bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unidirectional conduction characterizing epicardial connections in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Yoshida Kentaro , Hasebe Hideyuki , Hattori Masayuki , Hanaki Yuichi , Tsumagari Yasuaki , Baba Masako , Nogami Akihiko , Takeyasu Noriyuki 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionElectrophysiological characteristics of epicardial connections (ECs) in atria and pulmonary veins (PVs) are unclear despite their important contributions to atrial fibrillation (AF). Unidirectional conduction associated with source‐sink mismatch can occur in ECs due to their fine fibers with abrupt changes in orientation. We detailed the prevalence and electrophysiological characteristics of unidirectional conduction in the atria and investigated its association with the clinical manifestation of AF.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency catheter ablation in 261 consecutive patients with AF.ResultsUnidirectional conduction was observed during ablation encircling the PVs in eight (3.1%) patients, and all occurred in the suspected (N = 4) or definitively (N = 4) recognized ECs. These ECs included three intercaval bundles, four septopulmonary bundles, and one Marshall bundle, and were first manifested in a second procedure in 6 (75%) patients. The unidirectional property was from PV to atrium (exit conduction) in all intercaval bundles and three septopulmonary bundles, and from atrium to PV (entrance conduction) in the remaining two bundles. Intercaval bundles acted as a limb of bi‐atrial macro‐reentrant tachycardia (50%, three of the six including previous cases). Ablation of the exit outside the PVs, including the right atrium, eliminated ECs in three (38%) patients. All patients remain free from arrhythmia recurrence after a mean 13‐month follow‐up.ConclusionA unidirectional conduction property was closely associated with the EC, as estimated by histological findings. Recognition of this fact by electrophysiologists may help to clarify mechanisms for AF and atrial tachycardia and guide the creation of efficient and safe ablation lesion sets.
Pulsed field ablation for pulmonary vein isolation: Preclinical safety and effectiveness of a novel hexaspline ablation catheter
Authors: Yu Fengyuan , Dong Xiaonan , Ding Lei , Reddy Vivek , Tang Min 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundPulsed‐field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a nonthermal energy source for cardiac ablation, with potential safety advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoballoon ablation.ObjectiveTo report the preclinical results of a novel hexaspline PFA catheter for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and to verify the influence of PFA on esophagus by comparing with RFA.MethodsThis study included a total of 15 canines for the efficacy and safety study and four swine for the esophageal safety study. The 15 canines were divided into an acute cohort (n = 3), a 30‐day follow‐up cohort (n = 5) and a 90‐day follow‐up cohort (n = 7), PVI was performed with the novel hexaspline PFA ablation catheter. In the esophageal safety study, four swine were divided into PFA cohort (n = 2) and RFA cohort (n = 2), esophageal injury swine model was adopted, the esophagus was intubated with an esophageal balloon retractor, under fluoroscopy, the DV8 device was inflated with a mixture of saline and contrast and rotated to displace the esophagus rightward and anteriorly toward the ablation catheter in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right inferior pulmonary vein (PV). Nine PFA applications were delivered at four locations on IVC and two locations on the right inferior PV in the PFA cohort, six RFA applications were delivered at each location in the RFA group. Histopathological analysis of all PVs, esophagus, IVC, and the adjacent lungs was performed.ResultsAcute PV isolation was achieved in all 15 canines (100%), with energy delivery times of less than 3 min/animal. In the 30 and 90 days group, the overall success rates were 88.9% and 88.5% per PVs, respectively. Two right superior pulmonary veins (RSPVs) in the 30‐day group, two RSPVs and one left superior PV in the 90‐day group with recovered potentials. At follow‐up, gross pathological examination revealed the lesions around the PVs were continuous and transmural. Masson's trichrome staining revealed the myocardial cells in the PVs became fibrotic, but small arteries and nervous tissue were preserved. Results of swine esophageal injury model revealed the esophageal luminal surface was smooth and without evidence for esophageal injury in the PFA group, whereas obvious ulceration was detected on the esophagus tunica mucosa in the RFA group.ConclusionIn the chronic canine study, PFA‐based PVI were safe and effective with demonstrable sparing of nerves and venous tissue. Compared with RFA, there was also good evidence for safety of PFA, avoiding PV stenosis and esophageal injury. This preclinical study provided the scientific basis for the first‐in‐human endocardial PFA studies.
