bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VARIPULSE: A step‐by‐step guide to pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Nair Devi G. , Gomez Tara , De Potter Tom 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe VARIPULSE™ variable‐loop circular catheter (VLCC) is a bidirectional, multielectrode catheter that can perform electrophysiological mapping and deliver pulsed field energy through the TRUPULSE™ Generator for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This ablation system, including the CARTO 3™ three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping system, represents a fully integrated system.MethodsPulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, primarily cardiac tissue–selective ablation technology with a minimal thermal effect, potentially eliminating the collateral tissue damage associated with radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation. Integration of a mapping system may lead to shorter fluoroscopy times and improve the usability of the system, allowing tracking of energy density and placement to confirm no areas around the vein are left untreated.ResultsThis step‐by‐step review covers patient selection, mapping, the step‐by‐step ablation workflow, details on catheter repositioning and ensuring contact, considerations for ablation of specific anatomical variations, and discussion of ablation without fluoroscopy based on our initial clinical experience.ConclusionsThe VLCC is part of the fully integrated PFA system designed for pulmonary vein isolation, using mapping to guide catheter placement and lesion set creation. The current workflow, which is based on our initial clinical experience, may be further refined as the PFA system is used in real‐world settings.
Doing the Same With Different Results: Variations in EU Presidencies of Austria, Finland, Slovakia and Czechia
Authors: Kočí Kateřina , Antal Jarolím 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHolding the presidency in the Council of the EU can be a powerful tool of influence for a member state. Despite its centrality in EU decision‐making, there is a gap in a systematic analysis of the performance of the presiding country, especially considering the external (input) factors that impact the successful implementation of the EU presidency. This article attempts to understand how the EU presidency can be conceptualized and what factors can influence its success. The analysis dwells on findings from current scholarly research as well as on data from four selected EU presidencies (Austrian, Finnish, Slovakian and Czech). It argues that the success of a presidency may be interpreted as apparent, but in reality, its extent and nature vary. It (the presidency) is a result of various factors that directly become part of the preparations and affect the execution of the presidency's activities.
Second‐trimester triglyceride‐glucose index to predict adverse outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Bai Xueqi , Zhu Qingyi , Wang Wenli , Kan Sutong , Hu Shiman , Hao Runrun , Wang Shanshan , Shi Zhonghua 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionWomen with gestational diabetes mellitus are at high risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of the triglyceride‐glucose index in predicting the risk of developing adverse outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective multicenter cohort study included 8,808 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus in two grade‐A tertiary hospitals in China during 2018–2022. The triglyceride‐glucose index was defined as ln [triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Significant adverse gestational diabetes mellitus outcomes were chosen by generalized linear models as the main outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated their association with the triglyceride‐glucose index. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves predicted adverse pregnancy outcomes. The prediction efficiency was validated in the sensitivity analysis dataset and validation cohort.ResultsThe triglyceride‐glucose index was associated with preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, preterm birth, placenta accreta spectrum, and macrosomia before and after adjusting for confounding factors (P < 0.05). The predictive performance of the triglyceride‐glucose index was relatively moderate. Incorporating the triglyceride‐glucose index into the baseline clinical risk model improved the area under curves for the diagnosis of preeclampsia (0.749 [0.714–0.784] vs 0.766 [0.734–0.798], P = 0.033) and macrosomia (0.664 [0.644–0.685] vs 0.676 [0.656–0.697], P = 0.002). These predictive models exhibited good calibration and robustness.ConclusionsThe triglyceride‐glucose index is positively associated with preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, preterm birth, placenta accreta spectrum, and macrosomia and is useful for the early prediction and prevention of adverse outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Chromosomal analysis of two Acanthodoras species (Doradidae, Siluriformes): Insights into the oldest thorny catfish clade and its karyotype evolution
Authors: Takagui Fábio Hiroshi , Viana Patrik , Haerter Chrystian Aparecido Grillo , Zuanon Jansen , Birindelli José Luís Olivan , Lui Roberto Laridondo , Feldberg Eliana , Margarido Vladimir Pavan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Doradidae fishes constitute one of the most diverse groups of Neotropical freshwater environments. Acanthodoradinae is the oldest lineage and the sister group to all other thorny catfishes, and it includes only the genus Acanthodoras. The diversity of Acanthodoras remains underestimated, and the use of complementary approaches, including genetic studies, is an important step to better characterize this diversity and the relationships among the species within the genus. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using conventional cytogenetic techniques and physical mapping of three multigene families (18S and 5S ribosomal DNA [rDNA], U2 small nuclear DNA [snDNA]) and four microsatellite motifs, namely (AC)n, (AT)n, (GA)n, and (GATA)n, in two sympatric species from the Negro River: Acanthodoras cataphractus and Acanthodoras cf. polygrammus. We found significant differences in constitutive heterochromatin (CH) content, distribution of the microsatellite (AT)n, and the number of 5S rDNA and U2 snDNA sites. These differences may result from chromosome rearrangements and repetitive DNA dispersal mechanisms. Furthermore, the characterization of the diploid number (2n) of these Acanthodoras species enables us to propose 2n = 58 chromosomes as the plesiomorphic 2n state in Doradidae based on ancestral state reconstruction. Acanthodoradinae is the oldest lineage of the thorny catfishes, and knowledge about its cytogenetic patterns is crucial for disentangling the karyotype evolution of the whole group. Thus, this study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms behind chromosome diversification of Doradidae and highlights the importance of Acanthodoradinae in the evolutionary history of thorny catfishes.
