bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extinguishing FIRES using tocilizumab
Authors: Chee Yong Chuan , Lim Chong Hong , Abdul Halim Sanihah , Ong Beng Hooi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFebrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a devastating epileptic encephalopathy with antecedent febrile infection preceding the onset of refractory status epilepticus (RSE), without the evidence of structural, toxic, or metabolic cause. The pathophysiology of FIRES is largely unknown but has been hypothesized to be due to excessive cytokine release perpetuating the underlying seizure. Conventional immunotherapies such as steroid, IVIG, plasma exchange, and rituximab have previously been considered for the treatment of FIRES but have been disappointing. We report a successful therapeutic encounter using tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against interleukin‐6 receptor to treat RSE in a 14‐year‐old girl with FIRES following dismal outcome using conventional immunosuppressive strategies. The overproduction of cytokines and the poor performance of immunotherapies implicate a putative role of inflammation in FIRES. Our case showed that complete termination of RSE was achieved after tocilizumab administration suggesting it may be a lifesaving drug for this catastrophic condition.
Urocortin 1: A putative excitatory neurotransmitter in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Yamato Shigeru , Kurematsu Ayako , Amano Tomofumi , Ariga Hajime , Ando Tetsuya , Komaki Gen , Wada Keiji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundUrocortin 1 (Ucn1), a stress‐related peptide, is a member of the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) family and acts as a CRF1 receptor agonist. Ucn1 and CRF1 receptor immunoreactivity are present in the enteric nervous system (ENS), and Ucn1 elicits contraction of colonic muscle strips. Considering these findings, we have hypothesized that Ucn1 acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the ENS. The present study was conducted to determine whether exogenously applied Ucn1 causes contractions, whether it participates in neurally mediated contraction, and whether it is released from the ENS of the rat colon.MethodsIsometric tension of the rat colonic muscle strips (middle to distal colon) in a longitudinal direction was measured. The effects of Ucn1 on phasic contractions were examined in the absence and presence of antalarmin (CRF1 receptor antagonist), tetrodotoxin (TTX), and atropine. The effects of antalarmin on electrical field stimulation (EFS)‐induced contractions were examined in the absence and presence of atropine. Ucn1 peptide in the bath solution was measured after EFS using an EIA kit.Key ResultsUcn1 caused a significant and dose‐dependent increase in phasic contractions. These effects were completely inhibited by antalarmin, TTX, and atropine. EFS‐induced contractions were inhibited by antalarmin. Atropine markedly reduced EFS‐induced contractions, and antalarmin did not decrease these contractions further. EFS elicited a significant increase in the concentration of Ucn1 in the bath solution, and this increase was completely inhibited by TTX.Conclusions and InferencesThese results suggest that Ucn1 acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the ENS enhancing the cholinergic neurotransmission.
A novel deep intronic COL2A1 mutation in a family with early‐onset high myopia/ocular‐only Stickler syndrome
Authors: Sun Wenmin , Xiao Xueshan , Li Shiqiang , Jia Xiaoyun , Zhang Qingjiong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeTo identify the genetic defect causing early‐onset high myopia (eoHM)/ocular‐only Stickler syndrome (ocular‐STL) in a large Chinese family.MethodsGenomic DNA and clinical data from a four‐generation family with eoHM/ocular‐STL were collected. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on one affected member in initial screening. Linkage scan based on microsatellite markers was carried out initially from candidate loci associated with autosomal dominant eoHM and Stickler syndrome. Sanger sequencing was used to detect potential variants. The pathogenicity of candidate variants was evaluated using mini genes ex vivo.ResultsEight patients and five unaffected members in the family participated in the study, in which the patients had high myopia with other variable ocular phenotypes but without extraocular abnormalities. Whole exome sequencing did not detect any potential pathogenic variant in all genes known to associate with the disease. The eoHM/ocular‐STL in the family was mapped to markers around COL2A1 by candidate loci linkage scan, with a maximum lod score of 3.31 for D12S1590 at θ = 0. A novel deep intronic variant, c.86‐50C > G in intron 1 of COL2A1, was detected by Sanger sequencing and co‐segregated with eoHM/ocular‐STL in the family. Ex vivo splicing test using mini genes confirmed that the variant created a new splicing acceptor 49 bp before the canonical splicing site of exon 2, resulted in addition of 49 bp fragment in the transcript (from c.86‐49 to c.86‐1) and premature termination.ConclusionsLinkage study, bioinformatics prediction, and ex vivo transcript analysis suggest a novel deep intronic variant adjacent to 5‐prime of exon 2 of COL2A1, affecting exon 2 splicing, as a potential cause of ocular‐STL in a large family. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an intronic variant around exon 2 as a cause of ocular‐STL while a series of variants in the coding region of exon 2, a dispensable alternative‐splicing exon for extraocular tissues, in COL2A1 have been reported to cause Stickler syndrome‐related ocular phenotype alone.
