bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term clinical outcomes of cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Barwad Parag , Sinkar Kunal , Bachani Neeta , Shah Rushil , Shah Vihang , Kumar Binay , Bhoskar Shrikant , Desai Neeraj , Lokhandwala Yash 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is a useful therapeutic option in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) who are otherwise refractory to standard antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy or catheter ablation (CA). In this study, we sought to retrospectively analyze the long‐term outcomes of CSD in patients with refractory VT and/or VT storm with a majority of the patients being taken up for CSD ahead of CA.MethodsWe included consecutive patients with SHD who underwent CBD from 2010 to 2019 owing to refractory VT. A complete response to CSD was defined as a greater than 75% reduction in the frequency of ICD shocks for VT.ResultsA total of 65 patients (50 male, 15 female) were included. The underlying VT substrate was ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 30 (46.2%) patients while the remaining 35 (53.8%) patients had other nonischemic causes. The mean duration of follow‐up was 27 ± 24 months. A complete response to CSD was achieved in 47 (72.3%) patients. There was a significant decline in the number of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) or external defibrillator shocks post‐CSD (24 ± 37 vs. 2 ± 4, p < .01). Freedom from a combined endpoint of ICD shock or death at 2 years was 51.5%. An advanced New York Heart Association class (III and IV) was the only parameter found to be associated with this combined endpoint.ConclusionThe current retrospective analysis re‐emphasizes the role of surgical CSD and explores its role ahead of CA in the treatment of patients with refractory VT or VT storm.
The role of insect pollinators in avocado production: A global review
Authors: Dymond Keira , Celis‐Diez Juan L. , Potts Simon G. , Howlett Brad G. , Willcox Bryony K. , Garratt Michael P. D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInsect pollination increases the yield and quality of many crops and therefore, understanding the role of insect pollinators in crop production is necessary to sustainably increase yields. Avocado Persea americana benefits from insect pollination, however, a better understanding of the role of pollinators and their contribution to the production of this globally important crop is needed. In this study, we carried out a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of studies investigating the pollination ecology of avocado to answer the following questions: (a) Are there any research gaps in terms of geographic location or scientific focus? (b) What is the effect of insect pollinators on avocado pollination and production? (c) Which pollinators are the most abundant and effective and how does this vary across location? (d) How can insect pollination be improved for higher yields? (e) What are the current evidence gaps and what should be the focus of future research? Research from many regions of the globe has been published, however, results showed that there is limited information from key avocado producing countries such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. In most studies, insects were shown to contribute greatly to pollination, fruit set and yield. Honeybees Apis mellifera were important pollinators in many regions due to their efficiency and high abundance, however, many wild pollinators also visited avocado flowers and were the most frequent visitors in over 50% of studies. This study also highlighted the effectiveness of stingless bees (Meliponini) and blow flies (Calliphoridae) as avocado pollinators although, for the majority of flower visitors, there is a lack of data on pollinator efficiency. For optimal yields, growers should ensure a sufficient abundance of pollinators in their orchards either through increasing honeybee hive density or, for a more sustainable approach, by managing wild pollinators through practices that protect or promote natural habitat.
Evaluation of clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma conforming to the Milan criteria: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of recent randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jia Zhe , Zhang Haitao , Li Ning 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe few systematic reviews that have compared surgical resection (SR) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) indicated that hepatectomy was superior to RFA in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) irrespective of overall survival (OS) or disease‐free survival (DFS). However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce; therefore, there is a lack of robust evidence on the optimal first‐line treatment for HCC patients. The purpose of this study was to include all current RCT studies to compare the clinical efficacy between RFA and SR in patients with HCC who meet the Milan criteria using meta‐analysis techniques.MethodsWe conducted thorough searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, FDA.gov, and ClinicalTrials.gov for comparative studies (published between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2019; no language restrictions) of RFA and SR. The main endpoints were OS, DFS, and postoperative complications. Only randomized clinical trials were included. The odds ratios (OR) were pooled and calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for both fixed effects and random effects models.ResultsEight studies comparing RFA and SR were identified, which included 1177 patients treated with RFA (n = 571) or SR (n = 606). The OR values for patients treated with RFA and SR at 1, 3, and 5 years were OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.45–1.38; OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.56–1.19; and OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.61–1.73, respectively. The OS between the two treatments was not significantly different. The 1‐year DFS rates resulting from the two treatments were not statistically different (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.63–1.21). Similarly, according to long‐term DFS rates for SR compared with RFA, although the OR value was less than 1, there was no statistical significance (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.58–1.07). However, it is worth noting that RFA has advantages over SR in terms of treatment‐related complications (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.80; P < 0.05), postoperative mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization costs.ConclusionFor patients with HCC who meet the Milan criteria, RFA exhibited similar clinical efficacy to SR. However, RFA was superior to SR in terms of minor trauma and may be recommended as the first choice for tumors ≤ 4 cm in diameter.
