bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overcoming perioperative inflammation as a hurdle for successful preclinical orthotopic cardiac xenogeneic transplantations – particular in regard of the mandatory use of heart‐lung machines
Authors: Bender Martin , Längin Matthias , Reichart Bruno , Mokelke Maren , Radan Julia , Neumann Elisabeth , Michel Sebastian , Ellgass Reinhard , Cowan Peter J. , Wolf Eckhard , Abicht Jan‐Michael , Brenner Paolo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionAfter orthotopic cardiac xenotransplantation, the combination of both the inflammatory responses to the exposure of a recipient to the xenogeneic organ and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass has been assumed to cause detrimental side effects. These have been described not only to affect the transplanted organ (heart) itself, but also the recipient's lungs. In this article, we summarize how these possible detrimental processes can be minimized or even avoided.MethodsData from eight pig‐to‐baboon orthotopic cardiac xenotransplantation experiments were analyzed with a special focus on early (within the first week) postoperative organ dysfunction and systemic inflammatory responses. Non‐ischemic heart preservation and the careful management of the heart‐lung machine were deemed essential to guarantee not only the immediate function of the transplanted xenogeneic organ but also the prompt recovery of the recipient.ResultsAfter weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, very low catecholamine amounts were needed to ensure an adequate pump function and cardiac output. Central venous oxygen saturation and serum lactate levels remained within normal ranges. All animals were successfully weaned from ventilation within the first postoperative hours. Serum parameters of the transplants and native kidneys and livers were initially slightly elevated or always normal, as were hemoglobin, LDH, and platelet measurements. Markers of systemic inflammation, C‐reactive protein, and IL‐6 were slightly elevated, but the reactions caused no lasting damage.ConclusionConsistent short‐term and long‐term results were achieved after orthotopic cardiac pig‐to‐baboon transplantation without detrimental inflammatory responses or signs of multiorgan failure. In comparison to allogeneic procedures, non‐ischemic heart preservation was important for successful immediate organ function, as was the management of the heart‐lung machine. Thus, we believe that genetically modified porcine hearts are ready for use in the clinical setting.
Tissue-Specific Expression of Neurexin-1α Isoforms in Rat Organs
Authors: Serova O. V. , Gantsova E. A. , Deyev I. E. , Petrenko A. G. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract—
Neurexins are a family of synaptic adhesion proteins that play a key role in synapse formation and maintenance. Neurexins undergo extensive alternative splicing at six sites (SS1–SS6) resulting in expression of multiplicity of different isoforms. Alternative splicing regulates the functional activity of neurexins in different types of tissues and cells and presumably plays a key role in determining the specificity of the interaction of various neurons. In this study, we have investigated the pattern of tissue expression of neurexin-1α mRNA isoforms including an insert in the recently discovered splice site SS6 using TaqMan Real-Time PCR in different organs of  Wistar rats. The isoform containing the insert in the SS6 site was found only in neural tissues suggesting its potential functional importance. Position of the SS6 insert in the hinge region between the LNS5 and LNS6 domains increases variability of possible conformations of the molecule which may represent an additional mechanism for regulating functional activity of the neurexin-1α in the brain.
Bufalin stimulates antitumor immune response by driving tumor-infiltrating macrophage toward M1 phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Li Yuyao , Li Yue , Zhang Jinghao , Li Man , Ji Longshan , Tang Yifei , Zheng Yanxi , Sheng Jianguo , Han Qiucheng , Li Fu , Guo Jianfeng , Wang Lingtai , Sun Xuehua , Gao Yueqiu , Feng Hai 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundImmunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits limited clinical efficacy due to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-infiltrating macrophages (TIMs) account for the major component in the TME, and the dominance of M2 phenotype over M1 phenotype in the TIMs plays the pivotal role in sustaining the immunosuppressive character. We thus investigate the effect of bufalin on promoting TIMs polarization toward M1 phenotype to improve HCC immunotherapy.MethodsThe impact of bufalin on evoking antitumor immune response was evaluated in the immunocompetent mouse HCC model. The expression profiling of macrophage-associated genes, surface markers and cytokines on bufalin treatment in vitro and in vivo were detected using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, western blot analysis, ELISA and RT-qPCR. Cell signaling involved in M1 macrophage polarization was identified via the analysis of gene sequencing, and bufalin-governed target was explored by immunoprecipitation, western blot analysis and gain-and-loss of antitumor immune response. The combination of bufalin and antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) antibody was also assessed in orthotopic HCC mouse model.ResultsIn this study, we showed that bufalin can function as an antitumor immune modulator that governs the polarization of TIMs from tumor-promoting M2 toward tumor-inhibitory M1, which induces HCC suppression through the activation of effector T cell immune response. Mechanistically, bufalin inhibits overexpression of p50 nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) factor, leading to the predominance of p65-p50 heterodimers over p50 homodimers in the nuclei. The accumulation of p65-p50 heterodimers activates NF-κB signaling, which is responsible for the production of immunostimulatory cytokines, thus resulting in the activation of antitumor T cell immune response. Moreover, bufalin enhances the antitumor activity of anti-PD-1 antibody, and the combination exerts synergistic effect on HCC suppression.ConclusionsThese data expound a novel antitumor mechanism of bufalin, and facilitate exploitation of a new potential macrophage-based HCC immunotherapeutic modality.
Post-hatch changes in the histological structure of the oviduct and associated 17β-estradiol profiles in guinea hens (Numida meleagris)
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Ibn Iddriss , Robinson Jane 
Published: May 2022

