bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuraxial anaesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a literature review and practice recommendations
Authors: Uppal V. , Sondekoppam R. V. , Landau R. , El‐Boghdadly K. , Narouze S. , Kalagara H. K. P. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has had a significant impact on global healthcare services. In an attempt to limit the spread of infection and to preserve healthcare resources, one commonly used strategy has been to postpone elective surgery, whilst maintaining the provision of anaesthetic care for urgent and emergency surgery. General anaesthesia with airway intervention leads to aerosol generation, which increases the risk of COVID‐19 contamination in operating rooms and significantly exposes the healthcare teams to COVID‐19 infection during both tracheal intubation and extubation. Therefore, the provision of regional anaesthesia may be key during this pandemic, as it may reduce the need for general anaesthesia and the associated risk from aerosol‐generating procedures. However, guidelines on the safe performance of regional anaesthesia in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic are limited. The goal of this review is to provide up‐to‐date, evidence‐based recommendations or expert opinion when evidence is limited, for performing regional anaesthesia procedures in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 infection. These recommendations focus on seven specific domains including: planning of resources and staffing; modifying the clinical environment; preparing equipment, supplies and drugs; selecting appropriate personal protective equipment; providing adequate oxygen therapy; assessing for and safely performing regional anaesthesia procedures; and monitoring during the conduct of anaesthesia and post‐anaesthetic care. Implicit in these recommendations is preserving patient safety whilst protecting healthcare providers from possible exposure.
Randomised clinical trial: faecal microbiota transplantation versus autologous placebo administered via colonoscopy in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Lahtinen Perttu , Jalanka Jonna , Hartikainen Anna , Mattila Eero , Hillilä Markku , Punkkinen Jari , Koskenpato Jari , Anttila Veli‐Jukka , Tillonen Jyrki , Satokari Reetta , Arkkila Perttu 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been associated with microbial dysbiosis.AimTo investigate the efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of IBS.MethodsForty‐nine IBS patients were randomised to receive autologous or allogenic FMT via colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was a sustained, minimum of 50‐point, reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Score. The secondary outcomes were levels of anxiety and depression, changes in quality of life, gut microbiota and faecal water content as assessed with validated questionnaires, intestinal microbiota composition and stool dry weight.ResultsThe primary endpoint was not achieved in either group. However, there was a transient reduction in the mean IBS Symptom Severity Score in the FMT group at 12 weeks after treatment as compared to baseline (P = 0.01). The groups did not differ in the number of patients achieving clinical response at 12 weeks. In the FMT‐treated patients, microbial composition had changed to resemble that of the donor and the stool water content decreased significantly compared to baseline. The depression score decreased in patients with a reduction in IBS symptoms after FMT, but not in those placebo‐treated patients who experienced a reduction in IBS symptoms.ConclusionsFMT provided only a transient relief of symptoms, although it induced a sustained alteration in the microbiota of IBS patients. Therefore, FMT delivered by a single infusion via colonoscopy cannot be recommended as a treatment for IBS in clinical practice.ClinicalTrials.Org, Trial registration number: NCT03561519.
Randomised clinical trial: the effectiveness of Gaviscon Advance vs non‐alginate antacid in suppression of acid pocket and post‐prandial reflux in obese individuals after late‐night supper
Authors: Deraman Mohd Adli , Abdul Hafidz Muhammad Ilham , Lawenko Rona Marie , Ma Zheng Feei , Wong Mung Seong , Coyle Cathal , Lee Yeong Yeh 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundLate‐night supper increases the risk of postprandial reflux from the acid pocket especially in obesity. An alginate‐based, raft‐forming medication may be useful for obese patients with GERD.AimsTo compare the efficacy of Gaviscon Advance (Reckitt Benckiser, UK) and a non‐alginate antacid in post‐supper suppression of the acid pocket and post‐prandial reflux among obese participants.MethodsParticipants underwent 48 h wireless and probe‐based pH‐metry recording of the acid pocket and lower oesophagus, respectively, and were randomised to single post‐supper (10 pm) dose of either Gaviscon Advance or a non‐alginate antacid on the second night. Primary outcomes were suppression of median pH of acid pocket and lower oesophagus, measured every 10‐minutes post‐supper for 1 h. Secondary outcomes were suppression of % time pH < 4 at lower oesophagus and improvement in frequency and visual analogue score (VAS) of regurgitation.ResultsOf the 81 screened participants, 55 were excluded and 26 (mean age 33.5 years, males 77.8% and BMI 32.8 kg/m2) were randomised to Gaviscon Advance (n = 13) or antacid (n = 13). Median pH of the acid pocket but not the lower oesophagus was suppressed with Gaviscon Advance vs antacid (all P < 0.04) Gaviscon Advance but not antacid significantly reduced in % time pH < 4, symptom frequency and VAS on day 2 vs day 1 (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsAmong obese individuals, Gaviscon Advance was superior to a non‐alginate antacid in post‐supper suppression of the acid pocket. (Clinical trial registration unique identifier: NCT03516188).
Immersive virtual field trips and elementary students’ perceptions
Authors: Han Insook 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn response to the increased attention and interest related to the application of virtual reality with head‐mounted displays in education, this study examined the elementary students’ perceptions of using immersive virtual field trips (VFTs) in the classroom. Reflection papers from 25 students were analyzed and triangulated with field notes from class observations and teacher interviews. The content analysis revealed that VFTs were perceived to be efficient with regard to time and cost, to expand learning opportunities, but lacked physical interaction. Elementary students also suggested immersive VFTs are engaging, real, and provide an increased perception of virtual presence. However, they also expressed concerns about health and safety, psychological side effects, technical malfunctions, and low social interaction.
Splenectomy in childhood for non‐malignant haematologic disorders – long‐term follow‐up shows minimal adverse effects
Authors: Yacobovich Joanne , Barzilai‐Birenboim Shlomit , Steinberg‐Shemer Orna , Stark Pinhas , Pazgal Idit , Tamary Hannah 
Published: April 2020

