bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age Is Just a Number: Patient Age Does Not Affect Outcome Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Gupta Anmol , Cha Thomas , Schwab Joseph , Fogel Harold , Tobert Daniel , Qureshi Sheeraz , Hecht Andrew , Bono Christopher M. , Hershman Stuart
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

Multiple studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications, making optimal management of these patients challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between patient age and the likelihood of surgical complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients who met inclusion criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR), with corresponding P values and 95% confidence intervals, of the relationship between age (treated as a continuous variable) and perioperative mortality, surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates.

Results:

Younger patients were statistically more likely to endure a minor (OR = 0.98; P = .002) or major complication (OR = 0.97; P = .009). The older a patient was, on the other hand, the higher the likelihood that patient would be readmitted within 30 days of surgery (OR =1.02; P = .004). Mortality within the 30-day perioperative period was not statistically correlated with age.

Conclusions:

The impact of age on adverse outcomes following surgery for OVCF is mixed. While younger patients are more likely to endure complications, older patients are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days following surgery. Patient age showed no correlation with mortality rates. In the setting of surgical treatment for an OVCF, a patient’s age can help determine the risk of complications and the rate of readmission following intervention.
Correlation and Differences in Lumbopelvic Sagittal Alignment Parameters Between Lumbar Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Xu Chongqing , Yin Mengchen , Mo Wen
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

Imaging parameter study.

Objective:

Though lumbar alignment is better evaluated using standing radiograph than supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), few studies have researched this. Our study aimed to observe the correlation and difference in alignment between standing radiograph and supine MRI, and assess whether the change of position affects the lumbopelvic parameters.

Methods:

We analyzed 105 patients, measuring lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI). Inter- and intraparameter analyses were performed to identify any difference between standing radiograph and supine MRI. Statistical differences between the lumbopelvic parameters were compared.

Results:

There was excellent interobserver agreement for each parameter (interclass correlation coefficient > 0.75), and significant differences were observed in each parameter between radiograph and MRI ( P < .05). Strong correlations were noted between the equivalent parameters in radiograph and MRI, both SS and PI were strongly correlated with LL in radiograph and MRI image, both PT and SS were strongly correlated with PI in radiograph and MRI image ( r = −1.0 to −0.5 or 0.5 to 1.0).

Conclusion:

Supine MRI obviously underestimated the measurements of lumbopelvic sagittal alignment parameters in standing radiograph. Therefore, standing lumbar radiographs should be obtained preoperatively in all surgical patients, not only supine MRI. In addition, we observed that PI was not a constant morphological parameter.
Optimising the value of the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) tool for quality appraisal in qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Long Hannah A , French David P , Brooks Joanna M
Published: August 2020

The value of qualitative evidence synthesis for informing healthcare policy and practice within evidence-based medicine is increasingly recognised. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding how to judge the methodological quality of qualitative studies being synthesised and debates around the extent to which such assessment is possible and appropriate. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool is the most commonly used tool for quality appraisal in health-related qualitative evidence syntheses, with endorsement from the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group. The tool is recommended for novice qualitative researchers, but there is little existing guidance on its application. This article considers issues related to the suitability and usability of the CASP tool for quality appraisal in qualitative evidence synthesis in order to support and improve future appraisal exercises framed by the tool. We reflect on our practical experience of using the tool in a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. We discuss why it is worth considering a study’s underlying theoretical, ontological and epistemological framework and how this could be incorporated into the tool by way of a novel question. We consider how particular features of the tool may impact its interpretation, the appraisal results and the subsequent synthesis. We discuss how to use quality appraisal results to inform the next stages of evidence synthesis and present a novel approach to organising the synthesis, whereby studies deemed to be of higher quality contribute relatively more to the synthesis. We propose tool modifications, user guidance, and areas for future methodological research.
Iron deficiency following bariatric surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gowanlock Zachary , Lezhanska Anastasiya , Conroy Maeve , Crowther Mark , Tiboni Maria , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Siegal Deborah M.
Published: August 2020

Iron deficiency is a common consequence of bariatric surgery and frequently leads to anemia. Our study reports the incidence and predictors of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and IV iron use after bariatric surgery. We conducted a retrospective study of all adult patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January to December 2012 at the regional bariatric surgery center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and were followed for at least 6 months. Time-to-event data were presented as Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox regression analysis was used to identify outcome predictors. A total of 388 patients met the inclusion criteria. Iron deficiency, IDA, and the use of IV iron were reported in 43%, 16%, and 6% of patients, respectively, with a mean follow-up of 31 months. The cumulative incidence of iron deficiency and IDA increased with longer follow-up, and there was a significant increase in IV iron use starting 3 years after surgery. Malabsorptive procedures (hazard ratio [HR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-3.06; P = .006) and low baseline ferritin (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.97; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency. Young age (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99; P = .028), baseline anemia (HR, 19.6; 95% CI, 7.85-48.9; P < .001), and low baseline ferritin (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of IDA. Our results suggest that IDA is a delayed consequence of bariatric surgery and that preoperative assessment of patient risk may be possible.
Eculizumab impairs Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B killing in whole blood despite 4CMenB vaccination of PNH patients
Authors: Langereis Jeroen D. , van den Broek Bryan , Franssen Sjoerd , Joosten Irma , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , de Jonge Marien I. , Langemeijer Saskia
Published: August 2020

Complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab has a great impact on the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). However, this treatment success has a major drawback: a substantially increased susceptibility for life-threatening Neisseria meningitidis infections. Therefore, N meningitidis vaccination is strongly advised before initiating complement C5–blocking therapy. In this study, we show that the multicomponent N meningitidis serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccination of PNH patients treated with eculizumab results in a significant increase in anti–N meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. Anti-MenB IgG was able to bind to the bacterial surface and initiate complement activation; however, inhibition of the membrane attack complex formation completely blocked whole blood–mediated killing of MenB. This would suggest that, despite 4CMenB vaccination, PNH patients taking C5 inhibitors are not sufficiently protected against MenB infection, which is in line with the fact that vaccinated PNH patients still experience meningococcal infections.
Characterization of missense mutations in the signal peptide and propeptide of FIX in hemophilia B by a cell-based assay
Authors: Gao Wenwen , Xu Yaqi , Liu Hongli , Gao Meng , Cao Qing , Wang Yiyi , Cui Longteng , Huang Rong , Shen Yan , Li Sanqiang , Yang Haiping , Chen Yixiang , Li Chaokun , Yu Haichuan , Li Weikai , Shen Guomin
Published: August 2020

Many mutations in the signal peptide and propeptide of factor IX (FIX) cause hemophilia B. A FIX variants database reports 28 unique missense mutations in these regions that lead to FIX deficiency, but the underlying mechanism is known only for the mutations on R43 that interfere with propeptide cleavage. It remains unclear how other mutations result in FIX deficiency and why patients carrying the same mutation have different bleeding tendencies. Here, we modify a cell-based reporter assay to characterize the missense mutations in the signal peptide and propeptide of FIX. The results show that the level of secreted conformation-specific reporter (SCSR), which has a functional γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla) domain of FIX, decreases significantly in most mutations. The decreased SCSR level is consistent with FIX deficiency in hemophilia B patients. Moreover, we find that the decrease in the SCSR level is caused by several distinct mechanisms, including interfering with cotranslational translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum, protein secretion, γ-carboxylation of the Gla domain, and cleavage of the signal peptide or propeptide. Importantly, our results also show that the SCSR levels of most signal peptide and propeptide mutations increase with vitamin K concentration, suggesting that the heterogeneity of bleeding tendencies may be related to vitamin K levels in the body. Thus, oral administration of vitamin K may alleviate the severity of bleeding tendencies in patients with missense mutations in the FIX signal peptide and propeptide regions.
Seventh BMC ecology image competition: the winning images
Authors: Cuff Alison L. , Baguette Michel , Blanchet Simon , Jacobus Luke M. , Mazzi Dominique , Settele Josef
Published: August 2020

The seventh BMC Ecology competition attracted entries from talented ecologists from around the world. Together, they showcase the beauty and diversity of life on our planet as well as providing an insight into the biological interactions found in nature. This editorial celebrates the winning images as selected by the Editor of BMC Ecology and senior members of the journal’s editorial board. Enjoy!
Anti-Zika virus activity and chemical characterization by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-DAD-UV-MS) of ethanol extracts in Tecoma species
Authors: Reis Adriana Cotta Cardoso , Silva Breno Mello , de Moura Hélia Maria Marques , Pereira Guilherme Rocha , Brandão Geraldo Célio
Published: August 2020

Background

Plant species from the genus Tecoma are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Some of them are grown as ornamental plants and others can be used as medicinal plants. In the present study, ethanolic extracts from trunks and leaves of Tecoma species were tested in vitro using assays against the Zika virus.

Methods

There was a total of 8 extracts obtained from different anatomical parts of three Tecoma species. The Tecoma castaneifolia, T. garrocha, T. stans var. angustata and T. stans var. stans were prepared by percolation with ethanol. The antiviral activity was assayed in vitro against the Zika virus by the MTT colorimetric method (n = 3). The UPLC-DAD-MS analysis of ethanolic extracts was performed from all the studied species. The biofractionation of T. stans var. stans trunk extract using different separation techniques led to the isolation of crenatoside compound.

Results

Ethanolic extract from Tecoma species leaves were more active against the Zika virus (EC50 149.90 to 61.25 μg/mL) when compared to the trunk extracts tested (EC50 131.0 to 66.79 μg/mL and two were not active). The ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions obtained from T. stans var. stans trunk were active against the Zika virus with EC50 values of 149.90 and 78.98 μg/mL, respectively. Crenatoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside isolated from the ethyl acetate of T. stans var. stans trunk extract. This compound was tested and exhibited EC50 34.78 μM (21.64 μg/mL), thus demonstrating a better result than the original ethanolic extracts as well as others extracts of Tecoma species, and it was more active than the positive control, ribavirin (386.84 μM). Furthermore, its selectivity index was at least 2.5 times higher than the tested ethanolic extracts and 11.1 times more potent than ribavirin.

