bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DDR1 (Discoidin Domain Receptor-1)-RhoA (Ras Homolog Family Member A) Axis Senses Matrix Stiffness to Promote Vascular Calcification
Authors: Ngai David , Lino Marsel , Rothenberg Katheryn E. , Simmons Craig A. , Fernandez-Gonzalez Rodrigo , Bendeck Michelle P. 
Published: June 2020

Objective:
Vascular calcification is a pathology characterized by arterial mineralization, which is a common late-term complication of atherosclerosis that independently increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events by fourfold. A major source of calcifying cells is transdifferentiating vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Previous studies showed that deletion of the collagen-binding receptor, DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor-1), attenuated VSMC calcification. Increased matrix stiffness drives osteogenesis, and DDR1 has been implicated in stiffness sensing in other cell types; however, the role of DDR1 as a mechanosensor in VSMCs has not been investigated. Here, we test the hypothesis that DDR1 senses increased matrix stiffness and promotes VSMC transdifferentiation and calcification.

Approach and Results:

Primary VSMCs isolated from
Ddr1
+/+
(wild-type) and
Ddr1
−/−
(knockout) mice were studied on collagen-I–coated silicon substrates of varying stiffness, culturing in normal or calcifying medium. DDR1 expression and phosphorylation increased with increasing stiffness, as did in vitro calcification, nuclear localization of Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2), and expression of other osteochondrocytic markers. By contrast, DDR1 deficient VSMCs were not responsive to stiffness and did not undergo transdifferentiation. DDR1 regulated stress fiber formation and RhoA (ras homolog family member A) activation through the RhoGEF (rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor), Vav2. Inhibition of actomyosin contractility reduced Runx2 activation and attenuated in vitro calcification in wild-type VSMCs. Finally, a novel positive feedforward loop was uncovered between DDR1 and actomyosin contractility, important in regulating DDR1 expression, clustering, and activation.

Conclusions:
This study provides mechanistic insights into DDR1 mechanosignaling and shows that DDR1 activity and actomyosin contractility are interdependent in mediating stiffness-dependent increases in VSMC calcification.
Impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Durability on Life Expectancy in Low-Risk Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Tam Derrick Y. , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Naimark David , Gaudino Mario , Webb John G. , Cohen David J. , Fremes Stephen E. 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Recent clinical trial results showed that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is noninferior and may be superior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for mortality, stroke, and rehospitalization. However, the impact of transcatheter valve durability remains uncertain.

Methods:
Discrete event simulation was used to model hypothetical scenarios of TAVR versus SAVR durability in which TAVR failure times were varied to determine the impact of TAVR valve durability on life expectancy in a cohort of low-risk patients similar to those in recent trials. Discrete event simulation modeling was used to estimate the tradeoff between a less invasive procedure with unknown valve durability (TAVR) and that of a more invasive procedure with known durability (SAVR). Standardized differences were calculated, and a difference >0.10 was considered clinically significant. In the base-case analysis, patients with structural valve deterioration requiring reoperation were assumed to undergo a valve-in-valve TAVR procedure. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the impact of TAVR valve durability on life expectancy in younger age groups (40, 50, and 60 years).

Results:
Our cohort consisted of patients with aortic stenosis at low surgical risk with a mean age of 73.4±5.9 years. In the base-case scenario, the standardized difference in life expectancy was <0.10 between TAVR and SAVR until transcatheter valve prosthesis failure time was 70% shorter than that of surgical prostheses. At a transcatheter valve failure time <30% compared with surgical valves, SAVR was the preferred option. In younger patients, life expectancy was reduced when TAVR durability was 30%, 40%, and 50% shorter than that of surgical valves in 40-, 50-, and 60-year-old patients, respectively.

