bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is otologic surgery contributing to the opioid epidemic?
Authors: Dahm Valerie , Lui Justin T. , Liepins Rudolfs , Chen Joseph M. , Le Trung N. , Arnoldner Christoph , Lin Vincent Y. W.
Published: June 2021

Background

The opioid epidemic is a significant public health crisis challenging the lives of North Americans. Interestingly, this problem does not exist to the same extent in Europe. Surgeons play a significant role in prescribing opioids, especially in the context of post-operative pain management. The aim of this study was to compare the post-surgical prescribing patterns of otologists comparing Canada and Austria.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to 33 Canadian and 32 Austrian surgeons, who perform otologic surgery on a regular basis. Surgeons were asked to answer some questions about their background as well as typical prescribing patterns for postoperative pain medication for different ear surgeries (cochlear implant, stapedotomy, tympanoplasty). In addition, surgeons were asked about the typical use of local anesthetics for pain control at the end of a procedure. Otologists gave an estimate how confident they were that their therapy and prescriptions provide sufficient pain control to their patients.

Results

Analysis of the returned questionnaires showed that opioids are more commonly prescribed in Canada than in Austria. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for postoperative pain more regularly after ear surgery in Austria, as opposed to Canada. Some of the prescribed drugs by European otologists are not available in North America. The use of local anesthetics at the end of surgery is not common in Austria. Surgeons' confidence that the prescribed pain medication was sufficient to control postoperative symptoms was higher in the group not prescribing opioids than in the group that did routinely prescribe opioids.

Conclusion

Prescribing patterns differ substantially between the two evaluated countries. This data suggests an opportunity to reduce opioid prescriptions after otologic surgeries. Studies to evaluate pain after these operations as well as efficacy of analgesics following ear surgery are an important next step.

Graphical Abstract
Strategies for smarter catchment hydrology models: incorporating scaling and better process representation
Authors: Sidle Roy C.
Published: June 2021

Hydrological models have proliferated in the past several decades prompting debates on the virtues and shortcomings of various modelling approaches. Rather than critiquing individual models or modelling approaches, the objective here is to address the critical issues of scaling and hydrological process representation in various types of models with suggestions for improving these attributes in a parsimonious manner that captures and explains their functionality as simply as possible. This discussion focuses mostly on conceptual and physical/process-based models where understanding the internal catchment processes and hydrologic pathways is important. Such hydrological models can be improved by using data from advanced remote sensing (both spatial and temporal) and derivatives, applications of machine learning, flexible structures, and informing models through nested catchment studies in which internal catchment processes are elucidated. Incorporating concepts of hydrological connectivity into flexible model structures is a promising approach for improving flow path representation. Also important is consideration of the scale dependency of hydrological parameters to avoid scale mismatch between measured and modelled parameters. Examples are presented from remote high-elevation regions where water sources and pathways differ from temperate and tropical environments where more attention has been focused. The challenge of incorporating spatially and temporally variable water inputs, hydrologically pathways, climate, and land use into hydrological models requires modellers to collaborate with catchment hydrologists to include important processes at relevant scales—i.e. develop smarter hydrological models.
The effects of exercise and active assisted cycle ergometry in post-operative total knee arthroplasty patients - a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sanzo P. , Niccoli S. , Droll K. , Puskas D. , Cullinan C. , Lees S. J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the use of an active assisted cycle ergometer as an adjunct to post-operative treatment following total knee arthroplasty.

Method

A total of 55 participants aged 50–80 years who had undergone unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to either the control group (standard of care) or the active assisted cycle ergometer (AACE) group. The effect on patient motivation, blood biomarkers, and knee pain, function, range of motion (ROM), strength, and swelling was examined. Qualitative feedback was also obtained post-operatively.

Results

Although there was no statistically significant difference in the standard of care compared to the AACE group, there was a trend for a greater reduction in knee pain on the visual analog scale, improved Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores, and knee extension ROM and strength. A greater percentage of the experimental group demonstrated higher motivation. There was no significant difference in swelling or blood biomarker measures. Qualitative feedback from the AACE group post-operatively was also positive.

Conclusions

The use of an AACE protocol as an adjunct to total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation may improve post-operative clinical outcomes. This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifierNCT02265523, Oct 16 2014). Level of evidence: Level 1 – randomized controlled trial. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm the benefits of the ergometer use.
Needs-led research: a way of employing user involvement when devising research questions on the trust model in community home-based health care services in Norway
Authors: Slåtsveen Ruth-Ellen , Wibe Torunn , Halvorsrud Liv , Lund Anne
Published: June 2021

Background

This paper presents a user involvement process, called needs-led research, conducted as a part of a doctoral degree project aiming to explore research priorities and, ultimately, to develop a final top 10 list of questions relevant to the field of research. There is evidence of a mismatch between what user groups within a research field find relevant to study and what is actually being done. User involvement is a method that can accommodate this, and there is a growing attention and amount of research in this field based on an understanding that people who receive health care services, and their next of kin and clinicians, are uniquely positioned to contribute to research in order to understand their experiences better and improve the services. This paper presents a user involvement process in a small-scale study, referred to as needs-led research, which concerns the ‘performance of the trust model in community home-based health care services’. The process was conducted as part of a doctoral degree project.

