bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation-based team training in time-critical clinical presentations in emergency medicine and critical care: a review of the literature
Authors: Weile Jesper , Nebsbjerg Mette Amalie , Ovesen Stig Holm , Paltved Charlotte , Ingeman Mads Lind
Published: January 2021

Background

The use of simulation-based team training has increased over the past decades. Simulation-based team training within emergency medicine and critical care contexts is best known for its use by trauma teams and teams involved in cardiac arrest. In the domain of emergency medicine, simulation-based team training is also used for other typical time-critical clinical presentations. We aimed to review the existing literature and current state of evidence pertaining to non-technical skills obtained via simulation-based team training in emergency medicine and critical care contexts, excluding trauma and cardiac arrest contexts.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Before the initiation of the study, the protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database. We conducted a systematic literature search of 10 years of publications, up to December 17, 2019, in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. Two authors independently reviewed all the studies and extracted data.

Results

Of the 456 studies screened, 29 trials were subjected to full-text review, and 13 studies were included in the final review. None of the studies was randomized controlled trials, and no studies compared simulation training to different modalities of training. Studies were heterogeneous; they applied simulation-training concepts of different durations and intensities and used different outcome measures for non-technical skills. Two studies reached Kirkpatrick level 3. Out of the remaining 11 studies, nine reached Kirkpatrick level 2, and two reached Kirkpatrick level 1.

Conclusions

The literature on simulation-based team training in emergency medicine is heterogeneous and sparse, but somewhat supports the hypothesis that simulation-based team training is beneficial to teams’ knowledge and attitudes toward non-technical skills (Kirkpatrick level 2). Randomized trials are called for to clarify the effect of simulation compared to other modalities of team training. Future research should focus on the transfer of skills and investigate improvements in patient outcomes (Kirkpatrick level 4).
Morpho-taxometrical and molecular characterization of Steinernema abbasi (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) and its pathogenicity and generative potential against lepidopteran pests
Authors: Heena  , Rana Aasha , Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Chaubey Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background

An entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) was recovered by using Galleria baiting technique from the soils of marigold fields of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Based on morphological, morphometrical and molecular characterizations, the isolated strain was identified as Steinernema abbasi and tagged as CS38. The isolated strain was conspecific to original description with minor deviations. Infective juveniles (IJs) of present strain were longer than original description.

Results

Molecular analysis was done using ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and D2D3 regions. Pathogenicity and generative potential of the present strain CS38 were tested against larvae of 3 lepidopteran insect pests, namely, Galleria mellonella L., Helicoverpa armigera (Hb.) and Spodoptera litura (Fab.). Different concentrations of IJs/larva, viz. 25, 50, 100, and 200 IJs/larva, were used for bioassay trails. All experiments were repeated thrice to reach the optimum authenticity. Results of bioassays revealed that isolate CS38 was highly virulent against the 3 insect pests and caused (100%) mortality within 48 h under laboratory conditions. Generative potential of the studied S. abbasi CS38 was recorded high in G. mellonella (19 × 104 IJs/larva) at 100 IJs/larva concentration, followed by H. armigera (63.4 × 103 IJs/larva) and S. litura (60.5 × 103 IJs/larva).

Conclusions

Isolate CS38 is an indigenous, dominant and highly virulent strain that can be utilized as a biological control agent against the three studied insects. Moreover, it can be used for commercialization of the production of EPN-based biopesticide to be added under Integrated Pest Management in Indian agriculture system.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Othman Haitham Mohy El Din Mahmoud , Hassan Alaa Eid Mohamed , Elsersi Mayar Hassan , Soliman Ahmed Kamal Mohamed Ali , Emam Dalia Fahmy
Published: January 2021

Background

Early and precocious determination of acute kidney injury (AKI) is essential to prevent morbidity and mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Evaluation of the perioperative renal function is substantial using novel biomarkers other than the late traditional method of using serum creatinine. Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker investigated for early detection of AKI in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, and its role has to be determined in this study.

Results

Twenty-five patients undergoing elective CABG were enrolled in this cohort study and were assigned into two groups: group I include the patients that did not develop AKI (no AKI group) and group II include the patients that developed AKI (AKI group). Acute kidney injury based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification had been developed in 7 patients (28%). Plasma NGAL levels at 6 h were higher in patients who developed AKI compared with those who did not (302 ± 88.02 vs. 116.50 ± 17.33 ng/m,pvalue < 0.001). The cut-off value of plasma NGAL levels measured 6 h postoperatively was 145 ng/ml and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.965. Results of this study showed that plasma NGAL is a robust early biomarker of AKI, which preceded the rise in serum creatinine by many hours.

