bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant delayed conduction and characteristic ventricular tachycardias in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and electrical storm
Authors: Morita Hiroshi , Nakagawa Koji , Ueoka Akira , Mizuno Tomofumi , Masuda Takuro , Asada Saori , Miyamoto Masakazu , Kawada Satoshi , Nishii Nobuhiro , Nakamura Kazufumi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionElectrical storm (ES) of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) is an important cause of sudden death in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). VTAs in CS are associated with myocardial scarring and inflammation. However, little is known about the risk factors of ES in patients with CS and VTAs. The objective of this study is to clarify the characteristics and risk factors for the development of ES in patients with CS.MethodsThe study population included consecutive 52 patients with CS and sustained VTA. Twenty‐five out of 52 patients experienced ES. We evaluated clinical characteristics, imaging modalities, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters to determine the risk factors associated with ES.ResultsHalf of the patients experienced VTAs as the initial symptom of sarcoidosis, and eight patients had ES as the initial VTA episode. There were no differences in cardiac imaging abnormalities between patients with and without ES. Among ECG markers, significant QRS fragmentation (odds ratio [OR]: 7.9, p = .01) and epsilon waves (OR: 12.24, p = .02) were associated with ES. Among the ventricular tachycardia (VT) characteristics, multiple morphologies of monomorphic VTs (OR: 10.9, p < .01), short VT cycle lengths (OR: 12.5, p < .01), and polymorphic VT (OR: 13.5, p < .01) were associated with ES. Bidirectional VTs were detected in 10 patients with ES and one patient without ES. Immunosuppressive therapy relieved ES in some patients.ConclusionsES was common in patients with CS and VTAs. Significant depolarization abnormalities that appeared as QRS fragmentation, epsilon waves, and specific VT characteristics were associated with ES.
Myocardial injury and inflammation following pulsed‐field ablation and very high‐power short‐duration ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Popa Miruna A. , Bahlke Fabian , Kottmaier Marc , Foerschner Leonie , Bourier Felix , Lengauer Sarah , Telishevska Marta , Krafft Hannah , Englert Florian , Reents Tilko , Lennerz Carsten , Caluori Guido , Jaïs Pierre , Hessling Gabriele , Deisenhofer Isabel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF). To improve PVI efficacy and safety, high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation and pulsed‐field ablation (PFA) were recently introduced into clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the extent of myocardial injury and systemic inflammation following PFA, HPSD, and standard RFA using established biomarkers.MethodsWe included 179 patients with paroxysmal AF receiving first‐time PVI with different ablation technologies: standard RFA (30–40 W/20–30 s, n = 52), power‐controlled HPSD (70 W/5–7 s, n = 60), temperature‐controlled HPSD (90 W/4 s, n = 32), and PFA (biphasic, bipolar waveform, n = 35). High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT), creatine kinase (CK), CK MB isoform (CK‐MB), and white blood cell (WBC) count were determined before and after ablation.ResultsBaseline characteristics were well‐balanced between groups (age 63.1 ± 10.3 years, 61.5% male). Postablation hs‐cTnT release was significantly higher with PFA (1469.3 ± 495.0 ng/L), HPSD‐70W (1322.3 ± 510.6 ng/L), and HPSD‐90W (1441.2 ± 409.9 ng/L) than with standard RFA (1045.9 ± 369.7 ng/L; p < .001). CK and CK‐MB release was increased with PFA by 3.4‐fold and 5.8‐fold, respectively, as compared to standard RFA (p < .001). PFA was associated with the lowest elevation in WBC (Δ1.5 ± 1.5 × 109/L), as compared to standard RFA (Δ3.8 ± 2.5 × 109/L, p < .001), HPSD‐70W (Δ2.7 ± 1.7 × 109/L, p = .037), and HPSD‐90W (Δ3.6 ± 2.5 × 109/L, p < .001).ConclusionAmong the four investigated ablation technologies, PFA was associated with the highest myocardial injury and the lowest inflammatory reaction.