Method

The needs-led research process is inspired by the James Lind Alliance (JLA), which focuses on bringing together service users, next of kin and clinicians on equal terms to explore research priorities. The process consisted of five-steps, each of which involved representatives from service users, next of kin and clinicians: 1) narrowing down the theme; 2) steering group meeting; 3) gathering input through a survey; 4) data processing and interim priority setting; and 5) final priority setting.

Results

Almost 200 participants contributed during the five steps, 294 inputs were gathered, and 35 participants voted for the top 10 list. The top 10 list is presented.

Conclusion

This paper provides an example of how user involvement can be employed to devise research questions that are relevant for clinicians, service users, next of kin and service providers concerning the ‘performance of the trust model in home-based health care’. It also outlines some strengths and limitations of the process. The needs-led research process shows that user involvement in research is feasible for developing research questions in small-scale studies. We hope that the top 10 list presented will encourage future research to address issues of importance regarding the performance of the trust model in community home-based health care services.
Damping forced oscillations in power system via interline power flow controller with additional repetitive control
Authors: Feng Shirui , Wu Xi , Wang Zhenquan , Niu Tao , Chen Qiong
Published: June 2021

With the continuous expansion of power systems and the application of power electronic equipment, forced oscillation has become one of the key problems in terms of system safety and stability. In this paper, an interline power flow controller (IPFC) is used as a power suppression carrier and its mechanism is analyzed using the linearized state-space method to improve the system damping ratio. It is shown that although the IPFC can suppress forced oscillation with well-designed parameters, its capability of improving the system damping ratio is limited. Thus, combined with the repetitive control method, an additional repetitive controller (ARC) is proposed to further dampen the forced power oscillation. The ARC control scheme is characterized by outstanding tracking performance to a system steady reference value, and the main IPFC controller with the ARC can provide higher damping, and further reduce the amplitude of oscillations to zero compared with a supplementary damping controller (SDC). Simulation results show that the IPFC with an ARC can not only greatly reduce the oscillation amplitude, but also actively output the compensation power according to the reference value of the ARC tracking system.
Molecular reassessment of diaporthalean fungi associated with strawberry, including the leaf blight fungus, Paraphomopsis obscurans gen. et comb. nov. (Melanconiellaceae)
Authors: Udayanga Dhanushka , Miriyagalla Shaneya D. , Manamgoda Dimuthu S. , Lewers Kim S. , Gardiennet Alain , Castlebury Lisa A.
Published: June 2021

Phytopathogenic fungi in the order Diaporthales (Sordariomycetes) cause diseases on numerous economically important crops worldwide. In this study, we reassessed the diaporthalean species associated with prominent diseases of strawberry, namely leaf blight, leaf blotch, root rot and petiole blight, based on molecular data and morphological characters using fresh and herbarium collections. Combined analyses of four nuclear loci, 28S ribosomal DNA/large subunit rDNA (LSU), ribosomal internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 with 5.8S ribosomal DNA (ITS), partial sequences of second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), were used to reconstruct a phylogeny for these pathogens. Results confirmed that the leaf blight pathogen formerly known as Phomopsis obscurans belongs in the family Melanconiellaceae and not with Diaporthe (syn. Phomopsis) or any other known genus in the order. A new genus Paraphomopsis is introduced herein with a new combination, Paraphomopsis obscurans, to accommodate the leaf blight fungus. Gnomoniopsis fragariae comb. nov. (Gnomoniaceae), is introduced to accommodate Gnomoniopsis fructicola, the cause of leaf blotch of strawberry. Both of the fungi causing leaf blight and leaf blotch were epitypified. Fresh collections and new molecular data were incorporated for Paragnomonia fragariae (Sydowiellaceae), which causes petiole blight and root rot of strawberry and is distinct from the above taxa. An updated multilocus phylogeny for the Diaporthales is provided with representatives of currently known families.
Transverse testicular ectopia with inguinal hernia in an adult—a case report
Authors: Pitchumani Sudhakar , Padmanaban Elamparidhi , Achantani Yash Kumar , Dhinadhayalan Rajasree , Varadane Avinesh
Published: June 2021

Background

Transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) is a rare congenital anomaly in which both the testis are in the same hemiscrotum or one testis in the inguinal canal of the same side. It is usually associated with other anomalies such as inguinal hernia, persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS), true hermaphroditism, and pseudo-hermaphroditism. In this case report, we present a rare case of TTE in an adult patient with fused vas deferens, aplastic right seminal vesicle, and right side inguinal hernia.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old male came with complaint of severe pain in the scrotum for 2 days with a long-standing history of right inguinoscrotal swelling. Clinical examination revealed a right inguinoscrotal swelling in which right testis was not palpable separately and left testis was palpable at periphery of the left hemiscrotum. Ultrasound imaging and MRI of the scrotum revealed TTE with both testes in the left hemiscrotum, fused vas deferens, right aplastic and left hypoplastic seminal vesicle, right side patent process vaginalis with a non-obstructive, and non-strangulated inguinal hernia. Surgical intervention with transeptal orchidodpexy was advised but not performed due to the patient’s unwillingness. Hence, we recommended an annual follow-up for the same.

