bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood flow effects of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation. A blinded, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Viudes‐Sarrión Nuria , Aleixandre‐Carrera Fernando , Beltrá Patricia , Ortega Francisco Javier , Molina‐Payá Francisco Javier , Velasco Enrique , Delicado‐Miralles Miguel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe vasculature function is mainly regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Importantly, the sensory‐motor nervous system also innervates peripheral vessels and has the capacity to modulate vascular tone. Here we investigated the effects of electrical stimulation of a mixed nerve trunk on blood flow in deep arteries and muscle perfusion. Our hypothesis is that stimulation of a mixed nerve can modify blood flow.MethodsTwenty‐nine healthy participants were included into a randomized‐crossover and blinded clinical trial. Each subject received a placebo and two percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (pPNS) protocols on the median nerve: Pain Threshold continuous Low Frequency (PT‐cLF) and Sensory Threshold burst High Frequency (ST‐bHF). Blood flow was then assessed bilaterally using Power Doppler Ultrasonography at the main arteries of the arm, and blood perfusion at the forearm muscles. Afterwards, blood flow was quantified using a semi‐automatized software, freely shared here.ResultsPlacebo, consisting in needle insertion, produced an immediate and generalized reduction on peak systolic velocity in all arteries. Although nerve stimulation produced mainly no effects, some significant differences were found: both protocols increased the relative perfusion area of the forearm muscles, the ST‐bHF protocol prevented the reduction in peak systolic velocity and TAMEAN of the radial artery produced by the control protocol and PT‐cLF produced a TAMEAN reduction of the ulnar artery.ConclusionsTherefore, the arterial blood flow in the arm is mainly impervious to the electrical stimulation of the median nerve, composed by autonomic and sensory‐motor axons, although it produces mild modifications in the forearm muscles perfusion.
The therapeutic effect of stem cell‐derived exosomes in the treatment of chronic endometritis as assessed by histopathological, Doppler and hormonal expression in Arabian mares
Authors: Abdelnaby Elshymaa A. , Abdallah Ahmed N. , Anwar Islam M. , El‐Tookhy Omar S. , Shamaa Ashraf A. 
Published: September 2023

SummaryBackgroundBone‐derived exosomes are considered nano‐sized extracellular vesicles secreted by the bone marrow stromal cells.ObjectivesThis study used exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to treat chronic endometritis in Arabian mares with follow‐up alterations in haemodynamics, hormonal and histopathological expressions.Methods and study designFourteen (n = 14) Arabian mares (aged 13–15 years old) were equally divided into the control group and an endometritis group (chronic type). Exosomes were infused twice 21 days apart at the first and second ovulations. Follow‐up was done ultrasonographically, and samples were taken for histopathology. Blood samples were taken to estimate hormonal levels.ResultsUterine biopsy samples before treatment showed a marked degree of degeneration, while the second exosomal treatment showed regression of fibrous tissue and restoration of healthy endometrial glands with normal epithelium. Uterine body and horns thickness/mm were decreased after treatment at day 0 of the 3rd ovulation compared to day −1 before treatment, the uterine body‐coloured area and total uterine coloured areas/pixels were elevated (p < 0.05) at day 0 of the 3rd ovulation compared to day −1 before treatment. Uterine artery blood parameters (pulsatility index, resistance index, peak systolic and end‐diastolic points) did not change before, during and after treatment, but the blood flow rate was elevated (p < 0.05) on day 0 of the 3rd ovulation compared to day −1 before treatment. Oestradiol level was decreased (p < 0.05), while progesterone level was increased (p < 0.05) on day 0 of the 3rd ovulation compared to day −1 before treatment.ConclusionTwo intrauterine administrations of exosomes restored the normal endometrial appearance after chronic endometritis resulting in the elevation of the conception rate in infertile mares.
