bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Chloroprocaine Versus Lidocaine With Epinephrine, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Fentanyl for Epidural Extension Anesthesia in Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Noninferiority Study
Authors: Sharawi Nadir , Bansal Prannal , Williams Matthew , Spencer Horace , Mhyre Jill M. 
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND:
For emergent intrapartum cesarean delivery (CD), the literature does not support the use of any particular local anesthetic solution to extend epidural analgesia to cesarean anesthesia. We hypothesized that 3% chloroprocaine (CP) would be noninferior to a mixture of 2% lidocaine, 150 µg of epinephrine, 2 mL of 8.4% bicarbonate, and 100 µg of fentanyl (LEBF) in terms of onset time to surgical anesthesia.

METHODS:
In this single-center randomized noninferiority trial, adult healthy women undergoing CD were randomly assigned to epidural anesthesia with either CP or LEBF. Sensory blockade (pinprick) to T10 was established before operating room (OR) entry for elective CD. On arrival to the OR, participants received the epidural study medications in a standardized manner to simulate the conversion of “epidural labor analgesia to surgical anesthesia.” The primary outcome was the time to loss of touch sensation at the T7 level. A noninferiority margin was set at 3 minutes. The secondary outcome was the need for intraoperative analgesia supplementation.

RESULTS:
In total, 70 women were enrolled in the study. The mean onset time to achieve a bilateral sensory block to touch at the T7 dermatome level was 655 (standard deviation [SD] = 258) seconds for group CP and 558 (269) seconds for group LEBF, a difference in means of 97 seconds (90% confidence interval [CI], SD = −10.6 to 204; P = .10 for noninferiority). The upper limit of the 90% CI for the mean difference exceeded the prespecified 3-minute noninferiority margin. There was no meaningful difference in the requirement for intraoperative analgesia between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION:
Both anesthetic solutions have a rapid onset of anesthesia when used to extend low-dose epidural sensory block to surgical anesthesia. Data from the current study provide insufficient evidence to confirm that CP is noninferior to LEBF for rapid epidural extension anesthesia for CD, and further research is required to determine noninferiority.
Rewarding compounds identified from the medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea
Authors: Michels Birgit , Franke Katrin , Weiglein Aliće , Sultani Haider , Gerber Bertram , Wessjohann Ludger A. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Preparations of Rhodiola rosea root are widely used in traditional medicine. They can increase life span in worms and flies, and have various effects related to nervous system function in different animal species and humans. However, which of the compounds in R. rosea is mediating any one of these effects has remained unknown in most cases. Here, an analysis of the volatile and non-volatile low-molecular-weight constituents of R. rosea root samples was accompanied by an investigation of their behavioral impact on Drosophila melanogaster larvae. Rhodiola rosea root samples have an attractive smell and taste to the larvae, and exert a rewarding effect. This rewarding effect was also observed for R. rosea root extracts, and did not require activity of dopamine neurons that mediate known rewards such as sugar. Based on the chemical profiles of R. rosea root extracts and resultant fractions, a bioactivity-correlation analysis (AcorA) was performed to identify candidate rewarding compounds. This suggested positive correlations for – among related compounds – ferulic acid eicosyl ester (FAE-20) and β-sitosterol glucoside. A validation using these as pure compounds confirmed that the correlations were causal. Their rewarding effects can be observed even at low micromolar concentrations and thus at remarkably lower doses than for any known taste reward in the larva. We discuss whether similar rewarding effects, should they be observed in humans, would indicate a habit-forming or addictive potential.
Case Report: Chilblains-like lesions (COVID-19 toes) during the pandemic - is there a diagnostic window?
Authors: Ludzik Joanna , Witkowski Alexander , Hansel Donna E. , Raess Philipp W. , White Kevin , Leachman Sancy 
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, typically presents with symptoms including fever, cough, headache, myalgia, asthenia, anosmia, diarrhea, and sometimes pneumonia, which can be fatal. Recently, new dermatologic findings have been described in association with the disease that can potentially be a distinguishing feature of infection. One such feature resembles chilblains and this case report represents a presentation of this feature with a 48-year-old female with violaceous lesions with surrounding pink erythema on her toes who tested negative for COVID-19.
Sedentary behaviour levels in adults with an intellectual disability: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Lynch Louise , McCarron Mary , McCallion Philip , Burke Eilish 
Published: August 2020