Conclusion

The Tecoma species demonstrated interesting in vitro activity against the Zika virus. The crenatoside, phenylethanoid glycoside that was for the first time isolated from Tecoma stans var. stans, exhibited a potent and relevant anti-Zika virus activity, being more active than ribavirin (positive control). The data show that crenatoside, was a promising compound with in vitro antiviral activity against the Zika virus.
On an enhancement of RNA probing data using information theory
Authors: Li Thomas J. X. , Reidys Christian M.
Published: August 2020

Identifying the secondary structure of an RNA is crucial for understanding its diverse regulatory functions. This paper focuses on how to enhance target identification in a Boltzmann ensemble of structures via chemical probing data. We employ an information-theoretic approach to solve the problem, via considering a variant of the Rényi-Ulam game. Our framework is centered around the ensemble tree, a hierarchical bi-partition of the input ensemble, that is constructed by recursively querying about whether or not a base pair of maximum information entropy is contained in the target. These queries are answered via relating local with global probing data, employing the modularity in RNA secondary structures. We present that leaves of the tree are comprised of sub-samples exhibiting a distinguished structure with high probability. In particular, for a Boltzmann ensemble incorporating probing data, which is well established in the literature, the probability of our framework correctly identifying the target in the leaf is greater than $$90\%$$

90
%

.
Risk factors analysis of acute kidney injury following open thoracic aortic surgery in the patients with or without acute aortic syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Ma Xiaochun , Li Jinzhang , Yun Yan , Zhao Diming , Chen Shanghao , Ma Huibo , Wang Zhengjun , Zhang Haizhou , Zou Chengwei , Cui Yuqi
Published: August 2020

Background

The acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a frequent complication following open thoracic aortic surgery (OTAS) and worsens the postoperative prognosis. It remains unclear that whether the predictors of AKI following OTAS are different in the patients with or without acute aortic syndrome (AAS).

Methods

Preoperative and intraoperative variables were compared between the patients with or without AKI, and were further analyzed for identifying the potential predictors of postoperative AKI. Subgroup analysis was conducted in the patients with or without AAS, respectively.

Results

AKI after OTAS occurred in 57.6% of the overall cohort, 70.1% of the patients with AAS and 46.7% of the patients without AAS. In the multivariate analysis, history of hypertension (OR 1.011, 95% CI: [1.001–1.022], p = 0.04), preoperative platelet (OR 0.995, 95% CI: [0.991–0.999], p = 0.006) and operation time (OR 1.572, 95% CI: [1.355–1.823], p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of postoperative AKI for the overall cohort; CPB time (OR 1.020, 95% CI: [1.009–1.031], p < 0.001) and preoperative LMR (OR 0.823, 95% CI: [0.701–0.966], p = 0.02) as independent predictors for the patients with AAS; age (OR 1.045, 95% CI: [1.015–1.076], p = 0.003), preoperative platelet (OR 0.993, 95% CI: [0.988–0.998], p = 0.04) and operation time (OR 1.496, 95% CI: [1.166–1.918], p = 0.002) as independent predictors for the patients without AAS.

Conclusions

The patients with AAS carry a higher risk for postoperative AKI compared with those without AAS. The predictive factors for postoperative AKI after OTAS are different for AAS- and non-AAS subgroups and operation time, CPB time and preoperative platelet are modifiable predictors of AKI.
Predicting reservoir quality in the Bakken Formation, North Dakota, using petrophysics and 3C seismic data
Authors: Paris Andrea G. , Stewart Robert R.
Published: August 2020

Combining rock-property analysis with multicomponent seismic imaging can be an effective approach for reservoir quality prediction in the Bakken Formation, North Dakota. The hydrocarbon potential of shale is indicated on well logs by low density, high gamma-ray response, low compressional-wave (P-wave) and shear-wave (S-wave) velocities, and high neutron porosity. We have recognized the shale intervals by cross plotting sonic velocities versus density. Intervals with total organic carbon (TOC) content higher than 10 wt% deviate from lower TOC regions in the density domain and exhibit slightly lower velocities and densities (<2.30 g/cm3). We consider TOC to be the principal factor affecting changes in the density and P- and S-wave velocities in the Bakken shales, where VP/ VS ranges between 1.65 and 1.75. We generate the synthetic seismic data using an anisotropic version of the Zoeppritz equations, including estimated Thomsen’s parameters. For the tops of the Upper and Lower Bakken, the amplitude shows a negative intercept and a positive gradient, which corresponds to an amplitude variation with offset of class IV. The P-impedance error decreases by 14% when incorporating the converted-wave information in the inversion process. A statistical approach using multiattribute analysis and neural networks delimits the zones of interest in terms of P-impedance, density, TOC content, and brittleness. The inverted and predicted results show reasonable correlations with the original well logs. The integration of well log analysis, rock physics, seismic modeling, constrained inversions, and statistical predictions contributes to identifying the areas of highest reservoir quality within the Bakken Formation.
Baseline measures of cerebral glutamate and GABA levels in individuals at ultrahigh risk for psychosis: Implications for clinical outcome after 12 months
Authors: Wenneberg C. , Glenthøj B. Y. , Glenthøj L. B. , Fagerlund B. , Krakauer K. , Kristensen T. D. , Hjorthøj C. , Edden R. A. E. , Broberg B. V. , Bojesen K. B. , Rostrup E. , Nordentoft M.
Published: August 2020