Adaptation strategies of the Icelandic horse with induced forelimb lameness at walk, trot and tölt
Authors: Smit Ineke H. , Hernlund Elin , Persson‐Sjodin Emma , Björnsdóttir Sigridur , Gunnarsdottir Helga , Gunnarsson Vikingur , Rhodin Marie , Serra Braganca Filipe M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and objectiveLameness assessment in the gaited Icelandic horse is complex. We aimed to describe their kinematic and temporal adaptation strategies in response to forelimb lameness at walk, trot and tölt.Study designIn vivo experiment.MethodsTen clinically non‐lame Icelandic horses were measured before and after reversible forelimb lameness induction. Upper body and limb kinematics were measured using 11 inertial measurement units mounted on the poll, withers, pelvis (tubera sacrale) and all four limbs and hoofs (Equimoves®, 500 Hz). Horses were measured on a straight line at walk and trot in‐hand and at walk, trot and tölt while ridden. Linear mixed models were used to compare baseline and lame conditions (random factor = ‘horse’), and results are presented as the difference in estimated marginal means or percentage of change.ResultsLameness induction significantly (p < 0.05) increased head vertical movement asymmetry at walk (HDmin/HDmaxHAND: 18.8/5.7 mm, HDmin/HDmaxRIDDEN: 9.8/0.3 mm) and trot (HDmin/HDmaxHAND: 18.1/7.8 mm, HDmin/HDmaxRIDDEN: 24.0/9.3 mm). At the tölt, however, HDmin did not change significantly (1.1 mm), but HDmax increased by 11.2 mm (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pelvis vertical movement asymmetry (PDmax) increased by 4.9 mm, sound side dissociation decreased (−8.3%), and sound diagonal dissociation increased (6.5%). Other temporal stride variables were also affected, such as increased stance duration of both forelimbs at walk, tölt and in‐hand trot.Main limitationsOnly one degree of lameness (mild) was induced with an acute lameness model.ConclusionsClassical forelimb lameness metrics, such as vertical head and withers movement asymmetry, were less valuable at tölt compared to walk and trot, except for HDmax. Therefore, it is advised to primarily use the walk and trot to detect and quantify forelimb lameness in the Icelandic horse.
Temperature change and fatigue crack initiation associated with local cyclic slip deformation in a single crystal material
Authors: Sakaguchi Motoki , Thanakun Putt , Koshio Akira , Tokihiro Kosuke , Inoue Hirotsugu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEvaluating the fatigue limit by measuring temperature changes via infrared thermography has attracted significant interest because of its potential for rapid assessments. However, the physical background and validity of this technique are not yet fully understood. In this study, notched specimens of a single crystal Ni‐base superalloy with different crystallographic orientations are subjected to cyclic loading to investigate crack initiation and temperature change. Local slip deformation is quantified using crystal plasticity finite element analyses. It is found from the experimental and analytical results that the distribution of the temperature change and the local slip deformation (a plastic shear strain on the most active slip system) are affected by the crystallographic orientation. However, the correlation between the plastic shear strain and the second harmonic amplitude, as well as the threshold values of these parameters for crack initiation, is independent of the crystallographic orientation.
Quasi‐synchronous solid‐state reaction for cordierite powder synthesis
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hsin , Yen Fu‐Su , Hsiang Hsing‐I , Lee Man‐Nee 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study investigates a quasi‐synchronous solid‐state reaction for synthesizing cordierite powder using talc, kaolinite, and Al2O3 mineral powders as starting materials. The thermal reaction proceeded with two different stages according to the Al sources provided by: (1) Al2O3 powders—the first stage starting at temperatures that were considerably lower than 1150°C and (2) kaolinite (mullite)—the second stage starting at temperatures that were higher than 1150°C. The goal is to shift the temperature of the first stage to coincide with that of the second stage by mixing α‐cordierite powder with the starting constituents. Exceeding the authentic reduction amounts of Al2O3 on talc particles leads to a rise in the temperature required to initiate the first‐stage reaction to 1200°C. However, this also eliminates the presence of β‐cordierite and spinel that occur in the first stage and allows for the early fulfilment of α‐cordierite formation in the second stage. The excess SiO2 released by the second stage compensates for the insufficient SiO2 required by the first stage, allowing for a smooth processing reaction. Also, a quasi‐synchronous solid‐state reaction for synthesizing cordierite occurs.
