bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of I-scan technique in screening for lung cancer in smokers with positive sputum cytology
Authors: Abdelhady Ahmed Mohamed , Abdallah Dina Mohamed Mohamed
Published: May 2020

Background

Lung cancer has a very poor prognosis and high mortality. Positive sputum for malignant and/or atypical cells warrants the need for fibreoptic bronchoscopy. White light bronchoscopy (WLB) is usually unable to detect preinvasive lesions; therefore, autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) was introduced as a gold standard for detecting such lesions. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of I-scan as a screening tool for cancer in smoker patients showing positive sputum cytology.

Results

New suspicious findings under I-scan occurred in 11 patients (36.7%). The overall sensitivity of WLB alone to diagnose malignancy is 23.3%, in contrast to an added sensitivity of 50% when I-scan was combined with white light (pvalue < 0.05). The specificity of I-scan could not be assessed in the absence of control cases (true negatives). No major complications or deaths occurred. Haemorrhage and bronchospasm were the commonest minor complications.

Conclusions

The addition of I-scan to the routine white light examination can increase the overall sensitivity of bronchoscopic screening in cases of sputum suspicious for malignancy if put in experienced hand. The suggested increase in procedure duration due to the combined use of I-scan and white light bronchoscopy is not associated with life-threatening complications.
Glycemic Monitoring and Management in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Galindo Rodolfo J , Beck Roy W , Scioscia Maria F , Umpierrez Guillermo E , Tuttle Katherine R
Published: May 2020

Glucose and insulin metabolism in patients with diabetes are profoundly altered by advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Risk of hypoglycemia is increased by failure of kidney gluconeogenesis, impaired insulin clearance by the kidney, defective insulin degradation due to uremia, increased erythrocyte glucose uptake during hemodialysis, impaired counterregulatory hormone responses (cortisol, growth hormone), nutritional deprivation, and variability of exposure to oral antihyperglycemic agents and exogenous insulin. Patients with end-stage kidney disease frequently experience wide glycemic excursions, with common occurrences of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Assessment of glycemia by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is hampered by a variety of CKD-associated conditions that can bias the measure either to the low or high range. Alternative glycemic biomarkers, such as glycated albumin or fructosamine, are not fully validated. Therefore, HbA1c remains the preferred glycemic biomarker despite its limitations. Based on observational data for associations with mortality and risks of hypoglycemia with intensive glycemic control regimens in advanced CKD, an HbA1c range of 7% to 8% appears to be the most favorable. Emerging data on the use of continuous glucose monitoring in this population suggest promise for more precise monitoring and treatment adjustments to permit fine-tuning of glycemic management in patients with diabetes and advanced CKD.
ApoB48-Lipoproteins Are Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Vine Donna F , Beilin Lawrence J , Burrows Sally , Huang Rae-Chi , Hickey Martha , Hart Roger , Proctor Spencer D , Mori Trevor A
Published: May 2020

Context

Adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have increased incidence of cardiometabolic risk factors including dyslipidemia. Atherogenic apolipoprotein (apo) B-lipoprotein remnants are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of fasting plasma apoB-lipoprotein remnants, apoB48 and apoB100, and their association with cardiometabolic risk factors and androgen indices in adolescent girls with and without PCOS.

Design, setting and participants

Participants (n = 184) aged 17 years were recruited in the Menstruation in Teenagers Study from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study.

The main outcome measures

Fasting plasma apo-B48 and -B100 lipoprotein remnant concentrations in adolescent girls with and without PCOS.

Results

Fasting plasma apoB48-lipoprotein remnants but not apoB100-lipoprotein remnants were elevated in adolescent girls with increased cardiometabolic risk compared with those with lower cardiometabolic risk (13.91 ± 5.06 vs 12.09 ± 4.47 µg/mL, P < .01). ApoB48-lipoprotein remnants were positively correlated with fasting plasma triglycerides (b = .43, P < .0001). The prevalence of increased cardiometabolic risk factors was 2-fold higher in those diagnosed with PCOS (35.3%) than in those without PCOS (16.3%).Conclusion: Adolescents with PCOS have a 2-fold higher incidence of cardiometabolic risk factors than those without PCOS. Fasting apoB48-lipoprotein remnants are elevated in adolescent girls with a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors.
Anesthetic Management of an Infant With Kleefstra Syndrome During Direct Laryngoscopy and Rigid Bronchoscopy: A Case Report
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshikazu , D’Mello Ajay , Willer Brittany L. , Argote-Romero Graciela , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: May 2020

Kleefstra syndrome (KS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a chromosomal deletion at 9q34.3 resulting in pathogenic variants of the gene that codes for the enzyme, euchromatin histone methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1). KS is a rare, yet clinically relevant congenital disorder for anesthesiologists because of its potential for cardiac and craniofacial involvement. We present a 3-month-old patient with KS who required anesthetic care for diagnostic laryngoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy. The end-organ effects of KS are reviewed and our anesthetic care presented.
Left Paraglossal Approach for Airway Management of Patient With Large Neck Mass in an Austere Environment: A Case Report
Authors: Cyr Kyle L. , Orestes Michael I. , Gómez Godoy Diana C. , Adams Michael A.
Published: May 2020