SummarySplenectomy is considered therapeutic in various non‐malignant haematologic diseases. Adverse events ‒ specifically infections and thromboembolism ‒ are not extensively documented in the paediatric population, maintaining the concern over risks‐versus‐benefits of the procedure. We studied a cohort of paediatric haematology patients undergoing splenectomy between 1977 and 2015 to determine short‐ and long‐term complications. We summarised all the patients of the haematology clinic in our major Israeli tertiary centre undergoing splenectomy for therapeutic reasons, capturing infectious and thromboembolic events. The data of 103 patients, comprising 1657 follow‐up years, were analysed. The cohort included 33 patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia, seven with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia, four with sickle‐thalassaemia, 41 with hereditary spherocytosis, and 18 with immune thrombocytopenia. Standard presplenectomy vaccinations were noted in most. No typical cases of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) were identified, nor were typical OPSI bacteria isolated. Thalassaemics with central lines were most prone to infection and thrombosis. Beyond this subgroup, thrombotic events were anecdotal. This is the largest study to date to comprehensively analyse infectious and thrombotic complications of childhood splenectomy for the treatment of haematologic diseases. The use of splenectomy appears to be a relatively safe therapeutic option in paediatric patients with proper preoperative vaccination and follow‐up care; use of central venous lines or catheters increase the risk in thalassaemic patients and should be avoided if possible.
Can we publish inclusive research inclusively? Researchers with intellectual disabilities interview authors of inclusive studies
Authors: Riches Tanya N. , O'Brien Patricia M. ,   The CDS Inclusive Research Network
Published: April 2020

Accessible summary

We are a group of 17 inclusive researchers. Some have a disability, some work in the university, and some are support workers.

In this paper, we interviewed 11 people who wrote inclusive research to find out what they thought.

We asked how do you write inclusive research?

Then, we asked two more questions: how were people with intellectual disabilities included in writing inclusive research? And, what got in the way of people with intellectual disabilities being included in writing inclusive research?

We found that inclusive research is a process of learning together: listening and including people's experience of disability.

The main finding was that writing and publishing inclusively in peer‐reviewed literature was hard.

Few researchers knew how to write or publish with people with intellectual disabilities.

It will need more research to figure out how best to include people with intellectual disabilities in writing up studies.

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to explore how researchers with intellectual disabilities were involved in writing up and publishing inclusive research, particularly in peer‐reviewed journals. It was conducted over a year by members of the Centre for Disability Studies Inclusive Research Network representing 17 co‐researchers (with intellectual disabilities, university and support agency staff) doing research together.Materials and MethodsThe research focused on facilitators/barriers to inclusive research. The main research question was as follows: “how do you write inclusive research?” As in, what did authors who had written inclusive research articles find helped people with intellectual disabilities get involved in the publication process? Also, what, if anything, got in the way of people with intellectual disabilities being involved? The group interviewed 11 university scholars with varied experience publishing collaboratively with people with intellectual disabilities (one self‐identifying as disabled). Content analysis identified common themes.ResultsFor the participants, inclusive research meant listening to and supporting people with the lived experience of disability. Researchers encountered numerous challenges in publishing, linked to what they perceived as “complex” and “unfair” universities, systems which governed funding. Instead of peer‐reviewed articles, inclusive teams created many other outputs and focused on outcomes.ConclusionsThe main finding was that writing and publishing inclusive peer‐reviewed literature was prohibitive. It would appear that those working in inclusive research are only at the start of devising ways to include their co‐researchers with intellectual disabilities; it will need more research to articulate common strategies to include teams of people with intellectual disabilities in joint publications.
Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside improves non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease by promoting PINK1‐mediated mitophagy in mice
Authors: Li Xinwei , Shi Zhen , Zhu Yiwei , Shen Taiyu , Wang Heyuan , Shui Guanghou , Loor Juan J. , Fang Zhiyuan , Chen Meng , Wang Xinghui , Peng Zhicheng , Song Yuxiang , Wang Zhe , Du Xiliang , Liu Guowen 
Published: April 2020

