bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative morphometrical studies on the skull bones of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor)
Authors: Keneisenuo Keneisenuo , Choudhary Om Prakash , Kalita Pranab Chandra , Choudhary Priyanka , Kalita Arup , Doley Probal Jyoti , Chaudhary Jitendra Kumar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present study reports data on the skull bone morphometry of barking and sambar deer. The skulls of adult barking deer (n = 6) and sambar deer (n = 6) of either sex (n = 3 males and n = 3 females) were collected from the Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, Mizoram, India, with official permission from the Government of Mizoram. Anatomically, barking and sambar deer's skulls were elongated, pyramid‐like, dolichocephalic and consisted of thirty‐two cranial and facial bones. The cranial bones were eleven (three single and four paired), comprising of occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid, frontal, interparietal, parietal and temporal. The facial bones were twenty‐one (one single and ten were paired), consisting of the maxilla, premaxilla (incisive), palatine, pterygoid, nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic (malar), vomer, turbinates, mandible and hyoid. In the present study, altogether 41 different measurements were taken morphologically and 6 different indices were applied. The obtained morphometrical parameters were significantly (p < .01, p < .05) higher in males than females of both species. Species wise, all obtained parameters were higher in sambar deer than barking deer. The obtained 41 different skull parameters and 6 indices showed statistically significant differences (p < .01 and p < .05) between both sexes of barking and sambar deer; however, practically these differences were meagre. The present morphometrical study on the skull of both species can help the wildlife professionals and zoo veterinarians determine the sex of these animals and differentiate it from other domestic and wild small ruminants for solving veterolegal cases. This study's findings will also motivate and assist other comparative studies with various domestic and wild small ruminants.
Fundamentals and innovations in regional anaesthesia for infants and children
Authors: Heydinger G. , Tobias J. , Veneziano G. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryRegional anaesthesia in children has evolved rapidly in the last decade. Although it previously consisted of primarily neuraxial techniques, the practice now incorporates advanced peripheral nerve blocks, which were only recently described in adults. These novel blocks provide new avenues for providing opioid‐sparing analgesia while minimising invasiveness, and perhaps risk, associated with older techniques. At the same time, established methods, such as infant spinal anaesthesia, under‐utilised in the last 20 years, are experiencing a revival. The impetus has been the concern regarding the potential long‐term neurocognitive effects of general anaesthesia in the young child. These techniques have expanded from single shot spinal anaesthesia to combined spinal/epidural techniques, which can now effectively provide surgical anaesthesia for procedures below the umbilicus for a prolonged period of time, thereby avoiding the need for general anaesthesia. Continuous 2‐chloroprocaine infusions, previously only described for intra‐operative regional anaesthesia, have gained popularity as a means of providing prolonged postoperative analgesia in epidural and continuous nerve block techniques. The rapid, liver‐independent metabolism of 2‐chloroprocaine makes it ideal for prolonged local anaesthetic infusions in neonates and small infants, obviating the increased risk of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity that occurs with amide local anaesthetics. Debate continues over certain practices in paediatric regional anaesthesia. While the rarity of complications makes comparative analyses difficult, data from large prospective registries indicate that providing regional anaesthesia to children while under general anaesthesia appears to be at least as safe as in the sedated or awake patient. In addition, the estimated frequency of serious adverse events demonstrates that regional blocks in children under general anaesthesia are no less safe than in awake adults. In infants, the techniques of direct thoracic epidural placement or caudal placement with cephalad threading each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. As the data cannot support the safety of one technique over the other, the site of epidural insertion remains largely a matter of anaesthetist discretion.