We present the case of a 25-year-old man with a significant neck mass and describe the technique used for managing his airway given limited equipment in an austere environment. Physical examination and imaging revealed significant proximal airway involvement. Without access to a fiberoptic bronchoscope, we sought a technique that might avoid contact with the mass from both the laryngoscope and endotracheal tube. In this case report, we describe our approach to left paraglossal laryngoscopy and intubation under general anesthesia—a method not well described in the literature and proved to be imperative for our airway management.
Genetic activation of Nrf2 reduces cutaneous symptoms in a murine model of Netherton syndrome
Authors: Muzumdar Sukalp , Koch Michael , Hiebert Hayley , Bapst Andreas , Gravina Alessia , Bloch Wilhelm , Beer Hans-Dietmar , Werner Sabine , Schäfer Matthias
Published: May 2020

Netherton syndrome is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder primarily characterized by the detachment of the uppermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum. It results from mutations in the SPINK5 gene, which codes for a kallikrein inhibitor. Uncontrolled kallikrein activity leads to premature desquamation, resulting in a severe epidermal barrier defect and consequently life-threatening systemic infections and chronic cutaneous inflammation. Here, we show that genetic activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nfe2l2/Nrf2) in keratinocytes of Spink5 knockout mice, a model for Netherton syndrome, significantly alleviates their cutaneous phenotype. Nrf2 activation promoted attachment of the stratum corneum and concomitantly epidermal barrier function, and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. Mechanistically, we show that Nrf2 activation induces overexpression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (Slpi), a known inhibitor of kallikrein 7 and elastase 2, in mouse and human keratinocytes in vivo and in vitro, respectively. In the Spink5-deficient epidermis, the upregulation of SLPI likely promotes stabilization of corneodesmosomes, thereby preventing premature desquamation. Our results thus suggest pharmacological NRF2 activation as a promising treatment modality for Netherton syndrome patients.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of cognitive impairment on the risk of admission to long-term care after stroke
Authors: Shumba Jefrey , McLoughlin Affraic , Browne Lamorna , Schmid Alenka , Wren Maev-Ann , Hickey Anne , Kelly Peter , Bennett Kathleen , Rohde Daniela , Sexton Eithne
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Admission to long-term care (LTC) post-stroke can be a significant source of costs. Studies evaluating the effect of cognitive impairment (CI) and dementia on risk of LTC admission post-stroke have not been systematically reviewed. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of the association between post-stroke CI/dementia and admission to LTC.

Patients and methods: PubMed, PsycInfo and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases were searched for peer-review articles in English published January 2000-June 2018. Included studies were population-based or hospital-based studies assessing the relationship between CI or dementia, and admission to LTC post-stroke. Abstracts were screened, followed by full-text review of potentially relevant articles. Relevant data was extracted using a standard form and the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used for quality appraisal. Results were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

Results: 18 articles were included in the review and 12 in a meta-analysis. 14/18 studies adjusted for covariates including functional impairment. Increased odds of admission to LTC was associated with post-stroke CI [Odds Ratio (CI 95%): 2.36 (1.18, 4.71), I²=77%] and post-stroke dementia [Odds Ratio (CI 95%): 2.58 (1.38 to 4.82), I²=60%].

Discussion and conclusion: Post-stroke CI and dementia increase odds of admission to LTC post-stroke, independent of functional impairment. This indicates the potential for interventions that reduce post-stroke CI and dementia to also reduce risk of admission to LTC post-stroke, and ultimately costs.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals diverse gene expression changes in airway macrophages during experimental allergic airway disease
Authors: Branchett William J. , O'Garra Anne , Lloyd Clare M.
Published: May 2020

Background: Airway macrophages (AMs) are the most abundant leukocytes in the healthy airway lumen and have a highly specialised but plastic phenotype that is governed by signals in the local microenvironment. AMs are thought to maintain immunological homeostasis in the steady state, but have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic airway disease (AAD). In this study, we aimed to better understand these potentially contrasting AM functions using transcriptomic analysis.

Methods: Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on AMs flow cytometry sorted from C57BL/6 mice during experimental AAD driven by repeated house dust mite inhalation (AMsHDM), compared to control AMs from non-allergic mice. Differentially expressed genes were further analysed by hierarchical clustering and biological pathway analysis.

Results: AMsHDM showed increased expression of genes associated with antigen presentation, inflammatory cell recruitment and tissue repair, including several chemokine and matrix metalloproteinase genes. This was accompanied by increased expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain subunit genes and the retinoic acid biosynthetic enzyme gene Raldh2. Conversely, AMsHDM displayed decreased expression of a number of cell cycle genes, genes related to cytoskeletal functions and a subset of genes implicated in antimicrobial innate immunity, such as Tlr5, Il18 and Tnf. Differential gene expression in AMsHDM was consistent with upstream effects of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ, both of which were present at increased concentrations in lung tissue after HDM treatment.

