bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-to-event analysis in economic evaluations: a comparison of modelling methods to assess the cost-effectiveness of transplanting a marginal quality kidney
Authors: Senanayake Sameera , Graves Nicholas , Healy Helen , Baboolal Keshwar , Barnett Adrian , Kularatna Sanjeewa
Published: April 2021

Background

Economic-evaluations using decision analytic models such as Markov-models (MM), and discrete-event-simulations (DES) are high value adds in allocating resources. The choice of modelling method is critical because an inappropriate model yields results that could lead to flawed decision making. The aim of this study was to compare cost-effectiveness when MM and DES were used to model results of transplanting a lower-quality kidney versus remaining waitlisted for a kidney.

Methods

Cost-effectiveness was assessed using MM and DES. We used parametric survival models to estimate the time-dependent transition probabilities of MM and distribution of time-to-event in DES. MMs were simulated in 12 and 6 monthly cycles, out to five and 20-year time horizon.

Results

DES model output had a close fit to the actual data. Irrespective of the modelling method, the cycle length of MM or the time horizon, transplanting a low-quality kidney as compared to remaining waitlisted was the dominant strategy. However, there were discrepancies in costs, effectiveness and net monetary benefit (NMB) among different modelling methods. The incremental NMB of the MM in the 6-months cycle lengths was a closer fit to the incremental NMB of the DES. The gap in the fit of the two cycle lengths to DES output reduced as the time horizon increased.

Conclusion

Different modelling methods were unlikely to influence the decision to accept a lower quality kidney transplant or remain waitlisted on dialysis. Both models produced similar results when time-dependant transition probabilities are used, most notable with shorter cycle lengths and longer time-horizons.
Incorporation of alternative amino acids into cyanophycin by different cyanophycin synthetases heterologously expressed in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Wördemann Ramona , Wiefel Lars , Wendisch Volker F. , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: April 2021

Cyanophycin (multi-l-arginyl-poly-l-aspartic acid; also known as cyanophycin grana peptide [CGP]) is a biopolymer that could be used in various fields, for example, as a potential precursor for the synthesis of polyaspartic acid or for the production of CGP-derived dipeptides. To extend the applications of this polymer, it is therefore of interest to synthesize CGP with different compositions. A recent re-evaluation of the CGP synthesis in C. glutamicum has shown that C. glutamicum is a potentially interesting microorganism for CGP synthesis with a high content of alternative amino acids. This study shows that the amount of alternative amino acids can be increased by using mutants of C. glutamicum with altered amino acid biosynthesis. With the DM1729 mutant, the lysine content in the polymer could be increased up to 33.5 mol%. Furthermore, an ornithine content of up to 12.6 mol% was achieved with ORN2(Pgdh4). How much water-soluble or insoluble CGP is synthesized is strongly related to the used cyanophycin synthetase. CphADh synthesizes soluble CGP exclusively. However, soluble CGP could also be isolated from cells expressing CphA6308Δ1 or CphA6308Δ1_C595S in addition to insoluble CGP in all examined strains. The point mutation in CphA6308Δ1_C595S partially resulted in a higher lysine content. In addition, the CGP content could be increased to 36% of the cell dry weight under optimizing growth conditions in C. glutamicum ATCC13032. All known alternative major amino acids for CGP synthesis (lysine, ornithine, citrulline, and glutamic acid) could be incorporated into CGP in C. glutamicum.
Impact of current or past physical activity level on functional capacities and body composition among elderly people: a cross-sectional analysis from the YMCA study
Authors: Buckinx Fanny , Peyrusqué Éva , Granet Jordan , Aubertin-Leheudre Mylène
Published: April 2021

Background

Physical activity (PA) is recognized as important predictor of healthy aging. However, the influence of the type of voluntary PA as well as age or sex in this relationship is unclear. Thus, we assess the association between current and past PA level and physical performances among voluntary active older adults.

Methods

Functional capacities (timed Up and Go, sit-to-stand, alternate step test, unipodal balance, grip strength, knee extension strength, estimated muscle power and VO2 max) as well as body composition (DXA: total and appendicular lean masses (LM; kg), fat mass (FM; %)) were measured. Current and last 5-years PA level (time spent on total, aerobic, resistance and body & mind activities) were assessed using an interview. Multiple regressions, adjusted on age, sex and BMI, were performed to assess the relationship between current or past PA level and physical performances. Sub-group analysis, according to the sex (men/women) or age (< 65 yrs. vs. ≥65 yrs) were performed.

Results

525 subjects (age:61.7 ± 8.1 yrs.; women:68.9%; BMI:26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study. After adjustment on confounding factors, total current PA level has positive impact on total FM (β = − 2.09,p = 0004) and balance (β = 0.10;p = 0.05). Moreover, current body & mind activities influence total LBM (β = − 0.22,p = 0.02) and balance (β = 0.17;p = 0.001) whereas resistance activities influence total LBM (β = 0.17;p = 0.05), FM (β = − 0.16;p = 0.04) and sit-to-stand capacities (β = − 0.10;p = 0.05). Globally, these results were more pronounced in women than in men and among people aged over 65 years. Past level of PA has low impact on functional capacities and body composition, regardless of sex. Among people < 65 years, there is no relationship between time spent on total PA and functional capacities or body composition. However, a significant correlation was found between past total PA and balance (r=` 0.19;p = 0.01), alternate-step test (r = 0.24;p = 0.02) and VO2max (r = 0.19;p = 0.02) in people aged over 65 years. More precisely, the past time spent on aerobic and resistance activities influence balance (r = 0.16;p = 0.03 andr = 0.15;p = 0.04, respectively) after 65 yrs. old.