Conclusion

The present case report emphasizes that though TTE is a rare congenital anomaly, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with an absent testis and/or infertility, and a detailed imaging and biochemical investigation should be employed considering the wide spectrum of associated conditions.
Microplastic extraction protocols can impact the polymer structure
Authors: Pfohl Patrizia , Roth Christian , Meyer Lars , Heinemeyer Ute , Gruendling Till , Lang Christiane , Nestle Nikolaus , Hofmann Thilo , Wohlleben Wendel , Jessl Sarah
Published: June 2021

Although microplastics are ubiquitous in today’s natural environments, our understanding of the materials, quantities, and particle sizes involved remains limited. The recovery of microplastics from different types of environmental matrices requires standardized matrix digestion protocols that allow inter-laboratory comparisons and that have no effect on the polymers themselves. A number of commonly used digestion methods rely on oxidation with concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions to remove organic matter from the matrix. However, this can alter the nature of polymers through hydrolysis and often does not lead to a complete matrix removal. We have therefore investigated the use of two altered matrix digestion protocols, an acidic (Fenton) protocol and a new alkaline (Basic Piranha) protocol, focusing mainly on the effect on biodegradable polymers (polylactide, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polybutylene succinate) and polymers with known degradation pathways via hydrolysis (thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyamide). Comparing the initial surface textures, chemical compositions, and particle size distributions with those obtained after digestion revealed that the Fenton protocol left most of the polymers unchanged. The ferrous residue that remains following Fenton digestion had no effect on either the polymer composition or the particle size distribution, but could disturb further analytics (e.g. Raman microscopy due to auto-fluorescence). While increasing the chance of complete matrix removal, the more powerful Basic Piranha protocol is also more likely to affect the polymer properties: Polylactide polymers in particular showed signs of degradation under alkaline digestion (reduced polylactide content, holes in the polymer matrix), indicating the unsuitability of the Basic Piranha protocol in this specific case. Polyamide, however, remained stable during the Basic Piranha treatment, and the surface chemistry, the particle size as well as the molar mass distribution of the investigated thermoplastic polyurethanes were also not affected. Hence, this protocol offers a powerful alternative for microplastic analysis with focus on particle size in more complex environmental matrices (e.g. removal of cellulose in soil), while avoiding ferrous Fenton residue. Unexpectedly, also tire rubber, a frequent target analyte in microplastic monitoring, was found to be susceptible to artefact structures by both oxidation protocols. In summary, controls for the specific combination of polymer and sample preparation protocol are highly recommended to select the most fitting protocol. Here selected suitable combinations are reported.
Mummichog gill and operculum exhibit functionally consistent claudin-10 paralog profiles and Claudin-10c hypersaline response
Authors: Chen Chun Chih , Marshall William S. , Robertson George N. , Cozzi Regina R. F. , Kelly Scott P.
Published: June 2021

Claudin (Cldn)-10 tight junction (TJ) proteins are hypothesized to form the paracellular Na+ secretion pathway of hyposmoregulating mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) branchial epithelia. Organ-specific expression profiles showed that only branchial organs [the gill and opercular epithelium (OE)] exhibited abundant cldn-10 paralog transcripts, which typically increased following seawater (SW) to hypersaline (2SW) challenge. Post-translational properties, protein abundance, and ionocyte localization of Cldn-10c, were then examined in gill and OE. Western blot analysis revealed two Cldn-10c immunoreactive bands in the mummichog gill and OE at ∼29 kDa and ∼40 kDa. The heavier protein could be eliminated by glycosidase treatment, demonstrating the novel presence of a glycosylated Cldn-10c. Protein abundance of Cldn-10c increased in gill and OE of 2SW-exposed fish. Cldn-10c localized to the sides of gill and OE ionocyte apical crypts and partially colocalized with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and F-actin, consistent with TJ complex localization. Cldn-10c immunofluorescent intensity increased but localization was unaltered by 2SW conditions. In support of our hypothesis, cldn-10/Cldn-10 TJ protein dynamics in gill and OE of mummichogs and TJ localization are functionally consistent with the creation and maintenance of salinity-responsive, cation-selective pores that facilitate Na+ secretion in hyperosmotic environments.
Διερεύνηση του ρόλου της πρωτεάσης ΚLK6 στη φλεγμονή και στον καρκίνο του δέρματος
Authors: Χούρι Νικολά
Published: June 2021