Management of neonatal difficult airway emergencies in the delivery room
Authors: Lin Elaina E. , Nelson Olivia , Isserman Rebecca S. , Henderson Alicia A. , Rintoul Natalie E. , Lioy Janet , Javia Luv R. , Tran Kha M. , Fiadjoe John E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNeonatal airway emergencies in the delivery room are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Etiologies vary, but often predispose the neonate to life threatening airway obstruction. With the recent expansion of fetal medicine programs, pediatric anesthesiologists are increasingly being asked to care for these patients. In this review, we discuss common etiologies of difficult airway at delivery, management tools and techniques, and surgical approaches.
The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Patients With Spinal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ahern Meghan M. , Dean Lindsay V. , Stoddard Carolyn C. , Agrawal Aakriti , Kim Kimin , Cook Chad E. , Narciso Garcia Alessandra 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality (VR) technologies have been shown to be beneficial in various areas of health care; to date, there are no systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of VR technology for the treatment of spinal pain.PurposeTo investigate the effectiveness of VR technology in the management of individuals with acute, subacute, and chronic spinal pain.MethodsSix electronic databases were searched until November 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of VR were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias for each study and the overall quality of evidence. Mean differences of outcomes were pooled as appropriate using random‐effects models.ResultsSeven RCTs with high risk of bias met review criteria. Quality of evidence ranged from very low to low quality. In patients with chronic neck pain, VR improved global perceived effect (GPE), satisfaction, and general health at short‐term follow‐up, as well as general health and balance at intermediate‐term follow‐up compared to kinematic training. VR improved pain intensity and disability at short‐term and long‐term follow‐up compared to conventional proprioceptive training in patients with chronic neck pain. In patients with either subacute or chronic low back pain (LBP), VR improved pain, disability, and fear of movement compared to lumbar stabilization exercises and improved pain compared to conventional physical therapy (at short‐term follow‐up). In patients with chronic LBP, VR improved pain compared to lumbar stabilization exercises and improved fear of movement compared to conventional physical therapy (at short‐term follow‐up).ConclusionVR’s potential for improvement in outcomes for spinal pain that demonstrated statistical and/or clinical significance (pain intensity, disability, fear of movement, GPE, patient satisfaction, general health status, and balance) highlights the need for more focused, higher‐quality research on the efficacy and effectiveness of VR for treatment of patients with spinal pain.
A novel strigolactone‐miR156 module controls stomatal behaviour during drought recovery
Authors: Visentin Ivan , Pagliarani Chiara , Deva Eleonora , Caracci Alessio , Turečková Veronika , Novák Ondrej , Lovisolo Claudio , Schubert Andrea , Cardinale Francesca 
Published: March 2020

AbstractmiR156 is a conserved microRNA whose role and induction mechanisms under stress are poorly known. Strigolactones are phytohormones needed in shoots for drought acclimation. They promote stomatal closure ABA‐dependently and independently; however, downstream effectors for the former have not been identified. Linkage between miR156 and strigolactones under stress has not been reported. We compared ABA accumulation and sensitivity as well as performances of wt and miR156‐overexpressing (miR156‐oe) tomato plants during drought. We also quantified miR156 levels in wt, strigolactone‐depleted and strigolactone‐treated plants, exposed to drought stress. Under irrigated conditions, miR156 overexpression and strigolactone treatment led to lower stomatal conductance and higher ABA sensitivity. Exogenous strigolactones were sufficient for miR156 accumulation in leaves, while endogenous strigolactones were required for miR156 induction by drought. The “after‐effect” of drought, by which stomata do not completely re‐open after rewatering, was enhanced by both strigolactones and miR156. The transcript profiles of several miR156 targets were altered in strigolactone‐depleted plants. Our results show that strigolactones act as a molecular link between drought and miR156 in tomato, and identify miR156 as a mediator of ABA‐dependent effect of strigolactones on the after‐effect of drought on stomata. Thus, we provide insights into both strigolactone and miR156 action on stomata.
