bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Prediction of arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with normal anatomy of the left atrium
Authors: Baimbetov Adil K. , Bizhanov Kenzhebek A. , Abzaliyev Kuat B. , Bairamov Binali A. , Yakupova Ilinara A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundEnlarged left atrium is an established predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation but arrhythmia recurrence is also observed in patients with normal anatomy of the left atrium. The aim of the study is to evaluate arrhythmia recurrence predictors in patients with normal anatomy of the left atrium.MethodsThe study included 182 patients with normal anatomy of the left atrium who underwent pulmonary vein isolation using catheter ablation. Various parameters were also compared, including age, gender, history of arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, concomitant coronary pathology, echocardiography findings, such as mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation and procedure parameters, between patients with and without relapses. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics‐19 software.ResultsTransthoracic echocardiography was performed by independent specialists with extensive experience. Trans‐esophageal echocardiography was performed before each ablation procedure. Standard trans‐septal puncture was performed under fluoroscopic control. Radiofrequency ablation was performed in the ipsilateral pulmonary vein antrum with a wide capture of nearby lung tissue.ConclusionsIt was concluded that the tricuspid valve regurgitation and arterial hypertension correlate with atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with normal left atrial anatomy.
Non‐pharmacologic treatment of insomnia in primary care settings
Authors: Hrehová Laura , Mezian Kamal 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionPrevalence of insomnia is higher in females and increases with higher age. Besides primary insomnia, comorbid sleep disorders are also common, accompanying different conditions. Considering the possible adverse effects of commonly used drugs to promote sleep, a non‐pharmacologic approach should be preferred in most cases. Although generally considered first‐line treatment, the non‐pharmacologic approach is often underestimated by both patients and physicians.ObjectiveTo provide primary care physicians an up‐to‐date approach to the non‐pharmacologic treatment of insomnia.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles about the non‐pharmacologic treatment of insomnia up to December 2020. We restricted our search only to articles written in English.Main messageMost patients presenting with sleep disorder symptoms can be effectively managed in the primary care setting. Primary care physicians may use pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic approaches, while the latter should be generally considered first‐line treatment. A primary care physician may opt to refer the patient to a subspecialist for refractory cases.ConclusionsThis paper provides an overview of current recommendations and up‐to‐date evidence for the non‐pharmacologic treatment of insomnia. This article emphasizes the importance of cognitive‐behavioral therapy for insomnia, likewise, exercise and relaxation techniques. Complementary and alternative approaches are also covered, eg, light therapy, aromatherapy, music therapy, and herbal medicine.
Platelet count evaluation compared with the immunoplatelet reference method and performance evaluation of the hematology analyzer Celltac G
Authors: Yamade Kenji , Yamaguchi Toshihiro , Nagai Yutaka , Kamisako Toshinori 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe hematology analyzer, Celltac G (Nihon Kohden), designed to improve platelet count (Plt) accuracy, is equipped with new sheath flow control technology. Clinical evaluation of the Celltac G was assessed by comparability with XN‐9000 (Sysmex Corporation) and CELL‐DYN Sapphire (Abbott Diagnostics). The accuracy of all three analyzers, which use different measuring principles, was compared with the immunoplatelet reference method (FCM‐Ref).MethodsRepeatability and within‐laboratory imprecision were assessed using 10 clinical fresh whole blood samples and three control materials with differing levels. Carryover was evaluated using 6 clinical fresh whole blood samples. For method comparison between the three analyzers, 388 samples were used. Plt accuracy among the three analyzers was evaluated using 54 blood samples, including 42 samples with a platelet count less than 50x109/L. The International Council for Standardization in Haematology method for Plt was used as the FCM‐Ref.ResultsThe Celltac G showed sufficient performance with regard to imprecision, carryover, and comparability. The Analytical Measurement Interval (AMI) and linearity for all parameters of Plt were validated within 4.6 to 809.1 (×109/L). All hematology analyzers showed some disagreement in Plt when compared with the immunoplatelet reference method.ConclusionThe Celltac G hematology analyzer is suitable for clinical use. Platelet count evaluation of the three analyzers suggests the need to determine a reportable measurement interval (RMI) in the clinical laboratory for adequate reporting of a Plt from multiple different values.