Volatile anaesthesia and peri‐operative outcomes related to cancer: a feasibility and pilot study for a large randomised control trial
Authors: Dubowitz J. A. , Cata J. P. , De Silva A. P. , Braat S. , Shan D. , Yee K. , Hollande F. , Martin O. , Sloan E. K. , Riedel B. ,   the Global Onco‐Anaesthesia Research Collaboration Group
Published: January 2021

SummaryPublished data suggest that the type of general anaesthesia used during surgical resection for cancer may impact on patient long‐term outcome. However, robust prospective clinical evidence is essential to guide a change in clinical practice. We explored the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to investigate the impact of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol vs. inhalational volatile anaesthesia on postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing major cancer surgery. We undertook a randomised, double‐blind feasibility and pilot study of propofol total intravenous anaesthesia or volatile‐based maintenance anaesthesia during cancer resection surgery at three tertiary hospitals in Australia and the USA. Patients were randomly allocated to receive propofol total intravenous anaesthesia or volatile‐based maintenance anaesthesia. Primary outcomes for this study were successful recruitment to the study and successful delivery of the assigned anaesthetic treatment as per randomisation arm. Of the 217 eligible patients approached, 146 were recruited, a recruitment rate of 67.3% (95%CI 60.6–73.5%). One hundred and forty‐five patients adhered to the randomised treatment arm, 99.3% (95%CI 96.2–100%). Intra‐operative patient characteristics and postoperative complications were comparable between the two intervention groups. This feasibility and pilot study supports the viability of the protocol for a large, randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of anaesthesia technique on postoperative cancer outcomes. The volatile anaesthesia and peri‐operative outcomes related to cancer (VAPOR‐C) study that is planned to follow this feasibility study is an international, multicentre trial with the aim of providing evidence‐based guidelines for the anaesthetic management of patients undergoing major cancer surgery.
The impact of five years storage/biobanking at −80°C on mouse spermatozoa fertility, physiology, and function
Authors: Raspa Marcello , Putti Sabrina , Paoletti Renata , Barboni Barbara , Ramal‐Sanchez Marina , Lanuti Paola , Marchisio Marco , D’Atri Mario , Ortolani Claudio , Papa Stefano , Valbonetti Luca , Bernabo Nicola , Scavizzi Ferdinando 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe previously demonstrated how mouse spermatozoa can be efficiently stored for two years in a −80°C freezer, maintaining their ability to fertilize mouse eggs.ObjectivesThe main objective here was to evaluate the effects of five years at −80°C compared to liquid nitrogen storage (LN2, control condition) on mouse sperm viability, physiological parameters, and fertilization capacity.Materials and methodsThree different strains were used: C57BL/6N, C57BL/6J and CD1. Flow cytometry experiments were performed to analyze sperm viability (SYBR‐14 + Propidium Iodide +Hoechst33342), the intracellular calcium concentration (Fluo 3‐AM), the membrane lipid disorder (Merocyanine 540), and the mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Red) in live spermatozoa. The in vitro fertilization (IVF) was used to evaluate the sperm fertilizing ability.ResultsFlow cytometry analysis showed that the percentage of live cells are reduced in B6N and B6J, but not in CD1 mice. However, in the live population no differences in terms of intracellular calcium concentration, membrane lipid disorder, and mitochondrial activity were reported when comparing both biobanking methods. Spermatozoa stored at −80°C for 5 years successfully fertilized the eggs and developed mouse embryo normally both in culture and in vivo, generating live pups with no differences compared to control samples stored in LN2.DiscussionLong‐term mouse sperm storage at −80°C (five years) could be considered an ideal alternative to the most common LN2 approach, giving economical and logistic advantages. Moreover, the precise information originated from the flow cytometry analysis stands up this technique as an optimal strategy to evaluate the sperm quality and ranking.ConclusionIt is demonstrated here the possibility to store mouse spermatozoa for up to five years in a −80°C freezer with no significant differences compared to the storage in LN2 in terms of fertilizing ability, sperm viability, intracellular calcium concentration, membrane lipid disorder, and mitochondrial activity.
