bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Supervised Early Resistance Training versus standard care on cognitive recovery following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy (the SEcReT study): protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Pengelly Jacqueline M. S. , Royse Alistair G. , Bryant Adam L. , Williams Gavin P. , Tivendale Lynda J. , Dettmann Timothy J. , Canty David J. , Royse Colin F. , El-Ansary Doa A.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment is considered a precursor to dementia and significantly impacts upon quality of life. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment is higher in the post-surgical cardiac population than in the general population, with older age and comorbidities further increasing the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise improves neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and inflammatory and neurotrophic factor pathways, which may help to augment the effects of cognitive decline. However, the effects of resistance training on cognitive, functional and overall patient-reported recovery have not been investigated in the surgical cardiac population. This study aims to determine the effect of early moderate-intensity resistance training, compared to standard care, on cognitive recovery following cardiac surgery via a median sternotomy. The safety, feasibility and effect on functional recovery will also be examined.

Methods

This study will be a prospective, pragmatic, pilot randomised controlled trial comparing a standard care group (low-intensity aerobic exercise) and a moderate-intensity resistance training group. Participants aged 18 years and older with coronary artery and/or valve disease requiring surgical intervention will be recruited pre-operatively and randomised 1:1 to either the resistance training or standard care group post-operatively. The primary outcome, cognitive function, will be assessed using the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale and cognitive subscale. Secondary measures include safety, feasibility, muscular strength, physical function, multiple-domain quality of recovery, dynamic balance and patient satisfaction. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-operatively) and post-operatively at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 14 weeks and 6 months.

Discussion

The results of this pilot study will be used to determine the feasibility of a future large-scale randomised controlled trial that promotes the integration of early resistance training into existing aerobic-based cardiac rehabilitation programs in Australia.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12617001430325p. Registered on 9 October 2017. Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1203-2131.
Correction to: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of home- and gym-based resistance exercise training on glycaemic control, body composition and muscle strength
Authors: Al Ozairi Ebaa , Alsaeed Dalal , Taliping Dennis , Jalali Mohamad , El Samad Abeer , Mashankar Anant , Taghadom Etab , Guess Nicola , Gill Jason M. R. , Sattar Naveed , Gray Cindy , Welsh Paul , Gray Stuart R.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A Combined Randomised and Observational Study of Surgery for Fractures In the distal Radius in the Elderly (CROSSFIRE): a statistical analysis plan
Authors: Lawson Andrew , Naylor Justine , Buchbinder Rachelle , Ivers Rebecca , Balogh Zsolt , Smith Paul , Mittal Rajat , Xuan Wei , Howard Kirsten , Vafa Arezoo , Yates Piers , Rieger Bertram , Smith Geoff , Elkinson Ilia , Kim Woosung , Sungaran Jai , Latendresse Kim , Wong James , Viswanathan Sameer , Landale Keith , Drobetz Herwig , Tran Phong , Page Richard , Hau Raphael , Mulford Jonathan , Incoll Ian , Kale Michael , Schick Bernard , Higgs Andrew , Oppy Andrew , Perriman Diana , Harris Ian
Published: July 2020

Background

We are performing a combined randomised and observational study comparing internal fixation to non-surgical management for common wrist fractures in older patients. This paper describes the statistical analysis plan.

Methods/design

A Combined Randomised and Observational Study of Surgery for Fractures In the distal Radius in the Elderly (CROSSFIRE) is a randomised controlled trial comparing two types of usual care for treating wrist fractures in older patients, surgical fixation using volar locking plates and non-surgical treatment using closed reduction and plaster immobilisation. The primary aim of this comparative-effectiveness study is to determine whether surgery is superior to non-surgical treatment with respect to patient-reported wrist function at 12 months post treatment. The secondary outcomes include radiographic outcomes, complication rates and patient-reported outcomes including quality of life, pain, treatment success and cosmesis. Primary analysis will use a two-sample t test and an intention-to-treat analysis using the randomised arm of the study. Statistical analyses will be two-tailed and significance will be determined by p < 0.05. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to assess for differences in intention-to-treat, per-protocol and as-treated analyses. Sensitivity analyses will also be conducted to assess selection bias by evaluating differences in participants between the randomised and observational study arms, and for bias relating to any missing data. An economic analysis will be conducted separately if surgery is shown to provide superior outcomes to a level of clinical significance.

Discussion

This statistical analysis plan describes the analysis of the CROSSFIRE study which aims to provide evidence to aid clinical decision-making in the treatment of distal radius fractures in older patients.

Trial registration

CROSSFIRE was approved by The Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (HNEHREC Reference No: 16/02/17/3.04). Registered on 22 July 2016 with The Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR Number; ACTRN12616000969460).

This manuscript is based on v.11 of the statistical analysis plan. A copy of v.11, signed by the chief investigator and the senior statistician is kept at the administering institution.
Coexistence of mycobacterial infections – Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae – in Sri Lanka: a case series
Authors: Keragala B. S. D. P. , Herath H. M. M. T. B. , Janapriya G. H. D. C. , Vanitha S. , Balendran Thanushah , Janani Thavarajah , Keragala T. S. , Gunasekera C. N.
Published: July 2020

Background

Leprosy is one of the oldest mycobacterial infections and tuberculosis is the most common mycobacterial infection with a higher degree of infectivity than leprosy. Although both diseases are prevalent in clusters in developing countries, simultaneous occurrence of them in an individual is a rare entity, even in an endemic setting.

