bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation dysregulations in valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shen Kangjun , Tu Tao , Yuan Zhaoshun , Yi Jiangfeng , Zhou Yangzhao , Liao Xiaobo , Liu Qiming , Zhou Xinmin 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe epigenetic changes underlying the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) remain incompletely understood. Limited evidence suggests that abnormal DNA methylation might be involved in the pathogenesis of AF. In the present study, we evaluated the methylation status of genomic DNA from myocardial tissue in AF patients and sinus rhythm (SR) patients systematically.HypothesisDNA methylation dysregulations will be associated with valvular AF.MethodsRight atrial myocardial tissue was obtained from rheumatic valvular patients who had undergone valve replacement surgery (SR group, n = 10; AF group, n = 10). The global DNA methylation level, the promoter methylation level of the natriuretic peptide receptor‐A gene (NPRA), and its correlation with the mRNA expression level of DNA methyltransferase genes were detected.ResultsThe global DNA methylation level was significantly higher in the AF group than in the SR group (P < 0.05). The NPRA mRNA expression was decreased and the NPRA gene was hypermethylated in the AF group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the NPRA mRNA expression level has a negative correlation with the mean methylation level in the promoter region of the NPRA gene.ConclusionsDNA methylation dysregulations may be relevant in the pathogenesis of AF. DNA methyltransferase 3B likely plays an essential role in the DNA methylation dysregulations in AF.
An exploration of the association between ischemic etiology and the likelihood of heart failure hospitalization following cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Powell Adam C. , Rogstad Teresa L. , Deshmukh Uday U. , Price Stephen E. , Simmons Jeffrey D. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundMyocardial scarring resulting from cardiomyopathy with ischemic etiology may interfere with effective lead placement during implantation of multi‐lead cardioverter‐defibrillators for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT‐D). Extensive scarring is known to be associated with poorer physiological and survival outcomes in patients who undergo CRT‐D.HypothesisIschemic CRT‐D recipients respond as well as nonischemic recipients, using hospital admission for heart failure (HF) as a measure of response.MethodsPatients who underwent CRT‐D between February 1, 2013, and February 1, 2014, were identified in an insurer's claims. Inclusion required 1 year of enrollment pre– and post–CRT‐D. The sample was divided into nonischemic and ischemic groups, and a subset of the ischemic group with a history of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was identified. The likelihood of HF hospital admissions in the year before and after CRT‐D was computed for each group, as well as for the subset of patients with HF admissions prior to CRT‐D.ResultsA significant (P = 0.02) association was found between ischemic etiology and the post–CRT‐D HF admission likelihood. No association was found between history of STEMI vs nonischemic status and likelihood of post–CRT‐D HF admission. All groups had significantly lower risk of HF admissions after CRT‐D. None of the comparisons involving only patients with a HF hospitalization in the year prior to CRT‐D were significant.ConclusionsPatients with nonischemic etiology were significantly less likely to experience a HF admission after CRT‐D, but the risk of HF admission improved significantly in all groups after CRT‐D.
Apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran use in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation using the second‐generation cryoballoon
Authors: Tscholl Verena , Lsharaf Abdullah Khaled‐A. , Lin Tina , Bellmann Barbara , Nagel Patrick , Lenz Klaus , Landmesser Ulf , Roser Mattias , Rillig Andreas 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundData are limited on the safety of periprocedural anticoagulation with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the second‐generation cryoballoon (CB) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.HypothesisWe hypothesized that the incidence of acute periprocedural complications in patients undergoing PVI do not differ between patients treated with VKA compared to NOACs.MethodsIn 200 consecutive patients (mean age, 64.3 _ 10.6 years; female, n = 83) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation, PVI using the second‐generation 28‐mm CB was performed. In patients treated with NOACs, the medication was stopped the day of the procedure and continued the evening after the procedure with a reduced dosage. Patients treated with phenprocoumon were continued on uninterrupted phenprocoumon with a target INR of 2 to 3. If INR was <2, bridging with low‐molecular‐weight heparin was performed.ResultsForty‐seven of 200 patients (23.5%) were treated with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and 55 (27.5%) were treated with apixaban, 67 (33.5%) with rivaroxaban, and 31 (15.5%) with dabigatran. Seven (3.5%) major complications occurred in the overall population. Major bleeding complications did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P = 0.23). One patient taking VKA had a pericardial tamponade at the end of the procedure; 2 patients treated with apixaban developed a groin hematoma requiring surgical intervention. Transient ischemic attack occurred in 1 patient of the apixaban and rivaroxaban group.ConclusionsApixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran, compared with uninterrupted VKA, did not show a higher risk for major bleeding or ischemic complications in patients undergoing PVI using the second‐generation CB.