Conclusions:
According to our simulation models, the durability of TAVR valves must be 70% shorter than that of surgical valves to result in reduced life expectancy in patients with demographics similar to those of recent trials. However, in younger patients, this threshold for TAVR valve durability was substantially higher. These findings suggest that durability concerns should not influence the initial treatment decision concerning TAVR versus SAVR in older low-risk patients on the basis of current evidence supporting TAVR valve durability. However, in younger low-risk patients, valve durability must be weighed against other patient factors such as life expectancy.
Effects of entomopathogenic nematodes and/or fungus on the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Curculionidae: Coleoptera)
Authors: Manzoor Mujahid , Ahmad Jam Nazeer , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Javed Nazir , Haider Muhammad Saleem 
Published: June 2020

Summary
The invasive red palm weevil (RPW) (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most destructive palm pests in the world. More options are needed for its management, including optimised use of microbial entomopathogens (EP). The sub-lethal effects of an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (isolate WG-11) (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) (at 1 × 104 spores ml−1) and two entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (at 100 infective juveniles (IJ) ml−1) and Steinernema carpocapsae (at 50 IJ ml−1) were evaluated in various combinations against laboratory-reared 3rd, 5th and 8th instar larvae of RPW in bioassays. Individual and combined effects of both EP were observed after the pre-application of B. bassiana fungus at 0-, 1- and 2-week intervals. Combined treatments were tested for antagonistic, additive and synergistic effects. Additive and synergistic effects were observed in B. bassiana/S. carpocapsae and in B. bassiana/H. bacteriophora combined treatments. Early instar larvae of RPW were more susceptible than older instars. Sole and combined EP treatments decreased pupation, subsequent emergence of RPW adults and hatching. Sub-lethal effects of EP were observed in R. ferrugineus following application at the above-mentioned rates to 3rd, 5th and 8th instar larvae, including reduced larval weights, increased larval, pre-pupal and pupal durations, reduced adult weights and life spans. Simultaneous combined applications of B. bassiana/S. carpocapsae and B. bassiana/H. bacteriophora at the above-mentioned rates against last instar (9th) larvae of R. ferrugineus reduced food consumption, frass production and affected weight gains.
The Trauma of Autopsy and the Transgression of History in Josephus’ Jewish War
Authors: Teets Sarah Christine 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In the opening of the Jewish War, Josephus claims not only that his history represents the true and full account of the war, but that, in violation of Greek historiographical conventions, its language expresses his personal grief. Josephus’ expression of personal emotion differentiates him from the Greek tradition, in which lament is customarily expressed in other genres. Josephus borrows instead from the biblical tradition of lament to mourn the fall of Jerusalem. The concept of moral injury from trauma studies describes the psychological damage caused by betrayal in combat settings, a phenomenon which Josephus’ comments about the causes of the disaster resemble. This elucidates why Josephus emphasizes his emotions in his history, drawing on past Jewish responses to imperial-colonial encounters to shape his personalized response to the catastrophe of his own day.
Exploring Solutions to Foster ATMP Development and Access to Patients in Europe
Authors: Salvatore Vincenzo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
There are several critical factors that have influenced the (un)success rate of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) over the first ten years since the EU Regulation 1394/2007 entered into force. This article provides an overview of the current regulatory scenario and outlines the outstanding challenges to be faced in order to further promote research and development of ATMPs and the issues to be considered in the perspective of a possible legislative reform.
Petr Sevast’anov and his expeditions to Mount Athos (1850s): two cartons from the French Photographic Society
Authors: Gerd Lora 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The Russian antiquarian and explorer of the Orthodox East Petr Ivanovich Sevast’anov was one of the first to take photos of the architectural monuments, art treasures and manuscripts of Mount Athos. During the 1850s he organized several expeditions. In 1856, Sevast’anov studied photography in Paris at the atelier of Belloc and bought the materials and equipment needed. In March of 1857, he arrived at Athos and started his work in St. Andrew’s Skete. With the assistance of the librarian of St. Panteleimon’s Monastery Azarii, Sevast’anov got access to many Greek and Slavonic manuscripts. In October of 1857, he returned to Paris and presented the results of his work in a photo exhibition, followed by a public lecture at the Academy on February 5, 1858. The recently discovered two large format cartons of Sevast’anov’s photos at the French Photographic Society, along with the correspondence preserved in his archives, are an important contribution to the history of Byzantine Studies.
Epistemic Infrastructure for a Scientific Metaphysics
Authors: Bryant Amanda 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A naturalistic impulse has taken speculative analytic metaphysics in its critical sights. Importantly, the claim that it is desirable or requisite to give metaphysics scientific moorings rests on underlying epistemological assumptions or principles. If the naturalistic impulse toward metaphysics is to be well-founded and its prescriptions to have normative force, those assumptions or principles should be spelled out and justified. In short, advocates of naturalized or scientific metaphysics require epistemic infrastructure. This paper begins to supply it. The author first sketches her conception of suitably naturalized or scientific metaphysics. She then lays out a number of candidate epistemic principles centring around the notion of theoretical constraint. The author offers several arguments for the principles, based on statistical likeliness, agreement, falsity avoidance, and methodological efficiency and inefficiency. Finally, she shows how scientific metaphysics satisfies the epistemic principles and is therefore preferable to its traditional rivals.
Abduction as a Method of Inductive Metaphysics
Authors: Schurz Gerhard 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Like scientific theories, metaphysical theories can and should be justified by the inference of creative abduction (sec. 1–2). Two rationality conditions are proposed that distinguish scientific from speculative abductions: achievement of unification and independent testability (sec. 3). Particularly important in science is common cause abduction (sec. 4). The justification of metaphysical realism is structurally similar to scientific abductions: external objects are justified as common causes of perceptual experiences (sec. 6). While the reliability of common cause abduction is entailed by a principle of (Markov) causality (sec. 5), the latter principle has an abductive justification based on statistical phenomena (sec. 7).
L’ usage des fragments arabes (Le Caire, Taymūr Pāšā 290 aḫlāq) dans l’ édition arabo-latine de la Summa Alexandrinorum
Authors: Woerther Frédérique 
Published: June 2020