Conclusion

Even if physical activity history has little influence on physical aging process, being active is associated with body composition and functional capacities, especially among women aged 65 years and over.
Introducing a New Quantitative Evaluation Method for Segregation of Normal Concrete
Authors: Han In-Deok , Han Dongyeop
Published: April 2021

The aim of this research is to provide a quantitative method for evaluating concrete segregation. Because of various conditions of concrete materials, mix proportions, and delivery, concrete can be segregated. The acquisition inspection executed in construction field for supplied ready-mixed concrete is an important quality control process for concrete. Among the inspections conducted at the project site, segregation of concrete mixture should be evaluated before placing the concrete mixture, currently a qualitative inspection on concrete segregation was conducted. For a normal concrete mixture with slumping behavior, shear slump or collapse slump often occur as an indication of segregation. The suggested evaluation index of segregation for normal concrete (EISN) was induced from the shape of the concrete slumping: relation between the maximum distance of flow and the minimum distance of flow. To evaluate the feasibility of EISN, two different concrete mixture conditions were tested. The recommended EISN parameter of segregation is 1.09 using the three grades of concrete quality. This new quantitative method of evaluating segregation of the concrete mixture is expected to contribute to a more efficient quality control in concrete construction.
Antagonization of monoamine reuptake transporters by agmatine improves anxiolytic and locomotive behaviors commensurate with fluoxetine and methylphenidate
Authors: Rafi Hira , Rafiq Hamna , Farhan Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Background

Agmatine (AGM) is known for its protective effects including neuroprotection, nephroprotection, gastroprotection, cardioprotection, and glucoprotection. Studies have validated the neuroprotective role of AGM as antidepressant, anxiolytic, locomotive, and antipsychotic agent in psychopathologies. Fluoxetine (FLX) is the most extensively prescribed antidepressant while methylphenidate (MPD) is the most frequently prescribed psychoactive stimulant for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) treatment worldwide. The mechanism of action of FLX and MPD involves reuptake inhibition of serotonin and dopamine and norepinephrine at presynaptic transporters. Present study was designed to determine the safety and efficacy of AGM administration along with conventional antidepressant and psychostimulative drugs. The study also aimed to establish underlying mechanism of action of AGM at monoamine reuptake transporters.

Results

AGM significantly ameliorated locomotion in activity box and open field while anxiolytic behaviors in light/dark transition box and EPM were also improved (p<0.01). The growth and appetite of animals were enhanced along with antidepressive behavior in FST (p<0.01). Moreover, co-administration of AGM with FLX or MPD improved rats’ behaviors as compared to single AGM administration.

Conclusion

Present study determined the significant anxiolytic, locomotor, and antidepressive effects of AGM compared with FLX and MPD. The study also showed improved behaviors of rats treated with combined doses of AGM with FLX or MPD along with food intake and body weights. This study has also proposed the potential mechanism of action of AGM at monoamine receptors that may lead to inhibition of monoamine reuptake transporters that may lead to increase in 5-HT, D, and NE concentrations at synaptic level.
Consensus on the Treatment and Follow-Up for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Report From the First Global Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference for Developing Countries (PCCCDC)
Authors: Maluf Fernando Cotait , Pereira Felipe Moraes Toledo , Silva Adriano Gonçalves , Dettino Aldo Lourenço Abbade , Cardoso Ana Paula Garcia , Sasse André Seeke , Soares Andrey , Kann Ariel Galapo , Herchenhorn Daniel , Jardim Denis Leonardo Fontes , Cortés Diego Emilio Lopera , Kater Fábio Roberto , Morbeck Igor A. Protzner , Reolon João Francisco Navarro , Rinck Jr José Augusto , Zarbá Juan Jose , Sade Juan Pablo , da Trindade Karine Martins , Costa Leonardo Atem G. A. , dos Santos Lucas V. , Maia Manuel Caitano , Siqueira Mariana Bruno , Gillessen Silke
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

To present a summary of the recommendations for the treatment and follow-up for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) as acquired through a questionnaire administered to 99 physicians working in the field of prostate cancer in developing countries who attended the Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference for Developing Countries.

METHODS

A total of 106 questions out of more than 300 questions addressed the use of imaging in staging mCRPC, treatment recommendations across availability and response to prior drug treatments, appropriate drug treatments, and follow-up, and those same scenarios when limited resources needed to be considered. Responses were compiled and the percentages were presented by clinicians to support each response. Most questions had five to seven relevant options for response including abstain and/or unqualified to answer, or in the case of yes or no questions, the option to abstain was offered.

RESULTS

Most of the recommendations from this panel were in line with prior consensus, including the preference of a new antiandrogen for first-line therapy of mCRPC. Important aspects highlighted in the scenario of limited resources included the option of docetaxel as treatment preference as first-line treatment in several scenarios, docetaxel retreatment, consideration for reduced doses of abiraterone, and alternative schedules of an osteoclast-targeted therapy.

