bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute and chronic inflammatory neuropathies and COVID‐19 vaccines: Practical recommendations from the task force of the Italian Peripheral Nervous System Association (ASNP)
Authors: Doneddu Pietro E. , Spina Emanuele , Briani Chiara , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Manganelli Fiore , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo ,   the Italian Peripheral Nervous System Association (ASNP)
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsTo develop recommendations for vaccination for coronavirus‐19 (COVID‐19) in patients with inflammatory neuropathies.MethodsKey questions were formulated in order to perform a literature review on the safety and efficacy of vaccines in patients with inflammatory neuropathies. Based on the best evidence and expert opinion, a list of recommendations was formulated to inform decision on vaccination for COVID‐19 in patients with inflammatory neuropathies and increase adherence to vaccination programmes.ResultsRecommendations addressing safety and efficacy of vaccination in patients with inflammatory neuropathies were formulated. No data are currently available on the safety and efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines in patients with inflammatory neuropathies or other immune‐mediated conditions. There is only sparse data on the safety of previous available vaccines in patients with inflammatory neuropathies, but studies on other autoimmune disorders indicate that these are safe and mostly efficacious. Patients with inflammatory neuropathies might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID‐19.InterpretationPatients with inflammatory neuropathies should be encouraged to adhere to the vaccination campaign for COVID‐19. These recommendations provide guidance on the management of vaccinations for COVID‐19 in patients with inflammatory neuropathies. More research is needed regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccination in patients with inflammatory neuropathies and other immune conditions.
Diversity in visual sensitivity across Neotropical cichlid fishes via differential expression and intraretinal variation of opsin genes
Authors: Torres‐Dowdall Julián , Karagic Nidal , Härer Andreas , Meyer Axel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe visual system of vertebrates has greatly contributed to our understanding of how different molecular mechanisms shape adaptive phenotypic diversity. Extensive work on African cichlid fishes has shown how variation in opsin gene expression mediates diversification as well as convergent evolution in colour vision. This trait has received less attention in Neotropical cichlids, the sister lineage to African cichlids, but the work done so far led to the conclusion that colour vision is much less variable in Neotropical species. However, as only few taxa have been investigated and as recent work found contradicting patterns, the diversity in meotropical cichlids might be greatly underestimated. Here, we survey patterns of opsin gene expression in 35 representative species of Neotropical cichlids, revealing much more variation than previously known. This diversity can be attributed to two main mechanisms: (i) differential expression of the blue‐sensitive sws2a, the green‐sensitive rh2a, and the red‐sensitive lws opsin genes, and (ii) simultaneous expression of up to five opsin genes, instead of only three as commonly found, in a striking dorsoventral pattern across the retina. This intraretinal variation in opsin genes expression results in steep gradients in visual sensitivity that may represent a convergent adaptation to clear waters with broad light environments. These results highlight the role and flexibility of gene expression in generating adaptive phenotypic diversification.
A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover pilot study: Acute effects of the enzyme α‐galactosidase on gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Böhn Lena , Törnblom Hans , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Simrén Magnus , Störsrud Stine 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundPostprandial symptoms presumably related to intestinal gas production are common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of the study was to assess if oral α‐galactosidase is superior to placebo in reducing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and intestinal gas production after ingestion of carbohydrate‐rich meals in adult patients with IBS.MethodsWe studied the effect of 1200 GaIU/meal α‐galactosidase (Nogasin®) or placebo capsules on GI symptoms in patients with IBS after three standardized, meals high in oligosaccharides, in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study. The intensity of eight GI symptoms was rated, and breath hydrogen and methane were measured every 30 min during 7.5 h. The severity of GI symptoms the following morning was assessed and compared with baseline.SKey ResultsTwenty adult patients with IBS (19 females), mean age 49 years (range 22–75 years), were included. All test meals were well tolerated but induced a gradual increase in GI symptom severity. Neither GI symptom ratings over time, nor hydrogen and methane concentrations differed between the days with α‐galactosidase or placebo. The severity of abdominal pain and bloating was lower the following morning, but with no differences between α‐galactosidase and placebo.Conclusions & InferencesThe use of α‐galactosidase together with meals high in oligosaccharides was in this pilot study not superior to placebo in reducing postprandial GI symptoms or the concentration of hydrogen and methane in expired air in IBS.
The hydraulic architecture of an arborescent monocot: ontogeny‐related adjustments in vessel size and leaf area compensate for increased resistance
