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The article reports a meta-analysis of 58 peer-reviewed studies investigating on dorsoventral hyperflexion of the neck in horses, a practice under substantial public and scientific scrutiny for the past two decades. The following databases were last searched on 28.05.2023: CAB, Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed and ScienceDirect. After evaluating the conclusions of each study, we performed statistical analyses to establish a consensus on welfare and performance (performance marks, kinematics and musculoskeletal) outcomes in horses performing with a hyperflexed head and neck posture (HNP). The analysis revealed that a significant majority of the articles (75% of n = 36; Z = 3.00; P>|Z|=0.0027) expressed concerns about the welfare of horses working in this posture. Parameters such as dressage training level, prior experience, duration, and method of achieving the hyperflexed posture did not influence welfare concern conclusions significantly (P > 0.1). Therefore, it appears that the practice impairs welfare regardless of how it is imposed. A concurrent assessment of the weight of evidence for performance benefits showed inconclusive results: approximately one-quarter of the studies showed benefits and one-quarter detrimental effects, while the largest proportion (44%) showed no significant effect on performance. On balance, it appears that the costs associated with hyperflexed HNPs exceed potential benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy appears to have better continence rates when compared to conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, however, concern with high positive surgical margin rates exist. Objective: To systematically evaluate evidence comparing functional and oncological outcomes of retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy and conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Evidence acquisition: The systematic review was performed in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Bibliographic databases searched were PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane central register of controlled trials—CENTRAL (in The Cochrane library—issue 1, 2018). We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. Evidence synthesis: The search retrieved 137 references through electronic searches of various databases. Six were included in the review. RS-RALP was associated with better early continence rates (≤ 1 month) (moderate quality evidence) (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.27, 2.32, p 0.0005) and at 3 months (low quality evidence) (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03, 1.88, p 0.03). Time to continence recovery, number of pads used and pad weight are better with RS-RALP. Based on very low quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter 6 and 12 months continence rates. Based on very low quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter T2 positive margin rates (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.91, 3.06, p 0.10) and T3 positive margin rates (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.68, 1.70, p = 0.75). Short-term biochemical free survival appears to be similar between the two approaches. Based on low-quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter overall and major complication rates. Conclusions: RS-RARP appears to have earlier continence recovery when compared to Con-RARP which does not come at a significant oncologic cost. Whilst there was a trend towards higher PSM rates with RS-RALP, this did not achieve statistical significance. Furthermore this trend appeared to be less pronounced with T3 disease, where the PSM rates are almost similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To systematically review world literature and compare peri-operative outcome including operating time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), warm ischemia time (WIT), length of stay (LOS) and complications between retroperitoneal robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RP-RAPN) and trans-peritoneal robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (TP-RAPN) for posteriorly located renal masses. All randomised trials and observational studies comparing RP-RAPN and TP-RAPN for posteriorly located renal masses were considered. The GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, GRADE) was used to rate the quality of evidence. 82 potential publications were identified. 3 were included in the review. All three studies were observational comparative studies. 347 and 550 patients underwent RP-RAPN and TP-RAPN, respectively, for posteriorly located tumours. There was statistically significant difference in LOS between the 2 techniques, favouring the RP-RAPN cohort: risk ratio (M-H, random, 95% CI), − 0.42 [− 0.67, − 0.18], p < 0.0006. There was no statistically significant difference in overall complication rates between the two techniques: risk ratio (M-H, fixed, 95% CI), 0.80 [0.49, 1.30], p = 0.37. There was no statistically significant difference in ≥ Clavien 3a complication rates between the two t echniques: risk ratio (M-H, fixed, 95% CI), 1.17 [0.62, 2.19], p = 0.63. OT, EBL, WIT and positive margin rates were similar for both approaches. The quality of evidence for complications, LOS and remaining outcomes were 'moderate', 'low' and 'very low', respectively, on GRADE approach. The current review suggests that the LOS with RP-RAPN are significantly lesser than TP-RAPN for posterior tumours. The RP-RAPN does not appear to offer any advantage over TP-RAPN for other peri-operative outcomes such as WIT, OT and EBL. The surgical margin rates and morbidity between the two approaches appear to be similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction following repair of anomalous right upper pulmonary veins in children is unclear. The incidence and outcome of subclinical obstruction remained unknown. Retrospective single institutional study (07/1993–02/2017) in a pediatric population (N = 42, median age 3.9-year, range 0.1–15.3 years). 