A historical perspective of nutrient change impact on an infectious disease in Daphnia
Authors: Reyserhove Lien , Samaey Giovanni , Muylaert Koenraad , Coppé Vincent , Van Colen Willem , Decaestecker Ellen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractChanges in food quality can play a substantial role in the vulnerability of hosts to infectious diseases. In this study, we focused on the genetic differentiation of the water flea Daphnia magna towards food of different quality (by manipulating C:N:P ratios) and its impact on the interaction with a virulent infectious disease, “White Fat Cell Disease (WFCD)”. Via a resurrection ecology approach, we isolated two Daphnia subpopulations from different depths in a sediment core, which were exposed to parasites and a nutrient ratio gradient in a common garden experiment. Our results showed a genetic basis for sensitivity towards food deprivation. Both fecundity and host survival was differently affected when fed with low‐quality food. This strongly impacted the way both subpopulations interacted with this parasite. A historical reconstruction of nutrient changes in a sediment core reflected an increase in organic material and phosphorus concentration (more eutrophic conditions) over time in the studied pond. These results enable us to relate patterns of genetic differentiation in sensitivity towards food deprivation to an increasing level of eutrophication of the subpopulations, which ultimately impacts parasite virulence effects. This finding was confirmed via a dynamic energy budgets (DEB), in which energy was partitioned for the host and the parasite. The model was tailored to our study by integrating (1) increased growth and a fecundity shift in the host upon parasitism and (2) differences of food assimilation in the subpopulations showing that a reduced nutrient assimilation resulted in increased parasite virulence. The combination of our experiment with the DEB model shows that it is important to consider genetic diversity when studying the impact of nutritional stress on species interactions, especially in the context of changing environments and emerging infectious diseases.
Spreading the load: Antigen transfer between migratory and lymph node‐resident dendritic cells promotes T‐cell priming
Authors: Mueller Scott N. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) are specialized in the processing and presentation of antigen for the activation of lymphocytes. Multiple subsets of DCs exist with distinct functions and roles in the initiation of immune responses. DCs found within tissues acquire antigens or become infected by pathogens and migrate to local draining lymph nodes (LN) where they can directly stimulate T cells. These migratory DCs can also transfer antigens to LN‐resident DCs and may indirectly enhance T cell priming. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Gurevich et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2017. 47: 1802–1818] elegantly demonstrate the influence of the transfer of antigen from migratory DCs to resident DCs on the dynamics of CD8 T‐cell priming in mice. Using both in vitro imaging to visualise antigen dissemination and intravital 2‐photon microscopy to track T cell clustering with migratory and resident DCs, antigen‐donor DC were found to efficiently distribute antigen to recipient DC. This process, which involved LFA‐1, enhanced the recruitment of CD8+ T cells into the response and rescued priming when DCs were impaired in presentation capacity. Together, these findings shed light on the dynamics of the transfer of antigens between DCs in vivo for the efficient priming of cytotoxic T cell responses.