Conclusions: These data highlight diverse gene expression changes in the total AM population in a clinically relevant mouse model of AAD, collectively suggestive of contributions to inflammation and tissue repair/remodelling, but with decreases in certain steady state cellular and immunological functions.
Learning from each other in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Seale Anna C. , Ibeto Maryirene , Gallo Josie , le Polain de Waroux Olivier , Glynn Judith R. , Fogarty Jenny
Published: May 2020

The increase in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide has been paralleled by increasing information, and misinformation. Accurate public health messaging is essential to counter this, but education may also have a role. Early in the outbreak, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine partnered with FutureLearn to develop a massive open online course (MOOC) on COVID-19. Our approach was grounded in social constructivism, supporting participation, sharing uncertainties, and encouraging discussion. The first run of the course included over 200,000 participants from 184 countries, with over 88,000 comments at the end of the three-week run. Many participants supported each other’s learning in their responses and further questions. Our experience suggests that open education, and supporting the development of communities of learners, can complement traditional messaging, providing a sustainable approach to countering the spread of misinformation.
ANTI-EROSION EFFICIENCY OF FALLOW LANDS DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES IN THE STEPPE ZONE
Authors: Chebochakov Egor , Murtaev Valeriy
Published: May 2020

Research was conducted with the aim of developing technology for the development of fallow lands in the south of Central Siberia. The work was carried out in 2012-2015 on chestnut soil (experiment 1) and southern chernozem (experiment 2) in the Republic of Khakassia. The humus content in the 0 ... 20 cm layer of chestnut soil is 2.67%, N-NO3 is 20.1 ... 22.4 mg/kg, P2O5 and K2O (according to Machigin) are 23.5 and 328 mg/kg, respectively, in southern chernozem - respectively 4.5%, 16.6 ... 19.2, 19.3 and 720 mg/kg. The experimental designs provided for various combinations of mechanical tillage and spraying with herbicides of fallow plots, performed at different times, in the year preceding the sowing of crops. In technologies using herbicides in August, the amount of conditional stubble in spring was 60 pcs/m2 more, and erosion was 1.7 ... 2.5 times lower than in versions with flat cutting. The dumping of chestnut soil increases the yield of green mass of oats, compared with flat-cut, by 2.5 t/ha (24.5%), corn - by 4.0 t/ha (31.2%). In the southern chernozem, the technology with plowing ensured the formation of 5.7 t/ha of green mass of oats, which is 0.5 t/ha (8.8%) more than during flat cutting. In general, in the steppe zone of Central Siberia, the use of plowing in the technology for the development of fallow lands increases their productivity, while the greatest protection of the soil from erosion is provided by replacing its mechanical treatment in August with spraying with herbicides
SELECTION OF CROP TECHNOLOGIES: APPROACHES AND METHODS APPLICABLE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Alt Victor , Isakova Svetlana , Balushkina Elena
Published: May 2020

The studies were carried out in order to justify the possibilities of increasing crop production based on the effective use of approaches and methods used in information systems for the choice of agricultural technologies, taking into account the agroecological, soil-climatic and production conditions of agricultural producers. Evaluation of information systems developed for the farms of the Russian Federation was carried out according to the following indicators: consideration of factors limiting grain production; availability of criteria for assessing agricultural technologies; type of information system. Agroecological, soil, climatic and production conditions, as well as the level of intensification, are identified as factors limiting grain production. The selection includes both search databases and management decision support systems that highlight approaches and methods for solving the problem of choosing agrotechnology for the production of grain crops. In approaches based on the general principle of taking into account the influence of factors of the location of the economy and its production conditions, economic evaluation of options is carried out after the choice of agricultural technology. When using economic and mathematical models, the choice of agricultural technologies is based on the economic assessment of alternative options. These approaches are implemented both in the form of local information systems, and systems based on cloud technologies. Based on the research results, systems based on economic-mathematical models and made in the form of web applications are recognized as the most promising. A generalized architecture of applications executed in the form of Web applications is given. The use of information systems (cloud technologies) for the analysis of natural factors, the use of technology and the potential of agricultural practices, crops and varieties will allow us to predict the possible result from making managerial decisions aimed at increasing grain production due to the integrated consideration of the agroecological, soil-climatic and production conditions of a particular agricultural producer.
DIESEL INJECTOR PUMP WITH RING CONTROL VALVE
Authors: Gabdrafikov Fanil' , Aysuvakov Irshat , Galiev Ilgiz
Published: May 2020