Authors: Yang Dongmei , Zhang Yinshuang , Zhou Dan , Zhang Yong‐Jiang , Peng Guoquan , Tyree Melvin T. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryBamboos are arborescent monocotyledons that have no secondary growth, but can continually produce conduits with diameters appropriate to the current size of the plant. Here, we studied bamboo hydraulic architecture to address the mechanisms involved in compensating for the increase in hydraulic resistance during ontogeny.We measured the hydraulic weighted vessel diameters (Dh) at different distances from the apex along the stem ofBambusa textilis. The hydraulic resistance of different components and individuals of different heights were quantified using the high‐pressure flowmeter method.TheDhshowed tip‐to‐base widening with a scaling exponent in the range of those reported for trees. Although theoretical hydraulic conductivity decreased from base‐to‐tip, leaf‐specific conductivity did not change. Leaves contributed the most to the whole‐shoot hydraulic resistance, followed by the leaf‐bearing branches. Roots contributedc. 13% to whole‐plant resistance. Interestingly, taller individuals showed lower whole‐shoot resistance owing to an increased number of resistances in parallel (side‐branches), while leaf‐specific resistance was independent of plant size.Tip‐to‐base vessel widening and height‐independent constant leaf‐specific conductance could be mechanisms for hydraulic optimization inB. textilis. Similar patterns have also been found in woody plants with secondary growth, but this bamboo exhibits them without secondary growth.
Effects of ultrasound, radial extracorporeal shock waves, and electrical stimulation on rat bone defect healing
Authors: Inoue Shota , Hatakeyama Junpei , Aoki Hitoshi , Kuroki Hiroshi , Niikura Takahiro , Oe Keisuke , Fukui Tomoaki , Kuroda Ryosuke , Akisue Toshihiro , Moriyama Hideki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFractures associated with osteoporosis are a major public health concern. Current treatments for fractures are limited to surgery or fixation, leading to long‐term bedrest, which is linked to increased mortality. Alternatively, utilization of physical agents has been suggested as a promising therapeutic approach for fractures. Here, we examined the effects of ultrasound, radial extracorporeal shock waves, and electrical stimulation on normal or osteoporotic fracture healing. Femoral bone defects were created in normal or ovariectomized rats. Rats were divided into four groups: untreated, and treated with ultrasound, shock waves, or electrical stimulation after surgery. Samples were collected at 2 or 4 weeks after surgery, and the healing process was evaluated with micro‐CT, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Ultrasound at intensities of 0.5 and 1.0 W/cm2, but not 0.05 W/cm2, accelerated new bone formation. Shock wave exposure also increased newly formed bone, but formed abnormal periosteal callus around the defect site. Conversely, electrical stimulation did not affect the healing process. Ultrasound exposure increased osteoblast activity and cell proliferation and decreased sclerostin‐positive osteocytes. We demonstrated that higher‐intensity ultrasound and radial extracorporeal shock waves accelerate fracture healing, but shock wave treatment may increase the risk of periosteal callus formation.
The immune system of sturgeons and paddlefish (Acipenseriformes): a review with new data from a chromosome‐scale sturgeon genome
Authors: Höhne Christin , Prokopov Dmitry , Kuhl Heiner , Du Kang , Klopp Christophe , Wuertz Sven , Trifonov Vladimir , Stöck Matthias 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSturgeon immunity is relevant for basic evolutionary and applied research, including caviar‐ and meat‐producing aquaculture, protection of wild sturgeons and their re‐introduction through conservation aquaculture. Starting from a comprehensive overview of immune organs, we discuss pathways of innate and adaptive immune systems in a vertebrate phylogenetic and genomic context. The thymus as a key organ of adaptive immunity in sturgeons requires future molecular studies. Likewise, data on immune functions of sturgeon‐specific pericardial and meningeal tissues are largely missing. Integrating immunological and endocrine functions, the sturgeon head kidney resembles that of teleosts. Recently identified pattern recognition receptors in sturgeon require research on downstream regulation. We review first acipenseriform data on Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), type I transmembrane glycoproteins expressed in membranes and endosomes, initiating inflammation and host defence by molecular pattern‐induced activation. Retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I‐like (RIG‐like) receptors of sturgeons present RNA and key sensors of virus infections in most cell types. Sturgeons and teleosts share major components of the adaptive immune system, including B cells, immunoglobulins, major histocompatibility complex and the adaptive cellular response by T cells. The ontogeny of the sturgeon innate and onset of adaptive immune genes in different organs remain understudied. In a genomics perspective, our new data on 100 key immune genes exemplify a multitude of evolutionary trajectories after the sturgeon‐specific genome duplication, where some single‐copy genes contrast with many duplications, allowing tissue specialization, sub‐functionalization or both. Our preliminary conclusion should be tested by future evolutionary bioinformatics, involving all >1000 immunity genes. This knowledge update about the acipenseriform immune system identifies several important research gaps and presents a basis for future applications.
Income inequality and economic growth: A re‐examination of theory and evidence
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Gupta Rangan , Ma Wei , Makena Philton 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe re‐examine the theoretical and empirical relationship between income inequality and long‐run economic growth in an endogenous growth model with a flat tax on income, distributive conflicts among agents, and median voter dynamics. We show that when government spends tax revenue on the provision of public goods in the form of both production and consumption services, the theoretical relationship between inequality and economic growth is neither strictly positive nor strictly negative, but ambiguous. An empirical evaluation of the theoretical findings is carried out by applying a semi‐parametric model on a sample of 63 countries for the period 1991–2017. Results show that the relationship between income inequality and growth takes the form of an inverted U‐shape in that income inequality initially has a positive impact on growth up to an average Gini coefficient threshold of 35.92, beyond which it negatively impacts on growth.
Application of a Reduced Order Model for Fuzzy Analysis of Linear Static Systems