Background.

Cerebral glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels might predict clinical outcome in individuals at ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis but have previously primarily been investigated in smaller cohorts. We aimed to study whether baseline levels of glutamate and GABA in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and glutamate in thalamus could predict remission status and whether baseline metabolites differed in the remission versus the nonremission group. We also investigated the relationship between baseline metabolite levels and severity of clinical symptoms, functional outcome, and cognitive deficits at follow-up.

Methods.

About 124 UHR individuals were recruited at baseline. In this, 74 UHR individuals were clinically and cognitively assessed after 12 months, while remission status was available for 81 (25 remission/56 nonremission). Glutamate and GABA levels were assessed at baseline using 3 T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Psychopathology, symptom severity, and remission were assessed with the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States and Clinical Global Impression and functional outcome with the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale. Cognitive function was estimated with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.

Results.

There were no differences between baseline glutamate and GABA levels in subjects in the nonremission group compared with the remission group, and baseline metabolites could not predict remission status. However, higher baseline levels of GABA in ACC were associated with clinical global improvement (r = −0.34, N = 51, p = 0.01) in an explorative analysis.

Conclusions.

The variety in findings across studies suggests a probable multifactorial influence on clinical outcome in UHR individuals. Future studies should combine multimodal approaches to attempt prediction of long-term outcome.
Reliance on Self-Medication Increase Delays in Diagnosis and Management of GI Cancers: Results From Nepal
Authors: Dulal Soniya , Paudel Bishnu Dutta , Wood Lori Anne , Neupane Prakash , Shah Aarati , Acharya Bibek , Shilpakar Ramila , Acharya Sandhya Chapagain , Karn Ambuj , Poudel Bishal , Thapa Rameej Revanta , Acharya Albira , Martin Michael Gary
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE

Patients with GI cancers in Nepal often present with advanced disease and poor outcomes. The purpose of the study was to determine the time to presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of GI cancer and the baseline factors that may be associated with delays.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An institutional review board–approved study was performed in Kathmandu, Nepal, from July 2018 to June 2019. Patients with newly diagnosed GI cancers were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire. Baseline factors such as residence, literacy, and use of self-medication were recorded. Patients were asked to report the time from first symptom to presentation, time from primary care visit to pathologic diagnosis, and time from diagnosis to surgery and/or treatment. Baseline factors were analyzed using 2-tailed t tests (Prism 8.0; GraphPad, La Jolla, CA) to determine whether any factors were associated with longer time delays in these 3 intervals.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised of 104 patients with a median age of 53.5 years (range, 22-77 years); 61.5% were men, 46.2% had upper GI cancers, and 83.7% presented with stage III or IV disease. The median time to presentation was 150 days, time to diagnosis was 220 days, and time to treatment was 50 days. There was no statistically significant difference in time intervals between upper and lower GI cancers. Use of self-medication (88.5%) was the only factor associated with longer time intervals to presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients in Nepal have long time intervals to presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of GI cancer. Self-medication led to longer delays. Reasons for self-medication and other potential barriers will be explored in future studies in the hopes of improving outcomes.
Volume Pledge is Not Associated with Better Short-Term Outcomes After Lung Cancer Resection
Authors: Farjah Farhood , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V. , Gaissert Henning , Block Mark , Grogan Eric , Brown Lisa M. , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Kozower Benjamin D.
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE

We examined the relationship between short-term outcomes and hospitals and surgeons who met minimum volume thresholds for lung cancer resection based on definitions provided by the Volume Pledge. A secondary aim was to evaluate the volume-outcome relationship to determine alternative thresholds in the event the Volume Pledge was not associated with outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study (2015-2017) using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database. We used generalized estimating equations that accounted for confounding and clustering to compare outcomes across hospitals and surgeons who did and did not meet the Volume Pledge criteria: ≥ 40 patients per year for hospitals and ≥ 20 patients per year for surgeons. Our secondary aim was to model volume by using restricted cubic splines to determine the association between volume and short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 32,183 patients, 465 surgeons, and 209 hospitals, 16,630 patients (52%) received care from both a hospital and surgeon meeting the Volume Pledge criteria. After adjustment, there was no relationship with operative mortality, complications, major morbidity, a major morbidity-mortality composite end point, or failure to rescue. The Volume Pledge group had a 0.5 day (95% CI, 0.2 to 0.7 day) shorter length of stay. Our secondary aim revealed a nonlinear relationship between hospital volume and complications in which intermediate-volume hospitals had the highest risk of complications. Surgeon volume was associated with major morbidity, a major morbidity-mortality composite end point, and length of stay in an inverse linear fashion. Only 8% of surgeons had volumes associated with better outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The Volume Pledge was not associated with better outcomes except for a marginally shorter length of stay. A re-examination of volume-outcome relationships for hospitals and surgeons yielded mixed results that did not reveal a practical alternative for volume-based quality improvement efforts.
Prospective Implementation of a Risk Prediction Model for Bloodstream Infection Safely Reduces Antibiotic Usage in Febrile Pediatric Cancer Patients Without Severe Neutropenia
Authors: Esbenshade Adam J. , Zhao Zhiguo , Baird Alaina , Holmes Emily A. , Dulek Daniel E. , Banerjee Ritu , Friedman Debra L.
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE

Management of febrile pediatric patients with cancer with an absolute neutrophil count of 500/µL or greater is unclear. The Esbenshade Vanderbilt (EsVan) risk prediction models have been shown to predict bloodstream infection (BSI) likelihood in this population, and this study sought to prospectively validate and implement these models in clinical practice.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected on febrile pediatric patients with cancer with a central venous catheter from April 2015 to August 2019 at a single site, at which the models (EsVan: 2015 to 2017; EsVan2: October 2017 to 2019) were initially developed and subsequently implemented for clinical management in well-appearing nonseverely neutropenic individuals. It was recommended that patients with low BSI risk (< 10%) be discharged home without antibiotics, those with intermediate BSI risk (10%-39.9%) be administered an antibiotic before discharge, and those with high BSI risk (> 40%) be admitted on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Seven-day outcomes were then collected and EsVan models were prospectively validated and C-statistics estimated.

RESULTS

In 937 febrile, nonsevere neutropenia episodes, frequencies of low-, intermediate-, and high-risk episodes were 88.9%, 8.6%, and 2.3% respectively. BSI incidence was 4.2% (39 of 937). Within risk groups, low-risk BSI incidence was 1.9% (16 of 834) with BSI incidence of 13.6% and 54.5% for intermediate- and high-risk episodes, respectively. Empirical intravenous antibiotics were administered in 21.1% of low-risk episodes at presentation and at 7 days postpresentation, 72.3% of episodes never required intravenous antibiotics. There were no deaths or clinical decompensations attributable to antibiotic delay. For BSI detection, EsVan and EsVan2 models applied to the new cohort achieved C-statistics of 0.802 and 0.824, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Prospective, real-time clinical utilization of the EsVan models accurately predicts BSI risk and safely reduces unnecessary antibiotic use in febrile, nonseverely neutropenic pediatric patients with cancer.
High-Performance Capacitive Deionization by Lignocellulose-Derived Eco-Friendly Porous Carbon Materials
Authors: Lu Ting , Xu Xingtao , Zhang Shuaihua , Pan Likun , Wang Yong , Alshehri Saad M , Ahamad Tansir , Kim Minjun , Na Jongbeom , Hossain Md Shahriar A , Shapter Joseph G , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: August 2020

The synthesis of high-performance porous carbon materials via carbonization of environment-friendly biomass fits perfectly with the concepts of sustainability and green chemistry. Herein, we report lignocellulose-derived porous carbon materials and their high capacitive deionization (CDI) performance, achieving a high salt adsorption capacity of 12.5 mg g−1 and good cycling stability. The preparation of porous carbon materials via direct carbonization of lignocellulose provides a number of advantages, including cost-effectiveness, high production yields, and environment-friendliness, which are ideal for industrial application of CDI. This work not only suggests novel insights to design and prepare high-performance carbon materials but also highlights the significance of green chemistry using nature-provided biomass materials to synthesize porous carbon materials.
Correlation between Activation Energy and the Electronic State of Pd-Based Bimetallic Catalysts for H2–D2 Equilibration Obtained by XPS and DFT Calculations
Authors: Miyazaki Masayoshi , Furukawa Shinya , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: August 2020

The relation between the electronic state of Pd-based bimetallics and the activation energy of a reaction based on the d-band theory is reported. A fine powder of Pd-based bimetallics was prepared by arc-melting and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In catalytic H2–D2 equilibration, good correlation between the activation energy and the position of the d-band center was observed, experimentally demonstrating the validity of d-band theory. The estimated densities of states of Pd3M intermetallics, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, were consistent with the d-band structure obtained from XPS. With a downward shift in the d-band center, a decrease in the adsorption energy of hydrogen as well as an increase in the Pd–H distance were observed for the optimized structure of hydrogen adsorbed on a Pd site, indicating an increase in the occupancy of the antibonding state of Pd–H bonding.
Economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions: a systematic review and identification of associated research needs
Authors: Turner Hugo C. , French Michael D. , Montresor Antonio , King Charles H. , Rollinson David , Toor Jaspreet
Published: August 2020