Case presentation

We describe six cases of tuberculosis and leprosy coinfection: a 57-year-old Sinhalese woman, a 47-year-old Tamil woman, a 72-year-old Tamil man, a 59-year-old Sinhalese man, a 54-year-old Sinhalese man, and a 50-year-old Sinhalese man. In this case series, five patients had lepromatous leprosy and the majority of patients were men. Three patients were detected to have tuberculosis at the outset of treatment of leprosy, while two developed tuberculosis later and one had extrapulmonary tuberculosis 5 years before the diagnosis of leprosy. The latter developed pulmonary tuberculosis as a reactivation while on treatment for leprosy. A majority of our patients with pulmonary tuberculosis had positive Mantoux test, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, radiological evidence, and acid-fast bacilli in sputum. Human immunodeficiency virus and diabetes were detected in one patient. One patient had rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis, while she was on monthly rifampicin therapy for leprosy.

Conclusion

An immunocompromised status, such as human immunodeficiency virus infection, diabetes, and immunosuppressive drugs, are risk factors for tuberculosis infection. The use of steroids in the treatment of leprosy may increase the susceptibility to develop tuberculosis. Development of rifampicin resistance secondary to monthly rifampicin in leprosy is a major concern in treating patients coinfected with tuberculosis. Despite the paucity of reports of coinfection, it is advisable to screen for tuberculosis in patients with leprosy, especially if there are respiratory or constitutional symptoms, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and abnormal chest X-ray. The fact is that positive Mantoux and QuantiFERON Gold tests and presence of acid-fast bacilli in sputum are misleading, chest X-ray evidence of active tuberculosis and positive tuberculosis cultures are important diagnostic clues for active tuberculosis infection in a patient with leprosy. This is important to avoid monthly rifampicin in patients with suspected coinfections, which may lead to development of drug resistance to tuberculosis treatment. Whether prolonged steroid therapy in leprosy is a risk factor for development of tuberculosis is still controversial.
Postoperative visits by dedicated anesthesiologists in patients with elevated troponin: a retrospective cohort study evaluating postoperative care utility and early detection of complications
Authors: Akkermans Annemarie , Vernooij Lisette M. , van Klei Wilton A. , van Waes Judith A.
Published: July 2020

Background

An elevated cardiac troponin level after noncardiac surgery is associated with both morbidity and mortality. Guidelines suggest routine troponin monitoring in high-risk patients. We implemented a dedicated anesthesia team to conduct follow-up on patients with postoperative troponin elevation. We hypothesized that these visits would facilitate early detection of complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative visits by dedicated anesthesiologists on early detection of complications and care utility.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients aged ≥ 60 years with an elevated troponin within the first 3 days after noncardiac surgery. Troponin elevation was detected by routine biomarker monitoring. The primary outcome was early detected myocardial infarctions by the dedicated anesthesiologist. Other outcomes were overall detected complications, additional diagnostic tests and treatment advised by the anesthesiologist, consultation of another medical specialist, and advised postoperative follow-up at the outpatient cardiac clinic within 1 week after surgery.

Results

Of the 811 patients, 509 (63%) received a postoperative consultation by the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists were involved in the early detection of 59% of all myocardial infarctions and in 12% of all complications. Besides cardiac ischemia, patients were also often diagnosed with noncardiac complications, including respiratory failure (8.9%), pneumonia (13.2%), and acute kidney injury (17.5%) within 1 week after surgery. In 75% of patients, anesthesiologists ordered additional diagnostics, most frequently existing of electrocardiograms and additional cardiac enzyme testing. Additionally, change in treatment was advised, most often a medication change, in 16% of patients.

Conclusions

Standard consultation of a dedicated anesthesiologist resulted in an early detection of 59% of all myocardial infarctions and involved a change in treatment in a considerable number of patients with postoperative troponin elevation. Whether this may improve patient outcomes remains to be elucidated.
Phytochemical screening, metabolite profiling and enhanced antimicrobial activities of microalgal crude extracts in co-application with silver nanoparticle
Authors: Hussein Hanaa Ali , Syamsumir Desy Fitrya , Radzi Siti Aisha Mohd , Siong Julius Yong Fu , Zin Nor Atikah Mohamed , Abdullah Mohd Azmuddin
Published: July 2020

Background

Microalgae is one of the major sources of natural compounds with antimicrobial activity. The metabolite profiling of the extracts could identify the bioactive compounds based on methanol (MET), ethanol (ETH), chloroform (CHL), hexane (HEX) and water (W) solvent systems. The microalgal crude extracts in co-application with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) had enhanced antimicrobial activity with potential to overcome the global problem of microbial antibiotic resistance.