Epiberberine suppresses the metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating the MMP‐13 and JNK pathway
Authors: Ho Hsin‐Yu , Chen Mu‐Kuan , Lin Chia‐Chieh , Lo Yu‐Sheng , Chuang Yi‐Ching , Hsieh Ming‐Ju 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common histological types of head and neck cancer. Epiberberine is a potent antitumour agent for several types of cancer. This study is aimed at investigating the regulatory and molecular mechanism of epiberberine on HNSSC cell metastasis. The results showed that epiberberine inhibited the motility of Ca9‐22 and FaDu cell lines at nontoxicity doses. Moreover, the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins, vimentin, snail and slug, were found suppressing after epiberberine treatments. In addition, the JNK signalling cascade and the metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) expression were also found downregulated by epiberberine. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that epiberberine suppresses cell migration and invasion by regulating the JNK pathway and MMP‐13. These results suggest that epiberberine could be a potential antimetastatic agent in HNSCC cells.
Sociocognitive Processes and Item Response Models: A Didactic Example
Authors: Gong Tao , Shuai Lan , Mislevy Robert J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe usual interpretation of the person and task variables in between‐persons measurement models such as item response theory (IRT) is as attributes of persons and tasks, respectively. They can be viewed instead as ensemble descriptors of patterns of interactions among persons and situations that arise from sociocognitive complex adaptive system (CASs). This view offers insights for interpreting and using between‐persons measurement models and connecting with sociocognitive research. In this article, we use data generated from an agent‐based model to illustrate relations between “social” and “cognitive” features of a simple underlying CAS and the variables of an IRT model fit to resulting data. We note how the ideas connect to explanatory item response modeling and briefly comment on implications for score interpretations and uses in practice.
Transcription factor c‐Maf drives macrophages to promote hypertrophic scar formation
Authors: Yang Liu , Song Yajuan , Wang Tong , Cui Zhiwei , Wu JunZheng , Shi Yi , Yu Zhou , Song Baoqiang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundHypertrophic scar (HS) is caused by the abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Emerging evidence demonstrates that c‐Maf positive M2 macrophages were mainly located in the hypertrophic scar tissues of proliferative phase. But whether c‐Maf positive M2 macrophages can promote hypertrophic scar formation through modulating hypertrophic scar fibroblasts remains elusive.AimsThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of c‐Maf positive M2 macrophages on the biological behaviors and functions of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and the potential mechanism.MethodsHE and Masson trichrome staining were used to examine the histological features of human hypertrophic scar. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to label and quantify the c‐Maf+/CD68+ M2 macrophages. CCK8, wound healing, and transwell assays were utilized to test the effects of c‐Maf overexpressed M2 macrophages or the cell culture supernatants on the proliferation and migration of hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts (HFBs) and normal skin derived fibroblasts (NFBs). Western blot and qPCR were harnessed to test the expressions of COL1, COL3, and α‐SMA in the co‐cultivated fibroblasts and TGF‐β1 in the c‐Maf overexpressed M2 macrophages.ResultsIncreased number of c‐Maf+/CD68+ M2 macrophages were found in HS in contrast to the normal skin (NS). Elevated proliferation and migration were observed in the HFBs or NFBs co‐cultured with c‐Maf overexpressed macrophages or the cell culture supernatants. A higher mRNA and protein expressions of COL1, COL3, and α‐SMA were recorded in the HFBs co‐cultured with c‐Maf overexpressed macrophages or treated with its culture supernatants. In addition, augmented mRNA and protein expressions of TGF‐β1 were also investigated in the c‐Maf overexpressed macrophages.Conclusionc‐Maf positive macrophages promote hypertrophic scar formation through regulating HFBs proliferation, migration, and ECM deposition via the secreted TGF‐β1.