Use of Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Supplements Has Insufficient Clinical Evidence for Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Nam Gina E. , Myung Seung‐Kwon , Choi Yoon‐Jung 
Published: August 2017

Omega‐3 fatty acid supplements have been used to treat dyslipidemia. However, there is no comprehensive meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials that encompasses a broad range of populations with or without underlying diseases regarding their efficacy. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for trials in June 2016. A pooled weighted mean difference with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random‐effect meta‐analysis. A total of 58 trials were included in the final analysis. Compared with placebos, omega‐3 fatty acid supplements significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) levels by 38.59 mg dL−1 (95%CI, −47.16 to −30.02 mg dL−1; n = 53). In the subgroup meta‐analysis, the beneficial effects on TG levels were dose‐dependent up to 3.9 g of omega‐3 fatty acid supplements daily and were greater at higher baseline TG levels. However, there existed substantial heterogeneity in the main and subgroup meta‐analyses, overall methodological quality of included trials were low, and about 70% of the included trials had a small sample size less than 100 participants. The current meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials suggests that there is no sufficient clinical evidence to support the use of omega‐3 fatty acid supplements for the prevention or treatment of dyslipidemia. Practical Applications: Further large, high‐quality randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials with a long‐term follow‐up are warranted to confirm the clinical efficacy of omega‐3 fatty acid supplements on lipid profiles management.The meta‐analysis of 53 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials shows a beneficial effect of omega‐3 fatty acid supplements such as EPA and DHA on triglyceride levels. However, there exists substantial heterogeneity in the main and subgroup meta‐analyses, overall methodological quality of includes trials was low, and about 70% of the include trials has a small sample size less than 100 participants. WMD, weighted mean difference; CI, confidence interval.
The association between sleep quality, low back pain and disability: A prospective study in routine practice
Authors: Kovacs F.M. , Seco J. , Royuela A. , Betegon J.N. , Sánchez‐Herráez S. , Meli M. , Martínez Rodríguez M.E. , Núñez M. , Álvarez‐Galovich L. , Moyá J. , Sánchez C. , Luna S. , Borrego P. , Moix J. , Rodríguez‐Pérez V. , Torres‐Unda J. , Burgos‐Alonso N. , Gago‐Fernández I. , González‐Rubio Y. , Abraira V. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to estimate the association between sleep quality (SQ) and improvements in low back pain (LBP) and disability, among patients treated for LBP in routine practice.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 461 subacute and chronic LBP patients treated in 11 specialized centres, 14 primary care centres and eight physical therapy practices across 12 Spanish regions. LBP, leg pain, disability, catastrophizing, depression and SQ were assessed through validated questionnaires upon recruitment and 3 months later. Logistic regression models were developed to assess: (1) the association between the baseline score for SQ and improvements in LBP and disability at 3 months, and (2) the association between improvement in SQ and improvements in LBP and disability during the follow‐up period.ResultsSeventy‐three per cent of patients were subacute. Median scores at baseline were four points for both pain and disability, as assessed with a visual analog scale and the Roland‐Morris Questionnaire, respectively. Regression models showed (OR [95% CI]) that baseline SQ was not associated with improvements in LBP (0.99 [0.94; 1.06]) or in disability (0.99 [0.93; 1.05]), although associations existed between ‘improvement in SQ’ and ‘improvement in LBP’ (4.34 [2.21; 8.51]), and ‘improvement in SQ’ and ‘improvement in disability’ (4.60 [2.29; 9.27]).ConclusionsImprovement in SQ is associated with improvements in LBP and in disability at 3‐month follow‐up, suggesting that they may reflect or be influenced by common factors. However, baseline SQ does not predict improvements in pain or disability.SignificanceIn clinical practice, sleep quality, low back pain and disability are associated. However, sleep quality at baseline does not predict improvement in pain and disability.
Regulated Film Quality with Methylammonium Bromide Addition in a Two‐Step Sequential Deposition to Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Dong Guohua , Xia Debin , Yang Yulin , Sheng Li , Fan Ruiqing , Qiu Lele 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGenerally, the quality of perovskite films, which includes surface coverage, grain size, crystallinity, and so forth, is the dominant factor to influence the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, we demonstrated a facile method to improve the film quality by adding different concentrations of methylammonium bromide (MABr) into the methylammonium iodide (MAI) solution in a two‐step sequential deposition method. The optimized perovskite (MAPbI3−xBrx) film at a MAI/MABr (I/Br) weight ratio of 8:2 exhibits a significantly enhanced film quality with a uniform surface coverage on the substrate, high crystallinity, and few pinholes, which results in an increased UV/Vis absorption and photoluminescence emission. Finally, the associated PSC based on materials with an I/Br weight ratio of 8:2 displays an improved photovoltaic performance with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.03 % compared with the pristine MAPbI3‐based devices (PCE=11.39 %). In conclusion, this work demonstrates an effective and facile strategy to enhance the perovskite film quality.
