of plant carotenogenesis is an active research area for both biological discovery and practical implementation. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), we demonstrate additional bottlenecks exist in the poly‐cis‐transformation of phytoene to lycopene in the context of ripening‐induced PSY1 expression and activity and reveal phytoene desaturase (PDS), as a target for manipulation towards elevated lycopene content in maturing tomato fruit. Overexpression of Arabidopsis PDS, AtPDS, elevated PDS transcript abundance in all aerial tissues resulting in both altered carotenoid accumulation and associated pathway gene expression in a tissue‐specific manner. Significant increases in downstream carotenoids (all‐trans‐lycopene and β‐carotene) and minimal changes in carotenogenic gene expression (carotenoid isomerase‐like 1, CRTIL1) suggest overexpression of heterologous AtPDS in tomato circumvents endogenous regulatory mechanism observed with previous strategies. In transgenic leaves, depletion of the PDS substrate, phytoene, was accompanied by minor, but significant increases in xanthophyll production. Alterations in the leaf carotenogenic transcript profile, including the upstream MEP pathway, were observed revealing unique feedback and feedforward regulatory mechanisms in response to AtPDS overexpression. AtPDS overexpression in the background of the tangerine (carotenoid isomerase, CRTISO) mutant exposes its potential in elevating downstream cis‐lycopene accumulation in ripe tomato fruit, as cis‐lycopene is more bioavailable yet less abundant than all‐trans‐lycopene in the wild‐type control. In summary, we demonstrate the limitation of PDS in ripening fruit, its utility in modifying carotenoid profiles towards improved quality, and reveal novel carotenoid pathway feedback regulation.
ABA signalling manipulation suppresses senescence of a leafy vegetable stored at room temperature
Authors: Miret Javier A. , Munné‐Bosch Sergi , Dijkwel Paul P. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryPostharvest senescence and associated stresses limit the shelf life and nutritional value of vegetables. Improved understanding of these processes creates options for better management. After harvest, controlled exposure to abiotic stresses and/or exogenous phytohormones can enhance nutraceutical, organoleptic and commercial longevity traits. With leaf senescence, abscisic acid (ABA) contents progressively rise, but the actual biological functions of this hormone through senescence still need to be clarified. Postharvest senescence of detached green cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was characterized under cold (4 °C) and room temperature (25 °C) storage conditions. Hormonal profiling of regions of the leaf blade (apical, medial, basal) revealed a decrease in cytokinins contents during the first days under both conditions, while ABA only increased at 25 °C. Treatments with ABA and a partial agonist of ABA (pyrabactin) for 8 days did not lead to significant effects on water and pigment contents, but increased cell integrity and altered 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and cytokinins contents. Transcriptome analysis showed transcriptional regulation of ABA, cytokinin and ethylene metabolism and signalling; proteasome components; senescence regulation; protection of chloroplast functionality and cell homeostasis; and suppression of defence responses (including glucosinolates and phenylpropanoids metabolism). It is concluded that increasing the concentration of ABA (or its partial agonist pyrabactin) from the start of postharvest suppresses senescence of stored leaves, changes the transcriptional regulation of glucosinolates metabolism and down‐regulates biotic stress defence mechanisms. These results suggest a potential for manipulating ABA signalling for improving postharvest quality of leafy vegetables stored at ambient temperature.
Improvement of drought tolerance by overexpressing MdATG18a is mediated by modified antioxidant system and activated autophagy in transgenic apple
Authors: Sun Xun , Wang Ping , Jia Xin , Huo Liuqing , Che Runmin , Ma Fengwang 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAutophagy is a major and conserved pathway for delivering and recycling unwanted proteins or damaged organelles to be degraded in the vacuoles. AuTophaGy‐related (ATG) protein 18a has been established as one of the essential components for autophagy occurrence in Arabidopsis thaliana. We previously cloned the ATG18a homolog from Malus domestica (MdATG18a) and monitored its responsiveness to various abiotic stresses at the transcriptional level. However, it is still unclear what its function is under abiotic stress in apple. Here, we found that heterologous expression of MdATG18a in tomato plants markedly enhanced their tolerance to drought. Overexpression (OE) of that gene in apple plants improved their drought tolerance as well. Under drought conditions, the photosynthesis rate and antioxidant capacity were significantly elevated in OE lines when compared with the untransformed wild type (WT). Transcript levels of other important apple ATG genes were more strongly up‐regulated in transgenic MdATG18a OE lines than in the WT. The percentage of insoluble protein in proportion to total protein was lower and less oxidized protein accumulated in the OE lines than in the WT under drought stress. This was probably due to more autophagosomes being formed in the former. These results demonstrate that overexpression of MdATG18a in apple plants enhances their tolerance to drought stress, probably because of greater autophagosome production and a higher frequency of autophagy. Those processes help degrade protein aggregation and limit the oxidation damage, thereby suggesting that autophagy plays important roles in the drought response.
Comparative transcriptome combined with morpho‐physiological analyses revealed key factors for differential cadmium accumulation in two contrasting sweet sorghum genotypes
Authors: Feng Juanjuan , Jia Weitao , Lv Sulian , Bao Hexigeduleng , Miao Fangfang , Zhang Xuan , Wang Jinhui , Li Jihong , Li Dongsheng , Zhu Cheng , Li Shizhong , Li Yinxin 
Published: July 2017