Results

Chlorellasp. exhibited the highest lipid,N. oculatathe highest total saturated fatty acids (TSFA), andT. suecicathe highest mono-unsaturated (MUFA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The highest carbohydrate, protein and total phenolics contents (TPCs) were attained byN. oculata. The highest total flavonoids contents (TFCs), and chlorophyllaandbwere inT. suecica, while comparable level of carotenoids were found in all species. For high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analyses, the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with high peaks were detected inT. suecica-HEX andN. oculata-CHL; and β-carotene inChlorellasp.-ETH. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses showed high 13-docosenamide (Z)- inT. suecica-HEX; phytol inN. oculata-HEX; and neophytadiene inChlorellasp.-ETH. The AgNPs–MCEs–MET and HEX at the 1.5:1 ratios exhibited strong activities againstBacillus subtilis,Streptococcus uberis, andSalmonellasp.; and the AgNPs–T. suecica-HEX and MET and AgNPs–Chlorellasp.-HEX at the 1.5:1 ratios exhibited activities againstKlebsiella pneumoniae.

Conclusion

Different bioactive components were detected in the MCEs based on the HPTLC and GC–MS analyses. Significant antimicrobial activities against the pathogenic microbes were demonstrated by the synergistic effects of the MCEs in co-application with the AgNPs. This could be beneficial in the fight against sensitive and multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Use of Aspergillus oryzae during sorghum malting to enhance yield and quality of gluten-free lager beers
Authors: Rubio-Flores Monica , García-Arellano Arnulfo Ricardo , Perez-Carrillo Esther , Serna-Saldivar Sergio O.
Published: July 2020

Sorghum has been used for brewing European beers but its malt generally lower beer yields and alcohol contents. The aim of this research was to produce lager beers using worts from sorghum malted with and without Aspergillus oryzae inoculation. Worts adjusted to 15° Plato from the sorghum malt inoculated with 1% A. oryzae yielded 21.5% and 5% more volume compared to sorghum malt and barley malt worts, respectively. The main fermentable carbohydrate in all worts was maltose. Glucose was present in higher amounts in both sorghum worts compared to barley malt worts. Sorghum–A. oryzae beer had similar specific gravity and alcohol compared to the barley malt beer. Sorghum–A. oryzae beer contained lower amounts of hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, butanedione, and pentanedione compared to barley malt beer. Sorghum–A. oryzae lager beer had similar yield and alcohol content compared to the barley malt beer but differed in color, key volatiles and aromatic compounds.
Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programme as an intervention for people diagnosed with adult-onset, focal, isolated, idiopathic cervical dystonia: a feasibility study protocol
Authors: Wadon Megan E. , Winter Mia , Peall Kathryn J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Dystonia is one of the most common forms of movement disorder, caused by the co-contraction of antagonistic muscles, leading to abnormal postures and considerable disability. Non-motor symptoms, notably psychiatric disorders, are well recognised comorbid features of the disorder. However, there is no standardised model for the management of these symptoms in dystonia, with them frequently going undiagnosed and untreated. An internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programme may provide a future model of care that also maximises available resources.

Methods

This study represents a two-armed randomised feasibility trail, aiming to recruit a total of 20 participants with a diagnosis of adult-onset primary focal cervical dystonia. Participants will be recruited from the Global Myoclonus Dystonia Registry and Dystonia Non-Motor Symptom Study (conducted at Cardiff University) based on presence of moderate symptoms of anxiety/depression as indicated by standardised questionnaires. All participants will undergo assessment at baseline, 3 and 6 months, with this including questionnaires for assessment of non-motor symptoms and clinical assessment of motor symptom severity. Participants will be randomised to either the control (n = 10) or treatment (n = 10) groups. The treatment group will be asked to complete one session of the online CBT program a week, for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be the engagement of participants with the programme, with secondary outcomes of non-motor and motor symptom scores.

Discussion

Promising results have been shown using face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy to reduce levels of anxiety and depression in individuals with a diagnosis of dystonia. However, no studies to date have sought to determine the feasibility of an internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy programme. A number of effective internet-based programmes have been developed that combat anxiety and depression in the general population, suggesting the potential for its effectiveness in cervical dystonia patients. Success with this study would significantly impact the clinical care delivery for patients with cervical dystonia, as well as widening potential access to effective treatment.

Trial registration

This feasibility trial has been registered with Health and Care Research Wales Research Directory. Trial registration number 44245. Date of registration: 21 November 2019. https://www.healthandcareresearch.gov.wales/research-studies-in-wales/
Correction to: Unrecognized implementation science engagement among health researchers in the USA: a national survey
Authors: Stevens Elizabeth R. , Shelley Donna , Boden-Albala Bernadette
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Isolation and characterization of an acid and metal tolerant Enterobacter cloacae NZS strain from former mining lake in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Mazalan Nur Zurith Syafiqa , Oyeleye Ayokunmi , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. , Aris Ahmad Zaharin , Salleh Abu Bakar , Normi Yahaya M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Metal polluted environments have been found to harbor acid and metal tolerant bacterial communities. Metal oxidizing bacteria in particular are industrially important microorganisms that can be utilized for potential applications in biomining and bioremediation. However, some well-characterized strains are not readily culturable as they are obligate and fastidious chemolithotrophs requiring special techniques for their cultivation. Hence, this study was aimed at isolating, identifying, and characterizing indigenous metal tolerant heterotroph(s) from abandoned mines that can potentially be used for biomining or bioremediation processes in the future.