Η καλλικρεΐνη 6 (KLK6) είναι μία σερινοπρωτεάση της οποίας η συγκέντρωση μεταβάλλεται δραστικά σε διάφορους τύπους καρκίνου, αλλά ο ρόλος της στον μη μελανωματικό καρκίνο του δέρματος, δεν έχει διερευνηθεί. Η KLK6 εκφράζεται στην επιδερμίδα και αποτελεί μέλος του επιδερμικού πρωτεολυτικού καταρράκτη ενώ έχει συνδεθεί με την φυσιολογική διαφοροποίηση του δέρματος. Στην παρούσα διατριβή ερευνήθηκε ο ρόλος της KLK6 στον μη μελανωματικό καρκίνο του δέρματος in vivo. Εφαρμόσαμε το κλασσικό πρωτόκολλο χημικής καρκινογένεσης (DΜΒΑ/ΤΡΑ) στην επιδερμίδα ποντικών αγρίου τύπου (wt) και ποντικών με γονότυπο Klk6-/- και Klk6+/-, αντιστοίχως, και παρακολουθήσαμε τόσο την ανάπτυξη των όγκων ποσοτικά, όσο και την εξέλιξή τους μελετώντας τα χαρακτηριστικά κακοήθειας σε πρώιμους καλοήθεις όγκους, και σε πλακώδη καρκινώματα. Τόσο τα Klk6-/- όσο και τα Klk6+/- ποντίκια ήταν εξαιρετικά ανθεκτικά στην ανάπτυξη όγκων σε σύγκριση με τους ποντικούς αγρίου τύπου. Αυτό εκφράστηκε με τον πολύ μικρό αριθμό όγκων που αναπτύχθηκαν, αλλά και με την πολύ καθυστερημένη έναρξη ανάπτυξής τουςσυγκριτικά με τα ποντίκια αγρίου τύπου. Οι ιστολογικές αναλύσεις των όγκων που αναπτύχθηκαν στα Klk6-/- ποντίκια μετά από παρατεταμένη (> 1 έτος) επιδερμική χορήγηση TPA αποκάλυψαν ότι οι όγκοι ήταν κυρίως καλοήθη θηλώματα, ενώ στα αγρίου τύπου ποντίκια οι όγκοι εξελίχθηκαν σε πλακώδη καρκινώματα (SCCs, squamous cell carcinomas). Στο δέρμα των ποντικών Klk6-/-παρουσιάστηκε σημαντική μείωση της φλεγμονής μετά από χρόνια έκθεση σε ΤΡΑ, πράγμα που υποδεικνύεται από την αξιοσημείωτα χαμηλή έκφραση των προφλεγμονωδών κυτταροκινών σε αντίθεση με το δέρμα των ποντικών αγρίου τύπου. Επιπρόσθετα, η ικανότητα των εμφυτευμένων καρκινικών κυττάρων PDVC57 να σχηματίσουν όγκους ήταν σημαντικά μειωμένη στα ποντίκια Klk6-/-. Η συγκεκριμένη μελέτη ταυτοποίησε, για πρώτη φορά, την πρωτεάση KLK6 ως νέο παράγοντα προαγωγής του καρκίνου του δέρματος από τα πρώιμα στάδια εξέλιξης των όγκων.Επιπρόσθετα, τεκμηριώνει ότι η KLK6 είναι ένας σημαντικός μοριακός παράγοντας στην ανάπτυξη της φλεγμονής του δέρματος και των φλεγμονωδών διεργασιών που προάγουν τους όγκους. Τέλος, τεκμηριώνει ότι η έλλειψη της Klk6 συνδέεται με την αξιοσημείωτη καταστολή της χημικώς προκαλούμενης καρκινογένεσης του δέρματος και με την εξέλιξη του όγκου in vivo. Η πιθανή αιτιότητα αυτού του αποτελέσματος είναι η ανεπαρκής επαγωγή της φλεγμονής κατά τη φάση της νεοπλασματικής εξέλιξης των όγκων.
Διερεύνηση του φάσματος των πολυμορφισμών των μεταφορέων πουρινών-πυριμιδινών σε συμβιωτικά και παθογόνα βακτήρια
Authors: Λάζου Παναγιώτα
Published: June 2021

Οι μεταφορείς πουρινών είναι πρωτεΐνες ενεργού μεταφοράς που δημιουργούν διαμεμβρανικές «διαδρομές» εισόδου τόσο για σημαντικούς μεταβολίτες όσο και για κυτταροτοξικά τους ανάλογα μέσα στα κύτταρα. Η γνώση των μηχανισμών που καθορίζουν την εξειδίκευση των πρωτεϊνών αυτών ως προς τα υποστρώματα και τους δυνητικούς αναστολείς τους, θα συμβάλει αποφασιστικά στην δυνατότητα επιλεκτικής στόχευσης των μεταφορέων είτε για περιβαλλοντικούς (π.χ. έλεγχος της αύξησης συγκεκριμένων ομάδων μικροοργανισμών από το περιβάλλον) είτε για θεραπευτικούς λόγους (π.χ. αντιμετώπιση παθογόνων μικροοργανισμών με ειδικά φάρμακα), ανάλογα με τον τύπο κυττάρου ή οργανισμού που μας ενδιαφέρει. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετήθηκαν οι πολυμορφισμοί και συγκεκριμένες δομικές-λειτουργικές διαφορές των διαμεμβρανικών μεταφορέων πουρινών-πυριμιδινών από συμβιωτικά και παθογόνα βακτήρια με στόχο την κατανόηση αλλαγών στο πρότυπο αναγνώρισης διαφορετικών κυτταροτοξικών αναλόγων που μπορεί να συνδέονται με αλλαγές στο προφίλ εξειδίκευσης μεταξύ συγγενικών παθογόνων ή μη βακτηρίων. Στην πρώτη ερευνητική προσέγγιση πραγματοποιήθηκε πληροφορική ανάλυση των διαφορών στις προβλεπόμενες αλληλουχίες αμινοξέων μεταξύ δυνητικών γονιδίων μεταφορέων πουρινών-πυριμιδινών και/ή νουκλεοσιδίων (οικογένειες NCS1, NAT/NCS2 και CNT) από φυλογενετικές ομάδες συγγενικών ειδών και στελεχών βακτηρίων, με έμφαση στην ομάδα όλων των διαφορετικών στελεχών της φυλογενετικής ομάδας Escherichia/Shigella που είναι γνωστά από τις αναλύσεις γονιδιώματος, και, στη συνέχεια, αξιολογήθηκε η επίπτωση των διαφορών αυτών στο προφίλ αναγνώρισης τοξικών αναλόγων μέσω συνδυαστικής μεταλλαξιγένεσης. Στη δεύτερη στρατηγική πραγματοποιήθηκε κλωνοποίηση και λειτουργική ανάλυση των αντίστοιχων ομολόγων μεταφορέων από παθογόνα στελέχη συγγενικά προς την Escherichia coli K-12, όπως των γενών Acinetobacter και Aeromonas και, στη συνέχεια, μελετήθηκε το προφίλ εξειδίκευσης των κυριότερων μεταφορέων των παθογόνων στελεχών σε σύγκριση προς τα προφίλ των ομόλογων μεταφορέων από μη παθογόνα συγγενικά βακτήρια. Η ανάλυση των διαφορών εξειδίκευσης των μεταφορέων των οικογενειών NCS1, NAT/NCS2 και/ή CNT από τα διαφορετικά είδη και στελέχη παθογόνων και μη πρωτεοβακτηρίων αναμένεται να συμβάλει στον αποτελεσματικότερο σχεδιασμό συνθετικών αναλόγων πουρινών ανάλογα με το προφίλ εξειδίκευσης των αντίστοιχων πρωτεϊνών των κυττάρων-στόχων.
Baugeschichtliche Untersuchungen im Jahre 2002
Authors: Brandenberger Rebekka , Jaggi Bernard , Merki Matthias , Reicke Daniel , Ritzmann Hans , Tramèr Stephan
Published: June 2021