Altered presentation of oropharyngeal cancer, a 6‐year review
Authors: Floros Peter , Rao Amshuman , McCloy Rachael A. , Sim Hao‐Wen , Chin Venessa T. , Leavers Brett C. , Crawford Julia A. , Gallagher Richard M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHuman papilloma virus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to increase in incidence. Patients are younger, non‐smokers and most commonly present with a neck mass often with no other symptoms. This altered presentation compared with non‐HPV OPSCC may not be recognized by medical practitioners, leading to delayed diagnosis.MethodsPatients with histopathological confirmation of OPSCC and known HPV and/or P16 status who presented to our institution between 2012–2017 inclusive were included in the study. Demographic data, tumour characteristics and presenting symptoms were retrospectivxely obtained from both electronic‐ and paper‐based records. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographic data and the two sample t‐test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare groups based on HPV status. Time to diagnosis was also reported.ResultsA total of 184 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were male (85.4%) and HPV + (85.3%). The tonsillar complex (53.8%) and tongue base (42.4%) were the most common primary sites. HPV+ patients were less likely to smoke (17.8%) and they commonly presented with a neck mass (39.5% alone or with other symptoms 61.2%). Time to diagnosis in the HPV+ group was longer (15 weeks).ConclusionOur review has highlighted the altered presentation of OPSCC due to the increased incidence of HPV infection. We showed a delayed time to diagnosis in HPV+ OPSCC compared with non‐HPV disease. This confirms the importance of focusing our efforts on educating medical practitioners and creating further awareness to facilitate early detection and treatment.
Cardiopulmonary bypass‐induced coagulopathy in pediatric patients: The role of platelets in postoperative bleeding. A preliminary study
Authors: Di Gregorio Guido , Sella Nicolò , Spiezia Luca , Menin Eugenia , Boscolo Annalisa , Pasin Laura , Pittarello Demetrio , Vida Vladimiro , Simioni Paolo , Navalesi Paolo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPediatric patients are particularly prone to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)‐induced coagulopathy mainly due to hemodilution, consumption of coagulation factors and hypothermia. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible role of platelet count and function as it relates to the bleeding risk after CPB in the pediatric population. All consecutive patients (age <13 years) scheduled for elective cardiac surgery between January 2019 and November 2019 were retrospectively considered for the study. We gathered demographic characteristics, perioperative laboratory data (mainly platelet count and function), transfusion requirements, and blood loss for each patient. Patients with a chest tube output during the first 24 hours after surgery >75th percentile were bleeders (cases). Controls were nonbleeders. A total of 31 patients were enrolled [median age 17 (4‐57) months]. A significant postoperative reduction in platelet count (P < .001) and function either in ADP‐test (P < .001), TRAP‐test (P < .001) and ASPI‐test (P < .001) was found, with positive correlations between chest tube output within the first 24 hours after surgery and postoperative impairment of platelet count (R = 0.553, P = .001), ADP‐test (R = 0.543, P = .001), TRAP‐test (R = 0.627, P < .001) and ASPI‐test (R = 0.436, P = .014). Eight children (26%) experienced major postoperative bleeding. Bleeders were significantly younger (P = .015) and underwent longer CPB duration (P = .015). Despite no significant differences in postoperative platelet count and function between cases and controls, the postoperative reduction (Δ) in platelet count (P = .002) and function in ADP‐test (P = .007), TRAP‐test (P = .020) and ASPI‐test (P = .042) was significantly greater in bleeders vs. nonbleeders. A ΔPLT >262 500 ×109/L, a ΔADP‐test >29 U, a ΔTRAP‐test >44 U and a ΔASPI‐test >26 U showed to be predictive of major postoperative bleeding. Postoperative bleeding in children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB was linked to younger age, longer CPB duration, and significant postoperative reduction in platelet count and function. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and define strategies to reduce postoperative bleeding in these patients.