Authors: Valdebenito Marcos A. , Jensen Héctor A. , Wei Pengfei , Beer Michael , Beck André T. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This contribution proposes a strategy for performing fuzzy analysis of linear static systems applying α-level optimization. In order to decrease numerical costs, full system analyses are replaced by a reduced order model that projects the equilibrium equations to a small-dimensional space. The basis associated with the reduced order model is constructed by means of a single analysis of the system plus a sensitivity analysis. This reduced basis is enriched as the α-level optimization strategy progresses in order to protect the quality of the approximations provided by the reduced order model. A numerical example shows that with the proposed strategy, it is possible to produce an accurate estimate of the membership function of the response of the system with a limited number of full system analyses.
Design of a Serious Game for Children to Raise Awareness on Plastic Pollution and Promoting Pro-Environmental Behaviors
Authors: Panagiotopoulou Loukia , Cía Gayarre Nora , Scurati Giulia Wally , Etzi Roberta , Massetti Gemma , Gallace Alberto , Ferrise Francesco 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The massive presence of plastic in the oceans, both in the form of large debris and micro-plastic, is raising global concern due to its severe effects on the marine environment and fauna, causing loss of biodiversity and potentially threatening human health. Even though this is due to poor waste management, the great production and consumption of single-use plastic is a significant exacerbating factor. Despite policies and bans can be effective measures, there is also the need to raise consumers’ awareness, so they can make more sustainable choices when purchasing, using, and dismissing products. In particular, educating young citizens and encouraging them to engage in pro-environmental behaviors is a fundamental task to reach this goal. In this work, we present Contact from the future, a digital game on plastic pollution for children, to create awareness and stimulate pro-environmental behaviors, discussing the definition of objectives and requirements, as well as the design and development of the application.
Applying improvement science to establish a resident sustained quality improvement (QI) educational model
Authors: Collins Caitlyn , Mathura Pamela , Ip Shannon , Kassam Narmin , Tapardel Anca 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPrior to 2017, internal medicine (IM) residents at the University of Alberta did not have a standardised quality improvement (QI) educational curriculum. Our goal was to use QI principles to develop a resident sustained curriculum using the Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ) training course.MethodsThree one-year Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles were conducted. The EPIQ course was delivered to postgraduate year (PGY) 1–3 residents (n=110, PDSA 1) in 2017, PGY-1 residents (n=27, PDSA 2) in 2018 and PGY-1 residents (n=28, PDSA 3) in 2019. Trained residents were recruited as facilitators for PDSA 2 and 3. Residents worked through potential QI projects that were later presented for evaluation. Precourse and postcourse surveys and tests were conducted to assess knowledge acquisition and curriculum satisfaction. Process, outcome and balancing measures were also evaluated.ResultsIn PDSA 1, 98% felt they had acquired understanding of QI principles (56% increase), 94% of PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents preferred this QI curriculum compared with previous training, and 65% of residents expressed interest in pursuing a QI project (15% increase). In PDSA 2, tests scores of QI principles improved from 77.6% to 80%, and 40% of residents expressed interest in becoming a course facilitator. In PDSA 3, self-rated confidence with QI methodology improved from 53% to 75%. A total of 165 residents completed EPIQ training and 11 residents became course facilitators.ConclusionsHaving a structured QI curriculum and working through practical QI projects provided valuable QI training for residents. Feedback was positive, and with each PDSA cycle there was increased resident interest in QI. Developing this curriculum using validated QI tools highlighted areas of change opportunity thereby enhancing acceptance. As more cycles of EPIQ are delivered and more residents become facilitators, it is our aim to have this curriculum sustained by future residents.
Determination of optimal deployment strategy for REBOA in patients with non-compressible hemorrhage below the diaphragm
Authors: Johnson Nicholas L , Wade Charles E , Fox Erin E , Meyer David E , Fox Charles J , Moore Ernest E , Morrison Jonathan , Scalea Thomas , Bulger Eileen M , Inaba Kenji , Morse Bryan C , Moore Laura J 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundNon-compressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH) is the leading cause of preventable death after trauma. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) achieves temporary hemorrhage control, supporting cardiac and cerebral perfusion prior to definitive hemostasis. Aortic zone selection algorithms vary among institutions. We evaluated the efficacy of an algorithm for REBOA use.MethodsA multicenter prospective, observational study conducted at six level 1 trauma centers over 12 months. Inclusion criteria were age >15 years with evidence of infradiaphragmatic NCTH needing emergent hemorrhage control within 60 min of ED arrival. An algorithm characterized by the results of focused assessment with sonography in trauma and pelvic X-ray was assessed post hoc for efficacy in a cohort of patients receiving REBOA.ResultsOf the 8166 patients screened, 78 patients had a REBOA placed. 21 patients were excluded, leaving 57 patients for analysis. The algorithm ensures REBOA deployment proximal to hemorrhage source to control bleeding in 98.2% of cases and accurately predicts the optimal REBOA zone in 78.9% of cases. If the algorithm was violated, bleeding was optimally controlled in only 43.8% (p=0.01). Three (75.0%) of the patients that received an inappropriate zone 1 REBOA died, two from multiple organ failure (MOF). All three patients that died with an inappropriate zone 3 REBOA died from exsanguination.DiscussionThis algorithm ensures proximal hemorrhage control and accurately predicts the primary source of hemorrhage. We propose a new algorithm that will be more inclusive. A zone 3 REBOA should not be performed when a zone 1 is indicated by the algorithm as 100% of these patients exsanguinated. MOF, perhaps from visceral ischemia in patients with an inappropriate zone 1 REBOA, may have been prevented with zone 3 placement or limited zone 1 occlusion time.Level of evidenceLevel III.
Can uneven-aged management improve the economic performance of longleaf pine?
Authors: Susaeta Andres , Klizentyte Kotryna , Sharma Ajay , Adams Damian C. 
Published: February 2021

