bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperbaric prilocaine vs. hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in women undergoing elective caesarean section: a comparative randomised double‐blind study
Authors: Chapron K. , Sleth J.‐C. , Capdevila X. , Bringuier S. , Dadure C. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryHyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia remains the gold standard for elective caesarean section, but the resultant clinical effects can be unpredictable. Hyperbaric prilocaine induces shorter motor block but has not previously been studied in the obstetric spinal anaesthesia setting. We aimed to compare duration of motor block after spinal anaesthesia with prilocaine or bupivacaine during elective caesarean section. In this prospective randomised, double‐blind study, women with uncomplicated pregnancy undergoing elective caesarean section were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included: patients aged < 18 years; height < 155 cm or > 175 cm; a desire to breastfeed; or a contra‐indication to spinal anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the prilocaine group underwent spinal anaesthesia with 60 mg intrathecal prilocaine; and the bupivacaine group received 12.5 mg intrathecal heavy bupivacaine. Both 2.5 µg sufentanil and 100 µg morphine were added to the local anaesthetic agent in both groups. The primary outcome was duration of motor block, which was assessed every 15 min after arriving in the post‐anaesthetic care unit. Maternal haemodynamics, APGAR scores, pain scores, patient satisfaction and side‐effects were recorded. Fifty patients were included, with 25 randomly allocated to each group. Median (IQR [range]) motor block duration was significantly shorter in the prilocaine group, 158 (125–188 [95–249]) vs. 220 (189–250 [89–302]) min, p < 0.001. Median length of stay in the post‐anaesthetic care unit was significantly shorter in the prilocaine group, 135 (120–180 [120–230]) vs. 180 (150–195 [120–240]) min, p = 0.009. There was no difference between groups for: maternal intra‐operative hypotension; APGAR score; umbilical cord blood pH; maternal postoperative pain; and patients’ or obstetricians’ satisfaction. We conclude that hyperbaric prilocaine induces a shorter and more reliable motor block than hyperbaric bupivacaine for women with uncomplicated pregnancy undergoing elective caesarean section.
Health‐related quality of life in necrotising soft tissue infection survivors: perspective from an Australian tertiary referral centre
Authors: Lu Patrick , Angliss Margaret , Paul Eldho , Bruscino‐Raiola Frank 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundNecrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a life‐threatening disease with widespread tissue destruction. Immediate and aggressive surgical debridement remains the main focus of treatment. This results in disfiguring scars, functional limitation and psychological sequelae for survivors. As mortality rate declines with improvements in care, a greater focus should be placed upon the psychological and functional outcomes of survivors. This study aims to assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients following NSTI using the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and Derriford Appearance Scale‐24 (DAS‐24).MethodsAll NSTI patients admitted at our tertiary referral centre between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were invited to complete the DAS‐24 and SF‐36 surveys. A retrospective chart review was also performed.ResultsA total of 30 participants responded to the surveys. On comparison against the general Australian population, the NSTI cohort demonstrated significantly reduced physical and mental HRQoL as measured by the SF‐36 (P < 0.001). Increased age was significantly associated with a reduced physical HRQoL (P = 0.002), while dysfunction with appearance as measured by the DAS‐24 form correlated with both reduced physical and mental HRQoL (P = 0.020). A total of 79.3% of patients expressed concern regarding their appearance with a significantly higher level of distress at their appearance compared to a non‐clinical population (P = 0.120).ConclusionDespite the rarity of NSTI, this study demonstrates that this disease has a large and persistent burden for survivors, who report significantly reduced HRQoL and distress with appearance. Further research into comprehensive physical and psychosocial services for NSTI survivors is required.
Differential expression profiles of circular RNAs in the rat hippocampus after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
Authors: Li Yi‐Ai , Liu Zhi‐Gang , Zhang You‐Peng , Hou Hai‐Tao , He Guo‐Wei , Xue Lan‐Gang , Yang Qin , Liu Xiao‐Cheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNeurological dysfunction commonly occurs after cardiac surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). The mechanisms underlying DHCA‐associated brain injury remain poorly understood. This study determined the changes in expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the hippocampus in rats that underwent DHCA, with an attempt to explore the potential role of circRNAs in the brain injury associated with DHCA. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass with DHCA. Brain injury was evaluated by neurological severity scores and histological as well as transmission electron microscope examinations. The expression profiles of circRNAs in the hippocampal tissues were screened by microarray. Quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) was used to validate the reliability of the microarray results. Bioinformatic algorithms were applied to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to explore the potential biological roles of the circRNAs. Out of 14 145 circRNAs screened, 56 were differentially expressed in the hippocampus between the DHCA and sham‐operated rats, including 30 upregulated and 26 downregulated circRNAs. The expression changes of six selected circRNAs (upregulated: rno_circRNA_011190, rno_circRNA_012988, rno_circRNA_000544; downregulated: rno_circRNA_010393, rno_circRNA_012043, rno_circRNA_015149) were further confirmed by RT‐qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis showed the enrichment of these confirmed circRNAs and their potential target mRNAs in several KEGG pathways including histidine metabolism, adipocytokine signaling, and cAMP signaling. By revealing the change expression profiles of circRNAs in the brain after DHCA, this study indicates possible involvements of these dysregulated circRNAs in brain injury and suggests a potential of targeting circRNAs for prevention and treatment of neurological dysfunction associated with DHCA.