Stylistic appearances and linguistic diversity
Authors: Contesi Filippo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPhilosophy is beginning to pay problems of linguistic justice the attention they deserve in today's heavily interconnected and migrant world. Contemporary philosophy itself, however, has a particular problem of linguistic justice that deserves metaphilosophical attention. At least in the philosophical tradition that is mainstream in much of the world today, viz., analytic philosophy, methodological and sociological mechanisms make it the case that the voices of non‐(native) Anglophone philosophers are substantially less heard. Among the mechanisms responsible for this situation, argues this paper, is the emphasis given by influential philosophical institutions to linguistic style and appearances as signs of clarity, precision, and rigour in the treatment of philosophical problems. Such an emphasis is not justifiable, in part because it deprives philosophy of a wider variety of perspectives. The paper concludes by presenting and motivating a recent initiative that aims to foster greater linguistic and cultural diversity within the profession.
Eye growth pattern of myopic children wearing spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets compared with non‐myopic children
Authors: Wong Yee Ling , Li Xue , Huang Yingying , Yuan Yimin , Ye Yingying , Lim Ee Woon , Yang Adeline , Spiegel Daniel , Drobe Björn , Bao Jinhua , Chen Hao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionTo evaluate eye growth of children wearing spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL), slightly aspherical lenslets (SAL) and single‐vision lenses (SVL) compared to eye growth patterns in non‐myopes in Wenzhou, China.MethodsThe randomised trial had 170 myopic children (aged 8–13 years) randomly assigned to the HAL, SAL or SVL group. Normal eye growth was examined using 700 non‐myopic schoolchildren (aged 7–9 years) in the Wenzhou Medical University‐Essilor Progression and Onset of Myopia (WEPrOM) cohort study using logistic function models. Slow, normal and fast eye growth was defined as range of values <25th, 25th–75th and >75th percentiles, respectively.ResultsThe predicted upper limits of slow eye growth (25th percentile) among non‐myopes aged 7–10 years and 11–13 years were 0.20–0.13 and 0.08–0.01 mm (after 2‐year period; 0.37–0.33 and 0.29–0.14 mm), respectively, while the upper limits of normal eye growth (75th percentile) were 0.32–0.31 and 0.28–0.10 mm (after 2‐year period; 0.58–0.55 and 0.50–0.24 mm), respectively. The 2‐year trial had 157 children, 96 of whom wore their lenses full time (everyday ≥12 h/day). The mean 2‐year axial length change for HAL, SAL and SVL was 0.34, 0.51 and 0.69 mm (0.28, 0.46 and 0.69 mm in full‐time wear), respectively. Slow eye growth was found in 35%, 17% and 2% (44%, 29% and 3% in full‐time wear); normal eye growth in 35%, 26% and 12% (44%, 32% and 9% in full‐time wear) and fast eye growth in 30%, 57% and 86% (12%, 39% and 88% in full‐time wear), respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe eye growth pattern in approximately 90% wearing HAL full time (compared with about 10% wearing SVL full time) was similar or slower than that of non‐myopic children both after 1‐ and 2‐year periods.
The experiences of people who use injection drugs with accessing hepatitis c testing and diagnosis in western countries: A scoping review
Authors: Ho Nikki , Vandyk Amanda , Horvath Cynthia , Magboo Cahill Taliesin , O'Byrne Patrick 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the literature that reported on the experiences of people who use injection drugs’ access to hepatitis C testing and diagnosis in Western countries.MethodsThe initial search was conducted in 2020 and an updated review was completed in 2022. Seven electronic databases were searched using a peer‐reviewed search strategy and included: full‐text, peer‐reviewed studies with people who inject(ed) drugs, hepatitis C testing or diagnosis, conducted in Western countries. Excluded were studies published prior to 2014 and intervention studies. Two‐step screening was conducted in duplicate. Conventional content analysis was used.ResultsSix studies were found from the search. The studies were published between 2014 and 2021 in Australia, United Kingdom, and United States. A total of 19 participant characteristics were extracted to contextualize their experiences, demonstrating a lack of demographic data. Four themes were found: Awareness and Knowledge, Stigma, Healthcare Service, and Psychological Responses. There were 58 occurrences of client quotes where participants described their experiences, 29 occurrences of quotes describing client‐identified barriers, and 14 occurrences of quotes describing client‐identified facilitators.ConclusionA scoping review was conducted to present the experiences, barriers, and facilitators of people who use injection drugs to hepatitis C testing. The lack of demographic data and connection to client quotes further exacerbates the inequities among the population by overlooking their intragroup identities. Understanding their experiences of accessing hepatitis C testing and collecting demographic data will help advance health policies and interventions targeting people who use injection drugs.