SummaryCadmium (Cd) is a widespread soil contaminant threatening human health. As an ideal energy plant, sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) has great potential in phytoremediation of Cd‐polluted soils, although the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, key factors responsible for differential Cd accumulation between two contrasting sweet sorghum genotypes (high‐Cd accumulation one H18, and low‐Cd accumulation one L69) were investigated. H18 exhibited a much higher ability of Cd uptake and translocation than L69. Furthermore, Cd uptake through symplasmic pathway and Cd concentrations in xylem sap were both higher in H18 than those in L69. Root anatomy observation found the endodermal apoplasmic barriers were much stronger in L69, which may restrict the Cd loading into xylem. The molecular mechanisms underlying these morpho‐physiological traits were further dissected by comparative transcriptome analysis. Many genes involved in cell wall modification and heavy metal transport were found to be Cd‐responsive DEGs and/or DEGs between these two genotypes. KEGG pathway analysis found phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway was over‐represented, indicating this pathway may play important roles in differential Cd accumulation between two genotypes. Based on these results, a schematic representation of main processes involved in differential Cd uptake and translocation in H18 and L69 is proposed, which suggests that higher Cd accumulation in H18 depends on a multilevel coordination of efficient Cd uptake and transport, including efficient root uptake and xylem loading, less root cell wall binding, and weaker endodermal apoplasmic barriers.
Evaluation of BiliCare™ transcutaneous bilirubin device in Japanese newborns
Authors: Yamana Keiji , Morioka Ichiro , Kurokawa Daisuke , Fukushima Sachiyo , Nishida Kosuke , Ohyama Shohei , Nishimura Noriyuki , Nozu Kandai , Taniguchi‐Ikeda Mariko , Nagase Hiroaki , Fujioka Kazumichi , Iwatani Sota , Nakamura Hajime , Iijima Kazumoto 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundNon‐invasive transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) monitoring has been widely used to screen for hyperbilirubinemia. TcB measured using the recently developed BiliCare™ system, however, has not been fully evaluated.MethodsOne hundred and seven TcB measurements were obtained from 82 Japanese newborns ≥35 weeks’ gestational age within 2 weeks after birth. Measurements were taken at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe of the ear using BiliCare. BiliCare TcB were compared with total serum bilirubin (TB) and TcB obtained using another bilirubinometer (JM‐105™).ResultsTranscutaneous bilirubin measured at all three sites significantly correlated with TB (r = 0.91, 0.93, and 0.93 at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe, respectively). The mean differences were 0.1, −0.3, and 3.6 at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe, respectively. BiliCare TcB at the scaphoid fossa significantly correlated with that using the JM‐105 (r = 0.91). The mean difference was 0.0. BiliCare, however, produced a significantly higher and lower TcB than the JM‐105 for TB <7 and ≥15 mg/dL, respectively.ConclusionsTranscutaneous bilirubin measurements taken at the scaphoid fossa or conchal cavity using BiliCare were more reliable than those at the earlobe. BiliCare TcB differed from those of the JM‐105, for TB <7 or ≥15 mg/dL.
Mechanisms and prevention of UV‐induced melanoma
Authors: Sample Ashley , He Yu‐Ying 
Published: July 2017

SummaryMelanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and its incidence is rising, creating a costly and significant clinical problem. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, namely UVA (315‐400 nm) and UVB (280‐315 nm), is a major risk factor for melanoma development. Cumulative UV radiation exposure from sunlight or tanning beds contributes to UV‐induced DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the skin. A number of factors, including hair color, skin type, genetic background, location, and history of tanning, determine the skin's response to UV radiation. In melanocytes, dysregulation of this UV radiation response can lead to melanoma. Given the complex origins of melanoma, it is difficult to develop curative therapies and universally effective preventative strategies. Here, we describe and discuss the mechanisms of UV‐induced skin damage responsible for inducing melanomagenesis, and explore options for therapeutic and preventative interventions.
Crowdsourcing Government: Lessons from Multiple Disciplines
Authors: Liu Helen K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCrowdsourcing has proliferated across disciplines and professional fields. Implementers in the public sector face practical challenges, however, in the execution of crowdsourcing. This review synthesizes prior crowdsourcing research and practices from a variety of disciplines and focuses to identify lessons for meeting the practical challenges of crowdsourcing in the public sector. It identifies three distinct categories of crowdsourcing: organizations, products and services, and holistic systems. Lessons about the fundamental logic of process design—alignment, motivation, and evaluation—identified across the three categories are discussed. Conclusions drawn from past studies and the resulting evidence can help public managers better design and implement crowdsourcing in the public sector.
Small vertebrate granivores reduce seedling emergence in native tallgrass prairie restoration
Authors: Pellish Carmen A. , Sherrard Mark E. , Leytem Paige A. , Jackson Laura L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHigh seed cost and low rates of establishment make tallgrass prairie restorations challenging and expensive endeavors. Typical seedling emergence rates in prairie restorations are approximately 10% and the causes of seed mortality are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the impact of small vertebrate granivores on prairie restoration by comparison of seedling emergence in open (sham) versus closed exclosures at three newly restored sites. To assess other causes of seed loss, we also tracked seed fates at one prairie restoration site. We coated seeds of four prairie species with fluorescent dye, placed them under closed exclosures, and monitored their fate (emerging seedling, partially germinated, nongerminated/viable, and nongerminated/nonviable) over a 5‐month period. On average, 9.6 more seedlings/m2 emerged in the closed than the opened exclosures, suggesting that small vertebrate granivores reduce seedling emergence in prairie restoration. Granivores influenced the composition of the emerging community but did not preferentially consume large‐seeded species. In the seed‐tracking experiment, we found that greater than 70% of seeds were lost within 30 days of sowing, that seed recovery and viability both decreased with time in soil, and that seed fates differed between species. Collectively, our results indicate that small vertebrate granivores are an important cause of seed loss in prairie restoration, but unidentified belowground (e.g. fungal decomposition, invertebrate predation) and environmental (wind, rain) factors account for a greater proportion of total seed loss. Until these causes of seed loss are better understood, high seed costs will persist and continue to impede prairie restoration.
Bayesian Networks to Compare Pest Control Interventions on Commodities Along Agricultural Production Chains
Authors: Holt J. , Leach A. W. , Johnson S. , Tu D. M. , Nhu D. T. , Anh N. T. , Quinlan M. M. , Whittle P. J. L. , Mengersen K. , Mumford J. D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe production of an agricultural commodity involves a sequence of processes: planting/growing, harvesting, sorting/grading, postharvest treatment, packing, and exporting. A Bayesian network has been developed to represent the level of potential infestation of an agricultural commodity by a specified pest along an agricultural production chain. It reflects the dependency of this infestation on the predicted level of pest challenge, the anticipated susceptibility of the commodity to the pest, the level of impact from pest control measures as designed, and any variation from that due to uncertainty in measure efficacy. The objective of this Bayesian network is to facilitate agreement between national governments of the exporters and importers on a set of phytosanitary measures to meet specific phytosanitary measure requirements to achieve target levels of protection against regulated pests. The model can be used to compare the performance of different combinations of measures under different scenarios of pest challenge, making use of available measure performance data. A case study is presented using a model developed for a fruit fly pest on dragon fruit in Vietnam; the model parameters and results are illustrative and do not imply a particular level of fruit fly infestation of these exports; rather, they provide the most likely, alternative, or worst‐case scenarios of the impact of measures. As a means to facilitate agreement for trade, the model provides a framework to support communication between exporters and importers about any differences in perceptions of the risk reduction achieved by pest control measures deployed during the commodity production chain.
On the Relation Between Marr's Levels: A Response to Blokpoel (2017)
Authors: Cooper Richard P. , Peebles David 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBlokpoel reminds us of the importance of consistency of function across Marr's levels, but we argue that the approach to ensuring consistency that he advocates—a strict relation through exact implementation of the higher level function at the lower level—is unnecessarily restrictive. We show that it forces overcomplication of the computational level (by requiring it to incorporate concerns from lower levels) and results in the sacrifice of the distinct responsibilities associated with each level. We propose an alternative, no less rigorous, potential characterization of the relation between levels.
Obstetric hemorrhage and safe blood for transfusion in Ethiopia: the challenges of bridging the gap
Authors: Taye Makuria Addisalem , Gebremichael Daniel , Demoz Habtemariam , Hadush Azmach , Abdella Yetmgeta , Berhane Yemane , Kamani Naynesh 
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUNDObstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death in sub‐Saharan Africa, and the shortage of blood for transfusion is a contributory factor. In Ethiopia, the National Blood Bank Service continues to be confronted with challenges in its efforts to ensure the availability of blood for health care facilities. This paper reviews the available data on the contribution of obstetric hemorrhage to maternal mortality and examines the current status of the blood supply in Ethiopia.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe reviewed the published literature and data from the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health. To assess the status of the current blood supply, we applied the five cornerstones of a safe and effective blood donor service advocated by the World Health Organization.RESULTSOur review indicates that there are insufficient national data on the prevalence of obstetric hemorrhage and the contribution of blood supply shortage to maternal death. Also, transfusion safety may be compromised by inadequate testing of donated blood and ineffective hospital transfusion policies.CONCLUSIONTo overcome the shortage of blood to treat obstetric hemorrhage, the first step is to evaluate the demand and supply gap by acquiring comprehensive data on the current status of the blood supply and the prevalence of obstetric hemorrhage in Ethiopia. Subsequent steps would include the implementation of transfusion policies, the optimization of whole blood collection, ensuring quality‐assured testing of donated blood, and the implementation of transfusion guidelines for the appropriate use of blood products. Strategies for long‐term, viable solutions to maintain an adequate blood supply should be simultaneously developed.
Effect of breastfeeding on different features of malocclusions in the primary dentition: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Doğramaci Esma J. , Rossi-Fedele Giampiero , Dreyer Craig W. 
Published: July 2017

