bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical treatment of vulvodynia, dyspareunia and pudendal neuralgia: A single clinic audit of amitriptyline and oestriol in organogel
Authors: Ruoss Chantelle M. , Howard Elizabeth A. , Chan Karen , Stevenson Paul G. , Vancaillie Thierry 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundVulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia comprise significant contributors to vulvar‐related pain and its impact on daily life.AimA retrospective clinical audit was conducted at the Women’s Health & Research Institute of Australia, Sydney, to determine the pattern of use and the efficacy of the application of topical amitriptyline 0.5% plus oestriol 0.03% in organogel (AOO), to the vulvar vestibule in reducing the impact of pain on daily life.Materials and MethodsThere were 1174 patients who received a script from May 2017 until February 2020: 1054 patients agreed to be contacted and had a valid email address.ResultsThere were 376 (35.7%) patients who replied. Pain with intercourse was the main indication for use. Treatment was rated effective by 51.2% (95% CI: 35.4–66.8%) of patients less than 30 years of age, 66.7% (95% CI: 57.3–74.9%) of patients 30–50 years of age, and 58.3% (95% CI: 50.9–65.4%) in patients over 50. Stinging at the site of application was the most commonly reported side effect.ConclusionTopical AOO is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for vulvar pain.
Contemporary training methods in regional anaesthesia: fundamentals and innovations
Authors: Ramlogan R. R. , Chuan A. , Mariano E. R. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryOver the past two decades, regional anaesthesia and medical education as a whole have undergone a renaissance. Significant changes in our teaching methods and clinical practice have been influenced by improvements in our theoretical understanding as well as by technological innovations. More recently, there has been a focus on using foundational education principles to teach regional anaesthesia, and the evidence on how to best teach and assess trainees is growing. This narrative review will discuss fundamentals and innovations in regional anaesthesia training. We present the fundamentals in regional anaesthesia training, specifically the current state of simulation‐based education, deliberate practice and curriculum design based on competency‐based progression. Moving into the future, we present the latest innovations in web‐based learning, emerging technologies for teaching and assessment and new developments in alternate reality learning systems.
Defining success in regional anaesthesia
Authors: Johnston D. F. , Turbitt L. R. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryUtilisation of regional anaesthesia is increasing globally; however, it remains challenging to determine the overall benefit of individual regional anaesthesia procedures. Like any peri‐operative intervention, the benefit to the patient and healthcare system must outweigh any patient risk or resource implications. This review aims to identify markers of success in regional anaesthesia, categorise these into an objective framework and rationalise suggestions on how measuring outcomes in regional anaesthesia can be used to develop the widespread performance of this evolving subspecialty. This framework of measuring success of regional anaesthesia contains four pillars: patient‐centred, population‐centred, healthcare‐centred and training‐centred outcomes. Each pillar of success contains several outcomes which provide a structure for the measurement and development of regional anaesthesia success on a global scale.
A pilot study on the use of prednisolone‐encapsulated liposomes for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe Graves’ orbitopathy with reduced systemic steroid exposure
Authors: Detiger Sanne E. , Kremer Tessa M. , A.S.H. Dalm Virgil , de Keizer Ronald O.B. , Wubbels Rene J. , Metselaar J.M. , van Hagen P. Martin , Peeters Robin P. , Paridaens Dion 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate that long‐circulating PEGylated liposomal prednisolone is a safe and effective therapy in patients with active moderate‐to‐severe Graves’ orbitopathy.MethodsOpen‐label, proof‐of‐concept, multicentre pilot study. Ten patients with moderate‐to‐severe Graves’s orbitopathy, who were euthyroid for at least three months. Long‐circulating PEGylated liposomal prednisolone 150 mg was administered intravenously twice, with 2‐week interval. Total follow‐up was 12 months, with visits at baseline, week 2, 6, 13, 26 and 52. Physical, laboratory and ophthalmological examinations were performed. Response to treatment was defined as a reduction in Clinical Activity Score by ≥2 points; palpebral aperture by ≥3 mm; soft tissue signs by ≥2 grades; exophthalmos by ≥2 mm; and motility by >8 degrees or improvement in diplopia score. A response was sustained when equally observed at weeks 6 and 13.ResultsOne patient achieved a sustained response according to the predetermined definition. All patients showed a decrease in Clinical Activity Score after one infusion, with a mean decrease of two points. The Clinical Activity Score was ≤1 at week 52 for all patients. Improvement was also observed in the soft tissue signs. Most of the adverse events were mild and of a transient nature. Two patients required further treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone.ConclusionThis pilot study showed a positive effect of long‐circulating PEGylated liposomal prednisolone on the Clinical Activity Score in patients with moderate‐to‐severe Graves’s orbitopathy, resulting in fewer hospital visits and possibly less glucocorticoid‐related side‐effects.