Integrated Physicality and the Absence of God: Spiritual Technologies in Theological Context
Authors: Ritchie Sarah Lane 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhy do some people effortlessly experience God and others do not, no matter how much they may desire to? In the Christian tradition, there are different answers to this question. Some have seen this as a result of the Fall, election, or as Sarah Coakley argues, the result of God’s ‘dark intimacy’. Could the fact that human experiences turn out to be, at least partly, within our own control help us choose among these theories of the hiddenness of God, or even pose an alternative account? Human experience and belief are embodied and as such are conditioned by intentional practices: for example, in daily prayer, liturgy, ritual, and charismatic activities. Research in cognitive science of religion and neurobiology suggests that the brain is essentially malleable, constantly changing in response to lived experience. This article argues for the possibility of using scientifically‐informed tools to work with psychological and neurobiological realities to provide a deeper understanding of the cooperative, participatory nature of our embodied human engagement with Divine presence and absence.
Characterizing multi‐word speech production using event‐related potentials
Authors: Ries Stephanie K. , Pinet Svetlana , Nozari N. Bonnie , Knight Robert T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEvent‐related potentials (ERPs) derived from electroencephalography (EEG) have proven useful for understanding linguistic processes during language perception and production. Words are commonly produced in sequences, yet most ERP studies have used single‐word experimental designs. Single‐word designs reduce potential ERP overlap in word sequence production. However, word sequence production engages brain mechanisms in different ways than single word production. In particular, speech monitoring and planning mechanisms are more engaged than for single words since several words must be produced in a short period of time. This study evaluates the feasibility of recording ERP components in the context of word sequence production, and whether separate components could be isolated for each word. Scalp EEG data were acquired, while participants recited word sequences from memory at a regular pace, using a tongue‐twister paradigm. The results revealed fronto‐central error‐related negativity, previously associated with speech monitoring, which could be distinguished for each word. Its peak amplitude was sensitive to Cycle and Phonological Similarity. However, an effect of sequential production was also observable on baseline measures, indicating baseline shifts throughout the word sequence due to concurrent sustained medial‐frontal EEG activity. We also report a late left anterior negativity (LLAN), associated with verbal response planning and execution, onsetting around 100 ms before the first word in each cycle and sustained throughout the rest of the cycle. This work underlines the importance of considering the contribution of transient and sustained EEG activity on ERPs, and provides evidence that ERPs can be used to study sequential word production.
Applications of carbon nanotubes and polymeric micro‐/nanoparticles in fish vaccine delivery: progress and future perspectives
Authors: Giri Sib Sankar , Kim Sang Guen , Kang Jeong Woo , Kim Sang Wha , Kwon Jun , Lee Sung Bin , Jung Won Joon , Park Se Chang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNewly evolving strains of pathogenic microorganisms in aquaculture are posing formidable challenge in controlling and/or eradication of diseases affecting aquaculture. Many research studies have aimed to address this challenge, and the delivery of vaccines using biocompatible nano‐delivery systems is widely investigated. Nanoparticles (NPs) have tremendous potential for application as delivery vehicles of novel vaccines. At present, various polymeric and non‐polymeric NPs are utilized to deliver vaccines in aquatic species. This review comprehensively discusses recent research advancements in the utilization of carbon nanotubes and polymeric micro‐/nanoparticles for the delivery of drug/nutrients to control fish diseases. Further, this review compares the potentials of various vaccine delivery systems utilized to control fish pathogens. The necessity of non‐toxic and eco‐friendly strategies for aquaculture has also been emphasized in this review.
High‐speed centrifugation of extender of freeze‐thaw boar semen
Authors: de Brito Camila R. C. , Varela Junior Antonio Sergio , Gheller Stela Mari M. , Acosta Izani B. , Anciuti Andreia N. , Gatti Norton Luiz S. , Silva Edenara A. , Knabah Nathalia W. , Corcini Carine D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn semen cryopreservation, egg yolk is still widely used as a non‐penetrating cryoprotectant. Much has been developed in the search for alternatives for this biological product. This work aimed to evaluate the processed egg yolk through ultracentrifugation and/or sonication in the cryopreservation of swine semen. Twenty‐seven semen doses were purchased from a commercial boar stud and processed for cryopreservation using egg yolk lactose 11% (control) extender, processed using two different methods: high‐speed centrifugation and sonication. Then, they were submitted to freeze‐thawing protocol and were assessed for kinematic and cell structural parameters. Samples in which extenders underwent centrifugation had better results in velocity parameters, meanwhile those that only sonication was performed had poorest results in this parameter. The preservation of the membrane and mitochondria structure had better results when the diluent was only centrifuged in comparison with the other treatments. Therefore, centrifugation of extender containing egg yolk is important for better cryopreservation of swine semen.