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with an estimated 229 million people requiring preventive treatment worldwide. Recommendations for preventive chemotherapy strategies have been made by the World Health Organization (WHO) whereby the frequency of treatment is determined by the settings prevalence. Despite recent progress, many countries still need to scale up treatment and important questions remain regarding optimal control strategies. This paper presents a systematic review of the economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on 22nd August 2019 using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. The focus was economic evaluations of schistosomiasis interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses. No date or language stipulations were applied to the searches.

Results: We identified 53 relevant health economic analyses of schistosomiasis interventions. Most studies related to Schistosoma japonicum followed by S. haematobium. Several studies also included other NTDs. In Africa, most studies evaluated preventive chemotherapy, whereas in China they mostly evaluated programmes using a combination of interventions (such as chemotherapy, snail control and health education). There was wide variation in the methodology and epidemiological settings investigated. A range of effectiveness metrics were used by the different studies.

Conclusions: Due to the variation across the identified studies, it was not possible to make definitive policy recommendations. Although, in general, the current WHO recommended preventive chemotherapy approach to control schistosomiasis was found to be cost-effective. This finding has important implications for policymakers, advocacy groups and potential funders. However, there are several important inconsistencies and research gaps (such as how the health benefits of interventions are quantified) that need to be addressed to identify the resources required to achieve schistosomiasis control and elimination.
Usefulness of Ultrasonography in Diagnosis and Management of Tendon Injuries in Hand
Authors: Shin Chi Ho , Yu Sung Hoon , Lee Chong Kun , Hong Hyeok-Jin , Kim Dong Chul , Chung Sang Hun
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Tendon injuries in hand were one of the most frequent injuries caused by trauma. Although consequent tenorrhaphy is frequently conducted, in complete tendon rupture the location of retracted tendon stumps cannot be identified clearly, which causes difficulties in surgical management. Ultrasonography is known to be a fast, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic method for tendon injury; therefore, the authors studied the usefulness of preoperative ultrasonography in diagnosis and management of tendon injuries in hand.Methods: Among the 34 patients who had hand tendon injuries and visited between January 2017 and March 2018, retrospective studies were conducted on six patients with unidentified tendon stumps. By identifying the location of the tendon injuries and ruptured tendon stumps through preoperative ultrasonography, the operation was conducted under a predetermined surgical plan. The authors compared the ultrasonography results and the surgical findings.Results: For diagnosis of the unidentified tendon injuries and location of ruptured tendon stumps, the ultrasonography results and the surgical findings were matched for all six patients. By prior planning of the operation incision line using the preoperative ultrasonography results, the length of the incision site was minimized without additional incision, and the operation time was shortened.Conclusion: For hand tendon injuries with unidentified tendon stumps, identifying the location of tendon stumps through preoperative ultrasonography is helpful for determining the incision range for the operation. Therefore, preoperative ultrasonography may be useful in the diagnosis and management of tendon injuries in hand.
Impact of the ‘Learning from Excellence’ programme in NHS trusts: an exploratory study
Authors: Kletter Maartje , Plunkett Emma , Plunkett Adrian , Hunt Helen , Bird Paul , Brown Celia
Published: August 2020

Background/Aims

The ‘Learning from Excellence’ (LfE) programme aims to provide a means to identify, appreciate, study and learn from episodes of excellence in frontline healthcare. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of LfE on organisational performance in NHS trusts in the United Kingdom (UK), how this impact is achieved and which contextual factors facilitate or hinder impact.

Methods

A survey and case studies, including individual interviews, were conducted. Data were analysed through qualitative content analysis, informed by realist evaluation methodology. Contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes were coded, sub-themes were generated and a programme theory was developed.

Results

There were 47 respondents to the survey (27% response rate) and three case studies were performed. A total of 25 contextual factors were identified, of which 18 acted as a facilitator to uptake or as a barrier if absent. Additionally, 11 mechanisms and 9 outcomes were identified. A programme theory explaining how LfE can impact organisational performance in NHS trusts in the UK, and which contextual factors play a role before design, during design and during implementation, was developed.