Results

Seventeen bacteria from former mining lakes were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA. Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and growth study of isolated bacteria carried out in Luria-Bertani media containing three different metals ions, zinc (II), copper (II), and iron (II), showed that a particular isolate termed Enterobacter cloacae NZS was found to exhibit better growth and tolerance for copper (up to 90 mM), zinc (up to 200 mM), and iron (up to 170 mM). Growth of the strain was notably well in the presence of iron (II). Compared to all the isolates, only E. cloacae NZS was able to be enumerated at pH lower than 5 while other strains were culturable only at pH 7. Its capability in iron (II) oxidation was preliminary assessed based on the pH, cell count, glucose consumption, and amount of iron oxidized throughout incubation in 9K media. E. cloacae NZS strain was found to be capable of oxidizing iron (II) supplied in 9K media to iron (III).

Conclusion

As preliminary investigation showed that E. cloacae NZS was able to oxidize iron (II) in 9K media at pH2, further optimization on the strain, medium, and culture conditions in future may be able to provide a better insight on this strain to be possibly used as an iron oxidizer for various applications.
A case report of rare isolated Ewing sarcoma of left maxillary sinus
Authors: Hamid Irfan Affandi , Md Arepen Siti Asmat , Hassan Nor Eyzawiah , Azman Mawaddah
Published: July 2020

Background

Ewing sarcoma is a malignant round cell neoplasm and categorized as part of Ewing family tumor (EFT). Only 1-4% of all Ewing sarcomas are primarily located in the head and neck region and the isolated primary sinonasal sarcoma represents a rare entity. This case was reported due to its rarity and dilemma in diagnosis of recurrent post-treatment.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of isolated left maxillary sinus Ewing sarcoma, presented with frequent unprovoked epistaxis, nasal blockage, and rhinorrhea from the left nostril for more than 2 years. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies performed on the tissue taken from the left nasal mass confirmed Ewing sarcoma. He responded well to the 9 cycles of chemotherapy, evidenced by regression of mass from repeated CECT. However, the post-treatment scan showed multifocal nodular mucosal thickening involving the medial, anterior, and lateral walls of the maxillary sinus with corresponding bony resorption of the medial wall, raising a suspicion of residual disease. As such, he underwent endoscopic medial maxillectomy, which intraoperative findings revealed mild thickening of normal mucosa within the left maxillary sinus and histopathological examination showed no evidence of malignant cell. He showed no signs of recurrence during subsequent follow-up.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, in a case of suspicious residual or recurrent disease detected post-chemotherapy, MRI is an option to differentiate between mucosal thickening and residual tumor. However, the role of surgical resection is equally important in assisting the tissue diagnosis and ensures a better local control, perhaps can increase the survival rate.
Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in the Non-Trial Setting: Outcomes and Correlates of Response, Resistance, and Toxicity
Authors: Jacobson Caron A. , Hunter Bradley D. , Redd Robert , Rodig Scott J. , Chen Pei-Hsuan , Wright Kyle , Lipschitz Mikel , Ritz Jerome , Kamihara Yusuke , Armand Philippe , Nikiforow Sarah , Rogalski Michael , Maakaron Joseph , Jaglowski Samantha , Maus Marcela V. , Chen Yi-Bin , Abramson Jeremy S. , Kline Justin , Budde Elizabeth , Herrera Alex , Mei Matthew , Cohen Jonathon B. , Smith Stephen D. , Maloney David G. , Gopal Ajay K. , Frigault Matthew J. , Acharya Utkarsh H.
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for relapsed aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in part on the basis of durable remission rates of approximately 40% in a clinical trial population. Whether this efficacy, and the rates of toxicity, would be consistent in a postcommercial setting, with relaxed eligibility criteria and bridging therapy, is unknown. This study describes the efficacy and safety correlates and outcomes in this setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty-two patients from 7 medical centers in the United States were treated with axi-cel and were included in a modified intent-to-treat (mITT) analysis. Seventy-six patients (62%) were ineligible for the ZUMA-1 trial. Response and toxicity rates, duration of response (DOR), survival, and covariates are described on the basis of the mITT population. Correlative studies on blood and tumor samples were performed to investigate potential biomarkers of response and resistance.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 10.4 months. In the mITT population, the best overall and complete response (CR) rates were 70% and 50%, respectively. Median DOR and progression-free survival (PFS) were 11.0 and 4.5 months in all patients and were not reached (NR) in CR patients. Median overall survival (OS) was NR; 1-year OS was 67% (95% CI, 59% to 77%). Although response rates were similar in the ZUMA-1–eligible and ZUMA-1–ineligible groups (70% v 68%), there was a statistically significant improvement in CR rate (63% v 42%, P = .016), DOR (median, NR v 5.0 months; P = .014), PFS (median, NR v 3.3 months; P = .020), and OS (1-year OS, 89% v 54%; P < .001) in patients who were ZUMA-1 eligible. Rates of grade ≥ 3 cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicty were 16% and 35%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Axi-cel yields similar rates of overall response and toxicity in commercial and trial settings, although CR rates and DOR were more favorable in patients eligible for ZUMA-1.
Prediction of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis α-crystallin oligomer chaperone activity using polynomial graphs
Authors: Krishnan Gautam , Roy Utpal
Published: July 2020

Background: Mycobacterial α-crystallin (Acr) is a chaperone that prevents misfolding of proteins when Mycobacterium tuberculosis is found in a latent form in the host tissue.