The studies were carried out with the aim of modernizing the pump injector with a hydraulic actuator of the HEUI system plunger with the development of a control valve model based on a split elastic ring that provides fast fuel injection control. The upgraded device differs from the existing ones in that instead of a control freely floating valve (ball) or a poppet valve with springs, a valve in the form of a split elastic ring is installed in the valve assembly. One end of this ring is fixed rigidly, the other is freely movable to block the drain channel of the liquid. The canal overlaps the free edge of the ring when the electromagnet is turned on (installed with a gap inside the ring), and also (in the absence or malfunction of the electromagnet) from the valve itself running under the pressure of the supplied fluid. When upgrading the pump injector by the proposed method and using an annular control valve with electronic control (with optimal ring parameters), a new technical effect is achieved - reducing the response time of the control valve. This is due to the fact that the free edge of the split elastic ring, like a mechanical multiplier, blocks the drain canal π times faster than the valve stroke when it rises from the pressure of the fluid flow or signal when the electromagnet is on. The ring valve simultaneously acts as a spring to return to its original position, simplifying the design as much as possible. In the course of research, a new mathematical expression was derived for calculating the valve stroke depending on its design parameters. Using this formula, the optimal parameters of the control ring valve of the pump injector were established, which affect the quality of fuel injection in a wide range of diesel operation: diameter - 20 mm, ring width - 12 mm, thickness - 0.46 mm, diameter of the control fluid supply canal - 3 mm.
THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURES OF TECHNOLOGICAL FLYOVERS
Authors: Panteleev Andrey , Nikolenko S. , Sazonova Svetlana
Published: May 2020

The paper considers the process of examining the supporting structures of technological flyovers of an old-built manufacturing enterprise. The scope of work performed during the survey is given. The main defects and damage to flyovers with an indication of their causes. The recommendation on elimination of defects and damages is given.
CREATING A TEST ENVIRONMENT AND HOW TO LOAD TESTS DURING CHIP DESIGN
Authors: Chubur K. , Kulay A. , Savchenko Andrey , Zolnikov Konstantin , Gridnev A.
Published: May 2020

The article discusses two main stages of the test loading process during chip design: performing the test procedure and copying the main program and running it. A detailed description of the tests is provided. When describing the loading process of the main program, special attention is paid to emergency situations that stop the loading process.
SIMULATION OF THE GAS MIXING PROCESS OF THE FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM
Authors: Shtykov Roman
Published: May 2020

The article discusses the methods of modeling gas mixing, leading to more intense gas mixing, for the most complete combustion of the resulting turbulent jet, which is used in combustion processes. The necessity of the proposed model is proved: by summing the concentrations of the components in the zones of fuel and oxidizer; stoichiometric flow of combustible gases and oxygen (air) to the flame front, resulting from the dynamic compatibility of indicators at a weak gap; comparison of numerical results with experimental and theoretical data on the combustion of a mixture in air.
Concentration of Population on the Territory of Physic-Geographical Rayons of the Chernivtsi Oblast
Authors: Krul Volodymyr , Diachuk Alina
Published: May 2020

Concentrations of total and rural population within the limits of 24 physic-geographical rayons (PhGR) through 2001-2016 have been counted. Seven intervals (optimal, moderate, sufficient and excessive concentration, and moderate, sufficient and excessive sparseness) of concentration of total and rural population were suggested. Synchronic, diachronic and rating analyses of territorial specificities of the values of population’s concentration in natural regions of the Chernivtsi Oblast were conducted. Regions of excessive and insufficient concentrations of total and rural population within the Prut-Dniester Elevated Plain Oblast, the Prut-Siret Elevated Oblast, and the Skybovi Carpathians have been established.
Road landscapes - recreation and tourism sphere segment (on the example of Chernivtsi city)
Authors: Kilinskaya K. , Yavorskaya V. , Lopushnyak L.
Published: May 2020

The presented publication analyzes Chernivtsi city road landscapes, reveals the natural conditions of their formation and functioning, investigates the network of city and residential streets, characterizes groups of roads that are used in the city recreational and tourist sphere and can potentially be included in tourist routes.
Chronic heart failure - health and social problem
Authors: Ręba Patrycja
Published: May 2020

Admission Chronic heart failure is a disease entity with a steadily increasing maturity, and the cost of treating patients with this disease is constantly growing. Over the last decade there has been very significant progress concerning knowledge about this disease. Current diagnosis and treatment can help to inhibit disease development, extending the life and improving its quality. Chronic heart failure is an important medical problem and socio-economic development of modern Europe. The incidence of PNS European population is estimated at 0.4 - 2%, which is approx. 6.5 - 10 million Europeans. Aim The aim of the study is to analyze chronic heart failure as a social and health problem. Material and methods A review of available literature. Results Normally heart failure is divided into left ventricular and right ventricular depending on the defective cell.Quite often distinguished by heart failure, systolic and diastolic. Heart failure can occur as acute or chronic depending on the speed of its development.Some patients with chronic heart failure is observed malnutrition characterized by loss of muscle mass. In this context, it seems important to use a method of establishing the composition of the body, including the state of hydration and nutrition in order to monitor any changes. Additional factors affecting the nutritional status of the drug treatment often cause loss of appetite or side effects in the form of gastro - intestinal disorders. Conclusions Heart failure is a serious disease with a poor prognosis for the patient. Results of European and American studies show that mortality in patients with CHF is greater than in the case of breast and prostate cancer. It is worth noting that as many as half of patients with severe heart failure die within a year.
Electronic cigarettes and their effects on human health
Authors: Majewski Maciej , Chruścicka Izabela , Buchta Justyna , Egierska Dominika , Burzyńska Paulina , Pietruszka Paulina , Perszke Michał , Całkosiński Aleksander
Published: May 2020