Conclusions

LfE was welcomed by participants, but at the time of this study LfE had not been implemented for long enough for outcomes to be measured. Further research, particularly measuring outcomes and validating mechanisms, as well as exploring the learning based on reported events, is needed.
Is it time for a more holistic assessment of labour progress?
Authors: Nash Kate
Published: August 2020

It's important that vaginal examinations are undertaken only when there is a clear clinical indication rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach
Passively Q-switched Er:Lu2O3 laser at 2.8  µm with TiC saturable absorber
Authors: Feng Chenyang , Ma Baomin , Qiao Wenchao , Li Guoqiang , Zhao Jia , Yang Kejian , Li Dechun , Li Guiqiu , Zhao Shengzhi , Li Tao
Published: August 2020

Titanium carbide (TiC) nanosheets of two-dimensional multilayer structure were prepared by the liquid-phase exfoliation method. By using the TiC as a saturable absorber, a stable passively

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laser at 2.85 µm was realized. Under an absorbed pump power of 7.32 W, the obtained maximum output power was 896 mW with a slope efficiency of 15.6%. The

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-switched pulse duration was measured to be 266.8 ns with repetition rates of 136.9 kHz, corresponding to a peak power of 24.6 W.
Overcoming information reduced data and experimentally uncertain parameters in ptychography with regularized optimization
Authors: Schloz Marcel , Pekin Thomas Christopher , Chen Zhen , Van den Broek Wouter , Muller David Anthony , Koch Christoph Tobias
Published: August 2020

The overdetermination of the mathematical problem underlying ptychography is reduced by a host of experimentally more desirable settings. Furthermore, reconstruction of the sample-induced phase shift is typically limited by uncertainty in the experimental parameters and finite sample thicknesses. Presented is a conjugate gradient descent algorithm, regularized optimization for ptychography (ROP), that recovers the partially known experimental parameters along with the phase shift, improves resolution by incorporating the multislice formalism to treat finite sample thicknesses, and includes regularization in the optimization process, thus achieving reliable results from noisy data with severely reduced and underdetermined information.
Generating path entangled states in waveguide systems with second-order nonlinearity
Authors: Belsley Alexandre , Pertsch Thomas , Setzpfandt Frank
Published: August 2020

Spontaneous parametric down-conversion in coupled nonlinear waveguides is a flexible approach for generating tunable path entangled states. We describe a formalism based on the Cayley-Hamilton theorem to compute the quantum states generated by waveguide arrays for arbitrary system parameters. We find that all four Bell states can be generated in directional couplers with non-degenerate photons. Our method enables one to efficiently explore the phase space of waveguide systems and readily assess the robustness of any given state to variations in the system’s parameters. We believe it represents a valuable tool for quantum state engineering in coupled waveguide systems.
High-speed coherent diffraction imaging by varying curvature of illumination with a focus tunable lens
Authors: He Xiaoliang , Veetil Suhas P , Jiang Zhilong , Kong Yan , Wang Shouyu , Liu Cheng
Published: August 2020

A high-speed coherent diffraction imaging method is proposed by varying the curvature of illumination with a focus tunable lens. The imaging setup is free of conventional mechanical translation and takes only milliseconds to refocus by changing the electric signal applied on the lens. It is more compact and also an inexpensive alternative to coherent diffraction imaging with computerized translational stages. A detector that is kept at a fixed distance from the sample records diffraction patterns each time the spherical wavefront illuminations on the sample is changed with a control current. The complex wavefront of the object is then quantitatively recovered from the diffraction intensity measurements using an iterative phase retrieval algorithm. The feasibility of the proposed method is experimentally verified using various samples. Extremely short response time of the focus tunable lens makes the proposed method highly suitable for applications that requires high speed imaging.
Surveillance of diseases in farmed Penaeus vannamei in the indian sunderbans
Authors: Abraham Thangapalam Jawahar , Priyadarsani Leesa
Published: August 2020

Penaeus vannamei farming has been the major aquaculture practice in the Indian Sundarbans. This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics, management practices, distribution of vibrios, and the prevalence of bacterial, parasitic and viral diseases in 14 P. vannamei intensive culture farms in the Indian Sunderbans during 2016. The total heterotrophic counts of the pond water ranged from 3.53 to 6.21 log10 cfu/ml. The presumptive vibrios were in the range of 2.40-4.99log10 cfu/ml. Mild vibriosis was noted in 3 farms. Twenty out of 21 isolates from the haemolymph samples were confirmed to be Vibrio parahaemolyticus by the PCR amplification of toxR gene. No acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) causing V. parahaemolyticus (Vp AHPND) strain was, however, detected. Of the 14 shrimp farms surveyed, only one farm sample was white spot virus (WSV) positive and all others were negative. All the P. vannamei farms were negative for infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus, hepatopancreatic parvo-like virus, and infectious myonecrosis virus. No incidence of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei, white faecal syndrome, running mortality syndrome, protozoan infestation, and luminous vibriosis was observed during the survey period. The survival rate was 90-95% in the normal ponds, while the lowest survival was 60% in an asymptomatic WSV infected farm. The physicochemical characteristics of the farms were well within the optimum, except the WSV infected farm, which had high ammonia levels. Due to the lack of awareness on the P. vannamei farming practices and high operational costs, the biosecurity measures were not strictly followed in the surveyed farms.
Antioxidant Activity of Surinamese Medicinal Plants with Adaptogenic Properties and Correlation with Total Phenolic Contents
Authors: Mans Dennis R.A. , Friperson Priscilla , Pawirodihardjo Jennifer , Djotaroeno Meryll
Published: August 2020