Conclusion

This study revealed that earlier diagnosis of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing CABG can be achieved by measuring postoperative plasma NGAL concentration at 6 h.
Effects of irrigation and planting geometry on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber quality and seed composition
Authors: PINNAMANENI Srinivasa R. , ANAPALLI Saseendran S. , SUI Ruixiu , BELLALOUI Nacer , REDDY Krishna N.
Published: January 2021

Background

Cotton fiber quality and seed composition play vital roles in the economics of cotton production systems and the cottonseed meal industry. This research aimed to examine the effects of different irrigation levels and planting geometries on fiber quality and seed composition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.). We conducted a 2-year study in 2018 and 2019 in a warm, humid area in the Southeast United States on Dundee silt loam soil. There were three irrigation treatments in the study. The treatments included irrigating every furrow, or full irrigation (FI), every alternate furrow, or half irrigation (HI), and no irrigation, or rain-fed (RF). Planting geometries were on ridges spaced 102 cm apart and either a single-row (SR) or twin-rows (TR).

Results

The results of high-volume instrument (HVI), advanced fiber information systems (AFIS) and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) showed that irrigation and planting treatments played a significant role in fiber quality and seed composition. Across irrigation treatments, significant differences were seen in fiber properties, including fineness, maturity ratio, micronaire, neps, short fiber, strength, uniformity, upper half mean length (UHML), upper quartile length by weight (UQLw), and yellowness (+b). Irrigation and planting geometry (PG) had a significant effect on micronaire, strength, and UHML while their interaction was significant only for micronaire. The micronaire was negatively affected by irrigation as FI-SR, FI-TR, HI-SR, and HI-TR recorded 11% ~ 12% lower over the RF-SR and TR treatments. The PG played a minor role in determining fiber quality traits like micronaire and nep count. Irrigation treatments produced significantly lower (3% ~ 4%) protein content than rain-fed, while oil content increased significantly (6% ~ 10%).

Conclusions

The study results indicate a potential for improving cotton fiber and seed qualities by managing irrigation and planting geometries in cotton production systems in the Mississippi (MS) Delta region. The HI-TR system appears promising for lint and seed quality.
Multifocal glioblastoma multiform with “encephalitis-like presentation” : a case report
Authors: Sa’adeh Issam , Saadh Mohamed Jamal
Published: January 2021

Background

Glioblastoma multiform is the most common and aggressive type of primary malignant tumor that affects the central nervous system in adults. It clinically presents with seizures, headache, and/or progressive focal neurological deficits. Radiologically, glioblastoma multiform appears as a single distinguishable, large heterogeneous lesion affecting the cerebrum with characteristic central necrosis, marginal enhancement, and surrounding vasogenic edema. This article describes a patient that exhibited an atypical clinical presentation of multifocal glioblastoma multiform with misleading early radiological features that simulated herpetic encephalitis.

Results

A 66-year-old female that presented with left-sided hemiparesis and left partial motor seizures underwent multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also performed to screen for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).

Conclusions

The early stages of glioblastoma may manifest as symptoms typical to encephalitis, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and identification of atypical glioblastoma multiform presentations, as reported in this article, are essential.
Atypical presentation of melorheostosis with soft tissues involvement: a case report
Authors: Chia Kok King , Haron Juhara , Nik Malek Nik Fatimah Salwati
Published: January 2021

Background

Melorheostosis is a skeletal disorder giving rise to a dripping wax appearance. The exact cause is still unclear, and the diagnosis is always challenging due to its wide differential diagnoses. Soft tissue involvement of melorheostosis has been reported in previous literatures but it is a rare phenomenon.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old child with melorheostosis presented with hematuria. Ultrasonography (USG) identified a cystic lesion in the right hemipelvis adjacent to the urinary bladder which was initially regarded as an ovarian cyst. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the cystic lesion as a fusiform right internal iliac artery aneurysm, as well as multiple right retroperitoneal and right lower limb capillary hemangiomas with uterine involvement. Hence, the final diagnosis was atypical melorheostosis with vascular malformations. The patient was managed conservatively with Sirolimus therapy for the vascular anomalies.

Conclusion

Albeit the rare involvement of soft tissues, careful search for vascular malformation is recommended in melorheostosis.
Right ventricular pseudoaneurysm in a young adult following right heart catheterization: a rare case report and review of the literature
Authors: Esmat Habib Ahmad , Ceylan Naim , Demir Emre , Çinkooğlu Akın
Published: January 2021

Background

Right ventricular pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare finding than left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, associated with high mortality. The diagnosis of right ventricle pseudoaneurysm is often challenging because of its rarity and lack of typical clinical features. However, advanced cardiac imaging techniques including CT angiogram and MRI can help a timely diagnosis to avoid a fatal outcome.

