bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between acute mental stress and abnormal left atrial electrophysiology
Authors: O'Neal Wesley T. , Hammadah Muhammad , Sandesara Pratik B. , Almuwaqqat Zakaria , Samman‐Tahhan Ayman , Gafeer Mohamad M. , Abdelhadi Naser , Wilmot Kobina , Al Mheid Ibhar , Bremner Douglas J. , Kutner Michael , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Shah Amit J. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Vaccarino Viola 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundAcute stress may trigger atrial fibrillation (AF), but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We examined if acute mental stress results in abnormal left atrial electrophysiology as detected by more negative deflection of P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1), a well‐known marker of AF risk.Methods and resultsWe examined this hypothesis in 422 patients (mean age = 56 ± 10 years; 61% men; 44% white) with stable coronary heart disease who underwent mental (speech task) stress testing. PTFV1 was defined as the duration (milliseconds) times the value of the depth (μV) of the downward deflection (terminal portion) of the P‐wave in lead V1 measured on digital electrocardiograms (ECG). Electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality was defined as PTFV1 ≤ −4000 μV*ms. Mean PTFV1 values during stress and recovery were compared with rest. The percentage of participants who developed left atrial abnormality during stress and recovery was compared with the percentage at rest. Compared with rest, PTFV1 became more negative during mental stress (mean change = −348, 95% CI = [−515, −182]; P < 0.001) and no change was observed at recovery (mean change = 12, 95%CI = [−148, 172]; P = 0.89). A larger percentage of participants showed left atrial abnormality on ECGs obtained at stress (n = 163, 39%) and recovery (n = 142, 34%) compared with rest (n = 127, 30%).ConclusionAcute mental stress alters left atrial electrophysiology, suggesting that stressful situations promote adverse transient electrical changes to provide the necessary substrate for AF.
Anterior pericardial access to facilitate electrophysiology study and catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: A single tertiary center experience
Authors: Keramati Ali R. , DeMazumder Deeptankar , Misra Satish , Chrispin Jonathan , Assis Fabrizio R. , Raghuram Chava , Dey Swati , Calkins Hugh , Tandri Harikrishna 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionEpicardial ablation is becoming an important part of management in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT). Posterior epicardial access via the Sosa or needle‐in‐needle (NIN) approach for epicardial VT ablation is considered to be the method of choice for most electrophysiologists. Anterior epicardial access as an alternative technique has recently been proposed, but there are limited data about its safety, efficacy, and the rate of immediate complications. In this study, we report our experience with anterior epicardial access between 2009 and 2016.MethodsBetween 2009 and June 2016, 100 consecutive patients underwent epicardial VT ablation using an anterior approach. The success rate, epicardial bleeding, and other complications related to the epicardial access in these patients were compared to the previously reported rate of complications in patients whom epicardial access was performed using the NIN or Sosa techniques.ResultsAnterior epicardial access was obtained successfully in 100% of patients in the first attempt. The success rate of the anterior approach was comparable with the reported success rate of the NIN technique (100% vs. 100%, P value not significant) but better than the Sosa technique (100% vs. 94%, P = 0.012). None of the patients in the anterior approach series suffered from significant pericardial bleeding (defined as greater than 80 mL of blood loss), RV puncture/damage, or need for an emergent cardiac surgery.ConclusionAn anterior epicardial approach is feasible and appears to have an acceptable safety profile in comparison with other epicardial approaches.