Résumé
Following the work of Dunlop (1974) and Badawī (1979), this study aims to prepare the way for a new edition of the Arabic fragments of the Iḫtiṣār al-Iskandarāniyyīn, which are preserved in Cairo manuscript Taymūr Pāšā 290 aḫlāq. This second phase of the project concerns a precise comparison between these Arabic fragments and the corresponding passages in the Arabo-Latin translation of the Summa Alexandrinorum, which was completed by Hermann the German in 1243 and will soon be published in a new edition. Comparing the Arabic fragments with the corresponding passages in Latin makes it possible: 1) to enhance earlier attempts to compile a glossary of Arabic and Latin terms as used by Hermann in his translations; 2) to evaluate how these Arabic fragments can properly be used for the new edition of the Arabo-Latin version of the Summa Alexandrinorum; 3) to draw some conclusions about the status of these Arabic fragments and Hermann’s methods, as well as Hermann’s underlying aims. The paper concludes by offering a methodological perspective on the forthcoming edition of the Summa Alexandrinorum in its Arabo-Latin version.
Anatomical Variations in Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Yin Chuanchang , Song Bin , Wang Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To study terminal bifurcation of recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) with original direction to larynx entry and to decrease the risk of vocal cord paralysis in thyroid patients. Methods: The RLNs of 294 patients (482 sides) were dissected according to the branches into the larynx, and the original direction of each RLN trunk in thyroid surgery was recorded. Results: (1) About 30.9% of the RLNs gave off multiple branches into the larynx. (2) Two and 3 branches of RLNs into the larynx were found in 25.5% and 5.4% of the cases, respectively. (3) In 0.4% or 2 cases, the RLN trunk combined with the inferior branch of the vagus nerve. (4) Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve appeared in 2 cases. (5) On the left side, 68.0%, 25.6%, and 6.4% of cases were found with 1, 2, and 3 bifurcations of RLN to larynx entry, respectively. On the right side, 69.8%, 25.8%, and 4.4% cases were identified with 1, 2, and 3 bifurcations of RLN to larynx entry, respectively. (6) The combining dissection approach was proved as successful and safe for protecting the RLN with no permanent RLN paresis. Conclusions: Because of the anatomical variation in RLNs with extralaryngeal bifurcation, it is necessary to increase the awareness of surgeons about these variations so as to protect bifurcated nerves in thyroid surgery.
Can inspiratory muscle training benefit patients after stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Xintong , Zheng Yu , Dang Yini , Wang Lu , Cheng Yihui , Zhang Xiu , Mao Mao , Lu Xiao 
Published: June 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training in post-stroke patients and to explore the effective training protocol. Data sources: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and China Science Periodical Database were searched through April 2020. Review methods: Trials examining effects of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, cardiopulmonary endurance, pulmonary infection incidence, and quality of life in post-stroke patients were included. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare different training programs. Mean differences and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were presented. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool. Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving a total of 373 participants were identified. Meta-analysis conducted in 8 out of 13 trials revealed evidence for beneficial effects of inspiratory muscle training on forced vital capacity (MD: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28–0.66), forced expired volume in 1 second (MD: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.18–0.35), 6-minute walk test (MD: 52.61, 95% CI: 25.22–80.01), maximum inspiratory pressure (MD: 18.18, 95% CI: 5.58–30.78), inspiratory muscle endurance (MD: 19.99, 95% CI: 13.58–26.40), and pulmonary infection incidence (RR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03–0.40). Omitting individual trials from the meta-analysis did not significantly change the results. The effective inspiratory muscle training protocol was suggested by subgroup analysis with three repetitions per week and more than 20 minutes per day for three weeks. Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training can be considered as an effective intervention for improving pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary endurance, and reducing pulmonary infection incidence in patients after stroke.
Periportal fields cause stronger cooling effects than veins in hepatic microwave ablation: an in vivo porcine study
Authors: Poch Franz GM , Geyer Beatrice , Neizert Christina A , Gemeinhardt Ole , Niehues Stefan M , Vahldiek Janis L , Frericks Bernd , Lehmann Kai S 
Published: June 2020