Estimating the health production function for Pakistan: Do environmental factors matter?
Authors: Majid Awan Abdul , Khan Muhammad Azam , Khan Saleem 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIt is essential for sustainable economic development to comprehend how environmental factors impact public health. This study analyses this relationship in the context of Pakistan using long‐term data. This study aims to determine how environmental factors influence health production function in Pakistan to enlighten policy decisions that can improve human life and advance the cause of sustainable development. We hypothesize, based on prior research, that urbanization and rainfall will increase life expectancy in Pakistan, while deforestation, temperature, and CO2 emissions will decrease it. To verify our theory, we use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method to calculate the long‐run association between the variables, as well as the Zivot–Andrews and Lee–Strazicich unit root tests to identify structural breaks. Utilizing the bound and Gregory–Hansen co‐integration tests, co‐integration is confirmed. According to ARDL estimates, there are statistically significant correlations between factors that affect Pakistan's life expectancy, such as deforestation, temperature, and CO2 emissions, as well as rainfall and urbanization. The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing environmental degradation and deforestation in Pakistan. For enhancing human life and achieving sustainable development objectives in the nation, it is essential to modernize forest laws and regulations and adopt eco‐friendly technologies.
Rhythmic iron‐oxide bands of Navajo Sandstone concretions and Kimberley banded claystone: Formation process and buffering reaction rate by diagenetic alteration
Authors: Katsuta Nagayoshi , Sirono Sin‐iti , Umemura Ayako , Kawahara Hirokazu , Masuki Yuma , Yoshimizu Chikage , Tayasu Ichiro , Murakami Takuma , Yoshida Hidekazu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBoth igneous and sedimentary rocks affected by water–rock interaction commonly form rhythmic Fe‐oxide bands that provide information on palaeo‐groundwater. This study investigated the formation of Fe‐oxide banded patterns of concentrically banded concretions from the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone (United States) and banded claystone ‘zebra rock’ from the Neoproterozoic Johnny Cake Shale Member (Western Australia). Micro‐X‐ray fluorescence imaging of both samples revealed uniformly banded patterns of asymmetrical Fe content peaks. This study proposes that their formations were caused by diffusion, with a pH buffering reaction of Fe2+ and O2 due to dissolution of earlier materials by acidic fluids. Based on the model, it is suggested that the acid fluids for Navajo diffused towards the inner side of the concretion, and that for Kimberley they penetrated oblique or perpendicular to bedding. In addition, the Fe‐oxide precipitation has resulted from pH rises of acidic fluids because of diagenetic alteration of earlier calcite concretion in Navajo and that of earlier pyrite‐bearing claystone in Kimberley. The interpretation for Kimberley is based on the δ34S values (<−20‰) of zebra rock, suggesting that the alunite and Fe‐oxide resulted from the supply of and Fe2+ produced as a result of pyrite oxidation in earlier rocks. The formation rate of the Fe‐oxide band was estimated from the constant width of the Fe peaks and the expected diffusion coefficient for Fe2+ through the rock matrix, and it was found to be on the order of years for Navajo and on the order of tens of years for Kimberley.