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) is a keystone tree species in the Coastal Plain of the southern United States. To reverse habitat loss and restore critically important forest ecosystem services in this region dominated by private landownership, longleaf pine’s economic performance must be addressed. Uneven-aged forest management has been suggested as a viable alternative for longleaf pine, but evidence of its economic performance under uneven-aged versus even-aged management is lacking. Here, we compare the economic viability of three competing longleaf pine management scenarios — thinned even-aged, unthinned even-aged (conservation and non-conservation land objectives), and uneven-aged — considering timber and nontimber benefits. We find that managing existing uneven-aged longleaf pine forests with a 10-year cutting cycle is economically preferred to even-aged management for land conservation ($1643.9·ha−1 versus $1548.8 to $1641.6·ha−1). However, these estimates exclude costs associated with switching to uneven-aged management ($174.3 to $694.9·ha−1), which are considerable. Annual subsidies of between $5 and $22·ha−1 for 50 years would be required to offset costs of conversion to uneven-aged management. For establishment of new longleaf pine stands, an uneven-aged scenario would be the economically preferred management approach, providing higher economic gains ($176.9·ha−1) than unthinned, high-density even-aged management when the primary objective is timber production.
Limb Lengthening after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Customized Patient-Specific Instrumentation Does Not Affect Expected Limb Lengthening
Authors: Fang Christopher , McAlpine Kenneth , Gustin Michael , Niu Ruijia , Freccero David , Gordon Matthew , Smith Eric L. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Expectations for limb length differences after TKA are important for patient perception and outcomes. Limb length discrepancies may occur due to postoperative leg length increases, which can lead to decreased patient functionality and satisfaction and even possible litigation. The purpose of this study is to examine the frequency and extent of limb lengthening among various preoperative deformities and between two different implant systems. Methods. Preoperative and postoperative full-length standing radiographs were obtained between August 2018 and August 2019 to measure mechanical axis and limb length of operative limbs. Demographic information such as age, sex, and BMI was also collected. Patients were grouped into categories for pre- and postoperative subgroup analysis: valgus, varus, customized implant, and conventional implant. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate significant relationships. Results. Of the 121 primary TKAs analyzed, 62% of the knees showed an increase in limb length after TKA, with an average lengthening of 5.32 mm. Preoperative varus alignment was associated with a mean lengthening of 3.14 mm, while preoperative valgus alignment was associated with a mean lengthening of 16.2 mm. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in limb lengths pre- and postoperatively (