Background Vascular cooling effects are a well-known source for tumor recurrence in thermal in situ ablation techniques for hepatic malignancies. Microwave ablation (MWA) is an ablation technique to be considered in the treatment of malignant liver tumors. The impact of vascular cooling in MWA is still controversial. Purpose To evaluate the influence of different intrahepatic vessel types, vessel sizes, and vessel-to-antenna-distances on MWA geometry in vivo. Material and Methods Five MWAs (902–928 MHz) were performed with an energy input of 24.0 kJ in three porcine livers in vivo. MWA lesions were cut into 2-mm slices. The minimum and maximum radius of the ablation area was measured for each slice. Distances were measured from ablation center toward all adjacent hepatic vessels with a diameter of ≥1 mm and within a perimeter of 20 mm around the antenna. The respective vascular cooling effect relative to the maximum ablation radius was calculated. Results In total, 707 vessels (489 veins, 218 portal fields) were detected; 370 (76%) hepatic veins and 185 (85%) portal fields caused a cooling effect. Portal fields resulted in higher cooling effects (37%) than hepatic veins (26%, P < 0.01). No cooling effect could be observed in close proximity of vessels within the central ablation zone. Conclusion Hepatic vessels influenced MWA zones and caused a distinct cooling effect. Portal fields resulted in more pronounced cooling effect than hepatic veins. No cooling effect was observed around vessels situated within the central white zone.
Multiple-dose versus single-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist after first in vitro fertilization failure associated with luteal phase deficiency: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qu Danni , Li Yuan 
Published: June 2020