Case presentation

The authors present the imaging findings of a right ventricular pseudoaneurysm in a 33-year-old male, presented with dyspnea and chest pain after exertion for 2 weeks. The gated CT and cardiac MRI showed a small outpouching from the right ventricle apex into the pericardial space, consistent with a pseudoaneurysm. He underwent cardiac surgery and pseudoaneurysm resection with a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

Right ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a very rare complication following right heart catheterization and a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and management. Though the lack of its typical clinical presentation is often a diagnostic challenge, advanced cardiac imaging techniques including CT angiogram and MRI may help a timely diagnosis to avoid a fatal outcome.
Flavonoids as natural phenolic compounds and their role in therapeutics: an overview
Authors: Mutha Rakesh E. , Tatiya Anilkumar U. , Surana Sanjay J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Natural plants and plant-derived formulations have been used by mankind from the ancient period of time. For the past few years, many investigations elaborated the therapeutic potential of various secondary chemicals present in the plants. Literature revealed that the various secondary metabolites, viz. phenolics and flavonoids, are responsible for a variety of therapeutic action in humans.

Main body

In the present review, an attempt has been made to compile the exploration of natural phenolic compounds with major emphasis on flavonoids and their therapeutic potential too. Interestingly, long-term intake of many dietary foods (rich in phenolics) proved to be protective against the development and management of diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, etc.

Conclusion

This review presents an overview of flavonoid compounds to use them as a potential therapeutic alternative in various diseases and disorders. In addition, the present understanding of phenolics and flavonoids will serve as the basis for the next scientific studies.
Acoustic properties of hydrate-bearing coal samples depending on temperature and water saturation type
Authors: Dugarov Geser A. , Duchkov Anton A. , Manakov Andrey Yu.
Published: January 2021

We have developed the first experimental acoustic properties measurement during gas-hydrate formation and dissociation in crushed bituminous coal samples. We also compare the results with acoustic properties measurements during freezing and thawing water in the same samples. The results show a more complicated behavior that differs from similar experiments with sand. For the samples with adsorbed water, it does not freeze at anticipated temperatures, but acoustic velocities gradually increase with the decreasing negative temperatures. It is caused by complicated pore surface structures causing partial formation of ice/hydrate from bound water at different temperatures. We also observe that, for the same samples, the acoustic properties change significantly, becoming stronger during gas-hydrate formation than during freezing. We explain it by competitive sorption of methane and water in the coal pore space; methane under pressure replaces part of the adsorbed water from micropores so that this water can easily form hydrate. The difference in the acoustic properties of frozen and hydrate-bearing coal samples is important for developing seismic methods for geophysical characterization of coal seams.
Hospital-wide SARS-CoV-2 antibody screening of staff in a university psychiatric centre in Belgium
Authors: El Abdellati Kawtar , Coppens Violette , Goossens Jobbe , Theeten Heidi , Van Damme Pierre , Berens Ann , Morrens Manuel , De Picker Livia
Published: January 2021

In this first serosurvey among psychiatric healthcare providers, only 3.2% of a sample of 431 staff members of a Belgian University Psychiatric Centre, screened 3–17 June 2020, had SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies, which is considerably lower compared with both the general population and other healthcare workers in Belgium. The low seroprevalence was unexpected, given the limited availability of personal protective equipment and the high amount of COVID-19 symptoms reported by staff members. Importantly, exposure at home predicted the presence of antibodies, but exposure at work did not. Measures to prevent transmission from staff to patients are warranted in psychiatric facilities.
Early developmental stages of native populations ofCiona intestinalisunder increased temperature are affected by local habitat history
Authors: Clutton Elizabeth A. , Alurralde Gaston , Repolho Tiago
Published: January 2021

Temperature modulates marine ectotherm physiology, influencing survival, abundance and species distribution. While native species could be susceptible to ocean warming, thermal tolerance might favour the spread of non-native species. Determining the success of invasive species in response to climate change is confounded by the cumulative, synergistic or antagonistic effects of environmental drivers, which vary at a geographical and temporal scale. Thus, an organism's acclimation or adaptive potential could play an important evolutionary role by enabling or conditioning species tolerance to stressful environmental conditions. We investigated developmental performance of early life stages of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis (derived from populations of anthropogenically impacted and control sites) to an extreme weather event (i.e. marine heatwave). Fertilization rate, embryo and larval development, settlement, metamorphosis success and juvenile heart rate were assessed as experimental endpoints. With the exception of fertilization and heart rates, temperature influenced all analysed endpoints. C. intestinalis derived from control sites were the most negatively affected by increased temperature conditions. By contrast, C. intestinalis from anthropogenically impacted sites showed a positive response to thermal stress, with a higher proportion of larvae development, settlement and metamorphosis success being observed under increased temperature conditions. No differences were observed for heart rates between sampled populations and experimental temperature conditions. Moreover, interaction between temperature and populations was statistically significant for embryo and larvae development, and metamorphosis. We hypothesize that selection resulting from anthropogenic forcing could shape stress resilience of species in their native range and subsequently confer advantageous traits underlying their invasive potential.
Synthesis of Covalent Organic Framework Films at Interfaces
Authors: Bai Bin , Wang Dong , Wan Li-Jun
Published: January 2021

