bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recommended operating room practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review
Authors:   Welsh Surgical Research Initiative (WSRI) Collaborative, Abdelrahman T , Ansell J , Brown C , Egan R , Evans T , Ryan Harper E , Harries R L , Hopkins L , James O , Lewis S , Lewis W G , Luton O , Mellor K , Powell A G , Robinson D , Thomas R , Williams A , Beamish A J 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a critical global public health crisis. Operating room (OR) best practice in this crisis is poorly defined. This systematic review was performed to identify contemporary evidence relating to OR practice in the context of COVID-19.

Methods
MEDLINE was searched systematically using PubMed (search date 19 March 2020) for relevant studies in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Documented practices and guidance were assessed to determine Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) levels of evidence, and recommendations for practice within five domains were extracted: physical OR, personnel, patient, procedure, and other factors.

Results
Thirty-five articles were identified, of which 11 met eligibility criteria. Nine articles constituted expert opinion and two were retrospective studies. All articles originated from the Far East (China, 9; Singapore, 2); eight of the articles concerned general surgery. Common themes were identified within each domain, but all recommendations were based on low levels of evidence (median OCEBM level 5 (range 4–5)). The highest number of overlapping recommendations related to physical OR (8 articles) and procedural factors (13). Although few recommendations related to personnel factors, consensus was high in this domain, with all studies mandating the use of personal protective equipment.

Conclusion
There was little evidence to inform this systematic review, but there was consensus regarding many aspects of OR practice. Within the context of a rapidly evolving pandemic, timely amalgamation of global practice and experiences is needed to inform best practice.
Optimization of culture media to enhance the growth of tissue engineered cartilage
Authors: Bajic Andjela , Tarantino Roberto , Chiu Loraine L. Y. , Duever Thomas , Waldman Stephen D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTissue engineering is a promising option for cartilage repair. However, several hurdles still need to be overcome to develop functional tissue constructs suitable for implantation. One of the most common challenges is the general low capacity of chondrocytes to synthesize cartilage‐specific extracellular matrix (ECM). While different approaches have been explored to improve the biosynthetic response of chondrocytes, several studies have demonstrated that the nutritional environment (e.g., glucose concentration and media volume) can have a profound effect on ECM synthesis. Thus, the purpose of this study was to optimize the formulation of cell culture media to upregulate the accumulation of cartilaginous ECM constituents (i.e., proteoglycans and collagen) by chondrocytes in 3D culture. Using response surface methodology, four different media factors (basal media, media volume, glucose, and glutamine) were first screened to determine optimal media formulations. Constructs were then cultured under candidate optimal media formulations for 4 weeks and analyzed for their biochemical and structural properties. Interestingly, the maximal accumulation of proteoglycans and collagen appeared to be elicited by different media formulations. Most notably, proteoglycan accumulation was favored by high volume, low glucose‐containing DMEM/F12 (1:1) media whereas collagen accumulation was favored by high volume, high glucose‐containing F12 media. While high glutamine‐containing media elicited increased DNA content, glutamine concentration had no apparent effect on ECM accumulation. Therefore, optimizing the nutritional environment during chondrocyte culture appears to be a promising, straight‐forward approach to improve cartilaginous tissue formation. Future work will investigate the combined effects of the nutritional environment and external stimuli.
Evolution of charged grains in harmonic force field
Authors: Wang Youmei , Guan Miao , Yu Mingyang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEvolution of the spatial structure of the massive charged grains in the presence of weak linearly space‐dependent external force in a dusty plasma is studied using molecular dynamics simulation. The interaction among the dust grains in the background electron‐ion plasma is described by a modified Yukawa interaction potential that includes both repulsive and attractive ranges. Evolution of the initially homogeneously distributed dust grains is followed until a quasi‐stationary state is reached. Even though the external force is radially highly asymmetric, the final configuration of the charged grains can be a circular crystal. Still driven by the external force, the grains in the crystal execute synchronized oscillations in the direction of the force. The time needed to reach the quasi‐stationary state decreases with increase of the strength of the external force.