Methods: Using insulin as a model substrate and utilizing polynomial graphs, we attempted to predict molecular-level interactions that are a function of the oligomeric state of the recombinant protein. The chaperone activity of the recombinant oligomeric Acr was measured at 60°C with Acr samples obtained before gel filtration chromatography and compared with a gel-filtered sample.

Results: The polynomial graphs constructed showed improved molecular coverage of the insulin B chain by the oligomer. The 2nd order coefficient is the one that changes with the oligomeric ratio of Acr and improves chaperone activity. Polynomial analysis suggested that it could be a useful parameter to predict chaperone activity for potential in vitro batches of M. tuberculosis Acr based on the dynamic nature of the association and disassociation of oligomers.

Conclusions: The results showed that coverage of insulin B chain improved with higher ratio of 9-mer as compared to lower ratios. This was shown by both simulation plots and actual assay data. The polynomial graphs showed increase in the 2nd order coefficient, thus suggesting the important role of oligomerisation in improved molecular coverage of insulin B chain.
Assessing the development and implementation of the Global Trigger Tool method across a large health system in Sicily
Authors: Parrinello Vincenzo , Grasso Elena , Saglimbeni Giuseppe , Patanè Gabriella , Scalia Alma , Murolo Giuseppe , Lachman Peter
Published: July 2020

Background: The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) has proposed a new method, the Global Trigger Tool (IHI GTT), to detect and monitor adverse events (AEs) and provide information to implement improvement. In 2015, the Sicilian Health System adopted IHI GTT to assess the number, types and severity levels of AEs. The GTT was implemented in 44 of 73 Sicilian public hospitals and 18,008 clinical records (CRs) were examined. Here we present the standardized application of the GTT and the preliminary results of 14,706 reviews of CRs.

Methods: IHI GTT was adapted, developed and implemented to the local context. Reviews of CRs were conducted by 199 professionals divided into 71 review teams consisting of three individuals: two of whom had clinical knowledge and expertise, and a physician to authenticate the AE. The reviewers entered data into a dedicated IT-platform. All 44 of the public hospitals were included, with approximately 300,000 yearly inpatient admissions out of a population of approximately 5 million. In total, 14,706 randomized CRs of inpatients from medicine, surgery, obstetric and ICU wards, from June 2015 to June 2018 were reviewed.

Results: In 975 (6.6%) CRs at least one AE was found. Approximately 20,000 patients of the 300,000 discharged each year in Sicily have at least one AE. In 5,574 (37.9%) CRs at least one trigger was found. A total of 1,542 AEs were found. The analysis of ROC curve shows that the presence of two triggers in a CR indicates with high probability the presence of an AE. The most frequent type of AE was in-hospital related infection.

Conclusions: The GTT is an efficient method to identify AEs and to track improvement of care. The analysis and monitoring of some triggers is important to prevent AEs. However, it is a labor-intensive method, particularly if the CRs are paper-based.
Public research funding and pharmaceutical prices: do Americans pay twice for drugs?
Authors: Conti Rena M. , David Frank S.
Published: July 2020

In the debate over prescription drug pricing, some pharmaceutical industry critics claim that U.S. taxpayers pay twice for costly therapies, because publicly supported research is a major contributor to drug discovery and American taxpayers are inadequately rewarded for their research investment due to high drug prices. In fact, the empirical evidence supporting these claims is weak, and the pay twice argument distracts from important efforts to ensure that impactful new drugs continue to be developed and made widely available to patients who need them.
ДИНАМИКА МИГРАЦИИ АНТРОПОГЕННЫХ ПРИМЕСЕЙ В МАЛЫХ РЕКАХ НИЖНЕВАРТОВСКОГО РАЙОНА
Authors: Ivanova Angelina Vyacheslavovna
Published: July 2020