Does increasing vertical dimension of occlusion in centric relation affect muscular activity? An electromyographic study
Authors: Poggio Carlo E. , Manfredini Daniele 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveIn many esthetic treatments, clinicians may consider the option to modify the maxillo mandibular position. A raise of the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) may help restore esthetics, increase the space for dental materials, and reduce the invasiveness of dental procedures. Traditionally, VDO increases are done by using the centric relation (CR) position. Despite a long history of use, the neuromuscular effects of different maxillo mandibular relations are not fully studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alterations of maxillo‐mandibular relation from maximal intercuspal position (MIP) to a raised VDO CR position on jaw‐elevator muscle activity.Materials and MethodsFifteen healthy individuals were asked to carry out maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) in MIP and in CR on individual splints. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles was assessed in μV as the root mean square of the amplitude. Specific indexes and ratios were also computed. Data analyzed in MIP and CR were compared by paired student's t‐tests.ResultsMVC levels were not negatively affected by a VDO increase in CR position. On the contrary masseter muscles showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.005). No significant effect on the anterior temporalis was observed.ConclusionThese results suggest that no immediate negative effect on maximum voluntary clenching was induced by a VDO increase in CR position. A slight increase observed in EMG clenching levels could be explained by the increase in VDO when clenching on the splint.Clinical ImplicationsThe results of this study support the use of CR position as a pragmatic reference position due to the absence of relevant or negative changes in neuromuscular function.
Decision making in continuing professional development organisations during a crisis
Authors: Paton Morag , Zakeri Bita , Rowland Paula , Tavares Walter , Williams Betsy White , Schneeweiss Suzan , Wiljer David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionEarly in COVID‐19, continuing professional development (CPD) providers quickly made decisions about program content, design, funding and technology. Although experiences during an earlier pandemic cautioned providers to make disaster plans, CPD was not entirely prepared for this event. We sought to better understand how CPD organisations make decisions about CPD strategy and operations during a crisis.MethodsThis is a descriptive qualitative research study of decision making in two organisations: CPD at the University of Toronto (UofT) and the US‐based Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education (SACME). In March 2021, using purposive and snowball sampling, we invited faculty and staff who held leadership positions to participate in semi‐structured interviews. The interview focused on the individual's role and organisation, their decision‐making process and reflections on how their units had changed because of COVID‐19. Transcripts were reviewed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. We used Mazmanian et al.'s Ecological Framework as a further conceptual tool.ResultsWe conducted eight interviews from UofT and five from SACME. We identified that decision making during the pandemic occurred over four phases of reactions and impact from COVID‐19, including shutdown, pivot, transition and the ‘new reality’. The decision‐making ability of CPD organisations changed throughout the pandemic, ranging from having little or no independent decision‐making ability early on to having considerable control over choosing appropriate pathways forward. Decision making was strongly influenced by the creativity, adaptability and flexibility of the CPD community and the need for social connection.ConclusionsThis adds to literature on the changes CPD organisations faced due to COVID‐19, emphasising CPD organisations' adaptability in making decisions. Applying the Ecological Framework further demonstrates the importance of time to decision‐making processes and the relational aspect of CPD. To face future crises, CPD will need to embrace creative, flexible and socially connected solutions. Future scholarship could explore an organisation's ability to rapidly adapt to better prepare for future crises.
The small protein MntS evolved from a signal peptide and acquired a novel function regulating manganese homeostasis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wright Zachary , Seymour Mackenzie , Paszczak Kalista , Truttmann Taylor , Senn Katherine , Stilp Samuel , Jansen Nickolas , Gosz Magdalyn , Goeden Lindsay , Anantharaman Vivek , Aravind L. , Waters Lauren S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSmall proteins (<50 amino acids) are emerging as ubiquitous and important regulators in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans, where they commonly bind to and regulate larger proteins during stress responses. However, fundamental aspects of small proteins, such as their molecular mechanism of action, downregulation after they are no longer needed, and their evolutionary provenance, are poorly understood. Here, we show that the MntS small protein involved in manganese (Mn) homeostasis binds and inhibits the MntP Mn transporter. Mn is crucial for bacterial survival in stressful environments but is toxic in excess. Thus, Mn transport is tightly controlled at multiple levels to maintain optimal Mn levels. The small protein MntS adds a new level of regulation for Mn transporters, beyond the known transcriptional and post‐transcriptional control. We also found that MntS binds to itself in the presence of Mn, providing a possible mechanism of downregulating MntS activity to terminate its inhibition of MntP Mn export. MntS is homologous to the signal peptide of SitA, the periplasmic metal‐binding subunit of a Mn importer. Remarkably, the homologous signal peptide regions can substitute for MntS, demonstrating a functional relationship between MntS and these signal peptides. Conserved gene neighborhoods support that MntS evolved from the signal peptide of an ancestral SitA protein, acquiring a life of its own with a distinct function in Mn homeostasis.