Isolation and characterization of a Serratia marcescens with insecticidal activity from Polyphylla olivieri (Col.: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Bidari F. , Shams‐Bakhsh M. , Mehrabadi M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMembers of the genus Serratia are known for their abilities to infect insects. In this study, a red‐pigmented S. marcescens was isolated and characterized from the infected larvae of Polyphylla olivieri using bacterial cultivation, phylogenetic analysis as well as bioassays against larvae of the two insect pests, Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia kuehniella. Comparative 16S rRNA and groEL gene sequence BLAST analyses strongly suggested that the isolated strain should be placed in the genus Serratia, sharing high sequence similarities with several strain of S. marcescens associated with insects. Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolated bacterium with other S. marcescens bacteria in a clade with high bootstrapping values. To assess pathogenicity of the S. marcescens isolate, the bacterial cells were either injected into the haemolymph of the fifth‐instar larvae or added to the diets of insects. Survival curves of the control insects and those challenged with six different concentrations of S. marcescens showed that the S. marcescens isolate significantly reduced survival rates of the larvae. The LC50s of the bacterium on P. interpunctella and E. kuehniella were 1992.26 and 1.09 × 104 (CFU/μl) for injection bioassays at 6 h post‐injection, and 4.48 × 104 and 1.96 × 105 (CFU/10 μl) for feeding bioassays at 24 h post‐feeding, respectively. Injection of the bacterial culture supernatant into the larvae led to continuous bleeding from the site of injection, while injection of heat‐treated culture supernatant of the bacterium did not cause continuous bleeding. Together, our results showed the possibility of using this S. marcescens isolate in microbial control of the insect pests after addressing the safety concerns. Moreover, it might be considered as a source of useful bioactive molecules and genes with application in insect control and biotechnology via developing insect‐resistant plants.
Preperitoneal fat as a non‐invasive marker of increased risk of severe non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Parente Daniella Braz , Oliveira Neto Jaime Araújo , Brasil Pedro Emmanuel Alvarenga Americano , Paiva Fernando Fernandes , Ravani José Pedro Rodrigues , Gomes Marilia Brito , Lanzoni Valeria , Campos Carlos Frederico Ferreira , Machado‐Silva Lilian , Perez Renata Mello , Rodrigues Rosana Souza 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground and AimFat distribution may have prognostic value in the evaluation of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study was conducted to evaluate associations of magnetic resonance imaging‐measured abdominal fat areas with steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, assessed histopathologically, in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis prospective study included 66 patients with type 2 diabetes (12 males, 54 females, age 26–68 years), without chronic liver disease of other causes. Axial dual‐echo magnetic resonance images were acquired. Visceral, subcutaneous, and preperitoneal fat areas were measured using Osirix software. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained from all patients and examined histopathologically to evaluate steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Linear (for steatosis) and logistic (for steatohepatitis and fibrosis) regression models were fitted for the outcomes. R2 was used as a measure of how much model variance the predictors explained and to compare different predictors of the same outcome.ResultsVisceral and preperitoneal fat areas correlated well with histopathologically determined liver steatosis grade (bothP = 0.004) and liver fibrosis (P = 0.008 andP = 0.037, respectively). All fat areas correlated well with steatohepatitis (P ≤ 0.002). Preperitoneal and visceral fat areas were the best predictors of steatohepatitis (R2 = 0.379) and fibrosis (R2 = 0.181), respectively.ConclusionsVisceral fat area was the best predictor of fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Preperitoneal fat area was the best predictor of steatohepatitis and is a potential new non‐invasive marker for use in the screening of these patients to detect more aggressive forms of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Influence of weather on incidence of bronchiolitis in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Hoeppner Tobias , Borland Meredith , Babl Franz E , Neutze Jocelyn , Phillips Natalie , Krieser David , Dalziel Stuart R , Davidson Andrew , Donath Susan , Jachno Kim , South Mike , Williams Amanda , Zhang Guicheng , Oakley Ed ,   for the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: July 2017

AimWe aimed to examine the impact of weather on hospital admissions with bronchiolitis in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsWe collected data for inpatient admissions of infants aged 2–12 months to seven hospitals in four cities in Australia and New Zealand from 2009 until 2011. Correlation of hospital admissions with minimum daily temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and rainfall was examined using linear, Poisson and negative binomial regression analyses as well as general estimated equation models. To account for possible lag between exposure to weather and admission to hospital, analyses were conducted for time lags of 0–4 weeks.ResultsDuring the study period, 3876 patients were admitted to the study hospitals. Hospital admissions showed strong seasonality with peaks in wintertime, onset in autumn and offset in spring. The onset of peak incidence was preceded by a drop in temperature. Minimum temperature was inversely correlated with hospital admissions, whereas wind speed was directly correlated. These correlations were sustained for time lags of up to 4 weeks. Standardised correlation coefficients ranged from −0.14 to −0.54 for minimum temperature and from 0.18 to 0.39 for wind speed. Relative humidity and rainfall showed no correlation with hospital admissions in our study.ConclusionA decrease in temperature and increasing wind speed are associated with increasing incidence of bronchiolitis hospital admissions in Australia and New Zealand.