Evaluation of real‐time thrombus detection method in a magnetically levitated centrifugal blood pump using a porcine left ventricular assist circulation model
Authors: Seki Haruna , Fujiwara Tatsuki , Hijikata Wataru , Murashige Tomotaka , Tahara Tomoki , Yokota Sachie , Ogata Asato , Ohuchi Katsuhiro , Mizuno Tomohiro , Arai Hirokuni 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPump thrombosis induces significant complications and requires timely detection. We proposed real‐time monitoring of pump thrombus in a magnetically levitated centrifugal blood pump (mag‐lev pump) without using additional sensors, by focusing on the changes in the displacement of the pump impeller. The phase difference between the current and displacement of the impeller increases with pump thrombus. This thrombus detection method was previously evaluated through simulated circuit experiments using porcine blood. Evaluation of real‐time thrombus detection in a mag‐lev blood pump was performed using a porcine left ventricular assist circulation model in this study. Acute animal experiments were performed five times using five Japanese domestic pigs. To create thrombogenic conditions, fibrinogen coating that induces thrombus formation in a short time was applied to the inner surfaces of the pump. An inflow and an outflow cannula were inserted into the apex of the left ventricle and the carotid artery, respectively, by a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allowed minimal bleeding and hypothermia. Pump flow was maintained at 1 L/min without anticoagulation. The vibrational frequency of the impeller (70 Hz) and its vibrational amplitude (30 μm) were kept constant. The thrombus was detected based on the fact that the phase difference between the impeller displacement and input current to the magnetic bearing increases when a thrombus is formed inside a pump. The experiment was terminated when the phase difference increased by over 1° from the lowest value or when the phase difference was at the lowest value 12 hours after commencing measurements. The phase difference increased by over 1° in three cases. The pump was stopped after 12 hours in two cases. Pump thrombi were found in the pump in three cases in which the phase difference increased by over 1°. No pump thrombus was found in the other two cases in which the phase difference did not increase. We succeeded in real‐time thrombus monitoring of a mag‐lev pump in acute animal experiments.
Retinal neurodegeneration, macular circulation and morphology of the foveal avascular zone in diabetic patients: quantitative cross‐sectional study using OCT‐A
Authors: Bontzos Georgios , Kabanarou Stamatina A. , Gkizis Ilias , Ragkousis Antonios , Xirou Tina , Peto Tunde 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeUsing OCT‐A to investigate the association between neurodegeneration and vascular morphology in diabetic retinopathy (DR).MethodsCross‐sectional study. One hundred and sixty‐two patients were enrolled and following fundoscopy were assigned to two groups according to DR severity: 54 patients to the group of no clinical signs of DR (noDR) and 54 to the non‐proliferative DR (NPDR) group. Fifty‐four age‐matched patients without known diabetes were recruited as the control group. Patients underwent full ophthalmic examination followed by OCT‐A. Central retinal thickness (CRT), vessel density (VD) in the superficial and deep retinal layers and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area were measured. Additionally, ganglion cell complex (GCC) layer thickness along with global loss volume (GLV) and focal loss volume (FLV) indices was measured.ResultsIn total, 85 men with mean age of 51.93 ± 9.03 and 77 women with age of 50.14 ± 10.35 were examined. Mean diabetes duration was 4.62 ± 2.16 years in the noDR group and 11.34 ± 2.73 years in the NPDR group (p < 0.001). Superficial VD (sVD) and deep VD (dVD) were significantly different only between noDR and NPDR groups (p < 0.001 for both comparisons), but no statistically significant difference was observed between the controls and the DR groups. Global loss volume was significantly higher in the NPDR (4.38 ± 2.22) compared to the noDR group (3.24 ± 1.76; p < 0.03). Focal loss volume was significantly higher in both noDR (1.22 ± 1.03) and NPDR (2.09 ± 1.72) groups compared to controls (0.95 ± 0.83; p < 0.001 between noDR and NPDR and p = 0.02 between control and noDR groups). Significant associations were found between GLV and deep VD (p < 0.01, r = −0.48), FLV and superficial VD (p < 0.01, r = −0.42) and FLV with deep VD (p < 0.01, r = −0.64).ConclusionIn this study, we evaluated the impact of DR in both the vascular layers and neural components of the retina as expressed by FAZ, sVD, dVD and GCC thickness, FLV and GLV using OCT‐A. We found that FLV was significantly higher in both noDR and NPDR groups indicating that in progressive DR stages FLV values might be increased, which might serve as an early index of neuronal damage in patients with diabetes even in the absence of overt DR signs.