Pharmacokinetic analysis for model‐supported therapeutic drug monitoring of busulfan in Japanese pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Kishimoto Kenji , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Irie Kei , Okada Akira , Nakamura Sayaka , Tamura Akihiro , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Kozaki Aiko , Saito Atsuro , Ishida Toshiaki , Fukushima Shoji , Kosaka Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis prospective observational study analyzed the pharmacokinetics of busulfan in Japanese children and evaluated the predicting accuracy of previous pediatric PPK models of busulfan. This study enrolled five patients (aged 2‐12 years, BW 14‐48 kg) receiving a busulfan‐based conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at our hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. All patients received a 2‐hour intravenous busulfan infusion four times daily for a total of 16 doses. After the infusions, 51 plasma samples were collected with the plasma busulfan concentration measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. PPK model fitting was analyzed using the (%MPE) and the (%MAPE). Limited sampling strategies for estimating busulfan AUC were also evaluated. High interpatient variability was observed in the PK parameters. The most suitable PPK model that reflected our data was McCune's two‐compartment model (%MPE −8.7, %MAPE 19.3). A combination sampling method using the busulfan concentration at 2 and 6 hours after the start of the first busulfan dose was found to be able to estimate AUC4 day. These results provide useful information on busulfan therapeutic drug monitoring in the Japanese pediatric population.
Imaging findings of Bowen's disease: A comparison between ultrasound biomicroscopy and conventional high‐frequency ultrasound
Authors: Li Ming‐Xu , Wang Qiao , Li Xiao‐Long , Zhao Chong‐Ke , Zhu Rui‐Zheng , Chen Jia , Li Liang , Guo Le‐Hang , Xu Hui‐Xiong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the imaging findings of Bowen's disease (BD) between ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and conventional high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS).MethodsA total of 29 pathologically proven BD lesions in 28 patients were retrospectively enrolled in the study, and all were after surgery. All the lesions were imaged with both UBM and HFUS. The imaging features on HFUS and UBM were analyzed and compared. The diagnostic results of ultrasound for BD were referenced with pathology results.ResultsAll the 29 (100%) BD lesions appeared hypoechogenicity, solid component, and superficial hyperechoic layer (ie, keratinization) on both UBM and HFUS. The typical imaging feature of BD lesions, that was, infiltration depth confined to the epidermis, was visualized in 25 (86.2%, 25/29) lesions on UBM whereas 15 (51.7%, 15/29) on HFUS (P = .002). A “wave sign,” which corresponds to the surface keratinization of BD lesion, was visualized in 17 (58.6%, 17/29) of BD lesions on UBM whereas 6 (20.7%, 6/29) on HFUS (P = .001). UBM and HFUS correctly diagnosed 25 (86.2%, 25/29) and 15 (51.7%, 15/29) BD lesions, respectively (P = .002).ConclusionsBowen's disease has some typical imaging features on US. The “wave sign” of the superficial hyperechoic layer and the clear borderline between the tumor in epidermis and the slightly hyperechoic dermis layer are better depicted by UBM in comparison with HFUS, which leads to a more accurate diagnosis of BD. UBM has potential to be used as a diagnostic tool for characterization of BD on account of its high resolution.