Interleukin‐1 receptor 1 deficiency worsens hepatocellular carcinoma, while gemcitabine treatment alleviates the hepatocellular carcinoma‐induced increase in intra‐hepatic immune cells
Authors: Chu Chia‐Sheng , Chen Hsiao‐Ping , Lin Pin‐Hung , Cheng Chi‐Chen , Kuo Ho‐Yu , Fan Pei‐Han , Peng Wei‐Hao , Wu Li‐Ling 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimPrimary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), represents a substantial global health challenge. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in HCC treatment, several patients still experience disease progression. Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) regulates immunity and inflammation. We investigate the role of IL‐1 in HCC development and progression and determine the potential therapeutic impact of gemcitabine in treating HCC.MethodsHydrodynamics‐based transfection, employing the sleeping beauty transposase system, delivered surrogate tumor antigens, NRAS (NRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase), ShP53, and SB100 to C57BL/6 mice. A basic HCC mouse model was established. Pathogen‐free animals were tested for serum and hepatotoxicity. The HCC prognosis was monitored using alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. Liver histology immunohistochemistry and mouse splenocyte/intra‐hepatic immune cell flow cytometry were conducted. IL‐1β levels in human and mouse serum were assessed.ResultsInterleukin‐1β levels were elevated in patients with HCC compared with those in non‐HCC controls. Hepatic IL‐1β levels were higher in HCC mouse models than those in non‐HCC mice, suggesting localized hepatic inflammation. IL‐1 receptor type 1 (IL‐1R1) knockout (IL‐1R1−/−) mice exhibited less severe HCC progression than that in wild‐type mice, despite the high intra‐hepatic IL‐1β concentration. IL‐1R1−/− mice exhibited increased hepatic levels of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, which may exacerbate HCC. Gemcitabine significantly reduced the HCC tumor burden, improved liver conditions, and increased survival rates in HCC mouse models. Gemcitabine reduced the hepatic levels of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, potentially alleviating immune suppression in the liver.ConclusionsTargeting IL‐1 or combining gemcitabine with immunotherapy is a promising approach for treating advanced‐stage HCC.
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an online nutrition education intervention for those with a sleeve gastrectomy: A pilot randomised control trial
Authors: Harbury Cathy , Shrewsbury Vanessa A. , Collins Clare E. , Callister Robin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundA sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a lifelong treatment that improves health and better outcomes are associated with follow‐up. However, there is lack of access or high attrition to aftercare. This potentially contributes to sub‐optimal dietary intake and a lack of evidence for nutrition interventions. The present study assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a nutrition intervention to improve diet quality in Australian adults living with a SG.MethodsAdults (n = 96) post‐SG were recruited into a cross‐sectional diet quality study, with 68 eligible for randomisation to an intervention or wait‐list control group. Over 10 weeks, a Facebook group was used to post daily nutrition education. Feasibility outcomes included participant recruitment, engagement, retention and acceptability. Preliminary efficacy was assessed using change in Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). Linear mixed models were used to measure differences in mean outcome between the experimental groups over time.ResultsSixty‐eight participants (97% female) aged 48.2 ± 9.8 years, body mass index 33.1 ± 5.8 kg/m2, and mean ± SD ARFS 39 ± 9 points were randomised to the intervention, with 66% retention at 10 weeks. At follow‐up, diet quality increased for the intervention group (mean ARFS, 95% confidence interval = 0.2 [−1.5 to 1.9]) and decreased for the control group (mean ARFS, 95% confidence interval= −2.0 [−5.2 to 1.2]) with no between group difference (p = 0.2). Participants (n = 30) rated the intervention positively.ConclusionsRecruiting and retaining adults post‐SG into a nutrition intervention is feasible. Low‐cost recruitment attracted strong interest from women to identify greater support to know what to eat following SG. A future fully powered trial to assess intervention efficacy is warranted.