Household food insecurity, coping strategies, and nutritional status of pregnant women in rural areas of Northern Ghana
Authors: Saaka Mahama , Oladele Jeremiah , Larbi Asamoah , Hoeschle‐Zeledon Irmgard 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThere is limited information on the magnitude and determinants of household food insecurity (HFI) and how it relates to the nutritional status of pregnant women in Northern Ghana. The magnitude, determinants of HFI, and how it relates to the nutritional status of pregnant women were evaluated in the Africa RISING West Africa project intervention communities in Northern Ghana. The prevalence of moderate and severe household hunger was 25.9% (95% CI: 19.0, 34.3) and 6.8% (95% CI: 4.2, 10.9) respectively. The independent predictors of maternal thinness were region of residence, gestational age and maternal age. Compared to women in the first trimester, women in the third trimester were 2.2 times more likely of being underweight adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 2.19, CI: 1.02, 4.70). Women who were under 20 years of age were 11.9 times more likely of being thin compared to women aged more than 35 years (AOR = 11.97, CI: 2.55, 5. 67). Food insecurity was highly prevalent but it was not associated with maternal thinness of pregnant women. The risk of maternal thinness increased as the gestational age increased and this has a great potential of adversely influencing pregnancy outcomes and overall quality of life.
Fatty acid profiles of the main lipid classes of green seaweeds from fish pond aquaculture
Authors: Cardoso Carlos , Ripol Andrea , Afonso Cláudia , Freire Margarida , Varela João , Quental‐Ferreira Hugo , Pousão‐Ferreira Pedro , Bandarra Narcisa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe lipid composition of five species of green seaweeds (Chaetomorpha linum, Rhizoclonium riparium, Ulva intestinalis, Ulva lactuca, and Ulva prolifera) grown in fish pond aquaculture systems was studied. In particular, the overall fatty acid (FA) profile and the FA profile of each main lipid class found in these seaweed species were thoroughly analyzed. It was found that every seaweed had a specific FA profile, whose specificities were rendered more obvious with the study of the FA profile per lipid class. However, between U. lactuca and U. intestinalis, there were only minor differences. Nonetheless, it was possible to identify significant differences between the palmitic acid content in the phospholipid (PL) and glycolipid (GL) classes of each seaweed. A clear distinction between the FA profiles of R. riparium and C. linum, which belong to the Cladophorales order, and those of Ulva genus, Ulvales order, was also determined. Moreover, there were also differences among lipid classes, yielding large contrasts between PLs + GLs and triacylglycerols (TAGs) as well as between monoacylglycerols (MAGs) and free fatty acids (FFAs). This study also found evidence supporting the location of particular FAs in specific TAG positions. FA profiles have the potential to be used as a chemotaxonomic tool in green seaweeds, providing a simple method to check authenticity of seaweed used as food.