Examining competencies for the instructional design professional: An exploratory job announcement analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoman , Chen Yan , Ritzhaupt Albert D. , Martin Florence 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine core professional competencies for instructional designers through a job announcement analysis involving both qualitative and quantitative produces used on a qualitative data source. Using a conceptual framework as a guide, we extracted and examined a total of N = 1030 unique job announcements obtained from September to October 2019 from three popular job search databases: Glassdoor.com, Indeed.com and Monster.com. Using a systematic content analysis coding procedure, we coded the absence or presence of N = 185 competencies organized into knowledge, skill and ability statements (80 knowledge statements, 43 skill statements and 62 ability statements). These data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis models for dichotomously scored data, resulting in meaningful factors that are representative of these data. Our results highlight critical competencies for professional instructional designers in each domain, including soft skills, the ability to work with diverse stakeholders and more technical competencies like knowledge of video and audio authoring. The study provides a current snapshot of the knowledge, skills and abilities of instructional designers across settings. We provide a comprehensive discussion of our limitations, findings related to similar works, implications and suggestions for future research.
Impact of low‐dose tadalafil on adverse events after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer: A bi‐center randomized open‐label trial
Authors: Minagawa Tomonori , Oguchi Tomohiko , Saitou Tetsuichi , Fukazawa Ayumu , Hashida Iwao , Koiwai Keiichiro , Iijima Kazuyoshi , Kato Haruaki , Ogawa Teruyuki , Ishizuka Osamu 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo study the efficacy of phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor tadalafil in attenuating adverse events after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.MethodsThis was a randomized open‐label trial, conducted at two institutions. Prostate cancer patients undergoing low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy were randomly assigned to receive tadalafil (study group) or tamsulosin (control group). The primary endpoint was International Prostate Symptom Score for subjective evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms. Uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume, and Sexual Health Inventory for Men score were the secondary endpoints. Each clinical variable was evaluated during a follow‐up period of 1 year after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy.ResultsA total of 107 patients were enrolled in this study, with a final total of 96 patients analyzed. The mean total International Prostate Symptom Score changes at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy were +7.4, +7.1, +4.7, +1.5, and +0.8, respectively, in the tamsulosin group, and +8.5, +9.2, +6.4, +4.1, and +1.6, respectively, in the tadalafil group. There were no statistically significant differences in International Prostate Symptom Score with the exception of the score at 9‐month follow‐up. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the uroflowmetry or postvoid residual urine volume findings. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men score in the tadalafil group was significantly higher than that in the tamsulosin group at 6, 9, and 12 months after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy.ConclusionsTadalafil could be an effective option for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy.
Ambulatory robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with extended recovery by total extraperitoneal approach
Authors: Low Alvin WX , Chen Kenneth , Tan Yu Guang , Ng Tze Kiat , Yuen John Shyi P 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of performing robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in an ambulatory with extended recovery setting by using a total extraperitoneal approach.MethodsPatients with low‐ to intermediate‐risk, prostate cancer were prospectively recruited in the ambulatory robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with extended recovery by total extraperitoneal approach group (n = 30), and a matched‐pair inpatient surgery control group by total extraperitoneal approach (n = 20). Objective discharge criteria were based on the postanesthesia discharge scoring system. All patients underwent preoperative counseling on preoperative preparation and postoperative care.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the ambulatory with extended recovery‐total extraperitoneal approach and inpatient‐total extraperitoneal approach groups in patient factors (age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson Comorbidity Index), disease factors (prostate‐specific antigen, clinical T stage, biopsy Gleason score, prostate volume) and peri‐operative parameters (operative time, blood loss, Trendelenburg angle). All total extraperitoneal robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy patients (ambulatory with extended recovery and inpatient surgery groups) met the postanesthesia discharge scoring system discharge criteria ≤23 h from admission. The mean hospital stays for ambulatory with extended recovery‐total extraperitoneal and inpatient‐total extraperitoneal groups were 20.3 and 52.4 h, respectively (P < 0.001). A total of 29 of 30 patients (97%) in the ambulatory with extended recovery‐total extraperitoneal group were discharged ≤23 h of admission.ConclusionsThis is the first prospective evaluation of robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by the total extraperitoneal approach, showing that the short‐stay ambulatory with extended recovery approach is safe, feasible and with a high success rate. Total extraperitoneal surgical approach is a critical factor for the success of the ambulatory with extended recovery protocol.
Monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils: an update on lifespan kinetics in health and disease
Authors: Patel Amit A. , Ginhoux Florent , Yona Simon 
Published: February 2021

SummaryPhagocytes form a family of immune cells that play a crucial role in tissue maintenance and help orchestrate the immune response. This family of cells can be separated by their nuclear morphology into mononuclear and polymorphonuclear phagocytes. The generation of these cells in the bone marrow, to the blood and finally into tissues is a tightly regulated process. Ensuring the adequate production of these cells and their timely removal is key for both the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Insight into the kinetic profiles of innate myeloid cells during steady state and pathology will permit the rational development of therapies to boost the production of these cells in times of need or reduce them when detrimental.
