Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke: a study on intravenous thrombolysis in patients over 80 years of age with acute ischaemic stroke.

Objectives: To investigate the safety and efficacy outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients aged >80 years with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) after IVT was approved in this patient population in several European and non-European countries during 2018-2019.

Design: This is an observational registry study using prospectively collected data from the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke (SITS) registry. Comparisons will be performed between patients treated post-approval (July 2018 to December 2021) period with those treated pre-approval (June 2015 to June 2018) period using propensity score matching (PSM).

Association that Neuroimaging and Clinical Measures Have with Change in Arm Impairment in a Phase 3 Stroke Recovery Trial.

Objective: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation therapy improved motor status compared to rehabilitation alone in the phase III VNS-REHAB stroke trial, but treatment response was variable and not associated with any clinical measures acquired at baseline, such as age or side of paresis. We hypothesized that neuroimaging measures would be associated with treatment-related gains, examining performance of regional injury measures versus global brain health measures in parallel with clinical measures.

Methods: Baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in the VNS-REHAB trial were used to derive regional injury measures (extent of injury to corticospinal tract, the primary regional measure; plus extent of injury to precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus; lesion volume; and lesion topography) and global brain health measures (degree of white matter hyperintensities, the primary global brain measure; plus volumes of cerebrospinal fluid, cortical gray matter, white matter, each thalamus, and total brain).

Rapid Assay Diagnostic for Acute Stroke Recognition (RADAR): study protocol for a diagnostic accuracy study.

Introduction: Large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is effectively treated by time-critical thrombectomy, a highly specialised procedure only available in a limited number of centres. Many patients with suspected stroke are admitted to their nearest hospital and require transfer to access treatment, with resulting delays. This study is evaluating the accuracy of a new rapid portable test for LVO stroke which could be used in the future to select patients for direct admission to a thrombectomy centre.

Healthcare professionals' perspectives of the provision of, and challenges for, eating, drinking and psychological support post stroke: findings from semistructured interviews across India.

Aim: This qualitative study explores with health professionals the provision of, and challenges for, postdischarge stroke care, focussing on eating, drinking and psychological support across India.

Design: Qualitative semistructured interviews.

Setting: Seven geographically diverse hospitals taking part in a Global Health Research Programme on Improving Stroke Care in India.

Screening for silent aspiration in hyperacute stroke: A feasibility study of clinical swallowing examination and cough reflex testing.

Background: Silent aspiration (SA) is common post-stroke and associated with increased risk of pneumonia, length of stay and healthcare costs. Clinical swallow examinations (CSEs) are unreliable measures of SA. There is no consensus on the clinical components that best detect SA.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired With Rehabilitation for Upper Limb Motor Impairment and Function After Chronic Ischemic Stroke: Subgroup Analysis of the Randomized, Blinded, Pivotal, VNS-REHAB Device Trial.

Background: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation improved upper extremity impairment and function in a recent pivotal, randomized, triple-blind, sham-controlled trial in people with chronic arm weakness after stroke.

Objective: We aimed to determine whether treatment effects varied across candidate subgroups, such as younger age or less injury.

Methods: Participants were randomized to receive rehabilitation paired with active VNS or rehabilitation paired with sham stimulation (Control).

Intravenous Thrombolysis with Tenecteplase for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Objective: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with tenecteplase has been associated with better clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with confirmed large vessel occlusions compared to IVT with alteplase. However, the utility of tenecteplase for the treatment of all AIS patients eligible for IVT has not been established.

Methods: We compared the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase versus alteplase in AIS patients by analyzing propensity score matched data from 20 centers participating in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-International Stroke Thrombolysis Register.

Enhancing the Understanding of Soil Nitrogen Fate Using a 3D-Electrospray Sensor Roll Casted with a Thin-Layer Hydrogel.

Accurate and continuous monitoring of soil nitrogen is critical for determining its fate and providing early warning for swift soil nutrient management. However, the accuracy of existing electrochemical sensors is hurdled by the immobility of targeted ions, ion adsorption to soil particles, and sensor reading noise and drifting over time. In this study, polyacrylamide hydrogel with a thickness of 0.

Age, gender, peers, life skills and quality of life influence risk of cell phone addiction among college teachers in Karnataka, India : a state level epidemiological analysis.

Background: Cell phones are an integral part of modern day life and have become companions for individuals irrespective of age, gender and socio-economic status. In this study, we assessed the factors affecting risk of cell phone addiction among teachers attending Life Skills Training and Counselling Services (LSTCS) program in Karnataka.

Methods: This cross sectional secondary data analysis utilised data from baseline assessment of trainees attending a Life Skills Training and Counselling Services program (LSTCP).

Hypothalamic expression of GnRH-I and GnIH in the Eurasian tree sparrow over a single long day.

Seasonal reproductive cycles of most birds are regulated by photoperiod via neuroendocrine control. The present study aims to investigate the role of a single long day in triggering hypothalamic expressions of GnRH-I and GnIH in the Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Sparrows were divided into two groups (n = 24 each) and pre-treated under short days (9L: 15D) for 4 days.

Assessment of Biomedical Waste Management in Health Facilities of Uttar Pradesh: An Observational Study.

Background Biomedical waste management has recently emerged as an issue of major concern for every health facility and healthcare provider due to human and environmental hazards. As per government guidelines, every health facility, either large medical institutes or small clinics, should ensure appropriate biomedical waste management at their facilities level. Objective To assess biomedical waste management in various health care facilities of Etawah district.