Analysis of facial redness by comparing VISIA® from Canfield and CSKIN® from Yanyun Technology
Authors: Chen Yanjing , Hua Wei , Li Anqi , He Hailun , Xie Li , Li Li 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundRedness is the most common symptom among many facial dermatoses. With the rapid development of optical instruments, spectral imaging, and image processing technology, there appear varieties of skin color analysis methods and instruments. The aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring the facial redness between CSKIN® and VISIA®, as well as the relevance between the instrument parameters and clinical evaluation.Materials & MethodsForty‐three Chinese patients were enrolled. Images were taken and analyzed by VISIA® from Canfield and CSKIN® from Yanyun Technology, and the facial erythema was graded by the dermatologists.ResultsFeature counts within the red areas measured by VISIA® were found to have significantly positive correlations with red pixels and percent which were measured by CSKIN® on both sides of the face (r = .45 ~ .566, P < .01). The parameters analyzed by CSKIN® and VISIA® feature counts were correlated with visual scores graded by the dermatologists, VISIA® presented with a weak correlation (r = .213, P < .05), while CSKIN® had a moderate correlation with the visual scores (r = .472 ~ .492, P < .001).ConclusionCSKIN® may be another alternative option when encountering with measurement and follow‐up of facial erythema.
Electrical–structural characterisation of smart carbon‐based textile reinforced concrete beams by integrative gauge factors
Authors: Goldfeld Yiska , Yosef Lidor 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe goal of this study is to characterise the piezoresistive capabilities of self‐sensory carbon roving reinforcements by means of integrative gauge factors (GFs). The correlation between the measured integrative electrical resistance of the carbon rovings and the distributed strain is experimentally investigated by two different textile reinforced concrete beams under monotonic flexural loading. Because the microstructural mechanism of the rovings within the concrete matrix affects the electrical resistance, the GF is a function of the structural health. Two approaches to explore the GF are suggested: the first is by considering the design and damaged states separately and accordingly defining a constant GF for each state, and the second is by considering the entire structural response which leads to a continuous non‐linear correlation. The potential of the two representations of GFs is presented by investigating the two beams. It is demonstrated that similar ranges of GFs are obtained for both beams, which further demonstrates the potential of using the proposed methodology for quantitative monitoring purposes.
Educating the next frontier of transfusionists: a transfusion camp pilot program for nurse practitioners
Authors: Shih Andrew W. , Morrison Douglas , Sekhon Amardeep S. , Lin Yulia , Chargé Sophie , Chipperfield Kate , Beaveridge Jennifer 
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUNDBlood transfusion is common and potentially lifesaving but is associated with risk and overuse. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in multidisciplinary care teams are increasingly expanding their scope of practice to transfusion medicine (TM). Resources aimed at NPs are lacking, and little is known about NP TM knowledge. Thus, we developed a pilot TM curriculum for NP credentialing and assessed its impact.METHODSNP leads and TM directors adapted the successful Canadian Transfusion Camp for medical postgraduate trainees into a 3‐day curriculum for NPs. Two modalities were used to assess the pilot: 1) a participant demographics survey and needs assessment; and 2) the validated BEST‐TEST knowledge assessment exam administered before and after the course.RESULTSOf the 23 volunteer participants, the majority reported prescribing blood products within the last year, primarily red blood cells. Minimal opportunities to undertake continuing medical education in TM were identified. NPs often used preprinted order forms, consultation with physicians sharing care, or local fact sheets to guide transfusion; rather than TM physician consultation or guidelines.Exam scores significantly improved after the course (before, 35.2% vs. after, 50.3%; p = 0.005), suggesting average initial knowledge being below medical postgraduate trainee‐level improving to postgraduate trainee level. Questions on appropriate transfusion triggers and correct recipient identification were most correctly answered; and responses to transfusion reaction questions required improvement.CONCLUSIONSOur needs assessment suggests that TM resources for NPs are relevant but lacking. Our initiative supports the generalizability, scalability, and effectiveness of the Transfusion Camp program. Further implementation, refinement, and future impact assessments are required.