The ‘End’ of Memory: Memory, the Porous Self, and the Communion of Saints in Augustine's Confessions
Authors: Wu Abraham S‐C 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article presents a brief, constructive, theological account of memory in response to contemporary questions regarding memory loss via Augustine's account of memory, which elucidates the remembering subject's openness and relatedness to God and the communion of saints. First, I examine Augustine's Confessions, showing how memory is embodied, affective, and cogitative, and that memory's end is in relation to God and the communion of saints. Afterwards, I consider the resonances between Augustine's account of memory and two threads of research in dementia studies—namely, the notion of the ‘embodied self’ and the concept of memory ‘extension’—in order to propose how such a reading of Augustine on memory might contribute towards theological accounts and responses to memory impairment or loss.
Organization of Hannover Skin Bank: Sterile culture and procurement protocols for viable cryopreserved allogeneic skin grafts of living donors
Authors: Schlottmann Frederik , Strauß Sarah , Ziesing Stefan , Reineke Christiane , Ipaktchi Ramin , Weyand Birgit , Krezdorn Nicco , Vogt Peter Maria , Bucan Vesna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPreserved allogeneic donor skin still represents one of the gold standard therapies in temporary wound coverage in severely burned patients or chronic wounds. Allogeneic skin grafts are currently commercially available as cryo‐ or glycerol‐preserved allografts through skin tissue banks all over the world. Most of the skin tissue banks rely on human cadaveric skin donations. Due to the chronic shortage of human allogeneic transplants, such as skin, and increasing costs in the procurement of allografts from other skin tissue banks, Hannover Medical School has been building up its own skin tissue bank based on allogeneic skin grafts from living donors who underwent surgical treatment (i.e., body‐contouring procedures, such as abdominioplasties). This article presents procedures and protocols for the procurement and processing of allogeneic skin grafts according to national legislation and European regulations and guidelines. Beside protocols, initial microbiological data regarding the sterility of the harvested grafts are presented. The results currently form the basis for further investigations as well as clinical applications. In summary, a microbiological testing and acceptance procedure is presented that ensures adequate patient safety and skin viability.
Incorporation of Eu3+ in ZnGa2O4:Ni2+ for improved NIR persistent luminescence located in second transparency window
Authors: Jin Minghui , Zhang Tao , Li Ji‐Guang , Zhu Qi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIt is well known that near‐infrared (NIR) persistent phosphors have rather low absorption coefficients of biological tissues for NIR light. However, recent research shows that the phosphors emitting NIR lights in second NIR (NIR‐II, 1000–1350 nm) and third (NIR‐III, 1500–1800 nm) biological window have advantages over that in NIR‐I (650–900 nm). Although ZnGa2O4:Ni2+ outputs NIR emission and afterglow locatedin NIR‐II, the weak signal significant limits its application. In this work, persistent luminescent phosphors of ZnGa2O4:xNi2+, yEu3+ (x = 0–0.013, y = 0.01–0.06) (termed as ZEGN) were synthesized via a traditional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction, which feature a broad emission band in the NIR‐II window. The phosphors exhibit a broad NIR emission at about 1300 nm after ultraviolet (UV) or orange–red lights excitation, arising from the 3T2(3F) → 3A2(3F) transition of Ni2+. However, incorporation of Eu3+ ions, the NIR emission intensity significantly increases with the increase of Ni2+ ion concentration, reaching the maximum by 18 times at x = 0.005. Removing the light source, the sample still outputs intense NIR afterglow and red afterglow that can last over 500 s. It is noteworthy that the red afterglow of Eu3+ shows a dramatically decrease but the NIR afterglow increases with increasing the Ni2+ ion concentration, because of energy transfer. Under the excitation of 282‐nm UV light, the ZGEN sample exhibits a good thermal stability. The phosphor offers a promising application in biological imaging due to broadband NIR‐II light and afterglow.