The potential influence of the digital food retail environment on health: A systematic scoping review of the literature
Authors: Bennett Rebecca , Keeble Matthew , Zorbas Christina , Sacks Gary , Driessen Christine , Grigsby‐Duffy Lily , Adams Jean , Burgoine Thomas , Backholer Kathryn 
Published: December 2023

SummaryIntroductionThe digital food retail environment (defined in this study as a digital platform, app or website where food can be purchased by individuals for personal consumption) is an emerging component of the wider food system. We aimed to systematically search and review the literature to understand the potential influence of the digital food retail environment on population diets and health.MethodsFour databases (across health, business, and marketing) and grey literature were searched using terms relating to “food and beverages,” “digital,” and “purchasing.” Identified studies were included if they examined any aspect of the digital food retail environment where outcomes were examined with a health‐related focus and were published before September 2023. All study designs were included (quantitative, qualitative, observational, and experimental). Reviews and conference abstracts were excluded.ResultsWe identified 21,382 studies, of which 57 articles were eligible for inclusion.Of the 57 included studies, 30 studies examined online grocery retail, 22 examined online food delivery platforms, and five examined meal kit subscription services.Of the 30 studies examining online grocery retail, six studies reported that customers believed they purchased fewer unhealthy food and beverages when shopping online, compared with shopping in‐store. Nevertheless, customers also reported that their ability to choose healthy foods and beverages was reduced when shopping online due to difficulty in product comparison. Studies that examined online food delivery platforms primarily found that they promoted unhealthy foods and beverages more often than healthy options, through extensive use of marketing practices such as price discounts and images, and that unhealthy food offerings on these platforms dominate. Meal kit subscription services offered mostly healthy meals, with studies suggesting that these types of services may help individuals alleviate some of their “mental load” and stress related to cooking meals for their families.ConclusionsThe literature describing the digital food retail environment was found to be diverse, with different aspects having potential to impact health in different ways. Some evidence suggests that online grocery retail and meal kit subscription services may have positive population dietary impacts, whereas online food delivery platforms appear likely to promote unhealthy food purchasing. However, the current evidence base is fragmented, with many knowledge gaps. Further research is required to understand the influence of the digital food retail environment on population diets and how these environments can be designed to support healthy food choices.
Machine‐learning‐based morphological analyses of leaf epidermal cells in modern and fossil ginkgo and their implications for palaeoclimate studies
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Yongdong , Ruhl Micha , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhu Yanbin , An Pengcheng , Chen Hongyu , Yan Defei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLeaf stomata form an essential conduit between plant tissue and the atmosphere, thus presenting a link between plants and their environments. Changes in their properties in fossil leaves have been studied widely to infer palaeo‐atmospheric‐CO2 in deep time, ranging from the Palaeozoic to the Cenozoic. Epidermal cells of leaves, however, have often been neglected for their usefulness in reconstructing past‐environments, as their irregular shape makes the manual analyses of epidermal cells a challenging and error‐prone task. Here, we used machine‐learning (using the U‐Net architecture, which evolved from a fully convolutional network) to segment epidermal cells automatically, to efficiently reduce artificial errors. We furthermore applied minimum bounding rectangles to extract length‐to‐width ratios (RL/W) from the irregularly shaped cells. We applied this to a dataset including over 21 000 stomata and 170 000 epidermal cells in 114 Ginkgo leaves from 16 locations spanning three climate zones in China. Our results show negative correlations between the RL/W and specific climatic parameters, suggesting that local temperature and precipitation conditions may have affected the RL/W of epidermal cells. We subsequently tested this methodology and the observations from the modern dataset on 15 fossil ginkgoaleans from the Lower to the Middle Jurassic (China). It suggested that the RL/W values of fossil ginkgo generally had a similar negative response to warmer climatic backgrounds as modern G. biloba. The automated analyses of large palaeo‐floral datasets provide a new direction for palaeoclimate reconstructions and emphasize the importance of hidden morphological characters of epidermal cells in ginkgoaleans.
Prevalence of sarcopenia and depressive symptoms among older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Ganggaya Keerthana Sree , Vanoh Divya , Ishak Wan Rosli Wan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSarcopenia causes a loss of skeletal muscle mass and decreases muscle strength and function. Depressive symptoms are a common cause of distress among geriatrics, significantly affecting the quality of life of older adults. Recently, studies have shown that a correlation exists between sarcopenia and depression. To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and depressive symptoms and identify the factors associated with sarcopenia, we systematically searched the SCOPUS, Science Direct, and PubMed databases for papers on sarcopenia and depressive symptoms published from 2012 to 2022. We reviewed the literature on sarcopenia, depressive symptom prevalence, the prevalence of subjects with both sarcopenia and depressive symptoms, and the factors associated with sarcopenia. Only cross‐sectional studies were included. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review, with overall sarcopenia prevalence ranging from 3.9% to 41.7%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was reported in seven studies, ranging from 8.09% to 40%. The most commonly used tools to diagnose sarcopenia and depressive symptoms were the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People consensus and the Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. Being aged, malnourished, obese, having comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), having impaired cognitive function, and having polypharmacy were found to be the factors associated with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia and depressive symptoms have been found to cause adverse health outcomes among older people. Appropriate nutritional assessments and interventions should be taken to manage these two geriatric conditions. Further studies should be planned, considering multidomain intervention strategies to improve sarcopenia and older people's mental health.