Review question/objective:
: The objective of this review of association (etiology) is to identify the association of breastfeeding with the development of different features of malocclusions in the primary dentition. The specific review questions are: What is the risk of developing different features of malocclusions in the primary dentition:In those who have been breastfed compared to those who have not been breastfed?In those who have been exclusively breastfed compared to those who have not been exclusively breastfed?In those who have been breastfed for a long duration compared to those who have been breastfed for a short duration?
Computed tomography coronary angiography with heart rate control premedication: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Mander Gordon Thomas Waterland 
Published: July 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background
Computed tomography coronary angiography patient preparation with heart rate control premedication is employed in departments across Australia. However, the methods of administration vary widely between institutions and do not always follow best practice.

Objectives
This aim of the study was to identify and promote best practice in the administration of heart rate premedication in computed tomography coronary angiography at a regional hospital in Australia.

Methods
The Joanna Briggs Institute have validated audit and feedback tools to assist with best practice implementation projects. This project used these tools, which involve three phases of activity – a pre-implementation audit, reflecting on results and implementing strategies to address non-compliance, and a post-implementation audit to assess the outcomes.

Results
A baseline audit identified non-compliance in the majority of measured audit criteria. Following implementation of an institution-specific guideline and associated worksheet, improved compliance was shown across all audit criteria.

Conclusions
Following the development and implementation of institution-specific evidence-based resources relating to heart rate control in computed tomography coronary angiography, a high level of compliance consistent with best practice was achieved.
The potential of ultrasonography in the evaluation of foot orthotics therapy
Authors: Petcu Daniel , Mitrea Delia Alexandrina , Bondor Cosmina Ioana , Perciun Elena Rodica 
Published: July 2017

Foot orthotics prescription is based on the foot functioning paradigms with tissue stress theory being in avant-garde. The main goal of orthotic therapy is to reduce the internal tissue’s pathological stresses in the foot structures. Traditionally, ultrasound scanning technique depicts anatomic related data of both common and uncommon pathology encountered in the clinical practice, helping in diagnosing, treating and evaluating, which are equally important for the practitioners. Its accessibility, compared to biomechanical modelling, makes this technique a valuable tool in the field of foot and ankle disorders. Despite its user-dependent limitation, the ongoing technical progress improves the ability of ultrasonography as a highly advanced procedure in musculoskeletal imaging, being also a valuable searching tool for musculotendinous mechanics or morphological changes as a result of a conservative intervention. The aim of the present work was to perform a review of the state of the art concerning the usefulness of ultrasonography in the study of foot orthotic therapy and to analyze its effectiveness.