Comparative biomarkers for HBsAg loss with antiviral therapy shows dominant influence of quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg)
Authors: Lim Seng Gee , Phyo Wah Wah , Ling Joanna Zhi Jie , Cloherty Gavin , Butler Emily K. , Kuhns Mary C. , McNamara Anne L. , Holzmayer Vera , Gersch Jeffrey , Yang Wei Lyn , Ngu Jing Hieng , Chang Jason , Tan Jessica , Ahmed Taufique , Dan Yock Young , Lee Yin Mei , Lee Guan Huei , Tan Poh Seng , Huang Daniel Q. , Khine Htet Toe Wai , Lee Chris , Tay Amy , Chan Edwin 
Published: January 2021

SummaryBackgroundBiomarkers such as quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg), quantitative hepatitis B virus (HBV) core‐related antigen (qHBcrAg) and HBV RNA may be useful in predicting HBsAg loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing antiviral therapy.Aim(s)Our study evaluated qHBsAg, HBV RNA and qHBcrAg as a posthoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial of peginterferon±NA to determine their utility in predicting HBsAg loss.MethodsCHB patients who completed therapy with 48weeks peginterferon alpha2b ± nucleoside analogue therapy (clinicaltrial.gov NCT01928511) were evaluated at week 72 for HBsAg loss. The predictive ability of qHBsAg, qHBcrAg, HBV RNA and other variables were investigated by univariate and multivariate logistic models for HBeAg‐negative patients by odds ratios, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR).ResultsHBsAg loss occurred in 15/114(13%) HBeAg‐negative CHB patients who completed 48 weeks of peginterferon. At baseline, qHBsAg was superior to HBcrAg and HBV RNA with AUC 0.916, 0.649 and 0.542, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, the model comprising treatmentarm, age, gender, baseline qHBsAg, HBcrAg and HBV RNA, weeks 4 & 8 qHBsAg had the highest AUC(0.98), but the univariate model with week 8 qHBsAg <70 IU/mL had AUC 0.96. Hence, the contributions of variables other than qHBsAg were marginal. HBV RNA and qHBcrAg were weak predictors of HBsAg loss. Kinetics of the novel markers showed only qHBsAg had a good relationship with HBsAg loss while HBV RNA had a marginal relationship and HBcrAg did not change at all, and none had a good relationship with viral rebound.ConclusionsOn‐treatment biomarker predictors were better than baseline ones, and the best predictor of HBsAg loss at 72 weeks was week 8 qHBsAg <70 IU/mL.