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma involving the eye and ocular adnexa in East Asia
Authors: Han Sun Hyup , Kim Yoon‐Duck , Jang Jaeho , Park Ji Woong , Young Stephanie M , Woo Kyung In 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the clinical features and outcomes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the eye and ocular adnexa in an East Asian population and emphasize the importance of prompt biopsy and treatment in unusually progressive ocular adnexal DLBCL for better visual outcomes.MethodsRetrospective case series of 38 patients diagnosed with DLBCL involving the eye and ocular adnexa between 1995 and 2018 at a single tertiary institution.ResultsThere were 38 patients (22 men, 16 women), 22 (57.9%) of which had ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) and 16 (42.1%), vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL). The OAL group showed higher rates of unilateral involvement (p = 0.01) and localized disease presentation (p = 0.01). Thirteen (59.1%) of 22 OAL patients were primary diseases and 9 (40.9%) were secondary. Between primary and secondary OAL groups, there was no statistical difference in clinical characteristics such as age, gender and laterality (p = 0.47, p = 0.19 and p = 0.66, respectively). All secondary OAL cases were either disseminated or relapsed by definition and only two cases (15%) of primary OAL showed disseminated presentation (p < 0.01). Six (37.3%) of 22 OAL patients showed a rapid decrease in visual acuity within 15 days and the visual recovery was irreversible in 3 of them.ConclusionOA‐DLBCL has a grave prognosis and its visual outcomes largely depend on the timing of diagnosis and treatment. When a high‐grade lymphoma is suspected, prompt biopsy and treatment should be performed to ensure optimal visual, clinical and survival outcomes.
Cost‐effectiveness of dexamethasone and triamcinolone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema in Finland: A Markov‐model
Authors: Pesonen Mari , Kankaanpää Eila , Vottonen Pasi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeDiabetic macular oedema (DMO), a complication of diabetes, causes vision loss and blindness. Corticosteroids are usually used as a second‐line treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of dexamethasone implants compared to cheaper and more frequently applied triamcinolone injections.MethodsMarkov‐modelling, which incorporated both eyes, was used for economic evaluation. The model consisted of five health states based on visual acuity, illustrating the progression of DMO. A cycle length of five months was chosen for dexamethasone and four months for triamcinolone. Time horizons of two and five years were applied. Transition probabilities and health state utilities were sourced from previous studies. The perspective used in this analysis was the hospital perspective. The health care costs were acquired from Kuopio University Hospital in Finland.ResultsIn this cost‐effectiveness analysis, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio ICER with 3% discount rate was €56 591/QALY for a two‐year follow‐up and −€1 110 942/QALY for a five‐year follow‐up. In order to consider dexamethasone as cost‐effective over a 2‐year time horizon, the WTP needs to be around €55 000/QALY. Over the five‐year follow‐up, triamcinolone is clearly a dominant treatment. Sensitivity analyses support the cost‐effectiveness of dexamethasone over a 2‐year time horizon.ConclusionsSince the sensitivity analyses support the results, dexamethasone would be a cost‐effective treatment during the first two years with WTP threshold around €55 000/QALY, and triamcinolone would be a convenient treatment after that. This recommendation is in line with the guidelines of EURETINA.
A prospective study on effectiveness of elevated intraocular pressure as a criterion for glaucoma referrals by optometric practitioners in Sweden
Authors: Landgren Karin , Peters Dorothea 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the outcome of referrals for suspected glaucoma based on elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) made by optometric practitioners in Sweden.MethodsThis prospective study included 95 individuals referred to the Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Sweden, during 2019, by optometric practitioners, based on elevated IOP. Positive outcome was defined as a diagnosis of glaucoma, or a diagnosis of suspected glaucoma. Referral accuracy was analysed. Positive predictive values (PPV) of different hypothetical IOP and age thresholds were calculated.ResultsIn 34% (95% CI: 24–43%) of the referrals, no eye disease was found. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was the only referral criterion in 77% (73/95). The PPV was 35% (95% CI: 25–45%) for all referrals, 27% (95% CI: 16–38%) for IOP‐only referrals and 59% (95% CI: 36–82%) for referrals including additional findings. In IOP‐only referrals, no definite diagnosis of glaucoma was made in any patients <45 years of age. Applying a theoretical age limit of ≥45 years with a hypothetical IOP limit of ≥25 mmHg in patients 45–69 years and of ≥22 mmHg in patients ≥70 years increased the PPV to 42% (95% CI: 27–57%). IOP‐only referrals would have been reduced by 27% without missing any glaucoma cases.ConclusionThe overall predictive value of the referrals was poor. Glaucoma resources would have been used more effectively by increasing the required age for IOP‐only referrals to ≥45 years in combination with different IOP thresholds for certain age groups.