In the last decade electronic cigarettes also known as e-cigarettes have gained popularity. These are devices designed to imitate regular cigarettes. They provide nicotine via inhalation without using tabacco. The introduction of alternative nicotine delivery devices to the consumer market has inspired a vivid debate on the harmfulness of these products. It is discussed whether they are regulated, safe and as harmless as it is claimed. The purpose of this article was to describe the chemical composition of the e-cigarettes and its influence on human’s health. The devices contain many various groups of potentially toxic and carcinogenic compounts: carbonyls, volatile organic compounts and nitrosamines. The researchs has shown that e-cigarettes contain significantly lower concentration of those substances than the traditional cigarettes. On the other hand, it should be remembered that scientists still do not know potential long term pathologies caused by the liquids.
Opinions of physical education teachers about the preparation of teachers of early school education to carry out physical activities in classes I-III
Authors: Kowalska Jolanta Elżbieta , Kowalewski Michał
Published: May 2020

Primary schooling is the most important stage in a child's development. Therefore, it is very important that the first teacher, who is an authority for a small child, is competent in all areas of education, including the conducting of the physical activities. Entrusting physical education classes to teachers of early school education is the simplest solution, but at the same time extremely difficult with serious consequences for children in the future.Based on some of the research results presented in this article, attempts were made to describe what are the opinions of physical education teachers about the competence of early school education teachers, to conduct physical education classes. The study was conducted in 2015 during the implementation of a training course for teachers of primary schools in the Lodz region by the Laboratory of Physical and Health Education of the University of Lodz. The results of the study were based on interviews with N= 30 physical education teachers (N= 20 women and N= 10 men), working with classes IV-VI and participating in the training mentioned.
Subungual Ganglion Cyst Mimicking Glomus Tumor
Authors: Doh Gyeong Hyeon , Kim Bum Sik , Shin HeaKyeong , Ahn Kyung Chan , Hong Ki Yong , Han Yea Sik , Eo SuRak
Published: May 2020

Subungual masses accompanying nail deformity are of common occurrence and uniquely confirmed by histopathologic examination postoperatively. Although glomus tumor is most frequently diagnosed with its specific clinical triad, other rarer diagnoses have also been reported. Though ganglion cysts are predominantly found around the distal phalangeal joint as a mucous cyst and myxoid cyst, they might also appear as a subungual mass accompanied by nail deformity thereby mimicking the glomus tumor. A 54-year-old woman visited our outpatient clinic with nail deformity and pain on the tip of the right thumb. She had a history of nail root injury on her right thumb which occurred 3 months back at a nail shop. Physical examination revealed a convex point with tenderness on the right thumbnail. Doppler ultrasonography revealed the presence of 0.43×0.26×0.53 cm3 sized non-specific cystic lesion with hypoechogenicity and no abnormal vascularity. Complete excision of the cyst was performed and histopathology revealed a ganglion cyst. Subungual ganglion cyst is rarely occurred and known to be usually asymptomatic. Herein, we report a case of ganglion cyst of subungual area which was mistakenly diagnosed as a glomus tumor preoperatively.
Fotografía argentina y mediatización del arte contemporáneo. La construcción de mitos nacionales en proyectos expositivos expandidos en la web
Authors: Barrios Cleopatra , Reyero Alejandra
Published: May 2020

El aceleramiento de la producción, circulación y consumo de imágenes en la era digital complejizó los modos de concepción de lo visual. En este marco, este documento analiza la expansión mediática de dos exposiciones fotográficas argentinas exhibidas en el Centro Cultural Kirchner de Buenos Aires, Argentina, y en el Museo Paul Getty de Los Angeles, Estados Unidos, entre 2016 y 2018. El abordaje se realiza desde la perspectiva de los Estudios Visuales con herramientas de la semiótica, la estética y la historia de la fotografía. El análisis observa que ambas exhibiciones discuten la condición digital de la imagen fotográfica y revisitan los textos fundacionales de la nación moderna argentina dotándolos de nuevos sentidos entre la sala y la red. Plantean un diálogo y montaje de imágenes que en sus pliegues subvierten los sentidos instituidos en torno a los estereotipos de indios y gauchos, entre otras figuras míticas de la argentinidad. En la muestra “Ser Nacional” del CCK, López como artista visual y curador indaga en la fotografía expandida y genera reduplicaciones de zonas semánticas con efectos retóricos que luego proyecta, intensifica y re-significa en las publicaciones de su perfil personal de Instagram. Por otro lado, la web institucional del Getty funciona como un metamedio y hiperdispositivo que amplía los horizontes de la exposición “Photography in Argentina, 1850-2010: Contradiction and Continuity” hacia nuevos dispositivos e interfaces.
Economies of Scale and Scope in Hospitals: An Empirical Study of Volume Spillovers
Authors: Freeman Michael , Savva Nicos , Scholtes Stefan
Published: May 2020