Auch dieses Jahr bot wieder eine Fülle von ganz unterschiedlichen Fällen, von Kleinstuntersuchungen bzw. eingriffsfreien Dokumentationen bis zur Grossuntersuchung. lm folgenden Bericht kommen insgesamt 19 Bauforschungsfälle zur Sprache.
Eine romanische Kirche unter der ehemaligen St. Johanneskapelle am Münsterplatz
Authors: Alder Cornelia , Hagendorn Andrea , Lassau Guido , Reicke Daniel , Richner Kaspar , Stegmüller Christian
Published: June 2021

Vom Frühjahr 2002 bis zu Beginn von 2003 legten die Mitarbeitenden der Archäologischen Bodenforschung und der Basler Denkmalpflege umfangreiche und gut erhaltene Baustrukturen der spätgotischen St. Johanneskapelle und eines bisher unbekannten romanischen Vorgängerbaus aus der Zeit um 1100 frei. Wie auf dem Münsterhügel nicht anders zu erwarten, wurden auch zahlreiche Befunde und Funde keltischer und römischer Zeitstellung nachgewiesen.
Tätigkeitsbericht der Archäologischen Bodenforschung Basel-Stadt für das Jahr 2003
Authors: Lassau Guido
Published: June 2021

Der Tätigkeitsbericht des Kantonsarchäologen bietet einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen und die Arbeiten in den verschiedenen Abteilungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung im Jahr 2003.
Vorbericht über die Grabungen 2008 im Bereich der spätlatènezeitlichen Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik
Authors: Hüglin Sophie , Spichtig Norbert
Published: June 2021

Berichte zu den archäologischen Untersuchungen in der Fundstelle «Basel-Gasfabrik» im Jahr 2008.
Rates and predictors of data and code sharing in the medical and health sciences: Protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.
Authors: Hamilton Daniel G. , Fraser Hannah , Fidler Fiona , McDonald Steve , Rowhani-Farid Anisa , Hong Kyungwan , Page Matthew J.
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have demonstrated low but increasing rates of data and code sharing within medical and health research disciplines. However it remains unclear how commonly data and code are shared across all fields of medical and health research, as well as whether sharing rates are positively associated with implementation of progressive policies by publishers and funders, or growing expectations from the medical and health research community at large. Therefore this systematic review aims to synthesise the findings of medical and health science studies that have empirically investigated the prevalence of data or code sharing, or both. Objectives include the investigation of: (i) the prevalence of public sharing of research data and code alongside published articles (including preprints), (ii) the prevalence of private sharing of research data and code in response to reasonable requests, and (iii) factors associated with the sharing of either research output (e.g., the year published, the publisher’s policy on sharing, the presence of a data or code availability statement). It is hoped that the results will provide some insight into how often research data and code are shared publicly and privately, how this has changed over time, and how effective some measures such as the institution of data sharing policies and data availability statements have been in motivating researchers to share their underlying data and code.
Hand Hygiene Practices and the Risk of Human Coronavirus Infections in a UK Community Cohort
Authors: Beale Sarah , Johnson Anne M. , Zambon Maria ,   Flu Watch Group, Hayward Andrew C. , Fragaszy Ellen B.
Published: June 2021

Background: Hand hygiene may mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in community settings; however, empirical evidence is limited. Given reports of similar transmission mechanisms for COVID-19 and seasonal coronaviruses, we investigated whether hand hygiene impacted the risk of acquiring seasonal coronavirus infections.