The diverse topological structure, designable building blocks, ordered pores and crystalline architecture of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) make them attractive in many application fields. However, COF materials obtained by solvothermal synthesis are generally poorly soluble powders and difficult to post-process, which may impede some applications of COFs. The direct preparation of COF films is effective to overcome the limitations of poor solubility of COFs. This article reviews the synthesis of COF films at interfaces and the applications of COF films. At first, the synthesis strategies for preparing monolayer COF with large crystalline domains on solid substrates are introduced. Then we discuss interface synthesis methods, including solid-liquid, liquid-liquid and liquid-gas interface, for various COF films. Subsequently, the applications of COF film in many fields such as photoelectric conversion, fluorescence, electronic devices, chemical sensing, electrocatalysis, and molecular separation are introduced briefly. Finally, prospects for the interface synthesis and application expansion of COF films are discussed.
Hypervalent Organo-λ3-chloranes
Authors: Miyamoto Kazunori , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: January 2021

Hypervalent halogen species such as organoiodine(III and V) compounds have long been used as electrophiles/oxidants in organic synthesis, but recent years have seen the emergence of a new class of hypervalent halogen species, organobromine(III) and organochlorine(III) compounds (also termed organo-λ3-bromanes and λ3-chloranes). In this review, we will cover recent developments in the synthesis and synthetic applications of functionalized λ3-chloranes. 1. Introduction; 2. Diaryl-λ3-chloranes; 3. Alkenyl(aryl)-λ3-chloranes; 4. Dialkyl-λ3-chloranes; 5. Chloronium ylides; 6. Carboranyl-λ3-chloranes; 7. Conclusion
A REGULAÇÃO DO CFM E OS DESAFIOS NA APLICABILIDADE DE SOFT LAW EM CASOS DE TERMINALIDADE
Authors: Schiocchet Taysa , Aragão Suéllyn Mattos de
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o modo como as principais soft law nacionais relativas à terminalidade vem sendo (ou não) adotadas na prática médica, indicando caminhos para superação de entraves em sua aplicação.Metodologia: Utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, com revisão bibliográfica de artigos, ordenamento jurídico e obras doutrinárias.Resultados: Na análise, foram encontrados desafios estruturais, institucionais, técnico-jurídicos e sociais relativos à terminalidade.Contribuições: A partir dos resultados, foram propostas medidas de potencial resolutivo: instituição de protocolos de paliatividade; utilização de indicadores para caracterização da terminalidade; utilização de escalas para definição de prognóstico; previsão de ações que contemplem toda linha de cuidado; formalização da inclusão de paciente em protocolo; estabelecimento de regras sobre a definição do representante legítimo, em caso de impossibilidade de manifestação direta da vontade do paciente, e registro em ata de reuniões realizadas com familiares.
O DEVER DA PARTE SUCUMBENTE DE INDENIZAR A PARTE VENCEDORA PELOS PREJUÍZOS COM O PROCESSO. OU, É POSSÍVEL GANHAR SEM PERDER?
Authors: Silvestre Gilberto Fachetti , Henriques Felipe Sardenberg Guimarães Trés
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Trata-se de pesquisa destinada a analisar a controvérsia existente no sistema judicial brasileiro quanto à reparação de perdas e danos sofridas pela parte que vence uma ação judicial, em decorrência da contratação de profissional da advocacia para atuar em juízo em seu favor. A pesquisa traçou como problema a ser respondido se é possível conceber, de lege lata, um sistema de responsabilidade civil para que a parte sucumbente em uma ação judicial indenize a parte vencedora pelos prejuízos decorrentes dessa ação.Metodologia: Adotando um método qualiquantitativo, a pesquisa verificou os julgados do Superior Tribunal de Justiça atinentes à possibilidade da restituição dos honorários contratuais ao vencedor da demanda, bem como os fundamentos utilizados para tais decisões.Resultados: Constatou que o entendimento majoritário nas Turmas do Superior Tribunal de Justiça acerca da questão não se alinha às interpretações dadas aos art. 389, 395 e 404 do Código Civil, que incluem os honorários contratuais como parcela das perdas e danos passíveis de ressarcimento em favor da vítima do ilícito.Contribuições: A metodologia de revisão bibliográfica revelou que apesar de existir suficiente substrato normativo e teórico reconhecendo a possibilidade, os tribunais não a aplicam de forma pacífica. A pesquisa, então, elabora uma tese propositiva e inspiradora que fundamenta o dever da parte sucumbente de indenizar a parte vencedora pelos prejuízos que esta teve com a contratação de um advogado para estar em juízo.
Mapping global research on climate and health using machine learning (a systematic evidence map)
Authors: Berrang-Ford Lea , Sietsma Anne J. , Callaghan Max , Minx Ja C. , Scheelbeek Pauline , Haddaway Neal R. , Haines Andy , Belesova Kristine , Dangour Alan D.
Published: January 2021