Cranial or postcranial—Dual origin of the pectoral appendage of vertebrates combining the fin‐fold and gill‐arch theories?
Authors: Diogo Rui 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTwo main theories have been used to explain the origin of pectoral and pelvic appendages. The “fin‐fold theory” proposes that they evolved from a trunk bilateral fin fold, while Gegenbaur's theory assumes they derived from the head branchial arches. However, none of these theories has been fully supported. The “fin‐fold” theory is mainly often accepted due to some existing developmental data, but recent developmental studies have revived Gegenbaur's theory by revealing common mechanisms underlying the patterning of branchial arches and paired appendages. Here I review developmental data and many others lines of evidence, which lead to a crucial question: might the apparent contradictions between the two theories be explained by a dual origin of the pectoral appendage, that is, the pectoral girdle and fin/limb being mainly related to the head and trunk, respectively? If this is so then (a) the pectoral and pelvic girdles would not be serial homologues; (b) the term “developmental serial homologues” could only potentially be applied to the pectoral and pelvic fins/limbs. Fascinatingly, in a way this would be similar to what Owen had already suggested, more than 170 years ago: that the pectoral and pelvic girdles are mainly related to the head and trunk, respectively.
Single‐session image‐guided robotic radiosurgery and quality of life for glomus jugulare tumors
Authors: Ehret Felix , Kufeld Markus , Fürweger Christoph , Haidenberger Alfred , Schichor Christian , Tonn Jörg‐Christian , Muacevic Alexander , Hempel John‐Martin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundLimited data are available on the efficacy and impact on the quality of life (Qol) of single‐session image‐guided robotic radiosurgery (RRS) for glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs). This study investigates the role of RRS in the management of GJTs and reviews the RRS literature.MethodsWe analyzed 53 GJT patients treated with RRS to evaluate the safety, local control, clinical outcome, and Qol assessed by the SF12v2.ResultsThe local control was 98% at a median follow‐up of 38 months. The median tumor volume was 4.3 cc and tumors were treated with a median dose of 16.5 Gy. At the last follow‐up, 35 patients had recovered from their symptoms or experienced symptom improvement. Qol analyses showed no significant decline while bodily pain significantly decreased.ConclusionsRRS is a safe and efficient tool for the treatment of GJTs. Qol of patients after treatment is stable and tends to improve over time.
Frequency‐ and state‐dependent effects of hippocampal neural disinhibition on hippocampal local field potential oscillations in anesthetized rats
Authors: Gwilt Miriam , Bauer Markus , Bast Tobias 
Published: May 2020

AbstractReduced inhibitory GABA function, so‐called neural disinhibition, has been implicated in cognitive disorders, including schizophrenia and age‐related cognitive decline. We previously showed in rats that hippocampal disinhibition by local microinfusion of the GABA‐A receptor antagonist picrotoxin disrupted memory and attention and enhanced hippocampal multi‐unit burst firing recorded around the infusion site under isoflurane anesthesia. Here, we analyzed the hippocampal local field potential (LFP) recorded alongside the multi‐unit data. We predicted frequency‐specific LFP changes, based on previous studies implicating GABA in hippocampal oscillations, with the weight of evidence suggesting that disinhibition would facilitate theta and disrupt gamma oscillations. Using a new semi‐automated method based on the kurtosis of the LFP peak‐amplitude distribution as well as on amplitude envelope thresholding, we separated three distinct hippocampal LFP states under isoflurane anesthesia: “burst” and “suppression” states—high‐amplitude LFP spike bursts and the interspersed low‐amplitudeperiods—and a medium‐amplitude “continuous” state. The burst state showed greater overall power than suppression and continuous states and higher relative delta/theta power, but lower relative beta/gamma power. The burst state also showed reduced functional connectivity across the hippocampal recording area, especially around theta and beta frequencies. Overall neuronal firing was higher in the burst than the other two states, whereas the proportion of burst firing was higher in burst and continuous states than the suppression state. Disinhibition caused state‐ and frequency‐dependent LFP changes, tending to increase power at lower frequencies (<20 Hz), but to decrease power and connectivity at higher frequencies (>20 Hz) in burst and suppression states. The disinhibition‐induced enhancement of multi‐unit bursting was also state‐dependent, tending to be more pronounced in burst and suppression states than the continuous state. Overall, we characterized three distinct hippocampal LFP states in isoflurane‐anesthetized rats. Disinhibition changed hippocampal LFP oscillations in a state‐ and frequency‐dependent way. Moreover, the disinhibition‐induced enhancement of multi‐unit bursting was also LFP state‐dependent.