Integration of genome‐wide association study, linkage analysis, and population transcriptome analysis to reveal the TaFMO1‐5B modulating seminal root growth in bread wheat
Authors: Zhao Peng , Ma Xiuyun , Zhang Ruize , Cheng Mingzhu , Niu Yaxin , Shi Xue , Ji Wanquan , Xu Shengbao , Wang Xiaoming 
Published: September 2023

SUMMARYBread wheat, one of the keystone crops for global food security, is challenged by climate change and resource shortage. The root system plays a vital role in water and nutrient absorption, making it essential for meeting the growing global demand. Here, using an association‐mapping population composed of 406 accessions, we identified QTrl.Rs‐5B modulating seminal root development with a genome‐wide association study and validated its genetic effects with two F5 segregation populations. Transcriptome‐wide association study prioritized TaFMO1‐5B, a gene encoding the flavin‐containing monooxygenases, as the causal gene for QTrl.Rs‐5B, whose expression levels correlate negatively with the phenotyping variations among our population. The lines silenced for TaFMO1‐5B consistently showed significantly larger seminal roots in different genetic backgrounds. Additionally, the agriculture traits measured in multiple environments showed that QTrl.Rs‐5B also affects yield component traits and plant architecture‐related traits, and its favorable haplotype modulates these traits toward that of modern cultivars, suggesting the application potential of QTrl.Rs‐5B for wheat breeding. Consistently, the frequency of the favorable haplotype of QTrl.Rs‐5B increased with habitat expansion and breeding improvement of bread wheat. In conclusion, our findings identified and demonstrated the effects of QTrl.Rs‐5B on seminal root development and illustrated that it is a valuable genetic locus for wheat root improvement.
Measuring undergraduates’ understanding of the culture of scientific research as an outcome variable in research on CUREs
Authors: Wachtell Lexi , Gardiner Amanda , Sievers Matt , Dickinson Katie , Dy Grace E. C. , Glenski Elizabeth H. , Mukerji Joya , Theobald Elli , Tran Elisa T. , Velasco Vicente , Freeman Scott 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Researchers who work on course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) and issues related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) retention have begun exploring changes in student thinking about what it means to be a scientist. To support this effort, we developed rubrics to score answers to three open-response prompts: What does it mean to think like a scientist? What does it mean to do science? and Did you do real research in your
coursename
labs? The rubric development process was iterative and was based on input from the literature, experienced researchers, and early-career undergraduates. A
post hoc
analysis showed that the rubric elements map to 27 of 31 statements in the Culture of Scientific Research (CSR) framework, suggesting that scored responses to the three prompts can assess how well students understand what being a science professional entails. Scores on responses from over 400 students who were starting an introductory biology course for majors furnish baseline data from the rubrics and suggest that (i) undergraduates at this level have, as expected, a novice-level understanding of CSR, and (ii) level of understanding in novice students does not vary as a function of demography or academic preparation. Researchers and instructors are encouraged to add CSR to their list of learning objectives for CUREs and consider assessing it using the rubrics provided here.
Draft whole-genome sequences of competitive exclusion
Ligilactobacillus salivarius
strains for poultry
Authors: Ma Li Maria , Lopez Nicolas , Zhang Guodong 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Competitive exclusion (CE) bacteria have been used to control the colonization of chickens by major foodborne pathogens. In this article, we report draft whole-genome sequences of three
Ligilactobacillus salivarius
strains isolated from chicken gastrointestinal tracts and previously selected as CE for poultry. These genome sequences will provide a foundation for further characterization and understanding of their CE attributes.
Draft genome sequence of a
Fusobacterium nucleatum
strain isolated from a patient in Kazakhstan with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kulmambetova Gulmira , Utupov Talgat , Kurentay Botakoz , Auganova Dana , Tarlykov Pavel , Shevtsov Alexandr , Daniyarov Asset , Khamzina Saule , Mamlin Meiram , Kozhakhmetov Arman , Shalekenov Sanzhar 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Fusobacterium nucleatum
is an invasive obligate anaerobe found in the oral microbiota and associated with colorectal cancer. Here, we announce the draft genome sequence of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
strain Fn11kaz from a patient with colorectal cancer in Kazakhstan.
Complete genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma cynodontis” GY2015, a plant pathogen associated with Bermuda grass white leaf disease in Taiwan
Authors: Cho Shu-Ting , Chen Ai-Ping , Chou Shu-Jen , Yan Xiao-Hua , Lin Chan-Pin , Kuo Chih-Horng 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma cynodontis” strain GY2015, which consists of one 498,922-bp circular chromosome, is presented in this work. This uncultivated plant-pathogenic bacterium is associated with Bermuda grass white leaf disease in Taoyuan, Taiwan.