CONCLUSION

There was wide-ranging consensus in the treatment for men with mCRPC in both optimal and limited resource settings.
Consensus on Screening, Diagnosis, and Staging Tools for Prostate Cancer in Developing Countries: A Report From the First Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference for Developing Countries (PCCCDC)
Authors: Carneiro Arie , Racy Douglas , Bacchi Carlos Eduardo , Leite Katia Ramos Moreira , Filippi Renee Zon , Martins Igor Austin Fernandes , Salvajoli Joao Victor , Hanriot Rodrigo de Morais , Baroni Ronaldo Hueb , Sarkis Alvaro Sadek , Pompeo Antonio Carlos Lima , Benigno Bruno Santos , Guimarães Gustavo Cardoso , Aldousari Saad , Nardi Aguinaldo Cesar , Pompeo Alexandre Saad Feres Lima , Nowier Amr , Nardozza Jr Archimedes , Adamy Jr Ari , Freitas Jr Celso Heitor de , Chade Daher Cezar , Otero Danilo Armando Citarella , Neto Deusdedit Cortêz Vieira da Silva , Carvalhal Eduardo Franco , Korkes Fernando , Ferrigno Robson
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

To generate and present the survey results on critical issues relevant to screening, diagnosis, and staging tools for prostate cancer (PCa) focused on developing countries.

METHODS

A total of 36 of 300 questions concern the main areas of interest of this paper: (1) screening, (2) diagnosis, and (3) staging for various risk levels of PCa in developing countries. A panel of 99 international multidisciplinary cancer experts voted on these questions to create recommendations for screening, diagnosing, and staging tools for PCa in areas of limited resources discussed in this manuscript.

RESULTS

The panel voted publicly but anonymously on the predefined questions. Each question was deemed consensus if 75% or more of the full panel had selected a particular answer. These answers are based on panelist opinion not a literature review or meta-analysis. For questions that refer to an area of limited resources, the recommendations consider cost-effectiveness and the possible therapies with easier and greater access. Each question had five to seven relevant answers including two nonanswers. The results were tabulated in real time.

CONCLUSION

The voting results and recommendations presented in this document can be used by physicians to support the screening, diagnosis, and staging of PCa in areas of limited resources. Individual clinical decision making should be supported by available data; however, as guidelines for screening, diagnosis, and staging of PCa in developing countries have not been developed, this document will serve as a point of reference when confronted with this disease.
Regional Airports of the Central Federal District: Development Prospects in the Context of Macroeconomic Instability
Authors: Rublev V. , Larin O.
Published: April 2021

Based on the analysis of passenger traffic at the airports of the Moscow Aviation Hub and regional airports of the Central Federal District, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of passenger traffic was assessed. As a result of the system analysis, it was concluded that the growth of passenger traffic at the airports of Yaroslavl and Kursk is due to the expansion of the internal route network. As a result of the introduction of temporary prohibitive and restrictive measures for international air transportation, there was an increase in demand for domestic destinations. The airports of Yaroslavl and Kursk, in the summer of 2020, opened regular flights to the resort cities of the Southern Federal District. Based on the analysis of passenger traffic dynamics, it is concluded that an important factor in the development of regional airports in the Central Federal District is their structural modernization. The current passenger traffic index of regional airports can be significantly increased if the runways and terminal complex are expanded. The results of the study can be applied in the development of a strategy for the development of regional airports, of which there are more than 200 as of 2021 on the territory of the Russian Federation and many of which need structural modernization. In the context of the development of the airport complex in the Russian market of passenger air transportation, there will be a dynamic increase in passenger traffic.
Catholicism and Evolution: Polygenism and Original Sin (Part II)
Authors: Hofmann James R.
Published: April 2021

As documented in Part I, monogenism, the descent of all human beings from Adam and Eve, was closely linked to the Catholic doctrine of original sin throughout the first half of the twentieth century. Theological reservations about polygenism, the more scientifically supported account of human origins through a transitional population, was brought to a head by Pius XII’s 1950 encyclical Humani generis. Although the encyclical allowed discussion of human evolution, polygenism was prohibited because “It does not appear how such a view can be reconciled with the doctrine of original sin.” Nevertheless, during and after Vatican II de facto theological acceptance of polygenism became commonplace even though the prohibition was not withdrawn. While some modern conceptions of original sin make a reliance upon monogenism unnecessary, another school of thought emphasizes a spiritual rather than a biological understanding of the concept. It remains to be seen whether polygenism can be unanimously accepted as a scientific phenomenon that is not theologically threatening. Reflection on the Vatican’s long period of ambivalence about the motion of the earth suggests that a similar prospect can be foreseen for polygenism even though it is subject to development in a manner that geostasis was not.
¿Ciencia versus moral? Revisión histórico-científica sobre el síndrome del zika congénito y la reivindicación del aborto
Authors: Luciano de Oliveira Hélio Tadeu
Published: April 2021