Background: Sedentary behaviour contributes to non-communicable diseases, which account for almost 71% of world deaths. Of these, cardiovascular disease is one of the largest causes of preventable death. It is not yet fully understood what level of sedentary behaviour is safe. People with an intellectual disability have poorer health than the general population with higher rates of multi-morbidity, obesity and inactivity. There is a paucity of evidence on whether this poorer health is due to sedentary behaviour or physical inactivity. This systematic review will investigate the sedentary behaviour levels of adults with an intellectual disability. Method: The PRISMA-P framework will be applied to achieve high-quality articles. An extensive search will be conducted in Medline, Embase, psycINFO and Cinahl and grey literature sources. All articles will be independently reviewed by two reviewers and a third to resolve disputes. Initially, the articles will be reviewed by title and abstract and then the full article will be reviewed using stringent inclusion criteria. All article data will be summarised in a standardised tabular format. The National Institute of Health’s quality assessment tool will be used to assess article quality. GRADE will be used to assess the quality of the evidence. The primary outcome of interest is the prevalence of sedentary behaviour levels for people with an intellectual disability. The definition of sedentary behaviour to be used for the purposes of this study is: ‘low physical activity as identified by metabolic equivalent (MET) or step levels or as measured by the Rapid Assessment of Physical activity questionnaire (RAPA) or the International Physical Activity questionnaire (IPAQ) or sitting for more than 3 hours per day’. Conclusion: This systematic review will provide a critical insight into the prevalence of sedentary behaviour in adults with an intellectual disability.
Dietary education provision within a cardiac rehabilitation programme in the UK: a pilot study
Authors: Moore Chelsea E , Tsakirides Costas , Rutherford Zoe , Swainson Michelle G , Birch Karen M , Ibeggazene Said , Ispoglou Theocharis 
Published: August 2020

Background/aims The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two 30-minute dietary education sessions, within cardiac rehabilitation, as a means to optimise nutrient and energy intakes. A secondary aim was to evaluate patients' habitual physical activity levels. Methods Thirty patients (males: n=24, 61.8±11.2 years; females: n=6, 66.7±8.5 years) attended a 6-week early outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme in the UK and received two 30-minute dietary education sessions emphasising Mediterranean diet principles. Energy intakes and nutrient intakes were measured through completion of 3-day food diaries in weeks one and six (before and after the dietary education sessions) to assess the impact of these sessions on nutrient intakes. At the same time-points, a sub-group (n=13) of patients had their physical activity levels assessed via accelerometery to assess the impact of the cardiac rehabilitation programme on physical activity. Results Estimated energy requirements at week one (1988±366 kcal d−1) were not matched by actual energy intakes (1785±561 kcal d−1) (P=0.047, d=−0.36). Energy intakes reduced to 1655±470 kcal d−1 at week six (P=0.66, d=−0.33) whereas estimated energy requirements increased as a function of increased activity (cardiac rehabilitation sessions). Nutrient intakes remained suboptimal, while no significant increases were observed in healthy fats and fibre, which are core elements of a Mediterranean diet. Statistically significant increases were not observed in physical activity; however, patients decreased sedentary time by 11±12% in week six compared with week one (P=0.009; d=−0.54). Conclusions The present study findings suggest that two 30-minute dietary education sessions did not positively influence energy intakes and nutrient intakes, while habitual physical activity levels were not significantly increased as a result of the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Future research should explore means of optimising nutrition and habitual physical activity within UK cardiac rehabilitation.
Multiwavelength confocal laser scanning microscopy of the cornea
Authors: Bohn Sebastian , Sperlich Karsten , Stahnke Thomas , Schünemann Melanie , Stolz Heinrich , Guthoff Rudolf F. , Stachs Oliver 
Published: August 2020