В исследовании рассмотрена миграция химических веществ в поверхностных водах и донных отложениях малых рек Нижневартовского района. На основе данных химического анализа проб поверхностных вод и донных отложений за двенадцатилетний период, с 2007 по 2018 годы, был проведен статистический анализ всех исследованных показателей.
AGROMINERAL MICRO-FERTILIZING MIXTURE APPLICATION FOR CULTIVATION OF SUNFLOWER ON THE BASE OF CLEARFILD SYSTEM IN THE MIDDLE VOLGA FOREST-STEPPE REGION
Authors: Vasin Vasiliy , Potapov Denis , Saniev Ramis , Prosandeev Nikolai
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the research is the developing of methods for increasing the productivity of sunflower hybrids culti-vated on the basis of the Clearfield system, when applying fertilizers and up-to-date micro-fertilizing Agromineral mixture within the conditions of the middle Volga forest-steppe. One of main factors increasing the economic poten-tial of sunflower is the introduction on a great scale of highly productive hybrids and the improvement of its cultiva-tion technology. Fertilizers rational use and foliage spraying in order to increase the yield and improve its quality indicators is the basis for effective crop production. The Samara agricultural University experimental field was pro-vided for the research to be conducted. The scheme developed envisaged application of fertilizers at a dose of 10:26:26 NPK with a norm of 100 kg/ha of Diammophos and 60 kg/ha of Nitrabor, followed by treatment of sunflow-er hybrids during
4-6-crop stage with micro-fertilizing agromineral mixture. The results of research for 2017-2019 are presented with an assessment of sunflower hybrid photosynthetic potential, yield and oil content at different fertilizer dose applica-tion and treatment of crops by microfertilizing Agromineral mixture. On average, over three years of research, the maximum photosynthetic potential is observed in hybrids: in the control group without both fertilization and vegeta-tion treatment – 8H358KLDM (3.066 million m2/ha days), when fertilizing use – LH 5555 KL (4.008 million m2/ha days).
On average, for 3 years of research, the yield of sunflower hybrid on the basis when no fertilization was used amounted to 22.5...28.7 C/ha, and with fertilization – 27.2...33.3 C/ha. With the use of microfertilizing Agromineral mixture, but no fertilizers added oil yield amounted to 13.23 C/ha. The same result was obtained on a fertilized field 15.60 C/ha.
ADAPTIVE TRANSFORMATIONS OF A FOX’S KNEE JOINT LIGAMENTS UNDER CHANGED FUNCTIONAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Slesarenko Natal'ya , Shirokova Elena
Published: July 2020

The aim of the research is identification of complex structural changes of the fox’s knee joint ligaments to ensure its high biomechanical potencies. A promising approach for the study of adaptive and compensatory changes of the joint as a multicomponent biomechanical system is to evaluate the structural transformations of its ligaments under conditions of a new functional load. The research was carried out on the basis of the Department of Animal Anato-my and Histology named after Professor A. F. Klimov «Moscow state Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotech-nology – MBA named after K. I. Scryabin» and on the basis of JSC «Breeding animal farm «Saltykovsky». The arti-cle presents information about morphological transformations of the lateral and median ligaments of the knee joint that determine its reliable stability. Numerous structural changes of the fox ligaments during cage housing is re-flected, which decrease in the thickness of bundles of collagen fibers and their compositional density compared to the standard structure (in wild individuals). Morphological transformations that can significantly reduce the strength and elasticity resistance of the ligaments and the biomechanical potential of the joint are shown. 23 fox individuals, including 15 individuals of the cage housing and 8 representatives of the natural habitat were studied. The re-search used a comprehensive methodological approach, including anatomical preparation, light microscopy of histological sections, scanning electron microscopy, micromorphometry and statistical analysis of the obtained digi-tal data. According to the results of the study, it was found that fox individuals from natural biocenosis, have colla-gen structures of the lateral ligaments different in waving and packing density from ones of cage housing, which can contribute to ensuring their biomechanical domination.
El Príncipe armado El estudio de la Tricontinental y la OLAS en América latina: una tarea pendiente
Authors: Grenat Stella
Published: July 2020

En este trabajo presentamos un estado del arte sobre los estudios dedicados a la Conferencia Tricontinental y la Organización Latinoamericana de la Solidaridad (OLAS), realizadas en La Habana, en 1966 y 1967. Considerando a ambas organizaciones como intelectuales colectivos, que tuvieron por objetivo impulsar un programa y una estrategia revolucionarias, ofrecemos un recorrido historiográfico que nos muestra que ambos eventos abrieron un amplio debate en la tradición bolchevique en torno a la “cuestión armada”. Frente a la nutrida historiografía sobre la III Internacional y, en menor medida, la IV Internacional, el estudio dedicado a estos eventos resulta exigua, por lo que concluimos en la necesidad de una investigación sobre el tema enfocada en América Latina.
A relação entre a produção literária na Amazônia paraense do século XIX e a imprensa periódica belenense oitocentista
Authors: Flor da Silva Alan Victor
Published: July 2020

objetivamos, com este trabalho, demonstrar que escritores radicados na capital da província do Pará durante as duas últimas décadas do século XIX seguiram uma mesma tendência que se arrolava em outras partes do território brasileiro, principalmente no Rio de Janeiro, capital do país na época. Assim como ocorreu em outras províncias do Brasil no Oitocentos, esses escritores se apropriaram do espaço do jornal para a publicação de trabalhos literários (romances, contos e poemas), para o anúncio de obras impressas recém-lançadas, para a divulgação de críticas literárias destinadas à produção literária assinada por colegas de ofício (homens de letras também radicados na capital da província do Pará) e para a realização de debates em torno das escolas literárias vigentes durante o final do século XIX (Romantismo e Naturalismo). Este trabalho é resultado da pesquisa em fontes primárias – a exemplo de periódicos que circularam diariamente pela capital paraense durante as duas últimas décadas do Oitocentos – e fontes secundárias – a exemplo de dicionários, antologias, enciclopédias e histórias literárias.
Symbolism of Snakes that Stimulate Restoration and Transformation of Visceral Vitality
Authors: Kim Nam Kyoung
Published: July 2020