En 2015 empieza una epidemia causada por el virus del zika en Brasil, siendo luego asociada a problemas teratógenos congénitos. A partir de la sospecha de esta relación, surgen, en dos vertientes, artículos defendiendo el aborto: (1) presentándolo como uno de los tratamientos para las mujeres embarazadas; (2) utilizando la crisis sanitaria y la confusión de la opinión pública como una estrategia para despenalizar el aborto. Las dos vías son injustas al exigir que los recursos ya escasos fuesen destinados al aborto y no a la prevención, tratamiento y cuidados necesarios a los afectados. Se concluye que los datos científicos, en si mismos, son acordes a la inmoralidad del aborto, siendo justamente la falta de rigor científico y/o las cuestiones ideológicas los que lo promueven.
Multiple Beliefs, Dominance and Dynamic Consistency
Authors: Ekholm Tommi , Baker Erin
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates multiperiod decisions under multiple beliefs. We explore the dynamic consistency of both complete and incomplete orderings. We focus on a dominance concept that supports decision-making under multiple characterizations of uncertainty by ruling out strategies that are dominated across a set of beliefs. We uncover a distinction between two types of dynamic inconsistency, which we label fallacious and fallible inconsistency. Fallacious inconsistency occurs when an a priori optimal strategy is suboptimal in the second period, thus requiring the decision-maker to depart from the original strategy. Fallible inconsistency occurs when an a priori suboptimal second-period action ceases being suboptimal from the perspective of the second-period preferences. We introduce corresponding definitions of dynamic consistency and show that the two types of consistency are equivalent for complete orderings, but differ for incomplete orderings. Subjective expected utility is dynamically consistent and non-expected-utility decision rules, such as minmax, are not. We show that the dominance relation over beliefs falls between these two: it is immune to the more severe fallacious inconsistency, but not to the less problematic fallible inconsistency. We illustrate the method and concepts using a numerical example addressing a focal, real-world problem of risk and ambiguity regarding climate change.

This paper was accepted by Ilia Tsetlin, decision analysis.
Label-free identification of human coronary atherosclerotic plaque based on a three-dimensional quantitative assessment of multiphoton microscopy images
Authors: Zhang Rongli , Xu Zhongbiao , Hao Junhai , Yu Jia , Liu Zhiyi , Liu Shun , Chen Wanwen , Zhou Jiahui , Li Hui , Lin Zhanyi , Zheng Wei
Published: April 2021

The rupture of coronary atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) and the resulting intracoronary thrombosis account for most acute coronary syndromes. Thus, the early identification and risk assessment of CAP is crucial for timely medical intervention. In this study, we propose a quantitative and label-free method for human CAP identification using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and three-dimensional (3D) image analysis techniques. By detecting the intrinsic MPM signals, the microstructures of collagen and elastin fibers within normal and CAP-lesioned human coronary artery walls were imaged. Using a 3D gray level co-occurrence matrix method and 3D weighted vector summation algorithm, quantitative indicators that characterize the spatial texture and orientation features of the fibers were extracted. We demonstrate that these indicators show superior accuracy and repeatability over 2D texture features in CAP discrimination. Furthermore, by combining the 3D microstructural indicators, a support vector machine model that classifies CAP from the normal arterial wall with an accuracy of >97% was established. In conjunction with advances in multiphoton endoscopy, the proposed method shows great potential in providing a quantitative, label-free, and real-time tool for the early identification and risk assessment of CAP in the future.
Neural correlates of confusability in recognition of morphologically complex Korean words
Authors: Kim Jeahong , Jung JeYoung , Nam Kichun
Published: April 2021

When people confuse and reject a non-word that is created by switching two adjacent letters from an actual word, is called the transposition confusability effect (TCE). The TCE is known to occur at the very early stages of visual word recognition with such unit exchange as letters or syllables, but little is known about the brain mechanisms of TCE. In this study, we examined the neural correlates of TCE and the effect of a morpheme boundary placement on TCE. We manipulated the placement of a morpheme boundary by exchanging places of two syllables embedded in Korean morphologically complex words made up of lexical morpheme and grammatical morpheme. In the two experimental conditions, the transposition syllable within-boundary condition (TSW) involved exchanging two syllables within the same morpheme, whereas the across-boundary condition (TSA) involved the exchange of syllables across the stem and grammatical morpheme boundary. During fMRI, participants performed the lexical decision task. Behavioral results revealed that the TCE was found in TSW condition, and the morpheme boundary, which is manipulated in TSA, modulated the TCE. In the fMRI results, TCE induced activation in the left inferior parietal lobe (IPL) and intraparietal sulcus (IPS). The IPS activation was specific to a TCE and its strength of activation was associated with task performance. Furthermore, two functional networks were involved in the TCE: the central executive network and the dorsal attention network. Morpheme boundary modulation suppressed the TCE by recruiting the prefrontal and temporal regions, which are the key regions involved in semantic processing. Our findings propose the role of the dorsal visual pathway in syllable position processing and that its interaction with other higher cognitive systems is modulated by the morphological boundary in the early phases of visual word recognition.
Chemically reactive nanofluid flow past a thin moving needle with viscous dissipation, magnetic effects and hall current
Authors: Khan Arshad , Kumam Wiyada , Khan Imran , Saeed Anwar , Gul Taza , Kumam Poom , Ali Ishtiaq
Published: April 2021