Audit engagement partner ideology, ideological homophily, and audit quality
Authors: Goenner Cullen , Guo Xiaoli , Notbohm Matthew 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that audit quality is influenced by the audit engagement partner's characteristics. Extending this literature, we examine the association between audit engagement partner ideology (i.e. conservatism) and audit quality. We find that clients whose audit engagement partners are ideologically more conservative receive higher quality audits, as indicated by lower discretionary accruals than clients with less conservative auditors. Additionally, we find evidence that the relation between the auditor's ideology and that of the client's executives influences audit quality, as does the ideological homophily between the auditor and the client's audit committee. Homophilous pairings between the audit engagement partner and the client's executives, where the two parties share a similar ideology, are associated with both higher discretionary accruals and higher probabilities of restatement. Discretionary accruals are also shown to be higher when engagement partners share an ideology with their client's audit committee. We interpret these results as evidence of less effective monitoring by the engagement partner when they share political views with their clients.
Adverse events associated with amplatzer left atrial appendage occlusion delivery system: A Food and Drug Administration MAUDE database study
Authors: Kewcharoen Jakrin , Shah Kuldeep , Bhardwaj Rahul , Contractor Tahmeed , Turagam Mohit K. , Mandapati Ravi , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Garg Jalaj 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundDual occlusive closure mechanism (disc and lobe type), Amulet device (Abbott; a second‐generation device that has replaced Amplatzer Cardiac Plug) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2021 for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). However, real‐world safety data on the delivery system (Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amplatzer Amulet device) are lacking.ObjectiveWe sought to assess the type of adverse events associated with the Amplatzer LAAO delivery system using the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.MethodsA MAUDE database search was conducted on March 31, 2023, for reports received between February 2013 and March 2023 to capture all adverse events.ResultsA total of 59 adverse events were reported, of which 58 were sheath‐related events, and one was a wire‐related event. The most commonly encountered issue was air embolism (19%, 11 events), followed by sheath thrombosis (13.8%, eight events, two of which were also associated with device thrombosis), kinked sheath (10.3%, six events), and sheath deformation (8.6%, five events). Patient‐related adverse events included pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis (22.4%, 13 events), vascular complications (20.7%, 12 events), and device dislodgement (5.2%, three events).ConclusionLAAO‐related adverse events are increasingly being reported using the Amplatzer LAAO delivery sheath. It is anticipated that improvements in device technology, the advent of steerable sheaths, and operator experience will minimize these complications.
Are antiarrhythmic agents indicated in premature ventricular complex‐induced cardiomyopathy and when?