Educational growth: An analysis of distribution among Brazilian municipalities
Authors: Fujita Laura Desirée Vernier , Bagolin Izete Pengo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study analyzes the distribution of education in terms of quality and quantity in Brazilian municipalities during the first decade of 2000 to investigate how educational improvement was distributed to municipalities with different levels of income and education. Given the considerable educational heterogeneity and the lack of studies at the municipal level, the aim is to contribute to this debate by (1) applying the pro‐poor growth measurement methodology to indicators of educational quantity and quality (2) using the Brazilian municipalities as units of analysis, and (3) conducting estimations using the Growth Incidence Curve. The results indicate that there was an improvement in the quantity and quality of education and that, on average, educational growth can be considered pro‐poor.
An appreciation of Professor Stephan Klasen and his contribution to development economics
Authors: Kan Sophia , Lange Simon 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStephan Klasen, one of the world's leading development economists, passed away on October 27, 2020. We reflect on his life's work as an exemplary scholar, his relentless quest to improve development policy, and his legacy as a mentor and source of inspiration to his students.
Potential roles of mesenchymal stromal cells in islet allo‐ and xenotransplantation for type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qu Zepeng , Lou Qi , Cooper David K. C. , Pu Zuhui , Lu Ying , Chen Jiao , Ni Yong , Zhan Yongqiang , Chen Jun , Li Zhenjie , Zhan Naiyang , Zeng Yi , Tu Ziwei , Cao Huayi , Dai Yifan , Cai Zhiming , Mou Lisha 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIslet transplantation is poised to play an important role in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, there are several challenges limiting its widespread use, including the instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction, hypoxic/ischemic injury, and the immune response. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are known to exert regenerative, immunoregulatory, angiogenic, and metabolic properties. Here, we review recent reports on the application of MSCs in islet allo‐ and xenotransplantation. We also document the clinical trials that have been undertaken or are currently underway, relating to the co‐transplantation of islets and MSCs. Increasing evidence indicates that co‐transplantation of MSCs prolongs islet graft survival by locally secreted protective factors that reduce immune reactivity and promote vascularization, cell survival, and regeneration. MSC therapy may be a promising option for islet transplantation in patients with T1DM.
Junctophilin‐4 facilitates inflammatory signalling at plasma membrane‐endoplasmic reticulum junctions in sensory neurons
Authors: Hogea Alexandra , Shah Shihab , Jones Frederick , Carver Chase M. , Hao Han , Liang Ce , Huang Dongyang , Du Xiaona , Gamper Nikita 
Published: February 2021

Key points
Rat somatosensory neurons express a junctional protein, junctophilin‐4 (JPH4)
JPH4 is necessary for the formation of store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) complex at the junctions between plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum in these neurons.
Knockdown of JPH4 impairs endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store refill and junctional Ca2+ signalling in sensory neurons.
In vivo knockdown of JPH4 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons significantly attenuated experimentally induced inflammatory pain in rats.
Junctional nanodomain Ca2+ signalling maintained by JPH4 is an important contributor to the inflammatory pain mechanisms.
AbstractJunctions of endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane (ER‐PM junctions) form signalling nanodomains in eukaryotic cells. ER‐PM junctions are present in peripheral sensory neurons and are important for the fidelity of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling. Yet little is known about the assembly, maintenance and physiological role of these junctions in somatosensory transduction. Using fluorescence imaging, proximity ligation, super‐resolution microscopy, in vitro and in vivo gene knockdown we demonstrate that a member of the junctophilin protein family, junctophilin‐4 (JPH4), is necessary for the formation of store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) complex at the ER‐PM junctions in rat somatosensory neurons. Thus we show that JPH4 localises to the ER‐PM junctional areas and co‐clusters with SOCE proteins STIM1 and Orai1 upon ER Ca2+ store depletion. Knockdown of JPH4 impairs SOCE and ER Ca2+ store refill in sensory neurons. Furthermore, we demonstrate a key role of the JPH4 and junctional nanodomain Ca2+ signalling in the pain‐like response induced by the inflammatory mediator bradykinin. Indeed, an in vivo knockdown of JPH4 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons significantly shortened the duration of nocifensive behaviour induced by hindpaw injection of bradykinin in rats. Since the ER supplies Ca2+ for the excitatory action of multiple inflammatory mediators, we suggest that junctional nanodomain Ca2+ signalling maintained by JPH4 is an important contributor to the inflammatory pain mechanisms.