There are limited data available on the biology of guinea fowls. The objective of this study was to document post-hatch histological and stereological changes in the oviducts of 56 guinea hens and associated 17β-estradiol profiles until 32 weeks of age and to explore changes in the oviducal mucosal fold as an index of oviducal growth. Mucosal folds in all regions of the oviduct increased significantly ( P < 0.0001) from 4 to 28 weeks of age. Concentrations of plasma 17β-estradiol increased from 20 to 28 weeks of age, when it stabilized. Mucosal folds in the oviducts of sexually active hens were highest in the uterine region and lowest in the infundibular lip. Intercorrelations among 17β-estradiol concentration, height of mucosal folds, and oviducal weight were strong and positive in these birds. Most of the oviduct epithelium consisted of pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium. Both the height of oviducal folds and peripheral estradiol concentrations increased significantly from 20 to 28 weeks of age, which confirms the role of estradiol in oviducal growth in the avian species. The height of oviducal mucosal folds appears to be a good measure of oviducal growth.
Ivyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea Jacq.) competition is not intensified by drought in silage corn in central New York State, USA
Authors: Averill Kristine M. , Morris Scott H. , Westbrook Anna S. , Hunter Mitch C. , DiTommaso Antonio 
Published: May 2022

Ivyleaf morningglory (IMG, Ipomoea hederacea Jacq.) is a summer annual vine that is native to the Americas and invasive globally. This species decreases field crop yields through competition and interference with harvesting. Here, we explore the potential of IMG to compete with silage corn ( Zea mays L.) in New York State, USA. In a 2-year field study, we measured silage yield at five IMG planting densities (0–8 plants m−2) under no-drought conditions and a drought treatment established with rainout shelters. Volumetric water content was 26%–28% lower in the drought treatment than the no-drought treatment. Drought reduced fresh corn silage yield ( P = 0.003). Fresh silage yield was 21 600 ± 700 kg ha−1 in the no-drought treatment in 2016, 19 100 ± 900 kg ha−1 in the drought treatment in 2016, 30 500 ± 900 kg ha−1 in the no-drought treatment in 2017, and 28 200 ± 700 kg ha−1 in the drought treatment in 2017. Silage yield was not strongly responsive to IMG density, regardless of drought. These data suggest that the risk of corn silage yield losses due to IMG is relatively low in New York State and unlikely to be affected by drought. The risk posed by IMG may differ in other cropping systems or regions and under climate change.
5S Study: Safe and Simple Single Shot Pulmonary Vein Isolation With Pulsed Field Ablation Using Sedation
Authors: Schmidt Boris , Bordignon Stefano , Tohoku Shota , Chen Shaojie , Bologna Fabrizio , Urbanek Lukas , Pansera Francesco , Ernst Matthias , Chun K.R. Julian 
Published: May 2022

Background:
Pulsed field ablation represents an energy source specific for ablation of cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study was to describe the adoption and the process of streamlining procedures with a new ablation technology.

Methods:
All-comer atrial fibrillation patients (n=191; mean age 69±12 years) underwent catheter ablation with a pulsed field ablation ablation device exclusively using analog-sedation. In the validation phase (n=25), device electrogram quality was compared with a circular mapping catheter to assess pulmonary vein isolation and esophageal temperature monitoring was used. In the streamline phase (n=166), a single-catheter approach was implemented. Postprocedural cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 53 patients. In 52 patients, esophageal endoscopy was performed at day 1 after the procedure. Follow-up was performed using 72 hours Holter ECGs.

Results:

On a pulmonary vein basis, pulmonary vein isolation rate was 100% including a single shot isolation rate of 99.5%. The electrogram information of the pulsed field ablation catheter and the circular mapping catheter were 100% congruent. Neither esophageal temperature rises nor esophageal thermal injury were observed. Two minor strokes occurred, presumable due to air embolism during catheter exchanges through the large bore sheath (13.8 F ID). In the streamline phase, reduced procedure times (46±14 versus 38±13 minutes,
P
=0.004), no further strokes and a low incidence of silent cerebral injury (10/53 patients; 19%) were noted. During short-term follow-up, 17/191 patients (9%) had a atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence.