This work addresses the ability to manage the distribution of heat transmission for fluid flow occurs upon a paraboloid thin shaped hot needle by using hybrid nanoparticles containing Copper Oxide (CuO) and Silver (Ag) with water as pure fluid. The needle is placed horizontally in nanofluid with an application of Hall current and viscous dissipation. The popular Buongiorno model has employed in the current investigation in order to explore the impact of Brownian and thermophoretic forces exerted by the fluid. The modeled equations with boundary conditions are transformed to non-dimensional form by incorporating a suitable group of similarity variables. This set of ordinary differential equations is then solved by employing homotopy analysis method (HAM). After detail study of the current work, it has established that the flow of fluid reduces with growth in magnetic effects and volume fractions of nanoparticles. Thermal characteristics increase with augmentation of Eckert number, magnetic field, volume fractions of nanoparticles, Brownian motion parameter and decline with increase in Prandtl number. Moreover, concentration of nanoparticles reduces with corresponding growth in Lewis number and thermophoresis, chemical reaction parameters while increases with growth in Brownian motion parameter.
Incidence and preventability of adverse events in adult patients admitted to a Brazilian teaching hospital
Authors: Zanetti Ariane Cristina Barboza , Dias Bruna Moreno , Bernardes Andrea , Capucho Helaine Carneiro , Balsanelli Alexandre Pazetto , Moura André Almeida de , Soato Rodrigo , Gabriel Carmen Silvia
Published: April 2021

Objective

To analyze the incidence and preventability of adverse events related to health care in adult patients admitted to a Brazilian teaching hospital.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, in which the incidence and preventability of adverse events related to health care were based on a two-stage retrospective review of 368 medical records (nurses and pharmacist review of medical records, followed by physicians review of triggered medical records) of adult patients whose hospitalizations occurred during 2015 in a high-complexity public teaching hospital located in Brazil. Data were collected from February 2018 to February 2019.

Results

A total of 266 adverse events were observed in 124 patients. The incidence of adverse events related to health care was 33.7% (95% CI 0.29–0.39), and the incidence density was 4.97 adverse events per 100 patient-days. Adverse events were responsible for 701 additional days of hospitalization, and the estimated length of additional hospital stay attributable to them was, on average, 6.8 days per event. The most common types of events were related to general care (60; 22.6%), medications (50; 18.8%), nosocomial infection (35; 13.2%), any other type (11; 4.1%), and diagnoses (2; 0.8%). Regarding the severity of adverse events, it was found that 168 (63.2%) were mild, 55 (20.7%) were moderate, and 43 (16.2%) were severe. In addition, it was estimated that 155 (58.3%) events were preventable. The length of a patient’s hospital stay was identified as a risk factor for the occurrence of adverse events (RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04–1.39).

Conclusions

Through knowledge of the incidence, nature, severity, preventability, and risk factors for the occurrence of adverse events, it is possible to create the opportunities to prioritize the implementation of strategies for mitigating specific events based on reliable data and concrete information.
Predictors of adverse outcomes using a multidimensional nursing assessment in an Italian community hospital
Authors: Gasperini Beatrice , Pelusi Gilda , Frascati Annamaria , Sarti Donatella , Dolcini Franco , Espinosa Emma , Prospero Emilia
Published: April 2021

Background

There is growing evidence about the role of nurses in patient outcomes in several healthcare settings. However, there is still a lack of evidence about the transitional care setting. We aimed to assess the association between patient characteristics identified in a multidimensional nursing assessment and outcomes of mortality and acute hospitalization during community hospital stay.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed on patients consecutively admitted to a community hospital (CH) in Loreto (Ancona, Italy) between January 1st, 2018 and May 31st, 2019. The nursing assessment included sociodemographic characteristics, functional status, risk of falls (Conley Score) and pressure damage (Norton scale), nursing diagnoses, presence of pressure sores, feeding tubes, urinary catheters or vascular access devices and comorbidities. Two logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between patient characteristics identified in a multidimensional nursing assessment and outcomes of mortality and acute hospitalization during CH stay.

Results

We analyzed data from 298 patients. The mean age was 83 ± 9.9 years; 60.4% (n = 180) were female. The overall mean length of stay was 42.8 ± 36 days (32 ± 32 days for patients who died and 33.9 ± 35 days for patients who had an acute hospitalization, respectively). An acute hospitalization was reported for 13.4% (n = 40) of patients and 21.8% (n = 65) died. An increased risk of death was related to female sex (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.10–4.62), higher Conley Score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.03–1.37) and having a vascular access device (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.82–7.27). A higher Norton score was associated with a decreased risk of death (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.62–0.81). The risk for acute hospitalization was correlated with younger age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97), having a vascular access device (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.02–5.36), impaired walking (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.03–6.06) and it is inversely correlated with a higher Conley score (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.98).