Effect of CO2 adsorbents on the Ni‐based dual‐function materials for CO2 capturing and in situ methanation
Authors: Chai Kian Hoong , Leong Loong Kong , Wong David Shan‐Hill , Tsai De‐Hao , Sethupathi Sumathi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present work studied the effect of different carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorbents on Ni‐based dual‐function materials (DFMs) for the development of carbon capture and on‐site utilization in a reactor at isothermal condition. The DFMs containing Ni functioning as a methanation catalyst with various CO2 adsorbents (i.e., CaO, MgO, K2CO3, or Na2CO3) were prepared on γ‐Al2O3 through sequential impregnation. The result indicated that Ni‐Na2CO3/γ‐Al2O3 had the highest methanation capacity (i.e., 0.1783 mmol/g) and efficiency (i.e., 71.09%) in the CO2 adsorption–methanation test. The CO2 uptake and the subsequent methanation capacity of the Ni‐Na2CO3/γ‐Al2O3 increased to more than 24 times and more than 17 times, respectively, compared to Ni/γ‐Al2O3. The high methanation capacity was correlated to its highest amount of weak basic sites, substantial CO2 capture capacity and capture/release efficiency, and reactivity to H2 at a lower temperature, supported by CO2‐TPD, TGA analyses for adsorption or adsorption–desorption at the isothermal condition, and H2‐TPRea, respectively. A continuous cyclic CO2 adsorption–methanation was performed by using the Ni‐Na2CO3/γ‐Al2O3 and Ni‐CaO/γ‐Al2O3, showing that the CO2 adsorption capacity was stabilized from third cycle onward, whereas the methanation capacity was stabilized at all cycles, indicating the high stability of the DFMs for both CO2 adsorption and subsequent methanation. This work demonstrated successful synthesis of the Ni‐based, low‐cost, and stable DFMs with the ability to produce methane via the direct capture of CO2.
Should Baseline Hemoglobin A1c or Dose of SGLT‐2i Guide Treatment With SGLT‐2i Versus DPP‐4i in People With Type 2 Diabetes? A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Uhrig Jarrod L. , Page Stephanie O. , Mishriky Basem M. , Patil Shivajirao P. , Powell James R. , Sewell Kerry , Mian Muna R. , Cummings Doyle M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOur aim was to explore whether the baseline hemoglobin A1c or the dose of sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT‐2i) chosen better predicted the efficacy of SGLT‐2i versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) in type 2 diabetes. We searched for randomized trials that compared SGLT‐2i with DPP‐4i in type 2 diabetes and reported a change in hemoglobin A1c over time. We created 2 separate analyses (one based on baseline hemoglobin A1c and the other according to US Food and Drug Administration [FDA]‐approved SGLT‐2i dose). Thirteen trials were included. In the analysis according to baseline hemoglobin A1c, there was a significantly greater reduction in hemoglobin A1c when baseline hemoglobin A1c was ≥8.5%, favoring SGLT‐2i over DPP‐4i but not when baseline hemoglobin A1c was <8.5% (mean difference [95%CI], ‐0.36% [‐0.53% to ‐0.18%] and 0.04% [‐0.09% to 0.17%], respectively). On restricting the analysis to trials stratifying hemoglobin A1c to <8.0% or ≥8.0%, results did not change. In the analysis based on FDA‐approved SGLT‐2i doses, higher SGLT‐2i doses caused a significantly greater hemoglobin A1c reduction at ≤26 and ≥52 weeks compared with the highest DPP‐4i doses (mean difference [95%CI], ‐0.11% [‐0.18% to ‐0.04%] and ‐0.24% [‐0.34% to ‐0.15%], respectively). Lower SGLT‐2i doses caused a significantly greater hemoglobin A1c reduction at ≥52 weeks but not at ≤26 weeks compared with the highest DPP‐4i doses (mean difference [95%CI], ‐0.12% [‐0.23% to ‐0.02%] and 0.01% [‐0.05% to 0.07%], respectively). In people with type 2 diabetes and a baseline hemoglobin A1c ≥ 8.0%, SGLT‐2i produced significantly greater reductions in hemoglobin A1c compared with DPP‐4i and may be preferred. SGLT‐2i dose titration to a higher FDA‐approved dose is recommended in suitable patients.