Methods: Data were drawn from three successive winter cohorts (2006-2009) of the England-wide Flu Watch study.  Participants (n=1633) provided baseline estimates of hand hygiene behaviour. Coronavirus infections were identified from nasal swabs using RT-PCR. Poisson mixed models estimated the effect of hand hygiene on personal risk of coronavirus illness, both unadjusted and adjusted for confounding by age and healthcare worker status.

Results: Moderate-frequency handwashing (6-10 times per day) predicted a lower personal risk of coronavirus infection (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) =0.64, p=0.04). There was no evidence for a dose-response effect of handwashing, with results for higher levels of hand hygiene (>10 times per day) not significant (aIRR =0.83, p=0.42).

Conclusions: This is the first empirical evidence that regular handwashing can reduce personal risk of acquiring seasonal coronavirus infection. These findings support clear public health messaging around the protective effects of hand washing in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Structures and electrical equipment for high-speed ground transport
Authors: Evstaf'ev Andrey , Maznev Aleksandr , Pegov Dmitriy , Sychugov Anton , Vasil'ev Vitaliy
Published: June 2021

The issues of the history of the development of high-speed transport, the principles of operation and the device of mechanical and electrical equipment, the features of maintenance and operation of modern high-speed trains are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of railway transport universities studying in the specialty "Rolling Stock of railways" and the direction "Electric power and electrical Engineering", and can also be useful for engineering and technical workers associated with the operation and maintenance of high-speed trains.
Neuropsychology
Authors: Bizyuk Aleksandr
Published: June 2021

The textbook is based on the materials of well-known domestic and foreign manuals on neurology, publications of leading specialists in the field of neuropsychology and related disciplines. It contains basic information on the anatomy of the central nervous system; basic principles and theories that provide an understanding of the laws of the brain; psychological characteristics of symptoms and syndromes that develop in lesions of the cortex and subcortical structures; a brief description of neuropsychological tests and hardware techniques that allow identifying the topic of the lesion.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students specializing in the field of clinical (medical) special psychology, speech therapy, as well as for students of retraining and advanced training courses in these specialties.
Social work with people with disabilities
Authors: Pristupa Elena
Published: June 2021

The textbook reveals the theoretical and applied foundations of social work as a profession. The general principles of social work with persons with disabilities are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the direction of training 39.03.02 "Social work" (academic bachelor's degree), as well as for teachers of higher education institutions.
Tactical and special training
Authors: Mihaylikov Vitaliy , Voynov Pavel , Tarasenko Aleksandr , Kolmykov Sergey
Published: June 2021

The textbook deals with the basics of the legal and organizational regulation of the activities of the Department of Internal Affairs in emergency situations, highlights the tactics of the actions of the Department of Internal Affairs officers as part of service orders and functional groups during special operations, presents the methodology for calculating the forces and means of the Department of Internal Affairs when performing operational and service-combat tasks in various operational conditions, shows various tactical techniques for conducting active actions as part of a group of forces and means, elements of its combat order.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for cadets, trainees and students studying in the specialties 40.05.01 "Legal support of national security"; 40.05.02, 40.02.02 "Law enforcement"; in the direction of training 40.03.01 "Jurisprudence".
Fundamentals of psychological correction of children and adolescents
Authors: Savinkov Stanislav , Barysheva Ekaterina , Zolotova Veronika , Kozyreva Valentina , Pozdnyakova Elena , Lavrik Oksana
Published: June 2021

The textbook, which is the result of the joint work of the author's team, examines various approaches to the nature of the child's psyche, the principles, tasks and specifics of psychological correction in childhood and adolescence. The main scientific and most practice-oriented areas of psychotherapy and development correction, as well as specific techniques and methods for working with children and adolescents, are presented.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the direction of "Psychological and pedagogical education" (qualification "bachelor"), as well as for a wide range of specialists dealing with the problems of correcting the development of children and adolescents, providing psychological assistance.
Fundamentals of metal science and welding
Authors: Mosesov Marat
Published: June 2021

The textbook discusses the properties of metals used in construction, methods of their production and processing, as well as methods and technical means of performing welded joints.
The presented material meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation and the programs of the courses "Technology of structural materials" and "Metal Science and Welding", taught to students of the faculties "Industrial and Civil Engineering", "Hydraulic Engineering", "Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation", "Construction of unique buildings and structures", as well as to first-year students of the Faculty" Mechanization, Automation and Electrification of Construction " and undergraduates studying the course of metal structures and technologies of structural materials.
It will be useful for students in mastering the lecture material, conducting laboratory work and completing diploma projects, as well as for students of advanced training courses and retraining of construction specialists.
Personocentrism in classical Russian literature of the XIX century. Dialectics of Artistic Consciousness
Authors: Andreev Anatoliy
Published: June 2021

The monograph is devoted to the study of the brightest phenomenon of the world art culture — Russian literature of the "golden age", which was formed as an aristocratic, personocentric literature. Russian Russian literature began to realize its "cultural code", its purpose, which was close to it in spirit; moreover, it unconsciously formed a program for its development, immediately finding its "gold mine": elitist personocentrism as a highly promising vector of culture, which became a decisive factor in the world recognition of Russian literature. The end-to-end plot of the book was the spiritual biography of the" extra person", a person, a personality. The author suggests that the starting point in the Russian cultural identification of the modern type is "Eugene Onegin" by A. S. Pushkin. This novel in verse, which embodied the type of "superfluous", determined not only the specifics and strategy of the development of Russian literature (which is proved by the analysis of the key classical works of the XIX century-from Griboyedov to Chekhov); in fact, it formed a program for the development of modern world literature.
For specialists in literature, teachers and students of philological faculties of universities. It will also be useful for cultural scientists, specialists in literary and artistic creativity.
Administrative and legal protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens in the field of defense and security of the Russian Federation
Authors: Fedotova Yuliya
Published: June 2021