Climate change is already affecting health in populations around the world, threatening to undermine the past 50 years of global gains in public health. Health is not only affected by climate change via many causal pathways, but also by the emissions that drive climate change and their co-pollutants. Yet there has been relatively limited synthesis of key insights and trends at a global scale across fragmented disciplines. Compounding this, an exponentially increasing literature means that conventional evidence synthesis methods are no longer sufficient or feasible. Here, we outline a protocol using machine learning approaches to systematically synthesize global evidence on the relationship between climate change, climate variability, and weather (CCVW) and human health. We will use supervised machine learning to screen over 300,000 scientific articles, combining terms related to CCVW and human health. Our inclusion criteria comprise articles published between 2013 and 2020 that focus on empirical assessment of: CCVW impacts on human health or health-related outcomes or health systems; relate to the health impacts of mitigation strategies; or focus on adaptation strategies to the health impacts of climate change. We will use supervised machine learning (topic modeling) to categorize included articles as relevant to impacts, mitigation, and/or adaptation, and extract geographical location of studies. Unsupervised machine learning using topic modeling will be used to identify and map key topics in the literature on climate and health, with outputs including evidence heat maps, geographic maps, and narrative synthesis of trends in climate-health publishing. To our knowledge, this will represent the first comprehensive, semi-automated, systematic evidence synthesis of the scientific literature on climate and health.
Propeller Dorsal Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap for an Extensive Defect on the Back Following Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Resection: A Case Report
Authors: Song Seung Han , Kwon Hyeokdong , Kim Sunje , Kim Joo Hak , Kyung Hyun Woo , Oh Sang-Ha , Yang Ho Jik , Ha Yooseok
Published: January 2021

Posterior trunk defects have been a challenging anatomical area to cover in reconstructive surgery. The use of local myocutaneous flaps has been described extensively in the literature to cover these defects, but these techniques are associated with significant donor-site morbidity, including functional loss of muscle units. Freestyle perforator flaps enable local tissue recruitment with skin of a similar color and texture in diverse anatomic areas, but there is a shortage of case series on posterior trunk defects using propeller dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) flaps, particularly when the defects are extensive. In this report, the authors present a successful case of a DICAP propeller flap for an extensive defect on the upper back following a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor resection.
Evaluating Ambiguous Offerings
Authors: Boulongne Romain , Durand Rodolphe
Published: January 2021

This paper studies how audience members categorize and evaluate ambiguous offerings. Depending on whether audience members categorize ambiguous offerings based on prototypes or goals, they activate two distinct cognitive mechanisms and evaluate differently ambiguous offerings. We expect that when audiences engage in goal- versus prototype-based categorization, their evaluation of ambiguous products increases. We theorize that, under goal-based categorization, the perceived utility of unclear attributes increases for audiences, which leads them to evaluate more positively ambiguous product offerings. We test and find support for these direct and mediated relationships through a series of laboratory, online, and field experiments. Overall, this study offers important implications for research on product and market categories, optimal distinctiveness, and market agents’ cognitive ascription of value.
La familia biológica en el acogimiento familiar. Pistas para su evaluación e intervención.
Authors: Reyes Legaza Christoffer Antonio , Cantera Rey Constanza Javiera
Published: January 2021

A partir de una extensa revisión bibliográfica se propone visibilizar el lugar de las familias biológicas en el complejo entramado relacional que supone el acogimiento familiar en el contexto internacional. Se reflexiona en torno a la histórica práctica de exclusión de las que han sido parte en los proyectos terapéuticos / asistenciales de estos dispositivos y su incidencia en el logro, o no, de cambios necesarios para la reunificación de los/las niños/as en los sistemas de origen. Junto a lo anterior, son planteadas algunas tensiones éticas y técnicas que cruzan a la evaluación e intervención familiar, siendo ejes indisociables del quehacer profesional. Se constata la importancia de un actuar planificado, donde la evaluación de las familias y la intervención que con ellas se desarrolle serán esenciales cuando la reunificación es el objetivo a concretar. Por último, se vislumbra, como desafío para próximas investigaciones, perfilar modelos de intervención basados en evidencias para la práctica del acogimiento, especialmente con las familias de origen.
High-speed multicolor structured illumination microscopy using a hexagonal single mode fiber array
Authors: Hinsdale Taylor A. , Stallinga Sjoerd , Rieger Bernd
Published: January 2021

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is a widely used imaging technique that doubles the effective resolution of widefield microscopes. Most current implementations rely on diffractive elements, either gratings or programmable devices, to generate structured light patterns in the sample. These can be limited by spectral efficiency, speed, or both. Here we introduce the concept of fiber SIM that allows for camera frame rate limited pattern generation and manipulation over a broad wavelength range. Illumination patterns are generated by coupling laser beams into radially opposite pairs of fibers in a hexagonal single mode fiber array where the exit beams are relayed to the microscope objective’s back focal plane. The phase stepping and rotation of the illumination patterns are controlled by fast electro-optic devices. We achieved a rate of 111 SIM frames per second and imaged with excitation patterns generated by both 488 nm and 532 nm lasers.
Mid-infrared pulsed nanosecond difference frequency generation of oxide LGN crystal up to 5.7 µm
Authors: Cui Chen , Lu Dazhi , Liang Fei , Wang Jiyang , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate the tunable difference frequency generation (DFG) of an oxide

