bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep brain stimulation targets in epilepsy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of anterior and centromedian thalamic nuclei and hippocampus
Authors: Vetkas Artur , Fomenko Anton , Germann Jürgen , Sarica Can , Iorio‐Morin Christian , Samuel Nardin , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Milano Vanessa , Cheyuo Cletus , Zemmar Ajmal , Elias Gavin , Boutet Alexandre , Loh Aaron , Santyr Brendan , Gwun Dave , Tasserie Jordy , Kalia Suneil K. , Lozano Andres M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neuromodulatory treatment used in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). The primary goal of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to describe recent advancements in the field of DBS for epilepsy, to compare the results of published trials, and to clarify the clinical utility of DBS in DRE. A systematic literature search was performed by two independent authors. Forty‐four articles were included in the meta‐analysis (23 for anterior thalamic nucleus [ANT], 8 for centromedian thalamic nucleus [CMT], and 13 for hippocampus) with a total of 527 patients. The mean seizure reduction after stimulation of the ANT, CMT, and hippocampus in our meta‐analysis was 60.8%, 73.4%, and 67.8%, respectively. DBS is an effective and safe therapy in patients with DRE. Based on the results of randomized controlled trials and larger clinical series, the best evidence exists for DBS of the anterior thalamic nucleus. Further randomized trials are required to clarify the role of CMT and hippocampal stimulation. Our analysis suggests more efficient deep brain stimulation of ANT for focal seizures, wider use of CMT for generalized seizures, and hippocampal DBS for temporal lobe seizures. Factors associated with clinical outcome after DBS for epilepsy are electrode location, stimulation parameters, type of epilepsy, and longer time of stimulation. Recent advancements in anatomical targeting, functional neuroimaging, responsive neurostimulation, and sensing of local field potentials could potentially lead to improved outcomes after DBS for epilepsy and reduced sudden, unexpected death of patients with epilepsy. Biomarkers are needed for successful patient selection, targeting of electrodes and optimization of stimulation parameters.
Linguistic Hospitality
Authors: Saptenno Kritsno 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe existence of indigenous religions in Indonesia has always been overshadowed by a history of discrimination from state‐recognized religions. One of the main causes is the government’s use of categorization that is influenced by the world religions paradigm. As a result, the government does not recognize indigenous religion as a religion and promotes a categorization of it that tends to be negative. In the Christian discourse of theology of religions, the models of exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism, and even particularism are trapped in a similar religious categorization. On the one hand, the models of theology of religions are open to dialogue with world religions. On the other hand, indigenous religion is not considered a dialogue partner. This article argues that linguistic hospitality can be an inspiration for interreligious dialogue, allowing Christianity to become more open to indigenous religions. Emphasizing a hermeneutic of openness allows indigenous religions to show their otherness without being limited by assumptions of Christian theology.
The Challenges of Christian–Daoist Dialogue
Authors: Kubuya Paulin Batairwa 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThough Daoism is one of the most ancient of Chinese religions, Christian/Catholic–Daoist dialogue is a very recent enterprise whose growth entails managing obstacles inherent to a novel field. This article, based on personal experience, unveils that dialogue with Daoism calls for humility and for a reconsideration of the mental frames that depicted Daoism as a receptacle of exotic and esoteric rituals, luring curious European minds in search of esoteric religious practices. As in other cases of interreligious dialogues, the main challenges to Christian–Daoist dialogue consist of identifying dialogue partners and experientially establishing the contents, modalities, and expectations of a journey that is only at its beginning. With humility, mutual respect, and openness, the journey might be bountiful in rewards as it unveils the treasures of authentic interreligious dialogue engagements.
Ascetic Practices in Interfaith Dialogue
Authors: Pavlyk Nataliia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article explores the fundamental theological and philosophical propositions on which ascetic teachings and mystical experiences within Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Jainism are based. In particular, it examines spirituality, purification, and psychophysical techniques, including bodily postures, breath control, and inner exploration (e.g., the Jesus Prayer and dhyāna), which aim at a soteriological ideal in Hesychasm and Śvētāmbara Jainism. The article demonstrates the value of the body and the importance of asceticism in the spiritual experience of both traditions. Finally, it emphasizes that the focus on ascetic practices is a missing link in interreligious dialogue and can be a significant contribution to ecumenical work in the area of interfaith encounter. This study is part of a growing body of scholarship on ascetic practices as a means of liberation in Jainism and Christianity, as well as a pioneering work on Jain–Hesychast dialogue.