Background and PurposeIdentifying safe and effective compounds that target to mitophagy to eliminate impaired mitochondria may be an attractive therapeutic strategy for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Here, we investigated the effects of cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the underlying mechanism.Experimental ApproachNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was induced by a high‐fat diet for 16 weeks. C3G was administered during the last 4 weeks. In vivo, recombinant adenoviruses and AAV8 were used for overexpression and knockdown of PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1), respectively. AML‐12 and HepG2 cells were used for the mechanism study.Key ResultsC3G administration suppressed hepatic oxidative stress, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and steatosis and improved systemic glucose metabolism in mice with NAFLD. These effects of C3G were also observed in palmitic acid‐treated AML‐12 cells and hepatocytes from NAFLD patients. Mechanistic investigations revealed that C3G increased PINK1/Parkin expression and mitochondrial localization and promoted PINK1‐mediated mitophagy to clear damaged mitochondria. Knockdown of hepatic PINK1 abolished the mitophagy‐inducing effect of C3G, which blunted the beneficial effects of C3G on oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, hepatic steatosis and glucose metabolism.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results demonstrate that PINK1‐mediated mitophagy plays an essential role in the ability of C3G to alleviate NAFLD and suggest that C3G may be a potential drug candidate for NAFLD treatment.
Efficacy and safety of nabiximols cannabinoid medicine for paediatric spasticity in cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fairhurst Charlie , Kumar Ram , Checketts Daniel , Tayo Bola , Turner Susie 
Published: April 2020

AimTo assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of oromucosal nabiximols cannabinoid medicine as adjunct therapy for children with spasticity due to cerebral palsy/traumatic central nervous system injury with inadequate response to existing treatment.MethodOverall, 72 patients (mean [SD] age 12y 4mo [3y 1mo], range 8‒18y) were randomized at a ratio of 2:1 to receive nabiximols (n=47; 29 males, 18 females) or placebo (n=25; 15 males, 10 females) for 12 weeks (12 sprays/day max. based on clinical response/tolerability). The primary outcome was change from baseline in level of spasticity on a 0 to 10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), assessed by the primary caregiver at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included additional measures for spasticity, sleep quality, pain, health‐related quality of life, comfort, depression, and safety.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the spasticity 0 to 10 NRS between nabiximols versus placebo groups after 12 weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed for any secondary endpoint. Adverse events were predominantly mild or moderate in severity; however, three cases of hallucinations were reported.InterpretationNabiximols was generally well tolerated; however, neuropsychiatric adverse events were observed. No significant reduction in spasticity with nabiximols treatment versus placebo was observed.What this paper adds

Oromucosal nabiximols is generally well tolerated by paediatric patients.

However, three cases of hallucinations were observed, one of which involved auditory hallucinations and a suicide attempt.