The gender representation gap: implications for workplace union effectiveness
Authors: Greene Anne‐marie , Kirton Gill , Koumenta Maria , Humphris Amy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article investigates how the gender of workplace representatives has implications for three dimensions of union effectiveness: (i) responsiveness to members, (ii) opportunity to influence management and (iii) ability to bring about change. Utilising original analysis of the 2011 Workplace Employment Relations Study, we examine three core elements of workplace employment relations processes that cut across the three dimensions: (i) workplace representation processes and employer support for union activity; (ii) substantive areas of representative involvement and (iii) quality of relations between union representatives and management, and between union representatives and employees. Our analysis highlights significant gender differences embedded in all three processes. The conclusion considers the broader implications of these findings for the gender equality project of British trade unions, beyond the objective of merely seeking to increase the numbers of women representatives.
The Ethics of Deliberate Exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 to Induce Immunity
Authors: Streiffer Robert , Killoren David , Chappell Richard Y. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe explore the ethics of deliberately exposing consenting adults to SARS‐CoV‐2 to induce immunity to the virus (‘DEI’ for short). We explain what a responsible DEI program might look like. We explore a consequentialist argument for DEI according to which DEI is a viable harm‐reduction strategy. Then we consider a nonconsequentialist argument for DEI that draws on the moral significance of consent. Additionally, we consider arguments for the view that DEI is unethical on the grounds that, given that large‐scale DEI would be highly likely to result in some severe illnesses and deaths, DEI amounts to a form of killing. Our thesis is that incorporating a DEI program alongside the status quo ‘calibrate the curve’ responses could have significant advantages at the early stages of pandemics. These potential advantages mean that, at a minimum, research into DEI would have been justified early in the COVID‐19 pandemic and that DEI programs should be explored as potential additions to our overall approach to emerging pandemics in the future.
Deubiquitylation and stabilization of ARMC5 by ubiquitin‐specific processing protease 7 (USP7) are critical for RCC proliferation
Authors: Yan Guobei , Liu Na , Tian Jun , Fu Yanli , Wei Wei , Zou Jingjing , Li Suping , Wang Qing , Li Kai , Wang Junhua 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ubiquitin‐proteasome system is an essential regulator of ARMC5, which serves as a new tumour suppressor protein for inhibiting meningiomas and hereditary adrenocortical tumorigenesis. However, the precise mechanism for the deubiquitination of ARMC5 is still not fully understood. A Western blot analysis of ARMC5 was performed and showed that the expression of ARMC5 was decreased in the renal cancer cell tissues and lines. By screening a deubiquitinase library, we identified USP7 as a potential ARMC5 associated deubiquitinase. In this paper, we demonstrated that there was an interaction between USP7 and ARMC5 in vivo and in vitro. Employing the overexpression and knockdown assay indicated that USP7 could greatly increase the steady state of ARMC5 through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and regulate ARMC5 ubiquitination. Moreover, USP7 altered cell cycle G1/S phases and regulated renal cancer cell proliferation by targeting ARMC5. Together, these results suggest that USP7 plays an important role in the RCC proliferation through modulating ARMC5 stability.
Development and verification of an immune‐related gene pairs prognostic signature in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Bao , Nie Xiaocui , Miao Xinxin , Wang Shuo , Li Jing , Wang Shengke 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOvarian cancer (OV) is the most common gynaecological cancer worldwide. Immunotherapy has recently been proven to be an effective treatment strategy. The work here attempts to produce a prognostic immune‐related gene pair (IRGP) signature to estimate OV patient survival. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases provided the genetic expression profiles and clinical data of OV patients. Based on the InnateDB database and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model, we first identified a 17‐IRGP signature associated with survival. The average area under the curve (AUC) values of the training, validation, and all TCGA sets were 0.869, 0.712, and 0.778, respectively. The 17‐IRGP signature noticeably split patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups with different prognostic outcomes. As suggested by a functional study, some biological pathways, including the Toll‐like receptor and chemokine signalling pathways, were significantly negatively correlated with risk scores; however, pathways such as the p53 and apoptosis signalling pathways had a positive correlation. Moreover, tumour stage III, IV, grade G1/G2, and G3/G4 samples had significant differences in risk scores. In conclusion, an effective 17‐IRGP signature was produced to predict prognostic outcomes in OV, providing new insights into immunological biomarkers.