Conclusion

Using a multidimensional nursing assessment enables identification of risk of nearness of end of life and acute hospitalization to target care and treatment. The present study adds further knowledge on this topic and confirms the importance of nursing assessment to evaluate the risk of patients’ adverse outcome development.
Distribution of naturally -occurring NS5B resistance-associated substitutions in Egyptian patients with chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Ahmed Hala Rady , Waly Nancy G. F. M. , Abd El-Baky Rehab Mahmoud , Yahia Ramadan , Hetta Helal F. , Elsayed Amr M. , Ibrahem Reham Ali
Published: April 2021

Background

NS5B polymerase inhibitors represent the cornerstone of the present treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Naturally occurring substitution mutations to NS5B inhibitors have been recorded. The current study intended to demonstrate possible natural direct acting antiviral (DAA)—mutations of the HCV NS5B region in HCV patients in Minia governorate, Egypt.

Methods

Samples were collected from 27 treatment-naïve HCV patients and 8 non-responders. Out of 27 treatment-naïve patients, 17 NS5B sequences (amino acids 221–345) from treatment-naïve patients and one sample of non-responders were successfully amplified. Nucleotide sequences have been aligned, translated into amino acids, and compared to drug resistance mutations reported in the literature.

Results

NS5B amino acid sequence analysis ensures several novel NS5B mutations existence (more than 40 substitution mutations) that have not been previously documented to be correlated with a resistant phenotype. It was found that K304R (82.4%), E327D and P300T (76.5% each) substitutions were the most distributed in the tested samples, respectively. S282T, the major resistance mutation that induces high sofosbuvir-resistance level in addition to other reported mutations (L320F/C) and (C316Y/N) were not recognized. Q309R mutation is a ribavirin-associated resistance, which was recognized in one strain (5.9%) of genotype 1g sequences. Besides, one substitution mutation (E237G) was identified in the successfully amplified non-responder sample.

Conclusion

Our study showed various combinations of mutations in the analyzed NS5B genes which could enhance the possibility of therapy failure in patients administered regimens including multiple DAA.
Use of volatile agents for sedation in the intensive care unit: A national survey in France
Authors: Blondonnet Raiko , Quinson Audrey , Lambert Céline , Audard Jules , Godet Thomas , Zhai Ruoyang , Pereira Bruno , Futier Emmanuel , Bazin Jean-Etienne , Constantin Jean-Michel , Jabaudon Matthieu
Published: April 2021

Background

Current intensive care unit (ICU) sedation guidelines recommend strategies using non-benzodiazepine sedatives. This survey was undertaken to explore inhaled ICU sedation practice in France.

Methods

In this national survey, medical directors of French adult ICUs were contacted by phone or email between July and August 2019. ICU medical directors were questioned about the characteristics of their department, their knowledge on inhaled sedation, and practical aspects of inhaled sedation use in their department.

Results

Among the 374 ICUs contacted, 187 provided responses (50%). Most ICU directors (73%) knew about the use of inhaled ICU sedation and 21% used inhaled sedation in their unit, mostly with the Anaesthetic Conserving Device (AnaConDa, Sedana Medical). Most respondents had used volatile agents for sedation for <5 years (63%) and in <20 patients per year (75%), with their main indications being: failure of intravenous sedation, severe asthma or bronchial obstruction, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Sevoflurane and isoflurane were mainly used (88% and 20%, respectively). The main reasons for not using inhaled ICU sedation were: “device not available” (40%), “lack of medical interest” (37%), “lack of familiarity or knowledge about the technique” (35%) and “elevated cost” (21%). Most respondents (80%) were overall satisfied with the use of inhaled sedation. Almost 75% stated that inhaled sedation was a seducing alternative to intravenous sedation.

Conclusion

This survey highlights the widespread knowledge about inhaled ICU sedation in France but shows its limited use to date. Differences in education and knowledge, as well as the recent and relatively scarce literature on the use of volatile agents in the ICU, might explain the diverse practices that were observed. The low rate of mild adverse effects, as perceived by respondents, and the users’ satisfaction, are promising for this potentially important tool for ICU sedation.
Biodiversity data as public environmental media: Citizen science projects, national databases and data visualizations
Authors: Whitelaw Mitchell , Smaill Belinda
Published: April 2021

Through a combination of scientific and community activity, our environment is increasingly registered and documented as data. Given the expanding breadth of this digital domain, it is crucial that scholars consider the problems it presents as well as its affirmative potential. This article, arising from collaboration between a practitioner and theorist in digital design and a film and screen scholar with expertise in documentary and environmental studies, critically examines biodiversity data through an ecocritical reading of public-facing databases, citizen science platforms and data visualizations. We examine the Atlas of Living Australia; Canberra Nature Map; the City of Melbourne’s Insects; and the experimental visualization Local Kin. Integrating perspectives from screen studies, design and the environmental humanities, including multispecies studies approaches in anthropology, we examine how digital representations reflect the way biodiversity data is produced and structured. Critically analysing design choices – what is shown, and how it is shown – we argue that biodiversity data on-screen provides specific affordances: allowing, encouraging or discouraging certain insights and possibilities that condition our knowledge of and engagement with living things. An interdisciplinary approach allows us to ask new questions about how users might experience multispecies worlds in digital form, and how biodiversity data might convey the complexities of an entangled biosphere, amplifying understanding, connection and attention amongst interested publics. We examine the visual rhetorics of digital biodiversity in order to better understand how these forms operate as environmental media: designed representations of the living world.
Serum protein profiles and C-reactive protein in natural canine filariasis
Authors: Asawakarn Sariya , Sirisawadi Sujin , Kunnasut Nanthida , Kamkong Patchana , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Canine filariasis is caused by several species of filarial worms. The pathophysiological response to infection is mainly due to the filaria lifecycle. Laboratory detection methods to assess the pathological alterations characteristic of filariasis are needed urgently. Serum protein profiles and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are used widely to diagnose several animal diseases. This study aimed to determine the serum protein profiles and CRP levels in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis or Brugia pahangi or both parasites.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 980 dogs presenting at animal hospitals and veterinary clinics in Bangkok and its vicinity. The presence of microfilaria in samples was determined using a buffy coat smear and staining with Wright–Giemsa. The sheathed and unsheathed microfilaria species were identified by acid phosphatase staining. Forty positive samples were tested. The serum protein profiles were identified by agarose gel electrophoresis. The CRP concentration was measured using a fluorescent immunoassay.