Developing patient resources to enable the exchange of healthy lifestyle information between clinicians and families of children with complex heart problems
Authors: Saxena Shikha , Vo Jennifer , Millage Jamie , Wong Derek , Bélanger Priscilla , Fournier Amelie , Bodiam Lorene , Allison Archie , Longmuir Patricia E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHealthy active lifestyles are critically important for children with complex heart problems (CHP) that affect heart structure, rhythm or function. They are at increased risk for morbidities such as atherosclerosis, obesity, anxiety and depression. Educating children with CHP and their families about the relevance of healthy lifestyles is an important part of clinical care.DesignThis study used a collaborative approach among six patients/family members and 22 health professionals to develop a series of knowledge‐to‐action tools suitable for counselling children with CHP and their families about their healthy lifestyle needs.MethodsAfter development of the knowledge‐to‐action tools had been completed, one cardiologist and one research assistant implemented one or more of these new resources during each clinic visit as appropriate for each patient. Thirty‐nine parents and eight children completed post‐clinic interviews to explore their perceptions of the new resources. The nine resources developed included brochures and websites addressing physical activity with a heart condition, body contact restrictions, exercise test results, emotional health, finding community resources, encouragement for asking healthy lifestyle questions and a brief, in‐clinic healthy lifestyle assessment.ResultsFamilies found the resources useful and helpful for clarifying their specific concerns. They also provided suggestions to improve the content and delivery of the resources so that they would be suitable for a variety of settings—schools, community and sports.ConclusionFuture research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of these resources for raising awareness and knowledge about healthy active lifestyles among children with CHP and the impact of these resources for changing healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Human liver model systems in a dish
Authors: Thompson Wendy L. , Takebe Takanori 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe human adult liver has a multi‐cellular structure consisting of large lobes subdivided into lobules containing portal triads and hepatic cords lined by specialized blood vessels. Vital hepatic functions include filtering blood, metabolizing drugs, and production of bile and blood plasma proteins like albumin, among many other functions, which are generally dependent on the location or zone in which the hepatocyte resides in the liver. Due to the liver's intricate structure, there are many challenges to design differentiation protocols to generate more mature functional hepatocytes from human stem cells and maintain the long‐term viability and functionality of primary hepatocytes. To this end, recent advancements in three‐dimensional (3D) stem cell culture have accelerated the generation of a human miniature liver system, also known as liver organoids, with polarized epithelial cells, supportive cell types and extra‐cellular matrix deposition by translating knowledge gained in studies of animal organogenesis and regeneration. To facilitate the efforts to study human development and disease using in vitro hepatic models, a thorough understanding of state‐of‐art protocols and underlying rationales is essential. Here, we review rapidly evolving 3D liver models, mainly focusing on organoid models differentiated from human cells.
Obesity of politicians and corruption in Ukraine in 2000–2020– Reply
Authors: Blavatskyy Pavlo R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe collected 469 frontal face images of Ukrainian cabinet ministers who were in office in 2000–2020. For each image, the minister's body mass index was estimated using a computer vision algorithm. The time series of median estimated body mass index of cabinet ministers co‐moves over time with two existing measures of corruption – World Bank worldwide governance indicator Control of Corruption, and the discrepancy between the quantity of luxury wristwatches exported from Switzerland to Ukraine (reported by Swiss statistics) and the corresponding quantity imported by Ukraine from Switzerland (reported by Ukrainian statistics).
The youth online training and employment system: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an online vocational intervention for young people with mental ill health
Authors: Simmons Magenta B. , Nicholas Jennifer , Chinnery Gina , O'Sullivan Shaunagh , D'Alfonso Simon , Bendall Sarah , Cagliarini Daniela , Hamilton Matthew , Gleeson John , Killackey Eóin , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimPeople diagnosed with mental disorders experience higher rates of unemployment than those without. Career adaptability, defined as the ability to respond flexibly and make informed career decisions in work and throughout career transitions, is becoming increasingly important as the nature of work changes rapidly. Early vocational intervention may ameliorate poor education and employment outcomes experienced by young people with mental ill‐health and promote transferable skills and adaptability. Online‐based career support allows for ongoing access throughout different career stages. The current study combines mental health‐informed digital career and peer motivation, to create a Youth Online Training and Employment System (YOTES) that supports young people with mental ill‐health obtain and remain in education or employment.MethodsThis study is an unblinded randomized controlled trial for young people with mental ill‐health, aged 16–25, who are seeking vocational support. Participants will be randomized to receive either YOTES, a moderated, online intervention with vocational, social, and peer motivation, or a control intervention, the headspace Digital Work and Study Service. Both groups will have access to in‐person career support if seeking employment. The primary outcome will be career adaptability compared between the YOTES and control groups at 6‐months post baseline. Secondary outcomes include number of hours worked in the past 7 days, hope, career confidence, psychological distress and health economic outcomes at 6‐ and 12‐months post baseline.ConclusionResults will demonstrate whether an online career intervention moderated by career practitioners with peer motivation can result in improved career adaptability in young people with mental ill‐health.