MUC16 promotes EOC proliferation by regulating GLUT1 expression
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Qing , Zhang Hailing , Qiao Xiaogai , Zhang Xia , Zhang Ke , Gu Xiaoli , Wang Lihong , Cui Jinquan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs a common malignancy in females with a higher incidence rate, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a heterogeneous disease with complexity and diversity in histology and therapeutic response. Although great progress has been made in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, novel therapeutic strategies are required to improve survival. Although the promoting effect of mucin 16 (MUC16) on tumour progression has been reported, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. In our study, we reported that overexpression of MUC16 was significantly related to cell proliferation and disease progression in EOC. Results from clinical specimen analysis and cell experiment support this conclusion. Patients with a high MUC16 expression usually had a worse prognosis that those with a low expression. Cell proliferation ability was significantly decreased in EOC cell lines when the knockdown of MUC16. Further study shows that the function of MUC16 in cell proliferation is based on the regulation of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression. MUC16 can control glucose uptake by regulating GLUT1 in EOC cells, thereby promoting glycogen synthesis, so that tumour cells produce more energy for proliferation. This conclusion is based on two findings. First, the significant correlation between MUC16 and GLUT1 was verified by clinical specimen and TCGA data analysis. Then, alteration of MUC16 expression levels can affect the expression of GLUT1 and glucose uptake was also verified. Finally, this conclusion is further verified in vivo by tumour‐bearing mice model. To summarize, our results suggest that MUC16 promotes EOC proliferation and disease progression by regulating GLUT1 expression.
Ego versus Alter: Internal and External Perceptions of the EU's Role in Global Environmental Negotiations
Authors: Delreux Tom , Pipart Frauke 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper compares how European and non‐European participants in international environmental negotiations perceive the EU's role in such negotiations. Three dimensions of the EU's role (environmental ambition, diplomatic activity and influence) are assessed in three UN‐wide environmental forums (the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions on chemicals, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Environment Assembly). The paper presents original data collected through an online survey with 659 delegates who participated in the negotiations in the three forums in the period 2018–19. Comparing the ego perception of delegates from the EU with the alter view of delegates from non‐EU countries, the paper finds that the ego and alter perceptions of the EU's ambition, diplomatic activities and influence are largely similar. Both ego and alter see the EU as a highly ambitious, active and influential actor in global environmental negotiations.
Nondestructive detection for egg freshness based on hyperspectral imaging technology combined with harris hawks optimization support vector regression
Authors: Yao Kunshan , Sun Jun , Zhang Lin , Zhou Xin , Tian Yan , Tang Ningqiu , Wu Xiaohong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHaugh unit (HU) is an important freshness indicator of eggs. In order to detect HU nondestructively and rapidly, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology was employed in this study. A total of 350 newborn pink‐shell eggs were stored at 25°C and were measured every 3 days by HSI system in the spectral range of 401–1,002 nm. A method of combing leverage value with Cook's distance was used to eliminate outlier samples. The feature wavelengths related to HU were mainly between 530 and 800 nm identified by successive projections algorithm (SPA) and bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS). Finally, a harris hawks optimization support vector regression (HHO‐SVR) model was proposed to predict the HU of egg samples, and compared with GA‐SVR, ABC‐SVR, and GWO‐SVR. The results showed that the HHO‐SVR has higher prediction accuracy and stronger robustness, withR2pof 0.9523 and RMSEP of 3.0423. The brown‐shell egg was also taken as the research object to further verify the universality of the proposed methods, and the result indicates that the potential of HSI technology as a nondestructive tool in egg freshness detection.
Macro‐encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells in acute and chronic liver injury animal models
Authors: Kang Hyeon Tae , Jang Kiseok , Jun Dae Won , Yoon Eileen L , Lee Seung Min , Saeed Waqar Khalid , Lee Jin Ho 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and AimStem cell treatments using scaffolds for liver disease have been well studied. However, macro‐encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to minimize or inhibit stem cell homing has not been evaluated. Here, we conducted a proof‐of‐concept study using MSCs macro‐encapsulated in poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid in liver disease models.MethodsPoly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid semipermeable membranes (surface pore size up to 40 μm) were used as the macro‐encapsulation system. Macro‐encapsulated pouches were loaded with MSCs and sealed. Each pouch was implanted in the subcutaneous region of the dorsum or interlobular space of the liver. Acute liver injury was induced using thioacetamide intraperitoneal injection thrice a week. For the chronic liver fibrosis model, thioacetamide dose was gradually increased, starting from 100 to 400 mg/kg over 16 weeks (thrice a week).ResultsIn the acute liver injury model, the treated groups showed decreased liver inflammation and necrosis compared with the control. Hepatic fibrosis decreased in the treated group in the chronic liver fibrosis model compared with that in the control group. Encapsulated MSCs exhibited changed cell morphology and characteristics after implantation, showing increased periodic acid–Schiff staining and CYP2E1 expression. Migration and homing of MSCs into the liver was not observed. Under hypoxic conditions, macro‐encapsulated MSCs secreted more growth hormones, including vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, angiopoietin‐2, and placental growth factor, than monolayered MSCs in vitro.ConclusionsMacro‐encapsulated MSCs attenuate hepatic inflammation and fibrosis by upregulating hypoxia‐induced growth hormone secretion in liver disease models.