Hemophilia A in a litter of Border Collies caused by a one base pair deletion in the F8 gene
Authors: Brockmann Maria , Mensing Niels , von Luckner Jennifer , Müller Elisabeth , Kehl Alexandra 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn dogs, hemophilia A is known to affect different breeds. This is a case report describing hemophilia A in a litter of Border Collies. A privately owned bitch and her puppies (n = 7) were presented to the referring veterinarian after acute hematoma formation in the male offspring (n = 3) following microchip implantation. Global coagulation testing, as well as determination of factor VIII and IX activity, were carried out. Based on the results, factor VIII deficiency was suspected. Two of the affected male puppies were euthanized within a few days. Genetic testing of the mother and the surviving male puppy resulted in the description of a deletion in exon 14 of the F8 gene. This c.3206delA variant leads to a frameshift in amino acid sequence and a premature stop codon (p.Asn1069IlefsTer7). The detection of the mutation and consequent testing of related dogs revealed that the deletion most likely had occurred spontaneously in the mother and had been transmitted to several of her offspring in different litters. Identified carriers were taken out of the breeding scheme. It is concluded that genetic testing in the context of suspected genetic disease can lead to preventive measures, including timely exclusion of carriers from breeding.
Electric Heating of Molds
Authors: White Harold E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In forming parts made from hard rubber and the various phenolic condensation products now available, the standard procedure has been to employ metal molds filled with the material which are placed between steam-heated plates attached respectively to the upper and lower platens of a hydraulic press.
Difficulties encountered by the author in the use of this method led him to devise the one described in the paper, in which the heating is done electrically. Briefly, it consists in magnetizing the molds with alternating current at 60 cycles. As the molds are of steel and generally hardened, they heat up rapidly due to induced electric currents and also in part to hysteresis losses.
Various advantages of the new method are pointed out, and it is stated that it can probably be utilized to advantage in the production of die castings of readily fusible metal, and also in drawing the temper of hardened-steel parts.
Efficiency and Democracy
Authors: Gantt H. L. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The author raises the question as to why the word “efficiency” has fallen into disrepute in connection with industry when, as a matter of fact, efficiency, both individual and collective, is more needed now than ever before.
The reason seems plain — that in the past efficiency has been measured by the dollars acquired rather than by the goods produced.
The product of a factory should bear only the expense used to produce it. It cannot bear the expense of idle machinery which did not contribute to its production. Although the owner may feel that he is entitled to interest on money invested, even if not producing, it is coming to be understood that idle capital is no more entitled to wages than idle labor and the manufacturer should consider the elimination of idleness as essential and the production of goods at full capacity as a necessity. This is in accord with the democratic spirit of the times which demands that goods be produced in a way to benefit the community rather than those who control the industries.
Non-Financial Incentives
Authors: Wolf Robert B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The author contends that creative work by the workmen in the industries is not only possible, but that with it there can be introduced a personal interest in the work alike beneficial to the employee and employer.
Accounts are given of instances where this has been accomplished, through supplying foremen and workmen with information upon costs, methods of operation, possibilities in the direction of economy and efficiency, etc. Progress records are also furnished so that the employee will know from day to day how he is improving in the mastery of the process upon which he is engaged.
Freedom to express one’s individuality in constructive work, properly restrained by law, is considered by the author to be essential.
The Relative Corrosion of Alloys
Authors: Fehr R. B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The paper opens with a discussion of the many factors and difficulties encountered in studying the problem of the corrosion of alloys, and the lack of properly standardized tests for obtaining relative corrodibilities. The various methods of expressing the results of corrosion tests are noted and their limitations pointed out. The author proposes a new method, in which the results are expressed as the per cent loss of unit volume for each unit of surface. The data obtained by different experimenters using different sizes of specimens, and materials of different densities, can thus be made fairly comparable, provided the other conditions of testing are essentially the same.
The results of some recent relative corrosion tests of various alloys show that in tap water and solutions of sea salt certain iron-nickel, copper-aluminum, and nickel-copper alloys are much superior to carbon steels and commercially pure iron, and that the corrosion decreases as the concentration of the salt solution increases.
The most important conclusion is that careful, refined laboratory tests involving a duration of several days to several weeks, may serve as a satisfactory compromise between the one- or two-hour “acceleration” tests and the long-time service tests.