L
a

3

G
a

5.5

N
b

0.5

O

14

(LGN) crystal pumped by near-infrared lasers with nanosecond pulses for the first time to our knowledge. The type I and II phase-matching conditions of DFG were calculated in the mid-infrared region. With the processed LGN crystals, tunable lasers in the wavelength range from 4.4 to 5.7 µm and 4.56 to 5.6 µm were achieved under type II and I phase-matching conditions, respectively, with the maximum output energy of 13.1 µJ, which agreed well with the theoretical calculation. This work provides the kind of promising mid-infrared nonlinear crystals for the pumping of nanosecond pulsed lasers as well as a tunable mid-infrared laser source at a wavelength over 5 µm in further photonic applications.
Real-time resolution of short-read assembly graph using ONT long reads
Authors: Nguyen Son Hoang , Cao Minh Duc , Coin Lachlan J. M.
Published: January 2021

A streaming assembly pipeline utilising real-time Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing data is important for saving sequencing resources and reducing time-to-result. A previous approach implemented in npScarf provided an efficient streaming algorithm for hybrid assembly but was relatively prone to mis-assemblies compared to other graph-based methods. Here we present npGraph, a streaming hybrid assembly tool using the assembly graph instead of the separated pre-assembly contigs. It is able to produce more complete genome assembly by resolving the path finding problem on the assembly graph using long reads as the traversing guide. Application to synthetic and real data from bacterial isolate genomes show improved accuracy while still maintaining a low computational cost. npGraph also provides a graphical user interface (GUI) which provides a real-time visualisation of the progress of assembly. The tool and source code is available at https://github.com/hsnguyen/assembly.
Drug resistance gene mutations and treatment outcomes in MDR-TB: A prospective study in Eastern China
Authors: Liu Qiao , Yang Dandan , Qiu Beibei , Martinez Leonardo , Ji Ye , Song Huan , Li Zhongqi , Wang Jianming
Published: January 2021

Background

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a serious challenge to TB control. It is of great value to search for drug resistance mutation sites and explore the roles that they play in the diagnosis and prognosis of MDR-TB.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled MDR-TB patients from five cities in Jiangsu Province, China, between January 2013 and December 2014. Drug susceptibility tests of rifampin, isoniazid, ofloxacin, and kanamycin were routinely performed by proportion methods on Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) medium. Drug resistance-related genes were sequenced, and the consistency of genetic mutations and phenotypic resistance was compared. The association between mutations and treatment outcomes was expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among 87 MDR-TB patients, 71 with treatment outcomes were involved in the analysis. The proportion of successful treatment was 50.7% (36/71). The rpoB gene exhibited the highest mutation rate (93.0%) followed by katG (70.4%), pncA (33.8%), gyrA (29.6%), eis (15.5%), rrs (12.7%), gyrB (9.9%) and rpsA (4.2%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that patients with pncA gene mutations (adjusted OR: 19.69; 95% CI: 2.43–159.33), advanced age (adjusted OR: 13.53; 95% CI: 1.46–124.95), and nonstandard treatment (adjusted OR: 7.72; 95% CI: 1.35–44.35) had a significantly higher risk of poor treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Mycobacterium tuberculosis gene mutations may be related to phenotypic drug susceptibility. The pncA gene mutation along with treatment regimen and age are associated with the treatment outcomes of MDR-TB.
A population estimation study reveals a staggeringly high number of cattle on the streets of urban Raipur in India
Authors: Sahu Bhupendra Kumar , Parganiha Arti , Pati Atanu Kumar
Published: January 2021

Cattle are cosmopolitan in distribution. They are economically and ecologically significant. The cattle menace on the urban streets of developing and underdeveloped countries is challenging. The number of road accidents is increasing rapidly over time, in the urban areas of most of the developing countries, like India. In the present study, we estimated the population of cattle wandering on the streets/roads/highways of Raipur city of India using the direct headcount method and advanced Photographic Capture-Recapture Method (PCRCM). We compared these two methods of population estimation to check their suitability and adequacy. We superimposed 163 grids (1.0 x 1.0 km each) on the map of Raipur city using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software. We randomly selected 20 grids for the estimation of the street cattle population. We used both line transect and block count sampling techniques under the direct headcount method. The estimates of visibly roaming cattle on the Raipur city streets were 11808.45 and 11198.30 using the former and the latter sampling techniques, respectively. Further, advanced PCRCM indicated an estimated 35149.61 and 34623.20 cattle using the line transect and block counting sampling techniques, respectively. We observed a female-biased sex ratio in both mature and immature cattle. The frequency of mature cattle was significantly higher than that of naive cattle, followed by the calf. Further, we noticed the frequency of cattle in a grid in the following order: cow > bull > heifer > immature male > female calf > male calf. We concluded that the estimated population of street cattle in Raipur city is about 35 thousand. The results of both the techniques, i.e., direct headcount method and PCRCM, are consistent for population estimation. The direct headcount method yields the number of cattle visibly roaming on the street at a particular time. In contrast, advanced PCRCM gives the total population of street cattle in the city. Active surveillance of the urban cattle population might be of critical importance for municipal and city planners. A better understanding of the urban cattle population might help mitigate the cattle menace on the street, eventually preventing cattle-human conflict and minimizing road accidents. The techniques adopted in this study will also help estimate the population of free-ranging dogs and other wildlife animals in any target location.
Development and validation of a clinical risk score to predict the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from administrative data: A population-based cohort study from Italy
Authors: Orlando Valentina , Rea Federico , Savaré Laura , Guarino Ilaria , Mucherino Sara , Perrella Alessandro , Trama Ugo , Coscioni Enrico , Menditto Enrica , Corrao Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic spread rapidly worldwide increasing exponentially in Italy. To date, there is lack of studies describing clinical characteristics of the people at high risk of infection. Hence, we aimed (i) to identify clinical predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, (ii) to develop and validate a score predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, and (iii) to compare it with unspecific scores.