A career in numbers: A citation network analysis of the work of RP Millar and his contribution to GnRH research
Authors: Leng Rhodri I. , Leng Gareth 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHere, we reflect on the long career in neuroendocrinology of a single, highly productive scientist (‘Bob’ Millar), by analysing his oeuvre of published papers through the lens of citation metrics. We use citation network analysis in a novel manner to identify the specific topics to which his papers have made a particular contribution, allowing us to compare the citations of his papers with those of contemporary papers on the same topic, rather than on the same broad field as generally used to normalise citations. It appears that citation rates are highest for topics on which Bob has published a relatively large number of papers that have become core to a tightly‐knit community of authors that cite each other. This analysis shows that an author's impact depends on the existence of a receptive community that is alert to the potential utility of papers from that author, and which uses, amplifies, extends and qualifies the contents of their papers—activities that entail reciprocal citation between authors. The obvious conclusion is that a scientist's impact depends on the use that his or her contemporaries make of his or her contributions, rather than on the contributions in themselves.
Novel single‐entry point injection technique for masseter hypertrophy treatment using botulinum neurotoxin based on patient‐reported comfort
Authors: Wan Jovian , Kim Jong‐Seo , Park Youngjin , Park Soo Yeon , Koppert Erik , Kim Hee‐Jin , Yi Kyu‐Ho 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionBotulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections are widely used for the treatment of masseter muscle hypertrophy in Southeast Asia. However, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the optimal injection technique. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and patient discomfort associated with single‐entry point injections versus multiple three‐point injections for masseter muscle hypertrophy treatment with BoNT.Materials and MethodsSixteen participants, comprising both male and female Korean adults aged 22–63, were enrolled in the study. On the left side of the face, single‐entry point injections were administered, followed by multidirectional injections, while on the right side, three‐point injections were given. Pain intensity during the procedure was assessed using visual analogue scale scores.ResultOur results revealed that participants experienced lower levels of pain with single‐entry point injections compared to three‐point injections (average visual analogue scores of 3.31 and 5.19, respectively).ConclusionThese findings highlight the potential benefits of single‐entry point injections in reducing patient discomfort during masseter muscle hypertrophy treatment with BoNT. We advocate for further research to validate these findings and encourage practitioners to consider single‐entry point injections as a viable option for enhancing treatment outcomes in their clinical practice.
Nurses' attitudes towards telehealth: The development and validation of the nurses' attitudes towards the use of telehealth scale
Authors: Yılmaz Sümeyra , Hepokur Yıldırım Şeyma Nur , Kitiş Yeter , Kan Adnan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo develop the nurses' attitudes towards use of a telehealth scale (NATUTS) and evaluate its psychometric properties.DesignThis methodological study involved two stages: the development of the NATUTS and the testing of the psychometric properties of NATUTS. We followed STROBE guidelines when reporting the study (File S1).MethodsItems for NATUTS were created using evidence from the literature and presented to eight experts. The scale was tested in a methodological study conducted through a face‐to‐face survey with nurses working in outpatient and inpatient units of a tertiary hospital in Türkiye. Psychometric properties of the scale, such as structural validity, content validity and internal consistency reliability, were tested. The sample, consisting of 630 nurses, was divided into two separate random groups. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted with the data of the first 330 people, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with the data of the remaining 300 people.ResultsA 19‐item, three‐factor structure (Satisfaction, Rejection, Development) was obtained in the newly developed scale. In NATUTS, Factor 1 (α = .93), Factor 2 (α = .86) and Factor 3 (α = .87) measured 64.4% of the total variance. The entire 19‐item acceptability survey showed good internal consistency. NATUTS is a brief survey based on research evidence validated in a large Turkish sample.ConclusionFindings show that NATUTS has acceptable content and structural validity and is reliable in measuring nurses' attitudes towards the use of telehealth. Further research can be conducted to develop the scale and strengthen its validity.Patient or Public ContributionNo Patient or Public Contribution.