Conclusions:
The pulsed field ablation device allows for simple and safe simple single shot pulmonary vein isolation using standard sedation protocols. Procedural speed and efficacy are remarkable and streamlining measures have added safety.
Making Peace and Writing about It
Authors: Rabinovich Itamar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The Arab-Israeli peace process, a U.S. led diplomatic effort, has been unfolding over nearly four decades. Various American policies, ranging from a step by step approach to securing a comprehensive settlement, reached their peak in the 1990s, with the Clinton administration's sustained efforts to settle the Arab-Israeli dispute. Although these efforts yielded several successful outcomes, including mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestinian national movement and greater Arab-Israeli normalization, they were marred by the continuous Israeli-Palestinian strife and other negative developments. Much of these efforts were promoted by professional experts, working for various branches of the U.S. government. This article surveys several books written by some of these officials, which provide diverse accounts of the unfolding events. The testimonies in these books range from comprehensive surveys to attempts at exploring the reasons for America's failed venture, and offer new insights into the peace process.
Correlation of Tumor Response Between Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Rojas Maria A. , Cataneo Jose , Gagnon-Konamna Marianne , Borsuk Daniel J. , Jarzabek Angela J. , Marecik Slawomir J. , Park John J. , Kochar Kunal 
Published: May 2022

Background The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer recommends a pelvic MRI to assess the response to neoadjuvant therapy for advanced rectal cancers. However, there is no single restaging modality that can identify all patients with complete tumor response. At our institution, we perform both a pelvic MRI and a flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) after neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical resection. Objective The objective is to elucidate the correlation of tumor response between FS and MRI in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Design Single institution from 2010 to 2019. Retrospective cohort study comparing local tumor response on FS to MRI utilizing final pathology as the gold standard for comparison. Patients Patients with confirmed locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (stage II or III) who underwent neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical intervention and underwent flexible endoscopy and a standardized rectal cancer protocol MRI to evaluate tumor response. Results A total of 48 patients were evaluated. Seven (14%) patients had a complete pathological response. MRI adequately reported 1 (14%), while FS found 4 (57.14%) out of the 7 complete responders. Nevertheless, this did not reach statistical significance ( P = .06). On logistic regression analysis, flexible sigmoidoscopy had a 5.5 higher likelihood to report an accurate complete response (OR 5.5, 95% CI: 1.02-29.64; P = .047). Conclusions Flexible sigmoidoscopy should be used in conjunction with MRI in the work up of patients who have received neoadjuvant therapy for advanced rectal cancer prior to surgical resection.
Stakeholders’ Problematisation of Drug Consumption Rooms: A Case Study of the Policy Initiative in Helsinki
Authors: Unlu Ali , Tammi Tuukka , Hakkarainen Pekka 
Published: May 2022

Drug consumption rooms are one of the harm reduction interventions to handle complex social problems. The Helsinki city initiative puts drug consumption room (DCR) on a government agenda in Finland, which has also triggered a broader discussion. This study presents how stakeholders problematise and what solutions they propose for DCRs. The research is based on in-depth interviews of 23 stakeholders and the theoretical perspective of Bacchi’s approach – ‘What’s the problem represented to be?’ (WPR). The results show that while stakeholders’ solutions resemble each other on the core DCR functions, the variations are found mainly in the introduction of extended services, policy development strategy, types of drug allowance in DCRs, and drug testing options. Stigmatisation of PWUDs still leads the harm reduction services to be considered from a moral framework. Stakeholders tend to take their positions according to strategic considerations related to electoral politics, expedience and the symbolic role of policies.
Development of pediatric multidisciplinary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation simulations: A novel educational program to enhance team communication and emergency preparedness
Authors: Nater Melissa , Nelson-McMillan Kristen , Elzein Chawki , Boone Alison , Urbas Cynthia 
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a high risk, low-volume technology. Infrequency of this technology and associated complications may translate to unfamiliarity of identification and management of potentially life-threatening events, which may require knowledge and procedural skills to be performed quickly. Providers involved in managing ECMO must be able to promptly identify and initiate management for such events, particularly when surgical colleagues are not readily available. Methods: A multidisciplinary ECMO simulation program was implemented in a tertiary children’s hospital. Over 18 months, a prospective, observational study was conducted evaluating simulations involving circuit and patient emergencies, teamwork and communication behaviors and technical skills. An on-line survey was sent to participants following sessions to evaluate post-simulation confidence, lessons learned and potential barriers to implementation of necessary skills and behaviors. Results: Ten simulation sessions occurred during implementation. Mean participants per session was 7 (range: 5-11). Eight Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit attendings, four Advance Practice Nurses, 54 pediatric intensive care unit registered nurses, and 55 pediatric respiratory therapists attended. Tasks with highest self-reported increase in confidence were related to (1) diagnosis (tension pneumothorax, oxygenator failure, and ventricular tachycardia), (2) fluid administration and (3) early and efficient mobilization for ECPR, with less reported confidence increase with technical skills More than 90% of participants provided a task or behavior they would implement if a specific emergency was encountered in real-life following simulation training. Real-life application occurred following simulations with participants reporting direct impact of training on their ability to perform the skill efficiently and correctly. Conclusions: Implementation of ECMO multidisciplinary simulations provides structured opportunities for the team to learn and practice ECMO skills together in scenarios they may encounter without surgical presence. Ensuring competency of providers through implementation of such a program may improve patient safety through enhanced team communication, knowledge, and hands-on experience.
Differential malondialdehyde (MDA) detection in plasma samples of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD): A potential biomarker
Authors: Alvarez-Mon Miguel A , Ortega Miguel A , García-Montero Cielo , Fraile-Martinez Oscar , Lahera Guillermo , Monserrat Jorge , Gomez-Lahoz Ana M , Molero Patricio , Gutierrez-Rojas Luis , Rodriguez-Jimenez Roberto , Quintero Javier , Alvarez-Mon Melchor 
Published: May 2022