The monograph is devoted to the administrative and legal protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens in the field of defense and security of the Russian Federation. The mechanism of administrative and legal support of defense and security and the administrative and legal status of citizens as subjects of this activity are disclosed. The author's vision of the concept and content of administrative and legal protection is justified, the functional characteristics of the powers of state authorities are given, and the specifics of state control in this area are indicated.
It is intended for students, cadets, postgraduates, teachers, practitioners, as well as a wide range of readers interested in the problems of ensuring defense and security.
Organization of work of bodies and institutions of social protection of the population
Authors: Dianova Irina , Mitin Aleksandr , Pleshakova Inna , Sotnikova Liliya , Tokareva (Silkina) , Shipulina Larisa
Published: June 2021

The textbook deals with the main issues of the course "Organization of the work of social protection bodies and institutions in the Russian Federation": general characteristics of the social protection system and the organization of the work of social protection bodies and institutions in the Russian Federation; legal status and organization of the work of federal executive authorities, other state bodies in the field of social protection of the population, the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation, the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation, etc.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students studying in the specialty 40.02.01 "Law and organization of social security", as well as for employees of bodies and organizations of social protection of the population, other state and municipal bodies and institutions that perform functions for the social protection of certain categories of citizens.
Modern programming technologies. The C#language. Volume 2. For advanced users
Authors: Dadyan Eduard
Published: June 2021

The task of volume 2 of the textbook is to describe in detail, in an accessible way, and with practical examples, all the features of the C# language, one of the most promising modern object-oriented programming languages. The course assumes a good command of the material set out in volume 1 of the textbook, and is designed to learn additional features of the C#language. The work with strings, dates and times, threads and the file system, ISON and XML (using practical examples), etc. is considered in detail.
The Visual Studio. NET environment is considered as the development environment. All sample programs are given in C#.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students studying in the direction of training 09.03.03 "Applied Informatics", undergraduate and graduate students of all areas of training and specialties, as well as graduate students and students of the IPK.
On the number of stable positive solutions of weakly nonlinear elliptic equations when the diffusion is small
Authors: Dancer Edward N.
Published: June 2021

We study the exact number of stable positive solutions of weakly nonlinear elliptic equations with small diffusion under rather general conditions on the nonlinearity.
Adenomatoid Hyperplasia: Case Report of a Rare Lesion in Uncommon Location
Authors: Aminzadeh Atousa , Shirneshan Keivan , Sabour Nooshnaz , Beheshti Mohammadreza Korang
Published: June 2021

Adenomatoid hyperplasia is a rare lesion of the minor salivary glands recognized by localized swelling that mimics a neoplasm. This so-called pseudotumor usually occurring in adults 4th to 6th decade of life mostly, in 80%, occurs as a unilateral swelling without ulcer on the hard and soft palate. The pathogenesis of this condition is not well known but local trauma might have a role. In this case report three cases of adenomatoid hyperplasia have been reported to bring attention to this lesion as it is clinically similar to many soft tissue lesions of oral mucosa so should be considered while making a clinical diagnosis. Also, Pathologists should investigate a proper sample size under a microscope not to confuse a normal salivary gland adjacent to salivary gland tumours with Adenomatoid hyperplasia.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of exception reporting at a district general hospital
Authors: Underwood Charlotte G , Yunus Qamrunnisa U , Gibson Alexander B
Published: June 2021

Background/aims

Exception reporting is a function by which junior doctors report when their work has varied from expected. This study analysed the reporting at the authors' hospital.

Methods

The authors analysed 204 reports submitted across 12 months to investigate the nature and pattern of the exception reports.

Results

The majority of reports (86%) were for ‘hours and rest’, 5% for education and 9% for both. On average doctors reported an additional 1.32 hours of work per report. The most common response was time off in lieu, but 13% of reports were never responded to. Qualitative analysis showed the most common reasons for reporting were ‘work outside of rostered hours’, ‘workload’ and ‘staffing issues’. Over 10% of the reports discussed an educational issue.

Conclusions

The data were not specific and there was fewer than one report per junior doctor in the period analysed. It is therefore unlikely that the reports submitted represent the additional work done by junior doctors at the hospital. Guardians should investigate local attitudes to exception reporting and educate both seniors and juniors on the importance of submitting accurate exception reports.
Effect of pH and pH-Shifting on Adhesion Performance and Properties of Lignin-Protein Adhesives
Authors: Pradyawong Sarocha , Qi Guangyan , Zhang Meng , Sun Xiuzhi S. , Wang Donghai
Published: June 2021

Highlights

Lignin improved the wet adhesion strength of soy protein adhesives when pH shifted from 8.5 to 4.5.

Lignin increased the water resistance of soy protein adhesives from 5% to 40% at pH 12.

Lignin improved the thermal resistance of soy protein adhesives.

pH and pH-shifting treatments led to property changes of lignin, soy protein, and lignin-soy protein.