A histological study of normal and pathological limb regeneration in the Mexican axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: Bothe Vivien , Mahlow Kristin , Fröbisch Nadia B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSalamanders show unparalleled capacities of tissue regeneration amongst tetrapods (four‐legged vertebrates), being able to repair and renew lost or damage body parts, such as tails, jaws, and limbs in a seemingly perfect fashion. Despite countless studies on axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) regeneration, only a few studies have thus far compared gross morphological and histological features of the original and regenerated limb skeleton. Therein, most studies have focused on nerves or muscles, while even fewer have provided detailed information about bones and cartilage. This study compares skeletal tissue structures of original and regenerated limbs with respect to tissue level histology. Histological serial sections of 55 axolotl larvae were generated, including 29 limbs that were severed by conspecifics, and 26 that were subject to targeted amputations. Amputations were executed in several larval stages (48, 52, and 53) and at different limb positions (humeral midshaft, above the mesopod). In addition, 3D reconstructions were prepared based on X‐ray microtomography scans. The results demonstrate that regenerated forelimbs show a diversity of limb and digit abnormalities as a result of imperfect regeneration. Furthermore, abnormalities were more severe and more frequent in regenerated forelimbs caused by natural bites as compared with regenerated forelimbs after amputation. The results indicate that abnormalities occur frequently after regeneration in larval axolotls contradicting the notion of regeneration generally resulting in perfect limbs.
Integrating oral PrEP delivery among African women in a large HIV endpoint‐driven clinical trial
Authors: Beesham Ivana , Welch Julia D , Heffron Renee , Pleaner Melanie , Kidoguchi Lara , Palanee‐Phillips Thesla , Ahmed Khatija , Baron Deborah , Bukusi Elizabeth A , Louw Cheryl , Mastro Timothy D , Smit Jennifer , Batting Joanne R , Malahleha Mookho , Bailey Veronique C , Beksinska Mags , Donnell Deborah , Baeten Jared M ,   the ECHO Trial Consortium
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionGlobal guidelines emphasize the ethical obligation of investigators to help participants in HIV‐endpoint trials reduce HIV risk by offering an optimal HIV prevention package. Oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has increasingly become part of state‐of‐the‐art HIV prevention. Here we describe the process of integrating oral PrEP delivery into the HIV prevention package of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial.MethodsECHO was an open‐label randomized clinical trial that compared HIV incidence among women randomized to one of three effective contraceptives. In total, 7830 women aged 16 to 35 years from 12 sites in four African countries (Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia) were enrolled and followed for 12 to 18 months, from 2015 to 2018. Part‐way through the course of the trial, oral PrEP was provided to study participants either off‐site via referral or on site via trained trial staff. PrEP uptake was compared between different contraceptive users using Chi‐squared tests or t‐tests. HIV seroincidence rates were compared between participants who never versus ever initiated PrEP using exact Poisson regression.ResultsPrEP access in ECHO began through public availability in Kenya in May 2017 and was available at all sites by June 2018. When PrEP became available, 3626 (46.3%) eligible women were still in follow‐up in the study, and of these, 622 (17.2%) initiated PrEP. Women initiating PrEP were slightly older; more likely to be unmarried, not living with their partner, having multiple partners; and less likely to be earning their own income and receiving financial support from partners (all p < 0.05). PrEP initiation did not differ across study randomized groups (p = 0.7). Two‐thirds of PrEP users were continuing PrEP at study exit.ConclusionsThere is a need for improved HIV prevention services in clinical trials with HIV endpoints, especially trials among African women. PrEP as a component of a comprehensive HIV prevention package provided to women in a large clinical trial is practical and feasible. Provision of PrEP within clinical trials with HIV outcomes should be standard of prevention.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Performances of Ultrasound, High‐Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in a Rabbit Carotid Vulnerable Plaque Atherosclerosis Model