Implementation and application of multiple potential natural vegetation models – a case study of Hungary
Authors: Somodi Imelda , Molnár Zsolt , Czúcz Bálint , Bede‐Fazekas Ákos , Bölöni János , Pásztor László , Laborczi Annamária , Zimmermann Niklaus E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractQuestionsMultiple potential natural vegetation (MPNV) is a framework for the probabilistic and multilayer representation of potential vegetation in an area. How can an MPNV model be implemented and synthesized for the full range of vegetation types across a large spatial domain such as a country? What additional ecological and practical information can be gained compared to traditional potential natural vegetation (PNV) estimates?LocationHungary.MethodsMPNV was estimated by modelling the occurrence probabilities of individual vegetation types using gradient boosting models (GBM). Vegetation data from the Hungarian Actual Habitat Database (MÉTA) and information on the abiotic background (climatic data, soil characteristics, hydrology) were used as inputs to the models. To facilitate MPNV interpretation a new technique for model synthesis (re‐scaling) enabling comprehensive visual presentation (synthetic maps) was developed which allows for a comparative view of the potential distribution of individual vegetation types.ResultsThe main result of MPNV modelling is a series of raw and re‐scaled probability maps of individual vegetation types for Hungary. Raw probabilities best suit within‐type analyses, while re‐scaled estimations can also be compared across vegetation types. The latter create a synthetic overview of a location's PNV as a ranked list of vegetation types, and make the comparison of actual and potential landscape composition possible. For example, a representation of forest vs grasslands in MPNV revealed a high level of overlap of the potential range of the two formations in Hungary.ConclusionThe MPNV approach allows viewing the potential vegetation composition of locations in far more detail than the PNV approach. Re‐scaling the probabilities estimated by the models allows easy access to the results by making potential presence of vegetation types with different data structure comparable for queries and synthetic maps. The wide range of applications identified for MPNV (conservation and restoration prioritization, landscape evaluation) suggests that the PNV concept with the extension towards vegetation distributions is useful both for research and application.
Landscape genetic analyses reveal fine‐scale effects of forest fragmentation in an insular tropical bird
Authors: Khimoun Aurélie , Peterman William , Eraud Cyril , Faivre Bruno , Navarro Nicolas , Garnier Stéphane 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWithin the framework of landscape genetics, resistance surface modelling is particularly relevant to explicitly test competing hypotheses about landscape effects on gene flow. To investigate how fragmentation of tropical forest affects population connectivity in a forest specialist bird species, we optimized resistance surfaces without a priori specification, using least‐cost (LCP) or resistance (IBR) distances. We implemented a two‐step procedure in order (i) to objectively define the landscape thematic resolution (level of detail in classification scheme to describe landscape variables) and spatial extent (area within the landscape boundaries) and then (ii) to test the relative role of several landscape features (elevation, roads, land cover) in genetic differentiation in the Plumbeous Warbler (Setophaga plumbea). We detected a small‐scale reduction of gene flow mainly driven by land cover, with a negative impact of the nonforest matrix on landscape functional connectivity. However, matrix components did not equally constrain gene flow, as their conductivity increased with increasing structural similarity with forest habitat: urban areas and meadows had the highest resistance values whereas agricultural areas had intermediate resistance values. Our results revealed a higher performance of IBR compared to LCP in explaining gene flow, reflecting suboptimal movements across this human‐modified landscape, challenging the common use of LCP to design habitat corridors and advocating for a broader use of circuit theory modelling. Finally, our results emphasize the need for an objective definition of landscape scales (landscape extent and thematic resolution) and highlight potential pitfalls associated with parameterization of resistance surfaces.