Letter: elevated aspartate aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio predicts poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma after resection
Authors: Li Zhi‐Cheng , Li Zhen , Li Chuan , Fang Jin‐Cheng , Li Xue‐Zhuang , Zhao Yin‐Nong , Liang Chao‐Yong 
Published: January 2021

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Kao et al and Wong & Kao papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16097 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16138
Transfusion practice in Australia: an internet‐based survey
Authors: Poh D , Claus M , Smart L , Sharp CR 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo describe small animal transfusion practices in Australia, including access to blood products and frequency of pre‐transfusion compatibility testing and medication administration.MethodsAn online survey was disseminated to target Australian veterinarians treating dogs and cats. Information collected included demographics, sources of blood products, blood storage, recipient compatibility testing and administration of medications pre‐transfusion. Associations between the use of compatibility tests and premedications were assessed using the χ2test. Significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsA total of 199 Australian veterinarians were included; however, there was some attrition of respondents over the course of the survey. The majority of respondents were in general practice (n = 133/199). Access to fresh whole blood was commonly reported for dogs (n = 179/199) and cats (n = 131/198), whereas blood components were less commonly available (canine red blood cells [RBC], n = 52/199 and plasma, n = 157/199; feline RBC, n = 9/198 and plasma, n = 21/198). Most blood was sourced from the pets of owners affiliated with the veterinary clinic (n = 179/196). The respondents who did not blood type or crossmatch dogs were significantly more likely to use premedication than those who did these tests (both comparisons: P < 0.001). Likewise, the respondents who did not blood‐type cats were significantly more likely to use premedication (P = 0.003); however, there was no association between crossmatching and using premedication in cats (P = 0.183).ConclusionThis is the first survey to describe transfusion practices across a variety of practice types throughout Australia. Future work is needed to determine how representative these results are of current transfusion practices across Australia, and if so, what can be done to optimise them.
Priming effects of arithmetic signs in 10‐ to 15‐year‐old children
Authors: Poletti Céline , Perez Jean‐François , Houillon Jean‐Charles , Prado Jérôme , Thevenot Catherine 
Published: January 2021

In this research, 10‐ to 12‐ and 13‐ to 15‐year‐old children were presented with very simple addition and multiplication problems involving operands from 1 to 4. Critically, the arithmetic sign was presented before the operands in half of the trials, whereas it was presented at the same time as the operands in the other half. Our results indicate that presenting the ‘x’ sign before the operands of a multiplication problem does not speed up the solving process, irrespective of the age of children. In contrast, presenting the ‘+’ sign before the operands of an addition problem facilitates the solving process, but only in 13 to 15‐year‐old children. Such priming effects of the arithmetic sign have been previously interpreted as the result of a pre‐activation of an automated counting procedure, which can be applied as soon as the operands are presented. Therefore, our results echo previous conclusions of the literature that simple additions but not multiplications can be solved by fast counting procedures. More importantly, we show here that these procedures are possibly convoked automatically by children after the age of 13 years. At a more theoretical level, our results do not support the theory that simple additions are solved through retrieval of the answers from long‐term memory by experts. Rather, the development of expertise for mental addition would consist in an acceleration of procedures until automatization.
Dynamics of inequality and opportunities within European countries
Authors: Suárez Álvarez Ana , López Menéndez Ana Jesús 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we provide an analysis of inequalities and opportunities within European countries. For this purpose, we use microdata from 26 European countries collected using the European Union Survey on Income and Living Conditions. This instrument includes harmonised variables to guarantee comparability across countries.Our analysis aims to detect whether European countries converge with respect to income inequality and inequality of opportunity and whether there is a spatial divide between European countries regarding inequalities. Our results show that inequality of opportunity in post‐communist countries is much larger than in the Western European countries. Furthermore, we present evidence of β‐convergence in terms of both income inequality and inequality of opportunity. Accordingly, inequality grows faster in less unequal countries, and therefore countries tend to converge with respect to inequality level.