The termination of central government internal auditing and the emergence of the innovation society
Authors: Skærbæk Peter , Themsen Tim Neerup 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFor over two decades, the literature has characterized contemporary Western societies as audit societies. These societies are characterized by an approach to governance that is shaped by the idea and practice of auditing. This paper shows that with regard to public governance, the audit society has started to give way to a program of government innovation, or what we theorize to be the emergence of a new form of society: the innovation society. The paper builds this theorization on a longitudinal case study of the past 40 years of Danish central government administrative policy developments with a focus on internal auditing. The paper shows that internal auditing has transitioned from being a macro actor of public governance to becoming a micro actor and ultimately terminated. The paper further shows that this dissociation process was instigated not by elected politicians but by highly positioned civil servants who managed to remove what they identified as an obstacle to the stability of the innovation program.
Peripheral inflammation effects on retinal phagocytic system
Authors: Albero‐Ros Elsa , David Samuel , Vidal‐Sanz Manuel , Avilés‐Trigueros Marcelino 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo study how a unilateral arthritic inflammatory process, affecting the peripheral nervous system, can activate the mononuclear phagocytic system at retinal level.MethodsAn experimental model of peripheral inflammatory process produced by an intraplantar injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) in the left hind limb was induced to adult C57BL/6J lysozyme M‐eGFP‐knock‐in (LysM‐eGFP) mice that express LysM‐eGFP selectively in myelomonocytic cells. FCA, sham and naïve mice were processed at different survival times (ranging 1–10 days post‐lesion). Retinas were prepared as whole‐mounts and histologically analyzed for microglia markers and LysM‐eGFP expression.ResultsAfter FCA administration morphological signs compatibles with microglial activation were observed in the eGFP+ cells in the innermost layer of the retina, persisting along the time‐course of study. The three sub‐population of eGFP+ cells identified, amoeboid, ramified and peripheral, showed significant and relevant changes in the distribution pattern respect to that observed in untreated retinas from sham or naïve mice. The quantitative analysis showed statistically significant changes in the expression of eGFP+ and Iba‐1+ for all cell sub‐population in the course of time. However, the number of eGFP+ and Iba‐1 immunonegative amoeboid cells was constant and similar to those of sham or control retinas.ConclusionsInduction of a peripheral inflammatory process by administration of FCA elicits a response from the peripheral bone marrow‐derived monocyte‐macrophage population at retinal level, where these cells are recruited and transformed into microglia.
Prph2 mutant mice generated by CRISPR reproduces human central areolar choroidal dystrophy
Authors: Saez Xavier Sanchez , Albertos‐Arranz Henar , Pastor María José Ruiz , Kutsyr Oksana , Martínez‐Gil Natalia , Fernández‐Sánchez Laura , Castillo Carla Sánchez , Aguilera Carmen , Méndez Lucía , Hernández‐Carabias Patricia , Maneu Victoria , Lax Pedro , Cuenca Nicolas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeCentral choroidal dystrophies are retinal diseases characterized by progressive choriocapillaris atrophy and retinal degeneration that are usually associated with a single mutation in the PRPH2 gene. Thus, the purpose of this work was to generate a mouse model with the same p.Arg195Leu mutation described in diagnosed human patients.MethodsPrph2KI/WT and Prph2KI/KI mice have been designed and generated using the CRISPR system to introduce the Arg195Leu mutation. The retinal function was analyzed by electroretinography (ERG) and optomotor test. The structural integrity of the retinas was evaluated using optical coherence tomography and immunohistochemistry.ResultsGenetic sequencing confirmed that both Prph2KI/WT and Prph2KI/KI mice presented the same codon mutation and degeneration pattern found in humans suffering from this dystrophy. A progressive loss of retinal function was found from 3 months of age, with significantly reduced mice visual acuity, measured by optomotor test. At 6 months of age, decreased a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes of the ERG responses were observed. Moreover, morphological analysis of the retinas correlated with functional findings, showing a decreased number of photoreceptor rows and retinal thickness, also presenting an increased inflammation with activation of microglia and Müller cellsConclusionsThe new Prph2KI/WT and Prph2KI/KI mouse models show a similar degeneration pattern to human disease and may facilitate the study of the pathophysiological process, also displaying their potential to be a model for evaluation of different therapeutic strategies.SupportMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación (FEDER‐ PID2019‐106230RB‐I00). Ministerio de Universidades (FPU16/04114, FPU18/02964). Instituto Carlos III (RETICS‐FEDER RD16/0008/0016). Retina Asturias/Cantabria. FARPE‐FUNDALUCE. Generalitat Valenciana (IDIFEDER/2017/064, ACIF/2020/203). Es Retina Asturias (2019/00286/001).