Results: Albumin levels and albumin-to-globulin ratios were significantly lower, and total protein, β2 globulin, and γ globulin levels were significantly elevated in dogs infected with D. immitis and B. pahangi compared with reference values in normal dogs. The average CRP concentrations in dogs infected with D. immitis or B. pahangi were 69.9 and 12.9 mg/L, respectively.

Conclusion: The total protein and γ globulin levels increased in canine filariasis compared with the normal reference range. The CRP concentration in dogs infected with D. immitis was extremely high, whereas that in dog infected with B. pahangi was normal.
First report of tilapia lake virus emergence in fish farms in the department of Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Contreras Héctor , Vallejo Adriana , Mattar Salim , Ruiz Luis , Guzmán Camilo , Calderón Alfonso
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: In 2016, the tilapia-producing farms in the department of Córdoba, Colombia, had witnessed outbreaks of disease with clinical signs compatible with those caused by the tilapia lake virus (TiLV). This study was conducted to confirm the presence of TiLV in some fish farms in the department of Córdoba. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in seven farms using a non-random sampling method from July 2016 to December 2017. A total of 66 fish, including 33 healthy fish and 33 fish with clinical signs, were caught, from which 178 tissue samples of spleen, liver, and brain were collected. RNA was extracted from each organ using TRIzol®. cDNA was synthesized using a retrotranscriptase and a universal amplification primer. The polymerase chain reaction was performed using primers specific to TiLV, in which the primers were amplified in a 491 bp region in segment 3 of TiLV, and the amplicons were sequenced using the Sanger method. Results: Of the seven farms surveyed, 3 (42.85%) had TiLV in the collected fish. Of the 66 collected fish, 18 (27.27%) were infected with TiLV. The virus was detected in the brain (64.3%, 18/28), spleen (61.9%, 13/21), and liver (35.7%, 10/28). The sequences were recorded in GenBank with the codes MH338228, MH350845, and MH350846 . Nucleotide homology analyses revealed that this study's circulating strains exhibited 97% identity with the Israeli strain (GenBank KU751816.1). Conclusion: This is the first official report of TiLV in the department of Córdoba, Colombia. The circulating strains detected in this study exhibited 97% identity with the Israeli strain.
Comparison between five coprological methods for the diagnosis of Balantidium coli cysts in fecal samples from pigs
Authors: Pinilla Juan Carlos , Pinilla Andrea Isabel , Florez Angel Alberto
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Balantidium coli is a protozoan that can infect humans and non-human primates, being the domestic pigs the animals most affected by this parasite. This study aimed to compare the performance of five coprological methods for diagnosis of Balantidium coli cysts in fecal samples from pigs.

Materials and Methods: From September to December 2019, 558 fecal samples were collected from the rectum of backyard pigs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, Colombia. The average age of the sampled animals was 3-4 months. Fecal samples collected were tested using the following coprological techniques: Direct examination with Lugol's iodine solution, buffered saline, centrifugation/flotation and McMaster techniques, and Ziehl–Neelsen method.

Results: The results indicate that B. coli cysts were diagnosed most frequently through direct examination with Lugol's iodine solution (52.7% of the samples) followed by direct examination with a buffered saline solution (37.6%). Moderate concordance (k=0.41; p<0.05) was determined between direct method with Lugol's iodine and buffered saline solution, McMaster and buffered saline (k=0.35; p<0.05), and centrifugation/flotation and buffered saline (k=0.28; p<0.05) showed a fair degree of concordance. The rest of the comparisons were classified as poor. The flotation techniques (centrifugation/ flotation and McMaster) did not show good recovery of cysts.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the most efficient method for diagnosing this parasitosis was to an association between direct examination with Lugol's iodine solution and buffered saline.
A vállalati siker letéteményesei: a vállalati funkcionális területek együttes vizsgálata
Authors: Demeter Krisztina
Published: April 2021