Variation in leaf temperatures of tropical and subtropical trees are related to leaf thermoregulatory traits and not geographic distributions
Authors: Tserej Olga , Feeley Kenneth J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo help predict the effects of global warming on plants, previous studies have investigated how the distributions and physiological performances of plants relate to environmental temperatures. This approach implicitly assumes that leaf temperatures are tightly linked to regional air temperatures. However, the thermoregulatory behaviors and physical properties of leaves can differ greatly between species, leading to different plants having different leaf temperatures even when they occur under similar conditions. It is important to understand this variation in leaf thermoregulatory traits and temperatures in order to predict how individual species will be impacted by global warming. We measured the thermal properties of leaves from >50 tropical and subtropical tree species grown at the Gifford Arboretum (Florida, USA). For each species, we measured maximum leaf temperature and rate of leaf warming using a new standardized protocol to control for both environmental variation and select plant thermoregulatory behaviors. We tested the relationships between the two thermal variables and several leaf functional traits. Even under laboratory‐controlled conditions, leaf temperatures varied by over 8.5°C among species. Maximum leaf temperature was positively correlated with leaf area, and rate of leaf warming was negatively correlated with water content per leaf area. This suggests that some species may be able to offset rising air temperatures through acclimation or adaptation of these leaf properties. Next, we tested the relationships between the species’ leaf thermal properties and their climatic niches/distributions, but we found no significant associations. These results call into question the use of regional air temperatures to model plant physiological and demographic performance.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Effects of Implementing Multiple Components in a School‐Wide Antibullying Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Elementary Schools
Authors: van Verseveld Marloes D. A. , Fekkes Minne , Fukkink Ruben G. , Oostdam Ron J. 
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the effectiveness of the PRIMA antibullying program for elementary education using a cluster‐randomized trial with two experimental conditions (with and without student lessons) and a control group. Students of 31 schools participated in the study (N = 3,135; Mage = 10 years). Multilevel regression analyses demonstrated positive effects of the program on peer‐reported victimization and reinforcing behavior. Implementing multiple program components was related to stronger program effects. The results provide partial experimental evidence for the beneficial effects of combining student lessons and teacher training in antibullying programs. Future experimental research is needed to investigate other approaches that reduce not only peer‐reported victimization, but also self‐perceived bullying and victimization.
Novel combination therapy reduces subconjunctival fibrosis after glaucoma filtration surgery in the rabbit model
Authors: Swogger John , Conner Ian P. , Happ‐Smith Carrie , Kemmerer Megan C. , Julian Dana R. , Davis Rachel , Wells Alan , Schuman Joel S. , Yates Cecelia C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) is limited by subconjunctival, episcleral and scleral fibrosis sealing the trabeculectomy and scarring the filtering bleb. Mitomycin‐C (MMC) is commonly applied intraoperatively to the subconjunctival and/or intrascleral space to reduce scarring and promotes GFS success but is associated with postoperative scleral melting and bleb leaks. IP‐10 peptide (IP‐10p), an ELR‐negative CXC chemokine mimetic and inhibitor of fibroblast function, may be an alternative or adjunct to current postoperative GFS treatments. This study sought to determine if IP‐10p produces histological changes in tissue remodelling, vascularity and fibrosis that enhance bleb survival after GFS.MethodsRabbits underwent tube‐assisted filtration surgery on the right eye with either: (a) IP‐10p injected into bleb at time of surgery and postoperative days 2, 4 and 7, (b) intraoperative MMC or (c) intraoperative MMC plus IP‐10p injected into bleb at time of surgery and postoperative days 2, 4 and 7. Left contralateral eyes were treated with balanced salt solution (BSS).ResultsIP‐10p‐treated blebs demonstrated reduced collagen deposition, cellularity and overall reduction of scar formation compared to BSS‐control. Bleb vascularity was reduced compared to BSS‐control and MMC treatment groups. Additionally, IP‐10p/MMC treated eyes demonstrated an increased number of conjunctival goblet cells in bleb histology compared to the dramatic loss seen with MMC treatment alone.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that IP‐10p significantly reduces histological scarring compared to BSS or MMC alone, does not damage the conjunctiva to the extent of current standards, and may be an alternative or adjunct to MMC for those undergoing GFS.
Functionality‐Driven Musculature Retargeting
Authors: Ryu Hoseok , Kim Minseok , Lee Seungwhan , Park Moon Seok , Lee Kyoungmin , Lee Jehee 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe present a novel retargeting algorithm that transfers the musculature of a reference anatomical model to new bodies with different sizes, body proportions, muscle capability, and joint range of motion while preserving the functionality of the original musculature as closely as possible. The geometric configuration and physiological parameters of musculotendon units are estimated and optimized to adapt to new bodies. The range of motion around joints is estimated from a motion capture dataset and edited further for individual models. The retargeted model is simulation‐ready, so we can physically simulate muscle‐actuated motor skills with the model. Our system is capable of generating a wide variety of anatomical bodies that can be simulated to walk, run, jump and dance while maintaining balance under gravity. We will also demonstrate the construction of individualized musculoskeletal models from bi‐planar X‐ray images and medical examination.