Effect of systemic immunosuppression and BM‐MSC allotransplantation in retinal functionality and RGC population
Authors: Muñoz María Norte , Ortega Alejandro Gallego , Lucas‐Ruiz Fernando , Bernal David García , Vidal‐Sanz Manuel , Agudo‐Barriuso Marta 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeBone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM‐MSC) transplant is widely studied in preclinical models because of their potential neuroprotective properties. In the clinic, allotransplants are combined with systemic immunosuppressive treatments to improve transplantation outcomes. We purposed to carry out a comparative functional and histological study to find out the role of immunosuppression after BM‐MSC allotransplantation in retina.Methods20,000 BM‐MSC from donor eGFP‐C57BL/6J mice were intravitreally injected into recipient BALB/c mice. Animals were divided in two groups (n=5/each). One group was immunosuppressed right after the BM‐MSC injection with oral cyclosporine in water (100 mg/ml) and a daily intraperitoneal injection of cortisone (1.6 mg/kg), whereas the other group was kept w/o immunosuppression as control. Electroretinograms were performed before and 5 days and 21 days after the BM‐MSC graft. Animals were perfused, and flat mounted retinas analyzed at 21 days. Brn3a+ retinal ganglion cells (RGC) were automatically quantified, and their spatial distribution analyzed with isodensity maps.ResultsBM‐MSC allotransplant alone causes a significant decrease (40%) of the positive scotopic threshold response (pSTR, RGC function) at 21 days compared to baseline. In the immunosuppressed group, retinal functionality was further impaired as most of the electroretinogram waves (pSTR, rod response, a and b waves, and photopic wave) drastically decreased at 5 days compared to allotransplant alone. This functionality was partially recovered at 21 days. In spite of the functional impairment, the population of RGC was not affected in any group.ConclusionsIn allogeneic BM‐MSC transplants, immunosuppression has a negative effect on retinal function.
Clinical spectrum and geographic distribution of keratitis fugax hereditaria caused by the pathogenic variant c.61G>C in NLRP3
Authors: Immonen Annamari , Kawan Sabita , Vesaluoma Minna , Heiskanen Miikael , Taipale Claudia , Koskinen Mira , Majander Anna , Kivelä Tero , Turunen Joni 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo chart clinical findings in individuals with keratitis fugax hereditaria (KFH) and the geographic distribution of their ancestors.MethodsPatient population included 84 Finnish patients (55% female) from 25 families with the pathogenic NLRP3 variant c.61G>C. Procedures and main outcome measures were Sanger sequencing, clinical examination, corneal imaging, and a questionnaire regarding symptoms, quality‐of‐life, treatment, and comorbidities.ResultsThe oldest members in each family were born in Ostrobothnia in Western Finland or Southwestern Finland with historical ties to Sweden. One carrier was asymptomatic. Most (77%) experienced their first attack between 6 and 20 years of age. Three quarters had unilateral attacks 3‐5 times annually, primarily triggered by cold wind or air, or stress. Eighty percent reported ocular pain (median, 7 on scale 1‐10), conjunctival injection, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and tearing during attacks. Visual blur occurred 75% and 91% during and after the attack, respectively, for 1 day to 2 months (median, 10 days). Forty‐seven percent had corneal oval opacities with irregular tomography patterns and mild to moderate decrease (20/60 or better) in best‐corrected visual acuity that improved with scleral contact lenses. Except for headache in 40%, systemic symptoms were absent during the attacks.ConclusionsSymptoms and signs of KFH are restricted to the anterior segment of the eye, and they vary widely between individuals. We recommend scleral contact lenses as first‐line treatment for reduced vision. Allele frequencies suggest that KFH goes unrecognized in Sweden and populations with Scandinavian heritage.