Electric Power Transfer Concept for Enhanced Performance of the More Electric Engine
Authors: Balaghi Enalou Hossein , Bozhko Serhiy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In future electrified aircraft, multispool more electric engines (MEEs) are expected to be equipped with electric generators connected to each shaft for power offtake and supplying onboard electrical loads. These can be interfaced to a common high-voltage DC bus architecture via power electronic converters. Such system architecture enables the establishment of an “electrical bridge” to circulate the desired amount of power between the engine shafts, and decouple their speeds. This paper introduces the possible benefits from the electric power transfer (EPT) for engine performance and scrutinizes a novel EPT-adopted design (EPTAD) for future MEEs. For this purpose, a zero-dimensional (0D) engine model has been developed by using the intercomponent-volume (ICV) method. By using the engine model, the CFM56-3 engine is redesigned to realize the EPTAD. Comparing the simulation results for the EPTAD and baseline CFM56-3 engines shows significant improvement for engine performance in terms of specific fuel consumption (SFC) and surge margin (SM), mainly at cruise (CR) condition. Results show that almost 3.2% and 2.2% of fuel burn reduction is achieved for the short- and medium-haul flights, respectively, with a 1150 kW EPT system. It is also shown that variable bleed valves (VBVs) can be eliminated in the EPTAD engine with a 1150 kW EPT system.
Does Preoperative Pain Catastrophizing Influence Objectively Measured Physical Activity Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Birch Sara , Bæk Hansen Torben , Stilling Maiken , Mechlenburg Inger 
Published: February 2021

Background: Pain catastrophizing is associated with pain both before and after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it remains uncertain whether pain catastrophizing affects physical activity (PA). The aim was to examine the influence of pain catastrophizing on the PA profile, knee function, and muscle mass before and after a TKA.Methods: The authors included 58 patients with knee osteoarthritis scheduled for TKA. Twenty-nine patients had a score >22 on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and 29 patients had a score <11. PA was measured with a triaxial accelerometer preoperative, 3 months, and 12 months after TKA. Other outcome measures consisted of the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans.Results: The authors found no difference in PA between patients with a better/low or a worse/high score on the PCS, and none of the groups increased their mean number of steps/day from preoperative to 12 months postoperative. Patients with better/low PCS scores had higher/better preoperative scores on the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales (symptoms, pain, and activity of daily living), and they walked longer in the 6-min walk test. Further, they had lower body mass index, lower percent fat mass, and higher percent muscle mass than patients with worse/high PCS scores both before and after a TKA.Conclusion: Preoperative pain catastrophizing did not influence PA before or after a TKA. Although the patients improved substantially in self-reported knee function, their PA did not increase. This may be important to consider when the clinicians are informing the patients about the expected benefits from the operation.
Anterior chamber tap cytology in acute postoperative endophthalmitis: a case–control study
Authors: Leveziel Loic , Knoeri Juliette , Errera Marie-Helene , Kobal Alfred , Fardeau Christine , Bouheraoua Nacim , Sahel José Alain , Baudouin Christophe , Nordmann Jean-Philippe , Baudouin Françoise , Merabet Lilia , Borderie Vincent 
Published: February 2021

AimsTo determine anterior chamber tap cytology characteristics in acute postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis.Methods488 eyes of 488 patients were included in this retrospective case–control study. The study group included 93 eyes with bacteriologically documented endophthalmitis and 85 eyes with clinical endophthalmitis. The control group included 33 eyes with non-infectious postoperative inflammation, 116 eyes with acute uveitis and 161 cataract surgery eyes with no ocular inflammation. Cytological analysis, direct examination and microbiological cultures were performed in aqueous humour (AqH) samples. Inclusion criteria for the study group were the following: suspected endophthalmitis within 30 days following cataract surgery by phacoemulsification, secondary lens implantation, pars plana vitrectomy or intravitreal injection; best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <20/400; hypopyon or cyclitic membrane; absence of visibility of the retina; vitritis at a slit-lamp examination or in ultrasound B-scan.ResultsCell line counts (mainly polymorphonuclear neutrophils) were significantly higher in the two endophthalmitis study subgroups than in the three control subgroups. The study group showed a predominance of polymorphonuclear neutrophils as opposed to the three control subgroups including uveitis (p<0.00001). The best sensitivity/specificity was obtained using a polymorphonuclear neutrophil threshold of 10 per field (sensitivity, 0.90; specificity, 0.75). The sensitivity of the bacterial culture was 32% in the AqH. High neutrophil count was associated with poorer initial BCVA (rs=0.62; p<0.00001) and higher risk of retinal detachment during (p=0.04) and after (p<0.001) hospitalisation.ConclusionAnterior chamber tap cytology is a quick and accessible tool complementary to culture and PCR for the management of acute postoperative endophthalmitis.