p

= 0.23) and no significant changes in limb length for any subgroup. Further, no variables were associated with limb length changes (

p

= 0.49), including the use of customized implants (

p

= 0.2). Conclusions. Limb lengthening after TKA is common and, on average, occurs more significantly in valgus knees. No significant difference in limb lengthening could be demonstrated using customized over conventional implants. Preoperative counseling is important to manage patient expectations.
Experimental Investigation of Permeability Evolution on Sandstone in Triaxial and Long-Term Dissolution Experiment
Authors: Shi Ji , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Chunyang , Jiang Tingting , Huang Gang 
Published: February 2021

The temporal permeability and damage evolutions of low-permeability sandstone cores during triaxial and long-term dissolution experiments were measured using a triaxial-flow system. Three triaxial experiments were performed on sandstone cores having initial permeability ranging from

78
×

10

−
18

m

2

to

120
×

10

−
18

m

2

. Two sets of long-term dissolution experiments were conducted on cracked sandstone cores. All dissolution experiments were performed at room temperature and using a 10 g/L H2SO4 and 0.2 g/L H2O2 input solution. Permeability evolution was determined using Darcy’s law. The cores experienced an average increase of 25% in permeability in the dissolution experiment and 900%~1500% increase at the end of the experiment. The dissolution was fairly homogeneous during the long-term experiments whether on the 1 mm scale or the 10 μm scale. The relationship between damage and permeability was speculated and its correlation coefficient has been proved to be close to 1. These results suggest that hydraulic fracturing works well in permeability increase in low-permeability sandstone reservoir.