Confocal reflectance microscopy has demonstrated the ability to produce in vivo images of corneal tissue with sufficient cellular resolution to diagnose a broad range of corneal conditions. To investigate the spectral behavior of corneal reflectance imaging, a modified laser ophthalmoscope was used. Imaging was performed in vivo on a human cornea as well as ex vivo on porcine and lamb corneae. Various corneal layers were imaged at the wavelengths 488 nm, 518 nm, and 815 nm and compared regarding image quality and differences in the depicted structures. Besides the wavelength- and depth-dependent scattering background, which impairs the image quality, a varying spectral reflectance of certain structures could be observed. Based on the obtained results, this paper emphasizes the importance of choosing the appropriate light source for corneal imaging. For the examination of the epithelial layers and the endothelium, shorter wavelengths should be preferred. In the remaining layers, longer wavelength light has the advantage of less scattering loss and a potentially higher subject compliance.
Experimental study on a high-sensitivity optical fiber sensor in wide-range refractive index detection
Authors: Meng Xiaojian , Li Jianshe , Guo Ying , Liu Yundong , Li Shuguang , Guo Haitao , Bi Weihong , Lu Huibin , Cheng Tonglei 
Published: August 2020

A novel plasmonic sensor based on a photonic crystal fiber has been fabricated. Experimental results show that 2 cm is an optimal fiber length of the sensor for refractive index monitoring. It is found that the average wavelength sensitivity and the resolution of the proposed sensor are 4000 nm/RIU and

2.5

×

1

0

−
5

R
I
U

in the wind range of 1.3333–1.4035, respectively. In addition, this paper presents a set of operation flat roofs that is used in the side-polished fiber technique. Moreover, two effective methods of coating silver film are discussed in detail. The research in this paper has enlightening significance for exploring new optical fiber sensing technology and will open a new design methodology for optical fiber sensors.
Sequential high power laser amplifiers for gravitational wave detection
Authors: Bode Nina , Meylahn Fabian , Willke Benno 
Published: August 2020

Advanced gravitational wave detectors require highly stable, single mode, single frequency and linear polarized laser systems. They have to deliver an output power of ∼200 W and need to provide suitable actuators for further stabilization via fast, low noise feedback control systems. We present such a laser system based on sequential Nd:YVO4 amplifiers and its integration into a typical laser stabilization environment. We demonstrate robust low noise operation of the stabilized amplifier system at 195 W, which makes it a viable candidate for use in gravitational wave detectors.
Potassium tantalate niobate (KTN) crystal-based polarization-modulated 3D ladar with a large field of view
Authors: Song Yishuo , Zhao Jiguang , Wang Bin , Wang Xuping , Liu Bing , Lv Xiaolei , Zhang Jianwei 
Published: August 2020

An innovative 3D ladar that utilizes potassium tantalate niobate (KTN) crystal as a polarization modulator is proposed in this Letter. The optical isotropy of KTN in cubic phase can effectively suppress the range errors induced by the incident angles of collected beams in 3D imaging. The giant quadratic electro-optic coefficient can dramatically lower the voltage that is required to modulate the polarization so that a high voltage amplifier with less noise can be used to improve the ranging performances. By virtue of these two advantages, a range error of 4.8 cm and a range precision of 4.4 cm at 15 m have been achieved under a large field of view of 20° (about 0.35 rad) and a maximum detection range without ambiguity of 60 m.
Nested-ring doping for highly efficient 1907  nm short-wavelength cladding-pumped thulium fiber lasers
Authors: Barber Matthew J. , Shardlow Peter C. , Barua Pranabesh , Sahu Jayanta K. , Clarkson W. Andrew 
Published: August 2020