Methods

Retrospective case-control study using administrative health-related database was carried out in Southern Italy (Campania region) among beneficiaries of Regional Health Service aged over than 30 years. For each person with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed infection (case), up to five controls were randomly matched for gender, age and municipality of residence. Odds ratios and 90% confidence intervals for associations between candidate predictors and risk of infection were estimated by means of conditional logistic regression. SARS-CoV-2 Infection Score (SIS) was developed by generating a total aggregate score obtained from assignment of a weight at each selected covariate using coefficients estimated from the model. Finally, the score was categorized by assigning increasing values from 1 to 4. Discriminant power was used to compare SIS performance with that of other comorbidity scores.

Results

Subjects suffering from diabetes, anaemias, Parkinson’s disease, mental disorders, cardiovascular and inflammatory bowel and kidney diseases showed increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similar estimates were recorded for men and women and younger and older than 65 years. Fifteen conditions significantly contributed to the SIS. As SIS value increases, risk progressively increases, being odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people with the highest SIS value (SIS = 4) 1.74 times higher than those unaffected by any SIS contributing conditions (SIS = 1).

Conclusion

Conditions and diseases making people more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified by the current study. Our results support decision-makers in identifying high-risk people and adopting of preventive measures to minimize the spread of further epidemic waves.
Protected areas network is not adequate to protect a critically endangered East Africa Chelonian: Modelling distribution of pancake tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri under current and future climates
Authors: Eustace Abraham , Esser Luíz Fernando , Mremi Rudolf , Malonza Patrick K. , Mwaya Reginald T.
Published: January 2021

While the international pet trade and habitat destruction have been extensively discussed as major threats to the survival of the pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri), the impact of climate change on the species remains unknown. In this study, we used species distribution modelling to predict the current and future distribution of pancake tortoises in Zambezian and Somalian biogeographical regions. We used 224 pancake tortoise occurrences obtained from Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia to estimate suitable and stable areas for the pancake tortoise in all countries present in these regions. We also used a protected area network to assess how many of the suitable and stable areas are protected for the conservation of this critically endangered species. Our model predicted the expansion of climatically suitable habitats for pancake tortoises from four countries and a total area of 90,668.75 km2to ten countries in the future and an area of 343,459.60–401,179.70 km2. The model also showed that a more significant area of climatically suitable habitat for the species lies outside of the wildlife protected areas. Based on our results, we can predict that pancake tortoises may not suffer from habitat constriction. However, the species will continue to be at risk from the international pet trade, as most of the identified suitable habitats remain outside of protected areas. We suggest that efforts to conserve the pancake tortoise should not only focus on protected areas but also areas that are unprotected, as these comprise a large proportion of the suitable and stable habitats available following predicted future climate change.
Kinematics and workspace analysis of 4SPRR-SPR parallel robots
Authors: Luo Lan , Hou Li , Zhang Qi , Wei Yongqiao , Wu Yang
Published: January 2021

The 4SPRR-SPR parallel robot, which has considerable potential for application in the field of machining, is a novel closed-loop mechanism with a high rigid-weight ratio. Kinematics and workspace analyses of the 4SPRR-SPR parallel robot are key requirements for its application in machining. In this study, the inverse kinematics of the 4SPRR-SPR parallel robot is analyzed using a geometric method based on the mechanism arrangement of the robot. The forward kinematics model is derived by training the vector-quantified temporal associative memory (VQTAM) network, which originates from a self-organizing map (SOM). Furthermore, an improved algorithm is obtained by combining the locally linear embedding (LLE) and VQTAM methods. A boundary extraction algorithm for the workspace analysis of the parallel robot is proposed. The performance of the boundary extraction algorithm is analyzed and compared with that of a global search algorithm; the result indicates that the novel algorithm has the same computational accuracy in addition to higher efficiency. The workspace of the 4SPRR-SPR parallel robot is analyzed using the boundary extraction algorithm. Finally, the 3D model of the 4SPRR-SPR parallel robot is simulated using the ADAMS software to verify the reliability of the proposed algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods proposed in this study. In addition, the robot kinematics and workspace analysis methods described herein can be extended to other serial and parallel robots. This research provides a theoretical framework for trajectory planning of mechanisms, workspace optimization of robots, and robotic control.
The origins of money: Calculation of similarity indexes demonstrates the earliest development of commodity money in prehistoric Central Europe
Authors: Kuijpers Maikel H. G. , Popa Cătălin N.
Published: January 2021