Plant-based preparations are commonly used in Suriname (South America) as adaptogens. In this study, fifteen alleged adaptogenic Surinamese plants have been assessed for their antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The investigated plants were Anacardium occidentale, Spondiasdulcis, Annona muricata, Euterpe oleracea, Oenocarpus bacaba, Luffa acutangula, Punicagranatum, Malpighia emarginata, Syzygiumaqueum, Syzygiumcumini, Averrhoa carambola, and Renealmiaalpinia (fruit); Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyx); as well as Aloe vera and Cestrum latifolium (leaf). Aqueous extracts (1 - 3,000 μg/ mL) were prepared. AA was determined by the FRAP and the DPPH assay. TPC and TFC were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu’s and an AlCl3 colorimetric method, respectively, using gallic acid (GA) and rutin (R), respectively, as standards. Data are means ± SDs (n ≥ 3; P < 0.05). FRAP values and DPPH-scavenging activities correlated positively with each other and with TPC but not with TFC. The preparations from M. emarginata, A. carambola, A. occidentale, O. bacaba, C. latifolium, and H. sabdariffa displayed the highest FRAP values (54 ± 14 to 412 ± 30 µM Fe2+/100 μg), DPPH-scavenging activities (IC50 values of 33 ± 14 to 250 ± 50 μg/mL), and TPC (51 ± 4 to 280 ± 78 µM GAE/100 µg). TFC of all samples were ≤ 10 ± 3 RE/100 µg. The adaptogenic properties of these plants may (partially) be attributed to their high content of antioxidant phenolic compounds and may make them candidates of novel sources of health-promoting antioxidants.
Ressignificação do ensino de gramática
Authors: Adão Carvalho Marilda Alves
Published: August 2020

Neste artigo de natureza bibliográfica e fundamentado nos postulados teóricos da Linguística Textual de Vertente Sociocognitivo-interativa objetivamos desenvolver uma revisão crítica das mudanças ocorridas no ensino da língua portuguesa que, desencadeadas pelo desenvolvimento dos estudos linguísticos, possibilitaram novas conceituações, novos modos de se pensar a língua e, desse modo, rupturas com concepções já postas. Para tanto, evidenciamos o ensino da língua não só como forma, mas também como conteúdo, privilegiando-se, pois, as atividades de leitura e escrita como atividades sui generis para se efetuar a transposição do ensino gramatical para o ensino da Análise Linguística.
Proposta de um esquema da base orientadora completa da ação da atividade de situações problema discente
Authors: Mendoza Héctor Jose García , Delgado Oscar Tintorer
Published: August 2020

Esquema da Base Orientadora Completa da Ação da Atividade de Situações Problema Discente é fundamentada na teoria da atividade com a finalidade de formação de habilidade na resolução de problemas em Ciências e Matemática, na zona de desenvolvimento proximal. Por meio da interação entre professor, estudante e tarefa com caráter problematizador segundo Majmutov a Atividade de Situações Problema Discente deve transitar pelas diferentes etapas de formação das ações mentais e dos conceitos de Galperin, mediada pela estratégia metodologia de direção da Atividade de Estudo de Talízina. Esta atividade está formada pelas ações invariantes: formular o problema discente, construir o núcleo conceitual e procedimental, solucionar o problema discente e analisar a solução e cada ação está formada por operações. O objetivo do artigo é propor um Esquema da Base de Orientação Completa da Ação como modelo didático de referência para a orientação, execução e controle da Atividade de Situações Problema Discente. Os autores adequam a proposta na resolução de problema por meio de modelo matemático e experimentação.
Performance Improvement of Hopper Cooling System on Traditional Fishing Boats Due to Excessive Cooling
Authors: Koenhardono Eddy Setyo
Published: August 2020

The engine cooling system that drives traditional fishing boats uses a hopper cooler type system that experiences excessive cooling. Ideally, the temperature of the cooling water in the hopper should be approximately 70-80°C. The fact, it is only 42°C, thus reducing the effective power generated by the engine. This excessive cooling may cause an increase in fuel consumption and emissions. One method to reduce excessive cooling is to increase the temperature of the cooling media in the hopper.  The author has conducted a simple experiment on a traditional fishing boat in Kenjeran, Surabaya, by installing a valve to control the flow of seawater entering the hopper. However, the use of seawater as a cooling medium has a maximum operating temperature limitation, so there is no precipitation of salt and lime, which is 50oC. At this temperature, the benefits are not large, only an increase in speed of 4.4% and a fuel reduction of 4.3%. Therefore, the existing seawater cooling system must be modified to an indirect seawater cooling system to get optimum performance improvement. The re-modification allows the temperature of the freshwater in the hopper to be maintained at 80°C, so that the speed of the fishing boat may increase by 14%, with a fuel savings of 12.3%.