Morphological and Ultrastructural Studies of Pecten in the Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

We studied the fine histological structures of pecten oculi of the Eurasian tree sparrow using various microscopy techniques. The pecten of the tree sparrow was found to be of a pleated type comprising of pleats, bridges, and base. The light microscopic study revealed further that the pleats consist of capillaries of varying sizes, blood vessels, and numerous pigmented cells that give them a black color.

Impact of Nonpharmacological Public Health Interventions on Epidemiological Parameters of COVID-19 Pandemic in India.

Background Public health interventions are epidemiologically sound and cost-effective methods to control disease burden. Non-pharmacological public health interventions are the only mode to control diseases in the absence of medication. Objective To find the impact of public health interventions on the epidemiological indicators of disease progression.

Vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation for upper limb motor function after ischaemic stroke (VNS-REHAB): a randomised, blinded, pivotal, device trial.

Background: Long-term loss of arm function after ischaemic stroke is common and might be improved by vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation. We aimed to determine whether this strategy is a safe and effective treatment for improving arm function after stroke.

Methods: In this pivotal, randomised, triple-blind, sham-controlled trial, done in 19 stroke rehabilitation services in the UK and the USA, participants with moderate-to-severe arm weakness, at least 9 months after ischaemic stroke, were randomly assigned (1:1) to either rehabilitation paired with active vagus nerve stimulation (VNS group) or rehabilitation paired with sham stimulation (control group).

The Effect of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic on Stroke and TIA Patient Admissions: Perspectives and Risk Factors.

Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic has generated concern from stroke specialist centres across the globe. Reductions in stroke admissions have been reported, despite many expecting an increase due to the pro-thrombotic nature of 2019 novel coronavirus.

Aims: To assess the impact of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown on stroke admissions and transient ischaemic attack referrals at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, and additionally on patient behaviours affecting modifiable risk factors or perspectives related to accessing healthcare.

Characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 associated stroke: a UK multicentre case-control study.

Objective: We set out to determine which characteristics and outcomes of stroke are associated with COVID-19.

Methods: This case-control study included patients admitted with stroke to 13 hospitals in England and Scotland between 9 March and 5 July 2020. We collected data on 86 strokes (81 ischaemic strokes and 5 intracerebral haemorrhages) in patients with evidence of COVID-19 at the time of stroke onset (cases).

Japanese encephalitis in Uttar Pradesh, India: A situational analysis.

Introduction: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector-borne, viral illness caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Permanent neurologic or psychiatric sequelae can occur in 30%-50% of those with encephalitis; hence, JE is a cause of major public health concern. For the ease of diagnosis and facilitation of surveillance, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme uses the term Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Safety and early outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients with prestroke disability.

Background: There are limited data on intravenous thrombolysis treatment in ischemic stroke patients with prestroke disability.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate safety and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis treatment in stroke patients with prestroke disability.

Methods: We analyzed 88,094 patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis, recorded in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke (SITS) International Thrombolysis Register between January 2003 and December 2017, with available NIHSS data at stroke-onset and after 24 h.

COVID-19 pandemic in India: A Comparison of pandemic pattern in Selected States.

The COVID-19 pandemic currently expanded its roots to the 206 countries in the world. The morbidity and mortality are not only threat to humans but also its impact on economy is indirectly affecting us. The current review was done to find trend in various states of India.

Circadian rhythm in photoperiodic expressions of GnRH-I and GnIH regulating seasonal reproduction in the Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus.

The present study investigates the involvement of circadian rhythm in photoperiodic expressions of GnRH-I and GnIH in the hypothalamus controlling seasonal reproduction in the Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Groups of photosensitive birds were exposed for four weeks to resonance light dark cycles comprising of a light phase of 6 h (L) combined with dark phase of different durations (D) such that the period of LD cycles varied by 12 h increments viz. 12- (6 L/6D), 24- (6 L/18D), 36- (6 L/30D), 48- (6 L/42D), 60- (6 L/54D) and 72- (6 L/66D)h.

Evaluation of stroke thrombectomy including patients where IV thrombolysis is contraindicated or has failed: a randomized trial of two novel thrombectomy devices.

Background: Study was a PROBE design phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT). We assessed trial feasibility and technical efficacy and safety of two novel thrombectomy devices - ERIC (a retriever device) and SOFIA (a distal access catheter) - used alone or in combination depending on operator preference.

Methods: Four UK neuroscience centers enrolled adults with proximal large artery occlusion (LAO) stroke on imaging where arterial puncture was achievable within 5.

The cost of providing mechanical thrombectomy in the UK NHS: a micro-costing study.

Introduction: The clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of large vessel occlusion stroke is well established, but uncertainty remains around the true cost of delivering this treatment within the NHS. The aim of this study was to establish the cost of providing MT within the hyperacute phase of care and to explore differences in resources used and costs across different neuroscience centres in the UK.

Method: This was a multicentre retrospective study using micro-costing methods to enable a precise assessment of the costs of MT from an NHS perspective.

Outcomes of preputioplasty in patients undergoing TIP urethroplasty (tubularization of incised urethral plate) for distal and mid penile hypospadias.

Background: Preputioplasty as a part of hypospadias repair restores the normal appearance of phallus, which is especially important in distal and mid penile hypospadias. However possibility of its inherent complications such as iatrogenic phimosis or preputial breakdown are the cause of controversy and reluctance regarding this procedure.This study evaluates the results of preputial reconstruction with TIP urethroplasty in distal and mid penile hypospadias repair and analyses if preputioplasty may be offered to these patients.