Mutational analysis using Sanger and next generation sequencing in sporadic spindle cell hemangiomas: A study of 19 cases
Authors: ten Broek Roel W. , Bekers Elise M. , de Leng Wendy W. J. , Strengman Eric , Tops Bastiaan B. J. , Kutzner Heinz , Leeuwis Jan Willem , van Gorp Joost M. , Creytens David H. , Mentzel Thomas , van Diest Paul J. , Eijkelenboom Astrid , Flucke Uta 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSpindle cell hemangioma (SCH) is a distinct vascular soft‐tissue lesion characterized by cavernous blood vessels and a spindle cell component mainly occurring in the distal extremities of young adults. The majority of cases harbor heterozygous mutations in IDH1/2 sporadically or rarely in association with Maffucci syndrome. However, based on mosaicism and accordingly a low percentage of lesional cells harboring a mutant allele, detection can be challenging. We tested 19 sporadic SCHs by Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), conventional next generation sequencing (NGS), and NGS using a single molecule molecular inversion probes (smMIP)‐based library preparation to compare their diagnostic value. Out of 10 cases tested by Sanger sequencing and 2 analyzed using MLPA, 4 and 1, respectively, revealed a mutation in IDH1 (p.R132C). The 7 remaining negative cases and additional 6 cases were investigated using smMIP/NGS, showing hot spot mutations in IDH1 (p.R132C) (8 cases) and IDH2 (3 cases; twice p.R172S and once p.R172G, respectively). One case was negative. Owing to insufficient DNA quality and insufficient coverage, 2 cases were excluded. In total, in 16 out of 17 cases successfully tested, an IDH1/2 mutation was found. Given that IDH1/2 mutations were absent in 161 other vascular lesions tested by smMIP/NGS, the mutation can be considered as highly specific for SCH.
Constructing MoO2 Porous Architectures Using Graphene Oxide Flexible Supports for Lithium Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Xu Zhanwei , Yao Kai , Fu Hao , Shen Xuetao , Duan Xintong , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng , Wang Huanlei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGraphene oxide flexibly supported MoO2 porous architectures (MoO2/GO) by decomposition of the prepared ammonium molybdate/GO preforms is fabricated. Focused ion beam microscope analysis shows that the inside structures of the architectures strongly depend on the percentages of the GO used as flexible supports: micrometer scale MoO2 particulates growing on the GO (micrometer MoO2/GO), 3D honeycomb‐like nanoarchitectures (MoO2/GO nanohoneycomb), and layered MoO2/GO architectures are achieved at the percentage of GO at 4.3, 15.2, and 20.8 wt%, respectively. The lithium storage performance of the MoO2/GO architectures strongly depends on their inside structures. At the current density of 100 mA g−1, the capacities of the micrometer MoO2/GO, MoO2/GO nanohoneycomb, and layered MoO2/GO remain at 901, 1127, and 967 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. The average coulombic efficiencies of micrometer MoO2/GO, MoO2/GO nanohoneycomb, and layered MoO2/GO electrodes are 97.6%, 99.3%, and 99.0%. Moreover, the rate performance shows even cycled at a high current density of 5000 mA g−1, the MoO2/GO nanohoneycomb can deliver the capacity as high as 461 mAh g−1. The MoO2/GO nanohoneycomb exhibits best performance attributed to its unique nanohoneycomb structure constructed with ultrafine MoO2 fixed on the GO flexible supports.
Bioconvective electromagnetic nanofluid transport from a wedge geometry: Simulation of smart electro‐conductive bio‐nanopolymer processing
Authors: Tuz Zohra Fatema T. , Jashim Uddin Mohammed , Md. Ismail Ahmad Izani , Anwar Bég O. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA mathematical model is presented for steady, two‐dimensional, stagnation‐point flow, heat, mass, and micro‐organism transfer in a viscous, incompressible, bioconvective, electromagnetic nanofluid along a wedge with Stefan blowing effects, hydrodynamic slip, and multiple convective boundary conditions. Gyrotactic micro‐organisms are present in the nanofluid and bioconvection arises, characterized by micro‐organisms swimming under a competing torque. Similarity transformations are used to render the system of governing partial differential equations into a system of coupled similarity equations. The transformed equations are solved numerically with the BVP5C method. The impact of emerging parameters on dimensionless velocity, temperature, magnetic induction function, nanoparticle volume fraction, and density of motile micro‐organisms is studied graphically. Furthermore, the responses of the local skin friction, local Nusselt number, local Sherwood number, and the wall gradient of density of motile micro‐organism number to variation in these parameters are elaborated. Validation of solutions with previous studies based on special cases of the general model is included. The simulations are relevant to the processing of biological, electro‐conductive nanomaterials and industrial hygienic coating systems exploiting combined electromagnetics, nanosystems, and microscopic, bio‐propulsion mechanisms.