Boldness and exploration vary between shell morphs but not environmental contexts in the snail Cepaea nemoralis
Authors: Dahirel Maxime , Gaudu Valentin , Ansart Armelle 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the maintenance of among‐individual behavioral variation in populations and predicting its consequences are key challenges in behavioral ecology. Studying the association between repeatable behaviors and other traits under selection may shed light on the underlying selective pressures. We used the model snail Cepaea nemoralis to examine whether individual behavior is associated with shell morph, a key trait that has been extensively studied in the context of thermal tolerance and predator avoidance, and which is known to be under strict genetic control in this species. We quantified proxies of boldness and exploration in snails of three morphs coming from two habitats with different thermal contexts. We show that both behaviors were repeatable at the among‐individual level (within‐state Rboldness = 0.22 [95% credible interval: 0.15; 0.29]; Rexploration = 0.20 [0.15; 0.25]). Behavior was associated with shell morph, with the darker morph (five‐banded) being consistently shyer and slower to explore. There was no evidence that thermal environment of origin influenced behavior. Snails became faster when test temperature increased; we found no evidence morphs differed in their thermal response. Boldness and exploration were correlated among individuals, forming a syndrome (r = 0.28 [0.10; 0.46]). The link we find between morph and boldness is compatible with visual selection by avian predators, assuming a positive association between boldness and morphological defense (phenotypic compensation hypothesis). The fact morph‐behaviors associations are consistent across environments, despite selection on morph, hint to a possible underlying genetic origin. Finally, we discuss how our findings combined with decades of evolutionary research make C. nemoralis a very valuable model to study the evolution of behavior in response to environmental changes.
The Quilombola Movement: Sensing Futures in Afroindigenous Amazonia
Authors: Arregui Aníbal G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe “quilombola movement” is a political current that supports the legal emancipation and territorial autonomy of the descendants of runaway African slaves, called quilombolas in Brazil. As an alternative ethnographic approach, this essay accompanies Amazonian quilombolas through their “movement” in a literal‐kinematic sense of the word, and as their characteristic ways of moving are “sensed” and imagined to exist in the future. Local body techniques and their related kinesthetic sensations have an important role in scaffolding present practices and in orienting subjects in unfolding ecological and economic events. Drawing on an ethnography of daily practices—hunting, horticulture, fishing, and leisure—this essay shifts the focus from ethnohistoric representations towards an embodied account of quilombola collective identification, political struggles, and projects. In dialogue with cultural phenomenology and the broadening field of the anthropology of time, this analytical avenue seeks to show how corporeal ethnographies may be reframed as future‐oriented forms of inquiry.