Preloaded descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty grafts with endothelium outward: a validation study of the DMEK rapid device
Authors: Wojcik Gabriela , Parekh Mohit , Romano Vito , Ferrari Stefano , Ruzza Alessandro , Ahmad Sajjad , Ponzin Diego 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo validate a device (DMEK Rapid, Geuder AG, Germany) for preloading and transporting DMEK grafts with endothelium facing outwards.MethodsStripped DMEK tissues were divided into 2 groups: internal transportation simulations (study A) and cross‐country transport study (Study B). Study A was designed to investigate the influence of 2 types of media, tissue culture medium (TCM; n = 12) or transport medium (TM; n = 12), on DMEK tissues preloaded in the DMEK Rapid device. The tissues were placed on the laboratory rocker for 4 days at room temperature. For Study B, DMEK tissues (n = 9), preloaded with TM were shipped from Italy to the UK and analysed within 72 hr. For both studies, endothelial cell loss (ECL – trypan blue staining), morphology (alizarin red staining), viability (live/dead staining) and expression of biomarker (ZO‐1 immunostaining) were performed.ResultsPost‐stripping ECL was 7.5 ± 66.2% in TCM group, compared to 9.1 ± 64.9 from the TM group (p = 0.54). Post‐simulation ECL was 14.3 ± 63.8% from the TCM group and 11.5 ± 64.6% from the TM group (p = 0.08). Alizarin red (n = 4 in each group) showed the low polymorphism in both media groups. Weka segmentation of the live/dead analysis showed 78.83 ± 62.78% viability in TCM group and 80.83 ± 63.48% viable cells in TM group (p = 0.60). ZO‐1 immunostaining (n = 4 in each group) showed the presence of tight junctions in both the groups. In study B (n = 9), post‐stripping ECL was 10.1 ± 64.5% and 3.3 ± 66.6% after transporting the tissues from Italy to the UK (p = 0.05). Alizarin red (n = 3) showed proper tissue morphology and viability of 85.16 ± 65.33% was detected (n = 3). ZO‐1 (n = 3) was expressed in all tested grafts.ConclusionsPreloading DMEK tissue with endothelium outwards and transported within 72 hr using the DMEK Rapid device is safe and can be pursued for clinical application.
Optimising the method for isolating ocular surface microRNA using impression cytology
Authors: Greenan Emily , Ní Gabhann‐Dromgoole Joan , Murphy Conor 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeConjunctival impression cytology is a reliable method to obtain epithelial cells from the ocular surface. Its application has broadened our knowledge of ocular surface disease, paving the way for a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of disease, new treatment options and personalised medicine. Herein we compare the most commonly used materials to optimise isolating microRNA (miR) from the conjunctiva.MethodsMiR yield of 12 mm PTFE and 13 mm PES in a free membrane semicircle form were compared (n = 3). Next a single 13 mm PES semicircle membrane and a single Eyeprim applicator were compared (n = 8). MiRs were isolated using miRNeasy kit (QIAGEN GmbH Hilden Germany) and concentration was determined on Nanodrop ND‐1000 Spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Wilmington DE). In the second experiment, subjective discomfort provoked by each technique was also determined using SANDE immediately and 2 min after sampling.ResultsPES had a significantly higher miR yield vs PTFE; 131.3 ng/µl±8.1 vs 32 ng/µl±9.9 ng/µl p = 0.0002. In the second experiment miR yield from PES was comparable to Eyeprim; 48.7 ng/µl±24.4 vs 46.9 ng/µl±19.2, p = 0.88. SANDE measured participant discomfort in this experiment. Regarding intensity PES was most tolerable at the point of sampling; 0.1± 0.3 vs 4.5±2.8 for Eyeprim, p = 0.0016. At 2 min, PES measured 0.1 ± 0.3 vs 3.3 ± 3.22 for Eyeprim, p = 0.03.ConclusionsOur results confirm that free PES membrane is greatly superior in its miR harvesting ability compared to free PTFE membrane which was previously optimised in studies using Millicell Biopore. Furthermore, miR yield from free PES membrane is comparable to the commercially designed Eyeprim while being better tolerated. We recommend the use of PES of 0.2 µm pore in 13 mm semicircle design to harvest and characterise miR expression from conjunctival epithelial cells. This simple, inexpensive method can easily be implemented in a clinical research setting to investigate ocular surface disease.