Novel evaluation and treatment techniques for white spot lesions. An in vitro study
Authors: Bakhsh T. A. , Bakry A. S. , Mandurah M. M. , Abbassy M. A. 
Published: July 2017

Structured AbstractObjectiveWhite spot lesions (WSLs) are commonly seen during and after orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the objective of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of 45S5‐bioglass in remineralizing WSLs using cross‐polarization optical coherence tomography (CP‐OCT) and confirm the findings by micro‐hardness test.MethodsCeramic orthodontic brackets were bonded to the buccal surface of 45 human premolars with Transbond XT primer followed by Transbond PLUS according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, all specimens were varnished excluding the area of interest (AOI) around the bonded brackets, immersed in demineralizing solution and divided into three groups: BG, REM and CONT. In BG group, 15 specimens were treated with bioglass paste for 24 hours. REM group had 15 specimens stored in remineralization solution for 24 hours. CONT group had the remaining 15 specimens with no treatment. All specimens were examined under CP‐OCT and tested using cross‐sectional micro‐hardness techniques.ResultsCP‐OCT analysis showed that the maximum pixel value after bioglass application was significantly increased at AOI when compared to CONT and REM groups (P>.05), which was confirmed by the cross‐sectional micro‐hardness results (P>.05).ConclusionEarly enamel demineralization and remineralization can be easily and non‐invasively monitored with CP‐OCT. Bioglass is a potent remineralizing agent.
Safety and effectiveness of a 6‐French MRI conditional pacemaker lead: The INGEVITYTM clinical investigation study results
Authors: Nielsen Jens C. , Giudici Michael , Tolasana Viu Jose Maria , Chew Engwooi , Sommerijns Elke , Wold Nicholas , Evert Linda , Love Charles J. , Stein Kenneth , Olaf Hedrich 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe design of pacemaker leads has continued to evolve; ease of lead handling, improved electrical performance, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditional aspects have become more important, while safety remains critical. The INGEVITY™ family leads was designed to provide MRI conditional aspects, decreased diameter, and improved performance of pacemaker leads. The INGEVITY study is an investigational device exemption trial evaluating the acute and chronic safety and effectiveness of these leads.MethodsConsecutive patients were included in 77 institutions worldwide, where 1,657 leads (846 right ventricular active fixation leads, 213 right ventricular passive fixation leads, 121 right atrial passive fixation preformed J‐leads, and 477 right atrial active fixation leads) were implanted or attempted in 1,060 subjects.ResultsAt 3‐month follow‐up, the electrical performance were: mean pacing threshold 0.67 V at 0.5‐ms pulse width, pacing impedance 773 ohms, mean P‐wave amplitude 4.8 mV, and R‐wave amplitude 16.5 ± 6.5 mV.Over a median follow‐up of 31 months, 93 subjects died and 33 subjects reported lead‐related complications. Lead‐related complication‐free rate from 0 to 3 months and 3 to 12 months for all leads was 98.4% and 99.7%, respectively. The hazard of lead‐related complications was observed to be decelerating over the course of follow‐up (Weibull shape = 0.23). The overall lead dislodgment rate observed in the study was 1.3%, the perforation rate was 0.0%, and the pericardial effusion rate was 0.3%.ConclusionsThe clinical performance of the INGEVITY lead demonstrated a high lead‐related complication‐free rate over 12 months of follow‐up and excellent electrical characteristics.
Effect of solvent/detergent‐treated pooled plasma on fibrinolysis in reconstituted whole blood
Authors: Saadah Nicholas H. , van der Meer Pieter F. , Brinkman Herm Jan M. , de Korte Dirk , Bontekoe Ido J. , Korsten Herbert H. , Middelburg Rutger A. , van der Bom Johanna G. , Schipperus Martin R. 