33 (79%) children had repair without SVC translocation ("non-Warden") and 9 (21%) had Warden-type surgery. Echocardiographic SVC obstruction was defined as (I) turbulent flow across SVC and (II) continuous flow pattern without return to baseline velocity (0 m/s); severe obstruction was defined as loss of distinct biphasic profile ± mean gradient ≥ 5 mmHg. 3 (7%) patients required intra-operative revision due to obstruction (non-Warden: 1, Warden: 2). After discharge, 2 (5%) patients required reintervention (3 and 6-month post-op) for severe symptomatic obstruction (non-Warden: 1, Warden-type: 1). Both patients responded to balloon angioplasty with symptomatic resolution (one required repeat catheter reintervention). 10 (24%) patients had subclinical echocardiographic obstruction (2, 22% Warden vs. 8, 24% non-Warden; p = 1.0; 8 of 10 patients had mild gradient), which resolved and remained well without reintervention. At follow-up (mean 7.2-year, range 0–23 years), all patients were alive. Freedom from SVC reintervention at 10 and 20-year is 95% (97% at 10, 20-year in non-Warden and 89% at 5, 8-year in Warden-type group; log-rank p = 0.34). Surgical repair for anomalous right upper pulmonary veins is associated with risk of SVC obstruction in children. The need for reintervention for severe obstruction is rare at late follow-up. Patients with subclinical obstruction remain asymptomatic and demonstrate echocardiographic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and use of a metadata-driven data repository for research data management is described. Metadata is collected automatically during the submission process whenever possible and is registered with DataCite in accordance with their current metadata schema, in exchange for a persistent digital object identifier. Two examples of data preview are illustrated, including the demonstration of a method for integration with commercial software that confers rich domain-specific data analytics without introducing customisation into the repository itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The desirable curation of 158,122 molecular geometries derived from the NCI set of reference molecules together with associated properties computed using the MOPAC semi-empirical quantum mechanical method and originally deposited in 2005 into the Cambridge DSpace repository as a data collection is reported. Results: The procedures involved in the curation included annotation of the original data using new MOPAC methods, updating the syntax of the CML documents used to express the data to ensure schema conformance and adding new metadata describing the entries together with a XML schema transformation to map the metadata schema to that used by the DataCite organisation. We have adopted a granularity model in which a DataCite persistent identifier (DOI) is created for each individual molecule to enable data discovery and data metrics at this level using DataCite tools. Conclusions: We recommend that the future research data management (RDM) of the scientific and chemical data components associated with journal articles (the "supporting information") should be conducted in a manner that facilitates automatic periodic curation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We describe three different procedures based on metadata standards for enabling automated retrieval of scientific data from digital repositories utilising the persistent identifier of the dataset with optional specification of the attributes of the data document such as filename or media type. Results: The procedures are demonstrated using the JSmol molecular visualizer as a component of a web page and Avogadro as a stand-alone modelling program. We compare our methods for automated retrieval of data from a standards-compliant data repository with those currently in operation for a selection of existing molecular databases and repositories. Conclusions: Our methods illustrate the importance of adopting a standards-based approach of using metadata declarations to increase access to and discoverability of repository-based data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is evidence for the involvement of dopamine (DA) in unipolar depression, no published study has yet used the technique of acute phenylalanine and tyrosine depletion (AF'TD), a dietary intervention that selectively lowers DA synthesis, in order to investigate the role of DA in mood disturbance. Tyrosine and phenylalanine depleted and placebo amino acid drinks were administered to 20 patients recovered from depression in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Measures included subjective effects, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, and a comprehensive battery of well-validated computerized cognitive tests. AVID induced a substantial reduction in the ratio of plasma tyrosine and phenylalanine to large neutral amino acids. However, relapse of depressive symptoms was not seen. Although performance on most cognitive tests was unaffected, there was a selective effect on decision-making, with APTD causing participants to bet significantly less. In conclusion, These results suggest a specific role for the involvement of DA in reward/punishment processing in humans. While APTD did not induce relapse in any participant it did cause patients recovered from depression to show lowered sensitivity to reward in a gambling game. It is hypothesized that tests involving reward/punishment processing are preferentially affected by DA depletion, and that a more complete account of depression is likely to result from considering the roles played by serotonin, noradrenaline, and DA in mediating the various cognitive and clinical symptoms! including anhedonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study which examined the neurocognitive effects of methylphenidate on adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Characteristics of children with (ADHD); Summary of neurocognitive tests; Comparison between the ADHD and attentional difficulties groups.