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of multiple- versus single-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) addition to luteal phase support (LPS), in patients with a first in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure associated with luteal phase deficiency (LPD). Methods Eighty patients with a first IVF failure associated with LPD were randomly assigned into single-dose and multiple-dose GnRH-a groups. In the second IVF attempt, patients in the single-dose group were given standard LPS plus a single dose of GnRH-a 6 days after oocyte retrieval. Patients in the multiple-dose group received standard LPS plus 14 daily injections of GnRH-a. Children conceived were followed up for 2 years. Results Pregnancy (67.5% vs. 42.5%), clinical pregnancy (50.0% vs. 22.5%), and live birth rates (42.5% vs. 20.0%) were significantly higher in the multiple-dose versus single-dose GnRH-a group. Patients in the multiple-dose GnRH-a group had significantly higher progesterone levels 14 days after oocyte recovery (35.9 vs. 21.4 ng/mL). No significant difference existed in the status at birth or developmental and behavior assessments of 2-year-old children conceived in both groups. Conclusions Daily addition of GnRH-a to standard LPS can achieve better pregnancy outcomes with a sustained safety profile in patients with a first IVF failure associated with LPD.
Clinical practice in the management of postoperative delirium by Chinese anesthesiologists: a cross-sectional survey designed by the European Society of Anaesthesiology
Authors: Delp Simon , Mei Wei , Spies Claudia D. , Neuner Bruno , Aldecoa César , Bettelli Gabriella , Bilotta Federico , Sanders Robert D. , Kramer Sylvia , Weiss Bjoern 
Published: June 2020

Objective In this survey, we assessed the current clinical management of postoperative delirium (POD) among Chinese anesthesiologists, after publishing the European POD guideline. Methods We administered an electronic survey, designed according to the European POD guideline. The survey was completed using mobile devices. Results In total, 1,514 respondents from China participated in the survey. Overall, 74.4% of participants reported that delirium is very important. More than 95% of participants stated that they routinely assessed POD. In total, 61.4% screened for POD using clinical observation and 37.6% used a delirium screening tool. Although the depth of anesthesia (a POD risk factor) was monitored, electroencephalogram monitoring was unavailable to 30.6% of respondents. Regarding treatment, only 24.1% of respondents used a standard algorithm; 58.5% used individualized treatment. Conclusion Our survey showed that there are high awareness levels among Chinese anesthesiologists regarding the importance of POD. However, routine assessment and monitoring of all patients, including perioperative anesthesia depth monitoring, and a treatment algorithm need to be implemented on a larger scale. According to the results, efforts should be made to improve the knowledge of POD among Chinese anesthesiologists.
Improving early urinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy by applying a sutureless technique for maximal preservation of the intrapelvic urethra: A 17-year single-surgeon experience
Authors: Simforoosh Nasser , Dadpour Mehdi , Mousapour Pouria , Honarkar Ramezani Mehdi 
Published: June 2020

Background: There is a growing concern about postsurgical outcomes of radical prostatectomy, especially in the younger population and patients with earlier tumor stages. Here, we present our 17 years’ experience of sutureless vesico-urethral alignment after radical prostatectomy with a focus on postoperative functional urinary outcomes. Methods: Data of 784 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy during 2001–2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Before surgery, patients’ demographic information, pathologic stage, margin of surgery, prostate-specific antigen, and Gleason score were obtained. Then, serum prostate-specific antigen level, urinary continence, potency, and other functional outcomes of surgery were recorded after each postoperative visit. Results: The mean age (±standard deviation) of patients was 61.3 (±6.30) years. The median (IQ25–75) duration of follow-up was 30 (12–72) months. Full continence was achieved in 90% and 95.9% of patients at 3 and 6 months post surgery and 96.4% of the patients were continent at the last follow-up visit. Bladder neck stricture occurred in 167 patients (21.3%). During the follow-up period, none of the patients complained of total incontinence and at the last visit, 36.6% of patients reported potency. The frequency of grade 2 continence was significantly higher in patients with high-stage tumors (T3/T4), high Gleason score (⩾8), high preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (>20 ng/dL), and positive margin of surgery. Potency had a significant relationship with age, stage of the disease, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen. Conclusion: Maximal sparing of intrapelvic urethral length through sutureless vesico-urethral alignment technique results in excellent early urinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy. A more advanced tumor stage (T1/T2), a higher Gleason score, high preoperative prostate-specific antigen, as well as positive surgical margin are risk factors of postoperative incontinence in patients who undergo radical prostatectomy.