Oromucosal nabiximols versus placebo did not reduce cerebral palsy/central nervous system injury‐related spasticity.
Cytoplasmic localization of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐related TDP‐43 proteins modulates stress granule formation
Authors: Besnard‐Guérin Corinne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTDP‐43 is an RNA/DNA‐binding protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Under pathological conditions, TDP‐43 exported from the nucleus accumulates in the cytoplasm, forming inclusion bodies. However, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to such aggregation are unclear. The pathogenic processes that lead to aggregation in ALS were investigated by analysing the effects of wildtype human TDP‐43 or with mutations in the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) or those associated with ALS in stress granule formation. TDP‐43 (WT, ∆NLS or G348C), with or without a GFP‐tag, was expressed in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma or HeLa cells and stress granules induced by oxidative stress or heat shock. Stress granule formation was altered in cells strongly expressing GFP‐TDP‐∆NLS, or untagged TDP‐43‐∆NLS in the cytoplasm but not the negative controls, GFP or GFP‐UtrCH. In contrast, there was no reduction in stress granule formation by cells that expressed untagged TDP‐43 (WT or G348C) in the nucleus upon stress induction. GFP labelling of TDP‐43 (WT or G348C) promotes high cytoplasmic expression and nuclear aggregation. Stress granule formation was impaired in cells expressing GFP‐TDP‐43 (WT or G348C) in the cytoplasm. Overall, these results suggest that stress granule formation may be inhibited by high levels of TDP‐43 protein in the cytoplasm. As stress granules serve a protective function, their deregulation may promote neurodegeneration due to an aberrant stress response.
Solving predictive control problem of fast‐varying multivariable systems by incorporating unknown active dynamics generated by real‐time adaptive learning machine
Authors: Yaqubi Sadeq , Homaeinezhad Mohammad Reza 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNot only adaptive predictive control of switched systems is a computationally intensive procedure, it also involves various challenges in addressing the problems of robust stabilization and precise tracking. This study proposes new strategies to deal with the aforementioned issues (namely safe and precise control alongside with reduction of computational burden). The first contribution of this work is reduction of conservatism for described class of systems. Control of switched systems with undetectable switching signals is often conducted in worst case switching configuration to ensure robustness, which potentially results in conservative design. The issue of conservativeness is intensified in multi input‐multi output (MIMO) dynamical systems due to increased dimensions. However, attaining a robust control scheme for all switching configurations while ensuring precise response is inherently paradoxical. To overcome this issue, this study proposes a new dual‐mode algorithm where control modes corresponding to safety and precision are activated at appropriate stages of system response. This is conducted based on incorporation of an adaptive fuzzy‐wavelet neural network identification scheme in predictive control of MIMO switched systems. However, as convergence of the adaptive algorithm to actual system is attained after a finite period of time, a safe‐mode control algorithm is proposed to maintain quality of transient response in convergence period. In other words, the proposed algorithm operates in safe and precise control modes to ensure robust stability in the convergence period and non‐conservative design in steady‐state. Second major contribution of the work is reduction of calculation burden based on incorporation of a suboptimal control algorithm. To this end, we propose a predictive control scheme based on a suboptimal gradient‐descent based controller, calculating feasible stabilizing inputs instead of optimal inputs. Effects of dynamical variations are incorporated in the model predictive control framework for increased compatibility with high‐speed switching dynamics. Then, based on incorporation of dual‐mode algorithm, precise steady‐state performance is attained while preventing notable perturbations in dynamical discontinuities at switching.
Do different IgG repertoires play a role in B‐ and T‐cell functional modulation during ontogeny? The “hooks without bait” theory
Authors: Victor Jefferson R 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe mechanisms by which immunoglobulin (Ig)G can modulate immunity have been investigated over the past few decades. In the past three years, some studies have demonstrated that IgG can play a pivotal role in mediating complex interactions that result in functional lymphocyte modulation during maturation in self or offspring primary lymphoid organs. This effect appears to be dependent on the IgG repertoire in the absence of the influence of antigens and the functionality of diverse cell populations, including B, αβT (CD4 T and CD8 T), invariant natural killer T and γδT cells, in mice and humans. Based on the literature, especially on findings resulting from the therapeutic use of purified IgG (intravenous Ig) and recent pieces of evidence obtained by my group, the “hooks without bait” theory is described here to guide the future development of therapies for specific immune regulation.
Exposure to heat stress during flowering period reduces flower yield and pyrethrins in Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium)
Authors: Suraweera Dilnee D. , Groom Tim , Nicolas Marc E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHeat stress is one of the major limitations to crop productivity worldwide. Global warming effects are expected to increase the number of hot days and increase the probability and intensity of heat stress events. Short periods (3–5 days) of heat stress with maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C often occur during late spring and early summer in some pyrethrum growing regions of Australia. These heat stress events usually coincide with pyrethrum flowering period. Pyrethrum is a perennial herbaceous plant which is commercially grown for extraction of pyrethrins which accumulate in the achenes of the flowers and are used as a natural insecticide. This experiment was conducted to understand the effects of timing of short periods of heat stress on flower development and pyrethrum yield. Plants were subjected to short periods of high temperature treatments (12 hr at 35–40°C) for three consecutive days at three flower maturity stages (early, mid, late). Control plants were grown at ambient temperature (10–25°C) throughout the flowering period. Exposure of pyrethrum plants to short periods of high temperature during the flowering period caused a significant reduction in the flower and pyrethrin yield. This was associated with the reduction in flower size and accelerated flower senescence. Exposure of pyrethrum plants to heat stress significantly increased the rate of flower development resulting in a shorter flowering period. Overall, plants grown under control treatment showed slower rate of flower development and longer duration flowering period. This resulted in longer duration of pyrethrin accumulation and higher yield of pyrethrins per flower. Timing and duration of heat stress significantly influenced pyrethrin yield per flower. Heat stress caused more severe yield reductions at early flowering than later in the flowering period. Research focusing on agronomic strategies, phenology and breeding for tolerance to heat stress is therefore important to cope with future climate changes and to obtain maximum pyrethrin yield.