Snakes are animals that often appear in religion, mythology, and fairytales. In these stories they have both sacred and destructive qualities. Snakes also appear as powerful emotions in individual dreams and sandplay cases. These snakes appear when consciousness is quite separated from instinct and provide an individual with a crucial opportunity for development and regression. Therefore, this study amplified various symbols of snakes and examined their meanings.
CT-guided mapping in the removal of an impalpable, radiopaque foreign body in subcutaneous tissue: a case report
Authors: Omori Naoko , Ueda Takuya , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: July 2020

Small fragments sometimes penetrate the soft tissue, and their depth and location can be difficult to determine accurately. This case study describes localisation of a thin, short wire that had penetrated the soft tissue of a 24-year-old man's back, using computed tomography (CT) with a reference grid made with an angiographic catheter. The axial non-contrast-enhanced CT scan with the grid placed over the affected body part surveyed by the CT scout view showed that the foreign body was buried in fascia 7cm from a puncture wound. Surgical removal of the foreign body was then performed without any sequelae. CT with the use of external references that do not cause metal artefacts is a simple and helpful procedure in localising radiopaque foreign bodies.
Analysis of Science Images Presence in Cartoons (A Turkish TV Channel Case)
Authors: Aytekin Kamile Ozer
Published: July 2020

Knowledge is an essential part of the continuity of humanity. Access to science is through knowledge and vice versa. Children are mostly preoccupied with television, mainly with children's programs on television channels especially cartoons. Cartoons are produced in order to entertain children and to contribute to their development and maturation. Since access to knowledge is through science, it is important that cartoons contain scientific images. Through the presentation and interaction with science images, cartoons arouse children’s interest in science and contribute to their devotion to science. The aim of the present study is to determine if science images are included in cartoons and to what extent. The research is conducted in line with qualitative research method according to the case model. Whereas the population of the study is the cartoons broadcasted in the Turkish mass media, while determining the sampling method, purposive sampling has been preferred and thus currently broadcasted cartoons at TRT Cocuk (Turkish Radio and Television Children) channel, providing access to various cartoons from the same source, selected. Relevant data has been collected using " Form for Analyzing Scientific Image Presence in Cartoons” developed and applied by the researcher. The study has determined that the cartoons broadcasted include science images according to their thematic features.
Embracing the emotional turn: responding to researchers’ emotions
Authors: Knight Victoria , Zempi Irene
Published: July 2020

This article examines the role of researchers’ emotions when researching sensitive topics. Drawing on two different ethnographic research projects, experiences of imprisonment and hate crime victimisation, respectively, we reflect on the important role that our emotions occupied within the research context. Within the framework of sociology of emotions, we discuss our subjective experiences of qualitative research with prisoners and victims of hate crime. We actively celebrate the work by Bondi (2005) and offer an extended discussion on the value of using emotions as important methodological tools that should be used as part of the methodological and analytical process. We employ the concept of the ‘emotional turn’ to emphasise the importance of researcher emotions in ethnographic work, and the value of those emotions in guiding methodological and ethical decision making. Specifically, we use envy, guilt and shame – three key emotions that we both experienced and utilised throughout our independently conducted research projects – to illustrate how and why emotions are important for guiding decision making in research. The particular emotions centred here (envy, guilt, and shame) are not tied to hard-to-reach groups or sensitive topics; rather, emotionally engaged research is important as all researchers need to understand how their emotions could/should shape their methodological choices. The article concludes by assessing the value and challenges of embracing the emotional turn, and offers some methodological guidance for future researchers. Within this we raise important questions about the universality of emotions experienced during research. We tentatively conclude that research work does trigger shared emotive responses.
High compression deep learning based single-pixel hyperspectral macroscopic fluorescence lifetime imaging in vivo
Authors: Ochoa M. , Rudkouskaya A. , Yao R. , Yan P. , Barroso M. , Intes X.
Published: July 2020

Single pixel imaging frameworks facilitate the acquisition of high-dimensional optical data in biological applications with photon starved conditions. However, they are still limited to slow acquisition times and low pixel resolution. Herein, we propose a convolutional neural network for fluorescence lifetime imaging with compressed sensing at high compression (NetFLICS-CR), which enables in vivo applications at enhanced resolution, acquisition and processing speeds, without the need for experimental training datasets. NetFLICS-CR produces intensity and lifetime reconstructions at 128 × 128 pixel resolution over 16 spectral channels while using only up to 1% of the required measurements, therefore reducing acquisition times from ∼2.5 hours at 50% compression to ∼3 minutes at 99% compression. Its potential is demonstrated in silico, in vitro and for mice in vivo through the monitoring of receptor-ligand interactions in liver and bladder and further imaging of intracellular delivery of the clinical drug Trastuzumab to HER2-positive breast tumor xenografts. The data acquisition time and resolution improvement through NetFLICS-CR, facilitate the translation of single pixel macroscopic flurorescence lifetime imaging (SP-MFLI) for in vivo monitoring of lifetime properties and drug uptake.
Performance tradeoffs for single- and dual-objective open-top light-sheet microscope designs: a simulation-based analysis
Authors: Bishop Kevin W. , Glaser Adam K. , Liu Jonathan T. C.
Published: July 2020