Authors: Kantharia Bharat K. , Shah Arti N. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionPremature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are the most common ventricular arrhythmia that are encountered in the clinical practice. Recent data suggests that high PVC burden may lead to the development of PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy (PVC‐CM) even in patients without structural heart disease. Treatment for effective suppression of PVCs, can reverse PVC‐CM. Both antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and catheter ablation (CA) are recognized treatment modalities for any cardiac arrhythmias. However, with increasing preference of CA, the role of AADs needs further defining regarding their efficacy, safety, indications and patient selection to treat PVC‐CM.MethodsTo ascertain the role of AADs to treat PVC‐CM; whether they are indicated to treat PVC‐CM, and if so, when, we interrogated PubMed and other search engines for English language publications with key words premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), cardiomyopathy, anti‐arrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation, and pharmacological agents. All publications were carefully reviewed and scrutinized by the authors for their inclusion in the review paper. For illustration of cases, ethical standard was observed as per the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki, and the patient was treated as per the prevailing standard of care. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for conducting the ablation procedure.ResultsOur literature search specifically the pharmacological treatment of PVC‐CM with AADs revealed significant paradigm shift in treatment approach for PVCs and PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy. No major large, randomized control trials of AADs versus CA for PVC‐CM were found. We found that beta‐blockers and calcium channel blockers are particularly effective in the treatment of PVCs originating from right ventricular outflow tract. For Class Ic AADs ‐ flecainide and propafenone, small clinical studies showed Class Ic AADs to be effective in PVC suppression, but their usage was not recommended in patients with significant coronary artery disease. Mexiletine was found to have modest effect on PVC suppression. Studies showed sotalol to significantly reduce PVCs frequency in patients receiving both low and high doses. Studies also showed amiodarone to have higher successful PVC suppression, but not recommended as a first‐line treatment for patients with idiopathic PVCs in the absence of symptoms and left ventricular dysfunction. For dronedarone, no major clinical data were available.ConclusionsBased on the available data in the literature, we conclude that AADs play important role in the treatment of PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy. However, appropriate patient selection criteria are vitally important, and in general terms AADs are indicated or polymorphic PVCs, epicardial PVCs; and when CA procedure is contraindicated, or not feasible or failed.
Thermal variability induces sex‐specific morphometric changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Grigg A. G. , Lowi‐Merri T. M. , Hutchings J. A. , Massey M. D. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn nature, organisms are exposed to variable environmental conditions that impact their performance and fitness. Despite the ubiquity of environmental variability, substantial knowledge gaps in our understanding of organismal responses to nonconstant thermal regimes remain. In the present study, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, we applied geometric morphometric methods to examine how challenging but ecologically realistic diel thermal fluctuations experienced during different life stages influence adult body shape, size, and condition. Zebrafish were exposed to either thermal fluctuations (22–32°C) or a static optimal temperature (27°C) sharing the same thermal mean during an early period spanning embryonic and larval ontogeny (days 0–30), a later period spanning juvenile and adult ontogeny (days 31–210), or a combination of both. We found that body shape, size, and condition were affected by thermal variability, but these plasticity‐mediated changes were dependent on the timing of ontogenetic exposure. Notably, after experiencing fluctuating temperatures during early ontogeny, females displayed a deeper abdomen while males displayed an elongated caudal peduncle region. Moreover, males displayed beneficial acclimation of body condition under lifelong fluctuating temperature exposure, whereas females did not. The present study, using ecologically realistic thermal regimes, provides insight into the timing of environmental experiences that generate phenotypic variation in zebrafish.
Immune response induced by coinfection of the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi and the intracellular bacteria Piscirickettsia salmonis in vaccinated Atlantic salmon
Authors: Bustos Paulina , Figueroa Carolina , Cádiz Bárbara , Santander Tamara , Dixon Brian , Gallardo José A. , Conejeros Pablo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRecently, we showed that Atlantic salmon vaccinated against Piscirickettsia salmonis lose their protection upon coinfection with Caligus rogercresseyi (sea lice). However, the causes of the overriding effect of C. rogercresseyi infection have not been elucidated, and the molecular basis of the cellular and humoral immune responses upon C. rogercresseyi infection has not been described for vaccinated salmon. Therefore, we studied changes in the transcription of immune genes in vaccinated Atlantic salmon that were experimentally challenged by co‐infecting them with C. rogercresseyi and P. salmonis. In general, coinfection treatments showed immune gene expression similar to treatments with a single P. salmonis infection, showing a decreased cellular response. However, a high variance was found between individual fish in the case of crucial cellular immune genes, with a few fish reacting overwhelmingly highly compared to the majority. This supports our previous findings on vaccination response variation and reinforces the idea that vaccination failures in the field might be caused by an overwhelming amount of vaccinated fish that display a deficient immune response to the infection.