Rationale. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of dopamine (DA) both in the pathogenesis of unipolar depression and in motivated behaviour. The innovative technique of acute tyrosine depletion presents an opportunity to characterise further its function in these domains. Objective. The present study examined the physiological, subjective and cognitive effects of acute tyrosine depletion in healthy volunteers. Methods. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design was employed. Half of the participants ingested a balanced amino-acid mixture (BAL) and the other half received an identical mixture except that tyrosine and phenylalanine were absent (TYR-free). Plasma amino acid concentrations and subjective ratings were monitored at both baseline (T[sub 0]) and 5 h following consumption (T[sub 5]) of the mixtures. A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was also administered at T[sub 5]. Results. Relative to the BAL group, the reduction in TYR availability to the brain was more marked in the TYR-free group. Employment of psychological rating scales revealed that, compared with the BAL group, the TYR-free group became less content and more apathetic. For the affective go/no-go task, whilst the BAL group exhibited a happy latency bias, the TYR-free group demonstrated a sad latency bias. Furthermore, in the decision-making task, the rate at which the TYR-free group increased their bets in response to more likely outcomes was lower than that of the BAL group. Taken together, these neuropsychological findings strikingly paralleled those reported in previous investigations of unipolar depression. The experimental groups could not be differentiated on any of the other neuropsychological measures, including more classical assessments of fronto-executive function. Conclusion. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that dopaminergic factors are particularly involved in disrupted affect/reward-based processing characteristic of clinical depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombosis and infections are two grave, interrelated problems associated with the use of central venous catheters (CVL). Currently used antibiotic coated CVL has limited clinical success in resisting blood stream infection and may increase the risk of emerging antibiotic resistant strains. We report an antibiotic-free, fluoropolymer-immobilized, liquid perfluorocarbon-coated peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line and its effectiveness in reducing catheter associated thrombosis and pathogen colonization, as an alternative to antibiotic coated CVL. Commercially available polyurethane PICC catheter was modified by a three-step lamination process, with thin fluoropolymer layers to yield fluoropolymer–polyurethane–fluoropolymer composite structure before applying the liquid perfluorocarbon (LP). This high throughput process of modifying commercial PICC catheters with fluoropolymer is quicker, safer and shows higher thromboresistance than fluorinated, omniphobic catheter surfaces, produced by previously reported self-assembled monolayer deposition techniques. The LP immobilized on the fluoropolymer is highly durable in physiological flow conditions for over 60 days and continue to resist Staphylococcus colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Clubhouse Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation provides non-clinical social support for adults living with a diagnosed mental illness or self-reported mental ill-health (referred to as ‘members’). The Stepping Stone Clubhouse in Brisbane, Australia was evaluated between August 2022 and August 2023 using a participatory action research approach. Data was sourced from member surveys, member interviews, and an existing Clubhouse Member Database. Outcomes included members’ self-reported psychosocial recovery, social connectedness, quality of life, frequency of hospitalizations, and their attainment of employment and/or education aspirations. In this cross-sectional evaluation, it was hypothesized that existing members (membership: 11 months – 28 years) would report better outcomes than new members (membership: 0–14 days). In total, 161 existing members and 76 new members completed a survey. Twenty-three members also participated in a semi-structured interview. Participants were aged on average 47.1 years (± 13.5), 62% were male and 31% had a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Existing members reported better scores than new members for: three of the four psychosocial recovery domains (Functional Recovery: 78.0% vs. 74.0%, p = 0.01; Symptom Management Recovery 69.5% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.03; Social Recovery 74.3% vs. 70.0%, p = 0.01); social connection with other members (38.1 vs. 32.2, p = 0.03) and staff (44.5 vs. 38.1, p = 0.02); quality-of-life summary scores (4.6 vs. 4.1, p = 0.01), and rates of mental health-related hospitalization (16% vs. 41%, p < 0.01). Existing members were also more likely to be in some form of employment, compared to new members (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between existing and new members for their educational goals, with 58% of each group wanting further formal education. Stepping Stone members have better outcomes than members who have recently joined the Clubhouse. This evaluation was successful because it intentionally built evaluative capacity and empowered member-centric processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]