Integration of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement in the corneal bioreactor
Authors: Peyret Benjamin , Crouzet Emmanuel , Mentek Marielle , Urbaniak Sébastien , Papillon Jean‐Marie , Hodin Sophie , Garcin Thibaud , Delavenne Xavier , Thuret Gilles , Gain Philippe 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe corneal bioreactor (BR) patented by our laboratory allows to restore a physiological epithelium of porcine or human corneas. The measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), correlated with the presence of tight junctions, is a robust parameter for assessing the integrity of the corneal epithelium.AimTo integrate the measurement of TEER with BR and to evaluate its relevance on porcine corneas.MethodsTwo Ag/AgCl electrodes (WPI, Saratosa, FL) were placed, one in an endothelial chamber filled with Corneamax storage medium (Eurobio, Les Ulis, France), the other in an epithelial chamber and under 3 conditions: immersed in the conservation medium; immersed in the conservation medium while isolating the cornea from the sclera thanks to an applicator cone usually used for iontophoresis (Opia Technologies, Paris, France); in direct contact with the epithelium with interposition of Gel‐larmes (Théa, Clermont‐Ferrand, France). The electric current frequencies tested ranged from 50 Hz to 1 MHz. Three fresh pig corneas (with and without epithelium) were placed in BR and the TEER measured in the 3 conditions, with and without epithelium. Controls: Fresh pig sclera and Corneamax alone in BR.ResultsResults are expressed as median. TEER of controls: 302 Ω (sclera) and 266 Ω (Corneamax alone) TEER of corneas without epithelium: 321 Ω, in the 3 experimental conditions, thus close to the control. TEER of corneas with epithelium: 397 Ω with electrode immersed in the medium, thus close to the sclera (397 Ω). In the other 2 conditions, the TEER was higher, with a greater variability, depending on the current frequency: from 1456 Ω to 143 Ω with the applicator cone and from 2335 Ω to 242 Ω with the Gel‐Larmes.ConclusionsThe sclera placed in BR is a conductive tissue. It is possible to determine the TEER of a cornea ex vivo in the BR, if the cornea is isolated from the sclera and the epithelium present on the cornea is healthy.
Corneal densitometry analysis in patients diagnosed with keratoconus
Authors: Derivas Marta Orejudo , Boned‐Murillo Ana , Díaz‐Barreda Mª Dolores , El Bakkali Ismael Bakkali , Rivasés Guillermo Pérez , Moscarda Eva Josefina Núñez , Cisneros Pablo , Del Buey Sayas María Ángeles 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to carry out a comparative study of corneal densitometry (COD) using Pentacam HR in two groups of patients. A control group of normal eyes where corneal pathology has been ruled out and another group of patients diagnosed with keratoconus (KC) who have not received corneal Cross‐Linking as treatment.MethodsThe sample consists of 30 eyes diagnosed with keratoconus compared to 30 eyes with normal corneas (N). The results are studied using Pentacam HR, which has a double Scheimpflug chamber. Patients are classified into 2 groups, ruling out corneal pathology in the control group. COD is measured in a 12mm diameter area, divided into concentric annular zones and different depths. COD is used to describe the characteristics of corneal tissue and makes it possible to quantify the degree of transparency of the corneal tissue.ResultsThere are significant differences between the groups after the COD examination. In the average of rings and total layers, an increase in total COD is observed in the eyes diagnosed with keratoconus compared to the normal ones (N = 15.71, KC = 21.05). When studied in layers, an increase in densitometry is also seen in the keratoconus group. The front layer (N = 21.61, KC = 29.13), the middle layer (N = 14.49, KC = 18.70) and the back layer (N = 11.04, KC = 14.57).ConclusionsThe corneal densitometry map shows total higher values in eyes with keratoconus compared to healthy eyes. The difference is most marked in the anterior layer of the cornea.References1. Maurice DM. The structure and transparency of the cornea. J Physiol. 1957;136:263–286.2. Shen Y, Han T, Jhanji V, Shang J, Zhao J, Li M, et al. Correlation between corneal topographic, densitometry, and biomechanical parameters in keratoconus eyes. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2019;8(3):12.3. Rabinowitz YS. Keratoconus. Surv Ophthalmol. 1998;42(4):297–319.4. Lopes B, Ramos I, Ambrósio R Jr. Corneal densitometry in keratoconus. Cornea. 2014;33(12):1282–6.5. Koc M, Tekin K, Tekin MI, Uzel MM, Kosekahya P, Ozulken K, et al. An early finding of keratoconus: Increase in corneal densitometry: Increase in corneal densitometry. Cornea. 2018;37(5):580–6.