A review of electroretinography waveforms and models and their application in the dog
Authors: Pasmanter Nathaniel , Petersen‐Jones Simon M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElectroretinography (ERG) is a commonly used technique to study retinal function in both clinical and research ophthalmology. ERG responses can be divided into component waveforms, analysis of which can provide insight into the health and function of different types and populations of retinal cells. In dogs, ERG has been used in the characterization of normal retinal function, as well as the diagnosis of retinal diseases and measuring effects of treatment. While many components of the recorded waveform are similar across species, dogs have several notable features that should be differentiated from the responses in humans and other animals. Additionally, modifications of standard protocols, such as changing flash frequency and stimulus color, and mathematical models of ERG waveforms have been used in studies of human retinal function but have been infrequently applied to visual electrophysiology in dogs. This review provides an overview of the origins and applications of ERG in addition to potential avenues for further characterization of responses in the dog.
Start‐up strategy and bacterial community analysis of SNAD process for treating anaerobic digester liquor of swine wastewater (ADLSW) in a continuous‐flow biofilm reactor
Authors: Xin Xin , Liu Qin , Werner David , Lu Hang , Qin Jiawei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSimultaneous partial nitrification, anammox and denitrification (SNAD) process for treating anaerobic digester liquor of swine wastewater (ADLSW) was achieved successfully in a continuous ‐flow biofilm reactor by gradually increasing the influent ammonium (

) concentration whilst controlling the low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. After 180 days of operation, the average removal efficiencies of

, total nitrogen (TN) and COD were 61.59, 55.76 and 75.21% respectively. Also, the average conversion efficiency

of total effluent nitrite and nitrate production to ammonia consumption was kept at about 0.053 at the last stage (days 181‐218). Anaerolineaceae (26.92%), Candidatus Brocadia (3.96%), Candidatus‐Kuenenia (4.69%), Armatimonadetes‐norank (4.25%), Limnobacter (4.15%), Xanthomonadaceae (3.07%) and Ignavibacterium (2.87%) were the dominant genera in the SNAD system for treating ADLSW. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results further confirmed that the co‐existence and enrichment of anammox bacteria, ammonium oxidising bacteria (AOB) and denitrifying bacteria (HB) in the bioreactor.
Progesterone decreases apnoea and reduces oxidative stress induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in ovariectomized female rats
Authors: Joseph Vincent , Laouafa Sofien , Marcouiller François , Roussel Damien , Pialoux Vincent , Bairam Aida 
Published: March 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Does progesterone reduce the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on arterial blood pressure, respiratory control and oxidative stress in the central nervous system in ovariectomized rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Progesterone does not prevent the elevation of arterial blood pressure in rats exposed to CIH, but normalizes respiratory control, and reduces cerebral oxidative stress. This study draws focus to a potential role of progesterone and the consequences of sleep apnoea in menopausal women.
AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that progesterone (Prog) reduces the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on arterial blood pressure, respiratory chemoreflexes and oxidative stress in the central nervous system. Ovariectomized female rats were implanted with osmotic pumps delivering vehicle (Veh) or Prog (4 mg kg−1 day−1). Two weeks following the surgery, rats were exposed to room air (Air) or CIH (7 days, 10% O2, 10 cycles h−1, 8 h day−1). We studied three groups: Veh–Air, Veh–CIH and Prog–CIH. After the CIH exposures, we measured the mean arterial pressure (MAP; tail cuff) and assessed the frequency of apnoeas at rest and ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia (whole body plethysmography). The activities of the pro‐oxidant enzyme NADPH oxidase (NOX) and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD; in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were measured in brain cortex and brainstem samples. CIH exposure increased the MAP, the frequency of apnoeas, and the respiratory frequency response to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Prog did not prevent the CIH‐induced elevation in MAP, but it reduced the CIH‐induced frequency of apnoeas and increased hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory responses. In the brain cortex, CIH increased NOX activity, and decreased the cytosolic and mitochondrial SOD activities. These effects were prevented by Prog. NOX activity was increased by CIH in the brainstem, and this was also blocked by Prog. The study draws focus to the links between ovarian hormones and the consequences of sleep apnoea in women.