Cladding-pumped Tm-doped fiber lasers operating below 1950 nm have difficulty matching the high-efficiency, power-scalable output that can be achieved at longer wavelengths. This challenge arises due to the strong three-level behavior at short wavelengths and strong competition from higher-gain long wavelength emission. In this Letter, we demonstrate a nested-ring fiber design in which a highly doped Tm ring is embedded within a larger undoped core. The fiber is specifically tailored for highly efficient and high power short-wavelength operation (

<

1950

n
m

). The nested-ring Tm fiber laser has generated 62 W of single-mode 1907 nm output with up to 65% (70%) slope efficiency with respect to launched (absorbed) pump power.
DFG-based mid-IR tunable source with 0.5  mJ energy and a 30  pm linewidth
Authors: Stoychev Lyubomir I. , Cabrera Humberto , Suárez-Vargas Jose J. , Baruzzo Marco , Gadedjisso-Tossou Komlan S. , Nikolov Ivaylo P. , Sigalotti Paolo , Demidovich Alexander A. , Mocchiutti Emiliano , Pizzolotto Cecilia , Niemela Joseph , Toci Guido , Danailov Miltcho B. , Vacchi Andrea 
Published: August 2020

We report on a laser system based on difference frequency generation (DFG) to produce tunable, narrow-linewidth (

<

30

p
m

), and comparatively high-energy mid-IR radiation in the 6.8 µm region. The system exploits a lithium thioindate (

L
i
I
n
S

2

) nonlinear crystal and nanosecond pulses generated by single-frequency Nd:YAG and Cr:forsterite lasers at 1064 and 1262 nm, respectively. Two experimental configurations are used: in the first one, single-pass, the mid-IR energy achieved is 205 µJ. Additional increments, up to 540 µJ, are obtained by performing double-pass through the nonlinear crystal. This laser has been developed for high-resolution photon-hungry spectroscopy in the mid-IR.
Identification Of Aquatic Plant Species From Bantimurung Waterfall And Their Phytochemical Compounds Analysis
Authors: Nugraha Media Fitri Isma , Maharani Fasya Hadaina , Novita Hessy , Rajamuddin Muh Alias L , Yunita Rossa , Reflinur Reflinur , Enggarini Wening , Julzarika Atriyon , Elya Berna Elya 
Published: August 2020

A total of 21 aquatic plant species were collected from Bantimurung waterfall areas, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in October 2017. These plant materials were subjected to both species and phytochemicals identification. The aims of this study were to determine the species or taxonomic rank of Indonesian aquatic plants collected from Bantimurung waterfall, South Sulawesi, Indonesia and to identify their chemical compounds (phytochemicals) as a candidate for new herbal medicine. Plant genetic materials used in this study were collected from Bantimurung Bulusaraung waterfall and were then identified based on standard botanical techniques for species identification in the Herbarium Bogoriense, Research center for Biology Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI), Cibinong, West Java. The samples were subjected to the phytochemistry screening such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids and anthraquinone followed the procedures of Indonesian Materia Medika and Harborne. Results showed that all collected aquatic plant samples were able to be identified, including their species names. Phytochemical screening of each sample revealed the presence of glycoside in all of the tested species. However, no alkaloids, anthraquinones, and terpenoids were observed in those tested plant samples. Of the total 21 aquatic plants, 14 species contained flavonoids, 8 species contained phenol compound, and 10 species contained saponins. Among these species Donnax canniformis possessed good antioxidant activity, which correlated to its total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Our results would be beneficial for any future effort in the development of new herbal drugs derived from aquatic plants.
Antidiabetic, Antioxidants and Antibacterial Activities of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from Masin (Fermented Sauce from Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)
Authors: Manguntungi Baso , Saputri Dinar Suksmayu , Mustopa Apon Zaenal , Ekawati Nurlaili , Nurfatwa Maritsa , Prastyowati Anika , Irawan Shasmita , Vanggy Leggina Rezzy , Fidien Khadijah Alliya 
Published: August 2020