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUNDHyperfibrinolysis has been observed in patients heavily transfused with solvent/detergent‐treated pooled plasma (S/D plasma). We compared coagulation and fibrinolytic variables in blood containing S/D plasma with blood containing fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), with and without α2‐antiplasmin or tranexamic acid (TXA) supplementation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWhole blood samples were reconstituted from red blood cells, platelet (PLT) concentrates, and varying mixtures of FFP and S/D plasma. Hematocrit and PLT count of reconstituted whole blood samples were varied. For a subset of runs, α2‐antiplasmin or TXA was added to S/D plasma whole blood samples. Thromboelastography (TEG) analysis was performed to assess 50% clot lysis time (CLT50%), maximum amplitude (MA), and initial clotting time (R‐time).RESULTSThe change in CLT50% of whole blood as the plasma compartment transitions from FFP to S/D plasma was −52% (95% confidence interval [CI], −60% to −45%; p < 0.001). PLT count strengthened the effect, leading to an additional change in CLT50% of −8% (95% CI, −14% to −2%; p = 0.012) as PLT count increased from 10 × 109 to 150 × 109/L. MA and R‐time were not associated with fraction of S/D plasma in whole blood. α2‐Antiplasmin and TXA restored clot lysis time in S/D plasma whole blood.CONCLUSIONWhole blood with S/D plasma has shorter clot lysis times in vitro compared to whole blood with FFP. α2‐Antiplasmin and TXA restore clot lysis time of S/D plasma whole blood to that of FFP whole blood. Clinicians should be aware of the decreased clot lysis time associated with S/D plasma transfusion.
Scar formation following excisional and burn injuries in a red Duroc pig model
Authors: Blackstone Britani N. , Kim Jayne Y. , McFarland Kevin L. , Sen Chandan K. , Supp Dorothy M. , Bailey J. Kevin , Powell Heather M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractScar research is challenging because rodents do not naturally form excessive scars, and burn depth, size, and location cannot be controlled in human longitudinal studies. The female, red Duroc pig model has been shown to form robust scars with biological and anatomical similarities to human hypertrophic scars. To more closely mimic the mode of injury, recreate the complex chemical milieu of the burn wound environment and enhance scar development, an animal model of excessive burn‐induced scarring was developed and compared with the more commonly used model, which involves excisional wounds created via dermatome. Standardized, full‐thickness thermal wounds were created on the dorsum of female, red Duroc pigs. Wounds for the dermatome model were created using two different total dermatome settings: ∼1.5 mm and ≥ 1.9 mm. Results from analysis over 150 days showed that burn wounds healed at much slower rate and contracted more significantly than dermatome wounds of both settings. The burn scars were hairless, had mixed pigmentation, and displayed fourfold and twofold greater excess erythema values, respectively, compared with ∼1.5 mm and ≥ 1.9 mm deep dermatome injuries. Burn scars were less elastic, less pliable, and weaker than scars resulting from excisional injuries. Decorin and versican gene expression levels were elevated in the burn group at day 150 compared with both dermatome groups. In addition, transforming growth factor‐beta 1 was significantly up‐regulated in the burn group vs. the ∼1.5 mm deep dermatome group at all time points, and expression remained significantly elevated vs. both dermatome groups at day 150. Compared with scars from dermatome wounds, the burn scar model described here demonstrates greater similarity to human hypertrophic scar. Thus, this burn scar model may provide an improved platform for studying the pathophysiology of burn‐related hypertrophic scarring, investigating current anti‐scar therapies, and development of new strategies with greater clinical benefit.
Bidirectional eukaryotic DNA replication is established by quasi-symmetrical helicase loading
Authors: Coster Gideon , Diffley John F. X. 
Published: July 2017

Getting loaded—make mine a double!
Chromosomal DNA replication initiates bidirectionally by loading two ring-shaped helicases onto DNA in opposite orientations. How this symmetry is achieved has been puzzling because replication initiation sites contain only one essential binding site for the initiator, the origin recognition complex (ORC). Coster and Diffley now show that both helicases are loaded by a similar mechanism. Efficient loading requires binding of two ORC complexes to two ORC binding sites in opposite orientations. Natural origins were found to be partially symmetrical, containing functionally relevant secondary ORC sites. Sites can be flexibly spaced, but introducing an intervening “roadblock” prevented loading, suggesting that individual helicases translocate toward each other on DNA to form a stable double ring.

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