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Renjie , Liu Hongyu , Wang Jiaoqi , Liang Wenzhao , Mang Jing , Xu Zhongxin 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesOur study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of 3 routine examination methods for cerebrovascular disease in a rabbit carotid artery atherosclerosis model.MethodsA total of 12 New Zealand rabbits were included: 4 in a control group and 8 in an experimental group. A clinically relevant atherosclerosis rabbit model was induced by left common carotid artery ligation and a 12‐week high‐fat diet. Atherosclerosis was further confirmed by a histopathologic analysis. Then carotid ultrasound (US) imaging, high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) were performed on this model to evaluate the diagnostic performances.ResultsCarotid US showed plaque formation in the left common carotid artery and little plaque in the right common carotid artery in the experimental group. In addition, HRMRI showed stenosis formation in the left common carotid artery in the experimental group. At the horizontal level, plaques were found in the left common carotid artery, and no plaques were found in the right common carotid artery in the experimental group. Also, PET/CT showed local hypermetabolism and vulnerable plaques in the left common carotid artery of the experimental group, whereas no hypermetabolism was found in the right common carotid artery of the experimental group. Moreover, the soft plaques detected by carotid US were different from the vulnerable plaques detected by PET/CT. The unstable plaques on HRMRI were the same as the hypermetabolic vulnerable plaques on PET/CT.ConclusionsHigh‐resolution MRI is recommended for the evaluation of neck and intracranial vascular stenosis and plaque properties in patients with stroke.
Improved Tumor Control Related to Radiotherapy Technological Development for Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Susko Matthew S. , Lazar Ann A. , Dhar Shwena , Chan Jason W. , Shiao Stephen L. , Chapman Christopher H. , Johnson Julian , Quivey Jeanne M. , Ryan William R. , Heaton Chase M. , Ha Patrick K. , Yom Sue S. 
Published: May 2020

Objectives/HypothesisSquamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP) is associated with worse survival compared to other head and neck subsites. This report quantifies the impact of technological improvements in radiotherapy (RT) on outcomes over 6 decades.MethodsPatients with SCCHP receiving curative‐intent treatment between 1962 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan‐Meier analyses of freedom from local recurrence (FFLR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared across treatment eras and radiation techniques. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was performed to specify the effect of RT technique.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐four patients had a median follow‐up of 17 months (IQR = 9–38). There were no differences in staging or use of surgery over time, but use of chemotherapy concurrent with RT increased (P < .001) beginning in the 2000s. The 24‐month FFLR using two‐dimensional RT (2D‐RT), three‐dimensional conformal RT (3D‐CRT), and intensity‐modulated RT (IMRT) was 52%, 55%, and 80%, respectively; 24‐month PFS was 39%, 46%, and 73%, respectively; and 24‐month OS was 27%, 40%, and 68%, respectively. OS (P = .01), PFS (P = .03), and FFLR (P = 0.02) were improved with IMRT over 2D‐RT, and FFLR appeared to be improved over 3D‐CRT (P = .06). Controlling for chemotherapy use and other major variables, IMRT produced a strong influence over FFLR (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0‐1.2, P = .08) and a benefit in OS (adjusted HR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0‐0.4, P = .005).ConclusionsAcross 6 decades, patient and tumor characteristics remained similar whereas use of chemoradiation increased and IMRT was adopted. The introduction of IMRT was associated with improved FFLR, PFS, and OS, and a reduction in acute toxicity as compared to earlier radiation technologies.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E452–E458, 2021