Light-sheet microscopy (LSM) has emerged as a powerful tool for high-speed volumetric imaging of live model organisms and large optically cleared specimens. When designing cleared-tissue LSM systems with certain desired imaging specifications (e.g. resolution, contrast, and working distance), various design parameters must be taken into consideration. In order to elucidate some of the key design tradeoffs for LSM systems, we present a diffraction-based analysis of single- and dual-objective LSM configurations using simulations of LSM point spread functions. We assume Gaussian illumination is utilized. Specifically, we analyze the effects of the illumination and collection numerical aperture (NA), as well as their crossing angle, on spatial resolution and contrast. Assuming an open-top light-sheet (OTLS) architecture, we constrain these parameters based on fundamental geometric considerations as well as those imposed by currently available microscope objectives. In addition to revealing the performance tradeoffs of various single- and dual-objective LSM configurations, our analysis showcases the potential advantages of a novel, non-orthogonal dual-objective (NODO) architecture, especially for moderate-resolution imaging applications (collection NA of 0.5 to 0.8).
Anderson localization of IR light in 1D nanosystems
Authors: Maaza M. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: July 2020

This contribution reports on the observation of a strong light localization of Anderson type in 1D systems consisting of ship-shaped carbon nanotubes. Such a localization of infrared (IR) light was observed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy under attenuated total reflection geometry within the spectral range of 2–20 µm. Such an IR light localization manifests itself in the form of a significant interference profile of the optical transmission over the full wavenumber range of

400

−

4000

c
m

−
1

.
Improved calibration model for single-camera endoscopic tomographic systems
Authors: Cai Weiwei , Liu Hecong , Wang Qianlong , Ju Dehao
Published: July 2020

Multidimensional imaging has become one of the major developing trends of combustion diagnostics, and volumetric tomography is one of those techniques that has experienced significant progress over the past decades. Numerous time-resolved modalities of volumetric tomography have been developed to image a variety of physical quantities. Due to formidable expenses associated with the high-speed cameras, single-camera endoscopic versions have become more and more popular. Calibration is a critical step to establish the geometric relationship between the projections and the volume of interest. Zhang’s calibration model [
Seventh IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV)
) (IEEEIEEE, 1999), Vol. 661, pp. 666–673] for a multicamera system has been adopted extensively for endoscopic tomographic systems. However, Zhang’s model is insufficient to depict the entire imaging process due to the existence of fiber bundles. In this work, an improved calibration model is developed by introducing a secondary imaging process to account for the introduction of the fiber bundles. Comparative studies were then conducted both numerically and experimentally to assess the imaging models. The results showed that Zhang’s model could introduce a large error in distance estimation when the magnification is nonunity, while the modified model can achieve a higher calibration precision under various secondary magnifications. This work can help further improve the reconstruction accuracy of endoscopic tomography.
64Gb/s PAM4 and 160Gb/s 16QAM modulation reception using a low-voltage Si-Ge waveguide-integrated APD
Authors: Zhang Jin , Kuo Bill Ping-Piu , Radic Stojan
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate waveguide-integrated silicon-germanium avalanche photodiodes with a maximum responsivity of 15.2 A/W at 16x avalanche gain, and 33 GHz bandwidth. Intensity-modulation-direct-detection (IMDD) and coherent channel reception test demonstrated the APD’s performance with higher-order formats, allowing 32 Gbaud PAM-4 and 40 Gbaud 16QAM channel reception without any digital signal processing conventionally used for receiver impairments mitigation.
Virtual optical pulling force
Authors: Lepeshov Sergey , Krasnok Alex
Published: July 2020

Progress in light scattering engineering made it feasible to develop optical tweezers allowing capture, hold, and controllable displacement of submicrometer-size particles and biological structures. However, the momentum conservation law imposes a fundamental restriction on the optical pressure to be repulsive in paraxial fields, which severely limits the capabilities of optomechanical control, e.g., preventing attractive force acting on sufficiently subwavelength particles and molecules. Herein, we revisit the issue of optical forces by their analytic continuation to the complex frequency plane and considering their behavior in the transient regime. We show that the exponential excitation at the complex frequency offers an intriguing ability to achieve a pulling force for a passive resonant object of any shape and composition, even in the paraxial approximation. The approach is elucidated on a dielectric Fabry–Perot cavity and a high-refractive-index dielectric nanoparticle, a fruitful platform for intracellular spectroscopy and lab-on-a-chip technologies, where the proposed technique may find unprecedented capabilities.