General hospitals across the world are becoming larger (i.e., admitting more patients each year) and more complex (i.e., offering a wider range of services to patients with more diverse care needs). Prior work suggests that an increase in patient volume in a hospital service is associated with reduced costs per patient in that service. However, it is unclear how volume changes in one service affect the costs of the other services in the same hospital. This paper investigates such volume-cost spillover effects between elective and emergency admissions and across specialties, using condition-level panel data comprising all acute hospital trusts in England over a period of 10 years. We provide evidence that increased elective volume at a hospital is associated with an increase in the cost of emergency care (a negative spillover). Furthermore, for emergency admissions, we find evidence that increased emergency activity in one specialty is associated with lower costs of emergency care in other specialties (a positive spillover). By contrast, we find no evidence of spillover effects across specialties for elective admissions. We discuss the implications of these findings for individual hospital growth strategies and for the regional organization of hospital systems.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, operations management.
Configurações do mundo do trabalho e o processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores docentes de enfermagem [Working world's configurations and the health-disease process of nursing teachers] [Configuraciones del mundo laboral y el proceso de salud-enfermedad de los trabajadores docentes de enfermería]
Authors: D'Oliveira Camila Arantes Ferreira Brecht , Souza Norma Valeria Dantas de Oliveira , Varella Thereza Christina Mó y Mó Loureiro , Almeida Priscila Francisca
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: analisar as repercussões do trabalho docente na saúde nos professores de enfermagem. Método: estudo qualitativo e descritivo realizado com 27 docentes de duas universidades públicas federais do Rio de Janeiro. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e a técnica utilizada para o tratamento dos dados foi a análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados: devido às novas configurações do trabalho docente, que pressiona por alta demanda laboral e, por sua vez, oferece inadequadas condições de trabalho, esta atividade favorece ao adoecimento desses profissionais, que em contrapartida, relegam a segundo plano o cuidado com a própria saúde. Conclusão: compromissos exigidos no dia a dia e a falta de qualidade no trabalho tornam a vida do docente cada vez mais afastada do seu autocuidado e com elevado potencial para o adoecimento.ABSTRACTObjective: to analyze the repercussions of teaching work on the health of nursing professors. Method: qualitative and descriptive study with 27 teachers from two federal public universities in Rio de Janeiro. The data collection took place through a semi-structured interview and the technique used for the data treatment was the thematic content analysis. Results: due to the new configurations of the teaching work, which presses for high labor demand and, in turn, offers inadequate working conditions, this profession favors the teaching sickness, which, on the other hand, relegate health care to the background. Conclusion: commitments required on a daily basis and lack of quality in the work make the life of the teacher increasingly removed from their self-care and with high potential for illness.RESUMENObjetivo: analizar las repercusiones del trabajo docente en la salud de los profesores de enfermería. Método: estudio cualitativo y descriptivo realizado con 27 maestros de dos universidades públicas federales de Río de Janeiro. La recolección de datos ocurrió por medio de entrevista semiestructurada y la técnica utilizada para el tratamiento de los datos fue el análisis temático de contenido. Resultados: debido a las nuevas configuraciones del trabajo docente, que presiona por alta demanda laboral y, a su vez, ofrece inadecuadas condiciones de trabajo, esta profesión favorece al enfermo docente, que en contrapartida, relegan a segundo plano el cuidado con la propia salud. Conclusión: compromisos exigidos en el día a día y la falta de calidad en el trabajo hacen la vida del docente cada vez más alejada de su autocuidado y con elevado potencial para la enfermedad.
Utilization and costs of formal and informal care, home adaptations, and physiotherapy among older patients with hip fracture
Authors: Png M. E. , Griffin X. L. , Costa M. L. , Achten J. , Pinedo-Villanueva R.
Published: May 2020

Aims

This feasibility study investigates the utilization and cost of health resources related to formal and informal care, home adaptations, and physiotherapy among patients aged 60 years and above after hip fracture from a multicentre cohort study (World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE)) in the UK.

Methods

A questionnaire containing health resource use was completed at baseline and four months post-injury by patients or their carer. Completion rate and mean cost of each health resource item were assessed and sensitivity analysis was performed to derive a conservative estimate of the informal care cost. All costs are presented in 2017/18 pound sterling.