Inflammatory cytokines levels in aqueous humour and surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy in patients with prior acute primary angle closure
Authors: Yu Ping , Qian Tianwei , Gong Qiaoyun , Fu Mingshui , Bian Xiaolan , Sun Tao , Zhang Zhihua , Xu Xun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo quantify the levels of three inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humour of patients with prior acute primary angle closure (APAC) and investigate their correlation with surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, aqueous humour samples were collected from 44 prior APAC eyes. Analyte concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were measured using multiplexed immunoassay kits. Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann application tonometry.ResultsForty‐four prior APAC eyes were followed up for 24 months after trabeculectomy and divided into success and failure groups according to surgical outcomes. Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels in the aqueous humour were significantly higher in the failure group (p = 0.0118). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MCP‐1 level was a significant risk factor for trabeculectomy outcomes (univariate analysis: p = 0.016, odds ratio = 14.538; multivariate analysis: p = 0.023, odds ratio = 13.718). When prior APAC eyes were divided according to MCP‐1 levels, the overall success rate was significantly higher in eyes with low MCP‐1 levels than eyes with high MCP‐1 levels (p = 0.0249).ConclusionIn prior APAC patients, the MCP‐1 level in the aqueous humour predicts trabeculectomy results. Therefore, modulation of MCP‐1 expression may have potential clinical applications after filtration surgery.
Prognostic significance of atypical mitotic figures in smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) of the uterus and uterine adnexa
Authors: Travaglino Antonio , Raffone Antonio , Santoro Angela , Gencarelli Annarita , Angelico Giuseppe , Spadola Saveria , Marzullo Liberato , Zullo Fulvio , Insabato Luigi , Zannoni Gian Franco 
Published: January 2021

We aimed to assess whether the presence of atypical mitotic figures (AMF) in smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) of the uterus and uterine adnexa is associated with increased risk of recurrence, and the association of AMF with the Stanford criteria, that is, significant cytologic atypia, mitotic index ≥ 10/10HPF, and coagulative tumor cell necrosis (CTCN). A systematic review was performed to identify all studies reporting the presence of AMF and oncologic outcomes in STUMP series. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the association of AMF with the three Stanford parameters. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression survival analyses with hazard ratio (HR) calculation were performed to assess the association between AMF and STUMP recurrence. A p‐value < 0.05 was considered significant. Five studies with 80 STUMPs were included, out of which 23.8% had AMF. AMF were significantly associated with the presence of significant atypia (p = 0.023), but not with the presence of a mitotic index ≥ 10/10HPF (p = 0.769), CTCN (p = 1), or more than one Stanford parameter (p = 0.171). AMF was not significantly associated with the risk of STUMP recurrence at both univariate (HR = 0.366; p = 0.188) and multivariate analyses (HR = 0.528; p = 0.463). In STUMP of the uterus and uterine adnexa, AMF are more common in the case of significant cytologic atypia, but do not seem to increase the risk of recurrence. Further studies are necessary in this regard.
Geographies of education: A journey
Authors: Kraftl Peter , Andrews William , Beech Suzanne , Ceresa Giulia , Holloway Sarah L. , Johnson Vicky , White Catherine 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper provides a critical overview of scholarship on the geographies of education. The article explores some of the key roots, linguistic traditions, and conceptual underpinnings of what has become a burgeoning and diverse area of scholarship. It emphasises the different subdisciplinary areas to which research on geographies of education has contributed, including work on social reproduction, the relationship between education spaces and their “outsides,” the agency of learners, structural inequalities, learners’ experiences, materialities, and mobilities. The paper concludes with some suggestions about future work on geographies of education, identifying key areas of potential in terms of connection: with scholarship on geography education; with research going on outside geography; with scholarship on education spaces less well‐represented thus far (such as Further Education); and with research on and from non‐Anglophone contexts and the Majority Global South.