A specializáció fokának növekedésével ma már nem extrém eset, hogy egy-egy funkcionális terület kutatói saját funkciójukról sem rendelkeznek átfogó képpel. Pedig a vállalati gyakorlatban dolgozó vezetők nem engedhetik meg maguknak, hogy egymástól elszigetelten kezeljék a vállalati funkciókat. Ezt ma már az integráció és a folyamatszemlélet gyakran hangoztatott elvei is megnehezítik. Ritkán adódik lehetőség arra, hogy a kutatók több funkcionális területet párhuzamosan vizsgáljanak. A versenyképesség-kutatás 2004-ben zajlott kérdőíves felmérése ezt a ritka lehetőséget biztosítja. A kutatás adatainak felhasználásával a szerző cikkében azt elemzi, hogy a vezetők meglátása szerint mely funkciók járulnak hozzá leginkább az üzleti eredményességhez, és milyen tényezők befolyásolják ezt a hozzájárulást. Eredményeink alapján az összvállalati teljesítménnyel legszorosabb kapcsolatban a HR, valamint az információmenedzsment és a kontrolling áll, legkevésbé a pénzügy és a marketing befolyásolja azt. E kapcsolatokat a vállalatméret, a tulajdonos kiléte és a változásokhoz való viszony képes leginkább befolyásolni.
Knowledge reuse in creating audit plans
Authors: Pető Dávid
Published: April 2021

In this research the question of knowledge reusability in creating more reliable IT audit plans has been investigated. With the use of appropriate simulation techniques and statistical analysis, it has been proved that the explicit usage of self-reflection in IT auditing enables more precise audit plans, therefore the execution might become more effective. This self-reflection means that auditing methodologies are largely depending on the results of previous examinations of certain areas. In fact, the most widespread methods and guidelines are also based on the experience gained through previous examinations. If the results gathered in this way are being used, more precise audit plans can be made and the designation of the areas to be examined can become more accurate. If the fact that audit methodologies are primarily based on practical experience is accepted and explicitly formulated, then, with the use of the information acquired in previous audits, better and more precise audit plans can be created. In other phrases: the assignment of control objectives in certain situations of examination can be done based on the experiences from previous audits. Additionally, the audit plans created in this way enable the cost-effective execution of audits, without sacrificing accuracy and reliability. The results of the simulation confirm these statements.
Az elektronikus humánerőforrás-menedzsment és a HR-outsourcing értelmezési és kapcsolati rendszere
Authors: Majó Zoltán
Published: April 2021

Több cikk jelent meg az elmúlt években e-HRM témában, melyekben technológiaszemléletű megközelítés uralkodott. Vagyis az e-HRM – vagy a virtuális HR – lényegében mint a HR-tevékenység elektronikus, webalapú innovatív támogatása szerepelt a szakkifejezések között. Furcsa módon, amíg az e-HRM megjelenésével kapcsolatban a 90-es évek végén és az ezredfordulón az elemzők és a szakértők pont a HR megerősödését, stratégiai szemléletű HR-tevékenység előtérbe kerülését várták, mára kiderült, hogy ennek éppen ellenkezője jellemezte az elmúlt pár év üzleti folyamatait. Virágzik a HR-outsourcing, azaz HR-tevékenység kiszervezése. Ez paradox módon pont az e-HRM-alkalmazásoknak köszönhető, hiszen az infokommunikációs technikák és az elektronizált HR-rendszerek lehetőséget teremtettek a HR-outsourcingra. A cikk bemutatja, hogy az e-HRM fogalmában az „e” hangsúlya eltolódik. Nem az „elektronikus” HRM-mel kell foglalkoznunk, hanem humánerőforrás-menedzsmenttel egy „e” világban. Az írás elemzi a Bondarouk (University of Twente, Hollandia) által vezetett kutatócsoport e-HRM-definíciós kísérletét, és annak Harvard modellbe való adaptációját, és végül, de nem utolsósorban modellszerű magyarázatot ad a HR-outsourcingra.
Az idő aspektusai – Gondolatok az üzleti stratégia és tervezés fejlesztéséhez
Authors: Hoványi Gábor
Published: April 2021

A szerző dolgozatában az idő szerepét vizsgálja a versenyképes vállalati működés aspektusában. Az idő szerepének érzékeltetésére – rövid „elméleti alapvetést” követően – először azt kísérli meg áttekinteni, hogy mi jellemzi az idő ütemének változását. Majd azt vázolja fel, hogy milyen időtípusok játszanak szerepet a vállalatok üzleti stratégiájának és terveinek kialakításában. Ezt követően sorra veszi a vállalatok vezetésében megjelenő időfogalmakat. Végül részletesen bemutatja a 3MAST modellt.
Az intellektuális tőke mérése és ennek lehetséges magatartási vonatkozásai
Authors: Harangozó Tamás
Published: April 2021

A cikk a szervezeti értékteremtésben megfigyelhető változásokból kiindulva részletesen foglalkozik az intellektuális tőke tudatos, eredményes és hatékony irányításának, valamint fejlesztésének szükségességével. Mivel azonban mindez nem képzelhető el a menedzsment tárgyát képező erőforrásokról szóló valós és megbízható információk nélkül, ezért szintén bemutatásra kerül néhány, a nem tárgyiasult erőforrások mérésével foglalkozó menedzsmenteszköz, amelyek célja az intellektuális tőke szervezeti irányításba történő beemelése. Ezután szó esik a mérés gyakorlati megvalósítása során fellépő potenciális magatartási hatásokról, mégpedig abból a feltevésből kiindulva, hogy egy szakmailag tökéletesen megtervezett információs rendszer sem lehet sikeres az érintettek együttműködése nélkül.