Results

A total of 4,183 patients from the WHiTE cohort completed the baseline questionnaire between May 2017 and April 2018, of whom 3,524 (84.2%) completed the four-month health resource section. Estimated mean costs of formal and informal care, home adaptations, and physiotherapy during the four months following injury were £2,843 (SD 5,467), £6,613 (SD 15,146), £706 (SD 1,706) and £9 (SD 33), respectively. Mean cost of informal care decreased to £660 (SD £1,040) in the sensitivity analysis when informal care was capped at 17.2 hours per day.

Conclusion

Informal care is a significant source of costs after hip fracture and should therefore be included in future economical analyses of this patient group. Our results show that there is considerable variation in the interpretation of time-use of informal care among patients and further work is needed to improve how data regarding informal care are collected in order to obtain a more accurate cost estimate. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(5):250–257.
Repeated-Dose Toxicity Testing of Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Jang Jongwon , Seo Wookcheol , Chu Hongmin , Park Kyungtae , Kim SunKyung , Park Ju-Hun , Shin Joon young , Choi Dong ho , Kang Hyung Won , Kim Sungchul
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the safety and dosing of scolopendrid pharmacopuncture (SPP).Methods: A total of 40 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats (males and 20 females 20) were selected following a 7-day inspection and acclimation period. SPP was administered via intramuscular injection, over a 2-week period using 3 doses including a high-dose [0.84 mg of scolopendrid per kg of body weight (BW)], a meddose (0.42 mg/kg BW), and a low-dose (0.21 mg/kg BW). The control group was injected with sterile water into the muscles. Unusual changes caused by administration of the test substance were observed. Weight, feed intake, organ weight, and hematological examinations were compared among the groups. Using the SPSS statistical program, Levene’s test was performed to evaluate the homogeneity of variances, and a one-way ANOVA test was subsequently performed to assess the significance between each test group.Results: During the experiment no animals died. Weight change, food consumption, organ weight, hematological test, and blood biochemical tests showed no significant differences in the treatment groups compared to controls.
Conclusion: No toxicological changes related to the administration of test substances were observed. Therefore, the LD50 (lethal-dose that kills 50%) of scolopendrid pharmacoupuncture in rats was greater than 0.84 mg/kg.
Warm Needling Treatment in Korea: A Literature Review
Authors: Kim Chang Wan , Park Jin Seo , Won Jee Yeong , Han Da Young , Lee Kyoung Yoon
Published: May 2020

Although there have been studies investigating the clinical effects of warm needling (WN) for specific diseases, a comprehensive review of WN is needed. Four Korean internet databases were used in the review of WN treatment performed in Korea. The search terms used to retrieve articles were “warm needling (in Korean; 온침),” “warm acupuncture,” and “warm needle.” A total of 29 articles were reviewed. The following aspects of WN were investigated: language and terminology, study design, use of Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture, research ethics, moxibustion types, number of moxa used, moxa combustion time, needle retention time, treatment time and frequency, acupoints, meridians, acupuncture size and depth, disease classification, pattern identification, outcome measures, and adverse effect. More sophisticated and precise studies on WN are required.
Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture on Inflammation in Mouse Model of Induced Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Park Kyeong Ju , Song Ho-Sueb
Published: May 2020

Background: This study was designed using a mouse model of atopic dermatitis [phthalic anhydride (PA)-treated mice], to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of bee venom pharmacopuncture (BVP) in keratinocytes.Methods: Western blot analysis was performed to investigate inflammation related protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, phospho-ERK (p-ERK), and ERK, in LPS (1 μg/mL)-activated keratinocytes, following BVP treatment, and in PA-treated mice, after BVP treatment. Griess reaction was performed to investigate NO concentration. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4+, IL-17A+, IL-13 and IL-4 in PA-treated mice after BVP treatment. In addition, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, and eosinophil counts were measured to observe the changes in white blood cell infiltration.Results: The keratinocytes of the BVP-treated group showed a decreased expression of iNOS, COX-2, ERK at 5 OX-2, ERK E, and p-ERK at 1, 2 and 5 RKRK ERK ERK, and a dose-dependent decrease in NO concentration at 2 and 5 ntrationof s. In the BVP-treated groups (0.1 μ.1-trea μ.1-treated gr), PA-treated mice showed recovery after 4 weeks which was dose-dependent, showing a significant decrease in clinical scores for AD, and a decreased concentration of IL-13 and IL-4 with BV treatment. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and a decreased thickness of the epidermis due to inflammation, and decreased expressions of iNOS, COX-2, p-ERK, ERK, especially in the 0.1 μ0/mL BVP-treated group,
Conclusion: These results suggest that BVP may be an effective alternative treatment for atopic dermatitis.
Modulation format identification of optical signals: an approach based
on singular value decomposition of Stokes space projections
Authors: Eltaieb Rania A. , Abouelela Heba A. E. , Saif Waddah S. , Ragheb Amr , Farghal Ahmed E. A. , Ahmed Hossam El-din H. , Alshebeili Saleh , Shalaby Hossam M. H. , Abd El-Samie Fathi E.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, two Stokes space (SS) analysis schemes for modulation
format identification (MFI) are proposed. These schemes are based on
singular value decomposition (SVD) and Radon transform (RT) for
feature extraction. The singular values (SVs) are extracted from the
SS projections for different modulation formats to discriminate
between them. The SS projections are obtained at different optical
signal-to-noise ratios (OSNRs) ranging from 11 to 30 dB for seven
dual-polarized modulation formats. The first scheme depends on the
SVDs of the SS projections on three planes, while the second scheme
depends on the SVDs of the RTs of the SS projections. Different
classifiers including support vector machine (SVM), decision tree
(DT), and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) for MFI based on the obtained
features are used. Both simulation and experimental setups are
arranged and tested for proof of concept of the proposed schemes for
the MFI task. Complexity reduction is studied for the SVD scheme by
applying the decimation of the projections by two and four to achieve
an acceptable classification rate, while reducing the computation
time. Also, the effect of the variation of phase noise (PN) and state
of polarization (SoP) on the accuracy of the MFI is considered at all
OSNRs. The two proposed schemes are capable of identifying the
polarization multiplexed modulation formats blindly with high accuracy
levels up to 98%, even at low OSNR values of 12 dB, high PN levels up
to 10 MHz, and SoP up to 45°.
Sensor for dynamic focus control of a deformable mirror
Authors: Kazasidis Orestis , Verpoort Sven , Wittrock Ulrich
Published: May 2020