The origins of money and the formulation of coherent weight and measurement systems are amongst the most significant prehistoric developments of the human intellect. We present a method for detecting perceptible standardization of weights and apply this to 5028 Early Bronze Age rings, ribs, and axe blades from Central Europe. We calculate the degree of uniformity on the basis of psychophysics, and quantify this using similarity indexes. The analysis shows that 70.3% of all rings could not be perceptibly distinguished from a ring weighing 195.5 grams, indicating their suitability as commodity money. Perceptive weight equivalence is demonstrated between rings, and a selection of ribs and axe blades. Co-occurrence of these objects evidences their interchangeability. We further suggest that producing copies of rings led to recognition of weight similarities and the independent emergence of a system of weighing in Central Europe at the end of the Early Bronze Age.
A randomized clinical trial of a new anti–cervical stenosis device after conization by loop electrosurgical excision
Authors: Vieira Marcelo de Andrade , de Araújo Raphael Leonardo Cunha , da Cunha Andrade Carlos Eduardo Mattos , Schmidt Ronaldo Luis , Filho Agnaldo Lopes , Reis Ricardo dos
Published: January 2021

Background

The complications inherent to conization include vaginal bleeding, cervical stenosis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and deep dyspareunia. Cervical stenosis is the most important complication due to the clinical repercussions. Studies show rates of cervical stenosis ranging from 1.3 to 19% after the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP).

Objective

Our primary outcome was to compare the role of a new endocervical device to prevent cervical stenosis after LEEP in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was performed including phases II and III for evaluation of a new device for cervical stenosis prevention. In Phase II, we included 25 patients who underwent LEEP and placement of the device to assess its toxicity and efficacy. In phase III, we compared two groups (with and without the use of an anti-stenosis device) to evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Results

From August 2015 to June 2018, 265 participants were randomized (Phase II: 25, Phase III: 120 with DUDA and 120 without DUDA). The toxicity during phase II was observed in only one patient (4%) with pain grade > 7. There were 7 cases of toxicity during Phase III, 2 in the DUDA group (1.8%), and 5 in the No DUDA group (4.5%). The complications rate was numerically higher in the No DUDA group (2.5x higher) than the DUDA group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.52). The rate of cervical stenosis in DUDA group was (4–7,3%), and in No DUDA group was (4.3–5.8%) (p = 0.5). We did not find a significant difference when comparing the evolution at 3, 6, and 12 months in terms of cervical patency and visualization of the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) during colposcopy. The DUDA group exhibited 15% to 19% nonvisualization of the SCJ, whereas that rate ranged from 10 to 12% in the No DUDA group.

Conclusions

The rate of cervical stenosis was not different comparing the use of a new device, specifically produced to prevent cervical stenosis, compared to no use after LEEP procedure. This clinical trial opens up space for a discussion of the utility of using cervical stenosis devices after LEEP. Perhaps in another type of conization it can be evaluated to avoid cervical stenosis.
Effects of dose titration on adherence and treatment duration of pregabalin among patients with neuropathic pain: A MarketScan database study
Authors: Yeh Yu-Chen , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Marston Xiaocong L. , Shelbaya Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Objective

To examine pregabalin dose titration and its impact on treatment adherence and duration in patients with neuropathic pain (NeP).

Methods

MarketScan database (2009–2014) was used to extract a cohort of incident adult pregabalin users with NeP who had at least 12 months of follow-up data. Any dose augmentation within 45 days following the first pregabalin claim was defined as dose titration. Adherence (measured by medication possession ratio/MPR) and persistence (measured as the duration of continuous treatment) were compared between the cohorts with and without dose titration. Logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the factors associated with adherence (MPR ≥ 0.8) and predictors of time to discontinuation.

Results

Among the 5,186 patients in the analysis, only 18% of patients had dose titration. Patients who had dose titration were approximately 2.6 times as likely to be adherent (MPR ≥ 0.8) (odds ratio = 2.59, P < 0.001) than those who did not have dose titration. Kaplan-Meier analysis shows that the time to discontinuation or switch was significantly longer among patients who had dose titration (4.99 vs. 4.04 months, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Dose titration was associated with improved treatment adherence and persistence among NeP patients receiving pregabalin. The findings will provide valuable evidence to increase physician awareness of dose recommendations in the prescribing information and to educate patients on the importance of titration and adherence.