Abstract. Concerns about public health and the environment have created strong interest in developing alternative green products. The focus of this research was to study the effect of lignin on soy protein (SP) adhesives under different pH and pH-shifting treatments. Additionally, this research was designed to understand the consequence of pH and pH-shifting treatments on the adhesion performance of SP and lignin-SP (LSP) adhesives as well as the characteristics, solubility, glue line patterns, and physiochemical properties. To study the aggregation, soluble, and denatured stages of protein, the protein solutions were adjusted to pH 4.5, 8.5, and 12, respectively. In addition, the study of pH-shifting treatments was performed at pH 8.5 and 12 to unfold and denature the protein, respectively. The protein structure was then refolded by adjusting the pH to 4.5 in adhesive slurries. The adhesives presented good adhesion performance under dry conditions with wood failure in most treatments, while satisfactory wet adhesion performance was obtained at pH 4.5, 8.5 to 4.5, and 12. Shifting the pH from 8.5 to 4.5 increased the lignin-protein interaction and provided the best improvement in adhesion performance. Lignin strengthened the protein structure, increased the water resistance, and improved the thermal stability of SP adhesives. At an extremely high pH, the water resistance of SP increased from 5% to 40% with the addition of lignin. Lignin showed great potential for increasing the wet strength of SP adhesives. The SP and LSP properties and adhesion performance could be adjusted and improved by pH and pH-shifting processes. Lignin-SP interactions, water resistance, and glue line pattern proved to be significant factors contributing to adhesion performance. Keywords: Adhesive, Lignin, Lignin-protein interactions, pH, pH-Shifting, Protein.
Three Steps to Improve Jellyfish Search Optimiser
Authors: Bujok Petr
Published: June 2021

This paper describes three different mechanisms used in Jellyfish Search (JS) optimiser. At first, an archive of good old solutions is used to prevent getting stuck in the local-optima area. Further, a distribution coefficient beta is adapted during the search process to control population diversity. Finally, an Eigen transformation of individuals in the reproduction process is used occasionally to cope with rotated functions. Three proposed variants of the JS optimiser are compared with the original JS algorithm and nine various well-known Nature-inspired optimisation methods when solving real-world problems of CEC 2011. Provided results achieved by statistical comparison show efficiency of the individual newly employed mechanisms.
Mixed-Integer Programming Model for Ranking Universities: Letting Universities Choose the Weights
Authors: Kudela Jakub
Published: June 2021

Regardless of the shortcomings and criticisms of world university rankings, these metrics are still widely used by students and parents to select universities and by universities to attract talented students and researchers, as well as funding. This paper proposes a new mixed-integer programming model for ranking universities. The new approach alleviates one of the criticisms -- the issue of the ``arbitrariness'' of the weights used for aggregation of the individual criteria (or indicators) utilized in the contemporary rankings. Instead, the proposed model uses intervals of different sizes for the weights and lets the universities themselves ``choose'' the weights to optimize their position in the rankings. A numerical evaluation of the proposed ranking, based on the indicator values and weights from the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, is presented.
Wavefront sensor-less adaptive optics using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Durech Eduard , Newberry William , Franke Jonas , Sarunic Marinko V.
Published: June 2021

Image degradation due to wavefront aberrations can be corrected with adaptive optics (AO). In a typical AO configuration, the aberrations are measured directly using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and corrected with a deformable mirror in order to attain diffraction limited performance for the main imaging system. Wavefront sensor-less adaptive optics (SAO) uses the image information directly to determine the aberrations and provide guidance for shaping the deformable mirror, often iteratively. In this report, we present a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) approach for SAO correction using a custom-built fluorescence confocal scanning laser microscope. The experimental results demonstrate the improved performance of the DRL approach relative to a Zernike Mode Hill Climbing algorithm for SAO.
Accurate and fast modeling of scattering from random arrays of nanoparticles using the discrete dipole approximation and angular spectrum method
Authors: Baker Maryam , Liu Weilin , McLeod Euan
Published: June 2021

Lens-free microscopes can utilize holographic reconstruction techniques to recover the image of an object from the digitally recorded superposition of an unperturbed plane wave and a wave scattered by the object. Image reconstruction most commonly relies on the scalar angular spectrum method (ASM). While fast, the scalar ASM can be inaccurate for nanoscale objects, either because of the scalar approximation, or more generally, because it only models field propagation and not light-matter interaction, including inter-particle coupling. Here we evaluate the accuracy of the scalar ASM when combined with three different light-matter interaction models for computing the far-field light scattered by random arrays of gold and polystyrene nanoparticles. Among the three models—a dipole-matched transmission model, an optical path length model, and a binary amplitude model—we find that which model is most accurate depends on the nanoparticle material and packing density. For polystyrene particles at any packing density, there is always at least one model with error below 20%, while for gold nanoparticles with 40% or 50% surface coverage, there are no models that can provide errors better than 30%. The ASM error is determined in comparison to a discrete dipole approximation model, which is more computationally efficient than other full-wave modeling techniques. The knowledge of when and how the ASM fails can serve as a first step toward improved resolution in lens-free reconstruction and can also be applied to other random nanoparticle array applications such as lens-based super-resolution imaging, sub-diffraction beam focusing, and biomolecular sensing.