Culturally responsive care in haemodialysis: A scoping review
Authors: Aryal Sara , Bennett Paul N. , Bloomer Melissa J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo describe how clinicians provide culturally responsive care to culturally diverse people with kidney failure in haemodialysis centres.BackgroundCulturally diverse individuals receiving in‐centre maintenance haemodialysis have unique cultural needs. Unmet cultural needs can impair and profoundly affect their experiences. Given culturally responsive care has the potential to enhance the experiences of culturally diverse people, it is vital to understand how clinicians provide culturally responsive care.MethodA scoping review was undertaken using Arksey and OMalleys framework. Five databases: Medline and CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO, Embase (OVID) and ProQuest Theses and Dissertation databases were searched for research literature published in English between 1990 and 2023. Narrative synthesis was used to synthesise the data.ResultsFrom the 17,271 records screened, 17 papers reporting 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Narrative synthesis revealed two themes: (i) communication enablers and barriers including linguistic differences, professional and lay interpreter use; and (ii) the importance of culture, which encompassed acknowledging cultural priorities, accommodating cultural food preferences and access to cultural training.ConclusionWhile competing priorities associated with haemodialysis may be a challenge for clinicians, recognising the significance of cultural care needs and accommodating them in care is important. Demonstrating respect towards cultural diversity and providing person‐centred care by facilitating the unique cultural needs of people with kidney failure in haemodialysis is imperative.Relevance to Clinical PracticeCulturally responsive care is complex and multidimensional. Individuals' cultural care needs should be acknowledged, respected, and accommodated in care.Patient or Public contributionNo patient or public contribution. The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework. https://osf.io/uv8g3.
Tasks at hand or more challenges: The roles of regulatory focus and job insecurity in predicting work behaviours
Authors: Tu Yan , Wang Hai‐Jiang , Jiang Lixin , De Witte Hans , Long Lirong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have explored the effects of trait regulatory focus on routine performance and proactive behaviour yet failed to reveal the underlying motivational mechanisms and investigate how these effects may operate in uncertain environments. To fill this gap, our study first draws upon regulatory focus theory to examine the motivational mechanisms linking trait regulatory focus with routine performance and challenge‐seeking behaviour (i.e., a type of proactive behaviour). We hypothesize that trait prevention focus improves routine performance but reduces challenge‐seeking behaviour via avoidance motivation, whereas trait promotion focus increases routine performance and challenge‐seeking behaviour through approach motivation. Incorporating trait activation theory, we further theorize that uncertainty that threatens individuals' security needs (i.e., quantitative job insecurity) strengthens trait prevention focus effects, while uncertainty that threatens individuals' growth needs (i.e., qualitative job insecurity) weakens trait promotion focus effects. Analysing two‐wave data from 275 employees and 58 supervisors, we found that (a) trait prevention focus had an unconditional positive indirect effect on employee self‐reported routine performance via increased avoidance motivation and (b) trait promotion focus had positive indirect effects on employee self‐reported and supervisor‐rated routine performance and challenge‐seeking behaviour via enhanced approach motivation, with these effects stronger at lower levels of qualitative job insecurity.
An updated description of bacterial pneumonia in adult horses and factors associated with death
Authors: Hallowell Kimberly L. , Hepworth‐Warren Kate L. , Dembek Katarzyna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundAvailable descriptive studies on equine pneumonia are outdated or focus on specific horse or bacterial populations.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical presentation and bacterial isolates of adult horses with bacterial pneumonia and identify factors associated with death.AnimalsOne hundred sixteen horses >2 years old with bacterial pneumonia.MethodsRetrospective case series. Data regarding history, physical examination, clinicopathologic features, treatment, bacterial culture and sensitivity, and outcome were collected and analyzed retrospectively.ResultsHistorical risk factors were present for 60% of cases, whereas abnormal vital signs on intake were present for <50%. Most horses (58%) underwent at least 1 change of antimicrobial treatment, and 67% received the highest‐priority critically important antimicrobials. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was the most isolated bacteria (44%), followed by Escherichia coli (19%), Klebsiella spp. (18%), other Streptococcus species (17%), and Bacillus spp. (13%). Fusobacterium spp. were the most common anaerobic isolates (11%). Antimicrobial susceptibility varied widely. Survival to discharge was 73%. Heart rate at presentation (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.008‐1.17, P = .03) and higher creatinine (OR 14.1, 95% CI 1.56‐127.6, P = .02) increased the risk of death. Higher lymphocyte count (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08‐0.94, P = .04) reduced risk.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceContrasting older literature, Fusobacterium spp. were the most common anaerobes. Streptococcus zooepidemicus remained the most common isolate and was predictably susceptible to penicillin. Antimicrobial susceptibility was otherwise variable and broad applicability is limited as this was a single‐center study. Increased risk of death associated with tachycardia and abnormally high serum creatinine concentration is consistent with previous studies.