A systematic review of experimental evidence for antiviral effects of ivermectin and an in silico analysis of ivermectin's possible mode of action against SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Kinobe Robert T. , Owens Leigh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractViral infections remain a major cause of economic loss with an unmet need for novel therapeutic agents. Ivermectin is a putative antiviral compound; the proposed mechanism is the inhibition of nuclear translocation of viral proteins, facilitated by mammalian host importins, a necessary process for propagation of infections. We systematically reviewed the evidence for the applicability of ivermectin against viral infections including SARS‐CoV‐2 regarding efficacy, mechanisms and selective toxicity. The SARS‐CoV‐2 genome was mined to determine potential nuclear location signals for ivermectin and meta‐analyses forin vivostudies included all comparators over time, dose range and viral replication in multiple organs. Ivermectin inhibited the replication of many viruses including those inFlaviviridae,CircoviridaeandCoronaviridaefamiliesin vitro. Real and mock nuclear location signals were identified in SARS‐CoV‐2, a potential target for ivermectin and predicting a sequestration bait for importin β, stopping infected cells from reaching a virus‐resistant state. While pharmacokinetic evaluations indicate that ivermectin could be toxic if applied based onin vitrostudies, inhibition of viral replicationin vivowas shown for Porcine circovirus in piglets and Suid herpesvirus in mice. Overall standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals for ivermectin versus controls were −4.43 (−5.81, −3.04),p < 0.00001. Based on current results, the potential for repurposing ivermectin as an antiviral agent is promising. However, further work is needed to reconcilein vitrostudies with clinical efficacy. Developing ivermectin as an additional antiviral agent should be pursued with an emphasis on pre‐clinical trials in validated models of infection.
Static strength of brittle materials under multiaxial nonuniform stress states: A novel statistical model for assessing size effects
Authors: Pagnoncelli Ana Paula , Tridello Andrea , Paolino Davide Salvatore 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a model for the assessment of size effects on quasi‐static strength of brittle materials subjected to applied load inducing a nonuniform stress distribution within the material volume is proposed. An equivalent stress computed through finite element analysis is introduced in the model to account for the effect of the stress gradient within the loaded volume. The defect size distribution is modelled, differently from the literature, with the largest extreme value distribution. The proposed model has been validated with datasets available in the literature and obtained through bending tests on concrete specimens. For each type of test, the model permits to properly assess size effects. Due to its general formulation, a model for the strength variation with respect to the loaded volume, regardless of the testing type, was also obtained, further proving its effectiveness.
Determination of Stress–Strain Behaviour of Magnesium Alloy AZ31 under Variable Thermomechanical Loading
Authors: Šeruga Domen , Bešter Tomaž , Nagode Marko , Klemenc Jernej 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGrowing environmental demands and higher fuel efficiency encourage the use of new light‐weight load‐bearing materials even for operation under rougher environmental conditions. Consequently, as the materials used in the vital load‐bearing components of the chassis, brake system or exhaust system are subjected to thermomechanical fatigue during the operation due to variable mechanical and thermal loads, it is crucial for design engineers and CAE analysts to understand the cyclic behaviour of new materials under such conditions. Here we have analysed the stress–strain behaviour of magnesium alloy AZ31 and the influence of variable thermomechanical loads. A uniaxially loaded flat specimen has been first mechanically loaded at −25°C. The temperature was then increased to 150°C whilst the variable mechanical loading remained unchanged. The tests have been strain‐controlled using a video extensometer. The stress–strain behaviour of the magnesium alloy AZ31 has been then investigated considering both variable temperature and variable mechanical load.
Review: Helicobacter pylori infection in children
Authors: Seo Ji‐Hyun , Bortolin Kristen , Jones Nicola L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHelicobacter pylori infection in children and adolescents differs in comparison to adults with respect to epidemiology, host responses, and disease manifestations. Furthermore, treatment options are limited in this population and antibiotic resistance rates continue to increase. Therefore, ongoing research is vital to understand disease pathogenesis and provide optimal management of children with infection. This review summarizes relevant publications from April 2019 to March 2020. Similar to adults, recent studies show a decreasing prevalence of infection in the pediatric population. Studies of pathogenesis investigated serum immune responses and the potential inverse association of infection and allergy. Several studies investigated the effect of H pylori and related inflammation on the gut microbiome. The recommendation of endoscopy‐based testing to identify the cause of symptoms and not just H pylori, reserving noninvasive UBT or stool antigen tests for post‐eradication follow‐up, was supported by the current literature.