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of metabolites from Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) derived Masin (fermented sauce from Sumbawa) as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial compounds. The LAB isolates were isolated from various strains of Staphylococcus piscifermentan which consisted of Staphylococcus piscifermentans strain CIP103958 (code: 2), strain BULST54 (code: 17), strain SK03 (code: 11), strain ATCC 51136 (code: 34), strain PCM 2409 (code: 28) and strain PU-87 (code: 5). The Metabolites of LAB were analyzed by the bioprospecting test to indicate antidiabetic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The isolate (Code: 5) at 500 ug/ml showed the most effective antioxidant activity up to 71%. The isolate (code: 28), at 300 ug/ml revealed to have the most antidiabetic activity up to 43 %. The isolate (code: 2) showed moderate antibacterial activity with the inhibition zone of 5.59 mm. The results of the antidiabetic, antioxidant and antibacterial activity showed that the secondary metabolites produced by LAB from the Masin have broad activities as an antidiabetic, antioxidant and antibacterial.
Impact of Famotidine Use on Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Mather Jeffrey F. , Seip Richard L. , McKay Raymond G. 
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION:
To compare outcomes in patients hospitalized with coronavirus (COVID-19) receiving famotidine therapy with those not receiving famotidine.

METHODS:
Retrospective, propensity-matched observational study of consecutive COVID-19–positive patients between February 24, 2020, and May 13, 2020.

RESULTS:
Of 878 patients in the analysis, 83 (9.5%) received famotidine. In comparison to patients not treated with famotidine, patients treated with famotidine were younger (63.5 ± 15.0 vs 67.5 ± 15.8 years, P = 0.021), but did not differ with respect to baseline demographics or preexisting comorbidities. Use of famotidine was associated with a decreased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.86, P = 0.021) and combined death or intubation (odds ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.96, P = 0.040). Propensity score matching to adjust for age difference between groups did not alter the effect on either outcome. In addition, patients receiving famotidine displayed lower levels of serum markers for severe disease including lower median peak C-reactive protein levels (9.4 vs 12.7 mg/dL, P = 0.002), lower median procalcitonin levels (0.16 vs 0.30 ng/mL, P = 0.004), and a nonsignificant trend to lower median mean ferritin levels (797.5 vs 964.0 ng/mL, P = 0.076). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that famotidine was an independent predictor of both lower mortality and combined death/intubation, whereas older age, body mass index >30 kg/m2, chronic kidney disease, National Early Warning Score, and higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were all predictors of both adverse outcomes.

DISCUSSION:
Famotidine use in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is associated with a lower risk of mortality, lower risk of combined outcome of mortality and intubation, and lower levels of serum markers for severe disease in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

JOURNAL/ajgast/04.03/00000434-202010000-00017/inline-graphic1/v/2023-08-12T031515Z/r/image-tiff
International Experience of Applying Transparency Rules in Arbitration Processes Between Investors and States
Authors: Al Enizi Ziad Kh. , Mahameed Waleed Fuad 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Following modern worldwide trend of transparency, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) adopted the UNCITRAL Rules on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration, which were incorporated in UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. The Convention on Transparency (the Mauritius Convention) adopted later was an attempt to resolve the situation with treaties, which were concluded prior to April 1, 2014. As soon as few previous studies covered this issue, the research is aimed to assess the extent to which the Rules on Transparency are applicable and inevitable. By way of qualitative analysis of documents covering the transparency issue in investor-state treaties and arbitration was revealed that like the treaties concluded after April 1, 2014, which were automatically covered by the scope of application, the treaties made prior to that date were dropped out of the Rules on Transparency and the parties thereto have to express an explicit will to apply the Rules on Transparency. The Mauritius Convention designated to resolve this problem still requires a member state to join the Convention to make the Rules applicable to all treaties with such member state. On the other hand, both discussed documents provide the parties with options to avoid transparency in arbitration. Thus, despite increasing mandatory transparency in national legislations, the transparency of investor-state arbitration proceedings remains the matter of a good will of the parties. This study provides the foundation for stakeholders to conduct investor-state agreements as well as arbitration processes in line with transparency. The issue of transparency in investor-state agreements and arbitration processes in different countries can be illustrated in the following studies based on this study.