We recently presented a novel unimorph deformable mirror which allows for dynamic focus shift with an actuation rate of 2 kHz. Such mirrors suffer from hysteresis and creep. Therefore, they have to be operated in closed-loop. For this purpose, we developed a defocus sensor based on an astigmatic detection system. In this paper, we present the sensor design and discuss its performance.
Challenges in multiphysics modeling of dual-band HgCdTe infrared detectors
Authors: Vallone Marco , Goano Michele , Tibaldi Alberto , Hanna Stefan , Eich Detlef , Sieck Alexander , Figgemeier Heinrich , Ghione Giovanni , Bertazzi Francesco
Published: May 2020

We present three-dimensional simulations of HgCdTe-based focal plane arrays (FPAs) with two-color and dual-band sequential infrared pixels having realistic truncated-pyramid shape, taking into account also the presence of compositionally graded transition layers. After a validation against the spectral responsivity of two-color, mid-wavelength infrared detectors from the literature, the method is employed for a simulation campaign on dual-band, mid-, and long-wavelength infrared FPAs illuminated by a Gaussian beam. Simulation results underscore the importance of a full-wave approach to the electromagnetic problem, since multiple internal reflections due to metallizations and slanted sidewalls produce non-negligible features in the quantum efficiency spectra, especially in the long-wavelength band. Evaluations of the optical and diffusive contribution to inter-pixel crosstalk indicate the effectiveness of deep trenches to prevent diffusive crosstalk in both wavebands. In its present form, the detector seems to be subject to significant optical crosstalk in the long-wavelength infrared band, which could be addressed through pixel shape optimization.
Oscillating between classically entangled state and separable state: an analogy between classical and quantum optics
Authors: Dehdashti Shahram , Yasar Firat
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we study the possible realization of a classical system with quantum characteristics on the level of classical optics. Indeed, following Arrizon et al. [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 32, 1140 (2015)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.32.001140], we first use quantum optics formalism to consider the propagation of two coherent states in a Kerr medium where the interaction between the two states is described by the cross-Kerr interaction. We then draw an analogy between the dynamical process of this structure and that of a Gaussian wave propagating in a quadratic gradient index medium. We demonstrate that by using this structure, we can generate a state that oscillates between a classically entangled state and a separable one.
Experimental multi-user VLC system using non-orthogonal multi-band CAP modulation
Authors: Pešek P. , Haigh P. A. , Younus O. I. , Chvojka P. , Ghassemlooy Z. , Zvánovec S.
Published: May 2020

This paper provides experimental results for a multi-user visible light communications system using multi-band carrier-less amplitude and phase (m-CAP) modulation scheme. We optimize the system performance by adapting pulse shaping filter parameters, subcarrier spacing and allocating different baud rates to individual sub-bands called allocated m-CAP (Am-CAP). We show that a maximal system data rate of ∼468 Mb/s for four users can be supported while gaining higher flexibility for optimization and the same or lower computational complexity compared with the conventional m-CAP scheme.
EUV multilayer defect characterization via cycle-consistent learning
Authors: Chen Ying , Lin Yibo , Chen Rui , Dong Lisong , Wu Ruixuan , Gai Tianyang , Ma Le , Su Yajuan , Wei Yayi
Published: May 2020

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography mask defects may cause severe reflectivity deformation and phase shift in advanced nodes, especially like multilayer defects. Geometric parameter characterization is essential for mask defect compensation or repair. In this paper, we propose a machine learning framework to predict the geometric parameters of multilayer defects on EUV mask blanks. With the proposed inception modules and cycle-consistent learning techniques, the framework enables a novel way of defect characterization with high accuracy.