Objective To measure plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress (OS), in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared with healthy control (HC) subjects in order to determine if it is a possible biomarker of depression. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled patients with MDD and HC subjects. The plasma levels of MDA were measured using a commercially-available colorimetric assay. Results A total of 30 patients with MDD and 20 HC subjects with similar sex, age and body mass index distribution were enrolled in the study. Patients with MDD had significantly higher plasma levels of MDA than the HC subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for plasma MDA levels in patients with MDD demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.9767. Conclusion The findings of this current study provide further evidence of the role pathophysiological relevance of OS and MDA in MDD. This study provides the basis for the use of MDA as a biomarker for MDD.
Interrater Reliability of Motor Optimality Score of General Movement Assessment
Authors: Mohanty Tanochni , Saini Lokesh , Doreswamy Murthy Srinivasa , Kavitha Raja 
Published: May 2022

Objective: The Prechtl’s general movement assessment (GMA) has been established as the most valid tool in early detection of cerebral palsy. GMA is based on a global gestalt perception and it involves the individual’s judgement for assessment. Interobserver variability can affect the results and has cascading effects on the child’s prognosis. The objective of the present study is to establish interobserver agreement between a novice rater and an expert. Study Design: Video recordings of 50 infants (corrected gestational age 29 weeks to post term age 20 weeks) were assessed by the 2 raters. Raters used an interactive process to interpret terms used in GMA and technical aspects of recording as a preliminary study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa statistics were utilized to assess the reliability. Results: Interobserver agreement in the assessment of the total “motor optimality score” was excellent between both the raters, as ICC was 0.96. Good-to-high interobserver reliability was found in the assessment of “fidgety movements” (Cohen’s kappa 0.727). Conclusion: Interobserver reliability between a novice rater and an expert was excellent for total motor optimality score in all age groups (preterm, writhing, and fidgety).
How, Why, and When is the Average Age of Employees Related to Climate for Innovation? The Role of Age Diversity, Focus on Opportunities, and Work Engagement
Authors: Rudolph Cort W. , Zacher Hannes 
Published: May 2022

Folk wisdom suggests that “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” Accordingly, as the average age of the workforce increases, there is a potential concern based on negative stereotypes that organizations will become less innovative. Drawing from lifespan development theories and theorizing on innovation, we explore this concern by testing, at the organization level of analysis, whether the average age of employees is indirectly related to climate for innovation through employees’ aggregate focus on opportunities (i.e., a negative indirect effect) and work engagement (i.e., a positive indirect effect). Moreover, we proposed that organizational age diversity is a protective resource that moderates these relationships, such that they are weaker in organizations with high as compared to low age diversity. Organization-level data were collected from teaching and non-teaching staff in n = 133 schools across two time points separated by 4 years (Time 1 n = 3712 respondents; Time 2 n = 5183 respondents). Results suggest that the average age of employees within schools was negatively related to employees’ aggregate focus on opportunities which, in turn, positively predicted climate for innovation above and beyond the positive effect of work engagement. Moreover, the negative indirect effect of average age on climate for innovation through aggregate focus on opportunities was weaker for organizations with high age diversity. Overall, these findings contribute to a better understanding of relationships between age and age-related characteristics and climate for innovation at the organization level, and challenge common misunderstandings regarding the role of age in the workplace.